Ripples OCT 2019 L&F.qxp_1 LINK – May 07 19/09/2019 18:55 Page 1

100th Edition

October 2019 Ripples OCT 2019 L&F.qxp_1 LINK – May 07 19/09/2019 18:55 Page 2

MAKING RIPPLES

Thanksgiving October

My wise friend Wikipedia says: ‘Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the News 4 United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It originated as a harvest festival.’ Its practices include expressing gratitude, sharing, giving Countryside 12 away and (occasionally) even forgiving the turkey. Home & Garden 18 October is the month of harvest suppers, usually in the Churches and Women’s Local History 20 Institutes. This month, by an accident of timing, we are celebrating 10 years of publication with this our 100th edition. A good time for thanksgiving to the many Learning & Libraries 22 people who’ve worked with us along this journey. Reflections 24 Thank you to our loyal reporters Margaret and Chris who reflect on their 10 years reporting for us on page 24. Without their tireless reporting and hours spent in Councils 26 interviews for our Profile section, there would be no Ripples. Nor would we be Sport 28 here without the army of contributors and readers for whom the magazine exists. Letters 30 For much of our history, Debbie worked the telesales phone for us. Zena, whom we know through the Fairford & Lechlade Business Club, is now the voice of Arts 32 Ripples sales. Special thanks to our advertisers who renew their orders Profile 38 enthusiastically, for without advertising, there really would be no Ripples. Business 40 The mainstay of our production team is Simon, a graphic designer who has been a source of design inspiration from the start. Indeed it was Simon who suggested the Pets 42 name ‘Ripples’, which neatly draws together the spreading of ideas across communities and our local association with rivers and lakes. Holding our hands on Events 43 our website is Jan, another graphic designer with Artwebco, while Raoul of Quidne Contacts 46 IT keeps our email and cloud storage systems ticking over. Regrets with printers, we’ve had a few! But Richie and Geoff at Oxuniprint have never let us down.

Teresa leads our delivery team, getting Ripples into more than 6,000 letter boxes. COVER PICTURE: Our current team is Wendy, Sally, Graham, Lucy, Jackie, Zena, Julia, Ken, Craig Stork chicks bred at and Lyn. Cotswold Wildlife Park Our wives Julia and Lesley have backed us all the way in this venture, delivering, Photo: Nick Upton (see p12) proof reading and copy editing. REMINDER: Thank you all from the Ripples partners: The deadline for our Adrian & Graham November edition is 12 noon, Friday 11th October Ripples Community Magazine Published by Adrian Young and Graham Fry © Ripples Community Magazine, 2019. All rights reserved. Named contributors retain copyright on their work.

Ripples Magazine is published 10 months a our format or inconsistent with our Email is preferred for contributions, year during the first week of the month; we editorial policy. otherwise by post. take a break in January and August. Make sure you are writing for a general All news, events and announcements: The deadline for contributions and audience, not just your own organisation. [email protected] advertising is 12 noon on 2nd Friday of the Contributions up to 150 words are Paid advertising: month before publication. preferred. If it is too long, we may ask youripplesmag.co.uk/advertising to cut it down. We may publish longer Opinions expressed in the magazine are not contributions, but get in touch first to avoidDistribution: necessarily those of the publishers. the annoyance of a rejection. [email protected] Contributions may be published in the Photographs and artwork should be clearTel: 01793 764768 magazine, on our website or on social with good contrast. JPEG electronic format media. Make clear any limitations about Post: is preferred but we can scan from good what, how and when we may publish your 2A The Stables, Gilberts Lane, quality prints. Make sure any identifiable contribution. Highworth, Swindon SN6 7FB people in photos agree to the photo’s Please inform the editor if you spot a publication. Get parent’s consent in the We reserve the right to edit contributions mistake in Ripples so we can rectify it in a case of minors. and to not publish any contribution or future issue. advertisement that is either unsuitable for

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NEWS

Happy 75th birthday RAF Fairford Young driver wins

RAF Fairford celebrated Privately owned static Driving Championship its 75th anniversary at aircraft flew in at no the beginning of cost and each one Amelia Waddicor from Water Eaton, near Castle September with a represented a chapter Eaton, has won the prestigious title of British Heritage Day held in in RAF Fairford's long Carriage Driving Under 25 National Champion, one of the large history. There were also having seen off some very tough competition at hangars on the base. displays and exhibitions Onley recently. by a wealth of air- Around 800 people – related groups and the local dignitaries, base Amelia, 21, and backstepper Morag were lying British-American personnel and deployed second on the first day after dressage and cones Committee. personnel, plus military but, after a thrilling drive round the obstacles on members from other Four huge cakes had the marathon course, moved up to clinch the USAF bases – were been made for the championship. invited to share this occasion and were cut special occasion. by Lt Col Joe Knothe, Amelia drives a rare breed Caspian horse, the only who described RAF pure bred competing in horse driving trials and is RAF Fairford has a rich Fairford as being the sponsored by the Cotswold Wildlife Park. and varied history with ‘jewel in the crown’, ties to both the Royal Air and Squadron Leader Force and the United Jayne Robertson. States Air Force. It has played a vital role to Story and photo: both Concorde and the Chris Roberts Red Arrows. Lt Col Joe Knothe & Sqd Ldr Jayne Robertson cutting the cakes

‘Spirit of Mississippi’ The historic line of planes

CONTACT RIPPLES COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

For news, events and announcements Your local reporters Email: [email protected] Fairford and surrounding villages or post to: Tel: 01285 712150 Ripples Magazine, Email: [email protected] 2A The Stables, Gilberts Lane, Highworth SN6 7FB Lechlade and surrounding villages Tel: 01793 764768 Email: [email protected]

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NEWS

A place of worship for 750 years Lechlade spiritualist church

St Mary the Virgin Julie Hincks gave up her career as a finance Church, Meysey manager to open the spiritual shop, Hampton has been a Eclectic Spirit, in Lechlade High Street with place of worship a desire to give something back to society since 9th June 1269, rather than helping the rich get richer. when it was consecrated by the She is thrilled with the success of this new Bishop of Worcester. venture. She holds a service every week at 7.45pm. The first week she booked a small This year, the church’s room in the Memorial Hall but it soon 750th anniversary was became clear that this was just not big marked on 9th June enough so had to decamp into another larger with a celebration room. She now uses the Pavilion. service conducted by the Reverend Caroline The service consists of two hymns, a reading, Symcox. The church an address and a blessing. Each week a was decked out for visiting medium is invited and tries to the occasion with connect with loved ones in the spirit world. bunting and flower After the service there is tea, coffee, and a arrangements, the chance to talk to healers. The whole ethos of bells rang out and her venture is to promote wellbeing and attention was drawn positive thinking. to interesting architectural features Story and photo: Margaret Hing around the church. There were also displays of village Celebrating 750 years at St Mary’s, Meysey Hampton. Photo: John Cresser-Brown history, art and craft exhibits and home-made produce for sale. Visitors chain, used to secure the Bible against theft. In an enjoyed delicious cakes and tea and soaked up the age when books were rare and very valuable, it did historic atmosphere. not pay to leave them unsecured! If you enjoy visiting historic churches, then make sure There is so much more to see and find out about this you take a look at St Mary’s lectern, which is a village church, which is usually open throughout the memorial to a local lady named Christian Cripps, year in daylight hours. who died in 1613. The lectern still retains its original Story: Chris Roberts Fairford nominees for the Pride of the Cotswolds awards

Two community champions from Fairford have Sandra Lewis, who comes from Fairford and still has been invited to attend the awards ceremony for family in the town, worked for 20 years with special The Pride of the Cotswolds Awards at The Forest needs children at Coln House School in Fairford, but Green Rovers Football Club at the end of now is at The Peak Academy in Dursley helping September. young people with a range of social, emotional and mental health issues. Sandra Lewis is hoping to be chosen as The Teacher of the Year and Heather Kent is hoping to scoop The Heather Kent is very well known in Fairford for her Child of the Year award. environmental endeavours and litter picking. She already has a wealth of awards under her belt and is This is the second year that The Pride of the totally committed to trying to keep Fairford ‘a good Cotswolds Awards have been held and the place to be.’ competition is aimed at recognising local people for their selfless, brave or generous actions over the Fingers crossed for Sandra and Heather. The results previous year. will be published in the November Ripples. Story: Chris Robert

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NEWS

Thames Walk for Heroes Women’s Institute in Fairford

Walkers took to Help for Heroes The last few the Thames Path supports those with months at on Saturday 7th injuries and illness Fairford September to raise attributable to their ‘Firecrackers’ money for the service in the British WI has shown British Armed Armed Forces. a great variety Forces charity – of skills and Help for Heroes. The walk came to interests an end in Lechlade including The group of 46 at The Riverside Inn sports, history was led along by where the group and crafts. Dave Lewis and were given medals started at the Trout and treated to more In July we at Tadpole Bridge music this time welcomed the before heading off from rocker Rick inspirational Jo to Ye Olde Swan at Chase who belted Hursey. Jo Radcot, The Plough out some classic spoke to us at Kelmscott and hits. about her The Trout Inn near experiences Lechlade before finishing at Arkell’s Brewery’s – For more information or to learn about future Help before, during Riverside Inn. for Heroes events visit: www.events4h4h.org.uk and after competing, and Along the way they were treated to live music at The To register an interest in next year’s challenge winning, in Plough at Kelmscott from TV’s The Voice star – Vince email: [email protected]. London and Freeman. Toronto Invictus games. We all came away feeling inspired and wanting to know more. For our members who love history, especially local history, our August meeting was the one to come to. Malcolm friendship and support through family planning taught us all we need to know about the difficulties. And finally, collecting and delivering Gloucestershire Tudor doll. A fascinating talk with lots essentials needed at Swindon women’s aid. to learn. As well as all of this we attended the WI Centenary And most recently, September. Gill came along and Fayre back in July with our ‘Boho’ themed floral head taught us something none of us had done before. dress making tent. This went down a storm with all With 50 members that is quite a task I’m sure, but WI members as well as Lady Bathurts herself. Not we all walked away with some homemade Himmeli. only did we learn new skills but we got to teach all of Yes, we had to Google it to. the wonderful people around us. We even won best stall! And these are just our monthly meetings. Fairford WI have also been busy behind the scenes creating If you want to be a part of this amazing group of various items for local charities. We have been inspirational ladies come and join us next month, knitting baby clothes for the feeding centre set up Wednesday 2nd October, for our harvest supper and through Help Madina, a charity supporting a talk on a local couple’s experience on BBC’s Bargain community projects in Sierra Leone. Knitting blankets Hunt. At the earlier time of 7pm in Palmer Hall. Keep for the homeless in Cirencester. Knitting and making an eye on our Facebook page (and local posters) for pom poms for an upcoming ‘Wave of Light’ event information on our next meetings. run by Embrace, a local group who provide Janet Ewan

