Today there is one railway system where the trains are never late, passengers never have to stand and we do not hear of problems such as leaves on the line. The system of course is the GBR. The rolling stock comprises two steam engines and two electric engines plus four carriages and six goods wagons. The infrastructure includes 1,000 feet of track, one 40 foot tunnel and one station at Bulkington Halt.
The system is controlled by a fully automated, fail safe, signalling system which has been inspected and approved by a professional railway signalling engineer and by the Health & Safety Executive. Since the system was installed in 1994 and at the time of writing, 8,764 trains have passed through the station.
The cover picture shows the M.D., Mrs. Thelma Boulton on her personalised engine, The Lady Thelma, accompanied by her staff. Nev works in the capacity of driver, fireman, guard, signalman, plate layer and general factotum. As engineer, Nev has made, and installed, the great majority of all of the equipment, the only exception being the purchase of the four carriages. A visit to his work shop will reveal more rolling stock in advanced stages of preparation.
Nev has reasonably regular “steam ups” which fulfil
two objectives. He and Thelma raise considerable amounts of money for the Village
Hall, and
to date they have contributed some £3,600 for this purpose. Additionally
they and their model making friends also get a great deal of pleasure from actually
working their models. In this secondary purpose they also give tremendous pleasure
to their many passengers who are of all ages.
Expansion of the system continues and a start has been made on providing an extra siding. In order to make and maintain all of this equipment, Nev has a superbly equipped workshop which enables him to apply his first class engineering expertise. Anybody lucky enough to be invited inside cannot fail to be impressed.
Spotlight offers its congratulations and its wishes for the
continuing success of this venture.
Bulkington Friends:
Despite atrocious weather, what a marvellous evening the ladies enjoyed for
the Burns Night Supper on the 28th January. Three hefty, kilted Scotsmen –
one a Piper, who ceremoniously piped in the Haggis – this lent a real
flavour of Scotland to the proceedings. A glass of good Scots Whisky greeted
everyone on arrival and then, at delightfully set tables, we were served Haggis,
Swede and Tatties with sausages for good measure. This was followed by some
delicious trifles plus shortbread biscuits, then coffee and mints – a
real Scots Feast!!
We were entertained throughout the meal by readings from Robbie Burns – some wonderful poems, all delivered in broad Scots – the Piper played another traditional melody and a few of the ladies could not resist a quick reel or two – Och Aye. After an excellent raffle and vote of thanks to the entertainers, it was time to say “Goodnight” and “Will Ye No Come Back Again” - maybe next year!
What a terrific start to the New Year’s programme – thanks to Jackie for organising it all and to everyone who helped and worked so hard to make it such a splendid event. Also thank you to Rosie for “Valour in the Kitchen” - the washing up!
Next month, 25th February, is Mystery Night – so come and be surprised.
ATTENTION; LADIES PLEASE … The date of the March meeting will be the 17th,
this is because the lady from Chocaholics can only make that date, so get your
taste buds ready girls for an indulgent evening out.
This will be my last report. I have enjoyed writing them and hope it has encouraged
a few people to come and see what the meetings are all about. Thanks for your
company ladies over the last few years, I shall take some happy memories with
me. Bye everyone …
Marion Ainsley.
KEEVIL & DISTRICT W.I.
The W.I. enjoyed an interesting insight into the lives of the Royal Family at
the February meeting – courtesy of Group Captain David Greenway. He had
some wonderful slides to go with his talk and told some delightful and hilarious
anecdotes culled from his years of service. It was a real eye-opener to realise
just how busy the Royal Family is, in some cases quite a ’dawn to dusk
day’.
The next meeting is on 10th March when the speaker will be Alison Peterson
talking about Green Gardening in Keevil Village Hall at 7.30p.m.
Marion Ainsley.
THE MOTHERS’ UNION: Friday, 5th March:
Women’s World Day of Prayer.
Wednesday, 24th March: Meeting at Manor Farm, Keevil, 10.30a.m. with guest speaker Revd. Des. Whale.
Thursday, 25th March: Lady Day Triennia Service at Salisbury Cathedral.
For more details, please contact Dorothy Tyler. Phone 870 340).
FRIENDSHIP LUNCH: Saturday, 6th March, 12 noon, in Bulkington
Village Hall:
We invite you to come along and enjoy a bowl of delicious home-made soup (choice
of six or more flavours) including a bread roll, guaranteed to tickle those
taste buds, you will be tempted to try more than just one! Tea and coffee will
also be served, plus the chance to win a raffle prize Tickets are £3 per
adult and £2 per child.
