JUNE 2020

Church Street, mid-19th Century The circled cottages stood on the site of our present Village Hall. They were demolished after July 1878 – their owner, Squire Walter Hume Long of Rood Ashton, having given permission by deed for the land to be used to erect the original hall. This opened in September 1899, and was refurbished in 1975. It is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. An important update on the future of our Village Hall is inside this issue.

Opening Hours - please see page 8 for the new shop opening hours during this difficult time. CONTENTS Giant Red Rose June 2020 Community Project Pages 47 Catholic news 28-29 Community Project 15-17 Eco Corner 44 Edington Festival 6 Fading Memories 45 Friends of SA 39 From the Archives 46 Methodist Church Please see pages 28 and 29 17-19 Natural History Club for more information about how 4-6 Parish Council you could contribute to this project. 20-21 Robbie writes 40 Rosie writes 22 Sage 24 September Spectacular 8 Shop 9-12 St Mary’s Church 43 Village Hall

Georgia drew this girl…again just using biro

Newsletter Deadlines for 2020 June 23rd for July/August Items for the July/August newsletter should be received by Tuesday 23rd June. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 1A Butts Lane, Steeple Ashton or by email to [email protected] All published items solely express the views of the author and are the copyright of the author and the newsletter unless otherwise stated. The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to supply all news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be received before printing. Telephone 01380 871285. Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Sarah Dennehy on 01380 870731, email: [email protected] Please send your ads by email if possible. Please note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers. 2 Editorial Hello everyone - you may again be surprised at the size of this newsletter. Lots of people have put pen to paper which is really good. Not so good is the number of people in the village with the virus - we hope that you will all make a good recovery. Remember also that you can read this newsletter in full colour on the village website - www.steeple-ashton.co.uk Hope you are all safe and well. Helen.

Here in Steeple Ashton many villagers have been busy sewing handmade face coverings for this and surrounding villages. Some have also been super productive in making scrubs and bags for a national ScrubHub initiative supplying the NHS, care homes and surgeries locally. In line with the government moving to the easing of lockdown, they now advise the public to “consider wearing a face covering in public spaces where social distancing is not always possible and you come into contact with other people that you do not normally meet”. We have handmade face coverings in many colours and patterns available in The Village Shop and at The Old Rose & Crown on the village green in exchange for a £ donation that will be given to the NHS. These are all individually bagged and come with helpful hints and washing instructions. If you would like one but are isolating please arrange for a friend or neighbour to collect one or call Bev Bagnall on 871893. We hope you will be pleased with your lovingly handmade face covering. Bev Bagnall

3 STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL Annual Parish Meeting 2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Parish Council was unable to hold the Annual Parish Meeting in May. This is always a popular and well attended meeting and as soon as the lockdown restrictions are eased sufficiently, the meeting will be re-arranged. In the meantime, if any local groups or organisations have any reports or updates they wish to circulate please send them to the Parish Clerk who will arrange for these to be issued. The Parish Council will advise parishioners of the new date for the Annual Parish Meeting as soon as it can. Reporting Highway or Environmental Issues Any member of the public is able to report highway or environmental issues direct to Council or the environment agency. Problems with potholes, pavements, fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, street lighting, overgrown hedges and trees and other issues can be reported directly via the MyWiltshire app - http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywiltshire-online- reporting. Guidance on ways to report environmental issues to the Environment Agency can be found at https://www.gov.uk/report-an- environmental-incident. Grass cutting of verges has ordered its contractor to cease verge cutting during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to the fact that only skeleton crews are in operation. The Parish Council is informed that verge cutting will recommence as soon as the lockdown restrictions permit. The Parish Council contractor is carrying out his tasks as normal during this time. Please let the Parish Clerk know if there any issues with the open spaces or recreation areas. Road re- allocations – information from Wiltshire Council Following the announcement of the Covid-19 lockdown by Government in late March, many more people have been walking and cycling for exercise purposes or to access essential services. Because of the reduction in traffic, people have largely been able to do this in a safe manner. However, as the Covid-19 lockdown is eased, increased levels of traffic will make it more difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to safely achieve the 2m social distancing requirement and to travel and exercise safely. The importance of this is heightened by the Government advice for people to avoid using public transport where possible and to instead walk, cycle, or drive. The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued new statutory guidance which 4 enables local authorities to make significant changes to their road layouts to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians. The guidance states that local authorities where public transport use is low should be considering all possible measures and that these measures should be taken as swiftly as possible, and in any event within weeks. In response, the Council has formed multi-disciplinary teams of Officers for each community area and who have initially been asked to identify potential sites and measures using their local and technical knowledge. Wiltshire Council has informed the Parish Council of this project and its views have been sought as to any road re-allocations it thinks may be beneficial to Steeple Ashton. Members of the public are invited to submit any suggestions or comments to the Parish Clerk.

Planning applications – Parish Council comments: 20/02347/TCA – 12B Dark Lane North, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6EY – Fell Norway spruce – No objection 20/01847/FUL – Moonraker, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6EL – Renovation of 2 storey dwelling and single storey link – Objection 19/02719/OUT – Steeple Ashton Kennels and Cattery, Edington Road, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6HP – Outline planning permission for residential development of up to 9 dwellings – No objection with comment. 20/01318/FUL – 32 High Street, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6EL – Proposed demolition of existing garage and replacement with 3 bay timber garage with storage – Objection 20/02496/FUL – Oak House, 1 Edington Road, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6HP – Change of use of paddock from agricultural to garden and four bay oak framed garage with study and gym over. Existing shared access drive to be repositioned – Objection 20/02478/FUL - Oak House, 1 Edington Road, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6HP – Two storey extension to house to form breakfast room, new master bedroom over and boot room with en-suite over – No objection 20/02397/FUL – 6 Church Street, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6EW – Replacement of oil tank with required base – Support 20/02781/LBC – Bakewell House, 32 High Street, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6EL – Proposed internal alterations - Support

