Tarrington Tatler

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Deadline for submission for the next issue: Friday 22 January 2016

CHRISTMAS WORD SEARCH

D A A O Q N V I H J P M I G

W A K L E C A R O L R N M M

H D Y M S T G F C T E O L Q

D R E I N D E E R S S I P R

N H B W E N I E H T E T J F

P W H M C A J V V U N A R B

B T C E N T D F L N T R W O

M N M H I I I L V T X O N V

I E Y E K V L E K S Q C Y Y

M V U L N I G S Y E S E U E

U D L H A T L N I H H D Z K

O A E T R Y S I G C B C W R

V X H E F L E T R K W C E U

Y K O B Z S A N T A R G Z T

See if you find the following festive words...

ADVENT BETHLEHEM CAROL CHESTNUTS DECORATION FRANKINCENSE NATIVITY PRESENT REINDEER SANTA TINSEL TURKEY YULE

Going for a Walk? Why not get out and about and enjoy walking in beautiful Tarrington this autumn? Please see the Footpaths’ Notice Board at Lady Emily Hall for up-to-date information about footpaths and the Community Garden.

The Woodland Trust provides free hedgerow plants for community pro- jects and hopefully we will receive a pack to provide a short hedge along the front of the garden for planting in March 2016. We will need help to install the hedge and I will put up the date early next year. In the meantime, please contact me if you have divided perennial plants as these can be planted in the raised beds at the garden.

If you have any footpaths issues to report, please let me know or visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk and navigate to report a PROW (public rights of way) issue.

Janette Ward

Micro-chipping of Dogs Please remember that micro-chipping of all dogs is a legal requirement from 2016. Leaden Vale vets are giving a 20% discount on micro-chips until 2016.

Jan Pierce

Please help St Michael's Hospice make 2016 their best Open Gardens summer yet This year, 28 supporters opened their gardens in support of St Michael's Hospice, from large properties to community-led private gardens. Could 2016 be the year that you and your community take part as well?

If you are interested in finding out more, please call the Community Fund- raising Team at St Michael’s Hospice on 01432 851000.

Flicks in the Sticks Films Lady Emily Hall

All films start at 7.30pm, with refreshments and wine available both at the begin- ning and at a half-time interval. Tickets will be £4.50 (£2.50 U-16) at the door. If you need any help getting to the films, or could offer help to set up, serve teas etc., contact John Tallis on 01432 890720.

16th January Dark Horse (PG) This is a true story about a group of friends from a working men’s club who decide to take on the elite ‘sport of kings’ and breed themselves a racehorse. Such is the case with barmaid Jan Voxes and her wild idea to convince a group of locals, later known as The Alliance Partnership, to invest in breeding a championship racing horse. With the coalition in agreement, they set in motion the procurement of their potential equestri- an money maker, Dream Alliance. While the initial bouts were not prom- ising, the stallion proved to have as much heart as he did might.

Director: Louise Osmond Writer: Louise Osmond Stars: Dream Alliance (the horse!)

We will probably run this without a half-time interval, as it is only 85 mins long, but we will be pleased if you can stay afterwards for a drink, natter and some nibbles!

Lady Emily Hall Progress Report

Progress has been made towards replacing the cooker and providing a new extractor system, in that we have received an up-to-date quote for the instal- lation, which was about £1000 higher than originally budgeted, but the Hall committee have agreed to dip into the reserves again to keep the project going. It’s possible we could have the new cooker installed and working be- fore Xmas – we just need some help to carry out some work ourselves – can anybody help put a 16 inch hole through the wall for the extractor vent pipe?

The funding issues associated with improvements to the Hall have been aid- ed by everyone’s support of the recent production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Trial By Jury’, which apart from being very entertaining, raised nearly £600 each for the Hall and the Church. I’m still trying to find time to edit the video, which may raise some more. Thank you to everyone who participated either in the cast, in the audience or in the kitchen! (Editor’s note: see page 11 for details of a DVD recording that is now available).

The project to refurbish the playground area has also had a welcome boost with a donation of £200, which was raised at the Millpond Camp site’s Hal- loween party. Many thanks to all at the Camp Site.

We recently held a site meeting with a potential playground equipment sup- plier attended by about 8 of our younger residents, who were very enthusias- tic about some of the options offered. A costed proposal will be sent to us and Hannah west will hold a series of consultations – pizza parties? – to find out what is really wanted and then explore how we can fund it. Please en- courage our younger ones to help with this – their input is crucial to any grant application we make.

