October 2020 Chaddleworth News

In this edition Perhaps this will teach me that regular watering of pots is essential if you want them to go on performing well, as of  Information from the Church and Schools course with no holidays this summer they have received my  Updates from the Gardening and Cricket Clubs full attention! This year as a bonus I seem to have had many  News from the Parish Council self-seeded plants, including different colour nemesia appearing in the pots. They have flowered brilliantly and the  A short history of the Valley Railway bees have loved them. The salvias have also flowered well.  Recommended Local Tradesmen & Advertising There are now so many different colours, and apparently no  A touch of Halloween Baking from Trindledown garden is complete without Salvia Amistad which is known for attracting bees. We hope you enjoy reading Chaddleworth News. I have had a visiting Hummingbird Hawkmoth which has been very appreciative of the Salvias, particularly the dark purple ones. Time to look forward now. Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

Lest we forget The British Legion have decided that there will not be any door to door collections this year so I thought I would hold a sale of poppies at our home, either in the drive or in the garage if it is wet. This will be on Saturday 24th October from 10am to 3pm, at The Quick, Main Street, Chaddleworth. I know there are some who would prefer to stay at home and I will ring those I know to arrange to come and see them. Anyone else who would prefer I call on them please ring me on 638271. If there is anyone who would like to help me on the day, please give me a call. I can supply drinks and cake!

Sue Ridgeway Unfortunately, there is no possibility of resuming Gardening Club meetings this year. However, for those who are looking for a garden to visit or an outing, I did spot that Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley, east of Oxford, now have most of their facilities open. The herbaceous border is fantastic. It is worth checking out their website, there is art and craft to see, and a cafe. Aston Pottery near Witney is also open (not Mondays), with its Autumn border, shop and café, again check the website. Nearer to home Englefield House gardens are open on Mondays, check the website for times. So when we are not taking cuttings, (October is fine still, and don’t forget you can take cuttings from your favourite Downland Gardening Club roses), sweeping up leaves for leaf mould and generally Another month has passed and as I write this the sun is still moving towards putting the garden to bed for the winter we shining, however a change is forecast and Autumn seems can browse catalogues and websites for seeds, bulbs and to be here. The trees are changing colour and at Oak Ash plants for next year. Sowing some Hardy Annuals now is the leaves are beginning to fall. Next it will be the chestnuts recommended as they get a better start, also dividing and it looks as though there is a bumper crop of sweet perennials or planting new ones to give them a flying start ones.. However the pots outside the front of my house, for next year while the soil is still warm. Have a good month. facing south are still full of colour and the roses are Judy Kelley 638162 blooming again. [Ed. watch out for hedgehogs – the gardener’s best friend]

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Co-Editors: David Jennings & Grahame Murphy Distribution Team: John Ballard, Anne Bunn, Ray Doncaster, Joe Mills, Grahame Murphy, Christine Patterson, Sue Ridgeway Printing costs are paid for by Chaddleworth Parish Council. Electronic colour PDF copy available on the village website

Chaddleworth St Andrew's and Shefford St Andrew’s Church, Chaddleworth Church of Federated Primary part of the West Downland Benefice Schools Our Open Air services have been well received but the It is a real delight to see how well our children have settled weather is definitely cooler now, and we know that we need back into routines. They have missed school, missed their to make provision for rainy Sundays, but the complexities of friends and are ready to learn! social distancing indoors while accommodating larger numbers of church goers present a huge challenge. And of At this time of year we elect Shadow House Captains for course the rate of infection is worsening at the moment so each house: Anvil, Watermill and Arlington. Our Shadow I’m writing this as we wait for the latest Covid-19 House Captains learn how to lead a team by shadowing announcement from the Prime Minister. So for now we’re their House Captain and when they reach year 6, they take planning one more Open Air in October and will then update on the House Captain role. This succession planning means our schedule. Monday services in Chaddleworth will that our House Captains already have a toolkit of leadership continue while regulations allow. There will be a service skills, ready for any task! Owls, Kingfishers and Robins somewhere in West Downland Benefice on Sundays, but listened carefully to each speech, weighing up who they this may revert to a ‘virtual location’, i.e. Zoom, if we thought had the skills to take on this important role. They experience a local or national lockdown. This feels a bit each voted and we are awaiting the results which will be chaotic but, like all families, our family of churches is arriving imminently! The year 5 children certainly showed working to deal with unpredictable events and we just need the Christian Value of Courage. to keep loving and trusting each other and making sure that we laugh together when we can, and hold each other in our fears. Miri 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12 If you would like to be added to our circulation list, please email [email protected] October Services

