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Issue No.74 March - May 2017 in Putley Blossomtime & Aylton A word from Sunday 30th April and Monday 1st May the Editor by Julie Crompton Just like spring, this latest edition of the programme and the glories of some of Putley Press is bursting at the seams with Putley’s gardens, open for all to enjoy on local ‘colour’ and information. one very special day in the villiage. There is so much to look forward to at this To have such a vibrant local scene is a real time of year. Colourful flowers are starting blessing. A great excuse to get out and to poke through the soil and the bursting of about, meet your neighbours and wallow in the blossom is so tantelisingly close. When this beautiful place we all call home. the sun appears, we can just about feel its warmth making a difference to the air Copy deadline for June Issue: around us - Summer is on its way! Monday 1st May Photo: Richard Crompton Putley, as ever, is a hive of local activity. From Easter celebrations at our beautiful [email protected] Once in a while, Blossom church, the Big Apple’s Blossomtime time falls on May Day – No room and that will happen this year. If you don’t wake up in time to wash your face in the morning dew, then there will be at the Inn? plenty of other opportunities to celebrate spring turning to summer. Several different orchard walks will be available over the two days, which can be combined with lunch at Court Farm Aylton (Sunday) or Putley Parish Hall (Monday), splendid teas from Brownies (Sunday) or Putley WI (Monday) and washed down with a spot of cider tasting at Putley Parish Hall. Full programme details will be available at : www.bigapple.org.uk Why not put up your overflow of friends and family in our charming cottages at special neighbourly rates? Special opportunities this year will include a visit from Pete Perfect for family gatherings and special occasions Brown, author of Radio 4’s Book of the Week “The Apple Orchard”. Please put the dates in your diary - hope to see you there! www.monster-creative.com Aylton - 01531 670349 Jackie Denman, [email protected] [email protected] Secretary, Big Apple Association www.whitehousecottages.co.uk 2 3 Dear Friends by The Reverend Howard Mayell As I was listening to the We also see aspects of division in St Paul’s words ‘We are the body of Christ. In the and forgiving hearts, not being caught first letter to Corinth, where the apostle one Spirit we were all baptised into one up in bitterness or holding grudges – to Radio earlier today I was writes to the Corinthian church: body. Let us then pursue all that makes for forgive in terms of the Christian faith is to struck by the way that the peace and builds up our common life’ forgive and forget; for God who forgives ‘Brothers and sisters, I could not address us our sins then forgets them. United States handover of you as people who live by the Spirit but To go back to the words of St Paul, this Presidency is handled... as people who are still worldly—mere time in his letter to the church at Rome: The future of the church of Christ is infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not more important than our individual likes The outgoing President gives a speech that ‘For just as each of us has one body with solid food, for you were not yet ready for and dislikes; we are as William Temple attempts to be statesmanlike as it sums up many members, and these members do not it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are Archbishop of Canterbury in the nineteen the work of the outgoing administration. all have the same function, so in Christ still worldly. For since there is jealousy forties said: In the case of Barak Obama it was not we, though many, form one body, and each and quarrelling among you, are you not “The Church is the only society on earth that a bad speech; across the United States member belongs to all the others.’ however opinion is divided about his worldly? Are you not acting like mere exists for the benefit of non-members.” successor [It is only time that will tell humans? For when one says, “I follow Romans 12 v 4, 5 Therefore we must do all in our power as how Donald Trump’s presidency and Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are Whatever issues divide/separate us we we work together for our community that administration works out; all we can do you not mere human beings?’ should not allow them to bring the name they might come and join with us in a is pray that it does work for the best for 1 Corinthians 3 v 1-4 of our Lord Jesus into dishonour or closer walk with God. humanity]. disrepute. The core of our being should be The church here is no different, we are Yours in Christ Jesus one of love: love of God and love of each Clearly wherever you go in the world, made up of a diverse group of human other. Such love calls for us to have open Howard whether it be in the United States, Europe beings who do not always see everything or anywhere else, there will be differences in the same way. What is important of opinion over a whole range of issues. however is that we do not dwell on How those differences of opinion are dealt the few things that may divide us, but with is more important than the fact that celebrate all that binds us together in people do not always agree on issues. Be in it, to win it! Christ Jesus. It is Christ Jesus who binds The Putley Church 100 Club raises money to help finance improvements to The church has a history of disputes of one us together, and it is only when we are Putley Church. Each ticket costs £60 for