The Signpost May 2021 by drjvale

TH E SO ME RF OR DS

THE

May 2021

THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR LITTLE & GREAT SOMERFORD, STARTLEY, SEAGRY, RODBOURNE & CORSTON

Butterflies in May

Diary dates Covid 19 restrictions mean that many events will remain on line. Here below are a few events to look forward to. May 5 8 13 19 27

Athelstan Museum on line. Sinking of the Bismarck. 6.30 pm Plant Sale. Volunteer Inn car park 10 am to 1 pm u3a on line. Songs and Stories Athelstan Museum on line. JMW Turner. 6.30 pm u3a on line. Wildlife Photography

June 10 24

u3a.on line. Climate Change & Planet Earth u3a on line. Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace

August 14 The Somerford Show

Front Cover: Orange tip butterfly; inside cover: Brimstone and Common Blue; Back cover: Adonis Blue and Painted Lady. All photos taken by Steve Reay in his garden Contents Diary dates ....................................................................... 2 Editorial ............................................................................ 3 Signpost Organising Group.......................................... 3 Local News and Events .............................................. 4, 6 Christian Aid.................................................................... 5 Guide Dogs ...................................................................... 7 Athelstan Museum .......................................................8 Gardens & Plant sale ....................................................... 9 Seed swap, LS church ....................................................10 Riverwatch ...................................................................... 11

Signpost May 2021

New at the New Inn ...................................................... 12 Youth Action Wiltshirel ................................................. 13 Local food................................................................... 14-15 Neighbourhood Plan ..................................................... 15 Pre-school, schools.............................................. 17,18, 19 Parish Councils......................................................... 20, 21 Advertisements ..........................................................22-33 Church services for May ............................................... 34 Contacts ........................................................................... 35 Butterflies ......................................................... Back cover

Editorial Welcome back to our hard copy format! What is more, it's officially Summer Time - at long, long last. After perhaps the dreariest and seemingly the longest winter I can remember, it was actually for me a pleasure to wake up a month ago on March 28, even though an hour's sleep had been lost, simply because that Sunday heralded summer time and the move towards summer itself. Others may refer to it as daylight saving time but for me it is that concept of the almost imminent arrival of summer that matters. It's just around the corner. And just at the time change, what was so important, more than ever, was the subtle change in vegetation with trees and bushes and hedgerows just beginning to hint at greenness and the resurgence of life. It is not so much the flowering of snowdrops, daffodils, crocuses, tulips and all the rest, however lovely they are, but the sudden awareness when out in the countryside of a very slight change of hue that rapidly develops within a week or so demonstrating that nature itself is recovering. Yes, I know that it happens every year but this time it has seemed so much more significant because we have all lived through this last year until now with none of us knowing with absolute certainty if we would individually see it through. However there now appears to be light at the end of

the tunnel though for far too many that has sadly not been so. Many years ago I was privileged to work for several years with a very eminent scientist, a Fellow of the Royal Society, who postulated the theory that the earth could and would look after itself, and to some extent during this last year, I have wondered if that theory was more correct than previously imagined. Now that mankind has experienced what nature can do with floods, unusual weather and fire in various parts of the world, followed by this virus, maybe it is time that we thought again about what we ourselves do here and not leave it up to nature to decide for us. With the change of seasons this year, the springing to life has seemed that much more poignant – another chance? Among our friends, neighbours and relatives, safe and sensible behaviour has been the norm with the wearing of masks and distancing, and this has also been noticeable throughout our community. I think that we should all be thankful to one another for this and, when this situation is, to all intents and purposes, ended, remind ourselves, now and again, of the courtesies and consideration that we have extended to one another. It could make for a better world if they are maintained. Peter Oliver

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 Lucy Dalgleish John Fairbairn Sophie Malpas Dawn Duo

01666 822342 07774 605431 01249 721208 01666 826390 07909 962067 01666 822167 07850 139100 01249 720217

peteroliver@waitrose.com sarasorby@yahoo.co.uk jakesignpost@uwclub.net michaelpalmer@btinternet.com lucydalgleish@hotmail.com jonzjob@gmail.com sophiemalpas@btinternet.com dawn.duo@hotmail.co.uk

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 07966 743492

signpost@hotmail.co.uk jakesignpost@uwclub.net juliefrayling123@outlook.com sarasorby@yahoo.co.uk jocrosland1@gmail.com jen.reeves@hotmail.co.uk jocrosland1@gmail.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 May 2021

Local news and events

Donations

We have received donations of £20, £30, & £40 from individuals and £100 from Little Somerford Parish Council. We are very grateful for them all. Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the cost of producing Signpost should send a cheque to The Hermitage, Corston, Malmesbury, SN16 0HB. Thank you.

Thank you The Signpost committee would like to thank the organisers behind the fundraising Community Shelf inside the Fourway Stores for the very generous £120 donation towards the printing expenses of Signpost

Corston & Rodbourne Reading Room 200 Club January 95 Tony Westlake 115 Linda Dolman 167 Tim Bailey February 23 Simon Foster- Bryan 116 Reginald Watson 170 Tim Reynolds March 180 Stuart Pitman 129 Nigel Chivers 78 Alex Butler

Corston Corston Corston Corston Corston Corston Corston Corston Corston

Any enquiries regarding the 200 Club, please contact Norma on Tel.01666 825303 .

Great Somerford 2020 Vision Hundred Club Lottery Draw Results and Invitation to New Members On Easter Day Jude Picton Phillipps drew the numbers and the lucky winners, in no particular order, were Maris Cole, Heather Lee and Joan Morris. Many congratulations to them and many thanks to all those who have supported the church by buying tickets for the lottery. Although the work under the banner “2020 Vision” has been completed that support is still needed and was expressed in the document inviting subscriptions to the scheme when it was set up 4 years ago. For those who have remained blissfully unaware of the excitement that runs through the villages of Great Somerford and Startley on the first Sunday of every month, for a mere £5.00 a month you get a number which is entered in the draw for three prizes of £125.00. £75.00 and £50.00. We are now on the point of entering our fifth year (draw will take place on Sunday 2 May) so, if you would like to join the fun, please contact Tom Picton Phillipps at 4 Paddock Close, Great Somerford. His email address 4

Signpost May 2021

is tom.pictonphillipps@btinternet.com and his telephone number is 01249 721202. He would love to hear from you!

