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Ramsbury & Axford Community
Village Diary - May 2007 |
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| Please may we have items for the June Diary by 18 May. They can be left with Sylvia Judge, 55 High Street; Ben Tottenham, Vicarage Cottage, Back Lane; at the Post Office; or by email to diary@pccare.ltd.uk | ||
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As I write this in mid-April the temperature suggests that we are in mid May already, so what will next month bring I wonder? Although it is great to be enjoying such fine warm weather, it must be of concern to smallholders growing vegetables as the soil is now so dry that cracks are much in evidence where the vegetation cover is not thick. The Kennet at least is still quite high indicating that the water table is not yet dropping. You have no doubt noticed quite a few butterflies on the wing, especially peacocks that can over-winter in sheltered places. Others include orange tips, yellow brimstones and small tortoise-shells: the large variety of this butterfly is now very rare. Many other insects and allied creatures are now becoming active to provide food for chicks as they hatch. I have seen honey bees and several types of bumble bees busy getting pollen from the spring flowers; and a wasp that looked rather small to be a queen came into my kitchen a few days ago. Shield bugs of which there are many varieties are also to be found as they over-winter as adults and lay eggs to give the next generation about June. Some of them feed on aphids and other pests but many are plant feeders, like the light brown leaf bug found a few days ago that was probably feeding on white dead nettle. Dandelions may not be popular in the garden but don’t they look grand when growing as a mass along a road-side verge, or when mixed with daisies on a patch of grass. High cloud recently has kept the frosts at bay for a while so hopefully the tree blossom will have set to give another good fruit year; the blackthorn has certainly been a grand sight. Rosie Pauline It pleases me no end when I see the courtship display of Lapwings! I saw a pair in action just north of Hilldrop Farm but there were at least half a dozen in the water meadows at Froxfield. This is the same place as I saw the Little Egret last month. I have it on good authority that there were two Egrets there at the beginning of April. There have been numerous sightings of Red Kite from all the local parishes. Cetti's Warbler has been heard near Howe Mill in Ramsbury and at Stone Lane, Axford. Another turn up for the books was a male Corn Bunting holding territory at Coronel Farm, Aldbourne. The most extraordinary thing happened at the beginning of April when I was visiting Axford. The Willows in the Water Meadows reverberated to the sound of Bramblings. It is hard to estimate how many birds were there as they were spread out over the whole valley. These birds will now be in their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and Russia. This was the same bird I was lamenting I had not seen this winter! John Marshall Rainfall for the month to 18 April was 0.60 inches, average 2.85 inches. After two very dry winters this last winter is the 2nd wettest since records began in 1968, with 25.67 inches, average 20 inches. |
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Ramsbury has entered the Best Kept Village competition this year. We have been winners in previous years and it would be good to win again, especially since the newly formed Youth Club have volunteered to do a village clean-up in preparation for the judging. The clean-up will take place at the end of April and judging can be any time during May or June. Please make an extra effort to help the youngsters and keep the village looking as good as possible by clearing litter and weeds from the street near your home and around the village, and perhaps displaying flowers outside your house. Ramsbury Amenity Group At their AGM, the Committee was re-elected and the Chairman Ben Tottenham announced that there would be afternoon outings on Wednesday 13 June to Welford Park, and on Wednesday 8 August to Wilton House. Will members please let him know if they are interested in coming on these outings. The list of village organisations issued annually with the diary accompanies this edition. Please keep it for reference when contacting any village organisation, or refer to the on-line version here. |
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The black boxes and green wheelie-bins will be emptied on Tuesdays 1, 15 and 29 May. The black wheelie-bins and orange sacks will be taken on Tuesdays 8 and 22 May. There will be skips at Aldbourne Pond on 1 and 29 May, and at the Ramsbury Surgery from 8-10.30 am on Tuesday 15 May. Ramsbury WI Ramsbury WI will meet on Thursday 3 May at 7.45 pm in the Methodist Schoolroom, Oxford St. We will discuss the resolution on the closure of community hospitals that is going to the National AGM in June. There will also be a session on ‘Simple Nutrition’ led by Lucie Cormack, which will include a quiz, the chance to try a vegetable ‘smoothie’ and an opportunity to raise any questions you may have. Ramsbury Tennis Club Sports Quiz & Fun Tournament Ramsbury Tennis Club is holding a 'Sports Quiz' on Friday 4 May in the Memorial Hall. There will be teams of five at a cost of £35 per team. Supper will be provided and there will be a Bar. To enter call Roger Henry on 520395, who says 'there is still time for a late entry, come and join us'. The Tennis Club is also having a Fun Tournament on the morning of Sunday 6 May open to all, starting at 10 am. To play in the tournament contact Pete Willetts on 520576 or email peter.willetts@twinning.com. There will be a barbecue and the draw for the Tennis Club's allocation of 14 pairs of Wimbledon tickets. Boundary Walk Bank Holiday Monday 7 May TIMINGS AND REFRESHMENT STOPS 0730 for 0740 There will be transport from the Square to the Start. Dogs should not be brought. 0815 Pit Cottage/Membury Crossing. Rolling countryside, great views, through Membury Fort. 1015 Preston. Coffee, tea & biscuits. Initial steep climb then open country and two woods. 