Column of Fairford and Lechlade news in Standard

1. Exciting times at Fairford Cricket Club 

Fairford Cricket Club would like to invite the local community to an exclusive sneak preview of the plans for their brand-new pavilion; invite youngsters to the outdoor junior nets and practice; watch a friendly cricket match; try an open nets session and enjoy a barbecue.

The new pavilion, which is due to be completed in 2025/2026, will not only serve the players and their families throughout the cricket season but will also be an exciting new venue for the whole community to enjoy throughout the year.

Fairford Cricket Club committee members will be on hand to answer your questions on Friday April 19 (from 6pm) and on Saturday April 20.

Fairford Cricket Club will also be kicking off their outdoor junior nets and practice on Friday April 19 from 6pm for U11s (Years 5/6), U13s (Years 7/8) and U15 (Years 9/10). If your child is interested in playing cricket, please bring them along.

On Saturday April 20, weather permitting, there will be a friendly cricket match taking place from 1pm. An open nets session will also run from 1pm-4pm for anyone wishing to refresh their skills or try their hand at a new sport.

Whether you love playing or watching cricket; are looking for a venue for your next celebration; or just fancy a drink, Fairford Cricket Club is the place to be. Boasting Fairford’s best beer garden, the friendly club welcomes both playing and social members, so even if cricket isn’t your thing, the doors will be open for everyone to enjoy a fully stocked bar, peaceful surroundings and friendly atmosphere.

Do please come along and support the players, meet with new and existing members and view the exciting plans for the new pavilion. There will be a free barbecue on both days for all new social members. Social membership is currently just £20pa and you can sign up over the weekend.

For more information, email: fccsocialmedia@outlook.com.

2. Celebrating 50 years of girl guiding 

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GIRLGUIDING Sue Holton, who lives in Quenington, was recently presented with an award for her 50 years’ service as a Gloucestershire Girlguiding volunteer.

To mark the milestone anniversary, a tea party was held in Sue’s honour at Down Ampney Village Hall, after which the County Commissioner, Sue Cooper, presented Sue with a silver Girlguiding brooch.

Sue Holton actually starting Girlguiding in 1969 as an assistant Brownie leader in Surbiton, but then had a break to relocate to Gloucestershire. She then got involved with Quenington Brownies and became their leader in 1988. Since then, she has held many roles within the Girlguiding Gloucestershire East Division – including Fairford District Commissioner, Commissioner for the Division and currently President – a position she has held since 2012.

For just over 35 years, Sue has also been a key member of the local pack holiday home, Camp Wood House in Macaroni Wood and has helped to transform it into a very special holiday home for use by Girlguiding members.

Asked why Girlguiding has been so important in her life, Sue said: “I’d always enjoyed being a guide, with all the various activities. So, as I moved from being a girl guide at 16 years old, it seemed the natural thing to do to help other girls have the same wonderful experience that I’d had and so I chose to become a Brownie Leader. I’ve always enjoyed the support and friendship of all my fellow guiders and Trefoil members and have no plans to step back in my involvement in the near future.”

3. Nominations for annual citizen awards 

Fairford Town Council is inviting nominations for the Annual Citizen Awards: Citizen of the Year and The Albert Alder Award.

The Citizen of the Year award is to recognise an outstanding contribution to Fairford. The Albert Alder Award is to recognise an outstanding contribution to the environment in Fairford.

To be eligible for either Award, the nominee can be of any age, must be a resident of Fairford and their contribution must be voluntary and not paid. Each winner will receive a financial prize.

To nominate anyone for any of these Awards, please write to the Town Clerk on clerks@fairfordtowncouncil.gov.uk by Sunday April 7. The winners will be announced at the Annual Town Meeting in May.

4. Wonka to be shown in cinema next week 

The Palmer Hall Cinema is usually held on the second Wednesday of each month. The next film being shown on Wednesday April 10 is ‘Wonka’. With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Entry is £3.50 to include a free tea/coffee and a biscuit or £3 for a glass of wine. For more information about The Palmer Hall, visit www.thepalmerhall.org.

5. Concert of choral society 

The Fairford & District Choral Society will perform their next concert on Saturday April 13 at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Fairford. The concert programme is Dvorak Mass in D major and Faure Requiem.

The new conductor is Nia Llewelyn Jones and accompanist will be Ian Crabbe. Soloists will be Charlotte Newstead (Soprano), Nicole Boardman (Mezzo), Nicholas Drew (Tenor) and Nicholas Perfect (Bass). Tickets cost £15 or £5 for under 18s and will be on sale from members of the choir and Fairford Opticians or by calling 01285 713681 or on the door on the night.

6. Next mothers' union

The next Mothers’ Union meeting is on Wednesday April 10 at 2pm and is the Branch Meeting in the Hall. Speaker is Elizabeth Reay remembering MU holidays – ‘We’re off!’. For more information, contact Kathy on 01367 252543, 07708 563905 or kathryn8newton@gmail.com.

7. Upcoming gardening and history talks 

At the meeting of Lechlade Gardening Club on Wednesday April 10, Paul Green will be giving a talk called ‘Excellent Plants – new varieties and old favourites’. Meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall. Membership is £5 per person per annum, then £2 to attend each or £3 for visitors.

The Arts Society Upper Thames is pleased to invite you to a talk on Thursday April 11 about ‘The Art of Paula Rego’ with Helen Oakden, Head of History of Art Department, St Mary’s School, Ascot. The talk starts at 2pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall, but please arrive by 1.50pm. Please pre-book by email at tasupperthames.org.uk and pay £7.50 on the door.