| greatbedwyn.com |
The
site for the
Wiltshire village of Great Bedwyn
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| Parish News, October 2011 - There are 24 articles - do scroll down and have a look at everything | ||
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| Our
Doctor writes and Flu Jabs! |
Mary Edwards, Team Vicar writes | Bedwyn History Society | Great Bedwyn School News | ||
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| Great Bedwyn Parish Council | Coffee Mornings at the Legion | Parish
News Editorial |
Letters to the Editor | ||
Obituary |
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| Obituary: Pam Duveen | Bedwyn Village photo documentary project | Recently registered planning applications | Great Bedwyn Pantomime Society | ||
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Obituary |
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| Jumble Sale for Bell's restoration | Obituary: Mildred Houghton | The Three Tuns | News from Little Bedwyn | ||
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| Great
Bedwyn Legion |
Tidcombe Church Concerts 2011/12 | Bedwyn Playreading Group | Movieola
- Autumn Season |
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| Apples!! Juice them, grow them | Website Editorial | Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group | Miscellaneous
Notices |
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| Our Doctor writes |
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OUT OF
HOURS CONTACT NUMBER 0300 111 5717
OUT OF HOURS CONTACT
NUMBER 0300 111 5717
Flu Jabs 2011- Bedwyn Surgery We are advised by our vaccine suppliers, that this year’s vaccines will be available from the week commencing Monday 26th September. In an attempt to reduce our carbon footprint and to save on postage, we intend holding Flu Clinics on the following dates in September. Tuesday 27th 10-12noon and 6pm-7pm Wednesday 28th 10-12noon Thursday 29th 10-12noon If we have written to you in previous years, please assume that you continue to qualify. Please call the surgery at your convenience to book your slot on 01672 870330, or use the appointment booking service available on our website- www.oldschoolsurgery.co.uk We hope to see as many of you as possible on those days. Keith Marshall |
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Mary Edwards, Team Vicar writes: |
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| As human beings
we all struggle with many and varied ethical issues in our lives and
within the life of our nation. Usuall there are no definitive answers
and we have to make up our own minds according to our consciences and
informed opinion. The Pewsey Deanery’s second Bishop’s debate took place in mid September and certainly informed our opinion. Two hundred or so people gathered in the St John’s “Theatre on the Hill” in Marlborough to hear four top class speakers take part in the debate on the motion “Military intervention in the affairs of other nations is wrong.” Colin Heber Percy set the bar very high as he spoke passionately about how we as a nation have double standards because of our involvement in selling arms; something which is big business in this country and because of this he believed we had lost the moral right to intervene. Lord Owen spoke eloquently on why he believed there were times when we should intervene. Speaking from his vast experience as Foreign Secretary (1977 – 79) and of his relationship with the UN and the Security Council; he was persuasive that this was the right course of action, so long as it was legitimatised by the UN Security Council. His opinion was that cannot just stand by and do nothing. The second speakers were no less persuasive! Simon Denis got his point across with humour and used examples taken from everyday life. He thought we often wanted to change regimes to impose western values on countries, which in his view was a rather imperialistic way of encountering the world. Something we would not value if other nations tried to impose their culture and religion on us here in Britain. Lastly, but certainly not least among the speaker was Stephen Robbins who recently retired as Chaplain General. He spoke with the authority and conviction of a man who had to deal with these issues all his working life. Chaplains have tough questions to answer from soldiers and civilians while trying to keep a Christian perspective on the issues. Stephen gave impassioned support for what he believed was our moral duty to deal “with the worst of humanity” and argued that the failure to stop the genocide in Rwanda had been “an absolute disgrace, something for which we would all be judged. ” The debate provoked deep thought and many people asked deep and far reaching questions of the panellists all of which were answered with rapier like precision from the a platform. Can we have our minds swayed by argument? Possibly so because 5 people changed their opinion during the evening – votes being taken before and after the debate – so something got though to them! However the motion was still defeated! The debate goes on! Each day our newspapers reflect some aspect of the ethical issues involved, and we should engage with these important issues. I believe Christianity has a lot which is helpful to say on all ethical issues but should not be dogmatic. God gave each one of us free will and within that we should decide where we stand on all sorts of issues and hopefully next year even more people will want to come along and engage with a different difficult topic which impinges on all our lives. In the mean time we go on wrestling with the issues of war but hopefully never forgetting that it always involves people on both sides and in particular our brave armed forces and by supporting Help for Heroes and other service charities as much as we can. Every blessing Mary |
