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Westcote and IcombNewsletter
September 2014
Items for the October 2014 Newsletter should be sent before 20th Septemberto
Mrs. Pamela Rouse, Stayt’s Farm, Church Westcote, OX7 6SFe-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01993 830684Items for the Icomb section should be sent before 19th September to
Mr. David Cowdery, Parkview Cottage, Icombe-mail: [email protected]
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Westcote NewsWestcote Archive Exhibition
We would like to thank everyone who supported the recent WestcoteArchive Exhibition.The reaction to the First World War panels was quite remarkable and madeall the research so worthwhile.Thank you to everyone who provided photographs, artefacts and othermaterial for display.We were delighted that Rose Coombes, Mick Hemming and a large groupof other relatives of the Johncey brothers visited the exhibition. Many ofthem also attended the Church service. We were equally pleased to welcomeDorothy Clifford, niece of Benjamin Pettet and Mo Gay, niece of Georgeand Harry Acock. Westcote excels at coming together on importantoccasions and the church was full for the moving and thoughtful servicegiven on Sunday evening by Rev Richard Rendell.Last but not least, thank you to everyone who did a turn on the tea rota andalso to those who provided the delicious cakes.The primary aim of the Archive Exhibition this year was to honour thosefrom the village who gave their lives in WW1. We were fortunate to receivea grant of £166 from Cotswold District Council towards the purchase of asecond set of display boards, which made the exhibition possible. Donations and tea receipts amounted to around £650, of which £150 willcomplete the purchase of the display boards and £500 will go towards thenew village hall windows.The collection taken in St Mary's on Sunday evening was donated to SSAFA(Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Families Association)Thank you everyone for your generosity.Nick and Christine Walford, Angela Dix
We would all like to send special thanks to Nick and Christine Walfordfor all their dedicated work on the families who lost members in the GreatWar and the details on the men themselves. We were especially touchedby the fact that they visited as many of the graves as possible and tookphotos of them, laying wreaths from the villagers of Westcote.We can take great pride in the fact that our little village made such anexcellent contribution to the countrywide celebrations. Pam Rouse, editor
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The Reading CircleAfter their summer break theReading Circle are reconveningwith former, and a few newmembers. As previouslyadvertised this will be a socialevening for anyone in thevillages who may be interestedto enjoy wine and nibbles and tohear what we do and explore howwe proceed. Hopefully, peoplewill come to say what sort ofbooks they enjoy and bringsuggestions for the next read.The meeting will take place atStayt’s Farm, Church Westcoteat 7.30 pm. Usually we meet at8 pm, but this time we will giveourselves a bit longer to enjoy aparty atmosphere.It would help to know how manyare coming so please email [email protected] phone 01993 830684.If this is not possible please justturn up
Westcote NewsWednesday 17th September
Parish Meeting 7.30pm in the Village Hall
Agenda:1. Minutes of the last meeting2. Matters arising from the minutes3. Highway Matters4. Restoring the Panorama Stone5. Affordable housing for Westcote6. Any Other Business7. Date of next meeting
Village Book Swap and CoffeeThursday 4th September
10.30 till 12 noonWestcote Methodist Chapel
Ring Hazel for more information01993 830699
Ladies’ Coffee MorningTuesday 16th August
at “The Feathered Nest”10.30 till 12 noon
Delicious coffee and homemadebiscuits
Newcomers welcome
HOUSE SITTERRetired Carpenter available to
house sit, walk dogs and do oddrepairs.
Contact Trevor on 07564
Village Lottery DrawThe winner in July of £120 wasGraham Kitchen of NetherWestcote.
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Westcote News
Westcote Methodist ChapelSunday Worship in September
7th 11am Morning Worshipled by Mr Martin Hannant 14th Please note there will be noservice at Westcote10.30am Circuit Celebration atChipping Norton Methodist Church21st 11am Morning Worshipwith Holy Communion led by RevMalcolm Cook28th 11am Harvest FestivalFamily Service led by Rev SobaSinnathamby Donations of nonperishable items for NORTHCOTSWOLD FOODBANK willbe gratefully received.
