Sheepy Group Gazette - Market Bosworth Benefice

May 2015
Volume 17: Issue 4
Sheepy Group Gazette
Covering: Orton  Ratcliffe  Sheepy  Shenton  Sibson  Twycross
Within the Benefice of Bosworth & Sheepy with Nailstone, Carlton & Shackerstone
www.marketbosworthbenefice.co.uk or
search Sheepy Group of Churches
KING RICHARD III’S REINTERMENT
A
VERY SPECIAL
DAY FOR OUR
BENEFICE
Sheepy Historical Society was privileged to have tickets to
the event at Bosworth Battlefield.
Clockwise from above: Revd Julia with Canon Stephen
Foster, Leicester University Chaplain; the Bishop of
Leicester with the coffin; and part of the 21-gun salute
from mediaeval-type cannon.
(Pictures by Maurice Percival).
Above, Revd Julia processing at
the battlefield, with the Men at
Arms leading the way.
The cartoon, right, is courtesy of
the Church Times!
Distributed free to around 900 households in all six parishes ten times a year
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
CHURCH SERVICES—May 2015
Also weekly Communion services 9am Weds Market Bosworth, 9am Thursday Sheepy Magna.
(All service details are also on the Benefice website – www.marketbosworthbenefice.co.uk)
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2015
SHEEPY GROUP OF CHURCHES
With your Gazette this month, we have included a Christian Aid
Envelope. We ask that you please help towards this charity and
deliver your envelope back to your local church congregation:

Through the Church building…

Through Sheepy CofE Primary school…

Through Twycross House School….

Through the Church Wardens…
Whichever way is possible, please help us to work together for the common good of all.
Thank you for making a contribution to Christian Aid Week in your area.
With your support, last year £11 million (€14 million) was raised from an incredible 20,000
churches across the UK and Ireland. Your contribution reaches far beyond your own
community to those who need your support the most.
2
'I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy'
Psalm 140:12
Sheepy Group Gazette
A View from a Sibson Pew
A sombre reflection from Roger Moreton
My planned offering for May's Gazette has been
overtaken by the events in Kenya on 2 April.
On the day before Good Friday when we
commemorate Christ's sacrifice on the cross, Christian
students at the Kenyan university died as they
confessed their faith, as Muslim jihadists
dispassionately selected them for instant execution as
Christians. God willing they will inherit the eternal life
promised in the Creed after the brief if terrifying
confrontation with their deaths.
How many modern-day Christians would have the
moral courage so to accept certain death for their faith
or would resort to the denial of the disciples those
2000 years ago? Faced with the choice of Life with its
challenges or the imponderables of Death, requiring
faith, few would accept Death, embracing it in the sure
and certainty of resurrection to eternal life, doubting
Christ's promise.
We all must die, either with suddenness of trauma or in
a drawn-out ordeal of terminal but seemingly
interminable illness. None of us has yet faced the
moment but our Christian faith should be a great
comfort at the end.
On consecutive days in January, I attended the funerals
of my closest surviving friend from school and my
cherished sister, my only sibling and three years
younger than me. With advancing years, I am losing
friends, relatives and acquaintances with disturbing
frequency. It tests one's faith and I found myself
clinically depressed as a manifestation of grief.
Christian faith without doubt is a challenge in itself but
it is all that we have to cling to. The promise of the
scriptures confers hope and is the reward we crave and
should not doubt as we pray for a peaceful and wellmourned end.
Roger Moreton
May 2015
Dates For Your Diary
All the regular group meetings, see village
pages, plus lots more going on:
2 May: Twycross Plant Swap p15
4 May: Afternoon Tea at
Sheepy Church p9
9 May: Orton Plant Sale/Coffee
Morning p5
12 May Joint Sheepy/Twycross History
Societies meeting p15
16 May: Ratcliffe Churchyard Tidy p7
17 May: Rogation Walk, Orton p5
19 May: Sibson Village Hall meeting p13
28 May: Samosas at Sheepy
WI p9
2 June: Sibson Neighbourhood Plan p13
6 June: HMS Pinafore, Attleborough p11
12 June: Sheepy Schl PTA Summer Ball p16
13/14 June: Sibson Flower
Festival p13
19 June: Ratcliffe Quiz, p7
The Lent Group, who met for six weeks over Lent, this
was taken at our last meeting, when unfortunately five
regulars were absent. Thanks to all who travelled the
'Pilgrim' way with me this Lent.
Revd Julia
20 June: Charity Solstice Walk
p11
3
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
View from the Pulpit
SERMON BY THE BISHOP OF LEICESTER: at the Service of reinterment of the remains of King Richard III
Thursday 26 March 2015 [Edited Version]
I attended this service representing the Parishes of Bosworth & Sheepy, and wished to share our Bishop’s
words with you all…Revd Julia
[Full version may be read on the Diocese web site www.leicester.anglican.org]
“Search: Find: Honour.”
The triple mandate given to the Looking for Richard Project four years ago has broken open not just a car park
but a nation’s story.
King Richard has stepped from the pages of history into the fullest glare of the world’s attention. The search
has laid to rest half a millennium of mystery surrounding his burial place and revealed that Richard belongs not
just to the archaeologists, the chroniclers and the curators, but to all of us.
The crowds who lined the processional route were captivated by an astonishing discovery, a brilliant forensic
investigation and an intense public drama. They have come here in their tens of thousands from around the
world, to this ancient place of prayer, not to judge, condemn or praise, but to stand in silent, humble and
reverent attentiveness at the meeting place of time and eternity.