Planning applications currently under consideration: 20/03233/FUL – 8 Dark Lane North, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6EY – Erection of timber summer house. 5 Planning decisions 20/00846/TCA – 5 Home Farm Close, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6AH – Tree works – No objection 20/02347/TCA – 12B Dark Lane North, Steeple Ashton, BA14 6EY – Tree works – No objection Parish Council Office: (2 St Mary’s School, High Street) The Clerk is not attending the Parish Office on Wednesdays during the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as the restrictions permit the Clerk will resume the weekly surgeries, which take place between 9.30 and 11.30 am. In the meantime, the Clerk can be contacted on 01373 864127 / 07971 987806 or email [email protected] All Councillors have live @steeple-ashton.co.uk email addresses which are also posted on the website. Find us on Social Media! Through the Parish Council page and Steeple Ashton Village Discussion Group, we cover many topics of interest to our residents. Please be assured that this page is monitored regularly, and we take all requests seriously, actioning where appropriate. We also have a group called ‘Steeple Sells’ for those of you that would like to buy and sell things locally – this is not a page that is part of the Parish Council policy or procedure, just a natural extension of social media activities. We would love you to get involved – search for ‘Steeple Ashton’ on Facebook. If you are a village group and need help with your social media or village event promotions, please get in touch with Pippa at [email protected] or 871578. ~~~ www.steeple-ashton.co.uk ~~~

6 Wiltshire Councillor News from Jonathon Seed We have now endured seven weeks of lockdown in a bid to beat the deadly COVID-19 virus. All of our lives have changed and sadly there have been fatalities. However the Prime Ministers announcement of safe progress on lockdown are very welcome and it is good to see our Government here in showing the same respect to the people that the people have shown to Government and their lock down rules. None of us(including the Government) really know how this crisis will move forward but we must at least try to move forward safely. Hopefully the latest rules will allow just a tiny bit more “normality” as we edge towards that goal. In Wiltshire Council continues to operate, albeit in a very low key mode and with the operational lead taken by officers of the Council. The main aim is to look after the vulnerable and shielded in our society and this has proved to be incredibly costly with reports of a “black hole” in excess of £25million being opened up in the finances of the Council. At some stage the Councillors who are responsible for the Council will have to account for the control of this spending we must assume that robust fiscal controls were in place. Inevitably there will be a financial spending review in the near future. Wiltshire Council has also been cautious in the introduction of virtual accountability and in spite of central Government moving quickly to allow virtual meetings the fist tier of Wiltshire local government has been overtaken by many Parish Councils in local democracy. Locally, I congratulate Seend and Poulshot Parish Councils for their excellent Zoom Parish Council meetings and it is of note that these meetings were attended by many more local residents than would have attended in the village hall. As in many aspects of our current lives there are some definite advantages to the COVID way of working which we will need to consider as we move out of the crisis . Finally I am getting expressions of concern from residents at the very quick removal of services by Wiltshire Council and the slower reintroduction of socially distanced services, again in spite of Government encouragement to do so. Our first priority must always be to look after the vulnerable in our society but we must also not lose sight of providing a service to those who pay for all of the services a Council has responsibility to deliver. Included in this list of services are Household Recycling Centres which have reopened albeit in a very limited way. As your local Wiltshire Councillor I will continue to hold the administration of Wiltshire Council to account on your behalf - as soon as the Council introduces a virtual system to do so! Jonathon Seed [email protected] 07770 774463 7 STEEPLE ASHTON VILLAGE SHOP New Opening Times from Monday 30th March Monday – Friday: 10.00 – 16.00 Saturday: 10.00 – 1400 Sunday: 0900 – 1200 Thank you once more to all of our loyal customers who are supporting the shop, and continuing to observe our social distancing policies to keep everyone as safe as possible. We’d also like to offer all our thanks to our army of volunteers without whom the shop could not function. You have all gone the extra mile to support Julie and keep the shop open during these difficult times. We may be able to make some changes as lockdown continues to lift, but it is too early to predict when and what they might be. We’ll keep you posted. James our wonderful baker is making good progress, and until his return to work, we will continue to bake bread including a new line of Tiger Bloomers. We are now stocking long-life double and clotted cream and crème fraiche and some new tins of Moore’s biscuits. We have a new system for purchasing vegetables and fruit in place to offer you more choice from a greater variety. The AGM is now postponed until September with a provisional date of the 25th. The shop opening hours will remain the same for June as they were for May.

We wish all our customers good health and best wishes. We are here for you. Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01380 871211 Francis Ash

8 STEEPLE STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL STEEPLEASHTON ASHTONASHTO PARISH PARISH COUNCIL COUNCIL

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON SUNDAY 8th December at 5.30pm Come and enjoy mulled wine, savoury treats, mince pies and a Christmas singalong. Father Christmas himself will be pushing the button and giving out a few treats along the way. We’d love to see as many of you as possible. N PARISH COUNCIL

ST MARY’S CHURCH STEEPLE ASHTON

Ministry Team for the Benefice of North Bradley, Southwick, Heywood and Steeple Ashton

Fr Oliver Learmont (Vicar) The Vicarage, 62 Church Lane, North Bradley, BA14 0TA. Tel. 01225 774845, 07464 795590 [email protected]

Fr Tony Longdon Tel. 01225 754771 07951 703187

Richard Havergal (Licensed Lay Minister) Tel. 01225 762668 [email protected]

Simon Rusling (Lay Worship Leader) Tel. 01225 768862 [email protected]

Churchwarden of St Mary’s, Steeple Ashton Michael Moore Tel. 01380 870280

For funerals at this time, and for any emergency, please contact in the first instance the Vicar or churchwarden.

And so that we can keep in touch with you by sending you a copy of the weekly Pew News, please do consider letting us have your email/postal address.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) The Benefice churches and our worship The Church remains alive and active; however, public worship is suspended and our churches have to stay closed for the time being. Join Fr Oliver and Richard for Morning Prayer (Common Worship) every morning at 9.30am (9am on Sundays) via Skype. Don’t have the book? No problem! Let us know and we can help you download the free Daily Prayer app - and set up Skype. The Skype address to use is: [email protected] See you via web broadcasting! 9 “We lift up in prayer the people of our Benefice each morning; please let us know if you would like us to include in our prayers any particular person or cause.”

