NATIONAL TRUST

Charlecote Park

April was a busy time at Charlecote Park. Easter weather did not deter visitors whose children were hunting for Easter Eggs and mostly the weather was fine enough to enjoy the Park as well. Lambs were arriving from the beginning of April and as ever were welcome additions.

In the Victorian Kitchen work continued on the chimney. It has been relined and as soon as all the plaster is dry it will be possible for the fire to be lit - the first time in well over half a century. Cooking in the kitchen has proved popular and many children have enjoyed helping to weigh up the ingredients.
From the beginning of May, until 28^th September the House will be open for longer hours - from 11am until 5pm with the last entry at 4.30.
Special May events include a Rover P4 Car rally on Sunday 9th May and a Walk with the Gardener on Saturday 29th May. A Wildlife Photography Day on Tuesday 18th May is a bookable event (cost £5.00), so get closer to the wildlife, hone your photography skills and book early.

For further details please contact Charlecote Park on 01789 470277 or visit:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-charlecotepark .

Aerobatics at the Airfield

Wellesbourne Airfield in conjunction with On Track will be hosts to the British Aerobatics Association's summer aerobatic seminar on 19^th/20^th May. Aircraft will arrive on the Wednesday and on Thursday you will be able to watch some fine aerobatics, all of which will take place overhead Wellesbourne Airfield; Aerobatics over buildings is strictly forbidden. You are most welcome to come and watch; there is no charge. The Touchdown Café (and their patio for customers) will be open as usual, with its choice of freshly cooked food or snacks and drinks, available between 9am and 5pm. Any further information can be found on the On Track website, or by ringing 01789 842777.

FS

Stour Singers

Stour Singers concert with the Orchestra of the Swan on 8 May 2010 at 7.30pm in St Edmund's Church, Shipston-on-Stour is a unique event in the town's musical history. This Shipston based choral society was established by conductor Richard Emms 34 years ago with members drawn from a wide rural area within the three shires of Glos, Oxon & Warks, and it is the first time the choir has been partnered by a distinguished fully professional orchestra.

The Handel - Vivaldi programme, featuring international soloists Katharine Fuge (soprano) & Emma Selway (mezzo-soprano) is easy on the ear and a delightful antidote to any gloom! Do come!

Tickets at £12.50 for adults (accompanied children free) from: R. Clarke, 27 High Street, Shipston, choir members & at the door.

For further information please contact Vic Twyman Tel 01608 664215.

Compton Verney

Stratford's award-winnning art gallery

Reader special offer - 2 for 1 admission* Print off a voucher at www.comptonverney.org.uk/2for1
* admission ticket of lesser value is free.

Opening times and prices:
Compton Verney is open from 27 March 2010 until 12 December 2010. Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am – 5pm. Admission to Compton Verney is £8 Adults, £6 Concessions, £2 Children, £18 Family. Under 5s are free. Admission includes entry to the gallery and grounds. The gallery is home to six permanent collections and a changing exhibition programme.

Tailpiece

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 40

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.
With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.
Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.
After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.
Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level.)
After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

(Thanks to Shiela Freeman for this one.)