NOW

COVERING:

Aylton, Little Marcle, Munsley, Pixley & Putley

Spring Mar - May 2020 Formerly The Putley Press Issue No.86 A word from the Editor by Julie Crompton The WI is on it, the Parish Hall committee On May 8th 75 years is 'committed' and plans are developing. ago, after almost 6 years of It would be wonderful if we could all pull together as a community and have a conflict, peace was restored fantastic afternoon of fun, friendship, food, to Western Europe. and celebration. If we are able to, we'd also like to try and Hundreds of thousands of men, women, raise some money for the Parish Hall. The and children lost their lives during the war WI will be selling tasty and tempting 'Black and the sacrifice of that generation has had a Market' goods to bolster the funds for some lasting effect on us all ever since. desperately needed of new chairs. On May 8th, 1945 across the country, many In the spirit of VE Day 1945, we'd love you rejoiced at the prospect of peace, but the to come along and join in. Bring your own strain of air raids, rationing, hunger, and plates, cups and cutlery and enthusiasm. displacement had taken its toll and the You can bring your own food or for a special celebrations were also a painful reminder to treat you can pre-book a VIP VE Day ration some of loved ones lost. book, redeemable for top notch sandwiches, There are loads of things to My mother told me how her father didn’t Today only a handful of those who lived cakes, drinks and sweet treats straight from come home for quite a while after this day. through the conflict are able to accept our the WI kitchen. All proceeds go to the look forward to over the next I later found out that his platoon were the gratitude for all they endured as our nation Parish Hall fund. Not a spam butty in sight! three months. ones who liberated Belsen. What terrible fought against tyranny. things he witnessed. As a child, I always Walks and talks, gardens preparing for their wondered why my grandfather preferred a 75 years ago church bells rang out en-masse annual visits, and of course, the VE Day 75 house where peace and quiet reigned... around the country for the first time in WI Teas and Cakes celebrations. years. People in towns and villages came If you have any photos you can share, bring out onto their streets, pooled their meagre Street Party We hope you will be able to join us at Putley them along on May 8th so we can see how rations, set out tables and chairs in makeshift Parish Hall to help commemorate this our families celebrated 75 years ago. lines to celebrated or pay tribute using the Churchill's Speech momentous day in our history. VE 75 is at the Parish Hall on Bank Holiday best of what they had. 75 years ago the whole country celebrated Friday, May 8th 2pm 'til 5pm. Everyone This May, there is a 'one year only' change to 40's Music peace in Europe. I'm looking at the treasured welcome to a fantastic 'street party'. our early Bank Holiday to allow the nation photograph of my mother, aged 7, sitting We hope to raise funds for the hall, to buy to mark this historic moment in a fit and at a makeshift table on the street where she new chairs! Pop the date in your diary proper manner. Entertainment grew up. The community are celebrating as and come along for a couple of hours to the children enjoy a feast of whatever food celebrate peace. We'd love to commemorate this historic was available. moment with you with a community event and more! at Putley Parish Hall on Friday 8th May. It Julie will take a community effort to pull this all If you'd like to help and be part of this If you have any events, stories, photographs or Copy deadline for the Summer Issue: together and ideas for the celebrations are fabulous commemoration, please email: news, please let me know. If you don’t tell me Friday 1st May shaping up as groups and residents in our [email protected] I can’t pop it in our very own little mag! Cider Press area pitch in to help. [email protected] 2 3 Elm Trees by Sally Webster Trumpet v The World’s End part 2 A chance to by Tim Beaumont adjoining lands used in connection with the restore them to The response to the article household. in the last issue is evidence The records are held in the National Archive our countryside of like minded historians in at Kew but there appears to be no access Many of us over the age of 60 will remember ELM TREE OFFER to a digital copy, so it would need a trip to the elms, the iconic tree of the shires - massive our community. London to find out more. It does seem to statuesque trees in the hedgerows and clumps European White Elm £10 (Plant Old maps have been unearthed, whilst pages have been a place of some significance in the in the fields. They held the noisy rookeries anywhere especially wet or waterlogged sites) from an old book have revealed descriptions late sixteenth century – fascinating isn’t it? and were the classic backdrop to so many of travels from Malvern to Hereford via The Lutece £10 (plant in good or heavy soils – The coincidence of the dates of this court rural activities ably captured in those old Worlds End. needs staking to start) case, the Sheldon Tapestry and the maps is pictures of English life. They provided the One map, in the possession of a Putley fascinating. Who will visit Kew to follow food for many fungi and insects such as the Wingham £12 (plant in good soils) resident, shows The Worlds End in a the clues? White letter Hairstreak butterfly. similar position as that depicted in the Fiorente £12 Available Dec Sheldon tapestry that started this journey. Sadly in the early 1970’s they were nearly all (plant in good soils) The reverse of the map has a “Franglais” dead, struck down by Dutch Elm Disease, a Ademuz £12 Available Dec description of a