SPOTLIGHT - MARCH 2006

This month we feature a new arrival on the cover - the Shuttle Mark III. Sadly, with the death of Stanley Heavisides, we also mark a departure.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the discussion about Spotlight. We have received many helpful comments and suggestions for expanding its content.

In response to these comments, from next month Spotlight will include an announcement page to include (with the family’s permission) baptisms, weddings and funerals. If there are other announcements such as anniversaries, engagements, exam success etc then tell us those too!

Other suggestions we are considering include a ‘comings and goings’ page to say farewell to friends leaving the villages and hello to those moving in; book, film and theatre reviews and reports of local sports matches. Also, it has been suggested that we need to have more contributions from the younger members of our communities. So, if there are any budding journalists out there send us your articles.

It has been decided to instigate a regular competition. We are not offering a prize just the buzz of seeing your work in print! The first subject is a poem to celebrate Spring. There are three age groups – under 11, 11-18, 19+. Send your poem marked with your name, age or age group and telephone number to Spotlight (see below for delivery details) by 11 March.

If you would like to be part of the editorial team, or can spare a couple of hours a month to help out with the production, or if you have any fresh ideas of what you would like to see in Spotlight, please do get in touch.

We are having a celebratory cream tea in the Pavilion on Thursday 6th April at 2.30pm in honour of Lilian & John Smallshaw, who have recently stepped down as Spotlight editors, and for our dedicated team of Spotlight helpers and distributors. If you would like to join us in saying thank you to Lilian and John, then please let us know by 1st April (pop a note in the Spotlight envelope in the Post Office or ring Sue Bond on 828537) so that we can cater for the correct number of people.

Interim Editorial Team

Spotlight Contacts

Contributions for the next issue (copy deadline 11 March) can be sent by
e-mail to spotlight@seend.org.uk or delivered to the Post Office, High Street, Seend or to 1 Northfields, Bulkington. Comments and queries – Meg Combs 828229.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Obituary - Stanley Heavisides

It is with great sadness that we report the death of our great friend Stanley Heavisides, who died on the evening of 18th January in the Royal United Hospital, Bath. Numerous tributes will be paid to this much loved man who, since he came to Seend in 1967, has done so much in so many ways for the good or our village. In the May 2005 edition of Spotlight, the article written by John Smallshaw summarised a number of his achievements.

Having served in the Royal Air Force throughout the 1939-1945 War, mostly in the Middle East, he returned to England and married Flora whom he had met before embarking and who had awaited his safe return.

Stanley was a very active member of the Seend Branch of the Royal British Legion and promoted its good work for over 30 years. He was a long serving member of the Committee. He attended every Remembrance Day Parade to pay his respects to his fallen friends and, even when he became physically incapacitated and could no longer march, through the good services of his colleagues he ensured that he was seated in Church well in time for the Service. One of the new ideas that Stanley introduced to encourage the social side of the Legion’s activities was the Dugout Supper which has become a major feature in the annual calendar of our events. This year’s Dugout Supper on April 1st will be an occasion to express the affection and respect that we have for a colleague who has always been at the forefront of the Legion’s good work. His efforts will be sadly missed, but the legacy of his good works will always remain with us. Our sincere sympathies are with Flora and their two sons, Neil and Tim.

Note from the Editorial Team: Memories of “Sir”

Stanley was headmaster of Seend School for over 20 years between 1967 and 1980. If you were at school during Stanley’s headship and have any memories of him you would like to share with Spotlight’s readers, please let us know.

We had hoped to include some pictures of Stanley, but unfortunately the printer used for the printing of Spotlight would not have done them justice.

Dugout Supper

This year’s “Dugout Supper” will be held in the Community Centre on Saturday 1st April with music by the Celebration Jazz Band. Tickets will be limited to 90 and will cost £12.50 per head, including refreshments. Further details will be published in the April edition of Spotlight.

St George’s Day

A function is being arranged to celebrate St George’s Day (23rd April) on Saturday 22nd April. It is hoped that this will include two speakers, including our MP, Michael Ancram, and, of course, refreshments. Further details will appear in the April edition of Spotlight.

Committee Meeting

Would members of the Committee please note that the next Committee Meeting will be held in the Community Centre at 2000 hours on 9th March and not on 14th March as previously notified.

