Issue 56 – July 2017

Shincliffe Show th 16 September Application Form inside

CHILDREN’S & YOUTH ORGANISATIONS USEFUL INFORMATION COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BABY AND TODDLER GROUP: Tuesday & Chair: Pete Hagger 386 7085 Thursday—9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. Secretary: Del Faye 386 0369 Contact: Alice Coombes Email: [email protected] [email protected] 07894738386 Contact us on Facebook SCOUTS & CUBS & BEAVERS KEEP FIT BY MOVING AND DANCING Website: www.durhamcityscouts.org.uk Thursdays at 8pm, WI HUT Contact: John Little Tuesdays at 12, St Mary’s Church Hall (Gentle Class) [email protected] Contact: Alison Swarbrick: 383 0346 GUIDES/BROWNIES/RAINBOWS PILATES District Commissioner Carole Forster: 372 1786 Contact: Alison Brown: 386 1094 Regional Office 01904 676076 SHINCLIFFE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets in the WI Website: wwwgirlguidingnortheast.org.uk Hall in Shincliffe Village on the first Wednesday in the SHINCLIFFE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB month. Communication Officer: Sarah McGuiggan President: Yvonne Willis: 386 2124 07786911060 Hall Bookings: Margaret Chapman: 386 3730 POLICE SHINCLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL Ring County Police Headquarters, Aykley Heads, for Chair: George Lee: 384 1437 Durham City Police Station and Police Clerk: Kate Cuthbert: 07701027450 Station: 0845 606 0365 Meetings on the third Tuesday in the month at 7.00 For all emergency calls ring 999 p.m. (except August) For all non emergency calls ring 101 Email: [email protected] COUNTY TRAVELLING LIBRARY – Alternate Website: www.shincliffeparishcouncil.co.uk Thursdays 12.40p.m. - 1.45 p.m. Contacting Shincliffe Parish Council and the Parish (outside 6, High Street) Clerk: - there are 5 councillors (in addition to the 1.50 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. Shincliffe Village Green Chairman) who can be contacted by ‘phone: - Nia Cook 384 9151 (Vice Chairman) SHINCLIFFE CHURCH OF David Duell: 384 8281 (CONTROLLED) PRIMARY SCHOOL Angela Lee: 386 5188 Head Teacher: Mr David Tait: 384 3739 Andrzej Olechnowicz: 386 5343 Friends Of Shincliffe School (Foss) David Stoker 3784300 Co-Chairpersons: The Parish Clerk can be contacted by phone or Email Rebecca Powell 07973 101 747 given above Claire Ketley 07515 918 685 DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL Councillor: David Stoker 378 4300 OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS Website: www.durham.gov.uk Furniture Help Scheme: Help Desk: 383 4567 0138 872 1509 SHINCLIFFE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY meets in County Durham Handy Person Service: the Church Hall on the third Monday in the month 375 3705 Membership Secretary: Barry Lawton: Bus Service Information - Traveline: 384 9979 0871 2002233 Contact: Bill Hateley: 386 5916 Link 2: dial a ride bus service: 383 5383 HOSPITAL Durham City CVS: fund raising/volunteering: University Hospital of North Durham: 384 4801 333 2333 If you wish to have an entry in this section, please Durham & Chester le Street Primary Care Trust, Out send it to the Editor. of Hours service: 215 1333 Please inform the Editor of any changes to, or errors in these entries

Published by Shincliffe Community Association and edited by Ken Watson. Views expressed are those of individuals and not necessarily those of the Association or the Editor. Shincliffe Community Association is registered charity number 1063309 www.shincliffe.org.uk Printed by The Coronation Press Ltd. . www.coronation-press.co.uk

WELCOME Welcome to the July Edition of Shincliffe Community Association Newsletter. Anyone is welcome to contribute. Newcomers to Shincliffe are very welcome to submit articles or suggest ideas for new contents. Our main aim remains to foster friendship and community spirit within Shincliffe, High Shincliffe, Houghall, Sherburn House, and the outlying farms – a total of over 700 homes. We hope that we can keep you up to date with community issues. Please mention SCAN when you contact our advertisers.

Ken Watson SCAN Editor [email protected] 5, Meldon Way, High Shincliffe, DH1 2PZ, Tel: 386 8955

Distribution Team: High Shincliffe: Alan & Linda Kelly Tel: 384 9661 Village and Houghall: Bill & Margaret Clatworthy Tel: 375 7480 Advertising: Andrew French Tel: 384 8209 Please use the above email address for any queries regarding adverts and/or contributions.

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25 The Parish Council News. Regular Articles Update on all of the local issues. 5 The Community Association. 27 Shincliffe Council Horticultural News and information about the Society. What’s happening down Association’s activities. your way. 7 The Woman’s Institute. The 36 Shincliffe Diary. Dates of current programme. activities detailed in the newsletter 8 Shincliffe Local History Society. Check the website Features 11 St. Mary’s Newsletter. With ‘Your Parish Priest Writes…’ From the 8 History – Samuel Ellis, Registers, News about the Church Watchmaker Of Shincliffe And Hall and Belfry News. The latest Durham by Julie Goodhart from the Ringers. 18 Shincliffe Show Application 22 Shincliffe Primary School. News Form from the school. 34 Cute Little Birdies. Latest article 25 Shincliffe Junior Football Club. from Julie Goodhart. Join the club.

3 SHINCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWS Murder Mystery Night Unfortunately the Murder Mystery Night which was programmed for 6th May this year had to be cancelled. It clashed with numerous other celebrations and as the time grew nearer to the night we realised that not only were the audience involved in the other events but so were our actors. We are proposing to run the event later this year so watch out for the announcement in the next SCAN. Community Association Membership Membership subscriptions represent an important contribution to enable the Community Association to continue, we have to be insured – at a cost of £200 per year, fund SCAN magazine and support our other activities. Indeed without financial support from the parish council, the parish church, our local councillor and advertising fees we simply would not be able to afford to produce SCAN, which helps us all keep in touch with news and information on the varied activities that many groups run within our community. So why not re-new your membership – or join for the first time. The cost is £2 for adults and £1 for children per annum. It is possible to subscribe for up to 5 years as a more convenient way to contribute. If you would like to make a payment directly to our bank account please e-mail our treasurer, Paul Stevens, at [email protected] and he will provide the account details to enable you to do this. We have included a membership form below. Completed forms can be handed to committee members or dropped off at 27, Telford Close, High Shincliffe.

SHINCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FOR 2017

Name ______

Address ______

______Section______

e-mail______(For us to send community messages only. Your address will not be divulged or shared.)

Please tick box for age range under 18 18+

I agree to abide by the rules of the Association

Signature ______

Fees: Under 18s £1.00, otherwise £2.00

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KNIT’N’NATTER Avenue Inn 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. Fridays Only £3 per week and includes tea, coffee and cake! Why not come and join our group of friendly crafters to learn a new skill or enjoy an existing one in like-minded company! We have many talented knitters and crocheters, and world-class natterers! You are welcome to bring along your current projects or join us in charitable knitting as we continue to donate hats, cardigans and blankets to special care baby units. If you would like to donate knitted or crocheted items we make blankets (approx. 20 x 20ins/50cm x 50 cm), cardigans (up to 16 ins/40cm) and hats (up to new-born) in pastel shades. We also welcome donations of wool. Please feel free to contact Del Faye on 0191 386 0369 if you have any questions

SHINCLIFFE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION KEEP FIT SESSIONS Move and dance to music. Tuesdays 12 noon till 1pm, in St Mary’s Church Hall, Shincliffe village. Gentle pace and includes some seated exercise (Doors open 11.45am) Thursdays 8pm till 9pm, WI Hut, Shincliffe (entrance by the traffic lights at the A181 near the Rose Tree pub) (Doors open 7.45pm) Over the summer there will be a break in sessions so I advise anyone thinking of coming for the first time to contact me in advance. Alison Swarbrick, 0191 383 0346; Email: [email protected] I am a Keep Fit Association (KFA) Teacher, working for Shincliffe Community Association. You can find more information and a video demonstration of classes at www.keepfit.org.uk

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EPILEPSY ACTION PURPLE DAY PLANT SALE 26TH MARCH 2017 The amount raised was a fantastic £285.50. All the money raised has gone to Epilepsy Action who support Specialist Epilepsy Nurses and people suffering from epilepsy. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and those who helped in advertising the event. Thanks to Lawrence at EDEN GARDEN CENTRE and Mark at PITY ME NURSERY for their kind donation of plants for the sale. Jill Mowle, Foxton Way.

SHINCLIFFE W.I. Shincliffe W.I. dates for: July, August, September, and October 2017 All meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month in the W.I. Hut, beginning at 7.30 p.m. New members will be made most welcome.

5th Jul Speaker: Maggie Taylor: Patchwork and Quilting Journey 2nd Aug Speaker: Sadie Ayton: Sadie the Bra Lady 6th Sep Jackets and Beetles: Beetle Drive and Jacket Potato Supper 4th Oct Speaker: Sue Vidler: Bach Flower Remedies

Additional events July-October 2017 The Reading Group will meet at 21 Hill Meadows on Thursday 13th July 2.00- 3.30 p.m. to discuss Marie-Elsa Bragg’s Towards Mellbreak There will be a visit to Lanchester Garden Centre on Thursday 20th July for Afternoon Tea at 3.30 p.m. The final meetings of the Banner Group will take place in July at times to be arranged.

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SHINCLIFFE HISTORY SOCIETY MEETINGS Come and join us 3rd Mondays in the Parish Hall at 7.30 pm. Entrance £3.00 SHINCLIFFE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY NEWS: Shincliffe Parish Council’s updated website is now live and a new section on Shincliffe Village History with photographs can be seen at www. shincliffeparishcouncil.co.uk Samuel Ellis, Watchmaker Of Shincliffe And Durham In 2011 Shincliffe Local History Soc. received an enquiry from Cornwall seeking information about a watchmaker named Samuel Ellis, together with a photograph (below) of one of his pocket watches with his name and ‘Shincliffe’ inscribed on the face. This watch had previously been in Coxhoe and was not working. Subsequent research has found three more examples of his watches, two marked ‘Shincliffe’ (one complete and only the movement of the second, see photo below) and the other ‘Durham’. Ironically they are now only a stone’s throw from where he was living in 1881. Also uncovered is the fairly remarkable career that he had, progressing from coalminer to watchmaker and jeweller. The question remains as to how many more examples of Samuel Ellis’ work remain in existence. Samuel Ellis was born in 1831 in Hawarden, Flintshire, (census return 1911) which was in the North Wales coalfield. He was first recorded in Durham in 1851 living with his younger brother, both coalminers, as lodgers in the household of a Flintshire born miner in Sunny Brow, Helmington Row, Crook. On the 16th June 1855 he married Sarah Cartwright at Hunwick and in about 1858 they appear to have been in Swalwell when a daughter, Sarah Ann was born. However in 1861 the census records that he was living at Collierley, near Pontop, and was a widower with not only Sarah Ann but also two stepchildren from his marriage. Interestingly, he was now listed as being a soda-water manufacturer. He married again on 26th March 1864 in Gateshead, this time to Eleanor Robson. By 1871 he was recorded in the census as being a coalminer once more, this time living in Wharton Street, Coundon, with Eleanor his wife, daughter Sarah Ann and a new son, William who had been born in in about 1869 where presumably they had been living after Collierley. His stepchildren from his first marriage had left the household. 8

The Ellis family were in Shincliffe by 1876 as another daughter, Mary, was born there then and the 1881 census records that Samuel was a watchmaker. At this time the family was living at 26 High Row, Shincliffe, which was then at Shincliffe Colliery, now known as High Shincliffe. The household contained Samuel and his wife, Eleanor, his son William aged 12, and at school, his daughter Mary aged 5 also a scholar, and his father in law and mother in law, both in their 70’s. Shincliffe Colliery closed in 1879 and subsequently many people moved away and houses stood empty. Unfortunately the Ordnance Survey map of 1897 (see below) does not name

