December 2012 - West Ashton Village

Transcription

The
West Ashton Magazine
Issue 37
December 2012
Photo Paul Workman
‘Aim for the sky’, read more about this angel on page 9 inside.
Keeping you up-to-date in West Ashton,
Rood Ashton, East Town and Dunge
www.westashton.org.uk
The
Page 2
The West Ashton Magazine is published quarterly by the West Ashton Parish
Council. WAPC has devolved full authority for the magazine to an independent
volunteer Editorial Group formed for the sole purpose of producing this magazine.
The intention is to inform and entertain the residents of West Ashton. The magazine
is distributed free of charge to all residents of West Ashton village. The Editors
warmly invite you to submit reports, articles and photographs relating to past or
future village issues and events, or any subject that may be of interest to the
readership. the editors reserve the right to edit any submissions and make
corrections, omit material or do minor reorganisation to any submitted work and
reserve the right to reject any submissions. We prefer typed or electronic material.
Photos will be returned on request.
All material published in The West Ashton Magazine, including adverts, editorials,
articles and all other content is published in good faith. The West Ashton Magazine
accepts no liability for any errors or omissions and does not endorse any
companies, products or services that appear in the publication.
All material is accepted on the understanding that it is copyright free. The West
Ashton Magazine accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues.
The West Ashton Magazine cannot accept responsibility for and does not endorse
views expressed by contributors.
We want the content of the magazine to be primarily editorial, but we will include
small advertisements for local businesses based in West Ashton. The West Ashton
Magazine does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by
advertisers.
No part of the magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of
The West Ashton Magazine.
Editor
Jo Watkins
30c Bratton Road, West Ashton, Trowbridge BA14 6AZ
Tel: 01225 753196 email: g.watkins521@btinternet.com
Assistant Editor
Paul Workman
33, Bratton Road, West Ashton, Trowbridge BA14 6AZ
Tel: 01225 766998 email: p.workman33@gmail.com
Production Team
Produced by Peter Hughes
Printed by Mike Stainer
ISSN No.: 1742-6685
01225 777406
01225 760982
The
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Editorial
D
espite the summer washout,
the village saw quite a bit of
excitement with the Village
Hall fun fruit and veg show which
now seems to be an annual event,
along with plans for three wind
turbines which have caused quite a
stir in our small community. The
Olympics came and went and, despite
all expectations, the increase of men
in tight Lycra whizzing up and down
Bratton Road on their bikes never
materialised much to the
disappointment of the ladies of the
community, but one villager did
achieve gold! – read on. The annual
village concert will get you in festive
mood for the Christmas season, and
the Village Hall has a big birthday
coming up. Speacial thanks from the
magazine team to the delivery team
and contributors, and a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year to
everyone.
Jo and Paul
A Letter of Thanks (it’s nice to be appreciated)
A
s another year comes to a
close, seemingly quicker that
previous ones, we just
wanted to thank the editorial and
production teams for another
entertaining year of village news in
our much envied village magazine.
We look forward with anticipation to
the arrival of each new edition which
never disappoints. Thank you once
again for all the time and effort you
put in to making it such a brilliant
publication.
Wishing you all a merry Christmas
and a happy and healthy New Year
and here’s to more entertaining
publications in 2013 although how do
you follow such an eventful year as
2012.
Roe and Neil Heard, Bratton Road
Neil and Roe caught up in Olympic Games
frenzy. Undaunted by not being on the spot
for the opening ceremony, they entered into
the spirit and celebrated accordingly.
The
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St. John’s Harvest Festival 2012
O
n Sunday, 30
September,
our rural
Church was adorned
with fruit, vegetables
and beautiful floral
displays to celebrate
our Harvest Festival.
Our vicar Revd. Allan
Coutts conducted the
service, and the
congregation of 39
strong sang heartily
the well known hymns
associated with this festival. Refreshment
and fellowship were enjoyed afterwards. On
Thursday 4th October at 1.30 pm, the school
children held their Harvest Service in the
Church. It was a delight to see the children
file in bearing various produce in beautifully
decorated boxes. All produce from the
children and congregation was placed in the
chancel, and was an array of variety and
colour. Several parents/grandparents attended
the service. The Headmaster (Jonathan
Barber and his music teacher Noreen
Schonfeld) had created a very modern
service, but still carried the Christian ethos –
it even featured the final hymn as a “Harvest
Samba”. No one could keep still for this
one!! The children sang robustly and read
passages from the bible/prayers
meaningfully. On Sunday, 7th October, a
Harvest Lunch was organised in the village
hall. 63 villagers and friends attended a very
tasty lunch and much happy banter
abounded. The hall was suitably decorated
and all the produce from the school and
congregation was placed around ready for
auction. The charity supported this year was
Facing Africa - NOMA – this is a
gangrenous bacterial infection affecting the
face, prevalent in deprived and poor areas of
Africa/Ethiopia. Our speakers were Chris
Lawrence (Chairman of the charity from
Seend) and Angus Mack (Assistant to the
Chairman). They handed out leaflets and
gave a detailed report on the disease and the
valued work that Facing Africa - Noma
carries out. (i.e. providing
surgeons/doctors/nurses; carry out
reconstructive face surgery; provide drugs;
medical supplies; etc). This charity does not
only provide essential medical care but
provides the patients with confidence to
return to their village life; to resume a certain
amount of normality and giving them some
hope for the future. They also give toys to
the children, who in some cases have nothing
to call their own. Andrew Cronan conducted
a swift and entertaining auction, and monies
raised through sale of produce and donations,
raised the superb amount of £500. This was
forwarded to the designated charity – a
superb outcome to a very enjoyable
afternoon. Thanks goes to all who attended;
helped in any way; donated monies/produce;
and we hope the vicar enjoyed his honey and
Dundee cake that he managed to purchase at
the auction!!
