CHURCH SERVICES St Mary’s December St Leonard’s Keevil Steeple Ashton Steeple Ashton Sunday 3rd 11am Parish Communion 3.30 pm Round About Your Parish (BCP) Afternoon Special Advent (Rev Maureen Allchin) Christingle Service Great Hinton Sunday 6.30 pm Joint Advent Carol Service DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 in St James’
Sunday 10th 8am Holy Communion 9.15 am (BCP) (Rev Hugh Hoskins) Holy Communion 10.30am Advent 2 (Coffee will be served after Toy & Gift Family Service the service) (Worship Group)
Sunday 17th 6.30pm Carol Service 6.30 pm (Richard Havergal ) Nine Lessons Advent 3 and Carols
Sunday 24th 4pm Crib Service
Christmas 11.15pm Christmas 10 pm Eve Communion (BCP) Christmas Eve (Rev Jane Knowles) Communion ‘The Tollgate’ This late-18th-century image of a stagecoach passing through a tollgate Monday 25th 10.30am 9.15 am at dusk is the type of scene which could once have been witnessed at the Christmas Morning Christmas Family Service south end of Steeple Ashton: for here, just past the entrance to Home Christmas Service with short Communion Farm Close, there once stood such a turnpike cottage and tollgate. Day (Rev Hugh Hoskins) to follow
Sunday 31st Joining the congregation Steeple Ashton Village Shop at the 9.15 am Christmas 1 Methodist Church Holy Communion Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm New Year’s for All Age Worship at Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday 9.ooam to 12noon Eve 10.30am Shop telephone: 01380 871 211 CHURCH SERVICES Bryan writes… St Mary’s January St Leonard’s Keevil During the 18th century, many of England’s roads were ‘turnpiked’ – Steeple Ashton made into toll roads, and run under a trustee system. The road through Steeple Ashton was part of a turnpiked route which linked Bath to Salis- Sunday 7th 11am Parish Communion bury (“Sarum” on the milestones). On the wide grass verge just south of (BCP) (Rev Tony Longdon) 9.15 am what today is the entrance to Home Farm Close, was a turnpike cottage, and Epiphany 1 All Age Service across the road a tollgate. When looking at the front-cover picture, it is easy to imagine it as a coach leaving Steeple Ashton’s tollgate heading south towards the silhouetted edge of Salisbury Plain, in a hurry to make it to the George Inn at Tinhead, near Edington. Continued on page 29 Sunday 14th 8am Holy Communion 9.15 am (BCP) (Rev Hugh Hoskins) Holy Communion Epiphany 2 Helen sends good wishes for Christmas and the New Year (Coffee will be served after to all our readers in both villages and elsewhere - Editor 10.30am Family Christingle the service) Service (Worship Group & Apologies also for the position of some articles - I had to Nigel Simpson) add in some latecomers which were important! Ed.
Newsletter Deadlines for 2018 11am Parish Communion 9.15 am January 23rd; February 20th; Sunday 21st (CW) Morning Prayer March 20th; April 23rd (Monday) Epiphany 3 (Canon Richard Hunt) Items for the February newsletter should be received by Tuesday 23rd January 2018. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 1A Butts Lane, Steeple Ashton or by email to helenmontaguesmith8@ gmail.com. All published items solely express the views of the author and are the copyright of the author and Round About Your Parish unless Sunday 28th 8am Holy Communion 3.30 pm otherwise stated. (BCP) Café Church The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to Epiphany 4 (Rev Hugh Hoskins) in the Village Hall supply all news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be received before printing. Telephone 01380 871285. 11am Morning Prayer 6.30 pm Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Sarah (Richard Havergal) Holy Communion (BCP) Dennehy on 01380 870731, email: [email protected]. There may be a waiting list. Please send your ads by email if possible. Please note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers. Sunday 4th 11am Parish Communion 9.15 am Flyers for Village activities and events can be delivered with the newsletter. If February (BCP) All Age Service you wish to have a flyer for a village event delivered with this newsletter, please (Rev Tony Longdon) contact Anne Howard on 870505 during the third week of the month to see if 2nd Before it is convenient. All flyers have to be counted out for the delivery packs and as Lent there are 25 deliverers this can take some time. No more than two per newslet- ter would be helpful. Editor ADVENT & CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SONGS & STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL December 2017 SERVICES 2017 CAROLS CONCERT St John’s Church, Trowbridge St John’s Parish Centre, Wing- PENITENTIAL SERVICE. Christmas Lights Switch On: Planning is A Deanery Advent Reconciliation field Road, Trowbridge on Sunday well underway for the Christmas Lights Switch Service is on Tuesday 19th December December 10th from 7pm On event on Saturday 9th December at 5.30pm. at 7.00pm with visiting priests for the Community Singing, Mulled Wine Come and enjoy mulled wine, savoury treats, Sacrament of Confession. This is a & Mince Pies. mince pies and a Christmas singalong. Father family service in preparation for the Admission £2.50 on the door. Nativity of Our Lord. Christmas himself will be pushing the button SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION: ST. JOHN’S PARISH CHRIST- and giving out a few treats along the way. We’d St John’s Church, Trowbridge: MAS BAZAAR This annual event is love to see as many of you as possible. Saturday 9th Dec: 10.30am 11.15am. once again taking place in St Augus- 5.00pm – 5.45pm. Saturday 16th Dec tine’s Catholic College Trowbridge on The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 6th November 10.30 – 11.15 am. 5.00-5.45pm the 9th December. Always a great day 2017 have been posted on the website and on the village noticeboard next to for the Parish & Town. ST.BERNADETTE’S CHURCH the Longs Arms. It was another packed meeting with positive outcomes on WESTBURY: Further details from Francis Ger- Thursday 14th Dec 