UPPER KENNET NEWS Published by Fyfield, and East Kennett Parochial Church Council for the Upper Kennet Benefice March 2018 View from the Rectory

Some time ago I listened to a up - even at ‘Thank you’ parties TED talk discussion on ‘The thrown to say ‘we appreciate Maria’s email address is; - hidden powers of the mind’. To your work’. It’s easy to forget [email protected] wit a scientist was talking of the the goodness of the many ‘spotlight effect’ - the idea that because of the sharp practice of Kennet Valley Lottery Club our brains have limited capacity a few and it’s easy to lose sight for attention, so if our attention of ourselves and who we truly draw winners is drawn to something very are when we have to be so

£100 Number 37 Tanya Lawson compelling then we have less much to so many people - and £ 75 Number 41 Angharad Hughes space left to pay attention to can never be entirely what ‘they’ £ 5 Number 77 Christopher Strickland something else, for example want you to be. pain. It’s one of the things I treasure If you would like to join the lottery, ring David This ‘spotlight effect’ is being most about my faith in God. Snape on 01672 861267 or email: applied in medical situations Wherever I am, the God I sense [email protected] Another way to support our churches at West through the use of immersive and see in our wonderful, Overton, Fyfield and East Kennett virtual reality. One example is wounded world enables me to the virtual reality landscape bring things back into focus. known as snow -world - a virtual How? By saying ‘Maria, just Notice Board ice canyon you float through, BREATHE’ - take a moment to Baptism designed for use with burns wonder and ponder, to think Elizabeth Wathen 3 February East Kennet patients. During extremely nothing, to just be. Take a Emilia Butler 11 February painful wound care sessions moment to count blessings, to Toby Beverley 25 February East Kennet where dead tissue is scrubbed hear differently, to see more Funerals out from severe burns, even deeply, just take a breath and Caroline Baldwin 9 February Broad Hinton with the maximum safe dosage let go and let God. John Norman 13 February Avebury of drugs patients are still in We take breathing for granted agonizing pain. Being (except when we struggle for immersed in the virtual reality breath) and the’ spotlight effect’ snow -world enables the pain to of breathing with God’s breath - be reduced by 50% more than the Spirit’s breath - is worth the just using pain relief drugs. The effort. It distracts from the pain ‘spotlight effect’ means the brain and brings other things in focus. doesn’t have the spare capacity The trick is to remember to do it. to take on the pain. The brain So that’s my Lent then, just Meditation (Taize) services at focuses attention on where we remembering to breathe - and to EAST KENNETT want it to be and away from spend more time with Come to East Kennett church for our meditation where we don’t want it to be. ‘Radiators’ so that I have more (Taize) services for just 30 minutes to It is easy to get bogged down capacity to deal with ‘Drains’. experience peace and tranquillity. in the pain, the uncertainty, the Wednesday 7th March 7.00pm disappointments, the unfairness, Wednesday 21st March 7.00pm the less than kind actions or Just sit quietly and relax and enjoy the attitudes of others. It’s easy to silence and the peace . be focussed so much on the ‘drains’ in our lives that we have St James’ Church, Avebury scant time to spend 10.30 am every Wednesday with the ‘radiators’ - you Celtic Communion know who I mean - those lovely, self - little angels Everyone welcome effacing, gentle people, Come along for singing, snack, who never think too bible stories, play and cra highly of themselves acvies for toddlers. but wait patiently to be Tea and cake for grown ups! noticed. The people Thursdays at 10:15am Kennet Valley School who are always found Free of charge. in the kitchen washing Thursday 8th and 22nd March

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UPPER KENNET CHURCHES SERVICES

St Michael & All St Mary St Katherine & St St Peter ad Christ Church St Nicholas Angels St James Magdalene Peter Vincula EAST FYFIELD WEST AVEBURY WINTERBOURNE WINTERBOURNE BROAD KENNETT OVERTON MONKTON BASSETT HINTON

8.30 am 4 March 10.00 am 11.15 am 9.45 am Prayer Book Informal Holy Holy Lent 3 Communion Service Communion Communion Wedesday 7.00 pm Meditation 7 March Service (Taize) 11 March 8.00 am 10.00 am 9.45 am Mothering Prayer Book Holy Mothering Sunday Communion Communion Sunday Service

Wedesday 10.30 am Celtic 14 March Communion 18 March 10. 30 AM —BENEFICE COMMUNION SERVICE —WEST OVERTON Lent 5

Tuesday 5.00 pm

20 March Songs of Praise

Wednesday 7.00 pm 10.30 am Meditation Celtic 21 March Service (Taize) Communion 25 March 10. 30 AM —PALM SUNDAY BENEFICE SERVICE —BROAD HINTON Palm Sunday Wednesday 10.30 am Celtic 28 March Communion 7.30 pm HC & 29 March Stripping of Maundy the Altar Thursday Service Vigil until 10 pm