Jean Robertson
The
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What Happened to the Mothers Union?
F
or years now, the Mothers
Union banner has been such a
familiar sight leaning on a
wall at the back of the church, you
tend to forget it’s there. On closer
examination, it comes as a bit of a
surprise to find this old lady is a
work of art, although a bit faded and
fragile. I was asked to find out about
the West Ashton Mothers Union, as
no-one seemed to know how we
came by a banner. Naturally I went
to see Edna Morse, now aged 85 who
has lived in the village all her life,
and an ex member, along with her
mother Mrs. Gladys Drewett. Edna
thinks her mother was a founder
member, in which case our Mothers
Union was probably founded in 1938
by Rev. McPherson going by the
date on her membership card. It was
run by his wife, and after that by the
wife of the Rev Douglas, but was
wound up when they left the village
in 1955. Mrs. Dorothy Hillier went
on to found the Young Wives, now
our Wives Group. Next time you’re
in church, take a look at the banner –
it really is a work of art.
Jo Watkins
Page 6
The
Parish Council Matters
1. Website
1.1 Information has now been placed on the
West Ashton Parish Council website and we
will endeavour to keep this regularly
updated.
http://www.westashton.org.uk/parishcouncil.
htm
2. Planning
2.1 Core Strategy – Back out for
consultation again. The Parish Council have
submitted comments on: The wind Farm
amendment, which we support; Highway
Infrastructure, particularly the A350 in
relation to the plan to build 2,600 houses
between West Ashton and Trowbridge;
Gypsy/Traveller sites, the target has been
exceeded by 6 for West and North Wiltshire
up to 2016 so we feel there is no need to
approve further sites at this time. The Core
Strategy also proposes a ‘doubling’ of the
target 2016-2021, again too many.
Wind Farm – This has been an important
part of the consultation and at the time of
writing the balance for and against the
amendment to separation distances is in the
ratio 47:53. However, the number of
supporters for the amendment from across
the country is growing and looks set to be in
the majority, so hopefully the Inspector will
be minded to approve it at the Examination
in Public, which is the next step in the
process. I hope everyone has been able to
make their own submissions to the
consultation. Having asked parishioners
opinions, the parish council when asked,
voted to make a donation to the ‘Stop
Grange Farm Wind Farm’ action group.
They are working to develop a strong case to
oppose any planning application should it be
submitted, from which if successful we will
all benefit.
Romany Application – No change at the
time of writing but this will go to the
Western Planning committee for
determination and taking into account the
Core Strategy reference at 2.1 above the
decision will reflect the comments made by
so many parishioners. Wiltshire Council has
written to the Parish Council that the
applicant has started work on site to clear
back vegetation (using a mini digger) that
has overgrown the access way and to replace
gravel that will be inevitably be removed by
the process. The works above do not
constitute a breach of planning control.
Apparently the applicant rang Wiltshire
Council in anticipation of the council
receiving complaints.
3. Highways
3.1 Community Speed Watch – Over 60
sessions by the end of October 2012 with
people still ignoring the speed limit but we’ll
persevere.
4. Other Matters
4.1
Recreational Area – East Town Lane.
The Parish Council has taken ownership of
the land now and with funds that allow us to
purchase play equipment and shrubs to
improve the area. We are getting quotes and
have planned a consultation meeting in the
Village Hall (will have already taken place)
to canvass opinion on how the area should
be used and what should be purchased.
4.2 The autumn has all but passed and
winter is upon us so gardens are tidied and
hedges trimmed that might have over hung
pavements and footpaths.
4.3 One matter that does seem to crop up
more frequently is complaints to the Parish
Council about Dog Fouling. There are signs
in East Town reminding dog owners to clear
up after their pets and by the time you are
reading this edition of the magazine there
The
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Parish Council Matters (continued)
will be some along Bratton Road as well.
One complaint is fouling along the
pavement, which is unpleasant for both
parents and children on their way to and
from school.
4.4 Kissing Gates – During September –
October five stiles on the footpath between
Bratton Road and the lower part of East
Town Road have been replaced with Kissing
Gates (four metal and one wooden).
Hopefully this will make it an easier route to
enjoy.
Please see below – WASH1.
I visited the school to see how they were
using the new musical instruments that the
Parish Council had contributed towards. It
was a very enjoyable session, and Claire,
who was taking the lesson, was making good
progress towards their performance at an
achievement assembly in November. It is
satisfying to learn that these lessons are
continuing. My three sons who attended the
school, all enjoyed their music lessons. Jean
and I have always appreciated this excellent
grounding and made a donation ourselves
when our youngest left.
Wiltshire Age UK – Are you getting the
money you are entitled to? If you are aged
60 or over, you could be entitled to benefits
that you have not been able to claim before.
These can help you keep your independence
and improve your standard of living by
helping with housing costs, care needs and
general expenses. If you would then like a
confidential benefit check from one of our
trained advisers, please telephone us on
01380 735500. We will be pleased to help
you put More Money in Your Pocket.
Website –
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire/aboutage-uk-wiltshire/
Richard Covington, Parish Council
chairman
Page 8
The
Village Hall News
T
he Fun Plant and Vegetable Show
was well supported with many
exhibits entered in the different
classes with also new classes this year
which included cake making and a
section for children. One class that we
should have had was the largest and
longest slug as we have all plenty of them
in our gardens this year. As this seems to
be a well supported event it has been
decided to hold it annually and will be
held in September with a date to be
arranged with more classes.
