For many years visitors to the Annual Seend Flower Show have enjoyed the sight
of the colourful ranges of pictures and collages that have decorated and brightened
the walls on either side of the main hall of Seend Social Club where the Show
is staged. All of these works of art are the results of the imaginations and
efforts of the pupils at Seend Village School, the very able guidance of their
teachers, and the enthusiastic support of their Headmistress, Mrs. Christine
Ramsay. Each year, the four classes, Holly, Oak, Sycamore and Chestnut, choose
a theme and the pupils in each class translate their ideas into the pictures
and collages that you see on the wall of the Seend Club on the day of the Show.
Prior to the Flower Show, a panel of Judges inspects all of the entries and has to make the difficult decisions as to which ones qualify for the First, Second and Third place in each class. In recent years the quality of the entries has been so high that the additional category “Highly Commended” has had to be introduced when the Judges have been unable to agree on an individual Third prize winner. The Judges have also to decide on the single entry, from any of the classes, which will be declared the overall winner and that entrant holds the Cup for a year.
So, one of the highlights of the year for the Flower Show Committee is the opportunity to say a big “Thank You” to Mrs. Ramsay, the Teachers, and the pupils of Seend School for all of their efforts, to present the awards to the winners in each of the four classes and also the overall winner.
As the School is on holiday at the time of the Show, the President and Secretary of the Flower Show attend the School on the first available Friday afternoon Assembly to make the individual presentations to the prize winners and also a donation to Mrs. Ramsay to cover the costs of the paints and materials that are used. Any surplus money will go towards planters and bulbs.
It is always a very happy event and the Committee hope and believe that this
long standing relationship with the School is an encouragement, not only to
the obvious artistic abilities of the pupils which are there for all of us to
see, but also to their continuing interest in the Flower Shows of the future.
P.M. Fisher, President, Seend Flower Show Committee.
In October Spotlight the date given for the retirement of the Revd. Stanley Pipet in August, 2005: This should have read August, 2006, with the new Minister arriving in September, 2006.
Mrs. Brenda McKinness would like to thank everybody who so kindly donated money in memory of her late husband Roy. £1,059.03p. has now been passed across to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal.
On Monday evening, the 4th October, in excess of 55 people in the W.I. Hall sat down to an excellent meal of cottage pie and mixed vegetables followed by a wide selection of puddings. After the meal there was twenty minutes of happy community singing with Margaret Willoughby at the piano and Gywn Hopkins acting as conductor. This was followed by an auction of the Harvest Festival produce with Tony Hill acting as the auctioneer. In his own inimitable style he made the event a very amusing and profitable occasion.
The day after the supper the following verse was dropped through the Spotlight letter box:
Pies and veges flanked the wall, with puds and jellies big and small,
We all set to, enjoyed our food, with chat and wine all tasted good.
Then led by Gwyn we raised our voice, and first pressed Daisy to make her choice.
This must have sparked a terrible row, for next we asked “Whose kissing
her now?”
By special request and without any trouble, Stanley beseeched us to keep blowing
bubbles.
Then before we could stop the spread of a rumour, we switched our affections
to “Lil of Laguna”.
What am I bid, Tony asked as he raised, a well arranged basket of marrow and
maize
Unfazed by the silence he added some honey and quickly the punters came up with
their money.
Thick and fast the lots were offered, whilst Jeremy guarded the growing coffers,
In under an hour the auction was done and we all staggered home with the bargains
we’d won.
Our speaker at our meeting on the 17th November will be the Revd. H. Chapman.
Corporate Communion will be on Wednesday, 24th November at 9.45a.m.
At the September meeting Mr. D. Kyte , a retired farmer from Tilshead, gave us a wonderful talk on “Times Past” and how harvesting has changed.
In December we will have the Deanery Advent Holy Communion with our new Deanery Chaplain at Bromham and also the Keevil Christmas afternoon.
Elizabeth Campbell.
We are in for a treat on Friday, 12th November, at 7.30p.m. when a Russian cappella choir from St.Petersburg will be performing folk and sacred music in the Church of The Holy Cross, Seend. We have been trying to secure this very special group for sometime and we are delighted that we have persuaded them to come to Seend at last, as part of their U.K. tour.
