parish news - Churches of Arden

PARISH NEWS
IT’S YOUR PLACE!
On the day I was thinking about this letter, there was a clue in the Times
crossword as follows: Our nave’s rebuilt, consuming a great deal – answer:
ravenous. It reminded me of the unlikely history of our church.
The vicar of Claverdon in 1828 was the aptly named Robert Wylde, described as
big and powerful and a roaring preacher. It was in his time at Claverdon that the
decision was made to pull down the whole of the middle part of the church
leaving just the tower at one end and the chancel at the other. The tower had
stood since 1454 and the chancel even earlier, dating back to 1350.
Accordingly over the next two years a new nave was built to re-join the tower and
chancel. After all this effort, no one apparently liked the end result. One
description of the new church was “as poor and defective in point of architectural
propriety and taste as can possibly be imagined”. It turned out that not only was it
not beautiful in the eyes of the village, it would have been a good subject for
Dominic Littlewood’s Cowboy Builders programme. After less than 50 years it had
to be replaced because it had been so badly constructed.
By now the vicar was Wylde’s successor, Edwin Kempson, said to have been a very
practical and efficient man. It was in his time in 1876 that the nave was pulled
down and rebuilt yet again. An eminent ecclesiastical architect was engaged and
the result (as we still see it today) was essentially a replica of what it had been like
before the original decision to pull it down!
There has been a church on this site since before the Domesday Book (1086) and
we are amazingly blessed by all those people over all those years whose efforts
result in the building we inherit today. You only have to read the visitors’ book to
see how many people from all over the world feel a sense of attachment and
ownership of Claverdon Church for all sorts of reasons.
It is a building that belongs to all of us and a place where people have offered
prayer for 1000 years. It is open every day. Do use it as a place where you can be
still, a place where you can enjoy the silence, a place where you can write in the
prayer request book, a place where you simply “be”. As Ayman often says of the
Red Lion, “It’s your place”.
Phil Hanson

St. Michael and All Angels, Claverdon
• All Saints, Preston Bagot
September 2015

MAKING CONTACT WITH THE CHURCH
01564 793844
vacancy
Wootton Wawen Vicarage, Henley in Arden, B95 6BD
www.churchesofarden.org.uk
01926 843421
Curate
Revd Philip Hanson
01926 832661
Diocesan Readers
James Holden
01564 793578
Norrie Moore
01926 843234
Church Secretary
Susan Holt
01926 843234
Church Centre Manager
Jane Whitehurst
Church Office: Claverdon Church Centre, Church Road, Claverdon
Normal Office Hours: 9.15am – 12.15pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
At other times or in emergency, please see Contacts on page 46
Claverdon Parochial Church Council
01564 795621
Churchwardens
Sue Jacques
01926 842795
John Knightbridge
Member of Deanery Synod
Richard Bonsall
Elected
Steven Aitken; Anthony Archer; Nicky Arnott; Chris Dowson; Pat
Farmer; Penny Hanson; Rosemary Holding; David Markham; John
Rundle; Brian Ollis
Co-opted
Phil Hanson; James Holden
PCC Secretary
01926 842444
PCC Minutes Secretary
Karen Baker
PCC Treasurer
Organists
Jonathan Evans; Brian Ollis
Preston Bagot Parochial Church Council
01926 843023
Church Wardens
Hugh Carslake
dukedom1@btinternet.com
Margaret Duke
Member of Deanery Synod
Hugh Carslake
Elected
Tony Belcher; Ros Belcher; Joy Cater; Pam Clark; John Cook; Sheila
Goudge; Mary Herbert; Anne Perrin; Valerie Rooke; and Geraldine
Rowe
01564 793578
Ex-officio
Norrie Moore
01926 842638
PCC Secretary
Anne Perrin
01926 843465
PCC Treasurer
John Cook
Organists
Olga Ananskikh; Jon Lucas; Guy Pardoe
Vicar
Editorial Team
Richard Bonsall (01926 843474, richard.bonsall1@btinternet.com); Jonathan Evans (01926
842690); David Markham (01926 843399); David and Tricia Hardy (01926 842351,
hardy_tricia@yahoo.com)
Advertising enquiries to Richard Bonsall
Material submission deadline:
8th of the preceding month to Tricia Hardy
Parish News is a sharing of the lives of the people of our community, delivered to
every household in the parishes of Claverdon and Preston Bagot free of charge.
Views expressed are not necessarily those of the editorial team.

