The Villager Minsterworth News
‘Jasper’ after 4* Severn bore in October
November
Price 30p Edition 205
Dear Readers,
Miracles do happen after all. Fibre broadband is finally here – at last. Muddy lanes – but blame the weather!
See p19 for an abbreviated version of West Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Watch Association’s Autumn/Winter 2019 newsletter. The AGM is on Sat 16th Nov at Forest Hills Golf Club from 10.30am. Contact [email protected] Minsterworth isn’t mentioned because it does not have an active Neighbourhood Watch group. Apologies for the committee nominations deadline – not received in time before print.
Paula Closing copy date for the December edition is Friday 15th November 2019 but earlier is even better!
All items for consideration to:- Paula Ruffley, Editor The Villager E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01452 751226.
Responsibility is not accepted for the accuracy of submitted items nor the content of advertisements.
KERBSIDE RECYCLING NOVEMBER
GREEN & BROWN bin & caddy BLUE bin & caddy (landfill) (garden) (recycling)
Tuesday 12 Nov Tuesday 5 Nov Tuesday 26 Nov Tuesday 19 Nov
Please put your bin & caddy out by 7am
Page | 2
Fish & Chip supper £10 Friday 8th November 7pm Minsterworth Village Hall for St. Peter’s Parish Church plus mystery film (See the film for free if you don’t want the fish supper)
Contact Rita Garbutt on 750128
no later than Wednesday 7th November
§ I intend to live forever... or die trying § A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory § For me dying is a lot like camping – I don’t want to § I wonder how many chameleons snuck onto the ark § If you’re being chased by a pack of taxidermists don’t play dead § Surely every car is a people carrier
Inews.co.uk
Page | 3
AETHELFLAED,
SAXON QUEEN OF GLOUCESTER Minsterworth Village Hall Friday 22nd November 2019, 7-30pm An illustrated talk by CAROLYN HEIGHWAY Born in 870, Aethelflaed was the daughter of King Alfred, King of Wessex, and sister of King Edward. In her early years she lived in a period when the Vikings were occupying increasing areas of England, and in 877 they had even seized Gloucester. She married Ethelred, King of Mercia, and together the two kingdoms drove The Vikings out of both Wessex and Mercia. By now the Roman city of Gloucester had long been in ruins, and Aethelflaed and Aethelred repaired the defences. A revised street plan was laid out and the New Minster of St Peter’s was built.
Archaeologist Carolyn Heighway has shown that the church of St Oswald was built by Aethelflaed and this was where she was buried. The extraordinary works of art she uncovered include the ornate grave-cover which may have lain over the tomb of the Warrior Queen herself. She will discuss important new discoveries and tell the fascinating tale of St Oswald’s - a church so famous for its wealth, its glory and its miracles, it was nicknamed ‘the Golden Minster’.
Tickets, priced £10, are available from Roger and Norma 01452 750260 or [email protected] . BACS payment available, or pay at the door if we have not sold out. Price includes this time Saxon biscuits!
Licensed bar available
Proceeds in aid of the refurbishment of the village hall legion room (charity number 255668). Don’t miss this excellent talk on events in Saxon Gloucester
The church at St. Oswalds, once referred to as the Golden Minster, was built by Saxon Queen Aethelflaed. The more ‘recent’ tower of the Cathedral can be seen in the background.
Page | 4
It is with great s Closure of Westbury Post office
It is with great sadness that we confirm the closure of the Post Office in Westbury but unfortunately an alternative venue fell through for various reasons.
A huge thank you to everyone for all their support and friendship over the past five years – we have been overwhelmed by all the kindness and offers of help over the past few months as we sought new premises.
We will keep in contact, dropping in at various events or maybe catching you at Newnham Post Office.
Your nearest offices will now be Highnam and Newnham.
Many thanks,
Matthew and Sarah
Page | 5
MINSTERWORTH READING GROUP
The book we discussed at our 2nd October meeting was The Matchmaker of Perigord by Julia Stuart.
