The
Parish
Magazine
December 2014
Ashton-under-Hill
Beckford
Overbury
Alstone &
Teddington
50p
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
From Stille Nacht , Franz Xaver Gruber & Joseph Mohr, 1816/1818. Sung by
soldiers from both sides on the Western Front during the Christmas Truce 1914
Schedule of Services for The Parish of Overbury with Teddington, Alstone and
Little Washbourne, with Beckford and Ashton under Hill
DECEMBER
7th December
2nd Sunday
of Advent
Wednesday
10th
December
Ashton
3.30 pm
Christingle
Service
John Dodge &
Lay Team
6.30 pm
Ashton
Celebration of
Christmas
Beckford
Overbury
8.00 am
BCP HC
M Baynes
11.00 am
Family
Service
M Baynes
9.30 am
Patronal
CW HC
M Baynes
9.30 am
Morning
Prayer
R Palmer
14th
December
3rd Sunday
of Advent
9.30 am
CW HC
R Worsley
6.00 pm
Carol Service
M Baynes
4.00 pm
Carol Service
S Renshaw
21st
December
4th Sunday
of Advent
11.00 am
Nativity
Family Service
with baptism
R Worsley
9.30 am
Morning
Prayer
R Palmer
8.00 am
BCP HC
S Renshaw
3.30 pm
Crib &
Christingle
Service
M Baynes
11.30 pm
Midnight HC
S Renshaw
24th
December
Christmas Eve
25th
December
Christmas Day
3.30 pm
Crib Service
J Dodge &
Lay Team
n.b.10.00 pm
Midnight HC
R Worsley
10.00 am
Christmas
Songs of Praise
J Dodge &
Lay Team
28th
December
1st Sunday of
Christmas
JANUARY
4th January
Epiphany
Alstone
Teddington
6.00 pm
Carol Service
M Baynes
3.30 pm
Crib &
Christingle
Service
R Palmer
11.00 am
Family
Service
Lay Team
9.30 am
CW HC
C Parr
11.00 am
Family
Service
C Parr
9.30 am
CW HC
C Parr
10.00 am
United CW
HC
M Baynes
11.00 am
New Year
Songs of Praise
J Dodge &
Lay Team
8.00 am
BCP HC
S Renshaw
BCP Book of Common Prayer
CW Book of Common Worship
HC Holy Communion
MP Morning Prayer
EP Evening Prayer
Morning Prayers will be said at 8.30 am Friday at Ashton.
Holy Communion is celebrated at 10.00 am on Wednesday in St Faith’s Church, Overbury.
Clergy
Revd Canon Matthew Baynes
Revd Canon Chris Worsley
Readers
Captain Dennis Oxley, Church Army,
Revd Susan Renshaw
Revd Clive Parr
John Dodge
Page 2
Revd Richard Worsley
Roger Palmer
The Catholic, nineteenth century historian, Lord Acton wrote:
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
This thought was of course reused by George Orwell, and
well-illustrated in his wonderful novel, Animal Farm. Mr. Jones, the
farmer, was the corrupt and exploitative owner of the farm, and the
animals were his serfs. Orwell, a committed socialist, uses this
motif as a critique of capitalism. However, Orwell sees way beyond
the obvious. The pigs first, with their comrades, wrest control of the
farm from Jones. Yet, bit by bit, they begin to assume the grotesque, pseudo-human
characteristics of their erstwhile enemy. In their turn the pigs gain power, and they are
corrupted absolutely.
Besides being a teenage favourite of mine, Animal Farm is to be appreciated for its
realism about the human race. We cannot be split into the ineluctably bad and the
inevitably good. To be human is to possess a certain ambivalence; we can believe in
the good, while being seduced by the bad.
I was struck by the stories that have emerged following press allegations about the
suppression of evidence, some decades ago, into child abuse and paedophilia in high
places. While the issues are technically complex, we can have a real sense that
power in high places allowed for circles of corruption. Thank goodness that,
post-Saville, we are even more alert to the protection of society’s children. Abuse has
been rife. Power has corrupted, and led to suppression.
So, when you come to church this Christmas, use time to reflect and see the festival
in adult terms. It is a wonderful feast day for our children. (Mine, in their thirties, still
come home and adore being a bit young again.) But the underlying symbolism of
Christmas is one of intense realism about the human condition.
The Christ child is the sign to us of God as deeply embedded, self-offered, into a
reality that contains as much Herod as Mary, as you might say. The original death of
the Innocents at the hands of Herod continues today under many guises. We as
humans stand humbled before God. Power too often corrupts us. The subversive
powerlessness of a child moves against this dynamic.
Come and worship, but do so with humble reflection. What about your power and
mine?
Have a wonderful Christmas, but one that is real as well.
Richard Worsley
Richard is Rector of Elmley Castle and a member of the Bredon Hill Group Clergy Team.
The Pilgrim Course will resume on January 15th at
7.30 pm at Stonecroft, Church Street, Bredon.
During this group of sessions we will be looking at
the Creed; that is what we believe as Christians. The
course is open to anybody who wishes to go deeper
into their Christian faith, and could also be
appropriate for any adults who are considering
confirmation. For more information contact Matthew
at the Rectory or email: mbaynes@toucansurf.com.
You will be very welcome!
Page 3
Lent 2015
What, Lent already, we haven’t even had Christmas yet! With
Easter relatively early, Lent begins on the 18th February. This year
we shall be looking at ‘Poetry and Kingdom Values,’ and the
evenings around the Hill will be led by members of the clergy team.
Dates and venues will be on the website, in the February
magazine and in the Pew Notes.
There will be a Coffee Morning and Open House
at Bredon Rectory on Tuesday 16th December
between 10 am and 12 noon.
Coffee/Tea and seasonal refreshments.
Funds raised will go towards ‘The Catch Project’ at
Mzamomhle in South Africa.
