STEAM RALLY REPORT

You never quite know what you are going to find at Hollowell Steam & Heavy Horse Show and the 2024 event did not disappoint. A quick wander round the field revealed ferret racing in one corner, a "Bike Battle" in another, and dancing sheep in a third. There were Bernese Carting dogs with their gorgeous Swiss carts, owls and reptiles, though fortunately not in the same tent, a juggling and magic show, plus a mobile rifle range. At one point I found myself transported as I watched a line of Land Rovers perform the "who can move the slowest whilst reversing" race in the Main Ring. Who needs Tiktok or YouTube? This was entertainment of a real and otherworldly quality, where anything could happen right in front of you. The steam engines chuffed and tooted, the heavy horses tossed their manes and the fairground whirred merrily along. It was a shame that the dodgy summer weather and possibly the football, meant the numbers attending were a little down. Congratulations should be offered to the Rally Committee and their many volunteers, for the tremendous effort that goes into putting on this traditional country show with a twist.

LAST CHANCE THIS YEAR TO LEARN TO SAIL AT HOLLOWELL

RYA Stage 1 for children: 7 & 14 September

RYA Level 1 for Adults: 21 & 22 September

Children: If you missed the school holiday courses, there is one more opportunity for juniors and youths from 8 years upwards to learn to start to sail. By the end of it you will be able to sail out and come back and gain RYA Stage 1 certification. The members cost of £60 includes instruction, use of a boat and buoyancy aid, an RYA logbook and certificate. Once stage 1 is completed members can come to our coaching sessions which run every other Sunday morning during the season. Non-members are welcome on the training course too at a cost of £110.

Adults: Run over two days our instructors will take you from the very basics up to being able to sail a single-handed or double handed dinghy. For the double handed course an instructor will be in the boat with you for the majority of the course. For those wanting to learn to sail a single handed boat this can be accommodated. At the end of this course you should be able to sail a triangle ‘under instruction’ but often you will be able to do this on your own. Minimum age: 16 years. Cost: £100 members, £175 non-members. For more information and to book visit www.hollowellsc.org.uk

HOLLOWELL VILLAGE HALL BIG BREAKFAST

The popular Village Hall Big Breakfast is coming up on Saturday 7th September 9.30am to 12 noon.

And please save the date for the Harvest Supper on Saturday 12th October. Book early to avoid disappointment: emilyinthegarden@gmail.com

Don’t forget to check our Events Diary for more information on events in all our villages and surrounding area.

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SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

On an all too rare warm and sunny evening in June, a small group of Hollowell Hens visited Kilworth House Theatre to watch Singin’ In The Rain.

Before the performance we enjoyed a glass of Prosecco and a lovely picnic on the lawn, before making our way through the trees to the remarkable open-air theatre.

It was a fabulous production; the standard of the singing and dancing was excellent and the live band was amazing.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the evening; perhaps the highlight was the title song complete with pouring rain and puddles on stage - we were very glad we didn’t have seats in the front row!

HOLLOWELL VILLAGE HALL SURVEY

The Hollowell Village Hall Committee would like to express its thanks to all those that contributed to the recent ‘Village Hall Survey’. We received 51 responses (just short of 40% of houses in Hollowell and Teeton), from a wide variety of community members, reminding us of the important part that the Village Hall plays in the fabric of our parish.

Your responses to the fourteen questions have really helped us understand more about why the hall is used, its perceived value to the community and the opportunities for its future use. We will use them to tailor our activities.

The “word cloud”  right has been created from the comments made in our survey about what the inhabitants of the parish value most when using the hall.

Hollowell Village Hall was given in trust to the village in 1972 to serve as a focal point for the inhabitants of Hollowell, providing a community space for events, education and leisure activities. The Village Hall Committee is run by unpaid volunteers, who work to put on fantastic events throughout the year.  These include the Steam & Whistle pub nights, The Big Breakfast, Café Christmas, Quiz Night etc and they raise vital funds for the Village Hall.

The hall is run as a not-for-profit for the village and it only survives due to village contributions and external grants. Every event supported by villagers helps towards the £8,000 per annum that it costs to maintain the hall.simply, without such continued support, the village hall would close.

We look forward to putting on events for the enjoyment of everyone in our community and we are always looking for volunteers to join our committee in order to continue the great voluntary work already being undertaken. If you fancy helping out and joining our friendly team, then please contact email us at hollowellvillagehall@gmail.com

We hope to see you at the hall soon!

THE MOST ROMANTIC MAN IN THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE UPLANDS?

June 3rd was just an ordinary Monday evening for most of us, but for Richard and Silvija Atkins it was rather special; it marked the first anniversary of their idyllic wedding in Hollowell Church and Village Hall.

Richard, a romantic at heart, wanted to surprise his lovely wife with something different and unexpected. He did just that!

Enlisting family and friends, he organised the Hall to be decorated in the soft colours of the wedding with arrangements of peonies to replicate Silvija’s bouquet. The table was set beautifully, and candle lit and a four-course meal was prepared and simmering gently in the kitchen.

Richard and a still unaware Silvija, arrived to, “just take a nostalgic look at the church.” Wandering round to the Village Hall to peep through the window, the scene they encountered was exactly what Richard had imagined. Silvija’s surprise that it was just for them, made all his hard work worthwhile.

They were delighted to have a chance to enjoy the evening together in this beautiful setting and I’m sure reminisced about the wedding and their first year of married life.

VILLAGE HALL PUB NIGHT

Where better to be on a chilly, wet May evening than the Hollowell Steam and Whistle pop-up-pub in the village hall?  Visitors thoroughly enjoyed the barrel of Cobbler’s Ale acquired from Phipps Northampton Brewery Company. The traditional Northamptonshire skittles table was dusted off for some informal challenges and practice, and there was much scratching of heads over the tabletop quiz questions. A relaxed and convivial evening was had by those able to attend. Huge thanks to the organisers.

HOPEWELL COFFEE MORNINGS

There will be no coffee morning in August, whilst we take our usual annual break. From September to December, coffee mornings will be held on the 3rd Friday of the month, starting on September 20th.

Why not come and join us for a cuppa, a piece of delicious cake and a catch up with friends? We meet in Hollowell Village Hall, 10.30am to 12.30pm.

For more information, or for help with transport, please call Paul on 07780 265614 or email: wearehopewell@gmail.com

EVERYONE WELCOME.

'HOLLOWELL CHURCH

Since our appeal for support last year we have been encouraged by increased attendance at our monthly service and are very grateful to those who have made this commitment and who are giving people lifts to church and helping out in other ways. Everyone is always welcome at our services.