Whatlington

The Royal Oak

Psychic Night at The Royal Oak last weekend was another evening of accurate and astonishing readings by Robin Lown and Grant Colyer. Each time we hold one of these events, we are all amazed at what Robin and Grant come out with – how could they possibly know??! We will put another date in the diary soon.

The boules season has now begun with matches every Wednesday, the full fixtures list is on display at The Royal Oak, we always welcome support so if you would like to come and watch, please feel free. Practices are held informally on Sunday afternoons on our new piste in the garden and this is an excellent opportunity for an afternoon drink all in the name of sport!

How many people have heard of “Royal Oak Day”? May 29th 1660 was Charles II’s birthday and the day that he returned to London marking the restoration of the monarchy. This day was a national holiday and known as “Royal Oak Day”, “Oak Apple Day” or “Restoration Day” and widely celebrated with singing and dancing for over 200 years, with the wearing of an Oak sprig on this day customary for centuries. Here at The Royal Oak we believe we should revive the celebrations and will be holding a Royal Oak Day Dinner on 29th May of Steak Pie and Plum Pudding – the traditional pudding eaten on Royal Oak Day! Tickets are just £10 each for the two courses but must be booked in advance, please call us on 01424 870492.

The next Traditional Irish Tunes session at The Royal Oak falls on Friday 31st May this month and musicians begin at 8.30pm, admission is free and everyone is welcome.

The Village Fete will be on Saturday June 15 this year and we are now in the midst of the organisation! If you have any ideas for stalls or demonstrations at the fete or if you would like to help out to set up or man a stall on the day, please call Angie on 01424 870087. There will be lots to do and see at the fete this year including all the games that were very popular last year including the crockery smashing!! It will be another occasion for the village to get-together, so put the date in your diary and come along!

If you have anything that you would like to appear in the Village Voice column, please email me [email protected] , by the Monday prior to the Friday publication.

Hilda Aplin writes, “Can I please remind members of The Good Companions that our next outing is to The Chequers on May 22 and that I need the completed forms back by May 15 indicating what food you would like to eat, together with the necessary deposit.

I have now arranged the meetings up until August Please note that I have had to re-arrange the date for cream teas at Jacqueline`s; the date is now Wednesday July 3. I hope that the sun shines and we can all sit outside and enjoy Jacqueline`s large and peaceful garden. Our summer luncheon, a bring & share meal, will be held on July 24 at the Village Hall and I will be passing around the form for you to fill in, to indicate what you would like to bring. Finally on August 28 I have arranged for a tour and wine tasting session at Carr Taylor Vineyards in Westfield, followed by tea/cake.

If you would like any information on the Good Companions or any of the outings please do telephone Hilda on 01424 77358. We are an informal group who meet on a monthly basis for companionship, as our name implies. We do not have any membership fees.”