Volume 21: Issue 10 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Covering: Orton, Ratcliffe, Sheepy, Shenton, Sibson and Twycross www.sheepybenefice.org or (Sheepy Group of Churches)

Church Events Clockwise from top left: Wedding of Edward Cartwright and Helen Brunner at All Saints Ratcliffe Culey, 26 October, with their children Maisie and Joseph; Twycross House students visit St James Church (see story page 21) Sue Wilkins and Darren Bullivant proudly display the new Cradle Roll in Ratcliffe Church (see story p13)

Distributed free to around 900 households in all six parishes ten times a year December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020

Church Services - Dec 2019/Jan 2020 View From the Pulpit All service details are also on the Benefice website -www.sheepybenefice.org There is also a Communion service at 9 am every Thursday at All Saints Sheepy Magna Dark nights and starry skies It gets dark so early this �me of year; the longest night and shortest day is 21st of December. Cold nights can be very clear, so it’s a good �me to see the stars. It’s a wonderful way to let children experience awe and wonder. Why not go for a walk on a clear evening so you can look at the stars together? When there’s no cloud, it’s amazing what you can see in the sky at night. In ci�es, the light from streetlamps can mask the view of the stars. If Every community in our Benefice is coming together you have the chance to see a night sky in the for joyful events where we hear the Christmas story, countryside, you’ll see even more. sing favourite carols, and hold each other in love and prayer. These are some sugges�ons for you to explore further… In the village of Sheepy we have the Travelling Na�vity—the Holy family journeying around • You could use Google sky to learn which star is different homes, visi�ng the Pub, and spending �me which, and find the planets, or you might look for in each class at our Church School. As each home the Interna�onal Space Sta�onpassing overhead! hosts they will share a short prayer and the Christmas • There are far too many stars to count. The story with one another before passing the family universe is bigger than we can possibly imagine, onwards each day for the journey, #Following the and we are so small – yet God s�ll no�ces and Star. CONTENTS loves each one of us. • Tell or read the story of the wise men that Christmas Across the Benefice CHURCH NEWS #Followed the star to find the Christ child. You can find it in the Bible in the gospel according Sheepy Church Christmas Tree fes�val 6-9th; Church Services 2 to St Ma�hew (chapter 2, verses 1-12) Carols with Salva�on Army Brass Band:wine& th View from the Pulpit 3 mince pies 11 at All Saints, Ratcliffe, 7pm The Church of is invi�ng everyone to join in Music for Christmas, Foresters Brass Band 15th atAll View From a Pew 4 by following that same star; a chance to pause each Saints, Sheepy, 3pm day together, and think about the story that leads us Carol Service: 18th at St James, Twycross 7pm Diocesan News 4 to the Christ child; and as the busyness increases, with prepara�ons leading towards the joyful day Carols & Readings: wine & mince pies 20th atSt John the Evangelist, Shenton; Sheepy CofE School News 5 when we celebrate Christmas as communi�es, villages, churches, families…we invite all to pause and Family Carols: wine & mince pies 22nd at St Edith, CONTENTS #Follow the Star as we journey on towards the Orton 4pm stable. Carols & Readings: wine & mince pies 22nd St CHURCH NEWS VILLAGE NEWS Wherever you are on your own journey, #Follow the Botolph, Sibson 6pm; Star will help you see your life afresh through the Community Carols & Readings 24th All Saints, Church Services 2 Orton News 9 light of the Christmas star, a sign of God’s hope and Sheepy 5pm promises. View from the Pulpit 3 Ratcliffe News 11 & 13 Throughout the Benefice, in all six churches, we will #Follow The Star is the Church of England’s Christmas be celebra�ng Advent. The word Advent simply View From a Pew 5 Sheepy News 15 & 17 campaign. means ‘coming’ — it’s the season when Chris�ans remember that God came to earth to be born as the To find out more and to sign up for daily reflec�ons, Diocesan News 4 Sibson News 19 Christ child, Jesus. visitwww.churchofengland.org/christmas . Sheepy CofE School News 7 Twycross News 21 Every blessing, Revd. Julia

