Seend & Bulkington
Seend Open Gardens 17th & 18th June 1-6pm Ten beautiful Gardens Adults £7: Children free Free parking & programme
June 2017
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DIARY DATES FOR LATE MAY 26th Great Big Seend Pudding Event 3, Pavilion, 7 pm 30th Seend Parish Council meeting, upstairs in Community Centre, 7.30 pm. 31st Nosh and Natter Lunch Club, Community Centre 12 from 12.30 pm
DIARY DATES FOR JUNE 2nd Coffee Morning, Seend Community Centre Lounge Bar, 10.30 am. 4th Café Church, Seend Church, 11am 5th Mobile Library: 9.40 am Seend The Lye: 10.05 am Seend Cleeve phone box, 11.05 am Well Inn Car Park, Bulkington 7th Buzz Group, 33 Littleton, Semington, 4pm 7th Seend Shuttle to Salisbury (call 01225 706526 to book by Monday 5th) 7th Bulkington Village Lunch, 12.15 pm The Well 7th Melksham Area Board Meeting, Melksham United Church, 7.00 pm 8th GENERAL ELECTION 10th Seend Wine Circle, Community Centre, 8pm (book by 6th) 13th Seend Playgroup Sponsored Activity Circuit 14th Historic Houses trip to Wilton House 17th LAST DATE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO JULY SPOTLIGHT 17th-18th Seend Open Gardens, 1-6pm 17th Summer Family BBQ, Community Centre, 6pm 18th Bell Ringing, Seend Church, 2-5pm 18th Seend Ramblers, Yatton Keynell Village Hall Car Park, 10am 22nd Seend WI Craft Afternoon, Pavilion, 2-4pm 23rd Eric Lepine‟s Pop-Up Restaurant, Pavilion, 7pm (Advance Booking only) 25th RBL Drumhead Service, Lye Field, 3pm 26th Mobile Library: 9.40 am Seend The Lye: 10.05 am Seend Cleeve phone box, 11.05 am Well Inn Car Park, Bulkington 27th Seend Parish Council meeting, upstairs in Community Centre, 7.30 pm 28th Nosh and Natter Lunch Club, Community Centre 12 from 12.30 pm 28th Brewery Inn Monthly Fun Quiz, 8pm 30th Celebration Concert, Seend Church, 7.30pm
DIARY DATES FOR EARLY JULY 1st Seend Summer Ball, Seend Community Centre 8th First of this year‟s Summer Saturday Breakfasts, Community Centre, 8-10.30am
Newcomer to Seend? Call in at the shop/PO and ask for your copy of the Welcome booklet, which tells you all you need to know about the village.
Visit www.seend.org.uk and the Spotlight facebook page: www.facebook.com/seendspotlight
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Welcome to June Spotlight Summer events are beginning to happen at last. A major one of these is Seend Open Gardens. If you haven‟t been to this before, you are in for a treat. And if you have been before, go again as nothing will be the same! And we have a BBQ, a concert, a chance to ring Seend Church bells, a ramble, lunches, coffee and all the usual meetings. And do get your tickets for the Seend Summer Ball in good time! You can also read the annual report of Seend Parish Council for an overview of the year.
ENVELOPE COLLECTION FOR SPOTLIGHT I know; we can‟t believe it‟s that time again either. You will find an envelope inside this magazine, in which you can place a voluntary donation towards the cost of publishing Spotlight magazine and distributing it free of charge to everyone in our villages. As well as covering our costs, we also need to build up a reserve for when the printer and folder/stapler need replacing. Your friendly Spotlight deliverer will call on you to collect the envelope – or if you miss them you can leave it in the Shop/PO or hand it to any member of the editorial team. Thanks.
And finally…….. There‟s no room at the end of the magazine this month, so here‟s something that we were reminded of by last month‟s poem about Grandad and the computer. This one , called „ www Dotty‟, was written by the lovely, late-lamented Betty Brett: I‟m glad to say I have not got a www dot. I am not quite sure what it means; to do with computers it seems. They slash and crash and they have worms, viruses, bugs, and also germs. I keep my house both clean and bright. There‟s not a spider‟s web in sight.
I‟m told computers have a mouse; I would not have one in my house.
Spotlight Contacts: Contributions for the July edition (copy by Saturday 17th June please) can be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to Seend Post Office. Editors: Tessa Doe (01380 828617) and Sue Isaac (828461). Please note that you should always send emailed items to the Spotlight address, not to Sue or Tessa – even if they have emailed you from their own email address – just in case they are not around. Joanna Goddard (828488) organises printing Mondays and also types up the items left at Seend PO. Fiona Johnson is the contact for delivery (828401) and Chris
Brooker (828047) for advertising. Do let Joanna or Fiona know if you can help. Lost emails: Emails to Spotlight sometimes go astray for no obvious reason. If email correspondents don‟t receive an acknowledgement by the end of the Monday after the Spotlight deadline, please ring Tessa or Sue (see above) to check if all is well. And please note the following. When sending emails to [email protected] please include the word SPOTLIGHT in uppercase as the first word of the Subject. This will help the editorial team sifting through all the messages stopped by the SPAM filter, which sometimes include genuine messages for SPOTLIGHT. PDFs: We cannot normally use PDF files of posters etc as they require a specific shape and space. Word documents give us the flexibility to adapt your wording and pictures to fit the space available. Thanks.
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VILLAGE EVENTS IN JUNE AND BEYOND (For Bulkington events see pages 9-10)
First Friday Coffee Morning in the Lounge at Seend Community Centre from 10.30am on Friday 2nd June. Proper coffee (or tea) and home-made cake for just £2. All welcome. ______
Seend Wine Circle – Old World Wines 8pm on Saturday 10th June in Seend Community Centre. £12 pp, to include wine, cheese & nibbles. Closing date for bookings is 6th June. Email [email protected] for booking information. ______
Nosh & Natter Lunch Club - Wednesday 28th June 12 for 12.30pm in Seend Community Centre Please call 01380 828638 to book your place in advance.
SEEND OPEN GARDENS 17th and 18th June - 1:00 - 6:00 pm Programme £7:00 (Available at the Lye Field or from Open Gardens) Children Free. Free Parking on Lye Field (SN12 6PA) 10 Beautiful Gardens - Flower Display in Church Cream Teas, Ice Creams, Raffle and Plant Sale Restricted wheelchair access to some gardens (see programme for details)
Programme Subject to Change In aid of Seend Church Funds
Relax after the Seend Open Gardens! Enjoy a family BBQ on the Community Centre patio on Saturday 17th June, from 6pm. All welcome. Bangers and burgers galore, plus a little drink to wash it down. ______
COME AND RING THE CHURCH BELLS Seend Bell Ringers will give a ringing display on Sunday 18th June (2pm to 5pm) at The Church of The Holy Cross to run alongside the Seend Open Gardens event. Visitors to the Church will see the bell ringers in action from 2pm. There will be a live camera feed showing the bells moving in the tower belfry. They may listen to an entertaining short 20 minute talk on the art of bell ringing at 2.30pm and again at 3.30pm and have an opportunity to ring the bells for themselves afterwards. Ringers will be on hand to give information on learning to ring.
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Eric Lepine‟s next Pop-up Restaurant is in the Irene Usher Pavilion on Friday 23rd June 7-10.30 pm. “Schorchio” - Spanish themed Paella fiesta style! Booking essential and payment in advance please. Book through [email protected] or call 07787 557599. ______?? Brewery Inn Monthly Fun Quiz – Wednesday 28th June, 8pm ??
