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The Bisley News
Please recycle our village magazine by returning it to: The
George Stores, Holbrook Garage or Stancombe Beech Farm Shop
so that someone else may read it. Thank you.
December / January 2016 www.bisleynews.co.uk
Incorporating The Spire
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Big Breakfasts! Beer & Carols
PANTO in January
PUSS in BOOTS
MUMMERS On Tour 20th Dec
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The Bisley News Colin Hassall
[email protected] 01452 770335
This magazine is also available at www.bisleynews.co.uk
Copy DEADLINE February/March edition
Sat 16th January 2016 Or earlier if all space taken
BISLEY W.I. Admission 3.00
Meetings start at 7.30pm at the Bisley WI Village Hall
Thursday 10th December Christmas Party
Thursday 14th January A conversation with
Elizabeth Cowen
Guests Welcome
Printed by MDL Kelex 01453 791 400
Bisley Friendship Club
Wednesday 16th December
2pm Carols & Tea at Bisley Bluecoat
School
No meeting in January Restart in February
OPEN HOUSE Coffee & biscuits 11am noon Thursday, 3rd
December JennyRowe,14Bearsfield Thursday 7th January
MoSmith,BearHouse
If youd like to host a meeting please contact Mo 770298
Open house is a good way to meet your neighbours & catch up
with village activities
Everyone Welcome
Flicks In The Sticks Bisley WI Village Hall
7.30 for 8pm Tues 8th December The Second Best
Exotic Marigold Hotel Sun 20th December 3pm: Childrens Film
Inside Out No Film in January
Everyone Welcome [email protected]
Cover photo courtesy of Sue Bradley: Selwyn Mills crowns Flower
Queen Christy Stevens
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Editors Notes
Festive Activities galore! They say that as you get older time
flies by, and Ill agree that it shouldnt be Christmas time again so
quickly but IT IS! With it comes lots of village activity in
December. The Church Big Breakfast & Christmas Bazar (cakes and
gifts) takes place on Saturday 12th in the Village Hall. Then the
Church will bring Beer & Carols to the pubs (or pub depending
on the fate of the struggling Stirrup Cup) on Wednesday 16th, which
for me has come to signal the real start of Christmas. The Bisley
MUMMERS will be out to entertain you all with a brand new play, and
some brand new players (villagers), on Sunday 20th, and in view of
the pub situation theyll be including the Butchers Arms, Oakridge
in their tour (1.15pm), with the Grand Finale outside their
spiritual home, The Bear Inn, at 2pm. Bisley Pantomime After
Christmas BATS is back in the village hall to perform the Pantomime
Puss-in-Boots which theyve been rehearsing avidly since September.
Alongside our talented youngsters and enthusiastic cast youll get a
chance to see our Vicar in a different light (and shes good,
believe me!). Theres lots of songs and sing-alongs too, steered by
our Director the fabulously talented Matt Richardson. TICKETS go on
sale on 12th December, 2pm in the Village Hall, and then at the
George Stores. Please Note: There will be no Flicks in the Sticks
or Friendship Club in January due to the Pantomime. Theyll both be
back in February.
Fibre Optic Broadband Were told by Fastershire that Open Reach
work began in early November upgrading our village Broadband. No to
Mobile Phone Mast John French has received a letter from the
Government Department for Culture Media & Sport that
effectively condemns any prospect of a phone mast on the Rectory
Farm site. So get used to the poor mobile signal folks its here to
stay! Bisley News Phone Line Over the last three months I have been
building a new porch on the front of our house, which is now
completed. Thank you to all of you who have advised me, encouraged
me or joked with me whilst teetering atop a ladder or mixing
cement. An unforeseen outcome is that I had to disturb the BT phone
connection box that has sat on our front external wall since the
late seventies. Several corroded wires ceased to continue to
transmit, and so we have been without phones for several weeks
whilst BT arrange a replacement cable (theyre never quick, are
they?) So if youve called 770335 and found it always engaged, or
left a message on 1571 (which we cant access) please accept my
apologies. Thankfully the Email still works! Speeding The situation
with cars driving too fast through our village is not new. What has
changed is that nowadays there is no Police time to spend on
speed-traps, which, loved or hated, had a degree of effect. All we
can do is to park our cars on those roads affected; to create
congestion. Empty roads are fast roads!
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Bear Inn landlord makes historic discovery
David Terry the landlord of The Bear Inn in Bisley has bought a
piece of village history at auction without even realising his
discovery. The carved oak table was made in 1834 for the wedding of
John Keble in 1835, the celebrated English Churchman and poet and
also one of the leaders of the Oxford Movement. Keble College at
Oxford University is named after him. The Kebles were from Fairford
but Johns brother Thomas was the vicar of Bisley between 1827 and
1873 introducing the famous Well Dressings to Bisley, and whose
name was adopted by our local comprehensive school. I bought the
table for the pub and it fits perfectly into our decor, David said.
Often after buying something I then research it so it was really
interesting to find out it was originally for someone so
significant in British religious history and also to Bisley. The
church is literally right next door to The Bear, making it all the
more incredible. The table was originally one of a set of two for
the wedding back in 1835 and was bought for just 460 at an auction
in Bourton-on-the-Water. The whereabouts of the other table is
unknown but if you have any information The Bear Inn would be
interested. David added I would love to know what happened to the
other table. It could simply be lost but the one we have is
wonderfully carved and is a real piece of history that we are happy
to have in our inn. The Taste of Gloucestershire Awards organised
by the Gloucestershire Echo has recently acknowledged The Bear Inn
as one of the Best Community Pubs in the county. The staff and
owners attended a glittering black tie dinner at Cheltenham
Racecourse to pick up their certificate. The Bisley pub was named
in the top three, an accolade that The Bear owners, husband and
wife team of David and Amanda Terry are extremely proud of. It was
a great night and having only been here a year we feel it is a sign
of what we are trying to do with the pub, explained Amanda. Now it
is onto Christmas and this year we will be opening for Christmas
dinner. Chef Toby has prepared an excellent menu and it is only
65per person. I am looking forward to having somebody else cook the
turkey for a change, she added.
