The Villager Minsterworth News
Tortoiseshell butterfly By Paul Fowler Minsterworth Photographic Club
September 2018
Price 30p Edition 191
Dear Readers,
More 4* bores in September (see p4) you can see decent bores mid- morning, but mid-week, not at weekends sadly. Lots going on in September, take a look.
Paula
Closing copy date for the October edition is Saturday 15th September 2018 but earlier is even better!
All items for consideration to:- Paula Ruffley, Editor The Villager E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01452 751226.
Responsibility is not accepted for the accuracy of submitted items nor the content of advertisements.
KERBSIDE RECYCLING - SEPTEMBER
BLUE bin & caddy GREEN & BROWN bin & caddy (recycling) (landfill) (garden)
Tuesday 11 Tuesday 4
Wednesday 25 Tuesday 18
10.00 – 10.30 Mobile library Friday 21st September outside school
Page 2
Profuse apologies to those who turned up for the coffee morning on Saturday 28th July, only to find that it had been cancelled. Very remiss of us not to have given the cancellation greater publicity. After the Fete we did not want to impose a 'social overload' on the Village!
The next village hall social will be on Saturday 27th October, with cakes, coffees, book stall and other things of interest.
I also didn’t mention that there was no Parish Council meeting in August, sorry. Ed
Going for a song Again!
An Antiques Evening
7-30 Friday 21st September at Minsterworth Village Hall with Thomas Jenner-Fust of Chorleys (& lately of Christies & Bonhams)
Refreshments
[Tickets £8 from Rita 01452 750128]
Page 3
September Severn Bores Date Day Time Tide Prospect 10 Mon 21.31 10.1 **** 11 Tue 09.56 9.9 *** 11 Tue 22.12 10.2 **** 12 Weds 10.36 9.7 ***
Page 4 HISTORICAL SNIPPETS AROUND MINSTERWORTH
The crime novelist Agatha Christie (whose husband was an archaeologist) once said; “An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets the more interested he is in her.” I can’t comment on the ‘husband’ bit, but it’s certainly true that, as an amateur archaeologist myself, I am constantly interested in ‘old things’ that have been dug up – especially if they have been unearthed here in Minsterworth.
Over the years a number of villagers have dug up interesting objects in their gardens and passed them on to me for investigation, which I am always pleased to do.
The latest to occur comes about from the recent digging of a grave in the riverside graveyard here in Minsterworth and the unearthing of an approximately 700 year-old fragment of pot, which was found at a depth of around 7 feet:
It is a base shard of a circular vessel with an outward curving side on which there are still traces of green glaze (the inside is unglazed). The curvature of the base suggests a base diameter of about 8”.
From what I have been able to discover, the material of which the vessel is made is a pottery ware known to have been in use in Gloucestershire in the 13th and 14th centuries most commonly in the form of large jugs, typically used to contain beer or cider. Here is what the complete jug would have looked like:
Continued on p6
Page 5
Continued from p5
I’m intrigued by where the pot was found. The grave dug was in a part of the churchyard close to the modern day riverbank and the earth right down to the bottom of the grave was solid sandy clay typical of river silt built up over a very very long time.
I’m sure that in centuries past the river was much wider than today so the find spot must have been river bed. We can only speculate how it came to be there. Perhaps the jug was thrown into the river by a boozy Minsterworth man, perhaps it was carried down- or up-stream by currents. Equally possible is that it was thrown overboard by sailors on a passing trow. Whatever, having settled on the riverbed it gradually became buried by centuries of river silt.
TMS
“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Page 6
Neighbourhood Watch Update
New approach to neighbourhood policing in Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire Constabulary is now offering a new approach to neighbourhood policing, working with communities to deliver the needs they identify and provide a more consistent service across the county. This is being delivered in line with the Police and Crime Commissioner's plan to make neighbourhood policing a priority, and in response to public opinion. The Force has pledged to make local policing accessible by providing a dedicated, named PCSO in every neighbourhood so that everyone knows who their local bobby is and how to contact them. The 55 dedicated PCSOs are the first point of contact for local concerns, but they work as part of a bigger team protecting the local and wider communities. They know their neighbourhood and the people living in it. They will be at the school gate to talk to parents, go into care homes and sheltered houses to talk to residents about the issues that are concerning them, and attend the events that matter in the community. As well as the dedicated PCSOs each neighbourhood team includes police constables and sergeants who work, sometimes behind the scenes, on a wide range of issues such as Dangerous Drugs Networks, tracking down paedophiles and the organised crime groups which are targeting our rural communities. They in turn are supported by other specialist teams including those looking after vulnerable children, those investigating major crimes and firearms officers. The new offer has come at a time when many forces are having to make cuts in neighbourhood policing, including PCSOs, but, thanks to prudent spending decisions, Gloucestershire Constabulary has chosen to invest instead. The aim is to ensure that the service members we give is the best it can be every time and whilst we can't promise to get it right every time we can promise to work with communities to find the best possible solutions. We need members of the public to tell us what their local concerns are, by contacting their dedicated officer in the first instance. Gloucestershire Constabulary aims to continue delivering a professional service that we, and the public, can be proud of. https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/neighbourhood-policing/your-local-policing- service-has-changed/ use this link for further information.
