JANUARY 2012
Incorporating the Good News Paper
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Happy New Year from the Burbage News! From Keith & Gavin, Editors Keith Amiss, my co-editor, suffered a back injury following a Road Traffic Incident a couple of months ago. It transpires that he has since been suffering from two crushed vertebrae and a broken spine. This was finally spotted when Keith had an MRI scan at the ‘Great’ Western Hospital on Sunday 11th and he was immediately admitted. They spent 6 hours operating on Tuesday 13th and despite the intensive surgery, there are concerns he may now suffer permanent damage. Keith is not only my colleague on the Burbage News and the Parish Council, but he is also my friend, and a friend to many of you, I know, who will be equally concerned for him and his family. At the time of writing this (Sunday 18th) I understand Keith is likely to be in hospital for a few weeks yet. Please, please spare some of your thoughts and prayers for Keith and his family in this difficult time and for the challenges ahead. That wasn’t quite the opening paragraph either of us had intended for the January edition. It should have gone something like this: There’s a lot going on in 2012 and we hope the Burbage News will be the one to keep you all up to date and informed. This issue is a little light due to the strict deadlines we had to meet to get this off the press before the printer closed for the festive break. The local interview article is having a break this month as well, and the reins have been handed over to John Guy after Irene Dymond hung up her quill last month thank you to Irene for coming up with the idea and doing such a good job getting it started. It has proved rather popular! If you want to nominate anyone to be interviewed, please contact John Guy on 810767 What on earth is on the cover? Well, this month is the last time Gavin does it as the ‘Cover Creator’ role has been handed to our resident cartoonist, the incredibly talented Mr Bill Mather! Bill will also provide occasional cartoons but he will deal with
cover designs, which can be based on local events. If you have an idea, event or image that could be featured, please get in touch with Bill as soon as possible. Cover artwork has to be with the printer by 15th of each month so he’ll need plenty of warning if you want something special. Call Bill on 810924 Oh yes, the current cover. Well, sorry about that- not exactly my best effort. However, a lot of people carry ’smart’ phones for which you can download ‘apps’ (I’m going to lose a lot of you here). One of those apps is a QR (Quick Response) Code reader which reads the new ’fancy barcodes’ as some people call them - that’s the box with lots of black bits in. These QR Codes are able to do so much more - more details can be found on our new website. The two codes on the front page will generate a direct link to the Twitter pages for the Burbage News and the Parish Council, so you can be kept up to date with events in between issues. Incidentally, if you go and BUY a QR Code for your website, email address, product, business card etc, I will personally tell you off (or a little stronger!). You COULD buy one online for US$35 or you could ask me to create one for you. Free. Maybe donate something to the Burbage News, but there’s no charge. Full details, including an easy-to-understand description of the QR Code system, will be on the website It doesn’t end there, though. You’ll find the Burbage News has one or two more inside and these have been created by me, without any prior knowledge of those who now have them! Oh dear... Goofing’s gone! Although it’s been fun, we don’t get many responses telling us how many mistakes there have been, so we’re letting this one go - unless you tell us otherwise, that is! Want to help? There will be a list of jobs that we need volunteers to help us with. One is for someone to help recruit and manage the advertisements. More details on the village website. Happy New Year! K & G
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Your Letters to the Burbage News Poppy Appeal The Poppy Appeal in Burbage, Easton Royal and Cadley has this year raised £3,229.58 an excellent result. Thank you very much to all those who so generously gave their time and money to this Appeal Richard Lovell Poppy Appeal Organiser BEAM Grant I The Burbage News would like to thank the members of BEAM for their very generous grant of £350. £350 This is a great help toward our costs for keeping the magazine going, and reflects upon the great nature of our whole community that we are able to benefit from a local fund like this! It is through all the kind grants and donations received, that we, in turn, are able to support all local groups and organisations by giving them a voice that reaches every home in our community Gavin & Keith Editors, Burbage News BEAM Grant II Thank you to all the people that voted for the Savernake Forest Scout Group; your voting resulted in us being awarded £500. £500 We are putting this towards purchasing start up equipment for our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. We'd also like to take this opportunity to express our support for BEAM, which is a great community initiative, saving you money on your heating oil whilst
generating funds for our local village groups. Many thanks to the BEAM committee for their hard voluntary work, it's greatly appreciated. David Butler, Fundraising, Executive Committee, SFSG BEAM Grant III The Newly formed Burbage Youth Club would like to express their sincere gratitude toward BEAM for the donation of £100 which will be of great assistance in helping the BYC to get going in their endeavours. You will be able to read more on their progress throughout the year in future editions of the Burbage News (on behalf of) Jeremy Amiss BYC Chairman
Dance classes coming to East Grafton Coronation Hall, Wednesday Afternoon/ Evenings starting 2012 Ballet - Tap Modern - Jazz Freestyle/Hip Hop - Latin Available to children aged 3+ and adults
Please contact me to register your interest and find out more details. Zumba classes starting at Burbage Village Hall – Subject to interest Charlotte Price T: 07746 479 345 E: CAPdanceandfitness@hotmail.co.uk Visit C.A.P Dance & Fitness @ Facebook
