BENTLEY BINSTED MARCH 2019
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PARISH MAGAZINE
BENTLEY
BINSTED
AND
MARCH 2019Vicar of Bentley, Binsted and Froyle: Yann Dubreuil
Holy Cross Vicarage, Binsted, Alton, GU34 4NX
Tel: 07777 684533 email: yann@benbinfro.org
Website: www.benbinfro.co.uk
Curate – Christopher Ogilvie Thompson Tel: 07776 178690
email: christopherot@me.com
Benefice Administrator – Hannah Dubreuil Tel 01420 23339
admin@benbinfro.org
(Office hours Mon, Weds, Thurs 9am – 2pm)
Media Administrator – Lora Bowden Tel 01420 23339 media@benbinfro.org
Honorary Assistant Minister – David Perryman, Treetops, Upper Froyle
Tel. 520647 david.perrypeople@gmail.com
Parishes Prayer Chain – Nick Carter – 472861 or nhcarter@talktalk.net
Pastoral Care Team – Nick Carter – 472861 or nhcarter@talktalk.net
Readers – Harold Fish, 6 Bonners Field, Bentley. 22947
Bentley: St Mary’s
Churchwardens:
Jill Kiely, 11 Broadlands Close, Bentley, GU10 5LE - 22735
Nick Caddick, Tanners, GU10 5NE - 23229
Binsted: Holy Cross Churchwardens
Kathy Ogilvie Thompson, Tel No. 01420 23125.
Nick Carter, Knox Farmhouse, The Straits, Kingsley GU35 9NS – 472861
Parish Magazine
Articles and Advertising: Any copy or advertising enquiries should be sent to
Lora Bowden on the 5th of the month, by email (magazine@benbinfro.org)
Editor: Rev Yann Dubreuil
Designer: Mike Hammerton
Treasurer: Steve Fice, 01420 22197 steve.fice@btinternet.com
Distribution: entley – Harold Fish Tel 22947
B
Binsted – Alan and Anne Shelley Tel 520960March 2019
INDEX
Specialist Services ........................................ ii-viii
Professional Services ........................................ xi-x
Health and Beauty ........................................ x-xiv
Entertaining ........................................ xiv-xvi
Domestic services ........................................ xvi-xvii
Gardening ........................................ xvii-xix
House Building/Maintenance ....................................... xix-xxiv
BENTLEY VILLAGE SURGERY
Dr M Way & Dr A Evers
Hole Lane, Bentley, GU10 5LP Tel: 01420 22106
The surgery is open from 8am – 6.30pm Monday – Friday
The Dispensary is open
from 8.30 – 12.30 and 4.00 – 6.30pm Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday,
and just 8.30-12.30 on Wednesdays.
When the surgery is closed please call 111
You can now register for online appointment booking, please ask at Reception for further details.
Repeat Prescriptions can now be ordered via the surgery website: www.bentleysurgery.org.uk
Are you worried about your child’s I am CRB checked and can offer
literacy levels? you focused, flexible and friendly
Is your teenager struggling with help for your young person. If you
their GCSE grades? would like more details, please
contact me at either of the following.
I have 12 years experience in
English, at KS1 – KS2 and KS3 – KS4
and I am sure I can help.
Telephone: 01420 – 22353 E-mail: Jennie.chisholm@gmail.com
RESPONSIBLE BABYSITTER AVAILABLE
My name is Annabelle Powell. I will I have already done some babysitting in
be 17 in April 2019, and I am available the village; but, the most experience I have
for babysitting at weekends and some had so far, is helping my Sister with my
weekdays when I get home from school. two nephews of 3 years and 11 weeks!!!
(Churcher’s College in Petersfield). That certainly keeps us very busy!
Please feel free to contact me on: 07718 490320
Thank you very much.
B&B Magazine | iMarch 2019
BOB’S
PRIVATE
HIRE
ADVERTISE YOUR BENTLEY
BUSINESS HERE
07769
906745
CONTACT US 4
Seater
Estate
Car
Long
&
Short
trips
welcome
magazine@benbinfro.org
Bookings
only
Your local, trusted car garage in Alton
07983 168185
01420 23306
info@gaautoservices.co.uk
ii | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
Catherine Hadfield LGSM
PIANO AND THEORY TUITION
Adults & children, beginners to advanced
Preparation for all grade exams
BINSTED 01420 23146 MaxHad@aol.com
B&B Magazine | iiiMarch 2019 iv | B&B Magazine
March 2019
M. W. SHAW – FARRINGDON
Antique Clock Repairs
& Restoration
House calls undertaken
All work guaranteed
Tel. Mr. M. W. Shaw
01420 588457
B&B Magazine | vMarch 2019
THE WICKHAM INSTITUTE
(Binsted Village Hall)
Having a party? Need a venue for a one-off meeting or conference? Looking for
somewhere to hold a regular club/ society meeting? Need somewhere to run a
regular class?
Why not consider hiring our lovely hall. It is light and airy, fully carpeted with a
stage and a brand new modern kitchen (with dishwasher!). The hall can seat up to
80 either at tables for sit-down meals or set up for conferences and meetings. For
a stand-up buffet or reception the hall can accommodate up to 120.
Our hire rates are very reasonable, why not contact us.
For bookings or further information, please contact the booking secretary on
01420 22388 or visit our website www.wickhaminstitute.co.uk.
