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Last updated 27th April 2013

BERWICK ST JAMES MAY 2013

LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

The election for our local councillor for the Till and Wylye Valley is taking place on Thursday 2^nd May between 7am and 10pm. The Polling Station for Berwick St James is the Reading Room.

THE CHIMNEY SWEEP

The Chimney Sweep will be coming to Berwick on Thursday May 9^th. This has been kindly organized by Margaret Mustill.

BERWICK READING ROOM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the Reading Room Monday 13^th May at 6.30pm.

The Reading Room is run by a Committee elected annually at the AGM. The AGM welcomes all villagers to come along, hear what has been happening at the Reading Room and find out our plans for the future, and, of course, VOTE. We would very much appreciate your ideas and comments.

The present Secretary is Anika Lange, Treasurer Ian Fisher and Chairman Nicky Street. Committee members , Jacky Fisher, Kate Glyn Owen, Sarah Humphreys, Olivia Marchant, Nigel Rodgers and Chris Sims. Join us for a glass of wine. Anika 790122 Nicky 790309 chstreet@btinternet.com

BERWICK ST JAMES PARISH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Village Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 20^th May 13 in the Reading Room at 7 o’clock pm. As usual there will be a glass or two of wine available at the end.

Agenda items should be submitted to the Parish Clerk, Mrs Tricia Burke at “The Post Office Cottage”, no later than two weeks before the meeting. Her telephone no is 790894 and email is berwickstjamesclerk@hotmail.co.uk

BERWICK ST JAMES VILLAGE FETE AND COMPANION DOG SHOW TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY 1^ST JUNE AT BERWICK HOUSE.

Gates open at 12.30. Entrance fee £1 for adults – free for under 16s.

Fun at the Fete for all the Family! There will be lots of great stalls, field games, BBQ, beer and Pimms tent, raffles, plants and local produce, teas and delicious cakes, ice cream, bric a brac, animals plus lots more. This year we are organising plenty of activities for children including a free bouncy castle and a special toddler play area.

Paws for Thought: Don’t miss our Companion Dog Show, [run under Kennel Club rules] which is open to Pedigree and Novelty Classes – 12 in all. Bring your dog and enter! Registration starts at 12.00 with judging from 13.00.

Quackers for our Annual Duck Race to be held on Sunday 2^nd June. Races start at 11.30 at Asserton Lane bridge and finish at The Clock House. Ticket numbers [£1 each for children’s race and £2 each for adult’s race]. Ticket numbers on sale at Berwick Farm Shop and The Boot from 7^th May and on the day at the Fete. Cash prizes to be won!

For all information about our Fete visit our website: berwickstjames.org.uk

CALLING ALL AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Berwick St James photography competition is now open. The Theme is “Great Country Life” and photos mus be taken in Berwick or surrounding areas. Adult entry fee £2.50, under 16’s £1 and the winners will receive a CASH prize. The Winners of both catagories will be announced at the Berwick St James village fete on Saturday 1^st June, where all photos entered will be on display. For an entry form, please email kate@berwickstjames.org.uk or 01722790961 or check the village website where entry forms are available. Deadline for entries to be received is 25^th May 2013.

IT’S A CROCKERY SMASH @ BERWICK FETE

Calling All Hoarders and owners of old crockery, plates and china!

Have you ever wanted a good excuse to buy a new dinner service? Or find a home for the old chipped crockery or clear out the attic? Now is your chance!

Crockery contributions are greatly appreciated by 26^th May and can be left at Berwick Farm Shop. Door to door local collections for heavy loads can also be arranged.

For further information, please contact Linda @ Cherry Trees – 07900 982 861

BERWICK “13” QUIZ

Look out for Berwick “13” Quiz – available from the Farm Shop and other excellent places, and from Nicky Street (and other Fete Committee Members). Please return to Nicky or the Farm Shop by 31^s^t May or to the Fete – results announced at the Duck Race!

TUG OF WAR at BERWICK FETE

There will be a Tug of War Competition at Berwick Fete – Teams of Six are invited to enter. Entry £5 per team. Prize to be announced. Further details Dave Street dmstreet@hotmail.com 790309

GARDEN OPEN MILL HOUSE

On Easter Day we were blessed with sunshine and a less bitter wind and about 70 brave people attended. Virtually only Hellebores to be seen but they were rewarded by, as usual, a wonderful tea of scones and cream and the most scrumptious coffee and chocolate cakes not to mention the numerous cups of strong tea. Our thanks go to the Bush family, and the other helpers who so nobly gave up their Easter afternoon. £110.00 was raised for the church. £264.65 was raised for the NGS Charities. We hope to see you all on the 30^th June.

The Garden is open again under the National Garden Scheme on 30^th June.

WILDLIFE WATCH

A water vole was seen swimming around the Till at the south end of Winterbourne Stoke. A barn owl was seen flying in daylight, and a Long Eared Owl spent a day sitting in a tree near the buildings on Berwick Hill Farm, even though there was lots of activity going on!

A male Blackcap was seen at the beginning of April in a local garden – the first seen there.

The Swallows arrived on 14^th April – lots of reports! And the Kingfishers are still on the Till at the south end of Berwick.

Cowslips – at long last the cowslips are out on the field behind Asserton House. The first I found was on 15^th April. In previous years I found cowslips out in the same place on the 25^th March in 2012, and nearly out on 16^th March 2011, and out on 4^th April 2010.

Berwick St James Newsletter April 2013

WELCOME to MARK McDERMOT – we hope you enjoy living in Berwick.

CONGRATULATIONS to JEAN COLLINS-PITMAN on the wonderful results at Crufts Dog Show with her Gordon Setters. Dallas won first in the Field Trial category, Barclay - third in Special Puppy and Arnie - reserve fourth in Veteran.

CONGRATULATIONS to MARILYN and TONY WOOD on the birth of their granddaughter Millie Sophie, (also to Simon and Lisa).

BEST WISHES for a swift recovery to Pauline Stephenson, Margaret Mustill, Robert Drake and to all who are under the weather, including family and friends not in Berwick. Our thoughts are with you.

BERWICK ST JAMES CHURCH

EASTER Easter Day family service will be at 9.30am on 31^st March. Everyone is most welcome to attend, and the service will be taken by Canon David Durston.

TRUSSELL TRUST There will be a box in the church porch during April so that anyone inclined to donate any tins of food or bottles of drink (non-perishable) and dried food (pasta, rice and sugar) can do so to this most worthwhile charity. Church lockers are requested to place the box inside the church when they lock up and put it back in the porch in the morning. At the end of April what we have gathered up will be taken to the Salisbury depot. The trust is currently short of sugar, tinned vegetables and tinned fish.

CHURCH AGM. The Parochial Church Council AGM will be in the church on Wednesday 24^th April at 7pm. All welcome.

FILM NIGHT

THE READING ROOM COMMITTEE PRESENTS….

ANNA KARENINA

Wednesday 3^rd April in The Reading Room. Doors open 7pm. Film starts 7.30pm. 12A. 129mins.

“Adapted from Tolstoy’s epic novel by Tom Stoppard, the romantic drama Anna Karenina staras Keira Knightly and Jude Law. Set in late 19^th century Russian high society, it depicts the tragedy of the aristocrat Anna Karenina and her life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky” (2012).

Free Glass of Wine. A £5 donation each to Reading Room Funds is requested. (children free).

Many thanks to all who voted for this film, and especial thanks to Kate for organizing the poll!

OPEN GARDEN THE MILL HOUSE.

National Garden Scheme – The Yellow Book. The Mill House garden is open on Sunday 31^st March and Sunday 30^th June ,2 - 6pm.

Surrounded by the River Till millstream and a 10 acre traditional wet water meadow, this garden of wildness supports over 300 species of old fashioned roses rambling form the many threes. It is filled with butterflies, moths and insects. Herbaceous borders crammed with plants of yesteryear, unforgettable scents. Glorious spring bulbs. SSSI.

CREAM TEAS in the READING ROOM in aid of BERWICK CHURCH.

On Sunday 31^st March there will be Cream Teas for sale at The Reading Room from 2 – 5.30pm. These are most delicious!

BERWICK ST JAMES ART GROUP – SPACES NOW AVAILABLE

If you are interested in joining the Art Group, we meet every Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm at the Reading Room in Berwick St James.

We currently have some spare spaces so please come and join in. All levels welcome. We work in acrylic, pencil and watercolour. In addition the class is about to start learning printmaking.

Please contact Ann Crabtree on 01722 790232 or 07743 281773 email crabtreefamily@waitrose.com

BERWICK FETE, DOG SHOW AND DUCK RACE.

The Fete and Dog Show will be on Saturday June 1^st at Berwick House. The Duck Race is on Sunday June 2^nd and will start at Duck Lane bridge and end in the garden of The Clock House.

Do you make or sell crafts? Would you like to demonstrate and/or sell them at our Fete? (for a small charge). Please contact Sarah sarahhumphreys@onetel.com

THE BOOT INN

We have had a great response to our fabulous write up in the Salisbury Life magazine and with a mention in the times weekend supplement as well, the Boot seems to be the place to be. We will be open throughout the Easter period including the Bank Holiday Monday April 1^st for lunches 12noon to 2.30pm. The next fish night will be 19^th April, so please book in early. St George’s Day is 23^rd April when we will have some great British favourites on the menu and some Wadworth St George and Dragon Beer to go with it.

VILLAGE DIARY

Dates for your diary

May 13^th Wednesday Evening. Reading Room AGM in the Reading Room.

June 1^st. Saturday Fete and Dog Show. Berwick House

June 2^nd. Sunday. Duck Race. Clock House Garden.

See the noticeboards for the Village Diary – lots more things on it!

WILDLIFE WATCH

A yellow Brimstone Butterfly was seen flying strongly along the hedge in the sunshine at the south end of Berwick on 5^th March. Any reports of the first cowslip, swallow, housemartin etc gratefully received.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 or email chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St James Newsletter March 2013

NORMAN BATES. Anne and family would like to thank everyone in Berwick for their love and kindness during their recent sad loss.

BEST WISHES to all who are ill, we hope you will get better soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Happy Birthday to everyone in March especially to Stanley Palmer who is (according to a very reliable source) the eldest man in Berwick.

It is great to see Cyril Emm out and about after his knee operation.

GOODBYE to Ken Pitman. We will miss seeing Ken about the village, and in the Boot, and we hope he will be happy in his new home, (and we can still see Bruce, up at White Hill, and having a lovely time still barking at us all!)

PERENNIAL PROBLEM. The footpath around the back of Asserton Cottages, from the Asserton Lodge towards the gate into the field, is now the place suffering from inconsiderate dog owners. Someone allows their dog to leave their muck on this path – ready for others to step in! I was told that one day eight separate piles were visible!

BERWICK CHURCH

PALM SUNDAY. On Sunday 24^th March. Palm Sunday service 10am at Berwick, two donkeys in the procession from the Boot Inn to the Church.

EASTER SUNDAY. The Service is at 9.30am on Easter Sunday on March 31^st. All Welcome.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

CELEBRATION COFFEE MORNING Sunday March 17th 10.30am Free Tea and Coffee. In Celebration of my 5 years at Berwick. Come and meet your friends.

The Coffee Morning and Guided Walk on February 10^th suffered somewhat from the weather! Four stalwarts and two dogs walked the least muddy route and managed to mostly avoid the rain. We will do it again sometime in the summer! The Bacon Butties were lovely!

Mothering Sunday and Easter. Come and see my cakes – and order for Easter and Mother’s Day. You can now order your local Wiltshire Lamb for Easter, or try something different – perhaps duck from Crediton in Devon, from the same supplier as my chickens. For details of the shop see the advertisment elsewhere in the magazine.

VILLAGE MEETING

31 people attended the Parish Meeting held on 17^th January in the Reading Room. Planning policy matters were discussed. Olivia Marchant was elected Deputy Chairman. Tricia Burke was elected Parish Clerk. Thanks were given to Sarah Humphreys and Emma Smith who were standing down. The noticeboards will be replaced, with Wiltshire Council hopefully funding half the cost (since granted). It was agreed to keep the precept at the present rate. A report with slides was given on the Christmas Craft workshop and Children’s Halloween Party and the Community Fund has donated £100 for the year to offset some of the costs of organizing village parties in the Reading Room. Yoga is being organized in the Reading Room. It is hoped there will be a Wine Tasting later in the year.

Neighbourhood Watch. There was a good turnout at the meeting on 16^th, setting up is under way. Speedwatch. Details of the Metro Count are being circulated, the group are continuing to look into Community Speedwatch. Summer Fete. The Fete will be on Saturday 1^st June. (see report below)

The next meeting will be the AGM in May.

A Planning Meeting was held on 6^th February to hear Mr W Grant’s proposal to provide permanent accommodation for up to 2 wardens for his campsite on two of his pitches and deliberate on the village’s official response. The 17 residents who attended unanimously objected to the proposal, and the decision, together with the reasons for their objections were forwarded to Wiltshire Council.

BERWICK FETE, DOG SHOW AND DUCK RACE.

The Fete and Dog Show will be on Saturday June 1^st at Berwick House. The Duck Race is on Sunday June 2^nd and will start at Duck Lane bridge and end in the garden of The Clock House.

Do you make or sell crafts? Would you like to demonstrate and/or sell them at our Fete? (for a small charge). Please contact Sarah sarahhumphreys@onetel.com or Nicky chstreet@btinternet.com

We would very much like to have some animals for the children to see – do you have chickens, lambs or any other animals you would like to bring? If so please contact Sarah or Nicky.

New stalls and games – do you have a wonderful idea? Could you help? The more the merrier! Sarah and Nicky await your call! (Also we need to borrow gazebos!)

FETE MEETING

It was great to see 17 people at the Fete Meeting on 30^th January, all with good ideas and offers of help. At the Fete on 1^st June there will be the Dog Show (entries start 12noon), the Fete will open at 12.30 with the first dog class at 1pm. There will be a BBQ, a Beer and Pimms bar (many thanks to The Boot), a Grand Raffle and Silent Auction, lots of games and stalls, including Plants, Cakes, Produce, Books, Treasure Island, Children’s Races etc . And our Wonderful Teas. There will be a Quiz for sale in April – to be handed in at the Fete or before. More details later! See above if you would like to help.

ART CLASSES

These start again at 6pm on 26th February in the Reading Room. This a great group – all levels of ability – especially absolute beginners. You can do your own thing, or try out a variety of different styles, from water colours to pen and ink and lots in between. With many thanks to Ann Crabtree.

For further information and sign-up contact Ann Crabtree 01722 790232/07743281773 or email: crabtreefamily@waitrose.com

BERWICK VILLAGE WEBSITE.

Have a look at the Village Website – there are now photos of the Jubilee Party (can you find yourself?) it is hard to believe how good the weather was! See the wonderful photos of Berwick in the snow. The Village Diary is now on the Website too. berwickstjames.org.uk/

ENTRIES FOR THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE. Please send to me, Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry. Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see elsewhere in the magazine). But please make sure all information and dates are correct as I don’t check!

LOCAL HISTORY

GRAFFITI IN BERWICK

We don’t associate Berwick with graffiti, and it is usually frowned upon. But, like many things, if it is old, then it is often very interesting!

I have been looking into some graffiti carved into the window uprights of a window in the church tower – and then I was distracted by some more graffiti!

Whilst walking in the rain, some carving into some beech trees was shown to me.

These trees are on the side of the track from Asserton Lodge to White Hill Cottages – nearly at the top of the steepest part, on the left. There are various marks on various trees, some are impossible or difficult to work out, but this is not surprising as they are nearly 70 years old. Lots more research is needed to find out about these.

HARTMAN JUNE 12 1944 W V A

MAGNUSON JUNE 12 1944

J J G 1944

beath [or Death] 1944 G J

These are presumably the American GI’s waiting to go across the channel. The date could be 02 rather than 12, but it doesn’t really look like it. Do you remember the troops here around D Day? Do you know who they were? Could W V A be the initials of the division? West Virginia possibly. I will keep researching. Perhaps you know of more carving on other trees. Any information please! Nicky The Dairy House 790309 chstreet@btinternet.com

WILDLIFE WATCH

12 different species of birds were seen on a local bird table on the same day, in the snow in January. These included a male and female reed bunting. Birds seen around Wishford include the Red Kites, Cormorants, and a pair of Siskins on a sunflower seed feeder.

It is lovely to see the snowdrops out, perhaps spring is on the way. Any reports of the first cowslip, swallow, housemartin etc gratefully received.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 or email chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St James Newsletter Feb 2013

BERWICK ST JAMES

NORMAN BATES.We were all saddened to learn of the death of Norman Bates, who passed away on January 11^th. He will be greatly missed by his wife Ann, his daughters Louise, Elizabeth and Nicola, and their partners and his 7 grandchildren, as well as by his friends. Our thoughts are with all of you.

To Ann and family, our love and deepest sympathy, Norman is at peace now, from your many friends in Berwick.

We send our best wishes to Margaret Mustill and hopefully she will be feeling better soon, after her fall (no bones broken).

CHURCH

Christmas. Thank you to all those who decorated the church with flowers over Christmas – it looked fantastic.

Thankyou. A note from the churchwardens to thank everyone who has helped with church cleaning, locking up, brass cleaning, flower arranging and lesson reading during the last 12 months, and helping with the setting up of the carol service. It is hugely appreciated. Should there be anyone who might be interested in doing any of the above mentioned tasks, who does not do so at present, please contact either Stephen Bush (790445) or Jane Rowe (790575) – Many hands make light work!

Found. A buff coloured coat button was found in the chancel area of the church after the carol service. Should anyone have lost this button please contact Stephen Bush.

Church Electoral Roll. A new Church Electoral Roll has to be compiled in 2013 by all churches. Ailsa Bush will deliver a form to be completed to all those currently on the Electoral Roll which you are asked to fill in if you wish to remain on the Electoral Roll. If you are not currently on the Church Electoral Roll and would like to be, please contact Ailsa Bush (790445). A list of those people currently on the Electoral Roll will be on the church noticeboard during this month.

BERWICK ST JAMES FETE AND DOG SHOW 2013

Meeting; Wednesday 30^th January @ Reading Room at 7pm.

At the meeting on Jan 30^th @ The Reading Room we are looking for volunteers to help with the organising of the Berwick St James Village Fete and Dog Show on Saturday June 1^st 2013.

Volunteering can include – pre event ideas, advertising, or on the day help setting up, helping run a stall or just bringing friends and family. Every little helps.

We will also at the meeting decide where we think the profits of the event should be distributed.

Please come along to the meeting and help support this event.

FILM NIGHT

THE READING ROOM COMMITTEE PRESENTS….

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

On Wednesday 20^th February in The Reading Room. Doors open 7pm. Film starts 7.30pm

This film is a wild romantic comedy. When seven cash-strapped Brits journey to a retirement resort in India, friendship and romance blossom as they touch each other’s hearts in the most unexpected ways. In the end, they will all discover that life and love can begin again when you embrace today and let go of the past. Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Celia Imrie

Duration 123mins Rating. PG-13. The film is described as “hilarious and moving … a joy to watch”

Free Glass of Wine. A £5 donation each to Reading Room Funds is requested.

We are planning another Film Night in March or April. Any ideas for films you would like to see? Catch one of the Reading Room Committee and let us know!

BERWICK FARM SHOP

I wish to thank everyone for their custom over Christmas and wish all a very Happy New Year. I am holding a COFFEE MORNING on Sunday 10^th February from 10.30am onwards. Come along for Free Tea and Coffee, and a chat with your friends. Bacon Butties (a small charge) will be available to warm us all up!

There will be a Walk starting at 10am from the Farm shop (details below).

Sunday March 10^th is the provisional date for the next coffee morning.

For Farm Shop information see advert elsewhere in the magazine.

WALK FROM BERWICK FARM SHOP

To tie in with The Farm Shop Coffee Morning, we are organizing a Walk from the Farm Shop on Sunday 10^th February. Meet up from 9.30am and the walk will start at 10am. After the Walk Bacon Butties will be available to buy, and there will be Free Tea and Coffee.

How far will we walk? That will depend on who comes! We will probably divide the walk part way round, so that one walk will be about an hour, (or less, depending on your wishes) and a longer walk for those who want to! Well behaved dogs welcome.

If the weather is appalling we will cancel and try another day! Nicky 790309 Paula 790270

THE BOOT INN

The kitchen is closed from 1^st to 13^th February for Cathy and Giles’ annual holiday. The Bar is open as normal.

Cathy writes – “I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and Santa brought you everything that you asked for. We had a great festive period here seeing many of you here on Christmas Day for a festive tipple and on Boxing Day for brunch, a good time was had by all. New Year’s Eve was lots of fun with everybody digging out their dinner jackets and posh frocks before sitting down to a delicious dinner. Well done Giles!

We will be taking our annual holiday from 1^st to 13^th February so the kitchen will be closed. We will be back to work, ready, willing and able just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Our Valentine’s dinner menu is available on the 14^th and 15^th February, if you would like a copy of the menu then please do get in touch.”

For details see advert elsewhere in the magazine

ART CLASSES

These start again in mid February. This a great group – all levels of ability – especially absolute beginners. You can do your own thing, or try out a variety of different styles, from water colours to pen and ink and lots in between. With many thanks to Ann Crabtree.

For further information and sign-up contact Ann Crabtree 01722 790232/07743281773 or email: crabtreefamily@waitrose.com

BERWICK CAROL SINGING

On a typically cold and drizzly December evening, a bunch of Berwickers gathered and sang carols through the village – despite the weather a great time was had by all (we hope those who listened agreed with that!). The descant was delightful. We finished at the Reading Room for Mulled Wine and mince pies – much needed – then many of us moved on to the Boot! We raised £139 for Combat Stress. Many thanks to the organizers, the singers, the listeners and the Community Fund for providing the Mulled wine and Mince pies.

MOBILE LIBRARY.

We are really lucky in having the Mobile Library call here in Berwick. It comes fortnightly on a Thursday, stopping outside the Boot Inn between 2.55 and 3.10pm. The dates for the next few months are Jan 31^st, Feb 14^th and 28^th, March 14^th and 28^th, April 11^th and 25^th.

HEATING OIL. Now winter is really here, don’t forget to check to see if you need any heating oil. If you need it, please consider WP GROUP (previously called WESSEX PETROLEUM). The system has changed slightly and now WP Group will donate £25 to The Reading Room for every 5000 litres bought under reference 789. Please note this change. If you decided to use the WP Group please phone 0800 980 6174 then remember to quote ref 789 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. This has been really useful to The Reading Room. If you have previously bought oil through this system please note the further change in reference number.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter January 2013

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

We hope all those in Berwick who are not well will be better soon, and our thoughts are with those who are very ill, and also with their families.

Springs. The springs are up! As many have seen, the springs have risen in Berwick again, after some years without them. They may be inconvenient (or worse), but our river depends on springs, and a high watertable means village springs as well as a healthy river. They had people thinking that a water main had burst, and also brought on reminiscences from those who have lived here longer – they used to happen every winter, but usually not until January or February. A different sort of Springwatch!

BERWICK ST JAMES CHURCH

Although I am writing this before Christmas, I need to thank (in advance) all those who decorated the church over the festive period, and special thanks to all who organized the Candlelit Carol Service.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION COLLECTION.

The total collected in Berwick – house to house, The Boot Inn and the Farm Shop – was £275.80p. Many thanks to all who gave, and to the collectors.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Anybody interested in joining the Berwick St James neighbourhood watch (NHW) group is invited to a meeting in the Reading Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16^th Jan 2013. The meeting will be chaired by Keith Lovett who is trying to arrange a NHW group for the village. The more people we can get involved, the better the scheme will operate, so please come along.

For more details contact Keith on klovett4@gmail.com

BERWICK ST JAMES VILLAGE MEETING

The next Parish Meeting will be held on Thursday 17^th January 2013 in the Reading Room at 7pm.

I apologise that we have had to set a date the next meeting only some six weeks after the last one. However, Wiltshire Council requires us to set the Precept for 2013/2014 by 21^st January and as a village we need to decide the amount we require. Apart from updates on several of the activities currently running and planned for the next year, there are also two or three other financial matters to debate and resolve. It is hoped that the meeting will be significantly shorter than the last one.

Agenda items should be submitted to the Parish Clerk Mrs Emma Smith at Lodge Cottage, no later than two weeks before the meeting. Tel 792849 or email Berwickstjamesclerk@hotmail.co.uk

NEW IYENGAR YOGA CLUB AT THE READING ROOM BERWICK ST JAMES

FUN SESSIONS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITY – THE BOYS LOVE IT TOO!

Strengthens the core, improves balance and poise and provides cardiovascular workout. Experienced teacher to offer two taster and information sessions in January at discounted price of £5/session. 1.30-2.30pm on Monday 21^st January and 7.00-8.00pm on Wednesday 23^rd January. Feed-back from initial sessions will determine most suitable day/time for further sessions. Places are limited so please email, sarah.hiscock17@gmail.com

BERWICK ST JAMES FETE AND DOG SHOW 2013

Meeting; Wednesday 30^th January @ Reading Room at 7pm.

At the meeting on Jan 30^th @ The Reading Room we are looking for volunteers to help with the organising of the Berwick St James Village Fete and Dog Show on Saturday June 1^st 2013.

Volunteering can include – pre event ideas, advertising, or on the day help setting up, helping run a stall or just bringing friends and family. Every little helps.

We will also at the meeting decide where we think the profits of the event should be distributed.

Please come along to the meeting and help support this event.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my customers.

Please remember that the Shop re-opens on Tuesday 8^th January 2013.

A date for your diary – Coffee Morning Sunday 10^th February 2013.

READING ROOM CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

In 2012 typically appalling weather the annual Reading Room Christmas Bazaar was held on Saturday 24^th November. The Room was warm, full of great gifts and prizes, coffee, tea and friends. We made £347.70 with many thanks to everyone especially all the Reading Room Committee who worked so hard setting up, selling, and tidying up afterwards!

PARISH MEETING

A Parish Meeting was held in Berwick on 5^th Dec ’12, covering a range of subjects. Mrs Amanda Clark, the Wiltshire Crime Prevention and Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer, gave a very interesting and informative presentation to a full house on Neighbourhood Watch and general security requirements in rural areas. Cllr Ian West gave an update on the progress of work on the Longbarrow Roundabout, and informed the meeting that the Boundaries Commission had revised their original plans and have proposed that the Till & Wylye Valley Divison should be restored to the Salisbury Parliamentary Constituency. With several new activities and areas of interest starting up in the village, the refurbished village hall (Reading Room) was proving to be increasingly popular as a venue. A video and sound system was proposed and agreed for the Room, and it was also agreed that Berwick St James would hold a village fete, combined with the Companion Dog Show in 2013. Finally Mr William Grant gave a short presentation on two planning proposals for the Stonehenge campsite. From Neil MacDougall Parish Chairman.

BERWICK FILM NIGHT.

On Wednesday 12^th December about 30 of us gathered in the Reading Room and watched the delightful film “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” – the wine was excellent too!

The next Film Night will be on Wednesday 20^th February. So far the most popular choice is “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” We look forward to seeing you there!

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CRAFTS.

The Reading Room on Saturday 15^th December was full of children and adults, and greenery, wood, glitter, fir cones, and lovely biscuits. They made festive placemats and badges, decorated biscuits, fir cone reindeer, wreaths, and wonderful birch wood reindeer. There were great refreshments too – many thanks to Anna, Linda and Kate, and all their marvellous helpers – especially the tea maker!

WILDLIFE WATCH

Spindle Berries. There is a splendid display of the psychedelic fruits of spindle in the hedgerow between Berwick and Stapleford this year. The striking impact of shocking pink capsules opening to reveal brilliant orange berries is designed to attract the notice of birds that will consume them but allow the seeds inside to arrive at the new location in a small package of nutrients. Woe betide humans that partake of them! They are violently emetic and fiercely purgative. It certainly has this effect on horses that may consume them. The plant is fatal to sheep after only a small part is eaten but the smell usually deters them. If baked and ground to a paste it has been used as an insect repellent and was rubbed onto the scalp for head lice. An old name for it is “louse berry”.

Barbara Last.

Otter. There was a very good sighting of an otter in the river at the north end of Berwick, from one of the gardens. Looking towards the Duck Street bridge an odd “bow wave” was seen coming towards the reporter. It stopped in the bankside undergrowth and surfaced! It then looped back into the water and surfaced again right opposite, no more than 5 yards away. After a few seconds it got back in the water and headed upstream, with the water so clear currently it was a fine sight.

Lapwings. In mid December walking by local fields I saw two large flocks of Lapwings that were feeding, they took off and circled around, glittering black and white as the sun caught them, against the black of storm clouds, and a double rainbow arching over the village. (I really must take my camera when I walk the dogs!).

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter December 2012

A PERPETUAL PROBLEM

Once again (and unfortunately more than once) dogs have been allowed to mess on the pavement in Berwick, and also on the grass by the notice board next to The Reading Room. Please clear up after your dogs – it is most unpleasant for everyone, especially for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

THE CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE of 7 Lessons and Carols will take place on Sunday 23^rd December at 6pm to which everyone is warmly invited to attend. There will be mulled wine, soft drink and mince pies after the service.

On CHRISTMAS DAY there will be a non eucharistic family service at 10.30am which will be followed by Holy Communion for those who wish to remain in church.

HARVEST FESTIVAL. Due to circumstances a thankyou to everyone who helped to decorate the Church was not made in last month’s edition of the magazine. However a huge thankyou is extended now to all those who helped to make the church look so beautiful for Harvest Festival and the thanksgiving service for the church roof, especially Janey Campbell-Johnston. Half of the collection (£92) from the service was sent to the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust in thanks for their major contribution to the reinstatement of the roof after the theft of the lead.

HARVEST SUPPER. A most successful harvest supper was held in the guide centre on 19^th October. A delicious main course was prepared by Jane Rowe for which many thanks, and together with other people who provided wonderful salads and puddings and help in the kitchen, a great evening was had by all. The grand raffle, so ably organised by Jacqui and Roland, was as always a huge success – Many Thanks. It was a shame the horse racing was not able to take place due to poor weather and the going being too soft.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST.

We are delighted to tell you that Berwick Church has received £142.50 for our half share of the money raised by the Ride and Stride. When Berwick needed its help, the Trust was here, so it is great to know that a similar amount will help other churches.

BERWICK ST JAMES TABLE TENNIS CLUB

Calling all Table Tennis players!!!!

A table tennis club for all ages and abilities will be starting in the Reading Room on Monday evening 7.00-8.30pm. There will be three trial nights, 19^th and 26^th November and 3^rd December, and will continue weekly if enough people turn up.

All are welcome and don’t worry if you don’t have bats, as they will be provided.

COFFEE MORNING at BERWICK FARM SHOP

SUNDAY 2^nd December 10.30am.

TEA TASTING with The Wiltshire Tea Company

Free Tea and Coffee for all. Come and meet your friends.

Tastings of Marilyn’s Christmas Cake. Christmas Hampers and Presents available to buy and view.

Christmas Opening. Sunday 23^rd 9am-4pm, Monday 24^th 9am-2pm. Closed from Christmas Day Tuesday 25^th to Wednesday 8^th January for my annual holiday. Open Friday 28^th December 10am – 12noon for the collection of Orders Only – please place these orders before Christmas for meat, cakes, Ready meals etc.

BERWICK ST JAMES PARISH MEETING

The next Village Meeting will be held on Wednesday 5^th December in the Reading Room at 7pm.

The meeting will be run along similar lines to the last, starting with a 15 min presentation Neighbourhood Watch. This will be given by PC Mark Steele, who produces the amusing monthly bulletins, and PCSO Wendy Leat who was at our last Parish Meeting. As usual, it is intended to keep the rest of the meeting fairly short, and finish by 8:30pm at the latest. Finally, there will be a glass or two of wine available at the end.

Agenda items should be submitted to the Parish Clerk Mrs Emma Smith at The Lodge Cottage, no later than two weeks before the meeting. Telephone no is 792849 and email is berwickstjamesclerk@hotmail.co.uk

Neil MacDougall Chairman Berwick Parish Meeting 792761

FILM NIGHT

THE READING ROOM COMMITTEE PRESENTS….

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

On Wednesday 12^thDecember in The Reading Room. Doors open 7pm. Film starts 7.30pm

This is a hilarious unmissable romantic comedy, a tale of overcoming the odds, starring Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas and Amr Waked. “A Fisheries expert is approached with a plan to introduce salmon to the Yemen, despite his protests he soon finds himself working on a project that seems not only frivolous but absolutely unfeasible.” Duration 108 mins. Rating. 12.

Free Glass of Wine. A £5 donation each to Reading Room Funds is requested.

We are planning another Film Night on Wednesday February 20^th. Any ideas for films you would like to see? Catch one of the Reading Room Committee and let us know!

CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY

A great Spooky party was held in the Reading Room. There was Fabulous Frightening Food and Fantastic Freaky Decorations, and a Yucky Dip. The Children had a great Fancy Dress Competition (won by the Werewolf) and lots of games, carved pumpkins and fun. Thank you especially to Anna and Linda.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CRAFT EVENT

Saturday 15^th December 2-4pm in The Reading Room. We will make natural decorations, with mince pies and mulled wine.

This is a family event and we ask for a contribution towards resources of £2 each, and food contributions as for the Halloween Party.

Booking and Enquires to Anna 01722 790181

(This should be a really great event – if the Halloween Party was anything to go by!)

VILLAGE CAROL SINGING. In Victorian times, and possibly much earlier, it was a tradition in Berwick to sing carols around the village. There were special Berwick carols, but unfortunately the words of these have been lost. In recent years we have started Carol Singing around Berwick again. This year it is on Wednesday 19th DECEMBER starting at 6pm at the Church, and we will end up at The Reading Room for Mince Pies and Mulled Wine. We are collecting for Combat Stress, a charity that works with military personnel needing help. We welcome everyone to come along and sing, accompanied children especially. Please bring torches or lanterns. We would like to sing at various points around the village and so, if you would like to have us come to you please could you ring Ian Fisher 790214 or Nicky Street 790309. This really is good fun – come and join us! New villagers especially welcome

THE BOOT INN

Christmas Opening – Christmas Eve lunch served 12noon -2.15. Dinner 6.30-9.15pm

Christmas Day the bar is open from 12 noon to 2pm.

Boxing Day Brunch served 12 noon to 3 pm.

New Year’s Eve Black Tie Dinner served at 7.30pm.

Menus available now from Cathy at the Boot Inn. Booking advisable!

POISONS AND POTIONS with Barbara Last

The Reading Room was full for Barbara’s fascinating talk, it had everything a good talk needs – fantastic photographs, and lots of information, and funny too! Many thanks especially to Barbara, to Chris for the projector and screen, all the Reading Room Committee for the organization (and the wine). We look forward to the next one!