10.15 – 10.25am aghty 01380 871083 issues reported and plans for enhancing the village. We provide a synopsis of some of the key discussions below: CHRISTMAS SERVICES: SHARING OUR FAITH Road Safety and Speeding: We have received several suggestions from St John’s Church, Trowbridge: The Group meets in the Parish Centre, Sunday 24th Dec: First Mass of Trowbridge on Wednesdays from Parishioners, including repainting the existing but faded circled 30mph Christmas (children’s Mass) 6.00pm. 8-9pm.This is open to anyone wish- signs, adding more circled 30mph signs, and putting a railing barrier at the Midnight Mass 12.00 midnight. ing to learn more about the Catholic bus-stop near Newleaze to stop children running into the road. We will be Carols 11.30pm. Church. submitting these issues via the MyWiltshire app and the Council’s CATG Monday 25th Dec: Mass of Christ- SICK AND/OR HOUSEBOUND work request form. mas Morning 10.30am. Any catholic who is sick or house- St Mary’s Picnic Benches: In September our ‘Annual Play Area Safety (Note: No evening Mass). bound should let Canon Liam Tuesday 26th Dec: Mass of St (01225 752152) know as he would Inspection Report’, carried out by an independent, authorised company, Stephen at 6.00pm be pleased to arrange a visit and included comments about the two picnic benches at St Mary’s playing field, ST. BERNADETTE’S CHURCH bring Holy Communion, if desired. which were both damaged and were not fixed to the ground. The Parish WESTBURY: Council is responsible for their maintenance and safety aspects. The report Sunday 24th Dec: Christmas Carols 11.30pm followed by Midnight Mass MASS TIMES at NEARBY recommended that the benches should be repaired and moved away from 12 midnight. CATHOLIC CHURCHES any play equipment to a place of safety and “fixed” into the ground within the Monday 25th Dec: Christmas Day St Joseph’s, West Lavington field. As a result, we have arranged for both picnic benches to be removed Mass 9.00am (01380 723572) Mass on Sunday at and stored in a safe place until the repairs are complete. Once this has been 9.00am done the benches will be returned to the playing field and fixed away from THE NEW 300 CLUB 2017 – Immaculate Conception, SUPER CHRISTMAS DRAW 10th Devizes (01380 723572) Mass any play equipment. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. December on Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday Acreshort Park: Plans are advancing for finishing the picnic area, with Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 quar- 10.30am and 5.00pm works to be completed in January/February. Sponsorship packs are being terly - £4.33 monthly. New members St Anthony Melksham (01225 drawn up for local businesses to sign up to donate and help us with our are most welcome to join at any time. Christmas Prizes are: £400-£200- 702128) Mass on Saturday 5.30pm plans. Countryside Events kindly donated £100 of their profits to our funds. £100-£50. For information and appli- and Sunday 9.30am £2000 from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme has been received Thank you all cation form contact Francis Geraghty St George’s Warminster (01985 for your help in popping the blue tokens in the box - we couldn’t have done 01380 871083 email: f.geraghty303@ 212329) Mass on Saturday evening it without you! btinternet.com 6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am & 10am 36 1 Planning: Planning applications are considered at Parish Council Meetings Methodist Church Diary and Events continued and Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an Open Forum December for members of the public to comment on planning matters prior to their 3rd Revd. David Coppard – HC consideration. All minutes are posted on the website and the village notice 10th Pat Clarke board. 17th Izzie Smears Parish Council Meetings: 24th Revd. David Coppard – Carols December 18th - Main Parish Council Meeting 25th 9.30 am Pauline Tiller - Short Christmas Day Service January 8th Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting 31st 10.30 am Pauline Tiller - AAW United Service January 29th Main Parish Council Meeting January February 19th Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting 7th Revd. David Coppard – HC, Covenant March 12th Main Parish Council Meeting 14th Revd. Mary Teed April 9th Annual Parish Meeting (Main Hall 7pm) followed by a short Parish 21st Revd. Gary Gotham Council meeting 28th Revd. Tom MacMeekin Parish Council Office: February (2 St Mary’s School, High Street) 4th Jeannie MacMeekin This office is open to the public twice a week (Monday 2.30pm – 3.30pm; Other Dates Tuesday 10am – 11am) or by appointment. Leon Karas, Clerk to the Parish Every Thursday 2.30pm CAMEO Council, can be contacted on 01380 871461 or email clerk@steeple-ashton. Tuesday December 12th 7.30pm Housegroup co.uk. All Councillors have live @steeple-ashton.co.uk email addresses Wednesday 13th 10.30am Reflections & Fellowship which are also posted on the website. Tuesday January 9th 7.30pm Housegroup Find us on Social Media! Wednesday 10th 10.30am Reflections & Fellowship Our Facebook community is still growing! Through the PC page and Village Tuesday 23rd 7.30pm Housegroup Discussion Group, we have covered many topics of interest to our residents. Wednesday 24th 10.30am Reflections & Fellowship We would love you to get involved – search for SteepleAshtonPC on Face- book. If you are a village group and need help with your social media, please get in touch with Pippa at [email protected] or 871578. CATHOLIC NEWS ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST TROWBRIDGE & ST BERNADETTE’S Mobile Library Visits: WESTBURY ( incl VILLAGES). Longs Arms, Steeple Ashton Wednesdays 11:15 – 12:15: PARISH PRIEST FR TOM FINNEGAN 06 December, 20 December, 03 January 2018, 17 January, 31 January, 14 TELEPHONE 01225 752152 February, 28 February, 14 March, 28 March, 11 April. St John’s Sunday Masses : Saturday (Vigil) 6pm; Sunday 10.30am & 6pm Your Parish Councillors would like to extend our festive Weekday Masses: greetings and warm wishes to all Steeple Ashton residents Mon: 9.00am. Tues: 6pm; Wed: 12.10pm; Fri 6pm Sat: 10am; 6pm (Vigil) for Christmas and the New Year. We look forward to bring- Rosary: Weekdays before Mass. SVP Fri 6.45pm ing you good service, continued enthusiasm and exciting Confessions: Sat: 10.30-11.15am and 5.15 - 5.45pm events in 2018! St Bernadette’s Sunday Mass - 9am Weekday Mass -Thursday 11 am ~~~ www.steeple-ashton.co.uk ~~~ (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 – 1050am Confessions/Reconciliation before Mass on Sundays. 