Festival Week 2

Sunday 21st June

HISTORY WALK - ARTISTS 10.45 am Meet at Village Hall Car Park

A guided walk round the village led by Margaret Gallop to learn about artists who have lived here; this time there will be more stories about the women artists.

ST. BIRINUS PILGRIMAGE 12.15 pm Churn Knob (on downs south of village)

For details see www.stbirinuspilgrimage.org.uk. The pilgrimage to Dorchester Abbey is not part of the Festival, but it has a long tradition (it celebrates St. Birinus reputedly preaching near Blewbury in 635 AD) and goes through the village.

CURRY LUNCH From 12 noon - 2pm. Forge House Garden, Westbrook Street

OPEN GARDENS 2 - 6 pm Abners, Chapmans, Green Bushes, Hall Barn, Nottingham Fee House. The gardens are open under the National Gardens (Yellow Book) scheme

TEAS are available in St. Michael's Church from 2 - 5.30 pm.

Monday 22nd June

HISTORY WALK - AUTHORS 2 pm Meet at Village Hall car park

A guided walk round the village looking at the houses lived in by a variety of well known authors

NEWS FROM A WARMING WORLD 7.30 pm Methodist Chapel

A talk by Mark Lynas, arranged by the Environment Group Come and find out what Blewbury (and its global neighbours) might look like in a warmer world and how we all need to adapt our lifestyles.

Tuesday 23rd June

FESTIVAL BRIDGE TOURNAMENT 7.20 for 7.30 pm Vale Room, Village Hall. For more information please telephone Michael Allen 01235 851870.

Wednesday 24th June

AN EVENING WITH RON FREEBORN 7.30 for 8 pm Village Hall.

Starting with a discussion of Breughel's "Peasant's Wedding", followed by a 40 minute practical demonstration developing the theme.

Thursday 25th June

FLOWER DESIGNS FOR EVERYWHERE IN THE HOUSE

7.30 pm Methodist Chapel The evening will appeal to everybody from the novice to the more experienced arranger and Veronica Sharley, NAFAS area demonstrator will show how to make it all fun.

Friday 26th June

"SHORT DRAG ROGER" SHANTY GROUP 7.30 for 8 pm Barn at Hall Barn, Westbrook Street Short Drag Roger is Oxfordshire's foremost Shanty Group, with a robust approach to Shanty singing and participation from the audience.

Saturday 27th June

EXHIBITIONS WEEKEND - see Exhibitions Page

GLYNDEBURY PICNICS AND CONCERT Picnics from 6.30 pm in the beautiful garden. Concert 7.30 pm. At the barn and gardens at Hall Barn, Westbrook Street.
Bring your picnic, wine and a rug

An evening of entertainment provided by a group of singers from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. The music will include well known pieces from operas and musicals. Ritz de Ridder will appear accompanied by Charlotte Good. Gentleman, please wear a bold waistcoat - Ladies, please wear a tiara.

Sunday 28th June

EXHIBITIONS WEEKEND - see Exhibitions Page

CHARITY SCHOOL HOUSE 300th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 12 noon - 2.30 Pig Roast and Bar Charity School House, Churchyard

The old schoolroom will be recreated and there will be an exhibition of the Schoolhouse through its various ages and stages. Children from Blewbury School will be singing and dancing and the Playgroup will also be having an exhibition and will provide refreshments for children. The Winners of the Scarecrow competition (see home page) will be announced and prizes presented at 2 pm.

MILLBROOK WALK From Ashbrook House garden 2.30 - last walk 5.30 pm

The Millbrook Walk has been part of the Blewbury Festival since 1981, when it was started by Simon Rendel. It provides a rare opportunity for visitors, and residents too, to trace the Millbrook from its source in the gardens of Ashbrook House down to Blewbury Manor.

FESTIVAL FINALE 7 pm, St. Michael's Church

A celebration and thanks for the many gifts and talents of the people of Blewbury, to conclude our Festival Fortnight. It will be similar to the popular Carol Concert held in the church every Christmas.

Please come along and join us - EVERYBODY WELCOME.