Years of hard work Raising and dedication finally pay off - the roof page 2

WINTER Dec - Feb 2018-19 Issue No.81 A word from the Editor by Julie Crompton As the nights draw in and the song and contemplation, that really does set you up for Christmas. The final vocal warm- festive season rapidly approaches, up, before the epic evening of village carolling 's vibrant social scene on December 20th Parish Hall Chairman Nigel Sweet, delivers the good news at the Prancing Pony. ramps up into over-drive. If this final festive bout doesn't get you in the mood for mince pies and stuffing, then not The organisers of Putley's 'entertainments', much will. The evening is spent carousing do so with a dedication and enthusiasm that along the village's lanes, bringing music and is rare in this age of instant gratification and thirst to the lesser and greater gentry of the on-line stimulation. The season gently gathers village. 20th Dec, 6.30pm from Dragon House We’ve raised the roof! pace in mid December, when the ladies of the - Bring a torch and goodwill to all men and The hall has been given making, fund raising. We sent a photo of W.I. gather for their Christmas Dinner on the women. the W.I. and friends waving paint brushes 12th. An hors d'oeuvre to what follows, two days later... If all this frivolity leaves you hankering £44,000 by the Garfield during the January Maintenance Day for more energetic persuits, then fear not. Weston Foundation from and emphasised what a lovely friendly ThePrancing Pony Christmas Extravaganza Norman Stanier is organising a fabulous post community our village of Putley is. (p10) has become one of Putley's events Christmas walk leaving from the Parish Hall at their 60th Anniversary Fund of the year. An epic feast of fun. Putley 10am on the 27th December (p21). We hope that work can start in early March Voices usually kick things off, and always to renew the hall roof. 2019 and be completed by the Big Apple put on a scintillating, and usually hilarious, The Parish Hall is also the venue for the final in May. We don’t anticipate restrictions on Can you believe it? We were so stunned performance or two. Last year the Quiz of all festive treat on New Year's Day, (p23) when access to the building but will notify hirers Putley and Aylton do battle over the right to when we opened the letter that we had to Quizzes was added to the mix. No ordinary of likely noise if necessary. be crowned Tug 'o War Champions! get our hankies out. A new roof, guttering, question session either, but a brain teasing test of your capacity to store and recall the barge boards and all. All that moss, old Car park resurfacing After a decent period of recuperation the next less used and sometimes random information treat is for those of a more northerly heritage, asbestos tiles, colander like drainpipes and picked up throughout your life's experiences! rotten woodwork to be replaced. Not content with the roof, we have managed or just look great in tartan. The first Pop- to spruce up the car park with most If your team is lucky enough to claim top up pub of the year on January 25th, just so All these years of filling in applications and welcome contributions from Putley Parish spot, you will raise the most coveted trophy happens to fall on Burns night. So hunt down this time we hit the jackpot. There were Council and Balfour Beatty who provided in Putley's pop-up pub quizzing World. The your haggis, spruce up your sporran, it could 2300 applicants from all over and the manpower. priceless, hand crafted, solid, 24 carat plywood well be memorable! Wales for a Fund of £5,000,000 (later raised 'Friars Acre Memorial Pony' is a cherished If you have any events, stories, photographs or to £10,000,000). But only 156 applications Heaters in the Lavatories object that's been gracing the 'trophy cabinet' were successful and ours was one of 17 in news, please let me know. If you don’t tell me I And just to add to the excitement, Putley at Crompton Towers for the past twelve the . can’t pop it in our very own little mag! W.I. has generously contributed to the months! We told them about the Pop up Cafe and provision of safety regulation approved There's a brief day of recovery (Christmas Copy deadline for December Issue: Pub, the Big Apple and the Choir and the electric wall heaters in the “facilities” which shopping on a Saturday?!) before the most support we get from all our volunteers in will make a difference this winter. moving of Putley's festive treats. The Nine Friday 1st February the garden, painting, hedge cutting, cake Lessons and Carol Service (p32) at Putley [email protected] by Josephine Felton Church. A magical Sunday afternoon of joy, 2 3 Dear Friends by The Reverend Howard Mayell A short note to say how much Community Choir was excellent and I appreciated your thoughtful in expressing my thanks to them I must also mention the three organists who consideration and generosity took – Julia Oulton, Amanda Wright and on my retirement on the 9th the incomparable Malcolm Hughes all September. of whom put in an amazing amount of time and effort to make sure all went so To have so many come to share in the smoothly and well. worship and festivities was very heart warming. I have to particularly thank the As I wrote in the previous edition of the small team headed up by Helen Thomas Putley Press, I would like to express my who sorted the post service celebrations thanks to everyone I have worked with in [The ride on the Weston’s Dray along with Putley over the 21 years I have been here. the stave wielding Church Wardens from It goes without saying that I will miss the Benefice] will long live in the memory. everyone; though I will see you from time The thanks go of course also to those who to time as I shop in , and you will did all the myriad of small jobs behind always be in my prayers. the scenes that often go unnoticed. The combined choir made up of the Much Yours in Christ Jesus Marcle with Yatton choir and the Ledbury Howard

