SJ & LE MIDDLE No.107 December 2013 Annual Subscription: £6 Mussel End Farm Meats Traditional Farm Butchers SEVEN TOWERS‛ CHRISTMAS & BENEFICE MAGAZINE NEW YEAR ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN Christmas orders collect by 23rd Dec. New Year orders: we are open on 30th — 9am-12pm.
Mussle End Meats — Your One Stop Butchers Open Saturdays 9:00 am - 4:00 pm or phone Simon or Louise for your weekday orders. All British produce reared on the farm. 01452 730222 / 07774 420420 (mobile) Mussel End Farm, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9NT
Nurseries and Garden Centre for all your gardening needs
DUNDRY TELEFLORIST - Your flowers delivered anywhere
PONDEROSA PET SUPPLIES - Pets and Pet products
“DOVES’ CAFE” - Coffee Shop
Dundry Nurseries ..... Altogether a better place to shop Church of England United Benefice of: Bamfurlong Lane, Cheltenham Twigworth including Longford; Down Hatherley; OPEN 7 DAYS 01452 713124 Norton; The Leigh with Evington; Sandhurst; Staverton with Boddington.
Classic Printing 01452 731539 WHO’S WHO IN THE BENEFICE FIREWOOD FOR SALE Rector: Rev Suzanne Skepper 01452 731994 email: [email protected] Seasoned Ash and Oak split firewood available for Day off — Friday. collection or delivery in 300kg bags or 15kg nets
Associate Ministers: Canon David Godwin 01452 730435 Contact:- Woodsman Matt Shaw 07921 680052 Father David Humphries 01452 529582 Or email:- [email protected] Chris Lane (Reader) 01452 520662 Boddington Estates Ltd, Boddington House Farm. 01242 680609 Seven Towers Benefice online at: www.seventowers.org.uk Churchwardens: Down Hatherley Ann Warriner 01452 730371 Andy Nicol 01452 730025 The Leigh & Evington Mrs Sue Roberts 01242 680835 Vacancy Norton Mr Simon Trapnell 07774 803177 Mrs Jean Smith 01452 730265 Sandhurst Mr Jim Brown 01452 731900 Mr Pat Collins 01452 731567 Staverton with Boddington Mr Edmund McClure 01242 681139 Mr Rob Buckland 01452 713155 Twigworth & Longford Mr Chris Baldwin 01452 534105 Vacancy Enquiries about baptisms, marriages and funerals should be directed to the Rector.
COVER
Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming".
Printed by Classic Printing Ltd. Tel. 01452 731539 2 43
COLIN BARNFATHER IT FROM THE STUDY WINDOW BA CEng MIET MRAeS MCMI “Oh simple things, where have you gone?”
You might recognise these words from the cover of Keane’s 2004 single, Computer Training in Your Own Home ‘Somewhere only we know’. I suspect you will know it more as the One to one instruction and trouble shooting soundtrack, sung by Lilly Allen in the Christmas advert for John Lewis.
The advert tells the story of Bear and his faithful friend Hare. Bear has 01242 680877 www.colinbarnfather.co.uk never experienced Christmas because as soon as the first snowflakes fall indicating winter is coming, Bear makes his way back to his den, in order
to hibernate. Hare is sad that Bear will miss Christmas and decides to give his friend a gift, an A company that’s at the very alarm clock, which wakes Bear up and so, we are all Heart of the community. delighted to see Bear appearing over the horizon — amazed, eyes wide opened, witnessing Christmas The Robert Hitchins Group for the first time and all because his faithful friend gave him a present. Boddington Manor, Cheltenham 680694 The marketing director of John Lewis said, “We wanted our advert to reflect the importance of finding the right gift for friends and family”. And of course John Lewis will be the place to find the right gift no doubt! A heart warming animation that cost some £7 million and was a move by the retailer according to John Lewis’ chief executive Andy Street, to ‘Position itself as owning Christmas in the UK.” I have to say without “CHRIST” you would have no Christmas. I think God has the monopoly on Christmas! As you think about the right gift for your family members and friends this Christmas, you might want to consider - young and old alike - ‘THE GIFT’ God gave us, in his son, Jesus Christ. God came down to us to show us how much we are loved and that he is with us, no matter where or what HATHAWAY circumstances we may find ourselves in this Christmas - it’s that simple! FURNITURE May we, like Bear, see CHRISTMAS this year with new eyes, opened to ‘THE GIFT.’ BESPOKE FURNITURE & JOINERY “Oh simple things, where have you gone?” 01452 857857 Wishing you all a Blessed and ‘Eye opening’ Christmas and peaceful New www.hathawayfurniture.co.uk Year,
Suzanne
42 3 PRAYER DIARY — DECEMBER MAGAZINE TEAM
