The Loddon Valley Link

Church and Community Magazine Issue 533 May 2020

Available online and for collection from : Church End Telephone box Shop Sherfield Park Community Association (in the covered bin outside) Shop in Sherfield Service Station Telephone box Wellington farm shop Telephone box opposite House 28 Church Foyer

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Minister’s Letter Editorial ear Friends innate and if nurtured they enrich Welcome to the May edition. We hope you will starting a short series of D At the time of writing I have absolutely no society. I am reminded of a prayer enjoy this issue of the Loddon Valley Link during reminiscences of a couple who grew idea what will be happening by the time this is that I often use in the marriage these difficult times. Once again we are not doing up in Sherfield during the war (p. published, although with the potential service. As I pray over the couple I house-to-house distribution but we are increasing 30). say, “may the hospitality of their Jane Abrams announcements that are likely to be made it seems the numbers distributed to various collection There are a few features of interest the shutdown will extend to the beginning of home bring refreshment and joy to all around points - these will be the Shop at Sherfield, the them and may their love overflow to neighbours not related to COVID-19, and the usual puzzles to May. We may have had a very different Easter but Sherfield Park Shop, the phone box opposite keep yourselves occupied. I do pray that you have nevertheless had a in need and embrace those in distress”. As you can HouseTwenty8 (Sherfield), Church End telephone peaceful and blessed one. imagine much is said about love at a wedding but box, the Sherfield Park Shop, Sherfield Park As ever, please keep your comments coming, and the kind of love being expressed here is the Community Centre, Wellington Farm Shop, Turgis any pictures you take on your daily walk. The story of COVID-19 seems to me to be a story sacrificial love of God. Whilst in our lifetime we Green Service Station, Stratfield Saye telephone With all good wishes from us here at Loddon of two halves. Clearly this has been an are not capable of fully expressing the breadth, box, and the porch at Hartley Wespall Church. Valley Link - stay safe! extraordinarily challenging and tragic time for our height and depth of God’s love we can world; perhaps that is an understatement. It has nevertheless share it. There is plenty of information and news to help been heart-rending to see people being buried in you negotiate your way through the lockdown. Contents mass graves in places like New York and the sheer We have just celebrated Easter. Easter was not There are contact numbers for national and local cancelled nor was it subject in any way, shape or Minister’s Letter 2 number of deaths so far has been staggering helplines, particularly for those self-isolating. Our Church Services 4 despite the fact that percentages of the whole are form to the coronavirus. The Easter story is a MP Ranil Jayawardena gives us an update on what Gardening Club 4 quite small. You may not agree with me story of God’s great love for humanity and we should do to keep ourselves and others safe, Sherfield Park Parish Council 5 the way in which Jesus’ death and and Deane bin collections 5 but I think the way in which some The Body and on government measures to provide financial A Day in the Life of? 6 ministers have noted very carefully the resurrection changed everything about our and other support. of Christ present and our future. I believe that any Baptist Chapel 7 tragedy of the loss of each individual and There is wonderful work being done by volunteers Prayer for April 8 demonstration of human kindness, without COVID-19 Information and Support 8 have given their sincere condolences, to help key workers and the vulnerable (see p. 33). speaks volumes for the compassion that is being the need for a reward, is a demonstration of the Sherfield Flower and Produce Show 11 If you have any stories or particular thanks for Sherfield Village Hall Matters 12 shown generally for those who have suffered and innate love which God has placed in us all because we are essentially in the image of God, who is help you have received do let us know. Sherfield Park Community Centre 13 died and for those who are bereaved. Parish Council 15 love. In this way the Easter story is being lived Stephen has shared with us a diary of his working Sherfield Park Matters 16 The scale of economic loss has yet to be calculated out in our community. Of course that is much life during lockdown which has involved some Local Shops Providing a Delivery Service 16 in terms of the human effect and this will strengthened when we know it and choose to do it difficult decisions which face us all, particularly in Ranil Writes 20 undoubtedly manifest itself in more types of grief in Christ’s name. There is a prayer attributed to relations to funerals and weddings (p. 6). Conferencing 22 and loss. It will be some time before we get back Teresa of Avila that goes like this: Reducing your WFH Energy Costs 26 Being confined to home means that we have to A Wartime Childhood in Sherfield 30 to anything like normal, or at least a new normal. Sherfield on Loddon Volunteers 33 As much as politicians like to feel that they are in “Christ has no body on earth now but yours, no learn new ways of working and keeping in touch hands but yours, no feet but yours; yours are the Crime Update 38 control and show that they have their hands on with family and friends. On p. 22 Simon Boase has Puzzle Page 40 the reins I was heartened by the honesty of the eyes through which he looks with compassion on provided an article on the various technological NWR 42 Secretary of State for Health when he said that the world; yours are the feet with which he walks options for conferencing. And with finances CC - Rhydian Vaughan 43 Puzzle Solutions 44 much of this is unknowable. to do good; yours are the hands with which he difficult at the moment you will probably welcome blesses all the world.” May God bless all our Advertisers' Index 47 anything which will help you to save some money, Benefice Contact Information 48 Of course, the other half of the story is of a nation efforts for good and healing throughout this time. so on p. 26 there is an article on how to reduce rising to meet a challenge, almost as if it was Useful Telephone Nos. 49 your energy costs (and save the environment). K6 Preserved 50 something that it was longing for (the challenge Small Ads 50 that is, not the virus). Does that sound strange? Every blessing To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day we are Writing Your Will during the Lockdown 51 There is, of course, much human kindness around all of the time but the burgeoning of this The Loddon Valley Link is compiled and edited entirely by volunteers who live in the local community and take part in its activities. It is normally hand distributed by volunteer neighbours to over 2,000 houses across the wonderful aspect of humanity has been quite Stephen 07943014277 email: [email protected] parishes of Sherfield on Loddon, Sherfield Park, Stratfield Saye, Hartley Wespall and . It is amazing to observe. Of course, I am aware that available online at loddonvalleylink.org.uk. We return any profits to the community in the form of grants, which this is not universal but where it does occur it amounted to nearly £3,000 last year. demonstrates that such qualities appear to be Please note: the Loddon Valley Link aims to provide accurate information but the Management Committee cannot accept any liability in respect of errors or omissions. Any opinions expressed in articles are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Loddon Valley Link Management Committee. The Committee cannot be held responsible for the reliability or quality of any goods, work or services in this publication or on our website. The Editor's decision as to the inclusion and content of articles is final. If inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate information is brought to our attention, we will make every reasonable effort to correct or remove it as soon as possible. Page 2 Page 3

Church Services

ue to the current coronavirus restrictions we you can find recordings on

D are sadly unable to hold our normal services our Church website, in Church. However, we would warmly welcome you to join EETING DATES undertaken significant clearance to free up the drainage system after it leaves Sherfield Park parish. This work us in listening to weekly services recorded by www.stleonardschurch.co.uk under the 'Services M Sherfield Park Parish Council have resolved to will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in future Stephen and others. We have just enjoyed our first & Events' tab where you then click on the continue meeting remotely during the Covid-19 crisis. years. Zoom service, which 42 members of our recordings button. The website is also a The next meeting will be the May 2020 AGM which good source for other news and will be held on Wednesday 13th May 2020 at 7.30pm. COVID-19 information. Stephen also emails out the The agenda and supporting items will be available on Sherfield Park has shown its strong community spirit in services every week. the Parish Council Notice Boards and website, no less the way we are supporting our neighbours and than 5 days beforehand. If you wish to join the meeting vulnerable residents. The Parish Council would like to If you would like to be included in the circulation via www.zoom.us please email the Clerk for the thank the growing list of Sherfield Park volunteers who list for service recordings and texts or would like meeting ID and passcode. to participate in the Zoom services please contact are offering to help with essential tasks such as Stephen via email on [email protected]. TEMPORARY CHANGES TO WASTE shopping or collecting prescriptions, or maybe even a COLLECTIONS friendly phone call. If you wish to volunteer, or if you You can also connect with what’s happening Bin collections are to be reduced temporarily (see would like some help, please call 01256 592009 or email through Facebook, by searching for St Leonard’s the clerk – [email protected]. below). However, the communal grey bins for flats will congregation attended - thank you to Richard Church, Sherfield on Loddon or We are also appreciative of the Nisa shop, who are remain weekly. Elphick and Karen West for leading. Alternatively www.facebook.com/StLeonardsChurchSherfieldonLoddon/ supporting many residents with their grocery shopping, IMPROVING DRAINAGE where they are self-isolating for health reasons. One of our valued wooded areas on Sherfield Park, Sherfield Park Parish Council wishes health and known as the Taylor’s Farm Drive footpath, suffered happiness to all of its residents during these challenging badly with flooding during the recent prolonged days. Remember, as a community, by acting together periods of rain. The Parish has used funding from the and staying at home we are reducing the spread of this Parish Registers Borough Council to clear a blockage in the drainage virus for the good of us all. route, part of a complex drainage system linked to the ponds in the Taylor’s Farm Drive area and the Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. FUNERALS balancing ponds on Amport Road. Residents may have Tracy Hamer, Clerk & RFO to Sherfield Park Parish noticed that Landmarc, the organisation maintaining Council the land adjacent to Sherfield Park, have also 9th April 2020 Jane Charlotte Fay 22nd April 2020 Sherfield asingstoke and Deane Borough Council has Those residents Julia Doggart 24th April 2020 Sherfield B announced that from 20 April bin collections will currently receiving temporarily be reduced to ensure waste, recycling, glass an assisted and clinical waste collections can continue in the collection will borough during the COVID-19 outbreak. continue to get Residents will be asked to put out their grey and green this support from the bin crews. Support and recycling bins in alternate weeks, with the green bin information will be available through the council’s Catholic Services being put out on their normal recycling collection day. website, social media and e-newsletter to help residents reduce the amount of rubbish they put in their grey bin St Bede’s and Holy Ghost Churches, Basingstoke. The grey bin, as well as the green bin, will thus be collected every fortnight instead of every week. The day and maximise the amount of recycling they put in their Public Worship Suspended of the week that bins are collected will not change. green bin and glass container. Please call 01256 465214 Garden and bulky waste collections have already been For more information on the changes and frequently asked questions visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/covid- www.stbedesbasingstoke.org.uk suspended. The temporary changes to the service will be reviewed regularly to respond to changes in 19-bins-and-recycling Live-streamed Sunday Masses 9am, 11am government guidance as they emerge. or call 01256 844844. Bin crews in are working hard People can sign up to our residents’ eNewsletter at but this decision has been taken to allow staff to follow www.basingstoke.gov.uk/signup and follow guidance on self isolation, to protect the crews and @BasingstokeGov on Facebook or Twitter ensure residents receive a regular and reliable service.