OS map 1897 High Row. The 1881 census records all the streets in the area as ‘Rows’ and High Row was probably what is currently High Street although at that time it contained 27 houses, occupied mainly by coalminers or allied trades, and seemed to have extended north- westwards to just beyond Oak Tree house. In the sequence of census pages High Row comes between Bank Top (4 houses, including Mr Willis the grocer at no.1, the old shop) and Avenue Row in the other direction (24 houses with the last one being occupied by an innkeeper, The Avenue pub). The 1891 census records Samuel Ellis living at 36 Sutton Street, Crossgate, Durham, being both a watchmaker and jeweller, with his wife, son William who was a teacher of music and organist, and daughter Mary. Certainly by 1890 he had premises at 78 New Elvet in Durham

9 where he was listed in the 1890 edition of Kelly’s Directory as watchmaker. 78 New Elvet was at the north end of the present University Arts building. By the 1901 census Samuel Ellis was a widower living at 4 Allergate, Crossgate, and being a watchmaker working on his own account from home. A 30 year old niece, Jane Ellis was keeping house for him. Ten years later Samuel Ellis was retired and recorded as a widower with private means in 1911 when he was boarding with a family called Stabler at an address simply given as ‘Shincliffe’, probably 1 Prospect Terrace in Shincliffe village because the adjacent census record on one side is given as 2 Prospect Terrace and the adjacent record on the other side was a house occupied by a solicitor called Luxmoor, now demolished, east of Laxey Cottage (information from Mrs Stobbs 2017). At the same time his son was an organist and music teacher living at 12 Gilesgate, Durham. Samuel Ellis appears to have died in Durham in September 1915 as there is a death recorded then of that name of corresponding age. The pocket watch in Cornwall, marked ‘Sam’l Ellis Shincliffe’ on the face, was hallmarked in Chester in 1881 and the Durham watch is inscribed ‘Samuel Ellis Durham’ and the case is hallmarked Chester 1880.

A ‘Shincliffe’ watch face. The ‘Durham’ watch face. Samuel Ellis is listed in ‘Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World’ by Brian Loomes (pub. N.A.G. Press, 2006. ISBN-10-0-7198-0330-6), which makes no distinction between a maker and retailer of clocks or watches. The entry reads, ‘Ellis. Samuel. Shincliffe, Durham 1877- 84.’ The date of 1877 relates approximately to his time in Shincliffe but 1884 is premature as he is recorded as still working in the 1901 census. The story of Samuel Ellis is one of a man of considerable initiative and entrepreneurial skill. The description of ‘watchmaker’ will have covered buying in and then retailing watches under his own name. Whether he did any repairs is conjectural, as is the extent of his role as a ‘jeweller’. Nevertheless Samuel Ellis seems to have made his mark in Durham and was able to have a reasonably long retirement at the end of his working life. Hopefully publicity in the local press may produce further examples of Samuel Ellis’s work. If anyone has an example please contact Shincliffe Local History Soc., email [email protected] Towan Hancock 05/05/17

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Issue 151 The Parish Priest writes: “Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander” is the title of a spiritual journal of the renowned Catholic monk and author Thomas Merton . A journal of entries in the 1960’s, it contains theological and philosophical profundities, comments on national events, such as the assassination of Kennedy, reflections on developments in the Church and the Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky where he lived. The latter including the minutiae of monastic life, especially amusing are his swipes at the tedious “study days” and the selections of readings at the silent meals in the refectory. Merton emerges as a taciturn and good natured person, with an inquiring and alert mind, who is nevertheless fully able to deliver the occasional jesting and deprecatory remark. He is not much bothered with the movements of his time in art and theology toward pop art and secular theology. He doesn’t care to dismiss them, he observes that they are what they are, namely, motions of the ephemeral mood of the time with no lasting significance. He is though constantly concerned with the violence and racism of American society; with the atrocities of the world war still being uncovered, and is particularly struck by the association of what he calls the technological age, with its drive for machine-like efficiency and the measuring of results and its outcome in war and mass murder. An abiding question for Merton is the matter of a healthy attitude to the world and its opposite, which he, quite naturally for an orthodox Christian, calls worldliness. Merton is at his most enlightening here since he refuses to look out of the monastery to locate easy targets, but looks instead to the way that the human soul is formed by and in the world, no matter whether that soul be found in the city or in the monastery. He writes: “What I mean by ‘worldliness’ is the involvement in the massive and absurd mythology of technological culture in the contorted and obsessive gyrations of its empty mind.” His descriptions of worldliness are instantly recognisable from one’s own responses. Worldliness, in Merton’s understanding, “is precisely the anguished concern to keep up with an ever-changing, complex, and fictitious orthodoxy in taste, in politics, in cult, in belief, in theology and what not, cultivation of the ability to redefine one’s identity day by day in concert with the self- definition of society.” Powerfully and recognisably the world we live in, though perhaps some of those gyrations have mutated a bit in the intervening decades. We might today Shincliffe St. Mary’s Newsletter 11 think more about the pressures put on people to perform, or even to justify their existence in the first place in economic measures. Nevertheless, these mutations are certainly easily traceable within the kind of mythology Merton describes. The key thought here is that worldliness is a mythology. It is not necessarily a right or accurate description of the reality of the world, but it is an all encompassing one. The self is formed as if in a drama whose script is given. The assumptions of this script are never questioned, and everything that is said or done seems to reinforce its reality. Given this mythological character of the reality called worldliness Merton is in no position to offer any solutions. In fact he offers very few, although he remains always a devout member of the Catholic Church and a practising monk. The monastery can provide no shelter from the world in this sense, and certainly no solutions, but what it can offer is a place within which some of those governing assumptions and scripts can be seen for what they are. Revelation for Merton means the insight into reality that comes from God’s Spirit suggesting that alternative ways are still available for us. Something of this space and time is given to us through the church that depends on your prayers for its well-being. With love and prayers, Peter