All Welcome!
Remembering a 100 years ago
On November 2nd 2014, I had the honour of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the death of
my Great Uncle who was killed on the 2nd November 1914 at the village of Neuve Chapelle in
France, and the following details are extracts from military records of the day and family letters.
Harold Clement Montague Lucas, Lieutenant 2 Gurkha Rifles was dispatched with 1000 Gurkha
troops from Calcutta in August 1914 and on October 15th they arrived in France and almost
immediately went into battle. On arrival, their trenches were only half made and the parapets
incomplete and the Germans had occupied buildings some 40 yards from the trenches. Harold's
company were in the most exposed part and after a valiant fight with bayonet and kukri they
were shelled with black marias. Only 350 men survived. The Corps historian was to write, ‘the
heroism of the British officers has seldom been more brilliantly demonstrated than on this
occasion’. Not a single British officer of the 2nd Gurkhas in the front line got back alive.
Three weeks later his youngest brother Claude writes to the family in Devon from HMS
Indefatigable, Mediterranean, Monday 22nd November 1914:
My dearest People,
I got the telegram about H, it having got here on 21st. By now you may have heard some other
news and I only hope you have. Poor old boy it must have been his first day of action. If he is
killed it is a great comfort to me to think it was the death we decided we both wanted to die when
we were talking it over and we decided that if it was so, what it caused at home would be the
worst part. We talked it all over very fully up at Dehra and I remember we both thought of it the
same way. (Dehra means Dehra Dun, an Indian army station, and the occasion was during the
Coronation Durdar when King George V and Queen Mary went to India and Claude was in the
Sovereign's escort on HMS Collingwood.) The idea that people at home should wear hideous
black clothes to be constantly reminded of their sorrow we both absolutely vetoed and I'm sure it
was his wish that he should not be mourned like that. We both thought it would be far nicer to be
thought of as a pleasant memory than a sorrowful loss. That is still my opinion and if anything
should happen to me the only thing that makes me uncomfortable is that it should cause sorrow
at home which I think would be minimised to a great extent if you carry on as usual. I do hope
you understand what I mean just on the off chance of me being knocked out. I hate to think you
should wear black clothes and go into mourning for me and H used to think the same.
Lieutenant Claude de Neufville Lucas died in the battle of Jutland 31st May 1916 and has no
known grave. Harold has no grave, but is commemorated in the War Memorial at Neuve
Chapelle, at Winchester College War Cloisters, and in the church at Theydon Garnon where he
married in 1913.
Both brothers have memorials in a stained glass window in the Lady Chapel of the Church at
St John the Baptist, Rudmore and in the church of Dunchideock where the figures on the Rood
are in their memory.
On November 2nd 2014 floral tributes were placed at Winchester College, Dunchideock,
Theydon Garnon and at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
As a family we gave thanks for their lives and remembered them.
Sally Stringer, Beckford
Page 4
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE
In this centenary year of World War 1 it was the privilege of
Beckford to host the local Royal British Legion service and a
congregation of 193 people from Ashton, Overbury, Kemerton,
and Beckford came together at St John the Baptist church for a
moving service of remembrance and reconciliation which was led by Matthew. It was
heart-warming to see so many young people there and, as well as a number of children
with their parents, a strong contingent of Guides and Brownies from Ashton formed
part of the procession behind their flags and the standards of the Legion while the
muffled bells rang.
A thought-provokingly long list of names, gathered from the respective war memorials,
was read before the two-minutes silence was observed. Phil Smith had kindly loaned
photographs and other items from his renowned collection and it added greatly to the
service to be able to see the faces of those from Beckford whose names we had heard
recited. In addition, a large photograph showed a gathering of those who, having
served their country, returned safely, whilst other pictures accompanied a
contemporary account of the unveiling of the village memorial - the lychgate - in 1925.
A collection of £557.76 was taken in aid of the Royal British Legion.
About your team
West Mercia Police
Safer Neighbourhood Teams work with local
people and partners to identify, tackle and
solve issues that matter to the community
where you live.
Pershore Rural North and South
Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT)
pershorerural.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
Get in touch
Phone: 101 to talk to your local SNT or report a crime
E-mail: pershorerural.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
Website: www.westmercia.police.uk
Twitter: @PershoreCops
Only call 999 in an emergency, when a crime is in
progress or life is in danger.
Making neighbourhoods safer by cutting day
to day crime and anti-social behaviour is at the
heart of keeping people in West Mercia safe.
Thanks to an investment in mobile tablet style
computers, these will enable officers to spend
more time on patrol on the street and in
neighbourhoods.
Officers will continue to come to people when
they need them and provide a high quality service however you contact us - in person (on
the street, at community bases and at partners
and communities together [PACT] meetings),
on the phone or online.
Your team is:
PC 3243 Sean WOODS
PCSO 6427 Julie PARDOE
PCSO 40162 Steven TINKLER
Where we work
Pershore Rural SNT is based at Pershore and we work
around the areas of Bredon, Beckford, Sedgeberrow,
Ashton under Hill, Elmley Castle, The Combertons,
Eckington, Defford, Drakes Broughton, Wadborough,
Peopleton, Norton-juxta-Kempsey, Whittington,
Spetchley, The Flyfords, and Upton Snodsbury.
Page 5
Korean Haute Cuisine!!!!
Here are more of my top weird, and sometimes wonderful, Korean snacks.
Dried Ramen- The Kids Favourite
This one is quite easy to try at home: get a packet of instant ramen, sprinkle on the
flavouring, shake it all together in the packet... and eat. No cooking involved.
Goodness knows what raw ramen does to your digestive system, but the people here
don't seem to mind. I have to admit I haven't tried it, preferring my noodles cooked. But
you can try it with a packet of super-noodles and make your own mind up.
Spiral Potato Stick (Tornado Potato) - The evolution of the Curly Fry
This street-food snack is pretty similar to curly fries, only more fun to eat.
