CHURCH SERVICES St Mary’s February St Leonard’s Keevil Steeple Ashton Sunday 4th 11am Parish Communion 9.15 am Round About Your Parish (BCP) (Rev Tony Longdon) All Age Service 2nd Before Great Hinton Lent FEBRUARY 2018

Sunday 11th 8am Holy Communion 9.15 am (BCP) (Rev Hugh Hoskins) Holy Communion Last Before 10.30am Family Service (Coffee will be served after Lent (Worship Group) the service)

Wed 14th Benefice Service at North Bradley Ash 6.30pm Ash Wednesday Wednesday Service Richard Havergal

Sunday 18th 11am Parish Commun- 9.15 am 1st of ion (CW) (Canon Rich- Morning Prayer Isaac Gulliver (1745-1822), by Thomas Gosse (1765-1844) Lent ard Hunt) This 1821 oil miniature depicts a Semington-born man, just one year before his death. From a humble background, he managed to amass a large amount 8am Holy Commun- 3.30 pm of wealth – and may, just possibly, have had a lane named after him in Stee- ion (BCP) (Rev Hugh Café Church Sunday 25th ple Ashton. Known across several counties, he came to be referred to as Hoskins) (in the Village Hall) “King of the Dorset and Smugglers” – through his years of success Benefice Service at South- 6.30 pm 2nd of in the illicit trade which generated his fortunes. wick Holy Communion (BCP) Lent 11am Parish Communion. (The Ven Dr Sue Groom Archdeacon of Wilts) Steeple Ashton Village Shop

Sun 4th Mar 11am Parish Communion 9.15 am Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm (BCP) All Age Service Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday 9.ooam to 12noon 3rd of Lent Shop telephone: 01380 871 211 Bryan writes… WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Isaac Gulliver was born to Elizabeth Gulliver in Semington on 29 Septem- All God’s Creation is Very Good! ber 1745. (Later, a reference in the will of his father appears to raise doubts over Isaac’s parentage. Written in 1765, it reads: “… my son or reputed son The interdenominational movement of the Women’s World Day of Prayer Isaac Gulliver, otherwise Matravers …”). His father – also named Isaac – was invites everyone to attend one of over 5,000 services being held on Friday from the ‘poorer classes’, but successive members of the family were known 2nd March with the title ‘All God’s Creation is Very Good’. We will join an to have held small parcels of land and property under copyhold or leasehold estimated 3 million people around the world that day in a service which has agreements in the village, and possibly in Steeple Ashton. (Semington was been written this year by the women of Suriname in South Africa. within the parish of Steeple Ashton until the late 19th century.) Starting in Samoa as tthe sun rises, and ending as the sun sets off the coast By the early 1700s, smuggling was considered to be virtually out of control of American Samoa, the service will have been translated into more than 95 across , and it continued to be a problem throughout that century. languages and 1,000 dialects as we are reminded that we have responsibili- During the 1750s, Isaac Gulliver senior had connections with the smuggling ties in caring for this wonderful world we live in. fraternity which operated on the south coast. Based just within the Wiltshire This is not simply a day of prayer for women, but for everyone who cares border at the New Inn, Downton, this group used the sandy beaches at what about our world and those who live in it. for details of services in your area is now known as Canford Cliffs, Chine – between Poole and Bournemouth. and for further information and resources, please visit the WWDP website: From here they would bring contraband ashore, and quickly transport it www.wwdp.org.uk onto and across the open heath, then inland under the cover of darkness. However, there is no evidence to suggest that Isaac himself was an actual participant in their illegal activities. Continued on page 31 Newsletter Deadlines for 2018 February 20th; March 20th; April 23rd (Monday) Items for the March newsletter should be received by Tuesday 20th February 2018. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 1A Butts Lane, Steeple Ashton or by email to helenmontaguesmith8@ gmail.com. All published items solely express the views of the author and are the copyright of the author and Round About Your Parish unless other- wise stated. The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to supply all news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be received before printing. Telephone 01380 871285. Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Sarah Dennehy on 01380 870731, email: [email protected]. There may be a waiting list. Please send your ads by email if possible. Please note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers. Flyers for Village activities and events can be delivered with the newsletter. If you wish to have a flyer for a village event delivered with this newsletter, please contact Anne Howard on 870505 during the third week of the month to see if it is convenient. All flyers have to be counted out for the delivery packs and as there are 25 deliverers this can take some time. No more than two per newslet- ter would be helpful. Editor CATHOLIC NEWS STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL January 2018 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST & ST BERNADETTE’S Christmas Lights Switch On: WESTBURY ( incl VILLAGES). What a brilliant turn out for our annual event! We were thrilled to pack the PARISH PRIEST FR TOM FINNEGAN village green with so many of you in a joyful, festive atmosphere. The choir TELEPHONE 01225 752152 sounded beautiful, we managed to provide plenty of food and drink, Father St John’s Sunday Masses : Christmas arrived in a VW Golf Convertible. And the lights were switched Saturday (Vigil) 6pm; Sunday 10.30am & 6pm on without a hitch. A huge thank you to all our volunteer helpers – so many Weekday Masses: to mention all, but you know who you are. We really appreciate all you did Mon: 9.00am. Tues: 6pm; Wed: 12.10pm; Fri 6pm – your contribution made the event the success it was. And thank you to the Sat: 10am; 6pm (Vigil) Rosary: Weekdays before Mass. SVP Fri 6.45pm residents of Steeple Ashton village for turning up and getting into the spirit Confessions: Sat: 10.30-11.15am and 5.15 - 5.45pm of things. St Bernadette’s Sunday Mass - 9am Weekday Mass -Thursday 11 am (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10.30 – 1050am Confessions/Reconciliation before Mass on Sundays. 10.15 -10.25 Thursdays SHARING OUR FAITH THE NEW 300 CLUB 2018 The Group meets in the Parish Centre, Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 Trowbridge on Wednesdays from quarterly - £4.33 monthly. New 8-9pm.This is open to anyone wish- ing to learn more about the Catholic members are most welcome to Church. join at any time. Prizes are: £200- SICK AND/OR HOUSEBOUND £70-£50-£10. For information and Any catholic who is sick or house- application form contact Francis bound should let Canon Liam Geraghty 01380 871083 email: (01225 752152) know as he would [email protected] be pleased to arrange a visit and bring Holy Communion, if desired. NEW YEAR CONCERT St John’s Parish Centre, MASS TIMES at NEARBY Wingfield Road, Trowbridge CATHOLIC CHURCHES on Friday February 9th from St Joseph’s, West Lavington (01380 723572) Mass on Sunday at 7.30pm 9.00am Films, Musicals and Com- Immaculate Conception, munity Singing led by the Devizes (01380 723572) Mass acclaimed on Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday Singers. 10.30am and 5.00pm Admission £5 on the door. St Anthony (01225 702128) Mass on Saturday 5.30pm (For information on any of the above and Sunday 9.30am please contact: St George’s Warminster (01985 Francis Geraghty 01380 871083 212329) Mass on Saturday evening email: [email protected]) 6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am & 10am 40 1 Parish Council Meeting Minutes: Methodist Church Diary and Events The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 18th December 2017 As I have some small fruit trees waiting to be planted into our garden, this have been posted on the website and on the village noticeboard next to the caught my eye, and made me think it worth sharing with you. Longs Arms. It was another packed meeting with positive outcomes on issues reported and plans for enhancing the parish. When we think about a fruit tree, it does not need to try and bear fruit. The fruit does not come because of the effort the tree puts in. It is a fruit tree Salt Bin: We have funded a Salt Bin for the use of the village should we – what it does, what it was created for, what is in its nature is to bear fruit. It meet icy conditions on the High Street. It is sited just inside the right-hand does this because it is planted in good soil, watered, and has light. entrance to the gardens of the Longs Arms. Please make use of it when nec- essary. If it is nearly empty, please advise the Clerk on 01380 870708 For you and me, we need to make sure we plant ourselves in the rich soil of God’s great love. In the Bible Paul encourages us to put down deep roots Planning: Planning applications are considered at Parish Council Meet- into that love. We need to pray and simply ask that we would grow in the ings and Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an Open Spirit. This is the water and light for us. Forum for members of the public to comment on planning matters prior to their consideration. All minutes are posted on the website and the village Then we will see this fruit coming naturally in our lives not because of our notice board. effort, but because this is what we were created to do. Alison Evans THANK YOU MESSAGES Church Diary We are delighted when we are provided with positive feedback. We all All services are at 9.15 am unless otherwise stated. Please come along and continue to work diligently on behalf of everyone in the parish, so it’s join us. You can be assured of a warm welcome, and a time to chat, plus a always nice to know when we get it right. cup of tea or coffee after the service. If there is anyone for whom you would like prayers to be said, please leave details in the post box at the front door, Thank you all members of the Parish Council for an excellent occasion and they will be included in the Intercessory Prayers on lighting up the Christmas Tree on the Village Green. The evening was February organised brilliantly, the choir singing to help the rest of us and as usual 4th 9.15 am Jeannie MacMeekin Santa was much welcomed. This was the largest gathering we have seen 11th 9.15 am Revd, David Coppard – Holy Communion on the green and a testament to all your hard work. 18th 9.15 am Revd. Heather Wilson Maureen & Ron Hodge, The Barn, Steeple Ashton 25th 9.15 am Revd. Susan Holden

