Local Events
Ashbury Beating the Bounds was traditionally used to confirm the Parish boundaries and took place at the beginning of May. The first recorded account of a walk around the Parish of Ashbury is Abbot Beere’s Terrier and Peramabulation of 1517. Abbot Beere was the Abbot of Glastonbury who owned the Parish at the time. The description of the walk, in Latin, also mentions those that walked the boundaries with him: Father Thomas Sutton, Thomas Percy, Nicolas Smyth, John Besseley, Thomas Horton, Robert Horton, & John Yong of Ashbury, and Ricard Eyre, Robert Boyetonn, John Ffrenshe, William Bunce & Alexander Wilmott of Kingston Winslow.
Nowadays, Beating the Bounds comprises a 17 mile walk around the boundaries of the parish and is organised such that participants can complete all, or parts of the course, as so inclined. It usually takes place on or near the first Saturday in May.
Ashbury Stations of the Nativity is a traditional event that takes place just before Christmas every year. The parishioners gather at the Cross Roads for an evening torch light procession through the village singing hymns and re-enacting the story of the Nativity.
Circular Walks offer a relaxing way to see more of the local countryside, to meet people and take exercise.
Some tried and tested circular routes are listed in the following web sites; maps and clear instructions are provided, as well as notes of interesting places and wild life to look for:
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National Trails website |
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Vale of the White Horse |
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British Walks.org |
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Downloadable leaflets available for 8 circular walks, 12 scenic paths, and several health walks |
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Take place every Wednesday at 10.30am starting outside the Bell Hotel; free and for people of all abilities. Trained walk leaders at front and rear |
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| Walking the Lambourn Valley Way |
A nineteen and a half mile walk which can be broken down into the following shorter sections: Lambourn to East Garston - 2.9 miles East Garston to Great Shefford - 1.9 miles Great Shefford to Boxford - 4.2 miles Boxford to Bagnor - 2.4 miles Bagnor to Kennet and Avon Canal - 2.2 miles |
Walkers are invited, if they have not already done so, to read The Countryside Code which helps everyone respect, protect and enjoy the countryside. It applies to all areas of the countryside and makes clear the responsibilities both of the public and those who manage the land.
Cirencester’s Early Music Festival usually takes place annually in July.
Country Markets are held at:
Cirencester
Every Monday and Friday
Faringdon
In The Corn Exchange every Friday morning from 9.30am to 11.00am
Shrivenham
In the Memorial Hall on the first and third Friday of each month between 3.00pm and 7.30pm
Wanborough
In the Village Hall on the middle Saturday of each month 9am to 12noon
Wroughton
Open from 9am to 11am in the Ellendune Hall
Lambourn Open Day takes place every Good Friday and is well worth a visit. There are over 50 racing yards in the Lambourn Valley with around 2000 horses in training. The open day provides a unique opportunity for the public to view the yards at close hand and learn more about the individual horses. In the afternoon there is an extensive country show with many demonstrations of rural skills and pursuits. For more information click here.
Open Studio Events offer a fascinating opportunity to visit artists’ studios, talk to artists and take part in workshops. Much of the work is available for purchase and many artists will accept commissions. The Wiltshire Cloth Road Arts Trail usually takes place in April and the Hungerford and District Community Arts Festival in June/July. A similar event is associated with the Newbury Festival.
Oxfordshire Adult Learning Service has developed a new range of courses and trianing for people who are short of time. There are hundreds of courses on offer, plus weekend workshops in all sorts of art, craft and creative activities, as well as computing and many more subjects. Read more here www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/adultlearning
Swindon Festival of Literature usually takes place in May. Speakers include well known names from the world of literature, politics, philosophy, science, sport, entertainment, and television. More details may be found here.