Proceeds in aid of the Church. Tickets available soon from the Social Committee. We would love you to come and join us.
BULKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL:
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 10th March, 2004 at 8.00p.m. in
Bulkington Village Hall.
BULKINGTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL:
The AGM will be held on Sunday, 14th March, 2004 at 7.00p.m. following Evensong
at the Church.
CHURCH CLEANING: March – Mrs. Webb.
SCARECROW TRAIL, 2004:
The Scarecrow Workshops are now being held at Home Farm, Bulkington, so if you
have any items which may be of use to us, please bring them to Home Farm on
Saturday mornings between 10.30a.m. and 12 noon. Many thanks.
Andie Elliott.
BENEFICE HOUSE GROUPS: Is anyone interested in joining a House Group to meet with others to explore or develop your Christian faith? Our first House Group got under way on 22nd January when nine people from across the Benefice and beyond, met at the home of Margaret Foster, 10 Bulkington. It was decided to hold the meetings on Tuesday’s at 7.30p.m. The dates for March are the 9th and 23rd but please check in Lamplight nearer the time for the venue which will vary.
There is the possibility of forming a second group on a different day of the
week, so please get in touch if you are interested. You will be very welcome.
Rupert Janes (828639): Liz Futter (828485).
SEEND MOTHERS’ UNION:
There was a good attendance at the AGM in January. Forthcoming events were discussed
and the new programme was distributed.
The next meeting is on Wednesday, 17th March. The speaker will be Revd. P. Smith who will talk about ’Iona’.
Members are reminded that the “Women’s World Day of Prayer”
Service will be held at the Baptist Church, Old Broughton Road, Melksham at
10.30a.m. on the 5th March. The Spring Council Meeting at East Stour on 13th
March. The Diocesan Festival Service at Salisbury Cathedral at 2.00p.m.
On the 25th March.
Elizabeth Campbell.
THEATRE TRIP:
I am organising a matinee trip to Bristol Hippodrome on Saturday, 25th
September to see “Mary Poppins”. Anyone who would like to go, please
contact me. The cost is £42.50p plus Shuttle fare.
Elizabeth Campbell (828451).
NEW ROYAL UNITED HOSPITAL PARK & RIDE SERVICE:
* Need to get to the Bath Royal United Hospital?
* Sick and tired of struggling to find a parking space?
* Depressed about the expensive parking charges?
Your RUH Parking ills are now cured thanks to the super new RUH Park & Ride service. Simply park your car for free at the Odd Down Park & Ride site and hop on one of our brand new Optare buses for the short and comfortable ride to the hospital. The service operates Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 7.00a.m. to 7.00p.m. with buses leaving the Odd Down site every 30 minutes departing for the hospital on the hour and on the half hour. The final bus of the day departs the hospital for the return to Odd Down at 6.30p.m.
The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and the bus stops right outside the main entrance to the hospital. All vehicles are low floor buses and fully accessible by wheelchair users. The price of a return ticket is £1.60 which means that not only does the service represent an end to the hassle of finding a parking space at the hospital, the cost of the service is actually cheaper than the minimum RUH parking charge of £2.
For further information on the service, please contact Dan Carey at Bath & North East Somerset Council on 01225 477615.
SEEND ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – ACCORDION ORCHESTRA
CONCERT.
A large audience of approximately 150 people turned out to support the Kennet
Accordion Orchestra on Saturday, 24th January. The members of the Orchestra,
who incidentally do not charge for their performance but only ask for expenses
and a donation to charity, come from far and wide. Most of them come from Wiltshire,
but one drove 180 miles to come to play for us!
Although their playing was first class, the content of the first half caused a slightly slow start. However, the second half more than made up for this and was loudly applauded by those present. Three items went down particularly well, a Fantasia, a Russian Medley and their final encore, Highland Cathedral.
As a result of their generosity in not charging, and a successful raffle, £777
was collected for RBL funds. Congratulations must go to Anthony Hodgkinson for
all his hard work in organising the concert.
Roger Brind.
SEEND SOCIAL CLUB – AGM, MONDAY 15th MARCH at 8.00p.m.
All Members are requested to attend this Meeting at which a proposal to change
the future direction of the Club will be the principal topic for discussion.
Seend Social Club:
Skittles: We have two competitions for you in March. We have the singles on
March 13th and the pairs on March 27th. If you fancy your chances and want to
enjoy a good night, then come along to the Club at 8.00p.m. on these dates.
