https://broad-town.co.uk RSS feeds for Broad Town Village 60 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2688/Broad-Town-News--May-2026#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2688 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2688&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2688/Broad-Town-News--May-2026                                                            BROAD TOWN NEWS MAY 2026                                          Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. CHRIST CHURCH The plant stall is nearly here! If you have any plants we can sell to raise funds for the church please contact Judy 01793 731341 or Carolyn 07768 543963. It was lovely to welcome Broad Town School for their end of term service and listen to their excellent singing and confident telling of the Easter story. Thank you to all the flower arrangers who made the church look beautiful for Easter. At the shortlisting meeting for our new rector, we learnt that the candidate has had to withdraw their application for personal reasons, The advert will stay live on Diocesan website and we will be told the new dates for advertising more widely in due course. Please continue to pray for a suitable candidate. It is not easy to keep the church running smoothly without a vicar. Thank you to everyone in the village and beyond for your support especially in maintaining the church, taking the services, including funerals and weddings, maintaining the churchyard and grass verges and helping with fundraising. The dates for services at Christ Church are: 10th May 10.30 Morning Prayer 24th May 10.30 Communion 31st May 10.30 Communion BISHOP’S MESSAGE The elusive hare. One of the many blessings of the spring is the reappearance of that most mysterious of countryside creatures, the hare. Part of their appeal lies, I think, in elusiveness and movement: barrelling along a lane at night, ahead of us as we drive, or veering across the hillside. We were walking this weekend through an ocean of woodland bluebells, when Effie, our dog, startled a hare (almost the size of a muntjac) mere yards away and off it tore, confounding all attempts at pursuit. Always on the move, they are an Easter marvel. I was reminded of the hare’s dynamism when reading St Mark’s account of the resurrection, which that evangelist conveys not as a fact to be proved, or puzzle to be solved, but as a mysterious kind of movement. “He has been raised; he is not here” declares the angel to the women at the tomb. “He is going ahead of you to Galilee”. At which their first response, not unreasonably, is terrified flight, before doing as the angel bade them and relating this to the apostles. Faith, in this light, is our pursuit of the Christ who goes before us. Rejoicing whenever we encounter him, walking his way and hoping earnestly to see him again. +Andrew Ramsbury. COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Our May coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays May 13th and 27th. Community Coffee Mornings take place in the village hall on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone in the village, and especially to those who haven’t been to a coffee morning before, to join us from 10 - 12 noon. On May 27th we will be joined by Kelly Hillier, our local Police Community Support Officer, who will be happy to answer any questions or listen to comments you may have about local issues. Make new friends, have a chat and enjoy a range of delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, and hot drinks. We operate on a donation basis, there is no fixed price for anything, please just donate as much as you feel able to. Any profits are regularly donated to local charities. We look forward to seeing you in the village hall. BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE LIMING Weather permitting, White Horse liming place will take place on the morning of Sunday 10th May. It should be assumed that we will start at around 10am and conclude before lunchtime. Protective equipment will be available at the site in the form of eye protection and face masks. All participants are requested to wear appropriate footwear and work gloves. If possible, they should also bring a tool that can be used for removing weeds or for spreading the lime. The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participants should be physically fit and in good health. Would anyone who wishes to be involved please contact Andrew Law on 07841 381301 or andrewlaw456@gmail.com . Fuller details will be provided to all volunteers. Individuals who have already declared their availability to the organizer need not do so again. Andrew Law SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3.50 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 24th April This Friday! 29th May 26th June The Village Hall bar will be open from 5pm on these Fridays so why not pop in and enjoy a drink while you are waiting for your supper ! ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP During April we had some great sessions making floral decorations, and fabric bowls. Some of us also had a go at flower pressing which was very relaxing. During our final April session on the 29th, we will be learning origami. There will be May sessions on Wednesdays May 6th & 20th. On the 6th we will be preparing for our plant sale and the 20th will be a relaxing ‘bring along your own craft or hobby’ session. Charity Plant Sale - Saturday May 9th Please come and support Prospect Hospice and our village church at the plant sale, homemade refreshments available. Broad Town 100 Project – free seeds!! Inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on May 8th, Made in Broad Town have launched a summer project aimed to get Broad Town growing! With the aim of involving the whole community to increase biodiversity by encouraging nature into your gardens and open spaces around our village, we are giving away free seeds to anyone in the village who requests them. Please see further information in this newsletter. Made in Broad Town sessions run from 10am – 12 noon in the village hall, new people always welcome. If you have any questions, please email us: Helen or Linda, email: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com GOLDBOROUGH RESTING STONE What is a resting stone? It is a seat comprised of a dressed rectangular rock with a base which was put along roads in past times when the majority of travellers walked long distances between towns and villages. The Goldborough resting stone was placed between Broad Town and Wootton Bassett along the Marlborough Road. Its existence was forgotten as the stone has lain in the ditch out of sight for some decades. A chance discovery when reading through old Parish Council records of the 1960s (as part of the research for the Broad Town white horse project) indicated that there was once a resting stone at Goldborough and that councillors had considered it worth mentioning as a historical landmark on a par with the oldest buildings in Broad Town. Discussion at a Coffee Morning in the village hall revealed that some residents remembered it from many years ago and a short foray along the verge soon revealed that the resting stone and its base were still there. On Sunday 19th April a small group of enthusiasts were able to rescue the stone and its base from the ditch, place the base on a levelled portion of the wide grassy verge and manoeuvre the resting stone back into place on its base. It may not get as much use nowadays as it did when Broad Town residents walked into Wootton Bassett, but it works and can now be easily seen from passing vehicles. So next time you go to Goldborough don’t forget to give the resting stone a try. Thanks to Adrian, Andrew, Charlie, Derek, John and Kevin. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING The Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 26th May at 6.30pm (please note the change of day). You are most welcome to attend and the Parish Council would be delighted to see you there. (This is not the annual meeting of the PC itself, which is on 11th May.) If you represent a community group and would like to update the community about your activities over the last year, or future plans, please let me know by e-mailing BTPCCLERK@outlook.com so I can include it on the agenda. Refreshments will be served. I hope to see you there. With best wishes. Caroline White Broad Town Parish Clerk PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Exercise caution when walking near footpaths We have received a report of a dog which hurt its leg on barbed wire hidden in the undergrowth and would ask both dogwalkers to exercise caution and also landowners to regularly check their fences and to remove or replace and collapsed fencing to avoid a similar incident. Consultation on proposed Changes to Pay and Display Parking in Wiltshire Have your say before 6th May at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/17245/TRO Parish Council Election Vacancies Following a resignation there are now 3 vacancies and the Parish Council is in need of new members. If anyone would like to join us in serving the parish and helping to make Broad Town a pleasant place to live then please make contact with the Clerk (BTPCClerk@outlook.com) The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the village hall on 11th May. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. Annual Parish Meeting Tuesday 26th May 6.30pm Village Hall We look forward to welcoming you at the Annual Parish Meeting. This is not a council meeting but is an opportunity for all village groups and associations to share with the village the activities they have undertaken in the past year and their plans for the future year. Residents are invited to contribute to the agenda and/or celebrate local activities and debate current issues in the community. Residents are also invited to raise any issues they want to bring to the attention of the Parish Council for future consideration by the Parish Council. Refreshments will be provided. INTRODUCING THE BROAD TOWN 100 PROJECT Request your free seeds now!! Made in Broad Town have just launched a village project which was initially inspired by the fact that it is David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on May 8th, the day before our charity plant sale. We thought it would be a good idea to do what we can to get Broad Town growing to improve our local environment, to encourage nature and increase biodiversity during the summer in the following ways: Our aim is for our village to create 100 small scale wildlife and plant based projects and/or involve 100 people. These projects can be as small as simply planting a tub of wildlife friendly flower seeds. Other possibilities that we encourage people to try including: - growing a row of sunflowers, or planting a shrub or tree etc. It would be great if everyone could grow sunflowers in their front gardens for others to enjoy too! - putting up a bird box, bat box or insect hotel, or to create hedgehog highways in fencing and hedges etc (please ask your neighbour’s permission before doing this!) - building a garden pond Introducing a bird box, bat box and insect hotel to public locations is also an aim of our project, please contact us if you know of any suitable village locations where you would like to see these put up. Broad Town School – we will help to help improve the wildlife friendliness of the school grounds by: Mini-project 1: planting a mountain rowan tree (one of the best wildlife friendly trees) and bee friendly bulbs in the autumn; Mini-project 2: building and populating some planters on the uncovered tarmac area at the school. We have already made these planters which will be installed on the school playground this week. Free seeds: To push our “Broad Town 100” project forward we aim to provide wildlife friendly or impactful flower and plant seeds to as many people or locations as we can throughout the village – please email us at madeinbroadtown@gmail.com with your name and address if you would like us to post a free starter pack of wildlife friendly seeds through your letterbox . Seed packs can also be collected from the village hall during the following events: May 5th – Broad Town White Horse Talk 7.30pm May 9th – Charity Plant Sale 2 – 4pm Any Wednesday morning: 10 – 12 noon during either community coffee mornings or Made in Broad Town sessions. Photographic Record and Coffee Morning: We will be collecting photographs of everybody’s mini projects, including ‘before and after’ photos – perhaps you could transform a small piece of garden into a wildflower area, or show us your newly installed birdbox for example, or a row of sunflowers in a tub or border. It would be even better if your photos manage to capture any wildlife visiting your mini project such as bees, butterflies or other insects or mammals! All the photos will be displayed at a community coffee morning on Saturday September 12th, and later will be transformed into a photobook as a permanent record of our project. If your photo(s) of your own mini project include people, only email us these if they are happy for their images to be included in our coffee morning photo display, and photobook, thank you. Please email your photos to: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com We aim to collect at least 100 photos as well as improving the biodiversity and colourfulness in our village. The project is open to everyone in our village/parish including children and we hope that as many people as possible will enjoy taking part. If you have any questions, please email us at madeinbroadtown.com, we look forward to hearing from you. Good luck with your project(s)! Helen, Linda, Corinne, Diana & Heather, and the Made in Group Town group Made in Broad Town are grateful to the Bluefield Solar Income Fund for their support DISCOVERING BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE Tuesday 5th May 2026 Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm Free admission. –refreshments available -Broad Town Village Hall. Join us as we hear the latest research on Wiltshire’s white horses and the exciting feedback from the 2025 Broad Town white horse project.  The talk will start with Brian Edwards, a published expert on chalk hill figures, giving an overview of the origins, meaning and modern treatment of Wiltshire’s white horses.  We will then hear the results of the surveys at Broad Town’s white horse and investigations into the horse’s past incarnations carried by experts and archaeologists in conjunction with volunteers from the local community. Finally, we will unveil the website which has been designed to thoughtfully showcase the results of our project. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Village Tidy Up Saturday 25th April 10am Village Hall Made In Broad Town Wednesday 29th April 10am Village Hall White Horse Project Presentation Tuesday 5th May 7:30pm Village Hall Made In Broad Town Wednesday 6th May 10am Village Hall Plant Sale Saturday 9th May 2pm – 4pm Village Hall White Horse Liming Sunday 10th May 10am Morning Prayer Sunday 10th May 10:30am Christ Church Parish Council Meeting Monday 11th May 6:30 pm Village Hall Community Coffee Morning Wednesday 13th May 10am Village Hall Made In Broad Town Wednesday 20th May 10am Village Hall Communion Sunday 24th May 10:30am Christ Church Annual Parish Meeting Tuesday 26th May 6:30pm Village Hall Community Coffee Morning Wednesday 27th May 10am Village Hall Come and meet your local Policing team Wednesday 27th May 10am Village Hall Communion Sunday 31st May 10:30am Christ Church PLEASE NOTE that all copy to be included in the next edition should be emailed to BroadTownNews@gmail.com by the 22nd of EVERY month. Any queries should also be sent to this address. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2688 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2687/Broad-Town-News-April-2026#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2687 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2687&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2687/Broad-Town-News-April-2026                                                  BROAD TOWN NEWS APRIL 2026                                Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. BROAD TOWN CHURCH April 5th Easter Sunday - 10.30 Communion April 26th - 10.30 Communion Please note that the service on April 12th 10.30 Communion will now be held in Bradenstoke and not Broad Town. PLANT SALE - Made in Broad Town have again kindly offered us a table at the Plant Sale on Saturday 9th May. If the warmer weather is tempting you into the garden and you are dividing or have surplus plants, we would much appreciate them for our table. Do get in touch with Carolyn on 07768543063 or Judy on 01793 731341 and we can arrange a plant drop off or collection. Many thanks If you are passing, do take a moment to visit the churchyard which is looking beautiful with spring flowers in bloom. Thank you to everyone who helps in any way. The Annual Meeting for Parishioners to elect churchwardens will be on Sunday, 26th April beginning at 11.30am (after the 10.30am Communion Service) and is followed immediately by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. All are welcome. If anyone would consider being a churchwarden, please contact Janet Drury on 01793 850931. BROAD TOWN FOOD BANK PART OF THE SWINDON FOOD COLLECTIVE GIVING FOOD TO THOSE WHO NEED IT Sat 28th & Sun 29th March Always needed: Small jars of coffee, Sugar (500gms/1kg) Tinned Fruit, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned meat - meatballs, corned beef, spam, hotdogs etc, Tinned vegetables - peas, carrots, sweetcorn etc. Tinned puddings - rice, sago, semolina, custard, angel delight, jellies. Plus any seasonal Easter items – chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, Easter cakes, biscuits, etc Please note - all items should be in date & preferably with a shelf life of 6 months or more. Thanks for your generosity in continuing to support people in need. Please drop off any unopened & unused items to the Village Hall. BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE – THE NEXT STEP Broad Town White Horse restoration group presentation in the Village Hall, Broad Town at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 May. In 2025 the Broad Town White Horse Restoration Group started a project to record the White Horse after landslips in 2024 threatened its existence. The project plan was presented to the Community at a well-attended talk in the Broad Town Village Hall in July 2025 entitled “Discovering Broad Town’s White Horse”. Activities took place during the rest of the year that involved members of the community and now it is felt to be the time to deliver the results in a second public presentation. The presentation will be introduced by Jemima Sellwood from our sponsor North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Andrew Law and Derek Greer will explain the major findings from two perspectives: the multiple detailed surveys of the horse and its surrounding landscape and the chronological history of the horse and its upkeep. We are fortunate to be joined by a guest speaker, Brian Edwards, a visiting research fellow at the Regional History Centre at the University of the West of England and local expert on the chalk figures of Wiltshire. He will talk to us about “White Horses, Historical and Now”. The evening will conclude with a presentation of the Broad Town History Website on which all the results of the Broad Town White Horse Restoration Group project will be displayed. The talk will take place on Tuesday 5 May 2026 in the Broad Town Village Hall with doors opening at 7pm and the talk starting at 7.30pm. Entrance is free and all of those interested in their local history are encouraged to attend. BROAD TOWN CHARITY PLANT SALE Saturday May 9th 2 - 4pm, Village Hall ➢ Made in Broad Town plant stall ➢ Broad Town Church plant stall ➢ Refreshments including homemade cakes, hot & cold drinks ➢ Plant donations appreciated please! ➢ All proceeds to: PROSPECT HOSPICE. Wide selection of plants, seedlings, hanging baskets & filled planters available. BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING to be held in the Village Hall on Monday 27th April 2026 at 6pm Agenda Apologies, Minutes of previous meeting, Matters arising, Chairman’s report, Treasurer’s report  Election of committee , Election of officers, Update of Health & Safety and Risk Assessment, Any other business The Broad Town Village Hall has now gone digital and all bookings and enquiries can be made "On-Line" at the following web address:-www.broadtownhall.com.Look forward to seeing you at the hall. Thank you to Aidan for all his hard work in refurbishing the planters in front of the Village Hall ☺ COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Our April coffee mornings will be after Easter on Wednesdays April 8th and 22nd. Community Coffee Mornings take place in the Village Hall on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone in the village, and especially to those who haven’t been to a coffee morning before, to join us from 10 - 12 noon. Make new friends, have a chat and enjoy a range of delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, and hot drinks. We operate on a donation basis, there is no fixed price for anything, please just donate as much as you feel able to.We look forward to seeing you and we wish you all a very Happy Easter! MADE IN BROAD TOWN CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP At our last session artist Maggie returned to give us a demonstration on painting Easter cards with watercolours. The session was enthusiastically received. There will be three April sessions - on Wednesdays April 1st, 15th & 29th. On the 1st we will be making floral Easter decorations, on the 15th we will be tackling origami, and on the 29th, fabric bowls (postponed from March 4th). Calling all gardeners...! Following last year’s very successful charity plant sale, Made in Broad Town are having another one this year, on Saturday May 9th, 2 – 4pm, please see separate poster in this newsletter. Many of you in our village were kind enough to grow plants and seedlings for us to sell, and we would love you to do the same this year please – now is the time to start growing, dividing and propagating! We can arrange collection of plants before the sale if necessary, and if you have any questions or would like to keep us updated on what you are growing, please email us at madeinbroadtown@gmail.com. Thank you for your help. SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3.50 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown Food for Thought Fish ‘n’ Chips Evenings will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 27th March 24th April 29th May PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Village Tidy-Up It’s the time of year for us to give the village a spring clean. Meet at the Village Hall for a village tidy and litter pick up. We will be providing litter picker tongs, gloves, bin bags and Hi-Viz vests to teams of willing helpers. We are also looking for volunteers with spades or shovels to weed the pavements. There will be bacon butties / refreshments provided as a reward! Meet 10 am Village Hall Saturday 25th April Next PC Meeting - will be at 6.30pm in the Village Hall on 13th April. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. FUTURE WASTE SERVICES: CHANGES AHEAD, HAVE YOUR SAY! Wiltshire is preparing for some important updates to waste and recycling services, all designed to improve sustainability, reduce our environmental impact, and deliver better value for money. These changes will shape how our communities recycle, reduce waste, and manage resources for years to come. Before we roll anything out, we want to hear from you. We’re launching a survey to understand how these upcoming changes might impact you. Your feedback will help us tailor our advice, support, and communications as we introduce new services. The survey runs from today until 5pm on Friday 17 April and should take under 10 minutes to complete. Find out more about the upcoming changes to waste collections in 2027 and have your say at  https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/futurewaste WHITE HORSE LIMING - SUNDAY 10 MAY 2026 Weather permitting, White Horse liming will take place on the morning of Sunday 10th May. It should be assumed that we will start at around 10am and conclude before lunchtime. Protective equipment will be available at the site in the form of eye protection and face masks. All participants are requested to wear appropriate footwear and work gloves. If possible, they should also bring a tool that can be used for removing weeds or for spreading the lime. The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participants should be physically fit and in good health. Would anyone who wishes to be involved please contact Andrew Law on 07841 381301 or andrewlaw456@gmail.com . Fuller details will be provided to all volunteers. Individuals who have already declared their availability to the organizer need not do so again. Andrew Law.   WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH In Summary : 35,195 vehicles passed the SID located at Broadacres monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton) which equates to approx. 858 a day. 26% of vehicles were speeding. BISHOP ANDREW’S LETTER FOR EASTER An eternal address. Living in two places at once, which most of us need to do at some point in our lives, can be a confusing business. Where should our post go? Where do we belong? To make dual residency of any kind work requires imagination as well as practical effort. Christians are called to do this in a spiritual sense, for we believe Christ makes us at the same time citizens of earth and of heaven. At no season of the year is this most clearly evident than at Easter, when we celebrate God’s new creation in the midst of the old. We are people who inhabit the spring, seeing in it signs of this new birth, but whose true hope is in resurrection. The poet John Donne, musing upon life and death, wrote how Jesus makes ‘one parish’ of earth and heaven, which is a lovely image. He adds that ‘Christ was not out of his diocese when he was upon the earth’! Nor (we might add), when he ascended to heaven. The church, then, is a rehearsal space for the kingdom of heaven – and as such must allow for all  the trial, error and excitement this involves. For Christ is risen, we have an eternal address and another country beckons. CHURCHYARD A big thank you to everyone who came to help at the work morning in March. The Churchyard is for the whole Community -more volunteers are needed and will be made most welcome. The 2026 dates for future work mornings will be: 4th April,9th May,6th June,4th July,8th Aug, 5th Sept,3rd October. We meet at 10am and refreshments are provided. If you require further information, please contact Ray Manley, Tel: 731564. BROAD TOWN SUMMER FETE Come and enjoy the fun on the 13th June 2026 at Broad Town School. 12:30- 4pm  Adults £2 entry. THOMAS SPACKMAN EDUCATIONAL TRUST GRANT: Are you, or do you know, a young person living in the Clyffe Pypard or Broad Town area who would benefit from The Thomas Spackman Educational Trust? The charity’s main focus is education or work-related training and apprenticeships, but the charity may also be able to help a promising individual develop a particular talent. Applying is very easy. If you wish to find out more about the application process, please contact Rosemary Greenway or email: spackmantrust@gmail.com. All formal applications need to be in by 31st March for the spring round and 30th Sept for the autumn round of awards. BROAD HINTON YOUTH GROUP Come and join our youth club! We meet every Friday from 7pm until 9pm during term time in Broad Hinton Village Hall. The club is for 10-14 year olds and the cost is £3 per session (plus tuck shop money!) Rising 10’s (ie if you will be 10 years old before September 1st 2026) are welcome to start after the Easter break New members are always very welcome. We have table tennis, table football, a snooker table, an indoor net for badminton or volley ball, a PS4, a Wii and an Xbox, as well as a tuck shop. We sometimes have other activities such as art and craft or different sports. During the summer months we have use of the school field behind the Village Hall for outdoor activities. We will start back after Easter on Friday 17th April 2026.Please visit our webpage on the Broad Hinton Village Hall website: https://broadhinton.org.uk/clubs/youth-club/ and for more information please email bhyouthclub23@gmail.com PLEASE NOTE that all copy to be included in the next edition should be emailed to: BroadTownNews@gmail.com by the 22nd of EVERY month. Any queries should also be sent to this address. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2687 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2686/Broad-Town-News-March-2026#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2686 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2686&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2686/Broad-Town-News-March-2026                                                                              BROAD TOWN NEWS MARCH 2026                                                          Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Steward normally visits Broad Town once a month to clear drains, fill potholes etc but for the last two months (and probably for next month as well) the stewards have been prioritised to focus on fixing potholes. In his absence you can report any blocked gullies or potholes using the MyWilts app (on a phone) or else at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts-online-reporting Next PC Meeting - Monday 9th March at 6.30pm in the village hall. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. THE WILTSHIRE BOBBY VAN TRUST Provides free home safety and online security services to vulnerable residents across Wiltshire. We are reaching out to Parish Councils to help us raise awareness of these services within your communities. Your support whether through local groups, village magazines, social media, e-notice boards, or simply word of mouth can make a real difference in keeping people safe. Our Services: Home Security: Our team of Home Security Operators carries out home security and fire-risk assessments, installs essential safety devices, and supports those affected by domestic abuse, changing locks or creating safe spaces until Police assistance arrives. Last year, we secured over 1,500 homes and delivered more than 200 awareness talks. We also offer a Digital Doorbell Service, providing free installations for vulnerable residents. Stay Safe Online: Since 2017, our Stay Safe Online programme has helped Wiltshire residents particularly those over 60 or adults with registered disabilities protect themselves from online fraud and scams. We provide personalised guidance, and group talks to help residents: • Protect themselves from online fraud • Access essential services securely • Stay connected with friends and family • Shop and engage online confidently In 2025, we received 154 referrals and helped 680 people gain confidence online. With fraud now accounting for over 40% of crime in the UK, prevention and education are essential. Referrals & Contact: We receive referrals from Wiltshire Police, partner agencies such as Victim Support and Age UK, and directly from community members. All our services are free, confidential, and tailored to everyone’s needs. For more information, please visit our website or contact me directly: Telephone: 07887474366 Email: rachel@wbvt.org Website: www.wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk With your help in spreading the word, we can continue supporting residents to stay safe at home and online. On behalf of everyone at the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, I wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to working together in 2026. WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH In Summary 24,341 vehicles passed the SID located at the School monitoring Northbound traffic (heading to RWB) which equates to approx. 609 a day. 9% of vehicles were speeding. SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3.50 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown Food for Thought Evenings Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 27th February 27th March 24th April   BROAD TOWN CHRIST CHURCH Our upcoming services for March. 8th March 10.30am Morning Service 22nd March 10.30am Communion Our upcoming services for April. Easter Sunday 5th April 10.30am Communion April 12th 10.30am Communion 26th April 10.30am Communion COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Charity Donations: Thank you to everyone who attended our coffee morning on February 11th and made suggestions as to which charities they would like us to donate our surplus funds to. We had many great suggestions, and it was a difficult decision, but we eventually decided on the following donations: £250 - Swindon & District Samaritans £250 - Wiltshire Sight Thank you again to everyone for continuing to support our village coffee mornings. March Dates coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays March 11th and 25th. Community Coffee Mornings take place in the village hall on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone in the village, and especially to those who haven’t been to a coffee morning before, to join us from 10 - 12 noon. Make new friends, have a chat and enjoy a range of delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, and hot drinks. We operate on a donation basis, there is no fixed price for anything, please just donate as much as you feel able to. We look forward to seeing you! A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who supported The Full Monty it was fantastic to see 85 people having fun with family, friends & neighbours enjoying their Winter Whopper, Weanie or Green Goddess breakfasts while partaking in the special auction of luxury items Your generosity & kindness raised £1,994.56 for The Prospect Hospice. MADE IN BROAD TOWN CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP Activities in February included making paper butterflies and hearts, and the 18th saw a very busy half-term session making collages and recycling magazines into beads for necklaces. Our March sessions will be on Wednesdays March 4th and 18th. On the 4th we will be making fabric bowls, and on the 18th Maggie B will be leading another of her very popular beginner’s watercolour sessions. Numbers are limited for the painting session, but we will be running our normal session alongside this, so please come along with your craft or hobby, or just for a chat over tea, coffee and biscuits. If you would like a place on the painting session, please email us and we will add your name to the list. All painting materials are provided. Request for unwanted hanging baskets, garden planters or terracotta pots We are already putting plans into place for our May 9th plant sale so please start gathering together any seeds or flowerpots that might be useful. We are very grateful for a selection of hanging baskets and planters which have been donated to us by a village resident. These will be planted up to be sold at the sale, and if anyone else has any unwanted hanging baskets, planters or terracotta flowerpots that they no longer want, we would love to have them. All proceeds from the plant sale will be going to charity so it’s for a very worthy cause, please email us to let us know about them or bring them to the village hall on any Wednesday morning. March sessions Our sessions run from 10-12 noon in the village hall on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and we would love to see you there. There is a voluntary £2 fee which goes towards hall hire, materials, and refreshment costs. Please just turn up or email us if you have any questions. Helen or Linda, email: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com Calling all gardeners following last year’s very successful charity plant sale, Made in Broad Town are having another one this year, on Saturday May 9th, 2 – 4pm. Many of you in our village were kind enough to grow plants and seedlings for us to sell, and we would love you to do the same this year please – now is the time to start growing and propagating! We can arrange collection of plants before the sale if necessary, and if you have any questions or would like to keep us updated on what you are growing, please email us at madeinbroadtown@gmail.com. Thank you for your help. BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL The Broad Town Village Hall has now gone digital and all bookings and enquiries can be made "On-Line" at the following web address:- www.broadtownhall.com. Look forward to seeing you at the hall.   BISHOP’S LETTER (DEAN OF SALISBURY) “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17: 4) John Hacket, seventeenth century Bishop of Lichfield, preached that offering to build dwellings for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah was “…the greatest error that St Peter committed”. Hacket’s verdict has always struck me as somewhat harsh. True, Peter does not respond to a scene of unearthly glory with a paean of awestruck wonder. But then Peter was a fisherman. He was good with his hands. He was used to mending boats, gutting fish, and patching up nets. Brought face to face with the light of Heaven he reverts to type. What can he do? Make some ‘dwellings’ – obviously! It's a relief to me that we read a Gospel account of the Transfiguration on the Sunday next before Lent, that we catch a glimpse of the divine before we descend to the wilderness and begin the weeks of penitence and fasting. It’s a relief to me because St Peter manifestly fails to rise to the occasion. He does not do what the circumstances seem to demand. He does not utter beautiful words that we still sing as a canticle in our worship. He does not leave the mountain-top with a serene countenance and a steadfast heart, forever a changed man. No. He reverts to type. He offers to get his chisel and plane out and knock something together. And this is a relief because the weeks of Lent compel me to acknowledge that, like St Peter, I very rarely rise to the occasion. I make vows about abstinence and study, only to break them. I receive ash on my forehead and daub it on the foreheads of others, only to find myself thinking about my supper. I hear the gorgeous music of the Cathedral choir and walk in solemn procession behind them, only to obsess about impossible neighbours, unwritten sermons, and difficult colleagues. In short, I revert to type – gluttonous, distracted, and cross. But perhaps the expectation that I might rise to God’s occasion or live up to God’s moment is just one more example of human vanity, one more instance in which I’m convinced it’s all about me. It’s not. Lent, however imperfectly observed, leads to Passiontide, when God in Jesus does not rise to the occasion. He descends to it. To the scourge, to the nails, to the crown of thorns. He comes down the mountain and joins us. And that’s why there is hope. PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2686 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2685/Broad-Town-News-February-2026#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2685 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2685&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2685/Broad-Town-News-February-2026                                                                                  BROAD TOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 2026                                                                     Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. BROAD TOWN CHRIST CHURCH Morning Worship: 8th February at 10.30am Communion: 22nd February at 10.30am A Thank You. It was good to be able to have trees decorated for Christmas in the churchyard and in the church. Thank you to those who kindly donated the trees, and to Andrew, Chris and David for helping to erect and decorate the churchyard tree. Thank you to Christine and Dave for helping to decorate the tree inside the church. All much appreciated by everyone. Broad Town Christ Church 100 Club Lottery. Are your New Year’s resolutions now a thing of the past. Why not make a new one this month? Why not resolve to join the Broad Town 100 Club Lottery. It only costs £1 a week (£4 per month or £48 per year, payable by standing order or cheque). Half the money raised is given out in prizes and over the past year nearly £1,400 has been won by lucky lottery members. The other half of the money is used to help keep your church open including paying towards essential repairs. If you would like to join, please contact Fiona Holness on fholness@btinternet.com BISHOP’S LETTER It is rare to have the Feast of Candlemas, February 2nd, so close to the start of Lent, Ash Wednesday 18th February. With Easter very early this year, it means that there are only fifteen days between the end of the Christmas cycle and the start of the season of reflection, abstinence and study. Not much time to change gear! Or to use a liturgical description, only two Sundays of Ordinary Time. The name ‘ordinary Time’ comes not from the fact that some days are just plain ‘ordinary’ but that all time is ordered as part of the divine nature. Our telling and re-telling of the Christian Year is not merely a nostalgic rehearsal but the re-living of the truths that shape our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. Seeing life, and in particular living a Christian life as an expression of sharing in the divine nature is therefore anything but ordinary. If we believe that we are all created in the image and likeness of God, then how we live our lives can only ever be extraordinary, regardless of what happens to us. If God sees us and our ‘ordinary’ lives as a gift of himself, how are we to respond? I often wonder what God thinks of us when he sees what we do with this unbelievable gift. Psalm 139.13-14 The Christ-child was cared for by Mary and Joseph at his Presentation in the Temple (2nd Feb) cared for and carried. In Lent, we seek to care more for ourselves with a sacred sense of self-care. How different might this be if we see ourselves as uniquely held by God, whatever the world thinks of us, and, even as we try to better ourselves, see ourselves as a gift, created in the image of God. Yes, this means you. You are the one who created my innermost parts; you knit me together while I was still in my mother's womb. I give thanks to you that I was marvellously set apart. Your works are wonderful-I know that very well. +Stephen, Bishop of Salisbury COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Our 2026 coffee mornings got off to a flying start with a very busy morning on January 14th. Despite the icy weather, the hall was buzzing with conversation whilst the selection of homemade cakes was both diverse and delicious! Our February coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays February 11th and 25th. Community Coffee Mornings take place in the village hall on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone in the village, and especially to those who haven’t been to a coffee morning before, to join us from 10 - 12 noon. Make new friends, have a chat and enjoy a range of delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, and hot drinks. We operate on a donation basis, there is no fixed price for anything, please just donate as much as you feel able to. We look forward to seeing you on February 11th. PARISH COUNCIL Budget & Precept for 2026/27. At the meeting of Broad Town Parish Council held on Monday 12th January 2026 councillors agreed the budget for the 2026-27 financial year. The approved budget results in a total precept of £11,187. The annual amount requested from a household in tax Band D in the village will increase by 3.47% to £40.18 (up from £38.84 last year). The Parish Council precept forms a small part of the overall annual Council tax requirement which will be communicated by Wiltshire Council direct to householders. Grants available for Community Groups. Remember that grants are available for Community Groups to help with any funding needs – each application is assessed by an independent advisory group prior to being submitted to the Parish Council who administers the funding from the Bluefield solar farm (previously Good Energy). Details are available on the website www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk We desperately need volunteers to sit on the Community Fund Advisory Group. The group reviews applications for grants from various Broad Town community groups and collectively decide to recommend granting the money or whether more details are required. This is usually performed remotely via email and tends to be every few months. Next PC Meeting - Monday 9th February at 6.30pm in the village  All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course SOCIAL CLUB The committee would like to thank all the people who helped make the Christmas Carol Singing and the New Year’s Eve party both very enjoyable and tremendous successes. I hope everyone who took part had fun and has now recovered! The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3.50 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Membership Renewal. Last few days remaining to take advantage of the discount when renewing your Social Club annual membership – a bargain at just £2 per person during January (£3 any other time). New members are always welcome. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown Food for Thought Evenings Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 30th January 27th February MADE IN BROAD TOWN CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP The new year kicked off with a busy session making notebooks from old Christmas cards and catching up with friends over tea, coffee and biscuits. Our February sessions will be on Wednesdays February 4th and 18th. On the 4th we will be making paper butterflies and hearts, and on the 18th, we will be making collages and beads from old magazines. Please bring along any old magazines you have for this session, and please also save old newspapers as we may need these later. Children are especially welcome on the 18th as it’s during half-term week. We will soon be putting plans into place for our May plant sale so please start gathering any seeds or flowerpots that might be useful. Our sessions run from 10-12 noon in the village hall on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and we would love to see you there. There is a voluntary £2 fee which goes towards hall hire, materials, and refreshment costs (families with children are free). Please just turn up or email us if you have any questions. Helen or Linda, email: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com WHAT OUR SID SAW LAST MONTH 52,280 vehicles passed the SID located at Broad Acres monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton) which equates to approx. 901 a day. 25% of vehicles were speeding, of which 2 went past the SID at a speed over 70mph ! THANK YOU FROM THE CHRISTMAS CRACKER EVENT A big thank you to everyone who came along to support our village Christmas Cracker event on Saturday November 29th. It was a very busy morning and almost £800 was raised. Community Coffee Mornings also donated some of their funds to increase our grand total to £1000. We have received a thank you certificate from Julia’s House Children’s Hospices which is on display in the village hall. They were overwhelmed by the generosity of our village! Thank you also to everyone who helped to organise the event either beforehand or by manning the stalls and serving refreshments on the day. BUMPS & BEYOND Broad Town Playgroup Bumps and Beyond is a friendly baby and toddler group for children aged 0-5 years old. We are based in Broad Town Village Hall on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11:30. The cost is just 50p per child. Snacks are provided at 10am along with a hot drink for the adults. We have a different craft activity nearly every week and finish with songs and games. We have a good selection of toys, ride on cars/trikes, books, puzzles and dressing up for the children to enjoy. PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2685 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2684/Broad-Town-News--Dec-2025-Jan-2026#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2684 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2684&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2684/Broad-Town-News--Dec-2025-Jan-2026 BROAD TOWN NEWS DECEMBER 2025 / January 2026 Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Broad Town News Editors Thanks to everyone who bought a bottle(s) of our delicious Broad Town Apple Juice. All 160 bottles were sold making a profit of £450 which went directly to Prospect Hospice Wroughton.  Thank you, Nigel, David, Rupert & Paul for serving refreshments, cake & demonstrating a 3D printer at work at the Community Coffee Morning. BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE RESTORATION GROUP REPORT FOR 2025 It’s been a hectic year for the Broad Town White Horse Restoration starting with liming in May. Funded by the Bluefield Solar Income Fund and with support from the Horton Brothers at Cockroost Farm, 18 volunteers weeded and limed the Horse on a Sunday morning in May leaving it gleaming white and visible for miles. In the background, preparations were being made for the commencement of a project which had been initiated in the light of the landslip below the Horse in 2024. It was agreed that 5 elements should be addressed and funding was requested and obtained from the North Wessex Downs National Landscape and the Bluefield Solar Income Fund: Survey using GPS and UAV photogrammetric survey. A condition survey involving a geological survey of land slip activity and an augur survey of the horse itself. A historic review of the Broad Town White Horse. Archiving of the results. Public dissemination of the results. Interest in the Project was evident when a talk in the Village Hall in July attracted an audience of over a hundred with standing room only for the latecomers. Fascinating talks were given by experts Garry Gibbons and Mike Allen while Derek Greer and Andrew Law completed the line-up. At a later date a school assembly about the Horse and its history was delivered by Derek and Andrew to an appreciative audience at the Broad Town School. Tasks 1 and 2 have now been completed and the associated reports drafted.  Task 3 remains underway and work continues searching out old documents relating to the White Horse to build up a more comprehensive understanding of its history. In parallel a number of interviews have been recorded with villagers who have been involved in the maintenance of the horse and in due course all of this material will be stored in local archives and also the Broad Town History Website - https://www.broadtownhistory.com. The Broad Town White Horse Restoration Group would like to thank all the people who gave their time for this project in 2025 and hope that they enjoyed their involvement. As the Group reviews the results obtained from the project, thought will be given to whether there is further work that might enhance our knowledge of the Horse and also identify work that might be done to improve the long-term stability and future of the Horse. It is hoped to deliver a second public talk in the Village Hall early next year to cover the results achieved. Looking ahead, we will be out liming the Horse again next spring so please look at the Broad Town News for future dates and help us in our aim to maintain this important symbol of Broad Town. "You too can participate in maintaining the white horse and be part of its evolving story." NEWS FROM BT C.E PRIMARY SCHOOL It’s been a busy start to the new academic year with children & staff making the most of our mild autumn with lots of outdoor learning. Class 1 have been enjoying their forest Friday sessions making clay figures, leaf rubbings and identifying trees; In October Mandy Cook led a school Spirituality Day with lots of fun outside and we had a visit from local volunteers who told us more about the history of BT White Horse and organised a fun White Horse playground trail. Children in Classes 2&3 greatly enjoyed a school trip to Hampton Court Palace, where they learnt a lot about the Tudors. The school were beneficiaries of a grant from Historic Royal Palaces Access Fund which funded the whole trip.  Seeking outside support & funding is essential to maintain our school and provide enrichment to our curriculum. Thanks to a grant from the Spackman Trust the school were able to purchase a new set of laptops to add to the ones we already have in school. And thanks to one of our parents we were able to receive some new books for our school library. We also held a fundraising walk /run and raised a fantastic £1,427 to provide much needed maths & phonics resources. Looking beyond the school, at our Harvest Festival pupils donated a large number of items to pass on to the Swindon Food Collective which were greatly received. Finally the school would like to recruit some parents, governors and community helpers who would be willing to come into school on a regular basis and read with the children. We are looking for people with an hour or two to spare in the afternoon on a regular basis.  Full training will be given. Please contact the headteacher if you would be interested at admin@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk. CHRIST CHURCH As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the messages of Christmas seem more relevant than ever.  We sing ‘LOVE came down at Christmas’, ‘JOY to the world’, ‘PEACE on earth, GOOD-WILL to all. We are delighted that this year, the annual village carol service on Thursday 18th December will be held in our ‘warm’ village church! Come and sing carols, listen to the nativity story read by people from the Village and beyond with children creating the crib scene ready for Christmas Day and stop a while after to mingle and chat over a glass of mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies. The door is open wide and everyone is welcome so please put the date in your diary and bring your best singing voice along for a festive and joyous evening. Christmas blessings to all. As 2025 draws to a close, it is a time to reflect on the year and to give thanks to the many people from the Village and further afield who have in any way volunteered their time or given financial support to the church. It is much appreciated. The church now looks forward with HOPE and we pray that a vicar will be appointed early next year to lead us on our journey. New Year Greetings to everyone. Church Service dates 14th December 10.30am Morning Worship 18th December 7pm Carol Service 25th December 10.30am Communion 11th January     10.30 Morning service 25th January     10.30 Communion BISHOPS MESSAGE DECEMBER 2025 At Christmas, wherever we are, and however full or fragile our lives are, we mark perhaps the greatest moment in human history.  The very fact that God chooses to lower himself and to be born among us, and to make His home as one of us, marks out the Christian experience from any other in our world.  Our preparations and our celebrations make it all too easy to miss the full meaning of the incarnation.  The fact that God is with us is a liberation all of its own and calls us to make every home in our world as safe and as free as possible.  This Christmas as families, and as some remain alone, let us remember before anything else that the God who made his home among us calls us to return to Him and to live lives that proclaim the good news.  May the home coming of Jesus be with you this Christmas.  'MADE IN BROAD TOWN' CRAFTS AND HOBBIES GROUP Meets every first and third Wednesday of the month in the Village Hall.  No crafting skills or experience are necessary, and you are also very welcome to come long just for refreshments and a chat.  Some people bring along their own crafts or hobbies to work on whilst others like to have a go at the activities we organise every session.  So far this year our activities have included clay work, cushion making, collages, gift box making, paper iris folding, watercolour painting, potato printing, glass painting and Christmas cracker making. Following our very enjoyable glass painting session led by Terri at the end of October, our long-awaited visit to Great Cotmarsh Farm took place in early November.  Organic farmer and sustainable fashion producer Katie Allen, gave us a fascinating talk about their organic and sustainable farming methods, and the animals bred at the farm. This was followed by a tour of the tannery and the dye garden.  A big thank you to Katie for facilitating such an enjoyable morning and also thank you to Jacki for helping to organise this event. Several times during the year we sell items we have made to raise money for charity, and we are proud to have raised almost £2,500 in the two and a half years we have been running.  Our plant sale in May raised over £600 for the Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance, and we would love to see you at our stall at the ‘Christmas Cracker’ event on November 29th when we will be supporting Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Our next sessions will be on: Wednesday December 3rd; Wednesday December 17th (Christmas bring and share nibbles and making floral table decorations); January 7th and January 21st All from 10 – 12 noon in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along to our sessions and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. If you are able to make a £2 voluntary donation, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs, we’d be very grateful.  If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you.  If you haven’t been before simply come along to any of our events or email us at: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from Linda, Helen, Corinne & Heather THE SOCIAL CLUB Open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3.50 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. THE SOCIAL CLUB AGM The Annual General Meeting of the Social Club will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th December in the Village Hall at which the Officers and other members of the Committee will be elected. All members of the public are invited to come along and participate and if anyone would like to join the committee then please make contact with the secretary Chris Woodhouse 07790 815616 or woodhousecj@gmail.com. Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm:on 28th November,19th December THE LEGEND OF ROBIN REDBREAST From A Christmas Stocking by Louise Betts Egan. It tells the story of how the robin got his red breast after burning himself on a fire he fanned to keep the baby Jesus warm. On that first Christmas, it is said, the night was wrapped in a bitter chill. The small fire in the stable was nearly out, and the Mother Mary worried that her baby would be cold. She turned to the animals about her and asked them for help. “Could you blow on the embers,” she asked the ox, “so the fire might continue to keep my son warm?” But the ox lay sound asleep on the stable floor and did not hear her. Next, Mary asked the donkey to breathe life back into the fire, but the sleeping donkey did not hear Mary either. Nor did the horse or sheep. She wondered what to do. Suddenly, Mary heard a fluttering of little wings. Looking up, she saw a plain, brown-coloured little robin fly into the stall. This robin had heard Mary calling to the animals and had come to help her himself. He went over to the dying fire and flapped his wings hard. His wings were like little bellows, huffing and puffing air onto the embers, until they glowed bright red again. He continued to fan the fire, singing all the while, until the ashes began to kindle. With his beak, the robin picked up some fresh, dry sticks and tossed them into the fire. As he did, a flame suddenly burst forth and burned the little bird’s breast a bright red. But the robin simply continued to fan the fire until it crackled brightly and warmed the entire stable. The Baby Jesus slept happily. Mary thanked and praised the robin for all he had done. She looked tenderly at his red breast, burned by the flame, and said “From now on, let your red breast be a blessed reminder of your noble deed.” And to this day, the robin’s red breast covers his humble heart. Another legend says that the robin’s breast is red because of his association with Christ’s death and crucifixion. When Jesus was on the road to Calvary it is said that a robin plucked a thorn from Christ’s temple and a drop of Jesus’ blood fell on the robin’s chest, turning it red. PARISH COUNCIL Help support your Community – Join the Parish Council The Parish Council has two vacancies and would love to welcome new members. If you are passionate about your community and keen to make a change to help improve residents’ lives then the Parish Council is where you can make a start. A Councillor’s role includes setting the council tax precept for the coming year, commenting on planning applications, helping with problems and ideas, representing the community, talking to the community about their needs and what the council is doing. If you are interested then come along to the next meeting to see what we do. The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the Village Hall on 8th December. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. As it is the last meeting before Christmas we will be offering mince pies and mulled wine after the meeting to allow residents to chat to the Councillors in a more relaxed social gathering. SIGN UP FOR FREE PRIORITY SERVICE IN THE EVENT OF A POWER CUT If you, or someone you know, might need extra support in a power cut you can join the SSEN free Priority Services Register. Full details are on the parish council website: https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/news/ssen-winter-measures/ WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at the School monitoring Northbound traffic (heading to RWB). The SID captures traffic travelling in ONE direction only so the below figures represent approx. half of the overall traffic in both directions. 47,824 vehicles passed the SID which equates to approx. 