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++For a slideshow of the April to June edition (and earlier editions) of the Bisley News, please click on this link
NEXT BISLEY MARKET
- SUNDAY MAY 10
BISLEY COMMUNITY COFFEE AND CAKE
- TUESDAY MAY 12
What: Coffee/Tea and homemade cake, drop in any time, all welcome.
When and where: Bisley All Saints’ Church, Tuesday May 12 (and every second Tuesday) from 10.30am till noon.
How much: Free, although any donations are used to help local causes.
Where: Bisley Church
ALSO they have started a Community Book Swap at the back of the Church (to left of Vestry Door). Drop in anytime, daylight hours. Bring a Book, Take a Book, Swap a Book.
When and where: Bisley All Saints’ Church, Tuesday May 12 (and every second Tuesday) from 10.30am till noon.
How much: Free, although any donations are used to help local causes.
Where: Bisley Church
ALSO they have started a Community Book Swap at the back of the Church (to left of Vestry Door). Drop in anytime, daylight hours. Bring a Book, Take a Book, Swap a Book.
FLICKS IN THE STICKS
- TUESDAY MAY 12
May's Flicks is The Choral, an historical drama set in the first world war in Yorkshire.
It's 1916, the town choirmaster has been called away to be machine-gunned in Belgium, and the local choral society is appointing as his replacement Dr Henry Guthrie, played by the excellent Ralph Fiennes.
It is also roping in injured squaddies from the nearby military hospital to replace choristers who have been conscripted.
Anti-German sentiment is running high, and the society decides to put on a work by Elgar, specifically because Elgar is not German.
Unfortunately, and crucially from the point of view of the plot, it is based on a work which is by a German composer (Bach), and some of the locals take exception both to that and to Dr Guthrie's Germanophilia and homosexuality (he's in love with a German sailor, to boot).
A side plot involves the burgeoning romance between a female singer, Bella, and one of the chaps who has joined the choir. If you think this is a bit naughty of Bella, given that her sweetheart is currently dodging bombs in somewhere like Ypres, wait until the sweetheart comes home minus an arm and Bella decides she prefers the new bloke.
Drama abounds, along with gentle humour.
It got pretty good reviews and viewers will enjoy the period architecture and unspoiled views.
When and where: Tuesday May 12, 7.30pm for 8pm, at the Village Hall.
How much: A donation of £4 is suggested. Wine is available.
It's 1916, the town choirmaster has been called away to be machine-gunned in Belgium, and the local choral society is appointing as his replacement Dr Henry Guthrie, played by the excellent Ralph Fiennes.
It is also roping in injured squaddies from the nearby military hospital to replace choristers who have been conscripted.
Anti-German sentiment is running high, and the society decides to put on a work by Elgar, specifically because Elgar is not German.
Unfortunately, and crucially from the point of view of the plot, it is based on a work which is by a German composer (Bach), and some of the locals take exception both to that and to Dr Guthrie's Germanophilia and homosexuality (he's in love with a German sailor, to boot).
A side plot involves the burgeoning romance between a female singer, Bella, and one of the chaps who has joined the choir. If you think this is a bit naughty of Bella, given that her sweetheart is currently dodging bombs in somewhere like Ypres, wait until the sweetheart comes home minus an arm and Bella decides she prefers the new bloke.
Drama abounds, along with gentle humour.
It got pretty good reviews and viewers will enjoy the period architecture and unspoiled views.
When and where: Tuesday May 12, 7.30pm for 8pm, at the Village Hall.
How much: A donation of £4 is suggested. Wine is available.
NEXT WI TALK
‘HOW TO SPOT SCAMMERS'
- THURSDAY MAY 14
What: The monthly WI talks. The speaker this month is Bill Cowley, who will be delivering an interesting and useful Police and Home Office Approved Scam Awareness Talk.
When and where: Bisley Village Hall, Thursday May 14 from 7.30pm.
How much: Free to WI Members – Visitors welcome £5.
