CHURCH SERVICES St Mary’s July St Leonard’s Steeple Ashton Sunday 2nd 11am Parish Communion Round About Your Parish (BCP)( Rev Dove) 9.15 am (Proper 8) Readings: All Age Service Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42 JULY/AUGUST 2017

Sunday 9th 8am Holy Communion 9.15 am (BCP) Holy Communion (Proper 9) (Rev Parker) 11am Family Picnic & Service at Recreation Field (Worship group)

Sunday 16th 11am Parish Communion 9.15 am (CW) (Rev Parker) Morning Prayer (Proper 10) Readings: Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Sunday 23th 8am Holy Communion 3.15 pm (BCP) (Rev Parker) Café Church (Proper 11) 11am Morning Prayer in the Village Hall (Rev Dove) Readings: 6.30 pm Mary Boyce with her daughter Helen, grandson Oliver Romans 8: 12-25 Holy Communion (BCP) and son-in-law Rick in front of the two Benefactors Boards Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43 recently returned to St Mary’s Church

Sunday 30th 9.30am United Benefice 6.30 pm (Proper 12) Service at Joint Benefice Steeple Ashton Village Shop (Rev Longdon) Choral Evensong at St James’s Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday 9.ooam to 12noon Shop telephone: 01380 871 211 CHURCH SERVICES Bryan writes… St Mary’s August St Leonard’s Keevil The following is extracted from a lengthy report on the charities of the parish Steeple Ashton of Steeple Ashton, dated 10th July 1833: Samuel Martyn, of Eastown, who died 12th November 1643, gave by Will Sunday 6th to six trustees therein named, their heirs and assigns for ever, a close of 11am Parish Communion meadow or pasture, with the appurtenances, called Luffnam*, containing (Proper (BCP) 9.15 am by estimation two acres, lying in the parish of Steeple Ashton, between 13) ( Rev Dove) Family Communion Alberry and Oakhill, upon trust that every year for ever after his decease Readings: there should be given at Martinmas, out of the rents and profits thereof, Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16 two coats of frieze or other fitting cloth unto two poor men, and two gowns, Luke 12: 32-40 of the same frieze or other cloth, unto two poor women, of the tithings of and Steeple Ashton. * [Otherwise Luffingham or Luffenham.] (Martinmas is St. Martin’s Day, which falls on 11th November.) Sunday 13th 8am Holy Communion 9.15 am (BCP) (Rev Parker) Holy Communion (Proper 10.30am Family Service 14) (Worship group)