On behalf of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and their Leader, can I thanl Other Dates you for the cheque recently received. The money will enable us to pro- Every Thursday 2.30pm CAMEO vide a wide range of activities for the girls – currently our numbers Tuesday 6th 7.30pm Housegroup are 65. This Christmas we have produced 28 Xmas boxes which will be Wednesday 14th 10.30am Reflections & Fellowship distributed amongst members of the community on Sunday. Very Best Tuesday 20th 7.30pm Housegroup Wishe Diane Bouault - Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Wednesday 28th 10.30am Reflections & Fellowship March Thank you so much for the generous cheque you sent for the Friday Club. Friday 2nd TBA Women’s World Day of Prayer It will enable us to continue as we have in the past. Yours sincerely Pat Dove – The Friday Club

2 39 Parish Council Meetings: February 19th Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting March 12th Main Parish Council Meeting April 9th Annual Parish Meeting (Main Hall 7pm) followed by a short Parish Council meeting May 14th Main Parish Council Meeting (AGM) June 4th Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting June 25th Main Parish Council Meeting July 16th Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting August 6th Main Parish Council Meeting September 3rd Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting September 24th Main Parish Council Meeting Parish Council Office: (2 St Mary’s School, High Street) This office is open to the public twice a week (Monday 2.30pm – 3.30pm; Tuesday 10am – 11am) or by appointment. Leon Karas, Clerk to the Parish Council, can be contacted on 01380 871461 or email clerk@steeple-ashton. co.uk. All Councillors have live @steeple-ashton.co.uk email addresses which are also posted on the website. Find us on Social Media! Our Facebook community is still growing! Through the Parish Council page and Steeple Ashton Village Discussion Group, we have covered many topics of interest to our residents. Recent discussions have included frustrations with speeding, dog poo and bonfires, attempts to reunite mis-posted mail with the right recipient, questions about Keevil airfield noise, the nuisance of wind-blown rubbish and posts about lost items, including football gloves and a kitten. Please be assured that this page is monitored regularly, and we take all requests seriously, actioning where appropriate. We would love you to get involved – search for us on Facebook. If you are a village group and need help with your social media or village event promo- tions, please get in touch with Pippa at [email protected] or 871578.

Mobile Library Visits: Longs Arms, Steeple Ashton Wednesdays 11:00am – 12noon Ashton Common, Bus Stop Wednesdays 3.45 - 4.10pm 14 February, 28 February, 14 March, 28 March, 11 April.

