Grayshott Today February 2023

HANDCRAFTED SINCE 1956

GRAYSHOTT POTTERY has been handcrafting bespoke ceramics for over 65 years. In fact, we’re one of the last working potteries in the South of England.

With an intriguing Emporium of gifts and homewares, an inspiring Studio Gallery, and our tempting Kiln Café, we’re a one stop destination for a great day out.

This magazine welcomes contributions f rom all those living in or connected

DEAR GRAYSHOTT - JEREMY HASWELL

Dear Grayshott - Jeremy Haswell

Dear Grayshott, February can feel a rather flat month, Valentine’s Day may provide a lift for some but we are aware that people are facing immense financial challenges that won’t lift with the weather. The church is not removed from these pressures and recently we’ve had some sobering financial predictions that are challenging. Let us pray for wisdom for our government to help navigate this cost of living crisis. Let us pray for solutions that reward our healthcare workers and for the end to industrial disputes. And, as ever, let us pray for the end to the war in the Ukraine and for peace to bring with it prosperity.

Easter is early this year with Ash Wednesday on the 22nd marking the beginning of Lent which is traditionally associated with fasting and self denial. Before Lent starts, we may be asked ‘What are you giving up?’ This year, our family isn’t focusing on what we might give up but instead on what we might give. Over Christmas I was moved to tears by the extraordinary generosity of this community - the support for present and food banks had a very real impact on those less fortunate and it was amazing to see.

So with that in mind we are thinking about what we might give this Lent. St Francis’ Foodbank is giving support for fuel bills to people in need – can you help? You may also consider making a donation to St Luke’s to support the work we do within the community. Of course, giving doesn’t always need to be financial, the biggest gift can be that of our time – here at church we are always looking for volunteers and as a governor of Grayshott Primary I see firsthand how the school is a central part of our village – do you have something to offer the school in terms of expertise or support? There are opportunities to give everywhere.

So as we wait for spring, let us look at the opportunities to enhance our community with kindness, generosity, and love. And please feel free come to join us in the Sunday Services, or any of the other activities we run.

With our love, Jeremy and Claire Haswell

GRAYSHOTT PARISH COUNCIL

Grayshott Parish Council

Traffic speeds and recent road accidents

The parish council, like its residents, was concerned to hear of a second accident on Headley Road last month and is aware of the various views being expressed about the existing traffic calming measures in the village. Whilst we wait for the findings from the Road Policing Team’s investigations about the causes of the accidents, we want to take this opportunity to update residents of the work we are doing with Hampshire County Council’s traffic safety team.

You might recall our consultation launched at last Year’s Parish Assembly on the effectiveness of the build-out at the Village Hall . We received over 60 responses and although they did not provide a clear way forward on the various options proposed, the consistent message expressed was the need to address driver behaviour. A working group was formed to review the responses in detail, to explore best practice from surrounding towns and villages and to propose enhancements to the build-outs at the three main entrances into the village to encourage better driver behaviour.

The working group has discussed the ideas with HCC’s traffic safety team who are willing to help us by preparing preliminary designs for the village entry points based on our desire to improve behaviour and provide rough-order costings for the changes. The enhancements to the build-outs might include a village gate appearance, a reminder of the speed limit and a message saying the village welcomes careful drivers. We hope to have the designs in the first quarter of this year. The cost is likely to be at the Parish Council’s (residents’) expense. Please mark your diaries to attend the Parish Assembly on 28th April 2023 for an update.

We continue to deploy the council’s speed indicator device (SID) at various locations in the village throughout the year. The device displays the speed of approaching vehicles with a message to slow down if the vehicle’s speed is above the location ’s limit. The device also records the data enabling us to look at average speeds, maximum speeds, peak times, the volume of traffic etc. We are happy to share this data with anyone interested.

Thank you for reading.

Mrs Katie Weir

Parish Clerk and Executive Officer

01428 606510, clerk@grayshott-pc.gov.uk

GRAYSHOTT COMMUNITY CARE AND GRAYSHOTT LIBRARY

Grayshott Community Care was pleased to donate a new book trolley to the Grayshott Community Library. Grayshott Community Care provides transport to medical appointments, doctors, dentists and hospitals. Journeys within the village and to Beacon Hill or Haslemere are currently free of charge. For longer trips a voluntary donation to cover mileage is appreciated. All drivers are volunteers and new drivers are always welcome. If you have a few free hours why not join our team?

Grayshott Community Care was pleased to donate a new book trolley to the Grayshott Community Library.

Grayshott Community Care provides transport to medical appointments, doctors, dentists and hospitals. Journeys within the village and to Beacon Hill or Haslemere are currently free of charge. For longer trips a voluntary donation to cover mileage is appreciated. All drivers are volunteers and new drivers are always welcome. If you have a few free hours why not join our team?

