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I am sure that many of you will have had a discussion about which season you like best. Do you enjoy spring with the vibrant freshness of blossom and green young leaves or do you prefer the solemn mature beauty of autumn? Whatever our answer to this question most of us can see that the onset of autumn has a beauty all of its own with the leaves arguably every bit as beautiful as the fresh greens bursting out of the bud in spring. It is nevertheless a different kind of beauty. The same question could asked about our attitude towards age. Are we excited by the energy and freshness of youth or do we value more the maturity and wisdom of old middle and old age? It is clear that each has its appeal and most of us would want to recognise the distinctive and valuable qualities of each.
Those of us who are getting older have the impression that when the first flush of youth has passed society no longer values them. Their existence is apparently merely tolerated by younger generations who regard economic success and the readiness to follow the latest fashion as a mark of being 'on board'. No doubt the world would be a duller place without the passions and fads of the young but the conservative wisdom of older people represents an enormous resource for calm stability in our society. The quality of life in a place like Lechlade is considerably enhanced by the calm acceptance of responsibilities within the community by so many of its retired people. The vibrancy of so many societies and clubs in Lechlade is also to quite a considerable extent powered by the energy of older people. Even when younger people are not directly touched by these particular clubs they are aware that the community is somehow a better place because of all the networks that come into being in and through its organisations. These operate not only to entertain but also to care.
The church in Lechlade represented by its four different congregations could be understood as one more organisation in the town. It would however claim to have a somewhat different role. Quite apart from its teachings about God and Christ, the church has a vision about community. It wants to affirm the vitality of youth and the mellow wisdom of age simultaneously and celebrate them together. The church cannot favour the young or the old without denying its role as a community for all humanity. Thus the care and nurturing of the elderly is as important as the support and instruction of the young. Neither activity is more important than the other. Both exist simultaneously. It also encourages the communication across the generations so that the old can learn from the young and vice-versa. To use our picture from the start of 3
the editorial, the church is an all-seasons community. Each person is valued as a child of God, not for their age, wealth or standing in the community. May all our congregations be true to their vocation to be communities in the fullest sense, where all can be welcomed and learn under God to be part of a wider whole. This is a whole where age, sex or social standing have no importance.
Harvest Celebration
St Lawrence Church celebrates Harvest Festival on October 6d' in the morning and evening. After the 10 am service there is to be a 'Bring and Eat' Harvest meal in the Hall. All welcome. In the evening of Harvest Sunday, the Vicar of Fairford John Willard will be taking our Harvest Evensong while the Vicar will be taking the service at Whelford.
Confirmation
This is the time of year when the Vicar invites anyone, adults or young people, who are interested in pursuing confirmation classes to make themselves known. The normal pattern is for candidates to attend four classes leading up to Christmas and then, if all goes well, to continue after that with the main course. A confirmation service has been fixed for May 23rd next year, probably at Poulton Church.
Desert Detectives
Some 40+ children filled St Lawrence Church in the last week of the school holidays for fun, activity and teaching. A small army of helpers, young and old assisted the process. We are grateful to Chrissy Rose, the Deanery youth worker who headed up the process and Tessa Cobb who managed the practical arrangements at this end together with all their helpers who made it possible.
Appeal Launch
The St Lawrence Restoration Appeal is to be re-launched on November 7th with a special event in the church. Invitations are being sent out shortly and we will be having a presentation by Rory Young about the fabric of St Lawrence and its needs for what we hope will be the final phase of the restoration process. Over the past 12 years we have raised over £300,000 for the fabric of St Lawrence Church and we hope that we will have completed the entire work in five years time. In addition to work on windows and glass, a restoration of the organ is also envisaged. 4
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Dacre Watson
We were sorry to hear of the death of Dacre Watson of Wharf Lane on September 17th , a fortnight short of his 95th birthday. His funeral was due to take place on September 24th Dacre had led a very full life until the end. Much of his working life was in South America in Chile where he brought up his family of a son and two daughters. He leaves a widow Lise together with children and grandchildren. Many people will remember him for his acute mind and interest in everything going on around him. He attended St Lawrence Church and for the last months of his life received communion at home. May he rest in peace.
Eric Butler
Eric Butler, the landlord of the Swan Inn, died suddenly at the end of August after a short illness. He was 49. He was well know to many in the community and the church was packed out for his funeral at the beginning of September. He leaves a widow and many friends.
Christine Williams
Christine Williams died in hospital after a long struggle with cancer aged 50. Christine had been a loyal member of St Lawrence over many years. She leaves a husband, Stephen, two children and many friends in the community. We send our best wishes and love to them in their sad loss.
Mary Barnett
Mary Barnett died at home in Orchard Close following an operation. She was 76. She leaves behind a husband Ken and four daughters and grandchildren. Ken and Mary moved to Orchard Close some 15 years ago when the houses there were first built. Her funeral took place on September 18th in St Lawrence Church.
Church Course - How the Church has come to be what it is. During September, October and November, two groups are meeting for a series of sessions led by the Vicar on the events in history that have led to the church we belong to become what it is. The Vicar feels that this theme is important because many Christians believe that history can be ignored. The Church has been through many challenges and changes in its long history and many of these still affect the way we think and act today. An understanding of history can also help us to be more tolerant of other bodies of Christians who do things differently from ourselves. Together at Tea and Family Communion
We continue our series of Together at Ten services with another on October 13th entitled 'Respecting Differences.' The service in September was well received and we welcomed back our special ladies' choir to help us learn the new music. In November, because the second Sunday falls on Remembrance Sunday, we have a Family Communion on November 2nd. All welcome to these services.
