TH E SO ME RF OR DS
THE
June 2020
THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR LITTLE & GREAT SOMERFORD, STARTLEY, SEAGRY, RODBOURNE & CORSTON
Stay home, stay safe
Diary dates The COVID-19 outbreak means that all events are cancelled for the time being.
Let your neighbours know Our May edition reached more than 900 people on line and we printed 50 copies for those without internet access. As not everyone uses social media, our main method of communicating that The Signpost’s latest offering is online, could you please support us by sharing the link with your friends and neighbours so that we can reach as many people as possible.
VE Day celebrations
Front Cover: Wildflower meadow; Inside front and back cover - VE Day celebrations in our villages Contents Picture quiz .....................................................................18 Diary dates ....................................................................... 2 VE Day celebrations........................................................ 2 Editorial ............................................................................ 3 Signpost Organising Group.......................................... 3 Local News and Events ............................................... 4-5 Reinventing Church........................................................ 6 VE Day and the NHS founder....................................... 7 Your local food services ........................................ 8 - 11 Anyone for coffee........................................................... 12 Virtual School ............................................................13-17 2
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Riverwatch ...................................................................... 19 The value of nature ........................................................ 20 Great Somerford Allotments ........................................ 21 Chef’s Pantry ..................................................................22 Councils...................................................................... 23-24 Advertisements ......................................................... 25-35 Church services .............................................................. 36 Contacts ........................................................................... 37 VE Day Celebrations ..................................................... 38
Editorial Last year, as guest editor of Signpost for the December/January issue, I expressed the thought that, with the demise of Brexit, which seemed to have hung over us like Damocles' sword for so long, we might look to a brighter 2020. Just how wrong can one be? Not just this sceptred isle this time though but the entire planet. This is a very bad time for humanity, and we can only mentally gasp at the awful statistics involved and hope that the right actions are being proposed and followed. It goes without saying that we are all grateful for and thankful to the NHS and it seems only right and proper that each Thursday evening, we show our appreciation publicly and continue to do so in respect for the dedication of so many in the NHS who do risk their lives every time they go to work. It is also right and fitting that we do not forget to whom we owe the existence of the NHS, and to the humanity of one man, Aneurin Bevan (see page 6). To some extent, this humanity is present everywhere in our society and can be regarded with great pride, namely in the individual thoughtfulness and kindness that exists within our community, and probably throughout the entire country from what we read and hear from the news media. It is very easy to stay indoors and sit tight but there are many in our community who go out of their way to provide help to others by doing their shopping, collecting prescriptions and medicines from
pharmacists for example or just keeping in contact with otherwise isolated friends and neighbours. And then there are others such as Fourway Stores that has set up a delivery service to assist local customers, and the Somerford Arms, the Volunteer and the New Inn all of whom are providing take away meal services for the community while the Radnor Arms has recently followed suit. It may be to their advantage financially BUT regardless of the various government loans and grants available to businesses that suffer the consequences of this dreadful virus, they have elected to provide these services to help the community at large. I was particularly moved recently when enquiring about what was available, to be told by one pub (no names!) that providing meals was something they could do for some of the less fortunate in our community. That says it all – for me. Stay safe.
Signpost Editorial Group Editorial Contact Editorial Team
Village Correspondents Corston Great Somerford Little Somerford Rodbourne Seagry Startley Church Matters School Matters Advertising and Finance Distribution
Peter Oliver Sara Sorby Jake Vale Michael Palmer Ian Wigmore Tony Massarella Lucy Dalgleish
01666 822342 07774 605431 01249 721208 01666 826390 01249 721541 07917 128857 07909 962067
peteroliver@waitrose.com sarasorby@yahoo.co.uk jakesignpost@uwclub.net michaelpalmer@btinternet.com ianwigmore@btinternet.com zhmassart@yahoo.co.uk lucydalgleish@hotmail.com
Brenda Oliver Jake Vale Julie Frayling Sara Sorby Jo Crosland Jenny Reeves Jo Crosland Jake Vale Brenda Oliver Steve Reay
01666 822342 01249 721208 01666 823799 07774 605431 01249 720429 01249 720521 01249 720429 01249 721208 01666 822342 01666 823462
signpost@hotmail.co.uk jakesignpost@uwclub.net sb249@btinternet.com sarasorby@yahoo.co.uk croslandjj@btinternet.com jen.reeves@hotmail.co.uk croslandjj@btinternet.com jakesignpost@uwclub.net signpost@hotmail.co.uk
Copyright Please note that all written and photographic material published in Signpost remains the copyright of the author/photographer and may not be reproduced without permission Signpost June 2020
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Local news and events Thanks The Cameron family would like to thank all our lovely family, friends and neighbours who sent get well cards and supported us during Steve's recent hospital admission. Also to thank all the people who looked after me so well, leaving beautiful and hearty meals on my doorstep. They were a god send and a life line and certainly helped me to remain healthy and able to continue visiting Steve. Steve was woken by a severe headache in the middle of the night, which was caused by an infection that had travelled from his heart to the brain. He quickly became seriously unwell. He was transferred to John Radcliffe Hospital for emergency brain surgery. Our sincere thanks and gratitude go to the Neuroscience and Cardiology teams at John Radcliffe Hospital where, without a doubt, they saved his life. He was later transferred to The Royal Brompton in London, where he was given numerous scans that were so complex that only they could complete them. He was discharged home, before COVID 19 took hold, to fully recover. We are so pleased to say Steve has made a truly remarkable recovery and is getting stronger each day. A BIG thank you to the NHS and its amazing expertise and for the local support for me and our family that was such a great help. Thank you Pauline Cameron
Great Somerford 2020 Vision Hundred Club Results Before we get to the exciting bit, there needs to be a big thank you to all those who have continued their support of this little fundraiser for your church, especially at this time of lockdown with all that that implies in terms of bereavement and sickness as well as uncertainty about jobs and income. It is really heartening that so many of you have kept up your
MALMESBURY & DISTRICT LINK Registered Charity No 1043099
LINK is a local charity which enables patients without access to transport to attend medical appointments. We are continuing to operate during the current Covid-19 pandemic. If you need help to get to a medical appointment or to collect a prescription, please contact us on 01666 840861 between 09:00 and 13:00 Monday to Friday or send an email to: coordinators@malmesburylink.co.uk 4
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contributions to this monthly flutter. Thank you. On Sunday 3 May, once again under the rules of isolation and social distancing (I do think that should be changed to physical distancing), the numbers were again drawn by Jude Picton Phillipps and the winners, in no particular order, were Jago Atkinson, Anna Kent and Marion Reynolds. Congratulations to each of them. The next draw will be on Sunday 7 June and who knows where it will be? If you have overlooked joining in the fun do get in touch with Tom Picton Phillipps on 01249 721202 or at tom.pictonphillipps@btinternet.com or by knocking on his door (and standing back) at 4 Paddock Close, Great Somerford.
Gt Somerford & Startley Covid-19 Support Group A leaflet was delivered to all households outlining the role of the Great Somerford & Startley Covid-19 Support Group during the pandemic. There is also a display board outside Fourway Stores with contact information. We have a team of ‘Street Champions’ in touch with residents in all parts of the village (especially those without internet access), a Facebook page with regular postings and a Prescription Collection service in conjunction with Malmesbury & District LINK (see separate details). Over 45 volunteers have come forward to offer any help required. For support please contact: Street Champion Co-ordinator Meriel Griffiths 01249 720309 robandmeriel@btinternet.com Prescriptions Co-ordinator Jon Bunston 07740 432021 jonbunston@gmail.com Facebook Communications Mark Hammond 07747 798102 markhammond@btinternet.com Any other assistance Chris Blount 01249 720474 blount@gspc.com For home delivery of Groceries, please contact Fourway Stores 01249 721272
Don’t delay seeking medical because of coronavirus
help
A message from NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group. People living in Wiltshire are being advised not to let worries about coronavirus stop them asking for medical help for themselves or their children if they become ill, have a serious accident or have a concern about their health.