Annual meetings The Annual Parish Meeting (i.e. of those on the parish electoral roll, or who live in the parish and whose name is on the register of local government electors) and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (i.e. of those on St Mary’s church electoral roll only) may normally take place each year before 31st May. On account of the current restrictions the Church of England has decided to move that date back to 31st October. A date for this year’s annual meetings will be fixed as soon as possible, and details will be communicated in a future issue of the Newsletter. Church Freewill Giving Please contact Michael Moore if would like to join the Church Freewill Giving Scheme; we suggest you retain your used Envelopes until it is once again possible to bring them to church. Occasional offices These include baptisms, marriage services and funeral services. At the time of going to print there is no change to the restrictions imposed under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, further qualified by the archbishops and bishops of the Church England, that, of the above services, only funerals at the graveside or crematorium, and emergency baptisms may currently take place. Update in reordering at St Mary’s In February the PCC agreed an architect’s brief for the reordering of St Mary’s, drawing on the results of a comprehensive space and options analysis of the church building. It was intended in March to hold informal meetings with each of the three architects shortlisted to produce a scheme for the reordering of St Mary’s, in order to assist each architect in the preparation of a formal presentation to take place soon afterwards, and on the basis of which one of the architects is to be selected as project architect. The lockdown has stopped us in our tracks; but these plans will be progressed as soon as circumstances allow. Vacancies for church officers in the Parish There are currently vacancies for the role of churchwarden and PCC treasurer in the Parish. The post of PCC secretary will also soon fall vacant. If you are interested in any of these roles, please contact Fr Oliver. 10 Fr Oliver writes…

Alas, our church buildings remain closed as we begin another month. The opportunities for us to gather and celebrate some of the great moments of the Easter season now await us in 2021. Until 6th May the only justifiable reason for entering a church was to check that the building and its contents were safe and secure; it was a task to be carried out either by the parish priest or by a designated person, and I am very grateful to Michael Moore for having carried out that role at St Mary’s. And many thanks, too, to those of you who have been keeping an eye around the outside of the church building while taking your exercise. When, in late March, it was no longer permissible to go into church to pray either in company or even as a solitary member of the clergy, Richard Havergal and I started meeting daily via Skype for Morning Prayer. We are always delighted when others join us for this live opportunity to pray together for our Church and the world and for the needs of those we serve (for further details please see page 9). On 6th May the justifiable reasons for entering church were extended slightly, and since that date clergy have been able to do so in order to say prayers: I now visit the churches of the Benefice to say Evening Prayer, which is preceded by the ringing of a church bell - something which is now also allowed. Since 21st May the incumbent his been permitted to appoint an additional person to enter a church building which means that a bell can now be rung in both parishes of the Benefice when on a Thursday evening we pay tribute to our health carers. There have been tentative steps elsewhere in Europe recently to reopen churches to their congregations. Looking ahead, the Government in this country has indicated its wish for weddings to be possible once again, perhaps by early June, but with very small numbers in attendance. Furthermore, it is hoped that churches will be open for private prayer, though I understand that would not happen before 4th July. Any decision about the reopening of our churches will be dependant, of course, upon the progress made in bringing under control the Coronavirus. The situation remains fluid and uncertain, and may well have changed significantly by the time this issue of the Newsletter reaches you. In any case, we shall have to accept that, sadly, public worship in our own church buildings will not be possible for quite a while. 11 What is certain is that the first Sunday of June this year is Trinity Sunday, which falls eight weeks after Easter (see Newsletter, June, 2019). This is one of the great Feast Days of the Church year, and the hangings, altar frontal and vestments are coloured white in joyful celebration of the day which marks the divine inter-relationship of love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Trinity Sunday marks the beginning of Ordinary time which takes us all the way to All Saints’ Day. A major theme during the course of this long season is the mission of the church, and the choice of liturgical colour is green to symbolise growth.

We have now experienced well over two months of lockdown and, although we are probably a little more accustomed to the isolation, and restrictions have been eased a little, it has not become necessarily any easier. For a variety of reasons it is, perhaps, an even greater challenge for some of us. Outside the Church calendar the times we are living through seem anything but ordinary: we are remote from many of our friends and loved ones, disorientated in the present, and unsure about what the future may bring. As we enter the Trinity season, however, may we find strength and allow our faith to grow in the renewed knowledge of our Trinitarian God who reaches out in his love to all people, wherever we are, and in whatever circumstances, inspiring us to turn to him and join together with one another. I pray that in this country, well before the Trinity season comes to end, we shall once again be in our churches, and gather to worship at St Mary’s - which will without doubt call for a service of thanksgiving.

Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and live and reign in the perfect unity of love: hold us firm in this faith, that we may know you in all your ways and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory, who are three Persons yet one God, now and for ever. Amen.

With my prayers and good wishes, Fr Oliver

12 JOAN RIGGOTT 1932 – 2020

Memories of Joan 14th May 2020 This eulogy is not the one that Joan would have been expecting but then this service to bid farewell is not the service that anyone had been prepared for. Her notes on the order of service she had wished for were written with a view to the main ceremony taking place in St Mary’s, Steeple Ashton. She would have had no idea that the UK and the world would be locked down and so few people be able to attend.

Joan was born in 1932 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, the only daughter of Ernest and Florence Clarke. Her father worked at a local dispensing chemist whilst her mother worked as a milliner. Joan’s initial years were set against the backdrop of the depression of the 1930’s and of course the Second World War, her father with the Royal Artillery between 1940 and 1945. She was educated at Old Road School before securing a scholarship to Tapton Grammar School in 1943. Writing for the Old Taptonians Association a few years ago she found the first year quite hard having left her friends and peers of her primary school. However, by the end of her 5 years there she mentions she was indebted to the extensive curriculum and the discipline. The curriculum wasn’t only focused on academic studies but many other subjects, including dance, something she excelled at and would later bring her to meet her future husband. Having completed her school certificate she was told be her parents that if she didn’t want to become a teacher, she would have to leave to help the family coffers. With no teaching aspirations she joined BTH Glassworks as a secretary. It was a significant employer outside of the mining industry and as well as employing some of her close relatives there was a very well supported sports and social club.