Editor Mr Mike Dill 01452 730767 [email protected] Advertisements Mrs Margaret Brind 01452 730744 [email protected] Correspondents Sunday 1 People living in Longford Down Hatherley Mrs Helen Nicol 01452 730025 Monday 2 Our church treasurers The Leigh Mrs Pat Arkell 01242 680262 Tuesday 3 Churches in the Severn Vale Deanery Norton Mrs June Hipwood 01452 730425 Wednesday 4 Work of Aid agencies in the Philippines Sandhurst Mrs Caroline Watson 01452 730207 Twigworth Mrs Margaret Riddick 01452 730700 Thursday 5 Diocese of Vasteras - Sweden Staverton Mr David Bound 01242 680692 Friday 6 Those ill in hospital or housebound
Saturday 7 Those attending the men's and ladies' breakfasts Sunday 8 People living in The Leigh LOCAL CONTACTS Monday 9 Members of the Ministry team Clerks to the Parish Councils: Tuesday 10 Staff, children and governors at Norton School Boddington Mrs Diane Hughes Wednesday 11 Our bell ringers The Leigh Miss Kate Tilling 01242 680089 Thursday 12 Diocese of Gloucester ([email protected]) Friday 13 Bishops Michael and Martyn Down Hatherley Mr David Bayley 01452 501796 Saturday 14 Those preparing to lead worship and preach tomorrow Longford Mr Paul Ounsworth 01452 526495 Sunday 15 People living in Norton Norton Mr David Cooper 01452 537831 Monday 16 Our Rector Sandhurst Mr David Cooper 01452 537831
Tuesday 17 Charities working with the homeless 07766004001 Wednesday 18 Those who clean and tend our church buildings Staverton Mr Paul Ounsworth 01452 526495 Thursday 19 Diocese of Western Tanganyika Twigworth Mr David Bayley 01452 501796 Friday 20 The work of Shelter Local History Group Mr Denis King 01452 730773 Saturday 21 Those preparing to lead worship and preach tomorrow Longford Flower Club Mrs June West 01452 525121 Sunday 22 People living in Staverton Norton Mother & Toddlers Group Katy Bailey 07747728475 Monday 23 Our assistant clergy and reader Norton W.I. Mrs Josie Wragg 01242 680235 Tuesday 24 Those who are lonely Sandhurst WI Celia Poffley 01452 739487 Wednesday 25 Families everywhere and the joy of new birth Scottish Dancing Class Mrs Joan Leyfield 01452 730926 Thursday 26 Diocese of El Camino Real - USA Mrs Pam Parkes 01452 730592 Friday 27 The work of the Children's Society Traidcraft Goods Sarah Sharpley 01452 739179 Saturday 28 Those preparing to lead worship and preach tomorrow Ellie Stevenson 01452 739142 Sunday 29 People living in Boddington and Barrow UB Youth Club Alison Moseley 07759 458494 Monday 30 Our church secretaries Wainlode Quilters Mrs Tilly Page 01452 730046 Mrs Hazel Goad 01452 730360 Tuesday 31 Peace and reconciliation
4 41 DECEMBER Readings to 29th December 2013: Year A Sunday 1st December Purple Sunday 1st December Advent Sunday First Reading Isaiah 2: 1—5 Sandhurst Advent Carols / 6:00 pm Chris Lane Evening Prayer Gospel Matthew 24: 36—44 Twigworth Morning Prayer 10:30 am Team Psalm 122 Down Hatherley Holy Communion 9:30 am Canon David Sunday 8th December Purple Advent 2 Norton Holy Communion 11:00 am Fr David
First Reading Isaiah 11: 1—10 The Leigh Evening Prayer 6:00 pm Team Gospel Matthew 3: 1—12 Staverton Holy Communion 9:30 am Rev Suzanne
Psalm 72: 1—7, 18, 19 Boddington No Service Sunday 15th December Purple Advent 3 7 Ladies’ Breakfast Group (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 11) First Reading Isaiah 35: 1—10 7 Men’s Breakfast Club (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 10) Gospel Matthew 11: 2—11 7 Norton School Christmas Fayre (See EVENTS Page: 20) 7 Norton RFC (H) Cainscross 3pm Psalm 146: 4—10 Sunday 22nd December Purple Advent 4 Sunday 8th December Advent 2 First Reading Isaiah 7: 10—16 Sandhurst Holy Communion 9:30 am Rev Suzanne
Gospel Matthew 1: 18—25 Twigworth Holy Communion 11:00 am Rev Suzanne Down Hatherley Evening Prayer 6:30 pm Team Psalm 80: 1—8, 18—20 Norton Morning Prayer 9:30 am Team Tuesday 24th December White Christmas Eve The Leigh Holy Communion 9:30 am Fr David First Reading Isaiah 9: 2—7 Staverton Morning Prayer 10:00 am Chris Lane
Gospel Luke 2: 1—14 Boddington No Service
Wednesday 25th December White Christmas Day 9 Longford Flower Club Charity Evening (See EVENTS Page: 26) First Reading Isaiah 52: 7—10 10 Sandhurst Table Tennis Social (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 15) Gospel John 1: 1—14 11 Sandhurst WI (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 11) Sunday 29th December White Christmas 1 12 Norton WI (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 11) First Reading Isaiah 63: 7—9 12 Evening Home Group (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 11) Gospel Matthew 2: 13—23 13 Tewkesbury Chamber Choir Concert in Boddington Manor (See EVENTS Page: 18)