Tickets are on sale at the Post Office or from Bob Howe on 828554 or Tony and Sylvia Ewin on 828325. Price £10, concessions £8.50, which will include a glass of wine or a soft drink in the interval. We expect this to be a very popular event, so get your tickets as soon as possible.
Sylvia Ewin.
The AGM will take place in the Pavilion on Thursday, 11th November, at 8.00p.m.After the brief business meeting, there will be a talk on Lacock Abbey, followed by a glass of wine. All are very welcome to attend.
Sylvia Ewin.
Have you ever wondered what life was like here in our villages in the “Olden Days?” We have books about Seend but they mainly explain the origins and describes the architecture. What did life hold for the villagers in the more recent past – the 20’s, 30’s, war time and on into the 50’s and 60’s?
During the summer John Smallshaw has been talking to a number of residents of Seend and Bulkington, many of whom were born here, to gather their reminiscences of Village life. Next month, for your Christmas reading, there will be a special supplement recalling the stories he has gathered. We shall hear about life at work, at school, in the home and countryside. Many recall life in the villages before mains water and drains, etc. – all the services so taken for granted these days. Many amusing memories have come to light, we even learn of the local speciality, the “Seend Bun”!
If you too know our villages well perhaps you can add to future research and record more memories to be passed on for posterity.
Jenifer Raby-Cox.
The ladies all agreed that the trip to Wadworth Brewery was an interesting experience. We joined the tour with a group of ladies from Holt and started with a visit to the stables to see the dray horses, followed by a detailed talk by the cooper about the traditional methods he uses to make beer barrels. There was a very welcome break during which we sampled some of the beers and then we resumed our tour of the brewery learning about the brewing process.
Our next get-together will take place on Thursday, 28th October. Come and join us in the Village Hall for a Murder Mystery Night with cheese and wine.
For more information, ‘phone Geraldine on 828664.
Angela and Mike Read send heartfelt thanks to everyone for their prayers and thoughtfulness during Mike’s illness. He is now enjoying a gradual return to health.
Bulkington Mothers’ Union: Wednesday, 24th November – 10.30a.m.
Our Annual General Meeting we plan our 2005 programme, meeting at Pat Banfield’s
home, Longleaze Farm, Keevil.
Bulkington Parish Council:
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 10th November at 8.15p.m.
At Bulkington Village Hall.
Church Flowers: Sunday 7th & 14th November: (Remembrance)
On the Saturdays of December 11th (Diesel) and 18th (Steam) from 3.00p.m. to
approximately 7.00p.m. we will again be doing booked Train Rides to See Father
Christmas on the Great Bulkington Railway in aid of our Village Hall Restoration
Fund.
Warmly dressed adults and children, sitting on top of the railway coaches will
ride around the track which will be suitably decorated and illuminated, pulled
by a steam or diesel locomotive. After disembarking at Father Christmas’
Grotto,
one of his Fairies and an Elf will take the children to meet Father Christmas.
The children will be given a suitable present value about £2:50. The happy
excited guests will then be escorted to the nice warm Village Hall to see the
large decorated Xmas Tree and the ticket holding adults can enjoy a glass of
mulled wine, wine or beer. Coffee, tea, hot mince pies, crisps etc will also
be available. A large ‘Dulux Dog’ will be raffled in the hall on
December 18th. Bookings may be made by ‘phoning Jan Flynn on 01380
828 248.
Please state your telephone number, number adults and numbers/ages/girl/boy of the children. Fares payable in advance, Children £5.00, Adults £3.00. All cheques payable to BVHRF. Although casual Guests will be welcome – Train rides cannot be guaranteed.
Nev Boulton, Station Master. GBR.
The very successful “Musical” Exercise Classes continues every Wednesday at 7.00 to 8.00p.m. in Bulkington Village Hall under the enjoyable and professional guidance of Julie Reid who also does classes at Fieldways. There are still a few vacancies in the class and we would give a warm welcome to newcomers.
For details contact Thelma on 01380 828101.
Subsequent to September’s successful Summer Party when lots of people enjoyed line dancing – Beginner’s Line Dancing Classes will take place in Bulkington Village Hall every Monday evening from 7.00p.m. to 9.30p.m. starting on 1st November. Only £3 per person.
Details – Contact Liz Futter 01380 828485.
