SJ & LE MIDDLE No.98 March 2013 Annual Subscription: £6 Mussel End Farm Meats Traditional Farm Butchers SEVEN TOWERS‛  Buy your meat with confidence! BENEFICE MAGAZINE  Local, farm-reared and traceable!

Mussle End Meats — Your One Stop Butchers Open Saturdays 9:00 am - 4:00 pm or phone Simon or Louise for your weekday orders. All British produce reared on the farm. 01452 730222 / 07774 420420 (mobile) Mussel End Farm, Sandhurst, GL2 9NT

Nurseries and Garden Centre for all your gardening needs

DUNDRY TELEFLORIST - Your flowers delivered anywhere

PONDEROSA PET SUPPLIES - Pets and Pet products

“THE WITCHES BREW” - Coffee Shop Dundry Nurseries ..... Altogether a better place to shop Church of United Benefice of: Twigworth including Longford; Down Hatherley; Bamfurlong Lane, Norton; The Leigh with Evington; OPEN 7 DAYS 01452 713124 Sandhurst; Staverton with Boddington.

Classic Printing 01452 731539 WHO’S WHO IN THE BENEFICE IREWOOD OR ALE F F S

Rector: Revd Martin Thompson: 01452 731994 Seasoned Ash and Oak split firewood available for Email: [email protected] (Please note: Mondays are my rest days!) collection or delivery in 300kg bags or 15kg nets

Associate Ministers: Canon David Godwin 01452 730435 Contact:- Woodsman Matt Shaw 07921 680052 Father David Humphries 01452 529582 Or email:- [email protected] Chris Lane (Reader) 01452 520662 Boddington Estates Ltd, Boddington House Farm. 01242 680609

Seven Towers Benefice online at: www.seventowers.org.uk Churchwardens: Down Hatherley Ann Warriner 01452 730371 Andy Nicol 01452 730025 The Leigh & Evington Mrs Sue Roberts 01242 680835 Mrs Pat Arkell 01242 680262 Norton Mr Simon Trapnell 07774 803177 Mrs Jean Smith 01452 730265 Sandhurst Mr Jim Brown 01452 731900 Mr Pat Collins 01452 731567 Staverton with Boddington Mr Edmund McClure 01242 681139 Mrs Gillian Parker-Dodd 01242 680784 Twigworth & Longford Mr Chris Baldwin 01452 534105 Mr Steve Riddick 01452 712447 Enquiries about baptisms, marriages and funerals should be directed to the Rector.

ELECTORAL ROLL

This year sees the creation of a new electoral roll for our churches. The old roll is cancelled and names are not transferred automatically to the new one. If you would like to be on the new electoral roll, you will have to complete a new form which is available in church.

Printed by Classic Printing Ltd. Tel. 01452 731539 2 39 FROM THE STUDY WINDOW COLIN BARNFATHER IT BA CEng MIET MRAeS MCMI As many of you are aware, I recently suffered a mild heart

Computer Training in Your Own Home attack. After much careful thought and prayer with Fiona and our family, I have decided that I am going to retire One to one instruction and trouble shooting with effect from 31st May 2013. Whilst there is much

01242 680877 www.colinbarnfather.co.uk planning and preparation to do, I suspect that my final Sunday will be 19th May 2013.

I’m sorry to write this and I do so with a heavy heart A company that’s at the very (pardon the pun!). It’s not what I'd envisaged when I came Heart of the community. to The Seven Towers Group. My plan was that I would go The Robert Hitchins Group through to a more normal retirement in July 2017 when I would be 65, but, as the oft- Boddington Manor, Cheltenham 680694 used line goes "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans"! Finally, can I share with you a verse that’s been on my heart in these last few weeks, and I would commend it to you in the coming weeks/months:- For I know the plans I have for you," HATHAWAY declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and FURNITURE a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

BESPOKE FURNITURE & JOINERY With every blessing from your friend and Rector 01452 857857 www.hathawayfurniture.co.uk Martin

