News from Our Villages

Local stories, updates and features from across The Chimes communities.

A VIEW FROM THE HILL – November 2026

November 2026 MISSING Another spring and summer have slipped by, again I have not heard a Cuckoo in this valley. Not only not here, but anywhere, to me, they have sadly gone away. Not only that, but I did not notice any Swallows flying about here. They have never nested near here, in spite of there being many old buildings and a stream for mud, but in balmy weather, they would come to feed. Then, on reflection, I concluded that I had not seen many Swallows at all. Are the

A Word from the Editor – November 2026

A Word from the Editor. Well, what a shift in seasons! Where did summer go?

The Ashbourne Family Saga – Chapter XXXVII (September/October 2026)

The Ashbourne Family Saga – Chapter XXXVII Join Dorian Osborne for the latest instalment of The Ashbourne Family Saga, exploring the people, places and stories of the past. Read the complete September/October 2026 edition, including Dorian’s original photographs, illustrations and additional features. Read the Full Story (PDF) → Explore Previous Chapters →

Aston Ingham Cricket Club 50th Anniversary

Aston Ingham Cricket Club celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Events started back in April at Upton Bishop Millennium Hall with Supper with Scu, a sell-out evening with guests enjoying a three-course dinner with former top Jump jockey Tom Scudamore recounting his tales from the saddle. Since retiring as a jockey, Tom has joined AICC and plays regularly for our 3rd and 4th XI teams. The highlight of our 50th anniversary was a Participation Cricket Week in August tha

Rob the Rainman – November 2026

Rob the Rainman September’s total was 42.7mm, 70% of the average expected. After the excesses of the summer months, September was pretty normal. It was a rainy period up to the 18th, but with dry weather too. There was enough rain to reverse the outward signs of the summer drought, green grass again, and temperatures above average, although a few mornings had an autumnal feel. From the 19th, we had an 8-day dry spell, which was sunny and continued the warm theme before the

Church News & Services – November and December 2026

News and service times from churches across The Chimes villages, including Remembrance, Advent and Christmas. From the Rector In September, we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Rev. David Howell’s arrival in the Benefice. The Bells of Weston were rung in recognition of the occasion, followed by an afternoon celebration at the Village Hall. A poem, “A Special Invitation”, was written to mark the anniversary and thank David for his ten years of ministry, friendship