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Last updated 25th April 2010

Berwick St james Newsletter - May 2010

We are glad that Ivy Stacey is better now, and we hope that Stanley Palmer has recovered from his operation, we give all our good wishes to all who are ill, or who have been or still are in hospital.

CHIMNEY SWEEP The Chimney Sweep is coming to Berwick on 13^th May, if you would like him to sweep your chimney then please call Margaret Mustill 790395, if you would prefer a particular time of day please let her know, and she will do her best to fit it in.

VILLAGE FETE and DOG SHOW with DUCK RACE.

The Fete and Dog Show is on Saturday June 5^t^h at Berwick House. Entries for the Dog Show will start at 12 noon, the Fete will open at 12.30pm, and the judging for the Dog Show at 1pm. Food (BBQ) and drink will be available all day at the Fete.

We will need lots of help with all kinds of things! Especially with setting up the tents on Friday, and on Saturday morning, and of course, with clearing up afterwards.

We would be very grateful for things for the Fete. We need lots of bottles for the Bottle Stall, Raffle prizes, items for the bric-a-brac, and unwanted gifts, books and DVDs etc. If you want to donate them now, please take them to Sarah (details below) or Nicky Street at The Dairy House. Please plant up extra seeds for the Plant Stall, and if you have plants that need dividing please remember the Plant Stall. We will, of course, also need the wonderful cakes and produce made and grown by villagers closer to the fete too. Sarah Humphreys 790212 at Berwick House.

The Duck Race is on Sunday 6^th June starting at 11.30am at Asserton Bridge on Duck Street. There will be 2 races, one for adults and one for children. They will end in The Clock House Garden where there will be tea and cakes. Ducks will be available for sale at the Fete, and in the village. Watch out for them! There are wonderful prizes for both races.

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY.

The Mill House Garden Open Day for National Garden Scheme Charities made £128.40 very much down on last year, I think owing to the fearful weather forecast which got it wrong again. In fact it was a pleasant, warm and dry day. The teas made £135.00 for Berwick Church. Excellent as usual. Very many thanks to Stephen and Ailsa Bush and all their gang of tireless helpers. Mrs Diana Gifford Mead.

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY

The Mill House Garden will be open as part of the National Garden Scheme on Sunday June 27^th 2-6pm. Come to see a wild garden with hundreds of old fashioned roses climbing through the trees and herbaceous borders – follow the River Till through the Nature Reserve to a Sumptious Cream Tea in the Reading Room. Butterflies bees and birdsong abound. Dogs welcome on leads, and children free.

The path by the river is not normally open, this is a wonderful chance to see the village from a different angle!

LADIES RUNNING GROUP

The Running Group is continuing every Thursday evening, starting at 6.30pm. All abilities are welcome, (including complete beginners), and are catered for with different groups of runners. We welcome women of all ages from any of our local villages. Our aim is to enter the 5km Race For Life in Salisbury in July. We meet outside the Farm Shop.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Have you tried Marilyn’s wonderful Cakes? Coffee and Walnut, Victoria Sponge and Chocolate – from the shop, and can be ordered for special occasions (iced if required). Single slices of cakes and bread pudding, as well as other pastries are often available in the shop. Also pies and pasties, scotch eggs etc, scones etc.

Meat and vegetables, cheese, bacon, milk, bread, and lots of other things available.

You can also stop and have a cup of coffee and a slice of cake – wonderful part way through a spring walk!

Marilyn 790490.

VILLAGE RECYCLING BINS

The recycling bins for glass, cans and cardboard in the Farm Shop car park are for everyone to use. If you have too much for your own bins you can use these. There is none for plastic however. Please could you keep it tidy around the bins, and not use the bins if they are full. Please do not leave plastic carrier bags on the side of the bins, or on the ground. Thank you.

BOOT INN

In addition to our usual fare, we are also open on Bank Holiday Monday 3^rd May for lunch served 12 noon to 2.30pm, and Bank Holiday Monday 31^st May Lunch served 12 noon to 2.30pm.

Ladies Night Wednesday 12^th May from 7.30pm.

Friday 28^th May Fish Night with food served from 6.30pm

Please call Cathy on 01722 790243 for more information and to book your table.

LADIES NIGHT

Every second Wednesday in the month there is a Ladies Night at the Boot Inn. All welcome from all local villages to join in with others for a chat and a drink. Come from any time after 7.30pm, we are all ages and love a chat, and it is a good chance to catch up with friends, and to meet new ones. Hope to see you there.

PARISH MEETING AGM

The Parish Meeting AGM was held on 15^th April in the Reading Room. Full minutes next month. We had a very interesting presentation by Wessex Water and The Environment Agency about the effect of the pumping of water from Chitterne on the River Till.

NOTICEBOARDS

Please look at the noticeboards, particularly the one by the bus shelter, as various Parish Meeting business is put up in them. This can include planning, area board meetings etc. Other information, dates of meetings, minutes etc are also put into the noticeboards – they are always worth looking at.

HEATING OIL.

WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

CONTRIBUTIONS to the BERWICK part of this MAGAZINE

If you have a Berwick story to tell, comment to make, news to report, event happening etc - please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out.

WILDLIFE WATCH

A swallow was reported at the very end of March at the north end of Berwick, and lots of them on the 1^st April by the sewerage works at Great Wishford. Also 6 housemartins were seen on the wires at the south end of Berwick on 31^st March. The first cowslip was open in the field behind Asserton House on 4^th April (Easter Sunday), and there are now lots of them there, and in the field surrounding the track above the old school (guide HQ). A Chiff-chaff was heard in Berwick in early April, and yellow Brimstone butterflies seen around the same time. A Great Bustard was seen (and photographed) on Berwick Hill Farm on April 14^th, we are keeping an eye out in case it returns as we didn’t get close enough to see it’s number. A Great Bustard has been keeping company with the swans in the Wylye Valley again this winter. A pair of Wheatears were seen near Upper Woodford on 22^nd March, and the Red Kite has been over the Old School at Berwick again.

On the River Till at the north end of Berwick a duck hatched 15 ducklings, and they are being cared for very attentively by both the duck and the drake.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com

Berwick St james Newsletter - April 2010

CONGRATULATIONS to Lou and Matt Hughes on the birth of George – welcome to Berwick. Also WELCOME to Virginia and Mike Weissmuller, we hope you all enjoy living in Berwick.

CHURCH SERVICES for EASTER

Holy week services at Berwick are;

Wednesday 31^st March 7pm Compline.

Easter Sunday 4^th April 9.30am Family Communion Common Worship.

Everyone very welcome.

Please see the front of the magazine for other services during Holy Week.

OPEN GARDEN at THE MILL HOUSE under National Garden Scheme

Sunday 28^th March 2pm to 6pm. With Cream Teas in The Reading Room.

Surrounded by the River Till, millstream and a 10 acre traditional wet water meadow, this garden of wildness supports over 300 species of old fashioned roses rambling from the many trees. It is filled with butterflies, moths and insects. Birdsong is phenomenal in spring and summer. Glorious Spring bulbs, SSSI.

CHURCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

April 21^st at 7pm in the Church. Written reports will be available before the meeting. Secretary Veronica Sumner 790476

LADIES RUNNING GROUP

The Running Group will be starting once the clocks have gone forward. The first session will be Thursday April 1^st at 1830. All Abilities are welcome and the aim is to enter the 5km Race For Life in Salisbury in July. We will meet outside the Farm Shop.

THE BOOT INN

We are taking bookings for Easter Weekend, and we are open for lunch on Easter Monday 5^th April 12noon to 2.30pm.

Ladies Night; Wednesday 14^th April (from 7.30pm, you are welcome to come at any time).

Fish Night. 30^th April.

Giles and Cathy Dickinson 01722-790243. www.bootatberwick.co.uk

HEATING OIL

More heating oil has been stolen in the village – Watch Out.

HEATING OIL.

PARISH MEETING

Thursday 15^th April in the Reading Room.

This will include a discussion about the River Till Water levels with the Environment Agency and Wessex Water. All welcome to come, including from other villages. Please see noticeboards for more details. Parish Chairman Richard Brasher 790410. Parish Clerk Jacky Webb 792624.

FETE and DOG SHOW 2010.

Please keep saving things for the Fete. We need lots of bottles for the Bottle Stall, Raffle prizes, items for the bric-a-brac, and unwanted gifts, books and DVDs etc. If you want to donate them now, please take them to Sarah (details below) or Nicky Street at The Dairy House. Please plant up extra seeds for the Plant Stall, and if you have plants that need dividing please remember the Plant Stall. We will, of course, also need the wonderful cakes and produce made and grown by villagers closer to the fete too.

The Fete will be on Saturday June 5^t^h at Berwick House. Entries for the Dog Show will start at 12 noon, the Fete will open at 12.30pm, and the judging for the Dog Show at 1pm.

The Dog Show is a Companion Show held under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations and there will be 4 pedigree classes, and 5 novelty classes including The Brandy Cup for the Best Village Dog with the owner living in Berwick St James. The Judge is Claire Lewis (Hernwood). For more information about the Dog Show contact Jean Collins 07877-286702 or email amscotgordons@aol.com

Food (BBQ) and drink will be available all day at the Fete. And we will need lots of help with all kinds of things! Any ideas for new stalls and games very much welcome. Chairman Sarah Humphreys 790212

Berwick St james Newsletter - December 2009

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

Thank You to all the volunteers who run the Cricket Club, the Reading Room, the Church, the Fete, the Pumpkin Club, the Running Group (and the run) etc etc, and all the other things (like the Ladies Night) that make our Village such a great place to live.

BARRY SPALTON The whole village is shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Barry Spalton on Saturday 7^th November. He will be greatly missed by his many friends. Our sympathy and our thoughts are with Caroline and the girls, and all his family.

CONGRATULATIONS to Julian and Kate Glyn-Owen on the birth of their baby EVA on Sunday 8^th November, welcome to Berwick!

CHURCH WARDEN’S WAND The Service to dedicate the church warden’s wand in memory of Will was very moving. I just want to say a big thank you to Stephen Bush for all he did to make this possible, also thank you to Ailsa and helpers for putting on refreshments – very tasty. Bless you. Jean Hibberd.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. It was an enjoyable but very touching memorial service at Wishford on November 1^st. Thank you Rev Hugh Bonsey. Thank you to all the ladies for the delicious tea afterwards. Jean Hibberd,

Bonfires. Will people who have bonfires earl in the morning in their gardens please spare a thought for your neighbours who have washing on their lines.

Dogs. People are letting their dogs mess on the pavement. DON’T, just pick it up.

Police. We are very pleased to hear that the local police have caught poachers locally, they are very keen to prosecute, and would appreciate similar reports if seen. There have been several robberies recently around here. Keep your eyes open, keep your items locked away, and report anything appropriate.

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES

CAROL SERVICE

The annual candlelit carol service of Seven Lessons and Carols will be held in St James’ Church on Sunday 20^th December at 6pm. The service will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Everyone is most welcome to attend this very special service.

OTHER SERVICES

Christmas Day. 10.30am Family Communion.

Sunday 27^th December. 11am Holy Communion.

CHURCH WARDEN’S WAND in Memory of WILL HIBBERD

On Sunday 25^th October the Revd Hugh Bonsey dedicated a new Churchwarden’s Wand in our Church in memory of Will Hibberd. The wand which looks very splendid was generously donated by Norman and Gerry Hibberd and is positioned close to the main door. It was a great pleasure to see Jean, Norman, Gerry, Simon and Colin in church for the dedication.

CHURCH SERVICES in St James Church 2010

The Sundays on which there will be a service in St James Church will be changing as from 1^st January 2010. It is hoped that there will be no further changes after this for some while.