BULK PURCHASE OF HEATING OIL

Research is being done into the possibility of bulk purchase of heating oil, details will be circulated as soon as available.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Deathwatch Beetles. Parish Note by Barbara Last.

“Recently I was given a black beetle about 5mms long that had come from an old pew in Wishford church. I identified it as a Death Watch beetle. The larvae of these beetles eat wood and as it is not very nutritious, take many years to reach maturity. In spring, they emerge as adult beetles. Their characteristic mating call is to tap their heads on the woodwork. This sound can resonate and sound like a beating heart in an empty church. Much superstition arises from this eerie sound. A few years ago there was a serious outbreak of these beetles in the cathedral.”

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 or email chstreet@btinternet.com

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter November 2012

Carol Scott sends love and thanks to all those who called, ‘phoned, sent flowers and offered help when she was slightly ill.

POISONS AND POTIONS A Talk by Barbara Last

Wednesday November 7^th. Doors open 7pm.

“Herbs – What did people in the past use to relieve infirmities and other uses? Herbs the Old Wise Woman of the village or witch used, some useful, some nefarious and some pharmacologically active and useful today”.

This fascinating talk by our well known botanist includes fabulous photographs. £5 with a free glass of wine. Free to 16 and under.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

COFFEE MORNING with Free Tea and Coffee. Come and meet your Friends.

Sunday 4^th November from 10.30am

NEAL’s YARD REMEDIES.

A chance to look at and try Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Make Up Collection and Seasonal Gifts. Try the organic skincare collections and pick up top beauty tips from our specially trained consultant, as well as trying the latest products.

TASTINGS of Marilyn’s sausages, cakes made at the Shop, cheese etc

The Coffee Morning in September was a great success, we even had lovely weather.

CHRISTMAS ORDERS for turkeys, geese etc are already being taken. More information next month.

READING ROOM

OUR FABULOUS CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

At the Reading Room on Saturday 24^th November starting at 2pm.

Come and buy your Christmas Wrapping Paper and Cards, stocking fillers and presents, tasty Cakes and Produce, Books, Jigsaws, DVD’s etc and Bric-a-Brac. Have a cup of tea or coffee and a chat to your friends or meet new ones. Try to win a marvellous prize (or two) with our fantastic Grand Christmas Raffle and the Tombola.

The Reading Room will be open on Friday 23^rd November from 2 -3 pm for your gifts. Especially welcome are Raffle and Tombola Prizes, Cakes, unwanted gifts, Christmas items and more! Many thanks. Raffle and Tombola prizes can be left at The Farm Shop.

FILM NIGHT

“The Artist” was a great success. The Fabulous Lighting made the room like a theatre, (with many thanks to Chris) and the film was great! We all enjoyed it very much, and The Reading Room made enough to cover nearly half of the licence fee, and we will be having another Film Night.

Wednesday 12^th December ; “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”. Look forward to seeing you there!

SCULPTURE CLASSES are being held in the Reading Room by local artist Mark Whelehan, clay and tools will be provided. Contact Mark 01380 721097, 07786 765488 email mandw@fsmail.net

ART GROUP

Art Group with professional Arts Teacher in Berwick St James.

6.00-8.00pm in the Reading Room. All Levels welcome. Acrylic-Pencil-Watercolours. £30.00 per person payable in advance (all proceeds to the Reading Room). For further information and sign-up contact Ann Crabtree 01722 790232/07743281773 or email: crabtreefamily@waitrose.com

CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY

Friday 2^nd November 4pm to 6pm at The Reading Room Berwick St James.

Families welcome, all children to be accompanied. Wear Frightening Fancy Dress. Bring along Creepy Carved Pumpkins. Contributions of Spooky Food and Drink will be gratefully received and devoured by Monsters. Places are limited. Booking is essential. Open to all children in Berwick, Stapleford and Winterbourne Stoke. £2 per child.

Booking and enquires to Anna 01722 790181.

RIDE AND STRIDE

We had two cyclists and a walker travelling between churches for the Wiltshire Historic Churches. Between us we visited 17 churches and raised £285, half of which comes to Berwick and half to the Historic Churches trust.

Jane Rowe writes ..”A big thankyou to all those who generously sponsored me for the ride and stride. I cycled 8 churches taking the northern route via Shrewton, Orcheston to Tilshead over the plain, then Chitterne and back along the Oxdrove to Yarnbury and onto Stapleford. Many thanks to all who manned or church (the only one that was), and to Lyanne for running it. Winterbourne Stoke was locked, and Shrewton and Stapleford left out biscuits and drink, much appreciated.

NEW TEXTILE RECYCLING BINS by The Farm Shop

The council have now removed the Mini Recycling centre as it is no longer economic. Devizes Texiles has put two bins for the recycling of shoes and textiles in its place. For every ton of materials they collect they will give £167 to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Last year they gave around £23,000 to this charity. Please ensure that only textiles and shoes are put in these bins. Please keep the area around the bins tidy.

COMMUNITY PLAN COMMITTEE.

With the reports of the Village Views and Values Survey, the Community Plan committee has finished its work, and has held its final meeting. Many thanks to all of the committee who worked hard, it has produced many ideas, galvanized people to organize events, and it is great to know what people want. Now the whole village has to keep things going!

PLAYGROUND. In the survey several people asked about moving the playground. Some time ago a project was put forward to move the playground into the village, but the places suggested turned out not to be suitable, or not available and the idea ground to a halt. Recently new suggestions have been made, and the idea could make a comeback!

FORD MADDOX FORD and Stapleford

More of local interest about this author.

With many thanks to John Brake, I can tell you that Ford Maddox Ford (under the pseudonym Daniel Chaucer) wrote “Ladies Whose Bright Eyes” in 1911, revised in 1935. The book is about Mr Sorrel who goes back in time to the 14^th Century where he enjoys the unlimited hospitality of a castle – Stapleford Castle ! Ford Maddox Ford said “The idea was suggested to me by Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” . It occurred to me to wonder what would really happen to a modern man thrown back to the Middle Ages.”

Nicky Street

WILDLIFE WATCH

A strange cross-section of wildlife shared a meal of bird food on a table on a small terrace in Berwick village; a grey squirrel, a hen pheasant and a magpie.

Wiffle Ball or Red Basket Stinkhorn

Although I am not proposing to write about fungi, there is an exception that has come to notice in October 2012.

In the garden of Leat House there appeared a most unusual fungus, so unusual it transpired to be a first in Wiltshire. It emerges from wet wood chippings as a grubby white wobbly egg from which arises a sphere of red orange network encasing green black spores It emits a revolting fetid smell which attracts flies. It both resembles and smells like carrion The flies eat the spores, and carry some away which are thus dispersed. It has several names, the “Wiffle Ball”, “The Red Basket Stinkhorn” among them It is a native of Southern Europe and is gradually spreading north possible as an effect of global warming. The nearest record is from the New forest, and it is rare in UK.

Barbara Last

Barbara is giving a talk with photographs on November 7^th – details in the Berwick part of the magazine.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter October 2012

CONGRATULATIONS to Giles and Cathy Dickinson on the birth of JAKE – Welcome to Berwick.

CONGRATULATIONS to Harriet Walker and Freddie Lawson from Druid’s Lodge on their recent wedding held in Berwick Church on 1^st September – the flowers were lovely.

CONGRATULATIONS to Tom and Harriet Sutton (Colthurst) on the birth of their son George. First grandchild of Sophie and Henry Colthurst. He weighed in at 9lbs 6oz; all doing well!

GET WELL SOON to Doreen Norris, Stanley Palmer and Carol Scott, and also to all who are under the weather.

WELCOME to Robert Parslow and Tia Plant.

SCULPTURE CLASSES are being held in the Reading Room by local artist Mark Whelehan, clay and tools will be provided. Contact Mark 01380 721097, 07786 765488 email mandw@fsmail.net

FILM NIGHT

THE READING ROOM COMMITTEE PRESENTS….

“THE ARTIST”

On Wednesday 26^th September in The Reading Room. Doors open 7pm. Film starts 7.30pm

“It is Hollywood 1927. George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie star. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall in to oblivion. For young extra Poppi (Berenice Bejo) it seems the sky’s the limit; major movie stardom awaits. THE ARTIST tells the story of their interlinked destinies.” Duration 96 mins. Rating. PG.

This wonderful film won 7 BAFTAs and 7 OSCARs for best film/best picture etc.

Free Glass of Wine. A £5 donation each to Reading Room Funds is requested.

HARVEST FESTIVAL AND THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR OUR NEW ROOF

This Matins service will be on Sunday 7^th October at 11am, and Canon David Durston will be preaching. It will be followed by refreshments with something to drink and eat.

Harvest Festival flowers, Fruit and Vegetables. As always I am sure the church will look wonderful. Contributions of flowers, fruit and vegetables from whoever would like to bring them, on either Friday 5^th or Saturday 6^th October would be much appreciated.

HARVEST SUPPER

This is on Friday 19^th October at 7pm at the Guide Centre. It is free to all Berwick residents and everyone is welcome especially the children. The cost is paid for from the proceeds of the Grand Raffle – so remember your money and a prize! As last year, visitors from outside the village will be charged £5 for adults and £3 for OAP’s and children. After the raffle we will be having the annual horse racing, so bring a few pounds to bet on the horses.

Enclosed in the magazine is a flyer – please reply if you are intending to come –it takes the organisation so much easier. Jane Rowe has very kindly agreed to cook the main course and she will provide the cheese. Assistance would be hugely welcomed in providing salads and puddings as well as help in setting up, decorating the room, washing up and tidying away. For more information, offers etc please phone Jane Rowe 790575.

Please bring your own bottles of wine, beer, squash etc and glasses too.

Previous Harvest Suppers have always been good fun – we do hop you can come.

HARVEST SUPPER RAFFLE PRIZES

Any contributions towards the harvest supper raffle would be hugely appreciated. Please drop off prizes (bottles and jars only) either at Jacqui Webb’s house or with Marilyn at the shop or Jacqui will collect if asked.

ART GROUP

Art Group with professional Arts Teacher in Berwick St James.

Starts Tuesday 16^th October from 6.00-8.00pm in the Reading Room. All Levels welcome. Acrylic-Pencil-Watercolours. £30.00 per person payable in advance (all proceeds to the Reading Room). Come along to an Intro Evening (free of charge) in The Reading Room, Berwick St James on Tuesday 25^th September at 6.00p. For further information and sign-up contact Ann Crabtree 01722 790232/07743281773 or email: crabtreefamily@waitrose.com

VILLAGE VIEWS AND VALUES SURVEY RESULTS MEETING

The meeting to report the Survey Results was held on Monday 3^rd September in the Reading Room. Chris Lange presented the survey results, highlighting the significant points including the very high response rate. The meeting then split into three groups and discussed security and speeding, events, and other issues. Neighbourhood Watch, keyholders and CCTV were discussed, opinion was divided over CCTV, a group will research village security. The problem of speeding was also discussed. Events and the Reading room produced many ideas (someone is needed to organise tutored wine tasting!), some liked the idea of having a formal events committee, but others did not and it was decided to discuss this at a later parish meeting (December?).The Fete is popular and book group/exchange and Table tennis were suggested and will be researched. A Film night is taking place on 26^th September. The Boot, the Farm Shop and the Playground were discussed, also fitness classes etc, and group heating oil purchasing.

The key the success of this project would be volunteers to carry these ideas forward. The committee will bring together the ideas and present them at the next village meeting.

BERWICK ST JAMES PARISH MEETING

At the village Meeting held on 13^th September in the Reading Room Vicky Harris from Wiltshire Council gave a most interesting talk on recycling in Wiltshire, including telling us where the recyclables go, and that our mini-recycling bank will be going in October. It is hoped that a textile bank in aid of the Air Ambulance will be put in its place.

Ian West updated us on the work starting at the end of September at Longbarrow. PCSO Wendy Leat introduced herself and advised on local crimes. Henry Colthurst advised that the Community Fund and Parish Fund are now in the same account but run separately. The road sweeper has been through and should come 4 times a year. A resume was given of the Village Survey Evening – lots of offers of help but need more! Keith Lovett has agreed to take over the Neighbourhood Watch but someone is needed to take on “speeding”.

Activities at the Reading Room were discussed, including Sculpture and Art Classes, Film Night and Lecture (already planned), and the possible purchase of a table tennis table and film projector and screen.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE www.berwickstjames.org

The Reports of The Village Survey (adults and young persons) are on the website.

READING ROOM

On a hot sunny day, Keith, Olivia, Nicky, Anika and Chris took a van and trailer into the Maltings in Salisbury for a Market Stall in aid of the Reading Room. We had a busy and fun time, selling and drinking coffee! We made a marvellous profit of about £220, with many thanks to the helpers and donators.

Thank you for the tablecloths – we are really grateful for such lovely gifts.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE

On 6^th September many churches around Wiltshire were open for sponsored walkers and cyclists. It was a lovely day, sunny and warm. I walked around 7 churches in Salisbury – from St Thomas’ via the Cathedral, St Martins and then the ring road to Lower Bemerton. Pounding the hot streets of Salisbury with the smell of diesel and the endless sound of traffic is not the same as a gentle cycle through the country lanes of our pretty countryside – next year it will be back to the bicycle!

Many thanks to our cyclists and walkers, and also to the people who manned Berwick Church. As a rider and strider I must say that we really appreciate our efforts being rewarded by having someone to greet you at each church – one church I visited was locked, and no one there; very disappointing.

Sponsorship money has not yet been collected so figures next month hopefully.

From Nicky Street.

BULK PURCHASE OF HEATING OIL

As mentioned above research is being done into the possibility of bulk purchase of heating oil, details will be circulated as soon as available.

HEATING OIL. With autumn coming on you may have been thinking about Heating Oil. If you need it, please consider WP GROUP (previously called WESSEX PETROLEUM). The system has changed slightly and now WP Group will donate £25 to The Reading Room for every 5000 litres bought under reference 789. Please note this change. If you decided to use the WP Group please phone 0800 980 6174 then remember to quote ref 789 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. This has been really useful to The Reading Room. If you have previously bought oil through this system please note the further change in reference number.

PARADE’S END. By Ford Madox Ford

The recent television drama series comes from a very famous book in which war turns the world of privileged, English aristocrat Christopher Tietjens upside down. It forces him to question everything he holds dear – social order morality, marriage and loyalty. And it rocks the very foundations of English society. It was published in four volumes between 1924 and 1928.

Captain Christopher Tietjens is helping Canadian soldiers write their wills before a battle and ….

“The upright trooper had a very complicated sentimental history. It was difficult to advise him before his fellows. He, however, felt no diffidence. He discussed the points of the girl called Rosie whom he had followed from Sydney to British Columbia, of the girl called Gwen with whom he had taken up in Aberystwyth, of the woman called Mrs Hosier with whom he had lived martially, on a sleeping out pass, at Berwick St James, near Salisbury Plain … he wanted them all to have a bit..”

Ford Madox Ford, born Ford Hueffer in 1873 in Merton Surrey, published over 80 books. He enlisted in the army in 1915 and served as an infantry soldier in the First World War. He died in Deauville, France in 1939. From “Parade’s End” BBC Books.

The Canadians were billeted around Berwick in the First World War, was Ford Madox Ford here too?

I shall do some more research and let you know! Written and researched by Nicky Street.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter September 2012

Welcome to Rachel Chandler and Andrew Botha, and to Mike and Linda Doggerell and Orla and Flynn. It is great to have you in the village, and we hope you enjoy living here.

Congratulations to Nicole and Lucy on their wedding on 21^st July, with the reception at The Boot.

Congratulations to David Street on his extended diploma in Agriculture from SparsholtCollege, and to all students – GCSE, A level, college and University.

CANCER RESEARCH.

Very many thanks to those who donated to the recent collection. The sum contributed was £181.93. The total raised in the Salisbury Area was £1958.68p.

CHURCH NEWS

Harvest Festival. This service is being combined with a service of thanksgiving for our new roof and will take place on Sunday 7^th October. HARVEST SUPPER. Due to availability of the Guide Centre this year the Harvest Supper will be on Friday 19^th October. More information on this and the service next month.

Wylye and Till Valley Churches Quiz Night. There is a quiz night on Friday 7^th September at 7.15 for a 7.30 start in Wylye Village Hall. Anyone who would like to attend (either as a team or join up with a team or join up with a tea on the night) is ost welcome to do so. – just turn up - £3 per person – pay on the night.

For your Diary. The candlelit carol service will be on Sunday 23 December at 6pm.

VILLAGE VIEWS AND VALUES SURVEY RESULTS MEETING

We are having a meeting to tell you all about the Survey Results on Monday 3^rd September in the Reading Room, start time 7pm. There will be refreshments! Tea, coffee and Wine. Come along and hear about the results, ask as many questions as you like and take part in discussions about Village Activities, Speeding and Security, and other matters that have arisen in the survey. HAVE YOUR SAY! What do you want to happen next? EVERYONE from BERWICK is invited, and YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOU!

SURVEY RESULTS REPORT

The Village Survey Report is now out! This is the results of the Adult Questionnaire and the Young Persons Questionnaire. If you haven’t received your report by email, and you would like to, please email Neil MacDougall at neil.macdougall@me.com or Chris Lange at chris@berwickstjames.org.uk If you don’t have email and would like to see or have a paper copy please contact Neil on 792761 or Chris on 790122. The Survey Report is on the website too! www.berwickstjames.org.uk

VILLAGE COFFEE MORNING

There will be a Village Coffee Morning at The Farm Shop on Sunday 16^th September from 10.30am. Free Tea and Coffee. Marilyn’s wonderful cakes will be available!

In aid of ………. meeting your friends and having a chat!

Everyone welcome, please come along and support this get together!

BERWICK ST JAMES VILLAGE MEETING

The next village meeting will be held on Thursday 13th September in the Reading Room at 7 o’clock pm. The time of the meeting has been selected to allow time for those who are at work during the day to attend. We are hoping to start off the meeting with a short presentation (about 15 mins) from the head of Waste Recycling in Wiltshire. It is intended to keep the rest of the meeting fairly short, and finish by 8.30pm at the latest. Finally, there will be a glass or two of wine available at the end. Agenda items should be submitted to the Parish Clerk Mrs Emma Smith at Lodge Cottage, no later than two weeks before the meeting. Telephone number is 792849 and email is berwickstjamesclerk@hotmail.co.uk Neil MacDougall. Chairman Berwick St James Parish Meeting.

THE READING ROOM COMMITTEE PRESENTS….

“THE ARTIST”

On Wednesday 26^th September in The Reading Room. Doors open 7pm. Film starts 7.30pm

This wonderful film won 7 BAFTAs and 7 OSCARS for best film/best picture etc.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST RIDE AND STRIDE

The Sponsored Cycle Ride and Walk between Wiltshire Churches is on Saturday 8^th September. Half of the money you raise goes to the church of your choice and half to the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust to enable it to make grants for the upkeep of churches and chapels (Berwick church received a generous grant to help replace the roof). It is great fun to walk or ride or cycle between our lovely churches. You can work out your own route, and visit as many (or as few) churches as you like. For more details (and a list of the churches taking part) see Lyanne Street The Briars 790544.

“RURAL RIDES” by WILLIAM COBBETT

On 31^st August 1826 William Cobbett rode from Salisbury to Warminster, as part of a series of longer rides around England.

William Cobbett was born in 1792 at “The Jolly Farmer” in Farnham where his father was an innkeeper and farmer. Although he had little formal education he became a reforming journalist, writing many articles, pamphlets and books, on all subjects from gardening to sermons. He published his famous “Cobbett’s Weekly Political Register” for over 33 years, and started the “Parliamentary Debates” which became Hansard. He was a soldier for several years becoming a Sergeant Major, and tried to improve soldiers’ pay. He had an eventful life, including farming in America, and spending two years in prison for writing on military flogging, but he was best known as a pamphleteer and journalist. Now he is mainly known for his “Rural Rides”.

William Cobbett began a series of tours of the English Countryside in 1821. In August 1826 he wrote.

“In coming from Salisbury, I came up the road which runs.. ..with the river Wyly. This river runs down a valley twenty-two miles long. It is not so pretty as the valley of the Avon; but it is very fine in its whole length…. . The farms are very fine up this vale, and the meadows, particularly at a place called Stapleford, are singularly fine. They had just been mowed at Stapleford, and the hay carried off”

Somewhat later than we cut hay now, but the meadows would have fed the sheep in the spring, before being left to grow into hay.

“At Stapleford, there is a little cross valley, running up between the two hills of the down. There is a little run of water about a yard wide at this time coming down this little vale across the road into the river.…. The little vale runs up three miles. It does not appear to be half a mile wide; but in those three miles there are four churches; namely Stapleford, Uppington, Berwick St James, and Winterbourne Stoke. The present population of these four villages is 769 souls, men, women, and children, the whole of whom could very conveniently be seated in the chancel of the church at Stapleford. Indeed, the church and parish of Uppington seem to have been united with one of the other parishes…... What were these four churches built for within the distance of three miles? There are three parsonage houses still remaining; but… all the three parsonages are …….. no better than miserable labourers’ cottages, though the parish of Winterbourne Stoke has a church sufficient to contain two or three thousand people. The truth is, that the parsons have been receiving the revenues of the livings, and have been suffering the parsonage houses to fall into decay.”

William Cobbett was very interested in how many people the countryside could support if the food produced wasn’t sent away to the towns, and how the clergy took money from the villages and put little back. I don’t think he actually visited our churches! In fact, the size of our churches is perfectly normal and one for each village seems reasonable! There never was a church at Uppington – this is almost certainly a misunderstanding for Asserton. There was a chapel at Asserton, and it was united with Berwick in 1650.

From making these comments, Cobbett then rode to Wishford, then Steeple Langford and on to Warminster.

Researched and written by Nicky Street.

ORGAN RECITAL by William MacDonald.

On Monday September 3^rd, William will give an Organ Recital in Wardour Chapel at 7.30pm. No tickets but a donation to the Chapel upkeep.

William was Head Chorister at Salisbury Cathedral Choir School and then won a Music Scholarship to Eton.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter July 2012

DIAMOND JUBILEE VILLAGE PARTY

What a great success! We even had sunshine.

Thanks must go to so many people that it is impossible to name them all – thanks especially to all the Committee, the Duck Race and Dog Show, the BBQ chefs, the Raffle, and the Quizzes and the Auction of Promises, all those who provided salads and puddings, those who set up and took down, and especially to Tim and Olivia Marchant for the use of their marvellous garden.

We even made a profit - £1786. As a breakdown of this (rounded figures) we received a grant of £500, quiz £70, Raffle £600, Dog show £60, Auction £1200, Duck race £300, and spent £300 on food, £500 on other things (marquee hire, insurance etc) and mugs for the children cost £160.

THINGS LEFT AFTER THE PARTY

A variety of things were left behind – including spoons, a knife, a corkscrew, a plate, several table cloths, jam jars used for the tea lights (if these are not wanted, they will be recycled) a small grey anorak and a dangly thing for lights to hang off a tree.

If you think they may belong to you please ring Olivia on 790665.

JUBILEE MUGS

All the Berwick Jubilee Mugs were sold or given to the village children at the Party. BUT if you missed out and would like to buy one we are RE-ORDERING the mugs. They cost £11.50 (plus a share of the postage – the more ordered the less per mug). Please contact Chris Lange The Black Barn. 790122 chris@berwickstjames.org by JULY 15^th.

DIAMOND JUBILEE QUIZ.

Congratulations to all who attempted this – thanks to Nicky Street for setting it. About 50 were sold, making about £70 profit! The winner was Susi Mason of Stapleford who got every one right. Three people only lost one point, Rosie Gairdner of Winterbourne Stoke was drawn as the winner of the second prize. The answers are available from Berwick Farm Shop or from Nicky.

VILLAGE MEETING

The next Village (Parish) Meeting will be in September. More details in the next magazine.

There will also be a Village Meeting about the Results of the Survey.

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN

Mill House Garden is open for the N G S (National Garden Scheme) on Sunday July 1^st, Admission £3.00 children free, and dogs on lead. In aid of excellent charities. If gardening is not your forte come and enjoy Ailsa Bush’s scrumptious cream teas in the Reading Room in aid of much needed Church funds. Time 2 – 6pm.

In the NGS “Yellow Book” the garden is described as ..

“Surrounded by the River Till, millstream and a 10 acre traditional wet water meadow, this garden of wildness supports over 300 species of old fashioned roses rambling from the many trees. It is filled with butterflies, moths and insects. Birdsong is phenomenal in spring and summer, Herbaceous borders crammed with plants of yesteryear, unforgettable scents. Glorious spring bulbs. SSSI.”

TILL VALLEY LINK COFFEE MORNING

We are holding a coffee morning on 3^rd July at 10.30 to 12noon in the Berwick Reading Room. Please come along and learn what the Link scheme is all about and possibly recruit some volunteers.

READING ROOM PLANT SALE

The Plant Sale was a great success, good weather, lots of good plants, teas, raffle prizes, cakes etc, and good company. Thank you to all, especially Olivia, Anika, Chris, Nicky, Sarah, Jackie and Ian. We are really pleased to report that £376.70 was made, a donation of £50 has been given to the church.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

The wonderful Jubilee Bunting is on show in the Shop – see the artwork done at the Jubilee Party – with many thanks to Anna for organizing this, and stitching it all together. It is well worth seeing!

Locally made focaccia bread and brown wholemeal is available most Saturdays – until sold out! I also now stock Wardour Vale Buttercup and Daisy Ice Cream, and have lollies too.

There is a great selection of Cards for all occasions – Jane Rowe has a good selection of cards including many local views. Also Sue Podbery’s Rural Cards, and the Handmade cards by Diana South.

For details see the advert elsewhere in the magazine.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST RIDE AND STRIDE

THE CORONATION IN BERWICK

Some current and ex-villagers have told me about the Coronation in Berwick. There was a fancy dress procession down through the village, to Berwick House, and then to Berwick Hill Farm Yard where there was a lunch and party in the large Nissan Hut that was taken down some years ago. Roy Palmer remembers dressing up as a Chimney Sweep and riding in a pony and trap. Peter Palmer had broken his leg, and was taken to the party in a basket work bath chair by Will Hibberd. Roy can remember the village children using the bath chair to hurtle down North View, across the road and down Asserton Lane! (no worries then about traffic then). Jean Hibberd didn’t go to the party, as her son Norman had just been born and she had all her meals brought up to her.

The Streets came to Berwick the year following the Coronation, and the decorations were still up in the Nissan hut. When the hut was dismantled many years later the crown, which had been the centre piece of the decorations, was still up in the roof.

Anne Clark remembers watching the event on one of the only TV’s in Berwick at Mrs Rolfe’s house – now demolished. It was in black and white (more like grey in her memory) and about 6 inches square, about 20 of us crowded around the little screen.

It would be great to get more memories of the coronation – do you remember it? Who won the fancy dress? Did you have Coronation Chicken? Any more memories?

WILDLIFE WATCH

Star of Bethlehem Nature Note.

A new plant has arisen, a scare lily by the edge of the woodland ride through Asserton. Star of Bethlehem is a charming little white lily growing in a small clump. I have found it a few years back on the path up to Chain Hill in Stapleford. Barbara Last.

Also seen in Asserton, the Tway Blade Orchid, a large, green orchid which likes the edge of the woodland.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter June 2012

It is with great sadness that we must report the death of Bill Drake on 23^rd April 2012. Bill lived in Berwick since he was four, went to school in Berwick, worked at Druid’s Lodge, then served in the Royal Marines. From his marriage to Barbara in 1951 he lived at Drake’s Cottage, and he worked for the Bucknell family as their shepherd, until retiring. His pride and joy was his garden and he won first prize for best cottage garden for 20 years running in the Shrewton Horticultural Society. He will be sadly missed as husband, father, brother, grandfather, relation, friend, and colleague. Our thoughts are with Barbara and all his family.

Congratulations and lots of love to Ian and Jackie Fisher on their Golden Wedding on May 5^th. (Apologies for failing to get this in last month).

Jubilee Thanksgiving Service For The Queen’s 60 years of Dedication to our Country.

There will be non Eucharistic service of thanksgiving in St James Church on Sunday 3^rd June at 9.30am, which will be followed by refreshments. EVERYONE is most welcome.

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE AT BERWICK ST JAMES

MONDAY 4^th JUNE. FREE VILLAGE PARTY. THE CLOCK HOUSE GARDEN.

The Celebrations are launched with the DUCK RACE at 4pm from Duck Street Bridge (ducks available from The Farm Shop and The Boot Inn, and at the start of the race if there are any left!). The races end at The Clock House Garden, where tea will be available.

Then THE FUN DOG SHOW. Bring your dogs to compete for the Under 5 years, Over 5 years, and Best Village Dog (The Brandy Cup). Fancy Dress for the Best Village Dog is encouraged but not compulsory!

BARBEQUES will be serving from around 6pm, (fish from the Village Fishing Trip, sausages and burgers from Marilyn, salads, vegetarian options, puddings etc from villagers)

There will be DANCING to 50’s and 60’s MUSIC until late!

Also A GRAND RAFFLE and AUCTION OF PROMISES. A full list of the Promises will be drawn up nearer the time but at present includes a Jane Rowe Painting, Fishing, Audio equipment hire, champagne etc.

Free Jubilee Mugs for Berwick Children under 18, and some mugs available to buy, or to order.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? Setting Up – Sunday 2pm. Tidying up – Tuesday morning.

You could buy a duck - from the Farm Shop and The Boot Inn, or on the day. Raffle Prizes please (to the Farm Shop).

Jubilee Quiz available NOW from The Farm Shop and The Boot Inn, results and answers at The Party.

All villagers welcome, guests welcome too – please can they buy lots of raffle tickets! If you haven’t returned your slip to Jane Rowe please do so urgently!

Please bring your own drinks, glasses, crockery and cutlery.

Funds raised will be added to the grant and will pay for the party, and any excess will go to the Community Fund.

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN

In the NGS “Yellow Book” the garden is described as ..

WILTSHIRE SOUTH GUIDES – BERWICK ST JAMES CENTRE

The Guides invite you to Bertie Boiler’s Garden Party and Show on Saturday 16^th June 2012. 10am to 4pm. Admission is Free.

BERWICK ST JAMES CRICKET CLUB

Rod Crossley and Ken Woodford, with only a few others to help, have looked after the Cricket ground and Pavilion for several years now. There is only so much they can do, and some extra help is urgently needed. By the time the magazine is out we will have held a meeting to see what needs doing, especially to help weatherproof and smarten up the pavilion. At that meeting we fixed on a Saturday in June to get down to the work, and finish off with a barbeque in the evening. See your noticeboards for the date.

We already know that work on the guttering, windows, and painting inside and out will be needed. We need YOU and, perhaps some items like paint, clear plastic for the windows etc. Please come, it should be fun and very satisfying if we achieve most of what we set out to do. Anyone who can handle a paintbrush is welcome. If you can’t, there will be several other jobs to which you can apply your talents.

READING ROOM AGM

At the Reading Room AGM held on Tuesday 15^th May, congratulations and thanks were given to the whole committee for all their hard work in the excellent refurbishment of the Reading Room, with its dry redecorated walls, new heaters, new curtains, blinds and storage, new tables and chairs, and flooring. The meters and wiring have been boxed in, and are now not visible. The Committee were re-elected, with Nicky Street Chairman, Anika Lange Secretary and Ian Fisher Treasurer.

We will be arranging events at the Reading Room, hopefully including Film Shows and talks.

We are delighted that we have a sculptor Mark Wheeham, who is running classes in clay sculpture in the Reading Room on a Thursday evening from 7pm. If you are interested please call him on 01380 720097 or drop into the class. He may also be able to arrange painting classes.

THE BOOT INN

The Boot Inn is celebrating 4^th Birthday with a Party on Sunday 3^rd June from 7.30pm, the Theme is the Olympics, so if everybody could dig out their tracksuits, come along and join in the fun.

Fish Night is 29^th June – if people could please book up early for the fish night as tables do get booked up very quickly!

For details see the advert elsewhere in the magazine.

LADIES NIGHT This is a chance for any ladies of all ages from all our villages to meet for a chat, a laugh, a gossip (and a drink) together. We meet at The Boot Inn on the second Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we usually roll up from around 7.45pm) and you are welcome to join us at any time. The June get-together is on WEDNESDAY 13^th JUNE. Sometime ago we had a lovely trip to Highgrove – would anyone be interested in a trip somewhere? Any suggestions? We could discuss this on 13^th June.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

See the website berwickstjames.org.uk for all kinds of information about Berwick, details of the Jubilee Party and lots of other things. We would love more photos of the village – see the website to send them to the webmaster.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Cuckoo. It has been great to have lots of reports of the Cuckoo. It was heard on Wednesday 18^th April in the water meadow area off Duck Street, in Berwick, and then slightly later by Asserton and then from the meadow near the Guide HQ - all on the same day, so presumably the same bird!. It was also heard on 9^th May in Berwick, so he hopefully came back.

Swallows, swifts and Housemartins. Lots of reports of the swallows, the first approximately the 23^rd April, and then masses of them around the beginning of May. A flock of swifts were seen mid week in early May, flying up the river, swooping and turning in the warm evening, low over the river feeding on the insects. Swallows, swifts and housemartins have been regularly seen feeding on insects close over the oilseed rape flowers.

More Birds. I have also have reports of a pair of grey partridge on Berwick Hill Farm. Green Woodpeckers, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Longtailed tits, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Yellowhammers and Egrets (not forgetting Mallard ducks and the pair of Canada Geese) have all been seen in Berwick recently.

Try your hand at Sculpting your own materpeices!

Local artist Mark Whelehan will be providing tuition classes every

Thursday in the

Reading Room from 7pm to 9pm

For the next 10 weeks starting on Thursday 24th May 2012

£10 per session or £85.00 for the 10 sessions

Clay and Tools will be provided

Contact Mark

Tel 01380 721097 Mob 07786 765488

E mail mandw@fsmail.net

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter March 2012

VILLAGE VIEWS AND VALUES SURVEY.

All of you living in Berwick should have received your questionnaire. We would really appreciate if you could return the completed forms by 29^th February to your committee representative (or any of the committee). Everyone’s views are really important, including the young people. If you need another copy of the whole form, the Part 2 or the Young People’s survey please get in touch with any of the committee Many thanks to all who have already returned their forms.

All data collected through the survey will be treated as strictly confidential. No personal views will be attributed to any individual or household, but will, of course, form part of the overall report.

LENT LUNCH.

There will be a lent lunch at Cockspur Thorns (Ailsa and Stephen Bush) on Thursday 1 March between noon and 2pm. The lunch is free and all are most welcome. Donations would be gratefully received and will be given to Exeter House in Salisbury, a school for handicapped children.

CHURCH ROOF

The good news is that very good progress is now being made on the roof.

NOTICE BOARD. Planning Applications and other important information is put on the notice board in the centre of the village. It is advisable to check this notice board regularly.