The Music Night was not as well
supported as we would have liked but
those that did come along enjoyed the
evening with Tom Carpenter although he
is only 18 years old he sang a mixture of
old classics to modern songs including
the one he sang on the television recently
(‘I Need a Dollar’).
The 19th December is the halls 90th
birthday so all the village are invited to a
celebration party on Saturday 22nd this is
a FREE event but you will require a
ticket for entry. New Year’s Eve
entertainment is being provided by ‘Us
Two’ who we had last year, and they
proved to be such a hit we persuaded
them to come and entertain us once more
and help us celebrate the New Year. We
are sure the tickets will sell fast so if you
Tom Carpenter, right, with his accompanist
and soloist Jamie Mason
don’t want to be disappointed we suggest
you get your tickets as soon as possible.
I would like to take this opportunity on
behalf of the Village Hall Committee of
wishing you all a very Happy Christmas
and a Prosperous New Year.
Vaughan Nichols,
Village Hall Chairman.
50 Club Winners
August - 1st Robert Pike; 2nd Kay Taylor; 3rd Sharon Shiles
September - 1st J Bonome Maciver; 2nd Anne Stride; 3rd Alan Pike
October – 1st Tom Hill ;2nd Jackie Bradley; 3rd Daphne Peat;
The
Page 9
On the Wings of an Angel
A
s an opening to the first Trowbridge
Arts Festival, children from 18
schools and Sunday schools,
including West Ashton, took part in the
‘Angels in the Community’ project. A cut
out Angel shape (front cover picture),
inspired by the carved angels in the roof of
St. James’ Church in Trowbridge, was
supplied for each of the children’s groups
for them to colourfully decorate. Then the
Angels were all brought together during a
Pets Corner
special music and performance service on
Friday 14 September. Afterwards the Angels
were displayed in the church for five days
before being dispersed and shown in various
shops and windows in the town for the rest
of the festival. Special thanks should go to
West Ashton Primary School for creating a
wonderfully decorated Angel, complete with
its own inbuilt illumination mechanism,
which went on show in the Etc. Etc. shop.
Paul Workman
The Bells (again!)
Abandoned Bunny or AB for short
O
ur Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, Dave Bradley, was put to
the test this summer when he
spotted a trespasser in his garden. Quick as a
flash he was on to him and apprehended the
intruder. Despite making extensive
enquiries, his owner couldn’t be found, so
AB a dwarf lop eared rabbit now lives
comfortably in a hutch in Dave’s back
garden in Bratton Road.
Jo Watkins
Photo Dave Bradley
D
id Allan have a tip off when he
wrote his previous article? To mark
the start of the Olympic games,
towns and villages were asked to ring out
the bells. Jean Robertson, campanologist
and PCC secretary rang the church bell
which could be heard all over the village at
ten past eight one Friday morning.
Jo Watkins
The
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Jubilee Wood Scout Camp Site
I
wrote in the previous edition about
our plans for a new camp site on
land adjacent to Biss Wood. We
need the site to cater for our everincreasing numbers. In West Wilts we
now have over 800 young members and
over 200 volunteer leaders and helpers.
Whilst this is good news, it is a sad fact
that our waiting lists are growing at a
worrying rate. Many local Groups have
waiting lists in excess of 80 but there is
little we can do to provide more spaces
unless we can recruit more leaders. If
you or anyone you know would like to
consider volunteering please do get in
touch. Free training and uniform is
provided and you can be sure of a warm
welcome and a fulfilling experience.
So far as the site is concerned, the good
news is that we have now completed the
purchase of the field. Chris Awdry, the
previous owner, is very kindly helping
us with the infrastructure and has already
laid the water main across the field,
ploughed it and seeded it with grass. As
I passed the field today, the first shoots
of green were emerging. The parking
area and drive have been marked out and
the hard core is being laid. The rest of
the field has been marked out to define
the rides and glades in the shape of a
crown with a diamond that may, one
day, be visible form the air – perhaps we
will be able to see it on google earth in a
few years’ time!
Our next major tasks are to re-erect our
buildings with a covered area for use as
an interpretation centre and, if the money
will run to it, to buy a purpose built toilet
and shower unit, which includes disabled
facilities. …and then there will be over
5500 trees to plant. We hope to complete
the lion’s share of the planting in
November/December but this may have
to be postponed if it keeps raining as
heavily as it has done over the past
month, as we don’t want to lose anyone
in a quagmire of mud.
We have met with representatives of the
Wildlife Trust and the volunteers who
maintain Biss Wood and we shall shortly
be holding a joint meeting with Larkrise
Community Farm to see what we can do
to help each other. Our hope is that we
can build mutually beneficial
relationships with our neighbours.
Our big worry at the moment is whether
we can raise enough money to complete
the work this year so that Scouts and
others can start to use it in summer 2013.
If you would like to contribute to the
cost of the new wood by making a
donation or purchasing a tree or two,
please get in touch with me at the
address below. Saplings cost £3 each,
you can either come along and plant the
sapling yourself on one of the planting
days that we will be announcing later, or
we can do it for you. Thank you in
anticipation.
John Cox, Chairman Wiltshire West
District Scout Association
25 Deverell Close, Bradford on Avon
BA15 1UZ. Tel 01225 864270.
The
Page 11
Larkrise Farm News
I
am pleased to report that our pig
area is now well underway and will
soon be nearing completion which
will be an enormous step forward and
soon be “home sweet home” for our
lovely sows. I can also report that our
two heifers each had a calf recently and
both are thriving well. Such a treat for
our students and clients to see the births,
what an exciting couple of mornings we
all had, and a lovely experience for all.