From the Registers Baptisms 19th March Holly Amber Reed of High Shincliffe 2nd April Jasmine Olivia Ward 30th April Annabel Lily Glass of Shincliffe Theo Gray Laws of Durham 14th May Lucy-Ella Broom of Bowburn Pastoral Care Lucy Potts The Pastoral Care Team of St. Anthony McLaughlan Mary’s Shincliffe offers care and Holly Watson support to the community and Funeral parish. They visit the 3rd February Murial Thorpe housebound and those who are 18th April Margery Gascoigne Cooper ill. If anyone would like to see a aged 100 friendly face and have a chat Burial please contact Tess Hagger 386 14th March Edith Ronson (funeral at St. 7085 Oswald’s) 7th April Alice Rollason

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Social Activities The annual trip the Pavilion at Iveston took place on Tuesday 9th May when over 50 people attended. As in so many earlier years the food was excellent and everybody seemed to enjoy the occasion immensely. £500 for church funds was raised. The next social occasion is the Garden Party. This is an important event not only in terms of fundraising, including work on the church hall, but it is a community activity and all are welcome. See later for further information. The Church Hall The feasibility study into "potential redevelopment and improvement proposals of the Church Hall" is Durham Churches now available and will be discussed at the next Together meeting of the PCC on Monday 26th June. www.durhamchurches.uk Although the work has not yet gone out to tender the This Website has a map and guideline costs are significant but in the expected gives links to the 34 churches range for the type of work envisaged. As has been -including St Mary's mentioned in earlier editions of SCAN the work, Shincliffe. (Submitted by because of financial constraints, will be undertaken on Revd. Alan Middleton) a phased basis in line with available funds. We are exploring grants and other fundraising activities. In all probability, subject to PCC approval, the next phase will concentrate again on heat retention. We have already made improvements in this regard with the work completed last summer through the triple glazing of the windows. The roof and wall insulation come into this equation and the cost identified in the feasibility study for this work is estimated to be in the region of £26,000.We have some thinking to do! And fundraising! The Garden Party In our village at Shincliffe there is a church and next to the church is our Community Church Hall. You may have read earlier about the ‘Feasibility Study’ and that essential work is required to improve and maintain this hall to enable it to be open in the future for use by all and anyone in our community. Every year in the summer there is a Garden Party held in the grounds of St Mary’s Church, where all the people are invited from the village itself, High Shincliffe and surrounding areas. This year that party is on Sunday 2nd July, starting with the sound of the Church Bells at 1.45pm, signalling that the festivities will begin at 2pm. There will be games and stalls run by children and adults from our church assisted by the ‘mini police’ from Shincliffe School and other members of our community.

Shincliffe St. Mary’s Newsletter 13

For those of you who attended the midnight service on Christmas Eve last, we were all enthralled by the sound of the organ playing and the sounds reverberating around the church. Richard Scothon has agreed to play the organ again during the afternoon whilst tea/coffee and scones are served inside the church. Outside in the church grounds there will be a static display of ‘Birds of Prey’ with an opportunity for you to take photographs of the birds on your arm or those of your children, grandchildren, family or friends. Please bring your camera or mobile phone. There will be a small charge of a £1, the monies going to the church hall fund. Christian Aid In the front garden of the church there A big thank you to everyone who took part will be a plant stall, cake stall, Pimms in this year's Christian Aid Week collection tent, with bottled beer, a BBQ, ice in Shincliffe. Thanks to all your efforts and creams, soft drinks and a sweet stall. kind donations, as a village we have raised Wine tasting and you may try and the grand total of £3,024.29 that is our guess the weight of a specially baked highest amount ever! This money will cake for a super prize. immediately go to support the work of Christian Aid in countries in Africa, Asia, In the back garden of the church, near Latin America and the Caribbean to help to the entrance to St Mary’s Close and some of the world's most poorest people - bordering the A177, there will be a both in emergency situations and for longer bouncy castle, face painting, tombola term development projects. Thank you once stall, coconut shy and ‘The ever again and we look forward to Christian Aid popular Stocks’. A juggler will be Week in May 2018! performing and many other games and St Mary's Christian Aid Committee. stalls will be open for your entertainment. In fact something we hope for every one of all ages. There will be tables and chairs where you can relax and have a wonderful time. As well as the entertainment we are holding a Grand Raffle to raise funds to support the work required on our community church hall, this includes major work to the roof itself. Raffle Tickets are currently on sale at £1 each or £5 per book available from Bill Clatworthy, Stuart Forster, Alison Pragnell and other members of our church community. They will be on sale until the day of the party and the draw will be at 4.30pm in the church grounds. As on previous years you do not have to be present to claim your prize, if you are lucky we will save your prize and contact you after the event. There are currently; as SCAN goes to print; 39 great raffle prizes to be won. It is all very exciting. You can eat, drink and thoroughly enjoy yourselves but you will have to pay £1 entry fee, children are free. At the end of the day we know you will go home happy, having met friends and acquaintances and hopefully made some new ones. This is a very special social community event please come along and join in the fun. Lots of people came last year and the feedback was really positive, we raised over £3,000, we hope to beat that this year.

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When 5 o'clock comes it will be time to go home. If you wish to stay and help clear up that would be really appreciated. We are still in need of helpers, donations, gifts, bottles, plants, books, bric-a-brac just yourselves to turn up on the day please. A big thank you to all who have donated gifts, prizes, time & money towards our fund raising Garden Party. Grand Raffle Prizes Diggerland, Entry Voucher for one person, with unlimited rides & drives. 10% discount for others. Tesco, Gift voucher value £10. Bowburn Hall Hotel, Sunday lunch for 4 in the conservatory. Poplar Tree Garden Centre, £20 gift voucher. The Avenue Pub, Steak meal for 2 with wine to the value £30. Sainsbury Arnison, Gift Hamper. Bistro Citron Vert Restaurant, Afternoon tea for 4 persons. B&Q, £20 Gift Voucher. The Great Yorkshire Show 2017, A family ticket, 11-13th July. Prince Bishop River Cruises, Voucher entitles 2 people to a 1 hour cruise, 6 prizes. Zen Thai restaurant Durham, £30 voucher. Crook Hall Gardens, A family pass for 1 year. Beamish Museum, 2 complimentary day tickets. Durham City Smiles, A Bottle of Scarpantoni McLaren Vale Chardonnay 2013. Alishaan Indian Restaurant, A £30 meal voucher. ASK Durham, A £25 meal voucher. Marriott Royal County Hotel, A leisure club day pass for 2 persons. PJA Motors Ltd, 4 prizes, 2 free mot’s. 2 free Gold services and a BOSCH childrens toy. Rose Tree Pub, A main course from the menu for 2 persons. Seven Stars Pub, A main course from the menu for 2 persons. Yvonne Willis, 2 prizes of floral basket or bouquet. Woven Gentlemen’s Outfitters Durham, A Gentleman’s Gift Box. The Village Optician, Sunglasses. GCA Financial Planning, 2 bottles of wine. Finnbar’s Restaurant, Meal for 2 value up to £60. Bottle Smirnoff Vodka. Plus other prizes have been promised.

