Seend & Bulkington

November 2017

1

DIARY DATES FOR LATE OCTOBER 28th WEA Day School, upstairs in Seend Community Centre, 10am-4pm (enrol online at wea.org.uk) 28th Seend Neighbourhood Plan committee meeting, Pavilion 7.30pm 29th Pumpkin Day at The Brewery Inn, Seend Cleeve, from 1pm 30th Seend Parish Council Meeting, upstairs in Community Centre, 7.30 pm

DIARY DATES FOR NOVEMBER 1st Seend Shuttle to Salisbury (call 01225 706526 by Monday 30th Oct) 1st Bulkington Village Lunch, The Well, 12.15 pm 2nd Vinegar Gig, Pavilion, 7pm 3rd Coffee Morning, Seend Community Centre, 10.30 am 3rd Café Church for Advent 8th Buzz Group, 33 Littleton Willows, Semington 4 pm 9th Maureen Allchin‟s talk on Road Trip around Namibia, Pavilion, 7.30 pm. 10th Deadline for applications for Seend PC Clerk vacancy 11th Armistice Day, Seend War Memorial, 10.50am 12th Remembrance Sunday services at all churches 13th Mobile Library; 9.40 am Seend The Lye: 10.05 am Seend Cleeve phone box: 11.05 am Well In car park, Bulkington 16th WI Craft Afternoon, Pavilion, 2-4pm 16th Seend Community Centre Annual Meeting, upstairs Village Room, 7pm 17th Eric Lepine‟s Pop-Up Restaurant (North African cuisine), Pavilion, 7 pm 17th Rural Arts, Sean Lakeman & Kathryn Roberts, Community Centre Lounge, 7.30 pm 18th LAST DATE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEC/JAN SPOTLIGHT 18th Macmillan Coffee Morning at The Brewery Inn, 10.30am 18th Seend Churchyard Autumn Clean Up, 10am-noon 19th Seend Ramblers, Ramsbury 10.15am 19th Seend Bellringers WWI remembrance, 5.30pm 24th Seend Playgroup Christmas Shopping, Pavilion, 7 – 9 pm 25th The Elvis Show, Community Centre, 7 pm. SOLD OUT! 27th Seend Parish Council Meeting, upstairs in Community Centre, 7.30 pm 29th Brewery Inn Monthly Fun Quiz, 8 pm 29th Nosh and Natter lunch, Seend Community Centre, 12 for 12.30 pm 30th Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Committee Meeting, Pavilion, 7.30 pm 30th Serendipity Handbells, Bulkington Ladies Group, Bulkington Village Hall, 7.30pm 30th Deadline for voting for your favourite pub – see p.23.

DIARY DATES FOR EARLY DECEMBER 3rd Café Church, Seend, 11am 5th Christmas Wine Circle, Seend Community Centre, 8pm 8th FoSS Christmas Fayre, Seend School, 6-8pm 11th Carols at Cleeve House, 7.30pm

Newcomer to Seend? Call in at the shop/PO and ask for your copy of the Welcome booklet, which tells you all you need to know about the village.

Visit www.seend.org.uk and the Spotlight facebook page: www.facebook.com/seendspotlight

2

Welcome to November Spotlight

November is, of course, the month when we remember the fallen of two World Wars and other conflicts, whether with red poppies for remembrance or white poppies for peace. Details of commemorative services are given within this magazine. We’ve received a wonderful photo of a celebration in Seend (looks like in the WI Hall) at the end of WWII, from Roger Urch in Weston-super-Mare, which we had hoped to put on the front cover this month but the reproduction quality is not good enough to do so. Roger identified members of the Abbott family in the photo, including Cecil Abbott who made the cross from wood from the SS Great Britain that is in Seend Church. We shall put the photo and description on the Seend website and the Spotlight facebook page.

Moral of the month: book early! If you were hoping to attend the British Legion‟s Elvis Night on 28th you‟re too late. It‟s sold out. And the Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman performance (BBC Folk Duo of the Year 2016) on 17th has limited tickets as it is being held in the Lounge at the Community Centre, so you‟d better book early for that. Other things to book for are Eric‟s pop-up restaurant, Maureen‟s talk on Namibia and the Christmas Wine Circle. There‟s never a dull moment in our villages!

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Through no fault of their own, Seend Branch of the Royal British Legion have been unable to obtain sufficient envelopes for the Poppy Appeal at the time of writing. About half of residents of Seend should find an envelope inside this magazine, which will be collected as usual between now and Remembrance Sunday. (Please fill in the Gift Aid information if you are a UK taxpayer.) It is hoped that RBL collectors will be able to call on everyone with additional envelopes available.

Spotlight Contacts: Contributions for the December 2017/January 2018 edition (copy by Saturday 18th November please) can be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to Seend Post Office. Editors: Tessa Doe (01380 828617) and Sue Isaac (828461). Please note that you should always send emailed items to the Spotlight address, not to Sue or Tessa – even if they have emailed you from their own email address – just in case they are not around. Joanna Goddard (828488) organises printing Mondays and also types up the items left at Seend PO. Fiona Johnson is the contact for delivery (828401) and Chris Brooker (828047) for advertising. Do let

Joanna or Fiona know if you can help. Lost emails: Emails to Spotlight sometimes go astray for no obvious reason. If email correspondents don‟t receive an acknowledgement by the end of the Monday after the Spotlight deadline, please ring Tessa or Sue (see above) to check if all is well. And please note the following. When sending emails to [email protected] please include the word SPOTLIGHT in uppercase as the first word of the Subject. This will help the editorial team sifting through all the messages stopped by the SPAM filter, which sometimes include genuine messages for SPOTLIGHT. PDFs: We cannot normally use PDF files of posters etc as they require a specific shape and space. Word documents give us the flexibility to adapt your wording and pictures to fit the space available. Thanks. 1

VILLAGE EVENTS IN NOVEMBER and beyond (For Bulkington events see pages 11-12)

November in Seend Community Centre, Rusty Lane, SN12 6NS

First Friday Coffee Morning in the Lounge from 10.30am on Friday 3rd November Proper coffee (or tea) and home-made cake for just £2. All welcome. - Nosh and Natter Lunch Club Wednesday 29th November, 12 for 12.30pm. Call 828638 to book.

Rural Arts Wiltshire Friday 17th November, 7.30pm The fantastic Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman - folk aristocracy! Tickets £10 from Seend PO or the Community Centre.

Events at the Brewery Inn Macmillan Coffee Morning – Saturday 18th November, 10.30am Monthly Fun Quiz - Wednesday 29th November 8pm

THE ELVIS SHOW with international star Garry J Foley Saturday 25th November 2017 – 7pm in Seend Community Centre Tickets £20 (to include dinner) from 01380 828491, 828612 or from Seend PO. (Special diets catered for if notified in advance) All proceeds to the Royal British Legion.

A GIG AT THE IRENE USHER HALL EDWARD PENFOLD with VINEGAR Thursday 2nd November Doors open 7.00pm - Tickets £5.00 on the door

SEEND COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL MEETING Thursday 16th November at 7pm upstairs in the Village Room All Seend Club members and supporters of the Community Centre welcome! (Nibbles on the bar afterwards!)

