LONGSTOCK20 Octnov 200929.Spub

Page 1 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020

Southern Water 0330 303 0368 Rugman N. Photo: Green bags are collected on Tuesdays of the same week as brown bins. To subscribe please Police non-urgent calls 101 Chairman’s address contact TVBC on 368000. Neighbourcare Andover 336 020, 339 899 October / Sophie Walters, Chair to the Parish Council writes Foil is collected at Chilbolton’s West Down car Surgery 810 524 November 2020 park & at Andover Garden Centre. So, the schools and universities are back, people are being Helpline for Carers (Freephone) 0800 032 3456 Plastic pots are no longer recycled there. encouraged to go back to the office and restaurants and cafes Hants County Council information 0300 555 1375 Glass recycling. The PC is investigating suitable are all open. A good start to getting back to ‘normality’. With Test Valley Borough Council 368 000 sites for a bin in the village. restrictions on movement now being re-introduced across the Glass, clothing and foil recycling bins are Citizens’ Advice Bureau 0344 411 1306 country, who really knows what normality will be from here avalable at Chilbolton Down car park, and at To call anonymously with information on in? Andover Wyevale Garden Centre. about crime: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Longstock did its own version of 2020 normality and had a This Newsletter is There is a collecting box for clean TRANSPORT village picnic on the recreation ground on 5th September. All plastic milk bottle tops in the published by Longstock Stagecoach Stockbridge to Winchester Parish Council and delivered church lychgate, and a separate one abiding by the rules and keeping socially distanced, so much buses number 68 0345 121 0190 free to every household in for batteries. Please don’t put either fun was had, people re-connected, laughter and background Longstock. in plastic bags. Batteries can also be Cango buses to Romsey have been replaced with music resonated around the park. The weather was fabulous, shared taxis to your door .Register on disposed of in supermarkets & should Anyone else may subscribe and a great time was had by all who came. A lot of people not go in dustbins. 01962 846 786 at £8 a year by contacting worked extremely hard to make it the success it was. A huge The batteries (small, not car!) will be taken for Traveline for countrywide travel info longstockparishcouncil18 safe disposal; and clean plastic milk bottle tops 0871200 [email protected]. thanks to you all. with the HDPE symbol will be recycled to raise Dial-a-Ride (Joyrides Stockbridge). Minibus to The lovely September weather may be lulling us into a false funds for the Gift of Sight’s research into macular Andover. Register on 356 808 sense of security as I’m sure the cold is approaching fast. degeneration. NO OTHER TYPES This runs through Longstock on Wednesdays at Please don’t all hibernate during the winter, let’s try and chat OF TOPS PLEASE as these are the only 9.30, returning at noon, for £3.00 return. For ones accepted now, and PLEASE don’t put more information, ring John Musters 810 459 over fences, meet for a coffee at the Longstock Park Farm batteries in with bottle tops.The consequences or Dane Oliver 810 839. Shop and keep an eye on our elderly neighbours. Longstock is are DIRE! the envy of the surrounding villages for its friendliness, communication and inclusivity. Let’s keep it that way.

The deadline for newsletter submissions is Friday 13th November if you’d like to submit any news or comment, or offer to help! [email protected] Page 2 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 2

Parish Council Report - September 2020 Parish Council BT Telegraph Poles Ð Following a number of are pleased to confirm that although we have been a little quiet, we are still here, enthusiastically working by Mark Flewitt, Parish Clerk Meeting Dates complaints from residents about the 15 new telegraph poles on Hazel Down the PC has been in away on Longstock’s Neighbourhood Plan! Monday 12th Oct Ð at 7.00 pm contact with BT. We have made it clear that we do In our last update, we reluctantly advised that Covid-19 Ð In recent months this crisis has taken Monday 9th Nov- at 7.00 pm over all our lives, but we are now starting to see not in any way object to the provision of high-speed both of our face-to-face community engagement signs that things are beginning to return to a “new These meetings will be held as virtual broadband to the affected properties, but that in view events were cancelled due to coronavirus. Naively, meetings via Zoom. All residents are welcome of the previously unspoilt views, and the immediate we hoped to reschedule these events for later in the normal”. Local shops and businesses have started to to view and contribute re-open, albeit with some new rules to follow. The proximity to the Historic England Scheduled year but sadly, social distancing restrictions have Parish Council has given special thanks to the Monument Field System on Hazel Down, we feel meant that we’re still not in a position to meet with management and staff at Leckford Estate, where the risks for pedestrians, and particularly for the many that the cabling should be placed underground. BT you in person. Please be assured that we are Food Bank Farm Shop and Nursery have continued to operate have agreed to review this alternative, and we await exploring other innovative ideas to keep you young families who walk along the Bunny with The Parish Council realises through the lockdown. The home delivery service small children and pushchairs. The current speed their response. informed of our progress and practical ways to gain has been very valuable for local residents, and limit from the A3057 at the bridge over the Test Remembrance Sunday Ð The PC currently intends your valuable feedback. In the interim, please don’t that as well as people who particularly for the elderly and vulnerable among us. Way to the bench beside the stream at the Willows to hold the traditional service at the War Memorial forget that the minutes of all our Steering Group cannot go out to buy food there The PC has also expressed great gratitude for the is 60 mph. This is not appropriate for the width of on Sunday 8th November, but will keep this under meetings can be found on Longstock Parish may be people whose jobs have generosity of Leckford Estate and the John Lewis this road at many points across the valley, and it is review in the light of ongoing developments with Council’s webpages (under the Neighbourhood stopped without pay, and so we Planning tab) and that our Facebook page Partnership in providing accommodation for NHS felt that we should not wait until a serious incident Covid-19 guidelines. have some stored food which can be distributed to and other key workers during this time. has happened before taking action. The PC will Recent Expenditure ‘Longstock NHP’ is now live, so if you have internet access, then please do look us up and ‘like’ our page anyone needing it. Please get in touch with Sophie Parish Council (PC) Meetings Ð in the current investigate the process to get a reduced speed limit SSE - Street-lighting Electricity Supply £34.73 Walters (07740 443460). on the Bunny. to follow us. Covid-19 situation the PC has been able to run its Sarsen Press Ð newsletter printing £260.16 regular meetings on a virtual basis via Zoom. This Recreation Ground Ð The Rec is now open for Whilst the coronavirus continues to hamper some Longstock Park Farm Shop will continue until official recommendations are residents again, but everyone is asked to observe IG Ð grass-cutting and cemetery maintenance elements of our work, we identified that there are changed. All residents are very welcome to join and social distancing and the latest government £500.00 areas of the plan which can be completed remotely Food Delivery view the virtual PC meetings. Information will be guidelines. The planning permission to increase the Plan-ET Ð Neighbourhood Plan Consultancy or require desktop research. After a brainstorming Longstock Park Farm Shop has started provided on the village noticeboards. As usual there number of parking spaces has now been extended to 1,392.00 session, the Steering Group identified the following delivering free to local houses, with a minimum was no PC meeting in August. May 2021, but the PC is now minded to shelve this key work streams which in due course will be P. Coates Ð Annual PC Audit fee £45.00 incorporated into our plan; order of £20. Neighbours might like to combine an Election of Vice Chair Ð The PC has decided to project as long as the existing arrangements are order perhaps? Their website Recent Planning Applications Housing Need; Longstock Village Design elect a Vice Chair to provide cover for future found to be satisfactory over the coming months. www.leckfordestate.co.uk lists the items available, Ð Fulwood House Ð re-submission for external and Statement (VDS); Open Spaces; Footpaths; Verges meetings. At the September PC meeting Angie Streetlights Ð The final phase of the replacement of and Hedges; Traffic; Listed Dwellings, Buildings or you can phone 810270. Filippa was unanimously elected to take the position the streetlights throughout the village is now under internal alterations, additions to the existing building, and some new landscaping work Ð PC and Gardens; Historic Heritage Assets and Sites; of Vice Chair, and this appointment will be way. The PC has placed an order for a further 9 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs); Village Peat Spade formalised in the next few days. LED streetlights for Roman Road, Southside SUPPORT, with some comments about proposed roofing materials and Countryside Landscape features. (This list is not Peat Spade Inn has closed following the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) Ð The activities of the Cottages and Houghton Road. Delivery and exhaustive. As the plan develops we recognise that installation are expected within 12 weeks. Ð Tamlyn Ð demolition of existing bungalow and Government announcement. They are still open for NP Steering Group (SG) were suspended at the there may be other elements of work to consider). take aways and accommodation. Please call 01264 beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown. It had been construction of a 4-bedroom house Ð PC SUPPORT One of the most prominent work streams 810612 or check their website at hoped to re-schedule the community engagement Parish Councillors: Ð Old School House Ð tree works to yews and appeared to be Housing Need. In our March update, www.peatspadeinn.co.uk for more information. face-to face sessions for residents, but this will now sycamores Ð PC SUPPORT we mentioned that Housing Need was a key not be possible following the latest government Chairman: Sophie Walters [email protected] 07740 443 460 component of any Neighbourhood Plan. A plan guidelines. The SG is now considering creating a should seek to establish if there is actually a future film to update residents, to be made available on the Councillors: Longstock housing need within its designation and if so, the PC website. In the meantime, applications for further David Burnfield, [email protected] 810 529 Ð Your Village, Your Vision types and tenures of properties required. After a lot grants to allow the process to continue have been of discussion (and head scratching) as to how a submitted. More details will follow. John Eastwood [email protected] 07880 644 977 projected figure (covering the 30-year lifespan of Longstock Parish Council Website Ð Please check Angie Filippa, [email protected] By Angie Filippa, Longstock Neighbourhood our plan) could be determined, the Steering Group out the website at 07817 576 346 Plan Steering Group recognised that they would need technical www.longstockparishcouncil.co.uk , which includes Ivan Gibson, [email protected] 810 002 Charles Grieve, [email protected] 810 580 Despite the strange times we find ourselves in, (continued on the next page) past and current Parish Council documentation and Selina Musters, [email protected] 810 459 the Longstock Neighbourhood Planning committee other useful information. Parish Council Finances ÐThe statutory financial Clerk Mark Flewitt information is available on the PC website, and has [email protected] 810 752 also been displayed on the village notice boards as Colin McIntyre, [email protected] per the PC’s legal obligations. District Councillors: Bottle Bank Ð Following the removal of the Bottle Ian Jeffrey, [email protected] 01794 388872 Bank from Roman Road because of the serious noise Alison Johnston, [email protected] nuisance of this location, the PC is now considering 01794 517939 possible alternative locations in the village. More Tony Ward, [email protected] information will follow in due course. 01794 389649

