DECEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020

Keevil Airfield, 6 June 1944 – D-Day In June 1944, less than a mile from the centres of Keevil and , our local airfield – ‘RAF Keevil’ – was deeply involved in D-Day operations. In the September, it played its part in the Arnhem air assault. As the end of 2019 draws near, we remember those who served 75 years ago – and we are privileged to have a copy of the boyhood recollections of someone who, during 1944, was living on the edge of RAF Keevil. CONTENTS December 2019 - January 2020 Pages 39-42 Bryan writes 46-47 Catholic news 3 Christmas Greetings Back cover Church Services 12 Films 11 Forget-me-Nots 13 Friends of SA 22-23 From the Archives 44-45 Methodist Church 4-6 Parish Council 16 Robbie writes 15 RBL 21 Sage 13-14 Shop 7-8 St Mary’s Church 37 Village diary 32 Village Hall info 11 WI Newsletter Deadlines for 2020 January 21st; February 18th; March 24th. Items for the February newsletter should be received by Tuesday 21st January. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 1A Butts Lane, Steeple Ashton or by email to [email protected] All published items solely express the views of the author and are the copyright of the author and the newsletter unless otherwise stated. The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to supply all news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be received before printing. Telephone 01380 871285. Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Sarah Dennehy on 01380 870731, email: [email protected] Please send your ads by email if possible. Please note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers. Editorial Hello everyone - I can’t believe that another year, of newsletters, is nearly over. This is the 10th and last for 2019! I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and wish you all the best for 2020. Kind regards - Helen Christmas Greetings Wishing all a Happy & peaceful Christmas Anne Howard A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my friends and neighbours in Steeple Ashton, from Mary Ashby Wishing my neighbours and many friends in the village a very Happy and peaceful Christmas. All the best for 2020 from Rene Jefferies We wish all our friends and Neighbours a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Richard and Susan Cottle Wishing family and friends a Happy Christmas and a good New Year Margaret & Derek Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with love and best wishes Richard and Moira Matthews Wishing all our friends a very Happy Christmas and bes wishes for the New Year from Pat & Jill Awdry & Family With very best wishes for a Happy Christmas & New Year. Jean A merry Christmas and very happy New Year to all friends and neighbours, with love from Paul and Adrienne Hale I wish all my friends in the village a Happy Christmas. Jayne Glaysher Wishing all our friends in the village a Happy Christmas and New Year from Jayne & Peter Wishing all my friends in Steeple Ashton a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!!! Caren Felton Tony and Alison Evans wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year Seasonal Greetings and best wishes to all Friends, Neighbours and Villagers. From Jo, Peter and Penny Hornsey The Trussell Trust - stop UK hunger If you wish to send money to this charity instead of buying Christmas cards, your cheque should be made out to PCC of Steeple Ashton (marked Trussell Trust on the back) then the money will be sent to the Trussell Trust. Sue Cottle 3 STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL A message from our Chairman: “Dear villagers In 2019 we said goodbye to our clerk – Leon Karas; and welcomed our new clerk – Nikki Duke. In 2020 we will start the year with a councillor vacancy (which will be advertised in January) as Caroline Quartley stands down. So, any interested candidates should look out for the vacancy or contact our clerk for more information. In the meantime we are heading towards Christmas and our Tree Lighting event, and hope you will join us there, especially as Father Christmas has taken time from his busy schedule to come along………………………to enjoy our mulled wine and nibbles, and to meet the young children. All the councillors on Steeple Ashton Parish Council would like to wish you all a very merry festive season and a joyous new year.” Francesca Buffery-King: Chairman

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON SUNDAY 8th December at 5.30pm Come and enjoy mulled wine, savoury treats, mince pies and a Christmas singalong. Father Christmas himself will be pushing the button and giving out a few treats along the way. We’d love to see as many of you as possible.

Council Meetings: The minutes for all meetings are posted on the website and on the village noticeboard next to the Longs Arms and at Newleaze bus stop. Please remember, these meetings are open to all – you would be very welcome to come and sit in while we discuss issues that affect all. The public is invited to speak openly at a set point in the proceedings. If you have an issue you need to talk to us about, you can also email the Clerk – details below – who will ensure the right person is detailed with your query. Village Survey: The survey is now closed, and we are diligently inputting the hard copy data onto our online survey platform. Thank you to all of you who contributed. Results will be published soon and plans for setting up Working Groups will be put forward to those who left their contact details. Thank you to the many of you who have volunteered to be involved in plans going forward – it is very encouraging. All change at the Parish Council: We thank our outgoing Parish Clerk Leon Karas and Councillor Caroline Quarterly for their services to the Parish Council, pictured here receiving leaving gifts from the Chairman. We will miss them! 4 Introducing our new Parish Clerk: “Hello, my name is Nicola Duke and I am the new Parish Clerk for Steeple Ashton Parish Council. I have been working in local government for nearly 20 years and am Clerk to a number of parishes in West . I am a Fellow of the Society of Local Council Clerks and a qualified Clerk. I have been working in Steeple Ashton since September and am enjoying getting to know the village and our parishioners. I am in the Parish Office every Wednesday from 9.30 – 11.30, so please do pop in and say hello. I am very much looking forward to working with the Parish Council to support the community. If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.” New PCSO: Meet new PCSO Adam Almond (left). He will be the Rural PCSO covering our area. At the moment he is being mentored by Janet Gould (right) so you should see a bit of them both around the village. Do stop them and say hello!

