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A Newsletter for the Villages of King's Thorn, Little Birch & – November 2007

Gardening Club This month’s meeting will be held on DIARY DATES NOVEMBER 2007 ST WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER at 31st OCTOBER – Gardening Club Little Birch Hall and will be a talk on 13TH NOVEMBER – Whist Drive ‘Some less usual vegetables’. 15TH NOVEMBER – Country Houses & Gardens in South On WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 16TH NOVEMBER – ‘A Crude Awakening’- Little Dewchurch members will hear a talk by Mr M. 17TH NOVEMBER – Flicks in the Sticks RD Bracher, the Head Gardener at Burford 23 NOVEMBER – Village Market 28TH NOVEMBER – Gardening Club House on ‘ Plants for Picking’. Both TH meetings start at 7.30pm in Little Birch 29 NOVEMBER – Christmas Bingo 30TH NOVEMBER & 1ST DECEMBER – Halfway Community Theatre Village Hall new members are always most welcome. ADVANCE NOTICES ______TH Much Birch Village Market 5 DECEMBER – Gardening Club Christmas Social 8TH DECEMBER – Much Birch Craft Fair The first Much Birch Village Market took place in September and was a great success for both sellers and buyers. There was a great variety of produce for Country Houses & Gardens Hall, on SATURDAY 17th sale including Herefordshire lamb, beef A talk on Historic Country Houses and NOVEMBER. and pork, fresh fruit and vegetables, Gardens in will Flags of Our Fathers is a WWII film cheese, preserves, bread and cakes, and be given by David Whitehead who has about a man’s quest to learn more about ice-cream from Kelsmore Dairy. written books and lectured extensively his father, a medical corpsman in WWII at Refreshments were on sale, the proceeds on this and other subjects. The talk will the Battle of Iwo Jima. The battle of which went to McMillan Cancer be on THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER produced one of World War II’s most Support. at 7.30 in Little Birch Village Hall. enduring images: a photograph of five There were also craft stalls selling a Entry will be £2.50 to include light Marines and a Navy Corpsman raising an variety of crafts, from cards and jewellery, refreshments. This talk should be American flag on the top of Mount soap and wooden goods to yarn and fascinating to anyone interested to find Suribachi. Based on the book by the same knitted goods from a local Alpaca out about some of the local big houses name and directed by Clint Eastwood, it herd...ideal for cold, winter weather and which no longer exist such as Rotherwas tells the story of how the three surviving an unusual Christmas present! and Harewood and also to those flag-raisers were used as propaganda tools The October market takes place on interested in gardens and the history of by the United States government to lift the TH FRIDAY, 26 OCTOBER and the next garden design morale of the American people and raise on FRIDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER. money for the war effort. The markets are held in Much Birch Hall Doors open at 7.00pm and the film between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Inconvenient Truth commences at 7.30pm. Tickets are £3.50 Please come along to visit us and support Little Birch Council arranged the (£2.50 under 16s) and are available in Herefordshire producers. showing of this award winning film on advance or on the door. For further ______climate change presented by Al Gore on information or to book tickets please call 11th. October in the village hall. Bryony Connolly on 01981 541274. th Afterwards a member of the Little Coming up… Saturday 15 December – AMAZING GRACE Whist Drive Dewchurch parish plan group explained plans being made there to audit and reduce ______Little Birch Village Hall on TUESDAY energy use. WI 13TH NOVEMBER 7.30pm start, On FRIDAY 16TH. NOVEMBER, as a Members of Much Birch WI have enjoyed excellant prizes, new players welcome, follow up the film, A Crude Awakening varied speakers during 2007 including, in refreshments available. Entrance fee on what a future with less energy and oil September, ‘The Alternative Fat Ladies on £1.50 to include refreshments. might be like, will be shown at Little Flower Arranging’ when several beautiful . Dewchurch Village Hall at 7.00pm. flower arrangements were raffled.

______TUESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER is the

AGM after which there will be a talk Flicks in the Sticks in association with Arts Alive about Fire Safety in the Home given by

This month’s film will be FLAGS OF Ms. Karen Brock from Herefordshire Fire

OUR FATHERS (15) at Much Birch Service. In December we look forward to and then went on to higher education. with the top down and her hair flying in the member’s Christmas Evening. Brenda was a teacher at the John Kyrle the wind! She met and married Roger Once again Much Birch WI Quiz, held in School in Ross while John was appointed Baker and they had 2 children, Clive and October, was a great success, with the a Senior Social Worker in . When Victoria. When the children were in their History Group winning for the second asked about his work, he sometimes said mid teens the marriage unfortunately year. We meet on the third Tuesday of he dealt with ‘the mad, the bad and the broke down which badly affected Lynne, each month. sad’. John served on the Parish Council and ill health dogged her for the rest of her Details of 2008 speakers will appear at a for 30 years and on the Village Hall life. She came to live in Much Birch to be later date. Committee for some 20 years after the housekeeper to Terry Mock and the family ______Hall was re-opened in 1977 - a fine have always been grateful to him for Christmas Bingo record. Brenda sadly suffered a stroke sticking by her in good times and bad. In Little Birch Village Hall on THURSDAY some years ago but together they battled her good times she was a good debater and 29TH NOVEMBER, eyes down at on and happily, Brenda made a pretty in meetings was never afraid to ask 8.00pm. Excellant prizes and festive good recovery. John meanwhile had a pertinent questions which many of us refreshments available. heart attack about a year ago which meant would have avoided. She was well read ______giving up driving; this was a bitter blow. and her taste in music was very catholic. Halfway Community Theatre They have therefore taken the wise Her faith in God was absolute even in her The Halfway Community Theatre is decision to move to a bungalow on a bus dark days when she spent lengthy spells in delighted to announce it will be Presenting route and we wish them all the very best in the Stonebow Unit. The Garlicks and the Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado' their new home. John says that they are Dinnens stood by her at times when it (concert version) on FRIDAY 30th not going to abandon Little Birch could be very frustrating to understand her NOVEMBER and SATURDAY 1st altogether as there is a bus that comes this personality changes which, of course, DECEMBER in Much Birch Hall. We way and they wish to keep up with their were part and parcel of her illness. She begin at 7.00pm. (not 7.30 this time). friends in the area. was a real character and we send to Clive Tickets are £8.00, to include a delicious Congratulations are extended to JOAN and Victoria and their families and to her and TIM DILLON , who their Golden sister, Pat, our deepest sympathies. Her supper (bring your own wine) and can be th th booked through Beverley Webb on 01981 Wedding Anniversary on 27 . September, body was cremated on Friday 12 October 540406. Don't miss out on our first ever and to HELEN and BOB TOMKINS who and her ashes were interred at Much Birch celebrated their ‘Golden’ during the last on Monday after the service. costumed and colourful extravaganza. week of October, and to BILL GIBBONS ______st Christmas Social on the occasion of his 91 . birthday. Meals on Wheels SHARON GILLESPIE retired as ‘Brown At a Meals on Wheels Coffee Morning On WEDNESDAY 5TH DECEMB ER Owl’ some 3 months ago and our thanks held at Little Birch Hall, Claire Price from The Gardening Club will hold their go to her for all her hard work over the Christmas Social at Little Birch Village the Hereford Office presented Long years, leaving the Brownie pack in very Service Certificates to the following Hall. Proceedings will start at 7.30pm. For good order. The good news is that TONIA tickets and further information please see helpers. Years of service in brackets:- PETERS has now taken over with the Anne Hyde-Smith of – (31+), Committee members or contact the assistance of KATY HODGES and Secretary- Helen Fox tel: 01981 541004. Edna Thomas – (29+) EMMA REYNOLDS and the Brownies This event is open to members and non- Roger Thomas – (25+), meet every Monday evening at Little Betty Bryant – (24+), members. Birch Hall. Tonia would welcome anyone ______Caroline Peill of Orcop - (22+), else who would like to help her and her Jill Davies of Orcop – (21+), Thinking Ahead colleagues on Monday evenings. Gillian Porter – (19+), A Service to Celebrate the life of LYNNE John Bryant – (19+), The Much Birch Christmas and Craft th Fayre is to be held in Much Birch BAKER was held on Monday, 15 Fleur Davies of Much Dewchurch – (17+), Community Hall on SATURDAY, 8TH October at Much Birch Church conducted Margaret and John Pearl of Much Birch – DECEMBER between 10.30am and 4pm. by the Rev. Kay Garlick and readings (13+), There will be a variety of Craft stalls and were given by members of the family. Mary Hill - (13+), Christmas goods. Tea, coffee and light Lynne was born in Norfolk and had a Mary Newman - (13+), lunches will be on sale. sister, Pat. They