Thank You My sincerest thanks to the person who stopped on Rodbourne Road on Easter Sunday afternoon for one of my little Dachshunds. We were out for a walk and, following a scent, she disappeared and when she came back into the field she lost sight of me so started to head for home and didn’t hear when I yelled her name. I couldn’t catch up with her and I have to say my ‘heart was in my mouth’ as she went through the stile so your kindness in taking the time to stop and shepherd her back into the field is much appreciated. Maureen Inwards

Help for our Churches The COVID Pandemic has created major funding challenges for our churches, as it has for many other institutions and charities. Planned services have rarely taken place since the end of March 2020 and fundraising events were cancelled, but regular bills still have had to be paid including insurance premiums, electricity payments, upkeep and repair bills as well as payments to the Diocese for clergy and for administration. In many cases, there is little or no income coming in to cover these costs and some of our churches are facing a crisis. Do we want to find yet more of our facilities are no longer available when the Pandemic is over? If you feel you can make a donation to help your local church, please contact the Treasurer of your Parish: Great Somerford: Richard Wood 01249 720760 Little Somerford: Simon Nuttall 01249 720978 Corston & Rodbourne: Maureen Inwards 01666 822775 Seagry: Sheena Tilley 07801 749544

From the Registers Brian Herbert Tucker of Corsham died on 10 March. His ashes were interred in the Tucker Family Grave on 12 April at St Mary’s Seagry where Phyllis and Herbert Tucker were buried in 1975 and 1981 respectively.

Christian Aid Walking 75 miles for 75 years In its 75 year history Christian Aid is perhaps facing its greatest challenges: Covid 19 and climate change. In Kenya, extreme weather is making it harder and harder to survive. For communities fighting the climate crisis, every last drop of water matters. The coronavirus pandemic has only increased the urgent need for families to access a reliable source of water, for washing hands to stay safe. The devastating climate crisis impacts harvests and robs people of the water and food they need to live. People like Rose, who walks for 6 hours to fetch water for her grandchildren. Rose and her grandchildren shouldn’t have to go hungry. A simple earth dam, built with the help of Christian Aid’s partners and your donations, could completely change her life. So, from 1 May to 31 May, I am going to step out with some friends (Covid securely) in support of people like Rose. Celebrating 75 years of Christian Aid we are going to walk 75 miles. That’s 2.5 miles a day each day of May and about as far as many in Kenya have to walk to fetch their daily water. And I’m also going to carry all my drinking water I need for the day with me. You might spot us as we walk around your village. Or look out for us on 15 May in the morning at Malmesbury’s Market Cross. In place of our usual villages house to house collection this year please support us by visiting our just giving page, check on our progress, see our latest news and give in support at https:// w w w. j u s t g i v i n g . c o m / f u n d r a i s i n g / SomerfordsCAGroup It’s not too late to join in walking either– if you’d like to be part of the change then email me at janesunderland368@gmail.com Together we stop this climate crisis.

Thank you for your support Jane Sunderland (Somerfords Christian Aid Group Co-ordinator)

Signpost May 2021

Local news and events

Great Somerford Community Shelf – Easter bakes As reported in last month’s Signpost,. the Community shelf is raising money for local causes and our most recent event took place over the Easter weekend with various bakes including sausage rolls, Eccles cakes, Easter tea rings, Florentines chocolate and carrot cake loaves as well as Sarah’s Easter Egg cones. Debs did a brisk trade in pre-orders of carrot cakes, Pavlovas, trifles and lemon meringue pies as well. We raised £240 which was split between the Church and The Signpost. To date our fundraising total stands at a little more than £900, including Christmas, and we hope that has and will continue to benefit everyone in the village. The team will be taking a rest from mass baking over the next couple of months. However, we haven’t gone away and our next venture will be a plant sale – see our poster and separate article. Thank you to everyone who has been involved whether by making, baking donating, pre-ordering, buying or eating our goodies – it couldn’t have happened without you. Particular thanks to the team at Fourways stores for letting us have the shelf and for taking the money

Wiltshire Council fund a not-for-profit loan scheme for homeowners.* If you have lived in your home for over 5 years and: • Are over 60; or • Are in receipt of State Benefits; or • Have children under 16 living with you. You may be eligible for a home improvement loan to keep your home warm, safe, and suitable for your needs. Lendology CIC work in partnership with Wiltshire Council to deliver the council subsidised loan scheme. Our knowledgeable team of advisers will guide you through the process of applying. To book a no-obligation assessment, or for more information, visit www.lendology.org.uk or call 01823 461099. Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton, TA4 1EU *subject to eligibility

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

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Signpost May 2021

Guide Dogs Guide Dogs UK Local Group Volunteers - Yvonne And Steve Reay 07966 743492 One of the first, and most important parts of a Guide Dog's training is learning that “harness on = working mode” and “harness off = normal doggie mode”. As the health and wellbeing of all our dogs is of paramount importance in normal circumstances they are only in “working” mode for a maximum of two hours a day. There are volunteer “free runners” who take dogs for off-the-lead exercise on behalf of the owners. Recent records for Wiltshire show that there are thirty six active working guide dog partnerships, eight people actually waiting for a guide dog and eighteen users of “My Guide” which basically is a sighted volunteer paired with a person with visual impairment. There are approximately seventeen thousand volunteers in the UK giving in the region of thirteen million hours of their time per year. About six thousand of those are fundraisers achieving a magnificent £7 million a year. Despite the Coronavirus, and thanks to the wonderful support of the general public, we still managed £3.5 million in 2020 with £30,000 of that raised by our local group including over £8,000 independently by Yvonne and myself, so a huge thank you to all our local supporters. The Dauntsey Farm Shop Easter Raffle was a great success, raising another £343 for the "name-apuppy" fund. Special thanks to: our son Chris from Nailsworth, Cec and Mary from Dauntsey, Pam and Les from Crudwell and Waitrose from Malmesbury who all donated lovely prizes. Tracey is also running a “name-the-doll” and thanks go to Sarah from Dauntsey who kindly

donated the hand-made doll. And final thanks to Jen from Minety who knitted lots of ducks and baskets, filled every one with a Cadbury creme egg and donated them raising nearly £70 in the process. Total (at time of writing) was £2,380.93p. "Name a puppy" schemes nationally managed to raise over £1 million in 2020, a magnificent achievement given the pandemic. We always welcome anyone wishing to help us with our fundraising. If you are interested or would prefer to “do your own thing” please contact us as above and we will be happy to offer information, advice, ideas etc. We can also collect any donations providing an immediate official Guide Dog receipt and pay any cash/cheques directly into Guide Dogs bank on your behalf. We also have a brand new exercise bike donated by Nev and Sandra from Crudwell, and tickets are £5 for a strip of five available from Tracey or yours truly. Many thanks, Steve

In 2019 we were invited to take part in the Chippenham Carnival and this month's photo from that event shows just a few of our group, from left to right:Mary and husband David with Freddie, his guide dog for the past five years; Janice a speaker and puppy walker for nearly twenty years with one of her puppies; Lesley, until recently a long term dog re-homing officer with her “retired” dog, Zelda; and my wife, Yvonne a pro-active volunteer fundraiser.