13 Joan met Owen at one of the many dinner dances where he had re-joined the company on return from national service and was now secretary of the recreation club. Dancing became one of her favourite pastimes and she often said that if it hadn’t been for Owen’s dance skills, she would have never married him. They married on 9th August 1952, a few days after her 20th birthday, at the Independent Chapel in Chesterfield. Before long they had moved to house of their own on the same road as her parents. They both had an active social life and she was enjoying her new life as a married woman. A little under 2 years later Joan was diagnosed with bowel cancer, spending several months in hospital, her life very nearly cut all too short. As a result of the many operations she was left with an ileostomy which she dealt with for the rest of her life. In the early 1960’s she moved to a village in Kent where Owen had taken up a new job. The world had become freer of the post war financial shackles and so her love of entertaining began in earnest. She also became involved in a local amateur dramatic club, the Lenham Players. In 1966 she moved to New Zealand where Owen’s work had now taken them, a significant move being so far away from her family and friends. She was struck by how many people were going around barefoot, concluding that many of the locals may not be able to afford shoes! Their first permanent home was in an Auckland suburb close to Owen’s work where they were welcomed into another very social and caring community. Some neighbours who had recently moved from Australia became very close friends, eventually becoming god parents to Guy. It’s worth mentioning here that when she fell pregnant in 1969, she was advised against continuing with the pregnancy but was adamant she would go ahead. There are 4 people here today to provide evidence of her determination and stubbornness to succeed. The safari dinners and executive outings became more common as did the dancing and drama. She also joined the local ‘toastmistresses’ group as well as a number of cookery clubs. Joan had a series of secretarial jobs in Auckland, latterly moving into Education with positions at the University’s sociology and counselling department before joining the local secondary school close to their new home in Bucklands Beach. 14 years of living in New Zealand had both benefits and drawbacks. The distance away from family and relatives was certainly challenging but the proximity to exotic places for holidays and the weather being far better than England seemed to provide enough compensation. There were frequent visits back to the UK, 2 of which involved 6-week journeys by passenger ship. These trips were clearly a very enjoyable experience for Joan from what I remember and from what we can see from the detailed diaries and pictures. She was able to secure many guest slots at the captain’s dinner table!

14 In 1979 the family moved back to the UK, settling in Steeple Ashton. Again, the village community was vibrant and welcoming and soon she became involved in many social events as well as the W.I. In 1980 she started work at Lackham College as working as an agricultural departmental secretary. She made many new friends and another social circle was added to her already busy social life. For someone who did not aspire to teacher in her youth she became a part-time teacher of keyboard skills in 1984 and her C.V. achievements list her students attaining consistent distinctions in their RSA examinations. Joan had always insisted that she never wanted to return to the UK. I’m sure that had they not moved to Steeple Ashton then she would have made Owen’s life more unbearable! Joan had an interesting and varied life. She was able to travel the world before long haul became the norm. She enjoyed the many roles she had at her numerous places of work, fully immersing herself into those organisations, none more so than when she was at Lackham College. She was a well- known and well-loved member of each of the communities in which she lived. Her constant comment ‘It’s no fun growing old’ only really held true for her recent past. Her lack of mobility and general physical condition let her down in the last few years, the additional surgery she underwent a few years after Owen’s death being the starting point. Mentally she was not impaired, still able to pop a bottle of Prosecco into her last Ocado order! Eco Corner for Steeple Ashton Area This is what I wrote for the magazine prior to April issue: “I have not heard from the Parish council re the possibility of planting more trees and adapting strimming contracts around the village to allow more pollinator plants. But if you are spending time, enjoying your garden in this fine weather, spare a thought NOT to over tidy and leave patches of grass and “weed” for butterflies and pollinators please.” 15 I regret that there has been still no dialogue on this topic and indeed St Mary’s playing field has again been strimmed to an expansive sterile square, and the surrounding verges of a nearby lane have been over- strimmed up to two metres in places (see Natural History club news), but this is not yet pinned on the same contractor. Writing about bees and pollinators, I was not realising that the following day was “World Bee Day”! Sponsored by the WWF and UN Climate Change Glynnis Oakley group, this is its sixth year and is always on 20th May. Look them up on line for videos and information. We have been doing a grand job here at the Manor breeding new honeybee swarms. I have a friend in Southwick who keeps bees and we have had to call him out to collect them three times now on a weekly basis. He reports our queens to be good-natured and is happy to have them. Well worth a pot of honey for us! Is there anyone locally who would like the next swarm? Can I also bring to dog owners’ attention the use of routine anti-flea treatments to dogs. I have an article here from “Shooting and Conservation”: Gundog, by a vet, with the news that imidacloprid, the main ingredient of commonly used, prescribed and over-the-counter, anti-flea insecticide treatments for dogs, is in fact a potent neonicotinoid. To quote: “..to honeybees this is the most toxic chemical ever invented. It has been estimated that one dose to a Labrador contains enough toxins to kill 60 million bees…” Treatment to the neck of the dog, when it goes foraging around a hedgerow, can disseminate the chemical and spread to insect life including in streams and bird life too. This affects the latter, as it does bees, to disorient migration patterns”. In Norway and Denmark vets do not routinely de-flea, worm etc pets unless a positive diagnosis is made first. The same well respected vet, is also incriminating routine uses of antiworm and tic chemicals. See for further reading www.markelliott.co.uk and an article “Peticide”. I have just now bought some Ecopond clearance for our wild life pond against a large overgrowth this year of blanketweed. It is an extract of barley straw, so neater to use than the barley bags. Ecopond, based in , (see internet) is adamant it is frog friendly. Meantime I continue to succeed to eliminate pesticides and artificial fertilizers to our garden. I have been trying out cut-up grapefruits skins on our veg patch, alongside the garlic clumps, saving on the need for eco- friendly anti-slug wool pellets and grit that I purchase to protect our beans and squash. They seem to work - or is it just because we have such dry weather? Hurray we have seen two hedgehogs in the garden and most mornings see some hegdehog poo. My 7-yr old granddaughter, can now spot and differentiate, hedgehog, dog and fox poo! “Eco” can cover everything. And my previous comments about the clear skies, and huge drop in pollution for a son living in South London off the 16

