Whitton Ways December 2022

News from Aldbourne, Axford, Baydon, Chilton Foliat, Froxfield and Ramsbury December 2022 -

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As we arrive at another Advent and join in the annual countdown to Christmas, we celebrate the new beginnings represented by the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem: the love of God entering the world in a baby. In contrast we know that the year is coming to a close. For many people this may have been a year of goodbyes as well as hellos. In recent weeks we have commemorated (at All Souls) our loved ones who have died, and (at Remembrance) have remembered all those injured, killed or affected in other ways, by the ravages of war. I am also acutely aware of those who have been welcomed into our communities from places such as Ukraine, whose loss of loved ones back at home is exacerbated by their separation.

As I write these words, the John Lewis Christmas advertisement has just been launched, featuring the story of a foster parent preparing to welcome a nervous girl. His gift to the new arrival is not a sack of presents but the (painful) perseverance of learning the girl’s favourite activity: skateboarding. To welcome her into his

world, he needed understand hers, with all its bumps, bruises and broken bones.

At the heart of the Christian faith is a belief that God waits to welcome us into his eternal home, but first he has come to live amongst us on earth in the person of Jesus, experiencing the ups and downs of life, prepared to be broken by the pain of this world. Along the way, love and compassion break through, along with the gift of new beginnings.

As I consider charitable giving this Christmas I am asking myself how far I would be prepared to go offer a welcome to those who are homeless or far from home. My hope is that the actions which follow that personal pondering, reveal something of my welcome to the one who entered our world in a cattle shed 2000 years ago.

Whether you are reading this in Advent or at Christmas, may you know that you are welcomed by God….and are welcome at any of our Advent and Christmas worship.

Revd. Beth Hutton

Team Rector

Whitton Ways — A team effort!

Whitton Ways is has been around for more than 100 years and is seeking a new team of editors who could share the role, starting in January.

Whitton Ways is distributed across the local villages and focuses particularly on news and events in Ramsbury, Axford, Chilton Foliat and Froxfield. If you are reasonably tech-savvy and perhaps have experience in journalism or editing why not consider volunteering to help?

Whitton Ways is a community news magazine with strong Church content and a genuinely local focus — virtually all the content is written by locals, reflecting our local communities and harnessing the talents of local enthusiasts. Until now there has been a single editor — but the magazine has grown and we now think that it would be better to have a rotating team of ‘guest’ editors. This would mean, ideally, each person would be responsible for one issue a quarter.

The production period normally falls in the third week of the month and, this could be ideal way to meet like-minded people with a desire to get involved in their community.

The new team of job-sharing editors would be working alongside dedicated volunteer designer David Leake and (also volunteer) advertising manager Ian Smith, and in co-

All change at Whitton Ways…

Subscriptions due in January

After more than 15 years, I am going to be hanging up my full-time editor’s hat at the beginning of 2023. The good news is that I will be handing over to are to a team of editors who will rotate the role and bring their own personal inspiration on the magazine.

We will have more news on this next month, but in the meantime, I would like to thank everyone involved in the magazine production, who give their time for free to ensure that the magazine can continue to be delivered to your doorstep for a very modest subscription.

This includes designer David Leake, advertising manager Ian Smith, Hugh Clayton who proof reads the magazine, the team of 20-odd volunteer distributors organised by Ethel Hutchings, and Paul Trickey who ensures we can balance the books!

Thanks also to all the many contributors — I have a list of almost 80 locals who contribute regularly from the villages of Ramsbury, Chilton Foliat, Axford and Froxfield, or occasionally from Aldbourne and Baydon — who all put up with the editor’s nagging with good grace! Thanks also to the Whitton Clergy Team, who do likewise, and always find time from their enormously busy schedules to pen individual columns for the magazine.

2023 subs £8

We are all grateful for your continued support as readers. The magazine subscription for 2022 must rise slightly to £8 to cover increased costs and to allow us the flexibility to expand the number of pages to 48 as we have been this year to mark special occasions such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and subsequent death.

Thanks once again to everyone involved in Whitton Ways. As we were going to press, we awaiting news on the magazine’s results in the annual National Parish Magazine of the Year competition. I hope to have good news to report next month.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy 2023.

Vanya Body Whitton Ways Editor

The Friends of St Michael’s Church

We want to thank everyone who joined us in St Michael’s Church on 11th October for “The Great Reveal”. For those who were unable to be there, it was a unique and historic event, with a medieval theme which was very much in harmony with our beautiful medieval church.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the “Awborne Gospels”, an illuminated medieval-style manuscript created, illustrated and bound in Aldbourne by Jenny Greaves, over a period of four years. At “The Great Reveal” Jenny explained how she had made this remarkable and unique work, from sourcing the paper through to the leather marquetry work on the binding. Almost every page is illustrated with something to do with Aldbourne.

As a rare and special treat, those present were invited to (carefully) turn the pages of the “Awborne Gospels”.

Jenny had also worked hard to create bespoke prizes for our “Great Reveal Raffle” — it was the most successful raffle we have ever held!

We thank Jenny for offering this truly magnificent event to the Friends of St Michael’s Church. I know that I speak for everyone who attended the event when I say it was a really amazing evening which we will never forget.

We would like to thank all our members and supporters for your great support in 2022. If you know of any neighbours or friends who would like to join this Village Charity, please ask them to contact us on: friendsofstmichaelschurch@gmail.com.

We are looking forward very much to some great events in 2023. For your diary, we will hold our Biennial Open Gardens event on 17th & 18th June 2023. We have reprinted the Church Book and copies are

The cover of the Awborne Gospels was inspired by the east window in St Michael’s Church.

The pages shown depict Beating the Bounds

now available either from the Aldbourne Post Office or by calling: 01672 540675. This beautifully reprinted book would make a great Christmas present.

We would like to wish you all and your families a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Angela Iles, Chair, The Friends of St Michael’s Church

Ramsbury Memorial Hall

The

Tribute – Simon Weeden

College, York. In the gap, he worked at a mental hospital, a source of great anecdotes, mostly unrepeatable! His love of history continued post-university, and he traced the Weedens back to 17th century Whitechapel.

At University, Simon met his best friend Judith in 1977, and they were married in 1980. He remained a devoted husband over the next 42 years, as evidenced by the cups of tea brought to her every day in bed. Their mutual love of sport and formidable memories made them an unbeatable duo in quizzes.

Whitton

2010 to 2019, has died. His funeral was – most fittingly – held in Holy Cross Church on the 27th October. We pay tribute to a life well lived.

