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EDITORIAL
One of the things we learn as small children is the art of listening to stories. Wise parents will read to their children as part of a nightly ritual that is as important as cleaning teeth. The reason for stories to be read and shared is that through them parent and child enter together into a world of imagination beyond the humdrum and ordinary. The imagination is stirred and moved and so becomes better able to embrace the enormous complexity of reality in the world. Not everything is amenable to rational explanation but needs the power of the imagination to grasp it.
The reason for the rampant success of the Harry Potter books is that an author has tapped into the power of the imagination in children and their parents. J.K. Rowling knows that a vivid fantasy world is not just a form of escapism but a new way of engaging the real world using a far wider range of tools within the mind and emotions. Our ancestors told stories or myths as a way of coping with and understanding realities that were far more complex than they could explain at a rational scientific level. Today some people despise the world of myths because they engage the imaginative part of the human being and not the cold logical part. To approach myth as an inferior kind of reasoning is totally to misunderstand what is being presented. It is like expecting human relationships to be able to be understood by biology. Whatever biology may have to offer in this area, it cannot do much to account for the amazing variety and mystery in this area of human experience. In short the imagination needed to cope with myth will reach areas of life that cold reason cannot.
It is a sad fact that there are Christians who have given a lot of energy to the cause of attacking the Harry Potter books. These same Christians, one suspects, are the ones that cannot see when story and myth are being presented in the Bible and want to hold on to a theory of `truth' that regards all the early stories of Genesis as historical scientific accounts. They make no distinction between the stories of Creation and the accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In other words in the pursuit of scientific `truth' they have flattened the Bible so that it becomes some sort of scientific text book. It is as though this were the only form of truth that human beings can grasp. Thank God for the modern writers of fantasy, mystery and magic who show us today that these forms of literature still exist alongside the myths and imaginative stories of our ancestors.

Another thing that Christians can celebrate is that the one who started off the Christian faith was an individual who knew all about the power of story. Jesus told many stories or parables and normally did not bother to 'explain' them. Explaining a story may be to flatten it and undermine its power to engage the hearer. We need to listen and let the story do its task of inspiring and challenging us. Each will receive a story in his or her own way and receive an insight into the `truth' of the reality of life and of God.
Together at Ten
For some months now, we at St Lawrence have been experimenting with a replacement to the 'Family Service' on the second Sunday of the month. It is called Together at Ten. The service has changed its emphasis so that it tries to be a service for children and adults rather than for children only. Because it is not a service based on Holy Communion there is scope for experimentation with sight, sound and story. The format is still evolving but we do encourage those who perhaps thought of the old service as not being for them to come along. The next such service is on September 8th at 10 am.
Children's Holiday Scheme
On August 28th 29th and 30th the Desert Detectives will be taking over the church for their activities. The children have been contacted through the school, but those who do not know about it are asked to ring Tessa Cobb on 253100.
Because of Desert Detectives, the Thursday morning service on August 29th will be cancelled.
OBITUARY
Margaret (Peggy) Staples
Peggy Staples died on July 10th at Cheltenham hospital. She was 86. Peggy was well known in the community having lived in Lechlade all her married life. Her husband Joe died some 12 years ago. Peggy was a semi-invalid for much of her life but that did not stop sharing her enormously warm personality with those who visited her at home most recently in Swan Close. She leaves three children, grandchildren and many relatives and friends in the community. In the last few years she received communion at home. May she rest in peace.

	LECHLADE'S LOCAL POET - Patricia Bishop
Most observant people will have noticed that the local refuse cart that trundles around Lechlade on a Friday morning has attached to it some lines of poetry relating to our community. The Editor has been presented with two volumes of poetry by Patricia Bishop, the author, entitled Time's Doppelganger and Saving Dragons published by Oversteps Books. The first mentioned was published this year. This latest volume includes a number of poems of local interest relating to the river and the church. The quality of all the poems seems high and they are striking for the way that many of them help the reader to notice the memorable within the ordinary. It is to be hoped that readers of poetry will obtain copies of these books and the community at large will be honoured by having the presence of a poet in our midst.
BAPTIST CHURCH
Mother Teresa once said `To be unloved and forgotten is a greater hunger and a greater poverty than to have nothing to eat.' Perhaps hard to appreciate for many of us who have friends and family. Nevertheless many in the world today are alone and no one cares. Even in Lechlade there may be some that come into that category. Jesus cared for such people, spending much of his earthly time amongst those who needed love, healing, and just showing compassion for those in need. The Psalmist says `The Lord is gracious and compassionate'. That is still true today. Compassion needs to come from the heart, not because we need to score points or put others in our debt. May God give us the compassion to find and care for each other.
Greetings from us all at the Baptist Church. Our services are held each Sunday at 10.30a.m. and again at 6p.m. The fourth Sunday morning is a family service. A warm welcome awaits you.
Some may remember Jim and Sheila Lewis who pastored the church for several years before returning to Canada. They will be in Lechlade during September and Jim will be taking our services on the 1` September and the evening service on the 8th Join us on one or more of these occasions.