38 3 PRAYER DIARY — MARCH MAGAZINE TEAM

Friday 1 Mike Dill, our magazine editor Editor Mr Mike Dill 01452 730767 Saturday 2 For those attending the men’s and ladies’ breakfast clubs [email protected] Advertisements Mrs Margaret Brind 01452 730744 Sunday 3 People living in Twigworth [email protected] Monday 4 Our Church Treasurers Correspondents Tuesday 5 For "Bible Club" at Norton School Down Hatherley Mrs Helen Nicol 01452 730025 Wednesday 6 For the staff, children and governors of Deerhurst and The Leigh Mrs Pat Arkell 01242 680262 Apperley School Norton Mrs June Hipwood 01452 730425 Thursday 7 Carers in residential and nursing homes Sandhurst Mrs Caroline Watson 01452 730207 Friday 8 Diocese of Dornakal - India Twigworth Mrs Margaret Riddick 01452 730700 Staverton Mr David Bound 01242 680692 Saturday 9 Those preparing to lead worship and preach tomorrow Sunday 10 People living in Longford Monday 11 For members of our Ministry Team LOCAL CONTACTS Tuesday 12 For the parents prayer group at Norton School Clerks to the Parish Councils: Wednesday 13 For the staff, children and governors of Norton School Boddington Mrs Diane Hughes Thursday 14 PCC Members The Leigh Miss Kate Tilling 01242 680089 ([email protected]) Friday 15 Diocese of Western Tanganyika Down Hatherley Mr David Bayley 01452 501796 Saturday 16 Those preparing to lead worship and preach tomorrow Longford Mr Paul Ounsworth 01452 526495 Sunday 17 People living in The Leigh Norton Mr David Cooper 01452 537831 Monday 18 The community of Korowe school in Kenya Sandhurst Mr David Cooper 01452 537831 Tuesday 19 For our bishops, Michael & John 07766004001 Wednesday 20 For the "Open the Book" Team Staverton Mr Paul Ounsworth 01452 526495 Twigworth Mr David Bayley 01452 501796 Thursday 21 Our assistant clergy, Canon David & Father David Local History Group Mr Denis King 01452 730773 Friday 22 Diocese of Karnataka Central - India Longford Flower Club Mrs June West 01452 525121 Saturday 23 Those preparing to lead worship & preach tomorrow Norton Mother & Toddlers Group Katy Bailey 07747728475 Sunday 24 People living in Norton Norton W.I. Mrs Pat Arkell 01242 680262 Monday 25 Those ill in hospital and those who are housebound Sanhdurst WI Celia Poffley 01452 739487 Tuesday 26 Diocese of Västerås - Sweden Scottish Dancing Class Mrs Joan Leyfield 01452 730926 Mrs Pam Parkes 01452 730592 Wednesday 27 For those working in our hospitals Traidcraft Goods Sarah Sharpley 01452 739179 Thursday 28 Maundy Thursday - "Do this in remembrance of me" Ellie Stevenson 01452 739142 Friday 29 Good Friday - “Christ died once - and for all” UB Youth Club Alison Moseley 07759 458494 Saturday 30 Those preparing to lead worship and preach tomorrow Wainlode Quilters Mrs Tilly Page 01452 730046 Sunday 31 Easter Day - Alleluia - Jesus is risen!!! Mrs Hazel Goad 01452 730360

4 37 MARCH Readings to 31st March 2013: Year C 2 Men’s Breakfast Club (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 11) Sunday 3rd March Purple Lent 3 2 Ladies’ Breakfast Group (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 11) First Reading Isaiah 55: 1—9 2 Spring Show, Norton (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 14)

Gospel Luke: 13: 1 –9 Sunday 3rd March Lent 3

Psalm 63: 1—9 Sandhurst Evening Prayer 6:00 pm Chris Lane

Sunday 10th March Purple Mothering Sunday Twigworth Morning Prayer 10:30 am Team

First Reading Exodus 2: 1—10 Down Hatherley Holy Communion 9:30 am Canon David

Gospel Luke 2: 33—35 Norton Holy Communion 11:00 am Father David Psalm 34: 11—20 The Leigh Evening Prayer 6:00 pm Canon David Sunday 17th March Purple Lent 5 Staverton Morning Prayer 10:00 am Chris Lane Boddington First Reading Isaiah 43: 16—21 Gospel John 12: 1—8 6 Lent Lunch (See EVENTS Page: 19) Psalm 126 8 Nature in Art ‘Pudding Evening’ (See EVENTS Page: 20)

Sunday 24th March Red Palm Sunday Sunday 10th March Mothering Sunday

First Reading Isaiah 50: 4—9a Sandhurst Holy Communion 9:30 am Canon David Gospel Luke 19: 28—40 Twigworth Holy Communion 11:00 am Canon David

Psalm 31: 9—18 Down Hatherley Evening Prayer 6:30 pm Team

Norton Morning Prayer 9:30 am Team The Leigh Holy Communion 9:30 am Father David

Staverton Holy Communion 8:00 am Father David Boddington

13 Lent Lunch (See EVENTS Page: 19) 14 ‘A Piece of Cake’ (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 13) Sunday 31st March White Easter Day Sunday 17th March Lent 5 Talent Sunday First Reading Acts 10: 34—43 Sandhurst Holy Communion 9:30 am Rev Martin Gospel Luke 24: 1 –12 Norton Village Hall Thanksgiving 4:30 pm Rev Martin

Boddington Holy Communion 11:00 am Canon David

36 5 MARCH AIRPORT TRANSFERS

17 Craft Talents, Norton Village Hall (See EVENTS Page: 15) Private Hire 18 Longford Flower Club meet (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 11) By Richard Theyer

