THE LARKHALL NEWS Issue 12, November 2010
Produced by St Mark’s School
A Church of England Business and Enterprise College
‘Larkhall at Christmas’ by Nina Walter (age 5), St Saviour’s C of E Nursery & Infant School rkhall L aChristmas S h opp in g
Why go anywhere else? Larkhall Open Studios’
Wint er A rt Fa ir
! n i W Alice Through a family ticket to see
The Looking Glass at the egg theatre and
Bryan Chalker’s Legends of Larkhall
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From the Editor I am feeling quite festive and it really is no wonder, given our latest Larkhall News! This issue, our student reporters have been out and about in Larkhall Square, interviewing many of the local businesses and shop owners and asking them what makes their business unique. The answers can be read on pages seven and eight, but a common theme, from everyone we spoke to, was how shopping locally should be both enjoyable and affordable, something that we can’t always say about going into Bath these days! Furthermore, shopping locally does not mean compromise and in Larkhall this is certainly true. The wonderful shops, cafes and venues are all, without exception, focussed on providing their customers with a great experience and exceptional quality; success that only the big supermarkets and shop chains can dream of achieving.
In This Edition St Mark’s & The Valley Schools Headteachers Cherril Pope and Ed Harker update the community on education locally and how it’s working together for the benefit of all.
Larkhall Open Studios Student reporters interview two of the organisers of this year’s Winter Art Fair
Why Shop Anywhere Else This Christmas? Student reporters Ben, James and Ben write about why it should always be a ‘Larkhallian’ Christmas!
You may also be receiving a questionnaire with this Larkhall News and I hope that you will take the time to provide us with your feedback. As a Business and Enterprise College, we are constantly striving to meet the needs of our community and as we move into unchartered territory as a school, we would appreciate your thoughts as to how we can best achieve this. If you have not received a copy of the questionnaire, but would like to contribute, you can find it at www.surveymonkey.co.uk. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. In the meantime, have a very merry local Christmas and New Year!
Winter Competition!
With best wishes Paula
Win a family ticket to see Alice Through The Looking Glass at the egg, this Christmas!
The Legends of Larkhall Local Councillor, Bryan Chalker, writes the fourth and concluding part of his investigations into the legends behind Alice Park.
T: 01225 312661 E: hawkinsp@st-marks.bathnes.sch.uk
Published by St Mark’s School Printers: Colour Graphics Editor: Paula Hawkins, St Mark’s School, Baytree Road, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6ND Tel: 01225 312661 Email: hawkinsp@st-marks.bathnes.sch.uk Advertising: Paula Hawkins or Ron Hill Tel: 07858 846680 Deadlines for February Issue: Advertising 14th January 2011 Editorial 14th January 2011 Website: The Larkhall News is available online at: www.st-marks.bathnes.sch.uk/BusinessEnterprise/LarkhallNews
The Larkhall News is distributed to over 3500 homes in the areas of Larkhall, Fairfield Park and Swainswick. It is an entirely non-profit making enterprise supporting the local community and advertising its local businesses. We are always thrilled to hear from local residents and businesses and welcome submissions for publication. Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage.
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St Mark’s School
The glorious sunshine of the summer has given way to the mists of autumn. We were delighted to welcome a new group of Year 7 students to the school in September and courses of study are well underway. The summer holiday is but a distant memory . . . . Few Year 11 students ever forget the day they arrive to pick up their examination results. We achieved some brilliant personal best results for individual students in the Summer Examinations. The aggregation into a league table masks the individual achievements. One of our students, too modest to be named, achieved a fantastic range of re-
sults. In Year 10, she achieved Graphic Products A*, French A*, English Language A*, Geography A and in Year 11 she added to her collection Religious Education A*, Maths A*, Physics A*, Biology A*, Chemistry A*, English Literature A*, Statistics A, Art and Design A, Drama A. A fine result, amongst many, and well deserved! We are now steeped in negotiations on delivering the Council’s secondary school re-organisation plans which emerged from the consultation. It should not be a surprise, however, for people to continue to ask about the outcome and its impact on our community and School. This was very clear! St Mark’s is to remain on its current site and link very closely with St Gregory’s Catholic College. The most significant element of the collaboration should bring about a shared Sixth Form on the St Gregory’s site and very possibly some joint working on the St Mark’s site, given that we are already an 11-18 school.