Simon was born on Boxing Day 1955, a perfect Christmas gift, and his early years were spent on RAF bases with his parents and two sisters. Simon described his childhood as full of love, stability, tolerance, guidance, opportunity, and encouragement. This he credited to his parents, Brian – the glamorous fighter pilot – and Beryl, who together gave him a love of literature and history, a knowledge and appreciation of the countryside, and a care and concern for others. His early love for animals continued – as witnessed by a succession of Rectory cats – as did his interest in aircraft, shared with his father.

Aged 11, he went to boarding school at Pocklington in Yorkshire, where he made lifelong friends. He was good academically and at sport, and enjoyed holidays visiting the family, stationed in Cyprus.

After initially reading law at Nottingham, Simon transferred to history at Wentworth

Post university, he joined the MOD ‘fast stream’ in Whitehall. Brought up as a Humanist, in 1984 he attended a Mission event in London, and in 1987 he began to question what God wanted him to do with his life. Discussions with the local vicar, Nigel Stowe, led to theological education in Oxford, a Curacy in Chesham and ministry as a vicar/rector at Haversham, Liphook and Whitton. In Whitton, he used his superb organisational and inter-personal skills to help us become a single Parish, seeking to serve God, one another and the communities “out there” in new and better ways.

His wider contribution was recognised when he was made a Canon of Salisbury Cathedral, but his heart was always in parish ministry – especially rural – where he revelled in being part of the communities he served, working in schools (introducing the famous toy-box animals, and as a governor), and training others for ministry. His legacy lives on through those he supported in their own journeys to faith and ministry, where his generous spirit delighted in seeing others flourish. Judith played an integral role in Simon’s ministry – they were a team, always. Together, they weathered Simon’s initial brush with cancer, and taught us a great deal about coping with adversity, with

Revd Canon Simon Weeden, Team Rector of the

Benefice from

faith, love and good humour.

In parallel with Simon’s growth in faith, came a growing family: Andrew in 1987, Jonathan in 1989. As a dedicated father, he was always willing to help out and get stuck

in – nothing was too much trouble. The boys recall yearly camping holidays: boiling hot/freezing cold/waterlogged. Simon’s solution was always simply to add or remove a jumper – but once their sons had flown the nest, a snazzy camper van enabled Judith and Simon to tour in comfort!

Simon’s retirement to Newport Pagnell in 2019 was soon disrupted by Covid and by his rapidly deteriorating health, but he still managed to make the most of things, enjoying family gatherings and watching cricket. He delighted in seeing his sons settle down: he had married Andrew and Emma at Holy Cross, and was able to attend Jonathan and Kate’s wedding last year. The icing on the cake was the arrival of baby Harry, whom Simon simply adored. Simon’s own mantra was that at the end of a Christian life the question should not be: ‘What did he/she do?’ but ‘How did he/she live?’. Simon lived faithfully, generously, thoughtfully, caringly, happily and lovingly. We are saddened to have lost him too soon, but we are blessed in having had him, and grateful that we were able to say “goodbye” in Holy Cross – a place where he led our worship and shared God’s love with us.

Flying Fishes needs Help!

Started five years ago, Flying Fishes has been providing monthly sessions in the Church Rooms in Ramsbury for young children to hear Bible stories and enjoy craft activities, games and refreshments. During the Covid lockdowns we kept in touch by delivering goody bags to regulars in their homes. Attendance has averaged 14 children and their adult carers with 4/5 volunteer supporters. After the next session on 14th December I

shall be stepping down, but I remain keen that this popular initiative should continue. So, please do consider if you might come forward to lead these monthly sessions which clearly meet a demand in Ramsbury. Do contact me (01672 521413) or either of the clergy, Reverends Beth Hutton (01672 520235) and Sue Rodd (01672 541571), to discuss details and whether you might help.

Liz Nash

Winter Solstice

A Midwinter festival has been a part of life since pre-Christian times. When the hours of daylight are fewest, the warmth of the sun weakest, and life itself seemingly at a standstill, our ancestors, the pagan peoples of Europe and Western Asia, kept festival by lighting bonfires and decorating their buildings with evergreens.

Perhaps they believed that the dying sun could be enheartened by fire, and the life of the buried seed assured by the presence of evergreen branches.

With the advent of Christianity, the Spring gods became identified with Christ, and the birthday of the sun with the birthday of the Light of the World.

The early church father Tertullian did not

approve of Christmas decorations. “Let those who have no light in themselves light candles!... You are the light of the world, you are the tree ever green....” But, by the time of St Gregory and St Augustine, four centuries later, this had changed. Pope Gregory instructed Augustine not to worry about harmless outward customs, as long as the right God be worshipped through them. And so, many Anglo-Saxon customs were never discarded, but simply endowed with a new significance.

By 1598 one John Stow of London wrote how: ‘Against the feast of Christmas, every man’s house, as also their parish churches, were decked with holme, ivie, bayes, and whatsoever the season of the yeare afforded to be greene.’

Axford Angle...

Community Spirit

Well Christmas is on its way and although it might be a tight time for some, we are lucky — we have roofs over our heads, food in the cupboard and can walk out of our homes without fear.

Sadly, it is not the case in Ukraine, where war zones, displaced people, destroyed homes and infrastructures haunt their people. But thanks to Caragh Booth and the amazing support she engenders, there is yet again a spectacular number of supplies in Axford Village Hall waiting to get transported to help with food, camping equipment supplies and presents for children.

Enormous thanks must go to Caragh for organising and to the people that have helped her get it all sorted for their dedication in making this happen

Diann Barnett, Axford

Oil (Petroleum) — What is it good for? Quite a lot actually!

When I was very small, I remember I had great fun playing with a soap shaker making lots of soapy froth in the sink. If you have never heard of one of those, you’d be in good company!

These are wire mesh containers, on a long handle, which open to take a bar of soap and can be swished in hot water to create suds. This is how household soap was used back in the day — for washing most things. Mostly, however, the soap shaker went out of use with the invention of detergent and certainly was obsolete in my home by the 60s. Hallelujah cried my parents. The household soap had never cleaned the dishes as efficiently as this new-fangled ‘dish wash’ detergent as it always left a soapy scum requiring lots of rinsing. Welcome to the modern age and detergents, thanks to petroleum products and borax/ borates.

