Kington Langley and Draycot Cerne - June 2020
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Kington Langley
and Draycot Cerne
Village Magazine
June 2020
Issue no. 490
1
Services at St Peter’s for June 2020
and across the Draycot Group of Churches
Dear Friends,
Once again there are no service details in this issue of the magazine because current
circumstances mandate that our churches should remain locked with no shared
worship.
However, as a Benefice we recognise the importance of spiritual wellbeing in many
people’s lives. Every Sunday we send out by email reflections on the Gospel readings,
and links to online services which we all watch – shared worship, just not in a shared
space. If you would like to be included on the Distribution List for this, please email Iain
at northwiltshiredeanery@gmail.com.
Our Administrator, Maggie, continues to work from the office in Brinkworth House,
and does an excellent job of answering any practical questions you may have! She can
be contacted on office.draycotchurches@gmail.com
We look forward to being able to meet and worship together as soon as restrictions
are lifted. In the meantime, please Stay Safe and Stay Well!
You can find Church of England services on the BBC via television and radio. There
are also a variety of on line services available from Malmesbury Abbey, our
neighbours in the Woodbridge Group, and other churches in the North Wiltshire
deanery via Facebook and Youtube.
Union Chapel Christian Fellowship – Kington Langley
SERVICES & EVENTS - JUNE
No Sunday Services, Rendezvous or Bible Study meetings during .
If things change, we will post a notice outside the Chapel, and phone members of our
regular congregation. In the porch there are displayed a few items for private devotions.
Thanos has a series of messages on Youtube . Type in “Bible Blessings by Pastor
Athanasius”.
Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever!
2
FROM THE
EDITOR
Welcome to the June edition of the village I am delighted that we can welcome a new
magazine - I hope this finds you well and Sheldon correspondent, Lawrence Janes - a
able to enjoy the lovely weather. strange time to start writing about school
life (!) but interesting to hear about how our
I am delighted that we are able to deliver young people are coping. You can see lots
this magazine to every villager again this of photos on the Sheldon Facebook page
month - once more with the support of the too showing how creative and community
minded their students are.
Community Response Team volunteers,
alongside the return of many of our usual It has been lovely to hear stories of how
different groups of villagers marked VE Day
distributers. Inside we hear more from
last month. There may not have been the
Martin and Nikki Casey who have been the
razzmatazz of national events, but there was
coordinators of this remarkable and much a powerful celebration of togetherness.
appreciated service. Many of you will have heard the sad news
Don’t forget that you are still able to access that Denis Cole recently died. Denis and his
late brother Tony were faithful members of
this magazine on line for free at https://
St Peter’s for many years, before their
www.kingtonlangleymagazine.org/ health deteriorated. There will be an
opportunity to say our farewells at a later
As the lockdown begins to ease a little,
date, as the family intends to hold a
businesses and organisations are starting to
Thanksgiving when St Peter’s reopens.
open up again and you will find information
This is the first time in 20 years that we as a
to help you decide what you can do and
village will not be holding our Scarecrow
when. However, it is important to Festival in June. Please spare a thought for
remember that many will continue to the Howes and the Committee who had
strictly self isolate or shield themselves so already put so much work into this event -
we need to continue to look after each how special it will be in 2021! Keep safe.
other - and not forget those of us who will Katherine Bloomer
continue to stay in our homes. Editor
July Edition deadline on
** Monday 22nd June 2020 **
Please email a Word Document or PDF to klmag.kb@btinternet.com
It may not be possible to include any items received after the midday deadline
on the closing date.
3
Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship
services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.
This is a Church of England initiative in partnership with CONNECTIONS at
Holy Trinity Claygate, and Faith in Later Life - but it is available for free to
anyone who wishes to make use of this phoneline.
Options available include materials which are also available digitally by the
Church of England’s Communications team such as Prayer During the Day
and Night Prayer updated daily, from Common Worship, and a recording of
the Church of England weekly national online service.
A section called Hymn Line offers callers a small selection of hymns, which
are updated daily. An option entitled ‘Hymns We Love’, provides a hymn and
reflection and is based on an initiative by the Connections group.
THANK YOU to Martha Sudbury, Y6 at Langley Fitzurse School for providing
her excellent drawing of a frontline medic on the cover of this edition.
4
Don’t delay seeking medical help because of coronavirus
People living in Wiltshire are being advised not to let worries about corona-
virus stop them asking for medical help for themselves or their children if they
become ill, have a serious accident or have a concern about their health.
They are also being warned that not seeking medical help for symptoms that
could be the early warning signs of serious conditions such as cancer could be
putting lives at risk.
The warning comes as new data shows a considerable drop in the number of
people coming forward to ask their GP for help and advice during the corona-
virus outbreak. Recent statistics show that, in Bath alone, the total number of
weekly referrals from GPs to the RUH have fallen from around 2,000 at the
beginning of March to 300 at the end of April. In Swindon, the average number
of patients being sent by their GP to the GWH for further investigations into
symptoms that suggest cancer each week has dropped by more than 200 to 80.
Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director at BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, said:
“While it may seem that coronavirus has put a stop to most aspects of every-
day life, the one thing it hasn’t stopped is what’s going on inside our bodies,
Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to anything that isn ’t normal
and seek help early on. For example, if you notice blood when going to the
toilet, or if you’ve found a lump that wasn’t there previously, or if you’ve just
noticed something odd that is causing you to worry, you need to speak to your
GP. Should the symptom be the early warning sign of something serious like
cancer, that delay in seeking help could have serious implications for how
successful possible treatments may be.”
Although GP practices across the region have adopted new ways of working,
such as establishing isolated clinics for potential coronavirus patients, the
practices themselves are still open to offer care, treatment, advice and peace -
of-mind. The same also goes for emergency departments in Bath, Swindon and
Salisbury, all of which continue to be open 24 hours a day for people with a
genuine and life-threatening health concern. Additionally, all healthcare
facilities in the region have put in place stringent infection control measures to
ensure that the risk of contracting coronavirus while visiting a hospital or GP
surgery remains low.
