This page is updated on an ad hoc basis with local gossip that does not necessarily make it to the papers. This gossip column is not always 100% accurate (so please don't pick holes!), and presents an alternative view of village life. However, many of the items are based on fact. We hope you'll be able to spot which is which. Any views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by any official body whatsoever but hopefully may provide you with a bit of amusement, as well as keeping you up to date on what has happened in the village. If anyone feels a comment is offensive, please be assured that none is intended to be, and email the webmaster immediately to have it amended or removed. Likewise, if you have a story to tell, also email the webmaster. All gossip welcome! And thanks to those who continue to contribute. Click on any hyperlink (like this) to be taken to the relevant page.
Need Gossip from 2009 or 2008? Click here. Happy reading...
Dateline: 7th July 2010
Hi all
I hope you won't mind a general email but I wanted to let you all know about a fundraiser that we are doing for our primary school as a parting boost before Rory leaves and 'that is it' for us with primary school (big boo hoos). So, we are planning a night with supper, a licensed bar and a live 10-piece band (of which I am 1-piece!! dont larf).
Love it if you could make it, but there is a catch. You will have to pay £15 each for the utter pleasure, which,of course, it will be.
Here are the details:
10 July
7.30-midnight
Ramsbury memorial hall
posh if you like, but no jeans. Some will be in djs.
Let me know if you would like to come. I have tickets!!!!
If you need tickets for this event email the webmaster
Dateline: 8th June 2010
HEAT Events coming up....thanks Sue!
Tues 8th June: Talk by local author Peter McManners - Thatcham Town Council Chamber, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham RG18 3HF. 7.30pm
Local author Peter McManners shares his views on Climate Change plus chance to see his electric e-mini car Sat 12th June: Walk on Freeman's Marsh to look for Summer Birds 9-11am
Roger Frankum, whose family has been surveying the plants and birds on the marsh for many years, will be leading the walk. Don't forget to bring the binoculars. Meet outside St Lawrence's Church. For more info contact (07932) 322163 or access@townandmanor.co.uk Sun 13th June: Organic Farm Walk at Elm Farm, Hampstead Marshall, Newbury RG20 0HR 2-4pm
One of the national Open Farm Sunday events, Bob Winfield, Education Officer will lead a walk to see the farm and its wildlife. Wellies or strong bookts are recommended and dogs on leads are welcome. Contact Bob Winfield on (01488) 658298 if any questions http://www.efrc.com/ Wed 16th June: Green Exchange Forum, Council Chamber, Market Place, Newbury 7.30-9.30pm
A chance to share ideas and news on green issues across West Berks. Anyone interested in or involved with community groups or green issues welcome. Call Anthony Armitage on 01635 503267 or aarmitage@westberks.gov.ukSat 19th June: Plant Sale at Fairfields Allotments, School Lane, Hungerford 11am
Tea / coffee and cakes available too. Any donations of plants very welcome, please call Louise on 685031 or bring on the day. Sat 19th June: Froxfield Picnic on the Green 3pm
Bring your own picnic or BBQ (BBQ facilities provided). Beer tent with local ales. Jazz by the Dodgy Jammers. Fun & Games for all ages (tug of war, sack races etc). Steam engine rides. Sat 19th June: Walk to look for Wild Flowers on Freeman's Marsh, Hungerford 5-6.30pm
The marsh is a great place to see rare and uncommon plants. Lois Pihlens will guide us around looking at wild flowers including marsh orchids, bog bean and ragged robin. Meet at the swing bridge in the middle of the marsh. For more info contact (07932) 322163 or access@townandmanor.co.uk
Suz McKillop
HEAT Food Group
www.hungerford.uk.net/HEAT
0779 11 55 084 / 01488 680642
Dateline: 6th June 2010
Oscar Davies, aged 15, and a Chilton Foliat resident for 10 years, is one of the finalists in the prestigious classical music event, The Southern Sinfonia Young Musician of the Year 2010. The final will take place at Newbury's Corn Exchange at 3pm on Sunday, 20th June. He is performing on the clarinet, an instrument on which he recently gained a distinction in his grade VIII. Oscar did some of his clarinet practice over the years in Chilton Foliat!
To reach the final, Oscar had to undergo a rigorous selection process, including an audition by internationally known musicians.
There are a small number of young finalists, and it promises to be a concert well worth attending.
