The Villager Minsterworth News
by Jane Fraser-Hook
January 2017
Price 30p Edition 171
Dear Readers,
Have you started that new exercise & diet regime? No? Me neither! Just enjoy the delights of a Spring in Gloucestershire – and in Minsterworth that includes; post Christmas clear-outs & supporting the Village Hall – they need you to help keep this valuable resource going.
Happy New Year!
Paula
Closing copy date for the February edition is Sunday 15th January 2017 but earlier is even better!
All items for consideration to:- Paula Ruffley, Editor The Villager E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01452 751226.
Responsibility is not accepted for the accuracy of submitted items nor the content of advertisements.
9.30-11.00
Mobile library Friday 13th Jan outside school
KERBSIDE RECYCLING January
BLUE bin & caddy GREEN & BROWN bin & caddy (recycling) (landfill) (garden)
Tuesday 10 January Wednesday 4 January Tuesday 24 January Tuesday 17 January Tuesday 31 January
Page | 2
This building
needs
YOU
My name is Minsterworth Village Hall and I am nearly 100 years old. Like many of my age I am well loved but in urgent need of the care and attention of the people around me. My present carers have been very kind but are getting tired of meeting my needs. Many people use my facilities and lots of good times have been enjoyed within my walls. I would like to continue being host to everyone but cannot do so without help.
My crisis will be reached in April 2017 if I do not appoint some new members to my medical team. I need a number of new trustees and committee members. My committee meets once a month to review my care package.
Could you help to keep me going?
If you would like to know more please contact Simon Bourne (vice Chairman) on 07902 335473 or Julian Oxley (hon treasurer) on 750797
Page | 3
Saturday Social Having spent Christmas and New Year with friends and family, why not take the opportunity on Saturday 28th January to catch up with friends from the village?
The village hall will be open to all from 10am to midday for coffee, conversation, catching-up and probably a bit of cake. It would be lovely to see you all.
Thanks, The Village Hall Committee
Overnight full closures of the A48 There will be overnight full closures of the A48 for railway bridge inspection with full access for emergency and pedestrians :
Westbury 11/01/2017 10pm - 6am 12/01/2017 Newnham 12/01/2017 10pm - 6am 13/01/2017
Minsterworth Parish Council
Page | 4
To cheer you through the dark days of Winter think about and put in your Diary:
Snowdrops at The Naight
These brave flowers are expected to show through from Valentines Day, 14th February 2017
Clear out Over time the stage area and the kitchen in the village hall have both accumulated a large amount of 'stuff' which does not appear to belong to anybody. On Saturday 28th January, the Village Hall Committee propose to have a bit of a clear out. If you would like to claim any items now (or volunteer to help), please contact Chris Elias via email at [email protected]. We will be ruthless!!
Thanks, The Village Hall Committee
Page | 5
St Peter’s P.C.C.
The Whist Drive Although there was no frost that evening it was still quite a cold chill. However, the hall was warm and welcoming, and there was the feeling of Christmas with a tree decorated by the fireplace. There were prizes of chocolates, biscuits, wine, groceries etc chosen by the lucky winners of both the whist and the raffle. Thanks are due to all those who kindly gave prizes which reflected in the profits being more than usual - £80. As always thank you too, for the kitchen helpers, and those who set up, and put away the tables and chairs.
The next whist drive will be on 2nd January at Minsterworth Village Hall, 7.30pm. New players are always welcome.
200 Club
Congratulations to Gwyn who won the annual prize of £100. £100 No. 119 Gwyn Higgins £50 No. 129 Doreen Cooper £20 No. 069 Ann Mogg £10 No. 026 Helen Mayall
Church Service times & Flower rota Date Time Service Flowers 1 10am Benefice Service * Pat Haisell-Neves 8 11am Holy Communion Beverley Robinson 15 5pm Evening Prayer Beverley Robinso 22 9.30am Holy Communion Felicity Karger 29 10am Benefice Service * Felicity Karger
st *There are two Benefice Services this month – 1 January at Northwood Green and 29th January at Minsterworth.
Page | 6
MINSTERWORTH READING GROUP
At our December meeting, we reviewed ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini.
