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West Ashton Magazine

Photo by Margaret Workman

Photo Henry Marsh

Our community magazine keeping you up to date in West Ashton, Rood Ashton, East Town, and Dunge.

Summer 2020 Iss:66 The West Ashton Magazine is published quarterly by the West Ashton Parish Council. WAPC has devolved full authority for the magazine to an independent volunteer Editorial Group formed for the sole purpose of producing this magazine. The intention is to inform and entertain the residents of West Ashton. The magazine is distributed free of charge to all residents of West Ashton village. The Editors warmly invite you to submit reports, articles and photographs relating to past or future village issues and events, or any subject that may be of interest to the readership. The editors reserve the right to edit any submissions and make corrections, omit material or do minor reorganisation to any submitted work and reserve the right to reject any submissions. We prefer typed or electronic material. Photos will be returned on request. All material published in The West Ashton Magazine, including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. The West Ashton Magazine accepts no liability for any errors or omissions and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear in the publication. All material is accepted on the understanding that it is copyright free. The West Ashton Magazine accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. The West Ashton Magazine cannot accept responsibility for and does not endorse views expressed by contributors. We want the content of the magazine to be primarily editorial, but we will include small advertisements for local businesses based in West Ashton. The West Ashton Magazine does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers. No part of the magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of The West Ashton Magazine, Editor: Jo Watkins - 01225 753196 :[email protected] Producer: Tim Le Mare - [email protected] Front page photo Dee Dee in isolation with her dogs. All contributions welcomed. Please send them, in the first instance, to Jo Watkins.

PRINTING OF THE MAGAZINE IS SPONSORED BY BRIKEN MOTORS Servicing and Repairs of all types and makes of vehicles. MOTs/Pre-checks, diagnostics & electrical, clutch & gearbox specialists Air-con; batteries & exhausts. Tel: 01225 755203 www.brikenmotors.co.uk

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EDITORIAL As I write this sit- when people come out to clap for ting in my garden, the sound of si- the NHS using whatever they can lence is deafening, broken only by get their hands on to make a noise. birdsong and the eerie toot of a On a more positive note, people train in the distance. Normally you have rallied round with offers of can always hear the ever present shopping and any help they can buzz of the traffic on the busy provide, adversity does bring out A350, along with the occasional po- the best in us. All meetings and so- lice siren and roar of motor bikes. cial events have had to be either But these aren't normal times, in- cancelled or postponed, so sadly deed most of us have never lived in there are no 'coming attractions' to times like these while our country advertise. I’d like to thank everyone remains in the grip of the coro- for their articles and photos, I’m na virus. Self isolation and social really spoiled for choice and will do distancing are new to our vocabu- my very best to include as many as I lary causing disruption to our lives. can. We're all looking forward to Working from home is the new when life returns to normal when- norm for a lot of us. Bratton Road is ever that is. We've all had to adapt, deserted with not a car in sight, and and I hope the magazine will enter- the occasional walker exercising tain you with what people have got themselves and their dogs. The up to in this snapshot of these diffi- whole village is eerie, like a ghost cult times, town, except for Thursday evenings Keep safe, keep well, Jo Wot No Carrots Two little carrots sitting all alone, One said to t’other "Hope someone takes us home" SO I DID. Wendy Bartlett

Wendy snapped this when every- body was panic buying in the super- market.

3 POTTERING IN THE GARDEN as (very tropical large flowers), lobelia upright, geranium pink (trailing), toma- What a strange world it has become, to plants Moneymaker, and lots although I must say, it’s feeling more of Alicante (excellent flavour) and like locked up, than lockdown, We are some runner beans and broad beans. now in the fifth week as I’m writing My elephant garlic, is impressive! I also this, giving me ample quality gardening have a strawberry plant which remains time mostly due to the absence of in my greenhouse, fruiting now in Flower Club, W.I., Wives, and Rotary the last week of April. We have been Ladies, a real cut off from all of my so- lucky to have such lovely warm weath- cial activities. er. No need to go abroad even if we We all know we have no choice, and could, and now some rain, perfect tim- must think ourselves lucky to ing for the garden and the empty wa- be alive! Certainly as we read daily fig- ter butts. ures of so many lost lives. On a lighter TOP TIP: Keep smelling the roses, note, do you remember being Sweet some of my Austin ones are flowering Sixteen when petrol was cheap, you now, and get out those sun beds and a couldn’t legally buy a drink in a pub, good book. and what’s more you were grounded? Holly Westlake O.K, time for a potter. I have been taking cuttings, sowing seeds and potting on, as Flower Club was due to have a plant stall in mid May, of course now sadly can- celled. Dorothy House is the charity to benefit this year, so instead, I will have Elephant a table at my garden gate, very reason- garlic ably priced, although you can include a donation if you so wish! Among the things I’ve grown are: penstemon, in many colours, blue verbena, white fuchsia, white bacopa, suitable for tubs and baskets, Russian sage, gazani-

Footnote:- Warning to all pond owners. Have heard on very good authority that in neighbouring villages koi carp have been found decapitated. Apparently, dur- ing the February floods, otters have been exploring new territory and helping themselves to a tasty treat. Ed.

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Always look on the bright side of life!!! is down Kettle Lane and into Picket Okay, so after six weeks of lockdown and Clanger woods, then back up over (we went in two weeks earlier than the fields to the village. The bluebells everyone else – writing at the end of have blown me away (pic enclosed, April) the fact that I can’t pop out for a hope you enjoy). I never have time to coffee, or nip to the shops without see them usually, but their colour and queuing or, worst of all, go to the sea scent have been amazing. Having is beginning to grate. stopped to listen to the birds and look- However, I count my blessings. When ing at the bluebells one visit, I heard you look at refugee camps and lock- stumbling in the undergrowth. Think- downs around the rest of the world, I ing it was human I was very surprised know that we live in a bit of a bubble. to see a young stag appear. He too Here are my positives from this experi- was surprised and a little wary. After ence: my husband is home all the time sniffing the air and staring at me for (can also be bad!); time to learn a lan- several seconds he decided he was off, guage (badly) and new skills in photog- leaping through the undergrowth like raphy; catching up with family and a springbok, a wonderful sight. friends via video calls; learning more Hey, and riding the bike on roads about new technology; loving the 8pm which I wouldn’t normally dream of Thursday claps as the neighbours come riding them on as far too dangerous; out to clap for those dear brave souls clearer birdsong as there are less cars; on the frontline; the rainbows in the saving money by not going places or village windows and on the signs, the eating out; less stress because as I lost tulips in the planter at the beginning of most of my work from the shutdown the village; (tutoring A level students and exam knowing I can marking, along with holiday let in Corn- cope without wall); seeing green shoots of a commu- flour and nity spirit. Something lost and found, if eggs! Being only temporarily. greeted by So now, I’m hoping I have made you strangers who think. I wonder which of this list you live in the vil- are doing/noticing, and which could lage; discov- you add on? I know it can be difficult ery of walks but keep up the ‘coming together’; other than keep smiling and breathe….we are all those I know. in this together! My favourite Ps Ciao persone! Leya Walker

