THE GAUNTLET THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE SOMBORNES AND ASHLEY Somborne Sisterhood Start-up WI lite inaugural meeting PAGE 5 Also in this issue:

Scarecrow Festival Report and Winners PAGE 9 School Reports Residential week Greenhouse build and Harvest PAGES 13 & 26 Vote for your Police Commissioner Find out more PAGE 23 Village Agents’ New Venture Minibus Trip for over 50s PAGE 24

NOVEMBER 2012

DELIVERED FREE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE SOMBORNES AND ASHLEY POSTED TO ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE FOR £9 PER YEAR

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iv v The Crown Inn Road King’s Somborne SO20 6PW Tel: 01794 388360

Traditional Homemade Food using fresh local ingredients Served lunchtime (12.00 – 3.00) and Evening (6.30 – 9.30) Monday to Saturday Traditional roast each Sunday lunchtime Seasonal daily specials Real ales and extensive wine list Quiz Nights Every Tuesday 8.30 pm Entry £5 to include supper and a donation to a village charity Steak Nights Every Thursday Buy one, get one half price Takeaway fish and chips and curries Monday to Thursday 6.30 – 9.00 Theme Nights Once a month – see boards for details www.thecrowninnkingssomborne.co.uk Find us on Facebook – The Crown Inn Group

Catering at outside venues a speciality

The team at The Crown look forward to welcoming you Credit/Debit Cards Accepted vi vii viii High quality mixed hardwood logs Seasoned and stored in large sheds adapted for maximum drying to ensure low moisture content Hardwood kindling and small logs also supplied in sacks All cut by ourselves and sourced from well managed and sustainable local woodlands. Various log lengths, sizes and delivery options available. All year round delivery. Stacking service also offered. Round logs and cordwood also available. For best local value call: Tel: 01794 389603 Mob: 079000 61158 Email: [email protected] King’s Somborne The Woodland Firewood Company Ltd

OWTONS TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS AT FARM SHOP BEEF, LAMB & PORK SOURCED FROM LOCAL FARMERS QUALITY LOCAL PRODUCE INCLUDING ICE CREAM, APPLE JUICE ALES, HONEY, FRUIT & VEGETABLES, BREAD, CHEESE & AWARD WINNING SAUSAGES FROM OUR CHALCROFT FARM SHOP. FIND US ON FACEBOOK [email protected] KIMBRIDGE FARM SHOP, KIMBRIDGE LANE, NR ROMSEY, SO51 0LE 01794 341681

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xii

The Somborne & District Society

Talks on Local History and related Subjects. Visits to places of interest Visitors always welcome!

Meetings held on the 4th Wednesday of each month At 8.pm in King’s Somborne Village Hall

Contact : Mary Pollock 01794 388422 www.thesombornes.org.uk

xiii xiv Useful names and numbers Parish Church Schools Vicar: Rev Jonathan Watkins 01264 810810 Somborne Pre-School 07530 893773 [email protected] King’s Somborne School 01794 388381 Reader: Sue Holligan 01794 388484 School 01264 810555 Wardens: Police David Bevan 07769682696 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Sandie Pepperell 01794 388021 Police Station 0845 045 45 45 PCC Secretary: Urgent calls 999 David Bevan 07769682696 Neighbourhood Watch Treasurer & Gift Aid Sec: Andrew Brock 01794 388227 Claire Bevan 01962 820482 Flowers: Parish Council Penny Ward 01794 389649 Clerk: Peter Storey 01794 389688 Borough Councillor Methodist Church Tony Ward 01794 389649 Minister: County Councillor Revd Dr Rosemary Baker 01962 880383 Andrew Gibson 01264 861138 (evenings only) Member of Parliament Steward: Marion Downing 01794 388121 Caroline Nokes MP Roman Catholic Churches Romsey & Soton North Conservatives St Joseph’s Romsey and 01794 521155 St Andrew’s 02380 273882 Village Correspondent Jo Finch 01794 388462 Village Hall Bookings: Val Chapman 01794 388009 Village Website [email protected] www.thesombornes.org.uk Epworth Hall The Gauntlet Editor: Harvey Saunders 01794 388029 Bookings:Marion Downing 01794 388121 Advertising: Sue Byram 01794 388521 Doctors Distribution: Norman Denison Stockbridge surgery 01264 810524 01794 388889 www.stockbridgesurgery.co.uk Please deliver articles for The Gauntlet to Broughton surgery 01794 301210 [email protected] Out of Hours service 0844 811 3060 or The Post Office.

Pharmacy Copy date is no later than 5.00pm on Stockbridge Pharmacy 01264 810624 the 15th of the month please. 1 Village Directory Allotments Friends of King’s Somborne Contact: Frank Fahy 01794 388314 Church Art exhibition committee Contacts: Antony Chilton (Secretary) 01794 388160 Contacts: David Pye (Membership) 01794 388405 Madeline Edmonds 01974 389014 Pam Watson 01794 388429 Football Club Badminton Club Contact: Andy Gannaway 01794 388733 Every Monday 7.30pm. Footpath walk Contact: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 Monthly walk on Parish footpaths on the last Baby & Toddler Group Sunday of each month. Usually starting at 2.00pm at the Village Hall car park. Check the Informal friendly get-together for babies, Village Diary or village website for details. pre-school children, parents and carers. Contact: David Haydon 01794 388120 Every Wednesday 10.00am - 11.30am in Alison Seymour 01794 389219 the Village Hall. Contact: Emily Dix 07572 865489 French Twinning Association Bellringing Regular exchanges with St Paul du Vernay in Normandy Every Monday 7.30 - 9.00pm. Contact: Louise & Andrew Causer 01794 Contact: Sue Spurling 01794 388266 389364 Catherine Edwards Trust FunDay Club Provides grants to village students Meets after school on Mondays for children Contact: Frank Cleverley 01794 388399 in years Reception to 4 Cricket Club Contact: Sue Holligan 01794 388484 Contact: Frank Fahy 01794 388314 Garden waste scheme Christians Together in Somborne Garden waste will be collected in w/c 12th and District and 26th November. Welcome all to open and ecumenical Home Group meetings and services throughout the Bible study group. Usually third year. Thursdays of the month at 8.00pm. Contact: Nigel Coleman 01794 388449 Contact: Nigel Coleman 01794 388449 Community Responders Horticultural Society Contact: John Vanderpump 01794 388647 Meets for two talks and one visit per year and organises the annual Flower Show. Dial-a-Ride Contact: Pollyann Monk 01794 388482 Trips to Romsey every Wednesday, for senior citizens and disabled people, at Household waste 2.00pm. Fare £2.70. Non-recyclable household waste (black Contact: Dick or Zoe 01264 356808 bins) will be collected in w/c 12th and 26th November. Drop In Recyclable household waste (brown bins) Coffee morning at the Epworth Hall. will be collected in w/c 5th and 19th Every first and third Tuesday at 10.30am. November. 2 Village Directory (continued) Messy Church Contact: Mike Reynolds 01794 388107 Fun, creative event (with tea!) for children Somborne Needleworkers of all ages and their families. 3rd Sunday Meet each Thursday at 2.00pm at of each month in termtime, 4.00 - 5.30pm Nutcher’s, 3 Nutcher’s Drove. at Epworth Hall. Contact: Eileen Humphreys 01794 388427 Contacts: Pam Gravenor 01794 388531 Somborne Players Sam Barnes 07742 077114 Regular, informal play readings and outings. Neighbourcare Contact: Melanie Haydon 01794 388120 Transport to essential appointments and Sombornes Pre-School other small tasks. Early Years education for children aged Contacts: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 from 2 to school age. Contact: Zoe Stevens 07530 893773 Jenny Crouch Somborne Sessions 01794 388882 Details: www.sombornesessions.co.uk Mobile Library Contact: Doug Stammers 01794 389192 Tuesday 13th November: Somborne Singers 2.00 - 2.25pm Weekly meetings to sing ballads, songs from shows etc. every Tuesday at 7.45pm 2.45 - 4.00pm Church Road in the Parish Church. Information: 02380 267393 Contact: Howard Rowe 01794 388400 Pastoral Care Group Somborne Sisterhood W I Contact: Fi Chilton 01794 388160 Meets on the first Friday of each month at 8.00pm in the Village Hall Prayer Group Contact: Samantha Boot 01794 389554 Please contact Dulcie Witts 01794 388267 Table Tennis School Association Meet Sunday mornings 11am to 12noon Village Hall. A group of volunteer parents meeting twice Contact : Frank Fahy 01794 388314 a term to organise social and fund-raising Tiny Tots events to benefit the school and its pupils. Meet in the Parish Church each Tuesday at Contact: Caroline Andrews 01794 389231 2.00pm. Scouts Contact: Jane Waters 01794 388403 Women’s Institute Beavers Wednesdays 5.45 - 6.45pm Meets on the second Wednesday of each Cubs Thursdays 6.30 - 8.00pm month at 7.30pm in the Epworth Hall. Scouts Wednesdays 7.00 - 9.00pm Contact: Linda Aucock 01794 388542 Contact: Janice Waterman 01794 389562 Working Men’s Club Various entertainments. Somborne & District Society Contacts: Janette Batchelor 07582 552666 Meetings held on the fourth Wednesday of Trina Masham 07852 257596 each month at 8.00pm, usually in the Village Agents Village Hall. Contacts: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 www.communigate.co.uk/hants/somsoc Lin Curtis 01794 389373

