The Parish News December 2020 / January 2021 - Priors Hardwick
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The Parish News
December 2020 / January 2021
PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS EDITION MAY BE SUBJECT TO
CHANGE DUE TO EFFECTS OF CORONAVIRUS. SOME ADVERTISERS WILL BE OPERATING
UNDER TEMPORARY CONDITIONS. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT CONTRIBUTORS DIRECTLY.
Priors Hardwick * Wormleighton * Priors Marston
PRIORS HARDWICK WITH PRIORS MARSTON AND WORMLEIGHTON
part of The Bridges Group of Parishes www.thebridgesgroup.org.uk
PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: Rev. Gillian Roberts 01926 815831
gillian@thebridgesgroup.org.uk Sycamore Lodge, Church Street, Stockton, CV47
8JG
GROUP ADMINISTRATOR: Susan Holloway 01926 812383
admin@thebridgesgroup.org.uk
LAY READER: Mr Peter Jackson 01327 260169
CHURCHWARDENS:
St. Leonard, Priors Marston - Mr. Malcolm Monkhouse 01327 260915
St. Peter, Wormleighton - Vacancy
PARISH COUNCIL: http://www.priorsmarston.org/parish-council/
THE PRIORS HALL: Barbara Harvey 01327 260709
info.thepriorshall@gmail.com (Bookings)
PRIORS SCHOOL: http://www.thepriorsschool.co.uk/
ST.LAWRENCE SCHOOL: http://www.stlawrenceprimaryschool.co.uk/
WOMENS INSTITUTE: Jane Cowan 07979 550202
Fiona Spencer 01327 263423
FILM NIGHT: Lee Robinson 01327 263268 priorscinema@gmail.com
SPORTS CLUB: Simon Brown 07722 797735 priorssportsclub@gmail.com
TENNIS CLUB: priorstennis@yahoo.co.uk
CRICKET: Alan Evans 07764 627030
---------------------------------
PARISH NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS: Helen Menezes 01327 261222
hlnmnzs@gmail.com Hillside House, Keys Lane, Priors Marston, Southam, CV47
7SA. Deadline for contributions, 15th of the month.
PARISH NEWS PDF: You can read the Parish News in PDF format, by sending a
request to the editor – hlnmnzs@gmail.com. You can also read the latest
edition on the Priors Marston Parish Council website
http://www.priorsmarston.org
2
Disclaimer: Please note that views expressed in articles in The Parish News
are the views of the authors.
********
PRIORS MARSTON PARISH COUNCIL
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all Parish Council meetings are
cancelled for the foreseeable future.
Please check website and Notice board for updates in the coming
weeks/months. If you need to discuss anything in the meantime,
please email Emma, emma@priorsmarston.org
VILLAGE COMMUNICATION
If you would like to be added to the village email list to keep up to
date with village news please email the Clerk -
emma@priorsmarston.org
The Parish Council also have a Facebook page - please find us @Priors
Marston parish council
Village Swap and Share WhatsApp group - if you wish to join, email
the clerk for further information – Note that this isn’t run by the
Parish Council.
PRIORS HARDWICK WEBSITE
You can keep up-to-date with what’s going on in and around Priors Hardwick
here:- http://www.priorshardwick.org.uk
WORMLEIGHTON CHURCH WEBSITE
https://stpeterschurchwormleightonblog.wordpress.com/tag/wormleighton/
3
THE TREE ON THE GREEN - CHRISTMAS LIGHT UP AND VISIT
FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS
Due to Coronavirus regulations we haven't been able to make any
arrangements as yet for this year. The Parish Council hopes to go
ahead with the lights being switched on at the beginning of
December.
I have been in touch with Father Christmas's agents (Southam Lions).
They are hoping that he may be able to do a ride through the villages
on his way to The North Pole - and they will keep me updated.
I don't think, in the present climate, we can arrange to have the usual
gathering with a tree light-up ceremony, and giving out refreshments
etc. as in past years.
I will keep you updated through local media and parish council
notices
Dot Brown
The Priors Education Trust
4
AIR AMBULANCE CHRISTMAS CARDS
Unfortunately, we will not be having an Air Ambulance Coffee
Morning this year, but I have Xmas Cards here at 12 Shuckburgh Road
right up until Christmas.
Either call in or ring 01327 260763 to come and buy your cards. I also
have lovely blank animal cards @ £1 each.
Barbara Barnacle
********
UNDER 25? THEN THE FOLLOWING MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU!
THE KAY & BRADSHAW EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
The Kay & Bradshaw Educational Foundation, or as it is more
commonly known, ‘Keys Charity’, exists to provide financial
assistance for the promotion of education, including social and
physical training of persons under 25, who have a parent or parents
residing in the parish of Priors Marston.
In these uncertain times, students need all the help and support they
can get, and Keys Charity can assist with help to purchase course
books, tools and equipment for a trade or profession, cost of a field
trip or training course, music and arts - in fact, anything connected to
education.
