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SUTTON VENY VILLAGE NEWSLETTER JUNE 2020

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FLAMING JUNE ALREADY. STAY ALERT. article, but its key feature is that it requires local leadership The headline reflects not only the march of time into the to operate effectively. middle month of the year and the longest day but also that The rainfall figures tell us that April was a drier than the novelty of the lockdown may be wearing thin for some. average month and May seems to have continued in that Missing the ability to meet family and friends from vein. The gardeners have had to water their new plants elsewhere, the restrictions on work, the single issue news and sadly nature has dealt a cruel blow to some of this and the worry over the current and future economic impact nurturing with a couple of late frosts. Dandelions, however, of the COVID-19 pandemic on global trade and politics are very resilient plants and now that the annual battle to may be the big ticket concerns, but for some there are try and cut lawns sufficiently frequently to prevent them clear positives to our current crisis when the pace of life is flowering and seeding is largely over, we can declare, yet slower and social distancing exercise results in greater again, the dandelions are the winner. How does the saying sociability than before. Being a long and thin village, it’s go? “One year’s seeding. Seven years weeding!” difficult to gauge the strength of the Thursday evening Sadly, it’s not just the dandelions that have been upsetting turnout to clap for the NHS, but clanging, bugle playing some people. The Newsletter has been contacted by (badly but perhaps improving by the week) and bell ringing villagers unimpressed by the seem to be the order of behaviour of others. The youthful the day. element, who used to make use Thankfully the ‘we’re all in of the church porch to consume the same boat’ attitude their takeaway pizzas, are now didn’t prevent many able to share a car and on people emerging at the occasions park up on Hill Road same time to celebrate at the start of the gallops. Few VE Day to compare would object to their use of either lockdown hairstyles at a site, if only they would not leave number of socially their rubbish (some of which distanced street parties might indicate more than pizza (some were walking on the consumption is taking place), for spot of course because it others to pick up. And at the top was exercise after all!).To end of the village, a rook commemorate VE Day shooting campaign has led to several of the growing injured birds falling into a band of scarecrows took resident’s garden. With a licence on an appropriate style needed to shoot corvids and and it was good to see laws that should prevent flags and bunting (don’t weapons being used close to mention the bunting!) out another’s property or a public in plenty. The flags may have come down but the highway, it is likely that both complaints could, and perhaps scarecrows have stayed up, changed and proliferated. should, be matters for the police. They reflect a sad Perhaps this bodes well for a Scarecrow Festival as an disregard for one’s fellow villagers but thankfully such annual event? The silliness of dressing up scarecrows has instances remain rare. definitely infected our postie, Rocky, who has donned an The following pages will reveal the answer to the question astounding range of outfits from a whoopie cushion to a “What is a diddlum?” but not to the mystery of the pirate with several female outfits in between. painted rocks that have been seen around the village. Our local formal, or mostly informal, arrangements to check Numbers 1 to 9 have been spotted. Any advance on 9? up on and care for neighbours appear to be working well. And is there any point to them other than to sharpen our The suggestion in last month’s edition that villagers should powers of observation? investigate and sign up to the online neighbourhood hub, And finally, while we wait for modern science to find a Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.co.uk), has not resulted in a vaccine, why not try some tips from the 5,000 year old deluge of new members. The question of what form of system of medicine, Ayurveda, to improve your well being community network arrangements are needed for normal (see back page). life and to improve our ability to cope with future crises still needs to be chewed over and answered. Some insight into Meanwhile, stay safe. Be alert ………. because Britain the Neighbourhood Watch scheme follows in a later needs lerts. COMMUNITY SUPPORT address lists cover much of the ground, and no doubt sometimes overlap. But for the village’s future resilience It's been a quieter time for me in Coronavirus HQ this and as a key strand of community well-being, do we month as the community network is very much up and need to rejuvenate our Neighbourhood Watch scheme running itself. Our volunteers continue to support those and establish a robust network of village coordinators/ requiring it in the village with minimal coordination which is connectors who would promote caring through a great reflection on the community we live in. Thank you awareness? Let’s have conversations in your bit of the to all the people providing shopping support to the neighbourhood and, if you reach a conclusion, let