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DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER Television in Meridian Region is going digital! The digital TV switchover is starting in the Meridian Region from 8 February 2012 (when the process begins for parts of Berkshire and Wiltshire, and northern Hampshire – areas served by the Hannington Transmitter). Analogue TV signals will be turned off and Freeview services boosted to reach all areas. After switchover, virtually all homes will be able to receive digital TV free via an aerial, including those served by local relay transmitters. When you switch depends on which transmitter your TV gets its signal from. To find out when you switch and what your digital options are, visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50. What do you need to do? If you have Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision, you will need to retune your digital TV or box at switchover or you will lose channels. Switchover is a two-stage process and you need to retune at both stages. If you have a satellite or cable service on all your sets, you will not need to retune as these are not affected by switchover. If you have 5 channels or fewer (i.e. analogue TV) on any of your sets, you will need to convert them to digital. If you’re 75 and over, or eligible disabled, call the Switchover Help Scheme - they can provide everything you need to keep watching your TV. How we can help We can provide grants, materials, free training, support and guidance during the run-up to the digital TV switchover to organisations that support: older people people who are socially isolated people with sensory, mobility or dexterity impairments people who have mental health conditions people with English as a second language people with learning difficulties. For more information contact: Wessex Community Action Greencroft House 42-46 Salt Lane Salisbury SP1 1EG Telephone: 01722 421747 Email: info@wessexcommunityaction.org.uk
Wessex Community Action on Facebook
The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government. If you are eligible for the Help Scheme, they will write to you to offer you practical help to convert one of your TV sets to digital. For more information ring 0800 40 85 900 for free or e-mail info@helpscheme.co.uk You can also get more information at www.helpscheme.co.uk The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government. If you are eligible for the Help Scheme, they will write to you to offer you practical help to convert one of your TV sets to digital. For more information ring 0800 40 85 900 for free or e-mail info@helpscheme.co.uk You can also get more information at www.helpscheme.co.uk
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Burbage Signing Choir Jean Bierschenk We are having a very successful Christmas so far. At the time of writing we still have the Good Companions Christmas Dinner and Pewsey Old Folks dinner to go. We have had donations from Coffee N Browse, the Christmas Party at the village hall and Marlborough Lodge Care Home and we were enjoyed by all that have seen us. Two of us were entertained by Chilton Foliat school to Christmas dinner as I have been teaching the children there. They will also be giving us a donation. The children sang some songs for us and gave us an idea for next year!! We are always looking for new members and anyone who might be interested in giving Signing a go. Give phone Jean on 810451 if you want to become involved.
A Festive Celebration 2011 Gavin Ketchen What an amazing night! Quick - put this in your diary now….
Sunday 9th December 2012 A Festive Celebration At Burbage Village hall Doors open 6.15pm, music starts 7.00pm With the Phoenix Brass Band and the Burbage Signing Choir Tickets available from… well, you get the idea. Yes, everything has already been booked so we can do it all again - but a little bit better this time! There will be a raffle, there will be Mulled Wine & Munchies. The Christmas Tree Ornament Auction is being put to one side for now (we might do that elsewhere instead) and the bingo - well, ok, not again: We’ll let you rest during the first break! If this one is anything to go by, you’ll need plenty of energy for the second and third ‘acts’! Attendance was just about at capacity for the hall and thanks to a bit of clever tablelayout by the Burbage Youth Council (BYC) who were a great help throughout the night, everyone appeared to be quite comfortable. The Phoenix Brass Band played extremely well and the Burbage Signing Choir had many of us in quiet, emotional tears with their rendition of ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Miserables. However, many of us were in tears of laughter when it came to Signing ‘Run Rabbit, Run’! THANK YOU to everyone who donated something for the mega-raffle - we had to get the BYC up on stage as runners, taking all the prizes to the winners Thanks also to Erin and Jasmine for their help on the door and with the raffle. ‘A Festive Celebration’ is continued on page 8...
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16th Annual Burbage Christmas Tree Sale 10th and 11th December 2011 Wow, the 2011 event was our biggest yet and a huge success thanks to the fifty volunteers from our community who put in the work to make it happen. Lots of new people came forward to help run the sale and assist our established team, many thanks to you all. Help was also received from the Burbage Youth Council who were very energetic and useful. About two thousand visitors came to get their Christmas trees and enjoy the festive atmosphere, meet Father Christmas and enjoy refreshments and 25 Christmas market stalls. Comments made were very complimentary and we showed Burbage in a good light to our visitors. The excellent sunny weather on Saturday helped the large turnout and the rain held off on Sunday until lunchtime. Our trees were excellent British quality trees. Spruces were grown on a farm only 9 miles away from Burbage and were cut down the day before the sale, Fir trees came from Somerset. Many trees sold elsewhere are imported now and can often be six weeks old when they are sold, having been transported thousands of miles. Spruce trees we sold on Sunday were cut at dusk on Saturday night to accommodate our request for extra trees. We sold 420 trees two years ago and a record 538 last year after being mentioned on BBC1 so it was tricky to predict tree numbers needed for 2011. In the end we ordered 500 trees with options on extras. In fact we sold 600! Arms were twisted and there was some rushing about but extra trees were collected to ensure we never ran out. Tree quality was excellent, and all of the 600+ trees eventually sourced were sold with a handful of leftovers that were refunded by the supplier as a condition of our purchasing contract. All buyers received a free prize draw ticket with their tree and an invitation to purchase further tickets. Many thanks for the prizes donated by Burbage Garage, The White Hart, Burbage Londis and the star prize of the 32 inch Panasonic flat screen TV donated by Haine and Smith opticians. The draw boosted takings by over £1,300 so thanks to everyone for buying extra tickets. The event was kindly sponsored by Equilibrium Wealth Management of Marlborough who contributed £1,500 towards our running costs in the third year of their sponsorship package. Further funds were raised by the efforts of the teams in the kitchen and on our wreath and foliage stall plus stallholder rents making a total combined net profit of just over £11,500 breaking the previous records of £10,000 in 2010, £7,000 in 2009 and £6,000 in 2008.
9 Building on the efforts of those who established the 16 year old venture we promote our brand with the above logo and put a laminated brand tag on every tree to remind people that their money goes to Burbage Church funds. Please display your tree’s brand tag to encourage your visitors to get their tree from Burbage in future years! Free tree recycling takes place on Saturday 7th of January when your tree can be chipped into garden mulch free of charge courtesy of village resident Simon Last.