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NEWS

Starlight Walk for children supporting Prospect Hospice Sheila’s new recipe book supports St Lawrence Church As many Lechlade residents are aware, Sheila Mouna and her assistant, a raffle, and music masterminded by is compiling and producing a recipe book. Jay Matthews and Ian Andrews. Apparently, Neville was a big country and western fan so expect that to feature. Sheila’s aim is to raise funds for the part of the St Lawrence Church Restoration and Maintenance Appeal Sheila and her family extend a warm welcome to that will provide toilet facilities inside the church everyone to come along and join in the fun whilst building. Sheila feels this will be of benefit for all church supporting a cause that is very special to them. So do users but in particular for the children. We all know that pop along for a lovely social evening where you can also when a child says they need the toilet they need it fulfil some of your Christmas present needs. immediately, but currently they need to go next door to If you would like to contribute in any way or need more Church Cottage, which involves negotiating the busy information, please contact Sheila on 01367 252569 or Market Square. The exciting news is that [email protected]. Sheila has lots of recipes and is now preparing for production. The book will include sections to cater for all your recipe needs and, in keeping with her strong Christian faith, a section for Graces. Sheila is working with David Turtle on the production and the cover is Fans of the annual Starlight Walk around Swindon The new event will see families taking part in a being designed by a local will be excited to learn that the charity behind the sponsored 5km circular walk through Swindon, graphic designer. event is introducing a new version of it just for finishing at the town gardens, which will be Sponsorship to support with children. decorated with illuminated surprises and all walkers production costs would be will be treated to hot chocolate and cake after very welcome. The Kids Starlight Walk, which is open to the whole they’ve been awarded their completion medal. family, follows the success of Prospect Hospice’s Children from St Lawrence School have contributed flagship Starlight Walk event, which sees hundreds of The event takes place on Sunday 9 February 2020 both recipes and Graces. adults walking the streets of Swindon in their and begins at 4pm, giving the fun feel of a night However, if you have a brightest and most colourful attire. time walk without children staying up past their favourite recipe of your own bedtimes. The event is open to children of all ages Amy Francombe, events and community manager at creation, it is not too late to and one adult can accompany up to four children. Prospect Hospice, said: “We receive lots of enquiries send it to Sheila. from supporters wishing to bring their children along, Book now to take advantage of the early bird rate of And put Tuesday 29th so we’ve launched a new event that’s suitable for all just £8 per child. Tickets will increase to £12 October in your diary as that ages. Our Starlight Walk event is always so popular thereafter. Accompanying adults are priced at £5 is the launch date for the and has been a brilliant fundraiser for the hospice. each. Minimum suggested sponsorship is £50 per book. This is a very special Over the years it’s raised over half a million pounds child. day for Sheila as it would and we’re confident this new event will be a great For more information about the event or to book have been her late husband success too, introducing our fundraisers of the future your place visit www.prospect- Neville’s 80th birthday. to the work of the hospice.” hospice.net/kidsstarlightwalk or call 01793 816161. Penny Warren is hosting the event in The Trout marquee from 7pm till 10pm. Would you like to manage your money better? As well as being able to buy At Cirencester Baptist Church trained money management coaches from CAP the book, the evening has www.capuk.org are available to give you the tools to help you. lots more to offer! There will be a cash bar, free nibbles, a Email [email protected] to book for the next fun, free, friendly small flower arranging group course – or just turn up. No personal financial information is used or shared in demonstration by Julie Sharp the course. Dates of the next two-session course at Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane GL7 1YE are Monday 14th and 21st October at either 9.30-11.30am, or 7.30-9.30pm.

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COUNTRYSIDE

Cotswold Storks take flight over Walking the ‘Ripples’ way West Sussex A group of 24 juvenile White Storks bred at Cotswold Wildlife Park Fairford and we are now designing a have been released at the Knepp rewilding project in West Sussex dedicated walks App for our area of the as part of an initiative to restore populations of the species in Cotswolds. This will enable us to promote Southern England. The last definitive record of a pair of wild many more walks within the Ripples Storks successfully breeding in Britain was in 1416. catchment area. The birds were raised at Cotswold Wildlife Park earlier this summer There are many popular walks in and before being transported to Knepp, before being released on Monday around Lechlade and Fairford and the 12th August. The Storks are currently settling into their new home, but surrounding villages, for example, how long they will stay at the site is uncertain. Quenington (whose Parish Council has recently produced a very useful and The White Stork Project is attractive walks leaflet), Bibury, Poulton, a pioneering partnership Eastleach, Ampney Crucis and Kempsford. of private landowners and We are sure there are others and we’d like nature conservation The Roundhouse, Lechlade to know about them. So, if you have any charities, which aims to favourite walks, please let us know so that restore a population of at Fairford Welcomes Walkers (FWW) has been we can investigate and include them in the least 50 breeding pairs in active over the past year in reviewing walks in App. Also please get in touch if you are a Southern England by and around Fairford and has now published 10 member of a walking group and would like 2030 through a phased walks which can be downloaded from to promote your walks on the FWW release programme over www.fairfordwelsomeswalkers.com for all to website and App. Contact us at: DO YOU HAVE the next five years. enjoy. [email protected] A BUSINESS THAT The team at Cotswold FWW has worked with Fairford Town Council to YOU WOULD LIKE TO Wildlife Park bred the design and print leaflets for three walks, now We are also looking for a name for the App Richard Wardle, Stork keeper at Cotswold Wildlife which encompasses our area of the south ADVERTISE IN RIPPLES young Storks at the available free from Fairford Town Council offices. Burford collection from Park, checking on the Stork chicks shortly after Walks will be published in future editions of Ripples east Cotswolds/Coln Valley. This is a they hatched at the Park earlier this summer MAGAZINE? the captive population. and we will also expand the website to include more beautiful area with particularly varied and interesting walks and historic towns and Call us on 01793 764768 Jamie Craig, Curator of Cotswold Wildlife Park, commented: “It was a walks and information. fantastic moment to watch these birds leave the confines of the netted villages, but it is often ignored by those for details of our exciting offers release pen and take flight – seeing these birds riding the thermals With the availability of today’s technology, more promoting the Cotswolds. Through the over Knepp is a sight we will not forget and we eagerly await what the walkers are using walking Apps on their mobile App we hope that we can all do our bit to future may hold for phones. We are fortunate in having one of the correct this omission. We need your help them”. leading providers of national walking apps living in and ideas! The White Stork is a migratory bird species and Protect our prickly friends it is hoped that in the coming weeks these Back in June the Department for Transport www.bighedgehogmap.org. juveniles will attempt to announced that new road signs featuring a Here you will be asked to input migrate south for the picture of a hedgehog are to appear in the UK live sightings, roadkill sightings, winter. They are expected to warn motorists of the presence of our prickly and also to mark any hedgehog to cross over the English friends. highways that you have created in your boundary fences or Channel and then join up As you might expect the principal driver for this has walls. This will help provide vital with other migrating been accidents on the road and injuries to people, evidence to help demonstrate Storks as they head south rather than the need to save wildlife, but it is an through France and the need for “hotspots” to be marked with the excellent step forward nonetheless. new signs. Stork released in West Sussex Spain before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, and then the Sahara, to West Africa. If you think that signs are needed in your area, you There are also signs available to warn motorists in should create a log of when and where you see Lucy Groves, Project Officer for Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, areas where there are large concentrations of other hedgehogs, both alive and killed on the roads, and added: “Having looked after these birds since they arrived at Knepp, it small wild animals, including squirrels, badgers, and present this evidence to the Highways Department of was a joy to see them leaving the release pen and taking to the skies. It otters as well as hedgehogs. For more information your local authority. will be interesting to see whether they decide to stay with our resident see www.gov.uk/government/news/new-road-sign- adults at Knepp or if they spread their wings and decide to fly south.” It is also important to feed into the British Hedgehog to-improve-road-safety-and-protect-animals. Preservation Societies Big Hedgehog Map at Story: Alison Ward 12 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 13 Ripples OCT 2019 L&F.qxp_1 LINK – May 07 19/09/2019 18:55 Page 14

COUNTRYSIDE

Farmers and other animals with Emma Smith

Emma breeds pedigree cattle at Premier Cattle Services, Purton, Wiltshire

Autumn on the farm

A utumn on the farm is a magical season With trees changing colours galore It’s time for bonfires and Guy Fawke treason And fog drifting over the moors

Unsung carers of the land, busy working away Winter is coming, plans are made storing the straw and hay Preparing the soil with a deep furrow plough The silent breath of a lone standing cow

The fiery landscapes glisten and glare Halloween is approaching, watch out – beware! Pumpkins are ripening out in the field Children are measuring, watching their yield

Unexpectantly the sun peeps through The grass is damp full of dew Kettle is whistling ready to brew Veggies prepared for a warm autumn stew

Maize cobs robust, stems shimmer green Combine is ready the harvest machine Door mice scurry, pheasants take cover Woodlands provide refuge as their surrogate mother

Nights drawing in, fires are lit So enjoy this autumnal feel, For Christmas is coming you have to admit So celebrate Harvest with a right good meal!