To book a trip call 07498 068224

To book a trip call 07498 068224

For details to volunteer as a driver call Debbie 07813 828161 email: debbiemnorman@aol.com

For details to volunteer as a driver call Debbie 07813 828161

email: debbiemnorman@aol.com

The Grayshott Community Library is going from strength to strength thanks in part to the generous donation of a sixth book trolley from Grayshott Community Care. We hold an extensive range of fiction of all genres as well as biographies, young adult and children ’s books. Jigsaw puzzles for both adults and children and a few children ’s board games are also available.

The Grayshott Community Library is going from strength to strength thanks in part to the generous donation of a sixth book trolley from Grayshott Community Care. We hold an extensive range of fiction of all genres as well as biographies, young adult and children ’s books. Jigsaw puzzles for both adults and children and a few children ’s board games are also available.

Run by a team of enthusiastic volunteers and based in the Sports Pavilion we also offer a warm hub during opening hours where everyone is welcome to come together over a cup of tea or coffee.

Run by a team of enthusiastic volunteers and based in the Sports Pavilion we also offer a warm hub during opening hours where everyone is welcome to come together over a cup of tea or coffee.

There is no need to register, no charge…..just pop in , choose a book and return it once finished.

There is no need to register, no charge…..just pop in , choose a book and return it once finished.

Grayshott Community Library At the Sports Pavilion in Beech Hanger Road.

Grayshott Community Library At the Sports Pavilion in Beech Hanger Road.

Mondays 10.00 -13.00

Mondays 10.00 -13.00

Thursdays 13.00– 16.00

Thursdays 13.00– 16.00

Library Volunteers : Helena [ Care Driver] , Sue and Ann

Grayshott Community Care and Grayshott Library

Library Volunteers : Helena [ Care Driver] , Sue and Ann

HOLE IN THE ROAD

Hole in the Road

Bang! “What the heck ”, I said, (or something similar) as I drove back from an errand to Binstead before Christmas. I knew really that in spite of best efforts over the years of avoidance that I had succumbed to the dreaded pothole. For a few minutes I thought I might have got away with it but no the tyre finally collapsed and so I brought the car to a stop, fortunately not on the main road. It is some years since I last changed a wheel but I did so quite quickly, feeling slightly pleased with myself even if not at “pit-stop speed”. The spare wheel had not been used before and was ready to use. It was clear on inspection, however, that the damage was not just a puncture but a trashed tyre and a badly damaged rim.

Once I had sorted arrangements for repairs with my usual garage I set about reporting the offending pothole to the local authority on its web-site. This is relatively easy to do and, in this case, Hampshire County Council, confirmed the report with a reference number (the Surrey CC process is much the same). If there is any difficulty it is in identifying the exact location of the pothole and I wasn’t going to trail a long country road on foot looking for it! I will never know if I was the first or most recent to report (there were others shown on the map) but it was repaired within four days which I managed to identify myself a day later.

So what next? Well two cheers for a seemingly prompt response to a road repair but HCC doesn ’t automatically accept liability for damage caused to the vehicles of its road users. There is a formal process for claiming compensation which involves technically suing the County Council and a decision made in each case on the level of compensation if any on the evidence submitted. I have yet to start the claim. In the meantime I find myself almost paranoid about holes in the road and steering around anything that looks suspicious. Are our local roads getting worse? It would seem so or am I just more aware? So now I will be a model citizen and report what I see (some horrible examples in the Headley Road as I write). Greater caution is also required from all road users and being alert to the common problem areas which are often to found around drains at the side of the road and where reinstatement works have failed.

John Frankcom

GRAYSHOTT PANTO Grayshott Panto

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD FOR GRAYSHOTT

Cryptic Crossword For Grayshott

Answers on page 38

Brian Skinner

Exceptional care from a compassionate team

Person-centred care is at the very heart of Signature’s ethos. Our empathetic care teams provide both high quality practical care and day-to-day companionship, while our flexible, tailored care plans grow and change with your needs, supporting independent living for as long as possible.

We take a holistic approach to living well, so we’ve also brought together specialist caring teams to look after a range of other important services including hospitality, activities, dining and more. We work hard to recruit and train only the best people, who share the values that underpin our homes.

23 August 2022

Taking care of yourself and your loved ones in later life

Taking care of yourself and your loved ones in later life

More and more people are facing a financial dilemma as they grow older

More and more people are facing a financial dilemma as they grow older

benefit to loved ones as soon as possible. But there is a growing fear that money could run out, leaving them unable to maintain a standard of living later in life, especially if long-term care is required.

The cost of care can vary considerably across the country and will be dependent upon the type of care and level of support you will require. This will often be determined through a care needs assessment. According to Laing Buisson’s Care of Older People UK Market Report, December 2019, the average annual cost of residential care in the UK is around £33,852 for residential care and £47,320 for nursing care. This means the spectre of having to sell a property to meet care costs looms large for many.