3 King's Somborne Parish Council - Appointments Committees/Working Groups Planning Committee Chairman - Cllr Harwood 01264 810314 Members - Cllrs Curtis, Fahy, Harrison, Herbert and Lane Communications Strategy Group Chairman - Cllr Brock 388227 Members - Cllrs Evans, Harrison and Reynolds, others as required MUGA Working Group Members -Cllrs Curtis, Harwood and Reynolds Lead Councillor a. Village Hall Management Committee Cllr Herbert 388187 b. Council for the Protection of Rural Cllr Fahy 388314 c. Neighbourhood Watch Cllr Brock 388227 d. Flood Watch Cllr Harrison 388418 e. Schools, Scouts and young people liaison Cllr Curtis 389373 f. Test Valley Assn of Local Councils Cllr Werrett 389311 g. Farming community liaison Cllr Brock 388227 h. Sports facilities Cllrs Harwood 01264 810314 and Fahy 388314 i. Transport matters Cllr Evans 07801 146755 j. Up Somborne liaison Cllr Lane 388792 k. Biodiversity Cllr Reynolds 07931 232090 l. Highways and road safety Cllr Fahy 388314 m. liaison Cllr Harrison 388418 n. Electricity supply liaison Cllr Brock 388227 o. Disability issues Cllr Evans 07801 146755 p. Local Plan Cllr Herbert 388187 Volunteers q. Footpath Wardens Mrs Alison Seymour 389219 and Mr David Haydon 388120 r. Tree Warden Mr Colin Matthews 388272 s. Open Space Wardens Mr Richard Dyke 388525 Mr Ron Bevan 388545 Mr Roy Pidgeon 388501 Clerk Mr Peter Storey 389688 Cemetery interments, records and maintenance Play equipment Parish notice boards Note: Dial code for King's Somborne (Romsey) numbers 01794 4 WI Lite comes to the Village ]After a flurry of tweets, fliers and emails, Friday 28th September saw the first coming together of the Somborne Sisterhood – a group of women from the village and beyond, interested in starting a new W.I. Lite. The Village Hall was transformed into an Afternoon Tea emporium, with pretty bunting, vintage china, homemade cakes and fancies, delicate Over 40 women came along to the first posies of garden flowers, and plenty of coming together of the Sisterhood chintz! (knitting and flower arranging) to the more unusual (burlesque dancing and sushi making) noted down. Whilst happening, a crafting frenzy was fuelled by tea, homemade cakes and (BYO) wine, with ladies creating cute, autumn-themed, felt broaches to take home. Over 40 women came to find out more Finally the official business got and show their support – with almost underway with Samantha Boot signed half the ladies coming from the King’s in as President and Kerry Natt as Somborne W.I., which was much Secretary, a committee was formed appreciated. A game of Social Bingo and another four ladies joined. broke the ice and got everyone If you’re interested in joining us, or are chatting, before the meeting got down just curious, please come along to one to business and the Somborne of our meetings, log on to Sisterhood officially became a W.I. facebook.com/sombornesisterhood or with 17 new members signing up on follow us at twitter.com/ the night. sombornesisters We meet on the first Not a group to let grass grow under Friday of the month in the Village Hall their feet, the following Friday (5th from 8pm (November meeting venue October) became the first official tbc but updates will come via facebook meeting of the Somborne Sisterhood and twitter). W.I. This time, it was a chance for all Samantha Boot attending to put their ideas for future meetings down for consideration. A President, Somborne Sisterhood W.I. fantastic range was suggested, with everything from the traditional

5 Village Christmas cards There are four Christmas cards now on We are very sale. grateful to all of them for The first design is by Thelma Blamey their generous from her original painting of ‘St. contributions. Mary’s Ashley’. The cards will be available from mid- November in the Village Shops, at some Services and at December Flora the Winchester C o m b i n e d Charities Christmas Card Shop in the St Mary’s Ashley Guildhall which opens in October. ‘The Crown Inn’ is from a painting by Please note that if you buy any parish the late Keith Chapman, by the kind cards at the Guildhall, the parish permission of Valerie. receives every penny that you spend. The Guildhall Shop is staffed entirely by volunteers (including us!) and takes no commission.

The Crown Inn

Caroline Hervey Bathurst has produced two designs this year, one Christmas card titled ‘December Flora’ and another one ‘Christmas Roses’ which is a notelet, very useful for Christmas Roses those ‘thank you’ letters. The Christmas cards will all have the The cards measure approx. 4.1” x 5.8”, greeting ‘With best wishes for and will cost £3.50 for a pack of 6 Christmas and the New Year’ inside. cards and envelopes.

6 Music in the Church for the Church

An audience of 40+ were treated to a delightful concert of songs and chamber music in the village church on Saturday 6 October. Organised by Russ Chapman it featured piano, , bassoon, clarinet and flute with tenors Matthew Harris and Tim James. Russ Chapman welcomed all to the Paganini, Frederico Torroba and Russ concert, describing the church, himself. Tenor Tim James sang ‘Silent together with the school, as the living Worship’ from Ptolemy by G.F. heart of the village, and said that the Handel. Accompanist was pianist proceeds of the concert would go Sophie Aynsley, who also towards the day to day running costs of accompanies the Somborne Singers. the church. It was lovely to see Eleanor Gravenor, The concert opened with ‘Time stands who is a member of the still’ and ‘I saw my lady weepe’ by County Youth Orchestra, playing the John Dowland, a composer and singer bassoon. Hugh Hadfield played the of the English Renaissance, which clarinet and Melanie Haydon the flute. were played by Russ on the guitar and The concert ended with Pastorale, a beautifully sung by Matthew Harris. quartet for flute, clarinet, bassoon and This provided a wonderfully serene guitar composed by Russ Chapman opening to the concert. which consisted of two movements – There followed music by the Spanish ‘Horsebridge Mill and Station’ and Renaissance composer Luis de Milan, ‘On Stockbridge Marsh’, both of music from Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’, which were inspired by his walks in the area. An interval provided opportunity for the audience to enjoy a glass of wine and to mingle socially. Jo Finch Table Tennis Why not get a little extra exercise and come along to the table tennis sessions in the village hall every Sunday morning from 11.00 am till noon? No previous experience is necessary and much fun is had. Players of 12 years of age and over are welcome. Trainers must be worn. The cost is £1 to cover the hire of the hall. Frank Fahy 388314 7 Emma’s Swim! Herewith the results and details of my w i n d charity big open water swim last week! and head I’ve done it (phew!), and thank you! d o w n again, so Here are the official results!: much so, Emma Wightman : Finished that I Senior Time: 00:34:44 a l m o s t bumped Still can’t believe that time, I never into the swam faster than 45 mins in the pool! f i n a l Just so thrilled! lifeguard The lake was unbelievably cold and I on his felt quite breathless and nauseous. yellow paddleboard! Once my face had gone numb and the Finally I found my feet and wobbled constant trickle of cold water down the out of the water! I attempted to run back of my wetsuit warmed up, I through the finish flags and finally started to find a flow. went through the gates, handed in my I suddenly found that having hung to timing chip and picked up my goodie the back of the pack, I wanted to get bag! Phew! What sweet relief and I cracking and tried to make my way felt so happy! through! Home for hot bath, roaring fire, From the water I couldn’t even see the chocolate, apple crumble and a large first buoy which was about half way, glass of wine (or 2)! so didn’t look up, just counted and A great experience, quite a challenge, breathed and watched the beautiful especially since I have been training bottom of the lake pass by! for this since January, and really much It was great to see little minnows and more than 5 lengths of the pool puffed the odd stripy fish and I really began to me out! relax and get into it. Thank you to my family for being Head down, and then suddenly across there, it made all the difference! the water came ‘Come on Mummy’!! I Friends, family and patients are still saw all the children running along the sponsoring me and the total is now an bank! What a great sight and such incredible £1,738! encouragement! About ¾ of the way Thank you all for your support and the breathlessness and nausea came messages of good luck and back and I started gasping for breath encouragement! Each one was like again. feeling a little less worried! However, the flags and final buoy Emma Wightman were getting closer and I found my last 8 Scarecrow Festival

