The Parish Magazine
October '26
BERWICK ST JAMES
Congratulations to Brian Hiscock for scoring the winning goal against the Dutch to enable the Over 75 England B hockey team win the Gold Medal at the World Hockey championships at Breda in the Netherlands in August.
Our thoughts are with all villagers who are unwell, and also with those villagers whose families are in hospital or ill. Get well soon to all.
CHURCH NEWS
October looks to be a straightforward month with our two regular services. Holy Communion is at 9.30am on Sunday 4th October and a Matins Service on 11.00am on Sunday 18th October.
My grateful thanks to Jane Rowe for organizing our Pet Service, held on 16th August, which unfortunately was after the submission for the magazine. The weather allowed us to hold the service outside and we had 10 dogs, 2 horses and 1 chicken plus a goodly number of adults and children. Thanks to Jonathan Plows for taking the service.
BERWICK BRING AND SHARE CRAFT
Thursday 1st October. 7.30 -9pm
Bring your own craft projects to work on and problem solve in company. All people and crafts/hobbies welcome. Do you have a UFO (UnFinished Object) in your cupboard? Bring it along!
1st Thursday of every month 7.30 – 9pm. Berwick St James Reading Room. £2 donation for room hire. Everyone welcome.
TEA and CAKE and CHAT in Berwick
As Autumn comes, come along to the Reading Room on the first and third Tuesday and have a chat with friends – the room will be lovely and warm as will the welcome.
The Tea and Cake and Chats in October are on Tuesdays 6th and 20th, and in November 3rd and 17th from 2.30 to 4pm. Everyone welcome, from all our local villages and around, and visitors too, and so are cakes (but they aren’t compulsory!). There is no charge.
VILLAGE MEETING THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER at 7pm in The Reading Room
The Village meetings are an important part of Berwick life – unlike most communities our decisions are made by the village rather than by a committee, so it is important that we get the widest possible input from you. These decisions include what social events we hold, how accrued funds are distributed, together with discussion and action on matters of interest to the community, so I do hope you will be able to join us.
We are delighted that we will be joined by Philip Wilkinson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon. Mr Wilkinson will give us an exclusive update on the government’s policing strategies and share his vision for the safeguarding of rural communities. Following his talk there will be an opportunity to ask any questions of interest villagers. Additionally we will be joined by the Bobby Van who work with Wiltshire Police and will be talking with us about local scams and how to keep safe online and at home.
The majority of the agenda however will focus on items you would like to discuss, so please inform Carolyn of anything you want to be included by the beginning of October, so the agenda can be distributed a week before the meeting. I look forward to seeing you on the 22nd October.
Best Wishes, James.
James Barnes Village Chair.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
The Reading Room Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 28th November from 10.30 am.
A date for your diaries. Start the Christmas Season with us in the Reading Room.
We look forward to seeing you there.
A DATE FOR BERWICK RESIDENTS’ DIARY: 7pm on 14th December
The Village Meeting will be holding a Christmas Cheese & Wine & Chat evening for Berwick residents at the Reading Room on Monday 14 December from 7pm. Keep the date free and join us for a very informal evening of drink, eat and mingle.
THE BOOT INN and OLD FORGE CAFÉ
Look out for special events at both the Boot Inn and the Old Forge Café. The Café runs take away Pizza nights every Friday. 6pm – 9pm. The Boot Inn has a Meat Raffle with the draw the last Friday of every month. Also a Pub Quiz on Wednesday evenings – the first one was great fun!
PLANT, PRODUCE and FLOWER TABLE supporting CRUK
Hello villagers and neighbouring villages.
Autumn when did that happen? Mother Nature waits for no gardener!
My favourite time of year, perfect weather for putting the garden to bed but not too tidy as our precious beasties need somewhere to sleep before they emerge text season to do it all again for us, where would we be without them I dread to think. I am already thinking what can I grow next season but have decided to “Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience” – RW. Emerson.
I am not quite ready to cash up our raised funds yet as I am hoping for a final push with jams and chutneys, hope you can spare a few jars. Don’t forget our book shelf in the barn at our very own Old Forge Farm shop, pop in for a coffee and a browse all donations for books very welcome.
What do you think of the smart brand new table opposite the Boot Inn? I am over the moon with it and admire it every single day, thanks to the Carpenter family for their amazing effort and love.
Thank you as always for your continued support. Yours Aye Christine.
WEATHER: SUMMER OF 2026
We all know how hot this summer has been.
We have a small amateur weather station in our garden and I thought it might be interesting to give some details. This is for the 3 summer months (June, July and August) of this year.
Rainfall – 64.2mm. Days without rain – 69.
Max Temperature 37.6 (August). Days over 30 degrees– 40.
Taking the average of the years 2013 – 2025;
Rainfall – 126.34mm. Days without rain – 55. Max temp 34.5 (July). Days over 30 degrees – 11.
This year the hottest day was 3.1 degrees more than the average of the previous 12 years.
There were 29 more days over 30 degrees in 2026 than the average of the previous 12 years.
I am not looking forward to next summer.
Nicky Street