Web Archive 2002

Wrington Web Archive School Keystage 1 nativity play Thursday, 12th December, 2002 The first thing to greet the audience in a packed hall was a welcome warm drink and a biscuit ...

they ranged from the Pre-school ...

.. to Age Concern members ...

... the cast soon took their places ...

... even Joseph and Mary briefly found some room ...

.. shepherds found angels ...

.. and the orchestra collected their instruments ...

.. once Mrs Alcock had welcomed everyone, the familiar story and characters began ...

Wrington Web Archive Friendship Club Christmas party Friday, 13th December, 2002 Despite the date, the table laden with draw prizes indicated it was always going to prove a lucky day for quite a few of those attending the Friendship Club's Christmas party held in the Memorial hall ...

.. but before the Draw there was to be tea, and before tea, Paul Martin at the keyboard was the afternoon's main attraction ... ... plenty of old favourites to sing-along to ....

.. and just before the bun-fight, a well-deserved surprise for Mary Owers ...

... then it really was all hands to the teapots and plates of sandwiches

Victorian Evening Friday, 13th December, 2002

Part of the large crowd who attended a pre-Christmas Victorian evening on the green and in front of The Plough.

A variety of stalls sold food and other items,

The Choral Society and Churchill School junior gospel choir provided seasonal music

Styles of dress ranged from close attempts at genuine Victorian

-to those which certainly caught the party mood, whatever the historical period

The vital job of switching on the Christmas tree lights was entrusted to a mystery distinguished guest - who had somehow managed to use Michael Carey's passion wagon

And when Michael (sorry) the mystery guest had flung a very Victorian-looking lever, lo and behold, the tree was lit up - like one or two others around the scene

Andrew Tandy writes: Well it happened! An idea born one September night during a stag night at the Plough, has resulted in the birth of what we hope will become an annual and hopefully even larger event.

The licensee Sam Glenn's surrender of the Plough Inn aided the event, which took place around the village green, its facilities allowing a range of events to take place.

Since October, a group of enthusiastic friends with the help support and guidance of the Parish Council and Village Association have been able to pull together this event

The event was concluded in the former skittle alley at the Plough, affectionately renamed as 'Glenn Hall' which had been traditionally dressed in holly, mistletoe, yew and ivy, with a Christmas sing along led by John Rubidge and a number of supporting players.

It would be difficult to thank all those involved so can we just say a big 'THANK YOU' to all of you and hope to see you next year. The band of enthusiastic friends chaired by 'Ollie' the cat are Mark Bullen, Jackie and Simon Platt, Lyn and John Rubidge and Wendy and Andrew Tandy.

Broad Street

Orchard Close

Lighting the way into the school hall on a dark and freezing end-of-term evening, the quiet solitude of the decorated tree gave no indication of the activity within ....

School Christmas disco Wednesday, 18th December, 2002

.... and in full anticipation of the need for sustenance being generated, a small but dedicated band of helpers were waiting in an adjacent classroom ...

.... meanwhile, still twinkling in the silent night (outside) ...

School puppet show Thursday, 19th December, 2002 The Keystage 1 Christmas party, and what's holding everyone's attention so intently ....

.... is none other than the Runn-Runn puppets ...

... whose cast include the ever popular Father Christmas ..

.... the Wicked witch of Weston ...

.... and Jack Frost

.... oh, and we mustn't forget Rudie the reindeer ...

.... who has this disconcerting desire for snow ...

.... of course, every performer at this time of year needs a member of the audience to help with singing a song ...

.... and when the final bow is taken ..

.... there's one last treat in store

Bishop Peter made his first visit to All Saints' as diocesan bishop of Bath & Wells on Sunday, 15th December, 2002.

Bishop Peter made his first visit to All Saints' as diocesan bishop of Bath & Wells on Sunday, 15th December, 2002. He presided at the 9.30 am choral eucharist, a joint service with Christchurch, Redhill and St Michael's, Butcombe.

Afterwards met members of the several congregations over a glass of wine and other light refreshments.

Parish Supper, 2nd November, 2002 This year, instead of starting with the meal followed by entertainment, the proceedings opened with a presentation of a murder mystery, Murder at the Manor, a whodunnit by Chris McDermott.

Producer Echo Irving introduced the cast of characters, and explained what part the audience played in all this.