Thursday Fellowshipresumes for their autumnprogramme in the Chapel
18th September3.30 pm Afternoon Tea25th September 2.30pmStories behind favourite hymnswith Peter JohnsonPlease note details of combinedharvest supper on the next page
HARVEST FESTIVAL 2014We will be celebrating HarvestFestivals both at the church andthe chapel.St Mary's church will have theirservice on Sunday, October 10that 3.30pmThe Chapel will be having theirHarvest Service on Sunday 28thSeptember at 11am.We look forward to seeing you atone or both of the services. Pleasebring your children orgrandchildren along, we will bedelighted to see you.You can bring gifts of food to theservices which will be donated tothe NORTH COTSWOLD FOOD BANK, so items that aren'tperishable like Pasta,Rice,Cereals and Tinned goodswould all be very suitable.
PROFESSIONAL HAIR SALON
stylists: Steph, Charlotte, & Dan
Stockists of Paul Mitchell & Matrixtel: 01451 822337
43, Upper Rissington Business Park
ample parking
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Westcote NewsHarvest Supper
Thursday, October 9th 7 pm Village Hall
The Church and Chapel are holdinga joint harvest supper, in WestcoteVillage Hall, so do join us for somegood food & good company.Donations will be invited for ChildSponsorship Schemes.Rumour has it that there will also behearty singing of country songson the menu, ably led by TonyGibson & Trevor Bigg. So do comealong for an enjoyable evening. To book a place please ring-HazelGibson 01993 830699or Kim Bigg 01993830624
A Big Thank You to somevolunteers
I would like to thank some unsungheroes for their sterling volunteerwork in the villages.Alan New for regularly mowingTattleAlfie Hunt for keeping the warmemorial grass tidyRoger Boning for keeping ourlovely old Churchyard immaculateBryan Lane for clearing the bankopposite Burton's Bank of bramblesand maintaining it in good orderNo payment and lots of hard work- thank you all for everything youdo. Nick Walford
DATES FOR YOUR DIARYWe now have the dates for
our AIR in G (Arts in RuralGloucestershire) 2014 - 2015
programme.These professional shows areinvariably excellent so please comealong and support them.More information in newslettersnearer the dates.Friday 5th December 2014 -Great Expectations One manbrings 'a cast of thousands'. Deft,daft, delightful - and Dickens!Friday 27th February 2015 -SarahMcquaid Stunningmusicianship from 'a world-classtalent' (Living Tradition magazine)Saturday 21st March 2015 -Normal Service will be resumedIt's 1962 and things are not lookinggood. With the Cold War looming,trouble is brewing at the BBC'semergency wartime studios.Listen with Mother will never bethe same again!Saturday 9th May 2015 -BUSINESS AS USUALCourage, grit and humour as thewomenfolk of Gloucestershiredetermine it must be 'business asusual' on the home front while theirmenfolk are away fighting. Part ofthe Gloucestershire RemembersWorld War 1 project.
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Icomb NewsThe corn stands ripe in the fields, the sun shines overhead, plump fruitsgarnish the wayside hedges – and, before, you know it, our thoughts turnaway from summer – and towards the autumn and the harvest.Holidaying villagers hurry home, school books are unpacked, uniformscleaned and another academic year commences. And so continues the‘cycle of life’.But our thoughts this last month are very much about those whose life inIcomb ended in the Great War of 1914-1918 – and the newsletter this monthreflects that remembrance. David Cowdery (Editor)
Dates for Your Diary –
11th October ‘Call My Bluff’ – Wine Quiz12th October Harvest Festival Lunch
25th October Interim Village meeting – 6pm1st November Fireworks and Bangers9th November Remembrance Sunday
13th December Pantomime – ‘Sleeping Beauty’20th December Christmas Drinks and Auction
21st December Nativity Play and Christmas Carol Service
Service of Commemoration Gloucester Cathedral – Sunday 3rd August
In a unique remembrance of the commencement of the First World War, theLord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire, Dame Janet Trotter promulgated theidea to have each village, town and city of the county offer up the namesof the dead of that Great War to the High Altar in the Cathedral.And so it was, on a gloriously sunny August afternoon, that the ‘great andthe good’ of the county came together for a moving service of remembrancethat combined poetry, readings, prayers and anthems. Central to the servicewas a solemn procession of some 200 people from all walks of life, andfrom each individual parish, to present the names – which were to be readout in the Lady Chapel on the following day. This ‘collecting together’represented so much more than the printed names on a piece of paper. Itechoed again the response back in 1914 when villagers had risen from theirlabours to join as one to fight for a common cause – and sadly gave ofthemselves in the ultimate sacrifice.