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who bought trees to support the event and to all the volunteers who worked so hard. Any comments or suggestions for next year would be very welcome! Please email or ring me if you would be willing to volunteer in the future. We have a drinks party for all the helpers on the day after the sale and it is a great way to start the festive season.
George Gordon Harepath Farm Burbage george.gordon@lkl-services.co.uk
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Thank YOU for your support! (A Festive Celebration, continued) A special mention for Waitrose Marlborough, the Co-op Pewsey, Londis Eastsands, Burbage Post Office and Marr Green Farm Shop for their generous contributions - Thank You! However…
An incredible effort both before, during and after the night was made by Sue Gray and Claire Kington in supplying, manning and clearing the kitchen. Sue and A full house, enjoying the solo piece Cl aire s p ent ma ny precious hours of what should have been their ‘spare time’ by shopping, cooking and preparing for the Big Night and their hard work was of great benefit to all who attended - especially if you enjoyed the mulled wine - as so many did! The biggest THANK YOU to you both.
The lovely ladies of the Burbage Signing Choir
I know I will forget to thank someone (or ones) so I’m going to apologise for that oversight right now. But if you’re Poppy, Tom and Mike (Kington) I haven’t forgotten you! Poppy was a great help to the two ladies in the kitchen and Mike created the lovely table decorations, with ‘help’ from Tom, who was also cajoled along on the night and helped throughout, proving to be a real asset when it came to the tidyup! Thank you!
It will be a little different next year as we hope to get a couple of local groups involved, to run the kitchen and the raffle, and helping them raise a few pounds for their own groups - making this an even better community event!
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COFFEE N BROWSE NEWS Sarah Scott The first Coffee ‘n Browse of 2012 will take place on Friday January 6th 9am – 12 noon at Burbage Church Centre, which is also our 6th anniversary! We’ve got some great stalls of quality goodies, a lot of them hand crafted namely: Kay Francis’ handcrafted crystal jewellery; Karen Carey’s Pampered chef goodies; Pam Lovell’s individually-made greeting cards & delights: Wendy Scarfield’s wares; Jo Balls’ cards; Book swap & Play area; Free competition; Hot cuppas & FREE REFILLS. Thank you to everyone who helped to raise £50.80 for Farm Africa at December’s Coffee N Browse (we’ve been able to send a total of £753 in 2011 )and a big thank you to Burbage’s own Signing Choir for the Deaf, who were fantastic, and were able to raise almost £38.00 for their own charity. We always have a free competition and congratulations go to Rhona Hope on winning the bath & shower gel, who correctly guessed the weight of a worldrecord breaking cake! We also announced that from January the cost of a cuppa & a doughnut will rise to £1.50 for adults & 50p for children. We’ve been able to keep the price the same since we started in January 2006, but unfortunately the cost of our quality doughnuts has almost doubled, so it is with regret that we’ve had to raise our charges. Our punters have made it clear that only these doughnuts will do!! They’re so yummy! Refills will still be free. On 3rd February we will be holding
another Silent Auction, when we can all bid for donated items. Unlike previous years when funds have gone to Farm Africa, this year the auction will be raising funds for the British Heart Foundation, in memory of our dear friend Richard Flint, who with his wife Pauline & Paul of the White Hart, have been great generous supporters of Coffee N Browse since the very first Silent Auction. So in the new year we’ll be collecting donated new non-electrical items to auction, and we would be grateful if you could bear this in mind if you receive any unwanted Christmas presents, or see any bargains in the shops like ‘3 for 2’ or ‘buy-one-get-onefree’ deals. If you have anything please give them to Sarah Scott of 5, Taskers Lane – many thanks. If you wish to book a table in 2012 please speak to Cynthia Mitchell on 810026. Some folk have already booked tables for December 2012! Don’t forget that charitable organisations can have their own table, raising funds for their own cause, without having to donate to Coffee N Browse proceeds. As we start a new year we want to say a big ‘Thank you’ to everyone who helps behind the scenes from all those who set the hall up the night before, to those early risers who set up on the Friday morning, to the food & drink servers & to all those who help pack away, what a team- thank you so much. HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM EVERYONE AT COFFEE N BROWSE 1st Friday of each month in Burbage’s Church Centre MEETING LOCALLY, HELPING FAMILIES AFAR
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Burbage Pre-School Toy Fayre Burbage Pre-school is pleased to announce that it made just under £1800 at its Toy Fayre held on the 26th November at the Village Hall. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us this year. Our thanks go to everyone who has donated toys & books, donated tombola & raffle prizes, bought & sold raffle tickets and helped with the preparations and on the day. We received some fantastic donations of toys, books and puzzles and items for the tombola and raffle. We would also like to offer a special thanks to Father Christmas who once again fitted us into his busy pre-Christmas schedule! Burbage Pre-school is a registered charity and therefore fund-raising is vitally important to us. It allows us to buy new equipment and toys for the children as well as carry out essential maintenance work and improvements to the Preschool building and grounds. We would also like to thank the following companies and individuals for generously donating items for our raffle and silent auction: From the village: W. Mundy & Son Ltd; Erin Amiss, Jamie at Home; Karen Carey, The Pampered Chef; The Esso Garage; The White Hart; East Sands Londis; Burbage Post Office; Marr Green Farm Shop; Megan Jackson, Megan Jackson Flowers And also: Wookey Hole Caves Ltd; Bristol Aquarium; Herongate Leisure, Hungerford; Finkley Down Farm Park, Andover; Cholderton Charlie’s Farm Park; Beale Park, Reading; Brokerswood County Park, Westbury; Graham Light, Abbey Studios Photography; Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens; Jolly Roger Adventure Ltd., Swindon; Sony; Cath Kidson Store, Marlborough; Avon; Haine & Smith Opticians; Marwell Wildlife, Winchester ;Newbury Racecourse PLC; Roves Farm, Swindon; Imagine Portrait Studios; Micro Scooter; Tesco Store, Marlborough; STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, Swindon; The Living Rainforest, Hampstead Norreys, Berks; Studley Grange Butterfly World, Wroughton
Good Companions Bernard Patterson For the fourteenth year The Curnick Family, local farmers, sponsored and supported The Annual Christmas Luncheon of the Good Companions Club. Sue Curnick has risen at 4am to cook a number of large turkeys to perfection ready to serve with all the trimmings to nearly 100 diners. Chairman Mary Powell’s band of helpers surpassed themselves to distribute the luncheon in double quick time. In a lull before cheese, biscuits and coffee the diners were entertained by the children of Burbage Primary School singing Christmas Carols. The children joined with The Burbage Signing Choir to provided further entertainment despite some technical hitches. In short a good time was had by all, a joyful occasion, many thanks to all the many helpers. Next meeting: Wednesday 18th January 2pm in the Village Hall 48th Anniversary Meeting when The Kennet Signers will entertain.
