DECEMBER 2015
BURBAGE NEWS QUARTERLY Send
Vol 4:1
your s tor p ictures ies and bnedit to or@bu rbage
-villag e.org.u k
The atmospheric photo of Marlborough Town Hall was taken in November 2015
 when the Christmas lights were switched on Mike Bird submitted the photos
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BURBAGE NEWS QUARTERLY I hope you all had a good Christmas and would take this opportunity to wish each of you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. The weather is causing problems for many people because of all the grey skies and the rain on most days, but at least we can have some positive thoughts and know that we are extremely lucky when we look at the poor souls suffering in Cumbria and parts of the North of the Country. Hopefully it will soon get better and at least the nights are now getting lighter again. BNQ (Burbage News Quarterly) went from strength to strength last year with the last issue being 51 pages long! It certainly kept me busy for a while putting it all together. My apologies for this one being late, but apart from all the usual things going on around Christmas and the New Year, I had a few glitches to overcome with some software issues on my computer which are all now, seemingly, sorted out.
There are quite a lot of pages relating to Wiltshire Council changes in their Service levels. Please do take time to read these, particularly pages 6 - 11 as they contain essential and useful information. This is YOUR MAGAZINE and it would be nice to get some more contributions. If you have any comments to make (good or bad), please email me (Val Clowes)savernake_66@yahoo.co.uk If you would like to let us know about your group activities, again email me. Only if we get some different stories will BNQ survive otherwise it will become boring and people will stop reading it. This would be a pity because it is a way of keeping the activities of the village in the limelight and encourages a community spirit if people join together. Make it a NEW YEAR RESOLUTION‌‌..send in a contribution to BNQ!!
Val Clowes - Editor BNQ: email: savernake_66@yahoo.co.uk [!2]
PARISH COUNCIL Now that the New Year is upon us I’d like to start with a plea to everyone who lives in the Parish. Please consider making three New Year’s Resolutions for 2016: • Get involved in something in Burbage whether it be the Church, Cricket Club, British Legion, Good Companions, Scouts or any of the many other clubs and societies in the village. They all need your help and support - even (some would say especially) the Parish Council! The Precept: The Parish Council met in December and finalised the precept. We agreed to raise the Burbage Parish Precept by about £4.50 per annum (based on a Band D property). To put this into perspective, at £39.35 a year this is still lower than it was in 2011-12
Policing: Burbage has suffered more than it’s share of crime over the last couple of months; please be vigilant. The older members of our community are particularly vulnerable. The Police have agreed to talk at the next meeting of the Good Companions and will offer advice. Speeding remains an issue; a fixed penalty fine was issued in Stibb Green and a car was forced off the road in Durley.
Next full Council meeting Wednesday 13 January 2016 in the Church Centre at 7.45pm.
• Support businesses in the village. You may have seen a recent TV programme about the restructuring of the Post Office. All in villages like ours are at risk. It’s easy to apply for passports, road tax and other postal services online but if you use the village post office then we’ve a better chance of keeping it - there aren’t many places where you can pay in cheques and draw cash without making a purchase! Presumably, we live in the Parish because we want to, so we all have a responsibility for looking after it. To that end we should all take responsibility for the state of roads and paths. We can all report potholes to Wiltshire Council, we can all pick up litter and we can all report bad behaviour (including irresponsible dog owners). Please don’t leave it to someone else. If it’s worth moaning about it’s worth doing something about it! Steve Colling (chairman@Burbage-pc.org.uk)
Should you have any concerns or questions please contact the Parish Clerk, Joyce Turner, at clerk@Burbage-pc.org.uk
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Burbage Parish Council - Planning With the recent interest in development within the village and on its boundaries, I thought it a good time to remind everyone of the planning process as it affects Burbage Parish residents both inside and outside the Settlement Boundary:
Burbage Parish Council receives copies of all relevant applications about 10 days after the application is registered. The Council aims to visit all sites to discus proposals with the applicant or their agent before making their decision at the next Planning Committee or Full Council Meeting. Generally three or four Councillors attend the site visit and they will only go onsite with the permission of the applicant or agent.
Applicants submit proposals to Wiltshire Council who, ultimately make the decision to approve or otherwise. Wiltshire Council publish the details online and in the Gazette & Herald (major applications only). Notices are also placed at the site and neighbours get a letter advising them of the application.
Outline details of planning applications likely to be discussed at the next meeting are listed in meeting agendas which are posted on Council notice boards and published online at:
Online details can be found by searching for the appropriate pages at: http://planning.wiltshire.gov.uk/Northgate/ PlanningExplorer/GeneralSearch.aspx
http://burbage-pc.org.uk/meetings.php
 The Council considers each application at a formal meeting. All Council meetings are open to Burbage Parish Residents. On the occasions where members of the public attend, they are invited to speak if they so wish. Decisions are recorded in the minutes of the meeting and relayed to Wiltshire Council to meet their published deadline.
To search for recent applications scroll down to the box marked Parish then look for Burbage in the list. Then scroll down to Search dates within a specified number of months. Put in a number then press Search. Depending upon the number of months selected, it may take a few minutes to bring up the pages.
The timeframe for making decisions is very tight and although we have two meetings a month when planning matters can be discussed, it can be a struggle depending if paperwork is slow in coming to the Council.
All planning applications submitted in the selected timeframe are listed with links to the specific page. Each planning application has a unique number and all the plans and documents can be accessed through links. Anyone can make a comment online by following the link.