Local news and events They are also being warned that not seeking medical help for symptoms that could be the early warning signs of serious conditions such as cancer could be putting lives at risk. The warning comes as new data shows a considerable drop in the number of people coming forward to ask their GP for help and advice during the coronavirus outbreak. Recent statistics show that, in Bath alone, the total number of weekly referrals from GPs to the Royal United Hospital have fallen from around 2,000 at the beginning of March to 300 at the end of April. In Swindon, the average number of patients being sent by their GP to the Great Western Hospital for further investigations into symptoms that suggest cancer each week has dropped by more than 200 to 80. Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director at BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, said the statistics made for worrying reading because the drop in numbers “is not because people are not experiencing symptoms. While it may seem that coronavirus has put a stop to most aspects of everyday life, the one thing it hasn’t stopped is what’s going on inside our bodies,” she says. “Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to anything that isn’t normal and seek help early on. For example, if you notice blood when going to the toilet, or if you’ve found a lump that wasn’t there previously, or if you’ve just noticed something odd that is causing you to worry, you need to speak to your GP. Should the symptom be the early warning sign of something serious like cancer, that delay in seeking help could have serious implications for how successful possible treatments may be.” Although GP practices across the region have adopted new ways of working, such as establishing isolated clinics for potential coronavirus patients, the practices themselves are still open to offer care, treatment, advice and peace-of-mind. The same also goes for emergency departments at the three hospitals in Bath, Swindon and Salisbury, all of which continue to be open 24 hours a day for people with a genuine and life-threatening health concern. Additionally, all healthcare facilities in the region, as well as those elsewhere in the country, have put in place stringent infection control measures to ensure that the risk of contracting coronavirus while visiting a hospital or GP surgery remains low. Details of which services continue to open, as well as how to get in contact, can be found online by visiting www.bswccg.nhs.uk For information about local hospital services visit https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/, www.gwh.nhs.uk or www.salisbury.nhs.uk
Tetbury Goods Shed Shutdown
In common with all other arts organizations we are trying to help our contributors and our supporters keep in touch during lockdown. We have a comprehensive website of performers and artists and some specially created performances to keep people involved during lockdown. www.shed-arts.co.uk
May in the Free Gardens There appears to have been a massive increase in gardening and vegetable growing across the country since recent restrictions have been in effect. The audience for Gardeners’ World has boomed, gardening book sales have spiked, garden centres and seed companies have been inundated with enquiries and online orders. There is certainly something hopeful and sustaining about growing and tending to plants for those who are lucky enough to have access to a garden or, indeed, an allotment. The plots on the Free Gardens have continued to be a hive of (socially distanced) activity. New plots are being dug and rotivated, frames and supports are springing up for runner beans and climbers, cloches and tunnels are being prepared for tender seedlings. It’s been a bumper year for rhubarb and the asparagus beds have been impressive. For those new to vegetable growing, either on an allotment or in the back garden, there are many useful books providing suggestions and top tips. Keeping everything simple and manageable seems to be the key. Jane Perrone’s ‘Allotment Keepers Handbook’ comes highly recommended and Lia Leendertz’s ‘Half Hour Allotment’ advises a ‘little and often’ approach. New ‘kid on the plot’ Huw Richards’ book ‘Grow Veg in One Bed’ is a fantastic resource for new gardeners and plotholders and his Youtube ‘how-to’ videos provide lots of simple guidance and advice. Plots on the Free Gardens have been free since the site was established in 1809 and it’s not too late to make a start this year. A full-sized plot can be cultivated gradually and can be shared between friends and neighbours. There is just enough time to sow seeds for this year’s crop but as garden centres start to open, vegetable plug plants may become more available as well. Growing your own vegetables, even in a few pots, is enjoyable and can be a good way to supplement the weekly shop through autumn and into winter. With the recent VE Day commemorations, the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign has also been highlighted. Sutton Seeds published an article on their website https://hub.suttons.co.uk/blog/ suttons-history-2/75-years-later-were-still-in-thisSignpost June 2020
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Reinventing Church together, which may be of interest and last year the Royal Horticultural Society celebrated the campaign’s 80th anniversary by asking people to share family stories and photographs of wartime allotments and gardens. These can be found at https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/ features/Digging-for-victory. As the Free Gardens are the oldest allotment site in the UK, it would be great to find out more about how and why people have taken up plots over the years. Perhaps there could be a project to celebrate the Free Gardens’ history after the current restrictions relax a little….? We hope we will be able to start our Saturday Socials in the very near future. Although we can’t meet in person at the moment, the Allotment Holders Group is trying to help everyone keep in contact through email. We are independent of the Trustees of the Free Gardens who are responsible for the administration of the plots and the site. If you’re ready to take on a plot, please contact Dave Butcher on 01249 720204. If you are interested in hearing more about the new Allotment Holders Group, please email Janice or Clare at gsallotmentholders@gmail.com.
Rev Steve Wilkinson – reinventing church If somebody had asked me to make major changes to the way we conduct church life, I would have asked them to avoid doing it in the run-up to Easter. But that is precisely when we have had to do so, for unavoidable reasons. Our church buildings have not only been closed to the public but also to our use for any purpose for the immediate future. Funerals must take place at the graveside or at the crematorium, weddings and christenings have had to be postponed. In mid March I had to devise a ‘continuity plan’ for our churches defining our response to certain situations and listing the key people in case one of my colleagues has to step in due to sickness within our local team. Having just updated it I can see what innocent times it was written in just four weeks ago (‘in case the building is unavailable…’). Documents went out of date as soon as they were written, and couples rushed to get married ahead of the impending closure. One couple made it, another two applied for emergency licences which then went unissued as the Prime Minister addressed the nation while the ink dried on their paperwork, and yet another missed out by hours. We have reinvented the way we do church. The church is the people, not the building, and we have moved online. While we recognise that this will not reach every single member we have been pleasantly surprised by those who have been able to connect. We stream our weekday Morning Prayer at 9 am via Facebook, and our Virtual Sunday Worship at 10.30 am weekly on YouTube and Facebook. Coffee after the service now takes place by Zoom video conferencing (a company I’d never heard of a month 6
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ago), along with many virtual team meetings. New skills have been acquired in haste, and it’s all a bit rough around the edges, but it’s good to remain in contact with each other, and with some new faces. Our services are even more accessible than before, so please give it a go! • On Youtube channel ‘Woodbridge Churches Online’ (publicly visible) • On Facebook Page: @woodbridgeonline (publicly visible) • On Facebook Group: ‘Woodbridge Group of Churches’ (requires Facebook membership) At Easter, Jesus suffered extreme isolation on the Cross and in the tomb, but he burst forth from his lockdown and beat death itself. He gives us hope, and we look forward ourselves to bursting out of our lockdown when that times comes. When it does, things won’t be quite the same as they were before. Steve.
Little Somerford Church Little Somerford PCC announce with great regret the cancellation of our Church Fete for this year, due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
VE Day and NHS founder VE Day In Seagry On VE Day at 3.00 pm along with others throughout the UK, Seagry residents (in socially distanced family groups) gathered by the Spitfire Memorial in wonderful sunshine. Chris Bond a newcomer to Seagry added to the occasion with his Humber Staff Car from 1944 together with memorabilia from those times. Neil Hutton and John Crosland both retired officers of the Parachute Regiment led us in our commemorations. They reminded us about the history of the memorial dedicated in 2014 in memory of 2 Spitfire pilots who crashed nearby during a training flight in 1941. They told us that at the present time there are 26 operations ongoing worldwide, not forgetting the 30 thousand Reservists who are supporting the NHS over the Covid-19 crisis. John and Neil wore Denison Smocks from 1941 when Churchill issued the order to form an Airborne Unit. They reminded us of these poignant words: “Guard well the Freedoms that you now enjoy for they were fought for by the Young the Bold and the Brave”. We then raised a glass to commemorate those who fought and the many who died in WW2 that we might live in freedom.