First Sunday of month 09.30 Holy Communion

Second Sunday of month 10.00 Matins

Fourth Sunday of month 10.00 Matins

On the third Sunday of the month there will be a 9.30 Parish Communion service in Winterbourne Stoke. When there is a fifth Sunday in the month a team service will be held in one of the 12 parishes.

VILLAGE CAROL SINGING

The Village Carol Singing (an old tradition in Berwick – though it used to be done on Christmas morning) is provisonally on Tuesday December 22nd starting at 6pm and finishing with Mince Pies and mulled wine. Notices giving details of the starting place and the charity will be put up shortly. We welcome everyone to come along and sing, accompanied children especially. Please bring torches or lanterns. We would like to sing at various points around the village and so, if you would like to have us come to you please could you ring Ian Fisher 790214 or Nicky Street 790309.

CHRISTMAS CARDS in aid of Berwick Church

Jane Rowe is selling watercolour Christmas Cards of “Berwick Church from the Till in Snow” in aid of Berwick Church. Pack of 5 cards for £4. Also “Berwick Church in Summer” and “Five Churches of the Till and Wylye Valley”

To view and order please ring 790575.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Christmas Orders are still being taken – Turkeys, chickens, Beef, Gammon, Ham, Pork, Sausages etc Also Cheese, Cakes, pies etc and a variety of Ready Meals.

We have Marfona Potatoes from the Swantons at South Newton. Loose 45p kg. 12 ½ kg £3.35. 25kg £6.00. as well as our other lovely vegetables.

Christmas Opening times.

We are open Monday 21^st, Tuesday 22^nd and Wednesday 23^rd from 9am to 5pm. Also on Thursday 24^th Christmas Eve 9am to 2pm.

Then we are closed until Tuesday 5^th January.

BUT you can PRE –ORDER anything for the New Year, which you can collect on Thursday December 31^stbetween 10am and 12 noon.

Happy Christmas to you all. Marilyn 790490.

BOOT INN

A Merry Christmas to all our customers. The Christmas and New Year Menu and Opening times are now available by leaflet at The Boot Inn. The New Year Evening is booking up fast. Please ring Cathy and Giles on 790243 to book, or for enquiries, for all Christmas and New Year meals, or call in at The Boot Inn.

December dates

4^th Cricket Club dinner. 9^th Ladies night

25^th Christmas Day – open for drinks 11am to 2pm

26^th Boxing Day. Brunch served 12 noon –3pm.

31^st New Year’s Eve Black Tie Dinner £35 per person.

Early notice of Giles and Cathy’s holiday – this will be 1^st to 10^th February 2010 – the kitchen will not be open during this time, but we will be open for drinks as usual.

PARISH MEETING 15^th October 2009

Tina Woodford retired after 12 years as Clerk/Secretary

Planning Applications to fell trees in 3 gardens acceptable. Letter sent to planning office to support application to retain a temporary fence erected because permission to build wall refused. Ian West and Richard Brasher to meet head of WCC Planning Department to discuss local planning idiosyncrasies.

Moving the Children’s playground from cricket pitch to alternative venue will cost £3000. Lou Writing to write to the Guinness Trust to request donation of land behind the Guide Centre. One swing seat to be replaced by a model suitable for toddlers.

Pumpkin Run will become an annual event.

Village Fete, Dog Show and Duck Race made a fantastic £2300.

Low water levels in rivers and streams discussed. Representatives from Wessex Water and the Environment Agency to be invited to the next Parish Meeting.

Richard Brasher will follow up request to repaint the Asserton signpost.

Complaint about bins left on pavement in the High Street.

Highways Authority believe that 40mph speed limit between the village and Stapleford would not be effective.

Full Minutes are on the Berwick Village Website.

Parish Chairman Richard Brasher. Parish Clerk Jacky Webb.

The date of the Meeting with about the River with the Environment Agency and Wessex Water will be put on the Noticeboards as soon as it is known.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it. New on the Website – The full minutes of the Parish Meeting on Thursday 15^th October. I have had several family history enquiries resulting from people looking at our website – there is quite a lot of history on it! I shall hopefully have time to add some more soon. Nicky Street.

HEATING OIL. With the cold weather you may need to order heating oil. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate 1/2p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum please phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

CONTRIBUTIONS to the BERWICK part of this MAGAZINE

I need YOUR HELP to make the magazine interesting and useful. Please send all contributions for the Berwick part to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309 or email chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note elsewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

Has anyone seen any interesting winter visitors? (birds, of course!). The Egrets are still around, one seems to be living near the river at the south end of Berwick. A Green Woodpecker has been seen on a local lawn, and two Red Kites over Berwick Hill Farm. The Kingfisher has been seen along the Till by Stapleford bridge – it was seen on Armistice Day.

SCOUT CHRISTMAS POST

Support your local Scouts and Guides, and send your local Christmas Cards for only 20p each!

The Scouts and guides deliver to the most (but not all) villages in south Wiltshire, with stamps costing 20p and the last day of posting FRIDAY 11^th DECEMBER.

Stamps, and lists of the places included in the scheme, and posting boxes are available in Wilton at Spectrum, Wilton Hardware, Library, Top Style and Wilton Garden Centre. Also available at Wishford, Wylye, Dinton, Fovant and Broadchalke post offices, and Wessex Timber Windows in South Newton Trading Estate, and Stapleford Garage.

Wilton Scout Group and Wilton and District Guides share proceeds from these local sales and deliveries.

Please remember that Cards can only be delivered to the places on the list – so please check.

BERWICK ST JAMES November 2009 Newsletter

Sylvia Seymour-Taylor sent the following message to us all. “I would like to send greetings to my many friends in Berwick. Amazingly one whole year has passed since I moved to near Colchester in Essex. My sons keep an eye on Gryphon which holds happy memories. You were all so kind to me – too many to name individually – so thank you for all the laughter we shared together. Happy Christmas and best wishes for the future, and love from ancient and contented Sylvia Seymour-Taylor (Mrs).”

GET WELL SOON. Mrs Drake had a nasty fall in her garden and broke her arm, and spent time in hospital, Robert Drake has also been in hospital. We hope both will soon be feeling much better. Stanley Palmer is waiting for a new knee, Margaret Mustill has a very painful leg, hope it will soon be sorted out at Odstock.

CONGRATULATIONS Jean Hibberd is very proud of her grandson Greg, he recently did a parachute jump in aid of “Children’s Cancer”. Well done Greg. Also to Barbara Last’s grandson Chris who was paraded out as a Lieutenant at Sandhurst at the end of September, in the Territorial Army.

Also to Alan Larsen and Rebecca Holland on their marriage at Berwick on 26^th September, the whole village enjoyed the costumes, horses and pagentry.

DOGS. Will people STOP letting their dogs use the pavements as toilets. Better still CLEAN it up.

DUSTBINS. A request has been received asking that people could please not leave their dustbins on the pavement, and put them out of sight if possible.

PARISH MEETING. The minutes of the parish meeting held on 15^th October will be in next month’s magazine. THANK YOU to Tina Woodford on her retirement as Parish Clerk, she worked hard for many years and we very much appreciate all she did. Thank you to Jacky Webb who has taken over.

CHRISTMAS CARDS in aid of Berwick Church.

To view and order please ring 790575.

READING ROOM CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The Reading Room Christmas Bazaar is on Saturday November 21st at 2pm, in the Reading Room. Come along and buy your Christmas Cards and paper, have a cup of Tea or Coffee and a chat to your friends. We would be very grateful for donations of cakes and produce, bric-a-brac, books, jigsaws, toys, costume jewellery, unwanted gifts, Raffle and Tombola Prizes, and, of course, Christmas Cards, paper, decorations, and anything with a Christmas Theme. The Reading Room will be open from 10.30am to 11.30am on Saturday to accept gifts. The Sale starts at 2pm. Items can also be left at The Dairy House, for more information, or for collection Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309. Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122.

PUMPKIN 5 and 10km RUN

Firstly a huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the inaugural Pumpkin 5 and 10km so successful, it really was a village effort and could not have been achieved without you. Overall I think we can be proud of ourselves as a village, the feedback on Runners World is very positive, from the beautiful farmland and scenery that the route took (thankyou to Druids and Charlie) to the friendly and encouraging marshalls to the organization. The only negatives on the day were the hills! I think we were especially blessed with the weather, although I do not think the runners thought that! There are some fantastic pictures on the village website which I recommend you go and have a quick look at. The race was well supported by the village in terms of competitors; William and Giles in the 10km, the “Berwick Ladies” completing their first 5km, and Sam and Edward in the 5km, all finishing in very respectable times. Especially well done to the following;

William Grant – fastest local 10km

Sam Perry – 1^st male, and 1^st local in the 5km

Edward Crossley – 1^st local junior.

Jane Rowe – 1^st Veteran 5km.

Another special thank you has to go to Marilyn who donated 100 sausages which Jane, Ailsa and Gill did a fantastic job of selling. Also Chris and his very prompt and excellent work on the website.

Overall the event made £788.90, with a profit of £460.90 after expenditure. There were 68 entrants in total which is OK for a first event. After its success and with less initial outlay next year I am positive that the income will be higher. What is the money going towards? That will be decided at the next Village Meeting (which will have happened by the time this magazine is printed).

So yes there will be another Pumpkin run in 2010. Same time of year, and if there is enough interest another village running programme for those who may want to enter their 1^st 5km, improve on their time or try the 10km. So watch for more details.

Lou.

I should like to add thanks to Lou and Frank, and all the organizers for the marvelous and efficient planning before and on the day. And the speedy clearing up afterwards too! It was great to see so many villagers and I especially appreciated all the cheering on!

Nicky Street.

BERWICK LADIES PUMPKIN RUNNERS

The Berwick Ladies would like to thank Lou and Sally very much indeed for enabling us to take part in our first 5km.Without them we would not have reached the start! Every one who joined the Thursday night Ladies Running Group greatly appreciated all the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm brought to us, the encouragement over the weeks has meant that we have far exceeded what we expected to be able to do! Unfortunately injuries prevented some of us from taking part in the race – just wait until next year!

We’ll be back!

HARVEST SUPPER and HARVEST FESTIVAL

Thank you to everyone who decorated the church for Harvest Festival, and for Alan and Rebecca’s wedding, a special effort was made by everyone and there has rarely been as much fruit and vegetables. Thank you indeed.

It was a most successful Harvest Supper with delicious food supplied by Jane Rowe, with assistance from many villagers. The very successful Raffle was organized by Jacky and Roland, and made a profit of £53 after taking out the hire of the room and the cost of the food. Thanks to all who provided salads and puddings, did setting up, cooking and clearing up. It was great fun.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES RIDE and STRIDE.

This took place on Saturday 12^th September 09, and the two walkers and one cyclist from Berwick raised a marvellous £183. Thank you to those, and also to the helpers who manned the church on the day. Berwick church was visited by 8 cyclists and 2 walkers.

BOOT INN

The Christmas and New Year Menu and Opening times are now available by leaflet at The Boot Inn. More details next month. The New Year Evening is booking up fast. Please ring Cathy and Giles on 790243 to book, or for enquiries, for all Christmas and New Year meals, or call in at The Boot Inn.

November Dates

Friday 6^th November. 7 Wines and 7 Sausages. 7pm £17.50 per person.

Ladies Night is on 2^nd Wednesday – this month 11^th November.

Fish night Friday 27^th November.

Every Tuesday. Pie and Pint evening – come and enjoy a delicious homemade pie and a pint of beer each Tuesday evening for just £10.

Every Sunday evening. Quiz Night – So far the Quiz nights have raised £792.70 (as at 5^th October 09) for Cancer Research. Come and join us for Giles’ wonderfully ingenious quiz, with snacks, starting at 7.30pm.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

The Pampered Chef is returning to the Shop on 28^th October, with a Christmas Cookery Demonstration from 11am onwards.