St. Lawrence School Lechlade
There is a well-used saying that states you can never go back. I would like to contest the validity of that statement based on the evidence of the last four months. In April, I started in my post as head teacher of St Lawrence School and have been made to feel so welcome by the people of Lechlade, young and old. Thank you very much. The school has changed greatly over the past twenty years since I left, but wonderfully, the one thing that has remained is the welcoming atmosphere.
The summer term is always busy in primary schools as the children attend the District and Area sports competitions in Fairford and Cirencester. About one third of our junior pupils qualified for the Area Sports which is a high proportion and they are to be congratulated on their success. Other pupils took part in a technology challenge in Cheltenham. Much of the art work for the term was displayed for parents and friends to admire and many of our pupils played in a musical evening to celebrate their success.
Two special days were spent earlier this term in our woodland area, which is our conservation area, as all children explored different aspects of the environment. Others have been out of school for the day as their class visited a farm, or a local quarry, or took part in a walk around the town and river. One class went farther afield and visited the Imperial War Museum in London as part of their history topic on the Second World War.
This is the last primary school term for one group of children, as the Year 6 pupils will be moving on to secondary school in September. It is important to mark these events in our lives so the children have attended a Leavers' Service in Gloucester Cathedral with Year 6 pupils from other schools. Chrissie, the Deanery Youth Worker, has also been in school regularly as she has helped to prepare them for the move. The Leavers' Service in our school takes place on the last day of the term when the children break bread together and then are given a Bible as a gift from the school.
I hope everyone feels that the school is part of the community and if you wish to be more involved in school life you will get in touch with us, because we would be pleased to hear from you.
	Alison Lock, Head Teacher

GLOUCESTERSHIRE CONSTABULARY
Bogus persons have again entered our area, this time visiting LECHLADE and POULTON. They used various ploys to gain entry, from being a water/electricity board official to just wanting some water for their broken down vehicle.
On 25th June two lads were spotted by a local resident, acting suspiciously. She reported this to the Police who attended. The two lads were arrested for burglary. This was excellent work by the witness who gave good descriptions of the suspects and was able to inform police where they had gone.
Thieves are still at work stealing wallets/handbags from shoppers at local supermarkets. A handbag was also stolen from an insecure car parked at petrol pumps in CIRENCESTER. When you leave your car to pay for the fuel, please lock it.
Local licensees have recently come together with the support of local Police, to form a `Behave or be Banned' scheme. Any person misbehaving in a pub within the scheme faces being banned from them all. It is hoped that this will be a deterrent to any disorder. A handful of persons have already been banned for periods up to one year. The aim is to have all licensed premises within this police area to join the scheme.
CANCER RESEARCH UK
Thank you to those people of Lechlade and Buscot who gave so generously to our House to House collection last month. This raised a total amount of £1,002.38, which is a wonderful result. A note for your diaries: The Cancer Research Combined Charities Christmas minimarket will take place on 9th November in the Memorial Hall. More details nearer the time.
			Shirley Jenkins.

LECHLADE LIBRARY: SATURDAY OPENING
At last, good news. Following more than a year of discussion and persuasion the County Library Service has agreed to the opening of our library on Saturday mornings for a trial period -- from the autumn till next April.
Some time ago the Library Watch Group raised the issue. It has since been taken forward by the Town Council. Currently people in Lechlade and surrounding villages who work full time can only get to the library early Friday evening. At the moment, opening hours are day-time and geared to the retired, parents at home and the very young. The Library Service has now found a way of improving opening times for everyone-- so we shall have a service comparable with Fairford's.
And it's such a good resource. As well as books, there is free high speed access to the Internet (booking advisable, training available), and there are interesting music and video collections.
The Town Council is delighted with the positive response from the County Library Service and urges everyone to make use of this great facility. It could be a case of ' use it or lose it'. Spread the word!
	Robert Long (Town Councillor)
CHRISTIAN AID COLLECTION
A very big thank you for making this year's collection a bumper year for Christian Aid. Through your generosity and help, we raised a magnificent E1,971.12. We would also like to thank everyone who put their name and address on the Christian Aid envelope, it means your donation is worth an extra 30%!
House to House - £ 1755.53 Donations - £44.70 Cake stall -£170.89 Christine Vagnolini and Lynda Phipps.

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD WISHES
Congratulations and all good wishes to all who have recently graduated and gained their degrees. Those we know so far;
Lindsay Richardson, BA Hons Geography, Leicester Alexandra Pledger BA Hons, Dance, Middlesex Richard Saddington, Computing, Bournemouth Kevin Sandhu, Mathematics and Economics, Swansea Edward Hurt, Distinction in his Masters degree in Finance, going on to train in accountancy.
Timothy Mason has completed his apprenticeship with BMW and is going to Portsmouth to study engineering.
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Following last year's successful festival, many asked that there be another. The committee has made a start on mounting a similar event for next year. This is an advance notice so that diaries can be checked and dates booked. A number of folk had holidays arranged during the last festival and were disappointed, so please check before booking in 2003. The dates for four evenings of varied music are likely to be 2nd5th October.
		Don Gillard

A Funny Thing Happened.....
Some three years ago we were in a plane flying over the Mediterranean Sea and I recall thinking, "If I pinch myself I will wake up". Here we were, in our sixties, on the way to Yemen to work for 6 months!
We first went to Yemen in 1995 with a friend to visit her son, Ian, and his wife and family. We had known Ian since he was seven, and he was now a doctor on a medical team in the Republican Hospital in Sa'adah, some 150 miles north of the capital Sana'a.
We kept in touch with the team and received their newsletters. In one it said the Dutch couple in Sana'a were under a lot of pressure and could do with some help and suggested a retired couple in good health. We felt prompted to offer. All the paper work went through and we were soon on our way, Eddie to help with the administration and myself to oversee the guest house, where the team came for breaks.
We visited Sa'adah 3 weeks after our arrival to meet the team which was made up of different nationalities, thankfully using English as the main language.
We'd been in Yemen nearly 3 months when we returned to Sa'adah with the Dutch family for the annual 3-day conference, which went really well. On the Saturday, we were asked if we could consider staying on, as Hans and Berta would be going home on furlough for 3 months and someone was needed to cover for them. So, after praying and talking it through, we felt we should.
We left at 8.15 am next morning to return to Sana'a. We were in two cars and a 4WD, as the cars were being taken back to Sana'a. About halfway, we stopped at the Wadi where we had stopped for lunch on the way up. Berta and I went to find a bush and when we came back Hans and Eddie were talking to four Yemenis, who appeared very friendly. Eddie got into our 4WD to adjust the seat, as I had been driving, when the leader pointed his gun and demanded the keys. Two of them took Hans in their pick-up truck and the rest of us were herded into our 4WD. It was the last day of Ramadan, so there was nobody about.
We started back the way we had come for a while and then took off across the desert and mountains. We travelled for 7 hours and it was the most incredible drive. They told us straightaway that it was a tribal kidnapping. (Hans and Berta spoke good Arabic.) They had gone to Sana'a to kidnap the American Consul, and actually rammed his car, but he got away. They were on their way home and saw us - so we were second best!
When we arrived, they gave us a good meal. They brought in a radio and we heard about our kidnapping on BBC World Service, but