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Icomb NewsThey had come together in Gloucestershire regiments and others in thatsummer of 1914, just as we massed together in 2014 to remember them.Perhaps most poignant of all in this Christian setting of the service was apoem describing in vivid detail the catastrophic hurt, shock and remorsecaused by one who had killed an enemy –“ the German boy with the coldblue eyes”. ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’. Warinevitably has no winners – it was not, as the title for the service remindedus ‘The War to End War’.Little did I dream, England, that you bore meUnder the Cotswold hills beside the water meadowsTo do you dreadful service, here, beyond your bordersAnd your enfolding seas.Ivor Gurney (1916)Melancholy, tearful at times, the soaring anthems and hymns offered a mostbeautiful remembrance and commemoration. We were glad to come togetheron this special day for this special service.Went the day well?We died and never knew.But, well or ill,Freedom, we died for you. David J. Cowdery
Having undertaken a small amount of research – we have been able toascertain a few more details about the men remembered on the plaque inthe church – and at the war memorial – which we trust you will find ofinterest.If you know any further details, do please let the Editor know.Private George BealeRoyal Sussex RegimentBorn c1897 – Age 19 - Parents – John and Emma Beale of Icomb - Died30th June 1916Private Arthur Clark11th Gloucestershire RegimentBorn in Stow on the Wold - Died 7th June 1917 - Killed in Action -(France and Flanders)
Continued over page
FIRST WORLD WAR – ICOMB REMEMBERS
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Icomb NewsPrivate George William Hunt11th Gloucestershire RegimentBorn – Upper Slaughter -Husband of Mrs R M Hunt of Icomb -Died –18th March 1916 - Died of Wounds- (France and Flanders)Gunner James Robert Townsend HuntRoyal Horse ArtilleryBorn c1894 – Age 23 - Son of George and Edith Ann Hunt of AshCottage, Icombe Lane, Stow on the Wold - Died- 30th November 1917 -Killed in Action - (France and Flanders)Private Frederick Albert Simms11th Gloucestershire RegimentBorn – Bledington -Parent – Mr E J Simms of Rectory Farm, Icomb -Died - 16th March 1916 -Died of Wounds - (France and Flanders)Lance Corporal Edward YoungOxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light InfantryBorn c 1893 in Icomb – Age 23 -Parents – Gabriel and Mary Ann Youngof Broadwell -Died 3rd September 1916 -Killed in Action - (France andFlanders)
HARVEST FESTIVAL AND LUNCHTaking place this year on Sunday 12th October, the Harvest Festival givesus an opportunity to come together as a village and remember that eventhough few of us these days ‘works on the land’ – our heritage and traditionsare based on a farming community here in the Cotswolds.The church is always beautifully decorated and after a lively service (startingat 10.30am) celebrating the harvest a delicious lunch takes place in thevillage hall.Once again Susie Vaughan is very kindly undertaking the arrangements forthe lunch – so if you are able to contribute a dish – or wish to attend – pleasecontact her.
INTERIM PARISH MEETINGReminder - the Interim Parish Meeting will be on Saturday 25th Octoberin the Village Hall at 6.00pm sharp. The Agenda and other information willbe circulated 2-3 weeks before the Meeting. All villagers are encouragedto attend.
Paul Fisher, Clerk to Icomb Parish Meeting
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Icomb NewsSupporting the Church
Perhaps if you are newly arrived in the village you have not yet had theopportunity to consider supporting the village church?Each year a considerable amount is spent on maintaining the fabric of thebuilding and regular donations (both large and small) are very gratefullyreceived.Please contact the Treasurer – Eric Shepley- for more details of how youcan assist in this way.
Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 6:30pm - 9.30pmSunday: 6:00pm - 8:00pm - Bar Tapas only
Lunch : Tuesday - Saturday: 12:00pm - 2:30pmSunday: 12:00 noon- 3:30pm
Afternoon Tea: Friday and Saturday: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Morning Tea & Coffee: Tuesday - Sunday from 11am
The FeatheredNest
tel: 01993 833030 / [email protected]
Closed Mondays, except Bank Holiday Mondays
Benefice Church NewsYouth WorkThe youth work will be commencing again in September with ClubTropicana starting on Friday 12th September at 3.15pm at BledingtonSchool Hall.
Youth Café will commence again on Friday 19th September at 7.30pm atHoly Ascension, Oddington.
For families with children JAM will meet on the second and third Sundaysof the month at 11am at Morning Praise in Holy Ascension Oddington aswell as at the United Service on the first Sunday of the month. The FamilyService in Bledington on the fourth Sunday is also for all children in theBenefice. (See the Rector’s letter on the next page).
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Evenlode Vale Churches
Dear FriendsFor many of us, after a summer break and time off work and away fromhome, September feels like ‘real life’ beginning again. For many of us,September feels like the beginning of a New Year more than January does.
There may be any number of new beginnings – a new school year starting,a new course of GCSEs or A levels, village groups getting going again afterthe summer break, a new football or rugby season to look forward to. Thereis something of a new beginning for the Church family at Holy AscensionOddington – as of September there will be a new pattern of Services. Therewill be a service at HAO at 11am on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday of everymonth, with JAM (our group for children and young people) runningalongside the service. On the 4th Sunday of the month there will be a FamilyService at Bledington, also at 11am.
As with every new beginning, it will take a little while to get used to thenew pattern. There will, no doubt, be a few teething problems. But after afew months it will begin to feel like we have always been doing it this way.Our Youth Groups too will begin again in September – Club Tropicana forchildren in School Years 4-6 and Youth Café for teenagers in School Years8-11 will be on alternate Fridays. Please do contact Nat Charles([email protected]) if you would like more information about either ofthose groups.
As the slow pace of the summer begins to feel like a distant memory, I hopethat you won’t find the new beginnings too overwhelming. I hope that ournew beginning, our pattern of services, is one that helps you to keep goingamidst everything else that is starting again.
Yours sincerely, Richard Rendall
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Church Services in September for Icomb and Westcote
Sunday 7th September12th Sunday after Trinity11.00 am United Service Holy Communion (CW) with JAM Holy Ascension OddingtonSunday 14th September13th Sunday after Trinity9.30am Morning Prayer (BCP) Icomb9.30am Morning Service (CW) Westcote11am Morning Praise with JAM HAO Oddington 21st September14th Sunday after Trinity9.30 am Holy Communion (CW) Icomb9.30am Morning Service (CW) Westcote11am Morning Praise with JAM HAO Oddington
Sunday 28th September15th Sunday after Trinity9.30am Morning Prayer (BCP) Icomb6 pm Holy Communion (CW) Westcote11 am Family Service Bledington
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Brighten up your day!visit
The Yellow Hat Tribe GalleryBrookfield Ostrich Farm The Gallery with a difference!
tel: 01993 832042 open 10am to 5pm daily
W. J. WrightFuneral Director
The Chapel of Rest,Church Street
Stow-on-the-Woldtel: 01451 831829
24 Hour Service Private Chapel of Rest
Serving the Cotswold Community for over 35 yearsPrepaid Funeral Plans
Kingsholm CottageUnion Street
Stow-on-the-Woldtel: 01451 870292
Tony HedgesPAINTER & DECORATER
Trevor BiggDental Surgeon
tel: 01993 831396www.drbigg.comemail: [email protected] HouseMilton under Wychwood
For Quality Care & A Friendly Service
Robin J PerryGeneral Maintenance & Buildingfriendly reliable service - no job too small
- all enquiries welcomePlease contact Robin on:
mobile: 07802421461 tel: 01993 831098
fax: 01993 831042email: [email protected]
Member of Federation of Master Builders
Awareness Through Movement Classes7pm Tuesdays
Church Westcote Village Hall
Improve your performance, balance and mobility.Ease aches, pains, stress
Every class different, so you can join whenever you canMore information – www.movetoimprove.co.uk
