Whitton Ways November 2022

News from Aldbourne, Axford, Baydon, Chilton Foliat, Froxfield and Ramsbury November 2022 - 60p

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This time of the year is a time when we look back and remember. We have just remembered our dead at All Souls’ Services. Fireworks and bonfires brighten up the night sky as we “remember, remember the 5th of November”, the day when an attempt was made to blow up Parliament. I have never quite understood why we celebrate that (although sometimes the tone of debate leaves a lot to be desired). Then, on 11th November, and at Remembrance Sunday services, we will remember and honour those in the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. It is important that we never forget that the freedom we now enjoy was very costly. I suspect our thoughts will inevitably go to those caught up in the war between Ukraine and Russia. We see the horrors on our TV screens and pray for a just end to come soon.

Remembering and memories are important. They are a gift. I find it fascinating how a smell or scent, a picture or image, a sound or noise can bring to the foreground a memory which has been buried in our brain for years. One of my friends has the gift of remembering events in detail and can recall many things we used to get up to when we were younger (sometimes to my great embarrassment!).

However, I was rather taken aback when I learned that another friend of ours, same age as us, was starting to put together a

“memory” book with her children. Memory books are often used with dementia sufferers to help them hang on to some of those key memories that are beginning to fade for ever. Our friend was always very practical and down to earth - but surely this action was premature. I didn’t know that 4 of her 5 older brothers had suffered from dementia in their later years. She figured it was entirely possible that the same fate awaited her and wanted to get a head start.

Many of us know someone who has dementia. Some of you may be caring for someone with it. My own experience is limited, but I am aware how wearing and painful it can be. Despite the brilliant autumn colours, November is not my favourite month. It heralds the nearness of winter. So, whilst my memory is still reasonably good, I have avowed to use the memories of funny and happy times in my life to drive out the winter blues when they descend. What funny and happy memories do you have to gladden your heart this winter? Positive memories are good medicine!

Best wishes for the coming days…

Jackie Hollander Licensed Lay Minister

“More Tea, Vicar?”

Well, this isn’t the “More Tea” that I thought I was going to write this month – to be honest, something fairly anodyne and autumnal. But events have overtaken that, and my thoughts have turned in a completely different direction…

By now, I suspect that most of you will have heard the sad news of the recent death of our last Rector, Simon Weeden, who retired in 2019. Unfortunately, cancer had got its claws in him again, and he’d become increasingly unwell over the past six months, dying peacefully – with Judith and his family round him – on the 12th October, just as this issue of “Whitton Ways” was about to go to print. We’ll print a fuller recognition of a man to whom – as individuals, as a church community and across our villages generally – we owe a great deal. But it would have been most remiss of us not to mark his passing here, with deep gratitude for all he gave us. Our thoughts are with Judith and the family at this time, and our love and prayers are with them.

Theirs is the greatest loss, but many others of us locally will have enormous cause to

Autumn colours outing for Froxfield funds

There are still a few places remaining on Mindy Milne’s ‘Day Out to Fonthill, Spilsbury Farm and Messums Art Gallery’ on Wednesday, 9th November. The day promises to be really enjoyable and hopefully will help to complete the fundraising required to pay for repairs and tree surgery at All Saints Church in Froxfield. The outing includes your transport by coach from Gt. Bedwyn Village Hall car park , visits to two interesting gardens for their history and autumn colours, lunch at The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe — a pub owned by James May, lately of Top Gear fame — and, in case the garden visits are cut short because of

be grateful for Simon, and for all he did during the nine years he was with us here in the Whitton Parish. Speaking personally, I couldn’t have asked for a more generous Training Rector during my curacy, teaching me with kindness, with humour, with deep spirituality and with a penetrating intelligence that never allowed for sloppy thinking. His wider contribution was recognised when he was made a Canon of Salisbury Cathedral, but he never sought high office; his ministry, his witness and his focus were directed at parish ministry in a rural context. We were the lucky beneficiaries, and much blessed because of him.

It was a privilege for us, as a parish, to host his funeral in Holy Cross Church, and give thanks for his life, Christian witness and friendship. Going forward – if there is someone to whom you owe the sort of debt that I owe Simon, perhaps now would be a good time to say “thank you”, while you can…

With love Sue Rodd, Retired Team Vicar

unfavourable weather conditions, a visit to Messums Art Gallery, housed in a beautiful ancient tithe barn at Tisbury. For further details and availability please contact Mindy.

Telephone: 01672 870463 or Email: mindymilne@btinternet.com

Ramsbury and Axford Poppy Appeal 2022

The British Legion Poppy Appeal in Ramsbury and Axford will take place between 29th October and 12th November. Once again there will be no house-to-house collection this year apart from in Axford. However, static collection boxes will be positioned throughout local businesses in Ramsbury.

Sunday 13th November, a Remembrance parade will commence from the village square at 10:30 to the War Memorial where a wreath-laying ceremony will take place. This will be followed by a Remembrance Service in Holy Cross Church.

Paul Snook, 01672 520970

Ramsbury British Legion gears up for Christmas

The British Legion in Ramsbury has some exciting events lined up between now and Christmas:

Halloween and Bonfire Night QuizFriday 4th November at 8pm £1 for Members £2 for non members

Christmas Fair and Cafe - Saturday 3rd December 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

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

Christmas Quiz

Saturday 17th December at 8pm £1 for members and £2 non Fabulous festive fun and wonderful prizes! We are also looking for donations of prizes for our Christmas events to help us raise money for RBL; if anyone would like to donate please drop off at Ramsbury RBL. Items such as boxes of chocolates & sweets; Christmas puds. Indeed, any donation will be greatly appreciated.

