ON ROYALTY AND PATRIOTISM

As a child long ago I wrote a poem, only two lines of which remain in my memory:

I often wish I were a king/ for then I could do anything.

In a year in which I will be sharing in the national celebrations of the 90^th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.  I’ve been thinking about ‘kingship’.  It no longer seems simply permission to do anything you want. Instead I’m aware of the cost of public service.  The practice of kindness and courtesy – how many times can one open a new building with a smile or even receive a bouquet of flowers from a small child with thanks?

The rarity of privacy and spontaneity in a diary ordered to fit the needs of others in a life in which the ‘right to reply’ to criticism has not often featured.  The need for patience and duty to be at the forefront of one’s choices, when even leisure activities are watched and sometimes commented on by others. 

Royal celebrations have memories that make me laugh and smile: I still treasure the Silver Jubilee coin I was given at school in London.  I remember how as a family we dressed up my little brother as ‘Bye Baby Bunting’ for a street party celebration of the wedding of Charles and Diana – and how he won a mug as his prize.  I remember the Queen visiting Zambia for a Commonwealth Conference and the pride and delight with which my dad, Dr Mike Bush (rip) received his OBE from Prince Charles.

But I have not wished to be king or queen, or even a princess, since I was a child.

Since I became a Christian as an adult, a regular part of my life has included praying for the Queen – ‘Endue her plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant her in health and wealth long to live; strengthen her that she may vanquish and overcome all her enemies, and finally after this life she may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’ *

There are also many things that I am glad of in being English and British, in that sense I am, if you like, a patriot.  In June, like I hope all of us who have the privilege of a vote to use, I will be casting mine as part of the decision of whether as a nation we remain part of the European Union or not.

The prayer reminds me, as does the faith of the Queen herself, that I am also under a larger kingship, one whose kingdom is not of this earth.  My patriotism for the Kingdom of Heaven will I hope always overcome anything in my patriotism for this country that is not founded on a commitment to love my neighbour as myself and also to love my enemy even as I pray for the Queen to overcome them.

*This is part of A prayer for the Queen’s Majesty from the Book of Common Prayer.

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

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

 

 

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

6^th June Back to School

8^th Jun   Community Coffee Morning

10^th/11^th June      Scarecrow Competition

10^th June           Children’s Fancy Dress

11^th June           Village Spring Clean

11^th June           Royal Tea Party

11^th June           Live Music

12^th June           Family Service

15^th June           WI

18^th June           School Summer Fete

18^th June           Hilmarton Moviola

22^nd June           Community Coffee Morning

23^rd June           EU Vote

24^th June           School TT Day

25^th June           Gentlemen’s Breakfast Club

21^st Jul  School Leavers Service and Last Day of Term

2^nd Sep Back to School

 

THANK YOU

Thanks to all of you who donated unwanted items for our fundraising car boot venture in aid of Alzheimer’s Society.  Despite a soggy start we managed to raise a terrific £215 which will go towards purchasing much needed resources for our local memory clinic. Special thanks to Annette & Chris Moore & Andy Law for all their help.

 

PROSPECT HOSPICE BOX COLLECTION

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the total of £356.00 collected in the Village. If anyone is interested in having a collection box, please contact Margaret Manley on 731564.

 

COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS

The June dates for the Coffee Mornings are Wednesday 8th June and Wednesday 22nd June.  Do come and join us in the Village Hall, 10am to 12 noon.  Everyone welcome!

 

 

 

BROAD TOWN WEB RESOURCES

Village website: www.broad-town.co.uk/

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

www.facebook.com/broadtownarchaeology/

www.facebook.com/groups/329039630480490/ (history & pics)

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

 

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

We are delighted that the Parish Council have approved our application to fund part of our weekend of village celebrations from the Good Energy Fund; this funding means we are able to provide a free party for the children, and subsidise the cost of other events as well as buy essential resources to make the event a success.

Many thanks to all our Parish Councillors for taking the time to read our bid and for giving us a unanimous thumbs up!  Thanks also to Good Energy for the grant

Now let’s hope for good weather and a brilliant village weekend.