Jo Crosland (Note - a collage of photograph of VE Day celebrations around our villages can be found on the back page and inside front cover)
The NHS Founder With a total workforce of about 1,700,000 of whom almost 700,000 are registered nurses, the NHS is the largest employer in the UK, apart from HMG. And in July, it will have been in existence for 72 years, thanks largely to the vision and energies of one man, Aneurin Bevan, who was at the time Minister of Health in the post-war government. He was born and raised in Tredegar, and, after leaving school at the age of 13, he had various jobs including four working in various coal mines from each of which he was dismissed, unfairly it was
judged on three occasions, before he was funded to attend college in London. From that stage in his life, he had limited success in f i n d i n g employment in Tredegar until he became a miners' union official. From that point onwards, his career in politics took off until he became MP for Ebbw Vale, and, to cut a long career short, Minister of Health in the 1945 Labour government. Aneurin Bevan was very much influenced by what had developed largely but not exclusively in the South Wales valleys as self-help cooperatives. One of these was the Tredegar Medical Aid Society, to which at the time up to 20,000 subscribers would pay a regular subscription of a halfpenny a week (five of which (1/2d) would equate to the current penny (1p)), later increased to a whole penny (1d). In return for this subscription, those subscribers would receive free medical, nursing or dental care. This subscription was similar in concept to what currently funds 98.8% of the NHS as national insurance contributions or income tax, now in excess of £140 billion. Living in his home town, he was very much aware of the way their medical aid system worked and based his plans for the NHS very largely on the underlying principles of that system, so much so that when he announced his intentions to create an NHS, he is recorded as saying that what he intended was to extend "to the entire population of Britain the benefits we had in Tredegar for a generation or more. We are going to Tredegar-ise you." Aneurin Bevan is, in the political world, still a name that arouses mixed reactions largely due to his own political leanings. In spite of very strong opposition to his proposals from both the opposition and his own party, he succeeded in having the National Health Service Bill passed through the House of Commons at second reading in May 1946 by 359 votes to 172. At that time, and it is hard to believe now, the BMA dubbed him "The Tito of Tonypandy" an alliterative comment on a small town in South Wales to which he had absolutely no connection. Aneurin Bevan based his vision some 75 years ago on the principle that 'no society can legitimately call itself civilised if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means'. Without his concept there may never have been an NHS so we have a great deal Signpost June 2020
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Your local food services
Radnor Arms An extensive takeaway service based on the usual weekday and Sunday menus. Available 7 days a week See website for menu www.radnorarms.com To order telephone Paula on 07912 868111 Sunday lunch pre-order by 2pm Saturday Payment by card when placing order 8
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Your local food services
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Your local food services
The Somerford Arms New VIV @ Home Summer Menu (it is advisable to pre book your order 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment, Tuesday to Saturday 5pm to 8pm)
Our Pub Favourites Slow cooked Wiltshire Steak & Ale pie, triple cooked chips & gravy 12.50 Catch of the day in beer ba�er, mushy peas, lemon, tartare sauce & triple cooked chips 12.50 Wholetail breaded scampi, fries, peas, lemon & tartare sauce 12.00 Cheese & bacon beef burger, pickled cucumber, le�uce, tomato chutney, brioche bap & fries 12.50 Half a free range Tandoori spiced chicken, basma� coconut rice, coriander & mango salad, naan & raita 13.50
Seasonal Specials Confit honey & pink peppercorn crispy Creedy carver duck leg, bu�er bean & chorizo cassoulet, potato terrine 17.50 Grilled Wiltshire 8oz sirloin steak, Bearnaise sauce, bu�ered seasonal greens & dauphinoise potatoes 19.95 Cornish handpicked crab & cray fish Linguine with chilli, parsley, garlic, lemon & olive oil 14.95 Indonesian fish curry, monkfish tail, haddock, salmon & prawns with basma� rice, green bean & coconut salad 18.50 Ar�choke, spinach & pea riso�o, toasted pine nuts, crispy basil, roquito peppers & hard Italian style sheese 12.00
12” Sourdough Pizzas (9” Gluten free base now available) Tomato & Mozzarella with fresh basil 11.00 V Pulled ham hock, pineapple, sweetcorn & mozzarella 12.00 Pepperoni, mozzarella & Jalapenos peppers with hot sauce 13.00 Roasted spiced cauliflower, pine nuts, blush tomato, goats cheese, olives, pomegranate & pesto 13.00 Vga Cajun BBQ Chicken, bacon, tomato barbecue sauce, sweetcorn, mushroom & mozzarella 14.00 Duck confit, hoi sin base, spring onions, sweet pickled cucumber & mozzarella 15.00 Pulled lamb shoulder, tomato, feta, mozzarella, onions, olives & pomegranate with mint yoghurt 15.00
Somerford Summer Salad Box – house mixed salad & summer slaw with any of the below: Poached Salmon, lemon, dill ,toasted almonds & yogurt dressing 15.00 Gf Cajun spiced barbecued chicken, bacon, grilled lime, charred corn & tomato salsa 14.00 Pulled Greek style lamb, preserved lemon, olives, crumbled feta & mint dressing 15.00 Gf Roasted halloumi, coriander, cashew nut & harissa spiced cauliflower with pomegranate molasses 13.50 V Gf Why not add one of our garlic cheese pizza breads to your salad for only 6.00
Kids box - Crispy Chicken fillets | Fish goujons | Vegetarian sausages | served with fries & salad 6.00 Sides - Garlic cheese pizza bread 6.95|Onion rings 3.00|Fries 3.00|Halloumi sweet chilli fries 5.00|Seasonal vegetables 3.50 Somerford Arms Sundaes & Desserts Bread & bu�er pudding & custard | S�cky toffee pudding & toffee sauce Gf | Seasonal mixed berry Somerford mess Coconut & strawberry ice cream, spiced rum pineapple & blueberry sauce 4.50 Gf Chocolate & salted caramel ice cream, banana & toffee sauce 4.50 Gf Rhubarb & raspberry sorbet, crunchy bisco� crumble & vanilla sauce 4.50 Gfa
How to Order - 01666 826535 - Booking@somerfordarms.com We will be manning the phone & picking up e mails between Tue to Sat from 2.00pm – 8.00pm. It is advisable to pre book all takeaway meals for delivery or collec�on at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
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Your local food services The New Inn Upper Seagry TAKE AWAY CHIP SHOP MENU phone orders only !! •chicken breast •sausage •scampi •cod •pie, mince beef and onion •burger •mushy pea fritters ALL SERVED WITH CHIPS Served from 6pm until 8 pm Please note this is takeaway only Call 01249 721083 to place your order
Rohit remains open for business, supported by his team in the shop and volunteer deliverers to supply all your needs. Newspapers, fresh fruit and veg, fresh and frozen meat, ice-cream, bread, alcohol, tinned food, toilet rolls and even flour and fresh yeast are available as well as cards, stationery, and cleaning products to name but a few. If not in stock we’ll do our best to get it for you. Post Office also open ONLY 2 PEOPLE in the shop at a time Deliveries (minimum £30) can be arranged.