The calves are very pretty with white
Hereford faces. On the sheep front, we
will be bringing in a ram by the end of
the month for our ewes, then fingers
crossed for a good flock of lambs in the
spring.
Some of my staff, myself, my long
suffering husband Steve, and a variety of
small animals had a stand at the Frome
Cheese Show again this year which was
most enjoyable and a lovely day! Our
chocolate tombola raised £100 profit and
sale of cup cakes donated by a kind
parent also raised £46 which was such a
bonus for us. We attracted a good deal of
interest with the public, giving out
leaflets and promoting the farm. Also
details of our Riding for the Disabled
were keenly looked into this year.
We have an addition on loan to our horse
section, Minty a 30 year old gelding who
is very kind and gentle just perfect for
young riders. He is here term time only
and goes back to his home for a little rest
in between. Jody the donkey has also
joined us along with a little Shetland
pony called Harley, they are very sweet
and Jody brays quite a bit and we all say
“Ahh” in unison, so funny. So look out
for Nativity time now, she will be an
instant attraction.
We are using Biss Wood a great deal
now for our RDA which is so lovely for
everyone concerned. It’s an absolute
pleasure taking the riders through the
woods and also dear old Eros with the
carriage - quite magical. Eros has also
been doing logging we are so proud of
him!
The apiary is well on its way. Just
ordering the shed today, gulp, a tidy
sum, but it’s all in a good cause for the
pleasure the bees will bring. With so
much interest already, it’s amazing. The
groundwork is complete and the gravel
path and the fencing are in progress. We
also need to purchase a new four foot
gate, another costly item. Hedging
plants are being obtained from the
Woodland Trust also.
Well that’s all for this time and more
exciting news from us all soon.
Wendy Self, Farm Manager
Photo of Jody the donkey by Geoff
Watkins
Page 12
The
Ladies at Leisure
been reduced by death duties and various
other happenings in the Long family to the
comparatively small estate that it is now.
After our wander around the garden we
enjoyed a glass of wine and some nibbles in
the magnificent conservatory and of course
there was the usual chat which is so much
part of a Wives evening.
Thank you so much to the Booty’s for their
wonderful hospitality.
Lis Mercer
West Ashton WI
Cora Hillman, Megan Kane, Frances Uphill,
Front-Beryl Webb
Photo Tina Morse
Wives Visit to Rood Ashton Manor
T
he first meeting since the summer
break of the Wives group took us, at
the invitation of Mr and Mrs Booty,
to Rood Ashton Manor. We were very
lucky with a beautiful evening weatherwise;
and our tour of the garden, with Mrs Booty
explaining as we wandered, how it had been
tamed and restored during the 20 years that
it has been their home. For those of us who
have lived in the village long enough, we
remember the state that both the house and
garden had fallen into and we were amazed
at the amount of time and effort that must
have gone into the restoration. The views
towards Trowbridge and the surrounding
countryside were stunning; and the history
of the house, which Mrs Booty had
obviously researched very well, was truly
interesting. The Long family having owned
a vast amount of Wiltshire (I believe it was
around 3000 acres) which over the years has
A visit to the Trowbridge mosque had been
arranged for our August meeting and with
our heads, legs and arms duly covered as
requested we set off to find the mosque.
From the outside it looks just like a largish
house, but inside is as ornate you can
imagine with the most beautiful carpet
throughout – no wonder we had to leave our
shoes by the door. Our guide for the evening
was a member of the mosque and was very
happy to take the many questions that we
fired at him which he answered in a very
frank and open way with no holds barred!
The ladies of the WI can be very direct!
Although there had been some doubters
regarding the evening it was agreed by all
that it had indeed been very enlightening.
We all returned to Orchard Close where
coffee and biscuits were served and much
discussion ensued. Our September meeting
was called The Secret Life of Birds, and was
absolutely fascinating. The speaker was so
well qualified and had worked in
ornithology all over the world, from the
Falklands to the Arctic and everywhere in
between. But it was our own birds that were
the subject of his talk on this particular
The
Page 13
The Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust – Ride & Stride
O
ur two brave cyclists, Richard
Ovens and his son James (St
John’s Church answer to Barry
Wiggins); set out on the morning of
Saturday, 8 September for this annual
challenge. The aim of this event is to
cycle (or walk) to as many churches as
possible in the allotted time (10 am to
6pm). St. Johns has always supported
this event, as over the years the Trust
has made grants available when the
church had been confronted with
expensive repairs and maintenance. The
intrepid duo commenced their ride from
just outside Shaftsbury, cycling through
Salisbury, Wilton and the Wylye Valley;
to Warminster and home. On their
journey, they travelled 65 miles and
visited 38 churches. (With their
calculations – they visited a church for
every 1.3/4 miles cycled). With
sponsorship from friends and
congregation of St John’s Church, West
Ashton, they managed to raise the
glorious sum of £180. This will be
shared equally between St John’s and
the Historic Churches Trust. A total of
Richard and James Ovens on completion of
their cycle ride, greeted at St. John’s by
James’s daughter Maddie.
eleven cyclists “reported in” to our rural
church and sponsor forms were duly
signed and refreshments were provided
to help them on their way. A vote of
thanks goes to all the ladies who
bestowed their time for this duty.
Sincere thanks goes to our two cyclists,
Richard and James – it was a sturdy and
challenging achievement on a very hot
day; especially when the last homeward
mile was uphill !! Well Done.
Jean Robertson
Ladies at Leisure (continued)
evening. Our Dinner Club visited the Lamb
on the Strand, and 12 of us enjoyed a
delightful meal and each other’s company.
We usually have three Dinner Club meetings
each year. The book club continues with
many a varied read and of course a glass of
wine once a month.
