Church and community news from the Forest Edge Group of Churches serving the villages of Birdwood, Bulley, Churcham, Huntley, Longhope and May Hill
December 2012 eFEN
Contents Page No.
Editorial ...... 3 What’s On ...... 4 Neighbourhood Watch Update...... 5 FEN price change ...... 5 Postcard from the Post Master ...... 6-7 News from Village Agents ...... 8-11 Parish News ...... 12-18 Churcham & Bulley News ...... 19-21 Huntley News ...... 22-27 Longhope News ...... 28-37 May Hill News ...... 38-41
The adverts (plus bits and pieces) start— and the themes/categories are:
Care Home ...... 42-43 Post Office ...... 44 Builders/Decorators/Property Maintenance ...... 44-46 Garden Services ...... 46-50, 56,61 Satellite & Aerial Installation ...... 49 House Clearance ...... 50-51 Estate Agent ...... 51 Electrical/Plumbing/Boiler Services ...... 52-53 Carpentry/Chimney Sweep/Wood supplies ...... 54-56 Home Interiors, Cleaning Services ...... 56-60 Computer Services ...... 59 Financial ...... 62-63 Animal/Pet Services ...... 64 Hair & Beauty ...... 65 Leisure/Hobbies ...... 66-67 Craft/Stained Glass/Music ...... 66-67 Holidays ...... 67 Brewery/Catering/Public Houses/Tea Rooms ...... 68-71 Plant Hire/Agriculture & Car Services ...... 71-72 Education—pre-school ...... 73 Dental Services ...... 74 Funeral Services/Memorials ...... 73-75
2 Editorial
Dear Readers A very early “Happy Christmas” from me and all my helpers. I hope you have a good time doing whatever you really like to do. Have you visited the eFEN web page yet? www.fenmag.co.uk See the full colour versions of your favourite magazine in a readable, page-turning book format. All the previous electronic issues of the magazine are available to download to a PC and read again by clicking on the "old issues" button at the top right of the page. You can even print out pages and pictures. Although the latest issues are only made accessible to subscribers, we have decided to give the security password for copies over 3 months old, so take a look and see what you have missed. If you like what you see you may want to subscribe to receive the monthly issues as they appear. Another early deadline—see below! Best wishes, Carole (Ed)
How to contact the Editor— How to place an advert How to pay for an advert— How much an advert costs
THE EDITOR: Carole Sleeman, 37 The Willows, Latchen Hill, Longhope, GL17 0QS. (Please send any items to Carole via email or typed script.) The DEADLINE for contributions for the next issue to the Editor is 5pm on the 9th of the current month. T: 01452 830069 E: [email protected] THE ASSISTANT EDITOR: Monica Richardson, The Old Forge, Old Monmouth Road, Longhope, GL17 0NZ. T: 01452 831162. E: [email protected] (Please send all manuscript articles to Monica.) (The DEADLINE for copy to Monica is the 8th of the current month.) Entries for the magazine must have a signature which will normally be published with the article. Please include full contact details in case the Editors need to contact you. Anonymous articles will not be published. THE COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENT CO-ORDINATOR: Angela Pengelly, Woodbine Cottage, North Road, Huntley, GL19 3DU. T: 01452 830637. E: [email protected] As from January 2013 Commercial advertisements are charged as follows: ¼ page advert - £3.50 per month (£42.00 pa)
½ page advert - £6.50 per month (£78.00 pa) 20% surcharge Full page advert - £12.50 per month (£150.00 pa) for out-of-area Cheques to be payable to “Huntley PCC” please. advertisers The Proof Reader this month was Haze Reid of Longhope. The Editor and Publishers of this magazine accept no responsibility and make no general endorsement for goods, services or opinions appearing on its pages. © Forest Edge News 2012. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced without prior consent from the Editor. [Printed by perpetua press of 20 Culver Street, Newent. T: 01531 820816]
3 What’s on in December 2012 Page No.
th Sun. 25 Nov 10.30am Christmas Market at May Hill Village Hall (til 4 pm)
Sat. 1st 10.30-noon Café Bonnies at The Latchen Room, Longhope ...... 28,30
Sat. 1st 10.30-1.30pm Christmas Market & Coffee Morning at The Temple ...... 32
Sat. 1st 7.30-10.30pm Wine and Cheese Tasting Evening ...... 30
Weds. 5th 7.30pm Longhope Gardening Club meets at The Latchen Room ...... 35
Weds. 5th 7.30pm Churcham Gardening Club invite to Churcham School .... 19,21
Thurs. 6th noon Longhope Luncheon Club meets at The Latchen Room
Thurs. 6th 7.30pm Carol Singing at Churchham ...... 20
Thurs. 6th 7.30pm The Spirit of Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral ...... 38
Thurs. 6th—Sat. 8th May Hill Players present “Treasure Island” ...... 39
Sat. 8th 2-4pm Christmas Craft, Longhope Preschool, Lower Latchen Room . 30
Tues. 11th 7.30pm- May Hill W.I. meets in the Village Hall ...... 39
Weds. 12th 2.30pm Tea & Chat Christmas Tea Party at Huntley Village Hall ...... 23
Thurs. 13th 7.30pm Farewell to Mrs Jones at Churcham School ...... 21
Thurs. 13th 7.30pm Longhope W.I. meets at The Latchen Room, Longhope ...... 33
Fri. 14th 9.30am Christmas Wreaths workshop at All Saints, Longhope ...... 36 Sat. 15th 7.30pm Christmas Dance at The Latchen Room, Longhope ...... 31
Mon. 17th 12 noon Hot Lunch at Huntley Village Hall ...... 24
Thurs. 20th 10.30am Ann’s Christmas Coffee Morning at The Latchen Room ...... 32
What’s on in January 2013 Sat. 26th 7.30pm Air in G concert with Opera Dudes at May Hill Village Hall .... 38
4 Neighbourhood Watch Update
Could you be found in an Emergency? The Emergency Services experience difficulty at times when called to incidents in rural areas, especially at night. The name or number of properties are not always as clear or prominent as they could be and this can cause unnecessary delays in their attendance and, in some cases, this could be life threatening. When a 999 call is received, the Emergency Services dispatchers use postcodes to direct them to an incident, but in rural areas that postcode may cover quite a large area and include numerous properties. Police officers, Ambulances and Fire Appliances might not necessarily be local, so unfamiliar with your area. In the past difficulties locating an address has resulted in fatalities. It is recommended that the name or number of the property should be clearly visible, be as close to the road as possible and large enough on the building to be seen easily from the road. If the property has difficult access or you think that there might be a problem finding the property, clear and concise directions should be given, highlighting any specific landmarks which help with the location. Following a 999 call, someone should be positioned close to the road to help guide the emergency services to the incident. Fraser Gunn On behalf of West Gloucestershire Neighborhood Watch Association and Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service email: [email protected]
Price change for 2013 Forest Edge News by post: If you would like to receive this magazine monthly by post, please send full details of your name and address to the Editor (see page 3) plus your cheque payable to “Huntley PCC” for £14.28. This represents 12 issues of the 50p FEN, plus postage which is currently 69p per month. Forest Edge News on-line: If you would like to receive this magazine monthly on-line, please send full details of your name, address and email address to the Editor (see page 3) plus your cheque payable to “Huntley PCC” for £5.00 to cover the whole of 2013. Forest Edge News delivered to your door: Your local ‘delivery boy/girl’ will contact you shortly inviting you to renew your subscription for 2013. The cost for 12 months is £5.00. To keep up with inflation we have increased the cost of the paper magazine to 50p And finally…. Forest Edge News for sale in local businesses—pay as you go at 50p per copy.
5 A Christmas Card from the
Postmaster
A CHRISTMAS TALE – A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS The ice lay like a crystallized cobra around the soft under belly of the post office portals as a cruel wind cut through the gaping crakes in its facade which, let’s face it, had faced finer cracking days. The sky, dark and foreboding as a postmaster’s features confronting a last-minute ebayer at closing time, began to leak gentle, white ticker tapes of snow. Oh! But he’s a tight fisted hand at the grindstone is that Scrooge. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner. Hard and sharp as flint...... Ah. Sorry about that. Seemed to have slipped into some kind of Dickensian time warp there for a moment. Where was I? Oh yes. The ice and snow and all that. It was the last days of summer and the Christmas stock of stamps had just arrived bringing with them that air of weary resignation we all feel at the too early onset of Yuletide. A tiresome time for the old shopkeeper but before too long each sheet of festive postage had been counted, committed to the accounting requirements of the Almighty Computer and concealed safely away in the ancient stamp book. Her Majesty’s timepiece on the wall crawled reluctantly round to the closing hour with the speed of a garden slug nursing a sore toe on its annual vacation; the piece of modern technology which never sleeps was put to bed and switched off; the front door barred and bolted, double bolted even; the cash stashed away and the postmaster trudged off on his weary journey home through the connecting door to his living room, all the while having forgotten to put away his stamp book. The office was left in the kind of darkness that can only be described as quite dark but not completely dark as there shone a small beamlet of light from the ever seeing eye of the CCTV camera. A quiet rustling sound was followed by an excited squeak as Little Wunpee, the smallest imaginable stamp came sliding out of the mighty folder followed by his lifelong buddy slightly bigger Toopee. “Come on!” squeaked Wunpee. “We shouldn’t be out here” quivered Toopee. Then suddenly The Big Book boomed “Inside you two. It’s late.” “Yes Sir. Sorry Sir, but it’s Christmas soon and we’re excited. Can’t you tell us a story?” And he did tell them a story. In all fairness it was crushingly boring, being all about
6 stamps and that, and they had heard it a million times before. It was the only one Big Book knew. He was simply a lumpen bit of stationery for goodness sake. Nevertheless they loved it, how there had been such great stamps in the past. Some as enormous as five pounds! Those that flew overseas. There were different kinds of stamps too. T.V. and water savings stamps. T.V. Licence stamps. National Insurance stamps and best of all those special stamps commemorating things like ‘The Day Winston Churchill’s Hat Almost Blew Off In A Slight Breeze’. He also told them about how the hated labels had arrived, invading their lands making all the value stamps virtually redundant. Then the bit Little Wunpee loved more than all the rest, the tale of the oldest and greatest stamp of all, The Mighty Penny Black! so famous that people had saved them down the decades, honoured and revered them. He so wanted to be like Great Great Grandfather Black. And then it was time for bed. But that was not the end of it. Some few days later the old postmaster made a very slight error and printed a label for one penny less than the correct value and, cursing softly under his breath, he went to the stamp folder and took out Little Wunpee! This was it! This was the excitement he had waited for all his life. Going on a parcel! On a trip round the world. Probably to some young lad for Christmas who would definitely be an avid stamp collector and would treasure Little Wunpee and would keep him safe in a golden album for ever and ever. So onto the parcel. Oh! A bit weird. The postmaster had licked his back. Never mind. Whoa! A date stamp cracked down ‘cancelling’ his head. O.K. a bit groggy now but, hey, this was exciting wasn’t it? Out into a cold, dark corridor waiting to be picked up. After several hours he was herded unceremoniously along with others into the back of a van, then after a wild and bumpy ride out the other end now with thousands of other packets. “Ouch! Did someone kick me?” (only joking Royal Mail guys) Surely not. Then off again in yet another van. Then another. Then another. And finally up and over a hedge (only joking again Royal Mail guys) and into a house. A home. Wunpee’s new home. Sadly though the package was not a Christmas present. It merely contained a rather sorry pair of garden gumboots sold on eBay. The packaging along with our little hero was discarded immediately and thrown onto an open fire. Oh well that’s life. Or in the case of Wunpee pretty much the opposite. Happy Christmas.