17 South circular, has to be a blessing without the traffic and aircraft. We don’t know how we will fare as we draw into an extended time perhaps living with Covid-19, a dismal thought. Still the move to extend cycle lanes and get us out for a healthier lifestyle is to the good. It is quite probable that the high death rates in cities correspond to the increase of particulate matter in their polluted skies as well as overcrowded living conditions. STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS Lack of Vitamin D may be a contributing factor to susceptibility, especially if you have a darker skin. Do join our group of friends, even if we cannot have coffee at the present time, we can discuss issues. communicating by phone or Email: Penny Aeberhard. 01380 870602, [email protected]

NATURAL HISTORY CLUB Before I report on what’s been seen / what’s news around the village and surrounding countryside, I thought I would start up a ‘short nature story’ series relating to the local area around us. Hopefully I will have one from a different club member every issue. I will start the series off with my own experience with nature. It is a regular walk I make. Those who know me, know that I have a passion for birds and wildlife. So when I go for a walk, usually accompanied by my dog, I have my binoculars slung around my neck. This particular walk is one I do often and at different times of the year. Different times means different nature. This is a recent walk I made in early May this year and starts at the top of Butts Lane by the conker tree with the bench underneath. I’m sure some champion conkers have been obtained from here to be used in the annual Steeple Ashton conker championship. The official name is Butts Lane and forms part of the old ‘coffin trail’ but I call it, at this time of year anyway, Whitethroat alley. The top part of this hedge and Cow parsley lined lane is teeming with these sparrow sized migrant warblers. Stop and listen to their scratchy warble and they will probably reward you by popping out of the hedge, perform a fancy aerial jig and then settle back down on top of the hedge to give you a good view of them. Keep your senses alert and you will also hear our resident sedentary birds singing, calling and going about their business of attracting a mate and nest building. Blue tit, Great tit, Wren, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Robin and more can be seen easily. Look up and you could see a newly arrived Swallow or two or a House Martin. Always a sign that summer’s approaching. Look to the ground underneath the hedges for possibly a glimpse of a small mammal such as 17 voles or mice. I have seen Weasels before. Look out for butterfly’s flitting from plant to plant. As I approach the wooded area the path splits. Straight on for East Town or Luffenham field or left to eventually link up with Drove Lane. The wood is where you never fail to hear the Chiff Chaff. Another migrant warbler that sings its own name. If you’re lucky you might hear the sweet song of a Blackcap – or is it a Garden warbler? You really need to know your bird song to distinguish between them. I turn left through the privately owned field following the path to the bridge. This field displays orchids from May and has two Owl boxes worth scanning for activity. Tawny Owls have been known to use them in the past. Earlier this year there was reports of a Green Woodpecker using one box to roost in. I stop on the bridge to look down at the muddy sides of the stream. There could be footprints/tracks of animals that use the stream and its banks. Signs of water Vole maybe. Most likely Brown rat! Possibly Fox or Badger. I often get told off by a Great Spotted Woodpecker in this area. Their alarm call is quite distinctive. Following the stream along the field edges you are quite likely to see Roe deer grazing or just lying enjoying the sun. If you are really lucky you may catch a glimpse of a Kingfisher’s electric blue back flashing along the stream. There is a small overgrown pond just before you get to ‘Yellow Hammer corner’ where you sometimes see or hear Moorhen. Loads of Pheasants here, they’re bred for shooting. Yellow hammer corner is what I call the area where the footpath meets the extension of Drove Lane. Up the hill to east Town or left and left again up the hill towards Acre Short Lane. Yellow Hammer Corner so named (by me) because I never fail to hear and see Yellow Hammers here. Half way up this path towards Acre Short it becomes wet. Even when there has been no rain for days. There must be a spring? At the top where the tarmac ends at Acre Short lane there is a bench to rest and listen to the Skylarks that seem to relentlessly hover and sing high above the field that stretches across to Elmsgate. Follow the tarmac and you are soon back in the village. This is a medium length walk and fairly easy that I’m sure many of you have done. In the winter the birds you will encounter will be a lot different. Nature news Bird breeding season is well underway and early breeders such as Blackbirds are on to their second brood already. House Martins are taking 18 up residence again. They come back to the same nests they used last year after wintering in Africa! A swarm of honey bees descended into the garden of the Manor house and was subsequently captured and hived. Also a grass snake was seen hunting down the newts in the pond. Several independent reports of Cuckoo calls close to the west of the village is encouraging as they haven’t been heard in the village for a while. Ravens are becoming a common sight flying over the village. Could they be juvenile’s looking for potential partners and nesting sites? Blue tits have been spotted nesting in some unusual places and some of us have been watching them hatch live on David’s box cam which is accessible on the web via an app. Ask David for details on how to access it. Some upsetting news is that a rare wild plant – Allium roseum or rosy garlic was strimmed down presumably by council contractors. Stop press: One of our members has discovered a Glow Worm on down land near the White Horse. None were thought to be in this area so a rare find. The Glow worm is the larval stage of an insect called the fungus gnat. They are similar to mosquitoes. If you want to know more about any of these sightings or creatures why not become a member of our club. We meet four times a year and have the odd nature outing throughout the year. Our next meeting is scheduled for 11th June but due to the current health crisis this has been cancelled. Please report anything of interest such as sightings of animal / bird / insect activity or lack of. Or indeed unusual or rare plants or anything you can’t identify to David Culverhouse, 01380 871621 [email protected] or Roger Ferguson 01380 870860 [email protected] we may have a member who specialises and can answer your questions. Roger Ferguson

19 Spring Has Sprung - Robbie writes

Spring has sprung, the grass is ris, I wonder where the boidies is The boid is on the wing, But that’s absoid From what I hoid The wing is on the boid!

