The Signpost November 2020

TH E SO ME RF OR DS

THE

November 2020

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

Congratulations to our “Village shop of the year 2020”

Diary dates The COVID-19 outbreak means that nearly all events are cancelled for the time being .

December 12 Great Somerford Christmas Fair - see back page for mere details. (Covid permitting) Note all issues of Signpost are available online on the ISSUU app or in your browser. Simply search for Signpost.

DAISY ORIGINALS

Are you looking for a unique Christmas gift?

Would you like your house captured in pencil or ink?

Please contact Daisy Everard on 01249 721208 or email msdeverard@gmail.com to discuss a drawing of your own.

Front Cover: Fourways Stores - original drawing by Daisy Everard (Commissions taken -as above) Contents Riverwatch ..................................................................... 13 Diary dates .......................................................................2 Editorial ............................................................................3 Signpost Organising Group..........................................3 Local News and Events .............................................. 4-5 Guide Dogs ......................................................................6 Flower Club......................................................................7 Ride and Stride ................................................................8 Your local food services ....................................... 9 - 10 The Peasant .................................................................... 11 Chef’s Pantry ................................................................. 12

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Picture Quiz ....................................................................14 Schools .......................................................................15-18 Councils..................................................................... 19-20 Advertisements ........................................................ 21-33 Church services ..............................................................34 Contacts ...........................................................................35 Christmas Fair ................................................................36

Editorial During the last few months I have been reading a history book (history is an interest of mine) that was given to me as a birthday present six months ago; I discovered that this book is very different from the norm. It deals with aspects of British history but in a very different way from most history books, and in particular only with battles but on a calendar basis, starting with January 01 and progressing through to the end of the year, regardless of where the battle took place or where in time it occurred. Thus, in turning the pages, the description of a battle which took place in 1982 is preceded by one that occurred in 1719 and followed by another from 1798. The book is over 800 pages long and, to be honest, is not very well written but it has one redeeming feature which is that, reading it at night, after two battles, I usually fall asleep. In these troubled times that is something for which I am grateful, namely to be able to sleep well at night.

But, on a separate note, we are now moving into November and, looking back over the past six months, there is one aspect of life for which I think we can be generally grateful. The weather. It hasn't always been perfect but it could have been a lot worse. Imagine what life might have been like, accompanied by the effects of this wretched virus, if it had been dull, cloudy, overcast and raining most days, as with some summers we have experienced in the past. Somehow it has partly compensated for the inability to go on holiday during the summer without the fear of being stranded somewhere abroad or forced to isolate on return from wherever we might have been.

There is one possible occasion during this November though that should not go by without

comment. This will be the first November to my knowledge since 1945, 75 years ago, that Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday ceremonies have had to be curtailed or even cancelled. I know that there are many others including myself, as evidenced by yearly attendance at Whitehall and at memorials throughout the country, who will reflect on those we lost mostly but not just in two world wars; this year they will have to do so largely in private.

On behalf of the editorial committee, may I say a very big thank you to those who have offered to join our happy band in response to last month's editorial and notice. It is very much appreciated by the current members of the committee and we look forward to working with them in the future.

As we are now rotating editorship of Signpost, and an opportunity for me to edit Signpost will not recur until 2021, may I take this opportunity of wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas and a New Year that is filled with hope for a better future.

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

01666 822342 07774 605431 01249 721208 01666 826390 07909 962067

peteroliver@waitrose.com sarasorby@yahoo.co.uk jakesignpost@uwclub.net michaelpalmer@btinternet.com 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 07966 743492

signpost@hotmail.co.uk jakesignpost@uwclub.net juliefrayling123@outlook.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 November 2020

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Local news and events Congratulations to Fourways Stores Fourways Stores, owned by Rohit Babbar has just won the Wiltshire Village Store of the Year competition.

Together with his staff of Kay, Pam and Simon the shop has triumphed in the annual event.

The competition was run in partnership between Wessex Water, the Salisbury Journal, Wiltshire Times and Gazette & Herald (all owned by Newsquest publications).

The nomination, written by Meriel Griffiths, read: “We nominate the Fourways Stores and Post Office in Great Somerford, which is run by Rohit Babbar. Since taking over the shop and post office just over a year ago, Rohit has ensured that it has continued to be a vital resource and community hub.

This has been especially so during the last few months of Lockdown, when Rohit, together with his team – including Kay, Simon and Pam, have ensured that not only is the shop fully stocked with as many as possible of the items required by Gt Somerford and its neighbouring villages, but that also an efficient ordering system was put in place so that food and essential supplies could be delivered by a team of volunteers to those in the community who are vulnerable and/or selfisolating. Rohit and his team have been a fabulous asset to our village, and we would all like to express our gratitude.”

Fourways Stores was shortlisted along with Whiteparish Village Stores and Avebury Community Shop and our collective vote tipped the balance in favour of Rohit’s shop and team.

Congratulations for a well-deserved win and thank you again for the service that you provide to the local community.

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Malmesbury & District U3A Malmesbury & District U3A is keeping in touch with members with regular editions of the Lockdown News. Some groups are meeting virtually while others are beginning to meet in other ways within government guidelines.

Over the winter we plan to have 2 speakers a month via zoom. The November talks are as follows: November 5 Slum School and Safari Janette and Jonathan Barstow will describe their visit to Kenya where they volunteered in a slum school for a week and also went on safari in the Masai Mara.

Their talk will include information about how, with volunteer help and charitable donations, the children are fed and clothed and a new school has been built.

November 26 The History of the Village Blacksmith Hector Cole MBE is a highly experienced blacksmith with exceptional expertise in traditional smithing skills and the history of the craft. He specialises in the reconstruction of archaeological objects using the same materials and techniques as ancient smiths.

Hector has established a worldwide reputation for the forging of high-quality historic arrowheads. He has carried out extensive research on arrowheads and is a leading authority on Saxon sword smith techniques.

However much Hector loves the past and the joy of emulating traditional craftsmen, he also uses his knowledge and creativity to design artefacts that integrate modern technical skills and equipment.

