Lots of Fun at the Village Hall Evening of Music and Comedy Successful PAGES 6 and 7

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE SOMTBORNES DECEMBER 2018 AND ASHLEY JANUARY 2019 Lots of fun at the Village Hall Evening of music and comedy successful PAGES 6 and 7

Also in this edition:

Remembrance Sunday service draws large crowd PAGES 4 and 5

Back to the front Villager visits site of WWII battle PAGE 9

Carols for all Tune up for lots of singing PAGES 13, 15, 17, 31 and 32

New Year brings the panto Oh yes, it does! PAGE 8

DELIVERED FREE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE SOM- BORNES AND ASHLEY POSTED TO ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR £10 PER YEAR

Emma Wightman and associate osteopaths. iii

iv HORSEBRIDGE ROAD, HORSEBRIDGE, SO20 6PU Telephone: 01794 388644 Johnofgauntinn.co.uk We are on the Test Way, a perfect pit-stop for Walkers and Cyclists being located midway between Stockbridge and Romsey in the picturesque Village of Horsebridge. We are a Free House specialising in fine ales, wines and home cooked locally sourced food. There is a choice of freshly cooked Roasts every Sunday. Breakfasts can be arranged for groups if required. We have 30 covers inside and 32 seats available in our garden to the rear. We are ideally suited for groups of Ramblers or Cyclists with a pre- booking service available. We are open throughout the day from 11am and will not close before 10pm or later if we have customers. Food served between 11am and 3pm and 5pm until 8pm, and later if pre-booked. Parking in the Test Way Car Park, and Horsebridge Station Road. Free Wifi and Dog friendly

v vi Stretch and Tone at IYENGAR YOGA CLASSES suitable for all levels of experience

King’s Somborne (Mon & Thurs am, Tues pm) Houghton (Mon pm & Fri am) Sherfield English (Weds am) Romsey (Weds & Thurs pm) Carolyn Ryan 01794 388743 [email protected]

Richard Penfold Local Firewood Supplier High quality seasoned logs produced by ourselves from locally sourced timber cut from well managed and sustainable woodlands. Dry stored, delivered dry and available throughout the year. Telephone: 01794 389603 Mobile: 079000 61158 Email: [email protected] www.woodlandfirewood.co.uk

Have Fun with Spanish LYNN lessons in the King’s Somborne area. MOBILE STYLIST HAIRDRESSER Children after school, adults one to one or Fully qualified & insured group lessons, Ladies, Gents & Children daytime or evening. After school service for children Phone: 01794 388679 Cutting Email: Weddings, Special occasions [email protected] 07778 428030 / 01794 390625

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LOGS FOR SALE Seasoned hardwood from managed woodland in Little Somborne Available in 200 litre bags or 1000 litre truck loads Free delivery for local customers Tel: 01264 811362 Email: CALL PAUL ON 07886 361791 OR EMMA ON 07920 289341 [email protected]

viii ********************************************** Why not use the Village Hall as a meeting place or as a venue for your party? Available for single events or regular meetings Contact Sarah Pennington (email please): [email protected] 01794 389354 (evenings) **********************************************

The Somborne & District Society

Talks on Local History and related subjects. Visits to places of interest - Quarterly Newsletter Visitors always welcome! Regular meetings held on the 4th Wednesday of each month - 8.00pm, in King’s Somborne Village Hall Refreshments from 7.30 pm

Contact : David St John 01794 388119 ix [email protected]

CORBEN PLANT & CONSTRUCTION LTD Building Contractors and Civil Engineering All building works undertaken  New Build  Extensions  Property Maintenance  Experienced in Listed Building Works  UPVC fascias, windows and doors and all purpose-made joinery supplied and fitted  All aspects of Carpentry - Cut Roofing specialists  Ground works - own Plant and Equipment For free estimates and advice Tel: 01794 884039 Mobile: 07860 924330 E-mail: [email protected]

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xi Ham pshire Garden & Land Management Ltd [email protected] 07730 099611 Garden Maintenance Agricultural & Equestrian Strimming Fencing Mowing Stump Grinding Woodland Maintenance Hedge Cutting Paddock Topping Gate Posts & Gates Custom Made Log Stores Hedge & Tree Planting Logs for Sale

Bespoke, built-in furniture Wardrobes, Bookcases, Media / Alcove units, Kitchens, Shelves, Cupboards etc. Free design and quote. Call Mark on: 07961 979429 or: 01794 301728 testvalleyjoinery.co.uk

COUNTRY LES SMITH PLASTERING BUILDERS CONTRACTOR • Property Repairs • Alterations Family run business • Roofing & Guttering Over 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE • Painting & Decorating Fully insured • Patios & Brickwork • Carpentry & Fencing TELEPHONE ROMSEY • Pvc Cladding & Windows 01794 367319 • Free Estimates 07798905087 Mob 07747 773327 For a free estimate Tel 01794 516320 [email protected]

xii xiii CROSS STORES AND POST OFFICE News agent National Lottery Off licence

Shop: 01794 336555 7.30-7.00 Monday-Friday 8.00-7.00 Saturday 9.00-1.00 Sunday Post Office: 01794 388341 9.00-5.30 Monday-Friday 9.00-12.30 Saturday

We are a family owned traditional Post Office, Newsagents, off licence, and convenience store. We stock fresh bread, milk, fruit and vegetables, frozen foods, stationery and gifts, winter fuels and BBQ fuels, a bit of almost everything really!

See our Facebook page for local news and events: www.facebook.com/crossstoresltd

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Useful names and numbers Parish Church Schools Somborne Pre-School 07530 893773 For all enquiries for the time being please King’s Somborne School 01794 388381 contact the Churchwarden David Bevan on Test Valley School 01264 810555 07769 682696 Police Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Licensed Lay Ministers: Police Station 101 Sue Holligan 01794 388484 Urgent calls 999 Howard Rowe 01794 388400 Neighbourhood Watch Warden: Andrew Brock 01794 388227 David Bevan 07769 682696 Parish Council PCC Secretary: David Bevan 07769 682696 Clerk: Peter Storey 01794 389688 Treasurer & Gift Aid Sec: Borough Councillor Claire Bevan 01794 341923 Tony Ward 01794 389649 Flowers: Penny Ward 01794 389649 County Councillor Methodist Church Andrew Gibson 01264 861138 Minister: Member of Parliament Revd Ruth Fry 01962 882828 Caroline Nokes MP 020 7219 1468 Steward: Pam Gravenor 01794 388531 [email protected] Roman Catholic Churches Local Authority Hampshire Downs parish 01962 852804 Test Valley B C 01264 368000 St Swithun Wells parish 02380 273882 Village Correspondent Village Hall Jo Finch 01794 388462 Bookings: Sarah Pennington 01794 389354 Village Website (tel. after 7.30pm please) or email www.thesombornes.org.uk [email protected] The Gauntlet Epworth Hall Editor: Harvey Saunders 01794 388029 Bookings:Marion Downing 01794 388121 Advertising: Sue Byram 01794 388521 [email protected] Distribution: Lin Curtis 01794 389373

Doctors Please deliver articles for The Gauntlet Stockbridge surgery 01264 810524 to [email protected] www.stockbridgesurgery.co.uk or The Post Office. Broughton surgery 01794 301210 Copy date is no later than 5.00pm on the 15th of the month please. Pharmacy See our colour online edition Stockbridge Pharmacy 01264 810624 at the village website (see above)