We try to visit each applicant to discuss the issues and gather sufficient information to make an informed decision. Burbage Parish residents are encouraged to make their views known at Council meetings but rarely does anyone come along and so we can only assume that there is no concern. That said, residents can make comment direct to Wiltshire Council online and petition Stuart Wheeler, our local Councillor.
Note there are three key dates: Date Application Registered, Last Date for Comments and Date of Decision. The whole process is supposed to be completed within about eight weeks.
Steve Colling Chairman
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BURBAGE PARISH COUNCIL The following has been extracted from a Wiltshire Council newsletter circulated to the Parish Council. It explains their roles and responsibilities and provides contact details for reporting issues. Wiltshire Council must change the way it operates, not just because Central Government is reducing funding and the Council has to focus on its priority services (adult care, vulnerable persons etc.), but because the demands for its services have changed and continue to change.
Wiltshire Council will continue to endeavor to tackle the issues at source. In the next few months Cllr Whitehead, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, will undertake a promotion campaign aimed at increasing litter awareness. This will involve posters at litter areas and school visits.
These issues are obviously not unique to Wiltshire. There is an increasing number of lorries using lay-bys overnight and this has resulted in a rise in the amount of litter.
The Council will also be writing to businesses reminding them of their legal responsibilities for their and their customer’s waste. The Council will continue to provide loan litter picking equipment and promote self-help services within the communities. However, there will continue to be considerable demand for Council services to ensure the local environment is maintained.
Tipped waste on farming land is estimated to be costing the farming community ÂŁ50m-ÂŁ100m/ year. Over two thirds of incidents involve household waste. This is a sad illustration of the challenges faced by all. Household waste can be disposed of free of charge: However it is being dumped at great cost to the Council Tax payer and the local community. This is replicated by graffiti, fly posting and many other local anti-social activities.
The way the Council delivers its service is driven by the need and the Council must have a flexible service to meet that demand. Last month guidance on the changes in the Local Highway Service was issued. However, to assist everyone more details are given below to explain what can be expected over the winter months.
Any queries, please contact the Parish Clerk Burbage Parish Clerk For, and on behalf of, Burbage Parish Council. clerk@burbage-pc.org.uk tel: 01672 563718
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Wiltshire Council has received many enquiries about the new service levels and the information shown on the next few pages will assist. The majority of services will be prioritised by using the Council’s reporting procedures. To report an issue all you have to do is: Phone the Council on 0300 456 0105; or Go to the Council’s website – www.wiltshire.gov.uk; or Use the new MyWiltshire App All reports are recorded on one database, which is the App database. Priorities are based upon the information contained on the App database. It is vital that all highway maintenance work (pot holes, fly tipping, litter picking, graffiti issues etc.) is reported by the above methods to ensure it enters the system at the earliest opportunity. The Council’s service levels are: 1.
Litter Collection
For defects not covered by the Inspection Manual, the Council monitors the condition. Where discretionary works are required (street name plates, non-safety barriers, signs, lining etc.) the Council endeavors to complete works at the earliest opportunity. However, due to the priority of Statutory and Safety Works, the time taken for such repairs can be over twelve months.
We will remove litter where present at an unacceptable level (Code of Practice for Litter and Refuse) when reported. 2.
Road Sweeping
We will sweep detritus where present at an unacceptable level (Code of Practice for Litter and Refuse) when reported. 3.
Dead Animals On The Highway
8.
Remove the carcass for disposal within the statutory timescale. Should the carcass be in a position that is considered a hazard to highway users, more urgent attendance will be arranged. 4.
The Council empties identified high risk gullies (risk of house flooding or highway safety) every twelve months to prevent flooding. Gullies that are blocked or are anticipated to cause flooding on high speed roads or to houses will receive additional empties on a priority bases. Non-safety drainage issues will be left to when resources allow.
Fly Posting
When reported remove fly posting that is perceive to cause a highway nuisance. 5.
Drainage
Graffiti
If offensive graffiti is reported we will remove it or it will be obscured by either over-painting or via another suitable method within an accelerated timeframe.
9.
6.
10. Needles and Syringes
Dog mess is classed as litter. When present at an unacceptable standard, the Council has a duty to clear the dog mess.
Fly Tipping
When reported arrange the collection and disposal within the statutory timeframe. 7.
Dog mess
Needles and Syringes on the highway or amenity land will be cleared when reported as an emergency response.
Highway Defects
The Council’s response to highway defects is stated in its Inspection Manual.
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The Council continues to undertake a number of scheduled services detailed below:
1.
ensure health and safety is maintained during the autumn/winter period following the bird nesting season.
Grass cutting Operations
Our rural grass cutting takes place once a year and normally takes around six weeks for completion of identified verges. Rural verges are cut to ensure maximum visibility at junctions and also to keep the full width of the carriageway available at all times.
3.
Council maintained shrubs on amenity land will be maintained on a priority bases when resources allow, during the autumn/winter period.
Our urban grass is maintained to the prevailing weather conditions throughout the year which will impact upon the rate of grass growth and the need for the areas to be maintained. The majority of the urban grass in Wiltshire is amenity grass which we endeavor to cut once a month (this would include cemetery grass) during the growing season.
4.
Litter Bins
The Council provides a limited number of litter bins across the County, the frequency of emptying being based upon their location. 5.