13 Gloucester Brass Band at Down Hatherley (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 17) 40 5 DECEMBER AIRPORT TRANSFERS
14 Norton RFC (A) Hardwicke & Quedgeley 3 pm Private Hire 14 Longford Christmas Bingo Hatherley (See AROUND THE By Richard Theyer
PARISHES Page: 14) WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW PLAYERS FOR 2013 Airport, Seaport & Rail Stations
Sunday 15th December Advent 3 SENIOR TEAMS JUNIOR TEAMS Quotes given for all UK SATURDAY 1ST XI UNDER 15’S Sandhurst Family Service 9:30 am Team destinations SATURDAY 2ND XI UNDER 13’S Twigworth Carol Service 10:30 am Chris Lane SUNDAY 1ST XI Climate controlled clean vehicles
Down Hatherley Holy Communion 9:30 am Rev Suzanne MID WEEK XI
PLAYERS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITY ARE From 1 to 8 passengers Norton Holy Communion 9:30 am Canon David WELCOME TO COME ALONG, HAVE SOME Fully Licensed Insured The Leigh Evening Prayer 6:00 pm Rev Suzanne FUN AND JOIN A FRIENDLY CRICKET CLUB. & C.R.B. checked Staverton No Service FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE COME AND Seven days a week by appointment Boddington Holy Communion 11:00 am Fr David VISIT US AT WOOD LANE, DOWN HATHERLEY or tel: 01242 680766 18 Police: Keeping in Touch: The Leigh 18:00—18:30 CONTACT US THROUGH OUR WEBSITE: WWW.DOWNHATHERLEYCC.COM 18 Afternoon Home Group (See MONTHLY MEETINGS Page: 11) mob: 07970 966 801 21 ‘The Snow Queen’ at Sandhurst Village Hall (See AROUND THE PARISHES Page: 16) Michael Kelsall HND Hort/Arb, BSc Land Man
Sunday 22nd December Advent 4 Ammonite
Paving &Landscaping Sandhurst Carol Service 6:00 pm Chris Lane
Twigworth Holy Communion 11:00 am Rev Suzanne All aspects of :- Landscaping, Design & Construction, Fencing Down Hatherley Carol Service 6:30 pm Rev Suzanne Patios, Driveways, Arbours, Planting Norton Carol Service 4:00 pm Canon David - Also All Types of Tree work, Felling The Leigh Holy Communion (Said) 8:30 am Fr David Pruning, Removal & Hedge Cutting. Staverton No Service Fully Insured Boddington Carol Service 6:30 pm Canon David Friendly Advice & Free Quotation from qualified professionals Tuesday 24th December Christmas Eve
Sandhurst Christingle Service 4:00 pm Rev Suzanne 01242 680922—Mobile 07703 826396
Twigworth Midnight Mass 11:15 pm Rev Suzanne Tod Cottage, The Leigh, GL19 4AG
(Whole Benefice) www.ammonitepavingandlandscaping.co.uk The Leigh Carol Service 6:00 pm Rev Suzanne / Chris Lane
6 39 HAY & STRAW FOR SALE DECEMBER
WALLSWORTH FARM, SANDHURST, GLOS GOOD QUALITY SMALL BALES Wednesday 25th December Christmas Day Call at the farm, one mile from the A38 Tewkesbury Road Delivery Available Sandhurst Holy Communion 9:30 am Canon David
For more details call Alan on: 01452 739299 or 07790 815251 Down Hatherley Holy Communion 9:30 am Fr David
Norton Holy Communion 10:30 am Rev Suzanne
Rob Bingham Total Gas Services Staverton Holy Communion 9:00 am Rev Suzanne
Services & Breakdown Engineer Installation Natural Gas, L.P.G. & Oil Sunday 29th December First Sunday after Christmas Reg. No The Leigh Benefice Service 9:30 am Rev Suzanne Boilers, Water Heaters, Cookers & Gas Fires. 215095 Holy Communion — Landlord Certificates Tel No. 01452 387278 Mobile. 07789872650 January 2014 etc.
4 Norton RFC (H) Minchinhampton 3 pm 1st CHOICE AERIALS & SATELLITES 25 Norton RFC (A) Old Elizabethans 3 pm Aerial Upgrades - Extra Points - Repair work - Storm Damage All Work guaranteed - Freeview Set Top Boxes Five Facts You May Not Know About Christmas Christmas Day is almost certainly not the day that Jesus was born. December 25 was Call 01452 311511 proclaimed the official celebration date by Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, in 350AD. The tallest Christmas tree ever put on display, according to Guinness World Records, 69 Sandyleaze, Longlevens, Gloucester was put up outside the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington in 1950. The Douglas fir tree was a whopping 221 feet tall. According to tradition, Martin Luther was the first person to decorate a Christmas Painting and Decorating tree. The Protestant reformer, who lived from 1483 to 1546, got the idea after seeing stars shining through the branches of a fir tree. He was apparently so moved by the Quality Internal & External Decorating beauty of the sight that he brought home an evergreen tree and decorated it with can- dles to share the image with his children. General Handyman & Property Maintenance The first Christmas card was created by British illustrator John Callcott Horsley in 1843. He had been commissioned to design it by Henry Cole, who found he was too Free Estimates – DULUX approved busy to write to his friends.
