Starlight Supper

The Smooth FM Radio and Woman’s Own magazine organise an annual charity fund raising event for Macmillan Nurses. The idea is that you host a dinner party for your friends and ask them to donate to the charity. The meal, this year, was held on Saturday evening, 10th March 2012. We thought that we would like to arrange one of these and made a few phone calls to establish the feasibility of this. It quickly became evident that we had more friends than we could accommodate on one evening so are sorry if we were not able to fit you round our table.

We would like to thank those of you, who did attend, for supporting us and enabling us to post off a cheque for £200 to this very deserving cause.

Mick and Barbara Shepard

Visit Of the Archbishop of Canterbury

You may already have heard the news by now, but I am delighted to say that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, will be preaching at a special Deanery Pentecost Eucharist: this will be at Tredington Church, at 9.30 am on Pentecost Sunday, May 27th. The Bishop of Coventry, Dr. Christopher Cocksworth, will be celebrating at the Eucharist, and I, along with others, will be leading the service.

The Archbishop is in Coventry for the Jubilee Celebrations at the Cathedral, but he is combining this with a visit to the Diocese, hence his visit to us. This is very much a Deanery service, and members of all our congregations are warmly invited. The Bishop has given permission for services to be re-arranged as necessary to allow people to attend.

The Deanery ‘Instant’ Choir will be assembled again, under the leadership of Julian Harris, and all who wish are invited to sing with them. Practices are scheduled for:

Saturday, May 5th, 2-5 pm, Tredington Church

Thursday, May 10th, 7.30pm, Tredington Church

Wednesday, May 16th, 7.30pm, Tredington Church

Friday, May 25th, 7.30pm, Tredington Church. Other members of the congregation who would like to find out about the music are invited to come to this rehearsal.

We are enormously grateful to everyone at Tredington for their support in this, but we are going to need a great many helpers from across the Deanery: specifically we shall need:

Stewards – lots of them, to welcome, show people to their places, assist with shepherding folk during Communion, assisting the children with taking the collection, and generally being on hand to cope with a very large number of people.

Car park attendants: we will be using the Glebe Field, and will need people to help with directing cars.

Refreshments: we will be using the Rectory garden for refreshments, and erecting a simple marquee there, just in case it rains! We will need helpers, and providers of cakes/biscuits.

Note that neither those providing refreshments, nor those helping in the car park, will be expected to remain there during the service.

Children, to take the collection (probably 12 or more)

For the Communion, Clergy, Readers and those licensed to assist with Communion. (There will probably be 8-10 stations, with a Paten and two Chalices at each).

We may need to borrow some gazebos for overflow seating outside the church.

Finally, if anyone would like to make a donation towards the cost of the flowers, that would be lovely.

If anyone would like to help in any way, please could they contact either their incumbent, or myself, as soon as possible. It is really important that all the adult stewards come to a planning meeting in Tredington Church on Monday, May 14th at 7.30pm.

We are looking forward to a wonderful outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit – please pray that this may be so, and for all those involved.

Every blessing,

Jill

01295 688193, revjill.tucker@tiscali.co.uk

At the Peacock

Quiz Night

Quiz night on Sunday 1st April at 8pm.

Village Events

The Village Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday 4th April at 10.30am.

The Village Lunchwill be on Wednesday 18th April at 12.30pm.

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

©2012 Oxhill Village (Terms and Conditions of use)

Last modified:April 12, 2012

Lamb & Curry Lunch

At The Old Chapel Sunday May 20th 1pm

Have a non-cooking day ladies. Bring the family along for good homemade food, and great puds.

Adults £8 children £4

Please ringCarol Fox 680223 or Cath Pugh 680958

In aid of St Lawrence's Church Funds

Village Hall Events

Forthcoming Events

Village Hall Committee AGM and Wine & Cheese Evening - Wednesday 18th April 2012

Free wine and cheese from 7:30 pm onwards followed by the Village Hall Committee AGM at 8:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and tell us what we are doing right, what we are doing wrong and what events you would like to see us hold in the future. New faces and new ideas are always welcome and even if you don't intend to serve on the committee please come along and give us your thoughts.