Shincliffe St. Mary’s Newsletter 15

BELFRY NEWS In the months since the last Belfry News we have enjoyed many activities. The first thing to report is that a team of six ringers representing Shincliffe (five of our ‘native’ ringers and one visitor) won the silver Rose Bowl for called changes in the Central District striking competition heat. We didn’t unfortunately qualify to ring in the Final – but next year… If you didn’t read the last Belfry News, a striking competition is a competition where the aim is for teams to produce the most even (metronomic) ringing. Later on in the year some of us joined in the St Oswald’s ringers long weekend trip to East Anglia – this year staying in converted farm cottages near Norwich. The weather was a bit chilly, but we had a lovely time anyway, visiting about a dozen different churches in the area, many of them historically very interesting. We were, as always, made very welcome by the local ringers, of whom several made us cups of tea. The next event was the Shincliffe ringers’ annual dinner at the Seven Stars. A good time was had by all. Shincliffe, having six small easy-to-ring bells, attracts learners and more experienced ringers who wish to make progress in different ways from all over the Durham area. So we usually have a good number of people at our practices, including quite a lot of young people. There is now a Diocesan Young People’s group for the under-25s, though many of the participants are teenagers or younger. Several Dioceses have young ringers’ groups, who compete in a national Young Ringers’ striking competition each year. We are lucky in Durham in that we have very good relationships with local students – we help out with their practices, and they help out with ours. We have no “Town v. Gown” issues at all. But we welcome anyone of any age who would like to join us, either at Shincliffe, or at St Oswald’s, St Nicholas’ or indeed at the Cathedral. For details of all, do go to www.durhambellringers.org.uk which will give you details of all the ringing going on in and around Durham city; or more locally go to St Oswald’s website www.oswaldsbells.org.uk which will give you all the details of our East Anglia trip. Jean Woodward – Secretary to the Shincliffe Guild of ringers – 0191 384 9957

New menu starting next month

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PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN BOWBURN & ELVET METHODIST CHURCHES Parish Priest: Revd. Peter Kashouris St. Oswald's Vicarage Ministers: [email protected] The Revd. Andy Longe 384 1221 Parish Office: 383 0830 The Revd. Shaun Swithenbank: 340 9701 [email protected] Church Wardens: Sunday Worship: Michael Banks 384 0183 Bowburn: 10.30 a.m. Michael Stewart 377 9029 Elvet Methodist church: 10.45 a.m. & 6.00pm St Mary’s Pastoral Team: Team Leader: Tess Hagger: 386 7085 Tuesday Kids Club at Bowburn: 5.30 p.m. (term Sunday Services: time) 8:00 am Holy Communion (3rd & 5th Sundays) 9:30am Parish Eucharist. Once a month there is an all ‘Messy Church’ at Bowburn: 5.30 p.m. (1st Tuesday age Eucharist, normally the first Sunday of the month. in month) 6:30 pm Evensong (3rd Sunday in month at St. Oswald’s at 6.00 pm) Wednesday Women’s Fellowship: 2.00 p.m. (1st Additional services and changes to the above are and 2nd of the month at Bowburn) posted on the notice boards at the church door and During university term times we have a Lunch Stop at outside the Church Hall. 12 noon at Elvet Confirmation classes: Details from the Parish Priest ST CUTHBERT’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Baptisms & Weddings: By arrangement with the Parish Priest; contact via Priest: Fr. Benjamin Earl OP, Parish Office Parish Priest: 384 3442 Ecumenical House Groups: Email: [email protected] Details from Martin or Joyce Bott www.stcuthberts-durham.org.uk 11, St. Mary’s Close, Shincliffe Village: 386 4021 Sunday Masses: 10.00 a.m.& 6.30 p.m. Choir: Music Coordinator – Harry Morgan: 384 6874 Weekday Masses: Bell Ringers: Monday 9.15 am Keith Hayton: 386 6585 Tuesday - 12.15p.m. Jean Woodward (Secretary): 384 9957 Wednesday 7.00p.m. Practice night: Tues., 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Thursday 12.15p.m. Church Flowers: Friday 12.15p.m. Yvonne Willis - 2, Hill Crest 386 2124 Saturday 9.15a.m. Church Cleaning: 2nd Tuesday in the month-more volunteers welcome. Confessions: Contact Barbara Stephenson 384 2822 Saturday 9.45a.m. – Parochial Church Council: 10.15a.m. Secretary: Pat Gibbs 386 2091 St. Mary’s Church Hall can be booked for: *private Holy Days – Obligation Masses: functions *children's parties *group meetings *coffee 12.15p.m. & 7.00p.m. mornings *commercial uses etc. Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals by arrangement Charges: from £30 There is a notice board on the Church gate with For availability and booking please contact: details of services. Susan Banks: Mob: 07796668946 Tel: 384 0183 Email: [email protected] OTHER RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION’S DETAILS Social Activities: A variety of social activities over can be found in the Clayport Library, Millennium the year. Details in SCAN delivered to every house in Place, Claypath, Durham: 386 4003 the parish

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SHINCLIFFE SHOW ENTRY FORM

The Shincliffe Show 2017 will be held on Saturday 16th September at Shincliffe School.