This book was enjoyed by most of us with its quirky ‘so French’ relationships between neighbours. We particularly liked the communal shower and the rivalry between two friends over their sumptuous picnics, not to mention the chatelaine with the antique dresses cut off at the knees... But I’m giving away the plot!
Unusually humorous for us, perhaps something we should build on in these times of ‘no deal’...
At our November 6th meeting we will review The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michelle and in December on Wednesday 4th our choice is The Salt Path by Raynor Winn.
Paula Ruffley
Henry King, Who chewed bits of String, and was early cut off in Dreadful Agonies – Hilaire Belloc
The Chief Defect of Henry King Was chewing little bits of String. At last he swallowed some which tied Itself in ugly Knots inside.
Physicians of the Utmost Fame Were called at once; but when they came They answered, as they took their Fees,
“There is no Cure for this Disease. Henry will very soon be dead.”
His Parents stood about his Bed Lamenting his Untimely Death, When Henry, with his Latest Breath,
Cried—“Oh my friends, be warned by me. That Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch and Tea Are all the Human Frame requires . . . ”
With that the Wretched Child expires.
Page | 6
Community Safety Update
Switch on to safer streets – leave a light on and keep burglars out!
Now the nights are drawing in it is really important to make sure you take extra measures to make your home look like someone is home.
Leaving a light on or setting one to come on in the hours of darkness is a simple, clear message and one that might keep a burglar out.
Look out for your neighbours too and if you notice there is one house that is always in darkness maybe remind them to set a timer.
Before you go out: § Switch on your light timer device § Put expensive items out of view § Set your burglar alarm § Lock all your windows and doors § Ensure tools and ladders are locked away § Don’t post your whereabouts on social media
If you suspect a burglary is in progress call 101 or 999
FIREWORKS SAFETY
Fireworks are great fun and very beautiful, but don't be fooled. Remember fireworks are explosives and can cause serious injury or death. Every year as many as 500 people are injured as a result of using or playing with fireworks and many more are burned using sparklers. Our advice this year is, as always, if you wish to see fireworks, go to a professionally organised display and leave it to the experts. Displays at home carry a far greater risk and are nowhere near as spectacular.
Firework tips § Always keep your fireworks in a sealed metal box or biscuit tin. Never put fireworks in your pockets § Always keep fireworks at arm’s length § Never, ever throw a firework § Once you light a firework, don't go back to it § Make sure children are fully supervised and are wearing gloves when playing with sparklers
Continued on p8
Page | 7
Continued from p7
§ It's a good idea to have a bucket of water close-by to extinguish used sparklers § When building your bonfire, ensure that it is sited safely away from any hedges, buildings or fences, and have a garden hose ready in case of any emergencies § Keep all pets indoors § Fireworks and alcohol do not mix - it's a good idea to nominate an adult who isn't drinking at the party to be in charge of the fireworks § Keep all pets indoors § Fireworks and alcohol do not mix - it's a good idea to nominate an adult who isn't drinking at the party to be in charge of the fireworks
Fraser Gunn on behalf of Neighbourhood Watch Association
Humpback Whales use their flippers to feed
Humpback whales need to eat a lot every day and some even use their flippers to grab a big mouthful of fish.
New details show how the animals use their long flippers and bubble ‘nets’ to catch fish. Researchers filmed Humpbacks using this technique, called pectoral herding, off the Alaskan coast. They got a better view of the whales feeding at the ocean’s surface by flying a drone over the water.
Royal Society Open Science
Page | 8
ST PETER’S P.C.C.
The Whist Drive th As always, thank you to all who helped and attended the whist drive on 7 October. The total for church funds amounted to £70.
The date for the next whist drive is on Monday 4th November, 7.30pm, at Minsterworth Village Hall. You would be most welcome if you would like to come and have a game of whist.
