Round About Your Parish (BCP) 9.15 Am Trinity 19 (Fr

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CHURCH SERVICES St Mary’s October St Leonard’s Keevil Steeple Ashton Steeple Ashton Sunday 7th 11am Parish Communion Round About Your Parish (BCP) 9.15 am Trinity 19 (Fr. T. Longdon) All Age Service Great Hinton OCTOBER 2018 Sunday 14th 8am Holy Communion (BCP) (Fr. O. Learmont) 10.30am Family Service Trinity 20 9.15am (Family Worship Group) Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong (Coffee will be served after (Fr. O. Learmont) Harvest the service) Festival Followed by Auction of Har- vest Gifts in the Village Hall.

Sunday 21st 11am Parish Communion 9.15 am (CW) (Fr. O. Learmont) Morning Prayer Trinity 21

Sunday 28th 8am Holy Communion 3.30 pm (BCP) (Fr. T. Longdon) More Tea Vicar No 8 Silver Street, Steeple Ashton in the Village Hall This house appears on two 1760 maps, and dates from at least the early Trinity 22 - 11am Morning Prayer 6.30 pm part of that century. Following a recent negative structural survey, a plan (Revd. L. Dove) Thanksgiving and ning application has been made, and approved, to demolish the building Remembrance and replace it with a new four-bedroom family home. This old Silver Street cottage will soon be gone forever – so I have decided that now is the right time to tell of its 19th-century family tragedy, and rumours of lost gold. Thursday 1st November 7pm Parish Communion (Fr. T. Longdon) 6.30 pm Steeple Ashton Village Shop All Saints Harvest Festival Service Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm Day Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday 9.ooam to 12noon

Shop telephone: 01380 871 211 Bryan writes… CAMEO Come And Meet Each Other Previous generations of my family were always highly sensitive about the After the summer break, Cameo has begun again. We meet story I am about to tell, as it includes the suicide of my great-grandfather: each Thursday afternoon in the Methodist Church which is Samuel John Berrett. Samuel took his own life at the age of 45, on Monday warm and comfortable, as is the company. Everyone is wel- 17 December 1894. Consequently, throughout my lifetime, precise details come to come and drop in between 2:30pm and 4pm. have been rather shrouded in mystery, and enhanced by rumour. What’s on offer? - Chat, tea or coffee and biscuits or cake. Some folk choose to knit or do jigsaws or share news. Some Samuel John Berrett was a small tenant dairy farmer. He and his wife Louisa folk just sit and laugh. We exchange books and mags and raised eight children – two girls and six boys – at No 8 Silver Street. These reminisce and sometimes get things off the chest. But we included my grandfather Herbert James. At the time of Samuel’s death, are always very good company. the youngest child was nine, the oldest 22 and my grandfather Herbert was Young and old, grandads and toddlers and in-betweens are 19. According to the inquest, Samuel was said to be in “fairly good circum- all welcome. Do pop in. stances … in the habit of having a little too much drink occasionally, but was a good neighbour.” continued on page 31

Newsletter Deadlines for 2018 St Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton October 23rd; November 20th for December/January In Memoriam: The Great War 1914 - 1918 ‘Greater Love Hath No Man’ Items for the November newsletter should be received by Tuesday 23rd October 2018. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 1A Butts Lane, Steeple Ashton or by email to helenmontaguesmith8@ Concert gmail.com. All published items solely express the views of the author and The Choir of the Western Wynde are the copyright of the author and Round About Your Parish unless otherwise stated. Friday October 19th at 7.30pm The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to Tickets £15.00 from the Village Shop supply all news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be received before printing. Telephone 01380 871285. Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Sarah Dennehy on 01380 870731, email: [email protected]. Attention! Attention! There may be a waiting list. Please send your ads by email if possible. Please Steeple Ashton’s 2nd Christmas Tree Festival note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers. 29th November - 2nd December 2018 Flyers for Village activities and events can be delivered with the newsletter. If with audience participation on the Sunday afternoon you wish to have a flyer for a village event delivered with this newsletter, please Book the dates in your diary. contact Anne Howard on 870505 during the third week of the month to see if More information from Chris Plum 01280 870875 it is convenient. All flyers have to be counted out for the delivery packs and as there are 25 deliverers this can take some time. No more than two per newsletter would be helpful. Editor Noah’s Camp: A Catholic Family Volunteers Needed: STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL Camp in rural Gloucestershire 13th Group 5, a charity supporting needy Acreshort Community Park Grand -17th October. For more informa- families in the area need volunteer Opening Event! tion visit www.noahscamp.co.uk drivers and support in their sorting What a wonderful event we had for the About ABC becoming Catholic, of donations. Please contact Jane opening of Acreshort Park. Despite the About being Catholic: This course Steer on 01225 764849 to find out deluge of rain, we were so pleased to see - is for all those interested in becom more. many of our villagers come along and enjoy ing Catholic, knowing more about the day. Cream teas, a bar, ice creams (yes, the Catholic Church or those who SICK AND/OR HOUSEBOUND were baptised Catholic but missed Any catholic who is sick or house- they sold quite a lot!) singing and music, making their First Holy Communion bound should let Fr. Tom Finnegan were joined by informative displays from or Confirmation. The first session (01225 752152) know as he would various village and associated groups. takes place on Wednesday Septem- be pleased to arrange a visit and The ribbon was officially snipped by ber 26th at bring Holy Communion, if desired. Marina Wyborn, whose name was the first 7pm in St. John’s Church. Ask Fr. drawn on the day by Councillor Seed after MASS TIMES at NEARBY Tom for more details if you wish to he said some kind words about our com- CATHOLIC CHURCHES know more. munity. St Joseph’s, West Lavington (01380 First Holy Communion 2019: Many thanks to all of you who attended, 723572) Mass on Sunday at 9.00am Application forms for First Holy displayed, baked, poured, distributed, Communion 20’19 are now available. Immaculate Conception, wove, played, exercised, ate; and contrib- Devizes If your child is in Yr 3 or above then (01380 723572) Mass uted to making this a memorable event. please complete a form and return to on Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday Now...... what shall we organise for next Fr. Tom. The closing date for appli- 10.30am and 5.00pm time? cation is 11th October 2018, the first St Anthony Melksham (01225 session of preparation will take place 702128) Mass on Saturday 5.30pm Council Meetings: The minutes for all meetings are posted on the website on the 11th October at 7pm. All par- and Sunday 9.30am and on the village noticeboard next to the Longs Arms and at Newleaze bus ents and children to attend. St George’s Warminster (01985 stop. Please remember, these meetings are open to all – you would be very welcome to come and sit in while we discuss issues that affect all. The public RUH Bath: 212329) Mass on Saturday evening Anyone who has a is invited to speak openly at a set point in the proceedings. If you have an friend or relative in hospital, please 6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am & contact Mandy Baker (a member of 10.00am issue you need to talk to us about, you can also email the Clerk – details the hospital Chaplaincy team) text/ Bradford-On-Avon (01225 below – who will ensure the right person is detailed with your query. phone 07775 895 814 or email : 862739) Mass Saturday 6.00pm. mandybaker@ live.co.u k. Sunday 10.30am. Wiltshire County Council Electoral Boundary Review: There is a (For information on any of the above con- consultation Review of Wiltshire Electoral boundaries regarding which THE NEW 300 CLUB 2018 tact: Francis Geraghty 01380 871083 towns and villages fit into which boundaries/areas. We have been part of Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 email: [email protected]) the Melksham Area since 2009 and have been looked after by the Melksham - quarterly - £4.33 monthly. New mem Area Board fairly and equitably in equal measures to other towns and vil- bers are most welcome to join at any lages in the Area, so the Parish Council has fed this back to Wiltshire Council time. Prizes are: £200-£70-£50- £10. For information and applica- and Councillors agree that we should stay part of the Melksham Area for the tion form contact Francis Geraghty foreseeable future. (see below).