Classes are 50p per entry and you can enter as many as you like. Please complete the entry form below and return it with payment to any one of the following drop off points: Shincliffe Primary School, Paul Stevens 16,Ancroft Garth; Del Faye – 27 Telford Close; Rachel Shaw - 3 Rose Acre, Shincliffe Village. Please bring your exhibit to the school hall between 11am and 1 pm on Saturday 16th September. After judging the show will be open to everyone from 2.30pm until 4 pm.

Entries appreciated by 11th September (but can be entered on the day)

CATEGORIES CHILDREN’S PHOTOGRAPHY – ADULT 1a: My Favourite Photo of a Flower – 2a: My Favourite Portrait Photo of Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 only 2017 1b: My Favourite Photo of Durham – 2b: My Favourite View Photo of 2017 Years 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 only 1c: Handmade Cards & Crafts CRAFT 1d: Paint / Draw / Collage – with an 3a: Knitting & Crochet autumn theme 3b: Embroidery 1e*: Decorated Cupcake: to be 3c: Sewing decorated in the Hall during the 3d: Handmade Card Show - Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 3e: Painting / Drawing 1f*: Decorated Cupcake: to be 3f: Homemade Woodwork / Metalwork decorated in the Hall during the 3g: Open Category Show - Year 3 & Year 4 1g*: Decorated Cupcake: to be FLOWERS decorated in the Hall during the 4a: Single Flower Show - Year 5, Year 6 & Year 7 4b: Largest Sunflower Head *Note: cake will be provided. Please provide decoration/icing 1h: Vegetable Vehicle 1i: Open Category

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FLORAL ARRANGEMENT 7d: Root Vegetables (3 of similar size & 5a: Table Centre Arrangement – shape) surprise us 7e: Longest Runner Bean 5b: Arrangement of Foliage & Herbs 7f: Basket of 5 Vegetables 7g: Open Category JARS & BOTTLES 6a: Chutney BAKING 6b: Jams & Marmalade 8a: Cake 6c: Jellies 8b: Bread 6d: Homemade Wines & Fruit Liqueurs 8c: Pastry (sweet or savoury) 6d: Open Category 8d: Scones

GARDEN PRODUCE SCARECROW – new category 7a: Apples (3 of similar size & shape) This can be a solo or group entry. Your 7b: Other Fruit & Berries (3 of similar scarecrow can be no taller than 6 ft. / size & shape) 180 cm tall & we would like you to let 7c: Tomatoes (3 of similar size & your imaginations run riot shape)

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NAME (Block capitals please)………………………………………….….Tel: …………………………

Classes entered (50p per entry). Please write each code in the spaces provided, i.e. for ‘Apples’ write 7a etc.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

NAME (Block capitals please)………………………………………….….Tel: …………………………

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

I/We have entered ______categories and enclose payment of £______

If you would like to make more entries please continue on a separate sheet.

Thank you for supporting the Shincliffe Show

Shincliffe St. Mary’s Newsletter 19

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SHINCLIFFE C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL We have enjoyed another productive and enjoyable beginning to the Summer Term. The children have participated in a number of educational visits. These included a Northern Saints Workshop, visiting a Viking Village, visiting the ISKON Hindu Temple in Newcastle, undertaking geography fieldwork in Durham and and visiting Durham Cathedral. Further educational visits are planned for later in the term. We continue to provide a variety of after school clubs which include Fit and Fun, Gymnastics, French, School Worship Choir, Football, Netball Club, Razzamataz, Breakfast Sport, Cricket and Church Brick Club. A particular highlight of the term was the confirmation by the Bishop of Jarrow of 8 of our Year 6 pupils at St Mary’s in May. Sporting participation and success continues with each class having the opportunity to take part in a competition or festival. After the half term break we look forward to a number of events. Our Year One pupils are busy preparing for their ‘Brazilian Carnival’ which will celebrate Brazilian culture and our links with our partner school there. The whole school is looking forward to Sports Day. Our Reception Class new starters will soon commence their induction visits ready for joining us in September. Meanwhile, we are preparing to say goodbye to our current Year 6 pupils who will soon leave us for their respective secondary schools. We wish them well and thank them for their contribution to school life. They are eagerly preparing for both their Leavers’ Service at Durham Cathedral, Leavers’ Assembly in school and Leavers’ Service at St. Mary’s Church. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer. Mr. David Tait – Head Teacher SHINCLIFFE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB Shincliffe Junior FC is a fully accredited football club, which won the Durham FA Charter Status Club of the year award for 2016. The club is about creating a fun, rewarding environment for young players through well structured training, delivered by level 1 and 2 FA qualified coaches, one of whom was nominated for Coach of the Year by Durham FA. The club has mixed teams from under 7s to under 15s as well as under 12s and under 13 girls’ teams with more in development. We also have a development squad for younger players in reception to school year 2, run by an experienced coach with the aim of creating new teams in the future. The club welcomes any children keen to become involved in football. Experience is not important, just an enthusiasm to play, learn and be part of a team. Training is currently once a week, on Tuesday evenings for the development group and under 7s, Wednesday evenings for the girls’ teams and under 15s and Thursday evenings for the other age groups. Matches during the season are on a Saturday morning. If you would like any more information, please contact Sara Clasper on 07834268274

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Welcome to a summarised version of the Shincliffe Parish Council Annual Report 2016- 2017. The full report can be accessed via the NEW Parish Council website or by contacting the Parish Clerk. Pat Hudson and John Lightley In March 2017, recently retired Councillors Pat Hudson and John Lightley were guests of honour at an event to celebrate their work in the community over the years. A mini orchard of apple and plum trees were planted to mark the occasion and it represented a small gesture from the Parish Council and the community for Pat and John’s significant dedication to the community over many years. Thank you. Your new Parish Council Your new Parish Council took effect from Monday 8th May, 2017. This comprises of Councillors Cook, Duell, A. Lee, Olechnowicz, Stoker and myself. With one Parish Councillor vacancy, we have begun the process of co-option and I would expect to complete this process in June 2017. Local Council Award Scheme The Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) provides a framework to enable all local councils to meet their full potential. In March 2017, I’m pleased to announce that we have achieved the first milestone of ‘Foundation Award’ and this award will be presented by the Accreditation Panel Chairman at the June Parish Council meeting. A great deal of work was invested to achieve this award, highlighted by the fact that nationwide only 70 Parish or Town Councils have achieved a higher award status. As a Parish Council we are committed to working in a professional and transparent manner; supporting the community on important initiatives, and trying to continuously improve. We are now one step closer to the top award, ‘Quality Gold’, and creating a framework for excellence whereby your Parish Council can be efficient, effective and act on issues that impact our community and achieving the very best for our community. Horticulture Committee The community highlighted ‘pathways and verges’ in the most recent Parish Survey as an area of improvement. In autumn we had a good turnout for our first community gardening day. Residents and councillors worked together, sporting our new Parish hi- visibility jackets, to clear paths of mud, fallen leaves and overhanging branches. We also planted spring bulbs along the wall at the entrance to High Shincliffe. Thanks to