854 a day. 11% of vehicles were speeding  CHRISTMAS PUDDING The pudding we know today began life as a pottage. This was a kind of broth, including raisins and other dried fruit, spices and wine. It was thickened with breadcrumbs or ground almonds. Not dissimilar to the mince pies of yesteryear, it often included meat or at least meat stock. The original ‘figgy pudding’ was almost unrecognisable from modern Christmas pudding. For example, this medieval recipe was published in Fygey from the Form of Cury from 1392 period: 'Take almaundes blanched, grynde hem and draw hem up with water and wyne: quarter fygur, hole raisouns. cast perto powdour gyngur and hony clarified, seeth it well & salt it, and serue forth.' - Fygey from the Form of Cury (1392) This plum pottage would be served at the start of the meal rather than at the end of the meal as we do today. It was not until the end of the 17th century that the pottage took on a more solid appearance. It was served like a porridge or cooked inside a skin, like a sausage. Even then, it was more likely to have been sliced and cooked under a roasting joint and served alongside the main meal or as a starter – not a dessert. COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS In the Village Hall on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone in the village, and especially to those who haven’t been to a coffee morning before, to join us from 10 - 12 noon. Make new friends, have a chat and enjoy a range of delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, and hot drinks. We operate on a donation basis, there is no fixed price for anything, please just donate as much as you feel able to. Surplus funds are regularly donated to various local charities and recent donations have been made to Prospect Hospice, Breast Cancer Now, Christ Church Broad Town and Macmillan, and we are looking forward to raising as much as we can for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice during our ‘Christmas Cracker’ event on November 29th . Since the coffee mornings started in 2016, over £11,000 has been donated to charity. A big thank you to our Broad Town Baristas team of Rupert, Nigel and Dave who gallantly ran our last coffee morning and did an amazing job, giving the normal team a chance to relax and enjoy chatting to everyone for once! Our regular team consists of Annie, Carolyn, Helen, Linda & Sandra, please come along and meet us in the Village Hall on: Wednesday December 10th  – free Christmas raffle & Made in Broad Town sales table; Wednesday January 14th & Wednesday January 28th, all from 10 – 12 noon Thanks to our regular attendees for all your support during the last year, and we extend our welcome to new visitors to come and enjoy scrumptious cake and a chat – please just turn up and come in. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and look forward to meeting you! DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Food for Thought Fish & chips   28th  November 5-8pm    Village Hall Christmas Cracker Coffee & Craft Sale    29th November 10:00-12:30    Village Hall Made in Broad Town’ Crafts & Hobbies    3rd December 10am    Village Hall Food Bank    6th & 7th December    Village Hall Parish Council Meeting    8th December 6:30pm    Village Hall Community Coffee Morning    10th December 10am    Village Hall Morning Worship    14th December 10.30am    Church Annual General Meeting of the Social Club    16th December 7:30pm    Village Hall Made in Broad Town’ Crafts & Hobbies    17th December 10am    Village Hall Carol Service    18th December 7pm    Church Food for Thought Fish & chips    19th  December 5-8pm    Village Hall Communion    25th December 10.30am    Church New Years Eve    31st December 20:00 - late    Village Hall Morning service    11 January 10.30am    Church Community Coffee Morning    14th January 10am    Village Hall The Full Monty breakfast for Broad Town    17th January 10:00am    Village Hall Made in Broad Town’ Crafts & Hobbies    21st January 10am    Village Hall Communion    25 January 10.30am    Church   Community Coffee Morning    28th January 10am    Village Hall Food for Thought Fish & chips    30th January 5-8pm    Village Hall   Please e-mail articles for publication to BroadTownNews@gmail.com by 22nd of the month (EXCEPT DECEMBER) BEST WISHES FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2684 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2683/Broad-Town-News-November-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2683 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2683&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2683/Broad-Town-News-November-2025                                                                                  BROAD TOWN NEWS – NOVEMBER 2025                                                           Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. BROAD TOWN CHRIST CHURCH SERVICES November 9th Remembrance Sunday – 10.50am (please note time) November 23rd – Communion, 10.30am Please also support our Treasure Quest stall at the ‘Christmas Cracker’ event on November 29th in the Village Hall A LITTLE BIT ABOUT POPPIES Poppies have been sold by the Royal British Legion to celebrate Remembrance Day since 1921 and were chosen as they were among the first flowers to re-grow on the battle-scarred fields of Flanders. In the 1920’s four different types of poppies were available to suit various budgets, and materials included silk, cotton and cardboard with centres made from bitumen. By the 1930s a two-layer silk poppy was introduced and during wartime the number of designs was reduced to two, made of silk or cardboard, due to shortages of other materials. In the 1950s wire stems were reintroduced along with felt petals. In 1967 wire stems were replaced by plastic and in 1987 the poppy regained its green leaf due to popular demand. In 2023 poppies became plastic-free and fully recyclable. There is no correct way to wear your poppy except with pride! All money raised goes to provide lifelong support to the UK's serving military personnel, veterans, and their families. This support covers a wide range of needs, including financial assistance, advice, employment help, mobility and housing support, and mental health services. Funding also supports RBL's broader activities, such as the National Memorial Arboretum, remembrance events, and the costs of running the charity itself. BOTTLES WANTED PLEASE! Please consider donating one or more bottles for the bottle tombola at the ‘Christmas Cracker’ event in aid of Julia’s House Children’s Hospices on November 29th any type would be welcome e.g. soft & alcoholic drinks, sauces, shower gels etc. Thank you to those who have already donated bottles. Please bring your bottle(s) to the Village Hall on a Wednesday morning during the Community Coffee Mornings or Made in Broad Town sessions, or to the Social Club on a Friday evening. Alternatively, please leave them with Annie & Nigel Crocker at ‘Barbary’, Broad Town by November 26th. Thank you very much for your help! SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Halloween Evening - The social club is hosting a family Halloween themed fish and chip night with Food for Thought on Friday 31st October with prizes awarded for Best fancy dress for boy and girl (under 12s) and for Best carved pumpkin for under 12s. Food for Thought Evenings Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 31st October (Halloween themed special) 28th November On these Fridays the Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. BROAD TOWN CE PRIMARY SCHOOL On Tuesday 7th October, we were very fortunate to have Derek Greer and Andrew Law, from the Broad Town White Horse Restoration Society, come into school. Derek led a very informative assembly with a PowerPoint, video and shared some chalk samples. Andrew prepared a wonderful White Horse Trail for classes 2 and 3, with questions for the children to find the answers to. The children and staff, really did enjoy finding out about the Broad Town White Horse. A great thank you to both Andrew and Derek. Governor Vacancies Open day – Thursday 6th November 9.30am & 11am. Would you like to join our friendly and supportive team of governors at Broad Town School? We are looking for additional governors to be part of our governing board at our welcoming and inclusive school. No previous experience of being a governor is needed as you will be trained and supported, all you need is a commitment and willingness to make what is an important contribution to our community. You would be involved in termly meetings that take place in late afternoons and also have a valuable opportunity to work with members of staff on a particular focus of school life. A DBS check is a requirement but otherwise no other qualification is necessary. If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact admin@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk Thank you. BROAD TOWN BUMPS & BEYOND Broad Town Playgroup ‘Bumps and Beyond’ is a friendly baby and toddler group for children aged 0-5 years old. We are based in Broad Town Village Hall on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11:30. The cost is just 50p per child. Snacks are provided at 10am along with a hot drink for the adults. We have a different craft activity nearly every week and finish with songs and games. We have a good selection of toys, ride on cars/trikes, books, puzzles and dressing up for the children to enjoy. ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP Glass Painting: All are welcome to come to our much-requested evening glass painting session this Thursday October 30th, 7-9pm in the Village Hall during which Terri will be demonstrating some lovely Christmassy designs, no prior experience needed. There will be some items available for you to paint but if you would like to bring along your own item such as a glass storage jar, jam jar, empty wine bottle or vase etc, please ensure that the item is clean and dry and that any labels and/or glue residue has already been removed. Please also bear in mind that paint designs show up better on clear glass than they do on coloured glass. All paints and brushes will be supplied. The evening is free although a £2 contribution towards hall hire, refreshments and equipment costs would be very much appreciated if you feel able to contribute. Refreshments will be available. Great Cotmarsh Farm Visit: Wednesday November 5th 10am – a visit to Great Cotmarsh Farm on the edge of the village, during which local farmer Katie Allen will be talking to us all about their organic farm, how they care for their animals to produce 100% pasture fed lamb and beef, and their work with their unusual diversification businesses; a knitwear brand, an artisan veg tannery to produce leather, a botanical dye garden and their farm classroom which has opened its doors to over 250 students since May. The morning will start at 10am with refreshments and a chat, then Katie will talk about the different aspects of Great Cotmarsh Farm before we have a tour of the dye garden. *This promises to be a fascinating morning and if you’d like to come along, please would everyone email us as soon as you can, as we need to know numbers for car parking and classroom seating purposes–thank you! madeinbroadtown@gmail.com If you are making your own way to the farm please arrive by 9.55am, parking is available there. We look forward to seeing everyone on November 5th. November 19th : 10 – 12 noon: please join us in the Village Hall to make Christmas themed decorations and gifts. On Wednesday October 1st the group enjoyed a decoupage making session, creating some impressive photo frames and boxes, and on October 15th artist Maggie B returned to Broad Town to lead another watercolour painting session, helping us to create ‘winter landscapes’. Some great works of art were produced and everyone who took part found it a very enjoyable morning. Please support our stall at the Broad Town ‘Christmas Cracker’ coffee morning and craft sale on Saturday November 29th from 10 – 12 noon in the Village Hall. All proceeds will be going to Julia’s House Children’s Hospices. Everyone is welcome to come along to our sessions for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re very friendly, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 voluntary donation please, to help cover materials and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email Linda or Helen: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Thank you to everyone who attended our fundraising big coffee morning on September 24th in aid of Macmillan. The fantastic total of £200 was raised for which we have received a certificate of thanks which is now on display in the Village Hall. A big thank you to everyone who gave so generously on the day. We are all really looking forward to our November 12th coffee morning as some of the male coffee morning regulars will be giving the Community Coffee Morning ladies team a rest by running the coffee morning on that day. Please come along to support our rookie ‘Broad Town Baristas’, who we’re sure will do an amazing job! The second Wednesday coffee morning in November will be on the 26th, followed by the coffee and craft sale ‘Christmas Cracker’ event on Saturday 29th, when we hope to see as many people as possible at the Village Hall. We will be donating all proceeds to Julia’s House Children’s Hospices so please support us at what promises to be a very busy and fun morning! Coffee mornings take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings of every month (except August) from 10 – 12 noon in the Village Hall. Everyone from the village and surrounding areas is very welcome to come along to meet others, to chat and to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. We look forward to seeing you! LIVE BAND NIGHT - BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL Many of you may already know that White Horse Rock n Roll use the Village Hall for dance nights and live band nights. We are a small friendly Dance Club hosting events 4 to 5 times a year. Our next live band night is on Saturday the 15th of November, 7.30 – 11pm. Tickets £12 from www.whitehorserocknroll.co.uk. We offer light (soft) refreshments within the ticket price, but you are more than welcome to bring your own if you fancy something a little stronger. If you are interested in learning to dance, please come along and have a chat with us, we have dance teachers on hand or alternatively come and watch the band! You can find out more on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/whitehorserocknrollswindon PARISH COUNCIL Proposed Speed Limit changes and Consultation Wiltshire Council has posted a consultation on proposed speed limit changes between Broad Town and RWB. These can be viewed at: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/15049/TRO-Consultation-on-proposed Various-Speed-Limits-Lydiard-Millicent-Broad-Town-Royal-Wootton-Bassett and-Broad-Hinton. Comments are invited from interested parties until 24th November 2025 in writing or via email to trafficorderconsultations@wiltshire.gov.uk. Quote the reference HKB/TRO/BTOW. Get Flood Ready - See the information provided by Wiltshire Council on the website https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/news/get-flood-ready-flood-preparedness-presentation/ Police Speed Enforcement Checks - We feed our SID stats into Wiltshire Police who use the figures to carry out speed enforcement checks in the village. So far this year they have performed 7 sessions which has resulted in 9 drivers having to attend a speed awareness course. Over the last 3 years the checks in Broad Town have resulted in: Speed Awareness Course 40 Fine & Points 4 Court summons 2 The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the Village Hall on 10th November. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. At the start of the meeting there will be a presentation by a representative from SSE who will explain the support and tools that are available to help those that need it most in the event of a power cut. ROSPA inspection of Redhills Playing Fields RoSPA have carried out their annual inspection of the play area at Redhills and no significant problems were found. The report can be viewed at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/your community/redhills-playing-fields-and-play-area/ NOVEMBER LETTER FROM BISHOP KAREN ‘As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you.’ These wonderful words are used at the start of Morning Prayer each day. It is a rich and powerful prayer asking God to not only go with us into a new day, but also that we may be changed by God’s presence with us. Hence our love being a vehicle of God’s love in the world. This is a powerful prayer for our day and age, as the world so much needs the love and light of Christ in so many ways. We can pray it for ourselves, and we can pray it for others. Our world leaders, our peace makers, those who put their own lives in danger for the sake of others. November is the month of remembrance, where we give thanks for those who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace, and we reflect on our own calling as peacemakers where we are, in our homes, in our communities, in the decision we make and our reactions to others. The prayer however is not just practical, it is also spiritual. What does it mean to have our hearts set on fire with love for God? That takes time and devotion, it takes prayer and worship. I am thrilled when I meet a new Christian whose heart is on fire with love for God. Those who come for confirmation are usually our best evangelists showing others what a change Jesus can make, and enthusing others with the joy of the gospel. For those of us who have been followers of Christ for many years, this prayer can be a challenge, and therefore a good reminder day by day, that we need to regularly rekindle faith, so we blaze with God’s love and light. In a month when we think about remembrance, and light bonfires and watch fireworks, do take some time to pray this prayer in your own heart, so we can all be set on fire with God’s love as we make Jesus known. Bishop Karen. DATES AT A GLANCE: Thursday October 30th – Glass Painting with Terri, Village Hall 7-9pm, all welcome. Friday October 31st – Food for Thought Fish ‘n’ Chips, outside the Village Hall; Halloween Party, from 5pm. Wednesday November 5th – Made in Broad Town Great Cotmarsh Farm visit, 10am. Thursday November 6th – Broad Town School Open Morning, 9.30am & 11am. Sunday November 9th – Remembrance Sunday at Christ Church, 10.50am. Monday November 10th – Parish Council Meeting with SSE Presentation 6.30pm, Village Hall. Wednesday November 12th – ‘Broad Town Baristas’ Community Coffee Morning, Village Hall 10am. Wednesday November 19th – Made in Broad Town 10am, Village Hall. Sunday November 23rd – Communion Service, Christ Church, 10.30am. Wednesday November 26th –Community Coffee Morning 10am, Village Hall. Friday November 28th – Food for Thought Fish ‘n’ Chips, outside the Village Hall. Saturday November 29th – Village ‘Christmas Cracker’ Coffee Morning and Craft Sale, 10 – 12.30pm, Village Hall. PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2683 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2682/Broad-Town-News-October-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2682 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2682&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2682/Broad-Town-News-October-2025                                                                             BROAD TOWN NEWS – OCTOBER 2025                                                        Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Dogs in the Playing Fields We have received reports of someone walking their dog in the playing fields at Redhills. This is a children’s play area and dogs are not allowed for health reasons. Please respect the signs and keep your dog outside the fence. Help Prevent Flooding Two years ago there was serious flooding in a number of places in the village. The Wiltshire Council parish steward visits monthly and ensures the drainage grips (from the roadway into the roadside ditch) are clear and tries to clear any obstructions where he is able, but we can all do our bit by ensuring that road drain gratings are clear of leaves and any pipes and ditches are free from obstruction. If you see any such problem and are unable to sort it yourself. Please let the Parish Clerk know at BTPCCLERK@outlook.com Similarly it’s time to ensure that all watercourses are free-flowing and cleared of any vegetation and obstruction. Watercourse owners, or ‘riparian’ owners, have a responsibility to maintain ordinary watercourses that run adjacent to, through or under their property. Riparian owners are responsible for reporting incidents such as flooding, and for letting water flow through the watercourse naturally by removing blockages that may cause flooding. The Environment Agency has published a guide for landowners which is available on the Parish Council website at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Environment-Agency_Your_watercourse_rights_and_roles-2024.pdf Next PC Meeting - Monday 13th October at 6.30pm in the village hall on 13th October. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at Broad Acres monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton). The SID captures traffic travelling in ONE direction only so the below figures represent approx. half of the overall traffic in both directions. 36,400 vehicles passed the SID which equates to approx. 867 a day. 21% of vehicles were speeding. BROAD TOWN CHRIST CHURCH SERVICES 12th October Morning Service at 10.30 in Church. 26th October Communion at 10.30 in Church. SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Halloween Evening The social club is hosting a family Halloween themed fish and chip night with Food for Thought on Friday 31st October with prizes awarded for Best fancy dress for boy and girl and for Best carved pumpkin for under 12s. Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 26th September – NO SERVICE AS Food for Thought car has been stolen 31st October (Halloween themed special) On these Fridays the Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. BROAD TOWN CE PRIMARY SCHOOL Open Day – Thursday 6th November – 9.30am and 11am. We have places available in all year groups.  Broad Town Primary School is a small village school just 3 miles from Royal Wootton Bassett.  It is set in a beautiful rural location.  Broad Town has a friendly family atmosphere where the children are treated as individuals.  We are Forest School accredited, and children are provided with a range of outdoor opportunities. Development of the whole child is central to our ethos.  Contact the school office if you would like to arrange a visit – Telephone 01793 731395. Website: www.broadtown.wilts.sch.uk  Head teacher: Bridget Long. ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP Our September sessions included keyring making, gift bag and box making and a demonstration from Heather of how to wrap a bottle to produce a very smart art deco look. Our October sessions will be on Wednesdays October 1st and 15th from 10 – 12 noon, with an extra evening session for glass painting on Thursday October 30th from 7- 9pm. All these sessions will be held in the village hall. New folk are assured of a warm welcome. Wednesday October 1st (morning) – decoupage using photo frames and toilet rolls and boxes Wednesday October 15th (morning) – watercolour session with artist Maggie (booking required as numbers are limited, please speak to us or send us an email, address below) Thursday October 30th (evening) – a much-requested evening meeting during which Terri will be running another of her very popular glass painting sessions, no prior experience needed. There will be some items available for you to paint but if you would like to bring along your own item such as a glass storage jar, jam jar, empty wine bottle or vase etc, please ensure that the item is clean and dry and that any labels and/or glue residue has already been removed. Please also bear in mind that paint designs show up better on clear glass than they do on coloured glass. The evening is free although a £2 contribution towards hall hire, refreshments and equipment costs would be very much appreciated if you feel able to contribute. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available. Wednesday November 5th (morning) – a visit to Great Cotmarsh Farm on the edge of the village, further details to follow in November’s newsletter. Everyone is welcome to come along to our sessions for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re very friendly, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 voluntary donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email Linda or Helen: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com OCTOBER COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Community Coffee Mornings restarted again on the 10th of September after our summer break, and it was lovely to welcome everyone back to the village hall. During our second September coffee morning on Wednesday September 24th, we raised money for Macmillan by taking part in their annual ‘Big Coffee Morning’. The total raised will be in the next newsletter, but we would like to thank everyone who came along for their support, and for their generosity in their donations for refreshments and raffle ticket sales. The October coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays October 8th and 22nd.Coffee mornings take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings of every month (except August) from 10 – 12 noon in the village hall. Everyone from the village and surrounding areas is very welcome to come along to meet others, to chat and to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. We look forward to seeing you! Save the date – Village Christmas Coffee Morning & Craft Sale – bottles wanted please!! Saturday November 29th from 10 – 12 noon in the village hall A variety of refreshments and stalls including cakes, raffle, bottle tombola, Made in Broad Town crafts & preserves etc. This event is being jointly organised by Community Coffee Mornings & Made in Broad Town. All proceeds to charity. Request: Please consider donating one or more bottles for the bottle tombola – any type would be welcome e.g. soft & alcoholic drinks, sauces, shower gels etc. Please bring your bottle(s) to the village hall on a Wednesday morning during the Community Coffee Mornings or Made in Broad Town sessions, or to the Social Club on a Friday evening. Alternatively, please leave them with Annie & Nigel Crocker at ‘Barbary’, Broad Town. Thank you very much for your help! BISHOPS LETTER FOR OCTOBER During the wistful first week of September, just before our youngest departed for university, we took a week’s holiday in North Cornwall, to revisit a seaside haunt much enjoyed in their childhood. The high-baked summer heat finally giving way to that more familiar British blend of showery spells and sunny intervals, we eschewed the beaches in favour of the ruined splendour of Tintagel Castle, situated on an almost-island along the headland from our cottage. Since 2019, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur has been connected to the coast by an elegant suspension bridge, the crossing of which offers giddily magnificent views. Perhaps helpfully, pedestrians can’t see the rocks beneath them but for a 40mm gap, halfway across. The bridge is constructed in two sections, each drilled into its own side of the yawning chasm. The inch or two between them is, I learned, both structural and symbolic - representing the space between past and present, myth and reality. A lovely touch, I thought. As we cross the threshold into autumn, with its liturgical mood of gratitude and remembrance, let us rejoice that God bridges the ages in Jesus Christ: connecting us not only to the past events of our salvation but also the future hope of his heavenly kingdom. Whatever changes lie before us, he remains the way, the truth and the life. Thank you and God bless. PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Sat, 27 Sep 2025 12:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2682 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2681/Broad-Town-News-September-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2681 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2681&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2681/Broad-Town-News-September-2025                                                                  BROAD TOWN NEWS – SEPTEMBER 2025                                             Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish.   SEPTEMBER COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Broad Town Community Coffee Mornings are looking forward to welcoming you all back to the Village Hall after our summer break, on Wednesday September 10th from 10am – 12 noon. Our delicious hot drinks, sausage rolls and homemade cakes will all be available, so come along for a chat and to meet up with friends old and new. During our second September coffee morning on Wednesday September 24th, we will be raising money for Macmillan by taking part in their annual ‘Big Coffee Morning’. Please come along from 10am – 12 noon to enjoy our usual delicious refreshments and there will also be a raffle, so please help us to raise as much money as we can for this very worthwhile cause. Coffee mornings take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings of every month (except August) from 10 – 12 noon in the Village Hall. Everyone from the village and surrounding areas is very welcome to come along to meet others, to chat and to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. We look forward to seeing you! PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Farmers are allowed to start cutting hedges from 1st September onwards (provided there are no nesting birds) so there is no reason not to join them. Do you have an unruly hedge overhanging a road or pavement and need some help? Contact the Parish Clerk to seek assistance and guidance BTPCCLERK@outlook.com Let’s cut hedges back to the boundary rather than encroach on roads and pavements! The roadside drains along the main road and up Broad Town hill have all been visited by the ‘Gully Sucker’ tanker which has unblocked them in time for autumnal and winter rainfall. Residents can report blocked gullies by using the MyWilts app (on a phone) or else at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts-online-reporting. The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the Village Hall on 8th September. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE Thank you to everyone who attended the Broad Town White Horse talk on Wednesday 30 July. The hall has rarely been seen so full and those attending were treated to a series of fascinating talks about chalk figures and in particular the Broad Town horse. The evening was introduced by Jemima Sellwood representing the North Wessex Down National Landscape, a major sponsor of the ongoing survey project. Second up was Dr Mike Allan who spoke on chalk figures, focussing on the Cerne Abbas Giant. Mike was followed by Garry Gibbons who gave an overview of the Wiltshire White Horses. After a break for refreshments the evening continued with Andrew Law talking about the history of the Broad Town White Horse whilst Derek Greer concluded the evening with an explanation of the project that has been initiated to survey the White Horse to archaeological standards as a record for future generations. The topics clearly stimulated a lot of interest from the audience judging by the questions raised and the post-presentation conversations. The topographic survey has now been concluded and we are in possession of a draft report from our archaeologist surveyor. The second part of the project to assess land slip risk and hill figure condition is underway and a day was spent auguring the Horse on Thursday 21 August. Time precluded completion of the task and so it is planned to have a second work day on a weekend for which volunteers will be needed. Please look out for further information. As we move into autumn, we are embarking on the third part of the project which includes a historic review of the White Horse including the collection of oral testimony. Project staff will be inviting members of the community to record their memories of the Horse and their involvement in its maintenance. We look forward to interviewing some of the Broad Town News readership. ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP Our school holiday sessions on August 6th and 20th proved to be very popular with the Village Hall being a hive of creative activity on both days. It was lovely to see so many of the village children and their parents and carers coming along to our sessions, and a wide variety of works of art were produced from potato printed wrapping paper, owls and marbled paper to under the sea collages, bracelets and dream catchers – see photos below. Our September sessions will be on Wednesdays September 3rd and 17th. On September 3rd we will be making keyrings and on September 17th we will be creating gift boxes and bags. Other dates to make a note of: Wednesday October 15th (morning) – watercolour session with artist Maggie (booking required) Thursday October 30th (evening) – a much-requested evening meeting during which Terri will be running another of her very popular glass painting sessions, no prior experience needed Wednesday November 5th (morning) – a visit to Great Cotmarsh Farm Summer Holiday Activities: Everyone is welcome to come along to our sessions for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re very friendly, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 voluntary donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email Linda or Helen: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8:00pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for £3 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale Halloween Evening The social club is hosting a family Halloween evening on Friday 31st October with prizes awarded for best dressed boy and girl, and for best carved pumpkin. This coincides with Food 4 Thought so any tired Trick or Treaters will be welcome to partake in some refreshment and possibly win a prize! We are looking for raffle prize donations – please contact Trevor or Tina Hillier or pop into the club on a Friday night. at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Food for Thought Evenings Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month:  29th August  26th September  31st October (Halloween themed special) On these Fridays the Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. THOMAS SPACKMAN EDUCATIONAL TRUST GRANT Are you, or do you know, a young person living in the Clyffe Pypard or Broad Town area who would benefit from a grant from The Thomas Spackman Educational Trust? The Charity’s main focus is education or work-related training and apprenticeships but The Charity may also be able to help a promising individual develop a particular talent; perhaps help fund tuition in a musical instrument or develop a sporting skill. Applying is very easy. If you wish to find out more about the application process, please contact Rosemary Greenway: rosygreenway@gmail.com. All formal applications need to be in by 31st March for the spring round and 30th September for the autumn round of awards. SEPTEMBER MESSAGE FROM COMMS September is always a month of endings, as well as new beginnings. As the bright colours of summer fade into the oranges and browns of autumn, shiny new school shoes make an appearance, along with fresh notebooks as we head back to our desks after a break over August. We start again, carrying with us the feeling of a new year beginning. September then is always a month of change, and because of this it can be unsettling. We reflect on or maybe grieve for that which is drawing to a close and can feel a mixture of anticipation about what is new or next. It is likely that we feel this even more acutely this September, living in a world which feels increasingly insecure from the perspective of fast-changing global politics and conflicts around the world that show no sign of abating. All is changing; all feels very fragile and deeply uncertain. One of this country’s much-loved hymns is ‘Abide with Me’, famous for being sung at every FA Cup Final since 1927. The words are based on Luke 24: 29 and were written by the Reverend Henry Francis Lyte, with one of the stories about this suggesting that he wrote them in September 1847 – just after he had conducted his final church service and when very ill with tuberculosis. He died two months later. Putting aside questions of when Lyte wrote these words, the fact remains that they capture the constancy of God’s presence and love, even as the seasons change, our lives change, our world changes, in life and in death: Change and decay in all around I see, O Thou who changest not, abide with me. This then is a beautiful reminder that even though we, and indeed our world, pass through times of change and can feel unsettled as a result, God goes with us. God in Christ abides with us, his presence and love unchanging in our ever-changing world: “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. (Luke 24: 29) WILTSHIRE PCC LINKS https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/wiltshire-police sees-higher-public-confidence-than-national-average-as-efforts-to build-trust-continue https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/tackling-hare coursing-head-on-a-whole-force-response https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/pcc-highlights-the-vital-role-of-cctv-in keeping-communities-safe-this-summer https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/increase-in-reports-of-stalking-and-sexual offences-in-wiltshire-reflects-changes-in-crime-classification-and-public-confidence https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/residents-voice-their-concerns-around-drug crime-as-figures-show-local-and-regional-increase-in-reporting BROAD TOWN CHURCH Many thanks to the churchyard work party for such a tidy churchyard and especially for the roadside hedge which sets off the approach to the church so beautifully. We really appreciate your hard work. The services for September are 14th September 10:30am Morning Prayer 28th September 11am (note change of time) Harvest Service followed by Harvest Brunch (tea coffee WINE and tasty nibbles/sandwiches/Cake) All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you. Donation to the Food Collective would be appreciated. PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2681 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2680/Broad-Town-News-August-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2680 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2680&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2680/Broad-Town-News-August-2025                                                                                                      Broad Town News – August 2025                                                                                    Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. DISCOVERING BROAD TOWN'S WHITE HORSE - Wednesday 30 July  - 7.30pm Village Hall Join us as we journey through the creation, the upkeep and, at times, loss of Wiltshire's white horses and hear about a new project to better understand Broad Town's white horse. The talk will start with Garry Gibbons giving an overview of the county's chalk horses before exploring how research can reveal fresh insights. We then move onto an exciting project at Broad Town's white horse, as a response to landslip activity close to the hill figure. The project will carry out archaeological surveys, track historical changes to the horse, and unearth stories by capturing memories from the community. Free admission, Doors open 7pm, Refreshments available. CALLING ALL DETECTIVES It is believed that the above drawing was used by William Simmonds in 1864 to cut the White Horse. The drawing was found by Mrs Reeves and Mrs Telling when clearing out some cupboards in the old shop (behind the village hall) and at a later date inherited by Mary Hacker (Miss Reeves/Nora Little’s cousin). The White Horse project would very much like to look at this drawing so please get in touch with Andrew Law if you know Mary Hacker or any of her relatives. Andrew can be contacted on 07841381301 or andrewlaw456@gmail.com THANK YOU Judy Rendell rallied the troops to replant the village planters. Armed with their lethal trowels and gardening gloves Rosie Law, Linda Boyden, Carolyn Crocker and Christine Marshall set about clearing and restocking the 8 village planters. Linda Boyden, Roger Buckingham, Richard & Dawn Leppard, Richard & Abi Green, Jean Pearce, Christine Marshall and Richard Wykeham-Martin kindly water and tidy the planters regularly retaining their splendour for us all to enjoy. Thank you all for making Broad Town look loved and cared for. CHURCH SERVICES The services for August are as follows: 10th August at 10.30 Holy Communion (please note this replaces Morning Service for this month) 24th August at 10.30 Holy Communion MADE IN BROAD TOWN CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP School Holidays – free sessions for children! Our August sessions will be on Wednesdays August 6th & 20th and as we are a group for the whole community, we would especially welcome children and their carers to come along to these free sessions. We will have some fun activities arranged for everyone to try including wrapping paper making and paper marbling on the 6th, and collage making and bracelet making on the 20th so come along to the Village Hall from 10am – 12 noon to join in the fun! Please note that all children should be accompanied by an adult during the sessions, and you may wish to bring an apron or overall with you. We still have one July session arranged on the 30th – we will be continuing our ‘learn to crochet’ sessions or bring along your own craft or hobby. May Plant Sale & Tea Update Good news from the Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance that our plant sale total of £660 has now increased to £732.73 with the addition of Air Ambulance sales and direct donations on the day, so the grand total for that event including the £400 raised by the village church is now £1132.73. This is an amazing amount and thank you again to you all for your hard work both before and during the event, and to those who came along to support us. Paper Iris Folding This month we enjoyed a paper iris making session and ended up producing an array of colourful pictures. Everyone is welcome to come along for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re very friendly, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 voluntary donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email Linda or Helen: madeinbroadtown@gmail.com WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at Chapel Lane monitoring Northbound traffic (heading to RWB). The SID captures traffic travelling in ONE direction only so the below figures represent approx. half of the overall traffic in both directions. 43,247 vehicles passed the SID which equates to approx. 1006 a day. 11% of vehicles were speeding SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Food for Thought Evenings Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 25th July 29th August 26th September 31st October (Halloween themed special – watch this space) On these Fridays the Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Do you have an unruly hedge overhanging a road or pavement and need some help? Contact the Parish Clerk to seek assistance and guidance BTPCCLERK@outlook.com Let’s cut hedges back to the boundary rather than encroach on roads and pavements! Next PC Meeting - Monday 11th August The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the Village Hall on 11th August. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Fundraising Coffee Morning – July 23rd Our charity fundraising coffee morning for Breast Cancer Now was extremely well attended and we raised the magnificent sum of £248. We have added an additional £52 from surplus funds so we will be donating a total of £300 to Breast Cancer Now. The raffle was very well supported and the bring and buy table offered items such as Broad Town grown plants and vegetables, jigsaws, cakes and stationery items, and the cake table was groaning under the weight of a wide assortment of donated cakes! Thank you to everyone for your generosity in donating raffle prizes and cakes, and for supporting our chosen charity. August Break Please remember that community coffee mornings will be taking their usual annual break in August, and we would like to thank you all for your support during the last year and wish everyone a happy summer! We look forward to seeing you all again on Wednesday September 10th from 10am – 12 noon in the Village Hall. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Friday 25th July 5pm to 8pm - Village Hall - Food for Thought Fish & Chips. Wednesday 30th July 10am – 12 noon -  Village Hall - Made in Broad Town Crafts & Hobbies Group. Wednesday 30th July 7:00pm for 7:30 start - Village Hall - Discovering Broad Town’s White Horse. Wednesday 6th August 10am – 12 noon - Village Hall - Made in Broad Town Crafts & Hobbies Group. Sunday 10th August at 10.30am - Church - Holy Communion. Wednesday 20th B B TV August 10am – 12 noon - Village Hall - Made in Broad Town Crafts & Hobbies Group. Sunday 24th August at 10.30am - Church - Holy Communion. Friday 29th August 5pm to 8pm - Village Hall - Food for Thought Fish & Chips. Wednesday September 10th from 10am – 12 noon - Village Hall - Community Coffee Morning. DID YOU KNOW? The first official Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom was on 5th August 1871. It was a designated day off so bank employees could attend a cricket match between England and Australia at the Kennington Oval. Responding to pressure from the holiday industry in 1964 Edward Heath moved the bank holiday to the end of August. The date was settled in statute with the passage of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 which remains in force today, with the date specified as "the last Monday in August". PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2680 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2679/Broad-Town-News--July-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2679 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2679&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2679/Broad-Town-News--July-2025                                                                                                                 BROAD TOWN NEWS – JULY 2025                                                                             Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish.   CHRIST CHURCH, BROAD TOWN Services for July are as follows: 13th July Morning Service at 10.30am, 27th July Communion at 10.30am All in the Church, everybody welcome CHURCHYARD WORK MORNING & VILLAGE SHELTER Thank you to everyone who volunteered at the recent churchyard work morning, and to those who have decorated the now summer-themed village shelter. All your hard work is very much appreciated. BROAD TOWN FOOD BANK GIVING FOOD TO THOSE WHO NEED IT Sat 28th & Sun 29th June Urgently needed: Small jars of coffee, Sugar (500gms/1kg) Tinned Fruit, Tinned Tomatoes Tinned meat - meatballs, corned beef, spam, hotdogs etc Tinned vegetables - peas, carrots, sweetcorn etc Tinned puddings - rice, sago, semolina, custard, angel delight, jellies Always needed Non-perishables (tins & packets) Long Life (milk & juice) Thanks for your generosity in continuing to support people in need. Please drop off any unopened & unused items to the Village Hall. BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE RESTORATION GROUP LIMING 2025 A belated thanks to all of those volunteers from the community who turned out on 18 May to weed and lime the White Horse. Blessed with good weather, a thorough job was carried out that left the Horse looking better than it has for a long time. Comments have been received from a number of sources complimenting the horse’s appearance and as a village, we can be proud of our efforts. Thanks are also due to the Horton Brothers at Cockroost Farm for procuring and delivering the lime, Broad Town Brewery for supporting the event and the Bluefield Solar Farm for granting the funding necessary to buy the associated resources. SURVEY PROJECT Hopefully readers are aware of the survey project that has been initiated to record the White Horse in response to the threat posed by last year’s landslip. Guided by local chalk figure expert Garry Gibbons, requests for grants have been submitted to the Bluefield Solar Farm and to the North Wessex Downs National Landscape to fund the professional support necessary to complete the task to archaeological data standards. The five elements of the project are: Task 1. A topographic survey using drones and GPS. Task 2. An assessment of land slip risk and hill figure condition including an auger survey and a specialist survey of slope and land slip activity. Task 3. A historic review of the hill figure involving the exploration of existing records and their expansion through the collection of new information and oral testimony from the Community. Task 4. Preparation of the data sets for curation in the Archaeology Data Service, the Wiltshire Historic Environment Record and the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. Task 5. Dissemination of results through talks, exhibitions and information panels. This will include a presentation to the Broad Town community on the evening of Wednesday 30 July. The good news is that our requests have been met, and funding is now in place to initiate the work. It is intended that work on Tasks 1 and 2 will start imminently. All of the funding is conditional on volunteer input throughout the project, and we will be looking for helpers to assist in the work. As the tasks and timings are confirmed, requests for assistance will be sent directly to regular helpers and via Facebook to the wider community. The chance to work on original archaeological research on your own doorstep rarely arises so please volunteer. Please contact Andrew Law or Derek Greer if you have any queries about the project: Andrewlaw456@gmail.com; dgreer05@gmail.com JULY LETTER FROM THE RIGHT REVEREND KAREN GORHAM, BISHOP OF SHERBORNE Some of the joys of a bishop’s ministry are Confirmation Services, we have had a good number so far this year and many more in the diary. The service is both corporate, as the congregation prays for each candidate, and personal, as each candidate makes promises, is prayed for and is anointed with oil. The words of the anointing remind all of us who have been confirmed that God calls us by name. This Pentecost we launched across the diocese a simple ‘Rule of Life’ as part of our discipleship and vocation work. Being called by God means being called to discipleship. Simply put a ‘rule of life’ is our response to what God has done for us. It takes some the teachings of Christ into our own lives. Therefore, we continue a life of inner transformation through prayer, Bible reading, and regular worship; and we contribute to the transformation of the world through generous giving, seeking justice and using our time and talents in the service of God. This all gives us the opportunity to consider our response to God’s love, to the one who calls us. It may be that the Holy Spirit is nudging us to serve in particular ways in the life of the local church, or to live out our Christian life more courageously in the world. Do pick up a postcard from your local church if you have not already been given one and be part of our diocesan vision, not only Making Jesus known but being called so all may flourish and grow. Bishop Karen ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP It has been lovely to see so much creativity and socialising going on during our recent sessions, and also to welcome some new people to the group. Thank you to Heather who recently led a very enjoyable session on flower crafting. Our July sessions will be on Wednesdays July 2nd & 16th with an extra one on the fifth Wednesday of the month, the 30th, all from 10am – 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to come along for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re very friendly, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 voluntary donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email: Linda Boyden lindaboyden12@gmail.com; Helen Greer hjgreer1@gmail.com COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Thanks to your generosity this year we have recently been able to make donations of £200 each to Dressability and Christ Church, Broad Town. Dressability is a Swindon-based charity who adapt clothing. Through engaging with the challenges faced by their range of clientele on an individual basis, the team at Dressability’s focus is on making a positive difference to the lives of individuals living with disabilities. From jeans to jackets, dresses to dungarees and skirts to shirts, the constant whirr of sewing machines in their busy workroom, enables clients to wear user-friendly clothing in which to feel good in – promoting independence and wellbeing. Our Village church will be using their donation to make much needed improvements, and letters of thanks have been received from both recipients. Fundraising Coffee Morning – July 23rd. Our July coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays the 9th and 23rd. On the 23rd we are hoping to see as many people as possible at our fundraising coffee morning for Breast Cancer Now (formed by the merger of Breakthrough Breast Cancer & Breast Cancer Campaign). As well as some sumptuous summer homemade cakes, there will also be a raffle and a ‘bring and buy’ sale on this morning. We would love you to bring along and donate any items that you think others would like to buy whether its homegrown fruit, vegetables, plants or flowers, home baked cakes or preserves, jigsaws or crafted items (but please no books or ornaments). Thank you! Police visit to Coffee Morning Thank you to PCSO Kelly Hillier who visited our coffee morning on May 28th, and who answered many questions and queries from villagers. The community coffee mornings are always on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month (except August), so please join us from 10 – 12 noon in the Village Hall. Coffee mornings are a very informal way of meeting others in the village, having a chat whilst enjoying delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. If you haven’t been before why not give it a try, we would love to see you. SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Food for Thought Evenings. Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 27th June, 25th July, 29th August & 26th September. On these Fridays the Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Annual Audit The Parish Council has successfully completed the annual audit with only a few observations and no recommendations. The Auditor’s report is available on the PC website in the Funding & Accounts page under the 2024/25 financial year. BROAD TOWN PARISH COUNCIL AUDIT Notice of Public Rights for Inspection of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 As per the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, Broad Town Parish Council has made its Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year 2024-25 available for inspection by any person interested, together with all accounting records; books; deeds; contracts; bills; vouchers; receipts and other documents relating to these records. If you have any issues to raise or wish to see the full accounts, please contact the Parish Clerk on btpcclerk@outlook.com. In accordance with the guidelines the full accounts will be available to view for 30 working days between 11th June and 22nd July 2025. The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the Village Hall on 14th July. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course.   WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at School monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton). The SID captures traffic travelling in ONE direction only, so the below figures represent approx. half of the overall traffic in both directions. 15,619 vehicles passed the SID which equates to approx. 822 a day. 14% of vehicles were speeding WILTSHIRE POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER NEWS: https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/wiltshire-pcc-hears-views-of-young people-at-youth-commission-workshop https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/pcc-working-with-local-charity-to fund-activities-reducing-violence-and-serious-harm https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/pcc-parish-column-keeping communities-informed-with-digital-tools https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/youth-workers-funded-by-opcc have-positive-impact-on-young-people-in-Swindon https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/communities-positively-impacted by-projects-delivered-to-reduce-serious-violence. JULY AT A GLANCE: Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June – foodbank collection, outside the Village Hall Wednesday July 2nd – Made in Broad Town, Village Hall 10am Wednesday July 9th – Community Coffee Morning, Village Hall 10am Sunday July 13th – Church service 10.30am, Christ Church Monday July 14th – Parish Council Meeting 6.30pm, Village Hall Wednesday July 16th – Made in Broad Town 10am, Village Hall Wednesday July 23rd – Fundraising Community Coffee Morning 10am, Village Hall Friday July 25th – Food for Thought Fish ‘n’ Chips, outside the Village Hall Sunday July 27th – Church service, Christ Church 10.30am Wednesday July 30th – Made in Broad Town 10am, Village Hall Wednesday July 30th – Discovering Broad Town’s White Horse talk – 7 for 7.30pm, Village Hall PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2679 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2678/Broad-Town-News-June-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2678 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2678&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2678/Broad-Town-News-June-2025 BROAD TOWN NEWS – JUNE 2025 Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish.   PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Village Tidy-up Thanks to all the residents who volunteered to walk the village picking up litter. We had a very productive few hours and made a noticeable difference throughout the village. Grateful thanks also to those who provided refreshments and bacon baps afterwards, it was much appreciated. Redhills Play Area Please note that the fort in the play area is for climbing up the ramp and enjoying the slide but please don’t allow your children to climb on the roof of the fort. Annual Parish Meeting. The Annual Parish meeting was well attended by members of the public and representatives from the various community groups who gave presentations on their activities for the past year. Reports were made by representatives on: Christ Church, Village Hall, White Horse Restoration Group, Community Coffee Mornings, Made in Broad Town, Speeding data captured by the SID, Broad Town History Website, Community Speedwatch, Parish Council Next PC Meeting - Monday 9th June will be at 6.30pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. WILTSHIRE CONNECT The Public Transport team at Wiltshire Council is pleased to advise that they have extended the popular Wiltshire Connect on-demand bus service to include Broad Town. The service can be used for journeys to Royal Wootton Bassett, Malmesbury and to any location in the operating area which includes the Great Western Hospital, Orbital Retail Park and Kemble Railway Station. Anyone can use Wiltshire Connect and the wheelchair accessible vehicles operate between 6am-8pm Mon-Fri and 8am-7.30pm on Saturdays. Rides can be booked by using the Wiltshire Connect app or by phone on 01225 712900 For more information and to download the booking app, residents should go to the website https://www.connectingwiltshire.co.uk/royal-wootton-bassett-malmesbury. WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at Broad Acres monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton) The SID counted 29,088 vehicles passing which equates to approx. 1003 a day. 25% of vehicles were speeding. CHRIST CHURCH The services for June are as follows: • 8th June 10.30 Morning Service • 22nd June 10.30 Communion. Plant sale A big thank you to everyone who supported our plant sale in any way. It was a lovely village event and we raised an amazing £400. We would value your further help in considering and suggesting qualities we would like a new vicar to bring to our village and church. A suggestion box will be available for your thoughts at the Community coffee morning and Made in Broad Town sessions. We can’t promise everything but will do our best! SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8:00pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Food for Thought Evenings Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 30th May, 27th June, 25th July, 29th August, 26th September. On these Fridays the Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. VILLAGE PLANT SALE RAISES £1060! A big thank you to everyone involved in our village plant sale and tea on Saturday May 10th. It was fantastic to see so many people coming along to buy the plants, to socialise with friends and to enjoy the refreshments on offer in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. Whether you grew plants to sell, baked cakes or scones, or simply came along to enjoy the event, we thank you for your generosity and for your support. Thank you also to all those who set up the hall and tidied up afterwards. £660 was raised for the Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance and £400 for Christ Church Broad Town, through the joint efforts of Made in Broad Town, Christ Church and the Community Coffee Mornings Team. COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Thank you to everyone who provided cakes and scones for the plant sale and also to those who helped in the kitchen. Police visit to Coffee Morning If you’re reading this before May 28th…Kelly Hillier, our local Police Community Support Officer, will once again be joining us at the coffee morning on the 28th. Please come along with any concerns or queries that you might have. Our coffee mornings in June will be on Wednesdays June 11th and 25th, and we look forward to seeing you there. Please encourage anyone you know of in the village to come along who doesn’t do so already, the more the merrier! Please also remember to visit our book table whilst you’re at the coffee mornings. There is a wide selection of books available to choose from and also a few jigsaws – borrow any items for as long as you like and simply return them when you’ve finished with them. The community coffee mornings are always on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, so please join us from 10 – 12 noon in the Village Hall. Coffee mornings are a very informal way of meeting others in the village, having a chat whilst enjoying delicious homemade cake, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. If you haven’t been before why not give it a try, we would love to see you. ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ Crafts & Hobbies Group As well as playing our part in the very successful plant sale earlier this month, we have also been busy participating in a watercolour painting session with teacher Maggie, and a ‘shell craft’ session making wind chimes and photo frames. During the watercolour lesson everyone managed to produce some fantastic hummingbird paintings and hopefully another similar session will be booked for later in the year. Inspired by the first of our three visits to the children at the village school to help them make their own shell wind chimes, we decided that we would also have a go at making wind chimes and photo frames. June Sessions will be on Wednesdays June 4th and 18th. Everyone is welcome to come along for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re very friendly, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 voluntary donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email: Linda Boyden lindaboyden12@gmail.com; Helen Greer hjgreer1@gmail.com BISHOPS NEWSLETTER Jack Spratt’s scrap heap clock St Andrew’s, Wootton Rivers, you will find in the porch a beautiful board telling the story of local character Jack Spratt, who achieved fame by constructing a church clock entirely from local scrap to commemorate the coronation of George V in 1911. As a new installation was too costly, handyman Jack invited villagers to leave him their spare bits and bobs and proceeded to make a clock that ran (and still runs) with pin point accuracy. Instead of numerals on its face, the tower clock reads ‘Glory be to God’. This eccentric and appealing project bears witness to the steady Anglican faith and resourcefulness vital for our churches to thrive and survive. Also, to the creator God whose spirit can work within us to make something wonderful from the scraps and times of our lives. To him be the glory. Also an invitation to place the first signature in their new visitor’s book, after the sixty-year service of its predecessor. These volumes are found in most village churches and remain a quiet record of the thousands who call into our places of worship, usually unseen, and leave their appreciation with a word or two and, often as not, a coin in the box or a tap on the e-reader!   PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 27 May 2025 13:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2678 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2677/Broad-Town-News-May-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2677 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2677&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2677/Broad-Town-News-May-2025 BROAD TOWN NEWS – MAY 2025 Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Community coffee mornings are looking forward to helping with the refreshments for the Plant Sale on May 10th, so please come along and see us in the Village Hall! The May coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays May 14th and 28th. Kelly Hillier, our local Police Community Support Officer, will once again be joining us at the coffee morning on May 28th. Please come along with any concerns or queries that you might have .Cake rota – could you bake a cake for us please? Many of you have already very kindly volunteered to be on the rota and we are very grateful to everyone who has baked cakes for us. If you are not yet on our rota, please consider volunteering to make a cake, it would only be 2-3 times a year, and any type of cake would be very welcome, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. If you are able to help out, please see one of the helpers at the next coffee morning or email Annie Crocker: anniecrocker@hotmail.co.uk The community coffee mornings are always on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, so please join us from 10 – 12 noon in the Village Hall. Coffee mornings are a very informal way of meeting others in the village, having a chat whilst enjoying delicious homemade cake, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. If you haven’t been before why not give it a try, we would love to see you. Plant Sale in aid of the Air Ambulance, May 10th. Final preparations are now underway for our charity plant sale, so please come along and support us, all donations of plants or seedlings by anyone with some to spare would be very welcome, please contact Linda, Helen, or Carolyn: Linda Boyden lindaboyden12@gmail.com; Helen Greer hjgreer1@gmail.com Carolyn Crocker carolyn.crocker@hotmail.co.uk This promises to be a busy family-friendly event as not only will there be lots of Broad Town grown plants available, but also an Air Ambulance sales and information table, and refreshments will include homemade cakes and scones in celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP May Sessions. We’ve already had two very busy sessions during April which included learning to crochet and making newspaper plant pots, and our final April session will be on the 30th during which we will be trying a surprise activity! On May 7th those with a place on the watercolour painting course will be learning a new skill, and everyone else is invited to bring along their own craft or to help with final preparations for our plant sale. Our second session will be on May 21st. Everyone is welcome to come along for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re a very friendly bunch, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email: Linda Boyden lindaboyden12@gmail.com; Helen Greer hjgreer1@gmail.com BROAD TOWN SHELTER A big thank you to all who helped decorate the Broad Town Shelter for Easter! It never goes unappreciated and is a highlight of the village. BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE LIMING - SUNDAY 18 MAY 2025 Weather permitting, White Horse liming place will take place on the morning of Sunday 18 May. Protective equipment will be available at the site in the form of eye protection and face masks. All participants are requested to wear appropriate footwear and work gloves. If possible, they should also bring a tool that can be used for removing weeds or for spreading the lime. The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participants should be physically fit and in good health. Would anyone who wishes to be involved please contact Andrew Law on 01793 731472 or andrewlaw456@gmail.com . Fuller details will then be provided to all volunteers. Individuals who have already declared their availability to the organizer need not do so again. Andrew Law BROAD TOWN CHURCH It was good to be back in church for our service on Easter Sunday. Thank you to everyone who provided the flower arrangements that made the church look so lovely. A reminder for the church table at the Plant Sale on Saturday May 10th from 2.30 to 4.30pm. We would still be grateful for any surplus plants/seedlings or split established plants that you may have. If you could do with some new plants for your garden - we’d love to help - come to the plant sale and have a look! The services for May are 11th May Morning Service at 10.30 am, (This will be followed by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting) and 25th May, Communion at 10.30 am. Both services will be held in Church. BISHOP’S LETTER Sudan and South Sudan Partnership – A time of crisis. We have been fortunate to celebrate a peaceful Easter in our land, we find Sudan and South Sudan in probably the most desperate state in more than 25 years of our half century of partnership. This Spring marks the second anniversary of the conflict in Sudan, and the BBC has reported that fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has claimed more than 150,000 lives. The UN calls it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis in which some 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, creating new crises particularly in neighbouring Chad and South Sudan. As the conflict intensified, Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo, his family and staff were forced to flee and with other supporters we helped him re-establish the Episcopal Church HQ in Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast. More recently the SAF has recaptured most of Khartoum including the symbolically important Presidential Palace. The RSF is now concentrated in El-Fasher in the Darfur region in the north and west of Sudan. It has been responsible for the most appalling atrocities yet denies it is ethnic cleansing but “tribal conflict”. Efforts are being considered for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate. The UK Government’s recent decision to reduce the Overseas Development Aid budget is very disappointing. In South Sudan, violence has returned too. Many people worry that Juba may be consumed by violence again, most recently triggered by President Salvar Kiir arresting the First Vice-President Riek Machar. The South Sudan Council of Churches has been urging all parties to seek peace and not conflict. “Faith before tribe” should be the guiding principle but that is easily said but much harder to practice. How do we do that ourselves? Our partnership with the Sudans is founded on prayer and fellowship so please continue to hold the people of the Sudans in your prayers. One way in which you can offer practical help is by supporting the Sudan Medical Link Fete, held in my garden on Sunday 15th June at 2pm. All are welcome as we raise much needed funds for medical aid for families in South Sudan. +Stephen, Bishop of Salisbury PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Village Tidy-Up Saturday 3rd May Meet 10am Village Hall The road-sweeper has visited and done its job along the main road so now it’s time for the rest of us to give the village a spring clean. Meet at the Village Hall at 10am for the health and safety briefing. We will be providing litter picker tongs, gloves, bin bags and Hi-Viz vests to teams of willing helpers. We are also looking for volunteers with spades or shovels to weed the pavements. Refreshments and bacon butties will be provided afterwards as a well-earned reward. REFRESHMENTS AND BACON BUTTIES. Annual Parish Meeting: Monday 19th May 6.30pm in the Village Hall. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Parish Meeting. This is not a council meeting but is an opportunity for all village groups and associations to share with the village the activity they have undertaken in the past year and their plans for the future. Parish Council Election Vacancies Most existing Councillors are standing again this year but there weren’t enough nominations to trigger an election and therefore they will be elected uncontested. The new Councillors are Ben Davis, Sandra Hartley, Glen Morley, Rupert Pearce and James Rawlins and there are therefore 2 vacancies so if anyone would like to join us in serving the parish and helping to make Broad Town a pleasant place to live then please make contact with the Clerk (BTPCClerk@outlook.com) Next PC Meeting - Monday 12th May. The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the Village Hall on 12th May. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at the school monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton) The SID counted 22,949 vehicles passing which equates to approx. 820 a day. • 17% of vehicles were speeding. SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Food for Thought Evenings. Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: On these Fridays the Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. WILTSHIRE AND SWINDON PCC https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/plans-for further-investment-to-improve-victims-services-announced   PLEASE NOTE e-mail any queries or articles for publication to broadtownnews@gmail.com by the 22nd of the month except December.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2677 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2676/Broad-Town-News--April-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2676 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2676&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2676/Broad-Town-News--April-2025 Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. WHITE HORSE LIMING Weather permitting, White Horse liming will take place on the morning of Sunday 18 May. It should be assumed that we will start at around 10am and conclude before lunchtime. Protective equipment will be available at the site in the form of eye protection and face masks. All participants are requested to wear appropriate footwear and work gloves. If possible, they should also bring a tool that can be used for removing weeds or for spreading the lime. The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participants should be physically fit and in good health. Would anyone who wishes to be involved please contact Andrew Law on 07841 381301 or andrewlaw456@gmail.com. Fuller details will be provided to all volunteers. Individuals who have already declared their availability to the organizer need not do so again. Andrew Law EASTER FOOD BANK COLLECTION At the Village Hall Sat 5th and Sun 6th April 9.30 - 4pm. Tins of Meat & Fish - Small bags of sugar - Cartons Milk & Juice - Small jars of coffee - Biscuits – Tinned potatoes – Tinned Meat - Toiletries & Household Cleaning Products *** Easter eggs and chocolate *** VE DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CHARITY PLANT SALE & TEA Saturday May 10th, 2.30 - 4.30pm  in the village hall,    Made in Broad Town plant stall - Broad Town Church plant stall - Crafts and garden items - Refreshments including homemade scones, cakes, hot & cold drinks. Organised by ‘Made in Broad Town’ with help from Broad Town Church & the Community Coffee Mornings team. All proceeds to good causes – details to be announced in the May newsletter. PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Village tidy-up. Meet 10 am Village Hall Saturday 3rd May Refreshments and Bacon. It’s the time of year for us to give the village a spring clean. Meet at the Village Hall for a village tidy and litter pick up. We will be providing litter picker tongs, gloves, bin bags and Hi-Viz vests to teams of willing helpers. We are also looking for volunteers with spades/shovels and buckets to weed the pavements. Refreshments and Bacon Butties will be provided afterwards as a tasty reward  Volunteers to join the Community Fund Advisory Group. A couple of the residents who have sat on the advisory group for some years are now standing down. We would like to thank John Bradley and Malcolm Holland for their valuable help and guidance over the years. We are now looking for volunteers to take their place on the panel. The Advisory Group is made up of people in the village who review grant applications and then make recommendations to the Parish Council (who remain legally responsible for the management of the fund). This allows different views to be expressed and provides an element of separation from the Parish Council. Applications are considered via email and if necessary the group requests more details before arriving at a consensus to make a recommendation. If you would like to be part of this group and play a key role in helping community ideas get the funding they need, then please contact the Parish Clerk (BTPCClerk@outlook.com) Bonfires – please don’t burn plastic or other hazardous material. Please consider the environment and your neighbours when lighting bonfires and don’t burn plastic or other hazardous material as the smoke and smell can pollute the air around for some distance. Next PC Meeting The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the village hall on 14th April. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at Marlborough House monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton) The SID counted 28,798 vehicles passing which equates to approx. 847 a day. 8% of vehicles were speeding. SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8:00pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Food for Thought Evenings Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 28th March, 25th April, 30th May. On these Fridays the Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. WILTSHIRE COUNCIL UPDATE Polling day 1 May, 7am to 10pm in the Village Hall Deadline for registering to vote 11 April, midnight  -  Register to vote at https://www.gov.uk/register-to vote Deadline to apply for new postal vote 14 April, 5pm. Deadline to apply for new proxy vote 23 April, 5pm. Deadline to apply for voter authority certificate (if you have no photo ID) 23 April, 5pm. Stop smoking in 2025 to improve your health, wealth, and wellbeing. Wiltshire Council have launched a new Smoke Free app to help people across Wiltshire quit smoking. Quitting smoking not only improves health, but it can lead to significantly more money in your pocket – since the average person who smokes spends around £2,500 every year on smoking. Find out more and download the Smoke Free app now https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/smokefree VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE AGM The A.G.M. for the Hall will be held on 28th April at 6.30pm. New Villagers are needed for the Management Committee, so why not come along to find out how you can be involved and have your say. Everyone welcome. CHRIST CHURCH BROAD TOWN As we are unable to hold our usual plant sale at Queen Elizabeth Cottage in May, Made in Broad Town have kindly offered us a table at their sale on 10th May. If Spring is tempting you into the garden and you have any surplus plants we would much appreciate them for our table. Do get in touch at carolyn.crocker@hotmail.co.uk or lindaboyden12@gmail.com and we can arrange a plant drop off or collection! Many thanks. Holy Communion will be held at the Church on Easter Day April 20th at 10.30am. VACANCY FOR GOVERNOR Would you like to join our friendly and supportive team of governors at Broad Town School? We are looking for an additional governor to be part of our governing board at our welcoming and inclusive school. No previous experience of being a governor is needed as you will be trained and supported, all you need is a commitment and willingness to make what is an important contribution to our community. You would be involved in termly meetings that take place in late afternoons and also have a valuable opportunity to work with members of staff on a particular focus of school life. A DBS check is a requirement but otherwise no other qualification is necessary. If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact admin@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk Thank you FOODBANK ORGANISER URGENTLY REQUIRED Would you be willing to organize future Foodbank Collections? If you are interested please contact Ray 01793 731564 CHURCHYARD Thanks to all those who came along in March for all their hard work. The next work morning will be on 12th April from 10.00am to midday. More volunteers still needed please. COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Our April coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays April 9th and 23rd. The community coffee mornings are always on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, so please join us from 10 – 12 noon in the village hall to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Wiltshire Wildlife trust were very grateful to receive a donation from the Community Coffee Morning for £250 towards their work in our beautiful county. Happy Easter from everyone on the Community Coffee Mornings team! MADE IN BROAD TOWN In early March we spent an enjoyable morning making paper flowers. Our second session was completing our cushion covers. In April we will be meeting three times, on the 2nd, 16th and 30th. There will be lots to do especially in preparation for our plant sale on May 10th, so please join us! Also, on April 9th, we will be learning to crochet. Our members who can crochet already will sit beside those folk who would like to learn the basic stitches. On the 16th there will be an opportunity to continue with crochet, prick out seedlings or enjoy your own crafts. On the 30th there may be a surprise craft idea!! Everyone is welcome to come along for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re a very friendly bunch, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email: Linda Boyden lindaboyden12@gmail.com; Helen Greer hjgreer1@gmail.com ANDREW & DEREK WARMLY INVITE YOU TO GET INVOLVED Andrew Law & Derek Greer have initiated a project to survey the Horse using various techniques with the aim of creating a definitive record. They have commissioned a land slip assessment which may lead to some mitigations and they are also creating a historical record of the construction of the Horse and its maintenance. The first activity that will take place is to auger the hill-figure at key points to determine the depth of subsurface chalk layers deposited across the horse. This activity will be undertaken by volunteers from the Community having received instruction from a professional archaeologist. If anyone would like to be considered for involvement in this task, please let Andrew know. Andrew Law (Phone 07841381301). BISHOP KAREN'S LETTER Hope is the bird that waits for dawn and sings while it is still dark. This is one of my favourite quotations, which particularly comes to mind this month as the birds start to sing melodiously and signs of colour start to appear in our gardens. The long dark months of winter are over, and we can imagine once again those hazy lazy days of summer. And as the light of the days lengthens, we enter the celebration of the Son, Easter. April is certainly the month of hope. Yet looking at our news headlines, hope feels in short supply. It is hard to remain hopeful for our planet, as world leaders vie for power, and our extreme weather systems indicate all is not well. Sitting in our crowded cathedral at the beginning of Lent speaking to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and hearing her story of imprisonment as a hostage in Iran and injustice, I was reminded of a religious painting in the Methodist Art Collection. The painting is of the inside of the tomb on Easter morning. It shows the stone rolled away, not allowing us in, but allowing us to step out. Nazanin recalled her experience of re-adjusting to the light of freedom. Stepping out into a life of hope means adjusting to a long-term view, believing that there is more goodness to come. It means enjoying the colour now and living in the hope of all eternity. As Christians Easter strengthens our belief that hope triumphs over despair, that light overcomes the darkness, and love wins. That is our song, which together we are called to sing. Despite everything, including the differences we live with every day, Jesus is Lord, the stone was rolled away so we can walk free and know eternal life. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 28th March 5:00pm – 8:00pm Food for Thought Fish & Chips. Village Hall 2nd April 10:00am – 12:00 Made In Broad Town. Village Hall 5th April 9:30am-4:30pm Foodbank. Village Hall 6th April 9:30am-4:30pm Foodbank. Village Hall 9th April 10:00am – 12:00 Coffee Morning. Village Hall 12th April 10:00am – 12:00 Churchyard Morning. Church 16th April 10:00am – 12:00 Made in Broad Town. Village Hall 20th April 10:30am Holy Communion. Church 23rd April 10:00am – 12:00 Coffee Morning. Village Hall 25th April 5:00pm – 8:00pm Food for Thought Fish & Chips. Village Hall 28th April 6:30pm Village Hall Committee AGM. Village Hall 30th April Made in Broad Town. Village Hall 1st May Polling Day  Village Hall 3rd May 10am Village Tidy Up  Village Hall 10th May 2.30pm - 4.30 VE Day Anniversary Charity Plant Sale & Tea 18th May 10am White Horse Liming   PLEASE NOTE that all copy to be included in the next edition should be emailed to:  BroadTownNews@gmail.com by the 22nd of EVERY month (except December) BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2676 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2675/Broad-Town-News--March-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2675 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2675&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2675/Broad-Town-News--March-2025                                                                                                   Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. CHRIST CHURCH SERVICES IN MARCH 9th March at 10.30 Morning Prayer. 23rd March at 10.30 Holy Communion followed by meeting of parishioners to elect Churchwardens. Please remember there is still no heating in the Church so wrap up well! We look forward to seeing you. IMPORTANT NOTICE for Christ Church This year a completely new Church Electoral Roll has to be prepared which means that everybody on the existing Roll has to fill in a new Application for Enrolment on the Church Electoral Roll. These forms are available from me. You can join the roll if you are resident in the parish, aged over 16, baptised, and consider yourself broadly part of the Church of England, or another church in communion with it. If you are not on the existing Roll and would like to be on the new Roll I can be contacted at 61 Marlborough Road, Royal Wootton Bassett 01793 850931 drury.janet@btinternet.com. for any information. Forms must be returned to me by 18th March. Janet Drury Electoral Roll Officer. Parishioners meeting. We are holding a parishioners meeting to elect Churchwardens on Sunday 23rd March at 11.30 in the church (following the morning service). At the moment we do not have any church wardens and the role is being shared among PCC members which of course is not ideal, especially as Rev Rachma retired at the end of February. If anyone would be interested and like information about this role, please contact Carolyn on 07768 543063. The Churchwarden needs to be a communicant and receive communion a minimum of 4 times a year. WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at Broad Acres monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton) The SID counted 25,083 vehicles passing which equates to approx. 896 a day. 28% of vehicles were speeding. COFFEE MORNING Unfortunately, the Saturday Pancake Coffee Morning planned for March 15th has had to be cancelled. This is because a significant number of the coffee morning helpers are not available on that date due to other commitments. Apologies for any disappointment, and there will be a village event later in the year to support the Inspire Spinal Foundation which was to be the chosen charity for this event. SOUP & PUDDINGS EVENT Over 50 people enjoyed a choice of 4 soups and 10 delicious homemade puddings on 1st February and in doing so raised the magnificent sum of £700 for Prospect Hospice and Julia’s House. Thank you again to you and fellow residents for kindly choosing to support Julia’s House as part of your soup and puddings fundraiser. We are very grateful! Your very kind donation of £350 could help us to pay for a series of sessions with an expert counsellor to help a sibling or family member work through emotional pressures and challenges, as well as a one-month supply of PPE for the hospice to keep the children we care for safe. Thank you again. We couldn’t continue to provide our lifeline of care for local families without your support. I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of £350 from your Broad Town Community Soup and Puddings event! What a delicious and creative way to raise money! Your support enables us to create a peaceful environment for people with life limiting illnesses and their families. Your kindness plays a crucial role in making this possible. With your help, we can offer not just medical care, but also compassion, comfort, and companionship during the worst time. I want you to know that your generosity directly touches the lives of those we support. Each donation helps us provide a safe space where patients can feel at ease and families can find refuge. It’s heartwarming to know that there are kind-hearted people like you in our community who truly care. Thank you for standing with us and being a part of our mission. We are all connected in this journey, and together, we can make a meaningful difference. With heartfelt gratitude, Amelia Channon Supporter Care Advisor, Prospect SOCIAL CLUB The social club is open every Friday from 8:00pm and members and their guests are all welcome. If you are not a member you can join for just £3.00 for the year - just ask Trevor behind the bar. Draught beers and lagers are for sale at just £3 a pint and there is a free pool table, so why not pop in and check us out. Food for Thought Evenings. Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 28th February, 28th March, 25th April, 30th May The Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish, but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Our March coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays March 12th and 26th. The community coffee mornings are always on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, so please join us from 10 – 12 noon in the village hall to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ CRAFTS & HOBBIES GROUP A big thank you to Alan from Newcroft Electrics in the village, who very kindly PAT tested all our electrical equipment for us, at very short notice, ensuring that we can carry on with our craft and hobbies sessions safely. (Air Dried Clay Morning - On February 5th we all enjoyed being creative with clay) (Patchwork Cushion Making Session On February 19th Diana led a very enjoyable and busy session showing us how to make patchwork cushion covers:) On March 5th we will be continuing with patchwork cushion making, or please bring along your own craft or hobby. We will also be meeting on March 19th. Everyone is welcome to come along for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re a very friendly bunch, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email: Linda Boyden lindaboyden12@gmail.com; Helen Greer hjgreer1@gmail.com CHURCHYARD WORK MORNING The first work morning this year will be on 8th March – 10.00am to midday and we desperately need more volunteers please. Refreshments provided. There are a variety of tasks to be carried out and a great opportunity to meet up with other villagers over a cup of coffee. If you need any further information, please contact Ray Manley Tel: 01793 731564. MARCH QUIZ have fun by trying this seasonal quiz. Answers on page 4 1) Which food is traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday? 2) Which two national saints’ days occur in March? 3) In which children’s book is the March Hare a character? 4) Which couple live at Longleat House? 5) Who was warned ‘Beware the Ides of March?’ 6) Who composed the Pomp & Circumstance marches? 7) In which English county is the market town of March? 8) Which book is good to read in the middle of this month? 9) March is named after Mars; what is Mars the Roman god of? 10) Complete the saying: 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a ....'? PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk (Flooding Gel Sacks) Thornhill resident Martin Stubbings has obtained some gel sacks from Wiltshire Council and has very kindly offered to supply them to residents who live in a high-risk area or have been flooded or nearly flooded in the past. If you are interested, you can contact Martin on marmmit@yahoo.co.uk or on 01793 731131. Parish Council Elections are taking place on Thursday 1st May for both Wiltshire and Parish Councillors. Joining the Parish Council is a very rewarding way to support our village, and any new Councillors will be warmly welcomed. Your Parish Council addresses local issues, oversees some village facilities, and approves the distribution of grants from the Community fund which help community groups to function, especially in these difficult times. The Council meets once a month and is supported by a professional clerk, the time commitment is usually no more than a few hours a month. If you feel these things are important and would like to make a difference in your village then please stand as a Parish Councillor in the forthcoming election. Further details are available on the BTPC website www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk and at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/local-elections-candidates. If you would like to stand as a candidate for the Parish Council then: • Download and print a nomination form from https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-parish-council elections-england/resources-candidates-parish-council-elections-england • Collect 2 signatures to propose and second your nomination. The Polling District is ‘MJ1’ and your Elector number can be obtained by contacting the Clerk (see below). Let us know if you do not have access to a printer and we can print off the nomination papers for you. The deadline for completed nomination forms is 4pm on Wednesday 2nd April to be handed in to Wiltshire Council Chippenham office. This needs to be done by booking an appointment however, an existing councillor is willing to deliver all the forms together on your behalf. If you have any queries or if you need help with the above, please contact the Parish Clerk btpcclerk@outlook.com. Redhills Play Area Waste Bin We would appreciate it if residents didn’t put used nappies or other hazardous waste in the bin in the interests of hygiene and safety of the councillors who empty the bin. Thank you. Next PC Meeting - Monday 10th March. The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the village hall on 10th March. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. CLEARING AWAY THE RUBBISH – BY BISHOP ANDREW Returning recently to my former parish in Crystal Palace, South London, I was reminded of the glorious glass edifice that once stood atop Sydenham Hill, overlooking the city. It was a quite extraordinary building, one of the wonders of the Victorian age and entirely destroyed by fire one night in 1936. All that remains of the Crystal Palace are some grand steps and stone sphynxes leading to a deserted platform: a bleak and thought-provoking spot to this day. It is thought to have been a single cigarette end that ignited the blaze, although what truly caused it was the build-up of decades of combustible gubbins lying beneath the floor. The boards of the palace had been constructed with gaps between through which dust could be swept by cleaners, which meant that, over the years a metres-deep tinder box was being prepared. The story has lessons for our soul, not only health and safety, I think – especially at the start of Lent. Sweeping things under the carpet rarely works and, whether in our relationships, work, or worship, ‘taking out the rubbish’ by honest self-examination, discipline and penitent prayer is both healthy and helpful for us - and can prevent all kinds of disasters. ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me’ cries the sorrowful King David in Psalm 51. A good prayer for us all, together and alone, as the church makes its way through this holy season, following our Lord to the cross and the celestial city beyond. FOODBANK Thanks to everyone for your continued support and donations to the Foodbank Collection in February. Our Easter collection will be on 5th & 6th April outside the village hall between 9am and 4pm each day. POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER NEWS https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/philip-wilkinson wiltshire-police-and-commissioner-february-column https://wiltshirepcc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/pcc-presents-award-to wiltshire-police-dog-and-handler-for-best-sniffing-and-tracking COULD YOU BE THE NEXT TREASURER FOR BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL? We are looking to recruit a new Treasurer on to the B.T.V.H. Management Committee. For more information and an informal chat, please contact Ray - Tel 731564 Committee Chairman. MARCH AT A GLANCE Wednesday March 5th - Made in Broad Town 10 – 12 noon Saturday March 8th - Churchyard Work Morning 10 – 12 noon Sunday March 9th – Morning Prayer, Christ Church @10.30am Monday March 10th - Parish Council Meeting – 6.30pm, village hall Wednesday March 12th – Community Coffee Morning 10 - 12 noon Wednesday March 19th – Made in Broad Town 10 – 12 noon Sunday March 23rd – Holy Communion, Christ Church, followed by Church Warden elections Wednesday March 26th – Community Coffee Morning 10 – 12 noon Friday March 28th – Food for Thought Fish ‘n’ Chips, village hall car park March QUIZ ANSWERS 1) Pancakes 2) St. David’s Day (Wales) March 1st; St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland) March 17th 3) Alice in Wonderland/Alice Through the Looking Glass 4) The Marquis and Marchioness of Bath 5) Julius Caesar 6) Edward Elgar 7) Cambridgeshire 8) Middlemarch by George Eliot! 9) War 10) Lamb   PLEASE NOTE that all copy to be included in the next edition should be emailed to:  BroadTownNews@gmail.com by the 22nd of EVERY month. Except December For any queries, please contact Ray Manley 01793 731564           BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2675 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2674/Broad-Town-News--February-2025#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2674 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2674&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2674/Broad-Town-News--February-2025                                                                                              Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish. BROAD TOWN CHRIST CHURCH On 1st December, Rev Rachma announced her resignation as Rector of the Woodhill Benefice which includes Christ Church. All are invited to her last service at 11am on Sunday, 2nd February at Hilmarton Church followed by a bring and share lunch at the Community Room, Poynder Place {SN11 8SQ}. Our best wishes to Rachma and Steven in their new home in Derbyshire. There is some concern in the village about whether Christ Church is closing permanently and we would like to assure you that this is not the case. Should the church ever be in such a position the whole village would be consulted before any decision was made. Currently the church building can in fact be used, but because we are unable to use the heating it is very cold, so we have opted to use warmer spaces. Permission is needed to install a new system and the PCC is looking at options available; this process has been very time consuming and the solutions expensive. A decision on the replacement system has not yet been made. We have funds to cover part of the cost but once permission is granted, we can apply for grants and begin some fundraising. Message from The Reverend Canon Rachma Abbott ‘I'd like to thank the people of Broad Town and its school. It has been a joy to serve here since April 2015, and while I am excited about moving home there is some sadness in all farewells. Rachma’ Broad Town 100 Club Lottery Are your New Year’s resolutions now a thing of the past. Why not make a new one this month? Why not resolve to join the Broad Town 100 Club Lottery. It only costs £1 a week (£4 per month or £48 per year, payable by standing order or cheque). Half the money raised is given out in prizes and over the past year nearly £1,400 has been won by lucky lottery members. The other half of the money is used to help keep your church open icluding paying towards essential repairs. If you would like to join, please contact Fiona Holness on fholness@btinternet.com or on 07833 683444. I look forward to hearing from you. PARISH COUNCIL Budget & Precept for 2025/26 Unfortunately due to increases across the board in our expenses, and whereas we managed to absorb last year’s increases from our reserves, this year the Parish Council has been forced to increase the precept by 5.34% in order to cover costs. This means that the annual budget will be set at £10,787 and the annual amount requested from a household in tax band D in the village will increase to £38.84 from last year’s £36.87. The Parish Council precept forms a small part of the overall annual Council tax requirement which will be communicated by Wiltshire Council direct to householders. Grants available for Community Groups Remember that grants are available for Community Groups to help with any funding needs – each application is assessed by an independent advisory board prior to being submitted to the Parish Council who administers the funding from the Bluefield solar farm (previously Good Energy). Details are available on the website www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Meet the Local Policing Team Come and meet the local Policing Team at the Village Hall on Wednesday 26th Feb 10.00 - 11.45am (alongside the community coffee morning). Next PC Meeting - Monday 10th February The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm in the village hall on 10th February. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at the School monitoring Southbound traffic (heading to Broad Hinton) The SID counted 23,716 vehicles passing which equates to approx. 678 a day. 14% of vehicles were speeding. Note the SID captures traffic travelling in one direction. Metrocount results indicate average daily totals of 1,989 using the C415. SOCIAL CLUB Food for Thought Evenings Food for Thought will be selling their delicious Fish and Chips (and burgers, sausages, scampi etc) outside the Village Hall from 5 – 8pm on the last Friday in the month: 31st January, 28th February, 28th March, 25th April,30th May. The Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery if you wish but please take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For vegan, GF and other dietary requirements please contact them directly to discuss. They have limited space to carry stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. If you would like to pre-order or have any queries, they can be contacted via text, WhatsApp or Messenger on 07515 288414. Membership Renewal Last few days remaining to take advantage of the discount when renewing your Social Club annual membership – a bargain at just £2 per person during January (£3 any other time). New members are always welcome. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown COMEANDMEET YOURLOCALPOLICINGTEAM What matters most in your community? Tell us your views! Where: Broad Town Village Hall On: Wed 26th February 2025 at: 10 – 11.45am Information from your Neighbourhood Policing Team ‘MADE IN BROAD TOWN’ Crafts & Hobbies Group Christmas Fundraising Our stall at the Village Christmas Coffee Morning on November 30th proved once again to be extremely successful. Sales of Christmas cards, crafts, gifts, preserves, home baked goods and decorations raised the amazing total of £423 which we have donated to Alzheimer’s Support. Thank you to everyone who came along to support us, and to all our crafty people, we all enjoyed making products to sell! We were also able to contribute another £81 raised at the Wednesday Community Christmas Coffee Morning on December 11th which was also given to Alzheimer’s Support, and we had a stall at the Broad Town School Christmas Fair on December 5th. Here we raised a total of £128 which has been donated directly to the school. It’s fantastic to have been able to support so many good causes again this year. We started the new year with our New Year nibbles event during which we had a go at recycling old Christmas and birthday cards to create mini gift boxes. We will be holding an extra January session on the 29th, so please join us for more gift box making or bring along your own craft or hobby. The meetings in February will be on Wednesdays February 5th & 19th, please join us from 10-12 noon in the village hall. Patchwork Cushion Making Session on February 19th Diana will be showing us how to make patchwork cushion covers. Fabric will be supplied, but if you would like to bring along your own, you will only need small pieces for the patchwork shapes. Please also bring scissors, pins, and some thread if you have them, and please could those with a sewing machine bring it along too. Everyone is welcome to come along for refreshments and a chat, you don’t need to have any crafting skills. We’re a very friendly bunch, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. We ask for a £2 donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you. Email: Linda Boyden lindaboyden12@gmail.com; Helen Greer hjgreer1@gmail.com COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Thank you to everyone who came along to the last Wednesday coffee morning of 2024 on December 11th. The £71 raised was donated to Alzheimer’s Support and contributed to the village’s grand total. The free raffle was also very popular and thank you to everyone who donated prizes for this. Our February coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays February 12th and 26th. Police visit to Coffee Morning On the 26th February, Kelly Hillier, our local police community support officer, will be in attendance once again to answer your questions and address your concerns about any aspect of village life so please come along and have a chat. The community coffee mornings are always on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, so please join us from 10 – 12 noon in the village hall to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Saturday Coffee Morning - please save the date: Pancake Coffee Morning Saturday March 15th, 10 - 12 noon Village Hall All welcome! Full details to follow in the March newsletter BROAD TOWN BUMPS AND BEYOND We were very lucky and grateful to receive a donation form the Coffee Morning for our Christmas Party. I wanted to pass on our massive thanks for this. We used the donation to purchase gifts for all 17 children to attended our party and provide Christmas snacks for them. In the three weeks leading up to our party we had Christmas Crafts including, card making, tree decorations making and hand and foot print art. If you are able to pass this information on the those who contributed to the donations and arranged for us to be a beneficiary I would be most grateful. If anyone would.like to join us we are in the village all every Tuesday morning from 9:30- 11:30, £3 per family and 50p per extra child. We offer free play with a variety of toys, snack, craft activities and finish with songs and games. We love to see new families. Claire Maclean-Martin ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT Village Christmas Appeal - £1500.15 raised! A huge thank you to everyone in the village for so generously supporting all the coffee mornings, craft sales and carol singing events which took place before Christmas. It was lovely to see so many villagers coming along to the coffee morning and craft sale on Saturday November 30th. During this morning £1,052.75 was raised from the edible produce stall, the crafts and gifts stall, the raffle, tombola and book stall and refreshment donations, as well as donations from other stall holders, which has all been donated to Alzheimer's Support Wiltshire. A lady from the charity who is one of their ambassadors, came along on that morning to support us, and we know that she and the charity were extremely happy with the amount raised so thank you for all your hard work and your generous donations! Later in December the Wednesday coffee morning and the Friday carol singing events raised a further £447.40, making an amazing grand total of £1,500.15 which has been donated to Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire. A letter of thanks and a fundraising certificate have been received which are on display in the village hall. Thank you also to our willing band of helpers who made everything run so smoothly! BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE I’m sure everyone in the Village has noticed the landslip below the White Horse dating back to last September. There are worries that more heavy rain might cause further deterioration; however, fingers crossed and touching wood, there appears to have been no further slippage yet. Concerns within the White Horse Restoration Group led to the feeling that the problem should be recognized and addressed, resulting in the development of the following project: Our iconic White Horse is important to the community. The horse is threatened by recent and possible future landslips so we want to record, safeguard and create a historical record for future generations. Subject to funding, it is planned that the task of recording the shape and condition of the Horse should be done professionally. We already have a dedicated set of volunteers who lime the Horse annually who can take on the task of maintaining and thereby safeguarding the Horse. It is in the last task of creating a historical record for future generations that assistance is now needed. This could include carrying out research and investigation into the history of the Horse using sources such as Aerial Photographs, Post Cards, Council Records, Newspapers and oral reminiscences. No formal knowledge is needed, just the enthusiasm to delve into history and uncover previously unknown facts. Volunteers would work within a team and their output would be developed into a report style and format suitable for archiving and future reference. If anyone is interested in their involvement in this important project, would they please contact Andrew Law on andrewlaw456@gmail.com. FOODBANK Thanks to everyone for the bumper Christmas collection and throughout 2024. Our 2025 collections will begin on 8th & 9th February at the Village hall from 9.30 to 4.00pm. SHELTER Thank you to everyone who helped or contributed to our Christmas and ‘Kindness’ themes. Special thanks to the children from Broad Town School for their contributions. CHURCHYARD WORK MORNINGS 2025 dates for your diary: 8 March, 12 April, 10 May, 7 June, 5 July, 9 August, 6 Sept., 4 October. The Churchyard looks so good and many people who visit - both local and from further away- tell us how grateful they are for the work that is carried out by a few volunteers. We do however desperately need more volunteers, so if you would like to help, please come along and join us at any time. There are a variety of tasks to be carried out and a great opportunity to meet up with other villagers over a cup of coffee. Come along any time between 10am and midday on any or all of the above dates. If you need any further information, please contact Ray Manley Tel: 01793 731564. FOOD BANK COLLECTION VILLAGE HALL Sat. 8th & Sun. 9th February 9.30 am - 4 pm Tins of Meat & Fish -Small bags of sugar, Cartons Milk & Juice, Small jars of coffee, Biscuits, Tinned potatoes, Tinned Meat, Toiletries & Household Cleaning Products. BISHOPS LETTER FOR FEBRUARY 2025 At the west end of your cathedral, on the south wall nearest the main entrance, is a large slate stone which records all the names of the Bishops of Salisbury. Mine is the most recent to have been inscribed. I am number 79. Someone else will follow. It serves to make one feel small rather than important. The first name is that of Herman, whose day falls this month on 20th February. A native of Lorraine (in north-eastern France), Herman was made Bishop of Ramsbury in 1045. He resigned in 1055 when King Edward the Confessor refused to allow the transfer of the see to Malmesbury. He became a monk at Saint-Omer (in northern France), returning to England in 1058 to become Bishop of Sherborne while at the same time being restored to the bishopric of Ramsbury. By 1071, Herman was old and infirm and wished to resign but Archbishop Lanfranc urged him to stay on. There was a plan. Approval of the transfer of the see was given at the Council of London in 1075, thus creating the new diocese of Salisbury, to which you belong. Herman oversaw the initial construction of the Cathedral at Old Sarum but died before its completion, on 20th February in 1078. Herman would have known where you live and known and cared for your patch of the diocese. A diocese is only the sum total of its parts, and whilst it is the Anglican model of apostolic local leadership, the real strength of mission and ministry is to be found in the local, just as Jesus’ ministry was locally based and exercised. We all follow in the footsteps of those who have carried the flame of faith before us in each place. It is that faithfulness, mirroring the fact that God is faithful, that has sustained our communities down the ages, however much the times and the names change. And God will continue to do so, because He is faithful. Stephen, Bishop of Salisbury WHAT ‘COST OF LIVING CRISIS’? Economist Robert Heolbroner describes the luxuries a typical western family would have to surrender if they lived among the 1 billion hungry people in the ‘two thirds world’. “We begin by invading the house of our imaginary family to strip it of its furniture. Everything goes; beds, chairs, tables, television sets, lamps. We will leave the family with a few old blankets, a kitchen table, a wooden chair. Along with the dressers go the clothes. Each member of the family may keep in his wardrobe his oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. We will permit a pair of shoes for the head of the family but none for the wife or children. We move to the kitchen. The appliances have already been taken out, so we turn to the cupboards. The box of matches may stay, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt. A few mouldy potatoes already in the garbage must be rescued, for they will provide much of tonight’s meal. We will leave a handful of onions and a dish of dried beans. All the rest we take away; the meat, the fresh vegetables, the canned food, the biscuits, the sweets. Now we have stripped the house; the bathroom has been dismantled, the running water shut off, the electricity disconnected. Next we take away the house, the family can move to the tool shed…Communications must go next. No more news papers, magazines, books – not that they are missed since we must take away our family’s literacy as well. Instead, in our shanty town we will allow one radio. Now, government services must go next. No more postmen, no firemen, There is a school but it is three miles away and consists of two classrooms. There are of course no hospitals or doctors. The nearest clinic is ten miles away and is tended by a midwife. It can be reached by bicycle provided the family has a bicycle which is unlikely. Finally, money. We will allow our family a cash hoard of about £4. This will prevent our breadwinner from experiencing the tragedy of an Iranian peasant who went blind because he could not raise the £3.16 which he mistakenly thought he needed to gain admission to a hospital where he could have been cured. ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ - Does this mean we cannot afford the things we need or just the things we want? I wish you all a happy and healthy 2025 Mark Boyden   PLEASE NOTE that all copy to be included in the next edition should be emailed to:  BroadTownNews@gmail.com by the 22nd of EVERY month. Except December For any queries, please contact Ray Manley 01793 731564 BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Sat, 25 Jan 2025 09:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2674 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2644/Broad-Town-Newsletter--March-2024#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2644 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2644&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2644/Broad-Town-Newsletter--March-2024 BROAD TOWN NEWS – MARCH 2024 Keeping everyone in touch with what is going on in and around our parish THANK YOU Thanks to everyone who supported the pancake coffee morning and helped to raise £400 to help keep our Church open. Particular thanks to Linda, Helen, Annie and Kathryn. Thank you to everyone who donated to another bumper foodbank collection. The village planters have a new bright mix of spring colours about to bloom thanks to Judy Rendell PRIZE BINGO. Fundraising for Christ Church Friday 29th March, unfortunately CANCELLED   THOMAS SPACKMAN EDUCATIONAL TRUST GRANT Are you, or do you know, a young person living in the Clyffe Pypard or Broad Town area who would benefit from a grant from The Thomas Spackman Educational Trust? The Charity’s main focus is education or work-related training and apprenticeships but The Charity may also be able to help a promising individual develop a particular talent; perhaps help fund tuition in a musical instrument or develop a sporting skill. Applying is very easy. If you wish to find out more about the application process, please email spackmancharity@gmail.com or contact Karen Hawkins 07788 210960. All formal applications need to be in by 31st March 2024. BISHOP’S LETTER Now the green blade riseth, A century ago, the great journalist and Catholic provocateur G.K.Chesterton wrote a wonderful essay entitled ‘The Priest of Spring’ in which he considered the integration of the Christian seasons with the natural year – and referred to the “armies of the intellect who will fight to the end on whether Easter is to be congratulated on fitting in with the spring or the spring on fitting in with Easter”. It’s a familiar theme, often replayed in the media at this time of year – if (to my mind) a fairly pointless one. For the authenticity of the Christian celebration of Easter does not pivot on its historical priority to pagan or other celebrations of the natural year, but rather on its - far bolder - claim to fulfil them. The Biblical account of resurrection is not that Easter merely recapitulates a universal theme, but that it marks an entirely new creative act, pointing to nature’s ultimate liberation from the cycle of growth and decay. We can believe it or not, but the New Testament appears to claim nothing less, St Paul concluding that: ‘if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation”. The eggs and lambs and green blades that now rise to greet the spring are no less joyous in that light, but – I suggest – even more so, and I pray you will share in their praise. WHITE HORSE LIMING It’s that time of year again when preparations start for weeding and liming the White Horse. I have identified Sunday 19 May as an appropriate date and hope we will have a great turn out as in previous years. Please put the date in your diary and I will provide more details in the April edition of the Broad Town News. For the past few years Bob Clarke and I have worked as a pair with Bob undertaking the paperwork and me the organisation on the day. Bob has decided he wishes to call it a day and we thank him for all of his efforts, especially for keeping things going in 2015 when the previous team of organisers retired. If anyone would like to offer their services, we will include them in all correspondence for the 2024 activity with a view to stepping up to an active role in 2025. Andrew Law andrewlaw456@gmail.com 07841381301 B. T CHURCH Services 3rd March 10.30 am Communion followed by refreshments 24 March 5.00 pm Evening Service 28th March 7.00 pm Maundy Thursday - Communion 31st March 10.30 am Morning Service (Non Communion) Annual Parochial Church Meeting (AGM) 7th April 11.30am in Church - Everyone welcome - 2023 Annual Report will be available. Fundraising.May – Judy Rendell’s plant stall – date to be confirmed. All other planned fundraising events are “on hold” Churchyard Work Mornings. Dates for 2024 - 6th April, 11th May, 1st June, 6th July, 3rd August & 7th September. From 10.00am to 12 midday. Refreshments provided. There are a number of tasks to choose from. We desperately need more volunteers so If you and/or anyone you know would like to join our friendly team, please contact Ray Tel: 731564 for more details or just turn up. MADE IN BROAD TOWN (Crafts & Hobbies Group) New People Welcome! Our February meetings saw an enthusiastic burst of activity resulting in the production of several completed strings of bunting and many garden cane toppers ready for painting and varnishing In March our meetings will be on Wednesdays March 6th & 20th. We’d love to see some new faces so please join us from 10-12 noon in the village hall. You don’t need to be creative as everyone is welcome to come along for refreshments and a chat. We’re a very friendly bunch, and if you do feel creative there are always activities available for you to try. A wide range of hobbies and crafts take place during the meetings and it’s always interesting to see what people are up to! We ask for a £2 donation please, to help cover hall hire and refreshment costs. If you have any questions, please email us, we would love to hear from you! We are still looking for donations of any craft materials and plywood, but also any summery/pastel fabric remnants or yarn, we would be very grateful to receive them. Please bring them along to the village hall or if you contact us, we can collect them from you. Thank you! Email: Linda Boyden lindaboyden12@gmail.com; Helen Greer hjgreer1@gmail.com BROAD TOWN SOCIAL CLUB & EVENTS Friday Night Opening Open Fridays 8pm to 11pm. Reasonably priced drinks and snacks, free pool and darts, and lots of banter at the bar! If you want to come as a group and have a table and chairs set out let us know and we’ll magic the furniture out of the store! Food for Thought Evenings Dates for the next few months are: · Friday 29th March · Friday 26th April · Friday 31st May · Friday 28th June Social Club opens at 5pm through to 11pm on these dates for you to enjoy your takeaway in the Village Hall with a drink or two. Feel free to bring your own cutlery and crockery but take it home with you afterwards to wash up! Menu and details of how to pre-order to avoid the queues https://www.facebook.com/FoodForThoughtSwindon. For dietary requirements contact them directly. They have limited space for stock but will gladly try to meet all requests. Thursday 6th June DDAY 80th Anniversary Beacon Lighting The village will be joining in the national Beacon Lighting initiative on this auspicious occasion. · Social Club open 8pm – 11pm · Beacon Lighting (on the hill) 9.15pm · 1940’s themed dress encouraged (but optional) PARISH COUNCIL Keep up to date at https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Flooding and the Parish Steward. Once a month the Parish Steward visits Broad Town to carry out maintenance on the highways and verges. These include digging out blocked drainage gullies and re-cutting the drainage ‘grips’ which allow water to run off the road into a ditch. On his visit in February he reported some grips were ineffective due to the surface level in the adjacent ditch being above the level of the road. Please can landowners who own land bordering the road ensure that any drainage ditches (for which they are responsible) are re-dug each year to help reduce flooding. See the website for more information on the Parish Steward and Landowner Responsibilities. Wiltshire Best Kept Village Competition We are considering entering the Wiltshire Best Kept Village Competition this year. If you would like to help to prepare the entry (not a large task) and/or to join the village team(s) that will present our village in the best possible way for judging, which takes place from mid-May to mid-June, please contact the Clerk at BTPCCLERK@outlook.com Community Governance Review Consultation A Community Governance Review is a process to provide opportunity to review and make changes to governance arrangements for town and parish councils and parish areas. This is to ensure that they continue to be reflective of the identity and interest of local communities, and that they are as efficient and effective in their governance as can be. This review includes a proposal for the transfer of the land containing 103 Broad Town from the parish of Clyffe Pypard to Broad Town. The draft recommendation document and online survey can be found at: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council-democracy-cgr Fire Service Consultation on Community Safety Plan A 12-week consultation has been launched for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority’s proposed new Community Safety Plan. A copy of the draft plan, a summary video and details on how to give your views – including an online form – can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/draft-csp-2024-28-consultation Next PC Meeting - Monday 11th March The next Parish Council meetings will be at 6.30pm in the village hall on 11th March. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Our Valentine’s Day coffee morning on February 14th proved to be very popular and everyone enjoyed the fantastic spread of cakes on offer which included Valentine’s themed cupcakes and jam tarts. Our younger visitors also made good use of the craft table! Although we haven’t yet had a fundraising coffee morning this year, your refreshment donations over the last few months have meant that we have been able to donate another £400 to charity, and we would like to thank you all for your generosity in enabling us to do this. Taking a slightly different approach this time, four of the coffee morning committee members each chose a charity to receive a £100 donation. The chosen charities were: Brighter Futures is the charity for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, providing that extra special level of care to make a real difference to patients, their families, and staff. Julia's House children's hospice supports the families of seriously ill children in Dorset and Wiltshire. Prospect Hospice provides the only dedicated end-of-life care service for people living across north-east Wiltshire and Swindon. Wiltshire Sight offers a wide range of services across Wiltshire and Swindon, including advice, guidance, training, and social opportunities for people with sight loss. The coffee mornings in March will take place on Wednesdays March 13th & 27th. During our Easter coffee morning on the 27th, the Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be in attendance so please come along with your concerns and questions, and there will also be a raffle in aid of prostate cancer as March is prostate cancer awareness month. Coffee mornings are always on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, from 10 – 12 noon in the village hall, so come along to enjoy delicious homemade cakes, sausage rolls, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. WHAT OUR S.I.D. SAW LAST MONTH The SID has been located at the Broad Acres monitoring Northbound traffic (heading to RWB) The SID counted 23,328 vehicles passing which equates to approx. 753 a day. 23% of vehicles were speeding. BUSHTON MANOR PLANT FAIR AND OPEN GARDEN SN4 7PX Bank Holiday Monday May 6th 11-3pm. Although we had parking issues, the Plant Fair last year was very successful with over 1000 visitors – we hope to be able to use the parking on site in 2024! The 18th Century Manor House has delightful gardens and this Plant Fair is the only time they are open to the public. About 30 Stalls with Plants, Crafts, Food and other garden related items are scattered throughout the courtyard and lawns. Purchases can be left at the Plant Crèche so that you don't need to carry them around with you. And you can relax on the lawns enjoying home made refreshments or a Bacon Butty from the BBQ. Games and a Treasure Hunt can keep young people occupied. Entrance is £3*. No charge for children or car parking. Dogs on leads are welcome. Money raised will go to the St Peter's Church Roof Fund, a Grade 1 listed building in Clyffe Pypard. Contact Barbara Davis 0796 223 6678 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 3rd March Communion followed by refreshments 10.30 am 11th March Parish Council meeting 6:30pm 13th March Community Coffee Morning 10-12 noon 24th March Evening Service 5pm. 28th March Maundy Thursday - Communion 7.00 pm 27th March Community Coffee Morning Police Community Support 10-12 noon 29th March Food for thought Fish & chips 30th March Easter Hop Village Hall 8pm to 11pm 31st March Morning Service (Non Communion) 10.30 am 6th April Churchyard work morning 10.00am to 12 midday 7th April Communion 10.30am followed by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (AGM) Church 11.30am 26th April Food for thought Fish & chips 6th May Bushton Plant Fair 11am to 3pm 11th May Churchyard work morning 10.00am to 12 midday 31st May Food for thought Fish & chips 1st June Churchyard work morning 10.00am to 12 midday 6th June D-day Beacon lighting Village hall from 8pm Beacon lighting 9.15pm 28th June Food for thought Fish & chips 6th July Churchyard work morning 10.00am to 12 midday 3rd August Churchyard work morning 10.00am to 12 midday 7th September Churchyard work morning 10.00am to 12 midday   Please note that all copy to be included in the next edition should be emailed to:  BroadTownNews@gmail.com by the 22nd of EVERY month. For any queries, please contact Ray Manley 01793 731564 BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Sun, 25 Feb 2024 12:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2644 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2568/Broad-Town-Newsletter--Dec-2021Jan-2022#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2568 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2568&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2568/Broad-Town-Newsletter--Dec-2021Jan-2022   REFLECTIONS ON 2021 – Revd. Karen Rizzello Dear Reader, I write this in advent, looking forward to Christmas and the New Year.I think the question on a lot of people’s minds is – where did 2021 go?  I think it’s worth reflecting on that question. What has this year meant for you and your family? Because the fact is that the years fly by and if we never pause and reflect we don’t really give ourselves the chance to appreciate the good things we need to be thankful for and the times when we have needed every piece of courage and fortitude to carry us through. My thoughts are particularly with those who have lost someone this year, who have been ill or those who are feeling very low. It would be so easy to let the dark days of winter, Covid19 and these experiences affect our whole outlook. Take heart, remember that whatever you must face you are never alone. God is always there with you. Like the angels watching over the nativity, we are being watched over and loved by our heavenly father and the hosts of heaven in everything that we do and live through. The birth of the Christ child is a great sign of hope for the world.  Each year we remember the story. The young couple without a place to stay in Bethlehem. The kindness shown by a stranger, the Inn Keeper, who found them a warm and dry place in the Manger among the livestock.  There Jesus is born and the world lights up with the hope and joy this child brings into the world. The shepherds watch in wonder and the angels sing, ‘Glory to God in the Highest, and peace to his people on earth’. I wish you every blessing this Christmas, with joy and good health in the New Year. God Bless, Revd. Karen Associate Priest Benefice of Lyneham and Woodhill SERVICES FOR BROAD TOWN IN DECEMBER. 12th December - 6.00pm - Carol Service, do come to join in the singing of usual Christmas carols. Let’s raise the roof! 19th December - 10.30am - Communion 25th December - 10.30am - Communion CHRISTMAS MESSAGES You are invited to put your Christmas messages on the tree or in the shelter from December 5th CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING Our 2021 chosen Christmas Charity is: “Brighter Futures” C. T. Scanner Appeal for the new Radiotherapy Unit, which is due to open in 2022. You will see collecting buckets and tins at various village events during the festive season. Please give generously if you can. Thank You. SWINDON & DISTRICT SCOUTS XMAS POST 2021 For Christmas Cards Only, Special Stamps 30p for 2021 available in Royal Wootton Bassett from: - *Sainsbury’s, Borough Fields *Church Croft, St Barts, High St (10am-noon Mon-Sat) *Radways the Cobblers, The Arcade, High Street *Rootz, Hairdressers Woodshaw. Items must be posted in the Special Green Post Boxes at The Library, Borough Fields & at locations above marked * Swindon Scouts Post Delivery Area  Ashbury, Badbury, Bassett Down, Blunsdon, Broad Hinton,Broad Town, Bourton, Burderop, Bushton, Chiseldon, Clyffe Pypard,Coleshill, Cricklade, Greatfield, Greenhill, Hampton, Hannington, Highworth, Hodson, Hook, Inglesham, Liddington, Lydiard Millicent, Purton, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Salthrop, Sevenhampton, Shrivenham, South Marston, Stanton Fitzwarren, Tockenham, Watchfield, Wroughton, NO DELIVERIES TO LYNEHAM, BRADENSTOKE, BRINKWORTH Don’t Forget - ONLY use Special Green Scout Xmas Stamps on cards posted in Scout Post Boxes Do NOT use the special Scout Stamps in Royal Mail Post Boxes  (the recipient will have to pay a surcharge) Last Time for Posting 4pm on Tuesday 14th December Scout stamps are also available from Clive Green cliveggreen@waitrose.com , phone 85420   B T NEWS It has been decided that from February 2022 future editions will be sent electronically which has worked well since the pandemic began and will not only save money but will help to reduce our carbon footprint. Approximately 100 copies are sent by email, others view it on the B T Website and a very small number (who have no internet) get paper copies. If you need a paper copy in future please contact Ray Manley Tel: 731564. It is also an opportunity to review the format and if anyone has suitable editorial skills and would like to be involved, please contact Ray for more information. Please contact Ray Manley if you will need a paper copy of the newsletter in future or to give him your email address so that you can get a copy direct. The newsletter will also be on the village website.   JOHN HARTLEY 28.7.1956 - 4.11.2021 Sadly, we report the recent death of John Hartley – May he Rest in Peace. Our condolences to Sandra and all the family. “Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day.....” CHURCH APPEAL Like many other organisations, our income during the pandemic has been drastically reduced and it has not been possible to hold any fundraising events to improve this position. Shortfalls of £1,700 in 2019, £7,226 in 2020 and £7,500 in 2021 (estimated) will result in a total of £ 16,426 being owed to Salisbury Diocese for our Parish Share, which goes towards paying our clergy (training, housing, pensions, salaries) with no means to pay this. We are very grateful to many people who already support the Church, with regular giving, one off donations, 100 Club and carrying out voluntary work which helps reduce our expenditure. However, we now have to find alternative ways to increase our income by an estimated amount of £8,000 per annum to keep the Church open and be able to continue to serve the community. We recognise that many household incomes are already fully committed and in some instances reduced but if there is any way you feel you can help, please contact to discuss in confidence, with either Clive Green (treasurer), Tel: 854200 or Ray Manley, Tel; 731564.   CAROL SINGING Jingle bells, jingle bells, Community carol singing in aid of brighter futures ct scanner appeal Friday 10th December 2021, Broad Town village hall Bar opens: 7.00pm. Carol singing from: 7.30pm Please bring cash for the collecting buckets and the cash only bar The annual carol singing around the village takes on a new format this year with an opportunity for everyone to join in the fun in one venue - the Village Hall.  Mince pies and carol sheets provided for all plus mulled wine available from the cash bar.  This year’s nominated charity is Brighter Futures, who support a range of community health settings across Swindon (including the GWH) to provide an extra special level of care making a difference for patients and their families.  Monies raised tonight will go directly into the CT Scanner Appeal for the new Radiotherapy Unit due to open in 2022. Further information about Brighter Futures can be found at https://www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk/ If you intend to join us, please email Anne Granger using annebroadtownveday@hotmail.com by Friday 3rd December so that we have an idea of numbers in order to set tables and chairs out.  Please include a mobile phone number and the number of people you are bringing with you.  This will save time on arrival collecting this for Track and Trace purposes - we are sure you would prefer to head to the bar and the mince pies! See you all there. Ho, ho, ho!   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month (except December) 10am to 12 noon in the village hall. Coffee/tea/hot chocolate and homemade cakes! Do come and join us. Thank you to everyone who made the November coffee mornings so busy and buzzy! Our future coffee mornings will be on: Wednesday 8th December - Christmas coffee morning. We will be raising funds for the Brighter Future CT scanner appeal for the new radiotherapy unit which is already saving so many people the exhausting journeys to Oxford. Wednesday January 12th 2022 & Wednesday January 26th Our best wishes for Christmas and the new year. FOOD BANK The Christmas Foodbank collection will be at the Village Hall on December 4th & 5th from 9am to 4pm. Christmas is a time of giving, so please give as generously as you are able, to ensure no-one goes hungry at Christmas.   PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE – DECEMBER Keep informed regarding the village issues coming up for discussion by your Parish Council. Visit https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/ and click ‘Subscribe’ to receive regular updates via email. We are hopeful that we have filled the vacancy for the Parish Clerk – more news in the next newsletter. RoSPA have carried out their annual inspection of the play area at Redhills and no significant problems were found. The Good Energy Community Fund advisory panel and the Parish Council are happy to accept grant applications from community groups whenever the need arises, outside of the usual application timetable. More details are available on the Parish Council website. The Parish Council are investigating tree-planting initiatives and grants. Any landowners with space for trees to be planted are asked to contact the council for more details. Next Meeting: Monday 13th December 2020 at 6.30pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year   LINK GOOD NEIGHBOUR VOLUNTEERS Could you help transport people to get their Covid 19 vaccine booster? If you can please call 01380 722241 linkprojest@communityfirst.org.uk. Thank you.     BROAD TOWN WI We’re well into the swing of having some fantastic evening meetings now, it’s as if lockdown never happened.  We’d like to thank everyone who came to our Open Meeting in November for a fascinating presentation on The Golden Age of Mountaineering and Exploration - and a big thank you too for the raffle prizes donated and the lovely cakes served by our hard-working Refreshment Team. Our December meeting will be themed around our 95 years as a Broad Town WI – we started up in 1925!  We’re going to have a traditional craft session followed by our Christmas party with drinks, nibbles, and we’ll be finding an outfit to wear from one of the decades since the 1920’s. At last a chance to wear those flares or platforms at the back of the wardrobe. Why not try a meeting in the New Year? We’re a fun bunch of ladies that enjoy sometimes serious and sometimes light-hearted presentations, craft sessions, walks and activities, often involving pubs or tea and cake.  For more information contact lorraine@mrsbillis.co.uk, we look forward to hearing from you. BROAD TOWN CE SCHOOL NEWS We have some exciting events to look forward to as we approach Christmas.  We are participating in the Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting initiative that is taking place to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and saplings are expected very soon.  It will be a very special tree planting event that the whole school community can share.  Our Forest School activities will continue to provide outdoor learning, while wearing warm and waterproof clothing! The children are also eagerly looking forward to a Fundraising Day with School Council designed competitions for each class – we will soon find out who can kick a football the furthest and who can hula hoop the longest – as well as circus skills workshops being held throughout the day. In the classroom the children have been exploring what courageous advocacy means for them, looking at people who have helped to improve things for others – it is surprising how many role models we have found locally, nationally and across the world. As we move into December, we plan to hold our Christmas services in the Church; how wonderful and special it will be to do this again. The staff, children and governors wish the Broad Town community a very Happy Christmas and New Year.   FEBRUARY 2022 EDITION The deadline for this edition is 21st January 2022   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.     BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Sun, 28 Nov 2021 19:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2568 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2559/Broad-Town-Newsletter--November-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2559 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2559&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2559/Broad-Town-Newsletter--November-2021 BROAD TOWN NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2021   Parish Council update – November Ash Dieback Tree owners are asked to look out for any of their Ash trees suffering from this disease which can lead to the death of the tree. The spread of the disease can be reduced by collecting any fallen ash leaves and burning, burying or deep composting them. Any trees overhanging public roads or footpaths may need to be felled for safety reasons. A bulletin produced by Wiltshire Council is available in the News section of the Parish Council website – this has a link to a video explaining the details. See https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/ Dog Fouling Clearing up after your dog helps prevent the spread of some nasty infections and diseases. Dog mess can contain roundworm parasites which cause Toxocariasis in humans. Toxocariasis symptoms include dizziness and nausea, asthma and epileptic seizures. It can even lead to serious eye damage or permanent blindness. Dog mess also harbours parasites that can harm farm animals especially cows and sheep. There are some bins in the village where you can place poo bags. If you don’t clear up after your dog Community Police Officers and Wiltshire Council’s dog warden can serve you with a fixed penalty notice; you could be prosecuted and, if found guilty, fined up to £1,000. W. I. INVITATION TO A PRESENTATION “THE GOLDEN AGE OF MOUNTAINEERING” Residents of Broad Town are invited to join the Broad Town WI Open Meeting on Wednesday 17th November at 7.30 p.m. in Broad Town Village Hall for a presentation by Martin Collisson “The Golden Age of Mountaineering and Exploration”.  The presentation will be looking at the intrepid explorers of the Polar Regions, Everest, the Eiger and Matterhorn. This is an exciting opportunity right on your doorstep to hear about these adventures. The event is free of charge although donations for tea and cake will be gratefully accepted. We are expecting an interesting, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable evening.  We’ll be holding a raffle too with some fun prizes to be won, so don’t forget to bring an extra £1 or so for your tickets. If you would like to join us, please contact lorraine@mrsbillis.co.uk as we are limited on numbers in the Village Hall. To keep our community safe we recommend that masks are worn and hand sanitiser is used. We do hope that you can come along and we look forward to seeing you. CHURCH SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER 7TH November, 10.30am Communion 14th November, 10.50am Remembrance Sunday 21st November, 10.30am Communion CHURCH APPEAL   Like many other organisations, our income during the pandemic has been drastically reduced and it has not been possible to hold any fundraising events to improve this position. Shortfalls of £1,700 in 2019, £7,226 in 2020 and £7,500 in 2021 (estimated) will result in a total of £ 16,426 being owed to Salisbury Diocese for our Parish Share, which goes towards paying our clergy (training, housing, pensions, salaries) with no means to pay this. We are very grateful to many people who already support the Church, with regular giving, one off donations, 100 Club and carrying out voluntary work which helps reduce our expenditure. However, we now have to find alternative ways to increase our income by an estimated amount of £8,000 per annum to keep the Church open and be able to continue to serve the community. We recognise that many household incomes are already fully committed and in some instances reduced but if there is any way you feel you can help, please contact to discuss in confidence, with either Clive Green (treasurer), Tel: 854200 or Ray Manley, Tel; 731564.   FOODBANK  Throughout the last 18 months, we have had a monthly collection outside the Village Hall and stored it inside. Now that the V. H. is open it is often booked at weekends, so we have decided to have our Foodbank collections every 2 months and either at the Hall or ‘Shelter’ if the hall is booked. Our next collection will be a Christmas one on December 4th & 5th – so let’s make it a bumper one. Venue will be put in December B. T. News, put on Facebook and shown on posters around the Village. Your support is greatly appreciated by us, by the R. W. B. Foodbank and above all by the people who use the Foodbank for themselves and their families. B T NEWS  It has been decided that from February 2022 future editions will be sent electronically which has worked well since the pandemic began and will not only save money but will help to reduce our carbon footprint. Approximately 100 copies are sent by email, others view it on the B T Website and a very small number (who have no internet) get paper copies. It is planned to issue one final paper version to the whole village for the combined December/January issue and then go electronic. This is also an opportunity to review the format and if anyone has suitable editorial skills and would like to be involved, please contact Ray Manley Tel: 731564 for more information. CONGRATULATIONS   to James in Broad Town who completed the London Marathon and raised (with 3 others) nearly £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. He says the Just Giving site is still open for anyone who may still want to donate. 100 CLUB   The Draw for October has taken place and I’m pleased to announce the winners are: 1st Place – Pam Howells 2nd Place – Helen Greer 3rd Place – Clive Green Congratulations to all the winners.   CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING SATURDAY NOV 27TH    10 am – 12 noon At last we are able to have one of our coffee mornings. This one will be held in the Village Hall, which gives us more space. There will be refreshments, tombola, sales/cakes table, activities for the children and the raffle. We have been able to secure two great raffle prizes:- 2 course Sunday lunch for 4 at the Wiltshire, Crump’s voucher. There will also be a hamper, a Christmas cake and a large cuddly toy. Hopefully the tickets will be on sale soon. We look forward to seeing as many as possible and catching up with all your news.   REMEMBRANCE - NOVEMBER 14TH If I should go before the rest of you, Break not a flower, nor inscribe a stone. Nor, when I am gone, speak in a Sunday voice, But be the usual selves that I have known. Weep if you must, Parting is hell - But life goes on, So sing as well. Joyce Grenfell COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING It was lovely to see so many of you back again in October and we raised £100 to go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Thank you to everyone who has offered to bake cakes up until Christmas. If anyone would like to join the rota after Christmas please let us know. The more the merrier! Dates for November – 10am to 12 noon in the village hall Wednesday 10th November Wednesday 24th November: Mike Coney’s family would like to provide all the cakes for this coffee morning as a thank you to everyone who was part of his life in the village. Mike was a regular at the coffee mornings and is much missed. Any profits from the morning will be shared between the village groups that Mike was involved with  or the charities that they support. The date for submission for the next issue - Joint December and January - is Fri 19th Nov. to margaretgreen@waitrose.com .  This date is a little earlier as it gives us time to get the newsletter printed and delivered.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 28 Oct 2021 12:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2559 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2557/Broad-Town-Newsletter--October-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2557 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2557&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2557/Broad-Town-Newsletter--October-2021 BROAD TOWN NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2021 PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Clerk vacancy The Parish Council has a vacancy for the role of Parish Clerk.  This is a salaried part-time role of an average 5 hours a week, and full training and equipment will be provided. More details are available on the website https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/ Community Fund Grants As more groups are starting up following the lockdowns, the Good Energy Community Fund advisory panel and the Parish Council are happy to accept grant applications from community groups over the next few months, outside of the usual application timetable. More details are available on the Parish Council website. BROAD TOWN CHURCH Harvest Service We are aware that this is short notice but the village harvest festival will be this coming Sunday 3rd October at 11.00am. If you would like to contribute to the collection for the Foodbank, we will be accepting items during the service. Evening prayer in October will be on Sunday the 24th . Advance Notices There will be a coffee morning in the village hall on November Sat. 27th starting at 10.00am. There will be refreshments, tombola, sales table with cakes, activities for the children. The Christmas raffle will also be drawn and tickets will be on sale soon at £1.00 per ticket. Christmas Carol Service This year will be on Sunday 12th December at 6.00pm Churchyard  Thank you to everyone who came to the work morning in September and on other days during the month. We hope to have one more work morning this year (weather permitting) on 2 October from 9.30 to 12 midday.   FOOD BANK – As Broad Town School and Church are having Harvest Services with collections for the Foodbank, there will be NO village collection in October. The next collection at the Village Hall will be from 9am to 4pm on November 6th & 7th.  PROSPECT BOXES  We are sure you’ll be pleased to know that we have been given the go-ahead for the Autumn collection .BUT … with a few changes and details will be delivered to you during October.                                                                    VILLAGE HALL - The Hall has re-opened and bookings are now slowly increasing. Details are available on the village website and further information can be obtained from the Booking Secretary, Nigel Crocker, if required.                               BROAD TOWN WI NEWS AND EVENTS We hope you are enjoying the fantastic Great Big Green Week display in the Shelter opposite the Church – the result of our members bringing in their plastic bottles and the genius of two of our members in setting up the display.  The idea came from the Greenpeace presentation that we had when we all were encouraged to take whatever small steps we could towards reducing climate change – our WI likes a challenge and you can see the result! We are planning our next Open Meeting, that anyone who isn’t a member can attend, at 7.30 on November 17th in the Village Hall.  The topic is “The Golden Age of Mountaineering”, refreshments will be included (donations will be gratefully received) and we’ll be holding a fun raffle. Put the date in your diary and look out for more details in next month’s BT newsletter. The biggest news of all is that we are bringing back CAKE! after restricting ourselves to biscuits while we were getting used to meeting together again. What better reason to come along to our meetings.  Why not join us!  We would love to welcome new members to our meetings at 7.30 on the third Wednesday of every month in the Village Hall.  Contact Lorraine on lorraine@mrsbillis.co.uk for more information.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Following our successful morning in September, we are pleased to confirm that CCM will again be open on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12 noon in the village hall.  Dates for October are: Wednesday 13th October – tea/coffee/chocolate etc and cakes!! Wednesday 27th October – drinks, cakes and some activities for children Money raised from these two coffee mornings will be sent to MacMillan We look forward to seeing you.   NEWS FROM BROAD TOWN CE SCHOOL The new school year has started in beautiful weather and it is wonderful to see the children playing outside with their friends again.  We can continue too with enjoying outdoor learning - not just for sports, though this is an important part of our school day, but with different learning activities taking place outside of the classroom.  Did you know how many different sports the children have the opportunity to try?  Archery, boxercise, lacrosse, and gymnastics are included as well as athletics, games, cycling and swimming and there are some fantastic photos of our sports day on the school website. Music is playing a large part in our school day too, with pupils taking up tuition in guitar, horn and drums - you may hear us as you walk past the school! Although we are continuing to follow some Covid restrictions to keep the school and the community safe, it is good to be moving towards bringing back the events that mark the school year and we are all looking forward to celebrating Harvest Festival at the end of September. Items for the November newsletter should be with the editor by Friday 22nd October please. margaretgreen@waitrose.com BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 28 Sep 2021 12:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2557 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2558/Broad-Town-Newsletter--September-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2558 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2558&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2558/Broad-Town-Newsletter--September-2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER PARISH COUNCIL Clerk vacancy The Parish Council has a vacancy for the role of Parish Clerk.  This is a salaried part-time role of an average 5 hours a week, and full training and equipment will be provided. More details are available on the website at www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk Playing Fields at Redhills The project to replace the roadside fencing at the Playing Fields has now completed. The old concrete posts (many of which were rotten and in a dangerous state) and the chain link fence has been replaced by new posts with green welded mesh panels and a new pedestrian gate at the lower end by the play area.   This has been a major undertaking by the Parish Council and has been paid for out of council funds with additional grants from the Good Energy Community Fund and the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board. Where’s SID? Over the last month the SID has been in two locations: 10 July – 31 July : opposite the school monitoring traffic heading to Broad Hinton. 830 vehicles per day. 19% of vehicles were speeding, 51 of which exceeded 50mph. 31 July – 15 August : Marlborough House, monitoring downhill traffic heading to RWB. 786 vehicles per day. 10% of vehicles were speeding, 9 of which exceeded 50mph. The holiday season could account for fewer vehicles per day, and the figures support the stats produced by the Community Speedwatch team which found that the majority of speeders are those travelling South through the village. VACANCY FOR GOVERNOR AT BROAD TOWN CE SCHOOL Would you like to join our friendly and supportive team of governors at Broad Town School?  We are looking for an additional governor to be part of our governing board at our welcoming and inclusive school.  No previous experience of being a governor is needed as you will be trained and supported, all you need is a commitment and willingness to make what is an important contribution to our community.  You would be involved in termly meetings that take place in late afternoons and also have a valuable opportunity to work with members of staff on a particular focus of school life.  A DBS check is a requirement but otherwise no other qualification is necessary.  If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact lbillis@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk. Thank you BROAD TOWN WI IS BACK IN THE VILLAGE HALL It was great to be back for our first WI meeting in the Village Hall since the beginning of the lockdown and we were especially pleased to welcome three new members.  Our speaker for the evening was from Greenpeace and he had prepared a presentation especially for us about the use of plastics and ways in which we can reduce our plastic consumption.  Did you know….that there are plastics in most teabags….that many developing countries have no means of disposing of rubbish let alone recycle….that plastic bottles can be recycled up to seven times (ending up as black refuse sacks) but that glass and aluminium can be recycled indefinitely….  We had a good chat over tea and biscuits about these and other issues as well as just enjoying seeing each other again.  Meetings coming up include a speaker on “Living With Someone With Hearing Loss” and a chance to practise our drawing skills with an artist tutor.  In November we will hold an open meeting where all members of the community can come along, something good to look forward to. Why not join us!  We would love to welcome new members to our meetings at 7.30 on the third Wednesday of every month in the Village Hall.  Contact Lorraine on lorraine@mrsbillis.co.uk for more information.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Good News – Our coffee morning is back!  In September, doors will be open on Wednesday 15th September    10am to 12noon    in the Village Hall For this first session, drinks and biscuits will be £1 So that we can all feel comfortable, please can you read the following flyer. We very much look forward to seeing you all again. COFFEE MORNINGS ARE BACK!!     15 Sept.    10am - mid-day Look forward to seeing you all once again To meet the requirements of the Village Hall and our own CCM Risk Assessment we would ask for your co-operation as follows:- Please do not attend if you or anyone in your household has had Covid19 symptoms in the last 48 hours. If you develop symptoms within 10 days of attending CCM you must seek a Covid19 test. Use the NHS QR code in the lobby or leave contact details on the sheet provided. Please use hand sanitiser provided on arrival and exit. If possible bring own sanitiser to use during the morning. Face Coverings/Masks – we would encourage you to wear one on entry/exit to hall and on moving around. You can remove it when seated. Social Distancing – we would encourage you to observe distancing wherever possible. One way system – Fire door can be used to exit, if you prefer. Toilets – If it is necessary for you to use the toilet, please follow the hall instructions displayed, wear a mask and clean surfaces you have touched with the wipes provided. Cash – Please note, change will not be given and a sealed cash box will be available for your donations. Ventilation – Doors and windows will be kept open so please wear/bring appropriate clothing. Thank you. FOODBANK   The next collection will be on Saturday & Sunday 4th/5th September at the Village Hall, 9am – 5pm SOCIAL CLUB The Social Club will re-open on Friday 3rd September from 8.00pm and from Sunday 5th September from 7.00pm for Bingo.  Trevor Hillier SERVICES IN BROAD TOWN FOR SEPTEMBER 5TH September - 10.30am - Communion 26th September - 6.00pm - Evening Worship  CHURCHYARD  Unfortunately we had to cancel the August work morning due to wet weather. Our next tidy up will be on Saturday 4th September, 10am – midday. Please bring tools for strimming,  raking, hedge cutting and tidying around graves if possible. FAREWELL Sadly, we have heard of the passing of Andrew Gibbs - Son of Ivor and Diane. We send our commiserations to them and are sure they have many happy memories of their son. RIDE AND STRIDE This year the Ride and Stride event is on the weekend of September 11th/12th. If you feel like walking, cycling or riding between some of the Churches of the Deanery to raise money for the Historic Churches Trust, then please contact Carolyn Crocker for an entry form on carolyn.crocker@hotmail.co.uk                              10th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAST REPATRIATION THROUGH RWB Excerpt from Memorial Service at Lyneham Church “There is no glory in any repatriation. Each repatriation even if only of one body is a profound and sad loss. A loss of all that person might yet have done or been, both within and beyond their service in her Majesty’s Armed Services. Each human life laid down in the service of Queen and country is the lives lost of comrades in arms, friends, brothers, sisters, parents, spouses, lovers, partners and children. Each death an individual loss and a source of mourning both when it happened and since. And among each of those repatriation flights in Lyneham there were many service personnel whose mortal remains were returned through this village in its time as host to RAF Lyneham. And you know, and I know, that while today we mark the 10th anniversary since the final repatriation flight through RAF Lyneham;  that there continue to be repatriations of men and women who have laid down their life for their friends in the course of their duty  in the navy, the army or the air force. There is no glory in any repatriation. We come here today to remember with both sorrow and thanksgiving – sorrow for each life lost and for each life damaged by injury, disablement, PTSD and mental distress. Thanksgiving for the tasks that were undertaken as the everyday duty and service of those who were stationed and worked on RAF Lyneham and thanksgiving also as we honour the history of RAF Lyneham in this village; thanksgiving for its present as REME headquarters and the MoD training here that equips men and women, from the UK and the Commonwealth who continue to be ready to work in the Armed Services at the possible cost of their lives. And as we remember I pray that this anniversary will also rekindle in us hope of a time when swords will be beaten into ploughshares and the Prince of Peace will lead us so that wars and repatriations will be no more. Amen.” HISTORY Broad Town History information is available on the website at  https://www.broadtownhistory.com/ Still very much in its infancy, however, the following site will give you a gist of what pictures, documents, stories, maps and registers etc…. exist.   If you have anything to add please get in touch with Malcolm on 731567 or Judy on 731605. OCTOBER NEWSLETTER The newsletter closing date for entries next month will be Friday 24th September. All entries should be sent to the editor - Margaret Green, e-mail margaretgreen@waitrose.com BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2558 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2555/Broad-Town-Newsletter--August-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2555 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2555&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2555/Broad-Town-Newsletter--August-2021 LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2021 AUGUST 2021 SUMMER FRUITS – Revd. Karen Rizzello Dear Reader, In August, we celebrate warm days of summer and the bounty of creation.  It is at this time that we see the fruits of the fields in all their abundance.  With the warming of the climate the harvest seems to be coming earlier each year. I am not sure how everyone will be coping.  The schools are out and there continue to be anxieties as we end lockdown and move back to a new normal.  All of this within the looming shadow of a Covid third wave. I hope that you all enjoy at least a few days of sunshine and time with family.  As rural communities we have so much to enjoy and explore here in our own neighbourhood.   So if we don’t get away let’s embrace our own villages. There is so much rich history and heritage right on our doorsteps just waiting for us to explore. I visited some people in Tockenham recently and they told me about a ‘Time Team’ excavation broadcast in the 1995.  Did you know that there is a figure built into the wall of St.Giles church, Tockenham?  Archeologists believe it is a figure of a guardian spirit often associated with households and may have come from a Roman villa found by the team in nearby fields. In August there are many events taking place which we can all enjoy.  Keep an eye on your local FB and websites for updates and changes.  Here are just a few for the diaries: The Fete in Lyneham on August 7th.  Pop-up café Clyffe Pypard August 7th.  The patronal festival at Hilmarton, August 8th.  The patronal festival picnic at the Abbey ruins in Bradenstoke on August 15th .  Garage/Yard sale Hilmarton, August 28th, Goatfest September 3rd and 4th, Tockenham patronal festival August 29th. So enjoy all the abundance that the Earth offers in August whether you wander far or stay near to your homes. Stay safe.   God Bless, Revd. Karen. FOODBANK  The next collection will be on Saturday & Sunday 7th/8th August at the Village Hall, 9am – 5pm .   CHURCHYARD  Thank you to everyone who came along to work in very warm weather at the end of July. We are making very good progress but still plenty to do, so  our next tidy-up has been arranged for 7th August 10am to mid day.   Parish Council update – August Speed Indicator Device (SID) Some of you may have spotted, or even been ‘flashed’ by, the SID which the Parish Council installed on the main road by Broadacres. This monitored southbound traffic having just entered the 30mph zone, heading towards Broad Hinton. The SID records details of every vehicle and its speed, and flashes a reminder of the 30mph limit to any vehicle exceeding that speed. Over the 2 week period (Sat 26/06/21 to Sat 10/07/21) the SID counted 14,133 vehicles heading southbound which equates to approx. 1,000 per day. On average 30% of vehicles were exceeding the 30mph speed limit.   Counts of excessive speeders (over 40mph) were: MPH 40 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 55 to 60 Vehicles 1,039 220 42 8 This is early days for our SID analysis and we will provide more detail over the next few months. Although there is nothing we can do to prevent deliberate speeding we are hopeful that the appearance of a flashing prompt will help to remind the accidental speeder of the speed limit through the village. Dog Fouling There has been a report of an increase in dog fouling around Thornhill. Please would dog walkers ensure they collect and take away any mess caused by their dog. Unfortunately there aren’t any poo bins in that part of the village so the pet owners will need to dispose of it themselves. 100 CLUB - JULY 1ST prize - Rupert Pearce;  2nd prize - David Crocker; 3rd prize - Kim Gough WI EVENTS COMING UP AT BROAD TOWN WI By the time you read this we will have enjoyed a perfect summer’s evening at Broad Town Brewery with our very first speaker since the lockdown in March 2020 – thank you to Doug Batchelor of the Bobby Van project.  We now have plans for our future monthly meetings at the Village Hall that include presentations from Greenpeace and on mountaineering expeditions, as well as craft sessions led by experts in drawing skills and quilling.  Add to this an evening in good company and with delicious refreshments, what could be a better way to spend a Wednesday evening. Why not join us!  We would love to welcome new members to our meetings on the third Wednesday of every month.  Contact Lorraine on lorraine@mrsbillis.co.uk for more information. VACANCY FOR GOVERNOR AT BROAD TOWN CE SCHOOL Would you like to join our friendly and supportive team of governors at Broad Town School?  We are looking for an additional governor to be part of our governing board at our welcoming and inclusive school.  No previous experience of being a governor is needed as you will be trained and supported, all you need is a commitment and willingness to make what is an important contribution to our community.  You would be involved in termly meetings that take place in late afternoons and also have a valuable opportunity to work with members of staff on a particular focus of school life.  A DBS check is a requirement but otherwise no other qualification is necessary.  If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact lbillis@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk. Thank you. SERVICES FOR AUGUST IN BROAD TOWN 1st August - 10.30am Communion 22nd August - 6.00pm Evening Service   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 29 Jul 2021 09:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2555 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2554/Broad-Town-Newsletter--July-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2554 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2554&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2554/Broad-Town-Newsletter--July-2021 BROAD TOWN LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER JULY 2021 ON REST AND THANKFULNESS I write this on the eve of the day I think of as my Sabbath Rest day, which isn’t a Sunday. I look forward to that day as a time to change the rhythm from the working week; a day that offers opportunities for a different pattern of activity and sometimes a chance to enjoy doing ‘nothing’. Calling it ‘nothing’ sounds negative and sometimes leads to thinking that I ought instead to be doing ‘something’. In truth, I think this is much more like the pause at the end of a slow, steady breath which is a place of profound and efficient stillness before breathing returns to the next steady pulse in or out. It has the same sense of joyful completion that I get at the end of a perfectly executed swimming stroke or when the last item of cutlery is put away after the washing up. It is the moment of ‘nothing’ in which I notice that what is given is enough. The pause of the one day in seven gives beauty to the week past and renewal for the week forward. Constancy in the pattern of days, weeks, months and years is a source of peace and content, a firm foundation for the moments of extreme effort or times that require sustained resilience. Fairly recently I was asked if I had enjoyed a year with less work with the churches closed. I thought how much difference there is between a time of chosen, set aside rest – whether sabbath or holy day/ holiday and the time of enforced restraint and limitation that I have experienced over the last fifteen months or so, some of which no doubt will continue into the weeks and months ahead. I have been surprised at the depth of weariness this time of enforced inaction brings in its wake.  The psalmist’s cry: How long O Lord, how long has often risen in my prayers. By contrast times of chosen sabbath or holy holiday open space in which gratitude returns and resources me for the fret and frenzy of daily life.  May you too find ways to balance enforced inaction and chosen rest so that thankfulness is renewed Rachma VACANCY FOR GOVERNOR AT BROAD TOWN CE SCHOOL Would you like to join our friendly and supportive team of governors at Broad Town School?  We are looking for an additional governor to be part of our governing board at our welcoming and inclusive school.  No previous experience of being a governor is needed as you will be trained and supported, all you need is a commitment and willingness to make what is an important contribution to our community.  You would be involved in termly meetings that take place in late afternoons and also have a valuable opportunity to work with members of staff on a particular focus of school life.  A DBS check is a requirement but otherwise no other qualification is necessary.  If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact lbillis@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk. Thank you.   NEWS FROM BROAD TOWN C E PRIMARY SCHOOL The summer term seems to race by after the May holiday and the next event to look forward to is our Sports Day.  The arrangements will be different this year as we still have to comply with social distancing but the staff will make sure that it is a wonderful day for the children.  The warmer weather means that the children are making the most of our outdoor learning facilities and we were delighted to have benefited from a grant from the Parish Council Community Fund that has contributed to enhancing our Forest School.  We have even been singing outside, joining in a specially commissioned song with 7000 other children in Wiltshire. There is a lovely video of us singing on our school website. The summer is also a time of hellos and goodbyes.  Our Chair of Governors, John Oldfield, is retiring from his role as Chair and we will miss his dedication, experience and wisdom.  We hope that he will keep in touch with us and come in to see us when possible.  We welcome Miss Lyall to our staff, who has joined us to work in the afternoons and is already settling in well.  Finally, we must say goodbye to our Year 6 children who will move on to secondary school in September. Although we are sad to see them leave, we wish them a bright and happy future in their new schools.  We wish everyone a fabulous summer, our new term starts on 1st September. PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE We have engaged a new Parish Clerk, Antonio Piazza, and he is looking forward to meeting residents in the course of his duties. We also welcome Sue Hughes who has joined us as our seventh Councillor. Planning The appeal against the refusal for planning application 19/03874/OUT (Residential development of up to 10 entry-level affordable dwellings on the land south of the school) has been upheld – the full decision paper is available on the Wiltshire Planning portal. The decision is not based on need (indeed it states that the Royal Wootton Bassett community area has exceeded its requirement for housing supply), and furthermore it acknowledges that it conflicts with the development plan and would cause harm to the rural character and appearance of the area. It also accepts that there is no evidence of any parking problem and that not only are the associated village green and car parking area not tangible benefits but their ultimate delivery is by no means certain. Detail such as street lighting is left to be dealt with under reserved matters. The only reason this was approved is because within Wiltshire County as a whole there is only 4.29 years of housing land supply, triggering Paragraph 11 (d) of the National Policy Planning Framework which provides that permission should be granted. Community Fund The Good Energy Community Fund will be reviewing grant applications from community groups in September. These will need to be submitted for review by the advisory panel by the start of August so it would be wise to start drawing up any applications now. IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT BROAD TOWN WI It is great that our meetings have started again and the numbers of our members coming along goes to show how much we have missed getting together.  So far we have had a Bring and Swap evening where members brought plants, books, cakes, garden produce and even some fruit gin to swap with each other; and a really nice meal at The Crown at Broad Hinton where we were very well looked after. The programme of events from July onwards is being prepared and we plan to have another adventurous meeting at 7.30 p.m. on July 21st at Broad Town Brewery (with huge thanks to Jason).  As well as enjoying the beautiful views we will have a talk from The Bobby Van and a chat over tea and cake.  A big thank you to everyone who has been involved in making the arrangements.  Why not join us!  We would love to welcome new members to our meetings on the third Wednesday of every month. Contact Lorraine on lorraine@mrsbillis.co.uk for more information. FOODBANK      The next collection at the Village Hall will be on Sat. 3rd & Sun 4th July, 9am – 5pm.   Following a conversation with the Royal Wootton Bassett Food Bank Coordinator we have decided to continue with monthly collections until further notice.  Food banks continue to be very busy and there are still people struggling to feed themselves and their families. B. T. VILLAGE HALL At the recent AGM, the committee voted to keep the Village Hall closed until all Covid restrictions are lifted. (Hopefully 19th July!) COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS As the current lockdown restrictions have been extended to later in July, we are very sorry to confirm that the coffee mornings will not restart until September. If we get a good spell of weather, we may be able to organize a ‘pop up’ coffee morning in the car park organized via phone call/e mail. Enjoy the summe WHITE HORSE RESTORATION "Thank you to all the willing volunteers who turned out on a hot Sunday 13 June to weed and lime the White Horse. Having not been limed in 2020 it has now been returned to a brilliant white and is noticeable throughout the Village. We have received many favourable comments. Particular thanks are due to the Broad Town Brewery for generously sponsoring the event, helping on the day and most importantly, providing appropriate refreshments".   CHRIST CHURCH, BROAD TOWN JULY SERVICES & NEWS July 4th       10.30am   Communion July 11th     10.30am   Communion July 25th       6.00pm   Evening Worship. We are sad to report the recent deaths of 3 long standing members of our community:        Ivor Turk     Darren Atkins (Dazman)    Peggy Bird                                             May they Rest in Peace.     DEADLINE FOR NEXT B. T. News is 24th JULY 2021 News items to Margaret Green:   margaretgreen@waitrose.com Requests for electronic or paper copies of future B T News, to Ray Manley: raymanley1@btinternet.com   Tel: 731564 BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Sun, 27 Jun 2021 10:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2554 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2553/Broad-Town-Newsletter--June-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2553 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2553&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2553/Broad-Town-Newsletter--June-2021 JUNE LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER 2021   BROAD TOWN PARISH COUNCIL On Monday 10th May the newly elected Broad Town Parish Council held its first meeting and was back in the Village Hall after a break of over a year. Windows and doors were all open to provide adequate ventilation and social distancing guidelines adhered to.  The elected councillors are Ben Davis, Sandra Hartley, Malcolm Holland, Glen Morley, Rupert Pearce and Judy Rendell. Following the requisite signing of the acceptance of office, the outgoing chairman Jackie Jordan presided over the unanimous selection of Rupert Pearce as the new chairman, and Sandra Hartley as vice-chairman. Thanks were expressed to all the retiring councillors. Applications and interviews are being conducted over the next few weeks to fill the vacancy for the role of Parish Clerk. Agendas, Minutes and other PC notices are available on the website www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk External lighting If you have external lighting please be thoughtful towards your neighbours by: Checking the direction of the light beam. If your beam encroaches neighbouring properties or the dark skies adjust the angle downwards Where possible use motion-activated lighting to avoid unnecessary light pollution. Check the sensor settings regularly to avoid accidental triggering. Stand in front of your light in the dark and test/trigger it. If it hurts your eyes it is too powerful for the intended use or it needs re-angling downwards. Bonfires Please be considerate when burning bonfires – be aware of wind direction and any nearby thatched roofs, and avoid burning plastic. Road Closure Horns Lane will be temporarily closed to traffic on 7 June for a number of days to allow Gigaclear to lay cables, although emergency access will be maintained.     RIDE AND STRIDE The annual cycling, riding and walking event around the Deanery will take place this year on the Saturday of September 11th 2021. Anyone wishing to take part should contact Carolyn Crocker for a sponsor form. Good luck to everyone however you travel.   SERVICES AT CHRIST CHURCH, BROAD TOWN 6th June - 10.30am - Communion 13th June - 10.30am - Morning Worship If anyone would like to attend either of these services, please book a place by contacting Margaret Green 01793 854200. Everyone is welcome. We can maintain social distancing by using the booking system. Safety is paramount.   Broad Town Book Club The book club meets once month and we’re always happy to welcome more members who enjoy reading and a chat - the more the merrier! Don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll always have time to finish the book - we don’t mind!  We are currently reading: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig The next book club is on Wednesday 2nd June at 8pm if you’d like to attend. The facebook page (search Broad Town Book Club) has all the details regarding books, dates, times, joining instructions etc - alternatively, for more information you can email: broadtownbookclub@outlook.com Happy reading 📚♥️   FOODBANK       The next collection at the Village Hall will be on Sat. 5th & Sun 6th June,  9am – 5pm.  Whilst many of us are enjoying more freedom from restrictions - as the ‘Roadmap’ out of lockdown proceeds -  let’s always remember  the people who are still struggling to feed themselves and their families. Please be as generous as you always are. THE 100CLUB DRAW for May has taken place and the prizes have been distributed. We are delighted to announce that the results are as follows: 1st - Nigel Crocker; 2nd - Judy Rendell and 3rd -Rupert Bastin. Congratulations to all the winners. Community Coffee Morning Wednesday 30th June We are delighted to be able to open the doors and welcome you all back to our first coffee morning after our extended break.  It will be so good to see everyone. Should any restrictions still be in place we will of course fully comply with them. Date for June Wednesday 30th June : Village Hall 10am to 12 noon. Tea/coffee/hot chocolate and home made cake. In addition to the book swap, we will be offering jigsaw puzzles to borrow. Dates for July Wednesday 14th July Wednesday 28th July August: There will be no coffee mornings in August If you love baking cakes and would be happy to join our cake rota  (to  bake about once in 3 months) do please let one of us know. Look forward to seeing everyone. CCM team Margaret Annie Sandra Helen and Carolyn On Repairing Tradition One of my enjoyable discoveries of lockdown was watching the Repair Shop – I delight in the skill and expertise of the crafts people, even when it’s something that I can’t imagine I would have ever valued or kept; for me that’s often the ceramics, although I have a treasured china piggy bank with dark glue cracks from an earlier repair. Yet even when it’s something I know I wouldn’t have kept and treasured, especially not once it was broken there is delight in watching the repair and renewal alongside the story of why this item matters to this person or that family. There is both careful and adept restoration and there is also, it seems to me value added in having the gifts of the crafts person involved in the repair – to know this now includes the gifts of a Will, a Stephen or a Kirsten in its renewal. At its best this is what we do to tradition – when we discover that an aspect of it is broken we repair it in a way that is honest in maintaining the patina of time and the story of connection and also acknowledges that sometimes things are broken beyond repair and if they are to function they have to be taken apart and completely new items grafted in if they are to function. This is how I understand the Church of England’s desire to acknowledge the injustice and brokenness of the history of objects within our buildings that were created on racist foundations – if we are honest about the realities of our failures, we are not denying the past but enabling either restoration or completely new beauties to become part of our tradition. This may also be true for us about how we manage to hold together the challenges that can arise even from a shared experience like the pandemic – there will be both good things experienced and deep and painful loss – as we look back and see what was broken, we can find opportunities to repair and restore that weave together the golden strands of gratitude with space for the  warping threads of loss into a tapestry of gathered community strength. Rev E. R. Abbott   DEADLINE FOR NEXT B. T. NEWS IS 23 JUNE BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 27 May 2021 11:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2553 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2552/Broad-Town-Newsletter--May-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2552 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2552&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2552/Broad-Town-Newsletter--May-2021 BROAD TOWN LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER  MAY 2021 MAY 2021 THE WINDS OF CHANGE – Revd. Karen Rizzello Dear Reader, The winds of change are blowing through this land. We are seeing lockdown slowly melting away and people emerging from their homes to come together again.  