Traffic Speed on the Bunny Ð a number of County Councillor: residents have expressed concerns about the speed of Andrew Gibson, [email protected] vehicles using the Bunny. This is creating serious 01264 861138 Page 4 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 4 assistance. After seeking advice, it was agreed that The day was intended as a social event, with any this issue would be best served via a housing needs Village Picnic Ð 5th September fund raising incidental. But of course without assessment which would be completed independently income from stalls and sideshows there was nothing (and remotely) by approved subject matter experts. to pass on to the usual recipients, St Mary’s church Since our last update, we are pleased to advise that in John Musters writes and those groups that normally help to run the fête. association with Locality, consultants have been While the annual fête was much missed this year, So what did we do? Well, at the start of lockdown engaged to complete this fundamental but complex the village picnic that took place on the recreation back in March Sophie heard that Homesense in element of work. field on 5th September was a memorable occasion Salisbury was going to have to bin its entire food By breaking our plan down into workstreams, we for those who were there. stock if it couldn’t find a good home, so she and have been able to identify bite-size pieces of work With all the worries of the coronavirus that had friends filled three cars to the brim with the wares, which can be prioritised in terms of coronavirus ‘risk’ kept people on edge for six months, it was important which were then stored in the village hall. Some and progressed now. In order to maintain oversight, to realise that we could have a gathering in the open chocolates and choc eggs were handed round at we have formed each of these workstreams into sub- air and that we could meet neighbours and friends Easter; the remainder was divided into food working groups which are headed up by each of our again for a social occasion, provided of course that ‘hampers’ at the start of September. committee members. Creating smaller more sensible precautions such as social distancing were (continued on the next page) manageable segments of work means that you may observed. well see us out and about in the village mapping A good number of residents spread out on the grass places of interest, making notes or taking photographs with their food and drink and enjoyed a fine day with so if you see us, please don’t hesitate to come and say background music provided by Sophie Walters to a socially distanced ‘hello’ and ask us what we’re up give a festive atmosphere, to! Help was provided on the day by some parish Finally, as always, we are keen for residents to join councillors and members of the fête committee, with us as either part of the Steering Group, or to offer car park marshalling, taking names (for track and their skills, experience or suggestions on an ad-hoc trace), hand sanitising and ensuring distance was basis. If you feel that you would like to know more or maintained. Selina Musters’s innovative 2-metre perhaps would like to get involved, then please email distance canes complete with tennis ball ends were us at [email protected] (Longstock actually not needed Ð but Sophie’s labrador Betty Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group) took a real shine to the balls, and made off with one with cane still attached! (continued on the next page) Village Picnic Ð 5th September Page 5 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 5 assistance. After seeking advice, it was agreed that The day was intended as a social event, with any this issue would be best served via a housing needs Village Picnic Ð 5th September fund raising incidental. But of course without assessment which would be completed independently income from stalls and sideshows there was nothing (and remotely) by approved subject matter experts. to pass on to the usual recipients, St Mary’s church Since our last update, we are pleased to advise that in John Musters writes and those groups that normally help to run the fête. association with Locality, consultants have been While the annual fête was much missed this year, So what did we do? Well, at the start of lockdown engaged to complete this fundamental but complex the village picnic that took place on the recreation back in March Sophie heard that Homesense in element of work. field on 5th September was a memorable occasion Salisbury was going to have to bin its entire food By breaking our plan down into workstreams, we for those who were there. stock if it couldn’t find a good home, so she and have been able to identify bite-size pieces of work With all the worries of the coronavirus that had friends filled three cars to the brim with the wares, which can be prioritised in terms of coronavirus ‘risk’ kept people on edge for six months, it was important which were then stored in the village hall. Some and progressed now. In order to maintain oversight, to realise that we could have a gathering in the open chocolates and choc eggs were handed round at we have formed each of these workstreams into sub- air and that we could meet neighbours and friends Easter; the remainder was divided into food working groups which are headed up by each of our again for a social occasion, provided of course that ‘hampers’ at the start of September. committee members. Creating smaller more sensible precautions such as social distancing were (continued on the next page) manageable segments of work means that you may observed. well see us out and about in the village mapping A good number of residents spread out on the grass places of interest, making notes or taking photographs with their food and drink and enjoyed a fine day with so if you see us, please don’t hesitate to come and say background music provided by Sophie Walters to a socially distanced ‘hello’ and ask us what we’re up give a festive atmosphere, to! Help was provided on the day by some parish Finally, as always, we are keen for residents to join councillors and members of the fête committee, with us as either part of the Steering Group, or to offer car park marshalling, taking names (for track and their skills, experience or suggestions on an ad-hoc trace), hand sanitising and ensuring distance was basis. If you feel that you would like to know more or maintained. Selina Musters’s innovative 2-metre perhaps would like to get involved, then please email distance canes complete with tennis ball ends were us at [email protected] (Longstock actually not needed Ð but Sophie’s labrador Betty Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group) took a real shine to the balls, and made off with one with cane still attached! (continued on the next page) Village Picnic Ð 5th September Page 6 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 6 That was no small undertaking as a team of Sophie, of television fame - led sessions in the old village all children learnt the basics of navigation, so we Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award unit. This enabled a Selina, Lois Opperman and Polly Milne (the parish hall on stage make-up. The Longstock Ladies Dance began a basic orienteering starter programme based number of young people to be active even if they had council’s ‘picnic sub-committee’) packed and group which had been going for 40+ years attempted at Highfield. We tried to ensure that all children had not previously attended Tadpoles, and they came wrapped no fewer than 35 hampers for sale or raffle. to teach young souls to learn various dance forms. a first night in a tent. Initially this was at Highfield from a number of other villages. We had a Most were sold door to door in the days before the Kim Debenham shared his love and skill in fishing. and we then moved on to the New Forest and an memorable residential weekend at Calshot, at a picnic, and the remaining half dozen were raffled at The children learned so much from all these skilled outdoor centre as the children grew in confidence. commemorative weekend for the national DofE the event. Longstockings, and were very grateful for their time We also had access to Hampshire’s Mountain Centre Award. We took 20 tadpoles and camped with 2000 Through the generosity of all who bought a and effort. at Heol Senni in Wales, and many Tadpoles spent other young people. They mixed in and tried all hamper, entered the raffle or made a donation on the weekends with us in the hills. There are photos of manner of new activities. The climax of the weekend day, the fabulous sum of £1,642 was raised towards Many other adults shared in the Tadpoles repairs to the churchyard wall. That sum was on top programme of activities. People like Mrs Knight and what now look to be very little children on top of the was seeing a screaming Prince Edward Seal of the amount donated by those who have given Mrs Young helped with refreshments and others highest red sandstone mountains in Europe. I launched in a kayak into the Solent from the top of separately to the repair ‘fund’. helped with supervising activities. Of special note remember Giles Burnfield as being one of the most the pontoon! So as chair of the fête committee, my very warm here is John Milne who, at that time, had his own fit young children that I have ever taken to the hills! As youngsters from nearby villages joined thanks to all who helped with this ‘substitute’ event aeroplane based at Thruxton. One day, he gave more Many adults came and helped with catering and Tadpoles, adults from further afield assisted in in this strangest of all summers, and especially to than 30 Tadpole children a free flight in his aircraft. support. Sometimes we took a weekend group supporting the various activities that were chosen. Sophie, Selina, Lois and Polly. Many have never forgotten. In the summer, Chris consisting only of village adults. It was all such fun. The snooker club at Leckford helped a lad to follow We must all hope we return to normal in 2021. and Gilly Clark made their swimming pool available Beth still talks about her experience in the cave that skill. Another farmer supported a lad who for waterborne sessions. Fortunately, I was a system at Porth yr Ogof. There is a tight move with a wanted to do pig keeping, and helped him to develop qualified lifeguard at that time. Test Valley School narrow space to navigate. It is called the letter box. his skills and knowledge. Clive Hawkins went and Longstock Tadpoles allowed me to use their swimming pool to teach Beth was stuck. Suddenly she had a great shove up did instructor/leader training so that he could help kayaking and kayak-rolling as well as using their her rear end as David Burnfield put his shoulder to me with expedition work - I have a photo of him Ð the story progresses! running track for athletics. her rear end saying ‘get a move on woman’! The with a group on training on the Carmarthenshire By Dane Oliver only downside was that Ivan Gibson had his new With time, we looked for other adults to bring in Fans in Wales. In 1984, Tony Reynolds - the tractor jacket stolen by someone breaking into our Hampshire County Award Officer - came and made a In addition to Tadpoles’ weekly activity sessions their skills. For two years we were lucky to have a minibus whilst we were underground. lady who introduced corn dolly making and she presentation of DofE Awards to successful mentioned in the last issue of the Longstock At this time, our age range for members was 8 -14 participants, who were rightly proud of their Newsletter, as the group developed we tried to give achieved amazing results. I managed to convince an aerobics lady teacher to come and run a session for years. To enable older children to stay on we achievements. opportunities for visits to places that might be new to registered the Longstock Tadpoles as a Duke of children. However, the main idea was to provide a 25+Tadpoles. They did not know