Richard Pett
7
NEWS FROM OUR VILLAGE AGENTS KEEP WARM AND STAY WELL THIS WINTER - (Tips from the NHS leaflet)
YOUR HOME Keep your home warm Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you’re in bed. Insulation Find out about grants to help with insulating your home. Visit the Warm and Well website www.warmandwell.co.uk, or call the Energy Saving Trust advice service on 0800 512 012 for free, impartial advice about the Warm and Well scheme, and other energy saving grants and offers. Your heating system Make sure you know how your heating system works and keep it maintained throughout the year. Have it checked before the cold weather starts. If you use heating oil, remember to order it early. Avoid draughts Use old clothes, household linen or blankets as draught excluders round doors and windows. Financial help for heating. For information about schemes and eligibility criteria, visit www.nhs.uk/ winterhealth YOURSELF Flu jab Don’t forget to get your seasonal flu jab. If you haven’t received an invitation from your GP, and think you may be eligible, contact your GP. Hat You lose a lot of heat through your head. Keep a woollen hat handy and wear it day & night, when needed. Layers Wrap up warm, inside and out. Several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
8 Keep active Move around at least once an hour and don’t sit down for long periods of time. Even light exercise will help keep you warm. Meals Pre-cook meals for your freezer and keep some essential long-life food products in stock, in case you can’t get out to the shops. Keep a loaf of bread in the freezer. Freeze milk in ice cube trays to use in hot drinks. Eat regular meals and have nutritious snacks. Eat a variety of foods including fruit and vegetables. Medicine Stock up on over the counter medicines for everyday illnesses, such as colds. If you take regular medication, see if your pharmacy has a home delivery service. SAFETY Torch Make sure that the battery and bulb are working and that you have spare batteries. Think about a wind-up torch. Don’t use candles or other naked flames. Radio Listen to your local radio station for the latest weather and travel bulletins. Icy weather Avoid going outside if you can. Accept help from friends, family and neighbours. Keep some salt to use on your doorstep and pathway to get rid of ice and keep paths clear. If you have to go out in icy weather, wear shoes with a good grip. Finally Look out for elderly friends and neighbours, especially if they live on their own. If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 1696565. BUS PASSES Gloucestershire County Council are sending out leaflets to people who need to renew their concessionary bus passes (by March 2013) in alphabetical order between September and the end of December. You have the option of applying for a new pass by post, telephone or on line. All disabled pass holders should have received either a new pass or application pack by October 2012. For any queries about bus passes please call the Concessionary Fares Enquiry Line at Shire Hall on 01452 426265 or go to the council website, www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ buspasses. YOUR VILLAGE ON THE BBC’S ONE SHOW BBC TV's The One Show is looking for community projects across the UK that need a helping hand. "We want to use our influence to galvanise volunteer efforts in different schemes for a new weekly feature on the programme in the coming
9 months. For example -perhaps you have a community hall that needs a lick of paint and a good tidy up but haven't been able to organise a volunteer day to sort it out. Is your community bus service at risk unless more volunteers are found? Let the One Show spearhead the search to keep it going. Or maybe you have a dedicated community stalwart who deserves a big thank you - let the One Show organise a suitable celebration. We are currently at the early stages of planning this but please get in touch as soon as possible if you think you have suitable project or idea.” Email [email protected] and mark your emails 'One Show Community Action'. LIVING WELL WITH CANCER COURSE For information about the first Penny Brohn 'Living Well with the Impact of Cancer Course' in Gloucestershire, please contact: Caroline Seguro, Living Well Development Manager South West, Penny Brohn Cancer Care. Tel: 07415 526794 (Normal working days - Tues/Wed/Friday) PUT THE PHONE DOWN Village Agents across the Forest are getting reports from people in their villages about worrying phone calls. One caller claimed that the householder had a pension payout of £1,000 owing to them. The householder wisely refused to disclose any pension account numbers or information. Another caller wanted to know if the householder was aged 60 or over – and also any of the neighbours. The householder could see no genuine reason for anyone wanting this sort of information, decided that the caller was crooked and put the phone down. The Telephone Preference Service can only filter out calls which originate in this country. Unfortunately, they can do nothing about calls which are made from centres in other countries. Bear in mind that these callers are invading your privacy so you are not obliged to answer their questions or enter into a conversation; nor do you have to make polite excuses – just put the phone down. LEVEL CROSSING WARNING British Transport Police have been putting out leaflets at Lydney railway station to warn against anyone trying to cross the line while the level crossing barriers are either descending or down. Network Rail is removing the signal box from the station and the crossing will be controlled via CCTV from Newport. While it is annoying to see the barrier come down, trying to beat the barrier, whether on foot or in a car (or even climbing over the barrier) is risking your life and possibly the lives of other people. It is also an offence, for which you will be prosecuted. Remember trains can be on you before you realise it, they cannot swerve and they take longer to stop than road vehicles.
Helen Roberts, Village Agent for Awre, Blaisdon, Blakeney, Drybrook, Flaxley, Littledean, Longhope, Mitcheldean, Newnham, Northwood Green, Ruardean, Westbury. Tel: 07810 630004 Email: [email protected] (Unusually long but we missed Helen for 2 months! Ed)
10 Over to Hilary:
Father Christmas was reading through some of the Christmas letters which had been arriving thick and fast. He had so many to get through that he felt quite snowed under. He began to reminisce and think about how things had changed since he first launched his international delivery business with the slogan 'Let the sleigh show the way, order by Christmas Eve for delivery next day'. It had taken many years for the stores to catch up with that idea.
He allowed himself a wry smile as he thought about how the children used to be happy with an apple and an orange. 'Maybe', he mused 'things haven't changed that much - they still want apples and oranges - only now its computers and mobile phones!'
Father Christmas himself had to keep up with technology, as so many requests were sent to him via email, text, and other means. He had taken advice from his Village Agent and signed up to the Connect course, run by GRCC, to help over 55’s use computers and get online.
However, for those still preferring traditional methods, cost might be a problem. Royal Mail is offering to sell Christmas stamps at last year's prices to people on benefits. Customers in receipt of pension credit, employment and support allowance or incapacity benefit will be able to buy 36 first and second class stamps at 2011 prices - 46p and 36p (increased to 60p and 50p in April 2012). The scheme was launched on the 6th November, so still time to get those cards and letters sent to friends, relatives and Father Christmas.
At that moment, Mrs Christmas came through from the kitchen pushing a trolley with a plate of warm mince pies and some hot drinks. She was finding daily life much easier these days with the trolleys, walkers and other aids the Village Agent had sorted for her. She wasn’t even worried about being left on her own on Christmas Eve, not now she had the lifeline and could get help at the push of a button. All in all, at a time of life when things could become a bit of a struggle, the support and advice from their Village Agent had meant that they were able to retain their independence and enjoy, as Ken and I wish you all, a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year.
Hilary Lyon Village Agent 07810 630254 Email [email protected] Churcham, Huntley, Rudford & Highleadon, Taynton and Tibberton.
11 Bulley Churcham
Longhope May Hill Huntley
Forest Edge Group: Useful Contacts
PRIEST IN CHARGE: Rev Chris Sterry [email protected] 07855 607824 Readers: Monica Richardson 01452 831162 John Mitchell 01452 412840 Churchwardens: St. Michael and All Angels Church, Bulley Sue Read 01452 750695 Michael Robinson 01452 831690 St. Andrew’s Church, Churcham with Birdwood Don Rich 01452 831367 Peter Smart 01452 750204 St. John the Baptist Church, Huntley with All Saints Church May Hill Howard J Davies 01452 830597 Steve Fellowes 01452 830514 All Saints Church, Longhope Nick Richardson 01452 831162 Rosemary Mayer-Jones 01452 830450 LONGHOPE BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Barry Cocker 07940 977029
12 Forest Edge Group of Churches—December (see page 15 for details of readings) Date Bulley Churcham Huntley Longhope May Hill
December 2 11am 9.30am 11am 8.00am 9.30am Advent Morning Holy Communion Holy Communion BCP Holy Morning Worship Purple Worship CS/BH CS/MR Communion MR JM CS
9.30am Morning Worship JM
6pm Celebration Evensong CS/BH
December 9 11am 10.00am 11am 9.30 9.30am 2nd Sunday of Advent Holy Communion Family Service Morning Worship Holy Communion Morning Worship Purple CS/MR RS JM CS/JM BH
December 16 11am 11am 11am 9.30am 9.30am 3rd Sunday of Advent Morning Worship Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Holy Communion Purple BH CE/MR CS BH CS/CP 6pm Carol Service CS
December 19 10am BCP Holy Communion
December 23 11.00am 11am 8am 9.30am 9.30am 4th Sunday of Advent Holy Communion Morning Worship BCP Holy Holy Communion People led Purple CS BH Communion CS CS Morning Worship
11am 6pm 6pm Morning Worship Candlelit Carol MR Village Carol Service BH Service 6pm CP Nine Lessons & Carols JM
December 24 6pm 6pm 2.00pm Christmas Eve Family Carol Service Crib Service JM Children’s Gold RS Activities 11.30pm Holy Communion 4.00pm CS/BH Crib Service BH/MR
December 25 10.00am 9.00am 9.30am Christmas Day Holy Communion for Holy Communion Holy Communion Gold Bulley & Churcham CS/JM CP CS/MR
December 30 1st Sunday of 10.30am Christmas Celebrating Together at Churcham followed by mulled wine mince pies & nibbles White
January 6 11am 9.30am 11am 8.00am 9.30am Epiphany Morning Worship Holy Communion Holy Communion BCP Holy Morning Worship Gold JM CS CS Communion MR CS 9.30am People led Morning Worship MR
13 Farewell to our Reader Bob Harris
Dear Friends, It seems amazing to me that it was 30 years ago when I was first licensed as a Reader in Worcestershire. I spent most of my ministry in St Peter’s Bengeworth, in Evesham, with regular services taken at Elmley Castle in the shadow of Bredon Hill. But for over 10 years I have been honoured to be part of the Forest Edge Group, and to worship with you in all 5 of our beautiful and historic churches. I have worked with so many clergy, Readers and Lay Helpers, and must thank them and you for welcoming me into your worship. It has come to a time now when it is right for me to retire from regular ‘Readership’, and I will be taking part in my last official service at Huntley on Christmas Eve. It will be a very emotional time for me, I’m sure, but I am very pleased to have been offered the post of Reader Emeritus, which means I may still be popping up now and again when asked or needed. In the meantime I will be joining you in the congregation regularly. Usually when I am privileged to take a service of Morning Worship I start with a moment of quiet reflection; to pause and think about how great our blessings are in our part of the world; how we come to worship from homes full of light, warmth, running water, toilets, things we take for granted. Yet millions throughout the world do not have these ‘luxuries’. Earlier this year Sheila and I had the pleasure of going to Tanzania to visit our niece who lives and teaches out there. Whilst there, we went on safari to see giraffe, hippos, lions and crocodiles in their natural habitat which was inspiring, yet the image which remains strongest in my mind’s eye is of a mature Tanzanian woman waving and smiling to us tourists on a sunset river cruise. It was only after we had smiled and waved back that we realized that she was on a sandy bank high above the river with a plastic container, about 2 litres size, fixed onto a long bamboo cane and was dipping it into the mud coloured river to collect water! As we head in to the maelstrom of getting ready for Christmas, many of us will have Advent Calendars hanging in our homes, counting down the days to the big celebration; let us use the calendars as a daily reminder that Advent is about preparation, to welcome the Christ Child afresh at Christmas, and to reflect how lucky we are. Perhaps we might also think of those less fortunate than ourselves – if we bought one less gift for us and send a gift of clean water across the world via Water Aid or a similar charity. www. wateraid.org/uk. I send my warmest greetings to you all for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. Bob Harris
14 THANK YOU to everyone who is involved in any way with the production and distribution of Forest Edge News (and eFEN) in 2012. It’s been an amazing year and our proudest time was the June Souvenir Edition of Forest Edge News which commemorated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This mega magazine was made possible by generous sponsorship. Please keep your items coming. Best wishes Carole Sleeman (Ed)
PS Sorry folks—another early deadline for the January magazine—see page 3!