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Bedwyn History Society |
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| The
next meeting of the Bedwyn History
Society will be on Tuesday 11th
October 2011 at the Royal British Legion, Great Bedwyn, at 7.30 pm. Matthew Wilkinson will present a talk on ‘Matthew Wilkinson – Master or Cleric’. Mathew Wilkinson was the first Master of Marlborough College. Visitors are very welcome to attend (£3); entrance is free for Society members. Steve Hobson *****
BEDWYN HISTORY SOCIETY
Archive Open Day* St Mary’s Church, Great Bedwyn Saturday 29th October 10am – 5pm Free admission Light refreshments *Do let us know if you have any historical artifacts, photographs or manuscripts which you are prepared to loan the Society for the day. Further information: David Harris Tel: 01672 870 133 |
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Great Bedwyn School News - September 2011 |
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| The
school extended a very warm welcome
to all the new children and their families at the start of the Autumn
Term. From September 2011, our Local Authority made the decision that
Grafton School catchment area will now become part of Great Bedwyn. All
parents of children applying to the Local Authority for a place at the
school will be measured on the same criteria regardless of the Parish
in which they live. After various meetings over the summer, the final accounts regarding the new build were finalised. Our Local Authority was extremely generous with the funds that it made available to the school. Thanks must also be given to Ali Tuttle, who has given a great deal of time and effort to this project. Everyone is now looking forward to enjoying this additional new space and sharing it with a range of groups within our Community. As ever, the school has a busy term ahead. The school will be running Circus workshops, participating in the annual High 5 and football festivals and even indulging in a traditional Canadian breakfast! The children will have the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon at the Watermill theatre to watch Wind in the Willows as well as participating in their own productions later this term. The children from Years 1, 2, and 3 will be swimming at Hungerford Leisure Centre this term too. There is an impressive array of after school Clubs on offer each afternoon too. These include, cinema club, drama, Spanish, French, DT, cheerleading, cycling and sculpture just to mention a few. All these clubs are run largely on a voluntary basis by both parents and teachers and offer the children unique experiences and a chance to broaden their experiences. As part of the school’s on-going forest work, children from Reception, Years 1, 2, and 3 will be spending time in the local woods this term. This is an excellent opportunity for some fun and (educational) outdoor learning. The children have previously had lots of fun building dens/shelters of all shapes and sizes, demonstrating their limitless imagination and creativity. The children will be encouraged to explore environmental art first- hand and learn to interpret nature and its processes. Congratulations to both Mrs Fiona de Pass and Miss Sam Wood who have now attained their L3 Forest School Leader qualification and have been accepted onto the National College Outstanding Facilitators Programme. There was a good turnout for the GBSA coffee morning earlier this month and it was great to see so many new reception parents enjoying a warm welcome and a good chat. The second hand uniform sale proved popular and at 50p an item, plenty of parents went home a bargain! All school parents are welcome to join the GBSA so if you would like to volunteer to help, please contact your child’s class representative, who will be happy to let you know the date of the next meeting. The children have a range of topics to inspire them this term. Transport, Forces and Motion, Beasties and Beauties, Flat Stanley, World War II and the Ancient Greeks are just a few topics on the menu this term. Sophie Callaghan |
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Great Bedwyn Parish Council |
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| Parish Council meeting
held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 14th
September 2011 Prior to the Council meeting, Mr. Alister Storey, Principal Traffic Engineer for Wiltshire Council Highways, gave a presentation showing the draft proposals for restricted parking in the village. The presentation was attended by over 70 interested parties. The Chairman of The Parish Council, Roger Durie, gave an introduction as follows:- “As you are aware we have Wiltshire Highways Engineer, Alister Storey, with us tonight, to present proposals drawn up to deal with parking and congestion issues in The Knapp. Before Alister begins his presentation I should just like to re-cap on the events preceding this exercise. In September 2010 at our Parish Council meeting it was stated that the bus route appeared to have changed but investigation revealed that the bus company experiencing congestion in CastleRd./The Knapp had decided to use a different route to avoid the congestion. At our October meeting it was agreed that the Police should be asked to monitor inconsiderate parking by commuters and that we should approach Wiltshire Council regarding the possibility of some limited parking restrictions and Network Rail regarding the possibility of utilizing their redundant siding for additional parking. In December Mrs