journey that, to the HOUSE FULL? deadly fungus carried by a beetle that laid its uninitiated, appears to replicate the words in eggs beneath the bark of the tree. The trees (plant in good or heavy soils) the book referred to earlier. were cut down leaving a huge gap in any All prices subject to additional VAT In discussion with a near neighbour, he country dwellers mind. Each tree will come with a free used 1.2 described a visit to a house near Derlow. The view from the house overlooked an Now, elms which are resistant to this metre Tubex Guard (while they last). disease have been developed – a group of escarpment; as if the world ended. Herefordshire Tree Wardens lead by Tony If you are interested in purchasing any of these Our original correspondent, returned with Norman have been working on a plan to please contact me: an Ordinance Survey map of Tarrington. make these trees available for planting. Sally Webster - [email protected] This shows a property named The Worlds If you have a houseful of visitors on the way, 07836 389369 End; at (or near) Durlow, Tarrington. why not put them up just around the corner in one Several different varieties are available; all of our five charming cottages? Perfect for family Finally, the owner of the first mentioned have very good resistance to Dutch Elm For further information visit the map discovered a court case, 1558-1579. gatherings and special occasions. disease and will grow with a similar form to Herefordshire Tree Warden Network the trees of yesteryear. These are best planted The link is discovery.nationalarchives.gov. website at: http://htreewardens.org.uk/ uk/details/r/C3771311 in hedgerows or in positions where they can projects/elm-planting/ become features in our landscape. The property is described as ‘Wordles Aylton - 01531 670349 End Court in Tadington’. A messuage [email protected] is defined as a dwelling house with the www.whitehousecottages.co.uk adjacent buildings and curtilage and other 4 5 A matter of taste Photo: Richard Crompton One dish wonder and a winter salad by Melissa Hawker I have long been a fan of one dish cooking, the courgette and pepper into similar size especially when you don’t really want to chunks and add to the potatoes, season spend ages slaving over a hot stove but prefer again and give them a good stir to coat to chat to your guests! Infinitely adaptable, everything in the oil. Cook for a further 20 you can use what’s in season or what’s to mins until almost cooked. Blossomtime 2020 hand. Chicken pieces with root vegetables Spread the top of the fish with 2 good Sunday 10th May during the colder months, or potatoes, tablespoons of the pesto and place on top rosemary, garlic and plenty of lemon as the of the veg. Cook for 10 mins or until the The Big Apple has a special plan for winning drinks writer, will be speaking weather gets warmer. Here’s one such dish fish is just done. You want it so that it that I ate recently, on a day that was actually Blossomtime in 2020, to accommodate at Dragon Orchard about becoming comes apart in lovely moist flakes, don’t be the changed arrangements for the early Britain’s first accredited Pommelier sunny after all the rain and gloom we have tempted to leave it in much longer or it will May Bank Holiday which have been (Cider Sommelier), and guided walks, had! It felt right to be eating something a be dry. bit lighter and fresher. introduced to mark the 75th anniversary farm visits and cider and perry tastings Any chunky white fish would be delicious, of VE day. We are packing the usual will be taking place around Aylton, or salmon (but I would use green pesto two days of events into one single day on Pixley and Putley, raising funds for a Cod & Pesto with purely on aesthetic grounds!) Some black Kalamata olives would also be nice, or Sunday 10th May. Jane Peyton, award number of local causes. Vegetables leeks instead of onions. No potatoes to This will feed two, but as usual quantities hand? Then add a tin of cannellini beans Leadon Valley are only guidelines – you don’t have to or chickpeas. These won’t needing cooking follow them slavishly! You will need the like the potatoes but can just go in with the Accountancy Ltd oven at 180°C, and the whole thing will take vegetables. The possibilities are endless! about 1 hour. This time of year I start craving fresh raw Providing a tailored approach to all your stuff, so I have been experimenting with a accounting and taxation requirements: • 2 chunky pieces of cod winter coleslaw. Spring is round the corner, • Jar of red pesto so try it and see what you think. Adjust • Bookkeeping • Medium size onion flavourings to suit but aim to get more than • Payroll • Waxy potatoes, enough for two – a hint of sesame! • VAT Charlotte are perfect Finely chop (by hand or with a processor) • Management Accounts • One red pepper some red cabbage. Add grated carrot to • Budgeting and Forecasting • One large courgette taste and a tablespoon or so of sesame seeds. • Financial Accounts • Olive oil Pour enough light olive oil (the mixture of refined & virgin oil that supermarkets sell • Personal and Business Tax Scrub the potatoes and cut into wedges. Put is perfect) together with some sesame oil to Ledbury Business Centre in a baking dish with a good glug of olive coat. I think that one third sesame to two 136 Bridge Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AS oil and some seasoning. Cook at 180°C for thirds olive is about right, but use the pure 01531 631095 20-30 mins depending on size and quantity, sesame rather than the toasted. Season and [email protected] they should be almost cooked. add a dash of soya sauce before tossing it all www.lvaccountancy.co.uk Peel and cut the onion into wedges, cut well. 6 7 Photo: Richard Crompton

