Take Five - North Wraxall Parish Website

H.M. The Queenʼs Diamond Jubilee

2012-02-09T11:04:00.002Z

North Wraxall Parish Council

The Parish Council have decided, at the suggestion of the Parish Tree Warden Anton Young, to fund the planting of a tree to mark H.M. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The exact site is yet to be determined but it is hoped that it will be fairly central in the Parish. The Community Hall have offered a site at the hall and would like to provide a commemorative plaque together with a seat beneath subject to cost.

The Parish Council would also like to subsidise the costs of planting commemorative native trees in each of the hamlets to the tune of £20 per hamlet. If anyone would be interested in this, and has an available site in mind, please contact your parish councillor or the tree warden. Trees should be planted before the end of March or after October.

Contact:

The Shoe: Robert Dicks,

Upper Wraxall: Diana Stern,

Mountain Bower and North Wraxall: Anne Godwin or Tim Miller,

Ford: Jane King, Will Holder or Scott Williams.

Northwraxallpc@hotmail.com

Anton Young: antonyoung@ridleyscheer.co.uk

As well as the Jubilee tree the Parish Council will be contributing towards the costs of an official Diamond Jubilee beacon to be mounted on the Church Tower. It is hoped that the beacon will be lit at a prearranged time on Monday 4^th June and it will be part of a chain of 2012 beacons across the country. If you would like to make a financial contribution towards this once in a lifetime event please contact Patrick Shervington. patrick.shervington@zen.co.uk

Annual Parish Quiz Night January 27th 2012

2012-02-09T10:59:00.000Z

This very popular event was organised by Stuart and Lesley Barnes and Samia and Sean Gibbins, last year’s winning team from Upper Wraxall. The Community Hall was full to capacity with a record number of 19 teams entering. Prior to the alterations this summer, the previous hall capacity was for 13 teams.

The evening followed the traditional format of 10 subjects with an interval in between. New additions this year were red and yellow cards (applied in Rugby fashion with the added option of making a case to award a card to the Organisers for any perceived slip ups) A few teams were ‘sited’ during a very merry evening, but no-one required to sit out for 10 minutes!

Skill was required in deciding which topic to select to play the joker, with all teams opting for rounds prior to the last round, which was just as well, with Parish skill at remembering dates and venues of past British Olympic Games producing a very low scoring round, ( 0.5?) but then we had been drinking rather well by then.

During the interval we were challenged by a picture round requiring the name of the Leader identified with the picture, whilst we enjoyed a ploughman’s supper. Linking JF Kennedy with Marilyn Monroe

and Edwina Curry with John Major was rather easier than recognising that it was Monica Lewinsky’s stained dress to link with Bill Clinton and as for Lulu with Harold Wilson!.... I’m sure that wasn’t the answer!

The local knowledge this year involved identifying Pub Photos taken within a 10 mile radius of our Community. Scores here were rather lower than might have been anticipated with the ‘Aussie’ team scoring much higher on this round.

The winning team were Cote du Rhone from Upper Wraxall who last won in 2009. Congratulations to Alison and Richard Skedd and Felicity and Steve Longshaw.

Runners up were MDI from North Wraxall (Sue and Ray Fussell, Deirdre and Martin Elphick) followed by Nadgers Badgers from The Shoe included Peter Holman & Tony Hunt.

Many thanks to Stuart, Lesley ,Samia and Sean for organising such an excellent evening

Meg Birch

DIAMOND JUBILEE BEACONS – MONDAY 4TH JUNE 2012

2012-02-09T10:54:00.000Z

There are national plans to light a total of 2,012 beacons right around the Country and the Commonwealth. In the UK the beacons will be lit between 10pm and 10:30pm when it is almost dark.
The Parish Council has endorsed a proposal for a beacon to be lit within the five villages and has generously offered a grant towards the cost. The PCC and the Community Hall committee will be meeting to consider the best options.’Hot’ favourite is on top of the church tower of St James’ subject to health and safety considerations.
Watch out for more details and please pass on your own views and ideas to the Editor. One suggestion is for as many of us as possible to gather in the churchyard, sing the National Anthem and toast Her Majesty with three rousing cheers – followed by a celebratory drink or three. After all, Tuesday 5th is the Jubilee Holiday!