4 Photos Sue Moger 5 Jonathan Lester County Councillor & Leader of County Council

I hosted a support for 180 care leavers. Parish Council I attended a service at the Cathedral Summit on to witness the inauguration of the new University known as NMiTE. The Wednesday development of a new University for 17 October. Herefordshire is very exciting and has the The event was an potential to transform our county in terms opportunity to share of growth and future investment as well experiences and as provide an exciting new opportunity discuss how Herefordshire Council and to create the engineers of the future. parish and town councils can better work Herefordshire Council is supporting together to provide the best services for NMiTE in many ways and I look forward residents. With around 100 attendees, we to them going from strength to strength. collected a wealth of thoughts and ideas I am currently focused on preparing the about how to work more closely together. Council’s budget for 2019/2020. What clearly stood out is that parish This is a challenging task, however, councillors welcomed information on the Herefordshire Council, unlike some demographics of their local population to councils, has been very responsible in the assist them in making decisions. We plan to way it has addressed the need to make hold the next summit in early 2019. When savings whilst still maintaining key services. it is understood that approximately 75% One important fact to have in mind is of the council tax is spent on roughly 3500 that when I first became a Herefordshire vulnerable adults and children, it becomes Councillor in 2011, the council received apparent that better ways of working and £60 Million from central government. That securing more community resilience is figure decreased year on year and in 2019 necessary. we will only receive £620 ,000. That is the These steps can do much to improve the scale of the challenge that has been met. wellbeing of our citizens whilst reduce Meanwhile, I remain busy with attending costs at the same time. At my last cabinet parish councils and meeting residents in meeting I received the annual progress the Three Crosses Ward as I always make update on the corporate parenting strategy. myself available to meet to discuss any The term ‘corporate parent’ means the issues that I can help with. collective responsibility of the council, elected members, employees and partner Ward Councillor for Three Crosses agencies for providing the best possible care Leader of Herefordshire Council. and safeguarding for every child in council [email protected] care. Currently Herefordshire Council Mb 07966 900975 has 335 children in its care and provides 6 7 • Tin of tomatoes or about 600ml passata on those occasions when all you have is a A matter of taste • Bay leaf lonely courgette, a couple of flabby carrots, • 20 fl oz veg stock half a cabbage of some sort, the tougher bits • 1 tbsp. soya sauce of a head of celery and a lone onion. If you have a tin of beans or some dried pasta, some by Melissa Hawker Souped Up! Gently fry the spices until they become tomatoes or puree, then minestrone it is! fragrant, add the chopped veg and lentils, stir The weather has turned distinctly the standard text for all catering colleges as and cook for 5 mins cold this weekend so my thoughts it covers all the ‘correct’ techniques. Making Add tomatoes or passata and stock Minestrone alla Putley asparagus soup by the method described was Makes a panful! have turned towards soup. I Add the bay leaf and simmer for 40 minutes counter intuitive for me but a revelation! I until the lentils are cooked Finely chop carrot, onion and celery and sauté have always loved making it, so am aware that this time of year the only fresh very gently in olive oil for a good 10 minutes – satisfying and comforting to eat. asparagus will be from Chile or Peru – and Remove bay leaf and liquidise to the no cheating! consistency you like pretty tasteless. But if you grow the stuff then Then dice whatever other vegetables you have Here are three different soups, all Add the soya sauce and season to taste that satisfy my need for warmth you may, like me, have bags of bits in your to hand; and shred any cabbage. freezer? Asparagus grows so fast that often by Lovely served with a dollop of crème fraiche Add them in this order, leaving 5 minutes and taste. the time I pick it there are 12 inches of stem cooking time in between each addition; first The first harks back not just to the early days even above the snap point below which they the potato, then any courgette or french beans, of a particularly long hot summer but also are too stringy even for soup. I chop them up My final offering is another old favourite, and finally the cabbage to a different era. The recipe is taken from and freeze them so that I can enjoy a taste of and one for which there are as many recipes Throw in the tomatoes or passata and bring up a book first published in 1962 which is still summer in the depths of winter. as there are cooks in Italy! I first tasted to the boil homemade minestrone in Florence and it Add stock or water, cover and simmer very serves 4 Return to a clean pan, correct seasoning and was this that set me on my soup-making gently for at least an hour - 2 hours in the Asparagus Soup consistency to taste odyssey. The cook/housekeeper of the family lowest Aga oven is perfect. (120˚C) • 50 sliced onions Add milk or cream just before serving I lived with would begin by putting a piece Only add the pasta or beans when you are • 50g sliced celery For a classy finish, drizzle a little white truffle of beef and some cannellini beans in an going to serve it. Pasta will take whatever it • 50g butter oil as well! ancient pressure cooker and cooking until says on the packet and tinned beans just need • 50g flour they were done. This produced a wonderful 10 minutes gently cooking to come up to • 1 litre chicken or veg stock stock for the soup, the beans were removed heat. Which reminds me, if you have made Now for something completely different! This • 250g asparagus to add back to the soup later, and the beef enough for several meals, just add pasta to is one of my mother’s recipes. Make it as spicy would be served cold with mayonnaise for enough for the first serving, otherwise it will • 250ml milk or 150ml cream as you like… the main course. But look in any book of go unpleasantly squishy! • Bouquet garni Italian cuisine and there will be a whole list Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan Gently sweat the onions & celery in the Spiced Red Lentil Soup of regional recipes. Italy is still a country butter without colouring Serves 4 to 6 with very distinct regional variations which Mix in the flour and cook out for a few Some other Italian variations: • 1 large onion often reflect local produce. For example the minutes over a low heat white beans Marietta put in her minestrone • 1 large red pepper A piece of parmesan rind added to the soup just Gradually add the hot stock, stirring well. are grown in Tuscany for while the recipe • 2 sticks of celery before the long cooking time gives a lovely depth Bring to the boil for Minestrone alla Genovese in my 1930s • 225g courgette of flavour Add the chopped asparagus, bouquet garni edition of Il Talismano della Felicità has a and season lightly with salt and pepper • 125g red lentils dollop of pesto alla Genovese thrown in for Puree half the beans with a little stock and add Simmer for 30-40 minutes, then remove the • 1 tbsp. olive oil good measure before serving. to the soup for a thicker consistency bouquet garni • 1 tspn paprika (hot or sweet to taste) • 1 tspn turmeric What I have learned is that almost anything Put a piece of lightly toasted bread in the bottom Liquidise and sieve to remove any lingering of the bowls before ladling in the soup stringy bits • Pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper goes, but there is a definite sequence to the cooking! Minestrone is a great thing to make 8 9 Back by popular demand (and some persuasive arm bending)

