STEEP AND STROUD NEWSLETTER NO 567 DECEMBER 2018 - JANUARY 2019

LETTER FROM THE VICAR

Those of us who keep a few animals the perks of living in a stable is the as a hobby, whether poultry, goats, benefit gained from the warmth pigs, or even bees, will know the generated by the animals there, downside – dirty clothes, sodden something which the homesteads footwear and hands regularly of medieval farms incorporated into chafed and reddened in the winter their building design: the family months, together with the occasion- living quarters were often directly al crises caused by escaped ani- above the stables. But there were mals. Black is the colour of my cho- plenty of downsides, too. sen profession, and I never cease to Of course, the birth of Jesus in a be amazed by the ease with which stable served a teaching purpose, white goat hairs transfer and adhere since it differentiated the divine to my trousers and shirt. child from the kings and emperors So I recognise and appreciate the who were born only in fine palaces earthiness of the narratives of the and swaddled in expensive clothes. first century stories describing the The manger in which Jesus is birth of Jesus. They hail from a pre- placed by his mother is strictly no industrial, pastoral society in which more than 'a box or trough in a sta- animals and animals co-existed in a ble or barn from which horses or way that they don't today, at least in cattle eat'. I've noticed that the the west. Andrew Snow, talking to breath of my goats is sweet and an open WI meeting about his voca- warm, but a crowded stable, with tion as a sheep farmer, said that an night time excretions, must have English person today is likely to be been a place of contrasting smells, five generations removed from ac- and far removed from those pris- tive contact with agriculture or farm- tine scenes found on many Christ- ing. The rawness of the birth stories mas Cards. The earthiness of Je- for many listeners therefore fails to sus' birth serves another teaching hit home when read aloud at a purpose, which is that the ordinary Christmas carol service. It is Luke processes of human life are hon- who says that Mary 'gave birth to oured and transformed by God. her first born son and wrapped him 'Immanuel' - meaning God with us - in bands of cloth, and laid him in a hallows the ordinary things of hu- manger, because there was no man life and so makes them holy. It place for them in the inn.' One of also has suggested to centuries of 2 Christian interpreters that God has includes the earthiness and the a bias to those who are poor, mar- smells and the dirt and the hairs. ginalised, or dispossessed. It's something I shall remember when next I'm in a meeting and find This earthy birth story becomes the goats' hairs on my black trousers. good news of great joy for all the God is present in the whole of life, people ‘for unto to you is born this and not just the parts we let him day...a Saviour, who is the into. Lord.' (Luke 2.11). That in itself is an extraordinary transformation and Good wishes, John one of which the early Christians were not ashamed. The good news

25 YEARS AGO STEEP CHURCH NEWS - DECEMBER 1943 [75 years ago] It was agreed that the Verger be asked to bank up the fires on Saturday evenings as there had been several complaints about icy cold Sunday Services in the especially cold winter weather. Mrs. Fitton proposed and Captain Shuttleworth seconded that the Bellringers be paid one shil- ling (5p) each for the Christmas peal. The Treasurer, Mr. Macbeth, reported that the cost of War Risk insurance for church chattels was extremely high and it was decided that insur- ance should not be taken out. Mr. Fraser Parks confirmed that in the event of damage to the church building the cost of all repairs would be recovered from the Government.