You can check it out on Oscar's school website, which has strong links to the Newbury area, as well as the Corn Exchange website. Your webmaster recommends the event to all villagers. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Kind regards
Nick Davies
07748 421784
Dateline: 2nd June 2010
Chilton Foliat's 4th Annual Flower and Vegetable Show & Beer Festival (with live jazz) takes place at The Wheatsheaf on Bank Holiday Monday 30th August. Hopefully, by now all your gardens are stocked with young plants ready to bear prize-winning offerings at the end of the summer! The show features the biggest marrow competition and marrow plants are now available from the Wheatsheaf, at a cost of £2 towards 'We Are Macmillan'. Entry forms will be available from the Wheatsheaf from 1st July. For full details, drop in for a pint and ask Ben or Tracy!
Dateline: 2nd June 2010
A Truly Village Affair
Thanks and praise to all the villagers that turned out in such numbers on bank holiday Monday for the big litter pick. The weather was kind as Chilton became a hive of activity from all directions as every bit of debris was collected by the volunteers leaving the village looking absolutely fabulous. A huge thank you to all who turned out and for a super job.
Dateline: 21st May 2010
Please find attached minutes of the Annual Parish meeting (to be approved next May) and the Annual general meeting to be approved at the next meeting of the Parish Council on July 13th.
Graham Francis
Clerk to the Council
Dateline: 19th May 2010
Dear Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator,
Wiltshire & Swindon Neighbourhood Watch Events
This is an update regarding messages my colleague David Budd and myself
originally circulated on 16th April 2010 regarding some forthcoming
Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) events to be held around the county as
follows:
- Saturday 5th June 2010 at Police Headquarters, Devizes, commencing at 2.00pm
- Wednesday 9th June 2010 at Divisional Police Headquarters, Gable Cross, Swindon, commencing at 6.30pm.
- Wednesday 16th June 2010 at Salisbury Police Station, commencing at 6.30pm
These are important events where the Wiltshire & Swindon Neighbourhood Watch Association (W&SNHWA) and Wiltshire Police hope to be able to update NHW Area and Scheme Coordinators and therefore urge as many as possible to register to attend. The itinerary will include the following:
- An update regarding the current status of NHW in Wiltshire and Swindon and its future developments
- An outline of what level of liaison NHW Coordinators should expect of their local Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT's)
- Discuss the role of NHW Coordinators and how this role links with scheme members and the police
- Provide a forum for NHW Coordinators to raise issues regarding NHW in Wiltshire & Swindon
- Receive a presentation from Smart Water Technology Ltd, who have kindly agreed to sponsor the Devizes event, regarding Smart Water applications such as Index Spray and property marking systems
If you wish to attend one of the above events, please contact David Budd by email david.budd@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk or by post to register your interest. Places are limited at each event, therefore registering your interest is essential.
Please Note: If you have already notified David of your intention to attend there is no need to do so again.
David's contact details are:
David J Budd
Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer
Community Affairs Department
Trowbridge Police Station
Polebarn Road
Trowbridge
BA14 7EP
Tel: 01225 794659
Dateline: 18th May 2010
Dear All,
In reference to the NPT surgeries in Aldbourne and Ramsbury on the 31st
of May which is the bank holiday. I will still be in attendance even
though the libraries will be closed. I will be outside the library at
the advertised time in a marked police vehicle.
Sorry for any confusion
PCSO Jonathan Mills
Marlborough Police
Dateline: 18th May 2010
The official launch of the Chilton Foliat community defibrillator will take place on Monday 24th May at 1400. Those who have been involved in setting up the scheme and would lie their photo in the papers should attend along with any person who would like to find out more about the scheme. I will be on hand to answer any questions raised at the time.
The scheme is now fully operational and training courses in how to operate the defibrillator and how to do CPR will be available for all villagers from June onwards. It is important to stress that training is not a prerequisite for using the village defibrillator. In an emergency where a person collapses the caller will be issued with the cabinet access code (by the ambulance service) regardless of whether or not they have been trained in how to use the defibrillator.
Richard Schofield
Community Heartbeat Trust (Wiltshire)
Dateline: 17th May 2010
The latest Marlborough Police Bulletin
Dateline: 16th May 2010
Received from LQ of the Parish Council:
In case some of you are wondering where the River Kennet signs have temporarily moved to - fear not! They have not been stolen but have been taken down for re-painting and will re put back, as new, very soon.
Dateline: 13th May 2010
Thanks to all the visitors to the website over the past few months. We've just received the figures for April and they were the highest since January.
Dateline: 4th May 2010
Received from the CFWI
Please find attached the May Newsletter.