Fraser Gunn On behalf of West Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Watch Association and Gloucestershire Constabulary
Page 7
Come and see, feed and stroke our beautiful fallow deer, our wonderful collections of peacocks, waterfowl, pheasants and the amusing pygmy goats ... all very tame and will feed from your hand! NEW VISITOR CENTRE OPEN!
Give your child a magical birthday party in our beautiful gypsy caravan!
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812 727 • www.thebirdpark.com The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX
Page 8
St Peter’s
P. C . C .
The Whist Drive
The ‘Beast from the East’ seems to be in the dim and distant past now, and at the August whist drive we were glad to be able to keep the outer door open so as to try and keep cool. A pleasant evening resulted in £58.50 for church funds. As always, thank you to all who helped in any way.
The next whist drive will be on Monday 3rd September at Minsterworth Village Hall, starting at
7.30pm.
200 Club The winners of the August draw were as follows:- £50 No. 172 Frank Martyn £20 No. 141 Ivor Smith £10 No. 066 Barbara Coldwell
Church Service times & Flower rota September Date Time Service Flowers 2nd 11am Family Service Sharon Ingham 2nd 5pm Evensong Sharon Ingham 9th 11am Holy Communion Sharon Ingham 16th 5pm Evening Prayer Sarah McHale 23rd 9.30am Holy Communion Sarah McHale 30th 10am Benefice Communion Pat Haisell-Neves
Please note that the Benefice Communion service is at Blaisdon church starting at 10am.
Page 9
MINSTERWORTH READING GROUP
This month's book was rather unusual. The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson was set in the 18th century and tells the story of Tom a stable boy who was given the task of looking after two elephants -- some of the first ever to set foot in England. Most people then did not know what an elephant looked like or how to care for one, and many of these exotic creatures died because of peoples' ignorance.
Tom and the elephants had many adventures, some happy, some tragic, but it was due to his good sense and humanity that one elephant survived and he decided to spend the rest of his life looking after it.
On the whole the book was very well received, though a few thought the ending unsatisfactory. PL
On Wednesday 5th September we will review ‘Long Road from Jarrow: a journey through Britain then and now’ by Stuart Maconie. Ring Vicki on 07515 255685 for further information.
Touching the Sun
NASA launched the Parker probe in August 2018 to go closer to the Sun than any spacecraft has reached. The probe will have to withstand heat and radiation never previously experienced by any spacecraft. And the mission will also address questions that couldn’t be answered before. Researchers say that understanding the Sun will aid our understanding of Earth’s place in the solar system.
The Parker solar probe will use Venus’ gravity to help it into orbit around the Sun by doing seven flybys of Venus.
Continued on p20
Page 10
Whether disabled or not:
Please Do Come on Sunday September Second at 5pm to St Peters Church Minsterworth GL2 8JJ where Bishop David Jenkins will Preach and Dedicate The Panova Lift
CHAVENAGE HOUSE Near TETBURY, GLOS. GL2 8XP Learn of the two families that have occupied the house since the reign of Elizabeth I. Hear of the legends and stories (especially the ghosts).
Open May thru’ Sept. 2-5pm on Thurs & Suns. Plus Easter Sun & Mon & Bank Holiday Mondays. Guided tours by the owner or his family. Group visits (20 plus) on any day at any time throughout the year by prior arrangement.
For further information please contact: Caroline Lowsley-Williams, Chavenage, Tetbury, Gloucestershire Tel: 01666 502329 e-mail [email protected]
Page 11
DEGREES
Get hands-on with the food supply chain, THAT GET focusing on crops, livestock or international systems. Learn on our commercial farm and gain experience through YOU OUT an industry placement each year. IN THE Book an open day www.hartpury.ac.uk/ FIELD uni-opendays
A fleeing Taliban fighter, desperate for water, was lost in the Afghanistan desert when he saw something far off in the distance.
Hoping to find water he hurried towards the ‘object’ only to find a little old man at a small stand selling ties. The Taliban fighter asked, “Do you have water?!!”
The old man replied, “I have no water. Would you like to buy a tie? They’re only $5.”
The Taliban fighter shouted, “Idiot! I do not need an overpriced tie! I need water! I should kill you, but I must find water first!”
“OK”, said the old man, “It does not matter that you do not want to buy a tie and that you hate me. I will show you that I am bigger than that. If you continue over that hill for about 2 miles you will find a lovely restaurant. It has all the ice cold water you need.”
Muttering, the Taliban fighter staggered away over the hill. Several hours later he staggered back, almost dead.
“Your brother won’t let me in without a tie.”
Page 12
Page 13
Visit to Imperial War Museum London Sunday September 16th 2018
Tickets for the visit are £20 each with only 10 remaining.
Tickets are available from Minsterworth Garage, Malcolm Pobjoy 750667, Terry Bourne 750209 or any member of Minsterworth R.B.L.
The coach will leave the Village Hall at 8.30am.
Hot & cold refreshments are available at the museum.