Every Monday, 11am, St Andrew’s Church Chaddleworth Seated Holy Communion A calm and peaceful service with social distancing using the traditional words. Suitable for those who feel nervous about meeting with large groups. Please wear a mask. Please contact Sue Ridgeway or Miri if you plan to attend

Sunday 4th, 10.30am, Churchyard Open Air Service with Holy Communion inside the church Our Christian Values are displayed on our recently installed Please reserve a seat for Holy Communion on arrival mosaic which is by the entrance hall. The children each made a leaf to go on the tree and each apple represents a Sunday 11th October onwards Christian Value: Courage, Compassion, Trust, Friendship, To Be Confirmed Wisdom and Endurance. Village Hall

The ecologist’s report and licence application have now Please join us in celebrating Harvest Festival by watching been received by the Chairman for approval. We then have our Collective Worship video available from Thursday, 1st to wait for the application to be approved before the roofers October at https://www.csfschools.org/headteachers- can re-start the work. Glen Bourne (Norris Lane) has raised message over £140 for the Hall’s funds by holding a tabletop sale in We are also holding an Open Afternoon event via Zoom for her driveway and intends to hold another one before the new parents. For more information, please visit year is out (thank you Glen). https://www.csfschools.org/information-for-new-parents Please keep in mind the availability of the Hall (when it is Our school website pages will be updated regularly so back up and running) for your children's parties, family please keep checking at www.csfschools.org/home- events and any other functions by contacting Chris Jordan learning for my updates or www.csfschools.org/newsletters on 01488 638149. For any other issues about the Hall for the latest newsletters. please contact Heather Murphy, 01488 638628, Thank you to everyone for your continued support. [email protected] Alison Stephenson, Acting Headteacher/DSL, 01488 648657 Village Hall Car Park By the time you get this Newsletter the car park re-surfacing will be started, enhancing the entry to the Hall. Chaddleworth Cricket Club Under Fives The somewhat onerous cricket season that was 2020 Pre-School, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9.15 to finished on the 30th August with a tightly contested, good 2.45pm spirited President’s XI match at The Head’s Farm ground. Our new term has got off to a flying start; the new children, The President’s side, captained by Rupert Brankin-Frisby, Leonora, Frankie, Oscar, Dash, Jackson and Macy have all batted first on a fine Bank Holiday Sunday and, despite the settled in well and are enjoying making new friends. The best efforts of the Chadd bowlers, put on a very weather has been warm and dry so we have spent lots of commendable 213 on what was a pretty flat wicket due to time outside; in our playground, at the park and along the the rain we’d had over the previous few days. A particularly Lambourn Valley Way. Our walks into the countryside are impressive display of dogged determination from their always interesting, so much to see and experience. The number two batsman, Will Hope, who was still unbeaten on children have picked apples from a small orchard and made 68 at the close of the innings. Tom Campbell took three and apple crumble to take home, they have paddled in the river Ed Pocock, Otis and Jude Brankin-Frisby, and Jasper Gray and have explored the wooded area. Our music teacher, also cashed in with a wicket a piece. Anouska, has visited and now we do lessons outside at a So lunch was taken with the game looking to be a tall order social distance! for the men of Chaddleworth but the young team were full of characteristic confidence. However, there were early scalps for Rupert’s side as Will Hope, obviously not tired from his batting, took a couple of early wickets. Indeed, it took Chaddleworth’s number five Otis to steady the ship with his typically solid batting, reaching 71. This performance seemed to invigorate the Chadd side and with some able partners at the crease the Chadd boys were able to come back to form with a narrow victory of only four runs in the very last over. As ever a huge thank you to all involved in the running of the club from the players to the vice-presidents. But especially to Joe Mills and Ray Doncaster for their tireless work preparing our beautiful ground and Mr. and Mrs. Hambro for providing us with it. Also, as per usual, we are always on the look out for new Baby & Toddler Group – Monday 9.30 to 11.30am players. Experience and skill not necessary, we’re a friendly Our Monday “turn-up” sessions are still taking place as the bunch and would welcome any offers to play even if only for government rules allow families to attend an educational a Sunday or two. We have already a full fixture list for 2021, setting. The families have met at the park, been on a walk, May through to August. It would be great to see you there! had story time and picnic, bubbles and rhymes. Each family Go well… Jim ‘Wilson’ brings their own picnic blanket, drink and snack and enjoys the socially distanced support of other young families in a 100 Club safe environment. Do check our Facebook page for weekly The latest winners of the 100 Club draw for September are details which are published each Friday. Karen Hambro with her lucky number 56 and Chris Bourne If you have a pre-school child and would like to see the with his lucky number 36. They both win £39. We are now opportunities and care we offer, please do call in to visit us up to 79 Members so thank you one and all. or look at our website for further details and contacts This Club supports the Village Hall in ongoing costs that are www.greatsheffordunderfives.co.uk ever increasing (Insurance, Maintenance etcetera). The Best regards, Denise Herrington 100 Club is a vital source of income for the Village Hall. It is really worthwhile being a Member and I implore every villager to join. Please contact Grahame Murphy on 01488 638628 or email [email protected]