PopUp Shop

2011-12-01T14:17:00.002Z

POP UP

village

S H O P

Last Saturday dawned, the bread was delivered, the church was festooned in bunting and many local suppliers came to show their wares. All this was supplemented by the cake makers and bakers of the parish who brought their delicious homemade preserves, cakes and starter dough!

The number of people who came from the parish and beyond to visit the 'shop' was amazing - and it was so lovely to see people drinking tea, eating mince pies, browsing the stalls and enjoying chatting with other parishioners, catching up with news - just what we dreamt of!

We hadn't thought about quite what we might raise for the church loo / kitchen fund... but your support made it possible to add an impressive £514 to the fund!

Eloise Scotland brought her beautiful, handcrafted gifts... one of the objects was a really delightful quilted picture - the words stitched on to it summed up the 'shop' perfectly -

I think we are a pretty unusual parish - we seem to enjoy new experiences and don't have average taste - this was born out at the Pop Up Shop by the huge sales of blue cheese and artisan breads.... how many village shops sell handmade note books made from Japanese paper?

We are planning to make the Pop Up Shop a quarterly event, the first one of 2012 will be just before Easter - if you have any ideas about products or suppliers for the next event - please let us know!

Until then - a big thank you to the Pop Up team: Anne, Debbie, Emily, Nicky, Rob, Marj, Matthew, Vicki, Sue Y, Sue G, Ben, Helen W, Jane, Geoff and all of you who visited the Pop Up Shop, we really appreciated your support.

Helen

Remembrance Day

2011-11-21T20:17:00.000Z

We filled the church as we gathered to pay our respects, many of the congregation were past and present service personnel remembering their friends and colleagues.

Patrick Shervington led the service reflecting on the role and reputation of the Services today.

Two active service personnel were present, Major Will Hunt (Para) and Capt. Marie Hunt (Sigs). The Thanksgiving Prayer for the Homecoming, read by Patrick, was made all the more poignant as it had been used at the homecoming of 2^nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Will’s own regiment, in June 2011 when they returned from their tour of Afghanistan.

After observing the two minutes silence at 11 o’clock, Dave Allen RAF (Retd) read out the names of those from the Parish who gave their lives, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. A memorial wreath was laid by Hope Osborne, WAAF (Retd).

Ray Fussell read his poem ‘Eleven Eleven’. I’m sure you will agree, it is a moving tribute to those who have died. As encapsulated by a Chelsea pensioner this week, ‘they gave their lot, you can’t give more than that’.

Tom King gave a highly relevant address, in which he remarked that not so long ago he felt Remembrance Day was one mainly devoted to older people, but now we find ourselves remembering servicemen who have lost their lives very recently. He stressed that our politicians today should have a duty of care, not only to returning soldiers, the wounded and their families, but also that current servicemen should have the necessary resources they need to carry on in our defence.

Rob and Nicky Russell entranced the congregation with a moving rendititon of JS Bach’s Adagio.

Pastor Alan Proctor gave the Blessing at the end of the Service and everyone felt how appropriate it was for St James and the Chapel to "join forces.

Following the service everyone gathered in ‘Poppy Corner’ in the graveyard where a wreath was laid, by Will and Marie Hunt. Not only Christian Crosses, but also other faiths symbols (see front cover) to represent those who fought alongside us.

Afterwards refreshments were served and the congregation chatted outside in the sunshine. Life goes on, and so it must, but it seemed fitting that so many should have come to remember those who have fallen in our defence.

We will remember them.

Ann Johnston

Take Five Online

2011-11-16T09:09:00.001Z

For a long time now Meg and I have received comments from Take Five readers, commenting on how much nicer it would be to have the magazine in colour - we agree, but the costs of doing so prevent this from being viable. Thanks to online publishing this is now possible, along with the ability to do things we couldn't do in the magazine!

So it is with pleasure that we welcome you to the parish website! If you would like to see something here, or would like to write an article please get in touch by emailing us at

Take Five magazine was originally started by Mike Padwick, and his reasons for setting up the magazine are as relevant today - we live in a vibrant and friendly community - Take Five is an excellent way of letting everyone know what is going on and what is planned, and a great way to celebrate events and news and a super way to let new residents get to know people. Come to any of the parish events and you will see for yourself what an incredible community we live in.

