DECEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020 - Steeple Ashton
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DECEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020
Keevil Airfield, 6 June 1944 – D-Day
In June 1944, less than a mile from the centres of Keevil and Steeple Ashton, our
local airfield – ‘RAF Keevil’ – was deeply involved in D-Day operations. In the
September, it played its part in the Arnhem air assault. As the end of 2019 draws
near, we remember those who served 75 years ago – and we are privileged to have
a copy of the boyhood recollections of someone who, during 1944,
was living on the edge of RAF Keevil.
CONTENTS
December 2019 - January 2020
Pages 39-42 Bryan writes
46-47 Catholic news
3 Christmas Greetings
Back cover Church Services
12 Films
11 Forget-me-Nots
13 Friends of SA
22-23 From the Archives
44-45 Methodist Church
4-6 Parish Council
16 Robbie writes
15 RBL
21 Sage
13-14 Shop
7-8 St Mary’s Church
37 Village diary
32 Village Hall info
11 WI
Newsletter Deadlines for 2020
January 21st; February 18th; March 24th.
Items for the February newsletter should be received by Tuesday 21st
January. They should be sent to Mrs Helen Montague-Smith, 1A Butts Lane,
Steeple Ashton or by email to helenmontaguesmith8@gmail.com
All published items solely express the views of the author and are the copyright of
the author and the newsletter unless otherwise stated.
The Editor would like to remind you that it is up to you, the readers, to supply all
news and copy for the newsletter. The sender’s name and address need to be
received before printing. Telephone 01380 871285.
Inquiries for advertisements in the newsletter should be made to Sarah Dennehy
on 01380 870731, email: adverts4steepleashton@gmail.com
Please send your ads by email if possible.
Please note, we do not deliver flyers for advertisers.
Editorial
Hello everyone - I can’t believe that another year, of newsletters, is nearly
over. This is the 10th and last for 2019! I hope you all have a lovely
Christmas and wish you all the best for 2020. Kind regards - Helen
Christmas Greetings
Wishing all a Happy & peaceful Christmas Anne Howard
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my friends and
neighbours in Steeple Ashton, from Mary Ashby
Wishing my neighbours and many friends in the village a very
Happy and peaceful Christmas. All the best for 2020 from Rene Jefferies
We wish all our friends and Neighbours a very happy, healthy and peaceful
Christmas and New Year. Richard and Susan Cottle
Wishing family and friends a Happy Christmas and a good New Year
Margaret & Derek
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with love and best wishes
Richard and Moira Matthews
Wishing all our friends a very Happy Christmas and bes wishes for the
New Year from Pat & Jill Awdry & Family
With very best wishes for a Happy Christmas & New Year. Jean
A merry Christmas and very happy New Year to all friends and neighbours,
with love from Paul and Adrienne Hale
I wish all my friends in the village a Happy Christmas. Jayne Glaysher
Wishing all our friends in the village a Happy Christmas
and New Year from Jayne & Peter
Wishing all my friends in Steeple Ashton a very Merry Christmas and a
Healthy and Happy New Year!!! Caren Felton
Tony and Alison Evans wish everyone a
Very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year
Seasonal Greetings and best wishes to all Friends, Neighbours and Villagers.
From Jo, Peter and Penny Hornsey
The Trussell Trust - stop UK hunger
If you wish to send money to this charity instead of buying Christmas cards,
your cheque should be made out to PCC of Steeple Ashton (marked Trussell
Trust on the back) then the money will be sent to the Trussell Trust. Sue Cottle
3
STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL
A message from our Chairman:
“Dear villagers
In 2019 we said goodbye to our clerk – Leon Karas; and welcomed our
new clerk – Nikki Duke.
In 2020 we will start the year with a councillor vacancy (which will be
advertised in January) as Caroline Quartley stands down. So, any
interested candidates should look out for the vacancy or contact our clerk
for more information.
In the meantime we are heading towards Christmas and our Tree
Lighting event, and hope you will join us there, especially as Father
Christmas has taken time from his busy schedule to come
along………………………to enjoy our mulled wine and nibbles, and to meet
the young children.
All the councillors on Steeple Ashton Parish Council would like to wish
you all a very merry festive season and a joyous new year.”
Francesca Buffery-King: Chairman
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
SUNDAY 8th December at 5.30pm
Come and enjoy mulled wine, savoury treats, mince pies and a
Christmas singalong. Father Christmas himself will be pushing the
button and giving out a few treats along the way.
We’d love to see as many of you as possible.
Council Meetings: The minutes for all meetings are posted on the
website and on the village noticeboard next to the Longs Arms and at
Newleaze bus stop. Please remember, these meetings are open to all – you
would be very welcome to come and sit in while we discuss issues that
affect all. The public is invited to speak openly at a set point in the
proceedings. If you have an issue you need to talk to us about, you can also
email the Clerk – details below – who will ensure the right person is
detailed with your query.
Village Survey: The survey is now closed, and we are diligently inputting
the hard copy data onto our online survey platform. Thank you to all of you
who contributed. Results will be published soon and plans for setting up
Working Groups will be put forward to those who left their contact details.
Thank you to the many of you who have volunteered to be involved in plans
going forward – it is very encouraging.