Continued on page 28

Newsletter Deadlines for 2017 August 22nd; September 19th; October 24th; November 21st. Sunday 20th 11am Parish Communion 9.15 am (CW) (Rev Parker ) Morning Prayer Items for the September newsletter should be received by Tuesday (Proper Readings: 22nd August 2017. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 15) 1A Butts Lane, Steeple Ashton or by email to helenmontaguesmith8@ Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32 gmail.com. All published items solely express the views of the author and Matthew 15:21-28 are the copyright of the author and Round About Your Parish unless other- wise stated. The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to supply all news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be received before printing. Telephone 01380 871285. Sunday 27th 10.30am 3.15 pm Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Sarah Rev Parker’s Café Church Dennehy on 01380 871753, email: [email protected]. (Proper Farewell Service at in the Village Hall There may be a waiting list. Please send your ads by email if possible. Please 16) North Bradley note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers. 6.30 pm Flyers for Village activities and events can be delivered with the newsletter. If Holy Communion (BCP) you wish to have a flyer for a village event delivered with this newsletter, please contact Anne Howard on 870505 during the third week of the month to see if it is convenient. All flyers have to be counted out for the delivery packs and as there are 25 deliverers this can take some time. No more than two per newslet- ter would be helpful. Editor St Bernadette’s, Westbury STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL Sunday Mass - 9am; Weekday Mass - Thursday 11 am Parish Council Election: Confessions/Reconciliation before Mass and any time on request. Due to a small printing issue, the number of votes for elected Councillors JUBILEE OF ORDINATION THE NEW 300 CLUB 2017 were confusing for readers. Here they are again: Bishop Declan Lang will lead cel- Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 Malcolm Jones: 177 Jennie Willis: 199 David Price: 228 Pippa Birch: 179 ebration of Canon Liam O’Driscoll quarterly - £4.33 monthly. New Lynda Beaven: 274: Fran Buffery-King: 233 Caroline Quartley: 217 Paula 50th anniversary of Ordination on members are most welcome to join Boardman: 177 Jeremy Cottle: 322 Friday 7th July at St John The Bap- at any time. Prizes are: £200-£70- Parish Council Meeting: £50-£10 monthly. For information tist Catholic Church There has been no Main Parish Council Meeting since the last Newlstter and application form contact Fran- at 7pm followed by refreshments report, however your new Councillors have been busy and the agenda for cis Geraghty 01380 871083 email: Monday 26th June is jam-packed with items for discussion, including a afterwards at St Augustine’s Catho- [email protected] lic College. section to look at Playforce and Acreshort Park’s future, Council report, Highways issues, new website proposal and financial information. GLASTONBURY DIOCESAN SICK AND/OR HOUSEBOUND Planning: PILGRIMAGE Any Catholic who is sick or Planning applications are considered at Parish Council Meetings and Plan- Sunday 9th July at 9.45am West- housebound should let Canon Liam ning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an Open Forum for bury and 10am Trowbridge return- (01225 752152) know as he would members of the public to comment on planning matters prior to their con- ing at 6pm.Cost: Adult £10, Family be pleased to arrange a visit and sideration. A planning meeting was held on Monday 5th June - an update £15. The theme for this year is bring Holy Communion, if desired. will be provided in the next newsletter. In the meantime, minutes will be ‘Mary Mother of Hope’. posted on the website and the village notice board. Mobile Library Visits: LOURDES PILGRIMAGE MASS TIMES at NEARBY St Marys, Steeple Ashton Wednesdays 1:45 – 11:05: The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage CATHOLIC CHURCHES 05 July, 02 August, 30 August, 27 September, 25 October led by Bishop Declan Lang takes St Joseph’s, West Lavington Longs Arms, Steeple Ashton Wednesdays 11:15 – 12:15: place this year from 18th to 25th (01380 723572) Mass on Sunday 19 July, 16 August, 13 September, 11 October, 08 November August. Details 0711 834 500 at 9.00am Parish Council Meetings: Immaculate Conception, July 17th - Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting LIVING YOUR FAITH Devizes (01380 723572) Mass August 7th - Main Parish Council Meeting SUMMER CAMPS on Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday September 4th - Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting September 25th - Main Parish Council Meeting These weeks are intended to 10.30am and 5.00pm October 16th - Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting encourage children & young people St Anthony (01225 to engage in their faith through November 6th - Main Parish Council Meeting 702128) Mass on Saturday 5.30pm November 27th - Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting fun, games and spiritual input. and Sunday 9.30am December 18th - Main Parish Council Meeting They take place in the beautiful Parish Council Office: surroundings of the Marist Centre (For information on any of the above (2 St Mary’s School, High Street) Nympsfield. Children 7-11from please contact This office is open to the public twice a week (Monday 2.30pm – 3.30pm; 7th to 11th August and 12-16 from Francis Geraghty 01380 871083 Tuesday 10am – 11am) or by appointment. Leon Karas, Clerk to the Parish 14th to18th August. For more email: [email protected]) Council, can be contacted on 01380 871461 or email clerk@steeple-ashton. details contact Stephen Spurrell co.uk All Councillors now have live @steeple-ashton.co.uk email addresses 07860 84946 which are also posted on the website. For information the non-emergency POLICE CONTACT NUMBER is 101 36 1 Find us on Social Media! Methodist Church Diary and Events continued Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SteepleAshtonPC/ Church Diary Facebook Village Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/ All services are at 9.15 am unless otherwise stated. Please come along and groups/1301590843262498/ join us. You can be assured of a warm welcome, and a time to chat, plus a cup Twitter: @St_Ash_PC of tea or coffee after the service. If there is anyone for whom you would like prayers to be said, please leave details in the post box at the front door, and Instagram: SteepleAshtonPC they will be included in the Intercessory Prayers on Sunday mornings. Pippa plans to contact all the other groups and businesses in the village over the summer to see if we can help raise their profile on social media too. If July 2nd 9.15 am Revd. David Coppard – Holy Communion you can’t wait for Pippa to visit you, please get in touch at pippabirch@stee- 9th 9.15 am Pauline Tiller ple-ashton.co.uk or 01380 871578. 16th 9.15 am Revd. Mary Teed ~~~ www.steeple-ashton.co.uk ~~~ 23rd 9.15 am Revd. David Coppard – All Age Worship 30th 9.15 am Izzie Smears Steeple Ashton WI August At the June meeting there were quite a few social activity dates to remind 6th 9.15 am Revd. David Coppard – Holy Communion members of, new ones to add to the diary and feedback from activities that 13th 9.15 am Pauline Tiller have taken place. 20th 9.15 am Izzie Smears Ann had been on a Saga Cruise that included very enjoyable events for WI 27th 9.15 am Pauline Tiller members. Ten members had a lovely lunch and guided tour of the walled Other Dates garden at Woolley Grange Hotel this week and twelve more members will July visit next week. We have a day in Exeter booked in July and our annual 11th 7.30 pm Housegroup coffee morning held in a member’s garden will take place in August. A lunch 12th 10.30 am Reflections & Fellowship is planned to celebrate the Queen and Prince Philip’s 70th Wedding Anni- 25th 7.30 pm Housegroup versary in November. 26th 10.30 am Reflections & Fellowship There has also been much cake making by WI members to support the teas August at the Open Gardens Day and ovens will be hot again as cakes are baked for 8th 7.30 pm Housegroup teas and the cake stall at the Church Fête. 22nd 7.30 pm Housegroup Our speaker for the evening included cooking in her presentation. She No Reflections & Fellowship in August made home made beef burgers, using beef from her own Galloway cattle and home made rolls. Gretchen Winter called her talk Farm Diversification CATHOLIC NEWS The Foodie Way. She gave us an outline of the history of her family698 acre St John the Baptist, Trowbridge and St Bernadette’s, West- farmland dating from 1889 and of her background in the hotel, catering and bury, (including villages). event/corporate management industry. As well as the farm, Gretchen runs Parish Priest: Canon Liam O’Driscoll, Tel: 01225 752152 the Farm Cookery School at Bromham. The range of courses and experi- www.stjohnthebaptisttrowbridge.co.uk ences offered is extensive and covers all age groups and interests. She is St John’s Sunday Masses : very involved in children’s activities and in the local schools. Gretchen is a Saturday (Vigil) 6pm; Sunday 10.30am & 6pm very energetic and enthusiastic person and a lot of our members were think- Weekday Masses: ing of sending their husbands on a Teach My Husband to Cook the Basics Mon: 9am; Tues: 9am; Wed: 8.30am; Fri 6pm; Sat: 10am; 6pm (Vigil) day!! When we meet in July we will have a talk about Bath Cats and Dogs Rosary: Weekdays before Mass. SVP Fri 6.45pm Home. Kathy Fielding Confessions: Sat: 10.30-11.15am and 5-5.45pm 2 35 SUDAN SUNDAY IS ON THE 4TH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH Steeple Ashton Village Shop (please give generously) BREAD – James Bollen of Country Cottage Bakery has been successfully supplying us with real artisan bread three times a week for the last couple If you wish to make a donation to St Mary’s Church or leave an amount of months. He trained as a traditional scratch baker and has been in the in a will to preserve the future of the church you can contact the treasurer baking industry for 26 years, yet he still retains a real passion for baking as on [email protected] or the Vicar on julianparker22@hotmail. evidenced by his imaginative range of specialist breads. (see the list by the com (01225 752635). PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CHEQUES TO ST till for details.) However, he will be on holiday for a week at the end of July MARY’S SHOULD BE MADE OUT: ‘PCC OF STEEPLE ASHTON’ so the last delivery before he goes will be on the 22nd July and the next will be on the 29th July. To order bread for those dates please phone the shop, +FRIDAY CLUB (for all the family): 3.45-4.30pm drink & biscuits 871 211. & chat; 4.30pm songs and children’s worship 4.50- 5.30pm fun & THE INTERSERVICES REGIONAL GLIDING COMPETION - takes games. All welcome fortnightly: Next meetings on 7th July. place at Keevil Airfield again this year, courtesy of Bannerdown Gliding Club, from the 29th July to the 6th July. As on previous occasions, we have For Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals or for tea and a chat contact been asked to have a ‘pop-up’ shop on the airfield where competitors and Rev Julian Parker 01225 752635 ([email protected]) their families can pick up daily essentials, bread, milk, toiletries and much Rev Lionel Dove 01380 870013 ([email protected]) more. The shop will be open between the hours of 8 am and 6pm, so we are asking for volunteers. The days will be divided into 2. 