The Parish News November 2020 PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS EDITION MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO EFFECTS OF CORONAVIRUS. SOME ADVERTISERS WILL BE OPERATING UNDER TEMPORARY CONDITIONS. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT CONTRIBUTORS DIRECTLY.

Wormleighton * * PRIORS HARDWICK WITH PRIORS MARSTON AND WORMLEIGHTON part of The Bridges Group of Parishes www.thebridgesgroup.org.uk PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: Rev. Gillian Roberts 01926 815831 [email protected] Sycamore Lodge, Church Street, Stockton, CV47 8JG GROUP ADMINISTRATOR: Susan Holloway 01926 812383 [email protected] LAY READER: Mr Peter Jackson 01327 260169 CHURCHWARDENS: St. Leonard, Priors Marston - Mr. Malcolm Monkhouse 01327 260915 St. Peter, Wormleighton - Vacancy

PARISH COUNCIL: http://www.priorsmarston.org/parish-council/ THE PRIORS HALL: Barbara Harvey 01327 260709 [email protected] (Bookings) PRIORS SCHOOL: http://www.thepriorsschool.co.uk/ ST.LAWRENCE SCHOOL: http://www.stlawrenceprimaryschool.co.uk/ WOMENS INSTITUTE: Jane Cowan 07979 550202 Fiona Spencer 01327 263423 FILM NIGHT: Lee Robinson 01327 263268 [email protected] SPORTS CLUB: Simon Brown 07722 797735 [email protected] TENNIS CLUB: [email protected] CRICKET: Alan Evans 07764 627030

Disclaimer: Please note that views expressed in articles are the views of the authors.

2 CORONA VIRUS MESSAGE FROM PRIORS MARSTON PARISH COUNCIL Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all Parish Council meetings are cancelled for the foreseeable future. Please check website and Notice board for updates in the coming weeks/months. If you need to discuss anything in the meantime, please email Emma. NEW TO THE VILLAGE? Remember, particularly if you are new to Priors Marston, email [email protected] to be added to the village email distribution list.

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PARISH NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS: Helen Menezes 01327 261222 [email protected] Hillside House, Keys Lane, Priors Marston, , CV47 7SA. Deadline for contributions, 15th of the month.

Preferred format – A4 Word or JPEG (not PDF)

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PARISH NEWS PDF: You can read the Parish News in PDF format (pictures in colour and A4 page size), by sending a request to the editor – [email protected]. You can also read the latest edition on the Priors Marston Parish Council website http://www.priorsmarston.org

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POPPY APPEAL 2020 Priors Hardwick

I have arranged the delivery of a wreath for the November Act of Remembrance in Priors Hardwick. I currently have some small wooden crosses in stock, should you require one for a relative’s grave. I have also been issued with Poppy Pins 2020 and V.E. pin badges for sale. These will be available from October 24th for two weeks. Please contact Isobel Davies or Mark Suddens, your local village volunteers, if you require any of the above items. Regrettably, these will be on a first come first served basis, as the stock is limited. Margaret Ingman, Honorary Poppy Appeal Organiser.

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AIR AMBULANCE COFFEE MORNING Unfortunately, we will not be having an Air Ambulance Coffee Morning this year, but I have Xmas Cards here at 12 Shuckburgh Road right up until Christmas. Either call in or ring 01327 260763 to come and buy your cards. I also have lovely blank animal cards @ £1 each. Barbara Barnacle

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UNDER 25? THEN THE FOLLOWING MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU! THE KAY & BRADSHAW EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The Kay & Bradshaw Educational Foundation, or as it is more commonly known, ‘Keys Charity’, exists to provide financial assistance for the promotion of education, including social and physical training of persons under 25, who have a parent or parents residing in the parish of Priors Marston. In these uncertain times, students need all the help and support they can get, and Keys Charity can assist with help to purchase course books, tools and equipment for a trade or profession, cost of a field trip or training course, music and arts - in fact, anything connected to education. Over several years, many young people from the village have benefited from its assistance. Our next meeting is being held in November, but we will look at applications as they are received. If you would like to make an application, please write to the Vicar, Rev Gillian Roberts, Church Warden Malcolm Monkhouse, or Trustees Dot Brown, Elaine Forsyth and Sue Benson; together with your details and receipts for any books or equipment that you may have purchased. We are waiting to hear from you. Dot Brown. Secretary ([email protected])

5 Why collect stamps? On 14th October we delivered a carload of stamps and postcards to The Leprosy Mission headquarters in Peterborough. They send many appreciative thanks to everybody who has collected stamps for so many years, helping them to reach a wonderful total of over £1 million over 30 years. It takes seconds to rescue a used stamp from the envelope destined for the recycling bin, but by doing so we are bringing hope and healing to some of the world’s most marginalised people, suffering from a disease, which IS CURABLE with medication. With Christmas approaching, please could you continue to save stamps? Please CUT undamaged stamps from the envelope, leaving a border of no more than 5mm around each edge. They will then be sorted into categories, before being sent to TLM.