The Other Putley... The Quiz and District... Press by Norman Stanier When the Big Apple Festival was conceived atmosphere and wild yeasts previously enjoyed and launched by Jackie Denman almost thirty by Once Upon A Tree. of all Quizzes The most diverse range of fun, brain teasing and visual questions set by the years ago, incidentally making it the first of its kind in contemporary times, one of its prime The Press , and a suitable Mill will eventually movers and motivators was Jean Nowell from be made available for Community Groups Whizzes of Quizzes Lyne Down at and other interested bodies as long as it is used under the auspices of The Big Apple. Jean helped instigate the Cider and David Hewitt & Mary Fielding Competition to raise the standard of both To this end, in early November, various Committee Members joined in with scratting drinks and this event is now the premier peer (max) judged competition in the country, the one and pressing in order to brush up on their Rally your team of Six most highly rated by the Craft Makers. rudimentary Cider Making Skills and some thirty gallons of juice have now begun to The Battle of the Brain cells will commence at 8pm Over the years Jean dispensed wisdom, ferment and should be ready by late Spring . encouragement and largesse in generous and at the Prancing Pony Christmas Extravaganza on copious amounts and on her death just over More information on The Big Apple is a year ago, her family, who also loved the available on the Big Apple web site and the Marcle Ridge Area, were keen that her press organisation is always looking for volunteers and legacy would continue to be available to to help with the various events including the Friday December 14th members of the local Community. Wassail in January, Blossom Time and the Local brews, wines, soft drinks & the Fish and Chip van Cider and Perry Competition over the May So, last April, a Big Apple Cider Press Day Weekend and Harvest Time in October. £1 per team member on the night, ALL proceeds to the Parish Hall Transportation Group, under the ever watchful eye of Mrs Denman, moved Jean’s Please do get in touch if you are interested in Press from Much Marcle up to Dragon giving a hand with any of these events and, Orchard Putley where it has been resting next year helping with making Cider, Perry or under the Lean To, quietly absorbing the Apple Juice. 10 11 Putley Village Café