NEW SHOOTS Tales from the garden by Rosa Mundi Looking at the sludge which with long grass and enough crossing over branches for a knitting pattern. It is all seems to be where the garden very well saying “prune them so a bird can is – dead leaves, soggy fly through” but then we would hardly have any tree left. RHS advice starts seedheads, drooping shrubs, with finding out if they are tip bearing or squishy grass, I can see the spur bearing. For heaven’s sake they are branches. With fruit on. How do we advantage of moving to a flat. know? And the plums get silverleaf and The dahlias have been left in the ground die if you do them at the wrong time, just but covered with upturned flowerpots, to spite you. Dearly Beloved hasn’t been against the frost. All that lifting and allowed to forget killing the Victoria – his drying off and replanting is too much loppers have been confiscated. of a palaver, but I am expecting them now to rot. Vegetable beds are covered But now that the shortest day is past and in black plastic with a few brave leeks evenings are lengthening imperceptibly the and unhearted cabbage still poking up lure of the seed catalogues can’t be resisted. and I seem to see a subliminal message Shall I try the red brussels sprouts or stick “Abandon hope all ye who enter here”. to the green ones? Could I be bothered to grow Jerusalem artichokes again? Do I But it is always like this just before the really need a dozen types of lettuce? And snowdrops and primroses scatter little dots which annuals will fill the gaps in the of colour among the gloom. A paddle borders. Indian Prince marigolds are a across the lawn is cheered by the red and favourite and varieties of Love in a Mist green stems of the cornus, the white bark last for so long with their airy seedheads of the silver birch and little tassle cones on lasting for months. So many choices, so the Italian alder. The orchard however is little space. Oh well, perhaps I’ll do what enough to make one get out the chainsaw. the French do and just put them all in Straggly little pears and apples, a plum, together and call it a “Potager”. greengage, damson and walnut, choked 8 9 Photos: Sarah Glanville Photo: Sally Smart

by Jim Glanville Hedgelaying – a truly sustainable solution by David Pealing Local Woodsman Guy Tustin, (pictured left) denser over time. Flailing batters the hedge, talks about his passion for hedgelaying. rendering it unsuitable as a wildlife habitat, Q, How did you get into Hedgelaying? with gappy leggy stems and crowns at the Cider Runners top where they should be at the bottom. Any Running for fun (in all weathers) GUY. I have been managing Ast Wood, nests in a flailed hedge will be higher up with Aylton for many years and have learnt my craft more risks from predators, weather etc. The someone that runs or have just seen someone through years of practical experience and from Just a few minutes before 9am on native ladybird on this recently pleached running. The only qualification is being able others. We use coppiced hazle from Ast for hedge took up residence within an hour of any Saturday morning in Putley to maintain a run of some sort for 30 minutes. stakes and binders for Hedgelaying. me laying it! Also, a laid hedge is a thing of Parish Hall car park collect a Kit is a pair of trainers and shorts or leggings Q. Describe how you lay a hedge? beauty, often stockproof and with no barbed number of individuals that have and a warm top. Some days requires a beanie GUY. Each hedge is different but you have to wire! Conservation is so important and even hat, gloves and waterproof top. select thestems to lay (or pleach) and thin out short stretches of hedge can make a massive answered the call of Sally Smart The route taken depends on weather the rest as needed. The stems are cut, most of difference. athlete, organiser and coach to conditions usually a mix of road and the way through and then pulled to an angle Q. Once laid, how do you maintain a hedge? footpaths. Sally has a scheme to allow a mix this group. of abilities to run together – every ½ mile or of around 45 degrees. This allows the sap to GUY. Once laid, it will thicken from the base continue to nourish the plant and you get new With a few cattle and sheep as occasional so quicker runners double back, run past the and it can be managed by flail as long as you’re onlookers they begin a series of exercises to slower runners some distance and then follow, growth from the cut stem. Hazel binders finish not too severe. That way the crowns will stay at the hedge at the top to keep the stake and hone and prepare their muscles ready for the overtaking again if they are able. In this way the bottom. In 15 to 20 years, the hedge can be next 30 minutes of effort. Goose stepping, all can run the same route, leaving and then hedge together. laid again. If flail year in year out, eventually, skipping and side stepping around the car park returning to the hall as a group. Q. What are the advantages of a laid hedge the hedge will be destroyed. and then off! If you would like to join then please turn up over a flail cut hedge? These are the cider runners. A group of at the hall on any Saturday – contact Sally GUY. Where shall I start? A laid hedge will ordinary people of various ages from the local (07468 793405) to let her know you are rejuvenate and become much thicker and villages who have variously run before, know interested and become a Cider Runner. 10 11 PUTLEY PARISH COUNCIL