they got it all wrong! We were all in one room and they brought us bedding and made us as comfortable as possible.
Eddie and I were fortunate as we had our luggage with us, so we eventually shared clothes with Hans and Berta and had 2 sets each! We also had our Bibles, so we were able to read and pray together, which was a great comfort. We were all so aware of God's presence with us. We were held for 16 days and in that time shared Communion and had some Praise tapes that we sang to. Hans and Berta were able to share their faith with all the Yemenis that looked after us.
After a couple of days, negotiations started for our release. It seemed they wanted the release of their brother from prison. Someone had been murdered, and if they cannot get the person responsible, they take a relative.
A Yemeni hospital worker was allowed to come with a letter from the team and, later, two parcels for us. They looked after us as well as they could and brought us bottled water to drink. Facilities were basic but there was a gas ring so we were able to boil a kettle of water to wash with.
Negotiations continued and they kept telling us "Tomorrow", until the second Saturday, when they took us into the mountains for the day. We had lunch, went for a walk and then sat around. When it was getting dark, they put us back in the Landcruiser and took us to another village, where we were kept until 12.66 am on the Tuesday when we were woken up and told we were going to Sana'a. This time it was true!
Another incredible drive, this time by moonlight and we arrived at the Sheikh's palace at 9.30 am.
After an excellent breakfast, our team leader's wife arrived with the British and Dutch Ambassadors and 3 Scotland Yard men. There was a Press Conference in the afternoon and then we were taken to the British Ambassador's residence, where we had 2 lovely days before our debriefing and then back home.
	We subsequently returned to Yemen to fulfill our commitment. Mary Rosser.
Thanks to Mary for starting a series under the heading ' A Funny Thing Happened. "Readers' contributions invited.

	Water levels on the Reserve are currently low and the muddy tracks of earlier months are generally dry and bone-hard. The usual colossal surge of summer of hogweed and stinging nettles is excelled by the prodigious spread of brambles. They promise a bumper crop of blackberries in August. If you visit the reserve for no other reason, do gather ye blackberries while you may; they are delicious.
	Wildfowl are few and the most noticeable bird noise (I cannot call it song) is the rasping song of the reed warbler. A few orchids linger after another successful flowering season last month but colour is provided by an outburst of forget-me-nots in the damper corners.
	Badger has been busy along the western boundary and in the adjoining cornfield. The public footpath is quite hazardous - you could lose a small dog in some of the excavations - as it has been extensively tunnelled. Walkers are warned to be wary. We have tried to fill in some of the bigger holes, but badger opens up new ones even faster.
	The most interesting wildlife I have observed recently are the newts which abound at Rough Grounds Farm. They are the common species, dull and spotted above but bright orange beneath. This Smooth Newt should by rights be living in water during the summer. It is supposed to be only on land (hibernating) from October to February. However, a large colony seems to spend as much time hiding on land as swimming in the garden pool. Perhaps only the local herons know why.
	There are two other newts which comprise the family of British salamanders. The Great Crested, twice as big as the Smooth, with a warty skin and a conspicuous crest above his spotty camouflage, is actually the largest European newt. The Palmate, usually found in hilly country, with the distinctive feet which give it its name (palmate means web-footed) is about the same size as the Smooth Newt. I do not know which of the trio is the Mayor of London's preferred type, but I suspect it is the Smooth.
		P. Sonley.

	Despite the summer holidays, our members continue to come for their regular Thursday fix. The running contests still have Barney Rowley and Jon Hunt in the lead but the gap is closing. Anyone wanting a game is always welcome at 7 pm in the Memorial Hall.
	The May `Bridge in the Bridge' competition was won by Colin Barwick who was the first of five people who came up with the correct solution. Well done Colin. The essence of the play was to discard the Ace and King of Spades in hand on dummy's Ace of Diamonds and, by repeated trumping and trump leads, on the Ace of Clubs. Dummy's Spades are then all winners and with the lead in dummy. Anyone wanting a fuller explanation, please ring.
			Another problem for the dedicated; -
	The final contract is 6NT played by South and the opening lead the Diamond King. Again one free visit to our Club for the first correct answer, so over to you!
				Geoff Jenkins (252623)