The Hall AGM was on the 12th November and last year’s committee members have agreed to continue for another year. It’s likely that the officers will remain the same, but through an oversight, this was not confirmed on the 12th! The Hall continues to be well-used, especially in the evenings, but also as a venue for family events of all kinds. As ever, if you could volunteer your time to support the activities at the Hall, whether as a committee member, as a helper at events or with maintenance work, you would be warmly welcomed

John Tallis, Lady Emily Hall Chairman

TARRINGTON 80 CLUB DRAW

September 2015 1st J. Pierce £20 (No. 14) 2nd Grant Powell £15 (No. 72) 3rd J. Lane £10 (No. 84)

October 2015 1st Rod Dawson £20 (No. 26) 2nd Gill Nott £15 (No. 36) 3rd Paul Grey £10 (No. 28)

TARRINGTON FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Despite the qualms of some of our members about doing ‘exercises with the physio’ at our November meeting, almost everyone entered into the spirit of things and learnt Tai Chi movement, which can even be done sitting down! Our physio, Denise Wright from Ledbury, was an enthusias- tic speaker and trainer.

We were delighted to welcome 2 new members, from Dormington.

Our October talk had to be cancelled so Bingo followed a delicious luncheon provided by Eileen and her team.

We are looking forward to our Christmas luncheon on 2nd December at The Royal Oak, Much Marcle. Now we must plan our programme for 2016 - outings for the summer, as well as after lunch speakers.

We do not hold January meetings as the weather usually poses transport problems for us!

If you are interested in joining the Club, please phone Eileen Whiting.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

STOKE EDITH & TARRINGTON W.I.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 9th November when all the officers were again returned for the next year. Our next meeting will be at the Royal Oak for our Christmas Party.

We have arranged our meetings for 2016 and would be very pleased to see anyone who would like to join us for one or more meetings. We shall be pleased to see you. The programme next year will include a talk about being an evacuee during WW II, Christmas Flowers, Patchwork and Quilting, The Street Pastors and Herefordshire Woodland Trust. Marga- ret Lockwood has also agreed to talk about her trip to America and New Zealand. This promises to be a very interesting programme and one we hope will appeal to everyone. If you would like a copy of our programme please let me or one of our members know.

Margaret Townsend

Tarrington 80 Club News

Now is the time to pay your 2016 subscriptions of £20 each. Can you please make cheques payable to ‘Tarrington 80 Club’ and hand them to a member of the committee in January: Robert Hodges, Angela Stock, June Andrews or Martin Townsend.

You will, no doubt, be pleased to see that in 2015 we raised £1,450, which has been split equally between the church and the community hall. The committee would like to thank all those who subscribed

Many thanks to our supporters and best wishes for 2016

Martin Townsend

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS FROM:

John Watkins & Margaret Sally & Ted Willmott Mcleod Maurice Smith Margaret Lockwood Dave & Karen Coleman John & Marianne Shipp Edwin & Sharon Turnbull Jeanette & Graham Forrester Ian & Alison Howard Vivien Kouzeleas Rebecca & Evie

Peter & Peggy Hammersley Tricia & Stuart Fryer

Jan & Arthur Pierce Jeanette Ward

Richard Price & Tonya Oleynik Margaret & Richard Brad- stock Margaret & Martin Townsend Beverley & Colin Brookes Liz & John Parry Charlotte & Oliver June Andrews Ann & Graham Jones Liz & John Tallis Ros & Brian Robertson

These greetings are instead of actual cards and the money is donated to the Church of St. Philip & St. James, Tarrington

COULD YOU HELP START A GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME HERE IN TARRINGTON?

Following discussion at the Parish Council and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) it has been agreed that we should explore whether we, in Tarrington, could set up a Good Neighbour Scheme.

What is a Good Neighbour Scheme you may ask? A Good Neighbour Scheme is a volunteering scheme which aims to support people in our community. There are already schemes running in Hereford- shire and the setting up of them is being encouraged and supported by the Council and the Diocese. This is a free service but funding is available for set-up costs and the expenses incurred by volunteers.

Each scheme runs to suit its community but all have a group of volunteers who are able to assist an individual or family to do things they are unable to do themselves. These are usually ‘one-off’ things but could be extended if appropriate.

It is NOT an emergency service nor does it aim to do things already provided by other agencies, groups or individuals.

So how does it work? There is a co-ordinator who has a mobile phone with a widely circulated number so that anyone can ring at times to be agreed. The co-ordinator will identify the available volunteer most appropriate for the job. Examples of help given range from changing light bulbs to fetching prescriptions, clearing a garden, helping a parent with a sick child, etc. Things a good neighbour would do! The mobile phone has proved to be a success as calling can be discreet. There is a minimum of paperwork.

So what do we need to do? If Tarrington is to set up a scheme the first thing is for at least 15 volunteers to come forward. Training and support will be available and DRB (Police checks) will be necessary. Once volunteers are gathered it will be up to them to work out how the scheme will work to suit the village and themselves.