Over several years, many young people from the village have
benefited from its assistance. Our next meeting may not be for a
short while, but we will look at applications as they are received.
If you would like to make an application, please write to the Vicar,
Rev Gillian Roberts, Church Warden Malcolm Monkhouse, or
Trustees Dot Brown, Elaine Forsyth and Sue Benson; together with
your details and receipts for any books or equipment that you may
have purchased. We are waiting to hear from you.
Dot Brown. Secretary (priorsdot@gmail.com)
5
TEA ON THE FOURTH THURSDAY
TEA - 4TH THURSDAY
We don’t usually meet during December, so we shall review the situation in
the New Year. We wish all our guests a happy Christmas.
PRIORS HARDWICK VILLAGE MEETING
The next Village Meeting will take place on Thursday, 21st January 2021, at
7.30 pm, hopefully in the Church. More details will be issued nearer the time,
including availability via Zoom.
FOOD BANK
Non-perishable items may be left in the telephone box in Priors Hardwick.
While social distancing is in operation, donations will be taken to the Food
Bank at Southam, which is running mainly a delivery service locally to those in
need who have been referred by participating agencies. Gifts will be taken to
Southam on Monday mornings. We are most grateful for the generous
donations.
MOBILE LIBRARY
The Mobile library visits are suspended for the time being.
The Warwickshire Library Service will contact its members as soon as visits
resume. Contact details, if required are:
01926 851031 and warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries
COLLECTION OF POSTCARDS – USED OR UNUSED
Please continue to save your postcards until the churches open again.
In Priors Hardwick they may still be left in the ‘phone box, from where they
will be used for Mission Aviation Fellowship.
Our personal contacts, Alan and Annette Hone are still in this country,
awaiting their call to active duty, and collect the stamps when they are visiting
in this area
USED POSTAGE STAMPS
Please continue to save your stamps, with a good margin of paper, and leave
them inside the plastic box in the phone box in Priors Hardwick. They will be
trimmed ready for fundraising for The Leprosy Mission.
6
PRIORS MARSTON &
HARDWICK WI
2020
It has not been a year that any of us thought we would
have to endure. Huge constraints put on our daily
lives, together with the fear of an unknown entity on
our heel’s the whole time. Hopefully now, with the
prospect of a vaccine on the horizon, we can all start
making plans for the future.
We recently held our Annual Meeting via Zoom. We
had the privilege of the NFWI Chairman, Lynne
Stubbings, hosting our Zoom meeting. A first in the
‘techno stakes’ for our WI.
The Committee from 2019-20 have agreed to stand
again for the coming year and we thank them for this.
The Committee are at work ensuring that we have a
programme of speakers as soon as we can start our
meetings again.
Merry Christmas & a Very Happy
New Year
Visitors and new members are always very welcome.
Come & see what happens in your local WI.
Contact: Jane Cowen 07979 550202
Fiona Spencer 01327 263423
7
FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FOR NAPTON
AND FENNY COMPTON
Covid
Councillors had a briefing on this shortly before the government policy shifted
from area measures, to national lockdown. Possibly, by the time you read
this, we may be moving towards the end of that lockdown if the national
picture is favourable. Presently, there has been an increasing trend of cases
and, although Stratford District has had lowest rates in the County and there
was some slight slowing, this has not been maintained and rates are going up
again. In both the Southam and Feldon areas, the rate has tripled over recent
weeks, so we all must be very cautious with contacts and keep our distance.
There is an interactive map on this web site:
https://coronavirus-staging.data.gov.uk/ This shows the numbers per
hundred thousand population:
New Per
Area
cases 100k
at 7th
1332 populat
229 Warwickshire County
226
Nov 174
ion All of Stratford District
27 275 Southam, Stockton, Napton
20 193 Feldon (Ladbroke, Harbury, Long & Bishops
Itchington, Fenny Compton, Priors)
If you do look at this web site you will find that the adjoining area to ours,
around Middleton Cheney in South Northamptonshire, has a very high rate of
over 600 (48 cases). I have checked up on this to find it is because of local
outbreaks in specific institutions.
Site Allocation Plan (SAP)
You may remember a Site Allocation Plan (SAP) was published 15 months ago.
Now the whole exercise is being done again. This plan allocated sites for
future housing development across the District. Stratford has to be able to
show that they can provide for the building of houses to meet the
government’s rolling housing targets for the next 5 years. The plan identifies
8‘reserve’ sites that may be given permission if that 5 year housing supply is
not going to be met. A revised version of the SAP is out for consultation.
The fundamental change overall in this version of the SAP, is the removal of
the restraint on housing sites around Southam, which was there before,
because of the difficulties of providing secondary schools places. It is not
clear to me how the strain on the infrastructure of Southam, including the
college, has suddenly been fixed. The new plan proposes the allocation of up
to 1300 additional houses in Southam and the villages around.
This version of the allocation plan proposes 30 more houses in Priors Marston
over two sites, one south of Byfield Road (10) and a second east of
Shuckburgh Road (20).