10.15 -10.25 Thursdays 2 35 Jonathon Seed writes: Remembrance and what it means is special to individuals as well as their communities. I have always held strong beliefs in the value and purpose of Acts of Remembrance but I think that every individual and community needs to decide for themselves how they wish to Remember. However my recent experience is that attendance on Remembrance Sunday is becoming more popular and it is interesting that more younger people are choosing to attend Acts of Remembrance. On the morning of Saturday 11th November I stopped what I was doing at the eleventh hour of the eleventh month and quietly reflected, alone and in a field. However on Saturday evening my wife and I were privileged to attend the iconic Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, an experience we will treasure for the rest of our lives and one which made us feel proud to be British. We managed to obtain tickets through our (Seend) Branch of the Royal British Legion and I would strongly recommend that anyone who is interested and who has not experienced the atmosphere of this spectacular event in the Royal Albert Hall does so. On Remembrance Sunday morning I joined over one hundred residents of the small village of Bulkington at their poignant annual Act of Remem- Methodist Church Diary and Events brance where the new village 1918 memorial stone was also dedicated. This It’s almost that time of year again, compiling these thoughts in mid Novem- new monument was part funded by Melksham Area Board. And Yes, one ber the decorations are going up in the town centre, indeed some people hundred people attended from a village population of 285! On Remem- have already started to decorate their homes. Shops have a festive feel to brance Sunday afternoon I made my ninth consecutive attendance as them and the Christmas adverts are beginning to hit the television screen. your local Councillor to the superb Melksham Civic Service and Act of The Christmas message is often lost in the secular world of consumer- Remembrance. The Church was jam packed full and the parade was as ism, commercialism and materialism. Christmas is not about the parties outstanding ever. The Royal British Legion, uniformed and civilian serv- or presents. It’s not about the food, the festivities, or even about family. It’s ices were brilliant and the crowds stood five deep at the Melksham War not the greenery or the garland; not the Christmas cards, or carols; not the Memorial. Finally, and as their new Area President, I cannot end without money, or the mince pies, not trees or even turkey. mentioning how very impressed I was by the performance, drill, and turnout Reality is that Christmas is solely about God, fulfilling his promises, coming of the Melksham St John Ambulance unit in the parade. to us — as one of us — in Jesus. The truth can be so easily missed: Christmas After a busy Remembrance weekend it was back to business in County Hall is nothing but Jesus. And if Jesus is not in Christmas, then Christmas it is and my first meeting on the Monday morning contained some very good not! news. I attended a business case briefing on the proposals for an A350 Christmas can become so pressured, so consuming, yet at it’s heart is a Melksham By Pass and the news seemed quite positive. This could be very tiny, vulnerable babe, born not in pomp in splendour but in squalor. Yet good news for our area because there may be some concentration of traffic a child who through becoming adult and revealing the depth of God to all away from the roads that currently pass through our villages. There is a long humankind changed lives and who still does. way to go and the earliest we could see this project coming to fruition is in Not just on December 25th but through everyday of every year may the joy the middle of the next decade. However this is one road improvement that and love of God given to us through Jesus give us hope, joy and peace. will be worth waiting for. Wishing you peace this Christmas and every blessing for 2018 Finally may I take this opportunity to wish everyone in the parish a Merry Rev David Coppard Christmas and a very Happy New Year. 34 3 FORGET-ME-NOTS-CLUB Diocese of Salisbury The Dutch Auction held on 15th November resulted in a rewarding sum of money for Club funds, as well as being a happy and jovial afternoon, as members placed competing bids for a large variety of items kindly donated by themselves, and leaving well satisfied with their purchases. The Christmas Bingo and Buffet Tea, always a very popular event, is on 6th Dec, with members responding generously to the Chairman’s request for Monthly Letter food for everyone to share. The Rt Revd Dr Edward Condry The Christmas Lunch on 13th Dec will be held at Chalford House Hotel in Bishop of Ramsbury Westbury, with every place already taken. Meetings resume again on 21st Feb’18, with a quiz, and entertainment by the Skylarks from West Ashton What are the Big Debates as we approach Christmas through Advent? Are Primary School, who are joining us for an afternoon of song. they “What do you think of the John Lewis Advert?” and “Shall we have A happy, healthy and peaceful Festive Season and New Year to all mem- turkey again this year?” bers, their friends and family! See you on 21st Feb’18! Or perhaps the really big question is this: Do we celebrate streets filled Glynnis Oakley (Sec) 01225/775681 with lights, stars and santas, sleighs, robins and elves; carols in supermar- ket aisles? A