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A day in the life of? what they will look like. Nobody really likes to have to way I can include other people doing readings and use go to a funeral because it inevitably means that my guitar to play some hymns. Again a very late night tephen Ball, (Rector of St falls through the gaps. Held a Zoom meeting today. someone they love or have known passed away, but it getting all the service sheets done but the result is much Leonard’s, St Mary’s Hartley Never heard of Zoom before and a bit unsure as to is one of the aspects of my ministry that I get a huge better. The learning curve for this stuff is pretty steep S Wespall, St Mary’s Stratfield how to use it. Managed to get some tuition so the amount of satisfaction from. Each funeral is very but we are getting there. The next stop will be trying to Saye, Stratfield Turgis and St James, meeting was successful in setting up lines of important to me and I try to make it as personal as I do the service on Zoom. Tired but very thankful to Bramley) shares his perspective on life since the beginning of the communication and making sure everyone was covered possibly can within the framework of what I'm allowed God today. ‘lockdown’. in terms of keeping in contact and their needs. We have to do. When I read that numbers at funerals are limited Day 7. Obviously it continues to be odd not being able a really good team so that helped enormously. Lots of I remember once going to a funeral visit in a previous and they have to be two metres apart my heart breaks. to talk to people face-to-face and actually meet together ‘thank yous’ to God today. parish towards the end of a very busy day. When I How on earth am I going to do that? How will they but the church feels more connected than ever. arrived the farmer in the outlying farm said to me, “ If Day 3. Beginning to get a lot more information, legal cope, how will I cope. It all feels quite costly but it Actually the village feels more connected than ever. you don't mind me saying, vicar, you look a little direction and advice from the Diocese today. It's a lot must be done. John, my colleague, who very ably takes There is lots of amazing stuff going on in the village at flustered”. I replied that I had had a very busy day. to take in but it needs to be done and it reminds me care of Bramley, has a funeral lined up already and so the moment with volunteers and kindness overflowing “Doing what, may I ask?”. I explained to him all the again of exactly what I'm responsible for doing, (not we have begun to talk about how to do it. I realise I and people being protected. It’s very heartening to see things I had done starting from 8 o’clock in the that I'd really forgotten. There were aspects I hadn't have no experience of doing a simple graveside service and I am very proud to be a part of this community. morning and he replied, “ Well, you thought about in a while though). to draw on so he promises to look at the resources Easter services went extremely well today. Three do surprise me. I really did think Our Annual General Meeting was due available and share them with me later. services this time but it was well worth it and the you only worked one day a week!” in the middle of April and that clearly Day 6. Last week's simple service recorded on my feedback I got tells me that we’re hitting the nail on the I have often thought of doing “A isn't going to happen now. It is, phone went quite well and I had a good response. It head. We keep going and we keep being encouraged. day in the Life of a Vicar”, but I however, a legal requirement and was a lot of work and I didn't finish until 11 at night We keep praying and we remain thankful that God is never got around to it. needed a whole legal process to delay but it was worth it. I have now worked out how to with us in every circumstance. it until October. That is a relief given record the service using the recording software, Rather than do just one day I what we have ahead of us but we downloaded onto my computer some time ago. This thought I would give you snippets mustn't take our eye off the ball. of things that have happened since the beginning of the lockdown. The Communications are going well and days are not particularly in order we have a good ‘In Touch’ team. That Baptist Chapel and this is more of a reflective diary. basically means that we have a team of people who have each been Breach Lane Chapel, Sherfield on Loddon Day 1. We have many legal assigned a small group that they Geoff Belsham 01256 882534 / 07519 708416 responsibilities to fulfil as Vicars, watch out for in terms of needs, Services for April including keeping the church open whether they are present or absent, and running services regularly. So it whether they are sick or well and this feels very strange to be told that the Photo: Karen West is fed back to the team through a Due to the current problems with the coronavirus pandemic, the regular Sunday morning services have church building needs to be shut and locked to prevent coordinator. Thinking about individual needs, I’ve just been suspended on the advice from the Baptist Union of Great Britain. people meeting together. It feels wrong but it is the realised though that we don't exactly know who has an The following list of chapel activities applies if the current lockdown comes to an end before the end of right thing to do and, anyway, we have sworn allegiance internet connection and is comfortable with email or May. to the Queen and obedience to the Bishop, in all things Zoom or Facebook etc. I commissioned a survey to For more details – please contact Geoffrey Belsham on 01256 882534 lawful and honest. The Diocesan website and internet find out. Lots to pray about today as I listen to the is awash with ideas about how to go about providing news. services during the lockdown but being a bear of very Sunday 10th 10.30am Family Worship led by Graham Locke little technical ability I begin to consider how to achieve Day 4. Today wedding couples are beginning to ring this. up to discuss their wedding plans. For those whose Tuesday 12th 10am Drop In & Open Morning at the Chapel including weddings are in the very near future, the sad reality is Film Show plus BOOK SALE Although we have often talked about streaming that they will have to be postponed, not least because th services to people unable to attend church, we are now of the legal formalities preceding the wedding but also Sunday 17 10.30am Family Worship led by Neil Owen including Holy faced with getting something technologically based because their venues are being cancelled. It's more Communion done by this Sunday. I've recorded sermons on my difficult to calculate for couples whose weddings are Thursday 21st 7pm Bible Study in the Chapel led by Steve Smith phone before so maybe that's a good place to begin. further away because we really don't know how things Sunday 24th 10.30am Family Worship led by Alistair Sneddon Much thought and prayer needed! will turn out and whether people will want to attend if Day 2. We are fairly good at communicating with each the virus still has the potential to re-emerge. More legal 12.30pm Anniversary Meal at the Chapel paperwork arrives today to guide us concerning other, hopefully getting better since starting the Church Tuesday 26th 10am Drop In & Open Morning at the Chapel including marriages. To me this is one of the hardest aspects of Family Newsletter. However, we rely on contact with Film Show plus BOOK SALE everybody at weekly services, home visits or out and this crisis. Sunday 31st 10.30am Family Worship led by Steve Smith about in the community. That has come to an end for Day 5. Well, if I thought that was hard we're now the time being so we need to make sure that nobody getting advice from the Diocese about funerals and

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Prayers for April omans 8: 38-39 shielded due to their vulnerabilities and for “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither all whose livelihoods are affected by the R angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, economic impact of the crisis. We pray for nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all all who are carers and medical practitioners creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in and for those seeking a solution in the scientific Christ Jesus our Lord”. community. We pray for our government, that you will Prayer for the month guide them to wise decisions. Give them the wisdom Generous God, thank you for the message and reality of and strength they need to bring stability to our nation. Easter, that in Jesus Christ death is conquered and you Loving God, we pray for our homes and families. We have offered us the gift of new life in him. Help us to pray especially for those who are fearful and for those accept this free gift so that we can know that we are safe dealing with the practical and emotional aspects of self- in you, both in this world and in the next; in life and in isolation. Give us all the mental strength and wisdom to physical death. Thank you that death is not the end for navigate the days ahead. We pray for all who live in care those who believe in Jesus. Thank you that nothing can homes and for their families. Give them peace in the separate us from you and from your love. Help us to midst of their concern. readily share this good news in word and action with all We pray for all who grieve the loss of loved ones, we meet. Amen. whether recently or in the past, and we ask for your Prayer points for May comfort and peace. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. We continue to pray for all who are affected by the coronavirus; for all who are ill, for those who are being

