CHURCH SERVICES May St Mary’s St Leonard’s Steeple Ashton 11.15am Round About Your Parish Sunday 4th Parish Communion 9.15 am Easter 3 (BCP) (Rev Dove) All Age Service Readings: Acts 2.14a, 36-41 Luke 24. 13-35 MAY 2014

Sunday 11th 8am Holy Communion 9.15am (BCP) (Rev Dove) Holy Communion (CW) Easter 4 10.30am Family Service (Coffee will be served after the Bun Service service)

Sunday 18th 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 9.15 am Easter 5 (Rev Parker) Morning Prayer (CW) 11.15am Parish Commun- ion (CW) (Rev Parker) Readings: 1 Peter 2: 2-10 John 14: 1-14

Sunday 25th 8am Holy Communion Part of a 1749 map of the Manor of Keevil, (BCP) (Rev D Hart) 6.30 pm showing “Coople Church Field” Easter 6 10.30am Morning Prayer Holy Communion (BCP) Land Surveyor James Sartain produced this map of the Estate of Thomas (Rev Dove) Beach Esq. in 1749. The tradition that an ancient church once stood in the Readings: 1 Peter 3: 13-22 parish of Keevil, around half a mile east of St. Mary’s Church, is reflected in John 14. 15-21 the original ‘open field’ name (shown sub-divided into smaller tenancies). One hundred and sixty four years after the map’s creation, somewhere in Thurs 29th 7pm Parish Communion the “Coople Church Field” area, a farmer’s plough unearthed an encaustic Ascension Readings:Acts 1: 1-11 (inlaid) tile, and struck the foundations of a building. Day Luke 24. 44-53

June 11.15am Parish Commun- Sunday 1st ion (BCP) (Rev Parker) 3.30 pm Steeple Ashton Village Shop Easter 7 6.30pm Evensong Afternoon Special Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm Sunday (R Havergal) Bun Service Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday 9.ooam to 12noon after Readings: Acts 1. 6-14 May Bank Holidays, 5th and 26th, open 9am to 12noon Ascension John 17. 1-11 Shop telephone: 01380 871 211 Bryan writes more about the front-cover photo...

The images of the 1749 map of the Manor of Keevil, & the 1863 Tithe Map image in this article, are reproduced by kind permis- sion of ‘The & Swindon History Centre’, Chippenham – who hold the copyright. Rev. Richardson’s 1914 map drawing, plus Alan Thomsett’s 1990 map drawing, are reproduced by kind permission of ‘The Keevil Society’ – who hold the copyright. In this instance, their use is restricted to this article only. The March 1913 discovery site in ‘Coople Church Field’ was excavated by Lieut. W H Chamberlaine – with 2 skeletons being uncovered in the process (later reinterred). The following year, Keevil’s Vicar – the Rev. A T Richard- son – recorded Lieut. Chamberlaine’s findings, making detailed drawings of the site. The Vicar’s maps clearly show the building as laying east to west, 56ft long by 18ft 6 inches wide, near the north-east corner of a field: it was believed that the location of the long-rumoured Anglo-Saxon church had finally been identified. continued on page 28

Newsletter Deadlines for 2014 May 20th; June (for July/August) 17th; August 19th; September 16th; October 21st; November (for Dec/Jan) 18th.