BURBAGE FILM CLUB The Burbage Film Club shows films every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at The British Legion Club in the Skittle Room. Film details will be advertised on the Club premises or contact us to find out more: Please contact Steve or Sandy on: 01672 810854 Or by email: familyrex@btinternet.com
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www.savernaketeam.org.uk Mary Edwards
Savernake Team Letter January 2012
mary_avonvalley@hotmail.com 01264 852693
At this time of the year our thoughts turn very quickly from Christmas to the New Year – perhaps to those New Year resolutions, when we try to do better in the coming year. What will the New Year bring? In the coming year we have the Queen’s Jubilee to look forward to in June. For 60 years Her Majesty has reigned as our Queen – and it is right we should celebrate this. Then come the Olympics which seem to provoke a mixed reaction among people. In our own lives each one of us will have our own personal milestones and events to look forward to, in my case it will be retirement and moving to the Scottish Borders. However none of us really can tell what the future will bring but I think one of the most inspiring poems to take us into a New Year is the one written by Minnie Haskins about a hundred years ago and is the poem which was quoted by King George VI in his Christmas Day broadcast in 1939. I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied, "Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way." May that Almighty Hand guide and uphold us all. With every Blessing for a happy and peaceful New Year Mary
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Sudan HIV & AIDS Project Update Overview: Tearfund Partner: The Diocese of Yei (DOY) - part of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS) Location: Diocese of Yei, South Sudan Purpose: To deepen the awareness of HIV & AIDS and reduce the related stigma in 6 parishes of Yei Diocese by March 2011. Impact: Yei County will experience lowered prevalence rates of HIB & AIDS and reduced stigma by 2015. The Need: The people situated in South Sudan, are currently in great need of protection against the spread of HIV & AIDS. Not only this but due to the high levels of stigma surrounding HIV & AIDS, many require education regarding the disease, in order for discrimination to cease. The Ministry of Health is extremely concerned about the levels of those affected in the Yei region. The Project: During the project (April 2010 to March 2011) the DoY has focused on educating congregations within particular parts of its region about HIV & AIDS, whilst reducing the stigma and discrimination currently related to the disease. DoY staff have mobilised pastors and volunteers from churches in 6 local areas (Giru, Yugufe, Kajiko, Jombu, Mukpara and Kendila) to attend the HIV training programme known as Channel of Hope. The project has achieved much to improve people’s knowledge and attitude of HIV & AIDS in the Diocese of Yei over the past year. Supported by funding from All Saints Church in Burbage. What was Achieved? During the year, the number of people in the Diocese of Yei who have been directly taught about HIV & AIDS and have been made aware of the negative impact of stigma and discrimination is 6039 (2737 males and 3030 females).
Thank you for so generously supporting the people of South Sudan and for faithfully praying for Tearfund’s work. Working through
Building Bridges
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Ladies Breakfast Church Centre, 26th November On a cold and chilly November morning, some 65 ladies came along to the church centre to hear Frederique Green talk about her time with the Amish. Frederique spent some time with the Pennsylvanian Amish during July/August of this year and was inspired and encouraged by her time spent with them. There is so much to say about the morning, it’s quite difficult to précis it down! Normally a closed community, they welcomed Frederique and were open and honest with her about their lives with her during her stay. As Frederique had a hire car, she had the pleasure of driving some of the Amish around their town and their local businesses. Their lives differ quite considerably from ours, they choose to take what the Bible says literally and consequently dress very simply and modestly, the ladies wearing bonnets to cover their heads. They live and work very much together as a community and as a family, with young people learning to work along side their parents, in the house and boys with their fathers in their family business, quite often, carpentry and farming. The Amish young people have very clear boundaries and know what is required of them from a very early stage. Smacking is allowed until a child is 3 years old, thereafter it is not necessary as the children understand what is the correct way to behave and so behave in that manner. The entire community lives without the ‘benefit’ of lots of modern technology which we take for granted and can’t imagine how we would live without. Any electricity is taken from their own generators, as they take very seriously the words of the Bible, that they are not to conform to the patterns of this world. So there are no mobile phones allowed, no computer games, Wii, X-Box, Nintendo, no i-Pad’s, no televisions and most have phones which are outside of the house, so that calls are made out of necessity, not for idle chatter, which could lead to gossip. They have no shouting within their families and communities, preferring to deal with any disagreement by negotiation. Elders and other family members support their families in times of domestic disagreement, encouraging families to work things out and stay together. Some of these things seem very attractive to us! We’d like to extend our thanks to Frederique for speaking with us in such an engaging way, we were all touched by how the Amish live and the things that we could take from them that would make a difference in our lives. A retiring collection was taken for the Alabare Charity, for homeless people in Salisbury, of £130.00.