They also collect stamp albums and collections, postcards, coins and banknotes, medals and cigarette and tea cards. So why not look in the cupboards and see what you can find? We can save lives… While Covid restrictions apply, please contact, or deliver to: Margaret Clarke, Orchard House, Priors Hardwick. 01327 262233 … or to the box provided inside the telephone box in Priors Hardwick Shirley Monkhouse, The Old Mill, Southam Road. 07870 685124.

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TEA ON THE FOURTH THURSDAY TEA - 4TH THURSDAY Very sadly, we shall not be able to enjoy our tea party this month, due to continuing social distancing requirements. We don’t usually meet in December, so we shall review the situation in the New Year.

PRIORS HARDWICK VILLAGE MEETING The next Village Meeting will take place on Thursday, 21st January 2021, hopefully in the Church. More details will be issued nearer the time, including availability via Zoom.

FOOD BANK Non-perishable items may be left in the telephone box in Priors Hardwick. While social distancing is in operation, donations will be taken to the Food Bank at Southam, which is running mainly a delivery service locally to those in need who have been referred by participating agencies. Gifts will be taken to Southam on Monday mornings. We are most grateful for the generous donations.

MOBILE LIBRARY The Mobile library visits are suspended for the time being. The Library Service will contact its members as soon as visits resume. Contact details, if required are: 01926 851031 and warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries Also, note the library Click and Collect service described on page 13.

COLLECTION OF POSTCARDS – USED OR UNUSED Please continue to save your postcards until the churches open again. In Priors Hardwick they may still be left in the ‘phone box, from where they are used for Mission Aviation Fellowship.

USED POSTAGE STAMPS Please refer to the notice from Mrs. Monkhouse on the previous page, and continue to leave your stamps in the phone box (Priors Hardwick).

7 FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FOR NAPTON AND The national news is dominated by the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, with data changing from day to day. Over recent weeks, that increasing trend is reflected in Stratford district, although, by the time you read, this no doubt the total numbers will have changed. I thought it was useful to have some indication of local patterns. Although the most serious problems are in the north of and the conurbation, we must not be complacent here. The number of positive cases has risen by 3.7 times in a week (but some of this is because of the Government’s under reporting errors in mid October). The figure for Stratford district on 10 October was 71 per 100,000 population, which is equivalent to about 5 cases for each electoral division, on average. The rates here, and nearby were: 11 cases in Southam, Stockton, Napton 6 cases in Feldon (, Long & Bishops Itchington, Fenny Compton, Priors, Ladbroke) 5 cases in , Tysoe 11 cases in Dunchurch 5 cases in Daventry 4 cases in Byfield, Staverton 3 cases in Braunston

Whilst not too much should be read into the accuracy of the numbers, about 1 in 700 people are infected around Southam. (The nearest major hotspot is University with 117, or 1 in 56.) Many say the government messaging is confusing. Covid is transmitted person to person, so keeping your distance from anyone and everyone, regardless of whether or not they are in a group of six, is essential. Wearing masks when you can’t keep a long way apart and washing hands frequently, especially when anything outside the home has been touched, are the other requirements. Please keep us all safe.

8 HS2 In May, I reported that HS2 work has been proceeding to divert the A425 through the polo ground - you may have seen the fencing delineating the diverted route. This temporary realignment would keep the A425 open while a tunnel portal is constructed beneath the line of the existing Leamington to Southam road. This sequence of construction was in the approved and published plan, which has been in place since before 2013. Last month, at 3 weeks’ notice, HS2 decided they would close the A425 for 9 months without the 1000m long temporary diversion of the road. This has taken everyone by surprise and to say that all the local councillors in the area are upset would be an understatement. As well a substantial inconvenience for car and goods vehicle users, there is a big risk of ‘rat running’ through villages. School and scheduled busses will be disrupted. Because of my personal health and bereavement situation, I have not been able to attend the meetings, but representations continue in attempt to fight this decision by HS2.