20 Lent Lunch (See EVENTS Page: 19) WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW PLAYERS FOR 2013 Airport, Seaport & Rail Stations 21 Sandhurst WI (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 12) SENIOR TEAMS JUNIOR TEAMS Quotes given for all UK 22 Norton WI (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 12) SATURDAY 1ST XI UNDER 15’S destinations SATURDAY 2ND XI UNDER 13’S 22 LINC Concert (See EVENTS Page: 19) SUNDAY 1ST XI Climate controlled clean vehicles MID WEEK XI 23 Annual Village Spring Clean—Sandhurst (See AROUND THE PARISHES From 1 to 8 passengers Page: 16) PLAYERS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITY ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG, HAVE SOME Fully Licensed Insured 25 Norton & The Leigh Local History Group (See MONTHLY MEETINGS FUN AND JOIN A FRIENDLY CRICKET CLUB. & C.R.B. checked Page: 12) FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE COME AND VISIT US AT Seven days a week by appointment WOOD LANE, DOWN HATHERLEY or Sunday 24th March Palm Sunday tel: 01242 680766 CONTACT US THROUGH OUR WEBSITE: Sandhurst Holy Communion 9:30 am Rev Martin WWW.DOWNHATHERLEYCC.COM mob: 07970 966 801 Twigworth Holy Communion 11:00 am Rev Martin Chris Lane Michael Kelsall Down Hatherley Palm Sunday Walk 3:30 pm HND Hort/Arb, BSc Land Man Norton Palm Sunday Walk 4:45 pm Ammonite The Leigh Evening Worship 6:00 pm Rev Martin Paving &Landscaping Staverton All aspects of :- Landscaping, Boddington Evening Prayer 6:30 pm Team Design & Construction, Fencing Patios, Driveways, Arbours, Planting 28 Agape Meal (See EVENTS Page: 23) - Also All Types of Tree work, Felling Friday 29th March Good Friday Pruning, Removal & Hedge Cutting.

Sandhurst Hour at the foot of the cross 12:00 pm Father David Fully Insured

Twigworth Hour at the foot of the cross 12:00 pm Canon David Friendly Advice & Free Quotation from qualified professionals Down Hatherley Morning Meditation 9:30 am Rev Martin

Norton Walk from The Green 2:00 pm Rev Martin 01242 680922—Mobile 07703 826396 The Leigh Hour at the foot of the cross 12:00 pm Chris Lane Tod Cottage, The Leigh, GL19 4AG

Staverton www.ammonitepavingandlandscaping.co.uk Boddington Hour at the foot of the cross 12:00 pm Rev Martin

6 35 HAY & STRAW FOR SALE MARCH

WALLSWORTH FARM, SANDHURST, GLOS 29 Down Hatherley Village Hall Coffee Morning / AGM (See AROUND THE GOOD QUALITY SMALL BALES PARISHES Page: 18) Call at the farm, one mile from the A38 Tewkesbury Road 31 SUNRISE COMMUNION & BREAKFAST 6:00AM THE RECTORY Delivery Available

For more details call Alan on: 01452 739299 or 07790 815251 Sunday 31st March Easter Day

Sandhurst Holy Communion 9:30 am Father David Rob Bingham Total Gas Services Twigworth Holy Communion 11:00 am Rev Martin

Services & Breakdown Engineer Down Hatherley Holy Communion 9:30 am Rev Martin Installation Natural Gas, L.P.G. & Oil Norton Holy Communion 11:00 am Father David Boilers, Water Heaters, Cookers & Gas Fires. Reg. No The Leigh Holy Communion 9:30 am Canon David 215095 Staverton Holy Communion 8:00 am Rev Martin — Landlord Certificates Boddington Holy Communion 11:00 am Canon David Tel No. 01452 387278 Mobile. 07789872650 APRIL

1st CHOICE AERIALS & SATELLITES 2 Norton PCC meet at Galoway at 7:00 pm Aerial Upgrades - Extra Points - Repair work - Storm Damage 3 Horticultural Society AGM — Norton Village Hall at 8pm All Work guaranteed - Freeview Set Top Boxes 10 Sandhurst Easter Vestry (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 16) Call 01452 311511 17 Leigh AGM (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 14)

69 Sandyleaze, Longlevens, Gloucester 20 ‘Cider with Rosie’, The Leigh, (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 14) 24 Sandhurst Village Hall AGM (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 17)

Painting and Decorating May, June etc.

Quality Internal & External Decorating 3 May Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale: Norton VH 7—8 pm General Handyman & Property Maintenance 8 June Book and Plant Sale (See AROUND THE PARISHES P. 14) Free Estimates – DULUX approved 10 August 66th Horticultural Show: Norton Village Hall 2:30pm

Colin Crosby-Moorton – 25 years Experience Phone: 01452 864029 Mobile 07958 059011

34 7 FROM THE REGISTERS

BAPTISM

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

(Matthew 28:19)

Lisa Cummings 21 St. Mary Magdalene's, Boddington William Flux 64 St. Mary Magdalene's, Boddington Both Lisa and William were baptised and confirmed by Bishop Michael.