Friends of Seend Church present a SEEND CELEBRATION CONCERT with the Seend Singers, Philomel Singers and distinguished local solo musicians Friday, 30th June at 7.30pm in Seend Church Admission free - retiring collection in aid of church funds
SEEND SUMMER BALL 1st July in Seend Community Centre Music till late and a three course meal for £25/head. Contact Ric or Jan on 828687 or email [email protected] ______
ANNOUNCEMENTS (Please let us know of any births, marriages, deaths, special birthdays,
thanks, information etc that you would like to see included here.)
Update on Seend Church Water Project This project is moving forward slowly. Eagle eyed walkers going past the church recently will have seen Gaigers working on site to complete the work to the front of the church. Please go in and have a look. The rest of the project which is water dependent is slowly going through its approvals. We are waiting on planning approval from Wiltshire Council and then (if approved) we go to the diocese for a revised faculty. We have most of the funding needed to move forward thanks to a loan from the diocese. Loans however have to be repaid so we shall be fundraising for quite some time. We will also be seeking grant funding and seeking further local funding. It is however positive to see some real progress at last and already the church community is benefiting from the changes. Anne Ewing DAY TRIP TO BEAULIEU PALACE HOUSE on Thursday 7th September This annual trip which includes all villagers and friends is extremely popular. This year we are visiting Beaulieu Palace house in the New Forest where there will be a guided tour and then you are free to explore the Abbey, gardens and of course the world famous Motor Museum. Further enquiries to Tina 01380 827139.
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Seend Open Gardens Teas - 17th and 18th June Any offers of help or offers of cakes would be much appreciated. If you can help in any way please contact Anne Ewing (828557) or Sue Taylor (01225 709360).
SEEND FETE 12TH AUGUST 2017 VOLUNTEERS: thank you to everyone who has volunteered so far to help on the day. We are still waiting for those volunteers to come forward to take charge of our white elephant stall and also to help us with our bottle collection. You know you want to! Also needed will be helpers on the Friday for unloading, moving and marking out with the LOSW team, and on fete day itself, those breakfasts will be waiting for the bright and early volunteers to help finish off putting goods on stalls, bunting, gazebos and tables. The smell of frying bacon and egg on a beautiful summer‟s morning to enjoy with friends is hard to beat and should induce you out of bed for an early start to the day. Call us on 828970 or visit http://www.seendfete.co.uk.
ALLOTMENTS There are currently 3 allotment plots available for rent. The parish council allotments are located at the top of Bollands Hill, at the crossroads on the right hand side. The cost is £30 per annum. If you are interested in renting a plot, please contact the clerk on 07706 850859 or by emailing [email protected] PHONE BOXES The adoption of the phone box at the Lye is now complete, and the Parish Council are in the process of adopting the phone box at Sells Green as well. Please let the clerk know of your ideas for how to make use of them, eg as a book library, information centre, or anything else?? All ideas welcome. We will also need a group of volunteers to help look after them. The kiosks require a bit of a clean-up and a lick of paint. Please contact the clerk on 07706 850859 or [email protected]. We will then arrange a meeting of all interested parties to formulate a plan of action. MyWiltshire – How to report a problem The parish council regularly uses this on-line method to report highway issues or other parish problems to Wiltshire Council. Members of the public can also use this service to report problems. It is simple to use, and once reported you can keep a check on its progress. http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywiltshire-online-reporting Type of Issues that can be reported using My Wiltshire: Highways and Street Scene issues (e.g. potholes, broken street lights, street cleaning & litter) Grass, hedges and tree issues Rights of way problems Environmental Enforcement (noise problems) Trading Standards Weather Emergencies
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To register as a new user, you will need to give your email address and create a password. You will then be able to log-in and report a problem. You can even do it via your mobile smart phone. Once logged on, it will ask you what you want to do. Click on report a problem and select the type of issue. It will then re-direct you to the appropriate department for reporting. You will be asked to give details and the exact location of the problem. There is an interactive map that you can zoom in on to pinpoint the location. It will then give you a geographical grid reference number to use. Once a report has been submitted, they should give you an issue number, which can be checked for progress. Please let the Parish Clerk know what you have reported, so that the parish council is aware of the problem. [email protected]. Tel: 07706 850859.
SEEND PARISH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN STEERING GROUP
Public Meeting: The Steering Group arranged a Public Meeting on Thursday 27th April in the Pavilion. 95 parishioners attended. Many thanks to all those who came. The meeting aimed to inform the attendees of the findings thus far as to the situation with prospective housing in the Parish. This was the start of what is termed „a light consultation‟ to garner your views on the Draft Visions, Objectives and Policies, which were displayed through a Power Point presentation and are also now available to be seen on our website: www.seendparishplan.org. We are hoping (and expecting) that a good number of you who attended will comment via the email contact on our website, (or put a hard copy into the post box at Bradley Farm, Rusty Lane), and those who were unable to attend will look at the Draft V.O.Ps and do likewise. The „heavy consultation‟ will come later in the year, and will be informed by your current comments, so please be sure to contribute to what will eventually be your Neighbourhood Plan. This consultation period remains open until 8th June. During the Question and Answer period in the meeting, someone asked for clarification of “the somewhat secret negotiations that the Parish Council were holding with Aster Housing”. This useful question gave Georgina A‟Bear (the Chair) an opportunity to give a clear response indicating that NO negotiations have taken place, thereby repudiating this rumour. The meetings that have taken place were instigated by Aster who wished to present their plans, and that is all that has taken place as far as the PC is concerned. Some members of the Steering Group, as well as the Lye Field Trustees, were also present. Some of you may have attended the Aster Housing public exhibition, which they organised by renting the Community Centre from 4-8pm on 17th May, and will have been able to form your own views on their plans. It is not the job of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group to guide opinion, but to act as researchers collecting the views of Seend parishioners about what sort of development you wish for: that is why it is important you become involved. You will find the names of the Committee members and links to further information about the complex process of creating a Neighbourhood Plan on the website.
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www.seendparishplan.org The next Committee Meetings will be held in the Pavilion at 7.30pm. on 25th May and 29th June: they are open to all parishioners.
Carola Thorpe on behalf of the S.P.N.P. Steering Group ______
CHURCH AND CHAPEL NEWS
The View From My Window It‟s amazing what a difference a bit of lovely weather makes, although as I write and the sun is still shining, I am very aware of wilting plants that are waiting to go into the ground which is hard and dry, and still rather cold. But my thoughts are turning to holidays; we are off to France and look forward to sitting outside without a fleece, and yet as I write we are still in the season of Easter, and by the time you read this Ascension Day will have come and gone (25th April).
I wonder how many people think much about Ascension Day and what it can possibly mean. Not all that long ago we all had a day off school and, correct me if I‟m wrong, but it‟s still a national holiday in essentially Roman Catholic countries. In church circles in this country it will have been celebrated and depending on churchmanship there will have been incense in some, particularly as we think of the word ascension, and that‟s exactly what the smoke of incense does, rises, and in others there will have been joyful services full of music and happiness. Jesus has not only risen from the dead, but he has ascended into heaven.
Now at this point don‟t stop reading. Of course it‟s one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith and it‟s perfectly OK, in fact a good thing to question how this could possibly have happened, but what would be better would be to ask the question, why did this happen? Why did Jesus come back and appear to so many people? Why did he wait so long before he somehow was re absorbed into his father‟s territory, or wherever you like to think heaven is? Sometimes it‟s easier to see things in the way children do. They can accept that Harry Potter can go through the wall of the platform on the station and in so doing they can explore the wonderful possibilities of Hogwarts and the world beyond. They don‟t get hung up on the first hurdle. Just think for a moment Jesus lived on earth, and then he died and then he rose and saw so many people, and then the ASCENSION. How can we possibly explain that? Well I‟ll try. Imagine a balloon with the picture of Jesus on it. And the balloon moves along from one person to the next, and obviously whilst the balloon is in one place, it cannot be in another. Imagine if that balloon were to burst, the air or the essence of it (of Jesus) would be released into the atmosphere and rise up. The remains of the balloon would fall to the ground somewhere, but the essence of it, the air would rise, and then come down again and land on as many people as are around.
