ripples oct 2017 l&f .qxp 1 link ñ may 07 · advertisement that is either unsuitable for our...

October 2017

Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50

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CONTENTS

www.r ipplesmag.co.uk

Ripples Community Magazine Published by Adrian Young and Graham Fry

© Ripples Community Magazine, 2017. All rights reserved. Named contributors retain copyright on their work.

News 4

Local History 13

Home & Garden 15

Creative Arts 18

Councils 22

Rippling Yarns 24

Volunteering 26

Learning 28

Food & Drink 30

Business 32

Letters 35

Pets 37

Profile 39

Sport 40

Events 41

Contacts 46

Transport 46

Ripples October

COVER PICTURE:St Lawrence Church,

Lechlade, transformed forHoliday Club (see page 4).

REMINDER:The deadline for ourNovember edition

is 12 noon,Friday 13th October.

Ripples Magazine is published 10 months ayear during the first week of the month; wetake a break in January and August.

The deadline for contributions andadvertising is 12 noon on 2nd Friday of themonth before publication.

Opinions expressed in the magazine are notnecessarily those of the publishers.

Contributions may be published in themagazine, on our website or on socialmedia. Make clear any limitations aboutwhat, how and when we may publish yourcontribution.

We reserve the right to edit contributionsand to not publish any contribution oradvertisement that is either unsuitable for

our format or inconsistent with oureditorial policy.

Make sure you are writing for a generalaudience, not just your own organisation.Contributions up to 150 words arepreferred. If it is too long, we may ask youto cut it down. We may publish longercontributions, but get in touch first to avoidthe annoyance of a rejection.

Photographs and artwork should be clearwith good contrast. JPEG electronic formatis preferred but we can scan from goodquality prints. Make sure any identifiablepeople in photos agree to the photo’spublication. Get parent’s consent in thecase of minors.

Email is preferred for contributions,otherwise by post.

All news, events and announcements:[email protected]

Paid advertising:[email protected]

Distribution:[email protected]

Tel: 01793 764768

Post: 2A The Stables, Gilberts Lane, Highworth, Swindon SN6 7FB

Please inform the editor if you spot amistake in Ripples so we can rectify it in afuture issue.

21st Century Ripples‘Doesn’t fresh air taste and smell fantastic?’ proclaims the former smoker.Indeed, there’s none more fervent than the late convert. And technology isno exception.

When I helped my son to select his first car, I assembled a folder of brochures and print-outs of reviews. ‘How delightfully old-fashioned you are,’ he said. ‘These days I’d justlook it up on my phone.’ I’m sure he must portray me in his party jokes as a quaint relic.

Well, not any longer, because Ripples is making ever more ripples on social media, viaFacebook. In future your contributions might also be published on social media.

I’ve been an active Facebook user for a few years and it has transformed my socialrelationships. I’m in touch with old school and uni friends from the 70s, I really like usingFacebook’s Messenger and I’ve met relatives I didn’t even know I had.

Sure, Facebook is abused, something it shares with practically every new technology. YetI think its benefits far outweigh any disadvantages. Like my mobile phone that offersinternet, email, camera, photos, podcasts, music, diary, the shopping list I share with mywife, and all manner of widgets, I wouldn’t want to be without Facebook.

Remember when Facebook was floated as a public company in 2012 for more than $100billion? Many critics said it was absurd. Amazingly, the company’s value has quadrupledsince then.

Here’s something you might not know. Give or take a few billion, Ripples and Facebookhave similar business models: a community information and entertainment servicedelivered free to readers, sustained by advertising revenue. When we launched in 2009,who’d have thought we’d be up there with the big boys, eh? ☺

So, want to dip your toe in the social media pond? Then set up an account atwww.facebook.com.

Then, to see what we’re doing, visit www.facebook.com/RipplesCommunityMagazineand while you’re there, give our page a ‘Like’. Look me up at ‘Ed Ripples’www.facebook.com/adrian.ripples.3 and let me know what you think.

Finally, I wonder what Facebook employees do to waste their time at work?

Adrian Young, Editor

Ripples OCT 2017 L&F .qxp_1 LINK – May 07 22/09/2017 14:50

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NEWS

4 www.r ipplesmag.co.uk

For news, events and announcements

Email: [email protected] or post to:

Ripples Magazine, 2A The Stables, Gilberts Lane,Highworth SN6 7FBTel: (01793) 764768

Your local reportersFairford and surrounding villagesTel: (01285) 712150

Email: [email protected]

Lechlade and surrounding villagesEmail: [email protected]

C O N T A C T R I P P L E S C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E

At St. Lawrence Church Lechlade,Andrew Cinnamond, Vicar andthe Keeper of the Keys, JonathanClark, Curate and The Fabler, thisyear chose the Scripture Union,‘Guardians of Ancora’ resourcematerial, for their annual end ofAugust holiday club.

The treasure? Bible stories

The city? Ancora

The guardians of the city? 60Church holiday club children aged5-11years!

Their challenge? To find thestories and light up the tower!

The Church was transformed withlights, artwork and bunting tocreate a fantasy world for thechildren. Moving pews made spacefor the children to watch the stories on the bigscreen, play messy and active games together, singworship songs and listen to the Shiner-AnnabelGraves, who told jokes and made everyone laugh!

Groups of Guardians worked together baking bread,creating, using craft materials, playdough, paint andLego. The older children were also able to use theScripture Union hi-spec. tablet game entering an

amazing, virtual world and at the same timeexperiencing interactive Bible Stories from theGospels. It was a week of fun, friendship and faithformation, ending with a BBQ and a family service onthe Sunday.

St. Lawrence have Sunday School groups most weeksfrom 10am-11.15am in the Cottage next to theChurch. New children are most welcome.

Finding the treasure of the city!St Lawrence Church Holiday Club report 2017

The magnificent display of cakes for sale on the WI stall at Poulton Fêteon 3rd September disappeared very quickly despite the cold, wet weatherwe experienced! Our coffers were well and truly filled.

Poultonite Gordon Lee will be at our Tuesday 10th October meeting, tellingus about his life as an airline pilot. Information from Elinor 01285 851218.

See EVENTS for details of our meetings on 2nd Tuesdays.Elinor Davies

Poulton WI

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NEWS


The Colditz story: an insider’s view (almost) As part of the 2017Remembrance Lectures, therewill be a multi-mediapresentation on the notoriousGerman Prisoner of War camp,Colditz. The speaker, PiersStorie-Pugh, a retired ArmyOfficer, will tell the storythrough the lens of his father,Peter, who was captured afterhaving been wounded duringthe retreat to Dunkirk.

Peter was a habitual escapee,who was re-captured andincarcerated at Colditz Oflag IV-C, where all the hardenedescapees were sent. Peter wasinvolved in 21 escape attemptsand received the MBE for hiswork. He had already beenawarded the Military Cross forDunkirk.

The presentation and talk, which is in aid of The Royal British Legion,will take place on Friday 3rd November at Fairford CommunityCentre. Doors open at 6.30pm for a glass of wine, the talk will startat 7pm and finish around 8.30pm. Tickets cost £10 (to include aglass of wine) and can be purchased from 7a Coffee Shop in Fairfordor by emailing [email protected]

Chris Roberts

Relaunch of The Christmas Family QuizThe St Lawrence Church Restoration and Maintenance AppealCommittee is pleased to announce the relaunch of the ChristmasFamily Quiz, compiled by Richard Dadson.

This popular Quiz has given much pleasure to many people and willbe available from November 1st. We are grateful to Lechlade PostOffice, Cutler and Bayliss, and The Bloom Room for selling the Quizbooklets at a cost of £2. They will also be available following theservices at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade.

Enjoy the range of questions, with a chance of winning a very goodprize; do remember the ‘Lucky Dip’ prize too. Every Family Quizbooklet sold will help The Restoration and Maintenance Appeal. TheCommittee is extremely grateful to Richard for the tremendousamount of time and effort taken to compile the quiz.

Helen F. S. Jones

Busby’s garage reunion partyPalmer hall, Fairford 12noon on Saturday 4th November

This is an appeal to anyone who worked at the garage under JohnBusby’s ownership. You will be invited to the party if you contact us.John: 01285 850959 or Terry: 01285 810612.

Peter Storie-Pugh (centre).Photo: The Royal British Legion



NEWS


Lechlade Memorial Hall rebuildThe new hall is on schedule to open by 1st May2018. Good progress is being made by KingBuilders of Gloucester with the groundworks atthe site ready for the steel frame to be erected.

You will also have seen excavation by Foundation –the team engaged to undertake the archaeologicalworks required by the planning conditions for thenew building. Whilst nothing of any archaeologicalsignificance has been found to date, the excavationshave been quite extensive and time consuming. So,to avoid a delay to the project, we brought forwardthe excavation of the old skatepark to allow thearchaeologists access to this area earlier thanoriginally planned.

We started the archaeological excavation on the siteof the new skatepark at the beginning of Septemberand hope to complete this shortly, ready for Gravityto start to build the new park.

We are building the new Skatepark as quickly as wecan and apologise for the unavoidable gap betweenthe old one going and the new one opening.

Good level of bookings both old and new

We have been really pleased with the response to ourcall for bookings for the new hall especially fromlocal community groups. We have also had enquiriesfor new activities which is really encouraging.

Bookings can be made, as before: 01367 252338,[email protected].

We continue to enjoy wonderful support from localpeople with donations and events having reachedover £135,000 – thank you!

This includes almost £1,000raised by the Grand Rafflewhich was sponsored by APlan Insurance of Carterton:www.aplan.co.uk. Thewinner was Alan McSherrywith D Parmer and R Fisherwinning the second andthird prizes respectively.

We also received a cheque for almost £400 from ourfriends at RAF Brize Norton following the Duck Racein May 2017. Plans are already underway for thenext Duck Race on 7th May 2018!

Letter of Intent for £350,000 extended to theend of October

The Trustees of the Lechlade Memorial Hall andRecreation Charity (1056163) Letter of Intent for£350,000 has been accepted by Kings for worksthrough to the end of October, securing both the

current price and the planned completion date forthe construction of the new hall. We have finallyheard from the Charity Commission, so hope to havethe new CIO in place so that we can then sign thefull contract.

Future events (we will continue to raise funds untilthe project is complete and the hall fitted outincluding all contents).

Wessex Choir – Saturday 14th October at 7.30pmin St Lawrence Church. Last few tickets on sale at theLechlade Post Office for this ever popular and awardwinning choir. Also featuring local musicians.

Meal at the New Inn – Thursday 2nd November at7.30pm Two course meal for £15. Tickets from theLechlade Post Office. Maximum of 44 places soplease don’t delay as these tickets always sell veryquickly.

Photography Courses – February (date to beconfirmed). By popular demand Mike Read will berunning a series of photography courses in thePavilion. Whether you are just starting or anexperienced photographer these courses offersomething for everyone.

St Patricks Day Dinner Dance at Wrag Barn –Saturday 17th March, 7.30pm.

Extravaganza Weekend – 18th, 19th and 20thMay to celebrate the opening of the new hall.

Help at events would be much appreciated. Pleasecontact Sue Coakley on 01367 253306 oremail [email protected].

Sue Coakley



NEWS


Village and Community Agents tomerge with Social PrescribingThe Village and Community Agents scheme is combining withSocial Prescribing to become a new service called CommunityConnectors in October this year.

Village and Community agents have been working across the countyfor 11 years and helped thousands of older people and communitiesgain better access to services and information as well as providingsupport and assistance to those who need it most. Over the past fouryears, Social Prescribing has offered GP practices and other healthcareprofessionals a mechanism for referring patients who are in need ofalternatives to prescribed medicines and has worked closely withVillage and Community Agents. The schemes have evolvedtremendously over the years, building up networks of referral partnersand building vital knowledge about the areas in which they work.