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COUNTRYSIDE

Habitat with Kim Milsom, Biodiversity Field Officer at Cotswold Water Park

Needle Spikerush Seven or eight years ago I encountered an area of bright green ‘grass’ growing around the fringe of one of the local gravel pits. It struck me as unusual and closer inspection revealed that it wasn’t grass, but a curiously tiny rush (round stemmed with minute seed heads). It took a while to discover what this odd, miniature plant was, as it is omitted from the majority of books covering British plantlife; with the answer being Needle Spikerush. I had never heard of it before; which may not be too surprising as it turns out to be on the Red List of Near Threatened UK Plants. And an online distribution map of where it has been recorded shows most records in Scotland and northern England, with none in the Cotswold Water Park area. Indeed, no records at all from Wiltshire and only reported from western parts of Gloucestershire. DO YOU HAVE It has definitely been present in A BUSINESS THAT our area for a while, so the few local records appear to have YOU WOULD LIKE TO become ‘lost in transit’; but the ADVERTISE IN RIPPLES scarcity of records still helps to MAGAZINE? illustrate just how thinly spread it is in the UK. Call us on 01793 764768 There are numerous other species for details of our exciting offers of rush in the UK, many of which are present in the CWP. Size wise This photo of Needle Spikerush, most are between 30cm and alongside car keys, illustrates just 90cm tall, but ranging up to the 3 how tiny it is metre high Common Club-rush; so Needle Spikerush is positively Lilliputian. The vast majority of rushes favour shallow water or marshy habitats areas. Where the first Needle Spikerushes in the Cotswold Water Park came from will never be known and ‘when’ is also going to be tricky to answer. The most likely method for it to have been transported to our area is probably as seeds on the feet of birds; particularly ducks or wading birds. For comparison this photo shows a It isn’t more normal sized rush species growing widely in the one of our gravel pits. spread in the CWP; I have seen it in several pits, but its size leaves it vulnerable to being stifled/overrun by other waterside plants. That may well explain why it is so rare! 16 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 17 Ripples OCT 2019 L&F.qxp_1 LINK – May 07 19/09/2019 18:55 Page 18

HOME & GARDEN

Garden clippings with Tina Owen

Autumn Stars Asters or Symphyotrichum, as some are now called, are great for extending the season and can be very bright so it’s best to see the flower colour before you buy! The following combine well with grasses, like a sunny spot and don’t succumb to mildew. S. ericoides forms a bushy mound about 3ft x 3ft, its green leaves are tiny but it produces a mass of flowers from late summer to autumn. All along the slightly arching stems, small pale pink flowers with a yellow eye fade to white with a pink eye producing a very pretty effect. It looks lovely near the dark leaves of Ophiopogon. S. laevis ‘Calliope’ has larger flowers in a beautiful shade of lavender-blue that look even better at dusk. S. laevis ‘Calliope’ It grows to around 4ft with an upright habit and spreads gently so isn’t a problem. Its dark green the way up its branched dark stems. It has a splaying leaves have a purple-black midline to match its stems habit so I encircle it with plant supports; it is slowly and it looks great with the pale pink flowers of Althea forming a clump in my gravel garden beside a purple cannabina. Verbena bampton and pink Sanguisorba. S. ‘Diamond Jubilee’ is taller still at over 5ft, its Michaelmas daisy, Aster or Symphyotrichum, narrow green leaves are larger at the base and it has whichever name, they play a great part in my sprays of pale flowers with just a hint of lavender all autumn borders!

Lechlade Flower and Produce Show Organisation on a military scale!

The amount of planning and work Congratulations to all who worked that goes into any annual event is so hard to make this a brilliant huge but again the Lechlade show. Gardening Club staged a Mayor Ashley Gaunt officiated at magnificent event which the prize giving. The produce was showcased the wealth of talent in terrific, and the overall winner of the town. the Chairman’s Cup was Ian The show was back in the Memorial Griffiths. He said that his garden Hall this year for the first time since was very gravelly and therefore the fire demolished the old hall. This does not retain moisture so his made life a little easier for serving secret is to water every day. He said delicious cakes, scones and teas and that he and his wife don’t go on there was more space for what holiday during the summer as he turned out to be a record entry for has to look after his garden. It flowers, vegetables, photography certainly paid off! and all manner of crafts. Ian’s secret is to water every day! Story and photo: Margaret Hing

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LOCAL HISTORY

75 Years of RAF Fairford Sept 1944 – Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history

RAF Fairford is celebrating its 75th Anniversary failed to leave the aircraft, due no doubt to the throughout 2019, having opened officially on 18th release mechanism being damaged. January 1944. Throughout this year, we will “As the Stirling turned away, a false reading on the publish a short article each month, highlighting repeater compass due, no doubt, to the gyro unit some of the rich history of the base. Join us as we being damaged, caused Pascoe to turn too far and commemorate 75 years of RAF Fairford! the bomber banked round and back into the inferno. Operation Market Garden was one of the largest The fire abated momentarily, but soon burst back Allied operations of WWII, taking place between 17 into life. It was obvious that the aircraft was doomed, and 25 September 1944. It aimed to secure the but it was too low for the crew to make their escape bridges over the rivers Maas, Waal and Rhine in the by parachute. And there would not be sufficient Netherlands in order to outflank the heavy German power from the two port engines to gain height defences which protected heartland Germany quickly, if at all. Frank Pascoe coolly announced over beyond the Rhine. The operation was highly the intercom that he would put the aircraft down ambitious and, in the end, it failed due to weather and ordered the crew to their crash positions. conditions and heavy German opposition, especially “The aircraft skimmed along very low, lopped off a near Arnhem. few trees, lightly struck a farm building or two and Stirling aircraft from the 190 and 620 squadrons at then belly-landed in a large cultivated field, carving RAF Fairford were involved in the operation, and this out a deep furrow, which might be expected from 30 included aircraft LK498 skippered by an Australian tons of metal hurtling along at 100mph. On coming pilot, Flying Officer Frank Pascoe. The 620 to rest the aircraft seemed full of choking, blinding Squadron’s Operational Record Book describes what dust, but ‘Taff’ Hughes found his way through it to happened to Pascoe’s aircraft: the rear door, which, surprisingly, he was able to open quite easily. He made a quick getaway in the “On the approach to the area it was very evident knowledge that the aircraft was still burning; there that the reception was going to be hot – the sky was remained a lot of fuel in the tanks, and perhaps some patchy and dark with flak bursts; smoking aircraft of the hung up containers in the bomb bay were could be seen falling headlong out of the sky, and packed with ammunition – not a place indeed to enemy fighters were much in evidence … The pilot hang around. reduced height to tree-top level to make the expected enemy fighter attacks less easy for them. At “He was quickly joined in a nearby ditch by the this height the aircraft was also a large, albeit fleeting wireless operator and the rear gunner. A few shouts target for enemy machine gunners and the rattle of brought over the navigator and the bomb aimer but bullets hitting the aircraft sounded like heavy hail where was the pilot, Frank Pascoe? Was he trapped in against a window pane … Miraculously, no member the wreckage? After a few moments he calmly of the crew was hit, although the aircraft was holed emerged from the far side of the burning aircraft, in a number of places … The Drop Zone was found and, on hearing their shouts, he joined the other and the supplies were dropped, save some which crew members in the ditch.”

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LEARNING & LIBRARIES

Musical Mania, which provides performing arts tuition i.e. singing, Dreams are made of this! dancing and acting to aspiring young stars, is run by Lindsey Henderson and Steven Oliver. Classes are held every week during the Kelsey Dark (17) and Charlotte Bull (12) are two of Fairford’s school term at Farmor’s School and they also provide West End talented artists who dream of becoming stars of the future. Workshops, holiday courses and private tuition. Kelsey has attended the

performing arts classes for Some of the exciting events coming up in October are: several years. He also assists Saturday 26th October: Wicked workshop learning songs and with the younger classes routines from the musical led by a member of the cast from London. and hopes to one day become an accomplished Wednesday 30th October: Wicked theatre trip to see the musical at actor and even set up his Apollo Victoria Theatre, London. own theatre school. He said To find out more about Musical Mania, contact Lindsey Henderson: “I developed an interest in 07766 762934 or visit www.musicalmania.co.uk. performing at a very young Story: Chris Roberts age and joined Musical Mania in 2015. They have always encouraged me to What’s on at Fairford Library follow my dream of Let’s get digital on Monday 7th and Wednesday 9th October, becoming an actor.” 10am-12noon. Kelsey is especially thrilled Call into to see our Computer Buddy about all things digital. at having been able to meet some of his role-models • Download the Gloucestershire Library App – order and renew when actors and performers your books and manage your library account online. from London’s West-End Budding actor Kelsey Dark • Download the RB Digital and BorrowBox Apps – read eBooks, attend Musical Mania to lead magazines and listen to audiobooks on your devices for free. workshops and to give advice Photo: Matthew Whiteley of Black & about the industry. Whiteley Photography • Running a business, or have a business idea? Find out about our Growth Hub! We have lots of ways we can help – online and in Kelsey continued, “Very recently, I auditioned and got offered a person. place at New College Swindon, studying Performing Arts and later this year I am thrilled to be appearing in Cirencester’s Pantomime, • Computer problems? Want to learn more about using your iPad, The Wizard of Oz with the Phoenix Revue Company as a principal online shopping, or emails? We can help. character.” Half-term fun! Charlotte’s dream is Two One Services is a Sales All children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking required. to become a dancer. and Marketing Consultancy, Everyone welcome! that provides Sales and She joined Musical Marketing solutions, through appointment setting, new Mania nearly five Monday 28th October: GAMES GALORE: 10-11am business development, and years ago and said “I the generation of sales leads, love attending Wednesday 30th October: CREEPY CRAFT EVENT: 2-4pm. Join us through various marketing for lots of Halloween Fun! Spooky Crafts, Spider Racing, Pin the Eye channels such as Social Media. Musical Mania every Saturday. My on the Monster, Be Wrapped Like a Mummy favourite class is Thursday 31st October: SPOOKY STORYTIME: 5.30-6pm dancing and, when I grow up, I want to Saturday 2nd November: LEGO CHALLENGE: 11am-12noon be a dancer in musicals and I would also love to go on tour with a large Charlotte Bull at Musical Mania production.” Photo: Matthew Whiteley of Black & Whiteley Photography One of Charlotte’s biggest achievements has been taking her Musical Theatre LAMDA examinations and receiving High Distinctions. She said “The staff at Musical Mania – or MM as we call it in our house – gave me lots of practice beforehand, so I wasn’t nervous. I have even successfully auditioned for this year’s Cirencester Pantomime!” 22 www.ripplesmag.co.uk www.ripplesmag.co.uk 23 Ripples OCT 2019 L&F.qxp_1 LINK – May 07 19/09/2019 18:55 Page 24