Please think how you might contribute and if you want any information contact Derek Harbour on 680676

Friday Night @ The Village Hall – 27th April 2012

Another of our popular Friday Night events. Following our Scottish and Welsh evenings - in the week of St George's Day and Shakespeare's birthday- it is now the turn of the English! Our team of tried and tested cooks will be bringing you traditional pies, potatoes, peas, possets and puds - and all for £8 per person. If you haven't tried one of these evenings yet do come along; they are great value and great fun. From 7:30 onwards.

Tickets are available from Gaynor van Dyke on 680349 or Tricia Harbour on 680676. Please try and book early to help our organisers, and let us know if you have any dietary needs.

Kieran Goss Irish Singer/songwriter - Saturday 26th May 2012

We are urging you to reserve this date in your diaries for the visit of this celebrated singer/songwriter to Oxhill Village Hall on Saturday 26th May. More details will be available in next month's Oxhill News and in the meantime you can sample his music onwww.kierangoss.com

Diamond Jubilee 3rd & 4th June - Pictures of Oxhill Village Hall

We asked those of you who have pictures of the hall or past events to let us scan them as part of a montage to be hung in the entrance hall of the Village Hall in time for the Queen's Jubilee. Full details were in last month's Oxhill News.

Annual Boules Tournament - Sunday 15th July 2012

Another date for your diary and this event includes the children. In addition to the Boules Tournament we provide authentic French pates, cheeses, breads, salads, tarts and beverages. If you haven't tried this before come and join us; we shall make you feel most welcome. We take precautions to ensure it can take place whatever the weather and you don't have to come in teams we can do that for you. More details to follow but why not put the date in your diary NOW!

Shipston Safer Neighbourhood Team

Warwickshire Police

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES- Please be aware of 2 vehicles seen acting suspiciously in our area over recent days.

A White Ford Transit, registration YE57KVL was seen overnight 12/13th March acting suspiciously in the Oxhill / Tysoe area.

A silver VW Bora, registration LS53DLU was seen at 0745hrs attempting to steel scrap metal in Shipston.

If you have any information regarding these vehicles or any other intelligence please contact us.

Team Direct Dial: 01789 444670 or 07977 456585 Email: richard.grove@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

ALARMS FOR HEATING OIL CONTAINERS- In the Shipston area we have seen an increase in heating oil thefts. Heating oil is now being used as a fuel substitute for vehicles. Alarms are a great way of altering you if anyone tampers with the tank and may prevent thefts. We are aware that heating oil is expensive and we want to give you some crime prevention ideas. I have attached some links below that may help your oil being stolen.

http://www.oilalarms.com
http://www.ultrasecuredirect.com
http://www.bellflowsystems.co.uk

Editor Note – please be aware that there have been recent thefts of heating oil from Oxhill residents oil tanks.

Church Spring Clean

It is some time since we had a get together to give the church a Spring clean. We have planned to do this on Sunday April 29th in the afternoon (from 1pm onwards). We are appealing for extra helpers to come and join in and make the Church look really good in time for the Village Jubilee Service. If you can just manage an hour on that day we would be most grateful. We thought that Saturdays are always busy for people and that an hour on Sunday might prove fruitful. Tea and biscuits will be on hand to refresh. Look forward to seeing a good band of helpers.

Carol Fox 680223

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Report - March 2012

I am pleased to say that things are really starting to happen and the village is beginning to pull out the stops and join in the fun. After the meeting on Wednesday the 7th March we can add some new items to the programme.

The weekend events will now commence at 12 noon on Sunday when the bells of St Lawrence will ring out across the village. Any bell ringers out there who would like to take part please let me know. Doug Nethercleft has agreed to take over the organisation of the games on Sunday afternoon and will be assisted by the O’Donnell family.

We considered a fireworks display for Monday evening but this was rapidly ruled out following concerns expressed about family pets. We have been researching other light events. We discarded the idea of a beacon as a suitable site could not be found and so with the help of local professional advice have identified a range of Sky Lanterns that are safe and will rapidly degrade once spent. We will therefore launch 60 red, white and blue sky lanterns at dusk (weather conditions permitting) which, on the Monday 4th June, will be approximately 10pm. The big clear up (volunteers will be needed please!) the following morning, when completed, will leave everybody feeling rather flat so you will be able to wind down at the ‘Break Down BBQ’, which Pam and Yvonne have agreed to host in the garden of the Peacock for those who choose to call in.