	After a period of disruption and setbacks the Scout Group has had a very successful few months to round of the current 2001/02 year.
	Our Beaver Colony continues to provide a full and varied programme for a very excitable bunch of 6-8 year olds and the Scout Troop has been running plenty of outdoors activities, such as hikes, culminating in the Malvern Challenge, a full weekend of adventurous activities organised by Gloucestershire County Scouts. The Methodist Hall has become our new base and the Methodists have been very welcoming.
	Our Cub Scout Pack will restart in September now that we have found some new Leaders willing to take on this responsibility. We look forward very much to having continuity through the sections' age ranges once again.
	The Scout Association has also launched its new training programme covering all the sections and this will bring a fresh impetus to the many challenges and awards available to the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The changes include awards that the whole Group can tackle together including one for an environment related project which we are keen to try. Our Group Executive Committee is also working on some objectives for the Group across a range of subjects in order to provide some focus over the coming year and to strengthen links within the Group.
	Our fundraising team have been simply fantastic as they implement their detailed plan to raise funds to support Scouting. Their ideas have been many and varied and the attention to detail is commendable. Our AGM was well supported and the Association's Thanks Badge was presented to David Benson, retiring Group Chairman, and David Lee who heads the fundraising team. Our sincere thanks go to all those who support the Group so well.
	In the coming term the highlight is likely to be the participation by Chellsie Muirhead in the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire contingent to the World Jamboree in Thailand. A considerable number of initiatives by Chellsie have enabled her to raise the jamboree fee. She departs in late December for this event which starts with a massive camp attended by thousands of Scouts from around the world followed by a period of home hospitality in Japan.
	We continue to seek more Leaders for the sections so that we can bring even better Scouting to the youngsters and we are also looking for a couple of canoe instructors to help us make more use of the river - call 01367 253100 for more information. Finally, our website is being developed and hopefully will be linked to the very informative Lechlade website.
	Paul Cobb (Group Scout Leader)

	Since I last wrote in mid-May, our jubilee displays (Lechlade over the past 50 years), have been on show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester, and in the Pavilion/Memorial Hall here, and our members have enjoyed interesting historical excursions on two Monday evenings.
	On 17th June, 22 of us assembled at St Peter & St Paul, Northleach, for a brief tour of the church interior (hastily fitted in whilst it was being prepared for the arrival of the Bishop of Gloucester later that evening), and then a leisurely and thorough tour of the "new town" laid out by the Abbot of Gloucester at the end of the 12th century. The Abbot seems to have foreseen the potential importance of a market for the local sheep and wool in the centre of the Cotswolds, and the wealthy merchant families later rebuilt their burgess cottages as grand houses, and by the mid-15th century had much embellished their church. After that era, the town grew again in importance as a comfortable stop on horse-powered journeys from London to Gloucester, until it was eventually by-passed first by the railway network and then by the authorities improving the A40 trunk road. It is the glory of Northleach that this rich history remains largely intact today - it only needed our two well-informed guides to open our eyes to it.
	Much the same might be said of Avebury, high on the Wiltshire Downs, though the story of this place has lasted some 4,000 years, since stone-age tribes first laid out the spectacular "henge" (or bank and ditch) and within that vast arena erected at least three circles of huge, upright stones, dragged down from the nearby hilltops where the Ridgeway ran then - and now. This time, 27 of us assembled at the Alexander Keiller Museum, and were then guided across the site itself by the National Trust Custodian of the place. The small museum was packed with artefacts unearthed in the area, and fascinating reconstructions of the way of life of people who worked with stone and wood and bone and clay and fire, yet seem to have understood astronomy and tackled daunting challenges of construction and engineering, without the use of metals. Mike Powell had talked to us in April about Avebury, but on 15th July he brought this astonishing place vividly to life for us.
	We still have two further summer visits to look forward to, and details of the arrangements will be publicised as usual on our posters. On Saturday afternoon, 17th August, we have a rare chance to inspect the interior of Buscot Old Parsonage (now in the care of the National Trust). As this is only just down the road (a familiar landmark on the left soon after you have crossed St John's Bridge), the rendezvous is not the usual

	one in Lechlade, but the small car-park at Buscot, just outside the gates of both the church of St Mary the Virgin and the Parsonage, at 2.30 p.m. Non N.T. members will be charged £ 1.20 at the house. We shall also look at the lovely 13th century church, which since 1892 has had a striking east window by Burne-Jones, the pre-Raphaelite artist, depicting the "good shepherd" bearing a lamb. On Sunday afternoon, 8h September, Ken Betteridge guides us through part of the ancient forest of Wychwood, crossing Akeman Street and an old "hundred" hedge. For this excursion, cars will meet in the Lechlade Memorial Hall car-park by 1.30 p.m. to get directions to a rendezvous at the Royal Oak cross-roads at Ramsden.
	Before we embark on our winter programme of talks, we plan to send out a Newsletter to members, in September. This will probably have more news of the ongoing project to embark on restoration of navigation along the Thames & Severn Canal, and of practical steps to conserve and record the history of the wharves at Lechlade, which became closely associated with that Canal after it was opened in 1789. As a local History Society we feel a particular responsibility to do what we can to inform the residents of, and visitors to, the town about this aspect of our long history.
	There are archaeological aspects to this project, and one of out new members has drawn attention to a 10-week course this autumn at Burford Community College, "Introducing Archaeology" (using "local examples"). By the time we distribute our LHS Newsletter, it may be too late to enrol new students, but I have some details now; please ring me. (252457) if you want to find out more.
		Keith Newson, Hon.Sec.
	The Lechlade Scottish Country Dance Club continues to thrive with a good membership. After our summer recess, dancing will start again on Thursday, 5th September, continuing through to June 2003 with mini breaks for Christmas and Easter.
	We are a very friendly group and welcome both beginners and experienced dancers. For further details please contact me on 252623. Shirley Jenkins.

