CRICKLADE JENNER HALL (PARISH HALL) "SAVE IT CLUB"
In the Monthly Draw held on 26 November the lucky winners were:-
First Prize: Mrs S. Craig £45.60 Second Prize: Mr J. Winslow £30.40
Jenner Hall Funds: £76.00
Thank you to all the “Save it Club” members for their continued support. Winners of each monthly Draw appear on the Jenner Hall website.
To join the Jenner Hall "Save It Club" please contact Paul Marley on 752851.
NO. 550 JANUARY 2021
News
I expect this January issue will be arriving as we are starting to think about taking down the Christmas decorations (for those of us that do - I routinely see a Santa becoming less well nourished as he deflates hanging from a window in Cricklade between January and the following Christmas each year!). Traditionally the decorations come down on 5 January, the day before Epiphany.
According to Britannica, Epiphany is from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “manifestation” i.e. Jesus being recognised and known to be significant, notably to the Wise Men/Magi whilst he was still in the stable.
The sentiment behind this moment of great discovery by these well-respected figures in history is also used to explain a moment of true discovery of importance or meaning in our own lives; we can talk about having “an epiphany”, perhaps a transformative episode or feeling which can lead to a new and better way of living, of discovering the true purpose for our lives. That is why January as the start of the year is significant in terms of a re-birth, a time of consideration and understanding about how to live for ourselves, and to live right, according to God.
Wishing you a meaningful and real 2021.
The subscription for the "Save It Club" is only £12 per year.
Subscribers are encouraged to pay a year's subscription of £12 by Standing Order. All data is held under the guidelines of
the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.
FOCUS ON WILTSHIRE COUNCIL
I am writing this at the start of December in readiness for a January publication. At the start of November.
In the November Chronicle, I wrote saying I was hopeful that drainage work to eliminate flooding in all areas of Culverhay, North Meadow Road and Hallsfield would be carried out. I am pleased to report that the work to ditch out from Bailiffs Piece to the River Thames was carried out by Cricklade Town Council jointly with the farm tenant who carried out the work. With fingers crossed the flooding has not returned. I am therefore going to say that it has been solved. Thanks to all residents and to everyone who helped resolve the problem. If you go for a walk on Hallsfield Meadow the extent of the trees and vegetation that had to be removed can be seen.
Really going to push my luck now! I have battled for over three years to get the footpath that floods at the underpass on Church Walk re profiled to stop the flooding. At least twice I have been promised a solution to this flooding, and indeed in November work was carried out to rectify the issue, which actually made the flooding worse! I have yet again requested a solution directly to the Head of Highways and the Cabinet Member for Highways. Following my direct intervention, I now have written confirmation from Parvis Khansari, Head of Highways, that this will be resolved before Christmas 2020.
Then all of a sudden there is more good news! We were able to meet with Highways England to discuss stopping traffic being diverted through Cricklade when the A419 is closed. Highways England listened to us and are actively considering new alternative route diversions avoiding Cricklade.
As I write, I am attending the Wiltshire Council Cabinet meeting (virtual) where the main topic is the “Wiltshire Local Plan Review” which lays out the future plans for housing until 2036. The document is over 900 pages long and is available online at Wiltshire Council. Whilst just starting out on the consultation, the early stages indicate the outline for Cricklade is around 236 additional houses to be built by 2036. This is the first-time specific numbers have been identified for Cricklade, previously the numbers were identified for the general area only. Put into context this is 3 x Hitchings or 4 x Stockham Close. We will see developers coming forward I am sure looking for sites.
As a result of Covid-19 there will still be some very difficult times ahead for Wiltshire Council as they continue to battle with the daily changes to rules, grants and restrictions brought upon us by Covid-19. Financially, the cost of Covid-19 will take many years to recover and we will see the costs being imposed on us by way of council tax and possibly reduced services.
It has been a very busy year with some very difficult times for our communities and residents. We enter the New Year with the hope of a vaccination being available and perhaps returning to some normality. The Cricklade Community has been outstanding in supporting us, and I thank you all.
If you are having a problem with Wiltshire Council, the Housing Association, or just need some general advice, I can normally find the right contact or highlight your problem to someone who can help. I have a direct telephone contact to all Officers in Wiltshire Council, and you will be surprised what can happen if you talk to the right person. I cannot promise to fix your problem personally, but I can assist you to resolve it.