Newsletter Information Items for the June newsletter should be received by Tuesday 20th May 2014. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 1A Butts Lane, Stee- ple Ashton or by email to [email protected]. All published items solely express the views of the author and are the copyright of the author and Round About Your Parish unless otherwise stated. The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to supply all news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be received before printing. Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Mrs Chris Plum on 01380 870875. There may be a waiting list. Please send your ads by letter not email. Please note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers. Flyers for Village activities and events can be delivered with the newsletter. If you wish to have a flyer for a village event delivered with this newsletter, please contact Anne Howard on 870505 during the third week of the month to see if it is convenient. All flyers have to be counted out for the delivery packs and as there are 25 deliverers this can take some time. No more than two per newslet- ter would be helpful. Editor CATHOLIC NEWS THE NEW 300 CLUB 2014 STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST quarterly - £4.33 monthly. New mem- Defibrillators will help Ambulance Response Times & ST bers are most welcome to join at any time. Prizes are: £200-£70- AMBULANCE bosses are buying 120 defibrillators to put in public places in BERNADETTE’S WESTBURY £50-£10 - £5 monthly. For infor- ( incl VILLAGES). mation and application form contact Wiltshire to try to improve its response times. South Western Ambulance Parish Priest: CANON LIAM Frank Geraghty 01380 871083 email: Service has consistently failed to meet the response times for Red calls – the O’DRISCOLL [email protected] most urgent calls such as cardiac arrests – in Wiltshire. The service should TELEPHONE 01225 752152 attend Red calls in eight minutes 75 per cent of the time but in Wiltshire www.stjohnthebaptist.co.uk SHARING OUR FAITH performance for the year to date is 58 per cent for Red 1 calls and 64 per cent for Red 2 calls.The service has not reached the 75 per cent target in Wiltshire St John’s Sunday Masses : The Group meets in the Parish Centre Trowbridge on Wednesdays from for the past ten months.In places like Swindon SWAS exceeds the 75 per Saturday (Vigil) 6pm; Sunday cent target and achieves about 88 per cent but bosses say the rural nature 10.30am & 6pm 8-9pm.This is open to anyone wish- ing to learn more about the Catholic of Wiltshire means it is difficult for it to send ambulances within eight Church. minutes.On average SWAS attends three Red 1 calls a day in Wiltshire.At a Weekday Masses: meeting of ’s Health Select Committee on Tuesday Neil Le Mon: 9am; Tues: 6pm; Wed: SICK AND/OR HOUSEBOUND Chevalier, deputy director of delivery at SWAS said: “There’s no consistency 12.10pm; Fri 6pm Any catholic who is sick or where the the next heart attack is going to occur in Wiltshire. “I can put an Sat: 10am; 6pm (Vigil) housebound should let Canon Liam Rosary: Weekdays before Mass. (01225 752152) know as he would be ambulance in Chippenham 24/7 365 days of the year at a cost of £650,000 SVP Fri 6.45pm pleased to arrange a visit and bring but that won’t give you performance (the 75 per cent target) in Wiltshire. Confessions: Sat: 10.30-11.15am Holy Communion, if desired. and 5-5.45pm Paul Burkett-Wendes, head of operations for the Wiltshire, Gloucestershire MASS TIMES at NEARBY and Avon area for SWAS, said: “You could spend millions and millions in St Bernadette’s, Westbury CATHOLIC CHURCHES Wiltshire but because of the rurality you will not hit the response times.” Sunday Mass - 9am St Joseph’s, West Lavington Mr Le Chevalier said consultants who had analysed the service’s perform- Weekday Mass -Thursday 11 am (01380 723572) Mass on Sunday at ance in Wiltshire to Red calls recommended that in order to meet response 9.00am Confessions/Reconciliation before Immaculate Conception, times another 400 hours of ambulance cover a week was needed, costing Mass and any time on request. Devizes (01380 723572) Mass on £1.1 million. He said while SWAS was negotiating with Wiltshire Clinical Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday Commissioning Group for more resources, he acknowledged that funding 10.30am and 5.00pm was limited and was looking at other ways of improving response times St Anthony (01225 in Wiltshire. These are increasing the number of volunteer community 702128) Mass on Saturday 5.30pm LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2014 and Sunday 9.30am responders (members of the public who are trained to use a defibrillator) This will take place from 22nd to St George’s (01985 including retained fire fighters and buying 120 defibrillators to be placed in 29th August. Details phone Canon 212329)Mass on Saturday evening locations such as village squares, shopping centres and care homes. Liam 01225 752152. 6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am & 10.00am The defibrillators, which are used on people who have suffered a cardiac AUCTION OF PROMISES & (For information on any of the arrest, will be distributed from April and the locations are currently being SMALL GOODS above please contact finalised. Those in Wiltshire are part of a £500,000 investment in defibril- Friday 6th June in St John’s Parish Francis Geraghty 01380 871083 lators for Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Avon by SWAS. Mr Le Chevalier Centre, viewing from 7pm. Admis- email: said SWAS also had one of the highest rates of non-conveyance (not taking sion £2 to include wine & nibbles. [email protected]) patients to hospital) in Wiltshire compared to the rest of the country. 40 1 WEBSITE… It’s now live…www.steeple-ashton.co.uk Methodist Church Diary and Events This kiss of the sun for pardon The song of the birds for mirth One is nearer God’s heart in a garden God’s Garden by Than anywhere else on earth. Dorothy Gurney (1858-1932) I’m not very good at gardening, and don’t enjoy weeding but I do enjoy plan- ning and at the moment it’s a ‘work in progress’. Since moving my pc nearer It’s a website for the whole to the window, it’s been wonderful to look out and see leaves emerging on village, so feedback from you what looked like dead shrubs, and those like forsythia and quince flowering is encouraged! Please email and heralding the coming of spring and of course daffodils and tulips give Lynda on us such lovely colours. Many people enjoy their gardens, and find them a place of devotion. When [email protected] they are weeding or planting they find they can come closer to God in the It’s a starting point and over peace and tranquillity of nature. Some people say that they are more able to time it will evolve and grow. meet God outdoors, or in a garden, than inside a church, and I can under- If you are a Club or Group wanting to have an entry in our DIRECTORY and stand that. There’s something about being surrounded by flowers, bushes have not let me know your details, then can you please email me your words and trees - nothing artificial – everything is natural. and pictures to [email protected] Remember to include at least In the Bible we can read about two gardens – the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve enjoyed meeting God, until things started to go wrong. Jesus the following information: Name of your group, contact details, when and often went off on his own to talk to his Father, sometimes into the hills, where you meet, costs, words and pictures to promote your group. If you but it was into the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus went as he struggled already have your own website, then we can add a link. to overcome his thoughts about his impending crucifixion; and it was there If you are a business who advertises in this Newsletter, then we can add you that in the end he accepted that it was God’s will. to our DIRECTORY for free. Please email at least the following information: So as the warmer weather starts, I hope that you will enjoy spending time Name of your business, contact details, area covered, words and pictures to in a garden, whether yours or someone else’s (like Stourhead or The Courts promote your business. If you already have your own website, then we can or elsewhere). Take time to think of God, the Creator of all you see growing add a link. there, and thank Him. Izzie Smears ANNUAL PARISH MEETING Worship each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. unless otherwise advertised. This took place on 7th April. The Parish Council Chairman, Francesca Buff- Please join us if you can, and stay for a cup of tea/coffee and a chat after the ery gave an Annual Report which identified that even though the bank bal- service. Don’t forget, if you would like prayers said for you or someone you ance looks healthy, there are several ‘pots’ of money which are ring-fenced, are concerned about, please pop a note into the post box by the door and either as necessary reserves, or for future projects around the village. Rep- we will pick it up and include it in our Sunday prayers. N.B. Everyone is resentatives from The Recreation Group, St Mary’s School Building Man- welcome to come to all our events agement Committee, Friends of Steeple Ashton, Steeple Ashton Shop, your Diary Dates: MAY Local Councillor Jonathon Seed, and the Police came along and give brief Sun 4th Revd Mikel Burrell – Holy Communion service reports covering the last 12 months. Jonathon Seed noted that we are very Mon 5th West Wilts Maranatha at 7;30 p.m. to be confirmed lucky to have had Emily and Rose from covering our parish Thurs 8th Prayer & Praise evening 7:15 p.m. for the last 5 years, giving both continuity and local knowledge. Sun 11th Revd Tom MacMeekin BEST KEPT VILLAGE Wed 14th Reflections & Fellowship in the Douglas Room at 10:00 a.m. Steeple Ashton will again be entering the Best Kept Village Competition, Sun 18th Mr Douglas Colborne run by The Campaign to Protect Rural and sponsored by The Hills Sun 25th Mr John Saunders Group. We just creep into the Medium village category (which is for vil- Wed 28th Reflections & Fellowship in the Douglas Room at 10:00 a.m. 2 39 COLLECT for Easter 3 Blessing of the eyes ages with a population of 301 to 1000. As at the 2011 Census we had a Almighty Father, population of 935 (for information we have 760 on the electoral roll, which who in your great mercy gladdened the May God, excludes children, as at February 2014). Judging will take place between disciples who comes to us mid May and mid June. I hope we can all take pride in living in such a lovely with the sight of the risen Lord: in the things of this world, village and maybe spend a few minutes making sure that the pavements in give us such knowledge of his presence bless your eyes front of our properties are kept weed free. The Parish Council is working with us, and be in your seeing. with Wiltshire Council and Balfour Beatty to try and maintain the verges, that we may be strengthened and sustained hedges, roads and pavements to a satisfactory standard, but if we could all by his risen life May Christ, assist by spending just a few minutes spring cleaning the pavements, it will and serve you continually in righteousness who looks upon you create a good impression not just to the competition judges, but to everyone and truth; with deepest love, from far and wide who decides to visit this lovely part of Wiltshire. Thank through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, bless your eyes you. who is alive and reigns with you, and widen your gaze. PLANNING in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Planning applications are considered at Parish Council Meetings and Plan- one God, now and for ever. May the Spirit, ning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an Open Forum for who perceives what is members of the public to comment on planning matters prior to their and what may yet be, consideration. bless your eyes New Plans: and sharpen your vision. 14/03718/FUL -19 A Dark Lane South Steeple Ashton Trowbridge Wilts BA14 6EZ - Demolition of garage to allow a permanent construction for May the Sacred Three the new build bless your eyes 14/03787/FUL - 2 Newleaze Steeple Ashton Trowbridge Wiltshire BA14 and cause you to see. 6EF - Proposed single storey extension. 