I remember from a very early age my father quoting this rhyme as a humorous pick up of morale when the going was getting a bit tough but the background of nature was still smiling. Like so many he went to war in 1939 to fight for freedom, leaving behind a promising career and professional level golf. After enduring the full siege of Malta he returned to his family minus a leg and with serious other injuries but he carried on, eventually retiring in 1972 and living on to 1996. Without complaint or much help, he had raised a family, seen his sons to adulthood and provided home and hearth through hard work and sheer stubbornness. My mother was also a veteran having been an RAF nurse throughout the war, caring for Battle of Britain pilots, including Nicolson VC, and setting up emergency hospitals in Torquay and Iceland (like Nightingale hospitals but heavily used), she too lived a full and committed life after the war not retiring from nursing until 1967. They were just 2 but typical examples of their generation who for most of their lives had to just get on with it in a society which was fully committed to rebuilding the country. They did not expect thanks or reward and VE Parties had little relevance given that both had relatives still fighting the Japanese. I had cause to remember them and other veterans who I have been privileged to know, when the celebration of VE Day became a virtual recognition rather than a parade and party. Given that most of the “Finest Generation” have passed away years ago with little fanfare it is probably fitting that the Nation’s attention turned to Captain Tom (now Colonel) and his single handed attempt to raise money for the NHS. The character of this man and his exemplary war record plus his close family and clear decency acted as a tremendous lift to everyone’s morale, not to mention the incredible financial support he received. The award of the Yorkshire Regiment “Soldier of the Year” medal, his appointment as Honorary Colonel to the Army Training Regiment in Harrogate and his award of the Freedom of the City of London are all well deserved and reflect the pride of the nation in him and all those who served with him. 20 That pride has reflected across to the NHS and other key staff who are fighting our war against Covid-19, it is a war that requires fortitude and sacrifice by those on the front line but perhaps others are less sure of the need to pull together as a team. I have no intention of pontificating and trust we will come out the other side if we can summon up the common spirit of Colonel Tom’s generation. Ironically just as my father used to quote the rhyme, I mentioned above, to cheer things along, spring in all its glory has come along in real time to do the same during this modern crisis. The skies are bluer, the birds chirpier and the grass greener than records can remember. Most of us lucky enough to live in rural Wiltshire have enjoyed getting to grips with the finer points of making our own compost, recovering seeds from plants and fine tuning the garden in general. All things have their upside and we should give thanks for that, without forgetting the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many in the War and today fighting the “Virus War”. Perhaps it is fitting to end this reflection by quoting the epitaph at Kohima, where my uncle fought, and which marked the beginning of the end of the Japanese threat in Burma. Now used as a general epitaph to those who make that final sacrifice in the service of others:

When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.'

VE Day afternoon party in Gullivers Lane.

Mr Green, 1979

21 22 23 24 D.WATSON PLUMBING & HEATING CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS SOLAR HOT WATER UNDER FLOOR HEATING HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATION COMPLETE BATHROOM SOLUTIONS

COMMON HILL STEEPLE ASHTON Tel: 01380 870397 Mob: 07834 785016

25 APEX ROOFING For all your roofing needs Tiling and Slating Flat Roofing and GRP Fibreglass Re-roofing and New Roofs Lead work and Chimneys Free Estimates and fully insured

Telephone 01225 775181 Mobile 07989 612540

26 27 St Mary’s Church Steeple Ashton

COMMUNITY PROJECT * Are you running out of things to do?

* Would you like to contribute to a community project to be displayed at St Mary’s Church?…

* …. then why not put your fingers and skills to good use and help make a

Giant Red Rose!

The completed hand-crafted rose will be displayed at St Mary's Church - inside the church if possible. The rose is a community effort, all making individual crepe paper cones which will be arranged together to make a single Giant Red Rose.

This single bloom will represent our strong community spirit, and will be ready to mark St Mary's Patronal Festival.

This box is your template 125mm x 125mm.

28 How to make your cone… These bunches of cones will be used to form the petals of the rose. Roll crepe paper to make ice cream cone. Cut out your template 125mm square - Use card or see the previous page.

Red crepe paper is available, £3 a pack, from Petra or Helen, (see below).

Cut out lots of red crepe paper squares.

Roll each crepe paper square to make an ice cream cone shape. Twist end to secure. Twist the bottom to secure.

Tie three cones together using thread or sellotape.

Secure using PVA glue and leave to dry.

Make lots!

Please leave completed cones in the plastic container in St Mary’s Church porch or deliver to 33 High Street.

Any questions contact - Petra Email [email protected] Tel: 01380 870696

Helen: 01380 871285

Stay safe! 29 30 31

Allow our family to look after yours…

Guaranteed Prepayment Plans available

Home arrangements by appointment

Cote House, 51 Timbrell Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8PN Telephone 01225 775259

16 Warminster Road, Westbury, BA13 3PB Telephone 01373 864944 www.elizabethsnell.co.uk [email protected]

32 Book Online 24/7 Cut & Blow Drys; Colours; Perms Hair Treatments; Men’s Cuts Eyelash Extensions; HD Brows; Waxing Manicures & Pedicures; Spray Tans Eyelash Tinting; Crystal Clear Facials TOPS 5 High Street, Melksham HAIR SALON Wiltshire, SN12 6JR & BEAUTY 01225 703144

33 34 35 36 Could you advrtise here? Please contact Sarah see page 2

37 38 FROM THE ARCHIVES

39 Women of Steeple Ashton in World War Two ‘As the outlook at home became more foreboding the “Home Front” was strengthened by the formation of an Invasion and Civil Defence Committee’ So begins the report of civilian life in Steeple Ashton in the war record of the parish. A committee of about 16 people first met on 13th August 1941. Of these only 4 were women. Mrs F Matthews who lived on the Village Green represented the WI, and of course the Billeting Officer also responsible for emergency feeding was a woman –Mrs Tilton who lived in The Strand and who with her husband paid for the electrification of the church organ in commemoration of her sons. The WI was obviously still active at the beginning of the war. It would seem that the enormous war effort saw its demise as women as well as men volunteered for Air Raid Precautions training and first aid training before becoming wardens (finishing shifts in the pub!) and nurses. While the Women’s Voluntary Service (later WRVS) grew in number, to begin with under Miss Dixon from The Sanctuary (probably Betty) had 33 members with a housewives section of 29. Its activities included the Stirrup Pump Parties, Fire Fighting Lectures, Anti-Gas measures, ARP and weekly collecting of War savings and Flag days. Billeting evacuated mothers and children were the remit of the WVS who undertook repairs of gasmasks, darning and mending and knitting for the troops, running a canteen in the village hall for the RAF and on the ‘drome for the WAAF, among other things and would you believe collecting rose hips to provide healthy juice for children. In all the WVS between March 18th 1944 and September 30th 1945 provided 47,732 cups of tea or coffee and 90,286 cakes and sandwiches! 11 Women joined Women’s Services. Of these 6 joined the ATS, the two Miss Dixons continuing as hospital drivers after the war as well as breeding dogs. Margaret Phillips and Nora Gunstone joined the WAAF. Noreen Long joined the WRNS becoming a driver for the Fleet Air Arm and continued briefly after the war. 2 more became nurses; Joan Whiting became a VAD serving all over the country in military hospitals including Westbury, and Betty Marriott served with the Civil Nursing Reserve in Gloucester cycling home in the black out and taking a wrong turning at The Air Balloon roundabout realising her mistake after two miles – there were no signposts! She then worked on the troop train at Wilton working on Ralph Whitlock’s farm when off duty. The WI reformed in 1949 when Betty Smith (nee Marriott) became secretary and her friend Joan Twinney treasurer (I think.) They were welcomed by the WI adviser with the words “Good, the WI needs young women like you.” Nothing changes. PS. Emergency rations stored at the bottom shop consisted of ‘Two and a half tons of biscuit;, 9 cwt Beef; 2 cwt Condensed Milk; 6 cwt Baked Beans; 1 cwt Tea; 6 cwt Sugar; 20 cwt Margarine.’ These would be distributed if necessary within 2 hours and the shop closed. Rosie Brett Green

