I have compiled the September Bulletin from Gretna, just over the Scottish border, during my long walk from Blewbury to Islay. To date we’ve walked 489 miles, climbed 1.8 times the height of Everest and raised £8,742 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in memory of Blewbury resident Susan Fletcher Watts.
This took place on 22 June with about 60 people attending including Ann Brodie, sister of Richard Brodie, whose estate generously donated a large sum towards it, Councillor Hayleigh Gascoigne, and Simon Barrett, who kindly gave his time as a solicitor.
21st September
We offer a service in apple juicing each year so that your fallen apples can be put to good use by juicing and preserving them. Our sessions will take place at the Manor, Berry Lane on Sunday 21 September, 5 and 24 October from 2 to 4pm. Bring washed apples (bad bits removed but not cores) and your own clean bottles or
containers. Arrive by 3pm if you want to pasteurise your juice (which will need glass screw top bottles). Costs: £1.50 to press a large bucket or basket of apples plus 30p per bottle to pasteurize. You can also freeze unpasteurised juice (in plastic containers). We do not supply bottles or containers. If you have a large quantity of apples, you can hire our equipment for a charge of £15 per day if you live in the village or Upton, £20 if you live elsewhere. For further information email Andy: andy3210123@gmail.com
6th September
Nature Reserve volunteering, Sat 6 Sept, 9.30am to noon Come and help with the maintenance of this quiet spot.
More details from the Sustainable Blewbury secretary: secretary@sustainable-blewbury.org.uk
21st September
Our next concert will be a Brazilian band bringing us some exciting music on Sunday 21st September at 7.00pm (please note the later than usual start time). Doors open at 6.30pm for those wishing to claim their free glass of wine before the start. Tickets at £20 are now available from the Post Office or you can reserve your tickets by contacting Gill and Richard on 07767 463285. Don’t miss this chance to keep the summertime feeling going with this thrilling band. Any profits go towards the upkeep of this historic building.
7th September
The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm. Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate. You will not need to take any action. The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency. Find out more at www.gov.uk/alerts.
Thursday 2nd October
Harvest Festival in School, 9am – All welcome
27th October
Some were curious first-timers while others were full-on Shakespeare geeks – but anyone who came to Prof. Smith’s brilliant talk last year will remember her humour, her insights and her seemingly effortless ability to get us thinking about our greatest playwright in fresh new ways. And this autumn, the Motley Crew, Blewbury’s very own Shakespeare fan club, is proud to announce that she’s back!
Taking her cue from the Crew’s trip to see Measure for Measure in October, she’ll be asking “What’s the problem with Shakespeare’s ‘Problem Plays’?” And again, everyone’s invited, whatever your level of knowledge or interest. Didn’t know that Measure for Measure is a ‘problem play’? Or why it, and a handful of others, are so called? Or maybe you think V RY Shakespeare play is a problem play? Doesn’t matter – one way or the other, Emma is sure to sort you out. So why wait for an expensive book festival or for her next broadcast as Radio 4’s resident expert, when you can meet one of the world’s leading Shakespeare scholars right here in Blewbury?
Prof. Emma Smith: Blewbury Village Hall, Monday October 27th at 8pm. Tickets £8 (including liquid refreshment) available from the Post Office from Monday September 1st or in advance by email admin@themotleycrew.org.uk.
11th October
Open Morning for prospective Reception 2026 starters. 10am – 12 noon
3rd September
Calling all parents on that first day of the school year – or even THE VERY FIRST DAY! Calm your nerves after you have dropped your children off at school on Wednesday 3rd September. The Vale Room, Blewbury Village Hall, will be open from 8.30am – 9.30am with complimentary refreshments, for you to have a breather and feel supported by friends around you. There is space and a few playthings for pre-school children too. Hosted by members of the local Mothers’ Union group.