The second of Hosseini’s books reviewed by the reading group, A Thousand Splendid Suns relates the story of Mariam, married off to a much older man in distant Kabul, and Laila, the much younger second wife. Mariam and Laila struggle together against the violence of their husband and the oppression of the Taliban, giving a perspective of womens’ lives under the regime.
A dark and thought provoking book that made us glad not to be Afghan women, particularly at that time in Afghanistan’s troubled history.
Our next book is ‘The Siege of Krishnapur’ by JG Farrell, which we will review on 4th January.
Paula Ruffley
Christmas Coffee Morning thanks
Rita and Nigel would like to thank all who contributed to the Christmas Coffee Morning on 10th December, whether by helping with the organisation, by making tea and mince pies or by coming along and spending your money.
The proceeds for the church were over £200.
Fish & Chip supper £10 th Friday 20 November 7pm Minsterworth Village Hall for St. Peter’s Parish Church Plus mystery film (See the film for free if you don’t want the fish supper) Contact Rita Garbutt on 750128 or Anthony Lynch on 750339 no later than Wednesday 18th January
Page | 7
St Peter’s Church, Minsterworth Events for 2017
Date What Where Contact Jan 20th Friday Fish & Chips & Film Village Hall Paula & Anthony L. Feb 14th for 2weeks+ Snowdrops viewing at The Naight Paula & Anthony L. Feb 17th Elvers & Eels. Village Hall Anthony L. Talk by a rising National authority, Andrew Kerr. Feb Saturdays: 18th & 25th, 12 to 2pm, Soup, Roll, Beverages; snowdrop viewing. Ring 750339. At other times also, please ‘phone to fix day and time for tea, coffee & biscuits. Donations for Church Funds 01452 750339 Paula Lynch. March 11th Saturday Church & Churchyard cleaning & clearing. Volunteers. (If rain stops play, it will recommence on Saturday 18th) Rita G. March 17th Friday Fish & Chips & Film Village Hall Anthony L. April 7th Friday Pottery Painting Workshop Village Hall Cathy Thomas. April 29th Saturday Elizabeth & Gerald’s 25th Annual POP IN May 5th Friday Roger Head – The History of Highnam Court – at Highnam Court – Look round the gardens – Complimentary drink – Talk – Refreshments. Tickets cost £12 (Under 16 free). Entry shared with The Pied Pipers. Anthony L. May 13th Saturday Churchyard clearing. Volunteers with Rita Garbutt. June 16th Friday Flower Workshop. Village Hall Anne Cowdrey & Pat H-N July 2nd Sunday Clypping Ceremony & Family Service & Bring to Share Lunch. Terry Moore-Scott and Helpers. July 30th Sunday With The Salvation Army on the River Bank Rita G. Sept 9th Saturday Autumn Party at Craycroft Anne & Mervyn Sept 30th Saturday Harvest Supper, Fish & Chips, Folk Songs, Village Hall Terry Moore-Scott Oct 14th Saturday Jumble Sale Village Hall PCC Nov 25th Christmas Fete School Louise Treutlein Dec 8th Christmas Wreath Workshop Village Hall Cathy Thomas
Page | 8
Andrew & Julie Wardle and their family at Thatchers Farm, have rescued the first dog from Rushton Dog Rescue’s Darkness To Light Project, saving dogs from the Chinese meat trade. Clover, a golden retriever boy who is thought to be around 12 months old, was one of many dogs saved from a lorry headed for a slaughterhouse in Shanghai as part of the horrific dog meat trade. This happens everyday, all year round. Thankfully there are charities like Rushton Dog Rescue who have activists in China working to get as many dogs off the meat trucks as possible and into safe, loving homes. The costs of this are huge. Clover was taken to kennels in China, received veterinary care for his multiple medical conditions such as a skin infection, distemper, and starvation, vaccinated against multiple diseases and flown to Paris, then to England to be rehomed. The charity is rescuing many other dogs of all different breeds, who were bred for meat in China and kept in appalling conditions, abused and starved. Cindi McNeil Regan, founder of the charity, and her team of helpers are campaigning on social media to raise awareness and recognition of the barbaric situation these dogs face. Unbelievably, Clover is a happy, loving, friendly dog, who absolutely loves all the fuss he can get. He has been a local superstar, receiving many visitors and even a photoshoot from the Daily Mirror, who are running a story on him in the new year!