38 3 FORGET-ME-NOTS-CLUB Diocese of Salisbury The Christmas Lunch in December at Chalford House Hotel was Bishop Ed Retires a very happy occasion enjoyed by all (apart from the sprouts!). The Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Revd There have been no meetings in January, but activities resume on Dr Edward Condry, will be retiring at 21st Feb, when members are in for a treat, as the Skylarks from West the end of April when he will reach the Ashton Primary School will be singing for us. Members are requested age of sixty-five. His farewell service to make a special effort to attend in support of the children, also to will be Evensong at St John’s Devizes on be on time as the children will be performing at 2.30pm prompt. Sunday 15 April at 6 pm. March 7th is the date of the first meeting of that month, and if Bishop Edward said, “Sarah and I move on with some sadness but with much you could do with some company on a dismal winter’s afternoon, thanksgiving. We have loved living in the beautiful county of Wiltshire. do please come and pay us a visit, you would be most welcome. “I have been constantly astonished at the generous and loving work of those Glynnis Oakley (Sec) 01225/775681 who worship here, quietly serving Christ through their service to neighbours and communities.” Bishop Nicholas said, “Bishop Ed has been the encourager he said he wanted Dr. Mark Rendall to be when he became a bishop. There is much to give thanks for and he and On behalf of myself and family I would Sarah will be greatly missed.” like to thank the many people who sent cards and letters of condolence after St Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton Mark died on Boxing Day. We much From the Churchwardens appreciated your kind thoughts and It was good to have Rev Lionel Dove participating in services over Christmas, wishes at this difficult time. Lionel is again available to offer Home Communion visits or call around for Thank you All. a just a chat. Please contact him direct on 870013 Dorothy Rendall, Sarah, Rachel and The Post of Vicar has been advertised and applications for the position Nicholas were received. The initial interviewing process will be conducted early this month. Their will be a slight change to the services at St Mary’s on 25th February, Mrs Mary Kelly our 11am service is cancelled in favour of joining with the congregation at The family of the late Mrs. Mary Kelly (d. October 2017) would like to thank Southwick for their 11am service which will be led by the Archdeacon of kind residents and neighbours of Steeple Ashton for their condolences, and Wilts. for their contributions to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in her memory. She continues to be sorely missed. Many thanks. Ena Moore Kind regards, Jean Kelly On behalf of the family I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and say thank you to so many people in the parish for their kindness, their Thanks... cards, letters and messages of condolence we received following Ena’s pass- We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the support the whole family ing in November. The collection taken at her funeral, for church funds, was has had since the sudden loss of Derek (dad). 431.66. Michael Moore The warmth and love we have received from you all has helped us grieve. We will all miss him but he lives on in all our hearts and memories. With love – Rene, Marie, Clare and family. 4 37 each day, but at weekends, I did it. When I was fourteen, I left school, and helped on the farm all the time. By this time, my first calves had reached matu- rity, and came into the herd. Then, just as we were getting into a nice comfort- able time, THE WAR CAME which messed up all our long-term arrangements. As with many folk. Mary Kelly (ca. 2001; ed.: JMK) Lasagne Notice is given that the AGM Please excuse the small print size - difficult to fit all this in! Ed Supper of the Trust will be held on Friday and 23rd March 2018, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. St Mary’s Church Heritage and Songs to Amuse After the formal business, the Cultural Centre, Steeple Ashton with meeting will be open for general A beautiful church in a beautiful village. Graham Dalby and discussion of the future of the Ben Jarvis - piano Trust and the plans being devel- [email protected] Saturday 3rd March 2018 oped with St Mary’s Church PCC at 7.30pm in the Village Hall Pursuing Edward Thomas Tickets £15.00 The WW1 poet and his link with Wiltshire Available from the Village Shop: and Steeple Ashton 01380 871211 Cash wine Bar A talk by David Kerslake Thursday 15th March 7:30p.m. St Mary’s Church Flower Ladies St Mary’s Church BA14 6EW The annual meeting will be held on Wednesday 21st February Tickets £5 including welcoming wine/juice at 3pm in Sue Cottles’ house, Church Farm. Hope to see you all from Village shop /01380870119/email there. Jo Campbell above