COVID-19 Information and Support If you are feeling unwell and need Other Support - Local and National urgent medical attention, please call There are a number of local and national charities NHS 111. If it is an emergency, please continuing to provide support on issues such as mental call 999. For health advice, please health, loneliness and domestic abuse, including: visit nhs.uk/coronavirus. Mind – 0300 123 3393, text 86463, email To register as ‘extremely vulnerable’, please visit: [email protected] gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable or call Samaritans – 116 123 or email 0800028 8327 [email protected] Latest guidance from HM Government: The Silver Line (advice and friendship for the gov.uk/coronavirus elderly) – 0800 470 80 90 or You may also be able to find the www.thesilverline.org.uk answers you seek by phoning one of the dedicated HM Age UK (friendship service for over 60s) – Government hotlines: 0800 678 1602, or www.ageuk.org.uk Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service – Business support & ventilators: 000 456 3565 03300 165112 HMRC: 0800 015 9559 National Domestic Abuse Helpline - Universal Credit: 0800 328 5644 0808 2000 247 School Closures: 0800 046 8687 Childline – 0800 1111 Respect Phoneline – 0808 8024040. Hampshire County Council www.hants.gov.uk/coronavirus Volunteers The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline – If you would like to volunteer, are thinking about Hantshelp4vulnerable - can be contacted on 0333 370 starting a group in your area or have already done so, 4000. (Calls charged at local rate.) The helpline is please visit www.bvaction.org.uk/coronavirus- available every day from 9am to 5pm for vulnerable volunteering or call 01256 423852 to register your group people without family or other who need urgent and find contact details for accessing guidance and assistance with practical issues. support. See . p.33 for information on the Sherfield on Loddon volunteer scheme.

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Wellington Farm Shop his farm shop (see facing page) specialises in local launched a user-friendly new website to T produce, including Hereford beef grown on the make ordering online easy and whilst the Stratfield Saye Estate, potatoes from Lodgewood Farm café is closed, they have requisitioned the space as the in Hook, and eggs produced by Beechwood Farm in packing department for click and collect. Their frozen . ready meal boxes for those struggling to cook is made They also run a popular café but in line with current by the chefs from the café; using produce available in restrictions this is temporarily closed. However, they the shop from homemade lasagnes, curry, pies and realised that their food business was more important quiches. In addition, for the elderly and for the unwell, than ever at the present time. The panic buying from staff are trying to help by doing home delivery when Covid-19 outbreak meant people have been struggling and where they can. to source food essentials and booking slots for home They have revised their opening times to allow for food deliveries are now like catching gold dust. The extended deep cleaning and to save customers result has been that families are worried about how to unwanted additional journeys they are stocking cleaning do a weekly shop in safety, not wanting to expose essentials too. themselves to queuing outside shops and fighting for Wellington Farm Shop is open 7 days a week from produce within. In addition, farm shops have become 9am-4pm. an essential life line for supporting those small food businesses and local producers. They are launching new boxes weekly. Take a look by visiting their website: Due to this Wellington Farm Shop have launched an www.wellingtonfarmshop.co.uk/clickandcollect online click and collect service. The boxes aim to cover all the fundamentals like meat essentials, vegetable boxes and store cupboard necessities. They have

SHERFIELD FLOWER and PRODUCE SHOW Plan your entries now for 6th September 2020

n these terrible times, many of us are turning to our It is not too late to dig up and separate I gardens to keep busy and planning out how to grow some snowdrops. fresh salads and vegetables if commercial supplies run Plant out your main crop potatoes. low. Gardening is good for us all - even if you only You can do this in vegetable bags, if space is limited, have a window box. planting in a little compost and topping them up as the One of the necessary restrictions imposed as part of the leaves appear. lockdown is that garden centres are closed at present Your tomato seedlings can now be potted on, along and seed companies are experiencing such demand that with cucumbers, courgettes and squash. deliveries are very slow. If you were organised and have already obtained your seeds or perhaps saved them Deadhead your daffodils so that they preserve their from last year, you might like to think how you can strength for next years flowers rather than producing help other growers in the village. It is unlikely that you seed heads. Do not cut down or tie up the foliage. will want to use up a full packet of most seeds. What Be careful not to plant out too early as frosts are still will you do with the surplus ? What about offering your possible until the end of the month. neighbours a few seeds or surplus plants. Percy’s Plant Sale is sadly cancelled but you might like to place your If you have nettles and comfrey, then put them in a spares at your gate - to preserve social distancing - with bucket with plenty of water. In a few weeks you will an honesty box and raise money for the NHS or other have a good organic feed for your plants. It looks and local charities. Let’s see how much Sherfield can raise. smells dreadful but it really works. Dilute about half a pint of the liquid to two gallons of water. Some jobs for May - Richard Elphick Real Estate Carry on sowing summer annuals outside in prepared beds - cosmos, marigolds and poppies are all fairly easy www.richardelphickrealestate.com to grow. Tel: 07768 004820 As Spring really gets going, weeds are getting bigger and stronger. Now is the time to get on your knees and get rid of the nettles, ground elder and dandelions. Page 10 Page 11

Sherfield SHERFIELD PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE

Village Hall Reg. Charity Reg. Charity No. 1178256 No 1170953 Matters `At the heart of our community for over 100 years’ It’s such a surreal time we are living in; our supplying us with ready cut-out fabric. The Trustees wish all residents, user-groups and clients ‘safe and well’, in these ‘normal’ way of life changed immeasurably on Michael van challenging times, and would like to thank the LVL team for producing this edition. 23rd March when the UK entered lockdown. Noorden for Working from home, home schooling, daily your ‘lockdown Down Memory Lane – Extensions exercise of a walk, cycling or running, spring laugh’ posts on The present Victorian main building was originally six cottages, known as Pleasant Row. cleaning, decorating, gardening are the new the SP Facebook normal activities. As the weeks have passed, we In 1869 the Revd AG Barker donated them to the parish and, after his death, his family page making us have come together as a community even more , converted the four central cottages into a village hall and social club, opening in 1909. giggle and if that’s possible. We are checking in with our bringing much

The Garden Room/Bar received a make isolating neighbours, sharing tips, recipes and needed light supporting our NHS in several ways not only -over in 2013; here is the Meeting relief! with the Thursday evening Clap for Carers, Room/Bar as it is today. collecting donations of hand cream and other Nicky and Jason Cartwright for sourcing and toiletry items too. sharing eggs and for the photos of the cute puppies too! 2 of the 3 food vans that usually Here are just a few to mention, we thank them visit the Centre are continuing to operate. all... Smokin Street Food have been creative with a Our local NISA Shop is and continues to be a new ‘pizza kit ‘ delivery service and much needed resource and we thank Kam, Mohit and the team for all their hard work to ProperPoshNosh are also offering a keep us fed and watered. delivery/collection service. A great way to continue to continue to support local business - After much fundraising, led by committee Adam Gumbiner and Coffee for COVID - enjoy! members including Kay such a great fundraising idea that has taken hold, Pearman and Kathleen We would like to take this opportunity to thank going beyond its £2,000 goal with coffee Gaiger, the Garden companies supporting it too. Coffee machines our amazing NHS, key workers & volunteers Room/Bar, as above, was and drinks pods have already been delivered to who are helping to keep us going; many are our added to the main hall. neighbours, friends & family. And what next? The present Trustees Basingstoke Hospital with other hospitals to follow. Thank you Adam and all who have Here are Lord and Lady are keen to continue the good Unfortunately this year’s Sherfest looks unlikely Sherfield cutting the donated to support our NHS workers. to happen. When it is safe to do so we would th stewardship which precedes them and, ribbon on 16 April 1983. like to host and organise a Community as previously reported, are currently Thousands of sewers have come together to make urgently-needed scrubs for NHS workers Celebration on the field. In the meantime, stay moving forward with plans and grant in a nationwide effort under the banner ‘For the in, stay safe and well. applications for the next exciting project: Love of Scrubs’. The ladies of the our Fabric Here’s how you can still support your an extension and refurbishment of the and Threads Group at the Community Centre Community Centre during the lockdown... Main Hall kitchen. were already knitting and crocheting ‘button- And a view into the As a charity the Sherfield Park Community new extension bands’, which make mask-wearing more Our thanks to Kay Pearman for the photos Centre relies on the income from the hall hire to from the main hall comfortable, and, on hearing of this initiative, and maybe more Down Memory Lane next keep going, which has obviously ceased since month. threw their efforts into sewing scrubs. We are lucky that Julie Knaggs, who lives on Sherfield the lockdown. Park, has a bulk-cutting machine and is (Continued on page 15)

To hire Sherfield Village Hall for your group or function in happier times Please contact the Centre for more information / tickets Online booking at www.sherfieldvillagehall.co.uk [email protected] (t) 01256 883967 Tel. 07468 427684 Email: [email protected] Page 12 Page 13