Copyright. The content of the newsletter (excluding the ads) is the copy- right of Steep PCC, unless otherwise indicated. If in doubt, contact the editor. 3 DIARY DATES STEEP FILM SOCIETY Friday, 7th December - The Hatton Garden Job. Action/Crime/Thriller. Starring David Calder, Larry Lamb and Phil Daniels. Friday, 18th January - Mama Mia - Here we go again! Comedy/Music/ Romance. Starring Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth Tickets are £6.0 available from ‘One Tree Books’ or on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm, film at 8.00pm, bar and ice-creams! STEEP HISTORY GROUP 10.am Tues 11th December 10am Tues 8th January 2019 Fran Box - 266284 or Friday 7th December and Friday [email protected] 4th January. Do come. STROUD EVENING WI STEEP PARISH COUNCIL 11 December – Christmas Meal Next meeting will be at 7.30 p.m. on 8 January – Resolution Discussion Monday, 3rd December in the Steep Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. small meeting room at Steep Village Enquiries: Pauline Cook - 263406 Hall. WELCOME CLUB Agendas for all meetings will be Thursday 13th December published 3 days prior to the meet- Christmas Lunch at Dunhill Barn at ing and can be found on the village 12.30pm. Meet at Steep Village Hall noticeboards and via the village at 12.15pm to car-share. website www.steep-pc.gov.uk . Thursday 10th January. Janet Alternatively, you can contact the Smith invites you to “A Winter Warm Clerk, Jenny Hollington on 01730 -Up - Songs and Tea”. 2pm - Reser- 267784 voir Lane or 1.45pm at Steep Village Hall to car-share. 4 Thursday 24th January. Marian CAROLS AT STEEP Powell talks about “A Nurse’s Jour- Arranged by Friends of Steep ney: 1954 - 2004” 2pm at Morf Church Tuesday 18 December - Muir’s - Woodbourne, The Island or 6.30 followed by mince pies and 1.45pm at Steep Village Hall to car- mulled wine share. Heather Maybury - ALTON ORGAN SOCIETY [email protected] & This society has been organising Judy Thompson - 267362 organ concerts in St Lawrence Church, Alton for over fifty years, STROUD AFTERNOON WI and the current organiser of these 20 December Christmas Meeting concerts is none other than Gerald 17 January Memorial for the Marlow, our own organist at All Fallen (Jeremy Prescott) Saints’ Church Steep. We meet at 2.15pm at the Physic All concerts are on Tuesdays and Garden start at 8pm. Tickets (including pro- Details Susan Kuruber 261351 gramme) cost £10. The venue is St Lawrence Church, Church Street, Alton GU34 2BW. Next concert: 4 December 2018 (Gerald Marlow) Thereafter: 8 January 2019 (David Hill, interna- tional choir director and organist) 5 February (Roger Sayer, organist of Box Office: One Tree Books from Temple Church, London) 5 March, 2 April and 7 May (For fur- Friday 23 November ther details and tickets contact Tony Online: http://ticketsource.co.uk/ Willman 079285 16052 – to- petersfieldyouththeatre [email protected]

COPY FOR THE FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER not later than midday on Wednesday 16th January To David Dobson at Downgate Cottage, , GU32 2BE Or [email protected] and [email protected] FOR STROUD to Jeremy Mitchell at Fairlands, Finchmead Lane, Stroud GU32 3PF or [email protected] - tel 267214

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USEFUL CONTACTS Vicar: John Owen 264282 [email protected] Associate Vicar: Susie Collingridge [email protected] Newsletter: David Dobson 261344 [email protected] Police Support Officer: John Payne [email protected] Steep Village website: www.steepvillage.com Steep Parish Clerk: Jenny Hollington 267784, [email protected] Stroud Parish Clerk (part time): [email protected] or Elisabeth Foulston 48 Winchester Road, Stroud, GU32 3PG Stroud Village website: www.stroudvillage.co.uk Village Hall: Jenny Hollington 267784