Get in touch with the Villages
Badminton
Bellringers
Benefice Housing Association
Church Centre Bookings
Church Centre Caretaker
Church Floodlighting
Claverdon and District Neighbourhood Watch
Claverdon and District British Legion
Claverdon Community Shop
Claverdon Cricket Club
Claverdon Football Club
Claverdon Gardening Group
Claverdon Monday Club
Claverdon Parish Council
(Parish Clerk)
Claverdon Rugby Club
Claverdon Minor and Junior Rugby
Claverdon Quilters
Claverdon Primary School
Friends of Claverdon Primary School
Claverdon Tennis Club
Claverdon Women’s Institute
Community First Responders
Dorothea Mitchell Hall Bookings
Inner Wheel Club of Henley
Men’s Breakfasts
Mothers and Toddlers
Preston Bagot Parish Meeting
Rotary Club of Henley
Scout Group 1st Bearley and Snitterfield
Scout Group 1 Henley and Wootton
St Michael’s Close Residents’ Coffee Morning
Stepping Stones Pre-School (age 3 – 5)
Stratford District Council
THE SUNDAY CLUB
Scramblers
(age 3 – Year R)
Climbers
(Year 1 - Year 2)
Explorers
(Year 3 – Year 6)
TMB (Year 7 upwards)
Three Parishes Library
Warwickshire County Council
Paul Anthony
Roderick Boswell
Dawn Gazey-Lewis
Jane Whitehurst
Geoff Gee
David and Heather Howell
Les Edwards
Graham Cook
Barry & Val Cleverdon
Vince Hammond
Charlie Waterworth
Mick Kitchen
Shirley Reading
Robert Lees
01789 730850
01926 842365
07505 275154
01926 843234
01926 842620
01926 843201
01926 843365
01926 842432
91826 843916
01926 842691
07455 005474
01926 843159
01926 842628
01926 842474
robertlees61@btinternet.com
079698 512986
cbown@uk.ey.com
01926 842557
01926 842403
jo.goulding@hscic.gov.uk
01926 842331
01926 843779
01564 797949
01926 843365
015627 755939
01926 843399
01926 843353
01926 842638
01926 842451
01789 731865
graham.mallinson@goodrich.com
01926 842602
Ian Wyllie
Chris Bown
Heather Sharp
Kate Gover
Jo Courier
Don Hanson
Linda Pielow
John Pudney
Kath Kaveney
Jeanne Dorsett
David Markham
Rachel Clark
Stephen Perrin
David Burman
Sam Smith
Graham Mallinson
Rita Hanks
09.15am – 13.45pm
Term Time at the Church Centre
01926 843353
Chris Dowson
Mandy Dowson
01926 843612
01926 843612
Julia Seymour Smith
Councillor John Horner
01789 731778
01926 842068

CHURCH SERVICES in SEPTEMBER
10.00am
8.00am
9.30am
11.00am
11.00am
10.00am
9.30am
11.00am
11.00am
10.00am
8.00am
9.30am
11.00am
11.00am
10.00am
9.30am
11.00am
11.00am
6.30pm
10.00am
Wednesday, 2nd September
Holy Communion
BCP
Wootton Wawen
Sunday, 6th September (Fourteenth Sunday of Trinity)
Holy Communion
BCP
Claverdon
Morning Prayer
BCP
Preston Bagot
Café Church
Wootton Wawen
Family Service
Claverdon
Wednesday, 9th September
Holy Communion
BCP
Wootton Wawen
Sunday, 13th September (Fifteenth Sunday of Trinity)
Holy Communion
BCP
Preston Bagot
Holy Communion
CW
Claverdon
Morning Prayer
CW
Wootton Wawen
Wednesday, 16th September
Holy Communion
CW
Wootton Wawen
Sunday, 20th September (Sixteenth Sunday of Trinity)
Holy Communion
BCP
Claverdon
Morning Prayer
BCP
Preston Bagot
Holy Communion
CW
Wootton Wawen
Third Sunday Service
Church Centre
Wednesday, 23rd September
Holy Communion
BCP
Wootton Wawen
Sunday, 27th September (Seventeenth Sunday of Trinity)
Holy Communion
BCP
Preston Bagot
Holy Communion
CW
Claverdon
Morning Prayer
CW
Wootton Wawen
Evening Prayer
BCP
Claverdon
Wednesday, 30th September
Holy Communion
Wootton Wawen
BIBLE READINGS FOR SEPTEMBER
6th September
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Mark 7: 24-37
13th September
James 3:1-12
Mark 8: 27-38
20th September
James 3:13-4;3, 7-8a
Mark 9: 30-37
27th September
James 5:13-20
Mark 9: 38-50
CURATE’S BLOG
It was about two years ago that we suddenly woke up to the
realisation that the people we refer to as “young” in the
church were all beginning to celebrate their 50th birthdays
and their children were beginning to leave the nest! Since
then we have been on a mission to make the church more
relevant and accessible to the next generation of young
families. The new family area is a conscious attempt to stop
children’s lasting experience of church being one of looking at the back of
adults’ heads. The new audio visual facilities have been an attempt to mirror the
sort of modern capabilities we are familiar with from other contexts. You can
even follow us on Facebook (Church at Claverdon). The next step is to install a
proper servery so we can enjoy real coffee smells at the back of church. Watch
this space.
At the same time we are enjoying an upsurge in baptisms and weddings and
sometimes both at once! The regular Messy Church events have been huge fun
and seem to have found a helpful time slot on Saturday afternoons. The preschool programme (Noah’s Story Box) sees amazing numbers at our under 5’s
services. At the school the Open-the-Book team do drama-based assemblies
and the lunchtime club (Awesome) continues to be very popular. The longrunning Sunday Club is a place for fun and teaching.
The missing piece in the jigsaw has been the recruitment of a new youth worker
to focus on the needs of teenagers in particular. Despite expensive advertising
attempts, we weren’t able to tempt aspiring youth workers out of the towns
and into the countryside. Amazingly, while a group of us were at Spring Harvest
in Skegness, we happened upon an organisation called “Time for God” who
organise opportunities for young volunteers from one country to work in
another country. To cut a long story short, with the help of this lovely
organisation, our new youth worker (Chelsi) will move here from her home in
North Dakota for twelve months starting at the end of August. We will
introduce her at the Claverdon family service on September 6th and it would be
lovely if she had the opportunity to meet as many families as possible.
Phil Hanson
Update on new Vicar: the process for filling the vacancy for a new Vicar for our
three parishes has required us to do a fairly detailed 'healthy churches' selfassessment in which almost 100 people have taken part. That is all now
complete and we will hopefully soon be at a point where we can advertise the
position. Our expectation therefore is to be doing interviews in the Autumn. If
all goes well an appointment could be made at or soon after the end of the year.
Special Offers for the over-50S!