Rose Howe, RBL Ramsbury

Prize Christmas Bingo - Saturday 3rd December Memorial

Ramsbury Memorial Hall

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.

Swindon Buses - weekdays

Ramsbury departures

AM - 7.23, 8.48, 9.58, 11.08 PM - 13.08, 14.43, 15.58, 17.03,18.28,19.38.

Swindon departures

AM - 06.15, 07.05, 08.30, 09.50, 11.35 PM - 13.10, 14.10, 15.30, 16.55, 18.05.

All buses stop at the GW Hospital. Check times at bus stop.

The fascinating history of our local Friendly Society

The Foresters Friendly Society was formed in 1834 as the Ancient Order of Foresters in Rochdale when over 300 branches formed the new AOF. The branches were called ‘Courts.’ Court Crowood, our local Court numbered 4644, was founded in 1865 — which makes us 157 years old!

Courts were named after the law courts of the Royal forests. Some courts have closed over the years or merged with others but there are still over 180 in existence in the British Isles.

Originally the idea of a Friendly Society was that members made regular contributions into a fund from which they could draw benefits in times of illness or lack of employment. Times have changed a great deal and the Society now provides its members with savings policies and investment bonds regulated now by the Financial Conduct Authority. But locally, Court Crowood still exists and some of its members meet with the Trustees quarterly. We look at applications for grants towards dental care, optical care and surgical care from members to whom

we give up to £35 each year. We also give a Christmas bonus to members over 65. We are a small friendly group who meet and have a chat and a drink or two and generally have a pleasant time.

We also arrange a variety of social events; for example, an annual dinner, a summer BBQ, an outing, a Quiz and our Annual Short Mat Bowls. In the past we have joined in the Aldbourne Carnival – see the photograph below. Can you recognise anyone?

For further information about The Foresters please contact our Secretary Mary Holdsworth on 01672 520 908.

Ian Smith, Trustee, 07977 473975.

For parties, weddings, funerals, dinners at your home Let us take the strain, so that you can enjoy yourself

Angell’s Catering, 34 Queensway, Kintbury, Hungerford RG17 9XP

Chilton Foliat Community Wildlife project

We were delighted to welcome over thirty village members to the inaugural meeting of the Village Wildlife Project held in the Village Hall on 22nd September, with three speakers giving us an insight into just how diverse the flora and fauna is in this area, and what is being done within the local farming community to help and encourage a more sustainable environment for both people and wildlife alike.

The aim of the community project is to get as many people as possible involved in supporting our local wildlife, whether by making their gardens more wildlife friendly or by helping us identify and preserve the habitats around the parish.

Our evening started with a talk by Peter Marren, a local naturalist and nature writer who highlighted just how diverse and special is the wildlife and habitats in our area. Our chalk streams, the river Kennet and its tributaries, are not only some of the few such rivers in England, but also in Europe and the meadowland between the village and Ramsbury is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), land formerly home to nightingales and snipe. These water meadows were historically managed by specialised ‘drowners’ whose job it was to maintain the health of the water meadow by periodic flooding.

Peter suggested a community project to identify and plot the location of specimen trees in the area, citing the plane tree near the church as of national importance. He also referred to the issues with ash dieback, particularly in Fairyland, an area of flooded woodland between the village and Littlecote. These areas can be dangerous to the public because of falling trees but should be left alone as the decaying trees create new habitats especially for insects and fungi.

Wendy Allen, an award winning designer of biodiverse Sustainable Drainage Systems, working in association with ARK (Action for the River Kennet) showed us how, by the imaginative use of rainwater run-off techniques, they had solved the problem of surface water and damp around some of the classrooms at the entrance to the primary school in the village. In addition to using stone gabions and a permeable gravel run-off to help move the water. They also created a rainwater garden to provide an additional play area for the children, including a ‘dead’ hedge (a stack of hedgerow cuttings) as an additional habitat for invertebrates which is a feature on a smaller scale we can all incorporate in our gardens.

Our final speaker was Duncan Lee, Farm Manager at Ramsbury Estates, detailing some of the successes they have had trying to incorporate more wildlife-friendly features within their land management techniques whilst running a sustainable and profitable business. Duncan referred to the successful re-establishment in the area of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly. This was achieved by planting cowslips on the chalk slopes on the Estate and by reducing grazing in that area. Now this rare butterfly has established itself and started to recolonise new areas. Other endangered species they have on the estate include the Roman Snail (of Newbury bypass fame), great crested newts and slow-worms.

Duncan also outlined some of the land management techniques used, such as creating field margins to prevent the spread of fertiliser and pesticides into hedgerows and river courses, planting cover crops to help prevent soil erosion and reducing rainwater run-off and reducing ploughing to minimise carbon release. Meadow areas are now only grazed by cattle, not sheep, as

they are more selective in grazing so help maintain a better diversity of plants.

Duncan again emphasised the importance of regular surveys to understand exactly what species are in the area, and to repeat this so that a history of change can be built up and action taken where appropriate.

The evening was a great success and we had the chance to chat to the speakers over a glass of wine after the meeting. We will be

the New Year, and contacting all the people who kindly signed up to get involved in the local projects we will initiate, starting with a winter action list.

If you missed the talks but would still like to get involved in this project please contact us on info@chiltonfoliatwildlife.com or paul.outridge@chiltonfoliat.com and we will keep you updated on future events.