Finally I am please to announce that the Wednesday morning Art Group have decided to take as a subject, during the time remaining, ‘The Queen and her Diamond Jubilee’ which will culminate in an exhibition of their work over the weekend.

Hobby Horse Extravaganza

As previously trailed in the News, one of the central events of the Monday Jubilee celebrations will be a chance to show off your athletic and design abilities in an event which will show the amazing partnership between man and (hobby) horse. There will be a number of events for all to enter:

The Diamond Jubilee All Comers Hobby Horse Grand National– will be a traditional cross-country steeplechase over a (fairly) short distance, with some simple fences to negotiate; open to all, but aimed specifically at the fitter and more competitive minded.

The Fillies and Colts Novice Handicap - ashorter course exclusively for the younger horse – for those aged under 15 – fences and obstacles will be adjusted accordingly.

The Veterans Dash- a race over a short flat course for the more mature hobby horse.

Novelty Show jumping -short simple course, marked not just for speed, but for style and originality of approach.

Best Dressed Owner wearing a suitable hat -for those less inclined to gallop around the village, there will be a prize for the best and most appropriately decorated owner’s hat.

There will be prizes for the “Best Turned Out” based on the design of the horse and the jockey’s attire. Entrants are free to use their imagination, but should remember the Diamond Jubilee theme.

Basically then it is a big fancy dress competition that everybody can take part in so get thinking and making. More tips for hobby horse construction will be in next months News, but rest assured it is a simple and basic design that can be embellished to your taste. Basic requirements are a broomstick (cut to a sensible length) onto which you attach either a cardboard cut-out head or (for the more advanced) a material “sock” which can be padded out to make the head. Your results could look like this – but hopefully with a more ‘jubilee’ theme!

If you want to enter or simply register your interest, please e-mail –hobbyhorse @ oxhill.org.ukor call Ed Bracher as soon a possible on 680927

Lucy Mercer is still looking for talent to join in and provide entertainment and please remember last months challenge and get planting those seeds in those greenhouses.

Finally Stratford District Council have already processed and issued the road closure notice and so all the major elements are in place for a great weekend. We will shortly be contacting all those who have not yet responded to the survey as you can still order tickets from your collector or by e-mail to diamond.jubilee@oxhill.org.uk . Don’t miss out on such a memorable occasion, bring the family but please order tickets for them now as numbers are steadily increasing and we expect to have to place a limit numbers in April but if still available the last date to purchase tickets will be Sunday 20th May.

Any questions can be directed to Mike Collins on 680564 or e-mail to diamond.jubilee @ oxhill.org.uk.

There is still plenty of time to get involved. The next meeting will be in the Village Hall on Wednesday 4th April starting at 8pm. Please do come along and join in.

Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in the Village, by the Village, for the Village!

Tysoe Beer & Bubbles Festival

Back for a third time – Bigger, Better and Brilliant Value!

Saturday, 21st April

The hugely successful Tysoe Beer and Bubbles Festival is returning this year and will be a great event once again, not to be missed. Come and join the fun on the Tysoe Playing fields on 21st April, from 1.00pm.

Once again we’ll have a great selection of real ales from across the country, accompanied by fine champagnes and sparkling wines. We have a large marquee and some brilliant local bands, including the Rifformers, headlining in the evening. If you’re feeling strong, come and join the tug of war, or bring the whole family for some fabulous food and entertainment – there will be fun and games for children, with a fun fair, including a bungee trampoline.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, we have kept prices the same as they were in 2008, making it fantastic value. We look forward to seeing you there.

Visit us on Facebook

Your Village Needs You

at the Edgehill Games

Various locations from 29th April to15th July

The Edgehill churches conceived an idea for a small inter-village competition to mark the year of the Olympics, but this has now grown to 28 events over 2½ months in the summer term with many different organisations working together to make the games happen. Events range from Cycling and a Half Marathon to a raft race, Teddy Bear parachuting and a Pub Pentathlon. As well as the chance for individual Gold Medals, villages will be competing to try and win the trophy forfinishing top of the medals table. The competition is open to all villages, parishes or workplaces although we expect most entrants will be from south Warwickshire.

Team numbers on some events are limited,so if you want to be sure of your village/parish having a team in an event then ‘book early to avoid disappointment.’

