March 20 20

Spring Cleaning

March bustles in on windy feet And sweeps my doorstep and my street. She washes and cleans with pounding rains, Scrubbing the earth of winter stains. She shakes the grime from carpet green Till naught but fresh new blades are seen. Then, house in order, all neat as a pin, She ushers gentle springtime in.

Susan Reiner 4ward Community magazine for Oldbury, , Kington and Rockhampton www.oos4ward.plus.com

EDITOR Chris Tymko, Fisherman’s Cottage, Cowhill, BS35 1QJ. Tel: 412152

PRINTED BY Oldbury Deckers Tel: 01454 412153

4Ward is an independent community magazine and material is published at the discretion of the editor. Articles for next month's edition should reach the editor or email [email protected]

NO LATER THAN 20 th OF THIS MONTH

4Ward Magazine Advertising Charges

Back Cover Whole page - £20 Half page - £10 Quarter page - £5 Inside Pages Whole page - £16 Half page - £8 Quarter page - £4 10% discount on all charges when paying for full year in advance. Cheques should be made payable to “4Ward Magazine”

Advertising contact Rob King 07494209222 Email: [email protected]

Oldbury Community Website www.oldburyonsevern.org.uk

Oldbury Memorial Hall 01454 413380 Contact: Karen Porter 07986 931893 [email protected]

Church Contacts

Thornbury & Oldbury www.arildachurcholdbury.co.uk Parish office 01454 281900 Wed, Thurs, Fri mornings Methodist www.thornburymethodist.org.uk Revd Simon Edwards 01454 418176 [email protected] Rockhampton Parish office 01454 260096 www.croftt.org.uk Christ The King Thornbury 01454 412223 www.ctk-thornbury.org.uk Morton Baptist Church 01454 413200 Willie Grey 01453 810491 Hilary Grigg Editorial

The Severn has featured in the news a lot recently with photos and footage of the devastating floods caused by the recent rains higher up the river. Living close to the Severn as we do in Oldbury, we can count our blessings that all the various flood defences and flood resilience work put in place over the years have worked so well and kept the village safe and dry through this very wet winter. Our heartfelt sympathies go to all those communities affected by flooding further up river and in other parts of the country.

Planning for the future involves a lot of hard work and forward thinking. Barry Turner, secretary to the Neighbourhood Plan working group has asked us to bring everyone’s attention to the Community Engagement Event being held in the Memorial Hall on 28 March between 12pm and 6pm. This is the last opportunity to comment on over three years’ work shaping the plan before it is submitted to South Council.

The Memorial Hall AGM took place on February 18th with the election of a new Chair following the resignation of Karen Porter. Karen has done a marvellous job over the last three years, planning for the future and updating the hall facilities, including overseeing the installation of the kitchen. She has also promoted and tried out many new events including the monthly coffee mornings, the Bake Off and the Grumpy Men’s breakfast. Karen was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers, as a token of appreciation for all her efforts, by the Hall committee. Many thanks to Karen from all of us at 4ward and from everyone involved in the Hall in any way and our very best wishes for the future. Karen has always kept us up to date with the Hall News and we are delighted that she will be continuing with this. It was gratifying to see so many people turn up for the AGM and our congratulations to Chris Jennings on his election as the new Chair and to the rest of the Committee who will be continuing in their roles.

We would also like to extend our sympathies to John Belbin - a previous chairman of the Memorial Hall - on the sad loss of his wife Rosemary who was a stalwart supporter and committee member for many years.

The Annual Members meeting of the Community Shop took place on 28th January. It’s six years since the Shop first opened its doors so, once again, we must thank everyone involved for this invaluable contribution to village life. Not only that, but their efforts raised over £4000 profit last year alone which is donated to local good causes, including a very welcome £200 towards our printing costs at 4ward. Many thanks from us to all the dedicated group of volunteers who make this possible and to all the other volunteers who contribute to the life of our community in various ways. Chris More Australian Connections

Dear Editor,

I’ve recently moved to Kington (all the way from ), but it is the move I made 18 years ago that drew me into your January edition. Dorothea Mackellar’s poem, learnt by heart at school and so familiar, I was completely taken by surprise to see it on the front of our local magazine.

It turns out Oldbury has at least two Australians living in its midst, there’s Elly McDonald, and me. Like Elly, I also call Australia “home home”. I’m a Sydney born, but country NSW bred, girl who’s also chosen to make this part of her home. Not just any part of country NSW, but coincidentally, I grew up in Maclean, the “Scottish Town in Australia” to which Linda Jennings refers in her travels down the eastern coast of Australia. My father was part of the original committee that created this local enterprise in about 1983, and has been its secretary nearly continuously ever since. I have been to countless Highland Gatherings held every Easter at the lovely old Maclean Showground on the Clarence River. Our High School song was sung to the tune of “Scotland the Brave”. Hearing bagpipes tugs at the ‘homestrings’, and makes me think of my hot, barefoot, rural and uncomplicated childhood.

I have seen photos of Maclean taken during the bushfires that occurred near there in November and December. Looking across the town and the Clarence River through the grey and orange light appeared apocalyptic, and like nothing I’d seen in my years living there. Bushfires don’t normally trouble the northern rivers area much, and following as they did prolonged drought, these fires were trouble. Many families lost their homes in a town nearby. My uncle and aunt living a few hundred kilometres south evacuated their home, fortunately it was there when they returned. However, I’ve had family of friends lose their home in South Australia, and my best friend’s family dairy farm was nearly lost on the southern highlands near Sydney. The loss of wildlife is heart-breaking.

While Australians are used to bushfires, the extent and ferocity of these fires are not normal. Thankfully, as I write this, rain in abundance is falling across the east coast. The latest posts on the Clarence Valley Facebook page show photos of submerged bridges. Living on the Clarence River, we were well used to annual flooding rains, when Maclean would be cut off by road for a few days. Truly, a country of “droughts (fires) and flooding rains”. Kind regards Melinda Evans Consultation

Oldbury on Severn Neighbourhood Plan (Pre-submission version)

The March edition of 4ward contains an invitation for members of the community to attend a Neighbourhood Plan Community Engagement Event on Saturday 28th March between 12.00 and 18.00 hrs in the Memorial Hall. This will be similar to the events we have held over the last three years which have helped shape the plan into this draft document.

