the parish magazine for the benefice of bagendon, …...parish link the parish magazine for the...

Parish Link

The Parish Magazine for the Benefice of Bagendon, Baunton, Coberley, Colesbourne,

Cowley, Elkstone, North Cerney, Rendcomb and Stratton

June 2018

70p

http://www.churnvalley.org.uk

http://www.churnvalley.org.uk/

Parish Link June 2018….2

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Please forward any contributions to the July edition of Parish Link by 15th June to Corinna Bramley: [email protected] 01285 641523. Thank you.

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Index

Pastoral Letter - Revd David Minns ......................................................... 5 Benefice news - Updates, thank-you’s and farewells .............................. 8

Licensing Service for Mark Venn .......................................................... 9 For all the Saints .................................................................................... 10

Colesbourne - The parish church of St James ................................... 10 Reviews and thanks ............................................................................... 12

Revisiting the Baunton St Christopher Wallpainting .......................... 12 Strings Concert at Elkstone ................................................................ 13 Soup and Bread Lunch, Bagendon .................................................... 13 Leckhampton Court Hospice Appeal .................................................. 13

Forthcoming events ............................................................................... 14 The entire History of the Christian Church in 50 minutes! ................. 14 Cotswold Gardens Open Day at Elkstone .......................................... 14 Barn Dance and Festival of Flowers in Colesbourne ......................... 15 Stratton’s latest – a call for volunteers ............................................... 17 Diary Date: Coberley Fete and produce show - 27th August .............. 18

News from around the Parishes ............................................................ 18 Latest from Colesbourne .................................................................... 18 Update from Rendcomb ..................................................................... 18

Schools’ News ....................................................................................... 19 North Cerney Primary Academy ......................................................... 19

Scrubditch Care Farm - Emma Costley White ...................................... 20 Community news and events ................................................................ 21

Stratton Tuesday Group ..................................................................... 21 News from Colesbourne Filling Station .............................................. 22 Garden event in aid of Rendcomb Patients' Support Group .............. 23 Stratton Educational Foundation ........................................................ 23 News from our NHS Trust .................................................................. 24

Gloucestershire Constabulary ............................................................... 25 Caring for our Environment.................................................................... 25

Cirencester Repair Café reminder ...................................................... 25 Clarification and apology .................................................................... 25

Recipe .................................................................................................... 26 From the Benefice Registers ................................................................. 26 Crossword .............................................................................................. 27 Services June 2018 ............................................................................... 28 Directory ................................................................................................. 32


RAISE MONEY FOR ST PETER’S STRATTON BY SHOPPING ONLINE

Join TheGivingMachine and help raise funds for the upkeep of our beautiful church when you shop online. It’s simple and free. Retailers including Amazon, M&S, John Lewis and ebay are all part of the scheme. The following address gives you access to the sign-up page for St Peters Stratton on TheGivingMachine website.

https://www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/causes/st-peters-church-stratton-cirencester/support

With our thanks in anticipation - Stratton PCC

Any questions, please contact Peter Moore on: 01285 640077 07796 543959 or e: [email protected]





Pastoral Letter - Revd David Minns

I have been in post as Rector of the Churn Valley Benefice for just over one year now. That time has been spent getting to understand as much as possible about the churches and communities we serve together. This is a beautiful area and the villages and churches all have their own unique characteristics. It has been a joy to discover more about them and to meet the people who are their lifeblood week in and week out. Some of the villages have a good history of church attendance that remains strong. Some have particular, distinctive worship. Some have schools with a potential to grow better links in future. In each church there are to be found positive signs for the future. On the other hand, all the churches struggle with finances and many have significant buildings challenges.

I am so grateful to those who have served the church so well over the years, especially in village churches with low numbers of parishioners to call on. The burden has been heavy and the task often feels pretty thankless - I want to thank you for all you have done.

This year we have begun the process of uniting two PCCs in Coberley and Cowley to help ease the administrative burden. Working together will be part of our tools for survival and growth across the benefice over the next few years.

We have had to tackle the rotas. How to get church services led in as many churches as possible each Sunday is quite a logistical problem given the few licensed staff we have to call on. I am grateful to our licensed staff and service leaders. My colleagues Rev’ds Arthur Champion and Cliff Pooley share with me the largest part of that challenge, supported by Rev’d Jan Moore, Rev’d Bob and Ruth Edy, Martin Green and Mark Venn. Sometimes we are also able to call on a number of other Priests and Readers. Without that wide range of support, we simply wouldn’t be able to put on the 25 or so services each month that we enjoy across the benefice. I’m grateful to our Benefice Administrator Corinna Bramley who organises visiting priests when required and helps co-ordinate our Sunday readings and hymns, as well as a host of other important admin matters. Some churches have had to accept service time changes as I have rearranged schedules this year to allow best use of staff. Others have lost services from their schedule entirely or had days rearranged. Some of those changes have been painful and some churches have seen attendance fall as a result. The Sunday rotas, though much more settled now, will still be subject to change and adaptation, especially as holidays or sickness take effect.


I am always willing to discuss with PCCs any ideas for services and service times.

We are blessed with a wide variety of worship styles across the benefice, I enjoy the variety that includes lay led family worship, BCP Matins, Holy Communion and Evensong, Common Worship services, ‘Songs of praise’, pet services and puppets and variations on ‘morning worship’ services. I am keen to maintain and grow that diversity so that we provide across the benefice services that will appeal to as many people as possible.

We all need to be aware that out of a benefice population of roughly 4,500 a vast majority, (some 4,400), will not be at worship in our Benefice on a Sunday morning. Why is that? It is a challenge to us all.

I would like to see more movement across the villages and churches and more co-operation and sharing between churches. Our Benefice services on the 5th Sunday are an opportunity to join in worship together in a variety of styles.