Web Wise comes to Claverdon

DIARY for SEPTEMBER
Web Wise is a free course for people over 50 years of age who want to learn
how to get the most out of the internet. We aim to help you get the same
benefits from the internet that many younger people take for granted. Learn
to:
1 Sept
Women’s Institute meeting (page 29)
1 Sept
Parish Council meeting (p38)
7 Sept
Monday Club meeting (p20)




12 Sept
Gardening Group Autumn Show (p34)
13 Sept
Mill Cottage garden open (p16)
15 Sept
Gardening group meeting (p34)
18 Sept
Rural Cinema (p7)
18-19 Sept
Reconciling a wounded planet at the Cathedral (p16)
21 Sept
Monday Club meeting (p20)
25 Sept
Noah’s Story Box (p26)
25 Sept
Gardening Group trip to Picton (p34)
Search the World Wide Web
Use email and Skype to stay in touch
Shop and bank online
Save money
The course in Claverdon will be held at the Church Centre on Thursday
afternoons from 10 September for six weeks (2pm until 4pm). If you would
like to know more please ring John Sawyer on 07881 812943, or send your
contact details to John at Age UK Warwickshire, 8 Clemens Street, Leamington
Spa, CV31 2DL. Or, if you have an email account, you can reach John
on john.sawyer@ageukwarks.org.uk
GET YOUR ELECTRIC BLANKET TESTED BEFORE
WINTER ARRIVES!
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is providing FREE Electric
Blanket Testing for over 50s in Warwickshire at the following
venues:



Monday 5th October 2015 - Rugby Library
Tuesday 6th October 2015 - Kenilworth Library
Wednesday 7th October 2015 - Leamington Spa
Library
 Thursday 8th October 2015 - Asda Community
Room Nuneaton
 Friday 9th October 2015 - Stratford Briar Croft
Residential Home
A home collection can be arranged in certain circumstances.
Book today by calling the Trading Standards Service on 01926
414016 9am - 5pm or email: ebtesting@warwickshire.gov.uk
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FROM THE REGISTERS
BAPTISMS
5 July:
William Verity (parents Katie and Martine) at Claverdon
Grace McCarthy (parents Miles and Sarah, grandparents Anne and
Stephen Perrin) at Preston Bagot
31 July:
Cleo Arden and Connal Lewis McGarrigle (grandchildren of Sue
Hollingsworth) at Claverdon
WEDDINGS
23 June:
Roderick Boswell and Linda Laing at Claverdon
24 July:
John-Paul Raby and Lucy Hawkins at Claverdon
25 July:
Luke Billingsley and Amy Jones at Preston Bagot
8 August: Julie Cocks and Andrew Wood at Preston Bagot
FUNERALS
17 August: Peter Wild at Preston Bagot
19 August: Laureen Cooper at Claverdon
FLOODLIGHTING
Claverdon Church was floodlit on 6 July in memory of Mark Waterworth with
love from the Waterworth family.
Thank yous
Joan and Michael Clarke would like to thank everyone who has been so kind and
helpful while Joan has been ill. We received so many lovely cards, flowers, visits
and delicious meals. What a wonderful village! We are so lucky to live here and
we appreciate all your thoughts and good wishes. Thank you all so much.
From Barbara Peters in Australia: My family and I would like to thank all those
who sent cards, flowers and condolences at the time of Rod's death. As his
illness became worse Rod spent a short time in a nursing home but died in
hospital with us by his side. Rod had many happy memories of village life, as
caretaker at the school and Dorothea Mitchell Hall and, of course, our time at the
Corner Shop. We are coming to terms with our loss which has left a large hole in
our lives. We are grateful for your thoughts. Thankyou. Barbara and Family
And finally from Norrie: Thank you to everyone for all the lovely
messages (and the flowers!) that I received when I edited my final
issue of the Parish News. It has felt a little strange, not having to
obey the normal timetable after fifteen years, so good luck to the
team producing the September issue.
(Thanks Norrie—we need it!)
COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS
YOU DIAL 999 - What Happens ???
If it is a medical emergency the first person to arrive may be a Community First
Responder from the Henley Scheme. Responders, known as CFRs, are part of, and
trained by, West Midlands Ambulance Service to deal with immediate lifethreatening conditions and to assess, reassure and treat a patient suffering from
other emergency conditions. When they attend a 999 call an ambulance is always
sent but as they are based locally a Responder can often be the first to arrive to
start treatment.
Men and women from all backgrounds over the age of 18 become CFRs and, after
interview, selection and training, they have a full and thorough induction to join
the Henley team. They then go on call in the marked car controlled by radio by the
WMAS control room. Members join to serve their community but the training
overflows into their private lives. For example, the mother of one of the team had
a stroke at an event at which she was on call and was able to make all the right
decisions whist waiting for an ambulance to arrive; two responders were on
holiday abroad and reacted immediately when a fellow diner was choking;
another was eating out with her family when a young child became very ill and her
automatic response made all the difference to the outcome.
Becoming a responder is not just about sitting at home or in the car on call in
Claverdon waiting for a 999 call: it enables you to give valuable and perhaps
indispensable service to your community wherever you are.
New recruits are welcome. Contact John Pudney on 01564 797949 or Sue Osborne
on 01564 794299.
HENLEY AND BEAUDESERT SOCIETY
On Thursday 17 September in the Baptist Church Hall at 8 pm Chris Pickford will
give a talk on ‘Beaudesert bells and the History of Bell Founding’. Visitors and new
members are very welcome - further details from Pat Kench on 01564b795419.
On Thursday 1 October there will be an outing to the Bell Foundry at
Loughborough combined with a visit to Richard III’s tomb at Leicester Cathedral.
The approximate cost will be £22—to book or for further information please
contact Arthur Gennard on 01564 794209.
