MARCH 2020 MARCH - MILD, MAD OR JUST MORE MUD? February is always a pretty grim month and we look forward to March and more signs of spring (some of which we weren't expecting to see in February). March sits squarely in the season of Lent when some may be pining for the chocolate or alcohol that they have decided to forgo, but after the Spring Equinox (and the International Day of Happiness) on 20th March the clocks go forward to give us lighter and warmer evenings when everyone - including the teenagers who use, and occasionally still abuse the church porch - can get out more. The front page musings for the Newsletter often come during your co-editor’s walks around the village with an increasingly slow, old labrador, but the climate crisis is having an indirect effect on this process as storm Dennis follows Ciara. Our mud-churned paths and the resulting difficulty of maintaining traction or even just staying upright trigger thoughts of life in First World War trenches and squeeze out reflection on much else except mud, mud and more mud. Weathering life’s storms is undoubtedly made easier with the help of friends, and life might be a bit tougher for all of us as a result of Judy and Tim Cooper leaving the village after some 30 years. They move to join our now, somewhat mysteriously, ex-ministerial MP in Mere. A primary school teacher by background, who just quietly gets on with a tremendous amount, Judy has been a friend to the village in so very many ways. A member of the PCC and a qualified Lay Pastoral Assistant with a responsibility for keeping her ear open for those in need of help, Judy is also a supporter of Warminster Food Bank and our village’s local coordinator for collections. She is a regular visitor to the nursing home and helped with the arrangements for ‘Holidays at Home’ in the Village Hall, led the church’s social committee and organised the church cleaning and post-service refreshments rota. She leaves a sizeable hole in our community … but also deserves a bit of a rest too. We will all have to take up the slack created by Judy vacating her pastoral role. The promised recce of Frome’s Men’s Shed has revealed that Sutton Veny, with its ‘Virtual Men’s Shed’, has a hybrid of two good ideas that have been put into practice in Frome. We could do worse than emulate them. Frome’s Shed is very real and well equipped, not only in terms of the facilities to make and repair things but also in the important capacity to make tea and provide biscuits. The latter capability is repeated in the Cheese & Grain where a weekly Talking Café is held. What The Woolpack lacks in workshop facilities it more than compensates through being a convivial spot in which to gather and chat. So perhaps before the Men’s Shed brand matures we should rebrand it ‘The All Comer’s Shed & Talking Café’. Whatever it’s called, it’s worth calling in on The Woolpack between 12.00 and 1.00pm on a Thursday to see who else is there. Swapping ideas, borrowing and lending skills and possibly tools are the potential offshoots of meeting and talking. These are all consistent with attaining a more caring and sustainable culture. An aspiration that is promoted both by local author Jen Gale in her new book “The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide’ and also the Eco Church initiative being implemented at St John’s. Readers will note that in the absence of other material provided for this Newsletter a few hints and tips in this vein will appear in these pages. SUTTON VENY VILLAGE NEWSLETTER funded by the Village Hall A Community Resource - run by the community, for the community Visit the village website - suttonveny.co.uk - to learn more about the village and to read this newsletter in colour Scratchbury Hill over the Duck Street Lake
Transcript
MARCH 2020
MARCH - MILD, MAD OR JUST MORE MUD?February is always a pretty grim month and we lookforward to March and more signs of spring (some ofwhich we weren't expecting to see in February).March sits squarely in the season of Lent when somemay be pining for the chocolate or alcohol that theyhave decided to forgo, butafter the Spring Equinox (andthe International Day ofHappiness) on 20th March theclocks go forward to give uslighter and warmer eveningswhen everyone - including theteenagers who use, andoccasionally still abuse thechurch porch - can get outmore.The front page musings forthe Newsletter often comeduring your co-editor’s walksaround the village with anincreasingly slow, oldlabrador, but the climate crisis is having an indirecteffect on this process as storm Dennis follows Ciara.Our mud-churned paths and the resulting difficulty ofmaintaining traction or even just staying upright triggerthoughts of life in First World War trenches andsqueeze out reflection on much else except mud, mudand more mud.Weathering life’s storms is undoubtedly made easierwith the help of friends, and life might be a bit tougherfor all of us as a result of Judy and Tim Cooperleaving the village after some 30 years. They move tojoin our now, somewhat mysteriously, ex-ministerialMP in Mere. A primary school teacher by background,who just quietly gets on with a tremendous amount,Judy has been a friend to the village in so very manyways. A member of the PCC and a qualified LayPastoral Assistant with a responsibility for keeping herear open for those in need of help, Judy is also asupporter of Warminster Food Bank and our village’slocal coordinator for collections. She is a regularvisitor to the nursing home and helped with thearrangements for ‘Holidays at Home’ in the VillageHall, led the church’s social committee and organisedthe church cleaning and post-service refreshmentsrota. She leaves a sizeable hole in our community …but also deserves a bit of a rest too. We will all have
to take up the slack created by Judy vacating herpastoral role.The promised recce of Frome’s Men’s Shed hasrevealed that Sutton Veny, with its ‘Virtual Men’sShed’, has a hybrid of two good ideas that have been
put into practice in Frome. Wecould do worse than emulatethem. Frome’s Shed is very realand well equipped, not only interms of the facilities to makeand repair things but also in theimportant capacity to make teaand provide biscuits. The lattercapability is repeated in theCheese & Grain where aweekly Talking Café is held.What The Woolpack lacks inworkshop facilities it more thancompensates through being aconvivial spot in which to gatherand chat. So perhaps before
the Men’s Shed brand matures we should rebrand it‘The All Comer’s Shed & Talking Café’. Whatever it’scalled, it’s worth calling in on The Woolpackbetween 12.00 and 1.00pm on a Thursday to seewho else is there.Swapping ideas, borrowing and lending skills andpossibly tools are the potential offshoots of meetingand talking. These are all consistent with attaining amore caring and sustainable culture. An aspirationthat is promoted both by local author Jen Gale in hernew book “The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide’ andalso the Eco Church initiative being implemented at StJohn’s. Readers will note that in the absence of othermaterial provided for this Newsletter a few hints andtips in this vein will appear in these pages.
