tower & tap - wordpress.com€¦ · 3 dear friends, as i write this letter, the media are...

http://southmarston.org.uk

Tower & Tap

December 2010 & January 2011

In this Issue:

Church News................................ 4, 5 Gardening Club................................ 9

Church Office/Services..................... 6 Youth Club ....................................... 9

Parish Council News........................ 7 Police News ....................................10

Ill Wind Update ............................... 7 Christmas Bazaar ...........................11

Friendly Club................................... 8 South Marston School ....................12

2 http://southmarston.org.uk

MonMonMonMon TueTueTueTue WedWedWedWed ThuThuThuThu FriFriFriFri SatSatSatSat SunSunSunSun

1 Tots ‘n’ Toddlers 9-11am Village Hall

SMRA 8 pm Village Hall

2 3 High Five Service 10 am

4

5

6

7 Gardening Club 7.30 pm


Craft Company 2 pm

9

10 Mixed Plastics

Wheelie Bins

Green Waste

11 Meeting Point 9.30-12 Village Hall

Saturday Scene 4 pm Village Hall

12

13

14 Friendly Club Christmas Lunch 12 noon Kingsdown Pub

15 Tots ‘n’ toddlers 9-11am Village Hall

16 17

18 Carols on the Glebe 5 pm

19

20

21 Parish Council 7.30 pm Village Hall

22

23 24 Mixed Plastics

Wheelie Bins

Green Waste

Christingle Service 4 pm

25 Christmas Day

26 Boxing Day

27 Bank Holiday

28 Bank Holiday

29

30 31

December 2010

http://southmarston.org.uk 3

Dear Friends, As I write this letter, the media are filling our screens and papers with Christmas “must haves”. As people fill their trolleys with luxury items only a few show pleasure, delight and signs of gratitude that they have so much. The problem is that at the same time we are hearing about ‘cuts’ on our news programmes. What is the future going to bring? What will 2011 hold for us? The fear is almost palpable.

Our culture seems to define our identity and the level of our success on what we have. Our security is based on our monetary worth. Our value is seen in pounds not in our hearts. When the angels appeared to announce the birth of Jesus they said,

‘Do not be afraid; see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”

This message is just as relevant today and I pray that you will hear it afresh. There is no need for fear because we have a God who cares, loves and values each one of us for who we are, not what we have. He is our Saviour and as we put our trust in him he will take our hand, guide us and walk with us. We may not have the latest ’must have’ but he brings to us a peace and a love that words cannot describe. Those that have that peace have a still centre that fear and difficult times cannot destroy.

Do not be afraid; put your hand in the hand of God and let him lead you into 2011 with hearts full of peace and confidence.

George and I wish you a very happy Christmas and a new year full of God’s richest blessings Vicky Fleming


Church News The High Five High Five High Five High Five service for children up to 5 years meets again on

3rd December and 14th January at 10am We would love to

see you there!

‘Craft Company’ We will be meeting on

Wednesday 8th December and 12th January at 2pm at

Dryden House, Mary Cooper’s house. If you love crafting

then join us for inspiration and encouragement as well as good

company. For more details contact Vicky Fleming

Guttering news!!

We have now heard from the Diocese that we must replace the guttering on the Church with cast iron. This means we will need to raise £13,000 including VAT. It would be possible to reclaim the VAT if we get the work done before the end of March when that particular scheme runs out. Unfortunately we do not think we shall be able to raise that kind of money in time. As you know, at the moment my life is overly busy with looking after the whole of Stratton Team Ministry and so I am asking for your help. Have you got any fundraising ideas, or perhaps the skills and time to trawl trusts and grant bodies who may be willing to give us a grant? If you feel you can give some time to this, please make contact with me at the Vicarage. Many hands make light work!

Vicky Fleming, Tel 827021

Saturday Scene for young families Saturday Scene for young families Saturday Scene for young families Saturday Scene for young families meets on meets on meets on meets on

11th December for our Christmas Party and 11th December for our Christmas Party and 11th December for our Christmas Party and 11th December for our Christmas Party and 8th January in the Village Hall 8th January in the Village Hall 8th January in the Village Hall 8th January in the Village Hall 4pm to 5.15pm 4pm to 5.15pm 4pm to 5.15pm 4pm to 5.15pm Contact Donald Page on 825693

When you are thinking about Christmas gifts don’t forget

that South Marston Church Tea towels are still

for sale £3.50 or 2 for £6, 4 for £10—

contact Vicky Fleming .