Five new sites are shown on this side of Southam, almost from the Stockton
Road roundabout down to the Banbury Road. These total 786 houses. This
would add to the housing that already has permission and is yet to be built, or
is being built now.
The maps of the sites proposed can be found in the consultation document via
the link below, together with the way to comment:
https://www.stratford.gov.uk/planning-building/sap-preferred-options-
cabinet-version.cfm Consultation closes on 18 December.
At the moment, the housing supply is calculated to be sufficient for more than
7 years, however a government white paper proposing much more central
direction over planning would remove what local controls there are and
require an estimated extra 1675 houses a year in Stratford District. If so,
there will be much more pressure for large scale housing development in our
villages in the District. Personally, I am not happy about this government idea
that is being pushed forward.
Nigel Rock, Councillor for Napton and Fenny Compton Ward
nigel.rock@stratford-dc.gov.uk 07971 343065
9PARISH NEWS DONATIONS AND THANKS
Thanks to all our generous contributors, advertisers and volunteers, who help
to make it possible to go on producing, printing and distributing the Parish
News. If you want to contribute, you can still give donations to your
distributor, to any of the people named in the box on page 2 of this issue, or
to Maxine Harris at Priors Hall Post Office. If you prefer to contribute by bank
transfer, the details are as follows:
Account name: Priors Marston PCC, Sort code 40-42-15, Ac. No.90674222.
Please reference your donation as ‘Parish News.’ Thank you for your support.
********
.
Another month, another lockdown, but unlike the last one, St Lawrence’s has
been largely unaffected.
We marked the significance of November as the month of Remembrance
through our assemblies and through the poppy-related artwork that was
displayed on the school fences. Thank you to all who responded so positively
to it.
This Autumn has been one for reinterpreting traditional past times with:
• no PTA Autumn Games… a school-based conker competition took off;
• no competitive sports programme, although we do send our results into
the virtual competition that is Warwickshire-wide and
• no Autumn cake sales… we’ve moved online with a hugely successful
virtual cake auction.
10The annual collecting leaves to fill the compost bins was as much fun as ever…
and no lockdown has affected the saving of thousands and thousands of
poppy seeds in the wild area… and the creation of a new one near the Infant
(KS1) playground, using seeds from ‘Semble’ Community Action!
In school itself, the usual programme of lessons has produced a wealth of
magnificent results and progress, with children just happy to be in school and
happy to be with their friends.
Children yet again thoroughly embraced the Times Tables challenge or ‘World
Cup’ event, with a focus on their x3 and x6 tables (depending on age), and
have loved their invigorating investigations of a scientific nature… especially
those relating to the digestive system, soils and space… and have taken a
shine to some rather brilliant artwork that now adorns classrooms and the
school hall. Autumn has always been about colour… and the artwork has just
added to it!
We have opened the school in a virtual manner and added to this through
Zoom meetings with prospective parents in place of school tours. One
challenge has been to find a new way for the school orchestra to practise and
perform. To have a Christmas with no music is unthinkable, so socially
distanced rehearsals will precede a recording, produced for parents and the
community, of Christmas carol favourites, as chosen by the children.
The mega Nativity productions from all of our youngest children may be
different too, but (inspired by the 400-year-old Latino Posada traditions) we
intend to have mini productions performed for tiny audiences and filmed for
the parents.
The ‘can do’ spirit of St Lawrence, who acknowledged that the greatest
treasure of his church (in our case, the school) was the people, is alive and
well. Everything we do is for the children, with the children, in a way that
creates treasured moments.
May your preparations for Christmas be just as productive and, where certain
traditions are not possible, may you find new ways to reinterpret them to
enable the light of our Lord to shine brightly.
John Brine, Headteacher
11BYFIELD MEDICAL PRACTICE NEWS (& VIEWS)
DNA: DNA means, to many, evidence of the genes in your body passed
on by your parents.
DNA to medical practices means DID NOT ATTEND and is the bane of our
lives. Not only is it lacking courtesy by not cancelling, but it is also
causing others to miss vital Flu Jabs because of a lack of availability of
appointments. Recently, in one afternoon alone, 14 people, who had
booked a Flu Jab at Priors Marston, failed to show, so had DNA against
their names.
Please, if you cannot attend, do others a favour and pick up the phone to
cancel or postpone.
Flu: Over the last three months, we have carried out 1745 Flu
vaccinations. Those over 65, 1045 patients out of a total eligible 1649
and those under 65, 700 patients out of a total eligible of 1461.
More stocks have been ordered from central stock with 500 over 65
vaccines just arriving and 500 under 65 due at the end of November
(there will be a shortfall if everyone eligible wants the vaccine).
There are still 68 aged 2- & 3-year olds who have not been booked for
their vaccination despite the practice chasing parents.
1461 patients are in the age category 50-64 which the government says
will be eligible to be vaccinated this year. These vaccinations will not
happen before the beginning of December and are subject to the
government obtaining enough vaccines.
The Patient Participation Group has praised the organisation of the mass
vaccinations we carried out.