Jan Thornton presented a petition to the Parish Council signed by residents of 36 properties in The Knapp requesting that the entire area be made ‘residents parking only’ and at the same time Doctor Ballard wrote supporting the idea of a residents parking scheme. Since then Network Rail have not been prepared to move forward on the additional parking spaces unless we pay £5000 for a feasibility study but Wiltshire Council have prepared their proposals for parking restrictions which Alister will now present. There will be an opportunity to ask questions when Alister concludes his presentation in approx 15 minutes and there will be a further opportunity for individual comment in our public discussion session (limited to a timed 3 mins per person/organization” Alister Storey began by stating that the proposals were drafted in consideration of road safety. His presentation showed the full extent of proposed yellow lines, coupled with other restrictions. There then followed a lively and constructive question and answer session, between Alister and those present. The main concern being the effect of the proposed parking restrictions on the rest of the village. The proposals did not represent a community wide solution. The Chairman then brought the question and answer session to a close, and requested a show of hands, to ascertain the level of support for the following:- To approve the proposals as Alister’s presentation. (12 supported) To totally reject the proposals. (26 supported) To agree to partial parking restrictions, to include bell mouths and dropped kerbs. (34 supported) The Chairman thanked Alister, on everyone’s behalf. Note:- The Parish Council did not propose the current scheme, and they have not been invited to attend any on-site meeting with Mr Storey. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 14th September 2011 Present: Cllrs Roger Durie (Chairman), Jenny Clack, Jim Raff, Charles Howell, Steve Hobson, Paul Knowler, Karina Nicholson, Ruth Francis, Tom Mallinson, Nick Gibbins, District Councillor Stuart Wheeler, and approx. 50 members of the public. Apologies: Cllr. Gordon Stone and PCSO Coralie Nash. Declaration of Interests: Councillors were invited to declare any interest in items on the Agenda. Cllr. Nicholson declared an interest as a member of The Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group. Her declaration was noted by the Chair. Clarification is to be sought from the Standards Board whether this declaration is prejudicial and/or personal, and what action needs to be taken. Public Discussion: 2 new Councillors were introduced and welcomed. They are Cllrs. Tom Mallinson and Nick Gibbins. The following discussions/questions are all relating to commuter parking. - Ann Kilpatrick Asked if extra land could be purchased for parking, with funding from surrounding villages. - Roger Kenyon Asked if the land between the two bridges could be used for a car park. - Steve Smith Speaking on behalf of Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group, read out the following:- We are disappointed how Sarsen Housing let the garages. There are a total of 39 garages and parking bays, in the two closes, and it’s no coincidence that there are 39 homes. Over the years the association between the garages and the homes has been lost as Sarsen generate revenue by letting them to non-residents. There are also 24 car parking spaces, behind the flats, that are for residents only. These are under utilised by residents on a daily basis. Sarsen could do more to allocate these to residents for use by their visitors and carers. Bedwyn station is the railhead for Marlborough and the surrounding villages. Consequently it has an economic importance to the area that has not been taken into account in Wiltshire Council’s proposal. The commuters and the village as a whole are net contributors to the taxes and funding raised and received by Wiltshire Council. It is therefore reasonable to expect that the parking problems in the village, caused by use of the station, are funded in a manner that respects the economic contribution made by the station and the villagers. For example the loss of parking spaces proposed by Wiltshire Council could be offset by them funding the extension to the station car park. Alister Storey’s photographic presentation was not of photographs all taken at the same time. Instead they showed each area at its worse which collectively made it appear a bigger problem than it is. I’ve taken many walks around The Knapp at peak times and there is always one of the parking problems shown but never all of them at the same time. Other than what has already been discussed this evening we’d like to raise the following: 1. We understand that Wiltshire Council can’t introduce a resident’s only scheme for the two closes. We therefore suggest that Wiltshire Council un-adopt the two closes and hand control to Sarsen Housing. Sarsen Housing can then line/sign as they feel appropriate. 