Down Ampney news with Melanie Fouracre

ONE hundred face masks have now been distributed free to the residents of Down Ampney, thanks to the brilliant efforts of the sewing team co-ordinated by Maureen Gregory and Jackie Scuri.

If residents would like a spare face mask or two, the sewing team has increased production and masks can now be obtained from the village shop for a donation of £2.50.

Payment can be made via contactless or by cash into the donation jar.

It has been recommended that donations will be given to All Saints’ Church.

Many thanks go to the sewing specialists of the Down Ampney Art & Craft Circle for their superb work.

They are: Jackie Scuri, Jackie Halligan, Bee Adams, Beryl Jones, Pam Varey and Penny Morse.

HOLY COMMUNION will be held at All Saints’ Church on Sunday, October 4, at 10am.

Followed by Evening Prayer at Ampney St Mary.

All Saints’ Church is also open on Sunday and Thursday for private prayer. Precautions are taken to minimise the risk of spreading Covid-19.

LOOKING ahead. 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the famous composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams in the Vicarage at Down Ampney.

A series of events, concerts and talks is being planned during the course of 2022.

The church hopes to use this to promote the music of Vaughan Williams, raise the profile of Down Ampney and raise funds for the Organ Restoration Fund.

The organ was installed when Ralph Vaughan Williams’s father The Rev’d Arthur Vaughan Williams was Vicar of All Saints’ Church.

THEIR Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have agreed to be royal patrons of the RVW 150 Celebrations and the composer - Debbie Wiseman OBE, has agreed to be president for the year, as she was for the hugely successful RVW Festival in 2018.

TO find out more about the eclectic mix of musical events planned for 2020 keep an eye on The Down Ampney News over the coming months.