Signpost May 2021

u3a; Athelstan Museum Athelstan Museum Online Programme 5 May 6.30 pm “The Pursuit and Sinking of the Bismarck”

Malmesbury and District With Spring in the air and some optimism about the end of lockdown all of us are longing to see our family and friends again. Malmesbury u3a has given us friendship and support over the past long months with zoom talks and coffee mornings and all of us are looking forward to starting up again. We are hoping that all our outdoor activities can start again in June, such as cycling, walking, bird watching and petanque. If you are retired or semi retired and enjoy meeting people while learning something new then Malmesbury and District u3a has around 40 different interest groups to tempt you. See them all on our website. We continue to have the following talks on line for our 400 members to enjoy. Note the dates in your diary. If you are not a member you can still join us. Contact the membership secretary, Elaine Sharpe 01666 823568, become a member and enjoy the general talks. Then explore all the opportunities and get involved as soon as the present covid restrictions allow. In normal times u3a meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at Malmesbury town hall from 10 - 11.45 for tea/coffee a chat and to listen to a monthly speaker. The interest groups are wide ranging such as learning a language, arts and crafts, science, music appreciation, dancing, walking, cycling, theatre visits, book groups, play readings and many more. You can find more information on our website www.malmesburyu3a.org.uk. May 13 A programme of songs and their accompanying stories Steve and Carol Robson Audience participation (even on zoom) is almost mandatory May 27 From wildlife photography to saving the cheetah! Alison Mees June 10 Climate Change and Planet Earth David Head June 24 Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace Mike Shiel

Signpost May 2021

80 years ago, on 24 May, more than a hundred British warships were involved in a desperate 5 day, 1,750 mile hunt for the mighty German battleship Bismarck, which disappeared for more than 24 hours and was almost within reach of safety before it was tracked down. David Bickerton’s father was a crewman aboard HMS Dorsetshire which was involved in the final showdown. Tickets £5 from the Museum Website athelstanmuseum.org.uk 19 May 2021 6.30 pm Athelstan Museum Unveiling of the JMW Turner Watercolour of Malmesbury Abbey

You are invited to a celebration of the installation in Athelstan Museum of JMW Turner’s Watercolour of Malmesbury Abbey. The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire will give an introduction to the watercolour, followed by a talk by Catherine ParryWingfield, “Saving Sandycombe": the inside story of the conservation of the picturesque villa in Twickenham, which the artist designed himself. This is a free online webinar event but donations welcome. Register at the Museum Website athelstanmuseum.org.uk

Gardens and plants News from the Free Gardens, Great Somerford Spring has sprung and many plots are getting going for the new season. Early rhubarb is already being picked, last year’s beds are being cleared and prepared and the gooseberries and blackcurrants are just starting to show signs of life. The annual frostwatch is always a challenge but very soon the rows will be sown, potatoes will be sprouting and beans will be climbing their supports. This time last year, as we all know, the immense challenges and difficulties at the beginning of lockdown stopped any real-life meetings and the ideas and plans the Allotment Holders Group had started were halted. We have, though, recently helped start the Somerford Seed Swap which you can see on the next page – kindly hosted by Riana and Adrian at The Volunteer Inn and there are more details in a separate article. We also managed a socially distanced event in August by inviting plotholders to be ‘on site’ one Sunday morning which was great but not quite the same as being able to picnic or meet in a group. Now that restrictions are easing, we hope to start our Saturday Socials at the end of June and perhaps host

a picnic in August to celebrate the 212th anniversary of the site. Fingers crossed! Last year, like so many allotment sites across the country, the Free Gardens benefited from an upsurge in interest in gardening with more people than ever taking on the ‘allotment challenge’. Starting an allotment from scratch can seem a little daunting but there’s lots of help and knowledge amongst existing plotholders and, of course, online. The Royal Horticultural Society’s website at www.rhs.org.uk has a really useful allotment section and The National Allotment Society’s website is also a great to start at www.nsalg.org.uk. The Allotment Holders Group is 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 or think you may want to take on a plot but don’t really know where to start, please email Janice or Clare at gsallotmentholders@gmail.com. We’ll try to help or find someone who can! Janice Botterill & Clare Eaton

S t n al e a l P SATURDAY 8 MAY 2021

Do you have any extra seedlings or unwanted plants that you would be happy to donate? PLEASE label and deliver them before 10am to raise funds for local causes. NEED PLANTS? Come and buy them between 10am and 1pm at the Volunteer Car Park (Bring a bag or box) Any and all plants welcome including..vegetables, flowers, houseplants, shrubs, fruit etc. Signpost May 2021

St. John the Baptist, LS; Seed Swap The New Somerford Seed Swap Now that spring has sprung and the clocks have gone forward, it’s time to get growing! Seed and plant swaps have sprung up across the country especially in the last year and now Great Somerford has its very own. Riana & Adrian at the Volunteer have provided a mini-greenhouse and space for the swap outside by the skittle alley, a handsome wooden seed box has been donated to keep everything tidy and we’re up and running already thanks to the power of Facebook! It works just like the village phone box book exchange but with seeds….if you’re a gardener or allotment holder and have any packets of seeds you’re happy to donate please label them as fully as possible, take them to the pub and pop them in the greenhouse. Alternatively, if you fancy growing something new, have a look through the pots and take a packet home to grow. There’s no charge or donation necessary. If you find you don’t use all the seeds, just pop them back in the packet, seal it up and return it to the pub so someone else can use the rest or swap them for some others. We hope as well that if people find they grow too many plants they might donate them to the fundraising plant sale being hosted at the pub on Saturday 8th May – there are more details about the sale in a separate article in this month’s Signpost. The Seed Swap is very much a trial project. Let us know what you think and if you have any questions, please contact Janice on gsallotmentholders@gmail.com Happy Growing!

