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Biddestone Broadsheet The Fete is Coming - get involved

April 2015 No 418

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COVER PICTURE A man and his best friend

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VILLAGE TOILETS Wanted — A village toilet cleaner 2-3 hours per week. Please contact Gill Stafford 01249 713103

April 2015

Donations £260 (Parish Council)

Biddestone Village Hall & Recreation Trust

Available now 3 Allotments Two Full size plots, One Half size plot All have chicken wire fences Two have made-up beds and a Small selection of soft fruit bushes For further details contact David on: 01249 701311 or 07885 556559

ST NICHOLAS CHURCH BIDDESTONE

THE ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING 2015 (open to all) WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY 30 APRIL

AT 7.00 pm FOLLOWED BY

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2015 (open to electoral roll members)

AT 7.30 pm IN THE CHURCH

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There is still time to join the Grand Biddestone Garden Opening for a charity of your choice. This is not a competition and all gardens – big or small – are invited to open their gates!

This will take place on the weekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July.

Would you be able to open your unique garden for the benefit of others? Would you be willing to help in other ways?

Any enquiries please contact Di Webb on 715963.

P.S. Di wonders where her wooden daisies have gone from last time. She would love a bunch to appear outside her house!

Thank you.

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SPRING By Gerald Manley Hopkins Nothing is so beautiful as Spring – When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush’s eggs look little low heavens, and thrush Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring The ear, it strikes like lightnings to hear him sing; The glassy peartree leaves and blooms, they brush The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling. What is all this juice and all this joy? A strain of the earth’s sweet being in the beginning In Eden garden. – Have, get, before it cloy, Before it cloud, Christ, lord, and sour with sinning, Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy, Most, O maid’s child, thy choice and worthy the winning.

Thanks to Hilary Noyes for the poem selection.

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Record of Biddestone & Hartham W.I. meeting on 18th March 2015 Jo Hancock, President, welcomed 13 members and three guests to the meeting. She then invited Carolyn Madley, well known to most of the members, to talk about her work as a garden guide at Highgrove. She gave a fascinating insight into what that entailed, describing the initial interviews and 'trial' tours of the gardens, leading up to being a fully fledged guide expected to be able to answer most of the questions asked. After a break for beautiful refreshments provided by Ronnie, business matters were attended to.: The Record of the previous meeting was read and approved. Matters arising Valerie Ringham and her husband had signed up for the Archery and Air Rifle Shooting Day on 18th May. Arrangements were made for the Plant and Cake Stall to be held on the Green on 25th May (Bank Holiday Monday) from 11am - 2pm. Valerie R. gave a brief report on the day out to Adam Henson's Farm. Unfortunately Margaret Beswick was unable to go at the last minute as she had a fall at home that morning. Val said it had been an interest-ing day but bitterly cold which took the edge off the enjoyment. Alison then reported on the Warhorse Puppeteer afternoon at Devizes that four members had attended. The Corn Exchange had been absolutely packed and it had been a brilliant talk. Carol has printed off some copies of the year's programme to be given to anyone who might be interested. The Manor Gardens Open Day is on Sunday, 10th May, and Lorena will be glad of any cakes (to be given to Alison Flint). Alison announced that there will be a short service in the extended churchyard on Sunday, 5th April, at 3pm for the interment of the ashes of Gladys and Gareth Jacques. Correspondence There will be a day visit to Wimbledon on 5th August for a tour and museum visit. Cost £35. There will be a 3-day visit to Harrogate from 3rd to 5th September, to coincide with the WI Centenary Fair there. At the next meeting on April 15th the theme is "Food and Fiction". An opportunity to share and sample a favourite recipe, and entertain fellow members with stories, readings or poems that have made an impact. Visitors are welcome. 2pm for 2.15pm at the Village Hall. An entry fee of £3 helps funds.

