Beavers Weekend Away - Lots of Activities at Camp PAGE 7

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE SOMBORNES AND ASHLEY OCTOBER 2017 Beavers weekend away - lots of activities at camp PAGE 7

Also in this edition: Horticultural Society Autumn Talk PAGE 4

RBL Poppy Appeal 2017 Collection dates PAGE 11

First Class Honours Degree for ex pupil of local schools PAGES 13

Link Update Christmas Shoe Box Appeal PAGE 40

DELIVERED FREE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE SOMBORNES AND ASHLEY POSTED TO ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR £10 PER YEAR

iii iv v vi Stretch and Tone at IYENGAR YOGA CLASSES suitable for all levels of experience

King’s Somborne: Mon 9.30-11am & Thurs 9.30–11am in Working Mens Club Tues 6-7.30pm & 7.30-9pm in Epworth Hall Houghton: Wednesday 7.30-9pm & Friday 9.30-11am at Studio Yoga Carolyn Ryan 01794 388743 [email protected]

Richard Penfold Local firewood production specialist Seasoned dry stored logs and kindling Timber sourced only from sustainable local woodlands Firewood available throughout the year Professional and personal service Telephone: 01794 389603 Mob: 079000 61158

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C&S Mechanical Services LOGS FOR SALE  Service & Commissioning Of All Heating Systems; Seasoned hardwood from Oil, Gas & LPG managed woodland in  Installations of Oil Tanks, Heating Systems, Little Somborne Both Commercial & Domestic Available in 200 litre bags or  Unvented & Vented Hot Water Systems, Radiator Changes, Power Flushes, Solar Energy Approved 850 litre truck loads  No Obligation Free Quotation on request Free delivery for local  £2 Million Liability Insurance. customers  All Work Guaranteed Tel: 01264 811362  No Job Too Small, No Job Too Big Email: CALL PAUL ON 07886 361791 [email protected] OR EMMA ON 07920 289341

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ix CORBEN PLANT & CONSTRUCTION LTD Building Contractors and Civil Engineering All building works undertaken  New Build  Extensions  Property Maintenance  Experienced in Listed Building Works  UPVC fascias, windows and doors and all purpose-made joinery supplied and fitted  All aspects of Carpentry - Cut Roofing specialists  Ground works - own Plant and Equipment For free estimates and advice Tel: 01794 884039 Mobile: 07860 924330 E-mail: [email protected]

x Tel: 01794 388489 Email: [email protected]

********************************************** Why not use the Village Hall as a meeting place or as a venue for your party? Available for single events or regular meetings Contact Sarah Pennington (email please): [email protected] 01794 389354 (evenings) **********************************************

The Somborne & District Society

Talks on Local History and related subjects. Visits to places of interest - Quarterly Newsletter Visitors always welcome! Regular meetings held on the 4th Wednesday of each month - 8.00pm, in King’s Somborne Village Hall Refreshments from 7.30 pm

Contact : Gordon Pearson 01794 388662; [email protected]

xi LES SMITH PLASTERING CONTRACTOR Family run business Over 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE Fully insured TELEPHONE ROMSEY 01794 367319 07798905087 For a free estimate [email protected]

TJH PROPERTY Linda MEDIATION We can provide a flexible, confidential Hairstylist (mobile) way of resolving land and property disputes without going to court. With 30 years’ experience Let me help you find a solution. Qualified and insured Please call Tracey Harris Ladies, gents and children on 07788 498062 All work undertaken or email [email protected] Tel: 07778 428030 You can find out more about the process 01794 390625 at www.tjhpropertymediation.co.uk COUNTRY BUILDERS  Property Repairs  Alterations  Roofing & Guttering  Painting & Decorating Michael Lethbridge  Patios & Brickwork Project Design  Carpentry & Fencing and Project Co-ordination Services  Pvc Cladding & Windows Land, Commercial, Agricultural  Free Estimates and Residential Properties Mob 07747 773327 Mobile: 07842 195166 Tel 01794 516320 Email: [email protected] xii xiii

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Useful names and numbers Parish Church Schools Somborne Pre-School 07530 893773 For all enquiries for the time being please King’s Somborne School 01794 388381 contact the Churchwarden David Bevan on Test Valley School 01264 810555 07769 682696 Police Licensed Lay Ministers: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Sue Holligan 01794 388484 Police Station 101 Howard Rowe 01794 388400 Urgent calls 999 Warden: Neighbourhood Watch David Bevan 07769 682696 Andrew Brock 01794 388227 PCC Secretary: David Bevan 07769 682696 Parish Council Treasurer & Gift Aid Sec: Clerk: Peter Storey 01794 389688 Claire Bevan 01794 341923 Borough Councillor Flowers: Penny Ward 01794 389649 Tony Ward 01794 389649 Methodist Church County Councillor Minister: Andrew Gibson 01264 861138 Revd Ruth Fry 01962 882828 Member of Parliament Steward: Pam Gravenor 01794 388531 Caroline Nokes MP Roman Catholic Churches [email protected] 020 7219 1468 Hampshire Downs parish 01962 852804 St Swithun Wells parish 02380 273882 Village Correspondent Jo Finch 01794 388462 Village Hall Bookings: Sarah Pennington 01794 389354 Village Website (tel. after 7.30pm please) or email www.thesombornes.org.uk [email protected] The Gauntlet Epworth Hall Editor: Harvey Saunders 01794 388029 Bookings:Marion Downing 01794 388121 Advertising: Sue Byram 07837 305 837 [email protected] Distribution: Lin Curtis 01794 389373 Doctors Stockbridge surgery 01264 810524 Please deliver articles for www.stockbridgesurgery.co.uk The Gauntlet to [email protected] Broughton surgery 01794 301210 or The Post Office. Pharmacy Copy date is no later than 5.00pm on Stockbridge Pharmacy 01264 810624 the 15th of the month please. 1

Village Directory

Allotments Epworth Lunch Contact: [email protected] Lunch for over 50s at the Epworth Hall. Lisa Johnson 07796175875 or 388504 On the second Tuesday in the month at Art and Crafts group 12.30pm. Contacts: Pam Watson 01794 388429 Contacts: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 Madeline Edmonds 01794 389014 Marilyn Bolton 01794 389356 Friends of King’s Somborne Church Badminton Club Contact: Michael Templeman 01794 Monday evenings in the Village Hall 388191 Contact: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 Football Club Bellringing Contact: Andy Gannaway 01794 388733 Every Monday 7.30 - 9.00pm. Footpath walk Contact: Sue Spurling 01794 388266 Monthly walk on Parish footpaths on the Catherine Edwards Trust last Sunday of each month. Check the Provides grants to village students Village Diary or village website for details. Contact: David Bevan 07769 682696 Contact: Duncan Gould 01794 388049 Computer and Coffee mornings French Twinning Association First and third Thursday every month Contacts: Louise & Andrew Causer 10.00am - 12.00 at the Village Hall. Hands 01794 389364 -on support and advice for all ages and FunDay Club experience on using internet, email etc. Meets after school on Mondays for children Free coffee, tea and biscuits. in years Reception to 4 Contact: John Davies 01794 389544 Contact: Sue Holligan 01794 388484 Cricket Club Garden waste scheme Contact: Frank Fahy 01794 388314 Garden waste will be collected in w/c 9th Christians Together in and 23rd October. Somborne and District Home Group Welcome all to open and ecumenical Bible study group. Usually third meetings and services throughout the year. Thursdays of the month at 8.00pm. Contact: Nigel Coleman 01794 388449 Contact: Nigel Coleman 01794 388449 Community Responders Horticultural Society Contacts: Lesley Everard-Evans Meets for two talks and one visit per year 01794 388991 and organises the annual Flower Show. Dial-a-Ride Contact: Lisa Johnson 07796 175875 Trips to Romsey every Wednesday, for Household waste senior citizens and disabled people, at Non-recyclable household waste (black 2.00pm. Fare £2.00. bins) will be collected in w/c 9th and 23rd Contact: Dick or Zoe 01264 356808 October. Drop In Coffee Morning Recyclable household waste (brown bins) Coffee morning at the Epworth Hall. will be collected in w/c 2nd, 16th and 30th Every Tuesday (except the second in the October. month) at 10.30am. This month’s edition of The Gauntlet was edited by Sandie Pepperell 2