“From car park to Cathedral”, the story has challenged the inventiveness of the world’s headline writers,
reporters and story tellers. Whether we are Ricardians or Shakespeareans, whether we see through the eyes
of Olivier, McKellen or Cumberbatch, whether we recognise a warrior or a scholarly pious thinker, today we
come to accord this King, this child of God, and these mortal remains, the dignity and honour denied them in
death.
From the ancient Hebrew Scriptures comes to us the story of the bones of Joseph, the patriarch of his people
held in slavery for more than four centuries, and eventually carried to their resting place in the Promised Land.
Their removal and reburial signified the people’s faith in God’s future and their determination never to return
to bondage.
Here in Leicester, five hundred years after Bosworth Field, the cityscape of friaries, abbeys and castles from
which Richard rode to battle is now embellished by mosques, temples and gurdwaras. This city which will be
home to Richard’s grave now strives to build harmony in place of conflict: to offer to a war torn world a beacon
of mutual respect and honour across language, culture and belief.
At the approach of a General Election, these essential, unifying symbols of our common story point us to the
values which unite us, to our responsibility for one another, to the “we” society rather than the “me”
society. Five hundred years after the Wars of the Roses we still face the risk of damaging tribal behaviours,
of the destructive instincts which can so quickly turn neighbours into strangers and corrode our sense of the
Common Good.
King Richard’s grave stands in the space between that symbol of kingship and the High Altar, where in Christian
belief new life is made available to all who seek it in bread and wine. Around this table we learn to die to self
and to realise that death is the inexplicable and inevitable path we must take to the nearer presence of God.
In these two places we are reminded that God’s power is not like that of Kings, Presidents or Prime Ministers.
God is not an infinitely magnified mirror of human control. We may no longer believe in the divine right of
Kings, but we still have some way to go before we recognise the God whose power is most fully seen in
weakness.
Yet this is where we choose to lay the remains of King Richard—between the symbols of Christ’s kingship and
the table of his intimate presence with us. They are the two beats of the heart of all who have been called to
leadership and service—engagement with the world for the sake of a more just society, and withdrawal in
search of God’s nourishment of our souls.
We dare to pray for Richard today and for all who have gone before us in the sure and certain hope of the
resurrection to eternal life because it is in God alone that we can trust. To Him be the power and the glory for
all time and for eternity. Amen.
4
Sheepy Group Gazette
May 2015
Orton News
RICHARD III
To commemorate the reinterment of King Richard III,
a half muffled Quarter Peal was rung at Orton on the
evening of 26 March.
The team was conducted by Orton’s Tower Captain,
Graham Titley and consisted of Graham & Janet
Titley (Orton), Mick Allsopp (Austrey), Ruth Brothwell
(Witherley), Keith Whitehouse (Mancetter) and Dave
Blick (Polesworth). This was the first time Graham
had conducted a successful Quarter Peal—well done!
As you can see from the above we rely on ringers
from all around to make up the numbers on our six
bells. Not everyone wants to ring QPs but new
ringers for services are always needed so, if you
fancy giving it a try, please contact Graham on
01827 880169. He is an excellent teacher and will
give one-to-one lessons to start.
ROGATION WALK—SUNDAY 17 MAY 3PM
An invitation to take a stroll around the village mile
and give thanks for the beautiful countryside around
us.
Starting outside church and finishing back at church
for refreshments at the invitation of the Children's
Club.
Well behaved dogs welcome!
ALL SMILES
A group of smiling faces, see below, at the Sheepy
Group PCC Meting on 19 April,which was this time
held at Orton Church .
(Looks like it was a bit nippy though,
judging by the coats! Ed)
PLANT SALE &
COFFEE MORNING
SATURDAY 9 MAY
10AM–12:30
When you are
planting or pricking
out your seedlings
this year, how about
putting a few extra in
a tray for our
Plant Sale?
Spare strawberry runners, raspberry
canes or rhubarb would be good, as
well as all veg plants and flowers.
If you need pots or trays I have loads in
the shed so give me a ring—Margaret
01827 880308.
PLANT SALE & COFFEE MORNING
SATURDAY 9 MAY
10–12:30 IN CHURCH.
Lots of flower and vegetable plants on sale as well
as a produce table, tombola and delicious home
made cakes. Come and join us for a coffee and bag
a bargain for your garden—see box above.
Margaret
McKay
5
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
Mrs C A Parkes
MCSP SRP
Chartered Physiotherapist
Member of Health Professions Council
Orton House Physiotherapy
Orton House Farm
Orton on the Hill CV9 3NR
Mobile: 0789 996 6214
Telephone: 01827 880238
Member of the Organisation of
Chartered Physiotherapists
in Private Practice
Main Road, Ratcliffe Culey
01827 715701
Cosy, warm country pub
serving real ales,
fine wines and
freshly prepared,
home cooked cuisine.
Bank Holiday Mondays:
4th and 25th May
Food being served
12-2pm, 6-9pm
View our menus online at:
www.gate-ratcliffe.co.uk
SPACE HOLISTIC
THERAPIES
Life too busy at the moment?