Eric Lepine’s Pop Up Restaurant Friday 17th November 7pm in the Pavilion Banquet of North African specialities – paying bar Tickets £27.50 from [email protected] or call 07787 557599 ______

2

A Road Trip around Namibia

An illustrated and fun talk by Maureen Allchin, on Thursay 9th November 2017 at 7.30pm in Seend Pavilion. Tickets: £10 (to include a Ploughman’s Supper), Licensed Bar and Raffle: from Anne Saywell (828931) or Liz Futter (828485)

Christmas Carols at Cleeve House, Seend led by The Seend Singers Monday 11th December at 7.30pm Come and join our Carol singing followed by refreshments There will be a Collection in aid of Wiltshire Young Carers Trowbridge Road, Seend, SN12 6PG 01380 827 129 [email protected] www.cleeve-house.com ______

Christmas Shopping Evening Friday 24th November 7 pm to 9 pm FREE ENTRY Gift Stalls Raffle…..Mulled Wine Irene Usher Pavilion, Rusty Lane, Seend All proceeds towards Seend Playgroup www.seendplaygroup.com ______Seend Wine Circle Suggestions for the festive season - 8.00pm on Saturday 5th December Seend Community Centre, Rusty Lane, Seend, SN12 6NS Just imagine: the bird is on order, the Christmas edition of the Radio Times is safely secured and the Christmas cake is well and truly soaked. Attention should now be turning to your Christmas guests and what wine to offer them. The December Seend Wine Circle will be presenting you with some ideas for wines you may find accompany your celebrations perfectly. We may even rustle up a mince pie! Come and join us on 5th December to taste the wines we have chosen. Closing date for bookings will be 1st December if not fully booked beforehand. E mail [email protected] if you require more information or would like to confirm you‟re coming. Tickets are £12 each including wine, bread and cheese.

3

Advance notice - BURNS NIGHT 2018 Seend Community Centre on Saturday 27th January Four- course meal with all the Burns Night traditional add-ons. Tickets £20/person available at [email protected] with BURNS NIGHT in the subject line. Also at the Community Centre, Seend Post Office or by calling Hatty on 01380 828380. Table bookings in multiples of 8 available. Proceeds in aid of Seend Community Centre. More details in Dec/Jan Spotlight.

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Please let us know of any births, marriages, deaths, special birthdays, thanks, information etc that you would like to see included here.)

SEEND PARISH COUNCIL, WILTSHIRE VANCANCY FOR PARISH CLERK AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER Seend Parish Council is looking to appoint a Parish Clerk & RFO with the drive, determination and organisational skills to manage a varied workload. In addition to managing the day-to-day work of the Parish Council, the post holder will work closely with Councillors to plan and implement the aims and objectives of the Council. Salary LC1 SCP 18 – 22, currently £9.392 - £10.739 per hour depending on experience and qualifications; minimum of 9 hours per week, working from home, including attendance at evening meetings. (The number of hours is currently under review and will be confirmed at interview.) Seend has a population of 1,132 (2011 census). The Parish Council consists of 11 Councillors, and its current Precept is £13,256, and it owns and rents allotment gardens in the village. Parish Council meetings are held in the evening, on the last Tuesday of each month, and there may be additional meetings from time to time. Applicants must have administrative and financial experience, ideally in local government; the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm for working with residents and local organisations. For the Job Description & Application Form please email [email protected] Please note, applicants must complete and return the application form. Closing date for all applications: Friday 10th November 2017. Interviews will be in the period 15th to 22nd November 2017 inclusive.

NEW POLICE CONTACT FOR OUR PARISH PCSO Maggie LEDBURY ( Internal: 101 Ext 77436089 or Mobile: 07471028939 : [email protected] Divisional Headquarters, Hampton Park West, Semington. SN12 6QQ

INMARSH LANE – PARKING PROBLEMS Residents of Inmarsh Lane have contacted the Parish Council asking for their help in resolving a problem they are experiencing with inconsiderate parking in Inmarsh Lane, close to the junction with the A361.

4

The problem seems to be with dog walkers wanting to park their cars close to the footpath than runs behind the big houses, and visitors to the houses on the main road. The parked cars cause a restriction in the road width and with the sharp bend 50 metres from the junction it is creating a potentially dangerous situation. Tractors and other delivery lorries are finding it impossible to turn into the Lane, as they require the full width of the road to do so. Residents coming up Inmarsh Lane, as they go round the bend, are faced with parked cars and oncoming vehicles. There have been several near misses, and it is only a matter of time before an accident does happen. Please can we respectively ask that you find alternative places to park. But if you have to park in Inmarsh Lane, can you please travel further down the road past the bend where the road is slightly wider and could more easily accommodate parked cars. The Parish Council are looking into the installation of double yellow lines, should the issue not be resolved by itself. RURAL ARTS WILTSHIRE – Organiser(s) wanted Steve and Karen Cubberley are stepping down from being the Seend contacts for the Rural Arts Wiltshire touring scheme, due to all their other village and personal responsibilities. It‟s an interesting and rewarding voluntary role – twice a year selecting performers from a list provided and then booking the venue and sometimes (not always) finding accommodation and refreshment for the artistes. If you want to find out more, please call Steve and Karen on 01380 828423.

OLD SEEND PHOTOGRAPHS I have been asked to do a talk to Melksham Historical Association next April on the history of Seend. If there is anyone who has old photographs or postcards they would be prepared to lend to me I would love to hear from you. Similarly if any residents have interesting tales to tell about Seend in times gone by I would be interested to hear about that too. Please phone on 828557 or email on [email protected]

Anne may be interested in…..

‘Reminiscences of Old Seend and Old Bulkington’ – a 28pp booklet compiled by John Smallshaw, first distributed as a supplement to Spotlight in December 2004, is being reprinted. Call 01380 828617 for your copy (price £1.50). Along with ‘Seend Heritage’ about Seend‟s vernacular architecture at £2.50 the perfect stocking fillers! Proceeds to Seend Trust and Community Centre.

SEEND PARISH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN STEERING GROUP Update Since the update last month, we have started to search for consultants with experience of taking other Neighbourhood Development Plans to successful completion. Many Steering Groups have found there comes a time when it is advisable to enlist the support of professional experts in this field, to give an objective assessment of progress to date and to provide pointers for further work. One has described what he thinks we need as a „health check‟, which seems apposite at this stage. There is grant 5 funding available as it was anticipated that Steering Groups would need help with this complex assignment. Three of us are engaged in this task and expect to come up with a short list for the whole group to consider. The Parish Council has commissioned the production of our Neighbourhood Development Plan and has delegated the responsibility for its creation to the Steering Group, so the responsibility for the end product is shared. We are very pleased that Carole Vince has agreed to join as a member of the Steering Group. But we still need extra members with enthusiasm and time to be part of this important endeavour. Please get in touch with the Chair, Georgina A‟Bear (828288) if you are interested. You will find the names of the Committee members and links to further information about the complex process of creating a Neighbourhood Plan on the website. www.seendparishplan.org The next Committee Meeting will be held in the Pavilion at 7.30pm. on Thursday 30th November. The meetings are open to all parishioners and we welcome your involvement. Carola Thorpe on behalf of the S.P.N.P. Steering Group

