Chapel Lawn News 10

January 2010 Happy New Year

The year got off to a good start on 12th January, when we had a Village Hall meeting and a 'Social' event afterwards. Various residents had brought food, and some wine and beer; together they made a bit of a 'knees-up' and we commiserated and moaned about the snow and ice and thought ourselves very clever putting on a 'do' when everything else had been cancelled!

The following Saturday we had another Flick in the Sticks with 'District 9'. This was a science fiction film about aliens in Johannesburg and sported plenty of violence, some rather difficult to follow photography and subtitles on the bottom of the screen, which didn't stay long enough to be read! Jury is out on whether or not it was a good film, but the popcorn, beer, wine and choc ices were well worth the pain!

June 2010

The Village Hall AGM was held on 8th June and a committee meeting after. Starting at 7.30, I think the meeting went on until after 10.00 and most of us stopped for a drink and nibbles afterwards. Christine, our secretary, did a sterling job of reading out three lots of minutes before we ever got to the current matters for discussion. Minutes of both the AGM and Committee meetings can be read on the Village Hall site in due course.

James Middleton, our village farmer has been hard at it for the last 18 months with the help of Bob the Builder and Jeremy Jameson, converting one of his cowsheds into a very smart new self-catering holiday cottage. James opened it for public inspection on Sunday 6th June, taking donations for the Air-Ambulance and offering tea and coffee or a glass of wine.

May 2010

One early May afternoon the Church hosted a concert to remember the Village School which closed in 1985. It started with music performed by The Little Graig Music Group from Llanfair Waterdine, lovely duets from from Di Cosgrove and Eileen Lloyd and a couple of songs from Becky W accompanied by Margaret Davies. There were hymns chosen by ex-pupils and their families and their memories of the school. The last item was the Woodland Carol written by Jocelyn Williams and the children of Chapel Lawn School in 1977. Tea and cakes were served in the Church after the entertainment.

Food and Flicks, Mid August Lunch, was a great success with people coming from all over the place to sample our Chapel Lawn hospitality and delicious Italian food.

The event raised over £500 and was used as an opportunity to officially thank Kim and Sheila for the excellent work they have done over the years for the Village and to present them with a present for their new house in Leintwardine.

December 2009

Last night we watched 'Looking for Eric' for the last Flicks in the Sticks of this year and the last one which Kim and Sheila will be organising. Thank you very much to both of them for doing so much for the Village; though they've not gone yet!

On Wednesday 2nd, we were all invited to the Chapel Lawn WI Christmas Party. Welcomed by Beryl with a glass of hot mulled wine, we were then treated to a delicious meal of soup, buffet with ham, Vera's lovely quiche and salad. Of course there were the usual scrummy puddings to follow! All this washed down with red and white wine if wanted. After supper, Michael Oliver from Brampton Brian, played a variety of tunes on the accordion, mandolin and banjo accompanied by his music partner Rose on the guitar. It was lovely to have such talented local folk come to entertain us. Somehow we managed to get away without singing the usual carols and the dreaded 'Rugged Cross', perhaps they'll sing that at the WI's do next week?!! We did get up and sing/dance to Auld Lang Syne, with most of us miming the second verse (in fact, most of us mimed the first verse too if truth be known!)

August 2009

Pond Clearing 23rd August 2009

People turned out in force for the annual clearance of Hodre Pond. It wasn't the warmest weather, but it didn't rain until after we had had lunch, which I think was amazing! Patrick got his trousers off and Richard put extra trousers on! Liz and Ian and others supplied everyone with pie, sandwiches, quiche, cake, beer and wine. Also - we managed to clear the pond of nearly all the weed and reduce the size of the island. All in all a very good day and thanks to everyone, especially Liz and Ian who organised it.

Knighton Show 29th August 2009

Congratulations to Chapel Lawn WI who were not only winners at Clun Carnival with their display of 'Cinderella', but have also won at the Knighton Show with a beautiful display of 'Caractacus's Last Stand' complete with all the 'bits'.

*****

The 'James' Brothers - Chapel Lawn's infamous duo hit the town of Knighton in the company of Mrs Show Chairman.......

.......and the Scareycrow!

Two well known farming neighbours of Chapel Lawn were invited to judge the Farmer's Entries at Knighton Show last weekend. Mr. Middleton and Mr. James (seen above with another Chapel Lawn resident, Mrs. Marilyn Price) studied the scarecrows, touched the turves, whiffed the hay, worried the wool and counted seeds on the ears of corn, finally making their informed decisions as to the winners. Unfortunately, there has been some rumour as to the sleeping arrangements of the winner of a couple of the classes - I can't think what that is about? The winning scarecrow is now guarding the road through Chapel Lawn through night and day, rain or shine (until I want my belt back anyhow)