Looking ahead to Larkhall Festival 2011 Following the success of the 2009 and 2010 festivals the Larkhall Festival Group is now planning ahead for Larkhall Festival 2011. On Thursday 11th November they will be holding their 2010 Annual General Meeting from 8pm at Larkhall Liberal Club, 16 Lambridge Place, BA1 6RU and they are looking for new people to get involved. The Larkhall Festival is totally run by local volunteers. In order to put on a successful festival for the 3rd year running it is vital that new people join the festival committee and get involved in organising activities and events. Following the formal business of the AGM they will be having their first planning discussion for next year’s festival and welcome any ideas and offers of help. To receive a copy of the agenda, a committee nomination form and a membership form or if you just want to find out more please email festival@larkhallfestival.org.uk or telephone Becky on 07870 495774 or Nick on 07971 104604
We are naturally pleased to be able to state, categorically that a GOOD (OFSTED 2010) secondary school will remain at the heart of the community of Larkhall. This is a hugely exciting prospect with advantages for both schools as we share our strengths. We intend to assist the council to achieve its aim for all its Bath schools to be designated ‘outstanding’ as soon as possible. General school life continues to reflect the rhythm of the year. Year 7 students are about to embark on their residential visit to Kilve Court and at the other end of the age spectrum, Year 11 students are about to take part in a week’s Work Experience programme in order to sample what is often described as ‘the real world’. This is our ‘real world’ and we are delighted to be moving onwards and upwards. Cherril Pope, Headteacher
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FRESH IDEAS FROM THE VALLEY By St Saviour’s Headteacher, Ed Harker When you were a child how often did you meet children from other local schools? Did you ever work together on shared projects? What were the local festivals and annual events that helped to bring your community together? The five Valley Schools have recently been exploring a common concern: How can we engage the youngest residents in our area and help them to be full participants in their community? Whether it is New Labour’s ‘Community Cohesion’, the coalition’s ‘Social Responsibility’ or even David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ the issue of how we can work together to support and develop our local communities is high on the political agenda. As we enjoy greater mobility, live further away from our extended families, and rely on increasingly virtual communications for our social networks, we are in danger of unpicking our community’s fabric. We need to recognise the riches that are on our doorstep and help our children to feel involved in what happens around them. Through the last two years children from the five Valley Schools have been meeting to share their experiences of living in Larkhall and Fairfield Park, and their hopes for the future. Their ideas have been taken to the BANES Children’s Parliament and they have shared several musical events. In October representatives from the different school councils met at St Mark’s to plan the next steps for this collaboration. They shared chat, biscuits and ideas around four key themes: holding a joint social event, collaborative charity work, connecting with older local residents, and transition to their next schools.
The meeting was led by Keith Clover, Extended Services coordinator for the Valley Schools, and the children were extremely productive, as demonstrated by the huge amount of ideas they generated! These ideas will now be presented to the staff and governors of the Valley Schools to be agreed and actioned. The 16 councillors representing St Mark’s, St Stephen’s, We’ll let you know about St Saviour’s and Swainswick schools the ideas that are taken forward and possible ways for you to get in- bonfire and concert night; a sponsored cycle volved. In the short term the children will be ride at Castle Combe; a 12 mile walk to raise meeting new friends and learning collaboration money for Oxfam; singing God Save The skills, but the real impact will be felt over the Queen on the Queen’s birthday for Water coming years as the children grow up feeling Aid; and betting on Mario Karts! truly local in their neighbourhoods. 3. How can we improve the links that we have 1. How can we organise some exciting events with older people who live close to our which will include all of the other Valley schools? Who could we invite, what could they do in school? Schools? Cycle at Castle Combe after school in the summer; host a Valley Talent Show; play Mario Karts after school; a joint theatre trip; interschool sports day organised by year group; another joint school concert at St. Mark’s; a BMX/Skateboard day; a water-play day with water slides and water guns and mini pools; an after-school firework display with music; afterschool cooking workshops selling the produce to raise money for charity; dart-tag games after school; a joint Christmas party on the last day of term; meeting up in a field for a picnic or party; a joint Summer Fair with each school having their own section to raise money for charity; a special joint school trip; a Halloween celebration; and a sponge cake food fight!
Charlie, Joe, Spencer and Archie enjoying their biscuit break!