If God is one and in three parts, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, then the Holy Spirit, which is the link between God and all of us, can be released wherever it will only after the contained human Jesus had left this earth, and Alleluia at Pentecost (4th June) we celebrate the day when the Holy Spirit did indeed come down on the heads
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of the disciples like tongues of flame and the church was born. Maybe that‟s what it means to have a flaming June. Have a good one. They were off; the disciples I mean. That‟s what they had been waiting for and so they received their commission and so it is that millions of people around the world and 2000 years later still celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ. What an amazing story. Jane Knowles. During the interregnum, if anyone needs to speak to a priest please ring me. ______
CHURCH SERVICES IN JUNE 2017 The Benefice of Holy Cross, Seend, Christ Church, Bulkington and St. Peter‟s, Poulshot. You are welcome to worship at any of the services in any of the churches in the Benefice. There is something for everyone! Sunday 4th June 2017 (Pentecost /Whitsun) 8.00 am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at Seend 9.15 am Parish Eucharist at Poulshot 11.00 am Café Church with Baptism at Seend 6.00 pm Evening Prayer at Bulkington Sunday 11th June 2017 (Trinity Sunday) 9.15 am Parish Eucharist at Seend 11.00 am Parish Eucharist at Bulkington 6.00 pm Evensong at Poulshot Sunday 18th June 2017 8.00 am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at Seend 9.15 am Morning Praise at Bulkington 11.00 am Parish Eucharist and Baptism at Poulshot 6.00 pm Evensong at Seend Sunday 25th June 2017 9.15 am Matins (Traditional) at Poulshot 11.00 am Parish Eucharist at Seend 6.00 pm Parish Eucharist at Bulkington Every Tuesday at 9am there is a short Benefice service of Matins (BCP) at Poulshot. From the Benefice records Funerals We pray for the family of: Pamela de Belle whose funeral took place at St Peter‟s th Poulshot on 20 April. ______
The next Café Church service will be at 11am on Sunday 4th June as we celebrate Pentecost, the giving of the Holy Spirit to the early church. The Cafe opens at 10.45am, with drinks and marvellous cakes and will be followed by a friendly, family centred service with the children taking part in various activities.
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BUZZ GROUP MEETINGS: The Buzz group is still active and continues to meet at 4pm on the first Wednesday of each month with the exception of August when there will not be a meeting because of holidays. The meeting on the 7th June will be at Sue Noad‟s home (33 Littleton, Semington, BA14 6LQ). The meetings are very informal and not solely for „church goers‟. We tackle varied and challenging questions which have a religious connection, listen to one another and share experiences in a non judgemental atmosphere. ______- The Annual Parochial Church Meeting for Holy Cross at Seend was held on the 19th April. Reports were submitted and adopted on the church's finances, fabric, activities and worship over the last year. Copies of these are available in the Church. It was reported that we have been able to pay our Parish Share again this year but finances continue to be tight, particularly with the focus on raising funds for the re- ordering project last year. Anne Ewing stood down as Churchwarden and was replaced by Len Murray, joining Tina Yockney. Thanks were expressed to all the many people who support the working of the church, particularly those who work quietly in the background. We are now in interregnum and are working towards appointing a new Priest later in the year. ______SEEND METHODIST CHURCH
Services for June 2017 4th June 10.30am- Villages Together at Bromham for their church anniversary 11th June 10am - Mrs Jenny Colby from Calne at Seend 25th June 10am - Seend – Local arrangement. Contact Anne on 828502 for info.
Everyone welcome to any service. Thank you, Anne Salter. Dear Friends, Called to something smaller (from the Ordination service of the Methodist Church of Singapore) We not ordaining you to ministry; that happened at your baptism. We are not ordaining you to be a caring person; you are already called to that. We are not ordaining you to serve the Church in committees, activities, organisation; that is already implied in your membership. We are not ordaining you to become involved in social issues, ecology, race, politics, revolution, for that is laid upon every Christian. We are ordaining you to something smaller and less spectacular: *to read and interpret those sacred stories of our community, so that they speak a word to people today; *to remember and practise those rituals and rites of meaning that in their poetry address humanity at the level where change operates; *to foster in community through word and sacrament that encounter with truth which will set men and women free to minister as the body of Christ. We are ordaining you to the ministry of the word and sacraments and pastoral care.
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I have been thinking about these words a lot recently, as this month, on the 25th , at St. Martin in the Bullring Church in Birmingham at 4pm I will be ordained as a lifelong Minister in the universal Church. To be ordained means to be set apart for a particular purpose – and for me (in summary) that is to preside at the Church‟s sacraments of Holy Communion and baptism, to preach God‟s Word and to care for God‟s people. The Singapore Methodist words mention many things that I have been ordained to do for a long time – and that you too are ordained to if you are a Christian – and some things that I think all people are ordained to whether they have a faith or not. It‟s been a long journey to this place in my life and Ordination to Ministry is just one part of who I am called to be and what I am called to do in the world. Perhaps you too could spend some time this month thinking about what you are called to be in this world – how does it feel to be doing what you are now – is there something more (or something smaller) that you are being called to to make a difference in this world – how can you be the best version of yourself ? If you need some help thinking it through (I needed a LOT!) then talk to someone about it, especially if you have a nagging feeling that won‟t go away – Ministers/Priests/Pastors, whatever we are called in our particular churches are happy to help with such thinking – come and find one of us and take a step forward into your calling. God bless, Wendy <>< Wendy Tucker, Minister for Bromham Calne and Seend Methodist Churches ______
BULKINGTON NEWS
BULKINGTON LADIES’ GROUP We had a better attendance for our April meeting. We had a very relaxing and entertaining time hearing about “Life as I see it” by Jean Collens. This was a series of amusing poems and anecdotes, followed by our usual cheese and wine and raffle. Our May meeting on Thursday 27th is a trip to Avebury where we will have a wander round and then meet up at the pub. On Thursday 29th June, we will be going to Arundells in Salisbury for an open air performance of Pride and Prejudice at 7pm.
Liz Futter 828485 Angela Read 828925
The monthly TEA, CRAFT AND CHAT SOCIAL GROUP will meet this month on Monday June 5th at Millcroft, the home of Thelma Boulton. All welcome from all over the benefice – bring your own craft item or leave it at home and just come and chat! The group was really thrilled to see so many people coming to and supporting their Cream Tea held in May. The amazing profit of £474 was made by the teas, the raffle and the plant and homemade stalls and we are most grateful for the generosity shown.
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BULKINGTON VILLAGE HALL A few weeks ago we were bemoaning the rain; then we prayed for it. Today our prayers were granted and now we can almost hear the grass growing. The Hall‟s anti- humidity systems are doing well and, apart from one wall which cannot be protected, damp is a thing of the past. We still have visitors remarking on the pleasant change in the atmosphere. Birthday party bookings are doing well and the Hall always provides a welcome retreat when the weather drives us indoors. The Ladies Group are looking forward to „days out‟ rather than „days in‟, but come the autumn, we too will beat a retreat to the ever-welcoming shelter of the Hall, now fully repaired. Our next big event will be Polling Day on the 8th June. As you pursue outdoor activities, please remember, like one famous place of amusement: “we never close”.
Angela Read, Chairman.