Village Directory (continued) Messy Church Somborne Players Fun, creative event (with tea!) for children Amateur Dramatics Society. For both of all ages and their families. 3rd Sunday children and adults. Activities every of each month in term time, 3.30pm - few months from formal plays to get - 5.30pm at Epworth Hall. togethers. Contacts: Pam Gravenor 01794 388531 Contact: Catherine Cartwright 07950 Sam Barnes 07742 077114 929957 Neighbourcare Sombornes Pre-School Transport to essential appointments and Early Years education for children aged other small tasks. from 2 to school age. Contacts: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 Contact: Rebecca Hunt 07530 893773 Mary Bradley 01794 388386 Somborne Sessions Parent, Baby & Toddler Group Details: www.sombornesessions.co.uk Informal friendly get-together for babies, Contact: Trevor Ryan 01794 388743 pre-school children, parents and carers. Somborne Singers Every Wednesday 10.00am - 11.30am in Weekly meetings to sing ballads, songs the Village Hall. from shows etc. every Tuesday at 7.45pm Contact: Lisa Johnson 07796 175875 in the Parish Church. Prayer Group Contact: Howard Rowe 01794 388400 Contact: Dulcie Witts 01794 388267 Somborne Sisterhood W I School Association Meets on the first Friday of each month at Social and fund-raising events to benefit 8.00pm in the Village Hall the school and its pupils. Contact: Samantha Boot 01794 389554 Contact: Andy Chadwick 01794 389587 Tiny Tots Scouts Meet in the Parish Church each Tuesday at Beavers Wednesdays 6.00– 7.00pm 2.00pm. Cubs Wednesdays 6.00 - 7.30pm Contact: Hayley Griffith; 01794 389524 Scouts Thursdays 6.30 - 8.00pm Village Agent Contacts: Sue Jackson 01794 388884 Contact: Wendy Jarvis 01794 389552 Gill Butler 01794 388831 Somborne & District Society Women’s Institute Meetings held on the fourth Wednesday of Meets on the second Wednesday of each each month at 8.00pm, usually in the month at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Village Hall. Contact: Linda Aucock 01794 388542 Contact: Chris Kirby 01794 389034 Working Men’s Club Somborne Music Appreciation Group Various entertainments. Contact: Frank Fahy 01794 388314 Contacts: Janette Batchelor 07583 163607 Somborne Needleworkers Trina Masham 07852 257596 Meet each Thursday at 2.00pm at YMCA youth group Nutcher’s, 3 Nutcher’s Drove. Youth group (11-18 years) meets 2nd and Contact: Sally Wilson 01794 388675 4th Fridays, 6.30pm at Scout Hut. Contact: Steve Watson 07851 987993

Kings Somborne & District Horticultural Society Autumn Talk Emma Sharpe On “Deanery Garden at Winchester Cathedral”

In the Village Hall Thursday 5th October At 7:30pm Admission Free to Members Non members £1, also welcome.

Somborne Sessions

A blast of San Francisco hits the music. Front Somborne Sessions this month to kick Country will be off the new season of live music. Front playing in the Country will be playing in the village village for us on for us on Saturday, 7 October. This is Saturday, 7 Americana at its best; music with deep October. This is Americana at its best; roots and wide-ranging vision, Front music with deep roots and wide- Country blend everything from high- ranging vision, Front Country blend lonesome mountain music to new- everything from high-lonesome wave power pop, picking, bluegrass mountain music to new-wave power harmonies, and just plain glorious pop, picking, bluegrass harmonies, and musicality. Once again, we’re in for a just plain glorious musicality. Once great evening! As always, the doors again, we’re in for a great evening! As open at 7:30, we have a well-stocked always, the doors open at 7:30, we bar, and tickets are on sale now at have a well-stocked bar, and tickets are www.sombornesessions.co.uk priced on sale now at £15 (or at the door on the day for £17 www.sombornesessions.co.uk priced – if available). £15 (or at the door on the day for £17 Our website also has details of the – if available). other gigs lined up for this Autumn: Our website also has details of the Edgelarks (Philip Henry & Hannah other gigs lined up for this Autumn: Martin) on 11 November, and Sam Edgelarks (Philip Henry & Hannah Kelly & The Lost Boys on 2 Martin) on 11 November, and Sam December. A blast of San Francisco Kelly & The Lost Boys on 2 hits the Somborne Sessions this month December. to kick off the new season of live

Saturday 14 October 2017 at the Village Hall

7pm for 7.30pm

3 Course Menu Raffle BYOB

Tickets on Sale at Cross Stores (FROM 1 Sept until 11 October) £10.00 each

Beavers weekend away

On the weekend of the 9th and 10th for breakfast. Then September seven of our intrepid it was down into the Beavers camped out a Ferny Crofts in depths of the forest to build shelters for the New Forest. They scaled new small creatures to keep them safe from heights on predators and the weather, some the mega shelters even had swimming pools and c l i m b i n g street lighting to keep them safe on the w a l l , way home. cooked up some sticky treats over an open f i r e , bounced on a castle, ate candy floss, trampolined and had a The final activity was go-karting for go at crazy those with any energy left to peddle golf, shot trees (but not leaders) and round the course, even Mrs MacBean targets in archery. had a go. After a late dinner and a camp fire After lunch some very tired Beavers almost all went to sleep soundly until were collected by their relieved we had to wake them in the morning parents. Last economy mail postage dates for Christmas Wed 27th September Australia, New Zealand and all other non- European destinations (except Middle East, South Africa, Far East, USA and Canada

Thursday 28th September Middle and Far East (except Hong Kong and Singapore)

Thursday 12th October South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA and Canada

Thursday 2nd November Eastern Europe, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Malta and Iceland Thursday 16th November Western Europe

Parish Council notes September 2017 TVBC (senior traffic engineer) had An audit of records relating to land responded to the original concerns owned by the Parish Council had been raised by the farming community over completed and action was in hand to the appropriateness of the wording of complete land title registration with the the recently approved Traffic Land Registry where this had yet to be Regulation Order and the impact its done. A map of Council-owned land interpretation could have both for farm would be placed on the Parish website traffic in the Up Somborne area and on in due course. the potential for heavy goods vehicles The NDP Steering Group members still using it to access Forest Extra. continued with drafting and editing the Cllr Brock had repeated these concerns NDP. The methodology for regarding the clarity but in essence it determining housing numbers had now would ultimately come down to what been agreed with TVBC and happens in the event of a prosecution approaches had been made to local for a violation. landowners whose land had housing A complaint had been made to Aster development potential. Some concern Housing about the amount of litter left was being expressed at the proposed lying around the Scott Close and development of the Spencer’s Farm adjacent areas. and Winchester Road sites despite the even scores given by the public Councillors noted that fly tipping was consultation. One key policy for the on the increase and urged all residents to use the links on HCC’s and TVBC’s NDPSG was preserving current websites to report instances. landscape views and a landscape visual impact appraisal/assessment would be Councillors also noted with increasing undertaken by an independent concern the Borne bank slippage along externally recognised body to provide the Winchester Road and the credence to this policy. When this increasing need for remedial additional information became haunching action; this was again being available, a further public consultation taken up with HCC. The Environment would be organised before final Agency were due to strim the Borne drafting and submission to the external vegetation growth in late October. examiners. Community Speedwatch volunteers Organisations involved with the youth continued to monitor speeding vehicles of the Parish had met to discuss along selected Parish roads and the community amenity development police had recently positioned a including the possible relocation of the detector van on the A3057 by the football pitch a few metres away from Church. All noted that speeding fines the Village Hall to reduce risk of were now based upon the offending injury to passers by, enable the driver's weekly income. completion of the last few metres of the all-weather path, and perhaps allow 8 for further extension of the Hall; can also can be found on Facebook and relocation of the Pre-School to enable Twitter. Much useful local information them to provide the 30 hours per week was available on these and by liking per eligible child which was not our Facebook page and Twitter possible at the moment given the use account. Please take a minute to do by others of the Hall; the this. modernisation/replacement of the As always, a full set of minutes can be Scout hut to encourage increased usage found on the Parish Council website by other youth organisations as well as and in both Cross Stores and Martin’s the Scouts; siting of a zip wire, Corner Shop. additional skate ramp facilities and a climbing wall; and increased car All Parish Council meetings are open parking at the recreation ground – to to the public and we look forward to name a few. A number of ideas were seeing you there. being followed up and costed. Peter Storey The Council has a dedicated website, Clerk to King’s Somborne Parish as does Neighbourhood Watch, and Council

CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN SOMBORNE & DISTRICT warmly invite you to their AUTUMN TALK John Morris will speak on SUFFERING: If God exists, why doesn’t He stop it? based on his recently published book of that title All are welcome, any faith or none ********* When: Wednesday, 25 October 2017 Where: Village Hall, King’s Somborne Time: 12.30pm – 2.00pm A light lunch will be served *********** 9

Norwegian choir to visit Andover A Norwegian male voice choir is The Harmonium Singers, with whom giving a concert on Saturday 28 they will share the concert. Olavs October at St Mary’s Church, Andover Menn will be travelling to the UK – the site where Olav Tryggvason was specifically to sing in Andover, on the converted to Christianity in the year sacred site which holds such special 994. Olav was King of Norway from significance for them. 995 to 1000 and played an important Bruce Randall, musical director of The role in the conversion of Norway to Harmonium Singers, said: “This is a Christianity. He is said to have built unique cultural event for Andover, the the first church in Norway in 995 and first on this theme since the rare to have founded the city of Trondheim performance of Elgar’s choral work in 997. King Olaf at St Mary’s in 1994 by The choir Olavs Menn was originally Andover Choral Society. It will be an formed to sing with Norwegian evening to remember.” The concert National Opera in Oslo as soldiers for begins at the earlier time of 5.00pm King Olav in a production of Thora på and admission is free, with Rimol, an opera by Hjalmar refreshments and a retiring collection. Borgstrøm. Since then they have More information at: continued as an independent choir www.sangerstevne.org/OlavsMenn singing a wide range of secular and www.harmoniumsingers.org sacred music. Their programme for and 01264 771285. this concert will display the breadth of their repertoire. They will also sing some pieces together with local choir

Annual Remembrance Day Service

This year the official Remembrance Sunday service will be held on Sunday 12th

November. There will be a short service at the Village War Memorial at 10.50am followed by a United Service in the Parish Church. A collection on behalf of the Royal British Legion will be taken during the service at the War Memorial. Armistice Day itself falls on the day before on the 11th, but there will be no service this year at the Memorial. If you wish to come and lay your own poppies on that day, you are very welcome to do so.

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2017

As we have learnt over the last few mental stress as well years, World War I caused widespread as the amputees and devastation to northern France and injured and as I write this, the Invictus Belgium. Throughout the destruction, Games are about to take place in the poppy flowered, bringing colour Canada. What a wonderful and hope. achievement for these service people From those dark days, the Royal to have recovered, accepted their British Legion was formed and today disabilities and now represent their country in these Games. their support continues for our armed forces and their families. The RBL Every year the nation helps the work has committed up to £50 million over of the Legion through the support of the years to support the Defence the Poppy Appeal. For this nationwide Recovery Capability programme for event of reflection and remembrance, wounded, injured and sick military millions of poppies are produced to personnel. Of this over £23million raise money to help brave heroes and goes to supporting the operating costs their families. of Personnel Recovery Centres one of This year’s Annual Poppy Appeal which is near here at Tidworth. takes place from Saturday 28th This year our whole family have October until 11th November. visited Arras where my grandfather’s As usual, the willing volunteers in this name is up on the Memorial Wall as he area will be coming around for the has no known grave and a great uncle, house to house collection. Sadly a son of a farmer, who was killed 100 Rachael Murdock who collected for years ago and who is buried in a hop years at Compton has moved away field also in France. They are sobering and if you feel you could take on this sites. area, I would be very glad to hear Through the network we can now see from you. modern day war and the havoc it We ask that you remember those who creates. There were no centres after suffer as a result of military service the World War I for Combat Stress, and also the families of those who just the ordinary wards where they had have given their lives in the service of no idea how to treat those with shell this country and who need our shock. continuing support. Today the Legion, together with the Sandie Pepperell other service charities, work together to provide far ranging medical support RBL Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator that will continue to help those with 388021 11

Village Hall News The Zumba phenomenon continues systems on your computer or unabated, the regular Tuesday evening managing photos then please come group sessions proving to be very along. popular. On the 15th of last month a The café is located in the Jubilee special introduction party was held for Room and as the name implies you those curious to know more about this will get a free cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit or two. The first session this month is the 5th October. The first meeting of the new Somborne Sessions season is on 7th October, all the details can be found elsewhere in The Gauntlet and the following Saturday 14th October is the Harvest Supper craze. .Sue Russell achieved her aim with tickets being available at Martin’s tempted me to take to the floor and can Shop and Cross Stores. recommend that you give it a go. It is Finally I have to report that the fun and although it may not be a planning application for the regular occurrence I will go again. Multipurpose Annex and play area that What is a regular occurrence is the would have been used by The Computer Café held on the first and Preschool has been withdrawn. third Thursday of every month. Over Concerns were expressed by the T V B the holiday period attendance has C Environmental officer and also the tailed off but I hope the initial Highways officer. popularity will can be resurrected. This is very depressing particularly as Help can be given at all the sessions to we had received great encouragement users of Microsoft and Apple systems. from Caroline Nokes for our initiative If you are the sort of person that is that would have enabled the Preschool nervous just looking at the screen or a to comply with the government regular user with basic skills then these directive of giving eligible children up sessions are made for you. to 30 hours tuition per week. If for instance you are worried about We will overcome these concerns and setting up internet banking because of submit revised plans shortly, but it just the security issues, or managing means a further delay in being able to household utility bills or selling/ give Preschool their dedicated area . buying on e-Bay then the café is just for you. If you are a more advanced John Vanderpump user and confused by “Cloud” storage Chairman or mystified by setting up filing 12

First Class Result for Ex Pupil Last month’s Gauntlet carried a report friendly and caring atmosphere in on the ‘Leavers Service’ for year 6 which pupils were known by all children leaving our village school to teachers and given the support and start their secondary schooling this help they needed. She also feels that it term. As we wish them well in the provided an excellent bridge between years ahead and hope they achieve all a primary and secondary school. they would wish to, it is a great Leaving as Head Girl in year 11, Peter pleasure to be able to report on one Symonds was the next step where she past pupil’s success. feels she benefitted from the excellent Hampshire Specialist Music course – Eleanor Gravenor, known to most of an excellent preparation for a career in us as Ellie, was this Summer awarded Music in her view. a First Class Honours degree in Music from Oxford University. Ellie’s road Ellie was then awarded a place at to this impressive result was via Oxford University, and it is, perhaps, King’s Somborne Church of England most fitting that she followed in the Primary School, Test Valley School, footsteps of Mr Winning to Exeter Stockbridge, and Peter Symonds 6th College – an experience she describes form College in Winchester. as ‘a really nice place to be’. As part of her course at Oxford Ellie was It is very gratifying to hear that Ellie’s involved in a ‘Music in the interest and love of music began in our Community’ project which involved village school when she started playing the clarinet and working with Dementia oboe and were nurtured sufferers and their carers and aimed at under the influence of helping patients to the then Headmaster, manage, rather than Mr Nick Winning. cure, this incurable Being a member of the school band, the condition. This Winchester Youth experience resulted in the desire to work in Orchestra and the area of Music in the Hampshire Youth Community. Orchestra meant that music soon became an To achieve this end enjoyable and Ellie is now studying at important part of her musical life. York University for a MA in Music in the Community. We offer her all our Ellie then went to Test Valley School, warmest congratulations on her a time she describes as being ‘just lovely’. She speaks very highly of a achievements so far and every success school which was smaller than many with her course at York. secondary schools resulting in a very Jo Finch

King’s Somborne Parish Church Christmas Fayre SATURDAY 18th NOVEMBER AT 2PM VILLAGE HALL Festive gifts* Christmas Cards* Festive Produce* Stocking Fillers* Christmas Novelties* Games* Tombola* Teas* Cakes* Books* Grand Raffle with Christmas Hamper* And lots More!

