DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015Great Hinton

Round About Your ParishSteeple Ashton

Steeple Ashton Village ShopOpening hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pmSaturday 8.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday 9.ooam to 12noon

11.15am Parish Commun-ion (BCP) (Rev Parker) Readings: Isaiah 40: 1-11

Mark 1: 1-8

December St Mary’s Steeple Ashton St Leonard’s Keevil

Sunday 7th

8am Holy Communion (BCP) (Rev Parker )

6.30pm Lessons and Carols ( Rev Dove )

Traditional Readings

CHURCH SERVICES

6.30pm Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday 14th

Every Monday (except bank holidays) Morning Office is said in Church at 8.30 am

8am Holy Communion (BCP) (Rev Dove )

10.50am10.30am Toy Service

(Worship group)

10pm Christmas Eve Com-munion

Sunday 21st

Shop telephone: 01380 871 211

3.30pm Afternoon Special Christingle Service

4pm Crib Service(Rev Dove)

Reading: Luke 1: 46-5511.30pm Midnight Mass

(Rev Dove)Reading: Isaiah 9 1 - 5

Luke 2: 1-14

Wednesday 24th

Christmas Eve

Sunday 28th

6.30pm Compline

Advent 4

United Parish Communion (CW) (Rev Dove)

Readings: Isaiah 61: 10 – 62.3, Luke 2: 15-21

Benefice Service

‘Dick Whittington’ – Steeple Ashton Pantomime, late-1950sDuring the post-war years through into the 1960s, the people of Steeple Ashton produced an annual pantomime. Performed in the old village hall around New Year, residents of all ages would take to the stage. There were usually three performances: on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and some years the players ‘went on tour’ – to Trowbridge, plus local venues such as schools and old folks’ homes.

Advent 2

Advent 3

Christmas Day

1st afterChristmas

10.30amFamily Communion

(Rev Parker)

9.15am Holy Communion (CW)

9.15am Christmas Family Service with short Commun-

ion to follow

Items for the February newsletter should be received by Tuesday 20th January 2015. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 1A Butts Lane, Steeple Ashton or by email to mandhms@gmail.com. All published items solely express the views of the author and are the copyright of the author and Round About Your Parish unless otherwise stated.The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to supply all news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be received before printing. Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Mrs Chris Plum on 01380 870875. There may be a waiting list. Please send your ads by letter not email. Please note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers. Flyers for Village activities and events can be delivered with the newsletter. If you wish to have a flyer for a village event delivered with this newsletter, please contact Anne Howard on 870505 during the third week of the month to see if it is convenient. All flyers have to be counted out for the delivery packs and as there are 25 deliverers this can take some time. No more than two per newslet-ter would be helpful. Editor

Newsletter Information

Bryan writes more about the front-cover picture...

Newsletter Deadlines for 2015January 20th; February 17th; March 17th; April 14th; May 19th; June 16th;August 18th; September 15th; October 20th; November 17th.

11.15am Parish Commun-ion (BCP) (Rev Dove)

Readings: Jeremiah 31: 7-14John 1: 1-18

January St Mary’s Steeple Ashton St Leonard’s Keevil

Sunday 4th

8am Holy Communion (BCP) (Rev Parker)

11. 15am Parish Communion (CW) ( Rev Dove)

Readings: 1 Samuel 3: 1-10John 1: 43-51

CHURCH SERVICES

9.15am Holy Communion (CW)

9.15am Morning Prayer

Sunday 11th

Every Monday (except bank holidays) Morning Office is said in Church at 8.30 am

8am Holy Communion (BCP) (Rev Dove)

10.30am Christingle Service

(Worship Group/Rev Parker)

6.30 pmHoly Communion (BCP)

Sunday 18th

2nd of Christmas

9.15 amAll Age Service

8am Holy Communion (BCP) (Rev Dove )

10.30am Morning Prayer (Rev Dove)

Readings: Rev 19:6-10John 2: 1-11

Sunday 25th

Epiphany 1

Sunday 1stFebruary 11.15am Parish Commun-

ion (BCP) (Rev Parker) Readings: Psalm 111

Mark 1: 21-28

As the pantomime season approaches, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on some of the productions performed in the village hall during the second half of the 20th century. During the mid-1950s, in the days leading up to the first performances of the village pantomime, the costumes – some hired and some home-made – would be hung in the living room at Moorfield Farm. I remember the vibrant colours of the various creations that temporarily decorated our walls, and the anticipation and excitement of the coming days. In those times, as a family, we were fairly involved in these annual productions; my father, brother and I were all members of the cast, and my mother was supportive ‘off-stage’. There was a great camaraderie amongst those involved in the annual pan-tomime, and we all helped in the construction, painting and erection of the scenery. A ‘back-room team’ – often recruited from the families of those ‘treading the boards’ – assisted with scene changes during performances. Mr George Rice was the producer during the early days (Mr Frank Potter took over as producer later), the dancing girls were under the tuition and

continued on page 25Epiphany

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Epiphany 3

Epiphany 4

9.15 amAll Age Service

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STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL

MASS TIMES at NEARBY CATHOLIC CHURCHESSt Joseph’s, West Lavington (01380 723572) Mass on Sunday at 9.00amImmaculate Conception, Devizes (01380 723572) Mass on Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday 10.30am and 5.00pmSt Anthony Melksham (01225 702128) Mass on Saturday 5.30pm and Sunday 9.30amSt George’s Warminster (01985 212329)Mass on Saturday evening 6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am & 10.00am(For information on any of the above please contactFrancis Geraghty 01380 871083email: f.geraghty303@btinternet.com)

SICK AND/OR HOUSEBOUNDAny Catholic who is sick or housebound should let Canon Liam (01225 752152) know as he would be pleased to arrange a visit and bring Holy Communion, if desired.

THE NEW 300 CLUB 2014Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 quarterly - £4.33 monthly. New mem-bers are most welcome to join at any time. Prizes are: £200-£70-£50-£10 - £5 monthly. For infor-mation and application form contact Frank Geraghty 01380 871083 email: f.geraghty303@btinternet.com

SHARING OUR FAITHThe Group meets in the Parish Centre Trowbridge on Wednesdays from 8-9pm. This is open to anyone wishing to learn more about the Catholic Church.

ST JOHN’S PARISH& CONFERENCE CENTREOur Parish & Conference Centre pro-vides first class facilities for confer-ences, training courses, retreats and social events. Our extensive facilities can accommodate up to 100 people with a fully equipped IT Suite plus catering facilities and extensive free car parking. Contact 01225 767215 for fur-ther information.

Christmas BlessingMay the Blessings of Christmas be with You All and may You enjoy a

Peaceful New Year.