2. What event or activity could all of the schools do on the same day to raise money for a local or national charity? A sponsored line dance for Comic Relief; everyone holds hands and sings outside; a sponsored walk from one school to another with stops at each school for a drink or food stalls; setting a World Record sponsored skipping or running or triathlon; a firework and
Holding a community party or a concert; a talent show for the whole community; a big sponsored walk; a movie night in one of the schools; a big street party; an old people’s disco; or maybe a Dance Night; we would like to take some old people to the theatre; we should invite old people to our school event; growing vegetables and fruit with older people; inviting old soldiers in (like Archie’s Grandad); hosting a talk at Larkhall Football Club; more trips to old people’s homes; holding a Christmas Dinner with older people; inviting old people to school for lunch; presenting a ‘show and tell’ in front of old people; and intergenerational tutoring. 4. What would YOU like to know about the school that you will be going to next? I would like to visit Ralph Allen because I like the area; I would like to be able to ride to school; we would like students from other schools to come and visit us at the end of Year 4; I think that you should be able to see the things that you enjoy; we would like to go and see all of the classrooms; we would like to know about after-school clubs; perhaps visits to our school from older pupils to tell us about it; Science visits; meeting the teachers from the new school; having visits to other schools as a year group; possible visits to our school from other schools; have some extra visits to the schools after the Open Days.
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Larkhall wi nt er a rt fair
Student Reporters Ben, James and Ben interviewed local artists Deborah Keiller and Simon Hodges Article written by James Camm
Deborah Keiller The Larkhall Open Studio will exhibit a selection of work from 23 local artists at the New Oriel Hall on Saturday 13 November. The exhibition follows the recent success of the Open Studios at the Larkhall Festival earlier this year.
Simon Hodges his previous career in architecture and his love of landscapes. His work in oil, watercolour and charcoal is both illuminating and intricate. “I like to make sure that the light is absolutely perfect before starting a piece as it makes a huge difference to how you see a building or scene,” said Simon. One of his most recent pieces of the Tythe Barn in Bradford-on-Avon was judged by the Society for All Artists (SAA), winning Simon the prestigious title of Artist of the Year 2010 in the Townscape and Industrial category.
One of the people that will be exhibiting is local visual artist, Deborah Keiller. Deborah’s work is testimony to her background in fine art and textiles and as such many of her pieces reflect her love of working with print and charcoal. Many of her pieces are small, colourful examples, filled with emotion and life. This can be seen in her recent works for Simon has already exhibited his work in local author and poet, Mary Palmer. a number of local galleries, but is particularly excited about the Winter Art Unfortunately, Mary died after a long Fair at the New Oriel Hall. “There are so battle with cancer but before her life many great artists living locally and it is was sadly ended, she wrote an anthol- wonderful to be able to bring them toogy of poems and asked that Deborah gether. It is also quite nerve racking! I should illustrate them with her prints. “I am finding it hard to make sure that I try not to use somber colours when choose the right pieces to exhibit.” working on pieces to accompany Mary’s poetry. I think that she would The exhibition will be running from 10am want there to be a positive feel to them until 7pm, Saturday 13 November. There and for me to make things look as will be a wonderful selection of paintthough there is a good thing to come ings, prints, ceramics, photographs, from the bad,” she said. sculpture and cutting edge conceptual work available for sale, with prices rangAlso looking forward to exhibiting his ing from the affordable to more expenwork is local painter and landscape sive. artist, Simon Hodges. Simon’s work reflects
Exhibiting artists: Nigel ADAMS Wendy BATT Felicity BOWERS Patricia CLOTHIER Clare DAY Paul EYLES Teresa FOSTER Anna GAHLIN Angie GOODMAN Fiona HAINES Simon HODGES Antonella SCARPA-ISLES Deborah KEILLER David LADDS Trevor LILLISTONE Robin MACFARLAN Pat MASON Elise MENGHINI David RINGSELL Vicky SANDER Rick SANDERSON Cathy WELSH Annie WRIGHT
L &L arkhall
ambridge
STREET TO BE NAMED AFTER FORMER LAMBRIDGE COUNCILLOR The late Tony Rhymes, who became the 757th city mayor in 1984 and served Lambridge as a councillor for twenty eight years between 1968 and 1996, is to be honoured by having a new street named after him. The former mayor and Bath-born businessman was a hugely popular figure and did much for the Larkhall community in which he lived. Tony’s political successor, Bryan Chalker, has led the campaign to honour him in this manner and Rhymes Place will form part of a new housing development in Larkhall, just off Bailbrook Lane. The site will consist of two houses, yet to be built, and Rhymes Place will be a cul-de-sac servicing them. Tony Rhymes, who died in 2003 at the age of 72, served on Bath City Council as the Conservative Member for Lambridge between 1968 and 1996, and as Mayor in 1984/85. He was well known in the local area, was a long-standing community champion, as well as serving as Leader of Bath City Council and becoming an Honorary Alderman in 1996.