(Continued from page 13) AmazonSmile 01256 358870 During the coming weeks when shopping https://www.smile.amazon.co.uk 07825 685923 online, please think about supporting us using the Please look up the SPCA and add this as your links below. It won’t cost you any extra as the chosen charity Home retailer makes a donation, simply sign up and In the meantime, PLEASE follow government Household Repairs select ‘Sherfield Park Community Association’ advice, stay in, stay well, support the NHS, and Patios - Painting (SPCA) as your chosen charity. save lives Plumbing - Paving About a dozen or so people are already signed up Until we meet again, best wishes to all. Home & Garden Services-Sherfield is Garden Tree and through both sites have raised just under a local company that specialises in Scarifying Surgery £650 since 2018! To put this into context, this The SPCA Trustees, Louise, Sarah and the Youth providing value for money solutions Rotovating and amount would just about cover our monthly gas & Team for all of your home and garden Trimming Seasoned electric direct debit. Thank you in advance. improvements, maintenance and Mowing Logs repairs. One off jobs - big or small - Aquatics Easy Fundraising and regular maintenance services to Maintenance https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/sherf keep your property and garden in Fencing good order ieldparkca/ Fully insured

Best prices - All work guaranteed Please contact the Centre for more information on [email protected] or www.hgs-sherfield.co.uk [email protected] (t) 01256 883967

Sherfield on Loddon Parish Council he Parish Council would like to take this World Health Organisation T opportunity to thank all those who have helped www.who.int/health-topics/ out during this pandemic - all key workers who work coronavirus and reside in the village, those who have worked and Please look out for those who are vulnerable at this volunteered at the Shop at Sherfield, those who have time and most of all please stay safe volunteered by assisting those who need help, and those who have stayed at home! Our thanks go Trees especially to Judith Sullivan who has been instrumental The Parish Council has recently commissioned a Tree in getting the Volunteer Scheme up and running. survey of the Village Green and Woodland. This will be Thank you everyone. available on the website when it is available. Meeting dates Village Green Following the government’s advice on coronavirus and The Parish Council is aware that there is a mole with the safety of parish councillors and residents in problem on the green. This is currently being mind the parish council will not be holding any addressed. meetings until it is advised that it is allowed to do so. If you have any questions or queries please feel free to contact the Clerk on clerk@sherfieldonloddon- Karen Ross, Clerk to Sherfield on Loddon Parish pc.gov.uk as the Parish Council is still working. Council www.tranquilbeauty.co.uk Advice for Everyone PO Box 6862, Basingstoke RG24 4QZ Telephone: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 01256 842662 Public Health Email: [email protected] www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health- england

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Sherfield Park Matters

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age inclined, the of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” Not that I am a topologically Dickens expert and I am not talking about two cities. You can motivated and see it all in our own Sherfield Park. the simply bored.

his virus has turned our world inside out... giving What is the longest path one can walk (staying only on T us a quiet time, time to spend with family, time to roads) completely within Sherfield Park that does not value what is really important. But it has also threatened involve repeating any part of that route? I have my our own health and that of our loved ones and it has own ideas, but I often get lost going to the Community challenged the very basis of our health system. On the Centre. good side, the unintended consequences side, we have seen the strength, skills and compassion of our Let me know at the email below if you have any ideas neighbours, our health care workers, truck drivers, first and, more importantly, be safe. responders, shop keepers, bin collectors, social workers, police, and volunteers of all sorts. It is that Stephen Levin good side that keeps us going. Sherfield Park Community Association 01256 883967 And speaking of going, I have taken to walking for my [email protected] allowed exercise. And while I have often wondered about the reasoning Croudace used to lay out the Stephen Levin labyrinth that makes up our roads, there may be a plus Sherfield Park Community Association side. So, here is a puzzle for the geographically 01256 883967 [email protected]

Local Shops Providing a Delivery Service

The Shop At Sherfield (via village volunteers) The Cottage, Basingstoke Road 01256 882234 Riseley Reading Newlyns Farm Shop - collection from shop or Berkshire delivery up to 7 miles range for those self-isolating. RG7 1QD Lodge Farm North Warnborough https://www.villagemaidcheese.co.uk/ Hook Turgis Green Filling Station (BP) Hampshire Will compile an order for collection. Phone or send a RG29 1HA message via Facebook: 01256 704128 https://www.facebook.com/bp.turgis A33 Reading Road Bramley Bakery Sherfield Road Turgis Green Bramley Hampshire Hook RG27 0AG RG26 5AG 01256 881287 01256 88360 CA Belcher - fruit and vegetable. wholesaler in Earley Wellington Farm Shop – open and click and collect who is doing veg and fruit boxes for delivery Unit 7 food box service Cutbush Industrial Park Welsh Ln Reading Danehill G27 0LT Reading Berkshire 0118 932 6132 RG6 4UT [email protected] 0118 975 2466 Village Maid Cheeses - artisan cheesemakers

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have to pay a penny towards their mortgage while they guidance on where to turn, please go to my website: Ranil Writes - Supporting local families get back on their feet. Additional protections for ranil.uk/covid or email my special email address: renters have also been introduced by extending the [email protected] Official guidance continues to evolve, however the information in from when they get symptoms, mortgage payment holiday to landlords, so no this article was correct as of 9th April 2020. even if that means isolating for Finally, Hampshire now has a single Coronavirus unnecessary pressure is put on tenants. And the Helpline – ‘Hantshelp4vulnerable’ – following requests more than 14 days total. government has agreed new emergency measures with he last three months have seen our lives change by local MPs, for frail or vulnerable people who need the energy industry, so any energy customer in financial immeasurably. That they don’t change forever You do not need to call NHS 111 urgent assistance with essential food or household distress will be supported by their supplier – such as T is our shared mission. This deadly enemy is to self-isolate but if your symptoms supplies, collection of medication, or who are at risk of beatable – and, if we follow the scientific advice, we will worsen during isolation, or you are no better after seven bills and debt repayments being reassessed, reduced or loneliness. This can be contacted, seven days a week, paused where necessary – while disconnection of credit beat it. days, then contact 111.nhs.uk. If you do not use the from 9am to 5pm, on: 0333 370 4000 internet, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency, always meters will be completely suspended and customers This update is to assure you that the government is dial 999. with pre-payment meters who may not be able to add No-one is denying that we face challenges and people taking unprecedented action to support people in these credit can speak to their supplier about new options so will have to make sacrifices, but I can assure you that unprecedented times and to let you know what you can So, please, follow the measures that have been outlined that their supply is not interrupted. the government is working around the clock to do all do – right now. – and the advice to wash your hands remains valid too! that they can to support and protect the public at this Businesses To protect jobs, in addition to covering 80% What should you do What’s being done difficult time – and I know will continue to do of wages for furloughed employees, many businesses whatever it takes. Stay At Home The government has instructed everyone However tough the months ahead, we have the resolve will get grants of £10,000 – while retail, hospitality and to stay home and only leave the house for one of four and resources to win the fight. This government will do leisure businesses have had business rates scrapped for STAY AT HOME. PROTECT THE NHS. SAVE reasons: (1) shopping for basic necessities, e.g. food and whatever it takes. As your local Member of Parliament, 12 months and many will get a grant of up to £25,000. LIVES. medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible; (2) I am making sure that Ministers are aware of local issues Interest-free loans are also available to SMEs too. one form of exercise a day – alone or with household and helping them identify where more support is A lot of support has already been offered, though I members; (3) any medical need, or to provide care or to indeed. know that not everyone has taken it up. If you need help a vulnerable person; (4) travelling to and from Health The government provided money to discharge work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done patients, free up 15,000 hospital beds and build five new from home. NHS Nightingale hospitals – and has transported These reasons are exceptions – even when doing these hundreds of millions of pieces of personal protective activities, you should minimise time outside of the equipment, such as masks. 4,500 retired doctors and home and make sure you are 6’6” / 2m apart from nurses have returned to work, 5,500 final-year medics Local Scenes anyone outside your household. and 18,700 final-year student nurses will join the efforts We are very fortunate to have such lovely places in our parishes where we can take our and NHS 111 staff have been increased by a fifth. We’re Shield The Extremely Vulnerable Those who are at very also increasing NHS testing capacity to 100,000 a day by exercise. This was Frith Wood towards the end of April. high risk of severe illness from coronavirus, because of the end of April and trials of a possible vaccine are an underlying health condition, have been directly expected to start within the month. contacted by the NHS. If you are in this group, you’ve been strongly advised to stay home at all times and Education Schools have closed, but children of key avoid any face-to-face contact, for a period of at least workers and vulnerable children are still being looked twelve weeks from when you received your letter. after if needed. Meals and vouchers are still being provided to those entitled to free school meals – and Even those who didn’t receive a letter as extremely pupils will still get their qualifications in a way that vulnerable may be still classed as vulnerable – those reflects their performance as fairly as possible (based on over 70, regardless of medical conditions; those under teachers judgement, mock exams, non-exam assessment 70 with underlying health conditions; and pregnant and prior attainment) in a way that is indistinguishable women. The government advises the vulnerable to be on their permanent record. particularly stringent in following social distancing measures and to significantly limit face-to-face Incomes No business has to lay people off. To protect Photos: Mike Abrams interaction, even where permitted. I would personally jobs, employers can receive grants to cover 80% of urge you to stay at home at all times too. wages; and the self-employed can receive grants of 80% of average monthly profits (averaging over up to 3 Self-Isolation If you, or someone you live with, has either and this was a field in Stratfield Turgis. years); on top of the extension of sick pay to the self- a high temperature or a new, continuous cough – or employed. Further, Statutory Sick Pay is payable if you other symptoms, however mild – stay at home! Self- are staying at home on advice to self-isolate, not just if isolation will save lives, so it’s important you follow the you are infected by coronavirus. And, should anyone Photo: Joyce Rolfe guidance if you’re affected. If you live alone you must still lose their income, Universal Credit has been self-isolate for seven days, and if you live with others increased too. you and all members of your household must self- isolate for 14 days. If household members do not Bills For those in difficulty, the government introduced remain symptom free, they must isolate for seven days a three-month mortgage holiday, so people will not

