WEEKLY column of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts MBE. 

1. Opening of the new outdoor classroom in Lechlade 

 Thanks to all the wonderful children at St Lawrence School, Lechlade, the Friends of St Lawrence School (FOSLS) have managed to raise over £12,000 to build a new Outdoor Classroom.

A spokesperson for FOSLS said: “Fundraising for this brilliant new Outdoor Classroom has been a whole school effort. From discos to fun runs, cake sales and raffles, everyone has played their part in raising enough money for this fantastic facility.”

Creating a love for nature amongst its students was a key ambition of St Lawrence School and the Outdoor Classroom provides the right environment to foster this.

The Outdoor Classroom, which was opened by Misty Kellett (the oldest child in the school and Harper Willams Denness (the youngest child in the school), is situated within the school field, overlooking the River Thames, and surrounded by trees. The structure accommodates up to 30 children (one class) at any one time.

Headteacher of the school, Mr Soutar said: “We are incredibly lucky to be situated in such a beautiful location and it feels only right that our children make the most of the nature that surrounds them.”

FOSLS would like to thank the Lechlade Community Fund and Nationwide Community Grants for their generous donations in support of this project.

2. Volunteers needed for girlguiding in and around Fairford 

Volunteer leaders are needed for girlguiding in and around Fairford.

Currently there are groups of Rainbows (age 5-7), Brownies (age 7-10) and Guides (age 10-14) meeting regularly.

The Guiding programme is wide-ranging with both indoor and outdoor activities for every girl to enjoy.

And it’s also about making new friends and just having fun together. Numbers have recovered quickly since the pandemic and there are now waiting lists for most groups, which is why more volunteer leaders are needed.

Without leaders, the group can’t grow and, in some cases, will struggle to keep going. Can you please spare a couple of hours a week in term time? No need to be there every week and no need to wear a uniform.

All skills and experience are welcome – there are no particular requirements apart from a have-a-go attitude and a sense of humour. For more information, please contact Philippa Griffin east@girlguidingglos.org.uk

3. Fairford Rugby Football Club celebrates 30th anniversary 

Fairford Rugby Football Club is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Saturday April 20 at Coln House Playing Fields, Horcott.

Starting at 10.30am with a kids’ colour run; then at 11.30am, there will be the youth End-of-Season presentations; followed at 12.30pm with hot dogs, music and bouncy castle fun. At 1.30pm FRFC Vixens game and at 3.15pm FRFC 1st XV game.

Free for junior FRFC members; £7.70 for non-member pre-booked tickets or £10 for non-members on the day. There are no charges to watch the Men’s and Vixen’s games. The costs detailed above are for non-member children (age 5-12) to purchase a wrist-band to gain access to the colour run, bouncy castle and have a hot dog. Food and refreshments served all day.

To pre-buy tickets, please contact chair@fairfordrfc.co.uk. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/fairfordrfc.

4. Recollections cafe 

The 1st Fairford Cubs are holding a Recollections Café on Saturday April 20 from 2pm-4pm in the Palmer Hall, Fairford.

An opportunity to share community memories of Fairford and surrounding areas with old and new residents in Fairford and members of Fairford History Society who will bring along photos and other memorabilia of Fairford and old photos of Fairford Scout Group, Heikina Ki Kai karate and more!

The Cubs will be on hand to meet and greet people, make them welcome, serve refreshments and chat to people about their memories. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a long-time resident or a new member of the community.

5. Dementia Awareness Session at Fairford Library 

Fairford Library is holding a Dementia Awareness session on Monday April 22 from 2pm-3.30pm.

This is a free information session to cover: What is Dementia, common types of Dementia? Prevention/Reducing your risk of Dementia. How to get a diagnosis, who to contact for support. How you can help: joining local DAA and also becoming a CDL. To book, visit www.gloucestershire.spydus.co.uk or Fairford Library.

6. Next flood meetings in Cirencester and Moreton-in-Marsh 

The next Flood Meeting with Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown is on Friday April 26 from 10am-12 noon at the Redesdale Hall, High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AX (not at the Moreton Area Centre as previously advertised) and from 2pm-4pm at the Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane, Cirencester GL7 1YE (not in the Cotswold District Council Chamber as previously advertised).

For those wishing to ask questions, Sir Geoffrey would be most grateful if you could send these in advance to cliftonbrowng@parliament.uk by Monday April 22.

7. Exciting partnership collaboration 

An exciting partnership collaboration between the Kitchen Club and Working 4 Wellbeing. The Cooking for Fun Project in Fairford/Lechlade starts on April 22. Come along for 4 weekly cooking classes aimed at promoting culinary skills and community connection.

Learn new recipes, cooking techniques and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow community members. Plus, join for an optional fifth session where a community meal will be prepared in collaboration with Working 4 Wellbeing project. For more information, contact Mary Ann on 07555 738138.

8. Meetings in area for different groups 

The next meeting of the Upper Thames and Ridgeway National Trust Association is on Thursday April 18 at 2.30pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall, Paul Colley – a wildlife photographer – will talk about Bat Conservation.

Serenade & Sandwiches returns to St Lawrence’s church on Friday April 19 at 12 noon. The programme features the renowned organist Charles Edmondson plus the duet Clemency Rubenstein (flute) and Rachel Emmerson (piano).

A delicious light lunch will be provided by Lechlade Mothers’ Union. Donations gratefully received on the day towards Project Inspire.

The next meeting of the Lechlade WI will be an evening get-together on Tuesday April 23 at 7pm in The New Inn, Lechlade.

There will be an Open Day on Thursday April 25 from 11am at The Care Net, 5 The High Street, Lechlade GL7 3AD.

The Care Net is continuously recruiting to expand its care team and are always looking for people with or without experience, who like to chat and want to make a difference.