ON THE THRESHOLD DECEMBER 2017
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.”
These words from Minnie Louise Haskins 1875-1957 poem were used by George VI in his Christmas broadcast in 1939. To me this connection came through the film The King’s Speech. For some Christian communities and churches December holds a new year moment at its beginning as well as the end. This is because the year’s pattern of readings begins on the 3 December with Advent.
The Advent season is a threshold moment – as if we were standing at a doorway, expectant and curious about what might be on the other side for us to encounter. A period of waiting for a refreshed and deepened understanding of God which will be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus and is celebrated in the Christmas stories and school nativities and celebrations of Christmas with friends and families.
Each time I stand in a doorway and knock; or answer my own there is a moment when I wonder if joy or sorrow, peace or conflict are on the other side of the door.
The waiting of a police officer or a grandchild, of the delivery driver or the much wanted are all different. Each threshold moment of a new year or a new job can bring anxiety or adventure; one may wait with fear and trembling or with joyful excitement.
My hope at this season for us all is that whether we anticipate the unknown at the gate of the year with excitement or trepidation we will find the hand of God to lead us, in the hands of friends and neighbours and in the baby in his crib.
The Reverend Rachma Abbott Priest in Charge, Woodhill Benefice.
The Vicarage Clyffe Pypard, SWINDON SN4 7PY. 01793 731134
CHURCH ROOF PROJECT
We are delighted that the first stage of our project which was to replace the roof tiles on the north side of the church has been completed. We were only able to do this with generous donations from individuals and donations from the Community Coffee Morning Group. In addition a grant of £10,000 was received from The Hills Group Ltd. Through the Landfill Communities Fund administered for Hills by Community First, the Rural Community Council for Wiltshire. A further grant of £3,000 was received from Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust and we are very grateful to everyone who has
supported the Church with both money and their time raising funds.
We are now planning stages 2 and 3 which will be to carry out repairs to the floor areas damaged by water entering the building through the roof and carry out repairs to the walls also affected by water ingress.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
2nd Dec Christmas Coffee Morning
4th Dec BT School Christmas Fayre
8th Dec Bushton Christmas Fair
11th Dec Wootton Bassett Choral Society Christmas concert
12th Dec Last posting day for Scout post
13th Dec Community Coffee Morning
14th Dec Village Carol Service
15th Dec Village Carol Singing
20th Dec BT School Carol Service
School end of term
20th Dec WI Christmas Party
10th Jan Community Coffee Morning
12th Jan Big Gig AGM
17th Jan WI
20th Jan Hilmarton Moviola
24th Jan Community Coffee Morning
27th Jan ? Gents Breakfast Club
100 CLUB
First 100 Club Winners Drawn. We’re delighted to announce that the first two Prize Draws have taken place for the 100 Club Lottery Winners at the Community Coffee Mornings. The winners were delighted to receive their envelopes of cash and four more people signed up to be included in next month’s draw straightaway.
32 Numbers have now been sold, giving us a Total Prize Fund of £64 and a First Prize of £32. There is still time to join for next month’s draw so please contact Fiona Holness on fholness@btinternet.com or 07833 683444.
The next draw will be made at the Church Christmas Coffee Morning on Saturday 2nd December.
Temporary Closure of Road
Temporary Closure of Station Road (Part), Royal Wotton Bassett; for an area of approximately 20m x 15m between its junctions with Tanners Close and Glebe Road. This Order will come into operation on 4 December 2017 and it is anticipated that the closure will be required until 15 December 2017.
COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING
Date for December (just one coffee morning)
Wednesday 13th December - a Christmas themed coffee morning raising money for The Brighter Futures appeal for a radiotherapy unit in Swindon. Do come and help us to support this very worthwhile local appeal. The unit will make such a difference to the lives of cancer patients who currently must travel all the way to Oxford for radiotherapy.
All is back to normal in January - the second and fourth Wednesday each month
Wednesday 10th January 2018 & Wednesday 24th January
A huge thank you to everyone who has in any way supported the coffee mornings this year. We wish you all A HAPPY CHRISTMAS and look forward to seeing everyone in 2018.
If you haven't popped in for a coffee yet how about making it a date for the new year.
