ARRC SOCIAL CLUB ( ASC )
ASC Walks – Exploring the Cotswolds
by Mélanie Chagneau
Before leaving , Ann Tooming offered us a beautiful 12.1km on July 8th in glorious sunshine . Called “ The Queen of the Cotswolds ”, Painswick is well-known for its churchyard with the “ table ” tombs of 18th century clothiers , and with 99 beautifully manicured yew trees planted in 1792 . Our walk also allowed us to discover the surrounding countryside with magnificent viewpoints .
We are now continuing this splendid tradition to take walks in the Cotswolds .
This time , the season started on September 27th when we walked
from Bourton-on-the Water to Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter ( 8.5km , 15 participants ).
Bourton-on-the Water has a long history . Many of its buildings are a pleasing mix of medieval , Georgian and Victorian architecture . They retain the warm honeyed light that attracts people to the Cotswolds .
Moreover , this pair of villages ( Upper and Lower Slaughter ), tucked down in the Eye Valley , are two of the most charming in the area , celebrated for their mellow , rustic beauty .
Afterwards , for those who wanted to stay , we enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee on the banks of the river Windrush .
On October 18th , we walked in Slad Valley ( distance 8km , 10 participants ). This steep , richly textured landscape around Slad was described in “ Cider with Rosie ”, Laurie Lee ’ s memoir of growing up
in the inter-war years . Today , it is an isolated and very beautiful valley .
We will continue these walks in the months to come , do not hesitate to join us !
INNSWORTH MILITARY WIVES CHOIR
After the summer break , the choir was straight back in with a performance at Gloucester Day . It was an honour to be asked to sing at the Thanksgiving Service , where their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were in attendance . The choir was able to meet the congregation after the service , and then join the Gloucester Day Parade through the town .
Once back in rehearsals , the choir was in full swing preparing for their concert at St Mary ’ s Parish Church in Ross-on-Wye . The “ Stronger Together ” Concert saw the choir perform two 40-minute sets , with songs from the Military Wives Choir albums and movie , plus well-known songs like “ Mr Blue Sky ”, made famous by the Electric Light Orchestra , and “ Rolling in the Deep ”, made famous by Adele . The ladies enjoyed the opportunity to sing in such a beautiful setting to an enthusiastic audience .
The choir now turns their focus to Christmas . The carol books have been issued and songs of bells , holly , silent nights and crisp white snow are being sung at the Community Centre every Wednesday evening . The Christmas performances are always highlights for the ladies ; full of tinsel , candles , joy and mince pies !
The choir always welcomes new members . There are no auditions and no need to read music . We rehearse every Wednesday , 19:15 – 21:30 , at the Community Centre . Your first rehearsal is FREE , so why not come down and enjoy some music , laughter and cake . For more details , please email Adele at innsworth @ militarywiveschoirs . org
24 WINTER 2022-23 the imjin