Come to the Parish Hall to Meet, eat and chat £2.50 Soup & roll with friends. £1.50 for tea/ Open 12.00 – 1.30pm on the third Friday of the month: coffee and cake Proceeds to charity 21st Dec If you would like a lift (Christmas special) please contact us. John and Alice Rhodes 18th Jan 670442 15 Feb Come alone or with a friend - you will have a warm welcome BIRDS in PUTLEY Last May the Parish Hall accepted an offer preferences of robins, starlings, sparrows etc. Wednesday 12th Dec Wednesday 9th Jan Wednesday 13th Feb of bird nesting boxes from Severn Waste The grant specified that all the boxes should Christmas Dinner Sarah Down Paul Crompton through the Landfill Communities Fund. be located on or near to the hall. Though Severn Waste is a grant giving organisation, rather late in the nesting season boxes have The Royal Oak Textile Artist Crime Prevention that has, over the years, given the Hall been installed on the hall, on trees on the several grants. In 2017, for example, the edge of the car park and on properties facing Hall received £3500 to help with the cost the hall. of refurbishing the lavatories and installing Hopefully, next Spring, we shall witness radiators in the bar area. a substantial increase in Putley’s bird population. Four types of bird box(fifteen in total) were delivered to the Parish Hall in June. Jake Herbst Each type is designed to suit the nesting 12 13 courgette soup every day for a fortnight from the stock in the freezer. LIFE ON THE It’ll make space in the freezer and get the message through that we don’t Muddy Wellies ALLOTMENT need four courgette plants. 5. Ditto butternut squash. “All is safely gathered in, ‘ere the winter storms begin” 6. Find some way to protect leeks from the allium moth that doesn’t involve fine mesh netting draped over a flimsy bamboo frame that collapses when I fall onto it after I trip over the brick weighing done the fleece. 7. For Head Gardener – should such an event happen again, show sympathy to Muddy Wellies over her bleeding knees rather than mourn the damaged leek plants. 8. Get rid of the plum tree if it fails to fruit once again. Accept that we’ve proven that the advice is right that plum trees planted in very wet soil produce a lot of foliage and little fruit. 9. Thin out carrot seedlings. We do not want a lot of mis shapened vegetables that are too crowded to grow properly, just because Head Gardener is reluctant to sacrifice anything that might be edible. 10. Ditto beetroot. 11. Ditto parsnips. The frenetic activity associated with every other 12. Laugh, chat to our fellow allotmenteers, rejoice in the fertility of the soil and season is over; now’s the time to sit back, take stock, enjoy a bountiful harvest as we did this year. reflect, review lessons learnt and plan for next year. Happy New Year! – Muddy Wellies Head Gardener and I will make occasional trips to the allotment to harvest leeks, parsnips and celeriac and to prune the fruit trees and bushes and, if we get any of the aforementioned winter storms, to check that no flying greenhouses have landed on our plot (it has been known). So now is the season that lessons learnt should lead to some New Year resolutions. Here they are. 1. We will keep a record of which varieties of vegetables we sow. Then, when we grow beetroot that turn from beautiful burgundy red to white and disintegrate and taste horrible on cooking, we won’t buy those seeds again. Back to the old varieties. 2. Ditto potatoes that collapse completely at the sight of a drop of hot water. 3. Nor do we want prickly ridged courgettes again. 4. Resist the temptation to plant out all the courgette seedlings that germinate. Courgettes seem to have a low germination rate so Head Gardener sows far more than we need but can’t stop at two seedlings to plant out, if the germination rate is higher than expected. Memo to self – serve him

