On Snakes and Graven Images

When I was a child my family emigrated to Africa.  For my Dad, general practice had several features that he hadn’t encountered in the UK, one of which was snakebites.  During the first year a man was brought to him with serious symptoms from a snakebite on his backside while using the latrine.  A clinical investigation by the doctor failed to find the puncture wounds (the size and spacing of which help the doctor know which antivenom to administer).  The patient’s condition worsened and in desperation the doctor sent the man’s friends back to the latrine to see if they could catch and identify the snake.  They returned, giggling, with a duck that had been nesting underneath the box seat of the latrine.  The man recovered.

During the stories of the people of Israel emigrating from Africa under the leadership of Moses there is also a story about snakes:

 The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?  For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.  Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died.  The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people.  And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.  So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.  The Book of Numbers Chapter 21 verses 5-9 from the New Revised Standard Version.

This story always intrigued me, as during this migration from Egypt to the promised land, the people also discover the value of rules for a community to live by, to maintain and uphold social cohesion.  These rules include:

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  The Book of Exodus, Chapter 20, verse 4 from the Authorised/ King James translation of the bible.

I’m always fascinated by the contradictions in these stories between making images and not making them and by the way that in both stories seeing the thing that bites you and that you fear can result in healing.  I also notice the similarity between Moses’ bronze serpent and the Rod of Aesculpius where there is also a connection between this rod with a snake and healing – and now here I am in a benefice where St Giles Church in Tockenham has a small statue of this Roman God outside it – and one of Moses too.

Perhaps when we make or contemplate images we should be careful of the impact they may have on our health and wellbeing.

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

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

 

 

FAREWELL FRIENDS

It was with sad hearts that last month we said “Goodbye” to two members of the community.

Rosie McLaren was a stalwart of WI and the community and has served this parish unstintingly in many ways.  She will be sorely missed and we send our condolences to Colin and family.

Frederick Cameron-Street was well known in the Wiltshire art world having started the Guild of Wiltshire artists.  He enjoyed talking to people as he took his daily walk around the village.  He too will be sorely missed and we send our condolences to Wendy and family.

 

FRIENDS OF CHRIST CHURCH

The “Friends” account of the Church, which Rosie so valiantly administered, is still up and running with different signatories.  We are aware that some people were confused as to whether it was still in existence.

If anyone wishes to contribute to the “Friends” account the cheques should be made payable to FRIENDS OF CHRIST CHURCH BROAD TOWN

This account pays for maintenance, repairs and other fabric improvement projects. Any monies can be given to any of the PCC or sent to Clive Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 8BX.

If there is anyone wishing to join the friends then please contact Clive - 01793 854200

 

SPONSORS

Sponsors are now needed for the Newsletter.  If anyone would like to donate £30 to keep the newsletter going for a month it would be greatly appreciated.  This goes towards the cost of printing and the paper.

 

VERY URGENT

Is there anyone who is prepared to deliver to Redhills please?  We have now lost our excellent previous deliverer and urgently need another one.  If no-one comes forward then Redhills could loose it’s delivery.

It does not take up much time because it is a compact round and it is only once a month.  If two people would like to share it that is fine.

Thank you.

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

1^st Oct   Harvest Supper

12^th Oct Community coffee morning

12^th Oct BT CLPG meeting

14^th Oct School Harvest

15^th Oct Church working party

19^th Oct WI

22^nd Oct            Hilmarton Moviola

26^th Oct Community coffee morning

29^th Oct Gentlemen’s breakfast club

13^th Nov            Remembrance Service @ 10.55am

18^th Nov            WI Quiz night

3^rd Dec  Christmas coffee morning and raffle

 

CHRIST CHURCH CHURCHYARD

A big thank you to everyone who helped to tidy the Churchyard at the beginning of September.  Good progress was made and we are planning to do more grass cutting, strimming etc. on Saturday 15^th October from 9.30 to 12.30.  If you can spare any time please just turn up, preferably with appropriate tools or if you require any further information, please ring Ray Manley on 731564.

 

BROAD TOWN WI

Last month Amanda from Wiltshire Dance School came to teach us some Latino/Ballroom Dance routines.  Great fun was had trying to copy her cha-cha-cha and tango steps.  A very enjoyable evening.