Village Directory Allotments Epworth Lunch Contact: [email protected] Lunch for over 50s at the Epworth Hall. Lisa Johnson 07796175875 or 388504 On the second Tuesday in the month at 12.30pm. Art and Crafts group Contact: Marilyn Bolton 01794 389356 Contacts: Pam Watson 01794 388429 Madeline Edmonds 01794 389014 Friends of King’s Somborne Church Contact: Michael Templeman 01794 Badminton Club 388191 Monday evenings in the Village Hall Contact: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 Football Club Contact: Andy Gannaway 01794 388733 Bellringing Every Monday 7.30 - 9.00pm. Footpath walk Contact: Sue Spurling 01794 388266 Monthly walk on Parish footpaths on the last Sunday of each month. Check the Catherine Edwards Trust Village Diary or village website for details. Provides grants to village students Contact: Duncan Gould 01794 388049 Contact: David Bevan 07769 682696 French Twinning Association Computer and Coffee mornings Contacts: Louise & Andrew Causer First and third Thursday every month 01794 389364 10.00am - 12.00 at the Village Hall. Hands -on support and advice for all ages and FunDay Club experience on using internet, email etc. Meets after school on Wednesdays for Free coffee, tea and biscuits. children in years Reception to 4 Contact: John Davies 01794 389544 Contact: Sue Holligan 01794 388484 Cricket Club Garden waste scheme Contact: Rachel King 07809 289861 Garden waste will be collected in w/c 3rd Christians Together in and 17th December 2018 and 14th and 28th January 2019. Somborne and District Welcome all to open and ecumenical Home Group meetings and services throughout the year. Bible study group. Usually third Contact: Barbara Heffer 01794 389126 Thursdays of the month at 8.00pm. Community Responders Contact: Barbara Heffer 01794 389126 Contacts: Lesley Everard-Evans Horticultural Society 01794 388991 Meets for two talks and one visit per year Dial-a-Ride and organises the annual Flower Show. Trips to Romsey every Wednesday, for Contact: Lisa Johnson 07796 175875 senior citizens and disabled people, at Household waste 2.00pm. Fare £2.00. Non-recyclable household waste (black Contact: Dick or Zoe 01264 356808 bins) will be collected in w/c 3rd, 17th and Drop In Coffee Morning 31st December 2018 and 14th and 28th Coffee morning at the Epworth Hall. January 2019. Every Tuesday (except the second in the Recyclable household waste (brown bins) month) at 10.30am. will be collected in w/c 10th and 24th Contact: Marion Downing 01794 388121 December 2018 and 7th and 21st January 2019. See page 40 for holiday changes.

Village Directory (continued) Sombornes Pre-School Early Years education for children aged Messy Church from 2 to school age. Contact: Rebecca Hunt 07530 893773 Meets 3rd Sunday of each month in term time, 3.30pm - 5.30pm at Epworth Hall. Somborne Sessions Contacts: Pam Gravenor 01794 388531 Details: www.sombornesessions.co.uk Sam Barnes 07742 077114 Contact: Trevor Ryan 01794 388743 Neighbourcare Somborne Singers Transport to essential appointments. Weekly meetings to sing ballads, songs Contacts: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 from shows etc. every Tuesday at 7.45pm Mary Bradley 01794 388386 in the Parish Church. Contact: Howard Rowe 01794 388400 Parent, Baby & Toddler Group Informal friendly get-together for babies, Somborne Sisterhood W I pre-school children, parents and carers. Meets on the first Friday of each month at Every Wednesday 9.30am - 11.30am in the 8.00pm in the Village Hall Village Hall. Contact: Samantha Boot 01794 389554 Contact: Tam Goldsmith 07891 075969 Tiny Tots Prayer Group Meet in the Parish Church each Tuesday at Contact: Dulcie Witts 01794 388267 2.00pm. Contact: Hayley Griffith 01794 389524 School Association Social and fund-raising events to benefit Village Agent the school and its pupils. Contacts: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 Contact: Andy Chadwick 01794 389587 Gill Butler 01794 388831 Scouts Women’s Fellowship Beavers Wednesdays 6.00 - 7.00pm Meets on the fourth Friday of each month Cubs and Scouts Thursdays 6.00 - 7.30pm at 2.30pm in the Epworth Hall. Contact: Wendy Jarvis 01794 389552 Contacts: Marion Downing 01794 388121 Marilyn Bolton 01794 389356 Somborne & District Society Meetings held on the fourth Wednesday of Women’s Institute each month at 8.00pm, usually in the Meets on the second Wednesday of each Village Hall. month at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Contact: Janet Ingleson 01794 388618 Contact: Linda Aucock 01794 388542 Somborne Music Appreciation Group Working Men’s Club Contact: Frank Fahy 01794 388314 Various entertainments. Contacts: Janette Batchelor 07505 483692 Somborne Needleworkers Trina Masham 07852 257596 Meet each Thursday at 2.00pm at Nutcher’s, 3 Nutcher’s Drove. Contact: Sally Wilson 01794 388675 Somborne Players Amateur Dramatics Society. For both children and adults. This month’s edition of The Gauntlet Contact: Ellie Monger 01794 388283 was edited by Harvey Saunders 3

One hundred years ago the guns fell silent Remembrance Day this year was then laid their particularly significant because it wreaths at the marked the Centenary of the end of the base of the First World War. We were fortunate memorial. because the day was bright and sunny The hymn and there was a very large crowd to ‘He who mark the occasion. would valiant The village scouts, be’ was sung led by the cubs and beavers school choir proudly marched with their flags to and a the War Memorial collection was taken for led by a piper and the British accompanied by a magnificent white Legion Poppy Appeal. horse. This was in Many then retired to the church for the recognition of the service which began with the lighting fact that Romsey of the Peace candle followed by the was a major re- hymn ‘O God our help in ages past’ mount centre in and the Bible reading from Mark’s the war and many gospel. Howard Rowe, our Licensed horses joined the Lay Minister, gave a moving sermon soldiers in the recollecting his grandfather’s service conflict. in the war when he was called up to Methodist minister Rev Ruth Fry join the Durham Light Infantry. After the prayers of intercession there was a began the ceremony at the memorial reading of the Kohima Epitaph and the with the opening prayers followed by the Lord’s Prayer and the hymn ‘Abide service finished with the National Anthem and the final blessing. with me’. During the act of remembrance the chairman of the Terry Mackintosh Parish Council read the names of those who gave their lives in the war which was followed by the Last Post, the minute’s silence and Reveille. Representatives of families and village organisations

An invitation to all budding flower arrangers

All budding flower arrangers or consuming. We also place candles flower enthusiasts, I invite you to around and twist some ivy here and come and help make the church there. It’s not energetic but fun. Christmas decorations with us. We Thursday 13th December at 9.30am make the window ledge arrangements arranging at my home where lots of and small pew end posies for the pew fun is had. ends Thursday morning and enjoy a coffee. They are all very simple and Friday 14th December at 9.30am at made entirely of mixed evergreen the Church to place all in position. garden foliage, So no skills are Please give what time you can as needed only enthusiasm. This every little helps. The more people preparation is done at my home where we have the sooner it is done. Two it is cosy. mornings would be great but if you On Friday morning we place can only do one or part of one it will everything in position in the church. I be much appreciated. would like more help on the Friday at Contact: Penny Ward the Church because putting things in 01794 389649 place is just fiddly and time 5