Please call on 01249 721272 to discuss any order. Signpost June 2020
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Anyone for coffee? Great Somerford’s Artisan Roastery
Coffee
Small is Beautiful Did you know that Great Somerford has it’s own coffee roastery? Cotswold Coffee Roasters are a small, artisan family business roasting micro batches of coffee beans by hand. Head Roaster and owner John began his coffee journey several years ago, when his wife Amanda bought him a short Barista course at a working coffee roastery as a Christmas present for the ‘man for whom it is impossible to buy!’ John says “The experience, environment, smells and abundance of as much chromed shiny equipment you can stuff into one room meant I was hooked. From that point on the brewing machines got bigger, more expensive and much more complicated. The learning became obsessive, the search for better flavour challenging, and the smile on my face wider”. Moving forward to the present day, John and his family now have their own working coffee roastery specialising in artisan coffee. Sourcing beans from around the world, for you to enjoy at home. Many coffee roasters with a large throughput operate on a basis of procuring coffee on a very large scale. In some instances this means certain beans are sold before they have even left the farm, made it to the shipping containers, or hit the water for the final stages of their transit. Here at Cotswold Coffee Roasters, we like to keep our stock rotating at a quick pace; this will contribute to the final product being as fresh as possible and ensure that as much flavour is preserved by the time the bag of beans arrives on a customer’s doorstep. Being classed as “artisan” can mean to some that we are small, unique and different, but the one aspect we tend to focus on most is ‘control’. Being a small family business means we have flexibility, we can take our time tasting a wide range of coffees so that we are happy with the beans we decide to procure. All our green bean suppliers are able to provide us with a large stock list to choose
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from but more importantly their policy is to offer beans in small quantities such as a single 30 or 60 kilogram bag. This intentionally gives us the access and opportunity to buy and roast micro lots. It is these smaller lots that would otherwise not be of interest to larger roasters who may not have the agility, interest or control to offer something like a unique single origin coffee of limited supply. Whereas larger companies would consume a 60 kilogram bag in a single roast, here we run at least 9 roasts which would mean we fine tune the roast over time, and we quickly make the coffee an available option on our website. John roasts every single batch of beans by hand, adjusting the environmental controls such as temperature, fan speed and drum rotation manually, watching every single roast that passes through the drum roaster. Therefore we are able to have complete control over the end result that we supply to our customers. We are small, yes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We have lots of local customers who buy from us online (www.cotswoldcoffeeroasters.co.uk) but we also supply throughout the country as our reputation grows. With the enforced lockdown many people are missing their regular visit to their coffee shop, so instead are trying to recreate the coffee buzz at home. From a top of the range barista machine, V60 filter or the classic cafetière, we are able to grind the coffee or supply the beans which perfectly match the brew method. If you need any help selecting a coffee you can always email john@cotswoldcoffeeroasters.co.uk for advice on how to get the best out of your coffee. Alternatively, we will be offering courses later in the year. You can sign up to our newsletter via our website to keep in contact with all our exciting plans. We are looking for new premises. As a growing business we are looking for new premises in the local area to operate from. We want to be able to roast our coffee, serve a latte and also offer training. If you can help please get in touch - there’s a coffee in it for you! Many thanks John and Amanda
Virtual School Somerfords’ Walter Powell School At the time of writing our children have been learning at home for 5 weeks as Somerfords’ Walter Powell continues as a Virtual School! We continue to send a daily email to the children with their lessons for the day; the children are able to email their teachers too. We continue to celebrate and share their work with everyone in our school community at the end of each week albeit via Parentmail instead of an assembly. We are sure you will agree the children have been very creative and diverse in their home learning which is great to share with each other. Some children have continued learning to play the guitar and drums at home via video link with their tutors. We look forward to seeing and hearing their progress when we return to school. The staff have also been putting their artistic skills to good use. They have put together a video message to the children which you can watch via the school website: www.walterpowell.wilts.sch.uk We continue to make adjustments in our lives to the new ‘normal’ and the children seem to have
adapted very well. We are very proud of them all. However, for some of our children, home schooling is not possible as their parents are Key Workers. For these families we continue to open school as and when required enabling their parents to continue to do their job and support our essential services. We have had confirmation of our new children who we look forward to welcoming into our school in September 2020; we are busy preparing welcome packs and information for them and hope that we get to meet them all before September. If we were at school we would have had a special celebration for 75 years of VE Day. However instead the children learnt about VE Day through their home schooling and enjoyed designing their own World War II medals at home. We hope that you all keep safe and stay well. We will continue to provide school news, as best we can, over the coming term. Sienna’s medal
‘Milo’s medal Amelia’s medal
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Virtual School Mia’s medal
Alice and her Spitfire
Noah’s VE Day family timeline Fin working hard at literacy
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Virtual School Charlie’s maths tasks
Poppy wrote about Red Riding Hood and the Gingerbread man
Annie works on her writing Rosie’s Birthday card for Captain Tom
Maggie made chocolate cake with her Mum
George’s scene from the Three Bears
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Virtual School Charlie built a tall tower out of Lego
Mary’s book design
Sonny & Emme have been growing their beans Fin enjoying guitar tuition by video
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Virtual School Jacob is raising money by walking up his stairs 442 times to equal the height of Ben Nevis
Emily has worked hard on a recipe for porridge - Yum!
Leo has been busy finding angles in quadrilaterals.
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A picture quiz British wild trees picture quiz Here is another picture quiz to get your minds working, this time on common British wild trees, taking advantage once again of full colour in this second digital edition of Signpost. Two bits of feedback from last month’s quiz was that it was “a bit hard” and “not silly enough”, so this time it is easier and much sillier! How many can you identify in the grid below? By all means, compare notes and hints with friends, family and colleagues! This photo quiz will also be posted on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/drredfinrods. Answers to be published in the July edition of Signpost. Mark Everard
Answers to the May 2020 springtime leaves picture quiz As promised, here are the answers to the May 2020 springtime leaves picture quiz, allocating one point for each correct ID with a further bonus point for species level (as indicated in brackets). A. Bramble; B. (Broadleaved) Plantain; C. Celandine; D. Cleavers; E. Cow Parsley; F. Cuckoo pint; G. (Cut-leaved) Cranesbill; H. Dandelion; I. Ground Elder; J. (Hedge) Woundwort; K. Ivy; L. (Ivy-leaved) Toadflax; M. Meadowsweet; N. (Spear) Thistle; O. (Stinging) Nettle; P. Tansey. Maximum 22 points possible… give yourselves a pat on the back whatever you scored! 18
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Riverwatch Himalayan peril When I was a small child in the early 1960s, tall, bright pink-flowered Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens gladulifera) plants made a spectacular appearance by my then home river, Kent’s River Medway. I loved them! First introduced into Britain in 1839 by the horticultural trade, this attractive annual plant is now widely naturalised across Britain and well known to most of us. Its gaudy, pink ‘Bobby’s Helmet’ flowers are beloved by bumblebees, and its waxy aroma can be heady during the kind of long, hot summer days that pervade childhood memories. And, of course, they have those spectacular seed pods that, as they dry, ‘explode’ on contact, scattering seeds as far away as four metres (or twelve feet in ‘old money’). These plants are adapted, as precisely as only nature can fashion, to their riparian niche. But, to wax too long and lyrically about Himalayan Balsam is to obscure the ecological devastation that can result from this non-native plant species in a British context, like so many other species released beyond the constraints of the ecosystems with which they co-evolved. Himalayan Balsam, along with other problematic invasive plants such as Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Australian Swamp-stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) and Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), now occurs widely along British rivers, thriving and in so doing resulting in a host of problems. Though their flowers provide nectar for bumblebees in exchange for the insect’s pollination services, Himalayan Balsam plants form tall, dense stands in riverine landscapes that aggressively outcompete a diversity of native plants, expunging them together with their associated wealth of dependent insect and other wildlife. Worse still, these annual, shallow-rooted plants die back in the winter exposing bare earth lacking the tight root structure of native plants. Soils consequently erode, destabilising river banks. Dislodged sediment clogs submerged water plants and the pores of river gravels vital for small river life, including the flush of oxygenated water essential for survival of the eggs of gravel-spawning fishes such as trout, salmon, grayling, chub, dace and barbel. Furthermore, eroding soils – lost as the primary capital of agriculture – carry with them nutrient chemicals contributing to water quality problems, further threatening river life and necessitating greater investment of energy, chemicals and cash to treat water abstracted downstream for human uses. Where plant species co-evolve in intimate connection with their grazers, predators, parasites, competitors and pollinators, they play important functional roles in time-hewn ecosystem processes and cycles. But, take those genes, or genies, out of their metaphorical bottles, and they can run amok with unforeseen and possibly dire consequences.
