Village news

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Sutton Bonington Mike Elliott 0115 937 6506 elliottnews@btconnect.com

ANGLING SOCIETY. The Sutton Bonington Angling Society is staging its AGM on April 11 at the King’s Head Pub, Main Street, Sutton Bonington, at 8pm.

CRICKET CLUB PLAYING GOLF. While their own sport of cricket is obviously the main interest, members of Sutton Bonington cricket club will be helping to create a good bond between the members by playing golf!

The club are staging a Ground Preparation Day on Friday this week, March 30, and then a Golf Day on Sunday, April 8, this being aimed to be a social get together before the season starts.

The Ground Preparation day on Friday this week will have a 10am start, and will involve preparing the wicket, nets and scorebox for the season. Outdoor nets will take place every Friday between 6pm-8pm, weather depending of course.

The annual Chairman’s vs President’s XI match will be taking place on Sunday, May 6, on the club ground of course.

And to top off the special events there will be the club Tournament Day on Sunday, August 19.

The club have two friendlies line up in the final run up to the new season, and both are against clubs in higher divisions than themselves in the South Notts League.

Bonington are Division E members and both their friendlies are against Division C opponents, Bingham on Saturday 21st April and then the following day, Sunday April 22, against local rivals Gotham, both with a 1pm start.

SONGS IN SPRING. Songs in Spring was the name of the latest concert performed by Sutton Bonington Singers, but at one time it was thought the name would be more aptly termed Songs in the Snow although by the evening in question much of the ‘white stuff’ had melted.

The programme offered by the Singers was varied, and included such a Mamma Mia Medley with soloists Alive Bloodworh, Jesselyn Selvaraj and Bethany Kelly, Never Enough with soloist Steffi Pratt, California Dreamin’ with soloist Rowan Codd and Hushabye Mountain.

The choir was led by Rachael Crosland and Maria Scullion, both current students at the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus where the event was held.

Racheal has sung with choirs from a young age in varying genres from chamber choirs to a gospel choir and has been fortunate to perform in some amazing locations including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the LG arena and Birmingham Symphony Hall as well as tours singing at locations across France and Germany with the Shropshire Girls Choir, with whom she performed for the Queen when she visited Shropshire in her jubilee year. Rachael achieved Grade 8 Musical Theatre singing with Distinction in 2016 after just 18 months of lessons. She is enjoying a new challenge as this is her first year conducting.

Maria’s musical journey began at an early age. At 10, she gained a musical scholarship to the Ripon Cathedral Choir School and became a chorister at Ripon Cathedral.

She won Chorister of the Year in her first year and was made head chorister in her last year. She gained her grade 8 singing at age 15 and started teaching singing at 16. At school she played Fantine in Les Mis and Mrs Harcourt in Anything Goes. Next year Maria will do a Year in industry at WWT Martin Mere in Lancashire, although she will still be on committee as Ensemble Secretary! In her spare time, she enjoys bird ringing and sleeping!

Racheal and Maria are very grateful for all the help and support they receive from all choir members. A special thanks goes to a few people who they say they wouldn’t be able to run the choir without.

“Firstly, to our rehearsal pianist Graham who gives up his Monday evenings to come and play for us. Next our concert pianist Steve Smithers who comes over from UP amid his busy schedule to rehearse with us prior to the concert.

Luis Carlos Salazar and Zoe Huggett have been a huge help with running sectional rehearsals and generally advising us. A big thanks goes to Jemma May Franklin who has helped us hugely with organisation including designing the beautiful programme.

Finally, Izzy de Bono who despite being on placement this year has been at the end of the phone supporting us and making the journey from her placement whenever she can. We are hugely grateful to all of these people.” Those in the concert were: Sopranos: Alice Bloodwoth, Izzy de Bono, Rachael Crosland, Shannon Hamilton, Zoe Huggett, Bethany Kelly, Hannah Mitchel, Shelly Nicholls, Charlotte Riley, Jesselyn Selvaraj, Sally Smith, Rachael Tarlington, Megan Terry.