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Challenge! Don’t grab your Bible—we challenge you to do this without any outside assistance. One bit of advice we would give is to read the following through, before starting to solve it. The instructions are in the paragraph. Enjoy! There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you find them? This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from London to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Hull worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend, judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving that she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That’s a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalised. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Adelphi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 readers who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, ‘The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight.’ Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is not need for a mad exodus; there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found!
Men’s Breakfast Saturday morning, 19th November at 7.30am saw another Men’s Group Breakfast in the Church centre. The ‘Full English’ was fantastically prepared by our ‘in house’ chefs, Alan Brown and Peter Shellswell. Our speaker for the breakfast was Rev. Justin Bradbury, Curate at St.James, Devizes. Justin is an old friend of Burbage being part of the congregation here before going for ordination. He spoke about his life as a Curate and as Chaplain of Hayden’s Bakery in Devizes, a role he loves, giving him the opportunity to get along side people in their working environment, being able to talk and pray with them about any problems or issues they are facing. For the next stage of his ministry he is looking to become a Chaplain in the Armed Forces. He is passionate about people and urged us all to be available and pro active in our Christian walk and connect with those around us.
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Whatever the costume, they're all angels Peter Davison for St Katharine’s School
The Nativity play on Thursday, December 15 heralded the climax of an exciting fortnight of activities at St Katharine's School, Savernake, which also included a trip to see Wind in the Willows at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury, Christmas lunch for 77 diners, a disco and an afternoon party. The festive season recorded a couple of fundraising successes too – the PTA raised £783 from the Christmas Fair, held at Marlborough Town Hall on November 19, and on November 29 parents donated 369kg of jumble, which raised a further £184.50 for school funds through the Bag2School scheme. QR Code: (Supplied by Burbage News) Scan this with your smart-phone and this will take you to St Katharine’s Courier (WebBlog) http://stkats.wordpress.com
Boden 'Sale' Party Following the success of previous fundraising Boden parties held in Burbage and East Grafton, we have decided to hold another one, this time raising money for the Burbage Pre-School and Primary School Thursday 9th February 2pm - 4pm & 7pm - 9pm at Burbage Primary School There will be 20% off every order placed for the new Spring collection of Boden clothes. We will have plenty of items for you to see and try on, plus other stalls and activities. If you introduce a friend at our party you will receive £25 in Boden vouchers. For more information, or if you cannot attend but would like to place an order, contact Emma on:01672 811415or email: emma@davidandemmabutler.co.uk.
After a long gap, the stitchers return! Please join us at the Church Centre Saturday 21st January 2012 9.30am –12.30pm Cost £5 Bring some scraps of fabric, threads, etc, sewing machine if you have one Or bring your own work Help and advice always available Contact Helen 810949 or Kay 811093 for details
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Patient Liaison Committee
COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH
June Brew - Chair
Jane Dyson
The Committee would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year, we also hope you had a great Christmas!
Wiltshire Community Speed Watch is a 3 year programme that started in Oct 2009. It provides a county-wide co-ordinated response to the issue of speeding traffic.
The results of the survey are being worked on and it should not be long before the results are available.
The Area Boards are tasked with this coordination and they have an online system that enables anyone to log an issue. All you need do is go the following address. https://forms.wiltshire.gov.uk/area_board/ report_issue.php?area_board=Pewsey This QR Codes will take you there:
The committee will continue to work on your behalf during 2012 so please keep talking to us. We are June Brew, Godfrey Brew, Sophie Marklew, Mary Nocton, Marie Hattersley. Joyce Goold Liz Rowland and Matthew Kellow. Talk to us or email us at patientliaison@hotmail.co.uk
Computer Scams Gavin Ketchen I have been hearing reports from people who have been phoned by ‘Microsoft’ or their ‘representative’, informing them of a problem with their computer. The response to these people is quite simple: HANG UP ON THEM! It’s not rude to hang up on them: They don’t care and only want to take your money by deceiving you. Please warn your neighbours especially the elderly and vulnerable, because quite often they will enjoy the opportunity to have a chat with someone END THE CALL. HANG UP ON THEM! NEVER give your credit card details out to anyone over the phone unless YOU are calling THEM to buy something/pay for something specific. NEVER follow the instructions of a caller who wants you to access the heart of your computer! Be suspicious - be wise - they are clever but so are you - you will HANG UP ON THEM! If in doubt, please call me. I’ll happily help
This is an online form that asks for information on the problem, who you are and what you would like done about it. The Parish Council would be very grateful if you could also advise us if as well, so we can also follow up. If you feel this is a bit onerous or do not have access to the internet – then please contact Jane Dyson, who will complete the form for you on behalf of the Parish Council. This may (or may not) carry more weight. Next, the issue is checked to see if it has already been subject to a police investigation, or if it has previously been surveyed using ‘metrocount’. If the goahead is given then volunteers are needed, to be trained, and supported by the Neighbourhood Policing Teams, in carrying out roadside speed checks. IF YOU THINK SPEEDING IS A PROBLEM IN BURBAGE – HELP US TO GET SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT. Contact Jane Dyson 07817 051811 or email clerk@burbagepc.org.uk with your contact details so we can get back to you
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Forthcoming events in aid of our project to provide seeds & tools for the people of southern Sudan:
Major General Dickie Davis will be speaking about his experiences in Afghanistan on Tuesday 10th January in the White Hart Burbage 7.30pm prompt Tickets £12.50 to include a fish & Chips supper. A limited number of tickets re available, so book now to avoid disappointment. Contact Chris Gray 01672 811452
Jazz Concert with the Helen Bennett Trio Saturday 25th February 8pm in the church Tickets £15 to include a glass of wine Tickets available from Steve Colling 01672 810949
Working through Building Bridges
Do you enjoy singing? Can you read music? Put the two together at the church on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm to 4.15pm commencing the 11th January 2012. Can’t read music but like to sing? Come along and someone will teach you to read music.
