The Friends of Hoarwithy
We are an informal social activity group, with a permanent committee of a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, and many volunteers, that organises village events, cares for our community and the environment we live in.
We are not a church-based organisation, but in recognising the Church premises as the only feasible community space we have in the village, we are supportive of the restoration of St Catherine’s, as, without vital input from the community, it will continue to decay.
As well as our main ‘whole village’ events, we have active ‘sub-groups’ for activities such as
- Boules - An evening activity, most weeks in the Summer months
- Crafting - a monthly gathering over a tea / coffee
- Save the River Wye - for those actively concerned about our local environment
- Dog Club - mainly concerned with regular dog walking to a local pub!
- Hoarwithy Singers – a community choir that weekly sings for fun and holds occasional concerts
The change in work patterns since the pandemic, with more people working from home, has resulted in a greater number of families with children now residing in the village than there has been for many years, the nature of some of our activities is changing to a younger focus, and we are very keen to help and support any ideas that cater for our younger residents. At the same time we have many older, more infirm residents and we are in the process of starting a Village Befriending Group where more able volunteers can make a social call on those identified as needing some company and support.
The FoH team welcomes any ideas and initiatives to support and entertain our community, and we have regular open meetings to discuss future plans. Notification of our meetings and of future events is by email. Please support us if you can, by attending our meetings, events and if you’re able, by volunteering to help.
A Brief History of The Friends of Hoarwithy
In the early 1990’s a group was formed in the village to try to raise funds to buy the Old Chapel to convert it into a Community Hall. This endeavour was unsuccessful, but the group continued, hosting BBQ’s, car boot sales and social activities in the village to raise funds for the restoration of St. Catherine’s Church. They called themselves “The Friends of Hoarwithy” and they achieved their goals and forged many long-term friendships, but over time, the group faded away until....
Early in 2012 a small group of people from the area came together to organise a Jubilee Celebration. On 4th June 2012, a parade of floats pulled by tractors and with folks walking behind went from Hentland all the way to Hoarwithy. This was followed by a fantastic village event at the river meadows and an evening BBQ at the New Harp. It was a great success, enjoyed by all ages and from that event, ‘Friends of Hoarwithy’ was re-formed!
Since that Jubilee day in 2012, our organisation has flourished and grown. We have had many social events every year (except during the pandemic) such as; village parties, canoeing, wine tasting, marmalade making, apple pressing and Christmas wreath making. Originally, we met in our homes, but as the numbers have grown, we have needed larger venues for some of our gatherings. In the summer months events may be held at the Church, or at the Campsite. In the winter, we have the challenge of finding suitable venues in which to meet.
More Recent Times…
On 5th June 2022, a team of over 20 volunteers organised a very successful Platinum Jubilee event on the Campsite. This was the first opportunity, since the Covid Pandemic, for the village to come together in celebration, and 125 people attended a wonderful meal with entertainment including a Tractor Display, rides on a horse drawn dray (with thanks to Westons Cider), community singing and a duck race on the river.
Our continued support of the Church restoration and conversion into a more usable community space has resulted in the purchase early in 2022, of Cedar Rise (the bungalow next door to the Church) the land to be converted into providing disabled access and parking for the Church premises.
In 2022 we welcomed a family of Ukrainians to live in Cedar Rise and the whole community has supported them as they adjust to life as refugees from their homeland.
To celebrate the Coronation we organised a another whole village event in May 2023, and with over 120 attending, we had a parade through the village, sports & games activities, an Afternoon Tea and live music.
