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October 2017 Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50 Page 2
CONTENTS
21st Century Ripples Ripples ‘Doesn’t fresh air taste and smell fantastic?’ proclaims the former smoker. October Indeed, there’s none more fervent than the late convert. And technology is News 4 no exception. Local History 13 When I helped my son to select his first car, I assembled a folder of brochures and print- Home & Garden 15 outs of reviews. ‘How delightfully old-fashioned you are,’ he said. ‘These days I’d just look it up on my phone.’ I’m sure he must portray me in his party jokes as a quaint relic.Creative Arts 18 Well, not any longer, because Ripples is making ever more ripples on social media, via Councils 22 Facebook. In future your contributions might also be published on social media. Rippling Yarns 24 I’ve been an active Facebook user for a few years and it has transformed my social Volunteering 26 relationships. I’m in touch with old school and uni friends from the 70s, I really like usingLearning 28 Facebook’s Messenger and I’ve met relatives I didn’t even know I had. Food & Drink 30 Sure, Facebook is abused, something it shares with practically every new technology. Yet Business 32 I think its benefits far outweigh any disadvantages. Like my mobile phone that offers Letters 35 internet, email, camera, photos, podcasts, music, diary, the shopping list I share with my wife, and all manner of widgets, I wouldn’t want to be without Facebook. Pets 37 Profile 39 Remember when Facebook was floated as a public company in 2012 for more than $100 billion? Many critics said it was absurd. Amazingly, the company’s value has quadrupled Sport 40 since then. Events 41 Here’s something you might not know. Give or take a few billion, Ripples and Facebook Contacts 46 have similar business models: a community information and entertainment service Transport 46 delivered free to readers, sustained by advertising revenue. When we launched in 2009, who’d have thought we’d be up there with the big boys, eh? ☺ COVER PICTURE: St Lawrence Church, So, want to dip your toe in the social media pond? Then set up an account at Lechlade, transformed for www.facebook.com. Holiday Club (see page 4).
Then, to see what we’re doing, visitwww.facebook.com/RipplesCommunityMagazine REMINDER: and while you’re there, give our page a ‘Like’. Look me up at ‘Ed Ripples’ The deadline for our www.facebook.com/adrian.ripples.3and let me know what you think. November edition is 12 noon, Finally, I wonder what Facebook employees do to waste their time at work? Friday 13th October. Adrian Young, Editor Ripples Community Magazine Published by Adrian Young and Graham Fry © Ripples Community Magazine, 2017. All rights reserved. Named contributors retain copyright on their work.
Ripples Magazine is published 10 months a our format or inconsistent with our Email is preferred for contributions, year during the first week of the month; we editorial policy. otherwise by post. take a break in January and August. Make sure you are writing for a general All news, events and announcements: The deadline for contributions and audience, not just your own organisation. [email protected] advertising is 12 noon on 2nd Friday of the Contributions up to 150 words are Paid advertising: month before publication. preferred. If it is too long, we may ask you [email protected] to cut it down. We may publish longer Opinions expressed in the magazine are not contributions, but get in touch first to avoidDistribution: necessarily those of the publishers. the annoyance of a rejection. [email protected] Contributions may be published in the Photographs and artwork should be clear Tel: 01793 764768 magazine, on our website or on social with good contrast. JPEG electronic format media. Make clear any limitations about Post: is preferred but we can scan from good what, how and when we may publish your 2A The Stables, Gilberts Lane, quality prints. Make sure any identifiable contribution. Highworth, Swindon SN6 7FB people in photos agree to the photo’s Please inform the editor if you spot a We reserve the right to edit contributions publication. Get parent’s consent in the mistake in Ripples so we can rectify it in a and to not publish any contribution or case of minors. future issue. advertisement that is either unsuitable for
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NEWS
Finding the treasure of the city! St Lawrence Church Holiday Club report 2017
At St. Lawrence Church Lechlade, Andrew Cinnamond, Vicar and the Keeper of the Keys, Jonathan Clark, Curate and The Fabler, this year chose the Scripture Union, ‘Guardians of Ancora’ resource material, for their annual end of August holiday club. The treasure? Bible stories The city? Ancora The guardians of the city? 60 Church holiday club children aged 5-11years! Their challenge? To find the stories and light up the tower! The Church was transformed with lights, artwork and bunting to create a fantasy world for the children. Moving pews made space for the children to watch the stories on the big amazing, virtual world and at the same time screen, play messy and active games together, sing experiencing interactive Bible Stories from the worship songs and listen to the Shiner-Annabel Gospels. It was a week of fun, friendship and faith Graves, who told jokes and made everyone laugh! formation, ending with a BBQ and a family service on the Sunday. Groups of Guardians worked together baking bread, creating, using craft materials, playdough, paint and St. Lawrence have Sunday School groups most weeks Lego. The older children were also able to use the from 10am-11.15am in the Cottage next to the Scripture Union hi-spec. tablet game entering an Church. New children are most welcome. Poulton WI
The magnificent display of cakes for sale on the WI stall at Poulton Fête on 3rd September disappeared very quickly despite the cold, wet weather we experienced! Our coffers were well and truly filled. Poultonite Gordon Lee will be at our Tuesday 10th October meeting, telling us about his life as an airline pilot. Information from Elinor 01285 851218. See EVENTS for details of our meetings on 2nd Tuesdays. Elinor Davies CONTACT RIPPLES COMMUNITY MAGAZINE For news, events and announcements Your local reporters Email: [email protected] Fairford and surrounding villages or post to: Tel: (01285) 712150 Ripples Magazine, Email: [email protected] 2A The Stables, Gilberts Lane, Lechlade and surrounding villages Highworth SN6 7FB Tel: (01793) 764768 Email: [email protected]
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NEWS
The Colditz story: an insider’s view (almost) As part of the 2017 Remembrance Lectures, there will be a multi-media presentation on the notorious German Prisoner of War camp, Colditz. The speaker, Piers Storie-Pugh, a retired Army Officer, will tell the story through the lens of his father, Peter, who was captured after having been wounded during the retreat to Dunkirk. Peter was a habitual escapee, who was re-captured and incarcerated at Colditz Oflag IV- C, where all the hardened escapees were sent. Peter was involved in 21 escape attempts and received the MBE for his work. He had already been Peter Storie-Pugh (centre). awarded the Military Cross for Photo: The Royal British Legion Dunkirk. The presentation and talk, which is in aid of The Royal British Legion, will take place on Friday 3rd November at Fairford Community Centre. Doors open at 6.30pm for a glass of wine, the talk will start at 7pm and finish around 8.30pm. Tickets cost £10 (to include a glass of wine) and can be purchased from 7a Coffee Shop in Fairford or by emailing [email protected] Chris Roberts Relaunch of The Christmas Family Quiz The St Lawrence Church Restoration and Maintenance Appeal Committee is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Christmas Family Quiz, compiled by Richard Dadson. This popular Quiz has given much pleasure to many people and will be available from November 1st. We are grateful to Lechlade Post Office, Cutler and Bayliss, and The Bloom Room for selling the Quiz booklets at a cost of £2. They will also be available following the services at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade. Enjoy the range of questions, with a chance of winning a very good prize; do remember the ‘Lucky Dip’ prize too. Every Family Quiz booklet sold will help The Restoration and Maintenance Appeal. The Committee is extremely grateful to Richard for the tremendous amount of time and effort taken to compile the quiz. Helen F. S. Jones Busby’s garage reunion party Palmer hall, Fairford 12noon on Saturday 4th November This is an appeal to anyone who worked at the garage under John Busby’s ownership. You will be invited to the party if you contact us. John: 01285 850959 or Terry: 01285 810612.
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NEWS
Lechlade Memorial Hall rebuild The new hall is on schedule to open by 1st May 2018. Good progress is being made by King Builders of Gloucester with the groundworks at the site ready for the steel frame to be erected. You will also have seen excavation by Foundation – the team engaged to undertake the archaeological works required by the planning conditions for the new building. Whilst nothing of any archaeological significance has been found to date, the excavations have been quite extensive and time consuming. So, to avoid a delay to the project, we brought forward the excavation of the old skatepark to allow the archaeologists access to this area earlier than originally planned. We started the archaeological excavation on the site of the new skatepark at the beginning of September and hope to complete this shortly, ready for Gravity to start to build the new park. We are building the new Skatepark as quickly as we can and apologise for the unavoidable gap between current price and the planned completion date for the old one going and the new one opening. the construction of the new hall. We have finally Good level of bookings both old and new heard from the Charity Commission, so hope to have the new CIO in place so that we can then sign the We have been really pleased with the response to our full contract. call for bookings for the new hall especially from local community groups. We have also had enquiries Future events (we will continue to raise funds until for new activities which is really encouraging. the project is complete and the hall fitted out including all contents). Bookings can be made, as before: 01367 252338, [email protected]. Wessex Choir – Saturday 14th October at 7.30pm in St Lawrence Church. Last few tickets on sale at the We continue to enjoy wonderful support from local Lechlade Post Office for this ever popular and award people with donations and events having reached winning choir. Also featuring local musicians. over £135,000 – thank you! Meal at the New Inn – Thursday 2nd November at This includes almost £1,000 7.30pm Two course meal for £15. Tickets from the raised by the Grand Raffle Lechlade Post Office. Maximum of 44 places so which was sponsored by A please don’t delay as these tickets always sell very Plan Insurance of Carterton: quickly. www.aplan.co.uk. The winner was Alan McSherry Photography Courses – February (date to be with D Parmer and R Fisher confirmed). By popular demand Mike Read will be winning the second and running a series of photography courses in the third prizes respectively. Pavilion. Whether you are just starting or an experienced photographer these courses offer We also received a cheque for almost £400 from our something for everyone. friends at RAF Brize Norton following the Duck Race in May 2017. Plans are already underway for the St Patricks Day Dinner Dance at Wrag Barn – next Duck Race on 7th May 2018! Saturday 17th March, 7.30pm. Letter of Intent for £350,000 extended to the Extravaganza Weekend – 18th, 19th and 20th end of October May to celebrate the opening of the new hall. The Trustees of the Lechlade Memorial Hall and Help at events would be much appreciated. Please Recreation Charity (1056163) Letter of Intent for contact Sue Coakley on 01367 253306 or £350,000 has been accepted by Kings for works email [email protected]. through to the end of October, securing both the Sue Coakley
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NEWS
Village and Community Agents to merge with Social Prescribing The Village and Community Agents scheme is combining with Social Prescribing to become a new service called Community Connectors in October this year. Village and Community agents have been working across the county for 11 years and helped thousands of older people and communities gain better access to services and information as well as providing support and assistance to those who need it most. Over the past four years, Social Prescribing has offered GP practices and other healthcare professionals a mechanism for referring patients who are in need of alternatives to prescribed medicines and has worked closely with Village and Community Agents. The schemes have evolved tremendously over the years, building up networks of referral partners and building vital knowledge about the areas in which they work. Community Connectors will be accessible in each district of Gloucestershire with five providers delivering the new service. Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) will deliver the service in the Cotswold District. The new contracts for the Community Connectors will begin on 1st October. Until then, the existing Village and Community Agents will continue to take referrals from the breadth of partners that we work with and to make referrals for clients. GRCC will be working with the Village and Community Agents and with the other providers across the county to ensure that the transfer of staff to their new roles is as smooth as possible. We expect that the new providers will communicate their plans over the coming weeks and, from 1st October, we will publish the relevant contact details so that you can get in touch with the new providers direct. Lynn Costello, Village Agent Adapting your clothing, not your style Dressability is a local charity based in West Swindon which provides a clothing alteration and adaptation service for people with physical and learning disabilities and the over 65s. Getting dressed is something that most of us do automatically. However, for someone with a disability it can be a different story. When there is limited mobility, getting dressed and undressed can be a very painful and distressing experience as well as taking time out of the day. Whatever physical challenges you face, Dressability can help tailor your clothing so that getting dressed/undressed becomes an everyday WANT TO ADVERTISE IN routine rather than a daily problem! BOTH EDITIONS OF Dressability offers a home visiting service together with free RIPPLES? collection/delivery in Swindon Call Debbie on 01285 653535 and within a 25mile radius. about our exciting offer to get How to contact Dressability: your advert in both editions of 01793 512878, Ripples from just £40.50 [email protected], plus VAT per issue! www.dressability.org.uk 10 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 11 Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50 Page 12
NEWS LOCAL HISTORY
