Village Hall News - Nov 2025

Village Hall News

The committee’s focus over the last few weeks has been on repair and maintenance. The plumber had to be called out on three separate occasions to repair leaks in both the bar and kitchen. We are fortunate to have Chris from Daglingworth who is able to respond to emergency call-outs.

There has been continued tidying up of the outside spaces and all the roses have been planted. Thanks to John Martin who worked hard to dig very deep trenches behind the railings to ensure that there was plenty of compost to nourish all 25 plants.

Help with clearing and weeding the front, hedges, side garden and planting flower pots next year will really be appreciated. Is there anyone who could volunteer to spend an hour or so every now and then to keep the outside tidy and welcoming.  PLEASE.

The new handrails up the steps are in place and are in keeping with the hand crafted safety railing as well as looking much smarter than the old ones. (See photo) Thank you to Spike Robbins for your creativity and hard work.

The floor is due for a polish and it will be one of the last tasks carried out by Sue Clegg who will sadly be leaving the area at the end of the month. Thank you Sue, you will be missed.

The monthly coffee mornings on the first Tuesday of the month continues to be well attended and increasing in numbers. It provides a good opportunity for a ‘catch up’ with others in the community and as an added bonus, a hand massage is offered free by Charlotte Chippendale who attends every session to pamper dry mits. It’s often the men who benefit the most!  Only £3.00 for good cafetière coffee and a warm pastry or cake.

There is no doubt that the hall now feels warmer and better retains heat since the new windows have been fitted.

The Band and Dance night proved to be well attended despite anxiety about low ticket sales initially ……………..etc etc

Thank you to Cathy Martin who sourced the band and provided complimentary refreshments on the night and to others who helped make the evening a success, especially the busy bar staff.

Thank you to all who purchased tickets and supported the event.  The much needed £500 profit will pay the Electricians needed to wire up the handsome lamp above the steps to increase safety when descending after evening events.

The next event will be a Table Top and Clothes Rail event on Sunday 23rd November from 10.00am to 4.00pm. An opportunity to recycle and sell pre-loved but no longer needed items and clothing etc. Also to sell homemade crafts and produce. Morning coffee, cakes and lunch time refreshments will also be on offer.

 Please CONTACT FRAN on 07886939583  to book a table. (See poster)

On Saturday evening 13th December there will be a Christmas Supper Night.

Mulled wine, crackers, two course meal, mince pies and background Christmas music. All for only £15.00; a thank you to the community and their friends for supporting the hall over the last year. Tickets will be on sale at the next coffee morning and tabletop sale or from Kathy Rettie-Denness on 017881511.

Dates for your Diary.

Mon 3rd Nov at 7.00pm.   Committee Meeting.

Tues 4th Nov at 10.30am  Coffee Morning

Sun 23rd Nov at 10.30am. Table Top Sale

Sun 7th Dec at 12.00 noon North Cerney School Fete

Sat 13th Dec at 6.30pm.    Christmas Supper Night

April 2025

Village Hall News

 Diary of events

     April

●Tuesday 1st April 

Monthly coffee morning 10.30 am

● Saturday April 5th

The Churn Players present "Murder at the Village Hall" A comedy murder mystery for the audience to figure out " who dunnit". There will be a 2 course home cooked supper. Tickets £20. Sold Out

 ● Friday April 11th  (See poster)

 The Churn Players present the second performance of "Murder at the Village Hall”. Bar opens at 7 pm. The performance starts 7:30 pm. There will be a 2 course home cooked supper. Tickets £20. Tickets available but going fast. Book your seats ASAP with Kathy on: 07881511820 or  kathykerr-rettie@hotmail.co.uk

● Saturday April 12th

Easter Family Bingo. Bar open at 7 pm. Eye's down 7:30 pm sharp. This is a great family evening. Fun....Raffle..... Bar

May

● Tuesday May 6th

Coffee Morning 10.30 am

● Friday May 9th

Talk "Working for Christan Dior" Insights into the life of the 1950s supermodel Jean Dawnay (Caroline). Jean Dawney was the first British model for Christian Dior's acclaimed post-war  'New Look". This will be a fascinating personal talk given by her daughter Katya Galitzine discussing her mother's life as one of the original supermodels. Bar opens 6.30 pm. Talk starts at 7 pm. Tickets £15. Contact Cathy Martin Cathymartin4747@gmail.com This will be a sell-out event so please buy your ticket promptly

● Saturday May 17th 

North Cerney Scamper 10 am

Following the success of last year's Scamper we are hoping to have over 100 runners this centenary year. You could run or walk. Please join the enthusiastic crowd and take part in this fantastic Churn Valley Event.

Light refreshments will be available from 10 am so families and supporters please do come.

Anyone keen to help Marshall the event please contact Jess James (07999572658)

The race bibs are being sponsored again by 'Up and Running' the wonderful running shop in Cheltenham. We are very grateful for their continued support.

June

● Centenary Celebration Weekend

June 7/8th

Please save the date

Do you have a member of your family or friends who has a talent who would be willing to do a short turn in the local talent evening on Saturday, June 7th.

This will be light-hearted fun

A call to new Village Hall Committee members 

Sadly some members are moving away. The committee is in good shape and it's an opportune time to think about joining and contributing new ideas.

If you are thinking of taking a turn on the Village Hall committee and would like to chat about what is involved please contact Cathy Martin.   