I’m not sure how things will be in May as I am writing this letter just before the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral on April 18th.  I hope and pray that our lockdown schedule is going forward and has not been slowed down due to Covid cases. I run a weekly zoom ‘cuppa and chat’ session on Tuesday afternoons for everyone who wants some chat over a coffee/tea during lockdown.  I see signs of hope in that zoom session.  People are able to visit their relatives in care homes, see their grandchildren, go out and sit with a friend or relative and share a coffee.  In fact, signs are so hopeful that I am counting down to June when we can end our zoom meetings and meet in person.  I don’t think we will stop using zoom to connect but there will be more opportunities for face-to-face contact in the future. May is an important month for me as a follower of Christ but also for the population in general.  We have two bank holidays in May.  One on May 3rd and one on May 31st.  We as a nation will enjoy this time off but the second half of May holds additional significance.  There is the festival of Ascension Day on May 13th followed by the festival of Pentecost on May 23rd.  The first festival remembers the Ascension of Jesus into heaven after his resurrection on Easter Sunday followed by the second festival to mark the giving of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the followers of Jesus on the day of Pentecost.  These festivals complete the cycle of Jesus’ time on earth and our union with Him through the gift of the Holy Spirit For all of you who have suffered a bereavement during this time, may this give you hope that your loved one rests with Jesus and all the saints. As a nation we have a strong tradition of resilience in times of trouble, and I think we can safely say that Covid has been and is a time of trouble. Whoever you are and whatever your tradition or none we are all called to love and take care of each other.  As we come out of lockdown, remember that many will be feeling vulnerable and may have experienced extreme pain. Be kind to each other and enjoy your time out and together.   God Bless, Revd. Karen.   DEADLINE FOR NEXT B. T. NEWS IS 25 MAY       Items for entry into the next newsletter can be sent straight to Margaret Green margaretgreen@waitrose.com  FOOD BANK    The next collection will be Saturday 8th / Sunday 9th May.                                9am – 5pm at Village Hall.  SHELTER   The Easter Shelter has been dismantled and we have several decorations that villagers placed there. If you would like them back, please telephone 731564. NEWS FROM BROAD TOWN CE PRIMARY SCHOOL It was so lovely to welcome all the children back at the beginning of March and wonderful that on the first day all the children were present. It is such a pleasure to see the children happily catching up and playing with their friends. We still need to maintain Covid-19 safety measures, and this really does show that our school community is working together to minimise risk and to help keep everyone safe. We had an exciting ‘Red Nose Day’ last term, it was not the normal ‘Red Nose Day’ but staff held a range of fun activities with their classes. Now we are back from our Easter break we are looking forward to more outside activities in the better weather, if you are passing the school playground or the field you will see the children enjoying being out in the sunshine! FAREWELL OLD FRIEND It is with deep regret that we report the passing of a long-time resident and valued member of the community. Mr John Pullen has said “Goodbye” to this world and entered the next. He, with his wife, lived in the village for many years. They had 3 boys. For a long time he could be seen on his “Egg round” in Royal Wootton Bassett. He was a member of the Parish Council and lately an avid supporter and fund-raiser for Prospect. He died at the age of 95   BROAD TOWN CHURCH   The next Service will be a Holy Communion Service on 23 May at 10.30am. Please telephone Margaret Green – 854200 – to book, if you plan to attend. BROAD TOWN BOOK CLUB The book club meets once a month and we’re always happy to welcome more members who enjoy reading and a chat - the more the merrier! Don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll always have time to finish the book - we don’t mind!  We are currently reading: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn The next book club is on Wednesday 5th May at 8pm if you’d like to attend. The facebook page (search Broad Town Book Club) has all the details regarding books, dates, times, joining instructions etc - alternatively, for more information you can email: broadtownbookclub@outlook.com   WHITE HORSE LIMING – 23 MAY 2021 Weather permitting, White Horse liming place will take place on Sunday 23rd May. The plan is to meet at the end of Chapel Lane at 0930 or at the Horse at 1000hrs. Protective equipment will be available at the site in the form of eye protection and face masks. All participants are requested to wear appropriate footwear and work gloves. If possible, they should also bring a tool that can be used for removing weeds or for spreading the lime. The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participants should be physically fit and in good health. Would anyone who wishes to be involved please contact Andrew Law on 01793 731472 or andrewlaw456@gmail.com  . Fuller details will then be provided to all volunteers.   BROAD TOWN WI IS MEETING AGAIN! Broad Town WI is thrilled to be arranging meetings again after the months of lockdown.  Our heartfelt thanks go to the Committee for keeping things going behind the scenes and for arranging Zoom meetings for the past year, it’s great that they have given us the opportunity to get up and running from this month. Last November was the 95th Anniversary of Broad Town WI and so top of our list is planning an event to celebrate, none of us are old enough to remember 95 years ago (!) so if anyone has information or ideas about life in Broad Town in 1925 we’d love to hear from you. We are planning a Bring Something to Swap evening in May in the village hall car park– plants, produce, cakes, puzzles, books – the date to be confirmed dependent on Covid restrictions.  Please feel free to come along to say hello and bring your Swap items.  Watch out for further information. We would love to encourage new members, our meetings are fun and forward looking and will start up again in June with a plan to meet at a local pub garden and July back in the village hall, the third Wednesday of each month at 7.30.  Come and join us! Contact Lorraine on lorraine@mrsbillis.co.uk for more information. CUPPA AND A CHAT You are invited to join us for talks, quizzes, chats and fun. As we come out of lockdown, we are updating our dates. April 27th.   May 11th and 25th. 2pm - 3pm Karen Rizzello - revkaren@rizzello.co.uk     07882055878 Lynn Thrussell - lilly-pops@hotmail.co.uk   07808551843 Jenny May - davemay104@yahoo.co.uk     01249891783 Cuppa in hall  June22nd Tuesday 10.00am - 11.30am Everyone welcome BROAD TOWN PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Council are pleased to confirm that they have selected a contractor to replace the fencing for the playing field in Redhills; work will commence by the beginning of July. The new fencing will be steel V-Weld Mesh Panel System which is commonly seen around school playing fields The cost is nearly £12,000.00 and has required the Parish Council to accumulate budget over several years and successfully applying for grants from both the Good Energy Community Fund and Area Board. We were unsuccessful in recruiting a new Parish Clerk so there is still a vacancy. The role requires approximately 5 hours works per week. Experience is preferred but not essential, training is available to suitable applicants. Salary is commensurate with experience. The Parish Council are a very friendly supportive group and extremely easy to work with.  If you have an aptitude for office and support work and a wish to help support the Broad Town community and Parish Council why not consider applying? Contact the Parish Clerk on BTPCCLERK@OUTLOOK.COM or one of the Parish Councillors for more information. After 4 years serving on the Parish Council Councillors J Jordan, C Rendell & B Joyce have not stood for re-election.  There were 6 nominations for 7 roles within the Parish Council therefore no election was required and all nominees are selected for the new Parish Council. The new Parish Council will consist of the following and a new Chairman will be elected at the next Parish Council meeting on the 10th May. Name of Counciller                              Home Address DAVIS Ben Thomas                                Hurstbridge House, Pye Lane                                                                    Broad Town, SN4 7RR HARTLEY Sandra Gillian                       The Pink House, Pye Lane                                                                    Broad Town, SN4 7RR HOLLAND Malcolm Alexander           Marlborough House,                                                                    Broad Town, SN4 7RG MORLEY Glen                                         The Old Shop,                                 94A Broad town, SN4 7RL PEARCE Rupert                                       Pantywick,                  101 Broad Town, SN4 7RU RENDELL Judy                                         Queen Elizabeth Cottage,                                                                    Broad Town, SN4 7RE As we emerge from Lockdown and it is still unclear how we may be able to use the Village Hall we are planning on holding the next Parish Council meeting via Zoom. If this changes to a physical meeting in the Village Hall we will publish this on the noticeboards and Parish Council website. Now we are starting to see sunnier days and lighter evenings please consider neighbours, following a resident’s concerns please avoid loud music and bonfires during day light hours. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2552 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2551/Broad-Town-Newsletter--April-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2551 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2551&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2551/Broad-Town-Newsletter--April-2021 BROAD TOWN APRIL LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER 2021 ON PINPRICKS OF HOPE I remember as a child hiding under a blanket and not being able to see out. Yet with patience I discovered that, as my eyes adjusted, I could see through the weave of the blanket. Last year I've sometimes wanted to hide under a blanket! However,  as the vaccination programme has rolled out and I’ve heard that someone has had their jab it has been a pinprick of hope giving me courage and hope. I’m so impressed with people, who are scared of needles or for some reason or other nervous of vaccinations, going ahead and rolling up their sleeves to let this happen to them.  I also understand why for some communities the histories around HeLa cells mean that there can be genuine ethical dilemmas around accepting vaccination. HeLa cells are so named for the African American woman Henrietta Lacks, who died in 1951 aged 31. A tissue sample was taken and used without her consent. Since that time that tissue sample has been the origin for cell lines used in many areas of medical research, including those involved with Covid-19 vaccination.  I am delighted that medical research can bring us these advances, but I am saddened at the way this was done. Her family, among them her grandson Alfred Lacks Carter show enormous wisdom and compassion. For, in spite of the racism and systematic failings that lead to this happening, he says: “They were taken in a bad way, but they are doing good for the world” When I had my first vaccination recently, I said a prayer of thanksgiving for Henrietta Lacks who has done good for me. And as Easter approaches, I am reminded that my faith is rooted in the story of Jesus, a man who also laid down his life for his friends and even his enemies. In images of Jesus Christ after the resurrection of Easter Day I see not simply pinpricks of hope, but the nail marks that remind me that suffering can indeed lead to and bring the renewal of Hope. May this Easter bring us confidence and trust in the renewal of hope and patience to wait for the full glory of this to unfold. Information about Henrietta Lacks can be found (among other places) in this issue of Nature https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02494-z Rachma   Deadline for next B T News is 23 April     EASTER FOODBANK COLLECTION   Saturday 27th / Sunday 28th March.  9am – 4pm at Village Hall.  All the usual items + Easter Eggs –  let’s put a smile on the faces of those still struggling to “make ends meet”   Local radio recently reported that Wiltshire foodbanks have had a record number of people needing help from them. SHELTER   Our Shelter of Hope has been dismantled in readiness for our Broad Town Easter Shelter, which is being decorated on Friday 26th March. If you have any Easter themed decorations etc. please let us have them or add them to the shelter at anytime after 26th. BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE – 23 MAY 2021 - A DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES.   I plan to lime the White Horse on the morning Sunday 23 May. Current government guidance suggests that on that date most legal restrictions on meeting outdoors will have been lifted. Assuming all continues well, I will be able confirm the date in May’s Broad Town News and will ask for volunteers at that time. In the meantime, please put the date in your diary.                                                                                                               Andrew Law CHURCHYARD    We are delighted to have received a grant from the Good Energy Fund to enable us to keep the grass cut in the main part of the Churchyard and it is hoped we can soon resume our work mornings for volunteers to keep the rest of the churchyard tidy. We will inform you when we propose to start again but, in the meantime, anyone who would like to spend some time strimming around the graves or cutting the hedges, please do so and thank you to all those who are already doing this. BROAD TOWN BOOK CLUB The book club meets once month and we’re always happy to welcome more members who enjoy reading and a chat - the more the merrier! Don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll always have time to finish the book - we don’t mind!  We are currently reading: The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan The next book club is on Wednesday 7th April at 8pm if you’d like to attend. The facebook page (search Broad Town Book Club) has all the details regarding books, dates, times, joining instructions etc - alternatively, for more information you can email: broadtownbookclub@outlook.com Happy reading 📚♥ NATIONAL DAY OF REFLECTION   -  The anniversary of the first Covid lockdown.  On Tuesday 23 March there will be a minute's silence at 12 midday to remember everyone who has died during the pandemic.                        People will then be encouraged to light a candle from 8pm and leave them in a window or on a doorstep.                                                                                                         A small number of battery candles will be available in the shelter for anyone wishing to light one.   Thomas Spackman Educational Trust Grant Are you, or do you know, a young person living in the Clyffe Pypard or Broad Town area who would benefit from a grant from The Thomas Spackman Educational Trust? The Charity’s main focus is education or work-related training and apprenticeships, but The Charity may also be able to help a promising individual develop a particular talent; perhaps help fund tuition in a musical instrument or develop a sporting skill. Applying is very easy. If you wish to find out more about the application process, please email spackmancharity@gmail.com or contact Karen Hawkins 01793 853895. All formal applications need to be in by 30th April 2021. The next opportunity to apply will be September 2021 100 CLUB DRAW    Results for January, February & March January -      1st Prize – Anonymous (winnings donated to church funds)                              2nd Prize – Margaret Green          3rd Prize – Janet Drury February  -  1st Prize – Rupert Bastin     2nd Prize – David Crocker                           3rd Prize –        Anonymous     (winnings donated to church funds) March  -   1st Prize – Annie Crocker  2nd Prize – Carolyn Crocker                   3rd Prize – Annette Moore Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone for your continued support. Parish Council – March meeting Replacing the fencing at Redhills Playing Field We are delighted to report that we have now raised over £11,000 to be able to replace the fencing at the Playing Field. The Parish Council has been reserving funds for this major maintenance project over the last 3 years from the precept and has also secured two significant grants from the Good Energy Community Fund and from the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board. We would like to thank both organisations for their grant support and Sue Hughes and David Bowler for their support at the Area Board.   Councillors wanted Elections are taking place on 6 May at which your Parish Council will be elected and new Councillors will be warmly welcomed. Your Parish Council addresses local issues, oversees some village facilities, and approves the distribution of grants from the Community fund which help community groups to function, especially in these difficult times. The Council meets once a month and is supported by a professional clerk, the time commitment is usually no more than a few hours a month. If you feel these things are important and would like to make a difference in your village then please stand as a Parish Councillor in the forthcoming election. Further details are available on the BTPC website www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk and at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/elections-town-parish If you are interested then: Download and print a nomination form from https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/media/3444 Collect 2 signatures to propose and second your nomination The Polling District is ‘MJ1’ and your Elector number can be obtained by contacting the Clerk (see below). Let us know if you do not have access to a printer and we can print off the Nomination Papers for you. The deadline for completed nomination forms is 4pm on Thursday 8 April to be handed in to Wiltshire Council Chippenham office. This needs to be done by booking an appointment however an existing councillor is willing to deliver all the forms together on your behalf – please contact a councillor or the clerk. Any queries or if you need help with the above, please contact the Parish Clerk, Mrs Emna Diamant on 07990 040675 or btpcclerk@outlook.com. Vacancy for Parish Clerk We continue to look for applications for the above vacancy and would encourage anyone interested in this remunerated role to contact the current Chairman Mrs Jackie Jordan at jjordanbtpc@gmail.com.   Good Energy Community Fund grants The Parish Council were very pleased to be able to support the following grant applications, especially at this difficult time when it is hard for community organisations to raise funds through their own fundraising or other activities Broad Town Village School: for Forest School Broad Town Footpaths Group: for the circular walk project Broad Town Pre-School: for laptops Christ Church: for grounds maintenance   April Meetings The next Parish Council meeting will be at 6.30pm on Monday 12th April on Zoom and all are welcome. The Annual Parish Meeting, which is a chance to hear from community groups about their activities in the village, will be held on Monday 26th April also on Zoom. Details for both meetings will be posted shortly on the Notice Boards and on the Parish Council website         Deadline for next B T News is 23 April                   Midday Supervisory Assistant (MDSA) at Broad Town CE Primary School Broad Town Swindon SN4 7RE We require a Midday Supervisory Assistant (MDSA) to supervise children while they eat their lunch and to encourage positive play in the playground.   Hours 5 hrs/wk 12.00–1.00 pm Mon-Fri Term Time only Pay scale B1-B2 (£9.25-£9.43 per hour) dependent on experience Working with KS1 & KS2 children but must be flexible dependent on staffing.   Start Date: as soon as possible. This is a temporary position until July 2021 and may be extended if required. If you are interested in this position then please contact the school office for an application form or download it from the school website www.broadtown.wilts.sch.uk email:  admin@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk Tel: 01793 731395           BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 23 Mar 2021 22:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2551 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2550/Broad-Town-Newsletter--March-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2550 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2550&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2550/Broad-Town-Newsletter--March-2021 MARCH LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER 2021 On Ruminating Like the cattle who have recently come out into a field I walk past I too have been chewing the cud, ruminating on various words, thoughts and possibilities. Sometimes it is fruitful to dwell on things for a time: relishing the potential, sensing the full depth of flavour, making sure to extract every last bit of goodness. If you have ever chewed a piece of bread and noticed it becoming sweet in your mouth this experience of ruminating may feel familiar. Sometimes it is fruitless to worry over things: wallowing in blame and hurt, nauseated by the bitterness of anger and shame, wakeful with the awareness of words that couldn’t be found at the  moment they were needed. If you have ever chewed a piece of gum and found it tasteless long before you could throw it away you may recognise this feeling too. Sometimes ruminating on stuff can provoke sadness  in one moment and joy in savouring the last drop of delight another. The experience of mourning and the experience of giving into the desire to do something I knew was foolish have, for me, been experiences where both occurred. The continuation of Covid-19 constraints may be for some of us an experience of having to dwell in the same places with the same people and the same thoughts  where repetition can be deadly dull or reassuringly familiar. May we all be blessed with the wisdom to notice when we are ruminating in a way that leads to wisdom and kindness and otherwise to spit out that bit of mental chewing gum and put it in the bin!                                                                                                               Revd.  Rachma Great News The Church will be open for a Communion Service on Easter Sunday 4th April  at 10.30am. If you wish to attend, please book with Ray Manley (731564) by Wed 31st March.   It would be lovely to see all 20 places filled.   Deadline for next Broad Town News is 20 March 2021     Parish Council – headlines from February Zoom meeting Good Energy Community Fund grant applications: As Community group activities have been so restricted with lockdown this past year, our Grant Fund has continued to grow and whilst applications for this next cycle have closed on 22 February, we would encourage any local group looking to the future to consider making a grant application next time around. The Fund can award grants to community groups and schemes which add value to our local community and support the village. At this time, it can also help with community needs related to the pandemic. If you would like to make an application then please see the information on our website https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/  or contact the Parish Clerk. Wiltshire Council grant funding to support pupils engaged in virtual schooling: grants are available to help fund laptops/digital devices and broadband connection costs for children and families who need support at this time.  Residents can contact their school or Wiltshire Council for further information Annual Parish Meeting: The Annual Parish Meeting is not a Parish Council meeting but is a meeting of the residents to discuss parish matters. This year it is scheduled for Monday 26th April 2021 and will be held as a virtual meeting. It is an opportunity for all village groups and associations to share with the parish residents the activities they have undertaken in the past year and their plans for the future. For residents it is a chance to get engaged with everything that is happening in the village. More details will follow in future Newsletters. Notification of the virtual planning appeal hearing for 19/03874/OUT – Housing Development on land South of Broad Town Primary School: This planning application was refused by Wiltshire Planning in December 2019 and the developers are now appealing that refusal. The appeal hearing is set for Thursday 11th March 2021 starting at 10am.  The Planning Officer from Wiltshire Council has advised that residents from the village are encouraged to attend as local opinions are welcomed. Anyone wishing to attend/observe the hearing should read and follow the information on the Wiltshire Council Planning portal or contact the Parish Clerk btpcclerk@outlook.com Wiltshire Local Plan Review: The consultation into the Wiltshire Local Plan review, and separately the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan, will run from Wednesday 13 January 2021 until 11:59pm on Tuesday 9 March 2021. Wiltshire Council has to allocate sufficient land to satisfy housing and employment needs up to 2036, and is seeking the views of local communities and stakeholders to see if the suggested distribution of numbers across the county is correct, and which of the proposed sites are most suitable. Feedback during this review consultation will help to shape the draft Local Plan, which will be finalised later in 2021. It will then be used to guide decisions on whether future planning applications for housing, infrastructure and land for employment can be granted. More detail about the consultation can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-policy-local-plan-review Lyneham and Bradenstoke Neighbourhood Development Plan: Wiltshire Council will be coordinating a virtual public consultation on this document between Thursday 7th January 2021 and Thursday 4th March 2021. The draft Lyneham and Bradenstoke Neighbourhood Development Plan submission can be viewed and commented on from the Wiltshire Council consultation portal at https://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/kse/event/35944 Parish Council Elections: The Parish Council is elected every four years and the next election is due in May 2021. The current Council would be delighted to see more members of the parish consider standing for election. Joining the Parish Council is a very rewarding way to support our village. Please reach out to any of the current Councillors if you would like more information.   Next Zoom Parish Council Meeting is Monday 8th March 2021 at 6.30pm. All are welcome and joining details and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course.   HELP REQUIRED Can anyone help a respectful, committed, talented young snooker player please? We are looking locally for a privately owned snooker table for my son to use for practice to help get him back up to his previous competition standard (as and as soon as the lock down situation allows). Or do you have a room in your business/home where we could situate a table of our own and rent the space. Please contact Jackie on 07747798859. Thank you so much. BROAD TOWN BOOK CLUB  For anyone local who may be interested, we’ve recently reconvened the book club - albeit digitally for the time being! As always, the more the merrier and everyone is welcome. We’re not strict and it’s definitely not school, so don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll always have time to finish the book - we don’t mind!          Below are the next couple of books we’ve decided to read:   Ellie and Harp Maker by Hazel Prior (March) The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan (April)   The next book club is on Wednesday 10th March at 8pm if you’d like to attend. The facebook page (search Broad Town Book Club) has all the details regarding books, dates, times, joining instructions etc - alternatively, for more information you can email: broadtownbookclub@outlook.com Happy reading 📚❤️   FOODBANK The next Foodbank collection at the Village Hall will be on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March  9am – 4pm.  Foodbanks continue to be extremely busy. Please remember those who continue to struggle to feed themselves and their families. Your generosity is never taken for granted. THANK YOU     NEWS FROM BROAD TOWN CE PRIMARY SCHOOL We are a welcoming school and it is such a shame that we haven’t been able to hold our usual events over the past year.  It seems a long time since Christmas but we hope that you liked the Christmas messages made by the children that were displayed on the school fence over the Christmas break.  We are now open for Key Worker children and teaching the children learning at home using Zoom sessions.  It has been fantastic to see how well the children have responded to their home learning sessions – and parents too!  Learning topics that we are covering include Queen Victoria, Forces and Magnets in science and Class 3 have made a great video that can be shared with their friends both in school and home.  We’re delighted too that in the Dressage Anywhere 2020 Team Challenge competition, Broad Town School finished 12th out of 39 teams. The children were mainly competing against adults and teams had entered from many different countries. Another amazing result for Broad Town. Well done everyone! Although we can’t invite you in to school at the moment you can share in what we are doing on our website www.broadtown.wilts.sch.uk . It’s very informative and has some lovely photos too of our school – there’s even a virtual tour!  Everyone at school is looking forward to getting back to normal and being able to have all the children together again.               MARCH 2021 Spring, hope and rebirth – Revd. Karen Rizzello Dear Reader It seems that we have had a long cold winter in lockdown and we are all ready for a break from Covid and all that this virus has brought. I am writing this letter in February when the nation has been saying goodbye to Captain Tom Moore, a true hero, and the vaccinations have been rolling out across the country.    At the same time, from my window, I have been looking for the first signs of Spring, for snowdrops, new leaves, the green shoots as the crops grow in the field next door.  These signs bring us hope and the promise of renewal.   As a rural community we are tuned to the countryside.  The subtle signs we see and hear tell us that the seasons are changing and we feel the optimism of Spring in our bones.   Like many others, I have been shielding once again, and I feel that this second lockdown has been much harder than the first.  I am grateful for the connection Zoom and WhatsApp have given me but even these technological marvels cannot compensate for the lack of face to face contact, the freedom of relaxed spontaneous conversation and physical touch. My faith has given me strength, while family and friends have been so important in keeping me sane but I do yearn for a return to ‘normal’ life.  I am constantly amazed at the way people have found ways to keep themselves occupied at home.  Many of us have learned new skills.  I have taken Zoom Ukulele lessons while others have spent their time painting, writing, reading, crafting and many other pursuits. It is probably worth reflecting on how we have passed the time and what new shoots we see in ourselves since lockdown. All generations have a story to tell from the young to the very old.  What will we be like when we come out, blinking in the daylight, I wonder? Will we want to return to our old ways or will we somehow change the future through our experiences and hardships? In the church year we are in the season of Lent, a time for reflection and preparation for the future. As we approach Holy Week and Easter at the end of March our focus moves to the hope of new life that is the promise of the resurrection. The Easter story teaches us that in the bleakest of moments God is there among us, loving us through all things and bringing joy and hope.    ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13) God Bless, Revd. Karen BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Fri, 26 Feb 2021 17:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2550 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2548/Broad-Town-Newsletter--January-2021#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2548 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2548&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2548/Broad-Town-Newsletter--January-2021 COMFORT AND JOY Christmas 2020 was like nothing we’ve seen before and the festive season, with all the Covid restrictions, made many of the traditional events impossible  BUT the Community Spirit of Broad Town shone out brightly to make our Village Christmas a memorable one SCARECROW NATIVITY STABLE  Thanks to everyone who made this happen and in particular:  Steve Crocker –  WI - Margaret & Jim – Toni & Darren – The Parkin Family  – Open the Book Team –   Pre-School – Community Coffee Morning – Margaret Green. CHRISTMAS FACE COVERINGS Thank you to Margaret Rogers and Judy for making these and also to Jenny, Heather and Christine who have been making face coverings since the beginning of the pandemic. CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS & MUSIC Thanks to Parish Council – Village Hall –and the team of ‘installers and removers ’ Blackie – Chris – Clive - Ben – Andrew – Nigel – Rupert Bastin STARS AND ANGELS ON TREE Thanks to Rachma for providing these and to all those who placed theirs’ on the tree and hedge. FESTIVE FAMILY WALK Thanks to the Clarke family  - see over for article from Sarah PRE-CHRISTMAS LEAFLET DROP Thanks to the volunteers who delivered these to homes in Broad Town, Cotmarsh and Thornhill. And finally a big thank you to B T School for the Class Banners outside the School.   Our chosen Charity for Christmas was the Prospect Hospice. Face Coverings and Nativity donations £340 – Festive Family Walk £80 TOTAL £420 – Thank you to everyone who donated.         Next Foodbank Collection at Village Hall – Sat 9th & Sun 10th January -  9am to 4pm There are still many people struggling to “make ends meet” so please be as generous as you can with all the usual items.   Deadline for next Broad Town News is 23 January 2021 Thank you to everyone who took part in the Broad town festive family walk over the Christmas period. I hope you enjoyed finding the clues along with fresh air/ rain and exercise. Money raised was £80 to the Prospect Hospice. 25 entries were returned 20 having the correct answers so well done. Congratulations to the Parkin Elves who won a bottle of Prosecco, tin of biscuits and 2 children’s books. The Answers: 1. letters on a Saturday - 8 am 2. H - fire hydrant 3. Where do you buzz from A to B - connect 2 taxi 4. Who is in the stable - all characters from nativity 5. What happened to the W horse in 1939 - it was covered in hedge trimming, soil and turf. 6. Friendship, honesty etc is found - BT school garden 7. Where do acorns grow - BT pre-school 8. High in sky and heard - church bell 9. The royal residence home - Queen Elizabeth cottage. 10. Baubles colour at EFH - red 11. Where can you find a shell - Rodmarton house 12. A house that is also a castle - Barbary house 13. A local townhouse - Marlborough house 14. A county within a county - Wiltshire house 15. Not usual road sign how far is Marlborough- 9miles 16. What is on the wall of 56a - pebbles 17. Colour of private post box - white/cream 18. The bench commentated what the millennium 19. How old is the farmhouse - 1668 20. A house pink in colour but not in name - BT farm house (also took Withy Windle) 21. 3 diamonds - front door 3 downs rook 22. Where can you find a square within a black diamond? - the Vicarage garage wall 23. Elderly incumbent house - the vicarage 24. Mix red and white for this house name - pink house 25. Who likes chestnuts? The squirrel sign at chestnut house 26. A tree in which season? Elm spring 27. A Scottish mountain or fling? Highlands 28. What will you find at 94a - the old shop 29. The home of a shoemaker - hush puppy cottage 30. The CHT defibrillator is in memory of - Rosie Mc Claren 31. A pet making an escape - dog on thatch roof of muse cottage. 32. A fruity church name - Chapel Orchard 33. Original chapel stone date? 1868 34. No longer hay storage - The Rickyard 35. How many chimneys at the laurels - 3 stacks 4 pots 36. Fill your heart and home - with joy of Xmas                                                                         Wishing you all a healthy and happy new year   Keep Well  & Stay Safe BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2548 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2547/Broad-Town-Newsletter--December-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2547 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2547&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2547/Broad-Town-Newsletter--December-2020 CHRISTMAS FOOD BANK  Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December, 9am - 4pm at the Village Hall. Please be as generous as you can, for those struggling this Christmas time. CHRISTMAS FACE COVERINGS  Available to order - phone 731564   BROAD TOWN CHRISTMAS 2020  A very different Christmas for everyone this year, so let’s make it something to remember. Our chosen charity this year is Prospect Hospice - please put your donation in one of the collecting boxes.             Come to see the Nativity Scarecrow Stable and Christmas Tree by the Church. They will be there from 12th December till 6th January. Hear the Christmas music and carols on weekends 12/13 and 19/20 December. Villagers are invited to place messages of hope, and to those they will miss seeing this year, on the tree and hedge.             Thanks to everyone who has contributed in any way to make this all possible.             Do you want a Family activity to do in the festive season? You don’t need to leave the village to have fun at Christmas.             Why not try our Broad Town’s “FESTIVE FAMILY WALK - TREASURE HUNT” - 12th December to 30th December, starting at East Farm House, (by the pillar box). Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.             Explorer packs will be available at East Farm House - simply help yourself to a pack which will be in a plastic box with a lid (hand gel available).             Use your map to walk round the village and solve all the clues. Why not dress for the occasion in your Santa hats and festive attire. Don’t forget to take a photo to mark the occasion……             Return completed forms to East Farm House. All complete entries will be put into a draw on 31st December. The winning family team will receive a bottle of Prosecco and a tin of biscuits.                         Whilst this event is free, if you have enjoyed the activity, please can we ask that you put a donation into one of the Prospect Hospice boxes.   SCOUT POST 2020 We are sorry to announce that there will be NO Scout post this year. The Scouts of Royal Wootton Bassett had hoped to run a lesser activity this year for Bassett and the villages, but that was scuppered when the second lockdown was announced. See you in 2021. Broad Town Parish Council – November Meeting headlines Good Energy Community Fund: The Council were delighted to be able to support a grant for £240 to the Broad Town Community Volunteers Group for COVID friendly community Christmas activities in the Village. The Group are to be warmly thanked for all their excellent work in the community during this most difficult of years.  Redhills Playground and Playing Field fencing: The Council has been aware for some time of the poor state of repair of the fencing at Redhills and this was reinforced by our latest ROSPA independent inspection. This is an expensive project which will cost in the region of £10k and the Council has been reserving maintenance funds where we can over the last 2 years towards this. We are also looking to approach the Area Board and other possible grant holders for monetary support. Our hope is that we can raise the required funds to be able to implement this project in Spring 2021. This may include a small temporary increase to the precept. Bonfires: Please can we ask residents to be considerate to neighbours and to the environment in the timing of bonfires and the type of materials you are burning. Deliveries (especially Oil): At this busy time of year for deliveries please can ask suppliers if it is possible for them to use smaller vehicles to avoid unnecessary damage to the verges. New website: Just a reminder that the Parish Council now has a new website to comply with the requirements of the Transparency Code and of the Website Accessibility Regulations. The address is: https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/ . Many thanks to all involved in making this happen. COVID Breaches: Please note that the relevant authority to contact to report any suspected breach of the COVID-19 Regulations is Wiltshire Police on 101 or by going to the following web link and completing the form https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/article/5951/Coronavirus-report-your-concerns Next Meeting: Monday 14th December 2020 at 6.30pm via Zoom. All are welcome and joining details and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course.       On strange Christmases ‘Lockdown’ made it to word of the year, and I’m aware that there are some other objects, words and ideas which will be very 2020 (at least for me). Earlier in the year the phrase ‘new normal’ came up quite a bit, but we seem to have left that behind as returning to the old normal has receded into the distance. At the moment I keep hearing ‘strange’ especially attached to ‘season’ or ‘Christmas.’ And there probably will be some unusual aspects about this Christmas. Like Easter the strange elements of the next festival will be an experience that Christians will share with many people of other faiths: I think all of the faith communities I can think of have had celebrations curtailed and constrained. For most human beings a festival brings special foods, the sharing of gifts and rituals and the gatherings of friends and family. Whether it was Eid or Rosh Hashanah, Samhain or as I write this, Diwali, Muslims, Jews, Pagans, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists have all had to encounter Covid-19 restraints on the celebrations we treasure. There was strangeness in the first Christmas too. Mary and Joseph obeying the law to go to Bethlehem faced a difficult and lonely birth without family and friends around them. Like many of us, there seems to have been comfort and support from companion animals and strangers bringing sustenance. In all that small, constrained and strange first Christmas was the seeds of the joy and celebration that we mark now – yes different in all the cultural expressions of the feast of the nativity to this day yet always a day of delight in the birth of a child, the offer of hope and healing and the promise of salvation. Lots of imagination is already going into finding ways in the villages of giving communities places to mark and celebrate Christmas – maybe the strangeness of being unable to realise our cherished plans will help us to think about what in food, or sharing gifts or gathering with those we love is dearest and most important to us. Perhaps the strangeness of going without, especially for those of us who have been blessed with many good Christmases will help us remember those for whom this has always been a difficult season. Above all may we find that we need ‘let nothing us dismay for Jesus Christ our Saviour was born upon this day’ and that this promise will be as true in 2020 as it was that very first Christmas.   At the moment we are scheduled to have a Communion Service in Christ Church on Sunday 20th December at 10.30am. But that could change! If you wish to go, please book with Ray Manley by Wed 16th.     Winter 2020 Introductions and Remembering – Revd. Karen Rizzello Dear Reader, Can I begin this newsletter by introducing myself? My name is Reverend Karen Rizzello and I am the new Associate Priest for the Lyneham and Woodhill benefice. I am also lucky enough to be living at the vicarage in Lyneham which gives me a wonderful opportunity to meet you as neighbours. I served my curacy in the Whitton Benefice, which is in the neighbouring Marlborough Deanery, and I was trained for ministry at Sarum College in Salisbury.  Whitton is a rural Benefice with 6 churches including the villages of Aldbourne, Axford, Baydon, Chilton Foliat, Froxfield and Ramsbury.  Although I moved into the Lyneham vicarage at the end of July I haven’t been out very much.  I have been recovering from some planned surgery to the hip which unfortunately was affected by medical complications from other issues making me vulnerable during the Covid19 epidemic and keeping me out of circulation for a lot longer than expected.   I am writing this in November, in the second lockdown. I returned to public ministry on October 18th and I have been working reduced hours while I resolve those medical complications.  I am gradually increasing my hours to my usual part-time commitment of Sunday and two other days each week. In these times of Covid19 it is hard to predict how November and December will be for all of us.  The government is telling us we need to get our R number down to 1 or below but that we have the good news of a possible vaccine. We have managed to see some worship via the internet and outside to serve the very important Remembrance and All Souls services. I cannot help reflecting on this year and our need for remembrance as individuals and families. We will remember in the context of our war heroes but also for all those we have lost over the past year and in previous years to Covid19 and other illnesses. For those who have been unable to be with their dying friend or relative this time will be particularly challenging. In lockdown we have all been dealing with the pain of separation and isolation as individuals and as a community. But take heart.  Things will get better; we will get through this time of trial.  We are on the brink of getting approval for the first vaccination for Covid19.  We will come out of lockdown. Spring will follow Winter and the Sun will shine again. I take comfort from the book of Isaiah; we are assured of God’s tender love and faithfulness, ‘He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is.40v11). God Bless, Revd. Karen       BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Fri, 27 Nov 2020 10:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2547 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2545/Broad-Town-News--November-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2545 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2545&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2545/Broad-Town-News--November-2020 BROAD TOWN NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 2020 November 2020 Introductions and Remembering – Revd. Karen Rizzello Dear Reader, Can I begin this newsletter by introducing myself? My name is Reverend Karen Rizzello and I am the new Associate Priest for the Lyneham and Woodhill benefice. I am also lucky enough to be living at the vicarage in Lyneham which gives me a wonderful opportunity to meet you as neighbours. I served my curacy in the Whitton Benefice, which is in the neighbouring Marlborough Deanery, and I was trained for ministry at Sarum College in Salisbury.  Whitton is a rural Benefice with 6 churches including the villages of Aldbourne, Axford, Baydon, Chilton Foliat, Froxfield and Ramsbury.  Although I moved into the Lyneham vicarage at the end of July I haven’t been out very much.  I have been recovering from some planned surgery to the hip which unfortunately was affected by medical complications from other issues making me vulnerable during the Covid19 epidemic and keeping me out of circulation for a lot longer than expected.   As I am writing this letter in early October I am expecting to have returned to public ministry by mid-October.  I will be gradually increasing my hours to my usual part-time commitment of Sunday and two other days each week. In these times of Covid19 it is hard to predict how November will be for all of us.  The government is telling us we are entering a second spike and so we can expect that our All Souls and Remembrance services will be different to those of previous years. But be reassured, we will remember and mark these important dates in some way. Broad Town Parish Council – October Meeting headlines Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks: A representative from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has been in touch with the Parish Council to explain how they can help communities become more resilient in the event of a prolonged power cut. They talked through their Priority Services Register that residents who may need extra support during a power cut can sign up to. Those eligible to join the Priority services are: Those dependent on electricity for medical home care e.g. Kidney dialysis machine/ventilator Those who have a chronic illness or short-term medical condition e.g. recovering from a major operation Those who are disabled Those who have special communication needs e.g. blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing Those who have children under five years old Those who are over 60 years old To register with the priority service, you can call FREE on 0800 294 3259 from a landline or mobile. Or 0800 316 5457 from a textphone. Or use the website https://www.ssen.co.uk/Home/. If you would like a Priority Services leaflet, please contact the Parish Clerk via email at btpcclerk@outlook.com                                                                        Redhills Play Area: The Council were pleased to note that the annual independent inspection of our play equipment found all of the equipment meets the relevant standards, with the inspection images showing the grounds maintenance at Redhills in good condition.  No areas of high risk were reported and the remedial actions required can be completed as part of general maintenance.  The inspection report has been posted on the Parish Council website. A replacement activity board is due to be installed this week.   New website: Just a reminder that the Parish Council now has a new website to comply with the requirements of the Transparency Code and of the Website Accessibility Regulations. The address is: https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/ . Many thanks to all involved in making this happen.   Other: A card from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire has been received thanking Broad Town residents for their efforts and generosity in supporting the community during Covid-19.  Next Meeting Monday 9th November 2020 at 6.30pm via Zoom. All are welcome and joining details and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED There will be an on line recorded Service to commemorate the lives of those who have died (All Souls Day) on the Benefice website – www.beneficeoflynehamandwoodhill -  Sunday 1st November.  Broad Town Church will be open from 10.30 to 11.30am; and from 2.30 to 3.30pm for anyone to come in, sit quiet and remember loved ones. There will be candles available to light in Church and take home when you leave. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY  There will be a Service in Broad Town Church on Sunday 8th November at 10.00 am.  If you would like to attend, please contact Ray Manley (731564) as there is a limit of 20 people allowed inside the Church. The service will finish in good time for people to return home to join in the two minute silence at 11am (see below) PATRONAL FESTIVAL There will be a service in Broad Town Church on 22nd November to celebrate the Festival of Christ the King.   The arrangement at the moment is that Nick - the Padre from Lyneham base - will take the service  FOODBANK      31st October / 1 November at the Village Hall, 9am – 5pm both days. Please give as generously as you can: Tins, Packets, Sweets, Biscuits, Tins of Soup / Cup-a-soup, Cereals, T. Bags, Coffee, Long-life Milk, Juice and Toiletries.   FACE COVERINGS   Christmas material face coverings (4 colours) to pre-order  -  phone 731564  -   Donations to Prospect Hospice       VILLAGE CHRISTMAS – 2020   is going to be very different, so let’s make it as memorable as we can.  Proposed ideas:  Christmas Tree in Churchyard  -  Lights and home made decorations in the hedge at front of Church    Scarecrow Nativity Stable (by Church noticeboard) made by villagers and village organisations: Margaret and Jim, Pre-School, W.I., Community Coffee Morning, School Open the Book team and Toni & Darren.  Christmas Music and Carols playing during weekends of 12/13 & 19/20 December  Children and Adults are invited to decorate a Star, Angel, or Rainbow or place their own Christmas message on the tree or hedge. There will be a box of Stars and Angels outside the Village Hall at the next Foodbank collection – please help yourself.  Villagers to ‘light up’ their front gardens.   **** Volunteer/s needed to build and erect a stable/shelter  *****                      ****We still need 1 more ‘King’ scarecrow****       Contact Ray 731564   SWINDON & DISTRICT SCOUT POST Due to the current Covid 19 restrictions, there will be NO Swindon & District Scout Post this year 1st Wootton Bassett Scout Group are at present investigating whether they can run a similar scheme for Royal Wootton Bassett and the local area which they delivered to in previous years. Please be on the look out for posters and other media for more information. They hope to run this scheme for the benefit of the local community.   Broadtown Remembers - Sunday 8th November, 10.45 am   Friends, a few of us have been thinking that Remembrance Sunday (8th November) might offer us the chance to get together, socially distanced of course, to show our appreciation for all those (past and present) who have served us on the battlefields or in the fight against Coronavirus.  We have missed the Thursday night applause for Keyworkers and the opportunity to see everyone out together, so why don't we do it again on Sunday 8th November as follows? Assemble at the end of your driveway/garden/street/doorstep from 10.45am Bring your own coffee and wave and shout to friends and neighbours  Bring a phone or radio to follow the build up to the National Act of Remembrance Listen for the local signal to start and end the two minute silence Then, erupt into applause and make lots of noise in appreciation of those who serve If the weather is bad you can always park your car at the end of your driveway and follow events from there "Lest We Forget" banners and the traditional red, white & blue bunting would all add to the occasion and help show our services that they are appreciated Hope you can join us! BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Sat, 24 Oct 2020 19:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2545 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2546/Broad-Town-News--October-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2546 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2546&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2546/Broad-Town-News--October-2020 OCTOBER 2020 BROAD TOWN NEWSLETTER   On Harvest Church When the Head of the village school first arrived as a new head at the school one of her favourite things about harvest was that there was a schoolboy whose grandmother used to pick the plums around the school grounds in the summer holiday. Come the autumn term the plums had been turned into jam and the school children would mark harvest by making bread or scones and eating them with jam. This summer I heard this lovely story when I asked the Head if I could pick the plums with the promise that I would return something made from them to the school for fundraising or something. Having heard the story I knew I wanted to both respect and revive that harvest tradition. Of the school plums I could reach I made three large jars of jam – one for each class bubble to have at harvest. There was just enough to fill another smaller jar, and I knew straight away whose this jar of jam would be. One sunny day I took it to the grandmother, expecting to leave it on the doorstep with a note and instead had the joy of an unexpected (socially distant conversation) about my failures in jam making (often either hard as glass or too runny!) and about the links with school. Both her sons had attended the village primary school and this summer amidst all the changes brought by Covid-19 her youngest grandchild had been among the leavers. I left with the delight of human conversation and companionship in my heart and a bag of very delicious cooking and eating apples from the garden, a garden which has a wall that was built from the remnants of a chapel that gives that lane in the village its name. This for me is church at its best. Now I know that church for most people means the building. But as many clergy would tell you the church isn’t the building it’s the people – the “ecclesia” (the Greek word that has come to mean ‘church’ in our bible) was those “called out”, those who “gathered outside” to meet and think and worship in new ways. Now these virus times have been hard, I won’t pretend otherwise. Yet there is I believe a harvest of wisdom and growth and change to be discovered from within them. What do you in the village want your church building to hold for you? What do you in the village want from the people of the church? For we are often small in number and ageing yet are faithfully seeking to follow patterns of love and worship. What do we want to do as those who are “called out” to shape and continue the harvest of sharing our abundance? Whether in plums or anything else. For the gifts of abundance are there in order to bring joy and conversation and to renew our ways of meeting and thinking and worship so that the needs of others for food and companionship and sharing out their gifts can be met. For at their best our traditions are not rigid patterns of doing things now as we have always done them but the learning from a pattern of love to weave a new strand into the strength of connection through love and service. For it is this tradition that means I gathered plums that were not planted by me and instead of making jars of jam to sit in my cupboard gathering dust they were shared with their story as a sweet reminder of the shared labour of rain and sunshine, by bees and trees and some human hands and voices that made plums into jam. Rachma   Broad Town Parish Council – September Meeting headlines The Parish Council held its fourth council meeting by Zoom and we discussed when we thought it might be practical to return to meeting in the Village Hall. Our objective is to ensure that as many people as wish to take part in our meetings can and at the present time with the new rule of no more than 6 people in any place together, keeping our meetings virtual seems the best option. Unfortunately, we cannot run hybrid meetings where some people join in person and some on Zoom because there is no internet connection in the Village Hall. We would encourage anyone interested in the next agenda to join remotely. We are very happy for people to join online or by phone, just for public participation or for a specific item, or to stay for the whole meeting. Details are posted on the notice boards and on our website but if you have any questions about how to join please contact the Parish Clerk at BTPCClerk@outlook.com New website: Just a reminder that the Parish Council now has a new website to comply with the requirements of the Transparency Code and of the Website Accessibility Regulations. The address is: https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/ . Many thanks to all involved in making this happen.   Redhills Play Area: We are pleased to say that we have sourced a replacement for the broken activity board and a new “spelling board” will be installed shortly.    Good Energy Community Fund Award: The Council were delighted to be able to support a small grant to the Broad Town Community Volunteers to cover some of the costs of the work they are doing to make face masks and to run our Food Bank deliveries. We are sure that everyone in the Village is hugely grateful to them for the amazing work and community spirit they have shown. As the ability of community groups to meet has been curtailed with lockdown, we have been able to award fewer grants this year to date which means that we have more funds to give away for good ideas. The next date for applications will be some time in February so if your group is getting up and running again or if you have a new idea please do reach out to us to see if we can help with funding. Details of the Community Fund criteria and how to apply are on our website.   Next Meeting Monday 12th October 2020 at 6.30pm online. All are welcome and joining details and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course.   FOOD BANK  The next  collection will be on 31 October and 1 November at the village hall 9am – 5pm.                         Broad Town School’s Harvest collection will be donated to the Food Bank at the beginning of October.   FACE COVERINGS  are still available and can be obtained by telephoning Margaret on 731564. There is a possibility that Christmas  material                                                                face coverings will be available to order. Details next month.    