NEWS FROM SEEND C.E. SCHOOL

Typical of this time of year, with the cold weather and dark days, many of the children have fallen prey to coughs and colds. In the lead up to this half term, attendance dropped as many children fell prey to the influenza and sickness bug that has closed many schools around the country. Hopefully the half term break will give the staff and children a chance to rest and recover.

Last month, the school football team played in the 2nd round of the tournament at the Christie Miller Sports Centre, winning two of their matches and losing one. We did not get an automatic place in the next round, but we were very pleased to find out this week that we went through on points and goal average. Well done to the team: Max Lewis, Jack Kellow, Josh Gingell, Will Davies, Andrew Smith and Jamie Moon. The team worked hard and supported each other right to the end of each match. We are all proud of them.

Did you know that we have a School Council made up of pupils of all ages? The School Council meets on a regular basis to discuss topics that affect the children in the school and to consider ideas from pupils on how to make our school even better. There are two members from each year group and children in each class get the opportunity to talk to the Council and put their ideas forward. Topics discussed have included a debate on school uniform, whether mobile phones should be allowed in school, how to improve break times and to put forward fundraising ideas. The latest idea being to come in dressed as an animal. I feel many of the staff would pay substantial amounts of money not to dress as an animal. We will see how that one develops!

By the time this goes to press, the children in Chestnut and Sycamore Class will have visited our local parish Church and celebrated a children’s Eucharist with parents, grandparents and friends in attendance.

Steven Bennett, Headmaster

SEEND SOCIAL CLUB AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Forthcoming Events:

Saturday 25th February - Sam's Spectacular Motown

Mission Blue and Brian Stevens - £10 for members, £12.00 for non-members.

Saturday 11th March 2006 - Skittles Singles Competition

All are Welcome. Further details from Paul Waylen.

29th April 2006 - Beer Festival

Once again the beer is accompanied by two bands (one in afternoon one in the evening) various food and entertainment.

22nd April 2006 - St George's Day Feast

Roast Beef and all the trimmings. - Explorer John Blashford Snell and Michael Ancram in his non political role will speak. Price £12.50.

Annual General Meeting– 27th March at 8pm in the Social Club

Please note this date in your Diaries. If you believe that the future success and development of the Community Centre and Social Club is important to the village and to YOU, YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, then you should attend this AGM.

As many of you already know, the declining trend in the finances of the Seend Social Club threatened its continuity and survival necessitated widening the appeal of the facilities it can offer. The Charities Commissioners were sympathetic to our plans and with the help of the Seend Trust, Charitable status has been granted to form the new Community Centre. This provides the benefits of an 80% reduction in the Rates bill and the opportunity to seek Grants towards meeting the costs of approved projects.

To explain the present position—the existing rights of the members of the Social Club are unchanged and the use of the Bar and Lounge facilities still necessitates being a member of the Social Club or a guest of a member. Members have the continuing responsibility, for promoting and taking such actions as will assist the Social Club to operate profitably.

The Community Centre Committee has responsibility for the upkeep of the buildings, their maintenance and improvements, decoration, new furnishings and the promotion of ideas and actions which should stimulate the wider usage of the facilities by the Seend and neighbouring communities. An encouraging start has already been made, but many more constructive ideas and actions are needed.

As is obvious, the Community Centre and the Social Club must operate as one, with the same priority, “a profitable village amenity generating sufficient funds to pay for those improvements sought by the members and which will satisfy the present and changing needs of the community.”

A prime task which must be fulfilled at the forthcoming AGM is the appointment of new Officers and Committee members for the coming year. Reasons of ill health and changes in family circumstances have led to some resignations and our grateful thanks are due to these Officers who have given the Club such sterling service for so many years.

However, their positions must be filled in order to function legally within the rules of the Charity Commission and the Friendly Society.
Put in plain terms, if volunteers are not forthcoming, the Trustees of the Community Centre and Social Club will have no option but to notify the Charities Commissioners and Friendly Society of this breach in the rules and they, in turn, may enforce closure.

It is difficult to imagine the consequences to Seend that the lost of these premises would cause. Just reflecting on the events of the past few months, Happy and Sad, Recreational, Educational and Functional, all bring some recognition of the role that the Seend Community Centre and Social Club fulfils in our village life. You share the belief that its continuity is
important to our village then please attend the AGM and make your feelings known.