5 Keeping on track during “lockdown” ing incorrectly and to ring them. A few Like most organisations, the West Wilt- seconds on the phone and I was pointed shire Model Railway Circle has been to my input error. The young lady put the forced to lock its doors. So I assumed that order through manually and I received a life as Chairman would be a little quieter. confirmation email within 2 minutes (and First call was for our fire extinguishers to it was still only 7.15am). The item was be serviced. This meant an 8.30am trip to also being sent next day delivery post . The engineer was late; free. Such a difference, it was refreshing he was a temporary replacement who to speak to a person and get service. was not really clear just how he serviced I now have to make a case for our land- our equipment. Next it was a letter from lords, Steeple Ashton Parish Council, to the Government offering a £10,000 busi- give the club a couple of months without ness grant. I declined the offer as I could rent, but they need all sorts of infor- not find justification for making a claim. mation, which will again take time. We are classed as a business, but we have People keep asking me how I am filling all 100% exemption, which is why we had the my spare time (What spare time is that?) offer. My wife Lyn has had me trimming hedges, I had decided that I would use my time to planning out the veg patch, cleaning con- scrap a 10 year old layout and build a new servatory windows and gutters, getting one. Having done the basic work of plan- rid of moles in the lawn with pickled on- ning I contacted my usual on-line suppli- ions planted in their burrows. I have been ers to obtain the model kits I required. I told that the exterior of the house needs tried several who all reported that alt- painting, the hall needs decorating and hough they were open for on-line sales, there are other jobs on the way. My com- they had no stocks of the items I wanted puter decided to add to the stress by los- and the (UK) manufacturers of the items ing my email connection. Fortunately I were in lockdown. So the new layout had have a business contract and a couple of to be constructed from models taken off minutes on the phone had it all restored the old layout, which, for the most part as they took control of my system from was OK. One supplier offered me one their office in Westbury. model that he had in stock but was charg- ing £10 postage (this was previously £1.50) One Saturday morning at 5am I headed so I did not follow this up. Using old track for the bathroom, turned on the shower has taken a considerable amount of time at the normal temperature and stepped as all the previous glue and wires had to in, only to be rudely awakened by freezing be removed. It was only when I came to cold water as the pressure was too low to wire up that I realised I was short of spe- switch the heater on. I was quickly cialist wire connector tabs. Again I went out and rang the water board. Their first on-line and the goods were listed but question was "Have you checked with their system would not accept my card! your neighbours or is it just your house?" Up popped a message to say I was enter-

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THE ARMCHAIR BIRDWATCHER hatch and get bigger, they line up on a At last my summer visitors have arrived shelf and wait for the parents to bring THE SWALLOWS - they come every food, and then use the hole, just like year without fail. We moved here in mum and dad. They usually migrate 1962, and as far back as I can remem- from the end of September to mid Oc- ber, swallows started nesting in two of tober. When they return, they fly our sheds, probably early 70s. My hus- straight into the shed and repair the band, Cyril, would lock the sheds at nest. I have some dates in an old diary, night, and get up at about 6am to let the first recording is 14th April 1991. The them out. This ritual went on for sever- earliest arrival was 2019, March 24th, al years, until he decided to cut a hole this year it was 11th April. It is amazing in the door so that they could make how they find their way back, so much their own way out. There are usually for the saying “bird brain”. two or three broods each year, about Evelyn Sweetman four chicks each time. When they

Photos Janet Sweetman

I pointed out the time to the woman on New board under construction joined to the other end, "Oops, I did not realise the current layout. time- I've been on duty since 10pm" I said I did not think I would be popular with neighbours at that time. They promised to keep me informed and I had several calls right through to Sunday afternoon to say it was now all fixed.

It will be nice not to have lockdown at some stage so I can have a rest!!! Ron Pybus

7 DANCING FOR THE NHS

When the world realized this pandem- when I got a call from Sky News who ic wasn't going to go away, reluctant- wanted to do an interview. Well as ly we all went into lockdown, which most of you know, I'm not shy in front for me meant no dance classes! It of a camera so I dived in enthusiasti- seemed so strange that after 10 years cally. It wasn't that easy, as of course of pounding the boards at West Ash- we had to set up a Skype situation ton, the hall would echo an eerie si- which luckily Henry is good at. Me, I lence. For those of you who don't don't know an app from a bap! Tele- know me, I am a founder member of phone calls went back and forth and it the 70s TV dance group Pan's People was finally decided that the whole who appeared weekly on the highly interview would be done on a Thurs- popular TV show Top of The Pops. day morning a week after lock down Now it's 2020, a year we will never with presenter Kate Burley. So Henry forget and I'm still dancing, I can't and I got up extra early and went into imagine not doing it, so I thought the my studio. After a few false starts best thing would be for me to create where my head was cut off at the my class, be it a shorter version, shoulders, we were ready: all systems online. It worked, so I got going with go, waiting for the phone call. At ex- the help of my husband, Henry. Bless actly 8.50am up came Kay's voice and him, he had the patience of a saint as the interview began. I was feeling he told me umpteen times, 'No! pleased with myself having chosen a pleeeease don't press that button! white ensemble ready to do my dance Leave technology to me!’ Dutifully, I demonstration. carried on dancing. My first dance ses- The interview got off to a good start sion went out successfully to all my as she asked me all sorts of questions classes, my website and Facebook. about my career. This wasn't ex- Everyone was most appreciative but pected as raising money for charity many graciously said, you must through dance was the theme, but charge for the classes. This I didn't maybe she hadn't been fully in- want to do because a lot of people formed, so I carried on as all vain ce- would be struggling financially lebs do and told her about my life, through a very difficult time, but on until she started to sign off where- the other hand I wanted to do my bit upon I interrupted her and asked if I to help the NHS. I asked everyone to could talk about the charity. donate to Masks for NHS Heroes ra- ther than to me. Imagine my surprise