Visiting Preacher
After her visit to our church on September 1st to take an Sam service, we welcome Canon Judith Mount to preach for us on the 22"d November at the 10 am service. Up till now we have not welcomed many women priests in Lechlade, so we look forward to this visit.
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ST. LAWRENCE SUNDAY SCHOOL
We meet on Sundays at 10.00 am in term time (except those Sundays when there is a Together At Ten family service. Children aged from 3 - 13 years are very welcome. We have three groups;- Infants, Juniors and TOFSS (too old for Sunday School). Enquiries to Kathy on 252543.
APOLOGIES
To Timothy Mabon (not Mason) for the misprint of his surname in the last issue. Renewed good wishes for his studies at Portsmouth.
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NEWS FROM THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF LECHLADE
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The summer seems long gone, but it was a busy time for the Catholics of Lechlade. Firstly we had the parish barbecue in June: in spite of inclement weather during the week the evening stayed dry, and Father Richard even claimed to have seen a glimpse of watery sun. It was a good opportunity for parishioners from our far-flung parish - stretching from Cricklade in the south to Aldsworth in the north - to come together and get to know each other better.
During the school holiday we had a parish excursion to Woodchester Mansion, near Stroud. This impressive Gothic structure, tucked away in a valley, was intended to be the residence of a rich convert to Catholicism in the 1840's, but work on the house ceased very abruptly and mysteriously. Today we can see the tools that were put down when the workmen left - no one know why. A terrestrial Marie Celeste! Nowadays the house is home to a colony of horseshoe bats. Both adults and children were impressed by the spookiness of the house, and it was a relief to eat our picnics out in the sunshine. The day ended with games on Minchinhampton Common, and delicious ice cream.
Later in the summer a group of us made a pilgrimage to Walsingham, which proved to be a deeply spiritual experience. Whilst we were there, Father Richard purchased an icon to replace the statue of Our Lady that we put out during Mass, and which had been badly chipped. During the autumn we look forward to joining a harvest celebration with our Methodist hosts. Friday 4th October is our CAFOD Fast Day. Anyone interested in CAFOD's Trade Justice campaign may also like to know that we have a Traidcraft stall once a month after Sunday Mass, which is proving very popular.
Ruth Dipple CHRISTMAS CONCERT
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SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER AT 7.30 PM IN THE CHURCH.
The main work will be Haydn's `Nelson' Mass, so called because it was composed at the time of the defeat of Napoleon's fleet in the Battle of the Nile in 1798. It is a powerful, dramatic work of great beauty for chorus, soloists and orchestra, which has become a favourite with audiences and performers alike.
In the second part of the concert there will be seasonal refreshment, followed by Carols for All. Watch for further details.
D.J.S. 7
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As we start a new term refreshed from our summer break I reflect on my first term as Choir Director of St Lawrence Church Choir. It has been a challenging and exciting time, building on the firm foundations laid by Gordon Webb.
Training of our extremely talented Choristers has continued to flourish, following the RSCM Voice for Life Scheme. This is a scheme whereby as musical knowledge and skills increase and are tested, achievement and regular attendance are recognized in the form of medals being awarded on coloured ribbons, each colour signifying the standard reached. These range from Light Blue, Dark Blue and Red ribbons which are awarded "in house" through to Deans Award (Green ribbon) and Bishops Award (Purple ribbon) for which Choristers have to travel to an external examination which was held this year at Tewkesbury Abbey.
I am extremely please to report that Faye Keegan achieved her Bishops Award (the highest award available to Choristers at Diocesan Level) during the summer term. This means we now have four Bishop's Choristers in our Choir, a very great achievement that most Parish Choirs would find hard to beat. I also wish to congratulate our junior Choristers: Suzanne Phipps and Kathryn Tapley for achieving their Dark Blue Ribbon and Laura Griffiths and Luke Jackson for achieving their Light Blue Ribbon. They will be presented with their awards at the Parish Communion Service on Sunday 29th September. During this service we will also be admitting Rebecca Paul to the Choir.
We are one of the few church choirs in the area to sing at both Parish Communion and Choral Evensong each week. This would not be possible without the regular commitment of both the adults and Choristers, for which I am very grateful. I also appreciate the support I have from Chorister parents who are essential to our success. We are also indebted to our Organist, Dr David Stephens, who works tirelessly behind the scenes. We cover a huge volume of music, and our repertoire is continuing to expand.
At the end of the summer term choristers enjoyed an evening of ten-pin bowing and pizza. Competition was high between Cantoris and Decani, with Decani just coming out ahead scoring 570, closely followed by Cantoris with 551. The highest scoring Chorister was Kathryn with 8
100! The adults and senior Choristers had the opportunity to relax andsocialize at a barbeque.
Although the choir enjoyed a well-deserved holiday over the summer, two of our Choristers were busy representing St Lawrence Church on the Cirencester Choral Course. Kathryn Tapley and Luke Jackson enjoyed three days of singing and activities, which culminated in Choral Evensong at Gloucester Cathedral.
Looking forward to this term, the choir will be participating in the RSCM Diocesan Festival in Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 5th October. At this service the Bishop of Gloucester will present Faye with her Bishop's Award.
If you enjoy singing, why not come and join us? We welcome Choristers from the age of 8 years upwards. Adult singers (Alto, Tenor or Bass) with basic sight-reading ability are also very welcome. We practice in the Church on a Friday evening from 6.45 to 7.45pm, with Chorister training from 6.15 to 6.45pm. For further information please give me a call on 01367 253893.