5 Planning: Planning applications are considered at Parish Council Meetings and Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an Open Forum for members of the public to comment on planning matters prior to their consideration. All minutes are posted on the website and the village notice board. At the time of publication, there are no new applications. Parish Council Meetings (Mondays at 7.30pm in the Village Hall Skittle Alley): ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THESE MEETINGS. December 2nd Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting January 2020 6th Main Parish Council Meeting February 2020 3rd Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting Parish Council Office: (2 St Mary’s School, High Street) The Clerk will be in the Parish office on Wednesday from. 9.30 - 11.30am. Nicola Duke, Clerk to the Parish Council, can be contacted on 01380 871454 or email [email protected]. All Councillors have live @steeple-ashton.co.uk email addresses which are also posted on the website. Find us on Social Media! Through the Parish Council page and Steeple Ashton Village Discussion Group, we cover many topics of interest to our residents. Please be assured that this page is monitored regularly, and we take all requests seriously, actioning where appropriate. We also have a group called ‘Steeple Sells’ for those of you that would like to buy and sell things locally – this is not a page that is part of the Parish Council policy or procedure, just a natural extension of social media activities. We would love you to get involved – search for ‘Steeple Ashton’ on Facebook. If you are a village group and need help with your social media or village event promotions, please get in touch with Pippa at [email protected] or 871578. ------Mobile Library Visits: Longs Arms, 11:00 – 12:00; Ashton Common Bus Stop 15.45 – 16.10 Wednesday 04; 18th December 2019 Wednesday 01; 15th; 29th January, 2020 ------~~~ www.steeple-ashton.co.uk ~~~

6 From St Mary’s… The Ministry Team - of Fr Oliver, Fr Tony, Richard and Simon, serving the parishes of Steeple Ashton and of , Southwick and Heywood - wishes all readers a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year. You can read Fr Oliver’s Christmas message, together with a note of the special services for Advent and Christmas Day in and around Steeple Ashton, in the Steeple Ashton Christians Together Christmas card that accompanies this Newsletter. And a big thank you to Nancy Lester for the lovely illustration she has provided for this year’s card!

Many thanks to Linda Hollister Linda Hollister will be stepping down shortly as Treasurer to the Parochial Church Council (PCC), and we thank her for all the dedication and hard work she has put into looking after church finances. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in taking on this rôle, or the currently-vacant post of churchwarden, please do contact Fr Oliver on 01225 774845.

Messages from members of our church family… Petra Brown writes: “Letters to Father Christmas can be posted in the red post box in the church which is for children’s letters to Father Christmas. Special paper and envelopes are provided. The post box will be in church from 1st December.” Joyce King writes for the Family Service Team: “We invite all families and friends to our Toy and Gift Family Service on Sunday, 8th December at 10.30am. A member of the Salvation Army will be present to receive our gifts. The Salvation Army works with social services to provide gifts for vulnerable families in the area. Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits will be served after the service. The January Family Service is our Christingle Service for the Children’s Society. This is a lovely service with oranges and candles on Sunday, 12th January at 10.30am. Do come and join us.” 7 ST MARY’S CHURCH STEEPLE ASHTON This church is part of the Benefice of North Bradley, Southwick, Heywood & Steeple Ashton in the Bradford Deanery of the (Anglican) Diocese of Salisbury. Regular Sunday and weekday services are held across the Benefice’s three churches. Details of all these services can be found in the church porch or from the Calendar of Services leaflet available in the church. St Mary’s services for the current month are on page 48. Our Vicar is Fr Oliver Learmont, The Vicarage, 62 Church Lane, North Bradley, BA14 0TA t:01225 774845 [email protected] Please contact Fr Oliver if you wish to make arrangements for a service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child, a Baptism (Christening), a Marriage Service, a Funeral Service, or the Interment of Ashes. Churchwardens of St Mary’s. The current churchwarden is: Michael Moore (t.01380 870280) details of other office holders connected with St Mary’s can be found in the church porch. To discuss the possibility of holding a social or cultural event in the church please contact Fr Oliver. Michael Moore

St Mary’s Church Steeple Ashton

Family Service

FAMILY TOY AND GIFT SERVICE

The Best Story Ever Told

th Sunday 8 December 20192018 at 10.30am

New gifts and toys will be given to needy families in and surrounding areas.