Last month notice was given that the poppies would be sold in the Village from
Saturday, 30th October, until Sunday, 14th November, 2004. Every copy of Spotlight
has a leaflet explaining the role of the Royal British Legion together with
a Gift Aid envelope.
PLEASE do not throw the envelope away. Assuming you are a Tax
Payer, sign and address it and then retain it until the collector appears on
your door step with his/her tray of poppies. Your contribution can be put straight
into the box. This will ease the collectors job and by so doing the British
Legion can increase the collection by 28p. In every pound.
If you have any questions or require help, please contact the Poppy
Appeal Organiser – Anthony Hodgkinson, 12 Dial Close, Seend. Tel: 01380
828545.
All Members are reminded that the following Parades and Services will take place on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday :
Parade at the War Memorial at 1045 hrs for a short act of Remembrance at 1100 hrs.
Parade at the Rectory end of Church Walk at 1030hrs. March to Church for the normal Sunday Service with Act of Remembrance at 1045hrs.
N.B. All members of the public are very welcome and are encouraged
to attend both these events.
Royal British Legion Bingo will take place at 7.30p.m. for 8.00p.m. in the Seend
Social Club on Saturday, 6th November, 2004.
Spotlight is not the only publication to make an occasional mistake. Many other journals often write in a manner that is not quite what they meant to say. The following items are reputedly taken from various Church notices although Spotlight is unable to authenticate them -
This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the Church. Children will be baptised at both ends.
Wednesday, the Ladies Liturgy Society will meet. Mrs. Jones will sing “Put me in my little bed” accompanied by the Pastor.
Our Kennet District Councillor Representative for Seend and for Poulshot is Mrs. Thelma Carr. Her telephone number is 01380 828 756 and her E.Mail address is Thelma.Carr@Kennet.Gov.UK
Julia Scott, at our October Meeting, gave a useful and interesting account of her herb nursery in Worcester when looking for more land, she and her husband came across the ideal place – the site of a Victorian walled garden, right in the centre of the town. She uses her herbs for cooking, medication, to control her compost heap to keep flies at bay, etc. She has had visits from Rick Stein, Chris Beardshaw and Monty Din, so you might have seen her on T.V.
She recommended Lemon Verbena tea for those who have difficulty in sleeping. It an be bought from health food shops. Wormwood (Artemesia absinthium) is the most bitter of all herbs, but was a useful strewing herb, as insects loath it: highly recommended for keeping wasps away. Grow Sweet Cicely to use as a replacement for sugar in cooking. Don’t pick it from hedgerows, you could make a mistake and pick hemlock which is of the same family.
Julia uses a mixture of five herbs as an activator on her compost heap, to
produce a
good compost in six weeks. These are just a few of the many tips that she gave
as
well as growing hints.
On 9th November, Robert Allwood will speak on “Garden Facts & Fallacies”. The monthly competition is “In the Pink”. Hopefully this will give you many ideas, so surprise us! The meeting starts at 7.30p.m. in the Pavilion. Newcomers are very welcome.
Joyce Brand.
One greenhouse, 6ft. X 4ft. given to new owner. New owner to dismantle and take it away. If interested please contact Mr. Peter Wyre, on 828004.
The concert by Duo del Fuego on 3rd October was, as anticipated, an absolute delight. It was a real privilege to have such talented musicians playing in our humble little Pavilion! And thanks to those who helped run the raffle and pour the teas – i.e. Ric, Nicky and Lynne! We made around £100 for the Lye Field. Watch out for the next event in the Spring.
We need to make another plea for volunteer drivers who can help out on the scheduled services – especially Thursdays. It doesn’t have to be every week – just once in a while would be a great help. Whether you’re a novice, or are already on our list of drivers, but your circumstances have changed so that you are now free in the daytime, please ring Pete on 828757 or Alison on 828568.
I forgot to put in last month’s Spotlight that the timetable for the above bus routes changed in August. If you need a copy, please ring me (Tessa on 828617) - or there are copies on the Shuttle.
Now the nights are drawing in, make sure you get cosy at Seend Social Club with a great programme of events for everybody.
British Legion Bingo Night – Saturday, 6th November:
Eyes down at 8.00p.m. for this annual fun event jointly hosted by Seend Social
Club and the British Legion. You can only win if you’re in, so come and
have some fun whilst supporting a great cause.