14 15 Eulogy to Douglas Mensforth

In Putta’s Lea ’neath Marlclay Ridge, He was a Classics Teacher, His memory was prodigious, Where Saxon people came, Could speak in tongues of old, He could recite by heart, Invading Romans settled, Many ancient tales he knew, Many verses, tales and deeds, And left us a remain, Of Men and Women bold. He’d clear his throat and start. Then Normans came and counted us, He used to leave the staff room, With timbre ever rising, And wrote in Domesday book, With coffee cup in hand, He’d hold on every note, We’ll miss you much dear Mensforth, That it was sheltered and secure, Exhaling wreaths of ciggie smoke, We’d wonder how he did it, Shirley most of all, A hidden gentle nook. Out across the land. We couldn’t manage rote. We’ll miss your noble presence, In parish church and hall. The countryside is rolling, His gown flowed out behind him, The verse it fell from out his mouth, We’ll miss your wit and wisdom, The soil is rich and red, His mane so grey and swept, We’d marvel in the Hall, We’ll miss your Rover car, The fruit trees bear fine blossom, The pupils scurried from his path, He’d smile when ere he finished, But when we look around us, Which rises overhead, Lest Dracula they met. And then applause we’d all. We know where you are. The fields show ancient patterns, But Malvern College loved him, For he brought scenes and verse to life, The climate it is fair, He had such teaching skill, For us he’d make it plain You’re with us in the Churchyard, And men and women work here, Many staff and students, The mark of a true teacher, You’re with us in the lane, With stewardship and care. Talk fondly of him still. Simply to explain. You’re with us on the 476. In DRM’s Hall of fame. Our church lies at the bottom, But Douglas in our Parish, As well as DLM his car, Know your time in Putley, Of a gentle sloping lane, Showed another side, He’d travel on the bus, Where you gave such a lot, And many paths converge there, When it came to service, Each and every Tuesday, Know your time among us, As generations came, He was not one to hide. Two trolleys he would tush. Will never be forgot. They came on foot to worship, He organised the Churchyard, He’d journey into Ledbury, To bury and baptise, And guided us with wit, Shop up and down the town, When you were born dear Douglas, To pray and be forgiven, We mowed and strimmed and weeded, But did he ever make a list, They surely broke the mould, Kneel down and close their eyes. It kept us very fit. And write each item down? Then made sure you flew the flag, True and just and bold. Then one Day in the Parish, When over thirty years ago, Or did he just remember, We’ll always see you in your pew, Appeared a Rover car, The church walls showed much damp, Just like the rhymes and verse, Forever holding sway, It only had one owner, He grabbed his pick and shovel, And was it always in his head, But for now we raise a glass. Who’d travelled from afar. A tidy trench he sank. To take along his purse. To toast you on your way. He’d had it since his twenties, He dug around the outside walls, And then he’d travel back again, T’was bought brand spanking new, And made a fine French drain, With victuals, bread and meat, It gently purred around the lanes, Which kept the walls much drier, With Gordon’s and tobacco, And our affection grew. In spite of heavy rain. To see him through the week. by Norman Stanier

16 17 Dementia Pop-up Pub Support and Advice As a dementia In many cases I hope to be able progresses, life can to not only aid understanding, at Putley Parish Hall but offer practical suggestions Nights become increasingly or strategies to adopt or employ. Friday Dec 14th - Festive Special 7.00 -10.30pm difficult for both the I especially look to provide The fun kicks off with PUTLEY VOICES followed at 8pm by THE QUIZ person diagnosed and emotional and practical support As usual there will be our fabulous range of local brews, wines and soft drinks. to the main carer and to assist their loved ones. - 6.30pm start for the AGM Ongoing changes in relation in furthering their knowledge Friday January 25th to a person’s cognitive abilities, and understanding of the The AGM may sound like a formality but it is also an opportunity for all members (and you can sign up on the night if you’re not already a member) to sack or re-elect the Committee, discuss ideas for improvements and what to do with our surplus takings, behaviour and communication dementia in question, thereby surplus beer, and so on. Agenda & papers will be sent out to members in the New Year. skills all take a toll on everyone improving their ability to: both involved. look after and have the very Followed by the usual pop-up pub 7.00 - 10.30pm featuring music from our very own Three Bone Joint from around 9.00pm. It's best of relations possible, with With qualifications and Burns Night, so feel free to pop along in your clan kilt, bring your bagpipes and celebrate in a proper manner! the person diagnosed. experience in working with - Pop-Up Pub Night 7.00 -10.30pm those with dementia, I attempt I aim to work along side and in Friday February 23rd to identify, monitor and addition to other agencies; I can Bar rota: A big thank you to all who help behind the bar. The Pony would not Prance without you! If you have not yet had the pleasure of serving behind the bar, or if you’re up for another go, get in touch! assist with current problems attend on a regular basis or as — be they environmental, required. behavioural or cognitive. New Members Welcome To find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact me: £5 Single Annual Membership Fee Email: [email protected] For any information about the Prancing Pony - please contact Mary: [email protected] Phone: 07813 178 314 Susannah Birkett BSc (hons) (Psy)BTEC Level 3 in Awareness of Dementia (QCF) DEMENTIA LINK WORKER STATUS Cert. in Education & Training