40 Adopt a Grave Felix and Oscar chose two graves in the churchyard to adopt. They have made an excellent job of tidying them up and have plans to plant flowers next. Well done boys. They will appear in the National Historic Churches Trust Newsletter later this year.

Rupert David Sims. 69085 “b” Sqdn 20th Hussars. Died 10.06.1920 Aged 21, Buried in the Chatby Military War Cemetery in Alexandria.

After the signing of the Armistice in 1919 his regiment was sent to Egypt for a few months before being sent onwards to what is now known as Turkey, where they were involved in keeping order during the Nationalist Uprising taking place there. Unfortunately Rupert never made it to Izmit as he died while still stationed in Egypt, 1 month before the Hussars left for Turkey. The details of his passing are not listed. Son of Henry and Agnes Sims of Loppinger Farm Steeple Ashton and Husband of Kathleen Sims (nee Hudd) who he married in June 1919. Kath Sims never re-married and ran a flower shop in Trowbridge. She passed away in 1981. Rupert was born on the 14th March 1899 the 6th child of 8 born to Henry James Sims (born 1861 in Great Hinton) and Agnes Mercy Sims (nee Hawkins)(from Steeple Ashton) who were married in 1886, it was shortly after this that they moved to Loppinger Farm as tenants of the Long Estate. The family of 10 shared the house with their Grandparents Henry Sims born in 1831 at Parsonage Farm, Great Hinton, Ellen Mattock born in Steeple Ashton in 1838, who married in 1861. Rupert was born the 3rd son, he already had two brothers and three sisters a further sister and brother were born in the next five years. His siblings were Charles Henry Sims born 1887, William James Sims born 1889,

41 Rupert David Sims

Winifred Elsie Sims born 1891, Celia Agnes Sims born 1893, Violet Florence Sims born 1895. Ruby Sibil Sims born 1901, John George Sims born 1904. Rupert was known as “Manney “ to his family, and whilst in Egypt in 1919 sent back the pictured tray cloth for his mother. Manney was very much missed by his family, and a key to the front door was left out for him, just in case, until the late 1970’s With both of his older brothers Charles and William already serving when Rupert joined up, the youngest John known as “Jack” had to leave school at the age of 12 to work full time on the farm with his father. He worked full time on the farm until the mid 1980’s when he partially retired (he passed away in January 1988). His son also John took over. He is still farming there today. Rupert Married Kathleen May Hudd in 1919, she never re married and ran a flower shop in Trowbridge, she lived on Hilperton road, and died in 1981. Ann Strange 42 43 2020 EDINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL CANCELLED: but we look forward to online activity and to 2021. It is with great regret that the Directors of the Edington Music Festival have had to decide to cancel this year’s festival, the 65th, which was to have taken place from the 23 - 30 August. Director Richard Pinel says, “In the light of the Coronavirus guidelines and regulations recently updated by the Prime Minister, it is clear that restrictions around the lockdown are very unlikely to be eased to accommodate the large numbers of visitors whom we would normally expect in the Priory Church during the festival. With an eye to ‘Safety First’ for our hosts, the community, our musicians and our visitors, we will not be holding the festival this year. Needless to say, this is a cause of great sadness to us all.” He continues, “However, the festival in 2021 will still be the 65th, and we will be able simply to move this year’s programme to next year. We have all the music and themes for each day in place ready for re- activation. It will be a doubly celebratory week of glorious music in an environment which is very dear to all of us who are involved in this unique event.” Preparations are also being made for ‘Edington Online’ during the festival period. We will celebrate our core tenets of friendship and fine liturgical music through a series of online videos, making use of archive material and new virtual-choir recordings along with readings and thoughts for the day from our regular team of festival participants and clergy. Information and updates will be posted on the website, www.edingtonfestival.org and through our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Sudan Tea We are hoping to hold a Cream Tea on Sunday 23rd August at 3pm at the home of Matthew and Cheryl Brett who live opposite the Village Hall. The money will go towards the Peace School in Kadugli, Sudan. You will have a chance to meet one or two of the Clergy who have visited recently. Sue and Rosie. 44 THE FRIENDS OF STEEPLE ASHTON Luffenham Meadow has been greening-up well in the recent fine weather, and those visiting or passing through on the ‘coffin trail’ footpath to East Town will now be able to pause a while and take advantage of the new picnic table and benches, shifted and sited along with the new works shed by Tony Evans and his crew of heavy lifters. Scrub clearing along the stream bank has enabled the planting of some new trees – thank you to Penny Aeberhard for donating the oak saplings. The information board at the entrance to the meadow has also been smartly refurbished thanks to the efforts of Helen Montague-Smith and Jill Beard. Many of us will be getting out and about on local footpaths as part of our lockdown exercise routine. The village is fortunate to have a number of ‘circular walks’ which feature in a series of guides produced by the Friends. The guides can be purchased at the Village Shop for 25p each, and proceeds go direct to the Friends to help support projects such as the Luffenham Bridge restoration – we have now reached 80% of our £500 donation target, and once the work is complete and restrictions have eased we hope to announce a date for a celebratory opening. We will also announce a new date for the Friends of Steeple Ashton AGM in due course, when we will take the opportunity to update members on ongoing and proposed activities. We are all fortunate to live in a very special village which, while continuing to evolve, deserves to be nurtured and appreciated. If you are interested in joining The Friends we would love to have you on board - please get in touch with the undersigned on 871914, or our Treasurer, Frank Geraghty, on 871083. Mike Beard More about the meadow and the coffin trail During the lockdown, the footpath, part of the old coffin trail, across the field has been very well used by many people taking their daily exercise. Tony and Richard are currently using mulch to create a ‘streamside path’ through the trees and someone has been on a bear hunt and laid a trap… 2 bird boxes made during the lockdown have been installed ready for next spring. Tidying up continues and the centre of the field will shortly be cut. Walking along the old route, I wondered why Butts Lane stops where it does and why it is not a straight line between West Ashton and Steeple Ashton. Also, where were the butts which must have given it the name? There is no suitable field here to practice archery. I talked with Ken Rogers, who is a mine of information! I was also going to write more about Samuel Martyn who bought parcels of land in the 17cen to create East Town Farm….my space has been taken by other articles, so more anon. Helen 45 METHODIST CHURCH I feel that the following two items have some words appropriate for our current situation. I know they are normally heard at funerals, but even now if you read the words carefully they can apply to our present restricted state. We are still able to communicate with each other, just not in the same way that we are used to. Alison Death is nothing at all. A Reflection I have only slipped away to the next In God’s house there are many rooms: room. a room to be still and to listen; I am I and you are you. a room to dance and sing and rejoice; Whatever we were to each other, a room to teach and to reflect on Scripture; That, we still are. a room to remember the needs of others; a room for conversation and hospitality, Call me by my old familiar name. to welcome visitors and to make friendships; Speak to me in the easy way a room where troubles and fears and tears which you always used. can be shared; Put no difference into your tone. a room that is big enough for everyone Wear no forced air of solemnity or to bring their dreams and to share their sorrow. gifts. Laugh as we always laughed In God’s house there are many rooms. at the little jokes we enjoyed together. John 14 v2 Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect. Without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was. There is absolute unbroken We regret the Church premises continuity. must remain unused until we Why should I be out of mind receive more information. because I am out of sight? Therefore there will be no I am but waiting for you. activities or services until For an interval. further notice. Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner. All is well.

Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before only better, infinitely happier and forever we will all be one together with Christ. Henry Scott Holland 46 CATHOLIC NEWS ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST TROWBRIDGE & ST BERNADETTE’S WESTBURY (incl VILLAGES). PARISH PRIEST FR TOM FINNEGAN TELEPHONE: 01225 752152 www.stjohnthebaptisttrowbridge.co.uk Diocese of Clifton Registered Charity No 1170168 Weekly Timings: check newsletter for changes

St John the Baptist - Trowbridge Sunday & Weekday Masses: For the duration of the Corona Virus lockdown Mass will be celebrated in St John’s Church Trowbridge and uploaded to YouTube. Go to ‘Mass in Trowbridge’ Fr Tom will occasionally upload a Children & Young Person’s Exercise Prayer service. St Bernadette's - Westbury All Services are suspended

A Glimmer of Hope: After the Prime Ministers ‘interesting’ presentation to the nation recently, there was great dissapointment from Faith Leaders that nothing was mentioned about the re-opening of places of worship. However, in the report that followed on Monday, there was mention that we could look at re-opening on the 4th July (Independence day!) That still seems a long way off. But in the Government Daily Briefing on Wednesday, it was annouced that there would be discussion with faith leaders about the opening of our buildings for private prayer sooner than the 4th July. Let’s hope so. When we do open back up, for private prayer and refelction and later for public Mass we need to be ready to implement social distancing measures and protective measures from the virus. This will need a small band of volunteers to help and suppport Fr. Tom in carrying these measures out. If you wish to be part of this group, please let Fr. Tom know. He is drawing up a description of roles and responsibilities for those who wish help. Parish Website: Please visit our Parish Website www.stjohnthebaptist.co.uk when you can. There are many links on it that you may find helpful during these days and also important Parish and Diocesan News. Also, sign up to receive the Diocesan Newsletter via email. Again, this newsletter helps us keep in touch with the wider Church community. THE NEW 300 CLUB 2020 The monthly draws are suspended but will take place weekly when the churches reopen. Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 quarterly - £4.33 monthly. New members are most welcome to join at any time. Monthly Prizes are: £200-£70-£50-£10. For info

For information contact Francis Geraghty 01380 871083 [email protected] 47 Seeds & Weeds A Reflection

A galaxy of blossoms Earth still turns Adorns our nature- bed; Sun, moon and stars their courses run In careless gay abandon Blossom bursts and flowers unfold They multiply and spread Chorus of bird song fills the cleaner air. To every nook and corner, A multi-coloured maze, Sky, its mantle blue spreads out With golds and blues and crimsons As Mary enfolds us in our time of need Is riotously ablaze. This England, her dowry as of old Helping us to valiant deeds. The dandelion and groundsel, The scarlet pimpernell, Each one is called to do what’s right The bright-eyed little daisies A job, a hand or just sit tight Are up (and doing well). Three cheers for those who battle on The small, determined chickweed Passive or active in the fight. Has shown her tiny face, While thistles strong and vigourous Unwelcome news, another’s grief Are flowering fast apace Helpless in the face of woe We feel the need we feel their pain , Prayer our resort, we know the gain. While nettle high and thorn bush Leave little space to spare Our prayers, our hopes our fears As on they grow in random row, Above all support to carry on Luxuriant and lush with neither hand Take stock, sit back and meditate or care, Save us O Lord from all that’s wrong. But where are those expensive seeds We bought and planted there? Anne Howard, Steeple Ashton. May 2020

Things Children Say: The teacher was talking to a class of children about “honesty” “Suppose you were walking along the street behind me,” she said, “ and I dropped a £10 note. What would you do?” An eager hand shot up. “Pick it up and put it in the litter bin”

Things People Say: A gentle old woman said she had many friends because I stop and taste my words before I let them pass my teeth. Frank Geraghty