The Meeting Point Coffee morning with table top sales

(All the tables have been booked for December—you may book for January—free if you live in the village, £5 if you live outside the

Village—Telephone Vicky Fleming 827021)

Scouts post and stamps (18p) available Come and enjoy good company and refreshments.

Saturday 11th December and 8th January from 9.30 –12 noon In the Village Hall

South Marston Church serving the community

Christmas at South Marston Church

18th 5pm Carols and Village Nativity on the Glebe.

Come dressed as angels, shepherds, kings, or any of

the characters from the nativity story

19th 6pm Nine Lessons and Carols with mince pies and mulled wine

Christmas Eve

4pm Christingle Service raising funds for The Children’s Society

11.30pm The First Communion of Christmas

Christmas Day

10am Family Communion

If you would like to give a special donation towards the Church guttering this Christmas you will find an envelope enclosed which may be bought to any Christmas Service or handed to Rev. Vicky

Fleming, Donald Page or Richard Sansum. Thank you.


South Marston Church is part of Stratton Team Ministry. The office is

located at St. Margaret’s Centre, Kenwin Close, Stratton St. Margaret and

it is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8.30am to

12 noon. Email: [email protected] or tel: 826505.

If you would like to talk to a priest or book a Christening or Wedding

please contact Rev Vicky Fleming on 827021 between 6 and 7pm any

evening except Thursdays or Sundays.

Members of the team:

Team Rector to be appointed

Team Vicar Rev. Vicky Fleming 827021

Hon Curate Rev. Phil Ashby 759008

Asst. Priest Rev. George Fleming 827021

Asst. Priest Rev. Richard Burston 822403

Lay Minister Mrs Christine Burston 822403

Lay Minister Mr Dan Read 763016

Church Office

Church Services (at South Marston Church unless otherwise stated)

5th December 11.00am Family Service

12th December 8.00am Holy Communion

9.30am Family Communion

18th December 5.00pm Carols on the Glebe & Village Nativity

19th December 6.00pm Lessons & Carols

24th December 4.00pm Christingle

25th December 10.00am Family Communion

26th December 10.00am Team Holy Communion (St Margaret’s)

2nd January 11.00am Family Service

9th January 8.00am Holy Communion

9.30am Holy Communion

16th January 9.30am Morning Worship

23rd January 8.00am Holy Communion BCP

10.00am TEAM SERVICE (St Margaret’s)

30th January 9.30am Morning Worship


South Marston Parish Council News

The Parish Council wish to express their congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton on their recent engagement and would like to wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New!

Village Expansion The Parish Council has had the meeting with the senior

planners to clarify the context for the village expansion plans. The agreed minutes of that meeting will be posted

on the village website.

The planners have been informally approached by the developers with their initial scheme for the revised Eastern Development Area, which includes plans

for the land adjoining the village. We have argued that any plans formulated without reference to the village are premature and innappropriate. We should

know more about this shortly.

In the meantime, Swindon are re-consulting on the Borough Core Strategy, which will ultimately govern the scope of the plans for the village. The Parish

Council is reviewing the submissions that we made last year.

To keep informed of the latest Parish Council news, including minutes of Parish

Council meetings, please visit www.southmarston.org.uk, ‘Parish Council’ section.

Police News

South Marston's New Neighbourhood Police Team

I would like to introduce myself as the new PCSO for the area. My

name is Juliet Evans and I have moved across from the Lower

Stratton, Covingham and Nythe area. I am also joined by PC Marc

Jackson who has been the Beat Manager for Highworth for the last

three years.

I have been a PCSO for almost two year and it has been my wish to

be a Rural based PCSO , Marc has been a Police Officer for seven

years. Both of us are very keen on Rural life and issues. We look

forward to meeting the community and will shortly be announcing

dates of the local Police Surgery.

There have been reports of two young males asking for scrap metal

especially copper and lead in the village. Please be vigilant and in-

form the Police of any incidents or suspicious occurrences. We can be

contacted either on the 0845 408 7000 or on the Police website for

the area by emailing [email protected].


Friendly Club

Recent Events On 10th October the Harvest Lunch was held at Blunsdon House

Hotel, 38 members attended, a good time was had by all.

Our meeting on 9th November was a social event. We had a light

hearted quiz, and few games of bingo and general chat. This gave new

and regular members the opportunity to get to know each other. We also held a table top sale of new items.

A Swindon Town football, signed by all the team players was donated for us to raffle. We are selling a strip of five

raffle tickets for £1.00 anyone interested in purchasing raffle tickets contact 828080 (Josie). The draw will be held

at the Kingsdown Inn on 14th Dec at 2.00pm.