Last year it was angels, but this year it was the turn of scarecrows to test the creativity and imagination of the village, and as always they rose to the challenge and produced some excellent entries for the Scarecrow Festival organised by the 11th Romsey (King’s Somborne) Scout Group. Judging cannot have been easy for the VIP Judge, ‘Topper the Scarecrow’ whose presence also added much to the proceedings of the whole afternoon. This was a movie theme competition and it was great to see ‘old’ favourites such as Andy Pandy and a St. Trinians Girl rubbing shoulders with more Entries modern favourites such as Cyberman, Andy Pandy – Linda Waggott Homer Simpson and, inevitably, the ubiquitous Harry Potter! There was Thunderbird – Beaver Scouts also an appearance by the Queen (courtesy of the WI) and a splendid Tin Man – Finlay Jarvis Peacock scarecrow from How Park Farm. Homer Simpson – Explorer Scouts St. Trinian’s girl – Becky Jarvis In organising the event the Scouts chose the day well as the sun was Darth Vader – Explorer Scouts shining so visitors were able to enjoy Harry Potter - Harrison Walsh the various stalls and amusements without umbrellas – rather a novel Peacock – How Park Farm (Caroline experience this summer! There was Halse) plenty to keep all age groups amused Pirates of the Caribbean – Millar family with a raffle, doughnut-eating competition, tombola, cakes and jams Sponge Bob Square Pants – Cub Scouts for sale, books and refreshments. The Cyber Man – Natt family bouncy castle and face painting were as popular as always. The Queen - WI Altogether an entertaining and very enjoyable afternoon and Mike from Monsters Inc. – Scouts congratulations must go to all the entrants and organisers. Jo Finch

9 King’s Somborne Working Men’s Club

NEARLY NEW/TABLE TOP SALE At King’s Somborne Working Men’s Club On Saturday 10th November 2012 at 2.00pm Raffle Cake Stall Bottle Tombola Nearly New Bric-a-Brac Books Toys & Games If you would like to hire a table at a cost of £5.00 or donate a prize for the Raffle or Tombola then please contact Janette Batchelor on 07582 552666 or email [email protected]

Forthcoming Entertainments at KSWMC

Saturday 17th November 2012 Live Group “FRINGE” Open to everyone Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times Saturday 15th December 2012 Children’s Christmas Party Open to MEMBER’S children only From the age of 1 year to the last year of primary school From 2pm to 4pm £3 per child Sunday 16th December 2012 Christmas Draw To be drawn at 9.30pm after Bingo Wednesday 26th December 2012 Boxing Day Darts and Pool Competition From 12.30 onwards Open to everyone over the age of 14 Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times Monday 31st December 2012 New Year’s Eve Live group “Ken Wood and the Mixers” Over 16’s only Non-members £5.00 Free ticket for our £25.00 Money Prize Draw You must be in the Club at the time of the draw

10 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2012 Since the early 19th century, men and not impossible, to obtain the proper women have served and fought for medical care they are due or a their country under the terms of the sufficient disability pension. Sadly, ‘Military Covenant’ It is something many of them will return home with each new recruit learns: duty, honour, injuries that will affect the rest of their selflessness and discipline are words lives. they abide by every day. It is the Royal British Legion’s duty to Whatever dangers they face, they meet be there to support them for as long as them unflinchingly, as they always it takes in any way it can. And what of have throughout history. The men who their families? It is the Service endured the dangers of the Great War Charities that are providing and paying pledged their service to a grateful for the accommodation for families so nation. The Prisoners of War in the that they can be near their loved ones Second World War also vowed to who are being treated in hospital miles fight to protect the country and its away from their homes. interests. Veterans of recent conflicts This year’s Annual Poppy Appeal such as Bosnia, Iraq and now takes place from Saturday 27th Afghanistan have made similar October to 11th November inclusive. pledges. As usual, the willing volunteers in this What of today’s men and women who village will be coming around during serve on the dangerous frontlines of this time for the house to house Afghanistan? What can they expect collection. We ask that you remember when they return home? Will they those who suffer as a result of military have to wait until they are old to service and also the families of those receive the support they are due? who have given their lives in the Many of these young men and women service of this country and who need have already left the Armed Services, our support. medically discharged because of the Sandie Pepperell horrific and terrible injuries they have RBL Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator suffered. Often they find it difficult, if 388021

Annual Remembrance Services This year Armistice Day falls on Sunday 11th November. The official Remembrance Day service will be held on this Sunday. There will be a short service at the Village War Memorial at 10.50am followed by a United Service in the Parish Church. A collection on behalf of the Royal British Legion will be taken during the service at the War Memorial. All are welcome to come along.

11 Parish Council AGM 1 October 2012 Public session: Borough Councillor/Forest Extra:Cllr Ward intends to oppose the Forest Extra application at the Southern Area Planning Committee. He updated Councillors on the Community Plan and asked for comments on the Tesco/Romsey application. Tree Warden:Mr D Geary will attend to the ailing memorial tree and councillors will liaise with Mr Rebbeck to tidy the biodiversity site. Council session: Bourne bulbs: will be planted in November. Recycling Banks: Quotes are being obtained for a hard surface in place of the grass. Planning Committee: Minutes are on the Sombornes website. Mobile Library: The change in library times has benefitted King’s Somborne. Forest Extra: Cllr Harwood will speak on behalf of Up Somborne residents at the Southern Area Planning Committee meeting. Cricket Club: £250 has been awarded towards new practice nets by Hampshire Playing Fields Association. Highways: A cracked manhole cover on Furzedown Road needs replacement and Cllr Fahy will follow up other highway matters with Cllr Gibson. MUGA: Young people have indicated a preference for open access. Cllr Fahy will provide a draft management report for the next meeting. Power cuts: The Parish Council will meet electricity suppliers. Up Somborne Playing Field: Estimates will be obtained for a new gate at the playing field entrance. Draft Core Strategy: Further consultation will be undertaken in late Autumn. Newsletter: Favourable comments have been received from parishioners. School: Cllr Curtis is making arrangements to meet the new Headmistress. Biodiversity: Quotes are being obtained for information boards. RFO’s report and Budget monitoring/Financial Accounts: See full minutes. Clerk’s Report: Quotes are being obtained for annual safety inspections of all play equipment. The noticeboard frame by the King’s Somborne toddler’s play area will be replaced. Formal registration of the Up Somborne play area as a QE11 Jubilee Field is underway.

Next Parish Council: 7.00 pm on Monday 5th November 2012, Epworth Hall

Full Minutes are available at the Post Office, Martin’s Stores & www.thesombornes.org.uk Subscribe to King’s Somborne Parish Council Newsletter! Send your email address to the Parish Clerk at [email protected] 12 School News

Minstead Residential visit Outstanding Otter class all returned safely after having a wonderful week at Minstead Study Centre in the New Forest. The week started on Monday with a long walk into the New Forest. The children had the chance to listen to musical trees, become caterpillars on the forest floor and were given their animal name badges for the week. All the children really got into the sprit of the centre, which tries to develop an awareness of our planet and Greenhouse build how to do as much as we can to look After many weeks of collecting plastic after it. bottles, King’s Somborne CE Primary School have officially got an eco- The dorms were eco-friendly and the children had to monitor their water, gas friendly greenhouse. and electricity consumption each day. On Saturday 29th September, parents Activities during the week included and friends of the school all helped with our big build. Not only were four recycled art, making clay sculptures walls raised but also our Eco garden from clay dug from the grounds and received a good weeding, shrubs and pizza making which included collecting home grown toppings and borders were tidied and some new cooking the pizzas in a clay oven. raised beds were created. The roof and door of the greenhouse We also loved exploring a bog habitat, will be completed at a later date but we pond dipping and making compost. Even though the weather was very kind can’t wait to use the greenhouse after to us all week, wellies were well and the winter to start growing some new truly used, as I don’t think a puddle or and exciting crops! ford escaped a good splashing and the A huge thank you to all who helped on muddier the better! the day and to everyone who helped By Friday afternoon, after a busy collect and sort over 1,500 plastic week, there were a few tired faces but bottles! all left with a smile! A great week was David Roebuck had by all. Deputy head

