Amberley Parish Magazine

Amberley Cow Hunt 5th and 6th May from 1 to 5 pm

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4 Services for May

Wednesday 2ffkᵈ May 8 am Holy Communion Sunday 6th May 8 am Holy Communion 10 am Parish Eucharist Wednesday 9ᵗffį May 8 am Holy Communion Sunday 13ᵗffį May 8 am Holy Communion 10 am Second Sunday Service Wednesday 16ᵗffį May 8 am Holy Communion Sunday 20ᵗffį May 8 am Holy Communion (1662) 10 am Parish Eucharist Wednesday 23fļᵈ May 8 am Holy Communion Sunday 27ᵗffį May 8 am Holy Communion Trinity Sunday 10 am Parish Eucharist (Methodist led) 5.30 pm Benefice Choral Evensong Wednesday 30ᵗffį May 8 am Holy Communion

Julian Group (Silent Prayer) every Friday, 9.00 am - 9.30 am in the Littleworth New Room – Everyone welcome Morning Prayer from ‘Celebrating Common Prayer’ every weekday at 8 am. Everyone welcome www.amberleychurch.org.uk Cover photo: Georgie Holmes

Royal British Legion 2018 Special Dates for your Diary ◊ 27th June - Coffee Morning at the home of Di and Roger Rowe ◊ 19th October - Wine and Cheese Evening - Parish Room ◊ 9th November - "Remembered" - a Commemoration in Words and Music to mark the end of WW1 and to honour those from Amberley who did not return - Parish Room/Church ◊ 11th November - Remembrance Service in Church All Welcome at the Above Events

5 Letter from the Associate to Her Royal Highness The Princess Priest Royal, our Patron, who has been supportive and interested throughout Dear Friends and attended our service to meet By the time you read this letter I do everyone who had been involved in hope that we will be having sunny the work carried out. Secondly, we are days to enable us to enjoy our gardens very grateful to Bishop Rachel who led and walking on the common. We have the service and to the Minchinhampton had a long cold snowy winter so it is community, friends and neighbours wonderful to have better weather to who have supported the works to the look forward to so we can enjoy the Church, by making donations, surrounding countryside we are fundraising and providing practical fortunate to have. When May arrives I advice and help and who came to the think of Minchinhampton getting back service to join in the wonderful to normal with the Cows on the celebration. Common holding up the traffic as Minchinhampton Parish Church is usual and amusing us as the having an Open Day on Saturday 12th Highlanders wander through the High May 10am - 4pm. Please come along Street displaying their fine horns! On and help us celebrate our newly re- Saturday 5th and Sunday, 6th May ordered church and see what it is like once again the village of Amberley and especially if you were unable to attend the surrounding common will see the the dedication service. There will be first stampede of cows as the Amberley refreshments available all day as well Parochial School Cow Hunt returns. as many events taking place. We want Heaven knows what the real cows everyone to see what the life of our would think if they returned earlier church entails and to join in the than this. Please do come along and celebration of God's love. support this event and see how many News relating to our vacancy. I am cows you can count. pleased to say that the PCC (Parochial At the Parish Church in Minch we have Church Council) Minchinhampton and had a really busy disruptive time and ACC (Amberley Church Council) met I am really grateful that the first phase with The Venerable , is over and we too can get back to to discuss normal. Firstly, I wish to thank all who the way forward and the producing of came to our Service of Thanksgiving a Benefice Parish Profile to enable the and Dedication to mark the reordering of the Parish Church. We are grateful (Continued on page 7)

6 (Continued from page 6) process to informed. Please continue to keep us commence in seeking a new Rector. in your prayers as we journey together This process usually takes time but it through this period of discernment is hoped that we may have a new and pray that God will send us the Rector either before or after Christmas. right person to become our new Rector. We will endeavour to keep the Church With love and best wishes congregations and communities Sandy

You are invited to an EXHIBITION of Paintings and Drawings by Alice Adams and Pauline Vennard at the Amberley Inn, from Thursday May 3fļᵈ to Saturday June 30ᵗffį 2018, 11am – 6pm

Young People’s Dates

Sunday Club - May 6ᵗffį, 20ᵗffį and 27ᵗffį Bible Storytime - for Pre-schoolers Monday May 21sᵗ - 9.30 to 10 am - in Church Youth Group - Monday May 21sᵗ - 4.15 to 6 pm in the Parish Room Messy Church - Tuesday May 22ffkᵈ - 3.30 to 5.15 pm