the village and to Alan Russell for his weekly prescription Newsletter know the result. runs to . As a reminder, we're here to help with: CHURCH MATTERS ... AND THE DIDDLUM MYSTERY • Signposting to government advice SOLVED • Shopping The church remains closed, but services continue to be • Prescription collections held each Sunday via the internet using Zoom. Please • Technical support such as setting up Skype note that it is also possible to listen in to these accounts for video calls for those self-isolating or services by telephone. Contact Revd Trudy Hobson, setting up access to the village website and social Brian Long (Churchwarden) or almost any other member of media to stay informed. the regular congregation for the access details. • A simple chat Maintaining the strong ANZAC connections, the school I'm maintaining our links into the local Community Policing ensured that posies and poppies donated by the Geraldton Team and Council to ensure we've got access to Australia RSL were placed on each of the Commonwealth any services we can't deliver locally. For updated news War Graves and also that of Mrs Elsie Poore, the teacher please visit the village website or the village Facebook who is credited with starting the tradition. Instead of the page (facebook.com/SuttonVeny), register to receive email normal ceremony involving the children, the school updates or check the signs in the village. If anyone produced an ANZAC themed video, which is available requires any assistance or wishes to volunteer to help, on the school website. This was played to the then please email ([email protected]) congregation of over 130 who gathered via Zoom as part or call me on 841661. the ANZAC church service on Sunday 26th April. Ali Wigham, SV Community Coordinator. Charitable giving is suffering from the effects of our NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/ NEIGHBOURHOOD current crisis and recognising this, at the end of the AWARENESS NETWORK ANZAC service, the Rector encouraged the congregation to make on-line donations in lieu of a collection to the Peter Strangeways, who provides the Newsletter with charity Combat Stress. Donations via the collection on rainfall data, is also behind the village’s Neighbourhood normal Sundays are also being missed. Thanks go to Watch scheme. Peter has told the Newsletter that he those who have maintained their giving by making use of a inherited the coordinating role and ran the regular donation scheme through their banks but for those scheme for many years as a one- who normally make their contribution in church, Brian man-band, supported by a network Long suggests that a bit of Yorkshire comes to of, at one time, 17 street Wiltshire in the form of a diddlum – a jar, appropriately coordinators with ‘patch’ sizes that marked for its purpose (but traditionally used as a varied from 5 to 25 houses. Christmas saving scheme), into which your weekly Unsurprisingly, some coordinators were collection is saved. Brian has even provided a label for more active than others. A combination of coordinators your diddlum, which also has the details needed to make moving away and others simply aging, the ending of the electronic payments if you would rather make use of a Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter and changes to the local modern-day diddlum in the form of a standing order. The policing arrangements, all contributed to the winding back church’s preferred of the formal scheme. regular donation method is via the The emphasis in the past was primarily on security, but the Parish Giving scheme’s mission, ‘To support and enable individuals and Scheme, details of communities to be connected, active and safe, which which can be increases well-being and minimises crime’, is much obtained from the broader. The connection and well-being elements resonate Treasurer, Andrew with the loosely defined aims of the church’s network, Crisp. which seeks to welcome new arrivals and also to alert the Lay Pastoral Assistant (this was Judy Cooper, but now we FRIENDS OF have none) and clergy to those who might need some SUTTON VENY support. This network is also fragile. CHURCH

We are managing, of sorts, in the current crisis through the We continue to live in hope that the current lockdown energies and coronavirus support coordination of Ali restrictions will have been eased sufficiently to allow the Wigham, Revd Trudy Hobson and our churchwarden, Summer Party to go ahead on the morning of Saturday Brian Long. Their networks of volunteers and email 25th July and for Michael Lunts to perform his acclaimed ‘Tickling the Ivories’ concert VILLAGE WALKS: TO HENFORD'S MARSH on Saturday 12th September. Denise Broomfield has provided the Newsletter with the Social distancing restrictions description of another local walk: are going to be very difficult to predict, but hopefully events in People have been saying to me that they have been the open air, like the Summer enjoying my walks so thank you. We are very blessed Party, stand a better chance living in such a beautiful place. than the indoor concert, Here’s another one for you. I didn’t take my tracker when I involving many people from far walked it, but I estimate it to be six miles. The woodland afield. The concert (with drinks tracks can get very muddy so it is a walk for dry weather and canapés) in the