West Overton, Fyfield & East Kennett Churches Readings Sunday 4 March – Sunday 25 March – Red West Overton Coffee Morning Purple Palm Sunday & Bring and Buy Lent 3 Mark 11. 1 – 11 Exodus 20. 1 – 17 or John 12. 12 – 16 Psalm 19. [or 19. 7 – end] Psalm 118. 1 – 2, 19 – Thank you to everyone who helped make the Coffee Morning 1 Corinthians 1. 18 – 25 end and Bring & Buy at West Overton Church in February such a John 2. 13 – 22 or 118. 19 - end success - in spite of the weather- whether by helping, baking, donating or participating - we raised £300. Thanks Sunday 11 March – Sunday 1 April – Gold/ too for the ‘anonymous’ cakes and for the donations from Purple White those who weren’t able to be there. Mothering Sunday Easter Day Exodus 2. 1 – 10 Acts 10. 34 – 43 or 1 Samuel 1. 20 – end or Isaiah 25. 6 – 9 INK CARTRIDGES FOR SALE Psalm 34. 11 – 20 Psalm 118. 1 – 2, 14 – 24 The following are unused and available or Psalm 127. 1 – 4 or Psalm 118. 14 – 24 2 Corinthians 1. 3 – 7 1 Corinthians 15. 1 – 11 for a donation to West Overton, Fyfield & East Kennet or Colossians 3. 12 – 17 or Acts 10. 34 – 43 Churches … Luke 2. 33 – 35 John 20. 1 – 18 or John 19. 25b – 27 or Mark 16. 1 - 8 H 363 XL (45ml) Black x 3 363Y H (18ml) Yellow x 2 Sunday 18 March – Purple 363 M H (18 ml) Magenda x 1 Lent 5 363 LM H (18 ml) Light Magenta x 1 Jeremia 31. 31 – 34 363 C H (18 ml) Cyan x 1 Psalm 51. 1 – 13 or H363 XL (18 ml) Light Cyan x 1 Psalm 119. 9 – 16 Hebrews 5. 5 – 10 John 12. 20 - 33 Please contact: 01672 861622

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West Overton Churchyard UPPER KENNET CHURCHES

Huge Holm Oak coming down LENT 2018 digested bite sized texts and their th st Monday 19 March – Wednesday 21 March context, history and roots in STARTERS for theology, and enables us to In the recent storms, a large bough fell off the huge engage deeply with the question Holm Oak in the east border of the upper ‘why believe in Jesus?’ Churchyard. The tree surgeons have declared it Thursday 8 th March rotten and in need of felling, even though it is still 7.30 -9pm at Clairemont, alive. Richardson, Near Winterbourne Bassett, We think it might have been planted near to a first SN4 9QF world war grave in 1918 so is 100 years old. It is coming down Monday 19 th - Wednesday 21 st March and the gates at the East end of the Churchyard will SESSION 4 be closed. Access will be only through the West SESSION 2 Reasons for Calvary and the entrance and there will be no through way for Ways to Pray: Do we use Cross cyclists, horse riders, drivers or walkers. There are prayer as the strategy oflast Why Jerusalem, why then - why plans to plant a new oak tree. resort? Do we believe in the God not here and now? Come and of parking spaces and what explore the reasons for Jesus’ happens if God apparently is death at this particular point in The tree surgeons will saw the tree into logs and ignoring our heartfelt cries? What leave them for us to split and remove. They reckon history and deepen our are we doing when we pray and appreciation of Jesus’ journey as the resale value (unsplit) is at least £250, a good how do we find a mode of praying we walk with him through the last deal less than the cost of felling the tree. Logs can that lets God get a word in week of his life. Using the passion be removed and donations can be made to the edgewise? A practical session for narratives of Mark and John as a Church. The logs will not be ready to burn until they those who wish to know more time line of his last week, we have dried out so not until the winter of 2018 -19 if about how to connect with God. track the movements of Jesus and split quite small, and depending how you store them. Thursday 1 st March discuss as we go: why then, why 7.30 -9pm at St Michael not now? Come to the working party, do some splitting, load and All Angels’ Thursday 15 th March up your car, make a donation, or you can phone Church, West Overton 7.30 -9pm at The Rectory, Keith Lamdin on 01672 861550 to reserve some Avebury logs and maybe negotiate to have small loads SESSION 3 delivered to your door. Bible Passages … that tell the whole Christian story. Context, as they say, is everything - and Church yard working party sometimes we struggle to take a th step back and see the whole Saturday 24 March picture of God’s love for creation. 10am -12noon This session takes 10 easily

Bring an axe and safety gear and help split logs – coffee and tea and cakes provided. John Norman (29/5/1923 -20/1/2018) Fyfield Church The family of John Norman would like to say a huge thank you to all those contributing to the wonderful service of thanksgiving for John’s long life at the church of St James, Avebury held on Church grounds 13th February. tidy-up Fyfield, West Overton and East *S 14 A* Kennett’s War Memorials Last year, in the UKN, I explained that I was researching our West Overton war memorial, and asked if anyone had any 9.30 am – 12.30 pm information or photos they could give me: there were very few records I could consult. All help welcomed! I am glad to say I have since discovered, in old copies of the Marlborough Times, full reports of the original dedication services (including some background to the memorials Please bring your own tools themselves) of Fyfield’s lych gate, West Overton’s stone cross, and East Kennett’s memorial plaque. I am now preparing to publish something that can be kept in * * * * * * * * * * * each of these churches, but again please let me know if you have anything to add to such a booklet. Mary Spender Refreshments provided [email protected] 01672 861668 www.upperkennetnews.co.uk 3

Hidden History and the Upper Kennet Pilgrim Story

We begin a series of monthly articles centering on the hidden pilgrim history of all eight churches. Perhaps you have never visited more than one or two. Why not set yourself a new year’s challenge and visit all eight and discover for yourself the peace, beauty and deep spirituality of faith expressed in the changing shape of our churches.