• Details of which services continue to open, as well as how to get in contact, can be
found online by visiting www.bswccg.nhs.uk
• For information about local hospital services visit https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/,
www.gwh.nhs.uk or www.salisbury.nhs.uk
• Further information on how to stay well throughout the coronavirus outbreak can
be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.
5
At this time when we are having no communal walks, you may like to see what
we have been doing. Since May 2017 we have done 90 walks. Out of a total
of 18 members, we average about 10 to 16 coming on each walk. The length
ranges from 2 to 4.5 miles. The plan above shows roughly where we have
walked, some paths several times. Besides myself, we have up to 10 other
leaders. The walks start and end at a pub, to give us a safe place to park;
although some enjoy lunching afterwards, others prefer to go straight home.
If you are interested in joining us, please email me at
tomthumb728@gmail.com or tel. 01249 750 269
6
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) – KINGTON LANGLEY COMMUNITY RESPONSE
from The Caseys, Ashes Lane
Martin and Nikki Casey continue to coordinate Kington Langley’s response to link those
who wish to help villagers who have gone into self-isolation. Although there are
instances of the virus in and around North Wiltshire there have been no reported
instances of COVID-19 within the village. We are doing a great job at keeping the
pandemic at bay!
A big THANK YOU goes out to each and every one of our 50+ volunteers who put their
hands up as soon as the call for volunteers went out. You are making a huge contribution;
a little shopping, prescription collection, magazine delivery, passing on messages, painted
rainbows or even just passed the time of day as you’ve walked around the village. There
are individuals, small businesses and organisations – too many to list!
The village was always a friendly place but it now feels we are all closer than ever!
What else have we done? We have called out GPs and adult care services, delivered
boxes of fruit and veg, delivered cream teas and frozen meals and connected families
and communities. Arranged for gardening services, cooker and telephone connections,
assistance with bills and we have publicised walking routes around the village – which
are now well trodden due to the beautiful weather.
We continue to monitor usage of our Web page, Face book site and the Nextdoor App.
However we recognise the as much as 70% of the village may not have regular access to
the internet. The phone and written word are still king in Kington Langley!
Most importantly, neighbours have established regular and informal assistance for those
in vulnerable categories.
Thankfully the rate and volume of information (and misinformation) regarding the
pandemic has slowed down and there appears to be less confused messages from
central government via local councils, however, media speculation sometimes clouds
important issues and messages but we continue to signpost people to central
Government and NHS pages for correct and up to date information.
So please, if you are self-isolated and you need help call us on 01249 704584
or contact us via the web page: klcommunity.org.uk or email:
help@klcommunity.org.uk.
7
8
FROM THE CHAPEL
June 2020
Another month of empty pages in our
calendars? Every activity cancelled,
appointments postponed.
We are so used to having structure in our
week that each day seems like being
stranded in a desert without a map! At
least we’ve got day and night to divide our
time up.
Amazingly the Bible has a lot to tell us about divisions of time: from the
Creation story with its timespan of 7 ‘days’ to the seasons of the Hebrew
year, each has its own Festivals for harvests and sacrifices. We humans
seem to need a programme to keep us active and activated. And for us, the
week is the usual routine for so many daily activities. At one time it was
Sunday that headed our calendars and diaries; don’t we actually benefit from
one day set apart from daily work, whatever that work may be? Of course
there are exceptions in occupations that need to continue irrespective of the
day of the week. Jesus Christ famously told His detractors after He had
healed a man with dropsy on the Jewish Sabbath that, ‘the Sabbath was
made for man, not man for the Sabbath’. If indeed the Sabbath was made
for man, then we may assume that the Sabbath is actually a God-given gift.
For the Christian believer, the worship of
Christ in the fellowship of other believers
is a joyful part of our Sunday. But for
those who don’t yet believe, it makes sense
to humbly admit that God our creator and
sustainer does indeed know best what is
good for us humans.
Sylvia Chumbley
9
THE BENEFICE OF DRAYCOT
DIOCESE OF BRISTOL
Dear Friends,
Did you know that the word ‘isolation’ comes from the Latin word ‘insula’, which means
‘made into an island’ ? As a teenager one of my ‘go to’ songs was Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘I
am a Rock, I am an Island’ (it was not a happy time for me!). Over recent months, it has
become patently clear that this is untrue. Rather,
No man is an island, entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main...
John Donne (1572 – 1631) was an English scholar, poet and soldier, born into a Catholic
family, but he became a clergyman in the Church of England. Known today as a proverb
or poem, these words are part of a meditation written when Donne was gravely ill and
thought he was going to die. It clearly recognises our interconnectedness. Our culture
has for a long time focused on the importance of independence, self-sufficiency,
individualism. But, through physical distancing, what COVID 19 has hopefully taught us as
a lasting lesson, is that in reality we are intertwined, and vulnerable if we try to ‘go it
alone’. Whether it is for food or health, there is a realisation that we are alive because of
each other.
What has made a deep impression on me over these last few months, is the importance
of human contact – kindness, compassion, and generosity have been vital. It has been
starkly brought home to us that our family, friends, neighbours, community and the role
of society are not only valuable but essential.
Islands may suggest isolation and separation. However, I was struck by an observation in
‘Transforming Ministry’ (formerly ‘The Reader’ magazine) which noted that when talking
about the Pacific Islands, islanders talk about the sea flowing between the islands as a
highway connecting rather than separating. We have seen that physical distancing has in
fact resulted in many new ways of linking us together, drawing us closer.
‘Together Apart’ has been the theme for church congregations over the last few months.