Orders can now be taken for all Christmas Food. Our Bronze Turkeys, Chickens and Geese come from Market Lavington. Have you thought of a joint instead of poultry for Christmas Day? We have wonderful Beef, as well as Pork, Ham and Gammon from our own pigs. I make all sorts of cakes – iced or otherwise, and plenty of different pies and tarts. Marilyn 790490.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it. New on the Website – The full results of the Pumpkin Run, with all the times! There are photos of Pumpkin Day at the Boot Inn. There is a new section under “New and Notices” called “Rotas”, included in there is the Church Locking Rota, and further rotas will be added soon.

CONTRIBUTIONS to the BERWICK part of this MAGAZINE

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note elsewhere in the magazine).

BERWICK ST JAMES NEWLETTER OCTOBER 2009

CONGRATULATIONS to Barbara Last’s grand daughter Celyn who has been accepted for study at Cambridge in the Veterinary College – all very proud of her.

Congratulations also to all our local GCSE and A level students, we hope you got the results you wanted.

LOUISA HALLIDAY. Everyone in Berwick is very sad that Louisa has retired, we would like to thank her very much and we hope that she has a happy retirement, and look forward to seeing her around!

NOTICE BOARDS Don’t forget to watch the noticeboards for the time and date of the next Parish Meeting, and also for any other relevant village information.

HARVEST Even though it was a rather on-off harvest through August, Berwick Hill Farm managed to finish on 22^nd August. This was the same date as in 2006, in 2007 it was 25^th August, and last year it was on 16^th September! Nicky Street.

BEWARE OF THIEVES

A Blue Single cab pick-up stopped by a house on Druid’s farm, in daylight, and stole £350 of goods from the garage. LOOK OUT!

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

The Reading Room committee ran a Stall at Salisbury Market on Saturday 12^th September. A great many thanks to all our helpers, it made all the difference to have enough! We made a great profit of £219.80, and took what was left to the Hospice Charity Shop in Salisbury (having kept some for the Bazaar, but most had already been to the Fete, and so we didn’t want to bring it back to Berwick).

READING ROOM CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The Reading Room Christmas Bazaar is on Saturday November 21^st in the Reading Room. Come along and buy your Christmas Cards (in aid of your local charity) and paper. We would be very grateful for donations of cakes and produce, bric-a-brac, books, jigsaw puzzles, toys, costume jewellery, unwanted gifts, and Raffle and Tombola Prizes, and of course, Christmas Cards, paper, decorations, and anything with a Christmas Theme. Nicky Street The Dairy House790309. Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122.

HEATING OIL

Now that Autumn is coming on us fast, perhaps you need to think about ordering your winter fuel. WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

I need YOUR HELP. To help keep the Magazine interesting and useful, I need you to tell me of anything that could go in. Especially new neighbours, births, marriages, exam passes etc. Also details of events to come, and reports on events that have happened - and more things for Wildlife Watch please. I’ll take anything, and don’t edit unless you ask me to, but I don’t check, so please make sure your days, dates etc are right. Discussions or comments on previous magazines very much welcome!

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

LOCAL HISTORY STEPHEN FURNESS

Some time ago I wrote about Sir Christopher Furness who bought the 10,913 acre Hooley Estate in 1898 (including Berwick, Stapleford and Winterbourne Stoke). But why was it bought?

It seems likely that it was so that his brother Stephen could live in Berwick.

Stephen Furness was born in West Hartlepool on 28^th May 1848 to John and Averill Furness, and joined their grocery and provisioning business, developing it with his brothers into one of the largest in North East England. He married Mary, daughter of Mr Dixon Sharper of West Hartlepool on 4^th July 1870. He and his brother Christopher went to Sweden shortly after the birth of his first child Kate, and set up a business connection there. Stephen and Mary must have loved Sweden, for they bought an estate in Hoby, near Kristianstad, (which is on the Baltic coast) and stayed, raising their many children there.

Sir Christopher Furness returned to England, developed the shipping side of the business, the Furness business was divided between him and his brother Thomas in 1882.

Mary died at Hoby on October 17^th 1898 aged only 48. Stephen brought his family back to England, having lived in Sweden for around 26 years.

In December 1898 the Hooley estates in Wiltshire were bought, and Stephen moved into Berwick House in 1899, the first landowner to live in the village. He farmed 1800 acres, and described himself as a farmer. He was a keen and up-to-date agriculturist and an especially good judge of horses and stock. In 1901 Stephen, his eldest daughter Kate (29) the two youngest children, Jane Astrid (10), and Tom (8) were here with three live-in servants. The cook came from Chelsea, the housemaid from Berwick and the footman, Victor Gustaforson, from Sweden.

Of all their children only Kate stayed in Berwick, the older ones (the boys anyway) went to school in Harrogate whilst their parents were in Sweden, and they made their lives with their Furness cousins, in the Furness business, in the North East.

Stephen and Mary’s oldest son Sir Stephen Wilson Furness took over from his uncle Sir Christopher Furness on his death in 1912. He was also chairman of many other companies in the north east, mainly relating to shipping and coal. He became MP for Hartlepool in 1910 and was created a baronet in 1913. Unfortunately he was killed in an accident in 1914. He lived at Tunstall Grange, West Hartlepool.

In 1909 Sir Christopher Furness, or rather one of his companies, split up and sold all the Estate, except Berwick, with many farms going to their current owners.

Stephen Furness died on June 19^th 1911, and was buried in Berwick. His daughter Kate left Berwick to live with her brother Christopher Furness in County Durham. She died on 29^th August 1919 aged 48, she is also buried in Berwick. Many of Stephen’s family have been buried in Berwick, and the Furness trust supported the Church for many years.

Sir Christopher Furness kept Berwick, he died in 1912. It passed to his son Marmaduke, Lord Furness, who sold it in 1915 to Mary, wife of (later to be Sir) Cecil Chubb.

Researched and written by Nicky Street.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Further to the note in last month’s magazine about Butterflies.

“Beside moths, a few other creatures find their way into my light trap. Early summer I sometimes have several cockchafer beetles whose larvae eat the roots of cereal crops. Sometimes I get Sexton beetles that feed on dead mice and birds. They have an endearing life, living in connubial bliss, a pair fighting others over possession of the precious corpse, burying it, guarding and feeding their young together, Sometimes I get Caddis flies from the river. Occasionally I have Ichneumen flies that lay eggs in caterpillars that then eat out the innards of their prey while it still lives. But mostly its moths. Many spend the daytime hiding, disguised as bark, twigs, dead leaves and are very difficult to spot until they move. They are of course active at night when birds are not hunting, their enemies then are bats which also share the night. They each have their own tick of avoiding being eaten. The yellow tail moth is white and resembles a bird dropping. If its ruse is discovered, it elevates its yellow tail covered in hairs that release histamine as well as a pheramone to deter investigators. The almost invisible muslin moth if disturbed turns over and acts dead, and reveals bright yellow and black underparts that may alarm the predator, Most larvae eat grasses and shrubs, only a small number are pests of garden crops. Only a very few species eat woolly jumpers! I find them a joy to discover as they are mostly quite sleepy in the early morning and allow me to photograph them in daylight.” Barbara Last.

Whilst walking up the School track on a hot, sunny day in mid August, I saw a female Common Lizard on the track itself, unfortunately she had lost her tail, and although soft and warm, probably did not survive.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. If you tell me whilst I am walking around, I shall try to remember – but there is no guarantee! Many thanks.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter September 2009

CONGRATULATIONS to Sophie and Will Simpson-Gee, and Harry and Bella, on the birth of Flora on 9^th August. We would all like to welcome Flora to Berwick.

NOTICE BOARDS Don’t forget to watch the noticeboards for the time and date of the next Parish Meeting, and also for any other relevant village information.

BERWICK FETE

The PCC were thrilled and delighted to receive a cheque for over £1000 from the Fete and would like to thank the fete committee and all involved for achieving such a marvellous result.

HARVEST SUPPER

This is on Saturday 26^th September at 7pm at the Guide Centre. It is free to all Berwick Residents and everyone is welcome especially the children. The cost is paid for from the proceeds of the Grand raffle – so remember your money and a prize! As last year, visitors from outside the village will be charged £5 for adults and £3 for OAP’s and children.

Enclosed in the magazine is a flyer – please reply, it makes the organisation so much easier. Jane Rowe has very kindly agreed to cook the main course and she will provide the cheese. Assistance would be hugely welcomed in providing salads and puddings as well as help in setting up, decorating the room, washing up and tidying away. For more information etc please phone Jane Rowe on 790575.

Please bring your own bottles of wine, beer, squash etc and glasses too.

Previous harvest suppers have always been good fun – we do hope you can come.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Harvest Festival is at Berwick church on Sunday 27^th September. Come and celebrate the abundance of good things that come from the land, and to give thanks. All very much welcome.

Harvest Festival Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables. We would love to have contributions of fruit and vegetables to decorate the church, from whoever would like to bring them. As we are unable to donate these, we would ask that you come back after the service to collect them. As there is a wedding on Saturday 26^th, please could you bring any vegetables etc, and do your flowers on FRIDAY, if possible. We are delighted that the bride and groom wish to have the church decorated for Harvest Festival.

BERWICK 5k and 10k RUN

Remember (as if we could forget!) that the Pumpkin 5 and 10km events are on SATURDAY 19^th September. Walkers are very welcome with dogs on leads on the 5km. For more information please go to the village website at www.berwickstjames.org.uk or contact Lou Whiting on 792699.

Thank you to those that have volunteered to help on the day but there is plenty of room for more! There will be a meeting for all volunteers at 0930 on the day of the event at the Guide Centre.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

The address is www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Put in your entry for the Pumpkin 5 and 10km race – Entry forms are on the website. Details about the event are there too.

BOOT INN .

Tuesday 15^th September. Battle of Britain Day. £1 from each main course served will be donated to Help for Heroes.

Saturday 26^th September. Pumpkin Day. Dig up your pumpkins and come along, Bar open all day and Barbeque food available from 3pm.

Please remember that Ladies Night is now the second Wednesday of each month – so it will be on September 9th. We gather from around 7.30pm, and you are welcome to join us at any time.

The Boot Inn 790243. www.bootatberwick.co.uk

BERWICK FARM SHOP

The weather for September is predicted to be lovely – so why not have a BBQ with our sustainably produced British Charcoal from the New Forest, with our burgers and sausages too! The shop stocks the lovely soft drinks from Belvoir Fruit Farms – organic lemonade, ginger beer, elderflower presse, and healthy fruit drinks that contain nothing but fruit and Belvoir spring water. Remember my pies and pasties too. Marilyn Wood 790490.

BERWICK READING ROOM

The Reading Room is having a Market Stall by the Guildhall on Saturday 12^th September. We would be very grateful for good quality bric-a-brac, unwanted gifts, books etc, but no clothes or jumble please. Please bring to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or Anika Lange The Black Barn 790122, or phone for collection – if you would like to help on the stall please phone one of us – it’s hard work but good fun.

HEATING OIL

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

People can hardly fail to have noticed the large number of Painted Ladies around the gardens recently. This spring there was a tremendous influx of them arising from North Africa where there had been a particularly wet and verdant spring. They were here in multitudes and travelled northwards reaching even as far as St Kilda. This summer they have been breeding, and those that we are seeing now are their children. The caterpillars feed on thistles, so no-one will grudge them that! If there is a mild winter, it may be that some will survive and breed next spring. That will make them British species, not just migrants and will be another indicator of climate change. Red Admirals now regularly over winter and breed, not many years ago they were just occasional visitors.

In my month trap I had a delightful large moth: white with black spots: the Leopard Moth. When alarmed, it rolled over and played dead, immediately transforming itself into what closely resembled a pile of pigeon pooh. After some time, it deemed the danger was passed and re-orientated itself. A very clever trick! It had spent its larval stage inside a branch eating wood. This would have taken three years as wood is not very nutritious.