LETTER TO THE EDITORS Dear Editors, I am pleased you have opened a letters page, although regret that the first one you publish should be so critical. I consider the basis on which this criticism is founded to be unsound, and a misunderstanding of the term democracy. Democracy is alive and well in Seend, for we have the freedom of choice: choice to offer to serve the community, and then the possibility of choice with a vote should more good folk offer than are required to fulfil that function. So we achieve 'government by the people' through those prepared to give their time and concern. Nigel‟s critical attitude to the choice the majority of parishioners make not to become involved is disrespectful of that choice, and the antithesis of 'democratic choice'. 'Appealing election addresses' are not guarantors of useful Councillors (possibly even the opposite!) The 'hustings' that Nigel favours are relevant for Parliamentary candidates where ideologies and egos are on show. Personally I am pleased that our Parish Council is apolitical and we have a group of people who are prepared to deal with the mundane, every day issues that come up. Unlike parliamentarians our Councillors are unpaid, there are no promotion prospects and the voluntary time commitment is considerable: they deserve our respect and gratitude. The other issue Nigel draws our attention to is his own resignation after being co- opted, and his apparent wish for a platform to explain that. I think his letter has clarified his reasons, and whilst I disagree with his viewpoint I am pleased he has had his say. The third issue he raises is his behaviour at the first Council meeting he attended. I was a witness to that. He seems to want a judgment, so I would say it was unwise and unnecessary: the behaviour of a fighter rather than a conciliator. The issue he raised

6 had been well rehearsed previously, and there was no need to re-open it. Perhaps he showed himself to be more suited to parliamentary sparring than to the work of a Parish Councillor. Having said all that, I do not believe the Parish Council or an individual Councillor to be above criticism when justified, but I cannot find any common ground with Nigel's complaints. Yours sincerely,

Carola Thorpe N.B. We haven’t actually opened a letters page: we’ve just received letters. We think this letter closes the current correspondence. Eds. ------CHURCH AND CHAPEL NEWS I must be getting old because it seems amazing that I‟m already writing the article for November; the year is progressing at such a pace….. In keeping with my usual musings upon the weather, I think you‟ll agree with me that October has had quite a variety of meteorological events even in this country; first a hot day, the next wet, the next windy and the poor trees don‟t seem to know where they are; a few gentle leaves have been falling but at the time of writing no frost yet and so most of the leaves are clinging on. But November is the time for the falling or as they say over the pond, the Fall, not least as we think of the poppies at the British Legion Festival and Remembrance service at the Albert Hall. I am always moved when I see so many poppies just drifting down, in silence. On and on they come as so many snowflakes . Who knows which of the servicemen and women they will fall on? It‟s amazing and wonderful that every year we still don‟t forget . My father served in Bomber Command during the 2nd World War, and over the years as a priest I have presided over so many Remembrance day services; big ones, formal ones, services round the war memorials in the villages of rural Oxfordshire, and many others, but the one that always sticks out for me is the one I attended at a school I taught at in Ascot. It was a lovely school set in rhododendron clad grounds. The little children gathered round the flagpole at the top of the hill, and were brilliantly led through the service, and silently took on board the reason that they were there, and they thought about the bravery of soldiers, as well as the tragedy of those who had died,but then something remarkable happened . They went down the hill and they played. It was a summer‟s day (not November ) and they had their little sun hats on, and their blue dresses and they just played, and it struck me then as it does to this day that that is what my father fought for. He fought for all the children of this nation in order that they could have the freedom to play in this beautiful country of ours. And so now every time I am asked to give an address at a remembrance day service, I think of that, and I make sure that my address talks of the future as well as the past, and the resolve and promise that we owe to all those who have served in the armed forces and who have lost their lives, the promise to really try to make the world a better place

7 where there will be no more war. Children can make that promise before Almighty God. Can we ? Jane Knowles For Remembrance Day services see the church services below. It‟s also the season for All Saints and All Souls and we are thrilled that the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd. Nicholas Holtam, will be coming to take our morning service at Seend on 29th October, and there will also be a service for All Souls at 3pm on the same day in Bulkington, where there will be an opportunity to light a candle in memory of those who have died. Jane Knowles

CHURCH SERVICES IN NOVEMBER The Benefice of Holy Cross, Seend, Christ Church, Bulkington

and St. Peter’s, Poulshot. You are welcome to worship at any of the services in any of the churches in the Benefice. There is something for everyone! Sunday 29th October 2017 (All Saints & All Souls) 10.00 am Benefice Eucharist at Seend (led by The Bishop of Salisbury Nicholas Holtam) 3.00 pm Benefice All Souls service at Bulkington Sunday 5th November 2017 (4th Sunday before Advent) 8.00 am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at Seend 9.15 am Parish Eucharist at Poulshot 11.00 am Morning Praise at Seend 6.00 pm Evensong at Bulkington Sunday 12th November 2017 (Remembrance Sunday) 10.45 am Remembrance service at Seend 10.50 am Remembrance service at Bulkington 10.50 am Remembrance service at Poulshot 6.00 pm Benefice Communion at Poulshot Sunday 19th November 2017 (2nd Sunday before Advent) 8.00 am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at Seend 9.15 am Morning Praise at Bulkington 11.00 am Parish Eucharist at Poulshot 6.00 pm Evensong at Seend Sunday 26th November 2017 (Christ the King) 9.15 am Matins (Traditional) at Poulshot 11.00 am Parish Eucharist at Seend 6.00 pm Parish Eucharist at Bulkington for Patronal Festival

8

Thursday 30th November 2017 (St Andrew’s Day) 7.00 pm Licensing and installation of The Revd Ali Bridewell at St Mary‟s Potterne. We extend a warm welcome to Ali at the start of her new ministry. Every Tuesday at 9am there is a short Benefice service of Matins (BCP) at Poulshot church. From the Benefice records Baptisms We welcome into God‟s family; Max Harry Breach who was baptised in Bulkington on 10th September Florence Louise Harding-Thompson who was baptised in Seend on 8th October Alison Keating who was baptised in Seend on 8th October Charlotte Propert who was baptised in Seend on 8th October Marriages We celebrate with; Matthew Tait and Elisabeth Stables who were married in Bulkington on 23rd

September

SEEND BELL RINGERS WW1 REMEMBRANCE

Seend Bell Ringers will ring quarterly through until early 2019, to commemorate those who fell during WW1 from within the benefice of Seend, Bulkington and Poulshot. A list is on display at the entrance to the vestry in the Church of the Holy Cross in Seend showing all 67 names, military service detail, cemetery and where possible, information on local family connections. This quarter they will ring on Sunday 19th NOVEMBER at 5.30pm (prior to Evensong service) in remembrance of: JEFFERIES, Edward Tom Private, 22nd Bn., Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Age 27 BUSH, James Cromwell Lieut. 22nd Sqdn., RFC & Dorsetshire Regt. & 5th Bn., Wiltshire Regt. Age 26 FEW, Albert Edwin Private, 7th Bn., Royal West Surrey Regt. & 20th Bn., Royal Fusiliers Age 25 HARRELL, Frank Henry Stoker 1st Class, Royal Navy. HMS Glory Age 29 HILLIER, Henry Lance Corporal, 1st/4th Bn., Wiltshire Regt. Age 24 TRUEMAN, William Private, 7th Bn., Somerset Light Infantry Age 27 WAREHAM, Albert Private, 1st/2nd Bn., Wiltshire Regt. Age 31

Benefice BUZZZZ Group will meet on Wednesday 8th November at 4pm at Sue Noad‟s home, 33 Littleton Willows, Semington (tel. 870343) led by Rev Jane Knowles. Everyone is welcome to this informal and pleasant group.