Crosses were made by sharp daggers and took one of three forms – the Jerusalem cross: a series of holes carefully Hidden History and spaced showing the outline of the cross; a plain etched pilgrim’s cross, or a T shaped cross of the Franciscans. An the Upper Kennet excellent example of a Cosmic Map of Christian Theology, Pilgrim Story etched into the wall at the rear of the church, reveals much about early understanding of the Incarnation, with rings representing the spiritual, physical, metaphysical and We begin a series of monthly heavenly worlds and humanity’s place within it. Although not articles centring on the as fine as an example found elsewhere in the valley at hidden pilgrim history of all 8 Winterbourne Bassett, it is of significance in as much as it churches – Perhaps you confirms the place of St Peter’s within the pilgrim history of have never visited more than the Benefice. Inside the church you will find remains of an ancient Anglo - one or two; Saxon window towards the rear and left, hinting at a much why not set yourself a new year’s challenge smaller Anglo -Saxon church of the 9 th century. More palm and visit all 8 and discover for yourselves the carvings may be found to the right of the pulpit, further peace, beauty and deep spirituality of faith evidence of the links to the Holy Land. Palmers were expressed in the changing shape of our professional pilgrims, paid handsomely to visit the Holy Land by rich patrons unable or unwilling to make the journey churches. themselves by way of penance for a serious wrongdoing. Upon their return they showed a palm leaf – evidence that St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton they had completed their mission.

In addition to a vast treasure trove of other On the left hand side of the altar you will find the tomb of a architectural gems, the church in Broad Hinton 13 th century Abbess. The slab bears evidence of an attempt is also rich in pilgrim markings, carvings and to destroy it, probably during the reformation. The tomb was moved from elsewhere in the church during Victorian graffiti. changes to the chancel area during restoration. As the lands at the north of the Benefice were under the control and ownership of Glastonbury Abbey, at which there was a As you approach the porch door you will notice carved palm Nunnery, it is entirely possible the Abbess was a significant leaves – the first sign that St Peter ad Vincula was a Pilgrim figure of note. The tomb slab is remarkable and a very rare Church. Although it is unlikely that the church used to example of a slab tomb that is both etched and carved with a accommodate overnight pilgrims, there is evidence to face. suggest that it was a passing through place for pilgrims to the Holy Land and a pilgrimage site in its own right, as the church The small Squint Window behind the font contains Victorian th may have been a repository for a relic of a Saint in the 12 glass. Originally it would not have done so and may have th Century. These carvings are likely to date from the 13 and been a lepers’ window in early medieval times. Lepers would th 14 century. gather outside the church during the service and after the Additional evidence for the church being a visitation point for consecration the Eucharist would be placed on a slab within pilgrims are the crosses found on the walls and lintels of arms -length of the lepers. Centuries later, masons failed to windows, and at the rear of the church building. Many have take account of the presence of this window until after the been defaced during times of puritan revival or lost beneath majority of the porch had been constructed, at which point restoration work or beneath plastering. Take care as you someone halted the proceedings and ordered a niche to be walk around the rear of the church. made to avoid obscuring the window completely .

as there is no known antidote. He also pointed out that some Avebury & District WI species can affect you even if you think they can’t – some Our speaker this month was well known to many of us as he dried mushroom spores can cause a similar effect to the fresh lives in Avebury – Fred Gillam aka ‘Fred the Forager’ who fungus after many years! He had various samples for us to came to talk to us about the magic of mushrooms (and, see and smell as well as some spirits flavoured with briefly, magic mushrooms too!). Fred leads courses and mushrooms. Fred’s enthusiasm for the subject was infectious workshops on a wide variety of subjects but mushrooms were and I’m sure members will keep their eyes peeled next time his first ‘love’ and he has studied them since he was a boy. they take a walk in the countryside for the delicious delights He introduced us to the (very) wide variety of mushrooms that can be found hidden there – making sure of course to found in the UK and those found here in . He take a guide to British mushrooms with them to sort the edible emphasised the need to study what you are foraging as some from the poisonous! of the more dangerous species can be confused with Our next meeting in March is our birthday meeting and something edible with tragic results – the death cap members are reminded to bring a plate of food to share. mushroom has caused the most recorded fatalities in the UK Maggie Lewis, President

