Ilmington

The band draw on Salvationists from a very wide area of the West Midlands. For this concert they came from places as widespread as Coventry, Cheltenham, Cannock, The Black Country, Droitwich, Burton-on-Trent and Rugby.

The Ilmington concert started with a solo horn from the back of the church with the Post Horn Gallop, and there followed popular hymns such as Crown Him With Many Crowns, and The Old Rugged Cross, Star Lake by Eric Ball and from the stage repertoire came music from Godspell and the nostalgic A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square.

Humour came from Albert Wright of Rugby who noisily insisted on giving his own item. What he came up with was Solo Secondo for E flat Tenor Horn - a skilful (and surprisingly tuneful piece) that is played on a single note. Three women members of the band provided the words for Who is He. Written by Benjamin Hanby it describes in a few phrases the life of Jesus

The last part of the concert was devoted to festive music and readings.

The celebrated Flowers Band are in Shipston on December 17, with the 35-strong Tarantara Choir. The concert is organised by the Lions Club in aid of Shipston Home Nursing. Tickets from Dave Squires on 664065.

ILMINGTON SHOW AGM: The annual general meeting of Ilmington Show Committee was held in the Red Lion recently, and the chairman, Alan Wright, said that this year's show had been the best ever, and he thanked all the committee and everyone who had helped to make it such a success. There were record takings on the gate, and everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. He also said that the Ilmington Horticultural Society's flower show was very good. Next year would be the 25th anniversary since the show restarted, so it would have to be an extra special occasion.

The treasurer, Mike Tremellen, in his report said that the stall fees and the total income were well up on last year, and that the catering had been much better. The expenditure was also up on last year, but so was the surplus money made on the show. A total £900 had been given in donations to Shipston Rotary Club, Shipston Home Nursing, Shipston League of Friends and Ilmington charities. This left a balance of around £8,000, and he felt that it was essential to have this amount of money in the bank in case the show was a complete wash out either from the weather or some other reason. He also felt that next year, if it was a bigger show, it should be possible to give bigger donations.

The president, Peter Gardner, then also thanked the chairman, the secretary, John Wilbur, the treasurer and all the rest of the committee for their hard work. The committee were then re-elected en bloc. New ideas were needed for next year's show, including an event to be held in the marquee on the Saturday night.

MONTHLY WALK: The cold weather and fog did not deter the hardy walkers (including four dogs and three children) from tackling the November monthly walk. The route started over Ilmington Down and around the 18th century mansion of Foxcote. The ice cracked underfoot and the countryside looked like a fairyland with the hoar frost glistening. The pheasants scattered as the party went through the large beech wood beyond Foxcote where the trees displayed their last autumnal tints.

On the lane at the top of the high ridge a brilliant sight was revealed. The widespread mist gathered in the vale and resembled a vast white sea while the walkers were in the sunshine. The photographers were out in force to snap this rare vista.

After the walk it was tea and biscuits provided by Percy at the hospitable Red Lion. The Ilmington walks of very modest length take place on the third Sunday of every month. The next walk when everyone is welcome will have a festive slant on Sunday December 18 starting at the Red Lion at 2pm.