2 3 VILLAGE NEWS Orton News 7

Ratcliffe News 9

Sheepy News 11&13

Sibson News 15

Twycross News 17 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020 Notes from the Editor Another year nearly over—where did it go! Lots View From a Shenton Pew of Christmas events in all the villages, so take a good look through this bumper 24 page edi�on. CHRISTMAS AROUND THE Christmas in Jamaica is a �me of non-stop WORLD celebra�on, shopping, and fes�vals. Most towns host Sheepy residents—please note that you have a new village a Grand Market, a community fair packed with food correspondent for Gaze�e news, David Wood, whose Christmas is a �me of celebra�on and fes�vity around vendors, cra�s, and music. Jamaicans also drink a details are in the Who’s Who on page 23 (thanks to Stuart the world and there are many vibrant and unique sweet ginger drink called sorrel and nibble on rum- for his hard work as correspondent in 2019.) ways of celebra�ng the holidays. soaked fruit cake. We have a new adver�ser - Rural Care - who offer home In the Philippines, decora�ons start going up in Brazilians o�en get a “13th salary” in December, care in our villages (page 6) September and the celebra�ons don’t end un�l the meaning employees receive twice their normal We take a break over Christmas, so news for the February first Sunday in January. monthly pay. Christmas dinner is usually packed with edi�on should be with your village correspondent (named In Japan, Christmas is celebrated in a more secular hearty por�ons of pork, ham, rice, nuts, and fruits on page 23) by 12 January please. way. It’s considered a roman�c day for couples, and and a version of Secret Santa is also popular. I’m happy to consider ar�cles of local interest for what has become the tradi�onal Japanese Christmas Christmas in India is a rela�vely minor holiday, but is publica�on but reserve the right, as editor, to publish or meal is a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. usually celebrated by a�ending midnight mass and not, and to shorten or edit as required. For the avoidance Christmas in Poland is celebrated with gi�-giving and enjoying a huge meal with family. Families might also of doubt, we do not have the resources to vet all church services. Carp is usually the main dish of hang star-shaped paper lanterns outside their homes adver�sers, so please exercise the usual cau�on. Christmas Eve dinner and the scales from the carp are and decorate mango or banana trees with ornaments A very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful considered good luck. or bright fabric. New Year to all Gaze�e readers and their families and In Finland, one of the main events is St. Lucia Day on One Latvian Christmas tradi�on involves reci�ng a friends. Thanks for your support and kind words in 2019. 13 December, when the eldest girl in each family dons poem, playing an instrument, or singing a song in HA a white robe and a crown of candles before serving exchange for receiving one of your presents. Latvia her family food and wine. For Christmas lunch, the also claims to be the home of the first recorded tradi�onal meal is a porridge containing a hidden Christmas tree, da�ng back to 1510 in Riga, the almond, which brings the finder good luck. capital. Children in Croa�a make sure to clean their boots and In Russia, a tradi�onal meatless Christmas Eve meal Touching Heaven - A new praise and place them by the window for St. Nicholas to fill with includes 12 dishes represen�ng the 12 apostles. treats. However,naughty kids might only receive a Christmas trees are o�en s�ll called New Year trees worship event few golden twigs from the Christmas monster, and many families unwrap gi�s le� by Dad Moroz, or Krampus. Father Frost, on New Year’s day. th Sunday 19 January 2020 6pm – 7pm In Greece, many people a�end midnight services and Children o�en carol house to house in Romania, observe an Advent fast. Families might sprinkle holy receiving sweets and tradi�onal cakes called All Saints Church Sheepy Magna water from a basil-wrapped cross to ward off the "cozonaci" in return for their efforts. Twigs from fruit “kallikantzaroi,” evil spirits who creep in via the trees are also o�en kept in a bowl of warm water in Touching Heaven is an informal evening of praise chimney and cause mischief. the hopes that they will bloom on New Year’s Eve. and worship. It’s less structured than a tradi�onal In Australia, where December is mid-summer, Christmas in France usually involves Christmas service and doesn’t have a sermon. We start with a Australians frequently celebrate Christmas with a markets and a lavishly decorated bûche de Noël cake. short scripture reading and brief prayer followed by lunch�me barbecue on the beach before playing a An actual Yule log is o�en burned in the fireplace on about 40 minutes of contemporary praise and game of cricket or taking a dip. Christmas Eve a�er being sprinkled with red wine to worship music. We close with a blessing. It’s a very Argen�nians like to celebrate Christmas with a bang. make it smell even nicer. In some parts of France, it’s relaxed evening where we get to enjoy some great Fireworks and paper lanterns are typically launched tradi�onal to eat 13 different desserts at Christmas. worship music and draw near to God. at midnight on Christmas Eve. Ukraine uses the Julian calendar for church fes�vals, As for our household in Shenton, we are very