EASTER MONDAY ON THE GBR We had a very pleasant day on Easter Monday on the Great Bulkington Railway. We ran three trains which did 105 trips around the garden and took £167.50, enabling us to send the Wiltshire Air Ambulance another £500. Last year we sent them £1500 so a big thank you to everybody who either booked a birthday party with us or attended one of our open days. The children‟s railway birthday parties continue to be popular especially with families who occasionally invite all their relations to attend the party in Bulkington Village hall before going for a ride on the trains. Quite often we get more adults than children at the children‟s birthday parties which only cost £120! In the last 17 years we have had an amazing 20,400 trains go around the 1000 foot long track. We could do with a couple of local volunteer helpers to assist in the loading of passengers and ticket sales and would welcome a youngster for the position. This would also entail some engine driving tuition and understanding of safety and the signal system. Please contact me for further information. Nev Boulton 01380 828101 [email protected] ______
BULKINGTON VILLAGE LUNCH The village lunch will take place on Wednesday, 7th June, at 12.15pm at The Well. Contact Phyl Yarde in advance for the menu (01380 828116 or [email protected]).
We are always pleased to see new people so, if you like a good lunch in pleasant company, this is for you. ______The Mobile Library will visit the car-park of The Well on Mondays 5th and 26th June, 11.05-11.30am. Please support this; it really could be a case of use it or lose it.
______
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SEEND CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS
HISTORIC HOUSES CLUB We had a really interesting trip to Breamore House and Agricultural Museum on 10th May, with good weather and a splendid guide. Our next visit is to Wilton House near Salisbury, on Wednesday 14th June, leaving Rusty Lane at 10.00am. Most members have replied for this, but it is possible to accommodate a couple more. New members are always welcome, just contact me Mary Warren, or Neil Yockney (see Spotlight list).
Mary Warren
SEEND SHUTTLE COMMUNITY BUS Please ring Rex or Jan Gudge on 01225 706526 by Monday 5th June to book your seat on Wednesday 7th June's shopping trip to Salisbury.
Thanks, Rex SEEND COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS
www.seendcommunitycentre.com – bookings 07703 814111 The Summer 3-a-side skittles competition is now well under way, and please see events section, website and facebook for news of what else is happening at the Centre in June and beyond . More dates for your diary: Summer Saturday Breakfasts start on 8th July and there‟s the School‟s Out BBQ on 21st July.
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
IN MEMORIAM This month we remember: Herbert Stanley Simpkins, G Depot Company Royal Engineers, 5th June 1917. They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary them nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
ANNUAL LECTURE: On Saturday 6th May, John Webster of the ATA Association gave us a fascinating lecture on the Air Transport Auxiliary‟s exploits during the Second World War, entitled „Grandma Flew Spitfires‟. 100 people attended including Daphne Robinson (aged 101) who used to live in Seend and who is one of the few original pilots still living. Her comments were an enlightening addition to the lecture itself! A profit of £834.95 (including £222.00 from the raffle) was donated to the
Royal British Legion.
ARMED FORCES DAY: On Sunday 25th June, Armed Forces Day will be celebrated by the Seend Branch of the Royal British Legion having a Drumhead Service on the Lye Field. The Service will commence at 1500hrs, will last approximately 30 minutes and will be open to all comers, regardless of whether they
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are members of the Royal British Legion or not. Medals may be worn. The collection will be donated to the Royal British Legion. A limited amount of seating will be provided. On completion, light refreshments will be available in the pavilion for all those who have attended the Service. In the event of inclement weather the Service will be held in the Pavilion.
DATE TO NOTE: COMMITTEE MEETING: The next Committee meeting will be held on Thursday
22nd June 2017 in the Kennet Room in the Community Centre at 1930hrs.
COUNTY PARADE AND SERVICE OF REDEDICATION (11th June 2017) Location: St Bartholomew‟s and All Saints Church Royal Wootton Bassett. Time: Parade from 1415, Service at 1500-1600 (please be seated by 14.45.) Refreshments after the Service at The Conservative Club.
Roger Brind ______100+ CLUB DRAW The Lye Field 100+ Club draw took place on the 28th April. The results are as follows:- £35.00 No. 156 Mr C Hawkins £30.00 No. 201 Mrs J Stack £25.00 No.179 Mrs J Field £20.00 No. 188 Mrs A Burgess £15.00 N0. 055 Seend Short Mat Bowls Congratulations to all the winners. The new Lye Field 100+ Club starts in May. If you haven‟t renewed your membership call 01380828423 or download a form from the village website.
Karen Cubberley, Seend Lye Field Committee
SEEND & DISTRICT RAMBLERS Sunday 30th April attracted 19 members for a circular distance of approximately 5 ½ miles, commencing from Nettleton Green near Castle Combe. Lanes, fields and tracks led us past Goulter‟s Mill, Lugbury Long Barrow and Nettleton Mill. The wonderful woodland was an array of colour with cowslips, blue-bells and wild garlic in abundance: a pleasure to be out-and-about. Thanks, Gerald, for organising this route.
A report of the May walk will be in July Spotlight. We are looking forward to our next walk on Sunday 18th June: Leader: Reg Cox (01249 652422). Meet at Yatton Keynell Village Hall car park for a 10am start. 5½ miles of gentle walking towards Kingston St. Michael with a few stiles. New members are always welcome, come along to one of our walks, we are a very friendly bunch!!
WESSEX FUCHSIA GROUP June 27th, 7.45pm in the Pavilion – Di and Peter Boor from Swindon will give us an insight into “What the judges are looking for”.
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SEEND WI Dr Francis Burroughes was our speaker last month. His talk was entitled The Wonderful World of Glass. He gave us a fascinating and informative talk on the history of glass from 3,000 B.C. to the present day. Next month‟s meeting is on Wednesday 14th June when Arnold Snowball will be talking to us about the beautiful Great Chalfield Manor. Visitors are always welcome! The next Craft afternoon is on Thursday 22nd June, 2pm to 4pm in the Pavilion. You don‟t need to be a member of the WI to take part. All meetings take place in the Pavilion, Rusty Lane, Seend at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month unless otherwise notified. For more information please contact Gill Acornley on 01225 707218 or check www.seendwi.weebly.com
SEEND SCHOOL NEWS Well, we knew that we were due an inspection from Easter 2017 but we weren‟t quite expecting the phone call on the first possible day! Ofsted inspections have changed since last time so what happens now is that the HMI inspector comes to do a short one-day inspection to see if they feel the judgement from the previous inspection (in our case – Good) still stands. If, after that first day, the inspector has not finished finding the evidence or if they feel that the previous judgement might change (up or down!) then the inspection turns into a full, two-day inspection. Our final report is not going to be out until June sometime (as all schools who joined the AToM in 2015 were inspected at the same time and therefore our reports all have to come out together) but it‟s no secret that the inspector did not return for a second day. I really must thank all those parents who completed the ParentView questionnaire. With 100% of parents who completed it stating that they would recommend the school to another parent – well that is just fantastic! There have been a lot of tests going on in school lately. Our Year 2 children have been completing their end of KS1 tests while the Year 6 children have taken their end of KS2 SATs. Now the Year 6 children can look ahead to their final term at Seend School where they will be rehearsing their summer production. Watch this space! Holly Class had a very special visitor this week – Hissy the tortoise! The children have been learning about different pets and rumour has it there are a few more special visitors coming in over the next few weeks. Thank you to Mr Wiltshire who very kindly gave up a good hour of his time to put up the smaller basketball hoop for the younger children to play with. It was much appreciated. And also for volunteering with Mr Hiscocks to put up the new gate and some science boards. It is having such helpful and willing parents that make so much difference to the running of the school. If you‟re passing through our school grounds, please have a look at our science boards as they are great! Jackie Chalk, Head Teacher
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FRIENDS OF SEEND SCHOOL FoSS has recently paid for an important PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education) resource called Jigsaw which will be of benefit for all age-groups in School. We have also purchased some signs for the wildlife area which will help the children to identify birds, insects and plants. We are looking forward to welcoming some new parents into FoSS as their children start school in September. If you‟d like to join FoSS as either a committee member or a helper at events, please let us know by emailing [email protected] You don‟t have to be a parent or have a child at the school, anyone is welcome. We now have 46 supporters on our Easy Fundraising site, who have raised almost £400 for the school. If you‟d like to join in, please visit https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/foseend/ Mel Steel, FoSS Chair SEEND PLAYGROUP NEWS So far this term we have managed to play outside most days, but have not really been bothered by too much sun! The sun protection policy has gone out to parents, so please remember the hat and sun cream. Our Friday afternoon sessions are going well. Seven children are experiencing the longer day, and even the little ones are coping really well. So far we have been digging in the garden, visiting the play park and trying our hand at basketball. Unfortunately there is another election in June when we are unable to use the Pavilion. We were hoping to visit Seend School but sadly they are unable to accommodate us that day. So regrettably we will be closed on Thursday 8th June. We are having a sponsored activity circuit on Tuesday 13th June, sharing the proceeds with Julia‟s House in Devizes. This is open to all the children even if it is not their usual day. Please sponsor your child, grandchild, friend‟s child etc and come along to encourage them. Our annual outing will be to the Hope Nature Centre on Friday 7th July. We just hope for good weather. We have spaces for September. If you have a little one and would like to come and see what we do at our fairly traditional Playgroup, do get in touch to arrange a visit. Liz 828485 (Playleader) ______
SEEND PARISH COUNCIL NB. These minutes are a shortened version of the full minutes taken at the Parish Council meeting of 25th April 2017. These have not yet been ratified by the Parish Council and may be subject to change. A full copy of the minutes can be found on our website: www.seendparishcouncil.co.uk The meeting held on 25th April was attended by all 10 Councillors with Mr Murch in the chair. Also present were Councillor Jonathan Seed, Mr Brian Crisp, Dr Nigel Knott and Mr John Williams.