Altos: Phoebe Anderson, Chelsey Brennan, Fiona Fielding, Jemma Franklin, Alice Huxley, Flo Jenkins, Sarah Kelly, Steffi Pratt, Lucy Seriven, Maria Scullion, Natasha Smith, Sabine Totemeyer, Julia Watts.

Tenors: Rowan Codd, Alan Cussen, Jim Finnie, Brian Hinners, Garth Humphreys, Brian Kirk, Luis Carlos Salazar, Keith Taylor, Marian Young.

Basses: Arnold Goodwin, Trevor Littledyke, Edward Shelton, Ralph Simpson, Trevor Taylor.

VIVALDI’S GLORIA FROM CHOIR. Weather permitting, the Sutton Bonington United Choir will be singing Vivaldi’s Gloria, 6.30pm on Easter Sunday, April 1, at Sutton Bonington Methodist Church.

The church say that a warm welcome is extended to all. There will be a retiring collection for Action for Children.

PRACTICAL FARM ANIMAL SURGERY. A full day course on Practical Farm Animal Surgery is being organised at the Sutton Bonington campus of Nottingham University later this year.

It will take place on October 31 and is scheduled to last eight hours. It is part of the 2018 programme of such events organised by the Campus, some of which are held at varying venues

This course will provide opportunities to discuss and practice farm animal surgical techniques including claw amputation, enucleation, paravertebral anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia techniques, wound repair and uterine and abomasal surgery. The speaker will be John Remnant

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE. The Baptist Church at East Leake are holding a special Maundy Thursday at 7.30pm –which will be a Communion service in the style of a Passover Meal. Tomorrow March 29.

On Easter Day there is a Family Service at 10.30am which will include storytelling, activities and songs (traditional and contemporary) to celebrate the resurrection.

MARK BRUMWELL MOVING ON. Sutton Bonington’s hugely popular Junior school headmaster Mark Brumwell is moving to take up a new appointment.

In a message to the village, Mr Brumwell says he wishes to inform everyone that he will be leaving his post as Headteacher at the end of the present school year in July to take up a headship at a larger school in Nottingham.

He took the post in Sutton Bonington in 2007, and so will have completed eleven full academic years when he moves on. “It has been a fantastic experience and a wonderful

school to work in. The staff team, many of whom I’ve worked alongside for the whole time I’ve been here, are a hard-working, committed and very talented group of professionals. They constantly strive to do the very best for every child in school and prioritise children’s welfare above anything else.”

Mr Bumwell says the many school governors he has worked in collaboration with have been a dedicated and highly skilled group of volunteers, constructively challenging as they need to be to ensure the school is continually looking to improve, but remaining supportive and positive at all times.”

The headmaster added: “I’ve also appreciated the sense of home-school partnership that exists here, and the real family feel of the place. So thank you to all parents and carers - current and past should they see this! - for your support, consideration and friendliness.”

The message from Mr Brumwell went on: “But most importantly, of course, it’s all about the children. It’s a pleasure every day to be here and be part of such a vibrant learning environment, to see the children learning, playing and generally throwing themselves into what’s on offer. Of course there are downs as well as ups, tears as well as smiles, but overall I know that the vast majority of children move on from here having had a fabulous primary school experience and being well prepared for the next stage of their development. They’re all a real credit to you and I know that nothing will change with my departure; the staff will continue to be focussed on enjoyment as well as achievement, and ensuring that every child’s individual needs are met to the best of their ability.”

The headmaster says the time he has left at Sutton Bonington before he leaves will allow him to ensure that the transition to the next Headteacher is as thorough and seamless as possible.

“It will definitely be business as usual as far as I’m concerned; my focus will be totally on the needs of all the children here so please continue to contact me with any comments, suggestions or concerns.”

The governors have already begun the process of recruiting Mr Brumwell’s successor, and hopefully an appointment will be made before the end of April.

NO ACTION OVER SIGN. No action is being taken by Sutton Bonington parish council on complaints made to them regarding signage erected at the bottom of the driveway to St. Anne’s Manor. It was agreed that this is a private matter between neighbours and not in the remit of the Parish Council.

