SPOTLIGHT - DECEMBER 2005 & JANUARY 2006

With the Festive Season rapidly approaching Spotlight felt that the picture on the cover is appropriate. The Spotlight team would like to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and a Happy and Successful New Year.

Personality of the month.

The approach of Christmas is probably the ideal time to personify Ron Westacott, the reason being that he has almost certainly played the role of Father Christmas more often than anybody else within the Benefice.

Originally when he came to Seend, Ron only intended to stay for three years. Instead, he’s still here after over thirty-one years. He retired following forty years service with the Admiralty/MOD(Navy) working in Royal Dockyards and naval bases at home and abroad, service for which he was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
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Looking at Ron’s contributions to so many areas of sport and society in Seend, they come as no surprise when his life prior to Seend is examined. He had spent some thirty five years in amateur theatricals with eleven companies both at home and overseas before retiring from the Bath Drama Club. However, he has kept his hand in with twenty pantomime appearances with the Seend Fawlty Players. When stationed in Hong Kong in the 1950’s he wrote, directed and performed in radio drama. He confesses to enjoying a moment of glory when the South China Morning Post referred to him as “Hong Kong’s Own Playwright”. At home he had two radio scripts broadcast by the BBC. (Watch for him in The Fawlty Players forthcoming production of Hansel and Gretel).

As we know, his enthusiasm for almost any sport is boundless. At age 18 he made some appearances for Bath City F.C. Reserves and continued playing competitive football until aged 54 and cricket for a considerable time thereafter. He boxed for the naval base in Ceylon and as an independent, was welter weight runner up in the 1946 Ceylon ABA championships. (The winner represented Ceylon in the 1948 London Olympics). In 1972 he qualified as a football referee with Somerset F.A. and since coming to the Parish he has served as trainer, Chairman and President of Seend United F.C. The cricket club has been equally lucky in getting Ron’s services as Captain, Secretary/Treasurer and President. He officiates as Umpire in the traditional August Bank Holiday fun game, and prepares the pitch for Families Day and for the Fete.
He has given 26 years coaching and assisting with sport at Seend School helping to turn out many winning teams and for 13 years helped with Riding for the Disabled at Heddington and Lackham. He ran a ladies Keep Fit class and organised the sports activities for Seend Church Families Day. Ron’s support for the Seend Lye Recreation Field also extends over many years having twice been Vice-Chairman and once acting Chairman. He was a prime mover in the creation of the Millennium Garden and for a long time, has been a staunch member of the Last of the Summer Wine. Always at the forefront at Fete time, in addition to helping with preparation he has participated in many roles and claims to be the only man to traverse the High Street by child’s bicycle, roller skates, 8 feet stilts and on the back of a camel.

Space precludes so much that should be said. He has undertaken sponsored walks and raised money for various charities. He has given in depth talks on the American Civil War. He is a Vice-President of the Social Club, a member of the Seend Theatre Group, the Seend Poetry Group, the Rambling Club and still manages to paint, carve and sculpt in his spare time. And there is still much left unsaid. Ron’s contribution to our society has been, and continues to be, enormous.He well and truly deserved being awarded an MBE in 1996 for his services to our community.

JSS.

SEEND MOTHERS’ UNION:

The Seend branch of the Mothers’ Union will not meet in December but members are invited to join other Branches for their Christmas celebrations.
2nd December: Deanery Advent Communion at 10.30a.m. in Bromham.
14th December: Christmas afternoon at 2.30p.m. in Keevil.
14th December: Christmas afternoon at 2.30p.m. in All Cannings.
14th December: Carol Service in St. Andrews Church, Melksham Forest . At 2.30p.m.

A Happy Christmas to everyone.

18th January, 2006. Seend January Meeting and AGM.
Tea Hostess’ will be the Committee.

THE LATE PAT BURTON:

Nicola, Auntie Barb and family wish to thank everyone who attended Pat’s funeral, for the cards and messages of sympathy at this very sad time, and also for donations for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Special thanks to the Revd. Sacha Pearce.