Paul Outridge, Chilton Foliat Parish Council

MOVIES FOR -

Friday November 11th

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Cert 12A

During WW2, two intelligent officers use a corpse and false papers to outwit German troops. Stars: Colin Firth, Johnny Flynn, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew MacFadyen

WEST SIDE STORY Cert 12A

Directed by Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tony Kushner, the movie tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love.

door. Door and

Christmas wreaths for Holy Cross

As Covid was still rife last Christmas, we decided to decorate the church with wreaths as these could be made at home and brought to the church. We invited everyone in the village to join in and we were so delighted that several people arrived bearing beautiful wreaths. In fact, this was such a great success that we are repeating it again this year and we hope that even more people in the village will join in this Christmas activity. We need lots of wreaths as the church is BIG!

Please think about it; there will be a reminder and more information in December’s Whitton Ways.

Jane Handford

Swishing Evening

on Thursday November 3rd at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Church Aldbourne. The evening is an opportunity to revamp your wardrobe by donating clothes, shoes and accessories that you no longer wear ahead of the event and then coming along on the evening to select items to take home. Donations can be left at 3 Glebe Close, Aldbourne or 25 Oxford Street, Aldbourne by 5pm on 2nd November. For more information about the evening or to arrange collection of items please contact Jennifer Rendell on 07796 446083 or jennifermrendell@gmail. com

Bishop blesses Chilton Primary’s Rainscape Garden

We were delighted to welcome Bishop Andrew along to ‘Bless the Rainscape’ last week along with representatives from Action for the River Kennet, Wendy Allen (garden designer) and many of the volunteers who worked so hard to make our Rainscape a reality. We were treated to a song by the choir and prayers from younger members of the school, all followed by delicious coffee and cake in the clubhouse.

As we head towards the end of our first term together, thoughts turn to Harvest, what we have to be thankful for and how many blessings we truly have. The children are able to speak about these blessings and understand the importance of living out our school value for this term which is Thankfulness. We are practicing for our Harvest Service and as part of that, we are inviting the children to demonstrate being thankful through an act of giving. Despite the unsettled and at times unsure world we all live in, it is reassuring to know that the rhythm and pace of school life continues and as it does, our children, with thankfulness, courage and love, continue to grow and flourish.

Ali Payne

RAMSBURY

Our October meeting was memorable in many ways - excellent speaker, lovely atmosphere - but chiefly because the human attendees were outnumbered by teddy bears! Yes, the invitation to bring along your favourite bear brought in a host of much-loved furry friends. It had been advertised as a competition, but in the event we felt it was rather bad taste to make these valued family members compete

Ramsbury Horticultural Society Autumn Show and WI Country Market. This was a very successful afternoon all round, and we are very grateful to everyone who baked cakes and helped on the day, not forgetting all our lovely customers who supported the stall, raffle and refreshments.

against each other. However, we did raise some money for the Associated Country Women of the World and I think the bears all enjoyed their outing.

Our speaker was Dr Gillian White, and she wove the Hugely Huggable History of the Teddy Bear through the history of the 20th century in a way that was entertaining and informative. I think we all learned something new. The photo of the Steiff factory in 1907 was eye-opening: the ladies were in long skirts and picture hats. But the factory was huge and ultra modern, definitely not a cottage industry. Even more surprising, we learned that Sylvia Pankhurst founded and ran a toy factory in Bow, East London, to provide properly paid work for local women. The factory ran for 20 years and its toys, including teddies, were stocked in Selfridges. I will draw a veil over the picture of a washable teddy being put through a wringer: surely too cruel even for the 1950s?

Hard on the heels of this meeting came the

Our next monthly meeting is on Thursday 3 November at 7.30pm in the Church Rooms, Back Lane. Malcolm Wells MBE is coming to tell us about his rich and varied life, including 24 years as an army musician, working with an assistance dogs charity and receiving his MBE at Buckingham Palace. This evening marks the finale to our Centenary Celebrations and we have invited friends from neighbouring WIs to join us. Sadly, space constraints means we can’t have nonWI visitors at this meeting, and there will not be a competition for autumn foliage - we shall have this in December.

There will be the usual coffee morning on Thursday 17 November in Poppies Cafe at the Royal British Legion Club from 10.30am onwards.

We restarted our Dining Club towards the end of last year and go out for lunch to a local pub or cafe every other month. These are lovely, sociable events and are much enjoyed, not just by members who live alone, but by everyone who enjoys good food and great company. The photo shows us at the Crown in Aldbourne in September. We had a light lunch (but still delicious) at Poppies Cafe at the end of October and we are hoping to go out for a Christmas lunch in mid December.

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

I met with Julia in the library of her lovely home, Ramsbury Hill.

Julia was born in 1937, and lived in London with her parents. During the war she went to live with her grandparents in Sussex. She has very fond memories of both parents: her father was a stockbroker and she described her mother as a glittering fun person. Aged just 6, Julia went to boarding school where she was made head girl. She remembers hearing the doodlebugs over London during the war and looking out of the window at the bright glow in the sky that the children thought was quite beautiful, not realising it was bombs.

In 1949 Julia attended another school in London, staying with her other grandmother who was very musical. It was Julia’s grandmother who started the Glyndebourne music festivals.

Julia left school at 16 to support her mother who sadly had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She worked enabling her mother to be cared for in a nursing home. Aged 21 Julia travelled to America with her friend who was later to become her sisterin-law although she didn’t know it at that time! They travelled to New York on the Queen Mary and started their adventure of travelling and working. In San Francisco Julia got a job in an advertising agency which she found fascinating. She found the Americans very warm and welcoming, happily recalling that around 4pm they all stopped for cocktails, more exciting than the English cup of tea!