7 Editorial No matter what the weather may do now it will not stop the Commons I hope that you have survived the coming into their spring glory with the stop/start winter that we have just had primroses and celandines having to endure. You must have or you shone like golden stars through the would not be reading this now, would grasses. The daffodils in our gardens you? Well, between the snow storms, came into their prime in mid-April and the rains have persisted and all of the now the golden yellow theme roads from off the Commons have continues with the appearance of the been running like rivers. The Culver cowslips just as the cows are to be Hill River has been feeding into the released out for their summer grazing. Bath Road Lake and the Theescombe The timing for the Cow Hunt is just Hill River hasn't missed flowing for right and, I would think, planned that more than a couple of days since last way. It would, of course, be far too October. This winter/spring has to confusing if all of the real cows have been one of the wettest periods mingled with the tableau cows at the on record. The Commons have just same time. Hopefully the weather been unable to absorb any more water. holds good for the weekend of the Sadly the saturated grass areas of the Hunt. Commons are again attracting the As I write, the magnolia buds are 'off-roaders' to try out their amazing fattening up and about to break along car handling skills. More and more with all of the glorious fruit blossoms areas of grass land are being churned that make our beautiful spring and into quagmires. How sad is it that the these events are quickly followed by National Trust, once again, have had the trees taking on their green haze of to resort to those gap toothed wooden leaf buds. Our wild birds are pairing post barriers down towards up, nest building and getting into Brimscombe Hill. breeding mode. The male jay and the The build up to Easter was persistently pheasant birds are resplendent in their cold and wet with the sun occasionally breeding plumage. fighting its way through the gloom. Summer and the warmer weather must Thankfully the good ladies of the be just around the corner (please) and church, with the help of a few men, did we can start thinking about and a super job of spring cleaning the planning our summer holidays. Good church in time! luck! Fred Ashworth

8 Medical Aid for analgesics, and a shipment of limb Palestinians (MAP) reconstruction items to hospitals in Gaza. Ever since Israel's offensive MAP is a British charity that offers against Gaza in 2014, MAP's limb medical services in the West Bank, reconstruction programme has played Gaza and Lebanon, and advocates for a critical role in the treatment of Palestinians' rights to health and injuries. dignity. Its stated aim is to meet the Their regular visits since 2014 have led humanitarian needs of the Palestinian to the establishment of the first people. The organization and its dedicated Limb Reconstruction Unit at programmes have been supported by two hospitals in the Gaza strip. the British public, the UK Government Through this project, MAP has also (DfID), the EU and international aid helped to train Palestinian organizations. physiotherapists, who will play an MAP delivers basic health and medical essential role in helping people to care to Palestinian refugees and strives recover better from their injuries and to establish permanent medical to regain their mobility and infrastructure in Palestinian functioning. communities, by training health care The Amberley Peace & Justice Group, practitioners, teaching medical which supports MAP as well as half a vocational skills and addressing the dozen other charities, has just requirements of particularly recommended that a sum of £75, from vulnerable groups such as people with monies raised through Friday Cuppa, disabilities. be donated to MAP. MAP is also MAP was founded in 1982 in the wake asking that people should email our of the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacres local MP, David Drew, asking him to in Lebanon. urge the Government to support Most recently MAP has responded growing calls for investigations and rapidly to the killing of Palestinian accountability for the recent shootings protesters at the Gaza border with of Palestinian protesters. Israel, by releasing prepositioned The Amberley Peace & Justice Group emergency medicines and consumables, including antibiotics and

9 Christian Aid Week 2018 in 37 countries to poor and marginalised people by tackling both This year Christian Aid Week is from the causes and symptoms of poverty 13th to 19th May and an envelope so that everyone can achieve equality, collection is again taking place in dignity and freedom. Amberley. You will find an envelope enclosed in For more than 70 years Christian Aid this magazine. If you wish to give a has been helping change the lives of donation to help others then these can people, of all faiths and none, living in be returned to Church on a Sunday, poverty around the world. Crises through the letterboxes at either The being tackled at the moment include Rectory (next door to Church) or those in Syria, Yemen, East Africa and Ramillies (opposite Littleworth Hall) Nigeria, as well as the floods in South and at Cuppa Club on a Friday. Asia and the Sierra Leone mudslide and the plight of the Rohinyga people. Thank You. Also Christian Aid helps give support