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION.

Armistice Day:

A group of 28 members and non members, including some visitors to the Parish, gathered at the War Memorial at 11.00hrs. on Friday, 11th November, for a short time of silence and prayers in remembrance of those who died in the two world wars and subsequent hostilities. The prayers were led by The Reverend Julian Harford and the two minutes silence was observed.

Remembrance Sunday:

Thirty five members of the Legion paraded for the annual Remembrance Day service under the command of Colonel Nigel Knocker and, after wreaths had been laid at the War Memorial by Major Anthonly Hodgkinson (RBL), Peter Fisher (RAF), Liz Campbell (MU) and Shirley West (WI), they were led into church by our Standard Bearer, Brian Culverhouse. The service commenced with the reading of the names of those from the village who had died during the two world wars, read by our President Peter Hicks. This was followed by the two minutes silence, with the Last Post and Reveille being played by our Bugler, Derek Kimber, who has now been carrying out these duties for us for 38 years. The service was conducted by the Rector, The Reverend Sacha Pearce assisted by our Chaplain, The Reverend Freddie White.

After the service all members of the congregation were invited to the Community Centre for light refreshments, and our thanks go to the Centre Staff for laying this on so well and to those attending for their kind contributions towards the cost.

Poppy Collection:

The usual team of Poppy Sellers toured the Village during the fortnight preceding Remembrance Day and, thanks to the generosity of all those who subscribed, broke last years record collection with a total of £2,415.
Our thanks go to all the Collectors, and to Anthony and Katharine Hodgkinson for organising and co-ordinating the whole event once again.

Committee Meeting:

ll members of the Committee are reminded that the next meeting will be held in the upper room of the Community Centre at 2000hrs on Thursday, 19th January, 2006. Please do your best to attend

SEEND COMMUNITY CENTRE & SOCIAL CLUB:

The Hall is now 25 years (a quarter of a century!) old and after a great deal of use, is in need of refurbishing. Granted charitable status from January this year, it is now possible to apply for grants and now, some of the application forms are almost ready for submission. Once submitted, we can only wait and hope for satisfactory results.

In the meantime, activities continue. Ray Willis and Geoff Wiltshire are to be congratulated for the success of their event when some 150 people danced to the music of the “Sticks” Band. Very importantly some £750 has been passed to the Dorothy House Hospice. Another successful evening was held on Saturday, 12th November, when the audience was entertained by JINX and ABBA band and by comedian Roy Charles.

With Christmas and New Year rapidly approaching, a lot of activities are in the pipe line with interest being expressed in the evening of Ballroom Dancing planned for Saturday, 10th December and dancing to Mike Jeffs Quartet. There will be the Christmas Bingo, on the 22nd December there will be the Christmas Draw plus the Skittles Challenge match where the Social Club play Seend and the Rest of the World. New Year’s Eve will see further festivities. On 2nd January next year the Village Walk will leave the Hall at 11.00a.m. Walk around the Parish before returning to the Hall .Soup, where rolls and mince pies will be available for a small cost and the bar will be open. A cabaret evening and Burns’ Night Supper are also planned for January and looking ahead to February Motown & Soul plus vocal comedy are booked for 25th February, and of course – the Pantomime and the Fawlty Players.

JSS

HISTORIC HOUSES CLUB:

The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held on 3rd November and was well attended by members. Suggestions for visits in 2006 were announced, after which we listened to an interesting talk by Mr. Ivor Slocombe on “Toll Houses”.

This year we have had a varied itinerary with visits to Eton College, the Museum of Welsh Life, Mapledurham House and Frampton Court, also a talk on Bromham followed by a guided tour of the village and a meal in The Greyhound. We now look forward to next year’s programme.

JS.

ANOTHER LETTER CONCERNING THE VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE:

Re. the recent articles concerning Victoria Sponge Cake. I note the last piece was rather serious – quoting the great Mrs. Beaton – but the first article brought to mind one of my first encounters of “Village Life”.