However, the soap shaker seems to be making a come-back. There are ‘Green Good Life’ bloggers and ‘influencers’ extolling the virtues of the soap shaker as an alternative to the nasty oil by-product that is detergent — plain old washing up liquid! Incidentally, soap has been around since ancient Babylonian times. Detergent (synthetic) has been used since WW1 and was invented in Germany following soap ingredient shortages. Detergent quickly overtook more natural soap because they work more easily, more effectively and, crucially required far less water!

These days there are plenty of handy products we are being extolled to stop using. The protesters who glue themselves to roads and works of art to exhort us to

JUST STOP using oil, for example. They wish us all to move away from all petrochemical based products. But there is more to oil than just about running our cars and home

heating, for example the detergent noted above, and also facial cleaners, shampoo, dyes, paints, fertilisers and most important plastics (and even glue!)

What might this include which we don’t think about? Firstly, absolutely all synthetic clothes — acrylic, polyester and nylon etc — are made from oil. So must we go back to cotton and linen? Perhaps, except that cotton remains one of the most polluting materials to produce thanks to intensive agricultural practices, artificial fertilisers and pesticides. So, only organic cotton — much more expensive, relatively hard to produce on a large scale and still requiring vast amounts of water to produce.

Putting aside the obvious proliferation of plastic packaging in our lives, here are a few other products which are actually made from oil and that we might struggle to replace:

• Blister packs for almost ever prescription pill

• Asphalt for road surfaces

• Keyboards and computer monitors

• Mobile phones

• Toothpaste (many brands include Poloxamer 407 which is a non-ionic surfactant)

• Spectacles (maybe called ‘glasses’ but 90 per cent have plastic lens these days

• Contact lens

• Crayons (of course they are… as are most children’s toys these days)

• lipstick (and anything which is based on paraffin wax which includes much makeup)

• Printing ink (and the ink cartridges!)

• All sports balls (football etc)

• Traffic cones (what would we do without them!?)

• Glue (Most modern glues — ranging from the Super Glue so beloved of eco-activists

protesting against plastics, through to cutting-edge adhesives used in surgery.)

• All those face masks (53 million were going to landfill every day during the 2020 peak pandemic)

In fact, when you look around, so much of our lives depend on oil-related products. How would we begin to replace them?

The British Plastics Federation estimate that between 4 and 6 per cent of all European oil is currently used for plastic production. There are alternatives… cellulose from plants for instance — but: “The production of plastic products uses far less energy compared to those made from alternative materials. Substituting plastics with alternatives would increase the lifecycle energy consumption of these products by approximately 57% and the greenhouse gas emissions would rise by 61%.”

The UK is already one of the most expensive places to get petroleum out of the ground, and replacing its usage is not necessarily an easy fix! Recycling will be key. [https:// www.bpf.co.uk]

The UK Plastics Pact, [https://wrap.org. uk] for instance is working to eliminate problematic or unnecessary singleuse packaging and to make 100% of plastics packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. WRAP hopes to get 70% of plastics recycled and all plastic packaging to include at least 30% recycled content. There are some big-name signatories, which is very positive.

Meanwhile, many of the high-profile anti oil protest groups are big on rhetoric but seem to offer no concrete response to the problems of replacing the oil and therefore the petroleum products that our society has come to rely on.

A good place to read more on this subject is the BBC’s Future Planet series; https://www.bbc.com/future/ article/20220526-what-would-happen-ifwe-stopped-using-plastic.

Click here to take you to the BBC Future Planet pages on the BBC website...

Visit your village library

Aldbourne and Ramsbury Libraries have both reopened and currently offer the opening hours below: Aldbourne

Monday: 1.30 – 4.30 pm and 5 – 7 pm

Tuesday: 10 am – 12 pm *

Thursday: 1.30 – 4.30 pm

Ramsbury

Monday: 2 – 4 pm *

Wednesday: 10 am – 12 pm * Saturday: 10am – 12 pm *

* Volunteer operated opening hours. Volunteers wanted

If you are interested in volunteering contact Jane Hunt on 01225 713792 or at jane.hunt@wiltshire.gov.uk

...returns on Friday January 20th 2023 with

DEATH ON THE NILE Cert 12A

Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian adventure aboard a glamorous river steamer descends into a terrifying search for a murderer when an idyllic honeymoon is shattered by violent deaths. Directed by Kenneth Branagh.

We are always keen to have more members of the Roxy team. Please email roxy@ramsbury.org for more details

Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film night or £4.50 on the door. Door and bar open at 7.15pm, film starts at 8pm. Please email roxy@ramsbury.org for more details

Chilton Foliat School

We have welcomed the children back to a blustery, balmy and busy second term! Just before we look forward, a chance to reflect on the end of our first term together. We ended on a high note with our delightful and happy Harvest Service. It was great to see so many of our families in church, joining our children in songs and prayers. What a sight we made as we “marched” down the hill! Thank you for the many generous donations of food and other goods for our Rainbow Harvest collection. Your kind gifts were taken straight to the Food Bank on the day.

We shall be celebrating Children in Need Day on Friday 18th November 2022. As part of the School Council initiatives for 2022/2023, three charities have been chosen which the children would like to support, and which reflect our values and our outward looking view on our world. The

first charity is Children in Need and we have allocated Friday 18th November 2022 as our Children in Need Day. At our last meeting, the whole School Council discussed and agreed a number of activities which will help raise funds for Pudsey. We look forward to sharing how we got on.

We are starting to look ahead to the festive season, some of the events include a visit from M & M productions and their performance of Aladdin, the KS1 Nativity, Christmas lunch and Christmas Jumper day with the term culminating in the Christmas service at St Mary’s church on Friday 16th December.

Katie Turner, Headteacher

TWO’S COMPANY

My name is Marilyn I live in Ramsbury, I am a retired qualified Therapist / Counsellor offering a home sitting service to the elderly. I have worked in my private practice, also for the NHS in Surgeries. I have experience working with Bereavement and Depression, I also hold a valid DBS Certificate.

TWO’S COMPANY was established because older people can be especially vulnerable to feelings of isolation. I have a special interest in the elderly; however, I do not offer care in the home, my service is a professional listening and talking service to anyone who would appreciate some company especially those who are confined to the home.

Our elderly relatives and friends are precious to us so its important to leave them with a trustworthy person whom they can relate to.

If you would like to find out more about me, what I offer and my fees please either contact me on marilyn.fremlin1@btinternet. com or call me on 07387289221

Marilyn Fremlin Dip Couns.

temptation to hibernate may be appealing, so here are some tips about how to stay healthy and happy during winter time.

Keep protected against ‘flu and Covid Viruses are more prevalent in the winter time and spread more easily as people spend more time indoors.