Family Dementia Support Dementia Awareness Training Making business premises ‘Dementia Friendly’ Call: 01531 670340 [email protected] www.monster-creative.com 18 19 The Particular Paths of Putley For four Tuesdays last October, an eclectic equally valuable and much enjoyed was the PUTLEY mix of folk from around Putley and indeed chance to meet new people and to explore NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN neighbouring Parishes, met at The Parish Hall their stories and enjoy their experiences too. in order to perambulate around the public As a follow on... Shake Off Dull Sloth and footpaths and explore the amazing variety of Joyful Rise - 10am Thursday December landscape packed into one small area. 27th 2018. This is a walk to shake down the Over the course of the Four Walks we explored over indulgence of Christmas and allow some The Orchards, the Woods and Dingles, the fresh air into your lungs and reinvigorate your Wonder of the Wonder, the landslip which bodies. took place in February 1575 and finally the Marcle Ridge. The last walk was especially Meet at The Parish Hall at 10am to walk over memorable as an almost Full Moon rose from the Marcle Ridge to one of The behind the which just before Pubs for lunch and then back before the sun had been lit by the last rays of the setting sun. sets. If you would like to join us and would However, as well as the opportunity to explore like to book a space then do let me know by previously unknown paths or to discover how Saturday December 22nd. will be back ‘on the case’ and working hard they might be linked and lead to longer walks, [email protected] Notes from the to ensure that we all have the opportunity to have another look at the Plan and to Putley and its surrounding area are exceptionally vote on it. We will ensure that all the Steering Group relevant documents are on Putley’s website, well blessed with a plethora of pleasing paths. My last set of notes from the Steering that some hard copies are available and Group for the Putley Press began with that everyone receives a summary of the the sentence: ‘Since you last heard from Plan on two sides of A4 paper. me, plenty has been going on.’ Well – this HOUSE FULL? present set of notes will begin with the Herefordshire Council Electoral Enjoy sentence: ‘I have very, very little new to Registration Department will undertake report about the Putley’s Neighbourhood the Referendum following a minimum 28 Development Plan.’ days’ notice period. This is now most likely singing? to take place in spring 2019, at the Parish From September to April, each Monday Yes, the Neighbourhood Development Hall. Plan is still moving forward. However, evening from 7.30pm, Putley Voices meet we ourselves have taken no part in this After all this hard work, do please be ready in the Parish Hall. We have members from to participate. Thank you, again Pixley, Aylton, Ledbury, Little Marcle as well progress. If you have a houseful of visitors on the way, as Putley, so everyone is welcome! We are still awaiting the comments on our Katia Herbst Chair, why not put them up just around the corner in one Putley Neighbourhood Development Plan We have a range of musical abilities, but all of our five charming cottages? Perfect for family Draft Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group from the independent examiner. As you enjoy getting together, singing, chatting, gatherings and special occasions. will remember, whatever she says (and, *All documents, including Putley’s drinking and laughing as we rehearse both yes, it is a ‘she’), we will be obliged to take Neighbourhood Development Plan 2011 - new and familiar pieces to perform locally. it into account – as will Herefordshire 2031 Submission Draft and accompanying Find out if it’s for you. Aylton - 01531 670349 Council. documents are available on Putley’s website We’d love to see you there. www.putley.org.uk/neighbourhood-plan [email protected] As soon as we hear from the examiner, we Contact: Jake 01531 670315 www.whitehousecottages.co.uk 20 21 The Great Outdoors Gym by Sally Smart

Do you want to improve This sort of physical activity benefits mental health and increases self esteem your health and wellbeing but and confidence through learning new skills and completing new tasks. Working in the not too keen on the lycra and outdoors is a great way of relieving stress and running machines? Well read helps to combat depression. There are also the usual physical benefits of exercise: reduced on this might be just for you: chances of suffering heart attacks and strokes, In Herefordshire we are surrounded by acres improved muscle strength, feeling fitter and and acres of wonderful countryside. Hopefully having more energy. You can burn calories you have managed to get along to one of whilst enjoying yourself! Annie & Norman’s bike rides or walks during I’m not canvassing for the Malvern Hills September & October. A chance to appreciate Trust but getting a good workout whilst our surroundings. Perhaps you are a regular volunteering seems such great value – bit of walker or runner using our footpaths or a ‘buy one get one free’. I’m sure you can find crossing the county boundary and getting onto your own ‘bogof ’. the Malverns? It occurred to me, whilst I was pounding Next Putley Fitness walks (2 groups the paths, perhaps I could give something - ‘fast’ and ‘not so fast’) Dec 3rd, Jan back. So, a few years ago I went along to the 7th, Feb 4th. Love to see new and old Malvern Hills Trust and I can’t recommend faces! All walks meet at Putley Parish it enough. Activities may include coppicing Hall at 10am and we are back for coffee and tree planting, pond clearance, removing bracken and bramble shading wild flowers, by 11am. Just £1. small tree and scrub clearance. Their website Sally Smart is a fitness specialist who has led claims: ‘It’s a great way to get some fresh air Walking & Running groups for 20 years. She and exercise with a great group of like-minded ran the marathon as Sally Ellis in the Barcelona people whilst doing something worthwhile for Olympics in 1992. the Malvern Hills and Commons’. I certainly claim it as a great workout! 22 23 Swift preparationby Kate Woolen