Unable to physically meet within a building, we have endeavoured to ensure social
distancing does not mean social isolation. That connection has been possible through the
telephone, via technology, and of course spiritually in prayer and worship. Many of us
have been on steep learning curves! And yet, creativity and ingenuity have bubbled up in
unexpected places, so that we have been able to join together, continuing to ‘Carry each
other’s burdens and so live out the teachings of Christ.’ (Galatians 6:2) and ‘Rejoice with
those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn’ (Romans 12:15)
Continued on the next page
10In the Christian church, Ascension and Pentecost, at the end of May, marked the
conclusion of the Easter season. Having been born as a human, Jesus lived, died and rose
again. And then returned to be with His Father God in heaven. That could have been the
end of the story – leaving us to fend for ourselves alone. However, Pentecost celebrates
the gift of the Holy Spirit; sent to encourage, comfort, direct and inspire the followers of
Jesus. Flowing between each one of us, keeping us connected to one another and to
God, and reminding us of Jesus’ hope filled words, ‘Remember, I am always with you until
the end of time’ (Matthew 28:20)
Katherine Bloomer
Licensed Lay Minister
Pastoral Care - Looking after one another in the Draycot Benefice
If you, or someone you know, would like a visit from a pastoral visitor, please contact the
named person below in the first instance:
Christian Malford: Clair Fairley clairfairley@hotmail.co.uk 01249 721728
Kington Langley: Rev Mark Siddall: drmarksid@gmail.com 01249 652752
Seagry: Tim Harle: timharle@aol.com 01249 721706
Sutton Benger: Dawn Beresford dawn@dawnberesford.com 01249 720060
Tytherton Kellaways: Rev Alison: alisonjlove1@gmail.com 01249 720619
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ”
Galatians 6:2
Every Thursday at 11.30am
Join Rev Mark to share the Church of England ‘Prayer
During the Day ‘ via Zoom. For more details please
email Rev Mark at drmarksid@gmail.com
11Local business based in Kington Langley for all your embroidery or print needs.
Clothing and accessories for all ages.
• Workwear, PPE and sports wear.
• Horse wear, i.e. saddle cloths, rugs etc.
• Pet products i.e. beds, leads, coats etc.
• Parties, i.e. hen and stag, weddings, sporting events and outings,
birthdays etc.
Personalisation is ideal for company logo’s, parties, gifts, special occasions.
The list is endless. Have a look at my website at www.sharonlloyd.uk.com or
contact me via email sharon@sharonlloyd.uk.com
12BRITISH TREES
I was inspired by a friend who is posting a photo of a
different tree everyday on Facebook. Perhaps when you
are out on your daily walk you might like to see how
many of these you can spot?!
ASH LIME WILLOW ALDER
ELM BIRCH BEECH POPLAR
OAK PLANE CEDAR CYPRESS
YEW ASPEN CHESTNUT SYCAMORE
HORNBEAM
13SILVER STREET GARAGE
Established for 30 years
Competitive prices for work undertaken on all makes and models
of cars
and light commercial vehicles.
Servicing and Repairs – MOT Testing – Welding
Timing Belts – Clutches – Exhausts
Brakes – Batteries – Valeting & Steam Cleaning
Diagnostics – Free Courtesy Car
Free Collection and Delivery
Telephone:- 01249 715020
Silver Street Garage, Silver Street, Gastard, Nr Corsham, Wiltshire
LANGLEY NURSERIES
Langley Nurseries have re-opened!
Obviously things are a little different – they are using an
appointment system through their Facebook page to limit the
number of people per hour. Keep your eyes open, as these
appointments fill up quickly!
Opening times have been extended to 7pm a couple of times a
week. You can still call and collect – thank you for your patience when the phone is busy.
As with other stores, they would appreciate it if customers stick to the limit of 2 people
per household to enable adequate space to keep both customers & staff safe. Look out
for the flower marks on the floor in the greenhouse as a guide for safe distancing
Thank you for your support.
See Facebook for updates @langleynurseries
Phone - 758271
14This month I am reading...
Hitler’s Secret by Rory Clements
Autumn 1941 – the war is going badly for Britain and its allies. Peace between Germany
and the USA is hanging by a thread. If Hitler is to be stopped, a new weapon is desperately
needed. In Cambridge, Professor Tom Wilde is approached by an American intelligence
officer who claims to know of such a weapon – one so secret that even Hitler himself is not
aware of its existence. If Wilde can smuggle the package out of Germany, the Third Reich
will surely fall.
But it is only when he is deep behind enemy lines that Wilde discovers why the Nazi’s are
so desperate to prevent the ‘package’ falling into Allied hands. The net is already
tightening - and as ruthless killers hunt him through Europe, a treacherous question hangs
over the mission: if Hitler’s secret will win the Allies the war, why is Wilde convinced it
must remain hidden?
This is the fourth Tom Wilde novel from Clements - the history professor is an unlikely
hero, but likeable and charming, so you can’t help but root for him. The villains are suitably
vile – Martin Bormann is particularly abhorrent but has competition from Otto Kalt and
Charlie Jung.
It’s not an easy task for authors to find a fresh, exciting take on World War 2 – so there is
an increasing tendency to explore ‘what if’ scenarios. I looked for notes at the end to
indicate if any of the events were based on truth; lacking these, I assume it is 100% fiction.
However, this is a page turner, with plot threads weaving in and out of each other at break-
neck speed, and cliff hangers drawing you to read further. As a fast-paced thriller, it can be
light on description and character depth, but it is engrossing, full of deceptions and
intrigue, spies and ‘political shenanigans’
A typical review for this novel describes it as ‘dramatic, intelligent and utterly compelling’.
I loved it and devoured the whole thing within a couple of days sitting in our sunny garden!
Katherine Bloomer
The Magazine Committee has again decided this month to deliver this
magazine to every villager to help people stay informed and connected.
15BLUE SKY AND BEYOND
Blue Sky and Beyond events will all be available for free but, if you can, please donate to
Pound Arts in lieu of a ticket. We rely on the income from our shows and on charitable do-
nations to keep us going. If you can please consider supporting us during this period by
donating. Registered charity No. 1102787 You can donate £10 to the fund by texting
BLUESKY to 70191.
