November 2012

The Dun Valley Churches are members of The Clarendon Team

THE CLARENDON TEAM MINISTRY OF CHURCHES TEAM RECTOR Revd Nils Bersweden, The Rectory, The Plantation, Winterslow, Salisbury SP5 1RE Tel 01980 862231. Mobile 07504 490926 E-Mail: [email protected] TEAM PRIEST (with Deanery Schools responsibility) Revd Elizabeth Moore-Bick Tel 01722 711144 E-Mail: [email protected] TEAM CURATES Revd Cynthia Buttimer Tel: 01980 862017, [email protected] Revd Jane Dunlop Tel: 01794 884793, [email protected] Revd Andrew Poppe Tel: 01980 863449, [email protected] TEAM LAY LICENSED MINISTERS Mrs Gill Morgan, Mr Bill Thompson, Mrs Debbie McIsaac OTHER CLERGY Canon Roger Sharpe, Revd Anthea Cochrane, Revd Gordon Mitchell CLARENDON TEAM WEBSITE – www.clarendonteam.org - an informative website covering Worship services, notices and activities throughout the Team Team Worship Rota – www.clarendonteam.org/rotacurrent.htm, or to download in MS Excel www.clarendonteam.org/rotacurrent.xls The weekly Newssheet can be downloaded from www.clarendonteam.org/teamnewssheet.pdf TEAM ADMINISTRATOR Clarendon Team Office, St. John’s School Room, Gunville Road, Winterslow, Salisbury SP5 1PP Tel 01980 863635 (Mon-Fri 9-11 a.m.) E-Mail [email protected]

WEST DEAN WITH EAST GRIMSTEAD CHURCHWARDENS Mr Bob Trott, Oakley, East Grimstead 01722 712685 Mr Alan Bannister, West Dean ([email protected]), 01794 340872

FARLEY WITH PITTON CHURCHWARDENS Ms Mandy Kerley, The Old Bakery, High Street, Pitton 01722 712599 Mrs Sara Bossom, Stockbottom House, Pitton 01980 611133 WEST DEAN WITH EAST GRIMSTEAD FARLEY WITH PITTON

LAY PASTORAL ASSISTANTS LAY PASTORAL ASSISTANTS Mrs Gill Morgan, Farley 01722 712438 Mrs Jenny Cotter, East Grimstead, 01722 712316 Mrs Sue Sinclair, Pitton 01722 712220 Mr Alan Bannister, West Dean, 01794 340872 Mrs Sara Bossom, Pitton 01980 611133 Ms Sophie Whitmarsh, West Dean, 01794 340507 TREASURERS Mr Nick Tossell, Farley 01722 712318 TREASURER Mr John Semmons, Pitton 01722 712556 Ms Jane Higgins, 01794 340536

ORGANISTS SECRETARY Mr Barry Cooper, 01722 712350 Mr Mike Marx, 01794 340271 Ms Janice Brown MAGAZINE EDITOR Rod Coppock, Timbers, Beeches Close, Pitton, SP5 1EF Tel 01722 712469 E-Mail: [email protected] ADVERTS EDITOR Tim Hawkes, Lodge Farm House, Elm Close, Pitton, SP5 1EU Tel 01722 712577 E-Mail: [email protected] 2

JULIAN MEETINGS

The Julian Meeting group meets for half an hour of silent prayer in a member’s home on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 2pm; there is no Julian Meeting on the 2nd Wednesday, and on the 4th Wednesday at 12.30pm JM members are invited to join Quaker Friends at the Meeting House in Wilton Road.