Everyone over 50 who does not have a long term medical condition can now book an appointment for a free ‘flu jab. If you have been contacted about you Covid vaccination please get vaccinated!

Keep eating well

Vitamins and minerals have a vital role in keeping your immune system on fighting form through the winter months.

Eat the rainbow:

• Orange and yellow produce such as squash and pumpkin provide vitamin A.

• Dark green vegetables including kale, chard, spinach, rocket, brussels sprouts and sprouting broccoli are a good source of B vitamins, as well as vitamins C, E and K, iron, calcium and folate.

• Sustainable, plant-based sources of protein like beans and pulses are packed with gut-friendly fibre and so important of our immune response.

• Omega-3 fats, which you can find in oily fish and algae-based supplements, are also key for immune function, as well as mental health.

• Make root vegetables, which are high in potassium, into tasty, warm stews.

• Take a vitamin D supplement. You get no vitamin D from sunshine during winter. Boost your level and keep your bones,

muscles and brain from feeling achy and tired.

Keep warm

Older people and children under five are more vulnerable to the cold. Many of us are worried about keeping warm this winter. If possible, aim to keep your home between 18C and 21C (64F and 70F degrees) and wear your winter woollies and jumpers if you are not already. Hot drinks and food will give you a warming sensation and tea especially is full of antioxidants which are beneficial in preventing premature ageing and cancer.

Keep active

Continue to do the activities you enjoy. Get out in the garden, wrap up warm and go for a walk, exercise and socialise. Parkrun on Marlborough Common on Saturday morning in the wind and rain is no fun, but warming up afterwards with a cup of coffee and a chat with friends is fun. If you are less mobile you could try chair based exercise, like chair yoga.

Don’t get SAD! Lack of daylight can have a big impact on mood during the winter with many of us experiencing the winter blues and around 3% developing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The brain produces less serotonin without sunlight, which can cause depression, and less sunlight can also increase melatonin, which can cause feelings of sleepiness. So try to get as much natural light as possible. A walk, preferably at midday or, if you are less mobile, sit by the window. Some people find it helps to use a light box or lamp which gives off a strong white or blue light. Exposing yourself to natural light will also support your body’s natural circadian rhythms and help you have a better night’s sleep - crucial for mood and immune health. Eating well, keeping warm and active will also help to beat the winter blues and SAD.

Keep healthy, happy and warm and enjoy wintertime.

Best wishes, Dr Angela Paddon and the team at The Old School Surgery

Fascinating finale to WI Centenary Celebrations

We drew our Centenary Celebrations to a close in fine style in November, welcoming 26 friends from neighbouring WIs to our monthly meeting. Our speaker was Malcolm Wells MBE, who told us something about his varied and fascinating life. Leaving school at 16 his only talent lay in music, where he had achieved grade 8 in the cello. A friend suggested that he joined the army, which at the time had the oldest full-size symphony orchestra in the world. (Sadly this no longer exists.) Running alongside his career as an army musician, Malcolm has always been involved in charity work, first with assistance dogs and latterly with encouraging literacy in developing countries.

Malcolm had a fund of stories to entertain us, whether inadvertently playing “The king is in the altogether” at a reception at Buckingham Palace, playing the theme from BBC’s “Grandstand” before a World Cup final at Wembley, when the match was actually being televised on ITV, or treating an unexploded SCUD missile with much less than the respect that it deserved. And then there was the time he went to Buckingham Palace to be awarded his MBE and was wearing such an elaborate uniform that June Whitfield mistook him for a footman and asked him where the ladies room was — he is a very warm hearted man and great fun as a speaker.

Our next monthly meeting is on Thursday 1 December at 7.30pm in the Church Rooms, Back Lane. Froxfield Pelicans Morris Dancers are coming to entertain us, and I am sure there will be an opportunity to join in the dancing at some point. Visitors are welcome to join us. There will be a competition for a spray of autumn foliage in

a small vase. Tickets will be on sale at the meeting for our New Year Party, which will be on Friday 13 January - we defy augury! The party will be in Ramsbury Memorial Hall as usual, with a catered 2-course meal and all drinks included. Tickets are £15 for members and £35 for guests. After 1 December the tickets will be on sale in Ramsbury Post Office. Can members please note that they must purchase their tickets before the end of December, as we have to give final numbers to our caterer. If anyone would like a lift to the Memorial Hall (and home again!) please speak to Mary or Rosalie.

On Monday 5 December Ramsbury is hosting the annual Carol Concert at 7.30pm in the Church Rooms. We shall welcome friends from Aldbourne and Chilton Foliat to an evening of carols and readings followed by tea, coffee and mince pies. The theme this year is “friendship”, and the collection will be in aid of Swindon Women’s Refuge. Any enquiries to (01672) 520908.

On Wednesday 14 December we shall be going to The Crown and Anchor for a Christmas Lunch. Two and three course options will be available and by the time you read this all the arrangements will be in place.

There will be the usual coffee morning on Thursday 15 December in Poppies Cafe at the Royal British Legion Club from 10.30am onwards.

And so, it only remains for me to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year, and we look forward to plenty more fun and friendship with the WI in 2023.

Please contact WI@ramsbury.org or ring (01672) 520908 or 520261 if you would like any more information about Ramsbury WI.

Dreams can come true

As a child I had a fascination with Ocean Liners that could travel as far away as America and beyond. I loved seeing photographs of the Queen Mary and recall seeing an old Pathe’ newsreel of Winston Churchill’s return from

New York on the Queen Mary in 1953. The sheer size of the ship and the splendour within was wonderful and too much for a small child to really comprehend. Built in 1934 the interior was of the Art Deco style, the wonderful light fittings and furnishings were very much of that time, what splendour for its passengers!

Back in 2017, I was very fortunate to visit

Iconic lighting in the cocktail bar

the old Queen Mary, which is now a hotel and sits in dock at Long Beach, California. The Americans bought her in 1967, following refurbishments she has been a floating hotel ever since.

Setting foot on her was a great experience for me, I sat in the cocktail bar surrounded by a wealth of history, the Iconic lighting and furniture still exist. Many celebrity passengers travelled to New York on her including The Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, General Dwight Eisenhower to name just a few.