Big thank You Or do we complain that commercialism has taken over and all is tawdry It has been such a pleasure to receive so many cards and visitors since living and cheap, a distraction from the true meaning of Bethlehem? here; it has cheered me up no end! It is an old debate. I’m on the side of those who celebrate all this. this is a good place to stay in, all the staff do their best to make you feel at I love walking down dark streets, looking at white lights in front garden home. My friends and relations are happily keeping me up to date with Stee- trees. ple Ashton news. Always delighted to see you all. Bring on the choirs carolling in shopping centres. They all add to the sense Best wishes from Lystra, Room 27 Westbury Nursing Home, 86 Warmin- of anticipation that some-thing marvellous is about to happen. ster Road, Westbury, BA13 3PA. 01373 821430 There have long been those who objected. There are some who will have not allowed Christmas Trees in churches. I sing with Sounding it Out, a local a cappella performance choir, draw- There have been purists who would not allow carol services before Christ- ing singers from across Wiltshire and Somerset. We are holding our Festive mas Day itself. Concert at Edington Priory at 7.30pm on Saturday 9th December. I see the lights in dark street trees as somehow reminding us of the incar- Our programme stretches from ancient Shaker tunes to carols old and nation of God in our world as the child Jesus. modern, and includes goodwill songs from around the globe, all delivered Carols which sing, “Unto us a son is born” are a prompt, a reminder that with joy and verve: a warm and wonderful way to start the celebration of beneath all this there is some-thing much greater, much deeper. Christmas, in such a glorious setting. The profusion of lights outside the church may remind us all that God sent Singing is a vital part of my life in the village – do come and join us and his Son to all the world, and not just to those in church. enjoy this beginning of Christmas. Sounding it Out raises funds for a char- He showed his concern for all: poor and wealthy, grieving and rejoicing. ity for each year. This year our chosen charity is the Guide Dogs for the The lights help me hear the angels sing. The lights lift my heart and give Blind Association: Finding Nimmo, a fundraising initiative started by one me hope in Advent. of our singers whose guide dog is soon to retire. The lights tell of the greater light that shines in the darkness, and that the Tickets are available advance from Sarah on 01380 870577/ sarah@mil- darkness shall never over-come it. Edward Condry lier.org.uk or on the evening at the door. Ticket Prices are £8 and £2 for under 16’s. Sarah Henry 4 33 In 1776, with a £40 reward offered for his capture, and acquiring the blame for all sorts of crimes across numerous counties in which he had played no Just to Sing Carols:- part, Boulter decided that things were too difficult for him locally. So, he Carolling around the Village decided to head north – to Yorkshire. But in that county, it was not long St Mary the Virgin, Steeple Ashton Monday 18th Deember until he was arrested – and sentenced to death. Yet Thomas Boulter escaped Meet at 6:30p.m. at the the hangman’s noose: he was pardoned, after agreeing to “take the King’s LASAGNE SUPPER Methodist Church Shilling” and join the army. & ENTERTAINMENT Everyone welcome! However, having secured his life in this way, Boulter then promptly (Bring light and wrap up. deserted – and travelled south to Bristol. It was here, at an alehouse, that Finishing with hot chocolate) Saturday 3rd March 2018 Thomas Boulter was to make a decision which would eventually lead to his AND/OR at 7.30pm downfall. “Mincepies” Thomas was no angel; but while on the run in that Bristol alehouse, he Tickets £15.00 Wednesday 20th December met, and agreed to go into partnership with, a ruthless individual who had Carols in the Village Hall no time for his easy manner: James Caldwell. Once he had joined forces 7 p.m. -9 p.m. with this man, some of the sympathy Boulter may have previously enjoyed Available from the Village Shop: 01380 871211 All ages Welcome break at 8 for began to disappear. sleepy to go to bed. Operating together, the pair targeted travellers across the south west. Cash wine Bar During the afternoon of Monday 22 December 1777, between Salisbury and Devizes, Boulter and Caldwell robbed a total of nine “citizens of substance”. But the following year, their luck finally ran out. 12th Night & Epiphany Celebration While heading north, they were caught at Birmingham – attempting to Concert in St Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton at 7.30 pm sell a pocket watch – arrested, and then taken to London. Boulter, through Saturday 6th January 2018 bribery, managed to escape from Clerkenwell and go on the run once again. Stop Press Graham Dalby and the Choir of the Western Wynde But with money on his head, he was eventually recognised, and re-appre- hended, in Dorset – at the Castle Inn, Bridport – trying to reach Portland for refuge on his way to France (the tied island of Portland was a place where one could seek sanctuary). At Winchester Assizes on 31 July 1778, Thomas Boulter and James Cald- well were sentenced to be hanged, on 19 August. Caldwell was 26 years old; Boulter, 30. A showman to the last, as his final moments came, Thomas was said to have joked from the gallows with the assembled crowd. Thomas Boulter had begun his roadside robberies in 1775 – just three years before his execution. Some among the less wealthy mourned his death, as he had been known to help them. But this is not quite where the story of the “Flying Highwayman of Wilt- shire” comes to an end. Soon after his August execution, eerie tales began to circulate, which con- tinued for many years. Witnesses would swear that they had seen Thomas Boulter on Salisbury Plain – disappearing at speed on Black Bess into the moonlit mist… Bryan Berrett 32 5 Steeple Ashton Village Shop a stone shell. But hidden under ivy on its north end wall, a reminder of its former life can still be found: the hatch opening – from where tolls were A very Merry Christmas taken. and a peaceful New Year to you all! Less than a mile from these ruins, on the south side of the road from Keevil to Bulkington just over the brook bridge, stands ‘Turpin’s Stone’. And a big THANK YOU to those of you who have supported your This reads: village shop in 2017! Dick Turpin’s dead and gone. This stone’s put here to think upon. OPENING HOURS FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR This reference to the infamous “Gentleman of the Road” is thought to have 24th December Christmas Eve 9 – 12 am been a warning to those thinking of turning to highway crime – such as local 25th Christmas Day and 26th Boxing Day CLOSED man Thomas Boulter: the “Flying Highwayman of Wiltshire”. 