Community Connectors will be accessible in each district ofGloucestershire with five providers delivering the new service.Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) will deliver theservice in the Cotswold District.

The new contracts for the Community Connectors will begin on1st October. Until then, the existing Village and Community Agentswill continue to take referrals from the breadth of partners that wework with and to make referrals for clients. GRCC will be workingwith the Village and Community Agents and with the other providersacross the county to ensure that the transfer of staff to their new rolesis as smooth as possible. We expect that the new providers willcommunicate their plans over the coming weeks and, from 1stOctober, we will publish the relevant contact details so that you canget in touch with the new providers direct.

Lynn Costello, Village Agent

Adapting your clothing, not your styleDressability is a local charity based in West Swindon whichprovides a clothing alteration and adaptation service for peoplewith physical and learning disabilities and the over 65s.

Getting dressed is something that most of us do automatically.However, for someone with a disability it can be a different story.When there is limited mobility, getting dressed and undressed can bea very painful and distressing experience as well as taking time out ofthe day.

Whatever physical challenges you face, Dressability can help tailoryour clothing so that getting dressed/undressed becomes an everydayroutine rather than a daily problem!

Dressability offers a home visiting service together with freecollection/delivery in Swindonand within a 25mile radius.

How to contact Dressability:01793 512878,[email protected],www.dressability.org.uk

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LOCAL HISTORY


NEWS


The Highworth branch of debt counselling charity,Christians Against Poverty, is taking on extra staffto bring more free help to those in need.

They cover more than justHighworth, stretching out toLechlade, Cricklade, Fairford,Faringdon, Watchfield, Shrivenham,Blunsdon and the villages between.The centre, which opened in 2014,has seen a steady growth in thenumber of people getting in touchas word has spread of CAP’suniquely in-depth, caring and face-to-face help.

From September, the centre basedat The Bridge in Sheep Street andrun by Highworth ChurchesTogether will be welcoming a newdebt coach to their team resulting inmore appointment slots for peoplesuffering from out-of-control debts.

Typically, most clients get in touch after personalrecommendation while others are referred by family

centres, housing associations and council offices. Theclients’ creditors are contacted by CAP, a workablebudget is set for the household and the charity

continues to give support andencouragement until each person isdebt free.

Centre Manager for the Highworthbranch Kathryn Ford said: ‘We’redelighted to be welcoming debtcoach Eoli Pieri onto the team. It’sgreat news for our local communitybecause we’ll be able to see andhelp more people.’

The most common cause of debt ispersistent low income, followed bya change in circumstance, forexample job loss, relationshipbreakdown, accident or illness inthe family.

For more about CAP seewww.capuk.org, pop into The Bridge or call Kathrynon 07885 579876. CAP’s booking service is on0800 328 0006.

Local debt counselling centre grows to cope with the need Fairford Heritage Open DayThe Dovecote atFairford proved a greatattraction at Fairford’sfirst Heritage Open Dayorganised by FairfordHistory Society on the9th September.

Over 80 people were ableto see the impressive1,196 pigeon holescontained in the walls ofthe Dovecote and theunusual central pillar.Visitors were also able tovisit the Estate Yard whichis all that remains of

Fairford Park Housedemolished in thelate1950s to make way forFarmor’s School. TheErnest Cook Trust Officesare in the yard and it waswith their permission thatboth sites were open tothe public.

At Fairford CommunityCentre there were displaysrecording other ‘lost’buildings in the town, suchas the Magistrate’s Courtand Police Station, thethree chapels and lostpubs. On view were itemscollected by FairfordHistory Society over the

years and examples of oral history and local archive film. St Mary’sChurch tours were led by Mike Godsall and Geoff Hawkes.

It was also the launch of Fairford Walkers are Welcome, which aimsto attract visitors to the town. Malcolm Cutler, Chair of FairfordWalkers are Welcome, presented the certificate of accreditation toMark Dudley, Deputy Mayor of Fairford. Over 30 people took part inthe Heritage Walk, led by Syd Flatman.

There was also a guided Tomb Trail around St Mary’s Churchyard ledby Chris Hobson who gave interesting backgrounds to some of thechurchyard’s inhabitants. A River Walk took place in the afternoon ledby Malcolm Cutler.

Contact Fairford History Society: 01285 711768,[email protected], www.fairfordhistory.org.uk

Story: Alison Hobson. Photos: Chris Hobson


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HOME AND GARDEN


More pleaseDuring the first autumn of mygravel garden I took out aSanguisorba that flopped andadded two Asters (nowSymphyotrichum) with smalllavender flowers. Growth has beenenormous, I now have troublewalking through, which was one ofmy aims.

I love the overall look and evenbeads of rain on seed heads are a delight but it’s too full andtoo small!

Recently a large fennel has been removed giving more access– another is growing in a border behind. An Aster that is now5ft and falling into a Miscanthus has been staked, not idealbut maybe next year after using up some of the nourishmentin the soil it will be smaller, if not I will dig it out.

Tinkering is one thing but a harder decision is whether toextend the gravel area; the sweep of grasses along the fencewould look lovely but the area contains hundreds ofsnowdrops and bluebells, a Laburnum, purple elder, honesty,roses and colourful perennials. Gorgeous in spring and greatfor early pollinators.

A dilemma indeed!

The few existing grasses have been swamped by a Geranium‘pastel clouds’ and an herbaceous Clematis.

I could try adding more grasses to one end, re-site theClematis, (a Miscanthus ‘morning light’ or two would lookgreat instead) prune the rose and move the grass furtherfrom the Geranium; any disturbed bulbs can be rehomed.

Would this compromise be an improvement or adisappointment without gravel?

Only one way to find out!

Garden clippings with Tina Owen

Miscanthus with yellow Cerinthe

Sanguisorba ‘pink brushes’Somewhere under the Rainbow



HOME AND GARDEN


Invasive species: Himalayan BalsamHimalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), invasive in manyparts of the Cotswolds, is now subject to strict controls.

An update to the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species has namedan additional nine plants and Himalayan Balsam is one. All plantspecies listed in the Regulation are subject to strict control measures.These include a ban on keeping, growing, cultivating, transporting,trading and releasing the species into the wider environment. Thesemeasures apply to individuals as well as to organisations andbusinesses.

The plant with its pink flowers and lance shaped leaves can be seengrowing in increasing numbers alongside our roads, rivers and fields.It is an attractive plant in its way and not unremarkable. When theseed pods are dry, they burst and shoot the seeds some distancefrom the parent plant. It is this that enables it to colonise an area soquickly. If a shoot is broken off, the plant quickly grows two shootsto replace the one. This vigour is why it is so invasive and where itgrows it is literally smothering all, but the toughest of our nativeplants.

Gardeners and landowners who already have the balsam (and any ofthe other species*) on their land are not at risk of prosecution forpossession as the Regulation is not retrospective. However, they willhave to meet the other requirements to ensure they control thespecies on their property and do not allow it to spread.

General guidance on non-native species: www.nonnativespecies.org

List of invasive species:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/list/index_en.htm

Alison Ward

Impatiens glandulifera.

Photo: Alex Thomas via Wikimedia Commons

Need help in the garden?

01285 719 445www.jimsmowing.co.uk

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CREATIVE ARTS


The Lechlade Art Society has just held its summerexhibition. This group was formed in 1986 bykeen and talented amateur artist Tom Askwith.Some are still members today and Ann Snow, oneof the founder members, is now President.

The Society prides itself on embracing the 21stcentury by updating its logo, using social media andhaving a splendid website with a gallery of members’work.

A particular aim of the Society is to encouragebeginners, and many classes have been arranged toteach and improve members’ skills in their chosenmedia. In addition, established members have hadthe opportunity to widen their skills base by tryingnew methods of working in new media or revisitingold techniques and processes.

Activities throughout the year include a variedprogramme of talks and demonstrations by invitedprofessional artists and speakers. The Art Society alsoencourages members to give talks and demonstrations in their own area of expertise and

such events are well supported by all. Workshops andannual trips in association with other societies arealso enjoyed by the members.

The Rt. Hon Lord Faringdon is Patron, a post he hasheld for several years. He has a keen interest in artand has let the society use his grounds for somefabulous outdoor painting sessions.

Unlike some art societies, there are no entryrequirements and no ‘hanging committee’ forexhibitions. The Lechlade group welcomes everyone,beginners and experts alike. It is a vibrant and veryfriendly society and its members meet to work onpersonal projects weekly as well as attending talksand demonstrations. Why not come along and findout more. Visit www.lechladeartsociety.co.uk

Story Margaret Hing. Photos: Lesley Jones

Art for all

New member Roger Jones at work and simultaneouslypromoting the summer exhibition


21

We have 10 ladies interested, but need more. If you’dlike to come along to watch or to have a go (it isn’tas strenuous as it looks!) please note the followingdates for practices for October and November 2017.

All will be on Mondays at 7.30pm in Kencot VillageHall and will be followed by a social drink at one ofthe local pubs!

2nd October, 16th October, 30th October,

6th November, 20th November.

Let Jay Matthews know if you’d like to come along:01367 860869, [email protected].

Arts in Lechlade autumn workshopsat the Trout:

Printing WorkshopCome and have a go atprinting with Brian Britton atthe Trout Inn on Sunday8th October at 10am. £10per person.

Combined Charities Christmas Craft FairThe annual combinedcharities Christmas fair willtake place on Saturday11th November, 9.30am to12.30pm. This year theevent will again take placein The Pavilion, Lechlade.

As always there will be agreat selection of stalls, withChristmas cards supportinga variety of local andnational charities, andseveral craft stalls with arange of interesting andunusual gifts.

There will also be fun andgames for all the family, plusrefreshments.

Entrance is free and tablehire is £5 per table. Pleasesee local notice boards forfurther details.

For enquiries or offers ofhelp/donations call ChristineGardner: 01367 252741.

Southrop photographiccollection and archivesOur collection of photographs will be on view inSouthrop Village Hall on 21st and 22nd Octoberfrom 10am until 4pm on both days. This collectionis based on the people who have lived in eachhouse pre-2000. It is also a record of the Schoolpupils and various events that have taken place inthe village over many years.

A booklet containing information about those men,recorded on the war memorial in our church, wholost their lives in the two World Wars will beavailable.

Margaret Davey, 01367 850347


CREATIVE ARTS


St Lawrence church serenade andsandwiches – Catherine White harp recital

The Church Restoration andMaintenance Appeal committeecontinue to work hard with need ofsome urgent rewiring to be carriedout in the building.

On Friday 13th October at 12 Noonin St Lawrence Church, internationalharpist, Catherine White will playFauré, Debussy and more. Catherinehas a wide-ranging career on bothsides of the Atlantic, performing inprestigious venues with the finestensembles under the direction offamous conductors including SirSimon Rattle and Sir Bernard Haitink.

She is Professor of Harp at the RoyalAcademy of Music, for which she was awarded an Honorary ARAM,and formerly led harp studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire, aswell as conducting master classes throughout the UK and abroad.She has released a solo CD, Bouquet for Harp. Afterwards she willjoin the audience for a light buffet lunch.

Generous donations will be sought for the recital after a sandwichlunch and drinks in aid of the Church Restoration andMaintenance Appeal. For more information contact Helen Joneson 01367 252402.

Story: Margaret Hing Photo: Luke White

Rags (Women’s) MorrisWe are starting up a Lechlade and District women’s Morris sidewhich will be tutored by an experienced Morris man from theAdderbury Morris team, with live music provided by membersof the Lechlade TATT (Tunes at the Trout) group.

Morris men in action at Highworth’s Mayday festivities

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COUNCILS


Fairford Town Council News

Forthcoming full council meeting: Tuesday 10th September at 7pm

Fairford Town Council Office, The Community Centre, High Street, Fairford GL7 4AF

Tel: 01285 713326 / 712344 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.fairfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Find us on Facebook. Search for Fairford Town Council. Opening times: 10am-1pm. Councillors’ contact details are available on website.