Don’t worry if you don’t know the songs, they are so celebrates Christmas on 7 January rather than 25 tradi�onal and put our stockings out on Christmas very simple and easy to pick up. Come and give it a December. It’s tradi�onal to delay ea�ng Christmas Eve, open the presents on Christmas morning, try, we’d love to see you there. dinner un�l the first star in the sky is spo�ed. followed by a lovely roast turkey lunch with Christmas Families in America o�en leave milk and cookies out pudding. Then we all hit the sofas and enjoy some The Touching Heaven Team for Santa Clause on Christmas Eve in the hope that Christmas treats watching oldThe Two Ronnies and they wake up to presents le� by him and his reindeer. Morecambe and Wise Christmas re-runs. Lovely. Most families in Spain open their presents on Maria Davies, Churchwarden 6 January, Epiphany, when the three wise men are said to have brought gi�s to the infant Jesus. 4 5 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy CofE School News The Rural Care Local History Study our lunchtimes to two sittings, ensuring children can all sit together to eat and they Our Swaledale Class (Year 3 and 4) recently now have individual plates and bowls, rather Team went on a school trip to Bosworth Battlefield, than the rather dated trays. The children to consolidate their learning and end their and staff are enjoying lunchtimes much more ‘Magna Mysteries’ topic. With Bosworth on now. Five care professionals working our doorstep, what a fantastic piece of significant local and national history for them We are now working towards our Silver together to provide excep�onal home to learn about. Award and, to kick start this, we have regular care in the local villages, from Stoke The children updates from a local farmer about what is have learnt all being grown and what is happening on the Golding up to Twycross. about King farm. Farmer Goadby launched this by Richard III, sending us a video showing how Forage Maize All needs catered for, from social Henry Tudor was harvested and stored over the winter, to and how the provide food for his herd of dairy cows. He visits to full demen�a and battle was has asked the children to think of some incon�nence care. part of the questions they would like answered and he will War of the try to make video responses to answer these. We are all insured and fully trained in all aspects of care, including Roses. (Oscar plays King Remembrance Day Sing-Along manual handling equipment. Richard III, To mark Remembrance Day this year, the right) whole school honoured a two-minute silence at For a friendly, professional service please call Full of 11am on the playground. Each class joined excitement, hands to make a circle and we all joined Lynn 07460 490885 orJo07956 778576. and luckily on together to form a poppy shape, while we one of the few showed our respect to remember the fallen. dry days of In the afternoon, we welcomed parents, this half term, the children took part in a grandparents and the local community to join ALL SAINTS CHURCHSHEEPY variety of activities at the Battlefield. us in our school hall for a cup of tea and a Firstly, we took a guided tour of the site, sing song, where the children sang wartime CHRISTMAS TREEFESTIVAL following in King Richard’s footsteps and got favourites such as “White Cliffs of Dover”, to act out the final battle with children taking “Pack up Your Troubles” and “Quarter different roles. After lunch, we then got to Master’s Stores”. It was a jolly afternoon meet John, the Bosworth soldier, who showed and great to see our visiting adults all singing DECEMBER2019 us how the soldiers were equipped and how along too. Donations from Poppy collections they may have fought during the battle. We were sent to the Royal British Legion. then went out to practice using some of the weapons and how to work as a team. (Photo, Children in Need th th back cover.) Pupils were fascinated to think FRIDAY6 – MONDAY9 Our School Council this year decided to ask about what life might have been like during children to come to school with mad hair to that time. It was a fantastic way to end our Event Times:- raise money for the annual Children in Need Friday6thDecember topic and the children were a pleasure to take event. The children were creative with their 10.00am un�l 4.00pm out. hairstyles which ranged from spotty hair to Saturday7thDecember Food for Life – Bronze Award spiky hair and fluorescent hair to Mohicans! 10.00am un�l 4.00pm Money raised on the day was sent to BBC Over the last few months, we have been th Children in Need. (Photo back cover in Sunday8 December working hard towards the Bronze Award from glorious Technicolor!) Service 11.00am- 12.00pm Food for Life (being received by Daisy and 12.00noon un�l 4.00pm Jack, pictured left, on p6). A Food for Life We now have a Twitter account to share the Monday 9thDecember award is a great way to demonstrate how our wonderful activities the children take part in 10.00am un�l 4.00pm school works hard with providing food and to celebrate our many achievements. education that has a positive impact on both Please feel free to follow us @SheepyPrimary Come and see the Decorated Trees, enjoy Tea&Cakes whilst our pupils and the wider community. As part Mrs Linda Goadby enjoying the surroundings of the newly re-ordered Church. of this scheme, we have worked hard to move Swaledale class teacher