40 1 Speeding: The Chairman and WC Councillor Seed have made good progress Church Diary in resolving speeding issues and details will be discussed and agreed at the All services are at 9.15 am unless otherwise stated. Please come along and next PC meeting on 1st October. join us. You can be assured of a warm welcome, and a time to chat, plus a Memorial Bench: The Memorial Bench has been renovated and the untidy cup of tea or coffee after the service. If there is anyone for whom you would bin next to it removed with a new bin installed nearby as well as another on like prayers to be said, please leave details in the post box at the front door, the Village Green. and they will be included in the Intercessory Prayers on Sunday. New SAPC Meeting Schedule: Have you noticed the new schedule for October PC meetings? Check the web site and notice boards around the Village. Tuesday 2nd 7.30 pm Housegroup Online Banking: The PC is investigating the use of online banking for all Thursday 4th 2.30 pm CAMEO - payments whilst still retaining the essential need for two authorised signa Sunday 7th 9.15 am Rev. Maree Farrimond – Holy Communion tories to check and approve all payments set up by the Clerk. Wednesday 10th 10.30 am Reflections and Fellowship Bonfires: We must add another polite reminder to all that a degree of Thursday 11th 2.30 pm CAMEO neighbourliness is required when lighting bonfires. Please be mindful that Sunday 14th 9.15 am Peter Walker if you light a fire during the day, you could create a nuisance for neighbours Wednesday 16th 7.30 pm Housegroup trying to dry washing, sit in gardens, have windows open etc. More guidance Thursday 18th 2.30 pm CAMEO can be found on the Wiltshire Council website. Sunday 21st 9.15 am Pauline Tiller Wednesday 24th 10.30 am Reflections and Fellowship Planning: - Planning applications are considered at Parish Council Meet Thursday 25th 2.30 pm CAMEO ings and Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an Open Sunday 28th 9.15 am John Saunders Forum for members of the public to comment on planning matters prior to Tuesday 30th 7.30 pm Housegroup their consideration. All minutes are posted on the website and the village notice board. CATHOLIC NEWS Applications discussed at the last planning meeting: ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST TROWBRIDGE & ST BERNADETTE’S 18/07416/OUT Steeple Ashton Kennels and Cattery Edington Road. WESTBURY (incl VILLAGES). Outline planning application for the demolition of existing buildings/struc- PARISH PRIEST FR TOM FINNEGAN tures, and residential development (Class C3) of up to 9 no. dwellings; with TELEPHONE 01225 752152 associated car parking, turning, landscaping, private amenity space, access www.stjohnthebaptist.co.uk arrangements, and provision of footway - External access not reserved. Weekly Timings Check newsletter for changes SAPC resolved to support this application with the provisos that there is a St John the Baptist - Trowbridge suitable and safe and continuous footpath from the development through Sunday Masses: Sat:(Vigil) 6pm; Sun:10.30am & 6pm to Steeple Ashton High St. with a comment that SAPC recognises that such Holy Day of Obligation: See Newsletter a footpath may have to be on the left side of the road approaching Steeple Weekday Masses: Mon: 9am; Tue: 6pm; Wed: 12.00 noon Fri: 6pm; Sat: Ashton 9.00am 18/07061/OUT Loppinger Farm Common Hill Rosary: Weekdays before Mass. Outline application with all matters reserved for erection of bungalow in Confessions: Sat: 9.30-10.15am; 5.15-5.30pm and on request. size and appearance relative to adjacent existing property St Bernadette’s - Westbury SAPC resolved at this stage just to comment on the application and await Sunday Mass: 9am more details from a full application should there be one. The SAPC two Holy Day of Obligation: Vigil Mass 6pm comments were, first, the plot of land considered, which is believed to be Weekday Mass: Thursday 10am farmland. includes ample space for a rear garden and questions why this Confessions: Thursday 9.15-9.30am and on request. 2 39 is not included in the outline plan. Second, SAPC questioned whether the approval of this application will set a precedent for further housing infill on farmland between numbers 27 and 35 Common Hill. 18/06829/FUL 8 Silver Street. Removal of existing structure and erection of 4 bedroomed house with separate carport with annex over SAPC has already resolved to respond NO OBJECTION and this has been submitted to the WC portal. 18/00104/ENF The Sanctuary, 9 Dark Lane North Possible Section 215. The Clerk reports this response from the Planning Enforcement Team: “The Conservation officer has a large amount of work on at present and therefore has not been able to have a recent discussion with the planning agent to move forward. However, the agent has attempted to speak to him on several occasions to is clearly keen to get works completed. I believe there has been work on site completed such as groundwork and removal of dead trees. In the meantime, whilst we wait for a timeline from both parties, a stopping up order on the road is being funded by the land owner. This is part of the civil matter needing to be resolved before works can be commenced and is now underway. Once the conservation officer has had time to look at the proposals and meet, I will be able to provide a full update.” The Clerk confirmed that this was still at the same status.