27th – 30th December Normal Opening Hours Born at Poulshot Mill, Boulter, the son of a convicted horse thief, looked 31st New Year’s Eve 9 – 12 am to emulate Turpin – who was hanged at York in 1739, 36 years before our 1st January 2018 New Year’s Day CLOSED own ‘dashing outlaw’ took to the road. Said to have laughed and joked with his victims, Thomas Boulter was known to hand back small items of senti- The Friends’ Oil Scheme mental value if their owner was distraught – and he claimed to have never Please place your December order buy Friday 15th December robbed a poor man, or killed anyone. Boulter was seen as well-dressed (no for delivery on Thursday 21st. doubt due to his ill-gotten gains), a charmer with the ladies and is said to have mixed socially with some of his wealthier victims – without their knowledge: riding in the Badminton Hunt as one example. A good rider and judge of “horseflesh”, he often rode “borrowed” horses, THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION his favourite being ‘Black Bess’ – named after Turpin’s famous steed. On POPPY APPEAL 2017 this and other mounts Boulter covered great distances in a single day. On in one occasion, while being pursued after carrying out three hold-ups near Steeple Ashton, Great Hinton, Keevil, Bulkington and Erlestoke Windsor, he rode 80 miles in 10 hours to Poulshot, on a horse called ‘Sun- shine’. Stopping three times for refreshment in local inns, the highwayman I should like to thank everyone in the five villages who worked so hard for restored his gallant horse at each stop with toast soaked in brandy. the Poppy Appeal this year. Our house-to-house collections are always good, and this year Great Hinton was outstanding. Visitors to Steeple Ashton shop, the Longs Arms, the Lamb in the Strand, the Well, Cumber- well Golf Club and Keevil School were very generous. The Poppy Appeal also receives the Remembrance Day Collections from St Mary’s, St Leon- ard’s, St Saviour’s, and Christchurch, plus donations for wreaths from vil- lage institutions, and for all this effort and generosity my grateful thanks. The tax reclaimed through the Gift Aid scheme means that we shall con- A depiction of the “Flying tribute nearly £3,000 to the Poppy Appeal this year. Highwayman of Wiltshire”, jumping a tollgate on Black Bess Lydia Peters Poppy Appeal Organiser TEE 14 6 31 Steeple Ashton WI We began our November meeting by standing for a minutes silence to remember one of our members who died recently. Betty, although in her 90’s was still an active member of our group. She always made an entry in our monthly competition and gained some points on a very regular basis. Members were given details of the Spinner Group Carol service to be held at North Bradley in December and of the activities planned by Wiltshire Federation. Details of the membership of the Board of Trustees for the Wilt- shire Federation was also announced. Members bought to the meeting the hats, gloves and finger puppets they had knitted to be given to children in other countries via charitable organi- sations. It was a lovely colourful collection of 117 hats, 2 cardigans, 4 finger pup- pets and 5 hats and glove sets. Small gifts, all Christmas wrapped, were also bought for people who have little at Christmas. These will be put with other donated by WI groups across the country and given to men and women across Wiltshire. The Steeple Ashton turnpike house and gate appear on a 1760 village map. The evening entertainment was organised by Karina, one of our members. An 1841 map shows the house only; and by the time the Ordnance Survey We had an informal Get to Know You session followed by a quiz that taxed Map of 1889 was published, this building too had disappeared. (A more our brains and memory. Thank you Karina for a happy hour. detailed account of this turnpike road, and its milestones, can be found in The evening ended with our annual Christmas Bring and Buy stall. the November 2015 issue of the newsletter.) Our December meeting will be our members Christmas Party, we are look- Not far away though, the remains of another local toll house still exist. ing forward to be entertained by the Bellini Girls and singing carols. Just within the parish of Keevil, tight up against the A361 by a narrow Have you thought about joining the WI? Why not make 2018 the year junction around a quarter of a mile east from the Lamb-on-the-Strand, are or join us for for our January meeting to see who we are and what we do. the ruins of Keevil toll house. Wednesday 10th January 7.30pm in the Village Hall is the time and place. We are having a talk about the role of the Royal Mail Guard. We look for- ward to seeing you. The WI members wish everyone in the village a Very Happy and Healthy Christmas. Kathy Fielding Steeple Ashton WI China Some individuals and organisations regularly borrow the WI willow pat- tern cups, saucers and plates. We are happy to continue doing this in 2018; however, we feel we need to ask for a small donation of £5 each time this is borrowed to cover replacement expenses. This will come into effect on 1st Old Keevil Toll House: mid 1970s & today January 2018. Built or converted in around 1752 after the road from Seend to Beckington Also, if anyone is thinking of disposing of any willow pattern cups (nothing (via Trowbridge) was turnpiked, this building was part of the nationwide toll else!) please would you consider donating it to the WI before sending it off to system until 1870. It remained occupied, as a family home, right through the charity shop? We have plenty of plates and saucers, but would like to have into the 1950s. Today, with the roof long gone, what remains is essentially a few more cups. Any queries please contact: Alison Evans – 01380 870623. 30 7 Christmas Greetings continued from the front cover