I am also out and about in Cricklade, Latton and Marston Meysey during the week and even with the current restrictions always happy to meet with you if you have a specific problem to discuss. Please email me or phone to arrange a meeting. I can be contacted on 01793750773 or my mobile 07973863702 or email me at [email protected].
I look forward to serving Cricklade and the Surrounding Community in 2021 May I wish you all a happy and safe New Year
Bob Jones,
Wiltshire Councillor
Town Council Meetings
Monday 4 January: Full Council
Monday 18 January: Planning, Conservation and Transport
All meetings commence at 7.00pm. Due to recent social distancing restrictions these meetings are being held virtually via Zoom and streamlined live via our Facebook page. Please note, any member of the public wishing to attend the virtual meeting will need to contact the Town Council Office by 3.00pm on the day of the meeting to arrange access. The committee meeting arrangements will be updated on the Town Council’s website if there are any relaxing of these rules.
Christmas Lights Volunteers
A big thank you to the Christmas Lights Volunteers for putting up the Christmas tree along the High Street and all their efforts in installing this fabulous seasonal display. The tree was kindly donated by Tom Gee of Hop Kettle Brewery.
Support the Cricklade Wildlife
These last few months have been challenging times for all residents and visitors to Cricklade. It has been inspiring to see how Cricklade has pulled together during 2020. Winter is also a hard time for wildlife. Short days and freezing nights make Winter an especially hard time for animals. Whilst some hibernate and some have stocked up for the colder days, many have had the daily task of gathering food. A few ways of helping our town wildlife in Winter are:
Feeding the birds – try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and mealworms and wax worms, something for all types of birds
Provide fresh water – this should be supplied daily
Check for hibernating animals – why not rewild a section of your garden for animals to hibernate in?
Have an eco-friendly Winter by keeping unnecessary waste down Winter Weather
Many people help to keep pavements and public spaces around their homes clear of snow. However, many people were put off doing so because of fears of being sued. There is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your property, pathways to your property or public spaces. If an accident did happen, it's highly unlikely that you would be sued as long as you are careful and use common sense to make sure that you don't make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before. People walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.
Advice for clearing snow and ice from footways
• Do work from the footway at all times and towards oncoming traffic wherever possible.
TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE
• Do place the snow on the verge or grassed areas.
• Do put sand or ash down on cleared areas as it will provide grip. • Do use grit/salt from grit bins sparingly.
• Do not obstruct accesses or footpaths with the snow
• Do not use grit/salt from highway grit bins on private property – that is theft.
• Do not use a lot of salt – a teaspoon of salt per square metre will defrost ice patches. • Do not lift too much snow at one time. Compacted snow can be very heavy.
• Do not use hot water to melt ice or snow – it may refreeze to form black ice. • Do not work in blizzard conditions.
Civic Awards 2021 - Do You Know Someone Who Goes the Extra Mile?
Cricklade is renowned for its community spirit, so do you know of someone, or a group of people, who volunteer in the community and deserve to be recognised for all their hard work, bravery, or courage? The Town Council is seeking nominations towards three categories of award: Young Person of the Year, Cricklade Community Award, and Community Group of the Year. Details and forms are available on the website or from the Town Council Offices. Closing date: Friday 5 February 2021.
Council Offices Hours over the New Year are Monday 28 December Public Holiday - closed Friday 1 January Public Holiday – closed
On other dates over the New Year period the office will be open as normal. The Town Council will endeavour to keep residents updated on a regular basis.
ST SAMPSON’S CHURCH – A NEW YEAR AND A NEW START! We are thrilled to be able to confirm that advertising for the new Priest-in-Charge of
Cricklade’s St Sampson’s Church, along with St John the Baptist Latton, All Saints Leigh and Holy Cross Ashton Keynes, appeared in the Church Times newspaper and on the Bristol Diocese website in December.
After such a long period without a leader, the Upper Thames Group of Churches is hoping suitable applicants will be interviewed during this month (January) and that a new person will be appointed to this crucial role, leading the four churches, as soon as it is practicable. We will keep you informed of progress!
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Weekly Mass times 9.30 am on Sundays 10.00 am on Fridays
Warmly wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year.
