NEWS

May 2024

 

We were delighted to host a talk by Paul Atterbury reflecting on his life on the Antiques Roadshow. It was a fascinating talk to a packed house and gave us all a real insight behind the scenes of the show and how it has developed over the years. Paul ended by sharing some interesting anecdotes and answered a variety of questions from the audience.

 

April 2024

 

A fun night was had by all on 12th April at our second annual spring quiz. Eight teams battled it out to be crowned champions with Fabulosity and A Bridge Too Far tying for first place. Fabulosity won on a tie break but it was a close run thing. A delicious cold food platter was served during the interval (thank you to Sandra and Ethel) together with a raffle.

 

March 2024

 

22nd March saw an afternoon Artsreach matinee production of "Anne Boleyn - Wolf at the door" which was a very enjoyable musical event. Do keep an eye on our calendar for future Artsreach events which will be published in May when the new summer programme will be available.

 

Around 83 villagers took part in our 12th 'Progressive Supper' superbly organised by Mary Glasby and her team. It was a fantastic night of delicious food, fun and meeting new people. The evening finished with coffee, liqueurs and mints at the hall with the enjoyment continuing late into the evening. Very many thanks to Mary and her team for making sense of what must be a logistical nightmare and for everyone who supported the evening.

 

7th March was our monthly coffee morning and the fourth draw in the 100 Club year. Congratulations to the lucky winners, numbers; 26 (£200), 20 (£100), 60, 1 and 47 (each winning £50). Thank you to everyone who supported the hall by purchasing a number for the last year - our new Treasurer Shaun will undoubtedly be in touch with members soon regarding the new draw year!

 

December 2023

 

December started with the Christmas coffee morning serving coffee, mince pies and other goodies to a packed house. We had two raffles, one for a four course meal for six cooked in your own home (thank you very much Denise Hepburn) which was won by Claire Hawkins, and a traditional raffle with lots of vouchers and Christmas goodies. The bring and buy table was very well stocked and did a roaring trade. We also held the December draw of the 100 Club with the lucky winners being; 74 (£200), 31 (£100), 98, 10 and 93 (each winning £50). Very many thanks to everyone who has purchased a number for this year and congratulations to all the winners.

 

Our second event in December was the Christmas drinks party on 8th December again with a full house. Delicious canapes were provided by our lovely helping hands volunteers and everyone had a glass of bubbles on entry. Merriment went on until late into the evening and a good time was had by all.

 

November 2023

 

On 8th November we hosted a very entertaining and enlightening talk by Steve Oxford of Oxford's artisan bakers about the history of the family bakery which was set up and remains in Alweston. He entertained us with fascinating history and amusing anecdotes of events over the years and brought along some samples of the delicious breads and cakes. We were all fascinated to learn that the bakery has the only operating steam mixer left in the country and still uses the original ovens.

 

October 2023 - Quiz Night & Artsreach

 

Friday 20th October saw the hall packed for our first Artsreach performance since completion of the renovations. "Gertrude Lawrence - a lovely way to spend an evening" was a wonderful evening's entertainment with the two performers taking us through the life of Gertrude from her childhood in Clapham, to London's nightclubs, and on to the bright lights of Broadway with vibrant songs and storytelling.

 

A great evening was had by all on Friday 6th October when the ‘Compton’s Cup’ quiz night was held. Ten teams battled it out to be crowned winners and ‘Brainwave’ pipped the reigning champions ‘A bridge too far’ by a few points to become winners and new holders of the cup. Competition amongst teams was strong but jovial and there was a great atmosphere. A delicious hot supper (many thanks to Sandra and Terry Deacon for organising and serving) was had during the interval and raffle drawn with some great prizes. Huge thanks from everyone go to Brian Foster for setting the questions and being an excellent quiz master and to Mike Cole for keeping track of the scores.

 

September 2023

 

The second 100 club draw was made at a very sunny and warm September coffee morning. There was a lot of laughter over the actual drawing of the balls (maybe due to the heat....) and the lucky winners were; 70 (£200), 83 (£100), 55, 65 and 67 (each winning £50). Very many thanks to everyone who has purchased a number for this year and congratulations to all the winners.

 

June 2023

 

The June 100 Club draw was made at the June coffee morning. The lucky winners were; 87 (£200), 76 (£100), 82, 78 and 83 (each winning £50 each). Congratulations to anyone with those numbers and if you need any ideas for spending your winnings then the village Fete isn't far away.

 

June 2023 - IT Forum

 

An inaugural workshop was held on Monday 12th June and a number of villagers attended to get help and advice on their devices. A small team were able to help with most issues and a follow up session was held for issues requiring a bit more research. The next session will be on Monday 10th July at 2pm in the village hall.