You can find details of all our services and much more on our Website www.churnvalley.org.uk and I’m grateful to Rev’d Arthur Champion who built and currently maintains it. Do take a look, I would like to see more contributions from all our churches, making it a lively, dynamic picture of church life in the benefice. Corinna also edits our Benefice magazine ‘Parish Link’ while Arthur maintains our Facebook site ‘Churn Valley Benefice’ - do join the group if you are a user of social media; the more people use it the better it will reflect the life of the church. That life is expressed too in our many social events - often part of fundraising, often in aid of other charities, they provide informal, relaxed opportunities for us to get to know each other better and welcome people we may not see in church. I have enjoyed Harvest suppers, country walks, Lent soups and much more – and I certainly encourage you to continue sharing together socially whenever possible - it is still an expression of church!

Finance is a significant problem. It costs in the region of £100,000 per year to maintain ministry in our Benefice; and this with a worshipping population of about 100. Added to that are the costs of maintaining ancient buildings, much loved by the community, but sadly not as well supported financially by that community as we would wish. It falls on PCC members to agonise over fundraising or applying for grants for building works and I greatly appreciate all they do in that area. Very few of our churches end the year with a financial surplus, some draw on dwindling reserves each year. For some, weddings, funerals and Baptisms provide a small amount of



extra income; many churches have fundraising fetes or events, but we rely in the main on the generosity of our congregations. I am grateful to every single person who gives to the church through the year. I know it is not easy. Please remember that our giving is not a tax, but is a gift given freely out of love – to the work of God, and without it the work of God would be much diminished in this area. I am indebted to the work of the Treasurers and Wardens

We are blessed as a Benefice with 3 Church of England Schools, in Stratton, North Cerney and Coberley. Each one has a Head teacher who promotes a strong Christian ethos, and a willingness to engage with the life of their Parish church. We need to build on those links, both for the health of our churches and for the sake of the children who need to hear the Good News of Jesus and have those strong Christian values to build upon in their lives. In each school we have the benefit of good Foundation Governor support.

Our congregations share in Christian witness through ‘Open the Book’ teams, which bring Bible stories to the children. We need to prayerfully seek opportunities to grow our relationship with all these schools in the coming years.

Rendcomb College has Rev’d Bob Edy as a Chaplain, makes good use of Rendcomb church and contributes to the life of the church in the village. We also have links with National Star College in Coberley Parish. A Church is more than a building, it is a worshipping community, and it takes a variety of people of all ages and backgrounds, each bringing their particular gifts to support the worship and work of God in our communities and beyond. Flower arrangers, church cleaners, organists, sides-people and vergers – the list goes on and shows that God’s work lies in the people – that’s where the church is.

This is God’s work. We are all part of it. As Rector of the Benefice I am here to serve, first God and then you and your community. I don’t always get things right and I certainly do make mistakes. I make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. I sometimes wonder if the job is even possible. However, I return time and time again to God who calls us all to face up to the challenges of our time and locality. We are the church. Here in the Churn Valley we are God’s church together. I thank God for the life of the church and the work of the church – and I thank each of you for all you contribute. David.


Benefice news - Updates, thank-you’s and farewells

Coberley with Cowley Since October 2017 the legal process of creating a united PCC and single congregation has been going on in the background at Deanery and Diocesan level. The two congregations have been worshiping as one since January by alternating between the two historic buildings. An informal united PCC meeting was held on 5th February at Cowley Manor. The final APCMs were held in April and we are looking to hold the first formal united PCC meeting on 19th

June at Deerpark. Meanwhile, on 10th May the Diocese of Gloucester launched a public consultation exercise which closes on 15th

June. Interested parties can view the relevant documents on the CVB website and CVB Facebook page or just ask Corinna for a copy. The clergy and Patrons are grateful to all those who have served on the two PCCs; especially Michael Dykes, MBE, who has kindly accepted the role of Church Warden for the new legal entity. Michael would welcome having another Church Warden to serve alongside. In a nutshell: “With your clergy, you are to share in the administration of the parish and the care of the church buildings.” If interested, please speak to Michael or a member of the clergy.

Colesbourne As mentioned in last month’s magazine, Robin Blackburn has decided to step down after serving for seven years as PCC Treasurer. Sir Henry Elwes warmly acknowledged Robin’s valuable contribution during the APCM on 19thApril. It’s at times like this that we realise how much the church depends on the faithful contribution of those who use their gifts in the interests of God’s kingdom.

Elkstone Chloe Darling has been a PCC member for many years and was distinguished by being the longest serving representative on Cirencester Deanery Synod. Chloe has used her gifts of enthusiasm and networking to fill gaps in the Sunday service rota often by bringing in senior members of staff from College Green in Gloucester. She is renowned for giving hospitality and for taking meals to people in need. A couple of years ago she became Church Warden serving alongside of David Pierce and giving some much-needed extra support. Chloe and David worked together to make the composting toilet a reality despite both having different health issues


9.30am HC at Baunton on Sunday 3rd June

You are warmly invited to come to the last service Janet will be taking at Baunton - HC at 9.30am on Sunday 3rd June. We would like to make it a special occasion. There will be coffee for everyone afterwards and a chance to speak to Janet.

A farewell lunch is also planned for Janet on Sunday 24thJune at 1.00pm in Cowley Rectory. It will be a bring-and-share lunch so please let Margaret Champion know if you would like to come along.

