ON GARDENING AND CHOICES.

Today I had the satisfaction of doing three short but significant bursts of weeding of about half an hour each.  I weeded something over 300 sycamore seedlings.  I can say that with some confidence as each time I counted until I had 100 – at the size these are enough to hold, just about comfortably, in one hand, while continuing to pull them up with the other.  As there are still parts of this garden where I can easily hand weed 100 sycamore seedlings without moving from one spot I also count them to reassure myself that, slowly and bit by bit, this is making a difference.

I was, I’m afraid, somewhat delighting in my persona as the tree-murdering vicar of the Benefice of Woodhill.  I like to think that this wasn’t so much a delight in murder as a delight that, as I pass the first year mark of being here, there are not so many seedlings of a size that they require a spade to dig them up.

I was hand weeding these sycamore seedlings in a space we’ve taken to calling the square garden, when my eyes glanced at the corner that (apart from sycamores) is not being weeded.  Here, at my husband’s request the nettles, the dandelions, the enchanter’s nightshade, the herb bennet and other such wildflowers are being left.  My husband is inclined to bemoan the fact that I’m one of those terrible gardeners, rather than a devoted botanist, and so inclined to remove weeds (even if by hand or other mechanical means and not using weedkillers) rather than value and enjoy them as the wildflowers they are.  I tend to respond by citing dandelions as both a migrant plant (some people suggest they came in with the Normans) and as thugs (perhaps like the Normans?). ‘If I don’t weed them they would take over’ I cry.  The reality is that this is a choice I make, even though I know that dandelions are early fodder for bees and other pollinators and that I have on occasion even made a respectable wine from dandelions.  (By respectable all I really mean is that I am prepared to drink it as well as brew it.)

Much of gardening is about choosing – what do I keep, what do I destroy, what do I feed, what do I prune? What is for me beautiful, even if a wildflower, what for me is, if not ugly, unwanted in this place?

This week Suzie of Greenworks ( a wonderful and very good value gardener who works here in this garden) and I planted some more seeds in the vegetable patch – salads, roots, legumes.  For these to thrive they will at some point need thinning – even the things I can eat will need choices for life or death.

In the book of Deuteronomy in the bible, the people of God are exhorted to choose life and warned that if instead they choose death that consequences follow.  So choose life, or choose death?

When my musings reach this point, I stop weeding sycamore seedlings and ponder the distinctions between gardening and botany. Which should I choose?

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU

A big “THANK YOU” for Rosie and Andrew Law for their initiative and rallying to organise the Queen’s Birthday Celebration Weekend on June 10^th/11^th/12^th.

Let’s hope the weather is kind to us all that weekend so that as many people as possible will be able to take part in and enjoy the programme which has been organised.

Another “THANK YOU” is due to the White Horse Team for their gallant efforts to repair and refurbish our famous landmark.  We understand that the weekend April 23^rd/24^th was the white horse cycle tour so would now be easily visible for the cyclists. It is great to see the horse so lovely and white.

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

11^th May                        BT CLPG meeting

14^th May                        Coffee Morning and Plant sale

15^th May                        Rowdford School Garden Fair

18^th May                        WI meeting

21^st May                        Hilmarton Moviola

27^th May                        Last day of School

28^th May                        Gentlemen’s breakfast club

6^th June             School reopens

10^th/11^th/12^th June           Celebration Weekend

18^th June                       School Fete

24^th June                       School TT day

2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays – Community coffee mornings

 

COFFEE MORNING AND PLANT SALE

The next time the Church Café is open is on the 14^th May from 10.00am till Noon.

We will have the usual cakes, refreshments, raffle and sales table.  We will also be selling plants so if you are splitting anything in your garden or planting seeds could you please spare a thought for the coffee morning and sow a few extra seeds and split your plant a little more.  Anything would be greatly appreciated.

 

Just a reminder that I am here to help with information to (hopefully) solve problems and make your life a little easier.  Please call me,

Ellen Blacker on 07557 110414 or email me at rwbcrickladegnc@communityfirst.org.uk

 

CHRIST CHURCH – FINANCIAL UPDATE

The church accounts were approved at the annual meeting in April and following a shortfall of £174 in 2014, it was pleasing that a surplus of £1528 was achieved in 2015. Thank you to everyone who supported the church through regular giving, donations and attending fund-raising events.

We are also very grateful to all those who have made donations specifically for the upkeep of the church building and grounds. Many of you will be aware that the roof is in need of urgent replacement at a cost of approximately £80,000. A grant has been applied for to help with this and a decision on our request will be made in June. It has also been agreed to contribute £10,000 from church funds, already set aside for maintenance and repairs. If our application is unsuccessful we will need to consider other methods of funding.

When the new roof has been completed we will need to carry out work on the interior walls which have been damaged by water ingress and sections of the floor which have been damaged, will need to be replaced. We also intend to put in place our plans to provide toilet and kitchen facilities and once estimates have been obtained, we will be looking at ways of funding these projects.

It is our intention to seek further grants but most grant providers expect organisations to make a contribution towards the cost. Thank you again for your help so far and we hope you will be able to continue supporting our fundraising projects in the future.