14/03839/FUL - Land North West Of 6 Holmeleaze Steeple Ashton Wilt- FRIDAY CLUB (for all the family 0-13yrs): shire - Extension, solar panels to main roof, change of roof pitch, single 3.45-4.30pm drink & biscuits & chat; garage and retaining wall. 4.30pm songs and children’s worship; PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS 4.50- 5.30pm fun & games. All welcome fortnightly: The next Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting will be held on Next meetings May 9th and 23rd in the Village Hall Monday 28th April 2014 in the Skittle Alley of the Village Hall, starting SUPPORTING THE CHURCH: at 7.30pm. Those who wish to support the work of the Church by regular giving, dona- The next Main Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 19th May in tion or will should contact the treasurer Anne Strange on 01380 870278, the Skittle Alley of the Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. [email protected]. Gift Aid envelopes, for those paying tax, must have a legible postcode and address. PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE (2 St. Mary’s School, High St.) This is open to the public three times a week (Monday and Tuesday HOME COMMUNIONS 2.30pm - 3.30pm; Wednesday 10am – 11am) or by appointment. The If you are unable to get to church through sickness or disability, the telephone number is 01380 871461. Vicar (01225 752635) or Rev Lionel Dove (01380 870013) will be Lynda Beaven, Clerk to the Parish Council. Tel:01380 871461 email: pleased to arrange a home communion for you and/or your spouse. [email protected] For information the non-emergency POLICE CONTACT NUMBER is 101 38 3 The Welcome Leaflet SOME IDEAS FOR MAKING MAY meaningful Our two villages, Steeple Ashton and Great Hinton, cover a large are that is (why not pick one or two or create some of your own?) linked up by many small lanes and roads. > Day 1 – May Day! Spend time out of doors – give thanks for spring Through the years we have established a network of ‘Street Contacts’, who > Day 2 – Live life simply for this is where happiness is found look after their own lane or road particularly for any new comers, who may > Day 3 – Pray for those who will be married today feel isolated when they arrive here. > Day 4 – Hear the church bells announcing God’s love. > Day 5 – Do something creative. God made us amazing. The ‘Street Contact’ uses the informative 4 page A5 ‘Welcome’ leaflet as a > Day 6 – Think of the children starting another week at school means of introduction to our villages for it gives details of Church contacts, > Day 7 – Pray for people in trouble local services, social activities, etc. > Day 8 – Pray for people with massive responsibilities (leaders etc) > Day 9 – Happy Friday for those who’ve worked hard this week The new edition has been updated and it is now available from our ‘Street > Day 10 – Do something silly to celebrate being alive Contacts’ and from the Village shop. > Day 11 – Sunday a day of quiet and rest. We all need it. > Day 12 – Vicar at home 9-12am for enquiries, chat or prayer Any ideas on improving, or changing, the format will always be welcome. > Day 13 – Read the bible for 10 minutes. Don’t judge just read. Malcolm King > Day 14 – Write something down about your life. Keep a journal (?) > Day 15 – Be silent on your own for 10 minutes Men are April when they woo, December when they > Day 16 – Pray love where it’s needed (neighbour/friend) wed: maids are May when they are maids, but the sky > Day 17 – Place someone’s name on the prayer board in church. changes when they are wives. > Day 18 – Go to church. Give thanks. > Day 19 – Pray for the Royal Family and those who serve us As You Like It (1599) act 4, sc. 1, l. [153] > Day 20 – Think about your life twenty years ago. Reflect. > Day 21 – Think of when you were 21. What were your hopes? > Day 22 – Turn chatter into silence for twenty minutes Steeple Ashton Village Shop > Day 23 – Smile at every person you meet > Day 24 – Acceptance. Make friends with your life. SHOP WEBSITE – our heart-felt thanks go to Richard and Paula Board- > Day 25 – Spend time at church – God loves you man who have created our delightful and totally revamped website (see > Day 26 – Vicar at home 9-12am for enquiries, chat or prayer www.steepleashtonvillageshop.co.uk or by following the link from the main > Day 27 – Arrange a holiday. Travel opens eyes. village website). Not only is it really informative for visitors to the village, > Day 28 – Switch off TV today. Go for a coffee instead. with some lovely colour photographs, but for our regular customers it will > Day 29 – Say yes to life. Pick some flowers – look, listen give thanks. be our new ‘notice-board’, with news and details of offers and new products, > Day 30 – Get in touch with family. Tell them you love them. and even a monthly recipe using (mostly) ingredients from the shop! > Day 31 -- Say a silent prayer for everyone you meet IN-STORE BAKING – you may have noticed that we have reduced the ‘Taste and see that the Lord is Good’ Julian Parker quantities of both sweet and savoury pastries to minimise wastage. How- ever, let us know if you have any special quantity requirements and we will do our best to oblige. PRAYERS OPENING HOURS – MAY BANK HOLIDAYS – 5th and 26th – the shop will be open from 9am to 12, and newspapers will be available as For where two or three are gathered in my name, normal. Caren Felton there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 KJV 4 37 St Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton FORGET-ME-NOTS-CLUB Richard writes Kay King gave an interesting demonstration of three floral disciplines using A lot of things happen in May. It begins with all the May Day festivities tulips, daffodils and foliage at the first of our April meetings, following around the country, there are two bank holidays near the start and end of which members spent an engrossing half-hour creating their own interpre- the month, and somewhere in the middle is the Eurovision Song Contest. tations of Kay’s display. After much deliberation, Kay chose Freda Gibbon’s This year’s final is being held in Copenhagen on 10 May. It might bean arrangement as the best, for which Freda received a box of chocolates. anachronism that belongs to the days of ‘light entertainment’ on the radio The celebratory Easter Buffet Tea and Bingo was held on 16th April, and in the 1950’s and 1960’s. It was a novelty then as well as a technical mas- members kindly once again provided a varied and delicious spread of food terpiece for songs from different countries to be broadcast across Europe’s to be enjoyed. Lucky bingo winners were awarded either Easter eggs, plants radio networks and judged internationallly. But instead of fading away, it or floral bouquets, with everyone receiving a prize in the Grand Raffle. With keeps on growing as more and more countries take part including those that his guess of 15ft 7ins Winston Drewitt was the winner in the competition to used to be within the USSR and Yugoslavia. Technology makes it bigger and guess the record for the longest carrot (actually 19ft 1.96ins!) . brighter with instant tele-voting throughout Europe and an ever increasing The next meeting on 7th May is the AGM, and it is hoped all members will TV and web-based audience around the world. attend this special afternoon. The voting and judging also defy logic and values as some seem to vote for If you are interested in joining the Forget-me-Nots, or would like to come their friends and neighbours rather than the quality of the music – though along as a visitor, details can be found on the new Village Website. Don’t be it remains to be seen whether Russia and Ukraine will vote for each other shy! Give us a try!! this year. I also wonder how comparison and judging of such diverse music ADVANCE NOTICE: Open to all are our coach outings to Bourton-on- styles – heavy metal, whimsical ballads, patriotic marching songs and kitsch the-Water on Wed 4th June, and Weymouth on Wed 6th August, the cost comedy – can actually be objective. Basically, it’s one big Europe-wide party for each being £10.00 per head. Please phone Gloria on 01380/870593 for and that’s how many celebrate it – my family included. details, and to reserve your seat. But all this looks very similar to the post-Easter Christian Church. Not a G. Oakley (Sec) 01225/775681 party in all its persecutions, but it defied its detractors and all logic in the resurrection of Jesus, its leader and figurehead. It ought to have disap- For Your Diary: Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy, Raffle for Sudan at peared with his ignominious execution, but the Acts of the Apostles tell Church Farm, Steeple Ashton on Satruday 17th August at 10.30 a.m. how thousands rapidly. It certainly challenged established values – the Old Testament laws as practiced at the time, and the standards of the Roman Empire. From this beginning the early church spread rapidly across south east FORGET-ME-NOTS CLUB Europe within a couple of decades, ironically through countries that are now part of the expanded Eurovision. It has kept on spreading over 2,000 years right around the world. Whatever explanation, or even conspiracies, might OUTINGS BY COACH Bourton-on-the-Water Wed 4th June be offered for this, there is no doubt that something utterly remarkable hap- £10.00 per head pened all those years ago, so remarkable that it has persisted ever more Weymouth Wed 6th August strongly rather than fading away. £10.00 per head In this lies the basis for our personal faith which is renewed, refreshed and ALL WELCOME! celebrated each year as we hear these extraordinary post Easter stories. Please phone Gloria Philpott on 01380/870593 NOW They have lasted all these years, but – enthusiasts within my family apart - to reserve your seat. how many Eurovision songs can you remember from one year to the next? Richard Havergal 36 5 Steeple Ashton WI Notes from St. Mary’s PCC - April 2014 Our April meeting started as usual with members singing Jerusalem. It was Our Annual meeting, the APCM, was held on Tuesday 8th April at 7.30 pm a well attended meeting and we welcomed a visitor for the evening. in Steeple Ashton Village Hall. The meeting was very well attended with 47 President Ann welcomed Sue Culverhouse onto the committee and told the people present. group of the various roles that the committee members hold for the coming We concentrated discussions on our precarious financial state. A presenta- year. tion was given which showed where the money comes from and goes too for The annual draw for two burseries, to be used for education, was made and both the Diocese and our own PCC. The way our financial reserves are being the lucky winners of £100 each were Liz Randall and Marion Pearce. Mem- consumed was highlighted with the PCC potentially running out of funds bers were reminded of and asked to support the Bangers and Books event needed to keep our Church open in about 6 years time. A copy of this pres- on Saturday 26th April 12 noon – 2pm and the Tea Dance on Saturday 17th entation is available by e-mail. Please contact Roger Meade on the address May at 2.30pm, both events in the Village Hall. shown below. Also a copy will be posted on the Steeple Ashton Web site if I Our speaker for the evening was John Pemberton, he told us about his life can work out how to do that!! as a Chelsea Pensioner and it was illustrated with slides of the facilities at Our Mission And Stewardship Initiatives were “kicked off” and package the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. The Royal Hospital was founded by Charles II given to each attendee which included a “Commitment Form” which can be in 1682 for veterans of the regular army. Sir Christopher Wren, who was filled in so that the Church can receive regular payments from Parishioners the King’s Surveyor General of Works, was responsible for the design and via Standing Orders. the choice of site; building continued during the reign of James II and com- Over the next few months we plan to roll out this initiative to the entire pleted in 1692 when William and Mary were on the throne. populations of Steeple Ashton and Great Hinton. Your support is really vital Mr Pemberton told us of the daily routine, the good food, the times when if we are going to keep our beautiful Church open. the different uniform and mufti are worn, the support they receive from medical staff, the Churches and legal and recreational support. Some of the The Vestry subcommittee has been temporarily put on hold until after the residents have paid employment in the Hospital, for example tour guides next PCC as we are presently concentrating on our Stewardship and Mission and librarian and others support a local soup kitchen. Initiatives The Hospital receives no official funding so money to support it has to be Our Architect, Alan Smith, will visit us when we get going again in order to raised. outline the various options open to us. Currently there are 289 pensioners, 6 of them ladies and 120 residents in the new Margaret Thatcher Infirmary; on entry they must be over 65 years Mrs. Elisabeth Carter has been our Leprosy Mission representative for many of age. years but has now retired so we need a volunteer to take over from her As we all know, the Chelsea Pensioners are always well received at events please. Please contact Roger or Michael for more information. and every month three of them are invited to Tea at The Ritz. After his most interesting talk which lasted for over an hour Ann Belsom The PCC wish to set up a “Social and Publicity Committee” in order to thanked John Pemberton for giving us such a clear insight into life at the arrange fun not fund raising events for our local community and to publicise Royal Hospital, Chelsea. the work of the Church. Again we are looking for volunteers who are not There are still a few seats available on our coach trip to Exbury Gardens. We necessarily Church goers but who are enthusiastic and motivated to help us. would be pleased for our friends in the village to join us on Thursday 22nd Again please contact Roger or Michael. May. Have a day away without the stress of driving and parking for only £20. Give me a ring on 870540 for more details. Churchwardens P.S. As already mentioned, we are organising a Tea Dance in the Village Roger Meade 870988 [email protected] Hall on Saturday 17th May, 2.30 - 5pm. Tickets cost £5, this includes After- (Michael Moore 870323) noon tea, and are on sale at the Village Shop. Kathleen Fielding 6 35 the runways and perimeter track, the apparent location of Coople Church is very close to some small concrete ‘dispersal pans’ – built to park aircraft during World War II. There is no guarantee that the site was not disturbed, or worse still, destroyed during the airfield’s construction in the 1940s. In THE FRIENDS OF STEEPLE ASHTON addition, there remains a note of caution: this is both MOD property and present farmland. Strictly no further investigations can be carried out without first STEEPLE ASHTON AND THE GREAT WAR contacting both the MOD and the tenant farmer for permission. Lastly, I must mention how I could not have written this article without The stories of the villagers who went to war, the extensive and diligent research carried out by Alan Thomsett and other those who came back and those who didn’t, members of The Keevil Society throughout the 1990s and early-2000s. sourced from local records and family memories. Their efforts are much appreciated. Bryan Berrett Acknowledgements (the list of sources is too extensive to print here – please Presentation arranged by Steve Williams contact Bryan for a copy if required) with Rosemary Brett Green and Bryan Berrett