News: All the feedback we have received suggests a high level of
satisfaction with the way we have handled the recent lock down and, as
you read this, we’ll be learning our Christmas fate.
12We will be closed on Friday 25th December 2020 and Friday 1st January
2021. Our opening times will remain the same for the rest of December
and January.
The practice will continue, during the current lockdown, to operate as
normal, with the practice being open for medication collections, doctors
will triage patients over the phone and call in anyone who needs to be
seen. Nurse/phlebotomy appointments continue as normal.
We have recently had to say goodbye to several key members of staff.
• Dr Catherine Blackman
• Paula Pengelly, Nurse Practitioner
• Charlotte Pickwick, Practice Nurse
We offer all good wishes and sincere thanks for their contribution over
the last years.
Joining us by the time you read this, are the following new members of
staff
• Dr Alison Colville has already joined us and works, Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
• Gaby Sangha, Advanced Nurse Practitioner
• Holly Gardner, Practice Nurse,
Do you know you can help the efficiency of the practice by going online
and making bookings and repeat prescriptions without having to call the
surgery? Start by speaking to a member of staff about this facility when
next you call.
Finally, if you have any concerns about the organisation or running of the
practice, you should, in the first instance, call Tracey Rymer, the Practice
Manager.
We wish you a happy, safe and carefree holiday season
John Eustace
13MORE ON COVID-19 FROM BYFIELD MEDICAL CENTRE
Correct as of 15th November
Headlines last week spoke of 'COVID vaccine by Christmas from GPs' -
what does this mean for me?
Whist we, as a practice, want to be involved in any vaccination campaign,
we have very little information at the moment. Contrary to media
reports, deals have not yet been finalized - we are still waiting for further
guidance.
GPs hold a contract with the NHS to provide certain services, the money
from the contract pays for building, heating, electricity, doctors, nurses,
reception and admin staff and other expenses related to providing
services to patients.
If the government wants GP practices to do something new (e.g. deliver a
new vaccine), it will buy this service from the practice to pay for extra
staff time and cover expenses. Looking at the figures being quoted, GP
practices will not make any profit from providing this service - it is looking
likely that they will in fact make a loss, but they recognise the importance
of providing this service to their patients.
'But isn't it just like a flu jab?'
No, not at all - Flu jabs arrive in pre-filled syringes and can be kept
refrigerated for several months. We then organise dedicated flu clinics
and give as necessary. We can run the clinics a bit like a conveyor belt in
village halls, protecting patients by allowing enough space to socially
distance.
COVID vaccine
These new vaccines are not yet ready, and we don't know when they will
be. They need to be frozen in dry ice to minus 70 degrees. Surgeries do
not have these types of freezers so they will be delivered in batches and
can only be stored for a couple of days. They are not in individual
syringes and have to be drawn up, diluted and mixed - a process that will
14take approximately 20 minutes. Once the patient has received their
COVID jab they will have to wait to be monitored by a healthcare
professional for up to 15 minutes before they will be allowed to leave, to
ensure no serious reaction.
All of this whilst maintaining social distancing.
Will this be at my own GP practice?
Currently the NHS is saying “no” - there will be a central hub in each
geographical Primary Care Network area, so you may have to travel. This
is still to be decided.
Is it one jab?
No, you will require two. They need to be 3-4 weeks apart, but you must
have no other vaccinations in the previous week.
How many patients will receive the vaccine?
The government says it wants 40 million people vaccinated (80 million
appointments). This is going to take a long time there are no spare GPs
and Nurses just waiting to start doing this - we will have to try to do this
on top of what we are already doing.
Will it be available by Christmas?
No one knows. But if it is, there will be a small number of doses and we
think the government might suggest protecting care home residents first
- we have had no confirmation yet.
Whatever you read in the paper or online, do not forget this is going to
be exceedingly difficult. We need to ensure there are safe processes in
place - bear with us, we still don't have all of the information and we are
working in the NHS - there is still every reason to think 'Hands, Face,
Space’ for a long time to come yet. Stay safe
John Eustace
15PRIORS HALL
ALTHOUGH THE HALL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR SOME
ACTIVITIES,
THE POST OFFICE IS OPEN AND LACEY’S HAIRDRESSING WILL
OPEN AGAIN AS SOON AS IT IS ALLOWED.
The Hall is now (November) being decorated, while we are unable to use it
normally. It will be available to hire for activities that comply with Covid
restrictions, as and when the current lockdown rules are relaxed. Please
contact Barbara Harvey on 01327 260709, info.thepriorshall@gmail.com, to
book, or for more information.
General rate is £15.00 per hour and Village rate is £10.00 per hour.
Badminton, darts, short mat bowls and table tennis equipment are available
for use, and the Village Hall Committee is always pleased to hear from people
with ideas for new activities and events.
Current regular activities:
Monday
Tuesday Post Office, Lacey’s
Wednesday Play Group (am), Lacey’s
Thursday Post Office, Lacey’s, Pilates
Friday Lacey’s
Saturday Lacey’s
16Lacey’s His and Hers Hairdressing: Tuesday to Saturday, by appointment,
you can have your hair done, next to the post office. The contact numbers
are 01327 263330 and 07733 102564.