An evening of music, comedy and verse What a wonderful evening it was at Bringing us to the problems of today’s the Village Hall on Saturday 10th world, Rebecca Rickard and Lesley November. With our compere, Evans performed an extremely JohnVanderpump, we were introduced amusing sketch about trying to order a to a range of amazing talents from cup of coffee and a sandwich. We local people. could all identify with the problem of The first act was a sketch by Jo Finch coping with the myriad of choices and and Audrey Thomas, aided by Jessica the volume of laughter was such that I missed some of the words. Claydon, with Jo and Audrey giving us the voices of Tracey and Shirley with Bill Martin, accompanied by Sophie, appropriate accents and innuendos. sang Bring him Home, from Les This play on words raised many Miserables, which was a lovely laughs. calming note after all the laughter. Tony Brooke-Webb, Chairman of the Village Hall Fundraising Committee, recited two of his own verses which included some slightly risqué parts. But we thoroughly enjoyed Tony’s performance even though Algernon and Freda Hog had a sad ending, both dying at the end. Our next ‘turn’ was to hear the fantastic singing of Bill Martin and Mandi Francis accompanied by Sophie Aynesley. Their singing moved into a close smoochy dance. The amount of In another role, Mandi Francis then entertained us by reciting a couple of applause was as much as one would Pam Ayres poems and two of her own expect from a West End show. in a voice and accent that could have been Pam’s and dressed to look the part as well. The poem ‘Keep on Vanderpumping’ caused much amusement. Our King’s Somborne hand bell ringers were on stage next ringing four songs that were all familiar to us. The seven ringers are such a talented group and the audience clearly enjoyed their choice of songs showing this by humming to the tunes of Skye Boat Song and Bobby Shaftoe. After our fish and chip supper followed by ice cream and washed

6 down with mainly alcoholic beverage in bringing the whole evening together the raffle was drawn. and presented her with a bouquet. John Vanderpump introduced Joe Peel, Altogether a fantastic evening which father of Audrey Thomas, Rosemarie we know will be remembered and Tongs and Rita Harfield. Joe is a talked about over the coming weeks. survivor of the Second World War and Janet Ingleson in memory of his fallen colleagues some of the money raised from the evening will go to the British Legion Appeal. A full interview with Joe, appears on page 9 of this magazine. After supper we watched a short play ‘Alright on the Night’, a one act comedy. The group of seven players, who had a considerable number of lines to learn, performed really well and were a credit to producer Jo Finch and backstage assistant Sian Johnson. The evening rounded off with all of us singing songs from WWI led by Bill Martin. Tony Brooke-Webb then thanked Jo Finch who was instrumental

The Somborne Players present…

Friday 8 February 2019 7.30pm Saturday 9 February 2019 2.00pm and 7.30pm Kings Somborne Village Hall A great way to brighten up the post-Christmas period! Follow our hero Dick Whittington as he travels to London where he’s been told the streets are paved with gold. With his trusty cat he seeks fame, fortune and happiness. His adventure will take him from London across the sea to Morocco, guided by the magical Fairy Bowbelle.  Will Dick be able to outwit the evil King Rat and rid not only London but also Morocco of his revolting ratlings?  Will he win Alice’s hand in marriage?  Will he become Lord Mayor of London? HE’LL NEED YOUR HELP TO DO IT! MAKE A NOTE TO COME AND JOIN THE FUN Tickets will be available from the Post Office & Martin Stores Adults £6.00, Children £4.00, Family – 2 adults/2 children £17.50 If you would like to find out more about the panto or the Somborne Players contact Ellie Monger at [email protected] or on 01794 388283

Joe returns to El Alamein Joe Peel was one of 6 veterans who returned to El Alamein to revisit the site of the historic WWII Allied victory 76 years ago. This battle, in which Joe was a gunner, turned the tide of war towards the eventual defeat of Hitler. The all-expenses-paid trip was funded by the government. Each veteran was accompanied by a carer and a family member. Joe, 98, took daughters Audrey and Rosemarie. The veterans at the pyramids Joe and the other veterans were injured, although the damage has magnificently welcomed by the armed stayed with him all his life. forces personnel and the British Joe vividly remembers the noise, the Ambassador, who hosted an afternoon tea at the residence. confusion in clouds of dust and sand, and the ubiquitous flies. The battle Joe, then aged 22, was in the Royal was ‘terrible’. Artillery. He fought the battle with But he also remembers his first camp his team manning a huge anti-aircraft by the pyramids where he and his gun. He was lucky to survive. 13,500 mates would poke holes in the fence Allied soldiers died, were wounded or went missing in the 10 day battle. A to watch the outdoor cinema shows for nothing, and the dance one night in bomb exploded about 30 yards from Alexandria where he bumped into Joe and he was blown off his platform by the blast, but only his hearing was Montgomery and shook his hand. The veterans visited many cemeteries and battlefields, laid many wreaths and attended the ceremony to remember the battle and lost comrades. Certainly the trip of a lifetime. Sue Jackson

Joe by a gun of the type he manned 9

Parish Council notes November 2018 Mr R Dyke (Open Spaces Warden), B/ been appraised of dissatisfaction in Cllr Ward and two members of the some areas with the standard of their public were present for part of the completed groundworks and that meeting. residents with evidence of this should let him or the Clerk know to enable B/Cllr Ward commented that another follow up action to be taken. successful fly tipping prosecution had taken place; the Borough’s annual leaf Thought was being given to the clearance programme had started on installation of village entry gates at the 29 October; and a number of night main entry points to King’s Somborne, time closures of the M27 would take that is A3057, Winchester Road and place during the month. possibly Furzedown Road. B/Cllr Ward then briefed on progress Favourable comments had been with the new Community Building/ received from mothers on the recently preschool plans. A full planning installed toddlers’ play equipment. application had now been submitted to The Clerk was pleased to announce the TVBC, reference number 18/02874/ receipt of £3,715 from SSE as their FULLS. A letter had been sent to compensation contribution for adjacent residents explaining why the disruption to be caused by the on-site Scout hut land was not an ideal work to underground the electricity location and the application for supply cables across the 3 Fields site. LoddenTest funds had finally been S106 monies amounting to £5,341 had submitted with all the necessary been received from TVBC for the supporting evidence including the long purchase of the new toddlers’ play awaited flood risk report. Agreement equipment. had been reached with the Football Club on relocating the pitch further As always, a full set of minutes can be away from the Village Hall to reduce found on the Parish Council website the risk of flying footballs hitting Hall and in both Cross Stores and Martin’s users and also enable completion of Corner Shop. new drainage and a safer access to the All Parish Council meetings are open new building. to the public and we look forward to Cllr Brock announced that the seeing you there. Environment Agency had completed Peter Storey their half yearly stream clearance; Clerk to King’s Somborne Parish Southern Water had infilled a large Council depression in Winchester Road; that he had requested Hampshire Highways to review the newly laid road opposite the ford in Winchester Road as it had a very deep unprotected edge at the entrance to the field which was a major road user hazard as well as making the drain installation ineffective; that Virgin Media had 10

PARISH CLERK VACANCY After 13 years in post, our Parish Clerk, Peter Storey OBE, will retire on 31 March 2019 and take a well-earned rest from the excellent service he has given the Council and the community. We are now beginning the search for a replacement. The role is both interesting and varied and is ideal for someone passionate about the Parish and keen to be part of its evolution. If you are interested, please contact Peter by e-mail at [email protected] or phone 01794 389688 to discuss further and learn more about what the role entails. The post is salaried, part time and pensionable and involves working from home for much of the time with some evening commitments during the month. Relevant training will be provided as will the opportunity to shadow and work with Peter from 1 February 2019 to give the successful candidate every opportunity to settle in to this exciting role. Andrew Brock Chair King’s Somborne Parish Council

Stockbridge Community Cinema

Wednesday 5 December Mama Mia! Here We Go Again (PG) Get ready to sing and dance, laugh and love all over again. Five years after the events of Mamma Mia! (2008) you are invited to return to the magical Greek island of Kalokairi in an all-new original musical based on the songs of ABBA. Sophie prepares for the grand reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna as she learns more about her mother’s past. Showing at 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Doors open 30 minutes before the start.