CHURCHYARD    is looking good as it has throughout the summer. It was not possible to have work mornings as in                                                    previous years, but a number of people have spent many hours there, keeping it neat and tidy.                                We are very grateful for all their hard work. Hopefully, we will resume our work mornings in the Spring.   VILLAGE HALL  Plans are going ahead  to re-open on 1 November following all Covid-19 regulations. We are still looking for more volunteers to join the hall committee - if interested, contact Ray Manley Tel. 731564.   FAREWELL   "Our thoughts are with the family of Mike Coney, who sadly died on 31st August.  Mike lived in the village for twenty-five years with his family and many of you will remember his wife Chrissie, with whom he shared a lifelong passion for sailing.  Not everyone was aware that Mike was an eminent physicist with a career in nuclear power and energy conservation and also a skilled linguist. He will be remembered and missed by all those who knew him through village events as being a kind and warm-hearted person with a zest and enthusiasm for life."     CHRISTMAS   To all scarecrow makers:- Does anyone still have the basis for making a scarecrow please? We would like to erect a Nativity Scene outside the Church this year for all the village to see. We will need Mary, Joseph, an Angel, 2 shepherds and 3 Kings, oh, I must not forget the Baby in a manger. If you think you can help, please contact Margaret on 01793 854200 or on margaretgreen@waitrose.com . This is one of the thoughts we are having to make Christmas special this year.         HANDS                                  FACE                                               SPACE BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Wed, 23 Sep 2020 18:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2546 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2544/Broad-Town-News--September-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2544 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2544&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2544/Broad-Town-News--September-2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 BROAD TOWN LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER This edition sponsored by John Pullen in memory of Daphne and Colin. Unfortunately it has not been possible to distribute the Broad Town News in the same way we did prior to the Coronavirus outbreak. Over the past few months a newsletter has been produced and sent by email to a number of residents and a copy posted on the Broad Town website. In addition there is a link on the Broad Town facebook page and a few paper copies have been made available when requested but there are many households who do not get to see a copy. We hope to be able to return to the old system but in the meantime, if you know of anyone who would like an electronic version please let me know at: margaretgreen@waitrose.com Thank you BROAD TOWN CHURCH  re-opened (following Government and Church of England regulations) with an All Age Service on 16 August. The Service was led by Richard Holness who has now begun his training for Ordained Ministry. Richard’s 3 year training is a part-time course, alongside his full time “day job”.  He was thanked for all he has given to B. T. Church and was joined by Fiona and Ruth for a special blessing by Rachma.              Although the Church has re-opened there will not be a Service every Sunday but on a 6 weekly rotation with the other Churches in the Benefice. The next Service at Broad Town Church will be displayed on the Church notice board and posted on the Benefice and village facebook. The funeral for “Jake” Cowan took place in Broad Town Churchyard on  4th  August.   Our condolences go to Olive and all her family. BROAD TOWN PARISH COUNCIL - HEADLINES The Parish Council held its third council meeting by Zoom and we would encourage anyone interested in the next agenda to join us. We are very happy for people to join online or by phone, just for public participation or a specific item, or to stay for the whole meeting. Details are posted on the notice boards and on our website but if you have any questions about how to join please contact the Parish Clerk at BTPCClerk@outlook.com Volunteer wanted…….Although it is hard to think about bad weather as we are sweltering in the heat, Wiltshire Council are looking for each Parish to appoint a Flood Warden for the coming winter. This person will be the point of contact with Wiltshire Council to ensure we are better informed and better prepared to face any future flood events. The main role of the Flood Warden is to monitor, observe and report issues in the village and to receive updates and warning information. They can also lead the development of a Village Flood Plan and will have access to flood prevention measures such as sandbags and pumps. Training is provided. More information can be found on Wiltshire Council’s website. If you are interested, then please contact the Parish Clerk. New website: Just a reminder that the Parish Council now has a new website to comply with the requirements of the Transparency Code and of the Website Accessibility Regulations. The address is: https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/ . Many thanks to all involved in making this happen. Good Energy Community Fund applications………The deadline for the current round of applications to the fund is 28th August. If you are a community group or individual with an idea to support, connect or add value to our village community then please consider applying for a grant. Next Meeting Monday 14th September 2020 at 6.30pm online. All are welcome and joining details and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. ON SETTING PRISONERS FREE All good leaders have a clear and memorable manifesto for action. One of my favourite leadership announcements includes the promise of good news for the poor and the proclamation of liberty to captives and is sometimes known as the Nazareth Manifesto.* Through a long and strange spring and summer, we’ve moved past the beginning of harvest season and the first mists of autumn are upon us. As the season of shortening days and mellow fruitfulness arrives, I find myself reflecting on that Nazareth Manifesto promise to set prisoners free. What does it feel like to be given freedom after a period of captivity or a time of imprisonment?  This year, most, maybe all of us, will have had some experience of constraints on our freedom and for those of us who were shielding from the beginning this will have been several months of rigorous containment at home. As some freedoms were returned to us the word lockdown kept being used. For freedoms had been set aside in order to show our care and commitment to the health and wellbeing of all.  After all, if lockdown was now easing, then we had been locked in even if with our own consent. Now we were being released surely all would be delighted.  There are many bible stories of God’s people moving from slavery to freedom; among them  Moses leading the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt or the return from years of captivity in Babylon. In both cases the people’s response is complex – grumbling about the leadership;  nostalgia for the cucumbers and melons of Egypt or the weariness of having to take up the hard task of rebuilding not simply the Temple, but also  the community after the Exile.   In many ways it seemed easier at first. I knew where I was and tried to adapt to the loss of freedoms; This time of easing  has not been easy. It seems that I may  not be alone. As I can stretch my limbs again beyond the confines of my home and garden (not forgetting the privilege of having both of those) and as my husband and I have a few precious days without the responsibility and care for an elderly relative I need to remember that I can choose to  use my freedoms and responsibility kindly as well as wisely. I can use this experience to imagine why  release from imprisonment might feel threatening or frightening; to understand that the surprising sharpness from friends might reflect fear that all is not yet safe;  that there is  sadness at the loss of planned activity;  that grief for the loss  loved ones may have intensified in isolation; that for many who live with the ongoing lockdown  of illness or disability face these challenges for many months or years longer than I have been constrained by a virus.  I can choose to use my freedom to remember those who return to a future forever changed by the loss of employment or the disabling aftermath of disease or to write another letter to argue for the freedom of those who are imprisoned and for whom the promise of being set free has not yet been made a reality.  May you too find time and space to adjust to the freedoms of the ‘new normal’ and patience to endure the continued restrictions of your daily life. *Luke 4:1-15 quoting Isaiah 61.                                                                                                                                              Rachma VILLAGE HALL    At a meeting of the Hall Management Committee in August it was agreed to begin the process to re-open the Hall on 1  November in accordance with the Government Regulations and advice, which could mean that some booking requests may  have to be declined.  After many successful years as Chairman of the Committee, Nigel Crocker has officially resigned but will  continue as a Committee Member. At this critical time of preparing to re-open we are desperately seeking new people to join  the Committee and if you are interested please contact either Ray Manley, Vice-Chairman Tel: 731564 or Veronica  Stubbings, Secretary Tel: 731131 FACE COVERINGS  Made by B. T. Ladies are still available. We have lots of different styles, colours, and materials.                                      Treat yourselves to a new one!  Tel: 731564 FOODBANK  The August collection was, once again, very successful. The Royal Wootton Bassett Satellite Centre continue to be very busy  and expect this to continue for some time. The next collection will be 5th &  6th September at the Village Hall CONGRATULATIONS Please could you let me know if village children and ex-BT School children have received any grades for A levels and GCSE exams this time round. All children should be congratulated, and we would like to do so through the newsletter. Jack Corrigan, an ex-BT School scholar, has achieved Distinction, Distinction, Merit in his BTec from Cirencester 6th form college and is now looking for work, preferably an apprenticeship. Deadline date for next B. T. News is 18 September. Articles to:  margaretgreen@waitrose.com  please. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 01 Sep 2020 19:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2544 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2543/Broad-Town-News--August-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2543 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2543&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2543/Broad-Town-News--August-2020 AUGUST LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER 2020 BROAD TOWN PARISH COUNCIL – July Meeting headlines The Parish Council held its second Zoom meeting in July and was pleased that 4 members of the public joined the meeting online. Although not ideal, this method of holding meetings is working well and we would encourage anyone interested in the next agenda to join us. We are very happy for people to join for public participation and then leave if they prefer not to stay for the whole meeting. The Parish Council are grateful to a resident who has contacted us about concerns on traffic safety in the north of the Village. Five incidents have been witnessed since lockdown, but none were reported to services by those affected. Further concerns were raised regarding road safety for children travelling to school. The Parish Council is aware of the road safety issues at this area of the village resulting partly from the sharp increase to the national speed limit at this section of road. Unfortunately, when we have raised concerns previously regarding road safety in this area, we have been advised that metro counts, which would provide necessary evidence of the severity of the problem, can’t be completed at a national speed limit area. However, we are keen to raise the issue again and push for support for action. The Parish Council will take the issue up with the Community Area Transport Group as an area priority for Broad Town once the CATG meetings are running again.  We will compile the information on the road safety in this area in advance of the next CATG meeting whose support we will need for any future action. In accordance with government advice, the play area has been reopened. Please follow the NHS advice on the posters displayed at Redhills.  On reopening, we have noted some minor repair and maintenance needs and whilst we progress with repairs please be aware that the activity board is taped off and currently out of use, awaiting repair. We are also progressing with a one off clean of all the equipment and hope it will all be fully operational in advance of the upcoming school holidays. The requirements of the Transparency Code and of the Website Accessibility Regulations require us to review and make some changes to our Parish Council website. This work has been going on for a while and we are delighted that we can now publicise our new website location: https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/ . Many thanks to all involved in making this happen. Next Meeting Monday 10th August 2020 at 6.30pm. All are welcome and joining details and the agenda will be posted on our website and on the notice boards in due course. Broad Town Church July 100 Club Draw 1st Prize – Christine Marshall 2nd Prize – Janet Drury 3rd Prize – Jackie Jordan FACE COVERINGS      BIG thanks to the 5 B.T. ladies, who once again have come up trumps - we now have another 40+ face coverings available in an assortment of styles, patterns, and colours.                                       If you need any, please phone 731564.                                                                           We have given out 80+ face coverings and so far, have raised over £300 for the Alzheimer’s Society.                                       FOOD BANK Another fantastic collection in July - Thanks to everyone for donations.   Next collection will be 8th & 9th August. *  Between 1 March and 30 June this year the RWB Foodbank had 115 referrals compared to 27 during the same period in 2019 !! ONLINE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR CHRIST CHURCH, BROAD TOWN We have set up an online giving account for Christ Church Broad Town using the Online Donation provider "Give a Little". This facility is available to use on Christ Church Broad Town's page on the "A Church Near You" website. The following message will be displayed next to the donate button: - During this difficult time, the work of our church is reliant on people's generosity, a generosity that is a hallmark of a lived-out faith and a testament to it. We give to our church in a variety of ways, but with the past closure of all our buildings we have not been able to receive all the gifts that we usually would, so we really need your help now. If you are able to give more at this time, please visit our online donations page. ON THE JOY OF VOLUNTEERS  August 2020 Let us now sing the praises of famous men,*     our ancestors in their generations. The churches that stand in your village communities depend on the ministry of so many women and men who are volunteers. Those who offer their time, physical strength and energy, their intellect, thought and their gifts of listening to and supporting others. In recent months they have continued to phone and check in on friends and neighbours; to keep the local foodbanks going with collections; they have made laundry bags for nurses’ uniforms; helped with breadmaking advice, made facemasks. They have continued to care for the church buildings and the churchyards around them. They are producing ever changing risk assessments to reopen for private prayer, or a small wedding of 10 people, or a funeral and seeking to enable us to reopen for public worship. They have learned and adapted to new technologies to enable an assembly for some children leaving primary school. Even those who share and assist with leading services across our six churches – a team, Karen, the newly appointed associate priest, our two locally based chaplains Padre Keith and Jonathan Beach, the retired clergy from our deanery Michael Jones, and Alan Taylor and the gifted and dedicated home team of lay people of Janet Drury, Richard Holness and Elaine Leighton are volunteers. This isn’t to begin to include those whose flowers, cleaning, setting up for communion, musical gifts and so on are essential for our worship to have the beauty, reverence, joy and delight. In our changing world as we move carefully out of lockdown there are many among all those who cannot return to serve safely. Some are moving on with our thanks and prayers. All of us desire to use the time of reflection that we were given, even if we would not have chosen it; to think deeply and prayerfully about how we can move forward. In truth, this is because we cannot return to how things were, and do so sustainably. People continue to serve in our communities; to work to preserve and maintain the sometimes burdensome heritage of our buildings, beautiful though they may be; to keep the essential legal and governance matters going and to find ways to deepen, offer and share our faith, which is so often the fuel for all the other gifts of those who volunteer. So I seek to reassure you that while public announcements may look as if opening up is slow in our rural communities that the love of God and neighbour continues to be expressed and we are together working towards a time ‘when all are safely gathered in’. Some of them have left behind a name,     so that others declare their praise. 9 But of others there is no memory;     they have perished as though they had never existed; they have become as though they had never been born,     they and their children after them. 10 But these also were godly men*,     whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; *Lots of them were women actually! The verses come from a book from the Apocrypha (part of the bible that varies in different Christian groupings known as Sirach or Ecclesiasticus chapter 44) Rachma   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2543 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2537/Broad-Town-News--July-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2537 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2537&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2537/Broad-Town-News--July-2020 BROAD TOWN LOCKDOWN NEWSLETTER - JULY 2020   On Difference and Connection July 2020 I’m writing this on the summer solstice, I find myself pondering the friends and colleagues I know and have known for whom pagan or other new age spiritualities were a route to an encounter with the divine. I muse on how far away western Christians have come from an understanding of the care and beauty of creation and how much I have to learn from those whose commitment to a care for the environment has very different roots. I’m writing this while preparing food and marinades for a socially distant braai (barbecue) for my sister Tanvir’s birthday for whom a Buddhist practice has been life giving and life changing. At the same time, I listened to my son, Stephen Bush* talking about his engagement with his Jewish heritage as Chair of the Commission into Racial Inclusivity launched by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. This is a response to the issues around ‘Black Lives Matter’.  The day before I was both laughing and sighing chatting (online) with an East End friend, Nora who is a practising Muslim. We were talking not of faith, but of friendship remembering a mutual friend who died and whom we both miss deeply. My Christian faith in Jesus remains essential to me, otherwise I could not live by it. It is core to how I pray and worship, to the way I allow myself to be challenged by God to learn as his disciple to grow and flourish as a human being. Difference in others does not threaten or diminish my faith; in fact, as I engage in thought, action and prayer it strengthens it. I am always willing to talk about my faith – mostly I seek to earn the trust of others and wait to be asked before I do so. Friendship, love and engagement with Buddhists, Jews, Muslims and pagans, with people from different ethnic, community, class and experience - all those whose lives and beliefs are very different to mine is part of how I learn to love my neighbour. And key to this is learning. I have more than once had conversations with people since I came to Wiltshire tell me that there aren’t any people who are different in these ways here, but I have learned that this is not true. I have met and chatted with Jews and Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, Travellers and Black and other minority ethnic people who are part of the communities I serve. I still have much to learn. If I hear ‘Black Lives Matter’ then there is wisdom in finding someone who is Black whether in person or in writing to explain this before I respond. This is especially true if my first response is to disagree or feel negative – then it is especially likely that prejudice rather than wisdom has hold of me. It isn’t wise for me to trust in a children’s story (Rumer Godden’s The Diddakoi published in 1972) as the basis for my understanding of Romany communities today, even if it was a book and a TV programme that began my awareness of Traveller communities. It isn’t even enough for me to rely on my own experiences.  In much the same way I continue to learn, read, study and pray to develop and deepen my own faith and identity. And why do I do this? Rather like the deliciousness of the food which includes ingredients from across the planet (tea, lemons, chilli, peppers, olives), my life as a human being is enriched and more delightful when I grow through friendship and engagement with people from very different places spiritually and culturally than my own. FOODBANK Our next collection for the Royal Wootton Basset and surrounding villages Satellite Foodbank will be on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July at the Village Hall – 9 am to 5pm. Following our recent collection in June, we received a letter of thanks from the Food Collective Manager, Cher Smith MBE, which included the following: - “........ families with children are amongst the hardest hit by the crisis and are now in serious financial difficulty or struggling to make ends meet” “........ your support, kindness and generosity are very much appreciated and helps us enormously” FACE COVERINGS    - made by B.T. ladies for B. T. Villagers. These are still available for a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society and can be obtained by phoning; 731076  or  731092  or 731564. ** PLEASE NOTE – IF you attend an appointment at either of the RWB G. P. Surgeries you are now requested to wear your own face covering. CHURCH PRAYER SPACE Although Broad Town Church is closed, our beautiful churchyard is open for everyone, to sit, contemplate, pray or just find peace, alongside the Church building and the richness of the lives of the people who rest there. If you choose to sit on the bench, please remember when you return home to wash your hands and to follow all other advice from the government and public health organisations to reduce your own risk. You may also wish to take your own hand sanitiser with you. BROAD TOWN PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE The Parish Council met in June via Zoom and we would like to share the following updates from our meeting and also some useful information from Wiltshire Council. Parish Council Meeting This is the time of year when we review our Internal Audit report and also submit our Annual Return and Annual Governance Statement. The Audit is conducted by a professionally qualified third party who reviews how we are operating in all areas and submits a detailed report on their findings back to the Council which we discussed at our meeting. We are delighted to say that the report was very positive, and this has enabled us to submit an Annual Return and Annual Governance Statement that shows we are operating in line with local government guidelines in all areas. Whilst we are all enjoying the gradual relaxation of lockdown measures, we need to remind everyone that the Playground equipment at Redhills remains closed off in line with the current government guidelines. There are signs communicating this at the Playground and we would ask that you follow that advice. As soon as we are told that Playgrounds can be reopened, we will do so and let you know. Many thanks for your understanding and support on this health and safety matter. The Good Energy Community Fund would normally review grant applications from community groups in September. However, if there are any local community groups who have an immediate need for a grant, particularly if that is related to the current COVID-19 situation, then please do contact the Parish Clerk as we would be happy to consider your application before then if needed. Wiltshire Council Updates Household recycling centres – online booking system: Online bookings have now opened for trips to household recycling centres (HRCs), so people can now book a visit to any of Wiltshire’s 10 HRCs, up to three days in advance. As of Monday 8 June, people can only visit a HRC with a pre-booked slot; anyone who turns up without a booking will not be allowed to access the site. There are around 10,000 available booking slots across the 10 sites each week, and new slots are added every 15 minutes over the working day, so people should have plenty of opportunities to visit any site of their choosing. To find out more about the new booking system, please read Wiltshire Council’s FAQs, or make a booking online at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/household-recycling-centres-book. Time to renew your garden waste collections:  Households that pay to receive garden waste collections will receive an email or letter this week inviting them to renew their subscription by 14 August. New customers can also sign up to receive this service. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, garden waste collection renewals were delayed this year, but customers now need to renew their garden waste subscription if they wish to continue to receive the service. The cost of having garden waste collected will be £50 per bin for the year. Current garden waste subscriptions were due to expire on 30 June 2020, but customers should continue to present their bin to be emptied on their usual collection day with their current 2019-2020 red sticker until they receive a new one. Garden waste bins displaying a red 2019/20 bin sticker will continue to be emptied until 31 August. When you renew, you will be sent a letter within three weeks, containing a new garden waste bin sticker. You can renew or sign up for garden waste collections at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/gardenwaste You don’t need to contact them if they do not wish to renew. 100 CLUB DRAW These draws and the one for June have now all been drawn, and I’m delighted to announce that the winners are as follows:   April 2020 1st Prize – Rosie Law                                                         2nd Prize – Rupert Bastin 3rd Prize – David Jordan Congratulations to all the winners. May 2020 1st Prize – Lorraine Billis 2nd Prize – Jo Linton 3rd Prize – John Wallis   June 2020 1st Prize – Annette Moore 2nd Prize – Bob Clarke 3rd Prize – Margaret Green     BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Wed, 24 Jun 2020 22:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2537 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2523/Coronavirus-Flyer-with-April-2020-Broad-Town-News#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2523 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2523&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2523/Coronavirus-Flyer-with-April-2020-Broad-Town-News CORONAVIRUS The Parish Council and Church are working together to support members of the community and residents affected by the virus. If you have been diagnosed or are self-isolating in line with NHS guidance and you need help with, for example, essential shopping or collecting medicines, contact the following volunteers using the details found below. You are not alone; a member of our local community coronavirus group will then contact you to try to provide support from within the community. Sandra Hartley             Tel: 731523  Margaret Manley        Tel: 731564 Carolyn Crocker          Tel: 852754   Helen Greer (Thornhill) Tel: 731092 Kate Orton                  Tel: 731536 Caron Lubin                  Tel: 731076 Or email: raymanley1@btinternet.com Public Health England has advised people who are self-isolating to do what they can to avoid visitors to their home and any deliveries of groceries, medications or other shopping should be left at the door, so please ensure that when you are providing support this advice is followed. If you would be prepared to help a householder in this way, please let Margaret Manley know so that we can increase the number of volunteers. Thank you for all your support. The NHS has some simple advice to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19: • Stay at home advice – www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/selfisolation-advice • Wash your hands with soap and warm water often – do this for at least 20 seconds • Always wash your hands when you get home or into work • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze • Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell The following links provide useful, factual and regularly updated information on COVID-19. • Overview of COVID-19 – what is it? www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19  • Number of COVID-19 cases in the UK, including the affected areas – information can be found on Wiltshire Council’s website, wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus  • Common questions and answers on COVID-19 including advice for families, prevention, how it’s caught and spread, self-isolation, testing and treatment, foreign travel – www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ common-questions • NHS 111 – information can be found on Wiltshire Council’s website, wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus • Wiltshire Council’s COVID-19 information page – wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus • The NHS Every Mind Matters website has some really simple useful tips and advice to support good mental health at this difficult time – www.nhs.uk/oneyou/everymind-matters Useful contact numbers • NHS 111 – only call 111 if you cannot get help online • Education queries –phone the Department for Education on 0800 046 8687 • Wiltshire Council – 0300 456 0100 PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS The Parish Council are currently seeking advice about holding public meetings during the coronavirus outbreak.  The planned Parish Council meeting on Monday 6th April and the Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 27th April will be affected.   Updates will be posted on the Broad Town website broad-town.co.uk and on the parish noticeboards when this information is available. For any queries please contact the Parish Clerk at: btpcclerk@outlook.com CHRIST CHURCH Church of England public services are to be suspended until further notice. We will be doing our best to keep our benefice churches open so that people can come in for a change of place to be self-isolating, to pray and perhaps to light a candle (where that is safe).  For any queries contact Ray Manley Tel: 731564 BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2523 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2522/Broad-Town-News--April-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2522 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2522&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2522/Broad-Town-News--April-2020 APRIL 2020                                  BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it. JUNE 2020 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the June edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY MAY 22nd IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED   Dear Friends I'm hoping that by Passion Sunday 29 March we will in some way or other have a 'virtual' service that you can share in. It will be recorded, rather than live streamed so that the quality is only as ropey as your parish priest normally is, rather than as ropey as rural broadband. It is hoped that the service will be recorded in different churches each week, starting with Clyffe Pypard for Passion Sunday (29th March). Ways to share: You can send a photo or a drawing of you and your family as a sign of your presence. You can make a paper outline of your hand with names written on it of those that you would like to be remembered in the prayers of the church. If you name of a friend or family member please ask them if they are happy for you to do that. If you want me to remember someone who has died, please add RIP to their name.  Thank you. Thanks, Rachma   FUTURE EDITIONS There is no plan for a May newsletter so probably the next issue will be at the end of May - the June newsletter. If there is pressure to publish next month or the general climate eases then there will be a May newsletter.     ON PLANS AND THE PRESENT MOMENT I and probably you too, had plans, lots of them.  I like plans.  I had plans for services and work; plans for seeing loved friends and family; plans for holidays; plans for the future.  In the present moment all my plans, and maybe yours too, are being changed by a particular coronavirus.  I’m not sure when I next catch a cold I will say as easily as I used to do: ‘it’s just a virus’. The situation seems to be changing so fast I can’t work out how to plan anything in response and I’m left with feelings of frustration and sadness and fear and panic.  It could be easy to be overwhelmed by these feelings in a situation where all my plans are in disarray.  And of course, others had plans of much greater importance: a family wedding or hard-working plans towards a place at university or a career advance. There won’t be public worship or school or visits to friends and family.  There may be times of real loss and suffering and sorrow. So I stopped (and shouted at a loved one, and cried a few tears of self-pity) and then went out into the garden and I saw a tulip starting to unfurl and some nearly-tadpole commas in the pond.  When I came back indoors there were some messages of kindness and offers of help both personally to me and simply offered to support neighbours and strangers. So I may not be able to share this with the physical touch and warmth that I have earlier taken for granted, perhaps I will only be able to share at the social distance of a smile heard, but not seen on the phone. My plans may come to nothing yet there will still be kindness and gratitude and the practices of sitting and reflecting that I call prayer.  I also know that in the garden, just as all those years ago, there will be new life in flowering plants and frogs and Jesus greeting Mary Magdalene through her tears with the assurance of the resurrection. Whatever has gone awry in my plans, and perhaps in yours, may we all find new life and kindness and gratitude that we did not plan for. I don’t know yet what being your vicar and being your church will look like in the days and weeks ahead but we will work towards the churches being open for prayer and pondering and expressing our love and service to you in whatever ways we can. 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   DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 6th April             Parish Council Meeting 27th April           Annual Parish Meeting Both of these dates are liable to change.     SUSPENSIONS All Church services - the Church will be available for private prayer; please contact Ray Manley first. Village Hall - the hall may be available but check with Nigel Crocker first. Church Annual Meeting Social Club Community Coffee Mornings Whist Drive - please contact organisers first Graveyard Tidy-up - If you were thinking to help, please contact Ray Manley. Hilmarton Moviola VE Day celebrations will now possibly be in October Guild of Wiltshire Artists Lindy Hop   CANCELLATIONS May plant sale May Church Coffee Morning June Bassett Stall Gentlemen’s Breakfast for April.   CHURCH FLOOR Good News!  Repairs to the floor have now been completed.  We are currently carrying out an intensive clean to the building to have the Church ready for services when we are advised these can be resumed.  If you would like to assist with the cleaning (max 2 people at a time) please contact Ray Manley to agree a day and time.  In the meantime, if anyone would like access to the Church for private prayer or have a change of place to be self isolating, again, contact Ray. The next project in the Church will be to carry out repairs to the walls and redecorate.  Estimates, funds/grants and permissions will all need to be obtained and we will give regular updates on progress in the Broad Town News. Group tidying up sessions in the churchyard have been temporarily suspended but individuals can continue to attend to graves as before. Ray’s telephone number for all enquiries is 731564   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Many thanks to everyone who was able to support the fundraising morning for MS and the neurortherapy Centre.  We were delighted to donate a total of £150. We look forward to opening the doors again as soon as is possible.  In the meantime if you need anything or would just like a chat our telephone numbers are on the list. Our best wishes from the Coffee Morning Team. FOOTPATHS After two good working mornings in February and March, much work has been done to clear overgrowth away from sections on the White Horse Trail (BTOW35).  Firstly the section from the top of Horns Lane to the top of the escarpment was cleared and re-way-marked, then the March working day was utilised to improve access on the stretch from under the white horse to the top of the escarpment.  Thanks to all involved, the Broad Town section of the WHT is starting to look much improved.  We still have a couple more tasks to complete, with one section requiring significant work, but hopefully this summer should see completion of improvements to this particular route. BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE - LIMING In view of the current situation the organizers have decided to postpone the liming of the White Horse until the Autumn. The situation will be reviewed in July with the aim of setting a date for maintenance in September. Thank you to all those who offered their assistance for the original date and they are asked to look out for updates in the summer. BROAD TOWN VILLAGE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF VICTORY IN EUROPE (VE) It is with great regret, but unsurprising given the current situation, that the May VE Commemorative event will not go ahead in Broad Town as planned.  However all is not lost and we have postponed it until later in the year, hopefully when the world has returned to a more stable situation.  So put the weekend of 3rd/4th October in your diaries.  More details to follow once all the arrangements have been switched over. So, something to look forward too even though it is much later in the year than first anticipated. 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     PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Good Energy Community Fund Grants The Parish Council was pleased to be able to award the two grants recommended by the Advisory Group; one for the Broad Town Village Show for the VE Day Anniversary Celebrations and the other for the Footpaths Group for the installation of a Berkswell Kissing Gate on the footpath leading to Clyffe Pypard. 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. CHRIS ROOKS || FUTURE BALANCE I’m Chris Rooks and I work as a financial planner (non-investment) for future balance finance.  I can help you with any of the following services:_                 * _mortgage advice_                 * _protection advice (life assurance / income protection)_                 * _equity release / later life mortgages_                 * _commercial lending_                 * _business continuity & protection advice_                 * _will writing & estate management_                 * _power of attorney applications_ you can contact me on 01793 731141 or via e-mail on info@futurebalance.co.uk._ LOUISE – GIRL FRIDAY I primarily focus on administration and have excellent typing skills (88wpm), but am also available for various tasks including housekeeping, gardening, pet care, odd jobs, even odder jobs, or just as an extra pair of hands when required. I’ve lived in Broad Town for sixteen years and have a DBS/CRB check and public liability insurance.  References are available from several Broad Town residents. Please give me a call if there is anything you need help with. Mobile: 07748 752625, Land line: 01793 731858 Web site: louisegirlfriday.co.uk Email: louise@louisegirlfriday.co.uk Thank you all for your support.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2522 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2520/Broad-Town-News--March-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2520 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2520&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2520/Broad-Town-News--March-2020   MARCH 2020                               BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the BT WI   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Sunday Mar 1 9am Tockenham Family Communion           Lent 1 10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion + APCM           St David 5pm Hilmarton Evening Service                             Wednesday Mar 4 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Chapel                             Friday March 6 2pm Hilmarton World Day of Prayer                             Sunday March 8 10.30am Tockenham Communion           Lent 2 10.30am Hilmarton All Age Service             5pm Broad Town Evening Service R Holness / C Green D Marshall   J Rendell Lent                   Sunday Mar 15 10.30am Broad Town All Age Service M Manley / F Holness R Manley   J Rendell Lent Lent 3 10.30am Hilmarton Communion + APCM             5pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday Mar 22 10.30am Bradenstoke Benefice Communion & Patronal Festival           Mothering Sunday                                   Sunday Mar 29 10.30am Broad Town Benefice Communion C Marshall / M Green C Green D Marshall J Rendell Lent Lent 5     +APCM                                               Coffee Rota  March 15th - M & R Manley, March 29th - M & C Green.                 DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   APRIL 2020 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the April edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY MARCH 20th IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED   CHURCH FLOOR We expect the repairs will have been completed by the time you receive this newsletter and following a good spring clean we expect the Church will be ready for our service on 8 March (Evening Service at 6pm). Thank you for your patience whilst the work was being carried out and once again our thanks to the village hall committee for their support.   DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 6th March           BT Social Club Quiz Night 9th March           BT PC Meeting 11th March         Community Coffee Morning 14th March         BT Footpath Working Day 25th March         Community Coffee Morning 27th March         School TTD 28th March         Gents Breakfast Club 28th March         Hilmarton Moviola 29th March         Church AGM 3rd April             End of School Term 18th April           BT Footpath Working Day 20th April           Back to School 25th April           Hilmarton Moviola 27th April           PC Annual Parish Meeting 8th May             75th Anniversary VE Day - Decorate Village Hall 9th May             Produce Show, Cookery and Craft Competitions + Classic Vehicles 10th May           Indoor Street Party @ Village Hall followed by Commemoration evening Church Service.                         Scarecrow Competition throughout the weekend. 9th - 10th May     Hilmarton Scarecrow Festival 17th May           Re-liming White Horse   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Wednesday 11th March – a fund raiser for the Swindon MS Therapy Centre which provides much needed help and support for people living with multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions. It offers a fantastic range of therapies. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that causes a wide range of symptoms including problems with vision, movement, balance and senses.  It affects all ages and is two to three times more common in women than men. The Therapy Centre receives no central funding and relies on local donations and bequests.  Any help we can provide this local charity will be greatly appreciated by the dedicated team who work there. Wednesday 25th March Look forward to seeing you! BROAD TOWN SOCIAL CLUB QUIZ NIGHT Consider yourself smarter than the average bear?  Want to test your general knowledge against the best the village has to offer.  Pop along to a The Brain of Broad town Community Quiz night at the village hall on Friday 6th March from 7pm. £1.00 entry fee per person minimum teams of 2 people. Winner takes all.  Families welcome.   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! 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   FOOTPATHS Now we are past the festive season, we are busy planning our footpath maintenance campaign for the new year.  Footpath working days for the next 2 months this year are planned for 14th March and 18th of April.  Details of where and when will be distributed closer to the dates.  For more information about the project and to register interest, contact Malcolm Holland 01793 731567 maholl200@aol.com In describing paths we have worked on, or are working on we identify them using the Wiltshire Council numbering system (BTOWXX etc.) from the Councils master footpath map of the county.  The following link is where the map is located on the good old tinterweb! Hopefully this will enable everyone to better understand where and what we are doing! http://wiltscouncil.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=43d5a86a545046b2b59fd7dd49d89d22   BROAD TOWN WI 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 WHITE HORSE - LIMING - SUNDAY 17 MAY It is planned to carry out maintenance and liming of the White Horse on the morning of Sunday 17th May and the aim will be to tidy up the area and then apply lime to keep the Horse looking at its best. The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participation will be limited to those who are physically fit and in good health.  We will also need to maintain attendance at a level that is consistent with safe operations. Would interested people please contact me via e-mail andrewlaw456@gmail.com or by phone 01793 731472. Confirmation and details will be sent out nearer the date.   BROAD TOWN 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.  The small planning group are moving ahead to start to put more detail to the plans, now the main events have been booked, so get the dates booked in your diaries! 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 coming weeks. Sunday 10th May daytime – bar open over lunch with more live entertainment followed by an indoor “street party”.  Tickets will be free to village residents. Sunday 10th 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       PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Parish Stewards and Pothole repairs Wiltshire’s army of parish stewards are focusing their energies on repairing potholes to combat the wet weather damage on Wiltshire’s roads this month.  The 20 stewards work in local communities to carry out repairs and maintenance, based on the needs of the communities they serve.  They have been in place since 2016, and work on a local basis to carry out tasks such as repairing potholes, tending pathways, clearing drainage and verge maintenance.  However, for at least the next month, they will be solely focusing on repairing potholes in their community areas.  Residents can report potholes with the MyWiltshire smartphone app which can be downloaded from the council website, or report them on the council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywiltshire-online-reporting.  It is well worth reporting any issues as across the 12 months from December 2018 to November 2019 the average repair time from reporting was only 3.68 days. Annual Parish Meeting Our Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Monday 27th April at 18.30pm in the Village Hall.  This is not a council meeting but is an opportunity for all village groups and associations to share with the village the activity they have undertaken in the past year and their plans for the future.  Everyone is welcome.  The Parish Clerk will be contacting village groups in the coming weeks to discuss the agenda. The next Parish Council meeting is 9th March at 18.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.   LINDY HOP CLASSES TUESDAY EVENINGS AT BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL Join in the fun and friendly classes, a great way to learn some classic Lindy Hop moves to take onto the dance floor and a chance to be step-perfect for the VE Day 75th Anniversary celebrations in May! Broad Town Village Hall is a lovely venue with a wonderful dance floor, a great place to get you dancing.  The classes are Tuesday evenings and each class is 1 hour long with an extra 15 minute practice session: Beginners 7.00 p.m. Improvers 8.15 p.m.  Pay weekly, £6.00 per class, no need to pre-book or pre-pay, just turn up on the night! Everyone welcome, couples or singles as you don’t need a partner to join in. Contact: Erica and Cliff 01793 340271 erica@swingoutswindon.co.uk  www.swingoutswindon.co.uk   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564 GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The next meeting of the Gentleman’s Breakfast Club will be on Saturday 28th March 2020 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 is not yet confirmed but an enquiry to Dave nearer the time could be made. Please book by Wednesday 25th March – email:  davemay104@yahoo.co.uk   BUSHTON MANOR PLANT FAIR AND OPEN GARDEN Sunday May 10th 11am -3pm Postcode SN4 7PX.  Not our usual Bank Holiday slot due to VE Day celebrations!  BUT once again the Angus family are kindly allowing their gardens to be open for the Annual Plant Fair.  Within the lovely grounds of this 18th century Manor House there will be many stalls scattered around the garden with plants, crafts, food and other garden related products as well as the ever-popular bacon butty BBQ and home-made refreshments.  People can stroll around without having to carry purchases by leaving them at the Plant Crèche.  This event has grown and grown over the years with over 1000 people attending for the last 3 years and we hope folk will still come along even with the date change! For the younger people there will be outside games to keep them occupied. Money raised will go towards the upkeep of St Peter’s Church the Grade 1 listed building in Clyffe Pypard.  Entrance £2. Children and car parking free.  Dogs on leads are allowed.   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday March 28th The Good Liar (15) 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   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. 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.   CHRIS ROOKS || FUTURE BALANCE I’m Chris Rooks and I work as a financial planner (non-investment) for future balance finance.  I can help you with any of the following services:_                 * _mortgage advice_                 * _protection advice (life assurance / income protection)_                 * _equity release / later life mortgages_                 * _commercial lending_                 * _business continuity & protection advice_                 * _will writing & estate management_                 * _power of attorney applications_ you can contact me on 01793 731141 or via e-mail on info@futurebalance.co.uk._   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2520 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2518/Broad-Town-News--February-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2518 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2518&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2518/Broad-Town-News--February-2020   FEBRUARY 2020                         BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Sunday Feb 2 9am Tockenham Family Communion           Candlemass 10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion           Presentation of Christ 5pm Hilmarton Evening Service           In the Temple                                   Wednesday Feb 5 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Chapel                             Sunday Feb 9 8am Broad Town Said Communion M Green / S Richards C Green C Green M Green M Manley 3rd Sunday before Lent 10.30am Tockenham Communion             10.30am Hilmarton All Age Service                             Sunday Feb 16 10.30am Broad Town All Age Service C Marshall / D Marshall D Marshall   M Green C Marshall 2nd Sunday before Lent 10.30am Hilmarton Communion             5pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday Feb 23 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Sunday before Lent 10.30am Broad Town Sung Communion M Manley / F Holness C Green J Drury M Green C Marshall   5pm Tockenham Evening Service                             Wednesday Feb 26 TBC Broad Town School Ash Wednesday Service             7.30pm Lyneham Communion with imposition of ashes             Coffee Rota 16th Feb - M & C Green; 23rd Feb - F & R Holness.   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   MARCH 2020 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the March edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21st IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED       ON TIGGER AND EEYORE The wonderful things about Tigger is that they are bouncy, bouncy, fun, fun, fun.  Hmm… I’m temperamentally more of an Eeyore myself. When I’m feeling inclined to gloomy expectations and pessimism it is easy to look at the Tigger-ish people in my life with a jaundiced eye.  Mostly I remain aware that I need the positivity and energy of optimists around to keep me going and often Tiggers can make me laugh with them and at myself in a way that renews a better sense of perspective. In a school governors’ subcommittee meeting we were laughing about these differences of style and personality and touched briefly on the ways that other people might see us very differently especially if we find ourselves feeling bouncy over stuff other people find difficult.  Maybe you prefer an accountant you work with to be an apparent Eeyore, even if in their passion for numbers, strategy and calculation faced with a financial challenge they are secret Tiggers. Yet the joy of AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories is that Tiggers and Eeyores (and Kangas and Piglets) all have a part to play.  The same is true in our villages and churches – the more we can work with and welcome a variety of approaches, styles and personalities the richer the team of which we are a part becomes and the more likely it is that together we can do more.  A Tigger may sometimes need the realism of an Eeyore, and we all know that Pooh is often encouraged and enabled by the kindness and understanding of Piglet. In the language of my faith I’m reminded of this in two ways – the creation stories of Genesis outline a world in which God delights in the amazing diversity of things that squirm and wriggle, fly and swim and the letters of Paul are always reminding the earliest gatherings of Christians that we are one body and need the gifts of even the oddest shaped little toe or the bristliest eyebrow. Perhaps in bigger towns or cities it is easier to gather enough people for a task or celebration only among the like minded, and sometimes in smaller villages sometimes the contrasting styles of an Eeyore and a Tigger can feel more challenging without the dilution effect of larger numbers. And yet if, in our smaller communities, we can learn to recognise the value of people who are the same as we are, we may model a fuller and richer pattern of living and working together. 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   CHURCH FLOOR The essential repairs are going well but it is unlikely we will be able to use the Church again for services before the end of February.  Services as shown in the Broad Town News will continue to be held in the Village Hall.  Thank you to the hall committee for its support. Please Note the Coffee Morning on February 8th will be in the Village Hall DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 8th Feb              Church Coffee Morning (with Pancakes) 8th Feb              BT Footpath Working Day 10th Feb            BT PC Meeting 12th Feb            Community Coffee Morning 14th Feb            End of School Term 24th Feb            Back to School 26th Feb            Community Coffee Morning 29th Feb            Gent’s Breakfast Club, Lyneham 14th March         BT Footpath Working Day 29th March         Church AGM 18th April           BT Footpath Working Day 8th May             75th Anniversary VE Day - Decorate Village Hall 9th May             Produce Show, Cookery and Craft Competitions + Classic Vehicles 10th May           Indoor Street Party @ Village Hall followed by Commemoration evening Church Service.                         Scarecrow Competition throughout the weekend.   BRIGHTER FUTURES A total of £551.48 was raised before Christmas for the Breast and Prostate Cancer Appeals.  The following paragraph was in a letter received from Brighter Futures:- 'Thank you so much to the Broad Town Community for the generous donation of £551.48 for our Cancer Services Department.  I understand that this was as a result of you holding a coffee morning, carol singing and collecting at Church and School carol services to raise the funds, we very much appreciate your continued support.’ Well done Broad Town!   THANKS To all who gave items for the Christmas Shoe Boxes.  They were very well received, Thank You.   CHURCH COFFEE MORNING The next Church Coffee Morning is on the 8th February In the Village Hall. The change of venue is due to the work being done to the floor of the Church.  There will be the usual stalls - refreshments, sales, raffle and Pancakes. We look forward to seeing as many there as possible for another lively morning.     COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Held on 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each Month. Join us for Coffee (other drinks available!), Cake and good Company! Dates for February are:  Wednesday 12th February and Wednesday 26th February.   100 CLUB The Broad Town 100 Club is now into its 3rd Year and over 80 prizes have been awarded, with some people becoming multiple winners.  We would really like more people in the village to join and potentially become lucky winners too.  By joining you can also help to keep your church open as half the 100 Club income goes to support your church. Over the coming weeks we will be posting a letter with a 100 Club Application through many doors in the village. All you need to do to join is to complete the application form and send a standing order mandate to your bank or write a cheque and post it back to us. If you have any queries or you would like to join, please contact  Fiona Holness on fholness@btinternet.com or telephone 07833 683444 / 01793 850562 or Ray Manley on raymanley1@btinternet.com or telephone 01793 731564. The lucky winners over the past three months have been: November 2019 1st Prize Jackie Jordan, 2nd Prize Kate Orton, 3rd Prize Ray Manley December 2019 1st Prize Roy & Doreen Small, 2nd Prize David Crocker, 3rd Prize John Pullen January 2020 1st Prize Peggy Bird, 2nd Prize Jeff Hartley, 3rd Prize Fiona Holness   FOOTPATHS Now we are past the festive season, we are busy planning our footpath maintenance campaign for the new year.  Footpath working days for the first 3 months this year are planned for 8th February, 14th March and 18th of April.  Details of where and when will be distributed closer to the dates.  For more information about the project and to register interest, contact Malcolm Holland 01793 731567 maholl200@aol.com In describing paths we have worked on, or are working on we identify them using the Wiltshire Council numbering system (BTOWXX etc.) from the Councils master footpath map of the county.  The following link is where the map is located on the good old tinterweb! Hopefully this will enable everyone to better understand where and what we are doing! http://wiltscouncil.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=43d5a86a545046b2b59fd7dd49d89d22       VILLAGE HALL Three trays plus an oven baking tray have disappeared from the kitchen.  If you borrowed all or any of these, please could you return them as soon as possible.  Many thanks.   BROAD TOWN 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.  The small planning group are moving ahead to start to put more detail to the plans, now the main events have been booked, so get the dates booked in your diaries! 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 coming weeks. Sunday 10th May daytime – bar open over lunch with more live entertainment followed by an indoor “street party”.  Tickets will be free to village residents. Sunday 10th 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   BROAD TOWN WI 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     PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE As we enter a new year, the Parish Council would like to thank everyone for your tremendous support, and for helping us to identify what you would like to see delivered by the Council for our village. Budget for 2020/21 At the Parish Council meetings in December and January, a detailed discussion took place about the budget to be set for the forthcoming year 2020/2021.  