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Local Police Surgery Updates 1. Bailbrook Lane - Traffic calming and management 2. Raglan Lane - Parking on pavement Next Meetings: 18 Nov 2010 - 6.30pm St Mark’s School 23 March 2011 - 6.30pm St Mark’s School
Larkhall Beat Surgery (drop in) 27 Nov 2010 10.00am - 12.00pm New Oriel Hall
ing director of Blackett Press. As a boy he played cricket and football for Alice Park and subsequently football with Fairfield United and cricket for Fairfield. For eight years Tony Rhymes was president of Larkhall Sports Club and Governor of St. Saviour’s School. Friend and fellow councillor Ian Dewey, who represents Bathavon North, recalled that, “Tony was a man of intense pride in his home city and a figure of great stature and influence in Bath for more many years. He was greatly respected and loved by many people.”
It is hoped that the new houses will be completed before the Summer of Tony served as a technical training in- 2011 and Rhymes Place can be offistructor with the RAF for two years, cially recognised as a lasting memocommencing in 1949, and upon dis- rial to a very special man. charge went on to become manag-
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Why Shop Anywhere Else This Christmas? Close your eyes. Go on, close them and picture Christmas. Christmas shopping to be precise. How are you feeling? Stressed, anxious, dread even, dare we say it....a little afraid!? Christmas shopping is far from pleasurable for most - sitting in hours of traffic, parking fees (if you can find a space), being squashed in over-crowded department stores and queuing from 7.30am for an over-packaged and probably overstuffed Christmas turkey! Surely there must be more to it? We think that we have the solution. For a truly merry Christmas this year, why waste time (and money) sourcing your perfect table, tree and gift list from here, there and everywhere, when everything you could possibly need is right on your doorstep.....and with a smile and friendly conversation too! The wonderful array of shops and businesses in Larkhall can provide everything from the freshest, locally sourced seasonal vegetables at Tony’s Greengrocers to the dazzling decorations on your Christmas tree and almost everything in between. Whether you are planning a family get-together, a festive party or a mid-week meal you are truly spoilt for choice. There is a superb range of conti-
nental meats and cheeses from Goodies Delicatessen (not to mention the delicious freshly baked bread and pastries!); locally reared meats, poultry and game from Gene and his team at Larkhall Butchers; sumptuous champagnes, wines and spirits sourced for their individual qualities and flavours at Tasting Rooms. All of this and much, much more available within a stone’s throw of your home!
Student reporters Ben, James and Ben think they have the answer and write about why it should always be a ‘Larkhallian’ Christmas!
Crockadoodledo for the children. There really is something for everyone. And if this is not enough, behind the scenes at Langbridge’s, staff are busy preparing for their Christmas catalogue launch on November 11th. It is packed full of ideas for decorating your home, cooking up a feast and presents galore! Even better, Langbridge’s promise that everything in their catalogue will not be beaten on price, making shopping locally an For those looking for that extra special gift even more satisfying prospect! Look out this year, why not wander along to the for it arriving in their shop soon, you will Winter Arts Fair at the New Oriel Hall, be glad you did. where 23 local artists will be exhibiting their work, or Swainswick School Christ- So this year, rather than feeling stressed mas Fair on Saturday 20th November be- by all that the festive season might offer, tween 11am and 3pm, a perfect why not experience all that shopping loopportunity to buy locally crafted and cally will offer and really ‘taste the differhandmade gifts and goodies. Not to be ence’? out-done, St Saviour’s will be holding their Christmas Fair on December 4th And if the festive niceties are just too from 12 - 3pm at the School. There will be much to bear, then you can always sit art and craft stalls, festive foods and back and relax, enjoying The Rondo’s Christmas Carols at 1pm - an event sure production of Anti-Panto, a comical take to get you in the mood for a lovely on the seasonal family favourite....not for‘Larkhallian’ Christmas! getting of course, a visit to Emma’s Cafe along the way for a slice of non-festive For the loved-one who has everything, but very delicious carrot cake and mug of why not try a Personal Wine Tasting cour- steaming, and magnificently indulgent, tesy of Tasting Rooms or vouchers for a hot chocolate. New Year treat at Naughty but Nice, even an afternoon of therapeutic painting at After all, there is no need to suffer!