Nigel Rock, Councillor for Napton and Fenny Compton Ward [email protected] 07971 343065

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PARISH NEWS DONATIONS AND THANKS

Thanks to all our generous contributors, advertisers and volunteers, who help to make it possible to go on producing, printing and distributing the Parish News. If you want to contribute, you can still give donations to your distributor, to any of the people named in the box on page 2 of this issue, or to Maxine Harris at Priors Hall Post Office. If you prefer to contribute by bank transfer, the details are as follows: Account name: Priors Marston PCC, Sort code 40-42-15, Ac. No.90674222. Please reference your donation as ‘Parish News.’ Thank you for your support.

9 . Though there appear to be quite a lot of clouds on the national news agenda, it has been a privilege to lead a school that really acts as a beacon of hope, provides rays of sunshine on any overcast day and provides a cornucopia of positive news stories from day to day. Certain aspects of what the school provides have had to change and we are especially disappointed that there will be no village Bonfire Party this year, but St Lawrence’s has just had to be innovative and find ways to continue, that meet with all the rules and regulations. Harvest and all things to do with creation have (as ever) been celebrated, and, as in the church, food-based Harvest gifts are being offered to Carriers of Hope. In such a rural setting, such a traditional festival is so important. Though we’ve not had a big apple harvest, we’ve had a bumper harvest of peas, a good crop from the school gardens and incredibly generous servings of cakes for the virtual cake sales! Assemblies, music tuition, school trips, lunch and after school clubs, parents’ evenings (by telephone) and even school tours are back even if in modified forms! In fact, if we can’t do something… we replace it with a fine alternative, such as the Needlecraft Club becoming Art Club, or orchestra and singing being replaced with themed world music assemblies. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! If you are interested in a place at the school, do book a tour via the school office. There is no main Remembrance Event at the Village War Memorial, but do know that it won’t be forgotten here in school. We really hope to put on a colourful display of remembrance flowers around the school for you all to enjoy as you walk past: poppies of course, cornflowers and forget-me-nots. St Lawrence’s may well be completely open in a slightly modified form, but… it is so good to have all our children back, to welcome many new faces into the school community and to know that we feel so well supported. John Brine, Headteacher

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FLU VACCINATIONS – THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL SITUATION

You may well have read press reports of the vaccine shortages throughout England. It is all true! Demand has by far outstripped supply. The Government really do not want the facts known; but it is a fact, GP’s are waiting over four weeks for delayed orders. There is unprecedented demand, caused not least because this year for the first time 50-64 y.o.’s can have a free jab. It is unlikely your surgery, wherever it is, will be able to meet all requests. Priority has been given to vulnerable patients. How has this situation come about? Each year supplies must be ordered in November the year prior, making it difficult to assess demand. This year’s request from Byfield was 10% up on last year. Last year, Byfield had 2,200 patients entitled to free jabs, 1,400 people took advantage of the opportunity. Despite the increased order of stock, it Is unlikely Byfield will be able to meet total demand. For under 65’s, we await further supplies, however it is strongly recommended, if alternatives such as High St., pharmacies are available to you, or your family, you should use these to reduce the burden on the Byfield Surgery. Please accept this is a national problem and not one in isolation to the Practice, we will continue to press for supplies. John Eustace, Member of the Byfield Patient Participation Group

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PRIORS HARDWICK WEBSITE You can keep up-to-date with what’s going on in and around Priors Hardwick here:- http://www.priorshardwick.org.uk WORMLEIGHTON CHURCH WEBSITE https://stpeterschurchwormleightonblog.wordpress.com/tag/wormleighton/

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PRIORS HALL

ALTHOUGH THE HALL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR SOME ACTIVITIES, THE POST OFFICE AND LACEY’S HAIRDRESSING ARE OPEN.

The Hall has been cleaned and some repairs done during October. The next project is decorating. The Hall is now available to hire for activities that comply with Covid restrictions. Please contact Barbara Harvey on 01327 260709, [email protected], to book, or for more information.

General rate is £15.00 per hour and Village rate is £10.00 per hour.