The WI certainly does cater for all tastes. If
you would like to expand your knowledge or
just enjoy the company of like-minded
people do come along one evening. We are
usually in the village hall on the fourth
Wednesday of each month and are more
than happy to welcome visitors.
More information from Lis Mercer,
President, 01225 766287.
Page 14
The
A Right Royal Celebration
T
he glowing memories of the big events of the summer (what summer
was that? I hear you say) are now beginning to fade but the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee year goes on. For that reason we bring you a
reminder of the glorious floral display put on in St. John’s church during the
celebration weekend in June. St. John’s has a team of village ladies who each
have an allotted space to decorate with arranged flowers to celebrate various
occasions and help beautify the church even more. When the Diamond Jubilee
celebrations were being contemplated it was decided to pull out all the stops.
This is one of the colourful displays that helped to do the West Ashton tribute
to Her Majesty proud.
Paul Workman
The
Page 15
West Ashton From the Air
Ian Harris who lives in Shepherds Drove, and is a member of the Bannerdown
Gliding Club, recently wrote an article for us on gliding, his hobby.
Buzzing around West Ashton, he had fun snapping away at our houses and
bungalows and sent me the copies. If you would like to have a look at what
your property looks like from the air, contact me
g.watkins521@btinternet.com and I’ll e-mail you a copy of the photo. Ian has
suggested a donation of £2 towards Air Ambulance and thinks they will
enlarge quite well to fit a frame.
Jo Watkins.
Page 16
The
West Ashton School
I
am sure many of you will be aware that
I am leaving West Ashton at the end of
this school term to take up the headship
of Bishops Cannings Church of England
(Aided) Primary School, so this will be my
last newsletter. I have enjoyed my time
thoroughly at West Ashton and have
developed many friendships with people in
the village. Much has been achieved over
the last 6 years and none of it would have
been possible without the support of the
local community, governors, staff, parents
and above all, the children of our school and
I thank you all for what you have done in
making West Ashton a wonderful place to
work in.
serve. Parking remains a sword in our
collective side and I can assure you that we
share your frustrations with the problems
that it causes.
However, I know many of you still have
concerns about issues such as parking and
the increase in numbers at our school. What
I would say is that the educational landscape
is changing at an incredible rate and as
Headteacher I have always made decisions
in the best interests of the children I proudly
Once again, I would like to reiterate what a
joy Headship at West Ashton has been for
me and I will take away many fond
memories of my time here.
Looking forward, I am pleased to say that
governors have appointed Dr Samantha
Nash to the post of Headteacher, effective
from January 2013. Dr Nash is currently
Deputy Headteacher at Milton on Stour
Church of England Voluntary Aided School
in Dorset. This heralds a new and exciting
era for our school and I know that the whole
community will welcome Dr Nash with
open arms. I know Dr Nash will enjoy
working for our school as much as I have.
Jonathan Barber, Head Teacher.
Parents of West Ashton School (POWA)
Fun Run
A school fun run was held on the 16th
September and was a fantastic event raising
over £350 for the school! The one-mile
route was from St. John’s Church up the
hilly private road and coming back over the
picturesque fields of West Ashton. Thank
you very much to Marlene Pike for making
this event possible.
AGM
Our AGM was held on the 8th October. It
was very well attended and the meeting
concluded with tea and cakes! We are
delighted to welcome four new members;
Kerrie Thomas (West Ashton) Mum to
Megan & Olivia, Stephen Ridgeway, Dad of
Glafira, Julie Rhys-Lewis, Mum to Conner
&Keylan and Sue Slater, Mum to Conor&
Millie. All details of the current committee
can be found on the school website.
POWA Meetings
All welcome – please see our noticeboard or
website at the school for the next meeting
date. We are always keen to build and
develop our contact with the wider
community so please do not hesitate to get
in touch at any time.
Best Wishes, Zoë Collins
http://www.westashton.wilts.sch.uk/
Merry Christmas from all of us
The
Page 17
The Class of ‘22, courtesy of Carol Drew
Back Row 2nd Left Geoffrey Lane (Lilian’s brother)
Front Row 1st left Carol’s mother Lilian Lane
Carol’s father, Fred Bull, was born in East Town, and married her mother, Lilian Lane
who lived in Yarnbrook with her parents Annie and Bertram Lane and her brothers. Fred
and Lilian moved to a cottage in Yarnbrook Road, later moving back to Yarnbrook.
If anybody can add names to the photo, please get in touch.
West Ashton C of E Primary School
“Christmas Fair”
2nd Dec 2012 1.30-3.45pm
Usborne Books - Duffle Bobble - Take-away Cakes - Crafty Potter - Crafty
Creations - more local traders tbc. – Refreshments - Cakes -Craft Stalls –
Tombola - Raffle and lots more! Come & enjoy Christmas shopping on
your doorstep!
Entry is free so please bring your friends and family and support our school!
The
Page 18
WA School - Osmington Bay Fundraising Committee
Annabel Wynne, Yolanda Weatherhead,
Yesim Richards & Sharon Hamer-Mathew
W
e are raising funds to help towards
cost of the trip next March which
is for all year 5/6 children. Homebaked tea-time treats will be available every
Friday on a weekly pre-ordered basis from
Annabelle Wynne and Sharon HamerMathew. Profits will go towards the fund.
Annabelle is a keen home-baker. Sharon
makes and sells unique celebration cakes,
Christmas cakes and cupcakes, and will donate a percentage of profits from orders from
school/villagers to the fund.
Sharon Hamer-Mathew, Lavender Close. Tel 01225 340484 for further details.