Readings for December 2012/January 2013
December 2 Jeremiah 33 v 14 - 16 Advent 1 Thessalonians 3 9-13 Purple Luke 21 v 25 - 36 December 9 Malachi 3 v 1 – 4 2nd Sunday of Advent Philippians 1 v 3 – 11 Purple Luke 3 v 1 - 6 December 16 Zephaniah 3 v 14 – end 3rd Sunday of Advent Philippians 4 v 4 – 7 Purple Luke 3 v 7 - 18 December 23 Micah 5 v 2 – 5a 4th Sunday of Advent Hebrews 10 v 5 - 10 Purple Luke 1 v 39 - 55 December 24 Isaiah 52 v 7 - 10 Christmas Eve Hebrews 1 v 1 - 12 Gold John 1 v 1 - 14 December 25 Isaiah 9 v 2 - 7 Christmas Day Titus 2 v 11 - 14 Gold Luke 2 v 1 - 20 December 30 1 Samuel 2 v 18 – 20 & 26 1st Sunday of Christmas Colossians 3 v 12 – 17 White Luke 2 v 41 - end January 6 Isaiah 60 v 1 – 6 Epiphany Ephesians 3 v 1 – 12 Gold Matthew 2 v 1 - 12
15
Yet another version of 1 Corinthians 13—enjoy
16 Baptismal Birthdays in December
Churcham Huntley Longhope Elizabeth Sekinger Isabelle Evie Green Scarlet Ross-Collins William Sekinger Eliot James Warrington- Jack Alexander Moss Price Noah William Hawkins
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The Role of Honour! Special Birthdays, Anniversaries, Congratulations, etc.,
A very belated congratulations message to John and Mavis Mitchell (John is one of our readers). They celebrated their Ruby Wedding Anniversary on the 21st October.
Another belated one! A 70th birthday this time. Hope it was a good one. Frank Phillips of Huntley celebrated his special day on the 13th November.
(Please let the Editor know of any special birthdays, anniversaries, exam successes, etc.— even if it’s yours!)
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From our Registers
Wedding: 27th October 2012: Christopher John Keeling and Tanya Marie Williams, at St Andrew’s Churcham. Funeral: 6th November 2012: Malcolm Charles Bruce Castle, at St John the Baptist Huntley, followed by committal at Forest of Dean Crematorium.
17 PRAYER CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER 2012
Each SUNDAY we pray for all in any kind of pain or distress and each SATURDAY we pray for the Worship Team as they prepare for the following days services and for all major items of news which have taken place during the week.
SUNDAY 2nd For all who live in Newton Close Mill Lane, Velthouse Lane and Glasshouse Hill Monday: The staff in our Health Centres Tuesday: The unemployed Wednesday: Our schools as they prepare for their Nativity Plays etc Thursday: All who travel our highways Friday: All refugees
SUNDAY 9h For all who live in North End, The Orchards, Hopeswood Park and Oakle Street Monday: The Band Carol Concert at May Hill tonight at 7.30pm Tuesday: Our Parish Councillors Wednesday: The people of the Sudan Thursday: Our fire fighters Friday: Families living away
SUNDAY 16tH For all who live in Newent Lane, Monmouth Road, Nupend Gardens and Sterry’s Lane Monday: For all Carol Services being held in our Benefice this month Tuesday: Carers for the disabled Wednesday: Ourselves as we begin to prepare ourselves for Christmas Thursday: Those who are living alone over the Christmas period Friday: Those who mourn the loss of loved ones at this time
SUNDAY 23rd For all who live in Oak Way, Nupend Lane, Meadow Rise and Church Lane (Bulley) Monday: Help us to remember why we celebrate Christmas tomorrow Tuesday: Let us thank God for sending his Son into the world Wednesday: Those without faith Thursday: For any who feel that they have failed in 2012 Friday: Those addicted to drugs and alcohol
SUNDAY 30th For all who live in Orchard Way, Barrel Lane, Bathams Close and Chapel Lane Monday: The elderly Tuesday: Ask for God’s guidance as we enter this New Year Wednesday: Those doing dangerous jobs Thursday: That peace and happiness might come to this troubled world Friday: That God will give us faith to face this New Year and walk with Him
The Prayer Calendar is compiled by Russ Green. Please let Russ have any requests for the Prayer Calendar in plenty of time before the deadline date - Telephone 01452 830571.
18 News from Churcham & Bulley
Churcham Mothers’ Union Churcham & Bulley 200 Club There will not be a meeting in December The November winners were: as we shall all be doing our ‘own thing’ 1st £50 No. 59 Mr Baber th on Tuesday 25 ! 2nd £20 No. 87 Mrs King We will get together again on Tuesday, 3rd £10 No. 11 Mrs Lewis 29th January, 2013 at 10.30am. Mrs M E Winstone Mary Pitt – 01452 750 343
Churcham Gardening Club Invites you to join them on Wednesday, 5th December at 7.30pm in Churcham School, where PAUL McGUIRE Ron’s Unreasonable Mother-in-law will entertain us with memories of his One year, our old friend Ron decided to TV/Radio career buy his mother-in-law a cemetery plot as 'A Warm-up Man!' as a Christmas gift.
The next year, he didn't buy her a gift. Non-members £3.00 p.p. to include When she asked him why, Ron replied, "Well, you still haven't used the gift I Festive Refreshments. bought you last year!" Sarah Jefferson And that's when the fight started!
Some useful contacts for Churcham & Bulley
Chatterbox Ruth Snell 01452 750793 Gardening Club Frank Dummett 01452 750654 Mothers’ Union Mary Pitt 01452 750343
19 Churcham Parish Council be jetted by a machine available only one day a month. This machine is fully Churcham Parish Council met for their October meeting on the 16th at booked up for the next couple of Churcham School. months, but this job will be put into its programme of work. In attendance was Councillors Newbery the Chairman, Baber, A resident of Bulley reported the state Freeman, Reeves, Brooks and Price of disrepair of the lane through Bulley along with the Clerk Marilyn King, to Tibberton. The clerk discussed this District Councillor Jones and one with the highways manager, and was member of the public. told that the highways safety car and team, who work to national criteria Councillors approved one planning regularly, inspect this lane. Some application for an animal health defects have been found, some were building at Pigeon House Farm, completed within 24 hours, and Chapel Lane, Churcham. others were due to be completed Two planning decisions by the Forest within 28 working days. of Dean District Council have been There is no complete resurfacing approved. The first was for the proposed for this lane in the erection of a carport a Longlea, Main programme of work in the long term. Road, Churcham, and the second was for a replacement garage and hobbies Marilyn King, room at Broadlands, Solomon’s Tump Clerk to Churcham PC Lane, Birdwood. It was reported that the invasive weed Himalayan Balsam has been found growing in the ditch between halfway bridge and Saint hill Farm. Landowners are urged to keep their eyes open for it and cut it off or try to eradicate it in it’s early stage of growth to stop it spreading it’s seeds. Fly tipping is still causing problems in the parish; residents are urged to report this to the Police on the 191 if registration numbers can be taken. Flooding on the lane through Bulley Carol Singing has been reported, with a blocked On Thursday 6th December at 7pm for drain causing some of the problems. 7.30pm there will be an evening of The Clerk has been in contact with a Carol Singing at Handlow Cottage, Forest of Dean highways manager and Churcham, the home of John and has been told that the drain needs to Barbara Pope.
20 Churcham Gardening Club All Churcham School pupils, parents Our Chairman, Frank Dummett, and teachers - past and present welcomed us to the Annual General Come and wish Mrs Jones well as she Meeting held this year at the leaves Churcham School this Minsterworth Village Hall. He gave an December after many happy years. overview of this year's events, then Join us for mulled wine and mince pies thanked the Committee for their hard on the 13th December from 7.30pm work in making this a successful year. onwards. The minutes of the last meeting, the Ruth Snell Financial Report, and the Secretary's Report were read and approved. There being no nominations from the floor, Charity Boxes and Donations the Committee was re-elected for The contents of the boxes was £74.64. another year, with the exception of Cheques have been sent to Smile Train Mary Pitt. After many years of serving & Acorn Children's Hospice. Thank you on the committee in various capacities everyone. including Chairman and latterly as Vice- Chairman, Mary has decided to stand Mrs M E Winstone down. Frank paid tribute to her support and expertise and said how much he would miss her counsel. As a small The Rocking Song token of our gratitude, he presented her Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir; with a bouquet of flowers. John Watts We will lend a coat of fur, has joined the Committee in her place. We will rock you, rock you, rock you, Ian Hunt gave us the sad news that Tony We will rock you, rock you, rock you: Hall, a long time member of the Club, is Fur is no longer appropriate wear for gravely ill. Frank expressed it for us all small infants, both due to risk of allergy when he said our thoughts and prayers to animal fur, and for ethical reasons. are with Tony and his family. Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular There being no further business to blanket or perhaps micro-fleece transact, we adjourned to an excellent material should be considered a suitable dinner. The competition was won by alternative. Please note, only persons Ruth Moore-Scott, 2nd Jessica Newberry who have been subject to a Criminal and 3rd, Anne Pearson. Records Bureau check and have The next meeting will back at the School enhanced clearance will be permitted to and all visitors are welcome. (See box rock baby Jesus. Persons must carry ad.) their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three Sarah Jefferson forms of identification before rocking commences. Just for fun! I seriously can’t remember who sent me this! Ed
21 News from Huntley
Art is for everyone Overheard in a local Charity shop Art is for everyone, it’s fun, it’s My husband likes those Nativity cards stimulating, an absorbing interest and but I prefer something more hobby. I have been asked by several Christmassy! people if I would take part in starting a Submitted by Margaret Dowell group for Huntley in the village hall.