All change at the Parish Council: We thank our outgoing Parish Clerk
Leon Karas and Councillor Caroline Quarterly for their services to the
Parish Council, pictured here receiving leaving gifts from the Chairman.
We will miss them! 4
Introducing our new Parish Clerk:
“Hello, my name is Nicola Duke and I am the
new Parish Clerk for Steeple Ashton Parish
Council. I have been working in local
government for nearly 20 years and am Clerk to
a number of parishes in West Wiltshire. I am a
Fellow of the Society of Local Council Clerks and
a qualified Clerk. I have been working in Steeple
Ashton since September and am enjoying getting
to know the village and our parishioners. I am
in the Parish Office every Wednesday from 9.30
– 11.30, so please do pop in and say hello. I am
very much looking forward to working with the
Parish Council to support the community. If I
can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to
contact me.”
New PCSO: Meet new PCSO Adam
Almond (left). He will be the Melksham
Rural PCSO covering our area. At the
moment he is being mentored by Janet
Gould (right) so you should see a bit of
them both around the village. Do stop
them and say hello!
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Planning: Planning applications are considered at Parish Council
Meetings and Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an
Open Forum for members of the public to comment on planning matters
prior to their consideration. All minutes are posted on the website and the
village notice board. At the time of publication, there are no new
applications.
Parish Council Meetings (Mondays at 7.30pm in the Village Hall Skittle
Alley):
ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THESE
MEETINGS.
December 2nd Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting
January 2020 6th Main Parish Council Meeting
February 2020 3rd Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting
Parish Council Office: (2 St Mary’s School, High Street)
The Clerk will be in the Parish office on Wednesday from. 9.30 - 11.30am.
Nicola Duke, Clerk to the Parish Council, can be contacted on 01380
871454 or email clerk@steeple-ashton.co.uk. All Councillors have live
@steeple-ashton.co.uk email addresses which are also posted on the
website.
Find us on Social Media! Through the Parish Council page and
Steeple Ashton Village Discussion Group, we cover many topics of
interest to our residents. Please be assured that this page is monitored
regularly, and we take all requests seriously, actioning where appropriate.
We also have a group called ‘Steeple Sells’ for those of you that would
like to buy and sell things locally – this is not a page that is part of the
Parish Council policy or procedure, just a natural extension of social media
activities. We would love you to get involved – search for ‘Steeple Ashton’
on Facebook. If you are a village group and need help with your social
media or village event promotions, please get in touch with Pippa at
pippabirch@steeple-ashton.co.uk or 871578.
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Mobile Library Visits:
Longs Arms, 11:00 – 12:00; Ashton Common Bus Stop 15.45 – 16.10
Wednesday 04; 18th December 2019
Wednesday 01; 15th; 29th January, 2020
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~~ www.steeple-ashton.co.uk ~~~
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From St Mary’s…
The Ministry Team - of Fr Oliver,
Fr Tony, Richard and Simon, serving
the parishes of Steeple Ashton and of
North Bradley, Southwick and
Heywood - wishes all readers a
Joyous Christmas and a Happy
New Year.
You can read Fr Oliver’s Christmas
message, together with a note of the
special services for Advent and
Christmas Day in and around Steeple
Ashton, in the Steeple Ashton
Christians Together Christmas card
that accompanies this Newsletter.
And a big thank you to Nancy Lester
for the lovely illustration she has
provided for this year’s card!
Many thanks to Linda Hollister
Linda Hollister will be stepping down shortly as Treasurer to the Parochial
Church Council (PCC), and we thank her for all the dedication and hard
work she has put into looking after church finances. If you, or anyone you
know, might be interested in taking on this rôle, or the currently-vacant
post of churchwarden, please do contact Fr Oliver on 01225 774845.
Messages from members of our church family…
Petra Brown writes: “Letters to Father Christmas can be posted in the
red post box in the church which is for children’s letters to Father
Christmas. Special paper and envelopes are provided. The post box will be
in church from 1st December.”
Joyce King writes for the Family Service Team: “We invite all families and
friends to our Toy and Gift Family Service on Sunday, 8th
December at 10.30am. A member of the Salvation Army will be present
to receive our gifts. The Salvation Army works with social services to
provide gifts for vulnerable families in the area. Tea, coffee, squash and
biscuits will be served after the service.
The January Family Service is our Christingle Service for the Children’s
Society. This is a lovely service with oranges and candles on Sunday, 12th
January at 10.30am. Do come and join us.”
7
ST MARY’S CHURCH STEEPLE ASHTON
This church is part of the Benefice of North Bradley, Southwick, Heywood
& Steeple Ashton in the Bradford Deanery of the (Anglican) Diocese of
Salisbury.
Regular Sunday and weekday services are held across the Benefice’s three
churches. Details of all these services can be found in the church porch or
from the Calendar of Services leaflet available in the church. St Mary’s
services for the current month are on page 48.
Our Vicar is Fr Oliver Learmont, The Vicarage, 62 Church Lane, North
Bradley, BA14 0TA t:01225 774845 oliver.learmont@btinternet.com
Please contact Fr Oliver if you wish to make arrangements for a service of
Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child, a Baptism (Christening), a Marriage
Service, a Funeral Service, or the Interment of Ashes.
