The Village Society has organised many village festivals since the first one in June 1967, although there has been a gap recently (a millennium or something got in the way). The tradition is bouncing back again with renewed energy in June 2003 with a wide range of attractions,   including old favourites like the Open Houses, Open Gardens and the Millbrook Walk as well as all sorts of new events.

The Festival’s theme is   ‘water’, since Blewbury’s history and location is based on its springs and streams. Some of the Festival proceeds are going to the Wells for India charity which is very active in the vital work of improving water supplies in India. The remaining proceeds will go to local charities and non-profit clubs and societies.

Festival programmes and tickets for events will be available from 1 st June at the Festival Booking Office, Blewbury Antiques, London Road, Blewbury OX11 9NX – open Thurs to Mon 10 am to 6 pm, Tel: 01235 850366 during opening times only.   Some events are programme only entry. Each programme has a serial number and lots will be drawn to see whose winning programme gives them one of several very special prizes.

We had an excellent attendance at the two open days in the Village Hall.  Thanks to everyone who took the time to attend. The presentations at the open days and the comments received from attendees are both shown in the planning section of the Blewbury web site.

This completes our research on the local issues which concern residents in Blewbury.  We will now seek policies to respond to these issues. We plan to set up a small number of working groups on different areas. The topics for these groups may be:
-  Village Design including Environmental and Housing issues
-  Roads, Traffic, Transport, Parking and Footpaths
-  Meeting Places and the Village Hall
-  Recreation in Blewbury
-  Community Initiatives, e.g. organisations, volunteers, litter, shops, medical etc.

Each working group will be asked to review their area and come up with proposals fairly quickly.  The proposals will then be published for comment.  If you would be interested in helping to choose policies on such a working group please contact:    
   John Richards, Brookside, Westbrook St  850218 mailto:john.richards@rcp.co.uk

Blewbury Village Society Annual General Meeting

Our recent AGM was the most memorable one for a number of years.   I’m not entirely sure whether it was the topics under discussion this year, the elections or the change of venue to the Red Lion (though I think I can guess), but something certainly had the desired effect and the event had an excellent turnout.   We owe our thanks to lots of people, including Mack and Val for hosting the event and generously providing sandwiches, to all of our speakers for excellent presentations and of course, those of you in the Village who came along to see what we were up to, offer support and provide some lively discussion from the floor.   In the past I have rated AGMs as a necessary evil, usually about as interesting as watching grass grow   -   this one changed my mind and I’m really looking forward to next years BVS AGM now!   Thanks again to everyone who made it work so well.

Blewbury Bin-It Day – Saturday 14th June 10.30am

There has been much discussion about the events planned during the Blewbury Festival (see advert. for details).   During the Festival we see our Village with fresh eyes, and as people come from miles around to attend the events, we also get to show the wider community that we live in a very special place.   What better time to make sure the Village is looking its absolute best?   With this in mind we ask you to support Blewbury Bin-It Day.   Grab a bag and show you care. (see advert. for details.)

Feedback or queries to Kerry Spork, Holly Tree Cottage, Ph: 850 703,   Email:   mailto:numbat@madasafish.com

Kids at Play
Opening Event
Children’s new play ground
Read All about it!!
Don’t miss the opening of the New Blewbury Playground

WINTER REVIEW

BOOKING FOR "AS YOU LIKE IT"

This Summer's Production of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" will be performed in the Garden Theatre at Orchard Dene House on Wednesday 16th - Saturday 19th July at 8 pm. Matinee performance on Saturday at 2.30 pm. The Box Office opens from 7th June at Blewbury Antiques, London Road, Blewbury from 10 am - 6 pm Thursdays to Mondays. Tel 01235 850366 during opening hours only.

THE GARDEN OPERA COMPANY - CARMEN                                       

Following the enjoyable productions of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Mozart’s The Magic Flute by the Garden Opera Company last year and the year before, we have booked them again for this summer. They will be performing Bizet’s ever-popular Carmen in the garden theatre at Orchard Dene on Bank Holiday Sunday, 24th August. The box office opens on Saturday 7 th June, together with booking for As You Like It. Last year we sold more than two-thirds of the tickets on the first day and sold out soon after, so early booking is recommended!

Blewbury In Commons Debate Shock!

On track for the summer