The Town Council and Tourist Information Point is now open. However, there is a limit of one person at a time. Wherever possible please contact us by telephone or email rather than in person.
Tel: 01793 751394
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.crickladetowncouncil.gov.uk
Follow the Council @ www.facebook.com/CrickladeTownCouncil/
It is very welcome news that we are able to join together again, albeit in a limited manner, for celebrating Mass with a congregation. This is dependent upon our ability to conform to the guidance and conditions set by the Government on appropriate social distancing,
stewarding, cleaning and hygiene protocols.
We are very aware that while some may be able to come to St Thomas’s or St Mary’s there are still a number of our parishioners who are shielding or remain vulnerable or housebound. It is important to reaffirm that, at present, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains suspended.
Please be aware that there will be a limit on the number of people who can attend Mass. This has been determined by the social distancing requirements. We therefore need to reflect carefully on how and when we might be able to attend Mass. We cannot return immediately to our practices before the lockdown. This next step is not, in any sense, a moment when we are going ‘back to normal.’ We ask every parishioner to think carefully about how and when they will return to Mass. Given there is no Sunday obligation, we ask you to consider the possibility of attending Mass on a weekday. This will ease the pressure of numbers for Sunday celebrations and allow a gradual return to the Eucharist for more people.
At St Thomas’s there will be 32 places available; at St Mary’s 30 places. Because we are operating the ‘1 metre plus’ rule for social distancing, everyone must wear a mask or other form of face-covering.
If you wish to come to Sunday Mass:
• Phone or email the presbytery beforehand: [email protected] / 01285 712586 to reserve your place.
• Make sure you have a mask or other form of face-covering. When you arrive at church:
• Everyone must use the hand gel provided when you come into church. If you wear gloves, then you still need to apply this to your gloves (for others’ safety) and then keep your gloves on.
• Stewards will direct you to seats and assist with directing you to Holy Communion. • We will also ask you to leave in an ordered fashion – please await instructions.
• There will be no Order of Mass sheets and the newsletter will only be available online, or posted to those without internet access.
• During Mass there will be no singing, bidding prayers; offertory procession; or sign of peace.
• Please do not kneel; either stand well back in your pew or sit. Lived Streamed Masses
In our own parish the Sunday Mass from Fairford is live streamed. If you would like to attend this Mass by Zoom please contact Patsy Egerton at:
[email protected] for details. There are a variety of opportunities to watch live streamed services and here are some in our diocese:- Clifton Cathedral https://cliftondiocese.com/
The Diocese web site https://cliftondiocese.com Other online streaming sites:
For further notices please see the noticeboard on the railings of St Mary's. Parish website www.stthomasparish.plus.com. Father Michael Robertson can be contacted on 01285 712586. Father Michael may be contacted by email:
[email protected]. Gerry Dudley, our Church Secretary, is on 01793 750107. The Friends of St Mary’s website with more details of the history of the church is at http://www.crickladestmary.org.uk/.
CRICKLADE CAMERA CLUB
Despite Covid, our camera club continues to operate on a Zoom basis until late spring 2021 (we hope!). Our Zoom meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month and
comprise of presentations from professional photographers/suppliers, internal competitions and/or external competitions from within our Federation.
Our next presentation is on 5 January with Michelle Whitmore who specialises in macro photography and explains how to accomplish this on a budget.
New members of all abilities are welcome. Please contact Alan Armstrong through the club website: www.crickladecamera.org or on 07931 777699 to discuss further.
THANK YOU
Sue and Alan Lane would like to thank all our family ,friends and neighbours for all the nice presents, cards and messages we received for our Golden Wedding Anniversary and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
DEBORAH LUTY
(formerly Debbie Holloway of “Cedar End”, 1, Horse Fair Lane, Cricklade)
It is with much sadness that we have to share with all those who knew her, the all too
early passing of our precious Debbie on 25 November, 2020, aged 44, who fought
positively, courageously and bravely, against her two year battle with cancer.