When and where: Bisley Village Hall, Thursday May 14 from 7.30pm.
How much: Free to WI Members – Visitors welcome £5.
OAKRIDGE MAY REVELS
- SATURDAY MAY 16
What: Village fête with live music, bar, BBQ, raffle, bouncy castle, tombola and various stalls, all welcome.
When and where: School Green, Oakridge Lynch, Saturday May 16 from 12pm-4pm.
How much: Free admission, all proceeds go to the school.
When and where: School Green, Oakridge Lynch, Saturday May 16 from 12pm-4pm.
How much: Free admission, all proceeds go to the school.
NEXT BEAR PUB QUIZ
- SUNDAY MAY 17
What: The monthly Bisley Community Group fundraising pub quiz at The Bear. The questions are usually pretty easy, and it’s a fun way to spend one Sunday evening a month. It is always busy, so book early.
When and where: Sunday May 17 from 6.30pm.
How much: £3 per person, teams of four ideally (but if you are a couple struggling to get a four together, or are a five or even a six, we can usually make it work). Book your places at the bar of the pub, or by calling 07808 656727.
This month’s proceeds will again go to Bisley Community Group to help pay for the returfing at the playing fields.
When and where: Sunday May 17 from 6.30pm.
How much: £3 per person, teams of four ideally (but if you are a couple struggling to get a four together, or are a five or even a six, we can usually make it work). Book your places at the bar of the pub, or by calling 07808 656727.
This month’s proceeds will again go to Bisley Community Group to help pay for the returfing at the playing fields.
BISLEY OPEN GARDENS
- SUNDAY MAY 31
What: Bisley Open Gardens 2026.
When and where: Sunday May 31 2026, from 2pm to 6pm in Bisley and Nashend.
How much: Tickets for all gardens £7.50 - purchase on the gates or by card at the Village Hall.
Individual gardens £1 if required.
Children free.
All proceeds towards the upkeep of the Village Hall.
More information: A large selection of village gardens open to the public.
Delicious teas in the WI Village Hall and at Cricketty Mill, Lower Nashend.
Maps available.
Dogs on short leads welcome.
Parking in the village as signposted (Bisley Bluecoats School playground, Back Lane field).
Plant sale.
When and where: Sunday May 31 2026, from 2pm to 6pm in Bisley and Nashend.
How much: Tickets for all gardens £7.50 - purchase on the gates or by card at the Village Hall.
Individual gardens £1 if required.
Children free.
All proceeds towards the upkeep of the Village Hall.
More information: A large selection of village gardens open to the public.
Delicious teas in the WI Village Hall and at Cricketty Mill, Lower Nashend.
Maps available.
Dogs on short leads welcome.
Parking in the village as signposted (Bisley Bluecoats School playground, Back Lane field).
Plant sale.
FLICKS IN THE STICKS
- TUESDAY JUNE 9
June's Flicks is Hamnet, which is directed by Chloé Zhao and based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel of the same name.
It stars Jessie Buckley as Agnes (Anne Hathaway) and Paul Mescal as ‘Will' (William Shakespeare); they meet, have children, get married, and Will tries his hand at writing (at which he turns out to be reasonable).
But as the Great Bard's career is taking off, in an Elizabethan England stalked by the plague and suffused with overtones of witchcraft, tragedy strikes with (I don't think this is a spoiler) the death of their son, the eponymous Hamnet; it's a real tearjerker, according to friends who have seen it.
Jessie Buckley's performance won her the 2026 Best Actress Oscar, and it got very good reviews - though some critics found it slightly overdone.
When and where: Tuesday June 9, 7.30pm for 8pm, at Bisley Village Hall
How much: A donation of £4 suggested. Wine is available.
It stars Jessie Buckley as Agnes (Anne Hathaway) and Paul Mescal as ‘Will' (William Shakespeare); they meet, have children, get married, and Will tries his hand at writing (at which he turns out to be reasonable).