You will also be receiving a formal notice in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 regarding a six-week consultation period during which time responses can be given. This is a statutory requirement and is an opportunity for those who wish to have their say.

This is a final opportunity for members of the Community to comment on the plan before it is submitted to South Gloucestershire Council who will assess it, and if satisfied will arrange for it to be independently inspected.

If the plan passes this stage, there will be a Community Referendum to decide whether or not the plan should be adopted, and become a material consideration when planning decisions affecting our Parish are being made.

B F Turner

Oldbury Cricket Club

In the draw for the National Village Cricket Knock Out competition, Oldbury have drawn Marshfield at home on Sunday 17th March. Although Marshfield is considered to be a superior side, our team have the home advantage and an upset could be on the cards. Particulars regarding this fixture will be posted nearer the event and it is hoped that we will get good support from the village.

Don’t forget to put August the 15th in your diaries as this is the Club’s 150th anniversary dinner. The celebration dinner will be open to all cricketers, past and present, villagers and friends, and tickets will go on sale in the Spring.

For further details of the dinner or for any other information regarding the Club please contact either myself on 01454 413380 or Charlie Keedwell on 07909 982432.

Gerald Porter President OOSVCC Oldbury Memorial Hall News

Lively debate took place recently at the Hall AGM; it is very gratifying to know that we have such good and enthusiastic support for the Hall. A new Chair was elected – Chris Jennings, the son of Mary and Don Jennings who lived in the village for many years and who were also very active in the community – great to see Chris carrying on with the family tradition. The other elected officers are Simon Ingram – Vice Chair, Iris Pitman – Secretary, and John Sears – Treasurer. They will be aided by Keith Miller – Building and Maintenance Co-ordinator, and Angela Conibere – Fundraising and Grants Co-coordinator. Dave Masters was also co-opted onto the Committee to assist with the organising of Events. We are planning to begin publishing Minutes of Hall Meetings on the Village Website so parishioners can keep up to date on a regular basis.

Future events were discussed with VE (Victory in Europe) Day 75th Anniversary Celebrations being planned for Friday 8th May 2020, which is this year a public holiday. Discussions are still ongoing, but it is likely that a Coffee Morning and drop in event will take place at the Hall. There will be an exhibition of pictures and memorabilia and a filmed back drop, possibly along with short talks of villagers’ experiences of the day that marked the formal act of military surrender by Germany on 7th May 1945. The next day 8th May was declared a public holiday by Winston Churchill. Celebrations broke out all over the world, people held parties and danced and sang in the streets, expressing their huge relief that the war was coming to an end at long last.

We have already had some offers of memorabilia for the exhibition but more is welcome, so if you would like to contribute, please contact Ian Bell, who is coordinating the display, on email: [email protected] or telephone 01454 412015 . We are particularly hoping to have some planned activities for children, so mums and dads, we hope that you will bring them along for what we hope will be a fun and informative morning. More details on this to follow.

Other events being planned for the coming year are a Summer Social night around the end of June or beginning of July. This will take the form of a disco or party night, possibly with a theme e.g. 1960’s or 70’s. If you have any ideas or would like to help in any way, please contact Simon Ingram, tel: 01454 281767 / 07813 007106 or email [email protected] Our themed Harvest Supper, which is always very popular, will take place around the end of September / early October. Again, more information on this will follow.

Village History “Bygone Thornbury” an illustrated talk by Meg Wise Tuesday 10th March 2.30pm – 4pm Further information from Kim Blanchard: Telephone 01454 413155

Grumpy Man’s Breakfast Friday 13th March at 9am. Tickets £6 for a full English breakfast, on sale at the Community shop or from Keith Miller tel: 01454 604981 / 07586 348910 .

To book either the Main Hall (local cost for 2 hours £15) or small Meeting Room (local cost for 2 hours £10) please contact: Karen Porter telephone 01454 413380 / 07986 931893 or email [email protected]

Oldbury On Severn - Memorial Hall 100 Club February 2020 – Draw Winners

1st prize. £20 John Phipps 2nd prize. £15 Kay Everton 3rd prize. £10 Jenny Miller 4th prize. £10 Sandra Grey

New members always welcome. Forms available in the community shop or contact Doug Mills or Angela Conibere ([email protected] or 01454 413828)

Severn Vale Crib League 2019/20

For this season the final battle of the locals took place on Monday 10th February. Sue’s Shipwrecked crew, with a clear advantage in the league table came out all guns blazing hoping to scupper Malcolm’s Sporting stars. However, their strategic plan was well and truly dented and Sporting came out on top with a 10-5 win. Sue and Colin saved The Shipwreck’s blushes as they managed to narrowly win their match against Malcolm and Matthew. The following week Sporting had another good result against the Dockers, finishing with an 11-5 win. Despite their recent wins Sporting are still below The Shipwrecked in the table, but with their current run of good form in mind they are hoping to close the gap in the run up to the end of the season. Although both teams are now almost certain to avoid the wooden spoon, they will be looking for wins in their forthcoming games to consolidate a position in the top half of the league. Gerald Porter

Shop Spot

The Annual Members Meeting took place in the Memorial Hall and had nearly 30 people in attendance. After another successful year for the Shop we’re pleased to confirm that its turnover and our profit were only slightly down on last years. This is a fantastic result when you consider we faced some challenges as the shop was closed for two weeks in January to complete the kitchen refurbishment, and trade was also depressed by the closure of Church Hill for three months last summer for the ongoing drainage works. Therefore, to finish the year only slightly down on 2018 was actually an achievement! None of the above would have happened without a dedicated group of people working throughout the year on often unglamorous tasks.

Based on the Shop’s success, again only made possible by the fantastic efforts of all our volunteers, the Committee have agreed to make the following donations to local good causes -

• The Friends of Oldbury-on-Severn School - £500 towards the refurbishment (by parents) of the toilet area / cloak room. • Thornbury (Baptist Church) Food Bank - £400 • SARA Lifeboat and Rescue Service - £500 to buy dry suits, helmets and life jackets. • Great Western Air Ambulance (based at ) that serves our area - £500 towards their annual operation costs / paramedic support. • 4ward magazine - £200 towards publication costs. • Oldbury on Severn Cricket Club - £375 to repair fencing around the Cricket Pavilion. • Oldbury Busy Bees Play Group and Pre School - £250 towards buying new wooden toys. • Jigsaw the Thornbury Charity - £200 towards the procurement of new books and equipment. • St Arilda’s Church - £500 towards the annual cleaning and maintenance costs of the Church. • Oldbury Memorial Hall - £432 to procure a Hive to enable the Hall’s heating to be controlled remotely (the Hall are in the process of obtains some additional quotes). • Oldbury Cinema Club - £500 towards improving the acoustics in the Hall.