Weeds and spraying operations
We work hard to control invasive and other types of weeds on Council land and the highway network. Weeds include Brambles, Ragwort and Japanese Knotweed etc. and we will take action depending on the nature of the weed. We will use mechanical cutting of these weeds where allowed as this is the most cost effective way to control weed growth.
Sports pitches will be maintained at the amenity cut standard. If clubs wish to use pitches they will fund the increased cost of maintenance. 2.
Shrub Maintenance
Hedge Maintenance
The majority of hedges boarding public highways are privately owned. Hedges on property boundaries are the responsibility of the property land owner to maintain.
Proactive spraying of a small areas in town centres and identified residential areas is undertaken to control weed growth.
The small number of Council owned hedges on amenity land will be cut to
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The Council also allows the local town or parish Council the opportunity to continue to fund services that it no longer provides. Examples of these services would include: 1.
3.
Benches and Seats
Benches and seats that are located on Council land will be maintained to ensure that they are safe.
Bus Shelters
The Council is responsible for a number of bus shelters. However, there are bus shelters on our highway network that are actually owned by other organisations:
As and when existing benches and seats become damaged or unsafe to be used they will be removed from site.
Parish/Town Councils (own and maintain most bus shelters except those erected by us).
Local town and parish Councils will be allowed to replace any bench or seat that has been removed but will be responsible for the cost of any replacement and future maintenance costs
Adshel owns and maintains some shelters with advertising displays in Wiltshire. Damage to our bus shelters will be made safe and broken glass etc. removed. Where damage is of a nature that the shelter becomes beyond economic repair, the shelter will be removed. The Town or Parish Council will be given the opportunity to fund the repair and maintenance of any damaged shelter.
2. Play Area inspections and Maintenance All Council play areas will be inspected on a regular basis in line with current best practice to ensure that that the play equipment, safety surfacing, public seats, gates and perimeter fencing (where installed) is safe for children to use. Regular maintenance will be undertaken to keep all equipment safe for children to use. As an item of play equipment reaches the end of its serviceable life, it will be removed from site to ensure that it does not constitute a hazard. Local town and parish Councils will be allowed to replace any equipment that has been removed.
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WILTSHIRE COUNCIL HOLDS INDUSTRIAL DAY FOR THE NEW HIGHWAY CONTRACT COMMENCING APRIL 2016 The current Wiltshire Highways and Streetscene Contract is to end in March 2016 Separate arrangements have been made for streetscene, grounds maintenance, grass cutting, litter picking. These contracts will run to 2020 and will not be included in the new Highways contract. Arrangements are now in place for major road resurfacing and surface dressing and likewise will not be included in the new Highways contract. Highways Consultancy contract awarded to Atkins December 2012 remains in place and again will not be included in the new Highways contract. The new Highways contract will:
Local Highway Services included in detail:
Start April 2016
Parish Stewards
Last for 5 years, with up to 2 year extension subject to performance.
Pothole Gangs
Contract will be open to Swindon Borough Council.
Masonry repairs Weed spraying
Potential annual value of about £15,000,000
Signs maintenance
The services included are:
Gully emptying
Local Highways (With the exception of grounds and litter collection)
Road markings and studs
Winter and Emergency Service
Deliver winter maintenance
Drainage Surveys and repairs
Operate Council’s gritters
Street Lighting
Operate snow ploughs
Bridge Maintenance
Deployment of operatives for clearing snow and ice.
Street sweeping
Integrated Transport Schemes Highway Maintenance (with the exception of road resurfacing and surface dressing)
Respond to flood events Respond to other emergencies
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Return of Parish Steward Scheme April 2016 Wiltshire Council are currently working on preparing the new Highway Contract for 1 April 2016 taking into account local views and the innovations and improvement priorities to be introduced. As stated earlier in this newsletter the Community Day Service has now ceased, however, in its place the Council intends to return the Parish Steward Scheme in the new Highway Contract from 1 April 2016. We have used the Local Highways’ Annual Parish and Town Council Involvement evening findings to consider how service delivery should be amended to achieve the maximum benefit. It has been clear from the feedback from Town and Parish Councils that one of their top priorities is a return of the Parish Steward Scheme The Parish Stewards provide a vital link between Wiltshire Council and local Councillors. They report issues and undertake repairs and maintenance themselves, meaning they are a ‘one stop and done’ service. Twenty two Parish Stewards are being appointed to prioritise the needs of their patch including roads, pathways, drainage and verge maintenance. They will be directed locally by the Parish and Town Councils to undertake the local priority minor maintenance highways work. Hedge maintenance.
Gearing up for winter in Wiltshire
With the arrival of the shortening daylight hours, comes the change in our ground operations from grass cutting to hedge/ shrub maintenance.
Our highways team is fully prepared for winter and arrangements are all in place to keep traffic on the county's roads running smoothly.
The government delayed the start of the hedge maintenance season this year to the end of September due to the bird nesting season. We will begin hedge and shrub maintenance during October, with all grass cutting arrangements ceasing to support the grounds service. No further grass cutting will take place until March/ April, with the exact date being dependent on the weather conditions.
Since the end of last winter, we have been servicing our gritting vehicles, revising routes and developing close working arrangements with parishes and other agencies. We have 14,000 tonnes of salt in stock which is strategically placed throughout the county and there are three new salt depots with undercover salt storage. "We can, of course, never predict how severe a winter will be, but the wealth of experience we have means we will be in a better position than most should bad weather hit the county."