the year (May to April) which can either sort or another as can be seen in the Acts working together that we fully live out our be paid in one lump sum or paid in monthly instalments of £5. This gives you the of the Apostles and also in the Epistles. lives in the way the He requires. We are his opportunity to win a cash prize each month. The more tickets sold, the greater the prize So from the very beginnings of the body body in this place, he has money, as the money raised is split equally between the church and prize money. of Christ with the issue of allowing given us all different gifts and abilities and Gentiles into the body of Christ, to that he expects us to work together for the If you already take part, I will be in contact with you shortly. But if you fancy taking of Gentiles not being allowed to join the growth of his kingdom. We pick this up part, contact me before the 20th April by email: [email protected], phone: church without first undergoing the rite of in the communion service in one of our 07484148287, or write to: The Cider House, Lower Court, Putley, Ledbury, HR8 2QP. circumcision. calls to share in the Peace where we use the Thank you for your support. Phyllis Day - Organiser. 4 5 The Putley Parish Hall Post Office Open on Mondays 1pm - 3pm Clearing the clutter! for banking, phone top ups, gas and Never mind Spring, Winter and being wealthy “Squarson” as the squire/parson electricity top ups married for 50 years is a good time to get parson was known in Norfolk, a vicar by rid of all those things which are neither calling but up there, in early 20thC society, useful nor beautiful, to misquote William on a par with the gentry. A tithe, as our Morris. So we have had a Turn Out... aunt explained, in those days funded an elegant lifestyle. Jonathan Lester - County Councillor One of us is convinced that it is all worth By the time this of smarter working not working harder in the money, so the auctioneer came and picked We don’t need the brick-like Nokia phone over an assortment of silver knick-knacks although It Will be an Antique One Day, edition goes to same old ways. Meanwhile, I have been busy helping those (1920s cocktail swizzle stick, Stilton or the 8 Parker fountain pens which were press the council in the ward who have asked for my assistance scoop, Yard O Led propelling pencil), once so necessary for answering invitations will have agreed and as always I am willing to help in any way I carved wood brackets, fabrics (Coronation and writing thank-you letters, all correctly can. I am also busy with delivering the Children bedspreads and “Grannie’s Russian coat”, addressed, on proper paper. the budget for an embroidered cream felted effort and Young People’s Plan through my role as The “crush and bum” tray, as our irreverent the next year. the Cabinet member responsible for Children’s which resembled a dead sheep with bits of hedgerow stuck to it), a card table, a parrot family always called it, has gone to the The meeting on the wellbeing. charity shop along with the Gordons Gin 3rd February will have cage (the cockatiel fell of his perch last Cabinet Member for Young People & year aged 22), a large ornate fender (got ashtray, sugar tongs, mustard pots, grape proposed that the council tax be raised by 1.9% scissors and fish knives. Did we really use with an additional 2% to be set aside to meet the Children’s Wellbeing a woodburner now), and two gloriously decorated chamber pots, never knowingly these once upon a time? But if you were demands of adult social care. The government brought up to believe that a Gentleman has agreed to let councils levy an extra 6% over jlester@.gov.uk used. The kitchen gave up what was left of is someone who uses a butter-knife, even the next 3 years to address the increasing costs of Mb 07966 900975 a huge dinner service including 12 meat looking after adults who need care. plates, one big enough for an ostrich never when alone, perhaps we did! Given that it is one of the priorities of the mind a turkey, once the property of a The Feltons council to protect the vulnerable it is really important to ensure that these costs are met whilst at the same time ensure that a balanced budget is achieved. The challenge for the council is considerable and it must be remembered that the council has been able to balance successive budgets, make considerable savings and still provide all of the statutory services. How has this been achieved? It has been done by reducing the amount of non-statutory elements of services that the council provides, by proposing new contracts for services that stream line and prioritise resources to achieve Professional eyecare better outcomes with less expenditure, and it has reduced the amount of staff. & excellent eyeware Other cost savings are proposed and whilst they may be headline grabbing what we must 34-36 High Street be clear on is that the council must be spot on when it targets its resources. Otherwise the Bromyard savings will not be made. Given the pressure from government to reduce costs, and the 01885 488259 realization that constant rises to council tax will www.andrewjelleyopticians.co.uk be unsustainable in future, this brings in an era 6 7 Bat tracking by Kate Woolen - PWA AG Last August a small The Natterers bat stayed fairly group of volunteers from close to home, moving between 3 roosts, one in a batbox (where the Herefordshire we found 31 bats squeezed into Mammal Group caught 4 the box), one roost in a very female bats from around small perry pear tree in an old orchard and another roost in an and attached tiny old oak in