Author: St Michael Village Hall

January Update

The Christmas festivities in the village hall went off well, beginning with the light fest in St. Michaels at the beginning of December. There was lovely singing, harmonising carols from those who know how to and lovely enthusiastic bell ringers! The mulled wine and mince pies cheered us on and a very happy opening to the festive season began. Thankyou to all who decorated their houses so delightfully, a great atmosphere began.

The following weekend we welcomed the Birmingham university singers again, next year is a special celebration. We fed and watered our lovely friends over the weekend in return for probably the best rendition of Christmas music we have had the pleasure to hear! Our Christmas meal was delicious, aided and abetted by Phil, Louis and Di plus the many hands to prepare the room and tables by the committee. Thankyou all!!

We enjoyed, the mums and tots Christmas party, the coffee morning and the Christmas cracker from the St Michaels singers, this year based on the nut cracker!

Much joy was spread through the village over Christmas and we welcomed new year with a party and a new years walk, with plenty of sunshine and plenty of mud!

Sadly we lost our Dear friend Bryan during this time and a few other wonderful village members, memories of them will never be forgotten.

Our new year is hopeful and reliant on you all. We will do our best to keep the house in order, but let us know if you have any new ideas you would like us or you to try?

There is now a new light over the defibulator which will come on if you are near.

Come along and support the classes and hirers on a weekly, fortnightly and monthly basis.

WE NEED YOU!!

Please join the friends of the  village hall what’s app group, we can then call on you  if there is any need of extra help at an event, if you are available. Thankyou

FUTURE Events coming up;

  • January 31st Beetle Drive, 7pm till 9 pm, Bar,  £2 a head
  • February 16th Valentines Brunch,10 till 12am Tickets £10 a head, child,£5 (To include bucks fizz)
  • March 22nd, Skittles night Tickets, to include a ploughman’s
  • April 5th Grand national
  • April 10th Live and Local— The Last Dance Saloon
  • May Fashion show, ladies and gents ( we are looking for models!!)
  • June 7th/8th OPEN GARDENS weekend

We are very interested in hearing from you about opening your garden and or your offers of help with teas, raffle, car parking marshalling and any extra ideas you may have?

  • July B B Q and treasure hunt
  • August , a holiday break
  • September 12th Quiz night
  • October Variety night
  • November Ceidhl
  • December 6th light fest
  • December 13th/14th Birmingham University singers visit
  • December 13th Christmas meal
  • New year

A very happy new year to you all and the many friends we bring along to the hall. Take care and keep well and keep in touch.

Ros and all the great team of hard working committee members.!

National Lottery Grant awarded

St Michaels Village Hall has been awarded a grant of £3,500  from the National Lottery Community Fund to clear and reinsulate the loft space making the hall a more energy efficient environment. Work will take place in the New Year. 

Our thanks to the National Lottery for funding this project which will benefit all of those who use the hall.

November Update

Quiz night 13th Sept
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Thankyou to all who supported a very interesting and enjoyable quiz presented to us by Ian Grafton once again. The questions were a little easier and certainly thought provoking and amusing. The room was full with a great crowd of supporters, who enjoyed the quiz questions as well as a light sandwich snack in the interval prepared by the excellent ladies of the committee. Ian, as you probably know is the curator of the local National Trust properties local to us, he used the opportunity to advertise for room stewards and volunteers in N T properties! The event was a great success with a first and second team prize, we look forward to a repeat next year! 

Variety Night-19th October
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An evening of many varied talents! Music for all and entertainment of every variety, including vocal, guitar, duo, small bands, instrumental, story telling, humour and magic.
Our variety night, a once a year presentation of local talented people is always a delight, we are now some 15 years old!
It is always refreshing to meet and be entertained by such skills.
Bring family and friends, tickets are £10 to include a ploughman’s supper not to forget a well stocked bar of course. MacMillan Coffee Morning

Thankyou so much to so many of you who came along or called in or sent a donation to the Macmillan cancer coffee morning. I believe it is the 20th coffee morning we have held representing St. Michaels. Margaret, Ros B, Clair and Alice served us coffee and delicious cakes, ran the tombola and the bring and buy sale! Di ran the raffle. There was an addition in guessing how many cups of coffee featured on a sheet- there were 166. Jan C was the nearest with 160.We are all touched along the way by cancer whether it be ourselves or friends and family, mildly or severely. Great strides have been made with cancer research in relatively short times but there are still many areas needing drastic changes, help and support. Thank you for your donations, we are able to send £365 to Macmillan Cancer support this year!! Well done.