Barbara Last.

Wonderful reports this month – lovely butterflies. A Silver washed Fritillary and White Admiral in Grovely, also Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Ringlet, Gatekeeper Peacock at Winterbourne Stoke. And Painted Ladies everywhere.

A Cetti’s Warbler was heard at on the river at the south end of Berwick on 26^th July, these are hardly ever seen but have an explosive call. A Marsh Tit was seen in Grovely, and a female Montagu’s Harrier near Stoford Farm on 8^th August. Three pairs of Montagu’s Harriers have bred in Wilts raising 11 young.

BERWICK ST JAMES Newsletter August 2009

MILL HOUSE OPEN GARDEN and CREAM TEAS

The National Garden Scheme opening on 27^th and 28^th June raised £551.00 for the nine charities. The Teas in the Reading Room raised £259.63 of which £20.00 went to the Reading Room and £239.63 went to the Church of St James. Enormous thanks go to Stephen and Ailsa Bush and their amazing tea gang of ladies and gentlemen who worked so hard and without whom the success of the two days could not have been achieved. From Mrs Diana Gifford Mead.

The garden looks wonderful, the roses were just outstanding – if you missed it this year, look out for the open garden next year. The teas were marvellous with a special mention to Ailsa’s cakes!

BERWICK FETE and DUCK RACE

The final figure for the profit from the Fete and Duck Race is £2135. Well done everyone – many thanks to all! Last year we had a profit of £1109 after having paid for the marquee and racing ducks.

Dog Show Results were – Best in Show “Rally” Golden Retriever. Best Puppy “Tamu” Basenji. Both owned by Mrs K Ellis from Durrington.

Best Village Dog and winner of the new Brandy Cup “Pippy” owned by Nicky Street.

BERWICK READING ROOM

BOOT INN .

Please remember that Ladies Night is now the second Wednesday of each month – so it will be on August 12^th. We gather from around 7.30pm, and you are welcome to join us at any time.

PUMPKIN 5 and 10km RACES

Runners. There are now 2 running sessions each Thursday night.

7-8 for beginners training for the 5km race.

8-9 for the “quicker” ones who may want to do the 10km.

Anyone who would like to come and join us are very welcome.

Volunteers to help on the day.

Anyone interested or available to help with marshalling and the organisation on the day please can you inform Lou Whiting wither by email fwgwhiting@hotmail.com or 792699. Help will be required between 0900-1400 (dependent on task). Aslo we will plan to do a tea and cake stand. More details to follow.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Good fresh food locally sourced. A wide range of home made products, outside catering and buffets. The Pork is from our own pigs at Chitterne.

Opening hours are now – Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 5pm. Thursday and Friday 9am to 6.30pm. Saturday 9am to 4pm. Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Marilyn Wood 01722 790490.

HEATING OIL

WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. For the last quarter we received £47.50 – this is really useful – it goes towards the nearly £1000 insurance bill! Many thanks.

BERWICK CRICKET CLUB

The club belongs to the Old Sarum Invitation Cricket Tuesday league and our matches in August are; August 4^th Boscombe Down Away, and on August 11^th the Cup Final which has a 5.45 start at Langford. If you are interested in the Cricket Club please phone Charlie Woodford 07796 332523

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

LOCAL HISTORY. BERWICK MILL

The Grade 2 listed Mill is built of flint and clunch with brick dressings and a slate roof. It is a bridge mill, straddling the river Till which is some twelve to eighteen feet wide at this point. There is no public access as it is dangerous, and the water is very deep. It can be seen from the bridge at the south end of the village.

The mill was built in about 1845 to grind animal feed and to power machinery in the farm yard. It replaced the old mill beside Mill House, which was roughly in the same place as the current footbridge.

The river may have been a leat built for the earlier mill by Mill House, with the water diverted at the north end of the village. As there has been a mill from at least 1478, and probably 1250, this has become the main stream.

There are two brick arches over the river on the south side, the eastern one has two hatches to hold back water for the wheel and to regulate the water flow, and the western one contains the water wheel.

The breast-shot cast-iron water wheel and associated machinery was put in by P Curtis of Shrewton. The wheel is 10ft in diameter, 7ft wide with 32 nine inch vanes around its circumference. Some of the original gearing remains, along with one set of grinding stones on the first floor and grain bins on the second. The ladders and flooring on the upper floors are unsafe.

The Mill was operated as part of Berwick Farm. In 1891 Jacob Rolfe (29) was the miller, but he lived in the northern end of the village. In 1910 the Mill was operated from the Dairy House by the dairyman David Draper.

On 12^th November 1910 Harry Christopher Furness aged 28 was visiting his father at The Manor House (now Berwick House). He came down to the Mill and put the wheel on, and was caught and dragged through, he struggled to the Dairy House and was taken to The Manor House on a stretcher and he died shortly after. His grave is between the church and the path in the churchyard.

From 1921 the mill provided (rather dim) electricity to Berwick House as well as pumping water for the whole of Berwick (another borehole was sunk in 1956 to supply the northern end of the village) until a mains water supply was installed in 1970, although for much of the time the pump was powered by an electric motor. The mill was restored in 1978/9.

The Mill is owned by and pumps water for Berwick Hill Farm, and for The Dairy House today, when there is sufficient water flow.

Written and researched by Nicky Street.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Butterflies

There were about 20 of the rare Adonis on the protected verge on the A303 alongside Yarnbury Castle this June. This is in the parish. I have been monitoring this site for 23 years. In the early years there were an amazing number (hundreds), but as the habitat became neglected and overgrown with dogwood and blackthorn so the butterflies diminished until the colony was almost lost. The highways authority, in spite of numerous requests for management, were dilatory. Management has taken place in the last few years but I feared too little, too late. The site is much reduced, but there is still a nucleus thriving. The last two summers’ weather didn’t help.

People notice butterflies, but I also record moths using a mercury vapour trap, releasing them next morning. Over the last ten years, I have had over two hundred different moths just in my small garden. Last week on an exceptionally warm and windless night I had 68 different species, some incredibly beautiful and including 12 pink elephant hawk months. Barbara Last.

Today (6^th July) I had some solitary bees gathering nectar from big yellow daisies (Inulas) in the garden. They were also gathering pollen on the hairs on the abdomen, unlike honey bees that gather pollen into hairs on their back legs (pollen baskets). These are individual females, not workers, that furnish their nests formed from discs of leaves, often rose leaves, placed in holes. They can only gather nectar form open flowers as they only have short tongues.

Barbara Last.

Berwick Newsletter Dated July 2009

I am very sad to hear that Rev Louisa is retiring in September. We will all miss her a lot. also the church. Let’s hope it will not be too long before she will be feeling a lot better. Bless you. She has been a good friend to so many.

DOGS – will the person who lets his dog use the grass by the notice board opposite the pub please PICK IT UP.

FETE, DOG SHOW and DUCK RACE

What a Marvellous, Successful Fete, Dog Show and Duck Race. The sun shone, the people came and spent their money – and we all had a great time. Final figures are not yet in but it looks as if all together, after expenses, we will have made about £2000!

Thanks need to go to everyone who helped, and especially to Toby and Sarah Humphreys for allowing us to have the Fete at Berwick House. To Jean Collins for organising the Dog Show, and to the judge Debra Harker, and to Christine McConnell for the Brandy Cup. To the Tea ladies (wonderful), all the stall holders, the ice cream and candy floss, the children’s races (always popular), the Mario Cart and so on. To the BBQ (such lovely sausages from the Farm Shop), and to the Boot Inn for running the Beer Tent. Wadworths and Cathy and Giles provided the 6X, and donated the cost of the licence fee, and the overall result was £82.41 to the Fete. The Beer Tent was much appreciated by the helpers as well as the visitors! Thanks and appreciation go to all who helped set up on Friday evening, moved and set up on Saturday morning, and removed again Saturday evening, and to those who have stored stuff, put out rubbish, washed up etc – Thank you.

The Bailey children won the children’s Quiz and Godfrey Pitman won the Adults Quiz (with thanks to Jacky Webb for writing and marking it).

Thanks to Will and Sophie Simpson-Gee and their helpers for organising the duck race, getting such great prizes, and to The Boot Inn and the Farm Shop for selling the ducks. The Adult winners were; Jane Campbell-Johnston – Salisbury Cathedral tour. Godfrey Pitman – Salisbury Playhouse tickets. Sophie Chapman – Wilton House tickets. Children’s winners; Bella Simpson-Gee – Wagamama voucher. William Brasher – Splash of Colour. Olivia Campbell-Johnston- Chocolate. Thanks to the tea and candy floss people, the canoists and to the Marchants for allowing us to use their lovely garden for the end of the race.

Final and Special thanks must go to all the Committee (and their families) for all their hard work all this year, and especially this weekend. Christian Lange, Sophie and Will Simpson-Gee, Sarah Humphreys, Jean Collins, Sophie Colthurst and Nicky Street. And to our treasurer Ian Fisher.

BERWICK SHOP

On Saturday July 4^th there will be a tasting of “A Bit of Everything”. Come and try – samples to taste and buy; roast pork, sausages, cheeses, fruit cakes, pies etc (although if you want to try the pies you’ll need to come early!) We look forward to seeing you.
July is Barbeque time – don’t forget sausages, burgers, chops, steaks and so on. We have marinades – hot and spicy is my favourite. Marilyn 790490.

A reminder that the Shop is open on a Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

THE BOOT INN

Ladies Night is on the first Wednesday of each month, July’s is on the 1^st, we meet from around 7.30pm, but please join us at any time.

Friday 24^th July from 8pm PUDDING BUFFET NIGHT. A Selection of delicious Desserts available.

BERWICK CRICKET CLUB

The Club belongs to the Old Sarum Invitation Cricket Tuesday League and our matches in July are; July 7^th Chalke Valley Away. July 9^th.Cup semi-final. July 14^th South Newton Home. July 21^st Shrewton Home. July 28^th Steeple Langford Home. If you are interested in the Cricket Club please phone Charlie Woodford 07796 332523

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

The address is www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Lots about THE FETE, the DOG SHOW and the DUCK RACE on the website now. We need photos of the Fete, Dog Show and Duck Race – please go to “contact us”.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

If you include names in your report please make sure the person concerned is happy with it, as I do not check other people’s entries. Thank you.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

For All Villages.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Several reports of the Cuckoo – one was around for half an hour or so in mid May, and again on 21^st May near Uppington. I heard the cuckoo too – but that was in Wareham.

A family of 5 Mistle Thrushes were seen in a garden in Berwick breaking snails on the stones. One of the youngsters dropped a snail down a flight of garden steps.

There seem to have been fewer House Martins this year, but even in the last few days (16^th June) we have had several Martins taking the mud from the farmyard – as we have had very little rain, I added a bucket of water to the rapidly drying up puddle and the Martins seem to appreciate it.

Two pairs of Stone Curlews are around here – one pair with at least one chick, and another pair without a nest as yet (report May 26^th.).

It seems to be quite a good year for butterflies, I’ve seen many different ones, and have had a report of 100 painted lady butterflies flying across a local garden. Does any one else have interesting reports of butterflies?

HONEY BEES.

The honeybees have started the season quite well. Unfortunately when they are multiplying, their hive may get too crowded. This causes the workers to make queen cells. These develop into new queens, which results in swarming. There have been a number of swarms in this village on a warm Sunday in May. They have a predilection for chimneys especially mine. As mine is sealed, the poor bees are doomed, a terrible loss. They were heard 24 hours after before they all died. Bee-keepers should take measures in good time to give more space in their hive to avoid swarming with the consequent loss of valuable bees. Barbara Last.

Swarms

To find out what to do with a Swarm I went onto the Salisbury and District Beekeepers society website, www.southwilts.com/site/Salisbury-and-District-Beekeepers and this is what they told me.