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k
A ‘Larkhallian’ Merry Christmas Food and Drink Larkhall Butchers:
Local Free Range Turkey/Goose/Duck/Chicken Locally Reared in Bathford Beef, Lamb and Pork Last order date 20/12/10 Collection available from 3am to 2pm 24/12/10
Tony’s Greengrocers: Tony’s Greengrocers Locally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Holly, Mistletoe, Fresh Flowers and Seasonal Treats Veg box deliveries available until 24/12/10 (subject to availability)
Goodies: Panettone, Mince Pies, Jams and Chutneys Fresh baked bread, pastries Continental meats, cheeses, salads and olives Open Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm and Sat 8.30am - 5pm
Tasting Rooms:
Christmas Tasting 16/12/10 £30 a head Selection of wines, spirits and champagnes available to order by the bottle or case
Gifts
Treats Entertainment
Bath Pet Centre Gardenalia Tasting Rooms Goodies Langbridge Home Hardware Crockadoodledo Naughty but Nice Mercy in Action Naughty But Nice Emma’s Cafe Alice Park New Oriel Hall www.neworielhall.org.uk The Rondo www.rondotheatre.co.uk Alice Park www.alicepark.co.uk
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News from
New Oriel Hall
New Oriel Hall’s programme for late autumn and winter is rapidly filling up with a myriad of colourful and varied events. Alongside some exciting new regular classes there are lots of ‘one-off ’ happenings, worth jotting down in your diary.
Nursery are holding their traditional Christmas Fayre here, with lots of exciting gifts and lovely things for children to do.
If you went on the Arts Trail during May’s Larkhall Festival you will be aware of the incredibly high standard of art work being produced around our village. The exhibition on 13th November provides the ideal opportunity for all art lovers to come and savour the work of talented local artists. You might even be tempted to buy a picture or two for your own home or for a special friend as a Christmas gift.
All the present buying, parties and special events held over the Christmas period can put strain on the average woman’s purse and to help solve the problem Sarah is organising another of her terrific Clothes Sales, with heaps of fantastic party clothes for sale at affordable prices, so make sure you mark down Friday, November 26th at 7.30 p.m. on your The following weekend, on November 20th, calendar, for a bit of affordable retail therapy the season of Christmas Fayres kicks off, with and fun, with plenty of good company and Swainswick School holding their festive event. laughter. There will be lots of good ideas for Christmas gifts, a cafe and Father Christmas for the What we love about our community hall is little ones. On the following day, to get peothe vast range of activities and events. No ple further in the festive mood, New Oriel one can say life in Larkhall is dull and boring. Hall is home to a carolling workshop. Two weeks later, on December 4th, Hollyhocks If you want to find out more about any of
these ‘one-off ’ events or many of the regular classes and activities available every week, please go onto our web site: www.neworielhall.org.uk. At the click of a mouse you will be able to access more information about everything going on here, with telephone numbers, email addresses etc. If you haven’t got access to a computer please drop into the hall or give us ring on 01225 466606. So whatever your age, why not brighten up the dark days of winter by coming along and joining in the fun. We are sure you won’t regret it.
Early Winter Warmers At The Rondo To warm you up as the nights draw in The Rondo is, as always, the place to go for live entertainment. For a fantastically spooky evening look no further than Nunkie Theatre’s offering Oh Whistle an unforgettable adaptation of two of M R James’ finest ghost stories. Get a drink in, cosy up in the auditorium and have your spine chilled by the master the English ghost story.
an intriguing piece [24th-27th Nov]. The company have a strong track record and anyone who likes a touch of classic tragedy should book now.
Rondo brochure cover star Andrew O’Neill (he of the Twilight-esque pose) is perhaps one of the hottest comedians on the scene right now and his Dec 2nd gig Hot on the heels of that we have 34 Years, should be a must for all lovers of fresh a brave new piece that is not so much new comic talent. Comic talent less fresh but no writing as it is the complete lack of it. A to- less hilarious is on show in spades with An tally improvised show in which two of the Evening with the humour of Bob Newhart three cast members won’t even have met & Tom Lehrer. This fantastically performed before curtain up, if you like your theatre tribute piece to the legends of American daring and innovative - not to be missed comedy is sure to please all with at least a [Sat 20th Nov]. modicum of humour. Bath’s very own Playing Up are producing Kit Marlowe’s classic tale of over-reaching ambition, Dr Faustus, in what looks to be
New Old Friends Theatre Company and directed by The Rondo’s very own Ian McGlynn. The show is a fresh look at pantomime; taking the family friendly form and adding an older comic sensibility, expect alcohol, adult humour, and laughs by the stocking full [8th – 11th Dec] with tickets already selling fast this could be the hot ticket of the season so book early.