You never know, you may even get your name on the Honours Board in the main
Hall!
A.G.M. This is the time where all the members can have their say and determine the future of the Club.
QUIZ NIGHT: We have a quiz night for you on Saturday, March 20th. With a 1st Prize of £50, 2nd prize of £30, 3rd prize of £20, 4th prize of £10 and a bottle of wine for the overall losers you would be mad not to have a go at our quiz!! Your team will consist of no more than four players and it costs just £2.50 per player. Please turn up no later than 7.50p.m. because we would ideally like to make a start at 8.10p.m. The quiz will consist of 10 different sections (gardening, food & drink, entertainment, etc) plus a table quiz (pictures, etc).
SHOW NIGHT: We have an Eighties Night at the Club for you on Saturday, May 15th called “The 80’s Experience”. Tickets as always are available from Sam Sainsbury.
BEER FEST, 04: We are in full planning mode for forthcoming
beer festival at the Club. With more beer (20 barrels!) to choose from this
year it looks like this will be the best Fest yet!! The bands have been booked,
the beers are being narrowed down to a short list, it leaves only the weather
that will determine the day!
Forthcoming Events for your diary, 2004:
Singles Skittles Competition – 13th March.
AGM – 15TH March.
Quiz Night – 20th March.
Mixed Pair Skittles Competition – 27th March.
4th Seend Beer Festival – 1st May.
Show Night – 15th May.
Club Dinner & Dance – 19th June.
HIRE: If you want to hire the Club for weddings, parties,
christenings, meeting, etc. then please contact Stan Wiltshire on 828559. The
main hall can accommodate up to 220 people, the Lounge can accommodate up to
80 people and the Boardroom can accommodate up to 40 people. A price list can
be found on the website – www.seendsc.co.uk.
G.S. Hickman (Secretary).
? ?
THE BIG QUIZ. March 20th, 2004.
At Seend Social Club.
1st Prize £50: 2nd Prize £30
3rd Prize £20. 4th Prize £10.
Teams of 4 players – £2.50 per player/£10 per team.
QUIZ starts at 8.00p.m. sharp!
To book and pay for a table please speak to the Steward
On duty or phone Graham Hickman on 01380 828868.
Alternatively, turn up on the night no later than 7.45p.m.
Please to ensure your place.
Don’t leave it too late!!
? ?
SEEND HISTORIC HOUSES CLUB:
The Club is holding a meeting on Thursday, 11th March at 8.00p.m. in the Pavilion
when Mr. John Girvan will speak on “The County House of Correction (Devizes
Prison) 1810”. Details of our new programme will be announced and we welcome
anyone who would like to come along and join us for the evening.
Joy Stack.
SEEND, W.I.
At the February meeting Mr. Ian Green gave a talk on “Tea”. He produced
many different samples and we were able to taste many different brands which
went down well with tea cakes.
There was a good display of teapots for the competition which was won by Mrs.
Lorna Hillier.
The meeting on the 10th March will be an Open Meeting with Mr. R.Guy giving a talk on “History of Life on Jersey. The competition is Spring Flowers. Mrs.M. Buckley.
PLEASE NOTE: The new telephone number for anyone wishing to
book the W.I. Hall is now 01380 828494.
Mrs. Pam Hillier.
ALEXANDRA GRAY GARDEN DESIGN.
Plant and Garden Consultancy ...Garden Layout Design ...Detail
Drawings
Planting Plans … Third-party Contract Management … Planting. Maintenance
Schedules.
Whatever the size of your project, please call for an exploratory discussion
with a qualified designer.
Telephone: 01380 828866, Mobile: 07881 505356, Fax: 01380 828553
GOLDEN JUBILEE TREE UPDATE:
The Oak Tree that was planted last winter sadly did not survive the long dry
summer and has died.
Sir Mathew Thorpe has very kindly donated a replacement Oak Tree which has
been planted by Andy Waylen. When it is established, a circular seat will be
placed around it.
Mrs. Angela Knocker.
SEEND GARDENING CLUB:
Correction to an error in the February Spotlight. The Club Stay Away in August,
centred in Norwich, is not from the 23rd to 25th August, but is from Monday,
16th August to Saturday, 21st August: there are some places left, so please
let Tony Hill know if you are interested in going (828397).