Peter Fisher

SEEND WI

We welcomed several guests to our February Open evening. The Speaker,
Mr Tim Gravina, gave us a fascinating illustrated talk entitled "Everest On The Run" - telling us about running in the 1999 Mount Everest marathon. The adventure lasted for one month. It took a great deal of organisation to get 65 runners to the start at 17,000 feet in good health! In addition to the runners there were nine doctors, a physiotherapist, a nurse, six trek leaders, a TV film crew plus numerous sherpas and porters.

One of the main problems was altitude sickness. The party was divided into three groups and started the trek to the Everest Base camp on 21st March. The actual race day was 11th April and the runners descended the 26.2 miles from Gorak Shep (17,000 ft.) to Namche Bazaar (11,300 ft.). The event has been held every other year since 1987 and the money raised from sponsorship in 1999 was over £50,000. This was spent on Nepalese projects and included the provision of clean water, education, dental and medical services.
Mr Gravina was thanked by Kay Beasley. The competition 'A Photo of a Mountain' was won by Lucy Hatton.

Our next meeting is on 8th March and the Speaker, Mr. Gordon Cottis, will talk about "Hellebores - Species and Hybrids". The competition will be 'A Pot Plant' and the tea hostess will be Mrs. May Ferris. Visitors are always warmly welcomed to our meetings.

Betty Smith.

LADIES KEEP FIT CLASS

Tuesday mornings at 9am during school term-time only. A 45-minute workout in the WI Hall, Seend. Contact Emma Hibberd on 01380 828426 for more information.

SEEND MOTHERS’ UNION BRANCH

At the AGM held recently Faith Greenman resigned as treasurer and Brenda McKinness kindly offered to take over.
Women’s World Day of Prayer is on Friday 3rd March. At St Anthony’s RC Church,, West End , Melksham there is a meeting at 10.30am with speaker Miss Janet Ruddick.

Seend Mothers’ Union meets on 15th March with speaker Ven John Wraw Archdeacon of Wiltshire. Tea hostess P Hicks.

Lady Day 25th March Archdeaconry service Derry Hill 11.30am.

SEEND FAWLTY PLAYERS

We hope you enjoyed Hansel and Gretel. The proceeds will be divided between the Community Centre, children's Hospice South West and Salisbury Hospice. We should have some figures available for the next 'Spotlight'. And watch this space, as we hope to offer some other form of entertainment later in the spring/early summer.

Panto Costume Store: It looks like Fawlty Players will be looking for somewhere new to store costumes. Our last two 'homes' have been nice dry garage lofts. If you have a large spare space of that kind that you could loan to us, please ring Anita on 828757 or Tessa on 828617. You'll gain our undying gratitude and a free panto ticket each year!

SEEND SHUTTLE MARK III

At last, our shiny new air-conditioned community bus is on the road - you've probably seen it already. Please use it on our scheduled services, see the timetable on www.seend.org.uk, or perhaps your village organisation would like to hire it for club outings etc. Our Chairman is happy to be quoted as saying 'it's a lovely drive', so if you fancy yourself as a volunteer driver, please ring Pete on 828757 to arrange an informal test run.

BUS TIME TABLES

If you need an up-to-date timetable for the 49 Trans-Wilts 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 SUMMER FETE 2006

The good news……A date to mark on the calendar - Saturday August 12th, Seend Fete Day. This day will go down in Seend history as the hottest (but not too hot) and driest (definitely drier than last year!) Fete day in 36 years…trust me. The committee, comprising Jo Vaux, Sonja Nichols (plus 3-week-old Poppy Grace Nichols), Roger Brind, Brian Hunt, Neil Yockney and me, together with our latest volunteer Susan Rumsey, has already started work. The entertainment is booked, and the rest of the activities are … in discussion. If you would like to join us on the committee, call me – see the numbers below.

And now the bad…This year we are facing a real crisis. We have lost a large number of volunteers – about 25 – and we may lose the WI Hall. The good people who have for many years run the following activities have retired from the Fete scene:

• the BBQ Team
• Rosemary Mayell, who produced the refreshments sold in the WI Hall
• the WI Team who sold the refreshments
• the White Elephant Team (Seend Ramblers)

The combined effort of these stalwarts in support of the Fete over the years has been invaluable, and while the Ramblers are willing to be involved in other fete activities – and never fear, they will be! - the task of replacing such a large group is huge. Add to this the danger that the WI Hall will be sold, and you may begin to understand our deep anxiety.