READING ROOM

The Reading Room will remain closed a little longer to allow us to paint it, making sure that the new plaster is dry. The room is looking very good, and we have replaced the heaters with new (and hopefully efficient) heaters. Many thanks to all the committee for their hard work, and especially to Ian and Sarah for the grant. The money from the Village Fund has been very useful! We are hoping to get a grant from Awards for All (the lottery) to help with the decorating – more news soon hopefully!

PLANT SALE FOR THE READING ROOM

SATURDAY MAY 19^th. At the Reading Room.

For many years the Reading Room used to run a Plant Sale (there are many living here who remember the wonderful Fuchsias grown by the Drake family) in May. Although it must be ten years since the last one we have decided to have one this year.

Although this is primarily to raise funds for the work we are doing on the Reading Room we will make a donation to Church Funds as we all need funds!

Donations of Plants will be appreciated – so if you are dividing plants in the garden or planting seeds please do some extra! More details of the Sale next month! It will include all sorts of plants, vegetables, flowers and house plants. With Teas, Cakes and Produce.

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE PARTY

This will be a Free Party for all Villagers on Monday 4^th June in The Clock House garden. There will be the Duck Race (assuming there is enough water in the river!), a BBQ, (we will be asking for salads and puddings nearer the time) and evening entertainment, to include an Auction of Promises, our usual wonderful Raffle and Quiz. Do you have any ideas for the Auction of Promises? Perhaps car washing, a load of manure, ironing, gardening, the use of a holiday cottage for a week (we can always be hopeful!) – all offers gratefully received!

A fishing trip is being organized for (probably) the Saturday, to catch fish for the BBQ on Monday!

BERWICK FARM SHOP

On Saturday 17^th March from 10am – 2pm Neals Yard cosmetics and other wonderful smellies with Jan Peagrum, there will be a selection of gifts to buy on the day, as well as to order – so come along and buy some gifts for Mother’s Day on the 18^th. There will be tea, coffee, cakes and nibbles.

Easter is the first weekend in April, so please consider ordering your Easter Lamb or other joints soon. I will also have chocolates and Easter gifts. For details see the advert elsewhere in the magazine.

THE BOOT INN

QUIZ – We are very pleased to announce that we have now raised over £2000 for Cancer Research through the weekly quiz on Sunday nights and I would like to thank everybody who has taken part for their continued support. The Quiz starts at 7.30pm, teams of up to 4 people for £2 per person – £1 for Cancer Research and £1 for the half time food.

WILTSHIRE LIFE BEST PUB/RESTAURANT – We have been shortlisted by the Wiltshire Life Magazine for their award. We will find out how we did at the end of March, they have told us in all of the years of doing these awards they have never had such an overwhelming response for one pub. So thank you all for taking the time to nominate us.

MOTHERING SUNDAY March 18^th. Treat Mum to a delicious lunch at The Boot Inn. Sunday Lunch Menu 2 course £12.50, 3 course £16.50.

Our ever popular FISH NIGHT will be held on March 30^th where we will have a great selection of fresh fish specials available.

From Cathy and Giles – for details see advert elsewhere in the magazine.

LADIES NIGHT. This is on March 14^th from 7.30pm, and next month on April 11^th Janet Pegrum will be joining us again with some of Neals Yards new products.

MEMORIES OF BERWICK AND STAPLEFORD

These memories were given to me for the magazine by a Berwick villager.

“I was very interested to read about the Triangle Cottage at Stapleford (February Magazine). I remember Mrs Smith, her daughter Chrissie, and her son John. During the war evacuees from Portsmouth stayed with Mrs Smith. He was a cobbler, we all called him Uncle. We would take all the family’s shoes for repair, children’s shoes heel and sole were 1s9d old money, grown up’s from 2/6d to 3s old money. He always walked up Stapleford Hill every day in his fawn mac with a stick. For years daffodils would bloom along the banks which Uncle planted. With all the army tanks and lorries going round the triangle the only damage was to a garden gate which Uncle soon repaired and put back into place.

Happy Days!”

VALENTINE

This was going to go into February’s magazine, but there wasn’t room – so we celebrate Valentine’s Day in March!

This was composed and translated on the Berwick Church seat by Dr Robin O’Neil.

Is this the oldest known Valentine’s Day Message in the English Language?

The love letter was composed and written in Norfolk in February 1477, by Margery Brews to her fiancé, John Paton. It is written in the hand of Kenneth Kela, a trusted servant of the Brews family which was the custom of those times. This does not detract from the sincerity and spontaneity of the sentiments. The words are simple and straightforward enough to be her own.

For some months in 1476-7 John Paston made several visits to the Brews’ house at Topcroft, Norfolk. Taken with this young man of good social standing, Margery’s heart was certainly won. She had her mother’s blessing but the proposed marriage was in some difficulty from both families. John Paston, although from a respectable family, was only a second son. Margery Brews’ father and John Paston could not come to an agreement over the marriage settlement, to which Margery lamented her father’s lack of generosity. Fortunately, John’s mother, Margaret Paton, having property in her own right, offered the couple the manor of Sparham, Norfolk which enabled the marriage to go ahead. Margery Paston (Brews), John’s “valentine” and “true love” died in 1495. John Paston died on 28^th August 1504.

The Full text of the manuscript.

“Unto my right well-beloved Valentine John Paston, squire, be this bill delivered, &c.

“Right reverent and worshipful and my right well-beloved valentine, I recommend me unto you full heartedly, desiring to hear of your welfare, which I beseech Almighty God long for to preserve unto his pleasure and your heart’s desire “And if it pleases you to hear of my welfare, I am not in good health of body nor of heart, nor shall I be till I hear from you;

“For there knows no creature what pain that I endure,

And even on the pain of death I would reveal no more.

“And my lady my mother hath laboured the matter to my father full diligently, but she can no more get than you already know of, for which God knoweth I am full sorry. “But if you love me, as I trust verily that you do, you will not leave me therefore. “For even if you had not half the livelihood that you have, for to do the greatest labour that any woman alive might, I would not forsake you.

“And if you command me to keep me true wherever I go,

Indeed I will do all my might you to love and never anyone

else. “And if my friends say that I do amiss, they shall not

stop me from doing so. “My heart me bids evermore to love

you truly over all earthly things. “And if they be never so angry,

I trust it shall be better in time coming.

“No more to you at this time, but the Holy Trinity have you in keeping.

“And I beseech you that this bill be not seen by any non earthly creature save only yourself.

And thys letter was indyte at Topcroft, with full hevy herte etc

Margery Brews

For general background see; “The Paston Letters”

Dr Robin O’Neil is a Medieval-Modern history Scholar and Honorary Research Fellow, University College London.

WILDLIFE WATCH

The lighter evenings are hopefully bringing a little bit of spring to the villages. The snowdrops are looking lovely – and I have had reports of a rather early visitor – a Cuckoo in Winterbourne Stoke.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter Feb 2012

Congratulations to George Campbell Johnson on the award of an MBE in the New Year Honour’s list for services to farmers in and from Zimbabwe. He is Chairman of the Zimbabwe Farmers Trust Fund. For more details see the Berwick St James website, berwickstjames.org.uk

Michael Bucknell passed away on 1^st January, our thoughts are with all his family and friends. A full obituary is below.

Spotted on a clear night in mid January at 6.18pm whilst two villagers were walking through the village – a bright streak in the sky, like a meteor but with blue, white and yellow streak, heading south. It was wondered if it was the Russian spacecraft that was to crash to Earth, but that was supposed to crash a few days later, so perhaps it was some other space “junk” burning up re-entering the atmosphere.

CHURCH

Lottery. Thank you to all who have taken part in the lottery over the past year in aid of the church roof. It has raised an amazing £2170. A particular than you goes to Ian Fisher who organized and ran the lottery and carried out the monthly draw.

Christmas. Thank you to all those who decorated the Church with flowers over Christmas – it all looked fantastic.

Lost and Found. A grey woolly hat was left in the Church after the carol service. Please contact Stephen Bush (790445) if it is yours.

Church Electoral Role. If you are not on the Church electoral role and would like to be, please contact Ailsa Bush (790445). A list of those on the electoral role will be on the church notice board during this month.

Church Roof. Regrettably this is progressing extremely slowly and is very frustrating, however every effort is being made to speed the work up.

Thankyou to everyone who has helped with the church cleaning, locking up, brass cleaning, flower arranging and lesson reading during this last year – it is hugely appreciated.

Candlelit Carol Service and Christmas Service. Thank you to all who made these services so wonderful, especially Stephen Bush for all the work with the Carol Service, and to the excellent readers of the lessons.

PARISH MEETING.

At the Parish Meeting held in the Reading Room on Thursday 12^th January, Jacky Webb advised that she was unable to continue as Parish Clerk, and Tina Woodford kindly agreed to take over until the AGM in May. Many thanks are given to Jacky for all her hard work over the years, and we hope that she will be able to return to being Clerk at a later date. Richard Brasher and Tina Woodford advised that they will not be standing again for the offices of Parish Chairman and Parish Clerk in May, they will be much missed. If anyone would like to stand for either post the election will take place at the AGM and please could you put your name forward to Richard Brasher at Springside.

VILLAGE CAROL SINGING

There was great singing at the Village Carol Singing on December 20^th, especially the descant! We raised £126.91 for Combat Stress. A great many thanks to all who came, sang, listened, gave and to Ian and Jackie for the Mulled Wine, and to Nicky and Charles (via Marilyn) for the mince pies. After the singing many of the carol singers then invaded the pub for a jolly time, and quite a few stayed on to eat. A good time was had by all.

THE READING ROOM.

The Reading Room will be closed for approximately one month starting on 23^rd January. This is because the walls are being lined and then plasterboarded, the room will then be repainted, and additional work done depending on our most recent grant application!

BERWICK “50 CLUB”

The monthly Berwick “50 club” draw took place on 30^th December in the Boot. This month’s winner was Jane Rowe, who won this month’s prize of £160. This was the last draw as it was always intended to be for one year only, many thanks to Ian Fisher.

LADIES NIGHT This is a chance for any ladies of all ages from all our villages to meet for a chat, a laugh, a gossip (and a drink) together. We meet at The Boot Inn on the second Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we usually roll up from around 7.45pm) and you are welcome to join us at any time. The February get-together is on WEDNESDAY 8^th FEBRUARY.

THE BOOT INN

Cathy and Giles are having their holiday from 31^st January to 9^th February and the kitchen will be closed during this time. However the bar will be open throughout this time. Normal service will resume on Friday 10^th February, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s bookings are now being taken. Ladies Night is on 8^th February and Fish Night on 24^th.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

A Happy New Year to everyone, and a big thank you for all your custom over the Christmas period, and we look forward to seeing you through 2012.

Many of us are looking to diet so don’t forget that we have a good selection of fresh vegetables, with the stress on seasonal and local where possible. But we still have homemade cakes etc for a treat! Marilyn Wood 790490. For more details see the advert elsewhere in the magazine.

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE PARTY.

More details next month – not enough room this month!

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

berwickstjames.org.uk Look at the work George Campbell Johnson has done, join the conversation on Twitter and look at the new article in the Memories part of the History section – all about the River Till.

HEATING OIL.

If you need heating oil, please consider WP heating GROUP.WP Heating will donate £25 to The Reading Room for every 5000 litres bought under reference 044. If you decide to use the WP Group please phone 0800 980 6174 and quote ref 044 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. This has been really useful to The Reading Room.

MICHAEL BUCKNELL

Michael John Bucknell 1946-2012 passed away peacefully at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth on 1^st January 2012.

Michael was born in Salisbury on 22^nd May 1946, the third child of Frank and Hilda Bucknell of Manor Farm, Berwick St James, brother to Anne and Jim. At that time Manor Farm extended form the Stapleford boundary to the far side of the A303. There was a large milking herd (milked in what used to be the Dairy House buildings) and extensive wheat and barley crops. These were harvested by the Italian prisoners of war for a few years after 1944 and horse drawn binders made sheaves which were stacked in ricks in the Manor Farmyard (now Clock House Garden) and in the fields.

Michael was educated at Greenways School, Codford where he was a weekly boarder. His passion was for cricket at that time but he helped on the farm from an early age; especially with his father repairing equipment at the Blacksmith shop (now the Berwick Farm Shop). At Dauntsey’s School, West Lavington he continued his love of cricket, engineering and farming. He had a home-made car with a fibreglass body which he took with him to agricultural college at Seale Hayne in Devon when he left school. He returned to Berwick to became a partner with his father in the business, Bucknell and Son. The dairy and half of the farm had been sold to the Street family and Manor Farm (Clock House and buildings) now had a large flock of sheep and grew barley and wheat for seed and malting; new barns for corn were built at Downs Way opposite the Boot Inn. Michael introduced pigs to the farm and for many years had a large herd raising bacon and pork pigs for a specialist market.

Michael’s great interest was old cars and he had many chassis and bodies in various stages of disrepair and rebuilding, including a veteran MG which did make it to be drivable on the road! Michael and Julie were married in 1969 and they had a bungalow built in the field called Rotten Furlong just off Langford Lane. Michael’s father died in 1973 and Michael took over the management of the farm with his mother. Sophie and Humphrey Bucknell were born in the 1970’s. Later Julie moved to Salisbury, but the children were well known in the village, helping on the farm and running for the school bus. Michael and Annie were married 1992 with a service of blessing in St James’ Church.

In 1995 Manor Farm was sold and Annie and Michael moved to a smaller farm near Holsworthy on the borders of North Devon and Cornwall. They took sheep from Berwick to Leigh Manor Farm, Week St Mary. In addition, he and Annie had a small herd of Red Ruby cows (the local breed) and a small flock of Black Welsh sheep. He was a well-known figure at the local markets and in the National farmers Union. He continued his love of cars with his father’s vintage green Rolls Royce being the car for local weddings and village occasions and he and Annie participated in local vintage car rallies in his MG sports car.

Eight years ago, Michael suffered a major stroke and it was several months and many surgical operations before he regained some mobility and was able to get abut in a wheelchair as a resident in a local nursing home in Holsworthy. He liked to have his family including Sophie and his grandchildren, Isobel and Jessica around him when he was well enough for Annie to have him at home. In September 2012 he developed serious kidney complications and spent the last few months of his life in the hospital in Plymouth where his family, children and grandchildren visited him.

He is remembered by the few “old timers” who still live in Berwick St James and local area as a hppy young man with a ready smile who worked hard on the farm but was happiest when his oily hands were in an engine.

His funeral and interment was on 20^th January 2012 at St Mary’s church, Week St Mary.

Anne Clark (nee Bucknell).

WILDLIFE WATCH

Parish Note. By Barbara Last. LEECHES.

On dabbling in the River Till, there are a number of fascinating creatures. I have just been given a five cm long Horse Leech. There are eleven species of fresh water leech in the UK, mostly quite small and sucking blood from fishes. This species resembles the medicinal leech, much used in the past to remove “bad” blood form patients with high blood pressure, who sometimes survived in spite of the treatment. I assume my leech is not a medicinal leech as these are now very rare having been over fished. Horse leeches are carnivores, feeding on small creatures in the stream such as fly larvae and small tadpoles and are not blood suckers of horses or anyone else. It is a segmented worm, greenish, with a strong sucker at the posterior end to anchor it and a smaller sucker at the pointed front end. It progresses by looping from sucker to sucker but can be induced to swim freely if detached from the bottom.

Congratulations to Michelle Drouse and David Woodhouse on their recent marriage. Get well soon to everyone who has been struck down by the flu, we hope you are all feeling better.

PARISH MEETING

There will be a Parish Meeting at 6.30pm on Thursday 12^th January 2012 in the Reading Room. The Agenda should be on the Notice Boards on 5^th January.

NOTICE BOARD.

Planning Applications and other important information is put on the notice board in the centre of the village. It is advisable to check this notice board regularly.

MOBILE LIBRARY.

We are very lucky in having the mobile library call in the village. It comes on a Thursday and parks by the Boot Inn and is open from 2.30 to 2.45pm. Everyone can use this, just drop in and see what they can do for you. It is really useful for those who cannot easily get into Salisbury or Wilton, and it is the same with all these services – if we don’t use it, we may lose it.

BERWICK 50 CLUB DRAW

The monthly Berwick “50 Club” draw for the November prize took place on 26^th November in the Boot. This month’s winner was Bill Hiscock, who won the prize of £165. The December Draw will take place at the Boot In on Friday 30^th December, this will be the last “50 Club” so if you would like to take the last chance to win, go along on Friday 30^th and buy a ticket!

READING ROOM CHRISTMAS BAZAAR.

The Christmas Bazaar on 3^rd December was a great success with lots of things to buy and people to chat to, the raffle was particularly good this year! We made £443.75 (more than last year) which is just what we need for the work we intend to do (see below). Many thanks to all, especially Ian, Jackie, Emily, Sarah, Anika, Nigel, Olivia and Nicky, and to all who helped, set up and bought, and packed away afterwards!

READING ROOM WORK.

As many of you are aware the Reading Room has had problems with the damp for a long time. The Committee has taken advice and have decided to do major works inside to try to improve the situation. We have made a grant application to Wiltshire Council and have been given £5000 towards the work, we need to raise more of course, as this doesn’t cover it all! Congratulations to Sarah and Ian for all their hard work which meant we got the grant! More details later. We are going to need to raise more money, and so we are going to have a Plant Sale, provisional date Saturday 19^thMay. We will still have to raise the normal money to run the Reading Room as well!!

THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE PARTY.

The Village Party will take place on Monday 4^th June at The Clock House. This will give us time to tidy up on Tuesday (which is also a Bank Holiday!). It will be a Barbeque and we will be asking for help with salads, puddings etc much nearer the time. It will be free! More details later.

HEATING OIL.

The weather has become colder now – so keep an eye on the levels of your heating oil. If you need heating oil, please consider WP heating GROUP (previously called WESSEX PETROLEUM). The system has changed slightly and now WP Heating will donate £25 to The Reading Room for every 5000 litres bought under reference 044. Please note this change. If you decided to use the WP Group please phone 0800 980 6174 (note change please) then remember to quote ref 044 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. This has been really useful to The Reading Room.

LADIES NIGHT

What is Ladies Night? It is a chance for any ladies of all ages from all our villages to meet for a chat, a laugh, a gossip (and a drink) together. We meet at The Boot Inn on the second Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we usually roll up from around 7.45pm) and you are welcome to join us at any time. The January get-together is on WEDNESDAY 11^th JANUARY 2012

“SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI” or “SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE RIVER TILL”

by Michael Mertens I have lived within 3 metres of the River Till (the diverted section - now the main river - which flows through the mill) since 1960 – and have known and fished the river all my life, now nearly 67 years. Outside the front door at the Mill House is an official river gauge – the red numbers 66 indicate 66 metres above sea level. When the water level reaches these numbers we have a good flood. On 7^th December 1999 the water came half way up the red sixes – the highest we have ever known – and I put sandbags outside the back door. In 1995 the level reached the red sixes, and in 2003 nearly. Since then the height of water has not come within a food of this level. Incidentally, should the Mill House ever flood it would be entirely the fault of the Highways Authority – the only way water can escape down the valley is under the two road bridges. When the water is very high and curling under our bridge anyone who fell in could easily drown. At the other extreme, I have heard that the river dried up in 1935 – but I don’t know. I do know that the river dried up in 1976, 1984, 1990 and now in 2011 (21^st Nov). In 1976, the famous drought year, the river dried up on 22^nd August. I have a feeling that the river ran dry on another occasion in the 1980’s and ditto in the 1990’s but I seem not to have recorded these events. At the time of writing (26^th Nov) the real River Till under the second road bridge is still flowing, comparatively strongly!

When I was a boy the river was in wonderful heart. The Ranunculus was thick from Asserton Bridge downwards, and there were hundreds of wonderful trout. There was a thick hawthorn hedge (still a remnant remains ) along the bank at the bottom of Farmer Bucknell’s field next to the church, so the river there was a very private place. No manicured gardens came down to the river in those days, so the opposite bank from Mill Meadow was indeed wild. Yellow flags used to grow up from the river bed just below Asserton Bridge, and I used to annoy Eddie Cuff by cutting them with a sickle while he was trying to catch fish from the bridge. There were no fences along the river banks then, so access to the water was easy for a fisherman, and for cattle and horses. There were no swans then, either, thanks heavens. The super-abundance of swans has become a menace on the chalk streams because they destroy the Ranunculus. The Ranunculus above the mill disappeared in the 1960’s. I blamed it on the practice of dumping pig slurry on the bank by the Asserton hatches, but I could be wrong! Anyway, it went, never to return, along with the millions of fresh water shrimps which always mad Till trout so beautifully pink fleshed.” By Michael Mertens.

Many thanks for this, there will be more about the River Till in later magazines. This is just the kind of article the magazine needs.

WHAT WE NEED FOR THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE. I’ll take anything! Anniversaries, birthdays, exam congratulations, new neighbours, events, reports items for discussion! But I don’t edit unless you ask me to, and I don’t check, so please make sure your days, dates etc are right. Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry. Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see elsewhere in the magazine)

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

WILDLIFE WATCH Three short-eared owls have been seen regularly around Stoford. Green Sandpipers are up and down the River Till through Berwick. The Spring in the meadow behind the church has dried up – the first time in many years. All kinds of wildlife sightings and information from all of our villages welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House. chstreet@btinternet.com .

BERWICK STJAMES Newsletter December 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR SATURDAY 3^rd December at 2pm in the Reading Room. Coffee and Tea. Grand Raffle, Christmas Stall, Tombola, Bric-a-Brac, Books, Cakes and Produce. The Reading Room will be open to accept gifts for the sale on Friday 2^nd December 5pm-6pm, and on Saturday morning 10.30am – 11.30am. Donations for the Raffle can be made at The Farm Shop. Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122, or Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309. In aid of The Reading Room. Please come along and have a chat with your friends and find something for Christmas! See you there!

CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

Our Annual Christmas candlelit carol service will be at 6pm on Sunday 18^th December. All are most welcome. (Please do not bring your own candles).

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE.

A family service will be held at 10.30am on Christmas morning. All are most welcome.

VILLAGE CAROL

In Victorian times, and possibly much earlier, it was a tradition in Berwick to sing carols around the village. There were special Berwick carols, but unfortunately the words of these have been lost. In recent years we have started Carol Singing around Berwick again. This year it is on TUESDAY 20^th DECEMBER starting at 6pm at the Church, and we will end up at The Reading Room for Mince Pies and Mulled Wine. We are collecting for Combat Stress, a charity that works with military personnel needing help. We welcome everyone to come along and sing, accompanied children especially. Please bring torches or lanterns. We would like to sing at various points around the village and so, if you would like to have us come to you please could you ring Ian Fisher 790214 or Nicky Street 790309. This really is good fun – come and join us! New villagers especially welcome.

NOTECARDS OF THE VILLAGE AND CHURCH.

Watercolour note cards of fabulous views of the village and church in all seasons. 5 cards for £4, with half the proceeds to church funds. To view and orders ring Jane Rowe on 790575. Email jrowe209@googlemail.com

CHRISTMAS LADIES NIGHT

What is Ladies Night? It is a chance for any ladies of all ages from all our villages to meet for a chat, a laugh, a gossip (and a drink) together. We meet at The Boot Inn on the second Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we usually roll up from around 7.45pm) and you are welcome to join us at any time. We are having a special Christmas get-together on WEDNESDAY 14^th DECEMBER. We hope to see lots of you!

BERWICK FARM SHOP.

Christmas Meat Orders a.s.a.p please. We can make up Christmas Hampers for you to give as presents – see those in the shop for examples – choose anything you like to go in them! Neal’s Yard Smellies for Christmas on Sunday 27^th November 10am to 2pm. All your Christmas Vegetables – Marfona potatoes from Swanton’s South Newton 12 ½ kg and 25kg bags. Also home-made Cakes, Puddings and Pies etc. Christmas Opening Times. I shall be closing at 2pm Christmas Eve, then closed until Friday 30^th December when the shop will be open from 10am to 2pm for Orders Only. I will re-open on Wednesday 4^th January 2012. A Happy Christmas from everyone at the Farm Shop. or more details see the advertisement elsewhere in the magazine.

BERWICK TEA TOWELS.

The wonderful Berwick tea towels are still available from the Shop, they make lovely Christmas Presents. They are a map of the village with historical notes.

BERWICK “50 CLUB”.

The monthly Berwick “50 club” draw for the October prize took place on 29th October at the Boot Inn. This month’s winner was James Hardy who won the October prize of £160. The Next Draw is on Friday 25^th November at the Boot Inn.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION.

The house to house collection in the village this year was up on last year – The total for the village was £281.54, with many thanks to the Shop and the Pub, and the collectors.

HEATING OIL.

Although the autumn so far (at mid November) has been remarkably mild, do not get caught out when the cold weather comes, and remember to check your oil tank. If you need heating oil, please consider WP heating GROUP (previously called WESSEX PETROLEUM). The system has changed slightly and now WP Heating will donate £25 to The Reading Room for every 5000 litres bought under reference 044. Please note this change. If you decided to use the WP Group please phone 0800 980 6174 (note change please) then remember to quote ref 044 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. This has been really useful to The Reading Room.

HEATING OIL.

I have been asked to remind everyone that it might be worthwhile ringing other companies to find out their prices.

WHAT WE NEED FOR THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

I’ll take anything! Anniversaries, birthdays, exam congratulations, new neighbours, events, reports items for discussion! But I don’t edit unless you ask me to, and I don’t check, so please make sure your days, dates etc are right. Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry. Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note elsewhere in the magazine).

LOCAL HISTORY

ASSERTON in 1309

Near the beginning of the reign of King Edward II (1307-1327) a survey was done of the value of Asserton farm on the death of John Waleran, before Joan wife of Sir Alexander de Freville inherited it in 1310. This survey shows there were at least 15 (presumably) men, with their families living at Asserton with nearly 200 acres between them. 6 with 24 acres, 4 with 12 acres and 5 cottagers with no land, who presumably worked for the Lady of the manor. In addition to this land they also rights to keep sheep on the downs, pigs in the woods and cattle on the common land. They lived in houses on the slope which is now wooded above Asserton House – identifiable by the cultivated flowers which still grow, even hundreds of years later. In medieval times people rented land in a variety of ways, including by doing work for the lady of the manor on her land. So what did these people in Asserton have to do in exchange for their land? They had to do “works”, which varied both in amount and type during the various times of year. These are described as “that which is commanded of him for half a day”. The hardest was between the Nativity of St John the Baptist (24^th June) and the feast of St Michael (29^th September) when they had to 5 “works” each week, weeding half an acre of corn, or harvesting and carrying half an acre of barley or beans or peas, or 1 acre of wheat or oats (using their own horse and cart). Each year they had to cart manure for two days, harrow the oat land taking about 2 days, carry all the corn of the manor for sale to Salisbury, Wilton or Amesbury taking about 3 days, wash and shear the lord’s sheep, mow, scatter and bring in the lord’s hay bringing their own horse and cart taking about 4 to 5 days. But they did get something in return for their work – and not just the land they rented. For the manure carrying they got hay for their horses, and “when they shall have carried all the manure they shall have in common of the lord 3 gallons of ale or 3d”. For each “carrying” - presumably cart load – of grain for sale ¼ d. For washing and shearing the sheep, one cheese or 1d. For each day they carried corn they have a sheaf of such corn as they carry for each work. And when they cut the hay they shall have as much hay as they can lift with his scythe (I think they may have been very good at that). And finally they had to do one day’s work in the autumn for which they had one “repast” being bread, ale and pottage, and one dish of meat or peas and cheese. In addition they had to pay a small sum for their pigs, and were also taxed in a wide variety of ways (which went to the lord of the manor). These were not poor people, they were respected members of the community who took part in the running of their village, probably what we would call middle class, but they still had to give their labour. Written and Researched by Nicky Street.

WILDLIFE WATCH It was asked what the crop was in South Newton next to the A36. Chris Swanton very kindly rang me and advised that it is a Wild Bird Mix for food for local wild birds for the winter, not to be harvested. The plants are Linseed, Kale, Triticale Quineoa, Sorgum and Millet. There is also a nectar and flower mix in part of the same field nearer the river. A cormorant has been seen in the river by the north end of Berwick. Perhaps he was after the fish trapped in the pools left by the drying up river. The river here is in one of the worst states seen for a long time – it is not flowing at all through the mill – this has only happened once before in the 25 years I have been here. Little Egrets. Barbara Last Little Egrets are now well established in this area and have been seen regularly on the upper reaches of the River Till. As a consequence of the low rainfall we have had this summer and autumn, there the river is reduced to a few muddy remnants. They have been seen puddling the mud to disturb the insect larvae lucking there. They have lack legs and yellow feet and are distinct from the much rarer Cattle Egret that has pale legs and is more often seen following cattle for the insects among the herbage. This species has only recently been seen in the UK. All kinds of wildlife sightings and information from all of our villages welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House. chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St James Newslette - Nov 2011

GET WELL SOON. Sadly Mrs Lee was found on the floor, Jenny her step-daughter is very grateful to all friends and neighbours and also Dr Houghton for their kind help. Mrs Lee unfortunately suffered a stroke and is now poorly in hospital. We all wish her a speedy recovery. Get Well Soon to all in Berwick who are unwell. Our best wishes to you all.

CONGRATULATIONS . Cyril and Josie Emm have been resident in Berwick St James on Sunday 9^th October for 57 years and he has worked for G E Street and Son since 11^th October 1954 and still keeps his hand in when needed. Cyril and Josie Emm would like to welcome into the world their Great Grandson – Hudson George Pratt – born on 13^th September in Salisbury to their Grandson Simon and his wife Jessica.

CONGRATULATIONS to Harriet Colthurst and Tom Sutton on their marriage on September 24^th, we wish them both happiness in the years to come. WELCOME to Keith and Gail Lovett, we hope you enjoy living in Berwick.

THANK YOU to Barbara Last for the lovely photos of Berwick in the snow, which are now hanging in the Reading Room.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The church looked wonderful for harvest festival on 25^th September and many thanks goes to all those who helped decorate the church with flowers, fruit and vegetables.

CHURCH ROOF.

You will no doubt have seen that work has started on the church roof and is progressing well. Before work started it was agreed by the architect that the roof needed to be raised by a few inches to ensure a much better water run off, which was previously the cause of damp getting into the church, in particular with the more frequent very heavy downpours that have been experienced. The aim all the time has been to have a roof that will last for 100 years with no problems. The result of this is a further £5000 on the bill, but together with some additional plastering and redecoration the work should be achieved from the monies raised by the appeal. It is hoped that the work will be completed by the end of November.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

This is on SATURDAY 3^rd December at 2pm in the Reading Room. The Reading Room will be open to accept gifts for the sale on Friday 2^nd December 5pm-6pm, and on Saturday morning 10.30am – 11.30am. We would very much appreciate donations for the Raffle, Bottle Stall, Christmas Stall (cards, paper, gifts etc), books, bric-a-brac etc. There will be coffee and tea too. Donations, offers of help etc can also be made to Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122, or Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309. Please help us improve the Reading Room, we are making grant applications, but need to raise money too. The Reading Room is YOUR village room.

HARVEST SUPPER

A great time was had by all at the splendid Harvest Supper held in the Guide Hall. We had delicious sausages and mash, with lovely puddings and cheese – followed by hilarious horse racing. Many thanks to all who helped, especially those who cooked, served, washed up and tidied up, Jacky and Roland for the raffle, also thanks to the suppliers of the puddings, those who set up, the Horse Race gang (especially Georgina, Bryony and Maurice) and most of all to the organisers. Thank you.

BERWICK TO BE PART OF WARMINSTER AND SHAFTESBURY CONSTITUENCY?

Under the proposal made by the Boundary Commission the Till and Wylye Ward (including Berwick St James) would move from Salisbury Parliamentary Constituency to the Warminster and Shaftesbury Constituency. Many people think that Berwick looks towards Salisbury (9 miles away) and would like to keep our Salisbury MP. It has also been suggested that we have not been given sufficient information about this very important matter. As reported in the Salisbury Journal our current MP John Glen said “I support the residents of Till and Wylye Valley’s wish to stay part of the Salisbury Constituency. They look to Salisbury and historically have always been part of the constituency.” The Parish Meeting has written to state the meeting’s opposition to the proposal. If you would like to make a comment in favour or against the proposal please write to The Boundary Commission for England. 35 Great Smith St. London SW1P 3BQ. or to John Glen MP, or Ian West our Councillor. Information is available, and comments can be made on line at consultation.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk Please note that consultation closes on 5^th December.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

“Jamie at Home” Party at Berwick Farm Shop on 11^th November 11am onwards. Kitchen and Dining equipment, products to love and use everyday. The catalogue is available to look at in the shop, and orders can be made before the party too. Coffee and biscuits, and taste a few nibbles too. Christmas Orders. Meat orders by 9^th December if possible please. Local, Free-range Bronze Turkeys, also chickens, geese, pork and beef, our own beef will be available for Christmas – put in an order! Also available Christmas Cakes, iced, plain or topped with fruit, Christmas Puddings, Mince Pies etc, these can also be ordered. For details of the shop see advert elsewhere in the magazine.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE 2011.

We (Mary Gatling, Peter and Gabrielle Smith, and Nicky Street visiting 25 churches between us) raised a marvellous £338 for the Wiltshire Historic Churches. Half of this will come back to Berwick Church, and half to the Historic Churches Trust who gives grants to churches in need – we received one to assist with the roof. Congratulations!

NOTICEBOARDS

Please look at the noticeboards, particularly the one by the bus shelter, as various Parish Meeting business is put up in them. This can include planning, area board meetings etc. Other information, dates of meetings, minutes etc are also put into the noticeboards – they are always worth looking at.

BERWICK “50 CLUB”.

The monthly Berwick “50 club” draw for the September prize took place on 1^st October at the Boot Inn. This month’s winner was Gabrielle Smith who won the September prize of £155. The Next Draw is on Friday 28^th October at the Boot Inn.

LADIES NIGHT

What is Ladies Night? It is a chance for any ladies of all ages from all our villages to meet for a chat, a laugh, a gossip (and a drink) together. We meet at The Boot Inn on the second Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we usually roll up from around 7.45pm) and you are welcome to join us at any time. We will meet on Wednesday 9^th November. We had a great time at the October get together, with Jan from Neal’s Yard, with lovely smellies, and lots of chat and meeting new people. Many thanks to Cathy for organizing it.

DIGITAL SWITCHOVER.

As most people are aware the analogue television signal in this region will be turned off shortly. If you need any information about this, please look at www.digitaluk.co.uk, for a community pack phone Bill Taylor 07970 861238.

HEATING OIL.