In order to keep paying for these gorgeous animals to be rescued and rehomed, the charity needs generous donations. Even the smallest amount is appreciated so much. Paypal - [email protected]
Page | 9
Grants for heating and insulation for people with health conditions, including mental health
About 11% of households in Gloucestershire are living in fuel poverty; they are living in cold houses they cannot afford to heat. This often has a detrimental effect on health. Conditions such as asthma, diabetes, COPD, arthritis, rheumatism, or cardio-vascular and respiratory diseases, as well as mental health issues can be made worse by living in cold and often damp houses.
Warm and Well is offering eligible households around the county partial grants to help top up various heating and insulation measures through its network of local installers Link to Energy. The grants will contribute towards: · Internal wall insulation · Room in the roof insulation · Boiler replacement · Other measures case by case
Eligibility criteria include: - An eligible health condition - Aged 60 or above - Under 16 or under 20 in full time - Or a combination of means tested education benefits ------à
Page | 10
Page | 11
Neighbourhood Watch Update
Community Safety Update
Advance Fee Fraud
Advance Fee fraud cons you into making an upfront payment for a promise of money, goods or employment which simply never materialises. Victims can be contacted by post, phone, fax or email. You may be told:
∗ You have won a large cash prize, but you must send a release fee in order for you to receive the money. ∗ You will receive a huge reward if you help someone abroad to transfer money out of the country by paying fees or giving your bank account or passport details. ∗ You have been selected for a dream job, but have to pay for taxes, visas or other reason.
If you receive these communications, HANG up the phone, DELETE the email, BIN the letter or fax. NEVER make transfers in these circumstances and DON’T enter into correspondence with the perpetrators. Once “Hooked” your details could be shared or sold to other fraudsters. REMEMBER: If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
Fraser Gunn [email protected] On behalf of West Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Watch Association and Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service
Warming Carrot Soup
• 2 lbs carrots • Peel and chop the carrots and potato into 1- • 1 medium potato inch chunks and place into a pot with 5-6 cups • 1 tbsp olive oil water, cover and simmer until vegetables are • 1 medium onion tender and easily pierced with a fork • 1 clove garlic • Sautee onions, garlic & herbs • 2 tbsp fresh basil • Combine all vegetables and cooking liquid • Add lemon juice and blend until smooth • 1 tbsp fresh oregano • Season to taste & reheat, stirring frequently over • 1 tbsp fresh thyme medium heat. juice 1/2 lemon • • Serve hot with ground black pepper and additional • Salt & black pepper fresh herbs sprinkled o top if desired.
Adapted from Moosewood cookbook
Page | 12
One-liners
Westbury If at first you don't succeed, Post Office redefine success.
and Stores Hard work never killed anyone, but why chance it?
Wishing all our customers a I don't have a solution, but I Happy New Year. do admire the problem. –------A closed mouth gathers no Your community Post Office, foot. providing free cash withdrawals, bill payments, phone cards, Always try to be modest. And gas and electricity top ups and be damn proud of it!
mobile phone top ups. Bills travel through the post at –------twice the speed of cheques. We have a wide range of groceries Laughing stock -- cattle with a and household goods alongside sense of humour? cards, local crafts, stationery and gifts. Consciousness: That annoying
time between naps. Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm 01452 760682 www.jokefile.co.uk
Page | 13
Road Safety Community Hub
A new one stop shop for reporting road safety concerns in Gloucestershire has launched. The Road Safety Community Hub is being launched by Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, made up of Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Constabulary, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office and Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service.
The new hub will be the main point of contact for residents to report any concerns they have about road safety in their local area. Reports can be made via the Road Safety Partnership’s website.
This one central hub will bring together the expertise of the police, engineers and the road safety experts to provide a better, more efficient way of resolving the problems encountered in our towns and villages. It will bring a more consistent approach and because people will know where to go with their concerns, their ideas or for advice, it will make decision making more accountable. http://roadsafety-gloucestershire.org.uk/communityhub/ as well as via email to [email protected]
Please do not hesitate to contact the hub with your concerns. On behalf of the hub I welcome the opportunity to work with you and your community to improve road safety in the future.