Badminton, darts, short mat bowls and table tennis equipment are available for use, and the Village Hall Committee is always pleased to hear from people with ideas for new activities and events. Current regular activities: Monday Tuesday Post Office, Lacey’s Wednesday Play Group (am), Lacey’s Thursday Post Office, Lacey’s, Pilates Friday Lacey’s Saturday Lacey’s

Lacey’s His and Hers Hairdressing: Tuesday to Saturday, by appointment, you can have your hair done, next to the post office. The contact numbers are 01327 263330 and 07733 102564.

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Post Office opening hours: 10 am-1.00 pm, 2.00 pm-4.00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday. Tel: 01327 261743. Copies of the Village Directory are available from the Post Office for a minimum donation of £3.

Film Nights: Film nights are currently suspended, but hope to return in due course. If you have any questions, or wish to join the mailing list, contact the Priors Cinema Team at [email protected]. You can also call Lee Robinson Tel: 01327 263268.

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MISSING A GOOD READ? A new ‘Click and Collect’ service has been launched by Warwickshire Libraries. You can now pre-order books and arrange a time to pick them up, at http://library.warwickshire.gov.uk. You may also phone 0300 555 8171 or email [email protected] with your book reservation requests. You can arrange to collect from several locations, as listed on the website above, including Southam Library.

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SOUTHAM DISTRICT ADVERTISER

Southam District Advertiser are looking for Delivery people in Priors Marston and Priors Hardwick to go on our waiting list of distributors. If you are over the age of 13yrs and could have a few hours spare, at most once a month, please call 01926 811911 or email [email protected] for more information.

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LOCAL HISTORY WALKING ROUTES NOW AVAILABLE

The Post Office now has copies of local walks, available at £5 a bundle. All proceeds go towards the repair of St. Leonard’s Church Tower. Following Alan Flint’s hand-drawn trails is a great way to get some exercise and to learn about the history of the area. Thanks to Barbara Flint for allowing Alan’s walks to be reprinted, to Simon Brown for organising and to Chris Roberts of One Vision Imaging (www.onevisionimaging.com)for doing the printing.

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LEST WE FORGET

I don’t think we are going to forget this year in a hurry, are we! This is the time of year when we traditionally remember – the 5th of November (gunpowder, treason and plot); All Souls’ Day when we remember the loved ones we have lost; and Remembrance Day when we remember those in our armed forces (and others) who have given their lives in war for our freedom.

But this year, let us also remember those whose lives have been claimed by the Coronavirus – and those left behind; those whose weddings, baptisms and other family celebrations have been ruined; those who have been forced into isolation, pain and depression; those who have suffered unemployment, domestic violence, poverty - with the increased demand for foodbanks, and mental health problems. Let us remember those whose jobs we thought were menial and inconsequential, but we now realise are crucial. Let us remember all those who work in our health and social care services and those working to find a vaccination for the virus. Let us remember our government – both national and local – and ask that they are both wise and compassionate in their decision-making. We must not try to return to “normal” without acknowledging the cost and pain of the changes that have happened over the last 8 months.

But most importantly, we must not forget that God never changes – he has never gone away through all of this. His love for us is constant and forever. He walks alongside us in the dark times, giving us his peace and strength.

Usually, at our Remembrance Day Parade Service in Stockton, we end with this prayer, which seems very appropriate for the world in general at the moment: Lord God, our Father, we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering, and for the praise of your name. Guide us by your Spirit; give us wisdom, courage and hope; and keep us faithful, now and always. Amen.

God bless, Gillian 15 The Bridges Group of Parishes Church services for November 2020 BCP = Book of Common Prayer CW = Common Worship

1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th November November November November November All Saints’ Remembrance 2nd Sunday Christ the King 1st Sunday of Day Day before Advent Advent Priors 9.00am 11.00am 9.00am - - Hardwick Informal Act of BCP morning Remembrance Communion worship 5.00pm BCP Evensong Wormleighton - 9.00am - 10.30am - BCP Morning Communion Worship 10.00am Act of Remembrance Lower - 2.00pm Act of - Wed 25th Nov - Shuckburgh Remembrance at 10.00am Midweek BCP Communion Napton 10.30am Wed 11th Nov 6.00pm - 10.30am CW at 9.30am Informal The Communion Midweek evening Gathering 4.00pm morning worship Bereavement prayer Service Stockton 10.30am 10.30am 4.00pm 10.30am - Morning Methodist Bereavement CW Worship Morning Service Communion Worship 12noon Act of Remembrance Priors 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am Marston Informal CW Morning Informal Worship Communion Worship Worship 12noon Act of 4.00pm Remembrance Bereavement Service