2. To create lay-bys either side of the entrance into The Knapp from Brook Street . Our proposal does not involve the loss of any trees. Gill Boden representing Sarsen Housing Association Responded, by saying that garages have been let to “others”, and they will now take more interest in the problems caused by parking. This would include allowing carers to use the car park behind the flats. Sarsen Housing would also review the possibility of the two cul-de-sacs being re-classified/unadopted. Jan Thornton representing The Knapp Tenants Association Responded, by saying that the parking problem is not getting any better, and there are 25% of the Knapp residents who are housebound. She also welcomed the idea of the cul-de-sacs being unadopted. Sarsen Housing could then safeguard areas for carers etc. Stuart Wheeler and Caroline Brailey representing The Area Board Stated that a Home Scheme for Carers was being introduced, which could improve care within the County, and was likely to reduce the numbers of carers visiting individuals, hence possibly relieving parking pressures and minimising time taken parking. This is very much “work in progress” Stuart Wheeler representing The Area Board Advised that he would approach Network Rail and British Waterways (wharf) regarding additional parking. Cllr. Nick Gibbins Will explore alternative funding and advice on the parking situation. Matters Arising: 1. Allotments. (CAB/SH) The chicken charter has been issued. All plots are fully occupied. A notice to improve was issued to one allotment holder, and this is now resolved. The scout’s allotment is in need of attention, and the leader will be contacted. Partial funding for a fence and gate at the rear of the British Legion/access to scout’s allotment, has already been agreed. Sally Rhodes to acquire estimates. 2. Youth Club. (KN) The new leader is doing well. 3. Traffic items Parking outside the British Legion (High Street) The No Parking signs will be erected after the centre wall has been demolished, (this was proposed by the PC, as a solution to the parking of cars in front of the wall) and created a single large entrance/exit. Bus route and station parking.(RD/CAB). See Public Discussion. The Parish Council has received numerous e-mails/letters (25) regarding W C Highways parking restriction proposals. Many had empathy for The Knapp residents but all were against the use of yellow lines. Stuart Wheeler is to review the possibility of WC Highways unadopting the two cul-de-sacs within The Knapp. The existence of a Rail Transport Plan is to be reviewed by the Parish Council and the Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group. It is believed that the plan would incorporate commuter parking provisions. The Parish Council then voted and rejected, in its entirety, the draft proposals presented by Wiltshire Council Highways, whilst all other options are being pursued. Including, but not limited to, the possibility of Sarsen Housing adopting the cul-de-sacs, and some limited parking restrictions around the bend by the bus stop. 20mph pilot scheme. We have been advised by Highways that the scheme will be implemented by end of November. 4. Village defibrillator. The Parish Council has had new leaflets printed and they are awaiting distribution. 5. General Village Upkeep/Appearance. The trees at the junction of Brook Street and The Knapp are on N R land, and we await an update. The overhanging trees and shrubs on Brook Street, by Fairfield, have been cut back by Network Rail. 6. Three Tuns. (RD) The Council showed their concern regarding the future of The Three Tuns and will keep a watching brief. Correspondence received: The correspondence received was reviewed. These included the following:-
Planning: (JC) Parish Council, no objection: (omitted where approval is listed below):
Police Report Local officers have been continuing to carry out regular, high visible patrols of all the beauty spots in the Pewsey vale. These patrols have proved partially successful, although there has been a few theft from motor vehicles at local beauty spots over the past 4 weeks, the main area being targeted seems to be Alton Barnes. These target patrols will continue throughout the summer months with an aim to further deter this type of crime at the East beauty spots as well as West. Our current priorities are
Crimes:
Thank you. Your Neighbourhood Policing Team – Pewsey East PCSO Coralie Nash 6139 |
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Coffee Mornings at the Legion - dates for 2011 |
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The
Link scheme and the Patients' Participation Group will be holding
coffee mornings on the following dates:
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Parish News Editorial |
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| Because
our printer, Highdown Print, is
able
to print Parish News so quickly, we are now altering the monthly
deadline for copy to the 20th day of the preceding month. This will
give us the opportunity to be a little more up-to-date with our news.
Please note, however, that we shall not be able to print anything which
is submitted after the 20th. Thanks to Fred Brenchley who, in Rachel’s temporary absence last month, put our September issue on the page, ready for printing. This is a demanding task, and we are delighted that Fred will be joining our Editorial Committee in order to provide a backup service, when it’s needed. |
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Letters to the Editor |
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| Dear
Andrew In early September our cat was hit by a car in Brown’s Lane by the junction of Copyhold and Castle Road. To my knowledge this is the third cat in recent times to die along this stretch of road. We are all devastated by our loss – the children in particular are gutted to lose her. I understand that the speed limit along this part of Brown’s Lane is soon to become 20 mph. I know from when we lived in Brown’s Lane that cars rarely observe the 30mph limit and that pedestrians and animals are vulnerable along this stretch. I hope, therefore, that drivers using Brown’s Lane will observe the limit when it is introduced, think about the reasons why it is there, and that it is appropriately enforced. Yours sincerely Anthea Rogers |
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| Pamela
lived with her husband Raymond at
No 1 Farm Lane since 1970.