Madonna is back – Saturday, 13th November:
By popular demand we bring back our Madonna tribute evening. Arguably one of
the best shows ever at Seend Social Club – so, if you missed it last time,
make sure you get your tickets early. Tickets available from Sam Sainsbury
(01380 828157)
Members £10, non members £12.
Quiz Night – Saturday, 4th December.
Pit your wits against quiz master Graham for a fun night out. First prize £80
– definitely worth a go!! Teams of up to 4, entry fee £10 per team.
Come along and test your knowledge!
New Year’s Eve 2004 at Seend Social Club – Get ready to
party:
After the fantastic response we received from those who partied this New Year
in, arrangements are already in place for New Year’s Eve 2004 for you
to pop those party poppers, burst those balloons and throw those streamers.
Hopefully bigger and better – it’s the place to be, so make sure
you’re there!
Christmas at Seend Social Club:
Christmas time is always a great celebration at Seend Social Club, and we will
be having all of the normal events, including the Christmas Draw, Christmas
Bingo and, hopefully, a family lunchtime opening on Boxing Day. Keep your eyes
peeled for more information on dates and events.
Looking for a Venue?
As many of you will know, the Club is a fantastic venue for parties, Christening
and weddings, etc. and provides great value for money. If you are interested
in making a booking, please contact Stan Wiltshire on 01380 828559
for availability and prices.
1st Prize: £35. Nr. 66. Seend Tennis Club.
2nd Prize: £30. Nr. 16. Mr. C. Mayell.
3rd Prize: £20. Nr. 44. Neil Yockney.
4th Prize: £15. Nr. 67. Mrs. Heather Barnes.
Bernie Prolze.
The open meeting of 5th October, 2004 was intended to recruit assistance in the organisation and running of the Fete. It was not entirely successful – in fact it was completely unsuccessful, as only the current (depleted) Committee turned up … which was both disappointing and surprising as we were under the impression that the Fete is regarded in the Village as A Good Thing, and Something Worth Supporting, not only for it’s direct benefit to the Village, but as an important facet of rural life. If you don’t want to join the committee, not a problem, there are many other ways you can help. So for those among you who would have attended the meeting but for other commitments, don’t worry, you can still offer your support by phoning me, Bernie Prolze on 828391, or emailing bjprolze@uko2.co.uk. The need is slightly greater than it was on 5th October, but there is plenty of time left to include your assistance in our planning.
Bernie Prolze.
The above organisation is a locally based, independent and confidential not
for profit service. It is funded by Supporting People, Kennet and North Wilts.
Primary Care Trusts, Wiltshire County Council and Kennet District Council.
Its aims are to help those who are :
Disabled of any age.
Over 60.
Living in the Kennet area.
Home owners or private tenants.
They may be able to help to identify necessary improvements and adaptations to the home and if necessary help to apply for funding from the local authority grants department, charities or benevolent funds. They can also assist in choosing a reliable builder. They offer a subsidised “Handihelp Service” for small jobs around the house plus a “one off “ garden clearance scheme.
Their objective is to provide a friendly and helpful service and to help people remain in their own homes. Anybody seeking more information about the service or simply an informal chat about their own needs should contact them at :
Silbury Group,
Sarsen Court,
Horton Avenue,
Cannings Hill,
Devizes SN10 2AZ.
Telephone:01380 735333.
Spotlight has received many favourable comments for its occasional items on local history as well as requests for more such information . It may not be generally known but in the County Archives in Trowbridge there is a most interesting record of life in Seend for the period from 1873 until the end of 1916. This record is a collection of the Parish annual reports that were then prepared by the then minister, the Revd. Arthur Barough Thynne.
Prior to 1872 Seend was a “chapelry” of Melksham under the provisions of a Pastoral Reorganisation Act of 1838. This eventually received royal approval from the Queen and Council in 1873 and Seend became an independent parish and this was the year that Canon Thynne was appointed.
From his annual reports it would appear that Seend was a wealthy parish, wealthy that was for the upper class of the day. He recorded that the Parish comprised 2,668 acres with an estimated gross rental of £9,997-13s. When he started his ministry the population of the United Kingdom would have been in the region of 38 million people and in 1879 when he started to record general details of the Parish he tells us that the population of Seend was 1,017 people which would have included children. (Today, the population is around 922 of voting age plus children).