Friday 18 January 2019 Leave No Trace (PG) Will and his teenage daughter, Tom have lived ‘off-grid’ for years in the forests of Portland, Oregon. When their idyllic life is shattered, both are forced to re-join society but how will the father-daughter team cope back in civilisation? Annual Report 2018 at 7.30pm - Film follows at approximately 8.00pm.

Wednesday 23 January 2019 The Children Act In the midst of a marital crisis, a High Court judge must decide if she should order a life-saving blood transfusion for a teenage boy with cancer despite his family's refusal to accept medical treatment for religious reasons. Showing at 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Doors open 30 minutes before the start.

Tickets £5 from John Robinson and Garden Inn in Stockbridge or online via www.stockbridgecinema.org.uk

December walk. 3.5 miles (5.75 km) 1.5 hours Sunday 30th December 2018 2:00pm King’s Somborne Village Hall We start by heading across Palace Field and along the bridleway that heads south-west (Path 505). On reaching Romsey Road we cross the road and follow the Roman road to Horsebridge and onto the Test Way. Then it is north along the Test Way and back to the village via the Clarendon Way and Cow Drove Hill.

King’s Somborne Working Men’s Club Forthcoming Entertainment: Christmas Fair Friday 30th November 2018 From 7.00pm Raffle, Tombola, Christmas Crafts & much more Christmas Raffle NOW on Sunday 16th December 2018 To be drawn after Bingo Christmas Day Open from 12.00noon to 2.00pm Then 7.00pm till late Boxing Day Open from 12.00noon to 11.00pm New Years Eve Disco Monday 31st December 2018 Prizes for Best Fancy Dress Over 16’s only £10 per ticket Entry by ticket only Tickets will not be available on the night

A concert of Christmas Music and Carols Music by local singers Mescolanza 3pm Sunday 9th December Kings Somborne Methodist Church

Retiring collection in aid of church charities Contact Melanie Haydon 01794 388120 for details

(mostly) English, (mostly) folksong and dance tunes accompanied on (mostly) four saxophones. Tickets for this lively event on Saturday, 26 January are on sale now through our website, priced at £14.

By the time you read this, our first gig And looking further ahead, on of the new season, Tom Baxter (ably Saturday, 2 March we will be supported by Vashti), will have been presenting the songwriting and enjoyed by everyone who was quick performing talent of Boo Hewerdine. enough to get a ticket – it was one of Boo is a legendary performer and our fastest-selling events writer of numerous songs, often On Saturday, 26 January we look covered by the likes of KD Lang, Eddi forward to welcoming a bright new Reader, Natalie Imbruglia, Mel C and band to the Sessions: Orphan Colours. Sia. And so for us, a chance to hear the songs from the originator’s own voice and guitar! Tickets for this event are on sale now through our website, priced at £14. We’re still putting the finishing At the time of writing, they have just touches to the 2019 Spring line-up, so been nominated for the UK Americana keep your eyes on our website – Awards in the Best New Album www.sombornesessions.co.uk – or see category for their debut “All on Red” our Facebook page for all the latest and when they play for us it’ll be just updates. days before the award ceremony and Keith Watson the chance to be catapulted to even [email protected] greater things (although what greater accolade can there be to be asked to the Somborne Sessions?) Supporting Orphan Colours will be the Andover- based Sheepstealers: a quartet (of five?) playing (mostly) traditional,

Wreath-making evenings – HELP NEEDED Last year we held two very successful • Fir cones, teasels, acorns in cups, Christmas Wreath Making evenings in mistletoe, rosemary, twisted willow the Village Hall. We are holding them sticks, dried seed heads, feathers – again this year to raise much needed such as pheasant, or any other items funds for the School and Pre-school in from your garden or walks that can the village. be used to decorate wreaths. There are still a few spaces left for • Cake – any donations of cakes for Tuesday 4th December. To book your the evenings, such as mince pies, to place, email go with the drinks would be very [email protected] much appreciated. These can be We need your help to make the dropped at the Hall on the Tuesday evenings run as smoothly as they did or Thursday evening, or to Swallow last year: Fields Old Palace Farm. • Any evergreen foliage, such as fir, • Old Christmas tree decorations yew, ivy, holly etc, to be dropped at suitable for adding to a wreath. the Village Hall on Tuesday 4th Thank you in advance for your help. December or from Saturday 1st December onto my drive way Kind regards (Swallow Fields Old Palace Farm) in Lisa Johnson bags. If you need the bags back, 07796175875 then, please put a tag with your name and telephone number on them.

Last posting dates for Christmas International Standard (formerly Airmail)

Tuesday 4 December Africa, Middle East Friday 7 December Cyprus, Malta, Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia

Saturday 8 December Caribbean, Central and South America Monday 10 December Greece, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand Friday 14 December Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, USA

Saturday 15 December Finland, Sweden Monday 17 December Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland

Tuesday 18 December Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg UK Inland Services Tuesday 18 December 2nd Class Royal Mail Signed For 2nd Class®

Thursday 20 December 1st Class Royal Mail Signed For 1st Class® Royal Mail Tracked 48® Friday 21 December Royal Mail Tracked 24® Saturday 22 December Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed®

Stop Press……Last minute news!! *Children’s Carol Singing * *Tuesday 18th December* *Eldon Road area* In aid of charity* *See posters around the village for start time and meeting point, or contact Pam Gravenor on 01794 388531* 17

What’s on Your guide to events in and around the district Winchester Science Centre Andover Museum www.winchestersciencecentre.org 01264 366283 Free admission General opening times: Monday- Open Tuesday – Friday 10.00am – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm, weekends 5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm. 10.00am – 5.00pm 20 October – 15 December: Hope, 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 Peace and Remembrance – art December: Santa and the Elves 5 December: Beading and baubles Experience and Reindeer Round-up in 6 December: Willow angel and Space decorations 12 December: Space lecture 12 December: Candle making Book 01962 891925 or online 14 December: Silver earrings Mottisfont Abbey Booking needed for all workshops House open 11.00am - 5.00pm, Winchester Cathedral gardens, cafe and shop open 10.00am - 01962 857200 5.00pm, art gallery 11.00am – 5.00pm. Opening times: Monday – Saturday 24 November – 6 January: The Night 9.30am – 5.00pm, Sunday 12.30pm – before Christmas – scenes and family 3.00pm trail 7 November – 2 January: Winchester 5 January – 14 April: Thelwell – Cathedral Ice Rink 2018 Laughter and Landscapes exhibition 17 November – 17 December: Christmas Tower Tours. Book online Hinton Ampner 17 November – 17 December: House open 11.00am – 4.00pm, estate, Twilight Tower Tours. Book online garden, shop and tearoom open daily 17 November – 20 December: from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Winchester Christmas Market 1 December – 1 January: 10.00am – 10.30am – 6.30pm Sunday - 4.00pm A Christmas Mystery trail Wednesday. Till 8.00pm Thursday – 1 December – 24 December: 11.00am Saturday – 3.30pm Hinton’s Christmas Murder Please look on website for more Mystery – festive decorations events. 27 December: 1.00pm – 3.00pm Festive walk at Hinton Ampner Winchester City Mill Watermill and shop open 10.00 am – The Vyne, Basingstoke 4.00pm House open 12.00 – 3.00pm, tearoom 15 December: 12.00 – 3.00pm Alder 10.00am – 4.30pm, shop and garden Valley Brass Carols 11.00am – 4.00pm Every Saturday and Sunday: 1 December – 1 January: A Christmas Traditional Flour Milling Carol trail demonstration with free entry on New 1 December – 3 January: Christmas Year’s Day with The Vyne’s Victorian Family Janet Ingleson Daily from 1 January: New Year walks