7th November at 3 David’s Garden, Pitton 21st November at Whitehill Lodge, Pitton 28th November at The Quaker Meeting House 5th December at Whitehill Lodge, Pitton

If you would like further details, please contact Hilary Semmons 712556 or Sue Sinclair 712220. Pitton Methodist Society The Pitton Methodists worship together with the Anglicans at St. Peter's Church and have a Methodist led service there once a month (currently the 3rd Sunday). Minister - Susan Holden, 76a Countess Rd. Amesbury SP4 7AT 01980 623948 Steward - Mrs. Sarah Sankey 01722 712581

PathFinders@Pitton will be at 11am on Sunday 4th November and on Sunday 2nd December when the children will make the Parish Christmas Cards. The Christmas Party and Christingle Service will be at All Saints’ Farley on Sunday 9th December at 3pm. For more details call Sara on 01980 611133 3

Team Letter November 2012 Revd Cynthia Buttimer

Dear Friends, I’m writing this having just returned from a short break in Pembrokeshire. It was a great surprise as I booked over the internet for a special offer on a dog friendly hotel! As we neared our destination it became clear it was in the middle of nowhere. When we found the drive, which was well hidden, it went on for over a mile. Eventually we came down to a large lake and waterfall, rounded a corner and there in front of us was the most lovely view of a castellated building surrounded by water, on an estuary. We later found out it was a wild life reserve, and there were an abundance of voles and birds and bats and hedgehogs. My two little dogs had their noses down with all the wonderful scents on the walks along the water. It wasn’t far from the sea and the Pembrokeshire coast has the most wonderful beaches set in most beautiful scenery with rugged cliffs and headlands and many islands off the coast. We could walk for miles on the beaches and Ludo and Lupin were in seventh heaven. They could run at full speed away from us and never lose sight of us. There were many surfers in the sea, and, as the tide went out, huge shining wet areas that reflected the sky. One day we went to St Davids, to the cathedral. It is extraordinary in that it has a sloping floor, and from the highest point to the lowest there is a seventeen and a half foot drop. It has nestled in its valley by a river since the 1100s, and is soaked with the prayers that have risen there over the centuries. My faith was a bit like this journey. I lost sight of God for many years, and then one day, after the loss of my child, it was as if I had turned a corner and to my great surprise there was a wonderful view where there was comfort and strength and help and light in my darkness. And now, even if I wished to run, I could never lose sight of God for he is in everything and everywhere. It is now ten years

4 since I started my three year training as a Sarum Reader, followed by training for the priesthood, followed by four years as a curate. On 21st October Jane Dunlop and I will have been licensed as Team Priests in the Clarendon Team by Alan Jeans the Archdeacon. This isn’t the end of our journeys but the beginning of new ones. Even in the gloomy days of November you can always be surprised by unexpected views of beauty and light and hope. With love, Cynthia.

Clarendon Team - Team Administrator The Clarendon Team ministry, a group of 6 parishes and 10 churches, is looking for an experienced and skilled administrator to come and join the team on a part-time basis to support our work. The purpose of the role is to supervise and facilitate the day-to-day administrative operations of the Team working alongside and under the supervision of the Rector, and supported by other clergy and the various officers of the church. As well as providing effective administration and management within the church, the post-holder will be a key member of the Team. This position requires a professional approach and the ability to work on your own. Sound decision-making, multi-tasking, self-motivation, discretion and respecting confidentiality are essential. The post-holder will need confident and proven organizational, communication, IT and interpersonal skills. As a faith-based organization, we would want the post-holder to respect our beliefs. The post-holder will be based in our office in Winterslow. Hours of work will be 10-15 hours per week, preferably in the mornings. Exact hours will be negotiable and term-time working may be possible. Salary is dependent on skills and experience. For further information and to apply please send your CV, covering letter and references to [email protected] by 16th November. 5