March 2025

Village Hall News 

For those brave enough to venture out on a windy night, the Whist drive in February was, as always, a lot of fun! If you are experienced or a beginner it's worth giving it a go, there’s a constant change of partners, it’s light hearted and jovially competitive. Equally intrepid, were the folk who ventured out to enjoy the well attended monthly coffee morning with friendly chat, delicious coffee, warm pastries and homemade apple cake. The next coffee morning will be a Shrove Tuesday special with pancakes. Work on the hall this month has focussed on clearing the patio fencing which unfortunately blew down in the gales, and also clearing overhanging vegetation which has caused the path to be slippery. This work can be fairly unrewarding so it is a great boost to announce that the much debated and dreamed about industrial dishwasher has arrived. We hope that our loyal dishwashers will no longer need to miss the second half of events and also that people will be more tempted to hold functions in the hall. 

Diary of Events 

• Mon. 3 March, 20:00 - Memorial Hall AGM. 

All are welcome to attend this brief formal meeting with an opportunity to ask questions followed by a glass of wine and nibbles Please come along - your support and comments would be greatly appreciated. Sadly, some members are moving away. The committee is in good shape and it's an opportune time to think about joining and contributing new ideas. 

• Tues. 4 March, 10.30am - Monthly Coffee Morning. 

All welcome to enjoy a hot beverage, pastry or/and pancake on Shrove Tuesday. 

• Sun. 9 March, 19:00 - Whist Evening. 

Beginners and experienced players enjoy a  couple of hours attempting to score the most points for a cash price but don’t take themselves seriously and there are some hilarious moments! 

• Tues. 1 April, 10:30 - Coffee Morning. 

• Sat. 5 April and Fri. 11 April, 18:30 for 19:00 - Murder Mystery Supper Evening. 

The Churn Players present "Murder at the Village Hall". A comedy murder mystery for the audience to figure out " who dunnit". There will be a two-course home cooked supper. Tickets £20. Due to over demand last year, there will be two performances. Book your seats ASAP with Kathy on 07881511820 or kathykerr-rettie@hotmail.co.uk 

● Sat. 12 April, 19:00 - Easter Bingo. This is an evening not to be missed! 

• Sat. 17 May, 10:00 - North Cerney Scamper. 

Following the success of last year's Scamper we are hoping to have over 100 runners (or walkers) this centenary year. Please join the enthusiastic crowd and take part in this fantastic Churn Valley Event. The race bibs are being sponsored again by 'Up and Running' the wonderful running shop in Cheltenham. We are very grateful for their continued support. 

In Memorium 

Grateful thanks to the family of Trevor Matthews for the generous donation gifted at his funeral to the Village Hall in in his memory. Dot, Trevor and Keran had fond associations with North Cerney Village Hall. Cathy Martin

February 2025

Village Hall News

A belated Happy New Year to all Churn News readers!

Before looking forward to 2025, our grateful thanks go to Karen, Suzie and their extendedfamilies for the marvelous Christmas Family Bingo. It lived up to expectation of laughs, serious concentration, fantastic prizes and jolly good fun. We look forward to another fundraisingEaster Bingo.

It is fair to say that under the guidance of our Chairperson Kathy Rettie-Denness, the committee has pulled the Village Hall back into the heart of the community. We are gratefulto those of you who have supported the varied fundraising events which has enabled thecommittee to pay for many structural upgrades and improvements to fixtures and fittings such as recently replacing some of the inefficient radiators with eco thermostatic ones. The busydiary of events and increased bookings for family and group gatherings has energised andmaintained the committee's motivation.

We have a committed team, but two key members are leaving the area, and we need to recruit.Please consider whether this is the year that you can take a turn. Not all roles involve anonerous time commitment; some young computer savvy members could revolutionise howwe promote ourselves and bring fresh ideas.

We all have busier lives than years ago but as a parish we are so fortunate to have this lovelyHall. We will be celebrating its centenary on 8-9 June and hope that residents from all of theChurn Valley catchment will contribute and support the weekend of activities.

If you just want to chat about joining, please phone Cathy 07748914879.

Diary of Events 

January

•      Sun 26th at 7.00pm: Whist for beginners, improvers, and experienced players.

February

•      Tues 4th at 10.30am: Monthly Coffee Morning

March

•      Mon 3rd at 7.30pm: North Cerney Village Hall A.G.M. followed by glass of wine andnibbles. Please join us.

April

•      Easter Bingo to April 12th at 19:00

May

•      Sat 17th at 10am: North Cerney Scamper. 5K or 10K at own pace, suitable for allages.

June

•      June 7/8 Village Hall Centenary Celebrations

Cathy Martin

January 2025

Village Hall News 

Highlights from 2024

Looking back over 2024 it's noticeable that the stream of events and bookings has gatheredmomentum and there is a sense that our hall is playing the part for which it was built. We will be celebrating 100 years of the hall serving the community next year and hope you will supportthe June 2025 weekend activities designed for all ages, skills and interests.

In the past year the range of events is impressive from chatty coffee mornings, fitness classes,tack sales, skittles, whist, parties, significant family events and social get together.

In the spring there was the very successful North Cerney scamper/fun run which boosted thehall's maintenance fund.

Jesse has already started the considerable organisation needed to manage next spring's run.

The Churn Valley Player's Murder Mystery evening was very well supported with quite a fewpeople unable to source tickets after they were sold out. The players are planning to stage asimilar event early next year.

Very memorable was the celebration of Zambia Independence Day by Zambian SocietyMembers gathering from a number of neighbouring counties.

The usual Harvest lunch, a joint church and hall initiative was also a joyous event and wellsupported.

Recently the hall rang to the joy of excited school children at their Christmas Fare and Christmas Disco.