Theatres Theatre Royal, Winchester 30 January – 2 February 01962 840440 Birmingham Royal Ballet – Beauty www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk and the Beast 1 December – 6 January Salisbury Playhouse Beauty and the Beast 01722 320333 7 December www.salisburyplayhouse.com Happy birthday NHS – Dr. Phil 1 December – 13 January Hammond Beauty and the Beast 9 December A Victorian Christmas 10 – 30 December 11 December The Night before Christmas at the Christmas Classics with Blake Salberg 13 December 11 – 13 December The Scummy Mummies Christmas Show Who Sleighed Santa? at Salisbury Arts 18 – 22 December at the Salberg 17 December A Christmas Carol Santa’s Christmas Party 21 – 22 December The Spitfire Sisters 20 December The Spitfire Sisters 18 January Reverie – the life and loves of Claude 11 – 13 January Debussy A Christmas Carol 19 January Martin Jarvis reads Just William Plaza Theatre, Romsey 19 January Ultimate Buble 01794 512987 www.plazatheatre.com 24 January 1 December Salisbury Plain Military Wives Choir E Minor Pop Academy Winter Show 25 January 5 – 8 December Showstopper! The Improvised Constellations Musical 10 – 11 December 26 January The Sound of Christmas An Evening of Marvin Gaye 10,11,12,13,18,19,20,25,26 January Puss in Boots Chesil Theatre 29 January www.chesiltheatre.org.uk An evening of Mediumship 28 November – 1 December The Singer The Mayflower, Southampton 26 January – 2 February 02380 711811 A bunch of Amateurs www.mayflower.org.uk 27 November – 8 December Watermill Theatre, Newbury Shrek the Musical www.watermill.Theatre@arts- 15 December – 6 January mail.co.uk Dick Whittington 01635 46044 8 – 19 January 15 November – 5 January Calendar Girls – The Musical Robin Hood – Christmas 2018 22 – 26 January American Idiot Janet Ingleson

Village diary for December 2018

Every Monday: 10.30am Steady and Strong 7.30pm Bell ringing 7.30pm Badminton Every Tuesday 10.30am Drop in coffee (except the second Tuesday) 2.00pm Tiny Tots 7.45pm Somborne Singers Every Wednesday 10.00am Parent, Baby and Toddler Group 2.00pm Dial-a-ride 6.00pm Beavers & Cubs 7.30pm Dominoes Every Thursday 2.00pm Needleworkers 6.30pm Scouts 7.30pm Cribbage School holidays, Bank Holidays and other events may cause changes; contact the names given on pages 2 and 3 of this magazine for details.

3rd Parish Council 7.00pm 16th Christmas Raffle at the Club Computer cafe 10.00am 6th 18th Children's carol singing 7th Sisterhood W I 8.00pm Ashley carol concert 7.30pm 8th Soup & Sherry 12.00 20th Computer cafe 10.00am 9th A Christmas Carol 3.00pm 7.30pm Over 50s Xmas Lunch 10.00am 11th Epworth Xmas 12.30pm Carols round 7.00pm Lunch the village SomSoc Xmas 7.30pm 23rd Footpath walk 2.00pm Dinner See page 12 Health Walk 10.00am 12th 25th Christmas Day

W.I. 7.30pm 30th Women’s fellowship 2.30pm 13th Church Flower 9.30 am 14th Xmas decorations 31st New Year’s Eve at the Club 20

Village diary for January 2019

3rd Computer cafe 10.00am 9th W.I. 7.30pm

4th Sisterhood W I 8.00pm 17th Computer cafe 10.00am 19th Soup & Sherry 12.00 5th Soup & Sherry 12.00 24th Over 50s Minibus Trip 10.00am 7th Parish Council 7.00pm 25th Women’s fellowship 2.30pm 8th Epworth Lunch 12.30pm 26th Somborne Sessions

9th Health Walk 10.00am 27th Footpath walk 2.00pm See below

January walk 5.5 miles (8.75 km) 2.25 hours Sunday 27th January 2019 2:00pm King’s Somborne Village Hall We leave the village along Winchester Road and up Red Hill before turning onto the path past Ashley New buildings. At the crossroads we take the path across the field past Ashley Manor Farm and then over the hill to Chalk Vale before returning to the village past the beef unit and back along Winchester Road.

District diary for December and January 1 November – 31 March 12 December The Hospital of St Cross, Winchester. Stockbridge Community Cinema Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 3.30pm ‘Madam Butterfly’ 4.30pm and 17 November – 24 December 7.30pm Christmas at Marwell Zoo 15 December 01962 777407 Day trip to Oxford Street Shopping 20 November – 20 December www.wheelerstravel.co.uk (Tuesdays and Thursdays) 023 8047 1800 Winchester Cathedral Silent Disco on 15 December Ice 7.00pm and 8.00pm Day trip to Winter Wonderland Book online winchester- Hyde Park cathedral.org.uk www.wheelerstravel.co.uk 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 16 December 24, 26, 27 December Andover Farmers’ Market 10.00am – The Watercress Line Santa Specials 2.00pm Andover High Street www.watercressline.co.uk 17 December 1 December Carols in Romsey Market Place Ampfield Market 10.00am – 12.00 19 November Ampfield Village Hall Tea at Three at Wessex Learning 4 December Centre, Winchester Cathedral £2.50 Wheelers Christmas Lunch Cruise 23 December along the Thames Romsey Christmas Farmers’ Market www.wheelerstravel.co.uk 26 December 5 December Romsey pre-1976 Car and Bike Stockbridge Community Cinema Charity Meet 4.30pm and 7.30pm ‘Mama Mia! Here we go again’ 2 January Southampton Common 10k Charity 7 December Fun Run 10.00am Online entries Romsey Late Night Shopping and Lantern Parade 12 January www.romseylanternparade.org.uk Day trip to Holiday on Ice at Brighton www.wheelerstravel.co.uk 8 December Waynflete Singers: A Christmas 27 January Fanfare. Romsey 5 mile run 2019 Winchester Cathedral 7.30pm 8.30am – 12.00. Broadlands Tickets winchester-cathedral.org.uk www.romsey5run.co.uk 10 December Janet Ingleson Plaza Theatre, Romsey 7.30pm Michelmersh Silver Band Christmas Concert

Village Hall news Many of you will already know that at The Somborne Sessions New Year long last the new Hall façade is kicks off on Saturday 26th January. finished and I hope you will agree the See page 14 for details. long wait has been worthwhile. It is On the 2nd February The Geriactors three years since planning permission are returning to King’s Somborne was approved. The delay in starting playing again “Reunion with Death”, was because we had been thinking this time in aid of Cancer Research about other projects, which fell by the UK. The next weekend it is wayside, that would have taken Pantomime time again performed by priority. Now we can now see how a our very own Somborne Players. few roof-tiles and a beautiful piece of More details of these performances are oak can transform such an ugly on pages 8 and 25. building into one of which the village can be very proud (I hope). The popular monthly Health Walks sponsored by TVBC continue to be The planning application for the new enjoyed. Until now, these have been Community/Preschool building has led by two girls from TVBC. now been submitted for the site Unfortunately, this connection will be adjacent to the MUGA. All the details discontinued in January and we need relating to the application can be found one more volunteer, to lead these very on page 10. enjoyable monthly occasions. If Having had such a busy November the anyone is interested in volunteering Hall is relatively quiet in December. please call me on 07976 559320 and I The major attraction will be the can give you more details. incredibly popular Wreath Making on May I take this opportunity of wishing the nights of Tuesday 4th and all the supporters of the Hall a Very Thursday 6th December. See page 16 Happy Christmas and Prosperous for how you can help. All the 2019. proceeds from these two evenings will go to the King’s Somborne School John Vanderpump Association and the King’s Somborne Chairman Preschool.