what had hit them! pool of common experiences that would form the She ran an hour-long non-stop session that even basis of an ongoing feeling of belonging. It would be stopped Georgina talking. I have a video recording true to say that visits at that time were not as well- of the session if anyone would like to see what they structured and supervised as was expected in later looked like in 1984! years! Some of the early Tadpoles visits were to Of particular note were our Tadpole entries in the Bath, Oxford and Yeovilton. The Oxford trip Stockbridge carnival. We had not won first prize involved Blenheim Palace and then on to Oxford until now so we made a special effort. Jane Mason where everyone wanted to have a go at punting. Beth was the sister of Gerry Cottle the circus magnate. He tells me that she had a migraine headache for days sent down a fully grown elephant and handler to act afterwards! The trip to the Fleet Air Arm Museum as leader in our Tadpole entry parading through was very challenging for all concerned as there Stockbridge. This year Tadpoles did win first prize! appeared to be thousands of other visitors. In the The outdoors played a big part in the Tadpoles’ midst of this visit a voice was suddenly heard over annual programme. We set out to try and ensure that the public address system - adults recognised the voice of Lee Taplin saying that he was a Test Tadpole and he had lost his mates! From the outset, we encouraged Tadpoles to learn about and try their hand at many of the skills that our villagers had to offer. When approached, people were most generous with their time. Anne Roberts did some impressive dress-making, and Jane Robinson could turn her hand to creating almost anything. Geoffrey Snagge shared his love of woodwork with children in his workshop. There was something special about a gentleman aged 80+ years working with a group of 9-10-year-olds and sharing a common interest. Mary and Jim Saunders shared their love of gardening. Joan Amey had children cooking and baking in her kitchen. Lyn Inglis - then Page 7 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 7 That was no small undertaking as a team of Sophie, of television fame - led sessions in the old village all children learnt the basics of navigation, so we Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award unit. This enabled a Selina, Lois Opperman and Polly Milne (the parish hall on stage make-up. The Longstock Ladies Dance began a basic orienteering starter programme based number of young people to be active even if they had council’s ‘picnic sub-committee’) packed and group which had been going for 40+ years attempted at Highfield. We tried to ensure that all children had not previously attended Tadpoles, and they came wrapped no fewer than 35 hampers for sale or raffle. to teach young souls to learn various dance forms. a first night in a tent. Initially this was at Highfield from a number of other villages. We had a Most were sold door to door in the days before the Kim Debenham shared his love and skill in fishing. and we then moved on to the New Forest and an memorable residential weekend at Calshot, at a picnic, and the remaining half dozen were raffled at The children learned so much from all these skilled outdoor centre as the children grew in confidence. commemorative weekend for the national DofE the event. Longstockings, and were very grateful for their time We also had access to Hampshire’s Mountain Centre Award. We took 20 tadpoles and camped with 2000 Through the generosity of all who bought a and effort. at Heol Senni in Wales, and many Tadpoles spent other young people. They mixed in and tried all hamper, entered the raffle or made a donation on the weekends with us in the hills. There are photos of manner of new activities. The climax of the weekend day, the fabulous sum of £1,642 was raised towards Many other adults shared in the Tadpoles repairs to the churchyard wall. That sum was on top programme of activities. People like Mrs Knight and what now look to be very little children on top of the was seeing a screaming Prince Edward Seal of the amount donated by those who have given Mrs Young helped with refreshments and others highest red sandstone mountains in Europe. I launched in a kayak into the Solent from the top of separately to the repair ‘fund’. helped with supervising activities. Of special note remember Giles Burnfield as being one of the most the pontoon! So as chair of the fête committee, my very warm here is John Milne who, at that time, had his own fit young children that I have ever taken to the hills! As youngsters from nearby villages joined thanks to all who helped with this ‘substitute’ event aeroplane based at Thruxton. One day, he gave more Many adults came and helped with catering and Tadpoles, adults from further afield assisted in in this strangest of all summers, and especially to than 30 Tadpole children a free flight in his aircraft. support. Sometimes we took a weekend group supporting the various activities that were chosen. Sophie, Selina, Lois and Polly. Many have never forgotten. In the summer, Chris consisting only of village adults. It was all such fun. The snooker club at Leckford helped a lad to follow We must all hope we return to normal in 2021. and Gilly Clark made their swimming pool available Beth still talks about her experience in the cave that skill. Another farmer supported a lad who for waterborne sessions. Fortunately, I was a system at Porth yr Ogof. There is a tight move with a wanted to do pig keeping, and helped him to develop qualified lifeguard at that time. Test Valley School narrow space to navigate. It is called the letter box. his skills and knowledge. Clive Hawkins went and Longstock Tadpoles allowed me to use their swimming pool to teach Beth was stuck. Suddenly she had a great shove up did instructor/leader training so that he could help kayaking and kayak-rolling as well as using their her rear end as David Burnfield put his shoulder to me with expedition work - I have a photo of him Ð the story progresses! running track for athletics. her rear end saying ‘get a move on woman’! The with a group on training on the Carmarthenshire By Dane Oliver only downside was that Ivan Gibson had his new With time, we looked for other adults to bring in Fans in Wales. In 1984, Tony Reynolds - the tractor jacket stolen by someone breaking into our Hampshire County Award Officer - came and made a In addition to Tadpoles’ weekly activity sessions their skills. For two years we were lucky to have a minibus whilst we were underground. lady who introduced corn dolly making and she presentation of DofE Awards to successful mentioned in the last issue of the Longstock At this time, our age range for members was 8 -14 participants, who were rightly proud of their Newsletter, as the group developed we tried to give achieved amazing results. I managed to convince an aerobics lady teacher to come and run a session for years. To enable older children to stay on we achievements. opportunities for visits to places that might be new to registered the Longstock Tadpoles as a Duke of children. However, the main idea was to provide a 25+Tadpoles. They did not know what had hit them! pool of common experiences that would form the She ran an hour-long non-stop session that even basis of an ongoing feeling of belonging. It would be stopped Georgina talking. I have a video recording true to say that visits at that time were not as well- of the session if anyone would like to see what they structured and supervised as was expected in later looked like in 1984! years! Some of the early Tadpoles visits were to Of particular note were our Tadpole entries in the Bath, Oxford and Yeovilton. The Oxford trip Stockbridge carnival. We had not won first prize involved Blenheim Palace and then on to Oxford until now so we made a special effort. Jane Mason where everyone wanted to have a go at punting. Beth was the sister of Gerry Cottle the circus magnate. He tells me that she had a migraine headache for days sent down a fully grown elephant and handler to act afterwards! The trip to the Fleet Air Arm Museum as leader in our Tadpole entry parading through was very challenging for all concerned as there Stockbridge. This year Tadpoles did win first prize! appeared to be thousands of other visitors. In the The outdoors played a big part in the Tadpoles’ midst of this visit a voice was suddenly heard over annual programme. We set out to try and ensure that the public address system - adults recognised the voice of Lee Taplin saying that he was a Test Tadpole and he had lost his mates! From the outset, we encouraged Tadpoles to learn about and try their hand at many of the skills that our villagers had to offer. When approached, people were most generous with their time. Anne Roberts did some impressive dress-making, and Jane Robinson could turn her hand to creating almost anything. Geoffrey Snagge shared his love of woodwork with children in his workshop. There was something special about a gentleman aged 80+ years working with a group of 9-10-year-olds and sharing a common interest. Mary and Jim Saunders shared their love of gardening. Joan Amey had children cooking and baking in her kitchen. Lyn Inglis - then Page 8 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 8 services on that day: The church will provide £5000, so the good news Condolences Church News is that we have enough for the wall building to start 12noon St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge in October. 7.30pm All Saints, Houghton We were so sorry to hear that Rod There is still time to contribute. Cheques should be Smith and Eric Nadal had both died Sunday 8 November is Remembrance Sunday. after long illnesses, and send heartfelt made out to ‘PCC Longstock’ and sent to me, the There will be the usual ‘Act of Remembrance’ at Treasurer, 1 Chattis Hill Stables, Stockbridge, SO20 good wishes to Val and Micki. Maddie Hedley writes 10.50am at the War Memorial with myself, John 6JS. The alternative is to make a direct bank transfer Musters and Charles Grieve. Micki Nadal writes Wall Update - I am delighted to report that we (BACS) to: now have all the necessary permissions to start work Meanwhile, if anyone has any questions, please I would like to thank everyone for all the lovely Ð Planning and the Faculty from the Diocese. The PCC Longstock, Lloyds Bank: Sort Code 30-90-21 letters, messages, flowers and cards sent to me Account No 00265278 let me know (810284) or email response to our request for help with funding has [email protected]. following Eric’s death. They helped enormously and been really wonderful - £6202 so far, including a Some people prefer to send their donation to the I appreciated them so much. fantastic £1500 from the ‘Picnic’ on 5 September. Friends of St Mary, and in this case the details are: If you would like a word with the vicar, or be put I will be contacting you all individually to thank That occasion was great fun, with good weather and The Friends of St Mary , Lloyd's Bank: Sort code on the mailing list for joining zoom, please contact you, but as this will take some time, I am using our a number of groups enjoying their picnics and the 30-90-21: Account No. 00632750. Rev’d Philip Bowden Ð 810810 or email magazine to send a general ‘thank you’ for all your company of friends and family. A big thank you to Or send a cheque made payable to ‘The Friends of [email protected] thoughts and wishes. Sophie Walters, Selina and John Musters, Polly St Mary’ to Isobel Green, Barleydown, Hazeldown, Milne and Lois Opperman, who all worked really Longstock, SO20 6EG. The poor, the elderly and isolated are especially hard to make the day a success. My thanks also to Philip, I and the PCC are really grateful for the vulnerable. There will be growing nervousness about the Parish Council whose support made this happen. contributions we have received so far and really To All Bishops Christmas, about mental health and many other There is a further £2100 in the ‘Friend of St Mary’ hope that the weather stays fine during October as issues that cannot be considered in this very short account and £6000 from grant providers. Colin Avery (stonemason) will be working on Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, letter. One grant body, the Hampshire and Islands rebuilding the wall during that month, hoping to 23 September 2020 We