ON FRAGILITY AND STRENGTH

A child watches some eggs in a box under some bright light bulbs, she wriggles, bored and not understanding what she has been brought to watch.  One egg starts to crack from the inside and a strange toothy beak pokes through followed by a damp, scrawny, boney creature.  It seems so strong as it pushes its way out.  Under the warmth and light it dries into a cute, fluffy , yellow chick.  Its persistent and incessant cheeping makes it seem fragile and strangely smaller than its first bony appearance. Without warning the little cheeping yellow ball is placed in my cupped hands.  My feelings are bigger than I or the chick.  It needs something cheeping like that and I'm overwhelmed by a desire to help and to hurt as in my hands it feels so small and squashable.  I'm suddenly powerful, not a common experience for small children instead I say: ‘it's yucky ‘ and give the chick back to join the others as they hatch. Human lives too can display this tension between strength and fragility, between structural bone and fluff, between flesh and spirit.  Perhaps in our cupped hands we can learn to hold beauty and yuckiness together for ourselves and each other to build our resilience in the face of those moments of fragility and need

The Reverend Rachma Abbott, Priest in Charge, Woodhill Benefice.

The Vicarage, Clyffe Pypard, SWINDON, SN4 7PY. 01793 731134 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

4^th Nov  Bingo at Hilmarton

9^th Nov  Village coffee morning

13^th Nov            Remembrance Service

14^th Nov            Parish council meeting

16^th Nov            WI

16^th Nov            CAMEO in Hilmarton Church hall

18^th Nov            WI quiz night

19^th Nov            Moviola at Hilmarton

21^st Nov            BT CLPG meeting

23^rd Nov            Village coffee morning

25^th Nov            BT Social club AGM

26^th Nov            Gentlemen’s breakfast club

27^th Nov            Songs for Advent at Tockenham

29^th Nov            Hilmarton Gardening club

3^rd Dec  Christmas coffee morning

5^th Dec  Deadline for 4 new speed watch volunteers

13^th Dec            Last date for posting Scout post

15^th Dec            Village Carol Service

HARVEST SUPPER

Thank you to everyone who supported this event at the beginning of October.  Over £500 profit was made for Church funds.

CHURCHYARD TIDY UP

The churchyard is now looking so much better following the work morning in October. We are very grateful to all those who worked so hard to make the improvements.

 

BROAD TOWN GRAVEYARD

At the recent PCC meeting it was agreed that some of the graves in the old part of the graveyard - those before 1958 - should be levelled which will help reduce maintenance costs and give a far better overall appearance.

All standing headstones, surrounds, vases and gravel infill would be left alone.  All graves in the new rows would not be touched except to fill some of the sunken ones.  The PCC are confident that no graves below grass level would be disturbed.

These improvements are a requirement and responsibility of the PCC under new regulations which came into force from 1^st July 2016.

If anyone has any comments about this, please would you contact Ray Manley on 731564 by 30^th November 2016.

 

ROOF PROJECT

Applications have been made for two more grants and we hope we will be able to give an update next month.

 

RIDE AND STRIDE 2016

A huge thank you to Jim Gibney who cycled for Broad Town Church despite the awful weather.

He visited 11 churches and raised a magnificent £282.

Half of this money will come to Broad Town Church and is to be put in the Church Roof Fund.

Thanks to all the sponsors too.

 

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE AND COFFEE MORNING

The Church café will be open on 3^rd December for our usual Christmas coffee morning.  There will be refreshments, sales, raffle and other stalls.

The Christmas raffle tickets are now on sale and available from Church members and will be available on the day.  The main prizes this year are all hampers.  The raffle will be drawn about 11.30am during the coffee morning.

There will be a box outside the church for donations to the Food Bank.

We look forward to seeing you all there for a morning of fun and frivolity.

 

SWINDON & DISTRICT SCOUT CHRISTMAS POST 2016

This facility, which by law, is only for the delivery of Christmas Cards, is again being provided this year as in previous years.  The cost of the special stamp is still 30p (now self-adhesive).  They can be purchased in Royal Wootton Bassett from Bevirs, Solicitors, High Street; Haines & Smith, Opticians, High Street; News Plus, Gainsborough Avenue; Radway’s the Cobblers, The Arcade, High Street & Rootz, Hairdressers, Woodshaw.  The last date for posting mail into the Scout Post is TUESDAY 13^th DEC at 4:00pm and all items must be posted in the special green post boxes which can be found at Sainsbury’s, Borough Fields, Haines & Smith, Radway’s, News Plus & Rootz. Please DO NOT USE Scout Post stamps on cards posted through Royal Mail post boxes.  They are not valid and the receiver will have to pay a surcharge. 

