Blog June 2024
Portrait of Pembridge Blog 9
D Day 80
On 6 th June Pembridge will mark D Day 80 with a string of events. In our News section you can see
our guide to the day. Royal British Legion Chairman, Graham Hudson explains the significance of D
Day Remembrance and reflects on the RBL trip made last year to Normandy.
As part of the remembrance Rory Mac Coll has researched the WWII service of three Pembridgeans
who survived the conflict and returned to civilian life. One of them, Irene Causley, who served as a
WAAF, is still alive and well at age 101. Henry Pinches served in the Durham Light Infantry and Peter
Jackson in the Royal Marines. You can read their stories in our History section.
Medieval History
History was at the forefront of the Bank Holiday weekend when Leominster Medieval Society made
an encampment on the Millennium Meadow with displays of crafts, armoury and a mock battle.
Portrait of Pembridge invited historical novelist, Anne O’Brien, to give a talk on the lives of the
Mortimers , married in Pembridge Church. Anita Measey reviews this in our News section. Pictures
of the weekend can be found on our Past Events page.
Defibrillator Installed
Tony Gostelow tells us why he generously donated a new defibrillator in memory of his late wife
Nicola “ Nikki” whose heart was always in Pembridge. We tell you where it is and how to use it.
Please take a few moments to read this- it could save a life.
Coffee Mornings
These are now held at the Parish Hall on the third Saturday of the month. The next one is sponsored
by Pride in Pembridge and will include a plant sale. PIPs continue to do sterling work, keeping the
village tidy and colourful and welcome new members.
Food Glorious Food
We are lucky to live in a village that has so many food outlets and producers of fresh, locally grown
food. We highlight the venues and their offerings, partly for the benefit of visitors, but also to
remind residents of how much choice they have.
Food Security
The need for farmers to preserve the health of the soil to ensure future fertility is the subject of a
film “ Six Inches of Soil “to be shown at the Parish Hall. This will be followed by a panel discussion
with local farmers and environmentalists taking part. Free registration on the Parish Hall website.
Keeping Fit
The Parish Hall committee has secured funding for keep fit and exercise sessions. They want to know
what sort of exercise residents want and will be at the June Coffee Morning to hear your views.
Music Lovers
The award-winning Love to Sing Community Choir has several performances lined up -see Dates for
your Diary.
Next month Bronwen Lewis, who was a protégé of Tom Jones on “ The Voice”, will give a concert in
St Mary’s Church.
If Swing is your thing don’t miss Hereford Swing Band at the Parish Hall on 6 th June.
Pembridge Footlights
What an exciting programme of live streamed opera, ballet, and theatre we have seen over the last
few months.” Message in a Bottle”, a modern ballet performed by Sadlers Wells company to the
music of Sting was stunning. It cleverly told, through choreography, the story of a family persecuted
at home who sought refuge in Europe.
Live streaming gives us the best seats in the house and the picture and sound quality is great. The
next production is the opera Andrea Chenier set in Revolutionary France.
Driving Skills
An Advanced Driving Lesson is on offer for those who want to polish up their skills. Registration is
via the Prish Hall website or by telephone. Booking essential.
Portrait of Pembridge
Is keen to reach as many parishioners as possible. If you know someone who doesn’t yet receive our
blog and “ Dates for your Diary” straight to their inbox, please encourage them to sign up for this
free service on www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk
For updates follow us on Facebook or log on to our website: www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk
If you’d like to join our team of historians, researchers, writers, photographers, and website
designers you would be most welcome. Please email us portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk
Kay Ingram