Debbie attended St. Sampson’s School and later continued her education at Bradon
Forest and New College, Swindon. In the evenings and weekends she worked at
Kai Tangs Fish and Chip Shop where she loved to chat to all the customers. Later
she attended De Montfort University where she studied Drama, qualifying as a
teacher, and became head of the Drama Department at Bridgewater School,
Warrington. Debbie married Adrian and lived the last 20 years in Yorkshire. In these
strange times we find ourselves in, it saddens us deeply that not all of you will have a
chance to pay your respects and say your goodbyes, but if you would like to make a
donation to St. Catherine’s Hospice, Scarborough, where she received such
wonderful care, and Cancer Research, in memory of Debbie, you can do so by
visiting the website
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/DebbieLuty
,
as this was Debbie’s wish.
Thank you,
Janet and Ray Holloway, Adrian Luty, and Mandy, Paul and Olivia Morris
PUBLIC NOTICE
Cricklade and District Community Association are applying to vary the Premises Licence for Cricklade Leisure Centre, Stones Lane, Cricklade, Wiltshire, SN6 6JW.
The details of the application applied for are as follows:-
Bringing both existing premises licences together (main building and youth centre), the youth centre will include the same activities and hours as the main building. New plans of the building after redevelopment to replace the existing plans.
Any person wishing to make representations in relation to this application may do so by writing to the Licensing Section, Public Protection Services, Wiltshire Council, Monkton Park, Chippenham, Wiltshire. SN15 1ER.
Representation may be made up to 28 days from the date of this notice.
A Copy of the application for the grant of the above Licence is kept by the Licensing Section, Public Protection Services, Wiltshire Council, Monkton Park, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1ER.
The application can be viewed by prior appointment.
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for making a false statement is a Level 5 fine on the standard scale.
As we begin another year at Cricklade Foodbank we continue to deliver emergency food parcels to those in need in our community. The numbers of people we supported and fed has increased over the mon
ths following the Covid-19 lock
down and we have helped people additionally during the school holidays and at Christmas time to survive. Our thanks to all involved in this effort.We are determined to keep this service going in our community and hope eventually to open again so we can meet people and give advice and care.
During November The Trussell Trust, the organisation that run the majority of the UK’s foodbanks, including our own, made us stop and think as t
hey announced that during this
W
inter it is expected that a food parcel is given out in this country every 9 seconds(
!)
a
nd that 100,000 people turned to foodbanks for the first time during 2020. They report that 670,000 more people in the UK face falling into destitution. The Trussell Trust are asking all of us to think about whether foodbanks, in themselves, are the answer to hunger, destitution andpoverty in this country and want to move us towards a Hunger Free Future. We have been shocked at the foodbank by the word The Trussell Trust used - ‘destitution’ to describe the situation people are finding themselves in. This seems truly shocking in the UK in 2021. If you want to join us in the fight towards a Hunger Free Future you can visit
https://www.trusselltrust.org/hunger-free-future/
If you or someone you know is struggling to feed themselves or their family locally then get in touch. We know that anyone can reach crisis point and we're here to help when that happens Phone us 01666 826982 Email us [email protected] https://malmesburydistrict.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/ Cricklade Foodbank Steering Group Members
DEFIBRILLATORS FOR CRICKLADE
The plan to make defibrillators available across the whole of Cricklade is nearly complete. Following last month’s appeal, the latest location to the network will be in Stockham Close. Julia Mahoney at number 33 has kindly given permission to locate the defibrillator at the side of her house. Installation arrangements are currently being arranged.
The remaining location identified for installation is Hitchings and although ideally we would have liked to install close to the entrance, an offer has been made by a yet to move in resident and discussions are ongoing.
Funds are currently available to install these last two defibrillators at Hitchings and Stockham Close. The funds to support this project have been given by Phil Waller and Guy
Montezuma, from the now disbanded Squash Club. Thank you for your support and also to The Red Lion Charity Fund and Jeremy Anderson’s continuing support in fundraising and administrating the installations with the British Heart Foundation.
What is a Defibrillator?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the
life-threatening cardiac problems and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.
Cricklade has a number of defibrillators located around the town. These have been purchased and installed by volunteers through donations and local grants. They are inspected monthly by volunteers to ensure they remain ready for use in an emergency.
As a householder offering the location space you have to do absolutely nothing once installed.
If anyone is required to use the defibrillator they dial 999 and ask for Ambulance service. The Ambulance service have the location of all AED devices and will give the caller the location, instructions, and the code to unlock the box. The machine is fully automated with voice activated instructions.