Just come along and join in!
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During the Clergy Vacancy For enquiries about : Weddings, Funerals or Baptisms, go initially to Mrs. Debbie Brown, Church Administrator, who will liaise with the appropriate people; Debbie is in the Church Office every weekday morning: 01672 810853. For problems which you feel need the help of a minister: For questions concerning Young People’s worship: go to Rev. Linda Dytham: 01672 811025. For matters which Lay Pastoral Assistants may be able to help with, go initially to Mrs. Sue Masey, who will liaise with the appropriate people: 01672 810308.
From the registers: May they rest in Peace Memorial service: 12th December: Ivy Dodds We remember their families and friends in their grief. Looking for new clergy We were disappointed not to be able to appoint a new Team Rector in November. The post will be re-advertised early in the New Year, so please keep this matter in your prayers.
For House groups, cell groups and the parish weekend at Ammerdown (including bursaries), go to Mr. Barry Smith: 01380 860593
Anyone for table tennis? If so, please contact Brian Green on 01672 811655 or by e-mail at pasturesgreenoffwell@tiscali.co.uk. Brian is keen to hear from anyone who is keen to play table tennis. Please let Brian know if you’d like to play and if so, what day and what time is best for you. Remember to leave your contact details too! Brian will then gauge interest and see if there is sufficient to start a table tennis club here in the village.
All Saints’ Burbage The ONLY service on Sunday 1st January 2012 9.30am Holy Communion followed by breakfast in the Church Centre Everyone welcome
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From the Diary Further events/dates: 7th Jan 12
Tree Recycling on the Church green—10am to 2pm
10th Jan
Major Dickie Davis will be speaking about his experiences in Afghanistan in the White Hart, Burbage 7.30pm prompt. Tickets £12.50 to include a Fish & Chips supper. A limited number of tickets are available so book now to avoid disappointment. Contact Chris Gray 01672 811452
4th Feb
Men’s Breakfast 07.30am in the Church Centre. Further details from Dickie Davis 01672 810527
25th Feb
Jazz Concert with the Helen Bennett Trio 8pm in the Church. Tickets £15 to include a glass of wine. Tickets available from Steve Colling: 01672 810949
www.savernaketeam.com/burbage-and-tidcombe REGULAR EVENTS Fill The Gap-every Thursday 12-2pm in the Church Centre. Homemade soups from October on. Great atmosphere, all ages welcome, come and join us!
Coffee ‘n’ Browse-first Friday of each month 9am-12noon in the Church Centre, meeting locally to help families afar! See you on Friday 6th January
Toddler Service- 3rd Wednesday of the month, next one is the 18th January at 09.30am –10.30am All Saints Church Contact Karen Carey 01672 811541
Booking the Church Centre: Please contact: Rob Hartwell on 01672 810839 or email: Ailesbury1@aol.com
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Who’s Who at All Saints’ Team Vicar .......................
Vacant ............................................
01672 810258
Assoc Priest......................
The Revd Linda Dytham.................
01672 811025
Asst Curate .......................
The Revd Robert Grist ..................
01672 811431
Churchwardens.................
Joy Guy .......................................... Peter Devenish ...............................
01672 810767 01672 810296
Church Life Coordinator ...
Barry Smith.....................................
01380 860593
Administrator.....................
Debbie Brown .................................
01672 810853
Church Centre Manager ...
Rob Hartwell ...................................
01672 810839
Lay Pastoral Assistants ....
Sue Masey......................................
01672 810308
Magazine Contributions.......................churchofficeburbage@gmail.com
January Service Pattern 1st January ....................
9.30am
Holy Communion & Bacon Butties
8th January .....................
8.00am 11.00am
Morning Prayer Holy Communion
11th January ...................
09.30am
Mothers Union Holy Communion
15th January ...................
08.00am 11.00am
Holy Communion All Age Worship
22nd January ..................
08.00am 11.00am
Morning Prayer Family Service
29th January ...................
08.00am 11.00am
Morning Prayer All Age Worship
Every Friday Morning......
07.30am
Morning Prayer
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Woman’s Own Helen Colling The November evening proved to be a great success with a very good turn out of members and visitors eager to be inspired by demonstrations of Christmas crafts. They were not disappointed! Five members each expertly showed us how to make a Christmas foliage and candle arrangement for the mantelpiece [the beautiful “one –I-made –earlier” was kindly given as a raffle prize], an innovative hanging foliage arrangement for decking the hall, effective ways to transform a simple white candle into a festive one, angel cards using 3 different techniques to try at home, and how to make the most stunning gift boxes without spending a fortune. Fantastic ideas, effortlessly demonstrated - I shall definitely be trying them out! It was great to see everyone and we hope our visitors will return soon. Raffle prizes were won by Jenny Frazer, Doreen Sprules, & Pat Nicholls. The December meeting – the candlelight supper - will be reported next time. January will be the AGM followed by a cheese and wine social evening to beat the winter blues.
Sports Club 200 Winners Results for the December draw:£25 £25 £50 £50 £200
165 36 90 122 142
Mrs H Sheppard P Chatfield Julie Baker Mrs C Maggs Michelle Forsyth
For more information contact: Ros McGowan (01264) 791324 or Daphne Carter (01672) 810461
Burbage & Easton Royal British Legion Club The January Newsletter For members old and new, or not yet joined - this is the Official Club Newsletter Gavin Ketchen, Chairman.
