I have listed our recently developed Flat on AirBnB ("Strawberry Fields" as a nod to the pre-1950's Gt Coxwell strawberry farm where 'Stonevale' and 'Corner Beeches' now sit) so don't be concerned if you see short-stay visitors wandering around Stonevale.  I will try to manage the parking, but if anyone is inconvenienced, please let me know.  
 
The Flat is also available to locals needing a place for friends or family, and I will of course offer a discount. Just let me know directly (not via AirBnB).

Russ Payne

Art Weeks in Great Coxwell is taking place this year on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th May and the 9th &
10th May.

We organise a Pop up Cafe in the Reading Room over both weekends and we need the help of
volunteers to make this work.

• We need people to set up and clear away tables in the Reading Room this would be on Friday 1st May and clearing away on the last day of each weekend.
• To wash and iron the tablecloths after each weekend
• Flowers for the tables and an arrangement for the back of the Hall and the cake table. (these can be very simple , no need for anything extravagant)

In the past the organisers have done all of these jobs as well as working, shopping and making
cakes etc.

Over the years we have become victims of our own success and are very busy and need some
more help.

The shifts for each day we are looking to cover are:

• 11-1.30 2 people
• 12-2.30 4 people
• 14.30-17.00 3 people

This applies to all days. Therefore we are looking for 45 shifts to be covered.

We are also asking for people to make cakes- again we are looking for about 50 cakes to be
donated.

If more people help this makes life easier for all.

If you are unable to bake we would appreciate donations for food or to provide an item of food
for a session.

Over the years Art Weeks has raised over £25,000 for the Village. ( Last year it raised £2,736 ).

Any money raised is spent only in the Village as we do rely on the generosity of the Village to
raise the money for the majority of the food and making the cakes. We also hope you will pop
down for Coffee, Lunch or Afternoon Tea.

The Community Fund has supported many things over the years from a new carpet in the
Church and Funding to celebrate Special Occasions in the Barn for which we have had over
175 Villagers attend.

This year alone we have supported the following:

• Men's Night
• Refreshments after the Remembrance Service
• Leaving do for Maureen our lovely Vicar
• Flowers for the Church
• New Floor for the Reading Room Kitchen
• Broadband for the Reading Room.

The Community Fund is available to any villager who would like to set up a group in the Village.

Now we have Broadband it would be easy, for instance, for people to organise a Movie Night.

If you can help with providing any of the above, please contact me Pam Smith on
[email protected]
07443 636497
01367 240233

This all looks rather daunting but if everyone could contribute this shares the load.

Just to add that people who join in say how much they enjoy it and for new people it is a great
way to meet your fellow villagers.

Best Wishes

Pam

The Sunday Teas will start again on April 12th in the Reading Room 2.30 -5.00 pm

These are the dates for the coming year:-

Sunday April 12th
Sunday June 14th             
Sunday July 19th
Sunday August 16th
Sunday September 13th

Look forward to seeing you all .
​

Quick reminder: Parking in the village needs extra care to keep our narrow road clear — especially past the Reading Room. Emergency vehicles are much wider than our cars. Please just double‑check that you and your visitors leave enough space for ambulances and fire engines to get by.

Many Thanks

​The next Men's Night will be held in the Reading Room this Thursday from 7pm to 9pm.

Drop in anytime from 7pm, bring along your own beverage of choice, it's all very informal.

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
​​

What is the Contemplation Garden?

The Contemplation Garden is next to St Giles’ Church. It is managed sustainably in harmony with nature. It was originally sown with a wildflower meadow mix in 2013.

Additions in recent years have included native trees, climbers and bulbs, as well as hedges, benches, and boxes for bees and birds.

Volunteers maintain several distinct habitats: hedge, scrub, log piles, stone piles and meadow. Consequently the area around the church now supports more than 200 native species.

What’s new in the Garden this spring?

The views to the south towards the Ridgeway have been opened up, with work undertaken to remove excess ivy and prune trees. A wych elm given by the Diocese has been planted on the eastern boundary (bordering ‘Siberia’).

Anne and Mat have planted snowdrops, small daffodils and native bluebells.  Nest boxes have been cleaned ready for use, and a new bee house has been installed for native bees.

Established wild flowers to see in the garden now include primroses, aconites, white and purple violets, celandine and lords and ladies (in leaf).

Who maintains the Garden?

Anne Hamling, Lindsay O’Kelly, Mat Dempsey and Jacqueline Pumphrey are currently looking after the Garden. If you have any questions about it or would like to get involved, please contact Anne Hamling, [email protected]
​

The 1st April sees the start of a new WI Membership year and new members are very welcome to join.  Our meetings are held at 7:30pm in the Reading Room on the second Tuesday of every month except August. 

There is a varied programme with speakers covering topics from history,  nature, the local area and a quiz night.

We also arrange one trip per year.  It's a great way to meet new people in the village and socialise. 

Please contact Pam Holley on 07779653744 if you would like to join.