“To an active beekeeper, a swarm is not worth any money, often being regarded as a potential source of disease and bees of unknown temperament, however we have several members who are prepared to collect swarms as a service to the community. If the swarm is difficult to access there will normally be a removal fee levied by the beekeeper. If you spot an unwelcome swarm, please phone our swarm liaison officer who will be pleased to either collect himself, or refer you to another member who can offer assistance. Our swarm liaison officer is Reg Davis 01722 501201”

Mr Davis said that the Salisbury Beekeepers want to be contacted for every swarm as they can save most swarms – about 96% are saved. There have been many more swarms than usual this year, and this is good news for it may mean that there are more feral bees than was thought.

Berwick Newsletter Dated June 2009

The collection for the Marie Curie Cancer Care raised a marvellous £153.06. Many thanks to all who contributed to this very special cause. Margaret Mustill.

Congratulations to Cathy and Giles Dickinson at The Boot Inn on their 1^st Birthday in Berwick – and thanks to them for the “Skool Daze” Party which was very much enjoyed – the food was much better than my school dinners.

On the occasion of our Parish AGM (minutes below) thanks must go to our Parish Meeting Chairman Richard Brasher, and our Parish Clerk Tina Woodford for all their hard work, and special thanks to Stephen Bush on his retirement as Vice Chairman, for all his hard work behind the scenes. Thank you and good luck to Sarah Humphreys on taking over as Vice Chairman.

Congratulations to Peter and Gabrielle Smith on the wedding of their daughter Laura to Jamie Hornby at The Old Chapel Wardour, we wish them all the best for the future.

FETE....DOG SHOW....DUCK RACE…FETE….DOG SHOW….DUCK RACE

Our Village Fete and Dog Show will be held at Berwick House on SATURDAY 13^th JUNE. Entries for the Dog Show start at 12 noon. The Fete opens at 1pm. There will be a Beer and Pimms Tent, a Barbeque, Teas, Crafts including Jewellery and pottery, Fancy Chickens, Raffle and Silent Auction, Childrens Tombola Many stalls including Bottle Stall, Bric-a-Brac, Produce, Cakes, Plants. Games including Bash the Rat, Skittles, Sweets under the Cup, Pot of Gold. Also CHILDRENS RACES.

The Dog Show has classes for all types of dogs – pedigree and otherwise, and the special Brandy Cup for the best dog whose owner lives in Berwick. It is a Companion Dog Show under Kennel Club rules.

The Duck Race will start at 11am on SUNDAY 14^th JUNE from Asserton Lane Bridge, and finish in the Clock House garden where there will be refreshments. There will be two races – Adult and Childrens – and marvellous prizes, ducks can be bought from The Boot Inn, Berwick Shop, and from the Fete.

For more information, for collection etc please ring Christian Lange 790122 or Nicky Street 790309. Or visit the website www.berwickstjames.org.uk Items for the Fete can be left at The Dairy House or with the various stallholders – ring for details.

We look forward to seeing you there!

LADIES … UP FOR A CHALLENGE?

Ladies of Berwick … We can party once a month at The Boot but can we work as hard as we play?

The plan is (after unanimous support at the last village meeting) to organise a 5 and 10 km race in Berwick on SATURDAY 19^th SEPTEMBER 09 … it will be called the “Pumpkin 5 and 10 km”. The aim of the day will be to raise money for the village. It is in the early stages of organisation but please put the date in your diary.

Therefore the challenge is on to encourage and motivate as many of you as possible to enter into the spirit of the event and complete either of the courses.

To help you achieve this Sally Hiscock and I (Lou Whiting) will be delighted to organise a programme to take BEGINNERS (NEVER HAVING RUN BEFORE OR MANY YEARS AGO) to a level in which they can complete the 5km route. Several of you have already signed up for this (although a little inebriated at the time!) but we have not forgotten our promise to you.

So the programme commences on Thu 21^st May at 1845hrs outside the Farm Shop (and yes Marilyn is joining us). By the time the magazine is distributed we will be on to the second session, but please join us if you missed the first.

Everyone is invited, including friends, so please bring:

Trainers, a Decent Running Bra, a sense of Humour! Kelly Holmes’ Autobiography.

It will be progressive and FUN. From Lou Whiting.

Don’t forget LADIES NIGHT at The Boot Inn on Wednesday 3^rd June from 7.30pm, but join us at any time. Ladies night is on the first Wednesday of every month.

NOTE ABOUT APRIL

On 27^th April Mrs Gifford Mead found a very scared and hungry girl lurcher dog hiding in her garden. I got called to come and help, I brought the dog to my house and thanks to people in the village she had a good supper. There was a phone number and address inside her collar from Southampton way. Eventually I made contact and I wish I hadn’t as I got abuse. The vet at Shrewton kindly looked her over. She had very badly cut front paws. The vet put me onto a local lady who would take her in. Arrangements were made and April, as we called her, went to live with the new family, three other dogs and a brood of bantams. April is a much loved dog and responding well after her terrible ordeal. Godfrey the gamekeeper, confirmed what we had all been thinking – HARE COURSING- April has a new name now but the family have kept April in for her friends in Berwick. What a lucky little dog. Thanks to all Christine McConnell.

BERWICK CRICKET CLUB

The Cricket Club belongs to the Tuesday league, and our matches in June are; June 2^nd away at Shrewton. June 9^th away at Steeple Langford. June 11^th Cup away versus George and Dragon. June 16^th Home Boscombe Down. June 23 away Fovant. June 30^th home George and Dragon. If you are interested in the Cricket Club please phone Charlie Woodford 07796 332523

MILL HOUSE GARDEN with CREAM TEAS

The Mill House Garden will be open for the National Garden Scheme on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th June 2 –6pm. Admission £3.00, Children free (and dogs on a lead). We do hope to see a lot of local people hopefully to enjoy the roses, and walk through the meadow to see the wild flowers and last but not least to enjoy a magnificent Cream Tea at the Reading Room.

The entry in the Yellow NGS Guide reads;

“Surrounded by the River Till, millstream and a 10 acre traditional wet water meadow, this garden of wildness supports over 200 species of old fashioned roses rambling form the many trees, It is filled with butterflies, moths and insects. Birdsong is phenomenal in spring and summer. Herbaceous borders crammed with plants of yesteryear, unforgettable scents. Glorious spring bulbs. SSSI.

BERWICK SHOP

On Saturday July 4^th there will be a tasting of “A Bit of Everything”. Come and try – you will find lots of food to your taste. From 10am onwards. We look forward to seeing you. A reminder that the Shop is open on a Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

The address is www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Lots about THE FETE, the DOG SHOW and the DUCK RACE on the website now.

HEATING OIL

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

For INFORMATION FOR ALL VILLAGES.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Several reports of a Red Kite by the Guide Headquarters (although I have failed to see it myself). One early evening it was “playing” with two riders and a dog – flying so close they could almost touch it. It has also been seen around Uppington.

Also a Green Woodpecker. A mature female Marsh Harrier above Stoford Farm, several corn buntings, a Hobby and a Stone Curlew around Stoford. A pair of Wynecks were seen in a garden in Berwick.

The Great Bustard has been seen again at the top of the School Track, and also with two swans between Little Wishford and Little Langford, it seemed very worried when the swans went into the water.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

RIGHTS OF WAY

At our Parish Meeting it was asked what a restricted byway meant. I agreed to find out the definitions of the various rights of way. I thought everyone might like to see the answers. The information came from the Wiltshire Council website. Nicky Street.

FOOTPATH: A right of way on foot only.

BRIDLEWAY: A right of way on foot, horseback and leading a horse, with the right for bicyclists providing they give way to other users.

RESTRICTED BYWAY: a new category created by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 allowing access for all traffic except mechanically propelled vehicles.

BYWAYS OPEN TO ALL TRAFFIC: rights of way that are used for the purposes that footpaths and bridleways are used, but on which there is a right of way for all traffic, including mechanically propelled vehicles that are road legal.

Berwick Newletter Dated April 2009

CONGRATULATIONS to Jean Collins on the first place at Crufts in the Field Trial Dog (Gordon Setter) with Amscot Dramatist – called Arnie. Well done.

WELCOME to Chris Martin, we hope he enjoys living in the village. And also to Pauline Cutchey, now she has moved into her lovely new house, we are glad to welcome her back.

THANKS to everyone for their very kind remarks about the magazine, it seems that people want me to carry on as I have been, so I will! Nicky.

Email. Several people have been having problems with their email, including me. I hope I haven’t lost too many emails, so if your entry hasn’t been included then please accept my apologies. If you send an email I will reply to make it clear I have received it – so if you don’t get a reply, please send it again! Nicky.

EASTER SERVICES

Everyone is very welcome to the special services over Easter throughout our villages. The services in Berwick are;

Wednesday 8^th April Compline at 7pm.

Easter Day 12th April. 9.30am. Family Communion with Archdeacon Alan Jeans. Come and celebrate with us, everyone welcome especially children.

CHURCH CURTAINS

A huge thank you to Gill Brasher, Rosie Gairdner and Janey Cambell-Johnston for making the new (much needed) curtains at the back of the church. They look splendid and compliment the replacement curtains behind the altar.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEETING

There will be a meeting on Friday April 3^rd at 6pm in Berwick Reading Room, with Stapleford and Winterbourne Stoke, to discuss Neighbourhood Watch. Everyone from all three villages most welcome. It will be chaired by PC John Wyeth.

PARISH MEETING (VILLAGE) and READING ROOM AGM

The date for this has not yet been fixed so watch your noticeboards for details. This is NOT the Church Meeting, but is the Village Meeting. Chairman of Village Meeting Richard Brasher 790410. Clerk to the Village Meeting Tina Woodford 790444. Secretary of the Reading Room Anika Lange 790122. Chairman of the Reading Room Nicky Street 790309.

THE BOOT INN

Ladies Night. This is on the first Wednesday of every month, so it is on Wednesday 1^st April, from 7.30pm. We have had two of these so far, and they have been very popular, please come along.

National Cask Ale Week. 5^th- 13^th April. Time to celebrate your national drink.

Easter Sunday 12^th April. Lunch served from 12noon, book early to avoid disappointment.

St George’s Day. Thursday 23^rd April. Come and enjoy some British Classics such as toad in the hole, or steak and kidney pudding, and a pint of our national beer for only £10 (pie and a pint style menu available Tuesday to Thursday evenings).

Our 1^st Birthday. Come along on Friday 1^st May and help us celebrate our 1^st birthday.

Quiz night every Sunday evening.

THE BOOT PLOT

Our first meeting went well and was industrious. The following weekend a good amount of digging was done and things are looking better.

Can we get the children organized to grow a pumpkin this year? We can provide space for a children’s plot. Don’t forget to grow a few extra plants for us when you are planting up. Mr Rod Crossley has come on board and is supplying manure for the whole season which is a great help. Look forward to seeing you anytime. Herbs, trays, canes, netting, seed trays etc will be welcome.

Chris 792800. Anne 790355.

RIDING ON BERWICK HILL FARM

This is a gentle reminder to all horse-riders to keep to bridleways and byways and not to ride on the very tempting grass headlands around the fields. These grass strips are part of our environmental stewardship scheme and riding is not permitted at all. If evidence is seen we could be made to leave the scheme (so ruining all the good wildlife work already done) and be fined. We don’t want this! and these grass strips need to remain undisturbed (except to keep them in the correct condition) for the wildlife. Berwick Hill Farm is, roughly, all that land to the west of Berwick village, from the track opposite The Boot Inn (passing the chickens) down to half way between the south end of Berwick and Stapleford.

The only two rights of way are a) the Bridleway from the south end of Berwick, alongside the river, passing the sewerage works, up the hill (keeping the hedge on your LEFT) to the gate at the top of the hill.

