June 25 Update
- barlastoncommunity
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
What gorgeous weather we’ve been having! The Barlaston Strollers and Striders have been lucky for the second month running and have enjoyed beautiful weather for both the June walks. We stayed local for the first Wednesday walk and the Striders went off to the Downs whilst the Strollers were in for a surprise treat after receiving an invite for a stroll around the gardens of Barlaston Hall – huge thanks to Cameron Gilchrist-Dick! Luckily our very own horticultural expert June was on hand to advise on tree and plant names as well as pointing out some rare species of fauna! The group spent a good hour exploring the paths and ponds and admiring the view and everyone agreed that the Tulip Tree was the overall favourite. The Striders enjoyed a more challenging walk, and as we know there is a walk for every ability on the Downs! The second walk (on the 3rd Wednesday) was to Shugborough, which is always a favourite. The Striders had a great walk (5 miles was mentioned?!) and the Strollers headed for the arboretum and found themselves in a Staffordshire paradise! Over 150 varieties of oak & the famous Shugborough Yew, a 350 year-old tree with a circumference roughly the size of the Royal Albert Hall’s auditorium!! The gardens and architecture were brought to life by June’s knowledge of nature and history once again!
The Strollers and Striders meet on the first & third Wednesday of every month at the Plume of Feathers carpark ready to walk at 10am prompt. If you’d like to join us, just turn up or if you have any questions or would like to know more please give Sandie (Group Leader) a call on 07496 088544. July walks will be on the 2nd and 16th of the month.
There’s another FILM NIGHT coming up on Saturday 19th July when we’ll be showing The Duke – the best film you’ve never seen!! It’s a British comedy-drama based on the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60 year-old taxi driver who steals a Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. He then holds the Government to ransom demanding, amongst other things, free TV licences for pensioners… An improbable but hugely entertaining true story!! Tickets are available now from Sanjee and the team at the Barlaston Village Store, just £5 each. We’re showing at Barlaston Village Hall as usual – doors open at 7pm, film starts at 7.30pm. There will be a raffle & refreshments (including Magnums!) for sale but if you prefer a cool glass of Pinot Grigio or a beer, then please bring your own!
The Barlaston in Bloom group is growing fast – remember you don’t have to be an expert to join but if you are interested in plants, nature and growing things do give it a try. Members have been opening their gardens to the group and some have also opened to the public – all completely FREE! Gary & Kath Lloyd opened their garden on the 29th June and although they were offering cocktails it was so hot that visitors were only interested in the summer fruits cordial!! It was a great success and there was lots of praise for their roses! Next to open will be Janet Metheven (legendary baker!) & Dave opening on Sunday 6th July and there will be more to follow! Keep a look out on Facebook and the Parish Magazine for more information. If you would like to find out more about the group please contact Gary Lloyd at garylloyd675@gmail.com or Pam Spruce on 07824 352862 – they’d love to hear from you!
Silver Surfers are now on a recess over the summer but our helpful gurus have said to mention that if you find yourself stuck or needing help with a particular problem, they would be happy to hear from you! If necessary they may be able to advise you over the phone or even make a house call – you know how keen they are!! Steve hasn’t been very well of late so we suggest you contact Tony at the moment on 07783 009194.
The Womblers have been busy as always and our resident Wombling Angel Mandy, celebrated her 2nd year with the Barlaston Womblers and has already picked over 250 bags!! She does a great job & is out and about (even in this heat!) several days a week – look out for her to say Thanks! – she’s an absolute STAR!! HUGE THANKS to ALL our Womblers working hard to keep the village looking tidy and cared for – Andrew M, Stephen 2-Buckets, Sandie, Hilary, David Norman, Joe & Heather, Margaret & Gordon, Debbi, Rich & Murphy, Lynn, Soph, Charlotte, Vicky & Martin and so many more!! Barlaston appreciates you all!
We had joint winners for the June Photo Competition – a tie between Tim Green’s beautiful image of a bee taking nectar from a flower and Laura Corcoran’s sweet photo of her daughter (we think!) helping with the raised beds. The theme was ‘THE JOYS OF GARDENING’ and a variety of photos can be seen on our Facebook Page or the Community Hub. Next month’s theme is ‘TREES’ – in Barlaston of course! Look out for the Entry post on Facebook a few days before the end of the month.
Happy Hot July everyone!
Website: www.barlastoncommunity.wixsite.com
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