Licensing Service for Mark Venn

Mark Venn has been going through the Lay Readers’ course and is due to be licensed on Sunday 24th June by Bishop Robert Springett. It has

Chloe collaborated with the Revd Arthur so that Elkstone could achieve a nationally recognised EcoChurch Award. She described herself as "An all or nothing person!" However, with some reluctance Chloe recently decided that the time had come to resign from all these formal roles. On Rogation Sunday the PCC and many of her friends were able to attend a bring-and-share lunch kindly hosted by Sylvie Pierce - a Patron. A presentation was made by Geoff Gait-Carr. Chloe has certainly earned a rest from formal duties and yet she remains committed to working with the Clergy and PCC on certain projects such as new cupboards in the Vestry and repairs to the beautiful stained-glass window of the Resurrection.

The Elkstone community is also coming to terms with news that the Revd Canon Dr Janet Williams has

accepted a new job and will soon be moving to live in Yorkshire (often known as “God’s own country”!). Janet has taught Philosophy, Religious Studies/Theology and Buddhism in a range of universities and colleges in both Japan and England. She once lived in Bagendon until about 2003 when she came to live in Elkstone. For the past six years she has been the Dean and Gloucester Tutor for the West of England Ministry Training Course. Janet has not only been a good neighbour and friend to many in the CV Benefice but has also taken every opportunity to lead worship and conduct occasional offices which has been very valuable, particularly during nearly 18 months of the recent vacancy.

Janet will soon become Vice Principal of St Hild's College in Mirfield.


now been confirmed that the licensing will take place at All Saints church, North Cerney at 4:00pm, with refreshments afterwards at North Cerney Village hall. All from the Churn Valley Benefice are very welcome to attend.

For all the Saints

Colesbourne - The parish church of St James

One day when Jesus was walking alongside the Sea of Galilee he came across some fishermen. Jesus called out to them and immediately James and his brother John left their nets to become his disciples (Mark 1: 16-20).

Scholars estimate that James was born about 12BC and was much older than his brother John who later became known as “the beloved disciple”. Their parents were Zebedee and Salome. They were quite wealthy fishermen and they probably lived at Bethsaida. James was later called James “the Great” to distinguish him from James “the Less” another of Jesus’ disciples who was shorter or younger and whose parents were Alphaeus and Cleophas. Incidentally, Jesus also had a brother called James (“the Just”) who became a leader of the Jerusalem church and in about 50AD wrote an epistle that forms part of the New Testament.

Once these two brothers asked Jesus for permission to call down fire from Heaven on a Samaritan town (Luke 9: 54); of course, their request was declined and from then on they were known as “the Sons of Thunder”. Another time they asked Jesus if they could be promoted to sit alongside his throne in glory, which naturally annoyed all the other disciples! As a member of the inner circle, James witnessed some miraculous events:

• the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37 and Luke 8:51),

• the Transfiguration on a mountaintop (Mark 9:2),

• Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33) and

• Several resurrection appearances (Luke 24, Matt 28, 1 Cor 15)

After the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, James spent 12 years evangelising throughout Judea followed by ten years on the Iberian Peninsula; now Spain and Portugal. On returning to Jerusalem in 44AD King Herod Agrippas had him decapitated (Acts 12: 1-2). In this way James became the first apostle to be martyred.


As often happens with the saints there is a legend surrounding how the body of James was transported back to the Iberian Peninsula... The ship being used for the journey had no sail or rudder but somehow arrived at the northwest coast of the peninsula then sailed up the River Ulla. The Celtic Queen who ruled the area was initially hostile but after a miraculous incident she converted to Christianity and provided an ox and cart for the followers of James to transport the body. They prayed and decided to let the ox continue until it chose a place to rest. After pausing at a stream, the ox finally came to rest under an oak tree at the top of a hill where centuries later the Cathedral of Santiago was built.

Another story has it that in the ninth century James’ body was discovered and moved to a tomb in Santiago de Compostela which, after Rome and Jerusalem, has become the most popular pilgrimage site. In 1987 some 3,000 pilgrims walked the Camino de Santiago but by 2017 this had increased to 300,000 partly because of a film called “The Way” (2010) starring Martin Sheen. Some of the pilgrims are treated to a service in the cathedral during which a heavy container of burning incense is suspended from the ceiling and swings repeatedly over the heads of the masses!

James the Great is recognised as the patron saint of pilgrims and labourers. He is typically shown in stained glass and paintings with a pilgrim staff, scallop shell, sword, and pilgrim’s hat, astride a white charger or with the Cross of St James. One might reasonably have expected the parish church of St James at Colesbourne to have his image in a stained glass window but instead the north transept depicts St Peter, John the Baptist and St Paul. The parish church is situated in secluded woodland looking out across a shallow valley where sheep can often be seen grazing alongside of the River Churn.

The feast day of St James is 25th July. Perhaps in recognition of the manner of his own death one of the prayers in the CofE liturgy concludes with this prayer:

“We commend to your goodness all who have died. We pray for those shocked and disturbed by a sudden death; those who have died violently and without warning; those who have died at the hands of terrorism or abusive regimes; for the disappeared and those who have no body to bury. Heal our grief and bring us the joy of your salvation. Jesus, servant and King Your Kingdom come, your will be done.”

Arthur Champion (Revd)


Reviews and thanks

Revisiting the Baunton St Christopher Wallpainting

St Mary Magdalene Church, Baunton, was packed for the recent talk by Dr Ellie Pridgeon providing insight into the St Christopher wall painting.

The talk followed remedial treatment on the painting, part of regular conservation work, which has allowed the late medieval colours to glow. During the talk we learnt how the colourful paintings crowding the walls of the church would have been regarded by the parishioners. The figures of saints in the nave functioned as intercessors, transmitting people's prayers to God in heaven. St Christopher (originally from Turkey) was second only to the Virgin Mary in popularity, not least because the sight of him would prevent you from dying a violent or unprepared death that day.