Our very best wishes for a Jayne and Peter wish our Peaceful, and Happy Christmas friends in the village a very to all our friends and neigh- happy Christmas and New Year bours in Steeple Ashton and Great Hinton. Richard and Susan Cottle Pat and Jill Awdry and all at Spiers Piece Farm wish everyone Wishing all our Friends and in Steeple Ashton a very Happy Neighbours in Steeple Ashton Christmas and a great 2018, A Happy Christmas and a ‘Good Health, Luck and Happiness’ Healthy, happy and prosperous New Year David and Anne Little would The George Inn (now a private house) Rene and Derek Jefferies like to send all their friends and neighbours in Steeple Ashton While there was a choice of other coaching inns along the route – including Jo and Robbie Campbell send best wishes for Christmas and the Lion & Fiddle at Hilperton (originally the Cat & Fiddle), and our own greetings and good wishes for the New Year Coach & Horses (now the Longs Arms) here in Steeple Ashton – resting the Christmas and the New Year night at the George Inn would have provided a fresh team of horses for the to all their friends following morning, ready to tackle the steep ascent onto the downs. in the village. A Very Happy Christmas and On from the George, once up through a Best Wishes to ALL for 2018 cutting in the hill just to the south known From Jo, Peter and Penny as Salisbury Hollow, they would then be Wishing all my friends in the Hornsey and Golden Retrievers faced with the most dangerous part of the village a very Merry Christmas journey: the route across the Plain – where and a Happy and Healthy the dreaded highwaymen were known to New Year! Caren Felton Good tidings of Great Joy lurk. Wishing family and friends a According to Adam Fox in his 2000 book happy Christmas and a peaceful ‘Oral and Literate Culture in England Val Williams wishes all her New Year 1500-1700’: lovely village friends a very In Christian love from Happy Xmas and great 2018 Margaret and Derek Dray Wiltshire folk would claim that Salis- bury Plain was ‘never without a thief or twain.’ This is to send Christmas and New Year greetings to all my friends - I hope they have an excellent holiday. I will make a donation to the People’s Dispensary for Sick animals instead of sending cards. Early Lion & Fiddle sign at Best wishes, Lystra Hilperton (date unknown) 8 29 Ride and Stride 9th September 2017 The weather for the Ride and Stride event this year was cool and showery, an improvement at least on the heavy rain last year. Geoff Witts was again the only participant from our parish. He visited twenty five churches, the same as last year, but raised just slightly more money with a total of £224. Half of this sum will go to St Mary’s and half to Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust. Many thanks to all those who sponsored Geoff so generously and also to all those who steadfastly manned the church from 10am to 6pm so that those who visited us could be recorded and greeted. This makes such a difference to those taking part. Please consider taking part next year as more participants in the parish could greatly enhance the money raised. Details will appear in the Parish News nearer the time. Geoff Witts
The Choir of New College, Oxford Friday 1st December at 7pm ‘One of the pre-eminent choirs in the world’
Music for Advent and Christmas at Edington Priory Church with mulled wine and mince pies
Tickets £20/£15/£10; 18 and under, free Tel: 01380 831258 Christmas & New Year Waste & Re-cycling Collection Changes E: [email protected] Please check your collection days at: Full programme information at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/rubbish-collection-days www.edingtonarts.org All household recycling centres will also be closed from 1PM on 24 December and all day on 25 December, 26 December, William Light and 1 January. At all other times normal opening hours will Painting & Decorating apply, 10AM-4PM, five days per week. We encourage residents Carpentry & General Home Maintenance to visit at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/household-recycling- Professional & Friendly Service centres to check which days your local centre is open. Tel: 07974 302025 Email: [email protected] 28 9 FROM THE ARCHIVES
‘Steeple Ashton & Great Hinton Newsletter’
In December 1973...
These bonfire night festivities took place in what was, at that time, the last field at the top-left of Acreshort Lane – owned by John and Jean Phillips of Home Farm, High Street. (It’s now, after hedgerow removals, the end sec- tion of a huge field which runs for about three quarters of the lane’s length.) Admission was free, and it was a ‘bring-your-own-mug-and-fireworks’ affair. Events kicked off at 6.30pm with a best-dressed Guy competition, with a cash prize and the winner also having the honour of placing their creation on top of the bonfire.
Exploding horsebox averted, November 5th celebrations continued in the field for some years afterwards. On one occasion – possibly the extra-hot 1973 night itself – a nearby tree ended up partially burnt after the evening’s events! By 1975, the Acreshort Lane bonfire night began with a lantern pro- cession from the Longs Arms, with prizes for best lanterns.
As to the construction of the bonfires themselves, there was, of course, only one person in Steeple Ashton who could be given responsibility for their organising...
Mr Guy Bagnall!
10 27 In January 1974...