Canon Liam O’Driscoll, St John’s Catholic Church

ST.BERNADETTE’S CHURCH WESTBURY:Wednesday 24th Dec: Christmas Carols 11.30pm followed by Midnight Mass 12 midnight. Thursday 25th Dec: Christmas Day Mass 9.00am

FloodsOn 3rd November, Councillor Jonathon Seed from Wiltshire Council and Mr Danny Everett from Wiltshire Council gave the Parish Council and attendees an update following on from the flooding which took place on 18th September. Cllr Jonathon Seed gave a general overview on the various types of flooding experienced in the county and noted there are 80,000 gulleys in Wiltshire and that Wiltshire Council employ full time tankers to clear them.Mr Danny Everett, a specialist Drainage Engineer from Wiltshire Council then spoke about the specific actions which have taken place since the flood-ing. A CCTV camera had been hired for 6 days and the report revealed quite a lot of damage to the drainage system. Opposite the Long’s Arms pub is an underground T junction where the pipe running in the direction of the main road then joins one running down through the pub garden. Within a few metres either side of the T junction the pipe was blocked. One side had tree roots and the other had the top knocked off the pipe by a defective water company repair. This meant that both legs of the main carrier drain was blocked. Both of these blockages have now been rectified, by removing the defective section of pipe and replacing with a plastic pipe encased in concrete. There are other works still to do, by the war memorial and also a couple of other buried systems.The Parish Council will be receiving an A0 size plan which will note the position of the pipes and the flow of the water. Properties which were flooded can then be marked on the plan. This will identify vulnerable prop-erties and will assist if emergency action needs to be taken in the future.

From the floor there were a few questions: The owner of a property on the Village Green said that her property had been flooded 15 years ago and now flooded again. Now living with bare con-crete floors downstairs and asking for the drains to be cleaned regularly. Cllr Seed noted that even though Wiltshire Council employ tankers to clean the drains, it would not have identified these particular problems. Mr Everett explained that Wiltshire Council can only act reactively to these situations. In Steeple Ashton this was to hire CCTV cameras and then imme-diately rectify the issues. It was noted that technically whoever owns the tree, owns the roots.Another question related to whether there was any way of improving the capacity. The answer was that in theory, now these 2 issues have been cor-rected, the village should be able to cope. Cllr Seed pointed out that between

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St Bernadette’s, WestburySunday Mass - 9am; Weekday Mass -Thursday 11 amConfessions/Reconciliation before Mass and any time on request.

Rosary: Weekdays before Mass. SVP Fri 6.45pmConfessions: Sat: 10.30-11.15am and 5-5.45pm

CATHOLIC NEWSSt John the Baptist, Trowbridge and St Bernadette’s, West-bury, (including villages).Parish Priest: Canon Liam O’Driscoll, Tel: 01225 752152www.stjohnthebaptist.co.uk

St John’s Sunday Masses :Saturday (Vigil) 6pm; Sunday 10.30am & 6pm Weekday Masses:Mon: 9am; Tues: 6pm; Wed: 12.10pm; Fri 6pm; Sat: 10am; 6pm (Vigil)

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2014

ST JOHN’S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE. PENITENTIAL SERVICE.The Advent Penitential Service is on Wednesday 18th December at 7.30pm with visiting priests for the Sacrament of Confession. This is a family service in preparation for the Nativity of Our Lord.

SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION:ST.JOHN’S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE:Saturday 13th Dec: 10.30am – 11.15am. 5.00pm – 5.45pm.Saturday 20th Dec 10.30 – 11.15 am. 5.00-5.45pm Wednesday 24th Dec: 10am – 11am and 3pm – 4.00pmST.BERNADETTE’S CHURCH WESTBURY: Thursday 18th Dec. 10.15–11am Sunday 21st Dec. 8.15–8.50am

CHRISTMAS SERVICES: ST.JOHN’S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE:Wednesday 24th Dec: First Mass of Christmas (children’s Mass) 7.00pm. Christmas Carols from 6.45pm.Midnight Mass 12.00 midnight. Carols 11.30pm.Thursday 25th Dec: Mass of Christmas Morning 10.30am. (Note: No evening Mass). Friday 26th Dec: Mass of St Stephen at 10.00am

December 2013 and March 2014 the drains coped and no-one was flooded. A resident from Ashton Common wanted to know how far the CCTV camera went and if the drainage at the Steeple Ashton end has been improved, where does the water flow to? Specific answers weren’t able to be given on the night, but it is anticipated that the A0 map will show where the water drains to. Cllr Seed noted that there are some properties which have flooded previ-ously and are likely to flood again in the future. Householders should try and minimise the effects of flooding; many of these properties were built before electricity was installed, so actions like moving plug sockets higher up walls will minimise the effects. Another question related to ditches not being cleared. Cllr Seed said that Wiltshire Council can only clear their own ditches. Landowners need to be approached. A comment was made that the pipes under the gates are too small and can’t cope with the volume of water. Cllr Seed finished by saying that Wiltshire Council will do whatever it can, wherever it can, but they do not have the resources to do everything they want. The Parish Council have now received a supply of sand and will be putting together a plan for its use. As explained last month, it should be noted that Riparian owners (owners of land adjacent to a water course) have a duty to maintain their ditches and accept flow from their upstream neighbours and pass it on to their down-stream neighbours.PlanningPlanning applications are considered at Parish Council Meetings and Plan-ning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an Open Forum for members of the public to comment on planning matters prior to their consideration. New Plans:14/09789/TCA - Sundial House Steeple Ashton Nr Trowbridge Wilts BA14 6EL - Prunus - Lift crown and thin the crown14/09774/FUL - 3 Dark Lane North Steeple Ashton Trowbridge BA14 6EY - Greenhouse and sunken pond14/10161/TCA - 5 Edington Road Steeple Ashton Trowbridge BA14 6HP – T1 Weeping Willow - Tree becoming too large for location. Pollard to reduce tree by 50% (approx 6 metres) to leave a shaped framework for future re-growth. T2 Silver Birch trees x 3 - Prune smaller branches back to bound-ary (approx 2 metres) T3 Crack Willow - Poor value tree. Blocking light to Walnut tree. Pollard by 50% (approx 6 metres) to leave a shaped framework for future re-growth.

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PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE (2 St. Mary’s School, High St.) This is open to the public three times a week (Monday and Tuesday 2.30pm - 3.30pm; Wednesday 10am – 11am) or by appointment. The telephone number is 01380 871461. Lynda Beaven, Clerk to the Parish Council. Tel:01380 871461 email: steepleashtonpc@outlook.com For information the non-emergency POLICE CONTACT NUMBER is 101

Jonathon Seed writes -

Methodist Church Diary and Events cont.

CHURCH DIARYAll services are at 9:15 a.m. unless otherwise stated. Please come along and join us. You can be assured of a warm welcome, and a time to chat, (plus a cup of tea or coffee), after the service. As we come to press the dates for the housegroup which meets at 14 Holme-leaze are yet to be arranged. DECEMBER:Monday 1st West Wiltshire Maranatha Group @ 7:30 p.m.Friday 5th Advent Bible Study led by Revd David at 7 p.m. in the Methodist Church – all welcomeSunday 7th Holy Communion service led by Revd Mary TeedWed 10th Reflections and Fellowship in the Methodist Church 10:30 – 12 noonFriday 12th Advent Bible Study led by Revd David at 7 p.m. in the Methodist Church – all welcomeSunday 14th Carol Service led by Revd David CoppardFriday 19th Advent Bible Study led by Revd David at 7 p.m. in the Methodist Church – all welcomeSunday 21st Morning worship led by Izzie SmearsThursday 25th N.B. 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day service led by Revd David Coppard Sunday 28th Morning worship led by Mr Bernard Cooper

JANUARY:Sunday 4th Covenant & Holy Communion Service led by Revd David CoppardMonday 5th West Wiltshire Maranatha Group @ 7:30 p.m.Sunday 11th Morning worship led by Mr Eric CliffordWed 14th Reflections & Fellowship in the Methodist Church 10:30 – 12 noonSunday 18th Morning worship led by Mrs Janet TannerWed 21st Service for Christian Unity @ 2 p.m. in the Methodist Church with Tea & cakes to follow and a short SACT meeting afterwards.Sunday 25th Morning worship led by Mr Peter WalkerWed 28th Reflections & Fellowship in the Methodist Church 10:30 – 12 noon

This Christmas may you experience not just a dream but the living reality of the peace, love and joy of God’s gift in Jesus Christ. Yours sincerely

Rev David Coppard MTh.