a small unmanaged radio transmitters to them wood. She generally fed in the same in order to find the maternity place on the edge of a wood near to her roosts of certain species. pear tree. This information has been used to help us The Long-eared bat stayed closest to ‘home’ understand more about bat behaviour and only travelling a few hundred metres also help landowners to manage our trees and between her three roosts of a batbox, a Putley Open Gardens woodlands without harming bats and so stay mature oak tree in a woodland (16 long- by Tim Beaumont within the law. eareds were in the oak)and a wooden car port 13th May 2017 on the woodland edge. The project was funded by Six intrepid gardeners and their hardworking their proximity. Well signed footpaths from the WOOLHOPE DOME We followed the bats at night using a under gardeners are hoping for good weather the Parish Hall make all the gardens and ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST and was combination of roads, public footpaths and on Saturday 13th May. For the third year the Church accessible on foot, whilst apple fully licensed by Natural . kind landowners allowing us access. We did running there will be an abundance of blossom should enhance your walk. nearly get savaged by 4 dogs on one footpath We tracked a Daubentons, Bechstein, Long- opportunities to see how we try to achieve In the Church will be the entries for the Flower that went through a yard, but it was worth it! eared and a Natterers bat. All were female Nirvana; some with greater success than Arrangement competition. This is open to and as female bats form maternity colonies The Woolhope Dome environmental Trust others. anyone from our village. There will be three they did indeed lead us to the their fellow have once again given the Herefordshire There are three established gardens, one laid categories; 12 years old and under; 13 to 20 bats. Mammal Group funds to track a further out in the 1920s, one in the making, one and Open. You are asked to award your votes 5 bats and this year we will be looking at in course of restoration (or should that be in each category. There will be lessons on how The Daubentons bat was the most well woodlands in both Woolhope and Putley. renewal?) and one adapted and personalised to create a prize winning exhibit in the weeks travelled, flying from Haugh Woods to a in the last five years. Putley Church and before. Please contact Anne Blandford on roost in a large conifer tree in a wood at We do have a good network of public paths church yard complete the offering. There 670695. Little Dewchurch and back again (6km as the in the area but I would be very grateful if are interesting sculptural features in half the The Parish Hall is the venue for the delicious bat flies) to feed again the following night. any landowners in the area would allow us gardens and church yard. All the gardens have access, on foot, off footpaths to contact me tea and cake, and with the opportunity to buy The Bechsteins moved about 2kms between their owner’s thumb and boot prints of love. on 07786526280. plants and take a chance with the tombola. its feeding grounds and its three different The Parish Hall (with parking) is the starting The gardens are open from 12 noon until 5pm; roosts all in large broadleaved trees in a wood If anyone would like to know more about point. Putley is surrounded by orchards and £5.00 per person; children under 15 are free. on the edge of Woolhope. We found her with the project contact myself or visit the pasture land so all the gardens benefit from Please, NO DOGS IN THE GARDENS. 59 friends one night in a big ash tree. Herefordshire Mammal Group website. 8 9 Putley Diary March to May March 1st Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 19th PCC 7.30pm - Putley Parish Hall 8th Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 26th Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 8th Putley WI 7.45pm - Putley Parish Hall 30th Blossomtime ALL DAY - Putley Parish Hall 15th Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington May 16th PCC 7.30pm - Putley Parish Hall 1st Blossomtime ALL DAY - Putley Parish Hall 22nd Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 3rd Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 29th Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 10th Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington Turned out nice again... April 10th Putley WI 7.00pm - Showborough Gardens 13th Putley Open Gardens Hawaii came to Putley WI in February with January’s meeting opened our eyes.. and our 5th Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington a fabulous talk and demonstration about tastebuds to baking with ancient grains and 6th PNDP 7.30pm - Putley Parish Hall 17th Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington all things ukulele. We were serenaded and the magic of ‘no knead’ bread. Dede Liss, our 18th PCC 7.30pm - Putley Parish Hall educated by Matt Stead, a ukulele maestro speaker, is a baker and founder member of 12th Putley WI 7.45pm - Putley Parish Hall from Ross on Wye. Matt took us on a musical the Forest Bakehouse, the first artisan bakery 12th PCC 7.30pm - Putley Parish Hall 24th Brownies 6pm - Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington journey that encompassed the whole history in the forest of Dean. She specialises in Sour of the instrument from Portugal to Hawaii Dough and long fermantation breads. and obviously he had to mention the late, We had a fantastic demonstration and luckily great George Formby! Ooooo Mother! for us, lots of tastings!

