‘Your Valley needs you!’

RECENTLY, every household throughout Martinstown and the Winterbourne Valley was the target of a leaflet written in true Kitchener style, minus pointing finger, to drive the message home that Your Valley needs you!

All in the cause of an entertainment which will take place in March 2010 as Martinstowns first ever Showcase evening ...... THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT.

All in aid of village hall funds, for where would the community be without this essential facility. As the flyer asks, can you juggle, sing, dance, act or even play the ukulele.

For all ages, all acts, all newcomers, all-comers.

Auditions were held as the promoter, Vince Jones, decided that a couple of informal meetings would break the ice and give him the chance to gauge the reaction of the community.

I wonder how many can remember a certain Mrs Martin putting on a wonderful concert with every single inhabitant roped in to take part. I can remember everyone waving Union Jacks and singing There'll always be an England. Also that glorious moment when Mr Blundell kept losing that fearsome moustache.

I feel justified in going down memory lane in case some sceptics say it cannot be done.

Having attended one session in the hall I can vouch for the enthusiasm that was shown across the whole age range.

The younger villagers were buzzing with ideas and will soon persuade friends to join them and amongst the more mature, Di, in particular, could not wait to take part in any choral work. Mind you it sounds as though William and Jonathan signed up before the ink was dry on the handbills!

Whatever your talents, if it is only working behind the scene or providing a cuppa, there is a vital role to play.

Just call Vince on 01305 889202 and make his day.

I am not sure what role has been assigned to our rector, John Good, but did hear a whisper that 'He is coming as himself' but I am certain there will be a part especially written for him.

SADLY there are still conflicts going on in the world today which is why a new charity has been founded with our own forces in mind, namely Help for Heroes, for casualties go hand in hand with conflict.

Martinstown will be holding a FREE Peace and Justice Breakfast for young people at 9.00am on Saturday, November 7 in the village hall.

To book ring 889466 or 889410.

Help for Heroes wristbands will be on sale for £2 each.

On the same day Amnesty International, which has long worked hard for freedom and justice, will be holding a Coffee and Cake event on the village green from 10.30am-noon.

There will be an opportunity to light a candle in St Martin's church for any who wish to do so and quietly reflect on the injustice that is so much the norm in today's world.

There will, of course, be services of Remembrance held in every church throughout the valley and at Compton Valence, with the one at Martinstown being preceded by a Half Muffled Quarter peal of the church bells. There will be Two Minutes silence, Commemoration of the Fallen, Last Post and Reveille and laying of the wreaths at the garden of Remembrance and a request that those entitled wear their medals with pride.

Hopefully members of their families will wear the medals of those who are no longer with us, for a debt of gratitude is owed by us to all of them.

Future events include the WI Meeting at 7.45 on Monday, November 9 with Chair-based Pilates. Members are reminded to bring gifts for the Hub and also for Julias House.

It always seems that St Martin is a bit neglected but not this year, for Dick and John have organised a Bangers and Mash supper at the Brewers Arms at 6pm with songs and stories to celebrate our village's patron saint. Tickets £5 and accompanied children free.

To book phone the rectory 889466, Dick 889410 or John 889377.