Tea and coffee afterwards!

Our Christingle Service will be on 1 2th January 20192020 at 10.30am

8 TREES, FLOWERS and FRUIT AS LITURGICAL SYMBOLS The journey continues and ambles from Bramble to Clover via Bulrush and Shamrock.

BRAMBLE BUSH: I noted, in the previous issue, that the Acacia tree is sometimes associated with the Bramble bush. Moses, in his encounter with God. Exodus 3:2.3, describes the meeting: There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in the shape of a flame of fire coming from the middle of the bush. The bush was blazing but was not being burnt up and God called to him from the middle of the bush. In religious terms the Bramble represents the eternal God and the immortality of the human soul. My scientific background leads me to consider two possible botanical explanations of the burning bush. The first is: the bush was a gas plant (not owned by British Gas) Fraxinella (the Dietamnus Albus L) which is covered with minute oil glands excreting a highly volatile substance. The second is: the flames could have been the crimson blossoms of thorny twigs from the Loranthus Accaciae (hence the association with the Acacia tree) which, when in full colour, becomes a mass of blazing crimson and looks as if it is on fire and whose blossom grows on large prickly bramble thorn branches. BULRUSHES: signify the ‘Hope of Salvation to the People of God’ and are alluded to in the Book of Job8:11 and again on Moses basket placed on the waters. CARNATION: Red Carnations symbolize the pure love of God for his people. CHERRY TREE: the symbol of charity and good works. CHRISTMAS ROSE: associated with the Nativity of Our Lord. CLOVER: in its many varieties symbolizes The Holy Trinity of God The Father – God The Son and God The Holy Spirit. In Ireland around 432 AD it was used by St Patrick to teach the mystery of The Trinity and is used internationally as the ‘Shamrock’ symbol of Ireland. It is a Trefoil (three leaf foliage) hence, ‘Trifolium Arvense’ for the Hare’s-foot Clover (8 inches high with downy brush like flower head), ‘Trifolium Repens’ for the White Clover (20 inches high with whitebanded leaves and a single flower head). Lastly the legendary sometimes four leaf ‘Trifolium Pratense’ so called Red/Zigzag/Crimson Clovers (over 2 foot high with flowers said to resemble, to some extent, the Olympic Torch). COLUMBINE: the symbol of the Holy Spirit as its flower is said to resemble a dove. An oblique reference is made in Isaiah 11:1-2 A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse, A scion thrusts from his roots: On him the Spirit of God rests, A spirit of wisdom and insight, A spirit of counsel and power, A spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.

The next journey starts with a Daisy chain and comes to rest by the Holly bush. Francis Geraghty 9 10 STEEPLE ASHTON WI “Poems” was the title chosen for this years “Members Meeting”. It had been suggested earlier in the year that it would be fun to recall poems that we had learnt as children. Members were invited to share favourite poems with an explanation of why it appealed. A. A. Milne proved to be the most popular poet; smiles greeted “They’re Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace” and other poems from those well-loved ‘Christopher Robin’ books. “The Lion and Albert” and some less well known poems were greeted with amusement before the members set about learning a poem – though not too seriously. The evening was so enjoyable that it was suggested that we do it again. The raffle was won by the president, Alison Evans We are looking forward to our Christmas Party in December when we will be entertained by Adrienne Hale and Friends. Rosie Brett-Green

FORGET-ME-NOTS CLUB The Christmas Bingo & Buffet Tea is on 4th Dec, always a lively afternoon, with great prizes for the lucky winners, and a prize for everyone in the Raffle. The Christmas Lunch this year is at the Farmhouse Inn in Southwick on 11th Dec. There are no meetings in January, with the first one of the new year being in the Hall on 19th Feb, which will be a ‘Get-together Afternoon with a Quiz’. This has been a successful and happy year for the Club, why not come along as a visitor in the New Year, and see for yourself what a convivial, relaxed group we are. (1st & 3rd Wed, 2.30pm Village Hall) For further details contact the Chairman on 01380/870593 or the Sec on 01225/775681. Wishing a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas to all members and their families. Glynnis Oakley

Christmas Greetings Many thanks to friends and neighbours who have been so kind and helpful during the past year. I do hope that you will all have a happy, peaceful 2020 and a cheery Christmas. I am not sending Christmas cards but in lieu of this a donation to the following organisations, The Salvation Army, The Dogs Trust and The Donkey Sanctuary at Tavistock. Joan Riggott 11 STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS

Thank you to all of those who have supported our films during this past year. I think you will agree we have seen some great films and enjoyed some lovely evenings. This is the provisional schedule for our films in Spring 2020: 18 January - Judy 15 February - Downton Abbey 21 March - The Good Liar 18 April - Mrs Lowry & Son