14/10274/TCA - Vicarage, Vicarage Lane Steeple Ashton BA14 6HH - T1 - leylandii - Remove t2 - Small Conifer - Remove T3 - Small Conifer - Remove T4 - Hawthorn - Remove T5 - Yellow Cypress- Remove T6 - Leylandii - remove T7 - Leylandii - Reduce by 50% T16- Leylandii - Remove T8 - T11 - Lawson & Elder Remove T12 & T14 - Lawson Remove T13 - Silver Birch - Overall prune and reshape 2 - 3 metres height and width. T15 - Yew - Reduce to five feet to encourage as hedging again. Mr Nick Cranston 14/10348/TCA - Lathams 3 The Strand Steeple Ashton Trowbridge BA14 6EP - Walnut Tree - fell due to Fungus disease14/10706/TCA - 2 Silver Street Steeple Ashton Wilts BA14 6HB - Fell Poplar to ground level

PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGSMonday 15th December: Main Parish Council MeetingMonday 5th January 2015: Planning Issues Only Council MeetingMonday 26th January 2015: Main Parish Council MeetingMeetings are held in the Skittle Alley of the Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Planning Issues Meetings are held only if required.

As we draw to the end of another year we have the opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved this year and look forward to the challenges ahead. 2014 started with the dreadful and consistent rain that produced such severe flooding in Wiltshire and as the Council Cabinet Member for flooding I was heavily involved in dealing with both the flooding at the time and the aftermath. For individuals who suffer flooding of their properties the effects are devastating and last for months. Whatever our place in the flood alleviation process we all must work together to try to prevent future flooding of houses and businesses. This means individuals doing all that they can to protect their own properties as well as Councils at different levels taking measures and investing in plans, schemes and strategies to help prevent flooding. Clearly this is a matter to reflect on and for us all to help those who were flooded in the spring and autumn of this year.

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Jonathon Seed

Methodist Church Diary and Events

From our minister:“Christmas comes but once a year” so begins the old saying. Yet compiling these thoughts in the early part of November it feels in many ways as though it has already arrived: shops are already filled with Christmas fayre and someone I spoke to earlier in the week commented on how he had already received his first Christmas card. Advertising for the season is likewise in full swing. A particular television advert that drew my attention consists of a young boy with a penguin. It concludes with the strapline, “Give someone the Christmas they’ve been dreaming of.”

That to me goes to the heart of the Christmas message. Deep in the Old Testament we read of prophets foretelling the coming of God’s Saviour, cen-turies before the birth. Generations dreamt and longed of the coming of the Messiah and around 2000 years ago dream became reality in the form of a helpless, vulnerable baby, born in the poverty and squalor of the manger.

The Christian Church worldwide not only celebrates the birth of Jesus but invites everyone to discover for themselves the joy and life which his birth, death and resurrection brings.

WHAT ARE YOU GETTING THIS CHRISTMAS?Some time ago, a man punished his 3 year old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, ‘This is for you, Daddy.’ He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty.He yelled at her, ‘Don’t you know when you give someone a present, there’s supposed to be something inside it?’ The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, ‘Oh, Daddy, it’s not empty, I blew kisses into the box. All for you, Daddy.’The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged fro her forgiveness. An accident took the life of the child only a short time later, and it is told that the man kept that gold box by his bed for many years, and whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.In a very real sense, each of us as humans, have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, friends, family and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

Wiltshire Council, like the rest of our community, recognises the challeng-ing economic climate in which we are operating and a future where we expect central government cuts to our local government funding for years to come. In these circumstances we also need to reflect and to defend all that we have that is positive here in Wiltshire and that means acting to maintain the front line services that our communities and residents care about. There is much good news in this sphere. Our ground breaking campus programme continues to develop apace and we have managed to preserve all of our lei-sure centres and libraries as well as opening new ones and for longer hours. This is very good news for our residents of all ages ranging from the young people who benefit from free swimming during the school holidays to older members of our community who can access our excellent library service which is often the only extensive source of large print books available to them. We also look forward to Broadband being rolled out to 97% of our county, our roads being put into a better state of repair than most of our neighbours and continued delivery of decent services to the vulnerable members of our community. So as 2014 draws to a close we can reflect on the troubles, achievements and indeed the commemorations of the year, including the extensive WW1 recognition throughout the County and Country. We also look forward to 2015 as a year when our national Government submits itself for Election in a General Election and where there will be many local challenges to be met. I very much look forward to joining with those who lead in our villages to address the local challenges that arise in Summerham and Seend in 2015. In the meantime as your Wiltshire Councillor I would like to wish all those who I have the privilege to represent on Wiltshire Council a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Member for Summerham and Seend Wiltshire Councilwww.jonathonseed.com. Tel. 07770 774463

Betty SmithWe have been overwhelmed by so many letters and card, and kind wishes, following the death of Mummy, almost each one describing her as a lovely woman. We are so very grateful, they have been such a support to us all.Derrick finished his eulogy to his Grandmother with these words, “We can take some comfort remembering that in our Father’s house there are many mansions and that in one is a blacksmith reunited with his lifelong love and son-in-law taps on the window and says, ‘Put the kettle on Betty’.”Such a lovely, comforting thought. We have been reminded that there are so many good people in Steeple Ashton and all such kind friends.

Carolyn and Roger , Rosemary and Colin

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G. Oakley (Sec) 01225/775681

FORGET-ME-NOTS-CLUB

HOME COMMUNIONS If you are unable to get to church through sickness or disability, the

Vicar (01225 752635) or Rev Lionel Dove (01380 870013) will be pleased to arrange a home communion for you and/or your spouse.

SUPPORTING THE CHURCH:Those who wish to support the work of the Church by regular giving, dona-tion or will should contact the treasurer Anne Strange on 01380 870278, annestrange278@btinternet.com. Gift Aid envelopes, for those paying tax, must have a legible postcode and address.

FRIDAY CLUB (for all the family 0-13yrs): In the Village Hall3.45-4.30pm drink & biscuits & chat;4.30pm songs and children’s worship;4.50- 5.30pm fun & games. All welcome fortnightly:Next meetings on 5th and 19th (Christmas Party! )December

For Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals or for tea and a chat contactRev Julian Parker 01225 752635 (julianparker22@hotmail.com) Rev Rev Rev Lionel Dove 01380 870013 (lioneldove@hotmail.co.uk)

We who are blessed in so many wayslong for the complete joy of your kingdom.We whose hearts are heavyseek the joy of your presence.We are your people,walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!” ~ written by Fr. Henri J. M. Nouwen

The lunch of fish and chips followed by trifle on 5th Nov was a great success with members.