St Michaels Variety Night Saturday 19 October

A large audience filled the Village Hall which had been laid out with tables and chairs and with the stage set up by a number of local people including committee members and other willing helpers. The bar was open, professionally run by Pat and Geoff. Catering was provided by mainly committee members so that, during the interval, everyone received a very enjoyable Ploughman’s Supper and accompaniments.

Brian Addis was in charge of making sure the sound system presented artists at their best and so everyone was ready to be entertained. Ros Plested introduced artists and we enjoyed an entertaining evening of variety.

Firstly, Shred Belly, Shropshire based, Kevin McNally, vocals and Paul Roffey, guitar accompaniment took a look at the majority of their audience and decided to play and sing items from their 60’s repertoire!

Roger Penwill entertained us, accompanying himself on guitar with some comedic numbers that he has presented at Brimfield Folk Club.

At a previous “Night” we had unexpected entertainment from a dance group, this time we were introduced to Sheena Wieckowicz, who has had an exceptionally varied musical life. She gave us some of her self-penned pieces based on different life experiences played on handpans with mallets, hands and fingers. This was a very pleasant surprise and, we believe, a first for the Hall. Her music, the timbre and melody conveyed her thoughts whilst composing and brought “hear a pin drop moments” for the audience.

Ted Bunting on saxophone and Martin Blake on guitar and vocals changed the mood reminding those of a certain age of smoke-filled cellars where jazz and blues could be heard, ending with Ted leading a rendition of Tequila.

The mood changed again with the local entertainment of Terry Tandler which was zany monologues featuring a strong Shropshire accent and dialect. He had an animated performance to keep you guessing what next.

John Mosedale, accompanying himself on guitar, closed the show with several of his own musical compositions, including a tribute to Tommy Cooper, and a Richard Digance composition.

Eddie.


College and Cadmore
We mustn’t forget the greater and the good in our neighbourhood. Two of our most important neighbours in the community have bought news this summer/autumn which are vital to our futures as well as theirs!!
We have continued as you well know and maybe been involved one way or another in the welfare and future of these most important parts of our community.

The college after 4 years of emptiness and uncertainty has been sold! And been taken over through a Chinese company who plan to open a new school in 2025 for approx. 200 pupils. We welcome the new owners and wish them all good wishes with the hard work ahead and preparations to present a new school. We also look forward to seeing youngsters in the village again and working together.

Cadmore has had its detailed planning refused (plans for 25 caravan type buildings to be placed on the beautiful old golf course site adjoining the hotel).
Well done to all who supported the campaign recently in peacefully opposing this proposed blot on the landscape plan and no plan for the main residence, the key player, Cadmore lodge Hotel ! Again we can only hope the latter can be reinstated as a functional hotel/spa greatly needed by the town and community.(maybe that 9 hole golf course too!)

St Michaels college

It is with great pleasure to be able to let you know that st Michaels college has today completed its sale to a Chinese company who are opening their second international school  in the UK,here at St. Michaels. They plan to open their school in sept 2025 following many major building works.
Eric and myself have attended a meeting with Nicholas Fry and Belinda before they exit the building to start a new office opposite the Regal in town.
After 4 years we are delighted to welcome a school again. Please feel free to share this news with others. R. Plested

WhatApps Group – “friends of the hall”

We are very keen to open a what’s app group for “friends of the hall”, this would enable anyone who is keen and willing to help us with any village hall event, an outdoor or indoor task that may need doing and general help with a current event or activity we may be putting on, e.g. chairs and tables to be put out, helping decorate an event, watering outside plants, a sweep up, whatever? To have extra pairs of hands would be a godsend!

If you are prepared to help and go onto a friends of the hall group, you can always say no!, ignore or say yes!

Thankyou!!! Please contact Julie-Ann Prince or committee member if you are interested.

Concert Review

It’s the 5th July 2024. I’m in the newsroom of the St Michael’s Daily Sword, and it’s so quiet. Nothing is happening in the UK today, so we’re left with Dog shows and church repairs to report.

But then, it all changed. “I need a reporter for the St Michael’s Singers 25th Anniversary Concert, Bridget Thomas, their PR chief has asked for a review” says Julie Cook, our editor-in-chief.

