Column in the Wilts and Glos Standard by Molly Fry

1. A charity football match will be held in Fairford in memory of local grandmother Doreen Nicholls, raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The family-friendly event will take place at Fairford Town Football Club on Sunday, July 12, with kick-off at 1pm.

It is being held in association with Fairford Town Football Club and Spikes Diner, with all proceeds going towards life-saving research and support for people affected by pancreatic cancer.

Doreen’s family lost her to pancreatic cancer in May 2024.

They are now holding their second annual charity match in her memory, bringing together family, friends and the wider local community for an afternoon of football, food and fundraising.

Last year’s event raised more than £2,200 for Pancreatic Cancer UK and this year organisers hope to go even bigger.

The day will include free entry, food and drink, a raffle and family-friendly activities, including a bouncy castle for children.

Visitors are encouraged to come along, donate generously and support the cause.

The family said: "Every donation, no matter the size, will help fund vital research, support families affected by pancreatic cancer and help raise awareness of a disease that often goes undetected until it’s too late.

"Whether you donate, share the page, sponsor a player, or come along to support on the day, you are helping us keep Doreen’s memory alive while making a real difference to others fighting this terrible illness."

The charity match will take place at Fairford Town Football Club on Sunday, July 12, from 1pm.

Free entry, donations welcome.

To support the fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/nannydoreen33

1. Lechlade and District Lions are inviting swimmers to take the plunge for a good cause at their eighth annual Charity Open Water Swim.

   The event will take place at Bowmoor Lake, near Lechlade, on Saturday, August 1, raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, alongside local youth and healthcare services and the veterans’ charity Combat Stress.

   Last year’s swim raised more than £3,000 and attracted 140 participants from across the UK.

   This year’s event will once again welcome swimmers of different abilities, with a competitive 3k race at 9am, followed by 1k, 2k and 3k challenge events from 10.30am.

   There will also be a 250m taster session for beginners.

   Olympic medallist Cassie Patten is expected to attend and provide free expert coaching, tips and techniques during the day.

   Spectators are welcome free of charge, with complimentary parking and on-site catering available throughout the morning.

   Entry is limited to 140 swimmers aged 12 and over and registration must be completed online by 6pm on July 30.

   To register or find out more, visit https://www.lechladelions.org.uk/owls26.

2. There is plenty happening across Fairford and the surrounding villages this weekend, with live music, community events and summer activities getting under way.

   North Swindon Big Band will perform at St Mary’s Church, Fairford, on Saturday, July 11 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Eventbrite or by cash payment from Fairford Opticians on 01285 713313.

3. Also on Saturday, July 11, The Eight Bells will host live music from Mr Jimmy Moore.
4. The Ukrainian Church in Gloucester has also invited visitors to its Icons on Ammo Boxes exhibition on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, from 1pm to 4pm. The free exhibition will take place at the Ukrainian Church, Derby Road, Gloucester, GL1 4AE.
5. Business Connect Fairford will hold its July members’ networking event on Wednesday, July 15, from 5pm to 7pm. The group brings together local business owners, professionals, charities and community partners for informal networking and practical learning. Following June’s working session from Fry Communications on AI for SMEs, the next meeting will focus on lessons from the events and hospitality industries, with Clive Elliott sharing insights from festival organisation. New members are welcome.
6. The next meeting of the Probus Club of Lechlade and District will take place at Lechlade Memorial Hall on Friday, July 17 at 10am, with speaker Mr Ray Stockall on dry stone walling. The club is open to people of all ages and welcomes anyone who would like to attend a meeting before joining. A talk on Friday, August 7 will feature Rob Cuckow on microlighting, followed on Friday, August 21 by Mr Dacre Watson with a talk: Flying to Easter Island.
7. The NHS Blood Donor session will take place at Lechlade Memorial Hall on Friday, July 24, from 12.50pm to 7pm. To book an appointment, visit www.blood.co.uk, download the NHS Give Blood app or phone 0300 123 23 23.
8. St Mary’s Church, Fairford’s High Five Project will hold a Strawberries and Prosecco Afternoon on Saturday, July 25 at 3pm, in the gardens of Finches Field, The Croft, Fairford, GL7 4BB, by kind permission of Amanda and Mervyn Cully. The afternoon will include tea, strawberries, prosecco and songs from The Jay Birds. Tickets cost £15 and are available from the church office and Fairford Community Centre. Proceeds will support High Five Project 2026 fundraising for children’s charities, including Magic Breakfast, Gloucestershire Young Carers, The Rainbow Trust, Smile Train and Home-Start Cotswolds, as well as St Mary’s Church.
9. Friends of Fairford and Lechlade will host a cheese and wine evening at Langford Downs Farm, GL7 3QL, on Tuesday, July 28 from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets cost £15 to include wine and cheese. Booking is required. To reserve a place, call 01285 707300 or email admin@friendsoffairford.org.uk. No dogs are permitted.
10. Also on Tuesday, July 28, St Mary’s Eco Church will host a bug hunt in the churchyard from 10am to noon. The free family morning will invite children and accompanying adults to discover the micro-wildlife in St Mary’s churchyard, with activities, information stalls and refreshments. No booking is required, but donations are welcome. For more details, contact Beth Bruce-Gardner on 07791 841201.

11. Looking ahead, Fairford Steam Show 2026 will take place over the weekend of Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with Steam-in-the-Square returning to Fairford Market Place on Friday, August 14 from 5pm. The weekend will include steam, classic and retro vehicles, new exhibits, a hop-on-hop-off bus from Fairford, food, drink and fundraising activities supporting local groups. To book tickets or find out more, visit https://fairfordsteamshow.co.uk/.