BIG GIG
Following the cancellation of this year’s Big Gig, and low ticket sales for the 2015 event, the current committee feel that it has run its natural course, and will be standing down at this year’s AGM. The reasons for the cancellation of this year’s event will be presented at the AGM. If you feel that you could be part of a team to run a Big Gig for 2018, please come along to the AGM where you can discuss what this involves and have the opportunity to form a new committee. If you would like to explore reviving the traditional Village show or any other type of event please take the opportunity to discuss this at the AGM.
The AGM will be held on Friday 12th January at 8.30 pm in the Village Hall.
Please feel free to contact me If you’d like to discuss the workings of a village event with me or the treasurer. Richard Wykeham-Martin richard@wmsys.co.uk
BROAD TOWN SCHOOL
Vacancy Broad Town C of E Primary School has a vacancy for a governor and is actively seeking applications for the post from the local community. Governors have a real responsibility for and influence on the strategic management of the school and the education of our children so it is a great opportunity for community involvement. Having evaluated the range of skills within the current governing body volunteers with knowledge of HR management, Finance or PR would be particularly welcome. Experience of the education sector is not necessary but you will need School Governor enthusiasm, a willingness to take responsibility and have time to commit to attending meetings and visiting the school. If you are interested please contact John Oldfield (Chair of Governors) on JOldfield@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk
PARISH COUNCIL
We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Linda Roberts as our new permanent Parish Clerk. Linda has been interim Parish clerk since April 2017 when she joined the Parish Council as part of the emergency Council implemented by Wilts CC pending the May Parish elections. Linda brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Council.
Redhill’s play area. We are awaiting further equipment to be installed in the play area. The goal posts and nets are in a poor state of repair; the nets will be replaced over the winter and the posts repaired and painted. Contact the Parish Clerk if you would like to volunteer to help with any work.
Speeding/Parking in Chapel Lane/Horns Lane. The Parish Council received a letter with concerns from a resident about speeding and poor parking in Chapel Lane and Horns Lane. It was thought unlikely we would get a 20mph implemented in the two roads however we will look to get a ‘children playing’ sign erected at the start of Chapel Lane. Please consider your speed and parking in the area due to children playing and potential access for emergency vehicles.
Defibrillator. Following the WI successfully obtaining the remaining funding from the Area Board the Parish Chairman, Mrs J Jordon, signed the contract to enable the purchase to progress from the Community Heartbeat Trust. When installed training will be organised for it’s usage.
Footpath Working Group. The group has been established and has completed it’s terms of reference and has also started surveying Broad Town’s footpaths which they hope to complete before the spring when remedial work can start. Contact Councillors Holland/Billis or the Parish Clerk if you would like to help.
Parish Steward Scheme. Don’t’ forget if you see minor repairs required around the Village send details into the Parish Clerk, these will be passed onto the Parish Steward for action. Please title your request ‘Parish Steward Work’ and remember the Steward only has access to hand/power tools.
Surviving Winter. -Wiltshire Community Foundation have started their Surviving Winter Campaign. They have £70,000.00 of funds available and wish to help people who are in fuel poverty by providing grants of £300 to support the costs of fuel bills or other essential expenditure. As far as we can see this is in addition to the normal government winter allowance. Applications forms can be found at:- https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/survivingwinter_2017-18 or contact Wiltshire Community Foundation on 01380 729284.
Road Closures. The Parish Council get numerous notifications of local road closures often at short notice. We will endeavour to publish these notifications on the web site.
The Parish Clerk can be contacted on:- broadtownparishclerk@gmail.com or on :- 07794056594
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 13th 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 we were in the Village Hall for a talk by Embroiderer and Textile Artist Kath Danswan. Kath told us the story of her love of embroidery from schoolgirl days to the creations she made for her City and Guilds exam. She showed us some of her work which included a wedding dress for her daughter, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Italian and Australian inspired embroidery and some beautiful iridescent embroidered bowls.
This month, 20th Dec, we are having our Xmas party. We are a friendly group and are always happy to welcome new members. If you are unsure if the WI is right for you why not give it a go. Our meetings are generally held in the Village Hall on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm Our first meeting of the new year being on 17th January. If you would like to come along, please call Annette on 01793 739021. We are also on the Broad Town Village website and on Facebook.