1/2hr shifts, with two HOME COMMUNIONS people required for each shift. If you would like to help, please sign up on If you are unable to get to church through sickness or disability, the the rota sheet by the till – but please don’t sacrifice your normal shifts in the Vicar (01225 752635) or Rev Lionel Dove (01380 870013) will be shop – we do need to keep that going as well! Caren Felton pleased to arrange a home communion for you and/or your spouse. Richie’s Big Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle! Methodist Church Diary and Events On 24th May, I am starting my Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle which I Senior version of Jesus Loves Me am doing to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The story goes that one church in Atlanta invited a 92 year old gentleman I’ll be cycling as part of a group and we’ll be doing an average of 100 miles to preach. After a warm welcome and introduction of the speaker, and as per day for 10 days meaning all being well, we’ll finish at John O’Groats the applause quietened down, he rose from his high back chair and walked on Sat 3rd June. So far I’ve managed to cycle 100 miles just the once, so it slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note would really spur me on if you would consider sponsoring me, please for this or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady great cause! (Richard has raised £2,500 so far, Ed.) himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak.... If you have access to internet, donations can be made via: “When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked http://justgiving.com/RichardBoardmanBigCycle, or cheques payable to me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd Cancer Research UK. Many thanks in advance (please don’t feel obliged, but years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and it boiled down to if you don’t ask...!) Richard Boardman, 23 Acreshort Lane, Steeple Ashton, just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me Trowbridge, Wilts, BA14 6HD through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak, pain, fear and sorrow paralyzed me... Walk to Remember - Anne Howard The only thing that would comfort me was this verse: I completed my walk on Saturday. I should raise £315 without adding gift aid which many signed up for, so my Jesus loves me this I know. thanks to all who sponsored me from the Village. For the Bible tells me so.” Alison Evans More details of event an be found at www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk 34 3 FORGET-ME-NOTS-CLUB Thought For The Month BIDDING PRAYER The Forget-me-Nots organised a very special afternoon on 17th May to cel- The seasons do not push one another; (inspired by Isaiah 55) ebrate the 100th birthday of the oldest member of the Club, Phyllis Rich- neither do clouds race the wind across the sky. Come, all who are thirsty ards, with a special cake, loads of balloons, cards from every member, and All things happen in their own good time. says Jesus, our Lord, a wonderful Buffet Tea generously provided by members. The Chairman D. Millman come, all who are weak, presented Phyllis with a bouquet, who said it had been a lovely afternoon. For everything there is a season, and taste the living water The Cream Tea at Farleigh Road Farm on 7th June was a happy occasion, a time for every matter under heaven: that I shall give. with everybody tucking into bite-size scones accompanied with thick clotted a time to be born, and a time to die; Dip your hands in the stream, cream. a time to plant, and a time to pluck up refresh body and soul, Prizes are in hand for the 12 rounds of Bingo on 21st June, with the lucky what is planted.... a time for peace... drink from it, winners taking home either a bottle of Cava or Prosecco, a fuchsia plant, or -Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 depend on it, for this water a wash bag full of toiletries. COLLECT for days after Pentecost will never run dry. Whether you are a good needlewoman or not the talk on “The History O Lord, from whom all good things come: Come, all who are thirsty of Quilting” by Jackie Williams on 5th July will be fascinating, and the grant to us your humble servants, says Jesus, our Lord. Summer Lunch to be held at The Chalford House Hotel, Westbury on 19th that by your holy inspiration July is already eagerly anticipated, this being the third repeat visit for a Club we may think those things that are good, lunch. and by your merciful guiding may perform the Sadly, the outing to Weymouth on August 2nd has been cancelled same; Meetings resume on 6th September with a talk by Patricia Walder on “The through our Lord Jesus Christ, Return History of Hypnotherapy”. who is alive and reigns with you, Return to the Lord your God, An enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing Summer to all members and their fami- in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for God is gracious. lies - see you in September! Glynnis Oakley (Sec) 01225/775681 one God, now and for ever. Confess to the Lord your God, for God is merciful. Repent to the Lord your God, “Our fear of death is like our fear for God is slow to anger. that summer will be short, but Praise the Lord your God, STEEPLE ASHTON CALENDAR 2018 when we have had our swing of for God abounds in steadfast love. TO ALL VILLAGE PHOTOGRAPHERS pleasure, our fill of fruit, and our Worship the Lord your God. HAVE ANOTHER GO! swelter of heat, we say we have Together, let us worship God! Take part in our effort to produce a second and improved had our day.” Village Calendar. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Choose identifiable buildings or views, or quirky bits of Steeple Ashton architecture, or street scenes, or up to date events and occasions in the village. PRAYING FOR PEOPLE IN STEEPLE ASHTON All photographs submitted for selection should be 7” x 5” landscape. & GREAT HINTON If sent electronically they must be in .jpg format. Part of our role as Church is to pray for the people in our care. This is Send to [email protected] or deliver to The Lodge something we do regularly and want to encourage everyone who reads CLOSING DATE WILL BE THE END OF JULY 2017. this magazine to do. Possibly the best way to do it is by street. So this month we are praying for the people who live on: SANDPITS LANE (SA) and BACK STREET (GH) 4 33 St Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton The Vicar writes Steeple Ashton WI There’s a man I know who lost his sight but still produces the most beautiful invite you to their roses you can imagine. He does it from memory…. and from love. As old age Coffee Morning progresses gradually removing many things from his power, and sometimes to be held at making him frustrated or sad, the serenity of the roses gives him peace. It 3 The Butts is the particular corner of the garden where the roses abound in fragrance on and colour, also, though he might not realize it, that give him a sense and Wednesday 9th August knowledge of the paradise to come. Indeed the roses, now with their fragile 10.30am - 12.00 noon petals open to bursting, are ready to fall. In some people this produces a Stalls include cakes and produce feeling of regret. But they have had their time and they fall without regret or Bring & Buy, Raffle disillusion. As with all nature, if we submerge ourselves in it, the expression of it’s life is a steadying factor in ours. No regrets. No going back. Life falling Entrance £1 includes coffee into life. Everything is in God’s hands. Nothing lost. and homemade biscuits I love the story of the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1-4) because the woman in the story, though so poor in material things, gives everything she has. Like Jesus, like the rose, there is not a penny kept back that has not been fully spent on living and on love. ‘Why hold back’, nature seems to ask? ‘You people, why horde your life away? What are you saving it up for? This is the moment that life takes place. This is the moment to give it all!’ So in nature so in the life of Jesus, we find a life lived without regret. That is what God is offering us in the bible, a message alive and relevant for all time, for all mankind. The life of Jesus, fully given, like the rose, is the defi- Local Conservatives nition of serenity/fulfillment/peace…..what we all seek. are holding a My Church ministry is coming to an end now. Just as my lovely family life did. Children now wandering the world enjoying their own unique adven- Tea Party in the garden tures, and dad looking forward to the next stage of his journey too. God’s Family ministry of love is a ministry of connection with all the world (‘Go then and at Jalan House be witnesses to the ends of the earth’ – Jesus) because life and opportunity Hog Roast Meal Dark Lane South for giving does not present itself in only one way or location. It is always with salads and puds presenting everywhere. Just as nothing about God’s Church will end when Cash wine bar Saturday 8th July I leave. The life and the love is always present and available for those who 3.30pm - 6.00pm seek. We simply share in it for a while. As someone once said words to the Saturday 19thAugust 2017 affect of: ‘When you walk into the room full of love a symphony plays; and From 5.30pm All are Welcome when you walk out the music continues’. For the music of our lives, just as 20 High Street, Steeple Ashton in nature, belongs to God. And as much as we are open to the serenity of His Tickets from the Shop change in our lives, it is beautiful to behold. Jesus is among us and if God is Tickets from the Village Shop or Johanna 870584 with us how can we fail? 871211 Tickets £15.00