Why not treat yourself to some time out:
*Reiki *Emotrance *EFT
*Indian Head Massage
*Hot Stones Massage
Open Monday 5-10pm
Tues–Fri 12–2:30pm & 5–11pm
Saturday 12 noon–11pm
Sunday 12 noon–8pm
Call JILLY on 01827 898571
Or 07971 488690
Lunch: Tues-Fri 12–2, Sat 12–3
Reiki Master and Teacher
(Professional membership, fully insured)
Traditional Sunday Lunch 12–3
Evening meals Weds–Sat 6–9
THE ATHERSTONE SURGERY
www.atherstonesurgery.co.uk
01827 713664
WELCOMES YOU FOR ALL YOUR HEALTH NEEDS
WORRIED ABOUT THE SIGNS OF AGEING?
Get free advice & information on techniques to temporarily reduce
crows feet/frown lines. BOTOX-trained doctors run regular clinics.
SPECIALIST CLINICS and TRIALS
As well as all the usual GP services, we offer
Occupational Health Services and Yellow Fever Vaccination Service.
We also run clinical trials in a number of areas which may interest
you—these are listed on our website (see above).
ATHERSTONE IN-PRACTICE PHARMACY
Pharmacy open Monday to Saturday 7am to 10pm &
Sunday 10am to 8pm.
Qualified pharmacists can advise you on minor illness,
help to stop smoking and healthy lifestyles.
Prescriptions and over the counter medications.
Home delivery service available to ALL patients,
not just the housebound.
Call the pharmacy on 01827 721313 for information.
6
For further information on any service, call the surgery on
01827 713664 and ask for the right department.
Sheepy Group Gazette
May 2015
Ratcliffe News (see also page 8)
SOLAR FARM
The church room will be made available on
Wednesday 6 May from 5:30pm to 8pm to enable a
company called Light Source Renewable Energy Ltd
( www.lightsource-re.co.uk ) to put on an exhibition
of information, relating to “Green Energy” generated
by large arrays of solar panels.
The presentation is designed to inform visitors who
may be interested in investing in such projects and
no recommendation is implied on behalf of the
church. No other information is available at the
moment.
GENERAL ELECTION
The church room will be in use as a Polling Station for
this election on Thursday 7 May. Polling booths will
be delivered on 6 May and collected on 11 May.
CHURCHYARD WORKING PARTY
We would welcome anyone who can spend an hour
or so to help tidy up the churchyard on Saturday 16
May from 10 am onwards. We hope to get into
awkward places where mowers can’t reach so shears
or strimmers would be good if you have them. Also
spades and rakes are always useful. We hope for
better weather than last year!
PAST EVENTS
Coffee Morning
This was held on Wednesday
8 April. The bright, sunny morning ensured a good
attendance and an excellent total of £152.86 was
raised. Thanks to everyone who helped at this event
and to all those who attended and gave generously.
Elsewhere in this issue, Helen reports on the
successful collection of 49 bras in the “Bra Bank” to
support Breast Cancer Campaign.
FUTURE EVENTS
Midsummer Quiz Night
This will be
held on Friday 19 June at 7:30pm in the
Church Room. As previously, £2.50 per contestant,
maximum of 4 per team, refreshments are included.
Please bring your own drinks. We have had good
turnouts at previous quizzes so come and have a go.
If you don’t have a team you can join in with others.
Prizes for the winning team.
Great Bake-Off
This is planned for a Saturday
in July. Full details in the June Gazette.
Per Una Sale
It is hoped that this can be
arranged for a Friday night in August at 7.00 p.m.in
the church room. More details later.
WHAT A PONG!
A Ratcliffe resident reports finding difficulty
sleeping with windows open during the warmer
weather, as someone seems to be burning plastic
during the night, causing an offensive smell.
If you think your bonfire could be the culprit,
please be considerate of your neighbours and
remember that burning plastic can create toxic
fumes and may even be illegal.
NEXT SERVICE
Sunday 26 April—Holy Communion at 10am.
Sunday 24th May, Holy Communion at 10.00 a.m
Richard Jones
ANNUAL LANE SETTING
It was standing room only at The Gate on Thursday
9 April for the
Annual Lane
Setting, a tradition
going back to 1766.
Keith Parsley of
Shortland Parsley
conducted the auction
(left) with bids coming
in fast and furious.
Winning bids ranged
from tens to hundreds
of pounds for seven
Lots from Gravel Hole,
through the village to the A444. Winners were:
1. Martin Wyles; 2. Elliott Young; 3. Ben WardLewis; 4. Thomas Cowley; 5. Brian Conway;
6. David and Vicky
Garland; 7. Justin
Hadley.
After the auction,
Richard Trivett led
the assembled
company in a
rousing sing-song
of traditional
favourites.
A brief history of the event, and a copy of the
original minutes of 1880, can be seen on page 8.
7
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
Lawn
Care
Tree Pruning
Rubbish
Removal
Cleaning
Paths &
Paving
Hedge
Trimming
Weeding
Contact Clive on:
Garden
Maintenance
Tel 01827 713379
Mob 07971 646107
Your Local
Electrical Installation &
Property Maintenance Services
A box this size is just £5.50 per
issue. Contact the Editor:
Helen Anderton
helenca@waitrose.com
01827 714855
BOB’S
CHIMNEY SWEEP
Tel: Dave 07443 418487
Email: davew1407@gmail.com
David Wilkins, 5 Main Rd, Ratcliffe Culey, Atherstone, CV9 3NY
01827 711963 or
07535 456180
Evenings/Weekends No Problem
Insurance Cert Supplied
Fully Insured
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LANE SETTING:
1 APRIL 1880 MINUTES
At a Meeting of Ratepayers of Ratcliffe Culey held this
day for the purpose of setting the lanes It was resolved
That the lanes be grazed from sunrise to sunset and that
the purchaser shall provide a Tenter with all stock turned
on the lanes and they shall be grazed only with sheep or
beasts and that no ass, Bull, Tup or pig shall be grazed
thereon.