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John Brian Chambers (16.4 1949 – 7.2.2015)

John was born in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire and lived with his parents Joan and Frank in a two-bedroomed council house. Four and a half years later his sister Gill was born and some time later they were able to move to a brand new three-bedroomed council house in the same area – Falcoln Lodge estate. He had a happy childhood and his main hobbies during his teenage years were cycling and the Venture Scouts. He left school at about 17 years of age and had nu-merous jobs (including a travel agent's clerk and life-guard in Sutton Park) before he settled at Currys Retail Group. He was gradually promoted and was a relief

store manager when he met his future wife Sue whilst holidaying in Bournemouth aged 22. He regularly travelled to visit Sue until 18 months later he moved to lodgings in Bristol to live near her. They were married in August 1974 and lived with Sue's granddad whilst saving for a deposit for their first home, which they bought in July 1975. John left Currys and started a new job as a van salesman at the St. Ivel depot in Warmley, Bristol. He would start work at 4 or 5am and finish at 3 or 4pm each day. David their first child was born in December 1978. The family moved to Melksham in 1980 and their daughter Lisa was born in August that year. They lived in Melksham for about 6 years, and during this time John was given the job of Distribution Manager at Warmley, before being moved to Tamworth, Staffs. The family moved to Barton-under-Needwood, Staffs, and later to Inkpen, Berks, and even-tually to Corsham, where John was promoted to Business Unit Director of Wincanton Logis-tics Group, with his office in Trowbridge. He was also Chairman of the South West Region of Logistics from 1997-1999 (approx). While living in Berkshire he joined a local canoeing group with David, and later they joined Bath Canoe Club. They both gained their instructor qualifications in the sport, and it wasn't long before John was on the committee quickly fol-lowed by the Chairman's role. He carried on with his cycling and enjoyed hill walking and swimming. He joined W.H.Smith for the last 5 years of his career, leaving aged 55 years. He decided to retire at that stage and was fortunate enough to enjoy good health for many years. John and Sue moved to Biddestone in 2005. He loved living in the village where he enjoyed many cycling rides and walking, and chatting to the neighbours while out in the garden. He joined the Village Hall Committee in 2012 and was appointed Treasurer the following year. John's first granddaughter was born shortly after his retirement and he enjoyed looking after her, sometimes 2 or 3 days a week. Five more grandchildren followed over the next ten years and he loved spending time with them. He often made them laugh and he had very good relationship with them all. He travelled a great deal with Sue during his retirement years. They bought a holiday cottage in Cornwall, then a touring caravan. Unfortunately in June 2013 John was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He bravely fought his illness and accepted every treatment that was offered to him. He sadly passed away on 7th February 2015 at Shockerwick Nursing Home, Box aged 65 years. He will be sadly missed by Sue and family and all who knew him.

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BVH&RT – Problem with Dog Owners Dog fouling has been a problem on the Biddestone Village Hall grounds for a considerable time and despite many requests, some owners still fail to clean up after their dogs. There have been many complaints regarding the dog mess that is to be found on the grounds. To try to control the problem the BVH&RT first introduced ‘no fouling’ orders on the Trust’s grounds, when this failed to stop the prob-lem the Trust made the decision to have all dogs kept on leads. The reasoning behind keeping dogs on leads, as shown in independent studies, is that the owner is aware of what the dog is doing and knows immediately if it has stopped to defecate and is able to clear it up. The maximum fine for breaching either the ‘no fouling’ or ‘dogs on leads’ order is £1,000. However, we are more concerned that we are discussing a sports and recreation area that is used by many children from a very young age. As well as being highly unpleasant to step or fall in, there are several illnesses that can be con-tracted from dog faeces. The most commonly known one is Toxocariasis which is a disease caused by the eggs of the roundworm Toxocara which can be passed from dogs to humans through contact with faeces and contaminated soil. Children are particularly at risk and infection can lead to serious illness and possible permanent loss of sight. This is an entirely preventable health risk if dog owners clean up after their pets. The Trust has worked hard to get villagers and visitors to keep dogs on leads and to pick up any dog fouling in a plas-tic bag. Despite many appeals, a plethora of notices, bins, the designation of the land under ‘The Clean Neighbour-hoods and Environment Act 2005’ and dog control orders, some owners still do not keep their dogs on leads and clean up after their pets. There have also been repeated instances of signs being damaged or removed. BVH&RT would like to appeal, yet again, for all who exercise dogs on the sports field to behave responsibly by keep-ing their dogs on leads and cleaning up after them. We do not wish to cause problems for responsible dog owners, because of the actions of a few, but we do need to have rules that apply to all. The Trust would like to ask all villagers who use the grounds to help, by reminding, politely, dog owners with dogs not on a lead of the rules. If you see dogs off leads or dog fouling please tell any committee member. If the problem of dog fouling continues we will have to consider banning dogs completely from the Trust grounds, as is common on many other recreation grounds. This is an action that the committee would regret having to take, as we feel the Trust grounds should be enjoyed by all. BVHRT Committee

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BIDDESTONE BOOK CLUB

As always, it was amazing to find out how much we had to discuss about the book - which in March was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - even though it was not everyone’s cup of tea! We would recommend it for those in their late teens. It could be quite inspirational for choosing your path in life. Thank you to Lorena for her hospitality.