Happy New Year! Well, we’ve done it. Many people thought the Legion Club was doomed to close and the buildi ng become…. What? A derelict, decrepit old shell waiting for some entrepreneur to convert it into a market-place or some such similar? The Club is up and running and as healthy as ever. We’re building up the reserves and making some incredible changes. Internally, there’s been a lot of decorating going on and it shows in the brighter scheme enjoyed by everyone. We’re looking at double glazing and other improvements as well. We hope to be able to take credit/debit cards soon as well, it’s just a case of getting the paperwork through. Will we be able to offer a cashback facility for debit cards? We don’t know yet - there are a few things to consider first and not the least among them is security We do need some bar staff though! Watch this space for any developments on that front as we are looking for ways to make the job more appealing If you want to help the committee with anything, please get in touch! All offers and suggestions are welcome
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What’s happening at the Burbage & Easton Royal British Legion Club? Some of the upcoming events we have lined up for you All events are open to non-members (may require signing-in)
Any Saturdays that aren’t listed, keep an eye out for the latest news by either visiting our webpage on the village website (www.burbage-village.com), phoning the Club (810369) or looking out for the posters! Film nights and other (new) events will be advertised in the Club Saturday 31st December 2011 (until apx 0100hrs Sunday) Just in case you haven’t made your mind up where to go for your best New Years Eve Party, and especially if you fancy a drink but don’t want to drive. Come to the Burbage and Easton Royal New Years Eve Disco Night! We’re having a rest during January - I think we deserve it! We’ll be open as usual (staffing levels allowing it) but for entertainment, keep an eye on the website page and the Club notices. A fantastic job was done by the committee and their spouses/helpers, so please say a thank you to them when you next come in - they’re the reason we’re still open! Memberships: If you haven’t renewed yours by now then it has lapsed. You will need to fill the form in again. Non-members must be signed in by members and are allowed only one visit per month, so if you want to come in more often than that, sign up! You must be a member to play the Sunday night Bingo every week, as this is organised and run by the Club. The Film Club Night is a private hire, although BERBL Club members do enjoy a small discount We now have an excellent cider on draught and are looking for suggestions to replace the Tetleys Bitter on draught. The problems with over-froth on the Stella, which gave us plenty of headaches, has been solved! Follow us on Twitter! That’s the QR Code featured here, or simply go online to: twitter.com/BERBLClub One recent idea is to consider a Whist Drive evening on a regular basis. Would you be interested? This might be run as a private function so BERBL Club membership would not be compulsory. More details soon We have a suggestions box in the Club, and are open to all good ideas (and some wacky ones!) Fill in the comment form next time you’re in - your idea might be the next thing we do! See you soon - and if you have any requests for an evening’s entertainment - TELL US!
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Jazz in the Village Hall Bernard Patterson The Tammy Weis Trio will play in the reasonably priced and have wide Village Hall on Thursday 9th February 2012 appeal. The aim is to physically bring top at 7.30pm. Expect beautiful songs from a quality performers and entertainers into fine Canadian Jazz Singer sensitively the village. This initiative not only gives accompanied by guitar and double the opportunity for people to listen to live bass. Tammy Weis sings a mix of classic music and meet together for top rate jazz standards and beautifully crafted entertainment, but also enables the originals which she performs with a musicians to be paid for their skills. The wonderful sense of melody and swing. Bar will be open with tea and coffee available at the kitchen. Tickets can be obtained from The Post Office and East Sands Stores, Adults £7.00, Burbage PC encourages and supports this Concessions £6.00, Children £4.50. For new endeavour. Rural Arts Touring is more information call 01762 810142. delivered by The Pound Arts Trust Ltd in partnership with Wiltshire and South This is an initiative to hold musical events Gloucestershire Councils with additional with professional musicians that are funding from Arts Council England.
Footpaths Geoff Hill A footpath clearance and maintenance back the hedge on the east side of the team is now up and running but more path as it goes along the pond so it is now volunteers would be welcome. (if you are fully open. interested please contact me on 01672 811 424 or geoff.eileen.hill@googlemail.com ) Following requests from two walking The group will meet for a couple of hours groups and some individuals we will be every two weeks alternating between aiming to reopen the path that runs north Saturday and Monday mornings. Between east from Ram Alley to Wharf Bridge. This now and the end of February, when will give an alternative route to the tow nesting starts, it will concentrate on path that avoids crossing the railway line cutting back hedges before going on to albeit you will have a 5 metre walk across stile and path maintenance in the spring the rail bridge instead. Work on this will and summer. If you notice a section of not be completed until the spring/summer footpath that is badly overgrown please when the ground is dry enough to gain let me know and we can add it to our access to install two bridges over the clearance programme. Similarly please let ditches. me know about broken stiles. Finally over the coming months further You may be pleased to know that Mr work will be carried out on improving the Rowland of Bowden Farm has re-opened signing of the footpaths and bridleways the bridleway that runs diagonally across with the aim of ensuring all rights of way the field from just below the farm before are marked sufficiently well that a visitor running along the east side of the pond to the parish without a map would know before rejoining the main bridleway as it which way a path goes. Incidentally if you proceeds to Ram Alley. He has also ever than to find out what rights of way confirmed he will leave a bare strip where exist in the parish or indeed anywhere else the path runs as the crops grow. The in Wiltshire you can get this information Council would like to thank him for his co- on the interactive map on the Wiltshire operation. The footpath team has cut Council website (link is on village website)