7 WE WILL REMEMBER “TO END ALL WARS” – A SHOW TO MARK THE CENTENARY OF THE ARMISTICE wonderful spirit and great feeling by Fiona-Jane and William, to William’s On Saturday 3rd November, the Mil- bravura accompaniment on the pi- land Branch of the Royal British Le- ano, we were treated to a selection gion staged a show – “To End All of readings and poems by Martin, Wars” - to mark the centenary of the Fiona-Jane and Zeb that brought signing of the Armistice that ended vividly to life the horrors and utter the First World War. A clash with the ghastliness of the fighting and the village Bonfire Night meant that the huge strains placed upon those – performance was held in Rake Vil- especially women, who held the lage Hall, which was actually entirely home front. This was no celebration appropriate, as the fallen from the of victory in war; more a stark re- then parish of Milland and Chithurst minder that we owe our current free- are commemorated on a roll of hon- doms to a generation who had little our in the hall. choice but to sacrifice theirs. The The change of venue and a shift in show ended with a leap forward to the focus of our advertising brought 1939 and a fine rendition by Martin in people from Rake, Liss, Steep, of Winston Churchill addressing the , Rogate and Midhurst, as House of Commons. In November well as a good number from Milland, 1918, the war-weary and exhausted who forsook the fireworks for an country, rejoicing at the end of the evening of music, poetry and song. fighting, was not to know that in the terms of the Armistice lay the seeds We were fortunate to secure the of the next war. services of William Godfree, Martin Muncaster and Fiona-Jane Weston, The audience was patently very all of whom took part in a similar moved by what was a highly polished show in 2014 to mark the start of and emotionally charged perfor- the war. This time, they were joined mance and the organisers are de- by Zeb Soanes, whose mellifluous lighted (and not a little relieved) that and measured voice is so well thanks to the packed house and the known to BBC Radio 4 listeners. generosity of some “theatre angels”, we are able to make a substantial Alongside the war-time music hall donation to the Royal British Legion. and soldiers’ favourites, sung with Jeremy Parker 8 FROXFIELD CHOIR REMEMBRANCE .NATIONAL SERVICE OF THANKSGIV- CONCERT – SATURDAY 10TH ING AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY – NOVEMBER 2018 SUNDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2018 This moving Remembrance Concert Stroud resident, and member of this led by the Froxfield Choir commemo- newsletter editorial team, Jeremy rated the centenary of both the end of Mitchell, was privileged to be invited the First World War and the death of to attend this service at Westmin- Sir Charles Hubert Parry. ster Abbey to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. Guests were welcomed to the Church with canapes and a glass of wine and Jeremy joined members of the Royal had an opportunity to view the vil- Family, religious and political lead- lage’s ‘lost lives’ exhibition of the fall- ers as one of over 300 people from en from the parish, the majority of across the UK who had been in- whom had been farmworkers. volved with Heritage Lottery Funded First World War projects. The concert featured four of Parry’s Songs of Farewell and two of Ed- These are his reflections on the ward Thomas’s poems (‘Out in The Service: Dark’ was a sensitive, excellent in- “Armed with identification docu- terpretation and ‘The Trumpet’ ments and my ticket, I arrived at the closed with a rousing crescendo), accreditation area in the Sanctuary, set to music by Froxfield resident at the west end of the Abbey just Mike Orchard. before 4.15 pm. By 5:30 all guests were seated and members of the Martin Muncaster read a selection Government and the Royal Family of moving poetry and prose, includ- arrived shortly thereafter. ing contrasting articles from the Wipers Times and the poem The service began at 6pm and last- ‘Aftermath’ by Siegfried Sassoon. ed 45 minutes. It was very moving and seemed a fitting way to remem- The concert closed with Martin reciting ber those who laid down their lives Winston Churchill’s ‘The Finest Hour’ for others in the First World War. speech – sadly bringing to life what Sassoon had foretold in ‘Aftermath’ . I had a very reflective and thought- ful journey back to Petersfield, won- This was a splendid evening in every dering why we cannot seem to learn way, and a fitting prelude to from the horrors of the past, and Remembrance Day. hoping we do indeed ‘never forget’.” Jeremy Mitchell 9 Oil fired boiler specialists Servicing, Repairs and Installations Central Heating Upgrades Fully Insured & Registered with Oftec 01489 893320 07920 558046 [email protected]

10 STEEP AND STROUD NEWS STROUD INPUT FOR NOVEMBER course and in the meantime please put the date in your new diaries. STROUD PARISH COUNCIL: The next Tickets may be obtained from SARA meeting of Stroud Parish Council will Committee members or via https:// take place at School, in the stroudvillage.co.uk/contact/ School Hall, on Tuesday 8th January 2019, starting at 7.30 pm. All are ROAD DEVELOPMENT welcome to attend. AND A NEW VILLAGE HALL FOR STROUD STROUD AREA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION: AGM and Annual Work has now started on the Quiz. The popular annual Quiz will groundworks at the Ramsdean Road take place at Langrish School on development site. Friday 25 January 2019 – with quiz- The Stroud Village Hall trustees will master ‘only two rules’ Jeremy your be meeting with representatives of host for the night. Starting at 7.00 CALA Homes over the next few pm with SARA AGM, ticket prices weeks to finalise plans for the layout have been held at £8.00 each to and management of the new Village include a Fish and Chip supper. Hall. Charlie’s Bar will be in attendance to quench your thirst between As was asked last month, if anybody rounds, or even between questions, considers they have particular expe- and tables may be of 6 or 8. With rience in this area that they could the new Village Hall likely to be built offer to the trustees, or indeed later in 2019, the AGM will this year would like to know more about be- include an important resolution to coming a trustee of Stroud Village seek agreement to amalgamate the Hall please contact David McKinney Stroud Village Hall charity and SARA in the first instance – dmckin- into a new, charitable organisation. [email protected]. All Stroud Village Residents in at- Further updates on both the Rams- tendance will be entitled to vote on dean Road development and the this resolution. Further details and Stroud Village Hall may be found on AGM agenda will be available on the the village website – Stroud Village website – www.stroudvillage.co.uk. www.stroudvillage.co.uk – in due

