RACHMA’S ANNOUNCEMENT

As some of you will know, in addition to being the incumbent of the Woodhill Benefice, at the time of my licensing I was appointed as the Associate Priest of the Parish of Lyneham with Bradenstoke.  It was my understanding at appointment that there had been an original intention for the incumbent of Woodhill to become the incumbent of Lyneham with Bradenstoke within a few years.  With vacancies for both Archdeacon of Wilts and Rural Dean in Calne (linked with the parish of RWB) it has taken time to confirm that this is still the intention and expectation within the deanery.  That means that in two years’ time, I expect to be the incumbent (senior priest) both of Woodhill and of Lyneham with Bradenstoke.  When Richard applied for an extension of his licence, I was asked for my views by the Bishop.  I was willing and happy to support an extension that allowed a planned and open period of transition.

I know that not everyone will be pleased with this news so I want to reassure you, that while I expect that an appointment to a half-time post in L&B may not follow immediately after Richard’s departure that I am excited about the possibilities and believe that this is well within my capacities.  I am not interested in closing either churches, or in merging parishes; unless it becomes clear that this is the will of PCC and Benefice members on the ground.  It is however, likely to have an impact on service planning etc.

The new potential benefice will be about the same size as Oldbury in terms of numbers of PCCs etc. It is still small both in the context of the Church of England as a whole and within Salisbury Diocese.

I am hopeful that the chaplaincy in Lyneham will open possibilities of more resident clergy with a commitment to the churches in these benefices, even if retired or with primary responsibilities elsewhere.

Once I return from holiday we will need to think about how to make this work well.  I will want to convene both a Benefice Council meeting for September or October and also to have open meetings in each parish to hear the views of congregations and village communities as well as PCC members.

I am genuinely interested in hearing people’s concerns as well as their delights.

I am glad that this new openness will allow for people to think and pray about both how this feels and how to make this move effectively.  I want to ask the people of the Benefice of Woodhill to be mindful of the fact that it will be the Parish of Lyneham with Bradenstoke that may be most aware of loss as the time for the departure of their resident priest and pastor is now clear.

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

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

 

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 toward the cost of printing and the paper.

 

URGENT - DELIVERER NEEDED.

Please is there anyone who would be willing to deliver round Redhills each month.  The present family have done valiantly but will be giving up after the delivery of the September edition at the end of August.  If you are willing please contact Margaret Green on 854200 or email margaretgreen@waitrose.com.

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

8^th Aug  BT Parish Council Meeting

10^th Aug            Community Coffee Morning

14^th Aug            Broad Hinton Open Gardens

17^th Aug            WI

18^th Aug            CAMEO at Hilmarton

23^rd Aug            Hilmarton Gardening Club

24^th Aug            Community Coffee Morning

2^nd Sep Broad Town School Starts

5^th Sep  BT CLPG meeting

10^th Sep            Christ Church Coffee Morning

10^th Sep            Ride and Stride

17^th Sep            Moviola

1^st Oct   Harvest Supper

 

COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS

We are pleased that the Coffee Morning will be able to continue through the summer.

The August coffee mornings will be on Wednesday 10^th and Wednesday 24^th.

Do come and join us and bring your friends too!

 

RIDE AND STRIDE 2016 10^th SEPTEMBER 1916

Last year we raised money on an exercise bike, covering the miles it would take to visit churches in the Deanery.

This year, if anyone would like to take to the road and be sponsored to visit churches in Wiltshire, please contact Carolyn on 852754 for sponsor forms.

Money raised will be shared between the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust (who raise funds to support projects in Wiltshire Churches) and Christchurch Broad Town.

 

 

 

 

CHURCH ROOF PROJECT

Unfortunately our recent application to the listed places of worship grant scheme to replace the whole church roof was not successful.  We obviously have to find a way of carrying out these essential repairs and at the latest Parochial Church Council meeting it was agreed we will apply to other grant providers, but only for the most urgent repairs and we will continue with our own fund-raising efforts as we are expected to make a contribution towards the cost of repairs.

 

BROAD TOWN WI

Our speakers last month were Graham Barnes and Jenny Oakshot from the Marlborough branch of the University of the Third Age.  They showed a very interesting film in which members talked about the enjoyment they got from learning new things by joining the various groups available in their areas.  In the groups the members share knowledge and help each other learn, one member usually taking the lead.  Topics vary from languages, and walking to things like DIY and quilt making. Then Graham and Jenny talked about their own experiences and how they have made many friends, had wonderful outings and holidays and learnt lots of new things.