The area covered for delivery of Scout Post is: -

Swindon, Badbury, Bishopstone, Blunsdon, Burderop, Chiseldon, Draycott Foliat, Elcombe, Hannington, Highworth, Hinton Parva, Hodson, Inglesham, Langton Park, Liddington, Overton, Red Barn, South Leaze, South Marston, Stanton Fitzwarren, Stratton St Margaret, Thorney Park, Wanborough, West Leaze, Wichelstowe, Wroughton, Royal Wootton Bassett, Purton, Lydiard Millicent, Greatfield, Greenhill, Hook, Broad Town, Bushton, Clyffe Pypard, Tockenham, Cricklade, Latton, Ashton Keynes, Broad Hinton, Berwick Bassett, Uffcott, Winterbourne Bassett, Winterbourne Monkton, Shrivenham, Watchfield, Bourton, Idstone, Ashbury, Kingston Winslow.

In addition, stamps are available from Clive Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett. Tel No. 01793 854200 cliveggreen@waitrose.com

 

BROAD TOWN WI

Last month Miranda Marsh came to talk to us about a visit to Mongolia where she worked as a volunteer for the Christina Nobel Children's Foundation for 2 months.  While she was there she lived in a Mongolian yurt (a ger) in an orphanage on the out skirts of Ulan Bator.  The children in the orphanage often arrive very traumatised by abuse, neglect and abandonment.  There is a serious drink problem in Mongolia which is often at the root of their problems.  Her role was to help the adults in the orphanage shake off the austere regime left behind by the Russians and learn to play and interact lovingly with the children to give them a sense of belonging and security.  Even in the few weeks she was there she was rewarded by seeing the children become happier and more relaxed.  She hopes to return next year to see how things have progressed.  It was an inspiring and moving talk.

Unfortunately our speaker for this month has just dropped out so we are having to find a replacement.  So at this stage we cannot tell you who that will be.

We are a friendly group and welcome new members.  Our meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month in the Village Hall.  If you are interested in visiting us please contact Kate on 01793 731536.  We are also on the Broad Town Village website and on Facebook.

 

 

BROAD TOWN WI QUIZ NIGHT

Broad Town Village hall, Friday 18^th November, 7.30pm, Maximum team size 6

£5 per person, including ploughman’s supper.

Contact Kate on 731536 to enter - £5 by 10^th Nov please to secure a place.

(Individuals may enter on their own and a team will be found for them on the night)

 

PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE

The results of the recent Parish Council Housing Survey will be announced at the next Parish Council meeting which will be held at 6.30pm at the Village Hall on the 14^th November 2016.  These results will be used to write a development policy as part of Broad Town’s chapter of the area Neighbourhood Plan.  Everyone is very welcome at the Parish Council meeting and questions may be put to the Parish Council at the beginning of the meeting.

The Parish Council is seeking opinions on the possible acquisition of a defibrillator to be funded by a grant from the Good Energy Fund and be available to all in the Parish. Your views on whether this is a good idea, where it can be kept, who will be responsible for its upkeep, will be most welcome.  Please contact our clerk Mrs Deborah Bourne at clerk.broadtown@gmail.com or speak to any of the Parish Councillors.

The Parish Council is updating the Parish Information Card which is distributed to all residents in the Parish.  If you would like your organisation’s details to be published on the card or would like to amend any information detailed on the present card then please contact our clerk Deborah Bourne clerk.broadtown@gmail.com or call her on 07801 440076.

Lastly, Wiltshire Council has suggested that, in order to limit speeding traffic on the road through the village, two built-out chicanes are constructed, one each at the North and South ends of the built area of the village. No precise locations have been defined and it is unclear as to whether these will need to be illuminated.  Again your views are sought on this and will be warmly received by Deborah Bourne clerk.broadtown@gmail.com or at the next Parish Council meeting.

 

COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS

Special thanks to everyone who supported the Macmillan Coffee Morning. Final amount raised will be in next newsletter.

The Coffee Mornings in November  will be at usual times on:

Wednesday 9^th November

Wednesday 23^rd November

To date we have been able to give £800 to the Church Roof Fund. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.

Look forward to seeing you.

 

BROAD TOWN COMMUNITY LED PLANNING (CLP) GROUP

We are sorry that we had to postpone our previous meeting, the new date for our next meeting is Monday 21^st November 7.30pm. to 9pm. at the Village Hall.  All residents are invited to join in.

We understand that there has been good progress in collating the results of the Parish Council Housing Survey and that they will be presented at the next Parish Council meeting on 14^th November, which residents may attend.  This is an important step in the process, as the outcome of the Survey is expected to contribute to the development policies to be included in the Broad Town chapter of the Area Neighbourhood Plan.