The community also supported the Macmillan Coffee morning which raised an incredible£700 for the charity which supports individuals diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Thanks to the talented Abbie Stanfield of the musical duo Serendipity, the Christmas Dineand Dance night was enjoyed by a full house and appreciated as a night to dance 'as if noone was looking'!

The final event of the year was the Christmas Family Bingo organised by Karen and Suziewho worked tirelessly to source the wonderful hampers and prizes. A jolly, fun eveningdespite the concentration required to keep up with Karen's expert number calling.

Future Diary Events:

•      Tuesday 7th January - 10.30: Monthly coffee morning.

•      Monday 20th January –

19.15pm: Hall Committee meeting.

•      Sunday 26th January – 19:00: Whist Evening.

•      Tuesday 4th February -10.30: Monthly Coffee Morning.

Cathy Martin

November 2024

Village Hall News

When you thought it was all over the Village Hall has bubbled with community events this month. The monthly coffee morning was again very well attended and we welcomed a jolly group of school parents, some new this term.  It was a particular treat for those who had a free hand massage with Charlotte Chippendale. John Martin's allotment hands were super soft and he too found it deeply relaxing.

The Harvest Lunch was as always a great gathering. A hearty meal was enjoyed, old friends met up and the children played. This was a free event jointly hosted by the Church and the Village Hall Committee. Many thanks to all who helped, cooked and donated food. The "left overs" were distributed to members of the community who were unable to get to the hall.

A Macmillan Coffee Morning was held on Friday 11th October, a first for the hall.  This event was absolutely uplifting.  The generosity and good will of our wonderful communities showed their true colours. Thanks to a fantastic donation from ‘Fire and Flow Roastery’ participants were able to enjoy top quality delicious coffee with a superb selection of fresh home-made cakes. 

This event was initiated by Maria

Houghton, well known amongst her friends as an exceptional baker of cakes. Maria and her husband Dave worked all week and the spread was a delight. Grateful thanks to all those who gifted cakes, plants, books and bric-a-brac and committee members who worked so hard to host this event. 

A spectacular £700 was made and we thank all those who swelled the coffers with many generous donations. What a phenomenal result which will aid the work done by this fabulous charity; always there for those living with cancer and their loved ones. 

Regular users of the hall are noticing and appreciating the gradual upgrading of the fabric and facilities of the hall. The long list of things to be fixed is reducing. Particular effort is going into clearing the overhanging branches which causes the paths to be slippery.  The toilets will be improved with more efficient heating and the damaged decoration repainted now the leaks in the old chimney stack has dried. The stage curtains have also been washed and repaired.

Thank you again to Julius Giles who was persuaded to continue with garden clearance and maintenance over the summer and who has now finally stepped down. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• Tuesday 5th November, 10.30: Coffee Morning. Beverage and pastry only £2.50. All welcome.

• Every Thursday from Thursday 7

November to Thursday 12 December,

19:00:  Indoor Puppy Classes

This is a beginner course for young puppies 12 weeks old up to 20 weeks at the start date of 7th November. However, please enquire if your dog is close to this age and we can discuss suitability.

The course lasts for six weeks starting Thursday 7th November. You will learn something new each session, or progress the training from a previous week.

It covers all foundation training for a puppy - sit, down, stay, wait, recall, watchme, and lead walking to name a few. It also provides advice and training on puppy behaviours such as; biting/nipping, jumping up, separation anxiety, crate training/sleeping through the night, plus much more!

The classes are run by a fully qualified Dog

Behaviourist and Master Professional Dog Trainer. There is limited space - first come, first served. Book now to avoid disappointment at cotswoldpetservices.co.uk

For questions or to register your interest, please call Kathy on 01285 360013 or email classes@cotswoldpetservices.co.uk

• Friday 29th November. Christmas Dine and Dance. We are delighted that Abbie Stansfield will be performing and getting us on our feet and dusting off our moves. There will be a 2 course home-made supper (including a vegetarian option). Bar open 7:15 pm, Dinner at 8pm, Dancing from 9pm. Tickets £15. Book tickets from Cathymartin4747@gmail.com  07 748914879.

• Sunday 1st December. School Christmas Fair  

• Tuesday 3rd December.  Monthly coffee morning.

• Saturday 14th December. Christmas Family Bingo. (details next month) 

Cathy Martin

October 2024

Village Hall News

The glorious weather is a window of opportunity for the Autumn “garden clearance” and the committee is focussed on cutting back overhanging trees which are causing the paths to be slippery. The area at the front of the hall will then be cleared and upgraded.

Toilet improvements hang on a grant application to change the inefficient heating and to install timed thermostatic electric radiators.

Please note that with regret the family BBQ (Saturday September 28th) has been CANCELLED due to staffing difficulties.

Everyone is very welcome at the Harvest Lunch on 6 October!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• Tuesday 1st October, 10:30: Coffee Morning

There is a growing number of regulars who gather to chat. Everyone is very welcome, truly the more the merrier. In addition to delicious fresh coffee and warm pastries you can enjoy a relaxing hand massage curtesy of Charlotte Chippendale. We also hope that there will be a guest appearance of North Cerney's brand new small resident.

• Sunday 6 October, 12:30: Harvest Lunch

Following the Harvest Festival in North Cerney Church, the lunch is open to everyone whether or not you and your family attend the service. Please come and join in the home cooked seasonal lunch. This is always an uplifting village occasion with a long tradition. There is no charge, expenses being met by the Church and Village Hall funds.

• Friday 11 October, 11:00 – 13:00: Macmillan Coffee Morning

A charity dear to us all. 