9

Café Church for Advent on Sunday 3rd December at 11am at Seend Singing and stories for all the families in the villages of Seend, Bulkington and Poulshot. The next Café Church will be on Sunday 4th February at Seend.

SEEND CHURCHYARD AUTUMN CLEAN UP SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER Volunteers are needed to help with a tidy up in the churchyard on 18th November between 10am and 12noon. The more people who come the more we can achieve to tidy the churchyard and church walk for the winter. Principal tasks include leaf collection and removal, gathering up fallen branches and removing ivy from walls and gravestones. Please bring appropriate tools and black sacks if you want to make your own leaf mould. Please come even if the weather is inclement so we can try and arrange working parties for finer days. See you there. Anne Ewing and Pam Church

CHURCH WATER / TOILET PROJECT – UPDATE I am delighted to report that we are moving forward with this project now at a slightly faster than snail pace. Wiltshire Council have approved the plans, provided we put bat boxes up in the churchyard. The diocese have approved the plans (with a few minor tweaks). Tenders have been submitted and are currently being analysed and work should start in the new year. We aim to publish fuller details next month. We have the funds to pay for the work (with the help of a loan from the diocese) but this will need to be repaid so we shall be actively fundraising and seeking grants for a good while to come. Anne Ewing ______

SEEND METHODIST CHURCH

Services for November 2017 5th November 10am Mr Eric Clifford 12th November 10am Revd Wendy Tucker 26th November 10.30am Villages Together at Bromham Methodist Church

Everyone welcome to any service.

Thank you, Anne Salter.

Dear Friends, What is your favourite read? I love Terry Pratchett‟s Discworld series, or a good murder mystery and biographies of people who interest me. I also like to read a book called the Bible – actually it‟s a collection of 66 books that tell some of the story of God‟s developing relationship with humankind, and how people of the time tried to understand who God was and how to live how God

10 wanted. (NB they didn‟t always get it right). The story was told and written down in times and cultures very different to ours. The story does not end at the end of what we now have as the Bible; humankind continues to look for purpose and meaning and many things have been written since about our individual and corporate encounters with God. The bible isn‟t an instruction manual for life – but it does have adventure, family stories, poetry, lament, inspiration, reassurance, and much much more. According to the Bible Society there are 1189 chapters, 31173 verses and 804566 words in the Bible – among them is some amazing stuff – but if it sounds a bit daunting you don‟t have to start at Genesis (the 1st book) and finish at Revelation (the last) –although some people do like to do this. Pick a book you fancy – the story of Ruth is one of my favourites – or Luke‟s writing of the story of Jesus, and see where it takes you. Go and see if you can find that Gideon bible you were given at school. or your christening bible, or the one that belonged to your Gran and have a look. Or find a copy of one of the newer translations, which might be easier to understand – or www.biblegateway.com has lots of different versions of the bible. They are all essentially the same. Christians believe it to be the Word of God, just some of the ways of translation and the language used might suit you better than others And if you do read some of the bible, go and find someone else to discuss it with. It can be an exciting and challenging thing to do and will mutually expand your understanding – all our insights pooled together get us nearer to what this amazing book is about. Please also give thanks that I can write this article, and that we can own and buy and borrow and use bibles freely, without fear. God bless Wendy <>< Wendy Tucker, Minister for Bromham Calne and Seend Methodist Churches

BULKINGTON NEWS

BULKINGTON LADIES’ GROUP Serendipity Handbells will be performing at Bulkington Village Hall on Thurs 30th November at 7.30 pm The programme will consist of well-known tunes and Christmas music interspersed with seasonal poems. This will be followed by the usual cheese and wine and raffle. We would like to extend this to a wider audience than our usual small group, so please encourage friends and neighbours to attend. Entrance is by a small donation of £3 to cover costs.

Liz Futter 828485 Angela Read 828925 ______The Mobile Library will visit the car-park of The Well on Monday 13th November 11.05-11.30am. Please support this; it really could be a case of use it or lose it.

11

The church hosted Bulkington Village Lunch takes place on Wednesday, 1st November 2017 at 12.15pm at The Well. Contact Phyl Yarde in advance for the menu (828116). New people are always welcome to join us. It is a good social event for the entire village and area.

BULKINGTON VILLAGE HALL „Autumn, when every leaf is a flower‟. The time for Harvest Supper and Coffee Mornings. The latter raised well over £500 for Macmillan; thank you to all who helped to make those delicious cakes! This weekend the Hall will host another Birthday Party – with Trains! The year is ending so quickly, and now the Ladies‟ Group return indoors with a talk on Teddy Bears, then an evening of Handbells, bringing us to Christmas. I often wonder how the Chapel looked during the festive season, whether those old walls still retain the memories of times gone by. It would explain the welcome still felt today. Angela Read, Chairman.

THE TEA, CRAFT AND CHAT SOCIAL GROUP for Seend, Bulkington and Poulshot will meet from 2 – 4pm on Monday, 6th November at 4 Northfields, Bulkington (828931) Bring your own craft item or leave it at home and just come and chat!

______

SEEND CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS

SEEND COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS

www.seendcommunitycentre.com – bookings 07703 814111 See enclosed „Happenings!‟ and the Events section and find us on facebook! See you at the Annual Meeting on 16th November? ______

SEEND & DISTRICT RAMBLERS

November 19th 2017: Bob and Brenda will be organising a route in the Ramsbury area for a distance of 5 miles on tracks and paths. Roadside parking in Ramsbury. Meet at the square by the „Bell Inn‟ for 10.15am

start.

CHANGE OF DATE FOR DECEMBER WALK – now Sunday 17th December. Details in next issue. Lin Salter 01225 706451 ______

SEEND SHUTTLE COMMUNITY BUS Salisbury Shopping Shuttle - Wednesday 1st November. To book seats on October's Shopping Shuttle on 1st November, please th call Rex or Jan Gudge on 01225 706526 by Monday 30 October.

12

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION In Memoriam This month we remember: Henry Hillier 1st/4th Bn Wiltshire Regt 14th Nov 1917 William Trueman 7th Bn Somerset Light Infantry 30th Nov 1917 They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary them nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. Remembrance Parades All Members are reminded that the following Parades and Service will take place on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. Remembrance Sunday (Sunday 12th November 2017) Parade at the Rectory end of Church Walk at 1030 hrs, march to the War Memorial for the laying of wreaths and then continue into Church for the Sunday Service with Act of Remembrance at 1100 hrs. Please do your best to attend this service. Armistice Day (Saturday 11th November 2017). The usual Act of Remembrance will take place at the War Memorial at 1100hrs on Saturday 11th November 2017. This is open to all and those attending are requested to muster at the War Memorial by 1050hrs.