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Avebury Parish Council AVEBURY TRANSPORT Headlines from Avebury Parish Council’s meetings in December, January and February EXHIBITION Planning applications: we decided to support Avebury Transport Group is organising an applications for work to trees at Avebury Sports Ground, Fosse House and the Henge Shop in the exhibition at High Street and at Avebury Manor Garden. We also 4.30 – 8.00pm on Wednesday 7 March supported applications for a mobile field shelter for equine use at Ashcroft, High Street and Listed at the Red Lion, Building Consents for the conversion of stables to Avebury SN8 1RF. office accommodation at Beckhampton House Stables The Transport Group has been working on projects set out in and internal alternations to two rooms within Avebury the World Heritage Site Transport Strategy and Avebury’s Manor. earlier Traffic Plan. We want to bring you up to date with its Felling trees: we noted that we had recently considered several applications to fell trees. We work, set out some facts and figures and hear your views. agreed that trees are important in the landscape and The exhibition will focus on seven key transport elements that we should request further information from and will put them in context with a central display which applicants on felling and replacement of trees if a covers the entire WHS. Your views will then be included in a reason is not clearly stated on the application form. short report on the findings of the exhibition and will if Transport Exhibition: our Transport Group is possible propose actions. arranging an exhibition on Wednesday 7 March between 4.30 and 8.00pm in the Red Lion. All are The seven elements that will be highlighted at the exhibition very welcome and please see notice on the right of are: this page. Achievements of the Transport Group so far Footpath signage: we agreed to provide seed -corn Traffic calming measures on the A4 at West Kennett and funding of £1,000 towards the cost of £5,700 to Beckhampton replace some footpath signage in the Parish. Parking and speeding at Trusloe A303 Expressway at Stonehenge: we considered a Yellow lines throughout the Parish response from government to our letter expressing concern that Avebury might lose its WHS status if Footpaths and Byways – state of repair and signage government’s plans for the A303 at Stonehenge were The future of the Avenue not acceptable to UNESCO. We were disappointed Eroding verges, especially at Green Street and the that UNESCO central recommendation – that a by - Avenue. pass or a longer tunnel should be constructed to avoid For further details please contact Mike Bedford as Chairman damaging the Outstanding Universal Value of the of the Group (539192) WHS – had not been accepted. or Liz Moore as APC’s Clerk (861424) Coach House toilets opening hours: we are awaiting a response on funding from . Trusloe play area: we agreed to replace about 60 metres of fencing at the play area. Avebury Day 2018: we agreed to provide a grant for Avebury Day on 8 September. Web -site: Kate Fry will be making several improvements to our web -site. A new planter has been manufactured and will shortly be installed in the High Street . Great British Spring Clean: we agreed to participate in this event on 3 March. Please see Maggie Lewis’s separate notice in this UKN, and everyone is welcome to help out. Dog fouling: we have logged this issue on WC’s on - line system to request a dog warden to do some patrolling. Wiltshire Council will be providing new signs in the summer and in the meantime could dog owners please pick up after their animals. The Sarsen Trail Sponsored Walk will take place on Sunday 27 May, and the Race to the Stones will be held on Saturday and Sunday 14 and 15 July, finishing at East Farm. Parish Council precept: we have decided to keep the precept at £12,100 for 2018/19. Date of next PC meeting is 7:30pm on Tuesday 6 March 2018. The annual Parish Village Meeting will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 24 April at the Social Centre. We will report on the PC’s work over the past year and you can tell us your priorities for the next 12 months. All are very welcome to attend. Parish Clerk: Liz Moore (861424) and [email protected] www.upperkennetnews.co.uk 5

Kennet Valley National Trust Association Annual membership costs £8 per person per annum which entitles members to attend talks and to join outings and holidays and other social events. New members are always welcome to join. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month commencing at 7.30pm at KENNET VALLEY HALL , SN8 4EL and occasionally at Slade House, St James' Gardens, Devizes, SN10 1EL . Entry charges including refreshments : Members £3.00 Non -Members £4.00

Diary of events 2018

19 March An Anglo Saxon Fashion Icon Mark Pick up a good read at Avebury Routledge ( D) Cobblestones second -hand books 16 April CROP CIRCLES Andy Thomas 14 May THE GREAT STINK 1958 & PUBLIC Preview event for the local community Fri 9 Feb, 3 -4pm HEALTH Open to the public from Sat 10 Feb, 11am -4pm Book reading with local author Sat 17 Feb, 2 -3pm Dr Tom Crook (D) 18 June AGM + WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGY The National Trust are delighted to open their new UPDATE Melanie Pomeroy Kellinger second -hand bookshop, Cobblestones, in Avebury High 16 July SUMMER SOCIAL Street. Why not pop along for a browse through the 20 August AVEBURY'S PREHISTORIC extensive range of books? See the website for full details. WATERSCAPE Steve Marshall Call 01672 539250 for details 17 September TBA (D) nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury 15 Oct HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE Clare Russell When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the Naonal Trust, your support helps us to look aer special places such as Avebury for ever, for everyone. Holidays

Sunday 15th -Friday 20th April

2018 Northumbria YOUR Cost: £550 Single Supplement £100 COMMUNITY For further information please see NEEDS YOU! http://kennetvalleynta.weebly.com/ or TO JOIN THE GREAT email mailto:[email protected] BRITISH SPRING CLEAN TO TIDY UP OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD SATURDAY 3 RD MARCH NEWS FROM THE TOWER Meet at 10 a.m. in the small car park, High Service ringing times Street, Avebury 4th and 11th March. 9.30 - 10am Litter picking equipment will be provided Practice night Tuesdays 7.30 - 9pm

