The Signpost May 2020

TH E SO ME RF OR DS

THE

May 2020

THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR LITTLE & GREAT SOMERFORD, STARTLEY, SEAGRY, RODBOURNE & CORSTON

Stay home, stay safe

Diary dates The COVID-19 outbreak means that for the next few weeks, at least, all events are cancelled.

Please stay at home and stay safe.

Are your neighbours online?

As this is our very first venture into digital publication we are aware that not everyone has access to broadband or smartphones. If you know of anyone who does not have access we will do our best to provide a printed copy.

(Contact your village correspondent to arrange this). To minimise risks from delivery this service will only be available to those without internet access.

We will also, largely, be using social media to let villagers know that Signpost is available. Could you please support us by sharing the link with friends and neighbours, some of whom may not use social media, so that we can reach as many people as possible.

Front Cover: Mayfly by Dr Mark Everard; Back cover - Springtime selection by Jake Vale

Contents Diary dates ....................................................................... 2 Editorial ............................................................................ 3 Signpost Organising Group.......................................... 3 Local News and Events ............................................... 4-7 Home School........................................................... 8 - 11 Peter Gosling..............................................................12-13 Chef’s Pantry ..................................................................13 2

Signpost May 2020

Picture quiz....................................................................14 Riverwatch ...................................................................... 15 Councils........................................................................... 16 Church matters ............................................................... 17 Advertisements ....................................................... 17 - 29 Church services .............................................................. 30 Contacts ........................................................................... 31

Editorial The saying “'May you live in interesting times”, a double-edged sword of blessing and curse, is widely attributed to the ancient Chinese, though is in fact a far more recent Western invention. Nevertheless, we certainly find ourselves living in interesting times.

Without wishing to sound too much like Donald Rumsfeld, we are living through the ‘normal’, ‘new normal’ and ‘post-normal’.

‘Normal’ was “so yesterday”!

‘New normal’ is what we are getting used to right now, including a digital Signpost (printing is not ‘essential’ and distribution would put people at risk) with a ‘non-normal’ guest editor.

‘Post-normal’ is the light at the end of what may be a longish tunnel, a world that will necessarily be different and that we all have a hand in shaping.

As the ‘new normal’ approaches, let us all do what we can to resist the gravitational force of reverting to ‘old normal’, with all its vested interests

and distracting priorities. Instead, let’s ensure that the ‘new normal’ recognises and rewards those we now realise we are so reliant upon for the smooth operation of our lives. Let’s thank and continue to value the contributions of all those in the health and care, food chain, water, power, postal and delivery services, and so on, both employed and volunteer.

And let us also play our parts in reasserting the importance of the basics – health and life, love and friendship, kindness and community – above life’s other distractions and purported priorities.

All of this is happening as the everyday miracle of spring unfolds, many of us maybe with greater opportunity to see it unfurl around us in all its magnificence.

We are living in a special, if ‘interesting’, time, surrounded by special and interesting people. Let’s celebrate all that is good, all the things that really matter, and all that we want to carry into that postnormal future.

Mark Everard

Signpost Editorial Group Editorial Contact Editorial Team

Village Correspondents Corston Great Somerford Little Somerford Rodbourne Seagry Startley Church Matters School Matters Advertising and Finance Distribution

Peter Oliver Sara Sorby Jake Vale Michael Palmer Ian Wigmore Tony Massarella Lucy Dalgleish

01666 822342 07774 605431 01249 721208 01666 826390 01249 721541 07917 128857 07909 962067

peteroliver@waitrose.com sarasorby@yahoo.co.uk jakesignpost@uwclub.net michaelpalmer@btinternet.com ianwigmore@btinternet.com zhmassart@yahoo.co.uk lucydalgleish@hotmail.com

Brenda Oliver Jake Vale Julie Frayling Sara Sorby Jo Crosland Jenny Reeves Jo Crosland Jake Vale Brenda Oliver Steve Reay

01666 822342 01249 721208 01666 823799 07774 605431 01249 720429 01249 720521 01249 720429 01249 721208 01666 822342 01666 823462

signpost@hotmail.co.uk jakesignpost@uwclub.net sb249@btinternet.com sarasorby@yahoo.co.uk croslandjj@btinternet.com jen.reeves@hotmail.co.uk croslandjj@btinternet.com jakesignpost@uwclub.net signpost@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright Please note that all written and photographic material published in Signpost remains the copyright of the author/photographer and may not be reproduced without permission Signpost May 2020

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Local news and events From the Registers

Christian Aid Week Is Going Online!

Patrick Hand

Christian Aid Week 2020 runs from 10th – 16th May and, this year, our usual house-to-house collection around the villages is going online.

Christian Aid works to support the poorest and most vulnerable anywhere in the world as they cope with all that life throws at them - even more vital in this time of pandemic.

If you normally support us by giving via an envelope in the house-to-house collection. You are encouraged to visit www.christianaid.org.uk to donate online.

That’s also where you can find information about the creative ways supporters are celebrating Christian Aid Week 2020.

Online quizzes, run a marathon (round your garden), virtual Big Brekkies, climb Kilimanjaro (up your stairs) and plenty more. Watch out for things that are being planned locally over the coming weeks.

If you do not have access to the internet but would still like to donate, please contact Jane Sunderland on 074504 971915 who will be happy to find an alternative, safe method for you to give.

Thank you

Patrick Hand sadly passed away on 13 March 2020 at home with his parents, Stuart and Mary: a massive loss to both of them. He was buried in the graveyard of St Peter and St Paul’s church in Great Somerford on 27 March at a private family burial. People were able to pay their respects and say their goodbyes from their homes and drives as Patrick’s coffin took the long way round from his home to the Church.

A memorial service to celebrate Patrick’s life will be held when we are all able to gather again.

Mary and Stuart would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support, flowers and cards that came from villagers, family and friends.

Donations We have received donations of 50, 20, 12 and 3 pounds from individuals and £25 from Little Somerford WI this month, with many thanks.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should send a cheque, payable to The Signpost, to The Hermitage, Corston, Malmesbury, SN16 0HB. Thank you.