CHRISTMAS MARKET:

This year’s Christmas market will be takingplace on Friday 1st December. If you wouldlike a stall at the market, please contact theCouncil office.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR:

The Council can report that youths responsiblefor defacing public property were captured onCCTV and identified. The Police were informedand the individuals have consequently carriedout some community pay back work. We hopethat this serves to deter any further antisocialbehaviour.

ATM:

The ATM at Londis has been deliberatelyvandalised. CCTV has captured images of apotential culprit and this matter is now beingdealt with by the Police.

OVERHANGING TREES/SHRUBS:

Please ensure that you cut back overhangingshrubs/trees, which affect pavements andfootpaths, to enable people with mobilityissues, pushchairs etc., to walk safely andunobstructed.

TRANSPORT TO FAIRFORDWEDNESDAY MARKET:

Fairford Town Council has subsidised weeklytransport to the Fairford Wednesday Market tobring people in from the outlying villages toenjoy what Fairford has to offer.

This transport is available for a trial period only,so please use it or lose it. Details from theCouncil office.

THE NEXT MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL:

Tuesday 10th October 2017

NEW COUNCILLOR CO-OPTION:

We are pleased to announce thatAlick Kitchin was co-opted as amember of Council at its recentmeeting.

One co-opted Councillor Vacancies:We welcome and encourage

interest from any eligible elector who is consideringbecoming a Town Councilor. For further informationplease contact us on 01367 252338 or email:[email protected]

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR –COUNCILLOR STEVE TROTTER:

A very serious accident occurred on 7th Septemberand a female cyclist was badly injured. Policeenquiries are continuing and the Town Council CCTVcameras in the Market Place were of considerable useto them.

Over 20 residents attended the September Councilmeeting with concerns about HGVs and other trafficmatters. The Town Council is collating resident’sconcerns and will meet with GCC Highways and thePolice to discuss these matters in more detail.

The Town Council is seeking proposals from trafficconsultants to develop the work in the LechladeNeighbourhood Plan for the re-configuration of theMarket Place and other traffic calming proposals.

COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH (CSW):

Gloucestershire Police delivered a CSW trainingsession for five Lechlade residents who hadvolunteered to join the team. We will now beconducting Speed Watch sessions in bothDownington and Burford Street.

We are also identifying, with the Police, CSW areas

on St Johns Street/Faringdon Road.

The Town Council have received further interest fromnew volunteers and are liaising with GloucestershirePolice to arrange another training session. Trainingwill be held in Lechlade or at Cirencester Policestation (date and time tba) and lasts around an hour.If you are interested in volunteering for CSW, pleasecontact the Town Council Office for furtherinformation.

HALL ON SCHEDULE TO OPEN BY 1ST MAY 2018:

Good progress is being made by King Builders ofGloucester with the groundworks at the site ready forthe steel frame to be erected.

You will also have seen the excavations byFoundation Archaeology who are carrying outarchaeological works required by the PlanningConditions for the new building. The excavationshave been quite extensive and time consuming so webrought forward the excavation of the old skateparkto allow the archaeologists earlier access to this area.

Initial excavations on the new Skatepark site haverevealed evidence of Bronze and Iron Agesettlements. We hope to complete these excavationsshortly, ready for Gravity to build the new park.

BOOKINGS FOR THE NEW HALL

We have been really pleased with bookings for thenew hall especially from local groups. We have alsohad enquiries for new activities which is reallyencouraging.

Bookings can be made by [email protected]

NEXT FULL COUNCIL MEETING:

Monday 9th October and Monday 13thNovember, in The Pavilion at 7.30pm.

Forthcoming full council meetings: Monday 9th October & Monday 13th November at 7.30pm

Lechlade Town Council Office, New Memorial Hall,

Oak Street, Lechlade, GL7 3AY. Tel: 01367 252338

Email: [email protected] Website: www.lechladeonthames.co.uk

Councillors’ contact details are available on the website.

Lechlade Town Council News


RIPPLING YARNS


In this section we publish readers’ creative writing. The authors retain the copyright. Please addressrequests for publication in any form elsewhere via the Ripples editor. We welcome further poems andshort stories. No more than 2,000 words but we prefer shorter. Our address is on page 3.

William:

I raised a latch of a door in the wall

and immediately knew this was home.

The garden’s rosy superabundance

was a mille-fleurs embroidery stitching

raucous cawing of rooks from those high elms, the

swifts wheeling, doves’ cooing and blackbird song.

A mulberry tree was central. Pastel

hollyhocks nodded their welcome; strong men

scythed reeds and floated them down the river,

under the willow trees’ gray-green flickers.

Lead waterspouts were limply supported

from the mellow masonry and woodworm

pricked the panelling. I felt no sadness,

but a beauty born of melancholy.

Leaving my charcoal overcoat downstairs,

I inspected the quaint garrets where once

tillers and herdsmen slept under the eaves.

The sloping floorboards creaked under my feet.

I realised she had never loved me.

How could she? Women are all shape-changers.

This house is an E with its tongue cut out,

so it will never prattle its scandal.

Betrayal’s woven in its tapestries:

Samson with his eyes gouged out for his love.

Please, dear Janey, be happy… I cannot

paint you, but I love you – and now leave you.

Janey:

Some called it amitie amoureuse.

They dubbed me Guenevere, La Belle Iseult.

Once in this lost riverland, out of depth,

we drowned in our adulterous passion.

I heard carriages arriving at night,

so the cob’s harsh hooves had to be silenced

by leather shoes. I had no energy

when William was here, but took long walks

with Gabriel, who said our leaky punt

was not a poetic locomotion.

I keep my thoughts locked in my casket

in my bedroom. It was kind of Topsy

to bring me back that fine Icelandic smock.

Gabriel said it served his purposes well.

When they had Mouse* the babes were not tiresome,

but Jenny’s impairment grows every day.

Tomorrow someone must trim the dragon.

In the studio I hear faint crying

over a stillborn child. He took chloral,

alcohol and would stay awake till five.

What was I to do with his exhumed verse?

Sir Lancelot had welded us as one.

I suppose I never loved him at all.

Tonight I left a pansy in Blunt’s room.

I am past sobbing that he doesnot come.

* Mouse – the Morris

children’s pony

News from nowhere by Marion BondMarion was an English teacher and has won international poetry competitions.

This piece was inspired years ago by a visit to Kelmscott. Recently she has relocated to Lechlade.

Halcyon days by Bill FletcherBill Fletcher of South Cerney recalls pleasant hours spent observing the abundant wildlife in the gravel pits

now known as Cotswold Water Park.

It is my good fortune to live in the Cotswold Water Park,which covers a large area in south Gloucestershire andnorth Wiltshire and comprises some 120 lakes. Strictlyspeaking they are not lakes, in as much as they are notnatural features, but are the results of gravel extractionover almost a century.

When the gravel had been extracted, the naturally highwater table ensured that the holes would be filled withwater, and then Nature took over, as the gravel extractorsshowed little interest in serious landscaping once the gravelwas finished. With the passage of time the lakes acquiredan abundance of flora and fauna, the great majority ofwhich came in naturally, and now it is difficult, in manycases, to tell that the lakes are indeed man-made.

The lakes are used for a wide variety of aquatic activitiesincluding sailing, jet skiing, water skiing and fishing. But forme, the great interest is in bird watching, and the sheerpleasure of walking by water and seeing the flowers andbirds. Whenever I am out on my walks around the lakes Icarry a pair of binoculars. They may not be as powerful asa telescope but they are more versatile. Animals and birdshave not yet learned how to sit or stand still for the benefitof those who wish to watch them. So, for me, binocularsare preferred, requiring no setting up and very littleadjustment.

But my habit of carrying them prompts people to come upto me and ask if I am a birdwatcher. When I tell them Iam, many presume that I am not only able to recogniseevery British bird, but can also pinpoint their precisewhereabouts at any given time. Thus I am asked where aGreat Crested Grebe, a Tree Creeper, a Yellow Wagtail orwhatever can be seen. Except in a very general way, I amnearly always unable to help, having to point out that birdsare not biddable, and that the Water Park covers manysquare miles. In any case, sadly, not all ‘birdwatchers’ canbe trusted to take a disinterested view of our bird life,particularly in the case of birds of prey.

There was one memorable occasion when I was able tohelp. A friend asked if I could help him fulfil a long helddesire to see a kingfisher. Most people who see these, Ithink our most beautiful birds, do so by sheer chance, andare left with the impression of an orange-blue blur as theireyes struggle to keep up with the fast, arrow straight andlow flight across the water. An impression rather than aproper sighting.

It so happened that this was in the spring and I knew

where a pair of kingfishers were nesting. Not only that, butthe site was very convenient for being watched, as therewas some good cover near to the nest entrance. In additionthere was a tree root sticking out close to the nest hole,and on this the birds would land before entering thepassageway to the nest and sometimes before flying offabout their business after leaving the nest.

At that particular time they were also feeding young, whichmeant that they were turning up with small fish quitefrequently. Thus I was able to tell my friend that, if he couldstand still for about five minutes, l could guarantee him notonly a sighting, but a close up. Keeping still for five minutesis much easier said than done. He did keep still, however,and he did have a good look at not one, but twokingfishers, a male and female, the latter having a red baseto an otherwise black bill. But my reputation as abirdwatcher was enhanced.

I continued to watch the nest on a daily basis (one of thegreat perks of being retired) and have been grateful eversince that I did so. One day, when I focussed mybinoculars, I could not believe my eyes as there came intoview, not one, but five kingfishers. There they sat on thatconvenient perch!

It was obvious that the young had very recently left thenest. I was able to tell from the rough head plumage,darker colouring and white tipped bills that four of the fivewere juveniles, but that did nothing to lessen myexcitement. They were all kingfishers!

It was a scene of once in many lifetimes. The great majorityof people, even in the countryside, never see even onekingfisher, and yet here was I looking at five! But not forlong. I soon realised how lucky I was to have turned up atjust the right time as they took off and flew up into thefoliage. I knew they would not come back. The momenthad gone forever, but, more importantly, it had occurred.

My first, no my second thought, was of regret that I did nothave a camera with me, but I soon realised that it wouldhave needed a telephoto lens, and by the time I had set itup they would have been gone anyway. In any case I had apicture inside my head, which I knew would remain as longas I lived.

The tramp poet W.H.Davies wrote a poem about akingfisher, prosaically entitled The Kingfisher. He also wroteone called A Great Time, inspired by him seeing a rainbowand, at the same time hearing the sound of a cuckoo.

He concluded:

A rainbow and a cuckoo’s song

May never come together again;

May never come

This side the tomb.

I wonder what he would have written had he seen thosefive kingfishers, and wish I were capable of expressing myexperience in poetry. The conjunction of two quite commonoccurrences was, for the poet, inspiring. Such a conjunctionmust be quite common, but the chances of someone seeingit and remarking upon it are long indeed. Too often wetake the commonplace for granted.


VOLUNTEERING


As part of a CotswoldDistrict programmebeing undertaken withthe support of the SouthWest Ambulance ServiceFoundation Trust(SWASFT) and with thegenerous support of theGresham-Wells Trustees,Kempsford Parish nowhas three newCommunity PublicAccess Defibrillators(CPAD) distributedacross the Parish. Thiswill significantly improveaccess to theseimportant life-saving pieces of equipment across theParish which until now had only one, located at TheGeorge in Kempsford.

WHAT ARE THEY FOR?

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the longer theygo without emergency life-support, the harder it is torestart their heart. A defibrillator gives an electric shockto restart a patient’s heart. Access to a nearbydefibrillator will allow more people to get the life-savingshock as quickly as possible, giving them the bestchance of survival.