NOTE: Christmas Day Dinner is by advance ticket only so please
book early. For more information or to book a table please
contact
The Bear Inn on 01452 770265 or visit www.bisleybear.co.uk
Bisleys planned Mobile Phone Mast chopped!
The Mobile Phone mast that was planned for the Rectory Farm
Workshops site in Lime Kiln Lane, Bisley has been cancelled. John
French, owner of Rectory Farm has received a letter from the Mobile
Infrastructure Project lead officer at the Department for Culture
Media & Sport outlining the complications of reaching
agreements by all the parties concerned Mobile Phone Operators
network, 20 year power supply and access to the site and Local
Authority planning permission by the deadline of 31st October.
Further enqueries to [email protected]
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Ticket PRICES
Puss in Boots - Bisleys January Panto
Bisley Amateur Theatrical Society In January BATS will present
our pantomime version of Puss in Boots. During the last couple of
months your Cast has been working hard (Oh yes they have!) to bring
you a Panto full of song & dance, frolicking humour and
downright good entertainment. Complete with the storylines you have
come to be so familiar with a Widow (aah!), her son (wow!), the
love interest (Mmm) a Royal presence, some baddies, a few
characters cavorting as various Pussy Cats and a wonderful group of
youngsters. This year we are performing on Thursday, Friday &
Saturday 28th, 29th & 30th January with a Matinee On the
Saturday afternoon.
Tickets go on Sale: 2pm to 3pm Saturday 12th December,
(shortly after the Church Big Breakfast) From then on they are
available from our usual Box Office, the George Stores.
Our Director, Matt Richardson has written a great script and the
Cast are biting at the bit to show you what they are made of, so
please grab your tickets whilst you can.
Thursday: Adults 8, Under 16s 4 Friday: All tickets 8 Saturday
Matinee: Adults 8, Under 16s 4 Saturday night: All tickets 8
As usual tickets are sold with Seat Numbers to a plan. It is
very difficult for our Box Office, the Shop, to have to cater for
ticket holders to return unwanted tickets; therefore we need to
repeat our policy of No Refunds. By all means put notices in the
Shop advertising unwanted tickets but please do not ask the Shop
for refunds. Break a leg !! Pete the Producer.
A Panto Plea from the Bear Inn
David & Amanda would just like to ask anyone intending to
have a pre-Panto meal in the Bear to get there early and inform the
staff that you are going to the Panto. This will help them to serve
your meal in plenty of time for you to get to the Village Hall for
Curtain Up.
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Bisley Parish Council News Green Garden Waste Stroud District
Council is introducing a green garden waste collection from
February 2016. It will cost 20 for the bin and 36 per year. An
alternate scheme is take your waste to the Bisley Composting
facility which costs 25 per year. Details at
www.bisleycommunitycompostscheme.org.uk Speeding Many residents
complain about speeding through the village. The police recently
undertook a speed check on the Stroud Road and tell us no one was
over the speed limit enough to issue a ticket. Blocked Drains and
Gullies Some of the drains in Bisley havent been cleared for 18
months and some are overgrown with grass. This is unacceptable and
we continue to press for this work to be completed. Grit Bins With
Winter approaching all grit bins have been filled and the Parish
council has a supply of salt. Gloucestershire Highways will not
grit the High Street but have agreed to provide us with the salt to
do this ourselves we, therefore, need volunteers to do this.
Contact John Mulligan if you are prepared to help. Fibre Optic
Broadband Work started at the beginning of November on upgrading
the Bisley Exchange to offer Fibre Optic Broadband. If you would
like to know when it becomes available for your number then go to:
www.fastershire.com and click on the Step 3 - Register Now button
to register your details. Next Parish Council Meetings 7.30pm WI
Village Hall, 2nd December, 6thJanuary Next Ward Meetings 7.30pm WI
Village Hall, 14th December and 11th January Contact details for
Parish Councillors: Jane Walker 01452 770713
[email protected] John Mulligan 01452 770214
[email protected] Roger Utley 01452 770614
[email protected] Shelagh Utley 01452 770614
[email protected] Our website:
www.bisley-with-lypiatt.gov.uk
Smart Meters a caution! A while ago, our utility company
installed smart meters in our property free of charge. We were told
that these meters will continually read and transmit to the
Supplier up to the minute readings of our Gas and Electricity
consumptions, as well as making available for ourselves to read
various ongoing statistics and analyses. Unfortunately, the
equipment was not, and still is not, capable of transmitting to the
Supplier. The problem seems to be caused by the thick stone walls
of the property, possibly exacerbated by the poor quality generally
of signals in the Bisley area. We are assured that additional
equipment (not presently available) will be installed, and all will
be well. There is no date for when this will be done. So, for the
indefinite future we are in the position that the Supplier has
asked us to read the meters and email the figures to them (scope
for error or even worse !), so that they can raise accounts. I told
them I am reluctant to do this because of the difficulty in reading
the figures, and they eventually said yes they would send a Meter
Reader once or twice a year. There the matter rests. Therefore, I
write to suggest to your readers that if and when your Supplier
offers to supply you with smart meters, you insist that before
taking out your traditional clear and simple old meters, the
Supplier shall demonstrate to you in your actual property that the
equipment is up to the job. In this way, you will avoid the
possibility of time-consuming conversations and uncertainties!