Covid 19 news for business Information on government support during Covid 19 can be obtained free of charge from the daily news feed on www.bowenaccounts.co.uk.

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Corston & Rodbourne Reading Room 200 Club Due to self isolation and social distancing, the 200 Club draws have been postponed from March 2020 until further notice.

Any enquiries regarding the 200 Club, please contact Norma on Tel 01666 825303.

Woodside WI At a time of isolation such as this, we will not be holding our monthly meetings. Mary Kemp and the committee send their good wishes to all our members at this troubling time. We look forward to announcing a date to resume. How lucky we are to live in such an attractive, friendly place and may the lovely sunny weather continue.

Keep healthy.

Malmesbury & District U3A Malmesbury & District U3A is, like all organisations, sadly not currently meeting in person. However, we are pleased to say some groups are meeting virtually and hopefully more will do so in time.

Retired? Semi-retired? Looking for new interests?

Why not join us?

With more than 500 members and 40 different interest groups including book group, history, gardening, dancing, theatre trips, languages,

Local news and events walking etc. Check our website for an up–to-date list of groups and other information: www.malmesburyu3a.org.uk.

Please contact Elaine Sharp for more information on 01666 823568 or e-mail membership@malmesburyu3a.org.uk Monthly meetings will resume as soon as possible on the 4th Thursday of the month (10am to 12 noon) at Malmesbury Town Hall. We look forward to meeting with others for tea/coffee and a chat and then enjoy listening to our monthly speaker.

Non-members are welcome (50p donation).

We have recently enjoyed talks by excellent speakers on ‘The History of Penguin Books‘, ‘The Beauty and Uses of Trees’ , ‘Life as an Expedition Doctor’ and ‘Dickens in Wiltshire’.

GS 2020 Vision Hundred Club Results Having regard to “Social Distancing” and “self isolating” instructions, on Sunday 5 April numbers were drawn by Jude Picton Phillipps and the winners, in no particular order, were Diana Wilkinson, Ilga Cottle and Amy Kent.

As this was the final draw of the year, £2,445.00 has been transferred to the 2020 Vision account of the PCC. Thank you to all those who have contributed to the cause and congratulations to all who have won prizes.

Again, because of the measures being taken to deal with the Covid-19 issue, it has not been possible to undertake the usual “marketing” activity to promote this local lottery. So, if you would like to take part, please contact Tom Picton Phillipps on 01249 721202 or at tom.pictonphillipps@btinternet.com or knock on his door at 4 Paddock Close. It only costs £5.00 a month (not a week as stated in last month's Signpost – sorry!) Depending on the degree to which support is maintained or enlarged, the level of prizes (currently £125.00, £75.00 and £50.00 monthly) may have to be varied.

MALMESBURY & DISTRICT LINK Registered Charity No 1043099

LINK is a local charity which enables patients without access to transport to attend medical appointments. We are continuing to operate during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

If you need help to get to a medical appointment or to collect a prescription, please contact us on 01666 840861 between 09:00 and 13:00 Monday to Friday or send an email to:

Rodbourne Village Arts Trail Plans are afoot for a celebration of local artistic talent to be held in Rodbourne on the first weekend in October. The Rodbourne residents who got together before the current lockdown luckily choose October so as not to clash with other Summer fixtures. The idea is to organise a trail from the Church to Rodbourne House, with pop-up exhibitions both outside and inside along the route. Delicious homemade cream teas will be served and an Evening Reception is also being discussed.

We are keen to involve as many artists and craftspeople of all ages as possible. So please do get in touch. With all this fixed time at home, maybe you are developing artistic skills you never knew you had! So, it would be wonderful for us all to discover how these talents are flourishing.

As soon as the current restrictions are lifted, we will meet again to plan the event and then share further details. Please email me if you would like to be involved in any way or have ideas for the Trail.

Very many thanks. susannah@dibben.co.uk

Gt Somerford & Startley Covid-19 Support Group A leaflet was delivered to all households outlining the role of the Great Somerford & Startley Covid-19 Support Group during the pandemic. There is also a display board outside Fourway Stores with contact information.

We have a team of ‘Street Champions’ in touch with residents in all parts of the village (especially those without internet access), a Facebook page with regular postings and a Prescription Collection service in conjunction with Malmesbury & District LINK (see separate details). Over 45 volunteers have come forward to offer any help required.

For support please contact: Street Champion Co-ordinator Meriel Griffiths 01249 720309 robandmeriel@btinternet.com Prescriptions Co-ordinator Jon Bunston 07740 432021 jonbunston@gmail.com Facebook Communications Mark Hammond 07747 798102 markhammond@btinternet.com Any other assistance Chris Blount 01249 720474 blount@gspc.com For home delivery of Groceries, please contact Fourway Stores 01249 721272

coordinators@malmesburylink.co.uk Signpost May 2020

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Local news and events

SEAGRY & STARTLEY RECREATION GROUND TRUSTEES WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU THAT THE MAY 2020 CAR WASH IS CANCELLED WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN SEPTEMBER – DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

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Local news and events Goss Croft Community Hall

Something to do outdoors

www.gosscrofthall.co.uk Annual General Meeting The AGM on Wednesday 8th April was postponed and will be held as soon as is possible.

The Trustees hope that you are well and managing in these challenging times. We are unable to say when the hall will re-open or coffee mornings resume, but we look forward to the time when we can enjoy our hall again and welcome you all back.

No doubt there will be many stories to share with each other.

To book the hall for your own future event, contact the Booking Secretary: Melanie Powell on 0779 717663 or at enquiries@gosscrofthall.co.uk

Although I am no longer running Brownies, I thought I would put forward a few ideas for activities drawn from many years in Guiding. I hope that at the time you read this we will still be able to go for a walk. If not, most of these little challenges can be done in a garden.

Planet explorer.