Our common and multi-beneficial riparian willow trees, for example, provide us and our native ecosystems with a host of benefits, yet are a major cause of erosion and other problems in the rather different types of rivers and wetland landscapes found across Australia where these trees have become naturalised after introduction. We are getting better at controlling cavalier, and with hindsight frankly reckless, release of nonnative species. Legislation controlling the introduction of live fishes includes schedules listing a number of potentially problematic species, but also implicitly applying to any non-native species capable of forming self-sustaining populations. We are far less assiduous about controlling introduction of alien plants, despite a litany of ‘horror stories’ about adverse and, largely, irreversible unintended negative consequences. Such is the power of, and vested interests in, the horticultural trade. Needless to say, I am an embarrassment in a garden centre when I start ranting about all this not only sanctioned but well-rewarded genetic pollution! (And don’t even get me started about our continuing trade and widespread use of peat, destroying habitats and ecosystems that have taken millennia to form, liberating all that stored climate-active carbon, and robbing landscapes of their ‘sponge effect’ abating flood risk!) My work takes me to the Middle Himalayas of India and Nepal. I see Himalayan Balsam in the Indian Himalayas, but in modest stands co-mingling with a diversity of other native plants. Plant species with dense seeds resisting wash-out and that shoot and mature rapidly as river flows subside form the dominant annual vegetative cover across wide, boulder-strewn mountain river valleys scoured seasonally by violent monsoon spates. Acre after acre of Cannabis sativa are commonplace in these summer river valley bottoms, a species in its place elegantly adapted to that niche and supporting a diversity of native wildlife and traditional human uses. But that’s a story for another day. Back in Blighty, I’d encourage you to pull up any shallow-rooted Himalayan Balsam plants that you see by the river, particularly before they flower and seed, to give our native wildlife a fair chance. Mark Everard
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The value of nature The value of nature (and growing things) How lucky we are, during these troubled times, to live close to easily accessible and inspirational green space that is full of nature! Sadly, I am not referring to the majority of our farmed countryside which is now very intensively managed just to produce food. But the value of two little places at the heart of the villages of Corston and Great Somerford stand out as being of inestimable and demonstrable value to our mental and physical health and well-being.
Corston Pond Local Nature Reserve Corston Pond Local Nature Reserve is looking fantastic this spring thanks to the attentions of a loyal band of volunteers led by Alex Butler (and the grazing of rabbits!). A carpet of wild flowers such as cowslips has been giving us a beautiful floral display after the petals of the wild cherry dropped. Dragonflies and damselflies have just started emerging and the pond is full of whirligig beetles, like little whizzing blobs of mercury on the surface of the water. The reserve is very popular with local people who visit to gain solace through watching nature and the unfolding of the seasons. But PLEASE, if visiting with your dog, clear up after it for the benefit of others, especially children, and take your bags away with you. It is also better for the wildlife, including newts, if you don’t let your dog swim in the pond. The Reserve was given to Malmesbury St Paul Without Parish Council in 1995 to be managed for the benefit of people and wildlife for ever. Despite its small size the reserve is surprisingly rich in wildlife and was legally designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2005. It lies on the edge of the village of Corston, 3 km south of Malmesbury. The quarry was first worked after 1900. The rock that was dug out is oolitic limestone, formed from shell fragments, marine sediment and small round grains that grew in size as they were gently rolled to and fro by the waves in the shallow sea. The stone was of variable quality. The top layers were crushed to surface cattle yards and field entrances. The stone at the base was thicker and more durable, and may have been used for local buildings and stone walls. The quarry stopped operating during the 1950s, the site was abandoned and left to natural colonisation by plants and animals. The deeper parts filled with groundwater to become a large pond with shallow rock edges, surrounded by limestone grassland rich in wild flowers, bushes and trees. The Pond The pond is shallow but never totally dries out and the water quality is very good, making this an important habitat for aquatic life. Cyperus sedge forms clumps around the edges, growing with water mint and gypsywort, while broad leaved pondweed and stonewort are the main floating vegetation. These plants are very important for dragonflies and 20
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damselflies, which lay their eggs on the leaves, and for amphibians such as newts and toads. Toads have a strong migratory instinct, following the same route back to the pond they were born in, returning on mild, damp evenings in late February / early March. Females wrap long strings of eggs around emergent plants. Toad tadpoles group together in shoals, and toadlets emerge from the pond in early summer, usually after heavy rain. They spend the rest of the year in gardens or under stones and logs. In summer the air is alive with colourful dragonflies and damselflies, hunting for smaller insects and laying their eggs. They spend most of their lives in the pond as nymphs, where they are fearsome predators and can eat their own weight in food in 30 minutes! Damselflies can be distinguished from dragonflies as they fold their wings when resting. The emperor is our largest dragonfly, its bright blue and green colours making it very obvious as it hunts over the pond. Flying at up to 40 mph to hunt, emperor dragonflies rarely settle, even eating their prey in flight. Pond skaters use surface tension to "walk" on the water, and whirligig beetles are easily identified by their shiny black colour and unmistakeable circling behaviour. The water teems with tiny water fleas and backswimmers, so-called because they swim upside down. The Limestone Grassland Limestone grassland has become rare, so relic areas such as Corston quarry are now a vitally important habitat for wildflowers and butterflies. The grassland is rich in wildflowers with primrose and cowslip in spring, followed by black knapweed, field scabious and ladies bedstraw, once used for stuffing straw mattresses because the dried flowers act as a flea repellent. Bird's foot trefoil, oxeye daisy and ground ivy colour the turf in summer, with taller herbs such as perforate St John's wort, great mullein, prickly teasels and the yellowflowered common fleabane. Bee orchids can sometimes be seen. Yellow rattle is important because it is semiparasitic on grasses and reduces their vigour, allowing other less competitive species to thrive. Slow worms are occasionally found. They are actually lizards without legs, and are cold blooded so they have to bask in the sun to get warm. The uncommon glow worm can be seen on warm nights in June and July. The males can fly but the females cannot, so they make their abdomen glow brightly in summer to attract a mate. Several species of butterflies feed on the flowers including meadow brown, ringlet and small tortoiseshell.
Great Somerford Allotments Trees and Shrubs The trees and shrubs provide shelter, nesting habitat, and berries for wintering birds, but need to be kept in check to stop them from invading the grassland. Sycamore and ash need to be removed because they set so much seed. A few graceful silver birch trees provide autumn colour, while the mature willows provide pollen for bees in early spring. Alder buckthorn has shining black berries in autumn and is an important food plant for the beautiful yellow brimstone butterfly, often the first to be seen in spring. Long-tailed tits visit the reserve, often with blue and great tits. Green woodpeckers, known as the yaffle because of their loud, laughing call, sometimes visit the anthills. If you are lucky you may see moorhen which nest in the margins or on the island. An old badger sett in the far corner is sometimes occupied by foxes, attracted by the rabbits, which are important because they graze the grassland, keeping it short so that wildflowers can thrive. Management The nature reserve is managed by local people, who carry out regular tasks to keep the site in prime condition for visitors and wildlife. The reedmace (or bulrush) needs to be controlled so that it doesn't invade the whole pond. Trees and bushes sometimes need to be removed to keep the grassland open for the benefit of the wildflowers, butterflies and uncommon species such as the glow worm.