This is hot off the press, but we are hopeful it is the final list. We hope you agree that this is an exciting and varied programme and we look forward to seeing you in the new year. We are aware that having the Odeon cinema so close by has had the dramatic affect of reducing our audience numbers, but hope you will continue to support us in 2020 and enjoy drinks and snacks from the bar and a wide variety of film choices in a friendly atmosphere. Please introduce us to your friends and family and encourage them to join us and help us to ensure we will survive another year! It is just left for us to wish you a very Happy Christmas! With very best wishes, Alison Wilson, Marcus Wilson and Deborah Fox. Steeple Ashton Films

SEPTEMBER 2020 THE STEEPLE ASHTON FLOWER & PRODUCE SHOW RETURNS Watch out for details next year

12 THE FRIENDS OF STEEPLE ASHTON WILTSHIRE THROUGH TIME A HISTORY OF THE LAST 200 MILLION YEARS

AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY ISOBEL GEDDES

on Friday 29th November 2019 in Steeple Ashton Village Hall at 7.30 pm Entry £4 Members £2 Coffee, tea and cake

Did you know that Steeple Ashton has a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the form of a Jurassic Corallian reef ? Many of you may have found fossils in your gardens or on walks in the area. Would you like to show them to an expert ? Isobel Geddes is the author of “Hidden Depths: Wiltshire’s Geology and Landscapes” and a fascinating lecturer on what lies beneath our feet and why, and how it has influenced our building. She contributed to English Heritage’s “Strategic Stone Study Building Stones Atlas” and “The Avebury Landscape”. She currently leads geology-themed walks and produces geology and landscape guides for the Wiltshire Geology Group. Lydia Peters

STEEPLE ASHTON VILLAGE SHOP OPENING HOURS FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR 23rd December (Monday) 7.30 am – 5.30 pm 24th December Christmas Eve 7.30 am – 2.30 pm 25th December Christmas Day CLOSED 26th December Boxing Day CLOSED 27th December 7.30 am – 5.30pm 28th December (Saturday) 8.30am – 4.30pm 29th December (Sunday) 9.00am – 12.00pm 30th December (Monday) 7.30am – 5.30pm 31st December New Year’s Eve 7.30 am – 12.30pm 1st January New Year’s Day CLOSED

13 STEEPLE ASHTON VILLAGE SHOP CHRISTMAS - is almost upon us. Surely it comes round more quickly with each year that passes? It certainly seems that way! And are you ready for it? We most certainly are – please come and see what we have in store. CARDS - There’s a selection of new Artbeat Christmas cards with proceeds this year going to Shelter and some very pretty and unusual cards with cut- out designs and others which include a gift pen/pointer with the shop details. SPECIAL CELEBRATORY TREATS – Some boozy items to tempt you - liqueur chocolates, Raspberries in Rum, Apricots in Amaretto, Brandy Mincemeat, even a Christmas Pickle with Mead. Crystallised Ginger Chunks, Ginger in Syrup, Brandy Butter and more. Mulled wine and spices for home mulling and Somerset clear Cider ... the list goes on. ON THE MENU – No need to look further for your Christmas food shopping, we can make it easy for you. Order your meats, fruit and vegetables, bread, milk, cream, cheeses, etc, and collect them from the Shop on the afternoon of the 23rd December or on the 24th in the morning. All orders will include a surprise gift from us, either a jam or a chutney from our Cherry Tree range of condiments! Collect your order form and return it to the shop by the 11th December. Just to let you know, we have all the ingredients for your Christmas cake including glace cherries, almonds, flaked and ground, marzipan and icing sugar. We have brandy butter and peeled chestnuts, and a variety of stuffing mixes and bread sauce mix from Shropshire Spice Co. CHRISTMAS THEMED GIFTS – we have quite a variety again. The Michel Designs ranges are as beautiful as ever, with prices to suit all pockets. There are scented soaps, candles, hand cream and liquid soaps, diffusers and delightful Christmassy table napkins and more. COME FOR A BROWSE - and a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy and a free mince pie from Monday 6th December to Christmas – you will be very welcome! A very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year to you all! And a big THANK YOU to those of you who have supported our village shop in 2019!

JIG-SAW Puzzles - do you enjoy jig-saw puzzles? Have you got lots?? Could we organise an exchange system? - please call Gina - 01380 870485 14 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL 2019 Steeple Ashton, , Keevil, Bulkington, and Erlestoke

My grateful thanks yet again to everyone involved in the Poppy Appeal this year. This includes the churches who donate their Remembrance Day collections to the Appeal – St. Mary’s. St Leonards, Christchurch and St Saviour’s - and local organisations like Steeple Ashton shop, the Longs Arms, the Lamb in the Strand, the Well at Bulkington, and Keevil School, not forgetting those who make donations for wreaths to lay at the Remembrance services. Above all, the door to door collectors deserve my thanks; every year, they go out in all weathers in answer to the Appeal, and their diligence is always well rewarded. The final figure is not available for this edition of the magazine, but will be published in February 2020. Lydia Peters

