The Parish Magazine
BERWICK ST JAMES
CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah and Toby Humphreys on the birth of their granddaughter Minna on 6th April and, of course, congratulations to Emily and Archie Warman too.
BARBARA LAST
Barbara Last, who died 5th March 2025, was a Berwick resident for over 40 years, and an amazing woman. Not just because she reached the grand old age of 96, but also because of her vast knowledge and varied contribution to local life.
She was born in Brighton, but the family moved to Reading via London, and she went to school there during the 1939-45 war. As a schoolgirl she was talented and pursued her studies with same vigour that she avoided PE. She was outstanding as an undergraduate at Queen Mary College in the University of London, and graduated top of the School of Zoology for the whole of London University. When she married Colin Stratford they moved to Salisbury to research posts at Porton Down. As their family grew, eventually to three surviving daughters and one son, she left Porton and began a second career as a teacher at South Wilts Grammar School. When her husband died suddenly, she was left a single mother until she married Dick Last, himself a widower. They both took on a new lease of life when they moved to Berwick in the 1980’s. Together they were active in Wiltshire wildlife, including funding the purchase of Middleton Down and acting as its Wardens for 30 years. Barbara also contributed the long-running series of articles to Wiltshire Life, known as the Last View, which were popular throughout the County. Her recording of botanical species and her regular efforts at trapping recording moths in her garden are well known to Berwick residents. She continued this work to the end of her long life.
CHURCH NEWS
Firstly, a big thank you to all those who helped at the Lent lunch. Over 25 people enjoyed the homemade soups, bread, cheese and fruit and we raised over £180 for charities, to be split between Salisbury Hospice and Julia’s House. Sincere thanks to Stephen Bush who helped with the setting up and to Janey Campbell-Johnston, Wendy Armstrong, Jane Rowe, gill Brasher and Ailsa Bush for their generous contributions. They were hugely appreciated by one and all.
Secondly, I write this prior to Easter so I send thanks, in advance, to all those who will be decorating the church for Easter. I am very confident that it will look very beautiful, we are indeed fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated team of flower arrangers. Thank you.
After a late Easter, May is looking to be a quieter month with two services, a Holy Communion at 9.30a.m. on Sunday 4th May and a Matins at 11.00am on Sunday 18th. As ever, all are welcome.
B3083 ADDED ROAD CLOSURE: 2, 6 AND 7 MAY
It certainly feels like there have been a lot of road closures to deal with just recently! Here is one more to add to the mix. In advance of the 8-week full closure for bridge repairs in Berwick (which start on 12th May), we have been informed that the B3083 will also be closed for resurfacing from 7am to 7pm on 2nd May between the Girl Guide Centre and Stapleford. The contractors hope the work will be concluded on 2nd May but due to any complications or unforeseen circumstances, it may run into 6th and 7th May. Contractors will not be working over the Bank Holiday weekend. Any changes can be checked on One.Network link.
TEA and CAKE and CHAT in the READING ROOM.
We had a lovely, busy Chat on 1st April, and were delighted to welcome Nicola who had walked from Salisbury by the river, and dropped in for a chat before catching the bus home. The more the merrier! The May chats are on Tuesday 6th and 20th May. There is no charge, cakes are welcome too. We very much welcome anyone from our other villages and visitors too.
VILLAGE MEETING and AGM
Berwick St James Village meeting and AGM will be 29th May in the Reading Room. All welcome.
*EVENTS AT BERWICK VILLAGE FAYRE*
Saturday 7th June from 1pm at The Clock House
Starting the afternoon with: Bar and Delicious Alfresco Grill by The Boot Inn with a Flavour of “Roam”. Berwick Turf Horse Racing. Kids Activity Den (hobby horse head design/parade/puissance and mini sporting challenges). Blooming Fabulous Plant Stall. Treasure Hunt. Epsom Derby Sweepstake. Bottle Tombola. Afternoon Teas and Yummy Homemade Cakes. Auction of Promises [see below]. Dog Scurry Timed Trials. Poolside Duck Race.
Auction of Promises!
Don’t miss your chance to come along and secure these amazing offers – all in aid of
Riding For The Disabled Association.
2 Tickets for Trooping of the Colour for 14 June 2025
“Roam” Fire Pit Cookery Class at The Boot Inn for September
Wildlife Acrylic Painting by Local Artist
One Evening Pottery Class at Stonehenge Pottery for September
2 Tickets for Chelsea Football Club for 25/26
Two-course Meal for 2 The Boot Inn
Round of Golf for 3 at the Exclusive Berkshire Golf Club, Ascot
Plus Too Good to be Missed Items in our Closed Bid Section
WELL ROTTED HORSE MANURE
Do you need any well-rotted organic local horse manure? Delivered in wheelbarrow loads. £5 per barrow. Raising money for the village and helping your plants grow. Please directly message Julian Glyn-Owen w/your address.
CHOCOLATE BINGO in The Reading Room.
A great fun evening was held in the Reading Room with lots and lots of chocolate, and wonderful pizzas delivered from the Farm Shop (thank you to everyone). We made £134 and, more importantly, had a great time. Thank you to all the Carpenter family for making it such a success, and to Sam and all at the Farm Shop for the lovely pizzas.
VILLAGE BOOKS AND BOOKLETS.
Over many years Berwick villagers have made books and booklets about themselves and the village. It would be great to have a collection of these in the Reading Room where anyone could have a look at them. For example Joyce Hughes organized a book of memories of World War II, I think that this was kept on a floppy disc, and sadly Joyce is no longer with us to ask her for it.
Does anyone have any spare copies of any books, leaflets or booklets however old, which they might like to donate, to go into the Reading Room?
Please contact Nicky via the website.
WILDLIFE WATCH
There wasn’t enough room last month for the Wildlife Watch – this first bit is from last month (March magazine). The flock of sparrow-sized birds mentioned in February’s magazine, seen at the north end of the village on farmland are identified as linnets – wonderful to see so many.
Reported a “siege” of herons at the north end of Berwick – three nests and lots of noise. Also, It would appear that the female swan from the river also at the north end has a new “younger” partner … her old and trusted partner has been given the push by the new interloper. That’s sad actually as they’ve been together for more than 17 years!!
A Great Spotted Woodpecker has been paying daily visits to a bird table in a central village garden, and in the same garden, on 21st February, a weasel was seen by the fish pond – never previously seen one in the garden.
For April Magazine. In mid March a Harrier was seen over Berwick Hill Farm, also Yellowhammers, and White Tailed Eagle over Berwick, and Grey Wagtails in Stapleford.
At last some butterflies! Peacocks and Red Admiral on 31st March, also Brimstone and Tortoiseshells, some small brown butterflies, Small Whites, and (perhaps) Painted Ladies.
Cowslips – every year since 2010 I have checked for the earliest Cowslip in the same place (in the field behind Asserton House). The first cowslips I have seen there this year were just open 21st March, despite the cold weather this is about average – it has been as late as 15th April or as early as 9th March.
Last year I recorded them on 13th March. In 2023- 24th March. In 2022 -17th March. In 2021 - 24th March. 2020 13th March. 2019 - 9th March, (this was the earliest I have records for). In 2018 – 24th March. 2017 - 19th March, 2016 - 14th March, 2015 - 1st April. 2014 – 21st March. 2013 – 15th April, 2012 – 25th March, 2011 – nearly out 16th March. 2010 – 4th April – all in the same place. We had cowslips flowering in the garden earlier.