Bell ringers are often forgotten, (though not in Avebury). Many people hear the bells and guess that there will be a service or a wedding but they don't take on board that people are actually on the end of the ropes ringing the bells, so it was especially nice to be invited to a tea party, for volunteers, in January. We all enjoyed being appreciated very much. During the afternoon, three Programme: 2018 (Jan—June) of our ringers were presented with Guild Membership certificates, Fri 9-Sat 17 Mar—Goodnight, Mister Tom by Rev'd Maria, Sam also received his level one ringing Sat 14 Apr —Hancock & Co certificate. The monthly training mornings are taking place at Bromham for Fri 27 Apr-Sat 5 May—A Funny Thing ringers wishing to advance to basic method ringing. Happened on the Way to the Forum Avebury will host the monthly Calne Branch meeting on Sat 12 May —Carole King & James Taylor Story Saturday, 10th March. Ringing will be from 3pm until the service at 4.30pm. There will be a bring and share tea in the church at Tue 19-Sat 23 June—Broken Wing 5pm followed by evening ringing. Wed 27 June —The Mill on the Floss Mary Davidge Visit wharheatre.co.uk for more details Belfry Correspondent. Tel: 01672 513819 Tickets: online at wharheatre.co.uk or 03336 663 366 or from Devizes Library

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Local Arts Events at The Social Centre Avebury featuring local singer -songwriters, composers & photographers Friday 20 th April An Evening with Local Photographers Richard Draper, Philippe Ullens & David White (and Angela Norman on getting started in digital photography ) Brilliant local photographers show some of their work and talk about their approaches, inspirations and techniques.

Friday 20 th April at 7.30pm (Refreshments from 7.00pm) Tickets from Avebury Community Shop or call 01672 539253 Tickets: £5 (Adult); £2 (Child/Student) Proceeds to The Fluency Trust

Avebury Players present their Pantomime for 2018

Bella’s Birthday Bash By Alison Andre

Thursday 1 st , Friday 2 nd , Saturday 3 rd March 7.30pm

At Avebury Social Centre

This is based on an idea by Christopher Spratt and is dedicated to him.

Tickets will be on sale at Avebury Community Shop from Friday 9 th February.

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Fyfield and West Overton Parish Council

Traffic Monitoring Church Hill West Overton A survey was carried out during a ten day period in January to monitor speeds on this road. The average speed was 21.8mph and 85% of cars were travelling at 26.4mph or below. At these speeds no further monitoring will take place for the next 12 months but as there are a couple of blind bends we will look at options to install warning signs to reduce the risk to pedestrians.

Lockeridge traffic Update Some motorists are still not observing the new 20mph speed limit and there have been some ‘near miss’ incidents. The Lockeridge traffic group has asked the police to carry out speed checks and patrol through the village whenever possible. Wiltshire Council has agreed to install additional warning signs and a virtual pavement , ie white lines, on the road between the school and the Dene playground. This work will be carried out in the spring. Alternative methods of monitoring speed are being investigated.

Car Parking Parents and teachers at the school have permission to use the Kennet Valley Hall car park to reduce parking on the street during the day. The Who’da Thought It car park may be used by parents when leaving or collecting children. Local residents are invited to inform the Head Teacher of any inconvenient or unsafe parking.

For further information please contact Traffic Group representatives: Please vote for Kennet Valley Hall Jane Drew: [email protected],com at Tesco Marlborough Jill Turner: [email protected] We are delighted to have been selected as one of the Tesco Bags of Help contenders for the March/April period at Tesco Ivy Lane Marlborough. Residents have expressed concern about trees The project we are seeking votes for is the reconstruction of overhanging and destroying the road surface in Ivy the Front Entrance Doors at the hall. This is due to the Lane. The PC is pursuing this with the Wiltshire excessive expansion and contraction of the 40 year old existing County Highways Department. doors causing repeated malfunctions of the automated entry system. The planned reconstruction will be using more stable Parish Emergency Plan Update materials which will then make the system trouble free for all In the event of an emergency such as severe hall users. The project will be costing over £6000 and we are weather conditions or a prolonged power cut the hopeful that with your support, the Bags of Help grant Kennet Valley Hall will be used as the main centre opportunity will make all the difference. for coordinating activities and communications. Tesco Marlborough have repeatedly supported the hall over Further details in due course. the last few years so why not support them by doing some of your shopping there. And when you do, you can also support Phone Mast your village hall by dropping your Bags of Help tokens into the The PC is very keen to improved mobile phone Kennet Valley Hall “Voting Unit” - during the March/April period coverage for all the villages and is in the process of talking to mobile mast providers. We do hope you can give us your support. KVH Management Committee Dog Mess Residents are complaining about dog mess around the villages. Dog walkers please collect it and bin Avebury & District W.I. Craft Group it. The Craft Group holds a meeting on the afternoon of the first Wednesday of every month from 2 - 4pm. All are welcome. You do not need to be a W.I. member to attend. The Next Fyfield and West Overton Parish council meeting is at Kennet Valley Hall on Monday March cost is £3 per session. There are quilting courses and a variety of other th crafts. 19 at 7pm. Please contact Maggie Lewis on: 01672 539607 f or email [email protected] for details.