Queen Mary at Long Beach

Back in the Summer our son Harvey handed us an envelope which contained a 4-night cruise on the Queen Mary 2! On 14th October we set sail for Hamburg, it was of course more about the journey than the destination and my fascination of the ship which was launched in 2003. It is now the only liner in the world, I was delighted to find the characteristics of the original had been largely preserved in its décor. It is a very elegant liner, and oozes grandeur whether you are in the main lobby with its beautiful

The Grand Lobby

staircase, or simply using the lifts that are all walnut and mirrored glass in Art Deco style.

As those of you who have cruised will know there is a packed daily itinerary which includes shows, talks etc., We were lucky enough to be able to hear Stephen Payne MBE, who was the Naval Architect of the Queen Mary 2, give a talk on how she was built. He told a wonderful story about when he was a child he was watching Blue Peter, they were doing a feature about the Queen Mary and said there will never be another ship like it. He wrote in and complained for making such a statement and received a blue Peter Badge. Cutting a very long story short Stephen pursued his dream of becoming a Naval Architect and, guess what, he built the Queen Mary 2. For this he was awarded a Gold Blue Peter badge joining only a handful of recipients including the Queen! I met Stephen after the talk and was able to personally congratulate him on this amazing achiement and thanked him for incorporating so much of the original design in the QM2.

During those wonderful 4 days, we experienced much of what QM2 had to offer, although there were still many more experiences and adventures to be had. For me though it was the culmination of a dream that really did come true.

Marilyn Fremlin Meeting Stephen Payne MBE Naval Architect

Hello everyone, Well its been an odd year, in fact it’s been a strange few years; but we have come through it and hopefully out the other end - albeit with maybe a different attitude and possibly a few scars on the way.

Members that paid their subs in 2019/2020 have remained members throughout, some have joined during the last couple of years and you have all been most generous in making

Bella Voce Choir are delighted to present our December Concert; SIX CENTURIES OF SONG. Please come along and support your local choir, tickets are still available from Ramsbury Post Office. See Poster below for further details… We look forward to seeing you.

donations to Hort Soc for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Wiltshire Search and Rescue in the years we have not had our usual events.

We have decided that 2023 is going to be a fresh start with talks, outings and shows again! So watch this space and we will keep you updated as we go.

The AGM and new schedule arrival will be on Monday 30th January, so a date for next years new diary/calendar.

Diann Barnett

invite you to a Winter Concert

Saturday 3rd December - 7.30pm

Holy Cross Church, Ramsbury Tickets £8 (under 18s free) Bar and Raffle

Tickets available from Ramsbury Post Office

The Knitting Group will meet on Tuesday, December 13th from 2pm. at 55a, High Street, Ramsbury. We have some lovely “hand knits” for babies to 5 year olds, so do think of that if you need a present for a small child.

We also have a very special pure silk, striped man’s scarf for that difficult member on your present list.

Estrid Eyles, 01672 520789.

Link held another very successful coffee morning in the British Legion for clients and drivers on November 4th, with around 25 people attending. There will be another on Friday December 2nd at 10.30am - so if you are a LINK

client or driver please come along.

As ever we need more drivers-contact Penny on 520111 for details if you are interested. We pay 45p a mile and any out of pocket expenses.

If you need a lift for medical appointments, shopping, hairdressing etc please contact Penny on (01675) 520111 for details. The service is free but small donations are welcome.

Braving the rain to Walk in the Light

It was, indeed, ‘a dark and stormy night’ Monday 31st October… but that didn’t deter the intrepid group of adults and children who joined the Ramsbury ‘Walk in the Light’.

This is our alternative to Halloween, organised by Flying Fishes and friends, which took place in the churchyard of Holy Cross Church between at 5.00pm and 7.00pm.

Despite the wretched weather the many enthusiastic families followed the pumpkin trail and, like last year, the families found a question at each pumpkin. Answers led to the hidden word at the end of the trail — ILLUMINATE.

Finally, everyone was invited into the church to light a candle and could also write

a prayer on a pumpkin notelet for someone special and pin their prayer to a board.

At the end of the trail the damp, but still enthusiastic walkers returned to the Church Rooms to check the answers to their quiz, receive a ‘goodie bag’ and enjoyed restorative tea and cakes.

As in previous years, all the donations made at the Walk in the Light were sent to the Swindon Food Collective.

A huge vote of thanks goes to all the stalwart stewards who kept people safe and on the right course around the churchyard, and to the volunteers who signed in the participants and then served the refreshments.

Liz Hawes

Leading the way in environmentally friendly Computer Services

IT Recycling

Our core area of business is IT Recycling and we are experts in the field. We collect and dispose of all IT equipment in line with current legislation and the EU WEEE directive.

To arrange a collection, call or email 01672 520133, sales@greenmachinecomputers.com

Alternatively drop it into us at 5 & 6 Whittonditch Works, Ramsbury, Wiltshire, SN8 2XB.

We offer IT support and Repairs from our offices for local businesses and residents, we also have

a selection of IT equipment available to sell.

All the IT equipment we collect is audited, data wiped, repaired and refurbished to a high standard in line with Microsoft Guidelines.

We hold certification with the Environment Agency and Microsoft, and we have accreditation with ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Services. greenmachinecomputers.com

Hungerford

Wednesdays, from Ramsbury (The Square 10.06am), Chilton Foliat at 10.15am and Froxfield at 10.30am. Fridays, from Aldbourne at 10.00am, Ramsbury, The Square at 10.15am and Froxfield at 10.30am. Bus passes can be used!

Marlborough

1st & 3rd Wednesdays each month (7th & 21st December), calling at Chilton Foliat at 1pm (booking required), Ramsbury at 1.10pm and Albourne at 1.30pm. Returning at 2.45pm. Bus passes can be used!

Newbury

2nd Thursday of each month (9th December). Leaving The Square, Ramsbury at 11.30am and returning from Newbury at 2.30pm. Fare £4.

Christmas Outings

Monday 5th December: Winchester and the Christmas Market.  Leaving The Square, Ramsbury at 9.30am. Fare £15.00

Friday 9th December Hungerford Victorian Evening. Enjoy the Christmas festivities, stalls, etc.  Leaving The Square, Ramsbury at 5.30pm.  Fare £3.00

Wednesday 14th December Enchanted Gardens Light Trail, Victoria Gardens, Swindon.  Leaving The Square, Ramsbury at 4.30pm.  Entry Tickets: Adults £11, Children £6.  Fare: £5/£2.50.   Please book by Saturday 10th December. To book please call Janet by Saturday 10th December on 01672 520682 / 07584 253117. Surgery Transport continues every Tuesday and Thursday morning. For news about Surgery transport or further information please visit ramsburyflyer.org

The history of Christmas

The Bible does not give a date for the birth of Jesus. In the third century it was suggested that Jesus was conceived at the Spring equinox, 25th March, popularising the belief that He was born nine months later on 25th December. John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople, encouraged Christians worldwide to make Christmas a holy day in about 400.