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Luckily I got all the information across, and just before she waved me away and on to another subject, I jumped up and said I was going to do my dance rou- tine. Taken aback she said. "Oh go on then". Before she could change her mind, as quick as Usain Bolt I was in my place and 'I feel like a woman' by Shania Twain was playing while I performed my dance moves - carry- ing on until the screen went blank. End of the Sky News experience, except I was pretty pleased as millions watch the news every day and I had launched my fund-raising objec- tive. So, any of you out there who would like to join my classes online please let me know at [email protected] or go to my website: www.deedeewilde.co.uk or Facebook. I have done three dance sessions already which you can pick up, and next week will be the 4th. If you feel inclined to make a donation to the very deserving NHS you will find the instructions on my website or Dee Dee's Facebook. I don't know how much I've raised as it goes straight to the charity, but for all of you who have already donated, a big thank you from me. Lastly, do keep safe, well and occupied. For those who have never done my classes, working out the rou- tines will definitely wile away a few hours! All the best, love Dee Dee Wilde

photo Henry Marsh Dee Dee dancing with her girls ‘Pans Fans’

9 News from Larkrise Farm in lockdown row and for once we were praying for more rain. This fortunately arrived at On 26 March 2020 life at Larkrise Farm the end of April, so more chain- became the ‘new normal’ for the fore- harrowing continued. At the begin- seeable future as we temporarily ning of April, a sly fox took advantage closed our doors to all our students of the quiet and was seen visiting the and half our staff were put on fur- yard and eyeing up our chickens. Mar- lough leave. The farm had never been ley and Rhuben, Wendy's dogs, came so quiet; it’s funny what you miss in to the rescue and, exceptionally, were lockdown. Our dedicated core staff allowed out on ‘Fox Patrol’. Unsur- kept calm and carried on. We have prisingly, we have not seen the fox tried to keep the animals to their rou- since, and I am pleased to report all tines as much as possible, as this is the poultry are safe and well. On 21 important for their wellbeing too. April 2020 we were reminded that However, our animals had no idea nature also ‘keeps calm and carries about COVID 19 and quite frankly did- on’ when we started lambing. This n’t care as long as they were fed, wa- year it was a surreal experience with tered, and had clean bedding. Oh, to so few of us to enjoy the new births in be a goat, speaking of which, our two situ, but, thanks to social media, we pygmy goats Donald and Daisy are were able to share the excitement via loving lockdown as they are free- Facebook and our website. Our final ranging from site to site, munching at ewe lamb was born on 3 May and we anything that gets in their way, vege- all breathed a huge sigh of relief. We tation wise that is. Unfortunately, have seven fit and healthy lambs in they now need to be put on a strict total, from four ewes. diet, in keeping it seems with many We are eagerly awaiting more news humans on lockdown. from Boris on 10 May, in the hope that Wendy, our Farm Manager, has been the necessary restrictions which have doing her best to exercise as many been imposed will be relaxed and we horses and ponies as possible - not an can plan ahead to welcome the return easy task with so many. Merlin, one of of at least some of our students be- our cobs, needs constant persuasion fore the summer. We have missed not to indulge in a stable duvet day! them all terribly but have been so re- The end of March saw Wendy busy lieved to know they are keeping safe. chain-harrowing the fields. This had to Whilst we love all our gorgeous ani- stop because the dry spell, for which mals dearly, Larkrise just isn’t Larkrise we had all eagerly awaited, meant the without our wonderful, cheeky stu- fields were too dry for our chain har- dents. Cont.

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Take care and keep safe every- one. Look- ing for- ward to brighter times soon. Merlin Ashley Wicks, Assistant Farm Manager, Larkrise Community Farm

Photo Rich Fricker Rainbow In Window Photo Jean Covington

VACANCY - PARISH CLERK

West Ashton Parish Council invites applications for the post of parish clerk. This is an interesting and varied post, worked mainly from home, supporting an active, community focused parish council. You will handle the agenda and take minutes for our bi-monthly evening meet- ings, all correspondence and financial accounts. Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills are required. Salary to NALC rates according to experience, about 3 - 4 hours per week, plus mileage allowance. Applications, with curriculum vitae, to: Carol Hackett (acting clerk) Address..23 Orchard Close, West Ashton BA14 6AU. Tel 01225 760372 or email [email protected] for more information

11 The Magazine 10 Years Ago

W hen the village was covered in volcanic ment which started to make plans for tack- dust from Iceland. ling anti-social behaviour in . The village hall - achieved the unique dis- Ron Pybus was thanked for providing in- tinction of being the only hall in formation on installing solar panels at the to have achieved the National Hallmark 3 school. standard. Photovoltaic panels were in- Parish Council – traffic calming measures stalled on the roof. A national face painting at the top of the village along with the ex- group and a machine knitting group both tension of the 30mph limit to further up booked a weekend there. The then chair- Bratton Road would be proceeding. It was man, Vaughan Nichols, was taking part in a disappointing to learn that by a margin of 26 mile charity walk and was seeking spon- just one-mile per hour, we did not qualify sors to raise money for a new cooker. for the Community Speed Watch scheme. Money from the 50 club would also be put The council were grateful to Cyril Sweet- towards the new cooker. man and Geoff Davis for walking the public The school - the then headteacher Jona- footpaths around the village and would be than Barber was in favour of the national delighted to hear from anybody who campaign to boycott tests for 11 year olds, would be interested in taking this duty on. not because he was against testing and Land at the rear of Shepherds Drove was achieving high standards for all children in for the benefit of the community, and has all areas of their learning, but because of been levelled and sown with grass seed. the flawed statistical analysis that the test When the grass had grown, Charles Church data was used for. The Easter service was a was required to install a few items of play triumph, and the school had developed an equipment for children. Maintenance of orchestra. One of the Year 5 pupils was the area would be the responsibility of elected to the position of Chairman of the . Jo Watkins newly formed Trowbridge Youth Parlia-

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It’s An Ill Wind or How We Filled Our Time During Lockdown

I asked people what they planned to keep occupied during self isolation. Jean Coving- ton replied; played more board games, discovered new technology to keep in touch with family and friends, tackled those 1,000 piece jigsaws stored in the loft, Youtubed pilates class every week, decluttered wardrobes, discovered so many footpaths, dust- ed off the cookery books, discovered some new cocktails for the appropriate time of day, got neck ache star gazing for the starlink satellites. She also said that we are so lucky in West Ashton to be able to walk out of our front door and see the lovely coun- tryside and listen to the birds, and also realise that as a community we are all willing to help each other. Below are photos of crafts sent in. Jo Watkins

Jo Watkins – Advent calendar Jean Covington – knitting for the grand- made out of scraps children

Pauline Hume - Face mask made out of an old T shirt, taking up knitting for the first time since primary school with needles made from apple tree twigs