I ask everyone to give serious thought to these concerns. We really do need your support. This is not the usual start-of-fete-year appeal for help, this is a Marks & ….. well, you get the picture! If you can help, please do. Call me on 828391 or email bjprolze@uko2.co.uk

Better news…Philip Proven has taken on the BBQ and has promised to raise a crew, but feel free to offer your help on 828407 or philipproven@lyehouse.demon.co.uk. Ron Apted has committed himself (!) to another year of White Elephant, and Jo Vaux has joined his team, but they will need a lot of help on the day. Ron is on 828427, Jo is on 828970 and jvaux@mcbursary.org.uk.
But that still leaves the Teas! IF we can find someone to produce the refreshments, AND enough volunteers to sell them, AND we still have a WI Hall, then they will be safe for at least one more year.

For the future… We are looking at ways in which we can revive the WI breakfast - for Fete day only. We really suffered last year from a lack of the early morning helpers who had previously breakfasted well in the WI Hall, then came on to the Lye Field to work it all off! If you have any thoughts, let us know. We are also thinking of a summer evening’s Pig Roast, plus wine bar and beer tent to attract volunteers, but more details later in the year.

Oh, and if all the above were not enough, we are still looking for Tombola prizes.

Bernie Prolze, Chair, Fete2006

100+ CLUB DRAWS FOR DECEMBER 2005, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2006

The 100+ Club Christmas Draw for 2005 took place in the pavilion following the Lye Field Committee Meeting. The winning numbers, which were drawn by members of the Committee, are as follows:

1st prize £75 Nr. 144 Mrs C F Williams
2nd prize £50 Nr. 64 Mrs Ann Newman
3rd prize £40 Nr. 13 Mr D Barnes
4th prize £30 Nr. 22 Mrs Debbie Duparcq
5th prize £25 Nr. 16 Mr Charlie Mayell
6th prize £25 Nr. 147 Mrs Pauline Brown
7th prize £25 Nr. 173 Mrs Sonja Nichols
8th prize £25 Nr. 82 Mrs S M Moroney
9th prize £20 Nr. 181 Miss V M Smith
10th prize £20 Nr. 3 Mrs J Wiltshire
11th prize £20 Nr. 69 Mrs Diana Louca


January & February 2006: The draws took place on Wednesday 1st February 2006 at 1 Bell Hill, following the 1st Seend Summer Fete Committee meeting of 2006. The winning numbers, which were drawn by members of the Committee are as follows:

January 2006

1st prize: £35: Nr. 154 Mrs B Smith
2d prize: £30: Nr. 156 Edward Hickman
3rd prize: £25: Nr. 9 Mrs M Burden
4th prize: £20: Nr. 65 Joe Hardstaff MBE
5th prize: £15: Nr. 70 Chris Duparcq

February 2006
1st prize: £35: Nr. 183 Mr M Mayell
2d prize: £30: Nr. 27 Mrs Nancy Hutchinson
3rd prize: £25: Nr. 152 Terry Sleightholme
4th prize: £20: Nr. 73 Ron Westacott MBE
5th prize: £15: Nr. 137 Richard Whitehead

Bernie Prolze 100+Club

RURAL ARTS WITSHIRE

TZIGANARAMA! An Eastern European Evening.
Our next Rural Arts touring event promises to be a memorable one.
Tziganarama is a trio playing 'wild and beautiful' Eastern European and
Russian music. They aim to have you alternately weeping into your vodka
and dancing on the tables! We also hope to continue the Eastern European
flavour through refreshments available in the interval. So do come to
Seend Community Centre on Saturday 25th March at 8 pm. Tickets, priced £6
(£5 pensioners or £3 children, students and people on benefits, or £15 for
a family of two adults and two children), are available from the Community
Centre, the Shop/PO or by phoning 828617. Any proceeds will go into our
very own Community Centre's funds for improving its facilities.

Tessa.