Ticket Sales are going well for our weekend of village Celebrations. Please remember to reserve your tickets by emailing btcleanforthequeen@gmail.com
All tickets for the WI Tea Party have now been sold.
If you or your business would like to donate a raffle prize or fund prizes for the children's fancy dress or scarecrow competition please contact btcleanforthequeen@gmail.com

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.

 

 

 

 

 

BROAD TOWN WI

This month we were out and about again visiting Woodhill Park Farm in Bushton to see their robotic milking parlour.  Our kind hosts Peter and Anita Gantlett showed us how the cows take charge of their own milking, coming in from pasture when they feel they need milking and queuing patiently (mostly) to go into one of the two milking stalls.  The robot cleans the teats, then attaches the suction cups by using laser guides.  It also weighs the cow and then administers the required amount of grain feed.  The cups are removed automatically when all milk has been taken.  It was fascinating and apparently leads to happier cows and so higher milk yields.
Next month on the 15^th June we will be visiting the TWIGs community garden in Cheney Manor Swindon.  This is a special garden that is used to help people with mental health issues.
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 Facebook.

 

THE FOUR WAYS COMMUNITY PUB, BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL

EVERY FRIDAY BAR 8pm-late – EVERYONE WELCOME

Official-size table tennis table, pool table, dartboard and table football – all FREE TO PLAY.  Classic music videos or sports including rugby, racing, tennis & cricket on our two-metre cinema screen.  We’re cheaper than most pubs: draught pints from £2.30; wines, 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 chat with neighbours from all walks of life!

BINGO EVERY SUNDAY – open 7.15pm; eyes down 8pm; last ball 9.45pm

We need you this Sunday to support your local non-profit Bingo game for it to continue: new gamers 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 £1.20, 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!

Broad Town Social Club has over 50 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).  We are proud to be providing the refreshments on Saturday 11^th June Queen’s 90^th Birthday celebrations.
Contact: Trevor on 01793 731699 email fourwaysbroadtown@gmail.com • ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown for the latest info

 

 

BROAD TOWN COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH

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 Broad Town School): 73mph L

QUESTION: What are YOU going to do about it?

Your CSW team depends on volunteers: if you can spare just two non-consecutive hours per month – particularly weekdays 4.30pm-7pm – you can help make your village safer. Contact: Matt on 01793 731499 or email oscar.littlelad@gmail.com

 

BROAD TOWN COMMUNITY LED PLANNING (CLP) GROUP

It is our understanding, subject to confirmation, that there are now only three remaining villages that are in a position to continue in the area neighbourhood plan, out of the original seven villages.  The remaining villages are Broad Town, Tockenham and Clyffe Pypard.  We await further information about this and also what the arrangements might be to release the other four villages from the legal agreement for the setting up of the area neighbourhood plan, as it isn’t a simple process.  There has been no more news on the Parish Council Housing Survey questionnaire as the Parish Council has been focusing on other issues.  As there appears to be a delay in neighbourhood planning matters we expect to meet again in July, please keep a look out for further updates and you can view information in our Community Groups web page on www.broad-town.co.uk.  All residents are welcome to come to our meetings 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.

 

WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA

The next film is on Saturday June 18th is The Revenant (15) 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

 

 

 

 

 

GENTLEMAN’S BREAKFAST CLUB

Saturday 25^th June 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 Brian Cooke and his talk will be on Men's Sheds

There will be no meetings in July and August due to the summer break.

We will start again on 24 September with the Mayor of Chippenham.

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

 

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT & CRICKLADE COMMUNITY AREA

Supporting individuals to live independent, happy, healthy and fulfilling lives by offering information on a variety of topics. Working to improve outcomes for people by representing their needs at decision making levels.

•Information to empower individuals to make decisions about their lives

•Responding to calls of help from individuals who need support to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle

•Offering options to support health, transport, finance & emotional issues

•Supporting individuals to access provision & services to ensure their needs are met wherever possible

•Work with local groups to strengthen & encourage membership and ensure sustainability for the group

•Supporting new activities & projects

•Working with ‘Local Champions’ to increase capacity in supporting vulnerable people

Ellen.blacker@wiltshire.gov.uk, 07557 922020

“The person to contact to get information on just about anything which will help our older & vulnerable community.”  Championing the voice of older and vulnerable people

This is a free and confidential service

 

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.