Phone box library

Living opposite the new phone box library I would like to say, first of all, a thank you to Cllr Jennifer Molyneux for her idea of converting it. I can see it is widely used, especially with children to-ing and fro-ing from school, and by many others. It is also very convenient when people come to stay and want something to read! Sandi Trippett

10 Amberley Gardening Club

Our program for 2018 includes a raft of interesting talks and visits. TALKS 10th May: 'Garden Photography' Robert Bryant 13th September: Right Place Right Plant (to be confirmed) 11th October: 'The Edible Garden' Chris Smith 8th November: 'Orchids in the Home' Ian Parsons EVENTS Our annual plant sale takes place on 21st April 9:30am-12:30 in the Parish Rooms (alongside the Book Sale). The Summer Garden Safari is on 14th June 6:00-9:00pm. This is a lovely social evening and an opportunity to explore some beautiful gardens. VISITS Thursday 24th May: Ridleys Cheer and Iford Manor, Wiltshire Thursday 21st June: Wollerton Old Hall and Hodnet Hall, Shropshire Tuesday 11th September: Rousham and Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire So do join us for some, or all, of these occasions, whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner. There are always things to learn and experiences to share. Annual Subscription Rate £15 per person. Guests welcome for £4 per person.

11 Notes for an April Garden

April is a magical month. The days are lengthening. The clocks have gone forward. The light seems to change. Trees are putting out those first, delicate, pale green leaves and there is blossom everywhere. It couldn't be more perfect. Whan that Aprill, with his shoures soote The droghte of March has pierced to the roote And bathed every veyne in swich licour Of which vertu engendred is the flour CLIMBERS should get your attention this month. They easily get tangled, broken or lost, as they put on an initial growth spurt. So, help honeysuckle and clematis to twine round their supports and tie them in where necessary. Rambling and climbing roses should be tied horizontally. This restricts the sap flow and so encourages more flowering sideshoots. CONTAINERS will need seeing to. Scrape off the top few inches of compost and replace with some fresh. Or, repot the plant, if it is becoming rootbound. You can container grow anything - bulbs, shrubs, perennials, alpines, even trees. Make interesting arrangements by grouping together different sizes, styles and shapes of containers. Keep them watered! HOEING a little every other day, will keep annual weeds at bay. Choose dry days, so the weeds wilt more quickly. Dig out bindweed, as it appears. Or allow it to grow up a twig and then spray it with a weedkiller. FEEDING AND MULCHING are both important for the health of your plants. They will elevate your garden from 'quite nice' to 'stunning'. Use a general fertilizer, like blood, fish and bone or Growmore on shrubs and trees. Roses are especially happy with a good feed. A 2-3" mulch round the base of plants keeps weeds down and moisture in.

12 Picturing the parables of Jesus for the 21st Century

In the Bible Jesus uses parables to illustrate his teaching. Many have become part of the English language and of our heritage as a country with its roots in Christianity. The prodigal son, the sower, the lost sheep. Parables that we may have heard many times. Jesus uses the parables to make many points about our relationship with God. A small group of Gloucestershire photographers took nine of Jesus' parables and created their own interpretation of them for today. These nine A1 panels should challenge anyone to think about the teaching of Jesus.

The panels will be on display on the window ledges at Holy Trinity Church Amberley from Thursday 3rd May to Sunday 20th May. In addition there will be an introductory sequence on twelve A3 cards in the lobby explaining what parables are and how they are used by Jesus. The church is open every day and all are welcome to come and view the panels. The is promoting nine days of prayer from Thursday 10th May (Ascension Day) to Sunday 20th May (Pentecost). People may wish to come and reflect on a panel a day during these nine days. Reverend John Spiers