Future Events

Tuesday 7th December

F.C. members have been invited to attend the Highworth, Warneford

School Christmas concert from. 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. South Marston members please note this is also the pick up day for the F & E Harris

Memorial Trust Christmas hampers. Collection from Westwinds be-tween 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm

Saturday 11th December – Village Hall We will have a table top sale of new items at the “Meeting Point”

between 9.30am and 12.00noon.

Tuesday 14th December – Christmas Lunch

Our Christmas lunch will be at the Kingsdown Arms P. H. at 12 noon followed by entertainment by Ken and Steve.

Tuesday 16th December – Christmas Concert

South Marston School has invited Friendly Club members to a concert to be held at the school starting at 2.00 pm.

Tuesday 11th January 2011 – In the village Hall @ 2.00 pm.

The first event on our 2011 programme will be a talk by Richard Gowshall on the topic “A day in the life of a Swindon vet”

Tuesday 8th February 2011 – In the village Hall @ 2.00 pm. A talk by Bob Browning on a long distance footpath walk titled “200 miles + one black toenail”


The F & E Harris Memorial Trust.

Christmas Hampers

The F & E Harris Memorial Trust Christmas Hampers

to be collected on Tues 7th December from Westwinds between 2.00 pm and 4.00pm.

Contact: Terry Sansum 823684

Recent Events

On Monday 4th October Ross Gregory enlightened us on the

usefulness of bees. Did you know here are over 250 species of bee in the UK? His talk and slide show was fascinating.

Future Events

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 7th December at 7.30pm

(Please note the change of day.) This is a festive evening of mince pies etc, with entertainment by George.

On Monday 10th January is our very successful Members Social Evening.

This will start at the earlier time of 7.00pm. Entertainment will be Ukebox Jury, so come along with a plate of food and enjoy yourself.

Gardening Club

South Marston Youth Club

DAY DATE VENUE

Sat 11 December Wyvern - Panto

Mon 17 & 31 January Village Hall

Fri 14 & 28 January Village Hall

For more details please contact Julie or Steve

Hatherall, e-mail: [email protected]

tel: 07923 441 296. Dec/Jan dates:


Book your Christmas Party at the Carriers Arms

Christmas Fayre menu from 1st – 24th December

BOOKINGS ONLY - £15.95 for 3 courses or £10.95 for 2 courses

Christmas Day menu BOOKINGS ONLY - 1 sitting at 12.30 £36.95 per adult £14.95 per child

And why not come to our New Years Eve party! (for more info see contact details below)

For more information call 822051, or find us at www.menublackboard.com The Carriers Arms, Highworth Road, South Marston

Christmas Eve

Friday 24th December Disco & Christmas raffle

Live Music

Saturday 11th December 60’s, 70’s Band

COMING UP in January 2011: Karaoke and again Live Music with

Locarno Beat on the 5th of February, and don’t forget our fortnightly quiz nights

ILL WIND Update Honda/Ecotricity Wind Turbine Application

IT’S NOW OR NEVER!

It is now very likely that the application will go to the SBC planning committee meeting on 14th December as the MOD has withdrawn their

objection, subject to conditions. So this really is your final chance to make a difference - and if you know of anyone who has not

yet written to object please try to get them to do so.

Please write to:

Planning Department (Application No: S/10/1073) Swindon Borough Council

Wat Tyler House

Beckhampton St or email: Swindon SN1 2JG [email protected]

Visit www.illwind.co.uk for blimp photos, info and latest news, also you can now sign up for the Ill Wind newsletter.


SOUTH MARSTON

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

SATURDAY

DECEMBER 18th 2010

Lucky Dip, Tombola,

Mince Pies & Craft Stalls

2pm - 5pm

in the

VILLAGE HALL

Grab yourself a bargain and support your local community

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

COME ALONG AND

MEET FATHER

CHRISTMAS & HIS

REINDEERS

at the

RAISING FUNDS FOR THE VILLAGE HALL & RECREATION GROUND ON BEHALF OF S.M.R.A

Tower & Tap Submissions - Please email items to [email protected] or drop any article in to The Maples, South Marston (next to the Vicarage). The deadline for February 2011 issue is 15 January 2011.


School Restaurant now open! We have been as busy as ever this term.

The children now enjoy fantastic hot dinners. The delicious, healthy

meals are being served up in our newly named ‘Global Delights’ school

restaurant. With 24 entries to name the dining hall it took over an

hour for the panel of 8 children & 3 parents to decide on the winner.