If anyone would like any further information, please contact either Ray Manley
Tel. 01793 731564 or Clive Green Tel. 01793 854200

 

BUMPS & BEYOND BABY & TODDLER PLAYGROUP

We are a small friendly group who meet every Tuesday at Broad Town Village Hall, from 9.30-11.30am (term time only). We run different activities each week and music and movement for all ages.  Snacks for the children and coffee and cake for the grown ups!  We also organise a children's summer outing, annual Easter egg hunt and Christmas party.

Please just call in or ring Cathy for any further information on 07775 928859. Or visit our Facebook page:  Bumps & Beyond Mother & Toddler Group.

 

GENTLEMAN’S BREAKFAST CLUB

Saturday 28^th May 2016 at St. Michael's Church Hall, Lyneham.

Tea, coffee & toast available from 9:15am, full English breakfast at 9:30am

£7.00 p.p. + a raffle.

The speaker for this event is still to be confirmed.

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

 

 

BROAD TOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The Neighbourhood Tasking Group took place on Wed 13 April.  This is a meeting at which the local police provide an update on their activities during the previous quarter and set their priorities for the next.

Speeding was an issue that the police undertook to address during the last period and they carried out two operations across the sector in which, amongst other offences, 5 drink drivers were apprehended, 8 vehicles seized for no insurance and 14 speeding tickets issued.  They report that driving behaviour on the new link road in Royal Wootton Bassett is causing some worries and they are now monitoring the traffic.

A current concern for the police is an increase in accidents involving pedestrians.  They request that people pay attention when crossing roads and use pedestrian crossings where provided.

The Rural Beat will be concentrating on high visibility patrolling, drugs offences and traffic offences for the next quarter.

If anyone wishes further information on the Broad Town Neighbourhood Watch, would they please contact Andrew Law on 01793 731472.

 

BROAD TOWN WI

This month members went to Westlecott Bowls Club in Old Town.  We were given
a talk about the Club and then shown how to bowl on their amazing indoor
green.  They also have an outdoor green with fantastic views, but it was a
bit cold for that!  We were then allowed to have a go ourselves.  Allowing
for the bias on the bowl was a little tricky to start with but everyone
improved by the end.  We were also treated to tea and biscuits.
Next month we are also out on a visit to a robotic milk parlour in Bushton.
We are a friendly group with members from all over the area and generally
meet on the third Wednesday of the month in the Village Hall.  If you would
like more information please contact Kate on 01793 731536.  We are also on
the Broad Town Village website and on Facebook.

 

WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA

The next film is on Saturday May 21^st is Dad’s Army (PG) at 7.30pm

Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Doors open at 7pm, Tickets £6 from:-

27 Poynder Place Hilmarton 01249 760215

Breda Cottage 34 Church Road Hilmarton 01249 760312 (opposite the Chapel)

The Duke Hotel 01249 760634, where you may also order a pre-cinema meal at a special price, or E-mail MarkRickaby2@gmail.com

For more information call Geoff Procter on 01249 760312

 

 

THE FOUR WAYS COMMUNITY PUB, BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL

FRIDAY NIGHTS  Everyone welcome from 8pm. till late, children from 12 yrs must be accompanied, younger children by arrangement. Social Club prices in the fully Licensed Bar. 

Tea, coffee (+ decaf) and chocolate beverages, snacks and soft drinks available.

SUNDAY BINGO  Fun for all ages.  Doors open 7.15pm eyes down 8pm. Books and Stakes from £1.25 Plus Big Bonus Card game, and Two Triple chance Flyers, All monies taken are paid out in prizes.  Become a member and after 4 consecutive weeks you can go for the Snowball prize.  The more people that join us the bigger the prizes.

The FOUR WAYS community pub and Sunday Bingo are run by The Broad Town Social Club Volunteers. 

We need volunteers to help run the bar on a Friday and Sunday night, if anyone is interested in helping please contact Trevor on 01793731699

e.mail  fourwaysbroadtown@g.mail.com.    *     facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown

 

BROAD TOWN COMMUNITY LED PLANNING (CLP) GROUP

It is good news that Wiltshire Council will be setting up a website for information about the neighbourhood plan proposals for the five villages, including Broad Town that might remain in the area neighbourhood plan.  This means that, at last, information will be made public.  It is now confirmed that Purton and Lyneham & Bradenstoke will be pursuing their own individual neighbourhood plans and the parish councils of the remaining villages are being asked to decide whether they wish to continue within an area neighbourhood plan.  It may be some time before final decisions are made but we continue to go to the area meetings and we will keep you up to date.

The delay allows time for the planned Broad Town Parish Council Housing Survey to take place and work on the questionnaire is ongoing by the Parish Council.

Would you like to have a say in what happens in Broad Town?  We have the opportunity to represent your views on the area neighbourhood plan proposals and we hope also to review and submit comments on the proposed Housing Survey form.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 11^th May at 7.30pm to 9pm, at the Village Hall, all residents are welcome and refreshments are provided.  Please contact us if you would like to go on to our mailing list on broadtownclpg@gmail.com or telephone 01793 731188 if you would like paper copies of information.