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Police Matters: Mrs Heatley reported that she had not received any details of local crimes from the Community Policing Team, but she had received information through the Alert Neighbourhood group of a burglary in Sells Green on 24th April (17.15). A suspect broke into a unit by pulling off metal sheets that were bolted to a frame. Once inside the suspect/s stole a welder and car battery. Mr Alex Trombetta would be willing to talk to the parish council about the new policing regime. It was agreed that Mr Trombetta should be invited to the June parish council meeting. The clerk had been notified by the clerk of Melksham Without of vandalism at the Bowerhill picnic area and at Giles wood which took place on the night of 12th April. Councillors expressed sadness at that this mindless act of vandalism. Local Councillor Matters: The Chairman asked if Councillor Seed could check what the current position was with regard to ensuring that the owners of Spiderweb Paddock cannot claim residency. Councillor Seed said he would check with the Enforcement Officer. Berhills Lane – Councillor Seed was asked what was happening with the highway sign at Berhills Lane. He reported that the Enforcement team had been there a number of times. The property is currently up for sale. The particulars stated that there was a parking plot. This has now been taken off the estate agent‟s description as not true. Concern had been expressed that parked cars were blocking the visibility of cars exiting the junction. Councillor Seed was urged to get the sign moved back to its original position. Items for discussion from members of the Parish: A resident had sent a photograph of the 3-way finger post at the top of the Pelch that signposted Melksham, Seend Cleeve and Seend Worton. They thought that the sign was confusing as it implied there was a Seend Cleeve and a Seend Worton. This confusion was further exacerbated by the fact that there is no sign for Seend at the Bell Crossroads. This issue was discussed by Councillors, but it was felt that there was no real reason to get it changed. However, Mr James proposed that the Parish Council investigate the costs of having a sign for Seend at the top of the hill near the crossroads. This was seconded by Mrs Heatley. All in favour. Chairman‟s Comments: The Chairman was pleased to say that Sue Bond had agreed to continue as Parish Clerk, for the time being. The Chairman said that, following on from last month‟s discussions on Community Assets, he had spoken with the Community Centre management team about whether they should look into registering it as a Community Asset, but that he had not yet spoken with the Lye Field Trustees. As the WI appeared to be considering the demolition of the WI Hall there was little point in asking them if they wanted the hall to be retained as a Community Asset. As this was their last meeting, Mr Murch thanked Mrs Carr, Mr Manning and Mr Rigg for their dedicated service on the Parish Council. Mrs Carr had been a Councillor for 15 years and Mr Manning for 13 years. He went on to thank all the current Councillors and looked forward to the four new Councillors joining. Matters Arising: It was reported that Highways had been busy refreshing the white lines on the roads around the village and were replacing/installing cats-eyes near Redstocks. It was
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hoped that the repainting of the white lines on the bend near Sells Green had now resolved the particular concerns of a resident near Sells Green which had been reported at the last meeting. Spout Lane – Mr Wood said that whilst the gullies seemed to be working at either side of the road, there was still water appearing, seemingly through the tarmac, but it was not clear what could be done to rectify it. Mr Wood agreed to report it again on My Wiltshire, as this situation would only get worse again in the winter months. Spiderwebb Paddock – the nuisance of dogs constantly barking has continued to be a problem, and is particularly bad when the dogs are left unattended. The Clerk was asked to contact Environmental Health at Wiltshire County Council to see if they can resolve the problem. The Chairman thanked Mr Wiltshire for discussing the parking in the Lye with the resident concerned. The Brewery – it was reported that a new tenant had taken over on a 3- month contract, and that there were already signs of great support for the new landlord. Defibrillator – Mr Wood said that the checks he had carried out on the defibrillator suggested that it had not been used, and therefore it was still a mystery as to who had tampered with it. Great British Spring Clean – Mr Wood had written to Seend School to thank the school children for their efforts in litter picking in the area surrounding their school in support of the Great British Spring Clean weekend. Neighbourhood Plan: Mrs A‟Bear reported that the group were still formulating their “Visions, Objectives and Policy” Statement. This was a major part of the Neighbourhood Plan as it set the bench mark for assessing potential development sites, so it was extremely important to get this statement right. Once they had the statement ready in draft form, the group would launch a light consultation period lasting six weeks, before it would go to Wiltshire Council for their input. Mrs A‟Bear reported that there will be a meeting on 27th April to show the progress of the plan. A councillor said that there were likely to be questions about why it was taking so long to complete. Mrs A‟Bear agreed that it was a slow process, but that it cannot be rushed and could take as long as 2-3 years to complete. Some of the delay can be caused by Wiltshire Council‟s slow response to consultations. Defibrillator: The Parish Council might want to consider whether the funds received this year from the Sandridge Solar revenue be used for the purchase of another defibrillator to be located in Sells Green or Seend Cleeve. Highway Issues: The Chairman thanked Dr Knott and Mr Crisp for attending and letting the PC have sight of the most recent draft. Dr Knott reported that the SRSI report was in its final draft stage and that they had taken on board some of the comments they had received in its almost final revision. There was still time for minor amendments to be made, but only in the next couple of weeks before the document was finalised. There was a debate over whether the SRSI Report had been "presented", "accepted", "approved" or "received" as a result of Mrs Carr's comments. It was agreed, following the Chairman's remarks that the report had been submitted and received by the Parish Council and the Neighbourhood Plan Group but had not been approved by either the Parish Council or the Neighbourhood Plan Group, as we remained in a consultative phase. Brian Crisp said that he felt that it
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was now up to the PC/NP to decide whether the report should be implemented in its entirety or not. Further discussion will need to take place by both groups, on the report, in due course. Mr Crisp hoped that the Parish Council would support many of the recommendations made in the report and to take these to Wiltshire Highways for action. He expressed concern that Wiltshire Council were reluctant to spend on localised road safety issues and that the Parish Council should take a stronger stance in fighting for the changes needed to improve road safety in the parish. Mr Crisp felt that there was too much bureaucracy in the Highways department that limited the chance of smaller councils from getting the improvements they wanted. The Chairman said that for all highway issues, the correct route was to first go through CATG and the Area Board. He said that the Parish Council had to be mindful of the potential cost of such projects as the Parish Council would be liable for at least one third of the costs of implementing them. Therefore prioritising what changes were needed would be very important. Mr Wood said that if we know of particular highway projects we want implemented in the future, then we could increase the Precept to help cover the cost. But this would require long-term planning and also the financial impact it would have on residents. Councillors said that the parish council had been instrumental in achieving a number of highway improvements over recent years including the removal of the old railway bridge and straightening of the road, the installation of the VAS in the High Street, disabled parking near the canal in Spout Lane. And most, recently, a pedestrian crossing, close to the church, had been approved by CATG but yet to be built. The Parish Council will have to pay one third of the cost of the crossing. It has recently raised a community issue to get the 30mph speed limit to be extended to include New Buildings in Seend Cleeve. This is still “in progress”. The Neighbourhood Plan had also incorporated into its plan a number of road safety proposals suggested in the SRSI report. Councillor Seed reported that funding of local highway improvements was dependent on them being placed in the top five priority list, and that the two thirds financial support from CATG and the Area Board was not otherwise guaranteed. He stressed the importance of retaining the good will and support of members of CATG and the Area Board as key to the success of community issues raised by the Parish Council. Councillor Seed recommended the use of the MyWiltshire app for reporting highway problems as the best way of getting them resolved. He said that this App had removed five stages of the process and therefore speeded things up. Mr Wood confirmed this, as he had reported a number of highway problems, such as broken streetlights and pot holes, and these had been fixed within a month of reporting. Councillor Seed said that issues can still be reported by telephoning the council, for those without a computer, but it can be a slower process. Mr Crisp mentioned that the streetlight at the High Street pinch point was not working. Mr Wood agreed to report it on MyWiltshire. It was suggested that the PC
