NEWS FROM TESTBOURNE
This term we are beginning to see some of the plans related to our new specialist status in the performing arts take shape. Tickets are already on sale for our first major production “Titanic – the unsinkable dream”, the story of a White Star Liner told as a Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Spectacular, written by Pete Hallmann, our new Head of Drama. In a break with tradition we are staging this at the Theatre Royal, Winchester from Thursday 23 rd to Saturday 25 th March. There will be four performances, including a Saturday matinee, and tickets, priced £8, £7, £19 for families and £4.50 for concessions, can be obtained through the theatre box office (01962 840440) or booked directly online (www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk). It promises to be a really memorable production so do please come along and join us for this inaugural event to celebrate our new status.
We are also really looking forward to a joint musical venture in partnership with The Anvil in Basingstoke. Pupils from Testbourne and our feeder primary schools will be taking part in workshops with four professional musicians, culminating in a joint performance at The Anvil on March 29 th . In both cases pupils with a wide range of talents, interests and abilities are being offered new and exciting opportunities to learn skills, develop confidence and work as a team in a really professional setting.
We are also in detailed talks with architects about improving our own performing arts facilities. We have now received approval from the DfES for the first phase of our plans which will see the complete refurbishment of the Music area. This is very shabby and not at all fit for purpose or worthy of our new status. We will fund this from the capital grant of £100,000 gained through our successful bid plus the £50,000 raised through our own fundraising and sponsorships. In the longer term we intend to radically improve our existing performance facilities, for use by the school and community alike, but will have to raise more funds to make this possible.
And although there is lots to report on the Performing Arts front, all the staff are still working hard to ensure there are good things going on right across the school. Under the governments's new arrangements for schools we now have a SIP – School Improvement Partner – and he has given us a very positive first report, referring to the “very impressive standard at Key Stage 3” based on the unvalidated 2005 PANDA, the Ofsted document which reports on and compares results and standards. He was also very pleased with achievement at Key Stage 4, and should be even more pleased once the final and corrected set of data, due in March and incorporating corrections in our favour, is available.
Hilary Jackson Headteacher
Ladies Only Pamper Evening
24th March 2006
Ladies would you like a little TLC? Would you like a really nice ‘someone' to take care of you for a couple of hours?
Can you imagine having a little time out? Wouldn't that be wonderful??
……………… Well now you can.
Testbourne PTFA and Caroline Mitchell have organised a ‘Ladies Only Pamper Evening' on the 24 th March – with busy mums, wives and grandmas in mind. This is an evening dedicated totally to you – with lots of pampering!!
There will be host of complementary treatments try – how about an Indian Head Massage, that is sure to help the stresses of the week fade away, You could ‘treat your feet' to a lovely foot massage or a spot of reflexology. That'll help put you and your feet feeling on top of the world.
You could be a little more adventurous and have a Bowen treatment, incredibly gentle, even suitable for babies, but it certainly helps that poor old frozen shoulder, general aches and pains and a multitude of other ailments.
What about having calmer kids – gosh wouldn't that be bliss – well with the help of the ‘Indigo Essences' it could be a reality in your house. They are designed for kids who need a bit of help settling, sleeping etc. Perfect calmer homes, mums and kids – what could be better?
This is only a selection of what and who will be there. But rest assured there is plenty to see, try and even buy – beautiful crystal jewellery, cosmetic and skin care products. In short an entire evening made over to you, for your health and beauty – anything and everything to help you feel and look better – but I'm positive you are already beautiful…
Oh yes and your entrance fee - £4.00 - gets you a free glass of wine and nibbles for the evening – now that's a real treat.
Doors open at 6 pm on 24 th March at Testbourne School Sports Hall (plenty of free parking) and we close when you're all done – about 10pm
We all look forward to meeting you there and giving you a fabulous evening of
‘Time Just For You'.
For further details please contact Caroline Mitchell 01256 892122
Email: heavennearth@btinternet.com
The next meeting will be on Thursday, l6th. February at Nordale at 7.30 pm when our speaker will be Mr. Greg. Nicholson talking about ‘Mobility Help'.
Daphne Bevan
The indoor cricket, organised by the Winchester & District Cricket Clubs' Association has now reached the knock-out competition stage for the ‘Parish teams. In the League itself, Longparish are confirmed as winners of Division 2 and next season will be promoted to Division I. Well played and congratulations. Longparish I and Longparish III have not had such successful seasons but the players have enjoyed the chance to play competitive matches during the winter and to keep in touch with other Club members.
The 2006 fixture lists have been received from the Hampshire Cricket League. The First XI travel to Calmore Sports II on the 6 th May for their first match in County Division 3, while the Seconds have a home fixture on the same day against Farley II in Regional Division 3 North West. The draw fior the nPower Village Knock-Out competition has given Longparish a bye in the first round; our first match will be away to Rotherfield Park on Sunday, May 7 th at 2.00pm. The Club's Fixture Secretary, Neil Bonathan, is busy arranging friendly fixtures for the summer (and our Autumn Tour), and the Evening league and Junior Section fixtures from the W&DCCA should be available shortly. All in all, it looks like an extremely busy summer!
1 £50 101 Deborah Skinner
2 £25 107 H.Vize
3 £25 233 Jackie Burnett
4 £15 157 Neil Bonathan
5 £15 14 M.Larder
6 £15 104 Christian Dryden
7 £10 93 Sue Dixon
8 £10 269 Trevor Howard
9 £10 52 A.Benco
10 £10 158 Georgina Bonathan
Kate Hibbert
Friends of Longparish School
100 Club draw winners
December results
1st 8 Mrs S Nicholson
2nd 75 Mr & Mrs Wrey
3rd 34 Henry Yelf
4th 65 Christian Dryden
5th 20 Mr&Mrs Barber
January results
1st 145 Mrs P L Sawyer
2nd 115 Angie Budd
3rd 17 D Graham
Tina Francis-Pollin
Another Opportunity to View the Whole Development
I have been asked by a number of people who were away on the weekend of the Official Opening in December if the new building could be opened on another occasion for general viewing.
To this end, it will be open from 1 pm to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday 25 th and 26 th February. Do please come and have a look if you have not already done so. You will have access to the whole site including the old school, which has been changed considerably, and the new classrooms and playgroup to which ordinarily you will not have access.
John Ellicock
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There will be a reception for new villagers at 8pm on Wednesday 8 March in the new Community Hall.
Please do come if you moved to Longparish in the last couple of years. The Parish Council will fund refreshments and it will give you an opportunity to find out more about the village and meet people who lead village clubs and organisations.
Jeremy
Barber Parish Council Chair
Martin Coppen Parish Priest
Saturday 25 th February 7.30 for 8pm start
in Longparish Community Hall
Teams of 6-8 or come and join a team on the night
includes supper of soup, roll and dessert available from
Andrea Hulme Tel: 01264 720347