Many thanks to Pete Thomsett for her support, & to Terry Randall for additional Friday 2nd May 2014 information. Also, thanks to Suzanne Wickham & the committee of ‘The Keevil at 8 pm in the Village Hall Society’ for copyright permission to use the Society’s image of Alan Thomsett’s & Rev. Richardson’s maps; & to ‘The Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre’, Chippen- ham, for copyright permission to use the images of the 1749 map of the Manor of Entry £5 to include wine and cheese Keevil & 1863 Tithe Map.

34 7 May Day This Field 301 location is where the church foundations were recorded as lying in 1914, approximately half a mile to the east of St. Mary’s Church. It Wreaths for the May! for happy Spring also correlates with the 1977 field trip search area. Further still, when study- Today shall all her dowry bring ing a modern ‘Google Map’ of the airfield, then comparing with an OS map, The love of kind, the joy, the grace, the 1863 Tithe Map, an online OS map from 1899, plus an aerial photo I Hymen of element and race, have from World War II – a significant fact is revealed: most of Field 301’s Knowing well to celebrate boundaries still exist. With song and hue and star and state, In the World War II photo, what remained of the northern boundary was With tender light and youthful cheer, just a dark feature, running parallel above a strip of concrete track. Today, The spousals of the new-born year. on the ‘Google Map’, it is a line of trees and bushes plus a faint colouration Lo love’s inundation poured in the ground – indicated by a line on the modern OS map. This is in the Over space and race abroad Excerpt from May-Day same position as the Field 301 northern boundary on the earlier maps – by Ralph Waldo Emerson(1867) which Rev. Richardson used as a reference point. Ed Brown was correct when instructing Mr Hobson on the route towards the site in 1976 – as the footpath he referred to entered Field 301 in the south-west corner, and con- tinued east following the southern boundary. Most of this boundary still exists; in fact, the only boundary that cannot be seen today is the eastern one COFFIN TRIAL – Richardson’s other reference point. There is one final revelation. When comparing all this evidence with the You all know we have a Coffin Trail from West Ashton to St Marys 1749 map, what would later become ‘Field 301’ unveils itself: Church, Steeple Ashton. The story goes that several people have died in West Ashton. Some are going to heaven and others to hell! The undertakers’ hearse has broken down. The trial is for teams of 4 pall-bearers to race their coffins along the trail starting from West Ashton finishing at St Marys’ Church fete, a distance of approximately 2 miles over fields, stiles and gates. You can compete as Angels, Devils or Not Sure’s. The date fixed for this event is 21st June 2014 We would like participants to be dressed as undertakers/pallbearers and the coffins made by us to our specification with your own ‘cadaver’ inside (witch/scarecrow/skeleton/guy). We are asking for a £10 per coffin entrance fee. The teams will be judged on presentation as well as speed, and the winning team will get a trophy, and all team members get a token prize. Our objective is to raise awareness of Luffenham Field (another jewel in Steeple Ashton’s crown) by creating a wild flower meadow and wild- life sanctuary. Proceeds from this fun event will help us to achieve this One hundred years on from Rev. Richardson’s work in 1914, I believe that goal, there will be an opportunity to support us at the finish line. it is now possible to determine the whereabouts of the site as drawn by him If you wish to be part of this fun re-enactment please contact Tony – and that this site should be unaffected by the new airfield Landing Zone. Evans on 870623 However, there is a substantial caveat to this conclusion: although clear of 8 33 Alan also supplies his own location drawing – taken from the 1863 Tithe Map, with the runways superimposed over it plus an arrow indicating his interpretation of the position of “Field 301”: under the active part of the air- field. However, during my research for this Newsletter article, I had become convinced that the field indicated by the arrow is not “Upper Ashton Field No 301”. This led to me checking the 1863 Tithe Map for myself at the History Centre in Chippenham. Sure enough, I found that the field indicated by the arrow in Alan’s article is in fact No. 308, and that, as I had suspected, No. 301 – with its distinct 70 degree top right-hand corner angle – lies to the west of the active part of the airfield, a comfortable distance away from the planned TLZ.