We are currently prioritising the areas for hedge and shrub maintenance. If you have any concerns about hedge or shrub maintenance in your area, please ensure your nominated town/ parish representative contact their local coordinator with the details, so the request can be considered alongside the other priorities.
On average it can take up to 140 tonnes of salt each time we grit Wiltshire's A and B class roads and 230 tonnes to salt an extended network during prolonged cold weather.
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Wet winter weather preparation
During severe winters local farmers also have an important role to play, with many assisting by clearing snow in their local areas when required. The Council also has a scheme where interested Parish and Town Councils can arrange for delivery of a one tonne bag of salt. It will be delivered to an appropriate location within their parish, and then can be distributed as they wish.
With the advent of autumn we will inevitably see wetter weather and a greater risk of flooding. We are reassuring residents we are doing all we can to be ready for any adverse weather. We are also reminding community groups and residents to consider how a wet winter may affect them, and to prepare by taking the appropriate action.
Many Town and Parish Councils also have a snow warden and the Council can give advanced notice to them about severe weather. In addition, salt is supplied to many schools to maintain the car parks and keep their facilities open.
If a resident thinks a gulley is blocked superficially, with leaves or grass, they can, with care on the highway, clear it themselves. If the blockage is not easy to clear or they have any other concerns, these can be reported to us using one of the following methods:
During winter people can have updates on both the weather and road conditions on Twitter by following @WiltshireWinter and @WiltshireRoads
On line at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts where you will be able to leave your email address and receive updates
Gulley emptying We have amended our gulley emptying service to prioritise high risk areas which are recorded on the local highway house flooding or highway safety risk list. We will ensure all the gullies that are on our high risk area list are emptied yearly. When gullies in high risk areas are reported as blocked they will be given priority over all other gullies for emptying.
Or using the MyWiltshire app on a smart phone, again you will receive updates. By telephone on 0300 456 0105 – the customer services team will give you a log number Link to flooding page: Residents can also manage their own flooding risks. Further advice is available from : The Environment Agency on this:
Gullies in low risk areas will be emptied when resources allow, and the decision on whether these gullies will be emptied will be left to the local highway office.
https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood
Non-urgent blocked gullies should be reported on the MyWiltshire App, on the Council’s website or on the Council’s highway ‘One Number’ 0300 456 0105.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE ABOVE INFORMATION RELATES TO WILTSHIRE COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES. IT DOES NOT COVER BURBAGE PARISH COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES OR HOUSEHOLD RESPONSIBILITIES
Emergency flooding (houses or causing a road safety issue) should be reported immediately tel: 0300 456 0100 (24hrs a day).
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BURBAGE FLOWER CLUB The Flower Club is now approaching its third year and it has grown in membership over that time.
The 2016 events schedule is prepared and has some amazing evenings planned, from National Demonstrators, hands on workshops and Garden Visits to (yes we managed it) Pam Lewis's garden. The full schedule will be available at our next meeting in December.
Subscriptions for 2016 are due by the 14 January. I have attached a membership form below. Even if we have your details can you please fill out a new form as we have been advised we need these for our records.
As Members are aware,Julia steps down as Chairman of Burbage Flower club at our Annual General Meeting on the 14 January 2016. Members should have received documents with information on what’s involved being on the committee.
A massive thank you goes to Jean Stark and Gaye Brook who have offered to share the Chair duties for three months or so each, which does leave a few spaces to share for the rest of the year. Maggie has offered to stay on as Secretary, Ceri as Treasurer, Angela as Sales table and Events Secretary, Fran as Committee member and Julia will take on Vice Chair unless someone else is willing to step up into the role.
A copy of our club’s Constitution, was sent out to Members to read through and make any comments or amendments which should be put in writing to be raised at the AGM.
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November Meeting Was a ‘Free’ evening with Members choosing their own flowers with garden foliage to make up their designs. Some of them were spectacular.
BURBAGE FLOWER CLUB During November the Club Members met at the Wharf Restaurant in Pewsey where we spent a pleasant few hours over a meal - which everybody seemed to enjoy (with a glass (or two) of wine of course))!
December Meeting Saw a lot of activity with Members making their Christmas wreaths. They looked very professional. Sadly I have no photographs to show.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 14 January 2016 at the Church Centre. As this is the AGM the meeting will start earlier at 6.30 pm followed by the normal Flower Club meeting at 7.30 pm
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IT’S A STITCH UP We continue to enjoy lots of support and exchange of ideas. We all have different strengths and everyone feels comfortable in asking or giving help and advice. Some proudly bring in work to show that they may have done at home, on workshop days, or have started at an It’s A Stitch Up session and finished off later. It’s always wonderful to see a work at various stages in progress, then the finished item, often modelled by the maker! Also rewarding is to see someone learning a new skill, or brushing up rusty techniques, then using them to produce a whole set of beautifully crafted items. We have come to the end of the year with the November meeting, but quite a number of us will be eating out together at the Royal Oak in Wootton Rivers in December.
DO GIVE IT A TRY!
We Charge £3.50 including tea/ coffee and biscuits
WE MEET
LOOK OUT FOR
Once a month Posters around the normally on the Village, or in the third Saturday Burbage News printed of the month edition
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IT’S A STITCH UP Next year we will be meeting as usual on the third Saturday of each month, starting in January. If you would like to join us, pop along to the Church Centre or contact either Helen tel: 810949 or Kay tel: 811093 and we will look forward to seeing you. We charge £3.50 including tea/coffee and biscuits. You don’t have to be a brilliant stitcher, just enjoy it.