6 7 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020 For all Domestic &Com mercialN eeds Orton on the Hill News CONTACT DANIELO N 07377 992043 or Orton Remembers [email protected] Around 50 people from the village a�ended the www.dkrfencing.com short Remembrance Service on 10th November led (Stoke Golding based) by Graham Titley (pictured right) who did an excellent & very professional job incorpora�ng readings and poems read by several different Fencing: Hard Landscaping: contributors. David Wileman laid the wreath against the war memorial screen on behalf of the whole � All mesh systems including � Paving and patios; Tarmac village. high security and compounds � Walls; Gravel paths and drives A�er the ceremony several people accepted the � Palisade, Bow-Top, etc. � Eco-grid style areas forp arking etc. invita�on to chime a bell as a personal tribute while � Timber—picket, feather-edge etc. others enjoyed coffee and a chat. Soft Landscaping: The Orton Spirit � Railings; Handrails; Knee-rails � Seeding On the a�ernoon of Thursday 14 November near � Gates, including 'panic' systems disaster was averted by the village WhatsApp group � Turfing coming together to prevent flooding to three houses � Bollards and barriers on Main Street. � Shrub, Hedge and Tree Planting, with � Repair and upgrading of existing or appropriatea dvice by a qualified Jane from Tanglewood, Pam Prophet and Sharon damaged installations horticultural member of the team were all threatened by water running off saturated fields behind their gardens. Richard & Jill were first on the scene followed by others who dug trenches, drilled holes and swept the water away while Kelly made cups of tea for everyone – good old, Church Mowing neighbourly spirit! A�er 10 years mowing the churchyard John Goacher If you would like to join Orton Watch, which is a is re�ring owing to failing health. closed group, just ask around for a member to add We would like to thank him for all his efforts and at you to the group. the same �me put out a request for someone to take over this task. It involves mowing on Carol Service average twice a month during the growing season 4pm on Sunday and occasionally during the winter months to keep 22 December things under control. Only three days to go �ll Christmas so This is a paid posi�on (albeit limited funds) so if you know of anyone who would be prepared to help join us to sing Carols in Church please ask them to contact Margaret on 07812 followed by fes�ve refreshments. 365844 or [email protected] You could be adver�sing here! This is also the winter sols�ce, the Village Quiz shortest day of 2019 so what could be In The Unicorn, date tbc in January. Look out for Contact the Editor be�er than coming together with posters/flyers in the New Year. friends and neighbours to celebrate Helen Anderton - [email protected] Best wishes to you all for a very Christmas over a sherry & mince pie! happy & healthy 2020!