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REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES IN THE BRIDGES GROUP OF PARISHES

Due to the current restrictions on large gatherings because of the Coronavirus, we have decided that it would be unwise to hold big Remembrance Day services in their traditional format this year. We appreciate this will be disappointing for many people as it is such an important opportunity to pay tribute locally to those who have lost their lives in war, in order to secure our peace today. After consulting the parish councils and Napton’s War Memorial Working Party, there will be a simple, short Act of Remembrance in each village as follows: Priors Hardwick - Act of Remembrance at 11.00am at the War Memorial. There will also be a focus on Remembrance at the BCP Evensong at 5.00pm in church. Priors Marston – Act of Remembrance at 12noon at the War Memorial. There will also be a focus on Remembrance at the service of Holy Communion at 10.30am in church. Wormleighton - Act of Remembrance at 10.00am after the BCP Communion, at the War Memorial. Stockton - Act of Remembrance at 12noon at the War Memorial in Jubilee Field. We also hope to provide a recorded service on-line with contributions from the uniformed organisations etc. Napton – See WMWP article in Napton’s magazine - Act of Remembrance at 2.00pm at the War Memorial If your organisation usually lays a wreath at the Memorial, please invite a representative to come along to do that. Gillian

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REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

We will be holding our annual services in the Bridges Group of Parishes again this year to offer support and encouragement to those who have lost loved ones in the last year or two. There will be three services across the Group, please come to whichever service is most convenient for you: 1st November at 4.00pm at St. Lawrence’s Church, Napton 15th November at 4.00pm at St. Michael’s Church, Stockton 22nd November at 4.00pm at St. Leonard’s Church, Priors Marston This has been a particularly difficult year for those who have lost loved ones during the Coronavirus pandemic, so we do hope you will be able to join us at one of these services. But in view of the current government restrictions, we would be grateful if you could limit numbers attending to no more than six of your immediate family and friends. On arrival, you will be invited to write the name of the person you are remembering in the “Book of Remembrance”. During the service, those names will be read out and you will have the opportunity to light a candle in their memory. Strict Coronavirus precautions will be in place, including the requirement to wear face coverings and to maintain a safe distance. Please follow the instructions of the verger, in order to keep everyone safe. In previous years, this service has meant a lot to those who attend and so we do hope that you will be able to come. God bless, Gillian

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FROM THE CHURCH OF ST PETER WORMLEIGHTON It will be very difficult to match our now retired Church Warden’s contribution to this publication. Jeremy’s monthly news on Wormleighton recounted not only facts about what was going on in our village and at Saint Peter’s, but it contained his thought-provoking and erudite view of the world from the perspective of a committed Christian. He railed against injustices and absurdities he observed around him. We may not have always agreed with him but always read his piece with interest. His commitment and devotion to our little church, however, was truly humbling. We have now held two services at St Peter’s since lockdown restrictions were lifted. Although we are unable to offer our usual coffee and biscuits after each service, our congregation, nevertheless, was happy to remain for a few moments after each service enjoying, at last, the opportunity to meet and talk. Holding our service in the nave instead of the chancel was a new but pleasant experience. Social distancing requirements meant that we had plenty of space for quiet prayer and contemplation. Although the logic of closing churches in larger cities and towns, more susceptible to the spread of the virus, could be understood, applying the same measure to our rural churches, where congregations are much smaller, has been difficult to accept. Being able to enter our churches to seek solace and healing from the pressures and anxieties of lockdown would have been very welcome. Our very successful Christmas Fayre cannot unfortunately be repeated this year. Remembering, however, how chilly it can be in our church at this time of year, plans are afoot to apply for funding to install a heating system.

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FROM THE CHURCH OF ST MARY PRIORS HARDWICK