The NEW-V Area Steering Group, comprising of Broad Town, Tockenham and Clyffe Pypard parishes, is now working on drafting the overarching Neighbourhood Plan policies that will apply across the whole area.  These policies, once prepared, will be part of the next consultation document that will come out to residents, groups and businesses in all three parishes.  It is our aim to give everyone the opportunity to understand the purpose of the next consultation and to be able to raise any queries you have through our representation on the area group.  A website is being set up by the Area Steering Group that will contain information about the Neighbourhood Plan and we will let you know when it is available.

If you would like your voice to be heard please come along to the meeting; contact us if you would like to go on to our mailing list on broadtownclpg@gmail.com ; see our webpage on www.broad-town.co.uk or telephone 01793 731188 if you would like paper copies of information.

 

VOLUNTEERING SHORTFALL CRISIS IN BROAD TOWN

Recent church, Jubilee and WI initiatives have enjoyed healthy support because they were well organised by dedicated teams.  BUT with other popular Broad Town event struggling to find sufficient organisers to perform vital planning beforehand and behind-the-scenes necessities on the day, it’s likely that the following activities will cease to function in 2017 unless sufficient numbers of villagers commit to their preservation:

 

FOUR WAYS: YOUR COMMUNITY PUB in Broad Town Village Hall

EVERY FRIDAY BAR 8pm-late: everyone always welcome  •  BINGO EVERY SUNDAY – open 7.15pm; eyes down 8pm; last ball 9.45pm

Volunteers needed: 7+ • Commitment level: only 7 evening sessions per year, 3 hours per session. Nationally recognised training available to committed bar staff.

How to get involved: come along to Broad Town Social Club’s AGM – 8pm Friday 25^th November 2016

Contact: Trevor on 01793 731699 or email fourwaysbroadtown@gmail.com • ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown

 

BROAD TOWN SHOW/BIG GIG 2017

Volunteers needed: 8+ committee, 15+ helpers • Commitment level: very flexible depending on role – more responsibility equals greater fun…

How to get involved: January AGM date to be announced in December’s newsletter. We’ve raised over £14,000 for charity so far: let’s add to that!

Contact: Matt on 07704 317311 or email oscar.littlelad@gmail.com ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/TheBroadTownBigGig for the latest info

 

BROAD TOWN COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH – VERY LAST CHANCE!

Despite multiple newsletter appeals for volunteers, not one single villager has offered to assist with roadside sessions over the last eighteen months.

Volunteers needed: 6+ • Commitment required: half-day training at Police HQ, then 2+ non-consecutive hours per month at your convenience.

Without four new volunteers by Monday 5^th December 2016, Wiltshire Police will cease all speed-watch activity in the Broad Town area.

FACTS: Over 1,750 vehicles pass through Broad Town every day. At certain times, 60% of these vehicles exceed 40mph in the 30mph zone.

DANGER: Top speed recorded (outside school): 73mph   QUESTION: Why does everyone claim to care about speeding, but nobody want to participate?

Contact: Matt on 07704 317311 or email oscar.littlelad@gmail.com

 

WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA

The next film on Saturday 19^th November is Eddie the Eagle (PG) at7.30pm in Hilmarton Parish Church Hall.  Doors open at 7pm.  Tickets £6 from 27 Poynder Place 01249 760215 email MarkRickaby2 @gmail.com.  Or 34Church Road Hilmarton.

For more information call 01249 760312, hilmartonmoviola@hotmail.co.uk

Book a pre-cinema meal at The Duke 01249 760634

 

GENTLEMAN’S BREAKFAST CLUB

Saturday 26^th Nov 2016.  At St. Michael's Church Hall, Lyneham. 

Tea, coffee, cereals & toast available from 9am, full English breakfast at 9.30am

£7pp. + a raffle.  The speaker for this event is Eric Tombs and he will be talking about Optical Antiques.

Contact David May davemay104@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to attend.

 

 

 

 

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT & CRICKLADE COMMUNITY AREA

Hello!  November already – where has the year gone?  With winter clearly on the horizon, our thoughts turn to colder weather and how to keep warm.  Many health problems are triggered or worsened by cold weather:  dry skin and cold hands and feet are annoying, aching joints, colds and sore throats are almost expected, but serious, life threatening conditions such as asthma, norovirus and heart attacks are also exacerbated by the cold weather.  The advice, of course, is to wrap up warmly and keep the heating going at home, which can be expensive.  There is much that can be done to help with the costs of heating – switching supplier for electricity and gas or joining an oil purchasing consortium.  Prevention is better than cure, so could your home use better insulation?  For those who are really struggling with costs, small grants are available.  Get in touch if I can help with any of the above.

As ever, I am around for general help and support on a wide variety of issues including transport, mobility and safety around the home and reducing the feeling of loneliness.  Give me a call on 07557 922020 and leave a message.  I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Health and Wellbeing Champion, Ellen Blacker.  Tel: 07557 922020 or email ellen.blacker@wiltshire.gov.uk. 