We now look forward to 2020 with very sound finances, a great team of volunteers and our very loyal customer base. Chris Awde Miss Bruton’s Oldbury Part 14: 'Dress'

Fashion has changed tremendously in the village during the past 100 years. Village children used to be poorly clothed even in the 1890s, younger children were mostly dressed in ill- fitting garments which their older brothers and sisters had out-grown. Shoes were often thin and poor, and of course there were no rubber boots or mackintoshes.

Village women wore linen bonnets with curtains at the back to shield their necks from the sun, and in winter they wore pattens to keep them up from the mud. These were of wood with leather straps to keep them secure under the shoes, and they were supported on rings on which you walked – if you could! They were not easy going until you had got your balance and knew just how to step in them. Shoes and stockings were always black and thick, and when brown ones arrived on the market we thought them extremely exciting. In the 1890s we could buy a very good pair of shoes for 5/11 (30p.)

No girls had short hair. I remember one A young and demure girl who had to have her hair cut short Miss Bruton (1890 - 1984) during an illness, and she always wore dressed in the fashion a bonnet indoors and out until it had of the day. grown to her shoulders again.

Women never considered themselves dressed to go anywhere important or to church without wearing a veil. I remember vividly the great interest I took in my mother’s efforts to wipe her nose in church when wearing a veil, and then I would look around to see if I could find any other woman in the same predicament. I thought it terribly grand to wear a veil. No-one carried a handbag, they were unheard of, but pockets were made in skirts of dresses, concealed in a pleat usually, and they could be awfully difficult to find in an emergency. Some older ladies always had pockets made in their petticoats. Umbrellas were always black: watches were worn on long gold chains, the watch being tucked into the waistband. No-one had heard the word ‘cosmetics’, and would have been amazed at perms and nail-varnish!

When there was a death in the family everyone wore black, and the women who were near relatives wore lots of black crape. In the 1870s and 1880s men wore wide crape hat bands on their top hats for funerals. Everything was made as dismal as possible. Folk then would have been horrified to see coloured flowers in wreaths. Sundays were very quiet days. On the piano only hymns and very sacred music was played. The idea of Sunday games would have horrified everyone, and gardening was unthought of. I well remember the first time I heard a lawnmower on a Sunday. I was staying away from home, and I thought what a wicked place it must be.

We went to Sunday School at ten o’clock and then on to Church at 11. Then again to Sunday School at 2.30, and to Church at 6 o’clock, after which there might be a walk to the Severn in the summer time, and in winter there would be hymns at home, with my father playing the violin he had made himself or the cello which had been made by my grandfather.

The Harvest tea was a source of enjoyment and was held in the schoolroom, the matrons of the village doing the catering and each presiding at a long table. There was a grand show of best A beautifully dressed Oldbury couple china, and there would be a good dating from around 1900 – Harry Welsh and Annie Chappell. deal of competition to see who The Welsh family think that Annie had the best set, and people bears a close resemblance to would choose to sit at the table her granddaughter, the late with the prettiest cups. Brenda Keedwell, who was always immaculately dressed. According to the caption in the book "Around Thornbury" by Tom Crowe this picture of Sir Stafford Howard and Lady Meriel Howard of Thornbury Castle was taken in Oldbury Rectory Gardens in about 1915. Sir Stafford died in 1916. It’s fascinating to those of us who have attended many church fetes and other fund raising events under the shade of the very same tree to see the ladies in their beautiful Edwardian costumes looking like the film set of “My Fair Lady.”

Walking home from the Rectory Gardens, this photo is taken at the bottom of Church Hill with Pill House ahead

on the left and the Anchor Inn just out of sight on the right.

Oldbury Men’s Charabanc Outing

Following Jane Bradshaw’s appeal in a previous edition of 4ward for a photograph of Walter Riddle’s bus, we were delighted to receive a photo by email from Daphne Hayden of Taunton of the young men of Oldbury setting off on an outing in an open topped charabanc, also mentioned by Miss Bruton. We got in touch and it turns out that before marriage Daphne was an Oldbury girl, and is actually Ted Welsh’s younger sister (and my second cousin). The Welsh family think the photo dates from the mid 1920’s and have managed to name many of the young men including their dad, Alan Welsh sitting next to my dad, Tom Jones towards the back.

We have also been put in touch with Bob Crawley, Chairman of the West of Historic Omnibus & Transport Trust (WHOTT). We are delighted that they have asked for permission to include Miss Bruton’s article on transport in their publication, which Bob edits, called WHOTT News. We sent Bob Daphne Hayden’s Charabanc photo and this is part of his reply:

“The illustration you sent is excellent and shows a 2-ton coach, one of 51 built by Bristol Tramways & Carriage Company in 1924 for their own use. Further delving has now confirmed that the registration number of the Bristol 2-ton coach bearing Hackney [Carriage] licence number 400 is HU10. This was new in 1924 with chassis number 0174. These vehicles did not carry fleet numbers until 1931 when, rather oddly, they adopted their chassis numbers as the fleet number. Nearly all these 2-ton coaches ended up as lorries in the Mendip quarries during the period 1935 – 1939.”

Apparently, there are quite a few similar-style photos around, mainly from the 1920s, showing parties setting off for a charabanc trip. It would seem the local photographers often captured these outings and no doubt sold copies to the participants. Sue Keedwell remembers seeing a similar photo of her dad, Frank Webb, on a men’s charabanc outing to the Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory. She says Cadbury’s collected milk from local farms in those days and so had many connections in the Oldbury area.

If other people have any further information or photos, WHOTT would be interested in adding copies to their archive and possibly publishing them. They would again, of course, acknowledge the source.

Who would have thought that we could find out so much from the back end of a bus! Chris

Vacancy for Part Time Parish Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer

Aust Parish Council is seeking to recruit a Part Time Parish Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer, working 22 hours per month.