Our Harvest Festival on Sunday 11th October, attended by 40 people, was a lovely village event. Twelve people from the village took an active part in the service and many, many more were active behind the scenes, both before and after the service, in particular those who provided the floral decorations and those who brought gifts which have been sent to The Salvation Army in , thanks to John and Denise Reece and to Carriers of Hope, a small charity in which does a huge job in supporting foreign refugees in the city. The retiring collection, which amounted to over £200 will be sent to The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. Our local farmers were among those taking an active part in the service and special thanks go to Geoff and Caroline Wilson with Huw and Thomas and to Hugh and Emily Darbishire with Arthur and Jemima. Of course, the congregation weren’t allowed to sing, but Dr Gerard Hyland was with us, as usual, and also Charlotte Miles, who sang two hymns – for which she received final applause. We are very grateful to both of them for this beautiful addition to the service. Also deserving of gratitude are our ‘sidespeople’, Sue Talbot and Sylvia Sutherland, who so expertly showed people to their seats, duly observing social distancing of 1m. To everyone who participated in any way, we offer our sincere thanks and if anyone would like a copy of the service or any part of it, please let me know. (262233) In addition to the generosity at this special event, there has been a steady flow of donations in the telephone box for the Southam Food Bank, for which they are always very grateful. The food is always quarantined before it is passed on to recipients.

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Our Church building Having received our architect’s excellent and detailed description of the state of the church building, we are gradually working on a plan for the next five years. There is much to be done, and we are receiving help and advice from experts at The . We are hoping very much that we can use this opportunity to make the church an even more integral part of the village and appropriate for secular activities as well as church services and celebrations. If you have any ideas or can offer any help, please get in touch with Christopher Hodgson, or respond via the village website. Our services for November will be: Sunday 1st November at 9.00am: Morning Worship for All Saints Day. This is the service in which we are beginning – in a very small way – to change not what we do, but how we do it! Sunday 8th November - Remembrance Sunday: Christopher Hodgson will lead our village tribute at the War Memorial at 10.50am and we shall continue the theme at Evensong at 5.00pm Sunday 15th November at 9.00am: Holy Communion. Sunday 22nd November: We do not hold a service here on the fourth Sunday of the month, but there are services at 10.30am at Wormleighton and Priors Marston. Sunday 29th November -Advent Sunday (purple hangings!): being the 5th Sunday of the month there will be a service for all 6 parishes and on this occasion at Napton at 10.30am Our church will continue to be open on Sundays from 8.00am until 1.00pm and on Wednesdays from 2.00pm until 5.00pm – now that the clocks have changed. Margaret Clarke PCC Member

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PRIORS SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB

The Club’s Annual General Meeting was due to take place on Tuesday November 17th at 19.45 in the Sports Club Pavilion. However due to the current Covid guidelines and the rule of 6 this will not be possible. A rearranged date will be published when we can be sure of being able to go ahead. An agenda will be published in the Parish News, displayed on Club notice board and emailed to members whose email addresses are on file. Any matters for AOB still need to be submitted by email to [email protected] before November 3rd.

November 5th Celebrations – Due to Covid restrictions the Club will not be hosting a Firework and Bonfire event this year. Snowball – The Snowball Lottery is still suspended due to Covid. Football – Our new Sunday side, Romer FC, will be playing their home fixtures at the club every other Sunday, subject to Covid restrictions. Tennis - Please see the section’s own entry for up to date information, their email address is [email protected]. Pop Up Pizza Nights – Suspended until Spring 2021. Sunday Lunch Opening – Again, because of the Rule of 6, the club will not be opening as planned, however the bar will be open when there is a home football fixture. Dog Walkers – If you are using the grounds to exercise your dogs, PLEASE make sure that you clean up after them putting bagged poo in the grey bins only.

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Agility and K9 Activities – As of October 18th, these will be carried out by Susanne Broughton of www.doghampton.co.uk. In addition to agility sessions, she will also be running some other fun K9 activities. These will be publicised on the Sports Club Facebook page – Priors Sports & Social Club 2020. We would again remind people that the equipment is for dog training and NOT for children to use as an obstacle course. Membership – Membership of the Club is open to all readers of this periodical; please contact Keely Huss, Club Membership Secretary by email at [email protected] Security – Please do remember to lock the gates if you are the last to leave the grounds. Contact Details – In the first instance, please send an email to [email protected] or call 07415 093627

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PRIORS TENNIS CLUB NEWS AND EVENTS To access the courts, please visit our website (see below) for information on membership packages. We are keeping the Early Bird family discount offer going for the time being, and if anyone is struggling financially, but would still like to play, please get in contact. No turn up and play allowed (except for on Club Nights). Again, visit our website to book your court. email: [email protected] coach: [email protected] or 07938 145736 Website: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/priorstennis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/priorstennis/ Priors Tennis Club is located on Byfield Road at the entrance to the Sports and Social Club. New members are always welcome!

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The Priors Education Trust (PET) is a registered Charity formed to enhance education for the public benefit with The Priors School named as specific beneficiary.