Tel: 01420 561 777
email: info@easycleanservices.co.uk
Tanker Services Drainage
Cesspits - Cesspools -Septic Tanks Drains and Pipes Unblocked
Treatment Plants - Pump Stations High Pressure Jetting
Gully and Interceptors CCTV Surveys
Grease Traps Drain Re-lining - No Dig Repairs
Servicing
Servicing of Sewage Treatment Plants & Pump Wells
British Water accredited engineers
Supplier of Pumps and consumables
Regular maintenance contracts or one-off services
vi | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
COUNTY Oil Tank SOLUTIONS
The Oil and Water Tank Specialist
• Free Tank Surveys
• Domestic & Commercial Tank Replacements Spring is here
• Tank Servicing & Tank Disposals
,
• AGA & Rayburn Servicing
le t us check
• GAUGES - supplied and fitted your Tank
• Hire Tanks
• OFTEC Registered
• 24 Hr Emergency Call Out for Failed or Leaking Oil Tanks and Pipework
Call us on 07799 643455 for ALL your tank needs
Email james@countyoiltanksolutions.com
Cottage
Mowers
2007
For service and repair to all
HIGH
SECURITY,
24
HOUR
ACCESS
types of garden machinery
UNDERCOVER,
& equipment
CONTAINER
STORAGE
RANGE
OF
SIZES
For good, friendly, FROM
40
SQ
Ft
to
320
SQ
Ft
competitively priced service IDEAL
FOR
MOVING
OR
OFFICE
Call David or Sharon on OR
FOR
THAT
LITTLE
BIT
OF
01420 588363 EXTRA
ROOM
East Tisted PHONE:
01420
511777
Delivery and collection service available Email:
selborne@barn-‐store.co.uk
www.barn-‐store.co.uk
B&B Magazine | viiMarch 2019
FREELAND
RESTORATION
LTD
ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATION
AND UPHOLSTERY
All restoration and conservation projects considered
Justin Freeland
2 Lascombe Estate
Highfield Lane
Puttenham GU3 1BB
Telephone 01483 811608
Mobile 07771 953870
Accommodation in Bentley
Accommodation available,
Both self catering and bed and breakfast
SELF CATERING in luxury appointed annexe that can
Sleep from 2-5 people. Five star – rated by Quality in
Tourism/Enjoy England. The Annexe is self contained
With all its own facilities plus access to forty acres of
Hampshire countryside, outside swimming pool and
Tennis court.
BED & BREAKFAST is available in the farmhouse which is five star rated by AA and has its
own private bathroom with separate sitting room and own entrance.
Please contact:
Glenda Powell at Bentley Green Farm on 01420 23246 , mob. 07711 981614
Email: enquiries@bentleygreenfarm.co.uk or Glenda.powell@btopenworld.com
Website: www.bentleygreenfarm.co.uk
viii | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
Bentley Memorial Hall
The perfect venue for celebrations, weddings, children's
parties, meetings, specialist classes or exhibitions.
Conveniently located in the centre of the village
with kitchen facilities and ample car parking.
Main hall accommodating up to 100 people and two meeting
rooms accommodating up to 60 people each. Main hall and
one meeting room can be combined for larger events.
For bookings and enquiries please call the Bentley
Community Association Booking's Secretary
– details inside the back cover of this magazine.
B&B Magazine | ixMarch 2019
Free initial consultation
We are an experienced team delivering tailor made solutions
for Accounts, Taxation & Planning, VAT, Payroll,
Bookkeeping, Company Secretarial and Business Start-ups
Red Lion House, Bentley, Farnham, GU10 5HY
Contact us on 01420 525020 or info@goodaccountancyservices.co.uk
Bentley Toddler
and Baby Group
BEN MACDONALD
Come and join us at our
ASSOCIATES fun and friendly toddler and baby group!
Chartered Architects & Surveyors We're in the Memorial Hall in Bentley
• Extensions every Friday during term time between
• Refurbishment 9am and 11.30am. There is plenty of
• One off Houses room to play, we have craft and singing
• Farm Building Conversions sessions, snack and tea and coffee for the
• Listed Building Alterations grown ups. Just £2 per family.
Total design and management service
There is more info on our Facebook
Hoggatts House, Kingsley
Bordon GU35 9NY page "Bentley Toddler Group"
Tel. 01420 488556 or you can phone Cheryl Edwards
on 07530 671 832.
email:
benmacdonald_architect@hotmail.com
x | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
THORNE & CO
When life throws up unexpected challenges it can sometimes help to
get support from someone outside of family and friends.
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With your Accounts and
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Initial Interview Free
Paula Annels Evening appointments available
01420 22998
Email: thornebentley@aol.com
B&B Magazine | xiMarch 2019
ADVERTISE YOUR
Call Natasha on 07590014394
For your free quotation on curtains; BUSINESS HERE
Roman blinds; soft furnishings,
upholstery and reupholstery on
most furniture. All bespoke and
personally handmade in Bentley.
CONTACT US
magazine@benbinfro.org
xii | B&B MagazineMarch 2019 B&B Magazine | xiii
March 2019
Vicar’s Letter
Dear All
I just happened to catch the final scene in an episode three of the churches in our Benefice. After singing
of the latest series of Grantchester the other day. and praying together in our services, we stay for
This is the hit TV programme in which a detective coffee and cake and chatter, or a much appreciated
constantly turns to his local vicar to help him solve glass of sherry in the case of Froyle. Newcomers are
baffling crimes. Now I wasn’t struck by the acting, made welcome by everyone, especially our Church
good though it probably is, nor the thought that Wardens and anyone who wants a quiet moment
fighting crime might add some drama to the daily and a sympathetic ear can find comfort in one of the
routine of a rural vicar (that would be fun, eh?) but prayer corners of the churches. If someone is in need
I was intrigued by the final reference that the newly of practical help, such as a lift to the station or the
recruited vicar made in his first sermon to his very shops there are friends here they can turn to.
curious but wary congregation.
And I think that companionship is enhanced
He didn’t apologise to them for arriving in the through working together too. Groups of
village on a thunderous motorbike (maybe that’s knowledgeable ladies select and arrange stunning
something I do rather fancy though…), nor did flower displays throughout the year, rotas are
he thank the local young ladies for their giggling organised to clean the churches every week,
attentions, he talked instead about needing the help volunteers ring bells and work parties share the
of his parishioners while he settled into his new role tasks of tidying churchyards a couple of times a year.
and while not quoting it verbatim, I think he was There are similar stories in our villages as well, with
paraphrasing this passage from Ecclesiastes: many community activities available, including Tea
at Three and the Wednesday coffee morning at the
'Two are better than one, because they have a good
Wickham in Binsted.
reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up
his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he So there is no reason to feel lonely, no reason to
falls and has not another to lift him up!’ be alone, unless that is your preferred state. We
are all part of one loving fellowship, here to help
And it struck me that what he was really talking
and support one another. Oh, and the new vicar
about was fellowship with one another. Now the
of Grantchester ended his sermon by adding,
word ‘fellowship’ occurs in the Bible and also
‘particularly if there is cake involved’! And there
in our regular services, where we refer to ‘the
is cake aplenty here abouts, lemon drizzle, ginger,
fellowship of the Holy Spirit’. But in this instance,
chocolate, take your pick. Rupert Brooke may have
the handsome dashing new vicar was talking about
asked, in his well known poem, The Old Vicarage,
his congregation helping him as much as he could
Grantchester, ‘And is there honey still for tea?’ but
help them. He meant helping one another, working
here in the Benefice there will always be cake!
together with a common aim and giving each other
support. So I started to think about how much Blessings
‘fellowship’ we have in our lives.