Pat Milne C.I. Caroline Shepherd

Sue Hill Bryony Hetherington-Smyth

Veronica Thorn Lady Cynthia H-S

Noel Hector Sir Marcus H-S

Simon Medd Sir Nigel H-S

David Walker Butler Arnold Rowbottom

Her ladyship can't help overhearing the telephone conversation which sparks off the murder plot ...

... equally, Sir Marcus can't help being extremely unpleasant to the butler .

.. and testy with her ladyship as she explains how her preparations for his birthday party are going.

Bryony involves her mother and true father in her plans for keeping her tryst with her boyfriend secret from Sir Marcus ...

... and then the arrival on the scene of Chief Inspector Shepherd ... .. means she's on the spot to begin sleuthing after Sir Marcus's demise.

The chief inspector having promised to unmask the villain after a decent interval ...

.. food is served, thus making it a very decent interval indeed ...

appropriate to the situation, the dastardly criminal is revealed ...

... and everyone leaves, grateful for the sterling work put in by Jenny Tarr and her social committee to make the whole evening a resounding success.

Almondsbury village hall was the location on Saturday, 9th November, for the presentation to Parish Council Chairman, Roy Clements, of the most improved village award for the Avonside area. With Roy are Georgie Bigg, and the regional chairperson of the CPRE.

All this led to a piece about Wrington's progress appearing in the Western Daily Press, who asked Bob to provide a photo of at least some of the team who had contributed to the collective effort ...

.. and as many as could be mustered on the morning of 19th November duly fell in with his directions

Georgie Bigg and Echo Irving attended the finals held in London on 10th December, when the presentation of awards was made by the Princess Royal. John Humphries hosted the occasion.

Wrington were regional winners in the IT section, south-west & west of England. In the John Locke cyber room next day, they joined Richard Thorn, who wrote the IT section of the parish council's Village of the Year submission.

In this context, IT - information technology - covers both the parish website, and the facilities of the cyber room, which subsequently received a cheque from Calor for £375

Hay barn fire Monday, 11th November, 2002 he sound of an explosion, the smell of burning, and the alarm of the fire-engine alerted the village to a serious fire at Cleeves hay barn, Cox's Green, at approx. 9.30pm on Monday, 11th November.

It is understood a wagon as well the hay was lost. These photos kindly supplied by Tony Jefferies

The fire could be seen to be still burning fiercely on Tuesday morning.

The view over the roof-tops from Orchard Close

Patrons' Evening, 23rd November, 2002 For many years, Wrington Choral Society has put on in the Memorial Hall, an informal evening's entertainment, with a meal, as an acknowledgement of the support received from the Society's patrons.

Musical Director, John Gadsden, outlines the programme

... which included songs from the choir... which, being a couple of G & S madrigals, had their plots deconstructed by Echo Irving ..

... a Joyce Grenfell monologue from Sheila Keys ... ... who clearly managed to tickle the audience's collective funnybone ...

... some Gershwin from baritone Jeff Jones ...

... a poem from Sally Bucknell about a lovesick walrus ...

... two numbers from Les Miserables by Becky Cannon ...

... and Elaine Barwick led up to the food break with a poem 'Somewhere around Christmas'.

Sarah Gadsden's team of cooks performed with a skill which emulated that of the singers and reciters before them, prompting a ready response to their cries of 'encore' ...

... and finally, Veronica Thorn sent everyone home with a poem which, though more of a Victorian horror story, managed to close the proceedings - as Sheila had begun them - with more than a few chuckles.

Author David Wright was in school on Monday, 25th November, talking to pupils about how he produces his books ...

... and provoking much amusement as he read to them of the exploits of a duck whose habits weren't always best suited to polite company

Footprints at School Friday, 29th November, 2002

In the person of Steve Stickley, the Footprints Theatre Trust, based in Nottingham, came to the school to put on a performance of a new piece from their fund of stories from many lands

Working with the most basic of props - a ladder, some candles, and a couple of lengths of plastic sheeting - Steve conjured up a world which held his audience enthralled

Small wonder then at the appreciative applause at the end ...

... or at the number spontaneously crowding round to put to Steve some of the ideas sparked off by his performance ..

New PE Equipment Monday, 9th December, 2002

A leap into an energetic future ... 3 teams of gymnasts putting on an introductory display for an audience of parents - and the Reception class.