David Moorcroft OBE is coming to do the opening ceremony and award the medals for the winners of the cycling events at Upton House around 1pm on Sunday 29th April.

Seewww.edgehillbenefice.co.uk for more details, email Edgehill.games@gmail.com or call Puffin on 01295 678682

WOT2Grow Community Orchard

2011 finished with a great burst of activity at the orchard as we planted -

100 trees and put tree guards round them and hammered in the plant labels
100 autumn raspberry canes - lovely yellow ones called All Gold
5 loganberries and 5 tayberries

Our consultant, John Edgeley, showed us how to plant the trees, aligning them with the prevailing wind direction, putting in the stakes, tree guards and then tying the trees to the stakes. Thanks to willing helpers we completed everything in the planned sessions.

So, 2012 began with the planting of around 300 raspberry canes and some gooseberries. The training sessions for pruning and grafting, with John Edgeley, on February 4^thwere excellent with John being a marvellous teacher. We managed to get 10 cherries grafted for the orchard and various other trees for members gardens.

The dry weather continues so we will be watering before mulching the plants after Easter, we are planning a “Wellies and Watering can” session in the Easter holidays and hope that we can persuade parents to bring their children along too!

The orchard really does look like one now!! The rows of trees, the lines of canes with post and wire supports, the fence and the shed all confirm the amazing amount of work that has been done since last April. None of this could have been achieved without all the work that everyone has contributed so again a very big thank you to all who have been involved in the orchard. Here's to another successful year in 2012!

There are plenty of pictures on the web-site showing the progress so do visit

www.wot2grow.co.uk

If you would like to join the community Orchard call one of the team or e-mail

membership@wot2grow.co.uk

Liz Atkinson (680045), Paul Sayer (680451), Derek Harbour (680676), Sue and Mike Sanderson (688080), Graham Collier (680127), Julia Stirman (01608 686776)

OWLS

present a talk - “All about Swifts”

by Gillian Westray – the UK’s leading swift carer

Tuesday 24th April at 8.00pm in Oxhill village hall

Gillian successfully reared the little swift found in Oxhill churchyard last year and each year devotes her time to saving hundreds of juvenile swifts. She will have cards and DVDs for sale and, as usual, refreshments will be available.

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

©2012 Oxhill Village (Terms and Conditions of use)

Last modified:April 11, 2012

Cruse Bereavement Care

Grand Fund Raising Event in aid of

Cruse Bereavement Care

Saturday April 28th

10.00 – 12.30 am

in

The Chapel, Main Street, Oxhill

Entry £2.50 to include coffee and a cake

Various exhibitors, craft stalls, cakes, bring and buy

Grand Raffle Draw with lots of fabulous prizes will be done by Anna Trye, Cruse Chairman at 11.00am – tickets available on the day or from Sue or Jane (contact numbers below)

Anyone willing to bring along a cake or help for an hour or soplease contact either Sue (01926 640309) or Jane (01295 688364).

Notes of the Oxhill Parish Council Meeting

Tuesday 10th January 2012 at 8.00pm in theVillage Hall

All Councillors were present.

MATTERS DISCUSSED

Finance

A cheque for £600 towards the cost of mowing the churchyard was agreed in line with the budget and a sum of £400 as part payment for the cost of hiring a marquee for the Jubilee Event was agreed.

Planning

Permission had been granted to change use of land from agricultural to domestic garden of land to rear of Whatcote Road. Permission also agreed to fell Scots Pine at The Hollies. Proposal for erection of building to store hay, straw and bagged feed was agreed at The Barns, Tysoe Road.

Application to erect a two storey extension at Binswood Cottage was returned with no objection and change of use of land for temporary agricultural workers mobile home at Land at Field Forge Farm was returned with no objection but concern if there was a high level of security lighting.

Tree Damage

The Chestnut tree on the verge at the top of Rouse Lane has become victim to the chestnut desease and Niall Conway has agreed to take this down with no expense to the village. In its place, if the District Council agree, Tom Heritage has agreed to donate an Oak Tree to comenerate the Diamond Jubilee.

Shipston Police

Shipston Town Council are now owners of the former Police Station but the Safer Neighbourhood Police Team will continue to operate from this building but does not provide a public access point. Contact for the Police will remain through the Shipston Library, Church Street, telephone 01789 444670.