In default of stock being grazed without a Tenter the
purchaser shall at his own expense defend any action at
law that may be brought against them or the Overseers
for unlawfully grazing such lanes.
And also the purchaser shall pay all the parochial rates,
and further it was resolved that the purchaser shall pay
the whole amount of the purchase money immediately on
the fall of the Hammer or give approved joint security for
the payment of the same to the waywarden within 3
days from the date of sale and the scrapings be sold on
the several lots.
Horses to be allowed to be grazed providing they are
under control.
Samuel Bacon
[“Tenter” is a dialect word for a person who watches
Chairman
(tends) sheep or cattle so they don’t stray or cause
damage - Ed]
8
This box could be
advertising your business
OAKEY & MILLER
GARDENING SERVICES
Lawn mowing/laying, Weeding,
Hedge cutting, Sla b laying, Fencing
No job too small
Call ROBERT on 07814 586013
or STUART on 0747834952
for a free quote
A Brief History of The Setting of the Lanes of Ratcliffe Culey
in the Parish of Witherley and Shire of Leicester
In 1766 an Act of Parliament made provision for the Enclosure of Ratcliffe
Culey. It provided for Commissioners to maintain the roads and for the annual
Setting of the Lanes to raise monies for the maintenance of the roads.
The earliest record of the Setting of the Lanes in Ratcliffe Culey is made by John
Eaton and formed part of the accounts he gave up to the Constable and Overseer
of the Highways in 1786, a score years after Ratcliffe Culey was enclosed.
The Lane Rents for 1786, totalling £8, were:
Mr Lythal
for Les Lane
£1-0s-0d
Mr Buck
for Broad Lane
£6-0s-0d
Mr Choyce
for Far Fields
9s-0d
William Cooper
for Gravel Pits
10s-0d
Mr Dauchan
for Pinfolds
1s-0d
With the passage of time some of the Lanes have had their names changed, but
Brad Lane, Gravel Pits and Pinfold Lane remain. Les Lane is now Leicester
Lane.
The first mention of the Lanes being set from Easter to Easter was in 1801-1802,
although Easter Monday was the date laid down in the Act of Enclosure for the
Setting. Between 1801 and 1867 the Lane Setting was changed from Easter
Monday to The First Thursday after Easter (as it is now).
Over the years some Lanes were included then excluded. Pinfold Lane is no
longer included; Hinckley Lane, now called Ratcliffe House Lane, was first
mentioned in 1825; Ormes Lane in 1874, when just the scrapings were included—
there were no offers for these!
In 1824 the Lanes were let for £15-4s-6d
Sheepy Group Gazette
May 2015
Sheepy News (also p10)
MOTHERS UNION
SHEEPY MAGNA LADIES’ GROUP
Monday 11 May. We will be joining with the “Open
House” group for an outing to Sutton Cheney Wharf.
FREE SUBS FOR ALL MEMBERS!!
Have you ever thought about joining a group, but are
put off by high subscriptions before you have even
given it a try? Well this year Sheepy Ladies Group is
offering free subscriptions for a year to all current
members. So, come along, give us a try and see what
you think. We offer a wide range of different
speakers, trips out and delicious suppers.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 15th April,
when our own Pat Flegg will be talking about the
history of marriage.
We meet on the third Wednesday of each month, at
7:30pm, in Sheepy Memorial Hall. New members
and visitors are always welcome. For more
information about forthcoming events or the group
in general, call Sue on 01827 880517 or Pat on 01827
880627.
We will leave the lay-by in Sheepy at 11am so that
we will have lunch and then be back early afternoon.
OPEN HOUSE
Monday 11 May. We are joining with Mothers’
Union for our annual outing at 11am. See details
above.
TUESDAY CHURCH
Tuesday Church is an informal service with music, a
story and a craft activity. It is held
on the second Tuesday of the
month, at 1:30pm in Sheepy Church.
Reception children from Sheepy
Primary School attend, but this
service is open to all pre-school
children and their carers.
The next service is on Tuesday 12 May. If you care
for a young child, why not come along and see what
we do?
SHEEPY FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Planned lunches:
May – The Lord Nelson Inn, Birmingham Road,
Ansley, Nuneaton, CV10 9PQ, Warwickshire.
Contact Lilian & Barry Spittle on 01827 880632 or
Margaret Haddon on 01827 880720.
SHEEPY WI
May hones our cookery skills in the art of Indian
Cuisine with a samosa
demonstration, why not
join the fun on Tuesday 28
May 2015 and enter the
homemade chutney
competition.
Do you have a creative side? We are currently
preparing for the Ashby Show and any crafty
enthusiasts welcomed.
The summer brings a great variety of social events:
Sherlock Holmes interactive dinner party, Singing in
the Rain at Kilworth House & a Tea & Tents camping
weekend.
We’d love you to come & join us: we meet at Sheepy
Memorial Hall on the fourth Tuesday of the month at
7.30pm. The next meeting is on 28 May; if you need
any more details call Jean on 07776 298602 or see
www.sheepywi.moonfruit.com
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
MAY 4th 2015
Afternoon tea will be served in church
at Sheepy between 2pm and 4pm.