The Pound is extremely grateful to have received support and funding enabling the delivery of
Blue Sky and Beyond, from Arts Council England, Corsham Town Council, Haine & Smith and
Wiltshire Council:
1st June at 12noon The Merry Maker with Arj Manualpillai and A Line Art
4th and 11th June at 2pm HomeSkool Beatbox Adventures with Schlomo
11th June at 11am Rock the Tots x Blue Sky and Beyond
13th June at 4pm Cloudscapes by Gobbledegook Theatre
14th June at 2pm Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave
The Pound is closed. They are working hard to plan measures that will make the venue safe for
all, as lockdown eases.
If you have tickets booked for an event at The Pound which have been affected by closure, the
box office team should have contacted you. If you haven’t heard from them please email. The
building is completely closed, and they are not able to answer calls to the box office.
Many people have chosen to donate the cost of their tickets for cancelled events. Many more
have made donations or joined their Friends scheme. Your support has never been more vital.
Pound Arts is a registered charity and any donation, large or small, will help ensure that they
are still here when the pandemic is not.
Please keep visiting their website and social media channels to keep up to date with their
plans. There are lots of exciting ways for you to engage through online content whilst they are
physically closed.
www.poundarts.org.uk
16We’re all fancying something a bit decadent at the moment but that doesn’t
have to be followed by feelings of guilt! This recipe makes approximately 9
balls and each serving contains 125kcal, 9g fat, 13g carbs and 3g protein.
What you’ll need:
1 cup (130g) pitted dates
3/4 cup (40g) ground almonds
1/2 cup (40g) desiccated coconut
2 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tbsp. peanut butter
Place all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender and blitz into a
paste. Form walnut-sized balls by pressing the paste together with your
hands. Place in the fridge for a few hours so that they become more solid.
3a Union Road, Chippenham SN15 1HW www.inspirechippenham.com 01249 463002
17Kington St Michael Village Shop
The Village Hall, tel. (01249) 750181
ksmvillageshop@yahoo.co.uk
YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY OWNED & RUN VILLAGE SHOP
Home-made cakes – preserves – honey -
frozen local meat and poultry
Small range of fresh fruit and vegetables
Off-licence
Household goods – greetings cards – gift wrap – stationery
Logs and kindling during winter
Local Gifts & Crafts
Handmade sterling silver jewellery
Fragrant candles and diffusers
Souvenirs and seasonal gifts
Self-service Post Point
Postal services, stamps and packaging
Send small and medium parcels to the UK and worldwide
(We are unable to accept returns or tracked items)
www.facebook.com/kingtonstmichaelvillageshop
18What times we are in! With such beautiful weather we have had recently it has been sad
to see the children’s play area closed and groups unable to meet on the field. Hopefully
the situation is beginning to change, but we must not become complacent . The field
continues to be available for exercise, but, following government guidelines, no more
than 2 people can meet up (unless they are in the same household). They must still
remain socially distanced. The play area has to remain closed though.
The replacement equipment in the play area was due to be fitted as lockdown began. We
have been in contact with the company and we are hopeful they should be with us
shortly! They are just finishing off jobs that were halted due to lock down. Our resource
manager has been busy cleaning and decorating the hall. Jobs that we never normally
have time to carry out. Thank you Brian!
We look forward to the time when we can operate fully, but suspect this is still a distance
away. Keep alert and stay safe!
Kington Langley Village Hall and KLVH are working names of the Kington Langley Village Hall and Recreation
Ground Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity 1165128
Leisure Services Update
With all Wiltshire leisure centres closed at the current time, the council is offering free
access to a comprehensive online group exercise class programme. This is a great way to
stay active while working from home, shielding or simply not able to access a similar
offer in a local leisure centre.
There are fitness classes available every day of the week at different times throughout
the day, with the vast majority requiring no equipment. All classes are being provided
through Zoom, so residents will need to have this downloaded to the device that they
wish to use to join the class.
For the full class programme and details on how to access all the classes please visit
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-online-classes
19KLVH 200 CLUB - May Winners
For the first time in the 200 Club’s history, the draw was done using the power of the Inter-
net. Given the need to maintain Social Distancing, this month’s winning numbers were
generated on 4th May by Julia Cook using ‘calculatorsoup.com’. The results are as follows:
1st No 156 Sylvia Chumbley £25
2nd No 184 Andrea Grafton £20
3rd No 87 Paul Gilman £15
4th No 68 Daphne Povey £10
5th No 84 Don Mannion & Tess Dutnall £5
All of last month’s prizes were paid by bank transfer. Recent records show that some of
this month’s winners are luckier than most. Andrea was successful in 2018 and last year;
Paul won last year and Don & Tess in 2017 and last year. I hear you cry ‘What about me?’.
Well, keep your fingers crossed for June. Keep safe!
Steve Duffill
20Victims of domestic abuse or those worried that someone may be suffering in silence
now have access to an out of hours helpline from the 8 May 2020.
The joint initiative between Wiltshire Council and Swindon Domestic Abuse Support
Service will ensure people can get access to help and support at any time day or
night. Wiltshire Council has funded the initiative with the out of hours helpline being
available to cover evenings/ weekends and bank holidays from 5pm – 9am. The helpline
number is 01793 610 610
This will complement the Splitz Support Service which currently runs through the
working week from 8am to 5pm on 01225 775276.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection said:
“We ask residents to be our eyes and ears in our communities and contact us if they have
any concerns. Domestic abuse affects families and we know children suffer as a result.
We are all having to live in very challenging times but the support is still out there.”
Calls to Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service are answered by a trained advisor and
never by a recorded message. People can speak in absolute confidence – advisors are
non-judgemental and will work for your best outcome. The service offers support to
female, male, LBGTQ+ and those just wanting advice regarding a friend or family
member.
Rachel Wetton Head of Service Wiltshire for Splitz Support Service said:
“Anyone who wants to leave an abusive relationship can do so even during lockdown and
Splitz can help you to do this safely. We can also help you stay safer in your own home.
You can refer to our service 24 hours a day online https://splitz.org/referral-forms/
phoenix-referral-form.html or email us with safe contact details at spa@splitz.org as
well as telephoning us during office hours on 01225 775276.”
2122
Amaze Excite Inspire
‘Jesus offers life in all its fullness’
Welcome Mrs WInterburn!