Take Five isn't a community that rests on it's laurels either - whether it is the new pop up shop (happening at St James' on Saturday 26th November) or the exciting plans the Hall has for the diamond jubilee next summer - there's always something new happening... and always an excuse to party!

Police Neighbourhood Watch Alert

2011-11-14T10:34:00.000Z

(Seen in Hullavington, Startley & Royal Wootten Bassett)

WHITE FORD FLATBED TRUCK - MJ52 GXL

ANY general sighting - i.e. - vehicle passing through the area - parked in lay-by’s etc - please contact the local NPT asap.
If you believe that the behaviour of any of the occupants to be suspicious - especially in connection with any of the older residents in your areas - please call 999 immediately.

Take Five Fireworks

2011-11-14T10:18:00.006Z

Take Five gathered together on Friday 4th of November for the annual parish firework display. This year delicious sausages, soup and mulled wine were served in a camp kitchen in Godwins field! Huge thanks must go to the Hall committee for organising the event, but special thanks go to Anne and Ken Godwin, Sarah Godwin,Rob Godwin, John Knight, Nigel and Maureen Watson, David and Margaret Townsend, Peter Holman and to Alan and Muriel Proctor for the kind use of Tiley Towers, without which we could not have set up the refreshments.

The fireworks were spectacular as usual, these photos were captured on iphone, apologies for the quality of the images.... but you can see what a big bang the evening was!

2011-11-03T10:42:00.002Z

POPUP

village

SHOP

At St James, North Wraxall on Saturday, 26th November

11am - 1pm

This special pop up village shop will be selling-

homemade bread, cakes, preserves, local eggs & delicious things for your Christmas pantry plus hand crafted vintage style gifts.

We will be serving tea, coffee & mincepies while you shop.

If there is anything you would like to do to help / supply to the shop or join our mailing list please email us at takefivemagazine@me.com

More details to follow!

PARISH BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS PARTY

2011-11-03T10:36:00.001Z

DON’T MISS

The firework display is on Friday 4th November.

We will be lighting the bonfire at 6.30pm and the display will begin at 7.00pm

There will be soup, hotdogs and mulled wine in the field.

There will also be novelties for the children

As usual the event takes place in the Godwin's field opposite the New Hall. Please park in this field

Entry £4 per head or £12 a family of four

ROAD CLOSURE

2011-11-03T10:13:00.000Z

Please note the closure of the Fosse Way at Doncombe Hill from The Shoe to the Bath Road junction just outside Colerne.

From the 2nd November 2011 for 3 days (anticipated) for Re-surfacing.

WILTSHIRE COUNCIL SECTION 14(1) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF: FOSSE WAY (PART), COLERNE AND DONCOMBE HILL, NORTH WRAXALL

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Wiltshire Council has made an Order to close temporarily to all traffic:

FOSSE WAY (PART), COLERNE AND DONCOMBE HILL, NORTH WRAXALL; from its junction with Bath Road, Colerne in a northerly direction to its junction with A420 The Shoe.

To enable: Wiltshire Council to resurface the carriageway.

Alternative Route: Via Bath Road Colerne – A420 Ford and vice versa.

The closure will be clearly indicated by traffic signs throughout the works period.

These works will commence on the 2nd November 2011 and it is anticipated the works will take three days to complete. The Order will have a maximum duration of 18 months.

For further information regarding these works please contact Mr S Price 01225 756662. Ref: Fosse Way Colerne

Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN 27th October 2011

Poetry Night

2011-11-03T10:11:00.003Z

Dusk in balmy July in the garden of Kim,

Ten villagers gathered around the fire.

We read poems by Shakespeare, Byron and Tim,

Ann, Ray, Dylan Thomas, Mcgough and Faulkner.

There were poems on pigs, blackberries and war.

Poems that rhymed and some that did not, for Guy;

But Ann’s poem on Ireland moved most by far,

And Patrick kissed Ann with a tear in his eye.