Part of 1863 Tithe Map, showing field numbers (with my own “301” under the original “301”)

Part of Alan’s 1990 drawing & arrow, with correct “301” added by me 32 9 Natural History Club News May 2014 Thirteen years later, in 1990, ‘The Keevil Society’ produced the first of 4 volumes of ‘A Book of Keevil’ – detailing the village history and recollections The chiffchaffs have been back for a week or so. At the Manor, recent storm of its residents, including articles on Coople Church. In 1998, in volume 2 of damage to the top of un-ecological but dense, sheltering giant leylandii, may the series, the Society stated that it had gained permission from the RAF and have been the reason why the raven came- and then went again. However MOD to search for the probable church location – under strict supervision the wrens, dunnocks and blackbirds are noisy, and I was pleased to see after of the RAF. As far as I am aware, to date (April 2014), this permission has a couple of years gap, that I have two pied wagtails back, scudding over the not been used. lawn. In August 2013, Keevil Parish Council hosted a Public Meeting about the Returning from Hereford where I had been for part of the Easter weekend , proposed TLZ, which was attended by over 80 people. A request for reas- I am pleased to report my first Cuckoo heard 21st April in the northern part surance from the ‘Defence Infrastructure Organisation’ was sought – that of the county and also they have got swallows on the wires (therefore have during the construction of the TLZ, the DIO’s archaeological survey would any been seen/heard here yet as they must have flown over us?) include awareness of the possible rediscovery of the Coople Church site; yet, Look out for butterflies. On the 14th, the last warm day mid month, I had as I shall explain, a close review of the available evidence suggests that these many brimstones (or the same one returning?) tortoiseshells, an orange tip fears are unfounded. and small whites, and a peacock. Also a really special delight for me this In volume 1 of ‘A Book of Keevil’, the late Alan Thomsett of The Strand, time of year - holly blues. They are “bivoltine”, which means they fly twice Steeple Ashton (who previously lived in ‘Talboys’, Keevil) discusses some of a year, the second brood coming June to August. Do look for them the history and speculation on Coople Church. Alan’s article includes infor- around limes, where I see them, but they favour also a very wide mation on the March 1913 archaeological unearthing, and the subsequent range of plants including holly and ivy, rubus and pyracantha. They excavation, recording and mapping. He reproduces Rev. Richardson’s origi- are like a common blue, but with pale blue underwings instead of nal two drawings; one a dimensioned plan of the excavated building, and the the common’s brown speckles, and seem to fly at or just above head other – reproduced here – a detailed site location based on the field num- level. So look up now and again the next warm days to check! bers taken from the 1863 Tithe Map, indicating that the building lies within And a reminder: next meeting is for Thursday June 5th, 7.30pm; our bird- “Upper Ashton Field No. 301”. ers lead by Dave will give a talk on bird migration. Reproduction of Rev. Richardson’s For all news: Penny Aeberhard, 01380 870602, detailed site location [email protected] or David Culverhouse, 01380 871621, [email protected]

Gardening Tip For all you vegetable gardeners about to sew peas (pays), a tip from a former Steeple Ashton resident. This is an extract from the Bath Chronicle & Weekly Gazette dated 28th April 1934.

