January 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journey of the Magi

                         ‘A cold coming we had of it,

                         Just the worst time of year

                         For a journey, and such a long journey:

                         The ways deep and the weather sharp,

                         The very dead of winter’

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              T. S. Eliot

 

Magazine for Falfield, Oldbury

Rockhampton & Shepperdine.

 

EDITOR                     Mrs Maureen Bland.

                                    Little Green Cottage, Ham, Berkeley, Glos. GL13 9QN

                                    Tel: 01453 811004

 

PRINTED BY             Oldbury Deckers. Tel: 01454  412153

 

4-ward is an independent community magazine

and material is published at the discretion of the editor.

 

Articles for next month's edition should reach the Editor

or Email 4ward@oos4ward.plus.com

 

NO LATER THAN 10th OF THIS MONTH

 

4-ward Magazine Advertising Charges

 

            Back Cover    Whole page - £20        Half page - £10            Quarter page - £5

            Inside Pages    Whole page - £16        Half page - £8  Quarter page - £4

10% discount on all charges when paying for full year in advance.

Cheques should be made payable to “4-ward Magazine”

 

Church Contacts :-    

 

Thornbury & Oldbury.

                        Parish office                            281900            Wed. Thurs. Fri. mornings

                        Revd David Primrose               413209

Methodist         Rev Iesinga Vunipola              412269

 

            Rockhampton, Falfield, Tortworth, Tytherington & Cromhall

                        Revd Canon Pat Lyes-Wilsdon            294767

 

Christ The King Thornbury.

Father Alex                              412223

 

Local Village Web Links        www.oldbury-on-severn.com    www.falfield.org.uk

            www.MyThornbury.com

 

Oldbury Memorial Hall – contact Len Hales 415144

Oldbury Youth Club 07831 849742

 

 

 

 

2008 CALENDAR DATES  FOR OLDBURY

Sponsored by Ian Knapp Builders.

 

9th        Jan       Wed     Oldbury Sequence Dancing

12th      Jan       Sat       Bingo Evening, Memorial Hall

5th        Feb      Tue      AGM and Management Meeting, Memorial Hall

6th        Feb      Wed     Oldbury Sequence Dancing

16th      Feb      Sat       Oldbury Sequence Dancing

23rd      Feb      Sat       Race Night, Memorial Hall

5th        Mar      Wed     Oldbury Sequence Dancing

15th      Mar      Sat       Oldbury Sequence Dancing

15th      June     Sun      Fun Run

5th        July      Sat       Cricket Club Summer Do

 

Coffee mornings are held at the chapel on the 3rd Saturday of each month in aid of charity.

A community library will be held in the Oldbury Chapel School Room on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month 11.00 – 12.00 noon. Everybody is welcome to come along for a chat and a cup of coffee.

 

If you have any more fund raising or social events you would like to include in this diary, please contact Ian Knapp on 419332

 

Oldbury Deckers meet in the pavilion, West Marsh Lane-

Friday              5.00pm – 10.00pm

The contact number at club is 07831 849742

If unavailable contact – Barry 07732 637246 or Bob 411506

 

************************

 

Oldbury Church Flowers

           

January                        6th        Mrs Gazard

                        13th      Mrs Gazard

                        20th      Mrs Harding

                        27th      Mrs Harding

                       

 

 

 

 

 

Loitering in Leighterton.

           

A dozen Oldbury Wanderers were greeted with beautiful weather  for the November ramble. We gathered outside the tiny church of St Lawrence at Didmarton opposite St Lawrence’s holy well. This church is one of the most interesting in Gloucestershire, having escaped the attentions of the Victorians who built another church instead. The origins of this building are Norman but the church was partially rebuilt in mediaeval times and remodelled in the Georgian period. The interior was excavated and fully  and sympathetically restored in the 1980’s.It is now an excellent example of an 18th century country church with box pews, a three-decker pulpit and a tiny sanctuary. The upstairs galleries that housed the poorer people who could not afford to pay for a pew had sadly disappeared. However the hat pegs remain high up on the wall of the north transept as if awaiting giants.

St Lawrence was one of the companions of St Augustine on his mission to England in 597 and succeeded him as Archbishop of Canterbury in 608. The dedication of this place to him suggests an ancient Christian site.

Buried inside the church in 1631 was Simon Codrington who built the fine manor house nearby. He had been one of the adventurers who founded a colony in Virginia. His descendants bought large estates in the West Indies and became established at Doddington.

The place-name of Didmarton denotes “Dydda’s boundary farmstead”. It lies close to the Wiltshire border and agriculture is still important here so the name is still meaningful.