13 Neighbourhood Watch

The Somborne Neighbourhood Watch you when area still enjoys the lowest domestic you get crime rate in our Policing area if not home in the entire Test Valley. Indeed for the the dark last two months, we had just 3 burglary evenings offences – all non dwelling - and 2 too. They are available from less cases of criminal damage reports. than £10! The incidence of non-dwelling Other Things to bear in mind: burglaries has increased slightly so it is Diesel and Heating Oil. This still a timely reminder to make sure that not remains one of the most common only are your outbuildings secure, but crimes – and particularly now as oil that you also keep the contents out of prices rise and deliveries are more view of prying eyes – just keep the frequent as central heating systems go doors shut whenever possible. on. Be especially vigilant after a At the end of the month the clocks delivery and consider a remote go back and the potential for crime monitoring and or alarming your tank increases. Below are some useful tips (as well as locking it). to improve the security of your home: Phishing email. Always as issue for Don’t leave curtains shut whilst anyone with email and those who your home is unoccupied and invest on line, as inbound emails look especially during daylight hours to be genuine. However if you hover your mouse over the link (URL) or Do leave a light on in the evenings right hand click the mouse when over and early mornings ( Top Tip: lights connected to a timer and the URL, it will tell you were the link in different rooms are will connect you to – if you don’t recognise it, don’t use it. Also, bear in particularly effective) mind that banks and building societies Consider leaving a radio on will never email you to advise that Think about arranging for large your account on hold or to renew items of post or other deliveries security measures, and reminders for that will not go through your new passwords will typically only letter box to be delivered to occur if you’ve requested them! neighbours As always if you see or hear any Check that automated lights outside suspicious activity,…... your property work properly. If Please alert the police immediately. you do not have any, investing in a simple flood light with a Useful numbers to call are on p 26 motion detector is not only a brilliant deterrent, but will help Andrew Brock 388227 14 Harvest Supper

As always the Harvest Supper held in process thanks the Village Hall proved a thoroughly to the large enjoyable evening. A delicious meal n u m b e r o f of paté and french bread, shepherd’s donated prizes – pie and mixed vegetables, apple pie, for which many crumble or fruit salad and finally thanks. coffee and mints, was served. Thanks and congratulations must go Sandie Pepperell’s team and the hosts to organiser Sandie Pepperell and her and hostesses did a wonderful job team of helpers without whose efforts preparing the meal and looking after and hard work the evening would not their guests. Grace was said by the have been such a great success. Rev. Jonathan Watkins, attending his Jo Finch first harvest supper as our vicar. A poetry themed entertainment organised and compéred by Terry Mackintosh rounded off the evening. Terry (with a little help from Jo Finch) had chosen a wonderfully varied selection of poetry – some humorous, some ‘laugh out loud’ funny, some topical and some reflective —which provided amusement, enjoyment and pleasure to all present. Guests enjoy the entertainment The entertainment was followed by the raffle – a somewhat lengthy

Creative Stitch Playday Much pleasure was had by those who attended the playday. New stitches, ably taught by Margaret Burgess, were put to use in decorating felt needlecases. Our next Playday is on November 28th at the Epworth Hall, when you can make your own Christmas Cards. See advert on p27 for more details!

15

King’s somborne Parish Church

SUNDAY 18TH NOVEMBER STARTS 2PM KING’S SOMBORNE VILLAGE HALL *RAFFLE INCLUDING HAMPER *TOMBOLA *GIFTS *CHRISTMAS CARDS *WRAPPING PAPER *HATS AND HANDBAGS *BOOKS *CAKES *CHRISTMAS PRODUCE *CHRISTMAS NOVELTIES *CHILDREN’S GAMES *AND LOTS MORE!

16 Parish Church Christmas Fayre The Village Hall will be packed with Meanwhile the Tiny Tots are busy many stalls decked out in festive creating gifts, and FunDay Club will mood. sell their home made sweets! In addition to the village cards, there will The ever popular cake stall will be be the 2013 village calendar on sale, stocked with delicious together with jewellery, paintings and delights; Belinda Read, with help from friends, lots more! is busy making Cups of tea and cakes will be served Christmas gifts and all afternoon. So please do come decorations for her stall along, note it is on a Sunday, and bring and Pat Langalaan is your family and friends to start your stocking up on chutneys Christmas shopping. and preserves. There will be a book stall for all ages and the If you wish to donate items, please School will have their usual toy stall. contact the relevant stall holders. The tombola is being organised by the Somborne Needleworkers and don’t We look forward to seeing you! miss the Raffle! Tombola Sally Wilson 388675 Raffle John Vanderpump 388647 Gift Stall Belinda Read 388181 Christmas Produce Pat Langalaan 388515 Cakes Linda Aucock 388542 Books Phil Carr 388656 Home Made Sweets Sue Holligan 388484

The Somborne Players 2013 Pantomime Auditions Auditions for junior parts in the Pantomime will be held in the Epworth Hall on Thursday 1 November 2012 at 7.00pm. Members and non-members welcome. If you are interested in performing or helping in the panto in any other way then we would love to see you. If you are unable to come to the Auditions then please contact us to register your interest. The performance dates are 21, 22 and 23 February 2013. Contact: [email protected] or 01794 388120 17 What’s on Your guide to events in and around the district Fireworks Displays Africa and pays for much-needed skills 2 November: Ageas Bowl, West End; training to enable people to escape funfair starts at 5.30pm, with fireworks poverty and find work. In the UK, this at 8.00pm. is supported by an active programme, entirely reliant on volunteers, that 3 November: North Walls Recreation includes refurbishing, repairing and Ground; torchlit procession at 6.00pm preparing items for shipping from their from Winchester Guildhall, with main workshops in Netley Marsh. fireworks at 7.45pm. These are not normally available for 3 November: Mayflower Park, sale here but, due to the cancellation of Southampton, 7.30pm. Fair at 3.00pm. this year’s Netley Marsh Steam Rally, the workshop has an excess of tools 5 November: , 7.00pm. that are not suitable to send to Africa Pushing Down the Barriers and so a one-off, bargain price event This youth engagement project run by will be held on 3 and 4 November Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust is from 10.00am. Coffee and cake also designed to provide local young people available. Visit www.tfsr.org or call aged 13-25 with opportunities to learn 023 8086 9697 for further details. about, be inspired by and contribute to Life on the Line the management of their local 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the countryside. The project works Beeching Report that led to the primarily with people not in education, dramatic restructuring of the railway employment or training, or from network across the UK. To remember disadvantaged backgrounds. In and celebrate our railway heritage, the addition to regular Saturday sessions Life on the Line project is an exciting of practical conservation work, a opportunity for communities to special event on 2 November will investigate and discover what part include hurdle making, flint knapping, railways played in the development of fire making, woodwork, pottery and their local area from the mid 19th blacksmithing, as well as media and century to today. On 26 November, conservation activities. Free entry but the Hampshire Record Office will donations welcome, 11.00am-4.00pm launch the project with a public at Royal Victoria Country Park. 01489 training session demonstrating the 774452 or email [email protected]. resources available to support the Tools for Self-Reliance project and how members of the public Each year, this locally based, national can publish their finished work on the charity ships tens of thousands of high Life on the Line railway database. To quality refurbished tools and sewing book, email [email protected]. machines to its partners throughout Bethan Bennett-Lloyd