It’s been such a success that we all agreed

To read poetry again somewhere each year,

If you write it or like it don’t be afraid,

Just come along for the food, wine and the beer.

Ann Johnson’s poem One Shilling Spent appeared in the last edition of Take Five. The Poetry night is run as part of the bookclub but everyone is welcome to come along and read or just listen. We will be running the poetry night again next summer.

Ray Fussell

Tel 01225 892310

Gala Opera Film Night

2011-11-03T10:10:00.001Z

La Traviata

We are showing Franco Zeffirelli’s film version of Verdi’s La Traviata at the New hall on Friday 28^th October. Although this is a minority interest we did have 20 positive replies to an e-mail campaign carried out earlier this year. This is a lavish production, there are optional English subtitles that we will turn on if voted for on the night

“(Teresa) Stratas not only sings magnificently but also looks the role…. She is a screen presence as riveting to watch as to listen to….. Having cast the film very close to perfection, Zefferelli has staged it in a way that serves both the film and the grandeur of the score” New York Times.

This will be a black tie event and those attending will be expected to bring along a tray of canapés and a bottle of fizz (lemonade for TTs.) Entry is free. Reception 7.30 Film starts at 8.30.

Ray Fussell

Tel 01225 89231

Christmas Carols at North Wraxall

2010-11-25T11:30:00.000Z

click on image to view

Popcorn Film Club

2010-11-22T14:32:00.005Z

click on image to enlarge

Harvest Supper

2010-10-06T10:29:00.000+01:00

Don't forget that this Sunday evening is our parish Harvest Supper - please let Anne or Ruth know if you wish to come as it will really help with the catering to know numbers.
We've had wonderful weather this year and much to celebrate.

Hope to see you there!

KIT HOLMES at The Village Hall

2010-09-29T12:18:00.002+01:00

CONGRATULATIONS

2010-09-29T12:10:00.001+01:00

Welcome to our new Vicar!

2010-09-29T11:56:00.001+01:00

(click to enlarge image)

Take Five Village Show

2010-09-29T11:53:00.002+01:00

Thank you to everyone who made this such a special and happy day!

(click on the images to enlarge)

TAKE FIVE VILLAGE SHOW - SATURDAY, 4TH SEPT!

2010-08-31T14:38:00.000+01:00

St James' church hosts the first Take Five Village show next Saturday!

Entry forms have been streaming in and it is wonderful to see so many talents within the parish!

Entries should be delivered to the church between 10 &11am on Saturday morning, the Flower arrangers will have access to the church the afternoon before to prepare their masterpieces!

The show itself, opens at 2pm, with the Presentation of Rosettes at 4pm - this will be followed by an auction of produce and other items. During the afternoon there will be music, bouncy castle, facepainting and Cream teas available.

Don't miss this event - we would very much appreciate the support to raise funds for the Church loo and kitchen fund!

NEW PRIEST IN CHARGE APPOINTED!

2010-08-31T14:22:00.000+01:00

St James, North Wraxall is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Jonathan Philpott as the next priest in charge of the Bybrook Benefice. He has been Curate at Lydney for the past 3 years and has been in charge since last October when they went into interregnum.
Our Archdeacon is hopeful that Jonathan will be licensed in our Benefice towards the end of October.

We are looking forward to welcoming Jonathan and his family to the parish and would like to thank the Archdeacon and all the Church wardens for their hard work, which has led to this speedy appointment.

A wonderful day out!

2010-06-24T22:28:00.006+01:00

This weekend many of the parish enjoyed all the fun of the fair at Beaufort! There were even more stalls than usual with some really interesting products. The children had many delights on offer - bungee trampolining, helter skelter and the new to the fair 'hamster balls'! The sheep beauty pageant was hilarious and the falconry impressive.

The polo was wonderful as always - sadly we lost to 'The Americas'... hopefully we will do better next year! It always feels exciting to feel the pounding of hooves on turf!

The weather held out, with many people picnicking on the edge of the pitch and enjoying the relaxed atomosphere.

All in all a wonderful day...and hopefully an excellent fundraiser...it certainly felt like it!

A huge'Thank you' goes to Brian Goodson and his team for all their hard work.