Churchwardens of St Mary’s. The current churchwarden is: Michael
Moore (t.01380 870280) details of other office holders connected with St
Mary’s can be found in the church porch.
To discuss the possibility of holding a social or cultural event in the church
please contact Fr Oliver. Michael Moore
St Mary’s Church
Steeple Ashton
Family Service
FAMILY TOY AND GIFT SERVICE
The Best Story Ever Told
Sunday 8th December 2019
2018 at 10.30am
New gifts and toys will be given to needy families in
Trowbridge and surrounding areas.
Tea and coffee afterwards!
Our Christingle Service will be on 1 2th January 2019
2020
at 10.30am
8
TREES, FLOWERS and FRUIT AS LITURGICAL SYMBOLS
The journey continues and ambles from Bramble to Clover via Bulrush and
Shamrock.
BRAMBLE BUSH: I noted, in the previous issue, that the Acacia tree is
sometimes associated with the Bramble bush. Moses, in his encounter with God.
Exodus 3:2.3, describes the meeting:
There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in the shape of a flame of fire
coming from the middle of the bush. The bush was blazing but was not being burnt
up and God called to him from the middle of the bush. In religious terms the
Bramble represents the eternal God and the immortality of the human soul.
My scientific background leads me to consider two possible botanical
explanations of the burning bush. The first is: the bush was a gas plant (not owned
by British Gas) Fraxinella (the Dietamnus Albus L) which is covered with minute
oil glands excreting a highly volatile substance.
The second is: the flames could have been the crimson blossoms of thorny twigs
from the Loranthus Accaciae (hence the association with the Acacia tree) which,
when in full colour, becomes a mass of blazing crimson and looks as if it is on fire
and whose blossom grows on large prickly bramble thorn branches.
BULRUSHES: signify the ‘Hope of Salvation to the People of God’ and are
alluded to in the Book of Job8:11 and again on Moses basket placed on the waters.
CARNATION: Red Carnations symbolize the pure love of God for his people.
CHERRY TREE: the symbol of charity and good works.
CHRISTMAS ROSE: associated with the Nativity of Our Lord.
CLOVER: in its many varieties symbolizes The Holy Trinity of God The Father –
God The Son and God The Holy Spirit. In Ireland around 432 AD it was used by St
Patrick to teach the mystery of The Trinity and is used internationally as the
‘Shamrock’ symbol of Ireland.
It is a Trefoil (three leaf foliage) hence, ‘Trifolium Arvense’ for the Hare’s-foot
Clover (8 inches high with downy brush like flower head), ‘Trifolium Repens’ for
the White Clover (20 inches high with whitebanded leaves and a single flower
head). Lastly the legendary sometimes four leaf ‘Trifolium Pratense’ so called
Red/Zigzag/Crimson Clovers (over 2 foot high with flowers said to resemble,
to some extent, the Olympic Torch).
COLUMBINE: the symbol of the Holy Spirit as its flower is said to resemble a
dove. An oblique reference is made in Isaiah 11:1-2
A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse,
A scion thrusts from his roots:
On him the Spirit of God rests,
A spirit of wisdom and insight,
A spirit of counsel and power,
A spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.
The next journey starts with a Daisy chain and comes to rest by the Holly bush.
Francis Geraghty
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STEEPLE ASHTON WI
“Poems” was the title chosen for this years “Members Meeting”. It had been
suggested earlier in the year that it would be fun to recall poems that we
had learnt as children. Members were invited to share favourite poems
with an explanation of why it appealed. A. A. Milne proved to be the most
popular poet; smiles greeted “They’re Changing the Guard at Buckingham
Palace” and other poems from those well-loved ‘Christopher Robin’ books.
“The Lion and Albert” and some less well known poems were greeted with
amusement before the members set about learning a poem – though not
too seriously. The evening was so enjoyable that it was suggested that we
do it again.
The raffle was won by the president, Alison Evans
We are looking forward to our Christmas Party in December when we will
be entertained by Adrienne Hale and Friends.
Rosie Brett-Green
FORGET-ME-NOTS CLUB
The Christmas Bingo & Buffet Tea is on 4th Dec, always a lively
afternoon, with great prizes for the lucky winners, and a prize for everyone
in the Raffle. The Christmas Lunch this year is at the Farmhouse Inn in
Southwick on 11th Dec.
There are no meetings in January, with the first one of the new year being
in the Hall on 19th Feb, which will be a ‘Get-together Afternoon with a
Quiz’.
This has been a successful and happy year for the Club, why not come along
as a visitor in the New Year, and see for yourself what a convivial, relaxed
group we are. (1st & 3rd Wed, 2.30pm Village Hall) For further details
contact the Chairman on 01380/870593 or the Sec on 01225/775681.
Wishing a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas to all members and their
families. Glynnis Oakley
Christmas Greetings
Many thanks to friends and neighbours who have been so kind and helpful
during the past year. I do hope that you will all have a happy, peaceful
2020 and a cheery Christmas. I am not sending Christmas cards but in lieu
of this a donation to the following organisations, The Salvation Army, The
Dogs Trust and The Donkey Sanctuary at Tavistock. Joan Riggott
11STEEPLE ASHTON FILMS
Thank you to all of those who have supported our films during this past
year. I think you will agree we have seen some great films and enjoyed
some lovely evenings.