How do I join the 100 Club? Here is what you do if you “internet bank”, set up a standing order for £2 per month (one number) or £24 a year. Payable to: Recipient: Chaddleworth 100 Club Sort Code: 62-28-74 Account No: 00000000 (eight zeros) Reference: 2856684010 That’s it you’re done! Email Grahame Murphy to let him know you have joined and to get your allocated number. Parish Council Minutes But many disputes created a lull in the proceedings, and it wasn’t until 1897 that work began in earnest to complete the The latest Parish Council meeting was held via Zoom on the line. On the 2nd of April 1898, the inaugural train came into Wednesday 16th September. For a full transcript of the Lambourn amid great rejoicing. In 1905 though, due to more minutes from all past meetings of Chaddleworth Parish financial difficulties, the Great Western Railway agreed to Council, please visit www.chaddleworth.net.If you have take over control and therefore brought in many any matters for the Council, please contact the clerk via improvements, particularly the new station at Lambourn. email [email protected] Through the 1920s, the line was profitable, and the racehorse transport was busy. However, the onset of the bus and lorry began to change the fortunes. WWII though Chaddleworth Playground helped the line with heavy continuous traffic due to the The Parish Council on behalf of the village thanks Lynne nearby airfields of Welford and Membury. But manpower Doncaster and David Jennings for volunteering at the was at a premium during this time, as many staff had gone Village Play Area. We also now have more volunteers to to join the services. help keep the Village ship shape but are always happy to see new faces! The two climbers in the village playground remain temporarily closed. The playground repairs should be starting in early October. A volunteer working party will then be co-ordinated (social distanced of course) to help spread the new woodchip. Thank you to the four volunteers that have already come forward to help with jobs around the village, all these jobs that can be done by volunteers reduces everyone’s council tax, so it is very much needed and appreciated. If anyone would like to help with jobs around the village and join the ‘Chaddleworth Volunteer Working Party’ then please contact the clerk. [email protected] Yours, The Parish Council Clerk Lambourn Railway Station c-1950s looking SE

The History Bit In 1937, a diesel railcar had been brought in to reduce costs of the steam trains, but the railcar was underpowered and A short history of the Lambourn Valley Railway at times, was not man enough to pull an extra carriage and horse boxes on race days.

The line had been good for the villages as coal was now able to be brought in more cheaply than before, and Lambourn Engineering was using it to send out some of their products as well. A well-stocked coal yard in Lambourn, run by Lewis Bodman, then his son George, made sure that no one went without heat.

Lambourn Railway Station inaugural opening 1898

In 1873, an idea was put forward for a tramway from Newbury to Lambourn. However, financial difficulties by 1876, meant that the project had only reached Donnington. By 1881, though, more interest had been generated, but it took until 1888 on the 18th of June, that the first sod was turned in a field opposite Welford Park Estate. By 1890, the best part of nine miles of track had been laid. George Bodman's Membury Book In 1948 though, the GWR became British Railways and then scrutinization of the line became apparent with the talk of closure in 1951. However, RAF Welford had become available to the USAAF who had designs on an ammunition storage facility there and through 1952/4 construction of substantial sidings at Welford Park station took place.

