A happy new year to all readers!!
The Doxey play – your chance to take part and develop your skills
Last month’s Doxey Times told of the grant that the Community Association had received. The idea is to put on a play in Doxey – about Doxey – with Doxey people involved at every stage and in every part of the production. As well as giving a chance for people to use their theatre skills it will give others a chance to learn these skills. There will be a series of workshops run by theatre professionals.
Some people have already called to say that they are interested, but it is not too late for others to put their names forward. If you want to act, to play music, to construct scenery, to do lighting or do any off the other jobs involved in producing a play cal Jane on 621453 or Joan on 251622.
Work on writing the play has already started. The writer will be visiting Doxey in January and would be keen to meet residents who have interesting stories to tell about the village.
The provisional title for the play is “Village Voices”, so look out for more news about this production in coming weeks.
How much do you miss the Doxey post office?
It’s about six months since the post office in Doxey closed; time enough for people to adjust and for the post office in town to get its act together to cope with the increased business. So now is the time to get a true picture of how people have been affected by the closure. In the next month or so questionnaires will be delivered to every tenth home in Doxey, asking the people who live there to say what difficulties they are experiencing with having no post office service in Doxey. Because only about 100 questionnaires will be sent out, it is important that as many as possible are filled in and returned.
If you do not receive a questionnaire, but still wish to make your views know, you can call Stephen on 251622 or e-mail: press@doxeyca.org.uk.
Recycle your Christmas cards
Don’t just throw your Christmas cards in the bin. They can be used again if you send them for recycling. There are various collections points in town, but there will also be boxes in the Sutton Centre on Sutton Drive and at the parish church.
A shameful reception for Santa
Doxey got a bad name in the
press recently for the attack on the Rotary Club’s pre-Christmas visit to Doxey.
Many young children were denied a visit by Santa because a group of young people
through stones at the procession and hindered its passage through Doxey. In
addition to given some pleasure to children, this visit also raises funds for
local charities. But, whatever the situation, acting violently towards visitors
to the village is unacceptable. It is hoped that the incidents which have been
reported will not happen again.
Thanks to Mark and his team
The annual senior citizens’ Christmas party was held in early December. About 70 of the older residents of Doxey were there to enjoy a splendid meal, good company and some singing. Many thanks to Mark Smith for organising this and to his band of helpers who prepared and served the meal and to those who provided the music.
It’s dirty, it’s dangerous – please don’t leave it there
That is the dog dirt which is often found on the pavements and
green spaces in Doxey. No one likes treading in it and it can spread disease.
You can do something to clean up after your dog.
Bags for this purpose are available free of charge at the Sutton Centre in Sutton Drive.
I f you are concerned about persistent fouling by dogs let the Community Association know by calling 251622.
I am glad to have this opportunity to introduce myself and my family. I am married to June and we have five children and a grand-daughter who is seven weeks old.
I was brought up in Wales and as a student went to Oxford. I returned to Wales to work in the Parish of Llangynwyd with Maesteg (I’d love to hear you pronounce those names!). From there we moved to Somerset and then to Yorkshire where we stayed until coming to Doxey.
As Vicar I hope to connect not just with Doxey church but also Doxey community. It would be great to see you in church sometime (I hope you didn’t just say ‘over my dead body’ – because it would be a pity if that was the first time I saw you there!). But if not in church, then at some other venue when June and I look forward to meeting you.
Every blessing for 2005!
A
heartwarming community event
More than 40 people came to the switching on of the Doxey Christmas tree lights outside the Doxey Arms. After the switch on and a few carols – thanks to Geoff Moore for the guitar accompaniment – the assembled company repaired to the Doxey Arms for refreshment. Many thanks to Patrick and Caroline for providing these free for the children. All who took part were warmed by the community spirit on show.