Malmesbury U3A is now 5 years old and we look forward to being able to celebrate this milestone when life returns to normal. If you are retired or semi-retired do join us. We have more than 500 members and 40 different interest groups including book group, history, gardening, dancing, theatre trips, languages, walking etc. Check our website for an up –to-date list of groups and other information: www.malmesburyu3a.org.uk.

Please contact Elaine Sharp for more information on 01666 823568 or e-mail membership@malmesburyu3a.org.uk

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

Local news and events Calling Great Somerford’s young (and not so young) bakers For many years Great Somerford used to give a Christmas gift to the village elders. By the time I arrived in 1999 this tradition had died away and hasn’t happened for some time.

This year we would like to revive the practice and, with that in mind, this year’s Christmas outdoor market (see back page and Covid permitting) will be donating some of its funds to help make that happen.

The plan is to give our village elders a Christmas gift of homemade biscuits and it would be great if the young people of the village could help make some of these. We are therefore looking for bakers (of any age) to bake up a batch of biscuits and deliver them to us in early December. If you would like to get involved, could you please contact either Jackie Vale (drjvale@gmail.com, 07768278428) or Debs Loader (dab..) for further details of bakes, delivery dates and locations. Thank you.

Donations We have received a donation of £50 with many thanks since our last edition.

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.

Corston & Rodbourne Reading Room 200 Club We will be continuing our popular 200 club fund raiser in 2021. This is a major part of our fund raising fund efforts and given the situation with Covid-19, we will be relying on this to pay the ongoing costs for the hall and towards our refurbishment programme.

More details in the December edition of Signpost.

September 1st 77 2nd 21 3rd 9

Howard Wilcox Duncan Joyce Amanda Lean

Startley Corston Corston

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

Hello from Ellen Blacker Just a quick word to remind you all that I am around for general help and support on a wide variety of issues including transport, mobility and safety around the home and reducing the feeling of loneliness. Give me a call on 07557 922020 and leave a message. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Ellen Blacker Health and Wellbeing Champion

MacMillan Cancer Support Because we could not hold a Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning in Little Somerford this year, we put out apples and damsons by our gate and asked for a small donation, also homemade jam for sale. We have collected £150. Many thanks to everyone who has donated so generously.

Julie and Stuart Frayling

Great Somerford 2020 Vision Hundred club – Results On Sunday 4 October the numbers were once again drawn by Jude Picton Phillipps and, in no particular order, the winners were Deborah Frayling, Gill Harrison and Sarah Vout. Congratulations to them all. The next draw will be on Sunday 1 November.

If you would like to take part please contact Tom Picton Phillipps on 01249 721202 or at tom.pictonphillipps@btinternet.com or knock on his door at 4 Paddock Close. It only costs £5.00 a month.

Depending on the degree to which support is maintained or enlarged the level of prizes (currently £125.00, £75.00 and £50.00 monthly) may have to be varied.

Malmesbury Area Community Trust Malmesbury Area Community Trust (MACT) is a charity established in 1992 which currently comprises 11 trustees, one of whom is the Clerk to the Trustees. He is looking to stand down after some 16 years involvement. The charity’s main role is to provide awards and grants to local individuals and organisations.

To fill the role we are looking to recruit perhaps a recently retired person with an interest in the local community. The job holder’s main responsibilities include dealing with applications and managing all aspects of the charity whilst ensuring it is fully compliant with Charity Commission regulations.

The current clerk will be happy to provide full training for as long as is required.

The job holder should be conversant with most aspects of Microsoft technology.

The charity meets on four Monday evenings a year currently via Zoom.

A full job description is available on request. An honorarium is payable.

If interested or require further information please contact the chair Mrs Carole Soden on 01666 577210 or carolesoden@aol.com.

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Guide dogs Guide Dogs UK Steve Reay I became a fully registered Volunteer Fundraiser with Guide Dogs UK some four years ago and my wife Yvonne joined about 2 years later.

Within a few weeks of my appointment I was approached by Janet the Chair of the Chippenham and Corsham Group with an invitation to join them as they were looking for someone to take care of Malmesbury and the surrounding villages.

Initially we spent a lot of our time searching for outlets for Guide Dog Counter Top Collecting Boxes ( CTBs ) and in the first year managed to place nearly a hundred in pubs, shops, cafés, safes etc. Since then we have also taken responsibility for Royal Wootton Bassett and have over twenty CTBs there as well.

We are part of a very pro active group (one of the most successful in the country) of approximately twenty volunteers and are blessed with a very varied cross-section of friends including guide dog owners, puppy walkers, fully trained speakers, owners of retired and withdrawn dogs, an ex-dog-rehousing officer and the vicar of Heddington – herself a dog owner (more about these at a later date).

Yvonne and I also take part in most of the fund raising events organised as a group – Janet is always on the lookout for ways for us to raise money.

These events include collecting at many different locations including supermarkets etc. We even stood on Chippenham Railway Station for a day, the only charity to have ever been allowed to do so. The Group also organise and judge dog shows and have stalls at many local shows and fêtes. Yvonne and I like to run a tombola stall at these events.

Like all charities we have been badly affected by the current pandemic situation and many of the main fundraising events have been put on hold.

Yvonne and I try to find alternative ways to raise much needed funds, as do other members of our group and I will discuss this and the effect that Covid19 has had on the breeding, training and actual “partnering up“ of dogs with people throughout the country in a later edition.

We also feel very strongly that raising awareness (as well as finance) about people with debilitating sight conditions is extremely important. In recent years we have brought the government's attention to such problems as – vehicles parked on pavements (even if a person has a guide dog this means that the dog has to take the handler physically into the road), and the refusal of many taxi drivers to allow guide dog owners into their cabs.

Guide Dogs UK supports people for life, providing all dog food free of charge and paying all vets' fees if the need arises.

As every guide dog has a definitive “working“ life, usually between six and eight years depending on the individual dog, Guide Dogs UK provide “replacement“ dogs for as long as the person needs them.

The “real“ cost of each dog therefore including 6

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training ( both the dog and the owner), food, vets' fees and lifelong support is currently about£56,000!

The cost to the dog owner is 50p which is set at this level for two reasons :First of all the law requires the owner to actually purchase the guide dog to make the situation legal and secondly the amount is set at such a low level, so that everyone, no matter what their circumstances, is able to apply for a life changing guide dog.