This is the provisional schedule for our films in Spring 2020:
18 January - Judy
15 February - Downton Abbey
21 March - The Good Liar
18 April - Mrs Lowry & Son
This is hot off the press, but we are hopeful it is the final list. We hope you
agree that this is an exciting and varied programme and we look forward to
seeing you in the new year.
We are aware that having the Odeon cinema so close by has had the
dramatic affect of reducing our audience numbers, but hope you will
continue to support us in 2020 and enjoy drinks and snacks from the bar
and a wide variety of film choices in a friendly atmosphere. Please
introduce us to your friends and family and encourage them to join us and
help us to ensure we will survive another year!
It is just left for us to wish you a very Happy Christmas!
With very best wishes,
Alison Wilson, Marcus Wilson and Deborah Fox.
Steeple Ashton Films
SEPTEMBER 2020
THE STEEPLE ASHTON
FLOWER & PRODUCE SHOW
RETURNS
Watch out for details next year
12THE FRIENDS OF STEEPLE ASHTON
WILTSHIRE THROUGH TIME
A HISTORY OF THE LAST 200 MILLION YEARS
AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY
ISOBEL GEDDES
on Friday 29th November 2019
in Steeple Ashton Village Hall at 7.30 pm
Entry £4 Members £2 Coffee, tea and cake
Did you know that Steeple Ashton has a Site of Special Scientific Interest
in the form of a Jurassic Corallian reef ? Many of you may have found
fossils in your gardens or on walks in the area. Would you like to show
them to an expert ?
Isobel Geddes is the author of “Hidden Depths: Wiltshire’s Geology and
Landscapes” and a fascinating lecturer on what lies beneath our feet and
why, and how it has influenced our building. She contributed to English
Heritage’s “Strategic Stone Study Building Stones Atlas” and “The Avebury
Landscape”. She currently leads geology-themed walks and produces
geology and landscape guides for the Wiltshire Geology Group. Lydia Peters
STEEPLE ASHTON VILLAGE SHOP
OPENING HOURS FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR
23rd December (Monday) 7.30 am – 5.30 pm
24th December Christmas Eve 7.30 am – 2.30 pm
25th December Christmas Day CLOSED
26th December Boxing Day CLOSED
27th December 7.30 am – 5.30pm
28th December (Saturday) 8.30am – 4.30pm
29th December (Sunday) 9.00am – 12.00pm
30th December (Monday) 7.30am – 5.30pm
31st December New Year’s Eve 7.30 am – 12.30pm
1st January New Year’s Day CLOSED
13STEEPLE ASHTON VILLAGE SHOP
CHRISTMAS - is almost upon us. Surely it comes round more quickly
with each year that passes? It certainly seems that way! And are you
ready for it? We most certainly are – please come and see what we have in
store.
CARDS - There’s a selection of new Artbeat Christmas cards with proceeds
this year going to Shelter and some very pretty and unusual cards with cut-
out designs and others which include a gift pen/pointer with the shop
details.
SPECIAL CELEBRATORY TREATS – Some boozy items to tempt you -
liqueur chocolates, Raspberries in Rum, Apricots in Amaretto, Brandy
Mincemeat, even a Christmas Pickle with Mead. Crystallised Ginger
Chunks, Ginger in Syrup, Brandy Butter and more. Mulled wine and spices
for home mulling and Somerset clear Cider ... the list goes on.
ON THE MENU – No need to look further for your Christmas food
shopping, we can make it easy for you. Order your meats, fruit and
vegetables, bread, milk, cream, cheeses, etc, and collect them from the
Shop on the afternoon of the 23rd December or on the 24th in the
morning. All orders will include a surprise gift from us, either a jam or a
chutney from our Cherry Tree range of condiments!
Collect your order form and return it to the shop by the 11th December.
Just to let you know, we have all the ingredients for your Christmas cake
including glace cherries, almonds, flaked and ground, marzipan and icing
sugar. We have brandy butter and peeled chestnuts, and a variety of
stuffing mixes and bread sauce mix from Shropshire Spice Co.
CHRISTMAS THEMED GIFTS – we have quite a variety again. The
Michel Designs ranges are as beautiful as ever, with prices to suit all
pockets. There are scented soaps, candles, hand cream and liquid soaps,
diffusers and delightful Christmassy table napkins and more.
COME FOR A BROWSE - and a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy and a free
mince pie from Monday 6th December to Christmas – you will be very
welcome!
A very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year to you all!
And a big THANK YOU to those of you who have supported our village
shop in 2019!
JIG-SAW Puzzles - do you enjoy jig-saw puzzles? Have you got lots??