Please come along and support. There will be wonderful cakes to enjoy with a drink and to buy to take home. There will also be bric-abrac, raffle, books, plants etc. A jolly morning to raise funds for this excellent charity. Please donate what you can. We would appreciate cakes, raffle prizes and any items you might be turning out. For collection contact: Cathy Martin 07748914879.

• Friday 25 October, 19:00: Whist Evening

The nights will be drawing in, a traditional time to get the cards out, sharpen your wits and have a good laugh. Do come!

 Save these dates!

• Saturday 1 December: School Christmas

Fair.

• Saturday 14 December: Family Christmas Bingo.

Cathy Martin

 September 2024 

Village Hall News

August is all comings and goings so it was good to catch up with friends and neighbours at the monthly coffee morning. The group is growing, so do please drop in. Every second Tuesday at 10.30am. Quality coffee and warm pastries, conversation and laughter. Only £2:50.

Dates for the Diary

• Monday, 2 September:  Committee Meeting – 19:00.

• Tuesday, 3 September: Coffee Morning - 10:30.

• Monday, 16 September:  Inaugural Centenary Meeting – 19:00

To plan celebratory festivities for the Village Hall’s Centenary next June. This is an opportunity for residents of the six Churn Valley areas to be involved in shaping this whole community event. We are so fortunate to have this much-loved hall. We've come together for the Jubilee and Coronation and now it's our own centenary celebrations. Please come to the meeting and become involved. 

• Saturday, 21 September: Family Drinks and BBQ – 18:00

Everyone is welcome to this late summer/ autumn term BBQ on the Village Hall Patio if weather permits. We aim to bring the school and local communities together. Only £3.00 for sausage baps, £4.00 for beef burgers. Bar open and free squash. 

• Tuesday 1 October: Coffee Morning - 10.30 

• Sunday 6 October: Harvest Thanksgiving Lunch - 12:30

Whether you have attended the Harvest Festival service in the church or not, this is a delightful annual occasion. 

Everyone is very welcome!

The food is traditional and seasonal including soups, garlic/french bread and homemade puddings. Please come, this is always a heart warming, get together. Lots of space for the children to play on the patio. This is a church and hall committee joint venture, and so there is no charge for this event. 

• Friday 11 October: Macmillan Coffee Morning - 11.00

The charity’s annual fundraising coffee mornings will be organised by individuals and organisations throughout Sep/Oct. Most of us will know of individuals and families who have struggled following cancer diagnosis and Macmillan is the leading charity supporting people living with cancer. 

Please support our effort to host the first Macmillan coffee morning in the hall.

There will of course be delicious coffee and oodles of cakes but also take-away homemade soups. We would very much appreciate donations. So, all you cooks and bakers please get baking!

There will also be stalls including produce, books, jams, and bric-a-brac.

Please have a turn-out in your cupboards. We can collect and store. Please contact Cathy on 07748 914879.

Kathy Kerr-Rettie

August 2024

 North Cerney Memorial Village Hall

The BIG news on the hall renovation front is that the leaking chimney has at last been removed and the roof so well retiled that it's hard to see where it had been. We are extremely grateful to Cain Hinder who kindly took on this job that no one else wanted. Once the internal plaster has dried out then the unsightly straining can be redecorated. Looking ahead, the North Cerney Scamper was a knock out success and Jess James has already kicked off the organisation for Scamper 2.

 • Diary Date May 17th 2025 Is there any enthusiasm for 'Sofa to Scamper' North Cerney joggers?

 • The Village Hall Summer BBQ Due to poor weather this became an indoor social event which could be simply summed up as laughing, eating, chatting and skittles. It was a delightful evening with over 60 people enjoying company and numerous local children meeting up and having fun.. So lovely to celebrate the start of the school summer holidays with this whole village whoop. Hopefully, another get together will be organised in September for families to re-group at the beginning of term

Village Hall Diary 

o Sunday July 28th. 12.00. Woodmancote Fete. o Tuesday Aug 6th 10.30am Coffee Morning o Tuesday Sep 3rd 10.30am. Coffee Morning

• Centenary The Memorial Hall will reach its centenary next year. The Hall committee has started to discuss celebrations which provisionally will take place during the weekend of 7/8th June 2025. The hall was built to encourage people from the local neighbourhoods to come together and re build community cohesion following WW1. Therefore, it is hoped that all sectors such as the school, churches, choir, drama and local businesses will come together to stage a wonderful weekend of celebratory activities. The first planning meeting will take place on Monday evening 16th September. If you are interested in being involved, please contact Kathy Rettie-Denness on 07881511820. Meanwhile, if you have old photographs or historical information, please do contact Cathymartin4747@gmail com 

July 2024

 North Cerney Memorial Village Hall

North Cerney Memorial Village Hall News June has been busy and fun in the Village Hall! 

The regular coffee mornings (FIRST TUESDAY EACH MONTH) are a must. 

Charlotte Chippendale kindly came to the last one and gave free hand massages which were appreciated and so popular that she will be there again on July 2nd.

 The Whist Drives are now gaining traction and we have finally cracked the format so there is an ordered flow of play and proper score keeping. The evening was quite competitive and very good fun. The prize pot was rolled over to the next whist evening on Sunday June 23rd. (Entry £1). Look out for posters advertising the July Whist Drive!

  The Jazz Swing Band Evening was really well attended and enjoyed. Great musicians and an all-round good evening. • The Evening Drinks and plant exchange on Sunday June 9th was a pleasant and sociable event. Nice weather meant that folk could enjoy the patio which is such a boost to the hall facilities. 