Imagine that you have just landed on a new planet. It is your job to catalogue all the plants that grow here. Because flowering plants may be a source of edible seeds, you are to start with those. Draw or take photos of as many flowering plants as you see on a walk or in your garden. Take note of when you first see each plant and revisit after 2 weeks to see if anything new is in flower.

Make a rainbow Your challenge is to see if you can find all the colours of the rainbow in natural objects. Use photos or collect a single petal from each flower.

Personal colour chart Find natural objects that match your skin color, hair, lips and eyes. If you are doing this alone you might want to take a selfie so you can see your own eye colour.

Giants, Fairies and Wizards An acting version of stone paper scissors. Here is a silly game you can play with 2 or more people.

Two teams standing at least 6 feet apart. Each team decides secretly if they will be Giants, Fairies or Wizards. On the count of three, both teams reveal their choice by doing one of these three actions • Giants reach hands above their heads to be as tall as possible • Wizards step forward with one arm pointing in a spell casting position.

• Fairies hold their hands out palms down and fingers wriggling to represent wings.

Scoring Giants beat Wizards because they are big enough to knock them over Wizards beat Fairies because they have a spell that freezes them in place.

Fairies beat Giants because they threaten to fly in their faces.

Have fun!

Janet Smith

April in Gardens

Great

Somerford’s

Free

Last month’s Signpost appeared through our letterboxes on the day we were hoping to host our first Allotment Holders monthly gathering in the Free Gardens.

Covid-19 has affected all aspects of our daily lives and we will certainly look forward to the time when restrictions are lifted. In the meantime and, at the time of writing, we can continue to work safely on our allotments whilst observing social distancing rules and the UK’s Coronavirus guidelines. The plots are already looking full of promise and paths have been mown through the blossoming trees in the Jubilee Garden – spring has definitely arrived and is very welcome.

There has been a recent uptake in plots and there is more space available across the site. Unlike many allotments across the country, plots within the Free Gardens are free.

Starting a new allotment, especially if it needs to be established from scratch, can seem a little daunting. However, plots can be shared and it is not too late to start this year. As well as help and support from the allotment holders themselves, there is also a wealth of advice online about how to get started and how to produce crops as quickly as possible.

For example, Charles Dowding from Somerset takes a ‘no dig’ approach and his website at https://charlesdowding.co.uk/ is full of videos and resources. The BBC’s Gardeners’ World website is also a good place to start at https:// www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/ how-to-start-an-allotment/.

Although we can’t meet in person at the moment, the Allotment Holders Group hopes to help everyone keep in contact through email. We are independent of the Trustees of the Free Gardens who are, responsible for the administration of the plots and the site.

If you’re ready to take on a plot, please contact Dave Butcher on 01249 720204. If you are interested in hearing more about the new Allotment Holders Group, please email Janice or Clare at gsallotmentholders@gmail.com.

French Conversation French conversation is now online. Connect to Zoom at 11 on a monday morning for 40 minutes. More info from heatherlee2001@gmail.com.

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Home School Somerfords’ Walter News

Powell

School

Due to Coronavirus, we closed our school doors to most children on Friday 20th March following the advice and guidance from the Government and the Department of Education.

So, for the time being, Somerfords’ Walter Powell has become a Virtual School! Staff worked hard in the week leading up to the school closing, putting together learning packs for every child to take home.

Each morning, we send an email to the children with their lessons for the day; the children are able to

Feeding the ducks

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email their teachers too. We continue to celebrate and share their work with everyone in our school community at the end of each week, albeit via Parentmail instead of an assembly.

We are all adjusting to the new ‘normal’ and the children seem to have adapted very well. Examples of their thoughts on ‘Home Schooling’ and what they have been up to follow. We are very proud of them all.

However, for some of our children, home schooling is not possible as their parents are Key Workers. For these families, we have opened school enabling their parents to continue to do their jobs and support our essential services.

Home School Holly created an Easter garden

Home schooling

Mia had a visit from a virtual tiger

Emily wrote a postcard

Sienna’s clock collage

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Home School Rosie’s blurb for Tom’s Midnight Garden

SW’s Home school review

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Home School Sam enjoys his drum lesson via Zoom

Oscar displays his rainbow in the window

Laurie’s Home school review Due to Covid-19 schools have temporarily been shut down. However, to prevent abandoning our daily routine of schoolwork we now work from home. Here’s my home- schooling experience.

MATHS Personally, I can breeze through algebra, multiplication and many other maths-related topics. The teachers at Somerford’s Walter Powel School will ensure my brain remains active throughout the following months. I get Sat Busters, links to useful websites and challenging activity sheets. Furthermore, my home-schooling math experience is exceptional.

LITERACY As well as numeracy I’m more than capable at piecing together words to create great sentences. Additionally, thanks to the school encouraging my reading abilities, I have gained a remarkable vocabulary and even words I’ve never heard of can be cracked down allowing me to understand that previously unknown word. Thanks to this, I’ve grown a fondness of reading and read in my free time. Despite Covid-19, my teachers remain to expand upon my skills and even allow us to write intriguing magical stories entertaining and teaching us simultaneously.

Of course, vocabulary is best when you can spell the word so every week Walter Powel School gives us four words to spell, read and understand. After this we can fit these words in replacing dull words such as: Bad, good, and the dreaded NICE! Laurie

FT’s work

Miss Shibley’s Easter Tree

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Peter Gosling The 8th April 2020 was the first anniversary of Peter Gosling’s death. He had lived in the village since 1974. This is a letter of thanks to the village and surrounding Parishes for being such a great part of Dad’s life, he loved it and all the people in it. He was an active supporter of many projects including the Church refurbishments and Goss Croft Hall right up until his passing at the age of 94, in fact he was the first to contribute to the refurbishment of the war memorial last year.

The village gave him a great send-off at his memorial service on April 24th last year and I know he will have loved it and would have commented “it should be full like this every Sunday!!”

He had a lot of good friends in the village and the very best neighbours in Carol and Trevor, Mary and Stuart, Tina and Adrian and Aubrey, as well as all at the Ingleburn Probus Club, not forgetting Trevor Golledge who helped him so much too. The family would like to thank all these people for making Dad’s life so enjoyable and fulfilling right up to the end.