In the early 1970’s I arrived in Seend and was keen to join in village activities. I entered the Victoria Sponge competition, using gooseberry jam (my best that year) liberally in the middle of the cake and icing sugar (as my Mother had taught me) on top.

I was most upset to find my cake “BANNED”. There beside it was a terse note “Raspberry Jam only in a Victoria sponge and caster sugar on top”.
I still get upset at the thought of this humiliation, but am slowly coming out of therapy.

SEEND W.I.

The Speaker at our November meeting, Mrs. Pauline Hawkins, gave us an unusual illustrated talk on “Events and Scarecrow Trails through 2004”.
We were taken on the Scarecrow Trails through Urchfont in 2004 and 2005 and had great fun identifying the various nursery tale characters in 2004 and song and film titles in 2005 that the scarecrows depicted. Some of these showed great imagination – especially the one depicting the song title “Waterloo”!! A lot of hard work must have gone into the planning and construction of the displays.

There was a lovely show of beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts for Green Lane Hospital patients and the competition “A Green Lane Parcel” was won by Mrs. Meriel Taylor.

Mrs. Lucy Hatton read a letter from the Newlands W.I. in New Zealand. This W.I. was originally linked to Sandridge and Forest W.I. but when this closed Lucy joined Seend W.I. and carried on with the correspondence. We enjoyed hearing about W.I. activities and other interesting aspects of life in this distant country.

Our next meeting is on 14th December. Instead of a Christmas theme the speaker, Mrs. Clare Hanham, will talk about “My life and Work at the Royal School of Embroidery”. Anyone who is interested in this subject is very welcome to join us. The competition will be ‘A Piece of Embroidery’ and the Tea Hostesses will be the Committee. The speaker at our first meeting of 2006 on 11th January is Mrs. Sandra Long who will be telling us about ’The Work of the Citizens Advice Bureau’. The competition will be ’A Piece of Jewellery’. Tea Hostess: Miss Ruth Body

The Committee and members of Seend W.I. wish all our friends a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Betty Smith.

THE VILLAGE SCRAPBOOK – ANOTHER APPEAL!

In case you missed the previous appeal in ’Spotlight’ a reminder that in 1954 a National Competition was held by the Women’s Institute to compile a ’Village Scrapbook’. The Seend W.I. entry was ’Highly commended’ . Since that time we have updated the scrapbook twice and it now comprises 6 portfolios and 6 files which are kept safely at the County Records Office. The term ’scrap book’ does not really do justice to this fascinating record of the village. Many people have referred to the books for interesting and valuable information for various projects. The most notable example was probably Mr. Edward Bradby when he wrote the book”Seend – A Wiltshire Village Past and Present”.

The time has come to update again. We have a number of cuttings from newspapers, leaflets, Spotlight, etc. but we are appealing for more items and photos of any interesting events. All Village organisations such as the Gardening Club, Short Mat Bowls, Choir, Bellringers, Football Club, Cricket Club, Playgroup, etc. are asked to look through their records and let us have anything appropriate Copies can be made of most things if you do not want us to keep the originals.

We hope to make a start on the update next Spring so, if you have anything you consider suitable, please contact one of the Scrapbook team – Mrs. May Ferris (tel: 01380 828371): Mrs. Pam Hillier (tel: 01380 828494): Mrs. Margaret White (tel: 01380 828525): and Mrs. Betty Smith
(tel: 01225 705492).

We look forward to getting a good response to this appeal. It does not matter how old the material is – very often it enables us to fill in some blanks in our previous records. Thank you in anticipation of your help.

Mrs. Betty Smith – co-ordinator.