Introducing our new Headteacher, Mrs Winterburn! She will be taking over from Mr
Hearn on Monday 1 June. Here's the lowdown on Mrs Winterburn, who is also the
Headteacher at Stanton St Quintin Primary School:
What are you most looking forward to at Langley Fitzurse?
Meeting the team: children, parents and staff.
How are you getting the school ready for a partial return from Monday 1 June?
We are taking lots of precautions: the main ones being that classes will be restricted to a maxi-
mum of 15 children, there will be staggered start & finish times, children will stay within their
class groups, surfaces will cleaned regularly, lots of handwashing will be done, and the school
will be closed on Wednesdays for deep cleaning. Children will be given opportunities to talk
about how they feel and will take part in mindfulness & other relaxation techniques.
How are you coping with lockdown?
I am doing ok and keeping fit by gardening and walking my Lakeland terrier, Beau.
What were your favourite subjects at school?
Science and PE
Do you have any children yourself?
I have a daughter, Natasha, who is 15
Where are you from, originally?
Manchester
How do you relax from the pressures of work?
I love playing tennis and taking Beau for long walk
23We all knew the 75th anniversary of VE Day was coming up,
but the Lockdown made any public and social commemora-
tion seem impossible and so nothing was planned en masse.
Nothing, however, was going to stop individuals marking the
day.
I had filched Henry's Union Jack bunting from his bedroom wall and stitched '75 VE' on it
in preparation and my neighbours on Plough Lane had got their bunting out too.
On the Thursday evening, several of us had come out to clap for the NHS and chat,
socially distanced, and the idea was aired to have a little get together at 3pm the next
day in honour of the 75th anniversary.
And so, at least two metres apart, five households on Plough Lane sat in the sunshine,
chatting, waving at passers-by, and enjoying the company.
Covid-19 may have imposed physical isolation, but not even a pandemic can stop us
remembering those who struggled before us and set such an example of making the best
of any given situation.
Fi Redmond
24Fencing – a sport for all ages
I have been asked to write a piece about my hobby, so here goes! I came to fencing quite
late in life, after years of driving my daughter to training sessions & competitions around
the country. Eventually I decided I might as well have a go, and I fell in love with it.
I am a member of two fencing clubs, Bath Sword Club and Wessex Blades (in Warmin-
ster), attend training sessions twice a week and compete at competitions on average
twice a month. (This is of course under normal circumstances. All club sessions and
competitions are currently cancelled.)
I compete at “Open” competitions which are “Senior” events; open to all fencers over 13.
The teenagers and twenty-somethings are particularly tough to beat, but not impossible!
However, my international fencing is with the “Veterans”. To fence as a Veteran you must
be over 40, with separate age categories for some events. I have recently moved into the
60 – 69 age category. As you might imagine, members of British Veterans Fencing (BVF)
are a sociable group and veteran events are great fun (but also very competitive!).
In May last year, I competed at the European Veteran Fencing Championships in Cognac,
France; a huge event with over 1,800 fencers as no pre-event qualification is required. It
was very enjoyable but of course the competition was intense; a great experience. My
result from the Europeans, together with a gold medal for my age category in the BVF
Nationals, meant I was selected for the GBR squad for the World Veteran Fencing
Championships! So last October I went to Cairo, Egypt, and had an amazing time. I didn’t
win a medal, but ended up 7th in my age category, which I was very happy with. I got to
appear on the quarter-final pistes, in front of a large crowd and with a lot of fanfare and
ceremony, which was so much fun. And I experienced some of Cairo too, including the
pyramids.
But there is absolutely no requirement to go to competitions at all. Many club fencers
enjoy their weekly sessions training and sparring with others and are happy not to take it
any further. I would recommend fencing to anyone. It is never too late to start! All ages,
men and women of all shapes and sizes, we all spar together at club sessions. And have
fun.
Valerie Young
25Is technology driving you mad?
• Is your computer painfully slow?
• No time to setup your new computer, TV or broadband equipment?
• Purchased an iPad but don’t have a clue how to use it?
• Are you fed up with dealing with helplines or difficult-to-understand
user manuals?
• Are you thinking of upgrading your technology but don’t know where
to start?
The solution is simple – GetGary!
I live in Kington Langley and have over 15 years’ experience in computing and
home gadgets. I can fix a wide range of configuration problems across your tech-
nologies – not just computers. I can even provide one-to-one training, explained in
plain English.
This month’s top query (drop me an email for items to include next month):
Q: During lockdown, I’d like to learn a new skill, can you recommend any free
courses?
A: Yes, since the lockdown began, a number of companies and organisations
have made some useful courses free. Here are just a couple of examples:
OpenLearn (from of the Open University) - has a wide selection of courses
available to learn for free. Simply navigate to their website:
Website link: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue
Create a free OU account and enrol to start your learning.
Microsoft Learn – This is an IT focused learning area (mainly for IT administra-
tors) however has some useful courses relating to cloud technologies for
those who wish to know more detail.
Website link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/learn/
Create a free Microsoft account and enrol to start your learning.
Today at Apple – If you’re using Apple devices (such as an iPad or iPhone),
take a look at Apple’s free hints and tips videos.
Here’s the website: https://www.apple.com/today/feature/today-at-home/
Just click a video to start your learning.
Q: Since lockdown, my internet has slowed, is there anything available to help
this?
A: The easiest way to improve your internet performance is to switch off any inter-
net connected device which is not being used (e.g. a computer). This is be-
cause most of these devices will use a process called background updating -
which is designed to check and update any installed application or function
(often whenever left in standby or sleep mode). Switching the computer off will
prevent updating however the trade-off is that it may take longer to start and run
these required updates.
*GetGary is offering remote or telephone support until further notice. Please stay
safe.