Dad had a series of great canine companions whilst enjoying his life in the village: Jake, Kofi and

Murphy. His last and the one to survive him was Buddy, who provided him with great company and energy. Buddy now lives with a very close friend of ours on the Marlborough Downs. He is incredibly happy providing one-on-one companionship to someone who lives on their own; their bond is uncanny, just as it was with Dad. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for what he did for Dad and, rest assured, we will ensure his care for the rest of his days.

Another milestone occurred on 2 March this year when me and my wife, Imelda, left Pinfarthings, for the last time, to head to our new life on Anglesey.

This meant there was not a Gosling in the village for the first time in 46 years. This was sad for us too, as we were married in the village church in 1982. We would also personally like to thank all in the village for the great help and support we received through Dad’s, mercifully, short illness and after his passing.

There will always be a warm welcome on Anglesey to any villager who is visiting the area…

My email address is David.gosling12@btinternet.com for anyone wanting to make contact, call in or needs any help or assistance whilst in this area.

Many thanks, The Gosling Family

Extract’s from Peter’s diary and war anecdotes SECOND WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945 3 September 1939 – 14 August 1945 (JE Day).

P.A.Gosling School September 1939 to July 1940.

My school, Clacton, County High School was evacuated to Kidderminster where we attended two schools, the Science School in the town and the High School on the outskirts.

I lived with a retired farmer and his family in the Village of Churchill and Blakedown. During my time at Kidderminster I sat for, and obtained, the Oxford Schools Leaving Certificate.

Civilian July 1940 – 3 December 1942 Packer at a Wholesale Grocery store in Wheeley for a few months and then Booking Clerk on the London and North Eastern Railway at Hythe Station, Colchester.

Army Royal Engineers 3 December 1942 to 15 May 1947 3 Dec 42-13 Jan 43 Initial training at Chichester 13 Jan 43–6 Mch 43 Technical training in RE movement Control at Liss, Hants.

6 Mch 43–7 Oct 43 Railway checker at Thingley junction marshalling yard near Chippenham, Wiltshire 7 Oct 43-25 Oct 43 Assembled at Halifax prior to overseas Service.

We sailed via Gourock (Scotland), Gibraltar, Port Said, Port Suez, Aden reaching Bombay, India on 27 November 1943.

INDIA 27 Nov-23 Dec 43 Based at Versova about an hour’s journey from Bombay where we were formed into the 26th Movement Control of Royal Engineers under India Command.

23 Dec–27 Dec 43 On train from Bombay to Calcutta, a journey of 1223 miles.

27 Dec–7 Feb 44 Based at camp on DUM DUM aerodrome outside Calcutta awaiting some job to do.

7 Feb 44 Travelled by steamer to Chittagong and onward to Cox’s Bazaar and then by road to Tumbru.

ARAKAN BURMA 21 Feb-12 Nov 44 Tumbru on a tributary of the NAF river supervising traffic on the

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river steamers conveying stores and machines to the forward areas.

BURMA 14th Army 12 Nov 44.

Travelled by road to Comilla via Chittagong then by train to Dimapur and by train to Dimapur and by road to Tamu via Kohima and Imphal.

24 Nov-11 Feb45 Tamu awaiting some specific job. I spent 7 days in the field hospital.

11 Feb 45 Travelled by road to Kalewa 12 Feb-29 Nov 45 Kalewa on the River Chindwin supervising river port where men and materials were transferred from road vehicles to barges or steamers for onward transmission to Meiktila, Mandalay and Rangoon.

I had my 21st birthday in Kalewa and for some time was in charge of the port as a Sergeant (owing to both of our officers being absent at the same time). And as a result was mentioned in despatches.

29 November 45 Travelled by steamer and road to Maymyo via Meiktila and Mandalay.

7 Dec-17 Oct 46. Maymyo supervising stores and material movement and some supervision of the railway between Mandalay and Maymyo which was getting back to civilian use.

Maymyo was the hill station for Rangoon and Mandalay as the temperature was more temperate during the summer months. The houses and gardens were very English and very pleasant.

17 Oct 45 Left Maymyo by road for Rangoon and embarkation for the return to UK 27 Oct 45 embarked on the Monarch of Bermuda for journey home calling at Colombo, Bombay, Port Suez and Port Said arriving S Southampton 19 November. Superb cruise home – I had a bed in a lounge on Sun Deck – as a Warrant Officer this was a far cry from F deck with hundreds of others on the way out. The Monarch also broke the record for the journey from Bombay to England.

ENGLAND 20 Nov-2 Jan 47 Mostly on leave pending posting.

2 Jan–12 Feb 47 Stranraer Scotland supervising military traffic on the milk boat to N. Ireland.

Chef’s Pantry 13 Feb-3 Mar Leave 3 Mar-15 May Barton Stacey RE HQ awaiting posting.

10 Mar-15 May 47 Stapleford Tawney aerodrome, Abridge Essex organising stock of engineering vehicles, tools and equipment. This included tracked vehicles such as bulldozers – great fun driving these around on test.

15 May 47 To Aldershot for demobilisation.

15 May 47. A civilian again.

SELECTED ANECDOTES • At Hythe station we were one day machine-gunned by a German fighter bomber. The Station Master who was with me on the platform beat me to cover – and he had a wooden leg.

• At Weeley we used to watch the dog fights between our fighters and German planes during our lunch breaks without regard to the danger.

• At Thingley Junction we marshalled ammunition wagons coming out of the underground stores at Corsham. We were responsible for all the paper-work – advices etc. but civilians did the actual shunting work.

• The journey out on Strathmore was not at all pleasant. First we went down the African coast and changed into our tropical gear but then came back up to Gibraltar and the cold so we changed back into winter clothing. We were the first convoy to use the Mediterranean route and were bombed and suffered some losses but our ship was not hit. I was on F deck along with hundreds of others; half had hammocks and the other half slept underneath on the mess tables.

Problems during rough weather were indescribable. I was fortunate in having a hammock.