Delivering presents to every child in the world takes plenty of logistics but Father Colin Crosby-Moorton – 25 years Experience Christmas would not quite have to travel at the speed of light to manage it. Scientists have calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the Phone: 01452 864029 Mobile 07958 059011 world's presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at a staggering 650 miles a second.
38 7 FROM THE REGISTERS
BAPTISM
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 28:19)
Tayah Mulan Smith 20 October St. Mary & Corpus Christi, Down Hatherley
Millie Louise 3 November St. Mary & Corpus Christi, Bostock Down Hatherley
Frank Robert 3 November St. Mary & Corpus Christi, Rennie Light Down Hatherley
Kaiden Lee Major 17 November St. Mary’s, Norton
Tommy Probert 17 November St. Matthew’s, Twigworth Gloucester Academy of Music
William Ellis Jones 24 November St. Mary’s, Norton Music Tuition & Group Sessions
Logan Kade 24 November St. Mary’s, Norton For all ages, pre school to post retirement Term-time & exciting Holiday Courses Ferguson www.gamusic.co.uk 01452 385162 [email protected] FUNERALS “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25)
Keith Edwin Lyons D. 15 October 84 St. Lawrence’s, Sandhurst
Philip Preen D. 19 October 66 St. Catherine’s, Staverton LPG and natural Gas, Corgi and Gassafe registered Engineer Free quotations, fully insured, guaranteed workmanship. Duncan Ritchie D. 20 October 77 St. Lawrence’s, Sandhurst 08450 507591 local rate call 07809 201125 mobile Macnair 08450 507592 fax line.
8 37 TOVEY TREE & GARDEN SERVICES MONTHLY MEETINGS ROUND UP FULLY INSURED & QUALIFIED Parish Council Meetings: Tree felling/thinning/reduction Hedge trimming, fruit tree pruning, grass cutting Twigworth: Meetings held on a Thursday at 7:00pm in St. Matthew’s vestry. Weed killing, pressure washing, garden clearance (Door at left side of church) Call 07506070653 2014: Jan 9; Mar 6; May 8 (AGM); July 3; Sept 4; Nov 6 Email [email protected] Members of the public and press are cordially invited to attend. There is a chance for public participation at the beginning and at the end of every meeting. ~ Milk ~ Fruit Juice ~ Eggs ~ Cream ~ Bread ~
M C HALE (Dairyman) Down Hatherley: Meetings held on a Wednesday in the village hall at 7:00pm. Est 1961 Members of the public and press are cordially invited to attend. Doorstep Deliveries There is a chance for public participation at the beginning and at the end of every meeting. Phone 01452 730067 email:[email protected] Text 07919 131 952 Dec 4 www.mchaledairyman.co.uk 2014: Jan 15; mar 5; April 16 (APM); May 21 (AGM)
Sandhurst: Meetings are held in Sandhurst Village Hall, starting at 7:30 pm on the first Monday of each month (unless this is a Bank Holi- day). All parishioners are invited to attend. The Leigh: Meetings have now been altered so that there are 4 planned meetings a year, one of those will be the Annual General Meet ing each May where Councillor Officers are appointed to Parish Council roles. Meetings are held in St Catherine’s Church, on a Wednesday at 7.30pm. All parishioners are encouraged to attend.
2014: Feb 12 ; May 14 (AGM) Longford: Meetings are held in Longford Village Hall, first Tuesday of the month, starting at 7:30 pm. All residents are invited. CLEEVELY MEMORIALS Norton: Meetings are held in the Village Hall committee room starting Specialists in Finest Quality Individual Memorials at 7.30pm. All parishioners are welcome to attend. in Stone, Granite, Marble & Slate 2014: Jan 8 . Friendly family business established in 1992 Staverton: Large Showroom with over 60 memorials on show Boddington: The Council meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every other Unit 5b, 83 Prestbury Road, Cheltenham, GL52 2DR month at the Cheltenham West Community Fire Station at Contact Caroline on 01242 236236 Uckington.