There are some key things we want to make happen this year and we also need to start planning ahead better for our future maintenance requirements.  The Council is committed to looking to find new opportunities for grant funding for some of our bigger projects but most grant funders will require a level of funding contribution from us.  Improvements to the Redhills playing field including replacing the fencing, the procurement and maintenance of Speed Indicating devices, a new and improved Parish Council website, improvements to the footpaths, and maintaining the Community Heartbeat Trust defibrillator are all projects which will require financing or part financing from the precept.  We are conscious that overall Council taxes have been going up in recent years as National Government asks local County Councils to take on more, so we have looked to hold our precept funding at a similar level to last year and believe that we need a budget of £9,772 to deliver the above.  This will result in a decrease of £0.61 or -2% on a Band D property from £36.47 a year to £35.86. Good Energy Community Fund – next round of grant applications The Grant Advisory Group who now advise the Parish Council on grant giving will meet on 24th February to consider any new applications to the Good Energy Community Fund. Any community groups wishing to apply for a grant should contact the Parish Clerk for an application form and send it back by 17th February.  The Community Fund has supported many different initiatives to date all of which have added significantly to our village community and we are keen to do more in 2020, so please do apply whether you are an existing group looking to expand or a completely new idea.  We very much hope to hear from you.  Grants will be awarded at the March Parish Council meeting, on the 9th March. Gigaclear This is to give you early warning of traffic control (two-way signals) on the Marlborough Road/Broad Town Road between us and Royal Wootton Bassett due to the continuing works by Gigaclear to install the network for full fibre broadband.  The dates communicated to us are between 28th January and 13th February.  You may want to allow extra time for your journeys.  There will also be road closures in Thornhill (SN4 7QR and SN4 7RU) between 20th April and 8th May and we will send out further details on that when we receive them. Should you encounter any problems, Gigaclear have a customer care team which can be contacted on 01865 591 137 or via email at networkbuildcare@gigaclear.com The next Parish Council meeting is 10th February at 18.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.     LINDY HOP CLASSES TUESDAY EVENINGS AT BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL Join in the fun and friendly classes, a great way to learn some classic Lindy Hop moves to take onto the dance floor and a chance to be step-perfect for the VE Day 75th Anniversary celebrations in May! Broad Town Village Hall is a lovely venue with a wonderful dance floor, a great place to get you dancing.  The classes are Tuesday evenings and each class is 1 hour long with an extra 15 minute practice session: Beginners 7.00 p.m. Improvers 8.15 p.m.  Pay weekly, £6.00 per class, no need to pre-book or pre-pay, just turn up on the night! Everyone welcome, couples or singles as you don’t need a partner to join in. Contact: Erica and Cliff 01793 340271 erica@swingoutswindon.co.uk  www.swingoutswindon.co.uk   GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The next meeting of the gentleman’s breakfast club will be on Saturday 29th February 2020 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 is not yet confirmed but an enquiry to Dave nearer the time could be made. Please book by Wednesday 26 February – email:  davemay104@yahoo.co.uk   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday February 22nd Downton Abbey (PG) 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   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.   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564   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.   CHRIS ROOKS || FUTURE BALANCE I’m Chris Rooks and I work as a Financial Planner (Non-Investment) for Future Balance Finance.  I can help you with any of the following services: - Mortgage Advice Protection Advice (Life Assurance / Income Protection) Business Continuity & Protection Advice Will Writing & Estate Management Power of Attorney Applications You can contact me on 01793 731141 or via e-mail on info@futurebalance.co.uk   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Wed, 05 Feb 2020 11:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2518 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2509/Brighter-Futures-Flyer#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2509 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2509&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2509/Brighter-Futures-Flyer   Fundraising  for Breast Cancer and  Prostate Cancer Appeals Wednesday 11th December – Community Coffee Morning 10 00 – 12.00 in Village Hall Friday 13th December  - Carol Singing around the Village Meet at Hall  at 6.30pm Thursday 19th December – Church Carol Service 6.30 pm followed by mulled wine and mince pies     BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 28 Nov 2019 17:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2509 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2508/Broad-Town-News--December-2019January-2020#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2508 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2508&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2508/Broad-Town-News--December-2019January-2020 December 2019 / January 2020          BROAD TOWN NEWS       Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Sunday Dec 1 10.30am Clyffe Pypard Benefice Communion           Advent 1                                   Wednesday Dec 4 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Chapel                             Sunday Dec 8 10.30am Hilmarton Benefice Communion           Advent 2 3pm Tockenham Christingle                             Sunday Dec 15 10.30am Tockenham Benefice Communion           Advent 3 4pm Clyffe Pypard Carol Service                             Thursday Dec 19 6.30pm Broad Town Carol Service TBA C Green   C Marshall Advent                   Friday Dec 20 1.15pm Broad Town School Carol Service                               Sunday Dec 22 10.30am Broad Town Sung Benefice Communion C Marshall / F Holness J Wallis J Drury C Marshall Advent Advent 4 5pm Hilmarton Carol Service                             Tuesday Dec 24 6pm Tockenham Carol Service           Christmas Eve 11pm Hilmarton Midnight Mass                             Wednesday Dec 25 9am Clyffe Pypard Communion           Christmas Day 10.30am Broad Town Communion M Green / C Green D Marshall C Green C Marshall Christmas                   Sunday Dec 29 10.30am Tockenham Benefice Communion           Christmas 1                                   Sunday January 5 9am Tockenham Family Communion           Epiphany 10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion             5pm Hilmarton Evening Service                             Sunday January 12 10.30am Tockenham Communion           Baptism of Christ 10.30am Hilmarton All Age Service             5pm Broad Town Evening Service M Manley / R Holness R Manley   C Bettinson C Crocker                   Saturday January 18 Start of week for Christian unity                                 Sunday Jan 19 10.30am Broad Town All Age Service C Green / F Holness C Green   C Bettinson M Green Epiphany 2 10.30am Hilmarton Communion             5pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday Jan 26 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Epiphany 3 10.30am Broad Town Sung Communion C Crocker / R Manley C Green C Green C Bettinson F Holnes   5pm Tockenham Evening Service             Coffee Rota – Dec 22nd - J. Rendell, Jan 19th - C & J Oldfield, Jan 26th - M & C Green.   ON CHRISTMAS RECONCILIATION DECEMBER 2019 At this season we remember a family who had to travel to their hometown, in order to be counted by the government of the day.  Thinking of Joseph, travelling with a heavily pregnant Mary I become aware of part of the Christmas story that I don’t often focus on. Joseph wouldn’t be the first man to discover that his partner is pregnant and to know or think that it can’t be his child she’s carrying.  I wonder whether his first feeling was hurt or humiliation, betrayal or anger.  In a nativity story jam-packed full of angels and dreams, miracle babes, pilgrim kings I don’t always notice the miracle in Joseph’s relationship with Mary.  He doesn’t leave her, he doesn’t throw her out, he takes on both Mary and her child and I’m sure in the raising of that little boy, Jesus became his child as well as God’s. Men and women who are able to see through hurt and betrayal to repair and rebuild relationships; men and women who are able to love and raise children that are not in biological terms ‘theirs’ are very wonderful. In the context of first century Palestine where society would have stoned Mary for adultery if Joseph had sought that this miracle of reconciliation between Mary and Joseph is perhaps even more amazing. Reconciliation after hurt and disagreement whether between couples or friends; in families and communities is not often easy. I wonder what kind of conversations Mary and Joseph had about all that had happened to them on the journey to Bethlehem.  Even if I had an angel explain it all to me in a dream I know it would still have taken time and work to renew the relationship if I had been Joseph. In a Christmas season when differences within the nation will have been discussed and pondered and voted on – I’m glad to be reminded by Joseph’s part in the Christmas story that reconciliation across hurt and disagreement is not only possible, but often brings great joy. May this Christmas season, and the new year that follows it, bring healing of hurts and the renewal of working well together for the benefit of all. The Reverend Rachma Abbott Priest in Charge, Woodhill Benefice. The Vicarage Clyffe Pypard, SWINDON SN4 7PY.  01793 731134   BROAD TOWN CHURCH FLOOR The essential floor repairs in Broad Town Church will commence on January 13th.  We have been advised that for Health and Safety reasons it will not be possible to use the Church while the work is being carried out so it will be necessary to hold services elsewhere.  The Parochial Church Council have decided that all the services for Broad Town in January shown in this newsletter will be held at Broad Town Village Hall.  This will probably also apply to February’s services and we will provide an update in the February newsletter. For further information, please contact one of the Churchwardens - Ray Manley, Tel: 731564 or Margaret Green 854200   DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 6th Dec              Clyffe Pypard Christmas Fair 9th Dec              BT PC 11th Dec            Last Post for Scout Post 11th Dec            Brighter Futures Community Coffee Morning 12th Dec            School Nativity in Church 13th Dec            Carol Singing around the Village 19th Dec            Village Carol Service at 6.30pm 20th Dec            School Carol Service and end of Term 8th Jan              Community Coffee Morning 13th Jan            BT PC 22nd Jan            Community Coffee Morning 25th Jan            Gentlemen’s Breakfast 25th Jan            Hilmarton Moviola   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING There is one coffee morning in December: Wednesday 11th December – raising funds for the Brighter Futures Prostate and breast cancer appeals January 2020, Wednesday 8th January, Wednesday 22nd January Thank you to everyone who has supported the coffee mornings in any way this year.  It has been great to see new faces as well as all the regulars!  Your generosity enabled £1612 to be donated to the following charities: - Brighter Futures; Alzheimer’s; Broad Town School; the Village group who fund raised for the Alzheimer Society; Parkinson’s; Macmillan; Children in need; Broad Town Church. If you have a charity that you would like us to raise funds for next year, do let us know. Hoping to see you at the Christmas coffee Morning.  Seasons greetings to everyone.   FOOTPATH WORKING GROUP We have been out and busy again.  A group of villagers joined in on Sunday 27th of October when we cleared a section of BTOW35 and BTOW39 from 5 ways gate beyond Little Town.  A stile was also repaired on BTOW35 at the end of the withybed section. On Saturday the 9th November a small group of us installed a new footbridge on BTOW7, re-establishing it's route beyond the 'gallops-to-be-field'.  This is going to be a path that gains more importance as the changes in the field take effect in the future.  A new stile has also been installed at the start of this route in Pye Lane, to replace the rather run down example that was there before.  Some work is still required on one more stile on that route, which hopefully be completed in the near future. Following the working day on Saturday November 23rd we will be planning working weekends for the New Year. So, as they don't say on Strictly, 'keeeep walking' - it keeps the weeds down! VILLAGE CAROL SINGING Friday 13th December.  Meet at Village Hall at 6.30pm.  Finish at the hall by 9pm for drinks and nibbles *Bring a torch* Fundraising for Brighter Futures Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Appeals.   PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Wiltshire Council’s “We’re targeting Fly-tippers” campaign Wiltshire Council has today launched a reward campaign to reduce fly-tipping throughout the county.  The “We’re Targeting Fly-tippers” campaign aims to combat the scourge of fly-tipping by offering residents a reward of up to £200 in high street vouchers if they report information that leads to the successful prosecution of an offender or the payment of a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).  You can report information on fly-tipping to Wiltshire Council via their website or app. Emergency access to the Playing Fields at Redhills A new padlock has been put on the access gate to the Playing Fields.  There are a number of key holders who can be contacted if emergency access is required for example for an ambulance and a list of these key holders is now displayed on the noticeboard at the Playing Fields. Planning Application 19/07306/FUL The above application – construction of an all-weather gallop on land to the north west of Broad Town – was discussed at the Wiltshire Council Northern Area Planning Committee on the 7th November and was approved with specific operating conditions.  The gallops are permitted to be used Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm.  There are a number of other conditions such as no lighting, no vehicles or other structures, no fences or jumps ; the current rights of way and footpaths access must be maintained ; and signage will be put up where the gallops cross the footpaths and on the main road to warn road users. Road Closure Early warning of the partial closure of Horns Lane from the Pump House 81 Horns Lane for a distance of approximately 40 metres in a southerly direction, to enable Mowles Constuction to carry out foul sewer connection. No alternative route is available; access will be maintained for residents and businesses.  The closure will be clearly indicated by traffic signs.  This will come into operation on 06 January 2020 and the closure will be required until 08 January 2020. Gully emptying service from Wiltshire Council Wiltshire Council are launching this new service for small villages like us who are not regularly visited by their main contractor.  You can report any issue with blocked gullies to them at the following email address wiltshiresewers@wiltshire.gov.uk. The next two Parish Council meeting are 9th December 2019 & 13th January 2020 both at 18.30pm in the Village Hall.  Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.   CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL St Giles’ Church Tockenham 7th & 8th December 2019 10am to 5pm Saturday, 10am to 4pm Sunday Refreshments available CHRISTINGLE  5pm Sunday For more details and to get an entry form ring Ken and Pauline Arnold. 017913 854157   THE FOUR WAYS COMMUNITY PUB, 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! 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   ST PETER’S, CLYFFE PYPARD CHRISTMAS FAIR The Village Hall SN4 7PX, Friday 6th December 5-9pm Meet friends over homemade refreshments, browse the stalls and just enjoy yourselves. Craft items, Candles, Flower pot men, Cakes, Jams and preserves, Sassy Gifts, Local Farm produce, Charity Christmas Cards, Raffle, Guess the name of the clown, Tombola, Guess the weight of the cake, Children’s good as new toys, books and a racing piggies game!  Entrance £1 Children under 12 free.   SWINDON & DISTRICT SCOUT CHRISTMAS POST 2019 This facility, which by law, is only for the delivery of Christmas Cards, is again being provided this year as in previous years.  The cost of the special stamp is still 30p (now self-adhesive).  They can be purchased in Royal Wootton Bassett from Haines & Smith Opticians High Street; News Plus Gainsborough Avenue; Radway’s the Cobblers The Arcade High Street & Rootz Hairdressers Woodshaw.  The last date for posting mail into the Scout Post is WEDNESDAY 11th DEC at 4:00pm and all items must be posted in the special green post boxes which can be found at Sainsbury’s Borough Fields, Haines & Smith, Radway’s, News Plus & Rootz. Please DO NOT USE Scout Post stamps on cards posted through Royal Mail post boxes.  They are not valid and the receiver will have to pay a surcharge. The area covered for delivery of Scout Post is: - Swindon, Badbury, Bishopstone, Blunsdon, Burderop, Coleshill, Chiseldon, Draycott Foliat, Elcombe, Hampton, Hannington, Highworth, Hinton Parva, Hodson, Inglesham, Langton Park, Liddington, Overtown, Red Barn, South Leaze, South Marston, Stanton Fitzwarren, Stratton St Margaret, Thorney Park, Wanborough, West Leaze, Wichelstowe, Wroughton, Royal Wootton Bassett, Broad Town, Bushton, Clyffe Pypard, Greatfield, Greenhill, Hook, Tockenham, Cricklade, Castle Eaton, Latton, Marston Meysey, Ashton Keynes, Minety, The Leigh, Purton, Lydiard Millicent, Broad Hinton, Berwick Bassett, Uffcott, Winterbourne Bassett, Winterbourne Monkton, Ashbury, Bourton, Idstone, Kingston Winslow, Shrivenham, Watchfield. Please note: - No deliveries are made to LYNEHAM, BRADENSTOKE or BRINKWORTH In addition, stamps are available from Clive Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett. Tel No. 01793 854200, cliveggreen@waitrose.com   GENTLEMAN’S BREAKFAST CLUB There will be no December meeting of the gentleman’s breakfast club.  The next meeting will be on Saturday 25th January 2020 at The Crowns Café, adjacent to the REME Museum at MOD Lyneham.  9am. for 9.30am. start.  The cost is £8 per person for a full English breakfast.  The speaker this time will be Arthur Kingdon, his talk is titled Wet & Wild. Please book by Wednesday 22 January – email:  davemay104@yahoo.co.uk   BROAD TOWN WI We are a friendly group and are always happy to welcome new members. If you are unsure if the WI is right for you why not give it a go?  Our meetings are generally held in the Village Hall on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm.  We are on the Broad Town Village website and on Facebook where you can find details of upcoming speakers and events.  If you would like more information please call Annette on 01793 739021.   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564   HILMARTON MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday January 25th Mrs Lowery & son (PG) 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   2ND STEM RETURNERS PROGRAMME FOR RETURNING ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS WITH DSTL IN WILTSHIRE. Have you taken a career break from an engineering or a technical sector and wish to return?  Are you working below your experience in a different sector?  Do you have an engineering or technical degree that you aren’t using?  Do you just wish to transfer sectors but don’t have any experience?  If so this could be the opportunity for you! After the unprecedented success of the first programme where 100% of returners were offered permanent roles, we are currently sourcing candidates for the 2nd Dstl ‘STEM Returners’ programme, a 13 week, fully paid and supported return to work programme starting in January 2020 in Salisbury.  All candidates will also have the opportunity to obtain a permanent role at the end of the programme.  No career break is too long, register to return to STEM today!  For more information please visit www.stemreturners.com or email hello@stemreturners.com. More information on the programme is also available here: https://www.stemreturners.com/2019/10/28/returners-programme-becomes-key-part-dstls-candidate-attraction-strategy/   OIL HEATING IN BROAD TOWN AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES My name is Ben Davis - my family and I moved to Broad Town just over three years ago.  We are really enjoying living in the Village. I am a plumbing and heating engineer, registered with OFTEC (for oil) and Gas Safe (for gas).  Going forward, I would like to reduce the amount of time spent driving (and sitting in traffic) around North Wiltshire and increase my local customer base. My services include: Boiler breakdown and repairs, annual boiler servicing, boiler and oil tank replacement, general heating faults and maintenance, and general plumbing. Please feel free to call me anytime for further information. 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.   CHRIS ROOKS || FUTURE BALANCE I’m Chris Rooks and I work as a Financial Planner (Non-Investment) for Future Balance Finance.  I can help you with any of the following services: - Mortgage Advice Protection Advice (Life Assurance / Income Protection) Business Continuity & Protection Advice Will Writing & Estate Management Power of Attorney Applications You can contact me on 01793 731141 or via e-mail on info@futurebalance.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. FEBRUARY 2020 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the February edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com BY 6pm on FRIDAY JANUARY.24th IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.                   WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A JOYOUS NEW YEAR BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 28 Nov 2019 17:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2508 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2506/Broad-Town-News--November-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2506 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2506&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2506/Broad-Town-News--November-2019 November 2019                           BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Sunday Nov 3 9am Tockenham Family Communion           All Saints 10.30am Broad Town All Age Service M Manley / C Green R Manley   C Bettinson J Rendell   10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion             3pm Hilmarton Commemoration of the Departed                             Wednesday Nov 6 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Chapel                             Saturday Nov 9 10.45am Market Cross Bradenstoke   Act of Remembrance                               Sunday Nov 10 10.50am Broad Town Remembrance Service M Green C Green   C Bettinson M Green Remembrance 10.50am Clyffe Pypard Remembrance Service             10.50am Hilmarton Remembrance Service             10.50am Tockenham Remembrance Service at the War Memorial                             Sunday Nov 17 10.30am Hilmarton Communion           2nd Before Advent 5pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday Nov 24 10.30am Broad Town Benefice Communion & C Marshall / F Holness J Wallis D Marshall C Marshall C Bettinson Christ the King     Patronal Festival             Coffee Rota                Nov 3rd - R & M Manley, Nov 24th - R & F Holness.   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   DECEMBER 2019 / JANUARY 2020 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the December / January edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22nd IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED     Please note the next one is the double issue so don’t forget to get those January items included.     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 30th for donations for the Food bank for Christmas; Thanks.   DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 4th Nov              Back to School 10th Nov            Remembrance Sunday 10.50am 11th Nov            BT PC Meeting 13th Nov            Community Coffee Morning 27th Nov            Community Coffee Morning 30th Nov            Church Christmas Coffee Morning + Christmas Raffle Draw 11th Dec            Community Coffee Morning 13th Dec            Village Carol Singing 19th Dec            Village Carol Service at Church 31st Dec            Fourways New Year’s Eve Party   CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING AND CHRISTMAS RAFFLE DRAW On November 30th 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 1st - voucher for the Wyvern Theatre; 2nd - afternoon tea for two at Chiseldon House Hotel and 3rd - a Christmas hamper.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Dates for November are:  Wednesday 13th November, Wednesday 27th 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 11th 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 11th December – Community Coffee Morning – 10am – 12midday Friday 13th December – Village Carol Singing (Details next month) Thursday 19th 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 20th 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 30th 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 23rd 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 13th. 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.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Sun, 27 Oct 2019 17:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2506 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2504/Broad-Town-News--October-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2504 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2504&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2504/Broad-Town-News--October-2019 October 2019                               BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Wednesday Oct 2 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Chapel                             Sunday Oct 6 9am Tockenham Harvest Communion           Trinity 16 10.30am Broad Town All Age Service M Manley / D Marshall R Manley   C Oldfield C Oldfield Harvest 10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion             6pm Hilmarton Evening Service                             Sunday Oct 13 10.30am Tockenham Communion           Trinity 17 10.30am Hilmarton Harvest Service           Harvest 5pm Broad Town Harvest Tea             6pm Broad Town Harvest Songs of Praise R Holness / C Green C Green   C Oldfield Harvest                   Sunday Oct 20 10.30am Hilmarton Communion           Trinity 18 6pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday Oct 27 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Bible Sunday 5pm Tockenham Songs of Praise             Coffee Rota - Oct 6th M & C Green   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the November edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY OCTOBER 18th IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED           CHURCH COFFEE MORNING Thank you for your support for the Church Coffee Morning. Despite several people being away we raised £187.45 for the Church coffers.   DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 5th Oct                      Harvest Supper 9th Oct                       Community Coffee Morning 13th Oct                     Harvest Tea and Songs of Praise 14th Oct                     BT Parish Council Meeting 16th Oct                     WI 19th Oct                     Gentlemen’s Breakfast Club 23rd Oct                     Community Coffee Morning 26th Oct                     Hilmarton Moviola   Christ Church Broad Town Christmas Draw Tickets for this year’s Christmas Draw are now available and will soon be distributed within the village.  The main prizes this year are 1st Prize – Wyvern Theatre Voucher 2nd Prize – Afternoon Tea for Two at Chiseldon House Hotel 3rd Prize – Hamper Plus lots of other exciting prizes.  As usual, the draw will take place at the Christmas Coffee Morning in church which, this year is on Saturday 30th November 2019 10:00am – noon.  Reluctantly we have had to increase the cost of a ticket to £1 or £5 per book of 5 tickets.   CHURCH WORK MORNINGS 2019 Thank you to everyone who helped at our final (for this year) work morning in September and also to everyone who has helped throughout the year.  We regularly receive favourable comments from people visiting our Churchyard.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Dates for October are: Wednesday 9th October Wednesday 23rd October As this notice had to be submitted before our MacMillan coffee morning, info about money raised will be in the next newsletter.     PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Gigaclear.  Before our Parish Council meeting, we met with Chris Moore, the Community Engagement Officer from Gigaclear.  Broad Town remains next on their list to have the cables laid for superfast broadband but he was still not able to provide us with the firm dates and schedule of works.  It is likely that work will start before the end of the year and will take several months to complete.  The work will involve digging up pavements and verges outside every property in the village to lay the pipes that the fibres will then be run down and the connection boxes.  This will clearly be disruptive but Gigaclear have a very good track record of working courteously with residents and of leaving things in a good state on completion.  The Parish Council has asked Chris to arrange a presentation and Q&A session for all residents in the Village Hall so you can ask him any questions directly.  We will publicise this date shortly.  Gigaclear have also set up a customer care team which can be contacted on 01865 591 137 or via email at networkbuildcare@gigaclear.com Parish Council meeting.  The Parish Council agenda contained regular business this month.  We reviewed the status of our key projects and our immediate priorities moving forward. Filing Cabinet.  In line with best practice on records retention, we have gone through all the documents previously stored in a filing cabinet in the Village Hall.  Items that need to be retained have been moved to secure storage and the rest have been confidentially disposed of.  This means that we have a smart filing cabinet looking for a new home. If anyone is interested please contact the Parish Clerk. The next Parish Council meeting is 14h October at 18.30pm in the Village Hall.  At this meeting we will be reviewing and awarding new grant applications from our Good Energy Community Fund.  Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.   BROAD TOWN FOOTPATH WORKING GROUP The Broad Town Footpath Working Group has been set up as an official working group of the Parish Council, working with support from Wiltshire Council Rights of Way team.  The aim of the group over the coming months and years is to repair, improve and maintain as much of the parish’s network of footpaths and bridleways as is possible.  As the project gets up and running, volunteers will be invited to assist with tasks around the parish.  As an official working group we benefit from being covered by the PC’s insurance while out working. We are now preparing tasks to be tackled during autumn/winter 2019 and we have set aside the following days to work on some of them.  No skills are required, training and tools can be provided where necessary.  26 October and 23 November Residents of the parish who are interested in joining us can contact Councillor Malcolm Holland in the first instance to register an interest, on 01793 731567 or email maholl200@aol.com We have been working over the last couple of weeks on clearing undergrowth on footpath BTOW28, from behind Brewery Cottage alongside the Manor Farm field.  It would be good if it could start to be walked more, to keep the undergrowth down; there is nothing better than using the paths to keep them passable! FOUR WAYS: OUR COMMUNITY PUB IN BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL  BAR EVERY FRIDAY 8pm-late – EVERYONE WELCOME: meet new friends, catch up with your neighbours!  Table tennis, pool, dartboard and table football – FREE TO PLAY. Classic 60s-90s music vids or sports on our two-metre cinema screen.  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 a range of chocolate bars, crisps, nuts etc. BINGO EVERY SUNDAY – eyes down 7.30pm; last ball 9.30pm approx.  Support your local non-profit: unlike commercial Bingo, every pound you flutter is returned to our players: stakes from £1.25, prizes can be over £50. More participants = bigger winnings! Never played? It’s easy for beginners – we’ll show you how! 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 fourwaysbroadtown@gmail.com ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown   BROAD TOWN WI 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.  On November 20th, 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.   GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The next Breakfast Club is on 19 October (earlier in the month than usual) and the speaker is Keith Townson who, by popular demand, is continuing his previous talk about Forensic Science.   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday October 26th Rocketman (15) 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 HAVE YOU SIGNED UP TO COMMUNITY MESSAGING? Wiltshire Police use an email alert system called Community Messaging, also known as Neighbourhood Alert, across Wiltshire and Swindon to provide real time information to subscribing residents and businesses. This is a free service and once subscribed you can choose what sort of alert to receive and how to receive them.  This way the alerts will be tailored specifically to your interests and delivered by email, text or phone. Community Messaging allows Wiltshire Police, and carefully selected partners, to help keep communities better informed about police and crime updates affecting their local area.  The messages can even be sent to individual postcodes. Although Wiltshire Police is the main source of information the system is also used by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, Wiltshire and Swindon Neighbourhood Watch, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Gas Emergency Service and Action Fraud (the national centre for fraud and cybercrime).  All these partners provide relevant information to help keep you safe and secure. You can respond directly to messages and rate the value/relevance of alerts on a scale of 1-5.  Your feedback can be most useful to provide first hand intelligence relating to alerts but also to allow us to assess the effectiveness of the system so we keep messages and alerts relevant. The relevance of alerts is controlled by users through the selection of specific schemes on the system; Neighbourhood watch is one popular choice but there are also groups for Community Speed Watch, Youth Clubs and Groups, Church Watch, Horse Watch, Farm Watch and many others.  All can be selected or deselected as required and all have the ability for you to feed intelligence to crime prevention partners. It should be emphasised that Community Messaging is not a way of reporting crimes - always call 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency situation. Community Messaging doesn’t replace the social media activity that the force uses to reach out to communities but works alongside it to make sure that messages are received in a timely way.  With changes to the algorithms that the leading social media platforms use to distribute information you are possibly seeing far fewer of the posts issued than you did five years ago.  By signing up to Community Messaging you will be sure to receive the information directly.  www.wiltsmessaging.co.uk   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564         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.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Sat, 28 Sep 2019 10:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2504 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2502/Broad-Town-News--September-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2502 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2502&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2502/Broad-Town-News--September-2019 September 2019                                              BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Sunday Sep 1 10.30am Tockenham Benefice Communion & Patronal Festival           St Giles                                   Wednesday Sep 4 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Church                             Sunday Sep 8 8am Broad Town Said Communion M Green / S Richards C Green C Green M Manley M Manley Education Sunday 10.30am Tockenham Communion           Trinity 12 10.30am Hilmarton All Age Service                             Sunday Sep 15 10.30am Hilmarton Communion           Trinity 13 6pm Clyffe Pypard Harvest                             Sunday Sep 22 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Trinity 14 10.30am Broad Town Sung Communion C Marshall / F Holness J Wallis D Marshall M Manley C Marshall   6pm Tockenham Evening Service                             Sunday Sep 29 10.30am Lyneham Benefice Communion & Patronal Festival           St Michael and All Angels                                   Monday Sep 30 9.15am Broad Town School Harvest Service             Coffee Rota –22nd Sept - C & J Rendell.   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   OCTOBER 2019 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the September edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20th IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED         ON THE BELLY OF THE WHALE One of my favourite bible stories is the book of Jonah.  I knew bits of the story, long before I had read it in the bible from picture books of Jonah and the Whale, and so in my imagination I always imagined Jonah as looking a little bit like Geppetto in Disney’s Pinocchio. In my late teens I read a very beautiful medieval poem, written in the late 14th century, called Pacience (Patience) which uses the story of Jonah.  This meant that studying English Literature required me to read the bible story.  The story of grumpy, impatient Jonah who is miserable even when everything works out (if you don’t know the whole story you’ll have to read it to find out) made me giggle at its charm, and I have loved it ever since, especially when I’m a bit fed up, or feeling stuck in the Belly of the Whale. Later still when I was baptised and began to try and become a Christian I read Jonah again and as well as still enjoying the comedy of the story I discovered commentaries from both Jewish and Christian writers that note the connections with experiences of mental ill-health or depression or a period of deep reflection or soul-searching that might be portrayed through the story. In the belly of the whale it looks as if nothing is happening to Jonah and yet after his three days – Jonah is transformed, at least for a little while.  Times of deep reflection may be crucial to help us move forward or simply to understand and accept the way things are for us. September will see lots of people moving onto new things and places – going away to college or university, starting at secondary school whether for the first time or for the beginning of a new school year.  I will be keeping the children who left Broad Town and Hilmarton primary schools in my prayers in this time of transition. For everyone who faces change I hope most of all that things go well, but if there are moments when they don’t, when you find yourself stuck in the belly of the whale that you will find that in those more difficult times too, patience and reflection time (even if you don’t choose them) bring resilience, courage and fresh energy for the tasks of life. 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   FAREWELL In August we said “Farewell” to Fiona Fraser who was born and lived at Goldborough Farm.  She attended Broad Town School and then Bentley Grammar School, Calne.  She was married in Christ Church, Broad Town but then went to live in Wootton Bassett. She was into Folk Music and was a caller for a Barn Dance Group.  She is survived by a son and daughter.     THOMAS SPACKMAN EDUCATIONAL TRUST GRANT Do you know a young person in the Clyffe Pypard or Broad Town area who would benefit from a grant from The Thomas Spackman Educational Trust? The Charity’s main focus is education or work-related training and apprenticeships but it could also help to develop a particular talent; perhaps help fund tuition in a musical instrument or even to develop a sporting skill. Applying is very easy. If you wish to find out more about the application process, please email spackmancharity@gmail.com or contact Karen Hawkins 01793 853895. All formal applications need to be in by the end of September 2019. The next opportunity to apply will be March 2020.   CHURCH WORK MORNINGS 2019 Thank you to everyone for their hard work in August, at the work morning on 10th and at other times during the month.  Our final planned work morning for this year will be on 21st September.   DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 3rd Sept            Weekly Swing Dance Classes commence 9th Sept             BT PC Meeting 11th Sept           Community Coffee Morning 14th Sept           Church Coffee Morning 21st Sept           Graveyard Working Morning 25th Sept           Community Coffee Morning for Macmillan 28th Sept           Hilmarton Moviola 28th Sept           Gentlemen’s Breakfast Club 30th Sept           Spackman Charity application closing date 30th Sept           School Harvest Service   CHURCH COFFEE MORNING This year the “Ride and Stride” fundraising activity is on September 14th.  So that is the date of the next coffee morning in case anyone visits the Church. We look forward to seeing people there for the usual refreshments, sales table and chatter.   RIDE AND STRIDE 2019 This will take place on Saturday 14th September.  Half money raised goes to Broad Town Church or a church of your choice and the other half to the Wiltshire historic churches trust.  For further information and sponsor forms please contact Carolyn on 852754 PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Good Energy Community Fund – next round of grant applications The new Advisory Group who will advise the Parish Council on grant giving has now been set up. Any community groups wishing to apply for a grant from our Good Energy Community Fund should contact the Parish Clerk for an application form and send it back by 23 September. Grants will be awarded at the October Parish Council meeting, on the 14 October. Gigaclear Broad Town residents will have received a letter from Gigaclear about the upcoming works to install the network for full fibre broadband in the village.  We are still waiting for the specific details on the schedule of works and hope to be able to communicate this after we have met with Gigaclear on the 9th September. Winter Preparations.  Although it is still August, we have started to think about what we might need to ensure we are equipped to cope with the winter weather.  The Parish Council will ensure that the usual things such as full salt bins are taken care of. However we wondered whether there were people in the village interested in helping to develop and then execute a more robust Community Resilience Plan.  We will only be able to do this if we have volunteers to help make it happen so if you are interested please email the Parish Clerk. The next Parish Council meeting is 9th September at 6.30pm in the Village Hall.  Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.   BROAD TOWN FOOTPATH WORKING GROUP The Broad Town Footpath Working Group has been set up as an official working group of the Parish Council, working with support from Wiltshire Council Rights of Way team.  The aim of the group over the coming months and years is to repair, improve and maintain as much of the parish’s network of footpaths and bridleways as is possible.  As the project gets up and running, volunteers will be invited to assist with tasks around the parish.  As an official working group we benefit from being covered by the PC’s insurance while out working. We are now preparing tasks to be tackled during autumn/winter 2019 and we have set aside the following days to work on some of them.  No skills are required, training and tools can be provided where necessary. 28 September, 26 October and 23 November Residents of the parish who are interested in joining us can contact Councillor Malcolm Holland in the first instance to register an interest, on 01793 731567 or email maholl200@aol.com We have been working over the last couple of weeks on clearing undergrowth on footpath BTOW28, from behind Brewery Cottage alongside the Manor Farm field.  It would be good if it could start to be walked more, to keep the undergrowth down; there is nothing better than using the paths to keep them passable!     COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Welcome back to the Community Coffee Morning, held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month in the village hall between 10am and 12 noon! Hope you have enjoyed the Summer despite the unsettled weather. Dates for September, Wednesday September 11th, Wednesday September 25th when we will raise money for The Big MacMillan Coffee Morning Thank you to everyone who joined us for the last coffee morning in July.  We were able to send £250 to the Swindon Parkinsons group.   HARVEST SUPPER In Village Hall on Saturday 5th October at 6.45pm for 7pm.  Tickets £10, Children under 16 - £5. Three Course Meal, Bar, Entertainment and Raffle. Tickets on sale now from Margaret & Ray Manley. Tel:  731564 - ONLY 16 LEFT Proceeds to Christ Church, Broad Town. – Helping to keep your Church open.   HARVEST TEA AND SONGS OF PRAISE - 13TH OCTOBER We hope to have a good congregation for the village Harvest Tea and Songs of Praise. This will give us the chance of a rousing sing to welcome in the Harvest and send away the cobwebs before the winter.  So, see you all there (whether you can sing or not).  The tea is at 5pm and the Songs of Praise at 6pm.   FOUR WAYS: OUR COMMUNITY PUB IN BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL  BAR EVERY FRIDAY 8pm-late – EVERYONE WELCOME: meet new friends, catch up with your neighbours!  Table tennis, pool, dartboard and table football – FREE TO PLAY. Classic 60s-90s music vids or sports on our two-metre cinema screen.  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 a range of chocolate bars, crisps, nuts etc. BINGO EVERY SUNDAY – eyes down 7.30pm; last ball 9.30pm approx.  Support your local non-profit: unlike commercial Bingo, every pound you flutter is returned to our players: stakes from £1.25, prizes can be over £50. More participants = bigger winnings! Never played? It’s easy for beginners – we’ll show you how! 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 fourwaysbroadtown@gmail.com ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown   BROAD TOWN WI 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 gentleman’s breakfast club is back after their summer break and the first meeting will be Saturday 28 September to be held, as usual, 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 and our first Speaker of the season is Owen Collier who comes highly recommended.  Please book by Wednesday 23 September – email:  davemay104@yahoo.co.uk   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday September 28th Fisherman’s Friends (12) 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   LINDY HOP DANCING WEEKLY SWING DANCE CLASSES AT BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL START TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD 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 starts Tuesday September 3rd 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 starts Tuesday September 3rd 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 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.   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.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Wed, 28 Aug 2019 20:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2502 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2499/Broad-Town-News--August-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2499 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2499&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2499/Broad-Town-News--August-2019 August 2019                                BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Sunday Aug 4 9am Tockenham Family Communion           Transfiguration 10.30am Broad Town All Age Service M Manley / C Green D Marshall   J Rendell J Jordan   10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion             6pm Hilmarton Evening Service                             Wednesday Aug 7 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Church                             Sunday Aug 11 10.30am Hilmarton Benefice Communion & Patronal Festival           St Laurence                                   Sunday Aug 18 10.30am Hilmarton Communion           Trinity 9 6pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday Aug 25 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Trinity 10 10.30am Broad Town Sung Communion R Holness / R Manley J Wallis J Drury J Rendell P Lewis   6pm Tockenham Evening Service             Coffee Rota – 4th Aug - J & C Oldfield; 25th Aug - C & M Green. 22nd Sept - C & J Rendell.   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   SEPTEMBER 2019 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the September edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY AUGUST 23rd IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED           ON RESULTS August is the month when the results of public exams come out – A levels on 15th, BTECs on 21st and GCSEs on 22nd. Sometimes it feels as if large parts of our lives, even if we are no longer worried about exams is measured by outcomes.  This might be as a student, or as a friend or a relative, in our workplaces, or by our cholesterol level or our waistlines. Sometimes people still cherish an experience of success (I’m very proud of a certificate for chutney making from a Bushton Produce Show, although based on this year’s attempts that may have been luck rather than skill) Sometimes people still harbour a sense of disappointment remembering a long distant 11 plus, or failed driving test. The danger is that it can seem as if our worth as human depends on these assessments.  Of course, it’s nice for hard work to get results, to do well, to be praised, and to achieve. Yet the real challenges of success and failure might be very different.  How do you measure happy? How can you assess the value of kindness?  How do you measure the achievement of learning to live again after loss of a loved one or serious illness?  How can anyone assess progress on their spiritual journey through life? It hurts when I fail and yet failure liberates me to learn to fail better the next time; success sometimes does nothing more than pile on the pressure to keep succeeding or opens a gap between an inner sense of value and the outer assessment by the world. Most wonderful is friendship and love that don’t change whether I’m failing or succeeding. A small kindness can be enough to completely lift a mood and most of us will know how precious are the gifts nurtured by those who seem to have set aside success in order to care for others – in fostering children, caring for the elderly, being friendly to a lonely neighbour, in cherishing a pet or a plant and in helping a community to flourish. Whatever results you wait for, may you discover rewards in any failures and know your true worth is in the uniqueness of the human being that you are. 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   CHURCH WORK MORNINGS 2019 Thank you to everyone for all their hard work in July.  The favourable comments we regularly receive are very much appreciated.  The next work morning will be on Saturday 10th August 9.30 – 12.00.  Further details - contact Ray Manley Tel: 731564.     DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 10th Aug            Church yard tidy 20th Aug            Meeting re. Goddard Arms 24th Aug            BT Village Hall chair cleaning 2nd Sep             School TT Day 3rd Sep             Children Back to School 11th Sep            BT Community Coffee Morning 14th Sep            Ride and Stride Church Coffee Morning 28th Sep            BT Footpath Workday 30th Sep            School Harvest Service 5th Oct              Harvest Supper 13th Oct            Tea and Harvest Service at Church 26th Oct            BT Footpath Workday 23rd Nov            BT Footpath Workday   BROAD TOWN FOOTPATH WORKING GROUP The Broad Town Footpath Working Group has been set up as an official working group of the Parish Council, working with support from Wiltshire Council Rights of Way team.  The aim of the group over the coming months and years is to repair, improve and maintain as much of the parish’s network of footpaths and bridleways as is possible.  As the project gets up and running, volunteers will be invited to assist with tasks around the parish.  As an official working group we benefit from being covered by the PC’s insurance while out working. We are now preparing tasks to be tackled during autumn/winter 2019 and we have set aside the following days to work on some of them.  No skills are required, training and tools can be provided where necessary. 28 September, 26 October and 23 November Residents of the parish who are interested in joining us can contact Councillor Malcolm Holland in the first instance to register an interest, on 01793 731567 or email maholl200@aol.com We have been working over the last couple of weeks on clearing undergrowth on footpath BTOW28, from behind Brewery Cottage alongside the Manor Farm field.  It would be good if it could start to be walked more, to keep the undergrowth down; there is nothing better than using the paths to keep them passable!   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Reminder – we are closed for August. The next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 11th September Thank you to everyone who has supported us in any way this year.  It is much appreciated.  Enjoy the rest of the summer and see you in September.   RIDE AND STRIDE COFFEE MORNING The Church Coffee Shop will be open for business on Sat Sept 14th for the usual delectable tea, coffee, cake and conversation. The doors will be open from 10am till noon. There will be the usual sales table and activities for the children. RIDE AND STRIDE 2019 This will take place on Saturday 14th September.  Half money raised goes to Broad Town Church or a church of your choice and the other half to the Wiltshire historic churches trust.  For further information and sponsor forms please contact Carolyn on 852754   BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL On Saturday 24th August at 9.00am, we are having a chair cleaning session. Anyone willing to help would be most welcome.  Cleaning materials will be supplied, all we need is elbow grease!   HARVEST SUPPER In the Village Hall on Saturday 5th October at 6.45pm for 7.00pm.  Tickets £10, Children under 16 £5. 3 Course Meal, Bar, Entertainment and Raffle.  Tickets on sale now from Margaret & Ray Manley. Tel: 731564 Proceeds to Christ Church, Broad Town.  – Helping to keep your Church open.   SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY A group of villagers including Rosemary & Andrew Law, Annette Moore, Lesley Blackburn and Paul & Anne Granger are aiming to raise over £1,000 to support the fantastic work of the Alzheimer’s Society by taking on their Trek26Stonehenge challenge.  We will be walking 13 miles in tough terrain (i.e. scrambling up and down steep hills!) around Salisbury and Warminster on Saturday 31st August 2019.  Google Trek26Stonehenge if you want to see what it’s all about. How you can support us Sponsor us directly using our Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rosemary-law4 Join in fundraising social events including the Family Pub Quiz Night on Friday 19th July in the Village Hall.  Details are listed in this newsletter. Donate a raffle prize for the pub quiz night and get your name, or your business name, in the listings.  Speak with any of us if you can donate a raffle prize or email paulg0196@hotmail.co.uk   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564   BROAD TOWN WI 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.   THE GODDARD ARMS, CLYFFE PYPARD As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, a group of people are trying to raise support to buy The Goddard Arms in Clyffe Pypard.  The group has until November to raise the funds and negotiate to buy it. The Plunkett Foundation is a charity that specialises in supporting community lead projects and they have started to provide some useful advice.  We need to understand what sort of pub the community wants and how much support it has.  It would be helpful if anyone who is interested could complete a short online questionnaire:  www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DJPBHGM A community meeting is planned for Tuesday 20th August at the Clyffe Pypard Village Hall, where we will share the results of the questionnaire and provide more details on how we can all save the pub.  To register your interest or if you would like to be involved either as an investor, a helper or a customer then please contact Dianne at the Clyffe Pypard Parish Council clyffepypardpc@hotmail.com   GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The Gentleman’s Full English Breakfast Club is now having a summer break. All being well, we will meet again in September 2019 at the REME Museum Crown’s café at MOD Lyneham.  Further details will be published in the September edition of BT News. Contact David May, davemay104@yahoo.co.uk for further information or if you would like to attend.   FITSTEPS Every Tuesday 12.00 – 12.45 in Village Hall – Get fit the “Strictly” way - £5     LINDY HOP DANCING Don’t forget your footwear! Make sure you have comfy and supportive shoes but not too grippy on the soles. Fortnightly Classes at Broad Town Village Hall Classes: Beginners Lindy Hop Tuesdays 7.15 pm to 8.30pm, 8.30pm to 8.45pm practice session Price £7 per person per class For anyone wanting to learn the basic 6-beat and 8-beat Lindy Hop Rhythm and some 8-beat Charleston moves. Suitable for anyone wanting to learn partner dancing.   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.   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.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Fri, 26 Jul 2019 10:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2499 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2494/Broad-Town-News--July-2019--Accompanying-Flyer#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2494 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2494&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2494/Broad-Town-News--July-2019--Accompanying-Flyer   Community Coffee Morning Wednesday 24th July 10.00  -  12.00 In Village Hall raising money for   Parkinsons - UK   Swindon & District Branch    Over 41 years supporting those affected by Parkinson’s in the Swindon Area.   BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 27 Jun 2019 11:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2494 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2493/Broad-Town-News--July-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2493 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2493&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2493/Broad-Town-News--July-2019 July 2019                                     BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Wednesday Jul 3 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Church                             Sunday Jul 7 9am Tockenham Family Communion           Trinity 3 10.30am Broad Town All Age Service D Marshall / C Green C Green   C Marshall C Crocker   10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion             6pm Hilmarton Evening Service                             Sunday Jul 14 8am Broad Town Said Communion M Green / S Richards S Richards S Richards M Green M Green Trinity 4 10.30am Tockenham Communion             10.30am Hilmarton All Age Service                             Sunday Jul 21 10.30am Hilmarton Communion           Trinity 5 6pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Thursday Jul 25 1.15pm Broad Town School leavers service                             Sunday Jul 28 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Trinity 6 10.30am Broad Town Sung Communion R Manley / F Holness J Wallis D Marshall M Green F Holness   6pm Tockenham Evening Service             Coffee Rota – - 7th July - R & M Manley; 28th July - R & F Holness; 4th Aug - J & C Oldfield; 25th Aug - C & M Green.   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   AUGUST 2019 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the August edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY JULY 19th IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED         ON MIND AND BODY I’ve always felt ambivalent about the phrase ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’ probably because I wasn’t a very sporty child. In addition, I’ve been aware of many people who live with a less than healthy body or mind because of illness or disability which isn’t in their control.  Yet over this year I’ve made an effort to get fitter, joining a couch to 5 km group with the Bassett Hounds - I still haven’t got to 5 km yet – and spending an unexpected PPI windfall on some 1 to 1 training in a gym with Libby Matthews – I recommend both very highly.  I’ve no idea if my mind is in better shape (!) but I certainly feel more resilient and that’s been helpful when my mother in law died in May and I noticed that feeling a bit stronger and a bit fitter helps me be less grumpy (this may not yet be noticeable to anyone other than myself!) so I was really interested when I looked up the source of that ‘mens sana in corpore sano’ quote to see a link with virtue.  