AWARENESS SESSIONS

Want to know what is in the box and how to use it?The first two PAD Awareness Sessions are:

Thursday 26th October:7.30pm at Whelford Village Hall

Saturday 28th October:11am at Kempsford Village Hall

The sessions are open to anyone locally who wants toattend, although it is hoped that local community

groups will make everyeffort to ensure they arerepresented.

WHERE ARE THEY?

Defibrillators, placed withindistinctive bright yellowboxes, are now located at:Dunfield Telephone Box,Kempsford Village Hall, TheGeorge, Kempsford andWhelford Village Hall.

WANT TO DO MORE?Community FirstResponders (CFR) aretrained volunteers who

support their local community by attending emergencycalls ahead of an Ambulance.

No previous medical training is needed. CFRs are anintegral part of the local Ambulance Service. Beforeappointment and issue of equipment, volunteers willneed to complete an enhanced Disclosure and BarringService check and will receive training, including a day“on-shift” with a crew.

The local group, which covers an area from Lechladethrough Fairford to Kempsford and the surroundingareas, meets monthly. Local CFRs are encouraged toattend these as part of their continuation training.Interested? Then find out more from: Stephen Andrewsat [email protected] or call/text 07795 915902.

IN AN EMERGENCY Dial 999 or 112If your call is deemed to be an appropriateemergency, you will be given the location of thenearest defibrillator and (if needed) the access codefor the box. Ambulance call-handling staff will alsoprovide additional support and instructions asappropriate.

New defibrillators in Kempsford Parish

Kempsford and Whelford based Members of the Fairford andLechlade Community First Responder Group, Stephen Andrewsand Teresa Griffin, check out the new defibrillators at Dunfield,

Kempsford Village Hall, and Whelford Village Hall



LEARNING


My library and other animals

There is always plenty for children to do in the summerholidays in Fairford and, this summer, Fairford Library onceagain hosted the Summer Reading Challenge. The theme forsummer 2017 was Animal Agents, who love solving mysterieswith the help of children aged 4-11 years. Who painted graffition the library wall? Why are things suddenly going missing?

To help the Animal Agents uncover the truth, children needed toread six library books or more over the holidays and collect specialstickers. Each time, they visited the library, they discovered newclues and evidence to help solve the mystery.

As well as the Summer Reading Challenge, there were other eventsto keep children amused during the long holidays, such as theSewing Bee, presenting children with the task of making a felt catshoulder bag. Maureen from the Blue Cross gave an interesting talkto children about caring for dogs whilst, at the craft events,youngsters were shown how to make and decorate a crown towear and also how to design and make greetings cards.

All the events were very well attended and Ingrid Morris fromFairford Library said: “We have gone over our target figure for thefirst time and are over the moon at the number of children thathave come along and been busy reading during the summerholidays.”

Story: Chris Roberts. Photo: Debbie Bull

George Bull showing his lovely lion greeting card


FOOD & DRINK


Japanese tourists love Bibury!

The 19th Century artist and craftsman, William Morris, who livedin nearby Kelmscott Manor, claimed that Bibury is ‘the mostbeautiful village in England’. And it seems that the Britishauthorities also agree with him because, since 2010, all UKpassports have an image of Arlington Row, Bibury featured onthe front inside cover.

Bibury is a quintessentially English village and has become verypopular with Japanese tourists in particular following a visit byEmperor Hirohito in 1921, when he became the first person fromthe Imperial family to step off Japanese soil.

Some years later, in 2002, an artist from Japan visited The CatherineWheel pub in Bibury and enjoyed the pub’s speciality dish of freshtrout from Bibury Trout Farm just down the road. He was soimpressed that he painted a picture of The Catherine Wheel, whichbecame a highly regarded piece of artwork in Japan. As a result ofthe painting and the artist’s subsequent fame, around 200 Japanesetourists each week came to sample the trout dinners served at the15th Century pub.

There is still a steady influx of Japanese tourists coming to Biburyevery week and village store owners have even picked up snippets ofthe Japanese language!

Story and photo: Chris Roberts

Quintessential English village of Bibury


This ‘Tasty Treats and Family Favourites’ recipebook began in Kempsford and now includesrecipes from families and friends in the Cotswoldvillage, from around Britain and across the world,embracing different cultures and ages. It is specialand unique with a story behind each recipe toraise money for St Mary’s Church, Kempsford.

The funds are needed to improve the church facilitiesfor those who use this wonderful building, includingimproving the sound system, buying a portablechildren’s notice board and contributing to the repairof the Bishops’ Chair, which was damaged after abreak-in. Around a £1,000 would cover some ofthese costs, but it is hoped to raise far more,especially as this cook book will appeal to so manypeople.

The idea for the recipe book came from Ann O’Harawho was looking for a fundraising idea that was a bitdifferent from the usual fete or coffee morning. Theaim was not only to involve the whole community,but also include recipes from different countries and

cultures to show that Kempsford embraced peoplefrom all over the world. With this in mind, childrenfrom Kempsford C of E school were also asked fortheir favourite recipes, as the school and the churchwork closely together to support the multi-culturalethos as part of the Christian values of the school.

Ann would like to thank everyone who sent in recipesfor tasty treats and family favourites. Sincere thanksalso to the thoughtful anonymous sponsor who paidfor the printing of the book; Mark Gray of Real PrintManagement for their advice and support and forreducing the printing costs; Vicki Weissman for herencouragement and publishing advice and kindlyoffering to host the launch event; Ruth Clarke whosupported Ann’s initial idea and Teresa Griffin whoadvertised the book in the Kempsford Newsletter.

The book costs £5 and can be obtained from theKempsford Thursday Luncheon Club or from RuthClarke at [email protected] or Ann O’Haraat [email protected].

Story and photo by Chris Roberts

Sixty diners supporting The British HeartFoundation recently enjoyed a delightful eveningmeal at the Trout Inn, Lechlade with lasagnefollowed by an equally delicious apple crumble.

The company was entertained by a tricky quiz tohelp the conversation flow, testing a very generalknowledge covering a wide range of subjects from

football to politics! The evening ended with a raffleof various goodies.

The committee is delighted to announce that £473profit was made from the event and thank Pennyand her team for their support.

Margaret Hing

Tasty treats and family favourites

Proud instigators of the Kempsford cook bookBack: Vicki Weissman, Andrew Doherty, Debra Bennett, Rev’d Lynn Hayler, Margaret Wolfenden,

Mrs McKenna and Steve Weissman. Front: Ann O’Hara, Mark Gray, Ruth Clarke and Lorraine Lewis

Luscious lasagne



BUSINESS


Fairford & Lechlade Business Club Newsby Chris Roberts 01285 712150 or email [email protected]

Facebook and Twitter

Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/FLBClub

Follow us on Twitter – @FLBClub

Visit us at www.flbc.org.uk.

Welcome to a new member

Anne Rogers of Anne Rogers Photography,Highworth

T: 07889 906457

E: [email protected]

W: www.annerogersphotography.co.uk

FLBClub’s next meetingThere is no meeting in October. Instead, the FLBClubwill be holding the official launch of the Fairford &Lechlade Business Club Business Awards 2018 atCotswold Hoburne, South Cerney GL7 5UQ onThursday 2nd November at 7.30pm. Do comealong for drinks and nibbles and hear all about whyyou should enter the Awards. The actual BusinessAwards Ceremony & Gala Dinner will be held onSaturday 27th January 2018.

Will this be the year that your hard work, skills andsuccesses are recognised?

Will you and your team be celebrating just how greatyour business is?

The only way to answer ‘yes’ to these questions is toenter the Awards!

You will be able to hear from previous winners andalso have the opportunity to chat to our SteeringGroup members over a drink to find out more abouthow to enter. Our Chair, Helen Webb, will be givinga presentation on the best way to complete the entryforms to show the judges what makes your businessso exceptional that it stands a really good chance of

winning one of the Awards.

For our Business Awards to be successful, we needsponsors. We are already receiving enquiries frompotential sponsors, but we will have more details onthe launch night of how you can promote yourbusiness through the sponsorship opportunitiesavailable.

To book your place at the Awards Launch, pleaseregister at www.flbc.org.uk/Events. Starts at 7.30pm,presentation at 8pm, networking from 9pm.

Working longer might be good for usNew research suggests people may benefit fromworking past retirement, especially office workers,teachers or skilled workers.

With the government recently saying the statepension age will now rise to 68 between 2037 and2039, it’s becoming increasingly important to look atthe impact of working into older age. Researchers inthe US have now suggested that some form of work– whether it be part time or self-employment – cankeep people mentally and physically healthier forlonger.

B&Q have long been a champion of older workers,praising their customer service skills and loyalty. Nowthey are joined by M&S, Sainsbury’s, Barclays andAviva, who all recognise that we may have a skillsshortage after Brexit and are actively targeting theolder age group. Not everyone takes it easy into oldage: President Trump is 71, Prime Minister TheresaMay is 60 and Jeremy Corbyn is 67.

Thanks to Club member, The HR Dept(www.hrdept.co.uk) for this article.

Tackling debt recover and late paymentLate payment remains one of the biggest problemsthat small businesses face and so the Federation ofSmall Businesses (FSB) has launched a new debt

management product for small businesses and theself-employed to help them avoid the effects latepayments can have. Users of the tool simply need toregister online, load the debtor information andamount owed and a solicitor’s letter will then be senton their behalf, giving a seven day deadline forreceipt of payment. This is another free benefit of FSBmembership and existing FSB members in this areahave already said that the service has helped them.

Flexible workingWorking from home can be a great perk. Althoughsometimes we can get distracted by the TV or the catwanting to be fed! Millions of YouTube viewers sawProfessor Robert Kelly’s distraction in the form of histwo young children who gate-crashed a live Skypeinterview on BBC News –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh4f9AYRCZY.This was hilarious for millions of viewers around theworld, but it highlights the challenges of flexibleworking.

Distractions aside, flexible working benefitsemployees with a better work-life balance, so thatthey have more time to spend with their families orundertake hobbies. Childcare costs may also bereduced as are fuel and car maintenance costs.

The advantages to businesses include being able tohold on to valuable staff, having a wider talent pool,reducing absenteeism, increasing commitment fromemployees and improving productivity.

Flexible working was brought into force in 2003, butit isn’t for everyone. However, 38% of home-workersbelieve they do their best work outside the office.The government is confident that flexible workingcan bring huge benefits to businesses as well asencouraging a more motivated and engagedworkforce. Time will tell!

What is the point?Some people have asked ‘why join the Fairford &Lechlade Business Club?’ Well, in addition tonumerous other benefits that the Club offers, thereare many member businesses that could provide theproduct or service that you require. You may need agraphic designer or a planning consultant; or aplumber or builder; maybe someone to give yousome business coaching. Whatever it is that youneed, why not make the Fairford & Lechlade BusinessClub members’ page on our website(www.flbc.org.uk) your first port of call to find thatproduct or service? Let’s help each other to prosperand grow!

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34 35

LETTERS


Christmas Day Lunch in FairfordAmanda and Mervyn Cully of Fairford write…

No one likes to think about Christmas yet, but the now well-established Christmas Lunch will again be held in theCommunity Centre on Christmas Day.

As a reminder, this is intended for individuals or couples in Fairford and surrounding villages who would otherwise findthemselves alone on Christmas Day. We will also be looking for volunteers to share in the organisation.

No rush to make a decision yet – we shall be taking bookings from November. This is just intended to let everyone knowthat the lunch will be taking place again and to ask you to think about friends and neighbours who might findthemselves alone at Christmas and would like to join us.

Contact: 01285 712700, [email protected]

Rethinking RemembranceA New Generation of the Armed Forces Community Needs your Support

The Royal British Legion asks the nation to Rethink Remembrance by recognising the sacrifices made not just by theArmed Forces of the past, but by today’s generations too.

WHAT IS THE POPPY APPEAL?