KEEVIL SCHOOL NEWS:

The Upper Juniors are taking part in the International Lego Robotics Challenge at Bath University this Autumn. It is certainly a challenge for us: there is a Lego robotics event, whereby pupils programme their robot to complete various set tasks and then there is a presentation to do, before judges, on this year’s theme: Ocean Odyssey! We are working very hard on this project and our thanks go to Andy Vick for his tremendous support and Blue Max for providing us all with T-shirts for our “Big Day”.

Our Christmas Nativity production will be held on Monday, 19th December at 6.30p.m. in St. Leonard’s Church, Keevil and afterwards, please join us in the School Hall for festive refreshments. Our collection this year will be for the school in Sri Lanka that we hope to link with over the next few months. Start your Christmas with us!

Mo Laycock.

F.O.K.S. (FRIENDS OF KEEVIL SCHOOL).

Christmas Craft Fayre: Please try and come along and support the school at our Christmas Craft Fayre at Steeple Ashton Village Hall on Saturday, 3rd December, we have lots of themed stalls and our festive café will be serving home made refreshments throughout the day. Doors open at 11am until 2pm.
(There may still be an opportunity for you to hire a table and sell your craft at this event – for further details please call Debbie Scott on 01380 870410 asap to avoid disappointment).

We have a fantastic Christmas Hamper Raffle which we will be selling tickets for on the day. The draw will take place at the school’s Christmas Concert at St. Leonard’s Church, Keevil on Monday, 19th December – don’t miss it!

Keevil School ‘100 Club’ How about trying your luck and joining our ‘100 Club’? For as little as £12, you could win up to 3 prizes from each of the 6 draws to be held during the school year. Cash prizes reflect the amount of tickets we sell, so go on, have a go today! For more information, please contact Jan Flynn on 828248 or ask at the school.

Sponsored Run – Keevil Airfield – Saturday, 3rd June, 2006:
We are still actively looking for ‘manpower’ on the day to assist with anything from marshalling to manning the stands on the day, or leaflet drops before the big event. Please contact the school with your details and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Further details of our website for application forms and telephone numbers will be available shortly.

This only remains for us to say HAPPY CHRISTMAS and we look forward to bringing you more fundraising and school news in 2006!!

If you require further details on any of the above, please contact Debbie Scott on 01380 870410 or Keevil School on 01380 870376.


BULKINGTON NEWS

Bulkington Ladies:Our October meeting was hosted by John Girvan who took us on his entertaining Ghost Walk around Devizes. The mild dry weather was an added bonus, and we finished off what was a hugely enjoyable evening with a social drink and chat.

Our next get-together will be on Thursday, 24th November, with a meal in a local pub/restaurant – this will be our last meeting this year. Our 2006 programme starts in January with an evening of jazz as an antidote to those winter blues.

We meet every month, usually on the last Thursday. New ladies are very welcome, either regularly or on an occasional basis.

Geraldine (828664)

THANKS:

Angela Read would like to express her heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and messages of comfort she received after the sad death of her husband Mike on 25th October. She was supported, too, by so many friends from Bulkington on the occasion of his funeral on 2nd November, a celebration of the life of this most gentle of gentlemen.

THE MOTHERS’ UNION: Wednesday, 14th December, 2.30p.m.

We invite you to join us for our “Christmas Afternoon” at Keevil Village Hall for a feast of carols, readings and poetry followed by a delicious tea and Xmas Raffle. Come along and enjoy a taste of Christmas. Everyone most welcome.

Wednesday, 25th January, 2006, 11.30a.m.
Our meeting at Manor Farm,Keevil with Communion followed by a hot lunch

CHURCH FLOWERS:

Sunday 4th & 11th December - Mrs. Difford.
Sunday 18th & 25th December - Mrs. Raby-Cox.
Sunday 1st & 8th January - Mrs. Jones.
Sunday 15th & 22nd & 29th January – Mrs. Elliott.

CHURCH CHRISTMAS FLOWERS.

I suggest we decorate the Church at your convenience, anytime during the week leading up to and including SATURDAY, 17th DECEMBER in readiness for the Christmas Services. Please contact Andie Elliott 828277 for oasis or further details.