2016 dates from January - November 16th January, 20th February, **12th March, - SECOND SATURDAY 16th April, 21st May, 18th June, 16th July, 20th August, 17th September, 15th October, 19th November **The March date is the only exception to the third Saturday in the month as the hall was already booked.
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WOMAN’S OWN September’s Meeting…….. listing the contents. Photographs are taken, sometimes drawings, and all the work is collated by the team leader.
was very well attended – and we welcomed two new members, which was excellent. The talk “Recording churches’ hidden secrets” kept us enthralled. Our speaker, Robert East is a member of the Pewsey branch of NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Society), and for them, has been involved in recording the contents of three churches to date. Each is done by a small team of volunteers, some of whom have special interests or skills which are called upon. Robert is team leader and photographer.
A book is produced, beautifully printed and bound, available for the church in question to purchase. Other copies are for the V&A, the County Records Office and NADFAS. Often very interesting and beautiful discoveries are made, which the casual church visitor may easily miss. Images of the artefacts we saw ranged from the elegantly simple to the highly decorative. To keep us on our toes Robert had included photographs he took of All Saints Church. Jean Weller got top marks for spotting them all!
The detail of recording is astounding. There are eight categories: stonework, woodwork, metalwork, glass, textiles, paintings, library and miscellaneous items. In each category there is a set order of priority in
Raffle winners were Mary Powell and June Eales.
The October meeting……. was our annual skittles evening at the Royal British Legion, who once again kindly let us use their facilities. It was well attended, and we all had a very entertaining evening. The group session was won by group Three, consisting of Jenny Palmer, Jenny Frazer, June, Ann and Brenda, with eighty-six points. They were closely followed by group Four, with eighty-five points.
Following a tasty supper, there was a raffle won by Glenda Pearce and Mary Powell. The knock-out/sudden death competition was won by Jenny Palmer. Nathan and Ben, our skittle/ball boys did a wonderful job, for which we are eternally grateful.
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WOMAN’S OWN November’s meeting…… For this we held a Christmas Crafts workshop, which this year was very well attended and we welcomed a new member. There were four activities. Sue Shires demonstrated how to make paper carnations and use them in a Christmas table arrangement, then let her group make their own superb creations. Helen Colling showed two Christmas card designs and watched her group create even better ones. Jean Weller wrapped Galaxy bars in enticing festive ways and proved to be an excellent teacher, as her group’s results demonstrated. Last but by no means least by special arrangement, a guest tutor, Val Clowes came to show her group the fine art of making small gift boxes for the Christmas tree – beautifully tasteful and well executed by her charges. There was a good mixture of members both participating and watching and maybe we will see the fruits of their labours on their Christmas trees and tables or popping through our letter boxes! Di Acheson and Jan Richie won the raffles on this occasion. In December we look forward to our Christmas Candlelit supper with entertainment from some of the Burbage Choir.
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WOMAN’S OWN Left: The beautiful and cleverly gift wrapped chocolate bars.
Right: The table and Christmas tree hanging boxes
Left: Table decorations and Below right: Paper carnations
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WOMAN’S OWN Here’s a Quiz (without prizes) to see if you know your local churches! Let us know how you did. email savernake_66@yahoo.co.uk using ‘QUIZ’ as the subject. . Answers (upside down) on next page. 1
2
3
4
6
5
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[!20] Answers: 1. Norman font, St Nicholas, Wilsford 2. C14th tomb, St Andrew’s, Echilhampton 3. Mass dial [sundial to show times of Mass], St Nicholas, Wilsford 4. St Matthew’s Church, Rushall looking east 5.St Nicholas, Wilsford 6 St Matthew’s Church, Rushall 7. St Matthews, Rushall 8.Medieval window, St Matthew’s, Rushall 9. Font, All Saints’ , Burbage 10.Organ pipes, All Saints’ , Burbage 11.East window, All Saints’ , Burbage
11 10 9 7
8
WOMAN’S OWN
Burbage & District Model Railway Club Work continues on the Club's layout and the progress being made is very good. During the October session, Members continued "grassing" flat areas, building hills from papier mache, installing fencing and completing the platform. The platform is the first attempt by a Member to make articles from scratch using balsa wood. After assembly the platform was sanded down and painted with acrylic paint. The work continues next month and new articles planned for construction is a platform for a Camping Coach.
The passenger platform scratch-built from balsa was completed and will be installed in place at the next session. Work started on the layout for the installation of a Camping Coach and the access platform was also scratchbuilt by members was completed for installation. The coach that will be used is a vintage clerestory type and it is intended to start landscaping the location where the coach will be sited. We are seeking help from sign writers to prepare the Camping Coach sign in 00 scale so please call us if you can help. In addition, more ballasting was undertaken on the track work on one quarter section of the layout. This will be ongoing work as track on the other 3 sections will also require ballasting.
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Burbage & District Model Railway Club More scenery work, mainly "grassing" will also be required on all of the four sections of the Club layout. We are also commencing work on fabricating a Village Church from card stock. The Club welcomes new members and also any donations and gifts of unwanted model railway items. There will be no formal session during December, however Member wishing to continue working on the layout at this time should contact Member Chris P and arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.