The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign held every year during the period ofRemembrance. The Poppy Factory employs disabled ex-Servicemen to create the iconic paper poppies for the appeal; itproduces millions of poppies each year. An army of volunteers distributes the poppies throughout the nation, collectingdonations in return to help support the vital work the Legion does. The paper poppy is worn as a symbol ofRemembrance: to remember the fallen Service men and women killed in conflict.

Last year Lechlade raised the magnificent sum of £6,377.97 to support today’s armed forces community. Please givegenerously when donating for your poppy this year.

Pat Magill, Lechlade Poppy Appeal Organiser: 07867 721946, [email protected] Royal British Legion: www.britishlegion.org.uk

Thank you for supporting our Lechlade shopTamsin Wymer of African Children’s Fund writes…

Having closed our shop in Lechlade in September after seven years of trading, African Children’s Fund would like to saya very big thank you to all the people who supported us so well during that time – as volunteers, customers and donors.You all helped make the shop a success and contributed towards the work we do helping poor children in Africa.

We still have shops in Faringdon, Witney and Grove which we hope you will continue to support and look forward toseeing you there. They all love to receive your unwanted items to sell and have new treasures every day to buy. Theywould all also welcome new volunteers, if you have a morning or afternoon each week to spare. Addresses andtelephone numbers for each of our shops are available on our website: www.africanchildrensfund.org/contact_us.

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

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PETS


A dog’s life withMollie CollieGOT A PET STORY?

Get in touch with Mollie Collie

at [email protected]

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Lock Hopper CollieNot to be confused with the rock hopper penguin

I learned the skill of supervising lock operating on some canalsand rivers this summer.

I had one close shave when I fell in. I made a rushed leap for thelock side and missed by a whisker. It was a bit scary as the river wasflowing quite fast and I damaged my dew claw as I slipped, but it isfine now. After that I took great care as I’m not too keen on gettinga soaking, although I discovered that I can swim quite well!

Does any other pet out there have a story: ‘What I did on myholidays’? It would be good to hear from you.

You Tube: https://youtu.be/5Rs7uZGaq-s

Story and photo: Mollie Collie


39

P R O F I L E


PETS


When you book yourholiday or have othercommitments awayfrom home, without adoubt you start tolook for the best andsafest temporaryhome for your dogand cat, whether for aday, a week or longer.

For peace of mind youneed to know they arein safe hands and willbe looked after withdedication, love andcare. You will find allthat at Fosse Dogotel

and Cattery South Cerney, who are celebrating with pride, their 40thanniversary this summer.

In 1977 Gordon and Biddy Evans bought a run-down kennelbusiness and set out on a lifelong project to rebuild, renovate anddevelop a viable business, in order to establish a superb modernfacility for dog and cat boarding. Gordon personally built new andrenovated several older kennel and cattery blocks to the higheststandard, giving the animals generous space for freedom andexercise in the day, as well as cosy night time accommodation.

As an animal loving teenager, and having gained knowledge andexperience in animal health and welfare through working at aveterinary practise, Gordon and Biddy’s daughter Allyson joined herparents in the business in the early 80s. Under the careful guidanceof her parents, Allyson learned fast, and helped to run, develop andgrow the business.

Following the death of her parents, Allyson, with the invaluable helpof her kennel manager Nicky, continues to run and continuallyimprove the business today. Fosse Dogotel and Cattery houses dogsand cats every day of the year, and other than bank holidays, areopen every day for delivery and collection. Individual dietaryrequirements or special needs such as medications or ongoingconditions can also be accommodated. The cattery provides at noadditional cost, heated beds when the nights are chilly. There is alsoa veterinary practice close by, on whom Allyson can call day or night,should the need arise.

Fosse Dogotel and Cattery for their peace of mind, welcomes ownerswho may wish to visit before committing their beloved pet to theircare, so as to have total confidence that their pet will be looked afterand nurtured to the highest standard.

To visit Fosse Dogotel and Cattery or book a stay for your dog and/orcat ring and speak to Allyson or a member of staff on 01285 860200between 9am-5pm (9am-4pm Saturday and 9am-12noon Sunday)or email [email protected]

ADVERTIS ING FEATURE

40 Year Celebration

Allyson Evans with her dogs Hackett and Digger

Meet Mike ReadPutting something back

It’s typical ofMike Read’shelpful nature.When asked ifhe would bewilling to be aRipples profilesubject, hedashed off afew hundredwords. Hethen agreedto answerquestions too!

Mike is very definitely a ‘glass half full – verging on3/4 full’ person with boundless enthusiasm for all hedoes. In recent years, he has been developing hispassion for photography and is the inspirationbehind a flourishing Lechlade Photography Groupwhich meets at the Riverside pub on 1st Mondayevenings. The group has a Facebook site and isincreasing its numbers daily!

Mike grew up in ‘not so affluent’ part of westLondon. He says: ‘My old school came to fame onthe publication of educational league tables in the80s; it came third … from bottom! Yes, as The Whowould say, “I was born with a plastic spoon in mymouth!” How I got my Doctorate still mystifies me,but it was in plastics. I specialised in glues, and wenton to work with contact lenses (a bit like glues) andink jet print heads (held together by glues) withsome interlude in forensics and electronics.’

During his student years Mike worked as a cleaner atthe local teaching hospital and took full advantage ofhis sports and social club membership which entitledhim entry to nurses’ discos and discovered over 200girls and very few men! ‘That is how I met mydarling Ruth. Three years later we were married,three years later Caroline was born, three years laterNick arrived – 1982, the same year I started my newresearch scientist job (glues), the year we moved toLechlade.’

He was bowled over by the contrast to living inLondon and fell in love with Lechlade and decided itwas the place to be! The three-year cycle seems tohave shaped Mike’s life, some chosen changes,others through circumstance. He has worked all overthe world, USA (three years), Australia, Singapore(three years), Cambridge (three years), Farnborough(three years) , Farnham (three years), Southampton,forensics (three years at Culham, Twickenham &

Liverpool), Cirencester (three years) and Swindon (12years but in four different roles). Which brings Miketo the next three years and he and Ruth are nowcommitted to working for the community and‘putting something back’.

They are a part of:

COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDING: They havetrained so that they are able to help others in needof emergency service. They help save lives. If thisinterests you, please give Mike a call on 07717134017.

LIONS INTERNATIONAL: This involves fund raisingfor local, national and international charities. He saysthere is a great local team that raises funds forbrilliant causes, including that fabulous new minibus.If you are interested in helping others in this way,then again contact Mike or go via the Lechlade Lionsweb page or Facebook page.

CHARITY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS: Using histraining skills he has written a series of workshopswhich have been used to raise funds for severalcharitiesincluding BritishHeart Foundationand LechladeMemorial HallFund. These areactive,informative andfun! If you areinterested, followthe LechladePhotographersFacebook page.

Mike fills his dayto the top of theglass! He canoften be seen outjogging withspaniel, Bonzo;can be found upa ladder hanging flags and Christmas trees and evenfinds time to sail at Bowmoor. He is still in love withthe town and says he always enjoys seeing StLawrence Church spire as he drives down Highworthhill!

‘Lechlade has been good to us and now we stronglybelieve in giving something back to our community.’

Margaret Hing

Photo: Ruth Read

Photo: Margaret Hing


SPORT


EVENTS


EVENTS notices are intended for local, not-for-profit, community organisations. A notice is typically20-30 words. We accept events up to 15th day of the next month. So, for example, notices inNovember edition extend to 15th December.

Email notices to [email protected] or write to Ripples (see page 3).

VARIOUS DAYSSaturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October: SOUTHROPPHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION AND ARCHIVES: 10am-4pm inSouthrop Village Hall

Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th October: WESTONBIRTCHARITIES FAIR & FESTIVAL: 10am-5pm at Westonbirt School,near Tetbury

Until 28th October: MARY LOBB, FROM CORNWALL TOKELMSCOTT: A LIFE REVEALED: Exhibition at Kelmscott Manor.Admission with Manor House ticket. Mary Lobb was thecompanion of 22 years to May Morris, the younger daughter ofWilliam Morris

CORINIUM MUSEUM, CIRENCESTER: 16th October - 30thOctober. ‘Autumn Insects’, Mini Exhibition by Cath HodsmanDetails at www.coriniummuseum.org

February (date to be confirmed): PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES: Bypopular demand Mike Read will be running a series ofphotography courses in the Pavilion. Whether you are juststarting or an experienced photographer these courses offersomething for everyone. Supporting Lechlade Memorial Hallrebuild

18th, 19th and 20th May: EXTRAVAGANZA WEEKEND: tocelebrate the opening of the new hall

SATURDAYSSaturday 1st October: SPONSORED WALK: 10am in CirencesterPark. to raise money for Jaundice Monitors for the CirencesterMidwifery team. This a family and dog friendly event andaccessible for the disabled. Info and registration viawww.facebook.com/CirencesterHospitalLOF

Saturday 7th October: SOUTHROP SCHOOL PTA JUMBLE SALE:In Southrop Village Hall. Doors open at 2-3.30pm. Refreshments,books, bric-a-brac, clothes, toys, raffle, cakes. Entrance 50p.Details from Kirstie Wilkins: 01367 253380

Saturday 7th October: QUIZ NIGHT: 7pm at St Joseph’s CollegeSwindon, SN3 3LR. £10 includes fish and chips or veggie alt.Supporting The Harbour Project at www.harbourproject.org.uk

Saturday 7th October: CONCERT: Fordante are performing‘From Puccini to the Movies and more...’ in Quenington VillageHall. Visit www.fordante.com

Saturday 14th October: NEARLY NEW SALE: 9-10.45am atBingham Hall, King Street, Cirencester. Supporting Cirencester &District NCT. Members early entry from 8.45am

Saturday 14th October: ELIJAH (Felix Mendelssohn): 7pm atGloucester Cathedral. Gloucester Choral Society with the BritishSinfonietta under the direction of Adrian Partington. Tickets £10to £25 at www.gloucesterchoral.com or the Box Office: 01452768928. Pre-concert talk on Friday 6th October at 7.30pm inThe Parliament Room, Gloucester Cathedral. Tickets £10

Saturday 14th October: QUIZ NIGHT - SUPPORTING SVH2015:Enter a team for this fun-filled Quiz Night with a bar and lightsupper. Details: www.southrop.org.uk/12/VH-Programme-of-Events.html

Saturday 14th October: THE WESSEX MALE CHOIR: Concert at

7.30pm in St Lawrence’s Church, Lechlade to support thefundraising for the Memorial Hall. Tickets from Lechlade PostOffice cost £15 for adults, £5 for children under 16 and includesa glass of wine or soft drink

Saturday 14th October: MIND OVER MUSIC: Fairford’s A Splashof Red will perform ‘As long as I have music’ at 7.30pm in AllSaints Church, Down Ampney. Also the Torridge Male VoiceChoir from Devon. Raising funds for Mindsong. Tickets cost£7.50 to include wine/soft drink available from Down AmpneyVillage Shop, 7a Coffee Shop and Fairford Post Office [email protected]

Saturday 14th October: MEYSEY HAMPTON CONCERT: TheOpera Dudes - O What a Beautiful Evening. Il Divo meetsMorecambe and Wise! At 7.30pm in Meysey Hampton VillageHall. Part of Arts in rural Glos season. Tickets £11 from DudleyRussell: 01285 644622, [email protected]

Saturday 14th October: HIGHWORTH CHORAL SOCIETY: Come& Sing Day at Highworth Methodist Church. Aesop’s Fables byBob Chilcott and Marlborough Canticles by Howard Goodall,under the direction of Jacki Pattenden. Registration 11am,rehearsal 11.30. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee andcakes will be provided. Finally Informal Performance for familyand friends at 6pm. Details from Pauline Baker, 07790 397571,[email protected]

Saturday 21st October: APPLE DAY: in Quenington Village Hall.Remember to save seeds for seed swap. Start to save largecontainers for your squeezed apple juice!

