The Cricket Professionals of Oxford

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They have been playing cricket in Abingdon for a long time, as local author Michael Stimpson tells us in his new book The Cricket Professionals of Oxford

The first Abingdon Cricket Club was established in 1821 and played at a ground in Shippon. It was very much a club for gentlemen of the neighbourhood and not for the riff raff.

Throughout the Victorian period, cricket was played at many places in the town, including the Race Course on Abingdon Common, in the grounds of Caldecott House, and on a meadow in Rye Farm.

It was not until 1892 that a new cricket and football ground was opened, just over the bridge on Culham Road, and cricket has been played there ever since.

In the 1920’s and 30’s, all sorts of cricket teams sprung up in the town. The Abingdon Pavlova Cricket Club was the most successful, winning several trophies. Other teams at this time included the Abingdon Police, Abingdon GPO, MG Athletic, Abingdon Imperials and RAF Abingdon, as well as sides from different churches.

Some notable cricketers have played at Abingdon, including future England captain Plum Warner, who turned out for the town club whilst at Oxford University.

Michael also tells us how in recent times, the Abingdon Vale Cricket Club has nurtured the development of young players passing through its youth section. Of these youngsters, six have gone on to become professional cricketers, with two sets of brothers, Ben and Luke Charlesworth, and Tom and Ollie Price, joining Gloucestershire, whilst Harrison Ward and Zach Lion-Cachet now play for Sussex. All of these young cricketers are showing promise, with Ollie Price having played for England Lions on a tour to South Africa last winter. Oxfordshire Head Coach Rupert Evans said: “Abingdon Vale have good coaches, but it is just amazing that one cricket club has produced all of these lads.”

Abingdon has a long cricketing history, but looking to the future, some of its former youth players could go on to make a name for themselves.

The Cricket Professionals of Oxford by Michael Stimpson is available in local bookshops and Ebay pp £14.

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Fantastic florals at Blenheim Palace

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The Blenheim Palace Flower Show, sponsored by Sofas & Stuff, returns to the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace from Friday 21st to Sunday, 23rd June

Featuring more stands and floral features than before, including a new for 2024 Fairground Fuchsia Carousel, this year’s Blenheim Palace Flower Show is sure to impress.

The magnificent Grand Floral Pavilion returns, as well as incredible outdoor floral displays in Floral Street, a brand-new plant inspired Butterfly Trail, talks and demonstrations from gardening experts, fabulous food and drink, homeware and crafts, plus live entertainment.

“It’s wonderful to be returning to Blenheim Palace,” said Mig Kimpton, horticultural curator for the Blenheim Palace Flower Show. “It’s such a stunning estate to be working in.

Our Grand Floral Pavilion is always at the heart of the show, and our outside Floral Street creates some wonderful displays that always impress visitors.”

Now in its 11th year, the show has grown in size and popularity, attracting thousands of visitors year on year to marvel at the stunning floral displays, receive advice and tips from expert plantsmen and treat their gardens to an array of gardening goodies from hundreds of exhibitors.

Step inside the Grand Floral Pavilion and marvel at the stunning Fuchsia Carousel, a 20ft moving display, resembling the classic fairground ride.

Following the success of last year’s Insect Trail, this year visitors will also be invited on a very special and creative Butterfly Trail around the show where florists, flower arrangers, students and artists have designed, built, and created large scale butterflies made from natural materials and flowers to display at the show. Visitors will be able to choose their favourite butterfly and the designer will win a People’s Choice Award.

As part of the talks and displays throughout the weekend, the Oxfordshire Beekeepers Association will be giving live hire demonstrations with the chance for the public to ask questions and learn more about the importance of bees and pollination.

In the Talks Theatre, plantsmen and floral experts will give talks and demonstrations on all gardening topics, sharing their tips and advice on all garden matters, visitors will be able to purchase plants from their nurseries directly at the show.

The ‘Shop and Drop’ Marquee will give visitors the opportunity to drop off their shopping while they still enjoy the show before making their way back to the their vehicle.

The show also features an Outdoor Plant Village, Fine Food & Drinks Pavilion, Home & Interiors Pavilion and so much more.

