ON BUSYNESS

In 1715 the poet Isaac Watts wrote a poem ‘Against Idleness and Mischief’ 

How doth the little busy bee
Improve each shining hour,
And gather honey all the day
From every opening flower!
 

How skilfully she builds her cell!
How neat she spreads the wax!
And labours hard to store it well
With the sweet food she makes.
In works of labour or of skill
I would be busy too:
For Satan finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do.
 

In books, or work, or healthful play
Let my first years be past,
That I may give for every day
Some good account at last.

One hundred and fifty years later Lewis Carroll parodied this poem in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’s How doth the little crocodile showing that it was already sometimes a subject for laughter as well as edification.

The idea that idleness leads to trouble is still deeply embedded in our culture.  Yet when someone begins a request with ‘I know you’re busy’.  I feel a flicker of shame because I think that in today’s world busyness is more often part of the problem than a solution.  So much that is really important – conversation, friendship, kindness, prayer require not busyness but a willingness to stop, to be fully present in the moment and able to listen, and respond – not with a date in the diary but with a genuine interest in taking in the full reality of now.  This might be in the wonder of a child, or in the frailties of age or simply in noticing how much there is to be grateful for and about.  It might be in ensuring that there is enough idleness to see the wood for the trees or to notice the silver lining to a cloud.

So in this November month when we take two minutes silence to remember, perhaps we should spend more time in creative idleness and less being busy.

The Reverend Rachma Abbott

Priest in Charge Lyneham with Bradenstoke and Priest in Charge Woodhill Benefice: (Broad Town, Clyffe Pypard, Hilmarton, Tockenham) The Vicarage/ The Rectory

Clyffe Pypard, SWINDON, Wiltshire. SN4 7PY  01793 73113

 

HARVEST SUPPER

Thank you to everyone who supported the Harvest Supper once again this year.  It was a very enjoyable and successful evening and we raised £540 for Broad Town Church.  Also, thank you for all the positive feedback.

THANK YOU

Thank you to all who sent items for the Swindon Food Bank to the School Harvest Service.  All the items have now been taken to Swindon and were gratefully and thankfully received.

There will be a box outside the Church on November 30^th for donations for the Food bank for Christmas; Thanks.

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

4^th Nov              Back to School

10^th Nov            Remembrance Sunday 10.50am

11^th Nov            BT PC Meeting

13^th Nov            Community Coffee Morning

27^th Nov            Community Coffee Morning

30^th Nov            Church Christmas Coffee Morning + Christmas Raffle Draw

11^th Dec            Community Coffee Morning

13^th Dec            Village Carol Singing

19^th Dec            Village Carol Service at Church

31^st Dec            Fourways New Year’s Eve Party

 

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING AND CHRISTMAS RAFFLE DRAW

On November 30^th there will be the usual Christmas coffee morning and raffle draw at the Church.  There will be the usual refreshments and sales table as well as the beautiful photos from Mr J. Bastin (Good Christmas presents).  There will also be the Tinsel Tombola.  We look forward to seeing you all for a morning of fun and friendship.

 

Christ Church Broad Town Christmas Draw

Tickets are now available from various Church members around the village or contact Margaret Green on 01793 854200, or e-mail margaretgreen@waitrose.com

We have had to put the price of tickets up this year to £1.00 so a book is now £5.00.

The prizes are 1^st - voucher for the Wyvern Theatre; 2^nd - afternoon tea for two at Chiseldon House Hotel and 3^rd - a Christmas hamper.

 

COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING

Dates for November are:  Wednesday 13^th November, Wednesday 27^th November

Huge thanks to everyone who supported the MacMillan Coffee morning.

Together we raised £202.

FOOTPATHS

Following a great turnout of village volunteers on Saturday 28th September, we are pleased to state that paths BTOW 32 and 33 are now much cleared from the top of Horns Lane through to Snowhill Cottage.  This operation also included the installation of a new stile along the route.  Thanks to all who joined in.  Fortunately we had a 'window of opportunity' weather wise and were able to complete the task without getting wet!

Our next day out will be Sunday October 27th (please note revised day from that previously advertised).  For more information contact Malcolm Holland 731567 or maholl200@aol.com

 

PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE

Good Energy Community Fund Grants

The Parish Council was delighted to support the recommendation from the new Advisory Group to award three grants at our October meeting.Grants were awarded to Broad Town Community Speed Watch for the purchase of a speed indicator device ; to Broad Town Footpaths Group for the purchase of a strimmer and appropriate training for volunteers and to Broad Town Coffee Mornings to support the cost of hiring the Village Hall for the coming year. All three of these community initiatives have high levels of support in the village and the Parish Council would like to thank all those involved in making them happen.