Rachel Bath (Choir Director) LECHLADE CHARITIES
Lechlade students moving onto further education courses may be eligible for a small grant towards the cost of materials or books needed for their studies, please apply in writing to The Vicar or Mrs M. Baxter.
Money from the winter fuel charity will be distributed in October; if you are an elderly resident not already receiving help but feel the charity may be able to assist you please apply in writing to The Vicar or Mrs M. Baxter at Bridge Cottage, Downington.
These requests will be administered by the Trustees of the Lechlade Parochial Charites.
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CHARITY FINDS NEW HOME IN LECHLADE
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'Small is beautiful' is a principle which finds favour in many areas nowadays, and has been applied in a new way by an overseas development charity which has just moved into Lechlade. Forgotten Africa is one of the smallest players in the field of African community projects, but because of its unique way of working has, in the four years of its existence, made a big impact on some of the poorest communities. The charity works with local people to help them develop their own ideas and plans, and provides support which may be financial, material or human. This may be a grant to provide a slum school with desks, or a long-term involvement with a training project or advice centre, or even providing support and training in project development and helping mobilise local and international resources. Now Forgotten Africa, previously based in the village of Bishopstone, near Swindon, has moved to a new home. thanks to the generosity of a supporter (who prefers to remain anonymous). The three staff now enjoy the hitherto unknown luxury of comfortable and more than adequate office space at Little Barrow in the High Street, a former osteopathic clinic. Forgotten Africa occupies the premises rent-free, which is a huge benefit to a charity which relies upon donations and fundraising for its income, and on volunteers to do the work in the UK. Only the Co-ordinator in Uganda is a paid employee.
Another exciting development is the new Forgotten Africa shop, which will sell a wide range of African arts and crafts - decorative items, practical goods for the home, jewellery, unusual musical instruments and much more. Trading begins on Friday 4 October, when Lord Joffe, CBE, Patron of Forgotten Africa, will officially open shop and offices at 11.30 am. All are welcome at this event, but if you can't manage it, why not call in any time between then and 7.00 pm on 4 October, or between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm on Saturday 5 October? Forgotten Africa is holding Open House between these times, and visitors will be welcomed with a drink and light refreshments, and have the chance to look around the offices, talk to staff and trustees, and find out more about the small development agency which gets big results in some of the poorest African communities. There is also the chance to win a Gift Voucher to spend in the shop by entering a free (and very easy!) competition, and even find out how you can join the team.
Normal shop opening hours will be 10.00 am until 5.00 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays. Don't forget that Forgotten Africa provides wonderful Christmas shopping opportunities!
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We hope to welcome many of you to our new home for the launch event. Contact details are:
Forgotten Africa, Little Barrow, High Street, Lechlade, Glos, GL7 3AE. Telephone: 01367 250111. Fax: 01367 253834
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My greetings to you all! Well, I gather the harvest locally this year has been at least reasonable though once again prices are down for farmers - it remains a mystery why the gap between what they receive and we pay gets wider yet no-one clams to be making vast profits! However much we try to help by purchasing 'Fair Trade' products, the same appears to apply to those in the poorer countries overseas - though that is no reason for us to stop doing so. When I read of UK farmers being forced to sell e.g. milk below the cost of production, I wonder if we should not be supporting 'fair trade' for them too. At the time that we celebrate harvest in our churches (see details below), whilst we thank God for harvest, we need to pray for and support farmers.
On Sunday 6th October, both Methodist and Roman Catholic congregations will celebrate harvest with Mr Ian Taylor leading the morning service at 10.30 a.m. followed by a harvest lunch. Then on MONDAY 7h October at 6.15 p.m. there will be an AUCTION of the produce by Mr Paul Holloway followed by the traditional concert by the Salvation Army Songsters and then refreshments. See you there? (Have you seen our new church carpet?!)
Our loving greetings in Jesus Christ to you all!
Graham Tidmarsh 11
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As many of you know, we have been raising money all year to buy a new EC (electrocardiogram) machine for the Lechlade Medical centre. Mission accomplished! So thanks to the many people who have been involved. Special thanks to the Lechlade Jubilee Committee for agreeing to the Jubilee weekend walk being for the ECG machine and of course to those who walked and sponsored, to the families who opened their gardens that weekend, and to Barclay's Bank who doubled the sponsorship money of two of its staff who took part in the walk.
Funds for the ECG machine came in from various sources. The walk raised £3,040, the open gardens raised £283 and the total over the Jubilee weekend was £3,478, including donations. The money from the open gardens has been used to buy consumables to support the ECG machine in its first few months. Other funds came from the February quiz and direct donations.
It's only every few years that we can consider buying equipment for our local surgery; the key aim remains to pay for research into heart disease (look at all the professors sponsored by BHF at the John Radcliffe and Bristol Hospitals, for example). To that end our next event is a Coffee Morning to be held on Saturday 12t
h October, 10 - 12 noon at the Methodist Church Hall. On sale will be BHF Christmas cards and wrapping paper, home-made cakes and pickled onions, as well as second hand books and jigsaw puzzles in good condition. Entrance is 50p, to include coffee/tea and biscuits. Anyone wishing to donate cakes, books, jigsaw puzzles etc should give them to any committee member or bring them to the hall before 10.30 on 12th October or phone 253319 to arrange collection.A date for your diary - the Kentwood Choir will be coming to the Memorial Hall on Saturday 25b January 2003. Tickets will be on sale later in the year, but make a note of the date.