As, I hope, an energetic 76 year old amateur artist, who started by having a go on my 72nd birthday, I know the pleasure, and sense of achievement that art brings. I’m never going to be an “0ld Master”, but that’s not what it’s about, it’s the Fun, Friends, and enjoying the adventure. Young or old, with experience or not, all Huntley Churchyard will be welcome, I believe if I can, you If you put a wreath on a grave at can! Christmas could you please ensure it is Contact me any evening on 01452 removed by mid-February, as, when the 831786 so as to arrange a meeting to grass starts to grow the wreaths are discuss the best way forward for a very difficult to remove. If you are group. unable to do this we reserve the right to remove the wreaths. Gordon Jones, The Hollytree, 11 Byfords Close, Huntley. Huntley PCC
Useful contacts for Huntley
Contact for Bells Wendy Meadows 01452 830246 Huntley Tea & Chat Sharon Cole 01452 831366 Huntley with May Hill 200 Club Angela Pengelly 01452 830637 Huntley Mothers & Toddlers Ali Taylor 01452 831093 Huntley Playgroup Louise Pritchard 07890 624 213 Discoverers Adam Fellowes 01452 830514 Brownies June Rollinson 01452 830752 Huntley Garden Club Heather Smith 01452 830088 Autumn Leaves Grace Head 01452 831050 Mother’s Union Shirley Baldwin 01452 830931 Huntley & District Lunch Club Jenni Britton 01452 831079 Huntley Hall Booking person Joan Chew 01452 830028 Huntley Village Hall Management Pauline Rudkin 07954 600691 Committee Chair
22
Tea & Chat Christmas Tea Party Wednesday 12th December 2.30pm to 4.30pm At Huntley Village Hall Afternoon Tea of Sandwiches, Savouries, Cakes, & delicious Puddings—All Homemade Tickets cost £4.00 or pay on the day Great Xmas Raffle Call Sharon 01452 831366
10 Reasons why we know Santa is a man!
No dress sense Never replies to letters The chances of getting what you want are nil Beer Belly Will only commit to once a year Obsessed with stockings Never stops to ask directions Huntley Calendars for Sale Too lazy to shave We have calendars for sale at £5.00 He always wears the same each, displaying photographs of clothes Huntley Church. Only willing to do a job where If you would like a calendar please people leave food and booze out contact me. for him – and he doesn’t even Angela Pengelly: 01452 830637 wash the plate afterwards!
23 Why not get fit for 2013!
Calling all Bell Ringers and would-be Bell Ringers
You are urgently needed by the churches of the Forest Edge Group. We are desperately short of ringers on Sundays and special occasions. If you are a trained ringer who has lapsed for whatever reason or an absolute beginner we will give you training. Please contact us on 01452 830246.
Calling all young people Did you know that this would be a very useful subject to add to your CV? It would also count as helping out in your local community. That can’t be bad. When ringing for ‘special occasions’ you actually get paid. So please give it ago— even if you turn up just to watch. Les and Wendy Meadows (01452 830246)
TABLE TOP SALES HOT LUNCH at HUNTLEY VILLAGE HALL Saturdays: at Huntley Village Hall th 8 December Free Entry - from 11am till 4pm 12 noon Light Refreshments & Raffle Tables £10 (Registered Charities on should quote a charity number th when booking and may be eligible Monday 17 December for a discount on the day). Names please to: If you wish to book a table please telephone Joan Wood HUNTLEY PARISH COUNCIL Angela (830637) or 01452 830509 Wendy (830246) e-mail [email protected]
24 Autumn Leaves THE PERFECT MARRIAGE Katherine Hawkins brought a splendid display of Phoenix Cards to the Village 1. Twice a week we go to a nice Hall and the members were able to restaurant, have a little beverage, good choose and purchase from a wide range food and companionship. She goes on of quality cards suitable for all Tuesdays, I go on Fridays. occasions. Kath Jay was welcomed as a 2. I take my wife everywhere, but she visitor to the meeting. keeps finding her way back. Richard Cann won universal praise for 3. I asked my wife where she wanted to his talk on Gloucester Cathedral. His go for our anniversary. "Somewhere I slides included parts of the building not haven't been in a long time," she said. usually seen by the general public. He So I suggested the kitchen. stressed the importance of the water 4. We always hold hands. If I let go, she table in the crypt. He pointed out shops. masons' marks and some anomalies in 5. She has an electric blender, electric the stained glass windows. The toaster and electric bread maker. members particularly appreciated She said "There are too many gadgets, Richard's clear and knowledgeable and no place to sit down!" So I bought explanations and having the dates put her an electric chair. on the screen. It all added up to an 6. My wife told me the car wasn't interesting and enjoyable afternoon. running well because there was water Janet Turnbull in the carburettor. I asked where the car was. She told me, "In the lake." 7. She got a mud pack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.
8. She ran after the ash cart, yelling,
"Am I too late for the rubbish
collection?" The driver said, "No, jump
in!".
Huntley with May Hill 100 Club 9. Remember: Marriage is the number The November winners were: one cause of divorce. st 1 No. 110 Mrs Betty Amos 10. I married Miss Right. I just didn't nd 2 No. 18 Mrs Joan Chew know her first name was 'Always'. rd 3 No. 40 Mr H Davies 11. I haven't spoken to my wife in 18 Subs for next year need to be paid months. I don't like to interrupt her. before the January draw so I will be 12. The last fight was my fault though. collecting as many as possible at the My wife asked, "What's on the TV?" December lunch club. If anyone else I said, "Dust!". would like to join, please contact me.
Angela Pengelly T: 01452 830637 It’s only a it of fun!
25 Huntley Garden Club report taken at our meeting on Wednesday 7th November 2012 At the beginning of the evening Howard our Chairman advised that our next meeting on Wednesday 7th December will be our A.G.M., followed by an Auction, mulled wine and American Supper. A list would be circulated at the end of the evening for donations of food. He also advised that he and his wife Margaret had visited Lindors Country House Hotel, St. Briavels. It was a wonderful experience and that it would be worth a visit sometime in the future. Our Chairman then introduced our speakers for the night the Reverend Robin Mann and Rosemary his wife. As well as being a keen gardener Rosemary also sang with the Ross-on-Wye Choral Society. Rosemary began her talk by telling us to ‘come with me up the garden path, open your eyes, sniff the fragrance and listen for sounds’. She added the garden is a place for singing and we listened to a man’s voice singing “Did you not hear my lady go down the garden singing”. This was followed by her reading about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In the past some writers of gardening books had a clear idea about the layout of a garden. As we listened to a CD a writer stated that there ought to be gardens for all months of the year. He also described how to divide gardens and to include fountains, pools, grass, paths, natural wildlife area, alleys, hedges and gravelled areas. Rosemary also read from a book called ‘The Secret Garden’ which was about a little girl called Mary who went through several open doors which led into gardens. She eventually finds a key which fitted a locked door. When she went through this door she found herself standing in the sweetest, most imaginative and beautiful garden she had ever seen. This was ‘The Secret Garden’. Our speaker then told us about a blind man who with the help of his wife wrote a concerto to capture the sound of singing birds, perfume of magnolias and gushing water. We listened to this music from a CD. We also listened to more extracts from CD’s and books which were all about the changes to gardens which had taken place in the past. Apparently, years ago women did not work outside the home. Men grew the vegetables but eventually women grew flowers and cultivated herb gardens. Finally, her husband the Reverend Robin read from a book written by Oscar Wilde which was a fairy story about children playing in a giant’s garden. When the giant stopped them coming into the garden how quickly everything in the garden died. When he realised the error of his ways he allowed the children back into the garden to play which resulted in the garden blossoming once again. You could have heard a pin drop in the hall as we were interested to hear our speakers’ different approach to the subject of gardening. Howard our Chairman thanked them and commentated on how relaxing the evening had been. After our AGM in December our next meeting will be on Wednesday 2nd January 2013 where our speaker will be Catherine Williams on ‘Enjoy the Winter Colour’. If you would like to come along please come and join us for an enjoyable relaxing evening at Huntley Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. Heather Smith Secretary
26 HUNTLEY VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT SHOO SHOO BABY
WILL BE APPEARING AT HUNTLEY VILLAGE HALL ON FRIDAY 7th DECEMBER AT 7:30 pm
Shoo Shoo Baby are returning by popular demand for their “Christmas Party” show on Friday 7th December. They previously performed at Huntley Village Hall in January 2008 with their sell out show ‘From Berlin to Broadway’ and have subsequently appeared at various venues across the UK and Europe.
For further information about Shoo Shoo Baby visit their website www.shooshoobaby.co.uk.
TICKETS FOR THE SHOW WILL BE STRICTLY LIMITED AND WE EXPECT THEM TO BE SOLD VERY QUICKLY SO
BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
"These ladies have a real raw talent for capturing the audience’s attention... with their powerful singing, dancing and acting abilities" Scottish Television (STV)
“Shoo Shoo Baby is the effortlessly funny musical double act of Anna Braithwaite and Tanya Holt who have earned themselves a reputation for excellent singing and musicianship”
Tickets for the show cost only £10:00 and can be obtained from Pauline Rudkin (07954 600691); Jane Ryland (01452 831077) or Joan Chew (01452 830028) www.huntleyvillagehall.co.uk PLEASE NOTE: BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS AND GLASSES
27 News from Longhope
Café Bonnies November’s Café Bonnies was very busy winning! and we made a profit of £200.10. The Longhope Brownies will be entertaining us with Christmas Carols Since Café Bonnies began in December and selling some of their hand-made 2006 you have raised an amazing Christmas goodies. £14,000.00 in 6 years. These monies have gone towards the refurbishment of Also in December, the new 2013 The Latchen Room. schedule will be available for you to book your slot for a Bring & Buy Stall. During this time we have also raised loads of money for various charities and Carole Sleeman, Margaret Willis we hope this will continue. T: 01452 830069 T: 01452 830023 and Café Bonnies staff In November The Friends of Longhope Church had a stall selling items to raise funds for the Church. The brilliant Calendars sold out within minutes. Don’t worry—there’ll be more on sale in December. The table plants sold each month on behalf of the Parkinson's Charity also raised quite a few pounds. The plants were again donated by Mike and Rita Anstey. If anyone would like to donate the plants one month please let us know. Longhope 100 Club Next month Alice Stanton and friends Registration. Number 07/00120/GALLOT will be running a Christmas Bring & Buy. In addition the Longhope Art Group will The winners in November were: be in attendance with a Craft Stall plus st 1 No. 11 Bill Reay Christmas Cards and Gifts AND Jewellery nd 2 No. 7 Rita Anstey and silk scarfs for sale. A good chance to rd 3 No. 72 Andy Wyman stock up on Christmas presents. st On the 1 December we plan to have The subs are now due. Margaret raffle prizes of Christmas Hampers so if will be collecting on Saturday you have any ‘hampers’ or ‘contents’ 1st December. Why not buy an extra please bring them along on that day. ‘go’. You could win twice as much! Our Christmas Hampers for the last two Carole Sleeman & Margaret Willis years were huge and well worth T: 01452 830069/01452 830023
28 Last Christmas at Hope Brook School
Santa’s on strike! On the 8th December 2011 all the children in KS1 and Reception performed a very amusing Christmas play. We hope Father Christmas isn’t so grumpy when he visits your house.