200 Club The winners in the 200 Club draw held at the end of the October whist drive were as follows:- 055 Kate Oxley £50
119 Graham Higgins £20 195 Alison Raeburn £10
Missing key A couple of months ago a key was found in Minsterworth church car park. It has a specific tag. If you are missing a key and think that this could be yours, then please contact Liz on 750401.
Church Services & flower rota
Date Time Service Flowers 3 November 11am Family Service Kate Oxley 3 November 5pm Evensong Kate Oxley 10 November 10:45am Service of Remembrance ** Kate Oxley 17 November 5pm Evening Prayer Liz Duff 24 November 9:30am Holy Communion Liz Duff
** Service of Remembrance will be at Westbury church.
Page | 9
Being brave at night – Edgar Guest
The other night, ‘bout 2 o’clock, or maybe it was three, An elephant with shining tusks came chasing after me. His trunk was wavin’ in the air an’ spoutin’ jets of steam An’ he was out to eat me up, but still I didn’t scream Or let him see that I was scared – a better thought I had, I just escaped from where I was and crawled in bad with Dad.
Page | 10
MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS WREATH OR TABLE ARRANGEMENT
WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER AT 7.00 P.M. IN MINSTERWORTH VILLAGE HALL
IN AID OF MINSTERWORTH VILLAGE HALL AND ST PETERS CHURCH
BRING YOUR OWN FOLIAGE, SCISSORS AND DECORATIONS (A SUGGESTION LIST OF ITEMS TO BRING WILL BE PROVIDED UPON BOOKING YOUR PLACE)
HELP/GUIDANCE WILL BE GIVEN THROUGHOUT THE EVENING AND YOU WILL TAKE HOME A LOVELY WREATH/DECORATION
£7 TO INCLUDE WREATH BASE AND A HOT DRINK/MINCE PIES
TO BOOK CONTACT: JULIE FISHER 01452 750562 CATHY THOMAS 01452 750701
Page | 11
CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING IN MINSTERWORTH VILLAGE HALL
SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER 10.00 A.M TO 12 NOON
The Hall will be decorated for Christmas So please join us for coffee/tea/cake/biscuits Meet old friends and make some new ones View the latest refurbishment work to the Hall Everyone is welcome
Page | 12
MINSTERWORTH AND DISTRICT
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Our Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday October 9th in the Village Hall as indicated in the Villager and Benefice magazines. The appointment of Committee members was completed with all re-elected.
A number of items were discussed at length, particularly our day trip next year. A number of proposals were tabled, one of which will be investigated further.
Again, many thanks to all who supported our trip to the Black Country Living Museum and helped raise £544 for the R.B.L.
This year’s Remembrance service will be held at Westbury-on-Severn th Church, meeting at 10.30am on Sunday November 10 .
MILITARY HISTORY
st November 1 Battle of Coronel 1914 Assault on Walcheren 1944 WRNS disbanded merge with RN 1993 November 6th Assault on Port Said 1956 th November 8 Invasion of North Africa 1942 November 11th Battle of Taranto 1940 November 21st Surrender of German High Seas fleet
The next meeting of Minsterworth R.B.L. will be at 7pm on Wednesday
20th November at Minsterworth Village Hall to include poppy money count.
T Bourne
Vice Chairman
Page | 13
GIVE LOVE IN A BOX THIS CHRISTMAS - SHOEBOX APPEAL
If you would like to take part in this this year’s appeal there are leaflets available in St Peter’s Church Minsterworth, or please contact us and we will get one to you.
We will be at Westbury on Severn Primary School Friday 15th November – 10.00am to midday to accept boxes.
Also, Mary Cooper, ‘Graingers’ Main Road, Minsterworth, has kindly said that you may drop them off in her front porch - the last date for this will be Thursday 14th November. If you would like further information of where Mary lives please ring us for directions.