13 Wives

In November Ann Scrophowe visited Germany in 1939, and sitting in an air us. She brought lots of sets of pieces raid shelter that some bright spark had of felt, she had cut out, needles, painted inside with creosote - in thread and stuffing so even the most March!! ham-fisted of us were able to create a Other memories were the ‘pop pop’ of lovely Father Christmas tree decora- doodle bugs and V2s, which were silent tion. A very satisfying evening! Decem- and could appear at anytime. In ber was our Christmas Party. We start- 1952 on conscription he volunteered ed off with a game of pass the parcel for the Airborne Corps and earned the and enjoyed the forfeits! A potted ver- celebrated red beret. Back in Civvy sion of Goldilocks and the Three Bears Street Tom worked for the printing performed by some of our members industry and an international computer was very entertaining (it’s amazing firm. He fondly remembers that at em- how amusing people you know making bassy parties, he could buy a double fools of themselves can be!) We fol- scotch for the princely sum of 6d in old lowed this with a delicious buffet pro- money, pre-decimalisation!! In March, vided by our members and finished the John Salvat gave us an illustrated talk evening with a great raffle, when sur- on 21st Century Architecture. We were prisingly everyone managed to win a totally amazed by the weird and won- prize! A nail biting evening in January derful buildings he showed us. It was when we played Bingo. So exciting almost impossible to believe how the when you shout "House" but so disap- designers had planned them and even pointing for those waiting for just one more amazing that they could be actu- number! ally built! Villager Tom Hill gave an excellent ac- Unfortunately the rest of our pro- count of his ‘Memories’ in February. gramme had to be abandoned and we From vividly remembering the flames can only look forward to next season when the Crystal Palace burned down when hopefully we can all meet again. in 1936, hearing Chamberlain inform Best wishes to all our members the Nation that we were at war with

Jackie Bradley

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West Ashton WI

We started off the year with an in- of glue enabled us to create a won- formative talk by Louise from an osteo- drous range of designs. A most enjoya- path practice in who gave ble evening with lots of chat, laughter us lots of advice on the whys and and a chance to show our talent!! wherefores of arthritis, joint pain and Little did we realise that was to be the headaches and how to treat them. In end of meetings for the foreseeable February Karen Johnson gave us a talk future! We have a great programme of on the history of Venetian carnival events organised for the year to come masks. She then let us loose on the when things return to normal. I look vast range of materials she had forward to us all meeting up again, re- brought to enable us to produce our kindling our friendships and having fun own versions. Paint, fabric, crepe pa- as we always aim to do in the W.I. per, glitter, sequins, feathers and lots Until then keep in touch and stay safe

Jackie Bradley

Photo Joanne Hilborne 15 LOCAL HEROES Emma Pursey, living in Bratton Road is a midwife at Trowbridge Hospital, working 12 hour shifts. Emma says that all the mid- wives are working hard whilst staying safe and keeping their women safe. Babies are no respecters of lockdown. Here she is ex- ercising her Shetland ponies Lulu and Cup- cake aka Cuppy who live in a stable in their garden. Cuppy is the dominant male and can be a bit of a handful at times. It's not only we humans who need exercise during lockdown, but pets have to be exercised as well. We're all used to seeing dogs being exercised in the area, but Shetland ponies make a nice change. Jo Watkins

Accolades are due to Michael Bulling for his tremendous service in continuing to deliver milk – and other vital goods to the village and area during the lockdown. A very big THANK YOU from West Ashton. Paul and Margaret Workman

Seen on a bin in Bratton Road, we mustn’t forget the men who take away our rubbish. Photo Rich Fricker

Photo Jo Watkins Postman Phil

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Wiltshire Air Ambulance recently re- sponded to a call, landing in a field be- hind Bratton Road They can be donat- ed to directly or via "EasyFundraising" or "SmileAmazonUK" websites. Kyrstie Kirkwood

This year is Power Logistics' 20th anniversary and we were to be celebrating our "20 in '20". We have gone a full circle in that time as Pete and I are back operating from our kitchen table again!! Howev- er, instead of our normal line of work - providing temporary power to the events industry around the world, Pete and I have been very proud to be supporting the NHS concerts! We have had a crew of nine working by providing them with all the interior and exit down there on around-the-clock shifts for three lighting for the Dragon's Heart Field Hospital weeks now. We are terribly proud of our team which has been set up within the Principality who have been willing to come out of the safe- Stadium in Cardiff. Under normal circumstanc- ty of their homes to support this project. The es, as you've reported in the village magazine photo shows you what we do!!! before, we are very familiar with working at the Principality Stadium but in providing power for Beverly Wills, Bratton Road

Strange Time

Time is a funny thing; when you get up in the plants planted (this entailed an unexpected morning to go to work or school - it just flies, exhumation of a large block of concrete, discov- you’ve got ‘no time’. However, if you are wait- ered in a position just where a dahlia was about ing for a plane or a bus, it’s interminable, it to be placed!). Of course the month of May takes forever. Of course that was ONCE UPON should have seen the latest Cloth Road Arts A TIME! Since the lockdown – you want time? Trail and I had intended to show my paintings at You’ve got loads - or so it seemed. Puzzlingly, my home as a venue for the first time since the once every Thursday evening NHS applause 2008. Some of the pictures are derived from seemed to come around unbelievably quickly. Wiltshire stories, one of which would not have Perhaps Stephen Hawking could have explained been finished in time to show, but now it will it. be, hopefully, for when the event is resched- Luckily Margaret and I had a sizeable list of uled – there is always a silver lining. things to be done, mostly in the garden, and Paul Workman weren’t we blessed with the weather? Walls painted, trellis erected, shed roof re-felted and

17 Parish Council Matters Parish Councillors are: Richard Covington (Chair), Simon Alford (Vice-Chair), Hel- en Barrow, Steve Molloy, Ian Robertson, Horace Prickett (Wilts Councillor). Clerk –Carol Hackett has continued to look after the clerk role but there is still the va- cancy for a permanent clerk. See details of this post in the ad included in the magazine.