Aust Parish Council covers the three villages of Aust, Littleton-upon-Severn and Elberton, with an electoral roll of about 420. Attendance is required at the Parish Council meetings held 10 times a year in the evening of the 2nd Tuesday of every month (except August and December), together with a small number of other extraordinary meetings and other meetings with South Gloucestershire Council. All other work can be carried out flexibly from home. Salary will be calculated according to the National Joint Council Rates, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

More information and a full job description can be obtained from Catherine Collinson, Chairman of the Council: telephone 07944 258162 for an informal discussion, or email: [email protected] Closing Date Tuesday 31st March 2020. Church Services for March 20 20

St. Arilda St. Mary St. Oswald Oldbury Shepperdine Rockhampton 1st March 6.00pm Lent 1 Evensong Revd Tom Keates

8th March 10.30am Lent 2 Refresh! Matthew Riddle

15 th March 6.00pm Lent 3 CW Communion Revd David Self

22 nd March 6.00pm 9.30am 9.30am Mothering Evensong BCP Communion Mothering Sunday Revd Tom Keates Revd Tom Keates Sunday service

29 th March 10.00am Lent 5 Benefice Service St Mary’s Thornbury

5th April 6.00pm Palm Evensong Sunday Revd Tom Keates Church Services

Thornbury Catholic Morton Baptist Quakers Christ the King, Thornbury Morning Service Chantry Every Sunday Community Centre Sunday Mass at on Castle Street 8.30am 10.30am 11.00am Sunday Holy Cross, Wotton All welcome 10.30am Under Edge Saturday (vigil Mass) 5.30pm

Christian Comment

"Have you been to the cinema recently? It is such an amazing experience isn’t it? The seats recline; you can see over the heads of the people in front because of the gradient of the floor; there’s a prepared place for the drink; the choice of film is amazing. The only thing is that the sound levels are ear shattering… but then that is my age! You sit back and enjoy… you’ll have realised by now that I no longer head for the back row, clutching popcorn in one hand and the boyfriend’s hand in the other!

As the film rolls on before you – you enter into the action at whatever level you wish. You can take it as being just good entertainment in which you immerse yourself, a way of passing the time and when you leave the cinema the acting stays behind. You may of course continue to chat with others about the photography, the acting ability, but to all intents and purposes the event has passed – good entertainment. You can of course dip in and out of the action – something sets you thinking and for a time the film rolls on without you! Sometimes we use the film to lose ourselves for just a short time. However we watch the film passing in front of us, we enjoy the time and then return to our daily lives.

That has similarities for people in church. Some go to lose themselves and have quiet for a short time. Some engage in all that is going on. Some dip in and out as their interest is caught by a word, a hymn, a thought. The difference is that the ‘film’ for Christians should never stop. It is exciting and it continues to engage us every day." Rev Sue

Oldbury Pigeon Hello readers!

The Friends of Oldbury School worked very hard in school over February half term to complete some major projects, and we would like to say a huge thank you to them for all the practical work which they carried out around our buildings to improve the school environment for our children. Thank you also to everyone who made and bought cakes on 14 February - our Valentine’s Day Cake sale raised an incredible £92.50 for the school.

Swimming is taking place on Mondays throughout Term 4, and our annual pancake races were run with enthusiasm on Shrove Tuesday. On 6 March some of our children will be taking part in the Swimarathon at Thornbury Leisure Centre to raise funds for Butterfly Space in Malawi. Class 1 will be holding a special Mother’s Day assembly for parents on Friday 20 March, and on the evening of that day will be the eagerly-awaited School Prom, kindly arranged by the Friends of Oldbury School.

Class 2 will be visiting ‘The Toot’ Iron Age remains in Oldbury village as part of their Stone Age & Iron Age topic on Wednesday 1 April. Finally, Term 4 will end with the school’s Easter Service at St Arilda’s Church, to which everyone is very welcome, at 1.45pm on Friday 3 April. The children will have their Easter egg hunt earlier that day, and we are delighted that our friends in the Busy Bees will be joining us for that to share the fun!

Busy Bees

Dear Readers,

We have been very busy since our last update. Most recently we’ve enjoyed celebrating Chinese New Year; we tasted Chinese food and practiced writing Chinese symbols. We’ve also had great fun making and decorating Valentine’s biscuits.

We would like to say a big thank you to Magnox for their very kind donation of a new, secure shed, and to Oldbury Community Shop for their very generous donation towards new wooden toys. Thanks also go to the very kind sponsors of our Christmas raffle; Giggs Salon, Papilio, the Anchor Inn Oldbury, Rosie and Rex, Little City, Cattle Country, Country Park and Jolies Fleurs. We raised an amazing £95. We are very grateful to all of the people that support us. As a charity we rely on support from local individuals and companies in order to continue to offer the best childcare, in the heart of our wonderful village.

We’re looking forward to visiting Oldbury School again on Fridays to take part in the Forest School. We absolutely love outdoor learning! As the weather improves, we will be making the most of our beautiful surroundings - make sure you give us a wave if you see us on one of our rambles. Swarm wishes, Busy Bees x Hill & Rockhampton WI – February Report

Our speaker this month was Nigel Bell who gave us an hilarious talk on the highs and lows of breeding Beagles. To be a beagle the animal must be no more than fifteen inches at the shoulder and Nigel lamented that however carefully chosen were the sire and dam, the progeny often did not fit the criteria. He likened it to a family where one child could be smaller than average, whilst another could be like a gangly teenager. Nigel travelled the country judging at shows and his ultimate ambition was to judge at Peterborough Show, after which he had promised his wife he would retire. This year he has achieved that ambition, so it will be interesting to see if he does keep his promise to his wife.

Further Snippets - 1930’s

1931 – singing lessons were enjoyed and members voted that Mrs Barker should have a bunch of grapes (the minutes do not specify what her ailment was).

1932 – It was farewell to Mrs Whittaker, and Mrs Barker took over. Fruit canning was demonstrated and a trip to Weston, Cheddar and Clevedon was enjoyed by all.

1934 – A Christmas Party was held for nearly seventy children. The Vicar gave each and every one a shilling which was presented by Mrs Denton Jenner Fust. The recipients gave a cheer to mark their approval. Miss Worsley again gave a talk on glove making.

1936 – Presidents changed again, and Mrs Poynton took over. We were taught how to cure rabbit skins (for their glove making).