Deep-fried, salty, delicious potato goodness- you can't really go wrong!
Imitation Crisps- Another Creative Snack
Here we see the same pattern as with the imaginative ice lollies I wrote
about last month: Koreans imitating real foods, only this time in crisp
versions. You can find french fry crisps, onion ring crisps, even fried
chicken crisps. Combine a bag of the fried chicken and a packet of the
french fries with some vegetable crisps, and you can make an entire meal. Pretty tasty
(although probably not the most balanced dinner).
Red Bean Bun- The Crowd Divider
This is similar to marmite- most people love or hate red
bean. It takes some getting used to, admittedly, a sweet
bean paste with a texture similar to peanut butter.
The first time I picked up a red bean bun, I thought it was
actually going to be chocolate inside, and similarly to my
garlic bread experience was confused when I bit into it.
Luckily for me I fall into the 'love' category so wasn't
disgusted unlike some people I know who've made the same
mistake!
And for those who like red bean- it's much healthier than chocolate, so you can finally
have a good excuse to hit the bakery, guilt free. Definite positive!
Rice Cakes- A Poor Excuse for Cake
I was quite excited to try Korean cakes... that is until I ate some and realised that they
aren't cakes at all. It's quite hard to describe Korean rice cakes- try to imagine chewing
on a congealed lump of rice, (sometimes lukewarm, most of the time cold), with little
taste and which leaves you with an uncomfortable bloated feeling in your stomach.
Sometimes there might be a few raisins or beans in the cake, but that doesn't make it
much better. Unfortunately Koreans love the things and they are everywhere. They're
also a very popular gift to exchange, especially for national holidays- the equivalent of
mince pies or Easter eggs- but sadly without any of the deliciousness.
Fish Jerky- The Unexpected Delight
This is the beef jerky equivalent, and a popular snack. It's tasty and healthy and even
more delicious when heated- a good way to do this is to barbecue the fish so that it
ends up warm and crispy. This snack is a definite winner for me. Just one piece of
advice- skip the dried squid. Not only does it look unpleasant, but chewing on a
rubbery tentacle isn't the most appealing thing.
Happy Christmas from Wonju City, Kathryn
Page 6
TEWKESBURY AND DISTRICT CHORAL SOCIETY will perform MUSIC FOR
CHRISTMAS on Saturday 13th December at 7.30pm in Tewkesbury Abbey.
Music will include Geoffrey Bush – Christmas Cantata, Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on
Christmas Carols and items from Handel - Messiah
Tickets (£15) from: The Abbey Shop (01684 276655) or The Roses Theatre
(01684 295074) or on the door on the evening of the performance.
NO CHARGE FOR ACCOMPANIED SCHOOLCHILDREN
CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS CONCERT
St Faith's is delighted to be welcoming Jo Hamilton to
Overbury for an intimate candlelit Christmas concert on
Sunday, December 21st at 7:30 (doors at 7:00pm).
Stemming from a nomadic family with roots in Kenya and
Jamaica, Jo was brought up in a house two miles from
the nearest neighbour in the wilds of northern Scotland,
and is now based in Birmingham.
This will be Jo's only West Midlands tour date this year
and with nearly 70,000 fans worldwide, St Faith's will fill up quickly. Tickets available
on line (£20) at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dovecotemuse or on the door (£22).
SMALL AD
Office desk (steel frame) with 3 drawers
122cms long x 71cms high x 69cms wide.
Free to collector - phone 01386 725387
ADVETISEMENT FEATURE
A STRONGER BODY FOR 2015?
Pilates classes are now regularly taking place in Overbury Village
Hall. I have been very encouraged by the response and enthusiasm
of the people who have signed up and thank them all for welcoming
me. Some people are already noticing the improvements, reporting
fewer general aches and pains, improved back-ache, and finding it
easier to walk upstairs or tackle everyday activities.
Pilates exercises are beneficial to everyone - men and women, any age. The
exercises work on strengthening muscles, especially the 'core' (ie abdominal
muscles) and on stabilising the joints thereby developing a stronger body better able
to cope with the demands of life and avoiding injury. As an added bonus, people say
the classes are a relaxing way to start the weekend, as they are unable to think of their
worries whilst concentrating on the exercises! Many professional sportsmen and
women practise Pilates to improve their performance. I only teach small classes so
that everyone gets individual help as it is essential to do the exercises correctly for
maximum benefit.
I will be holding 'Open Door' sessions on Friday 2nd
January at 5.30pm and on Saturday 3rd January at
9.30am to which everyone is welcome. Come along
and find out about Pilates, try some exercises, learn to
improve your posture. Classes are on Fridays at
5.30pm and Saturdays at 9.30am.
Please contact me on 07799 622580 or annewyatt321@aol.com
Anne Wyatt
(Body Control Pilates Association Level 3, Register of Exercise Professionals, First Aid certificate)
Page 7
From Pastures new but still in GL20
There is no news from Dennis this month but he should have plenty to
write about for January.
Kim Maber from Kemerton Stores has asked it to be pointed out that Jim
Woolridge did not in fact work at the shop as Dennis wrote in November.
He was a regular customer but never actually worked there. Apologies for
any misunderstanding caused.
BECKFORD NEWS
Beckford Coffee Morning
A reminder that there will be no Thank Goodness It’s Friday Coffee Morning in Beckford
church in December as the usual date conflicts with Christmas. Thank you to all those
who have supported us during the year and have helped raise funds for the church
in an enjoyable way. The next Coffee Morning will therefore be on Friday 30th January
2015, 10 - 11.30am. Hope to see you there!
CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN BECKFORD
The first of our Christmas services will be the Carol Service at 6pm on Sunday,
14th December and we hope to welcome a goodly number to the evening of carols and
readings anticipating this most joyous of festivals. After the service you are
invited to stay for festive refreshments around the Christmas tree.