Great Somerford Allotments The fine weather, and the fact that we are allowed to tend our allotments whilst adhering to personal distancing recommendations, has emphasised the enormous value of this facility to the whole of the local community. Plot holders can lose themselves in cultivating their soil and tending their plants for a few blissful hours, whilst the impact of the global pandemic goes on around us. Those using the area for quiet recreation, exercising themselves, their dogs and children, can socialise in the great outdoors at appropriate distances without endangering themselves or others, and benefit from human company and conversation. It is great to see quite a few new plot holders, particularly those with young children and grandchildren, at the ideal age to learn about the magic of nurturing and watching the transformation of a tiny seed into a giant sunflower, or growing a strawberry that you can eat, hasn’t been sprayed and is delicious! Young Joshua, who shares the plot next door to ours with his mum Sara, has his own Joshua-sized wheelbarrow and watering can, trowel and hand fork, and even his own poly tunnel. The look of delight on his face when we found two toads was heart-warming, as is the sight of so many plot
Joshua’s plot
holders enjoying the vibrant community and social cohesion provided by this area, which is probably the oldest allotment plot in the UK. Little can the Reverend Stephen DeMainbray, who was an energetic advocate of the allotment movement, have imagined how valuable this land was to be, above and beyond the provision of food and adequate nutrition for the area's rural poor, when he established it in 1809. It now helps to sequester carbon in the soil and the trees; slow store and filter rainfall to replenish the aquifer below; support abundant wildlife, reconnect people with nature and each other……AND produce vegetables fruit and flowers for the families who work its fertile soil. Ann Skinner and Jackie Vale
A Living Churchyard We were surprised and delighted to find on a recent visit to Corston churchyard that the grass has not been mown for a few weeks, revealing the rich wealth of wildflowers that exist there. Moon daisies, bugle, mouse-eared hawkweed, fox and cubs are just a few of the species we found on a short visit. Old churchyards often have fantastic, flowery and species rich grasslands because they have been so little disturbed over the centuries. With many species under threat in the wider countryside, churchyards are important refuges for wildlife and people seeking solace in nature. The Church of England estimates that at least 10,000 churches have churchyards, amounting to the area of a small national park. Something as simple as relaxing the mowing regime (which also saves money and reduces carbon emissions) can make a huge difference to the flora & fauna of a churchyard, and provide beauty for visitors to appreciate through the seasons and their wildflowers, butterflies and other pollinating insects. A Living Churchyard project would be a great idea. Anyone who is interested can read more on the Church of England’s web site and visit an excellent local project at St Giles church, Stanton St Quintin, where the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will be planning an event. Hopefully on October 17, 9.30 - 12 am https://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/event/st-gilesliving-churchyard-project12 Signpost June 2020
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Chef’s Pantry Meet the Chef How did it all start? I never intended to be a chef; it just happened. I grew up on a small-holding where local and fresh food was just part of life. Nothing was ready-made and my mother wasn’t a good cook. She made Wendy Craig from the sitcom “Butterflies” look good. Custard came in lumps; “Would you like one or two?” Gravy you could slice; “How thick would like it?” and Yorkshire puddings were like flying saucers. My grandmother, on the other hand, was a great cook. She was terrific at pastry and a wonderful baker. My lasting memory is of her sausage rolls and mince pies. I still can’t quite make them like her. At school I discovered home economics and everything changed. I couldn’t wait for these lessons to come round. I was so eager that I started doing the cooking at home. My gran gave me “The Dairy Book of Home Cookery”, which helped me pass my home economics exams. I started my working life in a commercial kitchen where I was expected to cook for 300 people. Staff can be the fiercest of critics so, at first, it was daunting. But I soon settled in and found my feet. My friend Belinda & I eventually wound up running the kitchen. When things got a bit monotonous we would do impressions and jokes. Morecambe and Wise’s “Bring me Sunshine” using the large saucepans as top hats, is a fond memory. The bright lights called and I left the Isle of Wight and headed off to London. I fell out of love with cooking, had a change of direction, retrained as a bookkeeper and shorthand typist and ended up working for a computer company that did data processing. You could say I went on to cook the books. The call to cook has always been there and I didn’t really give it up. I simply put it on the back burner. As my life took twists and turns, I ended up working for a domestic and commercial appliance manufacturer. Most manufacturers have an affiliated chef and brand ambassador. Ours came from a well-known hotel-restaurant in Oxfordshire. On one occasion our ambassador was giving a live cooking demo, but unfortunately was let down by his sous chef. Someone mentioned that I was handy in the kitchen and, before I knew it, there I 22
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was in a suit, apron on, spoon in hand, with probably one of the best chefs there is. Off we go. I’m second guessing him, having things ready before he needs them, ingredients to hand, serving dishes and finally cleaning down. Three hours later, we sit down for a chat and cup of tea. He said to me “You have done this before. Do not let your talent go to waste”. In those few hours he changed my life and I never looked back. I have been fortunate enough to work alongside some wonderful chefs, been involved in some amazing projects, live demos, TV, filming, magazines and even a historical cookery book. I’ve always been comfortable to be out of the limelight and happy to have helped a few very well-known chefs look very good. I’ve loved it all; I think my favourite bit has been the live demos. And yes, we do make mistakes. It’s all about knowing how to rectify them or when to give up and throw it in the bin. I have had to do this in a live demo. We all have gifts and things that we are skilled at. Mine just happens to be cooking. My son is also a chef and can cause quite a stir when we are both in the kitchen. ‘Yes Chef’ Factoid “Chef” or “Chef de Cuisine” translates to “Chief of the Kitchen”. Chefs have usually undergone years of training, either at a school or as an understudy to a well-known Chef. “Cook”, on the other hand, means someone who prepares food for eating and may be someone in a more domestic or professional setting. Food for Thought If you hear the words, “Here’s one I made earlier”, it just might be me that’s made it. Deborah Loader
Councils Little Somerford Parish Council The Council held its Annual Parish Council Meeting via Zoom on May 5. Caroline Minshell was welcomed as a new Parish Councillor. Cllr Sturgis reported that many of the Wiltshire Council Staff had been deployed to work on Covid19 operations. It was noted that all Declarations of Acceptance of Office had been signed, and that current appointments of Chair & Vice Chair would continue for a further year. The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting, and the Action Register was reviewed. The Areas of Special Interest were reviewed and assigned to Councillors • Allotments, Paddock & Cemetery – Cllr Webb • Community Emergency Plan & Website – Cllr D • Orchard; Defibrillator & Play Park – Cllr Cameron; • Footpaths & Rights of Way – Cllr Minshell; • Highways & Parish Steward – Cllr Frayling. • Speedwatch is delegated to Mrs S Free. Planning Matters were dealt with: • The Parish Council support 20/03001/LBC Street Farm – repairs to fire damage lean to kitchen. • The Parish Council does not object to 20/03728/ TCA Somerford House – reduce tree height • The Parish Council noted that 19/4342/FUL had been approved by Wiltshire Council, erection of 2 starter homes on land next to Hitherfields. The Parish Council noted its payments and receipts, and approved making regular payments on-line where possible. The Parish Council has updated the Cemetery Regulations to include ‘Trees or Shrubs must not be planted in the Cemetery, except by the Parish Council’ The next meeting will be on 2 June; members of the public can contact the clerk, clerk@littlesomerfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or 01249 720978 if they would like to comment or ask a question at this meeting. Please look at the Parish Council Website www.littlesomerfordparishcouncil.gov.uk for news and updates.
Great Somerford PC Due to the Covid 19 outbreak the Parish Council cancelled its Annual Parish meeting, which would have been held on 6 May. It held its (Annual) Parish Council meeting by Zoom on 13 May. It elected its Chair and Vice-Chair to serve for 2020/21 and it ratified two planning applications which had had to be considered between meetings due to the consultation end date periods; namely • 20/02574/FUL The Old Masons Arms - New entrance porch to dwelling house, and new pitched roof to existing detached garage. (Reply due 4 May). Supported. • 20/02931/TCA The Old Masons Arms – T1 Ash tree –fell; T2 Sweet Chestnut – reduce extending laterals. (Reply due 29 Apr). Supported.
