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GREAT BEDWYN SCHOOL NEWS

Regular readers of the school news will find some familiar activities reported this month. Year 6 children chose a hot and sunny week for their trip to Wales. Joining class teacher Louise Carlisle were two Teaching Assistants, Claire Arnold and Christine Leach, along with three parent volunteers, Mr Shellswell, Mr Hunter and Mr Williams. The activities included abseiling, climbing, canoeing, archery, pot holing, indoor caving, problem solving and zip wiring. Perhaps the greatest challenge of all was getting the children to prepare their own packed lunches.

Year 6 also enjoyed the annual Medieval Day in West Woods with other primary schools from the area, Year 4 had a successful stay at Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre (joined by parents Mr Snell and Mr Soellner) and Reception and Year 1 went out into the woods for a Dragon Hunt! Other excitement was generated by a Kwik Cricket Festival of local schools held at Marlborough Cricket Club, a Science Activity Day with 4 other primary schools and an inter-school Top of the Form Quiz.

As if that wasn’t enough, some children and their parents were able to take advantage of some excellent ticket prices to travel to London to see performances of both “Oliver” (starring Rowan Atkinson) and “War Horse”.

Bikes Wanted

Rowdeford, near Devizes, is a school for children with moderate to severe special needs. It is the only one of its kind in Wiltshire so many of the children who attend (11 years to 16 years) have to travel great distances, including some from the Bedwyn area.

The school now has two members of staff who are qualified to train the children in essential cycling proficiency. As the children all travel to school in taxis, they cannot take their own bicycles and so the school is asking for donations of outgrown bikes that maybe are just not good enough to sell on.

They have said that bicycles for 7 year olds and up would be very gratefully received.

If you can help please contact Sue Fry on 01672 870052

This month we all made our way to St. Katharine’s church, wearing our best hats, for an illuminating talk by Cannon Alan Deboo on 19^th Century Church Buildings and Restoration in the Savernake Team Area.  Does that sound dull?  Well, it wasn’t, it was riveting!  Having always looked rather snootily at the work carried out by the Victorian architects and restorers I have now learnt to appreciate what they did.

Before the Victorians took a hand in the early part of the 19^th Century, the church was class riddled. The Lord of the Manor or the Squire had his large box pew, probably with a fireplace, a table and a cupboard for a bottle of wine in case of need.  All cut off from the peasantry.  Then the wealthier members of the community and the tenant farmers would have their smaller box pews for which they paid rent.  A poor widow in the community would be paid to unlock the pew doors at need. There would be benches for the poor at the back and in the gallery where the musicians played for there would be no organ.

There were three Christian movements which brought about the change.  In the late 18^th Century the Methodists and the Evangelical Revival the latter although an influential group played no part in the design of churches.  Finally the Oxford Movement which worried about the influence of Parliament and the State.  The Anglo Catholics had most effect on the appearance of the Church looking back to the colour and beauty of the old Mediaeval buildings.  The seating was rearranged, organs purchased, candles placed on the altar and in the new churches the old whitewashed walls of the Reformation done away with and decorated walls reappeared.  Then or course there are those wonderful stained glass windows which fill the church with colour and light. They built in a variety of classical styles, Alan described Grafton as a typical “Norman” church with its round arches, carvings and tower and inside the stencilled and painted walls.  It had been intended that it should have a stone ceiling but the Marquess of Ailesbury who was proud of his new church invited the Archbishop to come and see it.  As the roof was not up they built a sample stone vault, which sadly collapsed and killed the clergyman.

Fosbury is built in the Decorated style.  Big churches were often built to “show off” the success of the community.  It has lovely carvings in the mediaevel style.

Buttermere has stencil decorations on the walls only discovered 4 years ago and a 900 years old Norman font

Chute Forest built of brick in 1895 has Minton tiled floors. The Victorians were very keen on tiled floors as mediaeval churches usually had them.

St. Katharine’s was described by the famous Pesvener as sumptuous.  It is a major Victorian church.  Sadly it lost much of its glass as a result of the great explosion in the forest during WW2 and there was some internal damage.  The Ten Commandments are carved on two sides of the chancel and there are other lovely carvings.  Looking back in time, there was a separate entrance for the Marquess and family.