The Friends of Steeple Ashton Pursuing Edward Thomas Edward Thomas is renowned as a WW! poet . Before becoming a published The Friends are planning a visit to the REME (Royal Electrical & poet he was a writer and journalist. He visited Steeple Ashton and wrote Mechanical Engineers) at Lyneham SN15 4xx on Wednesday 28th about it. I fact he visited any of our local villages and when he enlisted he February. We shall go in shared cars and the cost will be £6.00 per was stationed in Trowbridge so he has many liks with Wiltshire. Find out person which includes a guided tour. We should need to be there just more by attending the talk to be given by David Kerslake (Edward Tomas before 11am. And there is parking. There is a restaurant where lunch Fellowship) in St Mary’s Church on Thursday 15th March at 7:30 pm. You will be available – The Crowns Café. will be welcomed with a drink to warm you but remember the church is not If you would like to come, please tell Anne Little on 01380 870768 (if the warmest place so dress well. Oh! One of his books was “In Pursuit of necessary, please leave a message on the answerphone) indicating how Spring” hence our title. many; if you would be ok to offer a lift; or need one and if you would The event is in aid of or church, tickets (£5) see the notice for details –and like lunch. see you there! 36 5 Steeple Ashton Village Shop dress and put on make-up. I used to help her get ready. After they had gone, I read and had chats with the mother, and then I had cocoa and went to bed in Thanks are due - to everyone who bought presents and seasonal foods from the the daughter’s bedroom. What I liked most about this was the fact that there shop in the run up to Christmas and to all our volunteers who put in extra was a bathroom: quite a luxury. In the morning at breakfast, the daughter hours over the festive season. The pre-ordering of Christmas boxes went would tell me all about who was there and what they wore. Those were the days of long dresses for women, and dark suits for the men. well and the quality of the meats supplied by W. J. Beaven were, once again, This was quite affordable entertainment, which was just as well, because very much appreciated. farming, and a lot of businesses in general, were having a hard time. In 1930, The Christmas Raffle - this also went well thanks to the generosity of our the farmer who was our next-door neighbour moved out. By now, the Council suppliers and supporters for the quality and quantity of the wide variety of waived the ex-servicemen’s exclusive tenancy, as they were glad enough to get prizes on offer. anyone who was willing to take a tenancy on. A young couple moved in. They were splendid people, and became our firm family friends for many years until The Loyalty Card Scheme - no further cards will be issued after the end of they died. They had no children, and the wife was like a second mother to me. March but we will of course continue to stamp existing cards to allow She taught me to milk a cow by hand; it was a very tame one, and was milked customers to collect the vouchers they have earned. into a pail whilst still in the field. She also taught me to sew and knit; my own New Products - we are now stocking Soya milk and frozen vegetarian Quorn mother never had time. They only stayed two years, and then took a farm on sausages - do let us have your suggestions for other ‘free from’ foods that the outskirts of the nearest town. When they left, my father went to the Council, and applied to take the other might be popular additions to our normal ranges. holding. They approved, provided he could put up the £300.00, which he bor- Stocktaking - this will take place on Wednesday the 31st January when the rowed from the Bank; a very dear friend stood for collateral. Father also had shop will close at 2.30 pm. Caren Felton to find a partner to put their name on the tenancy, as it was now 60 acres. Since my mother’s sister was a pig and poultry farmer, she gave her name, and Weather Report for Steeple Ashton 2017 became a sleeping partner. We now had to employ a farm worker, as it was too Januarys’ weather was fairly average with rainfall and temperatures just big for one to cope with. below the norm. The coldest night of the year was on the 20th when -5.4°C By this time, I was ten, and was expected to help out in a small way. When I got home, I would eat my cooked dinner, and then I would change into some was recorded. February rainfall was also below average but the temperatures old clothes and go and milk my one cow. (Later, I graduated to more.) After, were very mild, although snow flurries were recorded on the 10th and 11th I would help with the hens; we had quite a lot by this time. The eggs had to be of the month. The maximum temperature on the 11th was only 2.2°C. collected, and I would help Mother with this. Also, food and water had to be March saw average rainfall but temperatures were again very mild with the taken to them. The eggs were collected from nest-boxes, which were placed, mean temperature almost 3°C above normal. The village clean-up day on on the outside of the house; one just lifted a trap-door to get at them. The nest-boxes were kept very clean, with plenty of straw, which meant there was the 5th was a cool, blustery day with showers. April was very dry with only not much washing of the eggs to be done. They should not be washed, anyway; 5.9mm of rain falling and the temperatures were 1°C above normal. it damages the shell. We often had boiled eggs for tea, but would not think of May started dry but rain later in the month brought the total to 69.7mm eating one that had not been laid that day. The eggs were taken to the nearest which was 12.2mm above the average for the month. Temperatures were town once a week, to what was known then as a packing station, for distribu- also well above average with 26.7°C recorded on the 26th. tion. By 1935, we hit a very bad time. Several of the cows died from different ill- Open Gardens were held on Sunday 4th June when the weather was disap- nesses, and we had to let the farm worker go. By this time, I was twelve, and pointingly cloudy, with a heavy shower around 3 o/clock which produced very capable of handling cows. I used to do quite a bit of milking before I went 5mm of rain and sent visitors looking for shelter. The third week of the to school and also when I came home. We nearly went bankrupt, but managed month was hot with 31.7°C recorded on the 21st which was the warmest to hang on by my father managing to talk to the creditors. A neighbour who day of the year. The church fete on the 24th was pleasantly warm and dry bred his own cattle advised us to do the same. This was not so expensive once one got the first ones to be productive; this took about three years. Also, the but cloudy. animals were much healthier. The son gave me lots of advice. We kept all the The first half of July was warm and dry apart from a very wet night on the female calves, and I took over the looking after of them. It started with two. I 11th which produced 26.9mm of rain. This was the wettest day of the year. would feed them in the morning before school, and again in the evening when The second half of the month was cooler and wet giving a total for the month I got home, besides helping with the milking. My father would clean them out 6 35 In the living room, there was an iron kitchen range which was kept alight most of 89.9mm which was the wettest month of the year. An abseil down the of the time. In summer, when the weather was very hot, we used a spirit stove church tower was held on the 22nd of July with cool, showery weather. to cook with and boil kettles. There was a lounge, with a fireplace, but this was August rainfall was average with the last 10 days quite dry. Daytime tem- only lit when entertaining. I remember this room very well, because when I was ill with chest colds I was put into a camp-bed and allowed to sleep there until I peratures were 1°C below normal but Bank Holiday Monday on the 28th recovered. I liked watching the flickering patterns the fire made on the wall. was the warmest day of the month with 27°C recorded. September saw In the summer, the house was very cool, even when there was a heatwave, average rainfall spread evenly throughout the month with daytime temper- which was very nice when one came in hot from haymaking. Haymaking was a atures just below normal. chore which I liked very much as a child: not so much when I grew up and had October produced half the normal rainfall with only 35.6mm recorded to help. Summer was a very nice time. The fields were green, with lots of wild flowers. in the month and temperatures 1.7°C above average. On the morning of On Sundays, we would go to church for Evensong across the fields; I don’t think Monday 16th October the sky darkened and turned an eerie red causing we went in winter. From when I was five years old, I went out with my parents some street lights to come on. This was not an eclipse but red dust from the to visit friends, and also my other grandparents, who had a smallholding in the Sahara blown in on an Atlantic storm. next village. My mother did not go out at all in the evenings until then as there November was drier than average with slightly below normal temper- was no such a thing as baby-sitters in our area. We used to go by horse and trap, which dad bought from a farmer who sold it when he bought a car. It was atures. December was wetter than average with temperatures just above much more comfortable than the cart to ride in. normal. On Saturday 9th the Christmas lights switch on was well attended When I was six years old, I started school, walking across the fields; some other on a dry and chilly evening. children who lived in the cottages of the farm opposite walked with me. They In general 2017 was drier than normal with a total of 687mm of rain, left after about one year, and mother bought me a bicycle. I got quite skilled 58mm below the average of 745mm. Mean temperatures were higher than at riding it on the bumpy road. I used to meet with a girl who lived about half a mile away, and we would travel together. Being no provision for cycles at the normal during eight months of the year with March, May and June well school, we were allowed to leave them in the shed of a house nearby. Our par- above average. January, August, September and November were colder ents’ daily papers were also left there for us to take home (after we had read the than average. main bits). They were different, so we could compare who said what. There Geoff Witts were no school-dinners in those days; we took packed lunches, and the infants’ teacher would make us a hot drink if we took what we needed, such as Oxo or Ovaltine, plus a small bottle of milk if needed. (We did get school-milk in about The Friends of Steeple Ashton 1934, but this was taken at mid- morning). It was very good of the teacher: she gave up most of her lunch hour for us. When I was eight, we bought our first car. It was a hateful thing and would At the start of a New Year, we would like to take this opportunity to intro- only start when it thought it would, and mostly had to be pushed. We did not keep it long. The next one was a better one with a gate gear change, which I duce the “Friends of Steeple Ashton” to any new villagers and remind other later learnt to drive when I was twelve - on fields only, of course. This was residents about us and why we exist. one of the best times of my life. I was old enough to go with my parents to vil- We were founded