I seized my chance and bundled my way to the front of the queue; I knew that they had a good reputation for their light suppers as well as the music, and they served a good warm Hock at the bar. So, Julie gave me the keys to her Maserati, and avoiding Tony Penn at the Church junction I arrived just in time.

The room was full, with audience and choir and tables and stages. I found my place in the corner and prepared for a good evening. Eric Hudson and Danny Thomas were running the bar, and the queue snaked through the tables.

The concert started with an ominous beat, from drummer, Dave Bunn, as he ushered in the two excerpts from “The Armed Man” by Karl Jenkins. As if by a signal the choir assembled in front of the stage, between the Choir musical director, Jacqui Cable, and Kath Ainsworth on keyboards. Kath got the music going, and we were off.

A lively interpretation of the Armed Man was followed by an introduction from Eric Hudson, wearing a fetching white apron, who welcomed us all to the Village Hall and reminded us where the facilities and escape hatches were. He also explained how the music was chosen to reflect the history of the choir and to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Concert.

Pat Mutton, the chair of the choir then provided the most moving part of the concert. She told us that the choir had started with a group of friends from St Michaels arranging themselves round a grand piano singing their hearts out. The choir was started by Bryan Fisher, who was a Methodist, serious choral singer, who followed Arsenal, and had a trial for the Baggies. Pat pointed out that there were still choir and audience members who had been at that inaugural meeting. Anne Fox, Pam Owen, Annie Young and Jan Holloway all took a bow.

Unfortunately, Bryan is very poorly, and couldn’t be at the concert. However, his daughter, Jane, was present and thanked his friends in St Michaels for their support and help for Bryan and Chris, both in the good times, and now in these difficult circumstances. Jane told us how important music was in their family life, and Bryan had brought his love of music, and in particular singing, to St Michaels and the choir.

The rest of the concert was a musical excursion through the 20th century. We started with the Jazz Age, with songs from Cole Porter and Irving Berlin echoing the first third of the century. We moved swiftly onto the blues with a small soloette from Pat Mutton, and the choir giving the audience a Harlemesque experience.

The Blues section ended well, and we were off into the sunshine and surf of the U S of A. Paul Simon’s 59th St Bridge song was certainly feeling groovy. This was followed by a medley by the Beach Boys including one of my favourites “In my room”. The choir did this section with heart and gusto, although I’m sure the choir wouldn’t mind me saying it was a bit more Barry Island than Malibu.

It was then time for the light supper, a melange of cheeses and charcuterie with condiments and pickles to be consumed with warm bread rolls and butter delivered to the hall tables by the members of the choir. Its reputation for a good light supper is well deserved.

The second half of the concert featured the last third of the 20th century. It started with an innovation. The choir stayed seated in their chairs as they sang Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. This worked very well. The sound picture spread round the room, which added to the impact of the song.

There was then a short break for the consumption of chocolate and cherry fudge made by Kath Ainsworth. It was a short break, but long enough for one choir member to eat four, yes four, pieces of this delicious confection.

The concert moved onto James Bond. Back in their original positions, the choir belted out a concoction of Bond Movie Themes, including solos from Margaret Morrell and Jacqui. The medley included Skyfall which is a notoriously difficult song to perform well, but the choir should be proud of their performance.

Before the last song, there were presentations to Jacqui and Kath, and the drummer, Dave, thanking them for their hard and rhythmic work. Jacqui invited us to attend the Christmas concert in December.

And so we were into the last song which was “The best day of our life” by the pop combo American Authors. The concert ended with a great flourish, and the audience went home with the songs of St Michael’s Singers playing in their memory.

Peter Cole
Cub Reporter
St Michaels Daily Sword

June Update

Black Country night

On May the 18th we were treated to a wonderful performance from the Rotundas! Around 8 years ago the rotundas performed here for one of their first evenings! We were always amazed at their songs and story telling in their own music and created songs. They have grown in wonderful material and entertainment which is especially professional! Who ever you are you would enjoy their performances! Emily and Matt have joined them adding extremely good quality voices and violin and instrumental additions!

The audience were captivated and found they learned a lot about industry and canals around the midlands esp the Black Country and Birmingham!