Elaine Long - secretary 12
RIDING LIGHTS THEATRE GROUP
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A group of actors who have a national reputation for their thoughtful and thought-provoking sketches are coming to Lechlade. They will be in Lechlade's Pavilion on Friday October 25th Please look out for publicity around the town nearer the time and come and support them if you can. The Vicar has yet to receive all the pre-performance publicity. For those interested in taking part in an acting workshop, Riding Lights will be in Fairford on Saturday afternoon before a performance there in the evening.
LITTLE LEARNERS CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
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Come and support your local community playgroup at our annual Christmas Bazaar at 10 am on Saturday 23rd November in the New Memorial Hall. There will be a toy stall (as new toys - no nursery equipment please), Raffle, Face painting, Tombola, Chocoholics stall, cards and craft stalls, cake stall and refreshments, plus games for the children and many other attractions, not forgetting Father Christmas himself.
For further information contact Vicky Jones (252505) or Tessa Cobb (253100).
THE LEAGUE OF FRIENDS OF FAIRFORD HOSPITAL
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WE NEED YOUR HELP. Do you have just a little time to spare to help with the occasional transportation of patients to the surgery or hospitals, with the patient making a donation towards the cost of fuel ?
Provide reception cover at the hospital during weekday afternoons once a week - once a fortnight - once a month?
Help with our most important annual fund-raising event - our House to House Collection in March?
PLEASE MAKE THE ANSWER YES! Contact our coordinator Mrs Gail Bloxham on 01285 850261. 13
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Lechlade WI do not usually meet in August but this year an August meeting was arranged to make up for the meeting missed on New Year Eve.
The planned speaker, Heather Shute from Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, was not able to attend as she had fallen and fractured her femur. Fortunately Margaret Mattingly valiantly stepped in to help and gave a most amusing and interesting talk about her collection of earrings [151 pairs!!]. Members were fascinated to hear Margaret's stories about her earrings. She was bombarded with questions and gladly allowed everyone to have a closer look at the amazing selection. Heather Shute has promised to attend a meeting at a later date.
The speaker at the September meeting will be Jane Drew. Her presentation is called "Ladies in Pigs" and promises to inform the members about interesting pork recipes.
In October our ladies are to be shown the delights of Plants with Winter interest. Other Autumn activities include involvement with the "Backdoor Environmental Project", a visit to hear Terry Waite and a visit to see the SALOS production of "Oliver". Several members are to receive training for the Hygiene Certificate, which is required for all who prepare and serve food to the public.
We are always pleased to welcome visitors to our meetings, which take place on the first Tuesday of each month. Please contact our secretary, Sylvia Dennish, for information on 252477.
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A FUNNY THING HAPPENED......
A strange thing happened to a young serviceman shortly after war had been declared in 1939, quite a while though before Dunkirk became a household name.
He had not been in the service very long before he found himself sent on a training course to an establishment centred on a low-lying coastal somewhere in South Wales. All such establishments had to be secured against the possibility of an invasion from German forces, and the trainees were called upon to carry out guard duties.
Little training had been given to the recruits in the way of rifle discipline but each guard had to patrol with one when at his guard post. Low lying sea-coasts are subject to sea frets and fogs and it was in these conditions, one November night, when the young serviceman in question was escorted to his guard post on a section of road crossing a stream. A two hour stint lay ahead of him, not a happy thought, but buttoned up in his overcoat he walked up and down, pausing occasionally to listen and peer into the gloom. There was a disconcerting silence and he found himself quite apprehensive and somewhat alarmed when he thought he sensed some movement in the hedgerow, which he was just about able to make out. He was becoming a little weary and his thoughts were on being back in the warmth of the guardroom,
when suddenly he heard a crunching sound. A footstep on the gravelled road? He unslung his rifle and looked towards the spot from where the sound had come. He heard the crunching, scrunching sound again, and carrying out the instructions he had been given, called out "Halt! Who goes there?
No answer, but again the unidentified noise. A further scrunch and a second call from the somewhat worried serviceman. "Halt! Who goes there?" He edged towards the verge of the road and peered into the gloom overhanging a field, his rifle at the ready. He paused and peered again and to his great relief made out the head of a cow, contentedly munching the damp grass. He shivered with relief and waited impatiently to be escorted back to the guardroom.
That young airman was lack Smee who has often wondered since that time whether the scary occasion had not been perhaps a figment of his imagination. Had the bullet been fired, surely the ensuing repercussions from the enquiry would have left him in no doubt that a confrontation had taken place.
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CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD WISHES
To those we know of, so far, who are off to gain further qualifications; Louise Bloor - Swansea University; Art Studies.
Emma Hedges - Southbank University for a degree in Child Nursing. Claire Holmes - Reading University; Home Services.
Luke Vagliolint, who gained a Distinction in the B.Tec. National Diploma in Film and Video, turned down a university place and Is taking film courses and having related work experience in Oxford while working on his own short film.
Victoria Winckles - Southampton University; Sports Studies.
We hope to have a fuller list in the next issue and should be very grateful for help with names and details. Please address these to Dorothy Dickinson and place in the 'D' pigeon-hole behind the pews on the left at the back of the church.
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Help us to share, for the letters of SHARE are in HARVEST
Forgive us if we have too much, for the letters of HAVE are in HARVEST. Help us to save and not to waste, for the letters of SAVE are in HARVEST Help those who starve for the letters of STARVE are in HARVEST. Please God, let us who have too much learn to SHARE your HARVEST. 16
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Lechlade Branch FLORAL QUIZ
This was another very well supported quiz. Many thanks to the local businesses who sold the quiz sheets and donated the prizes. The competition was keenly contested but no one quite managed to get full marks.