Christmas Bingo will be on 3rd Dec, with a Christmas Lunch on 17th Dec at The Old Bear, Staverton.

Members are reminded that no meetings will be held In Jan’15, and the first meeting of the new year on 4th Feb will be a Beetle Drive.

Best wishes for a joyous and peaceful festive season and 2015 to all members and their families.

President Ann Holloway welcomed two visitors to our November meeting and then continued with the business and notice of events from our own groups, county-wide events and National activities. This was followed by an evening of ‘Members’ Entertainment’ coordinated by Alison Evans. We enjoyed a five minute version of Cinderella involving five members, poetry in the Wiltshire dialect recited by Pauline Tiller, and Sue Culverhouse dem-onstrated ways to make simple or not so simple!! decorations for Christ-mas.

As reported last month our competition was for ‘A Bonfire Night Hat’. Four members had made wonderful creations and the winner was Val Latch. During the evening a large amount of hats and knitted goods were collect for Operation Christmas Child. Small gifts for people who are lonely at Christmas were also collected and these will be taken to WI House in Devizes for onward distribution.

Members ended the evening with coffee and a chat and made purchases from our Christmas Bring and Buy Stall.

The day following our meeting 39 members and friends has a day trip to Southampton.

Our next meeting will be our Christmas Party when we all take a plate of food to share and we will be entertained with music by Adrienne Hale.

Steeple Ashton WI

Kathleen Fielding

Baptism28th September - Isla Maria Ann Turner Marriages2nd August - William Clifford & Laura Happs11th August - Richard Curtin & Rachel Brown6th September - Michael Judge & Xanthe Smith20th September - Robert Rawlins & Rebecca MatthewsFunerals26th September - Don Park24th October - Betty SmithInterment of Ashes29th September - Elizabeth Broom2nd October - Tanya Kamau5th November - Edna Eaton

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ADVENT is a time of hope and longing

COLLECT for 4th in ADVENT God our redeemer,who prepared the Blessed Virgin Maryto be the mother of your Son:grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,so we may be ready to greet himwhen he comes again as our judge;who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever. Amen

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE DIARY30th NOVEMBER – 4.30pm Advent Service of Light21st DECEMBER – 6.30PM SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS24TH DECEMBER – 4PM CRIB SERVICE/11.30PM MIDNIGHT MASS25TH DECEMBER – 10.30AM CHRISTMAS FAMILY COMMUNION11TH JANUARY – 10.30AM CHRISTINGLE SERVICE

Christmas Cracker Jokes Why did Santa’s helper see the doctor??Because he had a low “elf” esteem!What happened to the man who stole an Advent Calendar??He got 25 days!What kind of motorbike does Santa ride??A Holly Davidson!

ST. MARY’S CHURCH CLEANINGIt doesn’t seem possible that a whole year has passed by since we put a plea in the Newsletter asking for more volunteers to help with the Church clean-ing. Unfortunately our request was not answered and so we are trying once again now folks have had more time to think about it. It only takes one or two hours, three or four times a year, and we work in pairs so you can come along with a friend, or we will pair you up with someone. We also have hus-band and wife teams on our rota so we welcome men volunteers as well. Every year we have some people who have to come off the rota for various reasons and we rarely get new replacements. We are really grateful to our regular volunteers who do a great job. Visitors often comment on how well looked after our Church is. We look forward to hearing from you. Kathy & Marion Pearce 870071

Help needed…Ann Ferry has been collecting newsletters from the printers for many years - 17 in fact! This involves driving to St. John’s Print Centre (part of St. John’s Upper Studley Church Hall, in Trowbridge) to collect several boxes of fin-ished magazines. This happens once a month, generally on the last Thurs-day about 9 to 9.30am. Ann might be able to carry on collecting from St John’s - in the new year - when she is able to drive again. Ann then takes the newsletters to Anne Howard who organizes the bun-dles for all the distributers. From 10.30am, helped by Jane Cooper, Ann Ferry drives around delivering about 18 of the bundles to Great Hinton, the Common and other outlying area of the Parish. The central area is organised by Kathy and Marion Pearce. Ann would like to retire – I’m sure we would all like to thank her for all her work over the years. Is there anyone who would be willing to take over? One of the distributors has offered to collect her bundle from Anne Howard’s house – maybe others could do the same??

Please contact me (on 871285) if you can help. Ed

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORTA huge thank you to everyone who supported the coffee morning in aid of Alzheimer’s Support so generously. The amount of money raised was £652.60. The money is very much appreciated and provides ‘extras’ for the clients at both the day centre in Mill Street, Trowbridge and also at Sid-mouth Street, Devizes, and is very much appreciated. Joan Van Ryssen

Call to worship The time of your birth is coming. We are waiting.The time of your birth is coming. We are watching.The time of your birth is coming. We are listening.As the time of your birth gets closer, we will be ready.

Advent PrayerLord Jesus,Master of both the light and the darkness,send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.We who have so much to doseek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.We who are anxious over many thingslook forward to your coming among us.

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Steeple Ashton Village Shop

Caren Felton

gold.....heart stuff really. Jesus represents you and me, the immediacy of this life we possess here and now and our potential for bringing joy into being. Of recognising that mira-cle which exists at the birth of a child....you, me, and Jesus! One together! This can be seen, through all the confusion of modern life. This can be known, if we separate out the experience from the dogma. The realisation of a billion years of evolution, focused upon that one ray of light! God’s blessing upon you and your family this Christmas.

CHILDREN & RELIGIONThere is a stage in a child’s life at which it cannot separate the religious from the merely festal character of Christmas or Easter. I have been told of a very small and very devout boy who was heard murmuring to himself on Easter morning a poem of his own composition which began ‘Chocolate eggs and Jesus risen.’ This seems to me, for his age, both admirable poetry and admi-rable piety. But of course the time will soon come when such a child can no longer effortlessly and spontaneously enjoy that unity. He will become able to distinguish the spiritual from the ritual and festal aspect of Easter; choco-late eggs will no longer seem sacramental. And once he has distinguished he must put one or the other first. If he puts the spiritual first he can still taste something of Easter in the chocolate eggs; if he puts the eggs first they will soon be no more than any other sweetmeat. They will have taken on an independent, and therefore a soon withering, life….C. S. Lewis

“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveller back to his own fireside and quiet home!” Charles Dickens

DECEMBER POETRY

“I heard a bird singIn the dark of DecemberA magical thingAnd sweet to remember.

‘We are nearer to SpringThan we were in September,’I heard a bird singIn the dark of December.”- Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing

“May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love.”- Ada V. Hendricks

CHRISTMAS Inevitably, attention this month is focused on Christmas, now just four weeks away! CARDS AND GIFTS We still have a few of the Dorothy House Christmas cards left, and a good choice of lighthearted Christmas cards from the Art Beat collection. (Incidentally, there is also a charity element in proceeds from all Art Beat cards sold throughout the year.) The Christmas gift ranges have been on display for a week or two now and are selling really well. There are beautiful, smaller, novelty items (good stocking fillers) which are also proving particularly popular - have you bought yours yet? WOOLY WOTNOTS This is an exciting new range of needle felted gift items handmade from pure wool here in Steeple Ashton by Sue Vince. There are small soft toys and decorations, unusual floral brooches, soaps in wool jackets, and lovely candles in vintage china. Do have a look next time you are in the shop.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE The raffle will be drawn on Wednesday 24th December, at 12.30pm – tickets are £1.00 for five numbers and are on sale at the counter. As usual, prizes will include a variety hamper, a voucher to the value of £25.00 to be spent in the shop, a ham or gammon joint, wines, cheeses, and a selection of gift items.