18 Theatres Theatre Royal, Winchester Nuffield, Southampton (01962 840440 or (02380 671771 or www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk) www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk) 26 November - 1 December 20-24 November ‘Radio Times’ ‘Beautiful Burnout’ 12 December - 6 January 26-28 November ‘Aladdin’ ‘Buttercup’ ______6 December - 13 January The Mayflower, Southampton ‘Treasure Island’ (02380 711811 04 or 17-29 December www.the-mayflower.com) ‘Davy Jones’ Locker’ 22-25 November ______‘The Nutcracker’, ENB The Lights, Andover 28 November - 8 December (01264 368368 or ‘Starlight Express’ www.thelights.org.uk) 22 December - 19 January 31 October - 3 November ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ ‘Jekyll & Hyde’, musical ______5 November Plaza Theatre, Romsey An Evening with Chris Packham (01794 512987 or 9 November www.plazatheatre.com) The Christians 13-17 November 10 November ‘An Ideal Husband’ Jenny Eclair 3-8 December 14 November ‘The Flint Street Nativity’ Karen Darke - ‘From the Himalayas to ______the Paralympics 2012’ Salisbury Playhouse 16 November (01722 320333 or ‘Misery’, theatre www.salisburyplayhouse.com) 23 November 5 December - 5 January Clare Teal, ‘The Feeling Good Tour’ ‘Sleeping Beauty’ 24 November 11-22 December Martyn Joseph, guitar ‘Frozen Forest’ ______Forest Forge Chesil Theatre, Winchester (01425 470188 or (01962 840440 or www.forestforge.co.uk) www.chesiltheatre.org.uk) ‘Midnight Is A Place’ 1-8 December 7 Dec: Village Hall ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ 11 Dec: Andover Lights 22 Dec: 19 Jan: Littleton Village Hall

19 Village Diary for November 2012

1st Needle workers 2.00pm 18th Christmas Fayre 2.00pm Pantomime Junior 7.00pm 19th Bell ringing 7.30pm Auditions 20th Tiny Tots 2.00pm 5th Bell ringing 7.30pm Drop in Club 10.30am Badminton 7.30pm Somborne Singers 7.30pm Parish Council 7.00pm 21st Baby & Toddler 10.00am 6th Drop in Club 10.30am Dial-a-Ride 2.00pm Somborne Singers 7.30pm 22nd Needle workers 2.00pm 7th Baby & Toddler 10.00am 24th Methodist Coffee 10.30am Morning Dial-a-Ride 2.00pm Somborne Sessions 7.30pm 8th Needle workers 2.00pm 25th Footpath Walk 2.00pm 10th Table Top Sale WMC 2.00pm 26th Bell ringing 7.30pm 11th Act of Remembrance 10.50 Tiny Tots 2.00pm 12th Bell ringing 7.30pm 27th Village Agent Talk: 10.30am Badminton 7.30pm Making a Will and Power of Attorney Tiny Tots 2.00pm 13th Somborne Singers 7.30pm Over 50’s Lunch 12.30pm Christmas Card 11.00am and Games 28th Playday Baby & Toddler 10.00am 14th Dial-a-Ride 2.00pm Dial-a-Ride 2.00pm Somborne Society 8.00pm 15th Needle workers 2.00pm 29th Needle workers 2.00pm VHMC meeting 7.30pm 30th Friend’s Concert 7.30pm Footpath walk 5.5 miles 2 .25 hours Sunday 25 November 2012 2:00pm King’s Somborne Village Hall We head south along the path to Eldon Rd and east to Furzedown Rd before taking Garlick Lane to Hoplands. On joining the Clarendon Way we turn north past the old gallops and take the footpath past Ashley New Buildings and down to Ashley crossroads. Thence along Chalk Vale for 250m, turn left up the footpath to the Beef Unit and left again to return to the village.

20 District diary for November

1 November 10 November Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company, GPS and digital mapping training day The Anvil, Basingstoke at 7.45pm. at Sway Village Hall. 07873 575997. 01256 844244 10 November 2 November Romsey Choral Society sing Brahms’ Rag rug workshop: make a cushion or Requiem, 7.30pm in Romsey Abbey. rug in a day. The Dart Centre, 10 November Wildern School. 01489 779471. ‘Home chicken keeping’: everything 2-3 November you needed to know in a day. Out of Saxon Living History Days at City Town Centre, Beaulieu. 01590 Museum; free entry from 10.00am. 612401. 3 November 11 and 25 November Introduction to Wine Tasting; includes Winchester Farmers’ Market. champagne lunch. No 5 Bridge St Bar, 13 November Winchester. 07969 113382. ‘Going for Gold’: spot 50 birds on a 3 November short walk around Blashford Lakes. Fungi Focus: field day on Beaulieu Booking essential, 01425 472760. Estate with a local expert. 01590 15 November 612401. Britten’s War Requiem: Winchester 3 November Music Club and soloists, including Charity Christmas Craft & Gift Fair, Claire Rutter, perform in aid of Crawley Village Hall. Free entry from Combat Stress at 7.30pm in 10.00am. Winchester Cathedral. 01962 857275. 4 November 16-18 November Romsey Farmers’ Market. ‘Desire’, contemporary designer 4 November makers sell their silver and jewellery at Afternoon autumn woodland walk Winchester Guildhall. around the Estate, led by 17 November - 31 December head of the countryside team. Booking Southampton Christmas Market essential, 01794 340757. returns to Bargate for its 9th year. 8 November 18 November ‘After Dark’, INTECH’s adults only Andover Farmers’ Market. evening of film, shows and stargazing. 25 November 6.00pm, café and bar. 01962 891915. Make a Christmas Pudding on Stir Up 10 November Sunday with the help of Hinton Remembrance Day salutes, parades Ampner’s catering team. 1.30pm. and services at The Royal Marines Booking essential. 01962 771305. Museum, Southsea, Fort Nelson and 28 November Portsmouth Guildhall. Free drop-in ‘The Life and Work of Michael activities for all ages at The National Faraday’: illustrated talk by Professor Museum of The Royal Navy, Frank James of the Royal Institution. Portsmouth. INTECH, 6.30pm. 01962 891915. 21 The Somborne and District Society Following the excellent October talk Crook in . Make a note of on The Vikings, we will welcome Dr Thursday 6 December in your diaries Frances Hurd on 28 November for a and make sure you have booked lecture on “The Birth of the English yourselves in! Parish Church: Roman to Norman In 2013 we have a full programme of Times.” activities in store with talks on The Dr Hurd has been well-known locally Hampshire Avon, The Winchester for many years as the representative of Bible and Stonehenge as well as many the Churches Conservation Trust and other topics. If you are not already no doubt will make reference to many members of The Somborne Society, do of our older churches in Hampshire. join us and share our ongoing mission All members and guests will be most to celebrate all that is best about our welcome. local heritage. Our December highlight will be the Mike Reynolds Chairman Society`s Christmas Dinner which this 388107 year will be held at The Dog and

Somborne with Ashley 2013 calendar

Our village calendar for 2013 can be purchased for £5.00. Please contact Sandie Pepperell on 01794 388021. All proceeds go to the Parish Church. 22 Choose Your Local PCC! On 15 November 2012, for the first If you are on the time, we will be able to vote for our electoral register, a local Police and Crime Commissioner. poll card will be The role of the new PCC will be to sent to you for oversee the police in our area with an voting in person at the local polling aim to achieve effective policing, liaise station. If you are unable to do this, with the community to ensure that you can vote by post or by proxy. To local concerns are addressed, decide find out about these two options, go to how the budget will be spent and www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and choose appoint senior personnel. Candidate “How do I vote?’ or phone 020 7271 information will be available online 0500. f r o m 2 6 O c t o b e r a t www.choosemypcc.org.uk. Dawn Harrison Somborne Sessions: Huw& Maart .Songwriter Huw Williams and multi- Now the instrumentalist Maartin Allcock are the two have next great act to appear at the c o m e Somborne Sessions; brilliant live to get her music at value for money prices in the for a short Village Hall. tour of Huw has written an amazing number the UK. of well-loved songs, such as This will be an evening of foot tapping tunes ‘Rosemary’s Sister’, ‘Travelling by and beautiful songs, laced with Steam’ and ‘Struck it Right this Time’. anecdotes that will both captivate you As well as being sung by Huw himself at sessions and clubs up and down the and make you laugh. country, major artists including Huw and Maart appear at the Village and Ralph McTell Hall on Saturday 24 November 2012. have covered his songs. He is also the As usual, it’s 7.30 for an 8pm start. brain behind Welsh traditional band, Tickets are £10 per person per gig if Calan, who are currently making a big bought in advance either via Pay Pal impression on the folk scene. on the web site (www.sombornesessions.co.uk) or Maart is well known for being a from Doug Stammers on 389192 (£12 Fairport Convention member for 11 on the door if seats are still available). years. He has also played with Jethro Tull and worked as a sessions This is the last Sessions event before musician on albums from the likes of Christmas, but watch out for news of the brilliant acts lined up for you in the and Beverley Craven. New Year. 23 Power cuts On Sunday, 23rd September, the electrical equipment. Whether this is village suffered a power cut. The true or not has yet to be determined. trouble lasted from about 8.00am until This power cut is the latest in rather a just before noon. I wonder how many lot that we have suffered in recent Sunday lunches were spoiled, delayed years. (Perhaps that is one of the or cancelled. hazards of living in the country.) This cut was particularly frustrating Villager Phil Carr has requested because we had a planned day without information about S&SE’s record in power only a couple of months ago. providing us with a reliable supply. This was to enable Scottish and He has also raised a formal complaint Southern Energy (S&SE) to check that against S&SE. our local supply system was in good The Parish Council discussed the shape for the winter. They examined matter at their October meeting. They our substations and cut back branches have set up a group, led by Councillor and trees that threatened the overhead Andrew Brock, to coordinate the lines. village’s interactions with S&SE, with The latest power cut was caused by a Ofgem and with Consumer Focus, all broken insulator on one of the 11kV of whom are involved. lines. The nature of the failure meant If you have any views on this problem, that power came and went for about an please let Andrew have them (contact hour before finally failing completely. details on page 4). The Gauntlet will S&SE say that they could not detect report progress as soon as there is the earlier fluttering, just the complete some. failure. Some villagers have expressed concern that the coming-and-going of Harvey Saunders the power might have damaged their Over 50’s Minibus Trip To Stockbridge Thursday 15th November 10.00am – 12.00 noon £2.50 Book your place with Sue 388 884 or Lin 389 373