After about 4 months Julia and her friend very bravely took a Greyhound bus to

Julia Blunt

Mexico City, living on a shoestring, they met with a family friend who was an ambassador and stayed with him for 2 months which was a wonderful experience for them both. They attended glittering parties which were attended by writers, artists and politicians…what a fabulous experience for two young ladies! Later Julia returned to New York and got a job as a PA on Wall Street, meeting many visitors from abroad. In 1958 after a year of travels Julia returned to England and got a job in the city. In 1964 she married Simon, and they bought a house in Blackheath. During this time, Julia trained to work with the Samaritans and her teacher was none other than Chad Varah, who founded the Samaritans in 1953.

Blackheath was a very deprived area and Julia found herself feeling saddened and disturbed by the deprivation. She was asked to join the W.S, a prisoners wives service, so Julia embarked on a training course at Greenwich probation caring for families of prisoners. It was upsetting to see small children left just gazing at the floor for long periods, neglected by their mothers. It was this work that inspired Julia to start a nursey school for the children of the prisoners in her home. With help from teachers and other helpers she eventually cared for 35 children, this led to three more nurseries opening which was an incredibly busy time for Julia especially having started her own family, her son Christopher and daughter Amanda. After some time, Julia passed on her businesses to the three head teachers and became a full-time mum.

All through Julia’s life the importance of a happy family has been paramount. She now

has 5 grandchildren.

Julia had always been interested in design and colour, she had a friend that was very skilled at sewing, so they turned her basement into a workroom where they started to make curtains. Julia bravely contacted leading fabric manufacturers in London asking if she could be an agent for their fabrics. This led to many high-profile orders and became a great success. To give something back and in appreciation for the care her mother received Julia offered her services to design 5 nursing homes. What a great thing to undertake. Later Simon was given a post in Paris, which resulted in three happy years in France. Whilst living in France Julia was approached to start Sauvé Les Enfants a similar group to Save the Children UK. Julia threw herself into fundraising and was very successful. What an achievement! On returning home she continued to work in textiles and décor known as Julia Blunt Interiors, which is now in the capable hands of her daughter Amanda and two associates.

In 1988 following the death of Simon’s father Christopher, Simon and Julia moved

to the beautiful house Ramsbury Hill in Back Lane, circa 1700. The restoration and upkeep have been a labour of love. So much work was needed and with such an old property it is ongoing for Julia. Sadly, Simon passed away in 2015, but Julia has continued with the restoration and upkeep of Ramsbury Hill. She has felt very supported by various craftsmen from the village, and feels they are a part of the ongoing caretaking of the house.

Next year Julia is hoping to have work done to the garden; she wants to continue to share her garden with the village. Various groups have enjoyed it including the children from Ramsbury School. Recently Julia hosted a Ramsbury pre-school outdoor learning workshop in her garden. Sixty-nine mothers and children attended!

What a generous lady. This interview really is only a snapshot of Julia’s life and shows just a glimpse of this humble, warm-hearted person whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know a little better.

Marilyn Fremlin

The Story of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior

At the outbreak of the First World War, the Reverend David Railton was a curate in Folkestone. He became acutely aware of the suffering of wounded British troops being repatriated through Folkestone, and volunteered for service as an Army Chaplain. He served in the trenches for the duration of the War, witnessing all the horrors of the Somme and Passchendaele. Soon after his arrival at the front the seed of the idea of a tomb of an unknown warrior was planted and began to germinate in his mind.

In an article in a monthly magazine called “Our Empire” in November 1931 David

Revd John Railton was Whitton Rector between July 2002, and worked alongside his wife Revd Sandy Railton until they retired in November 2008.

described vividly how the idea of the ‘Tomb to the Unknown Warrior’ was conceived.

“I came back from ‘the line’ at dusk. We had just laid to rest the mortal remains of a comrade.

I went to a billet in front of Erquinghem, near Armentières. At the back of the billet was a small garden, and in the garden, only about six paces from the house, there was a grave. At the head of the grave there stood a rough cross of white wood. On the cross was written in deep black-pencilled letters: “An Unknown British Soldier”, and in brackets underneath, “of the Black Watch.”

The idea stayed with David after the war, but he was reluctant to do anything about it – mainly because he thought that an idea from a humble Padre would be unlikely to find favour with those in authority. Eventually, in August 1920, he wrote to the Dean of Westminster Abbey, suggesting that the remains of an unidentifiable serviceman be buried in the Abbey as the representative of the tens of thousands who had died in the war.

With the support of King George V and Lloyd George, an announcement was made on 19th October in the Parliament. On Sunday 7th November 1920 four parties of soldiers were sent out to military cemeteries on the four principal battlefields, Somme, Ainse, Arras and Ypres, to exhume four corpses. They were identified as British by their boots and buttons but their names and

ranks were not known. The corpses were sewn into sackcloth, taken to a temporary Chapel at St Pol-sur-Ternoise, laid out on trestles and covered with Union Flags. At midnight General Wyatt and Colonel Gell entered the Chapel. Wyatt pointed at one of the four covered bodies; he and Colonel Gell then lifted the corpse into a plain deal coffin shell and secured and sealed the lid. The following day the coffin shell containing the Unknown Warrior was taken to Boulogne where it was placed inside a coffin made of English Oak from a tree felled at Hampton Court, bound with iron bands and with a Crusader’s Sword affixed to the lid. On Wednesday 10th November the coffin was taken aboard the Royal Naval destroyer, HMS Verdun, for the crossing to Dover. The coffin was transferred to a train which made its way to Victoria Station, and the coffin remained on the train at Platform 8 and under guard overnight.