Somborne Sisterhood WI

It has been a busy couple of months her talk off by for the Somborne Sisterhood WI. Our introducing October meeting was in fact our sixth Zumba, its birthday party and to celebrate, origins, and members assembled with glasses of the different styles of music that define fizz and homemade goodies to toast it. Sue’s enthusiasm for Zumba is the event. All attending had brought infectious and she was able to regale with them plates and platters of us with a number of entertaining delicious canapes and favourite stories and anecdotes before chairs nibbles which all looked extremely were cleared and ‘part two’ of the tempting. Recipes were collected and evening got underway. a digital recipe booklet has been made Now all attending knew what they and will be emailed to members. were letting themselves in for, Sue Keen cook and committee member, cranked up the volume on the speaker Ute Brock, started the demo section of and got everyone up on their feet and the meeting with a delicious pea and moving (at times rather ‘creatively’) to mint mousse on black pudding and the rhythms of Latin America and the topped with a prawn, and a filo basket Caribbean. filled with cheesy broccoli. Sisterhood After an extended dance session, President, Samantha Boot followed Samantha Boot thanked Sue for such a with a jazzed up version of a perennial fun evening, before the raffle was favourite – smoked salmon blinis, with drawn and the meeting closed. added horseradish sauce and lemon zest. December meeting – Friday 7th December, 8.00pm, King’s Once the demos were finished, Somborne Village Hall The everyone was encouraged to fill their Somborne Sisterhood WI Craft Club plates and glasses and try the delights will be leading an evening of festive on offer. All were impressed by the makes for you to take home. Guests £5 high standards of the canapes, and plus a small charge for materials. were happy to eat and chat for the rest January Meeting – Friday 4th of the evening. January, 8.00pm, The Crown, In complete contrast, local Zumba King’s Somborne Join us for a social instructor, Sue Russell joined us for and a chance to renew membership. our November meeting. Sue started [email protected]

Thank you I would like to wish all my friends and neighbours a very happy Christmas and to say thank you to all the kind people who take me to visit Tony. I am most grateful to you all. Christine and Tony Mitchell

Horticultural Society talk Gardening for wildlife On Thursday 18th October we Alan talked about the importance of welcomed Alan Edmondson to the mixing native hedging to attract a Horticultural Society autumn meeting, variety of insects into the garden. for a talk on ‘Gardening for Wildlife’. Hawthorn was especially important as Alan has been a RHS speaker since it attracts over 143 different types of 1985, so had a wealth of knowledge insect. Although, in comparison to the and interesting tips to share. oak tree that attracts over 700 insects, He started the evening by giving tips it is a very small number! on how to make simple feeders to It was great to find out just how many attract a variety of birds to our different birds, animals and insects you gardens. He also gave advice on how could potentially find in your garden. to keep them away from cats and other I will be exploring my garden, with my predators. children, to see how many different species we can find and identify. Nest boxes should be up before the end of February as this is when birds start Our next speaker is Derek Dexter who to look for a nest. The RSPB site sells will be talking to us about fuchsias, 4th different size metal plates to protect April 2018 in the Village Hall. the hole in a box from wood peckers, Lisa Johnson as they can peck through a hole and Secretary steal a whole nest of baby birds. 25

Services for the over 50s As the nights draw in, it is time to heating, do get in prepare for the winter weather. touch. You may be eligible for Cold • Get your heating system Weather payments, serviced annually to avoid the Winter Fuel breakdowns leaving you in the payment or the cold Warm Home Discount scheme. • Protect your water pipes from Contact the Environment Centre on freezing and bursting. Check 0800 804 8601 you know where the stopcock is Keep an eye out for neighbours and • Get in extra warming soups friends who might be vulnerable to the and tinned and frozen goods in cold or who may find it harder to get case you can’t get to the shops out and about. Gill and I are always happy to receive your calls • Keep a mix of sand and salt to clear steps and paths in icy conditions. Sue 388884 & Gill 388831 If you are having trouble paying for

Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society Curtain Calls… ‘That time of year again…’ On Tuesday 4th December at 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall ‘Philosophy of Love’ On Tuesday 8th January at 7.30pm Stockbridge Town Hall Or, even better… …we’d love you to take part, so if you fancy having a go, please email [email protected] or call Mark Frank on 0773 887 4040 No experience necessary! You don’t have to be a member of SADS, but we’d love it if you’d join! We’re always looking for new blood to act, direct, produce, to be part of the technical team on sound, lighting, set design and build, stage managing, costume and props. Equally, it’d be great for you to just come along and support our events!

Over 50s Minibus Trips Booking essential Phone Sue 388 884 Thursday 20th December 2018 Christmas Lunch £7 Pick up 11.00am Home for 3.00pm —————————————————————————————————————— Thursday 24th January 2019 Brambridge Garden Centre £7 Pick up 10.00am Home for 3.00pm

Epworth Lunches and Games Tuesday December 11th 2018 12.30pm £5 *Turkey* All the Trimmings* *Mince Pies & Cream* ————————————————————————————— Tuesday January 8th 2019 12.30pm £5 *Fish Pie* Peas & Carrots* *Lemon Meringue Pie* Coffee & Mints * At The Epworth Hall Booking essential - Marilyn 389 356

KING’S SOMBORNE WI CENTENARY CELEBRATION

Calling all members, past and present ,of King’s Somborne WI. Please do join us for a celebratory tea party to mark this special occasion. Date: Wednesday 20 February 2019 Time: 4 pm Venue: King’s Somborne Village Hall RSVP by Wednesday 9 January to Linda Aucock Tel. 01794 388542 Email: [email protected]

King’s Somborne Women’s Institute

The meeting, on Wednesday, 14th to a senior position from which he November, chaired by our President, retired 25 years later. Sarah Pennington, was very well Simon explained how the clarinet was attended. developed from previous less The walkers had continued to enjoy sophisticated woodwind instruments. mainly fine weather. The Spring It was discovered with great Council Meeting will be held in enthusiasm by musicians, including Portsmouth on 23 March next year and Mozart (in his Prague Symphony). the speaker will be Pam Ayres. The saxophone – an adaptation of the Resolutions for 2019 are set out in the clarinet – was the brainchild of a December issue of “WI Life” and Belgian, Adolphe Sax, in the mid-19th members will be canvassed for their century and was taken up by more choice in the New Year. Our WI avant-garde composers such as Poppy Wreath was laid at the War Prokofiev, Bizet and Ravel. Although Memorial on Remembrance Sunday the saxophone does not form part of and it was agreed that a donation of the classic woodwind orchestral line- £50 should be made to the British up, it is very popular for more modern Legion. works and a young lady saxophonist recently won the BBC Young Houghton WI has invited four of our members to their Christmas meeting Musician of the Year competition. on 10 December at 7.30pm at a cost of Simon had brought some of his own saxophones and a clarinet, and £5 per head, to include entertainment explained how they differed, and a buffet supper. Our own New Year Lunch will be held on demonstrating them with great Wednesday, 16 January at the Crown proficiency. Frances Shone thanked him on our behalf for a most enjoyable Inn at a cost of £18.50 (incl. and informative evening. gratuities). Please let Linda Aucock have menu choices and payment as Our next meeting on Wednesday, 12 soon as possible. December, at 7.30pm in the Village Our speaker was Simon Morgan on “A Hall, will be our Christmas Party. Members attending are asked to put Brief History of Saxophones and their names on the list and to indicate Clarinets”. At the age of 7 Simon became a chorister at Westminster whether they will be bringing a sweet Abbey and on leaving school at 16 he or savoury dish. Jo Finch and Audrey Thomas will be providing an obtained a place at the Royal Marines entertainment. School of Music, where a vacancy for a tenor saxophone player determined his future path. After nearly 3 years’ training, he became a fully-fledged RM Musician, rising through the ranks