Oh, and our Best Hats.  There was a competition for the best Best Hat.  It was won by Hilda Brown for her amazing Victorian confection.  Congratulations Hilda and thank you Alan for a fascinating evening.

GREAT BEDWYN PARISH COUNCIL

Extract from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council meeting

 held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 10^th June 2009

Public Discussion:

-Mr Harris updated the meeting on the proposed K&A Canal 200 celebrations. An appeal for donations towards the cost of the Wharf panel is being launched. Councillors agreed to a personal £10 donation. Mr Harris has drafted text for use by BWB for the panel, and will canvas local businesses. The PC supported a proposal for a village celebration, with music etc., for Mid-summer 2010.

-Mrs Graham raised the problem of flooding of the allotments. The PC has asked allotment holders to move tanks etc from the edge of the central ditch to permit access. Until this is done, work to the ditch will remain on hold.

Matters Arising:

Traffic

-The police will monitor speed on Forest Hill.

-The PC will investigate putting in 1-2 additional bollards outside the Surgery. MHG

War memorial in the recreation ground. A proposal that the fence be removed altogether will be referred to the British Legion. It was felt that the stone memorial would look better on its own. The PC would undertake maintenance of the paved area surrounding it.

Correspondence received:

Wilts Council re Forest Hill/Browns Lane traffic calming. Their response to the village petition suggests we refer the matter to the Pewsey Area Board (PAB). This is just procrastination as the PAB hasn't any useful funds and will have to refer the subject to Highways anyway. The PC has asked Highways for ideas as to what might be done, and will continue to press the matter.

The PC will prepare a list of issues for consideration by the PAB, although it is not at all clear how it will function or what it will do.

Planning:

WC Full Planning Approval:

-30 Farm Lane, side and rear extensions.

WC refusal:

-Fortlands, Forest Hill.

AOB:

1. Village Defibrilator. The PC supported a proposal to site a heart defibrillator in a public place. The scheme requires 10-15 local people to be trained in the use of the device. The PC agreed in principle to fund the special container and training. RD to liaise with Dr Ballard.

2. The PC will investigate the installation of bins for dog waste. MHG

3. A proposal to purchase a lap-top PC and projector was discussed. RD/JR will formalise the proposal.

Mick Goss

Clerks Notes

1. Parish Steward. Most months, you may have seen a yellow Wiltshire Council Landrover around the village. This is our Parish Steward, under a scheme run by Highways to deal with minor maintenance and repairs. Approximately monthly, we provide Highways with a list of defects and some of these are then dealt with by the Steward when he next visits. His remit includes clearing drains, cleaning road signs, filling small potholes, treating weeds, cutting verges or vegetation to ensure visibility at junctions, etc. He also uses his initiative if he finds a problem but he does not undertake major repairs and only works on land owned by Highways (usually 1m both sides of the pavement or road). It would be helpful to me to receive feedback on problems. In principle, larger jobs are referred to other departments in Highways, although some then seem to disappear into a "too hard" or "too expensive" box, and nothing happens. On the whole, I think that the Parish Steward scheme is working and the village is reasonably tidy. The very poor state of the road surface is of concern. Some parts of the village are beyond pothole repair and need re-surfacing. They are on the running list but I have no idea when anything might be done.

Please also do not hesitate to phone CLARENCE 01225 777234 to report road defects.

2. The hedges are growing fast. May I please remind householders that you are responsible for cutting the outside of your hedges where they border onto a road, pavement or footpath.

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Nature Notes

It’s roses, roses, all the way. What a great time of year to enjoy a bit of English sunshine and see everybody’s garden creating great splashes of colourful petals. Even the pretty little dog rose in the hedges looks whiter and brighter than ever.

We have been having quite a few of those lovely puffy white cloud days followed by blue, blue skies but quite chilly when the sun gets stuck behind a slow mover. Midsummer day has arrived annoyingly quickly but we must not complain as the first six months of 2009 have enjoyed a very reasonable weather pattern.