Roger Brind LIVE ON - TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING The Royal British Legion is known nationally to many and is usually associated with the Poppy Appeal. However, the RBL has a tireless welfare programme supporting the military from all three Services. You may personally know, or know of, someone returning from the theatre of war who is maimed either mentally or physically. The RBL helps and supports these personnel and their families, plus those who find themselves in need on home ground. The work of the RBL increases around the time of Remembrance Sunday, but is equally important throughout the year. Among the many active branches up and down the country our branch right here in Seend has some 60 plus members. Like most organisations we are only as good as our numbers allow us to be. We normally have at least two social functions during the year, and we also honour those fallen on Remembrance Sunday and hold our Drumhead ceremony on the Lye Field in June. We are always seeking new members to help us continue the work we do for our heroes. You do not have to be ex-military to become a member. If you would like to know more about the Royal British Legion and the Seend Branch, the Membership Secretary, Dave Beaumont would be happy to meet you. You can contact him on 07538 651712 or by e-mail at „[email protected]‟. Those fallen, those made disabled and those who mentally cannot cope after they have served their country have done their bit. Can you consider joining to help us do our bit? 13

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal See information in the Editorial on p.1. ______

SEEND WI In October we celebrated our 98th Birthday with a Quiz led by Chris Downham. This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening! The Pavilion was filled to overflowing with members and their guests, the Quiz was entertaining and the refreshments delicious! Thank you to everyone who came and made it such a lovely event. On Wednesday 8th November Stephen Wells will be giving a talk entitled „The Life and Times of Jack the Ripper‟. Please do come and join us for what should be an interesting evening. The next Craft afternoon is on Thursday 16th November, 2pm to 4pm in the Pavilion. Non members most welcome. Our meetings take place in the Pavilion, Rusty Lane, Seend at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month unless otherwise notified. For more information please contact Joyce Harvey on 01380 828511 or check the website www.seendwi.weebly.com

HISTORIC HOUSES CLUB Our Summer season of visits has been successfully completed, with visits to Breamore House, Wilton House, Sezincote, and Lytes Cary Manor, plus the village outing to Beaulieu Palace House and Motor Museum. The committee members are busy trying to find fresh venues for the 2018 season. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Do look out for the date of the AGM in the spring. Mary Warren

SEEND SCHOOL NEWS I can‟t believe it‟s nearly the end of term 1 at Seend School. The last 6 weeks have flown by and all the new children have settled in really well. The 19 new reception children are now staying all day and are enjoying being in Holly Class full time. Oak Class have been learning about Italy and the Romans. They have been handling and studying ancient Roman artefacts and are looking forward to their visitor from Devizes Museum. Chestnut Class have been learning about the Anglo Saxons and Vikings, and have particularly enjoyed finding out about Anglo Saxon punishments! They‟ve been carrying out lots of research and are about to produce their very own class book on the Vikings.

14

Sycamore Class have been learning about Ancient and Modern Greece, and have been busy making radio adverts to persuade people to visit Greece. I heard a rumour yesterday that there‟s going to be some Greek food tasting next week! This week we celebrated the Harvest Festival in Church. The children brought in tins and packets from home which we have donated to Melksham Food Bank. Thank you to everyone who donated something. Last week some children in Year 5/6 took part in a Cross Country event at Melksham Oak Community School. We are still waiting for the final results but have a sneaking suspicion that we did quite well! Well done and thank you to all those children who took part. Nicola Coleman, Deputy Headteacher SEEND PLAYGROUP NEWS The children have settled back into Playgroup routine after the long summer holiday. We welcomed Grace to our group at the end of September. We will be welcoming Rose and Hamish when we return in November and hope they all enjoy their time with us at Playgroup. We will be celebrating Halloween and Bonfire night this term as well as raising money for the BBC Children in Need appeal. We will also be making decorations and gifts for Christmas. Thank you to the grandparent, parent and child who came to our Grandparents‟ coffee morning. Our next coffee morning will be on Friday 10th November at 10.30am. Everyone is welcome. On Friday 24th November we will be holding a Christmas Shopping evening at the Pavilion from 7 – 9 pm. There will be free entry, lots of good raffle prizes, mulled wine, mince pies and plenty of stalls where you can spend your money. Please tell your friends! We are raising funds for Seend Playgroup.

Rose Dick (Playleader) 828003

CHRISTMAS FAYRE FOSS would like to announce that this year‟s Christmas Fayre will be held on Friday 8th December 6pm-8pm at the school. We will have a lovely selection of craft stalls for gift buying, fun stalls for young and old, a fantastic raffle, yummy food and lashings of mulled wine and spiced cider! Please come along and get in the festive mood and support your local School. Ho Ho Hope to see you there! We are currently preparing our Fayre booklet if you or your company would like to advertise (spaces still available!) please contact [email protected] Or if you would like to donate a raffle prize, please contact [email protected] Go on, you know you want to! Easy Fundraising: If you‟re about to start your online Christmas Shopping, here‟s a great way to raise money for the school without it costing you a penny. FoSS are set up on Easy Fundraising, and have benefited from almost £600 in the last 12 months. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/foseend/ 15

When next you shop online, go to via the Easy Fundraising first, locate your retailer and then start shopping. After you have checked out, the retailer will make a donation to us. There are no costs involved for you; it‟s just a case of remembering to go via this site. Please let your friends and family know, as all donations are very gratefully received. Thanks in advance from FoSS

______SEEND PARISH COUNCIL NB. The following minutes are a shortened version of the full minutes taken at the Parish Council meeting of 26th September 2017. These have not yet been ratified by the Parish Council and may be subject to change. A full copy of the minutes can be found on our website: www.seendparishcouncil.co.uk The meeting held on 26th September was attended by nine Councillors with Mr Murch in the chair, Councillor Jonathon Seed and Mrs S Bond (Clerk). Apologies for absence: Mr N Haines and Mr T James. There were also 15 parishioners present. Police Matters The Chairman welcomed PCSO Janet Gould to the meeting. She reported that Maggie Ledbury would be our new PCSO, but that she had been unable to attend this meeting. Ms Gould reported on two crime incidents that had taken place in the village during August.  Two rogue traders had attempted to con an elderly resident out of a large sum of money. The men had claimed that the resident required roof repairs that amounted to £4,000. They took him to his bank for him to withdraw the cash, but the bank staff became suspicious and contacted trading standards. The two men were later arrested in Westbury. The police work closely with trading standards on such incidents, and help to give out information packs “Door Step Crime Packs” to help prevent elderly residents from becoming a victim to such crimes.  The second incident took place at The Barge pub where a fight broke out between two men.  In addition, the Chairman reported that there had been an incident of theft of agricultural equipment from a van that belonged to a parishioner, parked outside a house in Seend. The police have also highlighted a common crime in supermarkets where a person is distracted, whilst another person takes the person‟s purse. A recent incident in Asda in Melksham involved a person who had come from St Austell. Ms Gould outlined a new Community Policing initiative. The Community Policing team consists of a Detective Sergeant, nine Police Officers and two Local Crime Investigators. They are responsible for the Central Hub which covers the north and west areas of the county. Responsibilities include dealing with anti-social behavior and on-going crime. She stressed the importance of intelligence provided by