Directing a Dig - as seen on TV
B
efore being involved in the film
production of "Project Florence" I
thought archaeology was the action
of Indiana Jones, mixed with the knowledge
of the History Museum. As a result of the
three-month dig at an Anglo-Saxon burial
mound in secret territory on Salisbury Plain,
I can see that it can be much more.
Working together with Wessex Archaeology
and Salisbury Art Centre, I
directed and mentored a group
of young people to produce a
film about the dig, the focus
being that the archaeology was
all being done by wounded
soldiers returning from duty in
Afghanistan. They found some
incredibly interesting and rare
artefacts, but for me the most
interesting aspect was the
personal stories and
rehabilitation through this
teamwork. Tony Robinson and
Time Team were also on site and appear in
the film. There was a sneak preview of
some of my film footage on ITV News in
September. The full documentary is
currently being edited, ready to premiere at
Salisbury Arts Centre on 30th November.
Words and picture of Tony Robinson by
Jamie McDine, Shepherds Drove.
The
Page 19
West Ashton Fun Garden Produce Competition
Alix Hobbs and Katie Hackett with their winning certificates.
Photo Margaret Workman
T
he Fun Garden Produce Competition
on Saturday 15 September once
more saw many excellent entries.
The children especially entered into the
spirit of the occasion with delightful entries
from Ella and Orla Cook. Katie Hackett
won both the Mini Garden the
Animal/Person, made from Vegetables,
Fruits and Flowers. Alexandra Hobbs won
the Decorated Cup Cakes with Tom Robert
Percy showing that boys too have a deft
touch with cake decorating, coming second.
Katie Hobbs won the Drawing of Flowers,
Plants or Wildlife.
Cyril Sweetman showed he has lost none of
his skills in growing vegetables, winning 1st
prize for the Longest Runner Bean, with
other prizes going to Vaughan Nichols for
Heaviest Pumpkin, Peter Westlake for
Tallest Sunflower and Largest Sunflower
Head, Holly Westlake for Misshaped
Vegetable/Fruit and Barbara Webb for
Heaviest Potato. Betty Cronan won Longest
Cucumber, Jim Platt the Heaviest Marrow
and Jean Robertson Best Flower
Arrangement.
There was male dominance in the baking
with Peter Finch taking 1st Prize in the
Victoria Sponge competition, with 2nd prize
going to Ed Nightingale.
Paul Workman
Page 20
The
Whatever Happened to Summer?
The Red Arrows can just about be made out under the dark clouds in this photo by Geoff
Davis taken in June.
Bratton Road turned into a river during a cloudburst in August. The drains were boiling
over, and appear to be blocked by hay and straw left on the pavements by passing
agricultural vehicles. Photo Jo Watkins
The
Page 21
Olympic Weeks - Gold for West Ashton
W
hilst we were all engrossed in
this summers Olympic Games,
little did we know that one of our
residents was busily winning a Gold medal
for herself. Orlaith Cook, five, on holiday
with sister Ella and mum Kelly in the little
Irish seaside town of Rathmullan, Co.
Donegal took part in a sandcastle making
competition – and won first prize for
creating the Olympic Rings! Orlaith
returned to Bratton Road proudly displaying
the gold medal that came with her
achievement.
Paul Workman
Father Christmas and Frosty at last year’s
Village Hall Christmas party.
Photo Rachel Hobbs
West Ashton Children’s Christmas Party and Free Family Disco!
At
West Ashton Village Hall
Everyone Welcome On Friday 21st December Time 6-12 pm
For Tickets please contact Lucy Pullen on 07952984694
Licensed Bar
You only pay for children seeing Father Christmas!
Come and see Father Christmas! Open to children 11 years and
under. Price includes party food nibbles and a present from Father
Christmas. Ho Ho Ho!
£5.00 Per Ticket
Page 22
The
Farms around West Ashton - Amouracre Farm
B
uilt in 1926 by Mortimers of
Broughton Gifford, it is probably
one of the last of the farmhouses to
be built in the area. The Hollands have been
associated with dairy farming in this area for
over 120 years. Thomas Holland, Peter’s
great grandfather and his wife lived in the
Red House, demolished over 10 years ago to
build the latest addition to Orchard Close.
They had seven children who all went to our
village school, to include his grandfather
Reg, Elsie a teacher at Newtown Primary in
Trowbridge, Vic a florist who ran a shop in
Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, and Stan who
kept the village shop in Doreen Cottages.
Thomas leased the land known as
Amouracre from Lord Long, his visionary
son Reg, bought it at the tender age of 18 in
1916, running Bullen Hill farm at the same
time. He had the foresight to buy the rights
from Lord Long to fell and sell timber from
Green Lane Wood, since bequeathed to the
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and a remnant of a
much larger wood called Slogrove, which
bounded the back of his property. A canny
individual, he used to take milk from the
farm at Amouracre and collect milk from
other farms in Ashton Common, Keevil and
Hurst on route to the Co-op Depot in
Bulkington, from whence it was transported
to London by bulk tanker. Harry Lott was
Reg’s legendary lorry driver and worked for
him from 1925-1960. On the timber front,
Reg set up a log business which saw him
The
Page 23
Farms around West Ashton - Amouracre Farm
construct a mini sawmill near the Dutch
Barn. Harry Lott ran his cargo of logs into
Trowbridge and rather than return to base
empty he brought back a sumptuous load of
grain from Ushers. The cows went ‘six no
trumps’ on these and many of them became
intoxicated – they must have been very
happy cattle! On the other side of the A350,
opposite the house is a hill. Halfway up there
is a spring from which he ran a pipe across
the road, then a minor road and now the busy
A350, to supply all the cattle troughs in
fields between the farmhouse and
Trowbridge. George Moore, the garage
proprietor in Steeple Ashton who was truly a
genuine all-rounder and one of Reg’s
greatest buddies helped him with this
project. Reg planted orchards at Bullen Hill
Farm, Hill View and Amouracre, and in
addition to this, was a member of the Royal
Wiltshire Yeomanry in World War 1. Reg
married Winifred March in 1925, had the
farmhouse built in 1926 and had one son
Geoff. In 1939, Reg and Winnie following
a period of poor health, moved to Hillview in
Steeple Ashton into a house again built by
the Mortimer Brothers. Reg true to type
didn’t retire he continued his milk delivery
business with Harry Lott plus a very
successful battery hen business throughout
the period of the war. Meanwhile, Geoff
broke with tradition and trained as a civil
engineer, so the farm was leased out to Stan
White who farmed it for 46 years, dying at
the age of 92. Peter and Catherine Holland
moved into the farmhouse in 1987 after
spending two years carrying out renovation,
bringing up their three children in this idyllic
rural setting.