Church Christmas Fair 2018 Our annual Christmas Fair took place on Saturday 17th November. Luckily the builders who are creating the new facade of the Village Hall had removed the scaffolding the previous day so we could enter by the front door – much better than going in past the dustbins! The stalls included cakes and produce, the main raffle, tombola, several different tables of Christmas gifts, the Scouts gift tombola which proved very holders, all the people who donated items and all the customers who came popular, several smaller raffles, along and made it such a successful beautiful wooden items, candles, afternoon. At this stage I don't know homewares, Fair Trade products, the final amount that has been raised Church Christmas cards, bric a brac, for our church but this will be in the books and of course tea and cakes in next edition of The Gauntlet. the Committee Room. Janet Ingleson I should like to thank all the stall Saturday Soup and Sherry Lunch On 8th December, 5th and 19th January 12.00-1.30pm in the Parish Church Come and enjoy a warming glass of sherry, a delicious bowl of hot soup and plenty of friendly company. See you there!

Since Brian Orange sadly passed away funding. I assume the Friends will be last year the Friends have not had any asked to contribute financially to the events. This is partly because the work work. on the church that was recommended To make a start, Lady Joan Appleyard by the architect has been carried out has kindly agreed to talk to the Friends but also because at present there is no in the New Year. The exact date has outstanding major work required. not been decided as yet but hopefully I However, there are plans to refurbish will have something to report in the the kitchen and toilet area, these are in next edition of The Gauntlet. an early stage at the moment but obviously will eventually require Terry Mackintosh 30

King’s Somborne Methodist Church

A candle-lit Family Advent Carol Service Led by Rev Ruth Fry Sunday 2nd December, 3.30 pm All are welcome!

A huge thank you

to everyone who contributed a shoe box or other items for this year’s Link to Hope appeal. After a slowish start, the appeal gradually gathered momentum and in the end we collected a wonderful 60 boxes (exactly the same total as last year) which are now on their way to needy families and elderly people in Eastern Europe. Your generosity is very much appreciated! If you’d like to know more about the work of Link to Hope and hear the latest news about shoebox distributions, do visit their website: https://linktohope.co.uk/ Thank you once again, Pam Gravenor, Collection Co-ordinator

Ashley St Mary Christmas is approaching and the bring them Friends of Ashley St. Mary would along! once again like to invite you to our Our Christmas Carol Concert which is being held on a service will slightly later date this year. It will be take place on Christmas Day at held on Tuesday 18th December at 11.30am and refreshments will be 7.30pm. The carols will be led by the served, Everyone is very welcome. Somborne Singers and will be and the service provides an excellent interleaved with seasonal readings. start to the day! Mince pies and mulled wine will be served so if you have family and Terry & Nola Mackintosh (Hon.Secs) friends with you for Christmas, please

being in Eastleigh and Thank you! Southampton. If you A big thank you to all who haven’t visited yet why supported our recent coffee not go along and look at morning and sale in the Epworth their wide range of stock, Hall in aid of Emmaus. We made or take along your unwanted items for £410 which was a brilliant amount. this worthy cause. For those of you who are not aware of Many thanks once again. this charity, our local Emmaus shop is Marion and Marilyn at Bar End in Winchester, others

CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN SOMBORNE AND DISTRICT Invite you to a series of LENT TALKS - 2019 ‘FOOD FOR THOUGHT’ 13 March Something to Celebrate 20 March Picnic on the Grass 27 March Dinner in Bethany 3 April Supper in Jerusalem 10 April Breakfast on the Beach Where: Village Hall, King’s Somborne When: Wednesdays, 12.30pm – 2.00pm A light lunch will be served

Join us for some Festive Fun and Merry Messiness at King’s Somborne Methodist Church on Sunday 16th December, 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm

(Please note we are starting earlier than usual so there is time to go on to the evening Carol Service at the Parish Church afterwards if you wish.)

And don’t miss our first Messy Church of 2019 Sunday 20th January 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm

The small print: • No need to book, just turn up! • All children must bring an adult with them • There’s no charge, but donations are always welcome. • For more info please contact Pam Gravenor on 01794 388531

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at King’s Somborne Messy Church!

Women’s Fellowship To start off our new year programme, This is open to men on 25th January at 2.30pm in the and women as we feel Epworth Hall, we welcome a visit this will be of interest from Joe Peel and his two daughters to to all. So please come along and bring talk about their recent trip to Egypt. a friend! This was a trip down memory lane for Joe as he served there during the war. 33

From the Parish Registers

14 October Baptism Charles Arthur Hunter Lamb at All Saint’s Church, Little Somborne 22 November Funeral Charles Edward Julian Mallock 23 November Funeral Elsie Victoria Henley

At the christening of Charles Arthur Hunter Lamb with his parents, Antony and Ilona Lamb.

Prayer Meeting We hold our prayer meetings on the first Monday of each month at 2.15pm. We meet for about an hour at Shappon, Romsey Road when we pray for our parish, families, friends and anyone else in need. If you have any prayer requests there are slips on the table at the back of the church which you may put into the box provided or alternatively phone me, Dulcie Witts on 01794 388267. Our meeting is very informal and we should be pleased to welcome new members. 34

Throughout November, there have joined us been a lot of occasions to learn about before. We here at Tiny Tots. We began the half will start term thinking about the excitement of back after fireworks day and made some Christmas on Tuesday 15th January. explosive paintings using glittery pens It is always good to see new faces so and sparkly stickers! The children if you fancy joining us you can be also marked the occasion of sure of a warm welcome. We meet Remembrance Day by giving thanks each Tuesday afternoon in term time, for people who keep our country starting each session at 2,00pm with a peaceful and safe and by making drink and biscuit (for adults as well as some beautiful paper plate poppies children). We then enjoy a story and and poppy handprints. fun activity together, followed by As we move into December, all crafts and end by 3.15pm (in time for thoughts turn to Christmas! We have school pick-up) with songs and music. some beautiful crafts to make to If you find your children are napping complement our retelling of the at 2.00pm, you are very welcome to Christmas Story and will end the term join us mid-session. It would be with our Christmas party at the church really great to see you and your on Tuesday 11th December. All are children there! very welcome, even if you have not Hayley, Julia and Lucy

CHRISTIANS TOGETHER HOME GROUP MEETINGS We are continuing our series of studies entitled: ONE FOR A PURPOSE: UNITY Thursday, 13 December 7.30pm ‘What does tangible unity actually look like?’ Thursday, 17 January 2019 ‘Why does the Church so often struggle to maintain a united front? We are a small, interdenominational group who enjoy discussing the Bible which inspires and guides our Christian faith. We would very much welcome others who would like to join us For more information and details of where we meet, please contact Barbara Heffer 01794 389126

