Portrait of Pembridge Blog 7
April 2024
As we spring forward into British Summer Time there’s a lot to look forward to in Pembridge.
Summertime and the Living is Easy
At the end of May, the Leominster Medieval Society is staging a Medieval encampment in the Millenium Meadow with two days of free activities and events for all the family. More details in our News section with regular updates to follow.
6th June is the 80th anniversary of D-Day when Allied troops invaded France - the beginning of the end of war in Europe. The Parish Hall, in conjunction with other groups, is organizing a
whole day of events to celebrate. A swing band, jive lessons, fish & chips, Pembridge Pizzas and The Beefy Boys have been booked for a 1940s-themed day. If you had relatives who served in WWII, we’d like to hear about them and copy any photos to include in the D-Day exhibition. More on this next month.
The Horticultural Show is to be revived at the end of July. The cups last awarded in 2019 have all been returned, except for two, won by Mr Adrian Evans. If any of our readers know him, could you please ask him to get in touch.
St Mary’s Church will be offering Cream Teas every Sunday afternoon starting on 26th May and have an evening concert planned for 5th July, starring Bronwen Lewis, Tom Jones’ protégé on “The Voice”.
There are plans afoot to launch a Music and Food Festival around the August Bank Holiday. Updates to follow.
Spring Clean
With the lighter nights, and (we hope) better weather, both Pride in Pembridge and Pembridge Ecology Group have a full programme of events to keep our village clean and tidy. Both groups welcome volunteers - their contact details are in our News section.
The sun shone for the 40th Anniversary celebrations of Jane and Rosie Melvin arriving at the New Inn. Our past events picture gallery showcases photos from the day. If you have photos, you’d like to share with us, please send them to portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk
You can read our interview with Jane and Rosie who reminisce about their times at the New Inn in our History section.
Farming History
Local farmer, Tony Norman, recounts the history of The Leen’s herd of pedigree Herefords which can trace their bloodline back to 1780. Tony’s father-in-law, Frank Smith, was Chairman of the Hereford Herd Book Society and met the late Queen at the Royal Show. See our Farming Section.
Performing Arts Flourish
The Love to Sing Community Choir exceeded all expectations when they scooped a Gold Award at the Hereford Performing Arts singing competition. After only six weeks together, and up against more established choirs, this was amazing. Musical Director, Hayley Osborne tells us how they did it in our News section.
The Parish Hall and Pembridge Footlights Society have thrilled audiences with the streaming of National Theatre, Royal Ballet, and Royal Opera House productions. Coming up in April and May are the operas “La Rondine” and “Carmen”; the ballet “Swan Lake”; and the National Theatre play “Nye”; starring Michael Sheen in a biopic of Aneurin Bevan, the godfather of the NHS.
The regular Parish Hall Bingo and Coffee Mornings are proving popular. The next Coffee Morning, sponsored by Pembridge Page Turners, will include a book sale in aid of St Michael’s Hospice. Unwanted books will be welcome.
The Parish Hall Annual General Meeting takes place this month. Come and hear about the trustee’s plans. Have your say. If you would like to help run the Parish Hall and become a trustee, please register your interest on www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk
After much planning, the Verdun Oak sculpture is set to be unveiled. See “Dates for your Diary” for details.
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
If you’d like to join our, team of historians, researchers, writers, photographers, and website designers you would be most welcome. Please email us at portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk
Kay Ingram