ORDER FORMS FOR FRUIT, VEGETABLE, DAIRY AND CHURCH FARM MEATS These are now available at the counter, and will need to be completed and returned to the shop by Wednesday 10th December. We order foods for Christmas from our usual suppliers, so you can be assured of fresh and excellent quality produce every time. Your orders will be ready for collection from the afternoon of Tuesday 23rd December and during the morning of Wednesday 24th Christmas Eve.

OPENING HOURS OVER CHRISTMAS The shop will be open as follows: Wednesday 24th December 7.30 – 14.30 Thursday 25th and Friday 26th December CLOSEDSaturday 27th December 8.30 – 16.30Sunday 28th December 9.00 – 12.00Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th December 7.30 – 17.30Wednesday 31st December 7.30 – 14.30Thursday 1st January CLOSEDFriday 2nd January 7.30 – 17.30

For purposes of village news, oil delivery for December will be on Thursday, 11th and I shall require orders by Friday the 5th. Thank you. Colin Green 01380 870119.

8 33

A Christmas Workshop with Kay King

in the Village Hallon THURSDAY Dec. 18thfrom 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Some new ideas for your home at Christmas made by YOU!

Cost £5 to include mulled wine at half time, and some materials.Ring KAY on 870078 to book a

place.

For your Floral Christmas

A demonstration on how to create your own swags, garlands and dis-play pieces for Christmas will take place at Dorothy House, Winsley on Thursday, 4th December from 5pm. to 7pm. Admission £5.00 includes refreshments. The dem-onstrated items will be raffled afterwards.

Tickets available from Kay King (01380 870078) or on the door of Bloomfield Hall, Dorothy House, Winsley on the day.

St Mary’s Church, Steeple AshtonThe Vicar writes: The Simple message of ChristmasThere is absolutely nothing wrong with people loving you and wanting to give you lots of Christmas presents. They did if for Jesus too! But if you do not appreciate the greatest gift you have been given – and the most obvious one – it will all feel a little hollow.....yet again.It is not a black and white thing (nothing ever is). It is not a choice between materialism and dutiful devotion. After all God gives us a material world to live in and it turns out that he made us needing food for our bodies, shelters for our heads and a great deal more besides. So nothing about Christmas needs to be rejected.It is also not so clearly a matter of worshiping or failing to worship Jesus as a religious figure. In today’s world we know that following a religion can be bound up with all kinds of intellectual, poitical and emotional problems (which is sad because his life was only about love). For a lot of people there is a stigma around religion now and with everything that gets processed through the media we hardly know what it stands for or represents any-more. We generally love the stories and nativities (especially for our chil-dren), and feel intuitively that there is something special about this time of year. But with the modern inheritance of too much knowledge, there is often a failure to see what it is all pointing to.It is the great loss of innocence and simplicity that afflicts our age. We cannot view the goodness and love that Jesus represents without a whole load of other confusing or even bad stuff getting in the way. Our minds have cut us off from our hearts.So what is Christmas and the birth of Jesus about? It is about the precious-ness of life. It is about our own vulnerability and potential. For Jesus, first and foremost and most obviously at this time, represents life! A baby with absolutely no knowledge, no power and no wealth, before which even wise men and ambassadors bow! The gift of God, being the gift of life. The total lack of separation between Him and us. His experience of being in a body in a miraculous world and ours.You see it is fine to have many possessions or much wealth of power or knowledge (if you are not imprisoned by it). But if you have not understood the simple gift of life that you have been given and how divine in nature that is, then it will all mean virtually nothing....whether you are Christian or not. You will pass through world wondering what all the fuss is about.Jesus is the gift of life to us. We are the gift of life to him! We are also the gift of life to ourselves and to others. It is that simple. He is here to turn our heads away from all that glitters and to redirect us towards what is really

Game Pie SupperSaturday 28th February

2015at 7.30pm

Steeple Ashton Village HallTickets £16

Available from the Village Shop 01380 871211

Advent Lunch

Village HallTues 9th December

From 12 noonIllustrated talk

Bring and share feastTea and coffee pro-

videdEveryone is very,

very welcome.

Come a CarollingMeet at 6pm at the Methodist Church.

December 15thWhatever your age,

young or oldbring your voice

and a torch and join in.

Finishing with mince pies at the Chapel

or at the Long’s Arms Carol Service

“Mince Pies”Carols, poetry and

prose for the Christ-mas Season

Friday 19th Decem-ber, from 7 p.m.’til

9p.m.There will be a break

for pies and punch after which the

very young may wish to go home to bed.

There is no charge for this event which has

become a villagetradition.

932

Notes from St. Mary’s PCC - November 2014Our next PCC meeting has been postponed for a week and now will be held on Monday the 24th November, after the Newsletter dead line. We are still working hard on our Mission and Stewardship initiatives. Our accounts up to the end of October 2014 do show a significant improvement in our financial situation so we now need to push on, get into the black on an annual basis and invest in the expansion of our Church going Congrega-tion. We have had a “Joint Officers” meeting with the Preservation Trust on Monday the 17th November. The suggestions on how we could improve our financial viability arising from our July open meeting were reviewed. Some very positive ideas are to be taken forward and evaluated by the PCC and Preservation Trust over the next 3 months. No news on the sale of the Vicarage. Sale price is £575K. Unfortunately the proceeds of this sale go to the Diocese but we will argue for a small amount of this to be paid in to the PCC as the Vicarage will not be available to us ever again for meetings etc. The Vestry subcommittee is awaiting an update of the plans from our Archi-tect and these are due before the end of November. The plans will then be reviewed by the Vestry Sub Committee and if appropriate, submitted to the full PCC for approval. Our prime objective is to make our wonderful Church more “user friendly”. The only way that we can ever proceed with this project is with support from the Preservation Trust which we provision-ally have. If any of our Parishioners would like to discuss our plans either singly or as a group then please contact me or Michael by phone or e-mail and we can arrange to meet. No progress on setting up a “Social and Publicity Committee” in order to arrange fun not fund raising events for our local community and to publicise the work of the Church. We hope to arrange 3 or 4 events a year. Progress please!!