CAPTAIN NOAH AND HIS FLOATING ZOO

Rehearsals are now under way for the above and thank you to all those of you who came to our taster session and our subsequent first practice. You were brilliant! Captain Noah is certainly working hard on building his ark. All present enjoyed becoming acquainted with the songs and music so this promises to be an event not to be missed. SO – a date for your diaries Sunday 26th November in the Parish Church. Practices for October are on Tuesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 31st at 7.30pm in the Parish Church Please note there is no practice on Tuesday 24th as it is half term.

October walk 5½ miles (8½ km) 2¼ hours Sunday 29 October 2017 2:00pm King’s Somborne Village Hall

We leave the village heading south along the path to Eldon Road and then east to FurzedownRoad before taking Garlick Lane to Hoplands. On joining the Clarendon Way we turn north past the old gallops and then take the footpath past Ashley New Buildings and the road down to the Ashley crossroads. From there we walk along Chalk Vale for 250m then turn left up the footpath to the Wood Store. From the Wood Store we turn left to return to the village.

Is Frodo the oldest ‘Parish Pooch’? The Three Fields site is definitely a So his pets, David and Dawn Harrison, popular venue for a meet and greet came up with a solution and now this among our local canines and no dog Old Aged Pooch continues the daily knows it better than Frodo, a local walk in the comfort of his customised West Highland doggy buggy and is terrier. A regular acquiring a reputation visitor since his for himself as the most puppy days, he has pampered dog in the sniffed countless Parish. blades of grass, But what fellow dog ‘christened’ every walkers are always fence post and met asking the Harrisons is more dogs than he this - is Frodo also the can remember. oldest dog in the Parish? He is estimated to be However, now 17 over 100 human years, years and 9 months, his elderly legs take so is there a fellow him only as far as centenarian canine in the King’s Somborne the furthest goal post area? The Three Fields and he is left quickly dog walking community would love to left behind by his two younger ‘pack sisters’. know. Broughton Firework Event - 5th November Broughton's fantastic annual family Free parking firework event will once again take adjacent to the place on 5th November with a cemetery/ children's torch procession leaving The allotments (off Square (by the Greyhound pub) at Salisbury Road 6.30pm. – please follow The procession will then make its way signs). to the sportsfield in Buckholt Road Refreshments, hot food and (SO20 8DA) where the bonfire will be merchandise for sale. Licensed bar. lit at approximately 6.45pm. The Tickets available on the gate and entry firework display will commence is £6.00 for adults and £5.00 for around 7.30pm and lasts about 20 concessions and children. minutes. 16

King’s Somborne Working Men’s Club Forthcoming Entertainment:

Thursday 28th September McMillan Coffee Morning 12pm to 2pm

Saturday 28th October “Halloween Disco” Family night Prizes for best Fancy Dress Open to everyone

Saturday 25th November Race Night More details to follow Open to everyone

Test Valley Lecture Series. The next event is on Wednesday Google algorithms. th 18 October in Broughton Village Matthew Campbell has been a foreign Hall at 8pm. The Speaker is Matthew correspondent for almost three Campbell, Foreign Features Editor, decades, covering most of the world’s The Sunday Times on the topic hot spots including wars in Africa and ‘Good news and fake news; the the Middle East. He began his career at changing face of journalism’. Reuters in Central America, where he With so many new sources of was posted as Managua bureau chief information available to us, before joining The Sunday Times. He newspapers might not survive for was the paper’s correspondent in much longer in their present form. But Moscow, Washington and in Paris, Matthew Campbell argues that good where he lived for 15 years. journalism deserves all our support in All are welcome. Entry £4 to include an age of “fake news”, “click bait” and a glass of wine or soft drink.

The Madding Crowd are coming A concert and supper will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 25th November featuring The Madding Crowd who perform music of the English country bands and choirs of the 18th and 19th centuries. There will be a Christmas theme from this very popular group who have entertained King`s Somborne audiences on a number of occasions in past years. A bar will be open from 6.45, followed by a two course supper at 7.00, with the concert commencing at 8.00 p.m. Tickets for the event will cost £12.50 details will be in the next issue of The Gauntlet and can also be obtained and proceeds will be in aid of Hall from Eileen Reynolds on 01794 funds, with a raffle also being held on 388107. the evening to support the Friends of the Church. Tickets will be available from various outlets from 9th October. Further

What’s on Your guide to events in and around the district

Winchester Science Centre The Vyne, Basingstoke General opening times: Monday- House open 11.00am– 4.00pm, Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm, weekends tearoom 10.00am – 4.30pm, shop 10.00am – 5.00pm 11.00am – 5.00pm, garden 10.00am – Monthly Space Lecture – 11 October 5.00pm 4.30pm and 6.30pm: Rosetta and 5 October: Meet the project specialist Beyond: ESA’s Interplanetary Mission – Assistant Project Curator 2.00pm - Operations 5.00pm 20 – 30 October Half Term Activities: Andover Museum Spooky Science. Live shows at 11.00am, 12.00noon, 1.00pm and Open Tuesday – Friday 10.00am – 2.00pm. 5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am – 4.00 pm. Book 01962 891925 or online 2 September – 21 October: Through winchestersciencecentre.org the Year ...A Creative Challenge exhibition Mottisfont Abbey 6 October: Catalonian Tension Tray House and art gallery open 11.00am – Workshop 5.00pm, gardens, cafes and shop open 14 October: Paris: Art, Architecture 10.00am to 5.00pm. and Romantic History 16 September – 14 January 2018: 26 October – 23 November: William Kaffe Fassett’s Colour at Mottisfont Morris and the Arts and Craft Hinton Ampner Movement in and around Hampshire. Book by phone or on line. House open 11.00am – 4.00pm, estate, garden, shop and tearoom open daily Winchester Cathedral from 10.00am to 5.00pm . www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk 21 - 29 October Autumn Half Term Opening times: Monday – Saturday trail 9.30am – 5.00pm, Sunday 12.30pm – Winchester City Mill 3.00pm 3 and 10 October; Lunchtime recital Watermill and shop open 10.00am – 7 October: Jane Austen Tour with 5.00pm coffee and cake 21 – 29 October Family half term trail 25 October: Family activity – Puppet 21 and 22 October Apple Harvest People Weekend 27 October: WW1 Tour and Tea 21 and 29 October Seasonal baking 28 October: Stained glass Tour and demonstration 11.00am – 3.00pm Tea Every Wednesday, Saturday and Book online or by phone (01962 Sunday 11.00am – 4 .00 p m: 857200) for all the above events Traditional flour milling demonstration Janet Ingleson 20