were educated at the Jean and Dennis Mason – (12+), Hopefully Father Christmas will be Masonic School in and Lynne Dr’s Maureen and Patrick Beauchamp – making a visit. proved to be a fine athlete as well as a (10+) ______very bright pupil. Unfortunately, her Several of our older deliverers of meals Local News athletics career was cut short by a serious are older than many of the recipients and foot injury. She completed her education It is possible that soon after this there comes a time when they feel that at college where she was found to have a Newsletter is published, BRENDA and they have to retire, so there is always a high IQ and finished the top student in the JOHN STARTIN will have moved to need for more volunteers to deliver the country in the RSA examinations. As a Walford and before they go, the meals. This involves picking up the result, she entered the banking profession community would like to thank them most insulated meal boxes from WRVS at and held a senior post in Lombard’s Bank, sincerely for all the work they have done Rockfield Road near Hereford Railway which involved travelling the country to and all the support they have given, Station at around 11.10am delivering at pick out potential sites for new branches especially to Little Birch. They moved the moment in Little Dewchurch, as well as interviewing potential staff. She from London into ‘Conifers’ some 35 Hoarwithy, Much Dewchurch, Much was given a free hand to choose a car and years ago with their 2 sons, Nick and Birch and Little Birch. Currently, there are being Lynne, selected a Triumph Stag. It’s Chris, who attended Much Birch School 7 meals to deliver and so this means not hard to imagine her driving around everyone can finish and be back home between 12.45 and 1pm. By keeping up International Baccalaureate (A level the number of volunteers, each volunteer equivalent) she also has to study global issues is called upon every 10 weeks ie. about 5 and this is India, which keeps them up to date times per year. on Indian issues and culture. Fern Gwinnett The college campus is built on a mountain side Normally, 2 people make up a team and so Many of you have supported Fern in her with far reaching spectacular views. They are if you feel that you might be interested in fundraising towards the Expedition to Borneo restoring the tropical rain forest that once this service to the community, please and have asked how it all went. Fern has had a existed where the college stands and there is a contact either Roger Thomas (540736) or particularly busy summer. After finishing her large nature reserve within the campus. One of Mary Newman (540671) or John Bryant GCSE exams she set off (on the wettest of wet the unusual aspects of living there is the July weekends) for Borneo. One member o f the snakes. There are 9 species of snake on campus (540316) and they would be pleased to group was unable to get through the floods to give more details or answer any questions. including deadly Cobras and Vipers so students join the party and the journey to Heathrow was have to be informed of what to do if the worst On the other hand, if you know of anyone eventful with floods deep enough to get into who might find it useful to receive Meals should happen. the luggage compartment of the coach and a U Thank you to all of you who continue to be on Wheels even if only for a short time, turn being necessary on a flooded dual carriage interested in Fern’s adventures. She will be please give their names to one of the way. The expedition part of the trip involved looking for a job next summer from June – organisers named above. Meals are exploring a tropical valley called Danum August to help out with her costs so if any of delivered on Wednesdays and Fridays. Valley where they encountered leeches in you have any ideas let us know. ______embarrassing places, showered in rain storms and had to sleep in a tropical storm. ______Horticultural Show The group were also involved with aspects of Neighbourhood Watch conservation and gained a deep insight into the On Saturday 1st September Kings Thorn Safety problems of deforestation for logging and palm On a safety note, the nights are starting to draw and Little Birch Gardening Club held their oil plantations. They visited the Sepilok Orang- Annual Horticultural Show. Despite a utan sanctuary and were also lucky enough to in and for those who walk or cycle in the area it poor summer competitors used all their see these amazing creatures in the wild. is time to check whether you are safe on the skills and know-how to produce an The main part of the expedition was working roads. abundance of produce to support the with a very remote village who have been Cyclists. badly affected by deforestation and they have · At night you must have front and rear event. This year there was a record entry lights lit. The cycle must also be fitted in the Children’s sections resulting in keen no resources to make basic progress. The group split into two, some of them helping to rebuild with a red rear reflector and amber pedal competition in all the categories. reflectors. White front reflectors and The winners of the competitions were: a bridge which was the only way into and out of this isolated community and the others wheel reflectors will also help. The Llewellyn Sutton Cup for the person (Fern’s group) helped to install a