• At DumDum we had our meals in bamboo huts which had openings at the top of each side. It was good for air but the hawks perched on the sides and swooped on to our food plates. Managing a complete meal was an achievement.

• At Kalewa we lived in a wooden house built on stilts, which also served as our office. The rest of the unit lived in one large tent. Swimming in the river was our favourite pastime. Our supplies and mail were often flown in and dropped by parachute. As no one could cross the river or use the boats without our permission this was about our best posting and most worthwhile job of our tour of duty abroad.

• It was here that first saw our enemy – the Japanese – as prisoners of war. I had to visit one of the camps.

• Tennis was our main sport but we played foot-ball when we could find some opposition. Once I took our team to Mandalay for a game against S. Africans and the majority of our team got injured including me (lacerated legs), so much so that I nearly got charged with endangering my men without permission.

It now seems hard to believe that here we used to pray for clouds – the sunshine was unrelenting except during the short monsoon period.

• The monsoons, torrential rain for days on end, quickly turned roads into muddy, impassable tracks, hence the need for air drops.

• By contrast the first winter home in 1946/7 was extremely cold; snow and ice predominated and of all places I was posted to Stranraer. Here we lived in old Nissan huts and the snow covered our beds at night. The journeys to London were cold and long with the trains often two hours or more late.

• Looking through the diary of events my service career does not add up to much action, more a travel log of places some of which were of interest but it certainly cannot be regarded as making a significant contribution to the war effort.

• The only action that I have not mentioned occurred whilst we were in the Arakan. I (cannot remember why me) was put in charge of a steamer to go down the river to evacuate the remainder of a British battalion which had been devastated by illness and become ineffective.

This we did at night and technically we were behind enemy lines so security and silence were paramount. Scary but successful. Also whilst here we did have an air raid waning and took to the slit trenches for safety. One Japanese plane flew overhead.

Chef ’s Pantry Now that we are largely confined to our homes, a lot more of us will be looking to produce and cook more food in our own kitchens rather than eating out or buying something on the go. It seems timely to introduce to Signpost a new, regular Chef’s Pantry article that may be able to help.

But, before I start, a quick word about the recently opened (and closed) Community Kitchen.

Many of you will have enjoyed the café at the Christmas Market in the newly renovated Great Somerford Church, and your feedback prompted us into trying to make this a regular event serving soup lunches followed by a hot drink and cake. The first one in February was a great success but, sadly, this is now on hold. Feeding people is something I love to do and we will be back as soon as possible.

There are many people who find cooking quite a task or even daunting. One of my party pieces is to make something out of nothing. You open the cupboard and there’s nothing there. However, experience tells me that the majority of you will have most of the following in your cupboards now: stock cubes, oil, dried herbs and spices, salt, pepper, tinned tomatoes, beans and pulses, veg, fish, dried pasta, rice, noodles, eggs and milk (and lots of toilet rolls).

So let’s make a Store Cupboard Soup. You probably have a tin of chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans or similar – I prefer chickpeas.

Open the pulses, drain off the liquid and tip into a medium-sized pan along with some cinnamon, chilli, garlic, cumin and coriander seeds, tomato paste, harissa (if you have it) and a little olive oil.

Season with salt and pepper then, lastly, add some water. Bring the whole lot to the boil, then simmer until the pulses are as soft as you would like them.

This is a thick soup - only add extra water if really necessary.

To make a more substantial meal, you could add a poached egg to each bowl. Serve with fresh bread, adding extra harissa and/or olive oil to taste.

I haven’t given any quantities; use as little or as much as you want so there is no need to weigh. The most important thing to do is taste, taste and taste. If you like it, there’s a good chance everyone else will; just don’t over-do the chilli!

Too much Chilli? You could add: • more ingredients to dilute the mixture; • something acidic such as lemon, vinegar or even good old ketchup; • some dairy - milk, sour cream or Top tip plain yoghurt; or • some sugar - a small amount will calm it down.

Food for thought.

Too many cooks spoil the broth...........make it on your own Deborah Loader Signpost May 2020

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A picture quiz Springtime leaves picture quiz Here is a little something to get your minds working in the midst of this glorious spring. Making use of full colour in this digital edition of Signpost, how many springtime flowering plants can you identify from their leaves in the grid below? I have tried to focus just on the most distinctive parts of these leaves. If we award 1 point for correct identification at a general level and 1 more for species level (clover is not amongst them but you might get 1 point for

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‘clover’ and another if you correctly identified ‘red clover’), a total of 21 points is possible. By all means, compare notes and hints with friends, family and colleagues!

This photo quiz will also be posted on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ drredfinrods Answers to be published in the June edition of Signpost.

Mark Everard

Riverwatch:The White Month I sometimes think of May as the white month.

There have already been white blossoms, some of them now past their peak such as the blackthorn, painting the hedgerows and meadows by the river and across the wider countryside. However, May blows in on a froth of white flowers.

There is, of course, the may tree itself: the hawthorn and the opening of its white flowers that is the basis of the countryside saying “Ne’er cast a clout ‘til may is out” (never shed your winter clothes until the tree blossom, not the month, is out). But this is also the month when the frothy white umbels of cow parsley are at their most profuse in the hedgerows, joined throughout the month by those of the pignut and hogweed and later on by the tall hemlock.

In open ground, the common daisy and the white ‘clocks’ of dandelion seed heads whiten the sward, very soon augmented by white clover and chickweed, and joined on drier slopes by ox-eye daisies. In hedgerows and coarser turf, where white dead-nettles have for some time been showing their off-white blossom, the delicate, star-shaped flowers of various stitchwort species start to open their faces to the lengthening days.