Warwickshire COUNTY COUNCIL
The Combined Authority debate is continuing. Greater Birmingham has made an
approach to all the districts and a questionnaire has been issued to the
electorate. The detail in the preamble of the SoADC questionnaire is less
comprehensive than the prospectus. Warwickshire has made an offer to
Coventry to form an equal strategic partnership. The Birmingham offer on the
other hand has three classes of member; the urban metropolitans like
Wolverhampton and Coventry, a second class of the shires and a third class of the
districts. The counties have limited voting and the Districts have no vote. The
combined authority will manage housing demand and Warwickshire has land
outside the Green Belt. Although the current planning policies require adjoining
districts to co-operate over housing they do not have to agree. In the case of the
Combined Authority the housing can be allocated by the voting members.
The County launched its new offer to support families of children and young
people from 1 to 25 years at the end of July. This document lays out the
education, health and social care support available in the county.
There will be some changes in recorded crime as a result of revision by the Home
Office of the method of counting crimes. The result will be an increase in
recorded crime when compared to counting under the old method and as a result
any comparison with previous years would be misleading.
A summer don’t drink and drive campaign was launched to coincide with the
school holidays and the fire and rescue service has been lecturing schools on the
“fatal four” - speeding, drink, distractions and no seatbelts. I have suggested the
presentation is used in the speed awareness courses for adults.
Warwickshire County Council is the chief investor in the UK Social Bond, which
has just won the European Pensions Innovation Award for 2015. The County
Council has £40million invested. The bond invests in affordable housing,
education, employment and training, health and social care, financial inclusion,
community services, transport and communication infrastructure, utilities and
the environment.
The trading Standards department has been taking action against rogue security
alarm traders. The main problem is the hidden costs of maintenance and
monitoring. Misrepresentation of claiming to work with the Police is a common
issue.
John Horner
01926 842068
johnhorner@warwickshire.gov.uk
HOw IT wAS THEn….A vILLAGE BAnk
From Parish News of September 1967
The great changes that are overtaking Claverdon are
spot-lighted by the fact that we now have a permanent
mini-bank established in the parish. The old
Recreation Room was bought by a former Vicar to be used
as a Reading Room and left by his widow to his
successors as Vicars of Claverdon. Having become
redundant to the use of the Church its sale was
permitted by the Charity Commission, the capital to be
invested and the income used for church purposes.
National Provincial Bank has bought the premises and
the Branch is open from ten o’clock until three on
Mondays and Thursdays, and from half past nine until
half past eleven on Saturdays, for the use of all
residents. The business is managed from Balsall Common
by Mr Deacon who comes into the village whenever his
help is needed and he hopes that anybody at all who has
a banking problem will go in and make themselves known.
If the response to this offer of banking service is
strong enough it is Mr Deacon’s intention to extend the
days of opening. It may be that housewives in
particular will find it an advantage to bank in the
village.
The old Recreation
Room became
Claverdon’s Bank,
next to the old
Village Stores on
Langley Road. It
didn't last long
(perhaps not
enough
‘housewives’ used
it!!) It closed in
1972, becoming a
dwelling house.
CLAVERDON PARISH COUNCIL
It has been fairly quiet since our last meeting in July so this is
just a brief update on general matters.
In respect of planning, the council, having queried the works on the former derelict
cottage “Caroli Domus” down by the railway station, have ensured that the rebuilding works will now be subject to a formal planning application to be discussed
at the next meeting. Minor planning applications at Essex House, Lye Green and at
Claverdon Hall Farm were not objected to by councillors. In respect of planning
applications at Heart of England Farms on Kington Lane, the council objections to
more raised bird rearing pens were overturned by the planning committee but on
the same site, a proposal to erect an open sided storage building with 168 solar
panels, again opposed by the parish council, was rejected by planning officers.
With regard to the long awaited electronic speed sign on Station Road, this has
been ordered and hopefully will be installed within the next eight weeks. Whilst it
will not stop the problem of speeding it might at least help. We can all do our bit
by driving at well below the speed limit on our village roads.
Work continues on the Claverdon Neighbourhood Plan and further funding has
been applied for from national government. The plan questionnaire is pretty much
complete and currently with local planning officers for comment before it is agreed
in final form prior to being printed and distributed. It is very important that we get
a good response to this questionnaire and it is very much your opportunity to help
decide how the village may grow or alter in the next fifteen years.
A management strategy undertaken by Warwickshire C.C for Yarningale Common
is now complete and the council will consider its recommendations in respect of a
long term sustainable maintenance programme for this important wildlife site. The
council is also considering options for woodland it owns on Kington Lane.
Sadly, the problem of dog fouling continues. It is especially annoying that this still
occurs on the recreation field and on Langley Road near the school. If you must
walk your dog in these areas please clear up any mess. At this time of year the field
is busy with schoolchildren and it is disappointing that a small group of people
seem not to care. On another good neighbour issue, as autumn approaches could
you please ensure that bushes and trees in front gardens are pruned back so as not
to obstruct pedestrians and the sight lines of car drivers.
Finally, I am grateful to my fellow councillors who have agreed a change to future
council meetings now to be held on the first Tuesday evening of the month which
will allow me to attend other parish meetings as part of my new district council
duties. As such the next parish council meeting will be on Tuesday 1st September
at 6.30 in the D.M Hall.
Simon Lawton, Chairman
CLAVERDON COMMUNITY SHOP
It’s about seven and a half years ago that the then Chairman of
the Parish Council, Nigel Goodrich, had what some thought was a
really mad idea - to create a Community Shop, following the
closure of the Village Stores. Mad it may have been, but a group
got together and launched the idea of setting up a shop in a hired
portacabin, offering a very limited range of goods.
Once we had proved we could run a shop, we set about raising the £120,000
needed for a new permanent building. With the support of many villagers, the
fundraising events were endless, varied and fun! Lord Digby Jones opened the
new brick built shop for us in the summer of 2010.
From that very humble beginning we have come a long way, and created the
fantastic shop we have today. And all that wouldn’t have happened had it not
been for the support, hard work and commitment of so many villagers.