Welford Station looking East

George Bodman's Membury Book

The line, though, was basically still losing money and British Rail began cutting costs by closing some small stations. Due to bad weather, the construction of the line was delayed, and it wasn’t until the 25th of October that the spur Welford Station and the spur line from Welford Park to the USAAF base was completed, apart from some tidying up in places. On Saturday the 3rd of November 1973, four enthusiasts specials ran for the last time from Newbury to Welford and on the 3rd of July 1975, authorisation was given for the removal of the track.

Welford Station and the sidings

On January the 4th 1960, the death nell came for the line from Welford to Lambourn and it was closed. The last train Welford Station looking West which left Newbury carried 59 passengers but increased to 126 by the time Lambourn was reached. 73 passengers made the return journey, but due to the communication cord With grateful thanks this article is courtesy of Mick being pulled, it was nearly an hour and a half late reaching Dowdswell with pictures courtesy of George Bodman and Newbury! Charlie Marshall. For a comprehensive history of the Lambourn Valley Traffic continued to Welford for coal supplies to be collected Railway, seek out Kevin Robertson and Roger Simmonds’ and for the USAAF, but closure was on the cards, book ‘The Lambourn Branch’. particularly when the M4 opened in December 1971. The [Ed. My sister and brother-in-law were on one of those last train using the line was believed to be in June 1972. ‘specials’ in 1973. I have a copy of the book if anyone is interested in browsing through it.] Chaddleworth Afternoon Club The Ibex Macmillan's Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning Campaign The ‘Agent’s’ website states “deposit taken, solicitors Thank you to all those who have made kind donations to instructed” I contacted the owner, Mr John Castle, to ask Macmillan Cancer Support in September. If you still want to who the new landlord(s) are. His reply was “we are working make a donation, please do (as described in last month’s on something. I will be in touch when we have more September newsletter). information”. Sadly, he is far from comprehensive in his replies and this is frustrating especially as without the help Thank you also to those who supported the collection of the of the Parish Council he would not have been able to build donations. Best wishes, Pat any of the houses currently on the site. I will continue to Saunders Wynn and Coventry Educational contact him. Grahame Murphy Foundation Trindledown Farm – National Animal Welfare The three named benefactors set up the Trust to offer Trust financial help to further the educational needs of the We are running our Halloween Bake Off competition… children and students (up to the age of 25) of the Parish of Chaddleworth. If you wish to apply for funds please contact the Foundation’s Clerk, Heather Murphy, Tower Hi ll Cottage, Botmoor Way, Chaddleworth RG20 7EU or email [email protected] for an application form. The Trustees will meet again as soon as the Covid 19 virus is overcome and things can return to normal. In the meantime, if any applications are received, they will be considered by the Trustees using the postal system and will be treated with extreme confidentiality.

Chaddleworth Support Network A community response to the challenges of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak The village thanks all the volunteers for their support and assistance so far. What with one thing and another, it may be that their help may be required again in the coming weeks, unfortunately. If you live in Chaddleworth and would either like to volunteer or if you need support, please call Nikkie MacNamara on 07533 591831. or the Parish Council Clerk on 07867 310121 or email [email protected]