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should advertise the My Wiltshire service in Spotlight, on the website and on notice- boards, with an explanatory note on how to report. The Clerk to action this. Councillor Seed also emphasised the importance of village groups in getting things done through networking - a good way to advertise events and raise concerns. Adoption of Phone Boxes: The Clerk reported that the Parish Council now officially owned the phone box in The Lye, as the signed contract had been returned by BT. Mr Wood suggested the idea of turning it into the smallest Parish Information Centre, displaying tourist leaflets. A note had been put in Spotlight inviting residents to make suggestions on how to utilise it and asking for volunteers to manage it. The Clerk reported that the Community Heartbeat Trust who had adopted the phone box at Sells Green were willing to transfer ownership to the Parish Council. Mr Wood proposed that the parish council adopt the Sells Green phone box, seconded by Mrs Akerman. All Councillors approved the adoption. Clerk to sign the transfer papers. Planning Applications: Application Number: 17/02775/FUL Site Location: 24 School Road, Seend SN12 6NJ Proposal: Demolish existing extension and replace with new single storey rear extension Approval of this planning application was proposed by Mrs Heatley and seconded by Mr Manning. All unanimously voted in favour. Application Ref: 17/03678/TCA Site Location: Dowlas Villa, 8 School Road, Seend, SN12 6NJ Application for Work to Trees in a Cons Area Proposal: Cypress tree – fell Approval of this planning application, but with the condition that a new native tree be planted somewhere else on the property, was proposed by Mr Manning and seconded by Mr Rigg. All unanimously voted in favour. Application Number: 17/03161/FUL Site Location: Cleeve Grange, Trowbridge Road, Seend, SN12 6PG Proposal: Change of use from office (Class B1) to a single residential dwelling (Class C3). Approval of this planning application was proposed by Mr James and seconded by Mr Manning, as long as the condition set in paragraph 3.5 remains. This condition requires the removal of the alien evergreen trees and introduction of soft landscaping on the existing overflow car parking area. Also to replace the evergreen trees with native trees to be planted somewhere else in the grounds. All voted in favour. The date of the next two meetings are: Tuesday 30th May and 27th June at 7.30pm at Seend Community Centre. Clerk: Sue Bond. Telephone 07706 850859 (office hours and answerphone service) Email: [email protected] Chairman: Tony Murch. Tel: 01380 828450. Email: [email protected]
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Annual Report of Seend Parish Council: May 2016-April 2017 The Parish Neighbourhood Plan The Neighbourhood Plan is one of the most important undertakings that the Parish Council has initiated, as it has the purpose of producing a pro-active plan that will shape the future of the Parish for a significant period of time. Important aspects of the plan are the consultations that the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (NPSG) is undertaking and the emergence of a draft plan that will be open to parishioners to vote on, through a referendum. The Parish Council has a monthly standing agenda item where the Chair of the NPSG, Georgina A‟Bear reports on the progress made. Membership of the NPSG is comprised of parish councillors Georgina A‟Bear, Kevin Rigg, Pamela Akerman, myself and for part of this year Paul Manning. The other parishioners in the group are: Steve Vaux, Aldetha Raymond, Sarah Chard, Sue McCulloch, Carola Thorpe and Yvette Rowe. The traffic sub-group, the footpaths and bridleway group and the business group have all produced reports. The PC and NPSG have had two tentative meetings with Aster Homes, at their request, together with a representative of their planning team. The PC invited the Lye Field Trustees to participate in these meetings as elements bear on the land that the Trustees currently own, as part of the Lye Field. The PC has made notes and maps available for anyone who has requested them. They have been in the public domain. On behalf of the PC I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the work of the Neighbourhood Plan for their commitment to this important work, especially Georgina A‟Bear and Steve Vaux. The process of producing a NP typically takes two to three years because there are a significant number of stages that have to be met, not least is the need for it to closely relate to the Wiltshire Core Strategy. There is the inevitable risk that housing planning applications could arrive during the development of the plan but there is no way of short-circuiting this or speeding up the writing of the plan and consulting on it. Ultimately the PC has the responsibility for the plan and submitting it to Wiltshire Council and the Planning Inspectorate. Once approved it will be enshrined in law. Highways Another major project agreed during the past year was the installation of Vehicle Activated Signs at the „pinch-point‟ at the western end of Seend High Street during the summer of 2016. The intention was that this would help to reduce traffic speed and collisions and improve safety for pedestrians. The decision to install these signs was informed by a large number of parishioners who attended a meeting where the various options were discussed. There were some teething problems initially with the signs and more recently the one at the eastern end of the pinch-point has not functioned consistently. It is not entirely clear what impact the signs have had on driver behaviour. The signs, at least, do prepare drivers for on-coming traffic but for some drivers their unreasonable driving means that the signs appear to have little impact. The PC has also continued to pursue the installation of a crossing point close to Church Walk. At every meeting of the PC road safety/highways issues have been
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discussed. The Seend Road Safety Initiative Group have helpfully pointed up issues that need to be addressed and have worked as a sub-group of the Neighbourhood Planning group. The Council will discuss their report in the next few months to determine those recommendations that can be taken forward. Our thanks to Nigel Knott, Bruce Talmage and Brian Crisp for compiling this report. The volume, speed and number of cars and lorries using the two „A roads‟ through the Parish have become a real concern, as is the traffic using the C20 and the particular problem at the top of Bollands Hill, where the road is extremely narrow, and on Bell Hill. Traffic speed continues to be a major concern on this stretch of road as it does on the road through Seend Cleeve. There is a proposal in the road safety report to try to get Wiltshire Council to force lorries on to the designated freight route which is the A365 from the A361. This has the potential, if this can be achieved, to add significantly to the amount of traffic in one part of our Parish i.e.in Sells Green. Lorries would be diverted from the A361 Semington Roundabout to Seend Fork, on to the A365 from Melksham to Seend Fork This has the potential to create divisions in the Parish. This is a dilemma for the Parish Council, although it is difficult to see how this could be enacted and enforced. There was significant disruption in Seend Cleeve during the work leading up to and including the rebuilding of the canal bridge. The road closure caused disruption especially to residents of Seend Cleeve and the Council wishes to reiterate its thanks to those who were inconvenienced by these essential works. Parking by canal boat owners in Seend Cleeve, Bollands Hill and Sells Green continues to be