Biddestone Broadsheet
November 2014
Page 1
No 414
LUNCHEON CLUB
Is there anyone out there who can give up an hour once a month on a Wednesday to drive for the
Luncheon Club? All it entails is picking up 3 charming people and taking them to the Bell at Yatton
Keynell or collecting them from the Bell.
Please contact me Di Webb if you can help 01249 715963.
The Butterfly Conservation Wiltshire Branch
Scrub clearance Volunteer Days throughout the Winter, 2014/2015.
A team of individuals worked monthly through the last Winter at West Yatton Down SSSI, the
meeting place is alongside the tiny T junction at Long Dean at OS ST 851759. This year start
time will be 11am and scr ub clear ance will be under taken by volunteer s on the thir d Fr iday
of each Winter month, no experience is needed and secateurs and saws are available (though if
you have a favourite tool by all means bring it along!) The dates are therefore 17th October, 21st
November, 19th December, 16th January, 20th February, 21st March. Thick leather or equivalent gloves are recommended so please bring a pair that suits you, also protective soled boots
are recommended.
Maurice Avent
Page 2
November 2014
Donations this month £10 & £8
COVER—Thanks to Nigel Ross-Smith for his photographs of the Tower of London - Poppies in the Moat
WELCOME to Beryl & John Foster who have just moved into 6 Cuttle Lane
PARISH COUNCIL OPEN MEETING
My own personal experience of attending the Parish Council Open meeting on Tuesday 7th October
could best be summed up by the words of ‘The Logical Song’ by Supertramp
“Now watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical,
liberal, fanatical, criminal.
Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to feel you're
acceptable, respectable, presentable, a vegetable! “
No thanks!
Christine Clark
POPPY APPEAL
Coffee morning, 10.00am-12.00 noon
Saturday, 1st November
In the village hall
As this is the centenary year of the outbreak of WW1, we intend to have a display of memorabilia
and would ask for artifacts to be brought to the coffee morning.
GLADYS JACQUES (23rd Dec 1923 - 11th Oct 2014)
It is with great sadness we report the death of Mrs Gladys Jacques after
a recent stroke. Although not a local (Gladys was born in London) she lived
most of her life in Biddestone with her beloved husband Gareth.
Gladys played an active part in the village throughout her life including
Brownies (as Brown Owl) the School, the Fete, the WI, the British Legion
and as a highly competitive member of the Biddestone Biddies skittles
team.
She will be missed by many in the village - our sincere condolences to
Shelagh her daughter.
Page 3
BIDDESTONE ALLOTMENT PARTY
On an evening in late August with the warm sun setting a group of allotment holders gathered to reap the rewards of a season of toiling the earth, sowing seeds, planting, weeding, exchanging invaluable advice and a bit of
sitting in the sun and watching cricket. David Daniels had arranged for us to get together and this idea had
been met with much enthusiasm. We were all asked to provide food and drink as well as an entry to the ‘Whata –Glut- of- Courgettes Cooking Competition’! You could never have imagined just how many different dishes can
be rustled up from the humble courgette.... we had courgette bread, courgette cake, courgette quiche, courgette linguine, courgette ribboned salad, courgette muffins....... I’m sure you are getting the picture! There was
much anticipation as the judge tasted each and every dish, not once but at least twice, and sometimes even
three times with much relish and delight. It may not come as a surprise therefore, to hear that our judge for
the event was David Taylor who is always keen to try the home-cooking of the village! David has been extremely
helpful with the allotments and we were happy he could join us for the event. Eventually, a winner was announced. Janet Watt’s splendid courgette and salmon quiche took first prize (a packet of courgette seeds – we
take this seriously!). The barbecue was lit, the wine was opened and a very happy time was had by all. Thanks to
everyone who helped but particularly to David Daniel who stirred us all into action and, hopefully, this will be the
first of an annual event. David is now ‘in charge’ of the Biddestone allotments (or Allotment Redistribution Services Executive as he prefers!). Do get in touch with him if you would like to get your hands on an allotment and
join us. (701311)
CM
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Record of Biddestone & HarthamW.I.
Meeting on 15th October 2014
Apologies had been received from Cathy Draper.
