We now continue the story based on the reminisces of some of those who have been involved in more recent times; Gill McDonald, Serena Williams, Chris Hodges and Ernestine and Oliver Matthews. We are no longer looking at each specific decade; instead this chapter covers the further new initiatives that have been developed, innovations that have confirmed the Horti’s role as a major provider of social activities in the Village.
It is not possible to include all the innovations that have taken place over the last thirty plus years but, in addition to the Pantomime, these other initiatives were mentioned as highlights during our conversations.
Fired up
First was the Bonfire Party. We mentioned in Chapter 6 that this event was first introduced in 1989 with initial success but in the new millennium it ran across a number of problems. It was tried at several locations but there were concerns about the noise, in particular the impact on animals.
But the Committee did not give up and in 2022, after a gap of several years, it was decided to adopt a new approach, led by Chris and David Severs. The resurrected Bonfire Party had fewer bangs and a light display, with a musical accompaniment. The further attractions of a barbecue, mulled wine and lots of sweets for the children ensured a ‘massive turnout’ and lots of positive feedback. This initiative involves significant risk because, in addition to being weather dependent, it requires a substantial investment; therefore sufficient funds will have to be in place for this event to continue.
Club Paradiso
The second standout innovation to be mentioned is Club Paradiso. Chris and Gill led a team that worked together on the launch of this initiative; it involved decorating the Village Hall and converting to a 1930s nightclub. It also involved a wide range of excellent cocktails – including the ‘Long Marston Fix’ and the ‘Gubblecote Glug’ – which sometimes had to be restricted to avoid alcohol poisoning!
For Gill the success of Club Paradiso has been the most rewarding and enjoyable feature of her time with the Horti. The first event was held in 2014 and initially involved mainly local talent but it was then extended also to include professional bands who agreed to contribute at lower than normal rates. She commented:
‘We dressed up Victory Hall and it looked quite beautiful; With its stage for performers, it is the perfect venue for this kind of event. Everyone loved it and it went from strength to strength’.
There were two more events before the Lockdown caused a temporary halt. But it ran again in May 2022 and is likely to be a continuing feature of Horti activities going forward. Gill is considering whether room for dancing could be introduced in future events.
The May Ball
Ernestine and Oliver were closely involved in this innovation which was introduced in 2002. Dancing classes were offered beforehand to help those who were not up to speed and thirty couples turned up for the first class. This led to good attendance at the first May Ball held in Cecilia Hall in Puttenham.
There was a substantial buffet with champagne and canapes and each year there was a different colour theme. Oliver recalls that the hall was beautifully decorated and was extended by an enormous marquee; ‘the whole effect was magical’ was his comment.
This event continued with success for nine years but the expense of the marquee made it difficult to break even. The decision was then made to move the event to the larger Cheddington Village Hall, thus avoiding the cost of the marquee, and this continued for a few more years.
‘It was never the same in Cheddington’ commented Oliver. ‘It lost its atmosphere and numbers dwindled so it had to come to an end’.
There is no doubt however that this innovation brought much enjoyment to the village and stimulated interest in dancing for many residents. In the case of Oliver and Ernestine, it began a passion for dancing which continues to this day
Carols around the Christmas Tree
This innovation began in 1984. Initially a tree, jointly funded by the Horti and the Parish Council, was purchased each year and placed on the Village Green. To save future cost – and in consultation with the Parish Council – Horti member Naila Green arranged the initial planting of a tree on the Green, hoping that it would eventually be a permanent replacement. It was chosen as a tree which was ‘slow growing’ but at times it seemed to have stopped growing altogether. Chris recalls removing the long grass in an attempt to get it going.
But it now stands in pride of place and the singing of carols around the tree, with mulled wine, mince pies and Santa Claus bearing gifts, has become a feature of Christmas celebrations in Long Marston. From 2007, ex-Army musicians have provided the band music and profits have been donated to the Charity, Help the Heroes.
Other Innovations
Our conversations stimulated memories of a number of other innovations which met the needs and interests of the times. Oliver mentioned the success of quiz nights and bulb planting sessions. There was also a children’s bicycle ride with a carefully chosen route and clues for a treasure hunt; this was in the 1990s when roads were not so busy and there was less focus on safety concerns.
Oliver also recalled organised bicycle rides for adults with much pleasure. An interesting route would be planned with suitable refreshment stops along the way. Masons Coaches provided an old double decker bus to transport the cyclists and their bikes to the start point many miles away. The bus journey and the barbeque afterwards (provided by Serena) became social events which are recalled fondly by members past and present.
This led to a discussion of why some events like the Village Show seem to have eternal life (apart from during pandemics!) while others come and go. It was agreed that this is because some events are appropriate for certain times and circumstances while others meet a continuing need. One reason for the ongoing success of the Horti is that they have adapted to the times and have known when to innovate and when to pull back.
This does not prevent revivals of previous ideas as happened with the Bonfire Party. And our discussions of the May Ball led to some thoughts that maybe it should come again!
The next chapter will focus on the ways in which those running the Horti have enjoyed the hard work involved and have had much fun at the same time.