Michael Flint, Wells Cottage
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Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor Dog Fouling: Today (27 Oct) I took a shorter morning
walk along Calfway Lane and was genuinely sickened by what I walked
past. Within no more than approx. 150 yards/metres were 8 piles of
dog excrement. There have been a number of comments in the Bisley
News over the past 12-18 months regarding this but it seems to be
getting worse. Are some dog owners trying to make a statement? I
certainly hope not. The Parish Council has provided Bins throughout
our village for this, so please, treat your village and our
community with respect, our lanes are NOT a dog latrine. Peter
Thorp
All in good time I wish they wouldnt rush me when its time to do
a poo. No one likes being hurried. I certainly dont. Do you? I know
I spend time sniffing but I always will refrain From leaving my
daily offering on unsuitable terrain. Theyve got a poo-bag ready to
remove it once if falls And thats an occupation, I cant say me
enthrals But its one of lifes essentials and Im glad that scoop
they do For no-one likes poo perfume on the bottom of their shoe.
By Susan Vesey
My Ladies Anne & Maggie
Bisley was taken back to Tudor times as the children of Bluecoat
School; Class Two were studying this particularly interesting time
in our history. They had an event which they called Tudor day where
all the children and staff were dressed up in Tudor costumes. Lots
of activities were undertaken including cooking their own Tudor
style lunch. Pictured here are two youngsters who couldnt resist
the opportunity to dress up. Maggie Grieve is a volunteer Reader in
Class two and Anne Eaton is a familiar face around school as chair
of the Governors. It was just a bit of fun said Anne, but what a
great way to learn and understand how things might have been for
the folk of Bisley in Tudor times.
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News from Bisley Blue Coat School
Thank you for the Bisley Bonfire Once again our amazing PTA and
friends, including some whose children left Bisley School years
ago, provided the village with a fantastic evening of bonfire, Fire
Magic fireworks, food & drink, light sabres and lots of fun. So
much work and the tidying up too! Many, many thanks from those who
had a great evening out. School and Church Christian Values: Every
term the school focuses on a particular Christian value as the
theme for their assemblies. The value they are learning and
thinking about this term is Trust. Open the Book: A group from All
Saints Church dress up and dramatise Bible stories on several
occasions during each term. Both the visitors and the children
enjoy these special assemblies. Experience Church: Regularly the
Open the Book team led by our Vicar Rosie set up a number of
stations around the Church to introduce the children to different
aspects of Church life - Easter, Harvest, Pentecost and recently
the Church itself both parts of the building such as the font and
the pulpit and important parts of the life of the Church Baptism,
Communion, Prayer, going out into the community. Christmas: A
Miracle in Town is the title of Class 1s Nativity Play this year.
Class 2 will present a different take on the familiar story in a
play called Straw and Order;: a lawfully good nativity. Class 3
will be responsible for organising and leading the Christingle
Service. This will be held in the Church at 1.30p.m.on Friday 18
December. All are welcome to join the children for this service.
Visits: Class 3 are off to visit the RAF station at Cosford to
learn more about the First World War and Conflict which they are
studying this term. Nearer Christmas the whole school, together
with Oakridge School, will pay their annual visit to The Roses
Theatre in Tewkesbury to see the Pantomime which this year is
Cinderella. Hosting the Friendship Club The children have invited
the Friendship Club to tea, cakes and entertainment at the School
on Wednesday 16 December at 2p.m. (Friendship Club - please note
the time which is earlier than usual). Special Assembly Visitors
from ChildLine led a special assembly for Years 5 and 6, helping
the children understand how to recognise abuse and how to protect
themselves from abuse, including how to contact ChildLine.
Governors News Anne Eaton has been elected Chair of the Governing
Body which looks after both Bisley and Oakridge Schools. Recently
the Governors sent out a questionnaire to all parents, the results
of which will help the school to plan for the year ahead and
continue to improve. Vera Clouston (Editor A big thanks to Vera for
this, her last, and all her previous excellent reports on life in
our village school.)
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Festive Jovialities
MUMMERS 12.15p.m. George Stores, High Street, Bisley 12.45 p.m.
The Stirrup Cup, Bisley 1.15 p.m. The Butchers Arms, Oakridge 2.00
p.m. The Bear Inn, Bisley (Grand Finale)
Street theatre steeped in folklore & brought to 2015
life
Keep out the Im-e-grunts Dodgy goings-on to be sorted out!
A big thanks to our sponsors: The Bear Inn, Bisley, 01452
770265
Your donations will be collected. Proceeds to Bisley Amateur
Theatrical Society (BATS)
All Saints Church, Bisley invites you to sing Christmas Carols
over a
Glass of beer
Beer & Carols Wednesday 16th December
6.45 -7.45pm in The Bear Inn 8-9 pm in the Stirrup Cup
EVERYONE welcome!
Sunday 20th December
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Irene Grace Jones October 1921 September 2015 Goodnight Irene
was a fitting piece of music to end a service of thanksgiving and
celebration for the life of Irene Jones, who passed away in
September at the age of 93. Irene, or Rene to her friends, was well
known to many in Bisley. She helped to run the post office for 20
years, in the days before it moved to the Old George Inn. After
retiring she would often walk around the village with her great
friends Gwen Millin and Hilda Ruther, something that was recalled
with a rendition of the theme for Last of the Summer Wine during
the service. She also used to enjoy sessions at the Friendship
Club. Irene was born in Bristol in 1921 but swapped city life for
the country after joining the Womens Land Army after the outbreak
of the Second World War.