Call now for a low-cost solution to your technology problems
Tel: 01249 476355 Email: help@getgary.co.uk
26Hello Everyone, I am Lawrence Janes and I am your new reporter for Sheldon School in
this Kington Langley magazine. I am only in Year 7 and that means I am quite new to
Sheldon, however, I have enjoyed my time there immensely since joining. Firstly, I have
been given the unique opportunity of being one of the Year 7 School Councillors, where I
get to go to meetings and speak on behalf of my fellow pupils. After, I will feedback
information from the meeting to the tutor reps of other Tutor groups to see what they
thought of the discussions we had at the meetings, and also to put forward new ideas for
the next School Council meeting that we could bring up.
Due to the current circumstances, we are having to do work sent home from school,
which is giving us some independence by letting us organize our timetable ourselves. In
Lockdown, we have been able to participate in many challenges ourselves. The school
sends us regular updates on challenges we can partake in, and a large number of pupils
send in pictures to the teachers, some of which make it to the Sheldon Instagram pages,
(SheldonClassOf2024/2023/2022/2021, etc.) which you can check out yourselves.
Finally, there are also loads of fun activities that we are looking forward to when we go
back (by the time you read this maybe we will already have done so), such as being even
closer to moving up years and for the new year 7's to join. After what the Prime Minister
has recently said, it looks unlikely that the younger years of Sheldon will go back before
September, but who knows?
Thank you for reading and I look forward to being your reporter in the future. Sheldon
may not be open, but we are still keeping involved as students in Lockdown.
Stay Safe, and Goodbye.
Lawrence Janes
Emma Morrice, Local Area Coordinator for the Chippenham
Community Area.
Mob: 07391410278
Email : emma.morrice@wiltshire.gov.uk
Wiltshire Council | County Hall | Bythesea Road | Trowbridge | BA14 8JN
27Waste Collection Dates
Following further feedback from readers, I understand that even within Kington Langley
there are now different collection dates. I did contact Wiltshire Council to see if they
would supply me with the details, but , alas, they are unable to do so.
They replied saying, “There are a number of factors which affects the schedules; some
residents will choose to have sacks instead of bins, some roads might be narrow or have a
weight restricted bridge en route meaning a smaller vehicle is used in to clear the
recycling. We have a new larger vehicle which can collect all of the recycling including
glass but it is not suitable to narrow roads, so we use the smaller vehicles for these.”
In order to help you get the correct collection dates, you are invited to contact Wiltshire
Council directly, either by downloading a copy of your schedule from the website using
the following link:
https://ilforms.wiltshire.gov.uk/WasteCollectionDays/index
Or alternatively you can call them on the number below and they will be happy to send
out a personalised printed calendar to you—0300 456 0102.
Many apologies for any confusion caused - and that I can no longer help in this way.
Wiltshire Council garden waste collection renewals deferred to 15 June
Wiltshire Council has postponed the renewal process for garden waste collection until 15
June, due to the pressure on council services because of COVID-19. Garden waste
collections will continue, provided the council’s contractor has sufficient staff to maintain
service delivery.
Customers who have already paid for the garden waste collection service will continue to
have their garden waste collected until 30 June 2020. Residents should continue to place
their garden waste bins out with their red stickers as usual. The council will contact you
in due course with details of the renewal process. Collections will continue from 1 July.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING CENTRES SEE
PAGES 32 and 33
28Kington Langley WI
This month for the second time we held a successful Zoom meeting. The meeting was in
fact our Annual General Meeting and we have now elected our Committee and President
for the coming year. We have decided to continue our meetings virtually for the
foreseeable future to enable members to keep in touch and see a few friendly faces.
During this meeting, it was also a time to have a minute’s silence and reflect on the
passing of a keen and active member of our WI, Joan Lowe, who will be sadly missed by us
all.
We have recently been revisiting some of our old records in order to provide a short
history for the members to keep and before they are all sent to the History Centre for
archiving. Reading these old minutes and letters made us realise how the ethos of the WI
to provide friendship, support, share interests and help the community has not changed at
all over the years.
You may be interested to read some extracts taken from monthly meeting minutes during
World War II:
“Miss Sweet proposed a wastepaper house to house collection should be started in the
village. Mrs Kendzior has made enquiries and is seeing a representative from the
Slaughterford paper mills.”
“Mrs Kendzior organised the collection of wastepaper in the Village which so far has
realised the sum of £11.6.0, this sum has been allocated for providing comforts for His
Majesties Forces and the Merchant Service.”
“Miss Sweet helped by other members of the Women’s Institute gave a party for the boys
who have worked so hard in collecting the papers.”
“Kington Langley WI, in conjunction with other local WIs, held a fruit pressing centre at
Steinbrook House where a large quantity of jam bottled, and canned fruit was made.” It
appears that this fruit centre continued through the summer with the assistance of a
number of ladies from Kington Langley WI who donated wild fruit and fruit from their
gardens and helped to sort and process the fruit for sale at a market which was held in
Chippenham. The jam centre made 261 lbs of jam.
Date of next meeting: Wednesday 10 June
Venue: Cyberspace
29From the Village Hall Roof
April 2020
The temperatures for April were approximately 2 C̊ higher during the day this year than
last but about the same at night. The temperature during the day fluctuated from a low
of 9.4 C̊ on the 1st to a high of 23.3 C̊ on the 11th. We had 6 days above 21 C̊, 4 mornings
with frost and only 6 days with some rain mostly at the end of the month.
Temperatures
Average 12.04 ˚C
Maximum 23.3˚C at 6pm on the 11th
Minimum - 4˚C at 6am on the 23rd
Mildest night Lowest temperature 10.4 ˚C on the 11th
Coldest day Highest temperature 9.4 ˚C on the 1st
Wind Speed
Average 5.73 mph for the whole month
Peak gust 32.21 mph at 3.15pm on the 5th
Windiest day The 5th with 16.46mph.
Calmest day The 27th with 1.39mph.