Wednesday 8th March Wednesday 12th April Wednesday 10th May Simon Day Bronwen Owens Showborough Sixteen Ridges Wine The art of spinning Garden visit

10 11 Our historical Church The church recorders of NADFAS, We are taking advice how best to store all the Habitat Ross Branch, have started their forensic documents whilst making them available; on analysis of the documents they have line, disc, photocopies. As we learn more we will let you know. already gathered from various sources for Finally, who do you know who would like to connected with the church. help analyse, record and organise a wealth of Humanity In amongst the Log Books, recording events as (not all exciting) history? If it is you please they occur, Terriers (not the barky ones) records contact either Church Warden: Alice Rhodes of church property and artefacts, they have 01531 670442 or Mary Cooper 01531 635169 unearthed, in an old envelope, documents from by Ann Stanier or directly to Chris Nicholson 01531 635868 the early 1700s to the mid/end of the 1800s. A big Thank You to all those who turned These, written in a variety of hands, out on a cold, wet January night to join us are mainly records of settlement. for a charity event at Putley Parish Hall Settlement was a judgement by when Norman and I shared tales from our the Vestry, which at the time year of travels to raise funds for Habitat for (and until 1921) administered Humanity. the Poor Laws. These documents We will be building simple structures that show that either having moved In March I shall be in Delhi with a group will provide women and their families with into the Parish or born in the of women, most of who come from a safe home with their own toilet facilities. Parish the plaintive was not able Northern Ireland, to work alongside local to claim benefit. Perhaps this is Habitat for Humanity has been building women to provide them with decent too simple an interpretation but homes for people living in poverty houses with toilet facilities. I have been for all that, these record some part conditions for over 40 years. The charity involved with Habitat and my fellow of the history of our village. builders from Northern Ireland for some was set up in America in 1976 and Perhaps of more interest to those 13 years now and we have carried out has grown to become an international whose roots go back generations to other build projects in Thailand, Chile and organisation that has helped 4 million those times (or maybe not) are the Mozambique. people construct more than 800,000 homes, making Habitat the largest not- papers recording rogues, vagabonds We will be in Savda in north west Delhi, for-profit builder in the world. Volunteers and those with mention of bastards. an area that was set up as a temporary like us raise funds to provide the building A recent visit to ’s new resettlement site for families forcibly materials and then work alongside the Records Office elicited that only evicted from their homes to make way for prospective homeowners to create their 40ish of the 200 plus parishes in the the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Many new houses. Diocese have such records. of the 25,000 families have no access to Do you have any papers in old boxes, I very much appreciate the support toilets and have to use open land which envelopes or chests, passed down in received from so many people and will makes the women particularly vulnerable the family? It may be they could have report back about the Build on my return. to attack, abuse and disease. some bearing on the history of our village and Church and help a deeper understanding of Putley.

12 13 Hosting the Leadon Valley Accountancy Ltd Things that

Providing a tailored approach to all your Putley Carol Party accounting and taxation requirements: make you go When we were asked in 2015 to be the Now began the real planning – what to • Bookkeeping hosts for Christmas 2016, it seemed cook, how much drink to get and what • Payroll VROOM? like a fun idea. There is such a splendid sort, where would the carol books come • VAT camaraderie in our village and surrounding from? In traditional Jackie mode, PANIC! • Management Accounts area, we thought it would be lovely to (Always my initial reaction, regardless of • Budgeting and Forecasting enjoy it in our home. Of course, it did what might be happening.) • Financial Accounts turn out that way… in the end. How would we fit everyone in? Where • Personal and Business Tax We hadn’t realised back then that Norman would we move the furniture to create CLOCK TOWER CARS would be away on his travels around the more room? Who could we enlist to help Ledbury Business Centre world with Annie. There were things shift it? I shouldn’t have worried, help 136 Bridge Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AS James Willis - 01531 630003 expected of us that we had no idea of. was offered so kindly. Charlie Smart came 01531 631095 07971 471041 Choosing the carols, sorting out readers with terrific energy and the furniture was [email protected] [email protected] and readings and making up a running whisked away before I could say “knife”, www. lvaccountancy.co.uk www.clocktowercars.com order. All we thought we needed to do was and then he was asking if we’d like him to invite everybody we knew! bring some mulled cider. Would we? You bet! He and Sally also generously donated We knew we could choose the charity, several litres of apple juice for those who and for those of you who couldn’t make preferred non-alcoholic drinks. Then it, we chose the Fire Fighters’ Charity, Elizabeth rang with good advice and kind a little known, but desperately needed offers of help with food, and also Alice and organisation that supports injured others did, too. Thank you to all those members of our fire service and their lovely folk. families, even funding rehabilitation and supporting families where one of the When the evening actually arrived, we parents has died trying to save others. We all enjoyed each others’ company and it raised £193.41 on the night, so thank you went smoothly. The only sadness was to all who managed to help to swell the the dreaded lurgy had felled some of our funds. If any of you weren’t able to make number and kept them away. We hope a donation and would like to, I’ll happily that they are all fighting fit now. forward it to the Charity. See you all at the next one! A year after we were first asked, an e-mail arrived from Norman to everyone, giving Jackie S the date and venue, a bit of a surprise, as I thought it would be the evening before. Anyway, it all worked out beautifully.