		Summer? What summer I thought, as the heavens opened only an hour before our annual Barbecue evening was about to start. Fortunately it was only a short-lived shower and the sun shone as friends old and new enjoyed plenty of delicious food washed down with the odd glass of wine or beer. Special thanks go to our hosts jenny and Alwyn Davies, and to our Chairman Eric Long who devised the picture quiz which was keenly contested especially among our younger members.
		It's panto time - oh yes it is - as we have cast our production of "Panto at the OK Corral" to be performed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 28th, 29th and 30th November 2002. This may seem a long way off but time will fly by as we grapple not only with our lines but also with scenery, props and costumes. Anyone out there who would like to join the fun backstage is more than welcome to telephone me.
		Wednesday 4h September is the date of our Supper Evening which will have a cowboy theme to promote the panto - baked potatoes with chilli, sausages and beans and (optional) fancy dress.
			Catherine Hitchman 01285 711676
		This season, so far, has been a rather patchy affair with several games being cancelled due to bad weather or the inability of opponents to field a side and, in between, a record number of centuries being scored by our players. Most of the centuries have come from the cultured bat of our Aussie, Nick Smith, but Paul Rowley also weighed in with one, against Cooper Avon Tyres in a match on our ground in which five hundred runs were scored.
		At present the Saturday side are in third position in the Second Division of the Wiltshire League. The Sunday XI are enjoying a very successful season having lost only one game so far. Attendance at the Sunday morning coaching sessions for youngsters has been rather disappointing but has been worthwhile for those who have attended. Our Annual Fete and Car Boot Sale will be held on the ground on August Bank Holiday, as usual, when we hope to see our regular customers as well as new ones.
				Ray Hayden.

LECHLADE SILVER THREADS
Members attended the Tea-Dance and Singalong on June 4th, organised by Lechlade's Jubilee Committee at the Memorial Hall as part of the jubilee Celebrations. Very much appreciated and enjoyed by all. A big thank you to the ladies of the W.I. for providing an excellent tea and to the musicians who awoke many a memory with their choice of songs. Encouraged by Arthur Chase, some members even managed to remember how to dance!
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Primmer as Chairman of Silver Threads and look forward to his direction and benevolent control over Silver Threads meetings.
The June coach outing, on 19th, was blessed with fine weather, so members were able to discover the fine buildings, shops and street markets of Cardiff in hot sun after a pleasant drive along the M4. Charles Primmer was delighted with his guided tour of the new Millennium Stadium, sitting, rather appropriately, in Prince Charles' seat in the Royal Box. The Castle echoed to the screech of peacocks and the hunting birds in the Falconry, and some energetic souls climbed the very steep steps into the Keep, dodging active bands of school children seeking answers to the clues on their worksheets. Alas, there was all too little time to wander and admire the fine art collections in the National Museum and Gallery of Cardiff, but a short visit to the five Turner paintings served to whet the appetite for a return visit to this building in which one could happily spend a whole day. But with the sun shining down, members spent the rest of the day on the sea front of Penarth or walked the cliff path with its views of Flat Holm and Steep Holm. A welcome thirst quencher was enjoyed at the Holford Arms on the way home.
On the evening of July 12th Silver Threads held their own jubilee Celebration in the Memorial Hall, with invited guests of those friends and relatives who support Silver Threads outings. Catering, transport and entertainment by the Brize Norton Entertainers was organised by Ted Peare. A wonderful evening, very much enjoyed by all.
We were saddened by the death of Hilda Lock, a Silver Threads member for many years. Her funeral on June 24th was attended by members to pay their final respects to a lady who had been an enthusiastic supporter of Silver Threads until prevented from attending by ill-health.
New members welcome. Information: A.Dowsett. Sec. (252150) Information regarding coach outings: E.Peare (252167

	June 6th found us at Bristol where we saw 'The Beggar's Opera' by John Gay. The production was set in 18 th Century London and dealt with the London underworld in a very down to earth manner. MacHeath, a highwayman devises an opera based on his own exploits while residing in Newgate jail, and shows the many women victims who seek revenge against him. Comments afterwards led one to believe that this was not everyone's cup of tea, but it was well acted and definitely led to many talking points.
	'Abigail's Party' was the next production that we attended. At the time it was being performed at the Theatre Royal in Bath, however the production is making its way to the West End. The play is by Mike Leigh and has been a talking point since it was first seen on Play for the Day with Alison Steadman, (his then wife) as the leading lady, Beverley. Curiously Abigail is never seen throughout the play as she is hosting a party for her teenage friends next door. It is in Beverley's house that a gathering of the grown-ups is organised. As the evening progresses the drink flows freely and Beverley subjects the group to listen to Demis Roussos on her stereo. Marital tensions reach fever pitch as she blunders her was through a numerous social blunders. It is a suburban comedy, which brings out the class and taste element of society in which Beverley lives in the 1970's. The production was very good, but I cannot think of Abigail's Party with linking Alison Steadman to the role. She made the part of the frightful Beverley her own.
			Ron Scourfield.
	On a lovely evening in July we went to visit Hatherop Nursery. We were taken around by Jeremy Weston who told us about the interesting history of his walled nursery garden, which used to be part of the Bazley Estate. He is doing a grand job of restoring it to its former glory.
	There will not be a meeting in August. Our next meeting will be on the 11 th September, when Monica Lucas will be talking on `Ornamental Grasses, Sedges and Rushes'.
		For any further details please contact 253738.