Highways

Kerbs setts need fixing in place along Main Street and we will highlight the very poor state of the Shipston Road around Honington.

Annual Parish Meeting

This will take place prior to the Parish Council Meeting at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday 8^thMay. It is likely that the Broadband Presentation will take place at this meeting. This will be confirmed in next months Oxhill News. Any items for the agenda please let me know.

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 8th May 2012 at 8.00 pm in the Village Hall.

Broadband Presentation

Unfortunately Balvinder Heran who was to give this talk was unable to attend has her father was taken ill and she sends her apologies to all those who came along. Mike Collins who had attended a meeting in Stratford on behalf of the Parish Council on this subject was able to give us a brief outline of the proposed project and two members of Warwickshire County Council were able to answer some of our questions. This presentation will now take place at the Annual Parish Meeting we hope all those interested in this subject will come along on 8th May.

Angela Kean, Parish Clerk

A talk by Dr Jeff Ollerton

‘’ Pollinators in Gardens (and beyond!) ‘’

Wednesday 18th April 2012

7.00 for 7.30pm at Pillerton Priors Village Hall,

Pillerton Priors, Warks. CV35 0PH

Dr Jeff Ollerton appeared on television recently as the adviser on Pollination to Sarah Raven , presenter of ‘Birds, Butterflies and Bees’.

This talk will be tailored towards the interests of Beekeepers, Gardeners and Farmers - - - but also anyone who is interested in the sad plight our pollinators, the effect this will have on us and our food supplies; and what we can do about reversing this situation - - -including advice on planting.

Tickets £4.00

Information and Booking - - -

Tim Newcombe Tel. 07970 037325

E mail tim.newcombe123@btinternet.com

Seating is limited so there is no guarantee of tickets on the night but tickets can be held for you.

Please do inform us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend and your ticket will then be available for someone else.

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

©2012 Oxhill Village (Terms and Conditions of use)

Last modified:April 11, 2012

Oxhill Garden Club

The Garden Club peeped into the past with David Beaumont in February. Using some of his vast collection of photographs and postcards, David gave us glimpses of old Oxhill. It was intriguing how some of the buildings had evolved in and around the area. We saw gardens of Compton Wynyates, laid out in extensive, intricate knot patterns and lovely memories of other historic houses and their grounds now not available to the public.

19th April - Kenilworth Castle Knot Garden with TamsinRosewell, at 7.30pm

Ann Saxton

Plant Sale

In aid of St David's Church

Newbold-on-Stour with Armscote

Saturday 19th May - 10 am – 12.30 pm

Newbold Plant Sale

St David's Churchyard

Great Variety ! Great value !

Tombola Refreshments Produce Stall

Plant donations greatly appreciated

Please contact Gilly Marsden 01789 459168

or deliver to Church on Friday 18th May 3 – 7 p.m.

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

©2012 Oxhill Village (Terms and Conditions of use)

Last modified:April 11, 2012

Upton House

A special ‘Year of Art’ has famous artists visiting and exhibiting at Upton House, a summer of 1930s celebrations with champagne on the terrace and two Jazz concerts.

There is the popular ‘Millionaires House Party’ weekend ‘Murder at the Mansion’ and our famous Jazz evenings.

For those who enjoy the garden there is always something to see but especially the tulips on the terraces, the changing herbaceous borders and the National Collection of Asters are just some of the highlights.

Come along and have an amazing day out all year round for all the family.

‘The Year of Art’ sees Sigrid Holmwood, the up and coming contemporary artist, exhibiting and painting in situ at Upton House. Later in the year a dramatic exhibition by the Turner Prize nominated Glenn Brown will be taking place, curated by the Meadows Arts Agency. Throughout the year special talks will also be given on selected paintings in the collection which include paintings by Hogath, Stubbs, Canelleto and many other famous artists.

There are acres of stunning gardens to wander round, with borders full of colourful plant displays, some areas are gradually being returned to reflect the style of the 30’s garden, along with a unique kitchen garden set amongst the formality. Some of the seasonal highlights are the Tulip weekend on the 14 & 15 April, the wonderful Bluebell Walk on Sunday 13 May and the National Collection of Asters which will start to flower from the 15 September. Visitors of all ages can follow the woodland adventure pathways and enjoy the fun and games of the natural surroundings or sit quietly and watch the birds flying in and out of nearby nest boxes.

