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Monthly Archives: June 2025

Blewbury Players – A Monster Calls

24/06/2025

16-19 July, Orchard Dene Garden Theatre, Blewbury.

“A gripping story…” “… engrossing and uncommonly moving…” “A great story, compelling characters…” “It is superb in its storytelling as it celebrates storytelling itself as the Monster tells his stories. It is unforgettable…” Many of you may have read the novel or seen the film of the story.

Directing us is Sabina Netherclift, an experienced professional director who runs her own company, Filament Theatre, and has particular interest in physical theatre and community work.

She tells us “This is a wonderful uplifting story about the value of family friendship and ultimately love. It’s got these wonderful storytelling elements in it and it’s going to be wildly entertaining. Thirteen- year-old Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill. But tonight is different. Tonight when he wakes, there’s monster at his window. It’s elemental, a force of nature, and it offers to tell Conor three tales if the boy will, in return, tell him the truth. The monster’s relationship with Conor is as a storytelling mentor, kind of challenging and helping him to come to terms with what is happening”.

We have a strong creative team, cast and an imaginative set and are anticipating a moving, uplifting production. We are excited that Sabina is bringing with her Alex Harvey from Ockham’s Razor (a contemporary circus company that recently toured performing ‘Tess’ at Oxford Playhouse and Newbury Corn Exchange). Alex will be acting as an Aerial Movement Director and Consultant. The cast are eagerly anticipating their first rehearsal with him.

We are also delighted to be welcoming Lizzy McBain as production designer to complete the team bringing professional expertise. They are of course supported by our wonderful talented local teams both on and off the stage. We are once again grateful to have strong contributions from many younger members of our community in all areas of the production.

Box office : www.blewburyplayers.co.uk;

Blewtube – Mr Burton

Wednesday 2nd July – 7.30pm : Village Hall

The film is the story of the wild school boy, Rich Jenkins, son of a boozy miner, and an English teacher who recognised his talent, Philip Burton.

Tickets £6, available at the Post Office, on the door and online at http://square.link/u/DXCVsVUa

Fleur Stevenson Quartet

St Michael’s Church, Sunday 20th July, 5.30 PM

A familiar face on the London jazz scene, Fleur is gifted with a honeyed tone, an offbeat sense of humour and a naturally charismatic stage presence. With Hugh Turner, guitar; Raph Mizraki, double bass; Stu Henderson, trumpet, fl. horn. £20 including a glass of wine or soft drink.

Tickets from Izabela@dircon.co.uk or https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/Q4BIHYNL; choose Pay as Guest and remember to enter your name as proof of payment. Ticket sales support the preservation of St Michael’s Church.

Coffee & Kids!

Our next session is on Monday 7th July from 10am to 11.30am in the Vale Room, Blewbury Village Hall.

Niki is able to help us again with some simple toddler crafts. It is always so lovely to have a record of your child’s early hand or footprints. We welcome all bumps, babies & toddlers, along with parents, grandparents or carers. Here is a warm, friendly and safe place to enjoy the company of others and have some refreshment as the little ones have fun with toys, learning to play together. We finish the session with songs and action rhymes. A donation of £2 is appreciated towards our costs. Mothers’ Union hosts look forward to welcoming you.

On Monday 4th August we invite you to the Teddy Bears Picnic.

Come along to Orchard House, by the Red Lion in Chapel Lane, Blewbury at 12 noon with your picnic and something to sit on. Drinks and ice cream will be served. Thank you to Helen and family for kindly hosting this event in their secure garden which has a variety of garden toys. Older siblings are welcome too. Don’t forget to bring your teddy bears! Any queries, contact Louise 07837 009730.

Blewbury “Have your Say” Roadshow

Blewbury Village Hall, 27th July, 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm

Join your local Neighbourhood Policing Team to share your concerns, discuss local issues, and learn more about community safety initiatives.

Free SmartWater Property Marking

Bring your bikes or power tools for free marking with SmartWater—an effective deterrent against theft and a valuable aid in recovering stolen property.

Community Policing Survey

Have your say by completing our Community Policing Survey on-site, scan the QR code to complete it online at your convenience, or follow this link: https://forms.office.com/e/h0s2Vp2d0S

Blewbury CE Primary School Shines in Church School Inspection

The staff, pupils, and community of Blewbury Church of England Primary School are celebrating a glowing report following a recent SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection.

The report praises the school for living out its Christian vision and creating an environment where both pupils and staff flourish.

At the heart of the school’s success is a clear and deeply embedded Christian ethos based on the parable of the sower. The values of love, courage, forgiveness, and resilience guide every decision, nurturing a warm, inclusive culture where all members of the community are respected, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Inspectors highlighted the school’s “culture of respect and care”, the strength of its partnerships with the church, local community, and the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, and its commitment to helping every child succeed—academically, socially, and spiritually. Pupils were commended for their thoughtfulness, empathy, and environmental awareness, with inspectors noting how children are becoming “thoughtful and proactive advocates for positive change”.

Collective worship, pupil voice, strong relationships, and inclusive classroom practices were all recognised as central to the school’s success. The curriculum was praised for encouraging deep thinking and spiritual reflection, with Religious Education described as well-resourced and improving rapidly.

The report noted two areas for future development: embedding recent improvements to the RE curriculum and creating more opportunities for awe and wonder across the school environment.

Headteacher, governors and trustees of ODST expressed pride in the school’s achievements and gratitude to everyone who contributes to its thriving, inclusive atmosphere. “We are so proud of our pupils, who show kindness, curiosity, and compassion every day,” said Miss Reeder, Headteacher. “I want to thank our incredible staff, dedicated families, and the wider community for the love and support that make Blewbury such a special place to learn and grow.”

Blewbury CE Primary School’s success is a testament to what can be achieved when a school truly lives its values—and when a whole community works together to help every child blossom.

The full report is available on the school website. The school has room for more children so if anyone knows a family (regardless of faith) who is looking for school places, encourage them to visit this very special place where they will receive a warm welcome.
Gloria Hancock

Editor goes Walkabout

On 15th July Bulletin editor Neville Hargreaves will be setting out over Blewburton Hill to walk 666 miles to the Isle of Islay in Scotland.

Neville writes: The Miles to Malts challenge is a personal quest which I’ve been thinking about for many years, but it’s also been inspired by the Pennine Way Challenge that my dear late friend and Blewbury resident Susan Fletcher Watts created three years ago, when 180 of us raised over £100,000 for research into Motor Neurone Disease. This walk will take 7 weeks; I’ll be joined by a few friends for part (or in one case all) of the way. Both Blewbury and Islay were special places for Susan; we’re dedicating the walk to her memory and raising further funds in aid of her MND cause.

So please support us, and this important cause, by donating via Susan’s JustGiving page here: http://bit.ly/3SNEEH5

If you want to know more, email editor@blewbury.co.uk.

Meanwhile, the Bulletin must go on! I’ll be compiling the September issue during the trek, which is why I’ve asked for an earlier deadline. Neville Hargreaves