MMany people would like to make monetary gifts to provide immediate benefit to loved ones as soon as possible. But there is a growing fear that money could run out, leaving them unable to maintain a standard of living later in life, especially if long-term care is required.

first £325,000 of an individual’s estate is exempt from IHT, this will mean that, subject to certain conditions, a married couple and civil partners could have a combined tax-free estate worth £1 million. However, there are other financial implications to consider, particularly if you are a widow, widower or divorcee.

The cost of care can vary considerably across the country and will be dependent upon the type of care and level of support you will require. This will often be determined through a care needs assessment. According to Laing Buisson’s Care of Older People UK Market Report, December 2019, the average annual cost of residential care in the UK is around £33,852 for residential care and £47,320 for nursing care. This means the spectre of having to sell a property to meet care costs looms large for many.

On top of all this, there is the threat of Inheritance Tax (IHT), which can have a serious impact on people’s estates. IHT used to be the preserve of the very wealthy but escalating property values in recent years have put paid to that and more people are affected.

On top of all this, there is the threat of Inheritance Tax (IHT), which can have a serious impact on people’s estates. IHT used to be the preserve of the very wealthy but escalating property values in recent years have put paid to that and more people are affected.

In April 2020, the residence nil-rate band rose to £175,000, for those who qualify. Coupled with the fact that the first £325,000 of an individual’s estate is exempt from IHT, this will mean that, subject to certain conditions, a married couple and civil partners could have a combined tax-free estate worth £1 million. However, there are other financial implications to consider, particularly if you are a widow, widower or divorcee.

Even if people choose to remain in their own homes and receive care there, the cost is significant

Individuals often do not take the time to understand the impact that care fees or IHT could have on their wealth. Many people are confused by IHT policy and many mistakenly believe they are unlikely to be affected by this or the need for care in later life. This lack of preparation could have serious consequences later in life. The good news is that there are solutions to

Individuals often do not take the time to understand the impact that care fees or IHT could have on their wealth. Many people are confused by IHT policy and many mistakenly believe they are unlikely to be affected by this or the need for care in later life. This lack of preparation could have serious consequences later in life. The good news is that there are solutions to

help safeguard your wealth in later life. Understanding what you can gift to loved ones now, or place in trust for later, can give you access to the income you need today and also mitigate any future exposure.

help safeguard your wealth in later life. Understanding what you can gift to loved ones now, or place in trust for later, can give you access to the income you need today and also mitigate any future exposure.

Something as simple as ensuring your Will is up to date could reduce the risk of your estate being severely reduced through IHT and the high cost of long-term care.

Something as simple as ensuring your Will is up to date could reduce the risk of your estate being severely reduced through IHT and the high cost of long-term care.

More detailed planning advice will always need to consider your personal circumstances. The best action anyone concerned about these issues can take is to seek professional advice and establish how you can protect your hard-earned assets.

More detailed planning advice will always need to consider your personal circumstances. The best action anyone concerned about these issues can take is to seek professional advice and establish how you can protect your hard-earned assets.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

The writing of a Will involves referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place. Wills and Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The writing of a Will involves referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place. Wills and Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Even if people choose to remain in their own homes and receive care there, the cost is significant

Little Amesbury Pre Nursery to Reception

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A creative curriculum with free flow classrooms both indoors and outdoors

Hindhead, Surrey

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A wonderful place for your child's early years

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A creative curriculum with free flow classrooms both indoors and outdoors

Book your visit: admissions@amesburyschool.co.uk

A creative curriculum with free flow classrooms both indoors and outdoors

Book your visit: admissions@amesburyschool.co.uk

Book your visit: admissions@amesburyschool.co.uk

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GRAYSHOTT STAGERS

THE DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL – PART 2

The Devil’s Punch Bowl— part 2

The Devil’s Punch Bowl— part 2

The Devil’s Punch Bowl— part 2

The Murdered Sailor – who was he ?

The Murdered Sailor – who was he ?

The Murdered Sailor – who was he ?

The story of the unfortunate sailor who was murdered by the Devil’s Punchbowl all those years ago has stayed with us as part of local history. In many ways, it remains as relevant today as it was then, partly as a testament to how the treatment of justice has changed, from then to the more considered ideals of today. The tale is of a sailor who was walking from London to Portsmouth to join his ship in September 1786, a few months before the First Fleet sailed to Botany Bay with the first transportation of convicts. At the time, Horatio, Lord Nelson, aged 29, was a Senior Captain who often coached up and down the Portsmouth Road, from London, over Hindhead and onto Spithead at Portsmouth.

The story of the unfortunate sailor who was murdered by the Devil’s Punchbowl all those years ago has stayed with us as part of local history. In many ways, it remains as relevant today as it was then, partly as a testament to how the treatment of justice has changed, from then to the more considered ideals of today. The tale is of a sailor who was walking from London to Portsmouth to join his ship in September 1786, a few months before the First Fleet sailed to Botany Bay with the first transportation of convicts. At the time, Horatio, Lord Nelson, aged 29, was a Senior Captain who often coached up and down the Portsmouth Road, from London, over Hindhead and onto Spithead at Portsmouth.

