Blendworth
Coordinates: 50°55′01″N 0°59′21″W / 50.91694°N 0.98929°W
Blendworth is a village in the East Hampshire district of Hampshire, England. It lies 0.4 miles (0.6 km) northeast of Horndean just east off the A3 road.
The village has a population of fewer than 100 people. The church, Holy Trinity, was erected in 1850-51, and until recently had a C of E Infant School next to it. It is part of the parish of Horndean. Blendworth also has a stable and a brass band. The nearest railway station is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) southeast of the village, at Rowlands Castle.
The village is also close to Chalton, Finchdean and Rowlands Castle.
Blendworth has a fascinating history. The old school was attached to the church, and in the 1960s, morning assembly was held there every day, with a Christian service. It was here that the children learned to sing hundreds of the popular hymns and carols, before returning to the school next door. Accommodating about 60 kids, the school had just three classrooms and teachers (the favourites were Mrs Pead, the one the kids loved, and Mrs Burns, the strict headmistress the kids always wanted to please.) There was also a dinner lady, whose delightful catchphrase was "want any more custard?"
Teaching involved bringing all the kids up to the level of the highest achiever, but nevertheless, pushing even those at the top of the class.
Each class accommodated more than one year-group - this gave the younger kids the opportunity to preview what they had coming next year. This type of dual-level education is still rarely seen. Horndean, next door to Blendworth, was home to one of the first "Bilateral" schools in the late 1960s. The area was undoubtedly leading the nation in education at that time.
Just down the road, an elderly spinster Mrs Murray, owned a family estate. Every year, she would host the most wonderful Christmas parties for the children of Blendworth school. After her demise, her property was left to popular kids' show "Magpie", who started an appeal to convert the home into accommodation for severely disabled children.
Blendworth Brass Band
The Blendworth Brass Band was founded in 1982 by Commander Chris Eason, OBE. The band are well known in the surrounding areas such as: Portsmouth, Southampton, Hayling Island, Denmead, Petersfield, Liss, Havant and Waterlooville. They regularly take trips within the UK and Europe to promote brass band music and further their musical ability.
The band rehearse at the Blendworth Church Hall on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
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