Annual Playground Inspection

The Council were pleased to note that the annual independent inspection of our play equipment by ROSPA found all of the equipment to meet the requirements of the relevant standards.  No areas of high risk were reported and the remedial actions required can be completed as part of general maintenance.  The need for minor repairs to fencing, regrassing, securing the bench, and monitoring the need for a rail at the multiplay were noted.  The Parish Clerk will contact the manufacturer regarding the multiplay equipment and we will form a plan of works to address the small repairs identified.  The Parish Council are starting a new process of monitoring the playground area via regular checks in order to pick up any issues quickly outside of the annual inspection.  If any residents using the playground notice something they would like the Council to fix then please contact the Parish Clerk.

Planning Applications

The Parish Council have seen a steady increase in the number and complexity of planning applications impacting on Broad Town.  We feel it would be extremely valuable for representatives from Wiltshire Planning to visit the village and walk around with us so they can understand us better.  We have extended that invitation to them with the support of our Unitary Councillor and the Chair of our Area Board.

The next Parish Council meeting is 11^th November at 18.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.

 

 

CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING FOR “BRIGHTER FUTURES”

BREAST CANCER & PROSTATE CANCER APPEALS

Wednesday 11^th December – Community Coffee Morning – 10am – 12midday
Friday 13^th December – Village Carol Singing (Details next month)

Thursday 19^th December – Church Carol Service at 6.30pm

 

FOUR WAYS: OUR COMMUNITY PUB IN BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL 

BAR EVERY FRIDAY 8pm-late – EVERYONE WELCOME Draught pints of Wadworth 6X and Carlsberg, bottled cider, wine, spirits, fruit juice, squash, fizzy drinks, Aero hot chocolate, Tetley tea, Nescafe cappuccino, coffee & decaf always available.  Plus chocolate bars, crisps, nuts etc.

BINGO EVERY SUNDAY – eyes down 7.30pm; last ball 9pm.  Every pound fluttered is returned to players: stakes from £1.25, prizes can be over £50. More participants = bigger winnings!

2019 Broad Town Social Club AGM: 8pm Friday 22nd November.  Have your say in what goes on!  The village hall bar is a popular feature, but more volunteers and ideas for forthcoming activities are always needed.  Commitment level: could you help just one evening every five or six weeks, usually about 3.5 hours per session?  What’s in it for you?  Play an active part in preserving your village’s character, meet new friends and neighbours, enjoy the odd free drink.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: family-friendly party to ring in 2020!  Admission will be by advance ticket only, £10 each admission includes entertainment, a free hot dog or burger (vegan & vegetarian options available), and a free standard drink from the bar.  Tickets can be purchased from the bar on Friday or Sunday evenings or reserved by emailing t.hillier1@sky.com, during mid-November and December where payment details can be arranged.  Ticket numbers limited to just 120: get yours before we sell out!

Hosting your own event in the village hall?  Our fully licensed bar can be stocked and staffed daytime/evening according to your needs: at least three weeks’ notice usually required, please! Contact: Trevor on 01793 731699  email t.hillier1@sky.com • ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown

SAFE & WELL VISITS: A FREE SERVICE

A Safe and Well visit is a totally free service offered by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.  We’d like to visit you in your home, at a convenient time to see what we can do together around improving your wellbeing.  We fit free smoke alarms where required and offer advice to make you and your family safer and healthier in your home.  The appointment normally lasts about one hour and covers topics such as: • Using electricity safely • Cooking safely • Making an escape plan • What to do if there is a fire • Keeping children safe • Good practice – night time routine and other points relevant to you • Identifying and discussing any further support you may need if necessary.  To request a free Safe and Well visit, please call 0800 038 2323 or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-well-visits

 

BROAD TOWN WEB RESOURCES

Village website: www.broad-town.co.uk/ – copies of this newsletter available in case you’ve lost the one that pops through your letterbox!

Village Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Broadtown/

Broad Town Archaeology: www.facebook.com/broadtownarchaeology/

Broad Town History: www.facebook.com/groups/329039630480490/ (history & pics)

Any more we’ve missed? Let Broad Town News know!

 

BROAD TOWN WI

On November 20^th at 7.30pm Becky Davison, a Swindon Street Pastor will come to talk to us about her daily work of running the night shelter for homeless people in Swindon.  For this interesting talk we thought it would be nice to invite other villagers to join us.  Refreshments will be available afterwards for a small donation.

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

 

GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB

The next meeting of the gentleman’s breakfast club will be on Saturday 30^th November at The Crowns Café, adjacent to the REME Museum at MOD Lyneham.  9am. for 9.30am. start.  The cost is £8.00 per person for a full English breakfast.  The speaker this time will be David Seymour, who will continue his talk about his Microlite journey over Australia.

Please book by Wednesday 27 November – email: davemay104@yahoo.co.uk

 

WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA

Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday November 23^rd Yesterday (12A)

7pm FOR 7.30pm, 75 comfy seats, refreshments and a wine sale licence, tickets £6 from Breda Cottage, 34 Church Road, Hilmarton 760312 (opposite chapel) or

Email hilmartonmoviola@hotmail.co.uk

Hilmarton Moviola also has a Facebook page.