Could we organise an exchange system? - please call Gina - 01380 870485
14THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL 2019
Steeple Ashton, Great Hinton, Keevil, Bulkington, and Erlestoke
My grateful thanks yet again to everyone involved in the Poppy Appeal this
year. This includes the churches who donate their Remembrance Day
collections to the Appeal – St. Mary’s. St Leonards, Christchurch and St
Saviour’s - and local organisations like Steeple Ashton shop, the Longs
Arms, the Lamb in the Strand, the Well at Bulkington, and Keevil School,
not forgetting those who make donations for wreaths to lay at the
Remembrance services. Above all, the door to door collectors deserve my
thanks; every year, they go out in all weathers in answer to the Appeal, and
their diligence is always well rewarded. The final figure is not available for
this edition of the magazine, but will be published in February 2020.
Lydia Peters
Do you have memories
or memorabilia?
I am looking for WW2 memorabilia
to exhibit in St Mary’s Church to Preservation Trust
celebrate VE Day in May 2020. Events 2020
12th Night Concert
Please contact Petra should you have
St Mary’s Church
any items of interest that could be 4th January 2020
exhibited. 01380 870696. Preservation Trust Dinner
(Village Hall)
7th March 2020
Trust AGM (Village Hall)
27th March 2020
VE Day 2020 Bryan Berrett (Village Hall)
75th Anniversary Personal interpretation of the
history and symbolism of
May 8th-10th
St Mary’s
A weekend celebration to include; 15th May 2020
A remembrance evening Festival Of music & Song
Exhibition in the Church (St Mary’s Church)
Village Street Party 18th July 2020
Hog Roast (Acreshort Park)
Get involved
8th August 2020
emailTime and (Yule) Tide
The autumn colours are vivid this year and despite the poor weather,
provide a last blast of flame to remind us of the Summer past, The leaf
blowers and suckers are in full voice as the squirrel tries to meet the
government target for tree planting. Last year he met his targets and we
will have to lift the extra oaks, ashes, beeches and hollies he has forgotten
to harvest. (Anyone want some saplings?)
The transience of autumn is turned into a rush, as all the events are
crammed into the last of the light evenings as the clock denies us any
complacency. Harvest Festival, Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night
accelerate us towards the Winter Solstice and of course, Christmas.
Thankfully we miss the American Thanksgiving but not without the
commercial bonanza of “Black Friday”.
So like an out of control satellite we career towards a burn out in the
reentry path to Christmas. No parachute or retro thrust will save us from
that inevitability. Be of good cheer, however, because for most of us it will
reunite us with families and friends, provide a chance to forget our woes
and celebrate life at the Zenith of the year. All too soon we will be looking
into the open highway of a new year with all the challenges, joys and
sadness that may bring. For the moment thank your god for the chance to
celebrate in this wonderful village and county, with all the bounty that you
wish to apply. Put the worries of your World and the wider one too, to one
side and enjoy this all to short season of festive fun.
From all of ours to all of you have a happy Christmas and may your
problems be small and the rewards high.
Remember too to give a thought for those who are worse of in any way
than yourself, if possible help others where you can. Robbie Campbell
A CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP
with Kay King in the METHODIST CHURCH
on Thursday 19th December 7pm - 9.30pm. Cost £5.00
Original arrangements made by you using
FRESH FLOWERS and FOLIAGE.
Traditional seasonal ribbon and baubles or candles
will complete your designs.
Enjoy your evening. Kay - 870078 for further details
1617
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
'Steeple Ashton & Great Hinton Newsletter'
In December 1973...
In January 1974...
David Berrett
22David Berrett
THE EDINGTON ARTS ADVENT CONCERT
This year’s Edington Arts Advent Concert will take place on Saturday 7th
December in Edington Priory Church, starting at 7.30pm, when we welcome our
first mixed voice choir from Cambridge. The choir from Jesus College, one of the
best, will join us under the direction of their Director of Music Richard Pinel, also
the Director of the Edington Music Festival. Twenty-six choristers and two organ
scholars will be presenting a programme of music for Advent and Christmas – and
there will be mulled wine and mince pies in the interval as usual.
Music includes Matthew Martin’s ‘Adam lay y-bounden’, an 8-part ‘Magnificat’
by Palestrina, Byrd’s ‘Vigilate’ and Bob Chilcott’s ‘Shepherd’s Carol’, so a
wonderfully mixed programme already. The rest of the programme will be
uploaded to www.edingtonarts.org as soon as it is confirmed.
Tickets are already selling strongly, so if you are thinking of coming, please
secure yours as soon as possible; the choir stalls and the raised seats in the south
aisle will be available for this concert, as well as front and rear nave, and north and
south aisles. Prices remain at £20, £15 and £10; 18 and under come free. Contact
Chrissy on 01380 831256 or email Sue, sue@edingtonarts.org
23PHILOMEL
The acclaimed local female voice choir
are delighted to be returning to St
Mary’s for another fundraising
concert. The Philomel Singers are well
known in the area, organising several
such concerts each year .
The choir are delighted to be joined by
two very talented young violinists, Lily
Steggall and Liana Tian, who will
perform solo pieces and also
accompany the choir.
There will be a retiring collection,
profits from which will be divided
equally between St Mary’s Church and
the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. More
information about The Philomel
Singers can be found at
philomeltrowbridge.co.uk or you can
contact the choir’s Secretary, Fiona
Wood, on 01373 858878 or e-mail her
at philomel@btinternet.com.
2425
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VILLAGE DIARY
The Newsletter prints a diary of events each month. If you are organising
activities in the area, you may wish to contact me to avoid a clash. Ed.