Her first posting was to an isolated farm in Redmarley, near
Newent, on which Irene found life somewhat lonely. After six months
she joined nine other land girls on Priory Farm in Hazelton, near
Northleach, and revelled in the sense of camaraderie. The farm was
arable, sheep and a bit of beef cattle. The farmer, George Wood,
had three farms and we would travel between them on a Minneapolis
Moline tractor some of us riding on the mud guards, she recalled
after receiving a commemorative
badge eight years ago. We used to go out muck spreading. My
friend, Joan,
used to drive the Moline and it was my job to sit at the back
and control the thickness of the muck. One day Joan looked back and
saw I wasnt there. I had fallen into the muck! I learned thatching
which we had to do when we were hay making and dry stone walling,
although I dont suppose it was perfect. Rene said she and her
friends felt proud of their contribution to the war effort. Army
lorries would go by and toot when we were working in the fields,
she laughed. Irene, whose husband Bert died several years ago,
leaves daughters Christine and Pauline.
By Sue Bradley
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Royal Chocolates made in 'Mo'ments
Royal Icing - Mix 450g/1 lb icing sugar with 2 egg whites until
thick and smooth then, taking roughly a quarter of the icing, add
flavours as follows (each flavour should make roughly 14
chocolates) A selection of chocolate bars- dark, milk and white:
Peppermint Chocolates Take roughly a quarter of the made icing and
add a few drops of peppermint essence, and a little green colouring
(optional). Put teaspoons on to a piece of foil and flatten with a
fork, leave to become hard then reserve one for decoration and coat
the remainder in melted dark chocolate and return to the foil.
Break the reserved chocolate into small pieces and top each coated
chocolate with this and leave to become set before storing in a
box. Coconut Chocolates Brown roughly 25g/1oz of desiccated coconut
in the oven or under a grill -do not allow to burn. When cold keep
roughly a teaspoon for decoration and add the remainder to a
portion of the icing plus a few spots of coconut essence. Shape and
set as instructed for the peppermint chocolates. Coat in dark or
milk chocolate and top each with a sprinkling of the reserved
coconut. Ginger Chocolates Chop roughly 75g/3oz crystallised ginger
and, reserving a little for decoration, add the remainder to a
portion of the icing plus a few spots of ground ginger - optional.
Shape and set as instructed for the peppermint chocolates then coat
in white chocolate and top with a piece of the reserved ginger.
(dark chocolate can be used if you prefer).
Liqueur Chocolates Add 1 teas. cocoa powder plus 1 tbls. crme de
cacao to the remaining portion of icing then stir in enough ready
grated chocolate (bought in tins from supermarkets), to stiffen to
the right consistency. Shape and set as instructed for the
peppermint chocolates then coat in a mixture of melted dark and
white chocolate - do not stir when melted allowing the 2 colours to
coat each chocolate, and top each with a chocolate drop.
Lazy Cook tips - keep the chocolates for a few days before
serving (if possible), to allow the flavours to develop.
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Angela Mobile Hairdresser
All aspects of
Ladies, Gents and Childrens Hairdressing at your home
Fully Qualified & Insured.
Tel:01452 722249 Mob:07709 646891
Make Fencing your perfect Christmas present
Tel: 01452 770546 Mobile: 07774 694646
All Types of Fencing Agricultural, Industrial & Domestic
Dry Stone Walling Specialists
Eddie Kearneys
Bisley Fencing With Murphy
Man & Dog on a mission ( Santa Eddie is always happy
when his sack is full, Ho Ho Ho! )
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Bisley Flower Shows tips & tattle
Anne Eaton has won the Bisley Flower Show Jim Price rose-bowl
for two years running with her beautiful big Hydrangea blooms
displayed in a champagne bottle Shes also found a novel way to keep
her certificates safe!
Top Tip - Shrubs like hydrangeas flower from mid to late summer
on the previous year's growth. Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas will
bloom satisfactorily with little attention, but regular pruning
encourages new, vigorous growth that can produce a better
display.
You can Hire Bisley Flower Shows Marquee! Would you like a
fabulous marquee in which to hold your party, your wedding
reception, your birthday bash, or your family reunion? Heres your
chance in 2016. The Flower Show Marquee is available for a private
event on the evening of Saturday 27th August 2016; thats the
evening of the Flower Show day. It will be available from about
5pm. The marquee is back in use on Sunday 28th, so it is simply an
evening opportunity. Contact the Editor, Colin Hassall, to discuss
(Contact details inside front cover).
Allotments, Orchard & Compost Chestergate Allotments: Thank
you to all our generous allotment holders who give fresh vegetable
to the Stroud Food Bank. These are so appreciated. Harvests have
slowed so no collections / deliveries have been made since
November, but please save a few sprouts, some lovely chard, turnips
and leeks for a special Christmas Collection which is likely on 18
December, but watch for emails. There are always allotments
available, sizes can be tailored to experience or ambition: Contact
Allotment Warden Lesley 01452 770018 [email protected]
http://bisleyallotments.co.uk Community Orchard: Our trees have
been weeded, mulched, staked and pruned, and are sleeping now until
Spring. Many thanks to everyone who works, sings, plays, and
uplifts us with poetry for our trees! Bisley Community Composting
Scheme: BCCS will celebrate ten years of community composting on
Saturday December 12th at 11am with a live performance of local
poet Adam Horowitz's poem "A Recipe for Compost" and refreshments!