church will unless you have a particular love of a quagmire! be a ticketed affair and these will be on sale as soon as we can make a realistic go / no Start at the pub, walk in the direction of to Five go decision. Meanwhile, should social distancing factors Ash Lane. Turn into Five Ash Lane and walk for about a reduce the number of tickets that can be sold, you can mile until the road starts to descend downhill towards the reserve them now by contacting [email protected] or A350. You will see a footpath sign to the right. Take that ringing 01985 840899. A request for payment would follow path but rather than going straight ahead follow the path once the event is confirmed. diagonally the left. Keep on this path as it meanders along for about a mile. You will spot an interesting house in the PARISH COUNCIL REPORT middle of the wood on your right. The path descends past The first virtual meeting of the Parish Council took place on a fenced wood on your right and then bears right and 13th May using the Zoom platform. There were some climbs gradually as it parallels the A36. At the next T technical difficulties most of which were overcome and junction of paths turn left and cross over the A36. eight of the Councillors along with the Clerk were logged At the T junction after the bridge there is an option to turn in. right and complete a shorter loop back to Sutton Veny via In light of the restrictions due to Covid 19, the decision was Eastleigh Wood Lane and the Bishopstrow Road. Turning taken to temporarily suspend full Council meetings, unless left, however, takes you down Eastleigh Wood Lane to the there is urgent business to warrant another Zoom meeting. Wylye River and Henford’s Marsh. Cross the bridge over In the meantime, decisions will be made by a quorum of the river and walk past The Hunter’s Moon, lake and the Chairman, the Vice-Chair and the Clerk. We hope that campsite. this is a very temporary measure and to be able to meet in At the junction with the road turn right and walk around the our usual format soon. bend. After about 200m you will see the car park for May would normally be the month in which we would hold Smallbrook Water Meadows. Turn right and follow the path our Annual Parish Meeting and Annual General Meeting through the water meadows and out the other side where it but these meetings have been suspended on Government joins a small lane. Follow the lane until it joins Boreham advice. However, the Parish Council would still like to Road. Turn right on to Boreham Road and walk to the mini- present the Community Award Cup and has decided on a roundabout where a right turn takes you back through worthy recipient. Not wanting to ruin the surprise, details Bishopstrow to Sutton Veny. will follow, but we are sure that you will approve. One day, the pub will be allowed to open so you can have The Play Area remains closed at the time of meeting, as a glass of something nice and cold. In the meantime, per Government advice. Some of you may have noticed “thank you” Tim and Abbi for the take away meals! however that the overhead beam of the infant swing has broken. We are trying to get this replaced as soon as possible. SUTTON VENY MONTHLY RAINFALL kindly recorded by Peter Strangeways It was noted that some residents have amazing scarecrows displayed in their gardens. The Chairman April rainfall: 68mm suggested that a trail around the village in September April average (9 yrs): 66.6mm would be a nice activity for the village to enjoy. There is the Range: 8.5-180mm possibility of opening up the event in order to raise funds for one of the village organisations if lockdown has by then WATCHING TOO MUCH TELLY? been lifted. Further details to follow. • Television is called a medium because so little of it is rare The Councillors would like to remind residents that the or well done. advice from is to refrain from holding bonfires during the Covid pandemic. There is mounting • Some television is refreshing. You feel really good when evidence that fine particles contained in smoke can cause you wake up. damage to health and aggravate other conditions • I watched a thought-provoking programme on the television last night. The thought it provoked was “Why am The Parish Council as a whole would like to say how I watching this?’. appreciative of it is of the efforts of Ali Wigham and his team during the Covid pandemic. The reassurance to the more vulnerable members of our community that help is WARMINSTER FOOD BANK readily available is invaluable in these unprecedented A huge thank you to all those who have donated to the times. Food Bank. Over the last month Sutton Veny has dropped off just under 80kgs of food which has been much appreciated. It would be wonderful if we could entertain her granddaughters during lockdown. Please contribute the same amount this month. The collection box contact Gill on 840725 if you can help. is in the church porch. If you have food that you would like to donate and THANK YOU can't get to the church, please call Caroline Jackman The Newsletter has been asked to send a huge thank you on 840899 or email ([email protected]) and she to the lady who very gallantly and kindly swept and cleared will arrange a time to come and collect it from your the path between Imby Close/5 Ash Lane and Deverill doorstep. Road. So very thoughtful and lovely for all of us to use.