13 Open Studios in and selection of pieces by Susie around Amberley Hetherington. Another new and very exciting venue 5th/6th May and 12th/13th May from will be The Clay Loft at Inchbook 11am - 5pm. opened by Tom Knowles Jackson, our There are two brochures and trails of BBC Great British Throw Down finalist artists and makers who will be opening potter. It is an open access ceramics their studios on these two weekends - studio for members, a place to learn the Amberley artists on both have got and be inspired about all things clay. together and produced a map to help There is an opening here on Friday 4th you plan your route. May from 7 - 9.30pm so do come along to see The Clay Loft and for this evening a number of the open studio artists will also be available to talk about their work and to show a sample piece. Details can be found at the following websites: www.sva.org.uk www.selecttrail.org www.alisonvickery.co.uk Alison Vickery will be opening her Facebook Alison Vickery Art studio and showing the loose ink and mixed media pieces she is known for or in the two brochures widely along with some very new oil available all round Stroud. seascapes and local landscapes. She will also be exhibiting some of the environmental work her art classes have been working on. One is an interesting and fun project inspired by the teabag art produced by people in the townships of South Africa. Galina Gardiner will be exhibiting with Alison and showing some of her wonderful paintings of cows from our Alison Vickery Common. There will also be a small

14 15 Welly Walking in skills in a real-life context, explore Reception Class challenge and critical thinking skills and learn more about the environment, In its manifesto, 'Learning Outside the but links have also been made between Classroom', The DCSF (Department for being outdoors and good mental children, schools and families) health- an area of increasing concern published the statement: for those growing up in a digital age. "We believe that every young person Dexter class take part in weekly 'Welly should experience the world beyond Walks' and have been learning to the classroom as an essential part of recognise common plants, trees and learning and personal development, insects, as well as bird songs. We feel whatever their age, ability or strongly that without teaching children circumstances." to use the names of the natural world, Such experiences "help us to make its importance is diminished and it sense of the world around us by becomes easier for us to disregard making links between feelings and nature and lessen the sense of learning. They stay with us into importance to protect it. The children adulthood and affect our behaviour, have also been learning to whittle, in lifestyle and work. They influence our order to create 'mud pencils', and we values and the decisions we make. hope to introduce wood work skills in They allow us to transfer learning the near future. These practical skills experienced outside to the classroom develop dexterity and motor skills, and vice versa". provide an opportunity for managed risk taking, and develop teamwork Outdoor learning is widely recognised and self-confidence, but above all else, as having many benefits for young they are fun and make learning people. Not only are they able to apply enjoyable!

16 17 Meet Your Neighbour

A monthly series by Jo Barber Name: Sandi Trippett Address: Post Office Hill, Amberley How long have you lived in Amberley, and from where, and why, did you come? I have lived in Amberley for 43 years. We came from Hertfordshire because of my husband's work. He was a teacher and went to work in Cheltenham. Occupation(s): I am a Registered General Nurse (retired). I have volunteered at the Westonbirt Arboretum for the last 10 years. I am mother to two, and grandmother to two. I recently acquired a puppy which keeps me busy and active. Gardening is my passion. What is the best thing about living in Amberley? The friendliness, and the open spaces - particularly the common. I just love the new phone box library. What is the worst thing about living in Amberley? The traffic. There is too much traffic and it goes too fast. What change would you most like to see in Amberley? I think some traffic calming would be helpful, and far greater signage. Royal British Legion, Amberley Branch COFFEE MORNING Wednesday 27th June - 10.30am to noon. At the home of Roger and Di Rowe, No 1, Marling Close, Littleworth, Amberley (between the War Memorial and the Black Horse) Stalls…………..….Raffle………..…….Games Everyone welcome Entrance £2.00 In aid of The Poppy Appeal

18 A Little Bit of Ancient and provided by the solar panels on the Modern roof that incidentally are said to save the Cathedral about £25,000 in annual For the last 650 years or to be precise heating costs. While there has been a since 1360 the fan-vaulted cloisters at lot of cost involved in the restoration have been one of programme there has also been some its glories. So beautiful but so cold. The worthwhile saving. draft blowing in from the Cloister At the Easter Day service there was an Garden travels directly down the additional reason for celebration with cloisters through the medieval doors the completion of Phase 1 of Project into the body of the Cathedral thereby Pilgrim. The principal elements reducing the temperature in the nave include the re-opening of the restored by about 10 degrees. No longer will Lady Chapel, the opening up of the this happen on account of the new Galleries with their various inner glass door that allows the old installations, the new entrance to the doors to be kept open so one can still South Porch and the new welcome see the beautiful cloisters. The pictures area. Outside there are the paved show the new and the old doors. gardens which are now fully opened. It really merits a day in Gloucester for everyone who is interested. Peter Hankins Cathedral Guide

For those regularly working or worshipping in the Cathedral the restoration has brought a tiny bit of luxury in the form of new found warmth. In the nave the temperature has gone up by several degrees in part on account of draft prevention measures with the new entrance lobby and also the glass door into the cloisters. There is also extra heating