The prize winners:
1st Valerie Mee (Eastleach) won the potted Bonsai Tree donated by The Old Bell Pottery and Crafts
2nd Shirley Jenkins (Lechlade) won the Bouquet donated by The Bloom Room
3rd Valerie Huxley (Lechlade) won a plant donated by Conservatory Plants of Eynsham
Many thanks to everyone who bought a Floral Quiz. The total raised was £315.
We hope to run another quiz next year. Joan Tyrrell
The street collection held in September in Lechlade and Fairford raised £580. Thank you to all who contributed and collected.
We will have a souvenir and Christmas card stall at the Cancer MiniMarket in Lechlade on the 9th November.
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OCTOBER
Tuesday 1" W.I. ; Clarke Pierce Room; 7.15 pm: Barbara Drake 'Plants with Winter Interest' Thursday 3rd THEATREGOERS; 'Die Fledermaus' at Bristol.
Monday 7"' COUNCIL MEETING 7.00 pm Memorial Hall.
Wednesday M.U. 2 pm Memorial Hall - Liz Curbs 'My poems; "A Time for Everything".' Thursday 10"' SILVER THREADS 2.30 pm Clarke Pierce Room Friday 11th GLOUCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST 7.30 pm Memorial Hall; an illustrated talk by Chris Redier Saturday 12th BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION Coffee Morning 10 am - 12 noon Methodist Hall
Tuesday 15th ART SOCIETY 7.30 pm Memorial Hall; F. Cameron Street 'Pastels'.
Thursday 17 "' LADIES GROUP; 2 pm Clarke Pierce Room; 'Looking at Windmills'.
Monday 21" ART AND HISTORY SOCIETIES 7.15 for 7.30 pm Memorial Hall; Mrs B. Roscoe; "Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie, potter, (1895-1985):One In a Million"
Thursday 24th SILVER THREADS 2.30 pm Clarke Pierce Room. Saturday 26"' GLOUCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST JUMBLE SALE 10.30 am Memorial Hall.
NOVEMBER
Monday 4"' TOWN COUNCIL 7.00 p.m. Memorial Hall
Tuesday W.1. 7.15 pm Memorial Hall; Bernadette Holiday; 'Weekenders' Clothes'
Thursday 7"' SILVER THREADS 2.30 pm Clarke Pierce Room
Friday 6th CANCER RESEARCH 6 - 9pm Memorial Hall
Saturday 9"'
C.R.U.K. MINIMARKET 9am-1pm Memorial HallWednesday 13th M.U. 2.00 pm Memorial Hall.
THEATREGOERS; 'Stones in his Pockets', Malvern. Thursday 14th LADIES' GROUP 2 pm. Clarke Pierce Room; 'After the Lord Mayor'.
Monday 16"' HISTORY SOCIETY 7.15 for 7.30 pm Memorial Hall; Glenys Armstrong -'Women in Mediaeval Society' Thursday 21" SILVER THREADS 2.30 pm. Memorial Hall.
Friday 22nd SILVER THREADS BINGO 7.15 pm Memorial Hall.
Wednesday 27"' - LECHLADE PLAYERS PANTOMIME -'Panto at the
Saturday 30th O.K. Corral'; Memorial Hail. See posters for details.
Each Monday Health and Beauty Exercises 7.30 Methodist Hall
Each Wednesday Health and Beauty Exercises 9.45 am Memorial Hall
Each Thursday W.I. Market 9.00 -11.00 am Methodist Hall Bridge Club 7.15 pm Clarke Pierce Room Scottish Dancing 7.30 - 9.30 pm Memorial Hall. 1st Sunday each month; Antiques Fair From 10.00 am Memorial Hall
S.O.S. Dates for December/January Diary must be in by mid-November (15"'). Please look out for the 1003 Diary which is in Lechlade Library now.
In July we had our summer outing. This year we visited Wilton (via Stonehenge) where we enjoyed the delightful shopping village, had lunch in the restaurant and then had an excellent guided tour of the carpet factory. The machines were all busy producing wonderful carpet designs - we were certainly glad of the earplugs we were given on entry!
In August the sun shone on our meeting day and we met in Jinny's garden for afternoon tea and prayers. At our September meeting we were visited by Anna Blackler who spoke about 'The Unseen Work of the Mothers' Union'. She spoke of her own involvement in Leyhfl Prison Creche, the Money Advice Service, where families receive free help with debt problems, Away From It All - holidays for needy families, to name but a few. Her enthusiasm spurred us all on to continue our Christian work, helping families near home and worldwide. At our October meeting we have a visit from Liz Curtis "A Time for Everything - my poems and how God inspired them". New members or visitors to our meetings are always welcomed. We meet on the 2°d Wednesday of each month at 2 pm in the Memorial Hall.
A THOUGHT FOR THE ELDERLY
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If we can call ourselves "octogeraniums" or even "nonageraniums", it means we are still alive, still growing and able to give pleasure to others. 20
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The pilgrims of the year have taken flight. Instead of martins wheeling round the church tower now we have flocks of starlings roosting on the spire. On the ground, flowers give way to fungi. Leaves fall from the trees and autumn is upon us.
For many this is not an appealing prospect. Mists and mellow fruitfulness are all very well but soon bring on November and dark, dismal days. Some creatures escape it by curling up to sleep away the next few months in their hidey-holes. Those who can, like birds, wing south in pursuit of the sun. The rest of us tough it out until the mercury rises, the winds slacken and splendour returns to the grass.