1938 – The Group Meeting took place at Thornbury Castle where there was a parade of Ancient consumes that took all afternoon and evening.

1939 – September. The WI meet in the afternoon because of lighting restrictions and refreshments were now rationed.

Rockhampton Village Hall 100 Club

Draw winners were:-

January February Wendy Britten £15 Val & Rob Gibson Tony England £10 Hilary Clark Barry Whittaker £ 5 Victoria & Andy Barker Sharon Lynas £ 5 Sharon Lynas

www.rockhamptonvillagehall.com A Forgotten Landscape - Legacy

It is almost a year ago that I became a one-man band to undertake the 12-month legacy phase of A Forgotten Landscape, and as this soon draws to a close, I thought I should update you all on what has been happening. It has been a busy twelve months; I have worked on improvements to Aust ferry, an Eels project, the Coming Home to Roost survey and reviewing the management plan at Woodwell Meadows - read on for more details!

It has been very useful to remain in post for a period of time as there have still been plenty of requests for information relating to AFL projects and I have sent out numerous walking packs and Tales of the Vale books. However, all good things eventually come to an end and I am moving on in mid-February to a new landscape project in Bath & North East Somerset.

It has been an absolute joy and privilege to work on A Forgotten Landscape over the past seven years - I have learnt so much about this remarkable landscape and met so many wonderful people along the way. Many of our projects live on – either through our partner organisations or our fantastic volunteers. Our AFL website with all its resources will remain in situ for another four years. So, it just remains for me to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved – we couldn’t have done it without you!! Miriam

Eels - 'Eel in the Classroom' and eel barrier survey Working with Bristol Rivers Trust (BART) we funded and Oldbury-on-Severn Primary Schools to take part in the ‘Eel in the Classroom’ project. Each hosted a tank of elvers to look after for several weeks before helping to release them in a suitable watercourse near the school. AFL met BART and children from Oldbury School when they released their elvers and it was great to see how engaged the children were and how much they had learnt about eels and watercourses in general.

Alongside this project we also wanted to find out more about the potential physical barriers that eels face as they leave the and head upstream in the numerous Pills and Rhines that lead off the estuary. BART prioritised three watercourses where the habitat for eels upstream would be most suitable should the barrier at the bottom of the watercourse (i.e. where it meets the Severn) be modified. The watercourses chosen were:

• Chestle Pill - leaves Severn at and covers about 29km • - leaves the Severn at Oldbury and covers about 32km • Little Avon and associated brooks – leaves the Severn west of Berkeley

The report identifies a series of recommendations to modify barriers and improve the habitat for eels, and BART will work with partners and local landowners to implement these, as and when opportunities arise. High Tide Roost - Monitoring Report The results of three years of High Tide Roost surveys along the Severn by AFL “Coming Home to Roost” project volunteers have been analysed and written up into a report by Richard Archer of the RSPB. High Tide Roosts are areas that water birds use when the high tide forces them off the river. These sites are essential for resting before the tide drops and they return to the mudflats to feed. It highlights the bird species using the sites and analyses data on disturbance factors such as dogs off leads, anglers and walkers.

Over the three years, volunteers counted a total of over 89,000 birds including 51,000 waders such as Dunlin, Redshank and Curlew and 23,000 ducks including Wigeon, Teal and Shelduck. The raw data for the project is held by the Bristol and Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC) and can be used in many ways, including by the local planning authority to inform decisions on future planning applications. The report, available at www.aforgottenlandscape.org.uk/projects/wildfowl-and-wader-monitoring/ makes a series of recommendations to help mitigate disturbance factors. Even though the original three-year project is over, the majority of volunteers still continue to survey their roost sites as, in the words of one, ‘my monthly visit to the roost site has become a part of my life now’.

Aust Ferry Work began in September 2019 at the old Aust Ferry Terminal to take down the remains of the derelict toilet block and open up pedestrian access to the historic stone jetty. The work should have taken just a month, but it was severely delayed by the discovery of asbestos. This has now been cleared and the building taken down. We hope the necessary landscape and fencing works will soon be completed so the site can open to the public.

The two turnstiles in the derelict building attracted much attention and both have found new homes with groups hoping to restore them for public display.

Woodwell Meadows Woodwell Meadows is a fantastic wildflower meadow near Littleton-upon- Severn. Bought by South Gloucestershire Council in 2008 and now owned by Aust Parish Council, this is a great place to see flowers such as Pyramidal orchid, Bee orchid, Agrimony, Birds foot trefoil, Ox-eye daisy and many more. Wessex Ecological Consultancy surveyed the meadows and showed that the cattle grazing regime implemented in 2009 has been successful in maintaining the species-rich grassland. Restoration work to the pond is planned in autumn 2020. This gem of a site is well worth a June / July visit. www.aforgottenlandscape.org.uk/projects/woodwell-meadows-local-landscapes/

Data Protection As A Forgotten Landscape ends we will delete the mailing list to make sure we comply with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) but the AFL website will remain for four years. Best Wishes, Miriam

“Life influenced by our River Severn” Further Grist

Although I was less than a year working in barges on the River, it left an impression that has stayed with me for the rest of my life, and I consider myself fortunate to have had the experience.

To conclude, I will recount a few of the episodes, and incidents which so impressed themselves on a young and receptive mind. The job was quite hard at times, and long hours were regularly worked, but the life was NEVER dull. I have already mentioned briefly some of the hazards that are faced by users of our unique tideway, and one was FOG.

On one trip, whilst loading at Avonmouth, I was seconded to another of the Company’s barges, the newer “Regent Linnet” for the passage up to Sharpness. Her Skipper, a quiet, knowledgeable man, son of a long-serving and respected Channel pilot, had found himself without a crew for some reason and literally needed a hand.

On the next flood tide we set off from Avonmouth in company with half a dozen, or so, other small craft, heading up across King Road towards the notorious Shoots passage (where now stands the Prince of Wales bridge).

