Combined Village News

News: Aston Ingham, Bromsash, Gorsley, Lea, Linton & Upton Bishop.

Owls

For a month or so, owls have been making their calls during the early evening — even earlier now the clocks have changed. For the most part these seem to be Little and Tawny owls. I am not an expert in bird calls, but what wonderful sounds they make, just as the sky darkens, the air chills and all else is quiet and still.
It is amazing to be living within the bounds of this free display from nature.
I like to think I help the owls by encouraging small mammals to live in certain areas through creating a good habitat for them. It is difficult to know how helpful I am to the owls, but I do know a cat likes to hunt in the same area.
Owls are mostly nocturnal in their habits so are not often viewable. If you do see an owl, it is likely to be a Little Owl. They can be seen perched on top of posts, where they stay absolutely still and so not easy to spot.

Peter Lockwood

Community Equipment Service – Important Update

The Community Equipment Service, previously run by NRS Healthcare on behalf of Herefordshire Council, is now provided by Hoople.
If you, or your family members, have assistive equipment such as shower stools, toilet frames, chairs and beds labelled NRS Healthcare that need to be returned or repaired, please contact the Community Equipment Service Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page
Please note that crutches and Zimmer frames should be returned to the hospital or local authority after use.

Linton & District History Society — upcoming talks

3rd December – John Putley - A Gloucestershire Christmas

January – No talk this month

4th February – Gillian White - Mary, Queen of Scots

4th March – Roger Davies - Korea and the Glorious Glosters
(Chairman’s Lecture)

1st April – AGM and Teresa Squires - National Trust Pot Pourri

The Society meets at 7 for 7:30pm at Linton Village Hall. All are welcome - Guest fee is £5 per talk. For further information please contact the Chairman - Roger Davies Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page or the Secretary - Teresa Squires (sec.lintonhistosoc@gmail.com)

The Ashbourne Family Saga

The season of good cheer has arrived, and George is in a benevolent mood, much to the relief of his sister Annabel. However care has to be taken, the period of mourning for a spouse is twelve months, but nevertheless the demands of business must be attended to. There is much to be done.
Read the whole story only in The Chimes Online at www.thechimes.org.uk, then select Extras, Info & Blogs, then Historical Blog. It's all there.

Dorian Osborne

A new venture for the villages

The 5 Villages Film Festival is a new month-long event, beginning on 31 January 2026, which brings award-winning feature films and thought-provoking shorts by student filmmakers to rural communities across the Gloucestershire/Herefordshire borders, May Hill and Forest of Dean. It’s a chance for audiences to enjoy the best international cinema and hear powerful voices from a new generation of talented, local filmmakers, all in their nearby village hall.
During the festival, each village hall will have its own characterful take on the total cinematic experience, be that freshly made popcorn, farm-made ice cream, home-made cake, locally produced beer, wine and cider and a warm welcome. Whatever it is, it will be good quality and great value for money.
Just as important is the festival’s showcasing of powerful new work by filmmakers at the start of their careers. Each feature film will be preceded by a short film (or two) by students from the BA (Hons) Film and TV Production course at the University of Gloucestershire. To be able to offer emerging film and TV makers a platform to show their award-winning work to an audience who might not otherwise get to see new contemporary filmmaking is an incredibly enriching element of the festival, giving audiences opportunities to engage in Q&As with the students.
To be certain of a ticket, book in advance online using TicketSource.co.uk/FiveVillagesFilmFestival (plus 42p booking fee), and usual village outlets. Unsold tickets will be available on the door.