36 9 MONTHLY MEETINGS ROUND UP CHRIS’S CORNER
LONGFORD FLOWER CLUB Where did that month go? Quite extraordinary one day we were basking in kind autumn sunshine and then, suddenly it was murky, damp and so much 9th Dec LONGFORD cooler. There was a flash of brilliance as trees changed outfits, dumping their summer garb for vibrant autumn collections. It was a joy to drive through the golden valley, so aptly named at FLOWER CLUB this time. I have been on cleaning up duties over the last few days. As usual at this time of CHRISTMAS the year there is much to do. The compost heaps are once again piled high, with clippings, CHARITY EVENING discarded summer bedding and the shattered carcasses of tender vegetable plants and leaves. I have tramped up and down the winter (See EVENTS Page: 22 ) vegetable to firm in those loosened by the buffeting winds and have stretched out a little more netting across sprouts to deter the pigeons. It is funny to see them in a line across the fence first thing in the morning, MEN’S BREAKFAST CLUB reassessing the challenge and searching for defensive weakness. I am, How do you fancy a cooked breakfast!? Well, we have a sadly also noting quite a bit of rodent activity, with mice in particular being monthly gathering of men for conversation and to have very busy. They spotted my first over wintering broad bean seed within breakfast. We meet on the first Saturday on each month, hours I think. I am setting up some spares in a large pot and will just starting at 8:30am and finishing by 10:00am. If you’re able transplant in the spring. I will use John Innes compost, which will sit heavy to make a donation to help cover costs that would be and is less fun for mice to scratch in. I am going to try and get some good (but not essential!). grease on to a couple of fruit trees in the next day or so too. There was Our next gathering will be at the home of Andy Warren — quite a bit insect damage this time on the fruit and although it is late, this Bengrove Farm, Sandhurst — on 7th December. So that we can order the right amount of sausages, please let exercise will still have some worth (and it is cheap enough to do). I have Andy know if you’re coming! (Tel: 01452 730231). just taken delivery of some bare root hedging. I brought quite a bit of Hazel this time. I so want to grow my own bean sticks and Hazel will stand heavy pruning and make very straight poles inside of a couple of years. SANDHURST COFFEE MORNINGS The Orchard Knitting Club We meet every Thursday from Bean sticks were part of my childhood, bamboo canes were just used for In Sandhurst Village Hall on 2nd 10:15 till 12:15 in the Coffee sword fighting. I will be battening down for Christmas then, topping up the Monday of the month at 10:30am: Shop at Nature in Art, heater, sticking a few more tender bits into cover and withdrawing to 9 Dec. Walsworth Hall. New members ponder the delights of new seed lists and dare I say potatoes. 2014: Jan 13; Feb 10; March always welcome regardless of And finally, thank you all for your kindness and interest. I wish you a happy 10; April 14; May 12; June 9; ability. Bring your own projects or time. There is a new season coming soon. July 14; Aug 11; Sept 8; Oct help with knitting for charity. For more details contact Mavis Happy Gardening 13; Nov 10; Dec 8. on 07974033428.
10 35 MONTHLY MEETINGS’ ROUND UP
LADIES’ BREAKFAST GROUP The Ladies’ Breakfast group will meet again on 7th December from 8:30am - 10:00am at the home of Mary Limbrick. More ladies are always welcome and if you’d like to come, please contact Mary on 01452 731257. If you’re able to make a donation to help cover costs that would be good (but not essential!).
NORTON WI SANDHURST WI New members and Meeting at 7:30pm on 11th visitors always wel- December, the speaker for come. There will be the evening, Kevan Manwaring, a ‘Members’ Evening’. will be giving a talk entitled At the meeting on ’Turning the Wheel—Seasonal 12th December at Customs’ New members and 7:30pm. visitors always welcome.
Home Groups We have two home groups which meet for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. The afternoon group will meet at the home of the Godwin’s on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 3 pm. This month’s meeting will therefore be on Wednesday 18th December. The evening group will next meet on Thursday 12th December at 7.30 pm at the Rectory.
A new editor for the Benefice magazine to take over in the Spring of 2014. Interested? Want to find out more? Contact: Mike Dill on 01452 730767 or email: [email protected]
34 11 EVENTS COLIN’S COMPUTER COLUMN
4G If you have an aviation background, 4G might
mean to you an acceleration of four times that due to gravity, but if you are in the communications business you are more likely to think of 4G as an abbreviation for Fourth Generation Mobile Phone System. Many of us can remember life before mobile phones came along, although young people would probably comment that it wasn't really life at all, just existence. Furthermore, many schoolchildren might describe the simple, cheap (and thus unlikely-to-be-stolen) phone they might be given to underpin school travel arrangements as a "rubbish phone". "What no email, no camera, no Facebook, no YouTube?!". Whilst many of us might be content if the mobile phone companies concentrated on improving coverage, especially in hilly rural terrain, the companies are very much aware of the appeal of fast broadband via their system without the constraint of having to be a householder with a landline phone connection. And there are those CENTRAL MOBILE LIBRARY with slow landline broadband speeds (say, less than 2 Mbps) who might be tempted by the prospect of, say, 20 Mbps via 4G mobile in an area of good As part of the new Library Strategy there have been changes to the mobile coverage. library service. Routes F and H no longer exist and so there will be no visits to Sandhurst, Norton and Staverton. The only remaining visit on ‘our patch’ will be Until recently, it was probably fair to say that mobile broadband was at The Swan, Coombe Hill. patchy, slow and expensive. But now that the companies have started to Village Stop Name Time roll out 4G (including Pay As You Go 4G by O2) and with coverage slowly improving, I was interested to read recently the experiences of a family Coombe Hill The Swan 14.55 — 16.55 who were moving house and decided to test whether 4G would meet all the Dates: 18th December needs of their several computers and frequent data downloads. They found that performance was very good for most purposes and even handled high FEEDBACK definition films, but, as usual, cost was the main concern. Prices, although falling, go up sharply with increased use of data. There's also the concern Sandhurst Coffee Mornings that if more people used 4G, performance might take time and investment to catch up with increased use of data. The organisers would like to thank all those who supported the coffee mornings during 2013. We So perhaps "wait and see" for the present? wish you a ‘Very Merry Christmas’ and look One feels intuitively that in the future, in hilly, under populated areas forward to seeing you again through 2014. it has to become cost effective to put transmitters on masts (or satellites or even balloons) than to dig up the countryside.
