| Age Concern |  |
Transport and relief care.
Contact: Molly Boughton (Tel: 01296 651245)
www.ace.org.uk
| Ashendon Book Group | |
‘Ladies’ of Ashendon (and adjoining villages) meet once every two months to discuss a book they have all read during the previous months. It is a lovely excuse just to get together and has certainly helped many members to rediscover the fine art of reading – i.e. it makes us pick up a book and read it.
Books we have read recently are:
- Chains by Laurie Halse
Anderson
About 13 year old Isobel’s determination to free herself and her sister (Ruth) from slavery in New York at the same time as all of America was fighting for independence.
This book is a good, easy read with vivid imagery throughout. It tells a very hard story that, whilst fictional, reflects the reality for many slave children of the time.
Circumstances lead Isobel into a very dangerous existence that, when caught by her owner, receives an inevitably cruel reaction by her owner (Mrs Lockton). This doesn’t stop Isobel whose loyalty to her (only) friend, Curzon, leads her down a track that eventually enables her to take the brave step.
The group loved Isobel for her gutsiness and optimism – she never gave up on her belief that she could be free, despite the cruel control of her owner and the laws that held her bound. Mr Lockton seemingly turned a blind eye, to the inhumane acts of his wife, though he had his mind on British interests in America at the time and was possibly too busy to worry about domestic affairs. His aunt, Mrs Seymour, did take an interest and did what she could to help the girls – a kind but, sadly, too old lady.
A central theme in the book is another book – Common Sense by Thomas Paine – Sue Roberts took the time to find a copy of this book (which was in the Aylesbury library vaults) and shared her findings with the book group. Thomas Paine was one of the 12 American founding fathers and influential in the subsequent French Revolution (for which he was arrested, imprisoned and only just avoided the guillotine). Fascinating stuff.
We certainly recommend this book as an interesting, historically informative and thought provoking read.
- The Boy in the Bush by DH
Lawrence (and M.L. (Mollie) Skinner)
The book generated much discussion and debate. Some loved it, others struggled with it – though no-one absolutely hated it.
The expectation of some of our group was that DH Lawrence would be heavy going – some were pleasantly surprised, others found it heavy going! The punctuation was unusual and dialect can be difficult to read. It was in the typical ‘flowery’ style of Lawrence. If you don’t like it you can skip it was one suggestion but this wasn’t a great solution for everyone.
One member of our group put the reading challenge into perspective:
“It was one of those books where you would read a lot of pages, then think am I enjoying this? Answer: No – then something punches you in the face and you are off again reading with enthusiasm.”
Jack the main character was liked by most of the group – though became less liked as the tale unfolded and by the end he had a lost a lot of the sympathy extended to him due to his circumstance:
- Brought up by aunts who bordered on cruel to him
- Sent to Australia as a young man by his family
- Virtually disowned by his father
The story is a fascinating social history. It is rich in ‘stuff’ to learn and try to understand.
The original manuscript by Mollie Skinner may not be as ‘well’ written but clearly provided a solid, historical, foundation for Lawrence to build on.
Would we recommend it? Not sure.
Previous books can be found here.
Anyone interested in joining the group is welcome to do so – please speak to any member you know or e-mail
sian@impetus.co.uk for details of current book, next meeting date and venue.
| Ashendon Parish Council | |
Ashendon Parish Council website http://www.bucksinfo.net/ashendonpc
| Gatehangers' Association | |
Their claim to fame is that they hung the gate on the playing field many years ago and still hold a dinner every year to celebrate. The dinner is held on the third Friday in May each year - if you're interested in attending (and you're male!) contact John Boughton (Tel: 01296 651135).
2008 dinner; speaker
Bishop of Buckingham
| Ludgershall United Football Club | |
Ludgershall FC Website
Home ground is Ashendon Playing Field.
Training every Tuesday night at Waddesdon School 7:30pm. New players always welcome.
| Playing Field Association | |
Responsible for looking after the field, the play equipment and the pavilion. There are also allotments to rent at (almost) peppercorn rents. They run a very successful 100 club. Why not join?
Contact: Tans Theobald, Hundred Acre Wood, (Tel: 01296 651869 or Email: theo@doctors.org.uk ).
| Red Lion Social Club | |
| Organises events, quizzes, auctions, WEB SITES! - (well, this one anyway) and anything else you want - mainly based in Gatehangers Inn. Contact: Kevin Nash, Swevenings, (Tel: 01296 658810 or Email: kevinpnash@yahoo.co.uk ). |  |
| Riding For The Disabled | |
Incorporating Carriage Driving. Provides the opportunity of riding and carriage driving to people with disabilities who might benefit in their general health and well-being. If you could benefit or if you are interested in helping contact Felicity Smettem (Tel: 01296 651598).
Charity no. 244108
| Village Hall Committee | |
The committee hold several events each year - great fun - and would appreciate your support.
Chairman: Geoff Curtis.
The hall is available for hire at moderate rates for parties, receptions etc. China hire also available.
Bookings: 01296 658119 or 01296 651196
| Women's Institute | |
We are a lively group of mostly local women of all ages and walks of life. If you are looking for something new to do why not come and join us at our interesting & fun monthly meetings which are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the village hall at 7.30pm. We also hold extra activities outside our normal monthly meetings such as rambles & craft evenings.
The programme can be found on
http://www.bucksinfo.net/ashendonwi/
Pictures of past events can be found here.
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If you would like to add anything to this page please contact Kevin Nash on 01296 658810 or email kevinpnash@yahoo.co.uk
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