And b) Langford Way, the byway passing the Village Shop, the track passes the modern farm buildings (keeping them to your RIGHT), up the hill, eventually to the green lane by the phone mast.

This also applies to walkers and vehicle drivers.

Many thanks for your co-operation. If you have any queries please speak to Charles or Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309.

BERWICK FETE

Keep the date free. SATURDAY 13^th JUNE. For the Best Fete And Dog Show. With The Duck Race on SUNDAY 14^th JUNE. Organization is well under way, and it is already advertised on the Website. Please gather anything that might be useful! If you would like to help, or have any ideas please phone Nicky Street 790309

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

PART TIME EGG PACKER REQUIRED.

Applicant would need to be physically fit, and be able to work in controlled environment, hours are approx 5 per day, 8am start, approx 3 days a week.

Good rates of pay, previous agricultural experience a bonus.

References required.

Call Jeremy on 07787 156310

Email jem@tillvalleyeggs.com

WILDLIFE WATCH

Some great sightings this month. There have been several reports of owls, one heard around Berwick church, both a Little Owl and a Barn Owl around Berwick Hill Farm dryer buildings. A Short-eared Owl around Stoford at the beginning of March, and up to 8 Short-eared Owls at a roost site during the winter in Stoford. A Hen Harrier and a Stone Curlew were also seen around Stoford, a Reed Bunting on the river by South Newton and a Red Kite flying across to Grovely from South Newton. On Berwick Hill Farm we have seen lots of boxing hares, and some Grey Partridge. (The red-legged French Partridge are put down for shooting, the Grey partridge are not so brightly marked, and are our native partridge).

The male Great Bustard is back in Little Wishford. It may be the usual bird Yellow7.2005 but it does not have a tag anymore.

The Snowdrops have been stunning – was that because we had some proper cold weather?

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

Berwick Newsletter Dated February 2009

WELCOME to Jeremy Pratt, he knows the village well, and we hope he enjoys living here.

I have had a comment that the Berwick part of the magazine is sometimes too long in comparison to entries from other villages. I welcome all contributions, and will put everything I receive in. But, if it is what people want, I shall cut down on the chatty stuff I write myself. (All comments welcome). Nicky Street.

MOTHERING SUNDAY.

The Mothering Sunday service will be at Berwick Church on 22^nd March at 10am, everyone welcome.

RECENT AND FUTURE CHURCH RENOVATIONS

In the last few months the following ongoing maintenance has been undertaken on St James’ Church.

Window Restoration The window facing east in the north aisle has been completely renovated by the Salisbury Cathedral Stained Glass Department. This involved removing the three pieces of the window which were taken to the cathedral workshops, complete re-leading of the window, welding phosphor bronze tips to the sends of the ferramenta bars, followed by zinc and black powder coating of the bars and finally refixing the windows back into the stonework.

External Painting of the Church. All the metalwork on the outside of the Church (guttering, down pipes, ferramenta bars holding the windows in place, and wall plates) was painted before Christmas.

Stonework Repairs. In the near future £1000 of necessary stonework repairs are being undertaken.

These works have and will cost the church a considerable sum of money which is paird for from the Fabric Fund. It is all necessary expenditure if we are to retain our church for future generations.

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Margaret Mustill has very kindly arranged for the Chimney Sweep to come to the village on April 9^th. If you would like the sweep to come to your house on that day please ring Margaret on 790395. Many thanks to Margaret for organizing this.

BERWICK FETE

At the Fete Meeting on 2^nd February it was decided that we would have a Fete and Dog Show on Saturday June 13^th, with the Duck Race on Sunday June 14^th. The Fete and Dog Show will be at Berwick House with entries for the Dogs from 12 noon and the Fete starting at 1pm. It is intended that there will be a BBQ and Beer Tent, along with Teas, Cakes, Produce, with many other Stalls and Games. It was suggested that flowers and produce could be shown, along with a Children’s Competition. After some discussion it was decided that the profits would go; 50% each to the Reading Room and the Church, up to a maximum of £500 to the Reading Room, then above that 50% to the Church, and 50% to the Community Fund. There will be a committee to run the fete. More details contact Christian 790122. (Shortened minutes – full minutes available from Nicky Street).

THE BOOT PLOT

We will be having a meeting at the Boot Inn on Tuesday 10^th March 6 for 6.30pm. We would love to see everyone there. Any input you can bring to this venture will be greatly appreciated, the more the merrier. Don’t forget to grow on a bit extra for us this season. Herbs, trays, canes, netting, seed trays etc will be welcome.

Beat the Credit Crunch and lets grow our own. Your Plot needs You.

Chris 792800. Anne 790355.

HEATING OIL

WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. We received £46.28 in January. If you decide to use Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172 then remember to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

Entries to Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

The list I made on January 1^st has produced a wonderful response. Seen in late January and early February, in addition, were Blackcaps, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Fieldfares, Barn Owl (several reports especially from Stapleford) and Kingfishers. There are Egrets up and down the river, some single and some groups – will they nest this year? And has the bad weather affected them at all? I have heard Woodpeckers recently (mid February) and there are a pair of Green Woodpeckers in a village garden. A question brought up by people living in the Chalke Valley is that since they have had many egrets, the kingfishers seem to have declined – has anyone else noticed this?

The report of the Great Bustard has created a great deal of interest, with the comment that there were some turkeys living free around Asserton woods at Christmas.

RSPB Garden Birdwatch Survey.
Jacky Webb has send in her most interesting bird survey done at the end of January.

Decrease in small birds in 2009 caused by harsh winter?

We participated in the RSPB Garden Birdwatch Survey this year, in 2008 and in 2005, the results are compared below.

The numbers are the maximum number of birds observed at one time during the hour.

Breed 2009 2008 2005

Jackdaws 16 0 0

Blackbirds 6 4 3

Collared doves 4 3 2

House Sparrows 4 6 18

Wood pigeons 4 4 1

Bluetits 2 3 4

Chaffinches 2 3 6

Longtailed tits 2 2 1

Robins 2 2 1

Starlings 2 3 7

Dunnocks 1 2 2

Goldfinches 1 3 2

Spotted Woodpecker 1 1 1

Blackcap 0 1 0

Brambling 0 1 0

Fieldfare 0 1 40

Great tit 0 3 2

Greenfinch 0 2 6

Songthrush 0 0 1

Wren 0 0 1

Total Breeds 13 17 17

We were not surprised by the reduction in numbers of birds and species. We have had fewer visitors to the bird table and bird feeders this year.

Great tits, greenfinches, song thrushes and wrens visit the garden but were nowhere to be seen during the “count”. There are certainly many fewer goldfinches this year and greenfinch numbers have not recovered from a disease that attacked them in the Summer of 2007 (according to RSPB and my observations of sick greenfinches in our garden. I wonder if any parish magazine readers have noted the same decline in small bird activity. Jacqueline Webb.

I have noticed this in our garden – particularly the decline in house sparrows. It is interesting that it is the small birds that have declined in number – there are certainly plenty of pigeons about! Another reason may be the two terrible summers we have had.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

Berwick Newsletter Dated December 2008

BERWICK ST JAMES

We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

We would like to invite everyone to come to our Christmas Services, all children are especially welcome. The services are a peaceful time in such a busy schedule, where we can consider the real meaning of Christmas.

Candlelit Carol Service

There will be a candlelit carol service in St James’ Church on Sunday 21^st December at 6pm. There will be mulled wine and mince pies on completion. Should you wish to attend please do not bring handheld candles. Anyone who came last year will know how wonderful and beautiful this service was.

Christmas Day. Family Communion at 10.30am taken by Jane Charman.

POSADA

Advent is advancing – time when Mary and Joseph are looking forward to spending a night or two in your home. Would all those who were so hospitable last time be willing to repeat the experience again this year? May I assume you would, unless you contact me to the contrary.

Any newcomers who would like to share the experience please contact Jane Rowe on 790575.

CAROL SINGING

The Village Carol Singing (an old tradition in Berwick – though it used to be done on Christmas morning) will take place on Saturday December 13^th starting at 6pm in the Church and finishing at the Guide Headquarters (The Old School) for mince pies and mulled wine. We welcome everyone to come along and sing, accompanied children especially. Please bring torches or lanterns. The Brownies who are staying at the Guide HQ are joining us and we are delighted that they are coming. We will be collecting for the Air Ambulance. We intend to sing at various points around the village and so, if you would like to have us come to you please could you ring Ian Fisher 790214 or Nicky Street 790309.

BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL

The Poppy Appeal raised £257.67 in Berwick, with many thanks to the collectors, and to the Boot Inn and The Farm Shop.

BERWICK MILL

On the 14^th November, a guide on one of the uprights supporting the hatches in Berwick Mill gave way. The hatch crashed down with the pressure of the water behind it, and the water rushed down the river, washing silt and mud from above the mill into the river below. As those people who have gardens down to the river above the mill have found out, the Mill holds back a lot of water! The river is flowing well at the moment so there is still a reasonable amount in the channel, and will quite quickly return to normal once new guides are put in and the hatch is put back. As I write we have not yet found the hatch – it is probably in the bottom of the mill pool – and will be difficult to get out and even more difficult to put back as it is very heavy. Hopefully, as you read this at the start of December, everything will be back to normal.

JAMES HAGGATY. West Indies Tour 09

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to my tour. For me to raise the monies (£1995) in such quick time was very humbling. A special thank you must go to my granddad Pete Whitfield. My tour is in April 09 from the 4^th to the 16^th. You will be able to read about my exploits in the June (or July) addition. Those of you that have the internet the West of England have a web site which is www.southanndwestregionalcricket.webly.com I have just joined Hampshire Academy and will now play my club cricket for the academy, and youth cricket for Hampshire leaving behind happy memories with Wiltshire. Once again I would like to thank everyone and wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. James.

THE BOOT PLOT

Vegetable growers wanted to join a team setting up a gardeners’ co-operative using Kathy and Giles’ plot at the Boot Inn. For a small regular commitment of time you could be part of this project which would benefit growers, the pub kitchen and the Village. Work will need to start soon so please contact Chris on 792800 or Anne on 790355. If anyone can offer greenhouse space for seedlings etc or a rotavator to do the hard work we would be pleased to hear from you. Any age, ability and expertise (or lack of it) very welcome.

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOOT INN

Kathy and Giles would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. The Christmas Party Menu is available from 2^nd to the 24^th December, Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner for bookings only. Telephone 01722 790243.

Our Christmas Opening is;

Christmas Eve 12noon to 2.30. 6pm to 10.30pm (Kitchen open Lunch and Dinner)

Christmas Day 11am to 2pm. Kitchen closed.

Boxing Day 12noon to 4pm. Brunch served 12noon to 3pm.

27^th – 30^th December, open as usual.

New Year’s Eve. 6pm to 1am (Dinner served at 7.30pm, booking is essential).

New Year’s Day 12noon to 4pm (Buffet lunch available).

PIE & PINT Evenings at THE BOOT INN

Come and enjoy a delicious homemade Pie and a Pint of beer each Tuesday evening for just £10. Choose from our pub favourites menu and enjoy a pint of IPA, Carlsberg, or Cider (Fruit Juice and House wine also available). Booking is essential, so please call 790243 to avoid disappointment.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

Buy your Christmas goodies here – Dorset Lamb, Somerset Beef, Free Range Chicken and Duck, our local Pork, Sausages, Ham and Bacon, Vegetables from Bromham, Pies, Cakes, Jams, Local Free Range Eggs. Order early for Christmas – come in a have a chat with Marilyn about your requirements.

Order for the New Year and then you can collect on 30^th or 31^st (see below for opening times).

The Christmas Opening Times are;

Open; Sunday 21^stDecember, Monday 22^nd, Tuesday 23^rd. On Wednesday 24^th Christmas Eve the shop will shut at 2pm.