The Blenheim Palace Flower Show runs from 10am to 5pm on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday, 23rd June. Free parking will be available for all visitors. Tickets are available online via Blenheim Flower Show

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Surrey Police Band Concert

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Head along to Godalming Borough Hall, GU7 1HR, for an evening of music with the Surrey Police Band in support of the Army Benevolent Fund.

On Sunday, 23rd June take your family and friends along to this evening of music that promises to suit all taste, as well as enjoying the licensed bar and raffle.

Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are £15 each (including service fee), children under 12 free. Free parking is available at this event.

Why not visit the Surrey Police Band website to find out more about this organisation and their accomplishments over the years?

The band and organisers would like to thank everyone for their continued support of the Army Benevolent Fund.

To find out more and purchase tickets, visit the website.

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Leanda McConnell’s first exhibition in Ramsbury

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Artist Leanda McConnell is preparing her first exhibition at Golden Lion Gallery, Ramsbury

After 14 years working at Vogue, Leanda swapped the West End for West Berkshire and started a digital service featuring personalised original artwork and hand drawn family illustrations.

In this debut body of new paintings, she is looking to evoke the warm spirit of her previous artwork whilst reducing it to an essence of colour and texture. Whilst the works are abstract, the themes draw on feelings of the coast, summer days and dreamlike storms without wishing to influence the viewer’s own interpretation.

Leanda says: “I can’t help but think that when I’m trying to represent abstract feelings like love and happiness, it’s important not to give them too much of a shape. I’m very influenced by works of poetry and art from the Romantic period and appreciate their interpretation of the beauty and simplicity of the natural world through the ‘one life’. When I think about trying to do this myself, only a sort of everything and nothing philosophy seems to make sense.”

The oil paint is mixed with cold wax and applied thickly with a palette knife. Tools such as rope, stones and driftwood are then used to create the marks that give more texture in a way that is completely consistent with the theme of the painting.

Leanda will be showing her first exhibition at Golden Lion Gallery, Ramsbury from June 22nd to 29th.

Enquiries via [email protected] or artleanda.co.uk

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2,000-year-old Passion Play story

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Abingdon Passion Play takes place in Abbey Gardens on Saturday, 22nd June with two performances, noon & 5pm, John Clare invites you to take your seat

Bring a chair and a picnic, sit back and enjoy a unique theatrical experience, as actors and singers bring the story of Jesus of Nazareth to life.

The last three Abingdon Passion Plays were performed around Easter time, which is the traditional time for Christians to reflect on the story of Jesus of Nazareth. The 2013 and 2019 plays took place in the Abbey Gardens, in 2016 the action took place in Abingdon’s iconic market square. The Abingdon Passion Play 2024 returns yet again to the Abbey Gardens and is using a modern script which brings the story into the 21st century. This time it is being performed in June.

The cast come from different walks of life in and around Abingdon, and over the past few weeks and months we have been able to get to know one another, and the communities where we come from, more closely, united in our enthusiasm for the play. Whilst times may well have changed, what motivates us as humans, our ambitions, our dreams and our flaws are not so very different from 2,000 years ago, which is why the story can still be relevant to people today.

Excited about the event and want to get involved? We are still looking for people happy to help as stage crew, front of house, and stewards. If you would like to help, please contact our Director, Ralph Westby, by email: [email protected], or by phone on 07790 498718.

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A cordial invitation to Regency Week

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Immerse yourself in the world of Jane Austen with dances, walks, talks, workshops and more from June 21st to 30th.

Alton Jane Austen Regency Week has been extended to a 10th day by popular demand to allow people to collect costumes ordered for the Summer Ball for the following day or attend a workshop to produce decorative accessories to wear with them.

There will also be a Welcome Reception in the evening to collect tickets, meet the organisers and hear from our Patron and Guest of Honour, Caroline Knight, Jane Austen’s five times great niece, who grew up at Chawton House.

Most of the first weekend will follow the regular pattern; Regency Day on Saturday with the Regency Market in the Town Centre, followed by a Dance Workshop in the afternoon and Summer Ball in the evening.