are called to be responsible, but we are also Historic Churches Trust has given a £2000 grant and finish by Mid November. It is clear that we now have to gear up for a called to resilience and prophetic speech. We have also arranges ‘Ride and Stride’ which took place on Services - Due to Covid 19, sadly it is not possible second wave of the coronavirus. This is hard. Many the networks, long since mobilised, and the 12 September. Those for us to enjoy a Harvest Supper. However, we will people were starting to believe things could return to partnerships to serve especially the hungry and who take part, on bike, have a Harvest Festival Service in St Mary’s. This normal. They can’t. But neither are we in the same homeless. Our schools are a particular treasure. foot, horse or car, find will take place at 9.30am Sunday 4 October. place as before. We have learned a great deal. In our However, there will also be a sense of tiredness; sponsorship and half of Beth Oliver and I will be leading the service. Boo leadership of the Church and in the witness we show the weariness which comes with dealing with yet the money raised goes Milne is organising the decoration of the Church and to our nation we need to be determined, resilient and another threat and difficulty. To face this, we must to HIHCT with the we are inviting people to bring food contributions hopeful. We will need to be more critical in our continue to encourage one another and bear one other half coming to the which will be taken to the Andover Food Bank. response to restrictions that are above and beyond another's burdens. We must in our meetings be sponsored Church. So Whilst we cannot have the usual procession of ‘the government regulations, helping the church at the transparent with each other, able to say difficult for St Mary Longstock fruits of the harvest’, these will be on a table at the local level, in parish and diocese, steer a course that things in a way that avoids mistakes being made we had walkers and front of the church. We would also be delighted if is marked by responsible action towards each other, through unwilling acquiescence to the perceived bike riders Ð Maddie people coming to the service could bring with them care for the most vulnerable, and witness for the view of the majority. and Teen on foot one of the following: apples, pears, blackberries, poor and disadvantaged who are suffering Most of all we need to draw close to Christ, and (6.5miles), David potatoes, swedes/carrots/parsnips, a bread roll, a disproportionately. All this is the nature of love. continue to offer the hope and stability of the gospel. Barnes (cycling for bunch of grapes. Our national situation is much more complicated It is this gospel joy, even in the darkest times, that Longstock, thank you), than it was in March. The divisions are deeper. There alone can help us through this crisis, bringing hope Geoffrey and Christine We will still celebrate Harvest and all that this means, especially in a rural community. is public and reasonable concern about hunger Ð and an eternal perspective to the very pressing trials Wort and Dane Oliver especially amongst children Ð and homelessness, of the moment. and granddaughter In November I do hope we can celebrate the completion of the wall rebuilding Ð but we need with an expected rapid rise in evictions. Domestic We are so grateful for our partnership with you in Hattie also cycling. violence remains a major issue which is concealed. Collectively we raised good weather and all things to work well. That is on this work. Do feel free to share this letter as you see around £1000, so £500 my prayer list. We are also in a situation which threatens the fit. And please be assured of our prayers. of that will come back November is also the month of Remembrance. recovery from the huge decline in the economy in In the peace of Christ, to the PCC for the wall Tuesday 2 November is All Soul’s when we can the second quarter. The most vulnerable to this fund. remember those who have died. There will be 2 second wave are the small companies who employ the most people, and especially those in the hospitality industry. It will be for us and others to Forthcoming Services at St. Mary’s encourage the banks, who received such help in Details of other services in the Benefice from Church Warden: Maddie Hedley on 810284 2009, to be equally merciful to others as the nation The Most Revd & Rt Hon The Most Revd & Rt Hon was to them. St Matthew 18:23-35 seems highly Justin Welby Stephen Cottrell relevant.

R C Church of St. Thomas More Behind Rosalind Hill House, Stockbridge High Street Mass usually celebrated at 09.00 each Sunday - Currently please contact Father Mark Hogan, Parish Priest Tel: 01962 852804 Page 9 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 9 services on that day: The church will provide £5000, so the good news Condolences Church News is that we have enough for the wall building to start 12noon St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge in October. 7.30pm All Saints, Houghton We were so sorry to hear that Rod There is still time to contribute. Cheques should be Smith and Eric Nadal had both died Sunday 8 November is Remembrance Sunday. after long illnesses, and send heartfelt made out to ‘PCC Longstock’ and sent to me, the There will be the usual ‘Act of Remembrance’ at Treasurer, 1 Chattis Hill Stables, Stockbridge, SO20 good wishes to Val and Micki. Maddie Hedley writes 10.50am at the War Memorial with myself, John 6JS. The alternative is to make a direct bank transfer Musters and Charles Grieve. Micki Nadal writes Wall Update - I am delighted to report that we (BACS) to: now have all the necessary permissions to start work Meanwhile, if anyone has any questions, please I would like to thank everyone for all the lovely Ð Planning and the Faculty from the Diocese. The PCC Longstock, Lloyds Bank: Sort Code 30-90-21 letters, messages, flowers and cards sent to me Account No 00265278 let me know (810284) or email response to our request for help with funding has [email protected]. following Eric’s death. They helped enormously and been really wonderful - £6202 so far, including a Some people prefer to send their donation to the I appreciated them so much. fantastic £1500 from the ‘Picnic’ on 5 September. Friends of St Mary, and in this case the details are: If you would like a word with the vicar, or be put I will be contacting you all individually to thank That occasion was great fun, with good weather and The Friends of St Mary , Lloyd's Bank: Sort code on the mailing list for joining zoom, please contact you, but as this will take some time, I am using our a number of groups enjoying their picnics and the 30-90-21: Account No. 00632750. Rev’d Philip Bowden Ð 810810 or email magazine to send a general ‘thank you’ for all your company of friends and family. A big thank you to Or send a cheque made payable to ‘The Friends of [email protected] thoughts and wishes. Sophie Walters, Selina and John Musters, Polly St Mary’ to Isobel Green, Barleydown, Hazeldown, Milne and Lois Opperman, who all worked really Longstock, SO20 6EG. The poor, the elderly and isolated are especially hard to make the day a success. My thanks also to Philip, I and the PCC are really grateful for the vulnerable. There will be growing nervousness about the Parish Council whose support made this happen. contributions we have received so far and really To All Bishops Christmas, about mental health and many other There is a further £2100 in the ‘Friend of St Mary’ hope that the weather stays fine during October as issues that cannot be considered in this very short account and £6000 from grant providers. Colin Avery (stonemason) will be working on Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, letter. One grant body, the Hampshire and Islands rebuilding the wall during that month, hoping to 23 September 2020 We are called to be responsible, but we are also Historic Churches Trust has given a £2000 grant and finish by Mid November. It is clear that we now have to gear up for a called to resilience and prophetic speech. We have also arranges ‘Ride and Stride’ which took place on Services - Due to Covid 19, sadly it is not possible second wave of the coronavirus. This is hard. Many the networks, long since mobilised, and the 12 September. Those for us to enjoy a Harvest Supper. However, we will people were starting to believe things could return to partnerships to serve especially the hungry and who take part, on bike, have a Harvest Festival Service in St Mary’s. This normal. They can’t. But neither are we in the same homeless. Our schools are a particular treasure. foot, horse or car, find will take place at 9.30am Sunday 4 October. place as before. We have learned a great deal. In our However, there will also be a sense of tiredness; sponsorship and half of Beth Oliver and I will be leading the service. Boo leadership of the Church and in the witness we show the weariness which comes with dealing with yet the money raised goes Milne is organising the decoration of the Church and to our nation we need to be determined, resilient and another threat and difficulty. To face this, we must to HIHCT with the we are inviting people to bring food contributions hopeful. We will need to be more critical in our continue to encourage one another and bear one other half coming to the which will be taken to the Andover Food Bank. response to restrictions that are above and beyond another's burdens. We must in our meetings be sponsored Church. So Whilst we cannot have the usual procession of ‘the government regulations, helping the church at the transparent with each other, able to say difficult for St Mary Longstock fruits of the harvest’, these will be on a table at the local level, in parish and diocese, steer a course that things in a way that avoids mistakes being made we had walkers and front of the church. We would also be delighted if is marked by responsible action towards each other, through unwilling acquiescence to the perceived bike riders Ð Maddie people coming to the service could bring with them care for the most vulnerable, and witness for the view of the majority. and Teen on foot one of the following: apples, pears, blackberries, poor and disadvantaged who are suffering Most of all we need to draw close to Christ, and (6.5miles), David potatoes, swedes/carrots/parsnips, a bread roll, a disproportionately. All this is the nature of love. continue to offer the hope and stability of the gospel. Barnes (cycling for bunch of grapes. Our national situation is much more complicated It is this gospel joy, even in the darkest times, that Longstock, thank you), than it was in March. The divisions are deeper. There alone can help us through this crisis, bringing hope Geoffrey and Christine We will still celebrate Harvest and all that this means, especially in a rural community. is public and reasonable concern about hunger Ð and an eternal perspective to the very pressing trials Wort and Dane Oliver especially amongst children Ð and homelessness, of the moment. and granddaughter In November I do hope we can celebrate the completion of the wall rebuilding Ð but we need with an expected rapid rise in evictions. Domestic We are so grateful for our partnership with you in Hattie also cycling. violence remains a major issue which is concealed. Collectively we raised good weather and all things to work well. That is on this work. Do feel free to share this letter as you see around £1000, so £500 my prayer list. We are also in a situation which threatens the fit. And please be assured of our prayers. of that will come back November is also the month of Remembrance. recovery from the huge decline in the economy in In the peace of Christ, to the PCC for the wall Tuesday 2 November is All Soul’s when we can the second quarter. The most vulnerable to this fund. remember those who have died. There will be 2 second wave are the small companies who employ the most people, and especially those in the hospitality industry. It will be for us and others to Forthcoming Services at St. Mary’s encourage the banks, who received such help in Details of other services in the Benefice from Church Warden: Maddie Hedley on 810284 2009, to be equally merciful to others as the nation The Most Revd & Rt Hon The Most Revd & Rt Hon was to them. St Matthew 18:23-35 seems highly Justin Welby Stephen Cottrell relevant.