Do you have memories or memorabilia? I am looking for WW2 memorabilia to exhibit in St Mary’s Church to Preservation Trust celebrate VE Day in May 2020. Events 2020 12th Night Concert Please contact Petra should you have St Mary’s Church any items of interest that could be 4th January 2020 exhibited. 01380 870696. Preservation Trust Dinner (Village Hall) 7th March 2020 Trust AGM (Village Hall) 27th March 2020 VE Day 2020 Bryan Berrett (Village Hall) 75th Anniversary Personal interpretation of the history and symbolism of May 8th-10th St Mary’s A weekend celebration to include; 15th May 2020 A remembrance evening Festival Of music & Song Exhibition in the Church (St Mary’s Church) Village Street Party 18th July 2020 Hog Roast (Acreshort Park) Get involved 8th August 2020 email

15 Time and (Yule) Tide The autumn colours are vivid this year and despite the poor weather, provide a last blast of flame to remind us of the Summer past, The leaf blowers and suckers are in full voice as the squirrel tries to meet the government target for tree planting. Last year he met his targets and we will have to lift the extra oaks, ashes, beeches and hollies he has forgotten to harvest. (Anyone want some saplings?) The transience of autumn is turned into a rush, as all the events are crammed into the last of the light evenings as the clock denies us any complacency. Harvest Festival, Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night accelerate us towards the Winter Solstice and of course, Christmas. Thankfully we miss the American Thanksgiving but not without the commercial bonanza of “Black Friday”. So like an out of control satellite we career towards a burn out in the reentry path to Christmas. No parachute or retro thrust will save us from that inevitability. Be of good cheer, however, because for most of us it will reunite us with families and friends, provide a chance to forget our woes and celebrate life at the Zenith of the year. All too soon we will be looking into the open highway of a new year with all the challenges, joys and sadness that may bring. For the moment thank your god for the chance to celebrate in this wonderful village and county, with all the bounty that you wish to apply. Put the worries of your World and the wider one too, to one side and enjoy this all to short season of festive fun. From all of ours to all of you have a happy Christmas and may your problems be small and the rewards high. Remember too to give a thought for those who are worse of in any way than yourself, if possible help others where you can. Robbie Campbell

A CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP with Kay King in the METHODIST CHURCH on Thursday 19th December 7pm - 9.30pm. Cost £5.00 Original arrangements made by you using FRESH FLOWERS and FOLIAGE. Traditional seasonal ribbon and baubles or candles will complete your designs. Enjoy your evening. Kay - 870078 for further details 16 17 18 19 20 21 FROM THE ARCHIVES 'Steeple Ashton & Great Hinton Newsletter' In December 1973...

In January 1974...

David Berrett

22 David Berrett

THE EDINGTON ARTS ADVENT CONCERT

This year’s Edington Arts Advent Concert will take place on Saturday 7th December in Edington Priory Church, starting at 7.30pm, when we welcome our first mixed voice choir from Cambridge. The choir from Jesus College, one of the best, will join us under the direction of their Director of Music Richard Pinel, also the Director of the Edington Music Festival. Twenty-six choristers and two organ scholars will be presenting a programme of music for Advent and Christmas – and there will be mulled wine and mince pies in the interval as usual. Music includes Matthew Martin’s ‘Adam lay y-bounden’, an 8-part ‘Magnificat’ by Palestrina, Byrd’s ‘Vigilate’ and Bob Chilcott’s ‘Shepherd’s Carol’, so a wonderfully mixed programme already. The rest of the programme will be uploaded to www.edingtonarts.org as soon as it is confirmed. Tickets are already selling strongly, so if you are thinking of coming, please secure yours as soon as possible; the choir stalls and the raised seats in the south aisle will be available for this concert, as well as front and rear nave, and north and south aisles. Prices remain at £20, £15 and £10; 18 and under come free. Contact Chrissy on 01380 831256 or email Sue, [email protected]

23 PHILOMEL The acclaimed local female voice choir are delighted to be returning to St Mary’s for another fundraising concert. The Philomel Singers are well known in the area, organising several such concerts each year . The choir are delighted to be joined by two very talented young violinists, Lily Steggall and Liana Tian, who will perform solo pieces and also accompany the choir. There will be a retiring collection, profits from which will be divided equally between St Mary’s Church and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. More information about The Philomel Singers can be found at philomeltrowbridge.co.uk or you can contact the choir’s Secretary, Fiona Wood, on 01373 858878 or e-mail her at [email protected].

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31 32 33 34 35 36 VILLAGE DIARY The Newsletter prints a diary of events each month. If you are organising activities in the area, you may wish to contact me to avoid a clash. Ed.