For more info call Geoff Procter on 01249 760312

 

WINE GLASSES

Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564

 

BROADTOWN VILLAGE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF VICTORY IN EUROPE (VE) FRIDAY 8TH - SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2020.  DIARY DATES AND REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS

Next year’s Early May Bank Holiday has been changed to Friday 8th May so that the country can celebrate 75 years since VE Day.  A small group of villagers have started making early outline plans for a weekend of family entertainment.  The event is being kindly supported by finances and equipment from the previous Big Gig and Village Show events.

OUTLINE PLAN

Friday 8th May afternoon and evening – decorate Village Hall and everyone welcome to normal Friday night Social Club opening hours to get into the spirit!

Saturday 9th May daytime – “Produce Show” – cookery and craft competition based on World War 2 themes.  Classic Vehicle and other displays outside of Village Hall

Saturday 9th May evening – 1940s dance night with supper, singer, music and dancing.  Period dress actively encouraged! Prizes for best 1940s dress.  Tickets will go on sale in the New Year.

Sunday 10 May daytime – bar open over lunch with more live entertainment followed by an indoor “street party”.  Tickets will be free to village residents.

Sunday 10 May evening – commemoration service during evening Church service

Scarecrow Competition

This will run throughout the weekend with a period theme (yet to be announced).

FANCY HELPING OUT?

The organising team is quite small and offers of assistance for setting up, clearing up and running elements of the weekend’s events are being gratefully accepted.  If we can organise several small teams to take on an element, then it gives everyone a chance to see and enjoy as much of the weekend as possible.

Please make contact if you have any further suggestions or can help over the weekend.  Contact Malcolm or Tracey Holland 731567 or maholl200@aol.com

 

BRIGHTER FUTURES SHOE BOXES

Brighter Futures, for the second year, are running a shoe box scheme for the elderly stuck in hospital over Christmas; especially for those with no visiting relatives.  If you would like to fill a shoe box or contribute items which could go into a shoe box, please could you let Margaret Manley @ Cranfield have them by Friday, December 13^th. Please wrap the lid and bottom of the box separately as some old people have special dietary needs and the boxed have to be checked (a bar of ordinary chocolate would be replaced with a bar of the correct chocolate or bag of sweets) Thank you so much for taking part.

 

 

 

COMMUNITY HEARTBEAT TRUST DEFIBRILLATOR

This is a reminder that we have a defibrillator in the Village.  It is sited outside the Village Hall and is available for anyone to use in the unfortunate situation of someone they are with having heart failure.  It is simple to use and talks you through what you must do.  It is a requirement though, that you RING 999 FIRST to get help on the way as soon as possible.  The ambulance service will also tell you what to do and support you while you wait for the ambulance.  If you are within 200m of the Hall they will automatically tell you about the defibrillator and tell you the access code.  If you are further away but have someone who could fetch it for you quickly, you will need to ask them for the access code.

 

LINDY HOP DANCING

WEEKLY SWING DANCE CLASSES AT BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL TUESDAY

Come along and learn to Swing Dance with Erica and Cliff:

Our Lindy Hop classes are filled with smiles and laughter, along with some great moves to get you on that dance floor.  Don’t worry if you can't bring a partner to dance with as Swing Dance is very sociable and we will rotate everyone around throughout the lesson.

Beginners Lindy Hop

Price : £6 per person per class 7pm - 8pm plus 15 mins for practice
For anyone wanting to learn the basic 6-beat Lindy Hop Rhythm and some 8-beat Charleston moves.

Improvers Lindy Hop

Price : £6 per person per class 8.15pm - 9.15pm plus 15 mins for practice
For anyone wanting to learn the basic 6-beat and 8-beat Lindy Hop Rhythm plus some 8-beat Charleston moves.
PLUS Learn the lindy turn, lindy circle and the classic swingout. Suitable for anyone wanting to improve their partner dancing.  Some dance class experience required.

www.swingoutswindon.co.uk

 

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.

 

LOCAL HEATING ENGINEER & PLUMBER IN BROAD TOWN

Ben Davis, BTD Plumbing and Heating, Hurstbridge House, Pye Lane, Broad Town, Wiltshire, SN4 7RR

Tel No 01793 317758 or 07920 042880

BROAD TOWN PAINTER & DECORATOR

Hi Just thought I’d remind all of you that I’m in the Village.  It’s Glen Morley the Painter and Decorator.  I undertake interior and exterior work, to a very high standard. Everything is completed to the level I would have in my own home.  Please feel free to call me at any time for a free consultation and VAT free estimate.  My numbers are: Landline: 01793 739227 Mobile: 07545 573002.  Please leave a message if I’m unable to answer.

 

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING

My name is Samantha Jones.  I run a cleaning business which covers Broad Town with weekly, fortnightly and one off cleans.

Please contact 07946100381 for further information.