Although the autumn so far (at mid October!) has been remarkably mild, do not get caught out when the cold weather comes, and remember to check your oil tank. If you need heating oil, please consider WP Group previously called WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under

reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use the WP Group please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. This has been really useful to The Reading Room.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Hedgerows. There is a remarkable hedge between Berwick and Stapleford. It follows the road alongside the River Till which then joins the Wylye. In this one kilometre stretch there are fourteen species of tree and shrub as well as four species of climbing plant, there is an old rule of thumb that dates a hedge by number of species, roughly equating one to a century of existence. This would make that hedge very old indeed. It would have followed the original track way between the two villages since their origins. The climbers are ubiquitous ivy, White Bryony now covered in brilliant red poisonous berries, Old Man’s Beard and Hops. This is an interesting plant, well known for its addition to add the bitter flavour to beer. For some reason, Henry V!!! took against it, declaring it to be an evil plant and it was to be eliminated. The most abundant plant in this line is elm, growing from suckers, relics of the tall trees that succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease in the 60’s from which it persists, never reaching more than fifteen feet tall before the beetle, carrying the lethal fungus, reaches it again. Some of the shrubs are laden with berries, not too harshly cut back on this hedge. One unusual tree is a single plane tree, not normally found as it not a native. Who planted it? From Barbara Last

The Otter. An An otter was seen just after 9 in the morning on Church St in Winterbourne Stoke on 15^th October. On the 16^th October an otter (presumably the same one) was seen under the bridge at the south end of Berwick. It was watched for 40minutes as it fished in what is left of the river, and then sat grooming itself on the gravel in the river bed. It had a healed injury over it’s right eye, but otherwise seemed healthy. Has anyone else seen it? Otters have large hunting areas so it could well be the length of the Till.

Berwick St James Newsletter - Oct 2011

CONGRATULATIONS to Giles Dickinson on his 40^th Birthday – and on a great cricket match on 3^rd September.

Also congratulations to James Haggaty on captaining Hampshire Young Cricketers to a three wicket win over Durham in the final of the English Cricket Board Under 17

to win the County Cup.

PARISH MEETING

The next meeting is planned for 13^th October at 6.30pm in the Reading Room. The Agenda will be put on the Notice Boards about a week before.

Chairman to the Parish Meeting Richard Brasher 790410.

Clerk to the Parish Meeting Jacky Webb 792624.

NOTICEBOARDS

HARVEST SUPPER

This is on SATURDAY 15thOCTOBER at 7pm at the Guide Centre. It is FREE to ALL Berwick Residents and everyone is welcome especially the children. The cost is paid for from the proceeds of the Grand Raffle – so remember your money and a prize!. As for the last 3 years, visitors from outside the village will be charged £5 for adults and £3 for OAP’s and children.

Enclosed in the magazine is a flyer – please reply, it makes the organization so much easier. Ailsa Bush and Gill Brasher have very kindly agreed to cook the main course and will provide the cheese. Assistance would be hugely welcomed in providing puddings as well as help in setting up, decorating the room, washing up and tidying away. For more information, offers etc please phone Ailsa Bush on 790445

Please bring your own bottles of wine, beer, squash etc and glasses too. Previous harvest suppers have always been good fun – we do hope you can come.

It is hoped that there will be Horse Racing after the Supper.

THE CHURCH ROOF

As you will have seen work has started on the church roof, which is good news. For the duration of the work, the church will be locked and unlocked by the roofer to ensure the security of his equipment.

When finished the roof will be shiny, however it will dull down to the appearance of lead within a year.

LADIES NIGHT AT THE BOOT INN

Janet from Neal’s Yard is coming on Ladies Night October 12^th at 7.30pm. There will be samples and mini facials and so on. For more details see the advert elsewhere in the magazine.

THE BOOT INN

Fish night is on Friday 28^th October, there will be a Wadworth Brewery tour organised soon, and there will be a Wine and Sausage night in November. For details of the Boot Inn see the advert elsewhere in the magazine.

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

On a blustery and occasionally wet Saturday four intrepid villagers took cars and a trailer full of books and other items and held a charity stall in the Maltings in Salisbury. Due to the poor weather, and perhaps the recession too, we made £159 – well down from last year. But with the work planned for the Reading Room, it is all welcome. Many thanks to Ian, Jackie, Olivia and Sarah for their hard work.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES – RIDE and STRIDE 2011

The Sponsored Cycle Ride, Horse Ride or Walk took place on Saturday 10^th September. Berwick has taken part in this for many years – our church receives half the money raised by our riders and striders, the rest going to the Historic Churches Fund, which gives grants to historic churches for repairs to their church buildings.

The weather wasn’t brilliant (!!), but at least it wasn’t too hot. Final figures are not yet in, but congratulations to all who took part, and many thanks to those who greeted at the church.

I rode from Salisbury, via 16 churches, to Winterbourne Stoke and back to Berwick. The welcome at many of the churches was really helpful – I even got a round of applause from St Mark’s as I was the first cyclist there!. St Thomas’s flapjacks were lovely, as was the coffee at All Saints Harnham. Waterproof coat and overtrousers kept me dry past Netherhampton and into Wilton, then it dried up by Wishford, for a pleasant finish through our villages. Thank you to all my sponsors – totals next month hopefully. Nicky Street.

BERWICK “50 CLUB”.

The monthly Berwick “50 club” draw took place on 29^thAugust at the Boot Inn. This month’s winner was Barbara Last who won the prize of £160.

We welcome new members to the club. Just ring Ian Fisher 790214. Each number costs £10 per month, and we are happy to sell you a number for one month, or for many months! The draw distributes as a prize, half the money taken that month, and the other half goes to the Church Roof Fund. The Next Draw is on Friday 30^th September at the Boot Inn.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Have you seen the Crafts now available to buy at the Farm Shop? Lovely pottery, handmade wooden toys – tractors and trailers of all sorts. And now there is Sterling Silver and bead jewellery made by a local craftswoman, beautiful necklaces and earrings. Also knitted items – all beautifully handmade. Perfect gifts.

See the advert for details of opening times and contact details.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk There are new wonderful photographs of the Steam Engines passing through the village – it could be 100 years ago. Many thanks to Nick Crocker. We would love more contributions, photos etc, you can contribute to the website by going to the site and following the directions.

We are on Twitter – be part of the conversation. It is a very good way of announcing local events too!

HEATING OIL.

Autumn is coming on and it is beginning to get cold. If you need heating oil, please consider W P GROUP previously called Wessex Petroleum who will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use The WP Group please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. This has been really useful to The Reading Room.

WILDLIFE WATCH

I am intrigued to see a strange crop growing in a field by the road at South Newton. It appears to be a mixture of linseed and Red Goosefoot. As I envisage difficulty in harvesting a mixed crop I am puzzled to know its purpose. Goosefoots have been important in the lean times in the past when used as a pot herb, as was Good King Henry, a related species. The seeds of both plants would yield oil. Perhaps they are to be a source of wild bird seed. From Barbara Last.

BERWICK ST JAMES - Newsletter - September 2011

THANK YOU to Shaun Haggaty for his most generous donation of the marvellous work he did, painting the Reading Room door, woodwork, down pipes etc, it makes the room look so much better.

WELCOME to Ann and Phil Day, with congratulations on their birthdays and Ruby Wedding anniversary too. And welcome to everyone who has recently come to live in Berwick.

GET WELL SOON to all who are ill, we hope you feel better soon.

CONGRATULATIONS to Barbara Last on becoming a Great Grandma. Her grand daughter Charlotte produced nine pound Oscar, all well.

RIVER TILL. Please do not put grass cuttings, prunings etc into the River Till, and try to prevent them falling in, if you are trimming the riverbank. This is because they damage the ecology of the SSSI (site of special scientific interest) by choking the weed etc, and also block up the mill wheel and hatches. As the water level is so low at the moment, this is particularly important.

NOTICEBOARDS

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

The Reading Room is having a Stall in Salisbury Market on Saturday 10^th September. We need Bric-a-Brac especially China and Costume jewellery, and would welcome anything but NOT Jumble, Shoes or Electrical Items. Please bring to The Dairy House or The Black Barn or ring Anika Lange 790122 or Nicky Street 790309 for collection. We will be setting off at the crack of dawn on Saturday, so would appreciate any items by Friday 9th (but can take things earlier of course!)

If you are in Salisbury on that day, please call at the Stall – perhaps you could relieve one of the stallholders for a few minutes! – or find something to buy.

THE READING ROOM

The Reading Room has had the wood work painted (with many thanks to Shaun Haggaty), and we are looking into having major work to try to cure the problems with the damp.

The Christmas Bazaar will be on Saturday December 3^rd – a note for your diary.

The Reading Room is available for hire, and we also hire out tables, chairs and china. Please speak to Mrs Jean Hibberd 6 High St (next to the Reading Room) 790806.

Secretary Anika Lange 790122 Chairman Nicky Street 790309

HARVEST FESTIVAL

This year Harvest Festival in St James Church is on Sunday 25^th September to which everyone is most welcome. It will be a matins service which will last approximately 35 minutes and will be followed by tea and coffee.

Harvest Festival Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables. As always I am sure the church will look wonderful. Contributions of flowers fruit and vegetables from whoever would like to bring them, on either Friday 23^rd or Saturday 24^th September would be much appreciated. Sadly due to stupid regulations, we are unable to donate the produce to good causes, so we ask that sometime during the following week you retrieve your produce from the church.

HARVEST SUPPER

This year the Harvest Supper will be on Saturday 15^th October at 7pm at the Guide Centre. It is FREE to ALL Berwick residents and everyone is most welcome. The cost is paid for from the proceeds of the Grand Raffle. AS for the last 2 years, visitors from outside the village will be charged £5 for adults and £3 for OAP’s and children. It is very possible that the local hunt will be having a steeple chase that night with 3 races taking place at the Guide Centre – more details next month.

Please note the date in your diary and look out for further details in the October magazine.

CHURCH ROOF.

By the time you receive this magazine I sincerely hope that work on the roof will have started or the Churchwardens will be pulling their hair out!

CRICKET FIELD

Unfortunately due to someone joy riding a car around the cricket field and damaging the out field we have had to lock the gates to prevent vehicle entry and thus further and possibly more serious damage. This means that access to the play ground is going to be restricted until we can work out an alternative. It should also stop the person leaving garden refuse without permission too.

If anyone needs access please contact Charles Street or Rod Crossley.

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN

Mill House Garden open for N G S (National Gardens Scheme) on June 26^th raised a total of £639.00. The Gate raised £304 and Teas in the Reading Room £335.00 (for Berwick Church) and £10 to Reading Room. As usual so many thanks to Ailsa and Stephen Bush and their gang for delicious teas enjoyed by many from near and far. The weather was perfect. Diana Gifford Mead.

RACE FOR LIFE.

In the midst of a vast crowd of mostly pink runners in Salisbury on July 3^rd Marilyn Wood and Nicky Street ran the 5km in aid of Cancer Research – the weather was very hot but the atmosphere was marvellous. Congratulations to both! (and to all who took part).

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES – RIDE and STRIDE 2011

The Sponsored Cycle Ride, horse Ride or Walk will take place on Saturday 10^th September this year. Berwick has taken part in this for many years – our church receives half the money raised by our riders and striders, the rest going to the Historic Churches Fund, which gives grants to historic churches for repairs to their church buildings.

If you would be interested in taking part please contact our parish organiser Lyanne Street The Briars 790544. Anyone can take part – church member or not, cycling, riding or walking. If enough were interested we could organise a group cycle or walk.

Nicky and David Street will be taking part again – for the 8^th year running (if my maths is right) – so sponsorship most welcome, please call at The Dairy House or give me a ring on 790309.

BERWICK “50 CLUB”.

The monthly Berwick “50 club” draw took place on 29^th July at the Boot Inn. This month’s winner was Stephen Bush who won the prize of £155.

LADIES NIGHT

What is Ladies Night? It is a chance for any ladies of all ages from all our villages to meet for a chat, a laugh, a gossip (and a drink) together. We meet at The Boot Inn on the second Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we usually roll up from around 7.45pm) and you are welcome to join us at any time. We will meet on Wednesday14th September. For the October meeting see the Boot entry below.

THE BOOT INN

On October 12^th Janet is coming from Neal’s Yard to Ladies Night with some cosmetics and other products for you to try. More details later.

The Boot continues to do the ever popular Fish Nights – the next is on Friday 26^th from 6.30pm. The Boot Inn will be serving lunch on Bank Holiday Monday 29^th August 12noon to 2.15pm. See advert for opening times etc.

HEATING OIL.

Autumn is coming on and you may wish to think about your heating oil. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. This has been really useful to The Reading Room.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

As many now know, Marilyn is now serving coffee, tea and cakes – just drop in.

Marilyn now stocks the very popular Wessex Mill Bread Flour, along with the standard Strong White, Wholemeal etc, there is also Honey and Seed, Six Seed, Half & Half, and Malt Loaf. This is excellent for all bread machines and for hand made bread. Yeast is also available.

Lovely, fresh, local seasonal vegetables are stocked – they come from Paget’s Produce at Bromham.

Marilyn Wood 790490.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

More contributions very welcome. I’ll take anything, and don’t edit unless you ask me to, but I don’t check, so please make sure your days, dates etc are right. Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter - August 2011

Congratulations to Jean Collins and Godfrey Pitman on their marriage which took place on 17^th June during a cruise to Norway.

Welcome home to Maureen Rhind-Tutt after a long hospital visit, we hope she is soon back to 100%.

NOTICEBOARDS

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES – RIDE and STRIDE 2011

If you would be interested in taking part please contact our parish organiser Lyanne Street The Briars 790544. It is well worth doing – a lovely cycle ride around lovely countryside, visiting Churches you may well never have seen before! If you are not sure where to cycle we can help plan routes of all lengths – from a couple of miles to as far as you want to go. Anyone can take part – church member or not, cycling, riding or walking. If enough were interested we could organise a group cycle or walk.

We will also need people to man the church throughout the day to greet the cyclists, if you can help please ring Lyanne.

BERWICK “50 CLUB”.

The monthly Berwick “50 club” draw took place on 24^th June in the Boot Inn. This month’s winner was Margaret Mustill who won the prize of £170.

LADIES NIGHT

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk Two new items of interest are on the website. Firstly we have some wonderful photos of Berwick from the early 1900’s from a descendant of Stephen Furness. (with many thanks to Jane). Go into the website, click on “History” then onto “Historical Pics”. There is also an article on the Great Bustards, about the birds themselves and their historical connection with Berwick. Go onto the website, click on “History” and then onto “Great Bustard” – there is also a photograph of a Bustard, if you wondered what one looks like. We would love more contributions, photos etc, you can contribute to the website by going to the site and following the directions. More contributions very much welcome. We are on Twitter – be part of the conversation.

HEATING OIL.

Although we are hopefully in the middle of summer, it is time to think about your heating oil. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

WILDLIFE WATCH

TICKS by Barbara Last.

I have been asked for a note on these creatures, as they seem to be abundant this season. They are not insects as they have eight legs so they have affinities with spiders. They have globular bodies and tiny sucking mouth parts like a stiletto in the head. Eggs in the soil hatch into nymphs the size of a pin-head, hungry and looking for their first meal of blood. Each meal is following by a moult, and a subsequent meal until they are adult, about 3mms. They feed by lurking on herbage until a warm blooded creature, mammal or bird passes. They drop off, maybe landing on their lunch, stimulated to do this by the slight rise in temperature and carbon dioxide. The main prey are sheep or deer, but people and their dogs are also good targets.

They may be carried around on clothing, or dog’s fur. Long trousers are a good idea, and brush the dog on the return from the field. Use flea powder, or the spot on equivalent as recommended by vets, on dogs. Ticks are best removed with forceps at the head end, with a twisting action. Try not to burst them or squeeze. The irritation of their bite is not important, but they can be vectors of Lyme Disease., caused by a bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. It was first discovered in the US town of Lyme. Many people have no symptoms. Those affected may not show symptoms until weeks or months later, which vary from joint pain, a rash, fatigue, weakness and palsy. It is easily controlled by antibiotics if treated early. Barbara Last.

Note- there has been a case of Lyme Disease locally, and I use a very effective little tool from the vet for removing ticks from the dogs. Nicky.

More reports welcome from all our villages. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House email chstreet@btinternet.com

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter - July 2011

NOTICEBOARDS

FETE

The Church being a beneficiary part of the fete takings, the churchwardens would like to thank everyone for their generosity and efforts in making the day such a huge success. Without the income from the fete, the Church would be unable to pay its quota to the diocese out of annual income and therefore this is a hugely important and necessary source of revenue to keep the church going. Thankyou.

BERWICK ST JAMES FETE.

The result was a provisional profit of £2417.39! including the Duck Race. With all the hard work by everyone it was a great day – and we were especially lucky with the marvellous weather! – see the wonderful photos on the website. Thank you to all, especially to Toby and Sarah Humphreys for Berwick House Garden, thanks to all the stallholders, those who ran the games, did the BBQ and Beer Tent (104 pints of beer and 81 glasses of Pimms), manned the gates, set up beforehand, and packed away afterwards (especially Tim and his trailer), and all who got rid of what was left afterwards. Several stalls made over £200 each – including the Bric-a-Brac, Raffle and BBQ, as well as the Duck Race of course! Well done indeed! Special thanks to Ian Fisher who has been treasurer for several years and as I took the bagged money to the bank I realized just how much work goes into being treasurer! Thanks must also go to all the Committee and everyone behind the scenes.

The Dog Show was judged by Mr David Wood from Wincanton. The Best in Show Pedigree was Mr Boobyer’s German Shepherd “Blade” from Melksham. Best Puppy was Mr Bryant’s Lhaso Apso “Bailey” from Tisbury. Best in Show Novelty was Jane Rowe’s Border Terrier “Barley” from Berwick, and the Best Village Dog (winning the Brandy Cup presented by Chris McConnell) was The Humphrey family’s working Cocker Spaniel “Weasel”.

The Winner of the Fete Quiz was Rosie Gairdner with every question answered correctly, and second place to Gav Stephenson with only one wrong. The quiz raised £97 profit with many thanks to Veronica Sumner (with help from Peter Smith), and to all those who took part and who sold quizzes.

DUCK RACE

On Sunday, in somewhat cooler weather, we had the sold-out Duck Race. See the photos on the website! It was great fun, especially for the canoeists and waders. The childrens race was won by the Humphrey family with duck 61, 2^nd Tilly Gundry, 3^rd Benjamin Williams, and the adult race by Mary Gatling with duck 68, 2^nd Martin Gairdner, 3^rd Sheila Glyn-Owen.

With thanks to Neil and Carolyn MacDougall for the wonderful organization, also thanks to the Shop and Boot Inn for selling, also to the canoeists and waders for collecting the ducks (I think we may have lost one – early migration perhaps), and the tea and cake makers and sellers (we did need the hot drinks!). Special thanks go to Tim and Olivia Marchant for letting us use their garden, canoe and summerhouse.

LADIES NIGHT

RACE FOR LIFE.

Several of the Berwick Ladies Running Group are taking part in the 5km Race for Life on July 3rd, in Salisbury, in aid of Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading independent charity dedicated to cancer research. For more details of Cancer Research UK see the “about us” section in the Race for Life website. www.raceforlife.org Please sponsor us! You can do this at the Farm Shop (or make a donation) or to the individual runners.

BERWICK “50 CLUB”.

The monthly Berwick “50 club” draw took place on 27^th May in the Boot Inn. This month’s winner was Jane Rowe who won the prize of £175.

ROYAL WEDDING GARDEN PARTY

I still have some items that were left at The Clock House after the Garden Party. They are a pair of salad servers, a china dish and two knives. I have them here at The Dairy House, and would be glad to return them to their owners

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk There are lots of wonderful photos of the Fete and Duck Race – are you there? We would love more contributions, photos etc, you can contribute to the website by going to the site and following the directions. More contributions very much welcome. We are now on Twitter – try it and see!

WILDLIFE WATCH

A stoat has been seen several times running across the road at the south end of Berwick, near the Guide HQ.

A Red Kite was seen in May, with sticks in its beak, landing in a large Beech tree by Asserton House.

Great Bustard. There is now an article about Great Bustards and Berwick on the website. www.berwickstjames.org.uk It has details about the birds and the shooting of one of the last Great Bustards in 1871. From the home page of the website go to “History” and then “Great Bustard”.

Cuckoo Has anyone heard the cuckoo this year? I haven’t.

The wildflowers on the conservation headlands are looking particually good this year, and I have seen a lot of butterflies – despite the hard winter.

More reports welcome from all our villages. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House email chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St James Newsletter - May 2011

ROYAL WEDDING GARDEN PARTY

This is on Friday 29^th April in The Clock House Garden. If the magazine is out in time, then see you there. If it is later – then lets hope we all had a good time, and the weather was kind to us (and the Royal Couple).

All villagers, friends and family are welcome.. please note that this is not open to everybody.. otherwise we might run out of hog roast!

MILLHOUSE OPEN GARDEN

In brilliant weather on March 27^th £179.00 was taken at the Gate for the NGS Charities. Teas served in the Reading Room took £182.80 in aid of the Church – many thanks go to Stephen and Ailsa Bush and the “gang” for this splendid effort and to Veronica Sumner for so ably dealing with the Gate Exchequer.

For the Junior Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) we had 2 private parties which raised £238.00. Last but not least thanks must go to Michael Mertens (seldom seen!) for his unobtrusive hard work in creating the garden as it is today.

Diana Gifford Mead.

The Mill House Garden is open in aid of the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 26^th June, from 2pm to 6pm. Cream Teas will be available in aid of Berwick Church in the Reading Room .

This is another chance to see a wonderful garden and river.

CHIMNEY SWEEP

The Chimney Sweep will be coming on Wednesday May 11^th.

BERWICK FETE AND DOG SHOW

This is on Saturday June 4^th at Berwick House, with entries for the Dog Show from 12 noon, judging starting 1pm. Fete opens 12.30pm with BBQ, Beer Tent, Stalls, games, Raffle, quiz and lots more …..

Bring your dogs for the Best Village Dog Competition – all welcome. Plenty of classes for all dogs – great fun in a great place.

All this and a Traditional Fete with lots of stalls and games. Our Fabulous Teas, Wonderful Raffle, Cakes, Produce, Plants, Bottle Stall, Children’s Races, and Children’s Tombola, to say nothing about the Bric-a-Brac and Books!!!

We will need help setting up and taking down

BERWICK “50 CLUB”.

The monthly Berwick “50 club” draw took place on 25^th March in the Boot Inn. This month’s winner was Shaun Haggaty who won the prize of £165.

PARISH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

The Berwick St James Parish Meeting AGM will be held on Thursday 12^th May at 6.30pm in the Reading Room. The full agenda is on the Berwick website berwickstjames.org.uk It will include a Wiltshire Council update, election of officers, Accounts, planning applications, speeding, Village Fete and the Community plan. ANY villager can speak at this meeting, and there will be “Any Other Business” when other matters can be brought to the attention of the village. Parish Chairman Richard Brasher 790410. Parish Clerk Jacky Webb 792624. PLEASE COME.

READING ROOM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

This will be held in the Reading Room shortly. Please watch your noticeboards for details.

EXTRAORDINARY PARISH MEETING.

A Parish meeting was held on Monday 11^th April in the Reading Room to discuss the Article 4 direction proposed by Wiltshire Council on the Stonehenge Campsite. The vote was in favour of the proposal. Full details available from the Parish Chairman Richard Brasher 790410. or Parish Clerk Jacky Webb 792624.

PLANNING. Stonehenge Campsite. Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Appeal by Mr WF Grant. Land at Stonehenge Campsite Berwick Rd, Berwick St James. Planning appeal reference APP/Y3940/A/10/2136994. Enforcement Appeal references APP/Y3940/C/2139334 & APP/Y3940/C/10/2142020. The local enquiry will be held on 17^th, 18^th and 19^th May 2011 at the Alamein Suite, City Hall, Fisherton St, Salisbury commencing at 10am.

LADIES NIGHT

LADIES RUNNING GROUP. Come and join our informal running group. All abilities welcome especially absolute beginners. We run and jog at a comfortable speed. Some of us are aiming for the Race for Life on 2^nd or 3^rd July in Salisbury. We meet at Berwick Farm Shop on Thursdays at 6pm. Come and join us. (PS It is a really good way to loose weight!)

NOTICEBOARDS

WILDLIFE WATCH

The first swallow reported was seen on 3^rd April, above the grain dryer at the north end of Berwick. Lots of sightings of the turkeys and guinea fowl!. Also it is great to see the mad March hares, beautiful lapwings, larks and many more birds – and a possible sighting of a Honey Buzzard.

The tale of a Berwick Hedgehog.

One very frosty, cold evening in November last year I found a small hedgehog walking along the side of Berwick St James High street. I picked him up and the following day took him to the Wiltshire Wildlife hospital at Newton Toney where he was weighed (438 grams; hedgehogs need to be at least 600 grams in order to survive a winters’ hibernation), given a worming dose, vitamin injection and placed in his own en-site box, then joined the other 157 hedgehogs W W had taken in for the winter. Mid-April I received a phone call to say that not only had Harry (yes, he now had a name!) survived the winter but had managed to defy hibernation in order to take advantage of the full –board service on offer, he now weighed in at a stunning 173 grams!! I’ve collected him from Wiltshire Wildlife and intend to return him to the Berwick area once the threat of ground frosts has gone. Thanks to the efforts of the Wiltshire Wildlife staff and volunteers, Harry will start his summer adventures in the best of health.

Should you find an injured animal or bird, Wiltshire Wildlife can be contacted on 07850 778752, they are more than happy to help. And, if you would like to feed any visiting hedgehogs they like cat biscuits e.g. Go-Cat and Chubb dog food, you never know it might just be Harry! Enticing hedgehogs into gardens certainly keeps the slugs and snails at bay.

Nicole.

RACE FOR LIFE

Race for Life is a unique series of events across the UK where women walk, jog or run 5km together. Why? To help cure cancer faster, by raising an incredible £60 million for Cancer Research UK. 2010 Race for Life included over 230 events across the country and an estimated 700,000 women took part.

The Race for Life event in Salisbury will be starting off from Hudson’s field on Sunday 3rd July at 11am Women of all ages and levels of fitness take part in Race for Life, as the event is not focused on the time taken to complete the course, but on the experience of getting together with other women to raise funds for vital research into cancer. It doesn’t matter if you walk or run – it is the taking part, and raising funds. Which is important! In the past 16 years (the amount of time Race for Life has been in existence), 4.7 million women and girls have taken part and over £370 million has been raised through Race for Life and the death rate from cancer has fallen by 15%

Places can be booked on line at www.raceforlife.org or call 0871941111. You will then be sent information to help you prepare for the day and raise as much money as you can to help cure cancer faster.

NB – Berwick’s Ladies Running Group intend to take part again this year – more details will be available from Berwick Farm Shop in due course.

STAPLEFORD

THE TIME TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO MEDIEVAL ENGLAND

As so many you men and women go to London from the county to seek work you might think that Gilbert, son of Gilbert of Stapleford Wiltshire, was a lucky boy to have been placed apprentice to a London spice-monger, Geoffrey Adrian, in 1341. His father has taken considerable effort on his son’s behalf, and can be sure that the lad is on the path to prosperity. But on 17 June of that year (1340),young Gilbert is found with £40 of his master’s money in his pockets. Poor Gilbert is taken by his outraged master before the mayor and aldermen that same day. He confesses his deed. Within a few hours of his giving in to temptation, he is dead. Despite all his father’s efforts to give him a good start in life, his corpse is twisting on a rope at Tyburn (doc. Ref. Available)

Ann O’Neil.

Berwick St James Newsletter - April 2011

BERWICK ST JAMES

Welcome to Michelle Deniz Drouse and David Woodhouse, and also to Alistair and Emma Smith. Goodbye and good luck to Frank and Lou Whiting, and Thomas, Alice and Oscar, they all worked very hard for Berwick, and we will miss them very much, hopefully they will keep coming back as they have only crossed the A303 to Winterbourne Stoke. Congratulations to Harriet Colthurst on her engagement to Thomas Sutton. Our best wishes to them both. Get well soon to Toby Humphreys after his operation.

ANNUAL PARISH CHURCHMEETING.

This is the annual meeting about the running of Berwick church, including election of churchwardens etc. All parishioners are very welcome to come. It is at the church 7pm on Wednesday 13^th April.

EASTER SERVICES.

Palm Sunday service – walk from The Boot Inn to the church for the service 17^th April. Within the Holy Week services we have Compline at 7pm here on Wednesday 20^th April. Easter Sunday service with Archdeacon Alan Jeans 24^th April. All very much welcome. Full details of all services at the front of the magazine.

BERWICK “50 Club

The monthly Berwick “50” club draw took place on Friday 25^th February in The Boot. The ball drawn was number 19, which had been bought by Mrs J Campbell Johnson. Mrs Campbell Johnson therefore won this month’s prize which was £160. Next month’s draw will take place at The Boot on Friday 25^thMarch.

BERWICK FARM SHOP. “Jamie at Home”. Jamie Oliver’s collection. On Saturday 9^th April at 1pm. A chance to see and buy the fabulous kitchenware, china and cutlery, kids cooking equipment, home fragrances and more; also tastings of Marilyn’s wonderful sausages, cakes, cheeses etc. Marilyn is taking orders for Easter – lamb, chicken, cakes etc

Marilyn Wood 790490

LADIES RUNNING GROUP. Come and join our informal running group. All abilities welcome especially absolute beginners. We run and jog at our own speed, and the group usually splits into groups of different speeds and distances depending on who comes. Some of us are aiming for the Race for Life on 2^nd or 3^rd July in Salisbury. We meet at Berwick Farm Shop on Thursdays at 6pm. The first meeting will be on March 31^st.

COMMUNITY PLAN. A draft has been prepared and has been placed on the village website by Chris Lange. Copies can also be obtained from Richard Brasher. Comments to Chris or Richard would be welcomed. Please read the Plan and if you agree or disagree with it, think it should be expanded, etc please comment via the website, www.berwickstjames.org or to Richard Brasher. .

BERWICK ROYAL WEDDING GARDEN PARTY

Make a date in your diary for the Village Garden Party on Friday 29^th April, at The Clock House garden. There will be a hog roast, quiz and games. Your friends and relations welcome. It will be FREE, but financed by a RAFFLE. Someone will be in touch asking for numbers, a plate of food and raffle prizes nearer the time. The wedding starts at 11am, and so should be finished in time for the party to start at about 2 pm.

BERWICK FETE AND DOG SHOW

We would love some new ideas, especially for Games and Stalls, so if you have a wonderful idea please speak to any of the committee – even if you can’t run it, we may be able to find someone who can. Sarah 790212 or Nicky 790309.

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN

The Mill House Garden is open in aid of the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 27^th March and Sunday 26^th June, from 2pm to 6pm. Cream Teas will be available in aid of Berwick Church in the Reading Room on both days.

LADIES NIGHT

NOTICEBOARDS

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please read the community plan, and respond if you can. If you can contribute to the website please go to the site and follow the directions. More contributions very much welcome. We are now on Twitter – try it and see!

LOCAL HISTORY – THE CENSUS

We have all taken part in the census at the end of March. The census has been taken every ten years since 1801 (except 1941). As a local historian the census is full of fascinating information, and I look forward to the release of the next one (they are generally kept secret for 100 years, although some information from the 1911 census has already been made available). Unfortunately for historians names were not recorded in the census until 1841.

All kind of interesting information can be gleaned from the census. Surprisingly, one of the most difficult is to work out where people lived! Houses did not generally have names or numbers, and the enumerator probably walked from one end of the village to the other, crisscrossing the road as necessary, and then returning to the people who were out!

Live-in servants were included with their employers – very few remained as servants from one census to the next. Except for Elizabeth Fay who aged 18 in 1881 was a housemaid for Erlysman Pinckney at Berwick House, and a parlourmaid aged 28 in 1891. In 1901 Stephen Furness was at Berwick House with 3 children, and 3 servants including a footman from Sweden.

The Dyer family were blacksmiths, living and working at their own forge at what is now Shepherds Cottage. William Dyer aged 60 in 1841 and his family including George (18) who in 1851 was married (28) and a master blacksmith, in 1871 he was still blacksmithing, by 1891 he was living on his own aged 68, still a Blacksmith. In 1901 the blacksmith shop had gone, and the blacksmith was Albert Miles, with his wife Annie nee Dyer. The youngest worker in 1851 was George Pretty (9), a cow boy, in 1861 James Dyer (9) agricultural labourer, in 1871 Robert Everett (10) shepherds boy, in 1881 Arthur Keel (10) ploughboy, in 1891 John Tuffin (11) shepherd, in 1901 several boys aged 13 including Harold Blanchard a carter.

The oldest resident – 1841 Charles Mundy, Letitia White 75. 1851 George Marshall 81. 1861 Eliza Witchell 86. 1871 Alice Lanham 88. 1881 Job Cable 87. 1891 Erlysman Pinckney 82. 1901 Emma Kitley, Richard Rolfe both 82 Who said everyone died young! Nicky Street.

BETTER BROADBAND. At recent meetings, the Amesbury Area Board has hosted discussions around the issue of broadband and issues relating to connectivity in this community area.

This was previously prompted by the Stonehenge Broadband Group. Later this year, as part of Wiltshire Council’s Digital inclusion Strategy, the area board will revisit this issue. To assist in ensuing the council’s Digital Inclusion Strategy properly takes into account the needs of residents and businesses located in the whole of the Amesbury Area, you are invited to email me to report any connectivity issues you face eg slow, intermittent, unreliable broadband connection. Please also feel free to report in where you consider broadband connectivity to be adequate or even good. If possible, please could you email me with your response before the 20^th April 2011.

From Karen Linaker, Karen.Linaker@wiltshire.gov.uk Amesbury community Area Manager. Dept of Community Services. Wiltshire Council. PObox 2281 Salisbury SP2 2HX

WILDLIFE WATCH

Lots of Red Kites about at the moment, and skylarks, and yellow hammers in the fields. Two Canada Geese regularly fly up and down the river.

It is great to see all the signs of spring – daffodils, and lighter evenings! I even saw a budding cowslip on 16^th March (but it wasn’t quite out!). In which parish will someone see the first swallow or house martin?

More reports welcome from all our villages. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House email chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St james Newsletter - March 2011

All of us in and around Berwick would like to express our deep condolences and sorrow to Cathy and Giles Dickinson on the death of their baby daughter Charlotte. You, and your families, are in our thoughts.

The results of the Scout Christmas Post was that Wilton’s share of the proceeds was £1347.44 which will be shared between the Wilton Scout Group and the Wilton and District Guides. 6369 cards were delivered!

Please could walkers make sure that they shut gates behind them, if they were shut, and leave them open if they were open. Many thanks.

A reminder to dog walkers. I have had reports of little bags of dog mess being left by gates, on fence posts etc. We are sure that locals would always take them home, so they must be visitors. As was pointed out to me - who do they think goes round collecting them?

Visits to the Great Bustards.