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Conferencing With the current state of the country in lockdown the hardware costs can be quite high. If you’re after ability to communicate easily has come to the fore. something functionally rich and easy to use across There’s nothing to stop you picking up the phone but multiple devices then choose Zoom. modern technology allows for much more. The Video or just audio technology that enables this Companies have been has been around for quite a using audio conferencing while now, hence it’s software for many years available from lots of but if you’ve never used it providers. I thought it would before its not the same as be useful to do a short a face to face chat. It's article on the various tools very easy to talk over available. This is by no others and you miss the means an exhaustive list and conversational cues I have focussed on tools I’ve seeing a face gives. experienced that are free to Hence generally a video use. They all require a free call is more user friendly. account but often just for the meeting host. You may In the interest of brevity, have a different favourite. I haven’t mentioned the more business oriented Ultimately the best one for services like Microsoft you is the one that all your participants use most often. Teams, Slack, Gotomeeting etc. For example, if you have a Facebook group then Facebook Messenger group chat is probably the way to Perhaps getting to use these tools now will reduce the go. If you’re after something really simple to use then travel we do in future. one of the hardware solutions is best although initial Simon Boase

Product App Br'ws Mobil. Tablt PC Mac Comments er Amazon Primarily hardware but works on the app too. Alexa Great if you already have Alexa. Allows voice and video if you have an echo show. Apple If you use Apple products this is easy. Facetime Conference in up to 32 people. Facebook Portal Simple hardware solution. Still new but has some interesting features. Up to 8 people Messenger Been around for ages and just works. Up to 50 people. Whatsapp Main drawback is only works on mobiles. Apart from that works well. 4 people. Google Duo Recent replacement for hangouts which was very good. 12 people. Houseparty Recent experience seems to give poor connection quality. Microsoft New version very easy to use. Up to 50 Skype people Zoom Probably the easiest and feature rich software solution (whiteboards, screen sharing). Recent security concerns have been addressed using meeting passwords and waiting rooms. Up to 100 people.

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in real-time and see which devices are the Kettles and hair dryers are thirsty too, but they are Reduce Your Energy Costs when Working From Home hungriest. Previous generation smart meters usually only on for short durations. In general, audio- stopped working if you switched supplier, visual and computing equipment don’t individually ow that most of us are in lockdown and Understand your current energy usage great.The good news is that you can purchase your need a lot of electrical power, but they all add up N working from home, I thought that this is When we are flat out working hard to earn a living, own electricity collectively when you consider how many gadgets a the perfect we all tend not to spend time looking for the best usage monitor typical home has running at any one time. time to deal. It’s too easy to just accept renewal quotes for device, which has a Reduce energy usage where it makes sense offer some sensor which services like house insurance and to carry on using Central Heating practical simply clips around the same suppliers, even when there are some great As we head into spring from another long British suggestions a cable next to your deals out there. In a busy world it’s all about winter, we expect that our heating systems won’t to save meter and sends a optimising how we want to spend our valuable have to work so hard, but we all know that British money by reading wirelessly time. Let’s now spend some time to figure out how weather loves to prove us wrong. In a typical UK squeezing to a display monitor anywhere in your house. much we actually spend on domestic energy.. household more than half the energy bill spent on your total These devices work for any supplier. Companies Domestic energy is used for heating your home, fuel bills is for central heating and hot water (see energy bill. making total electricity usage monitors for the UK plus electricity for lighting and powering all of our energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy- market include Current Cost, Owl, Energenie, etc. The good news of course about working from lovely tools, gadgets and home entertainment. efficiency/heating-and-hot-water). The display reading home is that we can save lots of travel energy We’re talking a lot of money here. According to shows your total The first question to costs, especially on fuel. We the energy market regulator household ask is, are you heating also have the opportunity Ofgem, the average annual electricity rooms in your house of changing working habits household bill in April 2019 consumption at right now that are using video conferencing was for gas and electricity that point in time. hardly used? If so, turn facilities (see elsewhere in was £1,254. The average If you turn your down the radiator this magazine). But the bad hides variation in size and electric kettle on, valves in those rooms. news is that we will all be location of the property, you will be amazed Check all windows, spending a lot more on plus the number of how the reading doors and keyholes for energy, especially for residents. Most people have changes. I just did nasty draughts. Seal domestic heating and gas for cooking and central it and it jumped them all up. Cat flaps electricity. So, in the heating. We don’t; like many from 200 to 2200 are a real pain here. current climate of who live in the sticks, we kWh! These Next, check your economic uncertainty, have oil for heating and monitors start at central heating controls anything we can do to reduce our household Calor gas for cooking. Others may use electric about £20, so you to make sure that your running costs has to be a good thing, right? So, heating devices, which are usually very expensive. what should you do? Well, you need a sensible can become radiators are only on Take a look at your heating fuel and electricity bills strategy. I have spent a fair bit of time trawling the Sherlock Holmes when they really need last year. In my case December is my heaviest various websites and really squeezing my energy and hunt down to be on. Can you turn month just for electricity, as it is more than four bills, so I can recommend the following: your electricity down your central times what I need in June. But my current guzzling culprit devices. There are £10 meter heating thermostat by a small amount? Today most Understand your current energy usage electricity supplier insists on a fixed monthly bill. devices out there which monitor a single power are set to 20ºC. The official Cold Weather Plan for Reduce energy usage where it makes sense Suppliers usually like you to overpay each month if socket, but one socket does not help much. If you England advises 18ºC as a target. This generates Switch your energy supplier when the time is possible, so you often end up with a surplus. Look see what the reading is at 2am (150 kWh for me) big savings throughout the year, between £50 to right at all of your bills throughout the year, which is you can see how many fridges, clocks and standby £80/year for every 1ºC lower. You can do all of Evaluate a potential improvement project in the easy to do if you have an on-line account to devices have been left running. Turn off what does this whilst in lockdown. In the longer term we can future download the bills. Do you have a surplus, or a not have to be on right now, minimise that display improve our heating systems radically, as we shall deficit? Now work out how many electricity units reading! see, but not right now. This simple strategy applies just as much to a (kilowatt hours) per year you currently consume. We know that some electrical devices guzzle much Electricity consumption business as it does to your home. It may involve We will help you squeeze that horrible number! In more power than others. Classic bad boys are: The simple first rule is turn off all lights, appliances spending some money in order to save money. my case, we needed 2,450 units for the last 12 and devices that you don’t have to have on. Yes, I Many don’t, they will just need some time on your months. How many do you need? Washing machines and dishwashers know it’s obvious, but people don’t do it. Turn off part. Don’t forget that all energy savings Tumble dryers simultaneously reduce your environmental But do you know where you are burning all of this TVs and stuff that is left in standby mode, or use footprint, which is critical to a sustainable future. electricity? If you have a smart meter from your Hot water immersion heaters smart sockets or home automation systems to do it So let’s get started. electricity supplier you can see your consumption Electric ovens (Continued on page 28)

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between your current and new supplier, with the usual 14 day financial services right to change your mind. Need something to look forward Ofgem lists 10 other accredited energy to? comparison websites in addition to Uswitch (www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and- Let’s work together on your next electricity-guide/how-switch-energy-supplier-and-shop- adventure! better-deal). Not listed is a newer one, called Look After My Bills, which claims to switch (Continued from page 27) automatically each year for you! Sounds great, but I have not tested it. www.authentictravelcompany.co.uk automatically and consistently for you, as I do. Evaluate a potential future improvement [email protected] That alone could save you up to £30 a year. project 0330 223 2387 Now for something even better. Replace your Everything discussed so far can easily be done most frequently used light bulbs with LED light from your home on-line now, without major cost, bulbs. Order them on-line now and see the or leaving your home. difference. They may be more expensive, but they use 90% less electricity and last 15 times longer - But what about the future, when things return to you have been warned! Can you reduce the normal, so that specialist service companies can temperature of your washing machine and visit your home to improve it substantially? Here is dishwasher? For further tips and advice check out: a simple list of potential improvement projects for www.smartenergygb.org/en/smart-living/5-tips-to-tidy- you to research and explore, assuming you already up-your-energy-use have adequate double glazing, loft and cavity wall insulation: and www.sust-it.net/energy-saving-trust.php Switch your energy supplier when the time is Get an Energy Performance survey and right certificate for your house (energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy- A surprising number of people don’t bother to efficiency/energy-performance-certificates) to switch their energy supplier and therefore lock identify specific problem areas themselves into paying much more than they need to for their electricity. Suppliers are fixated on Install smart heating controls, to optimise by offering the best deals to net new customers, actual occupancy, with full remote access from rather than existing customers. By switching your smartphone supplier at the end of the contract, you can easily Replace an old central heating boiler with a save £50-£100+ each time you switch and avoid more modern one exit fees. Here’s how. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of air heat- Uswitch is a UK comparison and switching source pumps; there are very generous website that I use regularly. It handles energy government grants available (electricity and gas), broadband and mobile service (energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable- providers. When you request the service for energy/heat/air-source-heat-pumps) electricity, for example, you will just be asked for Pure solar generation systems have become less your postcode, your current supplier, your current attractive with the removal of the Feed In Tariff supplier plan name (tariff), payment method (e.g. scheme. Shame, as mine more than pays all of my monthly direct debit) and the number of electricity home electricity bills each year. units which you currently use. You will then be Obviously, any improvement project must have a presented with a list of recommended suppliers demonstrable return on investment. As a nation and price plans, in ascending order of price, plus we have a long way to go in order to secure a an identification of the most popular one in your greener future for our children. area. Pick a well-known supplier to avoid future problems, and which also uses renewable energy. Need further help? Feel free to email me via the Uswitch will handle all communication for you editor. Derek Prior, BSc, PhD