Halfway through the Shoots Channel, a dense bank of fog closed in and we lost sight of the other vessels, and more importantly, shore navigation marks. My duty now was to stand on the bow, listening, and looking, and indicating to the Skipper anything noted. Between siren blasts, the first thing I heard was a shout from up ahead. Apparently, an enterprising crew member on another barge had shinned up the mast, and found that he could see over the fog. “I can see the Charston lighthouse” he yelled, so following his lead, we cleared the Shoots, and shaped up for . Then, the fog closed right in, and we lost all contact with the others. Proceeding gingerly onward, the next thing I heard was a bell, of all things. “That’ll be Shepperdine”, said the Skipper, and as we approached a shouted exchange took place with Percy Palmer, the light keeper. “You can lie ashore right here until next tide” he advised. But no, Maurice made up his mind to carry on. After a harrowing passage we arrived at Sharpness lock with only one other barge, Harkers “Winnie H.” The lock was held as long as possible, but there were no more arrivals. We later learned that craft ended up scattered all over, two at , others about the Estuary, and one, that of the agile crewman, high and dry on Inward Rocks. Her Skipper said later, “She was cocked up on the rock like a spacecraft about to take off”. There were no casualties, and everyone eventually made it, but apparently it had been one of the worst fogs for ages. Much later, given time to reflect and appreciate, I realised that our Skipper had navigated the winding River channels, and successfully docked, using just a magnetic compass, experience, and accumulated local knowledge. A valuable lesson for the future, “Do your homework, and keep revising”.

Sometimes there were lighter moments to savour...... Regards, George Woollard.

Sailing Club News

In anticipation of an end to the wet and windy weather, the Club is preparing for the next RYA Sail Training Courses for both Adults and Juniors. The courses begin in April and are run over eight sessions. The first two are held at Frampton, by kind permission of that Club, the others are at the Thornbury Sailing Club premises at Oldbury on the River Severn.

Adult courses (16+ years) use two man sailing dinghies and Youth courses (16 or under) use single handed Topper dinghies.

Youth beginner students’ parents must be at the training venue while the course is taking place or arrange for another parent to be in loco parentis.

• The Adult Beginner’s Course consists of: RYA Start Sailing (Level 1): covers how to sail in all directions, including an awareness of launching and recovering. After this course a student will be able to sail in light winds under supervision. RYA Basic Skills (Level 2): covers rigging, launching, sailing in all directions, capsize recovery and essential knowledge. After this course you will be able to sail and make decisions in good conditions.

• The Youth Beginner’s Course consists of: RYA Stage 1: covers a basic understanding of how a boat sails, with some experience of steering and boat handling. RYA Stage 2: covers a range of sailing skills and knowledge to help in becoming a confident sailor. RYA Stage 3: covers rigging, launching and sailing in any direction. Equivalent to Level 2 in the National Sailing Scheme.

The Club runs the courses for the benefit of its members, so to participate, students must become members of Thornbury Sailing Club.

For further information please contact the following: Sail Training Officer, Mr David Morgan, 01453 543561 [email protected]

Membership Secretary, Mrs Sue Leat, 01291 641207 [email protected]

If you are interested in learning to sail, or can already sail and are looking for a venue to dinghy sail in this area, please check the times of sailing on our website and pay us a visit. We are a friendly, family-orientated club and we look forward to seeing you. www.thornburysc.org.uk Tide Table : Inward Rocks, River Severn. March 2020

Day High High High Moon Sunrise Sunset Low Low 6:28 AM 11:45 AM 6:48 PM Sun 6:54 AM 5:51 PM GMT / 1.65 GMT / 9.84 GMT / 1.87 GMT GMT 1 m m m 12:03 AM 7:06 AM 12:25 PM 7:27 PM Mon First 6:52 AM 5:53 PM GMT / 9.42 GMT / 2.04 GMT / 9.17 GMT / 2.33 Quarter GMT GMT 2 m m m m 4:15 AM 11:17 AM 4:54 PM 11:55 PM 6:44 AM 6:00 PM GMT / 8.02 GMT / 2.89 GMT / 8.28 GMT / 2.81 Fri 6 GMT GMT m m m m 5:25 AM 12:32 PM 5:57 PM 6:41 AM 6:01 PM GMT / 8.76 GMT / 2.33 GMT / 9.20 Sat 7 GMT GMT m m m 1:04 AM 6:22 AM 1:35 PM 6:49 PM Sun 6:39 AM 6:03 PM GMT / 2.14 GMT / 9.87 GMT / 1.54 GMT / 10.36 GMT GMT 8 m m m m 2:02 AM 7:11 AM 2:29 PM 7:35 PM Mon 6:37 AM 6:05 PM GMT / 1.33 GMT / 11.08 GMT / 0.71 GMT / 11.49 Full Moon GMT GMT 9 m m m m 5:03 AM 10:06 AM 5:26 PM 10:29 PM Fri 6:28 AM 6:12 PM GMT / - GMT / 13.17 GMT / - GMT / 12.72 GMT GMT 13 0.54 m m 0.53 m m 5:45 AM 10:52 AM 6:08 PM 11:16 PM Sat 6:26 AM 6:14 PM GMT / - GMT / 12.55 GMT / - GMT / 11.96 GMT GMT 14 0.28 m m 0.05 m m 6:29 AM 11:41 AM 6:52 PM Sun 6:23 AM 6:15 PM GMT / 0.28 GMT / 11.58 GMT / 0.69 GMT GMT 15 m m m 12:06 AM 7:14 AM 12:34 PM 7:40 PM Mon Last 6:21 AM 6:17 PM GMT / 10.93 GMT / 1.04 GMT / 10.41 GMT / 1.56 Quarter GMT GMT 16 m m m m 4:37 AM 12:08 PM 5:15 PM Fri 6:12 AM 6:24 PM GMT / 8.12 GMT / 2.66 GMT / 8.15 GMT GMT 20 m m m 12:41 AM 5:43 AM 1:13 PM 6:13 PM Sat 6:10 AM 6:25 PM GMT / 2.68 GMT / 8.55 GMT / 2.23 GMT / 8.72 GMT GMT 21 m m m m 1:37 AM 6:36 AM 2:01 PM 7:00 PM Sun 6:07 AM 6:27 PM GMT / 2.21 GMT / 9.23 GMT / 1.80 GMT / 9.44 GMT GMT 22 m m m m 2:54 AM 7:56 AM 3:12 PM 8:15 PM Tue New 6:03 AM 6:31 PM GMT / 1.47 GMT / 10.65 GMT / 1.22 GMT / 10.75 Moon GMT GMT 24 m m m m 4:25 AM 9:35 AM 4:42 PM 9:51 PM Fri 5:56 AM 6:36 PM GMT / 0.98 GMT / 11.44 GMT / 0.99 GMT / 11.24 GMT GMT 27 m m m m 4:56 AM 10:07 AM 5:14 PM 10:22 PM Sat 5:53 AM 6:38 PM GMT / 1.02 GMT / 11.23 GMT / 1.13 GMT / 10.95 GMT GMT 28 m m m m 6:29 AM 11:38 AM 6:47 PM 11:54 PM Sun 6:51 AM 7:39 PM BST / 1.20 BST / 10.81 BST / 1.41 BST / 10.49 BST BST 29 m m m m 7:04 AM 12:13 PM 7:22 PM Mon 6:49 AM 7:41 PM BST / 1.50 BST / 10.24 BST / 1.79 BST BST 30 m m m 12:30 AM 7:41 AM 12:52 PM 8:02 PM Tue 6:47 AM 7:42 PM BST / 9.90 BST / 1.91 BST / 9.56 BST / 2.25 BST BST 31 m m m m St Peter’s Hospice Quiz Friday 6 March at 7.15pm in the Armstrong Hall