Illustrating her talk with mainly local examples of similar art, Dr Pridgeon put the St Christopher painting into historical and iconographic context. She was able to explain points of interest in the Baunton painting: his “Eastern-style” headgear which indicates his origins, an early attempt at perspective, and the presence of long-established elements of the St Christopher story (the fisherman, the hermit, the ship, the flowering staff) which help to date this example to around 1500.

An animated hour of talk and questions was followed by drinks and nibbles, with the opportunity for further questions to the expert, or chat with friends and neighbours. Those who left promptly enjoyed the end of almost a summer's evening, but those who lingered got wetter than St Christopher himself, when the heavens opened in a tremendous downpour and crashing thunder.

Many thanks to Dr Ellie Pridgeon and the organisers from Baunton church for an enlightening evening which brought the community together for a deeper appreciation of one of the many treasures in the benefice.

Amanda Woodd - with thanks to Arthur Champion for his notes!


Strings Concert at Elkstone

A World Premiere was played at Elkstone church on Sunday 29th April 2018! Andrew Hodges, a brilliant violin player, teacher and arranger of music, had rearranged some Beatles tunes for a String Quartet and this was its World Premiere. He brought along his Stratton String Quartet and three star pupils to give the 70 people in the audience a wonderful concert ranging from early folk music through baroque, classical, romantic and on to very modern times. The mixture was pure delight and much appreciated by everyone who came, many of whom were Andrew’s pupils and families of the players.

What a huge talent on our doorstep in Stratton. We are extremely grateful to them for helping us to raise funds for our lovely little church. They gave their time to give us pleasure. Thank you all so much! Many thanks also to Team Elkstone for supporting the event in their usual efficient ways.

Soup and Bread Lunch, Bagendon

Thank you to everyone who supported the lunch for Christian Aid on Wednesday 16th May, and to those who gave donations. We raised £300, which will cover the cost of training a local builder (and a half) in Haiti in the skills of building homes that can withstand storms and earthquakes. Your generosity is much appreciated. Ghislaine Venn

Leckhampton Court Hospice Appeal

"Thank You" to all the knitters and crocheters who made Hearts for the Leckhampton Court Hospice Appeal. I was able to take along 1,830 colourful and beautifully crafted Hearts. Following its exhibition at the RHS Malvern Festival, the Knitted Garden and Hearts tree will be on display at the Cotswold Show, Cirencester in July and then later in the year in Gloucester Cathedral for a whole month. Further details to follow. A very big thank you to everyone who got involved. Pauline Farman


Forthcoming events

The entire History of the Christian Church in 50 minutes!

Last month you may remember we had the "Complete story of the Bible in 50 minutes" which attracted only six people - a real shame. Never-the-less, for our June meeting we shall be using another one of the Revd Mike Fuller's audio/visual presentations. Please join us if you can at Cowley Rectory on Wednesday 6th June at 7.30pm (7.15pm if you'd like a drink before) ending at 8.45pm with open prayers. For further information please contact the Revd Arthur on: 01242 870402.

Cotswold Gardens Open Day at Elkstone Sunday 17th June 2018 2:00 - 6:00pm

We look forward to welcoming visitors to our Open Gardens afternoon when you can see our lovely village in detail not normally accessible to the casual visitor.

During the afternoon you can amble through a selection of beautiful private gardens. You can browse the stalls, enjoy cream teas, homemade cakes or ice creams, play garden games, see work by local artists and enjoy a tractor ride through farmland with sensational views. You will also be able to explore the church with its unusual dovecote above the chancel and its quite exceptional Norman arches in the chancel and sanctuary. The chancel arches, and those leading to the altar, are among the best in Gloucestershire, if not in Britain. The church, which is the highest in Gloucestershire, also has a wonderful Norman tympanum above the south door. On this special afternoon not only can you soak up the atmosphere in church, made more special with glorious flower displays, but you’ll be able to hear the bells and visit the bell tower.

Adults £5.00, Children free, Parking included. No dogs please. Elkstone Village (near Cirencester/Cheltenham) - follow car park signs; N51o 48’ 37.7” W02o 02’ 45.6”; OS Explorer Map 179, SO968122 More details on http://www.elkstonevillage.co.uk

http://www.elkstonevillage.co.uk/


Barn Dance and Festival of Flowers in Colesbourne

In St James’ Church…

A REAL BARN DANCE!

Friday 6th July 2018, 7 - 10pm

Everyone welcome!

Bowl food & refreshments

available on the night

Music from the excellent & local Odd Piece Band

Tickets available from Colesbourne

Filling Station (in advance, cash only): Adults £10 Children £5

Family ticket £25 (2 adults, 2 children)

After the Flower Festival

on Sunday 15th July there will be a

Benefice Evensong Service at 6.30pm

at Colesbourne


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Stratton’s latest – a call for volunteers

‘Escape from the Pyramid of

Doom!’ I’m hoping to run a children’s Holiday Club at Stratton School during August. Escape from the Pyramid of Doom is 3 fun packed mornings of interactive fun with games, mystery, adventure, quizzes, music, crafts, Bible stories and drama, with one mad-cap evening for the parents. Before I can offer this exciting event to the children, however, I have to know that I have at least ten adult helpers, for the three mornings and one evening. That’s Monday 6th August, Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 8th from 9am to 12.30pm and Wednesday evening from 6.30pm. If you would like to help out we have a range of jobs you can do – mostly helping the children in their teams or with crafts. Please let me know if you can help by emailing me at [email protected] or phoning the Rectory on: 01285 655199. Thank you David.

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Diary Date: Coberley Fete and produce show - 27th August

August Bank Holiday Monday 27th August

Start sowing, planting, painting, photographing!

There will also be a Scarecrow competition, dog show, cream teas

and general fun and games!

Watch this space for more updates!