On Thursday 11th November, the Unknown Warrior travelled by gun carriage for the ceremony of unveiling the Cenotaph at precisely 11.00am, David’s Union Flag covering the coffin. After unveiling the Cenotaph, the King walked behind the gun carriage to Westminster Abbey where, at the end of a moving hour-long service, the Unknown Warrior was buried at the west

end of the nave and the grave later filled with soil brought from France. Seven days later a temporary slab of York stone was placed in position, with David’s flag laid at the foot of the grave. The following year, the temporary slab was replaced by the engraved slab of black Belgian marble which covers the tomb today. At the service to mark the occasion, David Railton carried his Union Flag to the altar in Westminster Abbey where it was dedicated, and then laid up over the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

It remained there until 1953 when it was moved because it obstructed the view of the cameras filming the Coronation of the Queen.

Revd David Railton retired in 1945 and he and his wife moved to his beloved Scotland, to Onich about nine miles south of Fort William. In 1955 at the age of 70 he fell from a train as it approached Fort William station and died from his injuries.

The Knitting Group will meet on Tuesday, November 8th, from 2pm. at 55a, High Street, Ramsbury. Please bear in mind that we have items which would make Christmas presents, and. given time, we would knit to order. Please join us if you would like to.

Estrid Eyles 01672 520789

Aldbourne Charity Concert

Dodecantus Concert on Saturday November 19th at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Church Aldbourne in aid of Lambourn Riding for the Disabled.

Dodecantus, a mixed voice chamber choir, will be performing a concert in aid of the Lambourn RDA. Please save the date. The programme will include some of the music played in Westminster Abbey at the Queen’s funeral and Chilcott’s Nidaros Jazz Mass.

See Whitton Parish Pew sheet for more details

Dr Jennifer Rendell, Aldbourne

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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.

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a selection of IT equipment available to sell.

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The all new Ramsbury Flyer

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 (2nd & 16th November), 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 (10th November). Leaving The Square, Ramsbury at 11.30am and returning from Newbury at 2.30pm. Fare £4.

Outings

Monday 7th November to Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford. Leaving The Square, Ramsbury at 9.30am. Fare £13.00.

Thursday 24th November to Swindon Orbital Park. Leaving The Square, Ramsbury at 11.30am. Fare £7.00.

Monday 5th December to Winchester & the Christmas Market. Leaving The Square Ramsbury at 9.30am. Fare £15.00.

Pick up can be arranged from local villages if required.

To book your seat(s), please call Janet 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

Artistic sleuthing uncovers long links with Ramsbury

“Evensong at St Michael’s Church, Aldbourne”: This lovely watercolour is in the collection at the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes. Do take the opportunity to visit whilst it is on display, the colours glow with mellow autumn tones.

The painting was purchased by the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society in 1989. The acquisition was supported by the Museum and Galleries Commission/V&A Purchase Fund. There is a label on the back of the painting that helps attribute the work to Frank Batson (or Bateson – tricky handwriting) presented by the artist to H Cleather 1898.

An aside: Rev George Parker Cleather was vicar at Aldbourne from 1852 to 1881, youngest son Henry was famous locally for his fine singing voice and prowess at cricket.

In the early 18th century, a Batson heiress and her husband William Davies bought property in Ramsbury. Their eldest son, Thomas, died in 1759 without marrying, but had changed his surname to Batson. His brother, Edmond, changed his whole name to Thomas Batson. Edmond/Thomas married Elizabeth, ‘one of the ancient family of Lascelles, of the County of York’. Edmond/Thomas and Elizabeth didn’t have children, so the property was passed through a succession of nephews (including the Meyrick family) until vested in Alfred Batson – who returned from Italy following the death of his father (also Alfred) – in 1856.

Frank Batson is listed on the Cornwall Artists Index. The index also records that before moving to Cornwall, the artist submitted work to the Royal Academy from

his home in Ramsbury. Further enquiry with ‘Mr Google’ revealed an oil on canvas Playing Out Time in A Difficult Light by Francis Cunningham Batson (1858–1931) on the ArtUK website. This work is on display at Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, a gift from the artist in 1906.

There are memorials to the Batson family inside Holy Cross Church and in the churchyard. Frank’s ashes were interred in 1931. He died in Beeston, Nottinghamshire.

I would not have been able to navigate the Batson family history in Ramsbury without the assistance of Barbara Croucher’s fascinating book The Village in the Valley, or the equally fascinating Ramsbury A Place and Its People by Rowan Whimster (published in 2020 by the Friends of Holy Cross Church).

Also, thanks to an article about St Michael’s Church, Aldbourne by Andrew Sewell in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 1994.

Alfred Batson and his family certainly played a huge role in Ramsbury life soon after arriving in the village.

In the 1860s Alfred Batson of Parliament Piece and the Burdett family from Ramsbury Manor joined forces to provide a village meeting room as an alternative to the temptations of the village’s pubs and drinking houses. As well as accommodating a soup kitchen for destitute agricultural labourers and their families, the Burdett Reading Room [now the village library] was the venue for night classes run by the Batson family. (Rowan Whimster)

By 1881, Francis C was 22 and his occupation was given as Captain Royal Lancashire Militia. By the time of the 1891 census

Francis C Batson was head of the household in Ramsbury, and his occupation was given as ‘Artist’.

One of the earliest references to Frank’s art that I’ve found is a report on a Bazaar at Ramsbury Manor in July 1891. This was a fundraiser towards the restoration of the ancient parish church at Ramsbury. The goodies listed on Mrs Batson’s stall include a fine display of embroidery and many pictures in watercolours and oils. These sketches from the brushes of Mr Frank Batson and Mr Stephen Batson found a ready sale. (Newbury Weekly News 23 July 1891).