14 15 Muddy Wellies Herefordshire LIFE ON THE ALLOTMENT Wildlife Trust The sap may be rising but Head had enough of high value nutrition and want Practical courses 2017 Gardener and I, are more interested a proper balanced diet, i.e. a plate containing unhealthy things as well as super healthy stuff, Pruning Fruit Trees Course Annual Fritillary Day in how far below the ground the water then mix the blueberries with some broken Sat 4 March - 10am-4pm Sat 22 April - 10am-2pm table has sunk on our allotment plot meringues (easily produced) and whipped All You Need to Know. Pruning fruit trees Herefordshire Wildlife Trust staff and and whether the soil is workable yet. cream and called it Muddy Mess. is much like a board game; the rules are very volunteers will lead guided walks of the rich simple, but you never stop improving your array of wildflowers and in particular, the Anyway back to the pruning. Head Gardener One job we must get on with, irrespective strategy. An easy to digest and fun day which nationally rare snake’s head fritillaries which considers me to a bit of a liability when let of the state of the ground, is pruning the will leave you wondering why so many fruit grow on the Lugg meadow and talk about loose with secateurs, and I confess to learning blueberries. I think blueberries are worth trees are pruned so badly! We will introduce the history and wildlife that make this nature the hard way that it’s not a good idea to tuck growing for the sheer beauty of the plants. the basic rules and tools and then apply them to reserve unique. The lengths and timings of the an open pair under your arm when you have Before turning the deep dark blue of the fruits trees of different ages. Whether you have 1 new walks will be posted on the website nearer the a tendency to spill over the edge of a bra. So seen through clear plastic in supermarkets, tree or a mature orchard, our simple techniques time. the berries metamorphose through the most he does the job – cutting out dead, diseased, will equip you to look after them. Venue: HWT and the Floodplain Meadows exquisite, indescribably lovely, shades of green unhealthy looking branches and the twiggy Lake Nature Reserve, Bodenham, Partnership will also be surveying the fritillaries and smoky pink. I could watch them all growth on branches that fruited the previous HR1 3JR for the sixth year running. This is part of a summer – just like the beady eyed feathered summer. Easy really, if you don’t take the thug national project which is looking at fritillaries friends on the fence hoping to get to the ripe approach. Booking essential: Cost: £60 on a number of important floodplain sites. berries before I thwart their ambitions with Loving blueberries so much we augmented the www.herefordshirewt.org 01432 356872 Please come and help us count the fritillaries protective home made temporary fruit cages. collection with three new plants last Autumn. on the Lugg Meadow. If you are interested in And then, in Autumn, once the fruit has been And for once I read the instructions and noted Walk and Draw at taking part please email either Sue Holland at safely consumed or frozen, the colours of the that blueberries have ATTITUDE. They [email protected] or Emma foliage are superb – like any other plant Lea & Paget’s Wood prefer a moist, well drained, acidic soil, in a Thurs 20 April - 10am-12.30pm Rothero at [email protected] for of North American origin showing sunny, sheltered spot and have an objection to The Trust’s artist in residence, Richard Bavin, further details. No previous experience is off in the Fall. tap water. So how on earth have our earlier will give an introductory drawing workshop in required. bushes survived and thrived? We can do moist Assuming we pick the the Trust’s scenic Lea & Paget’s Wood nature Tea, coffee and cake will be available and there but well drained is a bit problematical. I think berries before the reserve. Begining with an introduction to Lea will be the chance to browse a number of stalls the soil is acidic, next time I clear the shed birds, we have in our & Paget’s Wood by Reserve Officer Doug Lloyd selling plants, arts, crafts and Orchard Origins and find the acid / alkali testing kit I’ll check. hot little hands, a and a demonstration by Richard. Participants produce. Anyway, we chuck some ericaceous compost at super-food, and will be given insights about the reserve’s wildlife them to satisfy their needs. Sunny? Sheltered? Venue: Lower House Farm, Ledbury Road, one containing and ecology and to draw in response to what we Doesn’t feel like it sometimes on the Muddy Tupsley, Hereford HR1 1UT. that well known are looking at together. No previous experience Wellies plot. No tap water? You’re dead right phenotic of drawing is necessary. Cost: £5.00 per adult. Children up to compound – I’m not carting gallons from a tap to them, Venue: Lea Pagets Wood, Hawkers Lane, 14 years old go free. with the they can have rain water and the algae and Fownhope, Herefordshire HR1 4PZ. anti-oxidant whatever that also comes out of the tank. And It is advisable to come equipped with warm clothing and good footwear as the Lugg capacity, to blueberries, it’s champagne! Cost: £20 (includes materials) Booking anthocyanin. Meadow can be cold and windy at this time Happy gardening. essential. Gosh! But of year and there is no shelter. if you’ve Book online