*** News Bites ***

Skills Register

Would you like to be included in the HVS Skills Register? The Register is open to members (new members always welcome) and is published on the HVS website. We also plan to issue a printed copy of the Skills Register in the next issue of the newsletter. Please contact Wayne Smith on 0118 934 xxxx to register, or for more information.

Sale of Alcohol at the Village Halls

Under the new licensing regulations, the Village Hall is only allowed 12 licences each calendar year where alcohol may be sold. This is seriously inhibiting the Hall's ability to allow functions that require a cash bar. Most of the local societies have already booked one of the 12 licences and our opportunity to support wedding receptions and other parties is compromised. The only long term solution is to apply to have our Premise's Licence varied to include the sale of alcohol. The Halls Committee has now set this action in motion and hopefully I will be able to report a successful outcome in the summer newsletter.

1st Hurst Air Scouts

1st Hurst Air Scouts is a vibrant active group in the village catering to the scouting needs of boys (and girls) from ages 6 through to 14. At present fifty seven boys, involved in Beavers (6-8), Cubs (8-10½) and Scouts (10½-14), are participating in an action packed programme of activities including the district cooking competition, aviation simulation at RAF Benson, Three Towers hike, astronomy and the summer Family Camp at Phasels Wood in Hertfordshire. These are just a few examples of the kinds of activities organized for our children; a tradition that started in Hurst 60 years ago. In October we celebrated this special anniversary with a family party, games, eats and the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate 60 years of scouting in Hurst. If you would like to find out anything more about our group, meeting times and contacts are on the HVS website www.hvs.org.uk or you can call Jane Melizan on 0118 934 xxxx.

Calling all Mums!!!! Free Coffee!!!

There is now a Mums and Tots at the Gospel Hall in Whistley Green open from open from approximately 10am - 11.30am each Friday during term time. Please come along and give us a try, we would be so pleased to see you. For further info please contact:

What's On in Hurst ?

The Wooded Hill web site provides information about events in the village and important dates to note, which are posted in a monthly email. So log on today and register for your regular email updates and find out more about Hurst and what's on.

Mad Academy

The MAD Academy, which is high octane, free spirited classes in music and dance for children from 3 months to 4 years, was launched by Emma Lelliott at Hurst Large Village Hall on 22nd February. The classes are small and strictly separated by age/developmental stage and are designed to give the children and carers (parents/grandparents or childminders) focussed one-on-one sessions - as well as being a good workout!

The hall is an excellent size for really letting go and flying in those "spaceships"!. Emma would really love to try and bring MADness to as many villagers as possible so that they have an opportunity to take part.

Hurst Brownies

On October 20th the Brownies took part in the 'Cheeky Monkey Marathon' campaign in aid of the charity Children with Leukaemia. They had to choose a sponsored activity lasting 26 minutes (to link in with the Marathon theme) and decided on non-stop dancing and/or movement. The charity allows the group to keep some of the moneys raised and offers rewards dependant upon how much each individual raises.

We raised a magnificent £616.68, sending the charity £470, not bad for under half an hour's exercise! Please accept the Leaders' thanks if you were involved in supporting any of the girls (incidentally, the money we kept will go towards our census moneys which are due at Headquarters this term).

Spurred on by this, the Brownies have decided to set themselves a target of £200 which they hope to raise at a Fund Raising evening on March 16th from 5.00 - 7.00pm. With the money raised they will sponsor animals for the Third World through the charity 'Send a Cow'.

Please come and support them in their challenge; they are putting a lot of effort into this. Thanking you in anticipation, Mary Langdown (Brownie Guider)

Party in the Park

This year's Party in the Park will take place on Saturday 1st July on School Road (Willowmead). There will be three live bands. Tickets £11.00 each....more details to follow but please put this very popular event in your diaries - NOW!

Horse Racing in Hurst!

Why not get a group together, make up a table and have a night at the Races whilst supporting a very worthwhile village event. Even better, sponsor your own race and choose the horses names. For more details and race night tickets please contact Rita Bunyard 0118 934 xxxx or Christine Bovis 0118 979 xxxx.