Sunshine
Sunniest day The 20th
Dullest day The 28th
Rain
Total rainfall 2.16 inches (54.86mm)
Observations
The Met Office reported that April was the sunniest on record with 224 hours of sun
beating a record of 211.8 hours from 2015. The Isle of Wight had 279 hours. Records for
sunshine began in 1929. Tremendous displays of fruit tree blossom and bluebells in
gardens round the village this April. In an average spring, bluebells first flower on the
15th April (source: Woodland Trust), and its competitive advantage is its ability to bloom
early on the woodland floor before the leaves of the trees cast it in shade. Of course
April 1802, the 20th, is famous for inspiring William Wordsworth’s most famous poem -
”Daffodils.”
PG/GWH
Kington Langley Village Hall and KLVH are working names of the Kington Langley Village Hall &
Recreation Ground Charitable Incorporated Organisation
30KINGTON LANGLEY
CROQUET CLUB
At last it looks as though we will be opening up in June. It
will be a very different season though, as we will still have
to maintain social distancing.
There will be no club sessions and members will have to
book a lawn. There will only be singles games as we can
still only meet up with one other person (as I write).
Equipment and padlocks will have to be cleaned after use.
We are grateful to those members who have been getting
their exercise by mowing and watering the lawns.
We are looking forward to getting the lawns set up—this will be slightly more complex
this time, as usually we have a team of at least 4 marking up the lawns and positioning
the hoop holes. This year we will be reliant on 2 socially distanced members!
Do stay alert and keep yourselves safe!
Enquiries can be made by contacting Julia Cook: julia.cook123@hotmail.com
or 07747 604982 and leave a message.
alternatively on our club email:
kingtonlangleycroquetclub@gmail.com
Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support.
125th Somerfords & District Show
Saturday 15th August
The organisers are sad to announce that this year’s show has
been cancelled
3132
Household recycling centres to reopen with postcode entry system
All of Wiltshire's household recycling centres (HRCs), EXCEPT Stanton St Quintin, will
reopen on Monday 18 May with an easy to use postcode entry system to help limit the
number of people on site at any time and ensure social distancing.
Stanton St Quintin HRC will be remain closed because parking spaces on site have been
significantly reduced and because of the already difficult traffic management issues at
the site. This will be kept under review and in the meantime, people should use the
Purton, Melksham or Lower Compton sites.
People should only visit HRCs on the days that correspond to the first part of their post-
code. For example, if your postcode starts in BA12, you can only visit the sites on
Monday 18 May, Wednesday 20 May etc - see table opposite.
You can visit any Wiltshire site you choose, so while you are limited by the days you can
attend, you can attend any Wiltshire household recycling centre on these days – though
please be sure to check the latest opening times before you set off, as many sites will
need to operate very differently to previous arrangements. You may be asked to provide
a proof of address in order to use the household recycling centre, so please bring it with
you. Be warned, expect long queues as demand will be high in the first few weeks.
To keep staff and residents safe, there are a significant number of changes in
place to ensure social distancing can be maintained at all HRCs, including:
• Visitors must keep at least two metres from others at all times.
• One person per car.
• No entry for trailers or large vans over 3.5 tonnes.
• Vehicles allowed on site on a ‘one in, one out’ basis.
• No pedestrian access.
• HRCs cannot accept soil, rubble, plasterboard, textiles or asbestos during
this initial reopening phase.
• Don’t bring recyclable materials that can be collected through the
council’s kerbside recycling collection service.
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/household-recycling-centres
3334
Share your lockdown experiences
Wiltshire Council are asking people to share their stories and experiences of living in
lockdown to help them create a new archive. The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre
wants to make a collection that reflects people's individual and collective experiences
during lockdown for future generations to study.
Those studying the 1918/19 flu pandemic turned to the archives and tomorrow's
historians will do the same for COVID-19. The History Centre wants to create a new
collection that will show how lives have been transformed by this global crisis. The centre
wants people to think about what future generations might want or need to know about
2020, COVID-19 and living in lockdown. The record of experiences might be written a
diary or poetry but could also be drawn, photographed, painted or crafted. This is an
opportunity to make a creative response to challenging times.
People are also asked to keep hold of items such as leaflets, official communications,
posters, flyers – which can also be added to the centre’s local studies collections.
For more information about how to get involved with the Living in Lockdown project,
people should visit the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre website at www.wshc.eu.
35The Welly’s Take Away Service
The Government’s request for all Pubs and Restaurants to close from Friday 20th March
was something we like most people had never dreamed would happen and, as a small
family business, had not prepared for.
The first few days passed in a blur, there was so much to do. Closing the cellar (this took
almost a day!) clearing perishable stock from the kitchen, admittedly with 6 of us living
here that was not too hard, the children ate Steak for tea on more than one occasion.
Adjusting to home schooling a 7 and a 12-year-old took some getting used to and
working out how to live safely with our father who is in ‘extremely clinically vulnerable
category’ took most of our time and energy.
Having survived those initial few days and having adjusted our way of living, as everyone
had to, Katy and I discussed how to best support the local community and how to bring
in a little income. We signed up as volunteers for the Local Coronavirus Support Group
and started shopping for those that needed to self-isolate. This has been such a reward-
ing thing to do, we have got to know some of the older people in the village who have
amazing stories to tell. This ‘Community Bonding’ is one of the positive things that has
come out of our present situation and we hope that all communities will continue this,
when things are a bit more like they used to be and these individuals can safely leave
their homes. We will continue to encourage this and have a Postponed VE Day
Celebration pencilled in the diary for next year so that people can celebrate together.
How best could bring in some income? We looked at what other pubs were doing, and
that’s when the Welly’s Takeaway Service was born. Demand exceeded our expectations,
I am not sure we had ever done 60 meals on a weekday evening, but we did one night,
the lure of Fish and Chips was too great. Our Takeaway Menu is available on a Tuesday
and Friday evening between 5pm and 8pm. Collection is via pre-arranged slots that can
be booked up until 3pm on the day of collection. Whilst we are unable to offer a
delivery service, there may be someone in your area who could co-ordinate collecting
deliveries, which is what one Local Coronavirus Support Group has done. Our Menu is
available online either by visiting our website www.thewellesleyarms.co.uk or on our
Facebook page. For more information (or the menu if you do not have easy access the
Internet) and to order please phone us on 01249 720664.
