WEEKLY COLUMN by Chris Roberts MBE
1. Sally Ann’s Music for Memory started in 2021 in memory of a local lady who sadly passed away after having lived with dementia.
Run by local carer, Kelly Foreshew, the monthly event has grown from strength to strength.
At Music for Memory’s annual summer party held at the beginning of August in the sunken garden at St Birinus, Kelly read out to the attendees at the party a letter sent to her from HM King Charles III and also gave each person a copy of the special letter folded inside a keepsake golden envelope.
The letter from His Majesty was in reply to one that Kelly – an ardent royalist – had sent to the King inviting him to a VE Day celebration that Music for Memory was holding for the special national event last May.
The letter said: "His Majesty was most grateful to you for thinking of him and was heartened to learn of the celebrations that took place in the Lechlade-upon-Thames community.
"The King would have me pass on his hopes that everyone involved had an enjoyable time."
Kelly said: "We are one big family at Music for Memory, and we can certainly relate to the royal family.
"Our annual summer event is a special celebration for our regular members and their families.
"I thought this would be a good occasion to share this wonderful letter from our King with members of Music for Memory."
Kelly is grateful to regular supporters of Music for Memory: Bromford Housing, Lechlade Community Fund, Lechlade Lions, New Inn and Trout Inn.
Also, Cutler and Cashin butchers for their donation of burgers.
2. On Saturday, September 13, Fairford Cricket Club will be overrun with walkers taking part in the Cotswolds CoppaTrek! Challenge 2025 in aid of CoppaFeel!, the charity that aims to end the late diagnosis of breast cancer.
Two groups will be setting off from Far Peak Campsite, Northleach, which is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
One group will endeavour to complete a full marathon trek of 26.2 miles and the other a half marathon of 13.1 miles.
Around 400 full marathon walkers will arrive at midday for a welcome mid-point rest stop at Fairford Cricket Club, where the hungry and thirsty walkers will be welcomed with a barbeque, a coffee truck and an ice cream van.
The marathon walk takes in many beautiful Cotswold villages including Bibury, Coln St Aldwyns, Quenington, Arlington, Coln Rogers and Fossebridge.
Andy Killey, head of UK events with the Charity Challenge, said: "We are very excited to come to Fairford Cricket Club.
"In the past, our midway stop has been at village halls that have few facilities.
"It is a real bonus to come to the Cricket Club and will enhance the event experience."
To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/yr78h7mz.
3. Fairford Primary School will be holding an open afternoon on Wednesday, September 17 at 2pm for anyone interested in finding out more about the local primary school. To make an appointment, please call: 01285 712543.
4. The next meeting of Fairford History Society will be at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 18 in Fairford Community Centre. Chris Hobson will talk about Fairford Folk from the Anglo Saxons to the 20th century. FHS membership is £5 per year and visitors to meetings are charged £3. New members and visitors welcome. More information from Alison: 01285 711768, enquiry@fairfordhistory.org.uk or visit www.fairfordhistory.org.uk.
5. Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust (GHCT) is delighted to announce that Ride+Stride is back for 2025, taking place on Saturday, September 13. This annual event is for groups, clubs and individuals across Gloucestershire to visit churches by walking, cycling, horse-riding or using public transport – all while raising money to support their upkeep. Many churches will be open on the day, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful, historic and contemporary buildings in the local area. In 2024, Ride+Stride raised over £36,000, supporting projects such as roof repairs, fire door replacements and improved wheelchair access. If you’d like to get involved this year, further information can be found on: https://ghct.org.uk/ride-and-stride.
6. The MacMillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning will be held on Saturday, September 13 from 10.30am-11.45am in Quenington village hall. Coffee, cakes and more in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.
7. Tickets are now on sale to see Britain’s famous poet, Pam Ayres when she appears on Sunday, November 2 at 3.30pm at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. Pam will be supporting Hatherop Primary School’s Big Build campaign to raise £1.5m for much needed work at the local school. Tickets cost £40 and there are also a limited number of SuperSeats available at £100 for front stalls seats, which entitle ticketholders to attend a post-concert drinks and canapés reception to meet Pam Ayres. Book tickets at: trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB.
8. There will be live music in Filkins featuring Filkin’s Drift on Saturday, September 13 in Filkins village hall. Seth Bye (a professional musician who attended Farmor’s School) and Chris Avery make up Filkin’s Drift and will be performing Glan, their first single from their debut album. Find out more from: filkinsmusic.com or www.facebook.com/filkinsmusic
9. On Thursday, September 18, Lechlade Theatregoers will be going to Bath to see a sparkling new stage adaption of Jane Austen’s novel, Emma. The beautiful, high-spirited Emma Woodhouse – whom Austen described as ‘someone who no-one other than myself will much like' – is determined that she will never marry but loves to meddle in her friends’ and neighbours’ relationships. This trip is sold out, but you can put your name on a waiting list in case a place becomes available. For more information, contact Ellie Maughan: 01367 253551, candemaughan45@gmail.com; Brian Rudge: 01367 615044, brudge@sky.com or Rachel Range: 01367 252056.
10. The next Lechlade History Society meeting is on Monday, September 15 at 7pm for 7.30pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall. Dr Simon Draper will give a talk titled: Place names and Archaeology in and around Gloucestershire. Dr Draper will explore the origins and meanings of place and field names in our region with special links to archaeological remains, from prehistoric forts to Roman villas and Anglo-Saxon meeting places. Come along and learn which names to look out for in your local landscape. More information from Ros Godden on 07826 114088.
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