the Hereford Road, Ledbury nestHerefordshire HR8 2PZ 01531 670816

ROADWORKS at risk. In recognition of this, the Parish Council took a decision at the last council Many of you will be aware of the recent meeting to purchase more sandbags for closure of road C1304 at Putley Common. future deployment to mitigate against future This was to facilitate roadworks connecting damage to properties in the Parish. Anyone mains water to recent new build housing. If who feels that they might need sandbags next you were affected by the closure then you will time the rains come should make a note to also be aware that the work itself ended up contact our Parish Lengthsman coordinator, disrupting traffic for one whole week rather Jake Herbst, at the earliest opportunity. than the predicted 3 days that was stated at the outset. Councillor Jake Herbst wrote to Welsh Water to register the Parish Council’s THE PUTLEY WEBSITE dissatisfaction not only with the delay but Finally, the Parish Council would like to with the choice of diversion routes that ended express its gratitude to Councillor Guy with traffic being directed down single-track Bodger for his extensive work on the new roads. The letter was elevated to Director look Putley village website. For those of you level at Welsh Water and we consequently who haven’t yet taken the opportunity to hope that our input will at least give pause for check it out we direct you to http://www. consideration when planning future work in putley.org.uk/ to see all the new features and our Parish. up to date information that is now at your CAFE - DELI - STORE fingertips on this site. We are very pleased to FLOOD RISK see such an inclusive site that carries so much Gallery & Outdoor Venue information about the village plus a calendar Recent wet weather led to a number of of local events. If you have any features or properties in Putley Green facing the ideas for future inclusion on the website threat of flooding. Affected residents were please get in touch with Guy or the Parish assisted by our Lengthsman Rob Turner, Council. nestledbury.co.uk who distributed sandbags to any properties 12 13 Photo: Richard Crompton

Putley Open Gardens 2020

Who knows? In our new world order it may provide the refreshments, man and woman the be you are reading this on a cold, damp March plant sales and the tombola; which together morning or, indeed, on a scorcher. Whichever, provide the major source of revenue. We have the mild winter has brought forward not volunteers already but YOU could make the only the delight of spring flowering plants difference. and bulbs but the weeds! Not only weeds This year the gardens are open from 11.00 and vigorously growing but lawns too. Old the Putley Cafe will be providing light lunches mowers (mechanical and human) need to be for those who need early sustenance. well oiled early to cope. This means volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated. You do not have to be a POG YEAR SIX Mary Berry to help with the food (‘though th it is always a benefit) nor do you have to be Saturday May 16 a Monty Donn to help with the plant sales. At the moment, not all of the gardeners (nor Neither do you have to commit to a day’s their assistants) know that they are going to involvement. volunteer their gardens (their assistant’s labour Should the idea of volunteering appeal less too) once again or for the first time. Perhaps than swimming in mud, then take a couple by the time they read this they will know. of hours on May 16th and visit some lovingly Year on year we get more visitors. Year Five tended mature, maturing and young gardens was the first time we shared over £2000 (and gardeners). between our two beneficiaries. That cash was “foreign” money. Whilst the gardens are the Tim Beaumont magnet to draw our visitors, equally important 01531 670801 are the ladies and gentlemen volunteers who [email protected] 14 15 It is known to the world what a sight may be seen in Running in Golden Tides Herefordshire and Glostershire (sic) The wild daffodils of the As soon as earth remembers how to flower, in a flood Golden Triangle running over the fresh of the green, The daffodils run like cool fire. From ‘The Dance’ by Lascelles Abercrombie (1881-1938)