Hopebrook School at their Christingle service in Church last December
29 FRIENDS OF LONGHOPE CHURCH. Brilliant thoughts by Ashleigh Brilliant – whoever he is! Café Bonnies proved a great “starting block” (to stay with the Olympic theme The Club called Earth offers very special of 2012) for the 2013 Longhope facilities, and I’ve been given a lifetime calendar, which was on sale for the first membership! time with our other goodies on I hope I live long enough to be forgiven November 3rd . for some things I haven’t even done yet. They are going fast and supply is limited Nobody can do everything, but we can so. We took £211 and as you will see on nearly all do more than we think we can. page 34 our items are still available so hopefully that will raise our funds Finally! further. You can’t buy Christmas: you have to We would like to thank all our make it. supporters for their help during the year. Liz Reay
Upcoming Christmas Events at Longhope Pre-School :
Wine and cheese Tasting Evening at the Brewery Tap, Mitcheldean. 1st December. 7.30-10.30 pm. £7.50 per ticket. Please contact Sophie, 07795 464484 or Kate, 07595 380193 for tickets. Christmas Craft afternoon at Longhope Preschool, Lower Latchen Rooms Longhope. 8th December, 2-4 pm. Entrance is £3. Refreshments for children and adults available.
30 Extract of December walks for the Longhope Play Area North Dean Walking Group Affiliated to the Ramblers Association Group Membership Number GR1051974 Christmas Dance in aid of raising funds Sat 1st St Briavels to the Wye 10.00 am A walk down to the Wye for refurbishing the 7 miles Meet: St Briavels Castle. SO ### 558045 Longhope Play Area in Leader: John 01594 531096 the Recreation Ground
th will be held on Sat 15 Upton St Leonards and th 10:00 am Prinknash Sat. 15 December 7 miles Meet: The Ash Path (The Ash ## Path is the name of a road 7.30pm till late at the near to the church) Grid Latchen Room Reference: OS 162, 862150 Leaders: Clive and Liz 01452 Tickets cost £6 and will 547750 include a Mulled Wine
Sat 29th Wye Valley Walk Reception and nibbles on 9:30 am Catch the bus in Ross-on-Wye tables. 6 miles to Kerne Bridge and follow the ## route of the Wye Valley walk Entertainment will be by back to Ross. Note earlier start time to catch the 9:45 bus to the MUSTANGS Kerne Bridge (Bring your bus Licensed bar pass) Meet: Outside the library in Raffle Cantilupe Road, Ross-on-Wye, Nearest long stay car park at Please support this local Over Ross GR SO 601244 (pay and display) or there is a free fund raiser and enjoy car park at Wilton. what will be a great Leader: David 01452 830491 07789 100 214 evening.
Key to Symbols when known: Tickets available from # Easy ## Moderate ### Energetic Les. Meadows 830393, Wear stout footwear and practical clothing. No dogs. Carry plenty of liquid. Keep to rights of way. Trudy Armstrong 831614, Close gates and don’t leave litter! Under 12’s to be accompanied by an adult. Clare Davis 830065 Abide by the country Code. £1 per person per walk for non-members. and Liz Tyler 831947 PLEASE NOTE THAT PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN ANY GROUP ACTIVITIES DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK
31 CHRISTMAS MARKET & COFFEE MORNING Raffle , Gifts, Cakes, Preserves, Crafts and Cards
The Temple, Old Monmouth Rd, Longhope 10.30am -13.30pm Saturday December 1st
£2 entrance to include coffee and mince pie.
Come and do some local Christmas shopping!
All proceeds to the MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION
October Coffee Morning Another profitable morning raising £90.00 plus £19.00 for Rosemary's quilt. The total raised this year is £990.00. Please don't forget there is still one more coffee morning this year. Hope you can make it on the 20th December - with a Christmas Raffle. Ann Cinderey ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Open Door I noticed in our garden a single, perfect red rose. How beautiful, I thought. Then I noticed that bindweed had wrapped itself tightly around the rose, bending the stem. Red roses are associated with love and this seemed to me to symbolise the love that Jesus has for all people and the great desire he has for us all to choose to follow Him. However God never forces us to do anything. He has given us freewill - free to choose whether to follow Jesus or not. In Revelation 3: 20 Jesus says 'Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me'. If we decide to go our own way refusing to allow Jesus into our hearts then we are like the bindweed 'strangling' the rose. In refusing to listen to Jesus we hurt only ourselves, for in doing so we forfeit the right to eternal life. However if we hear Jesus knocking at the door of our hearts and choose to let Him in, then he will fill us with His love and give us the strength to follow Him, abiding with us forever. William Holman Hunt's famous painting 'The Light of the World' depicts Jesus knocking on a door. We are the only ones who can open that door to Jesus: there is no handle on the outside; only on the inside. Liz Moseley
32 Longhope W.I. report for November
November brings Longhope WI’s AGM, and there was a good turnout this month with 40 attendees out of our membership of 49; we are now the largest WI in the Gloucestershire Westside Group! The meeting gave us space to reflect on a most successful year packed with events, speakers and outings—if you were to have attended every WI event on offer this year there would barely have been a week without something going on! Most importantly this month our highly admired and respected President Carryl Phelps has decided to stand down, coming to the end of a 5 year term of hard work and commitment. Being Carryl, she was herself full of praise for the members of the committees she has worked with, and for the support and participation of all members throughout her time as President. A presentation was made by Donna as a mark of appreciation from the members. Thanks were especially due to Hilary for the running of the Sunshine Fund. Money is raised from the sale of books for cards and flowers for members if ill, personally delivered by Hilary with a cheerful smile and a kind word. Carolyn McCoy was nominated and voted in as our new President and last year’s committee is continuing. The competition this month was won by Liz for her Cracking Home Made Cracker, but overall winner of the competitions this year is Lorna. Well done! Val continues as Captain of the Skittle Team who are now in the final, last match of the season is on Friday 23rd November. Val gave her thanks to the 17 people who have played in one match or more. The Walking Group enjoyed an interesting walk around Sharpness and Purton on a beautiful day in early November, ending up at The Lammastide Inn for chicken and chips! We look forward to events coming up; Birmingham Christmas Market; Christmas meal at the Weston Cross on 29th November; Christmas Concert with Lesley Garrett on Wednesday 5th December and our Christmas party at our next meeting at the Latchen at 7pm on Thursday 13th December. Jo Phelps
33
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
!
34 Longhope Gardening Club their support and looked forward to all club members’ participation in the The AGM for 2012 was held on Wednesday 17th October at Xerox Club future. with 33 members present. Mike Anstey Following an excellent supper provided by the Xerox Club, the Chairman opened the meeting and signed the previous year’s minutes, which were approved by the meeting. The Treasurer’s report, which now showed a greater credit position over last year was approved, being proposed by Peter Histed and seconded by Joan Cross. The Secretary continued by giving a résumé of the previous year’s activities. The election of officers and committee was shown as Chairman (Peter Evans), Secretary (Mike Anstey) and Treasurer (Jean Walwin). The Committee A Tribute to Roger Acland comprised John Whitehouse, Mo “Dear Ed. Cameron, Lorna Ferguson, Unita Wood, Peter Histed and Sonnia Histed. The I am sure you will know Mr Roger Chairman thanked everyone for their Acland is no longer clerk to Longhope contributions over the last year, and Parish Council. noted a vacancy on the death of Monica Roger having served the council for five Evans. After discussion no replacement years has decided to relax more. was made. I have worked with Roger as a District The Chairman outlined the exciting 2013 and Parish councilor during his service programme and announced the cup as clerk. I will still see Roger when he winners for the year. still serves Blaisdon Parish Council as Men’s Show Cup - Peter Histed their clerk which I am sure, like me, he Bruce Cottrell’s Ladies Show Cup - finds less demanding. Lorna Ferguson Through this magazine I would like to Competition Cup – Keith Ferguson. wish him a well earned rest. If he should The competition for the largest Pumpkin get bored he could always take over the was won by Des Halliday (153 kg), first class job you do has editor when second George Watkins and third was you decide to step down. Jean Walwin. A great display! Regards Dave East The Chairman thanked everyone for District Councilor Blaisdon Longhope.”
35 Christmas Wreaths 2012
Order your Christmas Wreaths or Door Hangings now. Available for collection from 11.30am, Friday 14th December, Longhope Church, or by arrangement.
Only £6 each
Ring Beryl on 830304 or Bob on 831620
Help required to make them – come and enjoy a morning of fun, no experience necessary, coffee provided. Friday 14th December from 9.30am to 12.30pm, Longhope Church - All welcome!
Some useful contacts for Longhope Contact for Bells Wendy Meadows 01452 830246 Café Bonnies Carole & Margaret 830069/830023 1st Longhope Brownies Fiona Ross-Collins 01452 831319 Longhope Art Group Jackie Cox 07780 877 300 Longhope Bowling Club Roger Acland 01452 831083 L.A.D.S. Denise Williams 01452 830138 Chatterbox Bob Harris 01452 831620 Little Feet Toddler Group Helen / Katherine 830458 / 831564 Lunch Club Donna Bailey 01452 830543 Gardening Club Mike Anstey 01452 831054 Evergreens Sonnia Histed 01452 830924 Longhope W.I. Carryl Phelps 01452 830054 Longhope Youth Café Sue Bailey 01452 830348 British Legion Les Meadows 01452 830393 Amnesty International Pam Ingram 01452 831692 North Dean Walking Group Malcolm Castle 01452 830368 Pippins Creative Childcare Centre Jane Seaborn 07511914155 Latchen Room (Village Hall) booking contact Mo Cameron 01452 831103
36 Longhope Baptist Church
We wish all readers a very happy Christmas, and also a happy time leading up to the actual celebration. It is a time when many people get “stressed out” with all the preparations. That seems senseless when the season is all about gladness and joy! It is a time when we remember that God provided a solution for our problems, for our needs. He sent us the Saviour, who came to bring us peace. It is easy to be swept along by the flood of frenzied gift-buying and card sending, but perhaps we need to take the emphasis off those things and concentrate more on the real meaning of Christmas.