In wet and shaded ground, the fresh flowers of ramsons, the wild garlic, show through stark white, replacing the delicate white-blooming wood anemones. Comfrey plants thrust upwards, opening their flowers both white and purple. In the cooler margins of hedges, the tips of jack-by-the-hedge – known by so many regional names including garlic mustard, garlic root, hedge garlic, sauce-alone, jackin-the-bush, penny hedge and poor man's mustard – are dusted with small white crucifer flowers. Jackby-the-hedge plants are visited by female orange-tip butterflies, all white with black points lacking the vivid orange forewing tips of the male insect, laying their eggs on this favoured food plant upon which their caterpillars will gorge. The May-time air too is visited by increasing numbers of off-white female brimstone butterflies, lacking the sulphur-yellow of the males that have been on the wing a fortnight or more.

Great Somerford PC Extracts from the meeting of the Parish Council on 1 April. The complete set can be viewed on the noticeboards or on the PC website https:// www.greatsomerfordparishcouncil.co.uk/ This was a first for us as, courtesy of the Coronavirus Pandemic, all of the Councillors held a virtual meeting using Zoom software. Whilst members of the public were not able to join the Zoom meeting, the agenda (which appeared on the noticeboards and website as usual) asked members of the public with any questions to email or telephone the Clerk with these in advance of the meeting. There were no such questions.

Riverwatch

Surrounding scrub, hedgerows and copses are painted by the whites and soft pinks of crab apples and wild cherry. These are joined, on the limey soils of our Cotswold edge villages, by the white flower heads of wayfaring trees, and on more acid soils by the first rowan blossoms. Later in the month, elder and guelder rose panicles join the white vista, along with the blossoms of dog roses and early brambles clambering up woody supports towards the sunlight. Beyond them and by the river’s edge, the white ‘candlestick’ florets start to adorn majestic horse chestnut trees.

But, though the spectrum of whites might be prominent in this month, nature is far from monochrome.

Indeed, this is the month of diversifying, intensifying and contrasting hues on plants, birds and other beasties, beyond the range and imagination of even the finest human artist.

Greens from the cool yellow-green of oak and ash leaves freshly emerging from buds darken as the month progresses, contrasting with deep green ivy, the red-tinged tips of fresh hawthorn shoots and countless verdant tones between and beyond as spring unfolds to a crescendo. The scrub is excited by the vivid reds of campion, and the sward by the buttery yellows of buttercup and cowslip. The deep blues of bluebells and speedwells contrast with the similar hues of the spring brood of holly blue butterflies. Other brown butterflies paddle the riverside air, from speckled woods in the dappled shade and the first meadow browns over open grassland.

We live truly in a wonderland, even in this whitest of months of unfolding spring.

Mark Everard

Coronavirus & Parish Council Operational Functionality This was the key agenda item and the Parish Council decided to cancel the Annual Parish Meeting of 6 May, hold the Annual Parish Council meeting on 13 May remotely (via Zoom or similar) and then review the situation and decide whether or not to hold the June & July meetings remotely. Arrangements are in place to ensure ongoing payment of staff and suppliers and consideration of planning applications as they fall due.

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Councils Coronavirus & the Parish Council role in Community Support All residents should have received a leaflet drop outlining the set-up of the Great Somerford & Startley Covid-19 Support Group managed jointly

by Cllr Chris Blount, Cllr Meriel Griffiths, Mark Hammond (Facebook communications) and Jon Bunston (Link co-ordinator).

Huge thanks are due to these 4 and to the 41+ volunteers who have come forward. The group has a Facebook page and has organised Street Champions to keep in touch with different areas of the village; a prescription collection service is also being organised in conjunction with the local Link Scheme.

The Covid-19 Support Group has written a separate article to publicise their activities.

Best Kept Village The competition has been cancelled by CPRE. Community Room This is closed until further notice / until social isolation measures are no longer in force. The toilet will be redecorated during the School Easter holidays.

Defibrillator Again the planned CPR and First Aid training has had to be deferred. The Parish Council was grateful for £85 donations from Fourways Store and £50 from Mr and Mrs Dyer towards the cost of this.

Highways and local ditch clearance The Parish Council urges all local landowners to clear their ditches this Spring and Summer so there is sufficient capacity to cope with any really wet weather, carry excess water away quickly and minimise the risk of local flooding.

Planning The Parish Council considered four planning applications: • 20/01542/FUL Land North of Startley Road near West Street Farm – Agricultural Access. Supported • 20/01584/FUL The Manor House - Proposed Annex Built from Existing Garage and Stable.

Supported but on the firm understanding that it will remain an annex subsidiary to the main house and not be sold off at a future date as a separate dwelling. The Parish Council also has reservations on creating a separate access to the annex onto West street and that access should be via the main entrance to the property.

• 20/02015/TCA 1 Paddock Close - Fell 1 Holly Tree and 1 Hawthorn (T1 & T2), and 2 Metre Reduction to Hornbeam (T3). Supported.

• 20/02153/TCA 17 Winkins Lane - T1 - Horse Chestnut tree - re-pollard - tree needs re-pollarding at previous levels (approx. 6m agl). Supported.

It was also notified of two determinations made by Wiltshire Council: • 19/06502/VAR Brook Farm - Variation of Condition 8 of 17/02820/OUT (Outline Application for the Erection of Eight Dwellings with Access to be Determined. All Other Matters Reserved).

Approved with conditions.

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• 20/00569/FUL September Cottage – Single storey extension. Approved with conditions.

Play area This is now closed until further notice and implementation of Project 2 (climbing frame and trampoline) has to be deferred.

Consideration of outdoor adult gym equipment has also been deferred until further notice, but the Parish Council notes that a set-up similar to that in the Dauntsey Recreation Ground could cost in the region of £11,000.

Next meetings 13 May Annual Parish Council meeting. This meeting will be held remotely using conferencing software.

Members of the public can email clerk.gspc@gmail.com with any questions or telephone 01249 890379 up to 24 hours before the meeting.

News from Little Somerford Parish Council We have cancelled the AGM planned for 5th May, also the VE Day celebrations for 9th May have been cancelled.

Spring Litter Pick- unfortunately this had to be cancelled, however, many of the villagers have been 'litter picking' as they go about their daily exercise, thank you.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Parish Council will be holding meetings 'virtually'.