Church services in December 2018 30th December—First Sunday of Parish Church Christmas 2nd December—First Sunday of 10.00am Parish Communion * Advent Readers: 10.00am Parish Communion * Christine Ball: Collosians 3.12-17 Readers: Sandie Pepperell: Luke 2.41-52 Janet Ingleson: 1 Thessalonians 3.9-13 First and Third Wednesdays Sandie Pepperell: Luke 21.25-36 10.15am Holy Communion (1662) * 9th December—Second Sunday of Advent *Stay for coffee and biscuits after 8.00am Holy Communion (1662) services marked * 10.00am Family/Crib Service Readers: Webb Family Methodist Church 16th December—Third Sunday of 2nd December – Advent Sunday Advent No morning worship 10.00am Parish Communion * 3.30pm Rev Ruth Fry Readers: Family Advent Carols Antony Chilton: Hebrews 10.11-14(15-18) 19-25 9th December Christine Mitchell: Luke 3.7-18 10.30am Mrs Jane Rogers 6.00pm United Carol Service 16th December Tuesday, 18th December 10.30am Mr Brian Merriman 7.30pm Ashley Carol Concert 3.00pm – 5.00pm Messy Church 23rd December—Fourth Sunday of Sunday 23rd December Advent 10.30am Rev Ruth Fry 8.00am Holy Communion (1662) Holy Communion 10.00am Matins * Readers: 25th December – Christmas Day James Barry Micah 5.2-5a 10.30am Mrs Delcie Dalby Patrick Holligan: Luke 1.39-45 (46-55) 30th December 24th December—Christmas Eve Local Arrangement 11.30pm Midnight Communion See noticeboard for details Readers: David Evans: Acts 13.16-26 Sue Holligan: Luke 1.67-79 25th December—Christmas Day 10.00am Parish Communion Readers: Patrick Holligan: Titus 2.11-14 Linda Aucock: Luke 2.1-14(15-20) 11.00am Ashley Christmas Service

Church services in January 2019 Parish Church Methodist Church 6th January—Epiphany 6th January 10.00am Parish Communion * 10.30am Mrs Elizabeth Britton Readers: 13th January Christina Dumas: Ephesians 3.1-12 10.30am Rev Sue Keegan von Alwena Rowe: Matthew 2.1-12 Allmen 13th January—Second Sunday of 20th January Epiphany 10.30am Rev Ruth Fry 8.00am Holy Communion (1662) Covenant Service/ 10.00am Family Service * Holy Communion Readers: Horsfield Family 3.30pm – 5.30pm Messy Church 20th January—Third Sunday of 27th January Epiphany 10.30am Mr Tom Belshaw 10.00am Parish Communion * Readers: Terry Mackintosh: 1 Corinthians 12.1-11 Linda Aucock: John 2.1-11 Roman Catholic Churches 27th January—Fourth Sunday of Epiphany St Thomas’ Stockbridge 8.00am Holy Communion (1662) 9.00am every Sunday 10.00am Matins * St Joseph’s Romsey Readers: St Andrew’s N. Baddesley Patrick Holligan: Nehemiah 8.1-3,5-6,8-10 James Barry: Luke 4.14-21 Saturdays: 6.00pm ALiVE! 6.00pm URC Hall First and Third Wednesdays Sundays: 10.15am Holy Communion (1662) * 9.00am St Andrew’s 11.00am St Andrew’s *Stay for coffee and biscuits after services marked * For details of services at RC churches, see:www.hampshiredowns.org.uk www.stswithunwellsparish.org.uk

Advent ‘Prayer Tree’ During Advent, there will be a ‘Prayer Tree’ in the South Aisle of the church, for use by us all. To use it, write a prayer on one of the shapes provided and hang it on the tree. Prayers can be for ourselves, family, friends or the world. What would you like to say to God? What does he want to say to you? The prayer shapes will be gathered and used by the monthly prayer group that meets in the parish, next time it meets. Alwena Rowe

The Area Dean has a last word #FollowTheStar The Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, revealed the birth of Jesus to the Biblical Magi, and later led them to Bethlehem. The star leads them to Jesus’ home in the town, where they worship him and give him gifts. The wise men are then given a divine warning not to return to Herod so they return home by a different route. Many Christians see the star as a miraculous sign to mark the birth of the Christ (or Messiah). “For many of us, Christmas brings up so many emotions, memories and expectations. We have one nativity story, but it can seem like we all have very different Christmases. For you it might be a time of joy and togetherness. Or perhaps it’s all about planning and to-do lists. Many others can find it a sad and lonely time – nagged by the feeling that your Christmas is not like those ‘perfect’ ones we see in the media. But just like the unexpected assortment of people who were invited to meet the baby Jesus, #FollowTheStar doesn’t ask you to be perfect. It says: come just as you are to take the life-changing Christmas journey.” Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu This Christmas, everyone across the Deanery is invited to create a star for their garden (or windows) – angels and shepherds would also be welcome. This will remind everyone that Christmas is coming – and that Jesus, the Son of God, was born on earth. So that this idea can happen in all parishes, please don’t put any angels or stars out until Friday 7th December - and please ensure that they are put away by the end of Sunday 6th January

James Area Dean of Romsey

The Minister has a last word Doing December Differently This is the title of one of my favourite books. It begins by recognising that for many people the ‘Christmas’ season, which seems to begin earlier and earlier every year, is a highly ambivalent time. For some it can be a reminder of the loss of a loved one. For others it can be a time when loneliness and ill-health feel even more difficult than usual. Christmas has become a mega-feast of conspicuous consumption - an excessive, prolonged and frenetic period of spending, feasting, jollifications and exchanging of gifts and greetings, which can end up making us all feel rather stressed out. And whatever happens, we must at all costs look as though we’re having a great time! Is that what Christmas is really all about? What the book reminds me is that above all Christmas is about being human. Jesus shows us what it means to be truly human. Being human means caring for creation and for one another. It means finding beauty in the simple pleasures of life. It means looking beyond our wants and needs to those of others. If someone is feeling sad at the thought of a loved one who died at this time of year then why not invite them in for a coffee just to let them know you care. If you know of someone living on their own with no family nearby then why not invite them to join you and yours on Christmas day. Keep it simple, joyful and full of love. That’s what being human is all about, that’s what Immanuel, God with us, is all about. I wish you all every blessing this Christmas and good wishes for a peaceful New Year. Ruth Rev Ruth Fry

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 17 – 24 JANUARY 2019 Christians Together in Somborne and District will be gathering together for a time of reflection and prayer on Saturday, 19 January at 10.30am in the Epworth Hall followed by refreshments

You are warmly invited to join us

Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Normal collection day—brown bin Revised collection day—brown bin Monday 24th December Saturday 22nd December Tuesday 25 December Monday 24th December Wednesday 26 December Thursday 27 December Friday 28 December Saturday 29 December

Normal collection day—Black bin Revised collection day—Black bin Tuesday 1 January Wednesday 2 January Wednesday 2 January Thursday 3 January Thursday 3 January Friday 4 January Friday 4 January Saturday 5 January Glen Hoddle saved by colleague using a defibrillator Is this a headline you have seen Please do not be scared of the recently? defibrillator: the ambulance call Is everyone aware that we have a centre will direct you and the unit defibrillator for public use in the talks to you and gives precise instructions. The defibrillator village? The defibrillator is located assesses the patient’s heart rhythm on the outside wall of The Crown Inn in a yellow box. and tells you what to do. THE DEFIBRILLATOR WILL If you are in a situation where a family member or member of the NEVER SHOCK SOMEONE WITH A NORMAL HEART RHYTHM. public collapses and becomes unwell THEREFORE YOU CANNOT the first course of action is always to HURT SOMEONE BY TRYING TO call 999 and ask for an ambulance. HELP. The ambulance call centre has a list of the locations of defibrillators and If the unfortunate situation arises where you need to use the may direct you to the one on the pub defibrillator, please do not hesitate wall, it is light and portable and can you may save a life. be carried to the casualty easily. For any further information, please e- YOU DO NOT NEED TRAINING TO USE THE DEFIBRILLATOR. mail me: [email protected].

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