ChurchwardenRoger Meade 870988 rogercmeade@aol.com

Steeple Ashton Film NightLynda and I announced on Friday 14th November that we were bowing out of organising the film nights. We are very sorry to have to make Belle the last film we are going to run in the Village Hall. Sadly in spite of extra advertising and notices in the Parish Magazines, we were still not selling enough tickets to make the current film organisation viable. It is very understandable that the Trowbridge Multiplex has taken a chunk of our audience. We have been running the films now for about 8 years, and in that time we have supported the Village Hall and given money to the Pres-ervation Trust and to Keevil School PTA. That has been very satisfying. However, in spite of this, I do believe that an alternative business model could be successful. If anyone, or a group of people, would like to take the films over, Lynda and I would be happy and very willing to help get the new arrangement started. We would be able to hand over our cur-rent float, the notice boards etc., together with our experience and back-ground knowledge. My phone number is 870302 and Lynda’s is 871701. Christina Walkley, who is the contact for Moviola, can be contacted on 01935 872607. Alternatively, Moviola has a website www.moviola.org Lynda and I would like to thank very much all those who have helped us run the films, organised the bar, put up posters, put away the chairs, helped the projectionist with the screen and so on. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. And thank you to our faithful audience!

Hope to see you all again, maybe at a rejuvenated ‘film night’.

Steeple Ashton/Paxcroft Guideswill be bringing

Father ChristmasOn his float

to Steeple Ashton/KeevilOn Thursday 11th December

between 6-8The Guides will be collecting monies

towards their Unit Funds

Gill and Lynda

3110

Natural History Club News December 2014The gardens here show blossoms of all the winter flowering cherries, winter-sweet, and an early miniature rhododendron with cowslips flowering, and the snowdrops already pushing forth a start to shoots. Meantime the lady-birds are trying hard to hibernate, and so too butterflies, such as peacocks, but they have a hard time knowing what to do. As you may know, we shall focus on Climate Change at the next meeting. I was reprimanded by a friend for saying the topic would be Global Warming. For, although of course the planet is setting its temperature ever higher, we in the UK may be wetter, may be sometimes colder- although undoubtedly with Oct 31st this year being an all-time record, it is also going to be hotter. This may be the first meeting on this topic, with another to follow. You can ask the question “Why are we in Steeple Ashton in our little natu-ral history group interested in such an enormous, controversial and aca-demic, question”. We hope that you will be engaged at the meeting and get an idea why. Get others to come too! The meeting will be in the house so that those who do not like granary meetings can avoid the stairs! The format for this first meet-ing is as follows:1.Geoff Witts will give a brief overview of weather patterns in Steeple Ashton2.Declan Walton will give an overview of what he has gleaned from his Bath group BRLSI.3.I, Penny A, will summarise a recent statement put out by the British Medi-cal Association, about their views after another large study group. 4.Discussion and future thoughts. Please let us know whether you would be interested to visit Hickley Point Nuclear Power station or other power generating installations over the coming months, or the recycling centre etc. even if you don’t get to this meeting.2 big flocks of 500 Lapwing out on Edington Road. Also 2 Water Rail, and quite a few Snipe in the Crops. If you have a computer here is an article that outlines a controversy about whether the polar bears will survive or not, past the middle of this century, ie the date that my grandchildren will be parents. http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141107-will-polar-bears-become-extinct

Next meeting on Thursday, Dec 4th 7.30 at the ManorFor all news: Penny Aeberhard, 01380 870602, penny.aeberhard@btinternet.com or David Culverhouse, 01380 871621, david@culverhouse.ndo.co.uk

1130

You may have heard the church bells tolling differently in early November and, if you had not seen the yellow notices put up around the village a couple of days prior, wondered why. Well, recorded on both of the War Memorials of Great Hinton & Steeple Ashton are the names of thirty men who fell in the First World War and It is the intention of the St. Mary’s bell ringers to mark their sacrifice by tolling the bells in solemn respect on the 100th anniversary of the death of each of these men. This will be done at 6.00pm on the date of their death, a candle will be lit in the window of the bell chamber, a bell (5th) will be tolled slowly once for each year of their age at death and then after a short pause a muffled bell (4th) will ring, one hundred times. The bells were tolled on 6th November for Guardsmen Herbert Gideon West and will be tolled at 6.00pm on Thursday 29th January as we remem-ber Private Harold George Bartlett. We welcome anyone whom wishes to join us on these occasions during the next 4 years. We are hoping to have researched brief notes on the lives of each of these men which we will use during these simple acts of remem-brance.Guardsman Herbert Gideon WestHerbert Gideon West was born to John and Annie West on 18th January 1895. They were farmers living in Silver Street and in 1911 had been married thirty one years and had had five children of whom one had died. Herbert had been admitted to the village school on 24th January 1898 (just three years old) and left on 12th January 1907 to become a carter on a farm. He enlisted with The Coldstream Guards on 18th March 1912 when he was sev-enteen and went to France on 12th August 1914. He was killed in action at Reutal, Belgium on 6th November 1914 and buried at the Sanctuary Woods Cemetery. 378 service men died in the war that day.Private Harold George Bartlett. Harold George Bartlett was born to William (born 1866 in Steeple Ashton) and his wife on 1st July 1895 in Steeple Ashton. He was one of four children, one of whom had died, as had his mother after six years of marriage. He was admitted to the village school on 31st October 1898 and left 12th June 1909. In 1901 he was living in The Strand with his father, a joiner, and Great Aunt, Sarah Gale aged 84. By 1911 he was a farm labourer and he and his father were living together in Church Street. He was one of the thirteen Steeple Ashton men who enlisted on 30th August 1914 after listening to a speech by Lord Long appealing for recruits to join Lord Kitcheners Army and left the village two days later. Harold Bartlett served with A Company of the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Regiment and on 28th January 1915 had marched from

In Remembrance of the Fallen from Steeple Ashton and Great Hinton of the Great War 1914 -1918

While I am not advocating a return to the controversy of those days, I do feel – given the ease our computers and e-mail now allow us – it would be good for the residents of Steeple Ashton and Great Hinton to read the thoughts of their fellow villagers, and for the people of this Parish to share how they feel about matters affecting them and their communities. As Helen reminds us each month – it’s up to readers to supply all news and copy; so… let’s give Helen the support she deserves, and just perhaps, at the same time – liven it up a bit!AcknowledgementsMany thanks to Joyce Pearce for her information & recollections.

Bryan Berrett

“Unremitting raging gale!

Spitting shitting sleet and hail!Piddling widdling driving raindripping down my neck again!!Boggy soggy underfoot,sopping sock in sodden boot!!Bloody muddy altogethersodding effinghellishWEATHER!!!”And with a weary gentle sighthe Reverend Mr Samuel Blighsays to himself, “it’s always bestto get one’s anger off one’s chest”.

from Village Poems by MIMS

12 29

had marched from Locre where the battalion had been resting to relieve the 5th Fusiliers in the Kemmel Trenches. It was a frosty night with a very bright moon, but the relief was carried out without incident. Harold arrived at the trenches at 1630 hours and was killed sometime after that. He was the battalion’s only casualty that day. 60 servicemen serving outside the United Kingdom died that day. He lies in the Kemmel Chateau Cemetery BelgiumThe following will be remembered in 2015: Private Harold George Bartlett Wilts. Reg. - 29th January Private George Franklin Wilts. R. - 13th MarchPrivate William Rogers - 27th MarchPrivate Thomas Jordan R.M.L.I. - 26th April Private William Matthews Wilts. R. - 28th April Private Arthur Simon Pepler Wilts. R. - 15th JuneL. Cpl Arthur James Berrett Wilts. R. - 22nd JunePrivate Harry (Henry James) Andrews Wilts. R. - 14th August Private Joseph John Orchard Somerset L.I. - 13th September L. Cpl George W. Bennett Wilts. R. - 25th September Private Herbert George Andrews Wilts. R. - 25th September Sergt. Robert Berrett Wilts. R. - 22nd November

Judith Buxton Dean

Just a few of the previous month’s limericks – including the “offensive” rhyme Lady Margaret Long (“Maggie”) found so amusing:

And now back to the March issue:

Postcards from the collection of Mary Boyce

1328

Richard and Susan Cottle wisha very happy and peaceful Christmas to all our many

friends and neighbours and a happy, healthy 2015.

