A few absentees due to the awful bugs going around, but nevertheless approaching 70 ‘seniors’ enjoyed a belated Christmas Lunch – and a good time was had by all. We spent a moment at the beginning remembering our friend, Audrey Hollings. It was wonderful that Dan wanted to be there, along with their daughter, Patricia. For the photos, click here.

February 14th Valentine’s Concert

The evening of Valentine’s Day saw a packed Village Hall, eagerly awaiting another show consisting purely of local talent, thanks to the enthusiasm and persuasive powers of Sheila Beswick, who had rounded up an incredibly varied group of artists. Some great singing and playing, of course, but also a monologue, a double hander (Drinkstone’s version of Hinge and Bracket!), and a performing horse— yes, really! A great night all round that raised over £400 for All Saints Church. Thank you to Sheila, all the helpers and especially the performers. Look at the photos here.

 February 12th – Cartoon de salvo – ‘Powercut Compendium

Cartoon de salvo touring company brought their unique show of storytelling and live music to Drinkstone! A virtual sell out and quite an experience, all happening in an imagined powercut. It was followed by an open mic session. Some (grainy) photos here, including Drinkstone’s entertainers with the cast members.

 March 14th  – Pub Night

The darts board, shove halfpenny and pool table were all set up; the drinks were lined up at the bar; tables and beer mats were laid in waiting, a rota of willing barmaids and barmen was set up – but would any customers turn up? A resounding yes! Around 50 people streamed in for Drinkstone’s first ever pub night without a pub! And a good time was had by all. Check out the evidence!

 April 25th Coffee Morning/Plant Sale

All Saints hosted a Coffee Morning and Plant Sale in the Village Hall. Despite the awful weather, it was a wonderful, sociable morning, with a great choice of cakes on offer. We were inundated with plants, most of which went in the first hour and a wonderful £335 was raised for the work of the church. A huge thank you to all who made cakes, served them, donated plants, and sold them and especially to those who came and spent their money!

 May 2nd Sale Trail

This year’s Sale Trail was as successful as ever, with 30 open garages and the hall packed with table top stalls. A great total of £963 was raised for the Village Hall, thanks to all the sellers and buyers. It wouldn’t happen without the willing band of helpers from the Village Hall team giving their time to prepare and clear the hall, direct traffic, sell maps, man the stalls and control the crowds. A few photos…

 June 6th Ceilidh

It has been a while since Drinkstone has seen a Ceilidh. The fund raising team at All Saints grabbed the chance to have one (in part to help our lovely bass player Susie G celebrate her 50th birthday). And so it was that many of Sue’s family and friends joined folk from Drinkstone and Woolpit to set the floor alight. ‘Clutching at Straws’ were brilliant; the burgers/sausages went down a treat and the dancing provided much fun for the watchers—young and old had a great time! We even raised over £500 for the work of All Saints. Fantastic. Some photos are fuzzy – they were all moving so fast…

June 20th Open Gardens

All Saints Our second Open Gardens event took place on June 20th. 19 gardens were open, some for the first time. Read all about it on the Open Gardens page.

 July 4th Defib handver

The great and the good assembled on one of the hottest days of the year for the official handover of the public access defibrillator donated to the village by the East of England Ambulance service . Penny Otton recalled that we were also sweltering almost two years ago to the day at the opening ceremony of the hall! The Hall Chairman, Sue Foulsham, was MC for the ceremony, and there were speeches by representatives from the Ambulance service and WENT, also from Daphne Youngs, the Parish Council Chairman, from Penny Otton, our Mid Suffolk Councillor and from Jo Churchill, MP for Bury. All followed by refreshments and demonstrations. Lots of photos.

July 4th Pub Night

It was a really hot, sticky evening. The first pub night was a success, but would the balmy evening have everyone in their gardens barbecuing? Well, over 60 people turned up to this one and for the early part  of the evening it was pub on the patio – far too hot to be indoors. We even ran out of white wine and Liz raced off to the supermarket. A good time was had by everyone.

 September 12th Village Fete

Just for once – the sun shone – what a difference from the previous two years! The games team all dressed up; the dog show was a riot as usual, and all the usual suspects were on sale, all making for a very successful fete. Photos.

 September 25th Harvest Supper

It was with some trepidation that the planning team set about organising Harvest Supper for the first time following Cora Munford’s years of organising it single handedly. The team of four were expecting to be very busy, so it was a joy to have so many people offer to help with cooking/preparing/setting up. It was a very happy evening— a sell out— and by all accounts thoroughly enjoyed by those who came. There’s a couple of photos – must do better next year…

 October 17th Village Fun Quiz

This sell out evening with eleven teams competing was a great success and enormous fun. Lighthearted questions (not necessary to be a Mastermind), lots of bonhomie and a great Ploughmans Supper. Photos

 November 14th Pub Night

Around 60 people joined in this time –  there was a great atmosphere – a bit like a pub really! This time a good number on their first visit, with even some drinkers from Woolpit. Pub Nights can be said to be a success! Couple of photos.

 December 10th Garland Workshop

About 20 eager beavers gathered together at the Village Hall once more to learn from the skilful Christine Harbutt, who patiently demonstrated the making of a garland AND a wreath and just as patiently, worked her way round the whole room giving tuition and help wherever it was needed. The results speak for themselves. Many were able to make both! Thanks to Julie for providing the wonderful lunch and to Liz and Carol for all their hard work in the kitchen.