Military History
Sept 9th 1943 Invasion of Italian mainland at Salerno Sept 13th 1759 Capture of Quebec Sept 15th 1976 WRNS officer training moves to Dartmouth Sept 29th 1758 Admiral Nelson born
Terry Bourne, Chairman Minsterworth & District R.B.L.
Minsterworth & District Royal British Legion
Please consider joining the R.B.L. Military service is not necessary, by becoming a member of the R.B.L. you will help to increase the membership and assist in remembering those who gave their all and those who suffered and are still suffering. We must remember all of them and ensure that remembrance services and poppy days are still able to be performed.
We meet in Minsterworth Village Hall at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday each month except August and December. Please come and join us.
Terry Bourne, Chairman Minsterworth & District R.B.L.
Page 14
Westbury Post Office and Stores
Off on your holidays? Order foreign currency with us for next day collection or travel money cards for home delivery. –------
We continue to stock a wide range of groceries and household goods, from baked beans and cereal to biscuits and cleaning products. Pop in to see how much!
------Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm 01452 760682
Page 15
We tailor a plan that’s right for you. Our Financial Advisers are here Pop in for a chat at the to share NFU Mutual’s wealth of Gloucester Ofce, contact knowledge and experience to us at gloucester_agency@ answer your questions and bring nfumutual.co.uk or clarity and focus to your goals. call 01452 382272. We can help you develop When you get in touch we’ll relevant strategies to invest and explain the advice services we protect your wealth and use offer and the charges. appropriate products and NFU Mutual Financial Advisers services to help you reach your advise on NFU Mutual products financial goals. and selected products from As your circumstances change, specialist providers. stay in touch so your financial Financial advice is provided by goals can reflect any life NFU Mutual Select Investments changes. TRUSTED FINANCIAL Limited. ADVICE THE NFU MUTUAL WAY
nfumutual.co.uk/gloucester
Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.
A man walks into a bar with his dog.
“This is a talking dog. If this dog can answer my questions will you buy me a drink?” “You can have one on the house” the bartender says. The man turns to his dog. “What goes on the top of a house?” Dog: “Roof” Man: “What does tree bark feel like?” Dog: “Rough!” Man: “Who is the greatest baseball player ever?” Dog: “Ruth!” The bartender is clearly annoyed and snaps at the man. “That’s enough! You and your dog get out!!!” The dog looks sadly at his owner. “Should I have said DiMaggio?”
Page 16
• Purpose built Accredited Veterinary Hospital with extensive parking • Providing professional veterinary care for all Companion animals including Exotics • Long established farm animal service offering expert opinion on all common farm animals • 24 Hour care with a vet and nurse on site 24 hours • Fully stocked pet shop supplying all the needs of your pets at the vets
Opening Hours Contact Us Monday-Friday 8am till 7pm Tel: 01452 543990 Saturday 9am till 5pm www.woodvet.co.uk Sunday 10am till 4pm Emergency Out of Hours 24/7
Wood Veterinary Group Branch Practice 125 Bristol Road 83 Windermere Road Quedgeley Longlevens Gloucester Gloucester GL2 4NB GL2 0LZ
Coffee Morning at Minsterworth Village Hall
Saturday 27th October 10am – 11.30am
The Village Hall will open for Minsterworth people and their friends to get together, have a drink and a chat.
Free entry
Funds raised for Minsterworth Village Hall
Page 17 Minsterworth Village Hall Registered charity 255668
Available to hire Booking clerkClerk – – Brian Lynne Billingham Cottam – 01452 01452 750477 750492
A beautiful, traditional Hall with a stage, well-equipped kitchen and recreation ground. Suitable for outdoor events and marquees.
Main Road, Minsterworth, Gloucester GL2 8JH
e-mail – [email protected] Website – www.minsterworth.org
Page 18
Minsterworth Wine tasting thanks
Thank you to all the people who came to the wine tasting on 20th July. We had a splendid evening with Vic Martindale giving an informative and entertaining presentation of his fine selection of wines.
Many thanks to all the people who helped set up & clear up, and of course to the pourers and to those who prepared the cheese & biscuits & decorated the tables.
We made £252.63 for the Village Hall. Paula
My silence spoke a thousand words but you never heard them. Anon
Page 19
FOR YOUR DIARY
September 2018 Date Event Page
2 Panova Lift dedication 11 3 St Peter’s PCC Whist Drive 9 5 Minsterworth Reading Group 12 11 The School Project 8 16 RBL visit to Imperial War Museum 14 21 Going for a song – again 3
Recycling Collection dates 2 Mobile Library dates 2
Continued from p10
The probe will reach a speed of 430,000 miles per hour around the Sun, setting a record for the fastest man made object. On Earth this speed would enable travel from London to Weston-Super-Mare in one second.
The mission will enable us to better understand solar wind and its impact on Earth. The probe was named after the living astrophysicist Eugene Parker who predicted solar wind in 1958 when scientists believed that the space between planets was a vacuum, rejecting his paper. Parker was proved correct by satellite observations less than 2 years later. Now doesn’t that sound familiar... Otember 2018
Page 20