Closing the season at The Rondo are local boys-done-good, Port Erin. Their eclectic sound has been heard on the BBC’s airwaves this past year [Thurs 16th Dec] and A particular Christmas treat for those with- they have been winning fans left, right and out young children comes in the form of centre with their 150 nationwide shows. Anti-Panto brought to you by the popular
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A Church In The Dear All, St. Saviour’s Church not only stands in the centre of the Parish but has the privilege of providing many activities for the community. Whether it’s through Day Club, Tuesday 12 noon – 2pm for older people, Toddlers Wednesday 9.45 – 11.15 am for the younger ones, Brownies and Guides on Tuesdays or our young people cell group on a Monday or a Fairtrade Friday coffee morning each week 9.15 am – 12 noon. There is something for everyone. There is a lot going on, but there is always room for more and as a church, we seek to meet the spiritual needs of all ages. In November and December, we look forward to being joined by many, whether it’s at Messy Church (see information below), Remembrance Sunday, the Christmas Fair, our Christingle and Carol Service (Nine lessons and carols) and the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, we look forward to meeting you and helping you to make Christmas this year a spiritually up-
Community
And Available For The Community lifting one. Michael Norman Rector of St Saviour’s The Church Fellowship Centre is also hired out. Regular groups meeting at present are: Mondays 6-7pm and 7-8pm Keep Fit Wednesdays 7pm Keep Fit Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am Kindermusik 1st Thursday of the month 7.30pm Swainswick Ladies The Fellowship Centre is also hired out for childrens parties and one-off meetings. If you would like to know more about any of the above or to enquire about booking please telephone The Rectory Office, Mon, Weds, Fri -5pm on 01225 311637.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT ST SAVIOUR’S CHURCH November: Thurs 11th 10.50am Act of Remembrance Fri 12th 6.30pm Fairtrade Evening Sun 14th 10am Remembrance Day Service with Holy Communion Thurs 18th 3.30 – 5.30pm Messy Church Theme: Lions and Angels. Sat 27th St Saviour’s Christmas Fair December: Thurs 9th 3.30 –5.30pm Messy Church Sun 19th 10am Family Christingle Service 6.30pm Carol Service (Nine Lessons & Carols). CHRISTMAS EVE 4pm Nativity Service 11.30pm Christmas Holy Communion CHRISTMAS DAY 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 10 am Family Christmas Celebration Service (followed by shortened Holy Communion) January 2011: Thurs 20th 3.30 –5.30 pm Messy Church April 2011: Thursday 7th 7pm Confirmation with the Bishop of Taunton If you would like to be confirmed contact Rector - Revd. Michael Norman 01225 311637
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The
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Legends Larkhall of
By Bryan Chalker THE FOURTH AND FINAL CHAPTER OF OUR SAGA DEVOTED TO ALICE PARK FOCUSES ON SOME OF THE RARE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE WALLIS FAMILY WHICH CAME TO LIGHT DURING OUR RESEARCHES INTO THIS FASCINATING CORNER OF LAMBRIDGE. The whole story of Alice Park is tinged with sadness, because Alice herself died so young in 1936 but her husband, Herbert, saw to it that her name would live on in a small park devoted to her memory. The MacVicars adored children and legend has it that it was a childless marriage but there has been a suggestion that Alice did conceive but the baby died within a few days. We’ll probably never know the truth about this, or how Alice met Herbert in the first place but what has emerged is that they certainly moved to Bath prior to 1915, because the legendary cricketer, W.G. Grace, a frequent visitor to The Elms, died in October of that year. Dr. William Gilbert Grace, to give him his full name, was born on July 18, 1848 at Downend, near Bristol and died at Mottingham, Kent and is buried in Elmer’s End Cemetery, near Penge. Herbert MacVicar was an avid follower of cricket and it says much for his social standing in the area that he was able to rub shoulders with a man who, although an English amateur, is widely acknowledged as the greatest cricketer of all time.
Alice’s side of the union and a casual glimpse at just some of the archive photographs on offer reveals the Wallis family to have enjoyed an opulent lifestyle. The cars alone, a six-cylinder Standard and what appears to be a RollsRoyce Silver Ghost, were the toys of the wealthy – and the house where Alice and her sisters were raised, Greylands, a truly majestic pile. We have mentioned in previous articles that the Wallis family’s wealth obviously came from the Kimberley, South Africa, diamond fields and Alice’s father, Henry Boyd Wallis, was undoubtedly a shrewd and wily operator. Alice and Herbert were married in 1927 and the rest, they say, is history. The park remains as a memorial to one of four beautiful sisters, Frances Alice Harriet MacVicar nee Wallis. When Alice was alive The Elms was surrounded by grazing land but in 1938, almost two years after her death, the fields were lovingly transformed into the park we know today and we are currently working on providing a permanent memorial plaque to honour a gracious lady who played host to a legendary cricketer and befriended an equally iconic authoress, Agatha Christie.