There was a philosopher who told a parable that went like this: There was once a king who was extremely rich and was held in great respect by his many subjects. He lived in a wonderful palace, had richly ornate garments, and owned everything for miles around. In spite of his lofty estate, he loved a humble maiden, but she did not know of his love. How could he declare his love for her? If he did, she might respond out of fear or coercion, but what he wanted was for her to love him for himself, not because he was rich and famous.
The king was convinced that he could not appear as a king without crushing his loved one’s freedom. So he decided to descend from his throne, and he took off his royal robes, wrapped himself in a shabby cloak and went to meet her face to face. He had not taken on a new identity, but he had temporarily taken on the life of a servant in order to win the young woman’s love.
What a gamble! She might love him, or she might spurn him and send him away, and he would then lose her love for ever! That is a picture of the choice God gave to mankind, and that is what this parable is all about. The second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, humbled Himself in order to come to earth and seek to win our love. He wants us to love Him for Himself; that is why He gave us free choice and did not make us robots! The Bible says that Jesus Christ did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took on the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. (Phil 2 v 5 - 7).
He came to earth to win your love, your devotion. Will you respond this Christmas season and give Him your love and devotion in return?
Kathie Baker T: 01452 831200
37 News from May Hill
Lifa’s Giant Jumble Sale The Spirit of Christmas returns for its Tenth Anniversary to the Another amazing total of £1552.48 was beautiful surroundings of Gloucester raised in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Cathedral on Thursday 6th December at Research at the Giant Jumble Sale at 7.30pm. We are delighted that for May Hill on October 20th - another another year we will be supported by record-breaker! the talented choirs from Innsworth I would once again like to thank all my Junior School and The Cotswold School. helpers and supporters for all they do to With festive readings from some special make this a special occasion. guests, and a chance to sing to your We all have a fun day out and have a favourite carols by candlelight, this is wonderful result at the end. I am most the perfect way to get in the Christmas grateful. Hope to see you all again in the spirit. Tickets are available online at Spring. www.muscular-dystrophy.org/ Lifa Oakley spiritofchristmas or by emailing volunteerfundraising@muscular-
dystrophy.org or you can buy your tickets from the Gloucester and Cheltenham Tourist Information Centres. For more information contact 0845 872 9058. Air-in-G Concert with Opera Dudes Lifa Oakley How about an ideal Christmas present? Opera Dudes are coming again to May th Hill Village Hall on Saturday 26 January COUNTRY DANCING with new their gig "Mission In the May Hill Village Hall Improbable". Last one in 2012 Their new show is set to be the wildest yet. Music includes opera, Neapolitan Wednesday 5th December songs, Ivor Novello, Rachmaninoff and Elvis Presley all given an operatic twist, as well as favourites from the worlds of 10.00—12.00 Broadway and Swing. Tickets are £7.00 each. Tel: 01452 (Cost £3.50 per person per session) 835350/830454 or email: Contact Liz Cox (01452 830899) [email protected] if you have a question Jenny Grassam
38
Join May Hill Players as they re-enact this classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson in a musical full of dastardly pirates and squawking parrots—sure to enchant young and old alike!
May Hill Monthly Mart MAY HILL W.I. Next Meeting st Meet on the 1 Saturday Tuesday Dec. 11th
at 7.30pm in May Hill Village Hall in every month at the Village Hall Entertaining Ourselves (occasionally at May Hill Speaker Malcolm Watkins Methodist Chapel) Visitors and new members welcome 10am—12 noon For more information contact: Contact: Anne Seymour 01452 830081 Carol Hamlin on 01452 831509
Some useful contacts for May Hill
May Hill W.I. Carol Hamlin 01452 831509 May Hill Players Richard Pett 01452 830201 May Hill Gardening Society Jean Lockwood 01452 831517 May Hill Line Dancing Jan Weeks 01452 831155 May Hill Whist Roger Cox 01452 830454 May Hill Monthly Mart Anne Seymour 01452 830081 May Hill Hall booking person Roger Cox 01452 830454
39 May Hill Methodist Church church, Christmas songs had to avoid secular subjects and be reverent with a
The names of preachers for December return to the early Christian hymns. are not yet available. Joyful hymns were only allowed if they Sunday 23rd December retained scriptural and sacred content. 11am Carol Service (To be continued in January) DEVELOPMENT OF CAROLS Miss J Morse A few Medieval carols have been preserved in manuscript form. These are intellectual which suggests they were written by clerics. Many were not written down but handed on from one generation to another by word of mouth. May Hill W.I. The French Noels are among the oldest Less than two hours before our October and most durable. Their name probably meeting and a problem! No speaker - came from the Latin Natalis which she was unwell and could not be with means birthday. The first ones were a us. To the rescue Jan Bollington, one of mixture of the songs of St Francis, sung our own members. Soon, descriptive around the manger, and the words and pictures were taking us along troubadours. The words and tunes have lovely Oxfordshire lanes, from Lark Rise hardly changed through the ages to the to Candleford, in the footsteps of Flora present day. Noels usually tell a story Thompson. and the early English ballad carols Most of us are familiar with the author, developed along similar lines - brought the book and the television series. We to the people by wandering minstrels. visited Juniper Hill, the Lark Rise of the Our carol singers follow a long tradition book, where Flora was born in 1876. when beggars in the Middle Ages Saw pictures of the school she attended roamed the streets at Christmas singing - a school no longer, and learned about carols to beg for alms or free food and the post office in Fringford where she drink. In England as time passed the worked. Still a post office today, it was carol singers became known as Waits. her inspiration for Candleford. They were often invited to enter a Thank you Jan for a most enjoyable warm house to receive a cup of Wassail evening, given at such short notice. (hot spiced ale or wine). It is only in Our next meeting is on Tuesday recent times that it has been a way of th giving charity rather than asking for it. 11 December. We will be 'Entertaining The Protestant Reformation reduced Ourselves' and visitors are most the secular boisterous celebrations. The welcome. Please contact Carol Hamlin German chorales of Luther and Bach on 01452 831509. brought the ceremonies back into the Sue Burry
40 Extract from “A Wayne in a Manger” by Gervase Phinn
Of all the activities that take place at Christmas, it is the infants' Nativity play that I most look forward to. Innocent children re-enacting one of the greatest stories of all time capture the essence of Christmas. To see Mary, aged six, draped in pale blue and tightly clutching Baby Jesus (usually a large plastic doll) to her chest, never fails to bring a tear to the eye. To see Joseph, a thick multi-coloured towel draped over his head (usually held in place by an elastic belt with a snake clasp) and attired in a dressing gown and red socks, always brings a sympathetic smile to the lips. Then there are the shepherds (usually a motley group of little boys who scratch, fidget and pick their noses throughout the performance), the Three Kings (who invariably forget their lines or drop the gifts), the adoring angels clad in white sheets with bits of tinsel stapled to the bottom and uncomfortable-looking cardboard wings strapped to their backs and, of course, there's the grumpy Innkeeper, who very often steals the show. There is something very special and heart warming about the infant Nativity.
41
42 The main Georgian House on the Longhope Manor Estate provides a range of tailored care services for people typically of retirement age; including full nursing and palliative care, weekend stays, bookable respite and holiday breaks, day care and permanent residency in single, private room accommodation.
New for 2012 are our spacious, homely and well equipped care apartments; which come with kitchenette, walk-in shower room and large garden doors leading to small, private courtyard gardens.
Longhope Manor is owned and managed by two Registered Nurses and is the only care centre in England that has been awarded Associate Organisation status by The Queen’s Nursing Institute; a founding organisation of District Nursing.
The Queen’s Nursing Institute is committed to supporting nurses in delivering first-class, innovative and supportive services for patients. Longhope Manor shares these values and is committed to upholding the fine traditions of The Institute. For impartial advice over tea or coffee and a tour of our facilities, please visit us at anytime.
Longhope Manor - your local centre of excellence.
43
LONGHOPE
POST OFFICE T: 01452 830201 LONGHOPE POST OFFICE Tel. 830201 Post Office Post Office Motor Tax, TV Licences, Girobank Personal Banking Services, Motor taxNational and Savingscar insurance, Bank, Bills,-- Electricity,, Water Rates, Telephone, Foreign Currency (including Euros and US DollarsCouncil onTax demand), Foreign Currency, Travellers Cheques, Travellers cheques, Travel Insurance,Insurance Shop Bill Payments, Post Office Savings &High Investments Quality Cards, products, Stationery, Royal Mail Sorting & Delivery Office sweets, etc. Exhibition Room Shop Works of Art and Craft by local people High quality cards, stationery, and confectionery Gallery Exhibitions of Art by local artists
J S Hall General Building Services For reliable service 01594 829146 / 078496 90564 [email protected] * Loft conversions * Velux roof lites * Extensions * Garages * * Re-roofing * Roof repairs * Pointing * Rendering * *Exterior painting * Studwall partitioning * Dry lining * *Fencing * Powerwashing * *Site clearing * Maintenance *
44 D. M. P. Decorators Interior/Exterior/Domestic/Commercial Quality Work/Sensible Price Fully Insured. Tiling Walls and Floors.
Orchard Flat, Beeches, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7UD References always available from satisfied local customers.
Please phone for a no obligation quote or for advice.