Some Reflections... “The two most engaging powers of a writer are, to make new things familiar, and familiar things new.” (Samuel Johnson) Licence to be nosey Never short of a story Do you remember the awful reality I can remember as if it were yesterday receiving a phone call from of going back to school after a Adrian Young asking me to meet him and Graham Fry in The glorious summer? Bull Hotel to discuss the possibility of starting up a community magazine. Gripping a pencil seemed alien and you just knew that the teacher would This was over 10 years ago, but the feeling of excitement at their announce that everyone was to write ideas about producing a coffee table magazine for Fairford, about what they did in the summer Lechlade and the surrounding villages is still just as strong now as holidays! There’s even a film (pretty it was back then. Unfortunately, not everyone shared my good) about it. That feeling of horror enthusiasm and, at first, the magazine faced opposition. ‘Why came back to haunt me when I was do we need another advertising magazine?’ ‘What is the point asked by Adrian (the Ripples Editor) of this new magazine?’ Well, thankfully, Ripples seems to have to write about my experiences of being a Ripples reporter for converted the doubters and we consistently get positive the past 10 years. feedback from the community: However, on reflection, I have to say it has been a very • ‘Just wanted to say thank you so much for the article in positive and enjoyable experience. If I see something that Ripples – our copy arrived last night and it looks lovely looks interesting the phrase, ‘I write for a local community in print.’ magazine, and I wonder if you would mind telling me about • ‘I think Ripples is outstandingly good and well targeted. what you are doing’ trips off my tongue; and so the status has Imaginative layout and eminently readable.’ given me not only a reason but also courage to go up to complete strangers and find out what is going on. I am really proud to have been associated with this publication right from the outset. I have kept every single copy and have a shelf full of To date, everybody has been happy to talk and I genuinely believe every Ripples that was ever printed! that they are in fact pleased that someone is taking an interest. Although I (and my two faithful dogs – Jack and Mollie Collies) have I think that what makes Ripples so special is been providing some filling for the magazine for all of its life, I meet the diversity of the stories that have emerged new people who say, ‘Oh so YOU’RE Margaret Hing’. Which leaves over the months and years. However, they me wondering ‘Yes…?’ as usually there is no further comment. all have the one common denominator – they are all about the community; whether On a final note, do let me know if you have something of interest about people in the area; local groups; you would like to share with the community. Contrary to popular shops; businesses; schools; village halls; belief, I often have no idea about what is happening in the area! I weekly, monthly, annual or one-off do joke that if in doubt I will make it up following the ‘why let events; Royal visits or air activity at the the facts get in the way of a good story’ school of thought but I Base. Without an active community, do try hard to be accurate. there would be nothing to write about. I am grateful and proud to be able to write for the magazine Over the past 10 years, I am sure Ripples has covered almost and always surprised that people read my stories! everything that has happened in the area; but, being such a Margaret Hing proactive community, I am sure there will be more stories to come over the next ten years. I can quite honestly say that I Editor: We consider ourselves most fortunate to have been have never been short of material to put into the magazine. directed towards reporters Margaret and Chris at the beginning So thank you to everyone that has contributed to the success of our Ripples saga. They are essential parts of the team. of Ripples. Chris Roberts

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COUNCILS

Lechlade on Thames Town Council News

TOWN COUNCILLOR 30th November as advertised previously. Planning VACANCIES for it has been progressing throughout the year and We currently have two co-opted now that the summer is mostly over the Christmas Fairford Town Council News Councillor vacancies. If you, or Lights Working Group are getting down to detail. someone you know, would like There’s an exciting addition to the event with a FESTIVE MARKET • Top of the High Street to find out more please contact Lantern Parade planned to kick it off. A separate The Festive Market is fast approaching and we have • On the wall next to Mitchell & Sarjent in the the Town Council. group has been formed who will be running lantern already received several requests for a stall at this Market Place LECHLADE SUMMER making workshops for families to take part. The event. If you would like to take part and would like • The Green – junction of Coronation Street/ YOUTH PROGRAMME workshops will be widely advertised later this month an application form, please contact the Town Council and into October. Office. We are also interested to hear from local Milton Street Parklife was a programme of choirs or musicians who would like to perform during • Fairford Gate – adjacent to the allotments activities, run by World Jungle, Unfortunately, we will not be able to have a bigger the evening. Do get in touch. during the Summer holidays for children and young tree, in a new position, in time for this year as • Horcott Road – footpath to Dillys Bridge people in Lechlade and the surrounding area. They originally planned but we are still aiming to have SNAKE LANE PATH had the opportunity to try circus skills, sports and this for next year. Work to improve the surface of Snake Lane and link it • Dillys Bridge games, wild play sessions, African drumming, arts The Christmas lights will be as last year, and we to the River Walk will be starting shortly. There will be • Fire Station, Hatherop Road and crafts sessions and join in with a larger event on hope to get the lime trees lit up again as previous times when the path is closed for safety reasons. We the Friday called the ‘Big Donut’. • Outside Londis Stores years. The Highworth Silver Band and Delores - the appreciate your patience whilst the work is carried The project was very successful and engaged over vintage singer, have been booked to perform on a out. • Inside the Community Centre, side entrance. 300 people in a wide range of activities. Feedback new and larger stage this year. The St Lawrence DOGS IN THE RIVER from parents, children and young people has been school singers will also be taking part and Santa & PRESENTATION FROM FAIRFORD MANITOBA – A reminder to those dog walkers who use the new very positive. Apart from one session, where they Mrs Christmas will be arriving to spend the evening PINAYMOOTANG 1ST NATION River Walk footpath. Due to the fragility of the used the fabulous Memorial Hall facilities, the with us. habitat along this stretch of the river, we would ask Following the recent visit from Fairford Manitoba weather was kind. The project brought the There will be stalls selling hot dogs, crepes, the you to maintain control of your dogs by not allowing Pinaymootang 1st Nation representatives earlier in community together, provided free activities over usual Christmas fayre and a single fair-ground ride them to jump into the river at this location and to the year, the Chief has presented Fairford with a the holidays to support families with the challenge for young children. The church will also be open for respect the ownership of the land on either side of traditional Headdress, which will be displayed in the of keeping children entertained for the summer and teas, coffees and mince pies and Christmas music the footpath, which is privately owned. Community Centre shortly. also provided some real fun to children, young will be played throughout the event. people and adults of all ages. NOTICE BOARDS Agendas for all Council meetings are published on Look out for further details on the Town website the website. This was a partnership project organised by World Please remember that space in the noticeboards is (www.lechladeonthames.co.uk) Facebook and Jungle. Thanks must go to the Town Council, limited, so wherever possible, please ensure that any The next meetings of the Town Council are: elsewhere nearer the time. As last year, we will be Lechlade Memorial Hall Trust, Lechlade Heritage and notices are A5 size. Noticeboards are situated at the Tuesday 8th October and 12th November. seeking volunteers to help with putting up the Development Trust and Cotswold District Council, following locations:- lights, to act as stewards on the evening and help as without their practical and financial support this where needed to make the event a safe and event would not happen – thank you. enjoyable evening for all. Fairford Town Council Office, The Community Centre, High Street, Fairford GL7 4AF LECHLADE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON If you can help in anyway, then please email Tel: 01285 713326 / 712344 Email: [email protected] The Christmas lights event will be held on Saturday, [email protected]. Website: www.fairfordtowncouncil.gov.uk Find us on Facebook. Search for Fairford Town Council. Lechlade Town Council Office, New Memorial Hall, Oak Street, Lechlade, GL7 3AY. Tel: 01367 252338 Opening times: 10am-1pm. Councillors’ contact details are available on website. Email:[email protected] Website: www.lechladeonthames.co.uk As a result of the new Data Protection Regulations please confirm when contacting the Town Council, that you are happy to receive information Councillors’ contact details are available on the website. from the Town Council and for your contact details to be securely held by us.

PAID WORK FOR RIPPLES LOCAL RESIDENTS: Do you like to keep fit in the great British outdoors? We are looking for deliverers in the Poulton, Down Ampney and Meysey Hampton areas. You may need a car for which we pay mileage. Deliverers must be 18+. Phone Teresa on 07733 093765. Our retiring deliverer said: “I have enjoyed my 6½ years with you – the sunshine, the lovely gardens and the people.”

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SPORT

Rowing from Lechlade to London All day festival of cricket 7s for the NSPCC

‘Swindon Business Cares for Children’ launched its Silver Appeal this year as it celebrated the charity’s 25th year. In 2005 a team rowed from Lechlade to London and raised over £17,000. Four of the original team members along with four new young recruits set off from Lechlade Marina over the 2019 August bank holiday (hot!) weekend to make the 124-mile journey from Lechlade to Teddington. The challenge was sponsored by Bevirs Law. Peter Mapson, of the 2005 team, recruited both of his sons in law. One of them was Warren Nienaber of Lechlade’s Vera’s Kitchen. Warren said “We’ve put in a lot of hard training at Reading Rowing Club which have kindly lent us the skiff. We have a tight schedule as one of the team needs to be home on Monday and shall be stopping at Abingdon, Marlow and finally Teddington.” After the row Warren said “It was a tough weekend with 41 hours out of the 72 spent on the water but very proud to say we made it!” NSPCC community fundraising manager for the region, Caroline Morgan, said “This is an inspirational story and I hope everyone supports this team in their incredible efforts. Please support them and help more children.” It’s not too late to sponsor Warren. You can do this by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sbccthamesrow2019

Story and photos: Margaret Hing In a celebratory mood, Sandra Peyman, Rob Peyman, Olly Taylor and Pat Peyman Photo: Nicola Waite

The first ever Peyman Challenge Cup – an all-day festival of Cricket 7s – was held at the beginning of September at Fairford Cricket Club. The challenge was a fundraiser for Shine Bright Support, dedicated to providing mental health support to patients and families affected by childhood cancer. Pat and Sandra Peyman sponsored the trophy, which they presented to the joint team winners, Rob Peyman and Olly Taylor. The event raised a total of £170 for Shine Bright Support. Grateful thanks to the whole Peyman family for making the event such a special day. Story: Chris Roberts

Setting off with Warren at the back

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LETTERS

Remembrance and the Annual Poppy Appeal – Lechlade Another big four-oh Pat Magill Poppy Appeal Organiser for Lechlade writes… David Sharp of Lechlade and District Lions Club writes...