If you think this is something you would like to be involved with, or hear more about, please contact Celia Winter, Margaret Psirides or Janette Ward Please do so by December 30th so that decisions can be made early in the new year regarding the next steps.

Letter from John Watkins

Dear All,

There are times when it is hard to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world; doubtless a mixture of horror at what so many people are living through as well as growing concern about the threat to our own security and safety.

Against that background, Christmas might come as a timely distraction for some, yet for others there might be something of a hollow ring to it with the call of unwanted indulgence, unneeded presents and those tiresome let- ters in which people tell you, with unabashed smugness, how well it is all working out for them and their families.

Yet whether it is in the slightly 'knockabout-panto' approach of our own crib service, or the Christmas Eucharist itself, many will sense that the Christmas message is a love story in which the God of love begins the jour- ney of an offering that ends with the supreme sacrifice of his Son. God comes amongst us in the hope that we might see the better way forward and how life is transformed when we receive and give his love.

And the setting for all this is not some land of make believe, the gift is given through the poorest individuals, within a grim stable, in an occupied land with oppression and the threat of violence all around. Over many years we might have embroidered bits around the edge but they are of no conse- quence in this extraordinary happening.

It adds up to the revelation that we long for so much at this time; the promise that can bring the world both peace and joy.

Mandy, Nicky and I trust that you will have both in full measure this Christ- mas.

With love,

John

St Mary the Virgin, Stoke Edith The annual Candlelit Carol Service will be held at St Mary the Virgin Church, Stoke Edith, on Sunday 13 December at 3.30 pm. This will be followed by mulled wine and seasonal refreshments.

All are welcome to this traditional choral service, which combines well- known hymns, carols, prayers and readings in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s by candlelight.

Play Badminton Avoid the lethargy of winter and try out badminton at the hall. New members of all abilities will be very welcome; we play on Thursdays between 8 and 10 pm.

For further details, contact Margaret MacLeod or Emma Myers.

Trial by Jury DVD Chris King very kindly made a really good video recording of the perfor- mance. These are available at a cost of £5 each (£3 to be split between the Hall and Church).

To order copies, please contact one of the following:

Frances Roper Chris King John Watkins Robert Hodges

For those unaware, the recent production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Trial By Jury’, which apart from being very entertaining, raised nearly £600 each for the Lady Emily Hall and the Church.

Scene from the Spire - a view from Stoke Edith It now seems a long time since the beautiful autumn weather, which showed our Herefordshire countryside at its colourful best. Looking back, we must thank all those who gave so generously to St. Mary’s Har- vest Festival appeal. The Ledbury Food Bank volunteers were really grateful for the gifts of food, toiletries and other essentials; it was a record quantity from our small parish.

We have been looking back, like so many others, to mark the sacrifice of those whose lives were lost in World War 1. A quarter peal of 1260 Grandsire Doubles was rung in memory of Serjeant Walter Haycock, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, a blacksmith and apprentice farrier at Stoke Edith, who was also a bellringer.

Walter was killed at the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, aged 20, and is commemorated on the Menin gate at Ypres as he has no known grave. His family brought a lovely floral arrangement to St. Mary’s, with a photograph and some personal details, which have been added to our Book of Remembrance.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of our only known Second World War casualty, Private Francis Rowland Hill, who died almost as hostilities ceased in 1945. His grave, with a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone, is in the new burial grounds at Stoke Edith.

The calendar year may be ending, but the church year has just begun. ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’, and the words of hymns for this season are filled with expectation, looking forward to Jesus’ birth at Christmas. At Stoke Edith, the annual Candlelit Carol Service is a high point of our preparation for Christmas. A traditional choral service of hymns, carols, prayers and readings, this year it is on Sunday 13 December at 3.30 pm, followed by mulled wine and seasonal refreshments. Everyone is welcome to join us and see St. Mary’s transformed by candleight; we look forward to seeing you!

CHURCH SERVICES: DECEMBER/JANUARY

TARRINGTON YARKHILL STOKE EDITH

Sunday Parish Communion Parish Communion 06 December 9.30 am 11.00 am

Sunday Evensong Carol Service 13 December 6.30 pm 3.30 pm

Sunday Carol Service Christingle 20 December 6.30 pm 4.00 pm

Thursday Crib Service 4.00 24 December pm; Midnight Mass 11.30 pm

Friday Parish Communion Holy Communion 25 December 11.00 am 11.00 am

Sunday Worship together at Ashperton at 9.30 am 27 December

Sunday Parish Communion Parish Communion 03 January 9.30 am 11.00 am

Sunday Evensong 10 January 6.30 pm

Sunday Parish Communion Morning Prayer 17 January 9.30 am 11.00 am

Sunday Family Service Holy Communion 24 January 11.00 am 11.00 am

Sunday Worship together at Canon Frome at 10.30 am 31 January

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: 08 NOVEMBER 2015

Report from Backbury Ward Councillor John Hardwick, presented by the Clerk: Hereford Council (HC) adopted the Core Strategy on 16th Octo- ber. 29 Members voted for, zero against, and there were 16 abstentions. John Hardwick will attend the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) meeting on Wednesday 11th November.