Bob Jones
Wiltshire Councillor 07973863702
CRICKLADE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The Lights Committee were very pleased to erect and decorate the
Christmas t
ree outside the Police Station. They would like to thank the HopK
ettle Brewery for their generous gift of the tree. Thanks also to Pebley Beach for funds for the lights and GWP for their donation to Cricklade Band. Thanks also to the Town Council groundsmen for mounting the illuminated Father Christmas sleigh to add to the display.Our Christmas wish for a working vaccine looks as if it will be granted. Well done to all those who have worked so hard to achieve it. Meanwhile be careful.
The 2021 event should be held on Saturday 4 December hopefully with a full road closure and entertainment but this much depends on getting some new energetic people to help erect the tree, and man the road barriers. This year we only managed to get four people and two of them well past their sell by date. Without more help it just won’t happen. If you are willing to help, please can you let the Town Council have you
r
name.MEMORIES OF VE DAY AND VJ DAY Collected locally during Lockdown 2020
My thanks to all those who not only bought, but collected copies from my house, delivered them to neighbours or leafleted details of my recent VE Day and VJ Day Memories booklet around Cricklade. They had completely sold out by Remembrance Day, and raised £250 each for the Cricklade Branch of the Royal British Legion, and Cricklade Open Door. It’s now been suggested that I order more from the printers in 2021 as I already have enquiries from people who missed it. However I would only do so if I have sufficient pre-orders to pay for another (smaller) print run, so for those who are interested or would like further details please let me know on either 01793 750542 or email [email protected]. The booklets which are A4 size are £3.00 each and can either be collected from me or delivered to you.
We Need Your Help We Need Drivers
We are seeking Link Drivers. We take requests on our answer machine and once a day the Co-ordinator matches up drivers and Link tasks. Could you give up a couple of hours a week to be a Link Driver? Please call 751049 or 07421018499 for more details. We are also seeking drivers to help run this service for your community
We need Volunteers 07421018499 Cricklade Link Scheme
PURTON AND GREEN GABLE SURGERY PPG
Donations for the PPG
As you know we are currently unable to do any fundraising and we would like to thank those who have donated to our PPG funds. If you would like to make a donation to the PPG please make cheques payable to ‘Purton Patient Participation Group’, with the cheque being taken into the surgery. Please label your envelope: ‘For the attention of Kai Howard’.
Thank you
This past year has been extremely busy for our surgery, all staff have been working under very different and stressful circumstances and we’re sure you will all join us in thanking everyone for all they have done and continue to do. We do appreciate it.
As always, your support for our work to both inform and support patients and the practice is much appreciated. If you know of anyone who would like to be included in our email list (all sent bcc) then please ask them to contact via [email protected].
Sheila Fowler Secretary
Serving patients in Purton, Cricklade and surrounding communities
CRICKLADE JENNER HALL Happy New Year To All Our Friends
We hope to be able to open again during April, but of course that depends on the Covid situation at that time and medical advice.
Vicky McIntosh has decided to resign as Vice Chairman and as a Trustee. All of Cricklade are very grateful to her for the massive energy she put in to raising the funds for re-roofing the hall and internal refurbishment. The coffee mornings were her speciality as well with the help of our other helpers and we all hope that the reopening will be in the form of a grand coffee morning with Vicky as our guest.
During the lockdowns, work has continued and the kitchen has been completely renewed. A gas combi boiler has been installed to provide not only hot water but also two radiators to upgrade the heating system; one is near the bottom of the stairs in the back corridor, with the other in the corridor by the toilets.
Once again I would like to thank all the trustees for their support and hard work in bringing the hall up to a high standard that will give all our users an enjoyable and happy experience.
John Hickman
Chairman of the Trustees
UPDATE ON ST SAMPSON’S CHURCH APPEAL JANUARY 2021 Dear Friends,
All work on the South Transept roof should have been completed during the early weeks of December 2020. The discovery of wet rot and the poor weather did delay work somewhat. A contractor has been chosen to begin work on the roof of the Nave and this should begin in the spring of this year. We will continue to make applications to fundraising bodies to cover the cost of this.
Donations are always most welcome, and we give grateful thanks to all who have donated so generously in recent weeks. It is our intention to set up a fundraising page on one of the social media platforms as an alternative method to donate. Hopefully, by the time you read this it will be live!