Walking Through Longstock as a Child By Geoff Merritt

We continue to follow Geoff Merritt’s memories of growing up in Longstock in the 1940s and 1950s. In this issue, we join Geoff at Church Farmhouse. Opposite St. Mary’s Church is Church Farmhouse, reputed to be six hundred years old, which is the home of Ken Bookham. His black Labrador is always in our back garden at Southside Cottages An arial view of St. when our Alsatian is on heat! A room in Church Mary’s church with Farmhouse used to be the Post Office for a while - Church Cottages we had to go inside to use the telephone until a on the left and telephone box was installed outside, at the request of Church farm with the Women’s Institute in 1937. (This same facility the staddle stone, now has a preservation order on it, and now serves barn at the top as the village lending library). We stand and marvel at the huge old barn in Ken’s yard, perched on Ken Bookham with his dogs and Church staddle stones, to keep the rats out! sittings. The church register dates back to the year they were originally built in a meadow down on the Cottages showing the Blacksmith’s back door. 1718, and full services are thought to have begun in Bunny. shrouds rather than coffins, the dead were carried to 1880. The long list of incumbents dates back to Known as New Buildings, an archaeology survey the Lychgate and placed on a bier, where the priest 1315. One of the oldest tombstones in the was carried out just behind these buildings in 1992. conducted the first part of the funeral service under churchyard is of Alice Pearce, who died in 1632. One of the aims was to attempt to trace the land use its temporary shelter. (I was christened in this church in 1942 and history in association with nearby Danebury Ring. married to Elaine here in 1977). Objects were found of stone, copper alloy, iron, bone and antler, baked clay and worked fragments of A stroll up Church Road leads us past the ‘Vicarage’ on the left, a gift of Sir John Barker-Mill, chalk, also structural daub. Three human skeletons the Lord of the Manor. Many a church fete is held were also found, two adults and a child aged 11 or here. A little farther, on the right, is the cemetery, 12. Of the animal bones discovered, butchery marks here my Mum and Dad are buried, they had both found on horse bones were as common as those on passed away by the time I was eight years of age. the cattle bones found, and a lot of the bones had The Cemetery was given to the village by Mr. J. been gnawed by dogs. The cattle were of a short- Spedan Lewis, who also planted the hedges and the horned species and the sheep also had horns, horses flowering cherry trees, and the ground was were 11-12 hands. Pig bones were found too, and consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester in 1944. there was evidence that dogs were certainly in use for hunting and guarding. The site uncovered dates The Staddle Stone Barn at Church Farm Much farther up Church Road we pass the old from the Early Bronze Age extending into the barns as we called them, in fact they were two Middle Bronze Age. The reckoning is that the (I remember standing outside Ken Bookham’s farm St Mary’s houses, that were moved brick by brick, from where settlement here was abandoned when the fort at house at a very young age and watching a horse Danebury began to develop in the fourth century. drawn hearse with a coffin bedecked with flowers. It The church dedicated to St. Mary was built circa At the end of Church Road is ‘Vicar’s Cross’, in a must have been someone important as there was a 1877, replacing a very ancient chalk walled building crowd of people watching the funeral. location known as ‘Fiveways’, where a small which dated back to the 14th century and possibly archaeological dig was also made. Continuing on I also remember Ken’s dairy herd ambling across earlier. The church of St. Mary is built of flint with Alasdair John Cox the main road from the milking bail to their pastures stone dressings, in the Early English and Decorated up Church Road, with the traffic waiting patiently styles, and consists of chancel, nave of three bays, Carpentry specialist; garden maintenance; either side of the cows, even in those days. north aisle, south porch, vestry and north-western building work inside & out. Sometimes there would be milk churns standing tower with octagonal shingled spire, containing 5 Fully insured, good references. outside the farm house gate waiting to be collected). bells in the belfry, the earliest of which dates from 1593. The church records show that a new organ was Free quotations; no job too small. We now cross over to the Church, where we stand provided in 1897 at a cost of £170. The church was 2 Manor Farm Cottages, North Houghton and gaze at the entrance wondering what the wooden rebuilt from the foundation in 1880, at a cost of 810311 or 07900 621842 canopy was for. It was the Lychgate, donated by about £2,500, when the tower and vestry were Mrs. Trask in 1907, in memory of her relations who added, from designs by William White esq. F.S.A, are among those buried in the churchyard. In the architect of London. The church now has 240 middle ages when most people were buried in The Church Road Houses Page 12 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 12 along the unmetalled road, we can see the huge hill of Danebury Ring in the distance. No one is allowed T to trespass up there! We now pass the Chipperfield’s Circus winter quarters at ‘Hungry Hunt’ and proceeding just a little farther, we stand and watch the air planes taking off and landing on the Middle Wallop airfield. Returning back down Church Road into the village, we are now on the main Longstock Road once again. Turning left, we pass ‘Church Cottages’ and the black door on the end that once led into the Blacksmith’s shop. (Present day the door has been The fishing hut removed and a window inserted). Passing Barn with its eel traps Cottage on our left, we approach the Longstock War Memorial. (Designed by Mr. Atkinson the architect to Winchester Cathedral, who always said that he The Peat Spade Inn, the post office and in the There is a chap named Ernie, who drives our school (I remember one morning the gang from Southside was proud that this memorial was his first work in background Ken Bookham’s Staddle stone barn bus, who after shouted encouragement from us, puts all rushed to ‘White Shape Bridge’ when we heard that there had been an ‘accident’. I recall that one of the county. The sculpture was carried out by Messrs. We now approach the main bridge over the fast his foot down hard and drives like crazy over the two Blackwell of Winchester. The Reverend C. E. small humped back bridges on the Bunny, making our the cars involved had a glass windscreen it was still flowing River Test.(Originally this bridge had intact but I noticed that the glass was rusty!). Crowley from Chilbolton officiated the dedication of wooden rails, it was built in 1938, until then this was bottoms smack up and down on the hard wooden seats the War memorial in 1919. The Parish Council now a water splash, the other two smaller bridges were of the OB Bedford bus! Standing on the bridge and looking towards has the responsibility for the upkeep of the built much later with private subscriptions. It is said We now approach the bridge over the railway lines, Leckford, we can see the very young saplings memorial.) that another river 20 feet (6,096 metres) down, runs this is known as the ‘White Shape Bridge’, due to the planted with the help of my brother David and my under the present one. When sinking an Artesian well very large chalk ‘scar’ in the hillside opposite. The brother-in-law Les Povey. (All these trees were felled at Longstock Mill, some small blind shrimps were chalk cut from here was used for filling in the a few years ago). brought up from this water. In 1853 it was recorded Andover to Redbridge Canal in the 1860s, enabling that a Crayfish (or Crawfish) was caught the size of the ‘Sprat & Winkle’ railway lines to be laid on the We hope you have enjoyed the journey from the a man’s hand.) top. These ‘scars’ are known locally as the canal’s Church Farmhouse to ‘White Shape Bridge’ and gravestones! look forward to having you join us again A huge event for us children on our walk is to stand in the next issue. and stare at the fishing hut with the eel traps alongside. (A stroll round the Bunny was always a good walk with the parents on a summer Sunday evening).