Litter Pick Sunday 25th October: The event was poorly supported with only three volunteers present; however, they did pick up a lot of litter along the A438 so that the village continues to look cared for and tidy.

Good Neighbour Scheme: Cllr Winter had previously circulated an article outlining the scheme which will be published in The Tatler with a view to recruiting volunteers.

Public Green Spaces Community Grant Scheme: Cllr Tallis reported that he will apply for a grant for recycled plastic benches for the field at Lady Emi- ly Hall, near to the children’s play area and garden. Cllr Tallis has also ap- plied to the Woodland Trust for short hedge plants. If the application is successful these will be delivered in March 2016 for planting around the garden.

HC’s withdrawal of subsidy for Bus Service 476 Ledbury – Hereford: Cllr Tallis presented information from DRM about the use of the bus service in the evenings, which appeared to be low; however, since the evening bus- es had been withdrawn and then re-introduced, this could have resulted in passengers making other arrangements. Financing the service will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

Planning: Application 153015: Swan House, Tarrington: the Clerk will reply to HC Conservation Officer requesting that the proposed alterations are in keeping with the listed building.

Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP): Cllr Tallis reported on the budget and grant applications. The Grant funds need to be spent by February and details would be reported at the next meeting. There will be another Steering Group meeting on Wednesday 11th Nov. A quotation of £7,000 for a traffic survey had been received and the general feeling was that this was well out- side the funds available for the NDP. This was not an agenda item so no de- cision could be recorded. Contd...

Footpaths: Cllr Ward reported on several issues which she has reported to Balfour Beatty via HC website and to our Locality Steward. Updates are on the Footpaths’ Notice Board at Lady Emily Hall. The Clerk will contact the Land Registry to ascertain the owner of the footpath from the metal gate on the A435, behind Barrs Orchard and Pound Close and on up to the church. The hedge needs to be cut back and maintained.

Highways: Cllr Tallis and Grey have made a list of work to be carried out under new contracts, which have been negotiated with HC and the Parish Council (PC) under the new Lengthsman Scheme.

Street Name Signs: It was agreed that the PC will not proceed with new signs; however, alternative means of providing information will be consid- ered - e.g. by maps on noticeboards or the website at www.tarrington.org.uk

Finance: It was agreed to set a preliminary precept of £14,000, with a date set for Cllrs to discuss the budget again in December.

Date of next ordinary meeting: Monday 11th Jan 2016, 7.30 pm at the Lady Emily Hall

Councillor Janette Ward

Neighbourhood Development Plan As a member of the Steering Group, this is my personal view and not that of the Steering Group.

We have a common purpose: to provide housing which is in keeping with and enhances the environment within our village. This purpose is best served by the plan outlined in Carly Tinker’s report entitled ‘Landscape Comments on 3 Potential Housing Sites in Tarrington’, commissioned by the Steering Group and published on our website www.tarrington.org.uk

The report is professional, visionary and imaginative. It sets out a pleas- ant and agreeable plan for a development, which is low impact and sym- pathetic to the nature of our village.

I commend this report to you as a basis for our NDP.

Janette Ward 15

Neighbourhood Development Plan Meeting: Com- ments from an Attendee I attended the neighbourhood development plan meeting on the evening of 11th November when inhabitants from all areas of the village were in attendance. The meeting is essentially of the Steering Group (volunteers from the village) and we, the public, are allowed to listen to the progress being made and to the discussions within the group. At the end of the meeting there is time for questions and comments from the public.

On behalf of the villagers that attend these meetings, I would like to request that next time there should be a microphone that is used by ALL those speaking, whether they be on the steering group, advisors to the group or the public. It should then be up to someone on the group to nominate a person to pass the microphone around as required. The meeting cannot be open to the public if the majority of those attending cannot hear pertinent comments.

Please can we have a meeting next time that can be heard by all? This is a neighbourhood plan and we, as neighbours want to be involved and know what could happen in our rural village in the future.

Janet Pierce

Maths Problems? Recently retired teacher offers private tuition (Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4) at £20 per hour.