Regular events in Steeple Ashton Village Hall, unless otherwise stated. Monday Ballroom Dance Classes: 7.00pm. Tel: 07917 57383 Steeple Rocks: 7.30pm. Venue - please call 01380 871890 Tuesday Rainbows: 4.45-5.45. Jenny Nicholson: [email protected] Brownies: 5.30-7pm. Diane Bouault: [email protected] Guides: 7-9pm. HelenKing:[email protected] Wednesday Baby & Toddler Group: 9.30am - 11.30am 1st and 3rd Wednesdays: Forget-Me-Not Club, 2.30pm. 2nd Wednesday: Women’s Institute, 7.30pm Thursday Dance! Dee Dee Wilde, 10.30am contact 01380 870 489 SAGE; 1st Thursday of every month Friday YOGA; 10.30am - 12noon Walking group meets at the Longs Arms; 2.30pm DECEMBER Sunday 1st Christmas Market, VH, 12-4pm Monday 2nd Advent Lunch, Methodist Church, see p44 Monday 2nd Planning Issues only Parish Council Wednesday 4th Mobile Library Wednesday 4th Forget-me-Nots, Christmas Bingo etc, VH, 2.30pm Thursday 5th Sage, Social Evening, see p21 Sunday 8th Christmas Lights switch on, see p17 Saturday 14th Philomel Concert, St Mary’s Church, 7.30pm Saturday 14th Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir, St James’ Ch. Trow. Tuesday 17th Bingo Night, VH, 7.30pm Wednesday 18th Mobile Library Thursday 19th Christmas Workshop, Kay King, see p16 Friday 20th Westbury Choral Concert, see p17

JANUARY Wednesday 1st Mobile Library Saturday 4th Twelfth Night Concert, St Marys’ Church Monday 6th Main Parish Council meeting, VH, 7.30pm Thursday 9th Sage, Mendip Bonsai, see p21 Saturday 18th Film, Judy, VH, 7.30pm Tuesday 21st Newsletter deadline 37 Bryan writes… In memory of Robin Underwood, 1933 – 2019 From 1944 until the early 1950s, Robin Underwood lived at Ashton Mill – on the south-eastern edge of Keevil Airfield, past the station’s main entrance, and beyond Spiers Piece Farm. At some point within the last 20 years, Robin wrote of his boyhood experiences living right next to an active wartime airfield – including a secret stop-off by a certain WWII figure… Due to the length of Robin’s hand-written record, it is not possible to include all of the incidents he witnessed as a child here, so I have reproduced four pages from his total of eight. He accompanied his notes with a hand-drawn map detailing the airfield and the sites of incidents he mentions. Unfortunately, this is too large to reproduce, but a copy is available for those interested.

38 39 40 Churchill’s personal Avro York LV633, the third prototype especially fitted out with a table for conferences, bar, ashtray – & a heated lavatory seat (which Churchill found too hot, & turned off!) 41 Footnotes: It is to my deep personal regret that I did not speak to Robin Underwood when the copies of his recollections were kindly passed to me by Christine Smith some months ago. I was saddened to hear recently that Robin had passed away, aged 86, in early September. I remember him from the early 1950s, but have had no contact since. I understand he lived in Bradford-on- Avon. This article is dedicated to Robin. Ron Norris, who crashed his Spitfire in view of his parents while flying over Great Hinton in 1943, was the eldest of six children. Ron lies in a war grave at St Mary’s here in Steeple Ashton. He is survived by his youngest brother Joe, and an older sister, Joyce. Ron was only 20 years old when he died. He had trained to fly in Canada. Ron’s brother says that he was stationed in Staverton, Gloucestershire, and was probably returning from a practice flight when he decided to fly over Great Hinton. Joe was too young to remember his brother’s accident, but feels that describing Ron’s final flight manoeuvre as “aerobatics” is an exaggeration; more likely that in treating his parents to a fly-pass, he came in too low, and hit the trees. The full story of the Horsa Glider which crashed at , Somerset (it broke away from the Stirling towing it bound for Arnhem on Sunday 17 September 1944, killing all 23 on board), is told in an article entitled: ‘Arnhem Field’, by Peter Clark, on page 93 of ‘A Book of Keevil Vol 2’ (1998). The camp that Churchill visited at Erlestoke Park was a US Army rehabilitation and reconditioning hospital set up in March 1944. It was attached to the 12th Hospital Centre at Great Malvern. Designed to achieve full mental and physical fitness prior to patients re-joining their respective units, the Erlestoke camp was also made available to British servicemen – to foster Anglo-American relations. By D-Day, the camp operated a 1,500- bed facility. With grateful thanks to Christine and John Smith; Leonard Hallett; and Joe and Diane Norris for information and help. Front-cover photo courtesy of The Keevil Society, from an article entitled: ‘The Dawn of Liberation’, by Jonathan Falconer, on pp. 71-78 of ‘A Book of Keevil Vol 2’ (1998). Bryan Berrett

42 43 METHODIST CHURCH DIARY & EVENTS At this current time much general election literature is coming through the letterbox, indeed I can scarcely open a daily paper or listen to the news without being reminded of it. As Christians our faith should not be ostracised when we are thinking who to vote for, or indeed our thinking about those candidates or parties we choose not to support, this is especially so in the current climate with so many MP’s reporting abuse, threats and malicious allegations.