You should pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body.  Ask for a stout heart that has no fear of death, and deems length of days the least of Nature's gifts that can endure any kind of toil, that knows neither wrath nor desire and thinks the woes and hard labours of Hercules better than the loves and banquets and downy cushions of Sardanapalus What I commend to you, you can give to yourself; For assuredly, the only road to a life of peace is virtue.  From the Roman poet, Decimus Junius Juvenal Satire X Dates around 55-130 AD/ CE In the New Testament there is a phrase often translated ‘life everlasting’ that some scholars think would be better translated ‘life abundant’ or ‘life in all its fullness’.  May the second half of 2019 help us all to lead lives of greater fullness and virtue. https://www.royalwoottonbassetthounds.co.uk https://www.libby-pt.biz/ 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 731134   THANK YOU Rachma and Steven would like to thank Ben of BTD Plumbing and Heating and Paul who did the tiling for the lovely shower that they've installed for us at the vicarage. Excellent value, done swiftly and attractively in a tricky space and they tidied up wonderfully too.   CHURCH WORK MORNINGS 2019 Thank you to everyone who did a splendid job in June and our next one will be on 13th July.     DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 5th July              BT School TT Day 7th July              Rosie’s Big Irish Breakfast 8th July              BT PC meeting 10th July            BT Community Coffee Morning 13th July            Graveyard Working Party 15th July            Remembrance service for George May RWB 19th July            BT Family Pub Quiz 24th July            BT Community Coffee Morning 25th July            BT School Leavers’ Service 27th July            Hilmarton Moviola 24th Aug            Village Hall Chair Cleaning Session 11th Sept           BT Community Coffee Morning   MARKET STALL Thanks to all who gave items to sell on the market stall and to all who supported it. £249 was banked as profit.   THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR GEORGE MAY As many of you will be aware, George died in January aged 97.  Although he lived in RWB he was a great supporter of the church in Broad Town.  A service of thanksgiving has been arranged in St Bartholomew’s Church, RWB on Monday 15thJuly at 2pm to which everyone is welcome.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Look forward to seeing you in July. The dates are: Wednesday 10th July and Wednesday 24th July when we will be raising money for the Parkinsons charity. Please note this will be the last CCM before our summer break through August. We will be back again on September 11th   BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL On Saturday 24th August at 9.00am, we are having a chair cleaning session. Anyone willing to help would be most welcome.  Cleaning materials will be supplied, all we need is elbow grease! WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564   SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY A group of villagers including Rosemary & Andrew Law, Annette Moore, Lesley Blackburn and Paul & Anne Granger are aiming to raise over £1,000 to support the fantastic work of the Alzheimer’s Society by taking on their Trek26Stonehenge challenge.  We will be walking 13 miles in tough terrain (i.e. scrambling up and down steep hills!) around Salisbury and Warminster on Saturday 31st August 2019.  Google Trek26Stonehenge if you want to see what it’s all about. How you can support us Sponsor us directly using our Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rosemary-law4 Join in fundraising social events including the Family Pub Quiz Night on Friday 19th July in the Village Hall.  Details are listed in this newsletter. Donate a raffle prize for the pub quiz night and get your name, or your business name, in the listings.  Speak with any of us if you can donate a raffle prize or email paulg0196@hotmail.co.uk   BROAD TOWN WI 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.   THE GODDARD ARMS, CLYFFE PYPARD The Goddard Arms in Clyffe Pypard has been closed for several years.  It was a very popular destination for people from Broad Town and other surrounding villages.  I know that many of us have hoped that it would re-open.  In May the current owner informed Wiltshire Council that she wished to sell the pub.  A community group now has until November to raise the funds and negotiate to buy it.  If a community group fails to buy the pub by November, then the owner can put the pub on the open market. A group of people interested in saving the pub met in Clyffe Pypard in June.  If you would like to be involved either as an investor, a helper, a customer or if you just want to be kept informed then please contact Dianne at the Clyffe Pypard Parish Council clyffepypardpc@hotmail.com     PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Good Energy Community Fund – volunteers needed for new Advisory Group At the moment, applications for grants from our Community Fund are reviewed by the Parish Council.  Moving forward we would like to establish an Advisory Group made up of people in the village to review applications and then make recommendations to the Parish Council, who will remain legally responsible for the management of the fund.  Our hope in doing this is that more voices can be heard and that different types of community projects and initiatives come forward for funding.  The Advisory Group will decide how it wants to operate but it is likely that it will only need to meet twice a year.  If you would like to be part of this Group and play a key role in helping community ideas get the funding they need, then please contact the Parish Clerk (BTPCClerk@outlook.com) Speed Indicator Device Wiltshire Highways will soon be in the village to extend 4 of the posts on the Broad Town Road which currently have a 30 miles per hour sign on them so that they can also take the Speed Indicator Device (SID) that we are installing to remind vehicles to watch their speed.  These posts are at Broadacres, opposite the School, outside Marlborough House and at Chapel Lane. There are also two existing extended posts which can also be used for the SID – outside the Church and by the bench outside Church Farmhouse.  It is recommended that the SID is moved on a regular basis to prevent its effectiveness wearing out, so having a number of posts available to site it on will be very valuable in our efforts to reduce speeding traffic through our village. The MyWiltshire App The best way to report issues with fly tipping, hedge and verges, highways such as drains and pavements, potholes, litter etc., is the MyWiltshire App as this allows the exact location and photographs to be captured.  The App can be downloaded from the normal phone app stores.  More information is available at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywiltshire-download.  The Parish Steward can also undertake small maintenance work in the village and he is next scheduled to be in Broad Town on July 16 and 17.  If you know of any jobs that he could do (using hand tools only) then please let the Parish Clerk know so we can brief him. The next Parish Council meeting is 8th July at 18.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday July 27th Sometimes Always Never (12) 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     GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The Gentleman’s Full English Breakfast Club is now having a summer break. All being well, we will meet again in September 2019 at the REME Museum Crown’s café at MOD Lyneham.  Further details will be published in the August edition of BT News. Contact David May, davemay104@yahoo.co.uk for further information or if you would like to attend.   FITSTEPS Every Tuesday 12.00 – 12.45 in Village Hall – Get fit the “Strictly” way - £5   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   LINDY HOP DANCING Don’t forget your footwear! Make sure you have comfy and supportive shoes but not too grippy on the soles. Fortnightly Classes at Broad Town Village Hall Classes: Beginners Lindy Hop Tuesdays 7.15 pm to 8.30pm, 8.30pm to 8.45pm practice session Price £7 per person per class For anyone wanting to learn the basic 6-beat and 8-beat Lindy Hop Rhythm and some 8-beat Charleston moves. Suitable for anyone wanting to learn partner dancing.   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.       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.   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. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Thu, 27 Jun 2019 11:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2493 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2489/Broad-Town-News--June-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2489 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2489&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2489/Broad-Town-News--June-2019 June 2019                                    BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Sunday Jun 2 10.30am Bradenstoke Benefice Communion & Patronal Festival           Visit of Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth                                   Wednesday Jun 5 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Church                             Sunday Jun 9 10.30am Tockenham Communion           Pentecost 10.30am Hilmarton All Age Service             6pm Broad Town Evening Service C Marshall / R Manley C Green   C Bettinson J Rendell                   Sunday Jun 16 10.30am Hilmarton Communion           Trinity 6pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday Jun 23 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Trinity 1 10.30am Broad Town Communion M Green / M Manley J Wallis C Green C Marshall C Bettinson   6pm Tockenham Songs of Praise                             Sunday Jun 30 10.30am Clyffe Pypard Benefice Communion & Patronal Festival           St Peter                   Coffee Rota – 23rd June - Judy Rendell.   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   JULY 2019 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the July edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY JUNE 21st IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED           FAREWELL TO ALISON TURNBULL It was a crowded Church of congregation to say a last “Goodbye” to Alison who was only in her 60s.  She served the community as an RAF Nurse.  She leaves behind a husband and 3 sons.   CHURCH WORK MORNINGS 2019 Thank you to everyone who did a splendid job in May and our next one will be on 8 June.   DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 5th June             Market Stall 8th June             Churchyard tidying 11th June           BT PC Meeting 12th June           Community Coffee Morning 22nd June          Hilmarton Moviola - The Keeper 26th June           Community Coffee Morning 1st July              BT PCC Meeting 7th July              Rosie’s Big Irish Breakfast 10th July            Community Coffee Morning 19th July            BT Family Pub Quiz 24th July            Community Coffee Morning   CHURCH COFFEE MORNING AND PLANT SALE We would like to express our thanks to all who supported the Church at the coffee morning and plant sale. The total raised was a magnificent £570.80 of which £375 comes from the plant sale in the garden of Colin and Judy Rendell. Well done to them.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Dates for June: Wednesday June 12th - Wednesday June 26th Future date for your diary On Wednesday 24th July we will be raising money for the Parkinsons charity. This will be our last CCM before our summer break through August.   MARKET STALL Judy Rendell will be running another market stall in Royal Wootton Bassett on June 5th to raise money for the Church. We need donations of Cakes, Bric a Brac, Toys and Games, Good Quality Clothes or anything that we can sell. Please contact Judy on 01793 731341   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564   FAREWELL FROM OUR HEALTH & WELLBEING CHAMPION It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that I have resigned my position of Health and Wellbeing Champion for the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Community Area.  It is not a decision I have made lightly but I feel that now is the right time for me to try to make more time for myself and family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all so much for welcoming me into your communities and for working with me through referrals etc for the good of the residents. With the above in mind, can you put these words into the magazines for me please?  On a personal note, I still rave about the magazines.  I believe they are the lifeblood of rural communities, never underestimate their/your importance! Ellen Blacker, Health and Wellbeing Champion   SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY A group of villagers including Rosemary & Andrew Law, Annette Moore, Lesley Blackburn and Paul & Anne Granger are aiming to raise over £1,000 to support the fantastic work of the Alzheimer’s Society by taking on their Trek26Stonehenge challenge.  We will be walking 13 miles in tough terrain (i.e. scrambling up and down steep hills!) around Salisbury and Warminster on Saturday 31st August 2019.  Google Trek26Stonehenge if you want to see what it’s all about. How you can support us Sponsor us directly using our Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rosemary-law4 Join in fundraising social events including Big Irish Breakfast at Rosie’s on7th July or the Family Pub Quiz Night on Friday 19th July in the Village Hall.  Details are listed in this newsletter. Donate a raffle prize for the pub quiz night and get your name, or your business name, in the listings.  Speak with any of us if you can donate a raffle prize or email paulg0196@hotmail.co.uk  Bookings are now being taken for Rosie’s  ‘Big Irish Breakfast’ In aid of Alzheimer’s Society Book your seat @ Rosie’s table - 1 Pye Lane and enjoy a full IRISH Breakfast ! SUNDAY 7th JULY Sittings every half hour from 8-11am.  All profits to Alzheimer’s Society Minimum contribution of £10p.p Bookings essential, first come first served Contact rosiehlaw@gmail.com Family PUB Quiz Friday July 19th Broad Town Village Hall 7.30-11.00; doors open 7pm Open to families, friends and neighbours.  Entry fee: £3 per person, payable on the door. Questions on general knowledge, sport, music; joker rounds; picture and sound clues Raffle and spot prizes.  Teams of 4 – 8. Put your own team together or we’ll add you to a team on the night Hosted by Broad Town Social Club - cash bar available All profits to Alzheimer’s Society   BROAD TOWN WI 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.   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday June 22nd The Keeper (15) 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   GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The Gentleman’s Full English Breakfast Club is now having a summer break. All being well, we will meet again in September 2019 at the REME Museum Crown’s café at MOD Lyneham.  Further details will be published in the August edition of BT News. Contact David May, davemay104@yahoo.co.uk for further information or if you would like to attend. PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Planning Application – number 19/03874/OUT The Parish Council received notification on 1st May via email from Wiltshire Council of a planning application for the land south of Broad Town primary school for a residential development of up to 10 entry-level affordable dwellings, with associated access roads and car parking, a community car park, a publicly accessible village green, landscaping, drainage and other associated infrastructure. The Parish Council and residents can comment on the application up to 6 June and the documentation is at http://planning.wiltshire.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx. Follow this link and then enter the planning application number 19/03874/OUT. As this is a significant development proposal for our village we would encourage everyone to look at what is being proposed and to voice their opinion to Wiltshire Planning.  You can do this by either completing the online form or by writing to Catherine Blow, Wiltshire Planning, Monkton Park, Chippenham SN15 1ER. Our Parish Council meeting on the 13 May was an opportunity to share the analysis that Councillors had done to date on the application and to hear the views of residents from all parts of the village.  The Parish Council will be objecting to the planning application based on our concerns that There is no need for this housing in Broad Town and that the application significantly overstates the suitability of Broad Town for commuter entry level housing. It will substantially increase traffic and car journeys. It will irreversibly change the peaceful environment around our school, grade 2 listed church and graveyard, and impact on views of the White Horse and down from the AONB. It will increase the risk of flooding both in Broad Town and Thornhill. The application runs counter to the Wiltshire Core Planning Strategy which only permits infill housing in small villages like ours and not residential housing developments. There is no need for a village green as we have several community green spaces which includes a well-used, well maintained playing field. The 36 space car park will only be used exceptionally rarely and will have a large visual impact on the surrounding area. The maintenance and security of both the proposed village green and car park will increase the amount residents pay in the annual precept. Wiltshire Highways have advised that cars parked on the road by the school during peak times when children are going to or leaving school are a valuable traffic calming measure. We will be correcting inaccurate facts contained in the application about our village that mis-represent the village views on additional housing within the village. It should be noted that residents of Broad Town have no priority access to this housing. We have spoken to Wiltshire Planning and they are keen to hear the views of as many people in the village as possible.  So please take the opportunity to have your say before 6 June. Parish Steward The Parish Steward team will be in Broad Town next on 17/18 June. If you know of any suitable jobs for them to undertake (which can be completed with hand tools) then please email the Parish Clerk on BTPCclerk@outlook.com by the 1st June. Football Goal Posts We are delighted to say that the new Football goal posts are now installed and we hope users of the playing field will enjoy testing them out! The next Parish Council meeting is 11th June at 18.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.   FOUR WAYS: OUR COMMUNITY PUB in Broad Town Village Hall BAR EVERY FRIDAY 8.15pm-late – OPEN TO ALL! Classic 60s-90s music vids or sports on our two-metre cinema screen.  Draught pints of Wadworth 6X and Carlsberg £2.60; various ciders, lagers, wine, spirits, fruit juice, squash, fizzy drinks, Aero hot chocolate, Tetley tea, Nescafe cappuccino, coffee & decaf always available.  Our fully licensed bar is available for your village hall event (usually four weeks’ notice usually required please, may be flexible in cases of unforeseen events).  Contact: Trevor on 01793 731699 • ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown BINGO EVERY SUNDAY – eyes down 7.30pm; PLEASE NOTE NEW EARLIER FINISH: last ball 9pm-ish!  Support your local non-profit: unlike commercial Bingo, every pound you flutter is returned to our players.  We regularly have over 24 players per session - always room for plenty more!  So come along: more posteriors on seats means bigger prizes.  Modest stakes, winnings can be over £60!  Participants from beyond Broad Town always especially welcome. Never played before?  It’s easy for beginners – we’ll show you how!   FITSTEPS Every Tuesday 12.00 – 12.45 in Village Hall – Get fit the “Strictly” way - £5   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       LINDY HOP DANCING Don’t forget your footwear! Make sure you have comfy and supportive shoes but not too grippy on the soles. Fortnightly Classes at Broad Town Village Hall Classes: Beginners Lindy Hop Tuesdays 7.15 pm to 8.30pm, 8.30pm to 8.45pm practice session Price £7 per person per class For anyone wanting to learn the basic 6-beat and 8-beat Lindy Hop Rhythm and some 8-beat Charleston moves. Suitable for anyone wanting to learn partner dancing.   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.   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.   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. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 28 May 2019 20:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2489 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2482/Broad-Town-News--May-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2482 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2482&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2482/Broad-Town-News--May-2019 May 2019                                      BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Wed May 1 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Church           Philip and James                                   Sunday May 5 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Easter 3 9am Tockenham Family Communion             10.30am Broad Town All Age Service R Manley / F Holness R Manley   C Oldfield C Oldfield   6pm Hilmarton Evening Service                             Sunday May 12 8am Broad Town Said Communion C Green / S Richards S Richards S Richards C Bettinson M Manley Easter 4 10.30am Tockenham Communion             10.30am Hilmarton All Age Service                             Sunday May 19 10.30am Hilmarton Communion           Easter 5 6pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday May 26 10.30am Lyneham Rogation Communion followed by an all Parishes lunch in the Church Hall           Rogation                                   Thursday May 30 7.30am Hilmarton Benefice Communion followed by breakfast           Ascension Day 9.30am Lyneham Communion             Coffee Rota – 5th May - C & J Oldfield.   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   JUNE 2019 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the June edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY May 24th IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED         ON THE BEAUTY OF SMALL As a child I loved dollshouses and still have several of the miniatures that were part of mine in a display case, including a readable dollshouse bible (although you either need very good eyesight or a magnifying glass). Recently I came across the phenomenon of you tube videos of people cooking dolls house size, but real food (search for ‘tiny kitchen’ if you don’t believe me!) and watching a couple of these made me smile. It also reminded me of the beauty of ‘small’ in a world where ‘small’ can seem the opposite of what we’re supposed to be achieving:  I find myself exhorted to think big, see the bigger picture, do more. Yet it is in the small that I find delight and joy.  Often in the conversation with a smaller group or one to one; in the kindness of a child in one village who says in the playground – “I liked your message.” Of the kindness of a family at another village, who gave me some tea lights to use:  in case you need them in church again to help other people”; for being able to use those candles and share this kindness with a christening family in yet another village so that everyone who wanted could take a small candle away to light as a prayer. As the children’s song goes: “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine … you in your small corner and I in mine.” There is a beauty in small things, and often in small people, that might remind us, when we can’t manage anything bigger, of the value of the small kindness, the small gesture and how important and beautiful the small can be. Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand, so are a few years among the days of eternity. That is why the Lord is patient with them and pours out his mercy upon them* *Sirach 18:10-11 The Reverend Rachma Abbott Priest in Charge, Woodhill Benefice & Lyneham with Bradenstoke. The Vicarage Clyffe Pypard, SWINDON SN4 7PY.  01793 731134   CHURCH WORK MORNINGS 2019 There were 16 volunteers on 13 April and the weather was ideal to carry out all the planned tasks.  We will endeavour to keep the current appearance maintained over the summer months and thank you to everyone who worked so hard in April.  Our thanks also to Nigel for the first cut of the grass this year.  Next work morning 11 May.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Lovely to see so many people last month. Dates for May are: Wednesday 8th May, Wednesday 22nd May Coffee/tea and cakes - usual time 10am – 12 noon. Come and enjoy! DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 6th May             Bushton Manor Plant Sale 8th May             Community Coffee Morning 11th May           Graveyard Work Morning 13th May           BT PC Meeting 15th May           WI 18th May           Church Coffee Morning and Plant Sale 19th May           BT White Horse Liming 22nd May           Community Coffee Morning 25th May           Gentlemen’s Breakfast 25th May           Hilmarton Moviola 5th June             RWB Market Stall 8th June             Graveyard Work Morning 10th June           BT PCC Meeting 12th June           Community Coffee Morning 17th June           BT Annual Parish Meeting 26th June           Community Coffee Morning   FAREWELL TO MRS DAVINA MORRISON. “Div” was born in 1966 and was a niece to Joan Thomson.  She was a very active lady and one of her enjoyments was cooking.  She was married in Broad Town Church in 1999 and is survived by a husband and 2 sons.   THANK YOU TO JUDY & COLIN RENDELL Thanks to Judy & Colin Rendell for donating a wonderful raffle prize in the 2017 Christmas Draw that allowed us to spend 4 blissful days in their cottage on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast.  The cottage, views and weather were a wonderful treat!  Kate John & soghra bi   CHURCH COFFEE MORNING The next opening of the café will be on 18th May with the usual refreshments, raffle and sales table.  We will also have Jonathon Bastin with his lovely pictures. At the same time the plant stall will be up in Judy Rendell’s garden.  She will have a good mix of plants and her garden is only a few steps from the Church.   VILLAGE HALL REFURBISHMENT The planned improvements have now been completed and in April we took the opportunity at a Social Club evening and Community Coffee morning to say thank you to the following:- Community First (Wiltshire) who arranged a grant with The Hills Group Ltd for £8,000, The Area Board for a grant of £3,000, Broad Town Parish Council for a grant of £5,000 from the Good Energy Fund and Crapper and Sons Ltd for a grant of £2,500, also arranged by Community First.  Thanks also to Chris Moore and Mick Brundell (Moore Property Services) for their advice and carrying out the work to a very high standard.  For Hall bookings and enquiries please contact Nigel, Tel: 731281   PLANT FAIR AND OPEN GARDEN, BUSHTON MANOR, SN4 7PX Bank Holiday Monday May 6th 2019 11am -3pm.  Last year saw the second year running that we had over 1000 visitors to the Manor House Gardens. Once again there will be some 30 stalls with plants from specialist growers as well as those grown in local gardens.  Other stalls will include, garden related products, various crafts, cakes, second hand tools and unwanted but useable garden items. And for those who like to try their luck a tombola and a raffle.  You can make your purchases, leave them in the plant crèche and then enjoy wandering around the gardens of the 18th century Manor House before having home - made refreshments or a bacon butty from the BBQ. There will be outside games to keep young people occupied and dogs are allowed providing they are kept on leads.  Money raised will go towards the upkeep of St Peter’s Church the Grade 1 listed building in Clyffe Pypard.  Entrance £2. Children and car parking free. Further details  www.clyffepypard-bushton.com  or  0796 223 6678   BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE - LIMING - SUNDAY 19 MAY It is planned to carry out maintenance and liming of the White Horse on the morning of Sunday 19th May and the aim will be to tidy up the area and then apply lime to keep the Horse looking at its best.  The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participation will be limited to those who are physically fit and in good health.  We will also need to maintain attendance at a level that is consistent with safe operations. Would interested people please contact me via e-mail andrewlaw456@gmail.com or by phone 01793 731472.  Confirmation and details will be sent out nearer the date.   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564 MARKET STALL Judy Rendell will be running another market stall in Royal Wootton Bassett on June 5th 2019 to raise money for the Church. We need donations of Cakes, Bric a Brac, Toys and Games, Good Quality Clothes or anything that we can sell. Please contact Judy on 01793 731341   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.   BROAD TOWN WI 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.   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday May 25th Mary Poppins Returns (PG) 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   FITSTEPS Following a well attended taster session, it is planned to start a regular weekly session on either a Monday or Tuesday lunchtime. Contact Margaret, Tel: 731564 for more details - Get fit the “STRICTLY” way.   PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Projects update As you will be aware from our previous monthly updates, we are progressing with two main projects in the village at the moment – the installation of a Speed Indicator Device on Broad Town Road to encourage vehicles to check their speed and obey the 30 miles per hour speed limit, and the replacement of the Football goalposts on Redhills playing field.  Both projects are now at the point of implementation.  The goalposts will be installed shortly and we are awaiting a date from Wiltshire Council to fit out 5 existing posts on the main road to accommodate the SID. Wiltshire Online broadband programme Councillors have met with the Company, Gigaclear, who have been commissioned by Wiltshire Council to install the infrastructure to support access to a new ultrafast full fibre network in the county.  It appears that work in Broad Town has been delayed by around 4-8 weeks and at this point Gigaclear could not share any firm plans with us about where and when work would take place.  We will be keeping in close contact with them to ensure we can communicate the key information to you.  Any documents we receive from them we will be posting on the Village website so if you are particularly interested in this initiative please look out there. Advanced notice of road closure There will be a temporary road closure from 3-7 June in Thornhill to allow for Thames Water to carry out a new water connection. The closure will be at Swallow Barn for a distance of approximately 40 metres in a northernly direction. A diversion will be clearly signposted via the Barton. Access will be maintained for residents where possible. Dates for your diary The next Parish Council meeting is 13th May at 18.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided. Our Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Monday 17th June at 18.30pm in the Village Hall.  This is not a council meeting but is an opportunity for all village groups and associations to share with the village the activity they have undertaken in the past year and their plans for the future.  Everyone is welcome.  The Parish Clerk will be contacting village groups in the coming weeks to discuss the agenda.   GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The Gentleman’s Full English Breakfast Club will meet on Saturday 25th May 2019 at the REME Museum Crown’s café at MOD Lyneham.  No details of the speaker or the subject are currently available for this occasion.  9am for 9:30am start as usual. The cost is now £8pp. + a bottle raffle.  Contact David May, davemay104@yahoo.co.uk for further information or if you would like to attend.     HELLO Are you vulnerable?  I am! Really? I hear the cry!  From time to time we are all vulnerable for a variety of reasons. Driving alone at night is one which makes me aware that I am vulnerable – the workings of engines and cars remains a mystery to me – and long may that continue!!!!  No matter what age, living alone creates a number of risks and potential problems should things go wrong.  We all develop strategies to reduce the risk, it may be wearing a personal alarm, carrying a mobile phone everywhere, whatever it is, we cope. How about using the warmer weather to see what can be done in the local area?  Do you “know your neighbour”?  Would you notice if the bins weren’t put out?  When did you last see them?  What is their name?  Its about knowing someone to say hello to and being approachable if help is needed in an emergency.  It only takes a minute to say hello, who knows how much that could improve their feelings of vulnerability? Also to remind you all that 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. Ellen Blacker, Health and Wellbeing Champion   LINDY HOP DANCING Swingout Swindon (Cliff and Erica), have been running swing dance classes in Swindon for over 4 years.  For the last 2 years we have been teaching fortnightly in East Challow, Wantage. Recently we have been looking to fill the Tuesday gap and by popular demand we have decided to offer Broad Town and surrounding areas the chance to learn to dance. Our Lindy Hop classes are filled with smiles and laughter, along with some great moves to get you on that dance floor.  Although you require a partner to dance with, don’t worry, if you don’t have one to bring there will be plenty there, as we rotate everyone around throughout the lesson. Don’t forget your footwear! Make sure you have comfy and supportive shoes but not too grippy on the soles. Fortnightly Classes at Broad Town Village Hall Classes: Beginners Lindy Hop Tuesdays 7.15 pm to 8.30pm, 8.30pm to 8.45pm practice session Price £7 per person per class For anyone wanting to learn the basic 6-beat and 8-beat Lindy Hop Rhythm and some 8-beat Charleston moves. Suitable for anyone wanting to learn partner dancing.     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   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.   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. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 23 Apr 2019 19:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2482 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2480/Broad-Town-News--April-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2480 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2480&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2480/Broad-Town-News--April-2019 April 2019                                    BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.                   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Wednesday Apr 3 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Chapel                             Friday Apr 5 1.15pm Broad Town BT School Easter Service                             Sunday Apr 7 9am Tockenham Family Service           Lent 5 10.30am Broad Town All Age Service M Manley / C Green R Manley   M Manley Lent   10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion             6pm Hilmarton Evening Service                             Sunday Apr 14 10.30am Lyneham Communion with liturgy of palms and Passion Gospel           Palm Sunday                                   Thursday Apr 18 7.30pm Lyneham Communion with feet washing and stripping of the Sanctuary                             Friday Apr 19 10am Lyneham Walk of Witness           Good Friday 2.30pm Lyneham Meditation             2.30pm Lyneham Family Workshop                             Sunday Apr 21 9am Clyffe Pypard Communion           Easter Day 9am Tockenham Communion             10.30am Broad Town Communion J Drury / R Holness C Green C Green M Manley Easter   10.30am Hilmarton Communion                             Sunday Apr 28 10.30am Broad Town Benefice Communion M Green / F Holness J Wallis D Marshall C Oldfield M Manley     Coffee Rota – 7th April – M & R Manley, 28th M & C Green   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   MAY 2019 EDITION  Please Note the changed cut off for this month Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the May edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on Tuesday April 16th IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED   HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY EASTER GREETINGS With Easter rapidly approaching, Rachma and the editorial team of BT News would like to wish you all happy holidays and a happy Easter. The Reverend Rachma Abbott Priest in Charge, Woodhill Benefice & Lyneham with Bradenstoke. The Vicarage Clyffe Pypard, SWINDON SN4 7PY.  01793 731134 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 5th April             BT School Easter Service 5th April             Open Evening at Village Hall 8th April             BT PC Meeting 10th April           Community Coffee Morning 11th April           “Fitsteps” Dance - Fitness Class 13th April           Graveyard work morning and Church Spring Clean 24th April           Community Coffee Morning 25th April           BT PreSchool and Forest School Open Day 27th April           Gentlemen’s Breakfast Club 27th April           Hilmarton Moviola 6th May             Bushton Manor Plant Sale 8th May             Community Coffee Morning 11th May           Graveyard work morning 18th May           Church Coffee Morning and Plant Stall 19th May           BT White Horse - Liming 22nd May           Community Coffee Morning 8th June             Graveyard work morning   CHURCH FLOOR Permission to proceed with the proposed floor repairs has now been granted by the Diocese. We have raised the funds to carry out the necessary work thanks to many people who have supported our fundraising events and we will start the work as soon as possible. We will report on progress through this newsletter.   CHURCH WORK MORNINGS 2019 Some of you have asked me to send all the proposed dates – so that you don’t miss any!  I will send out reminders nearer the time for each one and it will be very much appreciated if you are able to help at some or all of these.  As before. we will be at the Church from 9.30am to mid-day but come and go to suit yourself.  Refreshments will be provided and it would be helpful if you could bring suitable tools. The dates are: - 13 April, 11 May, 8 June, 13 July, 10 August, 14 Sept Thank you for all your support.  Ray Manley on behalf of Broad Town Parochial Church Council BROAD TOWN C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL GOVERNOR VACANCY Broad Town C of E Primary School has a vacancy for a governor and is actively seeking applications for the post from the local community.  Governors have a real responsibility for and influence on the strategic management of the school and the education of our children so it is a great opportunity for community involvement.  Experience of the education sector is not necessary but you will need enthusiasm, a willingness to serve and take responsibility, have time to commit to attend meetings and visiting the school.  Being involved with the teaching staff and young children in a small school (judged Good by Ofsted in March 2018!) can be a real blessing!  If you are interested please contact John Oldfield (Chair of Governors) on JOldfield@broadtown.wilts.sch.uk   BROAD TOWN PRE-SCHOOL & FOREST SCHOOL OPEN DAY 25TH APRIL 2019 Join us on Thursday 25th April 2019 for Forest Activities from 9am – 12noon. Exploring, discovering, digging, tree climbing, fire pit & collecting natural materials. Supervision by Forest School trained staff.  Contact 731911 for further information.   CHURCH COFFEE MORNING In May we will again be opening our doors to the Saturday morning café.  So come to enjoy the conviviality of the morning - and the refreshments. Plus Plant Stall - 18th May  Judy has agreed to have the plant stall in her garden.  If anyone is splitting plants at this time of year or planting a few extra seeds please keep in mind that Judy would be very grateful for any contributions to her stall, thank you.   CHURCH SPRING CLEAN If anyone has left inside the Church any artificial flowers or vases or baskets that they would like back, please could they collect them on Saturday 13th April between 10am and Noon.  If you cannot come then please contact Margaret Green on 854200 to say what it is you want and it will be saved.   VILLAGE HALL REFURBISHMENT You may be aware that the refurbishment of the kitchen and toilets has now been completed.  We are delighted with the improvements that have been made and would like to invite residents to come along to see for themselves.  There will be an open evening on Friday 5th April from 8pm, the bar will be open and nibbles will be provided. We have also invited the grant providers to our community coffee morning on 10 April, 10 am – mid-day to thank them and anyone is welcome to come along. COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING The coffee morning in aid of the Alzheimer Society was a great success and raised £230 plus £57.50 gift aid.  Many thanks to everyone who came and supported this charity – it was lovely to see so many of you. Dates for April, Wednesday 10th – with Easter activities for children Wednesday 24th   PLANT FAIR AND OPEN GARDEN, BUSHTON MANOR, SN4 7PX Bank Holiday Monday May 6th 2019 11am -3pm.  Last year saw the second year running that we had over 1000 visitors to the Manor House Gardens. Once again there will be some 30 stalls with plants from specialist growers as well as those grown in local gardens.  Other stalls will include, garden related products, various crafts, cakes, second hand tools and unwanted but useable garden items. And for those who like to try their luck a tombola and a raffle.  You can make your purchases, leave them in the plant crèche and then enjoy wandering around the gardens of the 18th century Manor House before having home - made refreshments or a bacon butty from the BBQ. There will be outside games to keep young people occupied and dogs are allowed providing they are kept on leads.  Money raised will go towards the upkeep of St Peter’s Church the Grade 1 listed building in Clyffe Pypard.  Entrance £2. Children and car parking free. Further details  www.clyffepypard-bushton.com  or  0796 223 6678   BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE - LIMING - SUNDAY 19 MAY It is planned to carry out maintenance and liming of the White Horse on the morning of Sunday 19th May and the aim will be to tidy up the area and then apply lime to keep the Horse looking at its best.  The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participation will be limited to those who are physically fit and in good health.  We will also need to maintain attendance at a level that is consistent with safe operations. Would interested people please contact me via e-mail andrewlaw456@gmail.com or by phone 01793 731472.  Confirmation and details will be sent out nearer the date.   MARKET STALL Judy Rendell will be running another market stall in Royal Wootton Bassett on June 5th 2019 to raise money for the Church. We need donations of Cakes, Bric a Brac, Toys and Games, Good Quality Clothes or anything that we can sell. Please contact Judy on 01793 731341 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.   LOTTERY 100 CLUB A further 6 people have joined the 100 club so monthly prizes will be increased. If anyone else would like to join, please contact Ray Manley, Tel: 731564   BROAD TOWN WI 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.   WINE GLASSES Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday April 27th Stan & Ollie (PG) 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   FITSTEPS Thursday 11th April.   1.30pm – 2.15pm  in Village Hall.  Come and join us to keep fit the “Strictly” way.  Contact Margaret 731564 for further details. PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE Community Grants The Parish Council were pleased to award 2 grants from our Community Fund at our last meeting.The first will contribute to the purchase of a professional glass washing machine for Broad Town Social Club and the second will support the purchase of a Speed Indicator Device to help slow traffic in the Village. The Council will next consider grant applications at our September meeting and any community group wanting more information should contact the Parish Clerk. Digital Access to your Council Tax records Wiltshire Council are setting up a new citizen’s portal to make it simpler, quicker and easier for people to access current and historic information about their council tax accounts, called “Revenues on Line”. It will also be possible to claim both housing benefit and council tax reduction through this new system.Access to the new system will be via a link on the council tax pages on Wiltshire Council’s website and will be available from 4th March 2019. Football Goalposts for Redhills Playing Field Since it became necessary to remove the previous goal posts due to safety concerns, the Council have been reviewing all replacement options, both new and second hand. After all due diligence we have concluded that we will progress with the purchase and installation of new fixed goal posts and our aim is to get these in place as soon as possible now that Spring is nearly here. The Council would like to thank Brian Smith and Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club for the kind offer of second hand movable goal posts and for their support in helping us assess the options. Wiltshire Online broadband programme Under this programme more than 5,500 homes and businesses in the County will benefit from access to a new ultrafast full fibre network. The infrastructure for Broad Town should be in place by the last quarter of the year. You can get more information on the programme and register your interest at https://www.gigaclear.net/wiltshireonline-rollout-schedule The date of the next Parish Council meeting is 8th April at 6.30pm at the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.   GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The Gentleman’s Full English Breakfast Club will meet on Saturday 27th April 2019 at the REME Museum Crown’s café at MOD Lyneham.  The speaker this month is David Seymour talking about Microlights. 9am for 9:30am start as usual.  The cost is now £8pp. + a bottle raffle. Contact David May, davemay104@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to attend.   LINDY HOP DANCING Swingout Swindon (Cliff and Erica), have been running swing dance classes in Swindon for over 4 years.  For the last 2 years we have been teaching fortnightly in East Challow, Wantage. Recently we have been looking to fill the Tuesday gap and by popular demand we have decided to offer Broad Town and surrounding areas the chance to learn to dance. Our Lindy Hop classes are filled with smiles and laughter, along with some great moves to get you on that dance floor.  Although you require a partner to dance with, don’t worry, if you don’t have one to bring there will be plenty there, as we rotate everyone around throughout the lesson. Don’t forget your footwear! Make sure you have comfy and supportive shoes but not too grippy on the soles. Fortnightly Classes at Broad Town Village Hall Classes: Beginners Lindy Hop Tuesdays 7.15 pm to 8.30pm, 8.30pm to 8.45pm practice session Price £7 per person per class For anyone wanting to learn the basic 6-beat and 8-beat Lindy Hop Rhythm and some 8-beat Charleston moves. Suitable for anyone wanting to learn partner dancing.   SNOOKER LOOPY Mum and Son We are Jackie and Riley, two local dedicated competitive snooker players - we compete all year round both in and outside of the UK. We are currently seeking sponsorship and also looking for a local non damp room/building (min 24ft x 18ft) where we can site our own table for private practice. If you are a business or individual who can help us with either or both of the above, please contact Jackie on 07747798859 jackie.ellis2@hotmail.co.uk.  I will be happy to talk to you about our snooker and show you our CVs.  Many thanks.   THANK YOU, BROAD TOWN,! I knew it wouldn’t be easy starting a new business, but thanks to the massive amount of support I’ve received from the wonderful people of Broad Town, I’m delighted to be celebrating my first year as Louise – Girl Friday.  It’s been both challenging and rewarding and I’ve met some truly lovely people.  The variety of work has been huge – from typing up a 26,000 word dissertation by dictation, being the Administrator for the RWB Chamber of Commerce, property maintenance including decorating and gardening, to looking after sheep, donkeys, dogs and fish (not all at the same house)! I’m available for one-off odd jobs or regular, long term work and have extremely competitive rates.  Please see my web site or just ask. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of my clients for your continued support, it’s very much appreciated. Louise Hinson.  Louise Girl Friday 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       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.   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. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Fri, 29 Mar 2019 09:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2480 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2470/Broad-Town-News--March-2019--Flyer#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2470 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2470&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2470/Broad-Town-News--March-2019--Flyer     COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Broad Town Village Hall Wednesday 13th March 10 am  - 12 midday   ALL WELCOME BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 26 Feb 2019 19:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2470 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2469/Broad-Town-News--March-2019#Comments 0 https://broad-town.co.uk/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=324&ModuleID=861&ArticleID=2469 https://broad-town.co.uk:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2469&PortalID=0&TabID=324 https://broad-town.co.uk/Community-Information/Broad-Town-News/ID/2469/Broad-Town-News--March-2019 March 2019                                  BROAD TOWN NEWS                                Published by Christ Church Sponsors this month are the Parish Council from the Community Fund.   Date/Day Time Church Service Readers Sidesman Chalice Cleaner Flowers                   Friday Mar 1 2pm Lyneham World Day of Prayer                             Sunday Mar 3 9am Tockenham Family Communion           Sunday before Lent 10.30am Clyffe Pypard Communion + (APCM)             10.30am Broad Town All Age Service R Manley / M Green J Wallis   M Green P Lewis   5pm Hilmarton Evening Service                             Wednesday Mar 6 2pm Hilmarton Said Communion in the Chapel with           Ash Wednesday     (Optional imposition of ashes)             7.30pm Lyneham Communion (optional imposition of ashes)                             Sunday Mar 10 8am Broad Town Said Communion S Richards / C Green S Richards S Richards J Rendell Lent Lent 1 10.30am Tockenham Communion             10.30am Hilmarton All Age Service                             Sunday Mar 17 10.30am Hilmarton Communion + (APCM)           Lent 2 5pm Clyffe Pypard Evening Service                             Sunday Mar 24 8am Clyffe Pypard Said Communion           Lent 3 10.30am Broad Town Sung Communion + (APCM) C Marshall / F Holness D Marshall J Drury J Rendell Lent   5pm Tockenham Evening Service                             Sunday Mar 31 10.30am Hilmarton Benefice Communion           Mothering Sunday                   Coffee Rota – 3rd March - J & C Oldfield; 24th March - C & J Rendell.   DISCLAIMER Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate.  Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN.  BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.   APRIL 2019 EDITION Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the April edition please note that items must be submitted to Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX.  cliveggreen@waitrose.com Tel. No 854200 BY 6pm on FRIDAY MARCH 22nd IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED       ON CITIZENS AND TRAITORS My mind is full of politics: resignations by MPs from political parties; climate change strikes by school children; neighbourhood plans in parishes; the threatened withdrawal British citizenship from Shamima Begum; negotiations between the UK and the EU and of course, local litter picking groups. Politics is stuff that the church (and vicars!) are often encouraged to stay away from, especially when the issues are contentious or a source of conflict within communities and families.  Yet the choices we make about what we think or say or do with our lives grow out of our ideas and values.  To quote Pope Francis: Every economic, social, political or religious project involves the inclusion or exclusion of the wounded lying on the side of the road. Each day, each of us faces the choice of being a Good Samaritan or an indifferent bystander. (Homily on the Good Samaritan, May 2003) The Christian faith I hold dear and seek to follow is the foundation for much of my thinking about politics.  I am aware that others who hold that faith equally dear and seek to follow as closely may arrive at very different outcomes.  Now this may sound surprising, but, even when I don’t agree with peoples political views, I am (mostly!) glad that people care enough to try and improve the world. It is a good thing to live in a time and place where people can work and act for change and where people can change their mind about how this might best be done. It is a sad thing to live in a time and place where instead of talking through our disagreements or thinking people can mature and learn to do better; we call our fellow citizens ‘traitors’. I remember that Jesus loved a friend who denied him in the time of his crucifixion and that this love helped Peter change and grow into a founding leader of the early church.  Even more I remember my own failures and bad choices as a teenager, the ways I was led into foolishness and the relief that others helped me turn back on that path and find a better way to follow. And I also remember these words by a politician, one who was a traitor to the United Kingdom: I never considered a difference in opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy   as cause for withdrawing from a friend. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826, 3rd President of the USA 1801-09) Whatever our politics, surely we can seek a shared commitment to this sort of friendship. The Reverend Rachma Abbott Priest in Charge, Woodhill Benefice. The Vicarage Clyffe Pypard, SWINDON SN4 7PY.  01793 731134   CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL & AGM REMINDER Please note that completed application forms for inclusion on the 2019 Church Electoral Roll must be returned to a member of the PCC by the 9th March. Just a reminder that the Church AGM is on the 24th March after a short morning service.  All parishioners are eligible to be there.   DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2nd March          Church Coffee Morning 4th March           Deadline for BT PC Community Fund Applications 4th March           BT Village Hall AGM 9th March           Deadline for return of Church Electoral Roll Forms 11th March         BT PC Meeting 12th March         Lindy Hop Dancing at BT Village Hall 13th March         Community Coffee Morning 14th March         “Fitsteps” Dance-Fitness Class 23rd March         Hilmarton Moviola 24th March         Church AGM 26th March         Lindy Hop Dancing at BT Village Hall 27th March         Community Coffee Morning 30th March         Gentlemen’s Breakfast Club 31st March         Final date for Spackman Charity Applications. 6th May             Bushton Manor Plant Fair and Open Garden 18th May           Church Coffee Morning and Plant Stall   CHURCH COFFEE MORNING The next one is on the 2nd March at our usual times of 10am till Noon.  We will be cooking pancakes as it is Shrove Tuesday the next week.  Jonathan Bastin will have a stall with his photographs and Fiona will have craft activities for the children; as well as the usual refreshments, sales table and raffle.   COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Dates for March:  March 13th – all money raised will be sent to The Alzheimer Society.  Do please come and support this society as it supports those living with dementia and their families as well as funding much needed research. March 27th – usual coffee and cakes   BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Will be held at the Village Hall at 6.30pm on Monday 4th March.  The agenda will be:  Minutes & Matters Arising, Chairman's Report, Treasurer's Report, Election of Committee and Any Other Business.  All are welcome.  The Hall has been refurbished and looks lovely - come and see for yourself.     THOMAS SPACKMAN CHARITY GRANT Do you know a young person in the Clyffe Pypard or Broad Town area who would benefit from a grant from The Thomas Spackman Educational Trust? The Charity’s main focus is education or work-related training and apprenticeships but it could also help to develop a particular talent; perhaps help fund tuition in a musical instrument or even to develop a sporting skill. Applying is very easy.  If you wish to find out more about the application process, please email spackmancharity@gmail.com or contact Karen Hawkins 01793 853895. All formal applications need to be in by the end of March 2019. The next opportunity to apply will be September 2019.   MARKET STALL Judy Rendell will be running another market stall in Royal Wootton Bassett on June 5th 2019 to raise money for the Church. We need donations of Cakes, Bric a Brac, Toys and Games, Good Quality Clothes or anything that we can sell. Please contact Judy on 01793 731341   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 have to 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.   BROAD TOWN WI 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.       PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE New Parish Clerk The Parish Council is delighted to announce that Emna Diamant is our new Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.  Emna has a background in local administration working for NHS Trusts and for community libraries.  She is passionate about the role of Parish Clerk and keen to support our activities. Contacting us We wanted to remind everyone that our contact details are on the Broad Town Parish Council website and the Village Noticeboards.  For most enquiries, the best person to contact is Emna, our Parish Clerk on BTPCCLERK@outlook.com or 07990 040675. If you want to contact a specific Councillor, then please use the following email addresses or phone numbers Jackie Jordan – jjordanbtpc@gmail.com, 01793 731816 Sandra Hartley – hartleybroadtown@hotmail.com, 01793 731523 Brian Joyce – bjoycebtpc@gmail.com, 07764 623489 Malcolm Holland – mahollbtpc@gmail.com, 01793 731567 Rupert Pearce – rpearcebtpc@gmail.com, 01793 731605 Colin Rendell – judithmrendell@outlook.com, 01793 731341 We are looking to make some improvements to the Website during this year and hope that this will become a much more popular way of sharing what is going on in our Village. Community Fund The Parish Council will be reviewing new grant applications at our March meeting so if you are a local community organisation seeking funds for a project please send your application into the Parish Clerk by 4th March see the Parish Council website for details on how the fund works.   Speed Indicator Devices We are making good progress towards implementing a movable speed indicator device along Broad Town road to encourage drivers to follow the speed limit. The final hurdle is funding and we are hoping that we can secure support from both the Community Area Transport Group and from the Community Fund. We will keep you updated as to the timing of implementation. The date of the next Parish Council meeting is 11th March at 18.30pm at the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.   GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB The Gentleman’s Full English Breakfast Club will meet on Saturday 30th March 2019 at the REME Museum Crown’s café at MOD Lyneham.  The speaker this month is Alison Bucknell talking about dementia.  9am for 9:30am start as usual.  The cost is now £8pp. + a bottle raffle. Contact David May, davemay104@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to attend. FITSTEPS A fun dance-fitness class. Taster Session on Thursday 14th March 1.30 to 2.15pm Broad Town Village Hall.  £5.  Get fit the ‘Strictly’ Way. Further details – Contact Margaret 731564   WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday 23rd March Bohemian Rhapsody (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   LINDY HOP DANCING Swingout Swindon (Cliff and Erica), have been running swing dance classes in Swindon for over 4 years.  For the last 2 years we have been teaching fortnightly in East Challow, Wantage. Recently we have been looking to fill the Tuesday gap and by popular demand we have decided to offer Broad Town and surrounding areas the chance to learn to dance. Our Lindy Hop classes are filled with smiles and laughter, along with some great moves to get you on that dance floor.  Although you require a partner to dance with, don’t worry, if you don’t have one to bring there will be plenty there, as we rotate everyone around throughout the lesson. Don’t forget your footwear! Make sure you have comfy and supportive shoes but not too grippy on the soles. Fortnightly Classes at Broad Town Village Hall NEXT CLASSES Tuesday March 12th and March 26th Classes: Beginners Lindy Hop Tuesdays 7.15 pm to 8.30pm, 8.30pm to 8.45pm practice session Price £7 per person per class For anyone wanting to learn the basic 6-beat and 8-beat Lindy Hop Rhythm and some 8-beat Charleston moves. Suitable for anyone wanting to learn partner dancing. 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     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.   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. BroadTownNewsEditorAccount Tue, 26 Feb 2019 18:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2469