Theatres Theatre Royal, Winchester 12 – 14 October at The Salberg: 01962 840440 Anyday www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 16 -21 October: A Princess is Undone 5 October: Jay Raynor The Ten 18 – 21 at The Salberg: This Evil (Food) Commandments Thing 6 October: Comedy Gala 21 October at The Salberg: Peter and 6 – 8 October: The Gruffalo the Wolf 25 – 26 October: Sherlock Holmes 23 – 28 October: The Wipers Times Crimson Cobbles 25 – 26 October at The Salberg: Great 30 October – 4 November: Private Odds Lives 27 October at The Salberg: Blown NB. The are several more one night Away shows in October – please see website 31 October – 18 November: The Ladykillers Plaza Theatre, Romsey 01794 512987 Salisbury City Hall www.plazatheatre.com cityhallsalisbury.co.uk 17 – 21 October: Sweeney Todd There are 10 events at the City Hall in 22 October: Peter Gill – Wit October both music and variety. 24 – 25 October: The Dreamboys Please see the website for details. 27 October: Pop Up Bowie Watermill Theatre, Newbury The Mayflower, Southampton www.watermill.Theatre@arts- 02380 711811 mail.co.uk www.mayflower.org.uk 01635 46044 3 – 7 October: Cilla The Musical 28 September – 21 October: Loot 10 – 11 October: Rambert – Ghost 25 October – 4 November: Under Dances and other works Milkwood 12 – 15 October: The Railway Chesil Theatre Children www.chesiltheatre.org.uk 18 – 21 October: Welsh National 18-25 November: The Hound of the Opera Baskervilles 23 – 24 October: Acosta Danza

27 – 28 October: All or Nothing Janet Ingleson Salisbury Playhouse 01722 320333 www.salisburyplayhouse.com 2 – 7 October: Around the world in Eighty Days 5 – 7 October at The Salberg: Heather 9 – 14 October: A Murder is Announced 21

Village diary for October

Every Monday: 7.30pm Bell ringing 7.30pm Badminton Every Tuesday 10.30am Drop in coffee (except the second Tuesday) 2.00pm Tiny Tots 7.45pm Somborne Singers Every Wednesday 10.00am Parent, Baby and Toddler Group 2.00pm Dial-a-ride 7.30pm Dominoes Every Thursday 2.00pm Needleworkers 7.30pm Cribbage School holidays, Bank Holidays and other events may cause changes; contact the names given on pages 2 and 3 of this magazine for details.

2nd Parish Council 7.00pm 19th Computer cafe 10.00am

5th Computer cafe 10.00am 22nd Women’s Fellowship 2.30pm 5th Hortic Soc Talk 7.30pm 25th Somborne Society 8.00pm 6th YMCA Youth 8.00pm 26th Over 50s Minibus Trip 10.00am 7th Somborne Sessions 7.30pm 27th YMCA Youth 6.30pm 10th Epworth Lunch 12.30pm

11th W.I. 7.30pm 28th Hallowe’en Disco

13th YMCA Youth 6.30pm 29th Footpath walk 2.00pm See page 14th Harvest Supper 7.00pm

District diary for October 29 July – 7 October 17 October Willis Museum 10.00am – 5.00pm: Hampshire Record Office 2.00pm – Retail and Romance – Jane goes to the 4.00pm Ball Maps as a history source – workshop £20 1 October Romsey Farmers’ Market, Alma Road Booking essential 01962 846154 10.00am – 2.00pm 17 October www.wheelerstravel.co.uk 3 October Day trip to Brighton and The Lanes Andover The Lights 7.30pm: Sherlock 19 October Holmes and the Crimson Cobbles Andover The Lights 7.45 pm 6 October The Blues Band – 38 Years and back Andover The Lights 7.45pm: The for more Cavern Beatles 20 and 27 October 7 October HMS Warrior Portsmouth Hillier Gardens: Autumn Gardener’s www.hmswarrior.org Breakfast and Tour 8.30am Trafalgar Night Dining Event £85 Book 01794 369318 21 October – 16 December 7 October Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery The Ampfield Market, Village Hall Turner and the Sun exhibition 10.00am – 12.00noon 26 October 7, 14 and 21 October Hampshire Record Office Andover Farmers’ Market 10.00am – 1.15pm – 1.45pm Lunchtime lecture 2.00pm Hampshire Treasures Showreel: an archive film 8 and 29 October Free but donations welcomed Winchester Farmers’ Market 9.00am – 2.00pm. Central car park 27 October www.wheelerstravel 10 October Day trip – Thorpe Park FRIGHT www.wheelerstravel NIGHT Mystery Autumn Tints with lunch 31 October 13 October Hillier Gardens Stockbridge Film Theatre Ghost Walk and Supper 7.00pm La Traviata (recorded live opera) Book 01794 369319 7.30pm 14 October Janet Ingleson www.wheelerstravel Day trip to The Knitting and Stitching Show 23

King’s Somborne Cricket Club

Report on the 2017 Season In the game, Unlike previous seasons when I a g a i n s t submitted regular reports, this covers Broughton, KS the whole 2017 season as hand cramp was well beaten; forced me to retire from the role of only Tom Fahy KSCC scorer personally attended only and Phil Pidgeon a few games. Therefore interpreting m a k i n g the score book as a guide to the most substantial scores in the total of 124, noteworthy aspects of the games, I which the visitors exceeded in apologise in advance for any errors or seventeen overs. The game against misunderstandings in the report. Winchester Doctor ended dramatically. The visitors scored 99, Alex Hibdige, It was heartening to be able to register Rohit Sharma and Akshay Garg taking seven new players at the beginning of two wickets each. Although most KS the season which started badly both on batsmen started well, only Phil and off the field. In a T16 game KS Pidgeon made a score of 24 not out. lost heavily at home to Crawley. I The final over began with KS twelve cannot report any details because the behind: Rohit then hit 2,2,2 followed scoring shed was broken into soon by a triumphant 6 to win the game. after the game took place and the score Phew! book was either taken away or thrown into the adjacent waste skip. However, In the next game, Wherwell batted Akshay Garg took three wicket, all well to finish with 157 in twenty overs. bowled. I would appreciate reports Tom Fahy and Rohit Sharma each took from other players to help me fill in three wickets and Phil Pidgeon took the details. two. KS managed only 115 with only Rohit and captain Ben Sherfield The game against Roke was washed managing to achieve retirement. The out, as were six other subsequent game against Crawley ended in an fixtures. The next T20 game at home exciting tie on 93 each. Adeel Raja and to our old nemesis, Newport Inn CC, Phil Pidgeon each took three wickets. proved to be a spirit lifter in which KS Adeel made 20 runs and Phil made 14 won by nine wickets. NI scored 123 not out. The opposition leaked 27 for 6 wickets, with Adeel Raja, Phil extras! Pidgeon and new young member, Harrison Walsh each taking two The Old Men’s CC visited KS on a wickets. This total was exceeded in dark wet day which allowed only a 15.1 overs, with new members Chris T16 match. Rohit Sharma bowled well Webb, Akshay Garg, and Rohit to bag four wickets for ten runs. Sharma each retiring after exceeding Trevor James opened the innings and 25 runs, and Trevor James not out on made an excellent 25 (retired). Ben 20. Sherfield also retired on 25. KS won

24 with two balls to spare. Newport Inn The game ended with breathless took revenge for their earlier heavy excitement as Leckford needed only defeat by easily passing KS’s total of one run to win with one over 58 for the loss on only two wickets. remaining and Rohit Sharma bowled three dot balls and took three wickets KS had lost all previous games against to tie the match. A great finish to the Leckford - but not this time. KS scored 105 with Gay Mugridge, returning season. Interested? from an accident, scored 30 (retired) Phone 388314 or and Chris Webb and Matt Wilde added [email protected] 37 between them, which with the help of 18 extras produced a total of 108.

CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN SOMBORNE & DISTRICT invite you to celebrate WORLD PORRIDGE DAY

and join them for a Porridge Smiles Party on Saturday, 21 October 2017 9.00am – 11.30am at the Parish Church World Porridge Day is being celebrated nationally in support of the charity Mary’s Meals. By providing nutritious meals in school, Mary’s Meals helps hungry children to learn, thrive and work towards a brighter future.Come and enjoy a bowl of porridge and support hungry children around the world!