The Festivities move to Chawton on Sunday morning with a visit to Jane Austen’s house, a walk round the village and a parade to Chawton House for a picnic lunch with Caroline Knight. Tea at the Allen Gallery is followed by Regency Choral Evensong with the renowned St Lawrence Church Choir.

Monday starts with a talk about Embroidered Paper and continues with an afternoon at Wyards Farm, the home of Jane’s favourite niece and regularly visited by her, before ending with a Midsummer evening at Chawton House.

Tuesday it’s on to Gilbert White’s House at Selborne for a sewing workshop and House and Garden tours. In the evening the Allen Gallery will show the 1940 film version of Pride and Prejudice starring Laurence Olivier.

Wednesday brings a bonnet workshop while the more energetic can opt for a guided walk around Alton. Take part in a parasol decorating workshop and enjoy a talk about Mr Darcy from Jessica Bull and Louise Morrish covering Jessica’s new book.

The Lunchtime Regency Organ Concert at St Lawrence Church will wake everyone up after a quiet morning in the library exploring their Jane Austen book collection, followed by a discussion of Northanger Abbey at the Friends’ Meeting House before an evening circular walk around Chawton.

Friday will be spent in Chawton with two hours at Chawton House during the day and Jane Austen’s house will be open during the evening until 8pm.

The morning is divided between Chawton and Alton on Saturday starting with a tour of Jane Austen’s house followed by guided walk of Chawton. At the same time there will be children’s Regency inspired crafts at Alton Library. The increasingly popular Country Dance will be held at the Assembly Rooms in the evening.

The 10th and last day, Sunday 30th, features a guided walk of Alton in the morning and a Book Fair at the Community Centre during the day. The week closes with the popular Regency Supper at Jane Austen’s house in the evening.

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Weird science with The Alchemist

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Studio Theatre Club presents The Alchemist by Ben Johnson at the Unicorn Theatre, June 19th-22nd

London, 1948. The war has ended and London is slowly trying to return to normal. Rationing is still in full swing and rebuilding after the Blitz has yet to start in earnest. There is a sense of hope in the city but life is hard for many.

In such situations there will always be those looking for a way to get ahead… and also those willing to exploit them.

Three enterprising women have set up a thriving business in an empty house, offering to predict the future, guarantee success in life and love, and, for the most favoured clients, create the legendary philosopher’s stone. Unfortunately for the trio, there are those who are not convinced by their schemes and are determined to see them brought to justice. Can they stay one step ahead of the law, or will it all end in disaster?

Find out when Studio Theatre Club perform Ben Johnson’s comedy this month. The friendly adult drama club based in Oxford stage a variety of plays throughout the year and there are always chances to get involved either on stage or behind the scenes.

After The Alchemist, the next production will be Terry Pratchett’s Witches Abroad in November. If you’re interested in being part of that a casting read is planned for July 11th. Drop them a line at Email Contact Form (studiotheatreclub.com) to find out more and be kept in the loop.

Tickets £12 from WeGotTickets | Simple, honest ticketing | Studio Theatre Club or The Bookstore. Cash only please.

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Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

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You’ll find him and Juliet in Guildford Castle Gardens and seven other town locations

This summer one of greatest of all love stories will explode onto the streets of Guildford.

For three weeks, June 21st to July 13th, Guildford Shakespeare Company is closing the High Street every evening to bring to life the passion and excitement of Shakespeare’s impulsive star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. In a society fuelled by greed and entitlement, can their fragile vision of a better world survive their families’ ruthless feud?

Featuring, amongst others, the iconic Guildhall balcony, historic Abbot’s Hospital and stylish Tunsgate Quarter you will follow the action as the story unfolds, ending in the stunning Castle Gardens. You will walk roughly 1,500m from Holy Trinity Church down the High Street to Tunsgate Quarter, and back again. Scenes will unfold as you move with the action. Stewards will be on hand. The second half of the performance will be static in the Castle Gardens, around the Bandstand.

GSC’s professional cast will also be joined by a community ensemble of adults and young people. The Youth Ensemble will form the street of gangs of Montagues and Capulets and come from three local schools and GSC’s own GSC Saturdays. The Adult Ensemble of community actors are the guest at Capulets’ masked ball.