These are being made in March/April. If you would like to make a visit and have not already spoken to Stephen Bush please contact him on 790445. The visits last about 90 minutes and costs £10, half of which the Bustards Group is donating to Berwick Church.

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN

Surrounded by the River Till, millstream and a 10acre traditional wet water meadow, this garden of wildness supports over 300 species of old fashioned roses rambling from the many trees. It is filled with butterflies, moths and insects. Herbaceous borders crammed with plants of yesteryear, unforgettable scents, glorious spring bulbs. SSSI.

BERWICK “50” CLUB.

The monthly “50” club draw took place on 28^th January. Lyanne Street drew ball number 25, which had been bought by Ann Crabtree. Ann Crabtree therefore won the prize which this month was £165. The next draw will be on Friday 25^th February at The Boot Inn.

BERWICK ROYAL WEDDING GARDEN PARTY

Make a date in your diary for the Garden Party on Friday 29^th April, at The Clock House garden. There will be a hog roast, quiz and games. Your friends and relations welcome. It will be FREE, but financed by a RAFFLE. Someone will be in touch asking for numbers and a plate of food nearer the time. The wedding starts at 11am, and so should be finished in time for the party to start around 2 – 2.30pm, but details will be finalised later.

BERWICK FETE AND DOG SHOW

This is on Saturday June 4^th at Berwick House, with entries for the Dog Show from 12 noon, judging starting 1pm. Fete opens 12.30pm with BBQ, Beer Tent, Stalls, games, Raffle, quiz …..

We hope to discuss how the money raised will be divided at the next Parish Meeting. Watch your noticeboards for details.

SARSEN WALK

Once a year the army open up Salisbury Plain and allows the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to organise the Sarsen Walk across some stunning countryside between two spectacular World Heritage sites, Avebury and Stonehenge. Walkers can go on 7,11,15, or 26 mile route, whilst runners can do either a marathon or half marathon. Cyclists are also catered for.

I participated last year for the first time and completed the 15 mile walk. The weather was dreadful, but a year on I have forgotten about the freezing temperatures, northerly winds and constant horizontal rain and recall the good organization by the WWT, with water stations and loos etc. I am signing up for the 26 miles (a triumph of hope over expectation) and will walk in aid of the Berwick Church Roof Fund.

The entry fee raises funds for the WWT which is a worthwhile charity in itself, preserving as it does some beautiful parts of the county. The walk should be fun and provides a rare opportunity to see parts of the Plain usually out of bounds. The Walk takes place on the Sunday of the May Day holiday weekend.

If you are interested in participating, please visit www.wiltshirewildlife.org and follow the link to “What’s On” and then “Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon” for more details.

Bill Hiscocks.

DRUID’S NEWS

Some of you many have noticed the large pile of chalk just off the A360. This is not, as often has been suggested to me, a slurry lagoon but is in fact a clean water reservoir. This is filled from one of our boreholes from January to April when the aquifer is full, and then used primarily in the dairy throughout the year.

We are also taking advantage of the storage capacity and carrying out “ rainwater harvesting”. This somewhat posh term basically means that the rain water falling on the fairly substantial dairy building roof is piped into the reservoir and used as fresh water throughout the year. The Environment Agency is very keen on projects of this type not surprisingly when it ahs been calculated that we could be saving around 5 million litres of water per year, not an insignificant amount.

On a final note, if anyone is interested in using any to the wood chip that has been dumped in the yard at Berwick (north end – by old grain dryer buildings), please feel free. The more that is used the better as I will only have to remove it at some stage.

Rod Crossley.

LADIES NIGHT.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

The Village Tea Towels are available at the Farm Shop – wonderful map of the village in aid of the Roof Fund.

Marilyn would like to remind everyone that the seasonal vegetables come from Bromham Growers north of Devizes – fresh and local. Salad vegetables are also available. Beautiful Cards for all occasions are hand made by Diane South, and Jane Rowe’s notelet cards are also for sale – suitable for all events.

Marilyn Wood 790490

HEATING OIL.

With all this cold weather many people have been having delays in getting oil, so keep checking your oil tanks regularly to prevent you running out. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

NOTICEBOARDS

CONTRIBUTIONS to the BERWICK part of this MAGAZINE

If you have anything for the Berwick part of the magazine please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out. Please make sure your dates are correct, as I cannot check everything.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note elsewhere in the magazine).

WANTED

A telescope for star gazing. Anything considered, sensible price paid. Chris 792800.

WILDLIFE WATCH

From Barbara Last.

I have recently been shown an amazing tree in Stapleford. It is an elm. It is an enormous tree, 30 metres in girth. These were abundant before 1970 when Dutch Elm Disease decimated the population and almost all the mature trees died or were removed in an attempt to stop the spread. Since the infection took hold, caused by a fungus and carried by a bark beetle, the trees themselves died but suckers remained and produce small hedgerow trees until they are about 10-15 feet tall when they again succumb to the disease. This appears to be a remarkable tree to have attained such a size. Perhaps it has a resistance to the fungus. It is English Elm, not Wych elm that does have some resistance.

We have had several small elms on the riverbank which always die when they reach around 10feet – Nicky Street.

Numerous reports of Red Kites and Egrets – 4 egrets at one time in the meadow by Mill House. Are they breeding around here?

More reports welcome from all our villages. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House email chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St james Newsletter - December 2010

A very Happy Christmas to you all.

WELCOME to Oscar Whiting – congratulations to Lou and Frank Whiting on the birth of Oscar, a brother for Thomas and Alice.

CONGRATULATIONS to Diana Gifford Mead who is soon to celebrate her 90^th Birthday.

From Jean Hibberd.

“What a great job Stephen has had done on the War Memorial in the Church. It looks splendid. A very big thank you Stephen.

This year I am not sending any local Christmas cards, the cost of the cards I am putting in my tin for the Church Roof appeal.

My best wishes to you all for a very happy Christmas and New Year

Love to you all.” Jean

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

The Remembrance Sunday service for all 5 villages was held in Berwick, and it was marvellous to see such a fantastic turnout with some 150 people in church including about 25 Girl Guides and Brownies. The collection in aid of the Royal British Legion made £508.

The newly refurbished war memorial looks marvellous. Thank you.

CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE. Our annual candlelit carol service will be at 6pm on Sunday 19^th December. All are most welcome.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

This will be at 10.30am on Christmas morning.

CHURCH ROOF APPEAL As of 15^th November we are doing alright and we reckon that we have passed the halfway mark. To all who have contributed most generously towards the appeal – Thank you. Your contributions have been hugely appreciated By the time the magazine is distributed we hope to know the precise cost of the new roof and will update you on all the appeal activities with an insert into the magazine.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

On Saturday 4^th December at 2pm in Berwick Reading Room.

Grand Raffle with 1^st Prize Christmas Hamper. Tombola. Grand Sale of Books

Christmas Stall with gifts (including from Hong Kong) cards, paper and decorations. Cakes and Produce. Bric-a-Brac. Tea and Coffee.

The Church Christmas Cards and Tea Towels will be on sale here!

The Reading Room will be open for your gifts on Friday 3^rd December 10.30am – 11.30am and on Saturday morning.

We are collecting Raffle prizes at the Farm shop, with many thanks to Marilyn.

We do hope you can come, there is always lots to buy and great friends to meet.

CHRISTMAS PARTY with SUPPER

On Thursday 9^th December at The Guide Centre, 7pm for 7.30pm.. Please bring your own bottles of wine, beer, squash etc and glasses too. We are raising money for the church Roof by a Grand Raffle and horse racing (not the televised sort!) – so remember your money. We are collecting Raffle Prizes at Berwick Farm Shop.

Adults £5, children under 16 £3, tickets will be sold door to door, but if you have not yet bought one they are available from Ailsa Bush, Nicky Street, Jane Rowe, Gill Brasher, Sophie Colthurst and Sally Barnard.

Come along! It will be a great start to Christmas!

VILLAGE CAROL SINGING

The Village Carol Singing (an old tradition in Berwick – though it used to be done on Christmas morning) is on Monday December 20th starting at 6pm in the church and finishing with Mince Pies and mulled wine in The Reading Room. We welcome everyone to come along and sing, accompanied children especially. Please bring torches or lanterns. We would like to sing at various points around the village and so, if you would like to have us come to you please could you ring Ian Fisher 790214 or Nicky Street 790309. This really is good fun – come and join us!

BERWICK ST JAMES 50 CLUB

We are going to form a “50 Club” to raise money for the church roof. The idea is that up to 50 people pay in £10 per month for a year commencing 1^st January 2011. Each “£10 share” is recognised as a “number” which is entered into a draw at the end of each month. The draw distributes as prizes half the money taken that month, and the other half goes in to the church roof fund. The odds of winning substantial cash prizes are good. If you are interested in participating please contact Ian Fisher on 01722-790214 for further details.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Christmas Orders are still being taken for all items including meat and poultry, homemade pies, cakes etc. If you would like to order for the new year I shall be open on Thursday 30^th December between 10am and 12 noon for the collection of orders only. Please order before Christmas.

Christmas opening times. Christmas Eve 8.30am to 2pm. Then closed until 4^th January 2011. (Except for collection of orders on 30^th see above)

Happy Christmas to all. Marilyn 790490

PUMPKIN 5K AND 10K RACES.

Thank you to everyone in the village who helped make the 2010 Pumpkin 5 and 10km race such a success. We were very fortunate with the weather as it was perfect for running. There were a total of 81 competitors up on the figure of 62 from last year, which I am sure was helped by the very professional and striking signs kindly produced by William Grant. Due to the increase in numbers we raised more money than last year with £685 profit from £937 total raised. All money has been given to the village fund.

I would like to say a special thanks to; Charles and Nicky Street for the 10km route. Druid’s Lodge for the parking. William Grant for the signs. Marilyn for DONATING the sausages! Chris Lange for the speaker system. All the Villagers who helped. All the runners!. Finally congratulations to “J” for winning the 1^st local in the 5km, Nicky for the Vets Class in the 5km, and William for the 1^st local in the 10km.

Lou Whiting.

Thank you to Lou and Frank for such a brilliantly organised race.

The winner of the 5km (male) Matt Hardman 18mins, (female) Jess Beech 27 mins. 10km (male) Martin Chorley 40mins. (female) Michelle Hazell 47mins.

All the results and wonderful photographs are on the village website berwickstjames.org.uk

LADIES NIGHT.

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

Three cars and a trailer full of interesting items, plus four villagers spent an entertaining if cold morning in the Maltings on 16^th October. We raised £278.12 – about 3 months insurance! Thank you to everyone who donated – those unsold items that came from the fete have been given to the Sue Ryder Charity Shop, and the rest will be available to be purchased at the Christmas Bazaar on 4^th December. Thank you to Ian Fisher, Chris Sims, Anika Lange and Nicky Street.

HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE

The cycle ride raised £218.50 – half of which will come to Berwick. Thank you to all my sponsors. (from Nicky Street). Thank you too to all those who sat in Berwick church yard registering the walkers and cyclists who visited our church.

THE BOOT INN

We are open all throughout the Christmas and New Year periods, including Christmas Day 12noon - 2pm kitchen closed. Boxing Day 12noon - 4pm Brunch served 12 – 3pm. New Years Eve Dinner at 7.30pm Booking essential. We are looking for part-time bar and waiting staff, good rates of pay. Please call Cathy for more information on 01722-790243. For more details, email address etc please see advertisement elsewhere in the magazine.

BERWICK ST JAMES CHURCH ROOF. St James Church PCC would like to thank all around for the very fast and extraordinary generosity from so many people in contributing to our “roof appeal” Although still not sure what the precise cost of the new roof will be, we reckon that we have passed the half way mark.

To raise money we are selling Christmas cards of the church, tea towels of the layout of the village (showing all of the houses). Please ring Stephen Bush on 790445 if you would like any.

If anyone has any serviceable clothes, shoes, bags, toys or pots and pans they no longer need please deliver them in separate bin liners to the church porch in Berwick. Thank you.

The Christmas Cards and Tea towels will be available at The Christmas Bazaar on 4^th December

WILDLIFE WATCH

Finches. It has been reported that there are not very many finches about this year, and this may be due to a virus. Has anyone else noticed this?

From Barbara Last

“Rod Crossley told me that he had a scare plant growing in a field of Lucerne, Dodder. I found the field. It was enormous. Finding this inconspicuous parasite was like looking for a needle in a haystack. I was about to give up when I found it by my feet. It has tiny thin red threads that attach it to the host plant from which it takes its nutrients. At this time I was in flower with clusters of pale mauve flowers. I only have records of nine sites in Wiltshire, the nearest being on Parsonage Down where it flourishes on Rockrose growing on ant hills. I have noticed it increasing over five years form three clumps to nine. This is just over the parish boundary.”

Barbara Last.

Berwick St james Newsletter - November 2010

I have been told of another Jeton (see last month’s magazine) found locally – this time it was German. Thank you very much to Mr Cyril Emm for the information about Jetons last month.

BONFIRES. Please think of your neighbours when you have a bonfire, please consider the wind direction and think about what you are burning – please don’t burn anything that might produce toxic fumes. The Council will remove furniture (for a charge) or you could take it to the council dump.

CHURCH SERVICES

Remembrance Sunday service will be here in Berwick on 14^th November and it will start at 10.50am. The Christmas services are Candlelit Carol Service on 19^th December at 6pm, and the Christmas Day service is at 10.30am. Everyone is very much welcome to all our services, and especially to these.

HARVEST FESTIVAL and HARVEST SUPPER

Thank you to everyone who decorated the church for harvest festival. The church looked wonderful full of flowers, fruit and vegetables. It was also a privilege for us to have the Archdeacon (Revd Alan Jeans) with us to take the service.

A most successful harvest supper was held on 2^nd October in the Guide Centre, with delicious food cooked by Jane Rowe with assistance from many villagers. The very successful raffle was once again organized by Jacky and Roland and made a profit of £68.50 after the costs of the hire of the Centre and the food had been deducted. Thanks to all who provided salads and puddings, did the setting up, decorating, cooking and clearing up.

STOLEN LEAD FROM CHURCH ROOF

You will all be aware that much of the lead from the church roof was stolen in early October. We are now faced with raising £25,000 towards a new roof. An Appeals Committee (the PCC) has met with valuable attendance and assistance from many other villagers. Many excellent fund raising ideas were discussed and are being progressed. A leaflet is enclosed giving you a progress report on the application for a new roof and telling you what fund raising activities are planned during November and December. As I write a little over £3,500 has been raised, which is an excellent start. Donations can be made via a cheque to Berwick St James PCC (roof fund) and sent to The Church Treasurer, Asserton House, Duck Street, Berwick St James SP3 4TS

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR in aid of the

CHURCH ROOF FUND and READING ROOM

This is to be held on Saturday 4^th December. Lets make this the best one ever! We need lots of cakes, biscuits, jams and jellies, Christmas paper, decorations etc, raffle and tombola prizes, gifts and bric-a-brac. We would like to make a Grand Christmas Hamper the First Prize for the Raffle and so if you could donate something for this too, it would be greatly appreciated. And Anything Else that we can sell! (but not jumble please). Please start gathering items – they can always be left with Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309 or Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122

PUMPKIN 5K AND 10K RACES.

Lou Whiting.

Thank you to Lou and Frank for such a brilliantly organised race.

The winner of the 5km (male) Matt Hardman 18mins, (female) Jess Beech 27 mins. 10km (male) Martin Chorley 40mins. (female) Michelle Hazell 47mins.

All the results and wonderful photographs are on the village website berwickstjames.org.uk

LADIES NIGHT.

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

Two cars and a trailer full of interesting items, plus four villagers spent an entertaining if cold morning in the Maltings on 16^th October. The money has not yet been totted up, but it seemed to go well! Thank you to everyone who donated – those unsold items that came from the fete have been given to the Sue Ryder Charity Shop, and the rest will be available to be purchased at the Christmas Bazaar on 4^th December. Thank you to Ian Fisher, Chris Sims, Anika Lange and Nicky Street.

HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE

The cycle ride raised £218.50 – half of which will come to Berwick. Thank you to all my sponsors. Thank you too to all those who sat in Berwick church yard registering the walkers and cyclists who visited our church.

THE BOOT INN

Friday October 2^nd. Pudding Buffet Night. Friday 29^th October. Fish Night. For more details, email, phone etc please see advertisement elsewhere in the magazine.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk There is a report and photos of the dreadful theft of lead from our church roof. We will try to keep you all up to date on the progress of the Appeal. Also there are photos of the Pumpkin Race, fete and Dog Show. If you can contribute to the website please go to the site and follow the directions. More contributions very much welcome.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Finches. It has been reported that there are not very many finches about this year, and this may be due to a virus. Has anyone else noticed this?

Rod Crossley told me that he had a scare plant growing in a field of Lucerne, Dodder. I found the field. It was enormous. Finding this inconspicuous parasite was like looking for a needle in a haystack. I was about to give up when I found it by my feet. It has tiny thin red threads that attach it to the host plant from which it takes its nutrients. At this time I was in flower with clusters of pale mauve flowers. I only have records of nine sites in Wiltshire, the nearest being on Parsonage Down where it flourishes on Rockrose growing on ant hills. I have noticed it increasing over five years form three clumps to nine. This is just over the parish boundary.

Barbara Last.

Berwick St james Newsletter - October 2010

BERWICK ST JAMES

We are all very sorry to learn of the death of IVY STACEY. She lived in Berwick for many years and will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends. Our Condolences to Nigel, Chrissie and all her family, we are thinking of you.

CONGRATULATIONS to all Students of GCSE and A Level exams. We hope you got the results you wanted. Well done to David Street with 3 A Levels with one at A.

CONGRATULATIONS to Robert Crossley for being chosen by Swindon Town Football team for the Elite Development Under 13 Squad as Goalkeeper.

PAULINE CUTCHEY. “To all the kind people of Berwick who arranged such a lovely farewell party, a big Thank You. I have loved living here and hoped it would be forever but with all the family now in Australia I will have to go, but will leave with very happy memories.”

JAMES GULLIVER HAGGATY.

“For the third winter in a row I find myself on my travels again. This time I am very lucky to find myself going to Perth in Australia for six months, to play cricket in former Hampshire opening batsman Paul Terry’s academy. I am not sure at the moment which club either Melville or Scarborough.

I have just finished my 2^nd full year with Hampshire Academy, where we did very well to finish runners up in the SPL Gold League. On the youth front I was honoured to be made Hants Under 16’s Captain. I could only play in 4 fixtures for them where we remained unbeaten. High for me was taking 6 wickets for 33 runs against Somerset. Representing the Under 17’s was a good season for me where I took 5 for 20 against Worcester, 5 for 21 against Wales plus in the same match I scored 51, took wickets and scored runs against Kent and in one match against Somerset where the match was heading for a draw I managed to take 3 wickets in one over, that enabled us to go on a win the game. I have also been playing 2^nd Eleven cricket for Hampshire, and in some games being paid for this privilege.

Going to Australia will be a massive learning curve for me, hopefully coming back a better player and a stronger person. Anybody wishing to know how I am doing I am sure my parents will be only too pleased to let you know, other than that I will let you all know next April.” James Haggaty.

Congratulations to James – we are all watching his career with great interest.

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

The Reading Room is having a Stall in Salisbury Market on Saturday 16^th October. We need Bric-a-Brac especially China and Costume jewellery, and would welcome anything but NOT Jumble, Shoes or Electrical Items. Please bring to The Dairy House or The Black Barn or ring Anika Lange 790122 or Nicky Street 790309 for collection. We will be setting off at the crack of dawn on Saturday, so would appreciate any items by Friday 15^th. (but can take things earlier of course!)

BERWICK HARVEST SUPPER

This is on SATURDAY 2^nd OCTOBER at 7pm at the Guide HQ. It is FREE to ALL Berwick residents but funded by a raffle. Everyone is welcome, and we would really like to see our new residents.

For more information, offers of help etc please phone Jane Rowe on 790575

Please bring your won bottles of wine, beer, squash etc and glasses too. Previous harvest suppers have always been good fun – we do hope you can come.

HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE

Nicky Street and Paula Rapley rode and strode to 19 churches (covering about 30 miles as measured by a piece of string and three Ordinance Survey Maps) on Saturday 11^th September. We rode our bikes from Bishopstrow, via Heytesbury, Upton Lovell, Steeple Langford, Wishford (and several in between), to Stapleford/Berwick and then walked to Winterbourne Stoke, starting just after 10am, and finishing around 5pm. We stopped for a late lunch (and to get more sponsors!) at the Stapleford Barbecue – thank you to all at Stapleford for the wonderful welcome. We very much enjoyed the ride and stride, it was lovely to see so many churches, some small (like Knook, and Little Langford) and some larger and more ornate than expected like Boyton, but all cared for and loved.

We haven’t gathered in all the sponsor money yet – report next month!

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Now is the time to think about ordering your Christmas Poultry – Marilyn can supply Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, Chickens, Game etc. Come in a have a chat about what you might like. Perhaps you would like to try a Mix. That is Turkey, stuffed with a Duck, stuffed with a Pheasant, or a Chicken, Duck and Pheasant. All boned out for easy carving (the legs of the outside bird can be left). We can sort out whatever you might like. There will be Farm Shop made Christmas Puddings and Christmas Cakes – put your order in now! We can do traditional fruit cakes or anything you like!

Marilyn Wood 790490

THE BOOT INN

Pie and Pint night every Tuesday night, just £10 per person, Booking Essential.

Ladies Night. Wednesday 13^th October. Starts at 7.30pm, come along for a glass and a natter with other local ladies.

Our Christmas Brochures are now available with information on menus and opening times over the festive period – for your copy please pop in or call us on 01722 790243 and give us an address for yours to be sent by post or email.

www.bootatberwick.co.uk

HEATING OIL.

Now it is getting chilly, it is worth checking your oil tanks as Autumn is coming upon us, no-one likes to run out, and last winter all the oil companies were so busy that some customers had to wait for deliveries. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

LOCAL HISTORY

A Mystery Item found in Berwick.

In the late 1950’s a villager was harrowing a field, when he had to clear a clump from the harrow, and heard a metallic clink as something fell from the clod of earth, and looked down to see a small gold coin. It was approximately the same size as a 10p piece, but much thinner and lighter.

After some research it was found not to be coin at all. But a French Jetton from the 14^th or 15^th century. On the front there are three Fleur-de-lis within a shield, on the reverse a decorated cross within four arches, as it is not a coin there is no indication of value.

It is a counter. Originally used as a method of calculation in Europe in the Middle Ages, these Jettons are thin, and the decorations are in low relief to allow for easy pushing and making piles. The decorations usually relate to the user or the owner, but it isn’t known who had this Jetton made. By the end of the 16^th century Jettons had stopped being used as counters, but were made as propaganda for political purposes or to glorify the deeds of the ruler, like a small commemorative medal. Through the 17^th century the counters became smaller and they were mainly used as chips for card-playing.

How did this French Counter reach a field in the middle of rural Wiltshire?

Thank you to the person who told me about this – it is really fascinating!

Nicky Street.

Berwick St james Newsletter - September 2010

CONGRATULATIONS to Cyril and Joanne Emm on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 5^th September.

CONGRATULATIONS to Alexandra and Simon Gundry on the birth of Thomas, brother for Tilly, and grandson for Jacky Webb. Also to Chris and Holli Harvey (grandson of Barbara Last) who both got first class degrees in Engineering at Exeter University.

WELCOME to Paul and Sally Barnard, Robert and Patricia Burke, and to everyone who has recently moved into Berwick. We do hope you enjoy living here.

GOODBYE and GOOD LUCK in the future to several of our friends who have moved out of Berwick. To Pauline Cutchey who is going to Australia to be with her family, to Matt, Lou and George Hughes who won’t be very far away (Sandroyd), and to Caroline Spalton and the girls. We will miss you all.

A GOODBYE MESSAGE. We have loved living in Berwick for the passst few years and appreciated the warmth and kindness of everyone in the village –we’ll all miss it. With kind regards Lou, Matt, George (and Freddie the dog!) Hughes.

OUR CONDOLENCES to Christian and Anika Lange and all their family on the death of Chris’s father, James. Our thoughts are with you all.

CANCER RESEARCH. The Berwick collection took £134.49 with many thanks to the givers, and to the collectors.

CHURCH SERVICES

With effect from 1^st September the second service in the month will be Holy Communion (not Matins) and will start at 9.30am. The first and fourth Sunday Services remain unchanged. I hope that these changes will not inconvenience anyone.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

This year Harvest Festival in St James Church is on Sunday 26^th September to which everyone is most welcome.

Harvest Festival Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables. As always I am sure the church will look wonderful with beautiful flowers. We would love to have contributions of fruit and vegetables to decorate the church from whoever would like to bring them, on either Friday 24^th or Saturday 25^th. Sadly we are unable to donate the fruit and vegetables to good causes, due to ludicrous regulations, so we ask that sometime during the week of 27^th September you retrieve your produce from the church.

HARVEST SUPPER

This is on SATURDAY 2^nd OCTOBER at 7pm at the Guide Centre. It is FREE to ALL Berwick Residents and everyone is welcome especially the children. The cost is paid for from the proceeds of the Grand Raffle – so remember your money and a prize!. As for the last 2 years, visitors from outside the village will be charged £5 for adults and £3 for OAP’s and children.

Enclosed in the magazine is a flyer – please reply, it makes the organization so much easier. Jane Rowe has very kindly agreed to cook the main course and she will provide the cheese. Assistance would be hugely welcomed in providing salads and puddings as well as help in setting up, decorating the room, washing up and tidying away. For more information, offers etc please phone Jane Rowe on 790575

Please bring your won bottles of wine, beer, squash etc and glasses too. Previous harvest suppers have always been good fun – we do hope you can come.

BERWICK ST JAMES GUIDE CENTRE. OPEN HOUSE

On Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th September 10am to 4pm.

As part of our Centenary Celebrations, Girlguiding Wiltshire South invites you to come and visit our residential house and campsite at Berwick St James.

There will be archive and memorabilia on display and traditional and modern camps set up on the campsites.

Please come along and find out what Girlguiding is all about.

Tea/Coffee and cake will be available.

PUMPKIN 10km RUN including 5km FUN RUN

We will be hosting this event once again and would like this opportunity to advertise the event for participants and marshals.

The details are; Saturday 25^th September in order to coincide with the Pumpkin competition at the Boot.

Registration from 0900 at the Guide Centre. Both races start together at 11am. The route is the same as last year by kind permission of Druids Lodge and Charles and Nicky Street. Entry forms are available from the Boot Inn and Berwick Farm Shop or online via Runners World or Berwick St James Websites. Last year there were 76 competitors and we hope to generate more this year so please spread the word. The funds raised will be donated to the village.

Marshals The event is only possible with the help from yourselves to ensure the competitors are routed correctly, watered and encouraged! The feedback on the friendly atmosphere last year was due to the marshals and all the support staff so please volunteer again if you are available. If you can let me know if you are interested either by email fwgwhiting@hotmail.com or tel 792699 or just drop me a note through the door, Lodge Cottage (opposite the church) I would be grateful.

Competitors. For those of you who may wish to enter we are still training a Thursday night at 6.30 outside the Farm Shop so please come along and join in. Remember there are special prizes for the fastest local junior 5km, and 10km, and veterans! A small memento will be given to all finishers.

Lou Whiting.

Full details on the Berwick Website –www.berwickstjames.org.uk

Refreshments will be available at the Guide Centre including sausages and cakes.

For the 5km event walkers and dogs on leads are very welcome.

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY.

The Mill House Garden Open Day for National Garden Scheme on 27^th June took £326.oo at the gate. Stephen and Ailsa and their great gang made £244.80 for the Church for teas from with sum they donated £10 to the Reading Room. So, many thanks go to them all. Weatherwise it was a superb day and the roses peaked on that very day. For JORF(Junior Diabetes Research Fund) we raised £389.00 for Garden visits and Teas.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES – RIDE and STRIDE 2010.

The Sponsored Cycle Ride, horse Ride or Walk will take place on Saturday 11^th September this year. Berwick has taken part in this for many years – our church receives half the money raised by our riders and striders, the rest going to the Historic Churches Fund, which gives grants to historic churches for repairs to their church buildings. If you would like to take part please contact our parish organiser Lyanne Street The Briars 790544. It is well worth doing – a lovely cycle ride around lovely countryside, visiting Churches you may well never have seen before! If you are not sure where to cycle we can help plan routes of all lengths – from a couple of miles to as far as you want to go, perhaps we could get a group together. Anyone can take part – church member or not, cycling, riding or walking. We will also need people to man the church throughout the day to greet the cyclists, if you can help please ring Lyanne. If you would like to sponsor me – I am doing it again! Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309.

BERWICK LADIES GO TO HIGHGROVE.

On the 22^nd July a coach load of Berwick ladies (and some men!) went on a garden tour of Highgrove. We all had a great time and enjoyed the very interesting garden with the wildness, the ferns, the stumpery, the kitchen garden and the very many gifts displayed within the garden. We were very lucky with the weather, even though we had all come well prepared. It had been extremely well organized by Jacky Webb (thank you so much) through the Ladies Night at the Boot Inn.

LADIES NIGHT AT THE BOOT INN

This is on 2^nd Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we tend to arrive from 7.45 onwards!) and all from any of the local villages are welcome to come along for a chat and a drink, and often a good laugh too. It is on 8^th September this month.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Why not try some of our Pick Your Own Free Herbs from the trough outside the shop – there is Rosemary for Lamb, Sage for Pork, Basil for tomatoes – all available to buy in the shop. There is also mint, thyme, chives, dill and oregano.

All Marilyn’s cakes are made freshly, several times a week using the finest ingredients, local when possible. Fruit Cakes, Victoria Sponges, Chocolate, Coffee and Walnut and don’t forget the Bread Pudding. Single slices are often available – a treat with your afternoon tea!

The Shop has Locally made Homemade Jams including Strawberry, Blackcurrant, AppleMint Jelly and Redcurrant Jelly. There is also Homemade Marmalade from Wilton.

Did you win Marilyn’s Voucher for Pies at the Fete? It has not yet been brought to the shop – Come along and choose your prize!

NOTICEBOARDS

HEATING OIL.

Remember to check your oil tanks as Autumn is coming upon us, no-one likes to run out, and last winter all the oil companies were so busy that some customers had to wait for deliveries. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. Thank you to everyone who did this – we have received a cheque for £33.50p

BERWICK PARISH MEETING.

Held on 2^nd August in the Reading Room.

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance may no longer wish to have a Clothing Bank in Berwick, there is one in South Newton. The Post Office states that there is insufficient demand for a mobile Post Office in Berwick and surrounding villages. There are ongoing discussions with Wiltshire Council about work on Duck Lane, the bridge, and the triangle. The Reading Room was given £500 to help with extra maintenance costs. The War Memorial in the church requires some restoration, the cost will be reported to a future meeting.

Stonehenge Campsite planning applications. After much discussion a majority of the meeting voted against the retrospective applications for the signs, and for that part of the caravan site for which the application was made. Any expansion would be totally unacceptable to most present at the meeting.

Village Fete Report. The final figures are; Village Fund £500, Church and Reading Room £922.78 each being a total of £2345.55.

The Community Plan will be put on the middle notice board. Any responses in writing to the Chairman for him to consider including in the Plan, before sending it to Wiltshire Council. The possibility of having a defibrillator (with training) in the village will be investigated. It was suggested that there should be a list of village residents’ email addresses so that village information could be distributed more easily. Villagers were encouraged to read the village noticeboards. Broken glass in the telephone kiosk need to be replaced by BT. If anyone would like to read the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan Parking Strategy (45 pages) and a Review (180pages) please see the Chairman.

Chairman Parish Meeting. Richard Brasher 790410. Parish Clerk Jacky Webb 792624

Berwick St james Newsletter - August 2010

CONGRATULATIONS to The Berwick Ladies Pumpkin Runners who took part in the Cancer Research Race for Life on Sunday 4^th July at Hudson’s Field in Salisbury. Well done to Lou, Liz, Lucy, Janie, Evie, Marilyn, Nicky, Carol and Sally. We were all glad that the weather was breezy and not too hot!

Ilizarov

Many of you will have seen me on crutches walking in the village recently. Some of you have also seen the “instrument of medieval torture” fixed to my leg! This is an Ilizarov Fixator which was invented by a Russian – Professor Gavril Abramovich Ilizarov – who in the 1950’s devised and developed a revolutionary method for treating fractures, deformities and other bone defects. The first Fixator he designed was inspired by a shaft bow harness on a horse and originally he used bicycle parts! It was only in the 1990’s that the technique was introduced to the West and even now, it is only carried out in specialist hospitals.

The reason I have an Ilizarov (as they are now called) is because I have had 4.5cm of infected bone removed from my left leg and the Ilizarov will enable the bone to re-grow. This is done through stainless steel rings which are fixed to the bone via heavy-gauge wire (called “pins”). The rings are connected to each other with threaded rods attached through adjustable nuts. Healthy bone is then forced down the “gap” to met the rest of the healthy bone and new bone grows behind it (it’s absolutely amazing looking at the x-rays and seeing the new bone growing!)

My surgery was carried out at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford which is renowned world wide for treating disease and damage to the musculoskeletal system. Did you know that it is likely that more than half the UK population will require orthopaedic surgery at some point in their lives? As usual the funding for extra clinical facilities and research is not provided by the NHS. Giles and Cathy at The Boot have very kindly agreed to have a collection box on the bar for any donations towards the NOC’s Appeal, so next time you are in the pub please put any loose change in it!

Many Thanks Marie Perry

BERWICK ST JAMES GUIDE CENTRE. OPEN HOUSE

On Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th September 10am to 4pm.

As part of our Centenary Celebrations, Girlguiding Wiltshire South invites you to come and visit our residential house and campsite at Berwick St James.

There will be archive and memorabilia on display and traditional and modern camps set up on the campsites.

Please come along and find out what Girlguiding is all about.

Tea/Coffee and cake will be available.

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN and TEAS

As I had to send this article in early, I was unable to get the result of the Open Garden – details next month. The Cream Teas in the Reading Room were marvellous as always with many thanks to all the helpers and raised £244.80 for the Church, with a donation of £10 to the Reading Room.

BOOT INN Ladies Night. This is on 2^nd Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we tend to arrive from 7.45 onwards!) and all from any of the local villages are welcome to join us at any time, for a drink and a chat. It will be on 11^th August this month.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES – RIDE and STRIDE 2010.