It is also hoped that in 2021 we will be able to run some of our fundraising events. These include concerts by the Cricklade Band, the Wessex Male Choir and the Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society, plus our Grand Raffle with some prestigious prizes including original art and hotel breaks!
We are also working to launch a website for this project. This will allow us to keep you all fully up-to-date with progress made.
We wish you all a happy and peaceful year for 2021.
If you wish to make a donation, or for further details, please contact Adina Grace, church warden, at [email protected] or 01793 750138. Cash and cheques (made payable to St Sampson’s No. 2 Account) are acceptable. They may be sent to Adina’s address, Staddlestones, 4/5 Westmill Lane, Cricklade, SN66JL, by hand or post.
With best wishes from the Church Appeal Team: Adina Grace, Barry Hammond, Sharon Smith, Helen Dixon, Rob Crow, Martin Lisk, Sarah Smith, Rob Hyde-Bales and Kathryn Reed
UPDATE ON CRICKLADE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP’S BUILD OUR FUTURE PROJECT
Thank you so much to everyone that has supported our recent fundraising. We hope you all enjoyed October’s Jumble Trail, managed to have a good clear-out as a result of the Bag 2 School collection and maybe even won some prizes in our Christmas raffle! Along with a very generous donation, plus sponsorship from our running and sports challenges, we were still able to keep moving towards our target in the latter part of 2020.
There is no council funding available for our project and therefore we are so lucky to have such fantastic support from our local community. Thank you!
We are getting so much closer to achieving our dream of getting a new building and now have about 80-85% of the required funds. However, we still need around £20,000 to make a Summer 2021 build a reality.
If you are able to support us by making a donation we would love to hear from you. Equally, if any building or construction companies are able to help with our project then please get in touch. Please email Susie at: [email protected].
Many thanks and best wishes from the Cricklade Pre-School Playgroup Committee
Poppy Appeal 2020
The 2020 Poppy Appeal had to be seriously curtailed due to Covid-19 restrictions, resulting in The Royal British Legion losing millions of pounds from its annual Poppy Appeal. House to house collections were not allowed, to protect collectors, and our collection points such as ASDA were cut from a maximum of 16 to just four days when the second lockdown kicked in. The collecting that was permitted was only made possible by the added support of 29 Regt. Royal Logistic Corps from South Cerney, who manned the collection points both at ASDA and in Cricklade High Street on some very wet days.
A big thank you to the people of Cricklade for donating and supporting us during the Poppy Appeal and for donating through our well received new contactless devices, which were available for the first time this year. A special thanks to all those that donated to Barry’s collection box outside his house for his wonderful Poppy display in Westmill Lane. It is not too late to donate
To donate now: cash or cheques payable to ‘The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal’ can be dropped off at 7 Westmill Lane.
The Poppy Appeal Team Tina and Barry
News from Cricklade Bloomers Whispers from the Walled Garden
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CRICKLADE AND DISTRICT BRANCH
Firstly, a big thank you to all of you that supported our virtual Wreath Making. We missed your chatter and Christmas spirit over mince pies and mulled wine in the garden.
We have had to find new ways to keep our town looking good during the lockdown, working in small groups, in shifts and on different days. We decided we would not be beaten by the Covid and we have achieved much during this time.
The Royal Horticultural Society recognised our efforts during these difficult times with three awards “For Inspiring Others” and “Sharing Our Know How” along with a certificate of Recognition.
Without the Tea Rooms and Mikron Theatre fundraising events, like many organisations we have suffered financially. Our plant sales by the War Memorial, outside our members’ houses and our honesty box at the Walled Garden have raised over £2500, another big thank you to you all.
We still aim to meet on Wednesday mornings during the Winter months to keep the town tidy and do some housekeeping in readiness for Spring.
No gardening experience required, everyone welcome, come along to our friendly group for a natter and share our passion to “make Cricklade a better place”, plenty of non-gardening jobs to keep us busy. We can stay dry under our covered work area (at safe distancing) and when all else fails work in isolation around the town. If the January weather is too inclement to work, you can keep in touch by visiting our new Facebook page, “Cricklade Bloomers”, for the latest information.
New life in the Walled Garden is showing, with green shoots on many of our plants and hopefully signs of a new and better year for us all.