Beaufort Country Fair

2010-06-15T17:43:00.005+01:00

Don't miss all the fun at the Beaufort Country Fair this Saturday and Sunday - Tickets are available on the gates and cost £25 per car (including occupants) or £10 per individual on foot or by bike.

The Take Five Village Show

2010-05-25T20:42:00.004+01:00

CALLING ALL GARDENERS, COOKS AND ARTISANS...

PREPARE TO SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS AT THE TAKE FIVE VILLAGE SHOW AT ST JAMES,

NORTH WRAXALL

4th September 2010

click on image above to enlarge poster!

Alexia dives for gold!

2010-05-19T12:37:00.005+01:00

On Saturday 15^th May in St Albans, Alexia Williams aged 10yrs, of Ford, took part in a Southern Regional Counties Diving competition and won a gold medal in her age group, beating 20 other girls to top spot.

Alexia has attended West Wilts Diving Club, which meets at Trowbridge Swimming pool every Thursday, for just over a year. Having previously enjoyed swimming, trampolining and gymnastics, diving is a fantastic culmination of all three for Alexia.

West Wiltshire diving club also did fantastically well in other age groups achieving a further 2 Golds, 3 Silvers a Bronze and a Silver in the Synco.

Alexia said, “I didn’t think I was winning during the competition, it wasn’t until all the scores had been added up that I realised I had won.” Alexia had to complete three different dives which are judged by up to 5 judges and their scores are then multiplied by the difficulty of the dive to give an overall score.

PARISH PARTY - THE BIG LUNCH

2010-05-19T11:49:00.003+01:00

Contact Sarah for more information on 07966 673948

click image above to view full size.

Don't miss the Beaufort Country Fair

2010-05-17T18:21:00.004+01:00

Helpers are given free entry into the show - so do contact Brian Goodson on 891616 if you are able to volunteer some of your time.

click on image above to view full size image

A New Addition To The Parish

2010-01-26T18:08:00.004Z

Congratulations!

2010-01-25T20:08:00.001Z

TAKE FIVE CHOIR NEWSLETTER

2010-01-21T18:16:00.002Z

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Village Quiz 2010 - a date for your diary!

2010-01-13T18:11:00.001Z

Don't forget that the 2010 INTER-VILLAGE QUIZ will take place at The New Hall on Friday 22 January at 7:30pm. The evening will only cost £12 for your team of four. Supper is included and glasses are provided but you will need to bring your own drinks !!!

This was a great evening last year and should be lots of fun again, so dust off your thinking caps, call your friends and get in touch with Richard Skedd in Upper Wraxall to enter your team or ask for further information. You can call him on 01225 891611 or send an e-mail to richard@skedd.net.

Thanks,

Ray

POPCORN - New Children's film club!

2010-01-13T15:23:00.004Z

Next Sunday...weather permitting there will be the inaugural screening of the Popcorn Film Club at the village hall!

The first film to be featured will be "Underdog" - doors open at 4pm, with the film starting at 4.30pm.

Just to entice you further - there will be free popcorn and soft drinks!

Don't miss this opportunity to meet new friends, and catch up with old ones!

(for legal reasons parents must accompany children)

A Christmas Carol

2010-01-13T14:58:00.009Z

Far, far from Bah Humbug! Our Christmas Carols were very jolly indeed!

The service began with a candlelit entrance by the children, who led Maggies Band down the aisle to their seats in the choir stalls with Pip singing the first verse of "Once in Royal David's City" - a little croaky having had a lost voice for the rest of the week!

We really enjoyed singing deliciously traditional Christmas Carols interspersed with beautifully read contemporary poems from Tom, Patrick and the little ones including the delightful robin impression!

Later the Take Five Choir nervously took their place at the front of the church (having had a less than perfect rehearsal) - singing publicly for the first time, they sang a really fabulous version of "Ding Dong Merrily" and even got a round of applause!

More carols followed, then a really enchanting solo by Eleanor.

The service rounded off with a rendition of "Jingle Bells"....rather unusually on Handbells, it has to be said this wouldn't have been managed without Freda and Mike's help!

Just as Bella began reading "A Visit From St Nicholas" there was a knock at the church door...and the children's eyes were wide open, surprised to see St Nicholas himself!