become a Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry). took inspiration, would have been one very John Drinkwater, Rupert Brooke, Edward different to that of today. In 1913, it was Thomas and Eleanor Farjeon became regular dominated by orchards of apples, pears, visitors to the area and a part of the poets’ plums and gages, as well as fields of soft fruit, community. strawberries, raspberries, black currents, gooseberries. An especially breathtaking sight Some of the most inspiring and visually each Spring was the bursting into life of the evocative poetry was written during this short carpet of glorious wild daffodils that grew in passage of years by these poets, who immersed such profusion. Photo: Richard Crompton themselves in the remote and rural landscape of the Southern Marches and together Edward Thomas’s wife Helen described this produced a popular quarterly magazine of idyllic, creative period of time as,” A poet’s what quickly became known as Georgian holiday in the shadow of war.” ‘From Marcle way, poetry, called ‘New Numbers’. Families and friendships were shattered by From Dymock, Kempley, Newent, Bromsberrow Frost and Thomas together often walked the outbreak of WW1. Rupert Brooke lost 20-30 miles in a day. The fertile landscape his life in 1915 and Edward Thomas in 1917. Redmarley, all the meadowland daffodils that they explored, and from which they Robert Frost went back to the USA and the Running in golden tides to Ryton Firs...’ Light has come down to earth and blossoms here, Lascelles Abercrombie (1881-1938) And we golden minds. On the borders of Herefordshire and cathedral towns and charitable fundraisers to Gloucestershire lies the ‘Golden Triangle’, be sold and also brought tourists into the area From out the long shade of a road high-bankt, embracing the countryside around Newent, on the special excursion ‘Daffodil Line’ train. Dymock and Kempley, the haunts of This ran between the stations at Newent, I came on shelving fields; the ‘Dymock Poets’, of whom Lascelles Four Oaks, Dymock and Ledbury - ‘God’s Abercrombie was one, just before World War Wonderful Railway’ - and attracted sightseers And from my feet cascading, Streaming down the land, 1. from as far away as London. Flickering lavish of daffodils flowed and fell; The term ‘Golden Triangle’ arose about a Abercrombie was the first of that group of century ago when the wild daffodils, which young poets to settle with his family into Like sunlight on a water thrill’d with haste, had grown in profusion in the open woodland the area around Dymock in the three years of the area since the Middle Ages, were an leading up to World War 1. They lived in ‘The Such clear, pale, quivering flame, important source of independent income for Gallows’ on the estate of the local landowner the agricultural workers (and of pocket money Earl Beauchamp, at Ryton to the south east of for their children) helped by the railway which Dymock and were followed by Wilfrid Gibson But a flame even more marvellously yellow. distributed the ‘daffs’ by the thousand to and the American poet Robert Frost (later to From ‘Ryton Firs’ by Lascelles Abercrombie. 16 17 Photo: Richard Crompton to develop into a flowering bulb. Any cutting March brings the annual series of weekends within this period stops the life cycle dead: in the Golden Triangle when visitors can not even shading out by coarse grass or parsley only see for themselves the spectacular beauty halts the golden tide. of the wild daffodils but, by attending, help to raise the funds that are crucial in the relentless In 2019, at The Centenary Glade in Queens’ work to ensure their continuing revival and Wood, just outside Kempley, St David’s Day development. ‘Daffodil Weekends’ take was marked by the planting of 500 native place in Kempley, Oxenhall and Dymock on species of trees by schoolchildren from local continued different weekends. Running in Golden Tides: primary schools and other community groups: community of poets dissolved and was widely because the open glades where they thrived St David’s emblem is, of course, a daffodil. The Kempley Daffodil Weekend takes place on scattered. Some poets gained success and are have become more and more rare, not only in trees will create a thick understorey around the weekend of 21st and 22nd March with household names. Others, alas, are now barely our locality but also in the few remaining sites the edge of the broad ride, providing cover, guided walks of varying lengths and a special remembered, although the ‘Friends of the elsewhere in Britain where they can be found. food and nesting for very specific moth and “Daff-and-Ride” bus service at 1.45 on Dymock Poets’(dymockpoets.org.uk) helps to butterfly species, while encouraging a ground both days to transport visitors to the Forest However the threat of approaching extinction keep their memory and their work alive. cover of flowering plants for the bees and vital England car park at Centenary Glade. Teas has rallied huge, concerted efforts in our Newent Station finally closed in 1964 and, insects. and lunches will also be available. For more neighbouring parishes to ensure that these in the intervening half-century, changes in information, times and venues, please look at beautiful heralds of spring can thrive once On 28th February this year between 11.30 and agricultural practices and loss of woodlands, www.kempleytardis.org.uk and www.daffs.org. again. In Kempley, under the leadership of 1.30, 100 Wild Service Trees will be planted, allied with the changes in climate we are uk, while www.windcrosspaths.org.uk lists the Chris Bligh of community umbrella group again by schoolchildren and Forestry England experiencing, have meant that the population available range of maps of the paths. Again, Dymock Forest Rural Action, the ancient staff. This is set to be a positive demonstration of wild daffodils, or ‘Lent Lilies,’ has declined, please show your support for this marvellous woodland habitats of public lands are being of community action in support of the as have the vast majority of the wild meadow aspect of the lovely area in which we are steadily rejuvenated. The seed of the wild District Councils’ Climate Emergency and flowers formerly so familiar to the poets, privileged to live. daffodil takes up to five years from pollination Biodiversity policies. by John Sandfield and Lesley Clothier

• MOT Testing • 4 x Wheel Laser Tracking • Servicing • Tyres, Batteries & Exhausts • Mechanical Repairs • Hybrid/Ev Vehicle Servicing • A/C Re-Gas and Repairs • Engine Diagnostics • Auto Gearbox Flushing • Trailer Servicing Call us now on: 670278 TRUMPET • LEDBURY • HEREFORDSHIRE • HR8 2RA 18 19 20/20 in 2020by Andy Booth