Katy Evans and Abi Aspin
The Wellesley Arms, Sutton Benger
36When the government announced restrictions on movement in late March, Samaritans
knew there was the potential for a major impact on the services they provide.
A quick survey of their 200 branches revealed that around 30 per cent of their 20,000
volunteers would need to self-isolate because they were either over 70 years old or had
an underlying health condition. If volunteers couldn’t travel to their local branch, they
couldn’t provide support to members of the public calling or emailing for support. Like
many organisations, Samaritans have now developed new ways of working, with their
staff team going fully remote.
NHS support line
Samaritans were commissioned to offer a wellbeing support service specifically for NHS
workers to help them at this most difficult of times. The organisation configured and
posted hundreds of mobile phones (Nokia 105s) to volunteers. These phones are secure,
and the service follows the same policies and offers the same confidentiality and
appropriate data protection for the caller as their normal line.
Changes to other Samaritans services
In this difficult time people may need support on top of their usual listening service. So
Samaritans have created and updated their evidence-based online resources for people
to look after their wellbeing. Building on this work, they’re also planning to shortly
release a new self-help tool, with funding from Nominet, The Peter and Teresa Harris
Charitable Trust and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Call anytime, from any phone FREE, day or night – 116 123
Email – jo@samaritans.org
Subscribe to this magazine?
If you are a new reader to this magazine, and have found it helpful and enjoyable, would
you consider signing up to receive future editions? The cost is £4.80 for the whole year
and, along with advertising charges, this covers the printing costs each year. Kind
donations and a small surplus have enabled the committee to deliver a copy to every
villager in May and June to keep people informed and connected. Please contact Tony
Shepherd on 750014 to register your interest. Thank you.
37THE ARTS SOCIETY KINGTON LANGLEY is an affiliated member of The Arts Society, a
leading education charity with a global network of 385 societies bringing people together
through a shared interest in the arts.
As the lockdown continues, the Kington Langley committee have tried to keep members
informed of other ways to access “Art” related topics. An online Zoom lecture was
arranged for members on May 19th on Raphael, details were emailed to members.
You do not need to be a member of any of the affiliated societies to access National Art
Society Lectures at Home series. The latest offering is from Mark Hill in which he explores
the 1960’s Revolution in Glass.
You can access a wide selection of Art related videos on You Tube. Lucy Chiswell enjoys A
Day in The Countryside looking at painting by Rubens, Constable and Corot (National
Gallery). Charles Trenet looks at the work of Sorolla – recalling memories of Mediterrane-
an Holidays. On the lighter side try Quarantine in Lockdown and take a look at the results
of the Getty Trust Challenge to recreate a prominent work of art using everyday objects.
The latest in the Become an Instant Expert series from the national society is Marc Allum
discussing Fakes and Forgeries. Since many of us may be investigating online shopping,
starting new hobbies and perhaps broadening our interests in art and culture it is
perhaps timely to look at Marc’s Top Tips –
Remember, if it seems too good to be true it probably is. The internet is rife with fakes,
so when you are buying online beware the idea that a well-carved wooden netsuke from
China is only £5. Yes, it is well carved, but unlikely to be old, even if it says it is.
Fakes can be a passport to owning items that you might otherwise be unable to afford,
but the term ‘reproduction’ is probably more applicable. It is important to exercise all
diligence and caution that you would do with anything in life, be it a financial product or
a second-hand car.
When buying at auction beware non-committal descriptions – always ask if you are not
sure. The same applies in shops. Remember, too, that alterations don’t necessarily
constitute fakery; they may be just old, honest repairs or modernisations. If in doubt get
a second opinion, but remember, too, that not everyone is out to catch you out!
In normal times The Art Society Kington Langley is very active group, as well as our
monthly lectures, we offer study days, visits to places of interest, visits to gardens of
interest and an annual ‘away visit’ to a major town or city in either UK or Europe. We run
a Young Arts Programme giving grants to support arts related projects for the students
and specialist training for staff in our local schools. If you are interested in learning more,
please visit our website taskl.org.uk.
3839
40
Supporting those in need
At this time of year, we’d usually be sending out a
request for volunteers and cake bakers, but sadly
we won’t be holding our big event this June. How-
ever, we did want to let you know that the money
you helped us raise in the last 12 months continues
to go to good causes.
As we mentioned last month, the Kington Langley Scarecrow Festival (KLSF) Committee
has now donated £500 to the Kington Langley Community Help initiative to support
those in our community that need some extra support in these trying times.
We’re also happy to announce that we’ve been able to donate a whopping £774 to the
Trussell Trust, a charity that’s helping to fund the food banks that more and more people
are currently turning to. This has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the
people who refused their refunds from the Bridge Tournament organised by Richard and
Jackie Colman. A big thank you to you all!
Of course, we’re sorely disappointed that we’re unable to safely run this year’s festival,
but don’t worry – we will definitely be back. In the meantime, why don’t you join us – in
a socially distanced manner – on Saturday June 20th in a toast to the festival and the
wonderful community that makes it what it is. Grab some Pimms and your KLSF glasses –
we’ll be on our driveways at 4pm and would love to see our neighbours raise a glass!
The KLSF Committee
Support food banks at your local supermarket
With some residents left particularly vulnerable by the COVID-19 situation, Wiltshire
Council are encouraging people to continue to donate to their local food banks if they
can. Some of the usual locations where people may have previously donated, such as
schools and places of faith, are closed at this time, but major supermarkets have food
bank trolleys in their stores and people are encouraged to buy a couple of extra items to
donate if they can.
Some food banks are reporting an upsurge in demand since COVD-19, due to some
people being furloughed and the increased costs associated with whole families being at
home for more time than normal.
A list and more details of Wiltshire’s food banks can be found in the ‘community
information’ section of Wiltshire Council’s COVID-19 page.
People can also donate money to local charities such as the Wiltshire Community
Foundation, who are providing support to food banks via their Wiltshire & Swindon
Coronavirus Response Fund.
41You can also read