Lastly ahuge thank you to all of our amazing volunteers. Bloomers
07889986166 / 07973863702 email: [email protected] A Happy and Safe New Year to you All
CRICKLADE OPEN DOOR
So we arrive at the threshold of 2021 after a very strange, different and difficult 2020, but with hope of a vaccine very soon and life returning to some normality. The words of Alfred Lord Tennyson are very apt: 'Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering "It will be happier."
We are still hopeful for a grand re-opening in the Spring, when we will be able to offer a safe environment and safe activities for our members. We have all missed the friendship and support offered at Open Door and can't wait to get going again. Meanwhile, members and volunteers chat on the telephone and meet up when the regulations allow.
Our wish to all at the start of the year, is that we all keep safe, keep warm and keep in good spirits.
The Open Door telephone is still in use, each weekday, if you need any information or we can help in any way - 07599 987851.
DANCE COMMON WILDLIFE NOTES JANUARY 2021 Review of the Year 2020
Chiffchaff
2020 has been a year like no other and an especially sad one following the loss of our Chairman, John Nevill. As well, the restrictions placed on us by Covid procedures have
prevented us from carrying out normal maintenance tasks; and with fewer people walking on Dance Common there have not been the usual number of reports of new species.
However, new working rotas have been set up and, let us fervently hope, we will be able to resume mowing paths in the spring. This will not only make The Dance more welcoming for walkers but benefit its wildlife. So, for example, small, less rampant plants like Bird’s Foot Trefoil can find a place by the edge of a path, while small rodents, if suitably cautious, can extend their feeding range. Butterflies like the Orange Tip that habitually bask in sunshine can do so with the assurance that cover is close by, while very territorial species like the Small Copper can, as they like to do, constantly patrol their section of path,
aggressively confronting all intruders.
Despite there being less monitoring of The Dance, there were two notable bird sightings. We were visited by an Osprey. These large, imposing raptors are serious fish eaters plunging dramatically into the water, feet first. We think our visitor was not yet fully mature, still too young to be involved in breeding. There will be more information in 2021.
A pair of Grey Wagtails were also regularly seen but it is not clear if they bred successfully. This is a different bird from the Pied Wagtails often seen around the town but they (and the much rarer Yellow Wagtail) share the same bobbing style of walking and long tail feathers which gives them their name. Grey Wagtails, who are always found near ponds, lakes or streams, were once largely confined to more Northerly areas of the country but are now moving into the Lowlands.
At the end of the year we carried out one of our important annual maintenance jobs. This was cutting back a third of the Blackthorn in all the stands found on The Dance. This encourages new growth which is the special habitat for a number of insects, particularly the larvae (caterpillars) of the rare Brown Hairstreak butterfly.
Hopefully 2021 will be a better year enabling us to spend more time on The Dance maintaining access for visitors and managing the varied habitats.
Working parties: To be advertised here and on Facebook when we can resume. Find us on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/dancecommon.cricklade
or Twitter: @dancecommon
Chair - Cathy Limbrick [email protected]
CRICKLADE TWINNING NEWSLETTER Covid-19
We hope this newsletter finds you well and not unduly affected by Covid either by illness or the impact of the vital endeavours to control the pandemic.
It looks like it will be April at the earliest, before any sense of normality will return. However it seems likely (not given) though that things will be back under control by the end of June. With that in mind we have the following proposals for 2021.
Twinning Visit in Cricklade 2021
We have agreed with our colleagues in Sucé that the visit will take place starting Thursday 8 July and ending on the Monday. Plans for the visit will largely follow our plans for 2020. We will also celebrate our 30th anniversary albeit a year late. Please let us know
([email protected]) if you will possibly take part in the visit or anyone else who might.
You can find out more about the Cricklade Twinning by going to our website; just search for Cricklade Twinning in your search engine (i.e. Google) or click for planned events or for newsletters.