Signpost May 2021

Saint John The Baptist Church Little Somerford We would like to thank all who gave so generously to our financial appeal for Church funds during this difficult year. Little Somerford has always been known as a village with good community spirit, and this has been proved once again. We are very disappointed, but due to Covid uncertainty, we have decided not to hold our Church fete this year, but are hoping to have other fundraising events later in the year Little Somerford Parochial Church Council

Riverwatch Chemical warfare by the riverside A serene riverside walk amongst the lushness of late spring foliage and flowers is a wonderful thing, much to be recommended to bring you peace. However, you are in reality walking through a theatre of intense chemical warfare. The herbal values, as well as drug and poisonous qualities, of many of our everyday riverside plants have been considered in ‘Nature’s pharmacopoeia’ and other prior Signpost articles. These commonplace riparian Lucrezia Borgias include Britain’s deadliest plant, the hemlock waterdropwort (Oenanthe crocata), every part of which is potentially deadly. Hemlock water-dropwort is in fact extremely common along the banks of British rivers, including ours, as well as in other moist habitats. Most parts of the yew tree (Taxus baccata), also a far from uncommon plant, are also highly toxic, including the leaves that remain so even when dried. However, yew trees are also the source of the molecule taxol – better known by its pharmacological name of Tamoxifen – which has powerful and now widely used anti-cancer properties that enhance the lives of many people around the world, significantly including survivors of breast cancer. The arum lily (Arum maculatum), widespread across Europe, has a host of symbolic associations. Many of these are reflected in diverse common names ranging from cuckoo-pint to snakeshead, adder’s root, arum, wild arum, lords-and-ladies, devils and angels, cows and bulls, Adam and Eve, bobbins, naked girls, naked boys, starch-root, wake robin, friar's cowl, sonsie-give-us-your-hand, jackin-the-pulpit, and cheese and toast. The cuckoo-pint is said to be one of the most common causes of accidental plant poisoning. The scent emitted by this plant’s flower also attracts the flies that help transfer pollen to others of its kind. Many other plants, as we know from the heady spring and summer scents of honeysuckle, wisteria, roses and many more familiar plants, put out a more pleasing aroma (to our human senses) in order to attract pollinators as diverse as butterflies and moths, sawflies, bees, bats and other small mammals, wasps, hoverflies and many more creatures whose antics help spread pollen. Why should we be surprised that organisms unable to run away from others that might eat or parasitise them, or move bodily towards potential mates, have evolved sophisticated alternative chemical means to address their survival needs? Many plants have evolved adaptations to make them distasteful to animals that might try to make a meal of them. The coffee plant produces a substance

that sends would-be grazing insects into a shudder so that they fall off the bush; we humans happen to like the stimulus of caffeine! In fact, many of nature’s static and slow-moving members – plants and fungi, but also sessile and slow-moving animals – have evolved ingenious chemical means to kill, dissuade, attract, stimulate, repel or otherwise interact with the myriad life forms with which they have co-evolved. The females of many moths, in particular those species with a totally flightless female such as the winter moth (Operophtera brumata), are effectively chemical sirens, releasing pheromones (hormones outside of the body) to guide in flighted and hence mobile male moths. Meanwhile, numerous moth caterpillars carry toxins accumulated from the plants that they eat, as do many other slow-moving invertebrates. In reality, plants are a lot more sentient and interactive than we give them credit for. They rely on a far wider range of chemical and other stimuli than those discernible through the limitations of human senses, interacting in multiple ways with other plants of the same and other species as well as with a diversity of other life forms. As we pace the river banks, we wade through a chemical soup replete with messages about which we are almost wholly oblivious. Many life forms of great importance and wonder exist well beyond our visual acuity, as indeed that or all our senses. Mark Everard

Signpost May 2021

New at the New Inn

The New Inn, Upper Seagry Welcome back everyone! Paul, John and the rest of the staff are beyond happy to finally get back to business & serve you all a pint! We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us in the recent months. The local community have been incredible and we are extremely grateful for the continued support throughout these difficult times. We hope you are all keeping safe.

Our new & improved beer garden is up and running, ready for the summer! Outside seating can be reserved. Takeaways are still available as well as dinein food. All of our menus are available on our website www.thenewinnseagry.com. Please call 01249 721 083 or email thenewinnseagry@outlook.com to book.

Signpost May 2021

Youth Action Wiltshire Youth Action Wiltshire Youth Action Wiltshire is the ‘Youth Arm’ of Community First (registered charity number 288117) and has been supporting Wiltshire’s young people for over 70 years. Youth Action Wiltshire provides 5 key youth programmes all designed to increase confidence, self-esteem and aspirations and provide positive youth worker support to enable young people to develop and achieve: Wiltshire Young Carers Service Splash Project Inspire Youth Club Support Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre We would like to share information about each of these programmes with Signpost readers each month with May focussing on our Wiltshire Young Carers Service. Did you know A young carer can be aged between 5-18 years of age Young Carers help to look after a parent, sibling or family member who is ill, disabled or who has a mental health issue. National statistics show 9% of young carers provide care for 50 hours a week or more, 80% for 1-19 hours per week and 11% for 20-49 hours per week. A study carried out by The Carers Trust, showed that 27% of young carers (aged 11–15 years) miss school or experience educational difficulties and 68% of young carers report they have been bullied or feel isolated. Established in 1998, our Wiltshire Young Carers Service provides expert Youth Worker support for young carers, offering someone they can talk to outside of the family unit. We also provide vital respite opportunities where young carers can spend time with other young carers having fun and developing their friendships & skills, focused workshops addressing specific issues, coaching, mentoring and advocacy. At Wiltshire Young Carers Service, we do whatever we can to ensure young carers are happy, safe in their caring roles and have the support they need, available to them when they need it most.