Some of the roles of our Parish Council, sary and able, carry out repairs and its volunteer Councillors: 11. Monitor and schedule the Parish 1. Report fly tipping for it to be taken Steward who carries out: away • Pavement cleaning of Moss etc. 2. Organise Community Speed Watch • Clear overgrown verges 3. Respond to planning applications in • Clears ditches the village/parish Community Help – With the Coronavirus • Support planning applications when lockdown and self-isolating, the commu- reasonable nity spirit came to the fore. A small 4. Manage the recreation area, group of volunteers came together to and provide play equipment help residents with daily tasks. Whether 5. Oversee the Neighbourhood Plan, and this was shopping, collecting prescrip- influence the future of the village and tions, dog walking or just chatting over parish, whilst aiming to secure more the phone it has been a big help. Thank funding for the village from the Commu- you to all the volunteers: Jo Hudson who nity Infrastructure Levy (CIL) coordinated calls for help and the team: 6. Help improve and secure an environ- Carol Hackett; Nicky Bull; Wendy Bart- ment that we all want to live in lett; Leonora Mason; Sarah Bradley; Dar- 7. Support Climate Change initiatives i.e. ren Strange; Jean Covington; Rowena tree planting, which in turn will enhance Heard, Tim Page and Steve wildlife Molloy. Thank you for stepping up to 8. Cover any shortfall in funding the mag- the plate and helping!NHS – Really good azine so that it remains topical, without to see so many out on a Thursday even- the need for too many adverts. This in- ing clapping for the NHS. Let’s hope by cludes organising the printing and distri- the time the magazine is published that bution of the magazine. things will be returning to normal. Well 9. Fund the website, which Tim Le Mare perhaps a new normal, I’m sure things has volunteered to maintain won’t be exactly the same. 10. Monitor footpaths, and where neces-

West Ashton website: www.westashton.org.uk please send any comments to the acting Clerk at [email protected] 01225 760372

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Scam – Phishing emails - There has tor’s examination has currently been been a particularly nasty email circulat- delayed until the council elections in ing that seeks to be genuine by quot- May 2021. ing a password that you may have used Fly Tipping – Contact Wiltshire Council in the past. The advice is if it looks simi- on 01225 777234 or online at: http:// lar or is in use, change it to a robust www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ password but do not pay any monies parkingtransportandstreets/ to the scammer. roadshighwaysstreetcare/ mywiltshirereport.htm Conservation – Reminder, there is still “tree fund” money available to encour- Community Speed Watch (CSW) – The age residents to plant fruit trees in police coordinator for CSW has con- their gardens, the parish council will firmed that they will progress this contribute a maximum of £15 towards when the lockdown has been lifted. It the cost of the tree. This offer will be would be really helpful for more volun- limited to one tree per household. teers to get involved. It is usually only a

couple of hours a week and unlikely to Neighbourhood Plan – The 6-week be more than once every two or three consultation (Regulation 14) ended on weeks. Monday 30th March. The feedback will be used to amend the plan ready for Community Governance Review (CGR) submission to Wiltshire Council. Be- – As reported in the last publication of cause of the Coronavirus the evening the magazine, Trowbridge Town Coun- event to be held on the 24th March cil has embarked on another was cancelled. There have been re- “Community Governance Review”. The quests that the event be rescheduled, three parishes of: West Ashton, North and although the consultation has Bradley and Southwick have joined closed it was thought helpful to make forces to object to the proposed loss the updated plan available. No date of parish land to Trowbridge Town can be set at the time of writing, but Council. The parishes have written to the aim is to hold an event when the Clr Philip Whitehead (Wiltshire Council lockdown has been lifted. There will be leader) demanding that the CGR pro- a further opportunity to make com- cess be deferred because no represen- ments on the plan when it is submitted tations can be made in a public forum to Wiltshire Council, and they carry out until the lockdown has been lifted. their six-week consultation (Regulation 16) All Neighbourhood Plan referen- Richard Covington, Parish Council dums. The final step after the inspec- Chairman

19 Notes For West Ahton Walkers

East Town To Steeple Ashton it looks as though you will be reaching an For those who wish to walk, either to- impenetrable hedge but again the gap, and wards or all the way to Steeple Ashton via also stile, becomes apparent as you get designated footpaths, the obvious starting closer. Note the arrow on the stile and point is East Town. Incidentally you may cross in a straight line over the small field. not know that East Town Road is only Go through a slight hedge and you will see named thus as far as the chicane at the another stile. Once over the stile you are junction of the link lane (the one that goes presently requested to stay inside the pe- back to Bratton Road near Dunge). There- rimeter fence that surrounds the field, so after the rest of the way to East Town is follow that down the slope until you come known as West Ditch Lane. to an obvious gap that leads into Picket At East Town you have two choices if you Wood. To access Kettle Lane you need to wish to walk to Steeple Ashton. You can follow the field fence until you see a path either carry on down the lane towards on your right that heads towards Kettle Heath Hill and pick up the sign posted foot- Lane Farm. path which leads across the fields or, at Paul Workman (footpath warden) East Town turn right at the ‘T’ junction by the barn. Just past the short row of cot- Moss covered tree in Clanger Wood tages on your left you will see a large barn ahead and to the right. If you turn right here the path will eventually bring you back to Bratton Road, beyond Dunge. If you carry ‘straight on’ the path runs out of the parish, becomes East Town Lane and eventually joins Acreshort Lane that leads directly into Steeple Ashton.

For those not too familiar with the West Ashton footpaths and wishing, in particu- lar, to cross the fields to visit Picket Wood and Clanger Wood, you may find the route a little confusing. Starting from Bratton Road (the path begins opposite East Town Rd) pass through two kissing gates and carry on, roughly in line with the telegraph poles, to the corner of the field (the gap in the hedge is not immediately apparent until you are closer to it). After the gap, the path then veers slightly to the left and Photo Rich Fricker

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Local Footpaths

RUSH HOUR ON THE A350

Can this really be the rush hour on the A350 West Ashton to ? No vehicle queues, no pollution, no road noise, less rub- bish in the ditch. Apart from the trundling commercial lorries delivering food and sup- plies, the volume of car traffic during the vi- rus lockdown has decreased considerably. There are a few motor bikes and fast cars that do not heed the 50 mile speed re- strictions and use it as the Silverstone circuit, but the volume of motor vehicles is noticea- bly less. Jean Robertson

THANKS I am taking this opportunity to say a great this trying time. I really do appreciate all big thank you to my neighbours in Orchard the things they have done for me, so a very Close and also those friends in Trowbridge great big thank you. Pam for their kindness and care towards me in Norris