FUNERALS “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25)

Peter Meadows D. 28 Jan 75 St. Lawrence’s, Sandhurst

BISHOP JOHN Gloucester Academy of Music Music Tuition & Group Sessions For all ages, pre school to post retirement Term-time & exciting Holiday Courses

www.gamusic.co.uk 01452 385162 [email protected]

A reminder about Bishop John and Rosemary's Farewell Eucharist in Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 2nd March at 4.30 pm. LPG and natural Gas, Corgi and Gassafe registered Engineer RSVP Kerry Gardiner, 2 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR. Free quotations, fully insured, guaranteed workmanship. [email protected] . 08450 507591 local rate call 07809 201125 mobile 08450 507592 fax line. All Welcome.

8 33 MONTHLY MEETINGS’ ROUND UP

Norton Nippers Playgroup would like to welcome all local or non local parents/carers with young chil- dren to come and visit our playgroup. Norton Nippers Playgroup provides a friendly and relaxed environment for parents and carers with babies and toddlers to play, interact and make new friends. Each week we provide toys for free play, craft activities and time for a snack and tea or coffee for mum/dad/carer too! We have a full programme of events including visits to Norton Little Learners pre-school, free haircuts for the little ones, photograph sessions, day trips out for all and nights out for the grown ups to! So please come along if you are a parent or carer. It’s a great opportunity for you and your child to make new friends. WHERE ? Norton Village Hall WHEN ? Every Tuesday (During Term-Time) from 10am to 11.30’ish COST ? £1.50 per family CONTACT: Lucy 01242 680040 or Jackie 07775752683

Norton Nippers Registered charity 1059297. Members of the Playgroup and Toddler Association (PATA)

MAGAZINE COPY CLEEVELY MEMORIALS Next month’s copy date: Specialists in Finest Quality Individual Memorials in Stone, Granite, Marble & Slate For inclusion in the April 2013 edition of the magazine, copy Friendly family business established in 1992 should reach parish correspondents by 16th March or be Large Showroom with over 60 memorials on show sent directly to Mike Dill by the 17th March. Unit 5b, 83 Prestbury Road, Cheltenham, GL52 2DR Contact Caroline on 01242 236236 (email: [email protected]).

32 9 MONTHLY MEETINGS ROUND UP CHRIS’S CORNER Parish Council Meetings: No, no, this cannot be true………………The March Gardening report already. Twigworth: Meetings held on a Thursday at 7:30pm in St. Matthew’s vestry. It doesn’t really get any better does it? Still, a little bit of sunshine to (Door at left side of church) make the land workable and it is going be bonkers. There is so much to 2013: Mar 14 May 9 (AGM) July 4 Sep 5 catch up on. Certainly we are poised for it. I have managed to tackle some Nov 7 tasks since last I wrote. I am organised with my seed potatoes, have a few Members of the public and press are cordially invited to attend. in buckets already growing undercover and will hope to get some into the There is a chance for public participation at the beginning and ground towards the end of the month. I have also managed to pop in a few at the end of every meeting. onion sets and shallots. Although it was disconcerting to see holes filling Down Hatherley: Meetings held on a Wednesday in the village hall at 7:00pm. with water, they do seem to have settled. Within the coming days I will be Members of the public and press are cordially invited to attend. planting out a few pot raised broad beans and depending on the weather There is a chance for public participation at the beginning and may put out a row of seed to extend the season. I also have some spring at the end of every meeting. cabbage, that I grew on through the winter in pots which given space Sandhurst: Meetings are held in Sandhurst Village Hall, starting at 7:30 pm could be fit to eat inside of two months. It is my hope that within a on the first Monday of each month (unless this is a Bank Holi- fortnight I will start the direct sowing of some root stuff and some salad day). All parishioners are invited to attend. bits. Carrots, parsnips, beetroot, radish and spring onions are all coming to The Leigh: Meetings have now been altered so that there are 4 planned their time. If there is no great improvement just look for the drier meetings a year, one of those will be the Annual General Meet patches for planting. Strips that are adjacent (though not right against) ing each May where Councillor Officers are appointed to Parish walls and hedges for example or as I have discovered in my own garden, Council roles. Meetings are held in St Catherine’s Church, on a the lines above domestic services, where a builder has set pipes or cables Wednesday at 7.30pm. onto sand or gravel. Buried ballast and the invasive roots of other plants All parishioners are encouraged to attend. do help with the wet. Purists will say this is madness, give it a try. Next dates are: AGM 8 May 2013 As an insurance, I am growing on bits of vegetable seed and a few flowers Longford: Meetings are held in Longford Village Hall, first Tuesday of the in pots in the greenhouse. This exercise can be done on the window sill and month, starting at 7:30 pm. All residents are invited. doesn’t need masses of seed. Seedlings don’t require gallons of water or Norton: Meetings are held in the Village Hall committee room starting high temperatures to get going. A pinch of seed stirred in to the top of a at 7.30pm. All parishioners are welcome to attend. pot with little fuss and you will get a few early plants. They will need Mar 6; Apr 17; May 29; July 10; Aug 21;Oct 2; Nov 13; dividing and transplanting within two or three weeks, but moved into small units or an old plug tray (ask at your local nursery) they won’t take masses Jan 8 2014. of room and will soon be ok for moving out. Just avoid very tender or very Staverton: expensive seed, which can disappoint if you don’t have the right conditions. Boddington: The Council meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every other And finally……… check the lawnmower, a bit of warmth and there’ll be a month at the Cheltenham West Community Fire Station at Uckington. The next meeting will be on Wednesday March meadow out front. 20th commencing at 7.30pm. This meeting will also include the Happy Gardening Annual Parish Meeting.