19 20 Amberley Parish and on store shelves the kernel will Magazine become tough and doughy. An old May 1898 housekeeper says that the flavour is restored by keeping the breakfast THE RECTOR - wishes to thank those coffee overnight in the warming oven, who have generously promised and the dinner coffee through the day sufficient support to the Amberley in the same place. Put the amount Assistant Clergy Fund to justify him in needed in a bowl, cover closely, and let offering the Curacy to Rev J. A. de the slow heat of the upper oven draw Candole. out the oil. The Rector hopes that the presence of a colleague in the parish will not only ensure the regular parochial work being carried out more efficiently, but also that more progressive evangelistic Church work may be attempted, and that clerical visitation of the whole parish may be more thoroughly undertaken. Mr. de Candole is now convalescent after a serious illness contracted while engaged in work at Clifton, and there is every ground for hoping that Amberley air may prove a complete restorative for him to full vigour and strength. MARRIAGES April 9th Alfred Ratcliffe, of Amberley, and Edith Emily Chapman of Lower Littleworth THE EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK [From 'Home Words' which COFFEE - Housekeepers often notice accompanied the parish magazine] that in damp weather in the summer Amberley Archive Group the coffee becomes tasteless and insipid. Many do not connect the facts but they are cause and effect. In closets 21 When Guitars meet Matins

The Rectory, St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren We are finally about to start repairing our medieval church tower. Would that we still paid medieval prices for having it done; there would be a degree of satisfaction in giving the builders a hogshead of ale and 10 sheep once the work was completed. I would even be prepared to throw in an Indulgence, sparing them 100 days in purgatory (the architect probably claiming 15% of them for himself). After several endless jumble sales, coffee mornings – where we were obliged to eat Mrs Jarvis’s rock cakes (many of us would have been happier to make a substantial donation to the fund provided we didn’t have to eat them) – sponsored events (Mr Peat has yet to return, five years late, from his sponsored cycle ride across the Sahara – but fortunately, we had his sponsor money collected before he departed) and a substantial loan from the bank that makes the National Debt seem trivial (and has the same probability of being repaid), we are now able to begin. The only sponsored event I regretted not having was paying to have Lady Trotter remain silent for a month. Even sponsoring her to keep quiet for half an hour would have been pleasant. We received a substantial donation from a local manufacturer. It was suggested that as a sign of appreciation we advertise their products from the top of the tower – until it was gently pointed out that they produce nuclear warheads. I would have had no objection; knowing that council members possessed tactical nuclear weapons would make discussion at meetings rather brisker. Scaffolding has now been erected around the tower, with the first 20 feet covered in sheet metal in order to stop the Young Farmers, after refreshing themselves at their Tuesday meetings in the pub, from trying to see who could be the first to reach the top. Inside the church, the organ has had to be covered in polythene sheeting in order to protect it. Parish relations were somewhat strained last week when our deputy organist, Mrs Ffrench, while playing for Evensong, overheard me refer to the large bag on the organ and got quite the wrong impression. The greatest inconvenience will be caused to our population of bats, but if it dissuades them from flying into church so much the better. The only other possibility is to get them all confirmed; we will then never see them inside church again. Your loving uncle, Eustace 22 A Date for your Diary

Thursday 19th July in Amberley Parish Room from 7pm One of a series of recitals involving refugee professional musicians and celebrating international music. Food will be provided by Moveable Feast – one of support groups for the Bristol Hospitality Network – and there will be the opportunity to talk with the musicians. Tickets for the event and how to obtain them will be advertised later in May. Amberley Peace & Justice Group/Hill House Retreats