generous local sponsors have provided funds You cannot fail to to purchase 10 nest boxes so far and 6 of hear the wonderful those have been put up on the Elizabeth Barrett Browning Building ( The old summer sound of swifts library). The old library is home to screaming around towns at least 8 pairs of swifts but does need renovation, so the provision and villages in of nest boxes will help to ensure continued nesting sites if all June and July. of the existing sites cannot be Swifts are the most aerial of retained. all birds, usually only coming to land to nest. They feed and Putley has a small number sleep in the air. buildings that have nesting Swifts arrive in the UK in swifts. If you know of a the last week of April or building that supports early May and stay just long swifts in this area or would like enough to breed before flying back to Africa in to discuss putting up your own late July or early August. swift nest box please contact a member of the Putley Wildlife Swifts can be found anywhere so long as there Group are insects to feed on and a suitable nest site. The nest site is usually high up just inside the [email protected] or roof space at the edge of eaves or behind roof telephone 670834 tiles of buildings. Swifts nest in the same site every year so any disturbance or change to their site can be a serious problem. The Ledbury Naturalists Field Club are working to help RSPB and the charity The inaugural event generated Afterwards there will be liquid Swift Conservation to find out where swifts masses of enthusiasm and effort. refreshments and nibbles in are nesting in the Ledbury area and establish As well as the Men’s eights match, the Parish Hall, where the ways to ensure property owners safeguard these nest sites by retaining existing nest sites and there was a mixed Juniors event. disappointment may be diminished providing nesting boxes. and success embellished. At the rematch on 1st January, The Ledbury Naturalists Field Club and Putley will attempt wrest the Please turn up organised to cheer, accolade from Aylton. Enhanced, jeer or, most importantly, get hold in the cause of gender opportunity, of the rope. with the inclusion of a contest between the ladies of each parish. by Tim Beaumont 24 25 Low lying stories of Putley by Tim Beaumont On the last Saturday in October a troop of enthusiastic volunteers gathered in the church. Their purpose was to move the choir stalls on the south side of the chancel. Why? Rot and beetle damage has made the rear stall drop about 10mm. Two weeks prior to the gathering, a hole was cut in the base of the stalls to determine the extent of the damage. Shining a light, as one does in the church, revealed extensive rot and beetle damage (subsequent inspection showed that 80% of the visible timber framework had gone. The floor beneath the base covered in an accumulation discovered as a window sill in the bell chamber. of dust. The discovery of the O in the dust and the “What is that floor made of?” someone asked; other letters seemed to show where at least one Leadon Valley “concrete” was the reply. Idly wondering how more might be. When the choir stalls were deep was the dust, another member of the rolled out across the chancel, bits of rotten Accountancy Ltd exploration team began rubbing a finger in it. wood and the dust of 140 years was exposed. After a few seconds that finger was tracing a Dust pan and brush, Henry type vacuum Providing a tailored approach to all your near perfect circle. Odd. Brushing more dust cleaner revealed a collection of engraved flat accounting and taxation requirements: aside a Y appeared. stones ; four in all. One of them has been The Ross Church Recorders, who have been clearly identified as one of Duncumb’s list. • Bookkeeping diligently recording every artefact in and of our With a bit more work we will know which • Payroll church for the last twenty months, discovered families the others represent. • VAT a reference to a record of Ledger Stones in Now know of six Ledger Stones. The north • Management Accounts Professional eyecare Putley Church. This record by a person named side stalls will be moved in due course as there Duncumb, in1804 cited eight Ledger Stones • Budgeting and Forecasting is damp and beetle damage in them also. It • Financial Accounts & excellent eyeware in the nave and chancel of our church. The would be great to be able to complete the story recorders could only find one. A Ledger Stone with the missing two. • Personal and Business Tax is a record of a family. There is a black stone 34-36 High Street at the foot of the two steps at the entry to Our thanks are due to Norman Stanier, John Ledbury Business Centre Bromyard the church. The first name is the late head of Sandfield, Guy Bodger, Alice Rhodes, Ray 136 Bridge Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AS the family with successive departed of said Hunter, Les Smith, Rob Savagar and Liz Maggs 01531 631095 01885 488259 family being added as and when. This might (Ross Recorders leader) for their knowledge, [email protected] have been one of the eight. As recorded in the patience, good will and additionally, in Alice’s www.lvaccountancy.co.uk www.andrewjelleyopticians.co.uk Autumn issue of the Putley Press another was case, the chocolate buns. 26 27 September Results: First Prize £100 ticket no 7 Second prize £30 ticket no 24 October Results: First Prize £100 ticket no 16 Second prize £30 ticket no 31 November Results: First Prize £100 ticket no 33 Second prize £30 ticket no 43

Fancy a chance of The more tickets sold, the greater the prize money, as the money raised is split equally winning the church between the church and prize money. lottery while helping The money for the church will go for to fund improvements specific projects, not the running costs. to Putley Church? If you fancy taking part please contact me: The Putley Church 100 Club raises money Mrs Phyllis Preston-Day by holding a monthly lottery draw. Each Tel : 01531 671089 ticket costs £5 per month. This gives you email: [email protected] the opportunity to win a cash prize.