Yann
The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines the
word principally as companionship, friendliness,
participation and sharing, all things which I see in all
1 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
Church Registers
BENTLEY
Funerals
4th February Margaret Gross
BINSTED
Funerals
17th January Phyllis Chappell
23rd January Patricia Bicknell
Baptisms
17th February Sophia Critien
FROYLE
Funerals
20th February Dora Penman
ST MARY’S NEWS
From pen pictures of the fallen heroes of Froyle, to rescuing vestments
which rival those in York Minster, you will find much of interest in
our first issue of St Mary’s News. This has now been delivered to those
on the church electoral roll but is available to everyone. Printed copies
can be found at the back of the church or it can be downloaded from
www.benbinfro.co.uk.
Future issues will include insights on projects and plans which will
contribute to village life, so if there’s anything you’d like to know about,
just get in touch via media@benbinfro.co.uk.
B&B Magazine | 2March 2019
News from Jon Rooke, Anna Chaplain
to the older people in our villages
We are sad to see Jonathan leave us and want to give him
huge thanks for all that he has done in our care homes and
for the relationships he has formed with many people in
Bentley, Binsted and Froyle villages. Jon writes:
I have started training this year with the the Benefice. Visiting people at home has been
Diocese of Winchester to become a Non- a joy and sometimes I have taken communion
Stipendiary Minister and I will become a from the church to people in hospital. I
Deacon in 2020 after completing a course at have done Bible studies and led funerals
Wolvesey in Winchester and at Wycliffe College as an ambassador for the Benefice. Church
in Oxford. I wanted to continue as Anna members have been generous with their time
Chaplain but further changes to my university to pray, visit the care homes and sing.
contract were not viable and the demands of
The chaplaincy has been a concrete
the course meant I could not do everything I
expression of the love that the congregations at
wanted to.
BenBinFro have for their neighbours. People in
My time as Anna Chaplain for BenBinFro has the Benefice are remembered. God loves them
inspired me to do this training. I have loved and the congregations have reached out to
my time sharing people’s walk of faith and embrace them to say in word and deed, “You
because of this I wanted to find a way I can are special to God and you are loved”. Thank
be a stronger and more helpful companion for you, because I feel privileged to have been a
their journey. small part of BenBinFro’s gentle mission to their
older people and those who share their lives
Together in Pax Hill and Bentley Lodge we
with them.
have held monthly communion services.
Sometimes they have been funny, sometimes We are pilgrims on a journey,
they have been moving and once or twice I Fellow trav’llers on the road;
have made a mistake but God always seems We are here to help each other
to have been there anyway and I have loved Walk the mile and bear the load.
sharing the mystery of communion with people. I will weep when you are weeping;
I have listened a lot and laughed ever such a When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you.
lot. On behalf of the church congregations, I I will share your joy and sorrow
have prayed with people, with their families, Till we’ve seen this journey through.
with care workers and always tried to pray for Brother, sister, let me serve you,
them during the week as well. The staff at Pax Let me be as Christ to you;
Hill and Bentley Lodge have open-heartedly Pray that I may have the grace to
welcomed the connection with the churches of Let you be my servant, too.
3 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
Welcome Sam and Gemma!
The Churches of
Bentley, Binsted and
Froyle are delighted
to share with you that
we have appointed
Sam Ball and Gemma
Turnbull, who will be
starting in September
and working with the
youth and children in
our villages.
Sam and Gemma were both brought up in NW Kent and met on a
youth mission trip to Spain in 2012. In June 2017 they got engaged
and will be getting married in July this year. They are both heavily
involved in their home church, St Peter's in Hextable (a village just
outside of Swanley), doing youth and worship, especially since
studying their degrees in Theology and Youth Ministry, and Theology,
Music and Worship.
They came to visit in October and fell in love with Benbinfro and after
interview, have accepted the offer to become Pastoral Assistants
- Gemma focusing on Youth Work and Sam on Worship. Sam's
favourite colour is blue (even though he's colourblind) and he likes
eating biscuits. Gemma likes red (even though she used to have pink
hair) and her weakness is tea and cake.
(They will therefore both enjoy that we are always serving tea/coffee
and cakes at most church events.)
B&B Magazine | 4March 2019
OPEN DAYS Admission £3
Tea and Cake £3
at Alton Abbey Mosaic demonstration
Beautiful Stationery
GU34 4AP Second-hand books
Saturday & Sunday Hadeel Palestinian Fair Trade
April 27th & April 28th products for sale
12 noon – 5pm Organ/Piano Recitals 3 p.m. both
days
Registered Charity No 284876 Friends of Alton Abbey
You are invited to join us on
Sunday
10th March
from 3.30 till 5.30pm
You are invited to join us on
Sunday In
12Binsted
November
School Hall, Binsted Village
from
Fun,
3.30 crafts,
– 5.30pm celebration & food
In Binsted School Hall, Binsted Village
All are invited – young & old alike, adults, children, teenagers,
for a time of
Fun, crafts, carers, celebration
grandparents, & foodcome as friends, families or partners,
All are invited – young & old alike, adults, children,
eenagers, carers, grandparents, comeor comefamilies
as friends, on your own, everyone
or partners, or come is welcome.
on your own,
If you areis welcome.
everyone a child you will need to bring an adult with you.
If you are a child you will need to bring an adult with you.
Just come along ! Just come!
Entrance free
Entrance Free
Messy Team Co-ordinator: Nick Carter 01420 472861
messychurch@benbinfro.org
Messy Team Co-ordinator:
Nick Carter 01420 472861 messychurch@benbinfro.org
5 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
School News – Binsted CE Primary
Silver Birch Class
A great start to the spring term has shown
Silver Birch at their best. They have
been studying forces in Science; carrying
out experiments to see how gravity and
air resistance affect paper helicopters
and asking questions about the effect
of performing similar experiments on
the moon. In English they are studying,
“Oranges in No Man’s Land” and looking
at the history of the war in Lebanon In Sport this term the girl’s football team
and creating fact files about it. They are did brilliantly in competing in the Alton
now writing narratives about living in cluster tournament. They won their last
a war zone and trying to find the good two league games confidently to finish
in everyone through our RE themes of eighth overall. Well done to Meghan,
Freedom and Justice. In R.E. Silver Birch Charlotte, Evie, Ivy, Katie and Ellie! The
have studied the story of Moses and how Beech class football team took on their
it affects God’s People on their journey counterparts in Year 3 from Rowledge
through life. on a very muddy pitch at Rowledge -
triumphing 3-1 in a fantastic performance.