21 Lockdown - what you do to keep sane

never know if you don't have a go. I took up painting a few years ago whilst on holiday in France and find it both relax- ing and rewarding. Personal- ly, watercolour is my prefer- ence, simple and inexpen- sive. All you need is good quality paper (min. 30mg), a board (hardboard will do) and masking tape to secure the paper to the board. You can either sketch the outline with a soft pencil (2B is good) then paint away, or if you have a I'm very lucky as I enjoy woodwork, repair- favourite painting or photo, use some trac- ing furniture and making wooden items ing paper to trace the picture and turn, using old timber, especially speltered transfer the image to your watercolour beech (timber which has started to decay) paper (it's just like painting by num- and mahogany and teak planks courtesy of bers!) Give it a go, you'll be surprised what David Petrie which originated from the you can achieve. At the end of this surreal Savoy Hotel in London. The photo taken in time for us all, perhaps we should hold an my garage/workshops shows beautiful exhibition at the village hall to show what butterflies I've made from the speltered we've all achieved. beech, chopping boards and (albeit a little For those of you who know dear David and early) Christmas tree display boards from Daphne, Goodson Lodge where they're the teak and mahogany and my infamous now living, is in total lockdown which reindeers. I've also managed to repair a means staying in their rooms 24/7. As Da- few items of garden furniture teaching vid is on the first floor and Daphne on the myself in the process how to scarf new ground floor, he hasn't seen Daphne since hardwood into legs which have decayed, the middle of April. Much to our dismay to bring life back into a garden bench and they aren't even allowed to sit in the gar- table, both of which are sentimental to den when the weather's good. Have a Roe. thought for dear David and give him a call If you're not practical in any way why not on his direct line (01225 617835) - he'd love try painting (and I don't mean the lounge to have a chat. Just think, it could be you. or kitchen!) Why not try a still life as a In the meantime keep busy but stay safe, start, perhaps an arrangement of flowers in a vase or some fruit in a bowl - you'll Neil Heard

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Travels around the world

No doubt everyone is missing those com- tempura prawns and scattering food eve- mercials that appear just after Christmas rywhere as we still haven’t managed the luring you to foreign lands and summer art of chopsticks dressed in our kimonos. A sun, lazing on exotic beaches. Well this Nepalese evening when we tried to recre- year we all need to be a bit creative with ate the staple dal bhat, sadly we couldn’t our holiday plans. Yes, we can reminisce find any mountains in West Ashton to and look through the holiday snaps of scale. We gave the Peruvian evening a miss those exciting times and new experiences as we didn’t want to sacrifice a guinea pig but without the little irritations of Delhi for our meal. Vietnam and Cambodia, jun- belly or lost suitcases and delayed flights. gle, AK47 and fried scorpion, difficult to So why not just stay at home and set aside come by in Blighty. The African evening an evening for remembering those won- was our barbecue night that coincided derful holidays. with looking for the satellites but we Easy to buy your smelly blue cheese, crack- couldn’t find the Southern Cross! India was ers and French wine and sit on the patio in easy - the takeaway curry from the Longs the unusually sunny weather. Well that’s Arms. France covered. Spain is an easy one too We still have many more countries to cover for Pinot Griggio and spaghetti Bolognaise as I am sure you do too. No vaccinations or and a challenge to look through the cup- malaria tablets were needed in this trave- boards to find that souvenir sombrero. We logue. had a Japanese evening. Bit of sushi and Jean Covington

23 Village Hall News...

It seems a long time ago when the The VE celebrations might not be the Village Hall was in full swing, the shut- same but let’s remember the sacrific- down because of the Coronavirus has es made for us in the past and now by taken its toll. The hirers have stopped the NHS and frontline services that their weekly classes although some keep us going. have started using YouTube to carry To receive email updates or you are on. Our living room converts once a for some reason no longer getting week for Pilates now, well the mat them and wish to please send an goes down. There’s no longer the email to:- Westashtonvil- sound of children’s parties, a regular [email protected] for many families having fun on their Thank you to all and Stay Safe children’s birthdays. It’s not the same Richard Covington, Chairman VH com- on zoom, houseparty or hanging out mittee . with Google (hangouts). The water’s 50 Club Winners switched off the lights are out and There have not been any 50 club we’ve all gone home... But we’ll be draws during the coronavirus lock- back, things will get better the lights down. It is intended to have the draw will come on, the party decorations, either at the next village event or bouncy castles, music and the furore when it can be properly carried out of a busy village hall will be kick start- after the restrictions are lifted and ed into life again. We just need the cover all outstanding months. nod from Boris and we’re off. Needless to say we, the cast were looking forward to the Murder Mystery, still no idea who done it...☺ No dates have been set for events but they will include the Murder Mys- tery, Quiz and the occasional Pub Night. If anyone has sug- gestions about future events, please get in touch with me or a member of the commit- tee. After all, it's your village hall. Decorated for a wedding reception Photo Nathan Amor 24

50th Anniversary 0f V.E. Day held in the Village Hall Monday 8th May 1995. Mike Bartlett and Pauline Mair fancy dress winners. Wilf Griffin behind the bar

Photo Jo Watkins

THURSDAY FUN

Come Thursday evening and you’re week of the shut-in, his quiz achieved stuck for what to do – why not tune in an incredible audience of 182,000 to Jay’s Virtual Pub Quiz which can be which has been submitted to the found on YouTube. There are many Guiness Book of Records. A thought such quizzes online these days, but at occurs that this might be accessed at the start of the lockdown we discov- the village hall as a village get together ered the one put on by the very unas- every so often – when everything’s suming Jay Flynn from his home cubby- back to normal. hole in Darwen, Lancashire, every Paul and Margaret Workman Thursday night at 8.15pm. On the fifth

25 Jubilee Wood Scout Campsite

In accordance with the Government’s ad- disease resistant elms were found in the vice, all face-to-face Scout meetings have village of Ademus near Madrid in Spain. been suspended for the time being, which Laboratory tests found them to be highly means that we have had to close Jubilee resistant, so we shall see how well they do Wood. All our scout meetings are still pro- here in Wiltshire – if nothing else, they ceeding online using Zoom and Facebook. should be able to cope with the hot dry There have been some exciting activities summers associated with climate change! including a “Virtual” Cub Camp with cubs There has not been much progress on our camping in the garden with one of their plans to expand our woodland and plant parents and carrying out a whole range of another 25,000 trees to help fight climate activities – judging by reports, I’m not sure change. We had a very encouraging meet- who enjoyed it most – the dads or the girls ing with officials from Wiltshire Council and and boys! are now waiting to hear back from them Members of the maintenance team have with advice as to whether our plans for the been keeping an eye on Jubilee Wood, new wood should be regarded as planting a few new trees where there have “Development” and therefore not permit- been failures and thickening up the hedge ted under the Council’s new Bat Mitigation between us and the cows next door. The Strategy. If this hurdle can be overcome, grass hasn’t stopped growing so, in be- we then need to convince the Council’s tween mower breakdowns, we have been ecologists that new woodland plus some trying to keep the place reasonably tidy. carefully managed scout activity would be The opportunity has also been taken to better for the bats than no woodland. identify 50 or so potential veteran trees As part of this work, we hope to commis- that are growing strongly now, and we will sion a survey to establish what flora and try to give special care to in the years fauna are currently present in the fields ahead. We have allocated one to each of that we hope to buy and what we current- our Scout Groups so that they can come ly have in Jubilee Wood. We will compare and see how well “their “ tree is doing, and the latter with the results of the survey some will be named after people that have that was conducted of what became Jubi- kindly given us help. We will maintain a lee Wood before we bought it from Chris register of these and record their height Awdry (the most exciting thing then was and girth each year to check on how they one solitary bluebell) to demonstrate just are progressing. One of these is a black what habitat benefits have been obtained poplar, a tree once common in parts of in Jubilee Wood so far, and thus hope to Wiltshire and Somerset but now reputedly show the benefits for wildlife that we very rare. We were also given a couple of would hope to achieve from the new disease resistant elm trees, (variety Ulmas woodland. Minor ‘Ademus’). Interestingly, a group of