Our main service during Christmas will be the combined Crib
and Christingle Service at 3.30pm on Christmas Eve,
24th December. This will be an opportunity to come together,
young and old, to celebrate the start of the Christmas Festival
as the Crib is set up and Christingles are distributed.
On Sunday, 28th December we shall be hosting the Parish United Holy Communion
service at 10am. Do come and join us!
Beckford Community Village Hall Ltd
As most people will know, there was a break-in in September which affected the Social,
Tennis and Croquet clubs. As a consequence, the committee is considering extending the
CCTV facilities at the hall, going beyond the upgrade to night vision which I mentioned in last
month's report. A quotation has been obtained, and this is being considered from the point of
view of cost and effectiveness. We hope to take a go/no go decision on this at the next
meeting, on November 24th.
The collection of aluminium cans is going well, and Janna Gowthorpe
reported that she had recently received 11 boxes of cans. Collecting these
cans is good for the environment as well as raising modest sums for the hall:
if you are not already collecting them, please get started! Janna can advise
where the cans can be left for collection.
We shall soon be having disabled parking bays properly marked at the hall, and while this is
being done the existing bays will be remarked. The Parish Council will shortly be placing a
container at the end of the car park for the winter storage of salt and grit.
Fibre broadband is being rolled out in 2015 from the Ashton-under-Hill exchange, but Beckford
- where broadband speeds are typically no more than 1.5Mbps - is not being included. A group
of concerned local residents is challenging this decision, by demonstrating support from the
village and writing to councillors and other relevant decision-makers. If this affects you, lobby
your councillors and MP!
Graham Galer, Secretary BCVH Ltd
Page 8
From The Chapelries
December Services in Teddington and Alstone
7th December Teddington, 9.30am: The first chapelries service in
the run up to Christmas is the Patronal Holy Communion service
at St. Nicholas which Matthew will be taking. St Nicholas is, of
course, the patron saint of children and this service is an
opportunity for us to focus on the season’s association with new
birth and innocence. There will be refreshments afterwards.
14th December Teddington 9.30am: Morning Prayer with Roger.
21st December Alstone, 6pm: Chapelries Carol Service with Matthew. Do come
along and help raise the roof with seasonal favourites; extra parking will be available.
Christmas Eve, 24th December, Teddington 3.30pm: Roger will be taking the Crib
and Christingle Service at St. Nicholas at which the children will recreate the nativity
scene and light their Christingles. This is always a happy and almost magical occasion
for the whole congregation.
Christmas Day, 25th December, Alstone 9.30am: Clive will be taking Holy
Communion in St. Margaret’s church.
Carol Singing around Alstone
Once again this year we hope to continue the Alstone tradition of
carol singing around the village in aid of the Children’s Society. This will
take place during w/c December 15th and currently Wednesday
December 17th is the best day for most people. Please continue to
contact Anne (620351) if you would like to join us, as bad weather
conditions or other circumstances might mean the date has to be changed.
Other Events
The ‘Get Together’ in Teddington Village Hall on Saturday 8th November was again
a great success and thank you to everyone who supported it and gave so generously.
We are pleased to report that just over £470 was raised towards keeping our churches
open.
The Chapelries Remembrance Day Service, Teddington, jointly taken by Christopher
and Dennis, was a very fitting tribute to the fallen of both wars in this anniversary year,
and we will be sending a donation of just over £100 to the British Legion.
Burns Night Supper, 24th January 2015, Teddington V.H.
Please note this date in your diaries. We’ll be
publishing final details in the January magazine.
Tickets will be available from January 1st, so watch
this space as the numbers will be limited!
Teddington & Alstone
Village Hall Lucky Numbers
Club: the winners of the 2014
Christmas Lucky Numbers
Draw held on November 11th
are:
Number
146
26
2
88
108
112
144
14
Page 9
Prize
£100.00
£50.00
£40.00
£30.00
£20.00
£15.00
£15.00
£10.00
Winner
MARK LANE
SUE CARTER
PATRICK CULLEN
ANNE KYLE
KAY MORRISON
MIKE LEWIS
MARTIN BAXTER
CHARLIE HITCHMAN
ASHTON UNDER HILL W.I. - November Report
The President welcomed 35 members and guests to the November
meeting. She reported that the fashion show held the previous month had
been a great success and complimented all who had taken part. Next
month we look forward to a Christmas supper at the local Star Inn and in
the same week a lunch at Hillers farm shop, where wheelchair access will
make it easier for member Margaret Whatcott.
Resolutions slips were circulated and members were requested to tick their
preferred choice ready to be sent to NFWI in January.
Arrangements for travel were given for the visit to Coventry on 13th where a tour of the
Cathedrals has been a pre-booked. A theatre visit to the Everyman Theatre was proposed for
January.
The WI monthly walk is being arranged by Judith for 18th November; it will begin at Dumbleton
village and will be a circular walk ending with lunch at the local Stores.
Marjy then asked members for views on a possible “Film Club” – an
idea put forward by Christine Shaw – proposing that a monthly showing
of a popular film could be held at the village hall during the winter
months. A film rights licence would have to be obtained, the funding of
which could be made by providing a supper at the same time. Guests
of members could also be invited. A large proportion of members were
enthusiastic that this go ahead once a trial run had been made to
check the picture quality etc.
A new booklet about “Ashton Village” has been produced by John Dodge and is now on sale for
£2 and available at the Church. It contains information and attractive drawings of the interesting
buildings in the village (see page 11 for more information).