There will be an exhibition of local
history and a few stalls to browse.
For several years this date has been
busy with the Village Sale
so don’t feel as if nothing is going on
COME AND JOIN US IN CHURCH
SHEEPY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
See next page.
9
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
Satellite, Aerial & Telephone
Problems Solved
Aerials installed from £50.00
Extra TV Points from £40.00
Telephone Points from £70.00
Some repairs only £20.00!
MAGIC EYES for Sky, BT Vision & Virgin
(w atch i n another room and change channel from ther e)
Plasma & LCD TVs fixed to walls
Hiding cables our speciality.
Call Peter Stockton on 01827 830391
or 07973 364478
T Harding
Electrical Services
FOR ALL YOUR
ELECTRICAL WORK
Telephone
Tim Harding: 01827 880473
Mobile: 07977 012940
Rose Cottage, 3 Orton Lane, Sheepy Magna,
Warwickshire CV9 3NJ
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www.mgevansandsons.co.uk
Rolls Royce Hearse
Horse Drawn Hearse
SHEEPY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
April’s meeting included illustrated reports from members who attended
Richard III re-internment events at Fenn Lane Farm, Dadlington village,
Bosworth Battlefield, Market Bosworth & Leicester Cathedral. There was
also a discussion on the information contained in the recently acquired
conveyance of Sheepy Mill, Mill Pool & Manor House in 1849 to Charles
Lowe, premises which he purchased from the Lord of the Manor of Little
Sheepy for £2,600 after renting them for several years.
On display: Order of Service of Richard III commemorations from Sutton
Cheney & Bosworth Battlefield; 1989 Parish Magazines; 1957 Newspaper
articles; early 1900s image of James Emery; 1860 sales details of Bank
Farm, Ratcliffe Culey; 1841 Will of Richard Inge of Benn Hill; 1850 Trade
directory entry for Merevale/Pinwall; several articles & images associated
with Sheepy Mill dating from 1890 to 1990s etc.
PLEASE NOTE: the next meeting is at Twycross Village Hall, Burton Road,
CV9 3PR on Tuesday 12 May at 7:30pm when there will be members of
Twycross History Society present, who are providing a display from their
archives. Everyone welcome.
Further details from: Lynne Percival on 01827 880721 or email:
sheepyhistory@tiscali.co.uk
10
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Sheepy Group Gazette
May 2015
Community News &Events
THE ATHERSTONE CHORALE
Present a Concert Version of
GILBERT & SULLIVAN’S
HMS PINAFORE
WITH ORCHESTRA AND SOLOISTS
On 6 JUNE 2015
7.30PM START
at
ATTLEBOROUGH LIBERAL CLUB
Bull Street, Attleborough, Nuneaton,
CV11 4JX
Licensed bar available
Tickets £8.00, children free
available on the door or from
Chorale members
Or contact Gillian Greenwood
01827 880647
BRA COLLECTION FOR
BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN
The campaign is gathering momentum—Sheepy WI
donated 32 bras, Ratcliffe
Coffee Morning generated a
further 49, so with the 19 I
already had, that’s a running
total of no less than 100 bras!
A “Bra Bank” will be located at
the start of the 7th Merevale
Walk, which takes place just after publication of this
edition, so I will report on
that next time.
If anyone else has bras to donate, you can drop
them off any time at my house (there is a large
plastic box outside the front door which is used for
oversized post and parcels, if we are out):
11 Ormes Lane, Ratcliffe Culey, CV9 3PB
So ladies, bring along any unwanted bras—those
ones that have stretched or shrunk, or those you
hid at the back of the drawer for whatever reason,
and help support this worthy cause!
Many thanks, Helen Anderton (Ed)
SOLSTICE WALK - IN AID
OF ST GILES HOSPICE
(where our PCC Treasurer Dr Katie Hebbes works)
On Saturday 20 June be a part of St Giles Hospice’s
biggest fundraising event of the year!
It’s a ladies only walk around the wonderful city of
Lichfield. A chance to have fun, dress up like a fairy
for a magical night and raise vital funds for the local
hospice.
The walk starts and ends at the Friary Grange
Leisure Centre, Lichfield. You can choose between
the full 9 mile walk (2 laps of 4.5 miles) or just do
one lap—it’s up to you! The walk starts when the
sun sets (10 pm) and we will welcome you back
with a lovely hot drink and snack when you are
done.
You can book online by visiting:
www.stgileshospice.com/solstice walk or by calling
the Fundraising Office on 01543 432538. You must
be over 16 years of age to take part.