This year Remembrance Sunday will fall on 10th November In the September edition you asked to hear from clubs that have been running for 40 years or more. The Royal British Legion annual Poppy Appeal will run from Saturday 26th October until Saturday 9th November. In Lechlade there will be house-to-house calls and collections outside Londis and the Garden We celebrated our 40th anniversary last year. In 1978, 22 members of the communities in Centre. Poppies and other goods will be available for donations in the Post Office. Poppies will also be on Fairford, Lechlade and surrounding villages chartered the Club in Lechlade as part of Lions counters in our stores, shops and pubs. Clubs International. We still have one charter member of the ‘original’ twenty two, Peter Egerton and I have attached a photograph, taken at our Handover BBQ in June, of him Please give generously to this very worthwhile cause. Contact: 0786 772 1946, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest Lions recognition for public and [email protected]. dedicated humanitarian services. Over the past forty years we have raised over £300,000 and donated these monies to New Memorial for Lechlade War Dead many local organisations, to National charities and to help fund International disasters. We estimate that we have contributed over 60,000 hours to the community over the past Paul Cobb of Lechlade writes... Founding member Lion The trustees of the new Memorial Hall in Lechlade have agreed to the display of a new board bearing the Peter Egerton names of local servicemen who died in the Great War 1914-18, the Second World War and one who died on forty years helping active service in Kenya. with local events, Measuring 2 metres by 1.5 metres, the board is an impressive timber item with the name, rank, number, unit clearing footpaths, and date of death of each one shown in gold lettering. The board will be unveiled in late October but the picking litter, putting trustees are keen to welcome to the event anyone with a connection with any of the personnel listed on the up flags and board. Christmas trees. We also own, maintain A public unveiling event will held at 3pm on Sunday 13th October. and run the ‘Lions’ minibus that is free If you are related, please contact [email protected] so that contact can be made. to use by any local group or charity, such as the Tuesday Club Just about right in Lechlade, the Alison Ward of Fairford writes… League of Friends in Fairford and the Congratulations on the 10th anniversary, that Ripples is still alive and kicking is a story in itself and testament Methodist to its popularity. I think it is a great little local publication, and the stress is on local and should remain that Homestead in way. Carterton. When people can read about someone or somewhere that they know then they feel ‘included’ and that will We aim to continue bring them back time and again. Ripples is great and just about right! our work in the future and we could

not do this without Thanks for supporting Friends the public’s generosity when we Graham Hewitt, Chairman of The Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities, writes... are fundraising, for The Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities (FFLC) send our congratulations to Adrian Young, Graham Fry which we thank you. and the Production Team of Ripples as they produce the Fairford & Lechlade 100th edition. Special thanks goes We thank them very much for their continued support of FFLC. to Ripples Community Magazine for your continuous support Bubbly? and many Davina Stirland of Cotswold Water Park writes... congratulations in reaching you 10th Congratulations on your 100th edition of Ripples. That is an amazing achievement. anniversary and your I hope you are going to mark the occasion with a large glass of bubbly. 100th edition.

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ARTS

The Lechlade Summer Exhibition ‘Those Magnificent Men’ Terrific response to a great show of talent Lechlade has a long and proud tradition of theatre rural venues. They offer financial support and productions and The Memorial Hall is about to assistance with administration, booking and publicity. add another string to the ‘Those Magnificent Men’ is Art Society Chair, Sharon Ellis, town’s theatrical bow. It is produced and performed by The proudly opened the Annual Summer working with Arts in Rural Foundry Group, a band of Exhibition. She said that there was a Gloucestershire (AIR in G) to writers and performers record entry of exhibits this year bring a family production of committed to producing with over 230 pictures on display ‘Those Magnificent Men’ to affordable, popular, intelligent and many more in the browser racks. Lechlade. Any profits will be touring shows with a broad ploughed back into the hall Sharon encouraged all at the preview appeal. to vote for the winner of the Patron’s funds. It seems that we are in for a Award which was initiated by Lord 2019 is the centenary of the first treat as reviews are very Faringdon, the society’s patron. She ever non-stop flight across the complimentary. The Daily then explained that Lord Faringdon Atlantic. The nail-biting, side- Telegraph said ‘An up, up and was not able to be at the preview splitting true story of this away fringe hit! Spiffing evening but that the new mayor, daredevil flight by pilot Capt. perfection.’ Ashley Gaunt, had kindly stepped into John Alcock and navigator the role. Ashely said that he was Arthur Whitten Brown is told in ‘Those Magnificent Men’ is on amazed by the incredible show of local this hit stage play. It is written Friday 25th October at 7.30pm talent and was impressed by the ‘Sea Drift’ winner of Patron’s’ Award by acclaimed writing duo in The Memorial Hall, Lechlade. commitment of the artists. He Mitchell and Nixon, and performed by Brian Mitchell Doors open at 7pm and there is a cash bar. Tickets explained that he had received some and Radio 4 regular David Mounfield. are £10 (price set by AIR in G) and on sale from technical instruction from one of the Lechlade Post Office now. society’s members and was impressed AIR in G is an independent company that operates at how a few daubs of paint could with the support of Arts Council England and local A great evening of comedy for the whole family! create wonderful images. He went on parish councils to bring successful touring acts to to say that when he tried to replicate the lesson, he was left with just the daubs of paint! The winner of the Patron’s Award was Diana Joyce for her oil painting, ‘Sea Drift’, inspired by a poem of the same name by Walt Whitman which was set to music by Delius. Diana was featured in April’s Ripples for the lovely cards she makes to sell in support of Prospect House, Wroughton.

Story and photo: Margaret Hing Mayor Ashley Gaunt and his wife Caroline (centre) chat to visitors at the preview

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ARTS

Fairford Art Society – a potted history Serenade and Sandwiches, with A Difference! (Editor: Thanks to Sallie Seymour who responded to our appeal in September Ripples for stories about long- 12 Noon, Friday 25th October, St Lawrence Church, Lechlade GL7 3AB established clubs. This is an updated account from the ‘About’ page at www.fairfordartsociety.weebly.com. More information including parking: Evidently the club was formed 42 years ago in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year, 1977) www.stlawrencelechlade.org.uk. To celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, interested parties Later exhibitions were then held in the school Generous donations respectfully sought for the were invited by Geoff Chick to attend a meeting holidays at Coln House School, because of better Church Restoration and Maintenance Appeal, at the Fairford Centre to discuss setting up various light and more space. Membership increased with Reg Charity No 1133947. groups that could benefit the community and people from surrounding villages, Cirencester, make full use of the centre. Swindon and Witney. One member from Lechlade went on to form the Lechlade Art Society. Wendy Robinson, Eileen Normington and Jenny Dennis volunteered to set up an Art Group, later to In the early days our more experienced or qualified Mark your diary for this clarinet and piano recital be called the Fairford Art Society. Meetings were held members gave demonstrations or ran working session by Massimo Di Trolio (clarinet) and Maiko Mori at the centre and as new people for the other members, but as we (piano), performing Debussy, Finzi, Gershwin, joined including some very talented became more financially stable we Lovreglio and Poulenc. professional artist, a committee was were able to pay for visiting artists. Massimo and Maiko are distinguished, popular formed and established monthly We now had an exhibition secretary musicians of international renown, both in great meetings. In the summer, weather and a programme secretary. We demand. permitting these were held were also exhibiting in the doctors outdoors. We then became more surgery all year round and holding A light lunch will follow the recital and ‘The Difference’ organised with a chair, treasurer and two exhibitions a year. is that we ask you to bring a sandwich lunch, on a secretary. Sallie Seymour joined our platter to share with others if you wish. Massimo and It is a joy to know that the Art group of founder members and we Maiko will chat to the audience over lunch. There will Society is now able to use the grew in strength. Our first logo was be a licensed bar offering wine and soft drinks. beautifully restored Fairford Centre designed by Geoffrey Edgler, a very and retains the yearly programme talented professional artist who of demonstrations, exhibitions and joined us, and our first exhibition was held in the now regular workshops and plein-air sessions. It is church room, it was successful and more people also interesting, looking back through the books to joined us. note that our prices have altered very little in over 40 Due to the increased numbers of paintings and years. That has to be value for money to our members our 2nd exhibition was held in the old customers. centre itself. We bought second-hand screens from Sallie Seymour, another art group, very heavy and difficult to store. (based on an original account by We invested in new screens, stored by Tony Cutler in Wendy Robinson) Fairford Poulton Down Ampney Yoga 1:1 one of his farm buildings. Tony went on to become Tuesday Monday Village Hall Tuition our first president. 10.00 - 11.30am 9.00 - 10.15am Gentle Yoga Holistic Massage Wednesday 9.30 - 10.45am & Beauty

6.30 - 8.00pm Becky Barry 07816 289034 [email protected]

Early exhibition photos from FAS website

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ARTS

‘The Sneeze’ at the Trout Theatre

As the nights draw in, what better than an evening of fun to the accompaniment of fantastic food and drink in our great pub theatre?

On Friday 4th and Saturday 5th October, Lechlade’s very own Trout Theatre Company will be presenting ‘The Sneeze’; six short comic plays by Anton Chekhov, translated by Michael Frayn. The piece was first staged in 1988 at the Aldwych Theatre and starred Rowan Atkinson, Cheryl Campbell and Timothy West.

If you’ve ever doubted that Chekhov was a master of comedy, this is the show that demonstrates his ability to make you roar with laughter! Doors open 6pm; show starts 7.30pm.

A special theatre menu will be available from 6pm- 6.45 pm and also after the show. Tickets cost £12.00 and are on sale now at The Trout Inn, Lechlade Post Office, or online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/thesneeze Story: Margaret Hing

Coln Music Group Recital at Lechlade On 16th August in St Lawrence Church, Coln Music Group, string quartet and piano gave a lunchtime recital of works by Mozart and Dvorak. The church was comfortably full and the music well received. £619.25 in donations was raised for the church Restoration and Maintenance Appeal. Thank you to all who came and gave so generously and to Coln Music Group for gracing this year’s music programme. Pat Magill Community Connexions Transport We provide pre-bookable transport solutions for groups and individuals to all destinations. There is a regular, pre-bookable bus service 72F – The Fairford Shopper into Cirencester every Thursday from Fairford and Gloucestershire villages including; Ampney Crucis, Ampney St Mary, Ampney St Peter, Poulton, Meysey Hampton, Quenington, Fairford, Coln St Aldwyns, Hatherop, Sunhill, Whelford, Kempsford and Lechlade. Concessionary bus passes are accepted on this service. For monthly excursions within Gloucestershire see below – a minimum number of eight passengers is required for these excursions to go ahead. Seats are allocated on a first come first served basis. Witney – 1st Friday – £12.50 Swindon Orbital & Central Swindon – 3rd Friday – £12.50 For groups or individuals wishing to travel further afield we are able to provide quotes upon request. For more information visit our website www.communityconnexions.org.uk. To book a trip call 0345 680 5029 or email [email protected].

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PROFILE

Meet Margaret Bishop

Life for Margaret Bishop started on a farm in a small on higher ground to alleviate the threat of flooding and village in Yorkshire where she was the third of four reserve the green spaces nearer the river for enjoyment daughters. and provide space for overflow in times of flooding. Margaret later went to Liverpool As a keen walker, Margaret helps University to study Biochemistry, run the Monday morning Health met husband-to-be Geoff at the Walk and also helped to set up university ‘welcome party’ and the Fairford Walkers Are accepted a lift home afterwards on Welcome group. There are his ‘transport’, which turned out to currently details of 10 local walks be an old motorbike parked around on the Walkers Are Welcome the corner! website for all to download and enjoy, and she is now helping to Geoff and Margaret got married in produce an app for 25 walks in 1957 and have three children and the Fairford area for Smart now 11 grandchildren. In 1993, phones and GPS systems. they decided to move to Fairford to be within easy travelling distance of Probably Margaret’s biggest their family. Their daughter, Jennifer, claim to local fame is the was also looking to move to a larger purchase and renovation of home for her growing family, so Fairford Community Centre. they decided to pool resources and Fairford Town Council and the buy Moor Farm House in East End. It Parochial Church Council jointly had two staircases and the potential bought the Community Centre to install an extra kitchen to make in November 2002 and Margaret two independent homes for two families. The joke was the co-ordinator of fundraising for the extension within the family at the time was that Jennifer and her and renovation of the former school, which dates back family lived in Moor Farm House and Margaret and to 1738. She had had previous experience with Geoff lived in even More Farm House! fundraising and knew there would be a lot of hoops to jump through to raise a total of £1.3 million. It took It didn’t take Margaret long to get involved in Fairford four years before she got confirmation in 2006 from the community life. As a regular church-goer and interested Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) that they would fund most in the history of St Mary’s Church, Margaret became a of the project. After that, Margaret helped to project member of the Parochial Church Council, on which she manage the work by finding the right architect and served for 20 years. She is still involved with the church builder with heritage experience, and co-ordinating all and enjoys giving guided tours of the historic Grade 1 the sensitive work that needed doing to such an old listed building. building. As enthusiastic bridge players, Margaret and Geoff set As part of the fundraising campaign, Margaret helped to up the Fairford Bridge Club in 1996 and Margaret was start up Fairford History Society to support the HLF bid treasurer for 16 years. The club still meets on a Tuesday and still is a committee member of the Society, which night and Margaret continues to run an improvers’ has grown to become a notable feature of Fairford. bridge class jointly with Fairford U3A. Needless to say, When the new company, FCC Ltd, was set up in 2003 Margaret is also a founder member of the Fairford U3A, to manage the lettable space in the Community Centre, which started up in 1995 and she is proud to be the Margaret became a Trustee. She has helped with the only original group leader still going after more than 20 management of the Centre ever since the re-opening in years! May 2008 and is still actively involved. Margaret is an active member of the PPG (Patients’ Lettable rooms in the Centre have been named after Participation Group) as her way of using her medical benefactors of the former school: Farmor; Keble; Barker; experience to promote community wellbeing. She has Tame and Mico. When the former Volunteer Bureau also been on the Neighbourhood Plan committee since room on the first floor became vacant recently, Trustees it formed and stuck with it even during the difficult time decided to call this the ‘Bishop Room’. A fitting and of the Plan being rejected by Cotswold District Council. lasting legacy to a remarkable lady, who has dedicated As Margaret is passionate about flooding issues in many years to Fairford Community Centre. Fairford, she hoped she might be able to influence plans for future development in Fairford to have homes built Story and photo: Chris Roberts

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BUSINESS

The Bob Warren Hospitality Award: Media: Ripples Magazine; Swindon 105.5 FM; Fairford & Lechlade Business Club News The Trout, Lechlade Wilts & Glos Standard by Chris Roberts 01285 712150 or email [email protected] The Howard Dowler Award: Fairford Roof Tiles Photography: Peter Paredes Photography Award certificates: T A Reed (Wiltshire) Ltd, Highworth If you would like to see your name advertised as a sponsor, please get in touch with [email protected] Table wine: Morris Owen, Cirencester & Swindon Facebook and Twitter • Members are encouraged to bring along a for more information. friend/colleague and non-members are also very Table decorations: The Coffee Post, Fairford Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/FLBClub welcome to attend. Follow us on Twitter –@FLBClub • Complimentary drinks and nibbles at the Launch. Find out about Business of the Year 2019 winner – Lynwood’s & Co Visit us at www.flbc.org.uk Book your free place at Lynwood Café Australia January, said: ‘Our cafés are Welcome to our new member www.flbc.org.uk/events/flbclub-evening-meeting-7. started in 1994. They as individual as the people Roman Industries Ltd, Wantage served home-made who visit them and the preserves and honest towns and villages in which Contact: John Stamp: 07479 013302, Winners and sponsors from food to travellers from they are set.’ [email protected] the FLBClub Business Awards 2019 Sydney to Canberra in a www.romanindustries.co.uk Lynwood’s won Business of Here is the list of the winners and sponsors from last humble bakery built the Year 2019 because the Stagecoach Performing Arts Fairford, Royal year’s Business Awards. Could YOUR name be here around 1870! judges were impressed by Wootton Bassett, Faringdon, Highworth next year? Twenty five years later and the quality of Lynwood’s Contact: James Barker: 07825 215163, Winners: still in the same family, entry and all the facts and [email protected] Lynwood & Co has found a figures that backed up this www.stagecoach.co.uk/fairford Business of the Year: Lynwood’s & Co, Burford, Fairford & Lechlade new home in the heart of incredible journey of Musical Mania, Fairford and now Carterton England offering the same business success, Australian hospitality and expanding the business, Contact: Lindsey Henderson: 07766 762934, Business Person of the Year: great coffee. training and employing [email protected] Anthony Clarke of Lechlade K9 local people and having a The first UK Lynwood’s http://musicalmania.co.uk clear vision of bringing an New Business of the Year: opened up in 2015 in the Australian-style café culture Jen Winnett Art, Cricklade Little Bear’s Bakery, Carterton market square of Lechlade. to this corner of the Contact: Jen Winnett: 07788 290610, Since then, sister cafés have Most Innovative Business: Cotswolds. [email protected] opened up in Fairford and The Barn Theatre, Cirencester www.jenwinnettart.co.uk Burford. Then, last month, To open a third coffee shop Business Student of the Year: Lynwood’s Coffee Shop in in Burford and thrive at the We have lift off! Amelia Snell with her business plan for Elixir Carterton opened up on same time is a testament to The launch of the Business Awards! 27th August - a fourth café the quality of the offer and The Bob Warren Hospitality Award: for the rapidly expanding the loyalty this has The FLBClub Business Awards Launch is on Thursday Spike’s Diner, Fairford chain of individual cafés in This is where it all began: engendered amongst its 24th October at 7.30pm at Sudbury House Hotel the Cotswolds. The original Lynwood café in Australia. Photo: Lynwood’s customer base. with complimentary drinks and nibbles. The Howard Dowler Award: Shirley Wheeler of Cotswold Boat Hire, Buscot Rob Broadbent, who runs the ‘café empire’ and We are all proud and grateful to have a Lynwood’s Things you need to know: picked up the Business of the Year 2019 Award last & Co Coffee Shop nearby! Sponsors: • The FLBClub Business Awards Presentations and Dinner is on Saturday 25th January at 7pm at Headline sponsor: Lakes by yoo Sudbury House Hotel, Faringdon. Please put this Local architects have completed their 3rd year of trading Business of the Year: date in diary, so you don’t miss out. Green Hills Cleaning, Highworth Rural Workshop, Architects near Fairford, is proud to clients to help them understand how to get a project • The Launch is a really great event in a really lovely announce they've completed their third year of off the ground and provide some early stage creative Business Person of the Year: hotel. The evening is not just about the Business trading and have reached their 50 project landmark. concept designs to test ideas like the one pictured for a Hersom Whittaker Limited, Fairford Awards, but is also a good opportunity to meet These have covered domestic and commercial clients local charity’s offices. We pride ourselves on lateral in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and thinking and sustainability and want to make sure any lots of fellow business people. New Business of the Year: London on new builds, refurbishments, extensions building project is thoroughly thought through early Butler Toll Limited, Shrivenham • At the Launch, you can also meet previous and conversions – whether in modern buildings or on.’ sensitive heritage settings. winners, past sponsors and hear how being a Most Innovative Business: Contact Tim Francis: 0743 715276, winner or a sponsor has helped their business. ECI Telecom UK, Kempsford To celebrate, Rural Workshop is offering a 20% discount [email protected] or via the contact tab on • You will be able to find out how to enter the Business Student of the Year: on feasibility studies in September through to October. www.ruralworkshop.net. FLBClub Business Awards 2020. The RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises (Air Tattoo) Rural Workshop say: ‘We find we offer great value to Story: Chris Roberts

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PETS EVENTS

A dog’s life with Got a community event you want to promote? This list contains date-specific events. For a complete list, including regular events, go to Mollie Collie www.ripplesmag.co.uk/events. EVENTS notices are intended for local, not-for-profit, community organisations. A notice is typically 20-30 words.We accept events for two months ahead. For example, notices in NOVEMBER edition extend to December. Email notices to [email protected] or write to Ripples (see page 3).