Village Hall Diary 

• Monday 1 July: Village Hall Committee Meeting 

•Tuesday 2 July: Coffee Morning •Saturday 20 July: BBQ (£3), 18:30. Everyone Welcome! Do come and make this a jolly summer Village event Village Hall Renovation 

The Bar is now looking transformed by a stunning redecoration. Our enormous thanks to Daryl Hamlett who has persevered with the bar upgrade along with Fran Robbins. What a team, great work. Next Year the Memorial Hall will be 100 years old. If anyone in the community has stories and special memories we would like to hear from you. In particular, can anyone remember or have photographs of the hall before the extension was built 

June 2024

 North Cerney Memorial Village Hall

Coffee Mornings 

The monthly coffee mornings are a great social get together. 

Cllr Paul Hodkinson was able to join us in May and was pleased to see the improvements that have been made thanks to the County Council grant awarded by the 'Build Back Better' Councillor Scheme. Please do call in for fresh coffee and pastry (only £2.50) on the first Tuesday of every month. 

 North Cerney Scamper on 18 May The combination of a beautiful sunny morning, over 80 keen runners, impeccable organisation, abundant refreshments, oodles of good will and smiling well wishers made this fun run one to remember. Some people hurtled, others jogged or walked round the 5/10 K route which encompassed the best of the glorious North Cerney countryside and views, looked after by encouraging marshals /first aider and community police officer.

 Meanwhile back in the hall the Village Hall Committee and friends had a wonderful restoring select of refreshments and endless tea waiting. This was the culmination of a year of planning and organisation by Jess James who suggested the event as a fundraiser for the hall. She offered to organise it which she did to absolute perfection.

 Enormous thanks to Jess for this stellar effort and also to Gareth James who ran the course countless times checking safety distance and all things logistic. Thanks also to the farmer who moved his cows to enable gates to be left open and the route to cross the field. Runners and supporters were impressed with the village hall and some will be booking it for their next celebratory events. They were able to sit in the sun on the new patio for the first time and the round tables, cloths and matching china looked great! This has been a major fundraising event which will contribute enormously to the essential village hall chimney repairs. The committee is now in a position to go ahead with ordering the scaffolding and removal of the problematic chimney due to the proceeds from the scamper and a generous donation from North Cerney Parish Council. 

Drinks Evening

 Following the Whist Evening on May 23rd which will hopefully be much enjoyed, the next event is the Drinks Evening on Sunday June 9th. If you have surplus plants and produce, please bring it along for swopping and sharing Anytime between 6.00pm and 9.00pm

NORTH CERNEY MEMORIAL VILLAGE HALL…DIARY OF EVENTS

 • Committee Meeting: Monday June 3rd 7pm

 • Coffee Morning: Tuesday 4th June 10.30am

 • Evening Drinks: Sunday June 9th 6-9pm 

• "Swing from Paris " Jazz Evening: Friday June 14th 7.00 for 7.30pm 

MAY 2024

 North Cerney Memorial Village Hall

The hall committee held it’s AGM on 25th March when all 9 current committee members agreed to stand for a further year.

The Chair Kathy Rettie-Denness delivered a positive report about the hard-working committee’s achievements over the last year. When appointed members knew that there was much work to do to invigorate the fabric and maintenance of the hall to stimulate interest and gr eater use of the hall. Consequently, the committee have held monthly meetings to plan, prioritise and receive financial reports in addition to running events, supporting bookings, building, stocking and staffing the bar, cooking suppers, maintaining and cleaning the hall etc. 

Kathy made no apologies for reminding the community that the hall was part funded by a post WW1 government initiative to build village halls to ‘Build back Community Cohesion’. The land was bequeathed by the then Lord Bathurst in perpetuity PROVIDED that: - “The land and building is held in trust for the use of the inhabitants of the parish of North Cerney and Neighbourhoods. A committee of management shall consist of competent persons and representatives of local organisation to ensure the upkeep, repair and improvement of the building and surrounds”.

 However, there is little point in the committee working hard to raise funds to upkeep and promote the hall if it’s not used and supported by local people. The inference is that without a management committee the land with the building can be reclaimed. This community resource is dependent on the residents actively managing and supporting the use of the hall. Given that the hall belongs to the residents, this committee decided to waver booking charges for non-profit local groups such as the Church, Community Choir, Churn valley players, School, Woodmancote play area group etc. 

The funds needed to pay for the bar area upgrade: commercial cooker, drinks cooler, stable door, path and patio improvement, electrics and wall lighting, round tables etc. has been raised by providing a variety of events to appeal to different demographics. We’ve held successful Supper and band evenings, Murder-Mystery play and supper, Choir concerts, Harvest thanksgiving, Table top sales, Skittles and BBQ, Whist, Bingo, monthly Coffee mornings etc.

 We are grateful to Cllr Paul Hodgkinson who supported our successful application for a post covid ‘Build Back Better’ grant. Also, to Sue Herman for supplying 80 sets of matching crockery and to Jane and Sam Wilkinson for their contribution towards the wall lights.

The committee also address the longstanding debate concerning the Stage retention versus removal. It was decided to keep a record of the number of times the stage was used, when greater floor space was required, booking enquiries etc. so that a decision was based on evidence as to the greater use. Our booking officer was able to report that there were very few occasions when we needed more capacity than 80 seated spaces and when this occurred the 11 stage was also needed e.g. Supper and band, Murder/Mystery, Choir concerts. Quiz evening etc. Therefore, the issue of The Stage is laid to rest during the tenure of this committee.