Saturday 21st October: ‘GRAFFITI - IS IT STREET ART?’ anillustrated talk by Doug Gillen at The Barn Theatre, The Beeches,Cirencester at 2.30pm. £7 on the door. A pop-up lecture by TheArts Society Corinium. www.coriniumdfas.org.uk

Saturday 28th October: CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING FAIR:10am-12 noon at the Community Centre, Fairford. Supportingthe Cirencester fundraising group for Guide Dogs for the Blind.Donations and help welcome via Tracey: 01285 750676

Saturday 28th October: AN EVENING WITH ANDY POWELL: Afundraiser in aid of Fairford Rugby Football Club

Saturday 4th November: UPPER THAMES AND RIDGEWAYNATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION: 2.30pm at Baptist ChurchComplex, Chesterton Lane, Cirencester GL7 1YE. ‘Gertrude Bellin Iraq’ (founding or Iraq in early 20th Century) with Jan Long,followed by AGM. Visitors £3, members £2. Bill Osborne:[email protected]

Saturday 11th November: COMBINED CHARITIES CHRISTMASCRAFT FAIR: 9.30am-12.30pm in The Pavilion, Lechlade.Entrance is free and table hire is £5. Enquiries or offers ofhelp/donations call Christine Gardner: 01367 252741

Saturday 25th November: KELMSCOTT CHRISTMAS CRAFTFAIR: 10am-4pm at Morris Memorial Hall. Freeadmission/parking. Refreshments. Supports Morris MemorialHall. Enquiries: 01285 712122 or 07814 666939.

Saturday 1st December: CHRISTMAS FAYRE AND NARNIA’SGROTTO: 4-8pm in Filkins Village Hall. Home-made sweets,Christmas wreaths and more. Mulled wine, mince pies. Specialappearance of White Witch and maybe Aslan. Tables £10.

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Eight members of the FairfordRetained Fire Service took to thewater on Saturday 2nd September toswim down the River Thames fromCricklade to Lechlade to raise moneyfor the Lechlade Memorial Hall.

The weather conditions were nearperfect with no wind, no rain, not toohot and not too cold. However, the riverconditions were not so kind to the eightmen: Ben Brooks, Simon Cribley, DaveFreebury, Kevin Hicks, Lea James,Anthony Little, Ian Newton and IanWright.

The first team of four set off fromCricklade for Hannington, but foundthat the water level was very shallowand there was lots of debris, weeds,fallen trees and even a dead sheep in the river makingswimming near impossible. The men waded most of theway to Hannington and then handed over to the secondteam of four, who were able to swim for the second andfinal leg of the journey. However, even this was more

difficult than expected as there was nocurrent in the water to help push themen along. Having originally expectedto finish the swimathon by 1pm, theexhausted firefighters eventually got toLechlade’s Halfpenny Bridge at 5.30pm.

‘It was far more arduous than weexpected’ said Simon Cribley. ‘But itwas great seeing family and friendswaiting on Halfpenny Bridge towelcome us back.’

The Fairford Retained Firefighters wouldlike to thank Glos Fire & Rescue fortheir support and for allowing the useof the rescue sled, wet suits and otherequipment.

It is not too late to support thisworthwhile cause, so please donate

what you can – every penny helps:www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/crickladetolechlade

Story: Chris Roberts.Photo: by Fairford Retained Fire Service

Fairford’s ‘finest’ swim for it


EVENTS

42 www.r ipplesmag.co.uk 43www.r ipplesmag.co.uk

enjoy our music so if you’d like to learn more, please get intouch with Peter: 01367 253200

4th Mondays: HIGHWORTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 7.30pm atUnited Reformed Church, High Street, HighworthMonday 30th October: The Motor Trade 1950-1980 by AlanNix. Stories of the family business: motoring before motorways,seat belts, hydraulic brakes and MOT tests, petrol rationing andthe 3-day week.

TUESDAYSTuesday 3rd October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY’S PAINTINGAFTERNOON: Understanding Trees at 1.30pm in FairfordCommunity Centre. Cost: £3.50 per session. Visitors welcome

LITTLE LAMBS BABY & TODDLER GROUP: 10-11.30am (term-time) at Fairford Community Centre. Friendly group - allwelcome. Arts & crafts, singing, stories & baby corner. First visitis free, £1.50 per family each visit after, with refreshments foradults and children included. Contact Julie: 07710 604143 [email protected]. Having a party? Children’stables and chairs available for hire for £10, all proceeds to LittleLambs. Contact as above

YOGA FOR ALL: 10-11.30am in the Fairford Community Centre.Contact Becky Barry: 07816 289034, [email protected]

LECHLADE TUESDAY CLUB: (in term time) 10.30am-3pm. Formore details please contact Sylvia Dennish: 01367 252477

BROWNIES: 6-7.30pm (term time) in Kempsford Village Hall.Lots of fun activities & crafts for girls aged 7-10. Contact: 01285810730

ADVENTURE PLUS ADVENTURE CLUB (for ages 8 & over):6-7.30pm, term time only, at Windmill Farm, Clanfield, OX182SN. Archery, climbing, fencing, circus skills and more. Firstsession free, then £5. email: [email protected],www.adventureplus.org.uk/adventureclub

TS RALEIGH: 7-9pm at Fairford Fire Station. For girls and boysaged 8-18 years. Contact Jaime Hughes: 07780 827987, [email protected]

FAIRFORD BRIDGE CLUB: 7.15 for 7.30pm in FairfordCommunity Centre. Bridge players required, newcomers andvisitors welcome. Contact Phil Hardy: 01285 850563

CORINIUM BADMINTON CLUB: 8-10pm at Cotswold Leisure,Cirencester. Need Men and Ladies for Swindon Division 2 & 3,Men’s & Mixed teams. Contact Trevor Dukes: 01285 659785

ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES - Grand Lodgeof England: Tuesdays - VWH Pelican Lodge No 8849 meets atWelford Club; Members past, present and future welcome.Contact Andrew Bartlett: 01285 750746

1st Tuesdays: FAIRFORD AND DISTRICT UNIVERSITY OF THETHIRD AGE (U3A): 2.30pm in the Palmer Hall. Membershipsecretary, Sue Jonson: 01285 713756, [email protected] 3rd October: Andrew Cutler cookery demo with sausagemachine

Tuesday 10th October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY’S PAINTINGAFTERNOON: Understanding Trees at 1.30pm in FairfordCommunity Centre. Cost: £3.50 per session. Visitors welcome

1st Tuesdays: KNIT AND NATTER GROUP: a free group forpeople of all ages and all abilities, who want to do some knittingor crocheting and have a chat with old and new friends. From2.30-4.30pm in Fairford Library. Tea and coffee. Childrenwelcome. Just turn up or phone Ann: 01285 712560

1st Tuesdays: LECHLADE WI: 7pm in the Baptist Chapel.

Contact Dorothy: 01367 252362 and Twitter @LechladeWI

2nd Tuesdays: POULTON WI: 7.30pm at Poulton Village Hall.Visitors welcome. Information from Elinor Davies: 01285 851218Tuesday 10th October: Gordon Lee will be telling us about hislife as an airline pilot.

2nd Tuesdays: TATT (Tunes at the Trout): 8pm in the Creel Bar,Trout Inn, Lechlade. Join us for good fun and relaxing folk musicsessions. You need to play an instrument and read a bit of music.Or come and just listen! Free admission. Contact Ian Andrews:[email protected]

3rd Tuesdays: ROYAL BRITISH LEGION FAIRFORD BRANCH:7.30pm at The Bull Hotel. New and old members will be mademost welcome. Contact Evelyn Webb-Carter: 01285 713315,[email protected]

WEDNESDAYSROYAL AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY: Swindon Branch. Detailsfrom Colin Irvin: 07740 136609, [email protected] or visitwww.aerosociety.com. £20 membership, 16-18 freeaccompanied by an adult (also free)Wednesday 4th October: The Rosetta Mission - Landing on aCometWednesday 1st November: Pan Am 103 Lockerbie AccidentInvestigation

Wednesday 4th October: ‘EDWARD VI, THE BOY KING’: 2:30pm at Highworth Recreation Centre, Highworth, SN6 7DD. TheSpeaker is Dr Siobhan Clarke for the Upper Thames andRidgeway National Trust Association. £2 for members and £3 forvisitors. Details: Bill Osborne [email protected]

Wednesday 11th October: LECHLADE ART SOCIETY: Talk by ArtHistorian, Juliette Hestewood from 2-4pm. Free to members, £4non-members. Details from Ann March: 07786 242283,[email protected]

Wednesday 25th October: ‘PSYCHOLOGY OF A CITY- THEARCHAEOLOGY OF ST. PETERSBURG’ an illustrated talk by DrRosamund Bartlett at the Baptist Church, Chesterton LaneCirencester. 7.30pm Free parking and refreshments Visitorswelcome £5. for more information about The Arts SocietyCorinium visit www.coriniumdfas.org.uk

FAIRFORD OUTDOOR MARKET: 8am-4pm. A wide variety ofproducts for sale. For stall rental, contact Andrew: 07977457724, [email protected]

FAIRFORD COUNTRY MARKET: 8.30-11.30am in FairfordCommunity Centre. Home-baked goods, preserves andchutneys, vegetables, plants and craft items on sale.Refreshments available. Contact 01285 810168

THE FITNESS LEAGUE: in St Michael’s Church Hall, LechladeRoad, Highworth, every Wednesday morning at 9.30am. Justvisit or contact 01993 882350, [email protected] for moreinformation

SOUTHROP COMMUNITY SHOP AND POST OFFICE: 8.30am-11.30am at Southrop Village Hall. Groceries and local produce

BABY BOUNCE AND RHYME TIME: 10.30-11am in FairfordLibrary. Sing along, wiggle and jiggle, for babies up to 2 yearsand their grown ups

COFFEE MORNING: 10.30am at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road,Lechlade. Tel: 01367 253462

TODDLE ART: Wednesdays 10-10.45am in Poulton Village Hall.Bring your Toddler along and have fun with paints, playdough,colouring, printing, cutting and sticking. For more information

Proceeds to St Peter’s churches Broughton cum Filkins. DianeBlackett: 01367 860504

STORIES ON DEMAND: every week in Lechlade Library, from10am-1pm volunteers will read stories to children of all ages -just drop in with your children and stay as long as you like

BEANS COFFEE SHOP: Saturdays, 10am-12noon at LechladeBaptist Church. Chat, make friends and eat great cake! Everyonewelcome

PIXIE CANINE TRAINING CLUB: Saturdays, 10-11am in the CarPark at the top of Fairford High Street. Dogs and owners of allages can have fun and earn their Bronze, Silver and Gold KennelClub Awards. Contact Eileen Ferguson: 01285 711729

SATURDAY CLUB: 11.30am-12noon in Fairford Library. Comealong and listen to stories followed by an activity. For ages 4-11years

KELMSCOTT MANOR: (April to October) visit the house andgardens 11am-5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Tel: 01367 252486,www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

BINGO CLUB: 7pm at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road, Lechlade.Tel: 01367 253462

1st Saturdays: BOOKS, BICKIES & BEVERAGES: 10am-12noonin Poulton Village Hall. Come along for a chat over a coffee andhomemade biscuit and buy a second-hand book

2nd Saturdays: PALMER HALL DANCE CLUB FOR MODERNSEQUENCE DANCING: 7.30-11pm in the Palmer Hall, Fairford.Also Thursdays, 8-10pm (except for the Thursday before the 2ndSaturday of the month). Contact: [email protected] or visitwww.fairfordsequence.org.uk

3rd Saturdays: MAKING SPACE: (formerly Messy Space 2-4pmat Fairford Community Centre. Family crafts and coffee shop.Come and get creative or enjoy a bit of space! Charges are still£2 per child (max. £5 per family) with concessions available.Contact Maureen Partington: 01285 712480