AYURVEDIC TIPS PHILIP CLARK UPDATE It is undoubtedly an uncertain time for us all but this period Brian Long has provided a report on Philip Clark’s of self-isolation has given us the opportunity to slow down recovery: and turn our attention inwards. Ayurveda is a 5000-year- Philip is now at Cepen Lodge Carehome Chippenham. old holistic philosophy of wellbeing, which helps us to live a He's getting on OK but communication is still very difficult healthy, wholesome and more fulfilling life by bringing the for him and Covid19 means he's either in his room or the mind, body and spirit in balance. Here are a few Ayurvedic garden of the care home. The physio is happy with his tips to help you stay happy and balanced during the lock- progress and we're trying to sort as much speech therapy down: as possible. We FaceTime daily to help him through. He • Cultivate a nourishing morning routine that sets you up was tested for Covid19 a couple of days ago, and for the day. Resist the temptation to look at your phone first thankfully doesn't have it. I took the opportunity to send our thing and try some gentle yoga, stretching or meditation best wishes to him from all in the village. instead. • Drink hot water with a slice of fresh ginger, a squeeze of HELLOS & FAREWELLS & CONGRATULATIONS lemon and a pinch of turmeric to cleanse the system, aid We bid a final farewell to Mike Bone who died on 20th digestion and help boost immunity. April and send condolences to his wife Joyce on her loss. • Stick to simple, freshly cooked foods and take time to enjoy your meals. Try not to eat in front of a screen or We welcome Shelagh Foster (98) who has lived in India whilst distracted. for 85 of those years and now, courtesy of a Foreign & • Aim for bed before 10pm to ensure a deeper sleep and Commonwealth Office repatriation flight from Bangalore, time for the body to rest and repair. has joined her daughter and son-in-law, Caroline & David Hobbs, at Haycombe Hill Farm. PRODUCE STALL We offer rather belated congratulations to John Hamilton, With plenty of time to spare in the garden sowing, weeding who celebrated his 102nd birthday at the end of April. and tending our plants and produce, a table on a Saturday Congratulations too go to Leanne Hier & Nathan Collins morning where we can share our bounty will be welcome. on the birth of their daughter Remi on 28th April. We plan to start in our usual spot on the High SUTTON VENY CHURCH SERVICES Street on Saturday All public worship in church is suspended until further 30th May. notice. However, Sunday worship is being held at 10.30 To avoid any rush, or via Zoom using the following link panic buying, the table https://berkeleypartnership.zoom.us/j/7797567843. will be there all morning. We have no idea how Arrangements are constantly evolving. Visit the Upper this social distancing will Wylye Valley Team website (upperwylyevalleyteam.com) evolve over the coming for the latest details. weeks and months, however, we will be VILLAGE & SURROUNDINGS DIARY setting up a weekly table June where we can put Fri 5 World Environment Day anything we would like Sun 7 Start of Neighbourhood Watch Week to share ... with a box for Mon 15 National Beer Day donations. Sat 13 Queen's Birthday Fruit, vegetables, plants, Sat 20 Midsummer’s Day Sun 21 Father’s Day flowers, eggs, pickles Sun 28 Wallace & Gromit's Wrong Trouser Day (Bristol and jams would all be Children's Hospital Fundraiser) welcome, but at this early stage we may avoid home July baking. In time, a few chairs might appear, at the Sat 25 Friends of Sutton Veny Church Summer Party regulatory two meters apart! Social distancing will be adhered to at all times. NEWSLETTER CONTACT DETAILS & NEXT EDITION WANTED Please send all items for the June Newsletter as well as Does anyone have unwanted Harry Potter toys? Gill Price letters & comments to the co-editors, Richard Jackman & is looking to buy Harry Potter puzzles, Lego or games to Sue Hall, by Fri 19th June latest using the Newsletter email [email protected]