President, Jo Hancock, welcomed 11 members to the meeting and asked for a minute's silence to remember Gladys Jacques who died last Saturday.
She then introduced Mr. Derek Remington to talk on "Butterflies of the United
Kingdom". He packed a mass of information into his allotted time and had some wonderful slides of
butterflies and fritillaries, the males with lovely colouring and markings but the females all brown! It must have taken
him many hours to film them.
Ronnie Robinson thanked him on behalf of members, and then produced a beautiful cake decorated with a butterfly
on the top, for refreshments.
The Record of the previous meeting was read and approved.
Matters arising
Valerie Ringham has organised the Book Swap to start today.
Quilts: Alison Flint had discussed the subject with the Village Hall Committee who are willing for them to be hung in
the Hall, provided they are removed if there is a party, in case of damage. Valerie Spencer-Jones has bought a pole to
hang them by.
Valerie also reported on the progress she and Valerie Ringham have made in planning the programme for 2015, particularly mentioning ideas for a WI Tea Party on September 16th which is the date of the normal WI meeting here but
also is the actual date of the formation of the W.I. in the UK in 1915. They envisaged extending an invitation to all
the ladies of Biddestone to come along for tea, and there would be a display of WI items to commemorate the centenary.
Pat Humphreys had a suggestion for raising money by holding a Coffee Morning in the Village Hall if possible and
feasible, with stalls selling homemade goods and cakes, and a raffle. She will have a coffee morning at her house for
discussion with those members interested in the idea.
Correspondence
Information on how to make Centenary banners had been received.
On the 20th February, 2015, there will be an afternoon with Ruth Rogers, the National Theatre's Head Puppeteer for
"War Horse" at Pewsey 2-4pm, £13, which includes afternoon tea (a platter with tea or coffee). Closing date 19.1.15.
Jo had brought the WI Poppy Wreath, together with a small one to be placed on the War Memorial in memory of
Gladys. Members were asked for contributions.
At the next meeting on 19th November Mr. Chris Penny will be speaking on Avebury Manor (N.T.). Visitors
are welcome. 2pm for 2.15pm at the Village Hall. An entry fee of £3 will help our funds.
This is a poem that Pat Humphreys wrote for
the Womens Institute Lady Denman Cup Centenary 2015 competition
new to us, Ideas and plans for us to treasure. It isn't just
the jam or cakes
Or who I am, or who you are It offers so much, much
more,
It does achieve, and reaches far.
The opportunities and interests are fantastic, From
WHAT MY W.I. MEANS TO ME
study, art, sport, travel or campaign
To having a dabble with Scrabble Whenever it starts to
It is the third Wednesday of the month,
rain.
I'm rushing to a meeting
So let us raise our glasses
Where there will be lots of friends And many a joyful
To a lady who blazed the trails Holding the first meeting
greeting.
in Britain
Why? It is the local Women's Institute! Gathering toIn her garden on Anglesey, North Wales.
gether in happy anticipation
It's strength has grown and lasted for a century, In that
To share good company and views. First, 'Jerusalem', as alone I feel great pride.
best we can, With togetherness and elation.
Now, on to future generations
We hear the latest W.I. news From local to National
That Women's Institute may continue to abide.
Federation, Much to debate and discuss.
Then a speaker, giving pleasure On a subject perhaps
Pat Humphreys
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BIDDESTONE ARMS
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7TH
‘’AFTER THE FIREWORKS PARTY’’
*********
AS USUAL THE BIDDESTONE ARMS WILL BE HOLDING AN AFTER
THE FIREWORKS PARTY !
********
FEATURING
‘’THE GRUMPY OLD MEN’’
SO COME ALONG AND PARTY AND DANCE TO THE BAND!
*********
Operation Christmas Child.
It is the time of the year when we start to make preparations again for shoeboxes to be filled, in aid of Operation Christmas Child.
The Shoebox service will take place in St Nicholas Church on Sunday 16
November.
We would like to warmly invite you to join us for the service.