Post Office opening hours: 10 am-1.00 pm, 2.00 pm-4.00 pm, Tuesday and
Thursday. Tel: 01327 261743. Copies of the Village Directory are available
from the Post Office for a minimum donation of £3.
Film Nights: Film nights are currently suspended, but hope to return in due
course. If you have any questions, or wish to join the mailing list, contact the
Priors Cinema Team at priorscinema@gmail.com. You can also call Lee
Robinson Tel: 01327 263268.
********
MISSING A GOOD READ?
A new ‘Click and Collect’ service has been launched by Warwickshire
Libraries. You can now pre-order books and arrange a time to pick them up,
at http://library.warwickshire.gov.uk.
You may also phone 0300 555 8171 or email
libraryenquiryteam@warwickshire.gov.uk with your book reservation
requests. You can arrange to collect from several locations, as listed on the
website above, including Southam Library.
BUY ONLINE – SUPPORT LOCAL BOOKSHOPS
If you want to buy books online and support independent bookshops, try
ordering from https://uk.bookshop.org/ If you want to support a specific local
bookshop, you can nominate one to receive the full profit from your order.
Alternatively, your order contributes to an earnings pool that will be evenly
distributed among independent bookshops. Bookshop is a B-Corp – a
corporation dedicated to the public good.
1718
CHRISTMAS ISN’T CANCELLED!
The church season of Advent, the four weeks leading to Christmas, is when we
traditionally prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s arrival on earth in
human form – into our world, into our lives and into our hearts. It is also
when Christians prepare ourselves for his return at the end of time when he
will come to judge the earth and fully establish his Kingdom here.
Advent has a sober flavour to it. Traditionally flowers are not placed in church
and the liturgical colour is purple, symbolising penitence. The season is set
within a time of darkness and reflection as we consider the pain and misery in
the world around us – not hard to do this year!
But if we dwell in the darkness of this season, something different will happen
at Christmas, something that will speak into our present condition. The
prophet Isaiah wrote, about 700 years before Jesus was born, that “the time
of darkness and despair will not go on forever…..The people who walk in
darkness will see a great light – a light that will shine on all who live in the
land where death casts its shadow.” [Isaiah 9:1-2]
Despite everything going on around us in the world today, we can still be
confident of the Christian message of hope and comfort and joy. We can
remain strong in the knowledge of Christ’s coming. We can hold on to this
bigger truth – the truth that everything can be transformed by the power of
love. Yes, there is still darkness, but we can no longer doubt the presence of
the greater light – and we can choose to walk in that light.
Christ has been born! Christ has come! Christmas can’t be cancelled!
Whatever it might look like for you this year, have a blessed and peaceful
Christmas.
God bless,
Gillian
19The Bridges Group of Parishes
PROVISIONAL Church services for December 2020
BCP = Book of Common Prayer CW = Common Worship
6th December 13th December 20th December 27th December
Advent 2 Advent 3 Advent 4 Christmas 1
Priors 9.00am 5.00pm 9.00am -
Hardwick Family service: BCP Evensong BCP Communion
“Preparation
for Christmas”
Wormleighton - 9.00am - -
BCP Communion
Lower - - - 23rd December
Shuckburgh at 10.00am
Midweek BCP
Communion
Napton 10.30am 9th December at 6.00pm -
CW 9.30am Informal evening
Communion Midweek morning worship
prayer
Stockton 10.30am 10.30am - 10.30am
Morning Methodist Morning The Gathering
Worship Worship with
Communion
Priors 10.30am 10.30am Christmas Carols -
Marston Informal CW Communion Time & venue TBA
Worship
Christmas Services
Please note: these services may be subject to change/cancellation at short notice. If they
are able to go ahead, they will follow the appropriate Government guidance in place at
the time regarding social distancing, wearing face coverings and ban on hymn-singing etc.
Further details on how they will work will be available nearer the time - so please look
out for local posters/emails/social media notifications etc. On-line services will also be
available. Whatever happens: Christmas isn’t cancelled (but it will look different!)