EASTER SERVICES. There will be a service of Holy Communion on Easter Sunday this weekend, April 1st at St Michael’s Church at 11am when the Paschal Candle for 2018 will be lit.

The cross on the candle is traditionally marked with five nails for Jesus’ 5 wounds, 1 for the crown of thorns, 1 each in the hands, 1 in the feet and 1 to mark where the Roman soldier put his spear. (Other traditions count the five as 1 for each hand, 1 for each foot and 1 for the side). There will also be an Easter Egg hunt for the youngsters.

SCHOOL ON EASTER JOURNEY. Sutton Bonington Primary school were among the schools attending and taking part in the Easter Journey organised at the Methodist Church in the village earlier this month and ending on Friday last weekend

INVITATION TO HELP WITH LILLIES COST. An invitation has been given to parishioners in Sutton Bonington to consider to contributing towards the cost of Easter Lilies at St Michael’s and St Anne’s churches in memory of a loved one. The names of those put forward will be remembered at the Easter morning service at St Michael’s.

VILLAGE WORSHIP. Sutton Bonington’s ‘new’ monthly Village Worship service held in St Anne’s Church has celebrated its first anniversary.

The introduction of the monthly service just over a year ago has been a success and 13 families have attended. The youngest person was just under a month old and the oldest was 90, so it can easily claim to really be a service for all ages.

Says Sue Ward: “It has been a very great joy and a wonderful experience to see children in church each month.”

Highlights of the year have included Mothering Sunday, seeing how a seed grows into a plant -- the theme of Creation--, enacting a play on the theme of the Parable of the Sower, counting angels in the windows at St Michael’s , Re-enacting an updated version of the Parable of the Rich Fool -- at Harvest, where the service was followed by a wonderful bring and share lunch-- , making a Christmas pudding on Stir Up Sunday and presenting a delightful tableau as the Christmas Story was told.

The families who attended also take part in the services: reading stories from the Bible, reading prayers, taking the collection and lighting candles.

Adds Sue : “We hope those of you who are already familiar with the service will continue to come and that those of you who haven’t been yet will be persuaded to give it a try. And you don’t have to be a family with children to come. Young couples and older people come too, so please don’t feel shy!”

Everyone attending is assured of a warm welcome, the services are designed to be short, very informal and to appeal to people of all ages. Refreshments are served after the service.

SURGERY. Sutton Bonington Parish Council have confirmed they have been given information which indicates there are no early signs of improvements to the village doctors’ Surgery.

Parish clerk Jenny Faulks has said that after waiting a long time, the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group has informed the council that no money is available to provide or support a new surgery in the village.

“This situation is likely to continue for some time,” she says.

WHIST. Sutton Bonington Bowls Club, held another whist Drive on Monday, March 19, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. The drive was attended by 20 players.

This week’s winners were Pat Knight, Keith Hopewell, Alan Richardson, Maureen Johnson, Sheelagh Stafford and David Gee.

Raffle winners were Christine Cadwallader, Pat Knight, Joan Ball, David Gee and Maureen Johnson.

Thanks again go to my fellow Bowls Club members who turned out to take charge, set up, make and serve tea and biscuits and donate prizes.

The next whist drive will be April 9.

Normanton on Soar Heather Herrington 01509 646240 heather.herrington@live.com

ST JAMES’ CHURCH There will be a Good Friday vigil service on March 30, between 2pm -3pm. There will be a service of Holy Communion on Sunday, April 1, starting at 9.30am. Everyone is welcome to the service.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE The speaker at the meeting on Tuesday 3 April will be Liz Dunajewska who will tell us about “Intricate Knitting”. The competition will be for the best small knitted item.

The meeting will be chaired by Deborah Haywood, and the tea hostesses will be taken from volunteers on the evening.. All meetings are held in the Normanton Village Hall and start at 7.30pm. Guests are welcome - £5 to include refreshments.

HEARING AID CLINICS Do you wear hearing aids? Come along to our free walk-in hearing aid clinic for new batteries, new ear mould tubing, advice on equipment, advice on how to use and clean your hearing aids and information about hearing loss and all the services that can help you.