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shelter. So our shelter was in a drainage ditch, quite The Home Guard A Wartime Childhood on the Sherfield Court Estate near the engine shed. It was dug deeper and wider than There was a Home Guard in Sherfield. Across the road the usual drainage ditches, and one end was blocked up. from where the tennis courts are now they put up two ay 8th sees the 75th anniversary of VE Day - victory in Camouflage The dirt was piled up on some old iron railings and or three things that looked like swings, and from each M Europe at the end of World War II (the war was of When the war came, Court sheets of corrugated iron with a bench seat inside, of cross bar was hanging a large sack filled with straw course to continue for another three months until the Allied victory Farm House had to be wood each side. It was for the four of us and Ted, Phyl which they used for bayonet practice. Sometimes we over Japan on 15th August). We were to have celebrated the day camouflaged green and and Margaret Onions, who lived at Lilac Cottage (now would watch them doing a drill; there were a few things but this is not now possible. Instead we are featuring the wartime brown. as did the Little Bowlings). It was a bit too cosy inside. My father they had to jump over. reminiscences of former residents of Sherfield, Donald and Ursula glasshouse roof because it and Ted spent most of the time outside, as they were Gunpowder Rickwood, which have been collected and edited by Peter Lansley. reflected on moonlit nights. Air Raid Wardens. They had a red bucket of sand with Sometime during the war we were asked to collect They have many memories, so this article will be the first of a So we opened up a lot of ‘FIRE’ written on it, a bucket of water and a stirrup conkers. It was no good going along the Bramley Road, series. hessian sacks and stitched pump; ours stood by the back door. We didn’t use the as all the other children went there. So, myself, Roy shelter very often. It was more to shelter from falling Sherfield Court Estate them together to make a large sheet to cover the roof; Bulpit, who lived on the right of the chapel, and Eric shrapnel or if they did bring one down with a full load Donald grew up on Bowlings Farm, where his father attached a pole to the sheet and fixed it to the top of Percy, who lived in Winton Cottage, went into the of bombs on board. was the farm bailiff. The farm was part of the Sherfield the roof. At the bottom there was another pole with a wood beside the old main road that started to the right When the air raid siren in Bramley Camp went off and Court Estate owned since 1929 by Major General Cecil rope on each end. Ropes on each corner went up of the lodge entrance to what is now the school, and we were in school we had to go into the air raid shelters M. Wills (a director of the Wills Tobacco Company, through the bedroom windows. During the day with filled a trough with conkers, (I think it was on some old that were built between the school house and the breeder of pedigree Dairy Shorthorn cattle and a writer much shouting, “are you READY”, one in each pram wheels). The collection point was by the school Bramley Road. We were supposed to take cover if we of detective stories). Donald married Ursula Cork, who bedroom would pull the sheet up to let the sunlight in air raid shelters (and for all that effort we got all of a were out in the open, but we were in no danger unless grew up in 1 South on to the grapes, and we would lower it again at night. halfpenny a hundredweight). The conkers were made you could see a plane crashing or a bomb coming out. View Cottages, in into acetone and cordite to make gunpowder, or so 1951. In the school A Strange Noise Unexpected Visitors they told us. What happened photograph Donald In either 1938 or 1939, as I stood on the well cover One dark night in 1942 or 1943, we heard a motor bike to the old trough after that I is second from left in looking towards the village, I heard a different engine come up in the yard and turn round and go out before have no idea. the first row and noise coming up over the Butcher’s shop. It was from Father could find out what was going on. An hour later an auto-gyro and it flew right over head. That was the Potato Picking Ursula is fourth from the bike came back and went up past the granary We could take time off from left in the fourth first time I had seen anything like it, not knowing that around the building and out into the field in front of in a year or two we would see hundreds of bombers school to go potato picking row. Donald worked Lilac Cottage followed by a convoy of 50/60 large army for Billie Bulpitt at Floods on the estate until the mid-1980s. Below are their going over head, around four to six in the afternoon on trucks. You could just see their shapes. Army trucks their way to Germany. You will never see that many Farm, Budd at Hartley memories of their wartime childhood. had a white spot painted on the centre of the back axle Wespall, Gamble next to planes flying in formation again. They had left their and the covers of their head lights shone down low so In the 1930s the estate largely comprised tenanted Hartley Mill, and Bowden at bases in East Anglia, to fly down over the South Coast, they could see the white spot on the truck in front farms whilst Court Farm provided milk, butter, eggs Lance Levy Farm. Mr Gamble around over France and up into Germany, drop their which they could follow without much light showing. and cockerels for Sherfield Court and bred pedigree would pick us up outside the bombs and fly straight back to base in Lincolnshire or They parked up along the hedge to the copse and along dairy shorthorn bulls to sell and show at the major White Hart, with an old black Suffolk. the top of the field. By the morning they had set up a agricultural shows. There were also chickens, and car. The girls went in the car and, usually, just the boys field kitchen on the grass in front of the granary. They grapes were grown in the conservatory which had been in the covered trailer behind. The trailer was used to V for Victory said we could join them for breakfast, which we did. converted into a glasshouse. Each day milk, butter, eggs take calves and pigs to market. As it was covered with a When we got home from school they had gone. We and, when appropriate, chickens and grapes were taken tarpaulin you had to sit on the floor: so you needed to were given a hoe and had to pull the dirt back into the to Sherfield Court. pick a spot that the pigs had missed.” wheel tracks up along the hedge. The photo is from 1941. I had just finished a day for WWII The Reading Road Mr Garret at Moulshey Farm and had walked over the Shortly after the start of the war Sherfield Court was I could stand on the cover of the well and look down fields from Church End to a gate near where there are requisitioned for the war effort. Major Wills and his into the village and see what was going along the main now houses at the Plantation. The light-coloured box family had to move out and the estate was run by the road. There were long convoys of tanks, trucks, half- by my right hand contained the gas mask which went Estate Manager, Colonel Scorer, who set up an office in track gun carriers, tank carriers, and aircraft carriers - everywhere with you. the sitting room of Court Farm House. Although long artic trailers with the body of the aircraft on and farmers still wanted pedigree bulls and produce If you would like to share your memories of the the wings placed one on each side, also lots of continued to be sent to Sherfield Court, the farm had to wartime years then please contact Jan Holden at The American convoys with American type trucks and all provide milk for sale. There were two milk men in I remember in 1940 making a large white chalk V for Four Horseshoes ([email protected]) or Peter the things they needed. As Ursula lived so close to the Sherfield, Mr Goring with his farm at Turgis Green Victory in the blocked-in window of the engine Lansley at Court Farm House road, one of her memories is of the convoys coming opposite the garage, and John Wright who had a (generator) shed. Here I am with my friend Maurice ([email protected]). back from Dunkirk, then later troops and trucks washing-up and cold store behind the Red Lion at Syckelmoore, from Turgis Green. The shed has hardly making their way to D-Day, and listening to them at Turgis (now the Jekyll & Hyde) but known locally in changed in 75 years - the V could now stand for night. It was a very busy road, and narrow, given all those days as The Cat. I think he came twice a day to victory over Covid-19. that traffic that had passed over it. collect the milk. Air Raid Shelters If you lived on a farm you could not get an air raid Page 30 Page 31