24 Services for the Over 50s

New this month! We have organised a regular intervals that minibus trip to Stockbridge to the your will continues to Farmers Market on Thursday 15th reflect your wishes. November, leaving the village at 10am Peter Storey will and returning at noon. This will give guide us through the you a chance to buy fresh produce and processes needed, and also how to set home-made pies and cakes, have a up a power of attorney . coffee, or visit other shops in Finally, a suggestion from a villager Stockbridge. Only 16 places on the who is very concerned about the rising bus, so phone to book your place if you cost of her electricity bill for night don’t want to miss out. storage heating. The advisor at the Of the eleven electric blankets which supply company suggested buying a went to be checked this year only 4 halogen heater or two instead of using passed, so it was worth checking! the night storage. Apparently they are Details below of the lunch and this very effective and cheap to run. month’s talk—we tend to put off As ever, phone us for details about making or altering a will, but an any services for the over 50s!!! intestate death is a huge problem for Sue J 388 884 Lin C 389 373 families, and it is worth checking at

Over 50’s Lunch and Games Epworth Hall Tuesday November 13th 12.30pm £5

Cottage Pie* Green Beans & Peas* Fruit Salad & Ice Cream* Coffee

Book Your Place with Sue 388 884 or Lin 389 373

Making a Will Power of Attorney

Epworth Hall Tuesday 27th October

10.30am All over 50s Welcome

Followed by coffee and cake

Book Your Place with Sue 388 884 or Lin 389 373

25

The Butterfly class, years 1 and 2, sang ‘Fruits on a window ledge’. They had also produced delightful harvest pictures and were wearing Recently King’s Somborne Primary their harvest hats. The hymn ‘Harvest School gathered in the village church Days’ was sung by all present in with parents and friends of the school which thanks were given for a variety to celebrate their harvest service. The of things in our lives, including jet service opened with music played by planes, the smell of bacon and comfy the school band, which included some worn out shoes. Was it coincidence new members playing in public for that the line sung with most gusto was the first time. As always the children the one giving thanks for ‘a win for looked so smart in immaculate white my home team’ ?! shirts and red bow ties as they were conducted by Headteacher Mrs Way. The Fantastic Fox class, years 3 and Rev. Jonathan Watkins welcomed all 4, had produced lovely colourful to the service before handing over to pictures with accompanying poems. the school. The story of bread was told by the Outstanding Otters, years 5 and 6. The Hedgehog class, Reception and This included mime, drawings Year 1, then sang ‘Harvest Time’ produced by the children, the wearing which they had written themselves. of very effective masks and prayers of The song was accompanied by actions thanks for the gift of bread. Years 5 and the wearing of harvest hats which and 6 also did the readings. they had made. Some of these children have only been in school The Rev. Watkins closed the service since the beginning of term and the by thanking the children for all the extent to which they have already work they had produced and a prayer become fully integrated members of of thanks for all the gifts given by the school community was very God. evident. Jo Finch Police Information

26 Village Hall News One of our successes is that the hall is Hampshire County Council are going now pretty busy most days but I have to give us a grant towards the three requests this month: renovation of the entrance hall; we  I would ask hirers to leave the have not yet heard from TVBC hall in a clean and tidy whether they are supporting us. If they condition. are we should be able to start the work  Please rinse soiled items before sometime in the next couple of months putting them in the dishwasher. - the exact timing will depend on the  Follow the printed instructions builder being able to gain access when to empty the machine otherwise the hall is not in use. We may have to it stays full of dirty water which wait until a quiet period such as the can get very smelly! Christmas holidays. Our planning continues for the next Terry Mackintosh phases of improving the facilities Hon Chairman VHMC which we provide. 27 Shoeboxes - the power of a simple gift Can you help us again this year??

Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project, bringing joy into the lives of underprivileged children since 1990. Last year, around 1.1 million shoeboxes were sent from the UK to children who need them most in some of the toughest parts of the world. Here in King’s Somborne, this year’s Shoebox Appeal is already underway and we hope that many people in the village will once again join the churches, school and children’s groups in making up boxes. Packing a shoe box is simple. All the instructions are in the leaflet which is available in the village shops, churches and school, or from Pam Gravenor. If you would like to be a part of this appeal, please read the list of suggested items carefully. As soon as your box is ready, just bring it to School or Church, or contact Pam on 01794 388531. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough items to fill a whole box – just bring us what you have and we will make up the complete boxes. Warm woolly hats, scarves and gloves are particularly welcome, if there are any speedy knitters out there! Each box ideally needs an accompanying donation of £2.50 to go towards promotion, transport, processing and distribution. If you are a tax-payer, please complete the gift aid declaration on the leaflet so that the charity can reclaim tax on your donation. And this year for the first time, if you donate online you will receive an email, once your box is processed, telling you to which country it was sent. Your shoe box will be hand delivered to a child in need, asking nothing from them in return. All boxes are given to the neediest children regardless of nationality, political background or religious beliefs. Please hand in your box by Friday 9 November if possible. You can read more about Samaritan’s purse, (and find knitting patterns for toys and woolly hats), on their website: http:// www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/pages/home Many thanks for your support, Pam Gravenor

28

Romsey Deanery Shoebox Service for OPERATION

CHRISTMAS CHILD

Bring your friends, families and your gift-filled shoeboxes to our annual Deanery service.

Followed by refreshments and a chance to help load the van.

Sunday 18th November, 3.00pm All Saints Church, Braishfield

For more information please contact: Mary Savage 01794 367908 Julia Barnett 01794 340793

Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child Charity Number 1001349

29 From the Bishop of Southampton Romsey Deanery Emmaus week I am looking forward to joining my brothers and sisters in the Deanery of Romsey for an ‘Emmaus Week’ (18th -23rd November 2012). I am most grateful to Ron Corne (Rural Dean) and Sarah Boothman (Deanery Lay Chair) and to so many others who have agreed to host meetings or arranged visits to schools or organisations in the Deanery. In Luke’s Gospel, the Risen Lord draws alongside two friends on the road to Emmaus. The friends had shared much together, some of it distressing, difficult and challenging. But through a journey and hospitality offered, new joy is discovered in the presence and recognition of Jesus. I find this passage an immense encouragement because it is so down to earth: Jesus meets us where we are and not where we might be and meets us in the ordinary things of life. Our questions are his concern. By calling my visit an ‘Emmaus Week’, I hope to indicate my conviction that Christian faith is a journey, down to earth and better together. The treasures of Jesus, passionate personal spirituality and the Kingdom of God are almost always discovered in the company of others. A planning group have worked hard on a programme of activities and fellowship which will give me, as your brother and Bishop, an opportunity to grow in the knowledge of the different communities and contexts of the Deanery. I pray that some of those we meet in our communities will think about Christian faith for the first time, that many others will rediscover fresh joy, confidence and encouragement – perhaps even a new challenge or vocation – in their living faith. I pray, too, that connections will be made between the life of the Church and the life of the communities for the sake of the Kingdom. The Deanery of Romsey is held in my love, prayers and rejoicing: I look forward to sharing an ‘Emmaus Week’ with you later on in the autumn and to all the Lord will do and show us as we share together. Do pray for me, and for Abbot Giles, who will be my prayerful friend along the way during the week. God bless, +Jonathan Southampton

Do you know anyone who is new to the village, is lonely or housebound and who might need some support? If so, please ring Fi Chilton on 01794 388160 and we can arrange for one of our visitors to drop in and see them.