It was informed by Wiltshire Council of the following decisions: • 19/10618/FUL Lady’s Walk House - Change of Use of Existing Ancillary Residential Accommodation to Form Separate Dwelling (Retrospective) Withdrawn. • 20/01332/FUL Grove Farm Startley – Formation of New Farm Entrance. Approved with conditions. It will also consider the application detailed below: • 20/03564/TCA 13 Winkins Lane - T1 Horsechestnut - 'Reduce crown by 1.5m - 2.0m back to previous pruning points. Works are to provide clearance and reduce encroachment on driveway, parking area and garage roof'. See the noticeboards or Parish Council website for the published minutes. https://www.greatsomerfordparishcouncil.co.uk/ At the date of writing this report (9 May) it is probable that the 3 June meeting, which focuses on approving year-end audit paperwork will be held virtually using Zoom. Any member of the public wishing to participate is requested to contact either the Clerk or the Chair 24 hours in advance: clerk.gspc@gmail.com, stephen_gspc@thetangles.com, 01249 890379 for the meeting login and password. The 1 July meeting, if held, is also likely to be virtual. There is no meeting in August. Of more interest to many is the detailed report of the activities of the Great Somerford & Startley Covid 19 Support Group provided by Cllr Griffiths. You will be aware that this is managed jointly by Cllr Chris Blount, Cllr Meriel Griffiths, Mark Hammond (Facebook communications) and Jon Bunston (Link co-ordinator). Our heartfelt thanks are expressed to all who have volunteered/helped to deliver support across the village. Identified Statistics for Great Somerford and Startley Parish Households: • with members aged Over 70 84 • with medically vulnerable (not Over 70) 12 • with no internet access 23. Individuals: • self-isolating (not in the other categories) 16 • using LINK for prescriptions 43. • Number of Street Champions 25 • Total number of volunteers 44 Facebook members: • Gt S & Startley COVID19 82 • Gt Somerford and Little Somerford >1,000 • PIE Subscribers 175 During April the 25 Street Champions have done a superb job in identifying all the people in each of the 10 street/sections of Great Somerford and Startley that might need any extra help, information about LINK, and so on. Many of them are also volunteering themselves – doing grocery shopping, etc, for their neighbours. All have confirmed their willingness to continue with this work even if they Signpost June 2020
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Councils
are called back to work at their day jobs. Mark Hammond has a database of the volunteers and those residents who require their help. The LINK Group has been busy coordinating requests to minimise the number of trips to pharmacies, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of infection, and has managed to group collections in batches to help the pharmacies to cope with the increased demand they are experiencing. Well done LINK team. Although the village magazine, The Signpost, has gone on-line the 23 households in Great Somerford & Startley were identified as having no internet access received printed copies, which were delivered by Street Champions. Do keep an eye on the Gt Somerford and Startley COVID19 Support Facebook page which Mark Hammond has been regularly updating with information and sources of advice. It now has 82 members. Popular topics in posts include mental health & wellbeing support, financial support, COVID19 news, amusement and distractions, essential shopping in isolation, online resources for parents, Wiltshire Council notices, COVID19 health guidance and crime prevention. T M Chapman
Seagry Parish Council At our meeting on March 10, it was good to have the contributions of several residents to the discussion of current planning applications - see our website for details of minutes etc.* Other items covered: • the Council continues to work with the Parish Stewards with priority given to pothole repairs, particularly those caused by recent flooding • Gigaclear continues its work in our area. They have requested that any concerns that residents may have be addressed to networkbuildcare@gigaclear.com or tel. 08165 591137. TheCouncilcontinuestomonitorthesituationand is in touch with Gigaclear's Community Engagement Manager. As reported previously the Council has decided to buy the 'Autospeedwatch' tool to monitor traffic speed through the village. This will need a Coordinator-led group of volunteers to form a Community Speedwatch Team who will receive training in the data collection. The two fibrillators for Lower and Upper Seagry will shortly be installed. Coranovirus - the Council delivered leaflets in mid March regarding self- isolation and help that could be given. To reinforce that message any requests should go, in the first instance, to our PC Chairman, Mike Barber - tel 01249 721635 or 07917 556880, or email: mbarber0958@gmail.com. All these and other issues were planned for discussion at the Annual Parish Meeting on April 14 which, along with so many events, had to be 24
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postponed. Stay Safe. * www.seagryparishcouncil.gov.uk
NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Please submit your advertisement by the 9th of the month preceding publication unless otherwise advertised. The Editorial Board neither endorses nor accepts responsibility for the services advertised in these pages. For business advertisers small boxes are available at £3 and £6; ¼ page - £11; ½ page - £22. Space for full colour advertisements is occasionally available on the back page. All cheques must be made payable to “Signpost”. To place an advertisement please ring Brenda Oliver on 01666 822342
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Signpost May 2020
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Telephone 01666 837264.
Mobile 07814 103077
Member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians
RICHARD PONTING PROFESSIONAL FLOOR AND WALL TILING All types of natural stone tiles, slate, travertine, flagstones, terraco�a, ceramics Sheet vinyl (inc. Karndean), carpet tiles SUPPLY AS WELL AS FIT Tel: 01249 721229 07966297790
AMHERST TREE CARE Swindon’s No 1
Fully Licensed-Fully Qualified Fully Insured Local Authority Approved Professional Tree Surgeons Tree Surveys & Reports Tree Felling Pruning & Planting Height Reduction Hedge & Flail Cutting Site Clearance Estate Management Grounds Maintenance Excavations Free no obligation quotations A Family Run Business with over 25 years Experience www.treesurgeon.biz 01793 772268 / 07921 856089 amherstcontractors@hotmail.co.uk
Foxley Plumbing & Heating Oil Boiler Installation, Servicing And Repairs Oil Tank Replacement Heating Installation And Repairs Bathroom Installations Unvented Cylinder Systems No Job Too Small
Tim Hibbard Email
Malmesbury (01666) 822863 Mobile 07966 462202 foxleyph@btinternet.com Signpost May 2020
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• Small and medium sized business specialists • Cloud accoun�ng specialists • Free ini�al mee�ng & fixed fees available • Free fact sheets and monthly e-news (see our website)
Unit 1 Gate Farm High Street Su�on Benger Wiltshire SN15 4RE
Tel: 01249 720341 Fax: 01249 470560 info@bowenaccounts.co.uk www.bowenaccounts.co.uk
We offer: Nursing Residential Respite Day Care Adrian Cizmas Home Manager
Set in beau�ful gardens overlooking the Vale of Dauntsey, with large ensuite wet rooms, hair salon and residents coffee shop. Whether you are looking for nursing, residential, respite or day care, we would recommend a visit to our home to see for yourself what makes us so special.
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Signpost May 2020
Tel 01666 822363 Hill House Care Home Little Somerford Nr Malmesbury SN15 5BH hillhousemanager@gmail.com
www.cowley-electrical.com Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job?