	Jubilee Tuesday (June 4h) was a very busy day for Lechlade WI. A hundred local people enjoyed a tea dance with refreshments provided by our members in the afternoon and in the evening the monthly meeting was "home spun" when members gave their reminiscences of Coronation Day. It was a delight and a privilege to hear such very special memories. Sheila Bennett had actually watched the procession with her Aunt and showed special passes for the Abbey, official programmes, magazines and papers from June 1953. Margaret Mattingley had vivid memories of the clinic party with dainty sandwiches, little cakes and mashed jelly organized by Mrs Smith. Vikki Ward amused us with her story of being a young bride in London with a husband who bought bits to build a TV as he could afford them and just managed to complete the set in time to invite all the relatives to watch the Coronation. Rosemary Neate brought commemorative pencils from St Lawrence School and said that she had been told that children had danced round the maypole (there is no record of maypole dancing taking place since). Ann Cooper spoke of the wonderful atmosphere in London and Margaret Broley contrasted this with the great sadness of the King's lying-in-state. Coronation mugs, an anointing spoon and a sampler were also on show. Other members, too young to have personal memories, added to the fun with stories handed down through the family.
	The July meeting welcomed Bob Browning who gave a fascinating talk, supported by slides and sound effects, about his trek through Nepal. Bob had always wanted to se Mount Everest and had jumped at the chance to join a group of people visiting Nepal. The views were breathtaking and more than made up for the rather primitive living conditions. Members were amazed to hear that one of the party was a blind girl who took part in all activities. Bob lost a stone in weight during his trip but described his visit as a "trip of a lifetime". His love of Nepal and its people was very evident .
	WI's across the country have been updated on the progress of the 2000 mandate "This meeting urges upon HM Government the importance of allowing people to continue to collect their pensions and benefits in cash at the Post Office beyond 2002". Members have been told that under enormous pressure, particularly from WI members, the Government has given a commitment that people who wish to continue to collect their payments in cash at post offices will be able to do so before and after the changes in 2003. However, it is a fact that 262 post offices were closed down last year and WI members are urged to continue to lend strength to the national campaign and to help to keep their local post office open.

	Through the summer months Lechlade WI will be walking around Bisley, and visiting Wooodstock to see some interesting church embroidery. We have also been invited by Highworth WI to watch their production of the Victorian drama "East Lynne". The speaker for the August meeting will be Heather Shute who will be talking about Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
	We are always pleased to welcome visitors to our meetings which take place on the first Tuesday of the month. Please contact our secretary Sylvia Dennish for information on 01367 252477.
	The Spring collection this year raised £992.97. Many thanks, once again, to all the box holders in Lechlade.
	I would also like to thank "The Riverside" for donating a very generous £1,772.00 to the Hospice from a sponsored fishing and rowing competition in March.
	Finally, £276.95 was collected after a very successful day, on 27th June, selling sunflowers in the Town. I am pleased to report, that at the half year, the amount raised locally for the Hospice was £3,041.92.
		Mary Williams
	Those who heard Nicholas play last year in the Music Festival will need no invitation to hear him again. He returns to Lechlade on Saturday October 5th at 7.30 in the Memorial Hall.. Some thought that his style of entertainment, playing the electronic organ, was not for them and missed a real treat. Ask anyone who was present. Nick is perhaps the top player of his kind and is frequently on the radio and in great demand. He plays music across the board and persuades the organ to produce a huge variety of different sounds. His followers travel long distances to hear him but this is an opportunity for us in Lechlade to enjoy an entertaining evening. Book the date now and watch for details of ticket sales nearer the time.
			D.Gillard

ONE PERSON'S JUBILEE
There are still some Union jacks and bunting around the town to remind us of that happy weekend. I wanted to have a large Union Jack on the house, but with nowhere to put a vertical flagpole we would have to have hung it over the front door and John said that the house would look like an embassy... This was a weekend when the town came together and really celebrated. A weekend to remember. Planning had started about a year before with a committee formed and meeting every month to decide on a programme, find funding and plan the details. These are just some of my impressions and memories of it all. Let's start with the tubs in the Market Place, which I hope you agree, are looking quite Golden. These are the work of the Garden Club, who agreed to plan, plant and maintain the 6 tubs for the jubilee year. Did you realise that they are filled with organic compost produced from Oxfordshire's recycling waste programme? Very good value and the plants obviously love it. Pity Gloucestershire doesn't do the same thing. Only one tub disaster recently when one of the small conifers was taken away and replaced with a brick!
Friday of that weekend was the Balloon Launch and what a success that was. I can't tell you why I was moved by the sight of 50 golden balloons sailing away up into the distance, but I was. The children who let them go were clearly thrilled and loved their individual certificates designed and printed by our computer guru, Barry. My job was to sell flags and red, white and blue helium-filled balloons. They all sold out like hot balloons, not surprisingly because I discovered afterwards that I had been selling them below cost price. Very good value! Sadly the helium ran out before either the balloons or the queue so I had to turn disappointed customers away.
Saturday evening and it was the jubilee quiz organised by Probus. Great fun, all questions to do with the last 50 years. I won't tell you how badly a team called the judge and jury did.......
John had to go to a Service in Salisbury on Sunday morning but I stayed here for the combined Service at St Lawrence. It was a memorable Service of celebration and thanksgiving.
No time to stop, it was fine weather for the sponsored walk around the Parish for the Heart Foundation. I decided to go for the Full Monty and walked the longest route. Happy chatting and nature ramble all rolled into one, partly along the Thames Path and over the new wooden bridge. I found a tiny birds nest of rabbit fur and straw which made my day.
No time to stop, it was back to get ready for the jazz Concert. Wow, what a treat! Picnics of every shape and size; some formal, some