John Wesley the founder of the Methodist Church had this to say to his followers in the election of 1774: I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them 1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy 2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against, and 3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side. Wise words indeed.

At the end of the day whoever we vote for, or choose not to vote for, we are all made in the image of God! Whilst we believe that we are each loved uniquely we also affirm that God is inclusive! John’s Gospel records, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” In a few weeks those words will be re-enacted as we celebrate again the miracle of the incarnation, when in our hearts and minds we travel again to Bethlehem and gasp in awe, love and wonder that God of galaxies and space should became one amongst us as a helpless, vulnerable babe. As we think of God’s love and commitment in the coming of Jesus, it challenges us about our commitment to Christ, not simply of the manger but Christ our Saviour. One of the parables that I often reflect on is that of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25:31-46 with the poignant lines “for I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was a stranger, I was naked, I was sick, I was in prison”. Not only at Christmas but throughout the whole year, all our lives long may we see Christ in others, be Christ to others, that we may dwell in him, and he in us. Happy Christmas - David STEEPLE ASHTON METHODIST CHURCH ADVENT LUNCH MONDAY 2nd DECEMBER 12.00 – 1.30pm ENTRANCE BY DONATION TO FUND CHRISTMAS CARD AND CHRISTIAN AID 44 Church Diary All services are at 9.15 am unless otherwise stated. Please come along and join us. You can be assured of a warm welcome, and a time to chat, plus a cup of tea or coffee after the service. If there is anyone for whom you would like prayers to be said, please leave details in the post box at the front door, and they will be included in the Intercessory Prayers on Sunday.

DECEMBER 2019 Sunday 1st 9.15 am Rev. David Coppard – Holy Communion Monday 2nd 12.00 – 1.30 pm Advent Soup & Cake Lunch Tuesday 3rd 7.30 pm Housegroup Thursday 5th 2.30 pm CAMEO Sunday 8th 9.15 am Rev. Gary Gotham Wednesday 11th 10.30 am Reflections & Fellowship Thursday 12th 2.30 pm CAMEO Sunday 15th 9.15 am Pauline Tiller Tuesday 17th 7.30 pm Housegroup Thursday 19th 2.30 pm CAMEO Sunday 22nd 9.15 am Carol Service - Rev David Coppard Tuesday 24th 6.00 pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion - Rev. David Coppard Wednesday 25th 10.00 am Christmas Day Service – Izzie Smears Sunday 29th NO SERVICE SECTOR SERVICE AT There will be no CAMEO until 9th January JANUARY 2020 Sunday 5th 9.15 am Local Arrangement Morning Worship Wednesday 8th 10.30 am Reflections & Fellowship Thursday 9th 2.30 pm CAMEO Sunday 12th 9.15 am Izzie Smears Thursday 16th 2.30 pm CAMEO Sunday 19th 9.15 am Eric Clifford Wednesday 22nd 11.00 am Week of Prayer for Christian Unity followed by Soup Lunch Thursday 23rd 2.30 pm CAMEO Sunday 26th 9.15 am United Covenant Service – Holy Communion - Rev. David Coppard and Rev. Oliver Learmont Thursday 30th 2.30 pm CAMEO

45 CATHOLIC NEWS ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST TROWBRIDGE & ST BERNADETTE’S WESTBURY (incl VILLAGES). PARISH PRIEST FR TOM FINNEGAN TELEPHONE: 01225 752152 www.stjohnthebaptisttrowbridge.co.uk

Weekly Timings: check newsletter for changes. St John the Baptist - Trowbridge Sunday Masses: Sat:(Vigil) 6pm; Sun:10.30am & 6pm Holy Day of Obligation: See Newsletter Weekday Masses: Mon: 9am; Tue: 6pm; Wed: 12.00 noon Fri: 6pm; Sat: 6pm (Vigil); Rosary: Weekdays before Mass. Confessions: Sat: 9.30-10.15am; 5.15-5.30pm and on request. St Bernadette's - Westbury Sunday Mass: 9am Holy Day of Obligation: Vigil Mass 6pm Weekday Mass: Thursday 10am Confessions: Before Masses and any time on request. THE 2019 CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE ST JOHN’S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE. PENITENTIAL SERVICE. A Deanery Advent Reconciliation Service is on Thursday 5th December at 7.00pm with visiting priests for the Sacrament of Confession. SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION: ST. JOHN'S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE: Saturday 7th Dec: 9.30am – 10.10am. 5.15pm – 5.30pm. Saturday 14thDec 9.30 – 10.10 am. 5.15-5.30pm Saturday 21st Dec 9.30-10.10 am. 5.15-5.30pm ST. BERNADETTE’S CHURCH WESTBURY: Thursday 12th Dec 9.15am – 9.30am Thursday 19th Dec 9.15am - 9.30am CHRISTMAS SERVICES: ST. JOHN’S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE: Tuesday 24th Dec: First Mass of Christmas (children’s Mass) 6.00pm. Midnight Mass 12.00 midnight. Carols 11.30pm. Wednesday 25th Dec: Mass of Christmas Morning 10.30am. (NB: No evening Mass). ST. BERNADETTE’S CHURCH WESTBURY: Wednesday 25th Dec: Christmas Day Mass 9.00am