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12 HARROW GIVING Rosemary Foundation report a total in excess of £30,000 during the same period. Readers will join us in saying "Thank you" to Claire, Nisa, Tony and all the pub’s customers for their gener- osity over the years. If you wish to do so personally why not buy some of their beautiful Christmas cards fea- turing the traditional Harrow decora- tions which are such a seasonal fa- vourite? Rollo Wicksteed VERA ELLIOTT Regular customers at The Harrow On 25 October the Welcome Club will know that the pub is famed for gave a party for Vera Elliott’s 93rd it's support of local charities, and birthday, and Vera told me about it. the generosity of customers and management can properly be de- scribed as legendary. Sweepstakes, raffles, quiz nights, competitions and much else have persuaded cus- tomers to part with their small change and support many good causes. Top of the list we must place Tony Clear, the fruits of whose labours provide a yearlong cornuco- pia of flowers, vegetables, seedlings and much else which grace the ta- ble as customers enter the door. “I used to go to the old Welcome The results are staggering as we Club in the eighties and I was very discovered when we asked the two glad when they started it up again. major recipients for some idea of As for my party, it was terrific!” the sums involved. Macmillan Nurs- “My husband David and I came to es tell us that in the last ten years Steep in 1960, to work at Bedales they have received over £20,00 (not for Miss Chater, who was our boss. including the £2,332.05p raised at David was a qualified chef, having the Coffee Morning in October). The 13

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14 served in the Merchant Navy, and with nice neighbours. I am grateful did the cooking with two others. As for the twice weekly bus service to for me, I was responsible for the Petersfield, which enables me to get cleaning of four dormitories and two out and about. I live alone of course classrooms, as well as serving at - David died in 1991 - and though meals. I really loved the work. The we had no children we had a very children were always friendly, happy marriage. He is buried in the though some of them took liberties. churchyard and I go there a lot – I David Linley was one – he always often see Richard and Janet Smith asked for double helpings of ice busying about. No, I am not a cream. I remember him well be- churchgoer, but I love the church- cause he went missing on the day yard.” he arrived and caused quite a stir – David Dobson he was eventually found in Gate- ways in Petersfield, together with CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE two other boys. His parents, Prin- Dear Resident, cess Margaret and Mr Armstrong- Please be advised that we have Jones, came down quite a lot – ac- recently had several garages and tually it was mainly him.” sheds broken into in the Steep area “I also remember Tommy Steele of . Three properties coming down with his daughter – were affected. sadly, she didn’t settle, and left af- The break-ins occurred overnight on ter one term.” Wednesday 25th October in Church Road, Steep. “I worked at Bedales for twenty years. During that time we lived in ADVICE: various school cottages, but we had • Place all tools and garden equipment in put our name down for a council locked sheds and garages. flat, and when we left the school • Secure more expensive items, e.g. (my husband had retired a year ear- mowers, bikes to an anchor point lier) we moved here to Hays Cot- within the shed or garage. Use a tages. I didn’t retire though; I had chain linking all tools (if possible) eight cleaning jobs after that and and padlock using a closed shack- enjoyed them all. I can’t remember le type security lock. Using a bike the names now – just Beryl Low and ‘D’ lock may be an alternative. Mrs Whiteman.” • Mark all items with postcode and “Here in my flat I feel very secure, record serial numbers. e.g. UV 15 TO SEE LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS http://planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk/online-applications For local planning authority put in your postcode.