The Sponsored Cycle Ride, horse Ride or Walk will take place on Saturday 11^th September this year. Berwick has taken part in this for many years – our church receives half the money raised by our riders and striders, the rest going to the Historic Churches Fund, which gives grants to historic churches for repairs to their church buildings. If you would be interested in taking part please contact our parish organiser Lyanne Street The Briars 790544. It is well worth doing – a lovely cycle ride around lovely countryside, visiting Churches you may well never have seen before! If you are not sure where to cycle we can help plan routes of all lengths – from a couple of miles to as far as you want to go. Anyone can take part – church member or not, cycling, riding or walking. We will also need people to man the church throughout the day to greet the cyclists, if you can help please ring Lyanne.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Has anyone noticed the haze of pale lilac flowers in the beech woods at Asserton just above the shooting lodge? These are Dame’s Violets, not a native wild flower but a garden plant long found in old cottage gardens. It has only come into its own in recent years following the clearance resulting form some of the old beeches falling and allowing light into the understory. It is a presumption that there was a cottage at that site before the beeches attained their mature stature.

I have just noticed several plants of White Helleborine growing in the beech woods up the Asserton track. These are new arrivals since I surveyed and listed the plants of the parish, and have only appeared this year. Other orchids in the parish include a number of Southern March orchids in the wet meadows along side the River Till occurring in several gardens. There are five Twayblades on the verge of the Asserton track (very difficult to spot). In one garden there is the very rare Green-flowered Helleborine. There used to be Bee-orchids on the lawn of Berwick House. There are occasional Pyramidal orchids and Common Spotted orchids in some of the pastures.

Along the small branches of the Till between Stoke and Berwick there is a wonderful blossoming of Monkey Flower. This is not a native but an alien from North America. It was first introduced at Downton in 1812 and has since spread in springs and streams all over the country.

Barbara Last.

Historic Note – Yes, there were cottages on that slope behind the Shooting Lodge – probably three. If you look carefully you can just make out the flatter “house platforms”. I don’t know when they were removed, I thought it was a long time ago – several hundred years – I shall have to do some research! Nicky Street.

Berwick St james Newsletter - July 2010

Congratulations to Carolyn Devitt and Robin Gow on their Wedding on Saturday 5^th June.

NOTICEBOARDS

BERWICK FETE and DOG SHOW and DUCK RACE.

What a marvellous day! Wonderful weather and a stunning setting made it the perfect village fete. Thanks to all the Committee (especially Sarah Humphreys our very hardworking chairman, and to Jean Collins for the Dog Show, and to Ian Fisher our Treasurer). Thanks to all the stall holders, tea makers and washers up, all on the gates, the BBQ, and the Beer Tent (the best Pimms!) and everyone else who helped and who donated everything we sold, ate, drank or won! Also to Sarah and Toby Humphreys for the marvellous setting of the immaculate lawns of Berwick House Garden. Especial thanks go to all who set up, and dismantled and to those who are disposing of what is left!

Dog Show. Thanks to the judge Claire Lewis. Results. Brandy Cup Best Village Dog “Chewy” Jack Russell owned by Jeremy Pratt from Downsway. Pedigree Classes overall winner “Mollie” Golden Retreiver owned by the Beard family from Great Durnford. The best overall Novelty Classes was a lurcher owned by Kate and Steve Hannon from Steeple Langford.

Quiz. The Winner of the very difficult Quiz was Mr K Morgan of Water Ditchampton in Wilton with only one wrong! Congratulations to everyone, they were all excellent and it was a very close run thing. I have put the answers on the noticeboard. The most difficult seems to have been – 1941 RP introduced DID. Roy Plumley introduced Desert Island Discs, and 1946 The first LFA by AC. The first Letter From America by Alistair Cooke. The errors in 1940 and 2008 meant that these questions were not counted in the marking.

Duck Race. More lovely weather, another marvellous village garden, and the sight of two hundred little yellow ducks floating down the river with a surprised swan. Thanks to Will and Sophie Simpson-Gee for organising it, and to Tim and Olivia Marchant for The Clock House Garden. Also thanks to those who did the teas and cakes, were in the canoes and fishing the ducks out. And Thank You to those Places who donated the prizes. The results were; Childrens Race- 1^st Flora Simpson-Gee Visit to Fleet Air Arm Museum. 2^nd. Thomas Campbell-Johnston Hawk Conservancy. 3^rd William Hughes – Cholderton Childrens Farm. Adults. 1st Playhouse Tickets Lyanne Street. 2^nd Wilton House Family Ticket – Nicky Street. 3^rd Day Fishing on Wylye – Gill Brasher.

So what was the result?

Fete Profit (so far) £2092.55. Duck Race £304. Total £2345.55. £385 more than Last year. THANK YOU to EVERYONE.

RACE FOR LIFE.

Several of the Berwick Ladies Running Group are taking part in the 5km Race for Life on July 4^th, in Salisbury, in aid of Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading independent charity dedicated to cancer research. For more details of Cancer Research UK see the “about us” section in the Race for Life website. www.raceforlife.org Please sponsor us! You can do this at the Farm Shop (or make a donation) or to the individual runners.

BOOT INN

We are a football free zone, so every day that England are playing football during the World Cup we are offering a Salad and a Spritzer for just £10 per person. So come along and enjoy this offer in the calm, cosy environment of the Boot Inn.

Don’t forget Fish Night on 30^th July. Food served from 6.30pm. We offer a wide range of Fish Specials. Meat and Vegetarian options are also available for non-fish lovers.

Ladies Night. This is on 2^nd Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm (although we tend to arrive from 7.45 onwards!) and all from any of the local villages are welcome to join us at any time, for a drink and a chat. It will be on 14^th July this month.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Our own home grown beef is once again on sale – joints, steaks, burgers, sausages etc. Buy it quickly before it runs out!

We have our own Pork, and plenty of Fresh Vegetables, my own cakes, puddings etc. Marilyn Wood 790490

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES – RIDE and STRIDE 2010.

The Sponsored Cycle Ride, horse Ride or Walk will take place on Saturday 11^th September 2010 this year. Berwick has taken part in this for many years – our church receives half the money raised by our riders and striders, the rest going to the Historic Churches Fund, which gives grants to historic churches for repairs to their church buildings. If you would be interested in taking part please contact our parish organiser Lyanne Street The Briars 790544. It is well worth doing – a lovely cycle ride around lovely countryside, visiting Churches you may well never have seen before!

WILDLIFE WATCH

Hedgehogs. We are very fortunate to have hedgehogs in this area, but some have become trapped in cattle grids around here. The “escape ramps” are not proving a great success, in the past few weeks a local has picked out half a dozen hedgehogs (she doesn’t think it was the same one throwing itself in six times!) and two baby rabbits. So please could you have a quick look as you walk over the grids. Thank you.

The cuckoo was heard 3 times just south of Stapleford, between the 25^th May and 3^rd June, for the first time in 3 or 4 years. And a cuckoo (the same one?) was heard twice on 1^st May in the Stoke/Berwick area. Kingfishers have been seen along the Wylye.

There is also now a good population of the much threatened Water Vole all along the River Keeper’s patch, they seem shyer than they were years ago, so sightings are not that common.

There have also been several sightings of Water Rails during the winter and early spring, they are so elusive that once the vegetation grows up they are pretty well invisible all the summer.

The Red Kites were around again at the beginning of June, both over the school track in Berwick, and also over the village to the west of the road – over Berwick Hill Farm.

Berwick St james Newsletter - June 2010

CONGRATULATIONS to all those villagers who took part in the Sarsen Trail on May 2^nd. Also to Les and Pam Bryant on the birth of their first grandchild.

We wish a speedy recovery to Mary Gatling, Neil Rapley and all who are ill, in hospital or recently returned from hospital.

Goodbye and Good Luck to Dee Attwood who has just moved to go to Oxford, and WELCOME to Chris. We do hope you enjoy living in Berwick.

SATURDAY JUNE 5^TH FETE and DOG SHOW at BERWICK HOUSE

The Fete starts at 12.30pm, Dog Show registration is from 12 noon, with the first class at 1pm. There is a Bar and a BBQ.

We will be setting up at 6pm on Friday 4^th June at Berwick House, and on Saturday 5^th 10am at Berwick House, and also at the Reading Room to help move the furniture. Please help if you can.

Items for the Fete can be given to the stallholders or left at Berwick House.

Bottles – Tim Bailey Magna House, Raffle and Silent Auction – Veronica Sumner The Cottage. Bric-a-Brac – Gill Brasher The Barn. Plants- Olivia Marchant The Clock House or Lyanne Street The Briars. Produce – Jackie Fisher Woodsprings. Cakes etc – Berwick House. Books and DVD’s – Berwick House. Children’s Tombola – Brian Hiscock Shepherds Cottage.

For more information please phone Sarah 790212 or Nicky 790309.

Quiz There is a fabulous Quiz available NOW from The Shop, The Boot and the Committee members – please hand in at the Fete or earlier at the Shop Winner to be announced at the Duck Race. £20 prize.

PARKING Parking on Fete Day is only in the Field please (entrance at the south end of the village, just before the river -there will be signs) not on the road. This is so the road is free for the Wedding.

SUNDAY JUNE 6^THDUCK RACE

The Duck Race starts at 11.30am at the Bridge on Duck Street. There will be two races, one for adults and one for children. There are wonderful prizes! The finishing line is at the Clock House Garden where there will be tea and cakes. Ducks will be for sale at the Fete and around the village – watch out for them!

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY

The Mill House Garden will be open as part of the National Garden Scheme on Sunday June 27^th 2-6pm. Come to see a wild garden with hundreds of old fashioned roses climbing through the trees and herbaceous borders – follow the River Till through the Nature Reserve to a Sumptious Cream Tea in the Reading Room. Butterflies, bees and birdsong abound. Dogs welcome on leads, and children free.

The path by the river is not normally open, this is a wonderful chance to see the village from a different angle!

RACE FOR LIFE.

Several of the Berwick Ladies Running Group are taking part in the 5km Race for Life on July 4^th, in Salisbury, in aid of Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading independent charity dedicated to cancer research. For more details of Cancer Research UK see the “about us” section in the Race for Life website. www.raceforlife.org

Please sponsor us! You can do this at the Farm Shop (or make a donation) or to the individual runners. If anyone would like to sponsor me via the internet you can do it on www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/nicolastreet3 and I may even run the whole way! Nicky Street.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk Have a look at our highly praised Website! See photos of the village, old and new, history, various articles (including these magazine ones), minutes of meetings etc. Details of the Fete including Full list of DOG SHOW CLASSES. More contributions very much welcome. Photos, comments, reports and details of events to come… go to the site and follow the directions.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Midsummer is nearly here, and hopefully it will bring warm and sunny weather, ready for the Barbeque season!

Marilyn has lots of lovely meat ready for the barbeque. This includes her own sausages, burgers and pork steaks, – also chicken pieces. And vegetarian and pork kebabs. She does Mixed BarBeQue Packs – an example would include 2 burgers, 2 pork sausages, 2 pork steaks in Chinese Marinade and 2 chicken thighs in Tikka Masala marinade. Further packets of marinade are available from the shop – Piri-Piri, BBQ, Hot & Spicy, Garden Mint, Peppersteak – made by Flava-it.

All orders welcomed! Enjoy the summer! Marilyn Wood 790490.

NOTICEBOARDS

We welcome posters in our noticeboards but please no more than a month in advance of the date of the event. Thank you.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting was held in the Church on 21^st April. At the Meeting of Parishioners Stephen Bush and Jane Rowe were re-elected as Churchwardens. Many thanks to them for all their hard work throughout the year. At the PCC meeting Veronica Sumner was re-elected as secretary – many thanks to her – and Gill Brasher, Ailsa Bush, Jane Campbell-Johnson, Henry Colthurst (thanks for the excellent work as treasurer) , Lyanne Street, Charles Street and Nicky Street were elected as members of the council. Thanks to all, plus to all the others who help in the church – sidesmen, representatives on various committees, the cleaners, flower arrangers, rota organisers etc

READING ROOM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Reading Room annual general meeting was held on 19^th April, at that meeting the committee and officers were re-elected, with many thanks for all the hard work by everyone, especially with fund raising, which means the Reading Room can stay open. We will share in the Fete, and we have a stall in The Maltings in Salisbury on 16^th October, and will have the Christmas Bazaar at the end of November. Secretary Anika Lange 790122, Chairman Nicky Street 790309.

If you wish to hire the Reading Room, its furniture or its crockery please phone Jean Hibberd 790806

BERWICK ST JAMES VILLAGE MEETING

Held on 15^th April 2010 in the Reading Room.

River Till Water Level. Environment Agency and Wessex Water representatives (Chris Greenwell and Ian Colley) told the village why the water levels of the Till have fluctuated over the years. Research has found that abstraction is not primary reason for low water levels, nevertheless it is to be capped at a much lower level than currently allowed.

Election of Officers Tina Woodford Treasurer; Sarah Humphreys vice-chairman, Jacky Webb Parish Clerk; Richard Brasher Chairman – re-elected, with thanks.

The Accounts were accepted.

Planning Applications. Wall at Old School House – no objections. Caravan Site - Petition demanding retrospective planning permission should be disallowed has been handed in.

Village Fete – on Saturday 5^th June Volunteers are needed to help set up. Items for the fete can be left at Berwick House.

Any other business. Wiltshire Air Ambulance have asked to put a clothing bank outside the Farm Shop. The Community Speed Watch Scheme, Post Office in the village, street cleaning, potholes, and recklessly driven tractors were discussed.

Chairman Richard Brasher 790410 Parish Clerk Jacky Webb 792624

HEATING OIL.

WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. Thank you to everyone who did this – we have received a cheque for £47.70p

WILDLIFE WATCH

The Cuckoo has been heard in Berwick! (only once). It was heard at 5.30am on 26^th April. The only other report I have had is from 24^th April in the Woodford Valley.

There are Stone Curlews nesting in Berwick Parish. A Peregrine Falcon was seen on a track near Winterbourne Stoke, it had taken a pigeon and was eating it, it tried to carry it away but it was too heavy. There are lots of swallows and house martins now. Of the 15 ducklings reported last month only four have survived to “teenage”, but another 15 ducklings were hatched in the same part of the Till in Berwick.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St james Newsletter - May 2010

We are glad that Ivy Stacey is better now, and we hope that Stanley Palmer has recovered from his operation, we give all our good wishes to all who are ill, or who have been or still are in hospital.

CHIMNEY SWEEP The Chimney Sweep is coming to Berwick on 13^th May, if you would like him to sweep your chimney then please call Margaret Mustill 790395, if you would prefer a particular time of day please let her know, and she will do her best to fit it in.

VILLAGE FETE and DOG SHOW with DUCK RACE.

The Fete and Dog Show is on Saturday June 5^t^h at Berwick House. Entries for the Dog Show will start at 12 noon, the Fete will open at 12.30pm, and the judging for the Dog Show at 1pm. Food (BBQ) and drink will be available all day at the Fete.

We will need lots of help with all kinds of things! Especially with setting up the tents on Friday, and on Saturday morning, and of course, with clearing up afterwards.

We would be very grateful for things for the Fete. We need lots of bottles for the Bottle Stall, Raffle prizes, items for the bric-a-brac, and unwanted gifts, books and DVDs etc. If you want to donate them now, please take them to Sarah (details below) or Nicky Street at The Dairy House. Please plant up extra seeds for the Plant Stall, and if you have plants that need dividing please remember the Plant Stall. We will, of course, also need the wonderful cakes and produce made and grown by villagers closer to the fete too. Sarah Humphreys 790212 at Berwick House.

The Duck Race is on Sunday 6^th June starting at 11.30am at Asserton Bridge on Duck Street. There will be 2 races, one for adults and one for children. They will end in The Clock House Garden where there will be tea and cakes. Ducks will be available for sale at the Fete, and in the village. Watch out for them! There are wonderful prizes for both races.

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY.

The Mill House Garden Open Day for National Garden Scheme Charities made £128.40 very much down on last year, I think owing to the fearful weather forecast which got it wrong again. In fact it was a pleasant, warm and dry day. The teas made £135.00 for Berwick Church. Excellent as usual. Very many thanks to Stephen and Ailsa Bush and all their gang of tireless helpers. Mrs Diana Gifford Mead.

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY

The Mill House Garden will be open as part of the National Garden Scheme on Sunday June 27^th 2-6pm. Come to see a wild garden with hundreds of old fashioned roses climbing through the trees and herbaceous borders – follow the River Till through the Nature Reserve to a Sumptious Cream Tea in the Reading Room. Butterflies bees and birdsong abound. Dogs welcome on leads, and children free.

The path by the river is not normally open, this is a wonderful chance to see the village from a different angle!

LADIES RUNNING GROUP

The Running Group is continuing every Thursday evening, starting at 6.30pm. All abilities are welcome, (including complete beginners), and are catered for with different groups of runners. We welcome women of all ages from any of our local villages. Our aim is to enter the 5km Race For Life in Salisbury in July. We meet outside the Farm Shop.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Have you tried Marilyn’s wonderful Cakes? Coffee and Walnut, Victoria Sponge and Chocolate – from the shop, and can be ordered for special occasions (iced if required). Single slices of cakes and bread pudding, as well as other pastries are often available in the shop. Also pies and pasties, scotch eggs etc, scones etc.

Meat and vegetables, cheese, bacon, milk, bread, and lots of other things available.

You can also stop and have a cup of coffee and a slice of cake – wonderful part way through a spring walk!

Marilyn 790490.

VILLAGE RECYCLING BINS

The recycling bins for glass, cans and cardboard in the Farm Shop car park are for everyone to use. If you have too much for your own bins you can use these. There is none for plastic however. Please could you keep it tidy around the bins, and not use the bins if they are full. Please do not leave plastic carrier bags on the side of the bins, or on the ground. Thank you.

BOOT INN

In addition to our usual fare, we are also open on Bank Holiday Monday 3^rd May for lunch served 12 noon to 2.30pm, and Bank Holiday Monday 31^st May Lunch served 12 noon to 2.30pm.

Ladies Night Wednesday 12^th May from 7.30pm.

Friday 28^th May Fish Night with food served from 6.30pm

Please call Cathy on 01722 790243 for more information and to book your table.

LADIES NIGHT

Every second Wednesday in the month there is a Ladies Night at the Boot Inn. All welcome from all local villages to join in with others for a chat and a drink. Come from any time after 7.30pm, we are all ages and love a chat, and it is a good chance to catch up with friends, and to meet new ones. Hope to see you there.

PARISH MEETING AGM

The Parish Meeting AGM was held on 15^th April in the Reading Room. Full minutes next month. We had a very interesting presentation by Wessex Water and The Environment Agency about the effect of the pumping of water from Chitterne on the River Till.

NOTICEBOARDS

HEATING OIL.

CONTRIBUTIONS to the BERWICK part of this MAGAZINE

If you have a Berwick story to tell, comment to make, news to report, event happening etc - please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out.

WILDLIFE WATCH

A swallow was reported at the very end of March at the north end of Berwick, and lots of them on the 1^st April by the sewerage works at Great Wishford. Also 6 housemartins were seen on the wires at the south end of Berwick on 31^st March. The first cowslip was open in the field behind Asserton House on 4^th April (Easter Sunday), and there are now lots of them there, and in the field surrounding the track above the old school (guide HQ). A Chiff-chaff was heard in Berwick in early April, and yellow Brimstone butterflies seen around the same time. A Great Bustard was seen (and photographed) on Berwick Hill Farm on April 14^th, we are keeping an eye out in case it returns as we didn’t get close enough to see it’s number. A Great Bustard has been keeping company with the swans in the Wylye Valley again this winter. A pair of Wheatears were seen near Upper Woodford on 22^nd March, and the Red Kite has been over the Old School at Berwick again.

On the River Till at the north end of Berwick a duck hatched 15 ducklings, and they are being cared for very attentively by both the duck and the drake.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St james Newsletter - April 2010

CONGRATULATIONS to Lou and Matt Hughes on the birth of George – welcome to Berwick. Also WELCOME to Virginia and Mike Weissmuller, we hope you all enjoy living in Berwick.

CHURCH SERVICES for EASTER

Holy week services at Berwick are;

Wednesday 31^st March 7pm Compline.

Easter Sunday 4^th April 9.30am Family Communion Common Worship.

Everyone very welcome.

Please see the front of the magazine for other services during Holy Week.

OPEN GARDEN at THE MILL HOUSE under National Garden Scheme

Sunday 28^th March 2pm to 6pm. With Cream Teas in The Reading Room.

Surrounded by the River Till, millstream and a 10 acre traditional wet water meadow, this garden of wildness supports over 300 species of old fashioned roses rambling from the many trees. It is filled with butterflies, moths and insects. Birdsong is phenomenal in spring and summer. Glorious Spring bulbs, SSSI.

CHURCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

April 21^st at 7pm in the Church. Written reports will be available before the meeting. Secretary Veronica Sumner 790476

LADIES RUNNING GROUP

The Running Group will be starting once the clocks have gone forward. The first session will be Thursday April 1^st at 1830. All Abilities are welcome and the aim is to enter the 5km Race For Life in Salisbury in July. We will meet outside the Farm Shop.

THE BOOT INN

We are taking bookings for Easter Weekend, and we are open for lunch on Easter Monday 5^th April 12noon to 2.30pm.

Ladies Night; Wednesday 14^th April (from 7.30pm, you are welcome to come at any time).

Fish Night. 30^th April.

Giles and Cathy Dickinson 01722-790243. www.bootatberwick.co.uk

HEATING OIL

More heating oil has been stolen in the village – Watch Out.

HEATING OIL.

PARISH MEETING

Thursday 15^th April in the Reading Room.

This will include a discussion about the River Till Water levels with the Environment Agency and Wessex Water. All welcome to come, including from other villages. Please see noticeboards for more details. Parish Chairman Richard Brasher 790410. Parish Clerk Jacky Webb 792624.

FETE and DOG SHOW 2010.

Please keep saving things for the Fete. We need lots of bottles for the Bottle Stall, Raffle prizes, items for the bric-a-brac, and unwanted gifts, books and DVDs etc. If you want to donate them now, please take them to Sarah (details below) or Nicky Street at The Dairy House. Please plant up extra seeds for the Plant Stall, and if you have plants that need dividing please remember the Plant Stall. We will, of course, also need the wonderful cakes and produce made and grown by villagers closer to the fete too.

The Fete will be on Saturday June 5^t^h at Berwick House. Entries for the Dog Show will start at 12 noon, the Fete will open at 12.30pm, and the judging for the Dog Show at 1pm.

The Dog Show is a Companion Show held under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations and there will be 4 pedigree classes, and 5 novelty classes including The Brandy Cup for the Best Village Dog with the owner living in Berwick St James. The Judge is Claire Lewis (Hernwood). For more information about the Dog Show contact Jean Collins 07877-286702 or email amscotgordons@aol.com

Food (BBQ) and drink will be available all day at the Fete. And we will need lots of help with all kinds of things! Any ideas for new stalls and games very much welcome. Chairman Sarah Humphreys 790212

Berwick St james Newsletter - December 2009

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

Thank You to all the volunteers who run the Cricket Club, the Reading Room, the Church, the Fete, the Pumpkin Club, the Running Group (and the run) etc etc, and all the other things (like the Ladies Night) that make our Village such a great place to live.

BARRY SPALTON The whole village is shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Barry Spalton on Saturday 7^th November. He will be greatly missed by his many friends. Our sympathy and our thoughts are with Caroline and the girls, and all his family.

CONGRATULATIONS to Julian and Kate Glyn-Owen on the birth of their baby EVA on Sunday 8^th November, welcome to Berwick!

CHURCH WARDEN’S WAND The Service to dedicate the church warden’s wand in memory of Will was very moving. I just want to say a big thank you to Stephen Bush for all he did to make this possible, also thank you to Ailsa and helpers for putting on refreshments – very tasty. Bless you. Jean Hibberd.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. It was an enjoyable but very touching memorial service at Wishford on November 1^st. Thank you Rev Hugh Bonsey. Thank you to all the ladies for the delicious tea afterwards. Jean Hibberd,

Bonfires. Will people who have bonfires earl in the morning in their gardens please spare a thought for your neighbours who have washing on their lines.

Dogs. People are letting their dogs mess on the pavement. DON’T, just pick it up.

Police. We are very pleased to hear that the local police have caught poachers locally, they are very keen to prosecute, and would appreciate similar reports if seen. There have been several robberies recently around here. Keep your eyes open, keep your items locked away, and report anything appropriate.

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES

CAROL SERVICE

The annual candlelit carol service of Seven Lessons and Carols will be held in St James’ Church on Sunday 20^th December at 6pm. The service will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Everyone is most welcome to attend this very special service.

OTHER SERVICES

Christmas Day. 10.30am Family Communion.

Sunday 27^th December. 11am Holy Communion.

CHURCH WARDEN’S WAND in Memory of WILL HIBBERD

On Sunday 25^th October the Revd Hugh Bonsey dedicated a new Churchwarden’s Wand in our Church in memory of Will Hibberd. The wand which looks very splendid was generously donated by Norman and Gerry Hibberd and is positioned close to the main door. It was a great pleasure to see Jean, Norman, Gerry, Simon and Colin in church for the dedication.

CHURCH SERVICES in St James Church 2010

The Sundays on which there will be a service in St James Church will be changing as from 1^st January 2010. It is hoped that there will be no further changes after this for some while.

First Sunday of month 09.30 Holy Communion

Second Sunday of month 10.00 Matins

Fourth Sunday of month 10.00 Matins

On the third Sunday of the month there will be a 9.30 Parish Communion service in Winterbourne Stoke. When there is a fifth Sunday in the month a team service will be held in one of the 12 parishes.

VILLAGE CAROL SINGING

The Village Carol Singing (an old tradition in Berwick – though it used to be done on Christmas morning) is provisonally on Tuesday December 22nd starting at 6pm and finishing with Mince Pies and mulled wine. Notices giving details of the starting place and the charity will be put up shortly. We welcome everyone to come along and sing, accompanied children especially. Please bring torches or lanterns. We would like to sing at various points around the village and so, if you would like to have us come to you please could you ring Ian Fisher 790214 or Nicky Street 790309.

CHRISTMAS CARDS in aid of Berwick Church

Jane Rowe is selling watercolour Christmas Cards of “Berwick Church from the Till in Snow” in aid of Berwick Church. Pack of 5 cards for £4. Also “Berwick Church in Summer” and “Five Churches of the Till and Wylye Valley”

To view and order please ring 790575.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Christmas Orders are still being taken – Turkeys, chickens, Beef, Gammon, Ham, Pork, Sausages etc Also Cheese, Cakes, pies etc and a variety of Ready Meals.

We have Marfona Potatoes from the Swantons at South Newton. Loose 45p kg. 12 ½ kg £3.35. 25kg £6.00. as well as our other lovely vegetables.

Christmas Opening times.

We are open Monday 21^st, Tuesday 22^nd and Wednesday 23^rd from 9am to 5pm. Also on Thursday 24^th Christmas Eve 9am to 2pm.

Then we are closed until Tuesday 5^th January.

BUT you can PRE –ORDER anything for the New Year, which you can collect on Thursday December 31^stbetween 10am and 12 noon.

Happy Christmas to you all. Marilyn 790490.

BOOT INN

A Merry Christmas to all our customers. The Christmas and New Year Menu and Opening times are now available by leaflet at The Boot Inn. The New Year Evening is booking up fast. Please ring Cathy and Giles on 790243 to book, or for enquiries, for all Christmas and New Year meals, or call in at The Boot Inn.

December dates

4^th Cricket Club dinner. 9^th Ladies night

25^th Christmas Day – open for drinks 11am to 2pm

26^th Boxing Day. Brunch served 12 noon –3pm.

31^st New Year’s Eve Black Tie Dinner £35 per person.

Early notice of Giles and Cathy’s holiday – this will be 1^st to 10^th February 2010 – the kitchen will not be open during this time, but we will be open for drinks as usual.

PARISH MEETING 15^th October 2009

Tina Woodford retired after 12 years as Clerk/Secretary

Planning Applications to fell trees in 3 gardens acceptable. Letter sent to planning office to support application to retain a temporary fence erected because permission to build wall refused. Ian West and Richard Brasher to meet head of WCC Planning Department to discuss local planning idiosyncrasies.

Moving the Children’s playground from cricket pitch to alternative venue will cost £3000. Lou Writing to write to the Guinness Trust to request donation of land behind the Guide Centre. One swing seat to be replaced by a model suitable for toddlers.

Pumpkin Run will become an annual event.

Village Fete, Dog Show and Duck Race made a fantastic £2300.

Low water levels in rivers and streams discussed. Representatives from Wessex Water and the Environment Agency to be invited to the next Parish Meeting.

Richard Brasher will follow up request to repaint the Asserton signpost.

Complaint about bins left on pavement in the High Street.

Highways Authority believe that 40mph speed limit between the village and Stapleford would not be effective.

Full Minutes are on the Berwick Village Website.

Parish Chairman Richard Brasher. Parish Clerk Jacky Webb.

The date of the Meeting with about the River with the Environment Agency and Wessex Water will be put on the Noticeboards as soon as it is known.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it. New on the Website – The full minutes of the Parish Meeting on Thursday 15^th October. I have had several family history enquiries resulting from people looking at our website – there is quite a lot of history on it! I shall hopefully have time to add some more soon. Nicky Street.

HEATING OIL. With the cold weather you may need to order heating oil. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

CONTRIBUTIONS to the BERWICK part of this MAGAZINE

I need YOUR HELP to make the magazine interesting and useful. Please send all contributions for the Berwick part to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309 or email chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note elsewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

Has anyone seen any interesting winter visitors? (birds, of course!). The Egrets are still around, one seems to be living near the river at the south end of Berwick. A Green Woodpecker has been seen on a local lawn, and two Red Kites over Berwick Hill Farm. The Kingfisher has been seen along the Till by Stapleford bridge – it was seen on Armistice Day.

SCOUT CHRISTMAS POST

Support your local Scouts and Guides, and send your local Christmas Cards for only 20p each!

The Scouts and guides deliver to the most (but not all) villages in south Wiltshire, with stamps costing 20p and the last day of posting FRIDAY 11^th DECEMBER.

Stamps, and lists of the places included in the scheme, and posting boxes are available in Wilton at Spectrum, Wilton Hardware, Library, Top Style and Wilton Garden Centre. Also available at Wishford, Wylye, Dinton, Fovant and Broadchalke post offices, and Wessex Timber Windows in South Newton Trading Estate, and Stapleford Garage.

Wilton Scout Group and Wilton and District Guides share proceeds from these local sales and deliveries.

Please remember that Cards can only be delivered to the places on the list – so please check.

BERWICK ST JAMES November 2009 Newsletter

Sylvia Seymour-Taylor sent the following message to us all. “I would like to send greetings to my many friends in Berwick. Amazingly one whole year has passed since I moved to near Colchester in Essex. My sons keep an eye on Gryphon which holds happy memories. You were all so kind to me – too many to name individually – so thank you for all the laughter we shared together. Happy Christmas and best wishes for the future, and love from ancient and contented Sylvia Seymour-Taylor (Mrs).”

GET WELL SOON. Mrs Drake had a nasty fall in her garden and broke her arm, and spent time in hospital, Robert Drake has also been in hospital. We hope both will soon be feeling much better. Stanley Palmer is waiting for a new knee, Margaret Mustill has a very painful leg, hope it will soon be sorted out at Odstock.

CONGRATULATIONS Jean Hibberd is very proud of her grandson Greg, he recently did a parachute jump in aid of “Children’s Cancer”. Well done Greg. Also to Barbara Last’s grandson Chris who was paraded out as a Lieutenant at Sandhurst at the end of September, in the Territorial Army.

Also to Alan Larsen and Rebecca Holland on their marriage at Berwick on 26^th September, the whole village enjoyed the costumes, horses and pagentry.

DOGS. Will people STOP letting their dogs use the pavements as toilets. Better still CLEAN it up.

DUSTBINS. A request has been received asking that people could please not leave their dustbins on the pavement, and put them out of sight if possible.

PARISH MEETING. The minutes of the parish meeting held on 15^th October will be in next month’s magazine. THANK YOU to Tina Woodford on her retirement as Parish Clerk, she worked hard for many years and we very much appreciate all she did. Thank you to Jacky Webb who has taken over.

CHRISTMAS CARDS in aid of Berwick Church.

To view and order please ring 790575.

READING ROOM CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The Reading Room Christmas Bazaar is on Saturday November 21st at 2pm, in the Reading Room. Come along and buy your Christmas Cards and paper, have a cup of Tea or Coffee and a chat to your friends. We would be very grateful for donations of cakes and produce, bric-a-brac, books, jigsaws, toys, costume jewellery, unwanted gifts, Raffle and Tombola Prizes, and, of course, Christmas Cards, paper, decorations, and anything with a Christmas Theme. The Reading Room will be open from 10.30am to 11.30am on Saturday to accept gifts. The Sale starts at 2pm. Items can also be left at The Dairy House, for more information, or for collection Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309. Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122.

PUMPKIN 5 and 10km RUN

Firstly a huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the inaugural Pumpkin 5 and 10km so successful, it really was a village effort and could not have been achieved without you. Overall I think we can be proud of ourselves as a village, the feedback on Runners World is very positive, from the beautiful farmland and scenery that the route took (thankyou to Druids and Charlie) to the friendly and encouraging marshalls to the organization. The only negatives on the day were the hills! I think we were especially blessed with the weather, although I do not think the runners thought that! There are some fantastic pictures on the village website which I recommend you go and have a quick look at. The race was well supported by the village in terms of competitors; William and Giles in the 10km, the “Berwick Ladies” completing their first 5km, and Sam and Edward in the 5km, all finishing in very respectable times. Especially well done to the following;

William Grant – fastest local 10km

Sam Perry – 1^st male, and 1^st local in the 5km

Edward Crossley – 1^st local junior.

Jane Rowe – 1^st Veteran 5km.

Another special thank you has to go to Marilyn who donated 100 sausages which Jane, Ailsa and Gill did a fantastic job of selling. Also Chris and his very prompt and excellent work on the website.

Overall the event made £788.90, with a profit of £460.90 after expenditure. There were 68 entrants in total which is OK for a first event. After its success and with less initial outlay next year I am positive that the income will be higher. What is the money going towards? That will be decided at the next Village Meeting (which will have happened by the time this magazine is printed).

So yes there will be another Pumpkin run in 2010. Same time of year, and if there is enough interest another village running programme for those who may want to enter their 1^st 5km, improve on their time or try the 10km. So watch for more details.

Lou.

I should like to add thanks to Lou and Frank, and all the organizers for the marvelous and efficient planning before and on the day. And the speedy clearing up afterwards too! It was great to see so many villagers and I especially appreciated all the cheering on!

Nicky Street.

BERWICK LADIES PUMPKIN RUNNERS

The Berwick Ladies would like to thank Lou and Sally very much indeed for enabling us to take part in our first 5km.Without them we would not have reached the start! Every one who joined the Thursday night Ladies Running Group greatly appreciated all the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm brought to us, the encouragement over the weeks has meant that we have far exceeded what we expected to be able to do! Unfortunately injuries prevented some of us from taking part in the race – just wait until next year!

We’ll be back!