23 Recipe of the Month Icing:

Martha's Lemon and Elderflower 3-4 tbsp lemon curd Cake 70g icing sugar 1 tsp lemon juice and a little I was interested to read that Prince elderflower cordial Harry and Meghan, getting married this month, have chosen lemon and Method: elderflower as the flavouring for their Put all cake ingredients in a large bowl wedding cake, particularly so since I and mix with an electric mixer until had already asked my great niece for smooth. the recipe of a similar-sounding cake Spoon mixture into a well-greased she had made for her mother on donut-shaped tin*, and bake at 180° for Mothers' Day. She has kindly shared about 30 mins, or until a skewer it, and although I have not yet tried it inserted comes out clean. (Do not myself, she assures me it was very overfill - any surplus mixture can be good. used to make cupcakes.) As I am hoping that the elderflowers Meanwhile, make the syrup: place the themselves will make an appearance lemon juice, elderflower and sugar into later this month, and will not have a small saucepan and heat gently until been too delayed by the cold start to the sugar has dissolved. the year, I am also reprinting the recipe for elderflower cordial which appeared While the cake is still warm, make in the June 2014 magazine. several holes with the skewer and drizzle the syrup over so that it is Ingredients: evenly distributed. Allow to cool. Cake: To ice, brush a thin layer of lemon curd 175g self-raising flour over the domed surface of the cake, 175g soft margarine then make up the glace icing with the 175g caster sugar lemon juice and as much elderflower 3 medium eggs as necessary to get a suitable pouring 1 tbsp elderflower cordial consistency, and pour over the cake. Zest of 1 lemon Decorate with grated lemon zest or Half level tsp baking powder fresh edible flowers. Syrup: *If you do not have a donut shaped tin, Juice of 1 lemon, strained the cake can be baked in 2 greased and 1 tbsp elderflower cordial base-lined 20cm cake tins, in which 55g caster sugar case 24 you can sandwich them together with Add 1.5 litres boiling water to the lemon curd or buttercream. bowl, and stir to dissolve the sugar With thanks to Martha Bowen for her Cover with clingfilm, and leave for 5 recipe. days, stirring occasionally - the elderflowers will turn brown; this is Elderflower Cordial normal Ingredients: Line a sieve or colander with double (makes approx 2 litres) thickness of muslin - I usually scald it 35 good-sized elderflower heads (a few in boiling water first then wring it out more if small) - and place over another large bowl. 3 medium or 2 large lemons, sliced Pour the mixture in and allow to drain 1 x 50g pack citric or tartaric acid through. (available from chemists) Pour into clean bottles of your choice. 2 kg granulated sugar (campden tablet for sterilising - This will keep for a few weeks in the optional) fridge, but you can crush a campden tablet (available from anywhere that Method: sells home brew kit) and your cordial Give each elderflower head a good will last for a year. Any yellow ring shake, to dislodge any little bugs, but that forms around the neck of the do not wash bottle when the liquid has settled is Snip the little florets from the stems as simply pollen. close to the heads as possible, into a Jane large mixing bowl Add the sliced lemons, citric acid and sugar

What you could do during Ramadan

Ramadan this year runs from 15th May to 14th June. You may wish to join in with more than one million Christians worldwide who spend this month praying for Muslims. You can download a prayer guide that provides churches, small groups and individuals with helpful information on Muslims: what they believe, where they live in the world, and suggested ways in which you might pray for them. For more information, and for the guide, please go to www.pray30days.org

25 Tickets are available at www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk/tickets or from 0333 666 3366 Twist - presented by Baroque Theatre Company on 4ᵗffį May David Woods is a mild-mannered accountant who sees a sensational way of making a fortune by writing a kiss-and-tell biography about his bitchy wife Sarah, the nation's favourite actress from the hit soap Doctors and Nurses. He then realises that his book will do even better if she is murdered first! Unfortunately a few obstacles get in his way... "Twist" is a stylish comedy thriller presented with echoes of 'Pulp Fiction'. Tarantino meets British farce in the rip-roaring comedy thriller that will have you guessing until the shocking end! Tickets £12 Guys and Dolls - presented by The Cotswold Players from 14ᵗffį to 16ᵗffį and 20ᵗffį to 23fļᵈ June. (Saturday matinees at 2.30 pm) Guys and Dolls is a musical, romantic comedy involving some unlikely New York couples. Set in the Manhattan of Damon Runyon’s short stories, the show tells of Nathan Detroit’s efforts to find a new place to hold his illegal, but notorious, crap-game. When the police find out about their chosen venue, Nathan quickly has to find a new home for the game. Enter Sky Masterson. Nathan bets Sky that he can’t take a ‘doll’ chosen by Nathan on a date to Havana, Cuba. When Sky agrees to the bet, Nathan chooses the straight-laced Sergeant Sarah Brown. Sky thinks he’s been duped but is in for a big surprise when his efforts to charm Sarah are so successful that he falls in love with her! Guys and Dolls takes us from the bustle of Times Square, to the dance clubs of Havana. There are gamblers and showgirls in this lively and exuberant show and the music is full of Frank Loesser’s wonderful tunes like the classic ‘Luck Be a Lady’ and of course ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’…. and many more! Tickets £13