News from around the Parishes

Latest from Colesbourne

The organisers have decided not to have a Fete this year but will be organising some other events instead. We are planning a Barn Dance on Friday 6th July, from 7 - 10pm, and a Festival of Flowers the weekend of 14th and 15th July (2 - 6pm). As well as flowers in the church, there will be flower arrangement demonstrations to give people ideas about crafting their own arrangements. Visitors can also enjoy the Open Garden and arboretum and a homemade strawberry tea (see page 15 for full details). Later this year we are planning a supper evening at the “Foodworks Cookery School” as well as the usual Harvest Supper in September.

With a population of only 118, the smallest in the Benefice, alarm was expressed at the recent PCC meeting over the lack of support for the Church with normal income coming to only half of the standing costs resulting in possible closure. In addition, only £23,000 has so far been raised for the Nave roof renewal which will cost £57,000. This is after approaches have been made to more than 25 funding trusts with only three more to try.

Sir Henry Elwes, Churchwarden

Update from Rendcomb From Ruth Edy

Our Church Open Morning on May 5th fell on one of those lovely summer days we have had recently! Church members directed visitors to the displays, which included photos of recent events and examples of charcoal drawings by Junior school pupils from Rendcomb College, and also gave information about the points of interest around the church, especially the Norman font.


There was the opportunity to climb up the stairs in the bell tower to see the bells and (on ground level!) a demonstration of bell-ringing by Will, a VIth former and one of our regular bell-ringers from the College. There was plenty of coffee and cake too!

May saw the launch of Friends of Rendcomb Church, both with the local community, College and village, and further afield. On May 13th Rendcomb and Elkstone congregations joined for an all-age service at Elkstone and we found out various people’s preferences for the ‘luxury’ item they would take with them to a desert island, as well as their favourite Bible story and choice of hymn. Interestingly, the ‘luxury’ items ranged from moisturiser and a pair of secateurs to a comfortable chair!

Rendcomb services this month are: June 10th - when the Rendcomb congregation will join the congregation at Elkstone for the 10am all-age service with the Revd Geoffrey Cox. June 24th - HC at Rendcomb with the Revd Bob Edy at 11am. Other dates for your diary: August 18th - Nature walk at Wren’s Orchard with a bring & share lunch. September 16th - Pets’ service at Rendcomb Village Hall, 3.30pm. Also, at the Griffin Theatre on Friday June 8th, a Professional Piano Concert at 7pm with Jeremy Carter, featuring classical tunes from Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and more. Visit the Rendcomb College website for booking details [this concert was originally advertised for May 8th - apologies!].

Schools’ News

North Cerney Primary Academy

Our school was fortunate to have a visit recently from Dave Bowman who

talked about Maths and Growth Mindset. This is the belief that everyone

can do Maths and, through repeated practice, our brains can make new

connections and strengthen old ones. Mr Bowman had several pieces of

advice for parents to support their children in Maths. After the talk the

children had the opportunity to show off some of the Maths activities

they had been completing in our Week of Inspirational Maths. These

activities focused on a Growth Mindset and encouraged children to work

together to creatively problem solve. It was a fantastic Maths session,


and all staff are looking forward to seeing the positive benefits in the

children’s approaches to Maths.

With thanks to Mr Jones - Yellow Class Teacher

Scrubditch Care Farm - from Emma Costley White

How to water plants! - (taken from ‘Country Gardeners,’ May 2018)

‘It may seem obvious, but many gardeners are uncertain when, how and how much to water plants. An easy rule is that few plants tolerate continuous wet soil. Leave the soil until it has become almost dry before re-watering. You can test the water content of soil with your finger - pushing it a couple of inches in and seeing how damp it is. And do not sit container plants in saucers of water too long as this can cause root rot.’

This is something we have struggled with...especially when the weather is so inconsistent!

Feel Good Farming - Dementia Days in 2018 We are running a Dementia session on Tuesday 29th May. Do get in touch with Gerry if you know someone / would like to come and see how we can help: [email protected]

FestABLE! - On 2nd June ‘a National Festival of Specialist Learning’ at the National Star College. To find out more visit: https://www.festable.org/

Children’s holiday activities - We will be running activity sessions in the Summer holidays again during the last week of July and first week of August. Booking is essential so please contact Gerry on: [email protected]

National Open Farm Sunday - 10th June, 10am-1pm - Hundreds of farms all over the country will be opening their gates for LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2018 on 10th June. As the farming industry's annual open day, it offers a fantastic chance for people to discover real farming at first hand and to see for themselves how their food (and much more besides) is produced. This is a great opportunity to see the Care Farm and what we do. Refreshments will be available.

Eggs - If you would like a regular order of hen or bantam eggs do get in touch. Call Emma on: 07966 255 631. Our Duck eggs and Bantam eggs are being sold at the Jolly Nice in Minchinhampton.


https://www.festable.org/



Pig News - We think Tigger is definitely looking pregnant! Billy the Boar should be going back next week. We are uncertain about Sandy as she is considerably larger than Billy!

Sheep News - Scarlet has lambed! A lovely ewe lamb arrived late one evening. Luckily someone was walking up the track at the time, and saw her, just as Mike was going to shut up the hens and ducks.

Cook Book reminder - Our cook books are on sale in: Made by Bob, Octavia’s, Miserden Nurseries, The Village Stores at Coln St Aldwyns, Rendcomb Stores, St James’s Place, and the Foodworks Cookery School. They are only £10 and full of interesting recipes.

DATES

Summer Term Dates: 16th April - 12th July FestABLE - National Star College Event: 2nd June National Open Farm Sunday - 10th June. We will be open as usual from 10am to 1pm. Bring the family along for a visit! Children’s holiday activities: Last week of July, first week of August

Volunteers - We are looking for committed volunteers to help us at the Care Farm. As we expand we need more volunteer help during the week. (We are open 4 days during term time). It needn’t be a whole day, but regular help is good, as the students get to know and trust you. Please ring / email Gerry: [email protected] / 07775 806995.