30 The 2013 All Saints Winter Lecture Series The Arts in War “Lev Kerbel - Sculptor of Lenin” by Phil Wilkinson Monday 14th January 2013 Phil Wilkinson, a well known resident of Upper Clatford, worked in Moscow as the UK Defence and Air Attaché at the height of perestroika. “Sassoon’s War Poems” by Dennis Silk CBE Monday 28th January 2013 Dennis Silk and Sassoon became and stayed great personal friends, united by a love of literature and a mutual devotion to cricket. Dennis made a unique series of recordings of the poet at his home in Wiltshire. He taught at Marlborough College and in 1968 became Warden (headmaster) of Radley College. Tickets are £10 per person per lecture. To secure a seat, please contact. Nicki Crosthwaite Eyre, The Old Malthouse, Upper Clatford, Andover, SP11 7QLTel: 01264 35 25 30 e-mail: [email protected]

Last Posting Dates for Christmas International Surface Mail: Tues 6th Nov: Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece, Iceland, Malta, turkey Tues 20th Nov: Western Europe International Air Mail: Wed 5th Dec: Asia, Far East (including Japan) Australia and NZ Fri 7th Dec: Africa, Caribbean, Middle East, South & C’tral America Mon 10th Dec: Eastern Europe, USA and Canada Wed 12th Dec: Western Europe UK—Inland Standard Tarriff Mail and Mail Order Return Parcels Thu 13th Dec: Standard and Mail Order Return Parcels Tues 18th Dec: Second Class and Recorded Signed For Thu 20th Dec: First Class and Recorded Signed for Special Delivery Fri 21st Dec: Special Delivery with Saturday Guaranteed Sat 22nd Dec: Special Delivery For a full list of all recommended last posting dates visit www.royalmail.com/christmas posting

31 News from the Methodists Epworth Hall Here is a reminder of some of the things on offer in the Epworth Hall. Drop-in coffee morning – Come and have an informal chat and coffee and is on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month between 10.30 and 12 noon. Over 50’s lunch club -On the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 12.30pm. This has proved very popular and as Just to keep you informed of what’s there are limited places it’s good to happening in the Methodist Church. book early. See further details on p 25 The Winchester Circuit, of which we are part, has recently joined with the Laughs and crafts – If you like to Eastleigh Circuit and become the knit, sew, crochet etc., come along on Winchester and Eastleigh Circuit. Not the 4th Wednesday of each month and very original I know but compared to join us from 7pm – 8.30pm. Maybe some suggestions we’re happy with it. you’ve always wanted to learn, then For us this means we have been able to help is at hand! welcome new faces to our pulpit on a Messy Church –A fun event for all Sunday morning and so far we have the family held on the 3rd Sunday of had some very good preachers. the month between 4pm – 5.30pm. There is always a warm welcome at Children must be accompanied by an the Methodist Church, so whether you adult. are new to the village or have lived Marion Downing 388121 here for years why not join us!

Coffee Morning & Sale Epworth Hall Winchester Road Saturday 24th November 10.30am– 12.00noon In Aid of Methodist Church Funds Books * Cakes * Gifts * Raffle

32 Women’s Institute The meeting on 10 October was well attended, with our President, Thelma Blamey, in the chair. Reports were made on the past month's activities, including walks, Book Club and attendance at Group meetings. A property in 1923, improved the garden dozen members were present at the and in 1945 the house and land were inaugural meeting of the newly-formed acquired by John Stephen Lewis. Somborne Sisterhood W.I. It was Excavations began in 1946/7 and agreed that a donation should be sent gradually the whole estate developed to Denman College in memory of into the intricate pattern of a water Margaret Babb, a long-time member garden with small islands connected by who died recently and will be much bridges and a large arboretum whose missed. Arrangements were made to tall trees were reflected in the water. take part in the Test Valley Group Mr. Stuart showed photographs of the Skittles Evening and members were wonderful variety and colours of the reminded of a Coffee Morning to be many species of plants, including held in the Jubilee Room of the Village 's famed primulas and, of Hall on 20 October to raise funds for course, water lilies and ferns. He the Hall, and also of the showed us spectacular autumn scenes Needleworkers' Coffee Morning on the with blazing colours, and the contrast 27th (bring a bottle for the Christmas of winter snow on the Summerhouse Fair Tombola!). Members were and grounds. The violent storms of requested to bake a cake for the Fair, 1990 inevitably caused damage and which is to be held on 18 November. disruption, followed by a programme A talk was given on "The History and of gradual repair and replanting. The Development of Longstock Water Water Gardens are open in aid of Gardens" by Mr. D. Stuart, Curator of charity on the first and third Sunday of the Gardens for 14 years from 1989 each month from April to September, and now an independent horticultural from 2 to 5 p.m. consultant. The famous Water Gardens Sarah Pennington thanked Mr. Stuart (which cover 4,000 acres) belong to for his interesting and informative talk. the John Lewis Partnership and come under the Waitrose-owned The next meeting will take place at the Estate. Using visual aids, Mr. Stuart Epworth Hall at 7.30 p.m. on ran briefly through the history of the Wednesday, 14 November, when Mr. land from prehistoric times up to 1870, A. Brown will talk on "SSAFA - What when Joshua East built Longstock can a 19th-century charity do in the House on a hill and installed a water 21st Century?" All are welcome. pump driven by a large water-wheel. Reginald Beddington, who bought the Mary Gibbs 33 Christians Together Autumn Talk

Following a popular series of talks on, as they said they had travelled too during Lent this year, we decided to quickly and their souls needed time to invite the Rev Canon Steve Pittis to catch up! speak on the subject ‘Where is God Steve encouraged us to take time out to when we need Him?’ be quiet and listen for God, and thank Steve began by saying that we should God for the beauty of His creation – try not to use God as an insurance the colourful leaves of autumn, the policy – just there when we felt we buzzards flying overhead. needed Him. There can be times in After the talk there was time for our lives when God seems to be far questions, which was really helpful as from us: this might be because of people spoke in a personal way of their bereavement, health problems or just journey of faith. that we are too busy. Steve spoke about the times in his life when he had We then enjoyed lunch together and felt in the wilderness, but reminded us appreciated the comfort and facilities that God is always present. of the new Jubilee Room. The time over lunch enabled us to continue any How can we cultivate the presence of discussions and generally to enjoy God? Steve suggested that even in the being together. dark times we need to look out for God –if we can’t see the Shepherd, Christians Together will be holding a stay with the sheep as they will lead us further series of talks during Lent next back to the Shepherd. He told a story year so look out for details in the of a friend who had undertaken a trek Gauntlet and do come and join us. in Africa. After a few days the bearers Barbara & Margaret Heffer carrying the luggage refused to move Friends of Ashley Thank you to everybody who was conducted by involved in decorating the church and Jonathan but arranging the Harvest Festival service. because of his o t h e r Unfortunately we were not able to be commitments it will be at 11.45 a.m. present this year which was which is later than usual. We will have particularly unfortunate since it was Jonathan Watkin’s first service at to think about refreshments because Ashley, but I understand the service we do not want to spoil people’s lunch, perhaps we should have them before was well attended and most enjoyable. the service starts? Our committee will Would you please note that the discuss this possibility. Christmas Day service will be Terry & Nola Mackintosh 34 Pop-up Jewellery Sample Sale Stockbridge Town Hall 5th, 13th, 19th and 26th November Prices from £5! Pearl bracelets from only £30 Beautiful jewellery at great prices The perfect chance to get your Christmas presents early! www.claudiabradby.co.uk

Messy Church is growing!!