Watch our website for details:
http://www.bisleycommunitycompostscheme.org.uk World Soil Day
December 5th
http://www.fao.org/globalsoilpartnership/world-soil-day/en/
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STOP SPEEDING through the village!
I am sure that we are all aware of the speeding that occurs
regularly in the village, mainly on the Cheltenham Road, in the
High Street and with increasing recklessness, on the Stroud road.
However much we all deplore this dangerous activity, there is very
little that can be done to prevent this apart from speed
restriction signs. The whole community would feel distraught if the
reason that this real danger was taken seriously was that a child
was severely injured. In our view, taking
preventative action before these events is highly preferable.
The Council is at present being lobbied on these problems but we
wish to urge all residents of Bisley to drive responsibly and to
report any bad driving with dates and times to the Community
Police. Please be aware of the Speed Restriction Signs. These
are
Stroud Road - 30mph from Stancombe to Little Close and then
20mph through the village including past the school on George
Street and along the High Street. Cheltenham Road - 30mph from the
Farm Shop turning to the sign for the Village Hall at Manor Street
and then 20mph through the Village. Community Police contact is
[email protected] Tel: 01452 753508 From
: Residents on the Stroud Road.
SKY DIVE Fundraiser
Andy and James Price recently completed a sky dive from 12,500ft
at Tee Side near Darlington to raise money for Multiple sclerosis.
James told us that this is charity very close to their hearts as
their father Jim Price passed away late December 2010 after years
of fighting the disease. They have raised almost 1000 towards this
so far. They would like to thank all their friends, family and for
the kind donations from all the good people who have supported
them. They are already planning a new achievement to raise money
for this very good charity. YOU TOO can SUPPORT the Price brothers
online at www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Price18/ Sheepscombe Bridge
Club
Sheepscombe Bridge Club is a small friendly Village Club that
meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 7.15 to 10.15 in
Sheepscombe Village Hall. Cost 1. We welcome new members and can
sometimes find you a partner if needed. Contact Joy Edwards for
more details Tel: 01452 812588 or E-mail:
[email protected]
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The Spire - All Saints Church
A recent Christmas tradition has been the unveiling of the new
John Lewis advert. Last year's penguin has been succeeded by this
year's story of a little girl who spies a lonely old man on the
moon through her telescope. But despite her best efforts she can't
contact him, so eventually she sends him a telescope for Christmas
so they can communicate. The advert closes with the tag line: "Show
someone they're loved this Christmas". Perhaps I'm just an old
romantic but the first time I saw it, it brought a tear to my eye.
The ad campaign ties in with (and will financially benefit) this
year's Age Concern Christmas campaign (tagline "No-one should have
no-one at Christmas"). Although for many of us, Christmas is a time
to be enjoyed with family and friends around us, for some it is a
time of great sadness and loneliness. Wouldn't it be wonderful if
we could commit ourselves as a community to look out for those who
might be struggling in the festive season and making sure they know
"they're loved this Christmas"? It could be dropping in on an
elderly neighbour or delivering a Christmas card to someone without
much family perhaps. The most wonderful thing about Christmas is
that, through sending his Son to be born as the baby Jesus, God
showed that we are all loved by him so much, not just at Christmas
but always. Jesus is the greatest gift of all, better than anything
we can buy in John Lewis - or anywhere else! We do not need a
telescope to communicate with him, because he is always with us,
not far off in the moon but living amongst his people, not only at
that first Christmas but still today. In response to this
outpouring of love we should be full of thankfulness, and kneel at
the manger with gratitude and adoration. I wish you every blessing
this Christmas season - and pray that you will know yourself to be
truly loved.
Revd Rosie Woodall
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DECEMBER SERVICES AND EVENTS IN BISLEY
Sunday 6th December
11am SUNDAY PRAISE FOR ADVENT
Saturday 12th December
9.30am BIG BREAKFAST at the Village Hall with Christmas stalls -
in aid of All Saints' Church
Wednesday 18th December
6.45pm BEER AND CAROLS IN OUR LOCAL PUBS
Sunday 20th December
7pm CAROL SERVICE
A traditional service of Bible readings and carols
with village choir
Christmas Eve
3pm CRIB SERVICE
with return of the knitted Holy Family
A short service particularly suitable for families
11.30pm MIDNIGHT MASS
The magical first Communion of Christmas
Christmas Day
11am CHRISTMAS FAMILY COMMUNION
We celebrate together the joy of Christmas morning
No services at Bisley on 27th December
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DECEMBER EVENTS ACROSS THE BENEFICE All welcome!
Sunday 6th December 3pm-4.30pm MESSY CHURCH at Bussage Primary
School Crafts, games, worship and afternoon tea designed especially
for families on a Christmas theme
Wednesday 9th December 2.30pm "From Darkness into Light" Advent
poetry at St Augustine's Eastcombe followed by refreshments
Friday 11th December 11am-4pm CRIB EXHIBITION at St Bartholomew,
Oakridge with seasonal refreshments served all day Saturday 12th
December 10.30am-3.30pm
CRIB EXHIBITION at St Bartholomew,Oakridge with seasonal
refreshments served all day Thursday 17th December 7.30pm ADVENT
QUIET EVENING at St John the Baptist France Lynch
A time for reflection and peace in the midst of the hectic rush
of the season. Refreshments from 7.10pm
Sunday 27th December 9.30am BENEFICE EUCHARIST at St
Bartholomew, Oakridge
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The journey of The Holy Family
It is a tradition to send figures of Mary and Joseph and the
donkey on a journey round a parish during Advent. They search for
hospitality on their journey to Bethlehem, and arrive back in
church on Christmas Eve to be placed into the nativity scene for
Christmas and for the birth of baby Jesus. Our knitted figures
travel in a basket which also contains an Advent candle,
suggestions for unpacking, lighting the candle, and prayers. Anyone
can offer hospitality, over night or for part of a day. Then the
basket goes on to the next place. Our holy family will start their
journey this year on Advent Sunday November 29thth. They will
arrive back in Bethlehem, All Saints Church, for the Crib Service
on Christmas Eve at 3pm. Do come to join the joy. We will share
Jesus' birthday cake too.