Talks - We recently gave a very successful talk to the Mother’s Union in Cirencester. If you would like us to come and do a presentation to your group about the Care Farm contact Gerry: [email protected]

Students - If you know anyone who you think could benefit from spending time with animals, making new friends, learning new skills, or recovering from mental health problems, please send them our way.

Community news and events

Stratton Tuesday Group

What a wonderful talk Richard Cann gave us on Tuesday 1st May! He presented a brief history of Gloucester Cathedral from when its foundations were laid in 1089 to the present day. The slides he showed of the Cathedral, both inside and out, were fascinating. I am sure that when I next take a tour to, or visit, Gloucester Cathedral I will look at it in another light.




On 5th June Paul Willerton will be giving a talk on the A-Z of the National Parks of the USA, which will include describing the wildlife, history and scenery of these differing habitats.

In July we will not be having a talk but have instead arranged a trip to visit the SS Great Britain in Bristol. If anyone wishes to join us there are still a few seats still available on the coach at the fantastic price of £15.00 each (this includes your entrance fee)! For further information please contact Judith Wood on: 01258 652713.

We do hope that you will be able to join us for our next talk on Tuesday 5th June at Stratton Village Hall, 7.00 for 7.30pm. There will be a £2.00 entrance fee, which includes refreshments. Judith Wood

News from Colesbourne Filling Station

If you haven’t been into the shop recently, why not swing by and have a look at all the delicious things on offer? We have recently introduced award-winning Plenty! Pies, based in Stroud. There are a variety of flavours, both meaty and vegetarian, and the feedback has been brilliant! Also, Organic apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’ which makes excellent salad dressing but is also a fantastic health tonic (for digestion and arthritis among others); just drop a teaspoon into a glass of water every day… sounds awful but it really isn’t that bad! We stock a wide range of Pukka teas, Cotswold Fudge and dressings and chutneys from The Cherry Tree as well as simple groceries for a quick fix supper – apricot & coriander Moroccan tagine mix, Reggae Reggae BBQ sauce, coconut milk.. the list goes on!

You may have heard too that we might be expanding the premises and are giving you the opportunity to fill in a questionnaire to ‘Have Your Say…’ for the chance to win a lovely hamper. Just ask at the counter for a form to fill in. Any feedback is useful so we would love to hear from you.

Finally, GDPR is the hot topic of the day and CV News has to ensure that it is data-compliant. You should have received an email from [email protected] asking you to state your email preferences and to opt in to continue receiving CV News. Please ensure that you have done this otherwise you will not receive the newsletter by email after 25th May 2018.

Thank you! We look forward to seeing you soon! [01242 870357].



Norman, Trotman & Hughes

Funeral Directors Northleach

Albert Collins

Funeral Director Independent Family Business

Private Chapel of rest 24 hour Personal Service

Golden Charter Funeral Plans

Walton House Barn, Northleach, Cheltenham, Glos.

GL54 3EY

Tel: 01451 860288 Email: [email protected]

Garden event in aid of Rendcomb Patients' Support Group

Come and see the Garden at

Covertside, Perrott's Brook,

Cirencester, GL7 7BW

(by kind permission of John and Lyn Sales)

Saturday, 30th June, 2018 10:30am - 12:30pm

By ticket only (£10 to include tea/coffee & cake) Available from Rendcomb Surgery

01285 831619

Stratton Educational Foundation

Applications are again invited by the Trustees for grants in aid of persons under the age of 25 years who, or whose parents, are resident in the Parishes of Stratton with Baunton, and who require financial help towards the cost of preparing for a profession or trade or in furthering their education, or in providing group facilities for recreation and social and physical training.

Individual applicants might wish to apply for a grant to help with the cost of text books or equipment, for example, which they need for a college course.

For further details and an application form please contact Mrs C Bramley, 10 Vale Road, Stratton, Cirencester, GL7 2JJ.

T: 01285 641523 or [email protected]

Completed applications should returned by

12th June 2018.




News from our NHS Trust

You may have heard the news on BBC Gloucestershire about the Trust’s deficit and the inference that the Trust’s variance to plan was not something previously known or reported by the Trust. This ‘news’ came from the reporting of an update provided by the Trust, as part of its regular reporting to the Health & Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where, in fact in contrast to what was implied, there was very constructive debate.

Unhelpful analogies were drawn to summer 2016 but this could not be further from the truth. I became a governor just when the original financial problems were disclosed, and they came as a complete shock. (The report on this is available on the Trust’s website). With the current board there is a culture of openness and mutual respect and the executive team first reported a forecast deterioration in its financial performance in August 2017 and formally revised its year end forecast in September of last year, and in doing so explained how this situation had come about. This was fully explained at Council of Governors’ meetings and at the main Board to which the public are invited. A large part of the problem has been the implementation of a computer patient record system called Trakcare which has caused many problems. Extra support has now been employed to help with this and finally we are beginning to see positive benefits. What is important is that throughout we have maintained or improved the standard of patient care. This could not have been done without the huge support and effort of all our staff.

As we are under Financial Special Measures we are subject to scrutiny by NHS Improvements and our last year performance was recently reviewed by the regulator NHS Improvement. In the year we achieved one of the best Cost Improvement Plan (CIP) performances in the sector, having delivered just shy of 6% of cost reductions. The sector average was 3.5% and for FSM Trusts it was 4.7%, so our performance really was exceptional; our own average over the previous four years has been in the order of 3%. They have accepted our plan for next year. This is reassuring.