Somborne and District Society September always has the feel of new for our well known expert on the New beginnings probably because, what for Forest area to replace him with a talk many of us is the dim and distant past, on Edwardian Fordingbridge. it was when the new school term As Gordon mentioned in last month’s started. I certainly have that new boy Gauntlet, there will be two meetings in feel because I have taken over the post October, an afternoon talk on October of Chairman from Gordon Pearson and 11th at 2.30 pm by John Smith on the I would like to take this opportunity to Life of a Roman Soldier and an thank Gordon for his sterling efforts as evening meeting on October 25th on Chairman of the Society in the past 19th Century New Forest by Catherine and for his continuing support as Vice Glover. Both promise to be very Chairman. interesting. By the time you read this you will Meanwhile I intend to enjoy my role as know, if you attended the meeting on your new Chairman with the support 27th September, that Terry Stokes was of my experienced and able unable to give the lecture on Church committee. Graffiti in Romsey due to ill health and that Janet Ingleson managed to arrange David St.John

Epworth Lunch and Games The Epworth Lunches are going from strength to strength, and are often fully booked. Therefore it is essential to phone Marilyn on 389 356 either to book a place, or to cancel your place if you are no longer able to come. Do not assume that we will always have a place for you , as we may not, and we would hate to disappoint you! The Lunch Team

Services for the over 50s

Further to my remarks last month, that It is called Steady movement—even from a sitting and Strong, and is position, is hugely helpful for all of us. based on the Better It is good for your body, increasing Balance exercises we muscle strength and improving heart, used a few years ago. circulation and breathing; and it is It is aimed at frailer older people who good for your mood....you always feel are having trouble with balance and happier when you have exercised. walking. We could arrange lifts to get There is a weekly class being run in you to the Hall if necessary. Stockbridge by an Italian lady, which Do get in touch if you think this may is huge fun, and it is possible we could be perfect for you.... or about any other set up a similar class in King’s needs ....I may be able to help, and you Somborne, to be run at the Village have nothing to lose! Hall. Sue Jackson 388 884

Over 50s Minibus Trip Thursday 26th October The Vyne (National Trust entry fees apply) £6 Pick up 10.00am Home for 3.00pm Booking essential - phone Sue 388884

Epworth Lunch and Games Tuesday October 10th 2017 12.30pm £5 * Chicken Curry (or Casserole) * Rice * Onion Bhaji* * Fresh Fruit salad *

* Coffee & Mints * At The Epworth Hall Booking essential - Marilyn 389 356

Stockbridge Community Cinema Stockbridge Town Hall Doors open 30 minutes before the start. Tickets £5 from John Robinson and Garden Inn in Stockbridge or online via www.stockbridgecinema.org.uk

Friday 13 October at 7.30pm La Traviata (12A) This is a 'recorded live' film of Richard Eyre's 2016 Royal Op- era House version of La Traviata. One of Verdi's most popular and enduring operas it tells the story of the Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry, one of opera's greatest heroines and based on the real-life courtesan Marie Duplessis, who died in 1847 aged just 23.

Wednesday 18 October at 4.30pm and 7.30pm Their Finest (12A) Starring Gemma Arteton, Sam Clafflin and Bill Nighy 1940 and with the nation bowed down by war, the British min- istry turns to propaganda films to boost morale at home. The team of scriptwriters set out to make an epic feature film, based on the Dunkirk rescue and starring a gloriously vain for- mer matinee idol, to warm the hearts of a nation. Proceeds from this film are being donated to the Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group (SWVG)

Used Postage Stamps for Charity No.27088

Thank you to all the kind people who Sadly some cannot go, so please saved their postage stamps for me. continue to save the stamps and postcards, not just the stamps, and This year, in May, 30 foreign coins. families were able to go to Cornwall with You can drop them off in the sleeve at no worries about the Post Office counter or if you have a mountain of them please give them machines and to Jenny. equipment. It is all provided for them at Thank you. the Centre. They have a normal life as Cathy Newell possible whilst on holiday.

Ashley St. Mary

First may we apologise for the lectures given postponement of the Ashley Harvest by academics Festival Service due to be held on f r o m 24thSeptember. Many of us are away Winchester University. Dr. Simon and now that the Blameys have moved Roffey, an archaeologist described there are fewer people to prepare and how since few people in medieval run the service. We hope that the times were able to read the churches service will still take place in October were colourfully decorated and the providing it can be squeezed in to the priests services would have crowded parish programme of concentrated on using the five senses services. bring the relevance of Christianity to their congregations. Incense was On a more positive note there was an exhibition in the church over the uniformly used and the walls were weekend (9-10th Sept) arranged by brightly painted with strong religious motives to emphasise the bible Suna Imre (a ceramicist) and Hugh stories. Dr Roffey illustrated his Greasley (a poet and author) relating lecture with wonderful slides including the relationship between poetry and the wall painting in Ashley church of St. Catherine. He was followed by Prof. Christopher Mulvey who holds the chair in English at the University and he gave a fascinating talk about how the English language has evolved since medieval times. I enclose a photo showing one of Hugh Greasley’s poems incorporated pottery particularly in the context of into one of Suna’s pots. A really Ashley St. Mary church and its excellent event! position in the chalk landscape of Terry Mackintosh Hampshire. Hon Secretary The exhibition was thought provoking and extremely interesting and it was Friends of St. Mary Ashley followed on Sunday by two excellent

Village Christmas Cards

There are three new Christmas cards Winchester Combined Charities on sale this year. We welcome Christmas Card Shop in the Guildhall Lindsey Brown who has produced a which opens in late October and can be found in the Tourist Information Office in Winchester. Please note that if you buy any parish cards at the Guildhall, the parish receives every penny that you spend. The Shop is staffed entirely by volunteers (including us!) and takes no commission—indeed a couple of volunteers from the Village will be manning the shop on 14th November card ‘Robin’. Caroline Hervey in the morning. The cards will cost Bathurst has designed one of ‘Little Somborne’ and Elizabeth St. John ‘Christmas Choristers’ Each card has the greeting ‘With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. We are very grateful to all of them for their generous contributions. The cards will be available from the end of October in the Village Shops, also at some Services as well as at the £4.00 for a pack of 8 cards and envelopes. Readers of The Gauntlet will be able to buy the cards at £4.00 by filling in the form opposite. We will even do our best to deliver your order, so you can have all your cards written before the Christmas rush begins! If you require your order to be posted there will be a charge for p+p (see order form)

Order Form

Please send me:

……… packs of ‘Little Somborne Church’ @ £4.00 per pack

……… packs of ‘Robin’ @ £4.00 per pack

……… packs of ‘Christmas Choristers’ @ £4.00 per pack

Grand Total………………………

I enclose a cheque made payable to ‘The Parish of Somborne with Ashley’.

(If you require your order to be posted, please call us in advance on 01794 388021, to discuss p+p charges.)

Name:….……………………………………………………………………..

Address:…………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………

Tel. ……………………………………………………………………………….

Please return form to Elizabeth St. John Ashley Lodge, Old Palace Farm, King's Somborne, SO20 6NJ

Tel: 01794 388119. Email: [email protected]

What does the Village Church do for you?