Andrew Parker-Mowbray
Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership Hub Tri Service Centre, Waterwells Drive, Quedgeley, Gloucester, GL2 2AX www.roadsafety-gloucestershire.org.uk
Page | 14
A wife was cooking fried eggs for her husband's breakfast.
Suddenly, the husband burst into the kitchen. 'Careful,' he started 'CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh goodness, you're cooking too many together! TURN THEM NOW. You need some more butter. THEY'RE GOING TO STICK TURN THEM NOW OR THEY'LL BURN.
CAREFUL, I said BE CAREFUL. You never listen to me when you are cooking. Never. Turn them now, hurry up. HAVE TOU GONE MAD, DON'T FORGET THE SALT. You always forget the salt. USE THE SALT. '
The wife stared at him, irritated and bewildered. 'What is wrong with you? Do you think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?'
The husband calmly replied 'now you know how it feels when I'm driving.'
My anonymous contributor
Page | 15
Minsterworth and District Royal British Legion are really proud and grateful to announce that the superb amount of £4,143.65p was raised towards the National Poppy Appeal. The Grand total was monies from the poppy boxes at the Minsterworth Remembrance Service and a number of donations.
A very big thank you to all who donated and all who collected.
Our next Legion meeting is on Wednesday 11th January 2017 at 8pm in the Village Hall. Why not come along and learn more about the aims of the Royal British Legion. Terry Bourne Chairman
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION MINSTERWORTH AND DISTRICT
Come and join the Minsterworth and District Royal British Legion.
We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 8pm in the Legion Room of Minsterworth Village Hall. You do not have to have served in H.M. Forces to become a member. The meetings are held bi-monthly commencing 11th January 2017. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Terry Bourne, Chairman
Page | 16
Minsterworth Reading Group – come share the adventure...
You choose the road less travelled. It leads you through the Labyrinth, within Touching Distance of The Chalk Circle Man and past the Pillars Of The Earth. ‘What a Carve Up’, you think, clutching The Kashmir Shawl as you pass through the City of Thieves with the Time Traveller’s Wife beside you. As you greet The Lady And The Unicorn and play with Midnight’s Children beneath A Thousand Splendid Suns you follow The Road Home to The House At Riverton and listen to the Cellist of Sarajevo, Breaking The Silence Before I Go To sleep
Come and join us at Minsterworth Reading Group. Half the fun is choosing our next book...
We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in Minsterworth Village Hall to discuss the latest book, chat and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Everyone’s welcome – see www.minsterworth.org & p7.
Based on advert promoting National Book Tokens
Page | 17
Notes from PC Meeting 12th December 2016
All present, save apologies from Cllr. Steve King. Chaired by RB. 1. RC declared an interest in Pound Cottage. 2. Report from County Cllr. Phil Awford. As School Chair of Governors - the school have recruited a new head teacher and are awaiting the Ofsted Inspector’s report of their recent inspection. 3. Budget for CC constraining. Adult social care, vulnerable children but have some money for highways. Electrical work in December caused road delays. 4. Borough Council JCS hiccup. TBC ‘s plan now housing going to be reassessed, mainly due to MOD change of heart. Plan should be available in spring 2017. 5. Public Comment. A resident disagrees with the posts on Calcotts Green and feels weren’t consulted. Temporary access will be requested to park on the green as others do. Plans for executive 5 bed homes – need smaller homes for families. Apple tree may go to auction due to lack of buyers. 6. Planning. 16/01293/OUT Pound Cottage Concerns were expressed re access onto A48 with extra cars. No objection. 16/01278/FUL Minsterworth Village Hall. In favour. 16/01329/FUL The Forge no objection. 7. Small increase to Parish Council budget to cover extra unplanned costs last year + contingencies. 8. VASS Vehicle Activated Speed Signs in hand, signs to be at the top of Pound Lane saying “... leading to...”. Request for white lines on Pound Lane to be reinstated. 9. Affordable Housing with the solicitors. Need for smaller houses for families. 10. Village Greens – Parish Council to write letter of apology to residents for upsetting them. To be reassessed with residents & revisited. 11. Community Resilience Plan progress depends on construction of building. 12. Cllr. Awford – may be some better news in Q1. 13. There will be a Village Hall event in January – village social, clear up “stuff”. 14. Environmental Warden proposal unclear. TBC must find acceptable solution. 15. Armstrong Rigg presentation – won’t repeat similar. 16. Updated ‘Welcome to Minsterworth’ leaflet could be distributed with The Villager. 17. Cllr. Harbutt will look into potential placement of defibrillators in village with the Ambulance Service. 18. The next meeting of Minstereworth Parish Council will be on 9th January 2017.