The Shop will be closed until Tuesday 30^th 9am – 12 noon. It will also be open Wednesday 31^st and Friday January 2^nd 9am – 12 noon (but shut Thursday 1^st). It will then remain closed until Tuesday 6^th when normal opening times resume.

Happy Christmas to you all.

WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES GREAT RIDE AND STRIDE

The 25^th Annual Cycle Ride and Walk in aid of Historic Churches was a great success in Berwick this year. Together, Jane Rowe, Nicky and David Street, Robert and Lucy Crossley, Laura and Isabel Jacks (with Liz Crossley) – cyclists, and Peter and Gabrielle Smith – walkers – raised a marvellous £314, half of which comes to Berwick Church and half to the Historic Churches Trust. We visited churches from Heytesbury to Harnham, from Sutton Veny to Salisbury Cathedral, and had a lovely day. Many thanks to all who took part and to those who “manned” the church, sitting in the sunshine. As someone who took part, I really appreciated being greeted at churches – and nice to be able to have a drink too, one church we visited was locked, and there wasn’t even a sheet of paper in the porch to write our names on! Thank you to everyone.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Please have a look and see if you can help! Have a look and see what is new – and don’t forget to look on the “New and Notices” to see what is on in the village at the moment. The Neighbourhood Watch includes a profile of our new PCSO Will Todd, and you can read the Neighbourhood Watch newsletters.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

A Hobby has been seen regularly in Winterbourne Stoke, it perches on the top of the telegraph pole and hunts in the Billy Goat Field.

There is an unusual flower blooming in a garden in Berwick St James. It is a Common Broomrape. This is unusual in that it was flowering in mid November as its usual flowering is in early summer. It has rather pretty mauve flowers along a single stem but entirely without leaves or any green part. It is parasitic, living on the roots of another plant, in this case, Anchusa, although it can feast on a variety of other plants. It is unlikely to do any significant damage to the host. It spreads by very small seeds.

There have been lots of reports of Egrets. I have seen the one in the river in south Berwick, another has been seen in Stapleford, and five at once in the trees in the field to the east of The Bell Inn at Winterbourne Stoke, and a pair is almost certainly nesting in these trees.

Deer have also been seen in the Billy Goat Field in Winterbourne Stoke. Can rabbits live with myxymatosis? There is a blind wild rabbit in Winterbourne Stoke which isn’t skinny and appears to be feeding well – it will take food from a hand.

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Thank you for the very good ones this month. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

Berwick Newsletter Dated November 2008

Best Wishes to all who have been ill, or in hospital, and those having tests and we hope all procedures are successful. We are also thinking of those who have recently lost friends and members of their families. Our thoughts are with you.

Sylvia Seymour-Taylor

Sylvia would like to say that she is very sorry that she can’t come and say goodbye to all her friends here, she very much wanted to, but was unable to do so. Contact Nikki for her new address. It is a lovely place, and Sylvia is very upbeat and positive about the future where she will be near her family. Sylvia came to the village over 20 years ago with her late husband John, they both became essential parts of the village very quickly, and after John’s death, Sylvia continued to be both active and generous. She will be very much missed, and we all hope that she will be very happy in her new home.

Happy Birthday to Mrs Josie Emm who will be 80 on 2^nd November. Congratulations and best wishes to her from all of her family, and the same from her many friends.

A Note of Appreciation for the Village and The Village Shop.

This month is the second anniversary of living in Berwick – and thinking back we feel we are so lucky to have made so many lovely friends, and to have the Village Farm Shop open again with smiling Marilyn to provide us with our essentials – so much better than plodding off to Salisbury (expensive in terms of time and energy!). I feel everyone in Berwick should support this valuable asset and insure its continued existence. Not every village is fortunate to have a farm shop. From George Campbell-Johnson.

A Friend of Berwick.

Mrs Hilda Mary Rogers was a regular visitor to village events over the last few years, alongside Christine. On the 21^st of September Mary passed away peacefully at her home in Harnham and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Blake

Oliver Baines is a member of the group “Blake” who sing crossover – a mixture of pop and classical – the group has recently featured on Classic FM, and in OK magazine. They won a Brit Award for their first album, and their second album “And so it goes” has been recently released. They are doing a series of concerts around the country singing with Katherine Jenkins and Natasha Marsh, including the Albert Hall. Oliver Baines is the grandson of David and Honor Baines who lived in the village until recently, and Oliver spent a great deal of his childhood here! Good Luck to him and his group. Do have a listen to them, they are very good!

Dog Fouling on the Pavements

The pavements through Berwick have been particularly bad recently. Please pick up after your dogs – try to think what happens to the wheels of a pushchair, or the shoes of a child.

Great Cycle Ride – the report is held over until next month due to too much this month!

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The Annual CHRISTMAS BAZAAR is on SATURDAY 22^nd NOVEMBER at 2pm in the Reading Room. Come and buy your Christmas Cards and Wrapping Paper, have a go on the Tombola and The Raffle, buy a cake and some jam or other produce, have a browse through the Bric-a-Brac and have a cup of Tea or Coffee and a lovely chat with your friends.

The Reading Room will be open at 10.30am to receive any gifts you may like to bring. The Bazaar is in aid of Reading Room Funds.

For collection ring Nicky Street 790309 or Anika Lange 790122

READING ROOM

The Reading Room will be holding the Christmas Bazaar (see above), a market stall has been booked for 12^th September 09. We need to use the Reading Room more – does anyone have any ideas? Ring Nicky or Anika (see above). To hire the Reading Room, or the furniture or crockery please see Jean Hibberd 6 High St 790806

HARVEST SUPPER

The Harvest Supper held on Saturday 27^th September at the Guide HQ was great fun, with loads of people there, and a wonderful time had by all. Thanks must go to Jane Rowe for the really tasty lasagne, and all her hard work in organising the event and the kitchen on the night, thanks to all her helpers in the kitchen and elsewhere, to all those who provided salads and puddings, to Jacky Webb and Roland Castlemaine for the Raffle, to Marilyn at the Shop for collecting the Raffle items, to those who put out the tables etc and decorated, and to those who packed up and cleaned up. And a special thanks to everyone who came and made it such fun.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Church looked especially lovely dressed for Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday 28^th September. Thank you to all who decorated, and to those who brought the fruit and vegetables.

R2 MONEY

The R2 money that the village receives when there is development in the village, amounts to £1583.02 – see the Parish Meeting notes below. What do YOU want the village to use the money for – we can add to it with grants etc if people are keen – see in the Parish Meeting Report for some ideas, what other ideas would you like. Ring Tina Woodford 790444

BERWICK ST JAMES STONEHENGE PETITION

At our village meeting on 24^th September, it was suggested that in response to the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan, villagers might wish to sign a petition in support of our local councillors plan for the dualling of the A303 along or close to the line of the current road from the end of the dual carriageway west of Amesbury to the Longbarrow roundabout and then to bypass Winterbourne Stoke to the north to join up with the dual carriageways at Berwick Down. Their plan locates the Visitors Centre just to the west of Stonehenge along the A344. Signatures were given by 106 people (all aged over 18) from our small village. Every household in the village was visited and at least one person per household signed the petition. The occupants of only 2 houses could not be contacted due to being either away on business or holiday. The strength of feeling on this matter is enormous and is demonstrated by the overwhelming support for our councillors’ plan which is the cheapest, quickest to be constructed and the most sensible way forward of all possible options. Responses were required by 17^th October and a letter accompanying the signatures has been sent to the English Heritage, Mr Robert Key MP, The South West Rural Development Agency (2), and Salisbury District Council.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

The Vegetables from Bromham Growers has been outstanding – especially the purple Cape Broccoli and the Romanesque. And as we get into winter with more things appearing and Christmas fast approaching, perhaps time has come to talk to Marilyn about your Christmas Order – Meat (Turkeys, Chickens, Beef – and of course Pork), sausages (we will be doing cocktail sausages too), cakes, puddings, mince pies etc.

BERWICK STJAMES WEBSITE

We would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Please have a look and see if you can help! Have a look and see what is new – and don’t forget to look on the “New and Notices” to see what is on in the village at the moment.

HEATING OIL

Wessex Petroleum is committed to helping the local community and the community related Incentive Scheme is an ideal way to achieve this. Now that the cold weather is coming you may need to refill your oil tank, so please remember that WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. Please consider using Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172, if you need any heating oil. You will need to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. Many thanks to everyone who buys their oil through Wessex Petroleum and remembers to quote D14.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to us via the Contact us button above by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

Glennis. Please can you put this bit in the all villages part- to encourage everyone!

WILDLIFE WATCH

The Egret has been seen in the meadow in south Berwick, as well as near Asserton. A squirrel with a lot of red colouring was seen in Winterbourne Stoke churchyard. I thought I saw a Muntjack deer in the woods above Asserton – it was a very brief glimse – could I have been right? Has anyone else seen them here? I have also had reports of badgers in Grovely Woods. This mild weather means that ladybirds and catapillars have been seen up to 11^th October – have you seen any later? It seems that it has been a poor year for butterflies with the terrible summer (although the cabbage whites seem to have been active!) but I have had reports of Red Admiral, Skippers and Orange Tips. Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

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Berwick Newsletter Dated August 2008

JAMES HAGGATY for the second season in a row has been selected to represent the West of England at Cricket, this fourteen boy squad is selected from 8 counties plus Wales. James will now go to Loughborough University and play against the North, the South, and the Midlands. At the end of August James will play in a West of England trials match where a squad will be picked to go to the West Indies in February for 16 days. For the last year James has been in Gloucester Academy but because of fuel costs and long travelling James has now joined Hampshire. James at the moment plays his county cricket for Wilts under 14, and 15. He is captain of the 14’s.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Last (grandson of Barbara Last) as he got a 1^st class degree in Ancient History from Leicester and two special awards – from a very proud Grandma. CONGRATULATIONS to all who took GCSE’s, A levels and degrees – we hope you received the grades you needed for the next stage, we do know how hard you had to work!

CONGRATULATIONS to Martin and Rosie Gairdner on Martin’s 70^th birthday, their 40^th Wedding Anniversary, on the marriage of their son Julian to Mel – and they had a huge party to celebrate these, and that all their six children and grandchildren were in the country at the same time!

GET WELL SOON to all who are presently in hospital or who have recently been in, and to everyone who is a bit under the weather, and especially to Sylvia Seymour-Taylor who has broken her wrist (is there something in the water in Berwick?) and is in Odstock as I write.

As I write this, the Olympics are on in Bejing. Did you know that we had a connection here in Berwick? Joe Meyer who rode in the New Zealand team which got 5^th place in the Eventing, used to work for Scotland Lodge, and lived in Berwick for a couple of years – we knew he was good then!

There have been more problems with DOG MESS. Please do not allow your dog to foul the grass by the Reading Room – it is easy to bring a plastic bag and take it home again.

SCHOOL TRACK The right of way that runs up from the Guide HQ (the old school) to Druids Farm is the track. The fences were removed and it now makes a very pleasant walk, but the cattle there have been disturbed by dogs running loose amongst them, even when the cattle are several hundred yards away from the track. Please remember to keep your dogs under close control through or near any livestock – this means on the lead, or at heel. The right of way is really the track, not the field too, although many of us enjoy walking or riding on the short grass, but if we abuse a privilege given to us, it might not continue to be available in the future.

HARVEST SUPPER

This is on SATURDAY 27^th SEPTEMBER at 7pm at the Guide HQ (The Old School). It is free to all Berwick Residents and everyone is welcome especially the children. We will pay for it by the Grand Raffle – so remember your money and a prize! We have decided that if anyone from outside Berwick would like to come we would need to charge £5 for adults, and £3 for OAP’s and children.