Local debt counselling centre grows to cope with the need Fairford Heritage Open Day The Highworth branch of debt counselling charity, centres, housing associations and council offices. The The Dovecote at Christians Against Poverty, is taking on extra staff clients’ creditors are contacted by CAP, a workable Fairford proved a great to bring more free help to those in need. budget is set for the household and the charity attraction at Fairford’s continues to give support and They cover more than just first Heritage Open Day encouragement until each person is Highworth, stretching out to organised by Fairford debt free. Lechlade, Cricklade, Fairford, History Society on the Faringdon, Watchfield, Shrivenham, Centre Manager for the Highworth 9th September. Blunsdon and the villages between. branch Kathryn Ford said: ‘We’re Over 80 people were able The centre, which opened in 2014, delighted to be welcoming debt to see the impressive has seen a steady growth in the coach Eoli Pieri onto the team. It’s 1,196 pigeon holes number of people getting in touch great news for our local community contained in the walls of as word has spread of CAP’s because we’ll be able to see and the Dovecote and the uniquely in-depth, caring and face- help more people.’ unusual central pillar. to-face help. The most common cause of debt is Visitors were also able to From September, the centre based persistent low income, followed by visit the Estate Yard which at The Bridge in Sheep Street and a change in circumstance, for is all that remains of run by Highworth Churches example job loss, relationship Together will be welcoming a new breakdown, accident or illness in debt coach to their team resulting in the family. more appointment slots for people Fairford Park House For more about CAP see suffering from out-of-control debts. demolished in the www.capuk.org, pop into The Bridge or call Kathryn late1950s to make way for Typically, most clients get in touch after personal on 07885 579876. CAP’s booking service is on Farmor’s School. The recommendation while others are referred by family 0800 328 0006. Ernest Cook Trust Offices are in the yard and it was with their permission that both sites were open to the public. At Fairford Community Centre there were displays recording other ‘lost’ buildings in the town, such as the Magistrate’s Court and Police Station, the three chapels and lost pubs. On view were items collected by Fairford History Society over the years and examples of oral history and local archive film. St Mary’s Church tours were led by Mike Godsall and Geoff Hawkes. It was also the launch of Fairford Walkers are Welcome, which aims to attract visitors to the town. Malcolm Cutler, Chair of Fairford Walkers are Welcome, presented the certificate of accreditation to Mark Dudley, Deputy Mayor of Fairford. Over 30 people took part in the Heritage Walk, led by Syd Flatman. There was also a guided Tomb Trail around St Mary’s Churchyard led by Chris Hobson who gave interesting backgrounds to some of the churchyard’s inhabitants. A River Walk took place in the afternoon led by Malcolm Cutler. Contact Fairford History Society: 01285 711768, [email protected], www.fairfordhistory.org.uk Story: Alison Hobson. Photos: Chris Hobson 12 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 13 Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50 Page 14
HOME AND GARDEN
Garden clippings with Tina Owen
More please During the first autumn of my gravel garden I took out a Sanguisorba that flopped and added two Asters (now Symphyotrichum) with small lavender flowers. Growth has been enormous, I now have trouble walking through, which was one of my aims. I love the overall look and even beads of rain on seed heads are a delight but it’s too full and too small! Recently a large fennel has been removed giving more access – another is growing in a border behind. An Aster that is now 5ft and falling into a Miscanthus has been staked, not ideal but maybe next year after using up some of the nourishment in the soil it will be smaller, if not I will dig it out. Tinkering is one thing but a harder decision is whether to extend the gravel area; the sweep of grasses along the fence would look lovely but the area contains hundreds of snowdrops and bluebells, a Laburnum, purple elder, honesty, roses and colourful perennials. Gorgeous in spring and great for early pollinators. Miscanthus with yellow Cerinthe A dilemma indeed! The few existing grasses have been swamped by a Geranium ‘pastel clouds’ and an herbaceous Clematis. I could try adding more grasses to one end, re-site the Clematis, (a Miscanthus ‘morning light’ or two would look great instead) prune the rose and move the grass further from the Geranium; any disturbed bulbs can be rehomed. Would this compromise be an improvement or a disappointment without gravel? Only one way to find out!
Somewhere under the Rainbow Sanguisorba ‘pink brushes’
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HOME AND GARDEN
Invasive species: Himalayan Balsam Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), invasive in many parts of the Cotswolds, is now subject to strict controls. An update to the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species has named an additional nine plants and Himalayan Balsam is one. All plant species listed in the Regulation are subject to strict control measures. These include a ban on keeping, growing, cultivating, transporting, trading and releasing the species into the wider environment. These Need help in the garden? measures apply to individuals as well as to organisations and businesses. • Lawn Mowing & Treatments • Turfing FREE The plant with its pink flowers and lance shaped leaves can be seen QUO • Hedge Cutting TES growing in increasing numbers alongside our roads, rivers and fields. • Garden Clearances It is an attractive plant in its way and not unremarkable. When the • Commercial Gardening seed pods are dry, they burst and shoot the seeds some distance • Pressure Washing from the parent plant. It is this that enables it to colonise an area so
• Gutter Clearing quickly. If a shoot is broken off, the plant quickly grows two shoots • Fencing 01285 719 445 to replace the one. This vigour is why it is so invasive and where it grows it is literally smothering all, but the toughest of our native www.jimsmowing.co.uk plants.
Impatiens glandulifera. Photo: Alex Thomas via Wikimedia Commons
Gardeners and landowners who already have the balsam (and any of the other species*) on their land are not at risk of prosecution for possession as the Regulation is not retrospective. However, they will have to meet the other requirements to ensure they control the species on their property and do not allow it to spread. General guidance on non-native species: www.nonnativespecies.org List of invasive species: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/list/index_en.htm Alison Ward
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CREATIVE ARTS
Art for all
The Lechlade Art Society has just held its summer exhibition. This group was formed in 1986 by keen and talented amateur artist Tom Askwith. Some are still members today and Ann Snow, one of the founder members, is now President. The Society prides itself on embracing the 21st century by updating its logo, using social media and having a splendid website with a gallery of members’ work. A particular aim of the Society is to encourage beginners, and many classes have been arranged to teach and improve members’ skills in their chosen media. In addition, established members have had the opportunity to widen their skills base by trying new methods of working in new media or revisiting old techniques and processes. Activities throughout the year include a varied programme of talks and demonstrations by invited New member Roger Jones at work and simultaneously professional artists and speakers. The Art Society also promoting the summer exhibition encourages members to give talks and demonstrations in their own area of expertise and such events are well supported by all. Workshops and annual trips in association with other societies are also enjoyed by the members. The Rt. Hon Lord Faringdon is Patron, a post he has held for several years. He has a keen interest in art and has let the society use his grounds for some fabulous outdoor painting sessions. Unlike some art societies, there are no entry requirements and no ‘hanging committee’ for exhibitions. The Lechlade group welcomes everyone, beginners and experts alike. It is a vibrant and very friendly society and its members meet to work on personal projects weekly as well as attending talks and demonstrations. Why not come along and find out more. Visit www.lechladeartsociety.co.uk Story Margaret Hing. Photos: Lesley Jones
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CREATIVE ARTS
St Lawrence church serenade and We have 10 ladies interested, but need more. If you’d Southrop photographic like to come along to watch or to have a go (it isn’t sandwiches – Catherine White harp recital as strenuous as it looks!) please note the following collection and archives The Church Restoration and dates for practices for October and November 2017. Our collection of photographs will be on view in Maintenance Appeal committee Southrop Village Hall on 21st and 22nd October All will be on Mondays at 7.30pm in Kencot Village continue to work hard with need of from 10am until 4pm on both days. This collection Hall and will be followed by a social drink at one of some urgent rewiring to be carried is based on the people who have lived in each the local pubs! out in the building. house pre-2000. It is also a record of the School 2nd October, 16th October, 30th October, pupils and various events that have taken place in On Friday 13th October at 12 Noon the village over many years. in St Lawrence Church, international 6th November, 20th November. harpist, Catherine White will play Let Jay Matthews know if you’d like to come along: A booklet containing information about those men, Fauré, Debussy and more. Catherine 01367 860869, [email protected]. recorded on the war memorial in our church, who WANT TO ADVERTISE IN has a wide-ranging career on both lost their lives in the two World Wars will be BOTH EDITIONS OF sides of the Atlantic, performing in available. Arts in Lechlade autumn workshops RIPPLES? prestigious venues with the finest Margaret Davey, 01367 850347 ensembles under the direction of at the Trout: Call Debbie on 01285 653535 famous conductors including Sir about our exciting offer to get Simon Rattle and Sir Bernard Haitink. Printing Workshop your advert in both editions of She is Professor of Harp at the Royal Come and have a go at Ripples from just £40.50 Academy of Music, for which she was awarded an Honorary ARAM, printing with Brian Britton at plus VAT per issue! and formerly led harp studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire, as the Trout Inn on Sunday well as conducting master classes throughout the UK and abroad. 8th October at 10am. £10 She has released a solo CD, Bouquet for Harp. Afterwards she will per person. join the audience for a light buffet lunch. Generous donations will be sought for the recital after a sandwich Combined lunch and drinks in aid of the Church Restoration and Charities Christmas Maintenance Appeal. For more information contact Helen Jones Craft Fair on 01367 252402. Story: Margaret Hing Photo: Luke White The annual combined charities Christmas fair will Rags (Women’s) Morris take place on Saturday 11th November, 9.30am to We are starting up a Lechlade and District women’s Morris side 12.30pm. This year the which will be tutored by an experienced Morris man from the event will again take place Adderbury Morris team, with live music provided by members in The Pavilion, Lechlade. of the Lechlade TATT (Tunes at the Trout) group. As always there will be a great selection of stalls, with Christmas cards supporting a variety of local and national charities, and several craft stalls with a range of interesting and unusual gifts. There will also be fun and games for all the family, plus refreshments. Entrance is free and table hire is £5 per table. Please see local notice boards for further details. For enquiries or offers of help/donations call Christine Gardner: 01367 252741. Morris men in action at Highworth’s Mayday festivities 20 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 21 Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50 Page 22
COUNCILS
Fairford Town Council News Lechlade Town Council News
CHRISTMAS MARKET: OVERHANGING TREES/SHRUBS: NEW COUNCILLOR CO-OPTION: on St Johns Street/Faringdon Road. This year’s Christmas market will be taking Please ensure that you cut back overhanging We are pleased to announce that The Town Council have received further interest from place on Friday 1st December. If you would shrubs/trees, which affect pavements and Alick Kitchin was co-opted as a new volunteers and are liaising with Gloucestershire like a stall at the market, please contact the footpaths, to enable people with mobility member of Council at its recent Police to arrange another training session. Training Council office. issues, pushchairs etc., to walk safely and meeting. will be held in Lechlade or at Cirencester Police unobstructed. station (date and time tba) and lasts around an hour. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: One co-opted Councillor Vacancies: If you are interested in volunteering for CSW, please We welcome and encourage The Council can report that youths responsible TRANSPORT TO FAIRFORD contact the Town Council Office for further interest from any eligible elector who is considering for defacing public property were captured on WEDNESDAY MARKET: information. CCTV and identified. The Police were informed Fairford Town Council has subsidised weekly becoming a Town Councilor. For further information and the individuals have consequently carried transport to the Fairford Wednesday Market to please contact us on 01367 252338 or email: HALL ON SCHEDULE TO OPEN BY 1ST MAY 2018: out some community pay back work. We hope bring people in from the outlying villages to [email protected] Good progress is being made by King Builders of that this serves to deter any further antisocial enjoy what Fairford has to offer. Gloucester with the groundworks at the site ready for MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR – behaviour. the steel frame to be erected. This transport is available for a trial period only, COUNCILLOR STEVE TROTTER: ATM: so please use it or lose it. Details from the A very serious accident occurred on 7th September You will also have seen the excavations by The ATM at Londis has been deliberately Council office. and a female cyclist was badly injured. Police Foundation Archaeology who are carrying out vandalised. CCTV has captured images of a enquiries are continuing and the Town Council CCTV archaeological works required by the Planning potential culprit and this matter is now being THE NEXT MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL: cameras in the Market Place were of considerable use Conditions for the new building. The excavations dealt with by the Police. Tuesday 10th October 2017 to them. have been quite extensive and time consuming so we brought forward the excavation of the old skatepark Over 20 residents attended the September Council to allow the archaeologists earlier access to this area. meeting with concerns about HGVs and other traffic matters. The Town Council is collating resident’s Initial excavations on the new Skatepark site have Fairford Town Council Office, The Community Centre, High Street, Fairford GL7 4AF concerns and will meet with GCC Highways and the revealed evidence of Bronze and Iron Age Police to discuss these matters in more detail. settlements. We hope to complete these excavations Tel: 01285 713326 / 712344 Email: [email protected] shortly, ready for Gravity to build the new park. The Town Council is seeking proposals from traffic Website: www.fairfordtowncouncil.gov.uk consultants to develop the work in the Lechlade BOOKINGS FOR THE NEW HALL Neighbourhood Plan for the re-configuration of the We have been really pleased with bookings for the Find us on Facebook. Search for Fairford Town Council. Market Place and other traffic calming proposals. new hall especially from local groups. We have also Opening times: 10am-1pm. Councillors’ contact details are available on website. had enquiries for new activities which is really COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH (CSW): encouraging. Gloucestershire Police delivered a CSW training Bookings can be made by emailing Forthcoming full council meeting: Tuesday 10th September at 7pm session for five Lechlade residents who had [email protected] volunteered to join the team. We will now be conducting Speed Watch sessions in both NEXT FULL COUNCIL MEETING: Downington and Burford Street. Monday 9th October and Monday 13th We are also identifying, with the Police, CSW areas November, in The Pavilion at 7.30pm.