Thanks to Ms Amabache and Mrs Davies
for their great coaching of the boys. The
netball team have been working hard too.
Wintershall Assembly
On Tuesday 5th February The Wintershall
Theatre Group came in to perform key
scenes in our collective worship. They
were brilliant and the children from year R
to Year 6 were spellbound as the actors
performed scenes from “The Passion”
and “The Prodigal Son”. This has led to
some thought-provoking discussions in
class and you can find the photos from the
collective worship below.
B&B Magazine | 6March 2019
School News – Bentley CE Primary
PTFA Update
Throughout the school year our fantastic
PTFA (Parents, Teachers & Friends
Association) run a number of events to raise
funds for the school. These can be anything
from cake sales, quiz nights, and music
festivals to Christmas fairs, film nights, and
ice cream sales. We are incredibly lucky to
have such an active parent body who not only
run the events on the day, but also come up
with exciting and new events to raise much needed funds. This year we have
two new events planned…
Our very first Bentley Ball will be held on 29th Do you have a business you would like to
March 2019 from 7pm and we are delighted to promote? You can place an advertisement
be hosting this event in the beautiful setting of in our programme for the evening for as little
Bury Court Barn. Everyone is welcome to join as £25! Perhaps you’d like to buy a table and
what promises to be a fabulous event. We will bring your clients along? Or even sponsor an
be kicking off with a welcome drink on arrival, element of the evening?
followed by a delicious three course meal and
With tickets being sold already, don’t miss out
plenty of opportunity to hit the dance floor and
on this evening to remember. It’s the perfect
show everyone your groovy moves!
opportunity to get some friends together, and
During the evening there will be a ‘promises help us raise money to replace our school
auction’, and this is where we need the minibus. Having our own school minibus
help of our local community. Do you have enables our children to enjoy additional school
a contribution you could offer to add to our trips that otherwise may be prohibitive if we
auction? This could be anything from pet had to include coach hire in the cost.
sitting, car washing, or baking a cake to hair
If you have any offers for the promises
styling, a couple of hours of DIY or gardening
auction, would like to advertise, are interested
or cleaning …. or perhaps you have a holiday
in sponsoring part of the event or are
home which could be used for a weekend/
interested in buying tickets please email
week or you have a company that could
bentleyball19@gmail.com. We would love to
donate a prize? We are open to anything and
hear from you.
everything!
7 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
School News – Bentley CE Primary
Our second new event is a Family Sponsored adminoffice@bentley.hants.sch.uk. This will
Walk around our beautiful village on Saturday help ensure we have everything in place to
23rd March. Starting at school at 2pm for our guarantee a fun, safe and successful event.
families with Infant children and little ones
If you would like to sponsor a family taking
and 2.30pm for families with Junior and older
part you can do so by going to our BT
children, we will make our way around the
MyDonate page https://mydonate.bt.com/
village, heading towards the station. events/familysponsoredwalk/485547
All participating families will be given a map and All funds raised at this event will go towards
details of the scavenger hunt which will include paying for new playground markings. Our
a number of items to collect or photograph along current ones are looking a little tired and
the way. The walk will end back at school where desperately need renewing but the cost of
hot and cold drinks, delicious cakes and yummy £3,000 is simply outside of the school budget.
biscuits will be available. Your support in this event will help us reach
The route is approximately three miles and, the target!
whilst on public footpaths, does go over Everything the PTFA does is for the direct
stiles so will not be appropriate for children in benefit of ALL of our children, to enrich and
buggies. You are welcome to bring dogs along, complement their education. Every penny we
but they must be kept on leads at all times. raise goes towards making our school the
outstanding place it is and gives our children
Everyone is welcome to join in - we just ask
the added extras that so many other schools
that you register your participation with a
are unable to provide.
donation of £2 per family. You can do this
by contacting the school office by email Mrs Katy Pinchess, Headteacher
Bentley
Memorial Hall
100+Club
The winners for February draws of the
Bentley Memorial 100+ Club are:
February 2019
1st Prize Peter & Sally Clarke
2nd Prize David & Judy Hallett
Contact Steve Fice, Chairman
Bentley Memorial Hall 01420 22197 3rd Prize Mrs C A Bonner
steve.fice@btinternet.com Congratulations to the Winners
B&B Magazine | 8March 2019
BENTLEY SCHOOL PTFA
FAMILY SPONSORED WALK
Saturday 23rd
March 2019 2pm start: Fa m ilies chwilitdrh en
In fa nts & yo un ger
2. 30 pm start: Fa mi lies ildwirethn
on ly Ju nio rs & older ch
Walk
with me!
*Refresh ments wi ll be avofai lathble e wabalkck
at scho ol at th e en d
Sign up and find out more details at
www.pta-events.co.uk/bentley
All proceeds to Bentley School PTFA
Registered Charity No. 1046944 PTFA
9 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
U3A Alton
The March Monthly Meeting will be a wonderful lesson
about one of our local Landmarks. Bill Weeks has been a Tour
Guide at Winchester Cathedral for the last seven years, and
will entertainingly and passionately relate all the detail of this
marvellous building. Sit back and be enthralled. March 15th,
Alton Community Centre, 2.00pm, all welcome, members or
not. £1.00 entrance fee to include a cup of tea.
CONCERT AT ALTON ABBEY
by University of Winchester Music Centre
UoW Music Centre presents a concert featuring our Folk Band, Folk
Choir and String Gems who will be joining forces to offer a fascinating
programme of folk and classical music for you to enjoy. They present a
wonderful mix and variety of music from the folk and classical traditions.
They will be joined by soloists from the ensembles to complete an
evening of beautiful music, there will be something for everyone!
To be held in Alton Abbey Church
Friday 22nd March 2019
6.30pm for refreshments with wine
7.30pm Concert with a short interval half way.
Tickets £15.00
available from "Tickets", Friends of Alton Abbey,
Alton Abbey, Beech, Alton, GU34 4AP
Cheques should be made payable to “Friends of Alton Abbey".
Please include a SAE & a telephone number and/or email address
For information: 01428 712938; friendsofaltonabbey@gmail.com
B&B Magazine | 10March 2019
Bentley Community Association
presents the award winning
Bohemian
Rhapsody
©
Twentieth
Century
Fox
Friday 29th March
Memorial Hall
Doors and bar open at 7.15 pm
Film starts 8pm
Tickets £7
To book tickets please contact Glyn Barfoot tel: 23068
or email: bentleybees@btinternet.com
or tickets at the door
11| B&B Magazine
Please book ahead, it really helps with planning the seating and cateringMarch 2019
LUMINOSA PERFORMS
MOZART AND POULENC
Luminosa will perform the Mozart Requiem and the
Gloria by Francis Poulenc in St. Lawrence Church Alton
on Saturday 30th March at 7.30 pm, accompanied by
the international concert organist Richard Pearce, with
soloists from Glyndebourne Opera.