The speaker for the evening was Rosalind-Marie Fallon who practices the Bowen Technique at
Bidford on Avon. Many members were intrigued by this topic and had not heard of this
interesting therapy before. It was introduced by Tom Ambrose Bowen, an Australian, who
discovered the benefits of this very gentle manipulation and massage as a treatment of the
whole body. Rosalind explained that this stimulated the blood flow and generated healing
warmth to a painful area, thus encouraging the bodies own healing powers. It is suitable for all
ages and as a parallel treatment to orthodox medical care. Muscular damage and conditions
such as `frozen shoulder` and sciatica can be greatly helped. Two volunteers offered to
experience this gentle technique and Rosalind gave them a taste of her treatment. Both ladies
experienced the healing `warm` sensation and concluded that they enjoyed the massage. It is
likely that more than one treatment to treat long-term problems would be necessary, but she
explained that sometimes just one session proved very successful.
After answering many questions, she was thanked by Marian Nelson and everyone agreed this
had been a very interesting talk.
The next meeting will be our Christmas supper at the Star Inn on 2nd December.
JEN CREESE
Teddington Village Hall
Christmas Special Bingo & Booze Night
Saturday, 13th December 2014, 7.30 pm Start
Tickets £5.00 Includes 5 Bingo Game Cards
(Additional cards may be purchased on the night)
Call Brian Foreman for tickets on 620898or email
brianforeman@btinternet.com
Don’t forget to come along to the Teddington Village Hall Christmas Seniors
Drop-In Club - Wednesday 10th December from 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Entrance fee £2.50, includes a cup of tea/coffee and cake. We very much look
forward to seeing you for another fun afternoon.
All proceeds from both events go to the Village Hall upkeep & maintenance.
Page 10
News from Ashton under Hill
Christmas comes To Ashton
You are warmly invited to follow the journey to Bethlehem this
Christmas at St Barbara’s Church
Saturday 6th December
“Messy Church” Session - come and help make Christingles at The
Old Farmhouse at 2.30 pm. Children and parents are
welcome, tea, squash and cake will be provided.
Sunday 7th December
Christingle Service at 3.30 pm - Children will receive Christingles and
there will be a collection for the Children’s Society.
Wednesday 10th December
Ashton Celebration of Christmas at 6.30 pm - Traditional and ever
popular village celebration in words and music including contributions
from the Ashton Singers and Ashton First School, followed by mulled
wine and mince pies.
Collection for CLIC Sargent charity for children with cancer.
Sunday 14th December - Holy Communion Service at 9.30 am
Sunday 21st December
Family Service with a Nativity Theme at 11.00 am including a baptism
Young readers and musicians wanted to take part! Please contact Alex (881487)
Wednesday 24th December - Christmas Eve
Crib Service at 3.30 pm - The Posada returns to St Barbara’s
‘Midnight’ Holy Communion at 10.00 pm
Thursday 25th December - Christmas Day
Family Service of Christmas Praise at 10.00 am
An informal service of carols and readings for Christmas
New Year Songs of Praise
(Wise men needed ... not to mention a camel ...)
You will be most welcome to join in a Songs of Praise
Celebration of New Year and Epiphany on Sunday 4th January
at 11.00 am at St Barbara’s Church with hymns and readings for
the season, followed by refreshments. Please let us know your
choice of hymns, carols and readings: contact Alex on 881487.
A Walk Around the Village of Ashton under Hill
This newly published illustrated guide gives a fascinating look at
some of the interesting and historic buildings in Ashton. Did you
know that there are 35 Listed Buildings in Ashton? 26 of them are
described in this informative book, text, maps and drawings by
John Dodge.
A perfect Christmas stocking filler for your friends and family! The
ideal incentive to get walking in the New Year! To get your copy at
the very reasonable price of only £2, please contact John Dodge at
The Old Farmhouse, 01386 881487; copies are also available in
St Barbara’s Church. All proceeds go to maintaining St Barbara’s
Church, the Grade II* listed oldest surviving building in the village.
Page 11
Day 15 John O’Groats to Land’s End – The Eagle Has Landed Almost
Well my last day (that's the plan anyway), usual routine though, but without sorting clean and not
so clean clothes into the right panniers as they would all get a good wash (like me) when/if I get
home tonight.
Still had a problem (a 'three pipe problem’ as Holmes might say)...would I be able to get my bike
on a Cheltenham bound train, indeed any train today. I did phone the 0844 enquiry number last
night but got the ‘I’m sorry office hours are ....’ Well if they had put the office hours next to the
phone number on their website then I wouldn’t have phoned them would I but (am I being too
devious here) if they earn money from such calls then why would they cut off me as a source of
revenue……..
So I dialled the 0844 number again just after 8.00 a.m. Call picked up in 5 rings and it started
well enough:
India: ‘how may I help you sir.’
Me: ‘I would like a train from Penzance to Cheltenham today please but it must be able to carry
my bicycle, that’s very important.’
India: ‘What time train please.’
Me: ‘Any time as long as I can take my bike with me.’
India: ‘What time train and what sort of ticket.’
Me: ‘off-peak anytime this afternoon as long as I can take my bike.’
India: ‘OK that will be £84.50.’
Me: ‘Well on the website it states £53.30.’
India: ‘Ah yes we don’t have the same website so figures vary sometimes.’
Me: ‘ Well that can’t be right surely, no that can’t be right not a flipping £30 difference.’
India: ‘Well that is the correct anytime off-peak fare.’
Me: ‘is that a return fare?’
India: ‘yes a return fare is what you asked for.’
Me: ‘No I didn’t mention return (Kieran don’t get excited, keep calm I heard a ‘still, small
voice’ say).
Me: ‘I only need a single but I need to take my bike with me.’
India: ‘that will be £53.30.’
Me ‘and can I take my bike with me?’
India ‘I’d have to check with the bicycle reservation team, please hold.’ THERE FOLLOWED A
PAUSE
India: I have spoken with the bicycle reservation team and they are pleased to advise that all the
available spaces have been booked (my hopes built up and then cruelly dashed in the same
sentence)
Me: ‘what on all trains today or just the 14.00 hrs one?’