at www.herefordshirewt.co.uk Muddy Wellies or call 01432 356872 16 17 down towards the end of the year, and has The AGM was sorry to see Tim and John, established itself as a firm favourite with the Secretary and Treasurer respectively, slip THE ‘dark’ drinkers of the pub (beer preference, round to the other side of the bar, following PRANCING PONY not personality type) and more barrels Phil into retirement after three years of may well be forthcoming to order from the dedicated service. The continued survival of excellent Ledbury Real Ales who made it for the Prancing Pony was placed in the hands us – with skill and love, as always. of an all-female team elected unanimously The pub went tartan for the night in August, to take their place: Kirsty Farquarson complete with Piper, when we bade a sad (Secretary), Elizabeth Groves (Treasurer) farewell to our founding President, Phil and Mary Hastilow (President). The Murray and his lovely wife Jennie, who were meeting delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks returning to Scotland to live. With the skirl to the founding members for their unfailing of the bagpipes concluding, aptly, with Will good humour, hard work, entrepreneurial Ye No’ Come Back Again? it proved an flair, and unwillingness to keep hiking over emotional yet lively send-off, with a packed to The Butcher’s Arms in Woolhope for a dance floor and empty barrels at the end pint. of the evening. Always a sign of the best of The Prancing Pony Pop-up Pub will nights, down at The Prancing Pony… continue to open at 7.00pm on the last At the AGM in January 2017 the Prancing Friday of each month, providing a selection Pony Pop-up Pub Association was pleased to of local ales and ciders, wine and soft drinks, announce a surplus of £750, to be donated all at knock-down prices, with fish and chips to the Village Hall for much needed repairs from Fryers on Tyres, and occasional music and improvements. and other events as advertised.

Throughout 2016, the Prancing Pony Bone Joint over the course of the year, plus pop-up pub openings took place on the mellow riffs and folky tones from Mary & last Friday of each month. Members made Olly & Friends. good use of the Pub and frequently brought The Christmas Special, featuring Putley’s guests, as permitted under the terms of their Got Talent, drew yet another large crowd memberships. Generally, the evenings were who again enjoyed the best of performances well attended, with an average attendance of from a wide and varied cast of notables and between 30 and 40 people – slightly less than raised a tidy sum for the Village Hall. 2015, but still constituting ‘a good turnout’ We brewed our first Prancing Pony beer in on most nights. the dog days of summer. Themed house ale Once again we were fortunate in being able Orc Slayer, was a 5.6% porter made with to call upon the considerable talents of the US, NZ, Aussie and English hops plus a musicians within our ranks, with several variety of continental malts. Startlingly great performances from house band 3 intense on its debut in September, it calmed 18 19 • Road safety for all users was also an area A vision for Putley for improvement. • There was support for the draft vision, • Comments emphasised issues around with comments on social, economic and excessive traffic speed, including a need for PUTLEY environmental aspects. Issues were raised traffic calming, and maintenance including NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN around the provision of housing and selective hedgerow trimming. Opposing employment to meet the needs of the views were expressed about the use made of younger generation, public services and the narrow lanes by goods vehicles and farm infrastructure, farming and business and machinery. tourism. Jobs and the Housing local economy • The preference was for new housing to be provided through building conversions, • Favoured types of employment were individual infill dwellings or smaller agriculture, forestry, food and drink developments, rather than a larger scheme. production and processing, livery and tourism, reflecting the rural nature of the area • Homes with 2 or 3 bedrooms were favoured and existing activities. over larger properties. There was support for environmentally efficient, self-build and live/ • Light industry, storage and distribution work housing. The least favoured forms of and intensive livestock units were less Your Village to 2031 new homes was social housing. favoured. • Comments suggested Putley Green and • Improvements to broadband and You will all remember that via housing, the economy, the local environment Putley Common as locations suitable for new communications were recognised as a pre- the Localism Act of 2011, the and community services. The questionnaire housing, with several sites being identified. condition to effective home working and to that was used, sympathetically devised by our More generally, new dwellings would be encouraging small businesses in the area. Government decided that local consultant David Nicholson (DN), took best sited alongside existing properties and communities should have a say account of discussions and issues raised at clusters of housing. The environs of Putley into how their villages develop. two open meetings in the parish held in Church were identified as a location where September 2016. The