On the Reserve the water has receded despite the occasional rainstorm. Shallows and sand spits have appeared on the main (northern) lake. These lower levels have encouraged herons to return and they are now busily fishing at the new margins. Cover for wildlife has shown a prodigious increase this year. For example the poplars fringing the southern edge are quite monstrous.
The changing season brings some benefits. On Friday 11 th October, Chris Ridler a well-known naturalist and photographer, will visit us again to deliver an illustrated talk, `On the Wild Side', in the Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm. We only ask the derisory sum of £ 1. More will be expected from you at our Jumble Sale. Please note the date - 10.30 am on Saturday 26"' October, as usual in the Hall. We shall be there from 8.30 am to receive your contributions, or ring 252065 and I will collect.
Sarah Killingback's gallant attempt to recruit help for her "backyard project" fell a mite short of abject failure as only two noble souls registered to help drive the project forward. More of this later in the year. Meanwhile we have to thank Mr New who has generously donated a timber seat, made by himself, which will soon be installed on the viewing platform overlooking the main lake.
Our Flag Day in Lechlade raised £144 and our thanks go to all donors, and of course to our indefatigable collectors.
Peter Sonley. 21
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A busy summer involving many people, French and British. In August we had the pleasure of entertaining a large group of friends old and new, from our twin town of La Chapelle de Fougeretz. It's rather a mouthful but necessary to give the full name of the place as there are many La Chapelles in that part of Brittany (rather like 'Llan' in Wales).
From Wednesday to Sunday evenings a varied programme of events and visits kept our guests fully occupied, including full-day tours of Bath and London with French-speaking guides. So the culinary re sources of the twenty host families were not stretched to breaking point especially as we all enjoyed together an excellent supper on the Saturday night. This was presented by Coleshill Catering and followed by music and folk-dancing led by Jack Brothwell.
There was time for exploration of Lechlade and its environs including Bibury and Burford and to some surprise on both sides the weather was excellent. Although we did have a deluge during the final dinner to make both British and Breton feel at home.
Beneath a special banner of welcome 53 French, including a dozen children, emerged from the coach, followed by an impressive cargo of wine. The latter came in handy for Saturday's "vin d'honneur" at which our Mayor, Don Gillard underlined Lechlade's warm welcome. However a good supply of bottles remains to lubricate future twinning events.
In September 10 of us helped with the annual Fete de Confitures. For the fifth year our stock of home-made marmalade, lemon curd and chutney, assembled by Elaine Long, was sold out by teatime, with eager customers still clamouring for more. British specialities appeal to French tastes, as our beers are best sellers at the Christmas market held by our opposite number, Ty-Time. This Jam Festival is now the biggest event in France for makers and connoisseurs of conserves, with 40 exhibitors offering their creations to a crowd of 8000 enthusiasts. We were delighted with a profit of over 1000 Euros which should smooth out some of the creases in our Treasurer's brow. Daphne Rowley was appointed to a panef of judges savouring a range of peach jams whilst the writer's tastes led him to a banquet of crepes.
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Members should have received a copy of our Autumn Newsletter which begins by referring to four interesting and enjoyable walks/visits between May and August, and singles out the Canal walk and the Buscot visit because both enlarged our knowledge and understanding of the history of these areas. Both the wharves with associated buildings at our inland port (which pre-dates the opening of the Canal) and the "industrial/agricultural archaeology" beside the River at Buscot were summarised in little illustrated booklets - which we can re-print for interested members who could not be there (price £ 1 each to help cover costs). But the interior of the Old Parsonage (or Rectory) at Buscot (and the grounds too) were a revelation we had not anticipated. It felt like stepping right back into the reign of Queen Anne. The house, though full of more recent furniture, pictures and ornaments (the bric-a-brac of a dwelling that has been continuously occupied), somehow retained the essential character of three hundred years ago. We longed to learn more about who painted the striking wood panelling all round the entrance hall, and whether the linen "wall-paper" in the front reception room was as old as the house itself. It is a gem of past domestic architecture, and we are glad to know that it is now in the care of the National Trust (although it did not come to the Trust as part of the Buscot Estate and Village). Perhaps there is another pamphlet to be written about the Old Parsonage at Buscot.
Since the Newsletter was composed, we have also made our fifth summer visit, to Wychwood on 8th September, with Ken Betteridge. In contrast to 40 at Buscot, only a dozen of us turned out, but it was both enjoyable and informative. Ken is an expert on both the history of the ancient hunting forest and the flora and fauna still to be found there, which the Friends of the Forest are dedicated to conserving. Once more our eyes were opened.
We move on now to the winter programme in the Memorial Hall, beginning with the joint meeting with Lechlade Art Society, when Barley Roscoe, MBE, talks to us about a nationally known local potter "Katharine Pleydell-Bouverie (1895-1985): One in a Million", at 7.30 p.m. on 21st October. From 1925 to 1939 Katharine ran her own pottery on the family's Coleshill Estate, at the former water-mill, and not only produced her own distinctive work, but also researched the technology of wood-burning kilns and the science of ash glazes, and thus influenced many other 24
lio potters throughout the 20th century. Barley Roscoe is coming from nbridge to give her illustrated talk, and we have to ask everyone mbers of both Societies and guests) to pay £2 a head at the door ards the speaker's expenses. She is still Curator of the Collection at Crafts Study Centre (which was in Bath but is now in Surrey), and she a contributor to the biography that records Katharine's long life and standing work.
In November, on the 18th, Glenys Armstrong (from Swindon), will cat "Women in Mediaeval Society" in a talk that will demonstrate the place of women in society and in everyday life, illustrated with reproductions of clothes worn by women and children from late Saxon times onwards.
