Upcoming Events

We gathered at the Hog Inn,Horsley. Led on the walk by Eric and Laura Davis, ably assisted by local Grippers supporters John and Jo, we explored a variety of terrain, including pretty villages and hamlets, rolling pastures with distant views and leafy tracks in the woods. Oh yes, and just a very little bit of mud underfoot. Afterwards we enjoyed a tasty lunch outdoors in the October sunshine.

This was the third time the Purton Amateur Dramatic Society have entertained us with a murder mystery. Apart from all the fun  and excellent supper, we are so grateful to everyone who gave so generously. We raised a total of £490. Congratulations to Fran, Becky, Jon and Jo who were the super-sleuths.

Trustees Sue, Robina and Andrew were guests of the Ashleworth and Hasfield WI, where they gave a well-received talk about their experiences and in particular the events leading up to the formation of the charity. To their great surprise, many of the the WI members made very generous individual donations. All in all, we raised a very handsome £140. Many thanks to those WI members for being so generous.

Eighteen stalwarts joined together at the Crown of Crucis to enjoy a delightful walk around the fields and lanes of the Ampneys. The weather on the day was fine but as it followed a period of torrential downpours, the main challenge was avoiding the many flooded paths and field tracks.

Most of the group were able to end the morning at the home of Trustees Andrew and Robina where they had a lovely lunch of roast pork with all the trimmings, prepared by William while we had been walking. The Annual Walk was originally a sponsored event starting in 2006, but it has morphed into a celebration of Grippers and it is wonderful to have so many Service Users and Grip staff taking part as well as the Trustees and main supporters of the Charity.

With only one previous exception, The Autumn Annual Walk has enjoyed wonderful weather. Alas, the 13th such walk proved to be unlucky! The forecast of fog followed by steady rain on a strong northerly wind on the top of Cleeve Hill deterred many. In the event, seven stalwarts and two dogs set off and were rewarded with a break in the rain and because of the clear conditions, magnificent views of the Winchcombe valley as we passed close to the historic Postlip Hall and later across the Severn Vale all the way to the Malvern Hills. The steady climb up to the top of the escarpment warmed us up but we could only pause for a brief appreciation of the view before we were quickly cooled down by the wind and hastened on.

Just as the rain returned we arrived to a warm welcome at the Rising Sun and were soon steaming and glowing after a drink and roast lunch.

We are particularly pleased that several service users braved the elements and joined in what turned out to be a successful and very satisfying walk.

We were entertained to a moderately complex plot “Murder at Hill Crest House” which actually involved a double murder and another attempted murder (or was it an accidental poisoning?). The audience applied themselves to the task of eating and drinking as they were entertained and all too soon they had to commit their suspicions and reasoning to paper and submit the answers to the players from The Purton Amateur Dramatic Society for appraisal. In addition to giving up their evening, the PADS actors bought a lot of raffle tickets, so it was rather fitting that they took away most of the splendid prizes. The winning sleuths then stepped up on stage in recognition of their skills of observation and deduction and to receive their prizes to applause. Finally, the actors and their producer and all who had contributed to the success of the evening were thanked.

In addition to the fun, we are delighted to also report that the evening raised over £650.