As Mrs Alcock explained, this was an opportunity to show what the money raised by the PTA had bought ...

... and how it would be used by pupils from all classes

... an impressive display in the very short time everyone had had for learning the new skills ...

... deserving both applause from the audience ...

and something each from the sweetie tin

Once again the Battle of Britain Tournament was held in aid of the RAF Association.

100 archers from all over the country shooting under international regulations ...

... so any record scores are recognised.

A traffic light system times out archers taking too long on the shooting line.

The ladies shoot three dozen arrows at 70m, three dozen at 60 m, three dozen at 50m and three dozen at 30 m. For the men it's three dozen arrows at 90m, 3 dozen at 70m, three dozen at 50 m and three dozen at 30m. There are two categories of bow - recurve and compound.

Between each round of shooting, the archers leave the line of small green tents and intricate equipment to confirm their scores ...

... after which shooting recommences ...

With spare equipment on hand - not to mention a plentiful supply of burgers ...

and some decent weather, the scene is set for an enjoyable day's sport.

Exmouth Trip Thursday, 19th September, 2002 A party from All Saints' - organised by Vera Perry - took the minibus to Exmouth to visit previous rector, Preb. Derek Hooper, eat packed lunches in his house ... and drink his wine ...

before exploring his garden which had produced the apples, blackberries, and loganberries with which he'd filled the puds he provided.

Once Vera had recorded the party for posterity, she made sure no one was left behind when re-boarding the minibus ...

... because we do like to be ...

... beside the seaside

Family Fun Quiz Saturday, 21st September, 2002 The social committee of All Saints' ran a quiz evening for all members of the family in the Memorial Hall. Some family groups didn't have children with them ...

... so, when it came to identifying 6 different flavours of crisps, the teams with children tended to do far better !

Rational argument, for example, though persuasive, was always doomed to prove inferior to finely honed gustatory experience

Jenny Tarr acted as quizzical inquisitor, one of a team who also produced as many hotdogs and chocolate ice-creams as anyone present could decently consume.

Saturday, 5th October - 1.30pm in the Memorial Hall, and children are registering for the second consecutive Saturday afternoon of 'PC Zone', aimed at children of primary school age.

The afternoon's activities are based on a biblical theme ...

... and straightaway the theme is being applied to colouring in pictures on sheets of paper ...

.. and then a briefing for the whole programme ...

... soon the sitting and listening is followed by a co-operative - if noisy - version of musical chairs ... musical islands ...

... but the noise generated is as nothing compared to that made with a whole range of percussion instruments, to explore the notion of time ...

After the din, sitting quietly for a story was no problem at all, and answers to questions on it flowed freely

another burst of energy for chain tag ...

... and creating some highly individual tee-shirt designs ...

And after all that, some squash and cake went down a treat

The final leg, after some more music making, meant doing all sorts of creative things with coloured paper, string, sticks, and oodles of glue ...

... and then, finally, all that energy and fun could be summed up with ...

... the sharing of the peace ...

... and one enormous "thank you" to everyone who'd made it all happen

School Harvest Festival Service Tuesday, 8th October, 2002 All Saints' church was appropriately decorated with designs made for the PC Zone when the school gathered for their annual harvest thanksgiving

The first thing to be done was for everybody to bring up their harvest gifts which would be sent for the relief of people in eastern Europe

After Year 6 pupils had read some harvest thoughts, everyone sang "I planted a seed"

Two dramas from Year 6 were based on the reading of parables about sowing

After KS1 singing "The Paint Box", and more harvest thoughts from Year 6, it was time for that tried and trusted favourite - "We plough the fields"

The next two contributions from Year 6 were a dance ...

.. and the singing of the "Harvest Samba"

A rousing rendition by the whole school of "Drop in the Ocean" provided the theme for a final prayer from Rev Stephen Newell

A well-deserved round of applause for all who'd made it such a memorable service - and then back to school

... with every team having obtained the necessary stimulus/stimulants from the bar, the quiz inquisitor, Christine Parnham, found right from the off she'd be needing to take a firm hand in the proceedings ...

... in fact it was probably as much of a relief to her as anybody when, at the halfway point, a ploughman's was served up ... and the bar continued to move steadily towards a nett profit of over £70 ...