Date & time Venue Event
Sunday 20th December Priors Marston Christmas Carols
Time TBA
Wednesday 23rd December Stockton Drive-in Crib Service on the car-
6.30pm Football Club park
Thursday 24th December The Butcher’s Arms, Drive-in Carol Service
6.00pm Priors Hardwick on the car-park
Thursday 24th December St. Michael’s Church Midnight
11.15pm Stockton Holy Communion
20Christmas Day Venue Event
Friday 25th December St. Peter’s Church Christmas Morning
9.00am Wormleighton BCP Communion
Friday 25th December St. Lawrence’s Church Christmas Morning
10.30am Napton Family Service
Friday 25th December St. Leonard’s Church Christmas Morning
10.30am Priors Marston Family Service
PROVISIONAL Church services for January 2021
BCP = Book of Common Prayer CW = Common Worship
3rd January 10th January 17th January 24th January 31st January
Epiphany Baptism of Epiphany 2 Epiphany 3 Candlemas
Christ
Priors 9.00am 5.00pm 9.00am - -
Hardwick Informal Evensong BCP
morning Communion
worship
Wormleighton - 9.00am - 10.30am -
BCP Morning
Communion Worship
Lower - - - 27th January -
Shuckburgh at 10.00am
Midweek BCP
Communion
Napton 10.30am 13th January 6.00pm - 10.30am
CW at 9.30am Informal The
Communion Midweek evening Gathering
morning worship with
prayer Communion
Stockton 10.30am 10.30am - 10.30am -
Morning Methodist CW
Worship Covenant Communion
Service
Priors 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am -
Marston Informal CW Morning Informal
Worship Communion Worship Worship
21FROM THE CHURCH OF ST PETER WORMLEIGHTON
It was with sadness that we had, yet again, to close St Peters to our
congregation. The memory of the Sundays when we were, at last, able to
worship in our church seemed to fade quickly, a short interlude, in an
otherwise long and energy-sapping period. I remember reading recently
about our Church leaders vowing to defy the government by staying open
through any next lockdown. Yet here we are again, for another four weeks! A
big thank you, nevertheless, to Jeremy for providing the wreath for
Remembrance Sunday and for conducting the short ceremony outside on
behalf of the small group of participants. In normal circumstances, at this
time of the year, conversation turns to the vexing question of heating the
church. I am glad to report that, at last, after extensive consultation with the
Diocese office, an acceptable solution has been found and costed, which
hopefully will allow us to hold more events in the winter months. Although
we are unable to repeat the successful Winter Fayre of last year, we hope, at
last, to welcome stall holders and visitors again next December in a well
heated church. The idea of using our little church for wider community events
is still a possible practical solution to the question of funding the upkeep of St
Peters. We might not yet countenance the idea of selling stamps, or drawing
pensions from the vestry, as have been organised by some other small
churches, but…….!
Lockdown certainly highlighted the role of our churches in the community.
Recently, the National Churches Trust published new research showing that
the social value of churches is a staggering £12.4 billion! So, while many
people turn up to church only on Christmas Day, they know they can rely on
their church the other 51 weeks of the year to always be there when needed.
Isabella Moore, Acting Treasurer
FROM THE CHURCH OF ST MARY PRIORS HARDWICK
Harvest Festival update Following the service, we received a number of
additional donations to The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, which
brought the final total to £300. Thank you very much indeed to all who made
this event such a memorable one, in so many ways.
Margaret Clarke PCC Member
22ALAN PARKER
26.09.25 – 15.10.20
With Alan’s death, Priors Hardwick has lost one of its most widely known
characters. Born and brought up in Wormleighton, he had lived in Priors
Hardwick for over 70 years.
His first wife, Dorothy, died in 1981. Their two children, Ken and Sue, grew up
at a time when village life remained relatively local, and many are the tales,
which still exist today, of wonderful socialising as the children grew up.
When the Second World War broke out, Alan enlisted in the RAF, but never
saw active service because of poor eyesight. He worked at Hill Farm, Priors
Hardwick for Mr Mark Darbishire from 1946 until 1950, and then for many
years as an AA Patrolman.
Alan’s practical skills and ingenuity made him an early expert in DIY and he
was well known in the village for many years as the person to turn to when
help was required.
Having retired and with his second wife, Marie-Lou, Alan ran the village paper
round for Priors Hardwick and surrounding villages for many years.
Alan was a highly skilled and prolific photographer, with a very keen interest
in local and natural history, especially birds.
Although his physical health was very poor for many years, his memory, and
mental ability and agility remained virtually unimpaired – as did his
handwriting!
He read a daily newspaper every day and his general knowledge was
exceptional.
Sadly, due to deteriorating health, Alan’s later years were often a struggle for
him, but through it all his determination kept him going in the home he loved
until his physical condition could allow it no longer. He died in Warwick
hospital, after a very short stay there, on 15th October 2020.
Margaret Clarke
23MURIEL CLEMENTS
21.02.24 – 04.11.20
Muriel was born and bred in Priors Hardwick. She was brought up by her
grandparents, Ted and Edith Gardener. Muriel was a true ‘tomboy’ – she ran
around everywhere – rarely walked.
Muriel attended school first here in Priors Hardwick then in Priors Marston.
She left when she was 14.
Muriel’s first work was in domestic service at Elmers Farm and then at
Wormleighton Manor, with Mrs Phoebe Darbishire, for several years.
Muriel joined the Wrens on her 21st birthday. She and Kath Cousins (née
Haynes) signed up together and were sent first to Stranraer. Then Muriel was
sent to Greenwich, but Kath went elsewhere. Muriel’s work was as silver
service waitress to the officers in the painted hall. Years later, she snuck into
her old accommodation to use the loo. She was discovered and was asked
politely to leave.