CHURCH CLEANING:

December 1st to 15th - Mrs. McDonald.
December 16th to 31st - Mrs. McDonald.
January 1st to 15th - Mrs. Elliott.
January 16th to 31st - Mrs. J. Breach.

CAROL SINGING IN BULKINGTON:

We invite you to join our happy band of carollers on Wednesday, 21st December at 6.30p.m. as we wander around the Village bringing a little festive cheer to your doorstep. Please meet at the Church.

We welcome anyone of any age to come along. Carol sheets are provided, but please bring along your torches or lanterns and wrap up warmly! Collections are made in aid of the Womens’ Refuge in Salisbury.

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING:

There will be a Christmas Coffee morning on Thursday, 8th December in Bulkington Village Hall from 10.30a.m. to 12noon.

Come along and enjoy a lovely cup of coffee and chat. There will be a Christmas raffle and Bring & buy stall. Everyone is most welcome; call in before you go Christmas shopping!! Proceeds to Church funds.

BULKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL:

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 11th January, 2006 at 8.15p.m. in Bulkington Village Hall.

Finally, may I wish all “Spotlight” readers a very happy Christmas and all good wishes for the New Year. Back in 2006.
Andie Elliott.

CHRISTMAS TRAIN RIDES TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS:

s I write this contribution, the news has just come in that Santa is on his way back from the Falkland Islands where he has been practicing dropping off ‘goodies’ for his friends the Thomas Atkins family (who dress in camouflage suits). This business of rushing around the world delivering goodies and presents needs lots of practice! So in order that the elves and fairies get all the presents just right when he visits the Great Bulkington Railway on 17th December we have to make sure that all the boys and girls are booked in as soon as possible after the FIRST OF DECEMBER. The last guaranteed bookings that we can accept will be on Sunday, 11th December.

Our friends from the West Wiltshire Society of Model Engineers will be bringing their miniature steam and diesel engines along to haul our guests on an exciting ride to Santa’s Grotto. Special ‘Welsh Dry’ steam coal has been brought from Chepstow to work the steam engines and all the signals and track will be inspected and checked on the day.

On Saturday, 17th December, steam & diesel trains will depart from Bulkington Station (Next to the Village Hall) at 5-minute intervals from 3pm. until 7p.m. – hopefully the weather will not be too wet or windy.

The excited, warmly dressed passengers will travel on the trains through the tunnel and see the coloured signals, Christmas lights and displays before arriving at Santa’s Station. Once inside Santa’s Grotto Father Christmas will give the children a Christmas present (of approx. value £2.50). Shortly after the children (and parents) will go into the decorated Village Hall (where the Christmas tree is located) and refreshments will be served to our adult guests. While the lucky children open their presents, adults may collect their free glass of wine or enjoy a cup of coffee and a chinwag!
For Bookings, for specific timed departures (after 1st of December
PLEASE Call the Booking Clerk Nev. Boulton on 01380 828101.

FARES PAYABLE IN ADVANCE, CHILDREN £5.00
ADULTS £3.00. ALL CHEQUES PAYABLE TO B V H R F.
NOTE: ALTHOUGH CASUAL GUESTS WILL BE WELCOME TO PURCHASE TICKETS (IN THE VILLAGE HALL), TRAIN RIDES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

All profits to Bulkington Village Hall Restoration Fund.

BOXING DAY RUN ON THE GBR.

Just in case you think that we may have ‘Had enough’ with perhaps around 500 children and parents visiting Santa on 17th December! - we shall be running our Boxing Day trains (as usual) on Boxing Day from 1.00p.m. until 4.00p.m.
Nev & Thelma (01380 828101)

NASHVILLE NITES RETURNS TO BULKINGTON.