questionnaire was housing should not be built, amongst others. Our Parish Council decided to have the distributed to all those aged 16 years and over • New housing was generally accepted as a village’s opinion heard at county planning in the parish. A spectacular response rate of way of helping to meet local needs, including level. This resulted in the formation of a 64.5% was achieved. Steering Group of “neighbours” (including for smaller/starter homes to provide more Thanks to all (you know who you are) for two Parish Councillors) in February 2016 affordable accommodation for families completing the questionnaire. Your replies and full authorisation in early March 2016 and younger people. This was part of a were added up by Steering Group members to proceed with the Putley Neighbourhood wider concern to achieve a more balanced and other neighbours who attended the • Home working and live/work should be Development Plan (ND Plan). The drive demographic. November 2016 meeting, then further provided for in the ND Plan, as should the for Putley is the requirement to find 14/15 analysed and collated by DN. conversion of rural buildings for business new homes between 2011 and 2031 (seven Traffic, transport uses. have already been built and two more have His full report will be available available on and access the updated parish website which comes on • Comments supported small-scale planning permission). • Top priority for improvement was road, stream at the end of March on: economic activity, especially that based on To help inform the ND Plan, a residents’ hedge, ditch and drain maintenance, www.Putley.org.uk For those of you wishing adding value to land-based products, with survey was undertaken in November 2016 followed by the upkeep of footpaths and to read it sooner you can request a copy by calls for adverse impacts such as traffic to be to seek views on a range of matters including bridleways. emailing [email protected] considered. 20 21 • Comments on the need for improvement to Our profits support Protecting our community services focussed on broadband environment and mobile phone reception. Along Charity no. 220173 • Responses placed emphasis on ensuring with calls for a local shop, there was also that traffic from new development was com- mention of the need for a variety of cultural Specialist fruit tree pruning patible with local roads, that development and leisure facilities. Others saw a need and orchard management should be in keeping with its surroundings for improvements to the Parish Hall and and avoid creating noise and light pollution. playground at Putley Green. Supporting the full lifespan of trees and orchards from design and planting to rescue and rejuvenation. Consultancy, pruning and on-site training available. All work is fully • The most important way to protect the Information about you insured. Owned by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, we can improve productivity, environment was to safeguard the character beauty and value to wildlife. of the landscape. • Compared to 2011 Census data for the Neighbourhood Area, females were slightly Stuck for a gift idea? Gift vouchers, courses, juice and more are available online or from • Many local features and attributes were Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s new shop at Queenswood Country Park. identified for protection. Replies also pointed over-represented in responses. to the diverse range of landscapes and habi- • Younger age-groups were under-represented tats represented in the ND Plan area. against the 2011 Census, with older age- [email protected] / 01432 356872 • Most respondents had not suffered from groups being over-represented. The 45-59 www.herefordshirewt.org/orchardorigins flooding, with reported problems stemming age group accounted for 41% of responses from road or field run-off. whilst making up 31% of the usual resident population aged 16 and over. • Solar panels and air/ground source heat pumps were favoured as renewable energy • Almost two-thirds of respondents had sources with little support for wind turbines lived in the Area for 10 years or longer. (particularly for larger-scale wind farms) or • On economic activity, self-employed and solar farms. retired respondents were over-represented • Comments covered a range of environmen- when compared to the 2011 census tal issues such as woodland and hedgerow Final chance to comment management, water extraction and flooding. • Comments to this final question raised a variety of issues including housing development, the planning status of Putley as a main focus village and the involvement of the business and farming sections of the community in the ND Plan. A drop-in meeting is set for 7.30 pm on Thursday 6th April 2017 in the Parish Hall for those who run or manage businesses in or from Putley - are employers, self-employed or are employed in Putley - to discuss the findings of the parish survey. Community Services • The most important community service The next meeting of the Steering in meeting the current and future needs of Group (to which all are welcome) is the community was viewed as broadband; set for 7.30pm on Thursday 11th May the least important as the part-time Post 2017 in the Parish Hall. Office service. 