	informal. Families and friends mingling and sharing and would you believe, having a good time. Children delighted to be able to run around and join in, all to the background of great music played by the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Band. Because we are English it took till nearly the end before the dancing started, but once that got going we could have danced all night.
	Good job we didn't because there was no time to stop, Monday was the day for the Street Parties and ours was a triumph. The Market Place, St John's Street, Wharf Lane and the School Yard all combined to have a party in the Churchyard under the spreading copper beech tree. Such a feast! It was a wonderful example of neighbourly co-operation. We seemed to have the maximum of fun with the minimum of effort. But we didn't drink enough! We had beer left over! Bill Heslop took care of it and put it out the following day for the refreshment of people walking along the Church Path and down to the Trout. Some American visitors thought that England was always like this. A good sum of money from donations to this has been given to the Restoration Appeal.
	Time to stop, exhausted but well pleased. I feel that I've got to know some people better and made some new friends. And I did buy the T shirt.
		Barbara McNaught
	On Saturday 14th September the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust will be organising its twentieth Annual Sponsored Ride and Walk. It is the Trust's major fund raising event and if you can cycle, ride a horse or walk, it is hoped that you will be willing to participate in it. If none of these activities suit you, your support by agreeing to sponsor participants will constitute a most acceptable alternative.
	Further information about the event, together with the necessary sponsor forms, is available from your Local Organiser, details of whom are given below.
	Half of the money which you raise is given to your own church or chapel and the other half goes to the Trust for its grant aid fund, which exists solely to assist churches or chapels facing financial headaches in respect of repairs and restoration costs. The cause is a good one and, although good weather cannot be guaranteed, I can claim that all those who have taken part in past years have experienced an enjoyable day. Lechlade's Local Organiser is Len Jones, telephone number 252193.

	MARIE ANTOINETTE by Antonia Fraser (Weidenfeld & Nicholson)
	If you have preconceptions about Marie Antoinette based in any way on the infamous `Let them eat cake' legend, prepare to shed them now; Antonia Fraser explodes this myth in her preface to this eloquent biography. And you have only to glance at her list of sources and chapter notes, to be convinced of her credentials and her exhaustive research, justifying her sympathetic approach to the ultimately unhappy life of her subject.
	If the final pages, relating the humiliations heaped upon the Queen of France by the barbaric revolutionaries preceding her execution, fail to bring a tear unbidden to the eye, I should be surprised.
	EVERYTHING SEVENTUAL by Stephen King (Hodder & Stoughton) According to the blurb on the cover of this book of short stories, Stephen King is considered one of the greatest storytellers of our time. This is the first time I've read anything by him and I approached the stories with caution. They are indeed brilliantly written, odd, sometimes shocking, intense, weird, and not one of them ends predictably. The subjects cover the journey of a man hitchhiking to see his dying mother and taking the wrong direction; a divorcing couple's contentious lunch which goes very wrong when the maitre d' loses his temper; a night spent in Room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel by a successful writer which changes his life for ever, and so on - each story stranger than the last. Quite a read!
	A WOMAN'S LIFE by Rachel Billington (Orion)
	The subtitle of this novel is A Novel of Friendship, and that is exactly what it is. The story is of three disparate women, who meet accidentally, and following the vicissitudes of their lives over thirty or more years.
	Fay is an American Jew who trained as a pediatric surgeon, in order to save children's lives, while coming to terms with the loss of many members of her family in the concentration camps. Nina is a comfortable English woman, living in the shires, but all the time dissatisfied with her lot and longing to become a painter. Then there's Connie, beautiful Connie, Irish Catholic, promiscuous, but full of charm, who eventually

	meets Orlando, the love of her life, and begins to try to heal some of the wounds between the warring factions in her country, in spite of the fact that her brother is a leading member of the IRA. A long and very satisfying read.
	THE SUMMONS by John Grisham (BCA)
	The story of Ray Atlee, a Professor of Law at the University of Virginia, and what happens to him when he is summoned to the deathbed of his father, judge Atlee, to discuss details of his estate. Unfortunately the judge dies before he gets there, and leaves behind a shocking secret.
	This is not vintage John Grisham, and I felt impatient for the whole problem to be sorted and the book finished!
			IMP.
	Before the service to celebrate the Queen's Golden jubilee a quarter peal of 1,260 changes of Plain Bob Minor was rung by a band consisting of Gordon Land, who conducted, Vicky Winckles, Rachel Bath, Colin Tapley, Barry Jones and Mark Bath. This was a good achievement as it was the first quarter in the method for all except Gordon and Barry. The attempt to ring a full peal of 5040 changes in the same method on 13 "' June unfortunately came to grief but another quarter peal of 1500 changes was scored instead.
	On 13th July we had a very enjoyable outing together with a few friends from Fairford, Cirencester and Ampney Crucis. We visited six towers in Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire in beautiful sunshine and experienced some contrasting rings of bells.
	If you don't hear the bells during August it will not be because we have gone on strike but because Mark Bath our Steeplekeeper, is organising some maintenance work on the bells. As usual we are on the lookout for additions to our band either from people with some experience, however little, and new recruits to the exercise.
		Ray Hayden.