16 pens or forensic marking kits. Reg- STEEP PC NEWS ister the details for free Speed and Traffic Issues on www.immobilise.com It is eighteen months since we had • Take photographs of items such a lively meeting in the Village Hall as statues and garden furniture if to discuss traffic and speed they are unusual, for easy identifi- through Steep. There was a strong cation at a later date. feeling at the meeting that the • Fit a shed alarm – place a motion speed and volume of traffic on both sensor in the corner of your shed Stoner Hill Road and Church Road and a door sensor alarm. were a cause for real concern, as • Fit a wireless CCTV system with was the safety of cars emerging motion detection (this can be from Ridge Common Lane and linked to your smart phone) Sandsbury Lane onto Stoner Hill • Keep the structure in good repair. Road. This is an update on the pro- • Consider covering windows with gress the Parish Council have curtains to obscure the view of the made. contents. Fit translucent window Stoner Hill calming film if required. Hampshire Highways have in- • Consider external lighting – Fit PIR formed us that we are unable to Lights to alert when someone is in change the speed limit on any sec- the area. tion of the road, but engineers have • Ensure the garden fences are in come out to advise on what could good repair between neighbours be done. The first phase of that to prevent unlawful access. work has now been completed. • Ensure side gates are locked to White lines have been painted on prevent access to the rear of the both sides of Stoner Hill Road north property. and south of the crossroads to visu- Please ensure you are vigilant at all ally narrow the road to encourage times, calling police to report any drivers to slow down. Above Hay’s suspicious activity, not just around Cottages “Dragons Teeth” have your own property but anything sus- been painted onto the road to rein- picious in your residential area and force the beginning of the 30mph community. In an emergency use speed limit. It is too early yet to 999 or 101 for non-emergency. It is quantify what effect this is having not too late to report any suspicious on the traffic speeds. At the same activity to police. time the exit from Ridge Common Regards, John PCSO 13456 PAYNE Lane has been repainted to bring 17 Ridge Gate Breadmaking Course Quick quick....slow...... Learn how to make a variety of breads Relaxed, friendly, home atmosphere. Small groups max 6 per class. Courses: first Saturday of each month 10:00am-14:00pm Includes light lunch For more details and prices see www.ridgegatebydiana.com

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18 the exit forward by 50cm. This HCC Cllr Oppenheimer and EHDC seems a small amount but users of Cllr Drew both donated grants to the lane have reported hugely im- assist the Parish Council with com- proved visibility up and down Stoner missioning data collection over a Hill as they emerge, making it much seven-day period in both directions safer. at two points on Stoner Hill and on Community Speedwatch Church Road. That has now been In parallel to taking measures to received and the Parish Council encourage drivers to slow down it have set up a sub-committee to ana- was agreed that more enforcement lyse the data and report back to the of speed limits was required. The council with recommendations. If Parish Council signed up to work in you are interested in hearing more, partnership with the police on the it is likely to be discussed at the rd Community Speedwatch scheme. A next Parish Council meeting on 3 growing band of Speedwatch volun- December. If you are interested in teers (12 at present) have been becoming a Speedwatch volunteer monitoring the speed of vehicles please contact Jenny Hollington over 60 minute sessions using our [email protected] newly purchased radar equipment War Memorial on Stoner Hill and Crees Corner and The well-attended Act of Remem- also in Church Road. The number brance ceremony took place in love- plates of speeding vehicles are rec- ly sunshine and was led by Rev John orded and Hampshire Police send Owen following the All Saints’ ser- them a letter informing them of the vice and Parish Council Chair, Jim speed recorded and warning that MacDonald, laid the wreath followed any further violations in the county by village children scattering rose may result in further action. The petals. We thank the volunteers who Speedwatch team have formed a tidied up the flower beds in good lively social group who meet regular- time for the Act of Remembrance. ly and are currently making plans to Village Hall share a Christmas Lunch – there are During his summer holiday Aoifean always benefits to volunteering. MacDonald was commissioned to Traffic Data repaint the outdoor play area which The Speedwatch data prompted the is now looking much brighter and Parish Council to want more reliable smarter. Next job is the phone box… 24/7 data on the quantity and Jim MacDonald speed of traffic using these roads. 19 CHURCH NEWS