10 31 MONTHLY MEETINGS ROUND UP LONGFORD FLOWER CLUB

Meeting in Longford Village Hall at 7:30pm. March Beryl Griffiths, a talented international flower demonstrator and judge, will be taking the class for an arrangement entitled ‘Simplicity’, involving two placements 18th of spring flowers.

For further information, contact June West on 01452

MEN’S BREAKFAST CLUB How do you fancy a cooked breakfast!? Well, we have a monthly gathering of men for conversation and to have breakfast. We meet on the first Saturday on each month, starting at 8:30 am and finishing by 10:00am. If you’re able to make a donation to help cover costs that would be good (but not essential!). Our next gathering will be at Jim Brown’s house on 2nd March. So that we can order the right amount of sausages, please let Jim if you’re coming! (01452 731900)

LADIES’ BREAKFAST GROUP

The Ladies Breakfast group will meet again on 2nd March from 8:30am - 10:00 am at Mary Limbrick’s house. More ladies are always welcome and if you’d like to come, please contact Mary on 01 452 731257. If you’re able to make a donation to help cover costs that would be good (but not essential!)

SANDHURST COFFEE MORNINGS The Orchard Knitting Club In Sandhurst Village Hall on We meet every Thursday from 2nd Monday of the month at 10:15 till 12:15 in the Coffee 10:30am: Shop at Nature in Art, Walsworth Hall. 11 Mar; 8 Apr; 13 May; New members always welcome 10 June; 8 July; 12 Aug; regardless of ability. Bring your 9 Sept; 14 Oct; 11 Nov; own projects or help with knitting for charity. For more 9 Dec. details contact Mavis on 01452 730609 or 07974033428.

30 11 MONTHLY MEETINGS’ ROUND UP COLIN’S COMPUTER COLUMN

NORTON WI SANDHURST WI Early Adoption In April last year I referred to the New members and New members and visitors (then) forthcoming launch of visitors always always welcome. Meeting at Windows 8, with its concentration welcome. Meeting 7:30pm on 20 March, the on touch screen interfacing and at 7:30pm on 21 only rather grudging inclusion of speaker, Jill familiar mouse and keyboard March, the Salmons, will features. Although I usually speaker for the give a talk on advise against being an "early evening, Virginia adopter" (let the others uncover Adsett, will give a ‘Carnivals the problems before trying talk entitled: ’The Fabulous 50’s around the something new...) I have, for various reasons, recently acquired through Festivals and Fashion’. World’. a new computer running Windows 8 and I thought that you might be interested in my first impressions. Lent Groups Having no touch screen, I gradually found out how to display the desktop interface on a normal screen and then got to grips with where to find old We will be running groups every week during Lent. Once again friends like Control Panel and how to view all the programs (which Windows there will be three groups on different days at different 8 insists on calling "apps") without benefit of a Start button. Email was high times. on the list to tackle next and I was disappointed to find that I could not yet access my personal email via the Internet because my Internet Service Mondays at 3:00 pm at David and Angela Godwin’s Provider had not yet modified its mail service to work with Windows 8. As I starting on Monday 18th February prefer to use an email program rather than webmail anyway, I looked for something better than the simple Mail "app" provided with Windows 8 and Wednesdays at 11:00 am at The Rectory starting on was pleased to find that a desktop version of Windows Live Mail was freely Wednesday 19th February available. Thursdays at 7:30 pm The Rectory starting on Thurs- Hardware next - the printer would not work until I downloaded a new driver day 20th February from the makers (no charge). A USB 3.0 memory stick I bought to match the fast new USB 3.0 facility on the new computer turned out not to be compatible with Windows 8 (the retailer gave me a refund). Then it was time to transfer programs to the new machine. I was surprised and pleased when some programs like Word and Excel moved over into Windows 8 without NORTON & THE LEIGH LOCAL HISTORY GROUP problem but sometimes there was no avoiding paying for a program upgrade. One of these was a money management program which came on Meeting on 25th March at 7:00pm a floppy disk in the year 2000. The nice thing about the modern version, however, was that I could swiftly buy and download it online. The speaker for the evening, John Loosley, will talk on ‘The History of Allotments in ’. So on the whole, I am slowly warming to Windows 8, but I would advise against being an "early adopter" unless you have to be. If you can, Entrance: £2 includes coffee. All welcome. wait a while for compatibility issues to be resolved.