Francis Cunningham Batson had eleven siblings, some of them had their own stories feature in the history books and the local and national press. There are reports featuring the self-styled ‘King of Lundy’ (Arthur Wellesley Batson). A sister-in-law, Henrietta Batson, collected folk songs and Mummers Plays, including versions from Chilton Foliat and Baydon.

With thanks to Warwick Hood, Jenny Greaves and of course the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. I’m so glad that I’ve finally got round to writing up our chats about the painting and started a journey into the Batson family history.

Jo Hutchings, Aldbourne

The All Saints Bellcote restored

The Quinquennial — the survey held every 5 years to look at the fabric of our church, All Saints Froxfield — was last carried out in 2017 and highlighted the need for some of the wooden louvres in the Church tower (the Bellcote) to be replaced.

Initially, the thinking was: “It is not too big a project; should not take long or cost too much.” How wrong we were in that initial thinking!

Froxfield LCC stalwart Mindy Milne set to work with trying to find funding; dealing with planning permission and the Diocese guardians; getting quotes and guidance from various quarters. Five years later, (the pandemic did not help of course), with fundraising by Mindy; contributions from the Parish Council from the Platinum Jubilee event, and other individual donations amounting to just under half of the £4,400 needed, the work has finally been completed beautifully by master craftsman Andy Martin.

Many thanks to all those who did contribute towards this project. We continue to raise

funds to cover the outstanding costs, and would gratefully appreciate any further donations.

Jan Heppenstall, Froxfield LCC

Please come armed with gloves and a leaf-rake to help tidy the churchyard before winter. If you have a petrol leafblower, it will be a big help.

Please bring your own refreshments.

Margot Quigley

Chilton Foliat

Valentine St.John Webster Ramsbury

Ian McCall, Ramsbury

RHS Autumn Show brims with colour

Firstly, I must say a big thank you to everyone that entered and or came and supported the Autumn Show and WI Country Market.

There were beautiful flowers, amazing vegetables, floral art and home industries, topped up with a great exhibition of art by the Ramsbury and Axford Art Groups.

The RHS Christmas Party will be held on Sat 10th Dec at 7.30 in the Memorial Hall (It’s our first for what seems an age!). Tickets, £10, will be available for sale in the Post Office from November — these are limited to 64, so come quickly to snap up your tickets.

Diann Barnett

Hill’s Stores charity shop

The shop is doing well. On Saturday December 3rd we will do Christmas-decorations, gifts, toys, extra glasses and more… so come and get a bargain.

This is going to be a hard winter economically — we hope to help with lots of items — many new as well, and all at great prices.

If you have any Christmas decorations that you no longer need please let us have them beforehand — recycle, reuse — but the window for reusing Christmas decorations is a small one!

Any unwanted raffle prizes, gifts etc will also will be gratefully received and we can help to move them to a new home where they will be appreciated. All profits go to village organisations — especially important as times get harder.

Sheila Glass & Mary Holdsworth

Letter to the Editor

Reading last month’s account by Toby Till of taking part in the Queen’s funeral triggered some happy memories for Ramsbury’s Ian Smith.

“I first saw Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when we attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2006. I had not seen her before and she looked resplendent in that beautiful rich yellow that she sometimes wore.

Then in April 2010 when I collected my MBE (awarded in the 2009 New Years Honours) I was lucky enough to be invited

to the Investiture at Windsor Castle. Her Majesty wore a pale blue that day. I realise that she is fed information by one of her aides but although I was obviously quite nervous she immediately put me at ease by warmly greeting me with a smile, saying that she understood that I was from a small village and she wanted to know how long I had lived there, how many people lived there and what I did voluntarily in the village. Clearly one has an allotted time and I guess it is less than 30 seconds, otherwise she would never get through everyone!

It was an experience I will always remember. I look back in awe at everything she did — thousands of public engagements and always with a smile. What a remarkable lady. A serene and calm presence throughout the whole of my lifetime. I consider myself so lucky to have met her and my family was there too to witness it all.

One small anecdote. After we arrived at the Castle, Lois and the children were escorted off on a tour of some of the State Rooms whilst I waited in one of the other rooms just off the Ballroom where the ceremony was to take place. It was there that we received instructions as to what to do at the actual ceremony. One of the other recipients of an MBE was a lady who was wearing a dress and high heels. Suddenly one of her heels snapped off! She was left with one shoe with a heel and one without. She was clearly very distressed but one of the Queen’s staff appeared from nowhere and took the shoe from her saying he would return in 10 minutes. And he did. The heel had been glued on and he told the lady that it would hold for the rest of the day but she might want to have the shoe repaired properly later.

When I commented to him that to do that was very impressive, he said to me “you would be surprised what we are called upon to repair at these ceremonies, sir.”

Ian Smith, Ramsbury

Ramsbury Parish Council News

Emergency Warden

We have finally got our Emergency Warden scheme underway. If you haven’t heard from a local Warden you should soon. We have renewed the warden scheme which fell at the first hurdle in 2020 because so many of our wardens were over 70. Each warden is responsible for around 20 houses and in the event of a national emergency or a local emergency such as flooding or power outage (or a plane landing on the village — but let’s not stray into soap opera!) we can contact everyone quickly and ascertain need. The letter will be accompanied by what we hope is the last paper newsletter to everyone giving some information which we hope will be helpful.

We are also asking for contact details so that a village database can be constructed in order to simplify communication.