This month's photo shows one of our wonderful puppies in training, Charlie, proudly assisting us on one of our tombola stands at the Brinkworth Show 2019.

As I am not on the internet, my eldest son, Chris – who has been known to refer to me as Diplodocus – has taken pity on his aged father and prepared my ramblings for publication. I am, as always, very grateful to him for his assistance.

More next month if I survive the cutting room floor and sincere thanks to the valiant efforts of the “few” currently keeping the Signpost afloat.

A429 Hullavington Link Road The following are a few extracts from a continually updated on-line report on progress and future activity by Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd of Abergavenny relating to their development of the junction on the A429 with the Hullavington Road.

What is of note is the detail provided by Griffiths as compared with the lack of information provided by other contractors who have plagued our

Flower club community in recent years with constant roadworks that have appeared, often without any notice or warning and disrupting traffic sometimes for weeks on end. The extracts are provided with the permission of Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd. 9th October 2020 – Traffic Management Update There has been a one week delay in the installation of the temporary traffic lights on the Hullavington Road as below. These will now be installed on Wednesday 14 October. The reason, duration and plan remains the same.

October 2020 We shall be setting up a set of 2-way temporary traffic lights on the Hullavington Road where our new road links onto the existing one.…………

At this location we are carrying out the remaining earthworks to formation alongside the existing carriageway. We will then install 2 no.

225mm drainage pipes where the existing ditch runs, ……….. At either end of these drainage pipes where they join back into the ditch there will be brick-built headwalls. …………..

The timings of the temporary lights will be set up in such a way as to minimise any disruption to traffic flows and will be regularly monitored to assess if any amendments are required.

Since our last newsletter in August we have continued to build up the new road, ………. excavating trenches for cables, watermains and drainage swales and then backfilling where necessary. Swales are natural or man-made linear depressions (or ditches), usually grass covered, with shallow-sloping sides. With any new road it is important that there is appropriate drainage ………..with attenuation features such as ponds (swales) or tanks. In each case surge water from heavy rain is captured and released slowly into the drainage system to prevent overflowing. ………..

During October, we shall be working on street lighting infrastructure and preparing for power feeds through columns, boxes, ducting and cabling. …………..The base and binder course of the new road will be laid late October.

The above is a very shortened version of the original report but, for those who would like to read the full detailed report and wish to see further information, this can be obtained at https:// community.alungriffiths.co.uk/a429-hullavingtonaccess-road/traffic-updates/

North Wiltshire Villages Flower Club Sadly the Flower Club has been unable to meet in person since February, and made the decision over the summer that all future events planned for 2020 would have to be cancelled. The recent resurgence of the virus and increase in restrictions has reinforced this as the right decision.

Nevertheless, behind the scenes work has continued on planning future events for 2021 and beyond, the committee has ‘met’, and several

newsletters have been sent out to keep in touch with members. Our AGM was successfully held in September via Zoom and was followed by video demonstrations by one of our members which featured non foam designs using seasonal flowers, berries and foliage.

We still hope to actively re-start the Club from January 2021 since a full programme of events for next year has already been arranged, incorporating several originally planned for this year. However we are conscious that the recent tightening of restrictions may well prevent this happening so soon and could result in further cancellations of planned events. The good news however is that the club remains in a very strong position financially and continues to have an active committee, so we will weather this storm. As soon as external factors allow us to re-start, we will.

The programme planned for 2021 is very varied and includes a good mix of workshops, demonstrations, social events and visits. Meetings would normally take place at Crudwell Village Hall, SN16 9HB, on the third Wednesday of the month, 7 pm for 7.30 pm (with some exceptions for social events/visits as outlined in our programme). We are a friendly and enthusiastic group with members from throughout the area. Visitors and potential new members are guaranteed a warm welcome at our regular meetings. We really look forward to welcoming back both our current members and any guests as soon as we can, hopefully at the meeting currently planned for Wednesday 20 January 2021 (regulations permitting).

In the meantime stay safe and well. If you’d like to get in touch we can be contacted by email – nwvflowerclub@gmail.com

LITTLE SOMERFORD PARISH COUNCIL Vacancy Join our local team and become a Parish Councillor…. Li�le Somerford Parish Council has a vacancy for a Parish Councillor.

The Parish Council is made up of 7 voluntary councillors, who meet 7 �mes a year to discuss and act on issues of importance to the local community.

The Parish Council sets and monitors how a propor�on of local taxes are spent in the Parish, make comment on planning applica�ons in the Parish and consider projects to help maintain, improve or enhance the local area.

No special qualifica�on is required to be a Councillor; indeed, it is important that all sorts of people serve as councillors to give good representa�on of the community. for more details please contact Pauline Cameron on email: pauline_cameron@hotmail.co.uk tel: 01249 720910

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Ride and Stride Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride, Great Somerford The Ride and Stride was very different this year as churches could not be open, but it was decided to run it while respecting COVID restrictions. We were certainly blessed with the weather on 12 September when six of us took part on behalf of Great Somerford.

Anna Kent and her grandchildren, Grace (5years) and Leo (2years) visited 3 churches - good going for little legs. Sally and I managed 13 and Adrian a very creditable 35.

We were able to raise £275 for the Trust and would like to thank all our sponsors for their generosity.

My thanks to them and the participants.

Tina Johnson, Hollybank. Great Somerford

Enginuity A monkey was sitting in a tree eating some fruit and being a clever monkey he thought that this was messy. So he got a piece of wood and made it into a tool that could slice his fruit. However when he sliced up his fruit he still had to pick it up with his fingers which made them all sticky. So being a clever monkey he made a tool with four points so that he could eat in a state of cleanliness. Then for many a day he sat in the trees eating his fruit with his one point tool and his four point tool as happy as Larry.

However one morning he awoke to find his four point tool was missing. The monkey was bereft and went on a search. He asked a lion who said he had not seen it. He asked a giraffe who said he had not seen it. He asked a herd of gnus who shook their heads sadly and told him sorry there had been no sign. And then he bumped into a jaguar and asked 'have you seen my four point tool?' 'Yes' said the jaguar. 'Oh thank goodness' said the monkey, Where is it?' 'I ate it', the jaguar replied. The monkey was really angry and shouted 'what the heck!' and was answered with "but I'm a four-point-tool-eater jaguar."