From the registers

Baptisms

Hannah Elizabeth MOORE at St Peter’s, Pitton on 14th October 2012

Funerals

Wilson Treeve STEPHENS at St Peter’s, Pitton on 3rd October 2012 HOLY TRINITY EAST GRIMSTEAD An apology…the last magazine issue quoted Songs of Praise 6th November. Due to a clerical error last year’s file was sent to the printers. So…no songs of praise this November. Thanks to the three readers who pointed out our error! Mea culpa ! We had a great Harvest Supper with about 60 people present and welcomed new residents into the village. Our thanks for the tasty food and all the wonderful puddings, also to our overseas visitors who did a fantastic raffle. In all we raised £400 for the church roof restoration. Thank you every one who came and supported us and made it such a pleasant evening. VILLAGE BREAKFAST John, Bob and Marlene are holding a village breakfast on 24th November in the Reading Room, 8-11am. Come and enjoy John’s wonderful fry up & Marlene’s Great American pan cakes. So PLEASE roll up and enjoy the food or a cup of coffee and a gossip! 6

THE PARISH OF FARLEY WITH PITTON

Q U I E T D A Y 2 0 1 2

St. Andrew’s Church, Boscombe Saturday, 24th November, 9.30 to 4.00

COMFORT, COMFORT MY PEOPLE (Isaiah 40 verse 1) Led by The Revd. Canon Vanda Perrett

We have not held a Quiet Day in the Parish for about three years and several people have requested we organise another one. Therefore we are presently planning a day to take place just before the start of Advent. For most of us Christmas is a busy time and it is hoped that this will provide a quiet space for us to reflect on the themes of Advent and our personal spiritual journey. There will be an act of worship to start the day and also at the close. Vanda has very kindly agreed to lead us and will give three separate talks to guide us in our thoughts and prayers. A simple lunch will be available as will plentiful supplies of tea, coffee and cake. The cost is expected to be approximately £7 per head and numbers will be limited to around 25. There will be art materials on hand. Alternatively you may wish to bring a book to read or some other quiet activity. There are a number of suitable walks in the surrounding countryside and walking boots and jackets would be appropriate. If you require further information or wish to book a place, please contact one of us: Sara Bossom Caroline Caunter Sue Sinclair 01980 611133 01722 712274 01722 712220

ST. PETER’S CHURCH, PITTON MEMORIAL BOOK ALL SOULS SERVICE, 4TH NOVEMBER AT 6PM

I am pleased to inform you that the entries for our village Memorial Book have now been brought up to date and so far we have 50 names of those who have died dating back to the 1940s. New entries can still be made at any time and forms can be obtained from Sue Sinclair (01722 712220). It is planned to hold a special service of dedication on All Souls Day on Sunday, 4th November at 6pm, when the book will be on display and we can remember and give thanks for the lives of our loved ones and friends. There will be refreshments available from 5pm to enable you all to examine the entries you have requested and catch up with friends. We do hope as many of you as possible will be present and also encourage your friends and family to come along too. With best wishes, SARA BOSSOM, Church Warden

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ALDERBURY BRANCH (Alderbury, Whaddon, E & W Grimstead, Farley & Pitton)

The Branch REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

will be held at St Peter’s Church, Pitton on Sunday, 11th November, 2012, at 10.45 am.

The Service will be followed by lunch at the Silver Plough to which all service, ex-service personnel and friends are invited. (You are invited to make your own booking – and to pay your own bill!)

Any queries to John Wilson at 01722 712712. 8

LPA Coffee Morning!

Sue and Sara invite you to join them for Coffee and Mince pies at St Peter’s Church On Friday 7th December at 10.30 to 12midday

Please come to a Christmas Party and Christingle Service

At All Saints Farley Led by Revd Elizabeth MB On Sunday December 9th at 3pm

Please bring your Mummies and Daddies Sandwiches and Cakes will be provided

All are welcome! Contact Rosie on 712318 or Sara on 01980 611133 for more details Save the Children CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING

Bring and Buy Cake and Produce Stall Cards and wrapping paper Raffle THURSDAY 8th November at 10.30am at White Acre, Model Farm Lane, Pitton 10

PITTON CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

OPEN DAY 2012 Thursday 8th November 9.30am and 1.30pm We are welcoming prospective parents to see our happy, thriving village school and to meet staff, pupils and governors. Join us for a tour of the school and grounds, a presentation by the headteacher, and refreshments.