Allotments

Allotments season is quieting as winter approaches but now is the time to think about taking on an allotment in order to have it ready for Spring —which will be here before you know it! There are a few allotments available (half an allotment, a good size for beginners, is £35 a year). Growing your own vegetables and flowers

Local organisations offer help

The next winter promises to be a very difficult one for many people. But, there are many organisations which may be helpful for anyone who has specific needs in the present situation. These include Age UK, Citizen’s Advice and many community and voluntary organisations. These will all be listed on the ramsbury. org website with telephone numbers. Of course, our local libraries provide warm spaces and some organisations in Ramsbury are hoping to offer a little help with keeping warm in the next few

LINK is still here to help with transport-medical, shopping, prescription collection anything considered.

Call Penny on (01672) 520111 for details.

We depend on, and are extremely grateful to our volunteer drivers-without them the scheme could not work. If you feel you could give help by volunteering as a driver please contact (01672) 520111. Out-of-pocket expenses and mileage are paid and you will meet some very interesting people.

There is no minimum commitment.

is an ideal way to save money as well as making a valuable contribution to your health and wellbeing.

Contact Denise Edwards on 07867921878

Christmas lights to brighten our spirits

Plans are underway for Christmas lights as in the past few years with help from Ramsbury Estates. We hope this will help to raise spirits a little.

Sheila Glass

months. These include the Ramsbury British Legion, which is open 10am to 2pm and the WI which is organising Sunday afternoon get togethers in the Church Rooms on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in the month.

Meanwile, Ramsbury Parish Council meetings (also heated!) are on the 3rd Monday of the month (2nd in December). All are welcome. Minutes and agendas can be seen on www.ramsbury.org.uk

There will be further information available in the future. Watch the website for details.

in November

How to grow Christmas Cactus

Jobs this month

Ornamental garden

• When your penstemons have finished flowering, cut their stems back by no more than a third; cut them back further in the spring

• Plant bare-rooted trees, shrubs, hedging plants and raspberry canes

• Complete planting of tulip bulbs

• Finish dividing and replanting perennials and grasses

• Prune long stems of roses by a third to prevent wind rock

• Mulch any borderline hardy plants such as Agapanthus and Phygelius

• Regularly rake leaves off lawns

• Regularly remove dead leaves from ponds.

Vegetable garden

• Winter prune apples and pears and grape vines after leaf fall

• Apply grease bands to fruit trees

• Net brassicas to protect them from pigeons

• Plant garlic cloves

• Plant bare-rooted raspberry canes between now and March, enriching the soil first with well-rotted organic matter and a slow-release fertilizer

• Start harvesting leeks. If crops are small, take every second or third leek so the rest will keep on growing. They can stay in the ground until they’re needed.

General maintenance

• Check for hibernating toads or hedgehogs before lighting bonfires

• Clean out bird-nesting boxes

• Protect containers from frost damage with bubble wrap and raise them on pot feet to help prevent waterlogging over winter.

Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera) flower over the Christmas period, from late November to January – hence their name. They make good Christmas presents –their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, white, pink or purple bring a welcome splash of colour to any room. Their flat, segmented and trailing stems look attractive all year round.

Schlumbergera come from tropical rainforests, where they grow attached to trees. This means that they need to be kept away from bright sunlight and like plenty of humidity, so give your plant a warm bright spot away from direct sunshine (which can scorch the leaves) and a steady temperature of 18–24°C.

Christmas cacti will flower every year given the right treatment – the golden rule to remember is that they must have two periods of rest: one after flowering in late winter and another in September. After flowering, move the plant to a cool room (around 12°C) for two months, and reduce watering. Then bring it back into its usual spot for the summer. Then from midSeptember, give your plant another period of rest in a cool room and reduce watering again, until you see the buds appear. At this stage, move it back into its flowering position and leave it there – try not to move it around from now on as this can cause the plant to drop its buds.

Repot your Christmas cactus every 1–2 years, when the rootball has filled the pot. The best time to do this is in March, when it has come out of its period of rest. Repot into a slightly larger pot – the roots like to be snug. Use a cactus compost or John Innes No. 2 compost with a little grit mixed in for drainage. Christmas cacti make quite wide plants, so a wider pot is better than a deep one, for stability.

In spring and summer, water only when the top 2–3cm (1 inch) of compost is dry, and let any excess water drain away – Christmas cacti suffer if they sit in cold, wet compost. Water sparingly during winter and very sparingly during the two rest periods. As they originate from rainforests, they do best in a humid atmosphere. Mist your plant a few times a week or place it on a pebblefilled tray of water. When the plants are in active growth, feed them monthly with a liquid houseplant fertiliser.

Schlumbergera don’t need pruning, but the stems can get leggy. To encourage bushiness, remove the tips of the leaf-like stems after the plant has flowered. You can also remove some of the older stems at the base at the same time. Always remove whole segments of the stems as this will leave you with a nicer looking plant.

Propagation

Christmas cacti are easy to propagate:

• In May remove parts of the stems that have two or three segments. Allow them to dry out indoors for a day or two, so that the basal wound has dried and begun to heal.

• Insert the cuttings into a 50:50 mix of seed/cuttings compost and sharp sand. Push the bottoms of the cuttings into the compost about 1cm (½in) deep or just deep enough to keep them upright. If inserted too deeply they will rot. Water in, allowing the excess water to drain away.

• Keep them in a light spot that is out of direct sunlight at a temperature of 18–24°C. Water very sparingly and mist occasionally.

• The cuttings can take up to 12 weeks to root. Check whether they have rooted by giving the cuttings a slight pull –they won’t move if they’ve rooted. Once well rooted pot them on individually and keep in a warm room.

Problems

The most common problem with Christmas cacti is lack of flowers, which is caused by

not giving the plant its two rest periods –see above.

Red leaves are a sign that your plant is getting too much sunlight. Move it to a spot that has bright light but no direct sun.