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Our chances of starting tree planting this autumn seem to be slipping away but we have not given up hope. I remind everyone I speak to on the subject that the best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago and the second best time is now. John Cox

“Castle Oak” grown from an acorn from the Castle Oak in Savernake Forest

Photo Photo Rich Jean Fricker Robertson

Makeover of Memorial Benches In Late January, the two Memorial Benches in memory of Peter Westlake and Cyril Sweetman sited outside the village hall, received a long awaited makeover. The re- generation work was carried out by Ashley Hart, Westbury. Jean Robertson

27 New Tricks

Lockdown has brought many changes to it was best to have my all our lives and Vicars are no exception! notes on the computer Before March 2020, I had never used Fa- screen with the phone cebook (on principle!), attended a meet- placed just above or be- ing on Zoom, or posted a video on side it. Then you can YouTube, but as a result of the closure of read from your ‘auto-cue’ without looking our churches, I have had to do all those away from the camera. The only problem things. Filming services and sermons, in then is that the light from the computer particular, has been a challenging, alt- screen reflects in your glasses, although hough also rewarding, experience. Some this effect can be reduced by dimming the of our attempts can be viewed on ‘St brightness of the display. Thomas’ Church Trowbridge’ YouTube I have personally reached the limit of my channel. ability to learn new skills when it comes to Initially, it was a relief to find that all you editing videos, joining several together need is a mobile phone and no other spe- and adding captions. For all these ad- cialised equipment is required. However, vanced options, I have had to seek the getting the camera at eye level, so that assistance of a younger and more ‘tech the picture is not too unflattering, proved savvy’ person. In all of this, it is important quite a challenge. To begin with, this in- not to compare your efforts with those of volved huge piles of games, jigsaw puz- others as there will always be people who zles and books, with the phone perched are able to achieve a much more polished precariously on top, although later Ama- and professional result which can be quite zon came to the rescue with the purchase discouraging. Early on, our Archbishop of a telescopic selfie stick and tripod! wisely reassured us ‘this is not a competi- The next difficulty was learning to speak tion’! direct to camera. When preaching a ser- I am sure you too have had to learn new mon ‘live’, it’s fine to consult one’s notes skills during this time but I hope, like me, frequently, but inadvisable to look direct- you have found that enjoyable and re- ly at any one member of the congrega- warding, if also infuriating at times! tion, as they will soon begin to feel ‘got Wherever we are by the time you read at’! On video, however, it is quite distract- this, continue to stay safe and God bless. ing if the speaker keeps looking up, down Allan Coutts or off to one side. In the end, I discovered

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. Maya Angelou

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St John’s Church West Ashton strictions apply. Credit must be given to Well the first quarter of the church year our Minister Revd. Allan Coutts that with was supposed to have a full itinerary – his team has provided the congregation however that all changed very early in the with weekly sermons, church updates and year. Several of the congregation fell seri- reflections all by the aid of social media. ously ill or suffered severe accidents. A Ruth Barber, the office guru, provided a contractor who had been booked for wonderful informative/humorous weekly work within the church, sadly died. Then news letter the extreme winds and rain came, making with detail life a little more difficult than usual. The of links to church being so exposed on the hill at obtain in- Rood Ashton, it suffered from the inclem- formation ent weather. 1st March saw the beginning from vari- of Lent (six weeks before Easter). As the ous minis- Coronavirus started to evolve, the Salis- ters and bury Diocese advised that for commun- even Revd. ion, the church had to use disposable Dunnings, thimble cups and to use wafers (not provided bread), to curtail any cross infection. This hymns/ was adhered to. The next directive was music from that at communion, only the minister his flat in Trowbridge. A weekly quiz for would take wine – again an attempt to the various churches, has been run with halt any infection. However, by 17 March the aid of Zoom and a virtual coffee morn- the new policy for all churches was to ing every Sunday was also set up by using suspend all services. This was greeted Zoom (technology is a wonderful asset). with sadness but we totally understood However, before we suffered the suspen- the decision. We then came to Good Fri- sion, the church had the fire extinguishers day and Easter Day (10/12 April). How inspected; churchyard trees/bushes pol- strange it was not to have the flower la- larded; photo gallery kindly updated by Jo dies decorating the church at this most & Geoff Watkins (which we thank them notable time of the church calendar. It for); obtained a grant for guttering re- really must be the first time that Easter pairs; a christening took place in the Sun- has not been celebrated at St John’s. It day morning service; gutters were re- seems more than likely that any VE Day paired and ashes were interred and a me- Services (10 May) and Rogation Sunday morial plaque laid. Not forgetting our (17 May, God’s blessing on the fruits of vicar’s first wedding anniversary. We the earth and sea) will suffer the same hope that it will not be too long when fate. Unfortunately, a June wedding has “normal service” will be restored. Per- been cancelled (due to be rescheduled); haps with all these restrictions, we now this was due to the virus and its re- realise how kind and caring people are strictions. It seemed surreal not to have and that we come to recognise what a Sunday worship in our small rural church, resource and valued place a church can and here we are in May and the same re- really be. Stay safe. Jean Robertson

29 West Ashton School We are all working in a very different way at the moment, I would like to share with you some of the things we have been doing through these difficult times.

Voyagers have been keeping themselves busy and enjoying the sun. The oldest children in the school have still been enjoying challenging themselves by completing SATs questions despite missing out on the opportunity to show just how much they’d learnt – they were far more self-competitive than we knew. Their teacher has also received plenty of pho- tos of delicious cakes, dinners, pies and biscuits which makes her feel hungry most of the day! There have been garden projects and wonderful art work pro- duced and plenty of exercise going on. The teachers have come up with some lovely ideas and ways to teach from a distance to make sure we are keeping all our children safe. We are all looking forward to returning to school.