16 members of the public. This helps them prepare warrants in advance of arresting suspects, particularly useful in relation to drug offences. The Chairman raised the question of how the traffic accident information is collated. Ms Gould said that if there is an injury, then they get reported to the Force Control who then task a Trowbridge Officer to deal with the accident. Not all accidents are reported to the Police. Ms Gould did not know about the recent incident where a lorry and coach blocked Bollands Hill for over an hour. But as the police had not been called, they were not aware of the incident The Clerk asked how we could get the driver details for the recent car crash where the bus shelter at the top of Bollands Hill was damaged. Ms Gould asked to be sent the details and she would investigate. The Clerk had reported that Wiltshire Council would not be able to repair the bus shelter if they cannot recover the costs from the driver‟s insurance. Planning Matters Application Number: 17/07389/FUL Site Location: Scotts Wharf, Spout Lane, Seend, Melksham Proposal: Continuation of Garage Pitch Roof Over Flat Roof Section. Approval of this planning application was proposed by Mrs Heatley and seconded by Mrs Vince.Unanimously agreed. Application Number: 17/08217/FUL Site Location: Land at A361 Blossom Hill, Trowbridge Road, Seend Proposal: Change of use of land with associated ancillary development to single traveller pitch. The Chairman, in opening up the discussions on the planning application said that it needed to be considered on planning matters only. Councillor Seed outlined his experience of a similar planning application for a single pitch traveller site in Bromham 18 months ago. He urged the Parish Council and any parishioners who are minded to oppose the planning application to do so on planning grounds only and not emotional ones. In Bromham they enlisted the help of a planning consultant David Pearce who provided them with robust arguments to use to oppose the planning application. The planning application in Bromham was refused. Councillor Seed outlined a two prong attack for opposing the planning application for Blossom Hill based on need and suitability of the site. With regard to need, Councillor Seed had met with the Planning Officer and had established that there was already an adequate supply of traveller sites in the area. Spatial Planning had also confirmed that there had been an oversupply against the previous 5-year requirement (2011-16) and in monitoring terms that oversupply is carried over into the next five years (2016-21). However, if the site was considered to be suitable, this could override this argument On the second issue of suitability of the site, it could be argued that with no running water, sewerage or electricity, the site was unsuitable. Access from the busy A361 was another possible argument but with Cleeve House on the other side, this was not a strong argument for refusal. There is also a pavement and gated entrance. The

17

Chairman said that the site was surrounded on 3 sides by land with SSI status, and Councillor Seed said it could be used as a valid argument to oppose the planning application, but would not necessarily stand on its own as argument. A parishioner spoke against the planning application and cited similarities with a site 5 miles from the village. He argued that whilst the planning application was for a single pitch, it was more than likely that this would increase to more pitches over the next 5 years. Another parishioner said that from landscape planning terms, the site is located on a green site that provides a gap between Seend and Seend Cleeve, and that any development on this site might set a precedent for further development. Another parisioner urged the Parish Council to enlist the same professional help that was used by Bromham. Councillor Seed said that the Parish Council and parishioners would need to prepare a very strong case, and recommended that they do speak with David Pearce who prepared the case for Bromham. Three other parishioners also spoke against the planning application. The Chairman invited anyone who wished to speak in favour of this application but no one did so. The Chairman then drew the discussions to a close and summarised some of the points the Parish Council could use to oppose the planning application:  Need: There was already an over-supply of traveller sites in Wiltshire. Spatial Planning had confirmed this. Therefore there is no defined need for the site.  Suitability of the site: There are no utilities at the site, ie water, electricity of sewerage. Access from the busy A361 posed a problem.  Location: The site is also located in a green site providing valued space between Seend and Seend Cleeve. It is also surrounded by 3 SSSI‟s of natural and archaeological importance. The Chairman asked for a proposal: Mrs McManus proposed that the Parish Council oppose the planning application based on the main issues raised in the discussion that included the lack of need for further traveller sites in the area, and that the location was not suitable. This was seconded by Mr Williams. At a vote, all Councillors voted unanimously to oppose the planning application. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr David Pearce, planning consultant to get a quote for his help in preparing a case against the planning application. Councillor Matters: Councillor Seed was asked for an update on the sign at Berhills Lane. He said that he had talked with the Enforcement Officer who had said that because the sign had been on private land and had been moved, but still remained on private land, it would be difficult and expensive to make a case for the sign to be returned to its original place. It had been noted that the house was now sold. There was no vehicular access onto the road from the newly made parking space. Items for Discussion from Members of the Parish The Clerk had circulated correspondence from residents of Inmarsh Lane who were experiencing problems of cars parking close to the A361 road junction and at the first bend on Inmarsh Lane. The parked cars were causing a hazard for the timber yard and farm vehicles by restricting the width of the road making it difficult to turn into the road. It was also causing problems for the other residents of Inmarsh Lane. One 18 of the residents had cited near misses with oncoming traffic as they came around the blind bend. Notes had been put on the parked cars and owners, where known had been spoken to, but the problems had not abated. The residents have asked the Parish Council to find a resolution to the problem. Having spoken with the Police and Wiltshire County Council, they had been told to contact the Parish Council who could raise a Community Issue to be taken to CATG for the installation of yellow lines. Councillors suggested that it might be worth sending letters to the residents on the main road, and to put a report in Spotlight highlighting the problems. Mr Wood proposed that the Parish Council raises a Community Issue in favour of the introduction of yellow lines. This was seconded by Mrs Vince. Mrs A‟Bear did not take part in the vote as she is also a resident of Inmarsh. All other councillors voted in favour of this course of action. Matters Arising Church Crossing Email received from Mr Stansby with preliminary drawings for the crossing and estimated cost of £5,200. This would be discussed at the next CATG meeting C&RT – (Minute: 2017/ ) The Clerk reported that she had finally received a response from the Canal & Rivers Trust regarding the parking issues. The letter stated that whilst they were sympathetic to the problems, parking on the highways is the concern of the local highways authority and there is no legal obligation on the C&RT to provide parking for canal users. Any problems that the Parish have with anti social behaviour should be reported to the police. Trees to commemorate WW1 soldiers who died. Mrs Vince reported that 25 soldiers from the Parish died in WW1. The Clerk to ask for 25 trees to be ordered, but it is still not known where these will be planted. Highways Bollands Hill – Mr Wood said that he had reported through My Wiltshire that the Give Way signs needed clearing of hedge growth, and that the faded white lines needed repainting at the top of Bollands Hill. Whilst the hedging has been cut, the response from Wiltshire Highways with regard to the white lines was that: “these give way signs, whilst faded, remain currently within acceptable parameters. Both the C20 and A361 are Group 1 Primary routes and subject to a routine monthly safety inspection with repair instructions, raised for all defects, including give way and stop lines, that meet intervention specifications.” Councillors felt that this was a very unsatisfactory answer. Mrs A‟Bear said that the lines are not very visible at night. It was suggested that a number of people report the problem on My Wiltshire to see if they would take the matter more seriously. Defibrillator Mr Wood reported that of the two grant applications he had submitted to the British Heart Foundation for the funding of a defibrillator, only one had been successful as the BHF only accepts one application per grant year. A defibrillator had now been ordered through the BHF. The Parish Council has to pay the balance of £600. The Clerk reported that she had spoken with the Regional Area Manager of Enterprise 19 about putting a Defibrillator on the outside wall of The Brewery. They had agreed saying it was a good idea. The Clerk reported that she had heard from Sandridge Solar Farm Ltd and that the Parish council would again be receiving a Community Benefit grant of £1026.49. This could be used, as last year, to fund the Defibrillators. Bus Shelter Bus Shelter at top of Bollands Hill. The Clerk reported that she had asked Wiltshire Council how we could go about getting the bus shelter that was damaged following a car accident repaired. Highways had reported that because the damage was caused by a hit and run driver they had no way of recouping funds from the driver, and therefore they could not finance its repair. The Clerk said she would try to find out from the Police if they had any contact details for the driver, which could then be given to Highways to follow up. Bus Shelter at The Lye – a resident has requested that a seat be placed in the shelter. The Clerk to investigate. Correspondence Wiltshire County Council Waste Strategy Consultation. The consultation document is open for the public to give a response. The Clerk has put the details on the website. The Melksham Household Recycling Centre would be closed for refurbishment from 30th October to 11th November. The list of all the closures has been put on the website. Wiltshire Mobile Library service was undertaking its two yearly review. Whilst there were some changes to the timetable, the Seend and Seend Cleeve times have not been changed. Wessex Water have announced that they will be replacing the existing water mains through Seend Cleeve which will take place over the Winter. There will be road closures during this period, but they will do their best to keep access open for residents. It will begin in November in Perrys Lane with further works through Seend Cleeve from January. Details will be put on the website and in Spotlight when known. Best Kept Village Competition 2018. Mr Williams agreed to take the lead on this competition. Financial Matters: Bank reconciliation to end of August 2017 = £15,258.16 The dates of the next two meetings are: Tuesday 30th October and 27th November at 7.30pm at Seend Community Centre. A full version of the minutes can be found on the website: www.seendparishcouncil.co.uk Contact Details for Seend Parish Council: Clerk: Sue Bond. Telephone 07706 850859 (office hours and answerphone service) Email: [email protected] Chairman: Tony Murch. Telephone 01380 828450. Email: [email protected]