Mozart must surely be one of the best classical composers of all times.
His stunning Requiem, composed in 1791 was unfinished at the time of
his death later that year. This work has had an extraordinary grip on the
public’s imagination ever since that time and has a very special place in
musical repertoire
The Gloria by Francis Poulenc is a setting of the Gloria text, taking
influences from Stravinsky, Verdi and Mozart. It is highly dramatic,
electric writing and its bright and vibrant opening movement contrasts
with slower more reflective movements, some of which will be sung by
the Chamber Choir.
Tickets at £12.50 (under 12s at £5) are available via our website
www.luminosamusic.com or from Newbury Building Society in Alton
High Street.
This year Luminosa supports the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at Frimley Park
(CF@FP) in memory of the nephew of two of our choir members.
Monies raised will go directly to help the staff provide the very best care
and facilities to enable the patients to live life to the full.
Luminosa are supported by BaByliss, the world’s leading provider of
hair products.
B&B Magazine | 12March 2019 13 | B&B Magazine
March 2019
Join Bentley Wildlife Group…
Encouraged by the lead of Froyle village, who now have their own flourishing
wildlife group, we would like to create something similar here in Bentley. We
canvassed the idea of a Bentley Wildlife Group at the village fete last summer
where we had a positive response. Since then the review of the Bentley
Neighbourhood Plan has come along with the opportunity to create policy on
local biodiversity and habitat. The pond restoration project also needs support.
Overarching everything is how we respond to the impact of climate change on
wildlife migration in the years ahead.
So it is timely to launch a wildlife group for the village. Anyone with an interest
in wildlife would be welcome to join and, at this stage, help set the initiative up.
If you are interested, please get in touch. Email me at rf.simpson@talk21.com
or phone 07796 176086. Alternatively, you can join and comment on our FB
group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/BentleyWildlife/ I plan to be at The
Star most Friday evenings from 8.00pm to talk about the initiative, just let me
know if you are coming. Rob Simpson.
BENTLEY GARDEN CLUB
Tuesday 5th March 2019 - As usual in annual Spring Show and light-hearted
the Bentley Memorial Hall Denis Smith quiz. Classes for the Spring Show are
Room at 8pm when we will be having a listed on your membership cards and all
talk by Roy Godfrey entitled “Life and entries should be set up by 7.45 please.
times in a bee hive”.
Amendment to item on the 2019
At this meeting we will be having our Membership cards
baking competition for the Eileen Elpelt
The coach outing to The Tuppenny
Memorial Plate. This year Savoury
Barn Organic Smallholding will be on
Scones and Iced Fairy cakes.
Thursday 27th June 2019.
Tuesday 2nd April 2019 – As usual in
Visitors are welcome to our meetings
the Bentley Memorial Hall Denis Smith
@ £2 on the door
Room at 8pm when we will have our
B&B Magazine | 14March 2019
Life of a
Soccer Mom
It’s 830 on a freezing cold Saturday morning and I’m already
standing, hands wrapped around a steaming cuppa, in the
coldest place known to mankind – Binsted Rec. The Arctic
Circle doesn’t even come close, I’m quite sure. I’m wrapped up
in the requisite “soccer mom” coat – essentially a duvet with a
hood. I’m watching the U8 Devils – one of 2 Binsted U8 teams
(not bad going for a small village club I reckon, to have 2 teams
in an age group!)
The reality of life as a
soccer mom – being
dragged out of bed by
my football-obsessed 7
year old on a Saturday
morning and taking
him to training 3 times
a week in the dead
of winter. I wouldn’t
change it for the
world….. I’ve watched
my cheeky, shy and
quiet boy blossom into
an equally cheeky,
but now confident,
passionate and happy
boy over the last 18
months – predominantly
Photo (clockwise, from top middle)
down to football. I’ve Ziggy, Jude, Jack, Harrison, Gabriel, Ben, Joe
watched the whole
team transform over that period. They started a bunch of Bentley boys – all glory hunting
in the U7s as a bunch of Binsted boys and and ball chasing, not listening to a word our
15 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
amazing and long-suffering coach Jurgen screams herself hoarse with excitement
Klopp Tim Winkworth uttered. By the end of about football?!?! When we joined this
the season, they were winning tournaments football club. I say we very deliberately
hands down. This year in the U8s, they’re – this isn’t just about Ben, it’s about the
going from strength to strength – their skills whole family – we have whole Club family
are improving but it’s so much more than tournaments at Christmas, barbecues in
that. You can see a developing maturity in the summer, we all take it in turns to man
each of them – they’re starting to really GET the refreshments stall to raise money for
the game, they instinctively know what to do the Club, there’s a standing open invite to
and where to be, and they undoubtedly play the pub on a Saturday afternoon. We asked
as a team. the kids what they liked best about being in
the team – “Having fun” (Gabriel); “Playing
I’m not saying that we’ve won every match football with my friends” (Jack, Joe, Jude
we’ve played. And nor would we want and Harrison); “Having Tim as the Manager”
to – the kids certainly learn more from the (Ziggy, who was clearly angling for Man of
losses than they do from the wins. We’ve the Match every week ;-) and Beating all the
had our fair share of easy wins, but the most other teams (Ben, who has clearly got way
exciting are those that are sooooo close. I more competitive over this season!).
had to go and lie down after our last match
pre-Christmas, when we were 2 goals down Next year will bring a new challenge – we
with less than 2 minutes to go. The boys move up an age category and with that
stepped up and won the match with literally comes the need for new players – if your
10 seconds to spare. At least I would have child is equally football-mad we’d love them
had a lie down, if the whole team hadn’t gone to come and join us! Find us down at the rec
donutting together afterwards. most Saturdays (bring your coat!) or email
me – vickyjsoden@gmail.com
When did I become the kind of mum who
knows what the offside rule is, and who By Vicky Soden
PHOENIX GROUP
The next Phoenix Group event will There will be a fee of £3.00 per
be a talk on ‘The Kingsley Centre person and refreshments will
& Organisation’ in Borden by be served after the talk.
Judith Lesley-Smith. This will take
Do come along even if you
place at 7.30pm, on Tuesday 19
have not been to a Phoenix
March 2019, in the Denis Smith
evening before.