Please call 01722 712322 or email [email protected] to book your visit. We look forward to seeing you! White Way, Pitton, Salisbury SP5 1DT www.pitton.wilts.sch.uk

We are seeking to fill a Foundation governor vacancy on the School’s enthusiastic and hardworking governing body and wonder if you would like to play an active part in:- planning the strategic future of the School, building on the excellent Ofsted report; developing the strong Christian ethos that has been established and recognised in the Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools report; and sustaining the future of the School by supporting the highly skilled staff team advancing educational excellence across all areas of the curriculum. If so, then take action now! Please call the Head Teacher, Michael Holyoake, on 01722 712322 or come into the School office in Pitton for more information. For more details about the school visit www.pitton.wilts.sch.uk 11

Dun Valley News Crossword - No. 4 Answer on p27 Down 1 He betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:3) (5) 2 Paul’s assurance to the Philippian jailer: ‘Don’t — yourself! We are all here!’ (Acts 16:28) (4) 3 ‘Fear God and keep his commandments, for this — the whole — of man’ (Ecclesiastes 12:13) (2,4) 4 The sort of giver God loves (2 Corinthians 9:7) (8) 5 Sun rail (anag.) (7) Across 6 Naboth, the ill-fated 1 He was replaced as king of Judah by his vineyard owner, was one uncle Mattaniah (2 Kings 24:17) (10) (1 Kings 21:1) (10) 7 ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus... who for the 9 Paul said of young joy set before him - the cross’ (Hebrews 12:2) (7) widows, ‘When their 8 Relieved (5) sensual desires overcome 10 Impetuous (Acts 19:36) (4) their — to Christ, they 11 Surprised and alarmed (Luke 24:37) (8) want to marry’ (1 Timothy 13 ‘It is — for a camel to go through the eye of 5:11) (10) a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom 12 This was how Joseph of God’ (Mark 10:25) (6) of Arimathea practised his 15 Directions for the conduct of a church discipleship ‘because he service (6) feared the Jews’ (John 17 One of the acts of the sinful nature 19:38) (8) (Galatians 5:19) (8) 18 and 20 Down ‘She began to wet his — with 14 Mop ruse (anag.) (7) her tears. Then she wiped them with her — 16 Foment (Philippians ’ (Luke 7:38) (4,4) 1:17) (4,2) 21 ‘We will all be changed, in a flash, in the 19 Where Joseph and twinkling of an — , — the last trumpet’ (1 Mary escaped to with the Corinthians 15:51–52) (3,2) baby Jesus (Matthew 22 ‘But he replied, “Lord, I am — — go with 2:14) (5) you to prison and to death”’ (Luke 22:33) (5,2) 20 See 18 Across 23 Third person of the Trinity (2 Corinthians 13:14) (4,6) 12

The Friends of Pitton School welcome you to join the school children carolling around Pitton village on Saturday 15th December between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, and then afterwards at the school for refreshments, Christmas stalls and a visit by Santa.

Equine Acupuncture and Chiropractic

Is your horse stiff or sore? For a consultation phone Sue Devereux MRCVS 01722 712802 or 07866 431888 www.equineacupuncture.co.uk

ANTIQUE RESTORATION

GEORGE JUDD East Farm, Winterbourne Gunner Salisbury SP4 6EE

01980 610576 / 611828 Specialists in bodywork repairs and paint refinishes to cars and motorbikes

Unit 1, Barnack Industrial Centre, Chair caning, porcelain repair, Wilton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 0AW leather work, upholstery Tel/Fax: 01722 741162 Mobile 07773 304931 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