The story of the unfortunate sailor who was murdered by the Devil’s Punchbowl all those years ago has stayed with us as part of local history. In many ways, it remains as relevant today as it was then, partly as a testament to how the treatment of justice has changed, from then to the more considered ideals of today. The tale is of a sailor who was walking from London to Portsmouth to join his ship in September 1786, a few months before the First Fleet sailed to Botany Bay with the first transportation of convicts. At the time, Horatio, Lord Nelson, aged 29, was a Senior Captain who often coached up and down the Portsmouth Road, from London, over Hindhead and onto Spithead at Portsmouth.

We know that the sailor called at the Red Lion, Thursley (the pub closed many years ago, but the building remains, as a private home called, appropriately “Sailor’s Rest”). It was there that he fell in with three seafarers, James Marshall, Michael Casey and Edward Lonegan. He generously paid for their food and drinks, and the foursome were later seen to leave the pub together. After they had reached by Gibbet Hill (then called Hindhead Hill), they brutally murdered him, by slicing his throat from ear to ear, then stripping him and throwing him naked into a ditch. The assassins then made their way down Portsmouth Road but were arrested a few hours later whilst trying to sell their victim ’s clothes, for £1.17.6d, at the Sun Inn, Rake.

We know that the sailor called at the Red Lion, Thursley (the pub closed many years ago, but the building remains, as a private home called, appropriately “Sailor’s Rest”). It was there that he fell in with three seafarers, James Marshall, Michael Casey and Edward Lonegan. He generously paid for their food and drinks, and the foursome were later seen to leave the pub together. After they had reached by Gibbet Hill (then called Hindhead Hill), they brutally murdered him, by slicing his throat from ear to ear, then stripping him and throwing him naked into a ditch. The assassins then made their way down Portsmouth Road but were arrested a few hours later whilst trying to sell their victim ’s clothes, for £1.17.6d, at the Sun Inn, Rake.

We know that the sailor called at the Red Lion, Thursley (the pub closed many years ago, but the building remains, as a private home called, appropriately “Sailor’s Rest”). It was there that he fell in with three seafarers, James Marshall, Michael Casey and Edward Lonegan. He generously paid for their food and drinks, and the foursome were later seen to leave the pub together. After they had reached by Gibbet Hill (then called Hindhead Hill), they brutally murdered him, by slicing his throat from ear to ear, then stripping him and throwing him naked into a ditch. The assassins then made their way down Portsmouth Road but were arrested a few hours later whilst trying to sell their victim ’s clothes, for £1.17.6d, at the Sun Inn, Rake.

Hindhead Painting

THE DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL – PART 2

The Devil’s Punch Bowl—part 2

In custody, they were tethered to a longcart and brought to Haslemere and chained to a large log in the yard of the White Hart in the High Street. There they were examined by the local Justice, Mr. James Fielding, and subsequently taken to Guildford New Gaol. Six months later they were tried at Kingston and on Saturday, 7 th April 1787, two days after the trial, they were hung in chains on a triple gibbet close to the scene of the crime at Hindhead.

The wooden gibbet was reputed to have been 30ft high, with a 11ft diameter rotating wheel, horizontally fixed on top. It was apparently a very windy day when the men were taken to the hill -top on trolleys drawn by horses. The ropes having been adjusted and the horses whipped away, the men dropped. When dead, they were put in irons, which were then left swinging in the wind, until their bodies rotted, a visible warning to all whom might view the sight. The bodies remained on the gibbet for three years, gradually rotting away, until the whole structure was brought down one stormy night in a violent gale.

It is remarkable that the murder has resulted in the erection of no less than three monuments, all still with us today: Firstly, the residents of Thursley generously subscribed to a headstone in the churchyard of St. Michaels and All Angels, where the sailor ’s body lies, and which depicts the murder and tells the sad story, carved onto the stone.

In addition there is the Iona Cross on top of Gibbet Hill itself. This was erected by Sir William Erle of Bramshott Grange, a chief justice of the Common Pleas. He was concerned that the location had acquired a sad and notorious dark reputation, and he wanted a symbol to lift the spirits and low morale of the area, albeit some 64 years after the grisly event that had taken place. This tall granite cross bears four sides, with inscriptions on each, reading in Latin “After darkness, light”, “In light, hope”, “In death, peace”, and “After death, salvation”. These inscriptions have an obvious reference to religion, as represented by the cross, and to the special characteristics of each point of the compass.

The Celtic Cross

THE

Thirdly, a monument was erected on the old Coaching Road at Hindhead, on the top of the hill, but this has had something of a mobile history. When the road was lowered in 1826 to the level of the Portsmouth Road as we knew it until recently, the Turnpike Trust removed the stone and placed it on the new road down the hill. It was later removed back up to Gibbet Hill, and a curse against its further removal was declared. Despite this, it then once again found its way down to the lower level. The stone was then again removed from this site in 1932 for road improvements and re-erected in its present position, 894 feet above sea level. There it remains today.