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Burbage Parish Council www.burbage-pc.org.uk As you may know our Chairman is currently in hospital after undergoing surgery – I am sure the whole village will join with the Parish Council in wishing him a speedy recovery and best wishes to his wife and children. This month’s update on Parish matters: The council is once again at “full strength” – the vacancy for our 13th councillor was filled in December when Sally Flippence was elected to the council - welcome Sally! Litter Bins – with the new bins now in place, the children of Burbage school took part in a competition to design stickers to put on the bins to promote awareness of littering, dog mess and recycling. The winning designs have now been chosen – and will be appearing on the bins shortly. The council is improving its approach to planning matters - we have a Planning Sub Committee whose sole task is to meet each month, consider planning applications and report back to the full council with its comments. The meetings are advertised and are open to the public. You are most welcome and we encourage you to attend. Jubilee Trees – the planting was very successful, thanks to Geoff Hill for his organisation, all who turned up to help and to Fill the Gap for the refreshments. You will shortly notice a plaque detailing the feature Oak that is on the church green. Speeding– elsewhere in this magazine you will see an article on Community Speedwatch; if you think that speeding is an issue in Burbage, please help us to do
something about it. The article explains what needs to be done Localism Act – became law this month and will have an impact on your council. Our Governance sub – committee are busily reading and researching the Act, looking for the areas that were under national or regional responsibility, but may now come under local control. This is not a trivial matter, it may not appear that this affects Burbage, but it does and we need to be aware and react accordingly Burbage Youth Council – This is now established and moving full steam ahead. Well done to all involved, they deserve our support Wiltshire Rural Arts – your PC are delighted to support Wiltshire Rural Arts, coming to the Village Hall in the new year. More information will be available on the web site and on the new notice boards that will be appearing around the village very soon! Moving forward: We are elected to serve you, so please let us know if you have any areas of concern, interest or comments. To contact the Parish Council, please email clerk@burbage-pc.org.uk. A full list of councillors names, addresses and telephone numbers are also on the web site, or alternatively they are also listed on the notice board at the Post Office. Wishing you all compliments of the season and a happy and healthy 2012 Colin Brown Vice Chairman Burbage Parish Council
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Allotments Geoff Hill Despite the best efforts of the Parish Council and the allotment group, we end the year without any allotments in Burbage. There has however been one area where progress has been made namely Crown Estate has agreed that in most instances it will permit its tenants to sub lease land to the Council Mr Gordon of Harepath Farm is exploring the possibility of leasing the Council a piece of land in Westcourt on the left just after Westcourt Lane crosses the bypass. However before he can make the land available he needs to reach agreement with the person who sub leases the land as horse paddocks to relinquish part of the field. It is important to know how many of the people who expressed an interest in an allotment when the idea was to locate them on Barn Meadow would still want one if it was located at Westcourt. I would be grateful if people who are still interested could let me know either by phoning or emailing (811 424 or geoff.eileen.hill@googlemail.com) Because it remains uncertain as to whether the land at Westcourt can be made available the Council is taking two further actions. Firstly it will be writing to all farmers who have land adjacent to the village to see whether any of them would be prepared to lease an area of between 11/2 and 2 acres to the Council. Secondly it will be approaching Crown Estate with a request to purchase a piece of land. Getting allotments in Burbage is proving to be very difficult but we will not give up.
Charity Quiz in aid of Crohn’s Disease
Saturday 7th January 2012 at the village hall Bar Open 7.30pm Quiz begins at 8.00pm
ALL TICKETS HAVE NOW BEEN SOLD To join the Stand-By list, phone Allen Leitch on 01672 811056.
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February 2012 Edition Please send your news and articles from around the village by no later than Wednesday 18th January. Use these details for Classified Ads, letters and messages: Email: bneditor@burbage-village.co.uk You can post or deliver articles by hand to the editors below: For the next issue, please send all correspondence to Gavin Ketchen: 01672 811990 5a Webbs Way, Burbage. SN8 3TF Cover Designs, contact Bill Mather: 01672 810924 Interviews and help with articles, contact John Guy: 01672 810767
Advertising (colour) Annual Rates (12 copies) Inside front/back page (annual only) Full page.............................£500 Half page ............................£325 Quarter page ......................£200 1/8 (business card).............N/A Other pages Full page.............................£450 Half page ............................£275 Quarter page ......................£165 1/8 (business card).............£70 ---------------------Monthly Rates (per copy) Full page.............................£55 Half page ............................£35 Quarter page ......................£25 1/8 (business card).............£15 ---------------------Classified Ads (B/W text only) (private ads only, no businesses) Up to 4 lines .......................£1 1/8th page box....................£2.50
Burbage Online This service is changing! The Burbage Village website is now being run by the Burbage News and a whole new site will soon replace the existing one. The package includes a newsletter subscription service which will replace Burbage Online
Burbage News Burbage News is the independent local community magazine for Burbage, with over 800 copies being distributed each month. Items are welcomed from clubs, organisations, businesses and the public but may be edited for legal reasons and/or to fit the editorial space. Every care is taken to ensure that articles and wording do not offend, but no responsibility can be accepted for statements made by the subscribing authors. The views expressed may not represent the views of the Burbage News editors. Articles submitted to the Burbage News will also appear in the online version. If your article contains personal information for yourself or others, such as a birthday, name, address, telephone number or email address &c, you can have this information removed or replaced from the online copy before it is posted. You MUST inform the Editors when submitting an article IF you want any changes made to the online version, including the contributor acknowledgement for articles. It is otherwise assumed you give and/or have obtained the relevant permission (s) from others, for any personal detail/s (or other information) which is reproduced in the online copy of any issue of the Burbage News
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UNIQUE LIVERY OPPORTUNITY A small picturesque yard just outside of Hungerford has livery spaces available. This peaceful 10 box yard also has a fantastic Monarch horse walker, a Martin Collins surfaced outdoor arena, plenty of turn out and miles of local hacking right on the doorstep without having to go on a single road. Whether it’s part, full, competition, schooling livery or even somewhere to send your horse to be cared for whilst you are away on business/holiday we can offer all of this and more.
For further information contact Amy on: 07768648787 amywestcottallen@yahoo.co.uk
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