Please contact Martin Wheeler on 01432 890743

Exclusive Bespoke Warm Christmas Gifts from Guinevere Products

100% Alpaca Throw – 5’ 9” x 4’ 8” Tweed Throws - 7’ x 4’ 8” and 5’ 9” x 4’ 8” Small Tweed Wraps – 2’ 10” x 4’ 8” 50% Alpaca/50%Shetland wool. Products made using alpaca fibre from Tarrington Call 01432 890700 or 07876 125973 for more details. 16

LADY EMILY HALL EVENTS DECEMBER Tuesday Craft Club Thursday Archery Club 01 December 10.30 am 10 December 6.00 pm

Wednesday Brownies Thursday Badminton 02 December 6.00 pm 10 December 8.00 pm

Thursday Archery Club Friday Pilates Class 03 December 6.00 pm 11 December 09.30 am

Thursday NDP Sub-Com Meeting Monday Parents and Tots Group 03 December 7.30 pm 14 December 10.00 am

Thursday Badminton Monday Bowls Club 03 December 8.00 pm 14 December 7.00 pm

Friday Pilates Class Tuesday Craft Club 04 December 09.30 am 15 December 10.30 am

Friday - Sunday Guides Tuesday Rifle Club 04 - 06 December 6.00 pm to Noon 15 December 7.00 pm

Monday Parents and Tots Group Thursday Archery Club 07 December 10.00 am 17 December 6.00 pm

Monday St Michael’s Hospice Thursday Badminton 07 December Lunch 12.00 pm 17 December 8.00 pm

Monday Bowls Club Friday Pilates Class 07 December 7.00 pm 18 December 09.30 am

Tuesday Craft Club Friday - Sunday Brownies (Kingstone) 08 December 10.30 am 18 - 20 December 5 pm to 5 pm

Tuesday Rifle Club Monday Bowls Club 08 December 7.00 pm 21 December 7.00 pm

Wednesday Brownies Tuesday Craft Club 09 December 6.00 pm 22 December 10.30 am

Wednesday Parish Council Meeting 09 December 6.30 pm

WELCOME TO TARRINGTON!

A warm welcome to the village to Irene and Patrick at Bar Croft, and to Katy and Alan at Foley Cottage.

LADY EMILY HALL EVENTS JANUARY Monday St Michael’s Hospice Saturday Flicks in the Sticks 04 January Lunch 12.00 pm 16 January 7.30 pm

Monday Bowls Club Monday Parents and Tots Group 04 January 7.00 pm 18 January 10.00 am

Tuesday Craft Club Monday Bowls Club 05 January 10.30 am 18 January 7.00 pm

Tuesday Rifle Club Tuesday Craft Club 05 January 7.00 pm 19 January 10.30 am

Thursday Archery Club Tuesday Rifle Club 07 January 6.00 pm 19 January 7.00 pm

Thursday Badminton Wednesday Brownies 07 January 8.00 pm 20 January 6.00 pm

Friday Pilates Class Thursday Archery Club 08 January 09.30 am 21 January 6.00 pm

Monday Parents and Tots Group Thursday Badminton 11 January 10.00 am 21 January 8.00 pm

Monday Tarrington PC Friday Pilates Class 11 January 7.30 pm 22 January 09.30 am

Tuesday Craft Club Friday Yarkhill PCC Bingo 12 January 10.30 am 22 January 8.00 pm

Tuesday PCC Monday Parents and Tots Group 12 January 7.30 pm 25 January 10.00 am

Wednesday Brownies Tuesday Craft Club 13 January 6.00 pm 26 January 10.30 am

Thursday Archery Club Wednesday Brownies 14 January 6.00 pm 27 January 6.00 pm

Thursday Badminton Thursday Archery Club 14 January 8.00 pm 28 January 6.00 pm

Friday Pilates Class Thursday Badminton 15 January 09.30 am 28 January 8.00 pm

Saturday St Michael’s Hospice Sat- Friday Pilates Class 16 January urday Club 09.30 am 29 January 09.30 am

Stoke Edith Station Update I thought people might like to hear how the Stoke Edith Station build has been going.

Contrary to my expectations, it was possible to keep things moving during the Summer (on the roof construction) and this was achieved via the good services of Roger (Lane), assisted by members of his family.

The roof aspect has been most challenging due mainly to the complexity in- duced by my need to design into the basic Brunelian Swiss Chalet style of build, a pair of conventional gabled extensions; these were needed to allow sufficient space upstairs for the bedrooms. The overall look of the building was intended to produce a pleasing structure similar to that which once graced GWR’s Bampton Station in Devon; in this I think we have been successful.

By the time I returned from being away (engaged in my Summer agricultural activities which will (hopefully) pay for all of this), the roof was pretty well finished. Now that the ‘loose ends’ of my season’s agricultural work have been more or less tied up and preparations well underway for the next season, I am back on the station build case.