Got a pet story? Get in touch with Mollie Collie VARIOUS DAYS at [email protected] Friday 4th and Saturday 5th October: ‘THE SNEEZE’: 6 for 7.30pm at The Trout Inn, Lechlade. Tickets £12.00 from The Trout Inn, Lechlade Post Office, or Another new dog on the block! Bright Support & Chasing Dragonflies www.ticketsource.co.uk/thesneeze Saturday 12th October: WELLBEING IN FAIRFORD, Buddy has fallen on all four paws Friday 18th October to Sunday 20th October: PURTON LECHLADE AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES: A Wellbeing ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION: 6-9pm Fri, 10am-4.30pm Sat www.friendsoffairford.org.uk Action Day from 10am-1.30pm followed by lunch at & Sun in Purton Village Hall. Original art from up to thirty Yet another SaturdayFarmor’s 12th October: School 6th160TH Form, ANNIVERSARY Leafield Road, MUSICAL Fairford GL7 4JQ. local artists and a retrospective exhibition of the work of kind EXTRAVAGANZA:Refreshments 7.30pm served in from Malmesbury 9.30am. ForAbbey. more information, the very talented local artist, Andy le Poidevin, who sadly Malmesburyvisit: Concert Band performs a great selection of Lechlade died recently resident, popular, classical, big-band, jazz & some original music for concert wind band. Guests Salon Baroque & Malmesbury Briony Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October: FARINGDON ART Abbey Choir. Tickets at Roberts, has SOCIETY 55th ANNUAL EXHIBITION: 10am to 6pm in Corn Exchange, Faringdon SN7 7JA. Free admission. rescued a www.malmesburyconcertband.org.uk young www.faringdonartsociety.co.uk Saturday 19th October: JUMBLE SALE: 2pm at Langford abandoned Village Hall. Hall Open 6-7pm Friday 18th to accept goods dog; this FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY: Thursday 3rd October: Evening(no VHS tapes). Supporting Langford Village Hall & St time from a with Laura Wright. Coloured pencil realism. 7.30pm Matthews Church re-homing Fairford Community Centre, Farmor Room Visitors welcome centre in £4. Coffee and raffle. Saturday 26th October: CIRENCESTER GUIDE DOGS ANNUAL FAIR: 10am to 1pm in Fairford Community Wales. Get together sessions Tuesdays 1st and 8th Oct, and Centre. A chance to Meet the Guide Dogs, beautiful crafts, Thursdays 17th and 24th Oct, Fairford Centre 1.30pm A little cakes, raffle, tombola and Christmas cards and gifts. Info, Subject October Flowers, or do your own thing £3 Per Tracey: 07468 711990 Cocker-poo, session. Visitors welcomed. Info: 01367 850385 Buddy, no Saturday 23rd November: ANNUAL BAZAAR: at Fairford longer fitted www.Fairfordartsociety.weebly.com Community Centre. Supporting Friends of Fairford & into the Lechlade Communities (Formerly League of Friends of REGULAR VARIOUS DAY EVENTS: See the full listing at Fairford Hospital) lifestyle of his New canine friends, Milo and Buddy www.ripplesmag.co.uk/events previous Saturday 30th November: LECHLADE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS owners so went to the Many Tears Animal Rescue Centre for SATURDAYS SWITCH-ON: see details at adoption. Luckily for him, Briony was on the lookout and she felt an immediate bond with his ‘online profile’. She drove to the centre in Saturday 5th October: SOUTHROP SCHOOL PTA JUMBLE www.lechladeonthames.co.uk SALE: 2-3.30pm at Southrop Village Hall. Refreshmentsand Facebook Llanelli with Milo – her existing 12-year old dog, to meet Buddy and available, books, bric a brac, clothes, toys, raffle and cakes. see how they all got on ‘in person’. Entrance 50p REGULAR SATURDAY EVENTS: See the full listing at Briony said ‘Milo was a bit indifferent to Buddy when he first joined Saturday 5th October: WHAT WERE WE THINKING?: 7pmwww.ripplesmag.co.uk/events us, but now they have really bonded, play nicely together, walk side- at The Memorial Hall, Lechlade GL7 3AY. Frocks On SUNDAYS by-side on their respective leads and occasionally even snuggle up Parade’s’ take on the 1970s. Tickets £15 on sale 1st August: together. Milo has helped Buddy gain a lot of confidence outside the Lechlade Post Office, Mike Keegan 01367 253398, Sunday 13th October: PRE-LOVED SALE: From 10am-12 noon at Siddington Village Hall. Adults 50p entrance, house, but Buddy is still very wary of men he doesn’t know and children free. Raising funds for the Nursery at Siddington & cowers or runs away from them.’ [email protected] committee members. Supporting St Lawrence Church Restoration & Maintenance Appeal Kemble. To sell at this event, tables cost £10. To book, She added ‘Buddy is a great addition to our family, and much loved contact Lisa Mace: 07881 530515, Saturday 12th October: FAIRFORD ARTISAN GIFT & [email protected] from day one. If you have room in your household and heart for a CRAFT FAIR: 10am to 4pm at Fairford Community Centre, dog, I urge you to consider re-homing a rescue dog. It’s very Sunday 13th October: UNVEILING OF NEW MEMORIAL Market Place GL7 4AF. 20 craft & gift stalls, pre-loved FOR LECHLADE WAR DEAD: 3pm at New Memorial Hall, rewarding for all concerned.’ clothes, 7a Pop-up, face-painting, raffle. Supporting ShineLechlade Story and photo: Mollie Collie

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EVENTS

Sunday 20th October: BBC YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE Wednesday 2nd October: ‘THE LEVELLER REVOLUTION’: YEAR FINALIST SAXOPHONIST ROB BURTON: 3pm at 2.30pm at Lechlade Memorial Hall, Oak St GL7 3AY. The the Arts Centre, Swindon. With pianist Paul Turner. Tickets Speaker is John Rees. Upper Thames & Ridgeway National £15, seniors £12.50, students £2.50, accompanied children Trust Association. £3 members, £4 visitors including (14 and under) free. refreshments. Details: [email protected] Sunday 3rd November: CRAFT SALE: at Quenington [email protected] Infant Loss Remembrance Day each year, people around Wednesday 16th October: TOUR OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST Marion Lloyd: 01285 850280 or Chairman Geoff Denis: Village Hall. Supporting Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Tuesday the29th world October: light aSHEILA’S candle in RECIPE a global BOOK ‘wave LAUNCH: of light’ from 7-CHURCHYARD, CIRENCESTER: at 11am - Meet in front of 01285 712195 Communities (Formerly League of Friends of Fairford 7pm in the8pm marquee local time at toThe remember Trout Inn. babies Supporting & children the St gone tooChurch for short walk to discuss potential for wildlife haven Hospital) Thursday 10th October: ‘Wildflowers of the Cotswolds. Lawrencesoon. Church Refreshments Restoration provided. and Maintenance No children Appeal. to attend please. Wednesday 23rd October: BETTY JOEL – GLAMOUR AND remedies, myths & legends’ with Sue Smith Info: 01367Details 252569 from Kateor Lee: 01285 712565, [email protected] INNOVATION IN 1930'S INTERIOR DESIGN: an illustrated NEW: 1st Sundays: QUENINGTON CAR BOOT SALE: Starts talk by Clive Stewart-Lockart for the Arts Society Corinium Thursday 14th November: ‘Bird migration’ with D Cramp at 11am on the Green, Quenington. £5 per car to sellTuesday & 19th November: REMBRANDT’S LIGHT: [email protected] at 7.30 pm in The Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane, 3rd Thursday, eight meetings a year: FAIRFORD HISTORY entry is free. All proceeds go to local charities Faringdon Art Society trip to the Dulwich Picture Gallery. Cirencester GL7 1YE. Free parking and refreshments fromThursday 17thSOCIETY: October: 7.30pm Edwin in Cuss:the Farmor Fairford Room Shops at Fairford £33 non-members. Contact Shelagh: 01367 241173, 6.45pm. Visitors welcome £7pp Community Centre. New members & visitors (£3) 3rd Sunday: LECHLADE COMMUNITY CINEMA: 7.30pm07724 109778, Thursday 21st November: Paul Barnett: ‘Port to Port’, an in Lechlade Memorial. Enjoy the film, on the big 5m wide [email protected] historical journey,welcome. the Contact length &Alison breadth Hobson: of the 01285 Sharpness 711768, to or Geoff screen with an all-round sound & an inductive loop system. www.artssocietycorinium.org.uk Hawkes: 01285 712053, Tuesdays: LECHLADE ART SOCIETY: Demonstrations in Gloucester Canal Doors open at 7.00pm for refreshments. Tickets cost £3.50 The Pavilion 2-4pm. Refreshments. Non-members £4. New 1st Wednesdays: which includes a voluntary donation of 50p to Lechlade FAIRFORD FIRECRACKERS WI: At 7.30pmREGULAR THURSDAY EVENTS: See the full listing at members welcome. Most demos are followed by a ‘sign Village Hall & Recreation CIO. Reserve a seat: 01367 in the Palmer Hall. Visitors welcome. Contact Jean up’ workshop by the artist. Details: Janice Mitchell: 253633 Moulden: 01285 713308 www.ripplesmag.co.uk/events [email protected], Sunday 20th October: Rocketman (Cert 15) Wednesday 2nd October: Harvest supper. Hunting for FRIDAYS www.lechladeartsociety.co.uk. Check the LAS website for bargains. Comp: One of your bargain finds, earlier at 7pm REGULAR SUNDAY EVENTS: See the full listing at any last-minute changes. Large free carpark Friday 11th October: FAIRFORD CHURCHES TOGETHER Wednesday 6th November: AGM, fish and chip supper, HARVEST SUPPER: 7pm at Palmer Hall GL7 4AQ. With Tuesday 15th October: FALLING OUT OF HISTORY - jigsaw competition ‘The Blue Notes’ ladies jazz choir from South Cerney. Bring www.ripplesmag.co.uk/events Women Artists from Elisabeth Sirani to Lizzie Siddal, talk a plate of food to share, bring your own wine (and wine and demonstration by Dr Caroline Palmer of the 1st Wednesdays: ROYAL AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY: glass). Squash & water provided. £5 ticket, proceeds to MONDAYS Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Swindon Branch. Details from Colin Irvin: 07740 136609, CAFOD & Christian Aid. Tickets from church representative Monday 21st October: THE NATIONAL TRUST – MORE Tuesday 12th November: Christopher Townsend, sculptor Friday 18th October: NHS BLOOD DONATION SERVICE: THAN JUST CAKE AND OLD HOUSES: an illustrated talk [email protected] or visitwww.aerosociety.com . £20 at Lechlade Memorial Hall. Book at by Barbara Cooper for the Civic Society at 7.30 pm in The1st Tuesdays: FAIRFORD & DISTRICT UNIVERSITY OF THE membership, 15-18 free accompanied by an adult (also www.blood.co.uk Ashcroft Centre. Ashcroft Road. Cirencester. GL7 1RA THIRD AGE (U3A): 2.30pm in the Palmer Hall. free). Generally, 1st Wednesdays 7.30-8.30pm at The Visitors welcome £3.00pp. Membership secretary, Sue Jonson: 07743 923089, Defence Academy, Shrivenham Friday 25th October: SERENADE AND SANDWICHES: www.ccsoc.org.uk Wednesday 2nd October: Typhoon/Tempest - Mr.Mark 12noon at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade GL7 3AB. 3rd Mondays: LECHLADE HISTORY SOCIETY: 7.15pm for [email protected] Bowman, BSc(Eng) FRAeS ACGI, BAE Systems Air, DirectorMassimo Di Trolio (clarinet) and Maiko Mori (piano), 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. Guest welcome £4. Contact Flight Operations/Accountable Manager Airfield & Militaryperforming Debussy, Finzi, Gershwin, Lovreglio and Tuesday 1st October: ‘Guy Fawkes’ with Tim Brain Marian Winckles: 01367 252851, Flying AM(MF)/Hd of Flying Poulenc. Donations support the Church Restoration and Tuesday 5th November: ‘Meet at Dawn Unarmed’ with Maintenance Appeal. Details & parking at www.lechladehistory.co.uk Wednesday 6th November: Faradair – Bio Electric Hybrid Andrew Hamilton, about his Grandfather's account of the Aircraft (BEHA) - Mr Neil Cloughley – CEO Faradair www.stlawrencelechlade.org.uk Monday 21st October: ‘The Bells! The Bells! The HistoryChristmas Day Truce WWI at St. Yvon Belgium and Development of Change Ringing’ by Marion Winkles 2nd Wednesdays: LECHLADE GARDENING CLUB: 7.30pm Friday 25th October: THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN: 7 for 1st Tuesdays: LECHLADE WI: 7pm in the Memorial Hall. in the new Memorial Hall. Membership is £5 per annum, 7.30pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall. A fun family comedy, 4th Mondays: HIGHWORTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Contact Carolyn: 01367 252461 & Twitter 7.30pm at United Reformed Church, High Street, @LechladeWI which gives you a 10% discount on plants at Burford cash bar. Tickets £10 from Lechlade Post Office Highworth Garden Centre & 50% off Suttons seeds. Entry to a Tuesday 1st October: Wiltshire Scrap Store with Margaret meeting is £2 for members & £3 for visitors who are alwaysFriday 8th November: ROYAL BRITISH LEGION FAIRFORD Monday 28th October: ‘Alfred Williams, a look at someHiscock of welcomed. BRANCH: David Wyper, a veteran submariner, talks about the songs he collected’ (from the Fairford/Lechlade area. The Undeclared War – Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation Words & songs by the James Driscoll Group, three youngTuesday 5th November: AGM + sausage demo with www.lechladegardeningclub.org.uk. Contact: 1963-1966. At 6.30pm in the Farmor Room, Fairford men from the area Andrew Butler 01367 253309 or 01367 252286 Community Centre. Cost £5 to include a glass of wine. Tickets from 7a Coffee Shop or on the door on the night Monday 25th November: ‘The Highworth & Swindon REGULARPoor TUESDAY EVENTS: See the full listing at Wednesday 9th October: Buying Plants Abroad for Law Union’ with Paul Wilkins Nurseries & Garden Centres - Mervyn Reed 4th Fridays: HIGHWORTH COMMUNITY CINEMA: www.ripplesmag.co.uk/events 7.45pm in St Michael’s Hall, Lechlade Road, SN6 7HQ from REGULAR MONDAY EVENTS: See the full listing at Wednesday 13th November: AGM followed by Darwin & September to April (except December). Details: www.ripplesmag.co.uk/events WEDNESDAYS the Voyage of the Beagle - Nick Wray Wednesdays 2nd and 16th October, 6th November, 4th REGULAR WEDNESDAY EVENTS: See the full listing at and 18th December: LITTLE LIGHTS PRAM SERVICE & www.highworthfilms.org.uk TUESDAYS TODDLER PLAY: 9.15am in St Lawrence Church, Lechlade. www.ripplesmag.co.uk/events Friday 25th October: Wild Rose For pre-school children & their parents or carers. New Friday 22nd November: Faces Places Tuesday 15th October: WAVE OF LIGHT EVENT: (Part ofbabies very welcome. No charge. Just turn up! Kathy THURSDAYS Baby Loss Awareness Week). At 6.30pm in the Bull Room,Newton: 07508 563905 REGULAR FRIDAY EVENTS: See the full listing at the Bull Hotel, Fairford. On International Pregnancy & 2nd Thursdays: FAIRFORD GARDENERS CLUB: 7.30pm in the Farmor’s Room, Fairford Community Centre. Contact www.ripplesmag.co.uk/events