12 33 VILLAGE & COMMUNITY AGENT REPORT FEEDBACK
Hello, my name is Ann Vaughan and I am the new Village Agent DOWN HATHERLEY GIFT DAY for Apperley (with Deerhurst), Ashleworth, Chaceley, Forthampton, Hasfield, Maisemore, Sandhurst and Tirley. raised in excess of I may already have met some of you or you may have read about me in a local publication. I only have 10hrs per week to cover all the parishes but I have been doing my best to visit as many lunch clubs and groups as possible, in order to make myself known to as many people as I can. I am really looking forward to this new role and I would like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome!
A lot of people have been complaining about the amount of unwanted mail they are currently receiving and would like to know how to get it stopped. I hope the following information will be useful:- Thanks to all who contributed and also to those who How to stop Unwanted Mail supported the churchyard working party. MPS (Mailing Preference Service) is a free service, available to UK residential addresses, which enables consumers to have their individual names and addresses removed from unsolicited mailing lists. (this is mail you haven’t requested) INFORMATION You can either register on line at : www.mpsonline.org.uk or call 0845 703 4599 (this is an automated line) or alternatively write to MPS, Freepost 29, Lon 20771, London, WIE 0ZT. You need to provide the details for each person in the household that wishes to have NeighbourhoodWatch Alerts their details removed. (Title, Full Forename, Surname and Full Address) There are a number of neighbourhood watch areas in the Benefice and you To opt out of receiving Yellow Pages phone 0800 671 444 may therefore be aware of some of the recent warnings, in or near our area. To opt out of receiving Thomson Local Directories phone 01252 555 555 There have been a variety of thefts or attempted thefts and it does appear that a number of them could have been avoided with simple precautions. In To opt out of receiving BT Telephone Directories phone 0800 800 150 some cases, items were taken from unsecured cars and via unsecured back or To stop receiving unaddressed mail delivered by Royal Mail front doors of properties. With the Christmas present season now close, it Send your name and address to:- creates another opportunity for an additional general reminder to encourage everyone to be vigilant and to keep doors, windows, cars and sheds firmly Freepost RRBT-ZBXB-TTTS, Royal Mail Door to Door Opt Outs, Kingsmead House locked when you are not around. Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1RX The Gloucestershire Constabulary NON EMERGENCY number is 101. This Email: [email protected] (Please note that election material is not affected by this switchboard is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. opt out) If police attendance is needed - If you wish to report a crime - If you have previously requested information and you no longer wish to receive it eg If you see something suspicious - DIAL 101 Charity donations If you would like some free crime prevention advice also You need to contact the mailer and request that you be removed from their mailing list. dial 101 to arrange for a PCSO to attend. (Please note this can take a month or two to take effect) if this request is unsuccessful, If there is a crime in progress - If a crime is likely to occur - If someone is you need to contact The Information Commissioners Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF or telephone 0303 123 1113, who may take the matter up injured - or if life is threatened. on your behalf. Then phone the emergency number - DIAL 999
My contact details are mob: 0753 406 4169 or email [email protected]. In everyone’s interest - Keep Watching
I can visit you at home or just have a conversation over the phone. and Merry Christmas! 32 13 AROUND THE PARISHES — LONGFORD Trevor Humphris TJH Contracting Ltd
Established 28 years HO...HO...HO...IT’S CHRISTMAS BINGO Operated plant hire for:- Flood Defence/Barriers Meet our Santa Caller Ditches, Drains, Ponds. Demolition, Reclamation Foundations Concreting LONGFORD VILLAGE HALL Tree / Hedge cutting. Garden Clearance.
on 14th December 2013 Starting 7.00 pm prompt 1.5 — 14 Tonne Excavators 1/4 — 12 Tonne Dumpers Loading Shovel, Tractors STRICTLY BY TICKET ENTRY ONLY Contact Trevor or Liz : £5 Adults - £4 Children (under16) Tel : 01452 730155 Mobile : 07836 758080 By Quote or on Day Work This will include a Delicious Buffet & 10 Free Bingo tickets www.tjhcontracting.co.uk
THERE WILL BE FANTASTIC PRIZES TO BE WON FOR BOTH LINE AND FULL HOUSE!!! Including a MASSIVE CHRISTMAS HAMPER - Meat Vouchers - Wines - Tins of Chocolates- A selection of Restaurant and Takeaway Meals for Two all Donated by the Long- ford Village Hall and Local Businesses.
There will also be a GREAT selection of Raffle Prizes.
For Tickets and to book your table early please telephone: Steve Ashmead on Glos 558284 or Lynn Gough on Glos 731765
Please remember to bring your own drinks & glasses and for cater- ing purposes please book your tickets early because this year entry is by ticket only. Don’t MISS OUT bring your family & friends along and have some great fun.