8 9 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020 Your Local Ratcliffe Culey News(cont page 13) Electrical Installation & Future Events Maintenance Service Janet Clay 1932-2019 Christmas Fair No Job Too Small � No Obligation Quotes Janet was a Chris�an lady who raised her family Tel: Dave 07443 418487 with those values and ethics. She also carried a Saturday 7 December , Email: [email protected] Chris�an poem and a bible in her handbag. She 2–4pm in the church David Wilkins, 5 Main Rd, Ratcliffe Culey, , CV9 3NY was born Janet Elizabeth Eaton on 4 May 1932 with All the usual stalls, the family living in Church Lane and grew to be a including plants and floral strong, determined lady who placed great value in decora�ons, home-made her faith and family. preserves, tombola and children’s “Guess How Many She passed away peacefully in hospital on 25 Sweets in a Jar” will be there, as well as fes�ve October at the age of 87 and, a�er a service in refreshments. There will be a raffle for a Christmas church, was buried in the churchyard Hamper, generously donated once again by Jean on 11 November. Auco�, and a Christmas cake for you to win if you can “Guess the Weight”; and you can support Mandy and Janet was the second youngest of eight children Gina’s work saving hedgehogs. born in Ratcliffe Culey. Her passing ends a con�nuous line of members of the Eaton family to Jean Auco� has also donated a number of her live, uninterrupted, in Ratcliffe Culey going back to pain�ngs and drawings, which will be on display to be at least 1717 – a considerable record. sold in aid of church funds. Our thoughts are with her daughters, Rachel and Do please come along and support this event and pick Jane, and their families at this �me. up some Christmas gi�s. Any contribu�ons of Tombola or Raffle prizes or items for the produce stall would be greatly appreciated and can be le� at Ratcliffe Friendship Club 11 Main Rd. or collected from you. (Please ring 01827 713766). At our November mee�ng we met at the home of Mrs Jean Auco�. Mr Michael Wa�, a local ar�st, gave us a Carol Service Lawn Went Cleaning talk on his life and work. He had raised money to Care an To Paths & Wednesday 11 December M Tree Pruning M Paving spend four months pain�ng in Switzerland. We saw a at 7:30pm with the e Hedge o large display of a variety of pain�ngs from this �me. n Trimming Nuneaton Salva�on Army Rubbish w He was a talented ar�st and an excellent speaker. We Band. O Removal Weeding then enjoyed social �me and refreshments. The band has once again Contact Clive on: We look forward to mee�ng again on 10 December at agreed to come and lead this service of Christmas Garden Tel 01827 713379 12:30 pm for a Christmas lunch at the Gate Inn. Maintenance Mob 07971 646107 music and readings. As always the collec�on will be We would like to take this opportunity to send given to the band to help further their work with the everyone our best wishes for Christmas and the New less fortunate, so please come along and support a Year. very worthy cause. Last year we collected £346.61 Flower Rota which was another excellent effort. Any food and so� drink contribu�ons to help those in need over A rota for 2020 will shortly be produced and anyone Christmas can be brought to the church before the who would like to join the exis�ng volunteers would service. These are greatly appreciated at the Army’s be most welcome. centre in Nuneaton. Past Events A�er the service there will be a social �me with • Remembrance Sunday seasonal refreshments. Newcomers to the village will be most welcome to come along and enjoy the There was a lay-led Service of Remembrance on evening. Sunday 10 November. The field of poppies that was assembled last year was once again on display. This General Election included purple poppy tributes to the many animals The church will be in use as a Polling Sta�on on • that had played a part in the conflict. Many thanks to Thursday 12 December from 7am to 10pm. everyone who a�ended; a cheque for £51.58 will be • sent to the Bri�sh Legion. (News Continued on page 13) 10 11 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020