They bought the house in a dilapidated condition, restored and
modernised it, using it first as a weekend retreat before retiring
there. Pam and Ray were well loved and had a wide circle of friends who
recall their ready hospitality. Everyone was welcomed with open arms,
and a wonderful smile. Pam died at the age of 92 following a couple of
falls and a spell in hospital. Pam had a varied and interesting career. She started as a reporter for the Wolverhampton Express and Star, but war broke out and she enlisted in the ATS, in which she became a commissioned officer commanding an anti aircraft gun in SE England. As something of a feminist, she relished the opportunities offered to women in wartime. She returned to journalism in the 1950s and eventually became the Principal of the Readers’ Advice Service at the Daily Mirror. She worked with Marjorie Proops and, over 23 years, helped to write replies to countless agony letters. She became very concerned about people’s housing problems, and wrote a book about how to find a home. She became involved with hospital trusts, and with pensions and planning for retirement. On her own retirement, Pam involved herself in many aspects of village life. She was a leading member of the recently formed Bedwyn Poetry Society. For many years she masterminded the publicity for the Music Society with efficiency and tenacity. She was active in the literary discussions of the U3A. Pam was someone who will be missed by many for her generosity, kindliness, delightfully forthright views. She was a loved and loving friend to many. |
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BEDWYN VILLAGE PHOTO DOCUMENTARY PROJECT |
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| Two
local photographers, Sam Gage and
Sarah Jackson are launching a
project to compile a photographic documentary with a working title,
'PEOPLE & PLACE' within the parish of Bedwyn. Over the course
of the following year they hope to capture the essence of village life
with all its personalities and riches. Sam & Sarah very much
see this as an opportunity to record the vibrancy of this thriving
community in an increasingly globalised world, celebrating localism and
all those who make up our community. Anyone wishing to feature in the project , or would like to suggest others, or share their ideas with us should feel free to contact either of us, or leave a note in an envelope marked: PEOPLE & PLACE at the Bedwyn Post Office. A photographic exhibition will follow. Sam Gage: Mobile: 07813 898949. email address: gagesam@hotmail.com Sarah Jackson: Mobile: 07879 813889 email address: sarah@mdscjackson.com |
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Recently registered planning applications |
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| Details
of these proposals can be found
on the Planning and Building
Control pages of the Wiltshire Council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planninganddevelopment.htm Search
under Planning applications in the East Wiltshire area, click on
Specific Application and enter the reference number below. Comments can
be made up to 21 days after the registration date, through the website
or by contacting the Council directly. E/2011/1187/FUL - 75 Church St., Gt Bedwyn, SN8 3PF, registered 12/09/11 Two storey rear extension. E/2011/1153/FUL - 8 Brook St., Gt Bedwyn, SN8 3LZ, registered 6/09/11 Two storey extension with single storey link E/2011/1186/TPO - Lodge Cottage, Forest Hill, Marlborough SN8 3HN, registered 12/09/11. Fell 1 no. Yew Tree E/2011/1157/FUL - 23 Stokke Common, Great Bedwyn, SN8 3LL, registered 7/09/11 Demolition of existing covered car parking area. Existing single storey extension to become double storey with additional proposals to match existing. E/2011/1170/FUL - 7 Venn Leigh, Back Lane, Gt Bedwyn, SN8 3NX, registered 7/09/11. Extensions and alterations (amendment to E/09/1131/FUL) |
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Pantomime Society of Great Bedwyn |
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| THE
PANTOMIME SOCIETY OF GREAT BEDWYN TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!: “Listen very carefully as we shall say this only once...” PSGB presents an amateur performance of “'Allo, 'Allo” by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft 20th, 21st & 22nd October at 7.30pm in Great Bedwyn Village Hall Come and be reunited with all at Cafe René in occupied France as the hapless owner and his wife Edith struggle to conceal two British airmen for the French Resistance and attempt to keep for themselves a priceless portrait which they are hiding from the Germans. Tickets £7.50 (or £5.00 concessions) on sale from Louise Heffernan on 870195 AUDITION DATES FOR FEBRUARY 2012 PANTOMINE: Monday 3rd October: Read through of “Sinbad” by Stuart Ardern at 7.30pm in the Cross Keys Saturday 8th October: Auditions will be held in the Village Hall at 11am for chorus (Yr 4+) and 2.30pm for principals (14+) |
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Jumble Sale in aid of the restoration of the bells in St Michael's Church |
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AID OF THE RESTORATION OF THE BELLS IN ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH, LITTLE BEDWYN THE JUMBLE SALE Will be held on 29TH OCTOBER at 2PM in BEDWYN VILLAGE HALL Any good Jumble gratefully received from 9.00am on 29th Oct. |
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Obituary: Mildred Rose Houghton - 29 July 1921 to 29 July 2011 |
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| Mildred
was the eldest of eight siblings
and grew up on several dairy and arable farms in Lincolnshire. They
were always moving! She left school at 13 and went straight into
service many miles from home. When the war came she worked using
cordite, making bombs in an armament factory in Grantham, near her
home. This is where she met Bob who was later to become her husband. At
the end of the war, they both moved to London where she worked as a