Starting Monday, 9th January, 2006 at Bulkington Village Hall, Line Dance classes will re-commence. The class will start at 7.00p.m. and go on until 9.00p.m. and will run until you can dance no more. Dances taught will be Beginners through to Intermediate standard. Come along and join the fun. Class fee £3 per session. For further details contact Richard or Wendy (tel: 01249 814803. Mobile: Richard 07947 626206, Wendy 07716 166016.

WEA, Seend Branch:

On Monday, 9th January, 2006 everyone is invited to attend at 7.30p.m. in the upstairs room of Seend Social Club, Rusty Lane, when we shall hold the branch AGM and then discuss our subject choices for study in the future.

The following Monday, 16th January, 2006 we start “An Introduction to Classical Mythology”. The early Greeks believed they were ruled by gods and lived in a world with monsters, people with magical powers, heroes and tragic royal families. The planned syllabus consists of 8 weekly meetings from 7.30 to 9.15p.m.

1. Introduction. What are myths, what was their purpose and why were they important?
2. Greek myths about the Creation of the World.
3. The gods of Mount Olympus.
4. Myths of great heroes. Zeus, Jason,
5. Hercules, Perseus, etc.
6. Myths associated with the
7. Royal household.
8. Myths associated with caves and mountains, seas, streams and springs.

The tutor will be Paul Robinson.
The total fee will be £32.00
Come and explore this fascinating subject.

Don and Heather Hyde.

SEEND PLAYGROUP– the Pavilion, Rusty Lane, Seend:

Seend Playgroup is a welcoming Village playgroup whose aims are to enhance the development and education of pre-school children in a fun, friendly and secure environment. We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities leading to approved early learning goals and encourage fun and friendship with other children and adults.

All staff have Pre-school Learning Alliance qualifications, or other early years training and are committed to preparing your child to progress to school with confidence.
In addition regular outings are planned, including walks locally and visits to various places of interest. We actively encourage parental involvement, with opportunities for both you and your family to be directly involved in activities of the group and in your own child’s progress. Our playgroup meets at the following times :
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9.00a.m. to 11.45a.m.
Wednesday from 12.00 noon to 2.30p.m.

For more information and to arrange an informal visit please call Liz Futter on 01380 828485 or, during play group hours on 0780 340 3356.

SEEND & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB:

At the Club’s October meeting, Monica Blake gave a very comprehensive revue of the wild Orchids growing in Great Britain and the much larger number growing in mainland Europe. Many can be seen growing locally at Morgan’s Hill and Clattinger Farm which has been an organic farm for many years and is now run by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Monica is willing to accompany members of the Club on a walk around Yatton Down, which can be a prolific area for orchids in early June, 2006, so watch out for a notice about the date of this. The competition for the last rose of summer was won by Pat Fisher.

Club visit to Brittany:

This will be from Wednesday, 14th June to Sunday, 18th June. We shall be staying at a three star hotel by the river below the medieval town of Dinan.
Once there the travel will be very relaxed to see gardens and places of interest in the area, with time for some shopping. If you are interested in coming, or wish to have more details, please contact Roger Allen (828493). The list for names was out at the November meeting and will also be there at the December meeting.
The second garden to be visited during the Club Day out on 22nd July will be to Old Church House, Wantage. More details nearer the time, but it sounds delightful.
Our grateful thanks to Richard Whitehead for suggesting that we invite Martin Rickard to talk to us in November and his expertise was “Ferns”.
Even those who had not expected to be interested, found themselves enjoying his fluency and humour and the subject. Peter Fisher won the competition with a humorous photograph taken on the Club visit to France.

Last reminder to plant some bulbs for the Spring Bulb Show next March

December meeting on 13th at 7.30p.m. in the Pavilion. The speaker will be Chris Evans, talking about the Dendry Nursery started by his father and where you can still buy seeds according to the number you require instead of a huge packet! The competition will be for a Christmas decoration made from cones.
The meeting on 10th January is simply entitled “Weather” by Malcolm Thomas. The competition is for a weather tip, may be gleaned from grandparents or other family members: please write it down so that we can all read it and we will ask our speaker to judge. His comments should be worth having. Friends and potential members are always welcome.