Back on home soil, Muriel worked as a ‘sort of’ (her words) silver service
waitress in the White Lion in Banbury. Whilst there, she and a colleague went
to The Coach and Horses for a drink. She spotted John in the other bar and
asked “Who’s that sailor next door?” “That’s Johnny Clements. I’ll introduce
you”. And that was the beginning of a 45 year marriage. Sadly John died in
1994.
After their wedding in Banbury, John and Muriel moved back to Priors
Hardwick to live in London End, in what they called “The Ark”. No electricity,
no running water, not much roof. ,They used to lay in bed looking at the stars
–( not romantic). In the course of time, they lived in several different houses
in London End –only one of which remains today – as part of Crossroad
Cottage
After Val and Peter were born, Muriel went back to work for the Robinson
family at Stoneton Manor for several years, where she was very happy.
24In 1961, after Jean was born, the family moved to No 8 St Mary’s Close –
Exciting times!! A proper, brand new house! Muriel was the last of the
original eight families who moved into those new houses.
So Muriel, John and their three children settled into No 8 St Mary’s Close.
The children grew up, married and remained within travelling distance of
‘home’. Muriel loved her family. She was proud of her grandchildren, adored
her great grandchildren and had great admiration for Chris for standing by his
children.
Muriel was strong. She looked after John for 15 years through a distressing
illness, and she was persistent in whatever she was doing. Muriel was kind
and caring, and would always make you feel better; she cared for everybody.
Muriel always wanted to travel and after John’s passing in 1994, she had her
chance, making many trips both at home and abroad with her family – and
there are the photos to prove it!
Muriel loved people to visit her and really enjoyed talking about days gone by
in Priors Hardwick, and about people and places from her past - and ‘putting
the world to rights’ as she called it!
Muriel loved Priors Hardwick and she was always active and interested in
whatever was going on. Indeed, she became one of its most respected
residents, mainly because of her experience of life and her sound, practical
common sense and wonderful ‘people’ skills.
Muriel loved the church. Over the years, she did just about every job that was
going! Cleaning, polishing the brass, the flowers - and she delivered the
Parish Magazines each month in St Mary’s Close. For many years, Muriel
attended the Wednesday Evensong, followed by tea and cakes, which became
‘Tea @ 3’ after Evensong ceased for lack of a priest. Muriel’s strong Christian
faith provided a firm anchor in her life.
But Muriel suffered tragedy as well, and all this she bore stoically and with
patience and dignity – again supporting those who were sharing it with her.
She just had a knack of saying the few words which were absolutely right - I
know - she did it for me!
25And through all this long and varied life, Muriel always held on to her faith
and her sense of humour. Yes, the two do go together! Muriel was an
example for us all.
Margaret Clarke
Gratitude from Peter and Jean
At this time of writing (15th November), mindful of the fact that the next
Parish Magazine won’t be until February 2021, Peter and Jean would like to
thank most sincerely all those who have so kindly contacted them with
sympathy, and tributes to Muriel. It is most comforting to know that so many
people are with them at this time of loss and yet pride and thanksgiving.
Donations in memory of Muriel may be sent to Humphris, 32 Albert Street,
Banbury. OX16 5DG 01295 265424 or at 8 St Mary’s Close.
********
PRIORS SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
Snowball – The Snowball Lottery is still suspended due to Covid.
Football – Our new Sunday side, Romer FC, will be playing their home fixtures
at the club every other Sunday, subject to Covid restrictions.
Tennis - Please see the section’s own entry for up to date information, their
email address is priorstennis@yahoo.co.uk.
Pop Up Pizza Nights – Suspended until Spring 2021.
Sunday Lunch Opening – Again, because of the Rule of 6, the club will not be
opening as planned, however the bar will be open when there is a home
football fixture.
Dog Walkers – If you are using the grounds to exercise your dogs, PLEASE
make sure that you clean up after them putting bagged poo in the grey bins
only.
26Agility and K9 Activities – As of October 18th, these will be carried out by
Susanne Broughton of www.doghampton.co.uk. In addition to agility
sessions, she will also be running some other fun K9 activities. These will be
publicised on the Sports Club Facebook page – Priors Sports & Social Club
2020. We would again remind people that the equipment is for dog training
and NOT for children to use as an obstacle course.
Membership – Membership of the Club is open to all readers of this
periodical; please contact Keely Huss, Club Membership Secretary by email at
priorssportsmembership@gmail.com
Security – Please do remember to lock the gates if you are the last to leave
the grounds.
Contact Details – In the first instance, please send an email to
priorssportsclub@gmail.com or call 07415 093627
********
PRIORS TENNIS CLUB NEWS AND EVENTS
To access the courts, please visit our website (see below) for information on
membership packages. We are keeping the Early Bird family discount offer
going for the time being, and if anyone is struggling financially, but would still
like to play, please get in contact.
No turn up and play allowed (except for on Club Nights). Again, visit our
website to book your court.
email: priorstennis@yahoo.co.uk
coach: bianca.priorstennis@hotmail.com or 07938 145736
Website: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/priorstennis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/priorstennis/
Priors Tennis Club is located on Byfield Road at the entrance to the Sports and
Social Club.