But as the Great Bard's career is taking off, in an Elizabethan England stalked by the plague and suffused with overtones of witchcraft, tragedy strikes with (I don't think this is a spoiler) the death of their son, the eponymous Hamnet; it's a real tearjerker, according to friends who have seen it.
Jessie Buckley's performance won her the 2026 Best Actress Oscar, and it got very good reviews - though some critics found it slightly overdone.
When and where: Tuesday June 9, 7.30pm for 8pm, at Bisley Village Hall
How much: A donation of £4 suggested. Wine is available.
CONCERTO IN THE CHURCH
- FRIDAY JUNE 12
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Cathy Thompson and friends will be returning to All Saints’ Church with a varied programme including Grieg, Mozart, and Albinoni, and Max Richter, and film scores from Hamnet, William Walton's Film Suite from the Oscar-nominated 1948 classic Henry V, and Shadowlands. They will be joined by The Every Other Monday Singers, a talented, creative group of professionally-trained local musicians and writers including Jonathan Trim, Sophie Ayre, and Sarah Steel.
The internationally-acclaimed celloist Caroline Dale will also be appearing - she has performed around the world with renowned ensembles including the Nigel Kennedy Quartet and the English Chamber Orchestra, where she currently serves as principal cellist and soloist. (See the video below.)
Cathy herself is a world-renowned performer and composer who has Cathy played in numerous concerts with a great variety of artists, most notably with the Michael Nyman Band, Peter Gabriel, Sting and The Stone Roses. She spent a year touring with U2. Cathy became a member of the Medici String Quartet in 1994, and is a member of the London Metropolitan Orchestra, The London Session Orchestra, and The New Blood Orchestra
The event is sponsored by Rathbones Wealth Management, via Tim Hurst, a senior member of their Cheltenham team.
Proceeds from the concert will be equally divided to support Bisley Church and the local community
Doors Open at 6:30, and the events starts at 7:30pm. A licensed bar will be operating.
A similar concert sold out last year, so book early to avoid disappointment.
The internationally-acclaimed celloist Caroline Dale will also be appearing - she has performed around the world with renowned ensembles including the Nigel Kennedy Quartet and the English Chamber Orchestra, where she currently serves as principal cellist and soloist. (See the video below.)
Cathy herself is a world-renowned performer and composer who has Cathy played in numerous concerts with a great variety of artists, most notably with the Michael Nyman Band, Peter Gabriel, Sting and The Stone Roses. She spent a year touring with U2. Cathy became a member of the Medici String Quartet in 1994, and is a member of the London Metropolitan Orchestra, The London Session Orchestra, and The New Blood Orchestra
The event is sponsored by Rathbones Wealth Management, via Tim Hurst, a senior member of their Cheltenham team.
Proceeds from the concert will be equally divided to support Bisley Church and the local community
Doors Open at 6:30, and the events starts at 7:30pm. A licensed bar will be operating.
A similar concert sold out last year, so book early to avoid disappointment.
ANNUAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT
- SUNDAY JUNE 14
What: The annual Bisley tennis tournament, for pairs.
When and where: Sunday June 14, from 2.30pm at different courts around the village. The semis and final are held at Jaynes Court, and begin at 4.30pm with complimentary drinks for all. The names of the winning pair are engraved on the tournament trophy.
How much: No entry fee, and all players and spectators welcome.
More details: If you’re interested in playing in this fun event please contact Evelyn and Mike Bowman at [email protected] or on 07454 934879.
When and where: Sunday June 14, from 2.30pm at different courts around the village. The semis and final are held at Jaynes Court, and begin at 4.30pm with complimentary drinks for all. The names of the winning pair are engraved on the tournament trophy.
How much: No entry fee, and all players and spectators welcome.
More details: If you’re interested in playing in this fun event please contact Evelyn and Mike Bowman at [email protected] or on 07454 934879.
BISLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026
- EARLY BIRD TICKETS
ON SALE NOW
Lower-priced ‘early bird’ tickets for the Bisley Music Festival 2026 have gone on sale, priced at £10 adults (will be £12.50 at full price), £5 children aged 5-18 (will be £6), and £22 for a group of two adults and two children aged 5-18. Under 4s will be free of charge.
We had a great inaugural event last year, and will be building on that this year.
Ticket prices will go up nearer the time so, again, it’s a good idea to book early.
We had a great inaugural event last year, and will be building on that this year.
Ticket prices will go up nearer the time so, again, it’s a good idea to book early.
REMEMBRANCE DAY 2025
JILLY COOPER RIP
Jilly was a lovely woman, well-liked in the village, and often to be seen pottering around with one of her greyhounds.
She will be greatly missed.
Here are a few links about her - the first featuring Eddie Kearney speaking to The Times. This must have been an interesting experience for both parties.
The Times: My trip through Jilly Cooper’s Cotswolds, land of a thousand romps
The Times, again: Jilly Cooper’s 1969 debut column: ‘We lived in screaming chaos’
Times obituary: Dame Jilly Cooper obituary: Sunday Times columnist and prolific author
The Daily Mail: Huge bidding war looms for diaries of bonkbuster author Jilly Cooper ‘that are even racier than Rivals’
The Daily Mail, again: Jilly Cooper was one of the kindest women I've ever known - the world is a far less fabulous place without her
The Daily Telegraph: The Jilly Cooper I knew for 20 years deserved damehood decades ago
Daily Telegraph obituary: Dame Jilly Cooper, sharp-eyed social observer and author of Riders dubbed ‘Queen of the Bonkbusters’
Guardian obituary: Author whose bestselling novels, including Riders and Rivals, were set deep in an English countryside where the natives pursued land, sports, and each other, with lust and gusto
Observer obituary: Jilly Cooper, saucy novelist who just wanted to make people smile
Bookseller obituary: Jilly Cooper dies aged 88
New York Times obituary: Jilly Cooper, Widely Popular Romance Novelist, Is Dead at 88
Le Monde obituary: Jilly Cooper, known for her novels filled with sex, snobbery and fun, dies at 88
Berliner TagesZeitung obituary: UK queen pays tribute to author Jilly Cooper, dead at 88
Cotswold Journal: Cotswolds village of Bisley which Dame Jilly Cooper called home
She will be greatly missed.
Here are a few links about her - the first featuring Eddie Kearney speaking to The Times. This must have been an interesting experience for both parties.
The Times: My trip through Jilly Cooper’s Cotswolds, land of a thousand romps
The Times, again: Jilly Cooper’s 1969 debut column: ‘We lived in screaming chaos’
Times obituary: Dame Jilly Cooper obituary: Sunday Times columnist and prolific author
The Daily Mail: Huge bidding war looms for diaries of bonkbuster author Jilly Cooper ‘that are even racier than Rivals’
The Daily Mail, again: Jilly Cooper was one of the kindest women I've ever known - the world is a far less fabulous place without her
The Daily Telegraph: The Jilly Cooper I knew for 20 years deserved damehood decades ago
Daily Telegraph obituary: Dame Jilly Cooper, sharp-eyed social observer and author of Riders dubbed ‘Queen of the Bonkbusters’
Guardian obituary: Author whose bestselling novels, including Riders and Rivals, were set deep in an English countryside where the natives pursued land, sports, and each other, with lust and gusto
Observer obituary: Jilly Cooper, saucy novelist who just wanted to make people smile
Bookseller obituary: Jilly Cooper dies aged 88
New York Times obituary: Jilly Cooper, Widely Popular Romance Novelist, Is Dead at 88
Le Monde obituary: Jilly Cooper, known for her novels filled with sex, snobbery and fun, dies at 88
Berliner TagesZeitung obituary: UK queen pays tribute to author Jilly Cooper, dead at 88
Cotswold Journal: Cotswolds village of Bisley which Dame Jilly Cooper called home