25 everyone who took part – and to the Avenue pub for providing refreshments at lunchtime. A further summer community gardening day is scheduled for June 2017. The Parish Front Garden Competitions continued to showcase some excellent displays deserving of the awards, including a special award to resident Claire Pragnell for her contributions; planting and maintaining flower beds, creating wildlife boxes and helping with community gardening and litter-picking days. The Beautiful Durham Awards took place in October, with both High Shincliffe and Shincliffe Village receiving awards for Best Village and Best Small Village, respectively. Sherburn Hospital was also awarded a Merit in the Best Sheltered Accommodation category. The judges visited the Parish in July and were impressed by the standard of residents’ gardens and the flower beds maintained by Marc Platts, our Parish Gardener. Finance Committee Established in May 2015, the purpose of the committee is to provide financial oversight and ultimately to ensure the stability of parish finances. In 2016 the committee implemented an additional internal audit performed by a Parish Councillor on a quarterly basis. This creates an additional layer of assurance before the official internal auditor’s review and represents good practice in line with the Transparency Code. It’s worth noting that in March 2017, the following initiatives were resolved at Parish Council: 1. Fencing to protect grass verges opposite ‘The Rosetree’ £2,200 (joint venture between the Parish Council (PC) and the Neighbourhood Budget (NB)) 2. Fencing to protect the grass verges at entrance to Farm Lane: £2,197 (NB) 3. A177 High Shincliffe, speed restrictions: £6,655: (joint venture PC and NB) 4. WI Hut: heating, lighting, insulation improvements: £14,394 (NB) 5. St Mary's Church Hall, Phase 2 of modernisation project, and a hearing loop: £10,000 (NB) 6. 7 defibrillators, 3 in the parish and 4 elsewhere in Durham South: £8,811 (joint venture PC and NB) 7. 4 grit bins, one in Shincliffe Village and 3 in High Shincliffe, plus salted grit: £900 (joint venture PC & NB) 8. Defib & Resus training: £890 Members’ Initiative Fund (MIF) 9. Shincliffe Community Association Newsletter (SCAN) support: £250 (MIF) 10. Student Community Action: £1,000 (MIF) The Parish Council resolved to contribute c£900 for extra grit bins & grit and £1,258.80 for a defibrillator (which would include training. County Councillor David Stoker was integral to facilitating this significant investment for the community. Speeding along the A177 Road markings were placed on the A177 at the southern entrance to High Shincliffe and in advance of the 40mph sign in 2016. In May 2017, gates have been placed at the side of the A177 at the southern entrance to High Shincliffe to give the impression of the road narrowing, and in conjunction with the horticulture committee, planting by the signs will help to improve the look of the village and ensure the gates are sympathetic to the parish. 26

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Parish Council Website & Notice Boards As a Parish Council we are committed to improving our communication and making Parish Council information readily available. In the summer of 2016 it was clear that the Parish Council website was showing its age and required an overhaul; technology had moved on. The notice boards were also in need of major repair or unsafe. After a tender process, all were replaced. Special thanks goes to our Clerk, Kate Cuthbert, and to Cllr Nia Cook for their dedication and professionalism on the website initiative – creating a brand new website from concept to implementation in a few months is extremely impressive. And special thanks also goes to Cllr Angela Lee who took ownership of replacing the notice boards – conducting the market research and also arranging delivery and fitting all within 1 month. It should be noted that the Parish Council applied for a Transparency Fund grant and were successful. We received a sum of £1,434.90 which covered the cost of the website implementation. Cyclists on the black path Some cyclists are using this path (behind Hillcrest) and riding at speed. One instance involved a motorbike. We are considering options to mitigate the issue, but please could I ask you to report any further instances to the Parish Council. Any further information in relation to the timings of such incidents and also the names of the groups of cyclists would be useful. Footpaths A resident had commented that some footpaths around the Parish were muddy due to people cleaning there boots on paths following football activity or walks. Please could residents take care to keep the footpaths free from mud. Door to door hawkers The Parish Council have received reports of ex-offenders selling products at the doorstep and some acting in an intimidating manner. Whilst this type of sale may not be illegal, some of the behaviour has been unacceptable and bordering on threatening. It should also be noted that it’s unclear whether those selling the products are doing so in an official capacity. If you experience any concerning behaviour such as the above, please contact the police on 101. Dog Fouling Incidents of dog fouling have been reported at High Shincliffe Park and elsewhere in the parish. This is a great shame given the tireless work by the Community Association to regenerate the park for children to enjoy. Please can residents report incidents of dog fouling to the Parish Council. It should be noted that from 1st June 2017 a Public Space Protection Order for Dog Control has been implemented by Durham County Council and any such offences will immediately incur a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice. 28

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Litter picks The Parish Council continues to organise two litter picks per year in Spring and Autumn. Both continue to be well attended with residents and Councillors donating an hour of their time on a Saturday morning to help keep Shincliffe clean and tidy. Thanks to everyone who attended the litter pick for sparing your valuable time. Thanks also to Alan and Nicola (The Avenue Pub) who always invite those in attendance to enjoy some bacon sandwiches and refreshments. I’d like to conclude by encouraging you to visit our NEW website for more Parish information, including the full annual report. The website also has a feedback section; please let us know what you think. And finally I would like to thank the Clerk, all fellow Councillors, Committee Chairs, our Parish Gardener Marc Platts, County Councillor Stoker and especially the Shincliffe Community for their contributions throughout the year. Councillor George Lee Chair May 2017

SHINCLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL HORTICULTURE NEWS Spring Front Garden Competition The Parish front garden competitions continue to showcase some excellent displays, deserving of the awards. The spring judging took place in April, with the owners of the following front gardens receiving awards. v Winner: ‘Uplands’ in High Shincliffe v Highly Commended: 26 St Mary's Close in Shincliffe Village v Highly Commended: 13 Mitford Close in High Shincliffe The summer front garden judging will take place 3 – 7 July. Traffic Calming on the A177 New roadside gateways have been installed on the A177 to contribute to the existing traffic calming markings on the road and also to signal to cars that they are approaching the High Shincliffe junction. Funding for the gateways came from Councillor David Stoker with a contribution from the Parish Council. Additional planting around the gates will complement the existing planting at the bus stop. A wildflower area is also planned for the grassed area close to the bus stop.

