WEEKLY COLUMN of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts MBE. 

1. Lechlade Library reach fundraising target 

There was huge cause for celebration in Lechlade Community Library last weekend. ]Not only was there a large crowd of people waiting expectantly to see if they had won a superb prize in Lechlade Community Library’s prize draw, but it was also announced by John Watkins, one of the volunteers coordinating fundraising for the Library, that the fundraising campaigners had reached their target of £78,000 for the refurbishment and alterations to the much-used and much-loved library.

John said: “We have in fact raised £80,000 in just six months.

"This is a fantastic achievement for our town and I am so grateful to everyone who has contributed in helping us raise so much so quickly. Work will begin in October this year and we are very excited about the future plans for the library.”

The draw for the raffle winners was made by Lechlade’s Deputy Mayor, Christine Eatwell and Ella Bacon, the ten year old fundraiser who recently appeared on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. The Geordie duo awarded Ella a free holiday for her and her family in recognition of her considerable fundraising efforts.

Almost £5,000 was raised with nearly 1,000 tickets sold for the raffle that had over 30 prizes on offer including a Spa Break for two people at the Lakes by yoo with breakfast or lunch included.

The Just Giving page is still open if you would like to contribute to the Lechlade Community Library Refurbishment Fund. Go to: https://tinyurl.com/34jbpn5r.

2. Ella Bacon chooses to swim with dolphins 

A welcome letter popped through ten year old Ella Bacon’s letter box last week.

Ella, who lives in Lechlade, helped to boost the fundraising for Lechlade Community Library and subsequently won tickets for a family holiday of her choice when she appeared on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

Ella, who has been off school with a painful ear infection, said: “The tickets have helped to cheer me up. My family are really looking forward to going to the Dominican Republic and the ‘experience’ I have chosen when on holiday is to swim with dolphins. It will all be amazing!”

3. Junior tennis club 

Junior Group Coaching Programme at Fairford Tennis Club for ages 4+. With LTA qualified Level 4 coach, Ben Griffin.

Thursdays during term time. Starts April 25 until May 23. Different times and different prices for different ages. For full information or to book, contact Ben: 07866 553842, ben.griffintennis@gmail.com. Visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/griffintennis. All welcome.

4. Wine tasting evening 

The Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities are organising a Wine Tasting Evening on Saturday April 27 in Fairford Community Centre with doors opening at 7pm. Indulge in a range of fine wines and expand your palate.

An evening of educational wine tasting. Cost £25 per person. Find out more from 01285 707300, admin@friendsoffairford.org.uk or visit www.friendsoffairford.org.uk.

5. Building your confidence as a parent 

If your baby is 0-6 months, this is a great opportunity for you to build your confidence as a parent, share experiences and learn more about your baby’s development. Home-Start-Cotswolds’ Baby & Me Lechlade are holding eight weekly sessions, covering new topics each week including: Feeding, Baby massage, Play and communication, Sleep and First Aid. Starting on Tuesday April 30 until Tuesday June 25 from 11am-12.30pm at Lechlade Memorial Hall. To find out more or to book your place, contact 01285 885391, groups@home-start-cotswolds.org.uk.

6. How to keep driving safely for longer 

On Wednesday May 1, the Talking Café will welcome the Older Driver Forum and Drive Mobility.

Receive practical advice on how to keep driving safely for longer, plan an independent life without a car, and have your questions answered by experts in the field. For more information, contact Mary Ann on 07555 738138.

7. Senior yoga sessions 

Join the senior yoga session from 10.15am-11.15am every Monday at Fairford Community Centre.

There was an amazing turnout last week, but there’s still space for one more! It’s £3 per session with a qualified yoga teacher.

Don’t miss this opportunity to rejuvenate your body and mind. For more information, contact Mary Ann on 07555 738138.

8. Toddler group every Friday 

The First Steps Toddler Group is every Friday from 9.30am-11am at the United Church, Fairford. Bring your little ones for a morning of fun and socialising. Play, crafts, snack and singing. For more information, contact Mary Ann on 07555 738138.

9. Young people connecting with nature 

‘Opening Outdoors’ is one of three key themes in The Ernest Cook Trust’s (ECT) new Learning Strategy.

The ECT, based in Fairford, wants every child and young person to feel able to connect with nature. One way that ECT does this is by working with young people in small groups, as part of its Nature in Your Stride programme

 Over the course of seven weeks, young adults aged from 18-30, have the opportunity to learn practical conservation and green skills; they will be helping to reinstate the ecologically rich habitat of the 2.86 mile stretch of the River Coln that ECT manages, reconnecting with nature, and gaining valuable knowledge. More about The ECT’s Learning Strategy is in its annual report for 2022/23 at https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/.

10. Event to support project inspire 

The next event to support Project Inspire is a Summer Ceilidh on Thursday May 2 at 7.45pm for an 8pm start in Lechlade Memorial Hall. With dancing till at 9.30pm to a band of local musicians led by Jay Matthews. Bring your own food and drink. Tickets cost £10, children free, available from the Health Box and online at https://bit.ly/StLCeilidh. All proceeds will go towards Project Inspire which is restoring and re-ordering the church for future generations.