To end on positive notes a recent visitor to the Trust was Chris Hopson, the Chief Executive of NHS Providers who is one of the most insightful and influential people in the sector, regularly speaking out for NHS Trusts and with the ear of everyone from the Secretary of State down. Chris


toured GRH and met frontline staff and was very impressed by all he saw. Finally, we had a huge success with the Trust’s first ever camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes. The aim of the camp was to encourage children aged 8 to 12 years old to self-manage and become more confident in looking after their diabetes. The feedback from the children and their parents has been phenomenal and hopefully the camp is the first of many such events to take place.

Anne Davies (Public Governor Cotswolds)

Gloucestershire Constabulary

Local Contacts: PC Mark Weedon [email protected] PCSO 9194 Andrea Shutt [email protected]

101 is our easy to remember 24-hour number for non-emergency crime and anti-social behaviour issues as well as general enquiries. Calls to 101 will cost 15p per call, irrespective of how long the call lasts and this applies to landlines and mobile phones. 101 email – [email protected]

Caring for our Environment

“If future generations are to remember us more with gratitude than

sorrow we must achieve more than just the miracles of technology. We

must also leave them a glimpse of the world as it was created, not just as it

looked when we got through with it.”

(Lyndon Baines Johnson).

Cirencester Repair Café reminder

The next meeting of the Café will take place on 23rd June from 10.30am-1.00pm at 12 Ashcroft Road, Cirencester, GL7 1QX (01285 650281).

Clarification and apology

In the article entitled ‘Caring for creation series: fossil fuels’, which appeared on page 23-24 of the May edition of Parish Link, the final sentence of the third paragraph read: ‘It is pleasing that several years ago Gloucester Diocese installed solar PV panels on the roof of Stratton parish church.’ Some readers are anxious it be clarified that while the Diocese gave permission for the installation of the solar panels it was





Stratton PCC who paid for them to be installed. Apologies if this was unintendedly misleading.

Recipe

Sultana Tea Loaf

Ingredients: with thanks to Jill Hill

8 oz sultanas

1 beaten egg

8 fld oz warm tea

6 oz self-raising flour

3 oz dark soft brown sugar,

1 lb loaf tin.

Method:

Put the fruit into a bowl, pour over the warm tea and leave the fruit to

soak for at least 2 hours.

Brush the tin with melted fat.

Sift the flour and mix in the sugar, then add the beaten egg and the

soaked fruit with the tea.

Put in tin. Bake in centre of moderate oven. 350F. 180C. 160Fan. Gas 4.

When cold, lovely sliced with butter!

From the Benefice Registers

Baptisms: 22nd April ’18 Harry Thomas James Crampton St Peter’s Stratton

Daisy Ann Macpherson St Peter’s Stratton

(rearranged from 18.03.18) Funerals: 23rd April ’18 Joan Kindon St Mary Magdalene, Baunton 8th May ’18 Pamela Joan Webb St Peter’s, Stratton 11th May ’18 Helen April Nicholls St Peter’s, Stratton 18th May ’18 Gillian Anne Wylie Cheltenham Crem.

Weddings: 12th May ’18 Sophie Rebecca Hadfield St Peter’s, Stratton Luke Nicholas Bath

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http://pixshark.com/chef-clipart-black-and-white.htm&ei=7ki4VLneGbKQ7QaNi4CoAg&bvm=bv.83829542,d.ZGU&psig=AFQjCNGuAh23bhIVCZ3RgV2zROODnRhItA&ust=1421449655355567


Crossword

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD BW41 (May) ACROSS 1 BANK 10 KITE 17 GOBI 23 MESS 5 WAIT 12 SPIV 18 TABU 24 KILN 7 ELEVATE 14 ASSAILED 19 INTERNET 8 PROPHECY 16 DISCRETE 22 LECTURE

DOWN 1 BUMP 5 WEAKLING 13 VICTUALS 20 REEK 2 KEEP 6 TRUE 15 SPECTRUM 21 TARN 3 GENERATE 9 REPLICA 18 TEAM 4 LAZY 11 TREMBLE 19 INCH

JUNE CROSSWORD: BW42 by Ben Woods CLUES ACROSS: 1 CREAMY SPREAD (6); 15 SHELTER (6); 4 FRUSTRATE (6); 17 PARENT (6); 7 FOUR SIDED FIGURE (9); 19 FREQUENTLY (5); 9 DULL (4); 20 EGYPTIAN CANAL (4); 10 OTHER (4); 22 GOD OF LOVE (4); 11 COLLIER (5); 23 RESPECT (9); 13 VENETIAL PAINTER (6); 24 EXERTION (6); 14 WATERWAYS (6); 25 YOUNG PEOPLE (6). CLUES DOWN: 1 INTELLIGENT (6); 11 TROPICAL FRUIT (5); 2 THOSE PEOPLE (4); 12 YORKSHIRE CATHEDRAL CITY (5);

3 KEEP (6); 15 START AGAIN (6); 4 VOCALIST (6); 16 OUTCOME (6); 5 LEER (4); 17 JUST (6); 6 SAFE PLACES (6); 18 HURRIES (6); 7 CORRECTED (9); 21 NIL (4); 8 NOT HERE (9); 22 OFF WHITE (4).