St Peter’s Hospice Severnside Support Group would like to invite you to take part in their annual quiz! Tables of four, to include a light supper, £30 per table. Excellent raffle prizes, bar available. Please come along and help us to support the vital work of the hospice within our community. For further information please ring Mary on 01454 412567 , thank you.

Sunday 8 March 10am to 2pm at The Old Cricket Club Rockhampton

Book Launch Monday 9 March at 7.30pm at Thornbury Baptist Church

“The Glorious Uncertainty: Salmon Fishing in the River Severn ” by Nick Large is being launched, with a short illustrated presentation. Entry is free and refreshments will be available.

The Armstrong Arts Group presents Phil Beer on his latest tour “So much to Choose From” Thursday 12th March at 7.30pm at the Cossham Hall

A dazzling instrumentalist, Phil Beer is perhaps best known as a top flight fiddler. This is why his catchphrase is “Phil Beer, plays guitar and fiddle, sings a bit. Sums it up.” This performance will encapsulate the last 40 years of his songs and music. Very old songs, very new songs. So much to choose from after all this time.

Tickets are £15 from Thornbury Town Hall or ring 01454 412272 . Thornbury Horticultural Society Spring Flower Show Saturday 14 March from 1.30pm to 4pm at the Armstrong Hall

With the Festive Season a distant memory, days drawing out and snowdrops coming, Thornbury Horticultural Society start their 2020 season with the Spring Flower Show, with displays of flowering bulbs and plants. There are also cookery, photographic and children’s classes, a plant sales table and you can ask our experts for advice. Refreshments are available.

All adult and children’s classes are open to members and non-members.

Show schedules are available from the Thornbury Garden Shop, T.J. Owens on the Plain and online: http://www.thornburyhorticulturalsociety.org.uk

Even if you are not competing, why not come along and visit the show?

Thornbury Jazz Festival Saturday 28 March from 6pm – 11.30pm in the Armstrong Hall

The third Thornbury Jazz Festival will provide a full evening of great music in a relaxed jazz café setting. Top of the bill is virtuoso guitarist Remi Harris , playing an eclectic mixture of jazz and blues standards with original compositions and improvisations – not to be missed! Next up are ‘Sinead and the Sinnermen ’, featuring Sinead McCabe (vocals) and Cass Caswell (bass) who are much admired on the Bristol jazz scene for their original interpretations of jazz greats. The line-up is completed by popular local group ‘The Jenner Jazz Quartet ’, featuring new keyboard player Sam Foster; and the extraordinary wall of sound from the brilliant Kris Nock Big Band .

Tickets are £20 from Thornbury Town Hall or telephone 01454 412272 . Supper tickets are £7.50, and the bar is open all evening. Early booking is advised, as both previous festivals sold out quickly.

St Peter’s Hospice – Easter Eggstravaganza Thursday 2 April at 2.30pm in Thornbury Methodist Church Hall St Peter’s Hospice Severnside Support Group would like to welcome you to a Spring Flower Demonstration of seasonal arrangements by Sally Taylor of Severn Vale Flower Club. Entrance £6.00 to include tea and cakes. Tickets available from the Town Hall from 5th March.

15th Annual Observer’s Collectors’ Book Fair Saturday 18 April, 10am to 12pm at Village Hall

Thousands of vintage collectable books for sale: Observer’s, Warne publications such as Wayside & Woodland, Beatrix Potter, Ladybird books, and other series including natural history, transport and military. All book enthusiasts welcome - admission free. Obtain expert advice and valuations. Refreshments served. Telephone 01454 632170 for further details.

Seussical – The Musical Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 April daily at 7.30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm on 11 April, at the Armstrong Hall

The fantastical world of Dr Seuss bursts onto the stage in this larger-than- life musical extravaganza brimming with fun and excitement for “thinkers” of all ages. Seussical is a fast-paced mad-capped feel-good musical bonanza!

Join the mischievous Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, and a host of other much-loved characters on a magical, mad cap adventure from the Jungle of Nool, to the Circus McGurkus, to the tiniest planet in the sky, Whoville.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the award-winning NYTC’s fantastically energetic performance of Seussical. Treat the family to a Musical Extravaganza everyone will enjoy! After all, a person’s a person no matter how small!

Tickets: Adult £14.00 Concession £11.50 (Seniors, Students, Child Under 18) Family of 4 £46.00 Discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Contact box office for details. March 2020 at Thornbury Library

Staffed Times Open Access (Unstaffed)

Monday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Every day: 8.00am – 7.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Please note: Thursday: 9.30am - 5.30pm A 15-minute lapse will occur Friday: 9.30am - 5.30pm between staff closing time Saturday: 9.30am - 12.30pm and Open Access starting.

Monday 2nd March Special Rhymetime with Kipper 10.30am Special Storytime with Kipper 4pm

Thornbury Community Choir will pop up Saturday 14 March 11-11.30am

Have You Read…? Friday 6 March 2pm Come and join our friendly library book group on 1st Friday of every month This month’s theme will be: A book chosen randomly.

Lego Club . Saturday 21 March 10.30am-11.30am Come and join us for a story. Create your own LEGO masterpieces. Display them in the library for your family and friends to see.