In the early Middle Ages, Christians celebrated a series of midwinter holy days. Epiphany (which recalls the visit to the infant Jesus of the wise men bearing gifts) was the climax of 12 days of Christmas, beginning on 25th December. The Emperor Charlemagne chose 25th December for his coronation in 800, and the prominence of Christmas Day rose. In England, William the Conqueror also chose 25th December for his coronation in 1066, and the date became a fixture both for religious observance and feasting.

Cooking a boar was a common feature of mediaeval Christmas feasts, and singing carols accompanied it. Writers of the time lament the fact that the true significance of Christmas was being lost because of partying. They condemn the rise of ‘misrule’ – drunken dancing and promiscuity. The day was a public holiday, and traditions of bringing evergreen foliage into the house and the exchange of gifts (usually on Epiphany) date from this time.

In the 17th century the rise of new Protestant denominations led to a rejection of many celebrations that were associated with Catholic Christianity. Christmas was one of them. After the execution of Charles I, England’s Puritan rulers made the celebration of Christmas illegal for 14 years. The restoration of Charles II ended the ban, but religious leaders continued to discourage excess, especially in Scotland. In

Western Europe (but not worldwide) the day for exchanging gifts changed from Epiphany (6th January) to Christmas Day.

By the 1820s, there was a sense that the significance of Christmas was declining. Charles Dickens was one of several writers who sought to restore it. His novel A Christmas Carol was significant in reviving merriment during the festival. He emphasised charity and family reunions, alongside religious observance. Christmas trees, paper chains, cards and many well-known carols date from this time. So did the tradition of Boxing Day, on 26th December, when tradesmen who had given reliable service during the year would collect ‘boxes’ of money or gifts from their customers.

In Europe Santa Claus is the figure associated with the bringing of gifts. Santa Claus is a shortening of the name of Saint Nicholas, who was a Christian bishop in the fourth century in present-day Turkey. He was particularly noted for his care for children and for his generosity to the poor. By the Middle Ages his appearance, in red bishop’s robes and a mitre, was adored in the Netherlands and familiar across Europe.

Father Christmas dates from 17th century England, where he was a secular figure of good cheer (more associated with drunkenness than gifts). The transformation of Santa Claus into today’s Father Christmas started in New York in the 1880s, where his red robes and white beard became potent advertising symbols. In some countries (such as Latin America and Eastern Europe) the tradition attempts to combine the secular and religious elements by holding that Santa Claus makes children’s presents and then gives them to the baby Jesus to distribute.

Phoenix Brass tunes up for Christmas

Seasonal Tunes at The Parade Cinema, Marlborough, 12 noon

Saturday, 10 December — Christmas Carols and Seasonal Tunes, Marlborough High Street, 10.00am

Sunday, 11 December — Christmas Concert with Marlborough Accordion Orchestra and Marlborough Community Choir, Marlborough Town Hall, 2.30pm

Phoenix Brass has been rehearsing Christmas carols and festive tunes for the past few weeks. Froxfielders may have heard the uplifting melodies of Christmas carols coming from rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the War Memorial Hall!

For most of us, thinking of Christmas may have seemed a few weeks away, but as a band, the players must start rehearsing new musical pieces and be ready for the upcoming engagements well in advance. And, there’s nothing more traditional than a Brass Band at Christmas — Phoenix Brass loves to bring Christmas cheer to the local community!

Before the start of the festive period, Phoenix Brass will have led the Remembrance Parade in Marlborough, playing afterwards for the Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Church, Marlborough. The Band kicked off its festive period by playing carols for the Switch on of Marlborough Christmas Lights in Marlborough High Street on Friday, 18 November 2022.

It’s a busy time for us — players will be out in December performing at more than eleven private and public engagements that this year include several new venues.

Sunday, 4 December — Carols and

Thursday, 15 December — Brass and Carols at The Tipple Inn, Collingbourne Ducis, 7.30pm Saturday, 17 December — Carols and Seasonal Tunes at the Cooperative Store, Pewsey, 10.00am Thursday, 22 December — Carols around the Christmas Tree, Froxfield War Memorial Hall, followed by Grand Christmas Draw, 7.15pm.

The provision of training facilities is particularly important to Phoenix Brass so do make contact if you wish to rekindle previous brass playing or wish to join the Band to start a new hobby. The Band is committed to giving players of any age or ability the chance to perform and will supply instruments, group tuition and ongoing support to anyone interested in learning.

Richard Fradgley, Froxfield

Enquiries relating to the Main Band, please contact David Watson, Musical Director, 01672 841315. Enquiries relating to the Training Band, please contact Marilyn Mason, 01672 512634.

Enquiries for booking the Band or anything else, please contact the Band Secretary, Richard Fradgley 01488 685004.

For more information, please see the Phoenix Brass Band website: www.phoenixbrassband.co.uk

The story of mince pies

Did you know that mince pies have been traditional English Christmas fare since the Middle Ages, when meat was a key ingredient? The addition of spices, suet and alcohol to meat came about because it

was an alternative to salting and smoking in order to preserve the food. Mince pies used to be a different shape - cradle-shaped with a pastry baby Jesus on top.

D r i n k , a n d B e M e r r y

A wreath for Christmas

Don’t forget Holy Cross would love to have a wreath from you for Christmas. Please bring your wreaths to the church between 9.00 and 10.30 on Wednesday 21st when we will be there to greet you

with open arms. Any queries to Liz Hawes 521223 or Jane Handford 520545.

Size of wreath: Minimum 12”, Maximum 16” and made only with natural materials which can be sprayed and artificial berries can be used if holly berries are scarce.

Local lad leads Christmas Appeal for Ukrainian Children

Ramsbury Primary School Year 6 pupil, Ted Wallage organised a Ukrainian Christmas Present Appeal at school.

Ted asked families at Ramsbury Primary School to donate new, and ‘as new’ gifts which were to be given to children in Ukraine. Suggested gifts included colouring pencils, pens, balls, soft toys, hats, gloves, socks, games – wrapped in shoeboxes and as individual gifts.

The results were amazing! The Ramsbury children brought in an abundance of lovely gifts, all beautifully wrapped and labelled with an approximate appropriate age of the intended recipient.