SUTTON VENY VILLAGE NEWSLETTERfunded by the Village Hall
A Community Resource - run by the community, for the community
Visit the village website - suttonveny.co.uk - to learn more about the village and to read thisnewsletter in colour
Scratchbury Hill over the Duck Street Lake
VILLAGE HALL MATTERS
The management committee met on 21st January - our firstmeeting since just before the Bonfire and Fireworksevening. As you can see, being a trustee of the Village Halldoes not impose a significant meeting load so scratch thatreason for not coming forward if it was on your list ofexcuses! Before moving on to future business, a short timewas spent reflecting on the success (despite the awfulweather) of the Bonfire Night in early November and alsothe Christmas Fayre in early December. No significantlessons were identified and thus these events will run againin 2020 using much the same format on Sat 7th Nov andSat 5th Dec respectively.
Noting the long gap in the events calendar until November,the meeting agreed to invite Sam & Justin Head to repeatthe success of last year’s Quiz & Curry Night and we aredelighted to report that the answer was positive. A Saturdayin early May (Saturday 2nd May TBC) is the cunning plan.Watch this space for more detail.
The committee gave their formal agreement to the changeof title for this publication from ‘The Sutton Veny Village HallNewsletter” to ‘The Sutton Veny Village Newsletter’ and,notwithstanding the change, also agreed to continue to fundits publication. Phew!
Julian Stapleton, Treasurer, reported that the Hall’sfinances continue to be sufficiently healthy for necessaryrepairs to be made and even some expenditure onimprovements, in the form of the planned security systemand enhancements to the audio visual arrangements, to becontemplated. He also reported that, in keeping with apolicy decision to pursue eco-friendly options wherepossible, the Hall’s electricity supply had been switchedto a 100% Green Fixed Tariff. If you decide to follow theHall’s example and switch to Octopus Energy pleasemention the referral because a sign-up bonus isdelivered.
The committee meets again on Tue 5th May at 7.30pm.
CHURCH MATTERS
The PCC met on 23rd January under the chairmanship ofBrian Long (Churchwarden) in the absence of the Rector.This being the first meeting without her, tributes were paidto Judy Cooper and, with the PCC now being smaller still,the quest to find additional members and also a PCCSecretary assumes a greater urgency.
Progress was reported in gaining formal approval for boththe new altar frontal in the ANZAC Chapel that is beingmade by the WI, and the replacement gates, which will bereplaced thanks to a generous donation from the VillageHistory Group. The church architect met with the PCCplanning group and the Rector on 20th Jan to refine theideas and the associated drawings in support of the projectto install both a toilet and catering arrangements at the rearof the church. These will go forward to gain informal supportfrom the Diocesan Advisory Committee before obtainingformal cost estimates. Armed with these, the serious task ofapplying for grant funding can then begin. Although theseimproved facilities are desperately needed to enhance theutility of the church, the meeting was reminded in thecontext of a report of extensive rain-driven water ingressinto the bell tower that maintaining the existing fabric incurs
costs that our limited church funds may struggle to cover.Andrew Crisp, Treasurer, painted a none too rosy picture ofthe church’s financial position with next year’s budgetshowing a deficit. This, and other reports that set out thecurrent state of the church, will be presented to the AnnualParish Church Meeting (APCM) on 30th Apr at 6.00pm.All those on the church electoral roll are invited to attend.