If you would like to welcome the holy family to your home any
time during Advent, please get in touch with Judy Howard
(770776)
Pastoral Visiting Team
Despite Bisley being a beautiful place to live, for some people
a rural community can feel isolated, especially if living away from
family or if house-bound due to age or illness. With that in mind,
All Saints are setting up a pastoral visiting team who can pop in
regularly, usually just for a chat. This could be for the short
term while someone is recovering from illness or injury or longer
term for those living alone. This service is for anyone in the
village, whether or not they call themselves Christians, and it has
no ulterior motive other than being a good neighbour. All the
volunteer visitors will have had safeguarding checks and some
training.
If you or someone you know would like to be visited, please
contact John Cowen or Kim Trinder (770675).
The Spire is prepared and edited by All Saints' Church,
Bisley
-
Giffords Circus: The Sun Set on Moon Songs
It is hard to believe that a year has passed since we moved into
Fennells Farm. A year that has seen our home being transformed by
Toti and his team of men. And a year in which we took our most
successful show (to date!) Moon Songs around the Cotswolds and into
London, to Chiswick House and Gardens. It has been a whirlwind of a
year and after five long but very enjoyable months on the road, it
was a delight to return to the comforting surrounds of Fennells,
Lypiatt, Bisley and all the people who have made us feel so
welcome. Our 2016 show The Painted Wagon is in its embryonic stage.
We will spend the winter months bringing it together in time for
the opening night on Friday 13th May. Until then, a little down
time and the even more demanding task of preparing for Christmas!
Nell, Toti, Cecil and Red Gifford
Why not buy Giffords Circus tickets or merchandise for Christmas
presents www.giffordscircus.com
All Saints Church invites EVERYONE to
Big Breakfast & Christmas Bazar
Saturday 12th December 9.30am to 11.30am
At Bisley WI Village Hall
Cake Stall, Christmas Gifts, Raffle Delicious Breakfast - Full
English only 5
and for Little People just 3
-
Bisley Pre-School Playgroup
A small community-based playgroup Where parents are listened to,
and children are nurtured Where laughter is shared, environments
explored, and
friendships are built.
Bisley Pre-School Playgroup has had an excellent start to our
new term. The children have settled well back in to their routine.
They continue to develop as independent learners, full of questions
and comments on all they observe. There have been a few new
additions to our Playgroup this term. We have had some fantastic
old car tyres donated to us, which the children have enjoyed
rolling up and down the playground. This has helped in building
strength, coordination and stamina. We have also bought a wooden
castle which has been revelled in, promoting discussion about
knights, treasure, royalty, and of course, the dungeon! As the
weather has changed, we have explored the falling leaves; raking
them, sticking them and using them to make harvest crowns. The
children were also excited to learn about Bonfire Night painting
fireworks (using blow-painting and mixing various media), moving
like fireworks to Handels Firework Music, as well as making
3-dimensional firework models. If you are interested in joining our
Playgroup, we accept children from 2 years 9 months. Spaces
permitting, we accept children at any time during the term. Our
hours are 9am-12.45pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If you
would like to arrange a visit, or would like to secure your childs
place, please call Emily Luckham (Playleader) on 07908 488509, or
email:[email protected].
Citizens Advice launches new website
Stroud Citizens Advice are launching a new website
www.citizensadvice-stroudandcotswold.org.uk.
which you can access at any time.
You can get advice by calling in to the Stroud office Unit 8,
Brunel Mall, London Road, Stroud GL5 2BP from 10am - 1.45pm on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday only Or you can call them on
the same days/hours on their Freephone helpline 0808 800 0510
-
HOLBRO K GARAGE
CALL US on 01452 770272 or call in to reception
MOT, Service and RepairsAll makes and models, courtesy cars and
sales
Broken down? We can recover you too
Drop in to our
Murco Petrol Station and Shop on the Cheltenham road out of
Bisley.
Hobbs bread, wholefoods, local honey and preserves Autogas and
Calor gas, fire and stove fuels
-
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor In the last edition of The Bisley News you published
a letter from Jane Workman in which she complained about the lack
of support offered by the Parish Council to Bisley Cricket Club.
The letter included a number of misleading statements that I hope
you will allow me to correct: persistent refusal to open the
pavilion when members are either practicing (sic) or running
sessions for the junior team Untrue. In 2015 Bisley Cricket Club
asked for the Pavilion to be made available on 120 occasions. On
each of these occasions the Pavilion was opened for the Clubs use.
Up until recently the access gate was locked Untrue. The access
gate was unlocked in early April as soon as we were informed by the
Cricket Club that access to the playing field was required. It
remained unlocked throughout the cricket season. Checking the
Pavilion early on a Sunday and complaining about the cleanliness
but then not allowing members to clean up Untrue. At the Cricket
Clubs request, the Pavilion was reserved for 3 hours on Sunday
mornings following matches specifically so that the Club could have
an opportunity to clean up. The Pavilion was checked for
cleanliness following this period, not before it. The club pay a
hefty subscription to use the woeful facilities at the pavilion.