.. not that there weren't other distractions during the meal - like completing a picture round of recognising some well-known (?) faces ...

... before the second half got under way, the lucky draw winners collected their prizes ...

... at the end of the evening, the Autumn Leaves team proudly accepted their booby prize from Madam President ...

... and the Pink Panthers modestly received their winners' accolade

The evening raised something in excess of £400 for Helpline

Having progressed through the initial round, the village represented Avonside - the former Avon area - in the round for choosing a south-west winner. Judges visited on Monday, 21st October, and met members of the parish council and other villagers in the Reading Room for a briefing using displays including a video of the pageant.

The briefing was followed by a guided tour which took in the cyber room, and the council committee room which it's hoped will be equipped as a continuing education room ....

... plans were described for improving the Memorial Hall car park ... and the interior of the hall.

They saw the achievements brought about at the pavilion ...

... and the all-weather bowling rink ...

... leaving the party with much (we hope) to think about as they prepared to leave for the next village on their list.

Minibus Society lunch - Glaisters, Saturday, 20th July, 2002 Starting with a drink ....

... followed by a plateful of grub ...

... in such an idyllic setting, people were inclined to be generous when ...

... Mike Hawkings started an auction of paintings ...

... and some received their reward when the raffle draw was made ...

... and yet others found their pleasure on the crocquet lawn

Wrington's own Fete Champetre team Saturday, 20th July, 2002 Fete Champetre - Stourhead Gardens " A Royal Celebration" Andrew Tandy writes: "Having previously attended this event a number of us decided it would be nice to go as one theme.

We started to discuss this at Easter, given the amount of work involved we should have also started making the costumes then as well. We only finished on Wednesday night! !

Anyway we had a design meeting and decided upon a deck of cards theme using just the royal cards.. We decided ladies would be dressed as hearts and diamonds whilst the men would be the clubs and spades.

Following many hours of cutting out stencils, painting and sewing, helped along by the odd glass of wine and a good laugh, the final product could now go to the ball!

Design team John & Lynne RUBIDGE Julie MARSHALL Jackie PLATT & Wendy TANDY.

Production team Lynne RUBIDGE Jackie PLATT Wendy TANDY Maggie TAPSON Trish MONTGOMERY

Thanks to John RUBIDGE for the blow ups of the playing cards Julie MARSHALL for the loan of her studio and Dave TOMLINSON for foam and material"

here had been a fair amount of plotting and planning in advance of the farewell 'do' at the school for teachers Maureen Bradley and Margaret Allen ..

... in particular the reception class of '89 had mustered as many of their number as they could to re-create their original class photo ...

... a gesture clearly much appreciated by Maureen ...

... and after more sipping, nibbling, chatting and music, the speeches ...

... never easy to make on any occasion full of mixed emotions ...

... when it's always a good idea to focus on "the good times" rather than the "not so good" ... ... both for the audience's sake ... .. and for the main recipients ...

... having said which, there's nothing like unveiling the mystery shape in the corner to introduce Key Stage 2 - the pressies

... and, yes, it IS just what you've always wanted ...

... so a little time must be taken to examine what's been so generously donated ..

... examined, that is, both by recipients, and by any grandchildren who happen to be on hand ...

... and who can handle balloons better than any adult ...

... pardon me if I continue to check out Gran's presents while the Chair of Governors has his sa

... a jolly good time WAS had by all

.. and, when all is said and done ...

Minibus Mystery Tour Thursday, 25th July, 2002 First stop on the minibus mystery tour (driver Mike Smythe, who kindly provided these photographs) was the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen at Martock. Lunch was then taken here at the Sidmouth Arms, Upottery

It turned out Mike was not the only photographer on the trip, and this one certainly knew where she wanted everyone to stand ...

... or, indeed, to sit, as was the case when it came to the cream teas by the canal at Tiverton.

Wrington Show Saturday, 31st August, 2002

Bob Boyd - all fruit and vegetable classes

Rosie Clements children's classes

Chris Bowden Domestic

Margaret Norris Decorative

School Fete 29th June, 2002

Despite an unpromising forecast, the weather turned out to be ideal for the annual school fete held on Saturday, 29th June, 2002. The school field was covered with sideshows and displays, and in the central arena performances took place to a large and appreciative audience.