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CONTACT NUMBERS Police NON-EMERGENCY 101 Medical NON-EMERGENCY 111 Police, Fire, Ambulance EMERGENCY 999 Gas EMERGENCY 0800 111999 Electricity EMERGENCY 0800 072 7282 Water EMERGENCY 0845 920 0800 Samaritans 116 123 LAW AND ORDER CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555111 DOCTORS LIBRARIES HILLARY COTTAGE SURGERY 01285 712377 FAIRFORD LIBRARY 01285 712599 LECHLADE MEDICAL CENTRE 01367 252264PRIMARY SCHOOLS HIGHWORTH LIBRARY 01793 463500 FLYING START NURSERY SCHOOL LECHLADE 01285 711711LIBRARYHIGHWAYS & STREET LIGHTING 01367 252631 08000 514514 HOSPITALS DOWN AMPNEY PRIMARY 01793 750294 KEMPSFORD PRE-SCHOOL 01285 811000PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY 01452 425577 FAIRFORD PRIMARY 01285 712543 CHELTENHAM GENERAL HOSPITAL 03004 222 222 LECHLADE LITTLE LEARNERS PUBLIC 01367 TRANSPORT 250278 HATHEROP CASTLE (PRIVATE) 01285 750206 CIRENCESTER HOSPITAL 0300 421 6200 MANOR FARM NURSERY COMMUNITY 07760 788081 BUS 01285 713852 HATHEROP PRIMARY 01285 750318 FAIRFORD HOSPITAL 0300 421 6470 FIRST GREAT WESTERN 0845 748 4950 KEMPSFORD PRIMARY 01285 810367 GLOUCESTER ROYAL HOSPITAL 0300 422 2222 MEGA BUS 0900 160 0900 SOUTHROP PRIMARY 01367 850246 GREAT WESTERN HOSPITAL 01793 604020 NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES 0845 748 4950 ST CHRISTOPHER’S, LANGFORD 01367 860318 STAGECOACH NATIONAL TRAVELINE 0871 200 2233 ST LAWRENCE, LECHLADE 01367 252356 JOHN RADCLIFFE OXFORD HOSPITAL 0300 304 7777 SOCIAL SERVICES VILLAGE HALLS CITIZENS ADVICE (COTSWOLDS) 0808 800SECONDARY 0511 SCHOOLS DOWN AMPNEY 01793 751429 CITIZENS ADVICE (SWINDON) 0844 488BURFORD 4114 SCHOOL 01993 823303FAIRFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE 01285 711571 KELMSCOTT 01367 252403 TRADING STANDARDS FARMOR’S SCHOOL 01285 712302 KEMPSFORD 01285 810478 GLOUCESTERSHIRE TRADING RECREATION KENCOTT 01367 860516 STANDARDS 01452 426201 COTSWOLD LEISURE CENTRE, LANGFORD 01367 860509 COLLEGES CIRENCESTER 01285 654057LECHLADE 01367 253325 FAIRFORD SPORTS CENTRE 01285 713786MARSTON MEYSEY 01285 810615 CIRENCESTER COLLEGE 01285 640994 FARINGDON LEISURE CENTRE 01367 241755MEYSEY HAMPTON 01285 851084 HARTPURY COLLEGE 01452 702132 HIGHWORTH REC 01793 762602PALMER HALL, FAIRFORD 01285 712189 ROYAL AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 01285 652531 POULTON 01285 850217 PRE-SCHOOLS COUNCILS QUENINGTON [email protected] SOUTHROP [email protected] BROADSHIRES PRE-SCHOOL 01367 860729COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL 01285 623000 DOWN AMPNEY PRE-SCHOOL 07706 726865FAIRFORD TOWN COUNCIL 01285 712344 FAIRFORD PRE-SCHOOL 01285 712543 EXTGLOUCESTERSHIRE 210 CC 01452 425000 FILKINS NURSERY 01285 860594LECHLADE TOWN COUNCIL 01367 252338

The Churches welcome you

ANGLICAN CATHOLIC ST MARY THE VIRGIN High Street, Fairford ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY Horcott, Fairford www.stmaryschurchfairford.org.uk www.stthomasparish.plus.com Parish Office: open weekdays 10am-12noon in the Fairford Priest: Fr Michael Robertson Tel: 01285 712586 Community Centre, Tel: 01285 712611 [email protected] Email: [email protected] For service times, see church notice board, visit the website For service times, see church notice board, visit the website or phone the Priest. phone the Parish Office. For enquiries about baptisms and weddings, please contact the parish office, marking it FAO COMMUNITY Vicar. Study and prayer group details on request. FAIRFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH Contact: Paul and Carrie Boden Tel: 01285 712043 ST LAWRENCE Market Place, Lechlade email: [email protected] www.stlawrencelechlade.org.uk We invite everyone who may be interested in an informal Team Vicar: Rev Andrew Cinnamond, Church gathering to get in touch. Tel: 01367 253651 What do you think about Church? Why not give it a try? Email: [email protected] We think you might enjoy it. For service times, see notice board, visit website or phone. UNITED BAPTIST FAIRFORD UNITED Milton Street, Fairford LECHLADE BAPTIST Sherborne Street, Lechlade GL7 3AH (Congregational/Methodist) Church Secretary: Mr David Hopkins, Tel: 01285 711551 Minister: Rev James Taylor For service times, please contact us by email or phone, or dropChurch Secretary: Mr Stuart Emmerson 01451 844532 in at our Beans Coffee Shop on a Saturday morning. For service times, see church notice board or phone Secretary.

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