07881 786868/01989 780539
S M Jones
Interior / Exterior Painting & Bricklaying & General Interior/Exterior Painting & Building Services Decorating Fitted Bathrooms & En-suites Bedrooms & Kitchens New Builds, Extensions, Plumbing, Joinery & Carpentry Renovations, Conservatory Tiling & Flooring Bases, Garden Walls, Home Improvements & Interior Patios, Decking Design Electrical Installation Decking & Patios, etc, etc 6 Wantridge, Kempley, Nr Dymock, For Quality Work at a Reasonable Price, call Gloucestershire GL18 2BP Chris Baston Oakle Street, Churcham T: 01452 750536 Tel: 01531 890870 M: 0780 3138917 or e-mail Mobile: 07773 557394 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fully Insured
45
COUNCIL APPROVED CONTRACTORS
Tree Services: Felling, Pollarding Property Maintenance Reductions, Stump Services & Repairs Grinding
Lawn & Hedge cutting Fencing: Steel Security, Fence & Wall repairs Timber, Gates Tiling Concreting Landscaping: Patios, Planting, Welding Turfing, Design, Painting and decorating Garden Maintenance House Painting General maintenance Play Areas: Design & Planning, Construction, For a no obligation quote please Safety Surfacing, contact: Safety Inspection & Ian Mann 01594 829504 Repairs 07854 173743 Tel: 01452 790190 — Fax: 01452 790610 E: [email protected] website: www.greenfieldsltd.co.uk ALL SEASONS FENCING AND GARDENING SERVICES Landscaping HEDGE LAYING Fencing Patios FARM, HORSE OR GARDEN FENCING Paving Decking CHAINSAW WORK, NPTC Turfing REGISTERED Tree work Hedges FREE ESTIMATES WITHOUT Lower Maintenance OBLIGATION Gardens FULLY INSURED All types of waste removed
PHONE RICHARD ON: 01594 825664. Tel: 01452 760791 01594 541450 MOBILE: 07770 554018 Mobile: 07759 929574 FIREWOOD LOGS AVAILABLE
46
Birdwood Garden Machinery T/A: R J Smith
Service / Repairs / Parts Lawn Mower Ride on Mower
The answer to your lawns problems Company Tractors is now here: We provide amongst other services: Quad Bike Fertilisation Strimmers Weed and moss control Aeration Chain Saw Scarification Hedge Trimmers Insect control Disease treatment Collection service
Call now for a free Lawn Care Analysis. available
Tel: 01531 890972 www.trugreen.co.uk Lawn care Call Richard on 07879 073505
47
JP GARDEN & FARM Mobile: 07917 117 935 Tel: (01452) 830810 Email: [email protected]
Maintenance * Fencing * Wood Chipper Hire Green Waste disposal * Tree surgery
Professional Service for Business' and Homes. Proper Kit for a proper job!
Fencing - all aspects of field and domestic fencing. Trailed 9" Wood chipper - on turn table - hire (with operator), Tractor hire (130hp w/front loader & operator) with or without implements. Garden waste removal/recycling, Garden Maintenance - lawn mowing, hedge cutting, strimming, leaf/snow clearing & landscaping. Tree removal or surgery. Tractor Hedge cutting. Paddock Topping. Quality Firewood and Kindling Sales.
REMEMBER US FOR YOUR WINTER SNOW CLEARING/SALTING FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY!
48
I’m based at Huntley in the Forest Edge Area
Www.absateiliteandaerial.co.uk [email protected]
49
I. J. WARNER
BUILDING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE NO JOB TOO SMALL
Tel. Mobile 07824 564241 Home No. 01452 830792
D-CLUTTER freedom for you & your home Clutter overtaken your life & you simply don't know how to start turning your house back into a home? Moving House? Don't waste your time & money packing un-wanted items, de-clutter before you move. It may help you sell your house! Re-decorating? This is the perfect time to de-clutter, whether you're looking for a fresh start, preparing for an important occasion or simply a general spring clean! Want to make money? Simply sell your clutter! D-CLUTTER will help you organise your home with Care, Sensitivity & Understanding. For a Free 1 hour Consultation & further information contact Phillipa on 07925 653280 or e-mail www.D-Clutter.com [email protected]
50 ACORN HOUSE CLEARANCES BAGGIES & GARDEN SERVICES
Garage and House Clearance
Small items or full clearance
Anything from Deceased estates Offices Garages Furniture, Scrap Metal, Fully licensed and Friendly Service Bric a Brac,
Available 7 days a week Even garden rubbish Everything taken away For free advice with no obligations
Tel: 07840 759945 Home: 01594 845223 Phone 01531 650217 Or email: [email protected] Mobile 07780 831800
Estate agent
51
electrician Domestic Electrical Work
All types of work undertaken – no job too small Www.elecsa.co.uk Reasonable charges Quotations provided at no obligation To request a quotation call Kevin Willis on 07909 831771 John Francis Plumbing Ltd
*Air to Air Heat Pumps * Leak & Drips *Ground source Heat pumps* Thermal Solar * Bathroom Installation *Central Heating Installation *Boiler Upgrades *Power-flushing* Diverter Vales* Central Heating Pumps* Programmable Room Stats *Burst Pipes* Air Locks* Ball Valves* Stop Cocks* Taps* Toilets* Tanks* Overflows *Washing Machines* Dish Washers* Water Dispensers* Immersion Heaters *Cylinders * Pumps * Macerators* Showers
‘for all your plumbing needs’
Tel:- 01452 750040 Mobile:- 07803 632553 Longcroft, Churcham, Gloucestershire, GL2 8AW
52 ELECTRICIAN PAUL W PERRY
PLUMBING & HEATING Fully qualified and insured SOLUTIONS BATHROOMS/SHOWER ROOMS/ CLOAKROOMS Reasonable, reliable and friendly TOILETS/TAPS INSIDE-OUTSIDE/ RADIATORS/TRVS Is this what you are looking for? All work Guaranteed/Insured Look no further ALL ASPECTS OF PROPERTY No job too small or too big CARE INSIDE /OUTSIDE GARDEN PATIO’S/LAMINATE FLOORING Free quotations DECORATING/TILING/UPVC Willingly compare prices FACIA & SOFFITS GIVE ME A CALL FOR YOUR No call-out charge FREE QUOTE 24 hour call-out—365 days per year NO JOB TOO SMALL or TOO BIG Telephone Terry any time on 24/7 EMERGENCY COVER Tel: 01452 760174 07900897287 or 01452 790152 Mob: 07711830900
Odd jobs
53 For all your carpentry needs, carried out by a local craftsman
I can offer carpenter General household carpentry and joinery Kitchens and bedrooms designed to suit your needs Specialist carpentry Refurbishments and renovations
Call me for a competitive quote
Malcolm C Marshall Unit 2, Longhope Industrial Estate, Longhope, Glos. (Formerly Ultra-View) T: 01452 830887 M: 07944 659766 E: [email protected] Dedicated to quality work and efficient service
CHIM-CHIMINEY T HEARN Andy Pattullo Carpentry 01594 824 066 Services
Certified and Approved Sweep Apprenticeship Served All types of fires and appliances City & Guilds cleaned with brush and vacuum Insurance valid Certificate issued
Call Tracy on
01452 831733 or 07780 60638 www.chim-chiminey.co.uk
54 JOHN HARTLAND FIREWOOD QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS FOR SALE
FIREWOOD LOGS
& KINDLING Delivered – small and large loads 07811 340975
01684 275859 www.glosfirewood.co.uk PHONE RICHARD ON: Mobile firewood processing unit, 01594 825664. log splitting service and tractor hedge trimming MOBILE: 07770 554018
55 ABFAB FLOORING 19 Market Street, Cinderford, Glos. GL14 2RT [email protected] Established 2004 Business award winner 2006, 2008, 2010. Here at ABFAB flooring we take pride in what we do and we care what you think. We value old and new customers.
We sell Carpets, Vinyls, Laminates and rugs. We offer a free no obligation home selection and quote service. We offer uplift of old floor coverings and move of furniture if you need help (on request). We offer a 10% discount for OAPs on all floor coverings. We offer a professional and friendly fitting service.
SO PLEASE GIVE US A CALL ON 01594 827272 OPENING HOURS: MONDAY—FRIDAY 9AM—5PM SATURDAY 9AM—NOON
SEE US ON THE BEST OF THE FORST OF DEAN WEBSITE AND LOOK AT OUR TESTIMONIALS
56
Kitchens bathrooms studies
tel: 01452 831 538 fax: 01452 831 048 email: [email protected] web: www.taylormadebystanton.co.uk
57 Memories of Home Vintage Interiors
Units 2 & 6, Harts Barn Craft Centre, Monmouth Road, Longhope, GL17 0LL Tel: 07765 053387 email: [email protected] www.memoriesofhome.co.uk Now Stockists for Annie Sloan Chalk Paints
Ideal for painting furniture as it will cover varnish and polish with no need to rub down! WANTED Pre 1980’s clothing and accessories Also 1950s Kitchen Larder Units
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PC/LAPTOP PROBLEMS? R.J. Bell PC and Laptop Repairs & Upgrades Painting & Decorating I offer a local and personal service, providing friendly, sensible and Floor and Wall tiling affordable support for home and small House Maintenance and office computer users. Refurbishments Services include: Carpentry services IT support Computer repairs and upgrades Maintenance, 30 years in the trade Virus removal 10% Discount with this Ad. Data recovery and much more... I offer Competitive Rates and I am CRB checked. Wesley Bungalow I offer home visits and I am Comp- Wesley Road TIA A+ Certified Ruardean Woodside Gloucester Please contact Stacey on 01594 829544 GL17 9XX or 07748 387664 to arrange an Tel: 01594 541086 appointment Mob: 07770926242 E.mail: [email protected]
59 LOCAL
WINDOW CLEANER BAYLEY’S
Local, reliable CLEANING
SERVICES Fantastic Prices
We always clean the frames, Window Cleaning—Commercial & sills and doors Domestic—Fully Insured Water Fed Pole & Traditional Testimonials available High & awkward access Windows from local people Gutter Cleaning & Pressure Washing References can be given Also uPVC and Gutter Tel: 01432 508979 Cleaning Mobile: 07771 870891 Email: [email protected] Call Andrew Atkinson Braemar, Lugwardine, Hereford, HR1 4AE 07914211631
JOHN BARNES CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SPECIALISTS
ALL MAKES & MODELS COVERED FULLY TRAINED, INSURED & CRB CHECKED STAFF Fully Insured Three Piece Suites ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Spot & Stain Removal Oriental Rugs PRODUCTS
Treat your house to a spring TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT OR FOR clean whatever time of year! MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:
01594 833108 - 07951 516161 For a prompt professional service OR VISIT US @ call John on: www.ovenpig.co.uk T: 01531 660778 M: 0794 1271344
60 IF YOU ORDER ANY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ON-LINE PLEASE READ!
Fund-raising while you shop! No Pain - We Gain All Saints Church Longhope has so far received £578 towards its fund-raising from Easy Fundraising, earned by 17 local people who have done their shopping on the net, and nominated the church as the recipient of donations made by the companies signed up to the scheme. Argos, M & S, Expedia, Thomas Cook, Vodafone, John Lewis and hundreds more suppliers who will donate between 0.5% and 5% (sometimes more) of the amount you spend. So: step one - log on to www.easyfundraising.org.uk step two - register with All Saints Church Longhope step three – start shopping and see how much you earn for the church! Any queries to PCC Treasurer Sheila Harris 01452 831620
The Environmentally Friendly People.
The complete garden and Check out our amazing local landscape service. websites when you’ve a free moment -Design & Construction. They all send Christmas Greetings -Fencing & Patios. to our readers -Turfing & Pruning. Plus much more! For more details please The online version of this magazine— visit our new web site and follow our www.fenmag.co.uk monthly garden diary. Forest Edge Group’s website— www.forestedgegroup.comlu.com www.pondandgarden.net Our Longhope website— www.longhopevillage.co.uk Tel: 01452 830389 Finally a fairly new one for Huntley— www.huntleyvillagehall.co.uk Email: [email protected]
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Are you considering Equity Release?
