OB50 1956 - 2006

Oliver’s Battery itself, of course, is far older than than 50!  The earthwork on the green area by St Mark’s, which we refer to here as ‘the Battery’, dates back to the late Iron Age or Roman period.  It was excavated in the 1930s, when the grave of a Saxon chief buried in about 550 AD was discovered.  A great bronze bowl decorated with silver lay on his chest, and a silver-pommelled scramasax (a short sword) and an iron spear head were also buried with him.  These artefacts are now in the British Museum, and a replica of the bowl is on display in the City Museum in The Square.  Look out for reference to this in the section on the Fete.

From September to December we hope that the original Saxon bowl will be displayed in the Guildhall.  The arrangements with the British Museum have still to be finalised, but this will be a really exciting and appropriate ending to our celebrations. 

‘Oliver’ was Oliver Cromwell, and it is likely that his troops used the Battery area during their assault on Winchester in 1645, perhaps as somewhere to retire to at night-time; it is not likely that it was used as an artillery battery.

We hope that you will come to as many of these events as you can, and above all that you will enjoy them.  There are no entrance charges except where this is stated here.

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Sunday 23 July, 4.00 pm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ST MARK’S!

On the Battery (next to St Mark’s Church)

A half-hour informal open air service for all.  In 1956 the Salvation Army Band played when the site of the church was dedicated; we are delighted that the band will play again at this service.  The service will be followed by a picnic.  Bring your own food (and chairs and rugs if you like); drinks and cake provided.  Exhibition in the church on the history of St Mark's.  Please come – all are very welcome!

Contact: Rosemary Dunhill, 869007

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 Saturday 29 July, 4.00 pm

BEATING THE BOUNDS OF OLIVER’S BATTERY PARISH

A three and three-quarters mile walk starting and ending at St Mark’s following the parish boundary. Please let us know you if you would like to take part.  You can just turn up on the day but in this case you will not be able to keep precisely to the bounds which include private land; the owners have given permission for only a restricted number to walk this part. Walking boots or heavy trainers recommended.  There will be a quiz for children taking part in the walk; please bring a pencil and something to lean on.

Contact: Geoffrey Burnaby, 865432

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MUSICAL SINGALONG

“St Mark’s Anniversary Review Time” – or “SMART”

Come and enjoy an evening of sing-along songs including many from the 1950s, humour and more.  Why not dress for the period and add to the fun? 

Arranged by the Battery Club.

Tickets, price £5, available from John Le Riche, and from Mark Pyke, 107 Oliver’s Battery Road South.

Contact: John Le Riche, 852650

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COMMUNITY HERITAGE PROJECT REPORT-BACK

Talk and presentation of results of the Oliver’s Battery Community Heritage Project by Winchester City Museum staff.

Contact: Tracey Matthews, 848380

Friday 1 ~ Sunday 3 September, St Mark’s Church

FLOWER FESTIVAL

&

THE BATTERY TIME-LINE

With the theme of Oliver’s Battery 1956 ~ 2006 this will be a Flower Festival with a difference and with something for everyone.  The Festival will be open:

Friday        2.30-6.30  

Saturday    10.00-4.30

Sunday      2.00-4.30  

There will be a time-line round the walls of the hall.  You will be invited to add your family’s arrival to Oliver’s Battery to this. Teas will be available.

Contact: Dorothy Flynn, 868702

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Saturday 2 September, 2.00 pm

TREASURE HUNT (on foot)

Meet outside St Mark’s.  Distance: not more than a mile.

Follow the clues, answer the questions, bring back the object, win the prize!  Please bring a pencil and something to lean on.

Contact: Maggie Collin, 867572

Sunday 3 September, 2.00 pm

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CONSERVATION AREA

The official opening of the recently-created conservation area adjacent to the recreation ground, and guided walk along the bridle way to Yew Hill, followed by a simple picnic of drink and cakes (provided).  Meet in Recreation Ground car park.

Contact: Norma Goodwin, 864684

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Saturday 9 September, 12.00 noon-4.00 pm

FETE

On the Battery (next to St Mark’s Church)

Happy Birthday, Parish Council!

Hog roast and barbecue provided by Anglo Igloo Catering (come for lunch!), stalls, games, bouncy castle, raffle, teas, bar tent and arena activities. 

Watch out for the Saxon chief buried on the Battery over 1500 years ago, and for one of Oliver Cromwell’s soldiers.

Programme

12.00:       Opening by the Mayor, Councillor Mrs Sue Nelmes

12.15:       Burial of Saxon chief

12.45:       Children’s games 1

1.15:         Brownies display

1.45:         Fun dog show*

2.30:         Oliver’s Battery School – songs from their Joseph production

3.00:         Tug of war (all ages)

3.30:         Children’s games 2

Special one-prize draw for a £300 trolley-dash at Sainsbury’s, kindly donated by Sainsbury’s.  Tickets £1, proceeds towards a birthday present for the parish.

In St Mark’s Church:

Exhibition on the history of Oliver’s Battery.

An opportunity to view the recently-completed Women’s Institute embroidery, The Battery: Green and Gold, which will be unveiled by the Mayor just before the Fete begins.

Contact: Mark Pyke, 854011

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*Dog show classes:

·        the prettiest bitch

·        the most handsome dog

·        the best-looking veteran (over 8)

·        the dog most like its owner

·        the dog with the waggiest tail

·        the dog the judge would most like to take home 

Contact: Angela Housden, 864684.

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Saturday 9 September, 8.00 pm  ~ late, King’s School

BARN DANCE

Dance to live music by the Corn Riggs. With a Ploughman’s included in the ticket price and a bar available – this will be a night to remember!! 

Tickets £7 adults, £4 under 16, available from Mark Pyke, 107 Oliver’s Battery Road South

Contact: Mark Pyke, 854011

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 SCARECROW COMPETITION

 Create a scarecrow and display it through the weekend by your front door or at a window visible from the road.  During the weekend walk round Oliver’s Battery and note down the addresses where you see scarecrows.  Prizes for the best scarecrow and the highest number collected.

Organised by Oliver’s Battery Women’s Institute

Contact: Janet Arnold, 866706

 Saturday 16 September, 3.00-5.00 pm, Oliver’s Battery School

 TEA DANCE

 An afternoon of dance and a cup of tea – what more do we need to say! 

 Tickets, £3.50, available from Ian Millar, and from Mark Pyke, 107 Oliver’s Battery Road South

 Contact: Ian Millar, 854542

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