The Painted Lady Butterfly

There has been a lot of well-informed comment after the amazing invasion of the Painted Lady on and around May 25^th. Even the most knowledgeable lepidopterist would not hazard a guess as to how many arrived in the British Isles on that Bank Holiday Monday.

The Painted Lady flies at around 10mph but it would be fascinating to know how long it took for this swarm to travel the 600 miles from North Africa. 1980 was the last time for a really big invasion; unfortunately this butterfly does not really like our climate but if the weather suits these recent arrivals may well lay early eggs for reproducing offspring in September and October, which alas will not survive our winter.

David Back

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

BEDWYN & DISTRICT BRANCH

On May 24th I attended the Dedication of the new standard at Devizes Branch.

Jim Wild attended the National Conference at Eastbourne 16th and 17th May

Gary Crook carried our Standard and I and Jim Wild attended the County Parade and Service in Calne on 31st May.

The previous day May 30th thanks to Gary and June Crook we held a very successful exhibition once again in spite of the "Cup Final",under the banner of "The Best of British" combined with photographs of "Bedwyn at War"

My thanks to Murial Mann and Stan Edwards for the loan of photographs. We raised £130.87 for the "Poppy Appeal" and "The Royal Observer Corp." Museum.

Gary and June wish to give thanks to the following.

Bedwyn & District Royal British Legion (for use of the hall and bar), The Stores (for donating refreshments), Errol Cook (loan of aircraft), Model Builders (Peter Ayres and Dick & Joan Oakley), Ruth Maundrell (background information of ceremonial dress), Tony Nolson and June Crook (publicity and programmes), Jenny Harrison (information on the clergy and the Wilts Gazette), Christopher Prestwich (Royal British Legion County Secretary), all the Door, Bar and Refreshments staff and, finally, to all our Armed Forces, past, present and future and to all those who supported the event.

Gary and June have also recently been on a week’s holiday touring Norfolk and Suffolk visiting America's 8th Air Force's Airfields and Memorials. Whilst there they laid a  Poppy Wreath on behalf of the Branch at Thorpe Abbott's, Norfolk, the home of "The 100th Bomb Group who lost over 800 men and 229 B-17 Flying Fortresses.

Tony Nolson (Branch Chairman)

Friends of Great Bedwyn Church Trust

Call My Bluff – with a twist

The Friends of Great Bedwyn Church Trust held an unusual wine tasting event in early June. Around 50 people gathered in the barn at the Wharf, Frog Lane to taste a selection of 6 wines. In each case they were given 3 possible descriptions of the wine in question, forcing them to use all their senses of taste and smell (and a bit of guess work!) to identify the correct answer. The winner at the end of the evening was Crispin Herrod-Taylor, who was the only person to correctly identify all 6 wines.

The evening could not have been run without the exceptionally generous support of the Harrow at Little Bedwyn. Not only did Roger and Sue Jones supply all the wines for the event free of charge but Sue also put her knowledge and skill to the test by compiling all the descriptions, real and bogus. The evening also benefited from the generosity of Cobbs Farm Shop, who provided the cheeses at cost and offered a meal for two as a prize. We are very grateful for all the help and support given by these two local businesses, which made it possible to raise over £600 while also providing a thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating evening’s entertainment.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

We wanted to write to thank our many friends who have helped us so much over the last few weeks, following the loss of our precious daughter Lara Mae.

The cards and messages we received, and the support of the people at her funeral in Great Bedwyn, enabled us to get through such a difficult time.

With many thanks,

Louise and Paul Heffernan

* * * * *

Thank you to all my friends in the village and beyond for their kindness and beautiful cards following Julia’s accident. I am so grateful.

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News from St Katharine’s Primary School

We had a wonderful welcome back to school with the May Fair which raised over £2000, what an amazing effort by all concerned.

The children have been very busy since then. Reception and Year 1 have been learning about buildings and have been lucky enough to watch a new shelter being erected so that they can play out in all weathers.

Year 2, 3 and 4 enjoyed a forest walk into Great Bedwyn to go river dipping with Ed from Oxenwood. They caught sticklebacks, bullheads, and freshwater shrimp. Only a few who shall not be named got wet!