An earlier date for diaries is the Annual Lent Walk, whichis planned for the morning of Sat 4th April. The detail hasyet to be firmed up but consideration is being given toaltering the format towards a more child-friendly treasurehunt format. If past walkers and the parents of potential newparticipants have views on this please contact RichardJackman.
FRIENDS OF SUTTON VENYCHURCH
The trustees met on 20thJanuary and heard from AlickMoore, Treasurer, and PatrickClarkson, Governance lead, thatgood progress had been madetowards attaining formalcharitable status and eligibilityfor Gift Aid. It is expected thatboth these elements will havefirmed up by the date of the firstAnnual General Meeting onTuesday 31st March at 7.00pmin the Village Hall. As well as explaining the status of theFriends Group after its first year, this meeting representsthe opportunity for others to take on the roles of thefounding trustees. So, if you would like to becomeSecretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary or even Chairthen please make this known to one of the existing trustees.They are unlikely to fight you off!
Growing the membership to ensure a steady incomeremains a high priority, but planning events that will boostfunds while also bringing the community together is alsovery important. The trustees agreed to repeat last summer’sevent at the church, in conjunction with the Produce Stall,and a date of Saturday 25th July was chosen for theFriends Summer Party. This is an occasion to say thankyou to everyone who is a friend to the church in any way.Hopefully church cleaners, churchyard workers and bellringers will be there as well as financial supporters, but withthe Produce Stall and refreshments available it should be agood party to which the whole village is invited. Later on -Saturday 12th September - the Friends will be making useof the church’s ability to host a big audience when aconcert of light-hearted music by Michael Lunts isplanned (see separate note for more).
PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
The first meeting in 2020 of the Parish Council was held onThursday 6th February at the Village Hall. Cllrs King(Chair), Lusty, Morris, Phillips, Russell, Singer, Walker andWilson were present.
An update was given on the play area, now looking moretidy thanks to the removal of the broken part of the multi-play unit. It is hoped that a new item of equipment can bepurchased to go in the space and some items were
considered. However, the Councillors have asked forexamples in recycled plastic. So this will be discussedfurther at the March meeting.
It was decided to enter the Best Kept Village competitionagain this year, with hope of better result this year.
We have been asked to publish instructions on the MyWiltshire reporting system. This allows you to report manydifferent issues directly to Wiltshire Council, where you willbe able to track the issue. There is an app available formobile devices called My Wiltshire or go to the Councilwebsite: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywiltshire-online-reporting
After a brief registration process, you will be able to send inreports on lots of issues, including potholes, trees andshrubs, fly tipping, street lighting and public rights of way.
Full draft minutes as usual, available on the village website.The next meeting of the Parish Council will take placeon Thursday 5th March at 7pm.
TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE & CARINGCOMMUNITY
Two triangles to ponder. One that might reduce ouraccumulation of ‘stuff’ and another to curb ourwastefulness. Just getting to know your neighbours andThe Men’s Shed has a role to play in making the personalconnections thatmight promote thrift &borrowing. Twowebsites can allowyou to cast your netwider. Streetbankencourages thesharing of tools &skills, and Freecycledoes what the nameimplies with the aimof preventing itemsthat still have utilityfrom ending up inlandfill. Google themand sign up for free.
A36 SCRATCHBURY BIODIVERSITY SCHEME
Scratchbury and Cotley Hills are Sites of Special ScientificInterest and Highways England are working to create aspecies-rich grassland buffer zone of around two hectaresin the area. Works will include collecting seeds from thescrubland and redistributing them along the verges toencourage indigenous flora and fauna and link to existinggrassland. The work will be carried out overnight(8pm-6am) from Monday 24th February to Wednesday18th March. There will be temporary traffic lights alongsections of the A36 between the A350 Crockerton junctionand the B390 Heytesbury junction.
WARMINSTER RURAL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Significant changes are now taking place in the Warminsterarea and they are positive for our communities. Firstly wehave our ownWarminster Community Policing Team(CPT) with a new Neighbourhood Inspector, Gill Hughes.
The new CPT will only be covering the areas aroundWestbury, Warminster, Tisbury and Mere. Email:[email protected] - please
note that this mailbox is notmonitored 24/7. Also don’t forgetthe way to contact the Police 24/7 –use 101 or 999 if a crime is actuallytaking place and criminals are stillon or near the premises. You canalso contact the police online on thepolice websitewww.wiltshire.police.uk. Finally youcan report a crime anonymously
through Crimestoppers website or 24/7 on 0800 555 111.
Our Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) forWarminster Rural are PCSO Candy Jackson and PCSODebbie Robbins. Our Neighbourhood PC is HelenDaveridge.
Linking with local communities and local councils is one ofthe main reasons for changing the CPT areas and thecreation of these “Neighbourhood” titles within the CPT.