1215 Lunch. Hilldrop Lane/Axford-Aldbourne Rd- Two steep hills, good walking with open views. 1500 Tea and squash. Stitchcombe. Gentle climb, then tough but rewarding walk through bluebell woods on private land, gentle climb up to the old airfield. 1700 Tea and cake. Old Airfield (Darrell's Farm). Good views, then down the valley to Littlecote 1830 Finish. Transport back to Ramsbury from Littlecote. Ramsbury & Axford Golf Society The Ramsbury Trophy will be held at Marlborough G.C. on Monday 7 May, Bank Holiday. The sponsor this year is the Ramsbury Brewery. Members wishing to participate should contact Bob Osmond before the beginning of May to be sure of entry to this popular event. Tel 520648 or email osmond48@btinternet.com. Axford Bingo There will be Bingo in Axford Village Hall on Wednesdays 9 & 23 May at 7.30 pm. Ramsbury Flyer The next visit to Newbury will be on Thursday 10 May leaving at 11.30 am and returning at 2.30 pm. There will be an outing to Cribbs Causeway on Monday 14 May leaving at 9.30 am. Book your seat with Muriel Lye on 520555. The AGM will be held on Thursday 17 May in the back room at the Memorial Hall. The Community Bus also has its own page - just follow the link. Ramsbury Roxy Friday 11 May Memorial Hall 7.30 for 8 pm The Queen. Oscar winning performances. The Roxy Cinema also has its own page - just follow the link. Marlborough Choral Society Choral Workshop On Saturday 12 May in Christchurch, New Road from 10 am - 4 pm. A choral workshop led by BBC Singer Chris Simons. All singers are welcome. Bring your own lunch or eat at The Bear. Places £6 (free for choir) For more information, please call Ken Mortimer 01672 Spring Plant Sale & Coffee This event will take place on Saturday 12 May from 10 until 11.30 am at 'Millstream' High Street. Plant contributions on the day itself from 8.45 to 9.45 am for classification and pricing before opening. Ramsbury Amenity Group Guided Walks There will be 4 mile guided walks on Sundays 13 May to Chisbury, and 27 May to Pentico (no. 11). Meet at 2 pm at the Tree to share cars. Dogs under control. Christian Aid Week Christian Aid Week will run from Sunday 13 to Saturday 19 May. There will be a house-to-house collection, coffee morning and a cake and produce stall at the Methodist Church on Thursday 17 May from 10 am. Parish Council The Annual Parish Assembly will be held on Monday 14 May at 7.45 pm in the Memorial Hall. The Parish Council next meet on Monday 21 May at 7.45 pm in the Memorial Hall. There will be no Parish Council election on 3 May because nominations for Ramsbury ward are four short of the vacancies. Nominations for Axford ward (two) match vacancies. In May, the Parish Council hope to co-opt four councillors. Becoming a Parish Councillor is a way of serving your community that need only take a few hours a month. If you are interested, please speak to any Councillor, contact the clerk on 520045, or email parishcouncil@ramsbury.org for further details. Don't forget to vote in the District Council Elections. Outing to Exbury (on the Beaulieu River) The coach will leave the Square at 9.15 am on Saturday 19 May, returning around tea time. Tickets will cost £16 each (includes admission) and are available now from Sheila Glass on 520409. To help us to hire the appropriate coach - please do not delay applying for tickets if you would like to come on this lovely trip. Witcha Cottage Witcha Cottage studio and garden will be open on Saturdays and Sundays 5 May to 3 June and on 28 May from 11 am to 6 pm. Susan Kirkman and Arran Miles will be showing their work as part of the Newbury Festival. The full brochure of all artists exhibiting in the area is available from the Post Office or 520429. Ramsbury & Axford Golf Society Stableford Event The re-organised March Spring Stableford event, planned for Tidworth G.C will be on Thursday 24 May at the same venue and the same time. Those wishing to play, who have not already made arrangements, should contact the society captain Bob Osmond on 520568. |
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Julia Pusey and her family would like to thank all those who supported her during the last weeks of Anthony’s life and who prayed for them and sent so many beautiful cards, flowers and messages. Marilyn Pike thanks her family and friends for their help and the cards, flowers and chocolates she received during her recent stay in hospital. She is now 'out and about' and hopes to meet everyone soon. |
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Ramsbury Silver Band will be playing in the garden at Ramsbury Hill, the home of Mr and Mrs Simon Blunt, on Sunday 3 June from 3 to 5 pm. There will be teas and a retiring collection in aid of the Ramsbury and Axford Link Scheme, and a raffle in aid of the Band. Link will be offering lifts to this event, which will be in the Church Room if it is wet. There will be Flyer Outings on 16 June to Beaulieu leaving the Tree at 9.30 am, fare £6; an evening Mystery Tour, fare £5, on 12 July; and on 15 September to the Newbury Show leaving the Tree at 9.30 am, fare £2. For all these outings book with Muriel Lye on 520555 or Carena Dennis on 520566. Axford & Stitchcombe Gardens Open is on Sunday 17 June 2 - 5.30 pm, with Flower Festival and recital in the Church, Local Artists' Exhibition in the Village Hall, Teas at Stone House, produce & plant stalls, children's quiz, free car park & transport from Ramsbury in The Flyer. Evensong at 6 pm in the Church. Contact 512406, or 521287 reference art for the Village Hall exhibition. The Ramsbury Branch of the Royal British Legion would like to invite ex-service personnel to a Veterans Evening at the Ramsbury Legion Club, with light refreshments provided on Wednesday 27 June at 8 pm. RSVP to the Club Steward on 520579 in good time to help with catering numbers. The ARC (Arthritis Research Campaign) Annual Coffee Morning will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday, 14 July from 10 am to noon. The Rose Evening & Members' Supper will be on 16 June. The Diary is published in paper form, and is incorporated here by
kind permission of the Ramsbury Amenity Group.
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