* Extra Lights * Additional Sockets * Rewires * Smoke Alarms * New Fuse Boards * Landlord & Homebuyer Inspections Fault finding & Repairs - - -- - -- -- - -- -- - -- - - -- -- - -- - -- -- - -- -- - - -- - -
* Qualified Electrician * Six Year Guarantee * Fully Insured * Reliable Service * Free Quote * Tidy Work *Reasonably Priced
Satisfaction Guaranteed - - -- - -- -- - -- -- - -- - - -- -- - -- - -- -- - -- -- - - -- - -
I will assure you of a quick response and a reasonably priced service Call Neil – Your Local Electrician on
01666510976 Signpost May 2020
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Single Ply Flat Roofing Specialist �Firestone EPDM Rubber Roofing Systems �20 Year Guarantee �Highly resistant to ozone and UV �Flame-free installa�on �Large seam free sheets �Maintenance free �New build or refurbishment �Firestone Approved Installer
CABINET-MAKER/HOME IMPROVEMENT Storage solutions, bespoke wardrobes/cupboards, shelving/ bookcases: or call to discuss your own design. Free quotations.... Call Rob Griffiths 01249 720309
Tel: 01666 837589 Mob: 07768 277980 Email: info@twsroofing.co.uk Website: www.twsroofing.co.uk
ADVERTISE HERE
E B BOILER SERVICES
Tiller Garden & Landscape Services Established 2004 City & Guilds qualified horticulturalist
• Oil boiler installation • Servicing, breakdown/repair
FOR JUST £3
TIM MORRIS Erik Beckwith Great Somerford – 01249 721564 Mobile – 07952493160 Email – beck66@btinternet.com
Garden care, pruning, planting and design. Soft and hard landscaping projects, Border renovation, makeovers and tidy-ups Mobile: 07818 072273 Email: tim.morris822@btinternet.com
A J’s Interior & Exterior Decorator Exterior and interior painting and paper hanging Specialising in older properties Free advice and estimates given on request All enquiries welcome Member of Painting & Decorating Association 01249 891192 or 07740 945930 34
Signpost May 2020
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Church services The Church of England Malmesbury Abbey On line Daily and Sunday services are available www.malmesburyabbey.com and the ‘services’ option - Pastoral phone line 07425527312 Monday- Saturday Morning Prayer 9 am & Evening Prayer 3 pm Sundays Holy Communion 9.30 am United Service 10.30 am 1662 Evening Prayer 3 pm For prayer requests - email prayers@malmesburyabbeyabbey.com
-Access
via
Draycot Benefice There are no service details from Draycot Benefice because current circumstances mandate that our churches should remain locked with no shared worship. However every Sunday we send out by email reflections on the Gospel readings, and links to online services which we can all watch. If you would like to be included on the Distribution List for this, please email Iain at northwiltshiredeanery@gmail.com. Our website contains details of prayer resources in the noticeboard section and there is a link to our Facebook - https://draycot.weebly.com/ You can find Church of England services on the BBC via television and radio at https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online. We are also offering Prayer in the Day on a Thursday at 11.30 am via Zoom. If you would like to join us then please contact Revd Mark on drmarksid@gmail.com. If you would like to talk on the telephone to a minister then please contact Tim Harle on 01249 721706 or Revd Alison Love on 01249 720619 Woodbridge Group Every Day on Facebook Group: ‘Woodbridge Group of Churches’ (requires Facebook membership) Sundays also on: Our Youtube channel “Woodbridge Churches Online’ (publicly visible) Facebook Page: @woodbridgeonline (publicly visible) There have been so many positive benefits to this enforced move that it changes the question from “When will we reopen the churches?” to “What will church look like when we reopen the buildings?” Rev Steve Wilkinson Methodist Church Methodist Churches are closed for the time being in line with Government guidance. But worship is continuing with live streaming of prayers from Wesley’s Chapel in London. All services will be available as below either live or to view when required at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA Each week I’ve been producing Orders of Service and a Reflection, which get sent to our people by email or post. These are added to our Circuit website https://www.northwiltsmethodistcircuit.org.uk/servicesheets.htm I also have my own blog to which I often post the Reflections (as well as other things) Podcasts-https://soundcloud.com/revdgray-1 talking through reflections.
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Contacts Allotment Gardens Great Somerford.......................................... 01249 720204 Little Somerford .......................................... 01666 823799 Seagry ........................................................... 01249 721046 Somerfords’ Art Circle ............................... 01666 824306 ................................................................... 01666 823799 Astronomy - Somerford Gazers................. 07711 972300 Bell ringing.................................................. 01249 721127 Churches Malmesbury Abbey Office......................... 01666 826666 Woodbridge Group Office (Maggie) ......... 01666 511422 Rector, Rev Steve Wilkinson ..................... 01249 723733 Curate, Rev Mike Graham ......................... 01666 510441 Lay Ministers Debra Evans ................................................. 01666 511158 Tony Yates.....................................................01249 723842 Jane Briggs.................................................... 01666 825996 Churchwardens Corston & Rodbourne (Angela) ................ 01666 822916 Corston & Rodbourne (Susannah) ........... 01666 822103 Gt Somerford (Anna Kent) ........................ 01666 510515 Lt Somerford (Robert Gawthropp)........... 01666 510260 Rev Alison Love (Draycot Benefice)......... 01249 720619 Seagry ........................................................... 01249 720683 Seagry ........................................................... 01249 720429 Draycot Admin (Maggie-Tues. Only) .......01666 511357 Great Somerford Methodist....................... 01249 720687 Roman Catholic (Malmesbury)................. 01666 822331 Café Church ................................................. 01249 721398 Coffee Pots ................................................... 07845 156184 Councils Parish Councils (Clerks) Great Somerford.......................................... 01249 890379 Little Somerford .......................................... 01249 720978 Corston and Rodbourne............................. 07533 879433 Seagry (Viv Vines) ...................................... 01249 890759 Wiltshire Council ......................................... 0300 4560100 Dentists ........................................................ 0845 758 1926 Doctors Malmesbury Health Centre ....................... 01666 825825 Out of hours ................................................. 0300 1115717 Embroiderers' Guild.................................. 01249 721373 Fishing Somerfords Fishing Assn ............ 01666 823799 Gardening Club (Diane Beverley) ........... 01666 824182 Girl Guides.................................................. 01666 825647 Library - Malmesbury ................................ 01666 823611 Library - Chippenham ................................01249 650536 Neighbourhood Watch Little Somerford .......................................... 07711 972300 Great Somerford.......................................... 01249 723754 Seagry ........................................................... 01249 720429 Corston ......................................................... 01666 822691 Rodbourne.................................................... 01666 829445 Startley .......................................................... 01249 720521 Parent & Toddler group............................ 01666 824951 Police Non-emergency Number ........................... 101 Wiltshire Police (Alternative No.) ............. 01380 735735 Post Office.................................................... 01249 721272
Pubs The Volunteer Inn (GS) ...............................01249 720316 Little Somerford Arms ............................... 01666 826535 The New Inn (Seagry)..................................01249 721083 Radnor Arms (Corston).............................. 01666 823389 Recycling (Hills) ......................................... 0845 6032085 Refuse (Wiltshire Council) ........................ 0300 4560100 Seagry & Startley Recreation Ground Trust Upper Seagry (Adele Carnegie)................ 07769 905701 Startley (Jayne Tinslay) .............................. 01249 721082 Shop Fourways Stores, (GS).......................01249 721272 Schools Somerfords' Walter Powell ........................ 01249 720797 Somerfords' WP Pre-School....................... 07931 263909 Seagry School............................................... 01249 720213 Seagry Pre-school........................................ 07773 011321 Malmesbury School .................................... 01666 829700 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers......................... 01666 822651 Sports Centres Activity Zone Malmesbury.........................01666 822533 Olympiad Chippenham ............................. 01249 444144 Lime Kiln Wootton Bassett ........................ 01793 852197 Talking Newspapers ..................................01249 659305 Transport Buses AD Rains ........................................... 01666 510874 Coach hire A James Quality travel ........... 01666 825655 Coach Hire Coachstyle ............................... 01249 782224 Coachstyle Buses ......................................... 01666 510874 National Coaches ........................................ 0870 5808080 Bradies............................................................01249 890794 Taxi AST Ltd .................................................01666 823388 Taxi Abbey Taxis..........................................01666 826072 Taxi Webb Taxis ...........................................01666 823551 Taxi Andycab................................................01666 826525 National Rail Enquiries .............................. 0845 7484950 Driving Miss Daisy ..................................... 07458 012460 Malmesbury & District Link...................... 01666 840861 Village Halls Little Somerford .......................................... 01249 720978 Goss Croft Community Hall ..................... 07779 717663 GS Community room ................................. 01249 720204 GS School Hall ............................................. 01249 720797 Corston/Rodbourne ................................... 01666 824377 Women’s Institute Little Somerford .......................................... 01666 510490 Woodside ...................................................... 01249 720765 Emergencies Highways & street care .............................. 0300 456 0105 Electricity...................................................... 08000 727282 Floodline....................................................... 0845 6026340 Pollution Hotline......................................... 0800 807 060 Wessex Water ............................................... 0845 6004600 Hospitals: Chippenham............................. 01249 447100 NHS Direct ................................................... 0845 4647 Dental Emergency (NHS).......................... 111 Vets George.................................................. 01666 823165 Vets Chalkland ............................................ 01249 588805
To add or amend your contact details please call Jackie Vale on 01249 721208 Signpost May 2020
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