Methodist Church Diary and Events Parish Council Meetings (Mondays at 7.30pm in the Village Hall Skittle Alley): (Please note that these meeting dates are different from those previously Our son always wears a wrist band saying ‘Pass It On’, a sentiment which I advertised) thoroughly commend. So when I came across this poem I wanted to share October 1st Main Parish Council Meeting it. Alison Evans November 5th Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting Pass it on! December 3rd Main Parish Council Meeting When someone does you kindness January 7th 2019 Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting As you pass along life’s way, February 4th 2019 Main Parish Council Meeting And it’s not within your power Parish Council Office: (2 St Mary’s School, High Street) To return it straight away, This office is open to the public twice a week (Monday 2.30pm – 3.30pm; Then don’t just shrug your shoulders Tuesday 10am – 11am) or by appointment. Leon Karas, Clerk to the Parish And consign it to the past, Council, can be contacted on 871454 or 870708 or email clerk@steeple- But hang on to your feelings ashton.co.uk. All Councillors have [email protected] And keep the memory fast. email addresses which are also posted on the website. Then when you meet another Who needs some help from you, Mobile Library Visits - Longs Arms, Steeple Ashton Then pass it on, that kindness, Wednesdays 11:00 – 12:00: 10 October, 24 October, 07 November, 21 It’s what you’re meant to do! November, 05 December, 19 December Margaret Ingall 38 3 Find us on Social Media! Through the Parish Council page and Steeple Ashton Village Discussion Group, we cover many topics of interest to our residents. Please be assured that this page is monitored regularly, and we take all requests seriously, actioning where appropriate. We would love you to get involved – search for ‘Steeple Ashton’ on Face- book. If you are a village group and need help with your social media or village event promotions, please get in touch with Pippa at pippabirch@ steeple-ashton.co.uk or 871578.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON We have had to change the day this year due to a clash September 2018 with other village events. Last year, we said goodbye to Rev. Julian Parker who has been with us from Please note that it will be on Sunday 9th December 2018 the start of Friday club some 7 years ago. With his singing voice, in tune, he led the opening of our sessions with suitable fun songs. He had a great ~~~ www.steeple-ashton.co.uk ~~~ ministry with children and had the youth to play games with them. The rest of us organisd handicrafts and provided the backup necessary to all have a great time and help even the little ones to get to know Jesus. We decided that in order to continue, the mothers would take it in turn to decide a theme and lead the craftwork. This has worked very well and we have had a varied and happy programme: St Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton Harvest - we planted seeds In Memoriam: The Great War 1914 - 1918 Remembrance - poppies were made ‘Greater Love Hath No Man’ Christmas - we helped to make decorations for the tree on the green Epiphany - crowns were made and decorated Lent - pictures were drawn and temptations explained Concert Easter - eggs were decorated The Choir of the Western Wynde Among the Bible stories we have explained have been: The Creation - with all its days Friday October 19th at 7.30pm Noah - the children constructed an ark and had great fun making it rain Tickets £15.00 from the Village Shop with water pistols The Good Samaritan - we acted out the story Jesus at the wedding - the water miraculously turned red! Jesus feeding the 5000 - the loaves and fishes were fashioned from salt Attention! Attention! dough Daniel in the lions den Steeple Ashton’s 2nd Christmas Tree Festival - we used paper plates and pasta to make lion’s 29th November - 2nd December 2018 faces with audience participation on the Sunday afternoon Many of our older children have gone to senior school so our numbers are Book the dates in your diary. smaller. We would welcome any mums and children to come along to join us More information from Chris Plum 01280 870875 every other Friday in term time. Please ring 01380 870013. Pat Dove 4 37 St Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton WILTSHIRE COUNCILLOR NEWS FROM JONATHON SEED From the Churchwardens As we enter October the memories of our long hot summer are just that. Father Oliver can be contacted at The Vicarage, 62 Church Lane, North The rain arrived just in time and saved many farms from ruin even though Bradley, BA14 0TA. The vicarage’s new phone number is 01225 774845. many had to start using precious winter forage. In the political arena we still await the results of Brexit negotiations and this result will have an impact Harvest Festival at St Marys. on all of our lives including local government. Many speculative papers Our Harvest Festival this year is on Sunday 14th October. Harvest Gifts have been written on the effects of various deals or no deal but until the deal are most welcome and can be brought to the church over that weekend or (or not) is agreed everything is speculative and possible. Parliament has to to any of the services on the Sunday; 8am, 10.30am and 6.30pm. After the the surprise of many decided to once again try to reduce the number of MPs 6.30pm service we will be auctioning off the perishable Harvest Gifts in the from 650 to 600 and we will have to wait and see whether there is support Village Hall with proceeds for work with the homeless in and around Wilt- for this from MPs. shire (other food items will be donated to the Melksham Foodbank). All Wiltshire Council was told some months ago that because so many of the welcome. Council Divisions were so far away from the average number of electors there would have to be a review of the political representation. Currently we Monthly Letter have 98 Unitary Councillors (where pre 2009 there were c240 County and The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury District Councillors). In addition to looking at the average representation A thriving Christian presence in every community is one of the aims of the the Boundary Review Commission also take a look at the number of seats a Church of England. It happens in a number of ways with