32 5 FROM THE ARCHIVES I have not been able to trace the origin of the actual name ‘Luffenham’; Steeple Ashton Newsletter however… In July 1977.... My family rented the field during the 1950s, and we always referred to it as ‘Lucombe’. Today, when speaking with farmers and one, older, lifelong vil- lage resident, this name was confirmed – with all referring to it as “Lucombe Bottom”. The word ‘combe’, common in place names across southern and western , is said to be derived from the Old English ‘cumb’ – which means a short valley or large hollow on the side of a hill: exactly the terrain in which Luffenham Meadow lies. Could it be that ‘Lucombe’ has been handed down colloquially in Steeple Ashton by word of mouth from Anglo-Saxon times – as a general description of the area, rather than the ‘official’ name of the specific field, which may not have been enclosed until much later? I leave the reader to ponder… Bryan Berrett LUFFENHAM MEADOW IS ALL GO TO MOW WITH GRID COMMUNITY AWARD Luffenham Meadow is three acres of pasture which was bequeathed to the village of Steeple Ashton in 1643. The Friends of Steeple Ashton have undertaken to return the neglected field to its former glory and to turn it into a wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve. To help them achieve this Wessex Water’s Community Grid Award is giving them £300 to help replace their old mower. The Friends keep the grass mown and cut a footpath around the perimeter where they have set benches. Natalie Morant from Wessex Water will visit the meadow to meet the man with the mower on Thursday 8th June. Tony Evans is that man and he has taken it on himself to help keep Luffen- ham Meadow accessible. Luffenham Meadow Friends’ Group is active but not quite sufficiently energetic to mow a two metre path around the thee acres meadow. “Our old mower is on its last legs” Tony said “because it certainly gets put through its paces. A new mower will make all the difference to how the Friends can look after Luffenham Meadow. Some of the other work we do involves clearing away undergrowth and keeping the stream clear for drain- age. However the mower is by far the most important piece of equipment and is integral to keeping the Meadow viable and to stop it becoming over- grown and inaccessible.” The Grid Community Awards are now in their second year and provide funds for projects that will help the environment and wildlife on land where Wessex Water’s new infrastructure engineering works are. The Watermark Award provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area. Now in its twenty third year, it has supported over 900 environmental initiatives. Both Awards are organised by The Conservation Foundation, all projects are judged by a panel chaired by its President - David Bellamy 6 31 In January 2004, the trustees approached the Friends of Steeple Ashton. In due course, the Friends’ chairperson reported back that members had reached a unanimous decision: to take on the field, develop it into a wildlife sanctuary and recreation area for the benefit of the whole village, and main- tain it as such. Work began that year, and the formal agreement was drawn up and signed in 2005. Over the 13 years since, the FOSA have continued to maintain, develop and improve the field as meadowland. In recent years, member Tony Evans has been charged with co-ordinating and carrying out the work. In the June issue of this newsletter Tony gave a report on the field, with a directional map, to encourage more visitors. Recently, he learned that Wessex Water support such environmental projects with grants. Tony applied for £300 towards a new heavy-duty wheeled strimming machine, for cutting the pathways in and around the edge of the field. This was duly granted – and the official presentation was made on Thursday 8th June, outside the Longs Arms