Regular events in Steeple Ashton Village Hall, unless otherwise stated.
Monday Ballroom Dance Classes: 7.00pm. Tel: 07917 57383
Steeple Rocks: 7.30pm. Venue - please call 01380 871890
Tuesday Rainbows: 4.45-5.45. Jenny Nicholson: jenz22@hotmail.co.uk
Brownies: 5.30-7pm. Diane Bouault: dbouault@btinternet.com
Guides: 7-9pm. HelenKing:1st.steepleashtonguides@gmail.com
Wednesday Baby & Toddler Group: 9.30am - 11.30am
1st and 3rd Wednesdays: Forget-Me-Not Club, 2.30pm.
2nd Wednesday: Women’s Institute, 7.30pm
Thursday Dance! Dee Dee Wilde, 10.30am contact 01380 870 489
SAGE; 1st Thursday of every month
Friday YOGA; 10.30am - 12noon
Walking group meets at the Longs Arms; 2.30pm
DECEMBER
Sunday 1st Christmas Market, VH, 12-4pm
Monday 2nd Advent Lunch, Methodist Church, see p44
Monday 2nd Planning Issues only Parish Council
Wednesday 4th Mobile Library
Wednesday 4th Forget-me-Nots, Christmas Bingo etc, VH, 2.30pm
Thursday 5th Sage, Social Evening, see p21
Sunday 8th Christmas Lights switch on, see p17
Saturday 14th Philomel Concert, St Mary’s Church, 7.30pm
Saturday 14th Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir, St James’ Ch. Trow.
Tuesday 17th Bingo Night, VH, 7.30pm
Wednesday 18th Mobile Library
Thursday 19th Christmas Workshop, Kay King, see p16
Friday 20th Westbury Choral Concert, see p17
JANUARY
Wednesday 1st Mobile Library
Saturday 4th Twelfth Night Concert, St Marys’ Church
Monday 6th Main Parish Council meeting, VH, 7.30pm
Thursday 9th Sage, Mendip Bonsai, see p21
Saturday 18th Film, Judy, VH, 7.30pm
Tuesday 21st Newsletter deadline
37Bryan writes…
In memory of Robin Underwood, 1933 – 2019
From 1944 until the early 1950s, Robin Underwood lived at Ashton Mill
– on the south-eastern edge of Keevil Airfield, past the station’s main
entrance, and beyond Spiers Piece Farm. At some point within the last 20
years, Robin wrote of his boyhood experiences living right next to an active
wartime airfield – including a secret stop-off by a certain WWII figure…
Due to the length of Robin’s hand-written record, it is not possible to
include all of the incidents he witnessed as a child here, so I have
reproduced four pages from his total of eight. He accompanied his notes
with a hand-drawn map detailing the airfield and the sites of incidents he
mentions. Unfortunately, this is too large to reproduce, but a copy is
available for those interested.
3839
40
Churchill’s personal Avro York LV633, the third prototype especially
fitted out with a table for conferences, bar, ashtray – & a heated
lavatory seat (which Churchill found too hot, & turned off!)
41Footnotes:
It is to my deep personal regret that I did not speak to Robin Underwood
when the copies of his recollections were kindly passed to me by Christine
Smith some months ago. I was saddened to hear recently that Robin had
passed away, aged 86, in early September. I remember him from the early
1950s, but have had no contact since. I understand he lived in Bradford-on-
Avon. This article is dedicated to Robin.
Ron Norris, who crashed his Spitfire in view of his parents while flying
over Great Hinton in 1943, was the eldest of six children. Ron lies in a war
grave at St Mary’s here in Steeple Ashton. He is survived by his youngest
brother Joe, and an older sister, Joyce. Ron was only 20 years old when he
died. He had trained to fly in Canada. Ron’s brother says that he was
stationed in Staverton, Gloucestershire, and was probably returning from a
practice flight when he decided to fly over Great Hinton. Joe was too young
to remember his brother’s accident, but feels that describing Ron’s final
flight manoeuvre as “aerobatics” is an exaggeration; more likely that in
treating his parents to a fly-pass, he came in too low, and hit the trees.
The full story of the Horsa Glider which crashed at Paulton, Somerset (it
broke away from the Stirling towing it bound for Arnhem on Sunday 17
September 1944, killing all 23 on board), is told in an article entitled:
‘Arnhem Field’, by Peter Clark, on page 93 of ‘A Book of Keevil Vol 2’
(1998).
The camp that Churchill visited at Erlestoke Park was a US Army
rehabilitation and reconditioning hospital set up in March 1944. It was
attached to the 12th Hospital Centre at Great Malvern. Designed to achieve
full mental and physical fitness prior to patients re-joining their respective
units, the Erlestoke camp was also made available to British servicemen –
to foster Anglo-American relations. By D-Day, the camp operated a 1,500-
bed facility.
With grateful thanks to Christine and John Smith; Leonard Hallett; and
Joe and Diane Norris for information and help. Front-cover photo courtesy
of The Keevil Society, from an article entitled: ‘The Dawn of Liberation’, by
Jonathan Falconer, on pp. 71-78 of ‘A Book of Keevil Vol 2’ (1998).