water supply · Light coloured and reflective clothing or family with the most points overall - and a public bath for the mothers to collect should also be worn. Reflective belts, arm The Hodges Family water and wash their children. Fern learned and ankle bands are also suggested. The David Enoch Cup for best exhibit in many new skills including building block walls show - Owen Davies and concreting. She worked with the locals and Pedestrians. Horticultural Shield - Des Wathen visited their homes which was a real privilege. · Avoid walking with your back to the traffic. Rose Bowl - Des Wathen The experience was fantastic and Fern would like to thank all of you who helped her along · Wear or carry something light or Floral Art Shield - Margaret Pearl reflective. Domestic Cup - Robyn Hodges the way and enabled her to take part. Upon her return Fern had to quickly prepare for For more information refer to the Highway Children’s Shield - Heather Anderson her next major adventure. Many of you know Code. Thanks to all the organising committee that Fern was one of two British students As mentioned in last month’s and everyone who attended and who made selected by United World Colleges to spend newsletter simple precautions can be the show such a success. two years studying at the Mahindra United taken to reduce the chances of being a World College of India which is 40 miles from ______victim of car crime. Little Birch on Aconbury Hill A Pune. Fern has now been in India for 6 weeks and has already had some amazing history of the parish and its people experiences. Although she has been quite Copies of this fascinating book are still unwell for over month she has already been on available for those of you who missed out hikes, climbed a mountain, spent a weekend in STOP last year and for that Christmas present for Bombay (Mumbai), visited the Ellora and friends and family who know the area and Ajanta caves and ‘the poor mans Taj ALL VALUABLES HAVE maybe, now, are far away. Copies can be Mahal’,which are all spectacular cultural BEEN REMOVED obtained from John Bryant, Mike Morley sights. However, it’s definitely not a holiday. or Alison Clarke (01981 540791). They The academic study is intense and demanding, We are still able to offer laminated can also be obtained at the Castle Inn and with all of the students being very intelligent. The competition is stiff and Fern is finding that copies of the above notice with red from local booksellers. Price is £10. many students from other countries have writing on a very bright yellow ______studied the subjects at greater depth than we background that, if left visibly on Much Birch 100 Club Draw do. She is learning Hindi so that she can display in your car, may prevent you communicate with the locals when she does her The October draw took place on Friday, 12th community and charity work. being a victim of a car crime. For October in Much Birch Community Hall at copies of the notice please contact 10.15am Fern has to share a room with three other students, all of whom are from different The winners were: your local policing team. continents. This is quite a challenge for 1. No. 26 Secure Your Fertiliser someone who has always had their own Mr J.B. Willis, Much Birch A ‘Secure Your Fertiliser' website aimed at the 2. No. 33 bedroom. The students at the college are from farming and growing community has been Mrs P.M. Paige, Kings Thorn all over the world all contributing their cultural launched by the National Counter Terrorism differences to college life. In addition to the John Jones, Chairman/Promoter Security Office (NaCTSO).For many years subjects that Fern has to take for the terrorist groups have misused fertilisers to make explosive devices and this new website offers practical, cost-effective advice about how to keep supplies of fertiliser secure. NEED SOME HELP? ENVIRONMENTAL For more information visit www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk INTERIORS If you have information relating to Halloween Strong, trustworthy Copies of a poster indicating that gentleman available Need a Decorator and want to be environmentally friendly? Trick or Treat visits are not immediately for all types of welcome can also be obtained from Not sure about colours? work : gardening, your local policing team for labouring, cleaning, We may be the ladies for you. Halloween. Please obtain one if you Together we can come up with want to deter callers. shopping, painting, rubbish ideas, using colour charts from fertiliser misuse or crime in your area, you can clearance and odd jobs. report it to West Mercia Constabulary on eco-friendly paint suppliers.

08457 444 888. NO JOB TOO SMALL. As well as decorating we can add East the finishing touches, making JOHN BULBECK - 540178 Central References available curtains and cushion covers to BOB PETERS - 540670 Call Mark on 01981 order. West 540225 Photos of previous work available . BETTY PHILPOTT - 540614 Or Mob: 07812842141 ______Initial consultation Free

Bus Timetable Tel: Christine Murphy See next page. 01989 730496 ______Items/Copy CHANGE OF DATE PLEASE NOTE Please may I have items for the DECEMBER issue via post to Mrs. S.E. Mathews, Folly Cottage, Little Birch, HR2 8BD; or left in the post box at 'Bramleys' or by email attachment in Word format to: [email protected] by

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