“I don’t feel alone anymore” - A Young Carer “Other people don’t understand why I can’t meet up after school, or why I’m late sometimes. Wiltshire Young Carers Service get it, they know what it’s like and how it feels to be a young carer” Young Carers have been hidden heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic and demand on our service has increased, as some young carers saw an increase in their caring roles, a reduction in their respite opportunities and increased isolation and loneliness. Young Carers have reported increased online bullying, anxieties around transmission of the virus to their cared for person, family financial pressures and a lack of IT which inhibited home schooling and peer connectivity. How can Signpost readers help the 922 Wiltshire young carers registered with our service? Please consider joining our Friends of Youth Action Wiltshire programme or even running your own fundraising event in aid of Wiltshire Young Carers Service. For more information about Wilshire Young Carers, or our Friends programme please contact Dawn@youthactionwiltshire.org, visit our website www.communityfirst.org.uk/yaw/young-carers/

Enjoying the Zip wire and cooking marshmallows

Signpost May 2021

Your local food services

Radnor Arms, Corston. We’re looking forward to seeing you all again.

Why not come and join us for a refreshing escape and enjoy some tradi�onal pub food and drink in one of our newly scaped outside areas, we now have Sail covered tables, large Gazebo with firepit, smaller heated Gazebo and other tables with firepit and Chiminea do�ed around for those colder rainy days.

Inside Dinning will be available from 19th May (fingers crossed the goal post doesn’t get moved). Booking is advisable: To book a table or place a takeaway order please call Paula on 07912 868111. Please visit our website www.radnorarms.com for full details of opening hours and menus.

Church Matters Luckily we were able to hold an Easter Sunday service this year, after what had seemed an interminable amount of time since our last service, on Christmas Day. The church looked very beautiful thanks to our wonderful team of flower ladies, and marked the beginning of a resumption of church services, with Great Somerford now having a service every 3 weeks for a couple of months, then every 2 weeks until such a time the country has opened up enough to allow us to revert back to our pre-Covid schedule. It is heartening to think we shall, hopefully soon, once again be using the church for Community functions, and that before too long we may be able to all meet up again. One date we do have, looking ahead, is Friday 10 September, when the Church Fete will take place. This of course is dependant on restrictions having lifted by then. Meanwhile, spring has sprung and we have things to look forward to. Anna Kent, Churchwarden.

Signpost May 2021

Your local food services

VOLUNTEERINN

THE

Great Somerford, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5EL Follow us on www.facebook.com/volunteergreatsomerford for updates on events and specials

�� WEAREOPEN!�� ALFRESCO DINING – SPRING MENU NOW AVAILABLE

Table reserva�ons advised to avoid disappointment! OPENTuesdayto Thursday12pm to 3pm and5:30pm to 10pm Fridayto Saturday12pmto 10pmandSunday12pmto 4pm Takeawaysfrom 5pmto 8pmand Sunday12pmto 3pm

Pleasecall 01249 720316 to order Great Somerford, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5EL Follow us on www.facebook.com/volunteergreatsomerford for updates on events and specials

Seagry Neighbourhood Plan Referendum 6 May 2021 March 2020 will be a month fixed in all of our memories – it was the month the Covid-19 pandemic became real and the Government ordered the first lockdown. One effect of the lockdown was that all the planned local elections were cancelled including Referendums on Neighbourhood Plans. Seagry's Referendum was due to take place on 26 March so that got cancelled as well. Now we are 15 months on and on 6 May we are at last going to have elections for local councils, and on the same day the Referendum on the Seagry Neighbourhood Plan will happen. Assuming the vote is for the Plan to be adopted, the Plan will be 'made'. The Seagry Neighbourhood Plan will formally become part of the Planning process. What has been happening to the Plan over the past 15 months? No changes have been made to the Plan, because it had been through the inspection and consultation process and had reached the final text. The Plan was therefore fixed until the Referendum had taken place. Across the country there were a number of Neighbourhood Plans at the same stage as Seagry's. The Government therefore decided that these Plans should be taken into account when planning applications came forward. This meant that those Plans that had reached the Referendum stage were to be considered in the planning

process. This Government decision applied to the Seagry Neighbourhood Plan. Over the last year there have been planning applications in Seagry both in Upper Seagry and in Lower Seagry. In all of these planning applications, the Neighbourhood Plan has been quoted, by the developer, by Seagry Parish Council in considering the application, and by Wiltshire Planners in deciding to approve or reject the application. The Plan has therefore been doing the job it was intended to do; it has been assisting in managing developments in Seagry for the benefit of everyone living in the Parish. We still need to have a Referendum on the Seagry Neighbourhood Plan and to formally vote on the plan. Seagry parishioners will have the opportunity to make their voices heard on 6 May at the Goss Croft Hall. Seagry Parish Council and the Steering Group would encourage everyone to go and vote on the Plan. To see the documents you can go to:https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planningneighbourhood-latest-news or https:// www.seagryparish council.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan/. Brian Zehetmayr Chair Seagry Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

Signpost May 2021

Showtime

Signpost May 2021

Pre-School

At Walter Powell Pre-school, the children have been getting really engrossed in their deep level learning through their playing and exploring, in making and creating, building water ways, ramps for cars and moving gravel with the diggers, and having dried food to cook within the role play area. by creating a real cooking experience like at home with Mummy and Daddy or facing new challenges for some, like climbing trees, and for others perfecting skills like trying to put their shoes on all by themselves. Then this week they have learned all about Easter, by listening to stories, trying hot cross buns, making Easter baskets and having an Easter Egg hunt, lots of fun for the children and of course the staff love it.

Our Pre-school is now open 08.55 – 14.55 Monday to Friday. We accept children from the age of 2 years. If you are interested, please contact the Pre-school on 07931 263909 or alternatively contact the school office on 01249 720797 or admin.swp@dbat.org.uk for more information and an application form.

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WP School

School News It has been fabulous to be able to teach all the children face to face since 8 March. All the children have settled back into the daily routine very well and have engaged in their learning with much enthusiasm. The Key Stage 1 children have been very busy learning about polar animals this term; they now know more about their habitats, what food they need to survive and life cycles. During Art they enjoyed exploring mark making to create different affects, they have used these skills when studying animals. On display in the classroom are their final masterpieces. In Literacy they have been writing their own stories; they begin by listening to a story, followed by drawing their own story map, and they then innovate and write their own story. This develops their individual writing skills which they continue to develop, as they move through the school. Our Key Stage 2 children have been showcasing their artistic skills in creating Pop Art pictures – I am sure you will agree they are all fantastic! Key Stage 2 children have been inspired by the lives of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein during their literacy lessons. Road Safety All children have participated in the Walk Safe programme ran by Wiltshire County Council. Year 5 and 6 children discussed important safety messages such as wearing seatbelts in a car and wearing cycle helmets.