The gardens, restaurant and shop are open 11am-5pm, Fridays to Wednesdays. The house is open 1pm-5pm.

Normal admission prices apply. National Trust members and under 5s free.

Adults £9.95, Child £5.00, Family £26.00.

For further details call Upton House and Gardens on 01295 670266 or for the full program of events go to:- www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uptonhouse

Village History - Herbal Medicine

An excerpt from an edition of The Methodist Magazine in 1832 gives an obituary for a Mrs Mary Ward of Oxhill who had died “at an advanced age”. (She was only 72, not so very advanced by the standards of today). Mrs Ward is described as having been “distinguished through a long life for her cordial attachment to, and liberal support of Wesleyan Methodism. She had considerable knowledge of pharmacy; which she cultivated and practised solely for the purpose of charity.”

Mary Ward (nee Corbitt of Quinton), was the widow of John Ward of Oxhill House, who had predeceased her in 1819. Her husband, one of a dynasty of John Wards, left Payn’s House in trust for his wife’s use during her lifetime, and thereafter for their son, the next John in line. The house was to become at sometime during this period a Methodist boarding school, but as there is no mention of it in Mary’s obituary, I am presuming, for the moment at least, that this started after her death.

Mary’s interest in pharmacy is interesting, for in the days of much disease, and little treatment, prayer and herbal medicine were the only hopes of cure. I wander here into speculation, but there are many old plants in our garden that historically have a medicinal use, and are perhaps typical of those used by Mary Ward. Placed in the traditional position by the wall outside the front gate – (how sensible, it would become invasive inside) – there is a row of the greater celandine, used for warts and eye complaints. In the garden itself, we have freely seeding alchemilla, for compresses for healing wounds and reducing inflammation: also foxglove from which comes the drug digitalis, used for heart complaints. There is sweet violet too, infusions of whose root and flower which can alleviate eczema, be a mild laxative, help with catarrh, bronchitis and soothe nerves. (And here have I been going to Boots all these years!) The greater mullein can be used as an expectorant, and in infusion for earache. Feverfew aids melancholy and headache, and is a mild sedative. The opium poppy’s name suggests its use, and it can be used as a painkiller. Colds and fevers can be treated by an infusion of catmint, also used as a mild sedative, for headaches and upset stomachs. Jasmine is good for nerves. It may be that we have some clumps of onion grass simply because it is a pernicious weed, but its bulb is antimicrobial, and can be used as a diuretic or general tonic.

For all its benefits, herbal medicine had its limitations, and life without antibiotics could be unpleasant and life-threatening. In a series of letters between two of Mary Ward’s sisters-in-law, (married and living away from Oxhill), one letter of 1793 reads “We have had a sad affair with my Son’s leg: everything we applied made it worse and when the hot weather set in, it inflamed and run down his leg and almost up to his knee with small pimples that discharged water.” A Mr Sheward was sent for, who had cured a bad leg for a neighbour of theirs). He ordered them to cover the leg with plant leaves which “drew it amazingly, brought off almost all the skin, and when the liniment was applied it was like a raging fire, and strange work we had with him the next morning……!” The son does seem to have made a slow recovery, but without Mary’s undoubted skill, I don’t think I shall be opening the Payn’s House Pharmacy any time soon!

Ann Hale

Tysoe Marionettes

“A Snake saw the Mouse
And the Mouse looked good!”

Come and discover what happens when the quick-thinking mouse comes face to face with a fox, an owl, a snake and a hungry GRUFFALO! in The Barn Theatre, Baldwins Lane, Upper Tysoe, Warwick, CV35 0TX

Tysoe Marionette Group is continuing to stage special family matinees (lasting approximately 25 minutes) for accompanied children aged from 3½ yrs upwards. Refreshments will be available after each show.

The next performances will be on Saturday 28th APRIL at 2.30 & 4pm

for the benefit of the Northampton and Warwickshire Air Ambulance.