 

DON’T LET YOUR OIL STORAGE COST YOU AND THE ENVIRONMENT......

Many people who rely on oil fired heating will be filling up their tanks at this time of year and it is especially important that in doing so they do not get more than they bargained for.  Unfortunately oil storage tanks and pipe work of all types does not last forever and will on rare occasions fail leading to a significant loss of oil.  Quite often this occurs at the time fresh oil is added due to a combination of a fragile aged tank structure and the weight of additional oil.  To reduce the likelihood of this, tanks and pipe work should be visually inspected regularly.  If you are unsure of their condition they can be tested by an oil heating specialist in order to avoid failure and an oil spill.  Whilst oil spills should be covered by buildings/home insurance they are time consuming and can lead to a loss of the use of a person’s home while works are undertaken to treat affected areas which can include the ground, watercourses and indoor air.  Where an oil leak is suspected the short term health effects of oil vapour entering a building such as sore eyes and throat can be avoided through immediate, thorough ventilation of the building in question.  Acting swiftly to contact insurers should enable an oil spill to be dealt with quickly as any delay in time inevitably allows the extent of oil lost to spread.  Your drinking water supplier must also be notified where a leak is suspected as drinking water may be affected and associated pipe work require replacement with a protected supply pipe.  Public Protection can visit premises to assess whether any indoor oil vapour impact is apparent as part of the initial stages of dealing with an oil spill; after which insurers and their consultants should lead on clean up and reinstatement.  If you have any queries please contact the Environmental Protection team, Wiltshire Council at: publicprotectionwest@wiltshire.gov.uk or by telephone on 01225 770411.

 

YOU DON’T HAVE TO STRUGGLE THIS WINTER

Having to choose between things like heating your home and putting food on the table is something many people take for granted, but sadly this is something that the Warm and Safe Wiltshire Advice Service come across regularly.  We want to help residents across Wiltshire to be warmer, safer and healthier in their homes this winter.  If you’re at all worried, get in touch with Warm and Safe Wiltshire to see how we can help.  Rachel Kent, Public Health Specialist explains “far too often, I come across residents who are struggling to make ends meet and will often save some money by not switching on the heating or letting other bills build up.  The Warm and Safe Wiltshire advice service is determined to give people the help and support they need to ensure food is on the table and they’re not worried about having the heating on when it’s cold.  There are some really great services available at the moment which could really help with keeping on top of bills and ensuring your home is warm, safe and comfortable this winter.”

Find out about:  The Warm Home Discount is £140 rebate on your electricity or gas bill and is offered to people with low incomes, in receipt of benefits, elderly or disabled or young children.  The eligibility criteria varies between supplier so check your eligibility with Warm and Safe Wiltshire and don’t delay as the discount is provided on a first come first served basis.

Would you be at risk if there was a power cut? Perhaps you use electricity for medical equipment or you’re not a steady on your feet as you once were.  If this is the case, Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) offer a free Priority Services Register that will ensure that your home is prioritised in the event of a power cut.  SSEN will also let you know about planned interruptions, advice on how to be prepared for a power cut, what to do if one happens and, if necessary, provide a cold weather crisis pack.  You can sign up to the PSR on our website: www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk/psr

Living in a cold home can be bad for your health.  Consistently low temperatures in your home may exacerbate existing health issues and make it harder for you to recover from illnesses.  Insulation and heating improvements are one of the best ways of making your home warmer as well as lowering your energy bills. In some cases, there is funding available to help you pay for the work.

Warm and Safe Wiltshire also can help with understanding your heating system and energy bills, switching energy suppliers and a comprehensive home fire safety check where eligible.  The service can also advise on possible benefit entitlement and available grants.  Energy advice can be given through home visits as well as over the phone.

If you’re worried about keeping your home warm and paying your bills this winter, contact Warm and Safe Wiltshire on 0300 003 4575 or email warmandsafe@wiltshire.gov.uk.

 

 

WANTED*WANTED*WANTED*WANTED*WANTED*WANTED

We are looking for a quiet, low key home for our two old horses as close to Clyffe Pypard as possible.  Both are retired and just require grass turn out with secure perimeter fencing and water supply for as much of the year as possible and a barn or shelter with somewhere to wander around a bit during the wet/winter months (but not individual stables).

If you can help, please phone or text Jackie Ellis on 01793 731547 or 07747798859

 

THE GUILD OF WILTSHIRE ARTISTS

Run workshops at the Village Hall on every first Friday and third Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm.  All are welcome including painters who are beginners. The cost is still £5 per person per session which includes tea/coffee and biscuits but do bring a packed lunch.  Help will be given to those who request it.

Contact Jim Dowton 850029 or Roy Davey 731154.

 

HATHA YOGA

Weekly Hatha Yoga.  For more details please contact Polly Fouracres by email - polly@4fouracres.com.