PLUMBING AND CLASSIC CABS DRAINAGE

YOUR LOCAL CABBY IS Plumbing Heating Blocked Drains/Toilets/Sinks KEITH BATH Bathroom/Kitchen installation All Work Fully Guaranteed TEL 01722 710111 25 Years Experience Free Quotes AIRPORTS. BUSINESS. SOCIAL TRAVEL. PLEASE CALL DAVID DISABLED FACILITIES. 01725 512645 / 07818 046222 14

J. MATTHIAE & CO. PETER NIGHTINGALE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Garden and Landscape Service CHARTERED TAX ADVISER Hard Landscape Specialist Patios, Paths, Steps, Garden Walls, Pergolas, Arches, Trellis work and Gates Financial accounts prepared Turfing and beds prepared for planting. Payroll and PAYE services Ponds, Palisade and Sleeper Walls. Value Added Tax Shed bases and Sheds erected. Timber decking. Personal & corporate tax returns OVERGROWN GARDENS CLEARED Taxation advice AND TIDIED. GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE. JUDITH MATTHIAE ACA CTA DESIGNS AND IDEAS. General Property Maintenance. The Tythings, West Winterslow TEL. 01980 862285 Tel: 01980 862892

NANNIES LIKE US MATTHEW ROWE Help Families Like You. Nannies Like Us have an expanding PLUMBING SERVICES portfolio of nannies looking for families * Free Estimates* in Wiltshire offering part time, full time * Competitive Rates* or nanny share positions. All our nannies have been fully vetted by us 01794 341709 and are ready to meet some lovely 07831 624887 families. Tap re-seating & re-washering www.nannieslikeus.com [email protected] New toilets/baths/basins [email protected] Leaks fixed Ph 07545840868 (Salisbury) Washing machines installed Ph 07887551734 (Frome) NO JOB TOO SMALL !!

Barbara Heil P W PEARCE MCSP SRP Grad Dip Phys CARPENTER & JOINER Maple Hill Physiotherapy Clinic

Fitted kitchens & wardrobes Experienced in treating back, neck and Replacement doors & joint pain and sports injuries. windows Electrotherapy, joint mobilization, massage and rehabilitation programmes. Wood laminate flooring Trained in Acupuncture Fencing techniques. Registered with healthcare insurers Daytime and evening appointments Tel- (evenings) 01980 862264 Contact 01980 862862 The Flashett, Winterslow 15

Dunn Valley Tree Surgeons of West Dean T: 01794 341376 M: 07870 783904 Professional service with full Liability Insurance Tree and hedge stumps ground out Felling · Dismantling · Reduction · Hedge Care Free no obligation estimates

emailitis.com

Broadband Web design & hosting Computer maintenance, training and help VoIP phone systems

 Personal service  No call centres

01722 770004 www.emailitis.com

Mike Chambers

Cabinet maker & Joiner Design, Manufacture, to your requirements

Tel : 01980 610651 Mobile: 07763803508 Not VAT Registered

JAN'S PLACE Beauty Therapist (CIBTAC.BABTAC) Drove House-East Grimstead-Salisbury- Wiltshire-SP5 3SB 01722 712691 offering Waxing-Jessica & Shellac Man Ped-GERnetic Facial Acne/body treatments NBS Massage- Hopi Ear Candle Treatment Foot Care for those at Home ******

Mark Brazendale WOODLAND BOARDING KENNELS

Oil Boiler A SMALL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS Service & Maintenance KENNEL AND IN HOUSE ACOMMODATION 01980 862591 LICENSED & INSURED 07917 415383 PHONE: 01722 325915 MOBILE: 07884 386563 OFTEC registered [email protected]

BORDER SERVICE STATION @ Lopcombe Corner

A Family Garage Providing Quality Repairs & MOT At Competitive Prices

All Aspects of Professional Tree Work Undertaken. Tel 01980 862378 Fully Insured & Work to BS.3998 www.phipson.co.uk Fully Qualified & Experienced Stumps ground out N.D. Arb / NPTC Certificated Changing your Car Tel: West Dean 01794 340610 We Have Just What You Want Mobile: 07810 342750 www.needasmallcar.com 19