This month (October 19^th) Miranda Marsh is coming to talk to us about a visit to Mongolia where she worked as a volunteer for the Christina Nobel Children's Foundation for 6 weeks.  While she was there she trained adults in the Orphanages how to counsel troubled children in their care.

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)

 

COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS

The coffee mornings for this month will be at the usual time 10am to 12 noon on

Wednesday 12^th October and Wednesday 26^th October.

On 26^th October the coffee morning will be held in aid of MACMILLAN cancer support.

Do join us to help to raise funds for this really worthwhile cause.

 

WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA

The next film on Saturday 22^nd October is The man who knew infinity (12A)

at 7.30pm  Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Doors open at 7pm, Tickets £6 from:-

27 Poynder Place, Hilmarton, 01249 760215 or email MarkRickaby2@gmail.com

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

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

Visit our website at www.moviola.org.

 

BROAD TOWN COMMUNITY LED PLANNING (CLP) GROUP

The next meeting of the CLPG will be on Wednesday 12^th October 7.30pm to 9pm at the Village Hall and all residents are invited to join in.  Our thanks go to Deborah Bourne, our new Parish Clerk, for attending our last meeting to present her understanding of the recent Parish Council Housing Survey and neighbourhood planning in Broad Town.  We were able to pass on comments we have received about the Parish Council Housing Survey process to Deborah, who has kindly indicated that she may be able to attend future meetings.

We encourage you to come to our meetings or join our mailing list if you want to know what is happening about the proposed area neighbourhood plan with Tockenham and Clyffe Pypard parishes, and for the opportunity to have your say.  We believe the CLPG to be the only organisation that currently publishes reports, agendas and minutes from the area meetings although a website is awaited that will ensure information is open to everyone.  The next round of consultation is planned for a month’s time.  This is an ambitious target as there is still a great deal of preparation to be done.  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.

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.

 

 

GENTLEMAN’S BREAKFAST CLUB

Saturday 29^th Oct 2016 at St. Michael's Church Hall, Lyneham.

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

£7.00 p.p. + a raffle.

The speaker for this event is Andy Henly and he will be talking about the TV series Thunderbirds.

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

 

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT & CRICKLADE COMMUNITY AREA

Hello!  As I write this it is a beautiful day and the sun is shining, but it won’t be long until the days get shorter as the nights draw in.  Sorry to bring the subject up, but winter is coming!  How about trying something different this year to stave off the winter blues?  Couple of ideas to think about:

Mens Sheds!  Newly retired?  Done all those chores you promised after retirement?  What next?  How about sharing your skills and tools and having a natter over a cuppa at your local shed? RWB Fire Station will be opening their doors to the first Men’s Shed in RWB as soon as their refurb is completed. For more information, contact John Loran on jsloran@aol.com or Alexa Smith on alexa.smith@wiltshire.gov.uk or 01249 706610.

Area Board.  Ever wondered what an “Area Board” is?  Did you know that it can offer financial support to local groups and projects?  Why not pop along to the next Area Board meeting on 23rd November (check Wiltshire Council website near the time to confirm time and venue).  The meetings are friendly and informal and there is chance to meet and talk to the Councillors as well as people from all around our Community Area.  For more information, call Alexa Smith on 01249 706610 email: alexa.smith@wiltshire.gov.uk”

Benefit Cap…. Is coming.  Just a reminder to please, don’t ignore any letters about this!  We may not like or agree with the changes, but the rules are changing and you will receive a letter if it affects you or your household.  There is always help available, so call me or pop into the Citizens Advice office if you need some help. 

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. 

 

 

LINK 6 & RWB

Do you have a couple of hours a week spare but do not want a regular volunteering commitment?  Link 6 & RWB is a good neighbour scheme which helps out with small jobs in the local community. We are actively seeking companion drivers and a Co-ordinator to join our group of volunteers.

To find out more email: allison.bucknell@btinternet.com or phone 07879 394666

 

BRIDGE UPDATE

For those who have not heard:-

The Broad Town Road bridge is scheduled to reopen on October 21^st and Skew bridges will close on October 24^th. 

 

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.