This month (August 17^th) we are going for a walk in Coate Water Park followed by a meal in the Sun Inn.

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.

 

HARVEST SUPPER

An event for the whole community.

• 3 Course Meal
• Entertainment
• Bar provided by The Four Ways Community Pub

Venue - Village Hall.  Date & Time - 1 October at 7pm
Tickets - £10.00. Family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) £25.00
Available from:- Margaret Manley, Tel: 731564, Margaret Green, Tel: 854200
Carol Oldfield, Tel: 731097, Judy Rendell,   Tel: 731341

Proceeds will go towards the church roof project to keep our church open.

 

 

 

PARISH COUNCIL BRIEFING – notes from the PC meeting held on 11^th July 2016

Mrs Deborah Bourne has been appointed as the new Parish Council clerk. Her contact details are as follows:-

Mrs Deborah Bourne, Clerk to Broad Town Parish Council

Address available on request.

Tel: 0780144007, Email clerk.broadtown@gmail.com

It was noted that the planning application for Willowbrook Broad Town (15/12459/FUL) has been “Approved with Conditions” by Wiltshire Council.

The Parish Council agreed by a majority vote to adopt the statement regarding the NEW-V neighbourhood plan.  “To continue in the NEW –V Neighbourhood plan with the objective of achieving a favourable outcome”.

A revised version of the Housing Questionnaire was discussed at the meeting.  Some minor revisions may be required.

The Parish Council will be reviewing the contract for the cutting of the grass on the Redhills playing field.  The present situation of long intervals between cuts is unacceptable.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on 8^th August 2016 at 6.30pm at the Village Hall – all are welcome.

 

BROAD TOWN COMMUNITY LED PLANNING (CLP) GROUP

We would like to invite you to a CLPG meeting on Monday 5^th September at Broad Town Village Hall from 7.30pm to 9pm.  The purpose is to bring everyone up to date with the proceedings that have happened over the summer and to keep you informed about the Housing Survey to be carried out by the Parish Council shortly.  As usual refreshments will be provided and we look forward to seeing you again.

News from the Area Steering Group is that the four Villages that have withdrawn from the Area Neighbourhood Plan will be proceeding with their own individual Neighbourhood Plans.  The three Villages left, being Broad Town, Tockenham and Clyffe Pypard, are continuing with a shared Area Neighbourhood Plan.  Through our representation on the Area Steering Group, the CLPG has direct input into the plans for the ongoing consultations that are expected to continue into next year.  If you would like your voice to be heard please come along to the meeting or 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.

 

 

 

 

AGE UK ADVICE BUS

This is a new initiative with the aim of allowing older people living in some rural areas to access face to face information and advice. At the moment the bus is only available till the end of the year.  If you wish to keep it then please use it.  The nearest stopping point to Broad Town is Borough Fields Car Park, Royal Wootton Bassett on alternate Wednesdays.  The bus will be there from 10am till 12.30pm.

 

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT & CRICKLADE COMMUNITY AREA

Health and Wellbeing Champion, Ellen Blacker.  Tel: 07557 922020 or email ellen.blacker@wiltshire.gov.uk. 

A message from Alexa:

Plans for a local Men’s Shed Club (or two) are coming along really well, with a lead Shedder (John Loran) and a core Shed group established.  Support from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has meant that we have two potential venues in the Fire Stations at RWB and Cricklade.  If you’d like to get involved in the setting up of the Club, please contact your Community Engagement Manager at Wiltshire Council, Alexa Smith on 01249 706610 or alexa.smith@wiltshire.gov.uk

Wiltshire Council’s Area Boards hold pots of funding for local communities to access.  The Community Grant Fund offers up to £5000 capital funding for projects like; village hall repair/upgrades, new play park equipment, regeneration of footpaths & cycle ways, or new equipment for a community project. The Youth Grant Fund is accessible for projects working with 13-19 year olds.  Up to £5000 for revenue and capital projects, meaning you could apply for staffing costs for a project and/or the equipment to run it.  Again, contact Alexa for details.

 

 

OPEN GARDENS

Sunday 14 August 2016, 2 - 5pm Broad Hinton

5 diverse gardens in this picturesque Downland village are being opened to the public.

Park at the Church and buy your ticket from the Village Hall and experience the gardens on foot.  The gardens are all within easy reach of each other.  Refreshments including tea, coffee and squash as well as homemade cakes and cream tea, will be available in the Village Hall.

Tickets are £4 per adult for entry to all gardens.

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.