Latest Progress The original floor laying had been carried out very poorly; this has now been (nicely) re-laid. The more reasonable weather in September allowed the final painting of all the barge boarding and also that of the railway side fencing. Fol- lowing this was the fixing of the guttering, followed by most of the cladding of the underside of the (very) wide eaves. In the meantime, Roger had made and fixed in place the curved wood formers for the curved roof of the corridor which runs between the 2 units (of which the station is composed). To this has been fixed cladding similar to that under the eaves.

We have now reached a stage where little more can be started until the windows and external doors have been supplied and fit- ted (these had been promised for early/mid November but no sign of them yet!).

Watch this space!

Mike

A Community Tale When we first decided to move to Tarrington from the great metropolis (Ledbury!) in 2007 we were looking for the house of our dreams in a beautiful, rural location. We viewed several in the village and eventually settled on New Barn. We loved the house but had no idea that the village was a real community. We discovered this when my American husband, who had no idea of the British electrical system, needed help to wire the washing ma- chine. Robert Hodges, who we'd already met when visiting the village, came to our aid. Later that year in August, when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, vegetables started appearing on the doorstep along with offers of help. My parents came to stay in order to help out and were also made really welcome by everyone. My husband, who commuted to Suffolk each week and who hadn't wanted to move any further west (!) soon began to describe the village as Brigadoon. For those of you not familiar with this name it refers to a film based on a magical village of the same name where everyone who enters it never wants to leave.

When my husband died in 2012, I was completely overwhelmed by the offers of help, the meals left for me and the invitations for tea, dinner etc. As another resident who'd been in the same situation told me 'It's as if the whole village puts a blanket around you'. I could not have survived without my friends and neighbours.

When we moved here we had no idea that Tarrington had such an amazing community which was thriving and inclusive. It has been more than a bonus. It has given me a way of life I hadn't thought still existed these days.

Given recent developments with regard to the neighbourhood development plan, I am fearful that through this process we are going to lose that sense of real community and, once lost, it will never be regained.

Whilst I appreciate that the future of the village and where houses are sited is important to everyone and understand that we all have our own bias (given that our houses are usually our most valuable assets and we moved here because it is so beautiful, peaceful, etc), I feel that we need to engage in this process without causing conflict and factions, and losing our relation- ships and connections with one another. This would be a real tragedy and one I hope we can avoid at all costs. Surely this is possible.

Jane Foulkes New Barn Brigadoon

BELLTOWER BINGO

Family Fun Every Fourth Friday at Tarrington Village Hall

Doors open 7:30pm ‘Eyes down’ at 8pm Half time refreshments

Next Date Friday 22nd January

In Aid of Yarkhill Church and Bells

Tarrington Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) Progress Report – November 2015

We held another Steering Group meeting (11th November) and discussed arrangements for a further phase of public consultation regarding site options for development in the Parish. We also set in train the completion of the formal site assessments, which will inform the public consultation. This will be done partly by the SG, but completed and summarised by the independent consultant, subject to the SG agreeing an extension to his contract to cover this.

We intend to distribute a short questionnaire to every resident in the Par- ish in early 2016, in a similar way as we did the large one in 2014. Ac- companying it will be a short briefing paper, which sets out the pros and cons for each of the site options offered in the questionnaire, prepared by the consultant. We will need to get as full a response as possible, to ensure that we understand clearly the views of the Parish.

There was also discussion regarding the need for a Traffic Survey, for which we had received 1 quote, which exceeded the budget for it by a significant amount. We will discuss this further on the 25th November and decide whether we really need it and if so, how it should be funded. There is more detail about the process - minutes of all the meetings, etc- on the Tarrington website (www.tarrington.org.uk).

John Tallis, Steering Group Chairman

The Old Mayors Parlour, Church Street, Her- eford. DECEMBER 5 -11 Paintings - Art Exhibition by Carol Randell Another show of this local artist’s vibrant watercolours of subjects inspired by the local scenery in all the seasons, flowers and still life; continuing to explore new ideas in new and different colour combinations, distilling the scene and atmosphere while keeping the essence of her subjects.

Opening times - Monday to Saturday: 10am to 4.30pm, Sunday: 10.30am - 4.00pm. Website: www.carolrandell.com

Direct Payment and Self-Funded Support for People with Disabilities and Older People

As part of the changes in the Adult Social Care sector that you may have read about in the last issue, people with disabilities who receive a direct payment or fund their own care now have greater choice and control over the type of support they need.

Penderels Trust, a not-for-profit organisation that provides advice and guid- ance to people with disabilities and older people with support needs living in the community, is now able to offer services in Herefordshire.

Penderels Trust is well established in the direct payment support service sector and has a number of independent living adviser teams across Eng- land and Wales.