SACT Advent Lunch Methodist Church Wednesday 6th December 12 noon for 12:30pm Bring a plate of food to share
Our Christingle Service: January 14th David Berrett at 10-30am. This is a lovely service with Candles and Oranges. Donating all money raised to the Church of England Children’s Society. They are a Charity that supports STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS disadvantaged children and families across the country. Do come and join us for this As the year draws to a close, I must thank all those of you who have sup- worthwhile cause. Tea & Coffee afterwards. ported our film nights throughout 2017. We have had wonderful feedback Family Worship Group from our audiences and are very appreciative of the enthusiasm and com- mitment shown to secure the future for Steeple Ashton Films. Postal Collections in Steeple Postal Collections I am in the process of organising the Spring season and these are the films Ashton in Great Hinton and dates we have chosen. Please bear in mind these have not yet been con- Mon - Fri Saturday firmed and may be modified if the distributors delay releasing any of them. If you would like up to date information on Steeple Ashton Films, please let 10am Longs Arms 4.15pm Mon - Fri Saturday me have your e-mail address and I will add you to our mailing list. 11am Newleaze 12noon 4.15pm 8.30am Provisionally, the 2018 Spring season dates and film titles will be: 11am Ashton 11.30am January 27 My Cousin Rachel Common February 24 Victoria and Abdul March 24 The Audience Steeple Ashton Village Hall Contact Details April 14 Murder on the Orient Express New Daytime/Work Telephone Number: 01225 703144 We will not be showing a film in December, but we plan to show four New Evening/Home Telephone Number: 01225 356196 films in the Spring. We felt the quality of films available this time made the New Email Address: [email protected] choices difficult and we couldn’t reduce to three! Payments and booking forms can still be posted to: It is just left to me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Moorfield Farm, 2 Church Street, Steeple Ashton Healthy New Year. Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6EW Alison Wilson, Marcus Wilson and Deborah Fox Many thanks, Sandra Stevens Steeple Ashton Films [email protected] 26 11 Steeple Ashton Natural History Club December 2017 Darkness and Night. Proud to have served our community for over Now is the time we approach the winter solstice. This is the shortest day 20 years. We are experienced in arranging when early man made offerings to the sun to beg it to return to the world. services for all denominations and beliefs, The big festivals at Stonehenge were for the winter solstice not the summer or none at all. Eric Lépine Payment plans available on request one, and early Neolithic man built a special chamber at Maeshowe mound Our care begins from the first phone call in Orkney to align the doorway, so that the first rays of the re-emerging sun Managing Director Offices in Trowbridge and Westbury would illuminate the holy chamber. Tel: 07787 557599 44b Castle St, Trowbridge tel: 01225 775259 I write to praise night skies and the darkness of night. Email: [email protected] 16 Warminster Rd, Westbury tel: 01373864944 Website: www.silkwisecatering.co.uk Chapel of Rest For humans, yes we don’t see well, even with enough Vitamin A, and this 6 Lamberts Marsh, Southwick tel: 01225774788 is our sleep time. Our body clocks reach the lowest ebb, and start to speed up only at 5am. But we need this darkness: recent research has shown that Loose Covers and Curtains small babies start to develop their diurnal variation (body clocks) early on could you advertise here? and the quality of “settling” at night improve when they are kept in darkness, Individually made to your own Please call Sarah on without a “nite lite”. Our pineal gland in the centre of our brain responds to specifications darkness and it triggers melatonin hormone to regulate our body clocks. 01380 871753 Free estimates It does no good to sit in front of the artificial light of TVs and the computer or email: Sue Hocking screen (as I do now) - we need the dark. Maybe we were meant to wonder [email protected] at the night sky: galaxies, comets and stars and moon, to calm us too? Alas 01225 865706 with the majority of humans now living in urban environments the majority 0774 8780985 now no longer see the stars! [email protected] But there is fear there for us for predators in that blackness: real wolves. But now towns are lit, for our convenience and also to give better safety. Victorians started to light the streets and the crime rates, indeed, fell. But these lights shining all the time are the very devil for the animals and birds that are attuned to the dark: badgers, foxes and hedgehogs. Even worms will come to the surface and actively pull the pebbles over their holes at night. Locally we have our bats to hunt moths when on warm winter nights they can come out of their torpor. Pipistrelles, as I alluded last month, too can tolerate a little light. But the rare Bechsteins that are roosting in woods south of Trowbridge are very adverse to light and will not breed or feed. Roger F says, “Walking the dog around the village on these dark evenings I have been hearing migrating redwing. I can’t see them just hear their flight call as they pass over presumably on their way further west, or south.” (Go on the bird list and find the redwing call link.) I do know that there are publications regarding bird deaths when they collide with lit buildings espe- cially when on migration. The light confuses them as they use moon/star light to navigate.” He continues: “I also thought that I haven’t been hearing tawny owls as much as in recent years. Then just the next evening I heard a tawny calling from an area near to the recently refurbished chicken sheds down Hinton Lane. Just the ki-wick call, no t-hoo response though. The t’wit-t’woo call is two separate birds, the t-hoo’o’o being the female’s response. Not heard 12 25 any screeching from barn owls. Most screeching is probably vixens around here.” Steeple Ashton should be very proud that we have very few street lights. I hope we will continue this way. We are lucky to be safe from human and animal predators! Now Christmas comes and the winter solstice is much celebrated with lights and special displays to enchant us. But please remem- ber that they should be switched off at a reasonable time for the other crea- tures, and also remember that even if we pay for the energy, our planet can’t sustain it. Next meeting: The Methodist Church, November 30th,* 6.45 pm. All welcome. Bring any natural history photos. This is not a natu- ral history