11
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
PRIME BEEF & LAMB
LOCALLY PRODUCED
Licensed to deal in game
BATES OF
ATHERSTONE LTD
6 Market Street, Atherstone
Telephone: 01827 713175
Seasoned Quality
LOGS For Sale
Delivered
Michael—07779 306251
Softleys
in the Square
Market Bosworth
Telephone:
01455 290464
All menus available to view online or telephone us
Accommodation available from £69.00
Tuesdays & Thursdays: ‘Gourmet Evening’–3 courses from £26
A La Carte and Set Menu available Lunch & Dinner
Afternoon Tea available every Saturday from £16
email: softleysrestaurant@gmail.com
www.softleys.com
Riversmeet Veterinary
Centre
SMITHS GARAGE LTD
PINWALL, ATHERSTONE
CV9 3NB




NEW & USED CAR SALES
SERVICE & MOT TESTING
ACCIDENT REPAIRS
FORD PARTS SALES
OPENING HOURS:
Mon to Fri 8:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday
8:00am to 5:00pm
TELEPHONE
01827-712156
12
Comprehensive care for all your pets
 Extensive range of clinical facilities
 24 hour local emergency service
 Client parking at both surgeries
 Home visit service
TAMWORTH
27 Lichfield Street
Tel: 01827 63841
ATHERSTONE
Station House, Long Street
Tel: 01827 720720
MKS Décor
PROFESSIONAL PAINTER & DECORATOR
FULLY QUALIFIED & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
WITH 14 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR WORK UNDERTAKEN
For a FREE quotation contact
Matthew on: 07816 428929
email: mksdecor@hotmail.co.uk
High class Interior & Exterior
Painting & Decorating
M D Matthews
28 Choyce Close
Atherstone, Warks, CV9 3AY
Telephone: 01827-718974
Mobile: 07946-731649
Email: mdmatt@btinternet.com
JAMIE EDWARDS
FINE PAINTER & DECORATOR
Tel: 01827 881098
Mobile: 07900 908007
Sibson
ODDJOB
(DIY & DECOR)
for DIY jobs including
interior and exterior decorating
References available
Telephone Mick on
01827 880668
Sheepy Group Gazette
May 2015
Sibson News
ST BOTOLPH’S CHURCH SIBSON
‘TIME’
FLOWER FESTIVAL
12 & 13 JUNE 2015
11AM – 4PM
REFRESHMENTS
SONGS OF PRAISE
SUNDAY 14 JUNE 6:30PM
EVERYONE WELCOME
SHEEPY PARISH
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
SHAPING
OUR
FUTURE
If you want a say in how Sibson will look in
the future come along to an Information
Evening at Sibson Village Hall on
Tuesday 2 June 7:00–7:30pm
Sheepy Parish Council (which represents the villages
of Sheepy Magna, Sheepy Parva, Sibson,
Wellsborough, Upton, Pinwall and Cross Hands) has
agreed to start the process of developing a
Neighbourhood Plan. This means that we will be
able to have a more effective say in how our parish
develops: where new homes should be located,
shops and offices built, what they should look like,
what services they need, which areas should be
protected, and more.
Developing a successful plan for Sheepy Parish will
rely on the involvement and support of the local
community, including those that live, work or do
business in the area. Without you we can’t succeed
so please come along and find out more.
A Neighbourhood Plan when adopted becomes
statutory and so gives the community a powerful
voice in setting the planning policies and priorities
for the local area.
If you aren’t able to attend but would like to know
more please email info@sheepyparish.com or visit
www.sheepyparish.com
ST BOTOLPH’S CHURCH SIBSON
FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS &
LOCAL HISTORY
SAT 13 & SUN 14 JUNE 11AM–4PM
Bottle Tombola
Cakes
Plants
Children’s Competition: Picture of ‘My Favourite
time’, under 8 and under 13.
Cakes - If anyone would like to make a cake or help
provide refreshments for an hour or two ring Joan
Moreton 01827 880586 or Sally Blood 01827 880782
who would be pleased to hear from you.
LADIES THAT LUNCH
Thursday 14 May —The Royal Red Gate
(A444/A5 junction) at 12.30pm
EVERYONE VERY WELCOME
13
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
Twycross Tree Services
We are a professional, family-run
business with over 20 years
experience in arboriculture
All work carried out to British Standard
No job too big or small – fully insured
We are the area’s leading stockists of accessories and components:
Please call Mike for a free,
no obligation quote on:
01827 881117 or 07794 499437
01827
716111
Smile
The best cure for sea sickness, is to
sit under a tree.
Spike Milligan
14
Sheepy Group Gazette
May 2015
Twycross News
TWYCROSS WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
We had an enjoyable meeting in March with a talk
from David Mears on “Dogs for the Disabled”. He
brought his son’s dog Vern with him and showed us
some of the things Vern could do to help David’s
disabled son. Our meeting on Monday 18 May is our
“Resolutions Meeting” but when that business is
completed we have an excellent speaker: Julie Ede
talking about “Wonderful, Wicked, Willy
Wallis” (Wallis Simpson).
I am sure if you came along you would really enjoy
the evening, both the speaker and the homemade
refreshments.
The meeting is at the village hall, starting at 7:00pm
with a cost of £2 for visitors.
For more details phone Carol Goodridge 01827
720896
VILLAGE HALL
The schedule for Bingo is as follows, on Saturday
evenings, eyes down at 7.30pm: 16 May, and 30
May. Any queries, phone Margaret on
01827 880095.
TO THE RESIDENTS OF TWYCROSS AND
ORTON ON THE HILL—TWYCROSS
PARISH COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!
1ST TWYCROSS
FREE PLANT SWAP
Hello to all the
fabulous gardeners out there!
Looking for something to do for the Early
May Bank holiday?
We are organising a
free plant swap.
Simply turn up with a plant
and take one away with you.
Bring mature seedlings or
something that's
outgrown your garden.
Where: St James Church, Twycross
When: Sat 2 May, 10:30-12:30
Light refreshments on sale
in aid of church funds.
49 CLUB WINNERS
Sam Borley, Bill Nally, Joan Mugleston, Lynne Davis
and one spare number (It could have been you!).