in 1972 to protect the architectural & scenic character of lage social evenings. There, there were dancing, games, and refreshments. My the village. We support any initiatives which are to the advantage of village friend’s father was the M.C., and he made sure there were lots of games for the life and organise related events. Our committee meets monthly and we also children. I liked these evenings a lot, dressing in my best dress and meeting my school friends and their parents, who were also friends of my parents. These run an oil scheme. events took place about once a month. Also, there was an Amateur Theatre Annual membership is £2 per person and we hope to attract new members company, taken from local talent, who would put on plays in the winter, usually who are interested in our aims. So, if you feel inspired, please contact Lydia about three. Peters on [email protected] or call 01380 871077. There was always something going on in the village, more so in winter More information can be found on the village website. than in summer. We also went to the pictures in the local town. Often there were dances held in the Village Hall, but only the grown-ups went. Mother and Anne Howard {Chairman} Dad would go, but I stayed with a neighbouring farm family. This was nice. After school, I would go straight to their house, where I had tea. The daughter of the house and her brother always went to the dances. It was nice seeing her 34 7 Steeple Ashton WI One reason for Isaac Gulliver’s success was the way he ran his enterprise. At our December meeting we had a short time for business matters and then As he grew wealthier, he was able to expand further west, using the beaches enjoyed our Christmas Party. Members were greeted with a glass of bucks at Burton Bradstock. Isaac then purchased an Iron-Age hill fort 10 miles fizz. This was followed by a delicious finger buffet to share and a glass of fruit west of Dorchester, and five miles inland. Not for him the risk of signal fires punch. This got us in a relaxed mood to enjoy singing from the Bellini Girls, on the coast. At 827 feet above sea level, this landmark could easily be seen a group of ladies from the Bath area smartly dressed in black frocks and a by incoming smugglers’ ships, and Isaac planted a clump of pines to further faux fur stoles. At the end of the evening they led us into carol singing. establish its position. At the foot of the hill he bought a farm. This became Our first speaker for 2018 was Martin Horler who told us about the role the rendezvous for his clients from Bath and Bristol. of the Royal Mail Guard from the 1600’s and the part played by Bath Busi- In 1782, while this resourceful lawbreaker was operating what appeared nessmen Ralph Allen and John Palmer. Mr Horler was dressed as a Guard to be legal wine and spirit outlets from vaults along the south coast (he was of the time and announced his arrival by blowing the guards horn. The vari- always able to undercut his more honest rivals), a Royal Pardon was offered ous tunes blown on the horn gave important messages to both other users of to any smuggler – if they agreed to join the Navy, or alternatively supply the road, tollgate keepers and the coachmen. At the height of the days with two substitute recruits. Isaac grabbed the chance – he would have had no coach and horses 600 coaches each with six or eight horses would leave trouble in finding the 15 Guineas (£15.05p) required to pay each substitute. London every night to deliver the mail all over the country. We were shown Soon after this, he announced that he was moving his wine and spirit busi- the guns and sword carried by the guard who would not hesitate to use them ness from Kinson to Teignmouth, Devon. if attacked by robbers and highwaymen. Seven years later, in 1789, Isaac was back living in a house still known Our Business meeting included collecting resolution selection forms, today as ‘Gulliver’s Farm’ – near Verwood north of Bournemouth – where reminding members about nominations for committee members and look- old cart tracks led to the sea. Less than a couple of miles away, there was a ing at suggestions for a summer outing. sunken track called ‘Gulliver’s Lane’. At our next meeting on Wednesday 14th February, we invite friends from During the 1790s Isaac moved once again, to Long Crichel north-east of the village ladies, gents and young people to join us. We have a short busi- Blandford Forum. By 1815, he was back in Kinson. Finally, he settled at ness meeting at 7.30pm. The speaker at 8pm, when Win Quinney will talk ‘Gulliver House’, West Borough, Wimborne, in 1817. about the Amazing World of Bats. It all takes place in the Village Hall. WI Isaac Gulliver was described in old age as having “Herculean proportions” members look forward to welcoming you. and a “countenance that still indicated great determination of character” Kathy Fielding (all perhaps visible in his oil miniature of 1821). In 1788, customs officials admitted he was a man of “great speculating genius” who carried on a vari- STEEPLE ASHTON WI ety of other businesses besides smuggling. Isaac himself would often boast that no Customs Officer ever suffered physical harm from the men under THE AMAZING WORLD OF BATS his command. Isaac Gulliver died at his West Borough home on Friday 13 Septem- WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2018 ber 1822. He left an estate worth £60,000 – over six million today – with At 8pm in the VILLAGE HALL properties in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset. He lies beneath a gravestone in the floor of Wimborne Minster, where he once served as SPEAKER - WIN QUINNEY Church Warden. Here in Steeple Ashton, some have said that ‘Gullivers Lane’ owes its Entrance - £3.00 includes tea/coffee and raffle name to this man. As far as I know, there is no evidence to support this. Per- Ladies, gents and young people we look forward to welcoming haps the Semington Gullivers as a whole – having leased land around the you all. area – are behind its name. However, this has yet to be fully researched… Bryan Berrett 8 33 One hundred and fifty armed mounted men may seem incredible. Yet the MY FARM AS I CAN REMEMBER IT Mary Kelly (née Gerrish) 1923-2017 smugglers had many people in the area who benefited from their activities Old Hurst Farm, Keevil, was a very remote spot, being three miles from – and these locals would have been supportive, and willing to help them the nearest village and seven miles from the nearest town. It was along a rough retrieve what they considered to be their property: the smugglers had paid track which passed through five farms; the tracks were ‘gated’ to stop animals for their goods – mostly from France and beyond – but then avoided paying from straying onto neighbouring land. the government tax duties (which were rapidly increasing during the 18th Although on the postal address it was called ‘farm’, it was only a smallholding, century, to fund expensive wars in Europe.) being only 30 acres in size; a farm is 100 acres or more. The land was purchased by the County Council from landowners’ broken-up By 1778, Isaac’s ‘free trader’ business was prospering well, and he moved estates, and then divided into smallholdings of approximately 30 acres each closer to the coast by purchasing a property at Longham – in the area of specifically for the tenancy of ex-servicemen. How on earth they expected one Ferndown, just north of Poole and Bournemouth. By this time, his ‘king- to make a living from only 30 acres I don’t know. This could be profitable if dom’ stretched along the coast from the New Forest in Hampshire in the used for market gardening, but most of the land in Wiltshire is heavy clay soil east, to at least Lyme Regis in the west (and later as far as Devon), and up to which will grow rich grass, good for cows, pigs, and hens. This was all right as long as prices held, but they tended to fluctuate. Also being a small ‘cow dairy’, Wiltshire in the north. the price given by the manufacturers was lower than that given to a large ‘cow During this period, it seems that Gulliver had reached a stage where he dairy’ (although the price charged to the housewife was the same). could take less of a hands-on approach to his smuggling activities, and con- We had twelve cows and a horse. It could have carried three more cows, but at trol things from behind the scenes. An indication that he was changing his the time of taking the farm there was not enough money to fully stock it. Some ‘business plan’ was the sale by auction of his “twenty good hack horses” in of the money was channelled into buying pigs and hens as this meant a quicker turnover. April 1779. The scale of his operations can be judged by the fact that he The rent was high, being £3 per acre; the average ranged between £2 10s. and was said to have kept 40 or 50 men fully employed in Lyme Regis. Based £2 15s. per acre. The rent was paid twice a year: Lady Day, March 25th, and near the mouth of the River Lyme, they were ready to be called on whenever Michaelmas day, 29th September. A prospective tenant had to show £300.00 needed, and known as the “White Wigs” – as they all wore powdered hair in cash before being accepted. Mother and Father saved during the War; it was and smocks. mostly Mother, as she had worked in a munitions factory. They moved to the farm in 1920. All went well to start with but, in 1922, there Isaac Gulliver invested his income wisely. Purchasing properties through- was a drought, and, to try and save as much grass as possible for hay, branches out the area – often conveniently sited for smuggling – he was also said to were cut from the trees for the cattle to eat. There was not as much hay made have owned a fleet of ships. In 1780, he was off again. Moving with Elizabeth that year, so, to make it go further, straw was bought, which was much less and their three children, Isaac settled in a purpose-built house in Kinson expensive. Then we got a cutting machine - called a chaff-cutter - in which (which is today part of Bournemouth). Here he had a secret room –accessed straw was placed in a chute which enabled it to be fed onto a blade which cut the straw into small pieces hand-turned by a wheel, and jolly hard work it was too. through a door 10 feet up a chimney! There were said to be tunnels leading The financial side was also very bad. Many farmers went bankrupt and some off from this property in all directions – even to the church and rectory. committed suicide. Some of the landowners waived the rents which was a help Although Kinson was not on the coast, the area around present-day Poole, - but NOT THE COUNCIL. I can remember in the early days my mother saying Branksome and Bournemouth was then open heathland criss-crossed by there was not enough money to go round. This was the mid-Twenties and the paths – where smugglers had sunk wells to hide contraband if they were whole world was in recession. But to listen to Mother it was only our farm. We kept hens which Mother looked after; the money from the eggs paid for the gro- spotted by excise men. From here, Isaac openly engaged in the wine and ceries, my clothes, and a few odd things Dad needed. Mother did not seem to brandy trade. need much for herself, but relied on handed down clothes from an aristocratic Although Isaac was living the good life, it is only by his own ingenuity (and friend of her sister’s; she always managed to look nice. probably bribery) that he was not apprehended and charged with smug- There was a large farm near us where the farmer grew a