Seagry Parish Council Since March 24 this year the Parish Council, following WCC instructions, had not met in person, although our duties were largely carried out by email. The Annual Parish Meeting in April had to be cancelled along with the Neighbourhood Plan referendum. It is planned for both to run in 2021, with the NP referendum to be held in tandem with the local elections in May. We recently held our first meeting using ‘Zoom’ and it was good to meet - virtually - face-to-face at last! Full council minutes, including planning decisions can be found on the website.

A major discussion item at that meeting, of concern to many parishioners, was the detrimental effects of increased levels and speed of HGV traffic through the village. The PC is pursuing various lines 8

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of enquiry here, both with Wiltshire County Council and local bodies. One of the difficult issues is the need to collect and present evidence of the problem for Wiltshire Police and the Highways Authority.

Consequently the PC has bought two ‘Autospeedwatch’ devices to do exactly that. A voluntary ‘Community Speed Team’ is being put together to run this project. A related issue is the poor quality of road reinstatement following works to install high speed broadband - we are following this up with the company Gigaclear.

Following local consultation the PC went ahead with the purchase of two defibrillators. These are now installed at the pavilion on the Recreation Ground and at Lower Seagry, at the junction with the lane leading to the church.

Lastly, during the lockdown, the PC offered support to parishioners needing help with food deliveries etc. More than 70 such deliveries have been made thus far - many thanks to all those volunteers who helped.

More details of PC activities can be found on the website - www.seagryparishcouncil.gov.uk

Your local food services

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Your local food services

Radnor Arms, Corston To ensure our customers feel secure, we have redesigned the interior of the pub and introduced boothed areas for people to dine in.

� � � �

New opening hours Wednesday – Sunday Takeaway menu available, alongside our Dine-In menu.

Tables need to be booked in advance and Takeaways pre-ordered.

To book / order please call Paula on 01666 823389 or 07912868111.

Please visit our website www.radnorarms.com for full details of opening hours and menus.

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The Peasant

Fourways “Village store of the year 2020” 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, chocolate treats, snacks, ice-cream, bread, alcohol, milk and tinned food 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 4 PEOPLE in the shop at a time Deliveries (minimum £30) can be arranged.

Please call on 01249 721272 to discuss any order

The Peasant’s in Top Gear If it were left to nature, ninety percent of us would have succumbed to Covid 19 by now and the ten percent left would have to start again. Medical science has shown that that is not a possibility and so we will have to put up with the threat of Covid 19 for a long, long time. It is difficult to plan for the future now. Farmers are resilient and will adapt to new demands whatever they are, whether it will no longer be the holy grail of five tonnes of wheat per acre or faster growing chickens . In twenty years’ time those of us who are still about will look upon this as a godsend and a step in the right direction. For the last thirty five years we have sprayed, fertilised and contaminated in the name of progress when it has actually been far from it in a longer term view. A return to traditional styles of farming could be beneficial.

That’s enough of that for the minute and I’ll now talk about pollution of a different sort: I have now got a van which I can be driven about in by anyone over twenty five with a driving licence. So I shall be able to get about and annoy people - as long as someone will drive me.

If I could get a tilting desk – like an old school one (but without the schoolmaster) to write on it would be easier as I can’t write left-handed on surfaces which are flat. I shall be glad to have a desk without a teacher who throws board rubbers and dictionaries at you as we used to have at Rodbourne School. We used to throw the dictionaries back and keep the chalk when he wasn’t looking. It’s a wonder that I

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learnt anything and especially considering I was given a mark of 3 out of 120 for history. I know that something important must have happened in 1385 because the history books went from 4000BC to AD1385 and AD 1386 to when the last reprint was that we were using which was in 1900 and me being of a tidy mind I would have it finish at 1400 or 1500 to make a nice tidy cut off time.

May I thank everybody who has done so much towards getting the van organised and as I have said I am now only a ‘phone call away.

Ben Barton Publisher’s note As you see Ben is very upbeat about his new wheels.

Signpost can supply his ‘phone number to anyone who wishes to take him for a ride. It is a smart Renault Kangoo and has a ramp at the back for the electric wheel chair and straps to keep it steady once aboard.

Thank you for the response to the search for a home visiting physio. Ben is receiving help from that contact.

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Chef’s Pantry Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding, plum pudding or figgy pudding? Whatever you call it, it is made without a fig or plum in sight. Served with custard, cream, clotted cream, brandy butter, brandy sauce or any combination thereof, this is a truly English tradition, which goes back centuries. I am a keen follower of tradition, especially at Christmas.

Christmas pudding as we know it now is very different from how it started. It emerged against a background of the end of the Crusades, the start of the 100 year war, the Black Death and general unrest in England. A dish named Frumenty was a soup-like concoction consisting of beef, mutton, prunes, raisins and wine & spices. It was eaten as a fasting meal before the Christmas festivities started.

So where do plums come into it?

The word plum was used in medieval England to describe raisins. This meant that the names plum pottage, figgy pudding, plum pudding and so on were given to anything that contained dried fruit. The puddings were traditionally made in a spherical shape like a cannon ball and kept in animal stomachs or intestines, a bit like sausages or haggis, and stored for months until needed. To cook, the pudding would then be boiled in a muslin cloth.

By the reign of Elizabeth the First, the pudding had changed into plum pudding with the addition of eggs, breadcrumbs, dried fruit, beer and spirits. It became the custom to eat plum pudding at Christmas.

However that wasn’t to last as Cromwell banned plum pudding as he deemed it bad custom. It’s not until Charles the Second was king that the pudding was put back on the menu.

The Christmas pudding we eat today isn’t very different from the one in Victorian times. It would have traditionally consisted of 13 ingredients, representing Jesus and the 12 apostles. Once made, the pudding was usually aged for a month or even up to a year; the high alcohol content prevented the pudding from spoiling and it was often dried out on hooks for weeks in order to enhance the flavour.

The Victorian era recipe involved putting the 12

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mix into a basin and steaming it for hours, turning it out on a plate and decorating the top with a sprig of holly.

The holly represented the crown of thorns and the flaming brandy representing the ‘Passion of Christ’.