SUNDAYSSunday 1st October: QUENINGTON CAR BOOT SALE: 11am onthe village green. Supporting local charities. Enquiries to Don:01285 750304

Sunday 3rd December: CRAFT FAYRE: 2-4pm Langford VillageHall GL7 3LW. Tables £5 in advance plus a small craft item forthe raffle. Light refreshments. Raffle. Enquiries to Chrissy: 01367860514

1st Sundays: JESUS AND ME CLUB: At 10am in St Mary’sChurch, Fairford. Stories, craft and fun

1st Sundays (April to October): COFFEE & CLASSICS: ClassicMotor Hub, Bibury. Classic motors and supercars. Free. Bookingessential: [email protected]

1st and 3rd Sundays: FARINGDON FOLLY: 11am-5pm Climb the100ft Tower and spend time finding the sculptures in thewoodland. Info at www.faringdonfolly.org.uk

2nd Sundays (except January): MESSY CHURCH: 4-6pm in StMary’s Church Fairford. Crafts, games, celebration and a cookedmeal for families. Please let us know of any dietary requirementsfor the meal, otherwise just turn up on the day. For furtherdetails, Sarah: 01285 712074 or [email protected]

3rd Sunday: LECHLADE COMMUNITY CINEMA: 7.30pm inLechlade Pavilion (adjacent to the site of the Memorial Hall).Enjoy the film, on the big 3m wide screen. Doors open at 7pmfor refreshments. Tickets cost £3. All proceeds will be used tosupport the project to rebuild the Memorial Hall. Reserve a seat:

01367 253633Sunday 15th October: Viceroy’s House (Cert 12A) starring HughBonneville and Gillian Anderson

MONDAYSMonday 23rd October: ‘PRE-HISTORIC AND ROMANCORINIUM’ an illustrated talk by James Harris of CoriniumMuseum. At the Salvation Army Hall. Thomas Street, Cirencesterat 7.30pm. Visitors welcome £3. For more information about theCirencester Civic Society visit www.ccsoc.org.uk

JOB CLUB: every week from 10am-12noon in Lechlade Library.Support for those seeking employment including job search, CVwriting and interview skills

TODDLER TIME: in term time 10.30-11am in Fairford Library.Too old for Baby Bounce and Rhyme time? Have fun with songs,rhymes and stories. For pre-school children aged approximately2 years - school age and their grown ups

QUENINGTON BABY AND TODDLER GROUP: 10-11.30am inQuenington Village Hall (Term-time only). Meet other localparents/carers and toddlers and have some fun at the same time!£1.50 per family includes drink and snack for children, tea orcoffee and biscuits for adults

FAIRFORD MONDAY WALKING GROUP: Mondays except BankHolidays, 10.30am, outside the Community Centre. We are asmall friendly group that never walks more than two miles andhas tea or coffee and a chat afterwards, cost 50p. Contact DavidLawrence: 01285 711702

BINGO CLUB: 2pm at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road, Lechlade.Tel: 01367 253462

FAIRFORD BRIDGE CLUB: Class for improvers, 2-4pm in FairfordCommunity Centre. Contact Margaret Bishop: 01285 238834

1st FAIRFORD CUBS: 6:30-8pm at the Fairford Scout Hut,Horcott Road (term time). For boys and girls aged 8-10½, allwelcome. Angie Wright: 01285 851685

SWINDON MALE VOICE CHOIR: rehearsals 7.30pm at NewCentury Club, Gorse Hill, Swindon SN2 8BU. Information atwww.swindonmalevoicechoir.co.uk

1st Mondays: LECHLADE BAPTIST CHURCH HOBBIES ANDHANDICRAFTS: 2-4pm in the church. There is no charge

1st Mondays: LECHLADE PHOTOGRAPHERS: 7.30pm atRiverside Pub. Visit Facebook ‘Lechlade photographers’. ContactMike Read: Mike Read: 01367 252023

2nd Mondays: LECHLADE BAPTIST CHURCH FILM CLUB: 2pmin the Church. Enjoy a film that reflects a Christian ethos incomfortable surroundings. There is no charge. For furtherinformation, please don’t hesitate to drop in at Beans coffeeshop on a Saturday, or email us [email protected] 9th October: Facing the Giants (2006: PG) starring AlexKendrick, Shannen Fields and Jason McLeod

3rd Mondays: LECHLADE HISTORY SOCIETY: 7.15pm for7.30pm in the Pavilion. Guests welcome £4. Contact MarianWinckles: 01367 252851 or visit www.lechladehistory.co.ukMonday 16th October: At the earlier time of 7pm for 7.15pm.AGM followed by Lechlade Past and Present - a dip into the LHSarchives.

Alternate Mondays: HA’PENNY BRIDGE SINGERS: We are asmall group of female close harmony singers with a repertoire ofunique arrangements of twentieth century classics. We meetalternate Monday evenings in the Lechlade area and arecurrently looking for new members. We have great fun and really


EVENTS


or to book a FREE TRIAL SESSION phone Rachel 01285 850304 oremail [email protected]

STORY TIME: every week at 11am in Lechlade Library. Songs,rhymes and stories for children of all ages and their grown ups

KELMSCOTT MANOR: (April to October) visit the house andgardens 11am-5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Tel: 01367 252486,www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

ATTACHMENT PARENTING SUPPORT GROUP: New for Fairfordand Lechlade. Weekly meetings held every Wednesday from12noon-2pm at 18 Prince Charles Road, Fairford, GL7 4JY.Details: www.facebook.com/lechladefairfordAP, 07903 578211

KELMSCOTT CRAFT FAIRS AND MORRIS MEMORIAL HALLEXHIBITION: 12 noon-5pm at Morris Memorial Hall, Kelmscott,GL7 3HG. Original, hand crafted goods for sale together with anexhibition depicting the history of the Arts & Crafts, Grade IIListed Hall. Free entry. Both events support the hall, a registeredcharity. Please visit www.morrismemorialhall.org.uk or telephone01285 712122

CRAFT CLUB: 2pm at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road, Lechlade.Tel: 01367 253462

FAIRFORD RAINBOWS: Wednesdays (in term time) 4.15-5.15pmin the Farmor Room of Fairford Community Centre. ContactLouise Vass: 01285 711626

FAIRFORD BROWNIES: Wednesdays (in term time), 5-6.30pm atFarmor’s School, Fairford. Contact Annette Stannard: 01285712529

ADVENTURE PLUS CANOE CLUB: 7pm from 24th June atWindmill Farm, High Street, Clanfield OX18 2SN. Kitting up thendrive to Thames. All levels welcome, equipment supplied, firstweek free. Contact: 01993 703308,[email protected]

BALLROOM AND LATIN AMERICAN DANCING: Learn to dancewith friendly, experienced teachers whose aim is to make dancingfun. Classes in Burford (Warwick Hall) on Tuesday evenings,Filkins village hall on Wednesday evenings, Wanborough onThursday evenings and Cricklade on Sunday afternoons. Privatelessons also available. Contact Simon Paul for more details.01367 253633 or go to www.thamesschoolofdancing.co.uk

ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES - Grand Lodgeof England: Wednesdays - Thames Lodge No 9233 and StAldwyn Lodge No 6723 meet at Southrop Village Hall. Memberspast, present and future welcome. Contact Andrew Bartlett:01285 750746

FAIRFORD & DISTRICT CHORAL SOCIETY: Rehearsals7.30-9.30pm in Fairford United Church, GL7 4BW. Contact LizBerry: 01793 721322

FAIRFORD U3A SCOTTISH REELS: Poulton Village Hall at 8pm.We meet monthly on the third Wednesday. We are a friendlyinformal group and we welcome all standards includingbeginners. For details, please contact Richard or Carol Thompson:01285 712123, [email protected]

CIRENCESTER SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB: 8pm at theBingham Hall, King Street, Cirencester. Contact Maurice:01666 860481, [email protected]

Wednesdays (fortnightly): LECHLADE AND DISTRICT PROBUSCLUB: 10.30am at the New Inn, Lechlade. Probus welcomesretired or semi-retired men for chat and then a talk. Info fromGlyn Worthington: 01285 713301

1st & 3rd Wednesdays during term: LITTLE LIGHTS PRAMSERVICE AND TODDLER PLAY: 1.45pm in St Lawrence Church

Lechlade. For pre-school children and their parents or carers.New babies very welcome. No charge ... just turn up! Enquiriesto Kathy Newton: 01367 252543

1st Wednesdays: FAIRFORD WI: 7.30pm in the Palmer Hall.Visitors (male or female) welcome. Contact Jean Moulden:01285 713308Wednesday 5th July: Garden Party, visit to Friars Court for aCelebration Cream Tea - by ticket onlyWednesday 2nd August: Ann Lowe talks about ‘My journey intextiles’

2nd Wednesdays: MOTHERS’ UNION... ‘Christian Concern forFamilies Worldwide’. Lechlade with Fairford branch: 2pm inthe Lechlade Baptist Church with speakers or discussions

2nd Wednesdays: LECHLADE GARDENING CLUB: See ‘Localclubs for gardeners’ in ‘Home and Garden’

2nd & 4th Wednesdays: COMMUNITY VOICES (no experiencenecessary): 7-8pm in Lechlade Baptist Church. Come and joinus. It’s good fun. £2. Contact [email protected]

3rd Wednesday: U3A FIVE RHYTHMS DANCE: 10am in PalmerHall, Fairford

3rd Wednesdays: PALMER HALL CINEMA: 3rd Wednesdays,7.30pm, doors open at 7pm. Details: 01285 713087,www.thepalmerhall.org

THURSDAYSThursday 5th October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY: At 7.30pm inFairford Community Centre. A working evening: ‘Critique’. Pleasebring along a painting. Visitors welcome £3. Contact Jill Skarda:01285 740496

Thursday 19th October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY’S PAINTINGAFTERNOON: Understanding Trees at 1.30pm in FairfordCommunity Centre. Cost: £3.50 per session. Visitors welcome

Thursday 26th October: FAIRFORD ART SOCIETY’S PAINTINGAFTERNOON: Understanding Trees at 1.30pm in FairfordCommunity Centre. Cost: £3.50 per session. Visitors welcome

Thursday 2nd November: TWO COURSE MEAL FOR £15:7.30pm at the New Inn. Tickets from the Lechlade Post Office.Supporting Lechlade Memorial Hall rebuild

LECHLADE COUNTRY MARKET: Thursdays, 8.30-11.30am in theChurch Cottage. Everything homemade. Contact Alex Wylie:01793 740620

AFTERNOON TEA: 2pm at St Birinus Court, Gassons Road,Lechlade. Tel: 01367 253462

1st LECHLADE CUBS: 5.30-7pm at Lechlade Pavilion. For boysand girls aged 8-10½. Call Ginette James: 01367 253841

PILATES CLASS FOR BEGINNERS: 6.10pm at Southrop VillageHall, GL73PB. Volunteer-run. £8 in the pot towards hall hire andqualified instructor. Class is free when there is an excess!Enquiries: 07773 080125, [email protected]

LECHLADE BRIDGE CLUB: 7.30pm in The Pavilion, Lechlade.Contact John Elsey: 01367 252983

CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY CHOIR: (term time) 7.30-9.30pmat Ashcroft Centre, Ashcroft Road, Cirencester GL7 1RA. Afriendly, relaxed group focussed on singing for health, wellbeing& fun! No experience needed & no music reading skills required.Pop, folk, gospel & world songs all taught by ear. Vicky Sweeney:07593 833943, www.ciren.singtastic.co.uk

LECHLADE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: in the SouthropVillage Hall from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome.


