Year 2015

Eleven editions of the village magazine published in 2015

Monthly editorials followed by links to PDF download files

Editorial by Euan Ramsay ( December 2015)

Time to wrap up warm and treat yourselves to the wide variety of events that the community offers at this time of year – such as the film ‘A Little Chaos’ (how apt!) at CVH on 4th December, the Wherwell Singers Xmas concert on the 12th December and a series of events at the Wherwell Home Guard, not to mention a varied selection of services at local churches. Have a very happy Xmas and all the very best for 2016 from all of us at the magazine. Remember, there is no January edition of the magazine, we’ll be back in February 2016.

Editorial by Andrew Keevil ( November 2015)

As the nights draw in and the leaves turn we are hoping for a spectacular autumn for both villages to enjoy. It’s no surprise then, that this issue has an outdoor theme. In addition to our usual Wildlife Update we have the latest news from West Down, adventures in the forest from Chilbolton Pre-School and rambling tales from the Benefice Walkers. There are, of course, plenty of Christmas events now appearing in our diary as we look forward to the festive season.

Editorial by Tessa Youell (October 2015)

With summer over, our contributors have been bashing away at their computers to produce a bumper issue of fascinating articles. With events marking major anniversaries of both World Wars this year, as well as the WI centenary, the theme is one of remembrance, and of reflection on times past. It would also appear to be the season for testing your brain power. There are no fewer than three ‘Quiz Nights’ coming up – good luck to all who take part!

Editorial by Andrew Flanagan (September 2015)

Many of our regular contributors seem to have taken a summer holiday, so special thanks for the Bombay Sapphire article. Diary Dates has overflowed a whole page, so there is plenty to do this month. Something new – a Psychic Evening, Richard II and the Red Devils landing in Chilbolton. Something old – A History of Old Andover. Something traditional – Harvest Festivals, Wherwell Proms and Chilfest. Something blue – Submarines and Stargazing. Something to celebrate – our Queen’s reign, the WI centenary and the Countess of Brecknock Hospice

Editorial by Euan Ramsay (August 2015)

A slightly quieter month as far as community activities are concerned, as the summer break kicks in, but there is still plenty to keep us busy in between our holidays. The outdoors is particularly in focus this month, starting with a Butterfly Walk on 1 August and moving on to the week of Summer Walks that start on 17 August, catering for all ages and stamina levels. Food and entertainment are also themes this month, with a Safari Supper, the WI Summer Special and the Chilbolton & Wherwell Flower and Produce Show at the end of the month.

Editorial by Tessa Youell (July 2015)

Looking through the contents of this magazine is a humbling experience: so much energy, talent and downright hard work voluntarily given to make our corner of the planet a beautiful and happy place. Among the many who quietly beaver away to improve our lot, special thanks are due to John Rowles and his team (largely ‘senior’ members of the community) for transforming West Down and the playing fields, not to mention the continual management of The Common and footpaths (see pp11-12). Now that summer is here we can go out and enjoy the fruits of their labours!

Editorial by Andrew Flanagan (June 2015)

How time flies! We have barely finished our summer planting, when here comes the month of long daylight hours and warm evenings. There are plenty of outdoor events on offer; Open Gardens, West Down Working Afternoons, Winchester Morris Men and two Village Fetes. By contrast we have a Cream Tea, a talk on Winston Churchill, Sewing Crafts and a 100th Birthday. Finally, the abridged version of the COSC annual report gives key activities and achievements for West Down, from the Management Plan adopted at the public meeting in November 2013

Editorial by Tessa Youell (May 2015)

There’s something for everyone in this issue: voices of the past provided by the WHG, and for the energetic all the fun of the summer to come with, to name but a few, two fetes, a sports fair, a forest run, and cream teas in abundance. Evening entertainment includes the monthly film and a barn dance. For the first time that I can remember we have a man in the kitchen, delicious his recipe sounds too. Finally, you can read your magazine safe in the knowledge that it is entirely election free!

Editorial by Euan Ramsay (April 2015)

Ah, spring! Here at last and what better place than the Test Valley to enjoy the new season in all its glory. As we emerge from our winter dens, take the opportunity to get digging with the Chilbolton Horticultural Society or to lend the West Down working party a helping hand. There is also plenty of evening entertainment to enjoy, including the Chilbolton Auction of Promises, Bingo night at the Wherwell Home Guard, movie night in Chilbolton Village Hall and a raft of local Society meetings. Check the Diary listings, lots to keep us all busy and to put the ‘Spring’ in our step.

Editorial by Tessa Youell (March 2015)

With Lent upon us, it is the season of reflection and restraint. However, there is a lot going on to keep up our spirits. To mention but a few: Quiz Night and Gone Girl (a gripping movie) in Chilbolton; Music and Song in Wherwell and Stockbridge; a talk in Goodworth Clatford by brilliant travel writer, Colin Thubron; and ‘Owls by moonlight’ at the Hawk Conservancy, which I’m told is a truly remarkable event. On a different note, please do take advantage of our new For Sale & Wanted page at the end of the magazine.

Editorial by Andrew Flanagan (February 2015)

Welcome to the first edition of 2015, with a bumper crop of articles and a belated Happy New Year greeting. Your editor is very pleased to include four reports of past events, including three with photographs; all added value to the historical archive for this magazine –so keep these reports flowing. We also have three very interesting natural history articles and three extra announcements from our Parish Council clerks concerning defibrillators, Chilbolton village shop and control of dogs … Lastly, we have a new permanent feature called ‘For Sale & Wanted’. As Jax Machin says in her article, we need to ‘stop & catch our breath’ from time to time. For example … sit, relax with your favourite tipple and read this magazine, or ‘Prop up the Bar’ at the Abbots Mitre (see page 35), or go for a stroll in the beautiful Hampshire countryside and spot a bit of wildlife.

The magazine for January is published with the preceding December, as a double issue.