From the church we struck across the fields with pleasant views towards Sherston ahead of us, the Badminton estate to the south and Westonbirt to the north. We were surprised by a singing ascending skylark. He/she must have thought it was early Spring. The path turned north at a fine stone field barn towards Knockdown Farm, now a centre selling Cotswold dressed stone and roofing tiles. A short walk along the lane led us to join Wood Lane from Halfway Bush Farm. This well-marked track is now part of the Macmillan Way long-distance footpath which took us through a gate onto the Broad Walk of Westonbirt Arboretum Silk Wood.

The maple trees had already shed most of their leaves but there was still a colourful display to admire as we paused for a coffee break under the Scots pines. We were not far from the Japanese Maple Collection and a 2000 year old lime tree. Beside the Broad Walk we paused to see the plantation of oaks from across the globe described as “the world in one place.” We greeted other walkers and bird-watchers also enjoying their surroundings.

Once outside the arboretum boundary we entered the wilder woodland of Hawkesbury Spinney. The trees here are deliberately grown close together and straight so they can be felled for various uses such as railings. Pete told us that Oldbury men used to come here for the rails for the “engines” on which to mount their putchers for the salmon fishing.

The fine house was just out of sight. It is now a school with a facade 120 yards long crowned by a lofty tower. Lewis Vullaimy designed it for the Holford family. Their 116 acres of arboretum, fine in all seasons, is now managed by the Forestry Commission.

On the edge of the spinney we joined another long-distance path, the Monarch’s Way, which led us across fields. We passed one which must be paradise for birds, especially pheasants, with dried sunflowers  interspersed amongst barley. An ascent uphill gave us a view over a deserted village site – there are several in the area. We climbed a number of old stone stiles set in the walling, some of which proved challenging. Where a field had been ploughed we noticed how stony it was for planting crops.

By now the sight of the “Royal Oak” at Leighterton was welcome. We had covered 2 thirds of our (almost) 8 mile walk, spurred on by the thought of lunch and a pint! The village itself is tiny with attractive stone cottages, a small church with a timbered belfry and oak spire and a chorus of quacking ducks and a bossy goose on the pond. Passing the separate little cemetery we were surprised to see 2 rows of stark white war graves. Why so many in this backwater? The answer was revealed by a display on the wall in the pub.

In 1917 Leighterton was even quieter having no made up roads and little traffic. A transformation occurred with the arrival of the Australian Flying Corps to train more pilots. The locals apparently enjoyed these lively and humorous young men with their brightly-painted Sopwith Camels. A garage opened and then a cafe. There were 4 squadrons operating in France and Egypt and 4 more were needed to replenish losses on the Western Front. The training was dangerous and fatal accidents occurred. If the pilots survived this period and were sent to the  front their life expectancy was only 9 days.

In February 1918 a flying ace named Lt. Col. Oswald Watt became commander.He had held a pilot’s licence since 1911 having served with the French Air Force. He had been awarded the Croix de Guerre and Medaille Militaire for bravery. Watt had been educated at Clifton College but maintained he was “a real Aussie” because, as he often said, “I have no manners!” Ironically, Watt survived WW1 and all his daring flying exploits only to drown in an accident in Sydney in 1920. The pallbearers had all served at Leighterton.

Altogether 25 pilots trained in the village were later buried there. None was over the age of 22. Their sacrifice is remembered every ANZAC Day by the villagers, the Lord Lieutenant  of Gloucestershire  and the  Australian Air Attache from the High Commission. We felt sure many grieving families must have visited this peaceful place in recent years.

We followed the lane out of the village past Castle Farm. The footpath near Saddleworth Manor had been diverted through fields of horses. There had been a recent huge investment in specialist fencing and the green lanes had been mown like a bowling green which seemed extraordinary. We had to exit all this by an illogical ladder system which caused a lot of mirth as we descended on our bottoms.

              Our last call was at Oldbury-on-the-Hill’s church of St Arilda. This is now closed but conserved. It was locked but we could peep in to see the pulpit and box pews. The porch contained  pilgrim crosses as at her namesake at home in Oldbury-on-Severn.  Meg Adnams.

 

 

 

 

ROCKHAMPTON PARISH COUNCIL

 

Rockhampton Parish Council met on Wednesday 21st November in the Village Hall, with South Gloucestershire Councillor Matthew Riddle in attendance. A number of issues were discussed, including the possible adoption of the field behind the Village Hall for community use, the best location for a new Parish notice board recently donated by Oldbury on Severn Power Station, and the pending improvements to the A38/J14 junction.  Also discussed was an approach from Rockhampton in Queensland Australia regarding the establishment of a formal relationship.

 

The estimated cost for running the Parish Council during 2007/8 was discussed, and a precept application value of £1150 was agreed – unchanged from 2007/8.

 

The Parish Council will meet on the following dates in 2008;-

 

February 20th, April 16th, May 21st , August 20th  and November 19th .