The Autumn has been a busy time for The PET Trustees, as we have been working with Sam Law, our FOPS Shop Manager, to clear and close the shop. The aim has been to maximise the income generated for the charity from the stock and fittings in the shop at the point we had to cease trading. We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations over the years. For the hard work from our managers, staff and volunteers. Many donations and some of the shop fittings have been sold on eBay. Some books and more unusual items were sold through online apps. On a sunny Saturday in September, some items were sold from outside the front of the shop and donations made. Many of the puzzles and games were donated to Daventry Hill School. As many of you will be aware, The FOPS shop has generated an income stream since 2008. However, in recent times with rising costs and lower footfall in town centres, and now the effects of COVID-19, the revenue has not been so good. We were unable to open the shop to comply with COVID-19 regulations. The end of an era! but not the end of PET. We will continue as an educational grant-giving charity, will still run with the renowned monthly Butchers Arms ‘School Dinners' and the 100 club, and continue in our support of the Priors School. Why not join The PET 100 Club? You might be lucky and win a cash prize! It costs £10 per month by direct debit; there are regular prize draws at the dinners club and all winnings are tax-free. If you would like more information or to join the 100 Club, please contact any of the Trustees listed below.

The Priors Education Trust – Trustees/Directors Jane Richards, Chairman: 262788 David Adams 262626 Pete Brown: 260281 Micky Broadhurst: 01926 815003 Rebecca Phipps: 07917 417914 Caroline Wilson: 264289 Jess Ashenden: 07853 422696 Dot Brown, Treasurer: 260281 www.priorseducationtrust.org.uk Registered Charity, No1145955 Registered Company No 07747639

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GARDEN JOTTINGS FROM BRIDGE NURSERY Your local Hardy Plant Specialists

The prospect of cold, dark days ahead, with the added uncertainty of having further restrictions due to the coronavirus, will be causing some anxiety for many of us. Please remember that gardening is good for mind and body, so here are a few things to do to keep you occupied for the next few weeks.

• Plant new plants. • Move plants if they are in the 'wrong' place. • Make plans for next year... a new border perhaps? • Sow broad beans. • Plant garlic. • Sow sweet peas. • Be ruthless with plants which don't grow well or which you don't really like, get rid of them and get something nicer. • Rake up leaves. • Put compost (homemade) on the borders. • Get seed catalogues and order something new and different for next year. • Be ready to protect tender plants if the temperatures fall.

Above all, make the most of the sunshine, it could help us all feel a bit more positive Christine Christine Dakin, Bridge Nursery, Tomlow Road, Napton, www.bridge- nursery.co.uk ¼ mile from Crossroads Garage – look for our Tourist Sign

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WEATHER JOTTINGS SEPTEMBER 2020 Total rainfall for September 2020 was 36mm, bringing the total for the year so far to 485mm – similar to the past six years, in spite of wide variations between the years. In 2014 we only received 11mm of rain in September, but in 2017 we received 77mm and last year 91mm. Average rainfall for September this century remains about 52mm. The month began with temperatures in the upper teens, with rain from mid-afternoon on Wednesday 2nd and drizzle all day on Thursday 3rd giving a total of 4mm. Monday 7th was a cloudy day, leaving just a trace, after 2mm of rain late on Sunday 6th. Tuesday 8th was a very warm day - 23℃, but with plenty of cloud. However, the temperature returned to 18℃ the next day. From Sunday 12th until Monday 21st, we enjoyed a spell of beautiful autumn weather, with the temperature rising to 26℃ on Tuesday 15th; but the end of this spell was spoilt by a cool wind from the east. A spell of fine, warm weather often occurs towards the end of September and is known as the Indian Summer, a term which has been in use since the 19th Century. It’s also a common name for the plant/flower, Alstroemeria. For the last nine days of the month, we returned to temperatures as low as 15℃ on Friday 25th, thanks to that east wind again. Wednesday 23rd brought a series of heavy showers giving 9mm of rain and Thursday 24th also brought early rain and then, in the

26 evening, a thunderstorm. This was during the Village Meeting by Zoom and it was interesting to hear that the thunder sounded louder at Lower End than it did at Church End!! We had a further 1mm of rain late on Monday 28th, followed by a fine day on Tuesday 29th, and then on Wednesday 30th, a dull day of drizzle followed by heavy rain in the evening giving 13mm of rain. There were very slight frosts on 26th and 28th. Margaret Clarke

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