Obviously, anyone travelling through Birdwood is more than welcome to leave boxes in our car port at home – ‘The Nook’, any time up to Thursday 14th November. Again, please ring if you would like directions.
Alternatively, if you would like to donate any of the following items, we will be delighted to accept them - please contact us and we will happily collect them.
Gift suggestions for a child are: Hygiene items – school writing equipment and paper – a soft toy – a small ball – puzzle - jewellery – hair accessories – sweets – hat, scarf and gloves- new socks/underwear.
Or you may prefer to fill a shoebox for the family. Gift suggestions are: Candles – t-towels – plastic utensils – bowls and cups – soap – washing up cloths – clothes pegs
Thank you in anticipation
Our phone numbers are: Elaine Incher 01452 750140 Jayne Stephens 01531 821385
‘Anybody can make a mistake’ said the hedgehog climbing off the clothes brush.
Page | 14
The princess of Far-Away is banished from the kingdom of Far-Away because she refused to marry all the potential suitors the King produced.
She becomes, eventually, a milk maid. One day, wandering through the woods, she sees a toad and it hops after her. She stops, picks it up, and seeing its big round eyes looking beseechingly at her, she kisses it.
KER FLASH BOOM!!
The toad turns into a fine handsome prince.
‘Oh,’ says the princess, ‘does that mean you’ll marry me?’
‘What me? A fine handsome prince, marry a scrubber like you who goes round kissing toads? Do us a favour!’
Anonymous contributor
Page | 15
N E W S L E T T E R AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
------2 0 1 9 A G M* FOREST HILLS GOLF CLUB, Coleford on Saturday, 16th November Tea/coffee 10.30 / AGM at 11am *Nominations for chairman, secretary, treasurer or committee to Chrissie Parkes (email address p2) by 1st November ------FROM THE CHAIRMAN’S NOTEPAD . . . This has been a very busy six months. Our local meetings in Coleford, Lydney, Sedbury and Kempley have continued with great success, and it has been an interesting experience meeting members and talking to them about their concerns. To this end, we carried out a survey (see results below). There were many positive suggestions about how NHW could be improved or made more effective, but these mainly involved someone else doing something. As is highlighted in the next article, NHW is all about YOU, the individual members, and you have the autonomy to change and innovate as you see fit in your area. Your district committee is there as a focal point to guide and co-ordinate what is going on in the district, not to dictate actions or run schemes. Another point raised was that people feel safer as part of a group, but didn’t know whether the next street had a scheme. They felt that more communication between local groups, so that information can be shared, and early warnings issued, would make NHW more effective in their area. We will, therefore, be asking co- ordinators if they are willing to have their details shared with others on their estate/in their village to encourage more networking.
During National Neighbourhood Watch Week we had a presence in Newnham and Coleford with the Police Community Vehicle, leafletting the area and answering the public’s queries. We were joined by the fire service, who also champion raising awareness of dementia. This proved a fruitful day, engaging with many people and setting up several new schemes. This latter action shows a wider interpretation of NHW activities. Some think we should concentrate solely on crime, but our remit is “to make people feel safer” and this encompasses a lot more in 21st century Britain. I’ll return to this theme in a later newsletter. In the meantime, keep safe; if you want any information about NHW, or if you would like to help to arrange a meeting in your area, contact [email protected] Jill Croxall
Page | 16
Continued from p
RESULTS OF A SURVEY OF NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CO-ORDINATORS To find out more about the needs of our NHW co-ordinators, and how we can better serve them, the committee contacted all 485 via a survey. From the 12% who responded, we learned that: ● Email, face-to-face, and paper are all acceptable methods of contact, in that order (49%/44%/42%) ● 72% felt they get enough information from Alerts (formerly Watchword messages), though they prefer to hear about their local area only. ● Just 11% wanted more contact from the committee, though they felt being part of a group is a comfort. ● More interaction with the police and their local PCSOs would be welcome and is considered important for the success of Neighbourhood Watch.