church buildings, Council has. In Wiltshire the Council put up a strong case to retain at least committed Christians, schools and community projects contributing a great 98 seats and also to retain our Area Board system. This argument was, to deal to the good of our communities, where we live for others in the way of the surprise of many, accepted by the Commission. This does not mean Jesus Christ. that there will be no change to Council Divisions, on the contrary, most will A few weeks ago I took the new Archbishop of South Sudan to some of our change because all Divisions must be within 10% of the new average elec- churches – the licensing of a Team Vicar in Tisbury, a community environ- torate of about 4300. There will be lots of pouring over maps and figures by mental day for a Greener Bradford on Avon, Sunday morning at St Thomas’s in Salisbury, followed by the installation of the new Dean in the cathedral. many of those interested in these matters but by the spring of next year the The Archbishop spoke about the priorities of his church in a country where local government map of Wiltshire will have been redrawn. people have been killing each other and there are millions of refugees. His was There is also growing concern at local government funding with great a very different context to ours. yet in South Sudan they too were seeking to uncertainty about the future. Some Councils, mainly unitary ones, are create a flourishing Christian presence in every community that is good for all better able to cope than others. Several County Councils are on the brink in the way of Jesus Christ. of financial difficulty and are only able to survive by making the deepest of In Devizes we met with other partners from the Lutheran Church in Latvia. cuts on the services that they provide. In Wiltshire we have been reasonably They had a different story again. A small country, they emerged from behind prudent over several years and are able to budget for change for the time the iron curtain. They confidently sit on the border with Russia partly because being without the need for the swinging cuts being made by our neighbours. they are members of the EU. It is a bit more complicated for the Latvian church This may not always be the case but we should perhaps spare a thought for to find its place in the worldwide Church. They face the same challenges as the rest of us with different understandings of what it is to be human and how we the decisions that our politicians both local and national have had to make live the Gospel faithfully in our different contexts – men and women, gay and and just for a moment be grateful for the wise financial decisions that have straight and as people with varied political views. been taken by our local Councillors, often with cross Party support. To some extent, where you stand determines what you can see. Jonathon Seed We are challenged by Christians from different contexts who see things differ- ently. Being part of the worldwide Church we see what it means for the Church to be local everywhere. 36 5 Steeple Ashton WI The Steeple Ashton War Record book states that L/Cpl. Albert George Fran- klin enlisted 10 Sept. 1914: with the 6th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers 30th June 1915, in Gallipoli; to Salonica 6 Oct. 1915; with 10th Division Steeple Ashton WI invite you to join their in advance into Serbia and retreat from Lake Doiran Oct. and Nov. 1915 Coach Outing to Portsmouth in Egypt and Palestine 1916 to 1917 and with the 2nd Battalion in France 8th November 2018 1918; killed in action 4th October 1918 aged 37. Seats £15.00 each Gordon Eyre Baxter. For more information and to book We remembered on 29th April 2016 the 101st anniversary of Bernard phone Kathy 01380 870540 Eyre Baxter, on 8th September we remember his older brother Gordon Eyre Baxter. Gordon was born on Dec. 15th 1889 in Steeple Ashton, the third son, FORGET-ME-NOTS-CLUB of six, of Stanley Eyre Baxter and his wife Emma Louise Green. Stanley and Emma, from Downhead, Somerset, had married in 1883 and soon moved On 5th Sept, at the first meeting back in the Hall after the to Haghill Farm, Great Hinton, where Gordon’s father, was a dairy farmer - Summer Break, members had great fun playing the game of “Curl and five of the sons were born. They lived there until the mid 1890’s; and ing”, amidst much hilarity. Everyone enjoyed it to the extent then moved to Great House Farm in Leigh on Mendip where Cedric was that it is hoped to schedule it again into next year’s Programme. born. The 1901 census shows that the two older sons were not at home and Oct 3rd sees a return of the ever popular Fish & Chips Lunch, and Gordon was the eldest son at home along with Donald, Bernard and Cedric on Oct 17th there is a feel-good musical afternoon with SLOEJAM and their father. His Mother and the eldest son, Norman, were boarders at to look forward to. Dancing shoes may be needed for this event! a house in London. Norman was a bank clerk. Stanley was boarding with his - We are a very friendly, jovial and informal group who meet in the Vil aunt in Frome. lage Hall at 2.30pm every 1st and 3rd Wed of the month, and we would Gordon attended Ashford Grammar School, which in 2003 researched love you to pay us a visit to find out for yourself if you might enjoy an into the fallen from the school. The following is part of their commemora- interesting afternoon twice a month, in the company of like-minded folk. tion about Gordon: Should you wish to talk with someone before dipping your toe in the water, “Gordon was educated at Shepton Mallet Grammar School, Ashford Gram- so to speak, please do not hesitate to phone Gloria Philpott, the Chairman, mar School (very briefly alongside his brother, Bernard) and afterwards on 01380/870593, or the Secretary Glynnis Oakley on 01225/775681, for attended the South Eastern Agricultural College at Wye near Ashford, Kent. more information. Gordon was serving in the REKMR (Wye Troop) as a Trooper whilst study- ing at the Wye Agricultural College (1908-1911). When the war broke out he CREAM TEA FOR SUDAN - SUNDAY 19th AUGUST. was living in New Zealand and owned a rubber plantation. Gordon imme- The Cream Tea was a great success, a beautiful day, held in Mat and Cheryl diately joined the King Edwards Horse (part of the New Zealand Army) on Brett’s lovely Garden. A huge thanks