26 Notes for a May Garden

(Yes - Two months’ worth this time as we finally have space to get the dates synchronised! Editor) MAY announces itself with the greening up of the countryside. The early leaves of the trees, shrubs and flowers give voice to the potential of the coming season. There is nothing to match the beauty of the fragile, fresh leaves unfolding all around. As the sap rises in the trees, so there is a quickening in the heart of the gardener. The Anglo-Saxon name for May was Tri-Milchi, because with the lush new grass cows could be milked three times a day! SPRING FLOWERING shrubs, such as broom, forsythia, philadelphus and ribes, can all be pruned once the flowers are over. Choisya will flower again later in the year, if you cut back the flowering shoots. EVERGREENS will benefit from a tidying prune now, before they come into growth. If you take out dead shoots and thin the overcrowding branches, it will improve the look of the plant and encourage new growth. THE CHELSEA CHOP gets its name as it is best carried out during the week of the Chesea Flower Show. The idea is to cut your taller, late flowering perennials to about knee height. Or you can cut a third of the stems by a third and another third by two thirds. The result will be stockier plants and a longer flowering season. Perennials like asters, helenium, anthemis, phlox and echinacea are suitable for this treatment. The nearer the chop is to flowering, the greater the delay in blooms. SUPPORT for your plants is essential if you want the best display. Too often this is done after the plant has already started to flop and with a sigh you try to tie it into its proper shape. It never works. If you get in early with bamboo canes for tall single stemmed plants, or wire hoops for your oriental poppies, paeonies and larger clumps of perennials, you will prevent future heartache!

27 The Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, Amberley Rector Vacant Associate Priest Rev John Spiers [email protected] 01453 873176 Methodist Minister Rev Simon Topping [email protected] 01453 764818

Associate Priest Rev Sandy Emery [email protected] 01452 814148 Retired Priest Rev Canon Dr Mike Tucker [email protected] 01453 873352 Retired Priest Rev Canon Brian Andrews [email protected] 01453 873068 Churchwardens Dr Simon Barker [email protected] 01453 882504 Mr John Gilbert [email protected] 01453 836275 Reader Emeritus Mrs Anne Seymour [email protected] 01453 873272 Verger Mrs Clare Weaver [email protected] 01453 872602 Director of Music Dr Steve Goodwin [email protected] 01453 873381 Stewards Mrs Margaret Keck [email protected] 01453 872300

Benefice Office Mrs Christine Gibson [email protected] 01453 889004 ACC: Secretary Mrs Pat Woods [email protected] 01453 872652 Treasurer Mrs Sarah Goodwin [email protected] 01453 873381 Book-keeper Rev Ann Morris [email protected] 07541 667090 Vice Chmn Mr John Gilbert [email protected] 01453 836275 Planned Giving Sec Mrs Sarah Goodwin [email protected] 01453 873381 Electoral Roll Officer Mrs Joanna Wood [email protected] 01453 873294 Deanery Synod Reps. Dr Simon Barker [email protected] 01453 882504 Mr Peter Hankins [email protected] 01453 872549 Mrs Elizabeth Vestey [email protected] 01453 873636 Magazine Adverts Dr Steve Goodwin [email protected] 01453 873381 Church Flower Rota Mrs Rosemary Lea [email protected] 01453 885041 Friday Cuppa Mrs Jan Howard [email protected] 01453 872689 MU Secretary Mrs Pat Woods [email protected] 01453 872652 Young People Group Mrs Claire Wilkins [email protected] 01453 835864 Pastoral Group Rev John Spiers [email protected] 01453 873176 Peace & Justice Group Rev Canon Dr Mike Tucker [email protected] 01453 873352 Worship Group Mr John Gilbert [email protected] 01453 836275 Communications Grp Mrs Jane Foreman [email protected] 01453 833028 Mr Fred Ashworth [email protected] 01453 873436 Social Group Mrs Sandra Tucker [email protected] 01453 873352 Archives Group Mrs Maureen Anderson [email protected] 01453 873326 Fairtrade/Food Bank/ Mr John Fontaine [email protected] 01453 751113 MARAH