Robert Amor THE SILVER PLOUGH Architectural Consultant

WHITE HILL, PITTON Listed buildings/conservation New build & extensions Sunday lunch served all day Conversions 12 noon until 8pm Domestic & commercial * New Menus * WiFi throughout Full design/planning service * Traditional Skittles Alley for Private Parties * Accommodation Office:- 01722- 712825 Monday – Saturday: 12-3pm and 6-11pm Home:- 01722- 712263 Sunday: 12 – 9.30pm Call us on 01722 712266 Mobile:- 07765 414757

for all your garden requirements “Outstanding” OFSTED An exciting, stimulating environment.

Pitton Village Hall.

For a free, no pressure quote Please call in to see us, or ring Carrie On regular or one-off work 07785 933966 for more information. Call: 01794 340977 www.pittonpreschool.com

LOGS EMMERSMARK O N HOME IMPROVEMENTS Mixed Seasoned Hardwoods New Bathrooms & Kitchens One ton pickup load or 5kg nets. Floor & Wall Tiling Interior & Exterior Decoration Also nets of kindling wood. Plumbing & Building Works

Please call for more details: Telephone 01722 412983 01722 712651 or 07554 702715. Mobile 07984 889835

UK’s 2nd Best Small Estate Agency

Salisbury: (01722) 415 141 DEREK SMALL Communications

DIGITAL TELEVISION AERIALS SATELLITE INSTALLATIONS

NEW INSTALLATIONS - REPAIRS EXTRA POINTS TV RADIO AUDIO SALES AND REPAIRS WE INSTALL MOST EQUIPMENT

ATTENTION TO DETAIL RELIABLE QUICK RESPONSE 01722 337898

44 WINCHESTER STREET SALISBURY

Wood Burners Sale and installation of wood/multifuel stoves. Chimney Lining. Servicing. Frenchmoor Country Stoves 01794 340246 21

WEST GRIMSTEAD VILLAGE HALL SP5 3RE

Cookery Demonstration on a Christmas theme given by

Jeff the Chef, Master Chef

on Friday 9 November 2012 at 7.30pm

Bar Raffle £5.00 - payable at the door

Numbers are restricted so please let Janice Ford know – 01722 710805 if you would like to come. If there are more applications than seats, priority will be on a “first come, first served” basis.

IN AID OF WEST GRIMSTEAD VILLAGE HALL CENTENARY EXTENSION PROJECT

Coffee Morning Friday 2nd Nov 2012, 10:30 – 12:30 King George Village Hall West Dean Please come and enjoy coffee and cakes and raise funds to help rescue battery hens Contact Jane Gimpel 340288 for more information

Behind every successful man is a woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman. 24

EAST GRIMSTEAD ART EXHIBITION AND SALE

7.30 PM – 9.30PM FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2012

EAST GRIMSTEAD READING ROOM

ADMIRE YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS AND BUY GREAT VALUE FRAMED PICTURES AND GREETINGS CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS.

FREE ADMISSION - BUY A RAFFLE TICKET AND GET A FREE GLASS OF WINE

NB EXHIBITION CONTINUES SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER 1000-1230

WHIST DRIVES - PITTON VILLAGE HALL 3rd Wednesday in the month at 7.30 pm Next one on 21st November

For the latest information on what’s happening in Pitton or Farley, see:

www.pittonandfarley.co.uk

Photos, news and details of upcoming events welcome: [email protected]

CLARENDON ART GROUP EXHIBITION & OPEN DAY Farley Village Hall Saturday 10th November 10.00 - 4.00

Meet the artists, see them at work and enjoy our small exhibition

Tea, coffee, homemade cakes and freshly cooked waffles will be available

Chocolate!