Perhaps it would be more appropriate to eat Christmas pudding at Easter?

In the late Victorian period a tradition grew that Christmas puddings should be made on or immediately after the Sunday before Advent which became known as ‘Stir up Sunday’. By the 1920s the custom had become well established. Everyone in the household, or at least every child and sometimes the servants, would give the mixture a stir and make a wish.

It was common practice to include a small silver coin or coins in the mix. The usual choice was a silver thrupenny bit or sixpence. The coin, if you were lucky enough to be the one to find it, was believed to bring you good fortune for the following year. Many of you will, no doubt, have your own recipe, possibly handed down for generations, which is tried and tested. If not, there are some very good recipes online as well as puddings available from your favourite shops.

When making my own pudding, I love the aroma of the sweet spices that give Christmas pudding and Christmas cake their distinctive rich smell. Whether pudding or cake, for me, I like it to be very dark in appearance and fed with brandy, stout or porter. Whatever your preferred ingredients and flavours, have a go, make your own, and let the smell linger into Christmas.

Food for Thought: Christmas Pudding a national symbol? Christmas pudding; not just for Christmas!

Deborah Loader

Riverwatch Riverwatch: Crusty creatures Much of river life becomes torpid during the winter.

Some river life, such as fishes and particularly younger life stages, seek out gentler flows and more tangled habitat in which they can expend less energy fighting stronger currents and subsist on reduced availability of food. Other creatures, such as many insects, enter resting phases in their life cycles, or else like pond skaters go into hibernation or nearhibernating stasis as adults. Bats above the water’s surface go into full hibernation in sheltered, dry places, whilst birds such as swallows, swifts and martins and many warbler species migrate to warmer climes.

However, some creatures remain present and active all year round. Water snails are one such group as too, though more cryptic in the sediment yet very common and widespread, are various species of freshwater mussels from tiny Pea Mussels (Pisidium species) to the large Swan Mussel (Anodonta cygnea).

More conspicuous, at least if you turn over stones or disturb leaf litter, are a range of crustaceans.

Amongst the under-stone dwelling crustaceans most commonly encountered in our rivers are crayfish and shrimps, whilst Water Slaters are more common in poorer water quality or hiding in decaying vegetation in river edges.

The native White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is, as described previously, now largely extirpated in many parts of Britain by the spread of more aggressive, plaguecarrying alien crayfish species, particularly the American Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus).

The most common of the freshwater shrimp species found in our rivers is Gammarus pulex, the ‘pulex’ name denoting its flea-like ability to jump when stranded on damp land. This and several other species also occur in ponds, particularly those with inflowing streams and springs.

A recent species that has invaded British rivers from its native Ponto-Caspian region of eastern Europe is the ‘Killer Shrimp’ (Dikerogammarus villosus), the shrimp progressively advancing across western Europe and appearing in British waters in 2010 and spreading subsequently now quite widely.

Killer Shrimps can colonise many types of habitat, tolerating a range of temperatures as well as oxygen concentrations and even mild salinity, living a predatory lifestyle feeding on a variety of invertebrates and breeding all year round.

More gentle in habit, and also native, are the Water Slaters. Slaters look similar to woodlice, to which they are a close aquatic relative. For those who wish to look more closely, the Common Water Slater (Asellus aquaticus) can be distinguished by the two white spots on its head, whereas the less common One-spotted Water Slater (Asellus meridianus) has, unsurprisingly given its name, only one spot. The Common Water Slater is by far the more common of the two, found in a wide diversity of ponds and river

margins. As Water Slaters can exist in water with a low oxygen content and subsist by eating rotting vegetation, performing the important services of recycling stored nutrients and energy into the food chain, they tend to fare well in richer and more polluted waters that are also less favourable to their potential predators.

Even these apparently boring creatures are truly fascinating, Water Slaters moulting periodically as do all crustaceans. Shedding the exoskeleton (external skeleton) enables them to grow and, in so doing, enables them to completely regenerate lost limbs and recover from other major injuries.

Fascinatingly, Water Slaters are also marsupials, the female slater laying eggs during warmer months into her brood pouch, or marsupium, comprising overlapping, flat blades extending from the anterior legs enabling the mother to hold and protect her developing brood under her body until the larvae are sufficiently developed to emerge as miniature versions of the adults.

As the crusty exoskeleton, giving the crustaceans their name, contains a significant amount of calcium carbonate (which we most commonly experience as chalk or limestone), the crustaceans fare best in hard water and are consequently scarcer in acid waters and so generally absent from more mountainous uplands or acid heathland.

Mark Everard

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Picture quiz

British wild insects picture quiz Celebrating of our wonderful British wildlife and to keep us mentally active and connected with the great outdoors when locked down, here is yet another silly picture quiz! This month, we’re looking at British insects.

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 December edition of Signpost.

Mark Everard 14

Signpost November 2020

October 2020 British wild flowers #03 picture quiz Well done those who let me know they had completed this, and/or asked for hints!

As promised, here are the answers to the September 2020 British wild flowers #03 picture quiz. A. Yellow Flag; B. Herb Robert; C. Oxeye Daisy; D. Red Dead Nettle; E. Bird’s-foot Trefoil; F. Wild Carrot; G. Kingcup; H. Honeysuckle; I. Water Dropwort; J. Meadow Cranesbill; K. Wormwood; L. Hogweed.

Maximum 12 points possible… congratulations and prizes to everyone…

Schools Somerfords’ Walter Powell School As we approach the end of Term 1 at school, we are very proud of all our children on how they have adapted to the new school procedures and settled back into the school routine.

The Reception children have been busy among other things, learning about numbers and letters through play. They have been developing social skills such as turn taking, sharing and improving their listening skills.

We have made the most of the nice weather and enjoyed PE lessons outdoors as well as quiet reading time and thankfully the autumn sunshine has been fantastic to make the most of our school grounds for playtimes too.

Key stage 1 children have enjoyed learning about our senses and have even learnt some sign language.

Our children in Key stage 2 have been learning about properties and changes in materials during their science lessons. They created their own circuits as they discovered more about conductors and insulators.