Therefore, no members of the public can attend. If you have a question which you would normally have made in person at a meeting, please contact the Clerk on clerk@littlesomerfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or 01249 720978 The Agenda and Minutes of Meetings will continue to be posted on the website.

Little Somerford PC have set up a Covid-19 Community Support Group, to help those who may be self-isolating or shielding. People can get in touch with 'I need help' or 'I can help'. Tel: 01249 720978, email zoemcarruthers@hotmail.com facebook.com/ groups/LSPC.COVID19

Church Matters in Great Somerford Churches across the land have been forced to close due to the Coronavirus, with even many churchyards being locked and bolted. Luckily for us in Great Somerford, the latter doesn't apply, but not being able to access our churches in these deeply unsettling and worrying times is extremely difficult for all those seeking solace. And there are the many couples who cannot go ahead with their weddings, the children who are unable to be baptised, and the bereaved unable to hold a traditional funeral with all their loved ones.

But people are resilient, and many uplifting stories emerge of the sheer resourcefulness and kindness all around us, and the dedication of those looking after the sick.

Church matters Here in our village, there is an amazing network of volunteers determined that no one should suffer or go without. There is a general feeling that we just have to get on and get through this, hoping and praying we emerge unscathed, and thankful that we live where we do.

It was so disappointing to have to cancel the Newcomers Party last month, and also the village Community Lunch, but these we will do another time. The Church Fete, meanwhile, has 2 new organisers, Annie Llewellen Palmer and Amy Kent, who are pushing ahead with fete plans in case it can miraculously happen. They will be contacting all those involved, and anyone wishing to help or with a query can contact Amy on 07979 594651.

We had so nearly got to the end of 2020 Vision church works, but the new lighting system and decorating jobs have of necessity been put on hold, and when all is finished we can look forward to celebrating its completion.

Another cause for celebration will be the end of this pandemic, when the whole village can come together and celebrate our wonderful community.

But, before this can happen, there will need to be an occasion with the opportunity to reflect and remember the impact this disease has had on us all and the entire world.

I very much hope you and your families remain safe and well.

Anna Kent

The following advertisers are unable to carry on their work at the present time but hope to resume in a few months: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Antique Furniture Restorer 01249 720770 Baker Gentle Foot Care 01249 723730720204 GS Community Room 01249 720204 HPO Foot Health 01666 838683 J M Services 07500410803 LS Village Hall 01249 720978 Mayfield Hotel 01666 577409 Peterborough Arms 01249 247833 Shearing Decorating 01666823999 Starr Pilates 07949341692 Vincent Windows & Glazing 01666 460106 Zero Dry Time 07879441568

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NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Please submit your advertisement by the 9th of the month preceding publication unless otherwise advertised. The Editorial Board neither endorses nor accepts responsibility for the services advertised in these pages.

For business advertisers small boxes are available at £3 and £6; ¼ page - £11; ½ page - £22.

Space for full colour advertisements is occasionally available on the back page. All cheques must be made payable to “Signpost”. To place an advertisement please ring Brenda Oliver on 01666 822342

Wessex Resolu�ons Wiltshire Council fund a home improvement loan scheme for homeowners and landlords*.

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Why not join our great club and enjoy the benefits of… � � � � � �

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At Chalkland vets you will find a warm and friendly environment where you and your pets will feel welcome.

Our Services include:Separate dog and cat wai�ng areas Separate dog and cat kennels Consulta�ons Vaccina�ons and neuters Laparoscopic (keyhole) spays Radiography and ultrasound Laboratory services Den�stry Opera�ons

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www.worksofglass.co.uk 01249721617 – rtaylor@worksofglass.co.uk

Collier-Marsh Accountancy Chartered Accountants

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ACER TREE SURGEONS ARBORICULTURAL ASSOCIATION APPROVED CONTRACTOR As your local Arborist, we are passionate about providing a bespoke service when looking a�er you and your trees.

Services include: • Tree Removals, Dismantles and Felling • Crown Reduc�ons, Re-Shaping and Pruning • Hedge Cu�ng • Management of Dangerous Trees • Stump Grinding and Removal • Free Quota�ons and Tree Health Check Please contact us for free help and advice regarding your trees.

Adam Roberts M. Arbor. A, FdSc Arb ND Arb Tel: 01666718078 / 07843082634 Email: adamroberts@acertreesurgeons.co.uk

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DO YOU HAVE A MOLE PROBLEM? With over 30 years’ experience in tradi�onal mole control I can effec�vely, discreetly and humanely remove the culprit(s)!

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Malmesbury (01666) 822863 Mobile 07966 462202 foxleyph@btinternet.com

Signpost May 2020

• Small and medium sized business specialists • Cloud accoun�ng specialists • Free ini�al mee�ng & fixed fees available • Free fact sheets and monthly e-news (see our website)

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We offer: Nursing Residential Respite Day Care Adrian Cizmas Home Manager

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Tel 01666 822363 Hill House Care Home Little Somerford Nr Malmesbury SN15 5BH hillhousemanager@gmail.com

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Paul Reeves P.R. Electrical Services

Your Local NICEIC Approved Electrician For all aspects of domestic electrical work including Inspection / Testing and Fault Finding.

Please contact Paul in Startley on 01249 720521 or 07860 298591 All calls receive our prompt and courteous attention.

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For enquiries and orders Call us on

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Church services The Church of England The Church of England is providing many prayer resources see https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-liturgy-and-prayerresources

Draycot Benefice Our website contains details of prayer resources in the noticeboard section and there is a link to our Facebook page See https://draycot.weebly.com/

Online Services from Malmesbury Abbey During the present Coronavirus situation, daily and Sunday services are available from Malmesbury Abbey.

