St Michael’s bellringers will again be holding a Duck Race on Easter Sunday, 20th April, in the Playclose.

The first of five heats will start at 12.00 noon. The first three ducks across the line in the final will win for their owners £50, £20 and £10 respectively; all proceeds to St Michael’s Tower and Bell Maintenance Fund. We are very appreciative of the support given by the village to this annual event, and hope that everyone will enjoy the social occasion and springtime fun. It’s open to everyone, and racing ducks are available for £1.25 each. They are obtainable from the Post Office, any of the bell ringers, or contact Richard and Gill Loyd on 07767 463285. Buy your racers early, as they will all be sold before the race day, and don’t forget to come along, bring your family and friends, and cheer for your ducks on the day. If you enjoy this sort of fun, why not meet the ringers in St Michael’s one
Friday night to see what else we do when we are not racing ducks? You will be most welcome. Richard Loyd

Sunday 20th April, 3 pm

The annual Easter Egg Rolling is back on Easter Sunday, 20th April. This event is open to everyone – bring your decorated eggs to the chalk pits (head up the footpath on the village side of Tickers Folly Field and you’ll find us!). Prizes for the best decorated eggs and longest rolls (see the separate advert on p8, designed by Elphin Lloyd-Jones).

Much Ado – Introductory Talk

At 7.30pm on Monday May 5th, Chris Whatmore will be giving an introductory talk on Much Ado in the Vale Room, Blewbury Village Hall. While this is primarily aimed at those going to see the play at Stratford on 8th May, everyone is welcome. Tickets, at £2.50 each, include liquid refreshment and are available either from the Post Office or via email at admin@themotleycrew.org.uk.

10-18 May | Weekends: 10am-5pm | Weekdays: 10am-3pm | Blewbury Clubhouse

Featuring the works of three local artists: Julian March, Freddy Paske, and Yvette Phillips; each artist bringing their own unique medium to life, united by a passion for colour. Part of Oxfordshire Artweeks festival running throughout May with over 400 venues to visit.   www.artweeks.org

Join us for a Celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day with an afternoon of music with St Michael’s Choir and friends on Sunday 11th May, 3 – 4.30 pm, St Michael’s Church.

There’ll be a demonstration of 1940s dancing from Betty Bloom Dance and a chance to have a dance-a-long. We will serve tea and cake and then a shared time of music and singing of classic 1940s songs as a tribute to those who lived through the second World War. No charge to come along but there will be a collection at the door for The Royal British Legion and the Friends of St Michael’s Church.

The North Moreton Book Sale will be held on Saturday 26th April in North Moreton Church, from 10am until 3pm.

As usual, thousands of books will be on sale, with all proceeds going to support the village hall and church. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes will be available. Free entry and car parking. Donations of spare books are always welcome. Email northmoretonbooksale@gmail.com or call 01235 818900 or 07908314771 if you have any books to give, and the organisers will happily collect them.

The Blewbury Garden Market is springing forth and ready to burst into flower!

We will be on the forecourt of Blewbury Service Station on Saturday mornings 09:15 – 11:00, starting on Saturday 19th April and running through to September. Do come along and see what we have – at the start of the season there will be young plants ready to brighten your garden through the summer, plus the delicious offerings of several village bakers.

We had a pre-season meeting on 11th March, where a dozen volunteers – including some very welcome new ones – made our plans for the summer and admired the new tablecloths! We would still very much like more volunteers, and especially some tall people to help put up the gazebo (when needed) at the start of the morning – you don’t even have to stay for the whole thing. We are also very keen to attract new sellers – and of course buyers. 2024 was one of our best years so far for sales, and we’d love to exceed that in 2025 with your help. If you’re interested in helping and/or selling, please email blewburygm@gmail.com. Further details for sellers at www.blewburygm.co.uk.
Sarah Hargreaves