Susie Whimster

Methodist Church Services

Sunday 6th November 10.30am Service led by Revd Tony Barnes. (Holy Communion).

Sunday 13th November 10.45am United, Remembrance Service led by Revd Stephen Skinner.

Dear All

Sunday 20th November 10.30am A local arrangement service.

Sunday 27th November 10.30am Service led by Local Preacher.

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

The first service for November will be our Holy Communion where Jesus invites us all to take part in the special meal he shared with his disciples, the night before his crucifixion. All are welcome to receive Communion in the Methodist Church, or just a blessings, if they wish.

The following Sunday 13th November brings us to our Remembrance Service. This year our Remembrance will be United Service held outside The Memorial Hall in Aldbourne, beginning at 10.45am, with the Aldbourne Band playing.

Our local arrangement service is held on 3rd week in November — this local arrangement is great way for the stewards to create our own service by choosing our favourite hymns and readings, and (hopefully) showing our talents God has given to us.

Our last Sunday begins Advent — a time of ‘being ready’; the four weeks of Advent are broken in to these times: Hope (or promise); Preparation (waiting or prophecy); Joy (peace); Love (adoration). Follow the Christmas story, and watch how many times these words appeared.

Coffee Morning at the Lychgate Room

All are welcome to join us at our Coffee Mornings, to make new friends and have a warm place to be with a hot drink —

for only a £1. Puzzles and books are available to swap and there is always time for a coffee and a chat. Christmas will soon be here, so let’s look forward to the time of Advent which is a time to share gifts, and join together this Christmas to raise funds for the local Charities we support. As always, we are there to show a lot of care for each other when share a coffee together. Come along and join us!

Thursday November 3rd 9.30am11.30am

Thursday November 10th 9.30am11.30am

Thursday November 17th 9.30am11.30am

Thursday November 24th 9.30am11.30am

Winter Blessings from your Church Steward, Julie Coe

Our October meeting was the annual “Members’ Evening” when committee members take a rest from running things and leave it all to the other members.

Juliet Keel took the reins and gathered the ladies together for a good old- fashioned “Beetle Drive”.

It was great fun and the overall joint winners were Jill Morgan and Rita Colclough, who both completed two beetles before anyone else which was fitting as both the winners serve on the committee, well done both.

However, the evening wasn’t without a hiccup because, as the evening started, it was discovered that no one had the key to the refreshment cupboard !

But fear not, this is the WI so luckily several members had brought along drinks from home with lots of tasty nibbles they were willing to share. I understand the Wheatsheaf next door to the village hall was also happy to supply the odd G&T with packets of crisps which, along with the lively chatter, made for a very pleasant and relaxed evening.

Perhaps the committee should take more time off in the future ?

November will be a busy month for us in Chilton Foliat WI as we host our Christmas Craft meeting on Thursday 10th starting at 7pm in the village hall. Members and visitors will be making wreaths and crackers

to get ahead with the festive decorations, adding their own personal touches to each item.

All materials will be supplied free to WI members but visitors will be charged £5.00 per person for this evening.

Following that on Saturday 12th November we host another Quiz and Hot Supper night in the village hall, doors open from 6.30pm.

Our good friend and expert quiz master Peter Camfield will once again be taking us through his list of questions which will be in two sections. There will be a break half way through for a hot supper and an exciting raffle with some super prizes.

Tickets are now on sale at £8.00 per person and can be booked via email below or telephoning 07721 366 816.

Also at this event the village hall committee will be making a 100 club draw, anyone not yet a member can join on the night and still be entered into the draw with a chance to win £50 or £25, good luck

Following on from our September meeting about the global food supply situation, we are concerned about the amount of fresh food waste that we are all guilty of, me included I am very embarrassed to say.

Do you know how to make meals go further?

What do you do with food left over’s?

Would you like any help in making a meal from scratch?

If so please do contact us as we would be glad to give some handy tips to help those

pennies go further and cut down on fresh food waste. If you have any handy tips yourself, please do let us know so we can pass on the knowledge to others.

We are currently making plans for our Christmas event which will be on Thursday December 8th in the village hall so now is a great time to join. All the details will be in the next issue of this publication.

For all 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

Best wishes to you all Liz Outridge, President

Whitton Ways Needs You!

Whitton Ways has been around for more than 100 years and we are now looking for a new editor — or perhaps team of editors who could share the role!

Do you like to get involved in the local community? Are you reasonably tech-savvy and living in Ramsbury, Axford, Chilton Foliat or Froxfield? Perhaps you could join the production team?

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.

The production period normally falls in the third week of the month and, this could be ideal for a ‘job share’ with other like-minded

people with a desire to get involved in their community.

The new individual or team of job-sharing editors would be working alongside designer David Leake and advertising manager Ian Smith and in cooperation with the local clergy team.

Last year we were judged to be the third best Parish Magazine in the entire country, in the National Parish Magazine Awards. We have a century’s legacy for the new editor/s to build on and make their own mark.

It could be you!

If you would like to know more, do get in touch with the current editor, Vanya Body on whittonways@ gmail.com or talk to Rector Beth Hutton on whittonteamrector@ gmail.com

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

Licensed Lay Minister

Mr Tony Eyles 01672 520789

Licensed Lay Minister Mrs Jackie Hollander 01488 71012

Lay Pastoral Assistant (LPA)

Mrs Estrid Eyles 01672 520789

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

Other services

‘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.

Team services livestream Meeting ID: 948 7729 2017 Passcode: 052157

Other Sundays at 11.30am: Meeting ID: 948 3407 2630 Passcode: 343860

The Bell at Ramsbury