Lechlade Town Council Office, New Memorial Hall,
Oak Street, Lechlade, GL7 3AY. Tel: 01367 252338
Email: [email protected] Website: www.lechladeonthames.co.uk
Councillors’ contact details are available on the website.
Forthcoming full council meetings: Monday 9th October & Monday 13th November at 7.30pm
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RIPPLING YARNS
In this section we publish readers’ creative writing. The authors retain the copyright. Please address He concluded: I wonder what he would have written had he seen those requests for publication in any form elsewhere via the Ripples editor. We welcome further poems and five kingfishers, and wish I were capable of expressing my short stories. No more than 2,000 words but we prefer shorter. Our address is on page 3. A rainbow and a cuckoo’s song experience in poetry. The conjunction of two quite common May never come together again; occurrences was, for the poet, inspiring. Such a conjunction must be quite common, but the chances of someone seeing May never come Halcyon days by Bill Fletcher it and remarking upon it are long indeed. Too often we Bill Fletcher of South Cerney recalls pleasant hours spent observing the abundant wildlife in the gravel pits This side the tomb. take the commonplace for granted. now known as Cotswold Water Park. It is my good fortune to live in the Cotswold Water Park, where a pair of kingfishers were nesting. Not only that, but News from nowhere by Marion Bond which covers a large area in south Gloucestershire and the site was very convenient for being watched, as there Marion was an English teacher and has won international poetry competitions. north Wiltshire and comprises some 120 lakes. Strictly was some good cover near to the nest entrance. In addition speaking they are not lakes, in as much as they are not there was a tree root sticking out close to the nest hole, This piece was inspired years ago by a visit to Kelmscott. Recently she has relocated to Lechlade. natural features, but are the results of gravel extraction and on this the birds would land before entering the over almost a century. passageway to the nest and sometimes before flying off William: we drowned in our adulterous passion. about their business after leaving the nest. When the gravel had been extracted, the naturally high I raised a latch of a door in the wall I heard carriages arriving at night, water table ensured that the holes would be filled with At that particular time they were also feeding young, which so the cob’s harsh hooves had to be silenced water, and then Nature took over, as the gravel extractors meant that they were turning up with small fish quite and immediately knew this was home. showed little interest in serious landscaping once the gravel frequently. Thus I was able to tell my friend that, if he could The garden’s rosy superabundance by leather shoes. I had no energy was finished. With the passage of time the lakes acquired stand still for about five minutes, l could guarantee him not was a mille-fleurs embroidery stitching when William was here, but took long walks an abundance of flora and fauna, the great majority of only a sighting, but a close up. Keeping still for five minutes which came in naturally, and now it is difficult, in many is much easier said than done. He did keep still, however, raucous cawing of rooks from those high elms, the with Gabriel, who said our leaky punt cases, to tell that the lakes are indeed man-made. and he did have a good look at not one, but two swifts wheeling, doves’ cooing and blackbird song. was not a poetic locomotion. kingfishers, a male and female, the latter having a red base The lakes are used for a wide variety of aquatic activities to an otherwise black bill. But my reputation as a A mulberry tree was central. Pastel I keep my thoughts locked in my casket including sailing, jet skiing, water skiing and fishing. But for birdwatcher was enhanced. me, the great interest is in bird watching, and the sheer hollyhocks nodded their welcome; strong men in my bedroom. It was kind of Topsy pleasure of walking by water and seeing the flowers and I continued to watch the nest on a daily basis (one of the scythed reeds and floated them down the river, to bring me back that fine Icelandic smock. birds. Whenever I am out on my walks around the lakes I great perks of being retired) and have been grateful ever Gabriel said it served his purposes well. carry a pair of binoculars. They may not be as powerful as since that I did so. One day, when I focussed my under the willow trees’ gray-green flickers. a telescope but they are more versatile. Animals and birds binoculars, I could not believe my eyes as there came into Lead waterspouts were limply supported When they had Mouse* the babes were not tiresome, have not yet learned how to sit or stand still for the benefit view, not one, but five kingfishers. There they sat on that from the mellow masonry and woodworm but Jenny’s impairment grows every day. of those who wish to watch them. So, for me, binoculars convenient perch! are preferred, requiring no setting up and very little pricked the panelling. I felt no sadness, Tomorrow someone must trim the dragon. It was obvious that the young had very recently left the adjustment. In the studio I hear faint crying nest. I was able to tell from the rough head plumage, but a beauty born of melancholy. But my habit of carrying them prompts people to come up darker colouring and white tipped bills that four of the five Leaving my charcoal overcoat downstairs, over a stillborn child. He took chloral, to me and ask if I am a birdwatcher. When I tell them I were juveniles, but that did nothing to lessen my alcohol and would stay awake till five. am, many presume that I am not only able to recognise excitement. They were all kingfishers! I inspected the quaint garrets where once every British bird, but can also pinpoint their precise tillers and herdsmen slept under the eaves. What was I to do with his exhumed verse? It was a scene of once in many lifetimes. The great majority whereabouts at any given time. Thus I am asked where a Sir Lancelot had welded us as one. Great Crested Grebe, a Tree Creeper, a Yellow Wagtail or of people, even in the countryside, never see even one The sloping floorboards creaked under my feet. whatever can be seen. Except in a very general way, I am kingfisher, and yet here was I looking at five! But not for I realised she had never loved me. I suppose I never loved him at all. nearly always unable to help, having to point out that birds long. I soon realised how lucky I was to have turned up at How could she? Women are all shape-changers. Tonight I left a pansy in Blunt’s room. are not biddable, and that the Water Park covers many just the right time as they took off and flew up into the square miles. In any case, sadly, not all ‘birdwatchers’ can foliage. I knew they would not come back. The moment This house is an E with its tongue cut out, I am past sobbing that he does had gone forever, but, more importantly, it had occurred. not come. be trusted to take a disinterested view of our bird life, so it will never prattle its scandal. particularly in the case of birds of prey. My first, no my second thought, was of regret that I did not Betrayal’s woven in its tapestries: have a camera with me, but I soon realised that it would There was one memorable occasion when I was able to * Mouse – the Morris help. A friend asked if I could help him fulfil a long held have needed a telephoto lens, and by the time I had set it Samson with his eyes gouged out for his love. desire to see a kingfisher. Most people who see these, I up they would have been gone anyway. In any case I had a Please, dear Janey, be happy… I cannot children’s pony think our most beautiful birds, do so by sheer chance, and picture inside my head, which I knew would remain as long are left with the impression of an orange-blue blur as their as I lived. paint you, but I love you – and now leave you. eyes struggle to keep up with the fast, arrow straight and The tramp poet W.H.Davies wrote a poem about a low flight across the water. An impression rather than a kingfisher, prosaically entitled The Kingfisher. He also wrote proper sighting. Janey: one called A Great Time, inspired by him seeing a rainbow Some called it amitie amoureuse. It so happened that this was in the spring and I knew and, at the same time hearing the sound of a cuckoo. They dubbed me Guenevere, La Belle Iseult. Once in this lost riverland, out of depth, 24 www.ripplesmag.co.uk Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50 Page 26
VOLUNTEERING
New defibrillators in Kempsford Parish As part of a Cotswold groups will make every District programme effort to ensure they are being undertaken with represented. the support of the South WHERE ARE THEY? West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust Defibrillators, placed within (SWASFT) and with the distinctive bright yellow generous support of the boxes, are now located at: Gresham-Wells Trustees, Dunfield Telephone Box, Kempsford Parish now Kempsford Village Hall, The has three new George, Kempsford and Community Public Whelford Village Hall. Access Defibrillators WANT TO DO MORE? Kempsford and Whelford based Members of the Fairford and (CPAD) distributed Community First Lechlade Community First Responder Group, Stephen Andrews across the Parish. This Responders (CFR) are will significantly improve and Teresa Griffin, check out the new defibrillators at Dunfield, Kempsford Village Hall, and Whelford Village Hall trained volunteers who access to these support their local community by attending emergency important life-saving pieces of equipment across the calls ahead of an Ambulance. Parish which until now had only one, located at The George in Kempsford. No previous medical training is needed. CFRs are an integral part of the local Ambulance Service. Before WHAT ARE THEY FOR? appointment and issue of equipment, volunteers will When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the longer they need to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring go without emergency life-support, the harder it is to Service check and will receive training, including a day restart their heart. A defibrillator gives an electric shock “on-shift” with a crew. to restart a patient’s heart. Access to a nearby defibrillator will allow more people to get the life-saving The local group, which covers an area from Lechlade shock as quickly as possible, giving them the best through Fairford to Kempsford and the surrounding chance of survival. areas, meets monthly. Local CFRs are encouraged to attend these as part of their continuation training. AWARENESS SESSIONS Interested? Then find out more from: Stephen Andrews Want to know what is in the box and how to use it? at The first two PAD Awareness Sessions are: [email protected] call/text 07795 915902. Thursday 26th October: 7.30pm at Whelford Village Hall IN AN EMERGENCY Dial 999 or 112 Saturday 28th October: If your call is deemed to be an appropriate 11am at Kempsford Village Hall emergency, you will be given the location of the The sessions are open to anyone locally who wants to nearest defibrillator and (if needed) the access code attend, although it is hoped that local community for the box. Ambulance call-handling staff will also provide additional support and instructions as appropriate.