HARVEST SUPPER and HARVEST FESTIVAL

Thank you to everyone who decorated the church for Harvest Festival, and for Alan and Rebecca’s wedding, a special effort was made by everyone and there has rarely been as much fruit and vegetables. Thank you indeed.

It was a most successful Harvest Supper with delicious food supplied by Jane Rowe, with assistance from many villagers. The very successful Raffle was organized by Jacky and Roland, and made a profit of £53 after taking out the hire of the room and the cost of the food. Thanks to all who provided salads and puddings, did setting up, cooking and clearing up. It was great fun.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE and STRIDE.

This took place on Saturday 12^th September 09, and the two walkers and one cyclist from Berwick raised a marvellous £183. Thank you to those, and also to the helpers who manned the church on the day. Berwick church was visited by 8 cyclists and 2 walkers.

BOOT INN

The Christmas and New Year Menu and Opening times are now available by leaflet at The Boot Inn. More details next month. The New Year Evening is booking up fast. Please ring Cathy and Giles on 790243 to book, or for enquiries, for all Christmas and New Year meals, or call in at The Boot Inn.

November Dates

Friday 6^th November. 7 Wines and 7 Sausages. 7pm £17.50 per person.

Ladies Night is on 2^nd Wednesday – this month 11^th November.

Fish night Friday 27^th November.

Every Tuesday. Pie and Pint evening – come and enjoy a delicious homemade pie and a pint of beer each Tuesday evening for just £10.

Every Sunday evening. Quiz Night – So far the Quiz nights have raised £792.70 (as at 5^th October 09) for Cancer Research. Come and join us for Giles’ wonderfully ingenious quiz, with snacks, starting at 7.30pm.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

The Pampered Chef is returning to the Shop on 28^th October, with a Christmas Cookery Demonstration from 11am onwards.

Orders can now be taken for all Christmas Food. Our Bronze Turkeys, Chickens and Geese come from Market Lavington. Have you thought of a joint instead of poultry for Christmas Day? We have wonderful Beef, as well as Pork, Ham and Gammon from our own pigs. I make all sorts of cakes – iced or otherwise, and plenty of different pies and tarts. Marilyn 790490.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it. New on the Website – The full results of the Pumpkin Run, with all the times! There are photos of Pumpkin Day at the Boot Inn. There is a new section under “New and Notices” called “Rotas”, included in there is the Church Locking Rota, and further rotas will be added soon.

CONTRIBUTIONS to the BERWICK part of this MAGAZINE

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note elsewhere in the magazine).

BERWICK ST JAMES NEWLETTER OCTOBER 2009

CONGRATULATIONS to Barbara Last’s grand daughter Celyn who has been accepted for study at Cambridge in the Veterinary College – all very proud of her.

Congratulations also to all our local GCSE and A level students, we hope you got the results you wanted.

LOUISA HALLIDAY. Everyone in Berwick is very sad that Louisa has retired, we would like to thank her very much and we hope that she has a happy retirement, and look forward to seeing her around!

NOTICE BOARDS Don’t forget to watch the noticeboards for the time and date of the next Parish Meeting, and also for any other relevant village information.

HARVEST Even though it was a rather on-off harvest through August, Berwick Hill Farm managed to finish on 22^nd August. This was the same date as in 2006, in 2007 it was 25^th August, and last year it was on 16^th September! Nicky Street.

BEWARE OF THIEVES

A Blue Single cab pick-up stopped by a house on Druid’s farm, in daylight, and stole £350 of goods from the garage. LOOK OUT!

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

The Reading Room committee ran a Stall at Salisbury Market on Saturday 12^th September. A great many thanks to all our helpers, it made all the difference to have enough! We made a great profit of £219.80, and took what was left to the Hospice Charity Shop in Salisbury (having kept some for the Bazaar, but most had already been to the Fete, and so we didn’t want to bring it back to Berwick).

READING ROOM CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The Reading Room Christmas Bazaar is on Saturday November 21^st in the Reading Room. Come along and buy your Christmas Cards (in aid of your local charity) and paper. We would be very grateful for donations of cakes and produce, bric-a-brac, books, jigsaw puzzles, toys, costume jewellery, unwanted gifts, and Raffle and Tombola Prizes, and of course, Christmas Cards, paper, decorations, and anything with a Christmas Theme. Nicky Street The Dairy House790309. Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122.

HEATING OIL

Now that Autumn is coming on us fast, perhaps you need to think about ordering your winter fuel. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

I need YOUR HELP. To help keep the Magazine interesting and useful, I need you to tell me of anything that could go in. Especially new neighbours, births, marriages, exam passes etc. Also details of events to come, and reports on events that have happened - and more things for Wildlife Watch please. I’ll take anything, and don’t edit unless you ask me to, but I don’t check, so please make sure your days, dates etc are right. Discussions or comments on previous magazines very much welcome!

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

LOCAL HISTORY STEPHEN FURNESS

Some time ago I wrote about Sir Christopher Furness who bought the 10,913 acre Hooley Estate in 1898 (including Berwick, Stapleford and Winterbourne Stoke). But why was it bought?

It seems likely that it was so that his brother Stephen could live in Berwick.

Stephen Furness was born in West Hartlepool on 28^th May 1848 to John and Averill Furness, and joined their grocery and provisioning business, developing it with his brothers into one of the largest in North East England. He married Mary, daughter of Mr Dixon Sharper of West Hartlepool on 4^th July 1870. He and his brother Christopher went to Sweden shortly after the birth of his first child Kate, and set up a business connection there. Stephen and Mary must have loved Sweden, for they bought an estate in Hoby, near Kristianstad, (which is on the Baltic coast) and stayed, raising their many children there.

Sir Christopher Furness returned to England, developed the shipping side of the business, the Furness business was divided between him and his brother Thomas in 1882.

Mary died at Hoby on October 17^th 1898 aged only 48. Stephen brought his family back to England, having lived in Sweden for around 26 years.

In December 1898 the Hooley estates in Wiltshire were bought, and Stephen moved into Berwick House in 1899, the first landowner to live in the village. He farmed 1800 acres, and described himself as a farmer. He was a keen and up-to-date agriculturist and an especially good judge of horses and stock. In 1901 Stephen, his eldest daughter Kate (29) the two youngest children, Jane Astrid (10), and Tom (8) were here with three live-in servants. The cook came from Chelsea, the housemaid from Berwick and the footman, Victor Gustaforson, from Sweden.

Of all their children only Kate stayed in Berwick, the older ones (the boys anyway) went to school in Harrogate whilst their parents were in Sweden, and they made their lives with their Furness cousins, in the Furness business, in the North East.

Stephen and Mary’s oldest son Sir Stephen Wilson Furness took over from his uncle Sir Christopher Furness on his death in 1912. He was also chairman of many other companies in the north east, mainly relating to shipping and coal. He became MP for Hartlepool in 1910 and was created a baronet in 1913. Unfortunately he was killed in an accident in 1914. He lived at Tunstall Grange, West Hartlepool.

In 1909 Sir Christopher Furness, or rather one of his companies, split up and sold all the Estate, except Berwick, with many farms going to their current owners.

Stephen Furness died on June 19^th 1911, and was buried in Berwick. His daughter Kate left Berwick to live with her brother Christopher Furness in County Durham. She died on 29^th August 1919 aged 48, she is also buried in Berwick. Many of Stephen’s family have been buried in Berwick, and the Furness trust supported the Church for many years.

Sir Christopher Furness kept Berwick, he died in 1912. It passed to his son Marmaduke, Lord Furness, who sold it in 1915 to Mary, wife of (later to be Sir) Cecil Chubb.

Researched and written by Nicky Street.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Further to the note in last month’s magazine about Butterflies.

“Beside moths, a few other creatures find their way into my light trap. Early summer I sometimes have several cockchafer beetles whose larvae eat the roots of cereal crops. Sometimes I get Sexton beetles that feed on dead mice and birds. They have an endearing life, living in connubial bliss, a pair fighting others over possession of the precious corpse, burying it, guarding and feeding their young together, Sometimes I get Caddis flies from the river. Occasionally I have Ichneumen flies that lay eggs in caterpillars that then eat out the innards of their prey while it still lives. But mostly its moths. Many spend the daytime hiding, disguised as bark, twigs, dead leaves and are very difficult to spot until they move. They are of course active at night when birds are not hunting, their enemies then are bats which also share the night. They each have their own tick of avoiding being eaten. The yellow tail moth is white and resembles a bird dropping. If its ruse is discovered, it elevates its yellow tail covered in hairs that release histamine as well as a pheramone to deter investigators. The almost invisible muslin moth if disturbed turns over and acts dead, and reveals bright yellow and black underparts that may alarm the predator, Most larvae eat grasses and shrubs, only a small number are pests of garden crops. Only a very few species eat woolly jumpers! I find them a joy to discover as they are mostly quite sleepy in the early morning and allow me to photograph them in daylight.” Barbara Last.

Whilst walking up the School track on a hot, sunny day in mid August, I saw a female Common Lizard on the track itself, unfortunately she had lost her tail, and although soft and warm, probably did not survive.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. If you tell me whilst I am walking around, I shall try to remember – but there is no guarantee! Many thanks.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter September 2009

CONGRATULATIONS to Sophie and Will Simpson-Gee, and Harry and Bella, on the birth of Flora on 9^th August. We would all like to welcome Flora to Berwick.

NOTICE BOARDS Don’t forget to watch the noticeboards for the time and date of the next Parish Meeting, and also for any other relevant village information.

BERWICK FETE

The PCC were thrilled and delighted to receive a cheque for over £1000 from the Fete and would like to thank the fete committee and all involved for achieving such a marvellous result.

HARVEST SUPPER

This is on Saturday 26^th September at 7pm at the Guide Centre. It is free to all Berwick Residents and everyone is welcome especially the children. The cost is paid for from the proceeds of the Grand raffle – so remember your money and a prize! As last year, visitors from outside the village will be charged £5 for adults and £3 for OAP’s and children.

Enclosed in the magazine is a flyer – please reply, it makes the organisation so much easier. Jane Rowe has very kindly agreed to cook the main course and she will provide the cheese. Assistance would be hugely welcomed in providing salads and puddings as well as help in setting up, decorating the room, washing up and tidying away. For more information etc please phone Jane Rowe on 790575.

Please bring your own bottles of wine, beer, squash etc and glasses too.

Previous harvest suppers have always been good fun – we do hope you can come.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Harvest Festival is at Berwick church on Sunday 27^th September. Come and celebrate the abundance of good things that come from the land, and to give thanks. All very much welcome.

Harvest Festival Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables. We would love to have contributions of fruit and vegetables to decorate the church, from whoever would like to bring them. As we are unable to donate these, we would ask that you come back after the service to collect them. As there is a wedding on Saturday 26^th, please could you bring any vegetables etc, and do your flowers on FRIDAY, if possible. We are delighted that the bride and groom wish to have the church decorated for Harvest Festival.

BERWICK 5k and 10k RUN

Remember (as if we could forget!) that the Pumpkin 5 and 10km events are on SATURDAY 19^th September. Walkers are very welcome with dogs on leads on the 5km. For more information please go to the village website at www.berwickstjames.org.uk or contact Lou Whiting on 792699.

Thank you to those that have volunteered to help on the day but there is plenty of room for more! There will be a meeting for all volunteers at 0930 on the day of the event at the Guide Centre.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

The address is www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Put in your entry for the Pumpkin 5 and 10km race – Entry forms are on the website. Details about the event are there too.

BOOT INN .

Tuesday 15^th September. Battle of Britain Day. £1 from each main course served will be donated to Help for Heroes.

Saturday 26^th September. Pumpkin Day. Dig up your pumpkins and come along, Bar open all day and Barbeque food available from 3pm.

Please remember that Ladies Night is now the second Wednesday of each month – so it will be on September 9th. We gather from around 7.30pm, and you are welcome to join us at any time.

The Boot Inn 790243. www.bootatberwick.co.uk

BERWICK FARM SHOP

The weather for September is predicted to be lovely – so why not have a BBQ with our sustainably produced British Charcoal from the New Forest, with our burgers and sausages too! The shop stocks the lovely soft drinks from Belvoir Fruit Farms – organic lemonade, ginger beer, elderflower presse, and healthy fruit drinks that contain nothing but fruit and Belvoir spring water. Remember my pies and pasties too. Marilyn Wood 790490.

BERWICK READING ROOM

The Reading Room is having a Market Stall by the Guildhall on Saturday 12^th September. We would be very grateful for good quality bric-a-brac, unwanted gifts, books etc, but no clothes or jumble please. Please bring to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122, or phone for collection – if you would like to help on the stall please phone one of us – it’s hard work but good fun.

HEATING OIL

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

People can hardly fail to have noticed the large number of Painted Ladies around the gardens recently. This spring there was a tremendous influx of them arising from North Africa where there had been a particularly wet and verdant spring. They were here in multitudes and travelled northwards reaching even as far as St Kilda. This summer they have been breeding, and those that we are seeing now are their children. The caterpillars feed on thistles, so no-one will grudge them that! If there is a mild winter, it may be that some will survive and breed next spring. That will make them British species, not just migrants and will be another indicator of climate change. Red Admirals now regularly over winter and breed, not many years ago they were just occasional visitors.

In my month trap I had a delightful large moth: white with black spots: the Leopard Moth. When alarmed, it rolled over and played dead, immediately transforming itself into what closely resembled a pile of pigeon pooh. After some time, it deemed the danger was passed and re-orientated itself. A very clever trick! It had spent its larval stage inside a branch eating wood. This would have taken three years as wood is not very nutritious.

Barbara Last.

Wonderful reports this month – lovely butterflies. A Silver washed Fritillary and White Admiral in Grovely, also Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Ringlet, Gatekeeper Peacock at Winterbourne Stoke. And Painted Ladies everywhere.

A Cetti’s Warbler was heard at on the river at the south end of Berwick on 26^th July, these are hardly ever seen but have an explosive call. A Marsh Tit was seen in Grovely, and a female Montagu’s Harrier near Stoford Farm on 8^th August. Three pairs of Montagu’s Harriers have bred in Wilts raising 11 young.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter August 2009

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN and CREAM TEAS

The National Garden Scheme opening on 27^th and 28^th June raised £551.00 for the nine charities. The Teas in the Reading Room raised £259.63 of which £20.00 went to the Reading Room and £239.63 went to the Church of St James. Enormous thanks go to Stephen and Ailsa Bush and their amazing tea gang of ladies and gentlemen who worked so hard and without whom the success of the two days could not have been achieved. From Mrs Diana Gifford Mead.

The garden looks wonderful, the roses were just outstanding – if you missed it this year, look out for the open garden next year. The teas were marvellous with a special mention to Ailsa’s cakes!

BERWICK FETE and DUCK RACE

The final figure for the profit from the Fete and Duck Race is £2135. Well done everyone – many thanks to all! Last year we had a profit of £1109 after having paid for the marquee and racing ducks.

Dog Show Results were – Best in Show “Rally” Golden Retriever. Best Puppy “Tamu” Basenji. Both owned by Mrs K Ellis from Durrington.

Best Village Dog and winner of the new Brandy Cup “Pippy” owned by Nicky Street.

BERWICK READING ROOM

BOOT INN .

Please remember that Ladies Night is now the second Wednesday of each month – so it will be on August 12^th. We gather from around 7.30pm, and you are welcome to join us at any time.

PUMPKIN 5 and 10km RACES

Runners. There are now 2 running sessions each Thursday night.

7-8 for beginners training for the 5km race.

8-9 for the “quicker” ones who may want to do the 10km.

Anyone who would like to come and join us are very welcome.

Volunteers to help on the day.

Anyone interested or available to help with marshalling and the organisation on the day please can you inform Lou Whiting wither by email fwgwhiting@hotmail.com or 792699. Help will be required between 0900-1400 (dependent on task). Aslo we will plan to do a tea and cake stand. More details to follow.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Good fresh food locally sourced. A wide range of home made products, outside catering and buffets. The Pork is from our own pigs at Chitterne.

Opening hours are now – Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 5pm. Thursday and Friday 9am to 6.30pm. Saturday 9am to 4pm. Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Marilyn Wood 01722 790490.

HEATING OIL

WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. For the last quarter we received £47.50 – this is really useful – it goes towards the nearly £1000 insurance bill! Many thanks.

BERWICK CRICKET CLUB

The club belongs to the Old Sarum Invitation Cricket Tuesday league and our matches in August are; August 4^th Boscombe Down Away, and on August 11^th the Cup Final which has a 5.45 start at Langford. If you are interested in the Cricket Club please phone Charlie Woodford 07796 332523

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

LOCAL HISTORY. BERWICK MILL

The Grade 2 listed Mill is built of flint and clunch with brick dressings and a slate roof. It is a bridge mill, straddling the river Till which is some twelve to eighteen feet wide at this point. There is no public access as it is dangerous, and the water is very deep. It can be seen from the bridge at the south end of the village.

The mill was built in about 1845 to grind animal feed and to power machinery in the farm yard. It replaced the old mill beside Mill House, which was roughly in the same place as the current footbridge.

The river may have been a leat built for the earlier mill by Mill House, with the water diverted at the north end of the village. As there has been a mill from at least 1478, and probably 1250, this has become the main stream.

There are two brick arches over the river on the south side, the eastern one has two hatches to hold back water for the wheel and to regulate the water flow, and the western one contains the water wheel.

The breast-shot cast-iron water wheel and associated machinery was put in by P Curtis of Shrewton. The wheel is 10ft in diameter, 7ft wide with 32 nine inch vanes around its circumference. Some of the original gearing remains, along with one set of grinding stones on the first floor and grain bins on the second. The ladders and flooring on the upper floors are unsafe.

The Mill was operated as part of Berwick Farm. In 1891 Jacob Rolfe (29) was the miller, but he lived in the northern end of the village. In 1910 the Mill was operated from the Dairy House by the dairyman David Draper.

On 12^th November 1910 Harry Christopher Furness aged 28 was visiting his father at The Manor House (now Berwick House). He came down to the Mill and put the wheel on, and was caught and dragged through, he struggled to the Dairy House and was taken to The Manor House on a stretcher and he died shortly after. His grave is between the church and the path in the churchyard.

From 1921 the mill provided (rather dim) electricity to Berwick House as well as pumping water for the whole of Berwick (another borehole was sunk in 1956 to supply the northern end of the village) until a mains water supply was installed in 1970, although for much of the time the pump was powered by an electric motor. The mill was restored in 1978/9.

The Mill is owned by and pumps water for Berwick Hill Farm, and for The Dairy House today, when there is sufficient water flow.

Written and researched by Nicky Street.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Butterflies

There were about 20 of the rare Adonis on the protected verge on the A303 alongside Yarnbury Castle this June. This is in the parish. I have been monitoring this site for 23 years. In the early years there were an amazing number (hundreds), but as the habitat became neglected and overgrown with dogwood and blackthorn so the butterflies diminished until the colony was almost lost. The highways authority, in spite of numerous requests for management, were dilatory. Management has taken place in the last few years but I feared too little, too late. The site is much reduced, but there is still a nucleus thriving. The last two summers’ weather didn’t help.

People notice butterflies, but I also record moths using a mercury vapour trap, releasing them next morning. Over the last ten years, I have had over two hundred different moths just in my small garden. Last week on an exceptionally warm and windless night I had 68 different species, some incredibly beautiful and including 12 pink elephant hawk months. Barbara Last.

Today (6^th July) I had some solitary bees gathering nectar from big yellow daisies (Inulas) in the garden. They were also gathering pollen on the hairs on the abdomen, unlike honey bees that gather pollen into hairs on their back legs (pollen baskets). These are individual females, not workers, that furnish their nests formed from discs of leaves, often rose leaves, placed in holes. They can only gather nectar form open flowers as they only have short tongues.

Barbara Last.

Berwick Newsletter Dated July 2009

I am very sad to hear that Rev Louisa is retiring in September. We will all miss her a lot. also the church. Let’s hope it will not be too long before she will be feeling a lot better. Bless you. She has been a good friend to so many.

DOGS – will the person who lets his dog use the grass by the notice board opposite the pub please PICK IT UP.

FETE, DOG SHOW and DUCK RACE

What a Marvellous, Successful Fete, Dog Show and Duck Race. The sun shone, the people came and spent their money – and we all had a great time. Final figures are not yet in but it looks as if all together, after expenses, we will have made about £2000!

Thanks need to go to everyone who helped, and especially to Toby and Sarah Humphreys for allowing us to have the Fete at Berwick House. To Jean Collins for organising the Dog Show, and to the judge Debra Harker, and to Christine McConnell for the Brandy Cup. To the Tea ladies (wonderful), all the stall holders, the ice cream and candy floss, the children’s races (always popular), the Mario Cart and so on. To the BBQ (such lovely sausages from the Farm Shop), and to the Boot Inn for running the Beer Tent. Wadworths and Cathy and Giles provided the 6X, and donated the cost of the licence fee, and the overall result was £82.41 to the Fete. The Beer Tent was much appreciated by the helpers as well as the visitors! Thanks and appreciation go to all who helped set up on Friday evening, moved and set up on Saturday morning, and removed again Saturday evening, and to those who have stored stuff, put out rubbish, washed up etc – Thank you.

The Bailey children won the children’s Quiz and Godfrey Pitman won the Adults Quiz (with thanks to Jacky Webb for writing and marking it).

Thanks to Will and Sophie Simpson-Gee and their helpers for organising the duck race, getting such great prizes, and to The Boot Inn and the Farm Shop for selling the ducks. The Adult winners were; Jane Campbell-Johnston – Salisbury Cathedral tour. Godfrey Pitman – Salisbury Playhouse tickets. Sophie Chapman – Wilton House tickets. Children’s winners; Bella Simpson-Gee – Wagamama voucher. William Brasher – Splash of Colour. Olivia Campbell-Johnston- Chocolate. Thanks to the tea and candy floss people, the canoists and to the Marchants for allowing us to use their lovely garden for the end of the race.

Final and Special thanks must go to all the Committee (and their families) for all their hard work all this year, and especially this weekend. Christian Lange, Sophie and Will Simpson-Gee, Sarah Humphreys, Jean Collins, Sophie Colthurst and Nicky Street. And to our treasurer Ian Fisher.

BERWICK SHOP

On Saturday July 4^th there will be a tasting of “A Bit of Everything”. Come and try – samples to taste and buy; roast pork, sausages, cheeses, fruit cakes, pies etc (although if you want to try the pies you’ll need to come early!) We look forward to seeing you.
July is Barbeque time – don’t forget sausages, burgers, chops, steaks and so on. We have marinades – hot and spicy is my favourite. Marilyn 790490.

A reminder that the Shop is open on a Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

THE BOOT INN

Ladies Night is on the first Wednesday of each month, July’s is on the 1^st, we meet from around 7.30pm, but please join us at any time.

Friday 24^th July from 8pm PUDDING BUFFET NIGHT. A Selection of delicious Desserts available.

BERWICK CRICKET CLUB

The Club belongs to the Old Sarum Invitation Cricket Tuesday League and our matches in July are; July 7^th Chalke Valley Away. July 9^th.Cup semi-final. July 14^th South Newton Home. July 21^st Shrewton Home. July 28^th Steeple Langford Home. If you are interested in the Cricket Club please phone Charlie Woodford 07796 332523

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

The address is www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Lots about THE FETE, the DOG SHOW and the DUCK RACE on the website now. We need photos of the Fete, Dog Show and Duck Race – please go to “contact us”.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

If you include names in your report please make sure the person concerned is happy with it, as I do not check other people’s entries. Thank you.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

For All Villages.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Several reports of the Cuckoo – one was around for half an hour or so in mid May, and again on 21^st May near Uppington. I heard the cuckoo too – but that was in Wareham.

A family of 5 Mistle Thrushes were seen in a garden in Berwick breaking snails on the stones. One of the youngsters dropped a snail down a flight of garden steps.

There seem to have been fewer House Martins this year, but even in the last few days (16^th June) we have had several Martins taking the mud from the farmyard – as we have had very little rain, I added a bucket of water to the rapidly drying up puddle and the Martins seem to appreciate it.

Two pairs of Stone Curlews are around here – one pair with at least one chick, and another pair without a nest as yet (report May 26^th.).

It seems to be quite a good year for butterflies, I’ve seen many different ones, and have had a report of 100 painted lady butterflies flying across a local garden. Does any one else have interesting reports of butterflies?

HONEY BEES.

The honeybees have started the season quite well. Unfortunately when they are multiplying, their hive may get too crowded. This causes the workers to make queen cells. These develop into new queens, which results in swarming. There have been a number of swarms in this village on a warm Sunday in May. They have a predilection for chimneys especially mine. As mine is sealed, the poor bees are doomed, a terrible loss. They were heard 24 hours after before they all died. Bee-keepers should take measures in good time to give more space in their hive to avoid swarming with the consequent loss of valuable bees. Barbara Last.

Swarms

To find out what to do with a Swarm I went onto the Salisbury and District Beekeepers society website, www.southwilts.com/site/Salisbury-and-District-Beekeepers and this is what they told me.

“To an active beekeeper, a swarm is not worth any money, often being regarded as a potential source of disease and bees of unknown temperament, however we have several members who are prepared to collect swarms as a service to the community. If the swarm is difficult to access there will normally be a removal fee levied by the beekeeper. If you spot an unwelcome swarm, please phone our swarm liaison officer who will be pleased to either collect himself, or refer you to another member who can offer assistance. Our swarm liaison officer is Reg Davis 01722 501201”

Mr Davis said that the Salisbury Beekeepers want to be contacted for every swarm as they can save most swarms – about 96% are saved. There have been many more swarms than usual this year, and this is good news for it may mean that there are more feral bees than was thought.

Berwick Newsletter Dated June 2009

The collection for the Marie Curie Cancer Care raised a marvellous £153.06. Many thanks to all who contributed to this very special cause. Margaret Mustill.

Congratulations to Cathy and Giles Dickinson at The Boot Inn on their 1^st Birthday in Berwick – and thanks to them for the “Skool Daze” Party which was very much enjoyed – the food was much better than my school dinners.

On the occasion of our Parish AGM (minutes below) thanks must go to our Parish Meeting Chairman Richard Brasher, and our Parish Clerk Tina Woodford for all their hard work, and special thanks to Stephen Bush on his retirement as Vice Chairman, for all his hard work behind the scenes. Thank you and good luck to Sarah Humphreys on taking over as Vice Chairman.

Congratulations to Peter and Gabrielle Smith on the wedding of their daughter Laura to Jamie Hornby at The Old Chapel Wardour, we wish them all the best for the future.

FETE....DOG SHOW....DUCK RACE…FETE….DOG SHOW….DUCK RACE

Our Village Fete and Dog Show will be held at Berwick House on SATURDAY 13^th JUNE. Entries for the Dog Show start at 12 noon. The Fete opens at 1pm. There will be a Beer and Pimms Tent, a Barbeque, Teas, Crafts including Jewellery and pottery, Fancy Chickens, Raffle and Silent Auction, Childrens Tombola Many stalls including Bottle Stall, Bric-a-Brac, Produce, Cakes, Plants. Games including Bash the Rat, Skittles, Sweets under the Cup, Pot of Gold. Also CHILDRENS RACES.

The Dog Show has classes for all types of dogs – pedigree and otherwise, and the special Brandy Cup for the best dog whose owner lives in Berwick. It is a Companion Dog Show under Kennel Club rules.

The Duck Race will start at 11am on SUNDAY 14^th JUNE from Asserton Lane Bridge, and finish in the Clock House garden where there will be refreshments. There will be two races – Adult and Childrens – and marvellous prizes, ducks can be bought from The Boot Inn, Berwick Shop, and from the Fete.

For more information, for collection etc please ring Christian Lange 790122 or Nicky Street 790309. Or visit the website www.berwickstjames.org.uk Items for the Fete can be left at The Dairy House or with the various stallholders – ring for details.

We look forward to seeing you there!

LADIES … UP FOR A CHALLENGE?

Ladies of Berwick … We can party once a month at The Boot but can we work as hard as we play?

The plan is (after unanimous support at the last village meeting) to organise a 5 and 10 km race in Berwick on SATURDAY 19^th SEPTEMBER 09 … it will be called the “Pumpkin 5 and 10 km”. The aim of the day will be to raise money for the village. It is in the early stages of organisation but please put the date in your diary.

Therefore the challenge is on to encourage and motivate as many of you as possible to enter into the spirit of the event and complete either of the courses.

To help you achieve this Sally Hiscock and I (Lou Whiting) will be delighted to organise a programme to take BEGINNERS (NEVER HAVING RUN BEFORE OR MANY YEARS AGO) to a level in which they can complete the 5km route. Several of you have already signed up for this (although a little inebriated at the time!) but we have not forgotten our promise to you.

So the programme commences on Thu 21^st May at 1845hrs outside the Farm Shop (and yes Marilyn is joining us). By the time the magazine is distributed we will be on to the second session, but please join us if you missed the first.

Everyone is invited, including friends, so please bring:

Trainers, a Decent Running Bra, a sense of Humour! Kelly Holmes’ Autobiography.

It will be progressive and FUN. From Lou Whiting.

Don’t forget LADIES NIGHT at The Boot Inn on Wednesday 3^rd June from 7.30pm, but join us at any time. Ladies night is on the first Wednesday of every month.

NOTE ABOUT APRIL

On 27^th April Mrs Gifford Mead found a very scared and hungry girl lurcher dog hiding in her garden. I got called to come and help, I brought the dog to my house and thanks to people in the village she had a good supper. There was a phone number and address inside her collar from Southampton way. Eventually I made contact and I wish I hadn’t as I got abuse. The vet at Shrewton kindly looked her over. She had very badly cut front paws. The vet put me onto a local lady who would take her in. Arrangements were made and April, as we called her, went to live with the new family, three other dogs and a brood of bantams. April is a much loved dog and responding well after her terrible ordeal. Godfrey the gamekeeper, confirmed what we had all been thinking – HARE COURSING- April has a new name now but the family have kept April in for her friends in Berwick. What a lucky little dog. Thanks to all Christine McConnell.

BERWICK CRICKET CLUB

The Cricket Club belongs to the Tuesday league, and our matches in June are; June 2^nd away at Shrewton. June 9^th away at Steeple Langford. June 11^th Cup away versus George and Dragon. June 16^th Home Boscombe Down. June 23 away Fovant. June 30^th home George and Dragon. If you are interested in the Cricket Club please phone Charlie Woodford 07796 332523

MILL HOUSE GARDEN with CREAM TEAS

The Mill House Garden will be open for the National Garden Scheme on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th June 2 –6pm. Admission £3.00, Children free (and dogs on a lead). We do hope to see a lot of local people hopefully to enjoy the roses, and walk through the meadow to see the wild flowers and last but not least to enjoy a magnificent Cream Tea at the Reading Room.

The entry in the Yellow NGS Guide reads;

“Surrounded by the River Till, millstream and a 10 acre traditional wet water meadow, this garden of wildness supports over 200 species of old fashioned roses rambling form the many trees, It is filled with butterflies, moths and insects. Birdsong is phenomenal in spring and summer. Herbaceous borders crammed with plants of yesteryear, unforgettable scents. Glorious spring bulbs. SSSI.

BERWICK SHOP

On Saturday July 4^th there will be a tasting of “A Bit of Everything”. Come and try – you will find lots of food to your taste. From 10am onwards. We look forward to seeing you. A reminder that the Shop is open on a Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

The address is www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Lots about THE FETE, the DOG SHOW and the DUCK RACE on the website now.

HEATING OIL

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

For INFORMATION FOR ALL VILLAGES.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Several reports of a Red Kite by the Guide Headquarters (although I have failed to see it myself). One early evening it was “playing” with two riders and a dog – flying so close they could almost touch it. It has also been seen around Uppington.

Also a Green Woodpecker. A mature female Marsh Harrier above Stoford Farm, several corn buntings, a Hobby and a Stone Curlew around Stoford. A pair of Wynecks were seen in a garden in Berwick.

The Great Bustard has been seen again at the top of the School Track, and also with two swans between Little Wishford and Little Langford, it seemed very worried when the swans went into the water.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

RIGHTS OF WAY

At our Parish Meeting it was asked what a restricted byway meant. I agreed to find out the definitions of the various rights of way. I thought everyone might like to see the answers. The information came from the Wiltshire Council website. Nicky Street.

FOOTPATH: A right of way on foot only.

BRIDLEWAY: A right of way on foot, horseback and leading a horse, with the right for bicyclists providing they give way to other users.

RESTRICTED BYWAY: a new category created by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 allowing access for all traffic except mechanically propelled vehicles.

BYWAYS OPEN TO ALL TRAFFIC: rights of way that are used for the purposes that footpaths and bridleways are used, but on which there is a right of way for all traffic, including mechanically propelled vehicles that are road legal.

Berwick Newletter Dated April 2009

CONGRATULATIONS to Jean Collins on the first place at Crufts in the Field Trial Dog (Gordon Setter) with Amscot Dramatist – called Arnie. Well done.

WELCOME to Chris Martin, we hope he enjoys living in the village. And also to Pauline Cutchey, now she has moved into her lovely new house, we are glad to welcome her back.

THANKS to everyone for their very kind remarks about the magazine, it seems that people want me to carry on as I have been, so I will! Nicky.

Email. Several people have been having problems with their email, including me. I hope I haven’t lost too many emails, so if your entry hasn’t been included then please accept my apologies. If you send an email I will reply to make it clear I have received it – so if you don’t get a reply, please send it again! Nicky.

EASTER SERVICES

Everyone is very welcome to the special services over Easter throughout our villages. The services in Berwick are;

Wednesday 8^th April Compline at 7pm.

Easter Day 12th April. 9.30am. Family Communion with Archdeacon Alan Jeans. Come and celebrate with us, everyone welcome especially children.

CHURCH CURTAINS

A huge thank you to Gill Brasher, Rosie Gairdner and Janey Cambell-Johnston for making the new (much needed) curtains at the back of the church. They look splendid and compliment the replacement curtains behind the altar.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEETING

There will be a meeting on Friday April 3^rd at 6pm in Berwick Reading Room, with Stapleford and Winterbourne Stoke, to discuss Neighbourhood Watch. Everyone from all three villages most welcome. It will be chaired by PC John Wyeth.

PARISH MEETING (VILLAGE) and READING ROOM AGM

The date for this has not yet been fixed so watch your noticeboards for details. This is NOT the Church Meeting, but is the Village Meeting. Chairman of Village Meeting Richard Brasher 790410. Clerk to the Village Meeting Tina Woodford 790444. Secretary of the Reading Room Anika Lange 790122. Chairman of the Reading Room Nicky Street 790309.

THE BOOT INN

Ladies Night. This is on the first Wednesday of every month, so it is on Wednesday 1^st April, from 7.30pm. We have had two of these so far, and they have been very popular, please come along.

National Cask Ale Week. 5^th- 13^th April. Time to celebrate your national drink.