Bryan Berrett (chairman of the Crooke & Others Trust), Natalie Morant (Wessex Water) & Tony Evans (Friends of Steeple Ashton)

30 7 Crook Charity (Peter Crooke, clothier, 1633). Martyn Charity (Samuel Martyn, 1643). Brown Charity (John Brown, 1720). Poor Money Charity, Great Hinton (origin unknown, records of existence 1786). Poor Stock Charity, Steeple Ashton (Roger Marten, 1594; combined with Rogers & Martyne 1729; suspended 1845; revived 1848).

Income from the above charities is generated by rents received from leased land, and investment in stocks and shares approved by the Charity Com- mission (funded via disposal of gifts of land or property, and monies left in trust by benefactors). Payments are granted and distributed by the Charity of Crooke and Others. Obviously, the relief granted to those eligible has long since been changed – from the coats, gowns, shirts, bread and buns of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, to a small cash payment. This relief is limited to residents of the parishes of Steeple Ashton (including Gt. Hinton) and West Ashton who are – as stipulated by the Charity Commission – “in conditions of need, hardship In August 1977... or distress …” The trustees cannot commit themselves to “repeat or renew Extract from a lengthy article by editor Dennis Hobson on a July 14th coach the relief granted on any occasion in any case.” trip he had attended with other villagers - titled: “To London and the Mother A brass plate in St. Mary’s Church, near the entrance to the Baptistry, is of Parliaments”. inscribed with the names of the “Benefactors to the Parish of Steeple Ashton”, with full details of the gifts of endowment, including Luffenham. This decla- ration was originally painted on two large wooden tablets, which were prob- ably removed from the church during alterations in the 19th century. These were rediscovered some years ago – being used as shelves in the granary/ apple store in the garden of the The Old Parsonage. Mary and the late John Boyce, owners of The Old Parsonage since around 1970, rescued the boards, and installed them as a screen in the old scullery. Mrs Boyce has now kindly donated them to St. Mary’s – and on 14th June, they were displayed during the memorial service for her husband John. Traditionally, Luffenham Field/Meadow had always been let as grazing land or hay meadow. However, by March 2003, the then tenant, who had rented it since at least 1970, gave notice that she did not wish to continue renting the field after the expiry of the agreement that year. This left the trustees with a D. Berrett problem – as due to its position and unsuitability for modern farming meth- ods, agricultural tenants were not forthcoming.