THE SURVEY ALSO REVEALED that there is some confusion about the structure of Neighbourhood Watch and relationship to the police. Put simply, Neighbourhood Watch is about neighbours working together to develop supportive neighbourhood relations and mutual help to maintain safety and security. Its structure is straightforward. We have: ❶ The national organisation, Our Watch, then ❷ Associations – the Forest of Dean, from Sedbury in the south to Dymock and nearby villages to the north, is our West Gloucestershire Association. Within the county there are also associations in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Stroud and the Cotswolds. ❸ Local schemes, which may be single roads or whole villages, take the theme of neighbourly support and communication to individual homes. This is where NHW co- ordinators are so vital.
The West Gloucestershire Association is run by a volunteer committee, supported by a part-time civilian NHW Field Officer (Chrissie Parkes). While we co-operate closely with the police, often via PCSOs, we have always been a civilian volunteer group. In fact, the concept of Neighbourhood Watch was born in 1964 in New York City, following a tragic murder. Our history makes interesting reading. You can find it online at:
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/about-us/ - choose history from the drop-down menu.
Page | 17
Notes from Minsterworth Parish Council Meeting th 14 October 2019 Matters arising: Redecoration work on the bar area in the Village Hall begins. The Parish Council will cover the cost of room hire for a first aid course to be offered to up to 14 people. Highways items that have still not been done – the crossing by the school still not repaired, the 30mph sign and ‘Walcotts’ Green sign still not replaced. Chairman to check with farmers if new signs with location names on route on riverbank can be installed to aid visitors’ navigation. Nobody in Minsterworth is in West Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Watch Association so nothing is done here. Planning: Applications – 1900711/FUL Highbury Main Road Minsterworth Parish Council objected to the proposed two storey extension and this has now been removed from the application. Support. 19/00897/PIP Land to West of A48 already close to adjacent house. Has limited garden. Change from family home to care facility. Already parking on grass verge – not enough car parking. Tewkesbury Borough Plan pre-submission Consultation – not materially different to previous plan. Plans for the ‘Harvey Centre’ will probably be next year. Coming up – Aethelflaed talk on Friday 22nd November, Remembrance Sunday 10th November. Make your own Christmas wreath Weds 4th Dec 7pm see p11. Donkey Walk Sat 21st December. More information next month. Christmas Coffee morning Sat 7th December 10am-12pm see p12.
The next meeting is on 11th November in Minsterworth Village Hall at 7.30pm
This report doesn't necessarily reflect the minuted discussions and decisions of the Parish Council; anyone wanting further information, or to inspect the agreed minutes, should consult the Clerk Fiona Wallbank on 01452 849178.
Page | 18
Minsterworth Village Hall Registered charity 255668
Available to hire
Booking Clerk – LynneBrian Cottam Billingham – 01452 01452 750477 750492
A beautiful, traditional Hall with a stage, well-equipped kitchen and recreation ground. Suitable for outdoor events and marquees.
Main Road, Minsterworth, Gloucester GL2 8JH
e-mail – [email protected] Website – www.minsterworth.org
Page | 19
FOR YOUR DIARY
Date Event November 2019 Page
4 St Peter’s PCC Whist Drive 9 6 Minsterworth Reading Group 6 8 Fish & chips & film 3 11 Minsterworth Parish Council 18 13 Minsterworth Royal British Legion 20 22 Aethelflaed, Saxon Queen of Gloucester 4
December 2019
4 Make your own Christmas Wreath 11 7 Christmas Coffee morning 10am 12
Recycling Collection dates 2
Mailchimp is the internal e-mail system used to get important & sometimes urgent information to Minsterworth people. It uses mass e-mail.
e-mail [email protected] & ask to subscribe to Mailchimp.
Your privacy will always be protected & you will only ever be sent important news for Minsterworth.
Thank you.
Minsterworth Village Hall
Page | 20