Admission by ticket (bought in advance)

Contact: Faith Hall on Tel: 01295 680547

Visit: http://TysoeMarionettes.webplus.net

Haydn & Handel in Shipston

On Saturday evening, 5th May, St. Edmund’s Church in Shipston-on-Stour will resound to the music of Haydn and Handel, with Richard Emms conducting the Stour Singers, the Cherwell Orchestra, and soloists Robyn Allegra Parton (soprano), Cathy Bell (mezzo soprano), Julian Forbes (tenor), Jon Stainsby (baritone), and Rachel Bird (organist).

Haydn’s “Creation Mass” was performed first in1801, in celebration of the name-day of Princess Esterhazy, to the delight of the specially-invited audience. There are echoes of his oratorio “The Creation” to be found in this work. Also to be heard is Haydn’s “Te Deum”, composed for the Empress Marie-Therese (fond of singing herself), which starts and finishes with joyful celebration. Handel’s anthem “Let God Arise”, composed in the second decade of the 18^thcentury for the Duke of Chandos, completes the programme.

The concert starts at 7.30.p.m., and tickets can be obtained from choir members and from R. Clarke Electricals in Shipston. If you would like to know more, please contact Yvonne Ridley, Stour Singers’ Deputy Choir Manager, on 01789 269587.

Kineton Amateur Dramatic Society

KADS are pleased to announce that our next production will be "OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MURDER...", a mystery comedy by Fred Carmichael.

Performances will take place at Kineton Village Hall at 8:00pm on 26th, 27th and 28th April 2012.

Tickets will be available from "Flower Thyme", Banbury Road, Kineton from early April, or can be reserved by calling Yve on 01926 642313.

Check out our website for further information at www.kads.org.uk.

Huge Haul of Fake Clothing Helps Charity

Fake designer clothing with an estimated street value of £300,000 has been donated to a charity which helps people in need at home and abroad, Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service has announced.

Thousands of items of fake designer clothing, seized by Trading Standards are being donated to the International Aid Trust which raises money to support people in need across the UK and internationally.

Fake Adidas T-shirts, Calvin Klein underwear and Ugg boots accounted for some of the clothing and footwear donated.

The clothing is completely debranded before being distributed to help needy people in countries such as Sierra Leone and Romania. This action has the complete support of the brand owners.

The International Aid Trust is aChristian humanitarian charity that seeks to help people in need both in the UK and abroad: www.internationalaidtrust.org.uk

‘Simon Cripwell, Warwickshire Trading Standards Service and Jack from the International Aid Trust fill a lorry to the brim with counterfeit clothing and footwear.

Shipston Home Nursing

April Events

The Carice Singers;www.caricesingers.co.uk, will be performing at St Gregory’s Church, Tredington, Sunday April 1st at 7.00pm. Entry Free of charge. Refreshments available. They will be performing gorgeous, music from Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Holst, Purcell and John Taverner’s Quemadmodum. This choir of 17- 21 year olds are led by George Parris who is studying music at Cambridge. Do come along for a very special concert.

SHN invite you to a Musical Evening with the Porter Family, at Cherington Village Hall, Friday April 13th 7.30pm start. Tickets £15 to include a glass of wine and nibbles. For tickets please callRebecca01608 674 929.

SHN, Spring Fun Walk, Jog and Run! Sunday 22nd April 10.30am at Barcelo, Walton Hall, Wellesbourne. £5 Adults/£3 children. For more info callGilda Gardner 07970 177951 or Di Yeoman 01608 674 929.

Kineton Art Group

Kineton Art Group will be holding their Open Art Exhibition and Sale of Paintings at Kineton Village Hall on Saturday and Sunday, the 12th and 13th May 2012.

Doors will be open from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm each day. Adults, 50p: Children, free.

Please come and enjoy the abundance of paintings by our members and many other local artists. Refreshments including tea and home-made cakes will be available throughout each day.

If you need any other information please let me know. You can telephone me on 01295 788890 or send an e.mail to gail@kinetonartgroup.co.uk.

Ettington Playgroup

Saturday 21st April - 12 noon to 2pm

Ettington Community Hall

Fantastic bargins for children's toys, clothes etc.

Accident and Medical Emergencies

Time is critical in medical emergencies and so in order to ensure we attend as quickly as possible

First Call - 999

Then Call

Ambulance Responders

Mick & Barbara Shepard

07977149317 Mobile / 01295680644 Home

3, The Leys, Oxhill, Warwick, CV350QX