The dedication of the War Memorial in 1919 1950 ‘Jane’ is sitting by the Before entering the Bunny road, we stop and Bunny, where glance at the Post Office and marvel at the post-box one of the in the wall, none of us has enough pennies or sweet carriers of the coupons to enter and buy some ‘bulls eyes’ to share. Test flows over The Post Mistress is Mrs. Mott. (The main entrance another one was the door nearest the main road. The Post Office closed in 1975. As far as it is known, this was to be the third and final post office in Longstock, with School Cottage, and Church Farmhouse being the other two Post Office locations.) We now continue on down the Bunny road (for readers who are unsure, a ‘Bunny’ is the name given to a small aqueduct or carrier of water. In days long- gone, the Bunny formed part of the main route from Danebury to Winchester. This route progressed down Church Road, along the Bunny Road, proceeded on into Leckford and eventually to Winchester via Winchester Street). Page 14 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 14 In June, Year 10 pupils who will be taking Longstock Bellringers GCSEs in 2021 returned to full-time schooling. At By Chris Reynell the start of the new academic year in September the 11th November is when our thoughts turn to all school reopened fully with clear distancing those who have perished and suffered during times arrangements in place. It is encouraging that of war, and we especially remember all those souls Test Valley School attendance is very high and that the young members from Longstock and our loved ones who have fallen Update September 2020 of the community are safely accessing education during battle or subsequently because of their again. injuries. Nigel Melville writes During lockdown, other significant improvements When the church bells rang out for the Armistice This year has been particularly eventful for the were made. The safeguarding of pupils is the priority Centenary on 11th November 1918 they announced Longstock Ringers 1918. school. In February the long-serving Head Teacher, so the decision was taken both to erect fencing the end of the most catastrophic war the world had Miss Child, Alice White, Louisa Hiscock, stepped down and with support around the school’s perimeter and to put in place yet seen. At that time, bells were at the heart of the Rev. Robert Routh, Miss community, marking events of great significance and from Hampshire County Council the governors put stricter arrangements for pupils coming into school Brooks, Mrs Ellen Tibble. in place interim leadership for the school. Mrs Fae communicating to people long before modern in the morning and leaving in the afternoon. technology connected us. Bellringing has always had Dean, the Head Teacher of Westgate School in The opportunity was taken, during the absence of a much wider function than its role in the church, but Winchester, assumed overall responsibility for the most of the pupils and staff, to renovate the school most of us today are not aware of its broad and school supported by Westgate’s Head of the buildings and premises which is a noticeable inclusive service. Secondary Phase, Miss Toni Wilden, who became improvement. Another conspicuous change has been Two years ago, all was quiet in the bell tower the Head Teacher. With continuing support from the design, with significant input for pupils, of a until Geoff Merritt discovered some old photographs BBC South other staff at Westgate School and from the Local smart new school uniform; its introduction is being from 1918, then Big Ideas and the BBC contacted interviewing Authority, they have made significant progress in phased with Year 7 (the new intake) already wearing the Longstock ringers for an event to mark 100 Mary Saunders. revitalising the school. it and with all other Year Groups wearing it from years. A call out for further information through Big The school’s unique attractions include its rural September 2021. Ideas and our own publicity channels led to The Bells in St. Mary’s Church, Longstock Reverend Routh of Longstock’s five bell-ringing location and uncongested buildings and premises. It The headline measures of this year’s GCSE The current St Mary’s bell tower was built in the has a well-deserved reputation for caring for the descendants recreating the 1918 ringing. This was late 19th Century, of brick and flint at the western results all came in higher than the previous year. featured on BBC TV South evening news (the clip is wellbeing of individual pupils. There are currently end of the north aisle. The bell frame is from an These results, which were based on teachers’ available on the Big Ideas website) and the event earlier church building, made of oak and clamped 415 pupils who come from the Test Valley and assessments, were closely in line with the was reported in two local newspapers. The historic further afield. with ancient iron straps. Originally constructed for “Algorithm” set by the qualifications regulator; this photo taken in 1918 was recreated by the current four bells, the earliest one cast in 1593, a fifth bell The plans for the school and the education of the confirms the integrity of the teaching staff and how Longstock Ringers in 2018. was added in 1893 and hung in the former access pupils were, of course, severely disrupted by the well they know each pupil’s abilities. The vast Our Tower Captain is Mary Saunders, with Hon area. The bell frame rests on beams set at 32’ 6” spread of Covid-19 and the consequential lockdown majority of pupils obtained the grades which they Sec - Chris Reynell supported by ringers Veronica above ground level. The bells themselves are: of schools in March. Nevertheless, the staff worked required to gain access to the A Level colleges, other Ayers, Maggie Duffy, Mark Flewitt, Gaye Grieve, tirelessly to put in place facilities to teach pupils further education, apprenticeships or work which Wendy Standfield, Linda Sheffield, David Warner online; vulnerable children and those whose parents they had chosen. and Catherine Reynell. are key workers continued to attend the school. New members are very welcome Ð no previous experience necessary. We usually meet on Monday evenings at 7:30pm (please check beforehand) and Test Valley School Governors ring the Church bells and Handbells for special Nigel Melville writes events, including Weddings, Easter, Christmas, The governors are currently seeking to appoint additional members of the school’s governing body, of Harvest Sunday and Plough Sunday. Ringing practice is suspended for the time being due to the which I have been co-chair. Its main responsibilities are to set the school’s values and strategy and to hold its pandemic, but we hope to resume in the New Year. leadership to account. There are 6 board meetings per year which are attended by all governors and the same number of both the two main committees, Finance & General Purposes and Curriculum & Pupil For more information, please call Chris Reynell Achievement; each governor usually becomes a member of one of them. on 01264 810569 or send an email to [email protected] Governors often participate in school activities and events. For example, at the end of last term, I attended part of a staff training day and the interviews of candidates for school prefects. For the latter, the pupils produced highly professional presentations and demonstrated great confidence in answering questions about their qualifications and plans for fulfilling the role. More recently, I observed pupils opening the envelopes containing their GCSE results. It was equally uplifting to watch one obtain the grades he needed to take up a bricklaying apprenticeship as it was to see another earn all the top grades required for her chosen A Level subjects. The role is very interesting, sometimes challenging and always rewarding. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to make a contribution to the education and development of young people. I hope that a Longstock Ringers Longstock resident may be interested in joining the board. If you would like to find out more, please contact 2018 (photo by the Head Teacher. Edward Warner). Page 15 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 15 In June, Year 10 pupils who will be taking Longstock Bellringers GCSEs in 2021 returned to full-time schooling. At By Chris Reynell the start of the new academic year in September the 11th November is when our thoughts turn to all school reopened fully with clear distancing those who have perished and suffered during times arrangements in place. It is encouraging that of war, and we especially remember all those souls Test Valley School attendance is very high and that the young members from Longstock and our loved ones who have fallen Update September 2020 of the community are safely accessing education during battle or subsequently because of their again. injuries. Nigel Melville writes During lockdown, other significant improvements When the church bells rang out for the Armistice This year has been particularly eventful for the were made. The safeguarding of pupils is the priority Centenary on 11th November 1918 they announced Longstock Ringers 1918. school. In February the long-serving Head Teacher, so the decision was taken both to erect fencing the end of the most catastrophic war the world had Miss Child, Alice White, Louisa Hiscock, stepped down and with support around the school’s perimeter and to put in place yet seen. At that time, bells were at the heart of the Rev. Robert Routh, Miss community, marking events of great significance and from Hampshire County Council the governors put stricter arrangements for pupils coming into school Brooks, Mrs Ellen Tibble. in place interim leadership for the school. Mrs Fae communicating to people long before modern in the morning and leaving in the afternoon. technology connected us. Bellringing has always had Dean, the Head Teacher of Westgate School in The opportunity was taken, during the absence of a much wider function than its role in the church, but Winchester, assumed overall responsibility for the most of the pupils and staff, to renovate the school most of us today are not aware of its broad and school supported by Westgate’s Head of the buildings and premises which is a noticeable inclusive service. Secondary Phase, Miss Toni Wilden, who became improvement. Another conspicuous change has been Two years ago, all was quiet in the bell tower the Head Teacher. With continuing support from the design, with significant input for pupils, of a until Geoff Merritt discovered some old photographs BBC South other staff at Westgate School and from the Local smart new school uniform; its introduction is being from 1918, then Big Ideas and the BBC contacted interviewing Authority, they have made significant progress in phased with Year 7 (the new intake) already wearing the Longstock ringers for an event to mark 100 Mary Saunders. revitalising the school. it and with all other Year Groups wearing it from years. A call out for further information through Big The school’s unique attractions include its rural September 2021. Ideas and our own publicity channels led to The Bells in St. Mary’s Church, Longstock Reverend Routh of Longstock’s five bell-ringing location and uncongested buildings and premises. It The headline measures of this year’s GCSE The current St Mary’s bell tower was built in the has a well-deserved reputation for caring for the descendants recreating the 1918 ringing. This was late 19th Century, of brick and flint at the western results all came in higher than the previous year. featured on BBC TV South evening news (the clip is wellbeing of individual pupils. There are currently end of the north aisle. The bell frame is from an These results, which were based on teachers’ available on the Big Ideas website) and the event earlier church building, made of oak and clamped 415 pupils who come from the Test Valley and assessments, were closely in line with the was reported in two local newspapers. The historic further afield. with ancient iron straps. Originally constructed for “Algorithm” set by the qualifications regulator; this photo taken in 1918 was recreated by the current four bells, the earliest one cast in 1593, a fifth bell The plans for the school and the education of the confirms the integrity of the teaching staff and how Longstock Ringers in 2018. was added in 1893 and hung in the former access pupils were, of course, severely disrupted by the well they know each pupil’s abilities. The vast Our Tower Captain is Mary Saunders, with Hon area. The bell frame rests on beams set at 32’ 6” spread of Covid-19 and the consequential lockdown majority of pupils obtained the grades which they Sec - Chris Reynell supported by ringers Veronica above ground level. The bells themselves are: of schools in March. Nevertheless, the