Father Christmas delighted the children, they made their requests and insisted that they had been very good, they were thrilled that Father Christmas had come to see them...especially with so many delicious sweets!

Feeling very much in the spirit of Christmas, we all retired to Danes Corner to share mulled wine and yummy mince pies, feeling like we made together a very special memory.

Last week...this week!

2009-12-15T12:24:00.005Z

Last Sunday we had our Thank God for Sunday service...this time with a difference!

This Sunday the congregation led the service, which was beautiful and was made very special by everyone participating - Our 'Iona' service was made more special with festive John Betjeman poems and wonderful carols. Thank you so much to everyone for making it such a lovely evening.

The Harvest tree has gone...in it's place next weekend we will have our Christmas tree - if any children would like to come and help decorate it, please do pop in on Saturday morning.

Here are the fruits we made for Harvest -

If any of you feel creative...it would be lovely to have some home made Christmas decorations!

Next Sunday evening at 6pm is our Community Carols at North Wraxall - we would love all the children to take part in a candlelit procession - and enjoy a special visit from Father Christmas...fortunately not this one...

We look forward to hearing the Take Five Choir for the first time, and being together to celebrate Christmas in our parish with some festive treats!

Christmas Shopping at Upper Wraxall

2009-11-25T11:29:00.005Z

Dick and Debbie Mather invite you to

Crafts At Home

28th & 29th November

11am to 4pm

at Woodseaves, Upper Wraxall

(signed from the A420)

01225 891379

www.matherwood.co.uk

Entrance: £2.50

(to include Mulled wine and Mince pie)

Proceeds to CLIC Sargent

We Will Remember Them.

2009-11-23T15:34:00.009Z

A Service of Remembrance took place on Sunday, 8th November at our parish church of St James. Several former servicemen and women live in our five villages; all three services of the Armed Forces were represented. It was good to see so many families, children and visitors amongst the congregation.

Just before 11o’clock Brian Goodson laid a wreath of poppies on the wall of the nave by the memorial tablet that records the 15 names of those from the parish who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 and the Second World War 1939-1945. Patrick Shervington read out their names and the church bell tolled the beginning and end of the two minutes silence.

Patrick gave the first address, confirming that since 1945 members of the Armed Forces have been killed in conflict every year except 1968, the year before “the troubles” started in Northern Ireland. Remembrance this year is especially poignant as it marks the deaths of the last of the generation that fought in the Great War.

The focus of the Royal British Legion’s appeal in 2009 is the allied campaign in Afghanistan where 232 British servicemen and women have died including 8 soldiers in the week leading up to Remembrance Day. A tribute to one of them highlighted that “He was known not just for his extreme bravery but for his wicked sense of humour and self-effacing modesty.” Those are qualities that best describe the spirit of our Armed Forces of yesteryear and today. Patrick spoke movingly of the repatriation ceremonies at Wootton Bassett, the superb medical treatment at Selly Oak and the indomitable attitude of a young Lance Corporal in The Parachute Regiment who was determined to march on parade to receive his campaign medal from his Colonel-in-Chief, HRH The Prince of Wales – and did so despite the loss of an arm and both legs. Inspiring and humbling.

Patrick also read from the courageous letter that Vicki Shervington received from Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe’s widow, Sally. Vicki had been moved to write to Sally as 25 years earlier her own husband had been a commanding officer, in Northern Ireland. Although she did not suffer the tragic personal loss, she knew at first hand of the grief and strain caused by conflict.

“…Your words were greatly appreciated at the time and continue to be, as I now feel more able to re-read such lovely letters and take enormous comfort from them…our lives have been turned upside down since the loss of Rupert. However, thanks to the extraordinary support and love from all our family, friends and the Welsh Guards, I am beginning to find my feet…The journey ahead will not be easy, but I have Hannah and Sophie who are my future and we are surrounded by a wealth of support and love which will give us the strength to carry on.”

Tom King gave the second address, speaking with great personal feeling of the responsibilities of ministers and politicians, noting it was they who sent the Armed Forces to war. “They must never do so lightly or casually,” he insisted. He recalled his experiences of Remembrance services in his constituency, meeting families of those killed and wounded serving their country. He stressed the government’s duty of care and the invaluable work of the Service charities.