competition! More to share a moment or time when you have wanted to take that good shot, even if the bird has flown out of frame when you have taken it! Please see also http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment- 42059551 for a BBC website article on 22 Nov. All news: Penny Aeberhard, 01380 870602, penny.aeberhard@btinternet. com or David Culverhouse, 01380 871621, [email protected] St Mary’s Church This edition of the magazine covers Advent, Christmas and Epiphany a dynamic time in the church year. There are adjustments to the normal rota of monthly services in December so please check the service grid as to what is happening. We would like to thank all the priests and worship leaders Tel: 01380 870661 or 07812754847 who have helped take services since Rev Parker retired, and look forward Wedding Specialist to their continued help on into 2018. Likewise thanks to those who help All other floristry work undertaken on request Rachel Howe the church in many other ways, with cleaning, flower arranging, tending the Qualified Florist - National Floristry Design Award (Distinction) churchyard and numerous other tasks that keep the church functioning, all Little Martins For Personal individual Attention of which is very much appreciated by the churchwardens. 69a Martins Road Enquiries Welcome Keevil The New Year will be a year of development for St Mary’s, for the building BA14 6NA Home Consultations Available Website: rachelsflowers.co.uk with the installing of kitchen facilities and a toilet, and for the parish as we Email: [email protected] look forward in anticipation to the arrival of our next vicar. For enquires re services or pastoral matters please continue to contact the churchwardens. Roger Meade Michael Moore 01380 870988 01380 870280 [email protected] [email protected] We invite all families and friends to our Carol and Toy Gift service on SUNDAY DECEMBER 10th at 10.30am At this service we donate TOYS & Gifts to families in the area less fortunate that ourselves, sending the CHRISTMAS message of LOVE and Goodwill. Do come and join us for this Happy service. Tea & Coffee afterwards. 24 13 Village Diary The Newsletter prints a Diary of Events each month. Alison Mobile Hairdresser If you are organising activities in the village, you may wish to Have your hair done in the comfort contact me to avoid a clash of events. Helen of your own home. Regular events in Steeple Ashton Village Hall, unless otherwise stated competitive rates. 25 years experience in Womens, Monday Ballroom Dance Classes; 7.00pm. Tel: 07917 573831 Steeple Rocks; 7.30pm. Venue, call 01380 871890 Mens and Childrens hairdressing. Call Allison on 07974125840 Rainbows; 5 - 6pm. Amy Lester: 871785 0r email - or 01225 519755 Tuesday [email protected]. Brownies; 5.30 - 7pm. Term Time. Carolyn Collis: 01380 870379 Guides; 7 - 8.30pm. 8am Prayers in St Mary’s Church Wednes- Baby and Toddler Group; 10.00am - 12noon 1st and 3rd Wednesdays; Forget-Me-Not Club, 2.30pm. 2nd Wednesday; Women’s Institute, 7.30pm Thursday Dance! Dee Dee Wilde, 10.30am contact 01380 870 489 YOGA; 10.30am - 12noon Friday Walking group meets at the Longs Arms; 2.30pm Friday Club; 3.45pm - 5.30pm, Term Time. Contact 01380 870013. December 1st Fri Concert, Edington, 7pm 6th Wed Forget-Me-Nots, Christmas Bingo etc, VH, 2.30pm 6th Wed 20th Mobile Library; 11.15 - 12.15, Steeple Ashton, The Green 6th Wed SACT Advent Lunch, Mathodist Church, 12 for 12.30pm 9th Sat Christmas Lights on, 5.30pm, Village Green 9th Sat Concert, Edington, 7pm, see p4 13th Wed Forget-Me-Nots, Christmas Lunch, see p4 18th Mon Carols around the Village, 6.30pm, see p5 18th Mon Main Parish Council, VH, 7.30pm 29th Fri Concert, Devizes, see p5 Jan Wed Library, 3/17/31, as above 8th Mon Parish Council, Planning Issues only, VH, 7.30pm 27th Sat Film, My Cousin Rachel, VH, 7.30pm 29th Mon Main Parish Council, VH, 7.30pm 14 23 Computer Problems? Your local and reasonably-priced service Only a few left of New Dell Inspiron 9400 17” laptops. Fast Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 6gb ram. Windows 7. Microsoft Office. Wifi, DVD-RW & anti-glare screen. Just £150 Owen Burton - 07765 774908 Seend Cleeve [email protected]
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HALLOWEEN FANCY DRESS COMPETITION - As we had only four entrants for the date advertised we decided to have a re-run on the 31st October. Twelve children attended and the three winners were Monty Lester, William Ince and Ely Scobell. However, since there were many original and inspired costumes it was a difficult decision to make so we gave a little prize to everyone who had made the effort to dress up. There was the usual hot chocolate for the competitors and much fun was had by all! Many thanks to all who were involved in making the occasion such a success. SHOP LOYALTY SCHEME – After ending the coffee shop scheme we began the new Shop Loyalty Scheme on the 13th November. The idea is that customers spending over £5 per visit will receive one stamp, over £10 two stamps, etc. When their card is full (10 stamps) they will be awarded a £5 voucher to be spent in the shop. This scheme excludes the purchase of certain items such as cigarettes, newspapers, stamps, locally produced handicrafts and charity cards and calendars. SHOP GIFT VOUCHERS - Stuck for a useful gift? Shop vouchers can be purchased in denominations of £5 – together with an attractive card they make an ideal gift for any occasion. CHRISTMAS RAFFLE – We have an attractive variety of prizes to be won with this year’s Christmas Raffle so we hope that everybody in the vil- lage will participate! Tickets available at the till. CHRISTMAS GIFTS - Check out our Christmas Stock – you will find plenty of tempting things on the shelves that we don’t normally stock. And if you are looking for that last minute, not-too-expensive present, why not choose from the recently introduced range of chocolates, preserves, chut- neys and teas or shop tea towels and shopping bags. We have a selection of Christmas cards and we also sell Christmas stamps. Prosecco, wine, beer and spirits are on sale too. CHRISTMAS MEATS and FRUIT and VEGETABLES – These can be ordered in advance for collection on the 22nd or 23rd December. Forms are available at the till and must be returned before the 14th December. SOUTHWICK COUNTRY PARK – The shop was part of a Christmas Market held at the tea rooms on the 26th November. We took advantage of the promotional opportunity and displayed a wide and tempting selection of shop products which created quite a buzz of interest. Now we wait in the hope that new customers will hurry to Steeple Ashton to see what else the shop can offer! Caren Felton 20 17 18 19