Cotswold News, Moreton-in-Marsh News, Stow-on-the Wold News

Moreton Flower Club wk11

10:48am Monday 15th March 2010

The next meeting of the Moreton Flower Club is on March 25 at 7.30pm at Broadwell village hall when Carol Vincent will present a demonstration entitled "Dreaming Spires".

Have your say

Moreton in Marsh Evening WI wk11

10:31am Monday 15th March 2010

Keith Robinson gave a fascinating talk to Moreton in Marsh Evening WI about the Derbyshire custom of well dressing. Since the time of Richard III it has been the custom to give thanks for the provision of water each year at the water supply in the villages. These are “dressed” with pictures which can be as large as 12’ x 6’. A picture having been designed throughout the year, the last week a clay base on a large frame is soaked and the design pricked out on it. Then it is a case of working all hours to get the natural materials placed on it, including throughout the last night. Petals, twigs, moss etc are used and the actual ceremonial service takes place on the Saturday morning. The children are helped to produce their own pictures, thus the tradition will carry on.

Have your say

Mickleton wk10

1:13pm Tuesday 9th March 2010

Minutes of the meeting of Mickleton Parish Council held on Wednesday, February 24, in King George’s Hall, Mickleton at 7pm. Present were Cllrs M Gittins, Chairman, J Franklin, ATrainor, M Stowe, J Garton, R Vick, P Britt, D Stowe, G Mellon and A Sansone. County and District Cllr Stowe and the Clerk, Mrs AM Cox, were also in attendance, plus three members of the public. Apologies: Apologies were received from DC Jepson and Cllr Mc.Goldrick.

Have your say

Moreton in Marsh WI wk10

10:27am Tuesday 9th March 2010

At the March meeting of Moreton in Marsh WI we had a most interesting talk by Michael Underwood on Hidcote and Major Lawrence Johnston. Major Johnson was an American citizen who later took British nationality and bought the Hidcote estate. He designed and made the garden in the Arts and Crafts style and there are many rare shrubs, trees and beautiful herbaceous borders. The garden changes colour and pattern with the seasons, from beautiful spring bulbs to the glorious red border in the autumn, so a visit may be enjoyed at any time of the year. Hidcote is truly a garden for all seasons, and its postion in the Cotswolds gives rise to beautiful views.

Have your say

Mickleton Society wk10

11:46am Monday 8th March 2010

Chairman, Jo Parr, welcomed everybody to the meeting and mentioned that Committee proposal forms are available for completion before the AGM on Tuesday, April 6. There are two vacancies on the Committee and Jo urged people to volunteer. Jo also gave details of correspondence received and announced that Pamela Baldwin had won the best caption prize from last month’s meeting. Lynn and Brian would appreciate help with washing up after the meetings. The Society will have an information table at the Village Exhibition on May 1. The Summer Lunch will be held on Saturday June 26, Janet and Michael Barlow have kindly offered their garden for the party. Tickets will be available at the April/May meetings.

Have your say

Mickleton wk9

11:06am Friday 26th February 2010

The sucess of the Mickleton exhibition in 2008, held to coincide with the judging of Mickletons participation in the Calor village of the year competion, has convinced the organisers that a similar event should be held this year. The event will take place over the three day May bank holiday period, a village exhibition on saturday, a fun day and games on Sunday and a street party and fund raising events on Monday.

Have your say

Mickleton Gardening Club WK8

11:00am Tuesday 23rd February 2010

The Chairman,Sandra Reed, opened the meeting with a special welcome to two new members. We are encouraged to put in entries for the Spring Show and to attend the Interclub Quiz at Ebrington on March 16th, one member still needed to sit on the panel. Jean Long gave out details of the two club outings, Lydney Park Gardens on May 13 and Hampton Court in Herefordshire on July 8.

Have your say

Moreton in Marsh Evening WI wk7

10:24am Monday 15th February 2010

Bill Bird gave a fascinating talk to the Moreton in Marsh (Evening) WI describing how made to measure shoes were made. He explained these were needed for people who had walking or fitting difficulties and he had become interested as he needed such shoes himself. These shoes were a great fillip to victim’s self esteem and had a very positive effect on the whole of their life His mentors had been 4 men who had started work aged 14 and had been born at the end of the 19th century or just after. Bill had learnt to carve lasts from John Lobb, the London shoemaker who made shoes for the rich and famous, before moving to Blockley and eventually setting up his own business. Now as well as making shoes he taught the students of De Montfort University, thus the expertise was being passed from one craft person via Bill to one other, all within 100years. Nowadays there were a number of female students, whereas previously the craft had been a male domain.

Have your say

Moreton in Marsh WI wk6

10:08am Wednesday 10th February 2010

Jo Brooks, one of our members, very kindly gave a talk about her life and memories of her 40 years working in the PO, mainly at Moreton in Marsh, but also for a short time at Blockley. Aged 17 and having no great aspirations for a particular career, Jo answered an advertisement in the local paper for a vacancy at Moreton PO. On being accepted she was sent to Bletchley Manor Park for 7 weeks of training. At that time the PO was the busy hub of the town’s public, personal and business life, dealing with telegrams, postal orders, insurance, stamps, pensions etc as well as business and estate affairs. Originally it included the telephone exchange, but in 1966 this was moved to other premises when STD was introduced. In 1975 a great structural change was made and Moreton Post Office changed from a Crown Scale Payment Office to a Salaried Sub Office with an independent manager. From then on many others were down-graded to sub offices and the smaller ones in villages were sadly closed, thus the modern type PO has evolved. Jo related her personal experiences including the time the Moreton PO had an armed robbery, when the thief stole a large amount of cash which has never been recovered nor the man brought to justice. Jo spoke in an amusing and entertaining way, making it a most delightful and nostalgic afternoon.

Have your say

Mickleton wk6

11:37am Tuesday 9th February 2010

Computers Online basics is a great way for you to get started online, helping you to gain the skills and confidence you need to start using computers and the internet. To find out just how easy it is to get started with online basics contact Alison Reimer on 01386 438651 to book your free place being held in Mickleton School during February, date yet to be agreed.