 Kathy thanked members of the committee and their partners for the time, skills, dedication and commitment provided over the last year. Also, to the hard-core supporters who have attended almost every event in the hall over the last year. “We appreciate you and would find it hard to maintain motivation without you.” A plea for more volunteer to join the committee was made especially as we need to devise a way of celebrating the Memorial Hall’s 100th year inception next year. Committee Members: •

 Chair: Kathy Rettie-Denness; • Co-Chair: Sue Power (thanked for agreeing to co-chair, stocking and staffing the bar.);

 • Secretary: Jane Hayhurst (thanked for timely and accurate minutes, health and safety brief and much needed policy updates); 

• Treasurer: Barry Koch (thanked for accurate accounting, liaison with our auditor and keeping the committee to task re financial affordability!); 

• Booking: Sue Clegg (thanked for responding to enquiries, booking contracts, maintaining the calendar and website and keeping the hall clean over the last year); • Bar: Fran Robbins (thanked for agreeing to manage the bar and designing the bar area, especially the be-stoke barrel counter); 

• Bar and Maintenance: Daryl Hamlet (thanked for co-designing and hours spent building the bar counter. Also, our skittles supremo); • Parish Council Rep: Cathy Martin (thanked for arranging some key events, publicity, supper cooking and latterly taking on the cleaning); 

• Church Representative: David Minns (thanked for building a tower and climbing a great hight to paint a wall and for the monthly prayer and supper meetings which contributed to the hall’s grant application); 

• Newest recruit: Lyubov Kuznetsova (thanked for volunteering to join the committee and supporting the hall over many years, our washing supremo)

 NORTH CERNEY MEMORIAL VILLAGE HALL…DIARY OF EVENTS

• Tack Sale: Fri 26th April @ 6.00pm

 • Committee Meeting: Mon 29th April @7.00pm

 • Coffee Morning: Tues 7th May @10.30pm

 • North Cerney Scamper: Sat 18th May 10.00am 

• Whist Evening: Thurs 23rd 6.45 for 7.00pm • Swing from Paris (Jazz and gypsy): Friday 14th June 7.00 for 7.30pm Kathy Rettie-Denness 

  APRIL 2024

North Cerney Memorial Village Hall

• The Village Hall has hosted a plethora of fun events to cheer us all up postChristmas! The Churn Valley Players pulled it off and put on an amazing murder mystery evening to a sell-out audience. All agreed that the show was a great success and there were many comments about what fun it was attempting to work out who DID NOT have a reason to commit murder in this play within a play. Well done to the successful sleuths! Congratulations to Fran Robbins and the dedicated players.

 The cooks were heartened to receive many kind compliments. Kathy Rettie-Denness may say she never wants to see another lasagne, but we hope that memory fades. Congratulations to her and her team. The evening raised £800, much needed funds towards the next project.

 • Bingo Night Having never played bingo before I didn't know what to expect but, on entering the hall, I was stunned by the array of prizes. Game on and the novices were nursed along. Very soon breath was held, pens scratched and hopes ran high until the spell was broken by "BINGO". It was all good family fun. The children loved it and could prompt the hard of hearing, even a five year old could help his dad and the baby cooed! Enormous thanks to Karen Savory and Suzie Notman for organising and running the wonderful evening. 

• Don't miss our Coffee Mornings! The monthly coffee morning was convivial as ever. Do come to the next one, remember it's the first Tuesday of each month. It's a great way to get to know your neighbours, and at only £2:50 for freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries it's "a no brainer". • 

The North Cerney Scamper It's time now to sign up and book your race number in the North Cerney Scamper. This will be a terrific village event if not THE village event of 2024. Please get involved, get fit, have fun and support this major event. Huge thank you to Jess James who is single handedly planning and organising it.

 • Village Hall Diary of Events - 

Coffee Morning: Tuesday April 2nd 10:30 (All welcome!) - 

Easter Holiday Children's Fun: Wednesday April 3rd 12:00-16:30 (Booking essential - Contact cathymartin4747@gmail.com) - Woodmancote 

Playground Project Quiz: Friday April 12th 19:00-22:30 - 

Skittles: Saturday April 13th, 18:30 - North Cerney Scamper (5/10K fun run): Saturday May 18th , 10:00 - 

Tack Sale: Friday April 26th , 18:00-20:30. 

If you use the hall, you will have hopefully noticed the gradual improvements. However, sadly, you will also notice the unsightly ever enlarging brown stain and damaged plaster from a disused chimney. We have been advised that the only solution is to remove the old stack. This is the next project and we need to raise over £3000 to get it fixed. The committee is extremely grateful to the Parish Council for a generous donation of £1500 towards this urgent repair. Cathy Martin 

March 2024

North Cerney Memorial Village Hall

If you measure success by laughter and conviviality, the first whist Drive on Sunday January 28th was up there. As the rust wore off and the rules were clarified, they were off! Some pairs got lucky with their shuffle of the cards, some were genuinely skillful, others (like myself) embraced the loser's shuffle from table to table as the evening progressed. 

By popular request there will be another Whist Drive soon. The monthly coffee mornings are gathering momentum and the last one on February 6th was very well attended. These are not aimed at fundraising: £2:50 covers freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries. It's such a welcoming, supportive, friendly event. Do come. 

Village Hall Upgrades

 • Bar 

The new drinks chiller has now been installed in the bar, and plans are afoot to redecorate.

 • Hall 

The ongoing problem of water staining due to a chimney leak has been temporarily fixed and the damaged paintwork will be repaired as soon as possible. In the long term, the obsolete chimney will need to be removed to prevent further problems when funds allow. The new plaster work following electrical installation is finally dry and repairs to the dado rail are in progress.Various curtains have also been washed, repaired and rehung. Hopefully people using the hall on a regular basis will notice the steady improvements. 