In April, the chosen book is The Lives of Others by Neel Mukherjee which was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2014. In May, we plan to read The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. The next meeting will be at 7.15p.m. on Monday, 20th April at Mel’s house.

If you have any questions please phone Diane on 712105.

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BIDDESTONE & SLAUGHTERFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk Mrs Mary Norton 155 Queens Crescent Chippenham Wilts Tel. 01249 650979 Fax. 01249 650979 BIDDESTONE & SLAUGHTERFORD PARISH COUNCIL Clerk Mrs Mary Norton 155 Queens Crescent Chippenham Tel. 01249 650979 Email mfenorton@tiscali.co.uk DRAFT Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 3rd March 2015 at Biddestone Village hall, at 7.00pm Present Cllrs Smith, Draper, Mullens, Williams, de Fossard and Short. Eight mem-bers of the public were also present for the first part of the meeting. Election of Chairman for the evening In the absence of both Chairman and deputy Chairman, Cllr Smith was elected to Chair the meeting. Apologies Cllrs Stafford, Juniper, Madley and Scott (WC) Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd February 2015 were agreed and signed by the chairman Declaration of Interest None Proposed new dwelling at Bay Tree Cottage In view of the public interest and the number of people wishing to speak, this item was considered next. Janet Jones, Alison Butler and Hannah Freeth all spoke opposing the application. The following points were made: the house is too large for the site; the revised proposal is still not appropriate and too high for the site; the verge is still not reinstated.. Inconsistencies in decisions from WC, and changes on acceptability were also noted. Alison Butler read a letter of objection from George Brown who was not able to be present at the start of the meeting but arrived later and made a contribution. The Chairman read the response of the Parish Council sent to WC after the meeting on 3rd February, at which the claimed reduction in height (2.5 metres) was queried and it was noted that the roof line was still above ’The Byre’. There were no existing site drawings and the reinstatement of the verge was demanded.. Those present were advised that any further representations should be sent to WC, and that they were permitted to attend the planning meeting on Wednesday 11th March, and could request to speak to put their views for-ward. Matters arising Dog Waste Bin P Bollen of WC will replace a bin not in use elsewhere at the agreed site in Slaughterford. This will be done on the Community day. 12th March Snow Plan After much chasing the salt has arrived in Slaughterford Duck Signs Mike Chrystal has produced two signs, one to fix to the 20 MPH sign by Elliotts Barn, and the oth-er on the Green opposite Cllr Juniper’s house, fixed to the top of the ‘No parking on the Greens’ sign. They are A2 sized and are worded ‘SLOW DOWN DUCKS IN ROAD’ The Range The letter circulated by Cllr Draper has been sent to WC Chairman’s Announcements There were none Reports Slaughterford and CATG (Cllr Williams) The grips and most of the drains within the village have now been cleared. A request for the clearing of the completely blocked drain close to the river had not been given to the work force. Initial clearing was done on the second visit, but this and other badly blocked drains will need to be cleared mechanically The CATG meeting report from 26th January was not included in the February reports. Some attendees asked for clarification of the role and remit of CATG. Terms & conditions have been issued to all representatives. All matters are now recorded via the Community issues system and Town/Parish Councils are invited to comment/confirm every request. Requests to CATG will not be considered unless submitted by or supported by the Town/Parish Council. The issue of large vehicles using single track roads into the village was listed in Highways requests for further consideration and discussed at the meeting. Martin Rose (WC) will make a site visit and also consider the con-fusing weight limitation signs on access roads into Slaughterford and Biddestone. This was emphasised by a report of the articulated lorry that was stuck on a sharp corner and needed the help of local farmers to turn. Damage was caused to trees and posts, and the driver spent the night in the van Cars also had to be moved. WC will make every effort to assess sinage in the Biddestone & Slaughterford area before the next CATG meeting on 7th April Toilets The electrician’s quote agreed was £1347 (including frost unit & emergency lights). The cost of in-stalling the defibrillator will be additional but should save on the original part of the builders quote as it was