Our 5th birthday marks an important opportunity to say a huge thank you to
everyone who has and still is making the shop work.
To our volunteers, many of whom today were with us in those early portacabin
days….to our valued customers - your continuing and growing support is
vital….to everyone involved in running the shop so well: A VERY BIG THANKYOU!
And here's to the next 5 years!
Barry Cleverdon
CLAVERDON & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
We will be holding another Black Tie Dinner at the Lord Leycester Hospital on
Friday 2nd October. Those of you who were lucky enough to attend the previous
one will remember what a superb evening we had.
The Great Hall at the Lord Leycester holds up to 90 guests, so tickets will have to
be booked early to ensure a place.
As a theme for the evening we have chosen Trafalgar Day and whilst we may be
a bit early and we may not be able to promise a "maritime meal", we are sure
the catering provided by "bon ‘app" of Leamington Spa will be superb and Stuart
Hatton, our ever resourceful entertainments organiser, will be able to secure
some excellent wines to go with whatever the meal.
The price is expected to be in the region of £50 per head but further details will
be announced in the near future.
If you are interested in attending please let either Stuart Hatton
(shatton@umberslade.co.uk) or Graham Cook (gfcook_2000@yahoo.com)
know.
Graham Cook
THE MOnTHLY HMMM….
Claverdon neighbourhood watch
A Sermon to the Ducks
St Francis of Assisi is famous for many things – developing
the stigmata, taking Lady Poverty as his bride and even
dumping all his father’s assets in the middle of the market
square for all to help themselves. Even so, it will not surprise regular readers of the Hmm that I love the Poverello
most for his sermon to the birds in which he advised them
of all the great benefits their Creator had bestowed upon
them and counselled them always to guard against the sin
of ingratitude.
This is of course great advice for men as well as birds – but
imagine my surprise at a family wedding in Denmark to suddenly find myself in a
congregation almost equally attended by ducks and people! Half way through the
open air service a mixed flock of duck and drake mallards suddenly began to emerge
from the lake and waddle into an attentive position right in front of the traditionally
attired Lutheran minister.
Forgive me for my anthropomorphism, but the studious way that the ducks leaned
forward towards the preacher as they stood firmly to attention, led me to conclude
that they were understanding his Danish somewhat better than me. All I could make
out were occasional references to the Tour de France -the riders in which were that
day making one of their fearsome mountain ascents.
Once we were at the Wedding Breakfast (over a glass of fizz and some delicious
cake) I quizzed one of the many bi-lingual Danish guests what it had all been about.
Very roughly it seems that our preacher had been saying that Christians in marriage
(and in life) need God’s grace in the same way that cyclists need their high energy
drinks as they power their way round France.
A good analogy I pondered, and even though it emerged that the reason for the arrival of mallards en masse was the imminent throwing of rice paper over the happy
couple – I like to think the ducks were also grateful of the sermon. Men (or ducks)
cannot live on bread (or rice) alone.
James Holden
HENLEY IN ARDEN METHODIST CHURCH
Sunday Services for September, all at 10.30am, are:
6th, Revd E Brian Mason
13th, Revd David Haslam
20th, Revd Audrey Simpson (Sacrament, harvest festival).
27th, Mr John Parkes
Speed Aware Scheme Update:
In April, I procured a laser speed gun from a WCC grant. I've since managed to get
associated Speed Watch signage and jackets thanks to funding from Stratford District
Neighbourhood Watch. The kit will be shared across the district, but I will of course
have first priority - so look out for the return of community speed monitoring
in Claverdon any day now!
Warnings recently issued:
 Beware of offenders targeting homes of elderly residents saying that there is a
problem with damp and drains. They then say they need to hire equipment, such as a
dehumidifier or pump, to rectify the problem and ask for payment up front for the
hire of this equipment. There have been no recorded incidents of this happening in
Warwickshire so far but if they should call, please politely turn them away empty
handed before contacting the Police on 101.
 A scam email is currently being sent to victims fraudulently claiming to be from
British Gas or the Ministry of Justice. This malware encrypts files on the victim’s
system and requests a ransom be paid in order for the files to be decrypted - one
reported amount has been £330 worth of Bitcoins.
 Courier fraudsters have been identifying themselves to target victims as “Detective
Constable Martin Benton of New Scotland Yard Fraud Department”. The fraudsters
will invent a story regarding fraudulent activity on your card and request your bank/
card details. No such person exists at the Metropolitan Police. If you receive a call
from someone purporting to be this individual, terminate the call immediately.
General Advice for suspicious emails:
 If you believe an email is a fake, report it to your email provider as spam.
 Do not follow links or open attachments until you verify that the email is genuine by
contacting the organisation named after finding the number from an independent
source.
 Ensure your anti-virus software is up to date. If you open an attachment or
followed a link which you believe is suspicious, run your anti-virus program and/or
take your machine to a reputable company to have it cleaned.
 Regularly back up all files on a separate device or cloud storage.
Victim Advice:
If you have handed over any banking details to a fraudster, call your bank (from
another telephone if possible) and cancel your cards immediately.
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at
www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone on 0300 123 2040.
Les Edwards
Beat Chairman for Claverdon Area Neighbourhood Watch
Weekend in Cambridge and ely
A sunny afternoon in August found twenty two members and friends of the
Churches of Arden enrolling at Wolfson College, Cambridge. Not, sadly, for a
degree course but for a weekend together in Cambridge and Ely – the latest in the
line of pilgrimages and away weekends that have included visits amongst others to
Holy Island, Iona, and Canterbury. The theme of this weekend was ‘looking up’.
The famous King’s College Chapel was our first stop, for a private out-of-hours tour
led by the Dean’s Verger. Having the Chapel to ourselves gave us time and space
away from the usual crowds to ‘look up’ at the largest fan vaulted ceiling in the
world and be inspired by the Chapel’s breath-taking architecture – ‘this immense
and glorious work of fine intelligence’, as Wordsworth put it.