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LEARNING
My library and other animals
George Bull showing his lovely lion greeting card
There is always plenty for children to do in the summer holidays in Fairford and, this summer, Fairford Library once again hosted the Summer Reading Challenge. The theme for summer 2017 was Animal Agents, who love solving mysteries with the help of children aged 4-11 years. Who painted graffiti on the library wall? Why are things suddenly going missing? To help the Animal Agents uncover the truth, children needed to read six library books or more over the holidays and collect special stickers. Each time, they visited the library, they discovered new clues and evidence to help solve the mystery. As well as the Summer Reading Challenge, there were other events to keep children amused during the long holidays, such as the Sewing Bee, presenting children with the task of making a felt cat shoulder bag. Maureen from the Blue Cross gave an interesting talk to children about caring for dogs whilst, at the craft events, youngsters were shown how to make and decorate a crown to wear and also how to design and make greetings cards. All the events were very well attended and Ingrid Morris from Fairford Library said: “We have gone over our target figure for the first time and are over the moon at the number of children that have come along and been busy reading during the summer holidays.” Story: Chris Roberts. Photo: Debbie Bull
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FOOD & DRINK
Japanese tourists love Bibury! Tasty treats and family favourites
Quintessential English village of Bibury The 19th Century artist and craftsman, William Morris, who lived in nearby Kelmscott Manor, claimed that Bibury is ‘the most beautiful village in England’. And it seems that the British authorities also agree with him because, since 2010, all UK Proud instigators of the Kempsford cook book passports have an image of Arlington Row, Bibury featured on Back: Vicki Weissman, Andrew Doherty, Debra Bennett, Rev’d Lynn Hayler, Margaret Wolfenden, the front inside cover. Mrs McKenna and Steve Weissman. Front: Ann O’Hara, Mark Gray, Ruth Clarke and Lorraine Lewis Bibury is a quintessentially English village and has become very This ‘Tasty Treats and Family Favourites’ recipe cultures to show that Kempsford embraced people popular with Japanese tourists in particular following a visit by book began in Kempsford and now includes from all over the world. With this in mind, children Emperor Hirohito in 1921, when he became the first person from recipes from families and friends in the Cotswold from Kempsford C of E school were also asked for the Imperial family to step off Japanese soil. village, from around Britain and across the world, their favourite recipes, as the school and the church Some years later, in 2002, an artist from Japan visited The Catherine embracing different cultures and ages. It is special work closely together to support the multi-cultural Wheel pub in Bibury and enjoyed the pub’s speciality dish of fresh and unique with a story behind each recipe to ethos as part of the Christian values of the school. trout from Bibury Trout Farm just down the road. He was so raise money for St Mary’s Church, Kempsford. Ann would like to thank everyone who sent in recipes impressed that he painted a picture of The Catherine Wheel, which The funds are needed to improve the church facilities for tasty treats and family favourites. Sincere thanks became a highly regarded piece of artwork in Japan. As a result of for those who use this wonderful building, including also to the thoughtful anonymous sponsor who paid the painting and the artist’s subsequent fame, around 200 Japanese improving the sound system, buying a portable for the printing of the book; Mark Gray of Real Print tourists each week came to sample the trout dinners served at the children’s notice board and contributing to the repair Management for their advice and support and for 15th Century pub. of the Bishops’ Chair, which was damaged after a reducing the printing costs; Vicki Weissman for her There is still a steady influx of Japanese tourists coming to Bibury break-in. Around a £1,000 would cover some of encouragement and publishing advice and kindly every week and village store owners have even picked up snippets of these costs, but it is hoped to raise far more, offering to host the launch event; Ruth Clarke who the Japanese language! especially as this cook book will appeal to so many supported Ann’s initial idea and Teresa Griffin who Story and photo: Chris Roberts people. advertised the book in the Kempsford Newsletter. The idea for the recipe book came from Ann O’Hara The book costs £5 and can be obtained from the who was looking for a fundraising idea that was a bit Kempsford Thursday Luncheon Club or from Ruth different from the usual fete or coffee morning. The Clarke at [email protected] or Ann O’Hara aim was not only to involve the whole community, at [email protected]. but also include recipes from different countries and Story and photo by Chris Roberts Luscious lasagne Sixty diners supporting The British Heart football to politics! The evening ended with a raffle Foundation recently enjoyed a delightful evening of various goodies. meal at the Trout Inn, Lechlade with lasagne The committee is delighted to announce that £473 followed by an equally delicious apple crumble. profit was made from the event and thank Penny The company was entertained by a tricky quiz to and her team for their support. help the conversation flow, testing a very general knowledge covering a wide range of subjects from Margaret Hing 30 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 31 Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50 Page 32
BUSINESS
management product for small businesses and the The advantages to businesses include being able to Fairford & Lechlade Business Club News self-employed to help them avoid the effects late hold on to valuable staff, having a wider talent pool, payments can have. Users of the tool simply need to reducing absenteeism, increasing commitment from by Chris Roberts 01285 712150 or email [email protected] register online, load the debtor information and employees and improving productivity. amount owed and a solicitor’s letter will then be sent Flexible working was brought into force in 2003, but on their behalf, giving a seven day deadline for it isn’t for everyone. However, 38% of home-workers receipt of payment. This is another free benefit of FSB Facebook and Twitter winning one of the Awards. believe they do their best work outside the office. membership and existing FSB members in this area The government is confident that flexible working Like us on Facebook –www.facebook.com/FLBClub For our Business Awards to be successful, we need have already said that the service has helped them. sponsors. We are already receiving enquiries from can bring huge benefits to businesses as well as Follow us on Twitter –@FLBClub potential sponsors, but we will have more details on Flexible working encouraging a more motivated and engaged Visit us at www.flbc.org.uk. workforce. Time will tell! the launch night of how you can promote your Working from home can be a great perk. Although business through the sponsorship opportunities Welcome to a new member sometimes we can get distracted by the TV or the cat What is the point? available. wanting to be fed! Millions of YouTube viewers saw Some people have asked ‘why join the Fairford & Anne Rogers of Anne Rogers Photography, Professor Robert Kelly’s distraction in the form of his To book your place at the Awards Launch, please Lechlade Business Club?’ Well, in addition to Highworth two young children who gate-crashed a live Skype register at www.flbc.org.uk/Events. Starts at 7.30pm, numerous other benefits that the Club offers, there interview on BBC News – T: 07889 906457 presentation at 8pm, networking from 9pm. are many member businesses that could provide the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh4f9AYRCZY. product or service that you require. You may need a E: [email protected] Working longer might be good for us This was hilarious for millions of viewers around the graphic designer or a planning consultant; or a world, but it highlights the challenges of flexible W: www.annerogersphotography.co.uk New research suggests people may benefit from plumber or builder; maybe someone to give you working. working past retirement, especially office workers, some business coaching. Whatever it is that you FLBClub’s next meeting teachers or skilled workers. Distractions aside, flexible working benefits need, why not make the Fairford & Lechlade Business There is no meeting in October. Instead, the FLBClub With the government recently saying the state employees with a better work-life balance, so that Club members’ page on our website will be holding the official launch of the Fairford & pension age will now rise to 68 between 2037 and they have more time to spend with their families or (www.flbc.org.uk) your first port of call to find that Lechlade Business Club Business Awards 2018 at 2039, it’s becoming increasingly important to look at undertake hobbies. Childcare costs may also be product or service? Let’s help each other to prosper Cotswold Hoburne, South Cerney GL7 5UQ on the impact of working into older age. Researchers in reduced as are fuel and car maintenance costs. and grow! Thursday 2nd November at 7.30pm. Do come the US have now suggested that some form of work along for drinks and nibbles and hear all about why – whether it be part time or self-employment – can you should enter the Awards. The actual Business keep people mentally and physically healthier for Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner will be held on longer. Saturday 27th January 2018. B&Q have long been a champion of older workers, Will this be the year that your hard work, skills and praising their customer service skills and loyalty. Now successes are recognised? they are joined by M&S, Sainsbury’s, Barclays and Aviva, who all recognise that we may have a skills Will you and your team be celebrating just how great shortage after Brexit and are actively targeting the your business is? older age group. Not everyone takes it easy into old The only way to answer ‘yes’ to these questions is to age: President Trump is 71, Prime Minister Theresa enter the Awards! May is 60 and Jeremy Corbyn is 67. You will be able to hear from previous winners and Thanks to Club member, The HR Dept also have the opportunity to chat to our Steering (www.hrdept.co.uk) for this article. Group members over a drink to find out more about how to enter. Our Chair, Helen Webb, will be giving Tackling debt recover and late payment a presentation on the best way to complete the entry Late payment remains one of the biggest problems forms to show the judges what makes your business that small businesses face and so the Federation of so exceptional that it stands a really good chance of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a new debt
Selling and Letting in the Cotswolds for over 170 years Ï>T>TóMĔõJ ĠĚĠĚSĝ Fì ãùHĝéêéêJêJSñ ĖĚG ÿěÿěĞ ZXX WJàéêéê^ê^ ĔíîíîWJēçĔòJòJ çY 2TĚWĝ &éêéêJêJS åàĜ GJãìâ^â^ ÿFÿFĞ Yåã âĝXñ ĕTRíàę^ę^ ÷ĝ æF[ã áěòM JõãĞ IĝFéò \çñæÐ 2WðŅæJWàñěę Cirencester 01285 648 100 Lechlade 01367 252 541 Tetbury 01454 238 600 mooreallen.co.uk London 0203 368 8903
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LETTERS
Christmas Day Lunch in Fairford Amanda and Mervyn Cully of Fairford write…
No one likes to think about Christmas yet, but the now well-established Christmas Lunch will again be held in the Community Centre on Christmas Day. As a reminder, this is intended for individuals or couples in Fairford and surrounding villages who would otherwise find themselves alone on Christmas Day. We will also be looking for volunteers to share in the organisation. No rush to make a decision yet – we shall be taking bookings from November. This is just intended to let everyone know that the lunch will be taking place again and to ask you to think about friends and neighbours who might find themselves alone at Christmas and would like to join us.