And what of the sailor himself, who should acquire such a reputation as to result in not one, but three monuments to his memory?

In April 1932, a letter was written to the Farnham Herald by a lady from South Africa, a Mrs. A. McMillan, who maintained that she was a relative of the dead man, being the great grand daughter of one Samuel Hardman. She even confirmed how, after the bodies had decayed and fallen on Gibbet Hill, the middle finger bone of one hand of each man was taken and made into “tobacco presses, gold tipped and kept by my family as heirlooms”. She also mentioned that the family had an heirloom deriving from Samuel, who had been a Royal Hussar, being a cigar case made from the skin of his horse, which was killed in action. This cigar case was eventually given to the Returned Soldier’s Museum in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where it can be seen to this day.

A considerable amount of research then transpired, which revealed that the Samuel Hardman in question had been born, in Lambeth, in 1777. This would ,unfortunately, make him only 9 years old at the time of the murder. So he was the wrong man. It was then discovered, however, that Samuel had an older brother, Edward, the son of Samuel Hardman (senior) and Mary his Wife, and who is shown to have been baptised on August 30 th 1752 at the Church of St. Mary -at-Lambeth. This would make Edward 34 at the time of the murder. A likely candidate.

THE DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL – PART 2

The Devil’s Punch Bowl— Part 2

The Hardman family are known to have continued living in London until 1862. In that year, Edward Rawdon Hardman, the grandson of Samuel and Edward, is known to have paid his last respects at the grave of the unnamed sailor at St. Michael ’s in Thursley, after which he and his family sailed for South Africa for good.

So the evidence that the murdered man was Edward Hardman is compelling, but it is by no means conclusive. Possibly further research in future years will resolve the point, one way or another.

It is interesting to note that this murder is somewhat unique in English legal history. The murderers were convicted although the victim’s identity was not known. In all other murder cases the victim is named, or if there are several victims, at least one is identified and the charge is brought with the words ”and other persons unknown”.

The case of the murdered sailor remains something of an enigma. We are constantly reminded of the grisly event, with the mere name of “Gibbet Hill ”, and the story itself remains a local legend, part of the lore of where we live today.

John Hill

The Sailor’s Stone

GRAYSHOTT BOUNDARY WALK NO. 2

Grayshott Boundary Walk No 2.

The Green Spaces group has just published the second of our boundary walks. This one concentrates on the medieval hamlet at the west end of the parish. It was researched and written by Grayshott Heritage, and funded by Hidden Gardens, Hampshire County Council and Grayshott Heritage.

Copies of the booklet are available free, while stocks last, at various outlets around the village, including Business Connections, Fox & Pelican, Red Rose Tea Room, Grayshott Pottery, Co-op, Social Club, Post Office, The Counter, Parish Council office and library.

This walk is a little bit hilly in places, although there is a short cut which keeps to almost flat ground. It’ll help work off the Christmas calories. The brochure is loaded with pictures, historical information and a map, so if you can’t manage the walk itself you can still enjoy it from your armchair.

There are also on-line copies of Walks 1 and 2 on the web sites of the Parish Council and Grayshott Heritage.

https://www.grayshott-pc.gov.uk/the-village/attractions-andwalks

https://grayshottheritage.com/new -events-2/

This spring, we will publish an easy walk around the old village shops, and the third boundary walk through Flat Wood and Whitmore.

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Celebrating 40 years of retailing in Grayshott 1980-2020

FOR PERSONAL SERVICE AND FRIENDLY ADVICE COME TO; KAIGHIN AND DAUGHTER, HEADLEY ROAD, GRAYSHOTT, GU26 6LD TEL: 01428 604606 www.kaighinanddaughter.co.uk

OF SHARKS IN MEDIA

The Misrepresentation of Sharks in Media

“Jaws”, 1975. The beginnings of the misrepresentation of sharks. A film that went on to make 472 million US dollars. A film that has kept children out of the water for generations.

This film alone had a massive impact on sharks worldwide. It triggered a huge amount of overfishing as people were inspired by scenes from the movie and set out to catch the biggest sharks they could find. Trophy sharks.

As well as this, the film demonised an ocean ’s worth of sharks. It is only ever loosely mentioned that the shark that they are searching for in the film is a great white and a tiger shark is caught and killed earlier in the plot. Though Great Whites are the shark behind most attacks in the wild, the inclusion of a tiger shark as a possible attacker cemented the concept that all sharks are vicious, man-eating monsters.

The Great White, Tiger and Bull sharks are notorious for their attacks, yet an average year consists of only 5 fatalities from unprovoked attacks. For context, the statistic that 69 people are killed by lawn mowers a year was named “international statistic of the year ” for 2017 by the UK’s royal society of statistics. Making lawn mowers statistically much deadlier than sharks. (But we don't all have a shark in the shed).