Year 6 are relieved that SAT’s are finished and are now beginning their busy summer term. They have already taken part in Junior good citizen and West Woods drama day where a fun time was had by all including us!!.

Together with Year 5 they are preparing their Shakespeare Extravaganza production which is taking place in July.

With sports day and the whole school production still to come we have a busy time ahead!

Enjoy the summer!

Di Crocker and Terri Crewe

Teaching Assistants

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NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING: Introducing our new officer

The aim of Neighbourhood Policing is to have a dedicated policing team in your local community. We are here to work with you  to tackle local concerns raised by you. We will work with residents and local agencies to improve your quality of life.

COMMUNITY BEAT OFFICER FOR THE BEDWYN AREA: Derrick Foord

Telephone: 0845 408 7000

E-mail: pewseyeastnpt@wiltshire.police.uk

Based at: Pewsey Police Station

"My name is Derrick Foord and it has been my privilege to have been a police officer in Wiltshire since 1979. I hopefully bring a wealth of varied knowledge to the post of Community Beat Manager in Pewsey. It is my hope that this knowledge will be of benefit to all local residents and respective organizations/partnerships.”

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Great Bedwyn Tennis Club

Top quality coaching at Great Bedwyn Tennis Club

For such a small club, Great Bedwyn Tennis Club has been lucky enough to employ some outstanding tennis coaches over the last 10 years and the current coaches are no exception. Lewis Fletcher and Catherine Graham are Head Coaches at Ramsbury Tennis Club but under the name “Tennis Xperience UK” they also run sessions at Bedwyn, Aldbourne and Marlborough for tennis enthusiasts of all ages. Both have now lived in Wiltshire for long enough to be eligible to play in the Wiltshire County teams, which they do on a regular basis, but their main commitments are to the Great Britain Deaf Tennis squad as both of them suffer from profound hearing loss. Catherine has been the National Ladies Singles Champion for 6 years and Ladies Doubles Champion for 5 years. In 2007 she and Lewis played together to win the Mixed Doubles title and they repeated that success earlier this year.

Alongside their training and match commitments at National level both coaches spend a number of hours a week coaching locally, including a number of groups in Bedwyn ranging in age from the very young, through teenagers to adults of all ages. Lewis comments that the scale of the junior programme here in Bedwyn is quite exceptional for a 2-court club. A number of young tennis players have been singled out for additional coaching, with Lewis and Catherine recommending them for County Talent ID. In theory this can lead on to Regional and even National Talent ID. We may even have a future Wimbledon champion in our midst!

Lewis has had some experience of playing tennis at Wimbledon. In 2004 he was invited to play a Men’s Doubles demonstration match on Court 14; the first time that Deaf Tennis had been represented at these prestigious championships. "To experience the buzz of playing at Wimbledon was and will always be one of my fondest memories,” said Lewis. “It was an honour to play there and also a weird feeling in the sense that it was the first Deaf Tennis exhibition match at Wimbledon."

This year is an exciting one for both Lewis and Catherine as they have been selected to represent Great Britain at the Deaflympics in Taipei this summer. While this will be a first for Lewis, Catherine won a Bronze medal in the Ladies Doubles at the last Deaflympics in 2005. We hope they enjoy the whole experience and wish them every success in all their matches.

Rachel Bond

Contact details for Tennis Xperience UK

Lewis: 07917 800044

Catherine: 07917 800045 (text only)

E-mail: tennisxperienceuk@hotmail.co.uk

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BEDWYN MUSIC SOCIETY

The fourth concert of the current season is on Friday 17^th July and is featuring two prizewinners from the BBC 2008 Young Musician of the Year competition: the winner, Peter Moore, and the String Concerto winner, Jadran Duncumb, a guitarist.

Peter Moore is a trombonist and is still only 13 – the youngest ever winner – and at school in Manchester. Jadran was born in Sheffield but has lived in Norway since he was 10 and is currently studying in London.

Don’t forget - FRIDAY 31 JULY at 7.30pm

CONCERT BY MEMBERS In Great Bedwyn Church

Free admission – collection

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