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outdoor opportunity for the children Seesaw –sharing information with Kennet to: parents. This is a digital portfolio Valley build their independence & resilience for pupils and parents that is learn new leadership and team becoming well -established in school. School working skills Teachers help the children to create, use their initiative in new situations reflect, and share what they are One family learning for life, on a broaden their horizons learning at school. The pupils “show journey towards our potential. learn more about themselves and what they know” using photos, their classmates videos, drawings and writing and this Church of , Voluntary Aided The children tell us it “was amazing”, is sent electronically to parents. Our School they “loved the food – we had so parents tell us that this helps them to www.kennetvalley.wilts.sch.uk much to eat and the activities made understand what’s going on at History - History came to life at us so hungry”, “I loved being with my school and helps them better school this month with the arrival of friends & teachers all week - it was support their child’s learning at Sir James who joined us as a knight so much fun and we learnt lots about home. in full costume to help us explore the ourselves”. “I learnt how I can Raising money for the Prospect medieval period. The children gave achieve things I never believed I Hospice - Staff and pupils enjoyed sword fighting a try, learnt about the could!” wearing green to school and making structure and format of battles and All the children developed their self - donations for the hospice this month. the very different roles of men and confidence which was lovely to see. Everyone made a great effort and it women in this time, which our pupils We know that this trip increases the helped us to think about adults and were most concerned about! children’s appetite for learning and children in need locally and also Sport - Our year 5 pupils (9 -10yr contributes significantly to raising those facing the end of their lives in olds) did amazingly well in the area their standards of attainment. We a supportive and caring hockey tournament without the year were all shattered at the end of the environment. 6’s who were away on their week but returned with many great Friend’s fundraising activities – Pie residential trip. The teams played memories of a huge range of and Mash and Quiz night - I some great matches with real activities and personal understand the pies were great and determination and focus, maintaining achievements. We do this trip the quiz quite a challenge (!) but lots their energy, team spirit and goal annually and it’s an experience the of fun was had by all. scoring to the end against some very children never forget. It serves to Sponsored Pancake Flip! You may tough competition. remind them about the need to aim have seen us in action! This was Our year 2&3 pupils continue to high to achieve their full potential, well -supported by parents and make good progress at their weekly working as an individual and in a siblings at the end of the day & could swimming lessons and I am team. well -become a popular annual event! delighted to hear that the leisure Trout eggs in school! We have been The Little Angels toddler group - I centre staff report how well behaved learning about fish and caring for am very pleased we will be our children are there. these eggs in Pegasus Class and continuing to support this group and Year 6 residential trip to the Isle of now have baby trout that we will be they will be using the school hall to Wight - The year 6 pupils all rose releasing into the later meet and play together every to the extreme physical and this month. All very exciting! fortnight. emotional challenges of a residential NSPCC – we have been working on a week at Kingswood. This is a nationwide initiative of fun maths specially designed outdoor learning challenges in school and at home to centre with expert teaching staff that support this charity. Our year 5&6 brings learning to life in a safe and pupils have taken part in workshop secure environment, whilst activities to help them learn about encouraging the children to take the work of the NSPCC and their risks! For the children, key highlights own personal safety. Mrs Emma Russell, were the 3G swing and the “Leap of Acting Headteacher Faith”….scary! This was a great Marlborough & District Embroiderers’ Guild Sandra Meech

Quilt and textile artist Sandra Meech some amazing work inspired by open at 13.30 for a 14.00 start. All are spoke at our February meeting on the icebergs, ice lakes and lagoons, welcome and if you have any queries topic of “Journeys” glaciers and water in places as far please contact 01672 861658. Further Originally Sandra trained as an artist apart as the Arctic, Antarctic and details visit our website: but then textiles took over but now she Iceland. Another six panel piece was www.marlboroughembroiderers.org combines painting and textiles to inspired by the extensive flooding in create her fabric pictures. Sandra the Somerset Levels where she lives. builds up her pieces by transferring the The next meeting of the Marlborough image onto heat transfer paper which & District Embroiderers Guild will be a she then irons onto thin cotton, layers Branch Open Day and will take place up with other textiles and then stitches on Monday 5 March when the speaker into the final picture. will be Cherrilyn Tyler and her talk will She has travelled extensively and did be entitled “Journey Cloths”. Doors www.upperkennetnews.co.uk 9