Over the years, the fascination with sharks has not diminished. In 2018 “The Meg” was released and has made 530.2 million dollars. This fascination has created a market for the toxic depiction that has been seen for years.

Though some may argue that the representation of sharks is wrong due to a lack of understanding of their nature, the book that inspired “Jaws'' tells a different story. “Jaws” written by Peter Benchley in 1974 depicts the way a great white shark hunts frightfully accurately. Even 50 years later, his descriptions are still accurate. This depth of knowledge goes to show that we knew more about the behaviour of sharks than are used in the creation of movies.

Over the years there has been little damage control for the incorrect manner in which sharks have been shown on our screens. The documentaries present them as the predators that they are without healing the wounds made from the blockbusters that have been fan favourites for almost half a century.

Though I am not anti a good shark film, this issue is close to my heart as I have been fascinated by these giants for years. I hope that with the right representation it will create an understanding rather than a fear in others so they can come to see the truth behind the rows of serrated teeth and ominous dorsal fins. So that all can appreciate the adaptations that sharks have made to become the predators they are and how essential they are for the ecosystems within the ocean.

In the approximate 2 minutes you have spent reading this nearly 250 sharks have been slaughtered, predominantly for their fins.

Ash Murphy

Leaves. No leaves, no life. Simple but true.

Leaves take in the carbon dioxide we exhale, combine it with water that the plant absorbs through its roots and in the presence of the green pigment in the leaves, ‘chlorophyll ’ and sun light, combine the two to make sugar [glucose] and exhale oxygen which we then breathe in to stay alive.

There is a simple chemical equation for this reaction :- 6CO2 +6H20 = C6H1206 +602

Carbon dioxide +water = sugar + oxygen.

The simple sugar, glucose, is the building block for the many other more complex molecules essential for the plant to grow and produce more leaves. Without leaves in the world, there would be no grass. No grass, no meat, no milk. No leaves, no flowers and no seeds. No seeds, no grain to feed pigs and poultry. No seeds, no next generation.

No leaves, no tiny herbivores, upon which larger carnivores prey, establishing the beginning of the food chain from leaves at the bottom to lions at the top.

No leaves, no oxygen and therefore no animal and no human life on this planet, where survival means breathing oxygen in and carbon dioxide out.

However, leaves are not only the foundation of life as we know it, but also fascinating in themselves from a botanical point of view. Just looking around our Grayshott gardens the wide range of shapes, sizes, textures, colours and shades of green in leaves is immediately apparent.

For the last ‘Hidden Gardens’ event a notice was put up at the entrance to our garden: “Welcome to our garden, 50 shades of green!”

LEAVES

Leaves

Leaves have evolved and adapted to their environment since the pre-vascular structures found in primitive mosses and liverworts. Of all the aspects of the study of leaves including the morphology, anatomy and ecology, the evolution and adaptation of leaves to their specific environments are probably the most interesting to plant lovers and gardeners.

Leaves have evolved and adapted to their environment since the pre-vascular structures found in primitive mosses and liverworts. Of all the aspects of the study of leaves including the morphology, anatomy and ecology, the evolution and adaptation of leaves to their specific environments are probably the most interesting to plant lovers and gardeners.

Plants with large leaves can capture more light to photosynthesise and grow and that is why many plants in dark tropical forests have developed large leaves.

Plants with large leaves can capture more light to photosynthesise and grow and that is why many plants in dark tropical forests have developed large leaves.

Succulents such as Sedums are natives of arid conditions and fleshy leaves are adapted to store water in times of drought.

Succulents such as Sedums are natives of arid conditions and fleshy leaves are adapted to store water in times of drought.

Waxy leaves serve to reduce water loss. Banana plants have huge individual leaves which are unfortunately torn to shreds in the plantations during storms and hurricanes. Plants with divided leaves have become more resistant to wind damage as the wind blows straight through them more easily.

Waxy leaves serve to reduce water loss. Banana plants have huge individual leaves which are unfortunately torn to shreds in the plantations during storms and hurricanes. Plants with divided leaves have become more resistant to wind damage as the wind blows straight through them more easily.

Some aquatic plants have developed large flat leaves to collect more light when floating on the water surface. The Victoria Regia Lily has floating leaves so large and strong that they can bear the weight of a baby.

Some aquatic plants have developed large flat leaves to collect more light when floating on the water surface. The Victoria Regia Lily has floating leaves so large and strong that they can bear the weight of a baby.

Cacti, desert natives, have adapted to their environment. The stems of the cacti have become the photosynthesising body [leaves] and the water storage organ of the plant. The ‘leaves’ have become the ‘spines’ of the cacti, an adaptation to protect them from being eaten by herbivores.