If you like hot chocolate, go ahead: it seems that drinking a cup at bedtime can help stave off memory problems. Certainly a recent study in Italy found that people who indulge in cocoa drinks had better memories, higher scores in reasoning tests, and improved blood sugar control than those who did not. Cocoa (and cacao and chocolate) contains high levels of flavonols, which are thought to protect brain cells from damage. 26

A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory. Some people cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go. Oscar Wilde

Crossword No. 4 solution Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

The middle class consists of people who are not poor enough to accept charity and not rich enough to donate anything.

‘HELLO PUD-SWAN’ ... Report 2012

THE NEW AND UNIQUE CHILDREN’S BOOK www.pud-swan.org Sold in aid of Naomi House Children’s Hospice For children in the 7-10 age group

Our latest £1000 cheque to Naomi House from the sales of the book was duly presented just before Christmas last year at the Children’s Hospice shop in Romsey. This makes over £4000 presented so far from our readership. The total of books sold has risen to 400 and the response from the children is most encouraging... my thanks to all who have supported this project. I should like to add that I would be happy to continue to respond to invitations from schools, where I can explain the role of Naomi House to children in Years 3 and 4, ‘how and why’ the book came to be written, and read some of the actual story. The sequel for the same age group... ‘PUD-SWAN AGAIN’ remains for future publication at the moment because time is now being spent on our newest book called ENGLAND’S STORY. This is a history of England from Julius Caesar to the present day, and will be fully illustrated, and in due course even more money may be raised for Children’s hospices in U.K. The whole set of three parts [in a slip-case] is on sale for £20, or each part may be purchased separately for £8.99. Credit or Debit cards can be used to place orders ‘online’ via the PAYPAL button on the pud-swan website. Alternatively, WATERSTONES and other bookshops can supply them, and they are also available from the official NAOMI HOUSE SHOPS and their website ‘shop’ in the GIFTS/TOYS and GAMES sections... not forgetting also, that it can be obtained directly from the author and publisher, who can be contacted on 01264-365-190. Those with access to Google Books can read the first twenty pages or so, completely free! You may recall that the book is INTERACTIVE in so far as the child readers are encouraged to do all their own illustrations by drawing or pasting their own pictures, and is entirely EDUCATIONAL in its story line, thus promoting imagination and learning.

Bryan Beggs

Recipe of the Month Thai Green Chicken Curry (serves 8) 2 tbsp vegetable oil 6tsp Thai green curry paste 2 garlic cloves, chopped 4tsp Thai fish sauce (nam pla) 2 x 400ml cans coconut milk 2 tsp caster sugar 450g new potatoes, scrubbed and cut into chunks 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces 200g pack trimmed green beans, halved 2 fresh kaffir leaves, finely shredded, or 3 wide strips of lime zest large handful of basil leaves (you’ll probably need to shop in Waitrose!) Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan, drop in the garlic and stir until just golden. Add the curry paste and stir for a couple of minutes, then pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil. Add the potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, then add the beans and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Both the potatoes and beans should be just tender by now - if not, cook a little longer. Stir in the fish sauce and sugar, then add the chicken, cover and simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Before serving, stir in the lime leaves or zest, followed by the basil. Taste and add more fish sauce if you like.

Who are your real friends?

Women are twice as good as men when it comes to making lifelong friends. One in three women have as a ‘best friend’ someone they met at school, while men are more likely to find good friends later in life. Most of us have on average just five friends whom we would describe as ‘close’. But we tend to have up to 50 names on our mobile phone contacts, and between 50 and 100 friends linked to our Facebook account. A survey, by Orange, also found that the number of good friends we have gradually decreases, until by the age of 60, we have on average only three real friends. 29

Is the Dun Valley going to flood this winter?