India ‘on all of them’ (I detected an ever so slight hesitation in her voice so I followed up)
Me: ‘are you sure? Can I speak to the bicycle reservation team myself please.’
India: ‘no I regret cannot put you through.’
Me: ‘well can you give me their number then please.’
India ‘they are an internal team and do not have a telephone number’
Me: ‘ok thank you very much I’ll have to have a think about this, goodbye’
India ‘thank you for your call today and wish you a safe journey and if I could just ask …..’
I didn’t know what she was about to ask because I had cut her off, not in an intentionally rude
way but I had fish to fry and she was fresh out of fish and trains to take my bike and me…..
Flip it was only just gone 8.15 I felt mentally exhausted already.
OK, breakfast consumed, I asked for some directions from Mike the Cockney ‘Bob Hoskins’ B&B
owner and he directed me along to Newlyn and then right for Land’s End. Going that way would
cut out two unnecessary hills that my satnav was about to send me up....‘expletive deleted’ (as
the transcript of Nixon Tapes often contained).
Before I left the B&B, my curiosity got the better of me so I asked ’Mike, who is that talking in the
kitchen?’ ‘Ah, that’s my African Grey [‘lovely plumage’ I heard myself say but that of course was
the Norwegian Blue] would you like to see him?’
Well why not I thought. I should have declined as it was quite sad on reflection. Mike had
bought the bird at 16 weeks old (the bird not him) and now it was 16 years old and still living in a
cage. ‘We let him out now and again’ Mike said ‘only in the kitchen mind, not to fly outside.’ No
Kidding?
Page 12
Later on that morning I remembered one of the poems from school which went something like ‘a
Robin Redbreast in a cage puts all Heaven in a rage’. I’m sure that must apply equally to African
Greys though. So following Mike’s recommendation, I peddled the coast to Newlyn (thank you God
what a beautiful day). As I cycled there I recalled something I had read many years before about
Newlyn attracting painters to it because of the quality of its natural light. Today I could see why....
simply beyond words. I took a right turn and after half a mile I joined up with the A30 minus those
two hills (smugness swept over me – take that satnav). Just 8 miles now to Land’s End, nearly
there. A bit of up and down and a bit twisty-turny but nothing to what I had already experienced.
This gave me time to reflect on the last couple of weeks and how I felt at this
moment, a bit numb in one or two places.
All too soon I was there. Initial impression was that Land’s End was closed!
But later I learnt that Fridays and get this, the weekends, are their quiet days,
with the busiest ones being Tuesdays and Wednesdays! I was low on cash so
found a cash machine. Guess how much the charge was to use it. £1.75!
OK, next thing: I must have photo taken at Land’s End by the professional photographer. He was a knowledgeable local chap who relieved me of my £9.95 in
a friendly and painless manner. As
usual I just had to ask him some questions (I can’t help it – that little bit of knowledge might save
my life one day).
Me: Why do you use mechanical and not digital cameras?
Cameraman: Because the sea air kills digital cameras after two years and they cannot be
repaired like mechanical cameras can.
Me: Is this photo business part of some big conglomerate which also owns other leisure sites?
Cameraman: No, we just lease this small bit with the world famous sign posts and the same at
John O’Groats.
Me: Do many famous people come here?
Cameraman: Yes & if they are really famous then we open early just for them to avoid crowds etc
Me: How long have you and the business been here?
Cameraman I’ve only been here 30 years but the business has been here since 1957 (pointing to
a photo of 4 people in their 20s/30s and indicating the two founders).
The photographer then slipped a little observation in. ‘This signpost isn’t really Land’s End, that’s
down there (pointing to a small headland where the original building still stands albeit significantly
refurbished). So I cycled off down there after he’d taken my two photos (apparently if you do the
End to End for charity you get two photos for the price of one). ‘I’d have my photo in a couple of
weeks’ he said as I left him.
I wasn’t prepared for what came next. On a lovely white washed wall there were two plaques (I’m
a sucker for plaques and the like). So I leant closer expecting them to announce record breaking
attempts on penny-farthings etc. They didn’t. They gave details of two cyclists killed doing the
End to End journey, Derek Hawkins in 2001 and Stuart Miller in 2007. One had cycled ‘end to end’
several times and on his last attempt was knocked off and killed just 10 miles after his start. I
mentioned this to the photographer later and he said that he had taken his photo. I’m glad I’d
started from the other end, I wouldn’t have liked that story echoing around inside my head for the
whole journey….
(Next time: OK I’m here, but can I get home?)
Kieran
Are your Parcels and Deliveries Secure?
At this time of year many of us are ordering items off the internet or through catalogues to be
delivered to our homes. Many of us may not be at home when these deliveries are made.

Please make sure there is a secure area for these parcels/packages to be left if there is
no one home to receive them and give these instructions to the delivery firm.



Get them delivered if possible to your work, a trusted family member or a friend.
Ask a neighbour if they will accept the package on your behalf.
Please be vigilant & report any suspicious activity immediately on the local
101 number.

Remember to dial 999 in an emergency.
For More Information please contact Pershore Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team:
PC Sean Woods & PCSO’s Julie Pardoe and Steve Tinkler on 101 or via email
pershorerural.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
Page 13
BECKFORD W.I.
Our President, Briony Coupe welcomed 28 members to the November meeting which
was also the AGM and she was very pleased to see so many members present.