Chatterbooks Group. Saturday 7 March 10.30am-11.30am Are you in years 4, 5, or 6? Enjoy book-themed activity sessions each month.

Rhymetime . Every Friday 10.30am–11am (term time only) Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together.

The Sewing Repair Hub . Will be here on Sat 28 March 10am-11.30am. Bring your small items of clothing or soft furnishings for repair.

Pre School Storytime. Every Monday at 2pm (term time only) Come and join us for stories and a simple craft.

IT Support. Computer volunteers to help with your IT and online questions (Please speak to a member of staff for dates and times).

4ward By Post

Would you like to receive a regular copy of 4ward by post? Join our

mailing list and in exchange for a book of 12 first class stamps every

year, Vicky Collin will be happy to post one to you.

Please send your stamps directly to Vicky with your address details.

Phone her on 01454 418244 or email [email protected] or write to her at The Cottage, Pullens Green, Oldbury on Severn, BS35 1PW

Calendar Dates for Oldbury

10 th March Tue Oldbury History Group 2.30pm. “Bygone Thornbury” 13 th March Fri Grumpy Man’s Breakfast, Memorial Hall, 9am 13 th March Fri OVCC Film Show, Memorial Hall, Doors open 7.30pm 28 th March Sat Neighbourhood Plan Community Engagement Event Memorial Hall 12.00 to 6.00pm 10th April Fri OVCC Film Show, Memorial Hall, Doors open 7.30pm 8th May Fri OVCC Film Show, Memorial Hall, Doors open 7.30pm 12 th June Fri OVCC Film Show, Memorial Hall, Doors open 7.30pm 10 th July Fri OVCC Film Show, Memorial Hall, Doors open 7.30pm 14 th Aug Fri OVCC Film Show, Memorial Hall, Doors open 7.30pm 15 th Aug Sat Oldbury Cricket Club 150th Anniversary Event

If you have any more local events that you would like to include in this diary, please email the magazine at [email protected]

Whist Drives: The Pavilion, Oldbury Playing Fields, 7.30pm on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Any enquiries to Allan Knapp tel: 413396 .

Oldbury Elders Luncheon Club: The Anchor Inn, last Tuesday of the month in the dining room. Meet at 12.00pm, lunch served at 12.15pm. Any enquiries to Sue Keedwell tel: 417103.

Oldbury Village Cinema Club : The Memorial Hall, second Friday of every month, doors open 7.30pm, film starts 8.00pm. Enquiries to Carole Dyke, Membership Secretary 419265

Rainfall

January 2020 January 2019 January 2018 96.5mm 25.5mm 71.5mm 3.80” 1.0” 2.81”

West Down Guest House

15 mins from RHS Rosemoor Gardens AA Finalist in the Friendliest B&B for England AA 4 star Gold

With Breakfast & Dinner Awards Visit our Web Site for all our Late Availability & Special offers

Wheel Chair friendly rooms North Devon. EX37 9HP Tele 01769560551

Email [email protected] www.westdown.co.uk

Tree Surgery Professional care to all your Trees & Hedges

David Jones

0 1 4 5 3 511647 [email protected].

22 Leaze Close, Berkeley, Glos. GL13 9DA Opening Hours Run by volunteers Mon to Fri 8am - 5pm for the benefit of Saturday 9am - 2pm - the community Sunday 9am 1pm As well as a great range of basics at competitive prices, we stock many local products. These include: fresh veg, meats, ice cream, honey, jams, eggs and cakes.

We also sell newspapers, Hobbs House bread, plus award winning wines & New Volunteers beers. Always Welcome Come and see. Call Marie Stephens on: 01454 411134 You may be to find out more surprised! Pavilion For Hire

Contact Denise Young 01454 419062

Hire charge is £15 per 3 hour session including use of tables and chairs

( Tables and Chairs can be used elsewhere for a hire charge of £3 per table And 50p per chair)

Sorry no dogs allowed in playing field area Supplied and Erected Neil Vizard Westmarsh Lane 01454 419108 Oldbury -on - Severn

JC 4x4 Ltd SPECIALIST IN LANDROVER

SERVICE • REPAIR WORK • DIAGNOSTICS • MOTs OTHER VEHICLES WELCOME

Call James 01454 261067 / 07966 086447

MOUNT PLEASANT FARM AND FORESTRY

Having grown trees for over 40 years I am stopping growing and just have a few hundred trees and shrubs to sell. Final sales this season will be from 15 March until 15 April which is the very latest most trees should be planted.

Very large semi mature trees - up to 25 ft high, species available: Oak, Plane, Lime, Parrotia, Maple, Yew and a few others, from £100.00 each. Also a few Box and Laurel remaining

Trees currently 6 -12 ft. high in species like : Laburnum £12.00; Catalpa £15.00; White Mulberry £15.00; Magnolia Kobus £15.00; Plane £20.00; Parrotia £25.00; Cut leaved Alder £15.00. Weeping trees from £20.00. Also a few shrubs and conifers ( some very rare) from £10.00, eg cob nuts, purple filberts, Brown turkey Fig; Clerodendrum.; Cryptomeria, Sequoia. Batch of about 100 lawsons cypress hedging conifers, slightly slower and more interesting and attractive than leylandii, £2.00 each on quantities of 50 or more. 18 - 24” high Lastly a few dozen extra large native hedge plants up to 8ft high THE PRICES IN THIS ADVERT ARE LOWER THAN OUR NORMAL LISTED PRICES AND IF YOU DO NOT PHONE FIRST AND QUOTE THIS ADVERT YOU WILL BE CHARGED THE NORMAL HIGHER PRICE. VAT must be added to all prices. Very local delivery of semi mature trees may be possible at cost.

HAZEL Freshly cut coppice sticks , for beans , peas, hedging and craft work. Also Yew poles for ultra durable garden structures.

FIREWOOD LOGS Small logs £50.00 per cubic metre, Also logs in 6ft lengths for customer to cut as required. All perfectly dry. For list of trees and shrubs See my website mountpleasantfarmandforestry.co.uk OR

Tel 01454 260111 Evenings are best ESSENTIAL TO PHONE BEFORE VISITING. A full range of trees and hedging will still be available this and in future seasons from our son who took over Mount Pleasant Trees some years ago and continues to run that business from our tree nursery.