a problem with vehicles frequently parking on and destroying the grass verges. The K&A Canal Trust seem unwilling to do anything about this. Paul Manning has been our Road Safety Coordinator and Thelma Carr has attended the Community Area Transport Group, with Terry James as the substitute. The Council is grateful to Penny England, Jo and Colin Waldeck for the work that they have done in relation to footpaths and rights of way. Mark Wood coordinates the PCs responsibility for this. A number of footpaths have been cleared and new gates installed. There were problems created by a tenant farmer who allowed cattle to escape and stray through parts of the village. This presented a danger to traffic and pedestrians and the Council enlisted the help of the officer responsible for animal welfare at Wiltshire Council. Community Matters The Council met with Trustees of the WI to discuss the likely future of the WI Hall. The Trustees had hoped that the Council could perhaps take on the building but the only way the Council could do this would have been to raise the village precept and the lead in time for this is eighteen months. The Council has commenced discussions with village organisations about declaring some key buildings and functions as Community Assets. The Council consulted with the village about whether the Bell Inn should be considered but there was a nil
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response from parishioners. We met with representatives from Seend Cleeve about the Brewery Inn and it was decided that a local group would pursue this but with support from the Council. Thanks to significant commitment and work from Mark Wood a defibrillator was installed outside the Community Centre. Mark has organised supplementary training in CPR using equipment supplied by the British Heart Foundation. The Council wishes to thank the Community Centre for allowing us to locate the defibrillator on the outside of the building and for allowing us to connect it to an electricity supply. The Council allotments continue to be maintained in a good condition by the allotment holders and our thanks to them for their hard work in maintaining them. The former telephone kiosks have continued to be used for the benefit of the community and thanks to those who help keep them as useful and functional places. „My Wiltshire App‟ has become the mechanism through which problems can be reported or information obtained relating to the services of Wiltshire Council. In the past requests have had to come through the Council but now anyone can use this App and the Parish Council does not necessarily need to be involved, although it still reports matters as they are identified. Our preference is that parishioners inform us if work needs to be undertaken and any related issues. Parish Council Membership The most important person on our Parish Council is the Parish Clerk and this year we said goodbye and thank you to Rosemary Fisher who had served in that role for thirteen years. We appointed Sue Bond as our new Clerk and Rosemary kindly helped with the induction and transition of duties. Sue has made a tremendous start to her work and she has initiated some changes that are very helpful. We hope we can retain Sue for many years to come. Sadly during the course of the year Joan Savage died. Joan was a long-standing councillor and contributed much to the Parish of Seend both as a councillor and in her other voluntary work. She was forthright and she was determined that public money should be spent wisely. Joan was replaced by Nick Vaux. The Council had the benefit of Nick Vaux, for a short while but sadly he was not able to commit as much time to the PC as he would have liked and so he resigned. At the end of the PC year Thelma Carr and Kevin Rigg decided that they would not be standing again and unfortunately we also lost the opportunity for Paul Manning to stand again. On behalf of the PC, I would like to thank Thelma, Kevin and Paul for their many years of dedicated service. We shall miss their wise counsel and commitment to the work of the Council. We welcome Brian Crisp, Nigel Knott, Carol Vince and John Williams to the Council. We look forward to working with them and to their contributions to all of the work that the Council undertakes. On behalf of the PC, I would also like to thank Jonathon Seed for his attendance and support for our work. If we have problems Jonathon follows these up promptly with the officers at Wiltshire Council.
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My thanks to all of our Parish Councillors and to our Parish Clerk for their work during the year and for their unstinting commitment to our Parish and its community. Tony Murch, Chair Seend Parish Council (A full version of this report can be seen on the Seend Parish Council website) NEWS FROM WILTSHIRE COUNCIL After the local elections I am pleased to be back as your Wiltshire Councillor. The election in our area produced an unusually high turnout for a local election of over 50% and I was delighted to receive well over a 50% share of the votes cast. Thank you to all those who turned out and voted and to all those who got involved in local democracy at either Unitary or Parish level. We now have a new Parish Council with a new membership. All our local Parish Councillors do a great voluntary job for the local community. I was pleased with the significant increase in my Party‟s Councillor numbers, but sad to see the loss of friends and colleagues from all parties. I am not in the new Wiltshire Council Cabinet, but I have accepted a major County political role as well as responsibility for the County flood alleviation effort, a role within Armed Forces Community Covenant funding, membership of the Police and Crime Panel and Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee so I will be pretty busy! The new Wiltshire Council has a great deal of work ahead and must first set its business plan as a structure to guide its management of the services and budget for the next four years - a period when we already know that we face further stringent cuts in central government funding for local government. It will be how this challenge is managed by the new Cabinet that will determine how the new administration is judged in four years‟ time at the next local elections. Jonathon Seed, 07770 774463 ______
SEEND SPORTING AND DRAMATIC NEWS Sadly, our sports reporter Frankie Goddard has been so overworked in his day job that he has been unable to file a full report. (That loud noise you just heard was Colin Waldeck breathing a sigh of relief.) Your editors have managed to compile the following:
Running: The Bishops Cannings 5000m Dash - Saturday 8th July from 3.30pm.
Entry forms on the race website or can be collected from Manor Cottage. Table Tennis: A small group of us play table tennis in the main hall on alternate Wednesday evenings. If you would like to join us call Chris on 828047. Seend Sportsperson of the Year: This event is now unlikely to happen on 2nd September as planned. New arrangements will be publicised as soon as possible.
Interested sportspersons please contact Rob Richardson on 07958 481739.
Your sports news to Frankie Goddard, 828488, by 12th June please.
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No personal ads this month. Leave yours at the PO or 6 New Buildings with £2 payment.
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BITS AND BOBS
Wiltshire Music Centre - Events in June 2 June 7:30 pm JUAN MARTÍN FLAMENCO TRIO 4 June 8pm HAL CRUTTENDEN (of Bake Off Extra Slice) supported by Darren Harriott 7 June 7:15 pm THE ROYAL BALLET TRIPLE BILL Works by Frederick Ashton live from Covent Garden 9 June 6:30 pm BERLIN PHILHARMONIC LIVESTREAM 11 June 3pm BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: concert for the whole family 14 June 6:45 pm LA TRAVIATA: a Glyndebourne Festival broadcast 18 June 3pm GBH BIG BAND /LIFTED VOICES CHOIR 21 June 7:30 pm PROF. LORD ROBERT WINSTON: Modifying Humans 28 June 7:15 pm THE ROYAL OPERA OTELLO: Livestream opera You can visit wiltshiremusic.org.uk for more details or call 01225 860 100 to book.
THE SEEND FUND – Your local fund Remember the Seend Fund is your local fund. Anyone living in or closely associated with Seend can apply by e-mailing the secretary ([email protected]) or writing to her at 34 Seend Cleeve, Melksham SN12 6PY. If you find yourself in financial difficulties the fund might be able to help with anything from school uniforms to heating bills. Don't hesitate to send details, saying how much you need, what it is for and when you need it by. Even if the fund has helped you before, your request will be sympathetically and confidentially considered. Although the fund is intended to help individuals, if there are any organisations or groups who need support to include someone with special needs in an educational activity, or who know of members who are struggling financially, the Fund may be able to help.