Room, at Bentley Memorial Hall.
B&B Magazine | 16March 2019
Binsted Parish Council Snippets
March has sprung! Also in anticipation of the introduction of
NHS Digital, two BPC IPADs have been
March is the month that heralds the start purchased and are available to be used free
of Spring and hopefully the end of winter of charge in the Parish office. The intention is
weather. It is also the month that sees us that the two IPADs will be available for those
celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Shrove Tuesday, living in the Parish that do not currently have
Dr Seuss Day and more importantly access to health and wellbeing information
Mothering Sunday (March 31st – put it in in digital form. Please note that training can
your diaries!). Being aware of what’s going be given if needed between 9.30 and 2pm
on, supporting the celebration of special Monday to Friday.
local events and generally connecting
and bringing people together is one of our
aims as a Parish Council. To that end we
Precept 2019/2020
have continued to work on the website as The Parish Council precept was approved at
a user-friendly informational hub and have the full council meeting on January 7th 2019.
developed a Calendar of Events page where The agreed increase is 2.31% and careful
we seek to share all that is going on in the consideration has been given to not only
Parish month by month. We are also seeking ensure that the running costs for the Parish
to promote local businesses to improve the are met, but that a small amount of funding
quality of life for residents by ensuring that it is available for the newly formed project
is a desirable, thriving and sustainable place working parties.
to live. If you believe that our website pages
are missing key information or you would like
to feature your business or local offer then
Planning
please do get in touch and let us know. Although January has been a quiet month
with very little in the way of commercial
or residential planning applications
Community Health and
being received by the Council, the EHDC
Wellbeing Draft Local Plan has been released for
Now that the better weather is upon us we consultation until March 19th, 2019. You can
have joined forces with Binsted School to find it by following the link below or a hard
promote the Park and Stride (Ride or Scoot) copy is available at the Parish office between
to School scheme. We are supporting the 9.30 and 2pm Monday to Friday.
School in its efforts to keep children safe
https://www.easthants.gov.uk/draft-local-plan
and active, easing congestion and keeping
neighbours happy. The white lines marking Please take some time to consider the
the parking bays have been painted in the documentation and complete a consultation
recreation ground car park and we hope that feedback form. This consultation of current
parents will start to use the facility for drop planning policies marks the five year review
off and pick up on their journeys to and from of the existing (2014) Local Plan and it
the school.
17 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
identifies allocated sites for development introduction of a Parish Lengthsman scheme,
(affordable housing, housing for all stages but in a way that reflects more modern ways
of life as well as traveller sites, employment of working.
and retail designated land). Currently there
are seven sites identified in the Draft local Our Lengthsman regularly clears and tidies
Plan some of which have been subject to vegetation and overhanging braches from
planning applications already that have footpaths, cleans signage, tidies around
been refused in the past. Also and as bus shelters etc. In the winter months our
highlighted last month, there are some large allocated hours are not always fully utilised
developments allocated in neighbouring so if you know of any jobs that need doing
parishes and if they go ahead will result in in and around the Parish please let Sue
significant impacts on our lives. Hodder know – you can reach her at clerk@
binstedparishcouncil.org.uk.
Parish Lengthsman Scheme
Volunteers
We are involved with a small group of other
local Parish councils that have access We would love to hear from you if you feel
to a Parish Lengthsman scheme. Parish you can help us in our efforts to better
Lengthsmen were deployed in Hampshire represent the wider Parish and its needs. We
until the late 1960s, carrying out routine have our annual elections coming up in a
maintenance work across the Parishes. couple of months and are still missing voices
Lengthsmen were given lengths of highway in our discussions from Rowledge, Bucks
to maintain and were expected to do Horn Oak, Holt Pound, Wyck and Isington.
everything necessary to keep ‘their’ sections Please come along to our next full council
of road in good condition. They generally meeting (March 4th, 7pm in Binsted Pavilion)
worked alone, using hand tools and tended and see for yourself how we are working
to live in or near the parishes in which they towards making a measurable difference to
worked, taking great pride in their area. the quality of life of the community we serve
They would have had a close relationship and being responsive to the needs of our
with the Parish authority and been aware of community.
local needs. Unfortunately, mechanisation
Binsted Parish Council - serving the
and reducing budgets sent the service
communities of Binsted, Wyck, Isington,
into decline and proved the downfall of the
Bucks Horn Oak, Holt Pound, Frith End,
labour intensive Lengthsman’s role.
Blacknest, Bentley station Road and
In recent years however, the County Council Rowledge. (www.binstedparishcouncil.com)
recognised that, by working with parishes,
an opportunity existed to improve local
responsiveness, provide added value to the
core service, and to improve the environment
within the local communities by the re-
B&B Magazine | 1819 | B&B Magazine
March 2019
THE CARDIAC REHABILITATION CHARITY
invites you to
An Afternoon of Social Bridge and Tea
on Thursday, 25 April 2019, 2pm-5pm
at Beech Village Hall, GU34 4AQ
Please bring cards, scorers for Chicago Bridge (rubber bridge optional), cloths
To : Mrs Lesley Bethell, Timbers, Boyneswood Road, Medstead,
GU34 5DY; Tel: 01420 563932
or
Mrs Angela Milligan, Mill Lane Cottage, Bishop’s Sutton, Alresford,
SO24 0AA;Tel: 01962 732241
Please reserve me tables @ £10 each (plus a suggested
voluntary donation of £40 per table).
I enclose a cheque for £50 per table payable to Basingstoke & Alton
Cardiac Rehab Charity.
I regret that I shall be unable to come but enclose a donation.
Full name:
Address:
Post Code: Tel:
I declare that I am a UK tax payer and request that this donation be treated as Gift Aid.