8 29 continued from the inside front cover STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Saturday 22 July 2017 at Steeple Ashton Village Hall - 7.30 pm (doors open at 7 pm for refreshments) As the United States raced against Russia to put a man into space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American mathematicians that were the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. HIDDEN FIGURES is the true story of Katherine G Johnson (Taraji P Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae), the three women who were known as “human computers” and worked alongside many of history’s greatest minds with the task of calculat- ing the momentous launch of John Glenn into space and his safe return Hidden Figures is a brilliant, sensitive and funny film. It touches many dif- ferent issues of the 1960s – segregation, women’s rights, racism solidarity, physics, mathematics, engineering and spaceships. The casting is inspired with Kevin Cosner, Jim Parsons and Kirsten Dunst in supporting roles and Maharshala Ali who is tipped to become ‘the next best thing’! This is a film of inspiration. Dreams that came true, from launching a man into space, to men who walked on the moon and now exploration further into our universe. Luffenham Meadow (under the T), on 1930 Rood Ashton Estate Map “This is a jewel of a film, the casting is superb, the music is great and the stories This unusual-shaped meadow lies in a small valley half way along the foot- are breathtaking – I have seen it twice - I took my children aged 10 and 8 years to path between Steeple Ashton and Rood Ashton. see it and they loved it!”. Tickets - £6 are available at Steeple Ashton Village Hall, or can Luffenham remains much as it was in Samuel Martyn’s day – bordered along be reserved by ringing Alison Wilson on 01380 871345. the south-west side by a brook, crossed by a small footbridge on the “Coffin Trail” which leads north east from West Ashton village, through the centre RIDE AND STRIDE SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2017 of the meadow towards St. Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton. This event which takes place each September is in aid of Wiltshire Historic West Ashton remained in the parish of Steeple Ashton until the 19th cen- Churches Trust. Those who take part are given sponsor forms and of the tury. Residents there did not have a church of their own until 1846, when money raised half goes to the church of their choice and half to the Trust. the Long family of funded the present Church of St. Those participating will be given a list of all churches taking part, which will John the Evangelist. Thereafter, West Ashton villagers no longer needed to be open from 10am until 6pm, and record those churches visited on their transport their dear departed along the two-mile path across the fields and sponsor forms taking whichever route they choose. Many of the churches over the footbridge for burial at St. Mary’s Church. are manned with refreshments often available. Today, the last wishes of Samuel Martyn regarding “… a close of meadow This can be a walking or cycling event with as many or as few churches vis- or pasture, … called Luffnam” are enacted by the trustees of the combined ited as participants feel able to do. ‘Charity of Crooke and Others’ – a committee which traditionally includes In the past few years local numbers have dwindled and I would like to see the vicar of St. Mary’s as ex-officio. Currently, the trustees comprise: two many more taking part in this enjoyable event this year. For information members from Steeple Ashton, two from Great Hinton and one from West and/or sponsor forms please contact the Parish Organiser: Ashton. The Charity of Crooke and Others includes: Geoff Witts, 1, Vicarage Lane 01380 871745 28 9 “Guided visit to the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop” Many villagers in Keevil and Steeple Ashton will be aware of the part played by Keevil Airfield during WW2 particularly the Arnhem operation of Sep- tember 1944. It is therefore quite a co-incidence that we have the opportu- nity for a guided visit of the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop in Hampshire on the anniversary of that event. This kind offer has been received from Brigadier Richard Folkes (retd) OBE, as a result of discussions with Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Taggart a member of the group who attend the service of remembrance held at the Royal Air force Keevil plaque each year. The visit will take place on Sunday 17th September the anniversary of the Arnhem operation which saw many gliders taking off from Keevil airfield the first to tragically crash shortly after takeoff with the loss of all on board. The arrangement is for us to meet at the Museum at 10.30 / 11.00am when Brigadier Folkes will give us a briefing on Army Flying in general and then focus on the Glider Pilot Regiment while incorporating reference to Keevil airfield. After this we will have a guided tour before lunch, I will provide more information on opportunities for lunch nearer the time when I have an idea of numbers. Middle Wallop is approximately an hours drive from Keevil and Steeple Ashton and as such we will be able to travel by car which gives the opportu- nity to leave the Museum at differing times. If you are interested please contact me by Friday 4th of August preferably by email [email protected] as if more than twenty people express an interest we will need an extra guide. It should be a very interesting day. Myra Link ( Keevil) 01380 870326 [email protected] ROYAL AIR FORCE KEEVIL – an early reminder The Annual Service of Remembrance will be held at Stocks Tree on the 16th September, at 12 noon. This short service has its origins in the 50th Anniversary of D Day and the St Mary’s Church Arnhem Operation. This was a remarkable village event, with Airmen, Steeple Ashton Ground Crew, Glider Pilots and Airborne Infantry arriving from all over the Descend the Church Tower world. The weekend of activities was drawn to a conclusion with the dedi- Saturday 22nd July cation of a Memorial Plaque at Stocks Tree, unveiled by the ex-Glider Pilot Adult £15.00 Bill Higgs Since then a service has been held every year and continues to Aged 12 - 18 £5.00 be a part of Keevil village life. It is important that the village continues this Limited Places - simple service for what it represents. please book early Preceding the Keevil remembrance will be the Double Hills Memorial Serv- details: [email protected] ice, which falls on Sunday 3rd September 2017. Further details can be or phone 01380 870119 obtained from David Bodman on 01380 870801. 10 27 In Remembrance of the Fallen from Steeple Ashton and Great Hinton of the Great War 1914 -1918 The St. Mary’s Bell Ringers will toll the bells at 6.00pm in solemn respect on the 100th anniversary of the death of each of the men recorded on both of the War Memorials of Great Hinton & Steeple Ashton to mark the sacrifice of those who fell in the First World War. We welcome anyone who wishes to join us on these occasions during the next 2 years. We are hoping to have researched brief notes on the lives of each of these men, which we will use during these simple acts of remem- brance. (If you have any information, which can be added to these notes, please let us know). In July we remember: 11 July Lt. Frederic Arthur Rogers - 1st Bn. R. Can. R. [1st Bn. Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment) Frederic Arthur Rogers was born in Steeple Ashton on 18th May 1891 and baptised in St. Mary’s church a few weeks later on 14th June. He was the youngest of the six children of Edward Roland Rogers, born in Shaw and his wife Hester Elizabeth Sheppard of Westwood. They married in 1880 in Frome and set up home in Bermondsey, London where Edward had been living and working as a wheelwright before his marriage. The first three chil- dren were born in Bermondsey but ten years later and three more children, who were all baptised in St Mary’s church, the family were living in Steeple Ashton, where Edward continued working as a wheelwright in the Strand. In 1901 the family of three boys and three girls were living in Church Street, Fred’s father continued his work as a wheelwright, the eldest son Edward William was a printer’s apprentice and Fred and his brother Lancelot were at the village school. In 1911 Fred was living in a room at 38 Hasker Street, Chelsea and working as a domestic servant. He sailed to Canada in the next year or two. His attestation papers for the Canadian Over-Seas Expedition- ary Force, signed on 22nd September 1914, state that he was 5ft 10in tall, with a fair complexion, brown eyes and light hair and four vaccinations on his left arm. The National Probate Calendar gives Fred’s address as Killarney, Holt, Wilt- shire, Further details say that he was a lieutenant in the 1st Canadian Bat- talion and died of wounds 11th July 1917 in France. Probate was granted to his mother Hester Elizabeth Rogers (wife of Edward Rowland Rogers) and Ethel Gunstone (his sister - wife of William Gunstone) with effects of £152.43. Frederic’s two brothers both fought in the war, the eldest son, Edward, was killed a year after Frederic, however, Lancelot, two years older than Fred survived the war. 26 11 The Steeple Ashton war record book states that Frederic Arthur Rogers Enlisted in 1st Bn. West Quebec Fusiliers, 22nd August 1914; to England with 1st Con- tingent; to France 11 Feb. 915; mentioned in dispatches; wounded at Ypres 23rd April 1915; attached to Canadian Head Quarter staff with rank of Sergt., May 1917; received commission as lieut. and returned to France; wounded at Vimy Ridge 10th July 1917 and died the following day; buried at St.Eloi aged 26.