THE REASON WHY Spotting a light in a garden late at night, a Steeple Ashton resident paused and then asked his neighbour the reason. The reply came, “I be just working in a vew, in the dark, so they ther rooks cas-en zee wher I shuv ‘em.” John Berrett 10 31 Dear Editor, Steeple Ashton Village Open Gardens - Sunday 31st May 2015 I have read with considerable interest the correspondence relating to Next year the village gardens open on the last Sunday in May - horticultur- the position of the old Saxon church and would like to add a few ideas ally this is the end of the 22nd week of the gardening year. The date may and some pointers to would-be investigators; and I would suggest this sound rather early to you, but it is, in fact, the same Sunday we have always topic could be of sufficient interest within the village to justify a group such opened. The reason we open so early is that by the end of the first week as The Friends of Steeple Ashton taking this up as a worthwhile project. in June there are, within a radius of 12 miles of the village, somewhere in While, when finished, there would be no tangible prizes but one of a job the region of eight other garden-opening events, and as the first we have well done; on the other hand, the costs of the project would be virtually always had a very good attendance which we hope will continue next year. nil. It is always difficult, a month before the open day, to predict how your Given the interest generated by Dennis Hobson’s November article, fol- plants are going to look, whether the paeonies are over, whether the roses lowing Mr Goddard’s letter, ‘The Friends of Steeple Ashton’ suggested that I are in full bloom, have the bedding plants even started to flower and what ‘take up the challenge’ – and carry out preliminary research to try to identify state are the hedges in! Each year, of course, is slightly different, the site. I gladly accepted; yet on reflection, my 1977 approach to the task and this year as we all know everything is coming into bloom earlier. was somewhat amateurish. As I write, my ceanothus is already flowering, paeonies are in flower, At that time, there were still one or two Steeple Ashton residents who late tulips still coming into bloom - but the veg. patch is simply bare claimed to know where the general area of the 1930 discovery was. One of earth - all its futures residents being tucked away in the greenhouse. these old villagers was Oswald Burbidge. ‘Ozzy’ happened to be a ‘dowser’; One of the ways I find helpful to anticipate how my garden will look in and I had also met a man with a set of ‘state of the art’ dowsing rods who a years time, is to take a photo of it on the day this year, that it will be claimed to be able to detect any form of metal, ceramics or even ‘ley-lines’! open a year hence, ie this year the last Sunday of week 22 is 1st June - As more people became involved, and plans developed, it was also decided last year it was the 2nd. This saves an awful lot of anguish and money to include the village Youth Club, combining the search as a project for as the day approaches - will those gaps fill, do I need more bedders etc? them. During the summer of 1977, permission to proceed was sought and Towards the end of November I will have a planning meeting at Apple granted. Trees to which anyone interested in putting their garden forward is very Unbeknown to our group in 1977, around the early 1870s, a plough had much welcomed and notice of this will be in the October magazine We unearthed what was thought to be an ancient font or ‘stoup’, in the same always hope for new gardeners to join in. However small or large your area as the 1913 discovery (the stoup is now in Keevil Church). Several garden, everyone is very welcome and it is, as you know, such good broken tiles and coffin plates were unearthed at the same time, but have fun. Please do volunteer and come and meet fellow gardeners in since been lost. We were also unaware of the rumour that earlier still, a lead November. Happy gardening and I hope you enjoy the following little coffin had been found in a ditch in the vicinity. poem that I found in the famous garden of Lady Maconochie in Scotland So, armed with my limited research, accompanied by Ozzy with his many years ago - and don’t be put off I have never had anything stolen! hazel dowsing fork, my acquaintance with his hi-tech dowsing rods, plus Gina Manning Youth Club organiser Terry Randall, other adults and a group of enthusias- Awake my Muse, bring bell and book tic youngsters, we set out for the airfield. Ozzy led us to an area which he To curse the hand that cuttings took. believed to be in the right location – and the two dowsers set to work. They May every sort of garden pest soon found a spot where their readings correlated, and my acquaintance His little plot of ground infest with the hi-tech dowsing rods said that he had detected lead, while Ozzy Who stole the plants from Inverewe, believed he could sense some stonework. From Falkland Palace, Crathes too. While these results were interesting, they were, of course, inconclusive. Let caterpillars, capsid bugs, The site was left unidentified, permission to investigate further was not Leaf-hoppers, thrips, all sorts of slugs, forthcoming, and interest then waned. Play havoc with his garden plot, And a late frost destroy the lot. Lady Maconochie 30 11 end of the piece, and finished by asking if any readers could remember the RED CROSS DOOR TO DOOR incident, and where the site of the church could be found. For the December COLLECTION edition, he wrote the following article: 4 - 10th May 2014 SAXON CHURCH AND ANCIENT BIER [“ANCIENT BIER” referred to an Please give as generously as you unrelated Newsletter item] can when a friendly face calls at Mr. Ed Brown, of Dark Lane, one of our village worthies and a familiar you door, the Red Cross helps figure in our central streets, has been good enough to volunteer the follow- people in desperate need in all ing: parts of the World and here at The Saxon Church: He remembers the occasion when the site was thought home especially this winter in to have been discovered in the thirties during some agricultural digging. areas hit by terrible flooding. He says that the site of digging was in the ‘field’ beyond the second stile down the path leading past the garden of the Twiney cottage [cruck- framed, renovated after 1974 fire] in that leg of Dark Lane at the end of For purposes of village news, oil which is The Sanctuary. This path – a public right of way – goes east delivery for April will be on Thurs- towards the airfield. The ‘site’ is said by Mr. Brown to be within the air- day, May 22nd and I shall require field perimeter (the airfield was built about 1942). My wife and I decided to orders by Friday the 16th. Thank walk along this path and see whether there was any evidence in the way of you. Colin Green stones of an ancient building. Perhaps Mr. Brown has not walked this path for many years. For about MISSOURI STATE CONCERT a hundred yards it is grassy, then abruptly it is choked with blackberry St John’s Catholic CHORALE Social Group shoots, making it walkable only in a bullet-proof vest. We returned to Dark EDINGTON PRIORY CHURCH Lane and went into the field which lies alongside the so-called path. We Auction of Promises Saturday 24th May 7.30pm (& Small Goods) found that the tangle of blackberries across the path ended but that the This internationally known choir are position became worse: the path degenerated into a ditchful of water, the Saturday 6th June from 7.00pm in coming to Edington Priory Church as ditch ending at a strip of waste ground (what a lot of pieces of derelict land St John’s Parish Centre part of their 12th biennial European Wingfield Road, Trowbridge Tour. The venue was recommended to one sees in this parish – could not some be hived off as allotments in these Complimentary Glass of Wine, the Director, Guy Webb, by Simon Car- times of dear vegetables?). We did not see any stiles and we did not, at dusk Nibbles & Raffle rington of Kings’ Singers fame and the on this miserable November day, try to find an alternative way to the sup- Admission by Catalogue £2 singers are coming to Edington before posed site. Final date for Main Catalogue their final concert at St Paul’s Cathe- Addendum – Saxon Church: The Vicar says that someone proposes to go items is Tuesday 23rd May dral. over the ground where this church might have been with a detector. If such Come & Enjoy a Great Fun Filled Their 2014 programme ranges from a tool detects only metal, the chance of finding the site by this means looks Spring Evening!!! Bach to modern spirituals. A preview Please send details of Items & to be slim. D. W. Hobson of their superb performance can be Despite Mr Hobson’s report on his abandoned expedition to discover the Promises (no large items) for seen on their web site and YouTube. elusive site with his wife (Joan), interest in the church gathered apace: the the Catalogue to Tickets: £20.00 & £12.00 to include a [email protected]). glass of wine and canapés Editor’s November request had ‘started the ball rolling’, generating interest Info: Frank Geraghty 01380 Available from Maggie Atterbury throughout Steeple Ashton. Then, in the January 1977 Newsletter, a lengthy 871083. A chance to clear out Tel. 01380 830452 piece of correspondence on the subject by Mr Brian Goddard of 23 Acre- unwanted gifts etc, etc & [email protected] short Lane was published. Brian expressed a great attraction to the church Promises-Promises-Promises!!! All proceed to Edington Priory Church story, and put forward ideas on how its location could be determined. He began by writing: 12 29 Bryan writes....continued from the inside front cover Steeple Ashton Film Night The March 1913 discovery site in ‘Coople Church Field’ was excavated by Our April film Saving Mr Banks saw amazing performances by Emma Lieut. W H Chamberlaine – with 2 skeletons being uncovered in the process Thompson and Tom Hanks, proven by the clip during the final credits. (later reinterred). The following year, Keevil’s Vicar – the Rev. A T Richard- son – recorded Lieut. Chamberlaine’s findings, making detailed drawings of SATURDAY 10th May 7.30pm We will be showing The Railway Man. the site. The Vicar’s maps clearly show the building as laying east to west, Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky. A true story. With Nicole Kidman, 56ft long by 18ft 6 inches wide, near the north-east corner of a field: it was Stellan Skarsgård, Colin Firth, Jeremy Irvine. A victim from World War believed that the location of the long-rumoured Anglo-Saxon church had II’s “Death Railway” sets out to find those responsible for his torture. finally been identified. My own interest in the history of Coople Church was first stimulated as a We will then be taking a break over the summer, returning in September. child in the 1950s by listening to my grandfather, Herbert James Berrett. As Tickets are £6, available from Steeple Ashton Village Shop. Doors open I recall, he said how, whilst digging some form of drainage to the east of St. half an hour before the film starts. Ice creams and sweets will be Mary’s Church around 1930, he had come across the foundations of a corner available and as usual we will have a bar. Profits from these films will of a building – which he assumed to be ‘the Saxon church’. go to St. Mary’s Preservation Trust and Friends of Keevil School (FOKS). A few years after my grandfather’s find, it was believed that the field boundaries used as reference points in Rev. Richardson’s 1914 drawings For further information please phone volunteers Gill on 01380 870302 or were lost to history – by the construction of Keevil Airfield in 1942. I have a Lynda on 01380 871701. recollection of my father mentioning an attempt by a team of people to find the church in the 1950s, but the attempt proved unsuccessful. Over the dec- Steeple Rocks Concert 29th March ades since, various interested individuals and groups have researched the A packed St Mary’s Church was delighted by the artistry of Peter King, Coople Church history, and offered up probable sites for its whereabouts. thrilled by the talented 15 year old Clover Kayne and carried along by the The church foundations are believed by some to lie beneath an area now enthusiasm of Steeple Rocks Choir. A wonderful evening full of music from covered by the active part of Keevil Airfield – and with a new, 5000ft-long every genre, something for every taste. We managed to raise over £1000 ‘Tactical Landing Zone’ (TLZ) currently planned for construction by the for St Mary’s Preservation Trust so a huge thank you to all who supported this event. MOD to the south of the main runway, possible further disturbance of the Adrienne Hale, Steeple Rocks Choir church site has recently been raised as a concern at a public meeting in Keevil. However, there is a strong possibility that these beliefs could be misplaced; substantial evidence exists which suggests that the remains of Coople Church in fact lie outside the active area, and well clear of the pro- RIDE & STRIDE Saturday 13 September 2014 posed new TLZ. Last year Geoff Witts (weather man) raised £160. This is early to mention The last organised, amateur effort by villagers to search for the remains this event, which is in aid of the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust. Half of occurred in the late-1970s. During 1976, I had recounted my grandfather’s the sponsor money raised goes to the upkeep of the church of your choice. digging tale to Dennis Hobson, then-Editor of the Newsletter, who was There are a number of keen cyclists and walkers in this parish. Please con- reproducing an existing short chronological history of the village, for the sider taking part. You make up your own route; nearly every church in the November issue. At the time, apart from my childhood recollections, my county is open, many with manners to sign your card. Most other counties knowledge of the Coople Church history was limited. are doing this on the same day. Sponsor forms and lists of churches will be Come the November Newsletter, included within the chronology entitled: available from your parish organizer. I should be most happy to have some “A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE VILAGE” was: “13th. Century: First church other person take over as organizer. This also involves doing a rôta from on present site, replacing original Saxon church a few hundred yards to 10am – 6pm. Many are willing to do this. the east.” Dennis then added a short version of my grandfather’s story at the Your parish organizer of 25 years - Lystra Berrett 01380/870809 28 13 Alan Dix Perkin