Signed: Date:
SAE appreciated
Basingstoke & Alton Cardiac Rehabilitation Charity Ltd
Registered Charity No. 1013238
B&B Magazine | 20March 2019
Farmers Viewpoint
Bloom where you
are planted
Image by David Hawgood www.hawgood.co.uk
I am writing this on 5th February and time of year is to be patient and balance
although the weather is post snow- enthusiasm against reality. A few dry
wintry there are signs that the natural days don’t mean that the soil is ready
world is waking up after its winter to cultivate and plant the spring crops.
slumbers. The days are getting longer Every days delay in planting means
– it is approaching 5.45pm before that the crops have fewer days to
properly dark on a good day. The clocks grow and mature using that wonderful
go forward on 31st March, yet the long,
light evenings seem such a long way off. The long, light
What isn’t so far off is the momentous
29th March 2019. Whether the evenings seem such
Parliamentary world is finally waking up a long way off.
to its responsibility to sort out the unholy
mess of Brexit remains to be seen.
daylight before harvest. The thought
The farms round and about are of all important yield progressively
beginning to emerge from winter slipping away is almost too much to
hibernation with grass and crops bear some days. The balance is to keep
showing the first signs of growth with off the soils until they are warm and dry
crocus and daffodils flowering. The enough so that the newly planted seeds
challenge for a lot of farmers at this germinate and emerge quickly. Early
21 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
A saving to
the grower
and crops
that are
closer to
organic
for the
consumer.
plantings followed
by a cold wet spell
in March which can and the crop yield will then be a tiny
rot the seed and certainly limit yield are fraction of its potential - effectively the
not a good idea. Doing nothing can be crops’ lungs are destroyed. Selecting
hard for those with itchy feet! and planting wheat varieties that have
some resistance to the disease play
As this is a farming page, the frequent
an important role in controlling the
references to the weather shouldn’t be
disease but there is also a need to
a surprise to anyone. If they are and
protect the plant – once it takes hold it
you are bored, I’d be happy to give way
cannot be cured. If farmers had access
to a new farmer contributor as I’m in my
to accurate weather forecasts that
fifth year of writing these pages! But the
said for example “no rain for 4 weeks
weather governs so many activities on
in May” then fungicide sprays would
a farm, less so if you are growing crops
be unnecessary during that period – a
under glass or polytunnels unless of
saving to the grower and crops that are
course the wind gets up! The holy grail
closer to organic for the consumer. I
of farmers must surely be the 100%
really hope this is a high priority for the
accurate weather forecast looking at
researchers in our industry.
least a month ahead. If these were
available the crop modelling that is To end, it certainly feels like we’ve had
available now could indicate whether a a very dry winter so far. This doesn’t
treatment is necessary to keep a crop bode well if we have another hot
healthy. Here in the South and East summer. It’d be the same sequence
of the UK there is a fungal disease in of events that occurred in the 1976
wheat called septoria tritici that thrives drought year. Having been optimistic in
in wet weather and can be devastating the previous paragraph, it has taken just
to crops if unchecked. It damages the two lines to revert back to stereotypical
wheat leaves and they turn brown and farmer type ie moaning about the
are then unable to photosynthesise weather to come! Hurry up Spring...
B&B Magazine | 22March 2019
WORD SEARCH
BEAR LEAF
BIRD MUSHROOM
BUTTERFLY OWL
FOOTPRINT TREE
HARE SPIDER
23 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
THE BENEFICE OF BENTLEY, BINSTED & FROYLE
CHURCHES
INVITE THE SENIOR RESIDENTS OF ALL PARISHES
TO A PANCAKE LUNCH PARTY ON
SHROVE TUESDAY 5th MARCH
AT THE WICKHAM INSTITUTE, BINSTED 12PM -2PM
Enjoy savoury filled pancakes followed by sweet pancakes
RSVP - Please let one of us know if you would like to come
Jane Dalton tel 520278 or Helen MacDonald tel 474584
B&B Magazine | 24March 2019
Froyle Wildlife
Talks, Walks & other
Events 2019
Dates for the Diary
On Friday 22nd March we welcome Dr Nikki Gammans from the Bumblebee
Conservation Trust. We’ll find out about the three types of bees -solitary, honey and
bumblebee their lifecycle and ecology, their decline and how we can help focusing
on gardening through the seasons. Nikki will give an introduction to bumblebee
identification and also include her work on, The short-haired bumblebee project.
All welcome, teas and coffees, Sunday 11th August pond
entrance £3 for non members. dipping for families at Froyle
Doors open Froyle Village Hall Park wildlife pond, two sessions
7pm for talk to start at 7.30pm. 1.30pm and 2.30pm, all
equipment provided.
Friday 22nd March, a
talk entitled ‘Plight of the Wednesday 7th August
Bumblebee’ by conservationist 2pm*, a walk at Old
Dr Nikki Gammans. How we can Winchester Hill NNR for
help our bees. flowers, views and butterflies.
Saturday 27th April 4.30pm*, Thursday in October TBA,
Join Mark Howard, hurdle 7pm, AGM and talk ‘Ancient
maker for a walk through a Trees and Woodland’ by John
worked Coppice Woodland Stokes. Natural landmarks in
near Crondall. Discover the our countryside for centuries.
benefits to wildlife. Wednesday 26th June 10am*,
Doors open 30 minutes before
walk at Noar Hill SSSl for orchids
Tuesday 30th April 7.30pm, talk the start of talks.
and wildflowers.
‘RSPB Farnham Heath, the story
*may be rearranged at short
so far’ by Mike Coates. Discover Sunday 7th July a ‘drop-in’ day at
notice depending on the weather.
the birds and wildlife of this the Wildlife Pond and Meadow
Please check www.froylewildlife.
restored heathland. to see what flying and flowering,
co.uk/news for any changes or
10-12am and 2-4pm near Gid
Saturday 18th May 10.30am*, phone 23520.
Lane, Froyle.
short walk to a Wildflower
Sue Clark
Meadow and Froyle
Churchyard. Identify local flora in
uncultivated grassland.
25 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
Froyle Wildlife photo competition 2019. What
better way to connect with nature than to capture
images of what you see. So get out and about
with your camera or phone to record what’s
appealing to you. The competition is open to all.
Photographs must have been taken within
the parish of Froyle and could include views,
wildflowers, trees, animals or insects -whatever
you enjoy about local nature. The winning photos
will be displayed on the Froyle Wildlife website
along with at least one photo from each person
entering. Entries from under 14’s will be judged
as a separate category. See froylewildlife.co.uk/
froyle-wildlife-photo-competition-2019/.
Please submit up to 4 entries by 31st October 2019 either by email to info@froylewildlife.co.uk or at one of
our walks and talks. Barry Clark
JANUARY WEATHER STATISTICS
Temperature
Daytime maximum 11.1ºC (13th) to 2.8ºC (23rd)
Only 5 days above 10ºC
Nightime minimum - 9.0ºC (31st) to 7.8ºC (13th)
17 nights below 0ºC
Rainfall
Total for month 0.94 inches (24.0 mm) over 21 days
Wettest days 0.33 inches (8.4 mm) (22nd)
Wind
Average wind speed for the month 1.3 mph
Dominant wind direction North North West
Maximum gust 34 mph (27th)
Parish Weatherman
B&B Magazine | 26March 2019
NOTES FROM MY GARDEN
Plant of the Month - Daphne Odora Aureamarginata (Hardier than the green ones)
There is snow on the ground and a brilliant • Prune fuchsias and all shrubs as soon as
blue sky out there which is not helping me they finish flowering.
to think of what to write for you this month,
• Buddleias should be cut hard back to
Who knows what we shall be experiencing
about a foot or two.
in a few weeks time – Spring or still frozen?