Here‛s wishing all our friends and acquaintances a very merry and happy Christmas. May God bless everyone this Christmas-tide. Peace and goodwill and our very best wishes to one and all.

Pat and Jill Awdry

Wishing everyone the blessings & joy of this Christmas season. Happy New Year to all from

Anne Howard.

Wishing all our friends the vil-lage a Happy Christmas and New

Year. Jayne and Peter Doel,Dark Lane North

Steeple Ashton from a Christmas Card dated 1985 by Gordon Reeds

A very merry ChristmasAnd a jolly New Year

fromRosemary, Colin and Peter

Christmas greetings to allfrom Helen and Mike

editor and sub

about the present, and the future? My articles have all been centred on the past; what of the younger people of Steeple Ashton – can they be encour-aged to write their thoughts on 21st-century life in a rural village with an ageing population? During the 1970s, Steeple Ashton’s newsletter was the lively medium for exchange on all aspects of our village. News, views and ideas were expressed, agreed with, and disagreed with; debates were sparked, and recollections were given. Occasionally, opinions were offered more creatively – in the form of verse. This all made for a vibrant publication; yet, needless to say, controversy was frequently stirred up. The following few excerpts, all from the March 1973 issue, encapsulate some of the character of that decade’s editions:[March 1973 – excerpt 1]

Christmas Greetings and Happy New Year

Alison and Tony Evans

We invite all families and friends to our Family Carol and gift service on December 14th at 10-30. ALL donations of Toys and gifts will be given to the Salvation Army who work with Social Services to distribute the gifts to disadvantaged families in the area. Last year over 150 parcels were distributed. It is opportunity for “ St Mary ‘s to spread the message of LOVE at Christmas to families less fortu-nate than ourselves. The children will also will be presenting the “Christmas Story. “ Do come along and support us. “ Tea and Coffee after the service.

Helping older residents live independently for longerWith the long summer days behind us, it is at this time of year that we begin to prepare for the colder days to come. If you are worrying about Winter Fuel Bills or how to stay healthy and stay out of hospital perhaps we can help. Are you worrying about the possibility of a fall, or thinking of getting a Lifeline? Have you thought about getting online? It is a great way of staying connected with family and friends and feeling less isolated. Be prepared and give me a call for more information on all of these things and more.BE PREPARED. ASK ME ABOUT: GRANTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN FUEL POVERTY A FREE SERVICE TO HELP YOU GET ONLINE EXERCISE CLASSES MONEY MATTERS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES HOME MAINTENANCE/REPAIRSFor more information please call for a free and confidential chat.If you think we can help you to find the services you need then give us a call on 07541 353430 or email melkshamgnc@communityfirst.org.uk

14 27

Wiltshire Good Neighbours

Lise Griffiths

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!? Would you like to see your creation on the Christmas tree on the green? Children at Friday Club and Toddler Group will be making some decorations , any other youngsters that would like to join in please contact Amy at lester201@btinternet.com. It’s also time to start thinking about our crib service on Christmas Eve, we are hoping some of you school age children out there would like to be involved, if so please contact on the above email!? Amy Lester

Help!“Request for help with the Village Christmans Tree Light up on Sat 13th Dec from 5.45pm, lights on at 6pm, any help in advance gratefully received”Contact Penny Hornsey on 870764 or email phornsey@btinternet.com

the music. Ken Barnett was the baker - sadly his last role. Ed] Finally, this will be the last of my regular monthly articles for the newslet-ter. I shall, for as long as I can, continue to supply a front-cover picture with a short descriptive text, and – if time and circumstance permit – I will write the occasional article in the future. I would like to say “thank you” for the kind comments and constructive criticism I have received over the past two and a half years that I have been researching and writing these pieces. To Helen Montague-Smith I reserve special thanks. Helen first approached me in the summer of 2012, during the lead-up to the Jubilee Celebrations. Since my first article, in the June of that year, Helen has continually afforded me much patience, support and kindness – and has somehow managed to accommodate all 26 of my (increasingly lengthy!) pieces, often sent to her after the deadline! I must also mention my family: my daughter Lorna, for creating and moni-toring a history website especially for these articles (which is also linked to the parish website); my son David for his help, guidance and technical assistance; and of course my wife Janet, who has accompanied me on visits to various churches, museums, and the History Centre in Chippenham – not to mention her acceptance of the countless hours of historical discus-sions between David and myself, late into the night over a document-strewn dining table supporting our laptops! From the New Year, the availability of fresh space in the newsletter will of course allow opportunities for others. Our village is home to many of resi-dents who have must have had interesting lives, experiences and careers – and I am sure many readers would enjoy learning about these. But what

‘Aladdin’ – ‘Steeple Ashton Dancers’, 1973

Who might have about 30 mins. to spare on the afternoon of 13th December and again that evening to help put up and take down gazebos for the Village Christmas Tree Light Up? Please call Penny Hornsey 870764

1526

By the mid-1960s, Steeple Ashton’s annual pantomimes had ceased. However, the performances were then resumed in 1968 by ‘Steeple Ashton Dancers’, under the direction of Joyce Pearce and Sally Taylor. Joyce and her husband Brian moved here in 1963 to manage the chicken farm at ‘Ray-down Leaze’ on the Edington Road. Sally Taylor, Joyce’s life-long friend, lived at Hilperton, and the pair had been dancing together since Joyce was 13 years old. Sally and Joyce wrote the scripts together, and produced the shows. Their husbands assisted in various ways, including making and painting the scen-ery. The dancing girls numbered 20 to 30 and ranged in age from three to 14 years. Frank Potter (who had been producer in the earlier pantomimes) played some of the older parts, along with others including Albert Brewer (on one first night, playing a baby in a pram, Albert fell out by accident; this provided such hilarity that he kept it in the show thereafter!), and Den Rowley (Den, along with Glad Burbidge, had played the ugly sisters and dames to great effect in many of the earlier productions).This revival lasted until 1985, when Sally’s daughter Caroline took over the dancing class. Caroline continued for a short time, but eventually moved the group to Trowbridge.Over the past 30 years or so, there have been performances by the WI and various other groups, but no annual productions or pantomimes.[Just a small note to say that there was a pantomime in April 2002, The Steeple Ashton Taylers, written and directed by Mike Montague-Smith which involved lots of village people. Everything was done in house, even

‘Mother Goose’ – early-1960s

St John the Baptist, Trowbridge

16 25

Bryan writes....continued from the inside front coverdirection of Mrs Barbara Ruddle, and Mrs Doreen Franklin played the piano. Months of rehearsals in various homes preceded the three days in the New Year when we would finally present the results of our efforts to a lively audience. These performances proved very popular, and tickets were usually sold-out well in advance.