I would like to thank everyone in the Keevil Scarecrow Trail village and beyond, who so kindly 17th-18th May 2014 sent me cards and letters of condo- 10am-4pm lence after Alan’s death. The support from all has been a real comfort. I During the weekend of the 17th-18th May, Keevil will be hosting its 4th would also like to thank Lionel who Scarecrow Trail around its picturesque village, starting and finishing took such care with the funeral and at the school. This year’s theme is British Historical Figures and there gave me so much kindness and help are great prizes to be won, each worth £100 (including most correct throughout these difficult times. answers and best scarecrow). It is a great day out for all ages with 40 scarecrows on show, 2 of which will be made by local artists. In memory of Alan, from all dona- A children’s trail is available too. tions received, we sent nearly £500 to the Alzheimer’s Society. Opening the trail will be TV presenter Paul Martin.

Johanna Dix Perkin Attractions include tombola, book & toy stall, plant stall and children’s entertainment shows (including Punch & Judy). Raffle prizes include a £100 furnishings voucher, dinner for 2 at local village pubs, vouchers for local stores, days out and more. “The world’s favorite season is the spring. To keep energy levels up there is a BBQ (all locally sourced products), All things seem possible in May.” bar/Pimms tent, cafe with home-made cakes, ‘Rowdey Cow’ ice-cream - Edwin Way Teale and candy floss.

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? All profits will be donated to Keevil C of E Primary School. Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date: Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed; And every fair from fair sometimes declines, By chance, or nature’s changing course untrimmed; But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st, Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st; With thanks to our sponsors – Stephen Graver Kitchens, Howard So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, Travel and Silcox Son & Wicks So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. Check out the website – www.keevilscarecrowtrail.co.uk

William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18 14 27 Wind Farms in Wiltshire Wiltshire Council, in response to public opinion, eighteen months ago voted to include suggested separation distances between domestic dwellings and wind turbines in the Wiltshire Core Strategy. With this strategy, the Coun- cil sought to protect Wiltshire residents from the intrusive nature of indus- Volunteer’s Week is Coming Soon! trial size turbines, but this recommendation has been struck from the Core Strategy by ‘The Government Inspector’ whose report has now been made Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution mil- public. His suggestion is that each application for the erection of turbines lions of volunteers make across the UK – and it’s taking place from the 1-7 will, instead, be individually evaluated. This leaves Wiltshire residents with June 2014. As part of Volunteers week Volunteer Centre Wiltshire will be minimal protection from the developers, who can still profit from the sub- out and about around the county. We will be in: stantial subsidies for which costs us all on our energy bills. Salisbury Library on Tuesday 3rd June Our views on the efficiency of turbines vary widely, but the prospect of a Marlborough Library on Wednesday 4th June rash of ill-placed turbines across our beautiful Wiltshire landscape surely Devizes Library on Thursday 5th June horrifies us all. Wiltshire Council have therefore started another public con- Chippenham Library on Friday 6th June sultation on these changes, details can be found at: All sessions will run from 10am to 12pm so if you are wondering if volun- teering is for you or what opportunities there are in your area come along hhtp://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal/spatial_planning/wcs/ and see us. We will have access to our database where we have details of wiltshire_core _strategy_proposed_modifications_april_2014 over 1500 opportunities across Wiltshire so we’re bound to be able to find This consultation closes on the 27th May 2014. If you value Wilt- something to suit you whether you’ve got a few hours a month or a day a shire, please let your voice be heard! week. Here is a taste of some of our opportunities: Be a Good Neighbour for Wiltshire’s Link Scheme To download representation forms together with the ‘guide to making com- Be a Home Library Volunteer for Warminster or Bradford on Avon ments ’OR visit the Council offices or your local library to view the consulta- Libraries tion documents and representation forms OR contact the Spatial Planning Be an education or shop volunteer at Trowbridge Museum team at County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN, telephone Help Wiltshire & Swindon Users Network monitor the service care number 01225 713223. providers give to their service users Stop Grange Farm Wind Farm We also have details of various gardening, environmental, befriending, www.stopgrangefarmwindfarm mentoring, administration, IT and many other roles. Still not sure? Here is what some of our volunteers have said about volun- teering: “Volunteering makes me feel valued, useful and part of the community” “I’ve got so much out of volunteering that I persuaded my Mum to get involved too” “I have been given the chance to greatly improve my skill base” To see our celebration booklet, volunteers stories, our Volunteer’s Week May and June. Soft syllables, gentle names for the two best months video and other organisations Volunteer’s Week activities as they are in the garden year: cool, misty mornings gently burned away with a released visit our website: www.volunteercentrewiltshire.org.uk or follow warming spring sun, followed by breezy afternoons and chilly nights. us on twitter: @volcentrewilts The discussion of philosophy is over; it’s time for work to begin.” or facebook: volunteer.centrewiltshire - Peter Loewer So come out and see us! If you’d like to start volunteering but can’t come along then please get in touch and we can help find the best role for you. “Be like a flower and turn your face to the sun.” Visit our website: www.volunteercentrewiltshire.org.uk or call our Volun- - Kahlil Gibran teering Adviser on 0845 521 6224. 26 15 Inconsiderate parking The Parish Council has received an increase in complaints from residents relating to inconsiderate parking in the village. So Please...... 1. Do not park over driveways blocking access or exit. This is particularly an issue around the village shop and pub. However short your visit, it is clearly not acceptable to block the drive and there may be circumstances when it can be serious. 2. If you are an organiser of a village group that regularly meets in the village, can you remind and request your members not to park across driveways or block roads. 3. It is within the householder’s rights to get a vehicle moved by the police if it is causing an obstruction for a period of time. 4. Although there are times when parking half on the pavement and half off may help the access on narrow roads, but it does mean that the pavements are obstructed. Where the road is quiet and narrow it isn’t such an issue. But roads such as the High Street are not suitable for this as it is far too dangerous for pedestrians to walk out into the road, particularly if they are elderly, infirm or have pushchairs and small children. Salles de Bains 5. Parking on pavements does cause damage to the pavements. We Bathroom and Kitchen design and installation have many historic pavements that are already in poor condition Bathrooms, cloakrooms, wet rooms, and we are already concerned about the state of repair. The council en-suites, shower rooms and kitchens will not repair the unique stones and cobbles, so we are looking at options. Further damage will result in either the pavements being Full installation from design to completion Adaptation of existing layouts replaced by the council with Tarmac or a very expensive renovation bill. Solutions for reduced mobility problems So please think of others and be considerate. Over 30 years experience Local Company Thank you Roger Drinkwater Phone: 07808284950 The Parish Council. Email: [email protected]