Every January he produced a detailed report of the year’s work of the
Church and its many related activities. The first one for the year ended 31st
December, 1873, is headed “Statement of the Accounts of the Parish Charities”
and these were accounts that were to become more numerous. He reported on the
operational and financial progress of the School, the Coal Club, the Shoe Club,
and the Clothing Club. (At a time when the majority of people were very poorly
paid, clubs such as these were designed to help them to save small amounts of
money in order to acquire these items.) He also listed payments to the Organ
Blower and Bell Ringer (George Tavener) and to the Organist (B.Shaw). He records
charitable donations to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign
Parts and to the Church
Missionary Society. He also identified the need for a new chancel.
Canon Thynne clearly devoted great energy to his task and he appears as a one man Social Services Department. To the above he added at least, a daily Reading Room in the Cleeve, a lending library that was free to villagers (books exchanged in the Parish Room at 4.00p.m. on Mondays), a Maternity Society and a Soup Kitchen. (A quart, or two pints, of soup was sold for one penny between 12noon and 6.00p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It should be recalled that prior to decimalisation some 100 years later, there were 240 pennies to the £1.)
The list grows. A Needlework Society was held during the winter months. There was a Flower Society which, on Mondays, sent flowers on the mid-day train to hospitals in London. There was a Working Party for the London Poor and, in conjunction with the Post Office, a Penny Bank. In one annual review he reported on eighteen sets of accounts with all of them accounting down to one farthing. (¼d. or one fourth of one old penny).
Not all of his ventures stood the test of time. In 1884 he formed a Workmen’s Club which lasted ten years. Membership fees were five shillings (25p) a year, a sum of money which, at that time, would be beyond the means of a good many people. Somewhat despairingly, or perhaps naively, he stated “A want is felt of more honorary members”. The Club rules precluded women from joining but they could make annual donations!
He was also disappointed by his lack of progress with his branch of the Church of England Temperance Society, In 1898 he complained that there is “Too much drinking. Of the 70 members, 31 are adults of whom “too many are lukewarm and have no real active interest in the work”. (Even today there are people in the Parish who have been known to take an occasional drink!)
He had previously been disappointed in his report for 1894. The Local Government Act of that year had required the formation of Parish Councils and he had hoped to see some of the agricultural elected to the Council. Instead, the same names of the more privileged inhabitants continued to appear. They had given up some of their roles with various voluntary activities and were now working voluntarily on the Parish Council. He was quite up-beat about another item of new from the same year. There had been a formation of a Seend Volunteer Squad which had been attached to the Melksham Company and eleven men from Seend had joined. He wrote “With such an efficient body of protectors now living amongst us, Seend surely need have no fear of invasion by foreign foe”.
It is interesting to read of his comments as the year 1900 closed. He stated “One hundred years is not a very long period, yet what marvellous change has come over, not only this country, but the whole world. We cannot realise what life would be without steam, electricity, penny postage, cheap bread, free education, and many other things which now lead to the happiness of life.”
He also commented on the major events that took place. The War in the Transvaal, the death of Queen Victoria and the coronation of King Edward VII on June 26th, 1901. Edward’s reign was fairly short and he was succeeded by King George V whose coronation was on June 22nd, 1911. This was celebrated in grand style and included in Village events were, at 2.30p.m., athletic events on the Manor Field. At 5.00p.m. and after receiving Coronation Mugs, 220 children sat down to “a substantial tea”. This was followed by a meat tea for 440 adults with a similar tea being sent to 40 other people who had been unable to attend. They then “indulged” in dancing until 9.00p.m. when the bonfire was lit.
He referred to World War One which prompted more charitable acts. In the first six months of the war a working party from the Parish had made 209 articles of clothing for 115 Belgium refugees and 94 comforts in the form of shirts, belts, mittens and socks for British troops.
After 43 years service to the Parish, Canon Thynne retired at the end of 1916 at the age of 76. Although there were strong class distinctions at the time with a great gap of income between the relatively rich people and the very many poor people he seems to have gone to great efforts to make the Parish of Seend more socially equitable. His life’s work was his Parish and his Parish was his life.