You will receive a flyer with a tear off slip – please reply, it makes the organization so much easier. We are providing the main course and are asking for salads, puddings, cheese etc, as well as help (setting up, decorating the room, washing up, tidying away etc). Please bring your own bottles of wine etc, and glasses too, if possible.

For more information, offers etc please phone Jane Rowe 790575

Our Harvest suppers are always good fun, we do hope you can all come.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 28^th September at 10am. It will be a family service with no communion. We would very much like to invite the children to bring gifts of produce to the service so that these gifts can be presented by the children during the service. We very much welcome fruit and vegetables to decorate the church at Harvest Festival – please bring anything you can on Saturday. However, we have not found anywhere we can donate these items, so please come back after the service to collect your fruit and vegetables.

THE BOOT INN.

There is a fun Quiz every Sunday evening at The Boot Inn. It starts at 7.30pm. It is for teams of 4 or less, with £2 entry per person of which £1 will go to Cancer Research and the other for half time munchies. A 4 pint jug of beer for the winners (or a bottle of house wine if preferred). Please book your tables for your teams in advance as tables are limited. We look forward to seeing you – Giles and Cathy. 790243

GREAT CYCLE RIDE Saturday 13^th September.

This year the Great Cycle Ride – the Sponsored Ride and Stride in aid of the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust – is celebrating it’s 25^th Anniversary. Over the 25 years walkers, cyclists and riders have travelled between churches to raise money for Historic Churches, and for their own churches. Over those years £915,000 has been raised. This year they would like to make it £1million!

So can you take part? Or if not would you be able to sponsor someone? If you would like to then speak to Lyanne, or see me as I’ll be doing it again, and welcome all sponsors! Nicky Street. Last year Berwick’s walkers and cyclists raised about £420. Half went to Berwick Church and half to the Historic Churches Trust (who make grants to churches who need the money, if we take part, then we can apply for grants!) The ride/walk is great fun and well worth doing.

If you would like to take part please get your sponsor forms from Lyanne Street 790544 The Briars.

READING ROOM

The Reading Room had the Market Stall outside in Guildhall one cold Saturday in July. We made a profit of £113 (all from people outside the village!) even though several of the Committee were unable to help due to other commitments (like being away on holiday!) and so our very grateful thanks must go to Ian and Jackie Fisher who organized it, filled a trailer with books, and their car with Bric-a-Brac, and, with the very useful help of Sophie Colthurst and Olivia Marchant, sold the remains of the fete, and quite a lot of other stuff too! All that remained was taken to the Salisbury Hospice shop.

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

New on the website: under “New & Notices” are details of The Wylye and Nadder Valley Neighbour Policing Team, with the latest Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin with our local PC John Wyeth, and PCSO Tracey Holloway. The address is www.berwickstjames.org.uk Please have a look at the site – we would love contributions to it, just go to the Contact Us page. It would also be great to have details of what’s on in the village, meetings and anything else. Please have a look and see if you can help!

HEATING OIL

Wessex Petroleum is committed to helping the local community and the community related Incentive Scheme is an ideal way to achieve this. Thank you for your continued support – we received £50.99 this quarter. THANK YOU.

If you need to refill your oil tank please remember that WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. Please consider using Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172, if you need any heating oil. You will need to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. Many thanks to everyone who buys their oil through Wessex Petroleum and remembers to quote D14.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to…

Nicky Street The Dairy House 790309, or e-mail chstreet@btinternet.com by 15^th of the month before the magazine is due out, indicating it is a magazine entry.

Or, if you prefer, directly to Glennis (see editor’s note eslewhere in the magazine).

WILDLIFE WATCH

On Friday 8^th August, in the garden at the back of 4 High Street, Barbara Last’s extensive knowledge was needed to identify the large caterpillars that were feasting on the leaves of a willow bush. There were about seven of them, up to four inches long, distinctive yellow diagonal markings on a vivid green body, a prominent upward spike at the rear and a strangely flat, slightly darker green front. They are very impressive now, but Barbara believes that they’ll reach twice their current size before burying themselves in the ground to emerge as Poplar Hawk Moths next year. From Anne Hughes.

Adrian Simmons the River Keeper on the lower Wylye watched a Hobby “hawking” Mayflies on the 2^nd June, catching them in it’s feet and eating “on the wing” consuming over 30 in the space of 10 minutes, he also saw a Red Kite on Oak Apple Day drifting over the whole village procession in Great Wishford, it’s been seen 3 times this summer. An unexpected sighting on the 8^th July flying up the river near Stapleford was an Oystercatcher, far from it’s normal haunts. Also two Salmon were seen at Great Wishford on 13^th July a few days after the heavy rain.

A stoat was seen killing a leveret on the byway road through Druids farm, are stoats becoming more common? – I have also seen them crossing the road between Stapleford and Berwick.

The House Martins nesting in our garage successfully fledged three or four youngsters (I could never make out exactly how many there were, even though the nest was just above head height). Many people buying eggs would have met the parents flying in or out!

Reports from any of our villages most welcome. Nicky Street 790309 The Dairy House or email chstreet@btinternet.com indicating it is a magazine entry. Many thanks.

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June 2008

WELCOME to GILES and CATHY DICKINSON at The Boot Inn. We are all looking forward to having you in the village, and hope that you enjoy living and working here, even though you have a very hard act to follow.

We held a party for KATHY DUVAL at The Boot Inn on Friday 18^th April, to wish her good luck in her new life in Berwick. There were lots of people there to celebrate and to drink Kathy’s health with the beer so generously provided by Wadworths. Charles Street thanked her for all she has done for the village and presented her with a lovely Garden Lamp and some vouchers from everyone in the village. Many thanks to all who made it such a good party, and especially to Richard Brasher for all his work.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING and Meeting of Parishioners.

At the Annual PCC the churchwardens Stephen Bush and Jane Rowe were elected, and were thanked for all their hard work last year, especially with the Christmas services.

Everyone who helps to keep Berwick Church so active and thriving was thanked too, all those who clean, do the flowers, lock the church, are sidesmen and readers, play the organ, are on the PCC etc – everyone!

The next APCC will be on Wednesday 22^nd April 2009 at 7pm in the Church.

BERWICK FARM SHOP

On the Sunday 22^nd June from 10 – 3.30pm we will be having a Tea Tasting from The Wiltshire Tea Company. They are a specialist supplier of high quality teas both loose leaf and tea bags. It is a family run business supplying an over 45 blends of high quality teas based in Corsham. There will also be tastings of the Berwick Farm Shop sausages, bacon, pies and cakes etc. Come along and see what we have!

The shop sells our own free-range pork, sausages, bacon and soon our own ham. Also free range chicken from Crediton, local Berwick free range eggs, lamb from Dorset and vegetables from Bromham near Devizes. We also have a nice selection of Jams, Chutneys, Pickles, bread, biscuits etc as well as our own cakes, pies etc. Have a look at the selection of Marmalades – specially made in Wilton for the shop.

BERWICK GUIDE CENTRE.

Wiltshire South Guides received a legacy of £15,000 in 2007. It was decided to add a conservatory to the back of the building, mainly to be used for storage of coats and footwear especially in wet weather. Building took place during the wet weather in January 2008, looking more like an indoor swimming pool rather than a conservatory. It has dried out now and we only have to tile the floor to complete this brilliant addition to our property.

We have recently fallen foul to thieves who have drained our oil tank, leaving one Brownie pack without heating when they came to stay. Could we ask residents of Berwick St James to keep a lookout for us and report anything suspicious happening at the Centre, to the Wilton Police. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

We are looking forward to meeting many villagers at the Fete in June, when we will be doing face painting during the afternoon.

Rosemary Douce.

HEATING OIL

If you need to refill your oil tank please remember that WESSEX PETROLEUM will donate ½ p per litre of domestic heating oil ordered under reference D14 to Berwick Reading Room. We received £67.43 for the last payment made very recently. Please consider using Wessex Petroleum and phone 0800 980 6172, if you need any heating oil. You will need to quote ref D14 every time you order, even if you have ordered before. Many thanks to everyone who buys their oil through Wessex Petroleum and remembers to quote D14.

The report of The READING ROOM AGM, and LOCAL HISTORY has been held over until next month as there seems to be more than enough here!

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BERWICK PART OF THIS MAGAZINE.

If you have a story to tell, or comment to make - please send it to Nicky Street…

MILL HOUSE GARDEN OPEN DAY

The path by the river is not normally open, this is a wonderful chance to see the village from a different angle!

LADIES RUNNING GROUP

BERWICK FARM SHOP

VILLAGE RECYCLING BINS

PARISH MEETING AGM

WILDLIFE WATCH

CHURCH SERVICES for EASTER

OPEN GARDEN at THE MILL HOUSE under National Garden Scheme

CHURCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

LADIES RUNNING GROUP

THE BOOT INN

HEATING OIL

PARISH MEETING

FETE and DOG SHOW 2010.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. It was an enjoyable but very touching memorial service at Wishford on November 1st. Thank you Rev Hugh Bonsey. Thank you to all the ladies for the delicious tea afterwards. Jean Hibberd,

Bonfires. Will people who have bonfires earl in the morning in their gardens please spare a thought for your neighbours who have washing on their lines.

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES

CAROL SERVICE

OTHER SERVICES

CHURCH WARDEN’S WAND in Memory of WILL HIBBERD

CHURCH SERVICES in St James Church 2010

VILLAGE CAROL SINGING

BERWICK FARM SHOP

December dates

WILDLIFE WATCH

SCOUT CHRISTMAS POST

NOTICE BOARDS Don’t forget to watch the noticeboards for the time and date of the next Parish Meeting, and also for any other relevant village information.

BEWARE OF THIEVES

READING ROOM MARKET STALL

READING ROOM CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

SPONSORED RIDE AND STRIDE.

HEATING OIL

LOCAL HISTORY STEPHEN FURNESS

NOTICE BOARDS Don’t forget to watch the noticeboards for the time and date of the next Parish Meeting, and also for any other relevant village information.

BERWICK FETE

HARVEST SUPPER

BERWICK 5k and 10k RUN

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

SPONSORED RIDE AND STRIDE.

BOOT INN .

BERWICK FARM SHOP

BERWICK READING ROOM

HEATING OIL

BERWICK FETE and DUCK RACE

SPONSORED RIDE AND STRIDE.

BERWICK READING ROOM

BOOT INN .

PUMPKIN 5 and 10km RACES

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

BERWICK FARM SHOP

HEATING OIL

LOCAL HISTORY. BERWICK MILL

WILDLIFE WATCH

Butterflies

BERWICK SHOP

THE BOOT INN

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

WILDLIFE WATCH

Swarms

The collection for the Marie Curie Cancer Care raised a marvellous £153.06. Many thanks to all who contributed to this very special cause. Margaret Mustill.

Congratulations to Peter and Gabrielle Smith on the wedding of their daughter Laura to Jamie Hornby at The Old Chapel Wardour, we wish them all the best for the future.

LADIES … UP FOR A CHALLENGE?

NOTE ABOUT APRIL

BERWICK CRICKET CLUB

MILL HOUSE GARDEN with CREAM TEAS

BERWICK SHOP

BERWICK ST JAMES WEBSITE

HEATING OIL

WILDLIFE WATCH

RIGHTS OF WAY

THANKS to everyone for their very kind remarks about the magazine, it seems that people want me to carry on as I have been, so I will! Nicky.

EASTER SERVICES

CHURCH CURTAINS

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEETING

PARISH MEETING (VILLAGE) and READING ROOM AGM

THE BOOT INN

THE BOOT PLOT

RIDING ON BERWICK HILL FARM

BERWICK FETE

MEMORIAL SERVICE. It was an enjoyable but very touching memorial service at Wishford on November 1^st. Thank you Rev Hugh Bonsey. Thank you to all the ladies for the delicious tea afterwards. Jean Hibberd,

GREAT CYCLE RIDE Saturday 13^th September.