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The Arts Society, National Trust News Welcome to the first of our 2018 regular updates to keep you informed Pewsey Vale about what’s new and upcoming from the Trust. The Arts Society, Pewsey Vale monthly lectures are held in the Bouverie Hall, Closure of part of the henge, stone circles and West Kennet Pewsey SN9 5QE, and cover a wide range Avenue: As you will know by now, the unusually mild and damp of subjects relevant to the wonderful world weather conditions have resulted in a very muddy henge. We’ve had to of The Arts. take the drastic measure of closing most of the henge, stone circles and The hall is open from 7 pm with lectures West Kennet Avenue to protect the underlying archaeology, give the beginning at 7:30 pm for approximately one grass time to recover and avoid the risk of people slipping and hurting hour. themselves. We have clear messaging on our website and via press Coffee/tea and wine is served from 7 pm. releases that all village amenities are open as usual and we are waiving parking fees until we open most of the henge again. As you know, our Monday 12 March 2018 primary role is to protect the site, and this closure of a few weeks should ’The Horse and Modern Art: from do just that. Stubbs to Mark Wallinger’ by Nicolas Watkins Cobblestones second -hand books: The launch of the book shop This lecture by Nicolas Watkins, was a great success and we were delighted to welcome so many traces the expressive power of the people to celebrate its opening. We have had lots of positive feedback equestrian image from Stubbs and many book donations – we hope you’ve had a chance to pop in and through Degas, Munnings and have a look. The shop is run entirely by volunteers whose huge Picasso to Mark Wallinger enthusiasm has driven this project forward - if you’re interested in volunteering please do get in touch by emailing New members very welcome. To apply [email protected] . Much of the proceeds from for membership and for information on the book sales will be put back into the refurbishment of the building attendance at the lectures please itself. contact - [email protected] Summer opening times: From 25 March we’ll be going over to our Please note our new website is summer opening times as follows: www.theartssociety -pewseyvale.com The Alexander Keiller Museum: 10am - 6pm daily Avebury Manor: 11am – 5pm daily (last entry 4pm) National Trust shop: 10am - 5.30pm daily Cobblestones second -hand books: 11am – 3.45pm (most days) Circles Café: 10am – 5.30pm daily Avebury Manor Tea -room: 12 -5pm daily (last entry 4.45pm) Coach House Café: 11am – 5pm on weekends and school holidays Coach House toilet facilities: Open when Cobblestones/Coach House Café are open Old Farmyard toilet facilities: 9.30am – 6pm daily Kennet Valley 60+ The main National Trust car park: Staffed from 9am – 6.30pm The President opened the meeting with a welcome to members. They were reminded that the annual subscriptions are now due. Avebury Manor Tea -room Apologies for absence were given and We are currently undertaking some small changes to the washing up birthday congratulations. and toilet area, to make the tea -room an even better place for visitors to enjoy and for staff and volunteers to work at. Once in place, by end of The President stated that our treasurer had March the tearoom will be open daily from 12 -5pm and we will offer, not passed away just before Christmas. A just afternoon tea, but light lunches as well. minutes silence was observed for Eric Matthews. Barn refresh The barn gallery of the museum has received a refresh. We have The skittle match then followed, ably run by improved the lighting and redesigned the information panels with Bill Pearce, who duly won the men’s tie. His clearer, up -to -date information. This follows a survey undertaken wife, Jean, also won the women’s match throughout last summer where we asked visitors what information they’d after a penalty shootout. like to see and what their top three interests were when learning about Avebury. Please do pop along and have a look in early March and see Tea and biscuits were then followed by the for yourself. Don’t forget, residents have free entry. There will also be a raffle. new exhibition on display called ‘Breaking ground: Female archaeologists at Avebury’ which celebrates the role of women in the The speaker for February will be the band archaeological discoveries at Avebury. conductor, David Watson

New members are always welcome. We meet on the third Thursday of the month, at 2.00pm. At the Kennet Valley Hall.

www.upperkennetnews.co.uk 11

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Patios, Decking, Driveways Fencing, Turfing, Seeding, Hedgecutting. All types of groundwork Contact: Tim Smith Mob: 07811 142390

Also available Machine Hire and Driver Incl: ON CALL DAY & NIGHT Mini Digger Skid Steer 01672 512444 OR 810727 Telescopic Handler W Y L R Tractor & Implements M W I hold regular surgeries around the constituency SN8 1LH Fully insured. Phone for a free quote --- please call or email to book and appointment

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K. A. Callaway. Great Bedwyn W S SWIFT Services Ltd WOODSTOVES & CHIMNEY LININGS Woodstoves: many makes, new and second hand discounted. HEATING ENGINEERS Flue lining: Stainless steel, ceramic, pumice. Installed TV flue camera SERVICING  INSTALLATION  MAINTAINANCE for internal chimney inspection. Anti -jackdaw cages for bird protection. 1 Glenmore Business Centre. FREE site visit and advice recommended Hopton Park Tel: 01380 726284 Tel: 01672 870619 Mobile: 0860 722646 London Rd. Devizes SN10 2EQ Fax: 01380 726297 MOONS Brian Watts OVENCLEANING Local – Professional - Affordable Brickwork, Ceramic Tiling, Painting and Decorating, Garden Fencing and General Let us do the dirty work with tender loving care of your oven, Maintenance. hob, range, Aga, microwave, extractor, or BBQ, With 30+ years of experience, there isn't much I haven't come using our eco -friendly and non -caustic system across, so for a free quotation or simply to 'Pick my Call now on 01672 556404 brain!' Contact me: - or 07723 048436 www.moonsovencleaning.co.uk 5 Southfield, Phone: 01672 861438 The same Father/Son run business established West Overton, Mobile: 07732989650 in 2003 but with a new name Wilts, SN8 4HE E-mail: [email protected]

EARTHWISE RIDGE HOUSE GARDEN DESIGN LTD. ANYA HOPE MEDLIN BED & BREAKFAST (MA Cantab) FYFIELD Qualified and experienced horticulturalist and garden designer Contact: Virginia Hemery offers an individual and personal Tel: +44 (0) 1672 861527 service. Email: [email protected] * Complete design and build service Website: www.ridgehouse.info * Planting plans for complete gardens or single borders * Restoration of neglected gardens * Consultation and plant sourcing * Wild gardens/personalised retreats

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14 www.upperkennetnews.co.uk

What’s On at AVEBURY SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB Monday Yoga Classes, Thursday Darts and Friday Skittles League Nights see Club website for fixtures www.Avebury -Club.co.uk Unless stated all activities start at approx. 8.30 pm

Thursday 1st - Extraordinary General Meeting at 8.00pm, ref. Sportsfield Lease. MEMBERS ONLY Saturday 3rd - Movie Night - Film to be Announced shortly see WEBSITE & FACEBOOK Saturday 10th - 4.45pm Live TV Rugby 6 Nations France v England Saturday 10th - CLUB AGM 8.30pm Prompt Start MEMBERS ONLY Saturday 17th - 2.45pm Live TV Rugby 6 Nations England v Ireland Saturday 17th - Evening - Music Quiz Tuesday 20th - Easter Prize Bingo Saturday 24th - Easter Draw Tuesday 27th - Easter Prize Bingo Saturday 31st - Live Music Sing along 60s, 70s & onwards with Gordon Rimes Every Sunday Eyes down 8.00pm - ££ Cash prizes Avebury Rocks 27 th & 28 th July, Avebury Day 8 th September.

