Whatlington village voice

St Mary Magdalene Parish Church service (Holy Communion) for Sunday 27th May is 8.30 AM at the village hall. Everyone welcome.

On Sunday June 3rd at 5.00pm there will be a special church service to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This will be an informal “ Songs of Praise “ worship and all are very welcome. If the weather is fine please bring chairs as the service will be held in the churchyard. If it is wet or cold it will be held in the village hall.

It is nearly two years since the Church Appeal Fund was set up and although it was not “launched” as such , the balance now stands at £33779.78. In the last few weeks we have received donations totalling £800.00 for which we are very grateful. Many thanks to all those who have donated to this fund recently,especially Tom & Helene and to all those who have given generously over the last two years. To have raised this amount of money in what is certainly a recession, is magnificent and shows the esteem the church is held in.

May I through this column also thank Valerie for kindly taking over the leadership of “The Good Companions” whilst I am doing other things. Thank you Valerie for organising the outing to the Royal Oak, which 17 members recently visited for a mid day meal.

The Good Companions met last week for a two course lunch at the Royal Oak.The food was excellent and enjoyed by all.Many thanks to Alex and staff.Next meeting is Wednesday 13th June at the village hall for a summer luncheon to celebrate the Queen,s Diamond Jubilee.

It is Irish Music night tonight (Friday 25th) at The Royal Oak. Musicians meet at 8.30pm for a traditional tunes session which is always excellent. Admission is free, but booking advisable on 01424 870492, particularly if you’d like a table near the music!

The Royal Oak Boules team is now playing in the Wednesday League! We will play most Wednesdays, home or away, from 7.30pm. If you would like to play, or just come along to support, you’d be very welcome. This is an ideal opportunity for some mid-week refreshment and socialising, but all in the name of sport! For more details call Alex on 01424 870492.

The next meeting of The Royal Oak Readers is on Tuesday 12th June at 7.30pm to see what we thought of “The Woman in White” by Wilkie Collins. If you’d like to come and join our friendly book club, you’d be very welcome - we meet every 4 - 6 weeks.

We were delighted to welcome The Good Companions to The Royal Oak last week to enjoy a two-course lunch in The Barn. Everyone had a nice afternoon and enjoyed good food and good company! If you have a local group or club that would like to use The Barn for a function or meeting, please get in touch with Alex on 01424 870492.

Don’t forget Quiz night is every Thursday from 8pm at The Royal Oak. The Squabbling Saints won the jackpot last week and donated their winnings to St Michael’s Hospice - well done to them. Why not put a team of up to six people together and come and join us?

There are sure to be many bargains at the Village Hall Jumble Sale tomorrow - Saturday 26th May from 10am. Please come along and see what we’ve got - clothes, bric-a-brac, books and toys - all proceeds go to the Village Hall running costs. Get there early to snap up the best deals!

The Jubilee Street Party is coming up on the Bank Holiday Monday 4th June and it’s going to be an amazing community event! Whatlington Road will be closed from the A21 down to Riccards Lane from 11am until 9pm, with the event starting at about 1pm. The party will have a 50s theme and everyone is invited to come in fancy dress and take part in all of the various competitions and games that will take place throughout the afternoon. Please bring enough food (50s themed!) and drink for yourself and your guests which everyone can share. There will be a cake competition, Queen’s Head competition, “who’s the baby photo” competition and lots of games - further details will be available in the next Whatlington Newsletter. This is such a great opportunity to be involved in your local community and meet your fellow villagers for some good old fashioned fun! If you intend to come, please ensure that you’ve returned your slip that was in the last Whatlington Newsletter, or let Angie know on 01424 870087 so that we can ensure there is enough seating!

This summer is packed with exciting village events - so, have you also put June 30th in your diary? This is when the Village Fete will be, and this year it will be bigger and better than ever! With all sorts of interesting stalls, entertainment and things to do, plus the obligatory BBQ and beer tent, there will be something for everyone. If you’re interested in helping out, please call Angie on 01424 870087.

Hilda Aplin, Lismoyne, Oakhurst Road