SUMMER VISITORS A reminder that it‟s the nesting season for house martins, swifts and swallows. These birds are, of course, protected species. It is an offence to disturb or destroy their nest sites and environments. Swallows return to their old nest sites, so please keep access open for them. These birds need our assistance to survive and sustain numbers. Cat owners can help by putting a bell on their cat‟s collar.
The Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers Exhibition 2nd to 4th June 2017 10.30 am - 4.00 pm Please note dates – those given in May were incorrect. Behind village shop - St Mary's School Building, High St., Steeple Ashton BA14 6EU. The Wiltshire Guild of Spinning, Weaving and Dyeing invite you to their exhibition "The Dye Garden". There will be spinning and weaving demonstrations and tours of our developing dye garden. Refreshments available. No entry fee. Disabled facilities. ______
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Help to Build a Better Future for Wiltshire Air Ambulance Work has begun on our new airbase at Semington, bringing together our helicopter, aircrew and charity team on one site for the first time. The central location will mean our helicopter will be able to reach all parts of Wiltshire within 11 minutes, as it does now from its Devizes base. We still need to raise just under £1 million to complete the building and equip it. There are lots of different ways you can get involved: holding a cake sale, organising a challenge event or uploading a photo for our helicopter mosaic. We also have fun ways for schools and businesses to get onboard and support our appeal. Find out more by visiting our special website www.wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk , call the
Charity Team office on 01380 739453 or email [email protected]
STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS - the much-acclaimed ‘LA LA LAND’ (12) Saturday 24th June, 7. 30pm at Steeple Ashton Village Hall (doors open 7pm) Tickets £6 available from Steeple Ashton Village Shop (or can be reserved – please ring Alison Wilson on 01380 871345). Refreshments available.
SIGN UP FOR CHORAL WORKSHOP IN EDINGTON! Edington Arts Choral Workshop on Saturday 10th June at Edington Priory Church, 9.30am through to 5.30pm. The music to be rehearsed is Handel‟s showpiece „Dixit Dominus‟. The workshop will be taken by Andrew Carwood, one of the country‟s leading choral directors. Friends and families are invited to join the singers for tea and to listen to the final session from 4.15pm (no charge). Places are £20 (£10 for full time students), plus £2 for music hire; application forms from Edington Arts website, www.edingtonarts.org, or phone Anne on 01380 831454 or email her on [email protected].
Edington Festival Musical Evening & Supper - Wednesday 23rd August, 6.30pm for 7pm on the Parish Field. The occasion helps the community fund facilities such as the Parish Hall and the minibus. Tickets, £25, from Hugh Hancock, Dunge Farm, West Ashton, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 6AX, or email [email protected], or call 01225 754626. Cheques payable to Edington Priory Church Music Evening.
MIDSUMMER MUSIC ON THE PLAIN All Saints & St Mary‟s Church, Chitterne, Friday 23rd June 2017 featuring Dauntsey's School Student Ensembles and Choral Society. Garden Reception at the Grange (next to church) at 6.30pm. Concert at 7.30pm in All Saints Church. Parking will be signposted. Tickets £10 from Murray Kent, Hunters Yard, Chitterne Farm, Warminster BA12 0LQ. Please include a Stamped Addressed Envelope. All proceeds in aid of Chitterne's Church Fabric Fund. Cheques payable to “Chitterne Church Account”. Also – 24th and 25th June – Flower Festival in All Saints & St Mary‟s Church. And finally… See page 1. (And also apologies to all those whose contributions we’ve had to edit slightly to fit the space. Ed.)
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USEFUL CONTACTS: Please tell Spotlight if your group’s contact details change Church: Retired Priest: Jane Knowles, 01380 870325. Benefice Administrator: Mrs Sue Taylor 01225 709360. Churchwardens: Holy Cross Seend: Len Murray, 01380 828513, Mrs Tina Yockney 01380 827139; Christ Church Bulkington: Mrs Liz Futter 828485, Mrs Anne Saywell 828931; LPAs: Jane Goman 827121, Liz Futter 828485, Rosie Forsey 828843, Len Murray 828513, Sue Noad 870433, Sue Rose 871665, Hilary Hutchings 828129, Tina Yockney 827139. Bell Tower Captain: L Murray 828513. Irene Usher Memorial Hall (The Pavilion) Bookings - Richard Walker on 828250 Bulkington Village Hall - Nev Boulton 828101 or Roger Futter 828485 Bulkington Playing Field: Chairman Jamie Streeter, 828835, [email protected] Seend Community Centre/Club - 828796 (7.30-11pm only). Bookings: 07703 814111. Website: www.seendcommunitycentre.com and find us on facebook Seend Shuttle: Bookings and drivers: Alison Cobbing 07951030491 or 01380 850511 Seend Parish Council Clerk – Mrs Sue Bond 07706 850859 www.seendparishcouncil.co.uk Seend‟s Wiltshire Councillor - Jonathon Seed 01380 850695 [email protected] Seend village website: www.seend.org.uk - Neil Yockney 827139. Seend School - 828334 Bulkington Website: www.bulkington.org.uk Rights of Way Warden – Paul Millard, 01225 712821 Community Beat Manager for Seend PC Emily Thomas. Tel: 101, or e-mail [email protected]. Seend Fund: 01380 828757 MP Claire Perry, 01380 729358 (M-F 9.30am-1pm) [email protected] MEP - Graham Watson 01458 252265. Melksham Area Board – 07917 721371
100+Club Draw – Karen & Steve Cubberley – [email protected] - tel: 828423 Book Clubs - the original: Sylvia Ewin 828325 - the other: Frank Teasdale 828617 Bouncy Club - Paulette Pardoe 07944 300350 Cricket Club - John Wiltshire 07791 144248 Fawlty Players Panto Group - Tessa Doe 828617& find Seend Village Pantomime on facebook Fete – Nick Vaux - [email protected] (www.seendfete.co.uk) Flower Show – Brian Jaques 827137 FoSS (Friends of Seend School) Mel Steel 07739 899741 Historic Houses Club - Mary Warren 01225707357 or Neil Yockney 827139 LINK Scheme - 075320 55560 Lye Field Committee – www.seendlyefield.org Neighbourhood Watch - Brian Hunt (Seend) 828581; Cavan Moroney (Sells Green) 828606; Owen Burton (Seend Cleeve) 828820; John Scott (Bulkington) 828026. Preschool - Liz Futter 828485 Poetry Group - Tessa Doe 828617 Ramblers - Gerald Salter 01225 706451 Royal British Legion - Roger Brind 828830 Seend Singers - Bob McCulloch 828508 Short Mat Bowls Club - Colin Waldeck 828946 Tennis Club - Ric Ellinger 828687 Theatre Club - Sylvia Ewin 828325; Marion Whitehead 828612 WEA – Tessa Doe 828617 Wheelchairs to borrow - Sue and Graham Jones in Seend Cleeve, tel: 01380 828354 WI - Fiona Johnson on 828401 and Gill Acornley 01225 707218 Wine Circle – Steve Parsons 07974 347487 or Simon McManus 07896 711764
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Seend Post Office
------& Village Store 01380 828250
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLES WINES BEERS & SPIRITS GROCERIES THE HEALTH LOTTERY POSTCARDS & STATIONERY
Village Store Post Office
Mon 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 5.30 Tues 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 5.30 Wed 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 4.30*
Thurs 9.00 - 1.00 9.00 - 1.00 Fri 9.00 - 5.30 9.00 - 5.30 Sat 8.30 - 1.00 9.00 - 1.00 Sun 9.00 - 10.30 Closed Bank 9.00 - 10.30 Closed Holidays
26 * note early closing