Scams and Frauds touch with you out of the blue in this way. Instead, contact them directly using a known email or phone Ratcliffe Culey News(continued) Don't be Caught Out! number.” Over the course of the year I get informa�on about Remember, if you have been a vic�m of fraud or Cradle Roll scores of different scams and I haven’t had space to cyber crime, report it to Ac�on Fraud online or by Ukulele Jam Band Concert Richard Trive� has visited the County Records office pass all the warnings on, so here are some things to calling0300 123 2040. Talent Show many �mes and compiled a list of all the bap�sms at be aware of. If you want more informa�on on any Bogus calls purpor�ng to be from the NHS Christmas Fair of them, just email me at [email protected] Ratcliffe church since 1710. Sue Wilkins has listed the Christmas Carol Service. and I’ll try to help. In one such case an elderly man was cold-called by a ones from 1900 to the present day in a ‘Cradle Roll’. woman who said she was from the NHS. He shared Did you know that you are twice as likely to fall Darren Bullivant has made and donated a beau�ful Next Services informa�on with her about his condi�on and she oak cabinet in which to house the roll. This has been vic�m to fraud than any other type of crime? More arranged for a “salesman” to call. This person tried Sunday 24 November— than 5 million people a year fall vic�m to scams, yet mounted on the wall of the church with the roll on Holy Communion at 10am. to sell the man a special ma�ress at the “reduced” display (see picture on front cover). Our thanks to only 5% of scams are reported. price of £14,000. Luckily the man rejected the offer, Sunday 22 December— Richard, Darren and Sue for their dedica�on in Christmas Family Communion Service at 10am. Friends Against Scams is a Na�onal Trading and when his daughter contacted his GP, they realising this project. Standards Scams Team ini�a�ve which aims to discovered it was a scam. As our normal 4th Sunday service falls close to protect and prevent people from becoming vic�ms Never assume everyone is genuine, always ask a Ratcliffe Park - Grand Opening Christmas Day, it has been decided that the usual of scams by empowering people to take a stand friend or neighbour for a second opinion. Never be The lobbying by our local children has been Christmas Day service will be celebrated with the th against scams. You can find out more about how rushed into making hasty decisions, genuine successful and the Play Park equipment has now 4 Sunday service. you can help others, and yourself, on companies will never rush you. been installed . The park was officially opened on There will, therefore, be no service on Christmas Day www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk Sunday 17 November. Energy Efficiency/New Boiler scams itself. Please come along on Sunday 22 December for Amazon Prime Scam Parish Council reported: the family communion with carols and a variety of I’ve received several phone calls myself from people seasonal readings. This is a good example of the type of scam catching claiming to be in my area ac�ng for the Council or There are 29 children in the village ages between people out. In this case it relates to Amazon, but the Government to carry out checks on my boiler new born and 18, who will all be able to use the 2020: criminals can tempt you with a variety of well known “which must be done by (such and such a date)”. new exci�ng equipment. Sunday 26 January—Holy Communion at 10am. names to believe they are genuine. Vic�ms are There is no such scheme, and the best advice is to The Parish Council is grateful to the group of receiving automated calls sta�ng they’ve been simply put the phone down on them. youngsters whose ini�a�ve drove the improvement charged for an Amazon Prime subscrip�on, or have Similar scams involve phone calls, or doorstep to the playing field. Season’s an unauthorised transac�on on their Amazon Greetings account. The vic�m is then instructed to press 1 to callers, offering government grants to put towards a The Council provided tea, coffee and fruit juice and cancel the transac�on, and they are connected to a new boiler if your exis�ng boiler is old or if you the families came laden with cake. Although it was Best wishes for a scammer posing as an Amazon worker. receive credits, for example pension credits. The a soggy a�ernoon, the weather did not dampen Merry Christmas callers state they are working with an energy the fun shared by all. and a Happy New The criminal tells the vic�m they need remote company and County Council’s Photos of the opening event are on the back cover. Year and many thanks to all those on the access to the vic�m’s computer in order to fix a Environment department. flower/cleaning rota and all those who have helped security flaw that will prevent it from happening 2020 Programme to support and maintain the church and churchyard again. The vic�m is instructed to download an They arenot working with Leicestershire County Some ideas for events in 2020: over the year. applica�on called Team Viewer and asked to log Councils Environment department. Be vigilant when onto their online banking account. The so�ware dealing with traders on the doorstep. Coffee Mornings A big thank you to Editor Helen, Deputy Tony, and download grants the fraudster remote access to the TV Licence Scam Photo & Art compe��on proofreader Brian, for producing the excellent Gaze�e throughout the year. Thanks also to all those vic�m’s computer and allows them to see the Leicestershire Trading Standards Service are Sunday Tea and Cakes vic�m’s personal and financial details. who have sent in pictures for inclusion in the Gaze�e. advising to be aware of emails purpor�ng to be from Quiz Nights legi�mate sources (e.g. TV Licence) sta�ng that your Richard Jones, Churchwarden. Ac�on Fraud is reminding people to NEVER install Harvest Auc�on any so�ware as a result of a cold call. payment has not gone through and asking you to Pauline Smith, Head of Ac�on Fraud, says: click to renew your payment details. Spelling “Unsolicited requests to remote access your mistakes are usually the biggest giveaway (in this computer should always raise a red flag. It’s easy to case spelling “license” the American way instead of feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or licence.) Don’t click a link in the email, instead complex conversa�ons but it’s okay to stop the navigate to the website and login using your details discussion if you do not feel in control of it.” or ring the company directly. “If you’ve received an unexpected phone call, or Iwasalmostfooledmyselfbyoneofthese,theylook other communica�on, stop and take a minute to so convincing. think about whether an organisa�on would get in KEEP CALM and STAY SAFE! Helen Anderton (Ed)