Then on to the Green Man in Grantchester for our evening meal, before Compline
back at Wolfson. Wolfson College is a peaceful place, particularly out of term time,
and conducive to a good night’s sleep…except when summoned to the lawn at 4am
by a false and seemingly unstoppable fire alarm! But it did give us time to ‘look up’
at the beautiful moon and star-lit sky.
Next day was spent in Cambridge – first a short time for reflection in
nearby Ridley Hall College Chapel, followed by a visit to St Bene’t’s
church – the oldest in the city. Here Lawrence Mortimer - who along
with Rosie we were delighted to have back with us – made a deep
impression on us with his talk, using the RS Thomas poem
‘Kneeling’ (see opposite). Behind him as he spoke was the altar
cross, with its striking sculpture of Jesus ‘looking up’ to heaven.
A free afternoon for punting, walks and museums was followed by
formal dinner in Wolfson- a real treat - and some après dinner entertainment from
budding piano accordionist Tony Archer and poetry reader Don Hanson.
Next day was Ely for morning service in the Cathedral - a place where there is no
choice but to ‘look up’ to the unique Octagon Tower – the lantern of the Fens. Then
back home, after a wonderful weekend of inspiration, reflection, fun and
fellowship. Our thanks to Phil and Penny for all their superb arrangements.
Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Team meets regularly to offer prayers and support for those who
are sick, bereaved or in any kind of need. If you know of someone in the
community who is unwell, lonely or in need, who would like to be included in our
prayers, please contact us. Home visits can be arranged for the sick or
housebound and all prayer requests are treated in the strictest confidence.
Pastoral Team: Phil Hanson, Chris Lawson, Rosemary Holding, Gill Evans, Anne
Perrin, Julia Seymour-Smith and Joy Cater.
Contact The Vicarage (01564 793844) or Gill Evans (01926 842690).
Do you have new neighbours?
Believe it or not, sometimes it’s possible to move into the village (or its environs)
without anyone knowing! So that no-one feels left out, please give Liz Hinch a
call on 01926 843337 and she will be pleased to arrange delivery of a “Welcome
to Claverdon” pack, then the new Claverdonians will know all about the activities
of this lively community! If you have moved here and nobody calls, please ring
Liz!
THE CHURCH LIBRARY
Why not discover the library and get a book out for the new Term? The Three
Parishes’ Church Library is a wonderful resource with books from some great
authors including Philip Yancey, J.I. Packer, John Stott, A.W.Tozer and R.T.
Kendall. It includes wide-ranging topics from answers to life’s questions to
relationships, sickness and healing, meditation and prayer, and Christian growth.
It is housed in Claverdon Church in the cupboards at the back on the right of the
bell tower. Books can be borrowed whenever the Church is open by signing the
record book and if you can’t find the book of your choice, please let us know.
Contact Julia Seymour-Smith (01789 731778) or Mandy Dowson (01926 843612)
Got a reason to celebrate?
THEN CELEBRATE WITH LIGHT!
Did you know that special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays or any
other event can be marked by floodlighting Claverdon Church? And you can
have the occasion mentioned in the Parish Magazine by providing details (keep it
BRIEF, please - about 12 words). The cost is £5 per night with proceeds going
towards the upkeep of the floodlights. To book contact David and Heather
Howell, on 01926 843201, “Catchama Croft”, 28 Station Road, Hatton,
Warwick CV35 7LG.
CLAVERDON GARDENING GROUP
Kneeling
The visit to the Flower Show at Blenheim Palace on the
20th June and the CGG’s annual Open Gardens for
members which was held on Saturday the 11th July were
both very enjoyable and great successes. Blenheim
provided lots to see and members came away with many
purchases. A big thank you goes to all who helped in the
running and organization of the Open Gardens event, which was attended by
over 50 members, who between them raised £150 for the Heart Foundation
Charity.
Our Autumn Show (Saturday 12th September) is very close so please support us
by entering your exhibits and coming along to help out on the day. There are
many categories to enter which, combined with the art work and pictures from
the children of Claverdon School, plus tea, coffee and cakes supplied by the WI,
will all make for a worthwhile outing.
A few days later on the 15th September Julie Ritchie from Hoo House Nursery is
to give a talk entitled “Cut and Come Again Perennials” and she will be bringing a
variety of plants for us to buy.
On Friday 25th September a trip is planned to Picton Garden and Nursery, which
houses the Plant Heritage National collection of Autumn Flowering Asters. Helen
Picton gave us a very interesting talk in June entitled “Daisy Days”, which told us
about the history of Michaelmas daisy growing, which started at Picton in 1906
and now hosts over 400 varieties.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Mick or Iris Kitchen on 01926
843159.
Paul Dryhurst
Claverdon Rugby Football Club
welcomes all new players young and old for the start of the 2015/16
season.
For senior rugby please contact Ian Wyllie at IanWyllie@icmltd.net
training Tuesday evenings
For mini/junior rugby - children aged 5 (reception) - 16 years old
please contact Chris Bown at cbown@uk.ey.com
training/matches every Sunday morning between 10.30 - 12.00
by R. S. Thomas
Moments of great calm,
Kneeling before an altar
Of wood in a stone church
In summer, waiting for the God
To speak; the air a staircase
For silence; the sun’s light
Ringing me, as though I acted
A great rôle. And the audiences
Still; all that close throng
Of spirits waiting, as I,
For the message.
Prompt me, God;
But not yet. When I speak,
Though it be you who speak
Through me, something is lost.
The meaning is in the waiting.