staff worked required to gain access to the A Level colleges, other Ayers, Maggie Duffy, Mark Flewitt, Gaye Grieve, tirelessly to put in place facilities to teach pupils further education, apprenticeships or work which Wendy Standfield, Linda Sheffield, David Warner online; vulnerable children and those whose parents they had chosen. and Catherine Reynell. are key workers continued to attend the school. New members are very welcome Ð no previous experience necessary. We usually meet on Monday evenings at 7:30pm (please check beforehand) and Test Valley School Governors ring the Church bells and Handbells for special Nigel Melville writes events, including Weddings, Easter, Christmas, The governors are currently seeking to appoint additional members of the school’s governing body, of Harvest Sunday and Plough Sunday. Ringing practice is suspended for the time being due to the which I have been co-chair. Its main responsibilities are to set the school’s values and strategy and to hold its pandemic, but we hope to resume in the New Year. leadership to account. There are 6 board meetings per year which are attended by all governors and the same number of both the two main committees, Finance & General Purposes and Curriculum & Pupil For more information, please call Chris Reynell Achievement; each governor usually becomes a member of one of them. on 01264 810569 or send an email to [email protected] Governors often participate in school activities and events. For example, at the end of last term, I attended part of a staff training day and the interviews of candidates for school prefects. For the latter, the pupils produced highly professional presentations and demonstrated great confidence in answering questions about their qualifications and plans for fulfilling the role. More recently, I observed pupils opening the envelopes containing their GCSE results. It was equally uplifting to watch one obtain the grades he needed to take up a bricklaying apprenticeship as it was to see another earn all the top grades required for her chosen A Level subjects. The role is very interesting, sometimes challenging and always rewarding. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to make a contribution to the education and development of young people. I hope that a Longstock Ringers Longstock resident may be interested in joining the board. If you would like to find out more, please contact 2018 (photo by the Head Teacher. Edward Warner). Page 16 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 16 News from Longstock Allotments Another thrill is giving the produce away. Everyone By Gareth Evans at the allotment feels this and plants and produce are Winter visitors… given away to other allotment holders. If you don’t Wild swans We've already discussed why having an allotment grow something yourself, then someone else surely By Carrie Ross and growing your own food has health benefits. will, and will be only too keen to share when there is Being in the open air, keeping moving and keeping a surplus! Distant family members also benefit from fit and working out what to do next with the plot to the harvest as do people to whom we need to say The cuckoos and swifts were the first migrants to grow in the most efficient way. We've also touched thank you. depart in July, and now there are just a very few on the various beneficial chemicals, vitamins and swallows or martins to be seen. Those who made the bacteria which are in our home-grown vegetables. It's been a good productive year for most of us but journey safely will now be enjoying African sun and The other “wild swan” is the Bewick swan, or the there is always room for improvement. My warmth, with no quarantine regulations for them. Tundra swan, who makes a far more hazardous The one thing that we haven’t mentioned is taste. pumpkins were much smaller this year and certainly After a sun drenched spring and summer there’s journey to the UK. They breed in northern Russia There can be no doubt that eating something which would not scare anyone at Halloween. Same variety more than a hint of autumn some mornings. and make a 2,500 mile journey, flying in large you have grown yourself and harvested within the but probably didn't get enough water. Ah well, there However we do have some delightful winter birds to family groups. They are frequently hunted illegally, hour has a superior taste. I'm not sure if chemical is always next year. welcome over the next few months. often shot and if not killed instantly but wounded, sprays have an effect on taste but certainly with which is perhaps worse, they will die later of lead We've now got a waiting list for new members. If Our resident mute swan is such a familiar sight, home-grown produce, we know that it has not had poisoning. There is also loss of wetlands along their anything sprayed on it. No-one sprays their produce you are considering joining us, please contact me as frequenting our lakes and rivers throughout the UK, below. traditional route. Surveys by the World Wildlife or uses slug pellets on our allotments, especially raising a brood of cygnets. It is an awesome bird. Trust (WWT) estimate there has been a 30% drop in since the creation of our wildlife plot. [email protected] There are a few myths surrounding them. A swan can numbers since 2014. You may have heard of a lady 0775 135 1507 break your arm with a wing beat … Not so! Their called Sacha Dent from the WWT who attached a I still mainly grow produce which is harvested from bones are super light for flying and are therefore Butterflies, Longstock, SO20 6DW paramotor to her back and filmed the massive autumn to spring or at least used during that time. liable to fracture far too easily. But they are indeed The only reason that I started doing this was so that journey taken, showing the hazards of power lines, feisty birds and will protect each other and their wind farms, hunters etc. She raised awareness of the Carolyn would not have to battle in the shops to buy young. They are not entirely mute either, and can her Christmas vegetables. What an eye opener when issues and conservationists and governments are hiss convincingly! In flight the wingbeats do create a now taking note and making some changes. those home-grown vegetables were tasted, especially musical sound … rather like a song perhaps. the sprouts, leeks and parsnips after a frost. So, a Provision of wetlands and education are beginning double bonus. As temperatures drop in winter, and after the to help. rearing of their young, “wild” swans will seek out This bird looks remarkably similar to a Whooper our warmer conditions in the UK. The Whooper swan, but is considerably smaller, and is about the swans (Cygnus Cygnus) makes a 600-mile journey size of a goose. The bill, also yellow, does not from Iceland. This is achieved in just one flight, extend beyond the bird’s nostril. They have a using formation flying to help the younger birds. We honking call similar to the Whooper swan. If you’re can expect around 7,000 birds to over-winter here. thinking of trying to find some, Slimbridge and They will start arriving from October and will return Arundel are easily accessible for visiting and a to their breeding grounds in March. So how would fascinating day out, with a chance to see a wide you know this bird? Helpfully, it’s almost the same range of fabulous birds. There are waters and lakes size as our resident and easily recognised mute swan. in Hampshire which are always worth checking out The bill is yellow and black with the yellow reaching … you may be lucky. beyond the nostril. This is a crucial distinguishing mark. Binoculars are required to be sure. They also One last myth buster … forget the phrase have a call which is likened to an old-fashioned car “swansong”, a swan definitely does not sing just horn and are highly vocal. before it dies. Flocks congregate mainly along east coastal regions, the Severn estuary, Lancashire, Cambridgeshire, the Ouse and Slimbridge. Through the day they will feed in fields, on grass and the remains from grain or any sort of harvest, even potatoes. At night they will seek safety in numbers congregating in nearby wetland areas. Are there advantages to swans in mating for life? Unlike some bird species, who, seemingly, are not monogamous, swans do remain faithful to their mate. It is believed in working together they are more successful, learning from mistakes, using a strong bond to protect each other. Page 17 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 17 News from Longstock Allotments Another thrill is giving the produce away. Everyone By Gareth Evans at the allotment feels this and plants and produce are Winter visitors… given away to other allotment holders. If you don’t Wild swans We've already discussed why having an allotment grow something yourself, then someone else surely By Carrie Ross and growing your own food has health benefits. will, and will be only too keen to share when there is Being in the open air, keeping moving and keeping a surplus! Distant family members also benefit from fit and working out what to do next with the plot to the harvest as do people to whom we need to say The cuckoos and swifts were the first migrants to grow in the most efficient way. We've also touched thank you. depart in July, and now there are just a very few on the various beneficial chemicals, vitamins and swallows or martins to be seen. Those who made the bacteria which are in our home-grown vegetables. It's been a good productive year for most of us but journey safely will now be enjoying African sun and The other “wild swan” is the Bewick swan, or the there is always room for improvement. My warmth, with no quarantine regulations for them. Tundra swan, who makes a far more hazardous The one thing that we haven’t mentioned is taste. pumpkins were much smaller this year and certainly After a sun drenched spring and summer there’s journey to the UK. They breed in northern Russia There can be no doubt that eating something which would not scare anyone at Halloween. Same variety more than a hint of autumn some mornings. and make a 2,500 mile journey, flying in large you have grown yourself and harvested within the but probably didn't get enough water. Ah well, there However we do have some delightful winter birds to family groups. They are frequently hunted illegally, hour has a superior taste. I'm not sure if chemical is always next year. welcome over the next few months. often shot and if not killed instantly but wounded, sprays have an effect on taste but certainly with which is perhaps worse, they will die later of lead We've now got a waiting list for new members. If Our resident mute swan is such a familiar sight, home-grown produce, we know that it has not had poisoning. There is also loss of wetlands along their anything sprayed on it. No-one sprays their produce you are considering joining us, please contact me as frequenting our lakes and rivers throughout the UK, below. traditional route. Surveys by the World Wildlife or uses slug pellets on our allotments, especially raising a brood of cygnets. It is an awesome bird. Trust (WWT) estimate there has been a 30% drop in since the creation of our wildlife plot. [email protected] There are a few myths surrounding them. A swan can numbers since 2014. You may have heard of a lady 0775 135 1507 break your arm with a wing beat … Not so! Their called Sacha Dent from the WWT who attached a I still mainly grow produce which is harvested from bones are super light for flying and are therefore Butterflies, Longstock, SO20 6DW paramotor to her back and filmed the massive autumn to spring or at least used during that time. liable to fracture far too easily. But they are indeed The only reason that I started doing this was so that journey taken, showing the hazards of power lines, feisty birds and will protect each other and their wind farms, hunters etc. She raised awareness of the Carolyn would not have to battle in the shops to buy young. They are not entirely mute either, and can her Christmas vegetables. What an eye opener when issues and conservationists and governments are hiss convincingly! In flight the wingbeats do create a now taking note and making some changes. those home-grown vegetables were tasted, especially musical sound … rather like a song perhaps. the sprouts, leeks and parsnips after a frost. So, a Provision of wetlands and education are beginning double bonus. As temperatures drop in winter, and after the to help. rearing of their young, “wild” swans will seek out This bird looks remarkably similar to a Whooper our warmer conditions in the UK. The Whooper swan, but is considerably smaller, and is about the swans (Cygnus Cygnus) makes a 600-mile journey size of a goose. The bill, also yellow, does not from Iceland. This is achieved in just one flight, extend beyond the bird’s nostril. They have a using formation flying to help the younger birds. We honking call similar to the Whooper swan. If you’re can expect around 7,000 birds to over-winter here. thinking of trying to find some, Slimbridge and They will start arriving from October and will return Arundel are easily accessible for visiting and a to their breeding grounds in March. So how would fascinating day out, with a chance to see a wide you know this bird? Helpfully, it’s almost the same range of fabulous birds. There are waters and lakes size as our resident and easily recognised mute swan. in Hampshire which are always worth checking out The bill is yellow and black with the yellow reaching … you may be lucky. beyond the nostril. This is a crucial distinguishing mark. Binoculars are required to be sure. They also One last myth buster … forget the phrase have a call which is likened to an old-fashioned car “swansong”, a swan definitely does not sing just horn and are highly vocal. before it dies. Flocks congregate mainly along east coastal regions, the Severn estuary, Lancashire, Cambridgeshire, the Ouse and Slimbridge. Through the day they will feed in fields, on grass and the remains from grain or any sort of harvest, even potatoes. At night they will seek safety in numbers congregating in nearby wetland areas. Are there advantages to swans in mating for life? Unlike some bird species, who, seemingly, are not monogamous, swans do remain faithful to their mate. It is believed in working together they are more successful, learning from mistakes, using a strong bond to protect each other. Page 18 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 18