Contact: 01285 712700,[email protected]
Rethinking Remembrance A New Generation of the Armed Forces Community Needs your Support
The Royal British Legion asks the nation to Rethink Remembrance by recognising the sacrifices made not just by the Armed Forces of the past, but by today’s generations too. WHAT IS THE POPPY APPEAL? The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign held every year during the period of Remembrance. The Poppy Factory employs disabled ex-Servicemen to create the iconic paper poppies for the appeal; it produces millions of poppies each year. An army of volunteers distributes the poppies throughout the nation, collecting donations in return to help support the vital work the Legion does. The paper poppy is worn as a symbol of Remembrance: to remember the fallen Service men and women killed in conflict. Last year Lechlade raised the magnificent sum of £6,377.97 to support today’s armed forces community. Please give generously when donating for your poppy this year. Pat Magill, Lechlade Poppy Appeal Organiser: 07867 721946, [email protected] The Royal British Legion:www.britishlegion.org.uk
Thank you for supporting our Lechlade shop Tamsin Wymer of African Children’s Fund writes…
Having closed our shop in Lechlade in September after seven years of trading, African Children’s Fund would like to say a very big thank you to all the people who supported us so well during that time – as volunteers, customers and donors. You all helped make the shop a success and contributed towards the work we do helping poor children in Africa. We still have shops in Faringdon, Witney and Grove which we hope you will continue to support and look forward to seeing you there. They all love to receive your unwanted items to sell and have new treasures every day to buy. They would all also welcome new volunteers, if you have a morning or afternoon each week to spare. Addresses and telephone numbers for each of our shops are available on our website:www.africanchildrensfund.org/contact_us . We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Professional, proactive and working for you Cirencester 01285 648 100 Lechlade 01367 252 541 Tetbury 01454 238 600 mooreallen.co.uk London 0203 368 8903
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PETS
A dog’s life with Mollie Collie
GOT A PET STORY? Get in touch with Mollie Collie at [email protected]
Lock Hopper Collie Not to be confused with the rock hopper penguin
I learned the skill of supervising lock operating on some canals and rivers this summer. I had one close shave when I fell in. I made a rushed leap for the lock side and missed by a whisker. It was a bit scary as the river was flowing quite fast and I damaged my dew claw as I slipped, but it is fine now. After that I took great care as I’m not too keen on getting a soaking, although I discovered that I can swim quite well! Does any other pet out there have a story: ‘What I did on my holidays’? It would be good to hear from you. You Tube: https://youtu.be/5Rs7uZGaq-s Story and photo: Mollie Collie Cotswold Diagnostic Clinic Specialist L ocal Co nsultant R adiologist Se rvice ! " ! "
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www.cotswolddiagnossticclinic.co.uk Put your back into it! Photo: Margaret Hing
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PETS PROFILE
ADVERTISING FEATURE Meet Mike Read 40 Year Celebration Putting something back
When you book your It’s typical of Liverpool), Cirencester (three years) and Swindon (12 holiday or have other Mike Read’s years but in four different roles). Which brings Mike commitments away helpful nature. to the next three years and he and Ruth are now from home, without a When asked if committed to working for the community and doubt you start to he would be ‘putting something back’. look for the best and willing to be a They are a part of: safest temporary Ripples profile home for your dog subject, he COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDING: They have and cat, whether for a dashed off a trained so that they are able to help others in need day, a week or longer. few hundred of emergency service. They help save lives. If this For peace of mind you words. He interests you, please give Mike a call on 07717 need to know they are then agreed 134017. in safe hands and will to answer Photo: Ruth Read questions too! LIONS INTERNATIONAL: This involves fund raising be looked after with for local, national and international charities. He says dedication, love and Mike is very definitely a ‘glass half full – verging on there is a great local team that raises funds for care. You will find all 3/4 full’ person with boundless enthusiasm for all he Allyson Evans with her dogs Hackett and Digger brilliant causes, including that fabulous new minibus. that at Fosse Dogotel does. In recent years, he has been developing his If you are interested in helping others in this way, and Cattery South Cerney, who are celebrating with pride, their 40th passion for photography and is the inspiration then again contact Mike or go via the Lechlade Lions anniversary this summer. behind a flourishing Lechlade Photography Group web page or Facebook page. which meets at the Riverside pub on 1st Monday In 1977 Gordon and Biddy Evans bought a run-down kennel CHARITY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS: Using his business and set out on a lifelong project to rebuild, renovate and evenings. The group has a Facebook site and is increasing its numbers daily! training skills he has written a series of workshops develop a viable business, in order to establish a superb modern which have been used to raise funds for several facility for dog and cat boarding. Gordon personally built new and Mike grew up in ‘not so affluent’ part of west charities renovated several older kennel and cattery blocks to the highest London. He says: ‘My old school came to fame on including British standard, giving the animals generous space for freedom and the publication of educational league tables in the Heart Foundation exercise in the day, as well as cosy night time accommodation. 80s; it came third … from bottom! Yes, as The Who and Lechlade As an animal loving teenager, and having gained knowledge and would say, “I was born with a plastic spoon in my Memorial Hall experience in animal health and welfare through working at a mouth!” How I got my Doctorate still mystifies me, Fund. These are veterinary practise, Gordon and Biddy’s daughter Allyson joined her but it was in plastics. I specialised in glues, and went active, parents in the business in the early 80s. Under the careful guidance on to work with contact lenses (a bit like glues) and informative and of her parents, Allyson learned fast, and helped to run, develop and ink jet print heads (held together by glues) with fun! If you are grow the business. some interlude in forensics and electronics.’ interested, follow the Lechlade During his student years Mike worked as a cleaner at Following the death of her parents, Allyson, with the invaluable help Photographers the local teaching hospital and took full advantage of of her kennel manager Nicky, continues to run and continually Facebook page. improve the business today. Fosse Dogotel and Cattery houses dogs his sports and social club membership which entitled and cats every day of the year, and other than bank holidays, are him entry to nurses’ discos and discovered over 200 Mike fills his day open every day for delivery and collection. Individual dietary girls and very few men! ‘That is how I met my to the top of the requirements or special needs such as medications or ongoing darling Ruth. Three years later we were married, glass! He can conditions can also be accommodated. The cattery provides at no three years later Caroline was born, three years later often be seen out additional cost, heated beds when the nights are chilly. There is also Nick arrived – 1982, the same year I started my new jogging with research scientist job (glues), the year we moved to a veterinary practice close by, on whom Allyson can call day or night, spaniel, Bonzo; Photo: Margaret Hing should the need arise. Lechlade.’ can be found up a ladder hanging flags and Christmas trees and even He was bowled over by the contrast to living in Fosse Dogotel and Cattery for their peace of mind, welcomes owners finds time to sail at Bowmoor. He is still in love with London and fell in love with Lechlade and decided it who may wish to visit before committing their beloved pet to their the town and says he always enjoys seeing St was the place to be! The three-year cycle seems to care, so as to have total confidence that their pet will be looked after Lawrence Church spire as he drives down Highworth have shaped Mike’s life, some chosen changes, and nurtured to the highest standard. hill! others through circumstance. He has worked all over To visit Fosse Dogotel and Cattery or book a stay for your dog and/or the world, USA (three years), Australia, Singapore ‘Lechlade has been good to us and now we strongly cat ring and speak to Allyson or a member of staff on 01285 860200 (three years), Cambridge (three years), Farnborough believe in giving something back to our community.’ between 9am-5pm (9am-4pm Saturday and 9am-12noon Sunday) (three years) , Farnham (three years), Southampton, or email [email protected] forensics (three years at Culham, Twickenham & Margaret Hing 38 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 39 Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50 Page 40
SPORT EVENTS
EVENTS notices are intended for local, not-for-profit, community organisations. A notice is typically Fairford’s ‘finest’ swim for it 20-30 words. We accept events up to 15th day of the next month. So, for example, notices in November edition extend to 15th December. Eight members of the Fairford difficult than expected as there was no Retained Fire Service took to the current in the water to help push the Email notices to [email protected] or write to Ripples (see page 3). water on Saturday 2nd September to men along. Having originally expected swim down the River Thames from to finish the swimathon by 1pm, the VARIOUS DAYS Cricklade to Lechlade to raise money exhausted firefighters eventually got to Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October: SOUTHROP for the Lechlade Memorial Hall. Lechlade’s Halfpenny Bridge at 5.30pm. PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION AND ARCHIVES: 10am-4pm in The weather conditions were near ‘It was far more arduous than we Southrop Village Hall perfect with no wind, no rain, not too expected’ said Simon Cribley. ‘But it Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th October: WESTONBIRT hot and not too cold. However, the river was great seeing family and friends CHARITIES FAIR & FESTIVAL: 10am-5pm at Westonbirt School, 7.30pm in St Lawrence’s Church, Lechlade to support the near Tetbury conditions were not so kind to the eight waiting on Halfpenny Bridge to fundraising for the Memorial Hall. Tickets from Lechlade Post men: Ben Brooks, Simon Cribley, Dave welcome us back.’ Until 28th October: MARY LOBB, FROM CORNWALL TO Office cost £15 for adults, £5 for children under 16 and includes KELMSCOTT: A LIFE REVEALED: Exhibition at Kelmscott Manor. a glass of wine or soft drink Freebury, Kevin Hicks, Lea James, The Fairford Retained Firefighters would Admission with Manor House ticket. Mary Lobb was the Anthony Little, Ian Newton and Ian Saturday 14th October: MIND OVER MUSIC: Fairford’s A Splash like to thank Glos Fire & Rescue for companion of 22 years to May Morris, the younger daughter [email protected] Red will perform ‘As long as I have music’ at 7.30pm in All Wright. William Morris their support and for allowing the use SaturdaySaints 14th Church, October: Down MEYSEY Ampney. HAMPTON Also the CONCERT: Torridge MaleThe Voice The first team of four set off from of the rescue sled, wet suits and other CORINIUM MUSEUM, CIRENCESTER: 16th October - 30th Opera DudesChoir from - O WhatDevon. a Beautiful Raising funds Evening. for Mindsong.Il Divo meets Tickets cost October. ‘Autumn Insects’, Mini Exhibition by Cath Hodsman Morecambe£7.50 and to include Wise! At wine/soft 7.30pm drinkin Meysey available Hampton from Down Village Ampney Cricklade for Hannington, but found equipment. Details at Village Shop, 7a Coffee Shop and Fairford Post Office or that the water level was very shallow Hall. Part of Arts in rural Glos season. Tickets £11 from Dudley It is not too late to support this Russell: 01285 644622, and there was lots of debris, weeds, www.coriniummuseum.org [email protected] worthwhile cause, so please donate fallen trees and even a dead sheep in the river making February (date to be confirmed): PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES: SaturdayBy 14th October: HIGHWORTH CHORAL SOCIETY: Come what you can – every penny helps: swimming near impossible. The men waded most of the popular demand Mike Read will be running a series of & Sing Day at Highworth Methodist Church. Aesop’s Fables by way to Hannington and then handed over to the second photography courses in the Pavilion. Whether you are just Bob Chilcott and Marlborough Canticles by Howard Goodall, starting or an experienced photographer these courses offer team of four, who were able to swim for the second and www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/crickladetolechlade under the direction of Jacki Pattenden. Registration 11am, something for everyone. Supporting Lechlade Memorial Hall rehearsal 11.30. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee and final leg of the journey. However, even this was more Story: Chris Roberts. rebuild cakes will be provided. Finally Informal Performance for family Photo: by Fairford Retained Fire Service 18th, 19th and 20th May: EXTRAVAGANZA WEEKEND: to and friends at 6pm. Details from Pauline Baker, 07790 397571, celebrate the opening of the new hall [email protected] SATURDAYS Saturday 21st October: APPLE DAY: in Quenington Village Hall. FAIRFORD Remember to save seeds for seed swap. Start to save large BADMINTON Saturday 1st October: SPONSORED WALK: 10am in Cirencestercontainers for your squeezed apple juice! Park. to raise money for Jaundice Monitors for the Cirencester Saturday 21st October: ‘GRAFFITI - IS IT STREET ART?’ an CLUB Midwifery team. This a family and dog friendly event and illustrated talk by Doug Gillen at The Barn Theatre, The Beeches, accessible for the disabled. Info and registration via Cirencester at 2.30pm. £7 on the door. A pop-up lecture by The www.facebook.com/CirencesterHospitalLOF Arts Society Corinium. COMMEE ANNDD PLLAAY www.coriniumdfas.org.uk Saturday 7th October: SOUTHROP SCHOOL PTA JUMBLE SALE: In Southrop Village Hall. Doors open at 2-3.30pm. Refreshments,Saturday 28th October: CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING FAIR: books, bric-a-brac, clothes, toys, raffle, cakes. Entrance 50p. 10am-12 noon at the Community Centre, Fairford. Supporting BADMMIIINNTTOON the Cirencester fundraising group for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Details from Kirstie Wilkins: 01367 253380 Donations and help welcome via Tracey: 01285 750676 Saturday 7th October: QUIZ NIGHT: 7pm at St Joseph’s College EEEE Swindon, SN3 3LR. £10 includes fish and chips or veggie alt. Saturday 28th October: AN EVENING WITH ANDY POWELL: A ttoo FRRE Supporting The Harbour Project at fundraiser in aid of Fairford Rugby Football Club ppt 5 NS UUp IO www.harbourproject.org.uk Saturday 4th November: UPPER THAMES AND RIDGEWAY SSSI NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION: 2.30pm at Baptist Church SEES Saturday 7th October: CONCERT: Fordante are performing ‘From Puccini to the Movies and more...’ in Quenington VillageComplex, Chesterton Lane, Cirencester GL7 1YE. ‘Gertrude Bell in Iraq’ (founding or Iraq in early 20th Century) with Jan Long, Fairfodr Badminton Club is looking fornew players. Hall. Visitwww.fordante.com followed by AGM. Visitors £3, members £2. Bill Osborne: We play socially 8-10pm Mondays (apart from Bank Saturday 14th October: NEARLY NEW SALE: 9-10.45am at Holidays) at the Farmor’s Sport Centre in Fairrffo rd. Bingham Hall, King Street, Cirencester. Supporting [email protected] & We’d love to see some new faces, people who want District NCT. Members early entry from 8.45am Saturday 11th November: COMBINED CHARITIES CHRISTMAS to play socially (and w Saturday 14th October: ELIJAH (Felix Mendelssohn): 7pm at ho have picked up a racket before) CRAFT FAIR: 9.30am-12.30pm in The Pavilion, Lechlade. Gloucester Cathedral. Gloucester Choral Society with the British or more experienced players who might be interested in Entrance is free and table hire is £5. Enquiries or offers of Sinfonietta under the direction of Adrian Partington. Tickets £10 joining one of our league teams. help/donations call Christine Gardner: 01367 252741 to £25 at Membership is available for 14 years of age and above. www.gloucesterchoral.comor the Box Office: 01452 Saturday 25th November: KELMSCOTT CHRISTMAS CRAFT Come alongg. It’s grreeat fun! 768928. Pre-concert talk on Friday 6th October at 7.30pm in FAIR: 10am-4pm at Morris Memorial Hall. Free The Parliament Room, Gloucester Cathedral. Tickets £10 admission/parking. Refreshments. Supports Morris Memorial For morree inffoorrmmation contact: Saturday 14th October: QUIZ NIGHT - SUPPORTING SVH2015: Hall. Enquiries: 01285 712122 or 07814 666939. Jo Blair at Fairford Badminton Club Enter a team for this fun-filled Quiz Night with a bar and light Saturday 1st December: CHRISTMAS FAYRE AND NARNIA’S supper. Details: GROTTO: 4-8pm in Filkins Village Hall. Home-made sweets, on 01285 851313 www.southrop.org.uk/12/VH-Programme-of- Christmas wreaths and more. Mulled wine, mince pies. Special Or come along to; Events.html appearance of White Witch and maybe Aslan. Tables £10. Farmor's SporrttsCentre, Farmor's School, Fairffoord GL7 4JQ Saturday 14th October: THE WESSEX MALE CHOIR: Concert at 40 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 41 Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50 Page 42
EVENTS
Proceeds to St Peter’s churches Broughton cum Filkins. Diane enjoy our music so if you’d like to learn more, please get in @LechladeWI Blackett: 01367 860504 touch with Peter: 01367 253200 2nd Tuesdays: POULTON WI: 7.30pm at Poulton Village Hall. STORIES ON DEMAND: every week in Lechlade Library, from 4th Mondays: HIGHWORTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 7.30pm atVisitors welcome. Information from Elinor Davies: 01285 851218 10am-1pm volunteers will read stories to children of all ages - MONDAYS United Reformed Church, High Street, Highworth Tuesday 10th October: Gordon Lee will be telling us about his just drop in with your children and stay as long as you like Monday 30th October: The Motor Trade 1950-1980 by Alan life as an airline pilot. Monday 23rd October: ‘PRE-HISTORIC AND ROMAN BEANS COFFEE SHOP: Saturdays, 10am-12noon at Lechlade Nix. Stories of the family business: motoring before motorways, CORINIUM’ an illustrated talk by James Harris of Corinium 2nd Tuesdays:Contact TATTDorothy: (Tunes 01367 at the 252362 Trout): and8pm Twitter in the Creel Bar, Baptist Church. Chat, make friends and eat great cake! Everyone 01367 253633 seat belts, hydraulic brakes and MOT tests, petrol rationing and Museum. At the Salvation Army Hall. Thomas Street, Cirencester Trout Inn, Lechlade. Join us for good fun and relaxing folk music welcome Sunday 15th October: Viceroy’s House (Cert 12A) starring Hugh the 3-day week. at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome £3. For more information about the sessions. You need to play an instrument and read a bit of music. Bonneville and Gillian Anderson PIXIE CANINE TRAINING CLUB: Saturdays, 10-11am in the CarCirencester Civic Society visit Or come and just listen! Free admission. Contact Ian Andrews: Park at the top of Fairford High Street. Dogs and owners of all www.ccsoc.org.uk TUESDAYS ages can have fun and earn their Bronze, Silver and Gold Kennel [email protected] JOB CLUB: every week from 10am-12noon in Lechlade Library. Tuesday 3rd October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY’S PAINTING Club Awards. Contact Eileen Ferguson: 01285 711729 Support for those seeking employment including job search, CV AFTERNOON: Understanding Trees at 1.30pm in Fairford 3rd Tuesdays: ROYAL BRITISH LEGION FAIRFORD BRANCH: SATURDAY CLUB: 11.30am-12noon in Fairford Library. Comewriting and interview skills Community Centre. Cost: £3.50 per session. Visitors welcome 7.30pm at The Bull Hotel. New and old members will be made along and listen to stories followed by an activity. For ages 4-11 most welcome. Contact Evelyn Webb-Carter: 01285 713315, TODDLER TIME: in term time 10.30-11am in Fairford Library. LITTLE LAMBS BABY & TODDLER GROUP: 10-11.30am (term- years Too old for Baby Bounce and Rhyme time? Have fun with songs, time) at Fairford Community Centre. Friendly group - all [email protected] KELMSCOTT MANOR: (April to October) visit the house and rhymes and stories. For pre-school children aged approximately welcome. Arts & crafts, singing, stories & baby corner. First visit gardens 11am-5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Tel: 01367 252486,2 years - school age and their grown ups is free, £1.50 per family each visit after, with refreshments for WEDNESDAYS QUENINGTON BABY AND TODDLER GROUP: 10-11.30am in adults and children included. Contact Julie: 07710 604143 or ROYAL AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY: Swindon Branch. Details Quenington Village Hall (Term-time only). Meet other local from Colin Irvin: 07740 136609,[email protected] or visit www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk parents/carers and toddlers and have some fun at the same time! [email protected]. Having a party? Children’s www.aerosociety.com. £20 membership, 16-18 free tables and chairs available for hire for £10, all proceeds to Little BINGO CLUB: 7pm at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road, Lechlade.£1.50 per family includes drink and snack for children, tea or accompanied by an adult (also free) Lambs. Contact as above Tel: 01367 253462 coffee and biscuits for adults Wednesday 4th October: The Rosetta Mission - Landing on a YOGA FOR ALL: 10-11.30am in the Fairford Community Centre. 