25 July CSM Bert Deed - 8th Bn. D.C.L.I. (Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry) Bertie Clarence Deed, known as Bert, was born in Steeple Ashton on 18th January 1890 to James and Mary Jane Deed and baptised in St Mary’s church on April 6th. He was the youngest surviving child of eight, three of whom died in infancy. His father James, was born in Erlestoke in 1850 and throughout his life was a labourer. His mother Mary Jane was born in Stee- Alison Evans ple Ashton in 1852, the eldest of the nine children, all girls, to Charles and Rosanna Pearce who died aged 45 in 1875, with the youngest girl being about two years old. Bert’s parents, Mary Jane and James were married in 1876 in Steeple Ashton, and the marriage register shows that James signed his name with a mark. They started married life in Tinhead where four children were born and baptised. By 1891 when Bert was one year old they had moved to Silver Street in Steeple Ashton and his father continued his occupation as a labourer. Ten years later only Bert and his older sister Kate aged 20 were living with their parents in Silver Street and Bert was at the village school. He had first entered the village school in March 1893 aged just three and left in November. He re-entered school two months later and remained there until January 1902 aged 12. In 1909 Bert’s father, James, died aged 59 and the 1911 census shows Bert living with his mother and her grand daughter, Annie Florence Gale Deed aged 2, in Dark Lane, Steeple Ashton. Bert was a Mason’s labourer. Annie was the daughter of Bert’s older sister Annie Elizabeth, who in 1911 was a servant in a house in Finchley, London. Ten years previously Annie had been living with her aunt, Jane Deed, her father’s youngest sister, who was the Lodge Keeper in one of two lodges to Erlestoke House, now part of Erlestoke prison. Bert moved to Finchley, London and enlisted in Islington, in The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. His name does not appear on the Steeple Ashton War Memorial nor in The Steeple Ashton war record book. The following will be remembered in 2017: 26 Sept. Francis Victor Chapman - Suffolk R. C. 26 Oct. Pte. Robert Henry Pearce - 1st R.M. Bn. R.N. Div (RMLI) Judy Buxton Dean 12 25 Tickets also available from Sue Cottle: 870518 or the Village Shop