12 13 TRAVELLING NATIVITY During Advent this December we are sending a Na�vity set around homes in our communi�es of Sheepy Magna and Sheepy Parva. Sheepy Local History Society As each home hosts the set they share the short prayer and the story with one another before November’s mee�ng included a very interes�ng passing the set to the next host family. The illustrated talk en�tled “Opera�on Pied Piper” (the Phoney War) by Mar�n Saunders. Valen�ne Na�vity Set will finally arrive at All Saints in �me for the Na�vity and Carols service at 3pm on The Society has made a dona�on to the Royal Christmas Eve. Bri�sh Legion for a poppy wreath which was Soiree placed at the Memorial on Remembrance Sunday All types of household, large and small or where and we will also be taking part in the Christmas At Sheepy Memorial Hall children have long flown the nest, are invited to Tree Fes�val at the church. host the Na�vity Set and share in its journey. All There will be no cataloguing/research session in Friday 14 February 7:30pm that we ask is that it is placed in a window where December and the next open regular monthly it can be seen by all. We plan to produce a map of mee�ng is on Tuesday, 14 January, 2020 at Fizz on Arrival loca�ons and dates so that everyone can join in. Sheepy Memorial Hall at 7:30pm which will If you wish to host the Na�vity Set please contact include a short talk on 16th century wills and a 3 course supper the churchwardens (Neil: 01827 880338 or Cath: display of recently acquired documents, photos 07920 032599) or pop into church on Tuesday and etc. BYO drink Thursday mornings. We will need to draw up a Everyone welcome. Admission is by dona�on to rota by mid-November so that we can send the cover room hire and opera�ng costs. Many thanks Na�vity Set on its' way on 1st December. to those who con�nue to support us and season’s £10 per person gree�ngs to all. What a wonderful opportunity to join Mary, Tickets from Janet 07932615233 Joseph and the donkey on their journey as we For further details contact Lynne Percival on 01827 880721 or email: look forward to the excitement and celebra�on of sheepyhistory@b�nternet.com. Or Kate 07712421832 Jesus' birth! Handcrafted Cupcakes& Celebration Cakes! Vintage china and cutlery hire All cakes freshly made too rder with locally sourced ingredients where possible

For further details or to discuss these and other catering requirements ContactJ anei n Sheepyo n: 01827 880996 or 07870 934 192 www.facebook.com/cupcakeandcutlery www.cupcakeandcutlery.co.uk December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020 Sibson News

Sunday 22 December Candlelight Carol Service 6pm *PLEASE NOTE THE REVISED DATE* Join us at this special �me of year for a tradi�onal service of lessons, read by the children, and your favourite Christmas carols. Wine and mince pies served a�er the service.

Sibson Carols Round the Tree Christmas Eve 6pm Come and join us for a great sing-a-long Sibson to some of your favourite Christmas Carols Village Hall and other fes�ve songs with dona�ons collected for Looking for somewhere to hold a regular group or event? Look no further MacMillan Cancer Support SibsonVillage Hall is a top facility to hire for any occasion, with a fullyequipped kitchen, offr oad parkingand a pleasant outdoor area. Cost of hire: Main and Small Hall plus kitchen and server area: £12 per hour; or excluding Main Hall: £7.00 ph To Adver�se here, contact We only chargef orthe �me of the event the editor: Helen Anderton Not the prepara�on �me or cleaning up a�erwards [email protected] For further details, to check availability, and to book, please call Brian May on 01827 880511 @Sibson ParishVillage Hall 18 19 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020 Twycross News Remembrance Sunday 10 November St James’ Church Thank you to all who a�ended our small ceremony in Candle-lit Carol Service Church. We were especially pleased and honoured Wednesday 18 December at 7pm to welcome descendants of one of our fallen. Refreshments will be provided a�er the We were surprised to see the village cross cleaned service. Come and join us for a tradi�onal fes�ve and the names of the fallen repainted on Thursday evening, with the magic of candlelight. morning. Thank you to the Parish Council for ge�ng this done before Remembrance Sunday. Ride and Stride Result The poppies grew overnight! We thought they were The cycle ride was a great success. The weather was some of the ceramic poppies displayed in the Tower excellent, and Ann Evans and her friend Lorraine of London, but in fact they were carefully made by cycled as far out as Hinckley, visi�ng the town local school children. Many thanks to them. churches before wending their way back to Twycross, arriving at the Church at 5:30pm, having visited 19 Twycross Community Group churches altogether. They raised a total of £434. Village Coffee Morning at Harvey's. Many thanks to Ann and Lorraine, and those who Monday 16 December at 11:30am un�l 2:30pm. sponsored them. Rita Reading Everyone welcome. 49 club winners Twycross WI Mrs Flavia Phillips, Gillian Haywood, Beryl Orme and On Monday 16 December we are holding our a spare number (it could have been you!). Christmas party at the Village Hall star�ng at 7:15pm. Congratula�ons to everyone and a massive fes�ve Come and join us for an enjoyable evening and thank you to all our club members—your magnificent delicious food. Carol Goodridge T. 01827 720896. listed church would really struggle without your generous support. Next subs are due 14 Dec 2019. Twycross House School (I'll be at the Twycross Carol service on Wednesday Remembrance Day 18th December if you wish to ease my collec�on task!) Call Audrey on 01827 880035 for any On Monday 11 November the whole school came enquiries. together to remember those who have died in conflict. Mr Taylor, our brass teacher, sounded the School History Trip to Last Post followed by Lily Walton a member of Upper For CLOSE BOARD and St. James' Church Sixth reading: BESPOKE FENCING that Our church opened its doors once again to welcome "They shall grow not old, as we that are le� grow old, “LOOKS THE PART” an eager Year 4 from Twycross House School. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. DESIGNED and BUILT (Pictures front cover.) It is an annual visit that At the going down of the sun, and in the morning to DO THE JOB and LAST provides an exci�ng learning opportunity We will remember them." Feather edge, post & rail, picket incorpora�ng not only local history but also Religious A�er the two minutes silence Mr Taylor sounded the fencing; panels supplied/fitted Studies and Art. With world famous stained glass, Reveille and the parade was dismissed. The occasion Post repair specialist top class sculptures, secret doorways, hidden proved to be a very thought provoking and moving Rose arches, raised beds, planters, screens staircases, uniden�fied skeletons and numerous experience. Garden gates made to order royal connec�ons—an hour's visit is just too short! Garden woodworking solutions We can only hope that our invita�on to the children No job too small to come back soon, will be accepted. All jobs surveyed free, written estimate within 7 days 2a St Michael’s Court, Stoney Stanton Harvest Festival Supper Operating from Stoke Golding Over 60 folk enjoyed the Harvest Supper prepared by Call John on 01455 212984 or Mob 07890 070681 chef Felan Hennigan on Friday 18 October. Many www.fencemanjohn.co.uk thanks for all his delicious dishes. [email protected] Also, many thanks to Mr and Mrs Assinder for giving Proud member of: us the venue in ‘Underwood’, the dining hall at Twycross House School. We made £750 profit for St James’ Church, from the �ckets and the raffle on the 20 night. 21 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette Sheepy Benefice Gazette December 2019/January 2020