There was a packed Pavilion to listen to Richard Whitehead’s talk on
“Pesticides in Perspective” at the February meeting. He was obviously
a master of his subject and gave an authoritative talk. He has no quarrel with
those who wish to garden or farm organically, but pointed out that in the commercial
world and in world farming, the need for more food for the ever increasing number
of poor, underfed people on available land means that some pesticides and fertilisers
must be used; especially if land has also to be reserved for leisure. The answers
to the questions 1. What are pesticides?,
2. Do we need them? And 3. The affect on the soil, were thoroughly given.
As many pesticides have been withdrawn from the retail market recently, we shall
be back to using organic methods in our gardens.
At our March meeting on the 9th, Rebecca Midgley, from the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will speak on “Home Composting – Can it save the World?”
At this meeting we also have our Spring Bulb Show. Please bring along any pots of bulbs that you have, or cut Spring flowers, to make a good show. Should you have any unusual flowers that you may not want to show, but would be of interest, please do bring them along.
At the March meeting Sue Jones will bring for sale the Geraniums we shall enter
in the Club Class at the August Village Flower Show. Do buy a couple, grow them
on and enter them for the Show. The more who enter, the better the display.
Joyce Brand.
‘AT THE DROP OF A HIPPOPOTAMUS’
If you haven’t already booked for this evening of Flanders and Swann songs
you may be too late! At the time of writing tickets are going fast. If there
are any left (in the shop or phone 828617) it’s at 8.00p.m. in the Pavilion
on 6th March. The event is part of the Rural Arts Wiltshire programme.
STRATFORD SHUTTLE:
There are still tickets available for the matinee of the Scottish play, starring
Greg Hicks and Sian Thomas – two excellent Shakespearian actors –
at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Saturday, 22nd May. We’ve got good
stall seats (£30) - plus the cost of the Shuttle. Please phone Tessa on
828617 if you’re interested.
WELCOME BOOKLETS:
If you are new to the village and haven’t yet received a Welcome Booklet,
or if you are about to have new neighbours who should have one – please
ring Tessa on 828617. Please also ring if you know of changes I should make
to the list of contacts.
SEEND SHUTTLE:
The Shuttle is now at its new home in the Barge Inn car park and Graham Appleby
is the man with the keys. Graham already does a lot of driving for the bus,
so the Committee is very grateful to him for taking on this extra responsibility.
He is also largely responsible for the insert in this edition of Spotlight appealing
for your support.
Shuttle Private Hire: Alison Cobbing has now taken on the private hire bookings as well as managing the scheduled services drivers’ rota – someone else we all have reason to be grateful to! So if you want to hire the bus, please phone her on 828568.
And don’t forget the first Wednesday shopping trips – usually to
Bath, but possibly to Salisbury on 3rd March. You need to book in advance by
phoning Terry on 828203. It helps to keep him occupied!
Tessa Doe.
SEEND WEB SITE – www.seend.org.uk
Do you have a computer? Do you ever use it to send e-mails and “surf”
the internet? Well now, Seend has its very own website, where you can find out
all sorts of interesting things.
* What’s on – in Seend and Bulkington over the forthcoming year.
* Read the latest version of “Spotlight” - mislaid yours recently?
* Church matters including details of services for Seend, Bulkington and Poulshot.
* Parish Council Members and Meeting Minutes.
* Contacts for clubs and other organisations. Useful local information.
* A News page.
* A short history of Seend.
* Useful links to other websites – Want to catch a train or bus, book a train ticket, find out what’s on at the local cinemas and theatres? Find out information from Kennet District Council. Links to local
village and town websites.
We will add other information and develop the website in line with the needs and ideas of the people of the Parish.
It is important that the information is accurate and up-to-date – so
if you see something on the website that is clearly wrong, you would like to
update it or add some new information, please get in touch with me –
Neil Yockney on Seend 827139, e-mail neilyockney@btinternet.com or use the link
at the bottom of the Seend website home page.
100+ CLUB UP DATE – FEBRUARY, 2004:
1. Proposal for changing The 100+ Club Year:
It’s official. The 100+ Club year will henceforth begin on 1st May instead
of 1st September. The proposal for this change, presented in the January edition
of Spotlight, was accepted without a single objection. Accordingly, I shall
provide a new subscription form to each current member to enable payment of
the additional £10 subscription to cover the period September, 2004 to
April, 2005. The forms will arrive sometime in April for completion and return
before 1st May – please! Further information regarding the Club, the constant
need for new subscribers and details of how to join will appear in the April
Spotlight, together with a final reminder of the start date.