“We have been so impressed with Ted and how he has organised this Appeal. He has galvanised the rest of the school in supporting this wonderful charity and we are all very proud of him,” said Sian Haynes, Ted’s Class 6 Teacher.

These presents will now be transported by the organisers of the charity, UK to Ukraine (www. uktoukraine.com). Here is a link to the charity’s Instagram account if you would like to follow the presents on their journey!

Ramsbury Parish Council News

We are still working on our Emergency Plan and have recently completed consultation on the proposed precept for 2023/24 which we hope to keep revenue neutral in keeping with the present difficult financial circumstances.

In response to increasing electricity charges we have liaised with the Memorial Hall trustees and power for the public loo and the churchyard lights will now be drawn from the Hall supply with the Parish Council reimbursing the Trustees for power used so reducing standing charges.

Christmas trees and lights

These will be put up in the High Street as usual, in conjunction with Ramsbury Estates.

We would like to thank Bob Foale and his team and Ramsbury British Legion for organising the Remembrance Day parade and refreshments with their usual efficiency, and Revd Beth Hutton for conducting the service.

The whole event which was attended by around 200 people went extremely well on a beautiful day.

Thanks also to Paul Snook who is retiring this year after many years organising the poppy collection and wreaths.

Check the Parish Council website www. ramsbury.org.uk for details of Parish Council and village events and news as well as local businesses and the village diary

Warm Spaces

The winter is going to be a difficult time for some residents. The British Legion is open 10am to 2pm weekdays and on the 2nd and 4th Sundays the WI welcomes everyone to the Church Rooms 2.30pm to 4pm, tea and cake, chat, board games. Don’t sit at home in the cold!

The Parish Council meeting in December is on the second Monday (December 12th) in the Memorial Hall 7.45pm. There will be wine and mince pies. All are welcome

Christmas at the Hills Stores Charity Shop

The Charity Shop Christmas Shop starts on Saturday December 3rd 10am-12.30. We have lots of bargains-toys, gifts, books, decorations, stocking fillers many of them brand new as well as the usual household goods and bric-a-brac Come along for a bargain-we all need all the help we can get this Christmas. The Christmas Shop will continue through December but don’t forget-the early bird gets the worm-once it’s gone it’s gone. All profits to village organisations.

Sheila Glass & Mary Holdsworth

in December

As we head into winter there are still plenty of seasonal jobs to do this month:

Ornamental garden

• Take hardwood cuttings of deciduous shrubs such as viburnums, inserting them deeply into the soil so only a third remains above the soil surface.

• Check dahlia tubers and canna rhizomes and remove any that have rotted. If you’ve left your dahlia tubers in the ground, mulch them with a dry mulch such as bark chippings to protect them from frost

• Mulch borderline hardy plants such as Agapanthus and Phygelius with a thick layer of straw, bark chippings or compost to protect them from hard frosts

• Bring autumn-planted bowls of paper-white narcissi and hyacinths into a cool room ready for Christmas flowering

• If you planted sweet peas in the autumn, pinch their tips out this month to encourage bushiness

• Watch out for signs of downy mildew (pale blotches and fuzzy grey mould) on winter-flowering pansies and remove the leaves as soon as they appear.

• Check indoor cyclamen plants for Botrytis (grey mould) and remove the affected leaves.

Vegetable and fruit

• You can force rhubarb now for early tender stems by covering the crowns with a dark-coloured bucket or a forcer

• Blueberries can be planted now in pots of ericaceous soil: plant two different cultivars to make sure you get good cross-pollination

• Check stored produce regularly for rotting fruit and vegetables

• Apply winter washes to fruit trees to control overwintering pests

• Start to prune apple and pear trees to let in more light and air

• Net your brassicas to protect them from pigeons

• Continue harvesting leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage and sprouts Greenhouse and maintenance

• Inspect plants in the greenhouse and remove any leaves affected by grey mould, and check for whitefly or red spider mite

• On mild days, ventilate the greenhouse

• Clean old pots and seed trays ready for next spring

• Insulate garden taps and exposed pipework

• Clean birdbaths and bird feeders regularly with a mild disinfectant

Susie Whimster

Allotments

The AGM of the Allotment Association will have been held on Tuesday November 29th at 7pm in the Lychgate Room. Current allotment holders should attend and pay their rent and sign tenancy agreements for 2023. There are still a few half allotments available — If you are interested in a

plot for 2023 contact Denise Edwards on 07867921878, or come along to the AGM

Take on a plot now and you will be set for spring. Half plots are £35 a year - less than 70p a week for fresh vegetables and exercise.

Spread the word about the Talking Newspaper

The Marlborough & District Talking Newspaper (M&DTN) is a Registered Charity which caters for the blind and those with impaired sight. It is run entirely by volunteers, and began recording in 1987, since when the teams have continued to record a weekly programme of local and national news, together with articles of general interest from various magazines and other publications.

These were originally sent out on audio cassette tapes but in 2013 went digital, and it is now produced using digital memory sticks.

Listeners are given (Free of Charge) a simple-to-use hand-held ‘play back’ unit called an ‘Orb’ into which they insert their digital memory sticks. The units and digital memory sticks remain the property of the Marlborough Talking Newspaper and are

returned when the person no longer requires them.

The memory sticks are sent out to the listeners in Yellow Wallets for which the Post Office makes no charge. The listeners then return them back to the Marlborough & District Talking Newspaper when they have finished listening to them (again through the post – Free of Charge).

Our mission at the Marlborough & District Talking Newspaper is to reach as many people as possible in Marlborough and the surrounding area who might benefit from the service.

Do you know of someone who has not heard about us and who would benefit from receiving the Marlborough & District Talking Newspaper? A word from you, and together we could brighten their life.

Christmas Events at the Royal British Legion

Christmas Fair and Cafe

Saturday 3rd December The Memorial Hall 11am to 3pm

- Craft stalls, hot food and mulled wine

- Christmas Tractors and Visit from Santa’s Donkeys

- Dog Fancy Dress Competition

- Games and Festive fun

Big Prize Christmas Bingo

Memorial Hall

Saturday 3rd December

7pm for eyes down at 7.30pm Bar and refreshments available

Christmas Quiz

Saturday 17th December 8pm start

£1 for member, £2 for non members Max 6 per team

Lots of festive fun and great prizes

A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported the Legion this year, and we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Rose Howe and the team at the Ramsbury British Legion

On Thursday 10th November Chilton Foliat WI got well into the festive spirit by making wreaths and crackers at a special seasonal craft session. Members and guests showed off their individual talents personalizing each wreath with great care and imagination.