Page | 18
Diminishing Severn Bores?
We are lucky to live near the River Severn & to experience the wonder that is the Severn Bore. In the last few years we have had some big ones – in 2014, 2015 & 2016 we have experienced some of the biggest waves – 4 and even 5 stars.
But look at the bore predictions for 2017. Next year promises to be, well, somewhat underwhelming.
You see, what we sometimes forget is that the bores run on a 9 year cycle. 2015 seems to have been something of a peak. 2017 definitely sees a slide to mediocrity, so I guess we won’t see big bores for quite some time.
I’ll miss them. Even though they’re never all that exciting really they’re something that’s worth a look. Well you don’t see a bore every day. No, actually you do – every day and twice a day – but not always big ones. Some of the best bores I’ve seen have been just 2* but with no distracting surfers or boats they just seem to “happen” more easily.
So who knows, maybe the bores will be interesting when they cease to be celebrities & just happen without a huge audience. I’ll have to have a look if there’s one conveniently on a weekend at a reasonable time. But I guess big ones won’t be seen again until 2022 - 4.... Still, less tidal flooding!
Paula
Page | 19
John Francis Plumbing Ltd
Heating - Bathrooms – Renewables
Telephone 07803 632553
Longcroft, Churcham, Gloucestershire GL2 8AW
City and Guilds - Worcester Bosch (SE) approved installer - Logic approved for renewables – OFTEC (SE) approved
Interior and Exterior Painting & Decorating Fitted Bathrooms & En-suites Bedrooms & Kitchens Plumbing , Joinery & Carpentry Tiling & Flooring Home Improvements & Interior Design Electrical Installation Decking & Patios, etc, etc No job too small Fully Insured
For Quality Work at a Reasonable Price, call Chris Baston Oakle Street, Churcham T: 01452 750536 M: 0780 3138917 or e-mail [email protected]
Page | 20
Page | 21
‘Minsterworth’ now on facebook
1. Search for Minsterworth Village. 2. Click ‘Like’ to get the latest posts on your newsfeed. 3. Add your own comments, events and share with friends and neighbours.
Alternatively, you can find lots of local information, including village events, contact information and The Villager on our website: www.minsterworth.org JOHN HALL
For a complete Funeral service
Tel: Gloucester 750489
Chapel of Rest
Page | 22
Minsterworth Village Hall Registered charity 255668
Available to hire
Booking Clerk – Lynne Cottam – 01452 750477
A beautiful, traditional Hall with a stage, well-equipped kitchen and recreation ground. Suitable for outdoor events and marquees.
Main Road, Minsterworth, Gloucester GL2 8JH
e-mail – [email protected] Website – www.minsterworth.org
Page | 23
Thank you to our sponsors for your support in 2016/17
June Tandy Allan Selwyn Tony & Anne Pearson Roger & Norma Blowey Alison & David Raeburn Allan & Lynne Cottam Pat Haizell-Neves Terry Bourne Mr & Mrs WH Cotterell Mrs M Price Rona & Ashley Martin Mary & John Howard Simon & Paula Ruffley Rosamund Dauncey Nicky Milligan Terry & Ruth Moore-Scott Liz Duff Brian Billingham Brenda King Barbara Coldwell Mr & Mrs F Greening Karen, Chris & Bryson Elias Carol Blackburn Mr PC Twigg GS Taylor Terry & Angela Edwards Chris Pugh
If you would like to sponsor The Villager please send a cheque payable to Minsterworth Parish Council to the editor Paula Ruffley at: The Firs, Church Lane, Minsterworth GL2 8JJ.
FOR YOUR DIARY
January 2017 Date Event Page 2 St Peter’s PCC Whist Drive 6 4 Minsterworth Reading Group 7 9 Minsterworth Parish Council 18 11 Minsterworth Royal British Legion 16 20 Fish & chips + mystery film 7 28 Saturday Social & clear out 4,5
Recycling Collection dates 2 Mobile Library dates 2
Page | 24