SUTTON VENY FLOWER SHOW: 11th July
Planning for the 2020 show is in fullswing. If you would like a stall or toplace an advert in the show booklet,please contact the Flower ShowCommittee. The Committee arelooking for storage space for theshow items so if you have an emptygarage or shed please let them know by email:[email protected]
DIARY NOTE: FRIENDS OF SUTTON VENY CHURCH -A MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA, SAT 25TH SEPT
Michael Lunts, who many will know from the SalisburyPlayhouse productions, is a professional singer, pianist,actor and general one man band, and he will be coming toSutton Veny Church on Saturday 12th September toperform his one man show“Tickling The Ivories”. Thismines a hundred years ofmusical entertainment fromGilbert and Sullivan’s ComicOperas to Tom Lehrer, fromMusic Hall to Monty Pythonand should be a sell outperformance - so whentickets go on sale – pleaseget in early! One man, awhite jacket, 88 piano keysand a treasure trove ofmusical mirth.
SUTTON VENY MONTHLY RAINFALLkindly recorded by Peter Strangeways
January rainfall: 97mmJanuary average (9 yrs): 117mm
Range: 47-245*mm*245mm relates to 2014
BE BRIGHT BE SEENA reader has contacted the Newsletter (yay!) imploringvillagers on foot, bicycle or mobility scooter to ensure thatthey dress to be seen and/or carry lights. Just because youcan see the car doesn't mean the driver has seen you.
SOME ANIMAL COLLECTIVESSome gems to slip into your conversation:A shrewdness of apesA bloat of hippopotamusesA smack of jellyfishA unkindness of ravensAn intrusion of cockroachesA labour of molesA dule of doves
HELLOS, FAREWELLS .... & CONGRATULATIONS
We welcome to the village Leanne Hier and NathanCollins who have moved from Upton Scudamore intoPippin Cottage at 43 The High Street and also Anita Rosefrom Bratton who has moved into The Pump house inCampbell Place.We say farewell to Judy and Tim Cooper who havemoved out of Pippin Cottage and gone ‘over the hill’ toMere.
Congratulations to Peter Strangeways for having his letteron the subject of the tying of ties published in the SaturdayTelegraph.It’s a Leap Year and so 21st birthday congratulations go toany 84 year olds who were born on Feb 29th 1936!
If readers are aware of arrivals or departures from thevillage and the people in question are happy to bementioned in the Newsletter please let the editors know.
9.30am - Communion and Imposition of Ashes6.00pm - Beginning of Lent Service at Heytesbury
MarchSun 1 10.00am - Café Church in the Village Hall
(breakfast from 9.30)Sun 8 9.30am - Parish CommunionSun 15 11.00am - MatinsSun 22 8.30am - Holy CommunionSun 29 10.00am - Team Communion at Codford St Peter
VILLAGE & SURROUNDINGS DIARYFebruaryWed 26 7.30pm - ‘Rocketman’, Warminster AthenaeumMarchSun 1 Frome Independent MarketMon 2 8.15am - Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at The
George Inn Longbridge Deverill: Bob Hartman -Storyteller and author
Tue 3 'Whales, Penguins & Ice' Antartica talk withsupper - 6.45pm Village Hall
Wed 4 7.00 for 7.30pm - Moviola at the Woolstore,Codford - ‘Official Secrets’
Tue 17 St Patrick’s DaySun 22 Mother’s Day/ World Water DaySun 29 Daylight saving - Clocks go forwardTue 31 7.00pm - Friends of Sutton Veny Church AGM - VHAprilSat 4 10.30 Lent Walk/Treasure Hunt
12.00-4.00pm - Warminster Skate Park JamSun 5 Frome Independent MarketSat 25 ANZAC DayThur 30 6.00pm - Church Annual Meeting
VILLAGE HALL CONTACT DETAILSBookings: Gay Woods (840057)[email protected]: Richard Jackman (840899)See the Village Hall page on the Sutton Veny webpage fordetails of the facilities and to view the bookings diary foravailability.
NEWSLETTER CONTACT DETAILS & NEXT EDITION
Send all items for the April Newsletter as well as letters &comments to the co-editors, Richard Jackman & Sue Hall,by Fri 13th Mar latest please using the Newsletter [email protected]
The next meeting will take place on 18th March when TimWoodland will talk on Planting and Growing SummerBulbs. Tim is from Direct Bulbs near Winchester, which isa family firm with over 20 years experience in thehorticultural trade. He will be bringing bulbs with him forsale. The meeting starts with tea/coffee at 7.15pm for7.30pm in Codford Village Hall.
WARMINSTER HISTORY SOCIETYA talk on the work of the Royal Army Medical Corp in SuttonVeny during WW1 & the Home Counties Field Ambulance
after they left Sutton Veny for the Western FrontWednesday 18th March at 7.30pm
Sutton Veny Village HallAdmission £3
For more information please ring Jill Russell on 840209