The Club welcomes new members and also any donations and gifts of unwanted model railway items, so, if you would like to try your hand at this hobby or have some equipment you are not using, please feel free to call me, Sonny Hamid, 
 tel: 01672 811 933
Our next session will be on Monday, 18 January, 2016 starting at 
 19:00 hours. [!22]
HIRING THE VILLAGE
The Village hall is open for bookings for any personal or business event. The Village Website gives details of hiring charges. A booking form and terms and conditions of hire can be sent to you by email.This email address is regularly checked but is not managed on a 24/7 basis. Please make contact by telephone and leave a message if there is no reply. See how nice the hall can look with a bit of Contact decoration bvhwilts@gmail.com
or Sandy, who is the temporary bookings officer,
 tel: 01672 810854.
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HIRING THE VILLAGE
The Savernake Big Belly Oak Written by Barbara Townsend Illustrated by Chantal Bourgonje The Savernake Big Belly Oak © 2012 Barbara Townsend The right of Barbara Townsend to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988 to be identified as the author of this work
2. The accident that didn’t happen.
Tree began to shiver and shake himself violently. He heaved his old branches backwards and forwards as hard as he could and gradually, the old loose twigs and branches began to fall to the ground creating an untidy mound blocking the road.
Tree stood sentinel beside the road. He appeared to be guarding the forest against the traffic, which, raced and rumbled past him each day.
Soon the school bus appeared and came to a sudden halt. The driver came to inspect the blocked road.
He knew by the sound of wheels on the road, which vehicle would be passing soon, especially the milk trucks collecting milk from the farms or the school buses carrying the children to and from school each day. Today he heard the school bus.
“What a mess,” he said aloud. “These children will be late for school today,” he muttered crossly. As the driver headed back to the bus he spotted the deflating tyre and realised there could have been a terrible accident.
“Something is wrong,” he said aloud, “Dreadfully wrong.” One of the large tyres began deflating and Tree knew it. “The children could be in danger,” said Tree. “I MUST STOP THE BUS.”
A breakdown truck soon arrived. The children stood and watched from a safe distance as the flat tyre was quickly replaced. Once the road had been cleared and the new tyre fitted, the school bus with its passengers went safely on its way.
Tree had a plan. The wintertime had left Tree with old loose branches and twigs that the winds had failed to clear for him.
All the children cheered, very excited to tell of their morning’s adventure. [!25]
Local author Barbara Townsend has kindly agreed that stories from her first book 'The Savernake Big Belly Oak' may be published in the Burbage News Quarterly If you wish to purchase a signed copy of the book (£5.00) contact Barbara :email - babstownsend@hotmail.com or tel: 01672 810483 go to http://savernakepress.weebly.com/ for further information.
MORE EXCITING NEWS about Barbara Townsend
The Launch of her NEW book for 2015 was made at the Burbage Christmas Tree Sale and Market Weekend
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‘Old Harry Rock and Tales of the Jurassic Coast’ This book features, dinosaurs, the infamous Poole pirate Harry Paye and sea rescues.. For 7 to 11 year olds. Beautifully illustrated by talented Chantal Bourgonje. Here is part of the story taken from ‘The Lost Seal Pup’. A storm had raged through the night. Howling winds brought torrential rain that lashed the coastline violently; lightning flashed across the sky like tongues of flame reaching out to the storm’s menacing clouds. No one dared to venture outside; animals sought shelter from the deluge of rain.. As the dawn crept slowly across the sky, the storm subsided. The sea’s immense waves were reduced to a rolling swell, bringing to shore a blanket of seaweed that had been torn from its seabed. In the dim morning light and as the dark green carpet crept closer and closer to Old Harry, he heard a cry…….
Barbara’s other books are also available:- ‘The Savernake Big Belly Oak’, ‘The Oaks of Savernake and the Legendary Ghosts’ and ‘Harriet’ (about a brave Honey Bee) Priced at £5.00/each RRP £6.99. www.savernakepress.weebly.com If you would like a copy of any of the books contact her on tel: 01672 810483 or e-mail babstownsend@hotmail.com Barbara is happy to deliver locally.
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BURBAGE & DISTRICT CAMERA & VIDEO CLUB The Club's October session was well attended and we were pleased to welcome another new member joining the Club. Over the last few months, there have been several new Members joining our activities and we look forward to gaining even more. At the October session, there were presentations by Laurence M on a prewar Syrian trip, self critique of photos by Janet O, a presentation of photographs taken by Phil L during his recent trip to Bolivia and an exhibition of prints of animal photos taken by Sonny H during his recent trip to Kenya. Each were interesting and inspiring presentations and our thanks to the three Members for their effort. At the November session, there was a short presentation of photos taken by Robert C during his recent trip to Australia followed by a session of photographing billiard players. Members were requested to bring their cameras and any lighting equipment they may have wished to use.
Photos right: Taken on a visit made by Sonny Hamid to Amboseli 
 Game Reserve, Kenya.
For more information 
 please feel free to call Sonny Hamid
tel: 01672 811 933 or
Mike Bird
tel: 01672 810 574 [!28]
BURBAGE & DISTRICT CAMERA & VIDEO CLUB
Above Right: Mount Kilimanjaro Right: Maasai Warrior Impressive photos of Sonny & Ute (shown below) on their recent visit to Ambelosi Game Reserve, Kenya.