Anyone can be a member of the 100+ Club. If you would like to join, call me
for more information and an application form. It will cost you £15 per
year, which will not only buy you entry to a monthly draw (for prizes see below),
but will also provide a valuable contribution to the maintenance of the village-owned
Lye Field and Pavilion. Call me now on 828391, or e-mail me at biprolze@uko2,co.uk
If you would like to know more about the Lye Field and it’s association
with our village, you can find out by visiting the village website at www.seend.org.uk
and clicking on the Lye Field link. It’s an interesting stoy.
2. Draw results for January, 2004:
The draw took place on 22nd January following the Theatre Club AGM
The lucky winners are :
1st prize: £35. Number 154: Mrs. B. Smith.
2nd prize: £30. Number 145: Mr. Dennis Frith.
3rd prize: £20. Number 61: Mrs. P. Hawkins.
4th prize: £15. Number 4: Mr. Harry Broadbridge.
Bernie Prolze.
DON RUNS AGAIN: For Childrens’ Hospices – 18th April, 2004:
Aged 79, Don Fennell is running again in the London Marathon. He raised over
£3,000 last year for our local Dorothy House Hospice at Winsley. This
year he is dedicating his place in the Marathon to Helen House and Douglas House
– children’s hospices in Oxfordshire. Why?
A Story:
As the old man walked the beach at dawn he noticed a young man picking up starfish
and throwing them into the sea. The old man asked him why he was doing this
: The starfish will die if they are left stranded in the morning sun, he replied.
“But there are millions of starfish in the sea” said the old man.
“How can your efforts make a difference?” The young man picked up
a starfish and threw it into the waves. “It makes a difference to this
one” he said.
Helen House was the first children’s hospice in the world; founded by Sister Frances in 1982, it has been the inspiration for the development of hospice care and support for children and their families everywhere. In 2002 they laid the foundations for Douglas House for young people 18+. They depend entirely on voluntary funds.
Please call Jackie Merivale on 01380 828395 if you could help with a sponsor form for your family, friends, people you work with, local community groups, etc., or for more information visit www.helen-house.org.uk.
Go on – please help Don to make a difference!
P.S: The logo for Douglas House is a starfish – a 5-star hotel.
SEEND & DISTRICT RAMBLERS:
Sunday, 25th January: 10 walkers met in Selwyn Hall car park, Box for a walk
organised by Bob Howe and Ron Apted. The route took us to Henley, Monkton Farleigh
and back via Kingsdown. It was a very pleasant morning and afternoon. A bit
sticky in places, but most enjoyable. On the steep climb out of Box, stopping
to look back over Colerne, spectacular views were seen of the sun shining above
the cloud and highlighting the Church, quite magical. Our thanks to both Bob
and Ron for making the route of 7 miles very interesting.
We will all remember Iris Scrivener, who sadly died, after a short illness on the 19th January. Iris was a much respected, fun-loving member of our Club, who will be sorely missed. Her commitment and willingness to take part in all our activities was second to none. In the serenity of the countryside, we paused to reflect on Iris’s life and the way she had touched ours. The funeral service took place at Semington Cremetorium on Friday, 30th January.
Next Walk: - Saturday, 20th March:
Meet in Rusty Lane 10.00a.m. Sorry, but details for this walk are not yet finalised.
Just turn up for a surprise venue! Be prepared, with refreshments.
Sunday, 28th March: A.G.M.
The AGM takes place in the Irene Usher Pavilion (Pavilion) 3.00p.m. start. The
meeting will be preceded by a short walk in the Village commencing 1.30p.m.
If you should be interested in joining, or perhaps wishing to know more about our organisation, why not join us on this occasion. We will be returning from the walk and commencing with light refreshments of tea and cake before a very brief and informal meeting.
Members please be reminded that the annual subscription of £3.50p. Is now due and can be submitted at this meeting.
Lin Salter.
R.M.H. ROOFING LTD
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MARCH BOOK REVIEW.
A LOCAL SUCCESS STORY:
Maud Winterbottom, our local and well known author, has enjoyed record sales following the publication of her latest book. Entitled “The Starchers” it is an everyday story of laundry folk with whom for some time, trouble has been building up and friction finally occurs between the blue collar and the white collar workers. Management initially fail to iron out the problems and run into even more trouble. These pressing needs lead to the appointment of a young and handsome Managing Director. From his first day he is in hot water. Will he smooth out the problems?
Published by Saline & Hemlock the book is on the shelves for the very reasonable
price of £5.25. Find out how some of the steamier issues are resolved.