Easter Sunday 12^th April. Lunch served from 12noon, book early to avoid disappointment.

St George’s Day. Thursday 23^rd April. Come and enjoy some British Classics such as toad in the hole, or steak and kidney pudding, and a pint of our national beer for only £10 (pie and a pint style menu available Tuesday to Thursday evenings).

Our 1^st Birthday. Come along on Friday 1^st May and help us celebrate our 1^st birthday.

Quiz night every Sunday evening.

THE BOOT PLOT

Our first meeting went well and was industrious. The following weekend a good amount of digging was done and things are looking better.

Can we get the children organized to grow a pumpkin this year? We can provide space for a children’s plot. Don’t forget to grow a few extra plants for us when you are planting up. Mr Rod Crossley has come on board and is supplying manure for the whole season which is a great help. Look forward to seeing you anytime. Herbs, trays, canes, netting, seed trays etc will be welcome.

Chris 792800. Anne 790355.

RIDING ON BERWICK HILL FARM

This is a gentle reminder to all horse-riders to keep to bridleways and byways and not to ride on the very tempting grass headlands around the fields. These grass strips are part of our environmental stewardship scheme and riding is not permitted at all. If evidence is seen we could be made to leave the scheme (so ruining all the good wildlife work already done) and be fined. We don’t want this! and these grass strips need to remain undisturbed (except to keep them in the correct condition) for the wildlife. Berwick Hill Farm is, roughly, all that land to the west of Berwick village, from the track opposite The Boot Inn (passing the chickens) down to half way between the south end of Berwick and Stapleford.

The only two rights of way are a) the Bridleway from the south end of Berwick, alongside the river, passing the sewerage works, up the hill (keeping the hedge on your LEFT) to the gate at the top of the hill.

And b) Langford Way, the byway passing the Village Shop, the track passes the modern farm buildings (keeping them to your RIGHT), up the hill, eventually to the green lane by the phone mast.

This also applies to walkers and vehicle drivers.

Many thanks for your co-operation. If you have any queries please speak to Charles or Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309.

BERWICK FETE

Keep the date free. SATURDAY 13^th JUNE. For the Best Fete And Dog Show. With The Duck Race on SUNDAY 14^th JUNE. Organization is well under way, and it is already advertised on the Website. Please gather anything that might be useful! If you would like to help, or have any ideas please phone Nicky Street 790309

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

PART TIME EGG PACKER REQUIRED.

Applicant would need to be physically fit, and be able to work in controlled environment, hours are approx 5 per day, 8am start, approx 3 days a week.

Good rates of pay, previous agricultural experience a bonus.

References required.

Call Jeremy on 07787 156310

Email jem@tillvalleyeggs.com

WILDLIFE WATCH

Some great sightings this month. There have been several reports of owls, one heard around Berwick church, both a Little Owl and a Barn Owl around Berwick Hill Farm dryer buildings. A Short-eared Owl around Stoford at the beginning of March, and up to 8 Short-eared Owls at a roost site during the winter in Stoford. A Hen Harrier and a Stone Curlew were also seen around Stoford, a Reed Bunting on the river by South Newton and a Red Kite flying across to Grovely from South Newton. On Berwick Hill Farm we have seen lots of boxing hares, and some Grey Partridge. (The red-legged French Partridge are put down for shooting, the Grey partridge are not so brightly marked, and are our native partridge).

The male Great Bustard is back in Little Wishford. It may be the usual bird Yellow7.2005 but it does not have a tag anymore.

The Snowdrops have been stunning – was that because we had some proper cold weather?

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

Berwick Newsletter Dated February 2009

WELCOME to Jeremy Pratt, he knows the village well, and we hope he enjoys living here.

I have had a comment that the Berwick part of the magazine is sometimes too long in comparison to entries from other villages. I welcome all contributions, and will put everything I receive in. But, if it is what people want, I shall cut down on the chatty stuff I write myself. (All comments welcome). Nicky Street.

MOTHERING SUNDAY.

The Mothering Sunday service will be at Berwick Church on 22^nd March at 10am, everyone welcome.

RECENT AND FUTURE CHURCH RENOVATIONS

In the last few months the following ongoing maintenance has been undertaken on St James’ Church.

Window Restoration The window facing east in the north aisle has been completely renovated by the Salisbury Cathedral Stained Glass Department. This involved removing the three pieces of the window which were taken to the cathedral workshops, complete re-leading of the window, welding phosphor bronze tips to the sends of the ferramenta bars, followed by zinc and black powder coating of the bars and finally refixing the windows back into the stonework.

External Painting of the Church. All the metalwork on the outside of the Church (guttering, down pipes, ferramenta bars holding the windows in place, and wall plates) was painted before Christmas.

Stonework Repairs. In the near future £1000 of necessary stonework repairs are being undertaken.

These works have and will cost the church a considerable sum of money which is paird for from the Fabric Fund. It is all necessary expenditure if we are to retain our church for future generations.

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Margaret Mustill has very kindly arranged for the Chimney Sweep to come to the village on April 9^th. If you would like the sweep to come to your house on that day please ring Margaret on 790395. Many thanks to Margaret for organizing this.

BERWICK FETE

At the Fete Meeting on 2^nd February it was decided that we would have a Fete and Dog Show on Saturday June 13^th, with the Duck Race on Sunday June 14^th. The Fete and Dog Show will be at Berwick House with entries for the Dogs from 12 noon and the Fete starting at 1pm. It is intended that there will be a BBQ and Beer Tent, along with Teas, Cakes, Produce, with many other Stalls and Games. It was suggested that flowers and produce could be shown, along with a Children’s Competition. After some discussion it was decided that the profits would go; 50% each to the Reading Room and the Church, up to a maximum of £500 to the Reading Room, then above that 50% to the Church, and 50% to the Community Fund. There will be a committee to run the fete. More details contact Christian 790122. (Shortened minutes – full minutes available from Nicky Street).

THE BOOT PLOT

We will be having a meeting at the Boot Inn on Tuesday 10^th March 6 for 6.30pm. We would love to see everyone there. Any input you can bring to this venture will be greatly appreciated, the more the merrier. Don’t forget to grow on a bit extra for us this season. Herbs, trays, canes, netting, seed trays etc will be welcome.

Beat the Credit Crunch and lets grow our own. Your Plot needs You.

Chris 792800. Anne 790355.

HEATING OIL

WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. We received £46.28 in January. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

The list I made on January 1^st has produced a wonderful response. Seen in late January and early February, in addition, were Blackcaps, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Fieldfares, Barn Owl (several reports especially from Stapleford) and Kingfishers. There are Egrets up and down the river, some single and some groups – will they nest this year? And has the bad weather affected them at all? I have heard Woodpeckers recently (mid February) and there are a pair of Green Woodpeckers in a village garden. A question brought up by people living in the Chalke Valley is that since they have had many egrets, the kingfishers seem to have declined – has anyone else noticed this?

The report of the Great Bustard has created a great deal of interest, with the comment that there were some turkeys living free around Asserton woods at Christmas.

RSPB Garden Birdwatch Survey.
Jacky Webb has send in her most interesting bird survey done at the end of January.

Decrease in small birds in 2009 caused by harsh winter?

We participated in the RSPB Garden Birdwatch Survey this year, in 2008 and in 2005, the results are compared below.

The numbers are the maximum number of birds observed at one time during the hour.

Breed 2009 2008 2005

Jackdaws 16 0 0

Blackbirds 6 4 3

Collared doves 4 3 2

House Sparrows 4 6 18

Wood pigeons 4 4 1

Bluetits 2 3 4

Chaffinches 2 3 6

Longtailed tits 2 2 1

Robins 2 2 1

Starlings 2 3 7

Dunnocks 1 2 2

Goldfinches 1 3 2

Spotted Woodpecker 1 1 1

Blackcap 0 1 0

Brambling 0 1 0

Fieldfare 0 1 40

Great tit 0 3 2

Greenfinch 0 2 6

Songthrush 0 0 1

Wren 0 0 1

Total Breeds 13 17 17

We were not surprised by the reduction in numbers of birds and species. We have had fewer visitors to the bird table and bird feeders this year.

Great tits, greenfinches, song thrushes and wrens visit the garden but were nowhere to be seen during the “count”. There are certainly many fewer goldfinches this year and greenfinch numbers have not recovered from a disease that attacked them in the Summer of 2007 (according to RSPB and my observations of sick greenfinches in our garden. I wonder if any parish magazine readers have noted the same decline in small bird activity. Jacqueline Webb.

I have noticed this in our garden – particularly the decline in house sparrows. It is interesting that it is the small birds that have declined in number – there are certainly plenty of pigeons about! Another reason may be the two terrible summers we have had.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

Berwick Newsletter Dated December 2008

BERWICK ST JAMES

We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

We would like to invite everyone to come to our Christmas Services, all children are especially welcome. The services are a peaceful time in such a busy schedule, where we can consider the real meaning of Christmas.

Candlelit Carol Service

There will be a candlelit carol service in St James’ Church on Sunday 21^st December at 6pm. There will be mulled wine and mince pies on completion. Should you wish to attend please do not bring handheld candles. Anyone who came last year will know how wonderful and beautiful this service was.

Christmas Day. Family Communion at 10.30am taken by Jane Charman.

POSADA

Advent is advancing – time when Mary and Joseph are looking forward to spending a night or two in your home. Would all those who were so hospitable last time be willing to repeat the experience again this year? May I assume you would, unless you contact me to the contrary.

Any newcomers who would like to share the experience please contact Jane Rowe on 790575.

CAROL SINGING

The Village Carol Singing (an old tradition in Berwick – though it used to be done on Christmas morning) will take place on Saturday December 13^th starting at 6pm in the Church and finishing at the Guide Headquarters (The Old School) for mince pies and mulled wine. We welcome everyone to come along and sing, accompanied children especially. Please bring torches or lanterns. The Brownies who are staying at the Guide HQ are joining us and we are delighted that they are coming. We will be collecting for the Air Ambulance. We intend to sing at various points around the village and so, if you would like to have us come to you please could you ring Ian Fisher 790214 or Nicky Street 790309.

BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL

The Poppy Appeal raised £257.67 in Berwick, with many thanks to the collectors, and to the Boot Inn and The Farm Shop.

BERWICK MILL

On the 14^th November, a guide on one of the uprights supporting the hatches in Berwick Mill gave way. The hatch crashed down with the pressure of the water behind it, and the water rushed down the river, washing silt and mud from above the mill into the river below. As those people who have gardens down to the river above the mill have found out, the Mill holds back a lot of water! The river is flowing well at the moment so there is still a reasonable amount in the channel, and will quite quickly return to normal once new guides are put in and the hatch is put back. As I write we have not yet found the hatch – it is probably in the bottom of the mill pool – and will be difficult to get out and even more difficult to put back as it is very heavy. Hopefully, as you read this at the start of December, everything will be back to normal.

JAMES HAGGATY. West Indies Tour 09

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to my tour. For me to raise the monies (£1995) in such quick time was very humbling. A special thank you must go to my granddad Pete Whitfield. My tour is in April 09 from the 4^th to the 16^th. You will be able to read about my exploits in the June (or July) addition. Those of you that have the internet the West of England have a web site which is www.southanndwestregionalcricket.webly.com I have just joined Hampshire Academy and will now play my club cricket for the academy, and youth cricket for Hampshire leaving behind happy memories with Wiltshire. Once again I would like to thank everyone and wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. James.

THE BOOT PLOT

Vegetable growers wanted to join a team setting up a gardeners’ co-operative using Kathy and Giles’ plot at the Boot Inn. For a small regular commitment of time you could be part of this project which would benefit growers, the pub kitchen and the Village. Work will need to start soon so please contact Chris on 792800 or Anne on 790355. If anyone can offer greenhouse space for seedlings etc or a rotavator to do the hard work we would be pleased to hear from you. Any age, ability and expertise (or lack of it) very welcome.

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOOT INN

Kathy and Giles would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. The Christmas Party Menu is available from 2^nd to the 24^th December, Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner for bookings only. Telephone 01722 790243.

Our Christmas Opening is;

Christmas Eve 12noon to 2.30. 6pm to 10.30pm (Kitchen open Lunch and Dinner)

Christmas Day 11am to 2pm. Kitchen closed.

Boxing Day 12noon to 4pm. Brunch served 12noon to 3pm.

27^th – 30^th December, open as usual.

New Year’s Eve. 6pm to 1am (Dinner served at 7.30pm, booking is essential).

New Year’s Day 12noon to 4pm (Buffet lunch available).

PIE & PINT Evenings at THE BOOT INN

Come and enjoy a delicious homemade Pie and a Pint of beer each Tuesday evening for just £10. Choose from our pub favourites menu and enjoy a pint of IPA, Carlsberg, or Cider (Fruit Juice and House wine also available). Booking is essential, so please call 790243 to avoid disappointment.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Buy your Christmas goodies here – Dorset Lamb, Somerset Beef, Free Range Chicken and Duck, our local Pork, Sausages, Ham and Bacon, Vegetables from Bromham, Pies, Cakes, Jams, Local Free Range Eggs. Order early for Christmas – come in a have a chat with Marilyn about your requirements.

Order for the New Year and then you can collect on 30^th or 31^st (see below for opening times).

The Christmas Opening Times are;

Open; Sunday 21^stDecember, Monday 22^nd, Tuesday 23^rd. On Wednesday 24^th Christmas Eve the shop will shut at 2pm.

The Shop will be closed until Tuesday 30^th 9am – 12 noon. It will also be open Wednesday 31^st and Friday January 2^nd 9am – 12 noon (but shut Thursday 1^st). It will then remain closed until Tuesday 6^th when normal opening times resume.

Happy Christmas to you all.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES GREAT RIDE AND STRIDE

The 25^th Annual Cycle Ride and Walk in aid of Historic Churches was a great success in Berwick this year. Together, Jane Rowe, Nicky and David Street, Robert and Lucy Crossley, Laura and Isabel Jacks (with Liz Crossley) – cyclists, and Peter and Gabrielle Smith – walkers – raised a marvellous £314, half of which comes to Berwick Church and half to the Historic Churches Trust. We visited churches from Heytesbury to Harnham, from Sutton Veny to Salisbury Cathedral, and had a lovely day. Many thanks to all who took part and to those who “manned” the church, sitting in the sunshine. As someone who took part, I really appreciated being greeted at churches – and nice to be able to have a drink too, one church we visited was locked, and there wasn’t even a sheet of paper in the porch to write our names on! Thank you to everyone.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Please have a look and see if you can help! Have a look and see what is new – and don’t forget to look on the “New and Notices” to see what is on in the village at the moment. The Neighbourhood Watch includes a profile of our new PCSO Will Todd, and you can read the Neighbourhood Watch newsletters.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

A Hobby has been seen regularly in Winterbourne Stoke, it perches on the top of the telegraph pole and hunts in the Billy Goat Field.

There is an unusual flower blooming in a garden in Berwick St James. It is a Common Broomrape. This is unusual in that it was flowering in mid November as its usual flowering is in early summer. It has rather pretty mauve flowers along a single stem but entirely without leaves or any green part. It is parasitic, living on the roots of another plant, in this case, Anchusa, although it can feast on a variety of other plants. It is unlikely to do any significant damage to the host. It spreads by very small seeds.

There have been lots of reports of Egrets. I have seen the one in the river in south Berwick, another has been seen in Stapleford, and five at once in the trees in the field to the east of The Bell Inn at Winterbourne Stoke, and a pair is almost certainly nesting in these trees.

Deer have also been seen in the Billy Goat Field in Winterbourne Stoke. Can rabbits live with myxymatosis? There is a blind wild rabbit in Winterbourne Stoke which isn’t skinny and appears to be feeding well – it will take food from a hand.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Thank you for the very good ones this month. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

Berwick Newsletter Dated November 2008

Best Wishes to all who have been ill, or in hospital, and those having tests and we hope all procedures are successful. We are also thinking of those who have recently lost friends and members of their families. Our thoughts are with you.

Sylvia Seymour-Taylor

Sylvia would like to say that she is very sorry that she can’t come and say goodbye to all her friends here, she very much wanted to, but was unable to do so. Contact Nikki for her new address. It is a lovely place, and Sylvia is very upbeat and positive about the future where she will be near her family. Sylvia came to the village over 20 years ago with her late husband John, they both became essential parts of the village very quickly, and after John’s death, Sylvia continued to be both active and generous. She will be very much missed, and we all hope that she will be very happy in her new home.

Happy Birthday to Mrs Josie Emm who will be 80 on 2^nd November. Congratulations and best wishes to her from all of her family, and the same from her many friends.

A Note of Appreciation for the Village and The Village Shop.

This month is the second anniversary of living in Berwick – and thinking back we feel we are so lucky to have made so many lovely friends, and to have the Village Farm Shop open again with smiling Marilyn to provide us with our essentials – so much better than plodding off to Salisbury (expensive in terms of time and energy!). I feel everyone in Berwick should support this valuable asset and insure its continued existence. Not every village is fortunate to have a farm shop. From George Campbell-Johnson.

A Friend of Berwick.

Mrs Hilda Mary Rogers was a regular visitor to village events over the last few years, alongside Christine. On the 21^st of September Mary passed away peacefully at her home in Harnham and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Blake

Oliver Baines is a member of the group “Blake” who sing crossover – a mixture of pop and classical – the group has recently featured on Classic FM, and in OK magazine. They won a Brit Award for their first album, and their second album “And so it goes” has been recently released. They are doing a series of concerts around the country singing with Katherine Jenkins and Natasha Marsh, including the Albert Hall. Oliver Baines is the grandson of David and Honor Baines who lived in the village until recently, and Oliver spent a great deal of his childhood here! Good Luck to him and his group. Do have a listen to them, they are very good!

Dog Fouling on the Pavements

The pavements through Berwick have been particularly bad recently. Please pick up after your dogs – try to think what happens to the wheels of a pushchair, or the shoes of a child.

Great Cycle Ride – the report is held over until next month due to too much this month!

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The Annual CHRISTMAS BAZAAR is on SATURDAY 22^nd NOVEMBER at 2pm in the Reading Room. Come and buy your Christmas Cards and Wrapping Paper, have a go on the Tombola and The Raffle, buy a cake and some jam or other produce, have a browse through the Bric-a-Brac and have a cup of Tea or Coffee and a lovely chat with your friends.

The Reading Room will be open at 10.30am to receive any gifts you may like to bring. The Bazaar is in aid of Reading Room Funds.

For collection ring Nicky Street 790309 or Anika Lange 790122

READING ROOM

The Reading Room will be holding the Christmas Bazaar (see above), a market stall has been booked for 12^th September 09. We need to use the Reading Room more – does anyone have any ideas? Ring Nicky or Anika (see above). To hire the Reading Room, or the furniture or crockery please see Jean Hibberd 6 High St 790806

HARVEST SUPPER

The Harvest Supper held on Saturday 27^th September at the Guide HQ was great fun, with loads of people there, and a wonderful time had by all. Thanks must go to Jane Rowe for the really tasty lasagne, and all her hard work in organising the event and the kitchen on the night, thanks to all her helpers in the kitchen and elsewhere, to all those who provided salads and puddings, to Jacky Webb and Roland Castlemaine for the Raffle, to Marilyn at the Shop for collecting the Raffle items, to those who put out the tables etc and decorated, and to those who packed up and cleaned up. And a special thanks to everyone who came and made it such fun.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Church looked especially lovely dressed for Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday 28^th September. Thank you to all who decorated, and to those who brought the fruit and vegetables.

R2 MONEY

The R2 money that the village receives when there is development in the village, amounts to £1583.02 – see the Parish Meeting notes below. What do YOU want the village to use the money for – we can add to it with grants etc if people are keen – see in the Parish Meeting Report for some ideas, what other ideas would you like. Ring Tina Woodford 790444

BERWICK ST JAMES STONEHENGE PETITION

At our village meeting on 24^th September, it was suggested that in response to the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan, villagers might wish to sign a petition in support of our local councillors plan for the dualling of the A303 along or close to the line of the current road from the end of the dual carriageway west of Amesbury to the Longbarrow roundabout and then to bypass Winterbourne Stoke to the north to join up with the dual carriageways at Berwick Down. Their plan locates the Visitors Centre just to the west of Stonehenge along the A344. Signatures were given by 106 people (all aged over 18) from our small village. Every household in the village was visited and at least one person per household signed the petition. The occupants of only 2 houses could not be contacted due to being either away on business or holiday. The strength of feeling on this matter is enormous and is demonstrated by the overwhelming support for our councillors’ plan which is the cheapest, quickest to be constructed and the most sensible way forward of all possible options. Responses were required by 17^th October and a letter accompanying the signatures has been sent to the English Heritage, Mr Robert Key MP, The South West Rural Development Agency (2), and Salisbury District Council.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

The Vegetables from Bromham Growers has been outstanding – especially the purple Cape Broccoli and the Romanesque. And as we get into winter with more things appearing and Christmas fast approaching, perhaps time has come to talk to Marilyn about your Christmas Order – Meat (Turkeys, Chickens, Beef – and of course Pork), sausages (we will be doing cocktail sausages too), cakes, puddings, mince pies etc.

BERWICK STJAMES WEBSITE

We would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Please have a look and see if you can help! Have a look and see what is new – and don’t forget to look on the “New and Notices” to see what is on in the village at the moment.

HEATING OIL

Wessex Petroleum is committed to helping the local community and the community related Incentive Scheme is an ideal way to achieve this. Now that the cold weather is coming you may need to refill your oil tank, so please remember that WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. Please consider using Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172, if you need any heating oil. You will need to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. Many thanks to everyone who buys their oil through Wessex Petroleum and remembers to quote D14.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to us via the Contact us button above by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

Glennis. Please can you put this bit in the all villages part- to encourage everyone!

WILDLIFE WATCH

The Egret has been seen in the meadow in south Berwick, as well as near Asserton. A squirrel with a lot of red colouring was seen in Winterbourne Stoke churchyard. I thought I saw a Muntjack deer in the woods above Asserton – it was a very brief glimse – could I have been right? Has anyone else seen them here? I have also had reports of badgers in Grovely Woods. This mild weather means that ladybirds and catapillars have been seen up to 11^th October – have you seen any later? It seems that it has been a poor year for butterflies with the terrible summer (although the cabbage whites seem to have been active!) but I have had reports of Red Admiral, Skippers and Orange Tips. Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

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Berwick Newsletter Dated August 2008

JAMES HAGGATY for the second season in a row has been selected to represent the West of England at Cricket, this fourteen boy squad is selected from 8 counties plus Wales. James will now go to Loughborough University and play against the North, the South, and the Midlands. At the end of August James will play in a West of England trials match where a squad will be picked to go to the West Indies in February for 16 days. For the last year James has been in Gloucester Academy but because of fuel costs and long travelling James has now joined Hampshire. James at the moment plays his county cricket for Wilts under 14, and 15. He is captain of the 14’s.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Last (grandson of Barbara Last) as he got a 1^st class degree in Ancient History from Leicester and two special awards – from a very proud Grandma. CONGRATULATIONS to all who took GCSE’s, A levels and degrees – we hope you received the grades you needed for the next stage, we do know how hard you had to work!

CONGRATULATIONS to Martin and Rosie Gairdner on Martin’s 70^th birthday, their 40^th Wedding Anniversary, on the marriage of their son Julian to Mel – and they had a huge party to celebrate these, and that all their six children and grandchildren were in the country at the same time!

GET WELL SOON to all who are presently in hospital or who have recently been in, and to everyone who is a bit under the weather, and especially to Sylvia Seymour-Taylor who has broken her wrist (is there something in the water in Berwick?) and is in Odstock as I write.

As I write this, the Olympics are on in Bejing. Did you know that we had a connection here in Berwick? Joe Meyer who rode in the New Zealand team which got 5^th place in the Eventing, used to work for Scotland Lodge, and lived in Berwick for a couple of years – we knew he was good then!

There have been more problems with DOG MESS. Please do not allow your dog to foul the grass by the Reading Room – it is easy to bring a plastic bag and take it home again.

SCHOOL TRACK The right of way that runs up from the Guide HQ (the old school) to Druids Farm is the track. The fences were removed and it now makes a very pleasant walk, but the cattle there have been disturbed by dogs running loose amongst them, even when the cattle are several hundred yards away from the track. Please remember to keep your dogs under close control through or near any livestock – this means on the lead, or at heel. The right of way is really the track, not the field too, although many of us enjoy walking or riding on the short grass, but if we abuse a privilege given to us, it might not continue to be available in the future.

HARVEST SUPPER

This is on SATURDAY 27^th SEPTEMBER at 7pm at the Guide HQ (The Old School). It is free to all Berwick Residents and everyone is welcome especially the children. We will pay for it by the Grand Raffle – so remember your money and a prize! We have decided that if anyone from outside Berwick would like to come we would need to charge £5 for adults, and £3 for OAP’s and children.

You will receive a flyer with a tear off slip – please reply, it makes the organization so much easier. We are providing the main course and are asking for salads, puddings, cheese etc, as well as help (setting up, decorating the room, washing up, tidying away etc). Please bring your own bottles of wine etc, and glasses too, if possible.

For more information, offers etc please phone Jane Rowe 790575

Our Harvest suppers are always good fun, we do hope you can all come.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 28^th September at 10am. It will be a family service with no communion. We would very much like to invite the children to bring gifts of produce to the service so that these gifts can be presented by the children during the service. We very much welcome fruit and vegetables to decorate the church at Harvest Festival – please bring anything you can on Saturday. However, we have not found anywhere we can donate these items, so please come back after the service to collect your fruit and vegetables.

THE BOOT INN.

There is a fun Quiz every Sunday evening at The Boot Inn. It starts at 7.30pm. It is for teams of 4 or less, with £2 entry per person of which £1 will go to Cancer Research and the other for half time munchies. A 4 pint jug of beer for the winners (or a bottle of house wine if preferred). Please book your tables for your teams in advance as tables are limited. We look forward to seeing you – Giles and Cathy. 790243

GREAT CYCLE RIDE Saturday 13^th September.

This year the Great Cycle Ride – the Sponsored Ride and Stride in aid of the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust – is celebrating it’s 25^th Anniversary. Over the 25 years walkers, cyclists and riders have travelled between churches to raise money for Historic Churches, and for their own churches. Over those years £915,000 has been raised. This year they would like to make it £1million!

So can you take part? Or if not would you be able to sponsor someone? If you would like to then speak to Lyanne, or see me as I’ll be doing it again, and welcome all sponsors! Nicky Street. Last year Berwick’s walkers and cyclists raised about £420. Half went to Berwick Church and half to the Historic Churches Trust (who make grants to churches who need the money, if we take part, then we can apply for grants!) The ride/walk is great fun and well worth doing.

If you would like to take part please get your sponsor forms from Lyanne Street 790544 The Briars.

READING ROOM

The Reading Room had the Market Stall outside in Guildhall one cold Saturday in July. We made a profit of £113 (all from people outside the village!) even though several of the Committee were unable to help due to other commitments (like being away on holiday!) and so our very grateful thanks must go to Ian and Jackie Fisher who organized it, filled a trailer with books, and their car with Bric-a-Brac, and, with the very useful help of Sophie Colthurst and Olivia Marchant, sold the remains of the fete, and quite a lot of other stuff too! All that remained was taken to the Salisbury Hospice shop.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

New on the website: under “New & Notices” are details of The Wylye and Nadder Valley Neighbour Policing Team, with the latest Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin with our local PC John Wyeth, and PCSO Tracey Holloway. The address is www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Please have a look and see if you can help!

HEATING OIL

Wessex Petroleum is committed to helping the local community and the community related Incentive Scheme is an ideal way to achieve this. Thank you for your continued support – we received £50.99 this quarter. THANK YOU.

If you need to refill your oil tank please remember that WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. Please consider using Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172, if you need any heating oil. You will need to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. Many thanks to everyone who buys their oil through Wessex Petroleum and remembers to quote D14.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

On Friday 8^th August, in the garden at the back of 4 High Street, Barbara Last’s extensive knowledge was needed to identify the large caterpillars that were feasting on the leaves of a willow bush. There were about seven of them, up to four inches long, distinctive yellow diagonal markings on a vivid green body, a prominent upward spike at the rear and a strangely flat, slightly darker green front. They are very impressive now, but Barbara believes that they’ll reach twice their current size before burying themselves in the ground to emerge as Poplar Hawk Moths next year. From Anne Hughes.

Adrian Simmons the River Keeper on the lower Wylye watched a Hobby “hawking” Mayflies on the 2^nd June, catching them in it’s feet and eating “on the wing” consuming over 30 in the space of 10 minutes, he also saw a Red Kite on Oak Apple Day drifting over the whole village procession in Great Wishford, it’s been seen 3 times this summer. An unexpected sighting on the 8^th July flying up the river near Stapleford was an Oystercatcher, far from it’s normal haunts. Also two Salmon were seen at Great Wishford on 13^th July a few days after the heavy rain.

A stoat was seen killing a leveret on the byway road through Druids farm, are stoats becoming more common? – I have also seen them crossing the road between Stapleford and Berwick.

The House Martins nesting in our garage successfully fledged three or four youngsters (I could never make out exactly how many there were, even though the nest was just above head height). Many people buying eggs would have met the parents flying in or out!

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

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June 2008

WELCOME to GILES and CATHY DICKINSON at The Boot Inn. We are all looking forward to having you in the village, and hope that you enjoy living and working here, even though you have a very hard act to follow.

We held a party for KATHY DUVAL at The Boot Inn on Friday 18^th April, to wish her good luck in her new life in Berwick. There were lots of people there to celebrate and to drink Kathy’s health with the beer so generously provided by Wadworths. Charles Street thanked her for all she has done for the village and presented her with a lovely Garden Lamp and some vouchers from everyone in the village. Many thanks to all who made it such a good party, and especially to Richard Brasher for all his work.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING and Meeting of Parishioners.

At the Annual PCC the churchwardens Stephen Bush and Jane Rowe were elected, and were thanked for all their hard work last year, especially with the Christmas services.

Everyone who helps to keep Berwick Church so active and thriving was thanked too, all those who clean, do the flowers, lock the church, are sidesmen and readers, play the organ, are on the PCC etc – everyone!

The next APCC will be on Wednesday 22^nd April 2009 at 7pm in the Church.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

On the Sunday 22^nd June from 10 – 3.30pm we will be having a Tea Tasting from The Wiltshire Tea Company. They are a specialist supplier of high quality teas both loose leaf and tea bags. It is a family run business supplying an over 45 blends of high quality teas based in Corsham. There will also be tastings of the Berwick Farm Shop sausages, bacon, pies and cakes etc. Come along and see what we have!

The shop sells our own free-range pork, sausages, bacon and soon our own ham. Also free range chicken from Crediton, local Berwick free range eggs, lamb from Dorset and vegetables from Bromham near Devizes. We also have a nice selection of Jams, Chutneys, Pickles, bread, biscuits etc as well as our own cakes, pies etc. Have a look at the selection of Marmalades – specially made in Wilton for the shop.

BERWICK GUIDE CENTRE.

Wiltshire South Guides received a legacy of £15,000 in 2007. It was decided to add a conservatory to the back of the building, mainly to be used for storage of coats and footwear especially in wet weather. Building took place during the wet weather in January 2008, looking more like an indoor swimming pool rather than a conservatory. It has dried out now and we only have to tile the floor to complete this brilliant addition to our property.

We have recently fallen foul to thieves who have drained our oil tank, leaving one Brownie pack without heating when they came to stay. Could we ask residents of Berwick St James to keep a lookout for us and report anything suspicious happening at the Centre, to the Wilton Police. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

We are looking forward to meeting many villagers at the Fete in June, when we will be doing face painting during the afternoon.

Rosemary Douce.

HEATING OIL

If you need to refill your oil tank please remember that WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. We received £67.43 for the last payment made very recently. Please consider using Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172, if you need any heating oil. You will need to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. Many thanks to everyone who buys their oil through Wessex Petroleum and remembers to quote D14.

The report of The READING ROOM AGM, and LOCAL HISTORY has been held over until next month as there seems to be more than enough here!

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to Nicky Street…

CONGRATULATIONS to Giles Dickinson on his 40th Birthday – and on a great cricket match on 3rd September.

PARISH MEETING

HARVEST SUPPER

LADIES NIGHT AT THE BOOT INN

THE BOOT INN

BERWICK FARM SHOP

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

WILDLIFE WATCH

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

THE READING ROOM

HARVEST FESTIVAL

HARVEST SUPPER

CRICKET FIELD

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN

THE BOOT INN

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter - July 2011

NOTICEBOARDS

FETE

ROYAL WEDDING GARDEN PARTY

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

WILDLIFE WATCH

CHIMNEY SWEEP

READING ROOM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

RACE FOR LIFE

BERWICK “50 Club

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

WILDLIFE WATCH

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

CHRISTMAS PARTY with SUPPER

BERWICK ST JAMES 50 CLUB

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE

THE BOOT INN

WILDLIFE WATCH

CHURCH SERVICES

HARVEST FESTIVAL and HARVEST SUPPER

STOLEN LEAD FROM CHURCH ROOF

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE

THE BOOT INN

WILDLIFE WATCH

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

BERWICK HARVEST SUPPER

HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE

HARVEST SUPPER

Full details on the Berwick Website –www.berwickstjames.org.uk

Ilizarov

BERWICK ST JAMES GUIDE CENTRE. OPEN HOUSE

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN and TEAS

WILDLIFE WATCH

BOOT INN

WILDLIFE WATCH

SUNDAY JUNE 6TH DUCK RACE

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY

The path by the river is not normally open, this is a wonderful chance to see the village from a different angle!

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

READING ROOM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

BERWICK ST JAMES VILLAGE MEETING

WILDLIFE WATCH

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY

The path by the river is not normally open, this is a wonderful chance to see the village from a different angle!

LADIES RUNNING GROUP

BERWICK FARM SHOP

VILLAGE RECYCLING BINS

PARISH MEETING AGM

WILDLIFE WATCH

CHURCH SERVICES for EASTER

OPEN GARDEN at THE MILL HOUSE under National Garden Scheme

CHURCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

LADIES RUNNING GROUP

THE BOOT INN

HEATING OIL

PARISH MEETING

FETE and DOG SHOW 2010.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. It was an enjoyable but very touching memorial service at Wishford on November 1st. Thank you Rev Hugh Bonsey. Thank you to all the ladies for the delicious tea afterwards. Jean Hibberd,

Bonfires. Will people who have bonfires earl in the morning in their gardens please spare a thought for your neighbours who have washing on their lines.

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES

CONGRATULATIONS to Giles Dickinson on his 40^th Birthday – and on a great cricket match on 3^rd September.

SUNDAY JUNE 6^THDUCK RACE

MEMORIAL SERVICE. It was an enjoyable but very touching memorial service at Wishford on November 1^st. Thank you Rev Hugh Bonsey. Thank you to all the ladies for the delicious tea afterwards. Jean Hibberd,