We have 10 spare numbers at the moment. Only £1
The Parish Council depend on local people taking an
per week, £25 prize each Saturday. Please call
interest in what happens in their community and as a
Audrey on 01827 880035 to join this valuable church
councillor you would have the opportunity to shape
fundraiser.
the future of your parish by:
HELP WITH DELIVERY OF GAZETTES:

Representing local communities.
Thanks to S. Sharples for offering to help by

Delivering services to meet the needs of local
increasing her own existing delivery. It would be so
people.
good to have more members of the village willing to

Striving to improve the quality of life in the
contribute in any small way, rather than the same
parish.
people increasing their own load. Many hands make

Influencing planning and development in the
light work!
Audrey Lington
area.
TWYCROSS LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
Previous experience is not required, just a desire to
help your local community and be part of a team of
Our group has kindly been invited to contribute to
like-minded people.
the Sheepy Local History Society meeting at Twycross
Village Hall on Tuesday 12 May at 7pm.
Becoming a councillor will give you the opportunity
to make a difference to your community. If you are
At the meeting, we will be giving a short
interested, or know someone who might be, then
presentation, including a poster display, of our finds
please contact:
to date on the history of Twycross.
Chris Bailey (Parish Clerk) by 14 May 2015 at
All are welcome to attend.
twycrossparishcouncil@gmail.com or on
07517 863334 for more information.
15
May 2015
Maths Tuition
Available for AS, A Level,
GCSE, Key Stages 3 & 2 SATs
Call Sue on 01827 712958
Private Tutor
since 2004 (all exam boards)
A-Level Biology, Chemistry, &
Psychology, AS Critical Thinking
GCSE Maths & Single Subject Sciences
Police checked, qualified and
experienced teacher
Dr Alan Wood
E-mail: the.factory@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 01827 719923
Personal Tutoring
Ruth Pickering
Biology & Chemistry GCSE,
Biology A Level
Fully qualified teacher
Tel: 07958 291952
Email: ruthsisley@talk21.com
Sheepy Group Gazette
TUCK & PIN
Clothing & Household
Alterations
Free home collection &
delivery service.
Competitive Prices. Free
estimates & advice.
CAROL GOODRIDGE
01827 720896
Mob: 07935060393
Experienced and qualified staff.
Pre-school grant funding available.
Open 8:30am to 3:10pm.
Small friendly pre-school with great
outdoor play area.
St Nicholas Close, Austrey,
Atherstone, CV9 3EQ
01827 839461
www.austreypreschool.org.uk
Angela’s Attic
Here to help you get
the look you want
Upholstery & Soft
Furnishings
Call 07837370714
To discuss your
requirements
16
Ladies fashions &
accessories to suit all
ages & sizes up to 26.
Mastectomy & larger
fitting bras available.
We have a range of
head-wear for ladies
going through
chemotherapy or
other hair loss.
Scarf tying demos.
01827 768194
Country
Flowers &
55 Long St Atherstone CV9 1AZ
Country Crafts Gallery
More than just a florist!
Flowers for all occasions.
Paintings, gif ts, cards & helium balloons.
Incorpora ting
Handmade sterling silver jewellery
to suit all tastes, a reason to invest in silver!
ARE YOU 2½–4 YEARS OLD?
THEN COME & JOIN THE FUN!
Bee-Bold-Bee-Beautiful
At Country Flowers,
26 Main Rd, Sheepy Magna.
Telephone: 01827 880529
www.francescasinclair.co.uk
Email info@francescasinclair.co.uk
Telephone 07901 547360
Sheepy Group Gazette
May 2015
SHEEPY MAGNA COFE PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
It was a busy end to the spring term at Sheepy Primary School for children and staff alike.
Sheepy bring home the silver
In the final two weeks of spring term Sheepy entered the Measham Football Club school
tournaments. Teams were entered into the Year 3 / 4 and Year 5 / 6 age groups. Both teams
performed extremely well, competing against some schools much larger than ours. The Year
5 / 6 team was unfortunately knocked out on
goal difference and just missed out on a semi
-final place. They battled very hard and were
led valiantly by captain Fin Stokes. Alex
Broughton also played well in goal saving
several penalties to win games.
The Year 3 / 4 team also represented the
school fantastically and went on to win their
tournament outright. Important winning goals
were scored by Jayden Brandrick and Archie
Carter in the semi-final. The final ended in a
penalty shootout which Sheepy won sending
the team into rapture. The winning penalty
was scored by goalkeeper Cameron Stokes.
What a result!
Read for my School
Mrs Keys and Miss Clark introduced a reading challenge to the school this term. The children
had to read books online. Many children took up this challenge and read a phenomenal number of
books. Mille Suffolk Heath, Carrick Reece, Minnie Ella Seaden and Sam Bailey led the way and
proved to be first class reading stars.
Year 6 “Open the Book”
As part of our school links with All Saints Church,
volunteers bring the Bible to life in weekly assemblies
called “Open the Book.” In the final week of term, the
children in Year 6 were asked to “Open the Book” and act
out the Easter story in church for the rest of the school
and parents. They made a super job recreating the
greatest story ever told and really brought the message
of Easter to life. (See more pictures on back cover)
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank
Reverend Julia and her band of willing actors who
perform weekly in the ‘Open the Book’ assemblies. The
children really enjoy the performances and I think it is a
fantastic way to introduce the Bible to our young
children.
[See PTA Summer Ball notice, opposite page.]