Access via www.malmesburyabbey.com and the ‘services’ option Monday- Saturday Morning Prayer Evening Prayer Sundays Holy Communion United Service 1662 Evening Prayer Pastoral phone line For prayer requests email

9.00 am 3.00 pm 9.30 am 10.30 am 3.00 pm .07425 527312 .prayers@malmesburyabbeyabbey.com

Methodist Church Methodist Churches are closed for the time being in line with Government guidance, but worship is continuing with live streaming of prayers from Wesley’s Chapel in London. All services will be available as below either live or to view when required at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA Keep up to date with latest local Methodist news at northwilts.me

Pastoral Care If you would like to speak to a member of our teams- see below Gt & Little Somerford Heather Lee …………………………………01666 829221 07553 608358 Anne Berry…………………………………...01249 720530 Seagry Tim Harle………………………………….

01249 721706

Corston & Rodbourne Margaret Palmer…… ………………………..01666 82639 Malmesbury Abbey …………………………..07425 527312 Methodist Revd David Gray…………………………….. 01249 653094

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Contacts Allotment Gardens Great Somerford.......................................... 01249 720204 Little Somerford .......................................... 01666 823799 Seagry ........................................................... 01249 721046 Somerfords’ Art Circle ............................... 01666 824306 ................................................................... 01666 823799 Astronomy - Somerford Gazers................. 07711 972300 Bell ringing.................................................. 01249 721127 Churches Malmesbury Abbey Office......................... 01666 826666 Woodbridge Group Office (Maggie) ......... 01666 511422 Rector, Rev Steve Wilkinson ..................... 01249 723733 Curate, Rev Mike Graham ......................... 01666 510441 Lay Ministers Debra Evans ................................................. 01666 511158 Tony Yates.....................................................01249 723842 Jane Briggs.................................................... 01666 825996 Churchwardens Corston & Rodbourne (Angela) ................ 01666 822916 Corston & Rodbourne (Susannah) ........... 01666 822103 Gt Somerford (Anna Kent) ........................ 01666 510515 Lt Somerford (Robert Gawthropp)........... 01666 510260 Rev Alison Love (Draycot Benefice)......... 01249 720619 Seagry ........................................................... 01249 720683 Seagry ........................................................... 01249 720429 Draycot Admin (Maggie-Tues. Only) .......01666 511357 Great Somerford Methodist....................... 01249 720687 Roman Catholic (Malmesbury)................. 01666 822331 Café Church ................................................. 01249 721398 Coffee Pots ................................................... 07845 156184 Councils Parish Councils (Clerks) Great Somerford.......................................... 01249 890379 Little Somerford .......................................... 01249 720978 Corston and Rodbourne............................. 07533 879433 Seagry (Viv Vines) ...................................... 01249 890759 Wiltshire Council ......................................... 0300 4560100 Dentists ........................................................ 0845 758 1926 Doctors Malmesbury Health Centre ....................... 01666 825825 Out of hours ................................................. 0300 1115717 Embroiderers' Guild.................................. 01249 721373 Fishing Somerfords Fishing Assn ............ 01666 823799 Gardening Club (Diane Beverley) ........... 01666 824182 Girl Guides.................................................. 01666 825647 Library - Malmesbury ................................ 01666 823611 Library - Chippenham ................................01249 650536 Neighbourhood Watch Little Somerford .......................................... 07711 972300 Great Somerford.......................................... 01249 723754 Seagry ........................................................... 01249 720429 Corston ......................................................... 01666 822691 Rodbourne.................................................... 01666 829445 Startley .......................................................... 01249 720521 Parent & Toddler group............................ 01666 824951 Police Non-emergency Number ........................... 101 Wiltshire Police (Alternative No.) ............. 01380 735735 Post Office.................................................... 01249 721272

Pubs The Volunteer Inn (GS) ...............................01249 720316 Little Somerford Arms ............................... 01666 826535 The New Inn (Seagry)..................................01249 721083 Radnor Arms (Corston).............................. 01666 823389 Recycling (Hills) ......................................... 0845 6032085 Refuse (Wiltshire Council) ........................ 0300 4560100 Seagry & Startley Recreation Ground Trust Upper Seagry (Adele Carnegie)................ 07769 905701 Startley (Jayne Tinslay) .............................. 01249 721082 Shop Fourways Stores, (GS).......................01249 721272 Schools Somerfords' Walter Powell ........................ 01249 720797 Somerfords' WP Pre-School....................... 07931 263909 Seagry School............................................... 01249 720213 Seagry Pre-school........................................ 07773 011321 Malmesbury School .................................... 01666 829700 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers......................... 01666 822651 Sports Centres Activity Zone Malmesbury.........................01666 822533 Olympiad Chippenham ............................. 01249 444144 Lime Kiln Wootton Bassett ........................ 01793 852197 Talking Newspapers ..................................01249 659305 Transport Buses AD Rains ........................................... 01666 510874 Coach hire A James Quality travel ........... 01666 825655 Coach Hire Coachstyle ............................... 01249 782224 Coachstyle Buses ......................................... 01666 510874 National Coaches ........................................ 0870 5808080 Bradies............................................................01249 890794 Taxi AST Ltd .................................................01666 823388 Taxi Abbey Taxis..........................................01666 826072 Taxi Webb Taxis ...........................................01666 823551 Taxi Andycab................................................01666 826525 National Rail Enquiries .............................. 0845 7484950 Driving Miss Daisy ..................................... 07458 012460 Malmesbury & District Link...................... 01666 840861 Village Halls Little Somerford .......................................... 01249 720978 Goss Croft Community Hall ..................... 07779 717663 GS Community room ................................. 01249 720204 GS School Hall ............................................. 01249 720797 Corston/Rodbourne ................................... 01666 824377 Women’s Institute Little Somerford .......................................... 01666 510490 Woodside ...................................................... 01249 720765 Emergencies Highways & street care .............................. 0300 456 0105 Electricity...................................................... 08000 727282 Floodline....................................................... 0845 6026340 Pollution Hotline......................................... 0800 807 060 Wessex Water ............................................... 0845 6004600 Hospitals: Chippenham............................. 01249 447100 NHS Direct ................................................... 0845 4647 Dental Emergency (NHS).......................... 111 Vets George.................................................. 01666 823165 Vets Chalkland ............................................ 01249 588805

To add or amend your contact details please call Jackie Vale on 01249 721208 Signpost May 2020

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