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BURBAGE & DISTRICT CAMERA & VIDEO CLUB
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BURBAGE & DISTRICT CAMERA & VIDEO CLUB The Club's October session was well attended and this month we split our session to cover two separate aspects of photography. The first was a presentation by kind courtesy of Member Robert C who presented his images taken during an Australian tour covering Perth and Northern Territories. Some very interesting shots of the rock formation and other natural interest were displayed together with a talk on specific aspects behind each shot. The second section of the session was shooting portraits of Billiard Players in action. The subject offered many challenges on lighting, exposure adjustments and ISO settings. However, judging from first glances, there were many good shots taken during the event. We are hoping to stage a small exhibition of Members prints at the Legion Hall sometime next month. Our plans for the next meeting in January 2016 will be a presentation by Laurence McG of images he had taken during his recent trip to Uzbekistan, including Bokhara and Samarkand. This promises to be an exciting presentation of faraway places and members are looking forwards to it.
Photos submitted by Robert Cooper, Sonny Hamid and Mike Bird
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 20 January 2016 at 19:30 British Legion Hall, Burbage
We do have some talented photographers in the village.
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BURBAGE & DISTRICT CAMERA & VIDEO CLUB
Photos submitted by Sonny Hamid when he and Ute visited the German Christmas market at Birmingham.
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BURBAGE & DISTRICT CAMERA & VIDEO CLUB Photos submitted by Sonny Hamid when he and Ute visited the German Christmas market at Birmingham.
This Weihnachtsmarkt in Birmingham is linked to the one in Frankfurt and is supposed to be nearest in the UK to the "real thing" although the layout is very much different.
The stalls are definitely comparable to the ones in Frankfurt, Munich and Nuremberg so there is no shortfall of authenticity here. The main difference is in the pricing particularly alcoholic drinks such as Gluehwein, which seemed to be double that charged in Germany perhaps as a result of higher taxation on alcoholic drinks in the UK.
Overall, we were very impressed with the presentation and authenticity all of which made us think we should plan to visit the event next year. [!33]
BURBAGE 
 CHRISTMAS TREE SALE and of course, we had our own Christmas Market and the Christmas Tree Sale weekend There were lots of different stalls at the Christmas Tree Sale weekend, some familiar faces and a few new ones. The Chestnut stall was there and refreshments were avilable. Thanks go to all the people involved in making this such a successful event photos supplied by Mike Bird and Sonny Hamid
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BURBAGE CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
photos supplied by Mike Bird and Sonny Hamid
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BURBAGE CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
photos supplied by Mike Bird and Sonny Hamid
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BURBAGE CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
photos supplied by Mike Bird and Sonny Hamid [!37]
BURBAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
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BURBAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
photos supplied by Mike Bird and Sonny Hamid
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Prospect Hospice’s Outreach Centre at Savernake Hospital is now open, offering care and support for patients and their carers and families and staffed by the hospice’s staff and volunteers. Whilst many of the volunteer roles have now been filled at the Outreach Centre, there is still a need for volunteer complementary therapists, so please contact the voluntary services team on 01793 813355 if you are skilled in any of the following therapies
Massage Aromatherapy Reflexology Reiki Indian Head Massage Bowen Technique Hairdressing, make-up and beauty therapies There are many other ways in which you can support the ongoing costs of providing Prospect Hospice’s care for people in our area, which currently costs more than £400,000 each year. With the opening of the Outreach Centre, it is likely that the cost will continue to rise, which is why the Charity is asking people to show their support in a variety of ways in the year ahead. “We want people from this area to really get behind supporting our work, so that we can continue to bring more of our care to more people who need it,” says Prospect Hospice’s community fundraiser Mike Kennedy.
You can help in so many ways. For example, we have a meeting to start up a fundraising support group in this area on 17 March at Savernake Hospital and if you are interested in attending, contact Mike Kennedy tel:01793 816186 or email mikekennedy@prospect-hospice.net for further details. Mike says: “I would love to join local groups in this area to tell them more about our fundraising activities, and why their support is so important to us. But I would also encourage people to do their own fundraising activities. Please consider opening your garden for us this summer, or hold a coffee morning or cake bake.” If you are not already on the Prospect Hospice database to receive their twiceyearly newsletter, and would like to have regular updates on the Charity’s work and how you can support it, please get in touch by emailing fundraising&support@prospect-hospice.net Prospect Hospice are asking people to keep one of their household boxes in their home, or to consider becoming a neighbourhood box collector to support the scheme, that raises nearly £100,000 for the charity each year. Finally, says Mike, “we would like to thank everyone from Burbage and the surrounding area for the fantastic support that they have shown to both to Prospect Hospice during 2015, and personally for being so welcoming to me in my first year as Community Fundraiser in this area. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2016.”
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PROSPECT FUND RAISING
Every week someone wins £1,000. You could also win a 2nd Prize - £100, plus 2 prizes of £50, 4 prizes of £25 and 20 prizes of £10
Playing the Prospect Hospice Lottery make a real difference to people's lives, enabling us to continue giving expert care and support to patients and their families. "I play the Prospect Hospice lottery every week, and it’s a really easy way to support a charity that means so much to me. Prospect cared for my wife Barbs, both in the Day Hospice, where she met so many people who were going through similar experiences, and in the care she had at the very end of her life. The team there was wonderful. Just £1 a week is a small amount of money but it makes such a big difference. What’s more, if you keep playing, you might even win a prize – I know, because I did!” Paul Charlwood, Swindon
How our lottery works 1.
Each chance in our weekly lottery costs £1. You can have up to 20 chances each week.
2.
For each chance you purchase you will be allocated a unique number
3.
The draw takes place every Friday and you will automatically be entered into the draw for each week that you have paid your subscription
4.