cook for the aristocracy in Kensington, once baking a birthday cake for
the daughter of the house’s party, and an invited guest, the
young Princess Margaret, enjoyed a piece! Following a long engagement, a ration-time wedding was held at the Lincolnshire farm with all the family saving up the egg and sugar rations to make the cake. They then made their home in Streatham, London where their only daughter Susan (Challen) was born. After a few years in Mitcham, and now with a baby, they were offered a terraced house and garden on the new large St Helier Estate in Morden, Surrey, where they then spent the next 28 years. After daughter Sue moved to Great Bedwyn, they decided to follow her and lived at the far end of Spaines for almost as long as in Morden, enjoying local events, Sue’s allotment, their garden and latterly three granddaughters. Sadly almost ten years ago Alzheimer’s disease struck and Mildred battled on. She died on her 90th birthday at home as she always wanted to do, and was buried at St Michael’s, Little Bedwyn where she had cleaned and dusted for so many years. A collection was taken at the funeral for Alzheimer’s Support which came to over £300. Thanks to everyone for the many kind thoughts, flowers, prayers, cards, emails and letters. From the Challen family |
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The Three Tuns |
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| It
is with much soul searching and
sadness that we have reached a
decision that we intend to seek to de-commission The Three Tuns and
convert it to residential use. We accept that this is a real blow to
those who use the pub regularly and those who have been great
supporters. The simple facts are that that pubs are finding it extremely difficult to survive. Thousands are closing all around the country as recession bites. The smoking ban, drink-driving, cheap supermarket booze all contribute to the reasons why less people are going to pubs but the overriding reason is that, in this economic climate, people just do not have the spare cash to spend it going out. We have put tens and tens of thousands of pounds every year for the last four years into keeping the Three Tuns afloat – we simply cannot continue to do so. We have tried to sell it as a pub but again nobody is buying them and at the present time the banks will not lend against pubs. People will fund loss making businesses for a while but, depressingly, the prospects look worse and not better for the next few years. Alan and Jan have been the most hardworking and loyal members of staff who have done everything in their power to make the business a success. The part-time staff have also all been wonderful. Above all it is those who regularly use the pub for whom we feel most sorry and we thank them for their support over all the years. For the moment the intention is that the pub will remain open until 31 December 2011. Your continued support is very welcome. Jason + Amanda Gard |
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News from Little Bedwyn |
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| It
wasn’t quite the Olympic
Games or even a pre-run for 2012
but nevertheless the Little Bedwyn Annual Games Day was very popular
and great fun. Inevitably some of the games bring out the highly
competitive spirit which most participants keep hidden during the year.
It didn’t matter whether they were young or old, male or
female but the volley ball (played to Litttle Bedwyn rules) had the
competitors throwing themselves around in their attempts to stop the
ball touching down or to score a goal. Church Street swept up the shields, cups and champagne as various combinations of residents, their relatives and friends won the volley ball, shone at the table tennis and scored impressively low numbers in the Crazy Croquet – both senior and junior sections. Many enjoyed playing Boules and the putting (new this year) was very attractive to the youngsters. Half time gave everyone the chance to rest and boost their blood sugar levels as they tucked into a delicious, traditional English tea. This was very timely, just before the tug of-war. What hard work this is. The line up was super and the two sides struggled to stay on their feet and pull the marker towards their team. The winners, quite rightly, were given a hefty cheer. Little Bedwyn loves a BBQ and the games day ended with a typical Little Bedwyn BBQ where everyone shares food, drink and company followed by a communal clear up. Thank you to all who came and to all who entered into the spirit of the day – players, referees, time-keepers, scorers and spectators, BUT a special thank you must go to Bob Lucas and Paul Harvey who do most of the preparation, including the setting up and the taking down of the pitches and nets. Next year we hope to increase our range of sporting activities and include races for the children. And while I am writing about Little Bedwyn I would like to welcome our two latest residents Toby Walker, born in mid August and Wilfred Makin born in early September, though it will be a long time before they can join in the games. Moira Yates *****
Planning applications:
Petition Campaign Little Bedwyn Council is supporting Mrs. Francis Kelly in her petition to Network Rail regarding the tooting of the trains as they go through Forebridge and into Great Bedwyn. It is felt that lights at the crossing would be a more effective and less intrusive safety measure. If you would like to support this proposal, please look out for the petitions that are available for your signature in the following locations as from September:-
Amanda Elliott, Little Bedwyn |
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Great Bedwyn and District Royal British Legion |
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The Annual
General Meetings of the
Branch and Club are due to take place next month. The date will be
published in the Parish News next month and will be shown on local
notice boards. PLEASE ATTEND.