Looking at the weather statistics for the year makes interesting reading. Over the past six months, the percentages of rainfall and sunshine compared with long-term averages are as follows: rainfall sunshine April 229% 85% May 89% 105% June 231% 66% July 174% 85% August 126% 89% September 126% 121% All of which just goes to prove what you have been thinking; that it has been a wet sunshine-free summer, and weren’t we lucky during the Olympics. This year’s weather has caused a 14% drop in wheat production, with all the consequences of that - dearer grain for cattle food, therefore dearer dairy products, for example. The apple crop is 27% down, and supermarkets have relaxed their quality control on appearance, so you may be buying less attractive apples (if that bothers you in the slightest). Pear crops are only down by 14%, but most root crops are down by 25%. Closer to home, what is the likely effect on the water levels as we go into winter? In Pitton, two Environment Agency wells in the chalk aquifers are monitored, and the levels in both of these (in Clarendon and Lopcombe) reached a high point on August 12th (due to the June and July rains, and higher than at any time since April 2011), and then dropped slowly until October 7th, since when they began to climb again. It is unusual for levels to rise between March and August. Levels normally drop throughout the summer and then rise from October to March. In recent years the highest readings have been in January 2001 and 2003, coinciding with floods in the village. As I write, the water levels are higher than at the same time in 2002 (before the 2003 flood) but lower than in six of the last twenty years. So keep your fingers crossed for less than average rainfall from now on - it could make all the difference between a flood or not.. 30

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Editor and Dun Valley News Committee accept NO responsibility for the accuracy of articles, reports or advertisements printed in the magazine, and their inclusion does not necessarily imply agreement with their content.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER 1st 6.30pm Patronal Festival All Saints, Farley 2nd 10.30am West Dean Hen Trust Coffee Morning Village Hall 3rd 6.45pm Pitton Social Club Charity Supper Village Hall 4th 11.00am Pitton & Farley PathFinders St Peter’s, Pitton 7th 10.30am Farley Coffee Shop Farley Village Hall 7th 2.00pm Julian Meeting 3 David’s Garden, Pitton 8th 10.30am Save the Children Coffee Morning White Acre, Pitton 9th 7.30pm West Grimstead Christmas Cookery Demo Village Hall 10th 10.00am Clarendon Art Group Open Day Farley Village Hall 15th 6.30pm Pitton Ladies Ladies Who Love City Hall 15th 7.30pm Beaujolais Nouveau Dinner Silver Plough 15th Deadline for copy submission for December/January DVN 21st 2.00pm Julian Meeting Whitehill Lodge, Pitton 21st 7.30pm Pitton Whist Drive Village Hall 24th 8.00pm East Grimstead Village Breakfast Reading Room 28th 9.00am Pitton Social Club Claverton American Museum 28th 12.30pm Julian Meeting Quaker Meeting House 30th 7.30pm East Grimstead Art Exhibition Reading Room

DECEMBER 2nd 11.00am Pitton & Farley PathFinders St Peter’s, Pitton 5th 10.30am Farley Christmas Coffee Shop Farley Village Hall 5th 2.00pm Julian Meeting Whitehill Lodge, Pitton 5th 7.30pm Pitton & Farley Parish Council Pitton Village Hall 7th 10.30am LPA Coffee & Mince Pies St Peter’s, Pitton 9th 12 noon Pitton Social Club Christmas Party Pitton Village Hall 9th 3.00pm Christingle Service & Tea Party All Saints, Farley 13th 8.00pm Pitton Ladies Christmas Cheer Yafflewood, Pitton 15th 4.30pm Friends of Pitton School Carols Pitton Village 19th 2.00pm Julian Meeting Birchdale, Pitton 19th 7.30pm Pitton Whist Drive Village Hall 30th 1030am Friends of Bentley Wood Xmas Walk, soup, rolls Barn

JANUARY 15th Deadline for copy submission for February DVN 16th 7.30pm Pitton Whist Drive Village Hall 25th 7.00pm Pitton Theatre Club “The Holey Estate” Village Hall 26th 7.00pm Pitton Theatre Club “The Holey Estate” Village Hall 31st 12.30pm Royal British Legion Lunch Bowling Club, Alderbury