Sherfield-on-Loddon Village Volunteer Scheme

he President of Germany recently said that Puzzles/books/DVD loans T the current crisis is bringing out the worst Following the success of the and the best in people, and he urged us to show display of wooden rabbits each other our best. The residents of Sherfield-on- and wild boars on the village Loddon are certainly doing just that. green this Easter, additional About a month ago rabbits and hoglets are being Judith Sullivan made to sell with ALL of the organised a delivery money raised being put of flyers - 50 towards supporting the volunteers delivered community of Sherfield on to all houses in the Loddon and the surrounding village, offering help areas during this troubled time. Each rabbit will with delivering cost £30 whilst a hoglet will raise £15. Should you shopping and other urgent supplies, posting letters wish to show your support for this initiative and and making friendly phone calls, for anyone place an order then please email confined to the house because of self-isolation. [email protected] now. One of the initiatives Since then the volunteers have been very busy currently being supported is the supply of PPE to providing their services, which are centred on the essential workers within our community and the Sherfield Shop. local and manufacture of face visors for the NHS. Suzanne Smith of the Shop has worked very hard Ingrid Woodhouse asks that, if you are spending setting up accounts, and special thanks are also your time during the lockdown sorting of due to Paul Dodd, Steve and all the team at the cupboards and other areas, that you put aside any Shop for all their efforts. Two volunteer drivers books, CDs, DVDs, computer games and clothing deliver orders every morning on a rota basis. you no longer want, or drop over to her on your Similar rotas are organised on a weekly basis to: essential shopping drives and walks, as she will be fundraising for many prominent charities due to man the door of the Shop and regulate the number of customers going in, thus the current situation. Ingrid is also very grateful to ensuring social distancing the Shop for their amazing help in collecting items for her to distribute to the hospitals. to help in the Shop (Sarah Johnston in particular has been active in this) Scott Beavis is making visors for the NHS on a 3- D printer. collect prescriptions, from any local pharmacy as required Angela McQuillan of Cherry Blossom Manor Care Home says the community has been fantastic in Further activities are now being planned, as dropping of letters and homemade gifts for their Basingstoke Voluntary Action has now offered 77 residents and staff; she asks us to thank them support and it is hoped that a grant from all on behalf of everyone at Cherry Blossom. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be available. Planned activities are: There are many other volunteers too numerous to mention here - everyone wants to help - but if you A friendly phone call on a weekly basis (or want to nominate particular individuals or more) initiatives for a mention in the Link, contact A free hot meal delivered to your door [email protected]. Contact Roy on 01256 861462 (weekly or more) Mobile: 07798 570443. Finanicial assistance with shopping or a Website: www.molegone.co.uk food parcel delivered weekly

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West Green Road Hartley Wintney RG27 8LP

Open June (date varies) to late September for Pick Your Own & Picked fruit, vegetables and flowers including Strawberries, Tayberries, Currants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, New Potatoes and Asparagus; local Honey, Free Range Eggs and Homemade Jams and Ice Creams

CALL 01252 845772 from May 1st for information, and to place orders or visit www.westgreenfruits.com

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Crime Round-Up

Crime mapping A fake government email stating: ‘As schools will This service (from www.police.uk) has been be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please temporarily suspended some services to prioritise send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re providing access to key policing services to support the supported’. response to Covid-19. The service will be restored near Selling scam products such as supplements and future, but for the time being you can still access crime anti-virus kits that falsely claim to cure or data and local force information on data.police.uk/ prevent COVID-19. Fake COVID-19 swabbing kits, hand sanitisers, Common Covid-19 scams and face masks sold online. These products can An offer of £258 from the be dangerous. government to help during the Call Centres offering supplements that coronavirus outbreak just by supposedly prevent COVID-19. entering your bank details. A text asking recipients to pay a £35 fine as it Government departments never says they have been ‘recorded as leaving their home ask for your bank details in this way. on three occasions’ during the lockdown. The 'infection list' scam mimicking the World Doorstep cleansing services that offer to clean Health Organisation (WHO) claiming to drives and doorways to kill bacteria and help provide a list of local infections. To access it prevent the spread of the virus. they need to pay into a bitcoin account or click Bogus Red Cross or healthcare workers offering on a link that delivers malware onto the to take your temperature or provide 'home- computer. testing' for COVID-19. A scam email from HM Government asking for Criminals targeting vulnerable people on their donations to the NHS during the COVID-19 doorstep and offering to do their shopping. outbreak. The NHS will never ask you to send They take the money and do not return. money directly to a bank account.

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Puzzle Page ACROSS 1 Mother takes girl back to a Spanish resort (6) 5 Goer is excited by wild parties (6) 9 Board needs agreement from two countries (5) 10 Give me erotic dancing fast! (8) 12 Waste food (7) 13 Go with lad on special boat (7) 14 Joint provides soothing effect to some extent (5) 16 Easy election victory but everything going downhill? (9) 18 Tart’s mega upset by plan (9) 21 Permit everyone to be in debt endlessly (5) 22 Footwear for lazy people (7) 24 Italian scorer in libel wrangle (7) 26 One who’s twice hitched illegally (8) 27 Student covered in a great deal of stuff used by gardeners (5) 28 Take ages to be a member (6) 29 Give another title to nobleman erroneously, some reflected (6) DOWN 2 Bail out with independent proof of innocence (5) 3 Annoyed at parent taking 1000 for flat (9) 4 Most respect a trainee officer (7) 5 Rocky too can keep in grand shape (7) 6 Adult’s heard making painful sound (5) 7 Real idiot somehow becomes leader (9) 8 Annoyed with fellow’s coarse behaviour towards woman (4-7) 11 It stops leaves flying about (11) 15 Story of river rat with green clothing (9) 17 One working with horses for firm on island (9) 19 Perhaps oxygen fix good when breathing with difficulty (7) 20 Gangster is more active around summer time (7) 23 Time in history to muse (5) 25 I severely criticise religion (5)

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National Women's Register Hampshire County Councillor - Rhydian Vaughan MBE alleva Division Annual Spring Climate change Hampshire 020 was going to be a great year for NWR – our lucky to have plenty of space C Report May 2020 County Council has been active 2 Diamond anniversary! Sixty years ago, on 26 around us – our village green and Facts and Figures Hampshire’s in making Hampshire resilient to February 1960, a letter from a lonely housewife and the surrounding fields and woods – where we can walk population is 1.4m. (2018), the third climate change and mitigating further changes through mother to the Guardian women’s page suggested and exercise our dogs without bumping into people. In most populous county in England carbon reduction measures. HCC’s own emissions have starting a register of women who could form local fact folk are finding that they have time to stop and (85% rural and 15% urban). reduced by more than 43%, and are projected to reduce groups for friendship and discussion. Maureen Nicol’s chat, but at a safe distance. Of course it is not the same Hampshire County Council (HCC) by more than 50% by 2025 with carbon neutrality up idea soon took hold and she was inundated with post. for everyone. Working from home has become a maintains 5,400 miles of roads, 4,300 to 50% by 2050. The 2050 Hampshire Commission of We were very lucky to be able to celebrate this necessity for many, but this has now been complicated miles of pavements, 133,000 streetlights, 481 schools, Enquiry made climate change and the environment its anniversary before the coronavirus took hold. On 21 by having school children at home supposedly working 45 libraries, 3 Discovery Centres and 1 e-library, 16 top priority. In the budget HCC pledged £2m towards February many of us enjoyed an afternoon tea at the too, or even more disrupting, small pre-schoolers! care homes with 960 beds for older people, 9 climate change measures in addition to the capital Riseley Village Hall Tea Rooms. The following week Front-line workers such as our NHS employees, shop residential homes for children and young people, 24 schemes outlined above. The council will work in four of us then attended another tea hosted by workers, delivery drivers, public transport staff and household centres and 5 country parks. Every year 94% partnership with parish councils, businesses and NWR where we watched Maureen, now 93, being many more, face the daily of all household waste is diverted from landfill (40% communities. At a household level HCC is supporting interviewed. That day two of our current trustees were challenge of organising their recycled) and burnt for energy and powers 50,000 the county-wide Greening Campaign -this aims to find interviewed by Jenni Murray on Radio 4’s Women’s lives and trying to remain homes. simple solutions to reduce and measure power Hour to talk about the history of NWR. Now sadly we healthy. consumption, insulate housing stock, reduce water Budget The 2020-21 budget includes spending of usage, source local food, and for community travel and have had to postpone our meetings until life returns to One of the best things to come normal and we are allowed to meet again. £2.1bn. on delivering important public services to renewable energy schemes. out of this awful episode is the 1.4m. residents during the next financial year. One-off Various words have crept into our everyday life. Social humour. There are an amazing investment is pledged for tackling climate change (up to Public Health - Coronavirus (Covid-19) Hampshire distance, ‘wash your hands’, underlying health issues number of funny videos and £2 m.) and an extra £2 m. each year for fixing potholes, County Council. HCC issues a daily coronavirus and furlough (sounds like some sort of farm cartoons ‘doing the rounds’ with an additional £3 m. for 2020/21. This is on top of bulletin which I send to Parish Councils for implement!). By the time of the ‘Lockdown’ on 23 which make you laugh and this is so important. the distribution where applicable. [See p. 8 for other HCC March we were already keeping our distance. However, Another member, isolating with her elderly mother, left £10 m. spent annually on Operation Resilience - the coronavirus information.] now we are told to stay at home and only go out for her husband at home and asked that he weed the long-term strategy to ensure Hampshire’s road network Schools; according to 2019 GCSE performance shopping, medicines, work or exercise, and only locally. garden and possibly make nettle soup. Not expecting is more resilient to the impact of heavy traffic and statistics Hampshire pupils perform better than their It became a worry for most of us, but as one member him to do it, she was most surprised when not only had worsening winters. peers nationally; over 90% of schools are rated good or put it, ‘each day I am trying to find positives’. She he tidied the garden, but made nettle soup which he outstanding by Ofsted. summed up what most of us are experiencing, that said was delicious! It is also very nutritious! Now that Social care pressures top the list of priorities with the there is a feeling of camaraderie in communities and it spring is here, there is plenty to do in the garden and number of people aged 75+ in Hampshire increasing Councillor Grants; I supported the following local is bringing out the best in people. We are making more we have the time to do it. Another member laments the by almost a third over the next few years. The County causes with grants from the Councillor Devolved Grant effort to contact family and friends and the internet is a loss of gyms, sports’ clubs, cinemas and theatres. Her Council agreed a 4% increase in the council tax precept Scheme; from 1 April 2020 – of which 2% is specifically for blessing, enabling us to email or make video calls. The family’s life, like everyone else in a similar situation, has Reindeer trail, Sherfield on Loddon adult social care. Hampshire is still the 2nd lowest video conferencing apps, Zoom and Houseparty, have been disrupted by the closure of her daughter’s Stratfield Saye speed watch council tax of all counties in England. become extremely popular, allowing friends and family university until September (although working online) Hannington Defibrillator to form a virtual gathering. Some members have and jobs are being put on hold for the time being. HCC will also propose major investment in playground funding box enjoyed their yoga or Pilates sessions by video. Topics Holidays have been cancelled or curtailed, while others Hampshire’s economy, jobs and the quality of the Basingstoke NeighbourCare we used to worry about have faded, now it is the returned home in the nick of time before lockdown environment - with projects totalling £386.5 m. over Strimmer for & Little availability of toilet rolls, hygiene products, tightened its grip. the next three years. Lengthsman paracetamol, pasta, flour and tinned food. Has anyone 2020 will certainly be a year to remember and let’s Schemes include: Standard for Bramley Guides managed to find a supermarket delivery slot? Our hope that we all learn something from it and continue Speed Indicator Device problems became much simpler in a way, although no to help one another and find the time to connect. £94.8 m. for new and extended school buildings Bramley Speedwatch Speed Indicator Device less worrying. However, our wonderful village has in Hampshire to ensure a school place for every Sherfield Village Hall kitchen refurb risen to the challenge, providing a volunteer network of Stay healthy everyone! child in Hampshire – and 19,100 new school Hampshire & IOW Amphibian & Reptile helpers to assist anyone needing help with shopping (or places by September 2023 Group( Cufaude Lane Toad crossings) any help) and guiding the spaced out shoppers outside Gill Fearon £115.8 m. for structural maintenance and the well-stocked and friendly village shop. We are so improvement of roads and bridges in Stay safe. Hampshire fb.com/tellrhydian £830,000 to deal with the impact of ash die