There is not a lot that needs doing but here • Gooseberries need all their unwanted
is a list to think about when one can get out wood removed and the remainder
in the garden. trimmed back.
• Sorting out the compost heap will be good • Dahlias can be started soon
for starters – turn it over, bag up anything
• Salad sown undercover.
usable ready for the day that you need it.
• Sweet-peas need stopping or if you have
• Prepare the vegetable bed ready for
not sown any yet now is the time to do it.
working next month. Leave the soil rough
which makes it easier to work later. • W
hen you can get on the soil, shallots
can be planted by pushing them into the
• Raspberries will need tying up and top
ground. They will pull themselves up as
dressing as will the rest of the garden.
they grow.
• You can move snowdrops while they still
RC
have their leaves.
27 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019 B&B Magazine | 28
March 2019
WICKHAM INSTITUTE
SPRING SUPPER
Saturday 27th April 2019
7.30 pm
Why
not
come
and
join
us
for
good
home-‐‑made
food
and
pleasant
company.
Tickets
cost
£15
each
and
can
be
booked
by
calling
01420
23157
or
emailing
treasurer@wickhaminstitute.co.uk
Early
booking
is
recommended
as
this
is
a
popular
event.
Please
note
that
you
need
to
provide
your
own
drink.
Our
kitchen
refurbishment
was
supported
by
a
grant
from
the
Big
Lottery
Fund
|
29 B&B MagazineMarch 2019
Wickham Institute, Binsted - Registered Charity No. 1090864
THE WICKHAM INSTITUTE
(VILLAGE HALL), BINSTED
www.wickhaminstitute.co.uk
The Wickham Institute 100+ Club
As promised, listed below are the lucky winners of the February 2019 draws:
February 2019
1st prize Trevor Blaber
2nd prize Pat Smalley
3rd prize Sarah Boswood
Details of the March 2019 draw will
appear in the next magazine.
Remember each number only costs £12 (£1 per month)
and you have three chances to win each month!
50% of the monthly purchase price of each number goes in prizes and
50% to the running costs of The Wickham Institute. The more people
that participate in the 100+ club, the more money that is paid out in
monthly prizes.
If you would like to participate an application form can be obtained from
Andrew Croom-Johnson on 01420 23157 or email a request to Andrew
at treasurer@wickhaminstitute.co.uk
B&B Magazine | 30March 2019
Chiffchaff
CHIFFCHAFFS-AND
OTHERS-PREPARING
FOR SUMMER
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Chiffchaffs are returning from the strength after the journey, even while they are
Mediterranean, where they have been singing.
“wintering” like little millionaires. They are the
first of our summer visitors to return in large Almost identical in appearance is the willow
numbers, but sand martins and wheatears are warbler, arriving from its winter quarters a
also reappearing. You might see sand martins little later. Its song is a sweet, trickling series
wheeling over a reservoir to pick up flying of descending notes, very distinctive and quite
insects, or catch sight of a solitary wheatear different from the chiffchaff. Both species build
pausing on a playing field or rocky hillside neat, domed nests, lined with feathers and
before heading further north and west. with an entrance hole at the side. Chiffchaffs
tend to build in shrubbery or brambles,
Chiffchaffs are small, olive–green warblers, whereas willow warblers nest on the ground.
who sing their vigorous, insistent “chiffchaff, Before I knew this, I once found a nest on the
chiffchaff ” song in the treetops. Their ground and assumed it had fallen from a bush
repetitive refrain makes them unmistakeable or tree, so perched it back into some thick
and ebullient harbingers of spring. Some of undergrowth. Leave it alone-nature knows
them will have been here during the winter, best!
visitors from Germany, whither they are now
returning. A few of them will be singing a Also making a lot of noise in the woods now
much quieter song in the bushes, whilst their are great spotted, or pied woodpeckers, some
newly arrived cousins dart noisily around the of which have been visiting birdfeeders during
treetops, looking for insects to rebuild their the winter. Both sexes are black and white, with
31 | B&B MagazineMarch 2019
a large red patch under the tail. The males, Compared with the smaller great spotted
identifiable by the red head flash which the woodpecker, the drumming mating call of
female lacks, have begun their springtime the green or “yaffle”, our other familiar garden
drumming, hammering rapidly with their woodpecker, is feeble. Trees offer plentiful
beaks on a dead bough or telegraph pole. This insects but ants are its preferred food, making
is their equivalent of song, attracting females lawns and parks favourite feeding grounds.
and warding off other males. They have The ants adhere to its sticky four-inch long
shock-absorbent tissue behind their beaks to tongue, which coils inside its skull like a
protect their brains from the vibrations. 8 to spring. “Smart as new paint appeared our
10 drumming blows last barely one second, gorgeous guest, Green in his plumage, scarlet
sounding rather like an electric drill. on his crown”, as one poet has described it. HP
A sense of a goose
Next fall, when you see geese When the head goose gets tired, it rotates
heading south for the winter, back in the wing and another bird flies point.
flying along in a “V” formation, you It is sensible to take turns doing demanding
might consider what science has jobs, whether with people or with geese
discovered as to why they fly that flying south.
way. As each bird flaps its wings,
Geese honk from behind to encourage those
it creates an uplift for the bird up front to keep up their speed.
immediately following. By flying in
“V” formation, the whole flock adds What messages do we give when we honk
at least 71% greater flying range from behind?
than if each bird flew on its own. Finally, and this is important, when a goose
is sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls
People who share a common direction and a
out of formation, two other geese fall out with
sense of community can go where they are
that goose and follow it to lend a hand and
going more quickly and easily, because they
protection. They stay with the fallen goose
are travelling on the thrust of one another.
until it is able to fly or it dies; and only then
do they launch out on their own, or to catch
When a goose falls out of formation, it
up with their own group.
suddenly feels the drag and resistance of
trying to go it alone- and quickly gets back
If we had the sense of a goose, we will stand
into formation to take advantage of the lifting
by each other like that.
power of the bird in front.
Author Unknown.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we
will stay in formation with those people who
are headed in the same direction as we are.
B&B Magazine | 32You can also read