1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14

15 16 17 18

19

20 21 22

23

24 25

Services June 2018

Key to Ministers and Service types:

CVB Ministers:

DM = Revd David Minns (Rector) T: 01285 655199 E: [email protected] AC = Revd Arthur Champion (Associate Priest) T: 01242 870402 E: [email protected] CP = Revd Cliff Pooley (Associate Priest) T: 01242 243981 E: [email protected] BE = Revd Bob Edy (Rendcomb only) T: 01285 831391 E: [email protected]

mailto:dlkminns@





MG = Mr Martin Green (Licensed Reader) T: 01666 577532 E: [email protected] RE = Mrs Ruth Edy (Licensed Reader, Rendcomb only) T: 01285 831391 E: [email protected]

Area Dean: HG = Fr Howard Gilbert T: 01285 885109

Additional Ministers: JM = Revd Jan Moore T: 01285 640077 MV = Mr Mark Venn T: 01285 831209 JW = Revd Canon Dr Janet Williams T: 01452 874969

Services: HC = Holy Communion AA = All Age Service HC [BCP] = Holy Communion BCP SP = Songs of Praise Matins = BCP Service FS = Family Service MP = Morning Prayer

Service Listing for June 2018

NB Wednesday Services at Stratton: 10am - A Service of either Holy Communion or Morning Prayer.

Parish Church of St Margaret’s, Bagendon

Sunday 3rd 9.30am Matins (MG)

Sunday 10th 9.30am HC [BCP] (MB)

Sunday 17th 9.30am HC [BCP] (DM)

Sunday 24th 9.30am HC [CW] (BE)

Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, Baunton

Sunday 3rd 9.30am HC (JW)

Sunday 10th 9.30am HC (AC)

Sunday 17th 9.30am Matins (MG)

Sunday 24th No Service

Parish Church of St Giles, Coberley

Sunday 3rd See Cowley

Sunday 10th 11.00am MP (CP)

Sunday 17th See Cowley

Sunday 24th 9.30am HC [BCP] (AC)




Parish Church of St James, Colesbourne

Sunday 3rd 10.00am Matins (Guest Minister)

Sunday 10th 9.30am HC [BCP] (CP)

Sunday 17th 9.30am Matins (AC)

Sunday 24th 9.30am Matins (MV)

Parish Church of St Mary, Cowley

Sunday 3rd 11.00am MP (AC) with Baptism

Sunday 10th See Coberley


Sunday 24th See Coberley

Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, Elkstone

Sunday 3rd 10.00am HC (AC)

Sunday 10th 10.00am AA (Revd Geoffrey Cox)

Sunday 17th No Service due to Open Day

Sunday 24th Shared Service at Rendcomb

Parish Church of All Saints, North Cerney

Sunday 3rd 11.00am HC (JM)


Sunday 17th No Service

Sunday 24th 11.00am

4.00pm

Matins (MG)

Installation of Mark Venn by

Bishop Robert Springett

Parish Church of St Peter, Stratton

Sunday 3rd 9.30am

4.00pm

HC (JM)

AA (All Age Team)

Sunday 10th 9.30am

6.30pm

Morning Worship (MV)

Evensong (JM)

Sunday 17th 9.30am AA (Home Team)

Sunday 24th 9.30am HC (DM)

Parish Church of St Peter, Rendcomb

Sunday 10th Shared AA service at Elkstone

Sunday 24th 11.00am HC (BE) shared with Elkstone


Directory (NB For start of Directory below please see back cover).

CVB Website: http://www.churnvalley.org.uk

Facebook site: ‘Churn Valley Benefice’

PCC Secretaries contd North Cerney Kate Thomas Rendcomb Sue Fawcett 01285 831157

[email protected] Stratton

Paul Pearce

01285 654451 [email protected]

PCC Treasurers Bagendon

Martin Taylor


Baunton

David Shaw


North Cerney Coberley Colesbourne

Peter Knight Alan Lowe (temporary) Vacancy



Cowley

Elkstone Rendcomb Stratton

A Montague-Smith Brian Howlett Annabel Purcell Alan Lowe





Organists Bagendon Tony Hymas 01285 831728 North

Cerney Simon Cohen 01242 821659

[email protected] Stratton Robin Baggs [email protected] Pastoral Emergency in Parish Clerk

Stratton North Cerney

Revd Jan Moore Elmore Crump


01285 831275 Bell Ringers North Cerney Judy Carter 01285 831425 Vulnerable Persons Rep Safeguarding/Child Protection

Rendcomb Stratton Upper Churn

Alex Brealy Alison Lowe Mary Blackburn


01285 657014 01242 870086

[email protected] Vulnerable Persons Rep

Benefice Beth Hamid 01285 644895 [email protected]

Flower Arranging North Cerney Anne Norman 01285 831237

Stratton Lesley Pollock 01285 653145

[email protected] The Tuesday Group Stratton Judith Wood 01285 652713

[email protected] Magazine Editors North Cerney Simon Pow [email protected]

Parish Link Corinna

Bramley 01285 641523

[email protected]





Directory

The Rector Associate Priests

The Revd David Minns The Revd Arthur Champion



Readers Reader-in-Training

The Revd Cliff Pooley The Revd Bob Edy Mr Martin Green Mrs Ruth Edy Mr Mark Venn






Churchwardens Bagendon Alison Saunders 01285 831352 [email protected]

Ghislaine Venn 01285 831209 [email protected]

Baunton John Whittaker 01285 656374 [email protected]

Coberley Vacancy Colesbourne Sir Henry Elwes 01242 870264

[email protected] Cowley Michael Dykes 01452 559951

[email protected] Elkstone Geoff Gait-Carr 07737 621120

[email protected] North

Cerney Sue Herdman 01285 831309

Mark Tufnell 01285 831246 [email protected]

Rendcomb Carol Bailey 01285 831836 [email protected]

Alex Brealy 01285 831570 [email protected]

Stratton Beth Hamid 01285 644895 [email protected]

Sarah Woods 01285 644093 [email protected]

PCC Secretaries Bagendon Penny Taylor 01285 831253 [email protected]

Baunton Coberley Colesbourne Cowley Elkstone

John Milner Lindsay Baker Lady Carolyn Elwes Gill Clark Carole Bury










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