Huge congratulations to Samuel Brown for his super winning name!

Alfred Williams Day On 1st November we had a ‘learn to learn’ day based around Alfred

Williams, the Hammerman poet, who lived in South Marston for

most of his life. We all dressed in Victorian style clothes and took

part in activities to find out more about where exactly he lived, the

jobs he had and what it was like in a Victorian classroom. We were

approached by the Alfred Williams heritage group to take part in a

celebration festival on 12th November at STEAM museum. Years 4, 5 and 6

took part with some of our children preparing a wonderful presentation about

his life.

ICT Award We are also delighted to announce that the school has achieved the ICT mark!

This is a standard of ICT across the country that is deemed to be

‘Outstanding’ by external assessors. The assessor stated ‘you don’t realise how

good you are!’ We are very proud of our ICT coordinator Mrs Plested and all

the staff and children at the school for their wonderful ICT work.

Helpers Needed We are looking for some special helpers from the village who can

bring special skills to our school! If you can offer our children a

skill, such as gardening or artwork, please contact us. We look

forward to hearing from all you superstars!

We would also like to announce some Christmas dates:

• Christmas Carol Service in South Marston Church at 9.30am on

Wednesday 15th December

• Friendly Club Concert at South Marston School with coffee and

mince pies at 2pm on Thursday 16th December

• Nativity play dress rehearsals in SM Church which are open to all

members of the public with a ticket from the main school office

− Foundation Stage & Key Stage 1: Monday 6th December, 10.30am

− Key Stage 2: Tuesday 7th December, 1.30pm

South Marston C of E School News


at South Marston

Primary School

Children 0 to under 5yrs

Expectant mums welcome

Tuesdays 1.30 pm – 2.45 pm

(Term Time Only)

Drop in, no need to book.

50p per family

For further information please

call Saplings Children’s Centre

on 829996


MonMonMonMon TueTueTueTue WedWedWedWed ThuThuThuThu FriFriFriFri SatSatSatSat SunSunSunSun

31 Youth Club Village Hall

1

2

3 Bank holiday

4 Friendly Club 2 pm Village Hall


6

7 Mixed Plastics

Wheelie Bins

Green Waste

8 Meeting Point 9.30-12 Village Hall

Saturday Scene 4 pm Village Hall

9

10 Gardening Club - Members Social Evening 7 pm

11 Friendly Club 2 pm Village Hall

12 Tots ‘n’ toddlers 9-11am Village Hall

Craft Company 2 pm

13 14 High Five Service 10 am Youth Club Village Hall

15

16

17 Youth Club Village Hall

18 Parish Council 7.30 pm Village Hall


20 21 Mixed Plastics

Wheelie Bins

Green Waste

22

23

24

25


27 28 Youth Club Village Hall

29 30

January 2011


Useful Contacts: South Marston

http://southmarston.org.uk

Parish Council Chair Colin McEwen T 825312

Parish Council Vice Chair Stuart Young T 828775

Clerk to the Parish Council Gemma Cheal T 820529

Parish Council Project Co-ord’r TBA

SMRA Chair Mary Case T 826038

SMRA Secretary Julie Hatherall T 826028

Village Hall Bookings Julie Hatherall T 07857 310624

Football Field Bookings Chris Maull T 824505

Tots & Toddlers Rachel Case T 832719

Youth Club Julie & Steve T 07923 441296

Gardening Club Mike New T 827807

Friendly Club Brian McGlone T 826243

History Society Darren Cook T 832999

Marston Minstrels Maureen Withers T 825660

SM Football Club Nigel Franklin T 766590

Spitfires Football Club Bev Maull T 824505

South Marston School Alison Lowe T 823379

Pre–School Pre-School Staff T 07847 590601

Swindon Borough Councillor Doreen Dart T 762033

Member of Parliament Justin Tomlinson T 522123

Team Rector to be appointed

Team Vicar Vicky Fleming T 827021

Church Wardens Richard Sansum T 831473

Donald Page T 825693

Useful Contacts Stanton Fitzwarren Some useful contact numbers for Stanton Fitzwarren are shown below,

which our readers may find useful:

Clerk to the Parish Council Zena May T 702869

WI President Margaret Parker T 762065

Village Hall Bookings Alison Charnock T 762093

St Leonards Church Wardens Liz Hillman T 762935

Sue Mackenzie T 765538

tower & tap - wordpress.com€¦ · 3 dear friends, as i write this letter, the media are...

Documents