to them for allowing the tea to be held 5th February 1915. He eventually arrived in France on 22 April 1915 with at 4 Church Street. Thank you to Diana Mossman for sitting on the gate, to his regiment. At some stage Gordon was transferred into the British Army all those who helped with the Teas and all the Ladies who made the amaz- and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. It was with this ing Cakes and Scones. Also many thanks to all who came to enjoy the tea British Regiment that Gordon lost his life”. and meet up with friends, also for the generous donations which resulted Gordon’s parents and three of his brothers Norman, Stanley and Cedric, in us being able to send £580 to help with building a school in the Kadugli sailed third class on the Ionic, a steam ship carrying 688 passengers to New Area in the Nuba Mounrtains, Sudan. The Money has gone straight to the Zealand on 17th September 1909. His mother died in Port Chalmers, New Bradford on Avon Diocese. Rosemary and Susan Zealand in April 1910. Red Cross Collection Gordon is not recorded in the Steeple Ashton and Great Hinton war record. Thank you to all for helping to Organize the Red Cross Collection in Great He is remembered in the New Zealand War Graves Project. Hinton and Steeple Ashton, for doing the Door to Door Collections, and The following will be remembered in 2019 and 2020: those who gave so generously. The Total amount raised and sent to the Red 28-Jul-19 aged 46 Gnr. Robert Dobson 13th Bty. RFA. Transf. to Cross was £490.99. Thanks to Fran and John King for adding up all the (633150) 995th Coy. Labour Corps. 10-Jun-20 aged 21 Pte. Rupert David monies. Rosemary and Susan Sims B Sqdn. H. 20. Judy Buxton Dean 6 35 In Remembrance of the Fallen from Steeple Ashton and Great STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS Hinton of the Great War 1914 -1918 THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY The St. Mary’s Bell Ringers will toll the bells at 6.00pm in solemn respect on Saturday 27 October 7.30 pm the 100th anniversary of the death of each of the men recorded on both of Steeple Ashton Village Hall (doors open 7 pm for refreshments) the War Memorials of Great Hinton & Steeple Ashton to mark the sacrifice From the producers of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and with an of those who fell in the First World War. all-star cast including Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, We welcome anyone who wishes to join us on these occasions. We are hoping Jessica Brown Findlay, Katherine Parkinson, Matthew Goode, to have researched brief notes on the lives of each of these men, which we Tom Courtenay and Penelope Wilton is a compelling romantic will use during these simple acts of remembrance. (If you have any informa- drama with an intriguing mystery at its heart. tion, which can be added to these notes, please let us know). Based on the best-selling novel, Lily James (well known from Downton In October we remember: Abbey, Cinderella, Mamma Mia! Here we go again, Baby Driver) plays the 4-Oct-18 37 L. Cpl. Albert George Franklin A Coy 1st Bn. R. Mun. Fus. charismatic and free-spirited writer Juliet Ashton. In 1946 Juliet receives 8-Oct-18 28 2nd. Lt. Gordon Eyre Baxter 2nd Bn. Devon. Regt. a letter from a member of a mysterious literary club in Guernsey. Naturally curious, Juliet decides to visit the island. There she meets the delightfully Albert George Franklin, was the third son of George and Elizabeth Fran- eccentric members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, klin to be killed in action. We remembered George on 13th March 1915 and including Dawsey (Michiel Huisman), the rugged and intriguing farmer Charles on 3rd Sept 1916. Their three other sons, Walter John, Howard and who wrote her the letter. She forms a life-changing bond with the eccen- Victor survived the war. A fourth son, Herbert, who had had heart disease tric book club when she decides to write about the book club they formed since birth, died aged 13 in 1901. during the occupation of Guernsey during WWII. Albert was the second son born on 14th Nov 1881 and baptized on 29th As the secrets from their wartime past unfold, Juliet’s growing attach- January 1882 in Steeple Ashton to George and Elizabeth, five years younger than his brother John. The 1891 census shows that John and Albert had ment to the island, and the book club will change the course of her life been joined by Alice, Herbert and Charles and were living in Church Street; forever. John was an Agricultural Labourer and Alice and Albert were at school. In Tickets will be available from Steeple Ashton Village Shop from 1901 Albert was 19 and a carter on a farm. The house, a thatched cottage September. on the corner of Vicarage Lane and Dark Lane North was full: the parents FORTHCOMING FILM – Saturday 17 November 2018 George and Elizabeth, Albert, five younger boys aged 13 to 3 and Daisy aged THE MERCY starring Colin Firth in the intriguing true story of 1. Donald Crowhurst’s attempt to circumnavigate the globe in his bid to win the 1968 Golden Globe Race in his yacht ‘Crowhurst’. The census of 1911 states that George and Elizabeth had been married 36 Some of you may remember this! Alison Wilson years and had had twelve children of which eight had survived, two daugh- ters and six sons. Albert was not living with his parents in 1911 having been Reflections and Fellowship married in 1908 at the Parish Church in Trowbridge to Georgina Grant, Would you like to learn more about what the Bible means in a small friendly daughter of Edmund and Bridget Grant, aged 23, Albert was 26. Georgina’s group? If so, you are invited to join Reflections and Fellowship in the Doug- mother, Bridget Barrett, had married Edmund Grant in Fermoy, County Cork in November 1856. The family thinks that Albert joined The Royal las Room in the Methodist Church. Munster Fusilier in respect to his Irish mother-in-law. The 1911 census for We meet at 10:30 – 12 noon every 2nd and 4th Wednesday in each month Albert and Georgina states that they had a son of eight months also called (apart from August); read, discuss and share our thoughts in a friendly Albert; he died in Frome aged 100 in 2010. In 1912 a daughter, Edith Alice atmosphere. None of us are theologians, we just want to understand more was born and the following year John Henry was