Jo Watkins.
Photos:
Opposite - Peter and Catherine Holland
Above - Harry Lott driving an iron wheeled
Fordson with a sweep on the front for
sweeping hay.
Thanks to Geoff, Peter and Catherine
Holland and also to Cyril Sweetman long
time village resident.
Page 24
The
Policing in our Area
1. Please can I ask dog owners to take
responsibility for their dogs when taking
them for a walk in and around West Ashton.
It has come to my attention that owners are
not cleaning up after their dogs and this is
causing offence and a hazard to pedestrians
using the footpaths. Please can I remind you
that this is an offence and will be dealt with
robustly when seen. There are dog bins in
the area so please use them.
2. Anti Social Behaviour in Shepherds
Drove. It has come to my attention on a
couple of occasions, that young children in
the area have been causing damage to
people's plants and shrubs and also entering
other people's gardens without permission. It
is important that young people play in the
area safely but at the same time respect the
properties and belongings of others.
3. Parking. Parking issues are
unfortunately continuing. I have tried to be
in the area at school drop off and pick up
times to remind people picking up their
children, and I will continue to do so. I do
cover all primary schools in the rural areas as
they have parking issues as well, so please
do bear with me. West Ashton Primary
School does send out reminders in their
newsletters every couple of weeks to also
remind everyone.
If anyone has any questions or concerns,
please make contact.
Many thanks
PCSO Ella-Maria Badder, Trowbridge
Rural NPT. Mobile no. 07528972002
Wiltshire Good Neighbours - New to WA
M
y name is Lise Griffiths,
and as your local Coordinator now working in
West Ashton, I can provide a range
of information and put you in touch
with sources of help for any issue
affecting older people in our
community. This includes home
security and safety, keeping warm in
winter, where to get advice about
Benefits, transport issues and local
social clubs and meetings. No
request is too big or small and I am
able to either visit you at home, or
discuss your needs over the phone.
Wiltshire Good Neighbours is a free
service that is provided through a
partnership of Wiltshire Council,
Community First and Age UK
Wiltshire. If you think you or
someone you know would benefit
from the service, please don’t
hesitate to contact me on 07557
922031 or email
trowbridgegnc@communityfirst.org.
uk
The
Page 25
This Sporting Life - Bill Joyce
B
ill’s greatest passion in life is
game and clay pigeon shooting.
Not long back from The World
Sporting Fitasc Shooting
Championships at the Northbrook Sport
Club, Chicago. Representing Great
Britain in the Super Veterans team, Bill
scored a magnificent score of 160 out of
200, making him the Top GB Super Vet
in his category. This was no mean feat,
considering he was competing with
1,000 international competitors.
Now age 71, and forever on the go, Bill
works hard and plays hard. He
continues to run his garage W.J. Joyce
Engineers in Trowbridge which he
founded over 40 years ago, with his son
Adrian. The secret of his shooting
success is practice and more practice,
and he has no thoughts about retiring
from anything yet. Bill considers his
greatest achievement was winning the
English Open DTL championship and
becoming the Game Fayre Sporting
Champion in 1974. Adrian carries on
the family tradition, and shot for Great
Britain at the tender age of 16,
eventually winning the junior world
championship in Switzerland. Grandson
Harry looks set to follow in his
grandfather’s footsteps, having started
shooting by the time he was eight. Bill
has been shooting since a lad. A
farmer’s son, and growing up in the
countryside, he loves nature and all
countryside pursuits. Luckily, his longterm partner Julie shares his passion for
the country life, being a keen shot
herself.
Living in splendid isolation in Kettle
Lane for over 40 years, Bill has planted
his own woods, and has his very own
wildlife park in his back garden.
Animals and birds such as deer,
pheasant and duck are frequent visitors.
His trophy cabinet is full, and no doubt
he will continue to acquire even more
awards as long as he continues to
compete.
Jo Watkins.
The
Page 26
Bits, Bobs, Brownies and Burning Bonfires
O
nce or twice in the last few months problems have
been experienced by some villagers due to smoke
from bonfires. There are no bylaws restricting
bonfires in the Wiltshire Council area, however there are
powers that can be enacted if bonfire smoke creates a
nuisance. Please be conscious that some weather conditions
are good for hanging out washing and at those times bonfire
smoke might not be appreciated by others in the vicinity.
Please cause your bonfire to burn up then die quickly - don’t
leave it smouldering all day while you go to work or
otherwise absent yourself from the smoke and smell nuisance
you are causing your neighbours.