Village Hall Diary of Events

• Bingo: Saturday March 9th 7pm (“Eyes down” 7:30!)

 • Whist Drive: Friday, March 22nd 7pm

• Village Hall AGM: Monday, March 25th 7pm

 • Easter Holiday Children's Fun: Wednesday April 3rd 12:00-4:30pm

 • Skittles: Saturday April 13th , 6:30pm 

• North Cerney Scamper (10K Fun Run): Saturday May 18th 10am Easter Holiday Children's Fun We would like local children to have an opportunity to meet and enjoy an afternoon in the village hall. (Table tennis, table football, arts and crafts) Lunch will be provided and an afternoon snack. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult (£2 /child). Please book in advance! Contact: cathymartin4747@gmail.com Please note the AGM in the calendar. This is an important event and we hope that you are able to come and support the committee who is working hard to maintain the hall and run events for the churn Valley residents for whom the hall was bequeathed. North Cerney Scamper Please put this date in your diary, get into training and sign up ( all information on the poster ) Murder Mystery At the time of writing, the Churn Valley Players are busily rehearsing for this exciting evening of intrigue and suspense on February 24th. The tickets sold out very quickly. It will 6 be action packed both on the stage and in the kitchen. Can You Help Please? The Village Hall is in need of traditional garden furniture for the new patio and also a small garden shed for storage. If by chance you are upgrading and could donate anything to the hall we would be very pleased to hear from you. Contact: cathymartin4747@gmail com Big Birthday The hall will be 100 years old next year. Suggestions of ways to commemorate its centenary would be welcome. The Village Hall is central to the life of the Churn Valley and much loved. Thinking hats on please! Cathy Martin 

February 2024

North Cerney Memorial Village Hall

The two January social events, coffee morning and skittles evening were well attended and jolly. The skittles is a wonderful opportunity for families to have an evening out. There is no entrance fee and inexpensive sausage baps and drinks are available. The regular children love joining in the killer tournament, helping "stick up" and playing table football. So please come along to the next skittles evening. All ages welcome. Village Hall Diary of Events 

• Whist Drive (Saturday 28 January, 18:00) Don't be put off if you've never played whist or your game is rusty. All abilities welcome. The bar will be open! • Coffee Morning (Tuesday 6 February, 10:30) Only £2.50 for cafetière coffee, pastry, warmth and company. 

• Murder Mystery (Saturday 24 February) Doors open at 7pm and the action starts promptly at 7.30pm. Supper will be served at 8.15pm A good night out for only £20 /ticket! • Easter Family Bingo (Sunday 3 March) Free entrance. Bar opens 19:00. Eyes down 19:30!

 • Village Hall AGM This will take place on Monday 25 March at 19:00.

North Cerney Scamper (Saturday 18 May) It's the New Year and time to plan ahead. This is the big Village Hall/school event for 2024 so don't hang about and SIGN UP!! Although not until May the organisers are working hard. If you wish to volunteer as a marshal please email: jessicacatherinejames@gmail.com The event is being supported by “Running Somewhere Else”, the Cirencester running club, who have already been out to walk the course and are kindly loaning race day equipment. Sam Wilkinson who did the original run in 1978 said that they stopped for a pint half way round. Sam says he would not recommend this!

Family Wedding 

I would like to share my personal experience of running an event in the village hall in late December. The heating worked well and the hall felt cosy. With the new soft wall lighting and attractive outdoor lamp, I found it easy to create a party atmosphere. The Glitter ball was an instant success with the dancing children as was the coloured stage lights. The kitchen although dated “style wise” was very clean and easy to use. The new cooker was excellent and there was ample cutlery and crockery and hot water. As it was cold the outdoor patio area was not used but had it been summer time it would have added another versatile space for a BBQ or just to spill outside. This was an old school low budget wedding but fantastic fun and very easy to organise. So 6 do consider using the village hall for your family celebrations. The car park opposite was also very convenient. Cathy Martin 

January 2024

North Cerney Memorial Village Hall News

 • Dance Evening The improvements to the village hall made organising this event remarkably easy. The band rocked, the bar was busy and it was a fun sociable evening. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen.

• Coffee Morning The monthly coffee morning is gaining traction. It's a very friendly atmosphere. Pastries and coffee for £2.50. Do come! • Christmas Cheer On a miserable wet December evening the village hall welcomed the Churn Valley Choir who were a complete joy. As promised it was an evening of carols and Christmas music made even merrier by mulled wine and warm mince pies. Thank you to all who sang and helped. Donations were made to the Yellow Bus charity 

2024 Looking to the New Year! 

• February 24th 7.30pm (Lights, Camera, MURDER!) When the Christmas fun has faded there will be thrills in the village hall. The Churn Valley Players are busy rehearsing for a spine chilling murder mystery event. This is your chance to sit back, enjoy the drama and try to figure out 'who dunnit'. Encourage your friends to come along and join in the fun. The ticket includes a home cooked 2 course meal. Book early as numbers will be limited! Tickets £20.00; Phone:07886 939587/ 077303 94249. 

• Saturday May 18th (“The Scamper”) We are excited to announce the North Cerney fun trail /run to be called "The Scamper". It is nearly 50 years since the last NC run and we hope that at least one resident will repeat the heroic feat of half a century ago. Jessica James has initiated and is organising this fantastic event which will raise funds for both the school and the village hall. Booking is now open!! Information is on the poster and the Village Hall website. There will a maximum of 200 runners so make sure you take part in what will be a huge village event.