May How lovely now are lanes and balks For toils and lovers Sunday walks could you advertise The daisey and the buttercup here? For which the laughing children stoop Please call Chris Plum on A hundred times throughout the day 01380 870 875 In their rude ramping summer play So thickly now the pasture crowds In gold and silver sheeted clouds As if the drops in April showers Had woo’d the sun and swoond to flowers...... to crown thee still as thou has been Of spring and summer months the queen. from May, The Shepherd’s Calendar, John Clare 16 25 The Humours of May Day What Frolicks are here So droll and so queer How joyful appeareth the day E’en Bunter and Bawd Unite to applaud And celebrate first of the May Anon (1770)

Friday Club Parent and Toddler Group Meeting dates for April - open every Wednesday 3:45pm-5-15pm at our Village Hall 10am – 12. in the Village Hall. Friday 9th and 23rd May All Welcome.

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER Postal Collections in Steeple Postal Collections Ladies, Gents & Children Ashton in Great Hinton Reasonable Prices Mon - Fri Saturday Mon - Fri Saturday Available to come to your home Longs Arms 4pm 10am 4.15pm 8.30am at your convenience Newleaze 12noon 11am Please contact Charlotte Ashton 11.30am 11am 01380 828199 Common

Keith Draper Steeple Ashton Village Hall Contact Details New Daytime/Work Telephone Number: 01225 703144 Garden Maintenance Services New Evening/Home Telephone Number: 01225 356196 New Email Address: [email protected] Over 40 years experience Payments and booking forms can still be posted to: References available Moorfield Farm, 2 Church Street, Steeple Ashton Tel: 01225 867999 Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6EW Mob: 07775787284 Many thanks, Sandra Stevens 24 17 Village Diary The Newsletter prints a Diary of Events each month. If you are organising activities in the village, you may wish to contact me to avoid a clash of events. Helen Regular events in Steeple Ashton Village Hall, unless otherwise stated

Monday Ballroom Dance Classes; 7.00pm. Tel: 07917 573831 Steeple Rocks; 7.30pm. Venue, call 01380 871890 Brownies; 5.30 - 7pm. Term Time. Carolyn Collis: 01380 Tuesday 870379 Guides; 7pm - 8.30pm. Elizabeth Leversha 01380 831278 8am Prayers in St Mary’s Church Wednesday Baby and Toddler Group; 10.00am - 12noon 1st and 3rd Wednesdays; Forget-Me-Not Club, 2.30pm. 2nd Wednesday; Women’s Institute, 7.30pm Thursday Dee Dee Wilde Dance Class, 10.30am YOGA; 10.30am - 12noon Mobile Library (alternate Fridays, dates and times below) Friday Walking group meets at the Longs Arms; 2.30pm Friday Club; 3.45pm - 5.30pm, Term Time. Contact 01380 870013. MAY 2nd Fri Steeple Ashton & the Great War, 8pm, VH 7th Mon Forget-Me-Nots, AGM, 2.30, VH 10th Sat Film, The Railway Man, &.30pm, VH 17th Sat WI Tes Dance, 2.30-5pm, VH 17th Sat Philomel Ladies Choir, St Mary’s Church, 7.30pm 17-18 Sat/Sun Scarecrow Trail, Keevil 9th Mobile Library; 10.45-11.45am, Steeple Ashton, The Green Fri 23th 11.50-12.10am, Steeple Ashton, St Mary’s 12.15-12.30pm Ashton Common Bus Stop 19th Mon Parish Council Meeting, 7.30pm, VH HOUSEKEEPER Responsible: Professional: Hardworking 20th Tue Newsletter Deadline 22nd Thurs WI visit to Exbury Gardens, see p6 Any aspect of housekeeping undertaken 24th Sat Edington Concert, see p12 Cleaning, ironing, washing, gardening

28th Wed Parich Council Planning Issues, 7.30pm, VH References available June Please Contact Joanna 5th Thur Bird Migration, the Manor, 7.30pm 07960 208423 : 01225 774376

18 23 Pete Clark Building Solutions ...the builder that cares

Property renovations, extensions, hard landscaping, kitchens and bath- rooms, general property maintenance

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STEPHEN GRAVER Husband for Hire Craftsmen in Construction Handyman Services Kitchens and Bathrooms Design and Build, Bespoke Furniture Decorating, plumbing & all those jobs around Hinton Coach Works Hinton Services 01380 871746 the house & garden Exceptional service since 1989 Friendly, reliable & above all affordable Auto Body Repair Specialists Your Local Independent Vehicle Repair Specialist www.stephengraver.com A Garage You Can Trust Vehicle Diagnostics, Latest Software Elmsgate, Edington Road For a free quote call Andy A Service You Can Rely On! All Makes Servicing & Repairs Inc. 4x4’s & Vintage 01380 871535 - 07912251297 MOT Testing Station. HGV Inspections Alloy Wheel Straightening & Refurbishment Steeple Ashton, BA14 6HP 4 Wheel Alignment, Air Conditioning, Tyres, Exhausts Restoration Work & Insurance Work Undertaken Battery’s, Towbars, Alloy Wheel Repairs Tyres Supplid & Fitted inc Quads, 4x4 & Vintage & Refurbishment Computerised 4 Wheel Allignment, Air Conditioning CARS, COMMERCIALS & HGV’s (up to 7.5tonnes) Collection & Delivery, Courtesy Vehicles, Recovery Tel: 01380 871022/07860456724 Tel: 01380 871022/07860456724 www.hintonservices.co.uk www.hintonservices.co.uk www.hintoncoachworks.co.uk www.hintoncoachworks.co.uk 22 19 R S Electrical Services Domestic - Commercial - Industrial

Tel: 01225 783294 Fax: 01225 783290 [email protected] www.rselectrical.co.uk

Telephone: 01380 871118/01380 871353 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.ashtonmill.co.uk

Ashton Mill Barn, Steeple Ashton, Wilts, BA14 6HQ 20 21