Signpost May 2021

The Green Cross Code was the focus for Years 3 and 4 and in the afternoon the Year 3 children had a practical session putting the code into practice on our country lanes. Children in Key stage 1 including Reception learnt important road safety lesson in the school hall. They had a zebra crossing and traffic lights. All the children learnt some valuable lessons, hoping it will keep them all safe.

Easter in School The children enjoyed a special snack in school on the last day of term before Easter – they tasted hot cross buns, simnel cake, Easter chick biscuits and a chocolate egg. Miss Shibley reminded them of the reasons why we eat this food at Easter time. Thank you very much to SHASA for providing the delicious special snack for the children.

WP School The children in Key stage 1 made Easter Bunny clay models and the children in Key stage 2 made some beautiful cards to take home.

We hope that you all continue to keep safe and stay well.

Signpost May 2021

Local councils Great Somerford Parish Council The Parish Council met on 7 April with 8 Councillors present plus Wiltshire Cllr Sturgis and 4 members of the public. Below is an extract of the minutes. The full set is on the village notice-boards & the Parish Council website https://www.greatsomerford parishcouncil.co.uk/meetings/. Community Room This is being opened from 12 April for supervised children’s groups (max 15 including Leaders) and from 17 May for adult Community Groups (max 6). Both dates are subject to the Government’s roadmap staying on track. The Conditions of Hire have been amended to include Covid security precautions. A copy of these and of the relevant risk register may be obtained from Mrs Butcher, 01249 720204, tammy.butcher@btinternet.com or from the Parish Council website https://www.greatsomerford parishcouncil.co.uk/community-room/ Governance – Annual Parish Meeting 5 May This is the last meeting at which all the outgoing Parish Councillors will be present and an opportunity to thank the 5 outgoing Councillors who decided not to stand for re-election, Sarah Binstead, Chris Blount, Hector Cole, Mel Hourigan and Fuchsia Hyde. They have left the Parish Council in good heart for the new Council to take forward with £22,794 in the bank and a surplus of £8,167 for the financial year ending 31 March due to grant monies having come in ahead of planned expenditure. The focus of this meeting will be a consultation with residents as how to spend the Community Infrastructure Monies due over the next two years. Suggestions put forward by the Council are that the monies be directed towards capital projects which could not be afforded out of the Precept i.e. purchase or lease of a field for recreation, provision of a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area), a pedestrian footpath on West Street running between the bad bend opposite the Manor to the footpath on the bell mouth entrance to Manor Park and a water pump in the Free Gardens. Suggestions from members of the public would also be welcomed. Governance – your new Parish Council There will be no election for Parish Councillors to serve on the Parish Council as we have four returning Councillors – Dave Butcher, Alicky Gravell, Meriel Griffiths & Steve Mansfield - who will be joined by Andrew Lennox, Mark Hammond and Ian Vout. We wish them well in their new term of office which starts 10 May. There are now two vacancies on the 9 seat Parish Council and we will be seeking to co-opt to fill these once regulations permit.

Signpost May 2021

Highway & Footpath Matters The Parish Council is buying 7 stiles, 2 kissing gates and 2 bridle gates for footpaths in the Parish to make access easier as summer increases the number of walkers. Additional sign pointers will also be added. These will be installed and maintained by the landowners. Housing Developments in the village Broadfield Farm Construction Traffic: Following a complaint by a resident of Winkins Lane about the number and quantity of artics and construction related traffic using this single track lane as a cut through, the Backhouse Housing Site Manager has contacted all delivery contractors asking them not to follow their sat navs down Winkins Lane and is arranging for signs to be erected at both ends of the lane saying “Not suitable for construction traffic” or similar. Broadfield Farm proposed future additional housing development: The day after the Parish Council meeting Wiltshire Council informed us that Gleesons have launched a public consultation to build a further 21 homes on agricultural land outside the village settlement boundary, planning reference 21/01950/FUL. Even if you responded to the Community Engagement letter in January & February on this subject it is important that you restate your views as part of the formal public consultation which runs until 13 May. Somerbrook Housing Development: Concerns have been expressed that the pedestrian walk through to allow children to access the School via Frog Lane might be abused by cars and motorbikes unless a sign or a bollard is erected. The complainant has been advised that the Parish Council has no power in this matter and only Wiltshire Council has the authority to insist or not that bollards be erected. The Parish Council has passed the matter on to Wiltshire Council. Planning Just one application for the Parish Council to consider which it supported. 21/01830/FUL 55 Great Somerford – Single storey extension to existing private residential dwelling. Associated extension to existing garage and provision of new boiler room. There were three Wiltshire Council determinations: 21/00335/TCA School House – 1.5m reduction to one mountain ash. No Objection. 21/00340/TCA Manor Stables Cottage – 1 metre reduction to maple tree. No Objection.

Local councils 21/01467/TCA Forge Cottage – Fell 25m of leylandii hedge (T1); fell 19m leylandii hedge (T2); 30%crown reduction to 3 apple trees & 1 damson (T3). No Objection. Planning – new Wiltshire Council web address To look up a planning application the new web address is https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/ pr/s/ Play Area The climbing frame should be in situ by the time you read this and we hope it will prove to be popular. The Parish Council has agreed to purchase a Tourist Wooden Gazebo with black shingle roof from Gazebo Direct. This will be ordered as soon as arrangements have been made for it to be installed on the grass in the South West corner between the slide, the see-saw, the Kendrick’s garden fence and the Winkins Lane fence. Some freestanding park benches will be added to furnish this. Rubbish Bins Two larger 56 litre bins are being ordered to replace the ones on Hollow Street and opposite the Church that are too small. Next Meetings Wednesdays @ 7.30 pm The next scheduled meetings are 5 May (APM), 19 May (APCM), 2 June & 7 July. Zoom logins will be provided on the agenda on the noticeboard until the Covid 19 situation is such that real meetings can resume in the Community Room at the School or elsewhere. This is not expected to be before July.