The Steep Barn Dance held in Be- Patronal Festival on Sunday 4th dales Quad, was a roaring success November in terms of Dancing, Food, Fun and It was lovely to see so many of the Fundraising – it felt like a full house. benefice join together for the Pa- Thank you to Anthony and the social tronal Service at All Saints’ Steep team for their great efforts to put on Sunday 4th November. together such an enjoyable event. The Steep Drop- in – This is a new The Band, the company and fabu- venture taking place on the first lous food including an amazing se- Friday of each month 8.45 am – lection of desserts made it a great 10.30am. There was good attend- evening for all who came. ance for the first one, in November. Light Party 31st October All are welcome, it is an opportunity In what is becoming a meaningful to meet others in the community tradition on All Hallows’ Eve over hot drinks and pastries. It's an (Hallowe’en), All Saints’, Steep invit- ideal time for those after dropping ed youngsters to “walk in the light”, off at the primary school too… beginning with a Treasure hunt in Remembrance Sunday the Churchyard. The Children then On Sunday 11th a special Service came in from the cold and dark into of Remembrance was held All a beautiful candle lit church to sit Saints Steep to commemorate 100 together on rugs and kneelers, lis- years since the end of WWI . The tening in a relaxed time of storytell- Roll of Names of local men who ing about God and finding the light, had given the ultimate sacrifice whilst drinking hot chocolate with were read out by Rosie Mileham marshmallows and eating beautiful- currently under training as a Naval ly decorated chocolate cupcakes. Officer. We are truly blessed to have such a keen group of children’s workers The last post was played by a bugler who organised this year’s light party. from Bedales. Wreaths were laid on Thank you to Naomi and helpers. It five former servicemen’s graves in was great to see so many children the Churchyard , before members and parents taking part. of the congregation walked along Church Road to the Village Act of Remembrance at the Memorial Cross. 20 A team of local ringers travelled Food Bank around the parishes Ringing for Re- There will be a special collection for membrance as part of the national the Foodbank during the Advent initiative to commemorate Armistice Sunday service. Please bring along 100. They rang at St Peter’s, High something if you can - tinned or Cross: All Saints’, Steep: St John, dried pasta, coffee, tinned or packet West Meon: Holy Trinity, : St soup, rice, tea. These will be collect- Peter-on-the-Green, Froxfield Green. ed up at the Methodist Hall and dis- We are very fortunate to have such a tributed to those who need them dedicated team of ringers in our ben- most. efice and grateful to them for recre- Christmas Services ating the expression of joy felt at the Please see the Christmas card in- end of the war. cluded with this newsletter for de- Revd John Owen- Congratulations tails of Services during December. We would like to congratulate the We look forward to welcoming you Revd John Owen on being made an during Advent and the Christmas Honorary Canon at Portsmouth Ca- period. thedral on Sunday 18th November. A From the registers joyful celebration was held at the Baptism Cathedral where John was supported Ezra Thomas Dayo Martin by many parishioners who made 28th October their way to the evensong service in Wedding Portsmouth. Mea Wade and Simon Whittaker Christmas Collection 27th October We will be collecting supermarket Memorial Service gift cards at all Christmas services in Maureen Purnell Burnell Steep and Froxfield, including school 8th November services. These will be sent to the Mrs ‘Blinky’ Trewby Roberts Centre in Portsmouth and 22nd November distributed by them. If parents from Helen Muir-Davies school would like to contribute all they need to do is buy a store card/s Churchwarden: Helen Muir-Davies (no single one bigger than £5) and 264039 or mobile 07831 267805 put it in the offertory plates at any Church website: service in the church in the run up to http://steepfroxfield.com Christmas.

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ADVERTISING IN THIS NEWSLETTER AND VILLAGE WEBSITE If you would like to advertise please contact Ray Street on 892656 or email [email protected] Village website: www.steepvillage.com 22

Steep to Petersfield Bus Service 71

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23 CHURCH SERVICES – December 2018 & January 2019 Sunday 2nd December - Advent 1 (Year C begins) 8am Holy Communion, Steep 10am The TenAM, Steep 11am Parish Communion, High Cross Saturday 8th December - 5pm The FivePM, Froxfield Green Sunday 9th December - Advent 2 10.30am Parish Communion, Steep 4pm Carol Service, High Cross 6pm Carol Service, Stroud Sunday 16th December - Advent 3 8.30am Holy Communion, Stroud 9.30am Parish Communion, High Cross 6.30pm Carol Service, Holy Trinity, Privett Tuesday 18 December - 6.30 Carols at Steep arranged by Friends of Steep Church followed by mince pies and mulled wine Sunday 23rd December - Advent 4 10.30am Parish Communion, Steep 11am Morning Prayer, Froxfield Green Monday 24th: Christmas Eve (Purple; White from 4pm) 4pm Benefice Children’s Crib Service, High Cross 6pm Holy Communion, Stroud 11.30pm Candlelit Midnight Communion, Steep Tuesday 25th: Christmas Day (White) 8am Holy Communion, Steep 10.30am Christmas Family Communion, High Cross 10.30am Christmas Family Service, Steep Sunday 30th December - The First Sunday of Christmas (White) 10.30am Benefice Communion, Steep Sunday 6th January 2019 - The Epiphany 8am Holy Communion, Steep 10am The TenAM, Steep 11am Parish Communion, High Cross Saturday 12th January - 5pm The FivePM, Froxfield Green Sunday 13th January - The Baptism of Christ 8am Holy Communion, Steep 10.30am Parish Communion, Steep Sunday 20th January - Epiphany 3 8.30am Holy Communion, Stroud 9.30am Parish Communion, High Cross Saturday 26th January - 6pm Holy Communion, Stroud Sunday 27th January - Epiphany 4 10.30am Parish Communion, 24Steep 11am Morning Prayer, Froxfield Green