Wishing all our members and friends a Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year.

Joyce Brand.

SEEND & DISTRICT RAMBLERS:

The walk scheduled for Sunday, 30th October had been cancelled due to very bad weather conditions.
There had been an error to Colin Waldeck’s walk appearing in the last Spotlight as 20th November. This should have been Sunday, 27th November. Sorry for any inconvenience caused, but I hope to have let every member know in good time.

Next walk in December will be on Sunday, 11th: Terry and Sheila Williams will be planning this one, details at time of going to press still not finalised. Please meet in Rusty Lane for a 9.30a.m. start. The distance will be no longer than 5½ miles.
Tuesday, 27th December (Bank Holiday). Bob Howe will be planning this walk, details to be finalised. Meet in Rusty Lane for a 10a.m. start.

We normally have a New Year’s Day walk. We have decided that as there is a VILLAGE WALK planned for Monday, 2nd January, 2006 we would support it. Starting at 11a.m. from the Community Centre, Rusty Lane, Seend. After hiking around the village for about one hour, walkers will end back at the Hall where hot soup and mince pies will be available at a modest price, with the bar open.
Sunday, 22nd January, 2006: Meet Rusty Lane at 9.30a.m. Start of walk: The Common, Broughton Gifford at 10a.m. Meet in road adjoining The Bell pub, east of the Common. Roadside parking available. Route: Atworth
Whitley, Shaw, Norrington Common. Distance 4½ or 5 miles depending on the weather. Drinks and refreshments as required. Leader Gordon Reeds.

Finally, as 2005 draws to a close and 2006 approaches, I would like to wish all Members and Friends a very good Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year.

Lin Salter.

GUITAR RECITAL:

he recital by Hayley Savage on October 22nd was an absolute delight. Despite the audience being on the small side, the evening made just over £70 for the Pavilion and Lye Field. Thanks to the two Rons, the two Jans, Simon and Anita for their help.

SEEND POETRY GROUP:

he group meets every six weeks or so to read and discuss poems – ancient, modern, serious and hilarious – about pre-selected topics. Some of us also attempt to write. If you would like to join us, ring Tessa on 828617. Members of the group were very saddened by the loss of Joe Byrne. He had a deep knowledge of all things literary, and his anecdotes, memorised quotations and gentlemanly demeanour will be greatly missed.

SEEND FAWLTY PLAYERS – HANSEL AND GRETEL:

The annual Village Panto will take place in Seend Community Centre on 16, 17 and 18th February, 2006. We can promise you an original Fawlty slant on the story, with plenty of opportunities to shout “Look Behind You!” etc.
Tickets will be on sale from mid January – watch out for posters.
If you can help with costume-making, props, scene shifting or refreshment organising – or if you happen to have some adult-sized, old-fashioned Girl Guide or Boy Scout outfits in the attic – please ring Pete and Anita on 828757 or Tessa on 828617. Also please ring Tessa if you would like to advertise in the Panto programme.

BUS TIME TABLES:

f you need an up-to-date timetable for the 49 Trans-Wilt Express, or the X71/72, there are a few copies on the Seend Shuttle – or ring Tessa on 828617. Otherwise you can ring the Wiltshire Bus Enquiry Line on 08457 090 899 from 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. And don’t forget the Hopper bus service from your door to the RUH. Phone 01985 212213 for details.

SEEND SHUTTLE:

s reported last month, the new Seend Shuttle should be with us in the New Year. New bus, New year, New drivers? Ring Pete on 828757 if you’re interested in volunteering.
Negotiations are under way to re-route some of the Shuttle’s journeys through Bromham for a trial period, hopefully to the two villages’ mutual advantage. Watch this space. You can see the existing timetable on w ww.seend.org.uk
If you want to join the shopping trips on the first Wednesday of each month, ring Terry on 828203.

SEEND 100+ CLUB DRAWS FOR SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER.

