Blaxhall Village Newsletter
Number 48. Edited by Graham Bowles
The Larks They Sang Melodious
A reunion of singers, was held in the Village Hall in December. Many years ago they made a recording of The Larks They Sang Melodious, a collection of traditional local songs. Sadly,they were not able to hold it in their traditional venue, The Ship. Many of the original singers were there, and we were treated to a wonderful evening of music, song and laughter. A collection was made which raised £67 for the Village Hall Restoration fund.
Christmas Party
Seventy people attended the Christmas party and buffet in the Village Hall, organised by Graham and Jen Bowles and Malcolm and Viv Browne. Much thanks goes to the decorators, washer uppers and help with clearing up the next day. The old hall looked very Christmassy, and the live band proved a great entertainment. It was an evening for all ages and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves.
Although the party was not organised as a fund raising event, but as a village get-together, a surplus of £70 was put towards the renovation fund for the hall.
Film Archive Night
A most enjoyable film archive night was held in November and a raffle raised £42 towards the Parish Plan costs. 95% of the 83 villagers who returned their voting papers, supported the parish plan. Blaxhall Parish Council has now adopted the plan and report as guidance on parishioners' wishes for the future direction of Blaxhall.
Blaxhall Festival
Blaxhall Festival will be held on the 26/27 June.
Flower Festival at the church with ploughman's lunches/afternoon teas.
Art Exhibition in the village hall. Crafts, Pottery/knitting/spinning
etc at Longfield Nursery, Stone Common. All events open from 11am - 5pm.
An evening of Poetry, Prose and Music in St Peter's church, Saturday 7.30pm.
If anyone has a piece of work that they would like displayed in the crafts
exhibition, please call ring Maggie 688611 or Tilly 688750. If you can
sing, recite poetry or play an instrument, please ring Tilly. Watch out
for further information on notice boards, flyers etc.
Village Fete
The Village Fete will be held on Saturday 21 August. All offers of help will be welcome, and of course, any new ideas. Ring Clara Jenkins 688558. We would like to raise Tug O War teams, so volunteers please ring Graham Bowles 688192.
Village Hall
The application for Lottery funding is now being submitted. There will be fund raising social events each month to boost the fund. Please watch notice boards for dates. Next Village Hall meeting Wednesday 18 February 7.30pm in the hall.
Hedge Planting
Blaxhall Environment Group will be out hedge planting on Saturday 21 February at 10am. If you would like to join them, meet at the church gate. Please bring a spade as they have over 400 plants to put in the ground. If weather is bad, ring Maggie Grenham on 688611 for an update on the plans.
Are you planning to buy seeds for 2004 growing season? This year we are able to take part in King's Seeds Scheme, and obtain the seed 35% cheaper. Ring Maggie Grenham 688611
Car Ride Scheme
It was decided at the last Parish Council meeting to try and organise lifts for people in the village without cars. If you could help, either with your regular trips when you could take a passenger, or be willing to help with occasional lifts, or an emergency, please ring Maureen Adie 688513.
Recyling
The can bank takes tin cans as well as aluminium cans and foil. Please continue to use the paper and bottle banks situated in the Youth Hostel grounds.
Weekly in Village Hall
Mondays 7.30pm Carpet Bowls, Thursday 10am-4pm Blaxhall Art Group (Clara Jenkins 688558) Thursday 7.30pm Blaxhall Line Dancing Group
Next Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 3 March 7.30pm
And Finally
Congratulations to Florrie Shaw and Peter Fletcher on their 90th Birthdays. Obviously Blaxhall is a healthy place to live!