Little Somerford Parish Council www.littlesomerfordparishcouncil.gov.uk Meetings The Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Parish Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 18 May, at Little Somerford Village Hall, starting at 7.15 pm. Due to Covid19 restrictions, there will be a limit on numbers allowed to attend; virtual access via Zoom will be available. For more information see the Parish Council website and village noticeboard or contact the Clerk, Rachel Nuttall, email: clerk@littlesomerfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or telephone: 01249 720978. Wildlife Friendly Village The Wildlife Friendly Village (WFV) project has started with the planting of a community orchard at the allotments. There is still more work to be done on this site, but the whole allotment area is starting to look very productive, with all the allotments currently being cultivated. Do go and have a look if you are out for a walk. As part of the WFV project the Parish Council have identified these green spaces in the village:-

� Allotments – Identify areas to have wildflowers sown and the creation of a community orchard also thicken the roadside hedge. � Cemetery – Identify areas that could have wildflowers sown and grass not mown. � Millennium Green – Identify areas that could have wildflowers sown and grass not mown. � Causeway (towards Gt Somerford) – Identify verge to sow wildflowers and become a wild area. � Grass Verges – identify verges along each road in the Parish which could have wildflowers sow, which should be mown regularly for highways safety and which should be left alone as a “wild area” and notify Wiltshire Council regarding this. Things that people can do in their own gardens � Leave a wild area in their garden or field � Put up bird boxes, bat boxes, insect & bug hotels Ensure there are hedgehog corridors � Bird feeders � Plant wildflower borders around fields & area of gardens � Build Hibernacula (piles of logs, sticks covered with turf) � Build a mini pond/a mini meadow * Litter When out and about on your daily walk, why not take a pair of gloves and a bag and pick up any litter you see, feel free to deposit it in any of the litter bins around the village. We would be very grateful.

Guiding We are pleased to announce that a new Guiding shop has opened at Unit 14, Aspley House, Aspley Arcade, Royal Wootton Bassett. At the moment, opening hours are from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. Uniforms and small gifts are available.

Signpost May 2021

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

ADVERTISE HERE FOR £3

Little Somerford Village Hall Available for Hire Tel: Rachel Nuttall 01249 720978 Email: littlesomerford@gmail.com VW Polo

1.0L 1996. Dark Blue

Restoration Project Much loved car in the family for 15 years. Strong engine & gearbox. Good original interior. Car completely intact - badges, chrome etc. Needs welding to floor and sills, Radiator leak repair and servicing. £70 (all proceeds to charity). Buyer Collects. Call: 01249 720406 Seller accepts full responsibility for this advert.

Simon D. Dodson Antique Furniture Restorer and French Polisher 01249 720770 or 07955 765764 All types and ages of Furniture Restored and Repaired Lower Seagry, Chippenham, Wiltshire

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL PICTURE-FRAMING SERVICE • Photographs • Watercolours • Mixed media • Memorabilia

• Oil paintings • Textiles • 3D Objects • Boxed frames

JILL SHEARER SAYERS⸱FROG LANE ⸱ GREAT SOMERFORD 01249 720807 / 07581 454295 FRAMEDOFFROGLANE.COM

Signpost May 2021

Roof Trusses

Floor Joists

Stairs

Car Ports

Woman Cave

Man Caves

Garden Buildings

See our website for more details

Feature Trusses

www.stoneleigh�mber.co.uk

sales@stoneleigh�mber.co.uk

Tom Beeby Garden Maintenance Local, Reliable, Affordable Garden Clearance, Hedge Trimming, Mowing Pruning, Felling Small Trees Qualified Tree Surgeon

tomlukebeeby@aol.com 07757302591

Signpost May 2021

Telephone :-

01380 871 533

Local independent financial advice you can trust. Our services include; � Retirement Planning � Investment Advice � Family Protection, Life Assurance � Inheritance Tax Planning Please contact us for a FREE initial meeting Telephone: 01249 720 462, Email: enquiries@integritypi.co.uk www.integritypi.co.uk Unit 3, Gate Farm, Sutton Benger, Wilts SN15 4RE

CONNECT COMPUTER SERVICES Based locally. We provide an efficient, honest and friendly service in the comfort of your own home / place of work

Please call Kate on 07793 671089 or support@connectcomputers.co.uk no fix / no fee and free quotations ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT TREE SURGEONS Lopping, shaping, felling, topping, crown reduction, pruning of all types of trees, hedges and shrubs taken care of. Conifers a speciality. Regular contracts undertaken Fully insured FREE estimates without obligation Call: Barry Brown: 07922 881940 01793 853383 45 Downs View, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 8AZ

Paul Reeves P.R. Electrical Services

Your Local NICEIC Approved Electrician For all aspects of domestic electrical work including Inspection / Testing and Fault Finding.

Please contact Paul in Startley on 01249 720521 or 07860 298591 All calls receive our prompt and courteous attention. Email: prconsultants100@hotmail.com

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At Chalkland vets you will find a warm and friendly environment where you and your pets will feel welcome.

Our Services include:Separate dog and cat wai�ng areas Separate dog and cat kennels Consulta�ons Vaccina�ons and neuters Laparoscopic (keyhole) spays Radiography and ultrasound Laboratory services Den�stry Opera�ons

Opening hours Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7pm Saturday 8.30am - 12.30pm

01249 588805 41-42 New Road, Chippenham, SN15 1HL enquiries@chalklandvets.co.uk www.chalklandvets.co.uk

Signpost May 2021

� � � � �

Unique stained glass windows and mirrors Commissions made to your specifica�on Range of fused glass gi�s and jewellery External & internal windows can be supplied double glazed Check-out the website for lots of ideas

www.worksofglass.co.uk 01249721617 – rtaylor@worksofglass.co.uk

STOVE & CHIMNEY LINING SERVICES

QUALIFIED HETAS ENGINEERS www.flus4u.co.uk Great Somerford, Wiltshire

Collier-Marsh Accountancy Chartered Accountants

Accountancy services Bookkeeping Management Information services Payroll Taxation services For Individuals, Sole Traders and Small Businesses Free initial consultation Sutton Benger Tel: 07583 437 689 / 01249 721525 Email: contact@colliermarshaccountancy.co.uk Web: www.colliermarshaccountancy.co.uk