September 2005: The draw took place on Tuesday, 20th September in the Pavilion following the Lye Field Committee Meeting. The winning number which were drawn by member of the Committee are as follows:
1st Prize: £35: Nr. 174 Nigel Knocker.
2nd Prize: £30: Nr. 193. Mrs. Brenda Goodier.
3rd Prize: £25: Nr. 129. Gary Hickman.
4th Prize: £20: Nr. 63. Max Bolton.
5th Prize: £15: Nr. 78. Stanley & Flora Heavisides.

October, 2005: The draw took place on Thursday, 3rd November in the Pavilion following the Historic Houses Club AGM. The winning numbers were drawn by Club members and are as follows:
1st Prize: £35: Nr. 35. Mrs. Heather Hyde.
2nd Prize: £30: Nr. 97. Robin Heatley.
3rd Prize: £25: Nr. 1. Norman Pike.
4th Prize: £20: Nr. 7. Mrs. Joan Savage.
5th Prize: £15: Nr. 2. Bob Smith.

November, 2005: the Draw took place on Saturday, 5th November at the home of Ann & Brian Hunt during the Bell Hill Residents Firework Party/ The winners (drawn by attendees and including yet another new member) are as follows:
1st Prize: £35: Nr. 39. Miss E.G. Burrard.
2nd Prize: £30: Nr. 117. Mrs. L. Puntis.
3rd Prize: £25: Nr. 6. Mrs. C. Springate.
4th Prize: £20: Nr. 88. Mrs. H. Hook.
5th Prize: £15: Nr. 80. Ric Ellinger.
Bernie Prolze, 100+ Club.

A few more entries to The Washington Post annual contest where readers are invited to supply alternate meanings to various words :
Negligent (adj) describes a condition in which you absent mindedly answer the door in your nightgown.
Lymph (v.) to walk with a hop.

APPEALS FROM THE SEEND FETE 2006 COMMITTEE.

Tombola Prizes: I know, it’s not yet Christmas and here is a Fete 2006 notice. But read on and you’ll see the reason….

One of our most difficult tasks is to find suitable prizes for the Tombola. This has traditionally been a slow process, starting in the Spring, meandering through Summer, and becoming frantic as Fete day approaches. It would be really good this time if we could get the donations rolling in as early as possible, thus giving us (me!) one less thing to worry about.

So, well in advance of Christmas, let me ask you to consider the following. If you receive a Christmas gift that, notwithstanding the love and devotion that accompanies it, just doesn’t have a place in your life, it will almost certainly have a place in someone else’s! Just call 828391 and I will call round and collect it. I look forward to your calls.

Volunteers: You may have noted from last month’s Spotlight that we have lost the services of Rosemary Mayell and her team of W.I. Ladies. If we are to continue the long tradition of W.I. Teas during the Fete, we will need an assured supply of cakes and pastries, and a team of about 12 to provide the service. If you would like to help, call me on 828391. Please don’t think that “it’s O.K, I’m sure others will volunteer” - they may not!

Please call me. We really need your help.

Bernie Prolze.

 

From the States – Obviously a strange but reputedly true story -
A passenger in a taxi tapped the driver on his shoulder to ask him something. The driver screamed, lost control of the vehicle and narrowly averted an accident. After some time he recovered and said “Please. Never do that again. You scared the day lights out of me”. The passenger started to apologise but the driver continued “I’m sorry, it’s not really your fault. Today is my first day driving a taxi. I’ve been driving a hearse for the last 25 years”.


Christmas Tree and Card Recycling:
Christmas trees can be recycled at the Household Recycling Centres in Everleigh or Devizes or put into your green wheelie bin. Recycling Christmas Cards is available from 3rd January at branches of W.H. Smith and Tesco.

 

Spotlight Interim Editorial Team: Joanne Bell, Sue Bond, Meg Combes, Rev'd Sacha Pearce & Tina Yockney
Page Last Updated: 8 February 2006

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