born, Janice and Rachel’s about God and his Word in the simplest way possible. father, who passed away in 1978. Albert’s wife did not remarry and lived in We would be pleased to welcome you at any time. The Douglas Room is Steeple Ashton all her life, passing away in 1970. situated in one of the rooms upstairs in the church. Alison Evans 34 7 Steeple Ashton Village Shop AIRFIELD ANTICS – Last Saturday an event called the ‘Keevil Airfield Community Engagement Day’ took place down at the Airfield. The inten- tion was that various aircraft, namely an up-to-date Hercules Super C130J, a CH-47 Chinook, an AH-64 Apache and a Wildcat helicopter would be on display. Unfortunately, the helicopters didn’t arrive due to ‘operational reasons’. However we, the Shop that is, were once again asked to be there to sell soft drinks and snacks. We had a small gazebo (thanks to Ron Plum) and a table to display our wares, namely a variety of sweet and savoury items, and as you can imagine, the fresh sausage rolls and doughnuts sold out very quickly! CHRISTMAS – Oh no! Already? Yes, almost. Christmas stock has been ordered and will be coming in throughout October. Look out for new products and speciality items. We intend to run the Christmas Box promotion again this year, so you can order your meat, fruit and vegetables, bread and dairy products in advance. Order forms will be available in December and we have your orders ready for collection by Christmas Eve. There will also be a Christmas Raffle, but more of that later. APPLE JUICE – Please don’t forget that Ollie can press your apples for Rachel Franklin found a photo of Albert George Franklin with the Steeple you. He presses and bottles delicious, unadulterated, apple juice each year Ashton football team. He is seated on the bench on the left hand side as you that we can then sell in the shop. However, if you have your own apples and look at the photo. (See Judy’s article on the next page) would like him to juice them for you, get in touch with him – Ollie 07880 525654. Caren Felton Your Newsletter - with kind regards, Helen As I’m sure you all know, this newsletter is delivered free to all the house- St Mary’s Church Fête holds in Steeple Ashton, Great Hinton and a few outlying villages. We would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who helped with our Jane Cooper and Dorothy Rendall have been doing the ‘run’ to those who church fête this year. A special thank you to Diana Mossman and Lydia live outside Steeple Ashton. Dorothy has just moved to be nearer to her and Julian Peters for inviting us all back into their lovely garden again and family and we need another car driver to help with deliveries. It is only once making us all feel so very welcome. a month and takes about an hour. Please help! We are grateful to those of you who helped transport tables and chairs and Next month, you should find a small envelope in your newsletter. We always who helped to set everything up including the gazebos. Also thank you to ask for contributions to printing costs at this time of year to help keep the those who ran the stalls, competitions and sideshows and the P.R. system newsletter free to all. Having put up advertising costs for businesses - which and to help clear everything away at the end of the afternoon. Finally thank are still amazing value - we made a small profit last year. This included your you to everyone who gave so generously and who came to the fete in the significant donations. The Flower Ladies have just given £300 to the news- afternoon. It was a lovely social occasion and we made over £2000 for our letter fund which is why we had lovely colour images last month. Colour church funds. makes such a difference and you will see it again this time - from the airfield Fête Committee: Rosie Brett Green, Judy and Geoff Buxton Dean, Sue day and the opening of the Acreshort Park. Edwards, Kathy and Marion Pearce. Thank you for all the nice comments I receive as your editor - much appre- ciated. Could I just ask you all to observe my deadlines, please! It takes me Commemoration Concert - 19th October nearly a week, on and off, to put together this 40 page booklet. Editor 8 33 The newspaper reports make no mention of his visit to Devizes, or the buried The September Meeting of the Steeple Ashton WI coins. The autumn season of the WI began on a high point. Dr Francis Burroughs Was there a ‘cover-up’ by the family in hope of recovering the money, keep- subject was “A Victorian Head Gardener”. He spoke of his father’s humble ing the facts from others who may have tried to get their hands on it? beginnings as an apprentice gardener on a large estate in Norfolk and the months he spent washing terracotta plant pots in cold water (without the Samuel’s family did not find any buried money, and eventually had to give luxury of gloves or any other nicety )to be ready to pot and repot the thou- up the farm in Silver Street. sands of plants needed for house and garden – flowers vegetables and fruit. Dr Burroughs was a true gentleman and recognised immediately that he The exact truth of “buried gold” may never be known. However, according had an audience of genteel ladies each of whom, obviously, instructed her to my father Ken (born 1912), many years after the event, when he was own head-gardener daily! His talk was most interesting and we all enjoyed a small boy, he was passing the Long’s Arms with his father Herbert, and his dry humour – there was much laughter throughout the evening. a man who had taken over the tenancy of Samuel’s home in Silver Street This was an open meeting and the president was delighted to welcome 5 came out of the pub. This villager began speaking to my grandfather about guests including 3 men who reported that they, too, had enjoyed the talk. Samuel, and said: “I found that money and spent it!” Apparently, he later The competition was for an old garden tool. Brass sprays, forks and hoes left his family – and emigrated. were submitted. The competition was won by Jean Clark. Second was Val Latch and third Rosemary Brett-Green. The very beautiful flower arrange- ment was provided by Ann Ryan and the raffle prize was won bySue Culver- house. At the October meeting, on Wednesday 10th at 7:30 pm, Sarah Allen will give a talk entitled “A new me- brain injury”, she has been described as ‘a lively speaker’. Rosie Brett Green