They continue to learn about the Saxons and all enjoyed getting hands on with making Saxon walls with wattle and daub

Harvest We celebrated Harvest in a slightly different way this year due to the current restrictions. We were delighted that Matt Stone the new Curate for the Woodbridge Group of Churches joined us for a virtual harvest service.

Virtual Assemblies We have enjoyed virtual assemblies with Matt Stone and also Trevor Ranger which we all thoroughly look forward to and enjoy.

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Schools Outdoor Learning We are delighted that all our children will now enjoy an outdoor learning lesson each week with Miss Wilcox.

This term they have enjoyed creating sour dough creatures and painting on cling film which resulted in some amazing art work! They are learning every week about the seasonal changes that are happening around them.

The weekly outdoor learning lesson is proving to be very popular with all the children.

WALTER POWELL PRE-SCHOOL

We have enjoyed the autumn days exploring the grounds and also walked to a conker tree in the village and collected conkers in our baskets to carry back to Pre-school. We have enjoyed playing with the conkers in our mud kitchen. The children have picked blackberries and also chased leaves on the windy days.

We have been singing autumn songs from our Walter Powell Pre-school song book, which is available to purchase through the school office and can even be personalised.

Our outdoor learning day is every Wednesday, where we learn more about the seasons, nature and the outdoor environment. This is a popular day and we all have great fun.

Our Pre-school is now open 08.45 – 15.00 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.

New Starters – September 2021 If you are looking for a primary school place for September 2021 entry is now underway.

Parents can apply using the online system by visi�ng the Wiltshire Council website. The deadline for applica�on is: Midnight on 15 January 2021 for Primary Schools We welcome the opportunity of showing you around Somerfords’ Walter Powell School.

To arrange your visit please call the school office on 01249 720797 for an appointment.

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Signpost November 2020

Schools

(IN THE GROUNDS OF SOMERFORDS’ WALTER POWELL SCHOOL)

AGE 2- 4 YEARS OPEN DAILY 8.45AM – 3.00PM EVERYONE IS VERY WELCOME PLEASE CALL TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO LOOK AROUND OUR RURAL PRE-SCHOOL

07931 263909 or 01249 720797

SHASA Rags2Riches is back this November 4 - if you've had a clear out over the past few months, please consider donating unwanted goods to Rags2Riches, which helps SHASA raise funds for Somerfords' Walter Powell School and Pre-school.

The following items can be placed in bin bags or sacks ready for collection at the end of driveways in Great Somerford by 9 am on November 4 or alternatively can be dropped off at school by 9 am on November 5 (please include a note stating it is for Somerfords' Walter Powell) � clean, good quality and reusable clothing � Paired shoes and footwear � Jewellery and accessories � Belts and handbags So far this year, funds raised have helped to buy reading books, paid for an online maths subscription and been allocated for the creation of a wildflower meadow in the school grounds. As always, we couldn't do this without you and are very grateful for the support of the school and wider community.

The SHASA AGM is scheduled for November 10 at 8 pm via Zoom. This year we will be looking for a volunteer to take on the secretary role for SHASA. If you would like to attend the meeting or would like more details about the organisation or the role of secretary, please email SHASAteam@gmail.com. We are a lovely group (even if we do say so ourselves) and everyone is welcome.

Angela Parr 07946 015547

Seagry School Pre-school have been taking full advantage of the great outdoors. We have been playing in our wonderful garden play area, joining reception for outdoor learning and visiting the local

allotments. The children have been bug hunting, decorating mole hills, watching chickens being fed with slugs and much more.

Inside we have been using our new home corner for home, doctor and fire station role play, making a tree display, playing with autumnal coloured play dough, lots of painting with leaves, cotton buds, vegetables and of course hand printing. The children have all loved picking books to be book of the week and have decided they would like a display based on 'Fidgety fish' and plan to make jellyfish, paint crabs, decorated fish, seaweed and lots of bubbles for the sea. We can't wait to see how it turns out.

We now look forward to December and all the joys Christmas brings with lots of sparkle, glitter and colour!

Squirrel Class The Reception children have had a fantastic first term at school and are enjoying playing, learning and making new friends. They have enjoyed spending lots of time outside playing in the new mud kitchen and sand pit. Our topic this term is all about reflections and the children have been busy drawing selfportraits, painting symmetrical butterflies and hunting for reflective objects.

Rabbit Class Rabbit Class have been exploring reflections. The children have made lots of different artwork with reflective materials and created reflection tiles out of clay. We have also created funny faces with homemade photo booth props and different styles of self-portraits. Since returning to school, we have also been reflecting on our experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. We have thought about our Signpost November 2020

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Schools feelings and read 'The Worrysaurus' by Rachel Bright. We have designed other emotion dinosaurs and thought about how to help others who are worried.

Fox Class We are very excited to have chosen our class

name inspired by woodland animals; we are now Fox Class and together with the children we have come up with our new motto ‘daring to discover, to explore and to try’. Well done to Benjamin H whose emblem was voted by the other children to be our official class symbol.

We launched into our new topic Tremors this term and are currently learning all about volcanoes!

We have created our own chemical reactions to mimic an eruption, moulded volcanoes out of clay and investigated the eruption of Vesuvius in Pompeii. We are looking forward to what the rest of our topic has to offer.

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Signpost November 2020

News from Friends of Seagry School The parent-organised fundraising committee supporting Seagry C of E Primary School and PreSchool Our Autumn Conker Championship is a real ‘hit’,

hugely enjoyable and a great fundraiser. Sadly, for obvious reasons, the event can’t happen this year; however we’ve got a couple of ways to raise funds which we hope you’ll support.

Tickets are now on sale for our Christmas raffle!

We’ve secured some fantastic prizes including a superb Canon camera, generous £50 Clark’s voucher, speedy £30 M4 Karting voucher, an indulgent food hamper and luxury beauty goodies.

Tickets are only £1 each and can be purchased from School, members of the FoSS committee or via private messaging our Facebook page @friendsofseagryschool. Winners will be announced on Friday 11 December 2020.

We’ve recently set up a JustGiving page – https:/ /www.justgiving.com/fo-seagryschool – which can be used by supporters to make payments for things, like raffle tickets. It can also be used for donations, so if you’d like to support Seagry School and Pre-School – perhaps you went to primary school here, previously worked here or simply want to support our lovely village settings – then any contributions you wish to gift are hugely appreciated, and we thank you in advance for any funds received.