Equity release schemes are a means of releasing capital which is locked up in property in order to achieve financial freedom for the homeowner in retirement.
Just as when taking out a mortgage there are many different types of schemes offered by lenders and it is important to therefore understand the terms of the scheme as you are making a lifetime commitment.
We are able to provide independent, impartial legal advice on any scheme that has been recommended to you and provide a helping hand in order to settle any concerns you may have.
For a FREE and informal chat please just call me, Aimee Porter on 01452 525351 or, if you prefer, email me at [email protected]
Treasures Solicitors LLP, 17 St Johns Lane, Gloucester, GL1 2AZ
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Old Pike Cottage, Pleasant Stile,
Littledean, Glos. GL14 3NT T: 01594 823766 M: 07929 206380
Friendly, impartial, straightforward financial services, at a time and place convenient to you
INVESTMENTS LIFE ASSURANCE WILLS MORTGAGES SAVINGS PLANS CONVEYANCING INCOME PROTECTION INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING PENSIONS & RETIREMENT ADVICE
Contact Michael Riley on 01594 823766 or [email protected]
An appointed representative of The Whitechurch Network Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority The FSA does not regulate wills or tax planning For mortgage advice we may charge a fee of £299.00 Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage
We are delighted to announce the opening of our new office at Highnam Business Centre. As Independent Financial Advisers, we would love to get to know the local community better and we’d like to extend an invitation to Forest Edge news readers to join us at a free event on Wednesday 21st November.
The event will be held at the beautiful Three Choirs Vineyard & will include a wine tasting tour, a talk featuring a number of ideas on Investing & Inheritance tax mitigation, washed down by afternoon tea!
Please join us for what promises to be an enjoyable afternoon. To book, phone 01452 768138 or email [email protected]. Places are strictly limited. www.caplebanks.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
63
IS YOUR PET HOME ALONE?
Are You
Out all day?, Work all the time?, Holiday booked? Just too busy or unable to give your pet the time it needs?
Dog walking, Pet & House sitting, Dog & Cat home visits as an alternative to Boarding Kennels, Pet taxi, Small animal boarding, Basic puppy training & Socialisation P.A.W.S offers a friendly and reliable service from a local family run business with 25 years experience in Animal Care.
RING NOW FOR FREE CONSULTATION & FIRST WALK FREE! Tel: 01452 790686 Mob: 07581008603
Qualified in Animal Management & National Certificate. Fully insured, Police checked Member of NARP: National Association of Registered Pet-sitters
Horse Owners! Forage For Sale Conventional bales Debra Fuller & large square bales Dog Grooming horse
Birdwood House Farm, Birdwood, Huntley, Glos. GL19 3EJ Hay (meadow & seeds) 01452 751055/07503 435463 Haylage & straw: Competitive pricing: Can deliver. Contact: Mike & Fiona Caspersen [email protected] 01452 830316 07833645062 www.BirdwoodPlayhouse.co.uk www.longhopelivery.co.uk
64 Alison Margaret’s Mobile Hairdresser
Huntley Tel: 01452 831253 M: 07786383705 (Old Police Station) Friendly Reasonable prices Your Ladies & Gents Ladies, Gents and Children Hairdresser Over 30 years Experience T: 01452 830486 Please ring for more details
Lucy’s Mobile Body Care Hairdressing Beauty Therapy The Salon Clinic Room Experience without the price tag Treatments available: Electrolysis Beauty therapy Facials Fully Qualified to NVQ Waxing Level 2 & 3 Manicures & Pedicures Eyebrow shaping & tinting Master Colour Award Holder And much more . . .
12 Years Experience For an appointment call Sue Parry Lucy Hale (Qualified Therapist) Tel: 07768 161970 on Email: [email protected] 01452 830700
65
Come and join us at SISTER ACT Gloucester Academy of Music DISCO 11a Westgate Street Playing music from the Sixties to the present day We offer a wide range Adult Birthdays, of musical opportunities Anniversaries, for all ages and abilities Weddings, term-time and holidays www.gamusic.co.uk Children’s Discos etc. Competitive Rates and very Contact us for a free reliable service trial session by email: [email protected] More info or phone us on: Telephone Alison or Sandra on 01452 385162 01452 790486
66 ARCHITECTURAL STAINED Portugal/Algarve GLASS Villa with private pool & large
garden with mountain views. Stained glass for contemporary
and period properties Sleeps 6/8. Main service.
Good local restaurants. - Design work
- Construction Villa is approximately 5 miles - Repair work from stunning sandy beaches.
Available for short or long www.ukarchitecturalstainedglass.net term lets, at reasonable rates.
Contact : Toby Flitton Tel: 01452 831444 01452 751061 Or email: [email protected] 7706 805556
Www.newhousefarm-accommodation.co.uk
Luxury 3 bed villa, with garden, B & B roof terrace and private shared pool—available to rent at very reasonable prices. Close to sea and shops. For a brochure and more information, call Pam Ingram on 01452 831692 or visit our website www.holiday-rentals.com (property ref: 11883)
67
Public house restaurant
68
York’s Catering offer buffet services throughout Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean. Supplying freshly prepared buffets delivered chilled to your door. We specialise in buffets for; Business lunches Birthday parties Anniversaries Funerals Wedding parties Children’s parties We use local produce to support our local businesses. To enquire or book your buffet please call 01452 831834 / 07983 566449
www.yorkscatering.co.uk
Independent Free House Family run since 1980
Mike & Marg Jefferies Owners Michelle & Kara Jefferies Managers www.kingshead-birdwood.co.uk [email protected]
2 & 3 Course Senior Citizen Menu Monday – Saturday (except Bank Holidays)
2 course Sunday Roasts
8 Accommodation Rooms, all en-suite- priced from £40 (inc B'fast) plus seasonal special offers. Pubs restaurants Food Served Mon - Thurs 12-3pm & 6-9pm, Fri - Sun 12-9pm
The Kings Head Inn, Birdwood, Nr Huntley, Gloucestershire 01452 750348
69
The Farmer’s
Boy Inn
The Multi Award Winning Farmer’s Boy Inn, Ross Rd, Longhope, GL17 0LP 01452 831300 www.thefarmersboyinn.co.uk "The way traditional pubs should be" - Proprietor Phil Kiernan MBII Thank You for your support— "You have been Fantastic" Forest of Dean's Pub Of The Year 2012/13 Winner of 3 Silver Awards at The British Pie Awards Forest of Dean's Customer Service Restaurant of the Year 2012/13 Famous Grouse "Famous Pub of the Year 2011/12 Net.mums Family "Pub of the Year" Gloucestershire Choice of 3 roasts plus full menu Sundays 12 until 9pm Serving food all day, everyday *Children's play area & pet friendly *New Wine, Cheese & Pie Shop now open 9am till late, 7 days a week *Take away Pies also delivered to your door *En-suite Accommodation. Book online *Home to www.madaboutpies.co.uk 01452 831300 "Don't take our word for it"
Wedding Cakes of Gloucester
Cakes to Inspire You…
Wedding Cakes of Gloucester can offer you a range of designs to suit your event. We have made thousands of cakes since our cake business started in 2002. After careful consideration and personal discussion we can make you a unique wedding cake, or celebration cake, to be admired and remembered. Whether you are looking for a traditional, classic, elegant, modern or novelty cake, you will want it to look exceptional and taste delicious too. You can rest assured that from first contact to delivery and setup at your venue you will receive excellent service and attention. We look forward to hearing from you. We’re based in Churcham! 07849 243530 [email protected] www.weddingcakesofgloucester.co.uk
70 Stone End Kitchen Churcham Good quality, home prepared food for Hand crafted Real Ales from May Hill, all occasions at Gloucestershire using Spring Water from the farm, naturally conditioned in the affordable prices. bottle or cask. Also china, linen, May Hill Wellbrew Ale Summit 4.9% Dark, Malty Ale cutlery and 50 seat Legless Cow 4.8% Fruity Hop Finish party tent to hire. Legend 4.5% Pale Ale Admiral May 3.8% Amber Ale Wedding & party May Hill Wassail 3.8% Dark Rich Ale Produced in Bottles, Cakes to order. 10L Beer Boxes and Casks. All available to buy direct Enquiries to: from the Brewery Wendy Lewis May Hill Brewery, Holly Bush Farm 01452 750156 Ross Road, Longhope, Glos, GL17 0NG 01452 830222 www.mayhillbrewery.com
Motor services cars
71 MINI DIGGER MAN PROBLEMS WITH ACCESS? GIVE US A CALL!
* FOOTINGS * UNDER PINNING * DRIVES * ROADS * DRAINS * SEWERS * RETAINING WALLS * CONCRETE BREAKERS * POST HOLE BORERS * TREE STUMP REMOVAL PONDS & LAKES R.D. PEMBERTON 07889 194198 - 01452 830241 PLANT HIRE & CONTRACTORS Melbourne Villa, Longhope, Glos. Agricultural Engineer
Service/Repairs/Parts
4x4 Land Rover Ifor Williams Trailer Service Hydraulic Hose Repair
(T/A: R J Smith Agricultural) Tyres/Puncture Repairs
Call Richard on 078790 73505 Call Out Service available
72
Acorns is a small pre-school group at Churcham Primary School.
Open every morning for children from 2 years to school age.
We offer a safe and happy play environment where children can develop confidence, learn new skills and make friends.
Come and see for yourself!
For further details please phone 01452 750467
Maths and English Tuition TYLERS MEMORIALS
G.C.S.E. Maths and English (SM, SJ, & RJ Tyler)
A.S and A level Maths, English Memorials language supplied and fitted And English Literature
Hand carved/ Common Entrance Examinations sandblasted lettering Primary school tuition Renovations undertaken
Please phone: FURNACE LANE
NEWENT Rhiannon Rhys-Jones 07957 419313 01531 820474
73 WESTBURY DENTAL SURGERY
NEW DOWNSTAIRS SURGERY
Dr David Barker Dr Bereket Ghebru Dr Mia Skive Dental Surgeons
NHS AVAILABLE
Denplan & Dental Insurance welcome Independent Private Care Emergency Service Home Visits
High Street Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire GL14 1PA Tel: 01452-760662/760550 Email: [email protected]
SMITHS FUNERAL SERVICES (KJ, PJ, SM, SJ & RJ Tyler)
Independent Family Funeral Directors 24 hour personal attention Home Visits Private Chapels of Rest in Newent & Gloucester Pre-payment Funeral Plans Advice on eco-friendly Funerals Memorials supplied and fitted FURNACE LANE, NEWENT, GLOS GL18 1DD 01531 820474
74
JOHN HALL OF CHURCHAM
For a complete Funeral Service in any district
Private Chapels of Rest
Memorials
01452 750489
For Prompt Attention Day or Night
75 Hope Brook School last December
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a nativity scene
76