The much-loved Skate Ramp at the recreation ground has sadly had to close due to safety concerns.

The Parish Council is now raising funds to replace it with a modern, safe and exciting new Skatepark – and we need your help.

Since it was first built in 2002 by Jill Boorman as part of Kids at Play, the skate ramp has been a vital space for our community. For more than 20 years, young children and teenagers have used it to develop their skills on skateboards, rollerblades, scooters and BMX bikes. It has been a place of fun, confidence-building, friendship – even the occasional courageous adult had given it a go!

We are looking to build a brand-new Skatepark that will provide a fantastic facility for the next generation. But the costs are significant – we still need to raise £50,000. We have been working hard already to raise the money and have secured a substantial contribution, but we need the support of the community to make this project a reality.

This JustGiving page gives everyone in the village (and beyond) the chance to be part of creating something truly special for our young people. Please donate if you are able – every contribution helps.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/blewbury-new-skatepark?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=CL

Thank you so much for your support. Paul Whitehead and Lucy Pritchard

11th November

On Armistice Day on 11th November, our school community came together for a deeply moving Remembrance Service in church, which was well attended by pupils, staff, parents, school governors and members of the local community. It was a time to pause, reflect and give thanks for the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve. The children shared thoughtful poems, heartfelt readings and beautifully sung songs that truly captured the spirit of remembrance. Their respect and sincerity shone through every moment, reminding us all of the importance of remembering together.

A special thank you must go to Bruce from Blewbury Brass Band, who played The Last Post so poignantly on the cornet. His performance added great depth and emotion to the service and provided a touching moment of reflection ahead of the two minutes silence.

As the silence ended, the muffled sound of the church bells echoed across the village – a traditional sign of respect that perfectly closed the service. It was a moving and memorable moment for everyone present.

We are incredibly proud of all our children for the dignity, care and thoughtfulness they showed throughout the occasion. It was a fitting tribute to those who have given so much.

5th November

Thank you to everyone who came to Bonfire Night, and particularly to the Amazons for lending us their floodlights, James Barrett for a fantastic fire, Pete Baker for the amazing fireworks display, Caroline Pettigrew for organising the wood collection, James Wanstall, the Allens, Matt Napper and David Harbour for their contributions, and all the helpers who collected wood, baked and served potatoes, ran the entrance desks, marshalled, organised and served beer, mulled wine and other goodies, and much more: we could not have done it without you! A record 1,100+ people attended, meaning that we should be able to announce a record profit once the final figures are in; this will be used to help fund the new Skatepark planned for the village.

Bernard had been unwell for some time and was taken into the JR for just a few days’ respite but sadly passed away on Sunday 28th September.

Pat and family would like to thank you all for so many lovely cards and messages which invariably began with a tribute to his kindness, his patience and his many anecdotes. He had a long and very interesting life and will sincerely be very sadly missed by a huge number of us. Because St Michael’s is closed for the whole of October, his Funeral will be on Friday 7th November at 2pm. We hope to see many of you there to say a fond farewell. It would be very helpful for catering if you could send a quick email to indicate that you might be thinking of coming. bernardmat@btinternet.com.

The new Reception pupils have made a fantastic start to the school year, settling in with confidence, curiosity, and big smiles.

From exploring their new classroom to making new friends and getting stuck into creative and playful learning, they’ve shown great enthusiasm and resilience. Staff have been incredibly impressed by how quickly the children have adapted to new routines and
embraced every new experience with excitement.
As Ariana shared, “I like the creative area,” while Nina said, “I enjoyed Forest School,” and Bertie added, “I like the Play-Doh.” It’s been a joyful beginning, full of laughter, learning, and a strong sense of community — a wonderful foundation for the year ahead!
Our recent Early Years Open Event was a great success, with many families coming along to explore our welcoming classrooms, meet our dedicated staff, and discover the engaging learning experiences we offer for our youngest learners. It was wonderful to see so many new faces and share what makes our Early Years community so special. If you weren’t able to attend, there is still time to book a personal tour and see our setting in action. Do you have a child starting school in September 2026? Please contact the school office — we would love to show you around!

Our walk on 28th September went very well, despite a wet start.

At Blewbury Church the bellringers were waiting to greet us, and as we continued up Blewburton Hill and onwards to South Moreton, the weather improved. By the time we got to the Wittenham Clumps we  were in sunshine and appreciated the panoramic views,  before crossing the Thames to our finish at St Birinus Church in Dorchester. My Dad would have been very proud of our efforts. We have received £420 in donations for the upkeep of the bells and tower at St Michael’s. It would be great to achieve £500, so if you enjoy hearing the bells, please contribute at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/robertgardner-1.