22 23 Putley’s Got Talent in December was a roaring December Results: success and raised £270.00 for which the Committee is very grateful. First Prize £100 ticket no 12 Winter maintenance: We will be carrying out Second prize £30 ticket no 4 some minor but necessary work to keep the hall and fittings in good condition. January Results: Grants: We keep our eyes peeled for any extra sources of funds to improve the hall. If you First Prize £100 ticket no 41 see any charity offering even small amounts for Second prize £30 ticket no 29 specific purposes do please let us know. A fantastic asset to our local community, Putley Parish Hall is available for hire for all kinds of functions and fun. It has a large main room with stage and a film screen. February Results: There is an adjacent bar area and a well-equipped kitchen, complete with crockery, cutlery and glasses. First Prize ticket no £100 44 Hire fees for the hall, which includes heating, are £7.00 an hour for those who live in the Second prize £30 ticket no 40 parish and £10.00 if resident outside. Bookings: Josephine Felton 01531 670425 or email: [email protected]

24 25 Contacts Putley Parish Council Putley Church Chairperson Rev. Howard Mayell 07906 841893 Terry Green 07785 391683 [email protected] [email protected] Rev. John Rhodes 01531 670442 Selection Box Finance [email protected] by The Reverend John Rhodes Dermot Daly 01531 670248 Church Wardens: Footpaths Mary Cooper 01531 635169 environmental woes. As Wendell Berry Jackie Denman 01531 670544 [email protected] Lent charity 2017 puts it: ‘Odd as I am sure it will appear Lengthsman Next Lent we will be supporting Toilet to some, I can think of no better form of Alice Rhodes 01531 670442 Jake Herbst 01531 670315 Twinning www.toilettwinning.org by personal involvement in the cure of the [email protected] aiming to twin the facilities now in Putley environment than that of gardening. A Emergencies Putley PCC Church with a block of toilets for a school Nigel Rolinson 01531 670783 person who is growing a garden, if he is Chairperson in Africa. Donations towards the £240 growing it organically, is improving a piece Clerk to the Council Tim Beaumont 01531 670801 necessary are most welcome. 1 Chrissie Daniels 07484 055877 of the world.’ [email protected] We can savour the results of such labour [email protected] Secretary Bingo! Thank you to everyone at the Putley Open Gardens, on Saturday Other Councillors who took part in the Bingo held on Friday Alice Rhodes 01531 670442 13 May. Consider, too, the wildflowers Kay Harris 01531 670778 [email protected] 9 December in the village hall. of the churchyard at an evening BBQ on [email protected] Thursday 6 July. Treasurer Mary Hastilow 01531 671169 Sam Rolinson 01531 634693 Consider Replanting Closer to hand, this Lent you are also [email protected] Assistant Treasurer warmly invited to replant some spiritual Neighbourhood Plan the Flowers seeds, namely, ‘The Beatitudes’ – also Ray Hunter 01531 670980 Several years ago, in the Junior Oxford known as ‘the blessings’. For example, Katia Herbst 01531 670315 Putley Parish Hall Management English Dictionary, words such as ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ … who [email protected] Chairperson buttercup, cowslip, conker, dandelion, persist in the hard negotiations with Nigel Sweet 01531 670710 and pasture were replaced with such terms slugs and weeds – with varying degrees Putley WI as attachment, broadband, block-graph, [email protected] of success and without poisoning their Secretary celebrity, and MP3 Player. The job of a Secretary neighbour. As a Pilgrim Course we can Julie Crompton 01531 670340 dictionary, it was said, is to document Josephine Felton 01531 670425 follow the beatitudes each Thursday [email protected] words and usage. Fair enough. Lest they (11:00–12:00) for six weeks, starting 2 Prancing Pony become hermetically sealed in a virtual March at the Brainge Bungalow. Please PWAAG Mary Hastilow 01531 671169 world, though, we might write to our feel free to ask for more details. junior relatives – and tell them also of Chairperson [email protected] acorns, bluebells, mistletoe, and willow. Every blessing Kate Wollen 01531 670834 Brownies [email protected] It is time, too, to plant new seeds in Anette Embrey 01531 670771 John the garden. No better place to both Tree Warden [email protected] escape from and deal with TV reports of Sally Webster 01531 670055 1Wendell Berry, ‘Think Little’, 1970 [email protected] www.putley.org.uk 26 27 Looking forward Putley Church

5th Common Worship Holy Communion 9.30am March 12th Prayer Book Holy Communion 9.30am 19th Prayer Book Holy Communion 9.30am 26th Mothering Sunday service at 9:30 am

April 2nd Holy Communion Common Worship 9.30am Palm Sunday - 9th Prayer Book Holy Communion 9.30am Maundy Thursday - 13th Common Worship Holy Communion 3.00pm Good Friday - 14th Devotion 2.00pm Easter Sunday - 16th Prayer Book Holy Communion 9.30am 23nd Prayer Book Holy Communion 9.30am 30th Common Worship Morning Prayer 9.30am

7th Common Worship Holy Communion 9.30am May 14th Prayer Book Holy Communion 9.30am Rogation Sunday - 21st Cider Group walk & service, , 9:30am (please note: no service at Putley this Sunday) Ascention Day - 25th Holy Communion at 10:00 am 28th Common Worship Morning Prayer 9.30am

Prayer Groups - 12 Noon - Every Monday Rev. Howard Mayell 07906 841893 (Team Vicar) Rev John Rhodes 01531 670442

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