R. S. Thomas, "Kneeling" from The Collected Later Poems: 1988-2000
Copyright © 2004 by R. S. Thomas
The Art Barn
at The Old Rectory
Preston Bagot B95 5EB
“ARTS’ ODYSSEY”
19th September - 4th October
Sculpture, Ceramics, Paintings and Jewellery featuring work by
Petra Röhr-Rouendaal, Ulrike von Schwerin-Franken, Sujata Aten,
Julie de Bastion, Irina Kustova, and Angela Orme
Open 10.00am - 6.00pm
Enquiries: Helen on 01926 843023
Or email helen@oldrecaccom.com
www.oldrecaccom.com/art-barn.html
HEL’S kITCHEn
STRATFORD HOSPITAL
CANCER & EYE UNIT APPEAL
GARDEN OPEN
13TH SEPTEMBER 2015
2.00PM - 5.00PM
PLANTS, PRODUCE, CAKE STALLS
CREAM TEAS
ENTRANCE: £2.00 (children free)
MILL COTTAGE
PRESTON BAGOT B95 5ED
(Free Parking)
Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September
“Reconciling a Wounded Planet”
Coventry Cathedral is hosting a two-day conference where
Christians will come together to explore, discuss and
debate the environmental crisis that the world is facing.
The key topic will be to explore how the Christian church
can collectively work towards finding lasting solutions.
Also included will be a performance of ‘Eco-Project’ by the Riding Lights Theatre
Company.
Tickets for conference delegates range from £90 for the two days.
For more information visit www.reconcilingawoundedplanet.com
Baked Potato and Salad
(Serves 2)
This is a snack that we enjoy. It can be served with a salad or baked beans.
Ingredients:
1 large potato (scrubbed well)
1 medium onion (peeled and chopped)
40gm (1.5oz) cheddar cheese (grated)
30gm (1oz) butter
Sunflower oil spray
1 tin of baked beans or a salad of your choice
Method:
Pre-heat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas mark 6.
Prick the potato a few times and place on a baking tray before transferring to
the oven for approximately one hour until cooked. Test with a skewer.
Alternatively you could use a microwave oven, which is a quicker way. However,
slower cooking gives a more intense flavour.
In the meantime, fry the onion in a frying pan, sprayed with a little oil, until just
beginning to turn a light brown. Remove the pan from the heat and put aside.
This is a good time to prepare the salad if you plan to serve one.
When the potato is cooked, remove it from the oven (leaving the oven on) and
cut it in half. Then scoop out the potato inside carefully, so as to leave the skin of
each half intact. Place the potato flesh in a bowl and mash it well, before adding
the butter and cheese, then stir.
Add the onion and stir again before spooning the mixture back into each half of
the skin, leaving a rough surface on top of the potato. Finally, place the potato
halves back in the oven (200C) until the surface of the potato is just starting to
brown.
If you have cooked the potato in a microwave oven, you can use the grill, set at
medium heat, to brown. (NEVER LEAVE A GRILL UNATTENDED)
Serve with the prepared salad, or the heated beans. You could if you wish,
include some fried chopped bacon.
Helen Archer
THE MONDAY CLUB
Our well-supported Garden Party was held on June 22nd at Manor Farm, Holywell,
where a decidedly cool and breezy summer's day did nothing to dampen our spirits.
William Semmens of Lye Green brought along two of his small horses to meet us.
William also called the raffle and judged our Teapot Competition. So many thanks to
him and to Sue Bicknell, who supplied the delicious little cakes and pastries, and to all
the willing helpers whose work made this such a successful event. And our special
thanks go to Don Hanson and his family for their warm hospitality. The sum of £150
was raised for the Nepal Crisis Appeal.
On July 6th our chairman and local historian, Shirley Reading, gave an informative
talk on 'The River Sowe to the Avon'. Shirley's slides illustrated two of the villages
located along the course of the Sowe, whilst she narrated some of their history and
advised us what to look out for when we visit. Our first stop was Baginton where
Shirley described the reconstructed Roman Fort and its archaeology, adding that
there is also a comprehensive museum on the site. Shirley then took us in the
direction of the remains of Baginton Castle, and gave an account of the rather mixed
political fortunes of Sir William Bagot, who lived there in the 14th century. At this
spot spectacular walks with views down to the river are an added attraction. Next our
pictorial tour took us on to quiet Stoneleigh, which has a village green with a forge at
its centre, and fine examples of half-timbered and cruck cottages. In closing, Shirley
related the intriguing story of the two monks who, in 1122, were brought from
Cannock Chase to Cryfield to pursue their meditations. Apparently they were not
happy with the move as they found the traffic on the Kenilworth to Coventry road
too distracting! Subsequently King Henry ll relocated them to a more secluded spot in
a curve of the River Avon at Stoneleigh, where they founded a Cistercian
monastery. We look forward very much to Shirley's next talk on Sept 7th,which will
include more stories of the monks of Stoneleigh.
Our summer programme ended on July 20th with a very well-attended buffet lunch
at the Church Centre. The hall looked very festive, with Jenny Hinson's attractive
table arrangements adding to the party scene. Our thanks to Kath and Les for laying
on a lovely selection of summer dishes for what proved to be a very relaxed and
sociable occasion.
Diary Dates
Sept 7th 'The Avon from Stoneleigh to Warwick'. A local history talk by Shirley
Reading.
Sept 21st 'Art Pottery'. A talk by Jeremy Thornton of Biddle and Webb.
Hazel Luckett
CLAvERDOn wOMEn’S InSTITUTE
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE CENTENARY CELEBRATION DINNER
The Claverdon Group’s celebration of 100 years of the Women's
Institute existence was a great success. Members and guests were
treated to a feast of delights, beginning with canapés, followed by a
pig roast with all the trimmings, ending with strawberries and lemon
tart. We were entertained by Tony Watson on his accordion and the
excellent Aspire Barber Shop Quartet added to a truly wonderfully happy occasion.