Immediately after the service, Patrick’s son Mike, who is serving in the Army, laid a wreath outside the East window in front of rows of Remembrance crosses, commemorating those killed in Afghanistan. Sadly more crosses have been added since. Tom gave the exhortation They shall grow not old and the words from St John’s gospel came to mind:

Greater love hath no man than this. That a man lay down his life for his friends.

We will continue to offer prayers for those serving in Afghanistan and their families. We will be thinking especially of those families in the Parish who have loved ones in Helmand. Our parish is sometimes on the flight path of air traffic coming into Lyneham and we can often hear the distinctive sound of Chinooks training for what lies ahead.

Part of the collection on Remembrance Sunday was for Help for Heroes (H4H) and Patrick mentioned the invaluable work of other Service charities, including the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA) and Combat Stress. Do contact him if you would like further details of how you can support them.

Email: patrick.shervington@zen.co.uk

Tel: 01225 891 705

Mobile: 07974 384 254

Photographs courtesy of Alex Ashton Photography

Fun, Fun, Fun!

2009-11-10T14:00:00.004Z

The NEW Take Five Community choir met for the first time on the 29th November, the evening began with some delicious mulled wine made by Mark of The White Hart at Ford, and Alan and Holly made delicious canapes...which certainly helped everyone feel more relaxed!

Jo Sercombe, the choir's musical director began proceedings with some warming up exercises and before we knew it...everyone was singing!

The turn out on a wet and windy winter night was wonderful - it was lovely to see familiar faces and super to see new ones - if you didn't make the first night, but would like to come along, you will be most welcome.

Jo gave out lyric sheets to practice "Fun, Fun, Fun" by the Beach Boys - if you would like one before Thursday or would like to lift share to North Wraxall - leave a message for Helen here.

Despite everyone's protestations that they couldn't sing...the new choir sounded amazing, and Jo was particularly thrilled to have so many lovely male voices - the largest proportion of chaps from any of her choirs!

We hope to see you on Thursday - rehearsals are at

St James, North Wraxall at 7.30pm!

Harvest Festival Fruit Tree.

2009-10-04T11:56:00.007+01:00

It's almost Harvest Festival - what a year it's been - a bumper crop of plums and apples here in Ford, quince and sloes. The vegetable plot has been very productive, the children especially like eating peas straight from the plant - and I have to admit they were delicious!

All of which made me think that it would be lovely to make a visual 'thank you' for everything and everybody who brings food to our tables.

From next Wednesday, there will be a 'thank you' tree in the church - and we welcome any children...or grown ups who would like to make a fruit to hang on the tree to do so - here are a few ideas...

We look forward to seeing some beautiful jewels hanging from the tree next Sunday, and any children coming to Harvest Festival can hang their fruit during the service.

Be as creative as you like - some sparkly fruit would be beautiful!

Please could you call one of the Churchwardens to let them know if you are staying to supper afterwards?

Look forward to seeing you then!

New Parish Notice Board

2009-10-02T11:40:00.000+01:00

Welcome!

This is a new and interactive place for you to exchange ideas and let everyone know about parish events and clubs!

First up... a date for your diary!

The first meeting of our new Community Choir - 'Take Five' will take place on Thursday 29th October at 7pm.

We will meet at the Church (fabulous acoustics) and warm the vocal chords with a little mulled wine and nibbles before singing...and we also have a birthday to celebrate... so keep some room free for chocolate cake!

There are already a good number of people signed up - but there is plenty of room for more - we would love to have a real mix of ages and ability isn't an issue - there are no auditions!

This will be a great opportunity to get together and meet local people.

A few of us met up with Jo Sercombe, our Conductor, yesterday evening - we are very impressed with her energy and plans to coax us into shape! This month she is taking her Bath Community Gospel Choir to sing on Children in Need - so we are in very capable hands!

We will post regular updates on our plans and progress here - but hope that you will join us on the 29th!

In the meantime - if you would like your club or event featured here, or would like to advertise on our sidebar - email me at

thehen @ mac dot com

apologies for writing the address like this - but it will avoid unwanted spam!

We look forward to hearing from you!

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