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT COFFEE MORNING at

MOONRAKER HOUSE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8th 2018 10.30am to 12 noon

BRING & BUY Samuel as a young man & later (centre), at 8 Silver St with RAFFLE some of his family SHABBY CHIC STALL (Many thanks to Kevin & Verity Yates for access to the property & consent ENTRANCE £1 to publish.)

Bryan Berrett 32 9 FROM THE ARCHIVES continued from inside front cover According to the little information I was able to learn as a child (and fill in ‘Steeple Ashton & Great Hinton Newsletter’ since), a few days before his death, Samuel had taken his harvest of corn – usually threshed and bagged during winter months – to Devizes to sell In October 1974... (probably in the Corn Exchange). After receiving payment in gold sover- eigns, he returned to Steeple Ashton, and then called in at one of its five pubs. Later on, the worse for drink, Samuel made his way back to his Silver Street home – and buried the remaining gold in the garden! By the following morning, all memory of where he had hidden the money had escaped him. In a state of despair, Samuel John walked into the stable next to his cottage, and hung himself. This is the story as I have known it – as it has been passed down, and remembered also by members of my extended family. But around six years ago, having always been curious around the facts of my great-grandfather’s death – and now with access to the internet – I managed to find some quite detailed online newspaper reports of the inquest. This was the first written information I had ever read on Samuel’s death – and, it differs somewhat to Steeple Ashton Youth Club would arrange sporting events and compe- the story as I knew it. titions – including competing against other Wiltshire youth clubs – trips out to places such as Bristol Ice Rink and Swanage, and charity fund-rais- ing activities. Various villagers were involved with its management and running: Mrs Sylvia Bowerman of Acre Close; then-vicar Bob Moore; Mrs Gloria and John Philpott; Brian Revell of Dark Lane; Lystra Berrett (now aged 92 and living in Westbury); Roger Carter of The Butts; and Mr Geoff (‘Wiltshire Times’, 22 Dec 1894) Hale, to name a few. The inquest, held by coroner Mr F T Sylvester at the Long’s Arms on Tues- day December 18 – just one day after he had died – heard that Samuel was By the time of the airfield bed-push, the club – for 10 to 18-year-olds – was found by his son Frederick “hanging to a beam in the stable at about a quar- held weekly, meeting in the village hall. When the hall’s renovation began ter to nine on Monday morning.” A neighbour, farmer Mr John West, was in the summer of 1975, with over 50 members, they moved to an old World called upon, and immediately took Samuel’s body down. He found it “quite War II building opposite the kennels on Edington Road, also used by Stee- dead”, and “should think it had been hanging some five or six minutes.” ple Ashton Football Club. It was owned by farmers John and Jean Phillips of Samuel had been seen cleaning the horse just 15 minutes earlier. Home Farm, High Street. Volunteers renovated and decorated the building, Frederick said that on the Saturday, his father had gone to the Parish carrying out a great deal of work and knocking down a wall to allow a table Council election, but did not know whether he “stopped to hear the declara- tennis table to be fitted – and there the club stayed. By March 1976, the tion of the poll.” He had apparently been very quiet all day on the Sunday, youth club was meeting on Tuesdays for 10 to 13-year-olds, and Thursdays after being “worse for drink on Saturday night.” He was said to be prone to for older members. “occasional fits of depression” after drinking. The jury, after hearing from several witnesses, returned a verdict of “Sui- During the late 1970s, there was also a separate junior club running in the cide during temporary insanity.” village. 10 31 The “Friends” began the oil scheme as a way of reducing lorry traffic to the village as well as endeavouring to find a saving in oil prices through the joint bulk order. To be part of this scheme you must be a member of the society (the membership fee has now risen to a staggering cost of £2 per member).An additional cost of £2 per household is required to join the scheme. Orders should be of 500lt or more, and they are very good at topping up tanks. It goes without saying that membership to the “Friends” is amazingly worth- while; the oil scheme is an additional benefit for everyone. Mr Plummer’s wife, Audrey, was also a primary school teacher – at St Mary’s The aim is to arrange delivery of our bulk order on the last Thursday of the here in Steeple Ashton. month. Orders need to be in by the third Friday (earlier at Christmas) you can (Many thanks to Sylvia Bowerman & Terry Randall for extra informa- do this by ‘phone, email, note or word of mouth. tion.) Colin Green 870119 [email protected] David Berrett 30 11 George’s Dragon Churchill famously said of the battle of El Alamein, 23rd October 1942: This is not the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning. In her book, George’s Dragon, Mary Boyce quotes a letter to her father from her brother George Wyeth who was serving with the Sussex Yeomanry stationed in the Western Desert. George wrote: We became part of the Armoured Division which contained “yeomen in armour, veterans of the Royal Tank Regt., ‘foot-sloggers’ of the Buffs and the Royal Sussex Regt., R.H.A. and Yeoman Gunners, men of the anti-tank and A.A. Batteries and all the rest”. The Unit was actually split up for the barrage and our troops went to a battery of the 1st South African Field Artillery in the line close to Alamein station. We had a week there with them working hard at night and doing nothing by day except eat the mar- vellous rations they provided. We stayed with them for the opening barrage – a night long thundering of guns. The next day, the regiment re-formed and then for ten days we battered the enemy. Our division made the actual break through and we made a dash across the desert to cut off as many jerries as we could. We reached Galal station to catch the enemy racing west to escape along the road and railway. Everyone let him have it and we knocked out 53 tanks and innu- merable guns and vehicles and took 3,000 prisoners. W didn’t lose a gun or tank there. [Mary Boyce asked for this to be included in the October newsletter as we remember the end of the war in 1918. She sent greetings to her friends. Ed.]

Remembrance Sunday This year Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday fall on the same day. I would like to suggest that since this is the 100th Anniversary of the end of the First World War we should have more than one wreath to lay on the War Memorial. I propose that each of the Churches and organisation have their own wreath. The organisations I am thinking of are the Royal Brit- ish Legion, the Parish Council, the Preservation Trust, Friends of Steeple Ashton, the WI, The Guides. When Sue and I have travelled around we have always seen War Memorials with several wreaths. Where we came from in Keston in Kent there were always four wreathes, one each from the Parish Church, the Methodist Church, the WI and our local Councillor. So let us show this year and in future years that we as a community remember all those who died due to armed conflict. Peter Lowery 12 29 could you advertise here? Please call Sarah on 01380 870731 or email: [email protected]

Commemoration Concert - 19th October

Diary Dates

November 29th/December 2nd, Christmas Tree Festival

Postal Collections in Steeple Postal Collections Ashton in Great Hinton Mon - Fri Saturday Longs Arms 4.15pm 10am Mon - Fri Saturday Newleaze 12noon 11am 4.15pm 8.30am Ashton 11.30am 11am Common

**VILLAGE HALL CONTACT DETAILS HAVE CHANGED** Please note, due to separating my village hall and work commit- ments, that the email address and telephone numbers for Steeple Ashton Village Hall have changed to: [email protected] Contact Number Day: 07827291945 Evening Contact Number: 01225 356196 Sandra Stevens Steeple Ashton Village Hall Treasurer & Booking Clerk

