On Sunday afternoon July 5th, Sulgrave Women’s Activities Group (SWAG) held an open gardens day to which all were invited, culminating in tea and cakes together with a sale of plants at Wootton House.

More photographs on the next page.

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Flag lowering ceremony at the end of a wonderful day of 4th July celebrations in bright summer sunshine. Sulgrave Manor was bought by the British American Peace Committee in 1914 to be a symbol of peace between the two countries. The Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1814, which brought to an end the war of 1812. The Manor is therefore one of the most appropriate venues outside the States at which to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. See following page for pictures of the many activities

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The Cottage, Magpie Road (Photo: Chris Behan)

On Sunday 31st May, seven Sulgrave gardens were open to the public in aid of charity, under the National Gardens Scheme. Nationally, this scheme raises more than £2.5 million each year for nursing, caring and gardening charities and more than £25 million has been donated in the last 15 years. The gardens open to visitors were: Church Cottage, Eagle House, Ferns, Rectory Farm, Sulgrave Manor, The Cottage and Threeways.

Read a full report on this event by Ingram Lloyd.

More pictures on the next page.

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Photo: Peter Mackness

On Friday afternoon 22nd May the inhabitants of Magpie Road suddenly found fire engines and police cars outside their houses. They were told by the police to stay indoors because of the discovery of a suspected unexploded wartime hand grenade on the side of the road, apparently dropped by a Council refuse lorry. Until the device had been dealt with by an army bomb disposal unit no-one was allowed into the street.

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Seventy years ago, the then British prime minister Winston Churchill declared May 8, 1945, to be “Victory in Europe Day” after a gruelling five-year war against Nazi Germany and its allies. In making plans to commemorate this historic day, the present Leader of the House of Commons wrote to Church Leaders as follows: “VE day 70 is an opportunity to remember the sacrifice and sheer determination of the people who saw us through this dark period, give thanks to those who so bravely played their part and celebrate peace and reconciliation. The government would like to invite churches to contribute to the weekend’s events with a ringing of bells, where they are able and in a manner of their choosing”. As “Tower Captain”, Hywel Lloyd was asked to organise such a ringing at Sulgrave Church on Sunday 9th May. See the next page for photographs of this event, with an opportunity to hear the bells and read some memories of Sulgrave in 1945 and of those from the village who served during the five years of conflict leading up to VE Day.

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The May Queen is crowned by the Brackley Town Mayor

On a lovely day of bright sunshine, sandwiched between two stormy periods, a large crowd filled the gardens of Sulgrave Manor to celebrate May Day with many traditional events.

See next page for more photos.

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Photo: Chris Behan

On Sunday afternoon 3rd May, Little Street and Helmdon Road in Sulgrave were temporarily closed to other traffic whilst the remaining runners in this year’s “Wings for Life World Run” passed through the village. This event, which raises money for research into spinal cord injury, involves runners starting “en masse” at Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit and following a route through the lanes and villages of South Northamptonshire. Thirty minutes after the start they are slowly followed by a “catcher car” and each runner drops out when he or she is caught. The last runner to be caught is declared the winner of the UK event. Similar runs take place at the same time in many other countries and the competitor who covers the longest distance is the world winner.

See more details and pictures on the following page.

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As can be seen from the above Statement of Persons Nominated for Election, there are six nominations for the six vacancies on Sulgrave Parish Council. There will thus be no election of Parish Councillors. The six persons nominated will be declared elected and will form the new Parish Council.

Photo: Colin Wootton

Eclipse of sun on Friday 20th March 2015 as seen from Dippers Cottage at 09.14.

On Sunday 31st May a number of Sulgrave gardens will be open to the public in aid of charity, under the National Gardens Scheme. Nationally, this scheme raises more than £2.5 million each year for nursing, caring and gardening charities and more than £25 million has been donated in the last 15 years.

More details to follow.