Debby Huxham, Head Teacher Summer Nights

The sun goes down and the moon rises high Lots of birds still chirp and fly It seems hard to me to hear the birds feasting on the tree The eagles dancing with glare and glee The sunset fading and the darkness coming forth People still playing in the basketball courts As I peep through my curtain all I see is purple, pink and blue against the grass so green The scents waft through my window; Sizzling sausages, burning bacon, and frying onions in tow The food makes my stomach rumble In to my dreams the food tumbles To hear the cars whizzing slow and fast Cars small and very vast The darkness covers the whole night sky As I begin to dream my imagination flies

By Coco

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Charlie Chandler shows off his rain- bow.

Photo Jade Chandler

We were told to make as much noise as possible for the NHS on a Thursday even- ing, so Geoff Watkins took them at their word with his WW2 air raid siren in Bratton Road.

Photo Jo Watkins

31 Golf in the Garage

Asking people how they spend time dur- ing lockdown, the replies were all pretty similar; gardening, walking, DIY, home schooling etc., until I met up with Laurie Richardson, living in Bratton Road, who has converted his garage into a golf course. A likely tale I told myself. Howev- er, when invited to view, this was exactly what he'd done. A regular golfer at West Wilts golf course, he'd missed meeting up and playing a round with friends. Unde- terred, Laurie had hung a sheet against one wall onto which he'd projected a fair- way. This simulator enabled him to judge the accuracy of his shot. With artificial turf as a green, he'd even raised the ceiling to accommodate his swing. A regular player at the West Wilts golf course until lock- down, this was his ingenious way of keep- ing his hand in. Jo Watkins

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VE Day Celebrations in Orchard Close

Covid-19 didn't dampen the spirits of West Ashton in commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day. With gar- dens and houses bedecked in red, white and blue and bathed in glorious sunshine, neigh- bours and friends enjoyed front gar- den parties, sing-a- longs and even danc- ing in the streets! Whilst many could only wonder Photos Jo Watkins what the atmos- phere was like 75 years ago, some reminisced and shared their memories of being part of the celebrations. But we all came together and said THANK YOU to those who gave so much. Let's hope we'll all soon be able to join together to celebrate. Roe Heard 33 Shield Wiltshire – Covid Response

Early April my sister-in-law directed me neral parlours, doctors’ surgeries, to a local Facebook post. She knew I pharmacies, and so many more. had a 3D printer (bought a few months One sad story, of a few: a lady asked before to make models of my boat) for a mask, quickly please. Her father and thought maybe I would like to was dying with the virus and she would help. love to comfort him in his last days. Annette Alchin and her friend Janna One of us took her one later the same Baker had initiated ‘Shield Wiltshire’ day. and were seeking more volunteer We had not been able supply the NHS ‘makers’, typically people holed-up at till late last week when we had a cabi- home or in home-offices, with idle 3D net agreement to supply the NHS and printers to make frames for face they are now in GWH A&E. shields. The shields are delivered in The latest news is we have been shut Swindon and Wiltshire, free of charge. down as we haven’t the necessary A few weeks later and makers and or- type approvals. It has been an extraor- ders escalated to over 30 makers and dinary journey and with just under orders exceeding 4,000. We are all 20,000 visors delivered a huge help to lacking sleep, happy as “sand boys”, our local careers. making these to order for Wiltshire Tim Le Mare care homes, care workers, police, fu-

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I Useful Numbers Contact Information Paul - New build, extensions, renova- 01225 753997/07799 563347 Builder I tion specialist, alterations. 19 Bratton Road, I Foot Reflexologist Annie Ritchens 01225 752002 Mob 07967630429 Garage Services Briken Motors….MOTs, servicing etc, 01225 755203 I The Mobile Library visits Orchard www.services.wiltshire.gov.uk/ Library Close 3.30 to 4 pm MobileLibrary/Library/Stop/57 I Logs For Sale Ben Pike 01380 870808 I Newspapers- 07702 868863 Richard Seend News [email protected] I Parish Council Chairman: Mr Richard Covington 01225 761904 David Bradley Neighbourhood Watch 01225 754100 Scheme. Village Co-ordinator I Police Concerns Neighbourhood Policing PC Mat Till- ing Non-emergency No 101 I http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ Refuse Community skips in Canal Road, I Trowbridge for larger items. rubbish-collection-days Seamstress & Soft Clare Humphries, curtains, dress- 01225 767703 I Furnishings making and alterations Mob 07929 122631 Services Sundays 10.30am. I St. John's Church 01225 777331 Rev Allan Coutts I West Ashton Taxi service. Boomerang Taxi Mon-Sat West Ashton to Trowbridge. Morning pickup 9.30am, I Service Price each way: adult £1.60; child return 12 noon or 2pm. West Ashton to 80p; children under 4 free. Bus pass- Tel: 0800 371297 to book. Trowbridge. es can be used. I West Ashton C of E School Debby Huxham Head Teacher 01225 754354 I West Ashton La- Liz Hickerton 01380 870437 I dies Skittles Team Beauty Salon Kelly Beavis 31 Bratton Road I Manicure Pedicure Facials etc. (Gift Tokens) 07766117813 I Invictus Plus Care Kay Kamunga, home care for the 01225 760356 I CQC reg. elderly and disabled

I WI Fourth Wednesday of the Month Holly Westlake 01225 755866 Yoga 6.15pm Most Monday’s duration 1.5hrs Angeline Nicholson 01380 830458 I Coffee Mornings Fridays 10.30 to Noon Margaret Workman 01225 766998 I colin.delve@dano Zen Judo Classes Age 8+ Village Hall 7.00-9 Fridays. Colin Delve ne.com I Moo Music 10 to 10.40 & 10.50 to 11.20 Nicola 07534799276 I Taekwondo Fridays 4.20 to 5.00 & 5.00 to 5.45 Nick 07921855900 I 35 I

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I Photo Jean Robertson I Dance Class Tuesdays at 10am Dee Dee Wilde 01380 871608 I Dog Training Thursday’s at 6.30pm Ken Scott 07867 820497 Pilates At Present On ‘youtube’ Amie Hawker 07738 449245 I

Tai Chi Monday’s at 10.30am Brian Wooding 01985 213474 I Marlene Pike 01380 870272 Wives Group 730pm 1st Wednesday of the month Sylvia Preston 01225 765858 I