Join GSC for a truly unique telling of Shakespeare’s heart breaking tale, as they continue their 18th birthday celebrations this year.

Romeo & Juliet also has two static performances on June 29th and July 13th. Book tickets at Tickets – Guildford Shakespeare Company.

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Golden year for Ewhurst Players

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Simon Fraser takes us on a 50-year journey with the Ewhurst Players from Home is the Hunted to The Nine Tailors

For those of you who subscribe to the Ewhurst Players’ newsletter, you’ll know the Ewhurst Players are 50 years old this year. For those who don’t know us, here’s our story…

Mike Fanya and Barrie Heathcote met in 1973 when they were involved in a Liberal Party fundraising concert. In conversation, they discovered a mutual interest in starting the Ewhurst Players up again. The Players up again. The Players had sadly disbanded in about 1969.

The village shop let them put a note in the newspapers inviting anyone interested to attend a meeting in the Ewhurst Cricket Pavilion on a cold, foggy November night. Seventeen people turned up, with a further 10 expressing an interest. By the end of the evening, the Ewhurst Players were resurrected, with Mike as chairman, Barrie as secretary, Jerry Day as Treasurer, and Victoria Helstrip and Tish Nelson as committee members. In the bank account was the princely sum of £40 inherited from the previous group – about £500 in today’s money!

The first production in May 1974 comprised two one-act plays, Home is the Hunted and The Happy Journey. The plays proved to be a great success and the Surrey Advertiser reported: “It was good to see such an enthusiastic group back in business.” The group then moved on, performing The Happiest Days of Your Life and, in early 1975, their first pantomime, Mother Goose.

The Players have never been a group to shy away from a challenge. Over the next 25 years, they tackled J.B. Priestley (When We Are Married), Tom Stoppard (The Real Inspector Hound), Robert Bolt (A Man for All Seasons), Alan Ayckbourn (Confusions and others), George Bernard Shaw (Pygmalion) and Arthur Miller (The Crucible), plus, of course, multiple pantomimes and anthologies.

Of course, nothing stands still in this world, so it’s reassuring to note that many of the names to be found in the simple A4-folded-to-A5 programmes of those first productions can still be found in the rather more sophisticated programmes of our most recent productions, including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast which played to eight sell-out crowds in February.

As for the rest of this celebratory year, the Players held a one-night-only 50th birthday party at the Village Hall in May, and, in late October, host a world premiere as they bring Dorothy L. Sayers’ classic murder mystery The Nine Tailors to the stage. Auditions will be on 20th and 23rd June in Ewhurst Village Hall and all the details can be found at ewhurstplayers.com

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Join Woking Symphony Orchestra

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Woking Symphony Orchestra is looking for string players & there’s a new concert to enjoy

Woking Symphony Orchestra is recruiting! They want to hear from you if you play viola or cello as they have space for a few more in their ranks.

If you or someone you know is looking to join an orchestra, they’d love to hear from you whether you’re a seasoned pro or an apprehensive performer, all are welcome.

Their next event is the Summer Concert on Saturday, 22nd June at Welcome Church, Woking when the repertoire will include Strauss Horn Concerto No.2 and Mahler Symphony No.5. The concert will feature Joel Ashford on French Horn and conductor Roy Stratford and will also feature a pre-concert talk at 6.45pm before the main event at 7.30pm. Book at Woking Symphony Orchestra.

The Woking Symphony Orchestra is one of Surrey’s leading orchestras. For over a century it has offered music lovers in Woking and beyond the opportunity to enjoy live performances of great orchestral music right on the doorstep. They have more than 60 members who meet weekly to play a rewarding and varied repertoire that combines classical favourites with the works of lesser-known composers and 20th century pieces.

There are no formal auditions so just come along and try out a rehearsal, always good humoured and rewarding, on Tuesday evenings during term time at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Coldharbour Road, Pyrford, GU22 8SP. They run from 7.30-9.45pm with a break for tea or coffee.

Get in touch at [email protected]!

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