Avebury Club is available to hire, contact Alan Blake – Club Secretary on 07860 112455 or email at [email protected] or alternatively call Avebury Club (when open) on 01672 539258 or visit Avebury Club website to check availability. www.avebury -club.co.uk ALL ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS ARE TO BE AGREED AND FINALISED WITH THE CLUB’S SECRETARY ONLY.

WHO’S WHO in the Upper Kennet Churches

RECTOR - REV’D MARIA SHEPHERDSON 01672 539643 The Rectory, 27 High Street, Avebury, SN8 1RF email [email protected] If you require a priest in an emergency and are unable to contact Rev’d Maria please telephone one of the churchwardens.

LAY PASTORAL ASSISTANTS Mrs Claire Stiles 01793 731620 c.j.stiles@hotmail. co.uk Mr Graham Kitchen 01672 861349 [email protected]

BENEFICE OFFICE: Ray Manley, Anne Robinson (Mon -Thurs, 10am -1pm) Tel: 01672 861786 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.upperkennetchurches.org.uk Address: The Garden Room, 62 Lockeridge, SN8 4EL

CHURCHWARDENS AVEBURY Mrs Maureen Dixon 01672 539690 Mrs Sandra Hues 01672 539444 [email protected] Mrs Helen Vickers 01672 539482 [email protected] EAST KENNETT Mr Graham Kitchen 01672 861349 [email protected] Mrs Jo Snape 01672 861267 [email protected] WEST OVERTON Mrs Susan Rogers 01672 861374 [email protected] FYFIELD Ms Vicky Evans 01672 861622 [email protected] WINTERBOURNE MONKTON Ms Penny Gold 01672 539158 [email protected] WINTERBOURNE BASSETT Mrs Glynis Long 01793 731398 [email protected] Mr Peter Barry 01793 731589 [email protected] BROAD HINTON Mrs Jenni Moseling 01793 731629 [email protected] Miss Sally Cartwright 01793 731050 [email protected]

Benefice Council Lay Chairman Mr Mark Wightman 01793 731452 [email protected]

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL SECRETARIES AVEBURY Mr David Davidge 01672 513819 [email protected] EAST KENNETT, FYFIELD & WEST OVERTON Mrs Lynne Williams 01672 861511 [email protected] WINTERBOURNE MONKTON Mr Bill Buxton 01672 539199 [email protected] WINTERBOURNE BASSETT Mr Martin Knight 01793 731764 [email protected] BROAD HINTON Mrs Marjorie Sykes 01793 731471 [email protected]

MAGAZINES UPPER KENNET NEWS in Fyfield, West Overton, East & West Kennett, Beckhampton, Avebury Trusloe, Avebury, Winterbourne Monkton & Berwick Bassett: Editor David Throup , Longmynd, Lockeridge SN8 4ED 01672 861279 [email protected] Please send all copy including advertising and payment to David Throup. Final copy date 20th of each month

LOCAL NEWS in Uffcott, Broad Hinton & Winterbourne Bassett: Editor Dawn May 01793 739130 [email protected] Final copy date 20 th of each month

www.upperkennetnews.co.uk 15

Kennet Valley Hall Cinema ‘Laying the Ghost’ Movies for Winter 2018 a comedy by Simon Williams To reserve seating or register your interest in receiving Marlborough Town Hall more information please email: [email protected] st th Tickets are £6 -00 and doors open 7 -00pm 21 to 24 March

Laying the Ghost is a fast moving and wiy play set in Yew Tree Sun 25th March House, a rerement home for a group of eccentric, charming and The Party 'growing old outrageously' theatricals. The doyen of the home is Janet (Kristin Scott Thomas) has just been appointed Margo Buchannan who is reluctantly being encouraged to celebrate to a key ministerial position in the shadow cabinet – her 70 th birthday by her zany friend Freda Deacon and the the crowning achievement of her political career. She rerement home proprietor, Mrs Kidd. The last thing she wanted, and her husband Bill (Timothy Spall) plan to celebrate this with a few close friends. As the guests or expected, was a visit from her philandering ex-husband Sir Leo, arrive at their home in London the party takes an as well as his formidable wife and his current mistress. Throw into unexpected turn when Bill suddenly makes some the mix a tenacious tabloid journalist, an aged Superman kiss-o- explosive revelations that take everyone present by gram and a mischievous ghost and you have the recipe for a surprise. Love, friendships and political convictions delighully humorous, warm and gentle comedy. are soon called into question in this hilarious comedy Directed by David Sherra ‘Laying the Ghost’ will play at of tragic proportions. From acclaimed British Marlborough Town Hall from 21 st to 24 th March. Performances start filmmaker Sally Potter and featuring a star -studded at 7:30pm cast that includes Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz, Cherry Jones, Emily Mortimer and Cillian Murphy. Marlborough Town Hall Wednesday 21 st to Saturday 24 th March £10 from the White Horse Bookshop Marlborough Enquiries only (no cket sales): 07470 362723

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