New members are always welcome!
27GARDEN JOTTINGS FROM BRIDGE NURSERY
Your local Hardy Plant Specialists
I wonder if you would agree that gardening is an activity which is
good for the body and soul? Horticultural therapy has long been
recognised as a way of helping relieve stress and anxiety. We all
need to find ways to relax and feel positive through these difficult
times. But would you also agree that it is very controlling?
Gardening is all about keeping shrubs pruned, grass mown, weeds
removed and general tidiness. I realise that if the general
maintenance wasn't kept up, that brambles, creeping buttercup and
thistles would quickly take over. At the same time, I am aware that
there is a severe reduction in insect life. Do you get 'splat' on your
windscreen?
For a thought-provoking read, I would highly recommend 'Wilding' by
Isabella Tree. There are also videos on You Tube. She provides
fascinating facts and figures on farming, trees, soil, flood
management, and much more.
You don't stop gardening when you get old, you get old when you
stop gardening.
All best wishes for the Christmas season.
Christine Dakin, Bridge Nursery, Tomlow Road, Napton, www.bridge-
nursery.co.uk ¼ mile from Crossroads Garage – look for our Tourist Sign
28NATURE NOTES - IT’S DEFINITELY WINTER NOW . . .
I have not been able to be out and about so much recently. Quite apart from
the second lockdown restrictions, the fierce weather and other hindrances
have meant that watching the natural world has had to take a back seat for a
while.
Meanwhile, summer visitors have left and been replaced in the countryside
with our winter incomers; Redwings and Fieldfares from the continent and
extra Blackbirds, Robins, Goldcrests and Siskins hoping that our winter will be
less harsh than the lands further east. Any Blackcaps you see in the bushes
from now on are likely to be birds from Europe, whilst our summer Blackcaps
have moved south to somewhere warmer.
Sadly, HS2 have now started work in Glyn Davies Wood putting Heras fencing
round the southern half of the wood in preparation for the felling operation,
which will presumably follow sometime soon. True to form, they have not
informed the BOS when this might happen, and they frequently make our
own access into our half of the wood extremely difficult, and of course there
is no sign of the separate BOS access they promised us before the felling
commenced.
As I write, it is still very mild (we have only had two overnight frosts I think?)
and there are still hedgehogs in the garden and badgers on the road. If you
are tempted to feed hedgehogs, please refer to
http://www.hedgehogstreet.org for advice – in particular, never put out milk
for them or mealworms - both can be lethal. And as always, if you can, please
continue feeding the birds!
There has been a lot in the media about nature’s ability to give us comfort or
at least an outside interest during lockdown or isolation and I hope this has
been the case for you.
Helen Franklin, The Latch, Holly Bush Lane, Priors Marston
helen_franklin@talk21.com Mob – 07794 909699
29WEATHER JOTTINGS OCTOBER 2020
October 2020 brought 146mm of rain. This is a record for October,
which, anyway, is the wettest month overall since 1998. Last year,
we received 120mm in October, and between then and 1998 October
had yielded over 100mm six times! The first three months of the
year had only received 100mm + on one occasion in all those years –
and for February, that distinction only came last year!! November
and December 2020 are still to come, but November is next ‘behind’
October, so far with 5 times 100+mm.
But in 2017 we only received 17mm of rain in October!!
October 2020 began with one fine day which began cloudy and then
brightened up with the temperature rising to 14℃. But then began
the arrival of storm Alex. The temperature fell by 2℃ and the heavy
rain began, lasting two days - 30mm on Friday 2nd and 46mm on
Saturday 3rd. There was, on the Saturday, I well remember, a brief
‘non-rain’ spell in the early evening when I was able to walk my dog!
The next 4 days also brought rain making a total of 98mm in the first
week of the month. The following week brought 7mm of rain, and
then a week of dry but mostly cloudy weather, with the temperature
remaining at 12℃.
18th October is St Luke’s Day and is often accompanied by a spell of
fine weather, known as “St Luke’s Little Summer”. And so it was this
year, but a day late. Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th were fine with
16℃ on the Tuesday.
After that, the weather deteriorated again with rain early and late on
Wednesday 21st amounting to 10mm and after this there were only
two dry days, until the end of the month. On Sunday 25th the
weather was very unsettled with heavy storms and even a clap of
30thunder, and the changeable theme was repeated on Tuesday 27th,
with a beautiful rainbow between rain and sun!
Thursday 29th brought a southerly wind and the temperature rose to
14℃ with light rain and increasing wind. This continued into Friday
30th, with the temperature up again to 16℃, and then storm Aidan
hit us on Saturday 31st, from the south, with more very strong winds
and 7mm of rain, but still warm.
There was rain on 20 of the 31 days of the month but no frost.
Margaret Clarke
Rainfall Jan to October
900
800
700
600
500
Rainfall
400
300
200
100
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Year
3132
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
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