A highlight of the evening was the raffle, with very generous gifts of meals, afternoon
teas and a Spa Day donated by local hotels and restaurants. Congratulations to the
winners of these fabulous prizes.
Many many thanks to all our members who worked tirelessly and in true WI spirit
setting up, serving, clearing away on the night—and still returning the next day to do
the washing up.
With no meeting in August, our President Linda Pielow organised a Pimms in the
garden at her home. Unfortunately the weather was, as ever, unpredictable, so it was
Pimms in the conservatory instead. However, undeterred we still enjoyed a tipple and
a chat. Linda took this opportunity to distribute the proceeds of our centenary raffle
to several local charities, which included the Rehab Hospital in Whitnash.
Merlene from the DOGS FOR THE DEAF also came along with her dog Grace. Grace
delighted us all with a demonstration of her many skills.
A jolly afternoon was had by all.
The WI is organising a chocolate Tombola as part of the Gardening Group Show on
the 12th September and members are reminded that we need chocolate items for
this event, also cakes and kitchen helpers for the WI cafe on the day.
The next meeting is Tuesday 1st September at 2.00pm in the Dorothea Mitchell Hall.
New members and guests are always very welcome!
Carole Bale
A HUGE THANK YOU from Laura Holden to everyone who baked cakes,
provided raffle prizes, served tea and coffee, took money and supported the Coffee
Morning/Cake Sale in August at the Wednesday Coffee Morning in Claverdon Church
Centre. It was a very social and happy event which was supported tremendously
well. £460 was raised in sales and donations!
This amazing sum will be used specifically towards Muscular Dystrophy UK’s
‘Breakthrough Research Fund’, funding research into treatments for Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy. The fundraising bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands’ End (in 8
days!) was successfully completed, and raised over £20,000! Thank you so much to all
who have made contributions and given support in so many ways - it has been such
an encouragement to Sam and the team of riders. Donations can continue to be
made at www.justgiving.com/wheretheresawill
Children under five and their carers are warmly invited to ………
On Friday 25 September
At Claverdon Church Centre at 2.00 pm
Join us for children’s songs, a story and prayers with an
activity for the children followed by drinks and biscuits –
tea & coffee and time for a chat for the grownups!
Please bring along a special box or ‘ark’ if you can!
And please come along to:
Family Harvest Service at 11.00 am on
Sunday 4 October in church and
Special Pre School Harvest Service on
Monday 5 October
at 10.45 am in church
with the Reception Class of Claverdon School
Both events offer the opportunity to give Harvest
offerings of dried and tinned goods for the
FOODBANK of Coffee Tots
and the Bardsley Youth Project in Coventry
Gifts of dried and tinned goods (such as soup, porridge and
other cereals, baked beans, pasta, and sauce, tuna, corned
beef, sugar, tinned fruit, jam, UHT milk) are very welcome.
For further details contact GILL EVANS (01926 842690)
Welcome back to a new academic year at Stepping Stones, a place full of ‘Love,
Laughter and Learning’. As the September nights begin to draw in we look forward
to new beginnings, friendships and experiences.
This has been an exciting first year as manager of Stepping Stones, the biggest
moment being the unexpected arrival of OFSTED. With such a fantastic, motivated
team of staff, children and parents we were able to demonstrate to the inspector
our passion and commitment. The inspector was able to witness how we operate
and support each individual child in their learning and development. The
community has also played a huge role in helping us achieve our ‘Outstanding’
rating through their continued support and involvement for which we are very
grateful.
Another change for Stepping Stones was the introduction of two year old places
which required lots of adapting and reflection on our practice and how we provide
learning opportunities for both 2, 3 and 4 year olds. We have enjoyed watching
our pre-school butterflies take the younger children under their wings, being
excellent role models and friends. Our dedicated staff have worked hard to ensure
the children are safe, happy, settled and motivated to learn.
A Mother and Toddler group operates from Stepping Stones on a Monday
morning, we look forward to welcoming new families alongside our current ones.
With fun craft activities, singing and a variety of toys, we warmly welcome any
families who are looking for a place to play and make friends.
With a big welcome back to 14 returning children and lots of new children starting,
Stepping Stones is ready to explore and develop new interests and ideas through
play and we hope this year will be as successful as last year.
Lisa Loughlin
Manager, Stepping Stones
FAMILY Harvest festival weekend
SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER AT 11 am IN CLAVERDON CHURCH
‘One sows and another reaps’ John 4 v37
Everyone is warmly invited to join us at this year’s
Harvest Festival service in Claverdon Church. We
will be having a visitor from the Leamington-based
charity Cord who will be speaking about Cord’s
peacekeeping work. The collection will be donated to Cord to support their
ongoing projects like training sessions for organisations in Chad on Peace and
Conflict Management, and providing 278 water points giving drinking water to
over 52,000 people in Burundi: to manage these, 278 water committees have
been created.
This year we are continuing our links with Coffee Tots and the Bardsley Youth
Project in Coventry by inviting gifts of tinned and dried goods for their
FOODBANK.
‘Coffee Tots’ is a café/parenting project offering a safe and relaxed space for
parents and young children. Affordable refreshments and a listening ear,
practical support including courses in parenting, basic money management,
cookery and IT, and a swap shop for clothes and toys, are just part of what
Coffee Tots provides.
Based in the precincts of Coventry Cathedral, the Bardsley Youth Project helps
and cares for homeless and needy young people (13-25) who frequently have
no other adult support.
Gifts of dried and tinned goods (such as soup, porridge and other cereals, baked
beans, pasta, and sauce, tuna, corned beef, sugar, tinned fruit, jam, UHT milk)
are very welcome.
coffeetotscoventry.co.uk
bardsleyyouth.org
NOAH’S STORY BOX IS HOLDING A HARVEST SERVICE
ON MONDAY 5 OCTOBER….SEE NEXT PAGE