		This summer we enjoy the company of five French youngsters working in Lechlade. Cyrielle is at the Trout Inn and Lionel follows her later this month. Solenn is at the Garden Centre and Gaelle at the Oxford Wine Co. Madeleine comes as an au pair in a private home. We much appreciate the help and co-operation of the employers and the hosts.
		In exchange, Charlotte and Katy have gone to La Chapelle to work for the French town council. We look forward to their report on the experience in the next issue of The Bridge. Seems like the girls in both countries are more adventurous than the boys.
		At the end of August we welcome a large party from our twin town for a f5 day holiday in Lechlade. They will visit London and Bath as well as making a coach tour of the Cotswolds. Our thanks to all the generous hosts. Together with their 53 guests they will be entertained to a Gala Evening on Saturday 24th August. This features a pig roast followed by Breton and Scottish folk dancing in which all the families can join in, preceded by a reception with the Mayor and town councillors at which glasses will be raised to Anglo-French friendship.
		To date a dozen members have booked to spend the weekend in La Chapelle and to savour the annual Fete de Confitures on 15th September. It is not too late for you to join in, especially if you can contribute jam, marmalade, lemon curd or chutney. You pay travel costs but accommodation and meals are freely provided by our hospitable French friends. It is a unique taste of the real France, quite different from the picture we get from our media. Ring 252065 if interested.
		At our Open Meeting on 13th June we welcomed several husbands and friends for a talk on Harps by Mike Parker from London. He brought with him several harps with which he was able to demonstrate the versatile potential of these instruments and explain to us their construction and technical differences. Thus we had an opportunity to hear some delightful music, ranging from Ravel to Cole Porter, played with insight and authority by a specialist with a love for his instrument. Iris M. Pierce.

How it all Began... LECHLADE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE W.I. member, Mrs Win Smith recollects that in 1947, Mrs Gurnhill, the vicar's wife, thought it would be good for the community if Lechlade had a Women's Institute; one already existed in Eastleach.
Miss Bennett from the Gloucestershire Federation (G.F.W.I.) and Miss Cambray, a Voluntary County Organiser from Cirencester were invited by Mrs Gurnhill to a meeting on October 14th 1947 in the Memorial Hall to speak to the ladies of Lechlade about the Women's Institute. The records of this formative meeting state that 'about 87 other people were present.' Win Smith who was at the meeting said that the aims and ideals of the W.I. were explained and many questions were asked. On the proposal by Mrs. Russell, seconded by Mrs Hunt, it was unanimously decided to form a Women's Institute in Lechlade and a committee of twelve was also unanimously agreed upon. Eighty-one members enrolled and there were twenty nominations for the committee. (How members have changed!) The women of Lechlade were obviously eager to improve their community and their quality of life at the same time as making friends and having fun.
The first meeting of the Lechlade Women's Institute was arranged for Monday October 20'h at 7 pm in the Memorial Hall, with a temporary committee of six to make arrangements for tellers and refreshments. Miss Cambray was in the Chair, rules were read and adopted. Meetings would take place monthly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Hall, a day and time available. A Committee of twelve was duly elected and Mrs HoltNeedham was unanimously elected as President. By the second meeting there were 110 members when the President thanked Mrs Gurnhill for her efforts in getting the W.I started in Lechlade. By the first A.G.M. there were 147 members, but in 1962 numbers had decreased to 78 members, reflecting the change in women's roles.
	Sylvia Dennish.

	Fr. Richard Barton is the Catholic Parish Priest in Fairford at the church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Horcott Road. His parish is bounded by the A40 to the north and the railway between Minety and Purton to the south, embracing Cricklade, Lechlade and Ashton Keynes; probably in excess of 150 square miles.
	He is a Gloucestershire man, having been born in Berkeley in 1958, attended school in Stroud and brought up in Nailsworth. He studied theology at King's College, London and, for a time, worked for the Church Commissioners before joining the Police in 1980. He was in the force for 11 years where much of his time was spent as a community liaison officer in Gloucester. In this job he was also involved with

recruitment of black officers and liaison with the Asian community. In 1991 he left the Police to go to the seminary at Oscott in Birmingham, being finally ordained in 1995. Asked if he had a late vocation he will say that 'it had always been there but that he had to choose the right moment'.
Before being ordained in 1995 he worked, as a deacon, in parishes in Bristol and, following ordination, he was appointed curate in Taunton. When he became parish priest in Fairford in 1998 a full coachload arrived from Taunton for his induction to make sure, as they put it, that his new parish were giving him a proper welcome.
Fr. Richard is responsible for the catholic church in Fairford, another in Cricklade, St Mary's, and a mass centre in Lechlade, which currently uses the Methodist Church, all of which get full coverage each Sunday. He has, of course, other parish activities during the week. He is involved with schools in Cricklade and Ashton Keynes as well as St Lawrence's in Lechlade. His hospital visiting can take him to Cheltenham, PMH in Swindon, Cirencester and Fairford. He is a busy man being the sole priest of the parish.
At the time Fr. Richard took over in Fairford, the Lechlade congregation was not too happy. They were soon to lose their place of worship, the chapel of the Convent of St Clotilde, and with it the Chaplain to the convent, who relieved the parish priest of some duties. To make matters worse his predecessors had not all enjoyed the best of health. It could perhaps be said that the parish badly needed a strong leader.
Fr. Richard has, in the view of his parishioners, re-established a parish spirit - for the youth as well as for adults. He has also joined with the Fraternal of Churches in fostering an ecumenical spirit. He is most grateful to the Methodist community, whose church he uses for the Lechlade congregation and to the Anglicans for the use of St Lawrence's for the Christmas vigil mass for children, a service which seems to have become a 'full house'.
In spite of his work-load he finds time for his hobby - studying church architecture and other historical interests - and he has, on at least two occasions, lectured to the Lechlade History Society. He has made many friends in this town.
Fr. Richard's parish church is in Fairford, which has to take priority in his timetable, but he tries to strike a balance in attending to the needs of those who live in more distant locations. He is, however, untiring in his efforts and never hesitates to express his gratitude to those who have assisted him whether they are of his own congregation or of other persuasions.
	Aidan Miller

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
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.uk
COPY DATE for October/November issue is September 18th. The Bridge will be printed on Thursday 26th and collated on Friday 27th September.
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.