Mr Ward
17
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
Community News
ARTS EVENTS THIS MONTH
Sparkenhoe Arts Society:
Monday 11 May—The Genius of Robert Adam by Janusz
Karczewski-Slowikowski, antique dealer/restorer and
researcher into English furniture history. Adam’s neoclassical furniture is examined in the context of the grand
houses for which they were intended.
For more details see: www.sparkenhoearts.co.uk
Atherstone Civic Society:
Thursday 14 May—Guided tour of Ansley Church by Dr
John Hunt
Meet at St Lawrence’s Church at 2pm, tea to be provided.
For more information: Pauline Gurney Tel 01827 713976
or secretary@atherstonecivicsociety.co.uk.
Appleby Magna Film Society:
For more info contact Sonia Liff on 01530
272327 or email
sonia@applebymagna.org.uk
SHEEPY MEMORIAL HALL
(formerly a chapel for Protestant Dissenters)
is 200 YEARS OLD IN 2016
Sheepy Memorial Hall
www.sheepymemorialhall.moonfruit.com
07583 272624
Tickets for all events available from
Sheepy Memorial Hall 07583 272624,
the website (see above), or from
Anji on 07837 370714.
HALL BOOKINGS:
Available for parties, family celebrations
and funerals.
Only £11 per hour, or £8 per hour for long term
bookings. Telephone or text us on 07583 272624,
or look at our website for more details.
REGULAR ACTIVITIES
All the regular activities are listed on the Hall
website (see above) and summarised below:
History Group: sheepyhistory@tiscali.co.uk
2nd Tuesday monthly
Zumba with Bonnie: 9:15am Wednesdays, £4 for
one hour, 07973743217
In commemoration, Sheepy Local History
Ladies Group: Sue Houghton, 3rd Wed eve monthly
Society will be publishing a book detailing the
Whist Drive: Turn up on the night, Thurs evenings
7:30 pm
history of the building, later this year.
(Any profits will be shared between the
Bingo: Turn up on the night, 3rd Friday monthly,
doors open 6:30, eyes down 7pm
Memorial Hall and the History Society)
Beadelicious: Just turn up, last Friday monthly.
They would like to include a chapter dedicated
to people’s personal memories & photos of
events, public meetings, groups & societies etc,
and invite your contributions, either in writing
to the Society at c/o 15 Highfield Close, Sheepy
Magna, Atherstone CV9 3RH
or in an email to sheepyhistory@tiscali.co.uk
or via attendance at one of our monthly
18
Puppy School: Sharron Byard 07977 538 751 email
puppyschool@mail.com, website
www.puppyschoolatherstone.co.uk
Sheepy WI: 4th Tuesday monthly 7:30-9:30pm - Jean
Pritchett on 07776 298602
“Insanity Workout”: 6.10pm Wednesdays, contact
Ashley to book via the Facebook page:
INSANITY At Sheepy & Mancetter
Check out the website for new events:
meetings (see page 11). For further details
www.sheepymemorialhall.moonfruit.com
contact Lynne Percival on 01827 880721
Or call 07583 272624
Sheepy Group Gazette
May 2015
Emergency Numbers
If you find yourself housebound and in
need, please ring one of these
numbers for help:
Sheepy: Mrs Green 01827 880047 or
Mrs Negus 01827 880645
Ratcliffe: Mrs Pratt 01827 714565
Orton: Mrs McKay 01827 880308
Twycross: Mrs Senter 01827 880578
CONTENTS
VILLAGE NEWS
Orton News
5
Ratcliffe News
7/8
Sheepy News
9/10
Sibson News
13
Twycross News
15
OTHER ITEMS
Church Services
2
Church/Diocese News
3/4
Community News
Sheepy School News
11/18
17
Sheepy Memorial Hall
18
View from a Pew
3
A Word from the Editor
My “Bra Bank” campaign is beginning to take off—100 bras so
far (see page 11) and the Merevale Walk should produce many
more. Please keep them coming! I can collect, or else please
leave them in the plastic box in my front porch—11 Ormes Lane,
Ratcliffe Culey CV9 3PB.
Lots of local events in May and June - see page 3 for a summary
One new advertiser this month—don’t throw your laptop/PC at the wall when it
goes wrong yet again, contact Stewart Oliver at SWO Computer Services in
Sheepy Magna and let him fix it for you (see page 11).
NOTE: The June issue will have to go to press a little earlier than usual, so
please have all your news for the June issue to your village correspondent by
8 May 2015. Many thanks.
HA
19
May 2015
Sheepy Group Gazette
OPEN THE BOOK
Photos from ‘Open
the Book’ Easter story
in Sheepy Church,
with Year Six acting
the story for the
whole school.
Then each year group
was presented with a
Real Easter Egg to
share back at school.
‘FISHERS OF MEN’
A well-supported children’s
Easter workshop at All
Saints, Sheepy, ended with
an Easter Egg hunt on
Good Friday.
Right, Gillian Greenwood
helping the children create
Easter gardens.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
A long table for a Passover Supper at Sheepy
Church. A historic service, including parts of
the Jewish tradition with elements of the Last
Supper, was followed by a shared meal.
ANTIQUE VESSELS
Sheepy Church has some very old silver communion
vessels and, for only the second time within the last 40
years, they were taken out of the bank to be used at
Easter. The photograph shows 2 chalices in front of our
Reredos, which itself
depicts the Last
Supper.
The smaller chalice
on the left was given
to the Church in 1576
and the larger chalice
is part of a
communion set that
includes a flagon and
three patens, given
to us in 1722.
They are now safely
locked up again in
the bank.
20
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