If you are unable to attend the service, but would like to donate individual
items, which can be used to fill the shoe-boxes, please contact Gertie at
Home Farm Cottage, Harts Lane - 248557
Here is a quick reminder about all the items that can be packed into the shoe-boxes:
GIFT SUGGESTIONS
Please fill your box with a selection of new gifts from the following list, or similar items:
TOYS: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls or stuffed toys (with CE label), toy trucks,
harmonica, yo-yo, skipping rope, ball, small puzzles etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Pens, pencils & sharpeners, crayons or felt pens, stamps & ink pad sets, writing pads or notebooks & paper, solar calculators, colouring & picture books etc.
HYGIENE ITEMS: Toothbrush and toothpaste, bars of wrapped soap, comb or hairbrush, flannel.
OTHER ITEMS: Hat, cap, gloves or scarf, sunglasses, hair accessories, jewellery set, wind up torch, wrapped sweets
(sell by date must be at least March of the following year).
DO NOT INCLUDE: used or damaged items, war related items such as toy guns, play soldiers or knives; chocolate or
other food items; liquids or lotions of any type including bubbles; medicines; hand-made or knitted stuffed toys; anything of a political, racial or religious nature; marbles or sharp objects; glass containers, mirrors or fragile items;
clothing other than as listed above.
INCLUDE £3 DONATION PER BOX
We ask for a minimum £3 shipping donation to cover UK transportation, overseas shipping and promotion for each
box you prepare. You can give online to discover the destination of your shoebox. You can also write a cheque to
Samaritan’s Purse, place it in an envelope and put it inside your shoebox, then secure the box with an elastic band. If
you do more than one box, just make out one cheque to cover all your shoebox donations, put it in an envelope and
place it inside one of your shoeboxes.
- See more at: http://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/how-to-pack-a-shoebox
Farewell to Lynn & Derek
We are sorry to say goodbye to Lynn & Derek Thornhill. Both Lynn and Derek have been active supporters of village activities: Lynn as a member of the Book Club and the Singing Group and Derek as
a Parish Councillor and webmaster. Both were creative members of the Broadsheet Editorial Committee, supported the Fete and were members of the Gardening Club.
We are saying goodbye to two very good friends and wish them every happiness in their new home in
Fairford.
Page 6
Gunpowder Plot by Vernon Scannell
A cat-like hiss, and spit of fire, a sly
For days these curious cardboard buds have lain
In brightly coloured boxes. Soon the night
Will come. We pray there’ll be no sullen rain
To make these magic orchids flame less bright.
Falter, then the air is shocked with blast,
The cannon bangs and in my nostrils drifts
A bitter scent that brings the lurking past
Lurching to my side. The present shifts,
Now in the garden’s darkness they begin
To flower: the frenzied whizz of Catherine-wheel
Puts forth its fiery petals and the thin
Rocket soars too burst upon the steel
Allows a ten-year memory to walk
Unhindered now; and so I’m forced to hear
The banshee howl of mortar and the talk
Of men who died, am forced to taste my fear.
Bulwark of a cloud. And then the guy,
Absurdly human phoenix, is again
Gulped by greedy flames: the harvest sky
Is flecked with threshed and glittering golden grain.
I listen for a moment to the guns,
The torn earth’s grunts, recalling how I prayed.
The past retreats. I hear a corpse’s sons ‘Who’s scared of bangers!’ ‘Uncle! John’s afraid!’
‘Uncle! A cannon! Watch me as I light it!’
The women helter-skelter, squealing high,
Retreat; the paper fuse is quickly lit,
Date: 1957 By: Vernon Scannell (1922-2007)
Thanks to Hilary Noyes for finding this
Biddestone Fireworks
Friday 7th November
Gates Open—6 pm
Bonfire Lit - 6.30
Firework Display 7.00
Adults £5.00
Children under 16 £2.00
Under 5’s Free
Tickets purchased in advance of 7th Nov will admit children accompanied by an
adult free of charge
Tickets available from :
Alison Flint
712687
Lorena Roberts
713000
Gill Stafford
713103
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BIDDESTONE & SLAUGHTERFORD PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk Mrs Mary Norton 155 Queens Crescent Chippenham Wilts Tel. 01249 650979
Fax. 01249 650979
UNSIGNED MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUEDAY 7 OCTOBER 2014, AT BIDDESTONE VILLAGE HALL, AT 7.00 PM
PRESENT
All Councillors were present including Cllr J Scott OBE (WC)
APOLOGIES
None necessary
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
None
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting on 2nd September 2014 were agreed, and signed by the Chairman
MATTERS ARISING
Dog Waste bin: A number of calls and letters have been made/sent to WC. The latest, promised the request would be added
to the dog warden’s list for action. Clerk to monitor (MN)
Defibrillator: Training for its use will be on 13 November, at 7.00pm, at the Village Hall, all Cllrs have volunteered for
training (if available).