Services in Herefordshire will be delivered by their team of friendly and expe- rienced independent living advisers. Their services include:

 Getting started with a direct payment  Recruiting a personal assistant (including support with applications, interviews and terms and conditions)  Being a good employer (including staff training & development, disci- plinary/grievance policies, insurance and contingency planning)  Payroll services (including liaison with HMRC and provision of auto enrolment into a workplace pension)  Managed accounts (managing your care money so you don’t have to)  Choosing and using a care agency

For more information, please contact our office on 01452 411000, email us at [email protected] or visit our website, which can be found at www.penderelstrust.org.uk.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in the Herefordshire Community

The team at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is invit- ing Herefordshire groups and societies, who want to learn more about the life saving work of the organisation, to get in touch to request an inspiring talk or presentation.

Mary Seldon, who has joined Midlands Air Ambu- lance Charity as regional fundraising manager for Herefordshire, is keen to meet the local community and demonstrate how their support can help to keep the vitally important emergency pre-hospital service in operation across the county.

Mary explains: “Over the last twelve months, over 450 missions Midlands Air Ambulance attended took place in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and with Herefordshire being such a rural area; it plays a vital role in saving lives. I am amazed that everywhere I go someone has a tale to tell about being saved and owing their life to Midlands Air Ambulance”.

“As a charity that relies entirely on funding via donations from the general public and local businesses, I want to highlight just how important it is that the people of Herefordshire continue to support us. I’d welcome interest from local community groups, societies, schools and organisations who are interested in learning about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and the difference we can make at the scene of a critical accident, to get in touch and book an informative presentation”.

To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and to book a talk or presentation by Mary, visit www.midlandsairambulance.com, find the charity on Facebook or Twitter, or call the team on 0800 8 40 20 40. A small donation to support the on-going work of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is welcomed.

Midlands Air Ambulance serves the largest air ambulance region in the UK. This includes the communities of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shrop- shire, Staffordshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire, representing a pop- ulation in excess of 5 million. Each year it costs in excess of £6.5 million just to keep the three charity helicopters operational. The charity receives no funding from the government or National Lottery so relies entirely on the support and generosity of local people and businesses.

? Is your partner stopping you from seeing your family or friends? ? Is your partner excessively jeal- ous and possessive? ? Are you starting to feel worried and frightened? Registered Charity No 1078496

WE CAN HELP YOU Call our free, 24-hr domestic abuse helpline for listening support and advice. 0800 783 1359

West Mercia Women’s Aid is the lead charity working with victims and survivors of domestic abuse, across Herefordshire. The charity was established in 1982 and is based in Hereford.

West Mercia Women’s Aid provides a wide range of services, all aimed at building confidence, self-esteem and life skills, to help victims and survivors to break free from violence and abuse and lead safe, productive and independent lives. Our free 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline took over 8,300 calls last year, and is a life-line for many whose lives have been put in dan- ger by violence and abuse in their homes.

Every year West Mercia Women’s Aid helps and supports over 6,000 women and children and sadly, demand for services continues to grow. As a local charity, West Mercia Women’s Aid uses every donation to help maintain the services needed for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. This Christmas please help us to offer more people a safe and happy future by donating today either by:

 sending a donation to West Mercia Women's Aid at the following address: E Morawiecki, Fundraising, West Mercia Women's Aid, PO Box 74, Hereford, HR4 9WB or by  texting WMWA30 followed by the amount you wish to give (e.g. £10) and sending to 70070.

Ledbury Food Bank Fownhope Medical Centre

Please consider donating tinned or dry Contact Details goods, home essentials or money to the Surgery: 01432 860235 Ledbury Food Bank. The demand is Dispensary: 01432 860241 much higher than originally anticipated Web: www.fownhopesurgery.co.uk and all are desperately needed. Dona- tions can be left in St Michael’s Church, Surgery Hours Ledbury, the Council Offices in Church Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm. Lane, or at the Master’s House. Reception staff are available on the tele-

phone from 8am until 6pm each day. Volunteers are also needed to serve in the Food Bank, sort gifts and control Making an appointment stock, amongst other things. If you can help, please telephone 01531 633357 The number to call is 01432 860235. or 01531 633643. Please advise the surgery as soon as possible if you are unable to attend an

appointment. If you are in need yourself, please contact a health professional, police, CAB, Out of Hours Age UK or other voluntary organisation, Should you need a doctor between the or state welfare. Otherwise contact your hours of 6pm and 8am Monday to Friday local Vicar who will also be able to refer and 6pm Friday to 8am Monday, please you to the Food Bank. You will be treat- telephone Primecare on 0330 123 9309. ed with total confidentiality.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS 476 BUS TIMES

Tarrington Tarrington To To EMERGENCY Hereford Ledbury Police/Fire/Ambulance………. 999 (Mon - Sat) (Mon - Sat) Police (non-emergency)...…… 101