28 13 14 27 Edington Arts

Heads-up for the Russian choir in October! Saturday October 13th marks the first visit of the Voskresenije Choir to Edington Priory Church. Eric Lépine The choir of four men and four women is drawn from St Petersburg’s Managing Director Cathedral choirs and the Mariinsky Theatre; their basso profundo appar- Tel: 07787 557599 ently has the lowest voice in St Petersburg! They will perform a programme Email: [email protected] which is half sacred Russian music, and half traditional Russian folksongs. Website: www.silkwisecatering.co.uk Their previous two tours to the UK have been sold out, and this one looks like going the same way. There has been huge early interest in this concert, Loose Covers and Curtains and quite a large number of seats in the Priory Church have already been sold. So if you’re interested in coming, do contact [email protected] or ring Chrissy on (01380) 831256 as soon as possible. Tickets are as always Individually made to your own £20/15/10, with 10% reduction for Edington Angels, and 18 and under specifications coming free. For tickets on the door add £2 per ticket. Free estimates Finally, a plea from the Treasurer, if you reserve tickets in advance (rec- Sue Hocking ommended), and so that your seats can be guaranteed, please arrange to 01225 865706 make your payment well in advance of the concert rather than present it at 0774 8780985 the door on the night – she’s only got two hands! [email protected]

could you advertise here? Please call Sarah on 01380 870731 or email: [email protected]

26 15 Village Diary The Newsletter prints a Diary of Events each month. If you are organising activities in the village, you may wish to contact me to avoid a clash of events. Helen Regular events in Steeple Ashton Village Hall, unless otherwise stated

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

Rainbows; 5 - 6pm. Amy Lester: 871785 0r email - Tuesday [email protected]. Brownies; 5.30 - 7pm. Term Time. Carolyn Collis: 01380 870379 Guides; 7 - 8.30pm. 8am Prayers in St Mary’s Church Wednes- Baby and Toddler Group; 9.30am - 11.30am 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. October 1st Mon Main Parish Council, 7.30pm, VH 3rd Wed Forget-Me-Nots, Lunch, 2.30pm, VH 10th Wed Mobile Library; 11.00-12noon, Steeple Ashton, The Green 24th 13th Sat Concert, Edington, see p15 14th Sun Conker Bonkers, Longs Arms, 2pm 14th Sun Harvest Festival Service & Auction (VH), 6.30pm 17th Wed Forget-Me-Nots, musical Afternoon, 2.30pm, VH 19th Fri Commemorative Concert, St Mary’s Church, 7.30pm 23rd Tues Newsletter deadline could you advertise here? 27th Sat Film, The Guernsey etc, 7.30pm, VH Please call Sarah on 01380 870731 Nov or email: 8th Thur Coffee Morning, see p9 [email protected] 9th Fri Bingo, VH, 5.30pm 9th Fri WW1 Remembered, St Mary’s Church, 7 - 9pm 16 25 could you advertise here? Please call Sarah on 01380 870731 or email: [email protected]

Pete Clark Building Solutions ...the builder that cares

Property renovations, extensions, hard landscaping, kitchens and bathrooms, general property maintenance

PJC Building: 01380 830331 / 07896532522 www.pjcbuilding.co.uk [email protected]

Stephen Graver Ltd We specialise in creating bespoke projects for each individual client, from bespoke kitchens, bathrooms and furniture to a complete building renovation service. 01380 871746 www.stephengraver.com Elmsgate, Edington Road Steeple Ashton, BA14 6HP 24 17 R P M PLASTERING CHOOSE WITH CONFIDENCE Artex removal Lime render Basement/cellar conversions Barn conversions Dry Lining Maintenance & repairs Telephone: 01225 690011 Coving and Cornices Email: [email protected] Damp proof control Internet: www.ashtonmill.co.uk T: 01225 755695 Unit C4, The Ashville Centre, M: 07799848086 Melksham SN12 6ZE

R S Electrical Services Domestic - Commercial - Industrial

Tel: 01225 783294 Fax: 01225 783290 [email protected] www.rselectrical.co.uk

Cameron Property Maintenance Property & Building Maintenance Malcolm Stock - here to help Painting Free Quotations Given

Plastering Tiling Public Liability Insurance £5 million Plumbing Office: 01373 672090. M: 07801355384 (t) 01225 781816 (m) 07727 203046 E Mail: [email protected] [email protected] Patios; Painting - interior and external; Stone work; Brick work; Paths; Frncing; 01380 870264 www.cameronpropertymaintenance.com Pointing work; Roof repairs 18 23 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Steeple Ashton REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES ON SUNDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2018

On this day particularly we shall remember the end of the First World War one hundred years ago and honour those who fought for world peace in that conflict and all others since, including the servicemen and women of today. Show your support by attending the Remembrance Day services at St Mary’s, Steeple Ashton or St Leonard’s, Keevil.

At St Mary’s, the service starts at 10.50 am. After the service, wreaths are laid at the War Memorial in Steeple Ashton and shortly afterwards at Great Hinton.

In Keevil, wreaths will be laid and the silence observed at the War Memo- rial, followed by the Remembrance Service in St Leonard’s.

Members of the Royal British Legion will attend at Keevil, Great Hinton, and Steeple Ashton, and at the evening service at St Saviour’s, Erlestoke which begins at 6.30 pm. Julian Peters

The Royal British Legion Steeple Ashton POPPY APPEAL 2018

Towards the end of October, poppy sellers will be coming to your door in Steeple Ashton, Great Hinton, Keevil, and Bulkington. These will – for the most part – be tried and trusted collectors whom you will have known for many years. Should you wish to see identity cards, just ask. If you really don’t want to make your gift on your doorstep, there will be poppies and collecting boxes in Steeple Ashton shop, the Longs Arms, Keevil school, the Lamb in the Strand, and the Well in Bulkington. If you would like to use Gift Aid, all sellers carry envelopes in which you can put your donation and your completed form – this method means that our contributions can be increased by 25%.

All the usual items will be available : poppies with leaves, larger silk poppies, crosses, car poppies, stickers and bracelets of all kinds. If you don’t see what you would like, ask your collector or get in touch with me. Lydia Peters PAO 01380 871077 22 19 Acreshort Community Park Grand Opening Event Keevil Airfield Community Engagement Day

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