Meanwhile, our archival work and our support for the conservation of our local heritage must go on, and we are still looking for new members, and for more volunteers - for details, ring 252457.
Keith Newson (Hon. Sec.)
THE WORLD CUP IN JAPAN.
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(Antony Dickinson, a writer and photographer, recalls his World Cup adventures in Japan.)
On my first day in Japan, two ladies trotted up to me, beaming. "Japanese," said one, holding out an intricate paper fan. "Present for you. "
Later, a shaven-headed fan told me, after the Argentine match, how he had arrived in Sapporo with no hotel room and little money. An old Japanese lady invited him to her home, gave him dinner with her family, a bed for the night and sent him on his way in the morning with a packed lunch and directions to the stadium.
For most of us who were there, the kindness of our hosts will the abiding memory, a lesson to authorities everywhere - indeed to all of us - that people, even football supporters, treated with politeness, respect and affection, will respond in the same way.
It was all the more remarkable, given how genuinely scared the Japanese authorities were about the English hooligan threat. We all saw the news coverage before we went off Japanese training with Spiderman nets and men abseiling from stadium roofs. But nothing beat the paranoia of a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, who declared, "We must also brace against unwanted babies being conceived by foreigners who rape our women." Luckily, the Japanese public were not so convinced.
One man, in particular, contributed to our popularity. That man, of course, was David Beckham. All of us who were there should give him a vote of thanks. Whereas Michael Owen was popular for his "kwaii" (cute) looks, Beckham was universally described as "kakko-ii", which is the nearest the Japanese get to saying "Phwooar" ("Phwooar")!. Beckham mania was total.
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LECHLADE TENNIS CLUB
The summer season draws to a close and the teams in the Swindon & District league have had mixed fortunes. After promotion last year to Division 3 the Men's A team finished in first place for the second year running and will now play in Division 2 next year where, undoubtedly, they will face stiffer opposition. The Men's B team fared less well and may, therefore, be relegated to Division 7. The Ladies finished fifth and remain in Division 3.
The first of the club's mixed doubles tournaments was held on June 9h despite the weather. Everyone stayed and braved the wind and rain keeping warm with coffee between sets rather than lemon barley! It was won by Tom Steen and Mary Williams. In marked contrast the weather on September 1st ,for the second event, was sunny and hot, ideal for players and spectators alike. The eventual winners were Charles Eatwell and Gay Oliver. During the season the club runs knockout competitions for men's, ladies and mixed doubles and the results will be published once they are completed.
The Wiltshire and District Winter league starts in October and we have one team entered.
Socially we held the Barbecue, in Yvonne Kinch's beautiful garden, on June 30th and with Nick's awesome cooking and some delicious "puds" the event was enjoyed by all. We are having a skittles evening in October / November date and venue to be confirmed.
Club evenings finish at the end of September but Tuesday morning tennis continues throughout the winter so why not come along at 9.30am, you will be made very welcome.
Gay Oliver
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St Lawrence Christmas Quiz - is back!
The fourth Christmas Quiz is in preparation and will be available from early November at the Library, or call 252177. A bargain at £1 a copy - proceeds to the Church Restoration Appeal.
I&TP 27
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QUENTINS by Maeve Binchy (Orion)
After the publication of her last novel, Scarlet
Feathers, Maeve Binchy announced that she didn't intend to write any more novels, but here we have another one, Quentins, and it's rather an odd one. We meet lots of characters who have appeared in previous novels and there is an ongoing theme following Ella Brady and her love affair with the unscrupulous Don Richardson. Otherwise the book is made up of odd chapters covering various stories of patrons and staff at Quentins, the legendary restaurant in Dublin, presided over by the imperturbable Patrick and Brenda Brennon. It's an easy, quick read, quite enjoyable in a way, but not entirely satisfying.DEATHS JESTBOOK
by Reginald Hill (Harper Collins)This, the latest in a series featuring Dalziel and Pascoe, is in my opinion, the best yet - more literary and less a 'who-dun-it'. The story follows DCI Pascoe's determination to apprehend Franny Roote, a deadpan joker, ex-con, and aspiring academic. Running parallel to this, is DC 'Hat' Bowler's love affair which is doomed, and DC Wield's rescue of a child in danger, only to find he's got a rent-boy under his wing. Over all this activity broods the huge form of DS Andy Dalziel. All hugely enjoyable!
OF LOVE AND SLAUGHTER
by Angela Huth (Little, Brown)This is a novel, but written by someone who obviously knows a great deal about the vicissitudes of farming.
It is the story of George, the son of a solicitor, who turns his back on the family law firm to pursue his other interest, farming. We follow him as he begins to build up a fine herd of Friesian cattle, goes through the joys and trauma of lambing, and looks after his land and keeps it in good heart. And then comes BSE, followed by foot-and-mouth, and he loses everything, as do his friends and neighbours. Angela Huth writes so well you can almost feel the silence on the farm, and the smell of rotting carcasses. I was reduced to tears. There is of course, an on-going love interest, but my feeling at the end was one of anger at the ineptitude of officialdom.
However, it's not all doom and gloom, and it is very well written, as you will understand when I say how it 'got' to me, and I know very little about modern-day farming.