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not completed by the original electrician. During the works the drains were rodded and jet flushed – thanks to David Taylor. It is hoped the toilets will reopen by mid-March. Biddestone & Slaughterford into the future The second subcommittee meeting will be on 19th March. The new timetable of meetings will be placed in the Broadsheet for March and April. Traffic Calming/Speed Watch Jan Scott is trying to organise speed watch for a week per month. Biddestone shares the speed-gun with Neston. Hamilton-Baillie will be invited to the village to discuss possibilities; so far the contact is informal. Planning There were no new applications The proposal for a new house at the rear of Bay Tree Cottage has been called in. This was discussed at the be-ginning of the meeting Elliotts Barn The Chairman has sent a list of questions regarding the differences in decision making on similar applications for velux windows. This is regarded as a serious matter. A response has been received and will be discussed at the next meeting. Area Board Corsham There has not been a meeting since the last PC meeting – The next is on 19th March Area Board Chippenham A full report will be given next month. Matters discussed were: climate change; electric cars; encouraging cy-cling and walking; and Chippenham housing and work sites drop in meeting NHS There is to be one community service for children in Wiltshire. The RUH Bath is taking over the Mineral Water Hospital Buses Since 12th January there are three buses into Chippenham. Most buses returning fro Chippenham have to be requested to come via Biddestone. Village Hall The Hall is in the process of becoming a Charitable Limited Company. Older Person’s Survey The results have been circulated to all Councillors Correspondence Lorry in Slaughterford Much of the correspondence had already been circulated and the matter fully discussed. Jetways will review delivery instructions on its website. Further action with WC is reported above. Accounts & General Finance Biddestone Church has applied for a grant for cutting the grass, and Councillors agreed a contribution of £400.. Invoices for payment were: Biddestone Broadsheet £260.06 Harrington Flat Roofing Specialists Ltd £2520 (For work on the toilets) N Ballinger £2500 (For work on the toilets) Next Meeting Tuesday 7th April, at 7.00pm, at the Village Hall

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Church Services for April ST. NICHOLAS, BIDDESTONE 3 Good Friday Morning Meditation Service 10.00 a.m. 5 Easter Sunday Holy Communion 11.00 a.m. 12 Family Service 9.30 a.m. Evensong 6.00 p.m. 19 Morning Praise 9.30 a.m. Every Wednesday morning there is a service at 9.15 a.m. This is either Holy Communion or Morning Prayer and includes prayers for the suffering. ST. NICHOLAS, SLAUGHTERFORD 5 Easter Sunday Holy Communion 11.00 a.m. BENEFICE SERVICES 3 BENEFICE GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE at Yatton Keynell 7.30 p.m. 5 BENEFICE SUNRISE SERVICE Kington St Michael 6.15 a.m. 26 BENEFICE SERVICE St James, North Wraxall 10.00 a.m.

Copy date 2nd Sun in month delivered to any committee member or by email to broadsheet@pobox.com

Dates for your Diary 15 Apr Biddestone WI Meeting - Food & Fiction 14.00 20 Apr Biddestone Book Club 19.15 24 Apr Biddestone Cricket Juniors (Friday night practice sessions start) 18.00 30 Apr St Nicholas Biddestone Annual Vestry & Parochial Church Meeting 19.00 9 May Haydn The Creation, Malmesbury Abbey Tickets available from Ronnie Robinson 19.30 10 May Biddestone Manor NGS Open Gardens 14.00 12/14 Jun Corsham Walking Festival 27 Jun Biddestone Fete - Wiltshire’s best! 11 Jul Biddstock Festival Sports Ground 18/19 Jul Biddestone Open Gardens

Editorial Committee broadsheet@pobox.com

Stewart Entwistle (Editor) Challows House 715887

Mary Mullens (Treasurer) Parker Farm Bungalow 714399

Carolyn Madley Stonehaven The Gren 712831

Judy Priest 2 Little Challows 713469

Di Webb Owl Cottage 715963