The Putley Parish Hall Post Office Open on Mondays 1pm - 3pm for banking, phone top ups, gas and electricity top ups - excluding Bank Holidays

28 29 Contacts After the harvest, ee Putley Parish Council Putley Church Chairperson Rev. John Rhodes 01531 670442 bah gum it’s Christmas Terry Green 07785 391683 [email protected] [email protected] Church Wardens: by The Reverend John Rhodes Finance Mary Cooper 01531 635169 Dermot Daly 01531 670248 [email protected] Footpaths Alice Rhodes 01531 670442 This year’s harvest supper and Another enduring image of Christmas Jackie Denman 01531 670544 [email protected] is that of shepherds. The shepherds, barn-dance was tinged with Lengthsman Putley PCC though, who watched the flocks near Jake Herbst 01531 670315 sadness at the absence of two past Bethlehem on the first Christmas night Chairperson stalwarts, Sam Rolinson and were not loved by everyone. Indeed, such Emergencies Tim Beaumont 01531 670801 Nigel Rolinson 01531 670783 Douglas Mensforth. shepherds were often considered to be [email protected] Clerk to the Council disreputable characters. For example, they Secretary The food as ever was delicious and the Chrissie Daniels 07484 055877 were not allowed to be legal witnesses Alice Rhodes 01531 670442 dancing aided by the hall’s sprung floor. A [email protected] in court cases. In addition, when they [email protected] hall that thanks to the skillful application left the stable at Bethlehem their joyful Other Councillors Treasurer of the management committee is to have a singing was probably not akin to that of Kay Harris 01531 670778 Ray Hunter 01531 670980Putley Parish new roof! Thank you and well done to all a cathedral choir. Nonetheless, they were [email protected] involved. chosen as witnesses to the birth of Jesus Neighbourhood Plan Hall Management Please, thereby, check the opening times Christ. A simple example of how we are of the village cafe each month in case all equally loved by God. In celebration of Katia Herbst 01531 670315 Chairperson work on the new roof has begun. An this our carol service will include ‘While [email protected] Nigel Sweet 01531 670710 open-sky cafe is most unlikely. Christmas, shepherds watched their flocks by night’ [email protected] in contrast, may be spent in part beneath sung to tune of ‘On Ilkley Moor bar tat’! Putley WI Secretary the stars, perhaps by carol singing. You Every blessing to one and all for Julie Crompton 01531 670340 Josephine Felton 01531 670425 are warmly invited, indeed, to the carol Christmas and the New Year [email protected] service at the church on Sunday 16 John Prancing Pony December, starting at 3:30 pm, with the Putley Wildlife Group Mary Hastilow 01531 671169 excellent Putley Voices, and followed by [email protected] mince pies and mulled wine. This will Chairperson Kate Wollen 01531 670834 be the first Christmas without Howard Brownies Mayell as rector of Putley Church after [email protected] his joyful retirement in September – see Anette Embrey 01531 670771 [email protected] p4 for details of his day. Hopefully a new Putley Tree Warden star-rector will be in place by Easter 2019. Wa r d e n Sally Webster 07836 389369 [email protected] 30 31 Looking forward Putley Church

Dec 2nd Morning Prayer at 9:30 am 9th Prayer Book Holy Communion at 9:30 am 16th Nine Lessons and Carols at 3:30 pm 23rd Common Worship Holy Communion at 9:30 am 24th Crib Service at 3:30 pm 25th Common Worship Holy Communion at 9:30 am 30th No service at Putley

6th Morning Prayer at 9:30 am Jan 13th Prayer Book Holy Communion at 9:30 am 20th Prayer Book Holy Communion at 9:30 am 27th Common Worship Holy Communion at 9:30 am Feb 3rd Morning Prayer at 9:30 am 10th Prayer Book Holy Communion at 9:30 am 17th Prayer Book Holy Communion at 9:30 am 24th Common Worship Holy Communion at 9:30 am

Prayer Groups - 12 Noon - Every Monday Rev John Rhodes 01531 670442

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