SEEND AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

The Club's January speaker, Phil Collins, is a local man born in Bromham. His father started with 2 acres and a Merry Tiller, gradually expanding his acreage over the years. The farm started off as a mixed farm but is now entirely vegetables which are sold at the farm shop or at Farmers’ markets in Bath and ten other towns. He does not sell to supermarkets which require absolute perfection in appearance. He prefers to concentrate on good flavour, freshness, minimal spraying and seasonal supplies. Think of all the air miles needed for Australian sprouts in July!

Phil brought some unusual vegetables to show us including a variety of pumpkins and some interesting ideas for cooking them. He had ready buyers to try them.

On Tuesday March 14th Kate Crowe will be coming to talk about " Living Churchyards”. She is one of a group of people who keep an eye on their churchyards in order to preserve interesting plants that grow there and to find out what creatures live there. They aim to interest others in their own churchyards and so help to preserve what is worth keeping. We aim to have a walk around to investigate our own with one of their experts some time so watch out for a notice in the future. There is not a competition at this meeting, because it is the Annual Spring Bulb Show. The classes are for Pots of flowering Bulbs or One or Three cut flowers in a vase. If you are not sure ask Joyce for a Schedule list. Do please put in an entry, to make a good display.

We look forward to seeing you on 14th March at 7.30pm in the Irene Usher Memorial Hall, with your pots of Bulbs.

Joyce Brand

SEEND TENNIS CLUB

The AGM is on Tuesday 7th March at 8pm in The Bell, Seend. Please do come along. All welcome.

SEEND & DISTRICT RAMBLERS

Sunday 22nd January: 24 walkers did a local walk commencing from the Common at Broughton Gifford, making their journey over frosty fields to Atworth. Crossing the main road through Atworth village to the fields which led towards the disused quarry near Gastard, but cutting back on the old Roman Road through Whitley. Coming out in Whitley we headed over further fields taking us to the top of Shaw Hill. Crossing the same main road as before, we headed over more pleasant pastures to Norrington Common and finally to Broughton. This was a most enjoyable walk which we thank Gordon Reeds for organising.

Sunday 19th: This walk will be in the Castle Combe/Littleton Drew and Burton area, organised by Wendy and Reg for a distance of 5-6 miles. Meet in Rusty Lane for a 9.30am departure, making way by car to Biddestone village. Meet by the ‘pond’ for a departure at 10am. We will proceed in convey to park our cars near Littleton Drew, just over the bridge of the motorway. Bring the necessary refreshment.

Sunday 2nd April: There will be a short walk, led by Ron Apted, around Seend, starting at 1.30pm, from Rusty Lane. This will be followed by our AGM at 3pm in the Pavilion.

If you are interested in joining Seend Ramblers, or wish to know more about our Group, why not join us for this very informal occasion. We already have our committee and officers in place, so there would be no enticing you to commit in any way, just walk with us, enjoy the countryside and find fun and friendship in our company

Membership is due for renewal at this AGM. The subscription is £5 and can be handed in at this meeting.

Lin Salter

SEEND AND DISTRICT THEATRE CLUB

The AGM of the Theatre Club will be held on Tuesday 28th February in the Pavilion at 7.30pm. After the business there will be a glass of wine and nibbles, followed by a talk by Mr Louis Atkinson on the Life of a Shepherd.
Those who have heard Mr Atkinson speak before, will remember his ready wit and dry sense of humour. All are welcome, whether members or not. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sylvia Ewin

BULKINGTON NEWS

Hello, my name is Joanne Bell and I have taken over the job of collating Bulkington News from Andie Elliott. I’m sure you’ll agree that Andie has done a sterling job for the last 30 years - I only hope I can do the same! If you have any news or views that you would like to put into Spotlight, you can contact me by telephone on 828550, or by calling at 1 Northfields or by e-mail:- trevor@bell8490.freeserve.co.uk. I look forward to hearing from you.

Joanne Bell

Church Cleaning
1st – 15th Mrs M Webb
16th – 31st Mrs M Webb

Church Flowers
This year Lent begins on 1st March, so there will be no flowers in Church until the new rota begins on Saturday 15th April 2006 when the Church will be decorated for Easter.

Bulkington Ladies Group
Our January meeting started with a drink and a chat at the Bear Hotel in Devizes, following which we descended into their Cellar Bar where we continued our evening to a background of live music. The bar and the music are definitely to be recommended, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We meet every month, usually on the last Thursday. New ladies are very welcome. Telephone 828664 for more information.
Jill and Geraldine.