28 lucky winners are selected at random by our lottery computer. Someone will win the £1,000 jackpot every week.
5.
All winners’ cheques are sent by post automatically but you can check the winning numbers on our website
http://www.prospect-hospice.net/Supporter/Lottery TICKETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT LOCAL [!41]
Help and support for people who care According to the last census, there are 47,608 people in Wiltshire providing care and support to a relative, child, partner or friend who would not be able to manage on their own. There are many reasons why someone may not be able to cope unaided including physical or mental disability, old age, long-term illness, special educational need, eating disorder or a problem with drugs or alcohol. It is estimated that 3 in 5 people will become a carer at some point in their lives. The problem is that most people will not identify themselves as such – people simply consider themselves as a spouse, sibling, parent, grandparent or friend doing what they would be doing anyway. Many also mistake the word ‘carer’ with
those providing paid care work in a residential home or domiciliary agency capacity. Carer Support Wiltshire is a charity with a team of support workers who can provide information and support to carers living in Wiltshire, at the other end of the telephone, or face to face, along with accessing to counselling and advice relating to your role. All of our services are free and confidential for anyone aged 18 and over and we can offer you the chance to have a break through social cafés, days out, activities, craft groups and complementary therapies. We will shortly be running a monthly carers cafés in nearby Marlborough where you can come along to chat with other carers over a hot drink or two. To find out more about us, or to register for some support, please visit our website www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk, email info@carersinwiltshire.co.uk or freephone: 0800 181 4118 (01 380 871 690 from a mobile). [!42]
Health Trainer service from 
 Wiltshire Council
Improve your health,
make positive lifestyle changes! Do you want to: t improve your general wellbeing t build your self confidence and motivation t eat healthier food and be a healthy weight t reduce or stop smoking t be more active t drink less alcohol?
Are you over 18? A dedicated health trainer can assist you every step of the way in achieving and maintaining your goals. They can also help you find other services and activities.
Call us: 0300 003 4566 Email: health.trainers@wiltshire.gov.uk
helping you to help yourself [!43]
Health Trainer service from 
 Wiltshire Council My name is Lucy and I am the health trainer for Pewsey and the surrounding areas including Burbage. It is a free and confidential service. Health Trainers work on a one to one basis with individuals to support behaviour change and improve health. We meet with our clients in places such as the local library, leisure centre etc. We can work with clients who want to improve their wellbeing, including looking at areas such as;
Building self-confidence and motivation Eating healthier food and becoming a healthy weight Reducing of stopping smoking being more active drinking less alcohol
I can also signpost and support people to access other services and activities. As a Health Trainer I can work with my client for six sessions building motivation and confidence to enable the client to help themselves and to maintain the changes. I look forward to hearing from you, Lucy.
Appointments can be made by self-referral via
 health.trainers@wiltshire.gov.uk or
 telephone 0300 003 4566
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The Burbage News Quarterly Winter issue - due out 1st December 2014 Spring issue - due out 1st March 2015 Summer issue - due out 1st June 2015 Autumn issue - due out 1st September 2015
(article deadline Monday 16th November) (article deadline Monday 16th February) (article deadline Monday 16th May) (article deadline Monday 16th August)
Please send us your articles in plenty of time! If you have an event to report on, with pictures, don’t delay - send it in straight away! Email photos and articles to bneditor@burbage-village.org.uk Please put ‘BNQ’ (without the quotes) in the subject line so we know which publication it is intended for Articles from groups/organisations
Articles from individuals
What have you been doing lately? Had a speaker : Been on a trip Made something special? Or do you simply want to let people know more?
What interests you? Got a hobby? Want to write a short story? Have you been out fundraising for a good cause? Passionate about something?
Why not tell everyone about it in the Burbage News Quarterly?
Why not share it in the Burbage News Quarterly?
Attract new members by telling and showing everyone what your group is all about
You can be a one-off, occasional or regular feature contributor. It’s your e-magazine!
Burbage News Production Team Editor (Quarterly online-only magazine) Editor (Monthly Magazine) Cover design (BN Monthly) & occasional cartoons Church content Meet Your Community (BN Monthly) and article support Burbage News website- online diary Diary Email Burbage News website - online directory Directory Email BN Facebook & Twitter Editor
Val Clowes 01672 811070 Gavin Ketchen 01672 811990 Bill Mather 01672 810924 Debbie Brown 01672 810853 John & Joy Guy 01672 810767 Chris Redwood 01672 810328 bndiary@outlook.com Steve Redwood 01672 810328 directory@burbage-village.org.uk Debbie Mears 01672 811605
Facebook & Twitter email
BurbageOnlineNews@hotmail.com
Burbage News Quarterly The Burbage News Quarterly is the online-only independent local community e-magazine for Burbage. Items are welcomed from clubs, organisations, businesses and individuals. Items 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 Production Team As the Burbage News Quarterly is an online-only production, you must ensure that permission to publish has been obtained from those person(s) named in your submission and/or from any person(s) appearing in photographs/ images you would like us to use. Any logos or registered trademarks that appear in any issue must also have permission to publish. By submitting an article, story, comment, image or advertisement you are accepting responsibility for the content and are indemnifying the Burbage News from any claim for damages from any person or organisation affected by your submission Any item submitted will be regarded as copyright of the Burbage News unless the contributor requests their material be marked differently Burbage News Quarterly Editor: Val Clowes 01672 811070
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