Cacti, desert natives, have adapted to their environment. The stems of the cacti have become the photosynthesising body [leaves] and the water storage organ of the plant. The ‘leaves’ have become the ‘spines’ of the cacti, an adaptation to protect them from being eaten by herbivores.

Bulbs such as onions and Narcissus are adaptations of leaves to store water and food.

Bulbs such as onions and Narcissus are adaptations of leaves to store water and food.

There are adaptations of leaves to become tendrils and to assist the plants to climb, such as peas.

There are adaptations of leaves to become tendrils and to assist the plants to climb, such as peas.

One of the most extreme adaptations is in ‘carnivorous’ plants where the leaf ends have become ‘pitchers’ adapted to catch unsuspecting insects which are dissolved in the well of the pitcher and provide a source of essential nitrogen for the plant.

One of the most extreme adaptations is in ‘carnivorous’ plants where the leaf ends have become ‘pitchers’ adapted to catch unsuspecting insects which are dissolved in the well of the pitcher and provide a source of essential nitrogen for the plant.

For anyone whose further interest in ‘leaves’ may have been sparked, please go to ‘Wikipedia – Leaves’. That entry alone, never mind the other innumerable links provided, will keep you occupied for hours!

For anyone whose further interest in ‘leaves’ may have been sparked, please go to ‘Wikipedia – Leaves’. That entry alone, never mind the other innumerable links provided, will keep you occupied for hours!

Gordon Rae VMH

Gordon Rae VMH

Victoria Regia Lily

Victoria Regia Lily

Grayshott Folk Club

GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB

On Saturday 11th February 2023, our returning musical guests at Grayshott Village Hall will be some of East Anglia ’s finest new generation of Folk musicians. Both sets of musicians have visited us separately and together so we know we are in for a great evening of music and this time around, they will be collaborating and combining their talents as one “super group ”.

Christina Alden & Alex Patterson and The Shackleton Trio

A rare collaborative concert bringing together two of East Anglia ’s finest folk exports; The Shackleton Trio and Christina Alden & Alex Patterson. Both acts have racked up tens of thousands of miles on the road, playing at some of Europe’s most prestigious venues and festivals, and achieved national play on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 and BBC 6 music.

Expect two sets of collaborative music including brand new material as a five-piece, alongside re-imagined big band arrangements of the material of each act. Soaring five-part harmonies, driving fiddles, banjo, mandolin and guitar grooves blending together with a transatlantic session feel.

Des O'Byrne 01428 607096

grayshottfolkclub@btinternet.com

www.grayshottfolkclub.co.uk

A HOLIDAY CLUB SUCCESS

A Holiday Club Success

Grayshott Parish Council and St Luke’s Church ran a successful Christmas holiday club. The children loved it and a special thank you to Frankie’s Fish and Chips for donating food on the last day.

Look out for more holiday clubs this coming this year.

Left: Wreath Making

Delicious lunch from the best fish and chip shop in England.. .Frankies.

The group with Youth Worker Dan Bennett.

Sunday 9am

Monday 10am

Sunday 9am

Village Notices

Village Notices

St Joseph’s Grayshott Mass Times

St Joseph’s Grayshott Mass Times

Wednesday 7pm

Friday 10am

Monday 10am

Wednesday 7pm

Friday 10am

F Fr Si mon C hinery

Fr Si mon C hinery

P Paris h Priest, St Joseph Grayshott & Imma culate Con cep tion

Liphook

Paris h Priest, St Joseph Grayshott & Imma culate Con cep tion

0 1428 605 358 07971 523008

Liphook

0 1428 605 358 07971 523008

From the Registers

From the Registers

Funerals Our prayers and sympathies go to the families of : Vanessa Mason

Funerals Our prayers and sympathies go to the families of : Vanessa Mason

12 December Jocelyn Newman

12 December Jocelyn Newman

19 December Avril Mitchell

19 December Avril Mitchell

Answers to crossword printed on page 12

Answers to crossword printed on page 12

38

Village Notices

Grayshott Tea Party

Tuesday 7th February, 2pm, Grayshott Village Hall. We have a paper flower making demonstration with Wendy Sturgess

Our talks are followed by tea, sandwiches and cake. All welcome! For more information phone Margaret on 01428 604396, or come along on Tuesday 7 th February for a 2 pm start.

GRAYSHOTT THURSDAY LUNCH CLUB

The Thursday Lunch Club re-opened on 2nd September and provides weekly lunches for our members in St Luke’s Timothy Room. We do still need more helpers so that we can continue on a weekly basis. If anyone has an hour or two to spare once a month, we would love to see you.

Please contact Chief Organiser, Yvonne Lawrence on 01428 608789, or Chairman, Angela Haine on 01428 604703.