Last year the maintenance cost for the Pavilion and Playing Field
was over 4,700, paid for by local residents through their Council
Tax. In return for four months use of the facilities the Cricket
Club contributed 200 towards these running costs. We would not
describe this as hefty. Yours sincerely, Roger Utley, Parish
Councillor
Frith Youth Centre This month the Frith Youth Centre welcomes a
new Youth Worker to lead the team with our faithful Assistant Youth
Workers, which will no doubt bring in fresh ideas & activities
to the various clubs. A new administrator has also been appointed
to take the pressure off the hard pressed staff in the Parish
Office & the Committee look forward to working with these new
people. Brendan, our Project Manager, has worked tremendously hard
this year to revitalise the Youth Centre, applying for grants,
extending opening hours including school holidays, redecorating
with the help of a talented young lad, & acting as youth worker
and he will stay on to seek out more grants & finish the
refurbishment he has started. Monday - After School Drop in - 11 to
17 year old's - 3.30 - 5 pm Monday - Junior Club - 9 to14's - 6,30
- 8 pm Wednesday - Community Cafe - all welcome - 10.30 - 12 noon
Thursday - After School Drop in - 11 to 17 year old's - 3.30 - 5 pm
Thursday - Drop In - 13 to 18 year old's - 7 -9 pm
For information about activities, hiring the Centre or to
volunteer ring 01453 887204 or email
[email protected]
Frith Youth Centre, Brownshill Road, Bussage (Opposite the Skate
Ramp)
-
News from your Village Agent
Lou Kemp 07776 245767
Without wishing to cause distress amongst our readers, I was
astonished to read recently that each winter; one older person dies
every 7 minutes from the cold. Research highlights that there is a
general lack of awareness of the effects that cold weather can have
on an older persons health. A recent survey showed that many people
wrongly believe that hypothermia is the main cause of excess winter
death. There is also a belief that leaving a window open at night
to let in fresh air is good for your health, whereas the opposite
is true breathing in cold air lowers body temperature and raises
the risk of chest infections. Cold weather causes a massive
increase in associated health problems: heart attacks, strokes,
pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents
at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the
hands). HEATING 70F (21C) is the ideal temperature for your living
room 64F (18C) is the ideal temperature for your bedroom Keep your
bedroom window shut at night If you have an older friend or
relative close to you, some of the advice given here may help them
prepare for the winter season Call in or visit more often if the
cold weather stops your friend or family
member from getting out and about. Calling in on someone can
help keep their spirits up and make them feel less isolated.
Make sure they have basic food items in the cupboard or freezer
in case its too cold to go shopping.
Pick up prescriptions if its too cold for them to go out, or
find out if their local pharmacy offers a prescription pick-up and
delivery service.
Make sure they don't have a fall. Bring round a mixture of salt
and sand for putting on steps or paths in icy weather.
Encourage them to keep warm. Check with the recommended
temperatures given above. Low temperatures increase the risk of flu
and other respiratory problems and can raise blood pressure.
Help them get a benefits check to make sure theyre claiming
everything theyre eligible for. I can arrange a benefits check, or
you can use some of the online benefits calculators available
through Age.UK, Gov.UK, Citizens Advice, Turn to Us and other
information websites
If you are over 50 and would like any advice or support, please
call me to arrange a home visit to discuss how I can help.
Information in this article was taken from the Age UK website.
www.ageuk.org.uk
-
Bisley not as yellow as it used to be
Ah Bisley. Its timeless appearance scarcely changed in over a
hundred years. Right? Wrong! Today, as we walk through the village,
all we see is a swathe of exposed Cotswold stone but look a little
closer, find a bit of wall that hasn't been repointed, and you'll
almost certainly discover surviving patches of layer after layer of
limewash paint. Some layers may be various shades of creamy
whitewash but mostly they will be different tones of yellow -
bright ochre yellow. Bisley has definitely changed. Bisley was not
the only yellow village in the area. Cotswold vernacular buildings,
like most of the cottages in Bisley, were built using locally dug
limestone; some quarries, such as those at Minchinhampton, were
famed for their good quality stone but most, including the quarries
around Bisley, yielded more fragile stone, prone to attack from the
weather. It
was discovered that the stone needed an additional outer layer
to keep it from damage by rain and frost. Lime render was often
used to protect and disguise the poor quality stone on grander
houses, but it was expensive, so most of the inhabitants of less
important buildings made do with limewash. The process of
re-limewashing was often an annual or bi-annual affair, hence the
multiple layers of paint you'll find. Why yellow? The range of
colours used was generally dictated by local geology; in our
limestone area, lighter yellow ochres and umbers are thrown out,
whereas in The Forest of Dean, for example, darker shades of iron
oxide are common. Corsham High Street (photo left) shows what
Bisley would have looked like. Imagine this interspersed with
white limewashed properties and a range of darker shades of yellow
This photo of The Bear Inn (circa 1900) shows how it looked when it
was rendered and limewashed. The practice of limewashing appears to
have died out just after the First World War, probably due to
labour constraints. The passion for exposing stone took hold in the
60s and 70s, and we now think that this
is how villages should look. Our stone is undeniably beautiful
but maybe we have lost something and made our buildings more
vulnerable to decay than they once were. Imagine how Bisley must
have glowed on summer evenings, and how it must have looked sunny
even on the rainiest days. It would have been extremely beautiful,
if you like yellow. Nick Miles
-
News from our District Councillor
Working in partnership for a safer Gloucestershire During last
weeks meeting of the Members Development Group it was apparent that