Everyone had enjoyed the meeting in October which had produced a lot of useful
information about tracing one’s family tree. The planned visit to the Guide Dog Centre in
Leamington Spa has been postponed until the New Year when it is to be hoped that
there will be puppies to see as well as the dogs in training. The scrapbook competition is
to start in earnest this month and members were asked to contribute items to be
included in our entry in the Tim Poole Cup competition. Several members were to
represent Beckford WI at the Group Carol Service in Tewkesbury Methodist Church in
December. This month The Book Club will discuss “The Last Runaway” by Tracey
Chevallier” and members were asked to bring ideas for books to be read and discussed
next year. Ideas for the WI Centenary Project were put forward and a final decision is
due to be made soon. The Christmas Fayre is the next big venture and the Knit and
Natter group have made lots of items for sale and members were reminded that help
was needed in the hall on Saturday 15th November. Then a birthday posy was
presented and the raffle drawn. After that the AGM business was carried out and there
followed the Treasurer’s report in which Jennifer Berriman detailed the financial
statement and the Secretary’s report reminded everyone of the many and varied
activities and talks that had taken place over the last twelve months. Briony then
thanked everyone for their spirit of teamwork which helped make Beckford WI such a
vibrant and active group to belong to. There followed the election of the committee
members. The current members all were elected to stay and Yo Yates was warmly
welcomed back onto the committee.
Briony then introduced our speaker for the evening who was Dee
Woolford. She had come to demonstrate the use of “Jumping Clay”,
an air drying modelling clay which has a number of uses as a craft
medium as well as an educational material for children. She first
demonstrated the three basic shapes from which figures could be
made then gave everyone some pieces of orange and black clay and
showed us how to stretch and fold the clay together to produce a uniform brown piece of clay. It is called “jumping” clay because it bounces when dropped!
She then showed how to make a reindeer’s head which could be used as a decorative
pencil topper and everyone used the clay to produce their own reindeer head. After that
the members were encouraged to examine the many models Dee had prepared and
each person chose one to try and copy or alternatively made something unique.
At the end of the session Briony thanked Dee for a fascinating evening’s craft activity
and everyone agreed that it was very satisfying to achieve such impressive results in
such a short time. Refreshments were served and the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
The next meeting is on Monday 8th December at 7.30 pm when we are to be entertained
by the Bishop’s Cleeve Players and members are asked to bring a plate of festive food
to share. Visitors are most welcome.
Clare Henderson, Meeting Secretary
The Cavendish Family and their Houses 1550-1900
Kemerton Lectures: 15th January – 26th March 2015 (10 sessions)
Thursdays, 7.30 – 9.30 pm, Victoria Hall, Kemerton
Dr Gillian White, art historian and former Collections
Manager at NT Hardwick Hall, will share with us her
knowledge and enthusiasm!
Fee: £50 per term. Visitors welcome (£5 per lecture)
Further details from Sue Bennett, 01386 725 245
Page 14
FROM OVERBURY
Overbury Family Bonfire and Fireworks
A record crowd attended our popular annual event on a perfect evening
and were rewarded with a huge bonfire which consumed five Guy
Fawkes. The winning guy, judged by Dina Chevens, was made by the
children in the Overbury Grasshoppers Nursery School. This was
followed by the most stunning Firework display we have ever had, thanks
to Bruce Bosom who enjoyed them every bit as much as the rest of us.
Welcome refreshments were provided as usual by parents from Overbury School and
the bucket collection produced a staggering £1185, in aid of the Village Hall Kitchen
Fund.
Overbury Street Market Donations
At a meeting of the Donations Committee on Sunday 9th November, proceeds
totalling £4028 from this year’s event were distributed as follows:
St Faith’s Church £2000 (towards insurance); Overbury Cricket Club £500 (towards
a mower); and Overbury Village Hall £604 (further improvements and repairs).
Bridget Worley’s Singing Group received £150 (towards the cost of tuition). In
addition £774 had already been allocated to The Friends of Overbury School.
The 2015 Street Market will be held on Saturday 11th July.
Andrew John
CHRISTMAS BULB SALE on SATURDAY 6th DECEMBER
10am until 12 noon at Overbury Village Hall
Including Bulbs in baskets and containers, other Useful
Presents, a Raffle and Refreshments
Entrance £1: In aid of The Friends of St Faith’s Church
Overbury School Report
Bonfire Night
The annual bonfire and fireworks evening was as spectacular as ever and attended by
record numbers this year, causing the ‘Friends of Overbury First School’ to run out of
hot beverages on their refreshment stand! They raised a staggering £750 for the school,
so a huge thank you is given to everyone who helped to ‘refuel.’
Assemblies
The children partook in a special remembrance assembly and held a 2 minute silence in
memory of those who have been affected in conflict. Bob James, from The Samaritans,
also came in to hold an assembly on their Christmas Shoebox Appeal, a charitable
project the children cherish involvement in. For more information, please visit:
http://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
Pilgrim’s Quest
Pupils in Sundial Class have been on a trip to Worcester Cathedral this month where
they learnt what a pilgrim’s quest would have entailed, including artistic craft work based
on shells, giving them a lasting souvenir that is similar to a historical souvenir the
pilgrim’s themselves would have had.
Other School News
Excitingly, a collection of WW1 art, made by the children, was exhibited at Kemerton
Village Hall in early November. Well done artists! As a school, we are pleased to host
this year’s Rotary Club Competition for ‘Young Writers and Young Artists,’ a first for our
school as we haven’t had the facilities to do so before.
OUR SPACIOUS SCHOOL HALL IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE. Please contact
the school office for details on 01386 725235 or email office@overbury.worcs.sch.uk.