back disease £3.2m LED Street lighting replacement scheme £45.8 m. for integrated transport schemes including over £10 m. specifically focused on walking and cycling improvements Page 42 Page 43

STRATFIELD SAYE VILLAGE St Leonard’s Church Room is HALL available for hire The Church Room attached to St Leonard's is a light modern space with kitchen (Food Hygiene Rating 5), and toilet facilities. Suitable for business and community group meetings or parties. Large car park. For more information about hiring please contact: [email protected] / 01256 882788

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Advertisers' Index Building Construction and Contractors P. Home and Garden P.

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Small Ads 50

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Benefice of Sherfield on Loddon and Stratfield Saye USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS with Hartley Wespall with Stratfield Turgis and Bramley - Church Officers The dialling code is 01256, unless otherwise stated. Rector: St. Leonard’s Church, Church End, Sherfield-on- Rev. Stephen Ball Loddon, RG27 0JB 01256 881071, email Churchwarden: David Fright 01256 882520 Allotments Karen Ross 842662 [email protected] Treasurer: Peter Martinson 07952 873274 Basingstoke Gazette Chris Horton 882426 (Please note: Stephen’s day off is Tuesday) Organist: Mike Abrams 01256 881188 Bramley and Sherfield Borough Cllr Chris Tomlinson TBC Bramley and Sherfield Borough Cllr Nick Robinson 07585 578295 Assistant Priest Brownies Liz Hawkins 882096 Rev. Sammie Armstrong 01189 816593 St. Mary’s Church, Stratfield Saye Breach Lane Chapel Geoff Belsham 882534 [email protected] Treasurer: Charles Atkinson 01256 882459 Organist: Dr. Gill Williams 01256 882705 Catholic Church Fr. Chris Rutledge 465214 Curate (priest responsible for Bramley and Clift Surgery Patient Group TBC - Little London): St. Mary’s Church, Hartley Wespall Cricket Club (Sherfield) Steve Dummer 07775 674869 Rev. John Lenton 01256 880570 Churchwarden: Pip Iles 01256 880559 Cricket Club (Stratfield Turgis and Hartley Wespall) Treasurer: Michael Webster 01256 882413 Licensed Lay Ministers: Manoj George (Captain) 07552 114188 Richard Elphick 01256 882860 Organist: Dr. Gill Williams 01256 882705 Organist: Andrew Doggart 01256 880092 Martin Turvey (Contact) 07785 580456 Andrew Doggart 01256 880092 Evergreens Jean Berntsen 882798 Church Admin: Lisa Goodall 01256 882788 Messy Church, Sherfield Park Happy Faces Playgroup Viv Allway and Alison Smith 880903 Leader: Rosy Staines 07921 658453 [email protected] Loddon Players Peter Francis 07867 547696 [email protected] Loddon Quilters Jacky Morgan 882350 Loddon Sports Junior Football Club Fred Berntsen 882798 Lunch Club Helen Belsham 882534 Loddon Valley Link NWR Gill Fearon 882106 Police - all parishes exc. Sherfield Pk PCSO Nathaniel Johnson 101 ADVERTISING IN THIS MAGAZINE AND ONLINE Police - Sherfield Park PCSO Adam Steel 101 All advertising enquiries to Pip Iles Poppies Natalie Larner 880075 Tel. 01256 880559 Post Office Sherfield on Loddon 882210 [email protected] Rainbows Pam Luck 882687 Sherfield Community Care Grp Basingstoke NeighbourCare 423855 Deadline for advertisements for next edition is the 10th of the month Sherfield on Loddon Fete Bruce Batting 882605 Small ads - £5 monthly for a maximum of 30 words, space permitting. Requests are Sherfield & District Gardening Club Dan Farrow 882680 dealt with in order. Andy Morgan 882350 Display ads pricing - please see the website or contact Pip Iles. Sherfield Park Community Centre Louise Grainger 883967 Sherfield Park Parish Council Tracy Hamer 07778546477 Editor for the June edition - Jane Abrams Sherfield & District Show Richard Elphick 07768004820 th Please submit copy for this edition no later than the 14 May Sherfield Village Hall Send copy to: [email protected] Caretaker/Bookings Wendy Gosden 07468 427684 Management Committee Ivan Gosden 07940 212441 Loddon Valley Link Committee Claire Osborne 01256 324458 Trustee Nick Robinson 07585 578295 Chair and Editor Jane Abrams 01256 881188 ([email protected] Sherfield-on-Loddon Parish Council Karen Ross 842662 [email protected] Secretary: Ilene Iles Sherfield Village Green Volunteers John Attwood 881760 Treasurer: Pip Iles 01256 880559 01256 880559 [email protected] Short Mat Bowls Norman Stanley 881021 [email protected] Rev. Stephen Ball 01256 881071 Stratfield Saye Parish Council Louise Webb 07771 727547 Simon Boase Editor and CTO [email protected] Stratfield Saye Village Hall Linda Bishop 0118 933 2106 01256 881250 [email protected] Germano Giugovaz 01189 332166 Stratfield Turgis Parish Meeting Sheila Campbell (Chair) 882351 Howard Perkins Editor [email protected] Toddler Group 0-5s TBC 01256 883882 Dr. Donald Dawson 01256 882379 Tree Wardens [email protected] [email protected] John Darker 882334 Chiara Ziamin Louise Grainger 01256 883967 Cllr Diana Effiong 07796 045944 [email protected] [email protected]

Please inform the Editor of changes to the above information.

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K6 Preserved We have received the following from the Church End Preservation End and Wildmoor for the benefit of the parish, Society: residents and the general public. massive thank you to Set up under the government guidance for small A The Loddon Valley charities, our constitution requires us to hold three Link for their very trustee meetings a year and an AGM. We are keen to generous grant towards the expand our membership to enable us to raise further restoration of the locally funds to restore the telephone box. Membership is £10 listed K6 telephone box in a year per person. Please do consider supporting us by Wildmoor lane. emailing [email protected] - we The original telephone box would be pleased to send you membership details. Our (now without a telephone) AGM will be held on Sunday 20th September 2020. continues to act as a local Please do visit the Church End Preservation Society landmark as it has done Facebook page since 1950. Details of the www.facebook.com/groups/1546059882147577/ local listing, the history of Our very best wishes from the Trustees of Church End the K6 telephone box and Preservation Society maps for local walks can be found inside. It is now also proudly acting as a local distribution point for The Loddon Valley Link. Church End Preservation Society was formed in 2017 with a purpose of adopting the telephone box from BT and is raising funds to restore the paintwork and the glazing. We also work to preserve and protect the beautiful historic buildings and landscape of Church Writing your Will during the coronavirus lockdown

A Will might well be the most important legal beneficiary. document you ever sign as it protects your most The witnesses, who for example important asset – your family. could be your neighbours, also Understandably, the current situation with the need to sign the Will so you coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused people need to place it in a convenient

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