Finally, there are a couple of really easy ways you can help fundraise for FoSS without having to lift a finger – good, hey! Using ‘Amazon Smile’ you can choose to raise funds for FoSS simply by shopping with Amazon. Please use this link https:// smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1147491-0, login to your Amazon account and choose 'Friends Of Seagry School'. Your shopping experience is the same as with Amazon (you don’t pay any extra), however Amazon will contribute a charity donation to FoSS with every purchase you make. Similarly, please download the free ‘easyfundraising’ app. Follow the setup instructions and choose to support ‘Friends of Seagry School, Chippenham’. When you shop online, do it through the app and listed retailers will donate a percentage of the sale to FoSS. With present buying for Christmas not too far away (perhaps in full swing for some of you!), these quick and easy methods promise to be a great help with our fundraising this year. Please spread the word and let all your friends and family know!

Thank you as always for your support, FoSS

Councils Great Somerford Parish Council The Parish Council on 7 October was attended by 7 of the 9 Councillors plus Wiltshire Councillor Toby Sturgis and three members of the public. The meeting majored on two focus topics as detailed below.

Covid 19 Support Group & Coronavirus The 21 Street Champions are willing to continue their work over the winter and a WhatsApp group has been set up for them to facilitate more rapid communications. The Group also promoted the Telephone Network Scheme provided by the Silver Line Scheme: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/.

Play Area Winkins Lane Cllr Griffiths could no longer recommend the purchase of a sunken trampoline as problems of flooding and rubbish dumping had occurred with similar installations in other villages. She had consulted with a number of parents and the Parish Council agreed to change the procurement “pick-up sticks style climbing frame and sunken trampoline” to “pick-up sticks style climbing frame and picnic table & benches set”. The moonscape will be retained and the spinning bowl relocated to make way for the climbing frame. Tenders are being sent out midOctober to suppliers who responded positively to the Expressions of Interest request. The Parish Council will award the tender at its January meeting. The aim is for the installation to be completed by early May 2021.

As usual there were many Planning matters to consider.

The Parish Council supported the following applications.

• 20/07630/TCA 4 Glebelands - 3 metre reduction to blue atlas cedar (t1) and fell 1 cypress.

• 20/07786/TCA Park House - 30% crown reduction to chestnut, 3 metre height reduction to silver birch, removal of damaged limb to walnut and reduce branches to give 1 metre clearance from outbuilding and reduce lateral branches by up to 3 metres and crown raise to 2.5 metres over neighbour's land.

• 20/08194/TCA Somerleaze House - 30% crown reduction to oak (T1) and willow (T2), fell birch (T3) and dead acer (T4).

• 20/08223/TCA Longacre – Fell dead black walnut tree. and had no objection to • 20/08054/FUL The Old Stables, Startley - rear two storey extension to private dwelling house and rebuilding of garage/shed with office over.

Councillors also supported the two applications below but with provisos: • 20/07644/FUL Land at West Street Farm change of use of land & 2 no. agricultural buildings for the purposes of self-storage. * Severe concerns were expressed about the access off Shipton Lane which is very narrow and barely a single track road given the anticipated increase in volume of traffic. Councillors would prefer the

existing splay on the West Street entrance to be widened to improve visibility. It was agreed to support this application in principle but subject to the concerns above and to a planning condition limiting the self storage units to domestic use only.

• 20/07694/FUL Clove House, Startley - Proposed demolition of existing conservatory and erecting a single storey rear extension to the dwelling.

Proposed detached outbuilding/annexe.

The works to the conservatory and rear extension were supported but the Parish Council objected to the Annex as it was outside the Development Boundary and no new stand-alone build is permitted in Startley.

Cllr Gravel* and Cllr Griffiths~ declared an interest in these applications and took no part in the decision.

Wiltshire Council determinations were noted for • 20/05859/TCA Parsloe, Hollow Street - crown raise cherry trees to 4 metres from ground level (G1); remove lower 2 limbs from cherry tree (T1); 3 metre reduction to horse chestnut (T2); 3 metre reduction to cherry tree (T3). No objection.

• 20/05867/FUL Stow House - construction of 40m x 20m outdoor horse riding arena. Approved with conditions.

• 20/06025/TCA The Beeches, Top Street – Fell 1 Mulberry tree. No objection.

• 20/06247/FUL Church Farmhouse, Park Lane replacement garage and garden store. Approved with conditions.

Cllr Hourigan has responded, on behalf of Great Somerford Parish Council to the questions in the Government’s White Paper on “Planning for the Future”. It is requested that more weight be given to Neighbourhood Plans.

Other topics covered at the meeting were: Broadfield Housing Development It is understood that the Free Gardens Trustees have met with the developer to agree that the northern boundary of the development site should incorporate the hedge and ditch.

Community Room The Parish Council will be putting up a NHS QR Code on the Community Room door and window.

Fourways Stores has won the Best Village Shop category in Wiltshire’s Best Village competition 2020.

Well done to Rohit and colleagues.

Highway & Footpath Matters • West Street verge / footpath: The ditch has now been piped and shingle laid. Membrane will be put in and the ditch will then be back-filled to bring it level with the verge. Stonehouse Partnership has agreed to roll the new surface.

• Theft of the post box in Startley: Cllr Mansfield continues to pursue the Royal Mail to replace the stolen post box but so far to no avail.

The Parish Council supported a Highways Improvement Request raised by Mr Atkinson seeking the imposition of a 30mph speed limit on the Seagry Road between Honeyacre Farm and Broadfield Farm.

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Councils • Cllr Binstead’s annual Footpath report identified some work needed to stiles. The full report is included as an appendix to the minutes.

Money matters The Parish Council has received £5,279, being the first of three CIL (Community Interest Levy) monies.

Next Meetings Wednesdays @ 7.30 pm The next scheduled meetings are 4 November, 13 January, 3 February & 3 March. Zoom logins will be provided on the agenda on the noticeboard.

Little Somerford Parish Council The Parish Council met via Zoom on 6 October.