Local paper reviews were often complimentary, and audiences found it most enjoyable watching their neighbours display ‘hidden talents’ in pantomime. Details of individual performances would often form the main subject of conversation in the village streets and shops during the following days (I remember after one performance, my father being phoned by Ron Brown, owner of George T Brown Transport, pretending to be J Arthur Rank of the Rank Organisation and Pinewood Film Studios!). Under the direction of Mr Frank Potter during the early-1960s, cast mem-bers also performed various plays/farces in addition to the annual pan-tomime. On one occasion, during the performance of a ‘Country House Murder Mystery’, Ken Barnett – playing the part of the main suspect – was supposed to run through a pair of French-doors and then off stage into the garden, tripping into a glass cold-frame and injuring his hand. Things appeared to go to plan – with convincing sound-effects, and Ken returning to stage with a blood-stained bandage on his hand. Later, we learned that when off-stage, Ken had in fact tripped over an unat-tended enamel bowl full of broken crockery which should have been used as the sound-effect – and so the crashing sound and bloodied hand-dressing had both been quite genuine! This was the heyday of the Steeple Ashton productions, and it was in these years that the village pantomime ‘took to the road’ – performing at Claren-don School in Trowbridge and other local venues.

‘Cinderella’ - 1962

The Harvest SupperThis was held on 25 October 2014 in the Village Hall. The event, along with the raffle, raised £770 in aid of the Vil-lage Hall and the Church. Over 80 people attended. A huge thank you to the help-ers and to everyone who brought a dessert. Many thanks,

Sandra Stevens

Coming Winter

Now late autumn’s brumey breath whispers through the naked trees -

warnings of the coming death, of wet and wind and frost and freeze.

Birds no longer sing aloud and creatures seek a place to hide

as winter settles like a shroud upon the dormant countryside.

The chilly glow of coming dawn lifts the veil on sheer delight -

hoar-frost in the early morn sparkling in the growing light.

In the village, chimneys gush as fires are lit in ashy hearths

and well-wrapped men clear frozen slush from lethal icy garden paths.

from Village Poems by MIMS

1724

Steeple Ashton Village Hall Contact DetailsNew Daytime/Work Telephone Number: 01225 703144New Evening/Home Telephone Number: 01225 356196

New Email Address: sandra@topshair.co.ukPayments and booking forms can still be posted to:Moorfield Farm, 2 Church Street, Steeple Ashton

Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6EW

Many thanks, Sandra Stevens

Postal Collectionsin Great Hinton

Mon - Fri

4.15pm

Saturday

8.30am

Parent and Toddler Group - open every Wednesday

10am – 12. in the Village Hall.All Welcome.

Postal Collections in Steeple Ashton

Longs ArmsNewleazeAshtonCommon

4pm12noon11.30am

Mon - Fri Saturday10am11am11am

Friday ClubMeeting dates for April

3:45pm-5-15pm at our Village Hall

Friday 10th October

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January DatesWednesday 14th, no Forget-me-NotsMonday 26th, Parish Council, Skittle Alley, VH, 7.30pm

Village DiaryThe Newsletter prints a Diary of Events each month.

If you are organising activities in the village, you may wish to contact me to avoid a clash of events. Helen

Regular events in Steeple Ashton Village Hall, unless otherwise stated

Wednesday

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

Monday Ballroom Dance Classes; 7.00pm. Tel: 07917 573831Steeple Rocks; 7.30pm. Venue, call 01380 871890

Brownies; 5.30 - 7pm. Term Time. Carolyn Collis: 01380 870379Guides; 7pm - 8.30pm. Elizabeth Leversha 01380 831278

8am Prayers in St Mary’s ChurchBaby and Toddler Group; 10.00am - 12noon1st and 3rd Wednesdays; Forget-Me-Not Club, 2.30pm.2nd Wednesday; Women’s Institute, 7.30pmDee Dee Wilde Dance Class, 10.30am

YOGA; 10.30am - 12noonMobile Library (alternate Fridays, dates and times below)Walking group meets at the Longs Arms; 2.30pmFriday Club; 3.45pm - 5.30pm, Term Time. Contact 01380 870013.

Mobile Library; 10.45-11.45am, Steeple Ashton, The Green11.50-12.10am, Steeple Ashton, St Mary’s12.15-12.30pm Ashton Common Bus Stop

Mon

Wed

5th19th

4th

11th

18

Thur

Come a Carolling, Methodist Church, 6pm

14th

Forget-Me-Nots, Christmas Bingo, Village Hall, 2.30pm

15th

Advent Lunch, Village Hall, 12noon

15th

Christmas Workshop, Village Hall, 7.30 - 9.30pm

Mon

4th

Wed

Village Tree Light Up, the Green, 6pm

Thur

3rdNatural History Club, the Manor, 7.30pmFloral Christmas, see p8, 5 - 7pm

Thur

DECEMBER

Father Christmas visit, see p9, 6 - 8pm

Fri

7th Sun

Parish Council, Skittle Alley, VH, 7.30pm

9th Tues

Christmas Concert, St Mary’s Church, 2.30pmSun

17th

23

Thur

Carol singing, St John’s Parish Centre, 7 - 9pm

Sat13th

Forget-Me-Nots, Christmas Lunch, see p518th19th Fri Mince Pies etc, see p8, 7 - 9pm

Please see p17 for January dates

1922

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& RefurbishmentCARS, COMMERCIALS & HGV’s (up to 7.5tonnes)Collection & Delivery, Courtesy Vehicles, RecoveryTel: 01380 871022/07860456724

www.hintonservices.co.ukwww.hintoncoachworks.co.uk

Hinton Coach WorksAuto Body Repair Specialists

A Garage You Can TrustA Service You Can Rely On!

Alloy Wheel Straightening & RefurbishmentRestoration Work & Insurance Work UndertakenTyres Supplid & Fitted inc Quads, 4x4 & Vintage

Computerised 4 Wheel Allignment, Air Conditioning

Tel: 01380 871022/07860456724www.hintonservices.co.uk

www.hintoncoachworks.co.uk

STEPHEN GRAVERCraftsmen in Construction

Kitchens and BathroomsDesign and Build, Bespoke Furniture

01380 871746www.stephengraver.comElmsgate, Edington RoadSteeple Ashton, BA14 6HP

Husband for HireHandyman Services

20 21

R S Electrical ServicesDomestic - Commercial - Industrial

Tel: 01225 783294Fax: 01225 783290

sales@rselectrical.co.ukwww.rselectrical.co.uk

Telephone: 01380 871118/01380 871353Email: enquiries@ashtonmill.co.ukInternet: www.ashtonmill.co.uk

Ashton Mill Barn, Steeple Ashton, Wilts, BA14 6HQ

J N RAll aspects of building work

undertaken. Semi retiredtradesman after 35 years

Low rates. No VAT.Local References.Please call John

07796910233 0r 01225 760926

KeithDraperGarden Maintenance ServicesOver 40 years experience

References availableTel: 01225 867999Mob: 07775787284

T.A.P. SERVICESRANGE COOKER

SERVICING

OIL BOILER SERVICINGTel: 01373 463106

www.tapservices@btinternet.com