September to the end of May every year. Details from ShirleyJenkins: 01367 252623

LIDDINGTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING GROUP:7.45-10pm at Liddington Village Hall, Church Rd, Liddington.Contact Lynda: 01793 790821 or [email protected]

PALMER HALL DANCE CLUB FOR MODERN SEQUENCEDANCING: Thursdays, 8-10.30pm in the Palmer Hall, Fairfordexcept for the Thursday before the 2nd Saturday. On the 2ndSaturday of each month, meetings are 7.30-11pm. Contact:01285 712232 or 01285 657917 or visitwww.fairfordsequence.org.uk

ZEN MEDITIATION (Wild Goose Zen Sangha): 8-10pm onThursdays in St Lawrence Church Centre, Chesterton,Cirencester GL7 1UD. Zen meditation, taught by an authorisedZen teacher, is an opportunity to open to life itself, to appreciateyour life in silence and stillness, and this enables you to live it tothe full. Visit www.wildgoosesangha.org.uk and call Jeremy:07777 680845, [email protected]

1st Thursdays: MINI PRAISE: 1.45pm at St Mary’s Church,Fairford for pre-schoolers and their carers. A lovely free sessionwith stories, songs, crafts and snacks

2nd Thursdays: KEMPSFORD VILLAGE HALL MONTHLY CAFÉ:12noon-2pm. Homemade Soup & Rolls, Speciality Teas &Homemade Cakes. Enjoy a break in a relaxed environment. Allwelcome

2nd Thursdays: MINI FIXERS CLUB: 7.30pm at The Trout Inn,Lechlade. Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance (RPM) ofthis much loved, iconic motor car. Contact Rob: 07973 578884or www.minifixers.co.uk

2nd Thursdays: FAIRFORD GARDENERS CLUB: See ‘Local clubsfor gardeners’ in ‘Home and Garden’

3rd Thursdays: LIBRARY CLUB: 11am-12noon in Fairford Library.Are you unable to get to the library, but would like to come toborrow books and have a cuppa and a chat at the same time?Or do you know of someone who is unable to get out and aboutand would like this service? Transport with disabled facilities isprovided. If so, please contact us on 01285 712599

3rd Thursdays (except September): LECHLADE LADIES GROUP:2.30pm at Baptist Church, Sherborne Street, Lechlade. ContactVal Huxley: 01367 252018. New members always welcome

3rd Thursday, eight meetings a year: FAIRFORD HISTORYSOCIETY: 7.30pm in the Farmor Room at Fairford CommunityCentre. New members and visitors (£3) welcome. Contact AlisonHobson: 01285 711768, or Geoff Hawkes: 01285 712053,[email protected] 19th October: Nick Humphris talking about‘Archaeology of Chedworth Roman Villa’ at 7.30pm in theFarmor Room of Fairford Community Centre.

3rd Thursdays: MEYSEY HAMPTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE:7.30pm in the New Memorial Hall. New members welcome.Contact Marion 01285 850280

3rd Thursdays: THE COTSWOLD OIL ENGINE ANDPRESERVATION SOCIETY: 7.45 for 8pm (except June - Augustwhen we attend events where we show our restored machinery)at Quenington Village Hall. GL7 5BS. Contact Doug Newton:01285 713688 and visit www.cotswoldoilengine.co.uk

FRIDAYSFriday 13th October: HARP RECITAL: 12noon in St LawrenceChurch, Lechlade. Catherine White will play Faure and Debussyamong others. Recital, lunch & drinks free, donations sought for

Church Appeal. More info at: www.stlawrencelechlade.org.uk

Friday 13th October: THE UNSUNG ROOTS: Traditionalbluegrass and folk music performed by folk duo, Seth Bye andKatie Griffin. 7.30pm at Kempsford Village Hall. Doors open7pm. Bar. Tickets £9 from Joy Cross: 01285 810439

Saturday 14th October: JUMBLE SALE: 2pm at Langford VillageHall. Good quality items, bric-a-brac, handbags, shoes, nearlynew, cakes. No VHS tapes. Raffle. Light refreshments. Free entry.Hall open 6-7pm Friday 13th October to accept goods. Proceeds50/50 Langford Village Hall and St Matthew’s Church, Langford.Contact Doreen: 01367 860060 or Janet: 01367 860509.

Friday 3rd November: THE COLDITZ STORY: 6.30 for 7pm atFairford Community Centre. Piers Storie-Pugh will tell the storythrough the lens of his father, Peter. Tickets £10 (incl wine) from7a Coffee Shop or [email protected]

LECHLADE JOLLYTOTS: 10-11.30 in the Pavilion. Mums, Dads,Grandparents and carers come along to our fun and informalsessions. From bumps to pre-school, £1 per family the (firstsession is free), tea/coffee for the adults Juice for the children.Contact Steph Williams: 07500 908245

FAIRFORD TINY TOTS BABY AND TODDLER GROUP meetsduring term time at the United Church Hall, Milton Street,Fairford. 10-11.30am. Baby and toddler activities, toys, crafts,painting, playdough, singing. Refreshments. Come and chat andmake new friends. £1 per family, first visit free! Contact VictoriaCampbell: 07796 303089, [email protected]

ARMCHAIR AEROBICS & QUIZ: 2pm at St Birinus Court,Gassons Road, Lechlade. Tel: 01367 253462

CIRENCESTER (Brass) BAND: The Band Room, Bingham House,Dyer Street, Cirencester. 7pm Training Band for beginners and8pm for Main Band. Free loan of instruments and tuition. IanHartnell: 01285 656662

1st LECHLADE SCOUTS: 7-9pm every Friday at LechladePavilion. For boys and girls aged 10-14 years. Call Simon Black01367 252876

1st FAIRFORD SCOUTS: Fridays 7.30-9.30pm at the Scout Hutin Fairford. Boys and girls 10-14 welcome. Call Geoff McKay:01285 713981

1st Fridays: FAIRFORD YOUNG AT HEART MEMORY CLUB:10.30am-2.30pm in the community lounge at Beaumoor Place,East End, Fairford GL7 4BH. This is a free friendly club for anyonewith memory difficulties and their friends, families and carers.Lunch £3.50 booked in advance and carer respite serviceavailable. Details from Kelly: 07707 787580 or email:[email protected]

1st Fridays: THE CONTACT GROUP: 12.30-2.30pm at theUnited Church, Milton Street, Fairford. Meet friends old and newover tea/coffee and light refreshments

2nd & last Fridays (be careful of months with 5 Fridays!):RIVERFOLK ACOUSTIC: 8pm in the Creel bar at the Trout Inn,Lechlade. All players and listeners welcome. £2. [email protected]

4th Fridays: LECHLADE YOUNG AT HEART MEMORY CLUB:10am-2pm at St Birinus Court, Lechlade GL7 3BU. Lunch & carerRespite available - please call for details. Call Kelly: 07707787580 or email: [email protected]

4th Fridays: HIGHWORTH COMMUNITY CINEMA: 7.45pm inSt Michael’s Hall, Lechlade Road, SN6 7HQ on the fourth Fridayof each month from September to April (except December).Details at www.highworthfilms.org.uk



LAW AND ORDER

CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555111

DOCTORS

HILLARY COTTAGE SURGERY 01285 712377

LECHLADE MEDICAL CENTRE 01367 252264

HOSPITALS

CHELTENHAM GENERAL HOSPITAL 03004 222 222

CIRENCESTER HOSPITAL 0300 421 6200

FAIRFORD HOSPITAL 0300 421 6470

GLOUCESTER ROYAL HOSPITAL 0300 422 2222

GREAT WESTERN HOSPITAL 01793 604020

JOHN RADCLIFFE OXFORD HOSPITAL 0300 304 7777

SOCIAL SERVICES

CITIZENS ADVICE (COTSWOLDS) 0808 800 0511

CITIZENS ADVICE (SWINDON) 0844 488 4114

TRADING STANDARDS

GLOUCESTERSHIRE TRADING

STANDARDS 01452 426201

COLLEGES

CIRENCESTER COLLEGE 01285 640994

HARTPURY COLLEGE 01452 702132

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 01285 652531

PRE-SCHOOLS

BROADSHIRES PRE-SCHOOL 01367 860729

DOWN AMPNEY PRE-SCHOOL 07706 726865

FAIRFORD PRE-SCHOOL 01285 713176

FILKINS NURSERY 01285 860594

FLYING START NURSERY SCHOOL 01285 711711

KEMPSFORD PRE-SCHOOL 01285 811000

LECHLADE LITTLE LEARNERS 01367 250278

MANOR FARM NURSERY 07760 788081

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

DOWN AMPNEY PRIMARY 01793 750294

FAIRFORD PRIMARY 01285 712543

HATHEROP CASTLE (PRIVATE) 01285 750206

HATHEROP PRIMARY 01285 750318

KEMPSFORD PRIMARY 01285 810367

SOUTHROP PRIMARY 01367 850246

ST CHRISTOPHER’S, LANGFORD 01367 860318

ST LAWRENCE, LECHLADE 01367 252356

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

BURFORD SCHOOL 01993 823303

COLN HOUSE SCHOOL 01285 712308

FARMOR’S SCHOOL 01285 712302

RECREATION

COTSWOLD LEISURE CENTRE,

CIRENCESTER 01285 654057

FAIRFORD SPORTS CENTRE 01285 713786

FARINGDON LEISURE CENTRE 01367 241755

HIGHWORTH REC 01793 762602

COUNCILS

COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL 01285 623000

FAIRFORD TOWN COUNCIL 01285 712344

GLOUCESTERSHIRE CC 01452 425000

LECHLADE TOWN COUNCIL 01367 252338

HIGHWAYS,& STREET LIGHTING 08000 514514

PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY 01452 425577

LIBRARIES

FAIRFORD LIBRARY 01285 712599

HIGHWORTH LIBRARY 01793 463500

LECHLADE LIBRARY 01367 252631

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

COMMUNITY BUS 01285 713852

FIRST GREAT WESTERN 0845 748 4950

MEGA BUS 0900 160 0900

NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES 0845 748 4950

STAGECOACH

NATIONAL TRAVELINE 0871 200 2233

VILLAGE HALLS

DOWN AMPNEY 01793 751429

FAIRFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE 01285 711571

KELMSCOTT VILLAGE HALL 01367 252403

KEMPSFORD VILLAGE HALL 01285 810478

KENCOTT VILLAGE HALL 01367 860516

LANGFORD VILLAGE HALL 01367 860509

LECHLADE MEMORIAL HALL 01367 253325

MARSTON MEYSEY 01285 810615

MEYSEY HAMPTON 01285 851084

PALMER HALL, FAIRFORD 01285 712189

POULTON VILLAGE HALL 01285 850217

QUENINGTON VILLAGE HALL 07531 879094

Pol ice NON-EMERGENCY 101Medical NON-EMERGENCY 111Pol ice, F i re , Ambulance EMERGENCY 999Gas EMERGENCY 0800 111999Electr ic i ty EMERGENCY 08000 727282Water EMERGENCY 0845 920 0800Samaritans 0845 7909090

C O N T A C T N U M B E R S

We provide pre-bookable transport solutions for groups and individuals to all destinations.

There is a regular, pre-bookable bus service 72F – The Fairford Shopper into Cirencester every Thursdayfrom Fairford and Gloucestershire villages including; Ampney Crucis, Ampney St Mary, Ampney St Peter,Poulton, Meysey Hampton, Quenington, Fairford, Coln St Aldwyns, Hatherop, Sunhill, Whelford, Kempsfordand Lechlade. Concessionary bus passes are accepted on this service.

For monthly excursions within Gloucestershire see below – a minimum number of eight passengers isrequired for these excursions to go ahead. Seats are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Witney – 1st Friday – £12.50

Swindon Orbital & Central Swindon – 3rd Friday – £12.50

For groups or individuals wishing to travel further afield we are able to providequotes upon request.

For more information visit our website www.communityconnexions.org.uk.

To book a trip call 0345 680 5029 or email [email protected].

Community Connexions Transport


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