The Parish Council have a vacancy for a Parish Councillor; if you are interested in serving your village in this way, please contact the Clerk, Rachel Nuttall, clerk@littlesomerfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or 01249 720978 Planning Matters The Parish Council considered an application for Russell House 20/07144/FUL, erection of 2 replacement dwellings; and objected as the application is contrary to Policy H4 ii) c. ("the replacement is to be of a similar size and scale to the existing dwelling within the same curtilage"). The Council accepted that there may be some increase in size, but that nearly doubling the footprint is contrary to the policy.

It was noted that Wiltshire Council has approved • 20/04018/FUL – Meadow Cottage, replacement of front windows and render.

• 20/06325/TCA – Rainbow Cottage – fell 1 Silver birch Finance The Council approved the Finance Report and noted the receipts and payments and bank balances.

The Finance Regulations were reviewed and updated to allow for on-line banking.

Cemetery Cllr Webb gave the annual report. The Cemetery is in good order, there is a small amount of burrowing, but this is not having an adverse effect.

The grass is cut regularly, and tree work was completed following last year’s review. The work undertaken by Little Somerford PCC to some of the graves was commended. There has been one burial in 2020.

Since March 2020, the Parish Council has been required to report weekly on Cemetery capacity to Wiltshire Council.

1.

Number of graves spaces remaining = 100 2.

Number of burials in the last 7 days (the 7 days prior to the day you give the information) = 0 3.

Number of burials booked in the next 7 days (please any include burials occurring on the day you are giving the information) = 0 4.

Can the grave digging resource cope with current demand? (Y/N) = Y Street Signs The Parish Council would like to thank Brian 20

Signpost November 2020

Birken-Hewitt and Andrew Sharpe for the repairs to the finger signposts.

Cllr Frayling gave the annual report on street signs. Signs on The Street outside the play park and the Old School will be reported to Wiltshire Council for replacement, plus the No Through sign in Meadow Lane.

It was noted that an unauthorised 30 Speed restriction sign and been put up on The Street opposite the entrance to Somerford Barn. This will be removed. Residents are reminded that it is unlawful to erect speed restriction signs on public roads and should contact Wiltshire Council with any concerns.

Allotments Cllr Webb gave the annual report on allotments.

All are in good order and there is one allotment available; residents should contact the Clerk, if they would like to rent an allotment. Repairs are needed to one of the water tanks.

Paddock The Paddock has been let for a further year to a resident of Little Somerford. The Council noted that some tree works may be required, and work is required to replace the drainage pipe at the entrance to the Paddock.

Litter Pick Thank you to everyone who helped with the Litter Pick in September; a Litter Pick has been arranged for Sunday 22 November, 10 am, Millennium Green, all welcome.

Wildlife Friendly Village The Parish Council is considering Little Somerford becoming a Wildlife Friendly Village.

This may include developing the unused area of the allotments and areas of the Millennium Green as Wildlife Friendly, using bug houses, bat boxes and wildflower meadows. The Parish Council would like to encourage community involvement in this project, if you would like to be involved, or have any ideas, please contact the Clerk.

Speeding in the Village The clerk had received an email from a resident concerned with speeding traffic, particularly in The Street, outside the Village Hall. This issue had been discussed in the past but at present the Parish Council are not able to take any further action. Little Somerford has a Speedwatch Team, who do a fantastic job, recording speeding traffic through the village. Everyone is reminded to observe the speed limits through our villages, as this problem is not particular to Little Somerford.

Footpaths & Rights of Way Cllr Minshell reported that landowners have been very co-operative in fixing stiles, dealing with electric fence obstructions, and additional signage.

The Parish Council agreed to investigate repairing the raised footpath between Little and Great Somerford and will seek grants for this.

Play Park The park has recently had its annual RoSPA

inspection.

Telephone Book Exchange Bags of books and DVDs are still being left on the floor of the Book Exchange. Residents are reminded to only leave books if there is room the shelves, no other items should be left. The Parish Council discussed shutting the book exchange if it continues to be abused.

The next Parish Council Meeting is on Tuesday 1st December.

Rachel Nuttall Clerk to Little Somerford Parish Council clerk@littlesomerfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 01249 720978

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

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

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Signpost November 2020

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Signpost November 2020

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Signpost November 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 November 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 November 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

KEN SHEARING DECORATING Tel: 01666 837589 Mob: 07768 277980 Email: info@twsroofing.co.uk Website: www.twsroofing.co.uk

E B BOILER SERVICES • Oil boiler installation • Servicing, breakdown/repair

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 Established 2004 City & Guilds qualified horticulturalist

TIM MORRIS Erik Beckwith Great Somerford – 01249 721564 Mobile – 07952493160 Email – beck66@btinternet.com

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

07890 138453 / 01666 460106

michaelv5329@aol.com www.mvincentwindows.co.uk 32

Signpost November 2020

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

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Church Information Church Services November 2020 Church of England Little Somerford 8 November 15 November

10.50 am 4.00 pm

Remembrance Holy Communion

Woodbridge Team Woodbridge Team

Great Somerford 1 November 8 November 22 November

9.30 am 10.30 am 9.30 am

Morning Prayer Remembrance Morning Prayer

Woodbridge Team Woodbridge Team Woodbridge Team

Seagry 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November

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

Holy Communion Private Prayer Private Prayer Morning Prayer

Draycot Ministry Team Tim Harle

Please note-We are hoping to hold carol services at Seagry Church on 13 & 20 December-subject to Covid-19 restrictions at the time. It will be necessary to book places in advance. Further details will be published in December signpost.

Corston and Rodbourne 8 November Corston 22 November Rodbourne 29 November Rodbourne

10.30 am 10.30 am 10.30 am

Remembrance Holy Communion Advent Family Service

Brian Whitehead Mandy Churcher Andrew Beebee

Methodist services The following is subject to change- please www.northwiltsmethodistcircuit.org.uk/welcome.htm 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29 November

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10.30am 6.00 pm 10.30 am 6.00 pm 10.30 am

Signpost November 2020

check

Great Somerford Cleverton Great Somerford Cleverton Great Somerford

the

circuit

website

Local arrangement Rev. Mark Barrett Rev David Gray Local arrangement Trevor Durston

for

updates

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 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 November 2020

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Signpost is printed by Mailboxes in Chippenham 01249 446141