Kids early Xmas fun in Ardentinny

On Saturday, the now famous, Anna & Maryjane’s kids’ Xmas party rocked Ardentinny once again. 30 youngsters, along with parents and grandparents enjoyed an afternoon of fun, games and Santas’s gifts.

In addition to the traditional games such as Pass the Parcel and Grand Old Duke of York, there was the Parachute Game and ‘Make A Snowman’ where teams of wee ones armed with toilet roll, glasses and snow competed to make the best snowman out of volunteer adults in each corner. All of which was accompanied by pianist Roger & company who also provided a vigorous rendition of The Floss.

Add to that a sumptuous spread of goodies and Santa’s sack laden with presents = one fabulous Christmas Party.

Photos courtesy Lynn Kerr.

November 21, 2018February 28, 2026

Ardentinny Winter Fair 2018

Ardentinny saw lots of early festive shopping and good cheer at its Winter Fair on Saturday. There was handcrafted jewellery, knitwear, woodwork and paintings by local artists alongside vintage clothes, bric-a- brac, plants and preserves plus delicious home baking.

A cosy kids’ corner kept the younger visitors entertained while those more senior enjoyed mince pies, mulled wine, plenty of tea and a luxury raffle.

November 1, 2018February 28, 2026

Creative buzz at village hall

Ardentinny’s village hall has received a welcome injection of creative activity as part of its renewal programme, following its recent threat of closure. This comes by way of a ceramics and sculpture course donated and run by renowned local ceramicist Bill Williamson.

The 8-week course is attended by a mixed-ability group, all enthusiastically working to complete their chosen sculpture which they hope will culminate in an exhibition of their work.

Bill Williamson with some of the course attendees

The course is just one part of a varied hall programme which incorporates seasoned ‘local club’ favourites alongside exciting new offerings, all of which can be found in the winter programme.

July 21, 2018February 28, 2026

Village Hall groundworks begin

As unanimously agreed at the AGM in May, groundworks to clear and possibly replace the hall’s drainage system have now begun. This should go some way in tackling the urgent problem of dampness in the building.

May 31, 2018February 28, 2026

Ardentinny’s Village Hall Revival

At the Village Hall AGM in Ardentinny last week, one thing became abundantly clear. Namely, that the intervention at the EGM the previous August by Agnes Harvey, Guy Elder and Merle Ferguson who volunteered to stall the then imminent disposal of the Hall by caretaking it over the winter, had paid off. During that time the hall was ‘reopened for business’, allowing local clubs to return to use it and organisations and individuals to rent it for meetings and events. Minor and more serious defects in the fabric of the building were identified, the former being dealt with by Guy while quotes were obtained for rectifying the latter. Agnes, as Treasurer, dealt with documentation, the bank account and necessary payments while Merle, as secretary, handled hall bookings and correspondence and undertook a survey of residents as to the future of the hall.

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Inspiration, Achievement, Creativity, and Joy in Learning

Sue Garton, Flute Lessons, Flute Teacher Champaign-Urbana

Flute Choirs

Beginners Ages 7-9

Flute Clinics & Sectionals

Sue Garton, Flute Teacher

I’m Sue Garton, a flute teacher who loves teaching flute lessons and sharing the joys of making music, right here in Champaign-Urbana, in person and/or online. FluteKeys welcomes flutists and aspiring flute players from ages 7 through adult.

Whether you want to elevate your flute skills to the next level or you’ve never played flute before, I invite you to join me on your flute lessons journey.

Private flute lessons and ensembles at FluteKeys Studio are just the beginning of a series of motivating and enriching musical experiences. I’d love to meet you and discover your flute interests.

Welcome to FluteKeys Studio, where private flute lessons are just the beginning of a series of motivating and enriching musical experiences.

FluteKeys Studio is located at 1202 Devonshire Drive in Champaign, just a few minutes from the University of Illinois, Urbana and Savoy. Private flute lessons are offered to individuals by flute teacher Sue Garton. Students range from second grade through adult. A free trial flute lesson is encouraged, and parents are always welcome. Click here to read more about FluteKeys policies.

National Flute Conventions

As an active member of the National Flute Association (www.nfaonline.org) I attend their national conventions each August. Over the years I have met and heard several great flute musicians that I have mentioned during private and group sessions.

FluteKeys Resources

There are so many resources available, it is hard to keep track of them all. Here are a few categories that you may find helpful. If you know of a good resource that should be listed, please get in touch.

Useful articles on flute practicing, playing, and maintenance
Flute Playing and Learning, including
- Tools and Techniques
- Fingering Chart & Flute Mechanics
- Well-Known Flute Players & Instructors
Summer Music Camps
Tips on buying a flute, related articles, some well-known flute sellers

Upcoming Releases

Resident composer & arranger Roland Garton occasionnaly provides pre-publication samples of upcoming new releases.

Flight of the Wood Sprites. a spirited journey for flute quartet (four C flutes with two doubling on piccolo) and lightweight, affordable percussion (minimum two semi-skilled performers).”

Click here to play MP3 file, or right-click and select “Save Link As” to download

What do area band directors want?

What do band directors in the Champaign vicinity like to see in their flute students? Click here to find out what many area directors find most important in their flute students.

Category: Village Hall