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Blewbury News

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

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.

THE BULLETIN IS 60 YEARS OLD!

26/05/2025

In June 1965, the very first issue of the Bulletin rolled off the (somewhat more primitive) press.

The first edition ran to four typewritten pages, with most of one page devoted to the bus timetable. Later, pictures and more complex contributions appeared, and the pages were compiled by hand, with literal cutting and pasting, before a switch to electronic compilation in the 2010s.

BELL RINGING NEWS FROM BLEWBURY TOWER

VE Day brought a call for commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in Europe.
To begin the day a short address and prayer was made by Father Jason on the tower roof. This was followed by the raising of the Union flag whilst a lone piper created a most moving sound to be heard far across the village from the top of the tower. Our special thanks go to Father Jason, Andrew Forman, Dick Street and piper Stuart Mackay for making this a wonderfully unique moment, which we believe is a first for Blewbury.

OUR OWN BRIDLINGTON BARROW BOY

David moved to Blewbury in 1975, having grown up in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, where his parents owned and ran a Boarding House for seaside holidaymakers. In the 1950s they all arrived by train. Aged 12 to 15, David’s Saturday job was to take his parents’ guests’ cases to and from the station on a pram wheel trolley.