Luhimba

The gentleman from the Weston Mercury setting up a photograph in the side room of the scout hall on Friday, 12th July, 2002. The occasion was the presentation of cheques from All Saints', the Merchant Venturers, and Melton Mowbray and Carlton Rotary clubs to Paul Temple, who, together with Michael Carey, received them on behalf of the Luhimba project.

Andrew Densham Rev Noel Hector Peter Carne Michael Carey Paul Temple

It was also an opportunity for Paul to give an illustrated report on the remarkable progress achieved in this village in south Tanzania.

Once everyone had packed in and Paul had shown his slides, he and Michael encouraged a lively discussion on ways in which Wrington and Luhimba might develop a relationship to their mutual benefit.

Once everyone had packed in and Paul had shown his slides, he and Michael encouraged a lively discussion on ways in which Wrington and Luhimba might develop a relationship to their mutual benefit.

The Luhimba project has had links with Wrington from its inception because of Michael and Angela Carey. Its own website can be reached from this icon which is also on the Homepage of this website.

On Monday, 15th July, 2002 pupils had an opportunity to experience what it's really like to ride a horse

In addition to the staff from Jeep, Eve Poole from Urchinwood Manor was performing the essential task of seeing the novice riders on and off their trusty steed - 'Trigger'

And while this was going on, in other parts of the school hall pupils were receiving basic highway code instruction ......

School Jubilee Day Friday, 31st May, 2002

On Friday, 31st May, 2002, the school marked the start of the bank holiday weekend for the Queen's Golden Jubilee by red, white and blue decorations, clothing, and face painting ...

.... classrooms had been suitably prepared ...

.... and books and personal mementos were passed around ...

.... which led to a stream of questions ...

.... in class after class

.... and then in the afternoon ...

... at about a quarter past two, they started coming out of their classrooms ...

.... more and more ...

... until they filled the playground ....

.... and after a rousing rendition of the national anthem ...

.... by two highly practiced trumpeters...

.... the clingfilm came off the jelly and cakes ...

.... and everyone jolly well got down to the business of the afternoon ...

.... "Look, there's that man again taking photographs

As the race hotted up between the heat of the sun and the appetite of the revellers, to see who would be first to finish off the jaffa cakes ...

... a few memories from half a century ago were dug out and held up to the light of day ...

.... but anyone spotting what the chairman of the Parish Council was carrying, wasn't surprised ...

.... when he upped and made a little speech ...

.... which ended with him presenting a jubilee mug to the Head - a token of what was to be given to every pupil in the school ...

.... and this courtesy from the parish council was matched by the pupils who called for three cheers for all those who'd provided the tea ...

.... and three for Her Majesty - and one for luck !

All of which just left - inevitably - the clearing up

Tuesday, 16th July, 2002 Mr & Mrs Lord - Bill & Sheila celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary

January dawn over Mendip

On Thursday, 14th March, 2002, All Saints' church hosted a performance by the Churchill Community School Gospel Choir.

The packed church heard first from the junior section of the choir. The senior choir then took over ....

.... giving a good number of soloists the chance to shine

Both new - Dr Barry Wratten - and recently retired Heads were present - Brian Kirkup finding many opportunities for showing his appreciation

It didn't take long for the performers' infectious enthusiasm to carry the audience along with them

Another number led by energetic Head of Music, Alison Cooper

Before the concert finished, the junior and senior choirs combined in an effort which felt bound to raise the roof

After the audience had made abundantly clear their thorough enjoyment of the whole occasion ..

.... it remained only for the choir to give one final reprise

New Image

Richards

Post Office

Old Boot Shop

Amors

Lawrence Road

Orchard Close

Home Close There were two street parties to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee 3rd June, 2002 Home Close kicked off with theirs at 4pm

Brooklyn and Wiltons Took over the barn at Court Farm. They lit their barbecue about 5pm, and soon had them streaming in

... but first there was the exceedingly important matter of taking lunch - with Class 5 ...

... of autographing a few books and posters ...

... and even the odd arm ...

.. not to mention receiving some special presents ...

.. before joining the whole school for the opening ceremony ...

... performed with the invaluable assistance of Alex from the reception class ...

... and then the great thrill of hearing Michael Morpurgo's latest story - still in manuscript ...

... truly an enthralling experience ...

... for all age groups ...

... and provoking waves of questions ...

... until it was time to say - "thanks"