12 29 VILLAGE & COMMUNITY AGENT REPORT MONTHLY MEETINGS’ ROUND UP

CENTRAL MOBILE LIBRARY

possible As part of the new Library Strategy there have been changes to the mobile library service. Routes F and H no longer exist and so there will be no visits to We all value our independence, and most of us will remain and enjoy being independent Sandhurst, Norton and Staverton. The only remaining visit on ‘our patch’ will be into a healthy later life. However, for many reasons, it isn’t always that easy to be at The Swan, Coombe Hill. completely independent. Village & Community Agents try and help people remain living Village Stop Name Time independently in their own homes by concentrating on what measures we can put in place to achieve that. It is sometimes the case that to remain as independent as Coombe Hill The Swan 14.55-16.55 can mean accepting a degree of help. When we visit a client, we are able to 8th March, 5 April, 3rd May, 31st May, 28th June look at the whole situation, from checking whether they have the correct level of benefits, to making sure up-to-date smoke alarms are fitted, to having grab rails installed to help prevent falls, getting aids and equipment to help those with a sensory impairment, making sure clients have access to specialist knowledge, ensuring that they have any aids which will physically make life easier, making sure they are eating properly, or that they are not becoming isolated from the community. Village and Community Agents support people aged 50+ living in Gloucestershire, bridging the gap between the local community and the statutory or voluntary organisations able to offer help or support. A team of 39 part-time Village and Community Agents who work county-wide; we can… ♦ provide high quality face-to-face information and support MONTHLY MEETINGS’ ROUND UP ♦ offer a facilitated signposting service and put people in direct contact with the appropriate agency or community based activity ♦ identify unmet need in their communities STAVERTON AND BODDINGTON THURSDAY CLUB

♦ primarily support older people, but other disadvantaged and isolated St. John's Players are performing the comedy

Jane Griffiths 07810 630244 'A Piece of Cake' Village Agent for Maisemore, Ashleworth, Hasfield, Tirley, Chaceley, ,

Deerhurst with Apperley, Sandhurst, Twyning & Tewkesbury by Lucy Bennett at St. John's Hall, Churchdown in March. Lesley Wall 07810 630064 Tickets are £8/£7 for Concessions.

Village Agent for Boddington, Down Hatherley, Elmstone Hardwicke, Leigh, Norton, If you are interested in a Thursday Club trip to the performance Twigworth, Staverton, Swindon Village, Stoke Orchard and Uckington at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 14th March, please let me have a cheque payable to 'St. John's Players' by 7th February. Ken Haines 07810 630234

Village Agent for Highnam, Innsworth, Longford, and All are welcome. Christine (01242 680694)

28 13 AROUND THE PARISHES — NORTON

Book and Plant Sale As from March 1st Norton in aid of church kitchen/WC Church will be

St. Mary’s, Norton open daily during 8 June 10.30-2.00pm Light refreshments daylight hours. SPRING SHOW Saturday 2nd March Doors open 2:30 Prize giving: 4:00 Admission 50p, children free

AROUND THE PARISHES — THE LEIGH

Entertainment and Supper Trevor Humphris TJH Contracting Ltd based on Established 28 years

‘Cider with Rosie’ Operated plant hire for:- Saturday April 20th Flood Defence/Barriers Ditches, Drains, Ponds. at St Catherine, The Leigh Home & Pet Minder Demolition, Reclamation Presented by George & Frances Peace of mind while you are away Foundations Concreting Tickets: £5 to include finger supper Tree / Hedge cutting. Experience with domestic pets Garden Clearance. Change and one glass of wine / cider 1.5 — 14 Tonne Excavators Tickets available from: Sue Roberts 01242 680835 of date Animals and very reliable 1/4 — 12 Tonne Dumpers Janine Bramley 01242 680336 Loading Shovel, Tractors References available on request Contact Trevor or Liz : The Leigh PCC AGM Wednesday Please contact Tel : 01452 730155 Mobile : 07836 758080 April 17th Note: change of date 0794 115Annette 1235 homeandpetminderglos.co.uk By Quote or on Day Work 7.30 pm at St. Catherine, The Leigh on www.tjhcontracting.co.uk

14 27

Wired Electrical EVENTS

All aspects of electrical work covered, no job too small or too large

Fully insured and Part P registered - Over 10 years experience

24 hour call out

10% discount on presentation of this ad

Please contact Simon Berry on 07534 925685 CRAFT Shiny Bright Cleaning Ltd Exhibition, Demonstrations, Sales Experienced domestic cleaning service