The Village Church’s newsletter came charming backdrop to our lives out in September, listing their  Short Talks & Pub Visits- activities; villagers talk about their  Marquee markets-lovely working lives and all retire to Saturday mornings in August the pub...coming soon  Harvest Festivals and  Breakfasts, teas and lunches- Supper—a chance to celebrate all advertised in the Gauntlet for the season’s glories you to enjoy  Needlework Exhibition– 30  School celebration services years of beautiful work with It is just amazing that such a small many themes, local and national group of people have made the effort  Christmas Fair - another to put on so many events, apart from ‘meeting others and buying normal church services. And all this delights’ opportunity with no Vicar to lead them.  Jigsaws –take a jigsaw and bring another! Let us all be grateful to these folk who  Weddings, Baptisms, give of their time and energy to enrich Funerals village life for us all.....  Bell Ringers-whether local or visiting ringers, the bells give a Sue Jackson

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS MORE THAN 50 CHARITIES! on sale at THE CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP Tourist Information Centre WINCHESTER GUILDHALL

26th OCTOBER – 16th DECEMBER 2017 MONDAY – SATURDAY 10am-4.30pm

ALL PROCEEDS TO CHARITY

Family Service

The Family Service held on September was read by Carla Horsfield and was 10 was led by Sue Holligan and followed by an interactive role play opened with the hymn ‘Morning has involving Sue Holligan, Amy Denison broken’. and Sandie Pepperell on the theme of ‘Can we sort it out’. The theme of the service was ‘Change’ Prayers for others were read by Janet and the Prayers of Praise and Ingleson and Jessica Clayden . Other Thanksgiving remembered all the people who help as our lives change. hymns sung were ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God’, ‘When I needed a Prayers for teachers and helpers at neighbour’ and ‘Lord the love of your school, Tiny Tots and mothers and light is shining’. Toddlers, friends and those giving support to our young people were read Tea and cakes followed the service. extremely well by two of the youngest Jo Finch. members of the congregation, namely Alfred Wolverson and Bella Webb. The Reading from Matthew 18, 15-20

Harvest Festival Gifts for the Winchester Nightshelter Following on from previous years, we in each bag indicating the items (all will again be providing paper carrier non-perishable) that have been bags for your October Harvest gifts. requested. These can be used by individuals or We hope you will be willing to group. Please do not feel obliged to participate in this project and thank fill the bag—just put in the items you you in advance for your generosity and would like to give. Bags will be support available for collection from the Parish Norman Denison Church and Methodist Chapel. It is 388889 hoped that bags will also be located at the Post Office and Martin’s Stores where single items may be dropped in. A list will be enclosed

Marquee Markets

A big ‘thank you’ to all those people who manned stalls, donated cakes, produce, preserves, books, gifts, etc. (Including Margaret and Barbara with the Fair Trade stall and Janet and all look forward to repeating the Mary with their cards). exercise again next year! Together Also to all the lovely people who came with donations for the cream teas we and enjoyed the coffee and cake on made £2,000 for Parish Church funds. THANK YOU. offer. I am sure you will all agree they were four lovely occasions and we will Linda Aucock

Songs of Praise

After this summer’s rather The music group unpredictable weather it was good to provided musical see the sun out for the cream teas backing and which followed the Songs Of Praise Riverside Green’s choice, ‘Holy Spirit, held in the parish church. living breath of God, chosen by the Gravenor family, included a solo Organised by Sue Holligan and introduced by Elizabeth St John, the beautifully sung by Eleanor Gravenor. service opened with the Call to This was an opportunity not only to Worship. Altogether nine hymns, enjoy familiar and not so familiar chosen on behalf of different areas of hymns, but also to learn something the village, were sung after being new about all the hymns which gave introduced by various people. them added meaning. After the service all present were able to enjoy a Areas of the village represented were delicious cream tea in the sunshine and Horsebridge Road, Little Somborne, enjoy each other’s company and, Up Somborne, Humber View, Old inevitably indulge in a sharing of Palace Farm, Scotts Close, Old Palace Close, Riverside Green and Ashley. memories if favourite hymns! Jo Finch Introductions were informative and interesting, giving sometimes very personal reasons for their choice and often little known facts about the authors and the circumstances in which they came to be written. 35

Women’s Fellowship Friday, 27th October At 2.30pm Epworth Hall The speaker will be a representative from Boaz Boaz is a non-profit making local charity set up to help people with learning disabilities once they have left full-time education, with the long-term desire to be able to employ some of those who use the facilities. Whether you are a regular or just interested to know more about Boaz do come along and join us All are welcome

His perfect peace - MAF Week of Prayer

Monday 30th October to Sunday 5th November 2017

For those of you who attended the Alive service in July, you were able to learn a lot more about the work of the MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) in different parts of the world.

This year, Christians Together will be taking part in the MAF Week of Prayer by meeting up on Wednesday 1st November at 11am in the Parish Church. This time of prayer will follow the weekly Communion service and refreshments. Anyone is welcome to come along either at 10:15am in time for the Communion service or for the time of prayer at 11am. Please do come and join us as we remember the work of a most amazing organisation.

King’s Somborne WI

The meeting was held on Wednesday various 13th September 2017 and was chaired habitats: by our President, Sarah Pennington. It p o n d s was reported that walks had continued a n d in varying weather conditions, with b o g g y five intrepid members walking to areas are home to dragon flies, pond Stockbridge on 10th September, where skaters and the odd oystercatcher, they partook of coffee at the together with lowland gentians and Grosvenor Hotel. Unfortunately, the carnivorous plants such as sundews . trip to the Furzey Gardens on 9 August The plantations are rich in fungi and had had to be called off because of bad lichens—which provided some of weather. However, Nola Mackintosh, Betty's most beautiful and intriguing who had braved the elements, reported photographs. In autumn, pigs are let that the cream tea at Minstead had out to eat acorns (pannage) which are been excellent. The Book Club would poisonous when eaten by horses and meet at 7.15 pm at Sally Wilson's cattle. home: the book to be read was “The After introducing us to many miniature Road Home” by Rose Tremain. marvels, Betty showed some “Gardeners' Question Time” was to be spectacular views of the Forest in held on 16 January 2018 at Sparsholt Autumn and Winter, leaving us with College and numbers would be the determination to visit this limited, so applications for tickets wonderful nearby natural resource at should be made as soon as possible. the earliest opportunity. Betty and Our speakers were Betty and Tony Tony were thanked by Frances Shone Rackham on the subject of “The Secret on behalf all our members for the Forest in Autumn and Winter”. Betty reminder of the wonders, both large pointed out that while there is a lot of and small, to be found so close to macrophotography, few people realise home. how much of interest is to be seen on a Our next meeting will be held on small scale if you know what to look Wednesday, 11th October, at 7.30 p.m for. Although the New Forest has in the Village Hall, when the speaker grown considerably smaller than it was will be Katy Fenton on “Woofability”. in Saxon times, commoners are now There will be a meeting of the protected by law. Sadly, however, the Somborne Society in the afternoon of number of animals is decreasing that day, but we do hope that all our because not all commoners take up loyal members (and any visitors) will their rights to graze, etc. and the be able to come to Katy's talk. presence of the animals is a vital part of the whole ecological system of the Forest. This system is made up of Beryl Fahy

Somborne Sisterhood WI Gym kit at the ready, with some Samantha trepidation members and guests braved Boot had the September meeting of the done a jam Somborne Sisterhood WI. Samantha m a k i n g Boot made brief announcements whilst demo on health and safety forms were filled in, the food stage at C4R FEST South and the speakers for the night, Kate with Bronya Seifert from The Daisy and Gemma from Andover-based Cake Company, who made scones! If running club, MuddyRunners.org.uk you weren’t there, check out the video were introduced. at facebook.com/SimplyGoodFoodTV or read about it at facebook.com/ Kate spoke briefly about how Muddy sombornesisterhood. Runners was started before those attending filed outside for a ‘dynamic’ Finally, Saturday 9th September warm up to get our muscles ready for a members Natalie Ellison and 45 minute session, which included a Samantha Boot spent the day at The mix of fun running games and some Romsey Show in the WI tent top tips on the best running posture to representing the Sisterhood, minimise injury and conserve energy, facepainting and showing off our Craft before a series of ‘static’ stretches to Club’s entry into the group cool down. competition, based on the novel ‘Pride & Kate and Gemma pitched the session to everyone’s ability, giving Prejudice’ alternatives for each exercise or by Jane Austen – movement, and encouraged everyone thank you to to give their best. The atmosphere was e v e r y o n e great and even those who classed who was themselves as non-runners, came away from the session delighted by what involved in they had achieved. crafting it. N e x t Also, a big thank you to John Ingleson, meeting – Friday 6th October, 8pm, who came and turned King’s Somborne Village Hall where the outside we will be celebrating our 5th birthday with the help of the students and tutors floodlight from Andover College who will be on for us! teaching us how to do the perfect T h e manicure. Guests £5. w e e k e n d [email protected]. b e f o r e , Samantha Boot Sisterhood President, 38