07885 464137 FREE QUOTATION

Gentle Foot Care In the comfort of your own home ACER TREE SURGEONS ARBORICULTURAL ASSOCIATION APPROVED CONTRACTOR As your local Arborist, we are passionate about providing a bespoke service when looking a�er you and your trees. Services include: • Tree Removals, Dismantles and Felling • Crown Reduc�ons, Re-Shaping and Pruning • Hedge Cu�ng • Management of Dangerous Trees • Stump Grinding and Removal • Free Quota�ons and Tree Health Check Please contact us for free help and advice regarding your trees. Adam Roberts M. Arbor. A, FdSc Arb ND Arb Tel: 01666718078 / 07843082634 Email: adamroberts@acertreesurgeons.co.uk

Heather Joanna Baker S.A.CDipFHPA S.A.CDipFHPAT Nail Cutting – Filing – Thick Nail Reduction Removal of Callus (Hard Skin) & Corns …. For all enquiries please contact

07580 089906 Email – heatherjoannabaker@hotmail.co.uk Registered Foot Health Practitioner serving the community of Sutton Benger and the surrounding villages. Signpost May 2021

Signpost May 2021

DO YOU HAVE A MOLE PROBLEM? With over 30 years’ experience in tradi�onal mole control I can effec�vely, discreetly and humanely remove the culprit(s)! No gas, chemicals or poisons used and completely safe to children and pets. NO MOLE – NO FEE Rabbit control also undertaken Fully insured and references available Member of the Bri�sh Mole Catchers Register BPCA/RSPH level 2 cer�ficate in pest control. Call Charlie now for a free, no obliga�on site survey and quote 07766 132 934 (Day) 01666 890 344 (Evening)

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER "Let me come to you!" Please call Nicky Ross on 01249 720738 Mob: 07841 330880 for an appointment NEED A NEW BATHROOM? PLUMBING & HEATING BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS, WATER SOFTENERS SALES/INSTALLATIONS CALL: PETE HUTCHINS

01249 720345

07760 307151

Signpost May 2021

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 Digger Hire (1-7ton) with Operator Ditches & all other Excava�ons Earth Moving Services Fully Licensed, Qualified & Insured Local Authority Approved Professional Tree Surgeons Tree Surveys & Reports Tree Felling Pruning & Plan�ng Height Reduc�on Hedge & Flail Cu�ng Site Clearance Estate Management Grounds Maintenance Free no obliga�on quota�ons A Family Run Business with over 25 years Experience

01793 772268 / 07921 856089 amherstcontractor@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

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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

Luxury assisted living flat for sale in Townsend Court on the edge of Malmesbury £235,000 o.n.o

Beautifully appointed bright & spacious 2 bed s/c flat in awardaward-winning retirement home. Designed for easy living; set in attractive gardens with staff on call 24/7. Conveniently situated near Waitrose & opposite Doctor’ Doctor’s surgery Contact Ann Skinner on 07909 935274 or see Blount & Maslin’s web site

https://www.onthemarket.com/details/942 4085/

Signpost May 2021

www.cowley-electrical.com Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job?

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Signpost May 2021

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

KEN SHEARING DECORATING Tel: 01666 837589 Mob: 07768 277980 Email: info@twsroofing.co.uk Website: www.twsroofing.co.uk GREAT SOMERFORD PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNITY ROOM

Internal and External Painting ● Coving ● Plastering / repairs ● Spray painting ● Window repairs ● Free estimates / quotes ● No VAT charged � Over 25 years experience

For a reliable professional service Tel 01666 823999

TILLER GARDEN & LANDSCAPE SERVICES TIM MORRIS

Available to hire from just £4 for a two hour session for notfor-profit groups & voluntary organisations from 17 May if Government Roadmap stays on track.

Maximum group size 6 adults due to Covid security. Supervised activity for children = 15 persons incl leaders. Minimum 72 hour interval between lettings. Kitchen not available due to Covid. Payments by bank transfer only. Updated Conditions of Hire (Covid) available from Mrs Butcher.

To book call Mrs Tammy Butcher on 01249 720204 or email tammy.butcher@btinternet.com Funding available from St Marylands Trust Community Fund for non-profit community events. Call 01249 720485 for details.

M.Vincent Windows & Glazing For all your glazing needs Wiltshire & Gloucestershire areas Fast, friendly and efficient service Available at your convenience 7 days a week CALL FOR YOUR FREE QUOTATION

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Full seasonal garden maintenance Raised beds, wooden sleeper projects and gazebos Border renova�ons Garden planning and consulta�on

Plumbing repairs and installation Do you need C H ... Central Heating? Cold / Hot Water? Then you need Colin Hope A local plumber, based in Yatton Keynell Call Him now! 01249 783193 or 07896 099672 Signpost May 2021

Church Services Church Services for May Our churches are gradually opening up and holding live Services while continuing to relay some services on line. Please check websites or telephone the churchwardens for up to date information. Woodbridge Benefice There are 10.30 am Sunday On Line services and as shown below. 9 May 23 May 30 May

9.30 am 11.00 am 9.30 am

Great Somerford Little Somerford Great Somerford

Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Prayer

Seagry Seagry Zoom Seagry Zoom

Private Prayer Holy Communion United Benefice Service Private Prayer United Benefice Service

Draycot Benefice 2 May 9 May 16 May 23 May 30 May

2-3 pm 9.00 am 10.30 am 2-3 pm 10.30 am

Please contact Rev Mark Siddall on 01249 652752 drmarksid@gmail.com to be added to the list for Zoom services

Corston and Rodbourne with Malmesbury Abbey 9 May 23 May

10.30 am 10.30 am

Rodbourne Churchyard Corston

Rogation service Holy Communion

Rev. Oliver Ross Dick Venn

Malmesbury Abbey - on line services are available from www.malmesburyabbey.com

Methodist Services 2 May 9 May 16 May 23 May 30 May

2.30 pm 10.30 am 2.30 pm 10.30 am 2.30 pm

Cleverton Great Somerford Cleverton Great Somerford- Communion Cleverton

www.northwiltsmethodistcircuit.org.uk for further information

Signpost May 2021

Rev Stephen Skinner Local arrangement Rev Mark Barrett Rev David Gray Rev Andrew Bird

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 510339 Curate in Charge (Draycot Benefice) -Revd. Dr Mark Siddall ........................................................... 01249 652752 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 2021

Painted Lady

Two Adonis Blue (mating) Signpost is printed by Mailboxes, Chippenham 01249 446141