 

 

 

Rockhampton Village Hall 100 Club

 

November draw winners were :-

 

Narinjan Singh.

                        David Walker,                         Henry Price.

                        Sheila Jones,                            Elizabeth McFarland.

 

 

 

Rockhampton Village Hall

 

Rockhampton Village Hall urgently requires a caretaker at £700 per annum remuneration or a cleaner on a pro rata basis.

To apply please contact Roger Watkins on tel no. 01454 260530.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THORNBURY LIBRARY

 

1.         Extended opening hours

 

Good news. From Monday 7 January 2008 Thornbury Library will open until 5.30 pm on Mondays AND Tuesdays.

 

Our full opening hours will be:

 

Monday           9.30 - 5.30

Tuesday           9.30 - 5.30

Wednesday      9.30 - 7.00

Thursday         CLOSED

Friday              9.30 - 7.00

Saturday          9.30 - 5.00

 

2.         Another good winter read

 

Two more books in our ‘Reading Group Recommends’ series, this time from Bookworms and the U3A:

 

Precious Bane by Mary Webb

A gem of a book, engrossing story, lyrical writing, worthy of a second read.

 

Mapping the Edge by Sarah Dunant

An unusual book with two parallel stories featuring the heroine-even at the end one is not sure which story is true. Lots of points for group discussion if other reading groups are looking for ideas!

 

For more information on any of the above items please give the library a ring on our new number 01454 868 006 (24 hour renewal line 08450 020 777) or visit our web-site on www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries.

Remember you can also access the web-site to renew your books, check the catalogue, reserve items and consult a wide range of on-line reference materials including Oxford English Dictionary Online; Oxford Reference Online; Oxford Dictionary of National Biography; Grove Music Online; Grove Art Online. You will need your borrower number and pin number (available from the library). We have also adding Ancestry.co.uk to the list but this is only available using the library computers. You can also join the library on-line. We also offer a telephone enquiry service on 01454 866 900 or you can email your enquiry to askthelibrary@southglos.gov.uk

 We also offer free internet access and word processing in the library.

Please note we can send your reservation and overdue notifications by text, email or voice message. Please ask!

 

 

 

 

The Saturday night thing

Saturday January 12th

7pm – 9pm

 

This month’s Theme :   

" Patience"

 

Come and join us!

At the Chapel

(open to 11 – 15 year olds)

 

“The cost for each session is £2.  This is to cover the cost of the craft

(which has turned out to be really popular) and also to cover other running costs.

   Thank you!”

 

For more information contact Lucienne 416149

 

 

 

FREE Singing Course (women only!)

 

Do you love to sing ? Would you like to learn to sing in harmony? Develop your voice and confidence? Have lots of fun and make new friends?

 

Then come along to our FREE  6 week Learn to Sing course at King George V Memorial Hall, Rangeworthy starting on Thursday 17th Jan. Beginner and experienced singers welcome and there's no need to read music. To book your place contact Emma Richardson on 01453 845214.

 

Further details can be found on our website www.fascinating-rhythm.com

 

 

Q. What is a terminal illness?

A. When you are sick at the airport

Q. Use the word "judicious" in a sentence to show you understand its meaning?

A. Hands that judicious can be soft as your face

Q. What is a turbine

A. Something an Arab or Shreik wears on his head

 

 

 

Flower Clubs

 

THORNBURY & DISTRICT

SEVERN VALE

Meetings at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall

2nd & 4th Thursdays

Demonstrations and Practice Classes at 7.30pm

Meetings at Armstrong Complex, Thornbury

Demonstrations

3rd  Wednesday in the Month

at 2.00pm

24th January 

   Members Party

January 16th

   Lucretia Goode – 'My Fair Ladies'

   Comp – 'For a Country Kitchen'

 

 

Oldbury Churches Together

 

Please note the changed date for the Service for Christian Unity

 

This will now be on Sunday 27th January

at 6 p.m. in St Arilda’s Church

 

 

 

 

 


Oldbury Rain Fall

 

 

November 2007                       November 2006                       November 2005

                        57mm                          107.5mm                     77mm

                        2.24"                            4.23"                            3.03"

 

 

KIDS ARE QUICK

 

Mother:           I am coming to your nursery Nativity play with Granny.

Daughter:        Yes, I'm baby Jesus I am.

Mother:           I don't think so - you are three.

Daughter.        Yes I am. I AM. And I have a word to say.

Mother.            Oh! What is it?

Daughter:        Baa!