Photo: Andy Booth

This year’s annual Putley v Aylton All ages, gender and abilities are up for cricket match shall again take place selection so if you’re 7 or 70 and live just a couple of miles from Putley and in either Aylton or Putley do please get your name in the hat and contact your Aylton at the Canon Frome Cricket respective captain as soon as possible. Ground, Heywood Lane, Ashperton, HR8 2SB. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic, socialise and enjoy watching a mixed ability 20/20 match between residents of the two villages who have not been quick enough to come up with a plausible reason as to why they are not available. People are Your invited to arrive from 1.00PM onwards to enjoy sandwiches and a drink in the sun on the boundary. The match is scheduled Local to start at 2.00PM on Sunday 26th July 2020. Everyone is encouraged to come and Optician make a day of it. People wishing to put themselves forward 34-36 High Street to play for either of the teams are urged to Bromyard put themselves forward as soon as possible Herefordshire by contacting the captains: HR7 4AE Andy Booth (Putley) T: 01885 488259 [email protected] and Ian Jones (Aylton) [email protected] 20 21 Pixley and District Parish Council The council met on on Monday March 30th at Munsley WI Hall) or write directly to clerk@ January 27th 2020. It pixleyanddistrictpc.org.uk The Council will also take these anxieties forward in rained heavily during the discussions with the County. meeting and naturally we talked about the roads! We have vacancies on the Council! Firstly, the state of roads in our Parishes Photo: Charles Smart which everyone feels is deteriorating. Do It’s not necessary to stand in an election please let the parish council know if you (at least not in the first instance) as we have concerns over potholes or verges – can co-opt new members. If you feel you we are able to make representations to the would like to help make a contribution Council and Balfour Beatty to get repairs to the community please don’t hesitate done. to get in touch with the clerk and offer Action your name for consideration. This year for We talked more about the issue of speed we will be losing one very special member on the A4172 – many thanks to all who of the council. Ken Davis has decided to wrote to Councillor Harrington following retire after serving 70 of his 90 years – this Happiness by Sally Smart our campaign before Christmas, he has let must be some sort of record and we will us know that this was very helpful. of course be celebrating such a superlative Having just returned from a year perhaps a few small goals would help. There will be a site visit by Councillor record of service – watch this space. We know that exercise releases endorphins Harrington and the police very soon and wonderful walk on the sunny which can help improve our mood. So, maybe we are hoping for a decision in favour Final Note Malverns with the Putley Fitness challenge a friend to join you in a specific of reducing the speed limit to 50mph walk and feeling so lucky to have event. This might be ‘a walk’, just a bit further From the last meeting, two of our than you are used to walking, or join a new to match the limits on either side of the members attended an event organised by these hills on our doorstep I open Trumpet and Preston Cross junctions. We exercise class with a friend, or cycle a certain Hereford Green Network. In the light of distance. Your goals should be achievable but heard from a concerned resident at the my emails to find it is actually Blue so many global and local events there has Monday. Gosh, am I glad I didn’t challenging and short term goals are easier to meeting about the other major road inside been growing talk about how to move to stick with. our boundaries – the A438 Ledbury to a zero carbon world and we are going to read my emails before the walk! Hereford road – and here again there The Putley Fitness Walk further dates: have an event in the spring to hear a little Blue Monday is the day that is claimed to be (Monday) Feb 3rd Mar 2nd Apr 6th May 4th are serious concerns about the speed and more about what we can do in our Pixley the most depressing day of the year. Typically intolerant behaviour of drivers. Meet at the Parish Hall to set off at 10am. and District world – more details will the third Monday in January. I am pleased Followed by drinks. We walk between 2.5 and One particular factor that is of growing follow – please look out for a mailshot. to say, I only heard laughter and happiness 3 miles. For further information ring Sally on concern is the speed and behaviour of In the meantime, we would love to hear as we strode along the ridge of the Malverns, 07468 793405 from anyone who has ideas of how our basking in sunshine. It was such a lovely day large multi-axle trucks. Please don’t Sally Smart is a fitness specialist who has led community can make a difference in what as we all summited the highest peak; the forget that if you have any examples of Worcestershire Beacon (425m). Walking & Running groups for 20 years. She how dangerous this is becoming you can is becoming a big challenge for every ran the marathon as Sally Ellis in the Barcelona bring your concerns to the parish council single one of us. The dark, cold evenings can get us down Olympics in 1992. meetings (the next meeting is at 7.30pm and if you find this a difficult time of the 22 23 AYLTON NEWS Our Christmas services entitled to marry in a Cider Group church by Josephine Felton can choose whichever church he or she hoping for some painting to be done before were very well attended wishes. Easter. and a joyful experience We raised £600 for our 2019 charity CHAIR FUND HOPE, this was despite our main for all. Generous donations have enabled us to fundraising event, the Christmas Fayre reach over half way. Reclaiming Gift Aid We were blessed with a number of young at the Feathers, having to be cancelled will add a little more. people which always helps to make because of rain making roads impassable. Christmas such a special time of the year. On a personal note, the Secretary’s family Our next event at Aylton is our Lent – all 33 of them – had a lovely Christmas Please join us for our Annual Church Lunch which will be held at the home of Photo: David Murdock Day in the hall, all taking a dish and those Meeting which will be held at 1pm on Anne & Graham Blandford, New House who didn’t did the washing up. No-one fell Monday March 23rd at Court Farm. Farm, Putley on Friday March 20th 12:30. MAINTENANCE DAY out, the baby didn’t cry once and the only All monies raised will go to the East note of discord was the spaniels having a All are welcome. At our latest PCC Thank everyone so much for coming to help meeting the church agreed to the motion African charity M’twara (Tanzania). fight under the table! If you have a family do the outside and inside jobs at the hall in gathering it really is an ideal venue, warm, put forward by our Rector that anyone January. We have now complied with our well-equipped and lots of space. risk assessment (railings, CO2 detectors etc.) and cleaned and tidied the kitchen Contact the Secretary on: 01531 670425 The and stores. Verges were strimmed, wall ivy email: [email protected] removed and the wildlife corner checked to encourage the wanted species. We are BIG APPLE Photo: Richard Crompton Ploughman’s Lunch

@ Court Farm Barn, Aylton Sunday May 10th from 12:30 to 2:00pm Putley WI - A warm welcome awaits If you are looking for fun, friendship and inspiration, join Putley WI! We meet at Putley Parish Hall at 7.30p Please join us! Photo: Richard Crompton on the second Wednesday of each month. If you need more information just give Julie a call. Our chosen local charity for next year is Hereford MIND Julie Crompton on: 01531 670340 or email: [email protected] For the latest information, please visit our Facebook page @ Aylton news 24 25 Prancing Pony at Putley Parish Hall by Mary Fielding

Photo: Mary Hastilow

Photos: David Murdock By the time you read this, the Putley Jo from Trumpet Corner Tea Room. We welcome suggestions for future menus! Pop up Pub Association will have held December’s Prancing Pony included singing its Annual General Meeting for 2019. Scything from Putley Voices and a Christmas Sweater At the time of writing (29th January) the competition (see photograph). We sent £65 current committee (David Harris, Kirsty to the Save the Children Fund – many thanks on Putley Common Farquharson, Elizabeth Groves, Bryan Spencer to everyone who provided the lovely puddings, mince pies, etc. by Sally Webster and Mary Fielding) is willing to stand again. However, we hope to have recruited some providing no-one tries to tango, so do We have received an invitation from Rebecca Scything is not as physically new committee members at the AGM. I feel and Ian Jones to take the Prancing Pony to the scythers and other helpers. pretty safe in saying, before the event, that Court Farm Barn again and have opted for demanding as Poldark would we will be able to make a further donation to Scything has seen something of a June 26th. Let’s hope the weather will be as have us believe. the Parish Hall from the surplus accumulated kind to us this year as on the two previous resurgence in recent years and modern, over the year and to remind customers that Think more of a measured Austrian waltz easily adjustable, Austrian scythes have years in Sunny Aylton! The next Prancing membership subscriptions are now due for Pony will be on March 27th. rather than a wild Argentinian tango. On made the whole activity more accessible. payment. Putley Common, the annual scything You can contact us by email – Scything courses and equipment are Sadly Butler’s Fish & Chips have shut up shop party on the bottom grassland section, available from members of the Scything [email protected] if you have for good, but we are exploring other options – any comments or requests. has become something of a fixture. Association www.scythingassociation. in January and February food was provided by During the August bank holiday or soon org the most local of whom is David Pub nights take place from 7.00-10.30 on A great way to meet people, sample local after, commoners and a few other locals Kuegler, based at Orcop Hill in Herefordshire. Or if you want an idea the last Friday of the month. produce, and find out more about what goes get together to mow, rake and collect in on in Putley. We look forward to seeing you! of how the professionals look like doing The Prancing Pony is run entirely by communal and time-honoured fashion. volunteers from among the membership. FRIDAY 27th March it, go to Steve Tomlin’s video clips All are welcome, and membership is just £5 The orchids and wildflowers for which on YouTube rather than the Poldark FRIDAY 24th April the common is renowned, benefit and per year. One-off visitors are asked to make a archives. donation of £2. FRIDAY 29th May 26 27 December Results: Striders & Strollers First prize no 7 Second prize no 41 January Results: and Care for a Walk First prize no 38 Second prize no 5 February Results: Both groups meet monthly at First prize no 7 Second prize no 16 Two walking groups Queenswood Country Park between led by St Michael’s Hereford and Leominster. Please note, there is pay & display Hospice continue to parking at Queenswood. Putley Parish Hall break new ground. For full details, including dates, visit Striders & Strollers is a monthly walk for st-michaels-hospice.org.uk and search people who have been bereaved. ‘Striders and Strollers’ or ‘Care for a Open on Mondays 1pm - 3pm Walk’. (except bank holidays) Care for a Walk, meanwhile, is a chance to meet with others who are caring for For more information, contact Cash Withdrawals Mobile Phone top ups loved ones with a terminal illness, again Shirley Young on 01432 852650. Cash & Cheque Deposits Gas and Electricity top ups while enjoying a woodland stroll. Parcel Returns Bill Payments