Weekly cleans, Deep cleans, Spring cleans Celebrating the Talents of Local People Interior and exterior window cleaning Solar Panel cleaning Gutters cleared, fascias, & soffits cleaned Moving in and out House Clean Norton Village Hall

A friendly local firm - Contact Jan 01452 731895 or 07894 058792 Sunday 17th March

House of Robinson 10.30 — 4.30 SOFT FURNISHINGS AND DESIGN Coffee, Lunches, Teas PROPRIETOR: - Mrs Sallyann Rolfe

26 LEWIS AVENUE, LONGFORD, GLOUCESTER, GL2 9BQ 07721 768577 01452 305381 www.houseofrobinson.co.uk Children's activities & competition Soft furnishings individually designed to suit your lifestyle and budget, from simple roman blinds to intricately designed curtains, expertly made to measure soft furnishings, from your fabric or our own. Admission Adults £1, children free ● Handmade curtains ● Roman blinds ● Swags & Tails ● Pelmets ● Bedspreads ● Loose Covers All proceeds to provide latrines at We offer a consultation service in the comfort of your own home, Korowe School, Kenya with a wide choice of fabrics, trimmings, curtain poles and rails.

26 15 AROUND THE PARISHES — SANDHURST JOHN HARTLAND

FIREWOOD LOGS & KINDLING St Lawrence Church,

Delivered – small and large loads Sandhurst 07811 340975 or 01684 275859 Easter Vestry www.glosfirewood.co.uk

Wednesday 10th April 2013 Mobile firewood processing unit, log splitting service and tractor hedge-trimming at 7.00 pm in St Lawrence Church, Sandhurst Refreshments This is the Church’s AGM and everyone is invited.

Your name needs to be on the Church’s Electoral Roll

if you’d like to vote on topics discussed, but even if you are not a full member of the church,

you are welcome to join us.

Our village, our church:

please come!

The Annual Spring Clean of Sandhurst village will be held on Saturday 23rd March. Volunteers should meet at St. Lawrence’s Church car park at 9:30am. Equipment will be available. This is a great opportunity to get out and about in the Spring air and get to know fellow villagers. All welcome.

16 25 AROUND THE PARISHES — SANDHURST

Sandhurst Village Hall

Wednesday 24th April at 7.30pm All are welcome. Our village hall is a vital asset to our village and the committee have been working very hard to maintain and modernise the facility as well as provide interesting and fun events for the community as a whole. If you are interested in finding out more about this community facility, please come along to the AGM.

AROUND THE PARISHES — NORTON SCHOOL Norton CE Primary School is one of the 30 finalists in the Citizen’s ‘Cash For Schools’ campaign. The campaign supported by Western Power Distribution is giving local schools the opportunity to guarantee £100 and win a further share of the £9,500 Citizen prize fund. How can you help? Read more: http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Cash-Schools-CITIZEN- FINALISTS-ANNOUNCED/story-18182412-detail/ story.html#ixzz2LYQlo5oo

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Longford Parish Council has two, possibly three, allotments Agape Meal to let at its Lewis Avenue site. Our “Agape” meal will take place this year at Down Hatherley Village Hall on If interested, please contact Paul Maundy Thursday 28th March starting at 7pm. Ounsworth: [email protected] The meal follows the tradition of the Passover, which Jesus was celebrating with his disciples on the night before his crucifixion. It is, of course, the occasion when Jesus started what we today know as Holy Communion and this AROUND THE PARISHES — DOWN HATHERLEY is reflected in the evening. At the end of the meal we celebrate communion together round the meal table - just as Jesus did!