Mothers Union (Keevil & Bulkington)
Wednesday 1st March 2006 – Ash Wednesday Lunch will be held in Keevil Village Hall at 11.30 am in aid of Mothers Union Overseas Fund.
Saturday 25th March 2006 is Lady Day. To mark this occasion there will be an Archdeaconry Service of Holy Communion to be held in Derry Hill Church at 2.30 pm. Anyone who would like to attend this service please get in contact Dorothy Tyler on 01380 870340.

Bulkington Parish Council
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th March 2006 at 8.15 pm in the Village Hall.

Spring Soup Lunch – Saturday 11th March
Put a spring in your step and come along to Bulkington village hall at 12.00 noon and taste a selection of our delicious home made soups with lovely soft rolls and butter followed by tea and biscuits. Tickets are available from
Liz Futter and on the door at £3.50 for adults and £2.00 for children. Visitors to Bulkington are very welcome.

Village fete and fun day committee

Lottery Leg Up for Bulkington Village Hall
In 2003 our Village Hall was in dire straights – the exterior walls were in desperate need of re-pointing, the floor was collapsing, there were no disabled facilities and rats had been seen under the floor. Our chairman advised us that we needed around £14,000 to make repairs– this appeared to be an impossible sum for a small village of some 200 people to raise. We were in danger of loosing our hall. A public meeting took place and the village sprang into action! An auction of promises took place, which raised over £2000. The villagers removed the old floor, (complete with woodworm!) which was sold. Some 400 wheel-barrel loads of soil were removed and a new floor fitted. Two of our villagers re-plastered the walls and our ‘Ladies Group’ painted them. The hall was re-opened in time for our Christmas fund raising ‘Train Rides to See Santa’ (on the Great Bulkington Railway) and Community First granted us £1000 towards the job. Since then we have progressed steadily and last year completed the re-pointing of two walls. We have finished our disabled toilet, wheelchair ramp and safety rail.

Last December we applied to ‘Awards for All’ for a lotto grant to re-point our last wall and fit a new window into it. We are pleased to tell you that to our amazement and delight that we have been awarded £4,272!

Our present chairman, Nev Boulton says that he and the management committee are absolutely thrilled & delighted to get this award from the Lotto. We have put an enormous amount of effort into re-building our hall and thanks to the Lotto - we can now complete the job.

Ladies Gentle Exercise Classes - Take place on Wednesday evenings at 7pm to 8pm in Bulkington Village Hall at a cost of £4.00. Please contact Thelma Boulton 01380 828101.

Line Dancing Classes - Take place on Monday evenings at 7pm to 9pm in Bulkington Village Hall at a cost of £3.00. Please contact Liz Futter 01380
828485.

The Great Bulkington Railway (next to Bulkington village hall). Sit-on and ride miniature steam and diesel trains will be open to visitors for rides during the afternoons of Easter Monday and July the first. We have a thousand feet of track, automatic signals and a tunnel. All profits go to local charities and good causes. Nev on 01380 828101

Dressmaker offers alterations service at reasonable prices. Please contact Thelma Boulton 01380 828 101

WORTON TODDLER GROUP

Coffee Morning on 25th March at 10.30am-1.30pm. Refreshments and stalls of clothing, toys and bric-a-brac. Contact Caroline Snow on 723578 or Helen Morse on 723214 if you have suitable items to contribute.

KEEVIL SCHOOL NEWS

Thank you to everyone who came to see our Nativity in St Leonard's Church and who gave so generously: we raised £330. This will be added to the other money raised in Keevil for the little school in Sri Lanka that was washed away in the tsunami last year. Our children are putting together a school pack that the Seymours will take when they visit Al Athan, to show the children what it is like here and how we raised the money. I'm sure many photos will come back from this visit and we can take the link on from there. Thank you for your tremendous support.

Our Junior pupils took part in a drama day at Sevington Victorian School in December. Oh boy, were they worried on the journey!! Are my finger nails clean? How do I write with my right hand? Will I get the dunce's hat?!!!! You can imagine their relief to get back to Keevil School with 21st century lessons and whiteboards!

Mo Laycock

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

May we start with saying a very Happy New Year to you all and many thanks to everybody who has supported FOKS during 2005, whether it is helping at an event, buying raffle tickets, or just coming along, we really appreciate your help.