Come and join in the fun at

Messy Church Sunday 15th October, 3.30 – 5.30 pm

King’s Somborne Methodist Church

An action-packed afternoon of fun, food and friendship for the whole family to enjoy together. Crafts & activities - story – food- action songs – and more! Every child must bring an adult with them. There’s no charge and no need to book. Details from Pam Gravenor: 01794 388531

Update: Christmas Shoebox Appeal In last month’s Friday November 3rd please. Gauntlet I wrote Please contact me on 01794 388531 if that this year’s you have any questions about the Christmas Shoebox Appeal will be on appeal. We hope you will continue to behalf of the UK-based Christian support the shoebox appeal and help us Charity “Link to Hope” (see collect our usual huge pile of boxes! www.linktohope.co.uk). Many thanks, This means that this year we will be collecting Family Shoeboxes and Pam Gravenor Elderly Shoeboxes rather than boxes Collection co-ordinator, c/o King’s which are just for children, so that we Somborne CE Primary School can help whole families and also reach out to older people who may live alone and feel very isolated. You can choose to make up either kind of box. Many of you have kindly donated shoeboxes in the past, but the instructions for assembling, wrapping and labelling the boxes for Link to Hope are a little different. If you would like to take part this time, please pick up a leaflet which will give you all the information you need, including lists of items which can and can’t go into each type of shoebox. Leaflets are available in the village churches, school and shops. We hope you will feel able to make up a shoebox, but if you don’t have enough items to fill one, or if you have knitted some hats, gloves or soft toys for us, please do drop these into church or school and we will make sure they go into a box. The final collection date for these boxes is slightly earlier than we are used to – boxes must be handed in to King’s Somborne Primary School by

It has been lovely to welcome the us you can be sure children back to Tiny Tots after the o f a wa r m summer break. welcome. We began the term by thinking about We meet each Tuesday afternoon in the 4 seasons and the children created term time, starting each session at a beautiful picture of a tree in each 2pm with a drink and biscuit (for season of the year. As the term adults as well as children)! progresses we will focus on the season of Autumn as well as thinking about We then enjoy a story and fun activity Harvest. We have already started together, followed by crafts and end by practicing our songs for the Harvest 3.15 (in time for school pick-up) with festival at church in October so songs and music. hopefully we will be in fine voice by If you find your children are the time the festival takes place! napping at 2pm, you are very welcome Our numbers have dwindled over the to join us mid-session. It would be holidays, especially now we have said really great to see you and your goodbye to all the children who have children there! started school, so if you fancy joining Hayley, Katie and Tam

Youth

Every 2nd and 4th Friday 6:30 - 8:30 At the Scout Hut For young people in Year 7 - Sixth Form (Sponsored by Parish Church outreach) Prayer Meeting We hold our prayer meetings on the first Monday of each month at 2.15pm. We meet for about an hour at Shappon, Romsey Road, when we pray for our parish, families, friends and anyone else in need. If you have any prayer requests there are slips on the table at the back of the church which you may put into the box provided or alternatively phone me, Dulcie Witts on 01794 388267. Our meeting is very informal and we should be pleased to welcome new members. 41

From the Parish Registers

3rd. Sept. Baptism Bryson Andrew Bernard Masham-Rook Baptism Bryan Andrew Rook

10th. Sept. Baptism Alice Elizabeth Mary Bagnall (at All Saint's, Little Somborne)

Women’s Fellowship

We decided for our August meeting to event! have a traditional cream tea. This marked the end of our first year and so Next month we we invited guests (including husbands) welcome back to join us. Barbara Hillier to talk about ‘Great Uncle George’s Rev Ruth welcomed everyone and then Diary,’ an account of his late 19th cen- tea was served consisting of delicious tury trip to Australia. homemade scones baked by Christine and Linda followed by equally tasty Please join us if you are able. cakes provided by Marilyn and Marion Downing Marjorie. Thank you all! 388121 This was such a success that it has been suggested we make it an annual

Christians Together in Somborne and District Homegroup We are a small, inter-denominational group who enjoy discussing the meaning of the Bible which inspires and guides our Christian Faith. If you are interested in joining in our informal study of scripture, you will be very welcome! For further information please contact Nigel Coleman 01794 388449

Church services in October 2017 Parish Church Methodist Church 1st October—Sixteenth Sunday after Sunday 1st October Trinity 10.30 am Mrs Sandra Timms 10.00am Parish Communion * Sunday 8th October Readers: 10.30 am Miss Pamela Gilbert Chris Kirby: Philippians 2.1-13 Sandie Pepperell: Matthew 21.23-32 Sunday 15th October 10.30 am Rev Ruth Fry 8th October—Seventeenth Sunday Holy Communion after Trinity 3.30 pm Messy Church 8.00am Holy Communion (1662) 10.00am Harvest Festival* Sunday 22nd October Wightman Family 10.30 am Mr Jim Sampson 6.00 pm Alive! Rev Gareth Hill 15th October—Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday 29th Oct 8.00a.m. Holy Communion (1662) 10.30 am Mrs Valerie Wright 10.00 a.m. Matins* Readers: Roman Catholic Churches Antony Chilton: Isaiah 25.1-9 St Thomas’ Stockbridge Fi Chilton : Matthew 22.1-14 9.00am every Sunday 22nd October—Nineteenth Sunday St Joseph’s Romsey after Trinity St Andrew’s N. Baddesley 10.00 a.m. Parish Communion* Saturdays: Readers: 6.00pm—URC Hall Alwena Rowe: 1 Thessalonians 1.1-10 Sundays: Sandie Pepperell: Matthew 22.15-22 9.00am—St Andrew’s 6.00 p.m. Alive! 11.00am—St Andrew’s For details of services at RC churches, 29th October—Last Sunday after see: Trinity (or Bible Sunday) www.hampshiredowns.org.uk 10.00am Parish Communion * www.stswithunwellsparish.org.uk Readers: Janet Ingleson: 1 Thessalonians 2.1-8 Linda Aucock: Matthew 22.34-46

(1st and 3rd Wednesdays) 10.15am Holy Communion (1662) *

*Stay for coffee and biscuits after services marked *

The Area Dean has the last word Dear Friends, The parish of King’s Somborne with Ashley is diverse, rich and distinctive. Each of the communities within the parish is unique. That is a wonderful joy and delight and beauty. The problem is that if we always define ourselves by how different we are then we will never truly be able to work together. Jo Cox, the murdered MP, said in her maiden House of Commons speech: 'While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us'. What unites us as the church is that we are not different churches but one church. We are one body, we are bound together by the one Spirit in Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, no longer can we demand what each individual church needs and wants, but we have to work together more and more and ask the question how can we serve the local community of which we are a part. As a deanery, we are in the middle of consultations about working out how to be the church and its shape which is there to serve. Some people think they have gone on too long. Some people would have done them differently. Some people think that they should have their own vicar by now. Some people think that the church should just give us what we need. But that is fundamentally wrong. If we just demand something or someone, then we have completely missed the point. The church is not defined by whatever minister or vicar it has but by the whole people of God. The church is simply a group of people meeting together, worshipping God and serving the needs of the community. Listening and not telling, serving and not demanding. I have seen some wonderful examples of that in King’s Somborne. So, let me commit and promise that I will pray for all of you in the church and in the community. The little I have got to know of the community is nothing but utterly beautiful, brimming with diversity and faithfulness and delight. Whatever the future holds, and it is uncertain for all of us. But one certainty remains, that God is always God – that he is even bigger than our own ambitions and desires. He paints on such a bigger canvas than we can possible imagine. The past was His, the present is His, and the future belongs to Him and the greater glory of God himself. With all good wishes in Christ Revd Canon Tim Sledge, Vicar of Romsey and Area Dean of Romsey

Printed and published by the Parish of Somborne with Ashley, Church of St Peter and St Paul, King’s Somborne, Hampshire. SO20 6PW 44

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