DOWN HATHERLEY THE BISHOP OF TEWKESBURY VILLAGE HALL “Rosemary and I have very mixed feelings as we approach the end of our time in Gloucester diocese. It’s been a huge privilege sharing in ministry here for 17 years as a colleague of two diocesan bishops, a succession of archdeacons, three deans, COFFEE MORNING/AGM numerous gifted clergy and a vast number of lay people serving as Readers, in Local rd Ministry Teams and a rich variety of other ways. I have been privileged to be in- SATURDAY 23 MARCH @ 1030 volved at so many different levels of diocesan life. I have enjoyed enormously meet- ing with potential ordinands in preparation for a national selection conference; it has been very moving to sit and listen to an account of God at work in their lives leading Everyone welcome. them into deeper discipleship and forward on an exciting journey. I have greatly valued leading faith-sharing ventures in parishes, some over a long week-end, some The committee will update you on the refurbishments during for a week long. Sharing in confirmation services has been a great privilege and in 2012 and tell you about their hopes and aspirations for 2013. more recent times with the Common Worship service often having candidates share We are looking for new trustees for the hall. how they came to a living faith; I’ve often thought their testimony much more ef- fective than anything I might communicate in a sermon. It’s been great to share in Also, if you enjoy meeting people; would like to make new the life of parishes; to spend time alongside clergy; to be there in a supportive and friends; enjoy organising; have some practical skills and get encouraging role for Readers. We have enjoyed living in two very different commu- nities, Hempsted and Staverton and two different homes where we have had the good ideas. Then we are also looking for volunteers to opportunity to offer hospitality especially to a succession of clergy – Staverton es- pecially has been great for this. We have made many friends; we shall carry with us into the future many rich memories. Above all we have been deeply conscious of HELP RUN THE HALL. God’s faithfulness and the privilege of serving Christ, his church and the wider com- nd munity. We hope many of you will join us in Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 2 March at 4.30 for what will be a relaxed all-age Eucharist when we will be giving If you are interested in becoming a trustee or would like to be thanks for the privilege of ministry here over the past 17 years and committing our- a helper please contact. selves to the next stage of ministry as house for duty priest in Latimer in Bucking- hamshire. In the words of a former United Nations General Secretary “for all that Averill Ackland on 01452 730323 has been thanks; for all that is to be, yes!” or e-mail: [email protected]. John Bishop of Tewkesbury

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LENT LUNCHES Pre-concert event - Musical Discovery Evening:

Please support this year's lunches to be Friday 8th March 2013, 7:30pm held every Wednesday in Lent starting Bach's B minor Mass as a Musical Encyclopaedia February 20th at 12.30pm A pre-concert talk by Prof. John Butt OBE This year, thanks to these generous volunteer hostesses, A witty journey through J.S.Bach’s masterpiece with the leading the venue will rotate around the parishes as follows: Bach scholar of our time. Discover the B Minor Mass as a musical encyclopaedia for the 18th century and the glories of the baroque. March 6 Sue Roberts 1 Withybridge Gdns, Boddington 13 Jean Smith Norton Court Farm, Priors Norton Welcome the spring with Bach's Mass in B minor Saturday 16 March 2013, 7pm, Gloucester Cathedral 20 Ann Warriner Old Rectory, Down Hatherley Lunch consists of home-made soup, bread & cheese, fruit & coffee. A suggested donation of £3.50 is requested for Christian Aid.

The Leukaemia & Intensive Chemotherapy Fund Registered charity number: 1078183

celebrates it’s 15 year Anniversary with In its grandeur and humanity Bach’s Mass in B Minor stands as one of the greatest achievements of European art. Bach clearly meant the piece to be a summation of his life’s work. We are proud to be working Churchdown Male Voice Choir with Music for a While. This outstanding orchestra performs music of featuring Sue Black, soprano th th 17 and 18 centuries on original instruments. The core players are all principals with leading international ensembles including The Orchestra Friday 22 March 2013 @ 7.30pm of the Age of Enlightenment. PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM

Gloucester Choral Society are a group of some 140 singers and noted as one of the premier choral societies in the country, performing under the unreserved seating £10 each, available from the LINC office expert guidance of Adrian Partington, our Director of Music in one of 0300 422 4422 or online at www.lincfund.org

England’s most glorious cathedrals . Ticket information and booking at: www.gloucesterchoral.com or In support of ‘Make a Difference Campaign’ Box Office:01242 691190

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Please come and support the next Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year

15th January - 17th March at Nature in Art! Friday March 8th at 7.30pm Nature in Art

Now in its 48th year, this is one of the first out of London showings of the latest (Doors open 7pm to view the galleries and see the exhibition of the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition, jointly owned amazing Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine. Over 100 stunning fresh from its London launch) photographs selected from more than 48,000 entries from over 98 countries.

Open: Tuesday – Sunday & B.Hols , 10am-5pm This time the event is again in aid of GARAS (Gloucestershire Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst Lane, Twigworth, GL2 9PA, Tel: 01452 731422 Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) who offer vital support www.nature-in-art.org.uk to those seeking asylum in Gloucestershire, welcoming them when they arrive, advocating for them in their daily struggles, supporting Members of Gloucestershire Society of Artists in residence 19th - 24th March them if they face being sent back as well as helping them adjust to their long term future if they are recognised as refugees. Coffee Shop - Gift Shop - Free parking - Sculpture garden - Children’s activity days

How does the pudding evening work? You make a pudding, bring it with you and pay £5 and Nature in Art then spend the evening trying everyone else’s puddings! Drinks available, or bring your own if you prefer. Exploring the Natural World There’ll also be a bring and buy table and a raffle! 19th February — 10th March It would greatly help with organisation if you can tell us if you intend to come. 14 artists demonstrate the diversity of contemporary textile art while Please call Simon Trapnell takinginspiration from the natural on 01452 731422 (day) world. All are members of Gordano Textile Artists and freely mix or 07774 803177 traditional and modern techniques to 100% of proceeds to GARAS express their individual visions. EVERYONE WELCOME!

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