Whilst Herbert’s background remains shrouded in mystery, we do know that he was born in Rayleigh, Essex, in 1872 and in later years was described as a ‘scholar’. To say that the MacVicars were comfortably off is probably putting it mildly but it does seem BRYAN CHALKER – Member Champion for highly probable that any wealth came from Heritage & Historic Environment
Photos clockwise from top right: The Bride and Groom - Alice Wallis and Herbert MacVicar; left to right Evelyn, Alice, Amy and Dorothy Wallis; Queen Mary at the lily-pond, Alice Park, during World War Two (when leaving the Elms, Queen Mary took with her a huge book of etchings made by Queen Victoria. By Queen Mary’s wish, and with consent of the King, these etchings went to Windsor Castle); W.G.Grace; Graylands, Alice’s family home in Sussex, and W.G.Grace
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Our season so far! By Larkhall Athletic, First Team Coach, Barry Crease After last season’s 14th place in our first year in the Western Premier league, the management signed several players to improve our squad going into the new season. Most notable were three new strikers in Nat Auckland, Gary Banks and Dan Kovacs and two new central defenders in Nick Hudson and Matt Ralph. Dan has since decided to return to the lower division and in the last week we have replaced him with Tyler Sibbick. We went into the season with renewed confidence and that has proved to be well founded, starting our season with a hard earned draw away at rivals, Longwell Green. Three wins on the trot in the league followed, pushing us up into the top three. A disappointing away performance at Bishop Sutton saw our progress halted however, as we were beaten 3-0 by a side we had already beaten at Plain Ham a few weeks earlier. Good teams show the ability to bounce back and we did that in style with a home 5-1 win over Dawlish, Nat Auckland bagging a hat trick. That result put the Larks top of the league for a short time.
As we write this, our latest results are a 6-0 away win at Hallen and a 2-0 win at home to league leaders, Corsham Town. With a few ex-Corsham players in our team, it was a real test of their commitment and drive to play great football for the Larks. In Cup competitions things have not gone so well. In the FA Cup, we lost away to an excellent Paulton Rovers from the Southern League. We were equally disappointed with an under par performance in the FA Vase. Our Wembley dreams are temporarily over for this season! Our reserve side headed up by new manager, Chris Carr, have remained unbeaten since he joined and their latest result was a resounding 8-1 home win against Timsbury. This result elevates them to mid-table and shows that they have the squad to push on and challenge the top of the table in the
Somerset 1st division. It has been a very good start for the club but it is a long season and we know that we will have to produce consistent performances throughout the next seven months to be challenging for the title, but we are full of confidence at the moment. You can do your bit to help that confidence grow by coming along and supporting the teams at Plainham. We look forward to seeing you there! Barry Crease, First Team Coach
Transition Larkhall
gardening Blog
Welcome to the new blog about the Larkhall community garden, and tips from Transition Larkhall on growing your own. You may not have seen it yet, but Larkhall has a new community garden. At the time of writing, it looks like some marked-out plots in a triangle of grass next to Alice Park, but there are grand plans. With the help of volunteers, we’re going to start digging, and building raised vegetable beds, and planting, so that it becomes a place where people can learn about growing their own fruit and veg and enjoy sharing skills. The idea is for it to be a resource for everyone who’s interested – individuals, schools, community groups. One of the first things we’d like to do is find a name for this space: it can’t stay as ‘You know, that bit of ground behind the hedge at the side of Alice Park’. Sug-
gestions so far include Wonderland and The fruit trees and bushes – Kathy. Secret Garden – but what would you like it to be called? Email your ideas to karolinetran- * You can sow some types of broad beans in sition@yahoo.co.uk. November for an early crop, and grow winter lettuces and spinach – Kathy. Come along and visit too – grab a coffee from the Alice Park cafe and take a look at what’s * It’s surprisingly easy to make large cloches going on. Or watch for notices about volun- (covers to keep plants warm) from plastic teer days – you’ll be welcome whether you’re water piping bent into hoops and covered an expert or complete beginner. with 2m-wide polythene from the garden centre. Last winter I was able to keep chard, Each issue we’ll be sharing thoughts and ad- lettuces, parsley, coriander and spring onions vice from members. Here are some autumn- going through the winter in mine – John. to-winter growing tips: * I always put tulip bulbs in vegetable beds * It’s a season for winding things down, and that won’t be used till late spring for early feeding the ground – pile the manure round spring cheer; they feed the soul – Kathy.
Transition Larkhall is a voluntary community-led initiative that aims to support Larkhall as it adapts to the changes demanded by the challenges of Climate Change and Peak Oil. Practically, this means measures such as helping people towards insulating their homes, grant applications for renewable energy in schools, and supporting local shops and food production.
