The latest village Directory and current editions of the village magazine for 2023
The village Directory contains:
- a list of village clubs, societies and organisations
- church parish register records from the Downs Benefice
- adverts for 2022/23 published in Community Magazine (and ‘current’ until June 2023)
Monthly editorials followed by links to PDF download files.
Editorial by Andrew Keevil (December 2023)
And so, another year passes all too quickly, and it is time for our Christmas and New Year double issue. As usual there are a wide range of Christmas services in our churches and many local Christmas activities to attend. New events in the diary include several at Black Chalk Winery which goes from strength to strength – we have news on this year’s harvest. The Wherwell History Group is also thriving, you can read about a new Facebook group. In response to widespread interest in the restoration of the Freelands house and estate, we feature an update on how the work has gone. Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas!
December PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Andrew Flanagan (November 2023)
Welcome to November – in the month of Remembrance there are articles
that recognise and boost the Community Spirit in our villages and at the
same time reach out to those people affected by war and poverty. For events,
the choice is huge: coffee mornings, talks, quizzes, film showings, a
“wonderfully barking spoof” play, a Craft Weekend and two Christmas
Bazaars. For ‘down to earth’ matters there is ‘Fun in the Mud’, an Allotment
vacancy and you can pre-order a Christmas tree. Finally, there is a beautiful
tribute to Barbara North and a touching poem by Shane Pike.
November PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Mia Cousins (October 2023)
It’s October already! There is a lot to look forward to again this month. Including coffee mornings, history talks, and film showings. Test your knowledge and get competitive at the upcoming village quizzes – don’t miss out. Dust off your Halloween decorations and enjoy the spooky season!
October PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Tessa Youell (September 2023)
The English summer has been a bit of a wash-out and with the days already noticeable shorter, it feels as if we’ve been somewhat done out this year. But with so much change going on in the world, from global warming to AI, not to mention the many ghastly conflicts, it’s comforting so little has changed in the villages and to find so much going on by way of community activity, such as the Warm Hub, the U3A, a choice of films, the Gardening Club, Keep Fit, the History Group, even a projected Reading Group, to name but a few. Some might disagree, but it feels as if there is greater community spirit than ever.
September PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Mia Cousins (August 2023)
There is a lot to look forward to as August arrives. Such as the variety of films to enjoy at both Chilbolton and Stockbridge cinemas. Every bit of support is needed for Chilbolton Film Showings, as numbers are struggling to cover costs, so book yourselves in for the first of September! This issue also includes tips to help you conserve water and do your bit for sustainability, helpful as the weather gets warmer. Have a good summer!
August PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Monthly editorials followed by links to PDF download files.
Editorial by Andrew Flanagan (July 2023)
So, here we are, mid-June, longest day, parched lawns, fabulous roses and at long last a bit of summer warmth without the cold East wind. Hopefully, this is the season to enjoy some outdoor events, with Open Gardens, a village Fete, Opera, Romeo & Juliet, ‘Wheels & Wings’ and the annual visit from Winchester Morris Men. Elsewhere, we have monthly Coffee Mornings, Quizzes, Tales of a Roving Reporter, another Collection for Ukraine and HCC invites residents to comment on options for tackling a forecast budget deficit of £132m. Happy days!
July PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Andrew Keevil (June 2023)
As the summer begins there is a noticeable increase in village events,
especially outdoor activities. The wide range of diary dates includes fetes
and open gardens planned for both villages. This month’s magazine also
includes an important church announcement from Jax and an intriguing
mystery of a churchyard summerhouse. We need everyone to do what
they can to support the Chilbolton village shop and kitchen on a regular
basis in these tough times for independent local retailers. We have an
update from Nicky on the latest trading.
June PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Mia Cousins (May 2023)
The King’s Coronation is just around the corner with celebrations, such as street parties, lunches, and BBQ’s taking place across the villages. Preparations are underway for the Chilbolton Church Fete in June, looking for important volunteers and donations. There
are some great films being shown locally and excellent talks to attend. Don’t forget to take your voter ID to the next election!
May PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Tessa Youell (April 2023)
There is much to be cheerful about this month: For a start, it’s officially spring, and warmer and lighter by the day. Bees are beginning to buzz and the birds are twittering their little hearts out. It looks as if the Terrible Pong, at times literally nauseating, is at last being addressed. In the face of the economic challenges, Nicky is reinventing Chilbolton Stores into a haven for foodies as well as a friendly place to shop and have a chat. See pp.11-12 for details. With three films on in Stockbridge, and SADs production of Alan Bennett’s wonderful ‘Talking Heads’, there is something for everyone. Happy Easter to all.
April PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Andrew Keevil (March 2023)
As I write this our villages are beginning to show the first signs of Spring. Snowdrops and daffodils are here already, and the annual Bluebell Walk is in the diary. This month’s magazine offers a chance to find out more about the Red Devons that graze on West Down and an opportunity to participate in a new open gardens initiative starting soon in Chilbolton. Our villages continue to offer an increasingly wide range of entertainment from movies and concerts to amateur dramatics and live rugby
March PDF file (opens in a new tab)
Editorial by Mia Cousins (February 2023)
Welcome to this 40-page February edition. By now, the New Year is well under way, with events such as coffee mornings, live music, walks, film nights, and jumble sales lined up. Thankfully, the terrible smell that often afflicts our villages is at last being addressed, and the Parish Council need our help, in the hope that we can all begin to enjoy our gardens again! Ukraine still needs our vital donations, along with villagers ongoing support of Andover Foodbank during the rising cost of living.
February PDF file (opens in a new tab)
The magazine for January 2023 is published with the preceding December, as a double issue.
No Comments
Add a comment about this page