Best Kept Village Competition: Details of the CPRE report for our entry in 2014, have been circulated to other organisations as agreed in September.
Elliotts Barn Traffic Lights/Scaffolding: Started on 1st October, the Speedwatch operation has managed to work around
this. Concern was expressed that there may be some form of additional works being incorporated into the roof at the same
time as the re-roofing. The Chairman will enquire (GS)
Wild Orchids: Warning signs to be put up along verges in the spring and WC need to be reminded when the next flowering
season commences. (AS)
Snow Plan: Volunteers are needed so that details may be entered into the plan. Names to be sent to the Chairman. (All
Cllrs)
Financial Regulations: These need to be considered, and a decision made as to their adoption. This will be included on the
agenda for the November meeting (All Cllrs & Clerk)
Councillor Training: The current course is fully subscribed but the Clerk will be advised about future courses (MN)
Planning Issues: A list of acceptable responses to planning applications has been circulated by email, by the Clerk
Bus Service update: The 635 bus now stops at Marshfield but unfortunately at the east end at Withymead which in inconvenient for those Marshfield residents wanting to travel to Chippenham. In the two weeks the new timetable has been
working there has been a noticeable drop in passengers. There are two or three minutes for the buses from Bristol and
Chippenham to meet in Marshfield but they seldom do,
White Horse: The Chairman has met the Landlord regarding the sale of duck food and the Clerk has also written to request
that such sales should cease. So far there has been no response.
Slaughterford Drain Issues: Uncleared gullies have still not been cleared although they have been reported to WC. Villagers following the recent storm cleared a further blocked drain. This matter is of great concern as the area is prone to flooding.
Letter to Agricultural Vehicle Users: A letter has been drafted and circulated to all Councillors and will be sent out as
agreed. (MN)
Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act: this will be considered at the November meeting.
CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The agenda for the November meeting will concentrate on the following:
Traffic Calming/Speedwatch
Financial Regulations
Clerks Association
Councillor Roles
Other issues, will be dealt with quickly, by saving reports for the December meeting – other than any urgent items
The Yatton Road/Cuttle Lane Junction improvement scheme has been agreed for the 2014/15 financial year. Work is likely
to take place in early 2015
AGATHA RAISIN FILMING
Overall this went well with the film company trying to overcome any problems and be considerate. Feed back from villagers will be welcome, (It is understood that a couple of villagers were unhappy). Monies to be paid by the film company to
the village are:
Biddestone PC
£3600
Page 8
Village Hall
British Legion
Village Fete
£6100
£1200
£1500
PLANNING
Brook House – single storey rear extension, first floor extension & widening of an existing door. No objection.
Old Brewery House Slaughterford - fell six conifers. No objection
Elm cottage Biddestone – repaint front door to F & B Shade ‘Bone’ No objection
Pool Farm Biddestone – Barn conversion to a holiday let. Conditional approval given, based on a Section 106 being applied
to ensure the restored property cannot be sold separately from the main property.
In future WC Planning Committee Meetings will be held at 3pm.
REPORTS:
Toilets: Three quotes have been received
Miller & Maidment £5695 (+Electrical works – Beazer £720+ VAT). Total £6559
N Ballinger £6300 – including electrical works
V Field £15295 (+ VAT)
The quote from N Ballinger will be accepted
CORRESPONDENCE
Annual Planning Training Events – will any councillor wishing to attend please tell the Chairman
Section 106 Parish Funds Update – more clarification is needed on this with regard to what these funds can be spent on
(MN).