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ROSAMOND LEHMANN by Selina Hastings (Chatto)
Rosarnond Lehmann's life was as romantic and harrowing as any of her fictional heroines. She was exceptionally beautiful and had an idyllic childhood, growing up in the Thames Valley with a father she adored, two sisters and a brother. Her first marriage was wretchedly unhappy, but the success of her first novel made it possible for her to run off and eventually marry Wogan Phillips. They lived an apparently charmed life at the heart of Bloomsbury society, but during Wogan's absence, serving in the Spanish civil war, Rosarnond embarked on a serious relationship with Goronwy Rees, and when he left her, she began the most important love affair of her life, with Cecil Day-Lewis. This too, ended in tears, and, together with the tragic death of her daughter at 24, had a profound effect on the rest of her long life. In many ways Rosamond Lehmann was an egotistical monster, but a fascinating one, and I highly recommend this biography as a great read.
IMP
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A return visit by `The Close Shave' on 31st August marked the tenth anniversary of their first concert in Lechlade, and what a delightful celebration it was! The sheer enjoyment generated by these eight very talented vocal musicians, in a programme ranging from Thomas Tallis to George Gershwin -- many of the items in their own stylish arrangements - provided an evening of music to suit all tastes, which the large audience received with acclaim and affection.
In a gracious tribute to his father-in-law, Christopher Michelmore reminded us that it had originally been at Dr David Stephens's suggestion, after listening to some impromptu busking by some of their members, that the close-harmony group should be formed, and that it was Dr Sheila who suggested their name 'The Close Shave'. Over the 10 years since their formation they have established for themselves an enviable reputation and are much in demand.
So Lechlade, and the Church Restoration Appeal, are once again indebted to David Stephens for his musical connections which enable us to enjoy such concerts. We all came away from this one hoping that The Close Shave would be back with us before too long.
TP 29
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LECHLADE CRICKET CLUB
Our Wiltshire League (Division 2) programme has now been completed with the club finishing in a very satisfactory fourth position in the table, just one point behind the third club. At the time of writing, the Sunday XI have just one more game to play. They are still maintaining their record of only one defeat during the season.
It has been a most enjoyable season for both sides with some very entertaining cricket being played and lots of runs scored. The number of centuries achieved far outstrips those scored in every season within living memory.
Our Fete and Car Boot Sale on August Bank Holiday produced a record profit for this event and we are very grateful to all those who supported the event in any way.
Ray Hayden.
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ST. LAWRENCE RINGERS' GUILD
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As happens with all bands of ringers from time to time, we are now badly in need of some additional members. We would particularly like to hear from anyone with previous experience who may now be living in the town, but we would also welcome any non-ringers who may like to try their hand at a most enjoyable traditional English pastime. Anyone who may be interested should contact our Secretary, Rachel Bath on 253893 or myself on 252972.
Ray Hayden 30
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Editor: Stephen Parsons Tel: 252262
Assistant Editor: Dorothy Dickinson Tel: 253240
General Assistant: Eric Long Tel: 252131
Postal Subs: Rosie Bell Tel: 252255
Distribution: Daphne Rowley Tel: 252200
Advertising: Jack Smee Tel: 253022
Treasurer: David Newton Tel: 252543
Proof Reading: Ted Pierce Tel: 252177 Computer Layout: Simon Winckles Tel: 252851
EDITORIAL OFFICE: The Vicarage, Sherborne Street, Lechlade. E-mail: stephen@parsons252262.freeserve.co.ukCOPY DATE for December/January issue is November 20th The Bridge will be printed on Thursday 28th and collated on Friday 29th November.
Note to Contributors
The number of contributions submitted by e-mail continues to rise and for this the editor is grateful If word-processed contributions are submitted please send them in 12 size point and not smaller. Ink jet submissions in 10 point cannot easily be read by the scanner and so have to be re-typed. Please observe the conventions for paragraphs (indented 0.5" and no spaces)and do not write or type extra comments which are not required for the text on your submissions. There is no need to say at the top 'submitted for October Issue.'
The Vicar can send to anyone interested a blank file with the formatting on his computer for Bridge files. At present the varying formats of everyone's computers creates problems and it would be wonderful and save much time if all the contributions flowed seamlessly on to his computer when submitted by e-mail or disk.
LECHLADE LADIES GROUP
In 1988, our July speaker, Annie Gripper was visiting Zimbabwe with her husband where, as a result of their concern at the rapidly diminishing numbers of Black Rhino in the country, they helped set up the Sebakwe Black Rhino Trust and this was the title of her talk to us.
Their work in this field resulted in Mr & Mrs Gripper being invited as guests to a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in honour of President Robert Mugabe, (this was several years ago!) and it was of her experiences before and at the banquet that she talked to us. It was all so interesting and such fun - we hung on her every word - her dress, the food, the pageantry, the State Rooms, and especially the warm welcome they were given personally by the Queen who knew all about them and their work - it was all quite delightful and we all enjoyed her experiences, albeit vicariously.
On a cold damp day in February, Sarah Finch-Crisp had enthused us all with her talk about the history, past and present, of Lydiard Park in Swindon. On a hot, sunny and cloudless day in August we went to Lydiard Park and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We were taken on a guided tour of the house, visited the church (quite the most interesting and fascinating church many of us had seen for a long time) and enjoyed a very welcome cup of tea with home-made cakes. A lovely afternoon, and a most fitting climax to our February talk.
Our winter series of talks began with a return visit of Mr Conway Jones and this time his subject was 'Cotswold Curiosities'. He brought with him a most interesting series of slides covering such diverse subjects as memorials to a horse, the abolition of slavery, a pet fish which lived for 20 years, and many more besides, each of which had a fascinating story behind it. We all came away feeling that we need to keep our eyes fully open when we travel around this part of the country! I.M. Pierce 31
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