14 31 Wired Electrical AROUND THE PARISHES — NORTON
All aspects of electrical work covered, no job too small or too large It has been brought to the attention Fully insured and Part P registered - Over 10 years experience of Norton Parish Council that 24 hour call out residents are having to clear up bags 10% discount on presentation of this ad of dog faeces left on the footpaths Please contact Simon Berry and in hedgerows, presumably by dog on 07534 925685 walkers. Norton is a lovely area to walk in and Shiny Bright Cleaning Ltd it is unfortunate that some of those Experienced domestic cleaning service who walk their dogs around the
Weekly cleans, Deep cleans, Spring cleans village do not seem to respect this. The Parish Council would appeal to all dog walkers to ensure that Interior and exterior window cleaning Solar Panel cleaning you clean up after your dog and if there is not a suitable Gutters cleared, fascias, & soffits cleaned receptacle close by, please take the bag with you until it can be Moving in and out House Clean properly disposed of. Thank you. A friendly local firm - Contact Jan 01452 731895 or 07894 058792 AROUND THE PARISHES — SANDHURST
Calling all table tennis fans in Sandhurst House of Robinson SOFT FURNISHINGS AND DESIGN
PROPRIETOR: - Mrs Sallyann Rolfe
26 LEWIS AVENUE, LONGFORD, GLOUCESTER, GL2 9BQ 07721 768577 01452 305381
www.houseofrobinson.co.uk Soft furnishings individually designed to suit your lifestyle and budget, Sandhurst Table Tennis Club invites anyone in Sandhurst inter- from simple roman blinds to intricately designed curtains, expertly made to measure soft furnishings, from your fabric or our own. ested in table tennis to come to their second open evening at the
● Handmade curtains ● Roman blinds ● Swags & Tails village hall on Tuesday 10th December from 7:15pm onwards. The ● Pelmets ● Bedspreads ● Loose Covers object is to play, chat, or just watch and have a cup of tea/coffee. We offer a consultation service in the comfort of your own home, Contact: with a wide choice of fabrics, trimmings, curtain poles and rails. Norman Saunders (01452 730208) for further information.
30 15 AROUND THE PARISHES — SANDHURST JOHN HARTLAND
FIREWOOD LOGS & KINDLING
A Christmas Performance Delivered – small and large loads
07811 340975 or 01684 275859 www.glosfirewood.co.uk Mobile firewood processing unit, log splitting service and tractor hedge-trimming
The Snow Queen Rain or Shine Theatre Company is proud to present this Christmas, an enchanting tale of friendship and adventure based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story; sure to delight and enchant the whole family.
Sandhurst Village Hall Saturday 21st December
Doors open: 7.00pm for 7.30pm performance
Adults: £10 Children: £6
Tel: 01452 739031 for tickets
16 29 Fearn Fitness Personal Training *One to One Personal Training *Small Group Training * Dietary Advice & Weight Loss
Try our Starter Package ‘Wishing you a Merry Christmas’ 6 weeks Personal Training just £99 The Seven Towers’ Magazine Team (3 small group training sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks) Applicable to new clients only AROUND THE PARISHES — DOWN HATHERLEY
See our website for news, information, & special offers. GLOUCESTER BRASS BAND CONCERT Unit C10, Innsworth Technology Park, Innsworth Lane, Down Hatherley Church Gloucester, GL3 1DL. Free parking available Friday 13 December 7:30 pm.
Tickets remain at £9 to include buffet supper and first Contact Debbie : - Tel: 07729 271568 drink and will be available from: Helen (01452 730025) or Ann (01452 730371). [email protected] www.fearnfitness.co.uk
Fitness for the over 50s Would you like to feel fitter, have more energy, ease arthritic joints, improve your flexibility, mobility and balance and have fun? Why not make it your New Year resolution and come along to the ForEver Young Fitness Group at St Peters Social Club, London Road, Gloucester. Every Tuesday 10.30 – 11.30am *£4 per person *parking available Call Debbie on 07729 271568
28 17 EVENTS Dear Parishioner, When we suffer from ill health we do so in 1 of 2 ways: You are invited to a 1. acute illness which can lay us quickly low, though the worse is often over within a week or so if our immunity is strong enough, and winter flu is an example of this CHRISTMAS 2. chronic illness which gradually reduces our quality of life and can sometimes seem like a life sentence if help to overcome this problem is difficult to find and arthritis highlights this type of illness CONCERT Whatever label is applied, each illness has the capacity to affect us all differently on mental, emotional and physical levels with the recovery ability indicating each at Boddington Manor individual’s susceptibility and level of immunity. For these reasons the medicine we choose needs to take account of our unique response to illness and since the 18th century Homeopathy has been the medicine of ON FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER AT 7.30 P.M. choice for individuals worldwide who seek a non-toxic & holistic approach to health with improvement, making it is the 2nd most popular medicine in the world. This was unknown to me until 14 years ago when a well prescribed homeopathic remedy removed my young son’s intolerance to chlorine and later when I developed a cat Tewkesbury Chamber Choir allergy, again homeopathy proved its ability to remove this worrying problem and we
4 have had two cats since! I successfully turned to homeopathy again when menopause occurred and these outcomes impressed me so much that I subsequently completed 4 Tickets £5 Available from: years of training to become a fully licensed Homeopath and I now operate from my Christine Hitchins (01242 680694). clinic in Coombe Hill offering Homeopathy to all who seek its help. If you would like to sample free the help Homeopathy can offer please ring me to make an appointment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Mince Pies & Raffle Warm regards,