PROSPECT BOXES
Thank you to everyone who contributed towards the total of £299.43 collected in Broad Town. We always have boxes available for anyone who would like to have one and if you are interested please contact Margaret Manley Tel: 731564.
THE FOUR WAYS COMMUNITY PUB, BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL
EVERY FRIDAY BAR 8.15pm-late – EVERYONE WELCOME
Official-size table tennis table, pool table, dartboard and table football – all FREE TO PLAY. Classic 60s-90s music videos or sports including rugby, racing, tennis & cricket on our two-metre cinema screen. We’re cheaper than Wetherspoons: draught pints from £2.30; wines, branded spirits & mixer from £2; fruit juice, squash, fizzy drinks, Aero hot chocolate, Tetley tea, Nescafe cappuccino, coffee & decaf; savoury snacks & sweeties always on sale. Meet new friends and gossip with neighbours from all walks of life! Broad Town Social Club has over sixty members but we always need new customers, extra helpers etc. Our fully licensed bar is also available for your Village Hall event (at least two weeks notice required, cost negotiable depending on event’s scope/scale). Contact: Trevor on 01793 731699 email fourwaysbroadtown@gmail.com • ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown
BINGO EVERY SUNDAY – open 7.15pm; eyes down 8pm; last ball 9.45pm
We need you to support your local non-profit Bingo game: new faces especially welcome from outside Broad Town: we already have regulars from Purton, Wroughton, RWB, Devizes. Unlike commercial games, every pound you flutter is returned to our players in worthwhile cash winnings: stakes from £1.25, prizes can be as much as £60 More players = bigger prizes! Never played Bingo? Doesn’t matter: it’s easy for beginners – we’ll show you how!
FUNDRAISING FOR “BRIGHTER FUTURES” RADIOTHERAPY UNIT AT G.W.H
Wednesday 13 December - Community Coffee Morning – B T Village Hall – 10am to 12midday.
Thursday 14 December - Carol Service in B T Church – 6.30 pm – Mulled Wine and Mince Pies.
Friday 15 December - Village Carol Singing – Meet at B. T. Village Hall - 6.30pm – Everyone welcome to join us - Children must be accompanied by an adult - Bring a torch. Route: Broadacres, Redhills, B T Road, Pye Lane, Chapel Lane
Finish at Village Hall for nibbles and drinks. Contact Margaret Manley Tel. 731564 if further details required.
GENTLEMAN’S BREAKFAST CLUB
The Gentleman’s Full English Breakfast Club will NOT meet in December 2017. All being well, there will be a meeting at the end of January 2018 at the new venue, the REME Museum Crown’s café at MOD Lyneham. Details of the talk then are not yet finalised but I am sure Dave will have further details in the new year. 9am for 9:30am start as usual. The cost? – still only £7pp. + a bottle raffle.
Contact David May, davemay104@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to be sent further details when available or to attend.
ST PETER’S, CLYFFE PYPARD CHRISTMAS FAIR
Village Hall. 8th December 6-9pm
Meet friends old and new over a drink and Christmas food, browse the stalls and just enjoy yourselves. Children’s area with good as new toys, books and a racing piggies game !
Pre – order poinsettias which will be collected for you from the grower (Pinewood Nurseries) just before the event – red £5, pink, cream or red with yellow fleck £5.85.
No draughty warehouses or supermarket foyers for these plants! Last orders by 5th December please. Contact Barbara Davis 01793 739017
HILMARTON MOVIOLA
If readers are moved to help to fund the on-going success of our Village Cinema, please contact us. hilmartonmoviola@hotmail.co.uk or call 01249760312.
We are in the process of selecting the films for the spring. The next film will be on Saturday 20th January the doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 7.30.
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.
HELP!!!!!
Hello! December again – 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. Applications start mid November and the criteria are:
- To be eligible for a grant someone must;
- be considered to live in fuel poverty (spend more than 10% of their annual household income on fuel to keep their home warm and in a 'satisfactory' condition)
- be in receipt of eligible means-tested benefits
And fall into one of the categories below;
- be pensionable age and affected by fuel poverty
- be of working age with a disability or a long-term health condition which affects their ability to keep warm
- be in receipt of Better 2gether childcare funding for their 2 year old
Please 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.
Ellen Blacker Health and Wellbeing Champion
DISCLAIMER
Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate. Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN. BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.