 Village Hall Diary of Events

• January 2nd , Coffee Morning 10.30am 

• Saturday January 20th , Skittles Evening 6pm 

• Sunday January 28th , Whist Drive 6pm

 • Tuesday February 6th , Coffee Morning 10.30am

 • February 24th , Murder Mystery and Supper Evening 7.30pm

 • Saturday May 18th North Cerney Scamper 10am

 • Vintage Map of North Cerney Orders are being taken for a print run thanks to Nick DeCarle. The map is fascinating and details the historic field boundaries and ancient names. If you want to know where the likes of Lark Slad, Crampon Piece and Moggs barn are then you need this map. Only £5 (in aid of NC primary school) Contact Cathy Martin (07748914879). 

• Village Hall Refurbishment A new drinks cooler has been purchased for the bar and is ready to be installed and finally a new much improved secure external door is being fitted from the bar to the patio. This will be a stable door design to enable drinks to be served to the patio for outdoor summer events. This has been a major expenditure 6 and completes the bar upgrade. The committee is very grateful to Daryl Hamlet and Fran Robbins for all the dedication they have put into upgrading the bar. 

The ambitious programme of hall upgrades has made this a very expensive year. The committee has worked hard to put on a programme of events both social and fund - raising focussed to finance the work. We have applied for grants and been supported by the Parish Council and our County Councillor. The hall is a crucial resource to North Cerney, the local villages and the school. We would ask the whole community to support these efforts by coming to events and offering any help or skills you might have. If suitable raffle prizes come your way or your place of work is being refurbished please keep the needs of the hall in mind. Any donations are of course very much appreciated. Cathy Martin 

North Cerney Memorial Village Hall News - August 2023

Spurred on by the successful ‘Summer

Song and Supper’ concert, the Hall Committee are meeting regularly to plan further monthly social events. Sufficient revenue was raised to purchase additional kitchen ware.

A post covid ‘Build Back Better’ grant of £5000 supported by our County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson has been agreed in principle by the County Council.  Therefore, we are busy updating the Constitution; Health and Safety; Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity policies. The grant will be spent on improving the kitchen and bar facilities as well as much needed matching tableware and glasses. 

We now have designated Health and Safety committee members who have ensured that we are compliant with fire regulations, exit signage, ramps, first aid provision etc. There is also a qualified First Aider and there is a plan to train all of the committee whist offering an opportunity for others in the community to participate in a one-day accredited training.

Not everyone goes away in August and many organisations take a break. Therefore, we are organising a Social

Drinks evening on Sun evening 13th August and Afternoon Tea on Sun 20th August. Please come for a social time and support the use of the hall. See separate adverts for details.

A Horse Tack sale is being organised for the evening of Fri 13th October from 6.00-9.00pm Please contact Fran Robbins for further details.

There will be a local community Table Top sale on 21st October; an opportunity to purchase table space for £10 and sell your pre-loved and home-made goods. A Jumble sale will be organised for later in the year.

A date for the Harvest lunch will be announced in the next edition of Churn News as well as dates for table tennis, community suppers, coffee morning and an Art tuition class.

The bar build continues at a good pace and a larger drink cooler will enable more choice of alcoholic as well as soft drinks. The card reader ensures that both card and cash can be used. An Evening Drinks evening planned for Sunday 13th August will provide an opportunity to visit the bar if you did not manage to attend the concert or skittles evening.

Many thanks to Jules Giles who has been tending to the beds outside the hall for many years. Unfortunately, he has been unable to do so over the last few weeks and it shows! If anyone can help with weeding and re-planting can you please contact Sue Clegg.

North Cerney Memorial Village Hall 

Gifted in perpetuity by Earl Bathurst in 1925,  a piece of land was given to a group of local  appointed trustees for the explicit purpose of  constructing a village hall to replace the  village reading room.  

The Charity Commission (Charities Act 1960)  agreed a constitution in 1962 which stipulates  that the land and building:- 

“shall be held in trust for the use of the  inhabitants of the Parish of North Cerney and  the surrounding neighbourhoods thereof”  

The constitution requires a committee of  Management trustees to be appointed on an  annual basis (AGM); to meet regularly and to  ensure that all income generated is used to  repair, insure and generally maintain the hall  structure and fixtures in good order. 

The current trustees which were appointed in  March of this year aim to provide a range of facilities at an affordable cost to other  charities, organisations and individuals. 

Predictably, the increasing costs of  maintenance, insurance, electricity and fuel is  proving to be a challenge and the costs are  ongoing whether the hall is occupied or under  utilised as has been the case since Covid. 

The new committee is determined to increase  booking opportunities in order to raise funds  and to upgrade the facilities as well as  actively organising events to bring people  together. The well attended and successful  Jubilee and Coronation teas demonstrated  the communities' wish to meet socially. The  supper and dancing to a live band was also  well attended in November 2022. 

The kitchen has recently been fitted with a  brand new commercial oven and serviceable worktops. Plans are in place to  improve the bar facilities and small lounge  area. The hall is a versatile venue and  booking for family events are encouraged:- birthday, christening, wedding parties and  wakes can be held for up to 80 people  seated. For music and stage performances  without tables the limit is100 people.  Anyone is welcome to organise their own  catering or hire private caterers.  Alternatively, members of the committee  who are experienced in catering and running  a bar may be able to assist with your event. 

Furthermore, the committee is keen to  receive suggestions for how we can improve  the use of the hall and to have conversations  with you (without obligation) about any  future events you might plan to organise. We  will also be really pleased to welcome new  committee members.  

We have already had requests for coffee  mornings, afternoon tea and suppers, barn  dance, adult table tennis, skittles evenings,  art/craft tutorials, table tops sales, clothes  swaps and educational talks.