We welcome Pippa Fordham who has moved into Farmers’ Markets Roman Road with her dog Monty. We hope they will enjoy living here and exploring all our lovely footpaths together. Hampshire Farmers’ Markets are open. To maintain social distancing you maybe asked queue before entering a market. Henry Smith Charity The parish is lucky enough to get money each Winchester - The Broadway year to give to parishioners who need it, so if you or Note the new location a neighbour could do with a little help, please get in th th th th touch in the strictest confidence with any parish 11 & 25 October, 8 & 29 November councillor or the clerk. 9 ’til 2 Romsey - Alma Road Car Park 4th October, 1st November 10 ’til 1 Dorset Apple Cake by Anne Roberts Ingredients 115g unsalted butter, diced and chilled, plus extra for Stockbridge Town Hall the tin 225g self-raising flour Parasite 2 tsp ground mixed spice Friday 16th October 4.30 & 7.30pm 115g light brown sugar South Korean black comedy thriller in which a family of fraudsters lie their way into working 1 large egg, beaten closely with an affluent family. 6-8 tbsp milk 225g Bramley apples peeled cored and diced 100g sultanas Official Secrets st 2 tbsp Demerara sugar Wednesday 21 October 4.30 & 7.30pm Political thriller based on GCHQ whistle blower Katherine Gun, who leaked a memo exposing Step 1. Heat the oven to180/160c fan/gas4. Butter and illegal efforts to blackmail UN diplomats tasked to line a deep 20cm cake tin with baking parchment. vote on the 2003 invasion to Iraq. Step 2. Mix flour and mixed spice together in a large We are on the Test Way, midway between Stockbridge and Romsey in the picturesque village bowl. Add the butter and rub into the flour using your They Shall Not Grow Old of Horsebridge. We are ideally suited for groups of ramblers or cyclists with a pre booking th service available. We are a Free House specialising in fine ales, wines and home-cooked fingers, until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the Friday 13 November 4.30 & 7.30pm locally-sourced food. light brown sugar. Beat in the egg followed by 6-8 tbsp Transforming archive footage more than a century old, Peter Jackson brings to life the people who Choice of freshly cooked roasts every Sunday. of milk, adding it gradually until you have a smooth, can best tell the story of World War I: the men thick batter. who were there We are open throughout the day from 9.30 am and will not close before 10pm, or later if we have customers. Food served between 9.30 am until 8pm, and later if pre-booked. We have Step 3. Add the apples and sultanas and mix to combine. 30 covers inside and 32 seats available in our garden to the rear. Scrape the batter into the prepared tin and gently level A Personal History of David Copperfield th We are conscious of the Covid regulations providing table service, sanitiser and safe seating. out. Sprinkle over the Demerara sugar and bake for Wednesday 18 November 4.30 & 7.30pm Inside 2 Households can sit together, outside 2 households or a maximum of 6 people from 30-40 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted in The life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity, with his own adventures and the web of multiple households to each table. the middle comes out clean. friends and enemies he meets along his way. We are allowing more than 2 drinks to each customer. Step 4. Allow to cool in the tin for 15 minutes and then Bookings to be made via ticketsource.co.uk HORSEBRIDGE ROAD, HORSEBRIDGE, SO20 6PU carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool further. Best to ensure distanced seating. Telephone: 01794 388644 Johnofgaunt.co.uk served warm with custard. Masks must be worn. Page 19 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 19

We welcome Pippa Fordham who has moved into Farmers’ Markets Roman Road with her dog Monty. We hope they will enjoy living here and exploring all our lovely footpaths together. Hampshire Farmers’ Markets are open. To maintain social distancing you maybe asked queue before entering a market. Henry Smith Charity The parish is lucky enough to get money each Winchester - The Broadway year to give to parishioners who need it, so if you or Note the new location a neighbour could do with a little help, please get in th th th th touch in the strictest confidence with any parish 11 & 25 October, 8 & 29 November councillor or the clerk. 9 ’til 2 Romsey - Alma Road Car Park 4th October, 1st November 10 ’til 1 Dorset Apple Cake by Anne Roberts Ingredients 115g unsalted butter, diced and chilled, plus extra for Stockbridge Town Hall the tin 225g self-raising flour Parasite 2 tsp ground mixed spice Friday 16th October 4.30 & 7.30pm 115g light brown sugar South Korean black comedy thriller in which a family of fraudsters lie their way into working 1 large egg, beaten closely with an affluent family. 6-8 tbsp milk 225g Bramley apples peeled cored and diced 100g sultanas Official Secrets st 2 tbsp Demerara sugar Wednesday 21 October 4.30 & 7.30pm Political thriller based on GCHQ whistle blower Katherine Gun, who leaked a memo exposing Step 1. Heat the oven to180/160c fan/gas4. Butter and illegal efforts to blackmail UN diplomats tasked to line a deep 20cm cake tin with baking parchment. vote on the 2003 invasion to Iraq. Step 2. Mix flour and mixed spice together in a large We are on the Test Way, midway between Stockbridge and Romsey in the picturesque village bowl. Add the butter and rub into the flour using your They Shall Not Grow Old of Horsebridge. We are ideally suited for groups of ramblers or cyclists with a pre booking th service available. We are a Free House specialising in fine ales, wines and home-cooked fingers, until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the Friday 13 November 4.30 & 7.30pm locally-sourced food. light brown sugar. Beat in the egg followed by 6-8 tbsp Transforming archive footage more than a century old, Peter Jackson brings to life the people who Choice of freshly cooked roasts every Sunday. of milk, adding it gradually until you have a smooth, can best tell the story of World War I: the men thick batter. who were there We are open throughout the day from 9.30 am and will not close before 10pm, or later if we have customers. Food served between 9.30 am until 8pm, and later if pre-booked. We have Step 3. Add the apples and sultanas and mix to combine. 30 covers inside and 32 seats available in our garden to the rear. Scrape the batter into the prepared tin and gently level A Personal History of David Copperfield th We are conscious of the Covid regulations providing table service, sanitiser and safe seating. out. Sprinkle over the Demerara sugar and bake for Wednesday 18 November 4.30 & 7.30pm Inside 2 Households can sit together, outside 2 households or a maximum of 6 people from 30-40 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted in The life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity, with his own adventures and the web of multiple households to each table. the middle comes out clean. friends and enemies he meets along his way. We are allowing more than 2 drinks to each customer. Step 4. Allow to cool in the tin for 15 minutes and then Bookings to be made via ticketsource.co.uk HORSEBRIDGE ROAD, HORSEBRIDGE, SO20 6PU carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool further. Best to ensure distanced seating. Telephone: 01794 388644 Johnofgaunt.co.uk served warm with custard. Masks must be worn. Page 20 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 20 Page 21 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020 The Longstock Newsletter Page 21 Page 22 The Longstock Newsletter Issue No 249 Oct / Nov 2020

Thank you to our VILLAGE DIRECTORY in October 2020 deliverers for this issue: Church Warden 810 284 Veronica Ayers Peter Bramley Rev’d Philip Bowden, Rector 810 810 Charles Grieve Canon Paul Townsend (RC) 01962 852 804 Angie Filippa Community Sports Hall TV School 810 555 Geoff Merritt Boo Milne Garden Club 810 794, 810 432 John & Selina Musters Mayflies Youth Club (8-16s)(Liz Howard) Dane and Beth Oliver 07870 612 127 Gary Oliver Neighbour Care Scheme for Nigel Rugman Thank you also to everyone contributing or Stockbridge/Longstock/Houghton 0845 0943 713 checking articles & news. Parish Council Clerk 810 752 Please contact the Parish Clerk, on 810752, or Pilates at Leckford 810 549 e-mail [email protected] if Scouts Stockbridge (Mo Collins) 01256 895 534 you’d like to help with the newsletter in any way, and by Friday 13th November if you’d like to Village Hall, Badminton/Bowls 810 459 submit an article or announcement, give us some W.I. 810 603 news, or place an advert. EMERGENCY or USEFUL CONTACTS DUSTBIN COLLECTION Environment Agency Black Fri 9th, Fri 23rd October Incident Hotline 0800 807 060 bins Fri 6th, Fri 20th November Hampshire Fire & Rescue 02380 644 000 Brown Fri 2nd, Fri 16th, 30th October Floodline 0345 988 1188 bins Fri 13th, Fri 27th November Southern Electric 105 Southern Water 0330 303 0368 Green bags are collected on Tuesdays of the same week as brown bins. To subscribe please Police non-urgent calls 101 contact TVBC on 368000. Neighbourcare Andover 336 020, 339 899 October / Foil is collected at Chilbolton’s West Down car Surgery 810 524 November 2020 park & at Andover Garden Centre. Helpline for Carers (Freephone) 0800 032 3456 Plastic pots are no longer recycled there. Glass recycling. The PC is investigating suitable Hants County Council information 0300 555 1375 sites for a bin in the village. Test Valley Borough Council 368 000 Glass, clothing and foil recycling bins are Citizens’ Advice Bureau 0344 411 1306 avalable at Chilbolton Down car park, and at To call anonymously with information Andover Wyevale Garden Centre. about crime: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 This Newsletter is There is a collecting box for clean TRANSPORT plastic milk bottle tops in the published by Longstock Stagecoach Stockbridge to Winchester Parish Council and delivered church lychgate, and a separate one buses number 68 0345 121 0190 free to every household in for batteries. Please don’t put either Longstock. in plastic bags. Batteries can also be Cango buses to Romsey have been replaced with disposed of in supermarkets & should shared taxis to your door .Register on 01962 846 786 Anyone else may subscribe not go in dustbins. at £8 a year by contacting The batteries (small, not car!) will be taken for Traveline for countrywide travel info longstockparishcouncil18 safe disposal; and clean plastic milk bottle tops 0871200 [email protected]. with the HDPE symbol will be recycled to raise Dial-a-Ride (Joyrides Stockbridge). Minibus to funds for the Gift of Sight’s research into macular Andover. Register on 356 808 degeneration. NO OTHER TYPES This runs through Longstock on Wednesdays at OF TOPS PLEASE as these are the only 9.30, returning at noon, for £3.00 return. For ones accepted now, and PLEASE don’t put more information, ring John Musters 810 459 batteries in with bottle tops.The consequences or Dane Oliver 810 839. are DIRE!

The deadline for newsletter submissions is Friday 13th November if you’d like to submit any news or comment, or offer to help! [email protected]