The clinic is held in Normanton on Soar Village Hall on the second Tuesday of the month between 2pm - 3pm. There is no need to make an appointment – just drop in.

The service is provided by the Ear Foundation and is supported by fund-raising. The next clinic will be on April 9.

Castle Donington Mike Elliott 0115 937 6506 elliottnews@btconnect.com

WORK EXPERIENCE APPEAL. An appeal has been sent out by Castle Donington Community College to see if there are any local businesses willing to take on some great Year 10 students for work experience. The College say they would really appreciate any local firm getting in touch.

Please contact Mr Wilkinson (Asst Principal) on 01332 810528. Many thanks!

CHILDREN’S CRAFT WORKSHOP. Castle Donington St Edward King & Martyr Parish Church is staging a Good Friday Children’s Craft Workshop this week, March 30.

It will start at 9-30am and last for two hours 9:30 am in the church hall on St Anne’s Lane Registration Forms are available from Julie on 01332 810756 or anyone just going along on the day will be welcome.

Adults are invited to join us at 11am in Church for a short service with the children.

MEDITATION SERVICE. There will be a service of Meditation at Castle Donington St Edward King & Martyr Parish Church for Good Friday this week, from 1,.30pm.

The service will last 90 minutes and will offer music, meditation and prayer. Prior to the Good Friday service there is a special Maundy Thursday Holiday Communion and Foot Washing service there tomorrow, March 29.

FULL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING. The next full meeting of Castle Donington parish council takes place tomorrow, Thursday March 29, at 7.30pm in the Parish Rooms on Hillside. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The annual parish meeting is taking place on Thursday April 12, again in the parish rooms with a 7.30pm start. It is open to any parishioner to attend and take part.

Rempstone

CAN YOU HELP DECORATE CHURCH FOR EASTER? Decorating Rempstone Parish Church for Easter has been arranged for this Saturday, March 30, when the church will be open from 9.30am to 3.30pm for Easter flower arrangements. If you can spare the time, please do come along and help.

Long Whatton and Diseworth

Mike Elliott 0115 937 6506 elliottnews@btconnect.com

BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS. Bridge for Beginners is on offer at Diseworth Heritage Centre on Wednesday afternoons between 2.30pm – 4.30pm and anyone interested will be made welcome.

FUND-RAISING EVENTS AT HALL. An interesting programme of fund raising events have been lined up for entertainment during 2018 in Diseworth Village Hall, including the old favourites.

Hall chairman David Bamford says the hall coffee bar is held on every second Wednesday where visitors are assured of a warm welcome as well as having opportunity to catch up on the news and join in lively conversation.

All proceeds from the monthly events are spent on essential projects for the Hall.

The Art and Craft Club takes place fortnightly on Tuesdays from 10am to 12noon.

Tea or Coffee and good company.

Another popular activity is the Bingo Night with a Fish and Chip or Sausage and Chips supper, the next one being on Saturday, April 21.

The Diseworth Village Show is held in the hall and this year takes place on Saturday, September 8. There is a Comedy Night. On Saturday 13th October and the annual and ever popular Firework Display on Monday, November 5.

A few days the Diseworth Beer Festival takes place on Friday and Saturday November 9 and 10.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE. This year it’s the turn of the Long Whatton Methodist Church to host the Good Friday service which will be on Friday this week, 30th March at 7.30pm. The service will be conducted by the minister, the Rev John Simms.

We remember the brutal death by crucifixion of Jesus as told in the Bible. Some may remember the film ‘ The Passion’ by Mel Gibson retelling the events of that day in Jerusalem.

“There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin; He only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in” in the words of Cecil Frances Alexander.

The church invites everyone to join them for the service, all are very welcome.

Willoughby on the Wolds

EXTENDED HOURS FOR PRE-SCHOOL. Extended opening hours have been introduced at Willoughby on the Wolds Pre-school, now operating from Monday to Thursday 9.15am – 3.45pm.

Currently there are 17 children on the register and the finances look positive.

This term our older children who are hoping to go to Willoughby Primary School have been for a school visit to make some winter art work. The children thoroughly enjoyed their visit.

Thank you to Mrs Marshall at Willoughby Primary for arranging it.