THE NEW 300 CLUB 2019 Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 quarterly - £4.33 monthly. New members are most welcome to join at any time. Prizes are: £200-£70-£50-£10. For information and application form contact Francis Geraghty 01380 871083 email: [email protected]. August winners: £200 John Grant -£70 Mike Corcoran -£50 Frank Toner -£10 Gareth Johnson. 46 ST BERNADETTE’S WESTBURY QUIZ NIGHT Preparation is under way for our supper and quiz night on Friday Dec 6th 7.30pm. This is usually a very popular social event. Scripture Weekend: 's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme is looking for volunteers to support refugee families in Trowbridge from the end of October. If this is something you are interested in finding out more a please contact [email protected] or call Laura Salter on 01225 756197 (Mon-Wed). Further information from: Jenny Sturrock 07974 713 768 or Mary Martin 01373 8301 70 SHARING OUR FAITH The Group meets in the Parish Centre, Trowbridge on Wednesdays from 8- 9pm.This is open to anyone wishing to learn more about the Catholic Church. Support Refugees: Wiltshire Council's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme is looking for volunteers to support refugee families in Trowbridge from the end of October. If this is something you are interested in finding out more a please contact [email protected] or call Laura Salter on 01225 756197 (Mon-Wed). Further information from: Jenny Sturrock 07974 713 768 or Mary Martin 01373 8301 70 SICK AND/OR HOUSEBOUND Any catholic who is sick or housebound should let Fr. Tom Finnegan (01225 752152) know as he would be pleased to arrange a visit and bring Holy Communion, if desired.

MASS TIMES at NEARBY CATHOLIC CHURCHES St Joseph's, West Lavington (01380 723572) Mass on Sunday at 9.00am Immaculate Conception, Devizes (01380 723572) Mass on Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday 10.30am and 5.00pm St Anthony Melksham (01225 702128) Mass on Saturday 5.30pm and Sunday 9.30am St George’s Warminster (01985 212329) Mass on Saturday evening 6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am & 10.00am Bradford-On-Avon (01225 862739) Mass Saturday 6.00pm. Sunday 10.30am. (For information on any of the above contact Francis Geraghty 01380 871083 email: [email protected] 47 CHURCH SERVICES in St Mary’s, Steeple Ashton DECEMBER 2019 JANUARY 2020

Sunday 1st December Sunday 5th January 1st Sunday of Advent The Epiphany 11am Holy Communion, (BCP) 11am Holy Communion, (BCP) Fr Oliver Learmont Fr Oliver Learmont

Sunday 8th December Sunday 12th January 2nd Sunday of Advent The Baptism of Christ 8am Said Holy Communion, (BCP) 8am Said Holy Communion, (BCP) Fr Tony Longdon Fr Tony Longdon 10.30am Toy & Gift Family Service 10.30am Christingle (Family) Richard Havergal Service, Richard Havergal

Sunday 15th December Sunday 19th January 3rd Sunday of Advent 2nd Sunday of Epiphany 11am Holy Communion, (CW) 11am Holy Communion, (CW) Fr Oliver Learmont Fr Oliver Learmont

Sunday 22nd December Sunday 26th January 4th Sunday of Advent 3rd Sunday of Epiphany 6.30pm Carol Service 8am Said Holy Communion, (BCP) Fr Oliver Learmont 9.15am Covenant Service with Holy Communion, The Revd David Tuesday 24th December Coppard, Fr Oliver Learmont Christmas Eve Methodist Church, Steeple Ashton 5pm Crib Service Richard Havergal; Fr Oliver Learmont 11.15pm Midnight Mass, (CW) Prayers are said informally at 8am Fr Oliver Learmont every Wednesday.

Wednesday 25th December Christmas Day 10am Holy Communion, (CW)(tbc) BCP - Common Worship, Order Two, traditional language Sunday 29th December CW - Common Worship Order One, 1st Sunday of Christmas contemporary language 11am Benefice Holy Communion The above details may be subject to (CW) St Thomas’, Southwick change, and so it is wise to check Fr Oliver Learmont more recent publicity.