Superfast Broadband – Hartham Road is to be closed to enable the necessary works to be undertaken 20 -27 October (Letter
from WC)
ACCOUNTS & GENERAL Finance
Invoices for payment were:
Mrs M Norton: Clerk’s salary (£470.03) & expenses (£53.43) = £523.46
David Taylor: Greens grass cutting £90
Community First Trading: £558.15 – replacement cheque for original lost in the post
BVHRT hire of meeting room for PC Meetings £30
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 4th November, at the Village Hall, at 7.00 pm
DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING
Volunteers still needed to be trained in the use the Defibrillator equipment which should be installed in November.
The date is Thursday 13th November at 7pm in the Village Hall.
Please could anyone interested in attending email me : [email protected]
Page 9
Page 10
Kathy Hutton Prints – Autumn News
Dear All.
I just thought it was about time that I let you know what I’ve been up to over the past few month and what I’m planning for the next few.
Working with schools. This year has seen me working in a new and unexpected direction. This started when I was
approached by two local primary schools to work with their children, to produce multiple large scale print pieces which now hang proudly in their new extensions.
I’ve now started work on one final large print project for this year, working with a school in further afield. Look out
for images of this on my website and facebookpage once it’s completed in early November.
New work. Just recently I started on a new series of my own prints, a range that’s been developing in my head since
last winter, a progression from the stacking bowls range.
I’m thrilled that already 2 of these prints have been selected for the Contemporary Craft exhibition held at Unit
Twelve Gallery in Stafford.
The exhibition will be running 4th Dec 2014 – 28th Feb 2015.
Open Studio. I'll be holding an Open Studio day at my home studio where you can see my new collection on
Saturday November 8th 10am-4pm.
Come along and bag yourself a bargain as I will be reducing many original prints from my older ranges. There will
also be workshop vouchers for sale with a discount for group bookings and printed stationery and gifts under £5.
Do pop along and see what I’ve been working on.
On a more personal note, we are expecting a new arrival to the family in late November so I will be taking an extended break from Printing over the Christmas Period. I hope to be back in the studio in February.
Finally, a big ‘Thank you’ for all the support you have shown me over the past year. By either attending one of my
workshops, purchasing one of my prints or by simply a little like, comment or share of news on my Facebook page; it
all helps to promote original art and in turn keeps my small business growing.
I look forward to seeing you at future events x
KathyHutton
Page 11
Dates for your Diary
1 Nov
3 Nov
7 Nov
7 Nov
8 Nov
9 Nov
17 Nov
21 Nov
8 Dec
18 Dec
Poppy Appeal Coffee Morning
Village Hall
10.00—12.00
Biddestone Lunch at the White Horse
12.00
Biddestone Bonfire & Firework Display
18.00
After the Fireworks a jolly evening with the Grumpy Old Men Biddestone Arms
Open Studio with Kathy Hutton
Yatton Keynell
10.00 - 16.00
Pre-Loved Baby & Toddler Sale
Village Hall
10.00 - 12.30
Biddestone Book Club Challows House
19.15
Butterfly Scrub Clearance
Long Dean
11.00
Biddestone Christmas Lunch at the White Horse
12.00
Advent Supper
St Nicholas Church
19.00
Church Services for November
ST NICHOLAS, BIDDESTONE
2 Holy Communion
9.30 a.m.
9 Remembrance Service
10.50 a.m.
Evensong
4.00 p.m.
16
Shoebox Sunday Family Communion 9.30 a.m.
23 The Benefice Service will be held at:
ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, GRITTLETON at 10.00a .m.
30 Songs of Praise
09.30 a.m.
Every Wednesday morning there is a service at 9.15 a.m.
This is either Holy Communion or Morning Prayer and includes prayers for
the suffering.
ST NICHOLAS, SLAUGHTERFORD
2 BCP Holy Communion
11.00 a.m.
Editorial Committee
[email protected]
Stewart Entwistle (Editor)
Challows House
715887
Mary Mullens (Treasurer)
Parker Farm Bungalow
714399
Carolyn Madley
Stonehaven The Gren
712831
2 Little Challows
713469
Owl Cottage
715963
Judy Priest
Di Webb
Copy date 2nd Sun in month delivered to any
committee member or by
email to [email protected]
Page 12