 

 

 

 

BUSHTON MANOR OPEN GARDEN AND PLANT FAIR

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 2^ND MAY 2016

Now in its 9^th year this event attracts over 700 visitors who are able to wander around the gardens of this early 18^th Century Manor House.  It is the only time that the gardens are open to the public.  Refreshments are available in the form of a ‘bacon butty’ BBQ and afternoon teas.  Not only are plants from specialist growers and local gardeners available to purchase but there are also locally produced food products, crafts and other specialities.  The bric-a-brac stall selling mainly garden associated products and cake stall are always busy and there will be games to keep the younger people occupied.  There is a clear, but not exclusive, emphasis on Wiltshire based growers and producers. Stalls are scattered around the garden giving a strolling relaxed atmosphere.

Money raised goes to the upkeep of St Peters Church a Grade 1 building in Clyffe Pypard.

Entrance £2. Children and car parking free.  11am -4pm.  Postcode SN4 7PX

www.clyffepypard –bushton.com

 

BROAD TOWN CELEBRATES HM THE QUEEN’S 90^TH BIRTHDAY

Throughout the weekend all villagers are invited to dress their front gardens in royal flags & bunting and red white & blue floral displays.

BROAD TOWN CELEBRATES - SCARECROW COMPETITION
 

Why not try your hand at making a "ROYAL" scarecrow as part of our celebrations for the Queen's birthday? (If you need them we can give you instructions) The scarecrows need to be in place by Friday 10 June. Judging will take place during the afternoon of Saturday 11 June. First, second and third prizes will be presented after the service in Broad Town Church on Sunday morning. Scarecrow location maps will be available at the village hall all weekend. The royal theme can be anything to do with royalty - the choice is yours!
For further information, contact Margaret Manley, Tel 731564

There are 2 manikins for borrowing if needed from Clive and Margaret on 01793 854200

BROAD TOWN CELEBRATES - CHILDREN'S FANCY DRESS DISCO AND TEA PARTY

Friday 10th June.  18.00-20.00 hrs @ Village Hall, Suitable for children 0-12years
Fancy dress competition - come dressed as a King, queen, prince or princess.
Children's disco.  Tea party.  Crafts - make a crown, flag or decorate a biscuit.
Photographer - sit on the throne and Smile for a memorable photograph.
FREE ENTRY - tickets in advance (see attached poster to reserve a place)
Under 7 years to be accompanied please.

 

BROAD TOWN CELEBRATES - SPRING CLEAN FOR THE QUEEN

Join us on Saturday 11^th June 10.30am @ Village Hall

For a village tidy up and litter pick up.  Teams of 3-4 will be issued with gloves, pick-ups and bin bags to clean designated areas of the village; if you know an area which is in desperate need of a clean-up let us know.  Email: btcleanforthequeen@gmail.com

Light Refreshments to follow in Village Hall.

BROAD TOWN CELEBRATES - ROYAL TEA PARTY

Saturday 11^th June 3pm - 5pm at the Village Hall

BROAD TOWN CELEBRATES - LIVE MUSIC EVENT

Saturday 11^th June 7:30pm @ Village Hall

We have booked a cover band called The Chocolate Candy Band who have had good reviews from several members of the village.  They are going to play two sessions of 90 minutes each starting at 7.30pm covering music from the 50' and 60's.  Maybe some 80's as well, hopefully it will be a fantastic evening of live music in the Village Hall. There is a chance of a hog roast on the evening but not yet confirmed.

BROAD TOWN CELEBRATES - CHURCH SERVICE
 

Sunday 12 June at 10.00am @ Christ Church Broad Town
Come and join us at the Family Service to celebrate the Queen's birthday at Broad Town Church as part of our weekend celebrations. Bring your Union Jacks, Saltires, Welsh dragons and Commonwealth flags to wave. Refreshments will be served after the service and prizes will be presented for the scarecrow competition.

 

THE GUILD OF WILTSHIRE ARTISTS

Run workshops at the Village Hall on every third Saturday of the month from 10am to 4pm.  All are welcome including painters who are beginners.

Tea and Coffee provided but do bring a packed lunch.  Help will be given to those who request it.  Contact telephone numbers 731154, 731519.

 

HATHA YOGA

Weekly Hatha Yoga at Broad Town Village Hall.  For more details please contact Polly Fouracres by email - polly@4fouracres.com.

 

 

 

ROWDEFORD GARDEN FAIR

Sunday 15^th May 11am to 3pm, Rowdeford School, Rowdford, Devizes, SN10 2QQ

The established family friendly fair for the gardening enthusiast.

Gorgeous plants from specialist growers, attractive and useful garden accessories.

Visit the walled garden and newly restored Victorian Greenhouse.

Story telling for children in our Yurt, delicious WI teas, freshly prepared food, Pimm’s stall.

Advance ticket sales £4 + 10am exclusive early entry.

Entry on the day £5, Children (16 and under) free

Free Car park – Sorry no dogs.

Email maggiemoore@firenet.uk.net

Supporting children with disabilities and special needs.