The Agendas and Nomination lists will be put on the Club notice board in due course. Tony Nolson and Jane Pendry (Branch & Club Chairpersons) ****
Saturday,
29th October 2011
Halloween Party Pumpkin Carving from 2:00 – 4:00pm Prizes for three best carved pumpkins. 5-8, 9-12, 13-16 Children’s Fancy Dress Disco, 7:00-9:00pm Three prizes for best fancy dress children. Three age groups. Pinata – Prize winners get to break it open FREE FACEPAINTING RESIN 70, 80, 90 Rock 9:30-12:00pm wacky and boozy prizes for best Fancy dress All pumpkins displayed. Children can take pumpkins home at end of night. |
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Tidcombe Church Concerts 2011/12 |
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| Concerts
this Season, all at 6pm,
followed by drinks at Tidcombe Manor
or Flint Cottage Barn 15 Saturday 15th October 2011 The Gallery Choir Speed the Plough - an evening of music, readings and song, celebrating the Harvest. 16 Saturday 10th December 2011 Paul Darby & the Yirdbards with Peter Please. ‘Winter Stories’ in Spoken word & song Part of this evening’s performance will be a collaboration between the Yirdbards & writer Peter Please, whose evocative writing captures the atmosphere of particular moments in Winter ‘. 17 February 2012 The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, Date and programme to be confirmed 18 May 2012 To Paris with a Marmalade Cake The first public performance of an Opera of Ballads regarding the lives of Augustus and Gwen John by Livia Sevier Date to be confirmed. Proceeds will be in aid of St Michael’s Church For details contact: tmakower@alliesandmorrison.com Tim Makower |
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THE BEDWYN PLAYREADING GROUP |
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| The
first meeting of our third season will
be held on Wednesday 5th October at 3pm. We meet once a month during the winter. If you are not yet a member but would like to come and "try it out", please phone Susan Tuckey on 01672871830 or email susantuckey@waitrose.com |
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Moviola - upcoming films at Great Bedwyn Village Hall |
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| Welcome
to the autumn season of Moviola, which features some of the
best films of the past few months. Movies are shown on a Thursday in
Great Bedwyn village hall at 7.30 and the programme usually includes a
short film or two, followed by an interval and the main feature. Bring
along your own food and wine and make an evening of it with friends. This month’s Moviola film is Bridesmaids, the hilarious and hugely successful comedy. Showing in the village hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 13th October, it’s a must for a girls’ night out, but men will find it funny, too. A brilliant script and fantastic acting from a relatively unknown cast made it the surprise hit of the summer. Bring your own food and wine and make an evening of it. Bridesmaids tells the story of Annie, a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian, and a group of colorful bridesmaids on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honour. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she'll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you'll go for someone you love. According to Moviola, some villages have found this film a little too raunchy in places. You have been warned! “Finally, a female ensemble comedy that balances realistic characters with smart laughs and side-splitting farce” - Empire Magazine “Sharply written and winningly performed, it delivers more laughs than any movie released this year” - Daily Telegraph Future
dates for the diary:
Thursday 13th October: Bridesmaids Thursday 24th November: Senna Thursday 15th December: One Day Tickets cost £5 and can be bought from the Stores, the Bakery, the Post Office and at the door on the night (doors open at 7pm). Any queries, please contact Hilary Stock (01672 870644). |
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Apples: Your own Apples turned into Juice + Bedwyn Beauties apple trees |
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TOO MANY
APPLES?
DON’T LET THEM GO TO WASTE !! TURN THEM INTO YOUR OWN APPLE JUICE DELICIOUS TO DRINK – WONDERFUL PRESENTS PRESSED - BOTTLED – PASTEURISED PERSONALISED LABEL (KEEPS FOR 2 YEARS) 75cl bottle £2.25 – 1 litre bottle £2.95 For every 10kg of apples you bring - collect 8 bottles of apple juice! MORE INFORMATION & DELIVERY SLOT, contact RICHARD PAGET: 01672 870194 richard@pagets.org.uk “BEDWYN
BEAUTY” BEDWYN’S
OWN APPLE VARIETY
FOR
INFORMATION
& TO ORDER |
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Website Editorial |
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Please note these do not represent the
opinions of the Parish News editorial team.
Having read the comments made by the Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group in response to Wiltshire Council's proposed changes in The Knapp, I feel it needs a response, perhaps without some of the emotive language used. We are disappointed how Sarsen Housing let the garages. There are a total of 39 garages and parking bays, in the two closes, and it’s no coincidence that there are 39 homes. Over the years the association between the garages and the homes has been lost as Sarsen generate revenue by letting them to non-residents. Given that the residents of The Knapp are typically "elderly or vulnerable" it is hardly surprising that not all of them have a car. Indeed some of the residents have given up owning a car because of the parking issues. If the residents don't need the garages, why shouldn't Sarsen rent them out to people that will use them? There are also 24 car parking spaces, behind the flats, that are for residents only. These are under utilised by residents on a daily basis. Sarsen could do more to allocate these to residents for use by their visitors and carers. The residents of the flats are not in the same category as the residents of the bungalows in The Knapp i.e. "elderly or vulnerable". Why should visitors and carers to the bungalows be made to park behind the flats? Also, I would love to see how 24 cars may be parked in this car park! I would estimate approximately half that number might be squeezed in at one time, with considerably less than that when the recycling lorry appears once a month. Bedwyn station is the railhead for Marlborough and the surrounding villages. As are Pewsey and Hungerford. Oh, but of course those stations charge for cars to be parked there. Consequently it has an economic importance to the area that has not been taken into account in