 

 

Oldbury Village History Group

 

Tuesday  15 January

7.45 p.m.

in the Memorial Hall

 

A.G.M. and

do-it-ourselves evening with bring-and-share supper

(drinks provided for a contribution to funds)

 

Please bring anything of local history interest

We shall also be discussing next summer’s exhibition

 

All welcome

 

 

 

Valentine’s Dance

Friday February 15

Leyhill Social Club

 

ACT (Arts and Community in Thornbury) continue their rolling calendar of fundraising events with a Valentine’s Dance to celebrate love, romance and brighten up February gloom.  Music will be provided by the excellent Mike Bostic Disco and there will be a delicious cold buffet!  Come and boogie the night away – perhaps using some of the steps picked up from Strictly Come Dancing - maybe a sexy salsa, a passionate pasadoble or a smoochy samba.  Tickets will be on sale at the Garden Shop, Thornbury High Street from January 8 at £12 each and £11 for fACTs (friends of A C T).   Over 18 s only please.  Limited numbers so buy your tickets soon!

If you would like any further details ring Jenny on 01454 417038 or Jackie on 01454 416421.

 

KIDS ARE QUICK

 

Q. What is the fibula?

A. A small lie

Q. What is the most common form of birth control?

A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium

Q. Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean section"?

A. The caesarean section is a district in Rome

Q. What is a seizure?

A. A Roman Emperor

 

 

 

 

Police Report for November 2007

 

Hello everyone, here's the police report for November 07, I hope everyone had a peaceful Christmas and New Year

The total number of crimes for the month rose dramatically unfortunately due to one incident on November 5th outside the White Hart in Littleton. 7 cars were damaged while the firework display was on. The cars were scratched and had their tyres slashed causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.  One car had the word SLAG etched into the bonnet and boot suggesting it was a personal attack on the vehicle owner.  There was also camera equipment stolen from one of the vehicles. On the same night a vehicle was damaged whilst parked outside The Anchor at Oldbury.

A domestic burglary was reported in Littleton where the offenders have caused considerable damage to doors and windows to a house which is undergoing building work.  A large TV, cash and other items were reported stolen.

A horse rug was stolen from a farm in Greenditch Street, Pilning, the horse was wearing the rug at the time.

A juvenile has reported a minor assault whilst cycling home from school on the A38 Rudgeway.

Towards the end of the month the Tennis Pavilion and Olveston Parish Hall on Upper Tockington Road had numerous windows smashed.  It is suspected that children are responsible. Damage was also caused to a fence on Alveston Road, Old Down causing injury to a horse.

A reminder that the next Safer Stronger Community Group meeting will be held at Rockhampton Village Hall on Wednesday 16th January at 19.30 pm.  This is an opportunity to discuss any topic affecting the community not just police matters.

 

Beat Surgery dates for Olveston Stores, 10.30 - 12.00

 

24th January 2008

28th February 2008

 

Roger Hopes                                                        Kelly Dimery

PC 3404                                                               PCSO 9317

Neighbourhood Beat Manager                            Neighbourhood Community Officer

DC 125  Severn                                                   DC125 Severn                                           

Phone: 0117 945 5959                                         Phone: 0117 945 5959

Mobile: 07919628625                                         Mobile: 07917586645

Fax: 0117 945 5981 (65981)                               Fax: 0117 945 5981 (65981)

Thornbury Police Station, Rock St, Thornbury S Glos. BS35 2BA

 

 

 

 

 

 

SING -A -LONG -A- SOUND OF MUSIC  LIVE

 

 

“How do you solve a problem like Maria?”  Easy!  In ACT’s ( Arts and Community in Thornbury) live version of The Sound of Music we can take as many as 8 longing-to- be Marias.  In fact we need about 20 Nuns, between 1 and 3 Reverend Mothers, around 20 children, not to mention all the other parts!  Why?  Because this Sing –along is different!

It’s a semi-dramatic, shortened version in costume, in glorious Technicolor as well as being packed with lots of the wonderful music.  There’s a puppet show, a wedding and even an exciting escape from the Nazis!

Would you like to take part or just like to come along to enjoy the performance?  If so keep Saturday 26th January 2008 free for the following workshops and performance times at St. Mary’s Church Thornbury.

 

Children’s Workshop:          9.am - 11.00am

Soloist’s Workshop:            11.30am -1.00pm.

Full cast Workshop:             2.30pm - 5.30pm.

Break for tea and dressing:  5.30pm - 7.00pm

Performance                        7.00pm - 8.45pm  ( 15 minute interval.     

Refreshments available.)

Application forms and tickets will be available from Thornbury Garden Shop from Saturday 5th January 2008.

Closing date for applications is Saturday 19th January 2008

Please send completed forms and cheque for £7.50 ( £5 for  FACTs and children) to

Membership Secretary,

36 Queen’s Walk,

Thornbury.

BS35 1ST

Tickets for the performance only from The Garden Shop

Adults £ 6.

FACTs  and Children £5

 

 

Oldbury Carol Singing

on December 17th

raised £158.52

for CLIC Sargent

 

 

Thankyou to everyone!

 

 

 

 

FALFIELD VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE