A visit to the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, was a FIRST for a group of our Phoenix ‘STRICTLY’ fans.
We were treated to all three finalists from the recent TV competition – Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton, Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse and winner Ore Oduba, dancing with Karen (wife of Kevin) rather than Joanne (sister of Kevin) Clifton, who’s busy in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
The line-up also included Daisy Lowe and Aljaz Skorjanec and Lesley Joseph, with Gorka Marquez rather than Anton du Beke.
The amazing show included some fantastic group numbers. We were treated to a tribute to West Side Story, a steamy Argentine Tango to Chicago, a fabulous 60s number to Hairspray (with Ed throwing himself into it wearing a camp bright pink suit) and a 1930s Hollywood routine with top hats, tails and feather fans.
The aerial acrobatics, indoor fireworks and flame effects to added to the drama.
Ed Balls received the lowest scores, but the loudest applause and a standing ovation!
Everyone in the sell out arena had a smile on their face during an afternoon of fun filled, family entertainment.
Absolutely brilliant!!!!
And my winners were Danni & Oti
Rose Gwilt
Gentle Exercise Class
Regular weekly activity.
Our Gentle Exercise Group is back! Please note, we still have a waiting list due to numbers being restricted. Please bring your own drink.
Group Leader: Prue Bradley
- Day: Friday
- Time: 10.00am-11.30am
- Venue: Walton Village Hall
- Fee: £1.50 per session
Non competitive gentle exercises which are based on Tai Chi, low impact slow motion movements are designed to keep joints supple and improve flexibility. Standing and seated exercises only. i.e no floor exercises.



Painting of the month THE BRIDGE by Sue James
Shortlisted paintings:
Charity Donations
At the Annual General Meeting, members were asked to vote for four of the following charities to support for the next twelve months:
MASE (MONTHLY ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT EVENING)
MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE
KATHARINE HOUSE
HOME START
DONNA LOUISE TRUST
STAFFS WILDLIFE TRUST
Members voted to continue to support KATHARINE HOUSE, STAFFS WILDLIFE TRUST, MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE and replace HOME START with DONNA LOUISE TRUST.
Please click on the links below for more information:
http://www.donnalouisetrust.org/
Art Group lunch at Weston Hall
Some of the members of the Art Group enjoyed a pre Christmas lunch together at Weston Hall.
Outing to the British Ironwork Centre
https://www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/
Pat Wilkinson wrote the following letter after the visit to the British Ironwork Centre
Dear Sarah,
I am so sorry we didn’t report as you suggested at reception . I simply had not read your letter, however I have to thank you and tell you how much we enjoyed it.
You will be pleased to know the coach driver was also most impressed and is going to recommend a visit by his coach company .
My son who recommended it to me in the first instance, has promised me he will visit after getting a resounding praise from various members of the group.. We shall certainly put it on the group itinery for a visit in the future.
Many thanks for a successful visit
Sincerely
Pat Wilkinson
Outing to Oswaldtwistle Mills and Samlesbury Hall, MARCH 14th. 2017
Pat arranged an outing to Oswaldtwistle Mills and Samlesbury Hall, on MARCH 14th. 2017
Oswaldtwistle Mills award-winning Shopping Village in Lancashire has something to amaze, charm and intrigue visitors of all ages. The former Weaving Mill has over 100 retailers all under one roof, 5 Restaurants, NEW Ice Cream Parlour, extensive Home, Lifestyle & Garden Centre, Mill Grounds, Aquatics Specialist, Craft Centre, Textile and Heritage Museum and even it’s own Wildfowl Reserve
In the afternoon we travel to Salmesbury Hall,a fascinating medieval house.
Our guided tour through the historic rooms is with a specialist costumed tour guide (a witch). This is followed by a Cream Tea.
Samlesbury Hall, one of the stunning stately homes of Lancashire, a haven for history lovers, where the past meets the present
CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE-Thursday 6th. October 2016
Pat Hayward arranged an outing to the
CRITCH TRAMWAY VILLAGE, the home of the National Tramway Museum in the heart of the Derbyshire Countryside.
The coach will drop us off in the centre of the village.
On arrival collect your old penny to pay the conductor your tram fare, and receive a ticket you can use all day. Trams depart regularly from town end, calling at various stops along the mile long track.
The exhibition takes you through a hundred years of tramway development from the first horse drawn trams through to steam and electric.
All parts of the village are easily accessible with smooth routes and ramps and lifts to all buildings. There are a variety of catering facilities on site, such as Rita’s Tea room
The Red Lion Pub
An Aladdin’s cave of treats. Old fashioned jars of sweets, tins of confectionary, foil wrapped bars of fudge and toffee, all jostle for space in the period shop.
Crown Green Bowling
David Barker organised an outing to Porthmadog on Monday September 5th. 2016
The itinery was as follows:
Travel through the spectacular Snowdonia National Park to Portmaddog.
Leisurely lunch
Board the Ffestiniog Railway for the scenic one hour long journey.
Please click on individual photos to enlarge.
Outdoor Bowls 2016

The victorious Phoenix “A” Team promoted to the First Division of the 55 league,2016.
Federation News: Janet Palmer
At the recent Federation meeting, Bill Basford, the Chairman, initiated a lively and constructive exchange of ideas and experiences from the representatives of the six Phoenix clubs which proved to be of interest to us all. He suggested that we should continue for two years in this manner under his leadership and then review the situation.
We will send club reports out every three months and this sharing of information about speakers and outings should prove invaluable. We are also encouraged to discuss any problems and seek advice with each other. Ann and I agreed to represent Walton Phoenix.
The next meeting will be in November, hosted by Holmcroft and will be the AGM.
The Christmas Celebration was discussed and it was agreed that Federation members be invited to attend our Christmas Band Concert on Friday 15th December 2016.
Janet Palmer
Thank you to Bill Barber, Group Leader of our Monday Art Group for sharing a selection of the paintings by his talented members.
- Members of our Art Group
- By Sue James
- By Sue James
- By Janette Gardiner
- By Tony Haggett
- By Sue James
- By Terry Vincent
- By Dave Evans
- By George Tolley
- By Terry Vincent
- By Sue James
Please click on photo to enlarge
Moreton in the Marsh & Sezincote House, August 3rd. 2016
Many thanks to Janet Palmer for organising an outing to Moreton in the Marsh & Sezincote House
A large party (53 seat plus 27 seat coaches) of Phoenix members enjoyed a wonderful day in the Cotswolds.
Summer Strawberry Spectacular, July 23rd. 2016
On July 23rd. Jeremy & Anne Wheeler hosted a Strawberry Spectacular event in their beautiful garden.
Refreshments of strawberries and cream,buttered and jam scones with hot and soft drinks were provided.
The Eric Newton Jazz Band enhanced a wonderful sunny afternoon with their Traditional Jazz program.
Many thanks to Jeremy and Anne Wheeler and their team of Phoenix members and The Eric Newton Jazz Band.
- Jeremy Wheeler (Left) Treasurer r
Photo`s provided by David Walthorne and Jim Bergin
Defibrillator training courses
De-Fib Training – Two dates have been arranged for this training which will take place in the Main Hall at 2pm on Thursday 8th & Monday 12th September. We are allowed 30 at each session and at present have approximately 10 members on each session. Group Leaders are asked to mention the availability of this training to their members.
Outing to Llangollen June 21st. 2016
Many thanks to Pat Hayward for organising the outing to Llangollen, which included a two hour cruise on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Pat also managed to organise the sunshine!
- Arnie
Please click on photos to enlarge
Thanks to David Walthorne and Jim Bergin for the photographs.
Painting of the month
by Jeanette Gardiner
Spring holiday in Brighton May 15th-19th 2017
Thanks to Pat Hayward for arranging a short break to Brighton on May 15th. 2017
Our members enjoyed a five night break at the Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel
Coffee & Quiz Morning April 13th. 2016
Coffee & Quiz Morning April 13th. 2016
Many thanks to everyone who supported our Coffee Morning and helped to raise £50
for
THE STAFFS WILDLIFE TRUST
Please click on individual photographs to enlarge.
Photos by Rose Gwilt
- Shirley Ball welcomes our guests
- Raffle in aid of Staffs Wildlife Trust
- Thankyou to our catering team
- Check out the concentration
- Eddie checking the answers
- Jeremy whispers the answer to Elizabeth
Thanks to Pat Hayward for organising the outing to the National Space Centre.
Please click on individual photographs to enlarge.
Photos by Cynthia and Tony Brough
- Cynthia Brough
- Tony Brough
- Lou Hancock & Pat Wilkinson
Coffee & Quiz Morning April 13th. 2006
Many thanks to everyone who supported the raffle at our Coffee Morning on April 13th.
We raised £50 for one of our PHOENIX nominated local charities, STAFFS WILDLIFE TRUST.
New PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE
http://www.berkswich-pc.gov.uk/