lot of wheat. In gling. He came close several times. On one occasion, he avoided capture by the autumn, he would hire a threshing machine, and a lot of the small-holders, spending all day at Wimborne Market dressed as a shepherd. On another, my father included, would go and help for payment; this usually lasted about one week. I used to join the children whose fathers worked on this farm to while the excise men called, he lay white-faced in an open coffin, and later watch and chase the rats as they came out of the corn stacks. I don’t think any maintained the farce with a funeral – his coffin filled with stones! of us killed them - I know I didn’t. 32 9 cont... continued from the front cover I grew very fond of the animals, especially the cows. My first experience of death was with a cow which had hurt herself. The vet lent us a set of harness Isaac junior’s earlier years are undocumented. However, we know that and a hoist to lift her. She was in a separate small shed, and had to be lifted in October 1768 at the age of 23, he married Elizabeth Beale at St. Mary’s twice a day whilst her legs were massaged. This went on for about a week but Church, Sixpenny Handley, Dorset. Elizabeth was the daughter of William she died. She was a pretty cow, strawberry roan in colour. I can still hear the Beale, Innkeeper of the Blacksmith’s Arms at nearby Thorney Down – on winch (which was hand worked in those days) pulling her into the lorry; it had a strange ‘click’, not like the ones today. The owner of the knacker’s business the road from Blandford to Salisbury. Young Isaac was not one to miss had a contract with the local hunt to feed the hounds, and would take all dead an opportunity, and it was not long before he took over the tenancy of his animals once they had been cleared of dangerous diseases such as anthrax; any father-in-law’s inn, re-naming it ‘The Kings Arms’. William Beale was also a suspect cases were burnt on the farm under the supervision of the police, as also farrier, and may have continued shoeing horses – or more probably joined were any animals suspected of having Foot and Mouth. We were very grateful forces with Isaac in his escapades… to them, because it would take a lot of work to bury a cow It is not fully clear when or how Isaac Gulliver first entered into the busi- As tenant farmers, we had to allow the hunt onto our land. We could be fined if we shot a fox. If a fox killed many hens and the carcasses could be produced, ness of smuggling. Yet, given his father’s south-coast-smuggler connections, the hunt would be notified and they would pay compensation, which wasn’t it seems quite probable that he found his way into full involvement via this much. Also, the rest of the hens were so frightened they went ‘off lay’ for several family link. It may be that Isaac was already involved in smuggling prior weeks. The hunt would come on their next ‘meet’ and try and kill it. to his marriage; nevertheless, by the time he was married to Elizabeth and We had a friend who got fed up with this fox. The hunt had been after it sev- living in Thorney Down, although 30 miles from the coast, he was well situ- eral times and it got away, so our friend shot it. No one let on. He had the pelt tanned, and his wife wore it as a fur. ated on the Blandford to Salisbury road to practice this illegal trade. The hens were the bane of our lives. They had to be moved to new pastures Government figures produced in 1784 estimated that two thirds of all spirits twice a year. We would move their houses and keep them shut in for three or and tea consumed were contraband. By 1804, it was estimated that 80,000 four days, then let them out, only to find when we went to shut them up at night gallons of brandy came ashore on Bournemouth beaches in one year. Gangs that they were back in the old place where the house had been, just huddled on of up to 300 were loading contraband on to convoys of 30 wagons for trans- the ground. Then we had to catch them, put them into crates, and carry them porting into the New Forest, where they would disappear, eventually des- back to their houses, all of this after dark. We never caught them all; the fox had the rest. Later we got better houses, mounted on wheels with iron hooks tined for London, Bristol and even the Midlands. underneath, which could be pulled by a horse with chains attached to its har- Living on one of the main routes for transporting contraband from the ness and fastened to the hooks. This meant they could be moved much further, south coast, at his King’s Arms base, at some point during the late 1760s which stopped their little games of going back. or early 1770s Isaac Gulliver started dealing in silk, lace, brandy, tea and Looking after the cows was the hardest work, especially in winter, when tobacco – and a thriving business was developed. they were kept in cow-sheds. Each had its own place, where they were loosely chained to a wooden pole, which enabled them to stand, lie down, or lick them- There is no evidence that Isaac Gulliver was involved in poaching; but a selves. Food was put into a manger in front of them; also, there were automatic tomb in the churchyard of nearby Sixpenny Handley church where Isaac water bowls laid on outside the manger. and Elizabeth were married, was often used to store venison until it was safe In winter, the day started at about 5.45 am. My father would get up first and to be retrieved. It seems likely, however, that he could have been involved in make tea on a Primus spirit stove; then, after a hasty drink, we would go to the a certain set of incidents which occurred in that village during 1770. shed and feed the cattle with a special cake made from linseed; this made them A party of men, headed by the Excise Superintendent from Blandford more relaxed and it was easier to milk them, which was all done by hand. It took 7-15 minutes to milk a cow, depending how far into her lactation she was. Forum, arrived at a cottage in Sixpenny Handley, and proceeded to recover There was no electricity on the farm. We had hurricane lanterns, which were a contraband cache comprising tobacco, tea and brandy from a hiding place filled with oil each night ready for the mornings. When we finished milking in its chimney. On their way back to Blandford they were attacked by smug- each cow, the milk was taken to our dairy to be cooled and put into churns ready glers, but arrived safely with all the retrieved goods, which were then secured for the lorry to collect it at 8 a.m. After this, we had breakfast. Then the work in the home of the Excise Man. Later that night, 150 mounted horsemen started: the cows were turned into a fenced yard in relays, whilst the sheds were armed with pistols rode into Blandford. After confronting the (obviously cleaned out, hay put into the mangers, and fresh straw put down. This took about 1½ hours. The cows were put back into the shed until about 3.30pm terrified) wife of the Superintendent, they took back the booty – riding out when the whole process was repeated, but this time before milking. of town delighting in their success. 10 31 After the cows had returned to the sheds in the morning, we had our eleven- ses. Afterwards, we continued with other work on the farm such as mending fences, cleaning out ditches, and hauling manure from the yard to be stacked in the corner of a field and then left until the next autumn when it would be spread on fields. The pigs were less trouble. They were kept penned in a small amount of land, because if let out to roam they would dig up the pasture and could ruin a field in a few hours. The sty which they were kept in joined onto this land, which consisted of a small hut with an outside run where they were fed in a trough twice a day. The food consisted of meal mixed up like a thick porridge, as well as vegetable peelings and any scraps which were suitable. They were cleaned out once a day, which was easy: pigs will only defecate in one place. Contrary to what people think, they are not dirty, but do slobber when eating, which is perhaps where the idea that pigs are dirty comes from. Markets were held on alternate Tuesdays. My first memory of this was when I was about four years old, being taken on a horse drawn cart. We sat on a padded wooden seat with a wooden back; behind us would be a crate of chick- ens for sale in the market. Sometimes it was a calf, which was placed on straw so that it could lie down, a rope net spread over the cart to keep it from jumping out. For larger animals, such as cows or a load of pigs, we would hire a haulier. Transport was by horse and cart, bicycle or horse-back; my father had a lovely brown horse which he used to ride when going to village meetings or visiting friends; she was also trained to shafts, so could be used to pull the cart. The track was very poor, but the council did supply stones later, which helped a bit. (In 1932, they were persuaded to tarmac it). When going out, Mother kept her cycle at a farm further along the lane. She then took a short cut across the fields to collect it; this was much better than cycling over those awful roads. She had a special carrier fixed on the back of the cycle for me to ride on. Twice a week, she would visit her mother in her home town ten miles away. I loved these trips. It was such a nice clean tidy house - much better than the cold farmhouse. The farmhouse was very old and had been converted very frugally into two cottages for two families, with the minimum amount of mod- ernisation. There was cold water piped into a small wash- house, the equivalent of our utility rooms of today. This had a sink and a wash-boiler, which was for heating the water, done by lighting a fire underneath. There was a wooden lid, The “Friends” began the oil scheme as a way of reducing lorry traffic to the vil- which was very easy to lift off. We kept a dipper with a long handle to ladle the lage as well as endeavouring to find a saving in oil prices through the joint bulk water out when needed. The water supply was pumped from a stream, very well order. filtered; it tasted much better than the water from today’s mains. Mother lit To be part of this scheme you must be a member of the society (the member- the fire at about 7 a.m. The water was then ready to wash the milk pails at 8.30 ship fee has now risen to a staggering cost of £2 per member).An additional a.m. The milk collection lorry would call about this time to take it away. If it cost of £2 per household is required to join the scheme. Orders should be of was not ready, the driver could drive off and leave it, which would mean a day’s 500lt or more, and they are very good at topping up tanks. milk down the drain (fortunately, this never happened to us). The boiler was It goes without saying that membership to the “Friends” is amazingly worth- then filled with water for our own use. For personal washing, water was car- while; the oil scheme is an additional benefit for everyone. ried to bedrooms and put into large china basins which stood on large marble The aim is to arrange delivery of our bulk order on the last Thursday of the topped tables called wash-stands. Baths were taken once a week in the wash- month. Orders need to be in by the third Friday (earlier at Christmas) you can house, with the door locked. When not in use, the tin bath was hung on a wall do this by ‘phone, email, note or word of mouth. in a veranda which was outside the back door. The toilet was in a shed down Colin Green 870119 [email protected] the garden. continued on p33 30 11 FROM THE ARCHIVES