there was perhaps a general unawareness of a Road Safety action
group/representation in the Stroud District Council area. I am
therefore alerting Members to the existence of the Stroud Road
Safety Liaison Group (SRSLG), which is one of three such action
groups in the County. The groups are supported by the
Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership (RSP), which has
responsibility for reducing the number of people being killed or
injured in road traffic collisions in our county, through road
safety education, training and publicity, including awareness,
deterrent (enforcement, incl. safety cameras), courses for the
elderly and speed awareness courses as an alternative to
prosecution, etc. The RSP, based at the Tri-Service Emergency
Centre at Waterwells, Quedgeley, works with all the emergency
services and the county council in making Gloucestershire a safer
place for everyone. In 2005, 53 people were killed on our Countys
roads and in 2014 this had reduced to 29. The SRSLG meets 3 or 4
times a year in the Committee Room, Ebley Mill, usually on a
Wednesday, starting at 1430 and finishes about 1600. Members
comprise representation from RSP, GCC, Town and Parish Councils,
Institute of Advanced Motorists, RoadPeace, Glos Driving
Instructors Association and Gloucestershire Association Parish and
Town Councils and others. As Stroud District Councils Senior
Community Safety Officer, Ashley Nicholson attends, as do Cllrs
Chas Townley and John Jones as SDCs appointees to the Group. County
Councillor Dr John Cordwell chairs the meeting and I am a co-opted
member and Minute Secretary. If not already, I encourage your
communities to become active participants in the SRSLG, please
contact me if you would like further details. Alternatively, please
raise any road safety concern through either Ashley, Chas or John,
so that it can be raised at the next meeting or if of an urgent
nature through the RSP on 01452 888714 or email
[email protected]. More information about road
safety in Gloucestershire can be found by visiting the RSP website
at: http://roadsafety-gloucestershire.org.uk/ Councils youth work
The contact details for the Councils youth work contractors (Youth
and Community Services) working in the respective localities, are
as follows; Overall Co-ordinator for all locality based work is
Vicki Gamston; [email protected] ; Tel: 07760
898485 Our closest is in Chalford: Simon Gillings;
[email protected] ; Tel: 07557 790899 Verge
cutting Even this late in the season, Amey (the new verge cutting
contractor) are typically reacting to issues within 2-3 days. If
you wish to report a verge that needs cutting, please contact:
[email protected]
-
New Waste Contract A new depot site at Gossington had been
acquired, and should be operational by Sept 2016. The Cullimores
site will continue in the interim, with Ubico operating from there
in the first instance. Feb 16 will see the introduction of a green
waste collection service. As discussed last month, the bulk
collection service is already in place. The smaller 140L bin is
preferred for domestic waste for a number of different reasons.
There is no expectation of longer collection periods although the
fortnightly domestic collection will be in place from the same
period. It had been highlighted how sad it was that SDC did not
notify members that the bulky waste collection was being put in
place many months before the new 2016 contract. Equally announced
just before a bank holiday weekend. Damaged/ Place Names Having
spent the last few months discussing damaged place names in
Eastcombe with Parish councillor Rachel wright- I have now been
presented with a very comprehensive list of what needs to be fixed.
I am in regular communication with a contact in the council to
ensure these are replaced. I wanted to present the invitation to
other villages should they feel any name signage needs replacing to
provide that information to me via email or call. Cllr. Timothy E.R
Williams [email protected] 07920754700
The John Taylor Foundation This is a charity that gives grants
to students, apprentices or anyone on a vocational course, to
assist with the cost of books, tools or equipment. If you are aged
under 25 years and live in the Ancient Parish of Bisley and would
be interested in applying for a grant PLEASE APPLY IN WRITING
stating your course, College/University/Employer together with your
age, before the next meeting on 9th December 2015 to Mrs Pat
Bashford, Eskdale, Vander Breen Street, Bisley.
Exhibition of Paintings & Pottery
By John Bailey At Winsley Cottage, Oakridge Lynch Saturday 28th
November to Sunday 6th December 2015
11am to 4pm daily
The exhibition features a wide range of new paintings including
local scenes in the Cotswolds, Cornwall, Brittany and from John
& Janes recent visit to Bali, Indonesia. New styles have been
added to Johns colourful range of pottery, which make excellent
Christmas presents. Proceeds In aid of Cancer Research, John is
hoping this year to reach his target of 10,000 raised. Tel 01285
760659
Litter Pick in October
Many thanks to the small, but dedicated team who turned out to
tidy up our village highways and byways. To Judy, Gerry, Ann, Brian
& Lisa, many thanks. Well be there again in Spring time after
Glos. Highways trim our verges and hedgerows to expose the debris
underneath. Check out Bisley News then. Peter Thorp
Editor: From all of us villagers who appreciate your Litter Pick
efforts WELL DONE!
-
Natural paint; Solar PV & thermal; Biomass & stoves;
Rainwater harvesting
Your one stop shop for sustainable living solutions in domestic
and commercial settings www.greenshopgroup.co.uk
G R E E N S H O P G R O U P
Shop local this Christmas, look no further than the
G R E E N S H P
www.greenshop.co.uk - 01452 770629 -
[email protected]
We have nearly all you need this Christmas with locally produced
& organic meats, produce and treats, ethical
gifts, eco products and winter fuels!
Dont miss
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Enjoy a Puro coffee on our comfy sofa by the stove, browse our
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Mummers Beer & Carols.pdfYour donations will be collected.
Proceeds to Bisley Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS)
Mummers Beer & Carols.pdfYour donations will be collected.
Proceeds to Bisley Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS)
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