1st Saturdays: BOOKS, BICKIES & BEVERAGES: 10am-12noonFAIRFORD MONDAY WALKING GROUP: Mondays except Bank Comet Holidays, 10.30am, outside the Community Centre. We are a Contact Becky Barry: 07816 289034, Wednesday 1st November: Pan Am 103 Lockerbie Accident in Poulton Village Hall. Come along for a chat over a coffee and [email protected] homemade biscuit and buy a second-hand book small friendly group that never walks more than two miles and Investigation has tea or coffee and a chat afterwards, cost 50p. Contact David LECHLADE TUESDAY CLUB: (in term time) 10.30am-3pm. ForWednesday 4th October: ‘EDWARD VI, THE BOY KING’: 2:30 2nd Saturdays: PALMER HALL DANCE CLUB FOR MODERN Lawrence: 01285 711702 more details please contact Sylvia Dennish: 01367 252477 SEQUENCE DANCING: 7.30-11pm in the Palmer Hall, Fairford. pm at Highworth Recreation Centre, Highworth, SN6 7DD. The BROWNIES: 6-7.30pm (term time) in Kempsford Village Hall. Also Thursdays, 8-10pm (except for the Thursday before the 2ndBINGO CLUB: 2pm at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road, Lechlade. Speaker is Dr Siobhan Clarke for the Upper Thames and Lots of fun activities & crafts for girls aged 7-10. Contact: 01285 Saturday of the month). Contact: Tel: 01367 253462 Ridgeway National Trust Association. £2 for members and £3 for 810730 [email protected] visit FAIRFORD BRIDGE CLUB: Class for improvers, 2-4pm in Fairford visitors. Details: Bill Osborne www.fairfordsequence.org.uk Community Centre. Contact Margaret Bishop: 01285 238834 ADVENTURE PLUS ADVENTURE CLUB (for ages 8 & over): [email protected] 1st FAIRFORD CUBS: 6:30-8pm at the Fairford Scout Hut, 6-7.30pm, term time only, at Windmill Farm, Clanfield, OX18 Wednesday 11th October: LECHLADE ART SOCIETY: Talk by Art 3rd Saturdays: MAKING SPACE: (formerly Messy Space 2-4pm 2SN. Archery, climbing, fencing, circus skills and more. First at Fairford Community Centre. Family crafts and coffee shop. Horcott Road (term time). For boys and girls aged 8-10½, all Historian, Juliette Hestewood from 2-4pm. Free to members, £4 welcome. Angie Wright: 01285 851685 session free, then £5. email: non-members. Details from Ann March: 07786 242283, Come and get creative or enjoy a bit of space! Charges are still [email protected], £2 per child (max. £5 per family) with concessions available. SWINDON MALE VOICE CHOIR: rehearsals 7.30pm at New www.adventureplus.org.uk/adventureclub [email protected] Contact Maureen Partington: 01285 712480 Century Club, Gorse Hill, Swindon SN2 8BU. Information at TS RALEIGH: 7-9pm at Fairford Fire Station. For girls and boysWednesday 25th October: ‘PSYCHOLOGY OF A CITY- THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF ST. PETERSBURG’ an illustrated talk by Dr aged 8-18 years. Contact Jaime Hughes: 07780 827987,colin- SUNDAYS Rosamund Bartlett at the Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane [email protected] Cirencester. 7.30pm Free parking and refreshments Visitors Sunday 1st October: QUENINGTON CAR BOOT SALE: 11am onwww.swindonmalevoicechoir.co.uk the village green. Supporting local charities. Enquiries to Don: FAIRFORD BRIDGE CLUB: 7.15 for 7.30pm in Fairford welcome £5. for more information about The Arts Society Community Centre. Bridge players required, newcomers and Corinium visit 01285 750304 1st Mondays: LECHLADE BAPTIST CHURCH HOBBIES AND www.coriniumdfas.org.uk HANDICRAFTS: 2-4pm in the church. There is no charge visitors welcome. Contact Phil Hardy: 01285 850563 Sunday 3rd December: CRAFT FAYRE: 2-4pm Langford Village FAIRFORD OUTDOOR MARKET: 8am-4pm. A wide variety of 1st Mondays: LECHLADE PHOTOGRAPHERS: 7.30pm at CORINIUM BADMINTON CLUB: 8-10pm at Cotswold Leisure, Hall GL7 3LW. Tables £5 in advance plus a small craft item for products for sale. For stall rental, contact Andrew: 07977 Riverside Pub. Visit Facebook ‘Lechlade photographers’. Contact Cirencester. Need Men and Ladies for Swindon Division 2 & 3, the raffle. Light refreshments. Raffle. Enquiries to Chrissy: 01367 457724, 860514 Mike Read: Mike Read: 01367 252023 Men’s & Mixed teams. Contact Trevor Dukes: 01285 659785 [email protected] 1st Sundays: JESUS AND ME CLUB: At 10am in St Mary’s 2nd Mondays: LECHLADE BAPTIST CHURCH FILM CLUB: 2pm ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES - Grand LodgeFAIRFORD COUNTRY MARKET: 8.30-11.30am in Fairford Church, Fairford. Stories, craft and fun in the Church. Enjoy a film that reflects a Christian ethos in of England: Tuesdays - VWH Pelican Lodge No 8849 meets atCommunity Centre. Home-baked goods, preserves and comfortable surroundings. There is no charge. For further Welford Club; Members past, present and future welcome. chutneys, vegetables, plants and craft items on sale. 1st Sundays (April to October): COFFEE & CLASSICS: Classic information, please don’t hesitate to drop in at Beans coffee Contact Andrew Bartlett: 01285 750746 Refreshments available. Contact 01285 810168 Motor Hub, Bibury. Classic motors and supercars. Free. Booking shop on a Saturday, or email us on essential: 1st Tuesdays: FAIRFORD AND DISTRICT UNIVERSITY OF THETHE FITNESS LEAGUE: in St Michael’s Church Hall, Lechlade THIRD AGE (U3A): 2.30pm in the Palmer Hall. Membership Road, Highworth, every Wednesday morning at 9.30am. Just [email protected] [email protected] secretary, Sue Jonson: 01285 713756, visit or contact 01993 882350, [email protected] more 1st and 3rd Sundays: FARINGDON FOLLY: 11am-5pm Climb theMonday 9th October: Facing the Giants (2006: PG) starring Alex [email protected] 100ft Tower and spend time finding the sculptures in the Kendrick, Shannen Fields and Jason McLeod information Tuesday 3rd October: Andrew Cutler cookery demo with sausage woodland. Info at SOUTHROP COMMUNITY SHOP AND POST OFFICE: 8.30am- www.faringdonfolly.org.uk 3rd Mondays: LECHLADE HISTORY SOCIETY: 7.15pm for machine 7.30pm in the Pavilion. Guests welcome £4. Contact Marian 11.30am at Southrop Village Hall. Groceries and local produce 2nd Sundays (except January): MESSY CHURCH: 4-6pm in St Tuesday 10th October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY’S PAINTING Winckles: 01367 252851 or visit BABY BOUNCE AND RHYME TIME: 10.30-11am in Fairford Mary’s Church Fairford. Crafts, games, celebration and a cooked www.lechladehistory.co.uk AFTERNOON: Understanding Trees at 1.30pm in Fairford Library. Sing along, wiggle and jiggle, for babies up to 2 years meal for families. Please let us know of any dietary requirementsMonday 16th October: At the earlier time of 7pm for 7.15pm. Community Centre. Cost: £3.50 per session. Visitors welcome for the meal, otherwise just turn up on the day. For further and their grown ups AGM followed by Lechlade Past and Present - a dip into the LHS 1st Tuesdays: KNIT AND NATTER GROUP: a free group for details, Sarah: 01285 712074 or COFFEE MORNING: 10.30am at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road, [email protected] archives. people of all ages and all abilities, who want to do some knitting Lechlade. Tel: 01367 253462 or crocheting and have a chat with old and new friends. From 3rd Sunday: LECHLADE COMMUNITY CINEMA: 7.30pm in Alternate Mondays: HA’PENNY BRIDGE SINGERS: We are a 2.30-4.30pm in Fairford Library. Tea and coffee. ChildrenTODDLE ART: Wednesdays 10-10.45am in Poulton Village Hall. Lechlade Pavilion (adjacent to the site of the Memorial Hall). small group of female close harmony singers with a repertoire of unique arrangements of twentieth century classics. We meet welcome. Just turn up or phone Ann: 01285 712560 Bring your Toddler along and have fun with paints, playdough, Enjoy the film, on the big 3m wide screen. Doors open at 7pm colouring, printing, cutting and sticking. For more information for refreshments. Tickets cost £3. All proceeds will be used to alternate Monday evenings in the Lechlade area and are 1st Tuesdays: LECHLADE WI: 7pm in the Baptist Chapel. support the project to rebuild the Memorial Hall. Reserve a seat:currently looking for new members. We have great fun and really
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or to book a FREE TRIAL SESSION phone Rachel 01285 850304 or September to the end of May every year. Details from Shirley www.stlawrencelechlade.org.uk email Jenkins: 01367 252623 [email protected] Friday 13th October: THE UNSUNG ROOTS: Traditional STORY TIME: every week at 11am in Lechlade Library. Songs, LIDDINGTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING GROUP: bluegrass and folk music performed by folk duo, Seth Bye and rhymes and stories for children of all ages and their grown ups 7.45-10pm at Liddington Village Hall, Church Rd, Liddington. Katie Griffin. 7.30pm at Kempsford Village Hall. Doors open Contact Lynda: 01793 790821 or KELMSCOTT MANOR: (April to October) visit the house and [email protected] 7pm. Bar. Tickets £9 from Joy Cross: 01285 810439 Saturday 14th October: JUMBLE SALE: 2pm at Langford Village gardens 11am-5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Tel: 01367 252486, PALMER HALL DANCE CLUB FOR MODERN SEQUENCE Lechlade. For pre-school children and their parents or carers. Hall. Good quality items, bric-a-brac, handbags, shoes, nearly DANCING: Thursdays, 8-10.30pm in the Palmer Hall, Fairford Church Appeal. More info at: www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk New babies very welcome. No charge ... just turn up! Enquiries new, cakes. No VHS tapes. Raffle. Light refreshments. Free entry. except for the Thursday before the 2nd Saturday. On the 2nd to Kathy Newton: 01367 252543 Hall open 6-7pm Friday 13th October to accept goods. Proceeds ATTACHMENT PARENTING SUPPORT GROUP: New for Fairford Saturday of each month, meetings are 7.30-11pm. Contact: 1st Wednesdays: FAIRFORD WI: 7.30pm in the Palmer Hall. 50/50 Langford Village Hall and St Matthew’s Church, Langford. and Lechlade. Weekly meetings held every Wednesday from 01285 712232 or 01285 657917 or visit 12noon-2pm at 18 Prince Charles Road, Fairford, GL7 4JY. Visitors (male or female) welcome. Contact Jean Moulden: Contact Doreen: 01367 860060 or Janet: 01367 860509. Details:www.facebook.com/lechladefairfordAP , 07903 578211 01285 713308 www.fairfordsequence.org.uk Friday 3rd November: THE COLDITZ STORY: 6.30 for 7pm at Wednesday 5th July: Garden Party, visit to Friars Court for a ZEN MEDITIATION (Wild Goose Zen Sangha): 8-10pm on Fairford Community Centre. Piers Storie-Pugh will tell the story KELMSCOTT CRAFT FAIRS AND MORRIS MEMORIAL HALL Celebration Cream Tea - by ticket only Thursdays in St Lawrence Church Centre, Chesterton, through the lens of his father, Peter. Tickets £10 (incl wine) from EXHIBITION: 12 noon-5pm at Morris Memorial Hall, Kelmscott, Wednesday 2nd August: Ann Lowe talks about ‘My journey in Cirencester GL7 1UD. Zen meditation, taught by an authorised7a Coffee Shop or GL7 3HG. Original, hand crafted goods for sale together with an textiles’ exhibition depicting the history of the Arts & Crafts, Grade II Zen teacher, is an opportunity to open to life itself, to appreciate [email protected] Listed Hall. Free entry. Both events support the hall, a registered 2nd Wednesdays: MOTHERS’ UNION... ‘Christian Concern for your life in silence and stillness, and this enables you to live it to charity. Please visit Families Worldwide’. Lechlade with Fairford branch: 2pm in the full. Visit LECHLADE JOLLYTOTS: 10-11.30 in the Pavilion. Mums, Dads, www.morrismemorialhall.org.ukor telephone the Lechlade Baptist Church with speakers or discussions www.wildgoosesangha.org.ukand call Jeremy: Grandparents and carers come along to our fun and informal 07777 680845, [email protected] 01285 712122 2nd Wednesdays: [email protected] GARDENING CLUB: See ‘Local sessions. From bumps to pre-school, £1 per family the (first CRAFT CLUB: 2pm at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road, Lechlade. clubs for gardeners’ in ‘Home and Garden’ 1st Thursdays: MINI PRAISE: 1.45pm at St Mary’s Church, session is free), tea/coffee for the adults Juice for the children. 3rd Wednesday: U3A FIVE RHYTHMS DANCE: 10am in Palmer Contact Steph Williams: 07500 908245 Tel: 01367 253462 Hall, Fairford2nd & 4th Wednesdays: COMMUNITY VOICES (no experience Fairford for pre-schoolers and their carers. A lovely free session FAIRFORD RAINBOWS: Wednesdays (in term time) 4.15-5.15pm necessary): 7-8pm in Lechlade Baptist Church. Come and join with stories, songs, crafts and snacks FAIRFORD TINY TOTS BABY AND TODDLER GROUP meets 3rd Wednesdays: PALMER HALL CINEMA: 3rd Wednesdays, during term time at the United Church Hall, Milton Street, in the Farmor Room of Fairford Community Centre. Contact 7.30pm,us. doors It’s good open fun. at 7pm.