Chaddleworth Hardship Fund The charity was enacted in 1813 to provide fuel and ‘necessaries’ for the people of Chaddleworth Parish. This charity has now been updated to become the Chaddleworth Hardship Fund. The Trustees of this fund (the Parish Council) would like to help the village during this unprecedented pandemic. If you The link for the Bake Off: www.nawt.org.uk/events/gvbo find yourself in financial difficulties please apply to the If you would like to support Trindledown during this difficult Parish Clerk by email to [email protected] and time then please donate by going to the Trustees will look at your application (in strictest https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/9739 or by calling us on confidence) and may award financial help. The Trustees 01488 638584. Trindledown have reopened their onsite Harvest Auction and Seniors Christmas pet store, Smithy’s and charity shop Trindledown Treasures, by appointment only. Call on 01488 638584 to Lunch 2020 book an appointment! Sadly, we are still unable to accept Both the Harvest Auction and Seniors Christmas Lunch donations. www.facebook.com/nawt.berkshire events are such an important part of the village yearly diary and enjoyed by many villagers. But due to social distancing TV FOR SALE rules it is with great sadness that I have decided to cancel the Harvest Auction for 2020. I’m very sure that this is the right choice to keep people safe for all of us to hopefully enjoy in 2021. We are also very concerned that the Seniors Christmas Lunch may not be possible either and will advise further in the next Chaddleworth Newsletter. Thank you for your understanding and support. Chris Jordan John 07962493880 The Downland Practice have a problem with the phone system initially, the process of pressing the number to book a flu appointment allowed Following are the latest updates from the Downland patients ringing in for appointments to be answered first. Practice Patient Participation Group (PPG): The facility has now been taken off the phone system and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: The current COVID patients ringing in to book their flu appointment will be dealt situation is still very unpredictable, the surgery is constantly with alongside the other patients ringing the surgery. Please monitoring this issue and will adjust the service according use the following link www.downlandpractice.nhs.uk to see to the severity of the COVID-19 spread of infection. The further updates for 2020 Flu clinics. current situation is being managed as best as we can, all Flu 50 – 64 years of age – 2020: Please note that, if you are patients must wear a face mask when attending the surgery aged between 50 and 64 and not in a clinical at risk group, (unless they are exempt). Updates on the Downland the earliest you will be offered a flu vaccination is Practice can be found at the practice website news section November, providing there is sufficient vaccine, this is not a www.downlandpractice.nhs.uk Downland Practice decision but a NHS decision. No Practice Staff: Dr Christine Davies and Dr Bernadette appointments will be offered for people in this age group Clarke left the surgery at of August 2020, both Dr Davies until confirmation of flu availability is known. and Dr Clarke have been with the Downland Practice for several years and will be greatly missed. Dr Daveeta Dhesi who started at the beginning of August is fitting in well with the patient’s and the Downland team. We are looking forward also to Dr Louise Reed who starts at the surgery on the 14 September 2020. Hazel McLeod from the admin team is retiring at the end of October 2020, Hazel has been at the practice for a number of years. Finally one of the practice nurses Beccy Crisp is retiring at the end of September 2020, Beccy has been a key member of the Downland team for the last 10 years and will be missed from the nursing team. Downland Pharmacy Update: The Downland Pharmacy requires to have some infrastructure work carried out. This is currently planned to take place after Easter in 2021 and The Naughty Step will involve the Pharmacy moving in to a purpose build Our Parish Councillors have asked that gravel on drives be facility (Container) in the carpark. Many patients will kept attended to for the sake of motorists, cyclists and horse remember that this also occurred in the summer of 2018, riders. There is a risk of skidding on gravel that has issued once we have a firm plan for this project the team at the on to the roads. Pharmacy will advertise the process for patients to collect We are all very lucky to live in our wonderful village of their medications whilst the work and maintenance is being Chaddleworth. Unfortunately, now and then the standards carried out on the Pharmacy. slip a little bit. Please… Electronic Prescription Service (EPS): The software to allow  Don’t drop litter. EPS to operate at a Dispensing Practice is not yet nationally available. Once the software is available to allow EPS to  Pick up your dog’s mess and dispose of it. Dogs should operate at a Dispensing Practice we will inform patients via also not be taken into the Football Field or the this patient info sheet and the practice website. Playground areas. Notices to this effect are posted. GP Appointments: Please ring the surgery before 12.30 if  Drive carefully in the village and the local roads. You you require a telephone consultation with a GP on the day. are likely to meet a child, pet, horse, wildlife, cycles or Calls received from patients in the afternoon may have a oncoming large vehicle. Take care and keep everyone GP telephone call booked for the next working day. The way safe. that appointments are requested is changing, we now ask  Do not use the Village Hall areas late in the day – that patients go to our website and submit requests via the especially do not make excessive noise, drink alcohol ask the GP a question. These requests are then processed or light BBQ’s. Please respect the neighbours and other by the reception team and actioned as required. As this users of the facilities. system develops then there will be less reception staff If you witness any unacceptable behaviour, please report it answering the telephones as some reception staff will be ‘in confidence’ to the Parish Council. dealing with the patients who have submitted their request online. The Downland Practice will be having their computer system updated in the next few months, this will allow for patients to use the practice website for submitting requests for GP appointments to run smoother. Once the new system is about to go live the surgery will issue a patient update to inform patient how best to use this system. Patients registered at the Downland Practice are offered face to face Please send your contributions for appointments when this is appropriate for their care. the November Chaddleworth News Flu Clinics 2020: The Flu season has started and so far has to [email protected] went very well, the flu clinics have been booked up quickly by 20th October and the first flu clinic seemed to go with little trouble. We did

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