Wiltshire Council’s proposal. We hear this constantly from the Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group. What economic importance does it have? how can this be quantified? The commuters and the village as a whole are net contributors to the taxes and funding raised and received by Wiltshire Council. Again, how may this be quantified into figures that back this up? It is therefore reasonable to expect that the parking problems in the village, caused by use of the station, are funded in a manner that respects the economic contribution made by the station and the villagers. So assuming the previous sentence may be quantified, to whom should we be turning to for the appropriate funding, and how is this reasonable? For example the loss of parking spaces proposed by Wiltshire Council could be offset by them funding the extension to the station car park. It would be nice if this happened, but why should Wiltshire Council fund the extension to the car park? Their proposed parking restrictions are designed to ease the perpetual problems of driving round The Knapp, negotiating chicanes of badly parked cars, watching buses struggle to turn round, watching residents struggle to park a reasonable distance from their homes, carers having to park some distance from their patients. Alister Storey’s photographic presentation was not of photographs all taken at the same time. Instead they showed each area at its worse which collectively made it appear a bigger problem than it is. I’ve taken many walks around The Knapp at peak times and there is always one of the parking problems shown but never all of them at the same time. Well yes, I dare say anyone can walk round The Knapp and depending on where their sympathies lie, interpret the spread of parked cars as insignificant. I know that every time I walk or drive round The Knapp during working hours, the parking is a disaster. Other than what has already been discussed this evening we’d like to raise the following: 1. We understand that Wiltshire Council can’t introduce a resident’s only scheme for the two closes. We therefore suggest that Wiltshire Council un-adopt the two closes and hand control to Sarsen Housing. Sarsen Housing can then line/sign as they feel appropriate. How would this be policed? What recourse to action would anyone being blocked in have? 2. To create lay-bys either side of the entrance into The Knapp from Brook Street . Our proposal does not involve the loss of any trees. Lay-bys at a junction? how would that work? This proposal may not involve the loss of trees, but what about the impact on those living in the bungalows facing the entrance to The Knapp? There needs to be a realisation here that the problems at Bedwyn have worsened over time, particularly as Pewsey & Hungerford station car parks both charge for parking. I know of people that drive to Bedwyn from both Pewsey and Hungerford to take advantage of the free parking here. In addition I know of several people who live no more than 200 yards from the station in the village who have driven to the station and left their cars there all day. There are parking issues in other parts of the village as well, but clearly the issues in The Knapp have forced things to come to a head there first. Maybe this will mean other areas of the village will need to be addressed to counter badly parked cars; if this is the case, so be it. We cannot let the current situation be allowed to perpetuate ad infinitum, and no amount of polite or impolite notes left on cars around The Knapp seem to make the blindest bit of difference to the situation. I'm also rather surprised that the Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group puts its needs above those of the residents of The Knapp. Philip Blunt |
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Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group |
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| New Electronic Boards at
the Station Users of the station will have noticed the, long awaited, electronic signs have now been put up. For each platform they give the current time, a scrolling display of the next three services due and whether they are on time or delayed. We are heartened that the westbound platform has been included, something that was not initially proposed until we pressed for it. The new system is a welcome improvement on the, often broken, old system. However, there’s one disadvantage that’s been highlighted by the boards being independent between platforms. As most of our eastbound services are formed from incoming trains we continue to get the bizarre situation where an eastbound train is marked as on time when the incoming train is shown as being delayed. This is called ‘train associations’ (or lack of in our case) and is something we continue to press First Great Western on. For now it requires a well trained eye to peer across to platform 1 to see what the westbound platform’s board is saying. Other Station Issues We’ve put in requests to resolve the following issues:
We understand that there is some concern in the village regarding the passenger group’s stance on electrification. Electrification, even if it came to Bedwyn or beyond, would not be a new high speed link creating an increase in commuter numbers using the station. If electrification came as far as Bedwyn our service would remain fairly much as it is. If it went beyond Bedwyn there would be faster services to the west but we’d never be included in a stopping pattern on such a high speed link. A high speed link on this line would only call at places such as Newbury, Westbury, Taunton, Tiverton Parkway and Exeter. Instead we’d likely be on a semi-fast hourly service between Paddington and Exeter. If, as is now proposed, electrification came only as far as Newbury the worse case scenario for us would be to place us on a diesel shuttle to Newbury. The best we could hope for would be bi-mode trains (that run as electric to Newbury and diesel on to Bedwyn) or to be on a bi-mode semi fast hourly service to Exeter. As it stands the Department of Transport are currently talking about putting Bedwyn on a diesel service to Reading. This would mean we’d lose our direct Paddington services. Naturally we will campaign against this. Happy Travelling! Steve Smith www.bedwyntrains.org.uk info@bedwyntrains.org.uk |
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Miscellaneous Notices |
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| WANTED
A WORKING PARTY SATURDAY, 8th OCTOBER, From 9.00 am To weed, clip and tidy the Vicarage Gardens Please come & join us and bring suitable tools |
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