On Saturday 12th April villagers enjoyed a particularly popular form of entertainment at a country-style barn dance organised by the Village Hall Trust.
As on previous occasions the evening was presented by Mr John Merrigan from Rugby who acted as both tutor and caller keeping the dancers on their feet for a non- stop programme of homespun enjoyment from an earlier age.
Some four dozen enthusiasts, mostly in Western attire, took to the floor with considerable energy and enthusiasm to master the complex sequences of this traditional style of country dancing.
A refreshment break allowed the breathless dancers to rest their feet and enjoy hot dogs and jacket potatoes provided by the committee. The programme concluded with a grand raffle.
All agreed that it had been a most successful and happy event made particularly enjoyable by the large number of young enthusiasts who had more than kept up the pace with their more experienced elders.
Leaflets have already been posted announcing the next event on the village hall programme of entertainment which will be a Springtime Serenade featuring the Ella String Quartet and the Cavatina vocal ensemble taking place on 17th May.
The annual litter pick organised by the parish council took place on the morning of Saturday 12th April when 15 eager helpers combed the village verges collecting over a dozen large bags of refuse including an array of vehicle parts littered alongside the road narrowings.
All credit is extended to these tireless workers particularly those intent upon exerting themselves again at the lively barn dance to follow later in the day.
The weekend activities continued on the following day when the now-traditional Daffodil Sunday took place at nearby Monks Kirby organised by the Friends of the Revel Churches. The event was held in the spacious grounds of Newnham Paddox by kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Denbigh who took a keen interest in the day’s activities.
An array of stalls, exhibitions, displays and refreshments had been assembled by the organising committee with members of each of the eight parishes making active contributions. During the announcements, visitors were encouraged to spend lavishly in order to provide much needed funds to support our Christian outreach throughout our sparse rural communities.
A large number of visitors had flocked to the event undeterred by thunderous clouds during the morning although the afternoon sunshine gave way to brisk showers as the day wore on.
All who attended expressed considerable pleasure from the many activities which had contributed to this most successful venture not least from the joy of walking around the verdant parkland carpeted with a profusion of vivid yellow daffodils.
Joanna Morris-Jones