T
here are places for girls aged
7-10 to join St. Thomas’
Brownies in Trowbridge. It
currently meets on Wednesday
evenings, and has a team of eight
volunteer leaders of all ages with a
vast range of experience. If you
would like to find out more, please
get in touch with Jean Bowers aka
“Brown Owl” on Tel 01225 754329.
An Evening of Christmas Melodies
St. Johns Church West Ashton
Friday 7th December, 2012 7.30pm
The concert will be led by a local lady’s choir
“Steeple Rocks”
With readings, instrumentals and audience participation
Tickets £5 to include mulled wine and mince pie
From Jo Watkins 753196 and Sylvia Preston 765858
Children under 14 free
Proceeds towards church funds
The
Page 27
Useful Information
Village Hall activities
Dance Class
Ballroom Dancing
ALW School of Dance
Dolly Mixtures Art Class
Dog Training
Tai Chi
Wives Group
WI
Yoga
Bridge classes
Dee Dee Wilde – 01380 871608
Mr. Kevin Burge 07933 771205
Children inc pre-school, Miss Amy Watts 01225 774849
Mrs. Kay Norris 01985 840157
Mrs. Rosemary Banfield 01380 870574
Mr. Brian Wooding 01985 213474
Mrs. Marlene Pike 01380 870272
Mrs. Lis Mercer 01225 766287
Mrs. Angeline Nicholson 01225 777452
Dave Lacham 01373 467628
Village Hall Bookings Julia Hammond 01225 767258
Builder
Paul. New build, extensions, renovation specialist, alterations.
19 Bratton Road Tel: 01225 753997/07799 563347
Electrician
Chris Parnell 01225 764874 or 07875 372940
Handyman
GAS SAFE-registered domestic appliance fitter, painting and
decorating, plumbing and other odd jobs Garry Tucker 01225
353268 or 07711 837419
Judo Classes
Age 8+ W. Ashton School 7.30-9pm Fridays. Mike Healey 01373 822349.
Library
Mobile Library Van visits Orchard Close alternate Fridays
1.40-1.55pm.
Logs & Marquees
Logs for sale/ Marquee hire for all your outdoor events. Rob Pike 01380 870808
Milk
Bullings Dairies deliver Tel: 01225 776494
Newspapers
Seend Post Office deliver Tel: 01380 828250
Police
Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Village Co-ordinator Mr
David Bradley 01225 754100. Neighbourhood Policing Team
PC Mark Hough & PCSO Maria Badder can be contacted
on the non-emergency Wiltshire Police tel no 101 or 07528 972 002 for Maria.
Parish Council
Chairman Mr Richard Covington Tel: 01225 761904
Clerk Mrs Carol Hackett Tel: 01225 760372
Refuse
Collection days vary - seek local advice. Community skips in
Canal Road, Trowbridge for larger items.
Seamstress & Soft Furnishings
Clare Humphries, curtains, dressmaking and alterations
Tel 01225 767703 Mob 07929 122631
St. John's Church
Services Sundays 10.30am. Rev Allan Coutts Tel: 01225 754826
Telephone Engineer Extensions wired, broadband faults etc Garry 01225 765815
West Ashton Boomerang
Taxi service. Mon-Sat West Ashton to Trowbridge £1.20 one way.
Morning pickup 9.30am, return 12 noon, afternoon pickup 12.10
return 2pm. Tel 01225 753218 to book.
West Ashton C of E Junior School Headteacher Mr Jonathan Barber Tel: 01225 754354
West Ashton Ladies Skittles Team Mrs. Betty Cronan 01225 755908
Page 28
December
Sun 2nd
Wed 5th
Fri 7th
Mon 10th
Wed 19th
Thurs 20th
Fri 21st
Sat 22nd
Sun 23rd
Mon 24th
Mon 31st
January
Wed 2nd
Mon 7th
Wed 16th
Wed 23rd
Sat 26th
February
Wed 6th
Fri 8th-17th
Sat 9th
Wed 27th
The
School Christmas Fayre, 1.30-3.45.
Christingle Service 4pm St. John’s Church.
Wives Group, Christmas Party, 7.30pm Village Hall
Church Village Concert, 7.30pm Tickets £5 inc mulled wine & mince
pie.Children under 14 free. Tickets from Jo Watkins and Sylvia Preston.
Schools Carols around the village 6-8pm.
WI Christmas party, 7.30pm Village Hall
School Christmas/Leaving Service in the church 2.15pm. to celebrate
Headteacher Jonathan Barber’s time at the school.
Childrens Christmas Party/Family Disco. Village Hall 6-12pm.
Tickets from Lucy Pullen 07952984694. More details inside.
A Village Hall event.
School end of term.
Village Hall 90th Birthday Celebration. Open evening with light
Refreshments, 7.30 for 8pm. Ticket only, free admission.
A Village Hall event.
Church Carol Service, 10.30am.
Church Christmas Eve service, 11.15pm.
New Year’s Eve Celebration, Dinner, Live Music, Tickets £15,
7.30 for 8pm. A Village Hall event.
Wives Group, Bingo, Village Hall, 7.30pm
School starts new term.
Parish Council meeting, 7.15pm Village Hall.
WI, ‘Bath Time’ with Michael Lane. Village Hall 7.30pm
Burns Night. Meal with Scottish Festivities. Tickets £10.
7.30 for 8pm. A Village Hall event.
Wives Group, ‘Down Memory Lane’ with Gary Norris. 7.30pm
Village Hall.
School half term.
Midwinter Dance, music by Martin Johnson. Three course meal
Tickets £12.50. A Village Hall event.
WI, ‘The Search for the Last Coachman’ by John Doyle (open
to visitors). Village Hall, 7.30pm.
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December 2012 - West Ashton Village

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