Volunteer Drivers Required for Thursday Lunch Club

Could you help with pick ups [10.30] or collects 13.15 or even both ? We desperately need some more help to ensure this important service keeps running. Please contact Angela Haine on 01428 604703

The Grayshott Gardeners are pleased to welcome Maggie Tran, the Head Gardener at Bramdean House, Alresford who will be delighting us with her talk about The Trowels & Tribulations of taking on an Historic Garden. Maggie is a Horticulturist from a fine arts background with so many skills and qualifications too long to mention here so do join us on 8th February. Hall doors open at 7.30 pm. Members free, visitors (always welcome) £5. More details can be found at www.grayshottgardeners.net.

Sally Hancock

Grayshott Jazz Club continues to delight and entertain on the last Tuesday of every month. The next session will be at 7.30 pm on February 28th at the village social club.

5th February

8:30am Holy Communion (CW)

9:30am NO Parish Breakfast

10:30am Contemporary Worship

6:00pm Evensong

12th February

14th February

3:00pm

8:00pm

19th February 8:30am

10:30am

6:00pm

22nd February 7.30pm

26th February 10:30am

BCP = Book of Common Prayer (Traditional Language)

CW = Common Worship (Contemporary Language) All are welcome

For more information contact the Church Office 01428 606703

What’s on at St Luke’s

First Saturday - Friendship Lunch

Tuesdays at 10:30am - Manna Study Group meet in Dorcas Room

Tuesdays 9.30am -11.30am in Timothy Room OASIS a place where it’s ok not to be ok. A place to chat, pray, reflect, and share a hobby.

More information from Allison Sutcliffe (07968 224239) & Alice Murphy (07980 201566).

Thursdays at 10:30am - Lunch Club in Timothy Room.

Mondays at 10:00am - Grayshott Babes & Toddlers meet in Timothy Room.

First Wednesday 10:00am Superheros in the Timothy Room

Friday 10th February at 10:30am - Coffee Morning in Timothy Room

Saturday 11th February at 9:00am - Men`s Breakfast in Timothy Room

Tuesday 14th February at 8:00pm - St Luke`s Monthly Prayer Meeting in Church.

Tuesday 21st February at 2:30pm - St Luke`s Women`s Group in Timothy Room

Tuesday 28th February at 2:30pm - Friendship Tea Time

Tuesdays at 5:00pm Youth Group Bible Study in the Church

Fridays between 6:00-7:30pm (years 5-6) and 7:30-9:00pm (years 7–11)

(Not during School Holidays)

CLUBS AND GROUPS

CLUBS AND GROUPS

Arts Society (Grayshott) First Thurs pm at Grayshott Village Hall. New members: Sheila Austin 01428 713338 www.theartssocietygrayshott.org

Babes & Toddlers Mondays 10.00am St Luke’s Church rooms. Contact: 01428 606703

Bridge Club Friday pm St Luke’s Church Rooms. Roy Tubbs 01428 607848. e: roy.tubbs@btinternet.com

Chess Group Tuesday 2.00pm. Fox & Pelican, Grayshott. Edward Tobin 01428 605741 e: edwardtobin73@gmail.com

Cricket Club (The Shotts) Graham Sampson 07826 523227www.grayshottcc.co.uk or e: graham@grayshottcc.co.uk

Croquet Club From mid-April by Grayshott cricket pitch. Bob Wilson 01428 713113

Gardeners Second Wednesday 7.30pm Grayshott Village Hall. 01428 604449 www.grayshottgardeners.net

Grayshott Care Medical Transport 07498 068224 Monday- Friday 9am to 5pm

Grayshott Heritage www.grayshottheritage.com Liz Cross, eacross01@hotmail.com

Grayshott Stagers www.grayshottstagers.co.uk email: info@grayshottstagers.co.uk

Headley Outdoor Bowls Club Headley Playing Fields. April to September. John Milton 01428 609877 www.headley-village.com/bowls

Indoor Bowls Club October-March, Monday pm. Grayshott Village Hall. Brian Spencer 01428 605915 or Daphne Milton 01428 609877

Living Lively Singing Wed pm, Grayshott Village Hall. Barbara 01420 80445 e: barbara @livinglively.org.uk.

Ludshott Photographic Club 1st & 3rd Monday eve. Headley Village Hall. Diana Grant 01428 713706. www.ludshottpc.org.uk.

PK Preschool Carol Houghton 01428 602970 www.pkpreschool.co.uk

e: enquiries@pkpreschool.co.uk

Scout Group boys & girls 6 to 14 years. 07802 710694 -&- 07941 294565

e: grayshott.gsl3@gmail.com - or www.grayshottscouts.org.uk.

St Luke’s Women’s Group 3rd Tuesday pm St Luke’s Church rooms. Helene 01428 605819

Tea Party First Tuesday 2pm, Grayshott Village Hall - Margaret: 01428 604396

Tennis Club inc Public tennis court email: info@grayshotttennisclub.co.uk

Thursday Lunch St Luke’s Church Rooms. Angela Haine - 01428 604703

Youth Football 4-16 years. Karen Giles, e: chairgyfc@gmail.com www.grayshottfc.com