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Hill Meadows Mini Orchard A mini orchard of apples and plums was planted in Hill Meadows in April, in honour of recently retired Councillors Pat Hudson and John Lightley. Pat and John, both original residents of Hill Meadows, have made significant contributions to Shincliffe Parish over many years and the Parish Council wanted to recognise this. Parish Councillors, the parish gardener, local residents and children from Shincliffe C.E. Primary School joined Pat and John in the planting ceremony and presented them with a bouquet of tulips.

If you would like to become involved in your Parish horticultural developments, or have any ideas or comments, we’d be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact the Parish Council: Email: [email protected] or telephone 0191 3865188. Cllr Angela Lee, Parish Council Horticulture Committee

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CUTE LITTLE BIRDIES We will be in full chick season by the time June and July arrive. Our blackbirds seemed to be nesting in the shed, until the swallows came along and started a-dip-diving in and out. The female blackbird seems to have disappeared - so is she on the nest or has she found a new one in the hedge? Who knows? The male has become almost as tame as a robin and loves us to expose a centipede or a worm when we are putting new sunflowers and marigold seeds into the beds. He even tolerates the dog, and visa versa – they sit out within a yard of each other, nary batting an eye-lid. I am glad I do not sleep in the top of the house though or by the main door – the house sparrows are nesting again and birdsong starts at 3.30am. Last year’s starlings have become a squadron and they love the larded pinecones. When you see them eating it, you realize just how very long is their beak. Chris Packham has encouraged us to learn to love corvids, but I am not keen. I feel that there are too many magpies eating our songbirds and that they are too numerous and pest. In our old job, running a Prep School, we had 60 acres and a local gamekeeper who used a Larson Trap. Hard to accept for some, but put one magpie in this box net and it will attract a few more - you keep them fed and watered until they are dispatched. Nowadays you need a certificate to do it. We had put thousands of pounds into renovating three huge Victorian Greenhouses when the grounds men realised the putty was disappearing and so living next door - we were on the lookout for the vandals. In the end we managed to photograph them all and took the evidence to the Governing Body - for permission to prosecute – the Board nearly fell off their seats when we showed photographs of magpies - caught in the act. Every now and then from May onwards, we can hear geese honking from the river, it carries a good quarter of a mile. Last time, I was actually on the bank and it was an alarm call. A goose and gander were sailing by - rounding up five little Grey Lag goslings – last year the same pair had eleven in tow and watching them bob up and down the rapids was treat. We’ve got two pairs of swans on that stretch now. There was even a sandpiper down there last week.

This May we have seen goldcrests on the allotment, not an easy bird to try to encourage as they are pine loving, but in Shincliffe they like the maturing trees behind Laxey Cottage and Prospect Terrace. It is lovely having Britain’s smallest bird and better still to have great views of them. We have also had a pair of siskin to the bird table last month, so all the birds are on the move – finding nesting sites and occasionally having a rest. Though the little collard dove we saw resting under the back tyres of a car on the High Street – it will have had its wake up call when the engine was switched on. So with Spring turning to Summer – we look forward to the swallow chicks, a flash of the kingfisher on the Wear, the dippers and if we get some of those hot, sultry Summer Nights and are listening out; its not Olivia Newton John’s scream we wait for - but the scream of the swift that we hope to hear. Julie Goodhart

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SHINCLIFFE DIARY

For full details/times/venues/contacts see inside rd th 3 – 7 Jul Summer Front Garden judging nd 2 Jul St. Mary’s Garden Party th 5 Jul W.I. Maggie Taylor: Patchwork and quilting journey St. Mary’s Church Hall Calendar th 13 Jul W.I. Reading Group: Marie-Elsa Bragg’s of Weekly Events Towards Mellbreak Mon. Pilates: 9.30-10.30am Tue. Baby & Toddler Group: 9.30- th 20 Jul W.I.visit to Lanchester Garden Centre 11.30am Keep Fit by Moving and Dancing for Afternooon Tea (Gentle Class): 12.00-1.00pm nd metafit: 6.15-6.45pm 2 Aug W.I. Sadie Ayton: Sadie the Bra Lady Pilates: 7.00-8.00pm Thu. Baby & Toddler Group: 9.30- th 6 Sep W.I. Jackets and beetles: Beetle Drive 11.30am Pilates class to be re-arranged and Jacket Potato Supper th Notes: 16 Sep Shincliffe Show History Society: 3rd Mon at 7.30pm PCC meetings 4 per year Mondays 7pm 4th Oct W.I. Sue Vidler: Bach Flower Remedies PACT every 2 months at 6pm Thursdays For Private bookings please contact th 8 Oct Deadline for November edition of SCAN Susan Banks on 384 0183 Mob: 07796668946 Email: [email protected]

Weekly Events in W.I Hut

Mon Dance your Socks Off: 7pm-8.30pm Tue Dance your Socks Off Kids Club: 5pm-7pm Slimmer’s World: 7pm-9pm Wed. W.I. meetings (first week of each month): 7pm-9.30pm Thu Keep Fit by Moving & Dancing: 8pm-9pm Fri. Zumba class: 6pm-7pm

The hall can be hired for meetings, parties etc. Please contact Mrs Chapman on 386 3730 for bookings.

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