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Steeple Ashton Village Hall Contact Details New Daytime/Work Telephone Number: 01225 703144 New Evening/Home Telephone Number: 01225 356196 New Email Address: [email protected] Payments and booking forms can still be posted to: Moorfield Farm, 2 Church Street, Steeple Ashton Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6EW Many thanks, Sandra Stevens 24 13 Open Gardens, Sunday June 4th 2017 After six weeks of glorious sunny weather, the Proud to have served our community for over heavens chose 4th June to open! Looking back 20 years. We are experienced in arranging through my records to 1999 I see that on only services for all denominations and beliefs, four occasions have we had a really good day and or none at all. this, of course, affects the amount we raise. In Eric Lépine Payment plans available on request Our care begins from the first phone call 2013 it was a super day, sun sun and more sun Managing Director Offices in Trowbridge and Westbury and we raised over £6,000, however this year, Tel: 07787 557599 44b Castle St, Trowbridge tel: 01225 775259 despite the rain, we managed to make over £5,000 Email: [email protected] 16 Rd, Westbury tel: 01373864944 towards St.Mary’s Preservation Trust. All this is Website: www.silkwisecatering.co.uk Chapel of Rest due to the huge effort put in by volunteers and 6 Lamberts Marsh, Southwick tel: 01225774788 I should like to thank everyone who contrib- uted in whatever manner to making this event Loose Covers and Curtains Computer Problems? so successful. But of most importance to the I offer a friendly, local service gardeners, 15 of whom opened their gardens Individually made to your own for all repairs, servicing and spares this year. I know well what a huge amount of -whatever you need, clearly hard work it is to get ones garden up to inspec- specifications Free estimates explained. Quality used Dell laptops tion standard and all the gardens which opened and PC’s from £100 to £250 were as always, beautiful. One of the reasons Sue Hocking Owen Burton - 07765 774908 our open day is so successful is that we have such 01225 865706 Seend cleeve a lovely variety of gardens, from small cottages 0774 8780985 to huge estate-type gardens, and that there are [email protected] always new gardens to be visited. On behalf of [email protected] the Trust, thank you all for your help. Gina Manning

14 23 The Friends of Steeple Ashton Oil Scheme The “Friends” began the oil scheme as a way of reducing lorry traffic to the village as well as endeavouring to find a saving in oil prices through the joint bulk order. To be part of this scheme you must be a member of the society (the membership fee has now risen to a staggering cost of £2 per member). An additional cost of £2 per household is required to join the scheme. Orders should be of 500lt or more, and they are very good at topping up tanks. It goes without saying that membership to the “Friends” is amazingly worthwhile; the oil scheme is an additional benefit for everyone. The aim is to arrange delivery of our bulk order on the last Thursday of the month. Orders need to be in by the third Friday (earlier at Christ- mas) you can do this by ‘phone, email, note or word of mouth. Colin Green 870119 [email protected]

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22 15 Village Diary The Newsletter prints a Diary of Events each month. If you are organising activities in the village, you may wish to contact me to avoid a clash of events. Helen Regular events in Steeple Ashton Village Hall, unless otherwise stated

Monday Ballroom Dance Classes; 7.00pm. Tel: 07917 573831 Steeple Rocks; 7.30pm. Venue, call 01380 871890

Rainbows; 5 - 6pm. Amy Lester: 871785 0r email - Tuesday [email protected]. Brownies; 5.30 - 7pm. Term Time. Carolyn Collis: 01380 870379 Guides; 7 - 8.30pm. 8am Prayers in St Mary’s Church Wednes- Baby and Toddler Group; 10.00am - 12noon 1st and 3rd Wednesdays; Forget-Me-Not Club, 2.30pm. 2nd Wednesday; Women’s Institute, 7.30pm Thursday Dance! Dee Dee Wilde, 10.30am contact 01380 870 489 YOGA; 10.30am - 12noon Friday Walking group meets at the Longs Arms; 2.30pm Friday Club; 3.45pm - 5.30pm, Term Time. Contact 01380 870013. July 5th Wed Forget-Me-Nots, VH, 2.30pm 8th Sat Tea Party, see p5 5th Wed 19th Mobile Library; 11.15 - 12.15, Steeple Ashton, The Green 14th Fri Summer Lunch, see p13 17th Mon Parish Council Planning Issues, VH, 7.30pm 19th Wed Forget-Me-Nots, VH, 2.30pm 22nd Sat Film, Hidden figures, VH, 7.30pm 22nd Sat Descend the Church Tower, see p27 Aug 7th Mon Main Parish Council, VH, 7.30pm 9th Thurs Coffee Morning, see p5 19th Sat Hog Roast, see p5 22nd Tue Newsletter deadline 23rd Mon Coffee Morning, see p5 16 21 Computer Problems? Your local and reasonably-priced service Only a few left of New Dell Inspiron 9400 17” laptops. Fast Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 6gb ram. Windows 7. Microsoft Office. Wifi, DVD-RW & anti-glare screen. Just £150 Owen Burton - 07765 774908 Seend Cleeve [email protected]

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