Sat Nav: The postcode for the Church and Parish Room is GL5 5JG

If you have an item for the Pew Sheet, please email it to [email protected]

28 Village Organisations Amberley Parochial School [email protected] 01453 873349 Head Teacher – Sharon Cale [email protected] Amberley Playgroup Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9.00-3.00 Friday, 9.00-12.15 Cathy Brown 01453 872571 Toddlers Group – Tuesdays 9.45-11.45 am Leader - Andrea Glover 01453 872571 Royal British Legion – Joint Men and Women’s Branch Regular meetings are no longer taking place, one off meetings to be confirmed Standard Bearer – Roger Rowe [email protected] 01453 873458 Treasurer - Chris Woods [email protected] 01453 872652 Littleworth Hall Booking Secretary – Mrs Cathy McIlroy [email protected] 01453 872765 Parish Room Management Committee Letting Secretary – Mrs Clare Weaver [email protected] 01453 872602 Highlands Cottage Charity Mrs Viv Leivers [email protected] 01453 873665 Scouts - Fridays 7-9 pm James Gunn [email protected] Cub Scouts – Thursdays 6.45-8.15 pm Sue Jenkins [email protected] 01453 873542 Beaver Scouts – Thursdays 5.30-6.30 pm Sara Millin & Tracey Vincent [email protected] 07896 961338 Guides – Wednesdays 7.30-9 pm Mrs Nicky Young [email protected] 01453 886750 Brownies – Wednesdays 6.00-7.30 pm in the Parish Rooms

Miss Joy Hopkins [email protected] 01453 452316 Amberley Gardening Club – 2nd Thur of each month – Parish Room Nicki Schmiegelow [email protected] 01453 873589

Other Churches Roman Catholic – The Priory Church of the Annunciation – Woodchester. Baptist Church – Minchinhampton. URC – Tabernacle – Rodborough. Methodist/Baptist/URC – Christchurch – Nailsworth. Society of Friends – Meeting House – Nailsworth.

Useful Telephone Numbers Doctors: The Surgery, Minchinhampton. 883793 or The Surgery, Nailsworth. 832424 Stroud Hospital: 0300 4218080 Veterinary Surgeons: Clockhouse, Stroud. 752555 or Bowbridge, Stroud. 762350 Milk Deliveries: T. Clarke (Dairy) Ltd., Amberley 872368

29 Rota for May

Week- ending Flowers Coffee Cleaning Sunday

John and Cathy 6 May Jackie Mitchell Anne Seymour McIlroy

Chris and Heather 13 May Jan Howard Anne Seymour Pearson Daphne Vickers 20 May Sue Pugh Sue Pugh and Pat Woods Alice Adams and 27 May Maureen Stewart Sue Pugh Maureen Anderson

If you would like to help with any duties, please contact Heather Pearson for church services (885477) , Rosemary Lea for flowers (885041), Fred Ashworth for church cleaning (873436), and Heather Pearson (885477) for after-service coffee. All copy and articles for the magazine should be emailed to [email protected] by the 16th of the month.

Gloucester Choral Society Gala Concert: Parry and his pupils Saturday 5ᵗffį May at 7.15 pm Gloucester Cathedral Celebrating Hubert Parry and the musicians he inspired including Holst, Ireland and Vaughan Williams Tickets £10 to £30 from 01452 768928

30 An extra pair of hands... Your ‘go to’ solution to make your life more simple and easy to manage Free up your time, energy and money Clear your ‘To Do’ list in one go!

Andrea helps me out with decorating, gardening and cleaning. She has also done some business admin for my business when we were feeling overloaded. Whatever she turns her hand to is done to a very high standard. She is cheerful, helpful and totally trustworthy. L. Willis, Pinfarthings. Call Andrea Goodman: 07971 861604 or email: [email protected]

31 The Amberley Inn An Accommodating Place to Eat, Drink & Stay Tel: 01453 872565 www.theamberleyinn.co.uk Our lunchtime Table d’hôte menu is now available from 12-2.30pm Monday- Saturday inclusive. Two courses at only £9.95.

The Estate Agents for Minchinhampton, Box and Amberley Richard Murray MNAEA – Josh Ford-Loveday - Jamie Dalrymple Hamilton MRICS 3 High Street Minchinhampton GL6 9BN Tel: 01453 886334 www.murraysestateagents.co.uk Also in Stroud, Painswick and London (The Mayfair Office)

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