Another big thank you goes to all who has supported the 100 Club. This has been our most successful year yet!

Forthcoming Events:

Plant Sale & Craft Fayre – Keevil School - Saturday April 29th
We are looking for local gardeners to help us with our Plant Sale. If there is anybody who is able to offer us some plants/produce for the sale, we would be very grateful. Alternatively, you may hire a table from us and sell your own!

We hope to have many crafts for you to come along and browse, so come along and join us at the school from 10.30am until 12.30pm. As always, we

have lots of children’s entertainment, a raffle and refreshments for sale. Entrance fee: Adults 50p and children FREE!

Barn Dance – Melksham House, Melksham – Friday 12th May
Tickets will be available shortly from any FOKS member or through school. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by “Bootleggers Barn Dance Band” who will guide you through the steps! Tickets will include a buffet and there will be a licensed bar. Further information on ticket price and times will be in the next newsletter.

10K Road Race – Keevil Airfield – Saturday 3rd June
Race Times: Main Race 11am, children’s races from 1pm. This year we are anticipating runners from far and wide hoping to beat their ‘personal best’. Application forms and booking information is available online via our website www.keevil10k.co.uk or through www.runnersworld.com.uk. You can also call 07980 150627 and speak to our Race Coordinators for any information you require. Or you can email us on info@keevil10k.co.uk.

We have many children’s activities from bouncy castles to tombola raffles as well as a host of refreshments for you to choose from.

We are seeking help from anybody who is available on the day. We need people to help set up, serve refreshments, ‘man’ the children’s activities as
well as marshal at various points. If you can help us out with anything, please let us know by end April if possible. Thank you.

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

WILTSHIRE POLICE

Wiltshire Police have a new single non-emergency number: 0845 408 7000.

The new number replaces all public police station numbers, and has been launched to ensure that every non-emergency call to the Wiltshire Police is answered in a consistent manner. Calls to 0845 408 7000 will be charged at a local rate and will be answered at Police Headquarters in Devizes. The Single Non Emergency Number will make it easier for people to contact the Police for general enquiries, advice and information, or to report a non-urgent incident or crime. Posters and credit cards have been produced, as part of the advertising campaign, to promote the new number.

WILTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given that the Wiltshire County Council has made an Order to close temporarily:

C242 Berhills Lane (part) Sells Green, Seend from its junction with A365 (Bath Road) to a point approximately 130 metres in a northerly direction over disused railway line bridge to enable Wiltshire County Council to carry out Bridge Strengthening Works.

Alternative Route

Via A365 (Bath Road to Seend Fork) A361 (Seend Fork to B3101), B3102 (March Lane Rowde) A342 (Rowde to St. Edith Marsh) C242 (Hawkstreet, Durlett Road, Berhills Lane (part) and vice versa.

The closure will be clearly indicated by traffic signs throughout the works period.

This Order will come into force on Monday 27th March 2006, and it is anticipated the work will take up to three weeks to complete. The Order will have a maximum duration of 18 months.

For further information regarding these works please contact Andy Summers 01225 756600.

The dates of the village skips in 2006 will be:

February 24th Seend Social Club
March 31st Three Magpies
April 28th Wessex Water site
May 26th Seend Social Club
June 30th Three Magpies
July 28th Wessex Water site
August 25th Seend Social Club
September 29th Three Magpies
October 27th Wessex Water site
November 24th Seend Social Club
December 15th Three Magpies

The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday, 28th February at 7.30pm at Seend Social Club.
Mrs. Rosemary Fisher, Clerk


SEEND AND DISTRICT LINK SCHEME

HAVE YOU RECENTLY MOVED INTO THE AREA?
If so, you may not be aware that the Seend and District Link Scheme has been successfully operating since 2002.

It provides a service to villagers who need some basic assistance with everyday life. This can involve such diverse activities as collecting prescriptions, transporting to and from appointments, or helping with small tasks around the house.

Do not hesitate if you need such assistance, just ring our Coordinator on 828949 for further information. Alternatively you may be in a position to act as a volunteer helper to provide these services for local people. Recruitment Officer David Griffiths (828161) will be only too happy to provide more information.

Spotlight Interim Editorial Team: Joanne Bell, Sue Bond, Meg Combes, Rev'd Sacha Pearce & Tina Yockney
Page Last Updated: 12 April 2006

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