NEWS FROM WILTSHIRE COUNCIL "Money makes the world go round" was the catchy ditty of a film that I watched in my youth. Many a true word said in jest also rings true and locally we are seeing the effects of local finance on our local lives. Local politicians are having to do more 20 with less funding - fine whilst efficiencies can be made but there comes a point where there is nothing left to cut without seeing the effects on front line services. I sit on the Police and Crime Panel which monitors police performance and holds the Wiltshire Police and a Crime Commissioner to account. At our last meeting we asked searching questions on police manning and what policing we really can expect to see in our local area. Wiltshire Police are doing their best with reduced funding and have reorganised county policing to make it as efficient as possible but they can no longer cover leave, sickness and recruitment gaps so they simply have to factor these in meaning 40% less police on the ground than they would like. However Wiltshire remains one of the safest places to live in the Country and for that we remain grateful. In Seend we have finally seen the comment by Wiltshire Council Highways officers on the Seend Road Safety Initiative report. It is not a Parish Council report and has not been accepted as policy by the Parish Council. It was written by a small well- meaning group of individuals and contains some sensible aspirations but there the financial problem starts. The Parish Council cannot accept unachievable aims as policy. Wiltshire Council Highways Department whilst supporting aspiration does not have the funds to finance it. We do the best we can with the resources we have. There is good news in Melksham which is receiving significant investment from Wiltshire Council. The £7m Oaks Sports Centre and the £200k skatepark are complete, and the £500k investment in the market place is a vast improvement and looks grand. The Campus plans were unveiled in October and will be complete by 2020. Local Councillors have done their job in securing this major local investment. The theme in all of the above is that your elected local Councillors, at whatever level, have to do what they can for their communities with the funding available. There are always going to be winners and losers.

Jonathon Seed, [email protected], 07770774463

SEEND SPORTING AND DRAMATIC NEWS The Presidential Suite, Imperial Hotel,

Corfu Dear Editors, I am here in Corfu with Colin on a fact-finding mission trying to establish when and where Short Mat Bowls originated. Some might also suggest that the full line of enquiry should be when, where and, more importantly, why. Colin has treated that suggestion with his usual aplomb plus a vague backhanded wave in the direction of the questioner. The upshot is that we decided only last Thursday to head towards Greece being a centre of much culture to see if the ancient records might assist in this quest. Naturally we are stopping off in Corfu to, as Colin put it, "refuel". We will not be returning until Saturday next hence the sports reports are on hold until December, as indeed will Colin most likely be if he again harangues the locals with his persistent reminders of his earlier exploits in the SMB introductory match we held in the taverna last night. Full story on my return. A bientot (keyboard does not have the Greek alphabet!)

Frankie Goddard, 01380 828488

21

PERSONAL ADS Nothing this month, but if you have something for sale or wanted, please leave your notice in the Shop/PO or at 6 New Buildings, with the £2 fee. ______

BITS AND BOBS

THE SEEND FUND – Your local fund: Remember the Seend Fund is your local fund. Anyone living in or closely associated with Seend can apply by e-mailing the secretary ([email protected]) or writing to her at 34 Seend Cleeve, Melksham SN12 6PY. If you find yourself in financial difficulties the fund might be able to help with anything from school uniforms to heating bills. Don't hesitate to send details, saying how much you need, what it is for and when you need it by. Even if the fund has helped you before, your request will be sympathetically and confidentially considered. Although the fund is intended to help individuals, if there are any organisations or groups who need support to include someone with special needs in an educational activity, or who know of members who are struggling financially, the Fund may be able to help.

STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS at the VILLAGE HALL, STEEPLE ASHTON HAMPSTEAD (12A) Saturday, 18th November 2017 at 7.30 pm (Refreshments available from 7 pm) Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of Donald (Brendan Gleeson) who lives in a shack on London's Hampstead Heath. His home and his independent lifestyle are threatened when unscrupulous developers plan to build a luxury apartment block on the land. He is befriended by an American lady, Emily (Diane Keaton), who encourages Donald to fight for his home. Tickets - £6 - are available at Steeple Ashton Village Shop, or can be reserved by ringing Alison Wilson on 01380 871345.