�Emergency Numbers If you find yourself housebound and in need, please ring one of these numbers for help: Sheepy: Good Neighbour Scheme: 07868 005 571 or 01827 881142 Ratcliffe: Mrs Pratt 01827 714565 Orton: Mrs McKay 01827 880308 Twycross:vacant

Private Tuition Data Privacy Notice since 2004 by fully qualified teacher By submi�ng your details, A-Level Biology, Chemistry, & Psychology as an adver�ser or GCSE Maths & Sciences Home schooling, adult learners & contributor, or in any other teacher training support way, and agreeing to them Dr Alan Wood being published in the [email protected] Sheepy Benefice Gaze�e, Tel: 01827 719923 you accept that you have given your consent for your Maths Tuition Availablef or AS, A Level, data to be used and stored GCSE, Key Stages 3 & 2 SATs as outlined in Sheepy Call Sue Wilkins on 01827 712958 Benefice’s Privacy No�ce, a copy of which can be found on the Benefice website: h�ps://sheepybenefice.org /privacy-no�ce

All images of children in this publica�on have parental permission for their use.

Sheepy Memorial Hall Hall Bookings: Sheepy Available for par�es, family celebra�ons and funerals, etc. Memorial Hall TIM HARDING Only £11 per hour, or Your Local Electrician Annual General £8 per hour for long-term bookings. no job too small or large Telephone or text us on 07583 272624, or look at Mee�ng FREE advice our website for more details. & quotations Wednesday Tickets for all events available from Sheepy Telephone Memorial Hall 07443 302 225, 6 December 07977 012940 or 01827 880473 or see the website Rose Co�age, 3 Orton Lane, Sheepy Magna, www.sheepymemorialhall.wixsite.com/hall 6.30 p.m. ,CV93NJ or on Facebook @SHeepyMemorialHall

22 23 December 2019/January 2020 Sheepy Benefice Gazette

Ratcliffe Play Park Officially Open Above left, Maisie Cartwright (3 in December), with a little help from mum Helen, cut the ribbon, then enjoyed a ride on the see-saw with her cousin Lily (6) - see p 13.

Sheepy School

Right - Mad hairstyles to raise money for Children in Need (see p7) and below, Swaledale class meet John, the Bosworth soldier, and see what it might have been like to fight in the battle.

24 Printed by Paul Negus, Graphic Press, Hammond Close, Nuneaton CV11 6RY www.graphicpress.co.uk email: [email protected]