We had a most enjoyable supper of faggots/sausage and peas and a very cheerful audience who certainly left with happy faces and cries of ”when will they return?“

Thankyou for your support to a most successful evening!

Kite— ‘ the ten mile stretch’

Very recently, I took the train from Ludlow to Crewe to visit an old friend  from college days. In order to safely travel to and from the station without the added stress of parking all day or for longer I used the extended services of KITE!!

It made the day out so much more enjoyable with the comfort of knowing someone was dropping me off and collecting at the end of the journey day. This can be done  at Ludlow or Leominster.

At Ludlow there is an excellent privately owned ticket office, the three men who work there are so helpful, working your journey out to the last detail and getting you the best prices. Just before I alighted the train I bought a coffee from them at the very decent price of £1.00!!

Do consider this service in future whether for a day trip or a longer journey and use our wonderful KITE service further.

With our extension of a ten mile radius this year— KITE should be more in demand and more useful to you, this includes any need you may have to visit Leominster, Ludlow, Bromyard towns.

D DAY. BEACON

It was 6th June on a rather chilly evening, though bright and light, when a group of approx. 20 hardy souls arrived armed with chairs, bottles, glasses and sausage rolls to meet and cheer the 80th year of the Normandy  D Day landings.

We were on the common around the pond by the silver tree, sitting in the newly mowed pathways of our beautiful common. The view into the sunset and Clee hill was clear and glorious. We awaited for the lighting of the beacon, which had been announced for 9.15 pm.

Alas— it didn’t appear to us!! Whether it was in a small basket and we couldn’t make it out? BUT at 10.20 we decided we had raised our glasses to this memorable occasion and the warmth of our homes beckoned.

When things go well its great!! When they don’t go to plan — always good to look for someone to blame! So I’ll put my hands up to that! But add that it was so good to see you all and enjoy our friendly community spirit!

Only the previous day we received a visit from Natural Networks  / Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, who had popped in to see the pond. They reported seeing grass snakes curled up by the waters edge and some beautiful fauna surrounding. They were very complimentary on the up keep of the pond, it is an ongoing project, a place for us all to enjoy.! 

Midsummer Madness

The Midsummer Madness supper dance was held on a lovely evening for a change! We even had a fly past form the red arrows just before we began!!

The hall was decorated to its best summer style, with lovely flowers and balloons, candles lit lovely summery table settings and the room was filled with a great variety of friends and neighbours, old and new.

There was a delightful atmosphere and we welcomed a delicious supper, from Phil’s team! It was a first time in a long time to welcome Phil himself! After his winter accident.

John Bryan bought his wonderful band, Scratch along to play familiar tunes for sing along and dance. He set just the right balance and all 55 attendees enjoyed a summer supper dance to remember!

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

As guest gather on an island somewhere in West Ireland to celebrate the wedding of Jules and Will, secrets from the past arise. On the night of the wedding a storm leaves the island in a blackout.

When the lights finally come back on a distressed waitress screams that she has found a dead body. It has been described as evoking an Agatha Christie mystery but most of us didn’t think that was a good comparison. I though it rather slow to begin but when all the multiple character reveal themselves, the atmosphere builds, and the plot does come together in the end.

There are many storylines running through it and lots of detail. This is definitely one for mystery thriller fans but it’s not for young readers as it does have more ‘adult’ aspects of its plot.

we all enjoyed the book with minor reservations and thought it was well written and a good plot.

Follow the rabbit- Proof fence by Doris Pilkington

This short true story was given to me as I left Australia last year, it is the story of Doris Pilkington’s mother , Molly , who led her sisters on the escape route from the Moore river Native settlement in Perth. A settlement for Aboriginal children with white fathers!

These three girls had made a long and chaperoned journey from their home in Jigalong to this native settlement with many promises. Alas, they found this place cold, with bars at the windows and Molly believed they were in Marbu country which implies the presence of flesh eating spirits. Anyone trying to escape would be dealt with severely.

The girls decide to escape, Molly being the leader ,on their way to find the rabbit proof fence. They have rabbits to eat, many fears along the way. They hide from a search plane that is looking for them!. They eventually find the rabbit proof fence, their hope is renewed and after a total of 9 weeks they arrive at Jigalong and find their family.

To the modern reader, the fence is a symbol of humanity, misplaced trust in its ability to control nature. The fence is also a symbol of the racism that British colonial control uses to divide the country into whites and natives.