Page 15
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
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“EXISTING DISPLAYS FOR SALE”
Vale Kitchens
54 Cheltenham Road,
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WR11 2JZ
01386 765959
www.thevalegroup.com
45 Year Anniversary
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Page 16
Vale Kitchen Studio
54 Andover Road,
Cheltenham,
GL20 2TL
01242 224404
PARISH DIRECTORY
Canon Matthew Baynes
01684 772237
mbaynes@toucansurf.com
Priest in Charge Beckford Group Parish
Pastoral Area of Responsibility: Beckford, Teddington and Alstone
Rector of Bredon with Bredon’s Norton,
Revd. Susan Renshaw
01386 750203
revsusan@btinternet.com
Associate Priest
Area of Responsibility: Overbury
Vicar of Eckington with Defford and Besford, Rural Dean of Pershore
Revd. Richard Worsley
01386 710394
richardjworsley@btinternet.com
Associate Priest
Area of Responsibility: Ashton under Hill
Priest in Charge of Elmley Castle with Bricklehampton and The Combertons &
Associate Priest in Overbury with Teddington, Alstone and Little Washbourne
with Beckford and Ashton-under-Hill
Revd. Clive Parr
01386 710700
cw.parr@btinternet.com
Associate Priest part-time Non-Stipendiary Minister
Readers
Treasurer
Parish Enquiries
Capt. Dennis Oxley Flat 6, 49, Church St. Tewkesbury,
01684 850791
John Dodge
The Old Farmhouse, Ashton under Hill
01386 881487
Roger Palmer
5, Hill View Cottages, Cheltenham Road 01386 881746
Mike Sanger-Davies
01386 881910
via The Rectory, Bredon
01684 772237
Parish Secretary: Amanda Bath
amanda.parishoffice@talktalk.net
Tues 9 - 12, The Rectory, Bredon
01684 772237
Fri 9 - 12, Parish Office, Beckford
01386 881349
Transport Co-ordinators
Saint John The Baptist’s Church,
Beckford
Churchwarden
David Carvill
01386 882002
Secretary
Graham Galer
01386 882200
Treasurer
Jane McCauley
01386 882929
Organist
Mike Sanger Davies 01386 881910
Flowers
Doreen Byrd
01386 881360
Bell ringers
Nick Hopkins
01386 881711
Overbury
Teddington
Alstone
Ashton
Beckford
Faith Hallett
Rosie Atkin
Betty Beckman
Ann Carnegie
Roger Palmer
01386 725206
01242 620565
01242 620289
01386 882393
01386 881746
Minibus
Andy Richmond
Andrew Barnett
Saint Faith’s Church, Overbury
Churchwarden
Faith Hallett
01386 725206
Secretary
Christine Clark
01386 725405
Treasurer
Derek Rooney
01386 725585
Organist
Anne Brown
01684 292231
Flowers
Nicky Sentance
01386 725309
Bell ringers
Ros Long
01386 725111
01386 881237
01386 881145
Disability Awareness Representatives
Alex Dodge
Nicky Sentance
01386 881487
01386 725309
Magazine
Editor
Chris Godfrey
01242 620006
Email: christine.godfrey@tiscali.co.uk
Advertising
Shirley Ellis
01386 41400
E-mail: shirleyandrupert@btinternet.com
Saint Barbara’s Church,
Ashton-under-Hill
Churchwardens
Malcolm Nelson 01386 881778
Alex Dodge
01386 881487
Secretary
Alex Dodge
01386 881487
Treasurer
Robin Welton
01386 881959
Organist
Anthony Greenwood 01386 881278
Flowers
Judith Hunter
01386 882087
Bell ringers
Nick Hopkins
01386 881711
Treasurer
Laurence Alexander
The Old Police Station, Beckford,
Tewkesbury, GL20 7AD
Saint Margaret’s Church, Alstone &
St. Nicholas’ Church, Teddington
Churchwardens
Anne Kyle,
01242 620351
Kieran Whelan
01242 620763
Secretary
Nicholas Bentley 01242 620292
Treasurer
Mike Wignall
01242 620031
Flowers:
Teddington
Mary Healey
01242 620412
Alstone
Jane Rogers
01242 620592
Organist
Matthew Birch
01386 881980
News Team
Beckford
Jessie Alexander
Chapelries Bill & Anne Kyle
Overbury
Ros Long
Ashton
Alastair Humphrey
01386 881814
01386
01242
01386
01386
Web Sites
www.bredonhillgroup.org
Page 17
881814
620351
725111
881479
2nd
3rd
5th
6th
8th
9th
10th
11th
13th
16th
17th
21st
28th
See inside front cover for Carol, Crib and other Christmas Services
Ashton W.I. Christmas Supper at The Star
Beckford Gardening Club AGM and American Supper, Beckford V.H. 7:30pm
Ashton Lunch Club, Chapel Hall
12:30 pm
Christmas Bulb Sale, Overbury Village Hall
10:00am - noon
Beckford W.I. with the Bishop Cleeve Players, Beckford V.H.
7:30pm
Simply Soup, Beckford Village Hall
12:30pm
Teddington Senior’s Drop In Club, Teddington V.H.
2:30 - 4:30pm
Ashton Celebration of Christmas
6:30pm
PACT Surgery, Beckford Post Office
11:30 - 12:30pm
Tewkesbury & District Choral Society Music For Christmas - see page 7
Christmas Bingo, Teddington Village Hall - see page 10
Deadline for magazine entries for January issue
Coffee Morning & Open House, Bredon Rectory
10:00am - noon
Carol Singing Around Alstone - see page 9
Candlelit Christmas Concert, St Faith’s, Overbury - see page 7
United Parish Worship, Beckford
10:00am
Barbara O'Neill’s 90th Birthday
Thank you to everyone for the cards and best wishes that I received
on the occasion of my recent 90th birthday. It was an enjoyable day in
Sheffield meeting up with children and granddaughter and their
respective partners. I intend to keep walking and repeat the
experience in future years,
Barbara
SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2015!!!
Just a reminder that these will be due at the beginning of January. Once again we are
pleased that they remain at the remarkably low price of £5 for the year. Your continued
support in both purchasing and contributing to the magazine is much appreciated .
Ashton Lunch Club
In advance: Please note that there will be no lunch club in January.
Normal service will resume on February 6th. Many thanks for your
support throughout 2014.
Parish Minibus Shopping Trips in December
5th and 12th Bishops Cleeve
19th Worcester
Picks up from all villages on request.
Call Andy Richmond on 881237 or Andrew Barnett on 881145