______

WILTSHIRE SIGHT SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA Wiltshire Sight works to support those with Alzheimer‟s and Dementia, providing services to individuals living with both conditions. There are over 100,000 people in the UK who have Dementia and are visually impaired. Wiltshire Sight‟s Looking Out For Sight training educates care home staff about sight loss and by working together with Alzheimer‟s Support to assist people living with both of these challenges. The charity provides information, advice and support at their centre in Devizes as well as out in the community. They are highlighting how low vision aids such as talking clocks and colour contrast items can benefit those living with sight loss and Dementia. For example a Sight Adviser could suggest a dual display clock which has a colour contrast large print screen for those with sight loss and a speech function that will say “It is Sunday afternoon” for people with Dementia. You can call Wiltshire Sight on 01380 723682 for more information or you can visit their centre in Devizes. 22

Wiltshire Textile Studios Home of the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers will be holding their Christmas Sale on th th Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25 from11am to 3.30pm

Unique Christmas gifts and decorations, hand-made by our members. Choose from woven, hand-knitted, crochet, patchwork, felted and sewn items. at St Mary's School Buildings,High Street, Steeple Ashton BA14 6EU (behind the Village Shop – Disabled Access)

______

The seventh CHRISTMAS COUNTRY FAIR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18th 10am to 2pm at the MARKET LAVINGTON COMMUNITY HALL Start your Christmas shopping with us! Stalls selling handmade crafts and produce Tombola! Refreshments! Free Entry - donations to The Soldiers‟ Charity To book a stall, please contact Sue Bonney on 01380 812757

Lavington Community Choir Friday December 8th at 7.30pm in Market Lavington Community Hall an Evening of Festive Music with guest tenor Carlos Alonso. Tickets £7 including a light ploughman‟s supper and mince pies available from Devizes Books and Market Lavington Post Office. The choir is also performing at West Ashton Church on 1st December. Lavington Community Choir donated just over £400 to Wiltshire Air Ambulance from our summer concert profit.

CALNE CHORAL 9th December 2017 - Christmas concert St. Mary’s Church, Calne 7.30pm

VOTE FOR SEEND PUBS! MP Claire Perry is organising a competition to help support and recognise our great local pubs. There are four categories: Best Drinks - Best Food - Best Family Pub - Best Pub for Communities. Votes can be placed at www.claireperry.org.uk/pubs-awards and the pub with the most votes in each category will receive an award from Claire Perry and from the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group. A voter of each category winner will be drawn at random and will receive a £200 voucher to spend in the pub they voted for. Voting closes on 30th November.

23

THE THIRD EDINGTON ARTS ADVENT CONCERT The world-famous choir of New College, Oxford at Edington Priory Church Friday December 1st at 7pm. Conductor Tim Wakerell. Programme includes plainchant, traditional folk tunes and pieces by Matthew Martin and Kenneth Leighton plus organ scholars Josef Laming and Charles Maxtone-Smith. Interval refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies. To book tickets ring Chrissy on 01380 831256 or email [email protected].

WILTSHIRE TORTOISE GROUP Will meet on Sunday 12th November at 2pm at Sutton Benger Village Hall, SN15 4RP. Guest speaker will be Dr Adam Moolna, Teaching Fellow in Environment & Sustainability, Keele University. He will be talking about the giant tortoises of the Indian Ocean and their role in conservation restoration as ecological engineers in Mauritius and Seychelles. Adults £2 Children Free. All welcome.

STOP PRESS Another date for your festive season diary: Christmas Bingo in Seend Community Centre on Saturday 16th December. Eyes down 8pm. All proceeds to Seend Community Centre.

And almost finally If you are celebrating the attempted overthrow of the Government on 5th November please remember to check your bonfire before lighting it to ensure no animals, especially hedgehogs, are snuggled up inside.

And finally…

Some of those „interesting‟ answers from TV quiz contestants:

Q: In sport, the name of which famous race horse was the word „murder‟ spelt backwards? A: Shergar

Q: According to the common saying, „revenge is a dish best served‟ ..what? A: On toast.

24

USEFUL CONTACTS: Please tell Spotlight if your group’s contact details change Church: Retired Priest: Jane Knowles, 01380 870325. Benefice Administrator: Mrs Sue Taylor 01225 709360. Churchwardens: Holy Cross Seend: Len Murray, 01380 828513, Mrs Tina Yockney 01380 827139; Christ Church Bulkington: Mrs Liz Futter 828485, Mrs Anne Saywell 828931; LPAs: Jane Goman 827121, Liz Futter 828485, Rosie Forsey 828843, Len Murray 828513, Sue Noad 870343, Sue Rose 871665, Hilary Hutchings 828129, Tina Yockney 827139. Bell Tower Captain: L Murray 828513. Irene Usher Memorial Hall (The Pavilion) Bookings - Richard Walker on 828250 Bulkington Village Hall - Nev Boulton 828101 or Roger Futter 828485 Bulkington Playing Field: Chairman Jamie Streeter, 828835, [email protected] Seend Community Centre/Club - 828796 (7.30-11pm only). Bookings: 07703 814111. Website: www.seendcommunitycentre.com and find us on facebook Seend Shuttle: Bookings and drivers: Alison Cobbing 07951030491 or 01380 850511 Seend Parish Council Clerk – Mrs Sue Bond 07706 850859 www.seendparishcouncil.co.uk Seend’s Wiltshire Councillor - Jonathon Seed 01380 850695 [email protected] Seend village website: www.seend.org.uk - Neil Yockney 827139. Seend School - 828334 Bulkington Website: www.bulkington.org.uk Rights of Way Warden – Paul Millard, 01225 712821 Seend Fund: 01380 828757 MP Claire Perry, 01380 729358 (M-F 9.30am-1pm) [email protected] MEP - Graham Watson 01458 252265. Melksham Area Board – 07917 721371 Police: PCSO Maggie Ledbury ( Internal:101 Ext 77436089 or Mobile: 07471028939

100+Club Draw – Karen & Steve Cubberley – [email protected] - tel: 828423 Book Clubs - the original: Sylvia Ewin 828325 - the other: Frank Teasdale 828617 Bouncy Club - Paulette Pardoe 07944 300350 Cricket Club - John Wiltshire 07791 144248 Fawlty Players Panto Group - Tessa Doe 828617& find Seend Village Pantomime on facebook Fete – Nick Vaux - [email protected] (www.seendfete.co.uk) Flower Show –Carole Vince 828579 FoSS (Friends of Seend School) Mel Steel 07739 899741 Historic Houses Club - Mary Warren 01225707357 or Neil Yockney 827139 LINK Scheme - 075320 55560 Lye Field Committee – www.seendlyefield.org Neighbourhood Watch - Brian Hunt (Seend) 828581; Cavan Moroney (Sells Green) 828606; Owen Burton (Seend Cleeve) 828820; John Scott (Bulkington) 828026. Preschool - Rose Dick (Playleader) 828003 Poetry Group - Tessa Doe 828617 Ramblers - Gerald Salter 01225 706451 Royal British Legion - Roger Brind 828830 Seend Singers - Bob McCulloch 828508 Short Mat Bowls Club - Colin Waldeck 828946 Tennis Club - Ric Ellinger 828687 Theatre Club - Sylvia Ewin 828325; Marion Whitehead 828612 WEA – Tessa Doe 828617 Wheelchairs to borrow - Sue and Graham Jones in Seend Cleeve, tel: 01380 828354 WI - Fiona Johnson on 828401 and Gill Acornley 01225 707218 Wine Circle – Steve Parsons 07974 347487 or Simon McManus 07896 711764

25

Seend Post Office

------& Village Store 01380 828250

NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLES WINES BEERS & SPIRITS GROCERIES THE HEALTH LOTTERY POSTCARDS & STATIONERY

Village Store Post Office

Mon 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 5.30

Tues 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 5.30 Wed 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 4.30* Thurs 9.00 - 1.00 9.00 - 1.00 Fri 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 5.30 Sat 8.30 - 1.00 9.00 - 1.00 Sun 9.00 - 10.30 Closed Bank 9.00 - 10.30 Closed Holidays * note early closing

26