Gas…………………………….. 0800 111 999 0704 Mon - Fri 0750 Mon - Fri Welsh Water………………….. 0800 281 432 0800 Mon - Sat 0855 Severn Trent Water………….. 0800 783 4444 0834 Mon - Fri 0940 Electricity……………………… 0800 328 1111 0954 1040

1024 1140 HEALTH & MEDICAL 1124 1240 Hereford County Hospital …… 01432 355444 1224 1340 Fownhope Surgery …………... 01432 860235 1324 1440 NHS 111……………………….. 111 1424 1540 1519 1640 LOCAL SERVICES 1724 1740 Mon - Fri Citizens Advice Bureau……… 01684 563611 1854 1805 Age Concern………………….. 01531 631280 2024 1935 Samaritans……………………. 01432 269000 2254 Fri & Sat 2135 2335 Fri & Sat LOCAL CLERGY John Watkins…………………. 01432 890595 Nicky Seabright………………. 01531 640252

Can you help local people in your community? Onside is a registered charity providing independent advocacy to vulnerable adults. We provide our service across Herefordshire and we are currently looking to train more volunteers from your local area. Advocacy is a way of supporting and empowering people to ensure that they have their voice heard and their wishes made known to others. We also have opportunities to mentor isolated older people into community activities. Our volunteering is flexible and can work around your work or personal commitments.

Onside’s Volunteer Manager Claire Watkins, said, ‘Our volunteers give their time, their passion and enthusiasm, we need continued help from willing volunteers who would enjoy supporting vulnerable people in their local community.’ If you are interested in finding out more, or keen to do something amazing, please contact Claire on 01905 27525 or email volunteer- [email protected]

 Do you find yourself struggling to declutter your home?  Do you feel like you’re drowning in paperwork?  Do you find it hard to make time to do the things you really want?  Is your disorganisation getting you down?

The Organised Company is based in Wellington, Herefordshire. We offer decluttering services and a Virtual PA service. Get in touch with Ros Hayes MBE MBA now to see how The Organised Company can help you.

Tel: 07585 556421 Email: [email protected] Website: www.theorganisedcompany.co.uk

Member of the Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers

THE MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY Online address: www.themarkettheatre.com Box Office: 01432 383663 Out of Hours: 07967 517125

FILMS DECEMBER nd Wednesday 2 December at 10.30 am LIVE SHOWS FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Saturday 5th December at 8.00 pm Tickets: £5.00 (to include coffee)

JAMIE SMITH’S MABON in concert. th Distinctive, infectious and multi-award Friday 11 December at 8.00 pm winning music. WHISKY GALORE Tickets: £12/£8 Tickets: £5/£3

Saturday 12th December at 8.00 pm JANUARY CHRISTMAS GOTHIC Three seasonal tales of terror to scintil- LIVE SHOWS late the gooseflesh for dark winter LADS PRODUCTION nights. Traditional family pantomime Tickets: £12/£8 OLD MOTHER HUBBARD A WILD WEST PANTOMIME AD- LIVE SCREENINGS th VENTURE Tuesday 8 December at 7.00 pm 21st to 30th January at 7.30 pm Live from National Theatre Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2.30 JANE EYRE pm Tickets: £15/£12.50 No evening performances 24th, 25th, 26th. Tickets:£10/£6 Wednesday 16th December at 7.15 pm Live from the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden THE NUTCRACKER Tickets: 15/£12.50

Herefordshire and Marches Association

A talk by Nigel Vandyck Art’s Effect on Society and vice versa: the French Revolution to 1950

Saturday 23rd January 2016 at 2.30pm

Meetings are held in Gardner Hall R.N.C. Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DT

Admission £2 includes tea or coffee

Further details from Sheila Taylor - 01432 268243

Nursery Direct

Plants direct from the grower Specialists in bare root trees & hedging Shrubs, herbaceous, fruit trees & much, much more... Friendly advice - our prices won’t be beaten Open Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm. Sat 9am – 1pm Just off the Kings Acre Rd, Hereford, HR4 7AY

Contact Wmffre (Humphrey) Dafis: 07764 931177

The Tatler Team Maths Problems?

Editor Recently retired teacher of- Andy Nott, fers private tuition (Key Distribution Stage 3 and Key Stage 4) at Kath Lane, Website Management £20 per hour. The Tarrington homepage at www.tarrington.org.uk is managed by Vikki Avery

Please contact Martin Wheeler on 01432 890743

WOODEND FARM B & B near Little Tarrington

* 4 rooms ensuite * 4 star Tourist Board rating * Free Wi-Fi * Guest lounge * Full breakfast using local produce * Online booking available

Web: www.woodendfarmhouse.co.uk or please phone Sandra or David on 01432 890227 for full details