‘Steeple Ashton, Great Hinton & Semington Newsletter’

In February 1973...

Part of a lengthy article by the then Headmaster of St Mary’s School, Michael Green. He was writing on the school of the late 1800s and early 1900s, after reading the old log books. (Mr Green had begun to read through the log books, and then write articles on them for the newsletter, during 1972.):

David Berrett 12 29 STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS VICTORIA AND ABDUL (12A)

SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2018 - 7.30 PM (DOORS OPEN AT 7 P.M. FOR REFRESHMENTS) AT THE VIL- LAGE HALL, STEEPLE ASHTON William Light Painting & Decorating Directed by Stephen Frears (The Queen, Florence Foster Jenkins, Philom- Carpentry & General Home Maintenance ena), Victoria and Abdul is a film based on Shrabani Basu’s book of the Professional & Friendly Service same name about the real-life relationship between Queen Victoria (Judy Tel: 07974 302025 Email: [email protected] Dench) and her Indian servant, Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal). Arguably, an unof- ficial sequel to the very successful 1997 film, Mrs. Brown, it boasts a cast of many other stars including Eddie Izzard, Michael Gambon and Tim Piggott- Diary Dates Simith.

Tuesday 27th March, Concert, St Mary’s Church Abdul Karim, a young clerk from India, is sent to England to participate in Saturday14th April, Concert Edington Priory Church Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. The Queen, who is ageing and lonely, develops a friendship with Abdul. She spends time with him alone, and promotes him within the Royal household. She asks him to teach her his own language and when Victoria discovers that he is married, she invites his wife and mother-in-law to join him in England.

While Victoria treats Abdul as a son, his elevated status is resented by mem- Postal Collections in Steeple Postal Collections bers of her household, her son, Bertie and the Prime Minister causing the Ashton in Great Hinton Royal Household to plot to undermine their relationship. Set in the final Mon - Fri Saturday years of Queen Victoria’s life and reign, this fascinating and charming film Longs Arms 4.15pm 10am Mon - Fri Saturday is a must-see! Newleaze 12noon 11am 4.15pm 8.30am Ashton 11.30am 11am Tickets £6 available from Steeple Ashton Village Shop or can be Common reserved by ringing Alison Wilson on 01380 871345