Bryan Berrett
4243
METHODIST CHURCH DIARY & EVENTS
At this current time much general election literature is coming through the
letterbox, indeed I can scarcely open a daily paper or listen to the news
without being reminded of it. As Christians our faith should not be
ostracised when we are thinking who to vote for, or indeed our thinking
about those candidates or parties we choose not to support, this is
especially so in the current climate with so many MP’s reporting abuse,
threats and malicious allegations.
John Wesley the founder of the Methodist Church had this to say to his
followers in the election of 1774:
I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and
advised them
1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy
2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against, and
3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted
on the other side.
Wise words indeed.
At the end of the day whoever we vote for, or choose not to vote for, we are
all made in the image of God! Whilst we believe that we are each loved
uniquely we also affirm that God is inclusive! John’s Gospel records, “For
God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” In a few weeks
those words will be re-enacted as we celebrate again the miracle of the
incarnation, when in our hearts and minds we travel again to Bethlehem
and gasp in awe, love and wonder that God of galaxies and space should
became one amongst us as a helpless, vulnerable babe. As we think of
God’s love and commitment in the coming of Jesus, it challenges us about
our commitment to Christ, not simply of the manger but Christ our
Saviour. One of the parables that I often reflect on is that of the Sheep and
Goats in Matthew 25:31-46 with the poignant lines “for I was hungry, I was
thirsty, I was a stranger, I was naked, I was sick, I was in prison”. Not only
at Christmas but throughout the whole year, all our lives long may we see
Christ in others, be Christ to others, that we may dwell in him, and he in us.
Happy Christmas - David
STEEPLE ASHTON METHODIST CHURCH
ADVENT LUNCH
MONDAY 2nd DECEMBER 12.00 – 1.30pm
ENTRANCE BY DONATION TO FUND CHRISTMAS CARD AND
CHRISTIAN AID
44Church Diary
All services are at 9.15 am unless otherwise stated. Please come along and
join us. You can be assured of a warm welcome, and a time to chat, plus a
cup of tea or coffee after the service. If there is anyone for whom you would
like prayers to be said, please leave details in the post box at the front door,
and they will be included in the Intercessory Prayers on Sunday.
DECEMBER 2019
Sunday 1st 9.15 am Rev. David Coppard – Holy
Communion
Monday 2nd 12.00 – 1.30 pm Advent Soup & Cake Lunch
Tuesday 3rd 7.30 pm Housegroup
Thursday 5th 2.30 pm CAMEO
Sunday 8th 9.15 am Rev. Gary Gotham
Wednesday 11th 10.30 am Reflections & Fellowship
Thursday 12th 2.30 pm CAMEO
Sunday 15th 9.15 am Pauline Tiller
Tuesday 17th 7.30 pm Housegroup
Thursday 19th 2.30 pm CAMEO
Sunday 22nd 9.15 am Carol Service - Rev David Coppard
Tuesday 24th 6.00 pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion
- Rev. David Coppard
Wednesday 25th 10.00 am Christmas Day Service – Izzie
Smears
Sunday 29th NO SERVICE SECTOR SERVICE AT WARMINSTER
There will be no CAMEO until 9th January
JANUARY 2020
Sunday 5th 9.15 am Local Arrangement Morning Worship
Wednesday 8th 10.30 am Reflections & Fellowship
Thursday 9th 2.30 pm CAMEO
Sunday 12th 9.15 am Izzie Smears
Thursday 16th 2.30 pm CAMEO
Sunday 19th 9.15 am Eric Clifford
Wednesday 22nd 11.00 am Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity followed by Soup Lunch
Thursday 23rd 2.30 pm CAMEO
Sunday 26th 9.15 am United Covenant Service – Holy
Communion - Rev. David Coppard and
Rev. Oliver Learmont
Thursday 30th 2.30 pm CAMEO
45CATHOLIC NEWS
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST TROWBRIDGE & ST BERNADETTE’S
WESTBURY (incl VILLAGES).
PARISH PRIEST FR TOM FINNEGAN
TELEPHONE: 01225 752152
www.stjohnthebaptisttrowbridge.co.uk
Weekly Timings: check newsletter for changes.
St John the Baptist - Trowbridge
Sunday Masses: Sat:(Vigil) 6pm; Sun:10.30am & 6pm
Holy Day of Obligation: See Newsletter
Weekday Masses: Mon: 9am; Tue: 6pm; Wed: 12.00 noon Fri: 6pm; Sat: 6pm
(Vigil);
Rosary: Weekdays before Mass.
Confessions: Sat: 9.30-10.15am; 5.15-5.30pm and on request.
St Bernadette's - Westbury
Sunday Mass: 9am
Holy Day of Obligation: Vigil Mass 6pm
Weekday Mass: Thursday 10am
Confessions: Before Masses and any time on request.
THE 2019 CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
ST JOHN’S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE. PENITENTIAL SERVICE.
A Deanery Advent Reconciliation Service is on Thursday 5th December at 7.00pm
with visiting priests for the Sacrament of Confession.
SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION: ST. JOHN'S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE:
Saturday 7th Dec: 9.30am – 10.10am. 5.15pm – 5.30pm.