£2. Contact Details: 01285 713087, 2nd Thursdays: KEMPSFORD VILLAGE HALL MONTHLY CAFÉ: Louise Vass: 01285 711626 12noon-2pm. Homemade Soup & Rolls, Speciality Teas & Fairford. 10-11.30am. Baby and toddler activities, toys, crafts, www.thepalmerhall.org painting, playdough, singing. Refreshments. Come and chat and FAIRFORD BROWNIES: Wednesdays (in term time), 5-6.30pm at Homemade Cakes. Enjoy a break in a relaxed environment. All welcome make new friends. £1 per family, first visit free! Contact Victoria Farmor’s School, Fairford. Contact Annette Stannard: 01285 THURSDAYS Campbell: 07796 303089, 712529 2nd Thursdays: MINI FIXERS CLUB: 7.30pm at The Trout Inn, Thursday 5th October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY: At 7.30pm in [email protected] ADVENTURE PLUS CANOE CLUB: 7pm from 24th June at Lechlade. Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance (RPM) of Fairford Community Centre. A working evening: ‘Critique’. Please ARMCHAIR AEROBICS & QUIZ: 2pm at St Birinus Court, Windmill Farm, High Street, Clanfield OX18 2SN. Kitting up then this much loved, iconic motor car. Contact Rob: 07973 578884 bring along a painting. Visitors welcome £3. Contact Jill Skarda: or Gassons Road, Lechlade. Tel: 01367 253462 drive to Thames. All levels welcome, equipment supplied, first 01285 740496 week free. Contact: 01993 703308, www.minifixers.co.uk CIRENCESTER (Brass) BAND: The Band Room, Bingham House, Thursday 19th October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY’S PAINTING 2nd Thursdays: FAIRFORD GARDENERS CLUB: See ‘Local clubsDyer Street, Cirencester. 7pm Training Band for beginners and AFTERNOON: Understanding Trees at 1.30pm in Fairford for gardeners’ in ‘Home and Garden’ 8pm for Main Band. Free loan of instruments and tuition. Ian [email protected] Community Centre. Cost: £3.50 per session. Visitors welcome Hartnell: 01285 656662 3rd Thursdays: LIBRARY CLUB: 11am-12noon in Fairford Library. Thursday 26th October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY’S PAINTING BALLROOM AND LATIN AMERICAN DANCING: Learn to dance Are you unable to get to the library, but would like to come to1st LECHLADE SCOUTS: 7-9pm every Friday at Lechlade AFTERNOON: Understanding Trees at 1.30pm in Fairford with friendly, experienced teachers whose aim is to make dancing borrow books and have a cuppa and a chat at the same time?Pavilion. For boys and girls aged 10-14 years. Call Simon Black Community Centre. Cost: £3.50 per session. Visitors welcome fun. Classes in Burford (Warwick Hall) on Tuesday evenings, Or do you know of someone who is unable to get out and about01367 252876 Filkins village hall on Wednesday evenings, Wanborough on Thursday 2nd November: TWO COURSE MEAL FOR £15: and would like this service? Transport with disabled facilities is1st FAIRFORD SCOUTS: Fridays 7.30-9.30pm at the Scout Hut Thursday evenings and Cricklade on Sunday afternoons. Private7.30pm at the New Inn. Tickets from the Lechlade Post Office. provided. If so, please contact us on 01285 712599 in Fairford. Boys and girls 10-14 welcome. Call Geoff McKay: lessons also available. Contact Simon Paul for more details. Supporting Lechlade Memorial Hall rebuild 01285 713981 01367 253633 or go to 3rd Thursdays (except September): LECHLADE LADIES GROUP: www.thamesschoolofdancing.co.uk LECHLADE COUNTRY MARKET: Thursdays, 8.30-11.30am in the 2.30pm at Baptist Church, Sherborne Street, Lechlade. Contact1st Fridays: FAIRFORD YOUNG AT HEART MEMORY CLUB: Church Cottage. Everything homemade. Contact Alex Wylie: 10.30am-2.30pm in the community lounge at Beaumoor Place, ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES - Grand Lodge Val Huxley: 01367 252018. New members always welcome 01793 740620 East End, Fairford GL7 4BH. This is a free friendly club for anyone of England: Wednesdays - Thames Lodge No 9233 and St 3rd Thursday, eight meetings a year: FAIRFORD HISTORY with memory difficulties and their friends, families and carers. Aldwyn Lodge No 6723 meet at Southrop Village Hall. MembersAFTERNOON TEA: 2pm at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road, SOCIETY: 7.30pm in the Farmor Room at Fairford Community Lunch £3.50 booked in advance and carer respite service past, present and future welcome. Contact Andrew Bartlett: Lechlade. Tel: 01367 253462 Centre. New members and visitors (£3) welcome. Contact Alison available. Details from Kelly: 07707 787580 or email: 01285 750746 1st LECHLADE CUBS: 5.30-7pm at Lechlade Pavilion. For boys Hobson: 01285 711768, or Geoff Hawkes: 01285 712053, FAIRFORD & DISTRICT CHORAL SOCIETY: Rehearsals and girls aged 8-10½. Call Ginette James: 01367 253841 7.30-9.30pm in Fairford United Church, GL7 4BW. Contact LizPILATES CLASS FOR BEGINNERS: 6.10pm at Southrop Village [email protected]. [email protected] Berry: 01793 721322 Hall, GL73PB. Volunteer-run. £8 in the pot towards hall hire and Thursday 19th October: Nick Humphris talking about 1st Fridays: THE CONTACT GROUP: 12.30-2.30pm at the FAIRFORD U3A SCOTTISH REELS: Poulton Village Hall at 8pm.qualified instructor. Class is free when there is an excess! ‘Archaeology of Chedworth Roman Villa’ at 7.30pm in the United Church, Milton Street, Fairford. Meet friends old and new We meet monthly on the third Wednesday. We are a friendly Enquiries: 07773 080125, Farmor Room of Fairford Community Centre. over tea/coffee and light refreshments informal group and we welcome all standards including 3rd Thursdays: MEYSEY HAMPTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: 2nd & last Fridays (be careful of months with 5 Fridays!): beginners. For details, please contact Richard or Carol Thompson: 7.30pm in the New Memorial Hall. New members welcome. [email protected] RIVERFOLK ACOUSTIC: 8pm in the Creel bar at the Trout Inn, 01285 712123, Contact Marion 01285 850280 LECHLADE BRIDGE CLUB: 7.30pm in The Pavilion, Lechlade. Lechlade. All players and listeners welcome. £2. Contact [email protected] Contact John Elsey: 01367 252983 3rd Thursdays: THE COTSWOLD OIL ENGINE AND CIRENCESTER SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB: 8pm at the PRESERVATION SOCIETY: 7.45 for 8pm (except June - August [email protected] CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY CHOIR: (term time) 7.30-9.30pm when we attend events where we show our restored machinery) Bingham Hall, King Street, Cirencester. Contact Maurice: at Ashcroft Centre, Ashcroft Road, Cirencester GL7 1RA. A 4th Fridays: LECHLADE YOUNG AT HEART MEMORY CLUB: 01666 860481,[email protected] at Quenington Village Hall. GL7 5BS. Contact Doug Newton: 10am-2pm at St Birinus Court, Lechlade GL7 3BU. Lunch & carer friendly, relaxed group focussed on singing for health, wellbeing 01285 713688 and visit & fun! No experience needed & no music reading skills required. Respite available - please call for details. Call Kelly: 07707 Wednesdays (fortnightly): LECHLADE AND DISTRICT PROBUS www.cotswoldoilengine.co.uk 787580 or email: CLUB: 10.30am at the New Inn, Lechlade. Probus welcomes Pop, folk, gospel & world songs all taught by ear. Vicky Sweeney: [email protected] retired or semi-retired men for chat and then a talk. Info from07593 833943, www.ciren.singtastic.co.uk FRIDAYS 4th Fridays: HIGHWORTH COMMUNITY CINEMA: 7.45pm in Glyn Worthington: 01285 713301 Friday 13th October: HARP RECITAL: 12noon in St Lawrence St Michael’s Hall, Lechlade Road, SN6 7HQ on the fourth Friday LECHLADE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: in the Southrop 1st & 3rd Wednesdays during term: LITTLE LIGHTS PRAM Church, Lechlade. Catherine White will play Faure and Debussyof each month from September to April (except December). Village Hall from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome. SERVICE AND TODDLER PLAY: 1.45pm in St Lawrence Church among others. Recital, lunch & drinks free, donations sought forDetails atwww.highworthfilms.org.uk
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CONTACT NUMBERS
Police NON-EMERGENCY 101 Medical NON-EMERGENCY 111 Police, Fire, Ambulance EMERGENCY 999 Gas EMERGENCY 0800 111999 Electricity EMERGENCY 08000 727282 Water EMERGENCY 0845 920 0800 Samaritans 0845 7909090
LAW AND ORDER
CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555111 DOCTORS HILLARY COTTAGE SURGERY 01285 712377 LIBRARIES LECHLADE MEDICAL CENTRE 01367 252264PRIMARY SCHOOLS FAIRFORD LIBRARY 01285 712599 FLYING START NURSERY SCHOOL 01285 711711 HOSPITALS DOWN AMPNEY PRIMARY 01793 750294HIGHWORTHLECHLADE LIBRARY TOWN COUNCIL 01793 463500 01367 252338 KEMPSFORD PRE-SCHOOL 01285 811000 FAIRFORD PRIMARY 01285 712543LECHLADE LIBRARYHIGHWAYS,& STREET LIGHTING 01367 252631 08000 514514 CHELTENHAM GENERAL HOSPITAL 03004 222 222 LECHLADE LITTLE LEARNERS 01367 250278 HATHEROP CASTLE (PRIVATE) 01285 750206 PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY 01452 425577 CIRENCESTER HOSPITAL 0300 421 6200 MANOR FARM NURSERY PUBLIC 07760 TRANSPORT 788081 FAIRFORD HOSPITAL 0300 421HATHEROP 6470 PRIMARY 01285 750318 COMMUNITY BUS 01285 713852 GLOUCESTER ROYAL HOSPITAL 0300 422KEMPSFORD 2222 PRIMARY 01285 810367 FIRST GREAT WESTERN 0845 748 4950 GREAT WESTERN HOSPITAL 01793 604020SOUTHROP PRIMARY 01367 850246 ST CHRISTOPHER’S, LANGFORD 01367 860318MEGA BUS 0900 160 0900 ST LAWRENCE, LECHLADE 01367 252356NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES 0845 748 4950 JOHN RADCLIFFE OXFORD HOSPITAL 0300 304 7777 STAGECOACH SOCIAL SERVICES NATIONAL TRAVELINE 0871 200 2233 CITIZENS ADVICE (COTSWOLDS) 0808 800SECONDARY 0511 SCHOOLS CITIZENS ADVICE (SWINDON) 0844 488BURFORD 4114 SCHOOL 01993 823303VILLAGE HALLS TRADING STANDARDS COLN HOUSE SCHOOL 01285 712308DOWN AMPNEY 01793 751429 FARMOR’S SCHOOL 01285 712302 GLOUCESTERSHIRE TRADING FAIRFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE 01285 711571 KELMSCOTT VILLAGE HALL 01367 252403 STANDARDS 01452 426201RECREATION KEMPSFORD VILLAGE HALL 01285 810478 COLLEGES COTSWOLD LEISURE CENTRE, KENCOTT VILLAGE HALL 01367 860516 CIRENCESTER COLLEGE 01285 640994CIRENCESTER 01285 654057LANGFORD VILLAGE HALL 01367 860509 HARTPURY COLLEGE 01452 702132FAIRFORD SPORTS CENTRE 01285 713786LECHLADE MEMORIAL HALL 01367 253325 ROYAL AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 01285 652531FARINGDON LEISURE CENTRE 01367 241755MARSTON MEYSEY 01285 810615 HIGHWORTH REC 01793 762602MEYSEY HAMPTON 01285 851084 PRE-SCHOOLS PALMER HALL, FAIRFORD 01285 712189 BROADSHIRES PRE-SCHOOL 01367 860729COUNCILS POULTON VILLAGE HALL 01285 850217
DOWN AMPNEY PRE-SCHOOL 07706 726865COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL 01285 623000QUENINGTON VILLAGE HALL 07531 879094 FAIRFORD PRE-SCHOOL 01285 713176FAIRFORD TOWN COUNCIL 01285 712344 FILKINS NURSERY 01285 860594GLOUCESTERSHIRE CC 01452 425000
Community Connexions Transport We provide pre-bookable transport solutions for groups and individuals to all destinations. There is a regular, pre-bookable bus service 72F – The Fairford Shopper into Cirencester every Thursday from Fairford and Gloucestershire villages including; Ampney Crucis, Ampney St Mary, Ampney St Peter, Poulton, Meysey Hampton, Quenington, Fairford, Coln St Aldwyns, Hatherop, Sunhill, Whelford, Kempsford and Lechlade. Concessionary bus passes are accepted on this service. For monthly excursions within Gloucestershire see below – a minimum number of eight passengers is required for these excursions to go ahead. Seats are allocated on a first come first served basis. Witney – 1st Friday – £12.50 Swindon Orbital & Central Swindon – 3rd Friday – £12.50 For groups or individuals wishing to travel further afield we are able to provide quotes upon request. For more information visit our website www.communityconnexions.org.uk. To book a trip call 0345 680 5029 or email [email protected].
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