Chris Faulkner
Chair Cricklade Twinning Association
CRICKLADE RBL’S INVOLVEMENT WITH BLAKEHILL CAIRNS AND THE CANADIANS
In September 1994 24 members of 437 Sqn RCAF,with their CO Lt Col Rapagna, arrived in the UK to dedicate a cairn that had been erected at Purley Farmhouse, near to where the security entrance to the airfield, aircraft and technical sites had been at RAF Blakehill Farm. The cairn commemorated the 437 crews lost during Operation Market Garden at Arnhem in September 1944. Afterwards Revd Ken Withington held a memorial service in St Sampson’s followed by a parade to the town hall for a buffet hosted by Mrs Cynthia Binfield, Chairman, Cricklade Town Council (CTC). The Branch Standard and escorts supported the 437 Flag Party at all three events.
In April 2004 the second cairn to UK forces (233 Sqn RAF, Glider Pilot Regt, Air Ambulance Nurses and 1st and 6th Airborne) was dedicated and the Branch Standard led the vets at the ceremony.
In April 2005, in the Council Committee Room, Lt Col Dave Murphy RCAF presented the Canadian flag to Mr Clive Wilce Chairman CTC; in the presence of President Nelson Hicks, Chairman Les Osborn, Hon. Sec. Taff Lee and Marie Puskas 437 Sqn RCAF Association.
On 8 May 2005 (60th anniversary VE Day) The RBL held a thanksgiving service at Blakehill: conducted by Revd Jill Thornton with Lt Col Dave Murphy (ex CO of 437) as our guest. The flags of 233 Sqn RAF and the GPRA were presented to Mr Clive Wilce, Chairman CTC, and Mr Reg Coole, Court Leet High Bailiff.
In November 2005 we held our first remembrance service and wreath laying at the cairns after the town service in St Sampson’s, both services conducted by Revd Judy Ashby and attended by Lt Col D. Murphy RCAF. This format has been kept ever since with the Canadian officer detached (nominal three year tour) to Shrivenham Defence College attending and laying the Canadian wreath issued from Canada house, London.
In November 2006 the Blakehill service included the dedication of the Maple Tree with Revd Judy Ashby, CTC Chairman David Tetlow and Lt Col D Murphy RCAF.
In August 2007 Mrs Wendy Marshal placed the wooden bench at the cairns in memory of Peter; supported by Council and Legion members.
In June 2008 a surprise visit to Blakehill by 437 Sqn CO Lt Col Yvan Choiniere, Hon. Col Pete Porter and ex CO Lt Col Dave Murphy. They were met by Council Chairman David Tetlow, Branch members Taff Lee and Mrs Marie Puskas whose deceased husband was a 437 Sqn pilot and close friend of Pete Porter.
In December 2011 the council organised planting of trees in Millenium Wood. Branch members John Lankester and Taff Lee planted for every wartime unit at Blakehill. 8 November 2012 the Town Clerk confirmed the Canadian Cairn at Blakehill is listed and registered with the Imperial War Museum, London.
June 2013: currently the Branch is exchanging emails with 437 Sqn in Trenton to organise a squadron visit in November for joint Remembrance Services.
Near the start of each new year Christians celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. It
commemorates the wise men coming from the east, searching for the newborn saviour. When they find Jesus they offer him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Those wise men represent all who are searching for meaning in their lives, asking
themselves what has true value. Whom can I really trust? Who is worthy of my worship? Perhaps it's because they were wise in the first place that those men from the east knew they were in need of a saviour. The trouble with many people is that as long as their immediate needs are satisfied — they're materially comfortable, entertained, in reasonable health — they believe that they can navigate themselves through life on autopilot. However when a crisis arrives they begin to realise that their whole lives up to then have been built on very shallow foundations. They're lost and they start looking for a saviour.
As the wise men from the east recognised, it is Jesus who is our true saviour. And he saves us by giving our lives a deep and solid foundation. When we commit ourselves to him he shows us the way to answer those fundamental questions: What has true value? Whom can I really trust? Who is worthy of my worship? In all that he did and said during his life on this earth, above all in his death and resurrection, Jesus shows us how precious every human life is, no matter how poor or marginalised. Every life has that value because every life is created and loved by God. Jesus shows where we can put our trust: in God's word. He himself is that Word made flesh. Jesus shows us that God alone is worthy of worship. When human beings start worshipping themselves the result is a society driven by greed, with no regard paid to the needs of the weak, and the earth's resources being selfishly over-exploited. To worship God, on the other hand, is to recognise that all we are and all we have is a gift from God, to be shared by all God's creatures.
Rev. Michael Robertson, St Mary’s Catholic Church.