Saturday 14thDec 9.30 – 10.10 am. 5.15-5.30pm
Saturday 21st Dec 9.30-10.10 am. 5.15-5.30pm
ST. BERNADETTE’S CHURCH WESTBURY:
Thursday 12th Dec 9.15am – 9.30am
Thursday 19th Dec 9.15am - 9.30am
CHRISTMAS SERVICES: ST. JOHN’S CHURCH TROWBRIDGE:
Tuesday 24th Dec: First Mass of Christmas (children’s Mass) 6.00pm.
Midnight Mass 12.00 midnight. Carols 11.30pm.
Wednesday 25th Dec: Mass of Christmas Morning 10.30am. (NB: No evening Mass).
ST. BERNADETTE’S CHURCH WESTBURY:
Wednesday 25th Dec: Christmas Day Mass 9.00am
THE NEW 300 CLUB 2019
Subscriptions: £50 annually - £13 quarterly - £4.33 monthly. New members are
most welcome to join at any time. Prizes are: £200-£70-£50-£10. For
information and application form contact Francis Geraghty 01380 871083 email:
f.geraghty303@btinternet.com. August winners: £200 John Grant -£70 Mike
Corcoran -£50 Frank Toner -£10 Gareth Johnson.
46ST BERNADETTE’S WESTBURY QUIZ NIGHT
Preparation is under way for our supper and quiz night on Friday Dec 6th 7.30pm.
This is usually a very popular social event.
Scripture Weekend:
Wiltshire Council's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme is looking for
volunteers to support refugee families in Trowbridge from the end of October. If
this is something you are interested in finding out more a please contact
refugees@wiltshire.gov.uk or call Laura Salter on 01225 756197 (Mon-Wed).
Further information from: Jenny Sturrock 07974 713 768 or Mary Martin 01373
8301 70
SHARING OUR FAITH
The Group meets in the Parish Centre, Trowbridge on Wednesdays from 8-
9pm.This is open to anyone wishing to learn more about the Catholic
Church.
Support Refugees:
Wiltshire Council's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme is looking for
volunteers to support refugee families in Trowbridge from the end of
October. If this is something you are interested in finding out more a please
contact refugees@wiltshire.gov.uk or call Laura Salter on 01225 756197
(Mon-Wed). Further information from: Jenny Sturrock 07974 713 768 or
Mary Martin 01373 8301 70
SICK AND/OR HOUSEBOUND
Any catholic who is sick or housebound should let Fr. Tom Finnegan
(01225 752152) know as he would be pleased to arrange a visit and bring
Holy Communion, if desired.
MASS TIMES at NEARBY CATHOLIC CHURCHES
St Joseph's, West Lavington (01380 723572) Mass on Sunday at
9.00am
Immaculate Conception, Devizes (01380 723572) Mass on Saturday
6.00pm and Sunday 10.30am and 5.00pm
St Anthony Melksham (01225 702128) Mass on Saturday 5.30pm and
Sunday 9.30am
St George’s Warminster (01985 212329) Mass on Saturday evening
6.00pm and Sunday 8.00am & 10.00am
Bradford-On-Avon (01225 862739) Mass Saturday 6.00pm. Sunday
10.30am.
(For information on any of the above contact
Francis Geraghty 01380 871083
email: f.geraghty303@btinternet.com
47CHURCH SERVICES in St Mary’s, Steeple Ashton
DECEMBER 2019 JANUARY 2020
Sunday 1st December Sunday 5th January
1st Sunday of Advent The Epiphany
11am Holy Communion, (BCP) 11am Holy Communion, (BCP)
Fr Oliver Learmont Fr Oliver Learmont
Sunday 8th December Sunday 12th January
2nd Sunday of Advent The Baptism of Christ
8am Said Holy Communion, (BCP) 8am Said Holy Communion, (BCP)
Fr Tony Longdon Fr Tony Longdon
10.30am Toy & Gift Family Service 10.30am Christingle (Family)
Richard Havergal Service, Richard Havergal
Sunday 15th December Sunday 19th January
3rd Sunday of Advent 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
11am Holy Communion, (CW) 11am Holy Communion, (CW)
Fr Oliver Learmont Fr Oliver Learmont
Sunday 22nd December Sunday 26th January
4th Sunday of Advent 3rd Sunday of Epiphany
6.30pm Carol Service 8am Said Holy Communion, (BCP)
Fr Oliver Learmont 9.15am Covenant Service with
Holy Communion, The Revd David
Tuesday 24th December Coppard, Fr Oliver Learmont
Christmas Eve Methodist Church, Steeple Ashton
5pm Crib Service
Richard Havergal; Fr Oliver Learmont
11.15pm Midnight Mass, (CW) Prayers are said informally at 8am
Fr Oliver Learmont every Wednesday.
Wednesday 25th December
Christmas Day
10am Holy Communion, (CW)(tbc) BCP - Common Worship, Order Two,
traditional language
Sunday 29th December CW - Common Worship Order One,
1st Sunday of Christmas contemporary language
11am Benefice Holy Communion The above details may be subject to
(CW) St Thomas’, Southwick change, and so it is wise to check
Fr Oliver Learmont more recent publicity.You can also read