Thank You, Steeple Ashton Guides Steeple Ashton Village Hall Contact Details I would like to thank all the Guides and Rainbows in Steeple Ashton Branch New Daytime/Work Telephone Number: 01225 703144 for the lovely gifts I received at Christmas. For the past few years, the girls New Evening/Home Telephone Number: 01225 356196 from age five to 18 get together to make cakes and pack gifts for some of us New Email Address: [email protected] older or more vulnerable residents of Keevil and Steeple Ashton. They then Payments and booking forms can still be posted to: take the trouble to visit each one of us with the gifts, and wish us a Merry Moorfield Farm, 2 Church Street, Steeple Ashton Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6EW Christmas. This is a lovely thought and gesture. Thank you girls. Many thanks, Sandra Stevens Louisa Pollard, 1 Silver Street, Steeple Ashton. 28 13 Steeple Ashton Natural History Club Meeting November 2017: Topic was to bring a photo that you have taken and that triggers a memory for you. This was not a photographic com- petition, more to tell a story. This proved a very successful format and most at the meeting joined in. Most had a photo or two pinned then up before we Eric Lépine started, and then we each had 5 minutes to speak. Managing Director Photos and stories were: Tel: 07787 557599 Jeanette: A moving story about a little wild “Kuria” gazelle, orphaned, that Email: [email protected] Website: www.silkwisecatering.co.uk they adopted whilst living in Morocco, “Aziza” by name. When they were about to move away, after some time the little animal seemed to sense there would be change and she just rolled over and died one day with nothing Loose Covers and Curtains apparently wrong. could you advertise here? Individually made to your own Pat: Photos with questions: Including sycamore leaf caterpillar, dragon- Please call Sarah on specifications flies and the dearth of frogs. 01380 871753 Free estimates David: A coot nest with 2 fledglings. Reminded him of childhood. Where or email: Sue Hocking do they go in winter? On local ponds they maybe French! But they murder [email protected] ducklings ! And by the way, the heronry at Staverton is doing well! 01225 865706 Ines and Malcolm: fine flock of 8 long tailed tits on their fat blockfeeder 0774 8780985 Ollie: A magnificent sparrow hawk (temporarily injured). Owls and red [email protected] squirrel at Brownsea Is. Penny: Last year a fine frog and an orange tip on pear blossom in the garden. Roger F: See above and muntjac at work Ann F: A young and handsome fox inside the barn, looking over the chicken-potential there, but waited for her to return for her camera! Ann H: Sandpits lane in all its seasons. And throughout: Blackbirds! Tame blackbirds, a one- legged blackbird, part -albino blackbird and more tame blackbirds! David said maybe they are all French coming up to us for the winter! Other business: Members noted there were rooks nesting, a great spot- ted woodpecker drumming and catkins – in November! There are goodly numbers of coal tits and sparrows. There was a sighting of a rare lesser- spotted woodpecker on the margins of the village, and we are all looking out for hawfinches that may be coming our way- about starling-sized. Next meeting Thursday 22nd March. Please note this change of date. After agreeing in absentia, Gill V will speak about badgers. Previously we had a debate (about 9 years ago?) about the pros and cons of badger culling, but we did not ever understand more on the badgers’ life style etc. 7.00 pm at the Methodist church. 14 27 Postscript. Hawfinches were seen in mid January in Corsham and Fonthill) David has been cheered by a mistle thrush coming to eat the berries in his garden (they have been missing for about 10 years. Penny went to try to see short eared owls on Salisbury plain over new year. She didn’t see one but was rewarded by a good view of a hovering and swooping hen harrier (just as rare)

David C says also “We see the occasional raven, croaking its way over the village. Our garden is full of tits, robins, dunnocks, blackbirds, goldfinches plus a few sparrows, chaffinches, greenfinches!We now have two suction-cup window feeders on our conservatory, and although it took a while for birds to get used to it, usage is now almost continuous!” Even better, he has an offer: “I have trained my new wifi bird-box camera on the feeder and I can now see visitors to my feeder from anywhere in the world, via any mobile phone or tablet. Anyone who would also like a peep, just contact me for the password. Come the Spring the camera will be moved to a bird-box”! Penny Aeberhard Recycled Harvest Harvest Festival at St Mary’s included offering a variety of items which could be recycled for charity. Specs, coins, stamps, ink-cartridges, phones Alison Mobile Hairdresser and tools were generously given and have been passed on appropriately. Have your hair done in the comfort The haul of tools were particularly welcomed by the gentlemen at Holt of your own home. Congregational Church who spend Wednesday mornings mending ad competitive rates. 25 years experience in Womens, honing them for the charity “Tools for self-reliance”. They are pleased to Mens and Childrens hairdressing. receive garden tools, carpentry and electrical tools – in fact any tools. They Call Allison on 07974125840 also mend sewing machines each of which is dispatched with a wine box or 01225 519755 containing cloth and haberdashery. So if you have remnants of fabric, odd reels of cotton, lace, fasteners etc it all can be used. The collecting baskets can be found in church on the pew behind the main door- a short walk for us all- any gifts you donate will be taken by various reps to the charities. It couldn’t be easier. A rainbow of some 50 jumpers of various sizes has been passed to the charity “An African Dream”. This charity cares for orphaned children in one village, paying widows to care for them, overseeing health and education. Funds are raised for particular needs; recently enough money was raised to immunise not just the children but the “mums” too. We also sent 3 knitted blankets. Thank you everyone who has contributed to these successes. Rosemary and Susan 26 15 Village Diary The Newsletter prints a Diary of Events each month. If you are organising activities in the village, you may wish to contact me to avoid a clash of events. Helen Regular events in Steeple Ashton Village Hall, unless otherwise stated

Monday Ballroom Dance Classes; 7.00pm. Tel: 07917 573831 Steeple Rocks; 7.30pm. Venue, call 01380 871890

Rainbows; 5 - 6pm. Amy Lester: 871785 0r email - Tuesday [email protected]. Brownies; 5.30 - 7pm. Term Time. Carolyn Collis: 01380 870379 Guides; 7 - 8.30pm. 8am Prayers in St Mary’s Church Wednes- Baby and Toddler Group; 10.00am - 12noon 1st and 3rd Wednesdays; Forget-Me-Not Club, 2.30pm. 2nd Wednesday; Women’s Institute, 7.30pm Thursday Dance! Dee Dee Wilde, 10.30am contact 01380 870 489 YOGA; 10.30am - 12noon Friday Walking group meets at the Longs Arms; 2.30pm Friday Club; 3.45pm - 5.30pm, Term Time. Contact 01380 870013. February 14th Wed WI Talk, Bats, VH, 8pm 19th Wed Parish Council, Planning Issues only, VH, 7.30pm 14th Wed Mobile Library; 11.00-12noon, Steeple Ashton, The Green 28th 20th Tues Newsletter deadline 21st Wed Forget-Me-Nots, Skylarks, 2.30pm, VH 24th Sat Film, Victoria and Abdul, VH, 7.30pm 28th Wed Friends trip to REME, see p5 Mar 2nd Fri WWDP, March 2nd, see p19 3rd Sat Lasagne Supper, VH, 7.30pm 12th Mon Main Parish Council, VH, 7.30pm 15th Mon Talk, VH, 7.30pm 22nd Thur Natural History Club, see p14 23rd Fri St Mary’sTrust AGM, VH, 7.30pm 16 25 Pete Clark Building Solutions ...the builder that cares

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