Although most materials were supplied, some members also brought along their special pieces to enhance their work.

In the ‘cracker’ corner our ladies made up some beautiful Christmas crackers again adding their own trinkets inside for a festive surprise once they are pulled. I did hear that sellotape was used but I’m sure our ladies would not cheat, would they ??

As well as the traditional style there were a good number of ‘Santa Brussel Sprout’ crackers which added a real fun side to the activity.

All in all it was a super fun packed evening with some fabulous results and hopefully given our group some hints and ideas for their Christmas decorations at home. The annual Carol Concert this year will be held on Monday 5th December when Ramsbury WI will be our hosts in the Church

Rooms, Ramsbury.

Chilton Foliat WI’s December meeting will be in the village hall on Thursday 8th December when we will be discussing “Christmas in Foreign Lands.”

Looking at other countries ways of celebrating Christmas, their culture and their food. There will be traditional English fare for our members to enjoy as well as some traditional games. Please note, this meeting is for WI members and invited guests only.

Looking ahead to next year, our committee already have an exciting full diary of events booked and most of our meetings are open to guests. For full details or any other information about Chilton Foliat WI, fees, events or members, please contact the secretary, Julia, at: womens.institute@ chiltonfoliat.com or telephone me direct on 01488 683190

My personal thanks to the WI committee, our members and all who have supported Chilton Foliat over this last year and can I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy Christmas.

Liz Outridge, President

“Look what I made!”

Methodist Church Services

Sunday 4th December 10.30am 2nd week in Advent Service led by Revd Andrew Bird.

Sunday 11th December 10.30am 3rd Week in Advent  Service led by local Preacher.

Sunday 18th December 10.30am 4 week in Advent H/C Service led by Revd Stephen Skinner

Dear All

As we arrive in Advent, we look at the Advent wreath and candles: do we understand the four traditional themes of the four candles?

The first candle is the candle of Hope — like a candle shinning in a dark; a place for God’s people.

The second candle is for Peace. This represents the Old Testament prophets and is the candle of peace.

The third candle is lit for John the Baptist and is the candle of Love.

The fourth candle is for Mary the mother of Jesus — the candle of Joy.

A fifth Candle is then lit on Christmas Day, for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

All are welcome to join and hear the stories week by week, through our services

Carol singing round the tree

This will take place on Monday 19th December at 7pm, with the Ramsbury Silver Band. Come along to sing carols and join us for refreshments.

December Coffee Mornings at the Lychgate Room

Thursday1st 9.30am join us for Coffee morning.

Sunday 25th December 9am Christmas Day.  All Age worship Service led by Revd Stephen Skinner

Sunday 1st January 10.30am Local Arrangement Service led by stewards of the Church

All are welcome to join us for our Services here in Aldbourne.

Thursday 8th 9.30am join us for Coffee morning.

Thursday 15th 9.30am join us for Coffee morning.

All are welcome to join us, for a warm place and a hot drink, and friendship at the Lychgate. See you there!

Thursday 15th December will be our last coffee morning before Christmas when we plan to run a Christmas gift swap. Please bring a small wrapped gift, to the value of £3 and pay £3 on the day to choose a gift.

Our coffee mornings will begin back at the Lychgate on Thursday 19th January 2023 at 9.30am.

Christmas Blessings to you all. Your Church Steward Church. Julie Coe

Clergy

Team Rector

The Revd Beth Hutton (Day off - Monday)

The Rectory, Back Lane, Ramsbury SN8 2QH 01672 520235 whittonteamrector@gmail.com

Team Vicar Vacant

Retired Priest

Revd. Sue Rodd (Day off - Friday) 01672 541571 revsuerodd@btinternet.com

Retired Licensed Lay Minister (with permission to officiate)

Mr Tony Eyles 01672 520789

Licensed Lay Minister

Mrs Jackie Hollander 01488 71012

Lay Pastoral Assistant (LPA)

Mrs Estrid Eyles 01672 520789

Other services

The Parish of Whitton Contacts

Lay Pastoral Assistant (LPA) and Parish Safeguarding Officer

Marianne Adey 01672 540629

Chaplain Froxfield College

Reverend Ann Massey Methodist Minister Revd. Stephen Skinner rev.stephen.skinner3@gmail.com

Team Office

Church Room, Back Lane, Ramsbury 01672 520963 (Answerphone) teamoffice@whittonteam.org.uk

Normal Office Hours: Monday 1pm-3pm Thursday 9.30am – 2pm

Churchwardens

Ramsbury with Axford George Hawes 01672 521223

Aldbourne Methodist Steward

Julie Coe 01672 521085

Chilton Foliat Tim Williams 01488 682987 Peter Camfield 01488 685457

Aldbourne

Krystyna Hagerty 01672 540698 Chris McGowan 01672 541362

Baydon Robert Smart Froxfield Deputy Wardens Raine Cully and Jan Heppenstall

Bookings

Chilton Foliat Village Hall07435 307279 enquiries@cfvh.co.uk

Froxfield Memorial HallDavid Watson 01672 841315

Ramsbury Church Roomfionamair601@gmail.com

‘Phone-in / Zoom services’ are each Sunday — except for the first Sunday of the month, when the morning Team Service is usually livestreamed.

10am Team Services: ‘Live-streamed’ church services of Holy Communion available by phoning 0203 481 5240 or 0208 080 6591 or join us via the internet, using ZOOM if you are able: [Meeting ID: 948 7729 2017 - Passcode: 052157]

11.30am Zoom Services on all other Sundays are available by phoning 0203 481 5240 or 0208 080 6591 [Meeting ID: 948 3407 2630 - Passcode: 343860]

Notes

• Informal Worship services are suitable for all ages

• A short (said) service of Holy Communion takes place each Thursday at 10.00am in Ramsbury.

• Phone number for Zoom services: 0203 481 5240 or 0208 080 6591

Private Prayer; Our churches are open during daylight hours (except for Axford).

Please see the notice boards for up to date information.

Email pcc@whittonteam.org.uk if you’d like to be added to our mailing list for resources.

See also our Facebook page: @WhittonTeamNews and the Team website: whittonteam.org.uk

Please also email helpline@whittonteam.org.uk with any requests for prayer and/or practical help at this time – we are here to serve you.

Livestream services ID: 948 7729 2017 Passcode: 052157

11.30am Zoom/Phone-in: Meeting ID: 948 3407 2630 Passcode: 343860

The Bell at Ramsbury