Steak Monday 2 x Sirloin Steaks Open 7 days a week Our wonderful, friendly team can serve £25 you great tasty food, excellent ales, wines, whiskys and a full selection of soft drinks. Fish & Chip Wednesday Dogs always welcome in the bar. 2 x Fish & Chips £14 To Book a Table call: o1531 67o277 email: [email protected] www.TrumpetInnLedbury.co.uk 28 29 follow up opportunities for discussion about CONTACTS the film’s themes. Unfortunately, details re AYLTON dates/time/venue etc were not yet finalised when the submission deadline was passing, Church Selina Marcon - [email protected] 01531 670900 but do look out for further information in Parish Council Allen Mawby - [email protected] 01531 670185 parishes. LITTLE MARCLE One of the ways in which all of our Cider Church Jim Glanville - [email protected] 07800 714011 Churches will be working together this year Parish Council Mike Skittery - [email protected] 01531 670227 is through ‘Experience Easter’ which is being hosted by St Bartholomew’s Church PIXLEY at Much Marcle during the final week of Church Beata Davison - [email protected] 07989 108237 March and hopefully early April too. Each Parish Council Steve Swaithes - [email protected] 01531 670433 area in this interactive display of Stations of the Cross will be prepared by a different PUTLEY It was fabulous to see so many Church congregation in our group, and each Church Eric Porter - [email protected] 07527 444949 will tell a small part of Jesus’ journey through Parish Council Norman Stanier - [email protected] 01531 670263 people at the variety of services his sorrows and joys. At each station we are Chrissie Daniels - [email protected] 07484 055877 celebrating Christmas across invited to reflect and discern the sense and direction of our own lives towards the heart PCC Tim Beaumont - [email protected] 01531 670801 the Cider Churches Group. of God. There will be school visits on two Vicar Val Tait - [email protected] 01531 634035 Some people attributed the great mornings, with Church storytellers to guide congregations to the excellent back page of pupils thinking through those experiences. WI Julie Crompton - [email protected] 01531 670340 At all other times it will be available by the last issue of The Cider Press itself, which Prancing Pony Mary Fielding - [email protected] 01531 670389 set out very clearly all the services that were individuals and/or families to attend and make taking place in every Church across our group. their own journey. Parish Hall Josephine Felton - [email protected] 01531 670425 Thank you to Julie for sharing all that so St Andrew’s Church Pixley PCC will be Wildlife Group Kate Wollen - [email protected] 01531 670834 creatively and clearly in this publication, and showing the film ‘Ben Hur’ on Wednesday also to everyone who gave of their time, talents April 8th at 7.30pm in Pixley Church. Free Tree Warden Sally Webster - [email protected] 07836 389369 and generous hospitality to all gathered in admission. Donations for refreshments. celebration and wonder at the mystery of Jesus’ Interval break to be arranged. Bring a Cider Press birth. cushion! Editorial Julie Crompton - [email protected] 01531 670340 Advertising By the time you read this Ash Wednesday Also at PIXLEY – Saturday April 11th (February 26th in 2020) will have just passed There will be an EASTER VIGIL at 7.30pm. Aylton Sally Smart - [email protected] 07468 793405 by, and our Churches will have turned their Come to light up the first Easter fire with us in Little Marcle Jim Glanville - [email protected] 07800 714011 thoughts and attention towards the keeping of this ancient and beautiful church / Candlelit Pixley Lesley Clothier - [email protected] 07957 435276 Lent. The 40 days of Lent and its solemnities, Readings and Holy Communion to follow on. Putley John Sandfield - [email protected] 07961 652357 prepare us for the drama of Holy Week and ultimately the Joy of Easter that follows. Wedding season is approaching – if you are Again, your back page will fill you in on every newly engaged. Do get in touch! possibility of where to attend any of our or for any other family ‘life events’ and/or regular, and/or seasonal services of celebration celebrations do contact me where ALL, are always welcome. It is hoped during Lent / Holy Week that there Best wishes will be some opportunities to look at ‘Films Va l and Faith’. My first thought was to share Tel 01531 634035 [email protected] ‘Chocolat’ during Lent! First the film and then Call: 01531 670340 [email protected] www.monster-creative.com 30 31 CHURCH THE CIDER GROUP SERVICES Putley Little Aylton Much Yatton Wellington Marcle Marcle Heath 1st Mar 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Morning Prayer Holy Communion Contemplative Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Comm(BCP) 8th Mar 9.30am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service 15th Mar 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Holy Comm(CW) Holy Communion Family Service Holy Comm(BCP) Family Comm 22nd Mar 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Communion Family Comm Holy Communion Morning Worship 29th Mar Joint Cider Group Service 9.30am Much Marcle 5th Apr 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Palm Sunday Morning Prayer Holy Communion Contemplative Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Comm(BCP) 9th Apr 7.30pm Maundy Thurs Holy Communion 10th Apr 2pm Good 2pm Good 2pm Good 2pm Good Good Friday Friday Devotion Friday Devotion Friday Devotion Friday Devotion 12th Apr 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am Easter Sunday Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Comm(BCP) Family Comm 19th Apr 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Holy Comm(BCP) Family Comm 26th Apr 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Communion Family Comm Holy Communion Morning Worship 3rd May 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Morning Prayer Holy Communion Contemplative Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Comm(BCP) 10th May 9.30am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service 17th May 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Holy Comm(BCP) Family Comm 24th May 9.30am 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am Holy Comm(BCP) Holy Communion Family Comm Holy Communion Morning Worship 31st May Joint Cider Group Service 11.00am Putley

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