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Keeping Poultry, A Hen called Annie and Dr Fox The
Larkhall
Village Kitchen THE COLUMN THAT PUTS CREATIVITY BACK INTO COOKING WITH THE MAJORITY OF INGREDIENTS SOURCED FROM LARKHALL SHOPS, GARDENS OR ALLOTMENTS. BEETROOT JAM This was a popular recipe from the Second World War and the humble beetroot is now known to be highly nutritious. It’s also extremely easy to grow and you can even eat the leaves in salads, or add them to stews. Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs of raw beetroot 3 large tablespoonfuls of syrup 3 rounded teaspoonfuls of sugar 3 tablespoonfuls of fruit squash or cordial red colouring plenty of fruit flavouring, such as pineapple or raspberry Method: Wash the unpeeled beetroot thoroughly, peel thinly and trim off the parts not required. Rinse once more and then cut into long pieces about an inch thick. Put these through a mincer by inserting the points of longish pieces first. Make sure that all pieces of beetroot, minced and otherwise, are kept on enamelled or china plates to avoid staining. You can also grate the beetroot if preferred. Put syrup and sugar into a fairly large saucepan and boil until slightly brown. Add the prepared beetroot with all the juice – it ought to be about one-and-a-half inches deep. Stir until the mixture starts to boil again, cover with a lid and adjust the heat so that the jam will continue to boil gently. After 20-minutes boiling, add the squash, colouring and flavouring. Now taste the jam! If the little bits are fairly soft, continue to boil without the lid. If they still seem hard, cook for a while longer with the lid on. In any case, you should cook the jam for 10-15 minutes without the lid on. Check for flavouring again. Remember to stir the jam from time to time and always smooth the top of the mixture when you continue boiling to ensure an even substance when cooked. This jam is not a preserve but it will keep in a cool place for almost two weeks and makes a pleasing seasonal addition to the table. Enjoy!
By Mark Minkler, Senior Vet Beaufort Veterinar y Surger y I was 12 years of age when we acquired six ex-battery hens. They arrived looking disheveled and scared, but very quickly they grew beautiful feathers and enjoyed their new freedom exploring our small field and dealing with all the attention from their new friend and keeper. I took great care of them, providing the best food and grit and protecting them from the foxes but I did not understand the hidden dangers, and sadly one day after a short mystery illness my favourite hen, Annie, died. I was 24 years of age when I attended a particular parasitology lecture at the Royal Veterinary College. I confess to only half listening as the lecturer, Dr. Fox, began to describe in detail the clinical signs of poultry affected by the parasite Syngamus trachea, otherwise known as gape worm. I suddenly sat up in a heightened state of attention and quiet emotion as the memories of poor Annie flooded back, and the realisation that she had died of gape worm. I recall this true story as a lesson in what is preventative medicine. Keeping poultry has become very popular, and it is lovely to have fresh eggs and care for the animals that give us food. But we have a duty to be knowledgeable about their husbandry needs, and care for them the best we can. The internet is a powerful research tool, and there are many books on keeping poultry, but the best source of information is often talking to people who have experience and firsthand knowledge, especially other poultry keepers and your vet. Preventative medicine and animal husbandry is the key to keeping animals free from disease and in good health, and your vet will be happy to help you answer any questions. We need to consider housing and environment; feeding, hygiene and cleanliness; internal and external parasite control; protection from predators; whether vaccinations are needed; life stage needs and, most importantly, normal behavioural and social needs. There is a lot to think about, but I know, if you want to keep hens, you want them to be happy and healthy!
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Alice at the egg this Christmas join
on her journey
Beyond the looking glass. Everything’s contrariwise. O frabjous day! it’ll be brilling! After the huge success of the egg’s Christmas productions The Nutcracker (also adapted by Hattie Naylor) and Around the World in 80 Days last year, the egg brings to life another thrilling version of a classic story for family audiences. Alice Through The Looking Glass runs from Friday 10th December to Sunday 5th January.
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If you would like the chance to win a frabjous family ticket for 4 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children) to watch ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS at the egg theatre on Friday 10th December at 7.30pm just enter the COMPETITION! All you have to do is paint or draw a picture entitled ‘Alice Through The Looking Glass’ and submit it to: The Editor, The Larkhall News, St Mark’s School, Baytree Road, Larkhall, BA1 6ND by Wednesday 1st December. Make sure that your name, address, school and a contact telephone number are clearly written on the back of your picture. Entrants must be aged 6 - 16 and have the permission of their parent or carer. The winning entry and two runners up will also have their picture displayed at the egg theatre throughout the production!