Lynne Shrubb, LHC, MARH, RHom (Boddington Manor GL51 0TJ Tel: 01242 680832 is off the A4019 road from [email protected] /www.healthyfutures4you.co.uk Coombe Hill to Cheltenham)
COUNTRY KENNELS & CATTERY We do hope that you Church Farm, Church Lane, Priors Norton, GL2 9LS will be able to join us! A family run kennels offering knowledgeable and caring service Proceeds to Staverton and Boddington Parish Churches and The for your four-legged family member Diocese of Gloucester in respect of a severe shortfall in funding Comfortable heated accommodation, daily walks & exercise given for the provision of ministry. Telephone: 01452 730682 or 07806506513
18 27 EVENTS EVENTS NATURE IN ART LONGFORD FLOWER CLUB invite you to their ‘Birds of Gloucestershire’ CHRISTMAS CHARITY EVENING
with demonstrations by Laura Leong Longford Village Hall Monday 9th December @ 7:30 pm Tickets: £7.50 (to include light refreshments) from: Carol Robinson: 01452 730358
Until 15th December In aid of: An exhibition of 120 original artworks celebrating the The Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court
MAGAZINE COPY ‘Contemporary Arts’ PLEASE NOTE: Until 22nd December This new exhibition will EARLIER THAN USUAL COPY DATE showcase artwork produced by British craftsmen and Next month’s copy date: women, many of whom are For inclusion in the January 2013 edition of the local to Gloucestershire, magazine, copy should reach parish correspondents by and who all find inspiration in nature. 12th December or be sent directly to Mike Dill by the 13th December.
26 19 EVENTS INFORMATION
If your food waste is missed 25 to 27 December:
The next collection will be the following week and a day later than usual: Wednesday 2 January to Saturday 5 January. Residents are advised to use compostable liners or newspaper to double wrap food waste, keep the outdoor caddy lid shut and use the handle to lock it. Uncooked fruit and vegetable waste (stalks, peeling, seeds etc.) can be home composted. A limited number of food waste liners are available to give to residents to double wrap their food waste. See below for more details.
If your garden waste is missed 25 to 27 December:
The next collection will be the following fortnight. Garden waste at this time of the year is exceptionally low. Real Christmas trees can be put out alongside (or small ones inside) the garden waste bins.
EVENTS
As Christmas is a time for giving we turn our thoughts to the children who would struggle to find a pencil to write a letter to Santa. At our carol services this year we ask you to bring a small gift of pencils, crayons or pens to be taken to Kenya and Thailand to three schools we have a personal contact with. These will be taken to these schools in 2014, the last collection we did amounted to just over 1000 items. If you are unable to attend a carol service please give your gift to a PCC member or leave in church. Many thanks Sue Roberts
20 25 INFORMATION INFORMATION
TBC refuse, recycling, food and garden waste collection: Christmas holiday schedule:
Normal collection day Christmas collection changes
Monday 23 December 2013 Monday 23 December 2013
Tuesday 24 December 2013 Tuesday 24 December 2013
Wednesday 25 December 2013 No collection
Thursday 26 December 2013 No collection
Friday 27 December 2013 No collection
Monday 30 December 2013 Monday 30 December 2013
Tuesday 31 December 2013 Tuesday 31 December 2013
Wednesday1 January 2014 Thursday 2 January 2014
Thursday 2 January 2014 Friday 3 January 2014
Friday 3 January 2014 Saturday4 January 2014
If your green bin is missed 25 to 27 December:
Residents can put out extra bags of refuse but only on the next collection (Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 January). The crews will be instructed to take this side waste from households. Please recycle as much as possible as this will reduce the quantity of refuse in the green bin. If residents wish, additional waste can be taken to the household recycling centres (near Stoke Orchard or Hempstead); they are only closed Christmas Day and News Year’s day.
If your blue bin is missed 25 to 27 December:
Residents can put out extra recycling the following fortnight on the next collection day (Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 January) either in special blue bags (see below) or in a suitable container such as a recycling box. The crews will be instructed to take extra recycling from households. There are also recycling banks in the area and also the household recycling centres. More information here:www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/recycling.
24 21 INFORMATION INFORMATION NHS 111 in Gloucestershire
The NHS 111 Service is now available in Gloucestershire.
This three-digit number gives patients access to advice and local NHS healthcare services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobiles are free.
NHS 111 gets you through to a team of fully trained call advisers, who are supported by experienced clinicians.
They will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you to the right local service. If they think you need an ambulance, they will send one immediately.
You should call NHS 111 if:
You need medical help fast, but it is not a 999 life threatening emergency
You don’t know who to call for medical help; or
You don’t think it can wait for an appointment with your GP (or if you don’t have one).
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