All of us at Messy Church are delighted that so many of you have come along to the chapel and joined in the fun – so far after only 3 sessions a total of 43 children ranging in age from 1 – 14 years have taken part, bringing along a parent or grandparent and enjoying craft, Bible stories, songs, games and tea together. We hope that number will continue to grow as you spread the word and more families find out about us. Messy Church takes place at King’s Somborne Methodist Church on the 3rd Sunday of the month (term-time only). However, our next Messy Church day coincides with the Parish Church’s Christmas Fayre on Sunday, November 18th, which we are sure you will all want to support. So instead of our usual Messy Church at the chapel, Sam & Debbie will be at the Church Fayre to chat to people about Messy Church and of course there will be a few Messy (but not too Messy!) activities for you to try. So do look for them at the Christmas Fayre and go and say hello. We return to our usual home for December’s special Christmas Messy Church at the Epworth Hall on Sunday 16th December, (from 4.00 pm – 5.30pm) so put that date on the calendar now if you like the idea of some Festive Messiness! Look out too for a special big “Messy Christmas” event in December at Wesley Methodist Church, Weeke – details coming soon. Thank you all so much for your support and feedback so far – we are busy planning the next few sessions and looking forward to seeing you again soon and meeting new friends too. Please get in touch if you would like more information about any of our events. Pam Gravenor Messy Church co-ordinator Tel: 01794 388531; email: [email protected]

35 All Souls Day Friday 2nd November At 9.30am there will be a Said Holy Communion Service at St Peter’s Stockbridge. The names of loved ones who have died will be read out at the service. If you have someone you wish to be remembered please let Jonathan (01264 810810) or Maddie (01264 810284) have the name by Wednesday 31st October. At 7.30pm there will be a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in St Peter and St Paul, King's Somborne. Invitations have been sent to those in the local parishes who have lost loved ones during the last two years but everyone is welcome. If you would like someone remembered, no matter how long ago your loss, please give names to Sandie Pepperell (01794 388021) by 31st October. Names of the deceased will be read out during the service and there will be an opportunity to light a candle in remembrance. Light refreshments will be served after the service.

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

Date for your diary: Concert in King’s Somborne Church 30th November 2012 at 7.30pm In aid of the Friends of the Church

36 Martha Lay and Libby Boot ready to present the harvest boxes at the Harvest Festival Over the decorating harvest boxes for the last few Harvest Festival. w e e k s November will see us thinking about we have poppies and pumpkins and the season b e e n of Autumn before we start on the run ta l ki ng up to Christmas! a b o u t Harvest We are a small, friendly group of tots, – where mums and carers who meet on our food comes from, how it grows, Tuesday afternoons from 2pm in the and how best to share it. We’ve made Church – do join us! corn pictures, grown cress and shared a Samantha Boot, Kelda Lay delicious fruit salad, as well as and Jane Waters Service of Celebration A service of Celebration of a new United Ministry for the Test Valley Benefice took place in our Church on Thursday 11th October, attended by parishioners of the four parishes, Leckford, Longstock, Somborne with Ashley and Stockbridge together with many others. During the service the Bishop of Southampton presented the Rev Jonathan Watkins as Rector of the new Benefice. It was good to see so many come to support Jonathan in a lovely service of prayer and song. Jonathan was joined by the Rural Dean, the Lay Chairman of Synod and many clergy friends in the Deanery. Also present was our new Headmistress, Mrs Julie Way, the Chair of Governors John Cartwright, Rosie Baker our Methodist Minister, Sir Jonathan with the Bishop of Frederick Hervey-Bathurst representing All Southampton Saints and Terry Mackintosh representing St. Mary’s Ashley.

37 From the Parish Registers

07 Oct. Baptism Corey Tyler Hardy (b.12.10.2010)

12 Oct. Funeral Florence Margaret Babb

Home Group We meet at 8.00pm usually on the third Thursday of each month. We are a relatively small group of Christians from different traditions who meet for informal study, discussion and fellowship and we would very much welcome any newcomers who care to come along and join us. Contact Nigel Coleman on 01794 388 449 for more information.

Church Services in Leckford, Longstock and Stockbridge Friday November 2nd—All Souls Sunday 18th November—2 before 9.30am St Peter Stockbridge Advent Said Holy Communion 8.00am Old St Peter Stockbridge— Said Holy Communion Sunday November 4th—4th before 9.15am St Mary Longstock— Advent Service of the Word 8.00am St Nicholas Leckford— Said Holy Communion 10.45am St Peter Stockbridge—All 10.45am Stockbridge—Mattins Age Worship 6pm St Nicholas Leckford— Sunday 11th November— Evensong Remembrance 9.30am St Mary Longstock—All 25th November—Christ the King Age Worship followed by 9.15am St. Mary Longstock— Parish Communion Remembrance Service at War 10.45am St Peter Stockbridge— Memorial Parish Communion with Baptism 9.45am St Peter Stockbridge Remembrance Service followed by *Said Holy Communion each Procession to War Memorial for an Tuesday morning at Rosalind Hill Act of Remembrance House, Stockbridge

38 Parish Church Church servicesWednesdays in November 10.00 am Holy Communion (1662) * Friday,Parish Church2nd November —All Souls 7.30 pm All Souls Service—all are *Stay for coffee and biscuits after welcome services marked * St Thomas’ RC Church Sunday, 4th November—Fourth Methodist Church SundayStockbridge before Advent

10.009.00am am every Parish Sunday Communion (CW)* Sunday 4th November— StReaders: Joseph’s RC Church Romsey 10.30am Rev Michael Fielding StDavid Andrew’s Evans: DeuteronomyN. Baddesley 6.1 -9 Tuesdays:David Pye: Hebrews 9.11-14 Sunday 11th November— 10.00amSandie Pepperell:—St Andrew’s Mark 12.28-34 10.50am United Service at Village War Memorial followed by service in Parish Sunday,6.00pm— 11thSt Joseph’s November Church RemembranceThursdays: Sunday 8.006.00pm am— St Holy Joseph’s Communion (1662) Sunday 18th November— 10.50Fridays: am Short Service of 10.30am Mrs Valerie Wright Remembrance10.00am—St Andrew’s At the War Memorial followedSaturdays: by United Service in the Sunday 25th November— Parish6.00pm Service—St Joseph’s 10.30am Rev Andrew Bird Sundays: 9.15amSunday,— 18thSt Andrew’s November —Second 6pm ‘Alive’—Christ the King 11.00amSunday before—St Joseph’s Advent — 10.00 am Parish Communion (CW * With the Right Rev Dr Jonathan St Thomas’ RC Church Frost, Bishop of Southampton Stockbridge Readers: 9.00am every Sunday Alwena Rowe: Daniel 12.1-3

Christine Ball: Hebrews 10.11-14(15- 18) 19-25 St Joseph’s RC Church Romsey Sandie Pepperell: Mark 13.1-8 and St Andrew’s N. Baddesley Tuesdays: Sunday, 25th November—Christ the 10.00am—St Andrew’s King 6.00pm—St Joseph’s 8.00 am Holy Communion (1662) Thursdays: 10.00 am Matins 6.00pm—St Joseph’s Readers: Fridays: Christina Dumas: Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14 10.00am—St Andrew’s Guy Boney: John 18.33-37 Saturdays: 6.00pm—St Joseph’s 6.00 pm ALIVE Service— Sundays: Methodist Church ‘Christ the King’ 9.15am—St Andrew’s 11.00am—St Joseph’s

39 The Minister has the last word

Dear Friends, I was asked the other day if I could remember a talk I had heard. It had been a memorable talk and I thought I could remember, although it was harder than I had thought it was going to be! Certainly my memory is not as good as it once was, I was very lucky and had a photographic memory, especially for the written word. However, "the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht " and the translation into English from the Latin of "Caesar's Gallic Wars" are now not much use to me but I seem not to be able to delete them from my hard-drive!! November seems to be month for remembering, starting off with All Saints and All Souls when we remember the Saints and the faithful departed, passing through Bonfire night to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, which are on the same day this year. However, remembering forms a major part not just of Christianity, but of nearly all of the major religions. Our traditions and festivals contain rituals and ceremonies that date back not just to our childhoods but often go back generations. Although we find familiarity comforting and helpful in understanding who we are, we perhaps do not realise that services like our communion (Mass, Eucharist) are actually defined as "anamnesis". This is a special form of remembering, which by involving a re- enactment ritual, enables recalling a past which gives meaning to the present and yet prepares for the future. When we seek to modernise these traditions it is important that we understand this and do not lose anything vital. That being said there is always the possibility of developing new traditions to help us learn and remember both new and old truths. You will find a mix of old and new types of services here in The Gauntlet, I look forward to seeing some of you at some of them ! Yours in the service of Christ,

Printed and published by the Parish of Somborne with Ashley, Church of St Peter and St Paul, King’s Somborne, Hampshire. SO20 6PW 40

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