The latest WI Newsletter is now available on the WI page. If you have any questions regarding WI events or would like to join the Chilton Foliat WI please email the womens institute
Dateline: 23rd April 2010
Excerpt from Newbury Today...if you have any information please contact the Police using the number below
Neighbours praised for action after burglary
By Clare Hardy, Reporter - Phone: (01635) 564538
Burglars thought to have stopped off at the Halfway Inn near Newbury and police now seek witnesses
POLICE are trying to trace three burglars allegedly spotted near Newbury after raiding a property in Chilton Foliat.
A small group of neighbours chased after the three men at about 2pm on Tuesday (April 20), as they jumped into a silver Vauxhall Vectra with a false number plate reading KN51 WBW.
The driver was reported to have deliberately driven towards the witnesses, one of whom managed to smash the rear windscreen as the car sped off towards a local landmark called the triangle.
The vehicle turned right and headed back towards the A338, before heading back to the A4 where it was seen travelling at speed towards Newbury.
It was found abandoned in a field in Halfway, on the A4 between Hungerford and Newbury, just 10 minutes later.
Police are now urging any other witnesses to the incident come forward.
The suspects are described as three white males, the first of which is thought to be aged between 18 to 20 years, 5ft 7in tall, with short ginger hair, slightly chubby and wearing a beetroot-coloured jumper.
The second is described as being in his early 20s, 5ft 9in tall, with short blonde hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark-coloured jumper with a black T-shirt underneath.
The third man is described as being about 40-years-old, 5ft 9in tall, of skinny build, with darkish blonde or ginger collar-length hair and was wearing an olive or cream-coloured jacket and jeans.
Dc David Hunt of Wiltshire Police, who is investigating the incident, said: "This highlights the need for the community to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours and it is thanks to the vigilance of the witnesses in this case that the police have several leads to follow."
He said that he needed people to tell him of any sightings of the car. "I also need assistance with sightings of the three men in Halfway, near Newbury, where I suspect that they attended the Halfway Inn.
"The Silver Vectra would have been very noticeable with its rear windscreen smashed and it is highly likely that the vehicle was being driven erratically and possibly at high speeds."
Anyone with information should telephone Dc Hunt on 0845 408 7000.
Click here for the Newbury News website
Dateline: 22nd April 2010
Received from a web visitor
A new class for Pilates has started in Chilton Foliat village hall every Thursday during term time from 2pm - 3pm. For full details please contact Catherine Lebreuil on (01672) 521064.
Catherine is a Pilates Level 3 teacher and welcomes beginners to come along for an informal chat.
Dateline: 17th April 2010
The latest Marlborough Police Bulletins for April are available here --> and here -->. Worth noting that there has been an increase in incidences of theft of lead from rooves due to higher scrap and raw metal prices. If you see anything or have any information regarding this or any other crime, please contact Jonathan Mills using the details in the newsletter.
Dateline: 15th April 2010
Chilton Foliat WI would like to thank all those who came along to the Wine & Food event last Saturday.
Never let it be said ever again that we are just "Jam & Jerusalem"! What we are can be anything we want to be and although we are a very small WI, (just 10 members), we have a variety of talents between us and we do have a lot of fun.
This was the WI at it is best, getting people together having fun, with delicious food and good wine, I cannot guarantee the wine on every occasion though!
Denman college near Abingdon is the WIs own college of education and has hundreds of courses to suit all tastes so if you wanted to do a short course, a days workshop or a longer week course the choice is yours and Chilton Foliat are proud to be able to offer a £100 bursary to any full member wishing to attend a course at Denman another reason to join. The annual membership is £29.50 but if you join in October you get a full 15 months for your money so many benefits for a WI member plus the chance to meet new people and share your views on current affairs.
The diary of events is here on this web site for you to browse through and if you feel like coming to one of our meetings as a visitor please do, you will get a warm welcome and it will only costs £2.50 per person. Otherwise do you have a talent that you would like to share? then please call the secretary as we are always looking for local people to come along and be our guest for an evening and we do pay a reasonable fee.
For more information follow the link on this web site or click here.
Dateline: 14th April 2010
Skills Sharing Workshop 6
Understanding Home Energy Use : Thurs 15 Apr 7.30pm United Reformed Church Hall £2
An introduction to saving energy at home including how to use an energy monitor, which appliances use most energy and bills. Bring a calculator and your last 12 month's bills if you'd like to join in practical exercises. Owl energy monitors available to borrow.
Family Guided Bike Ride Sunday 18 April meet 11am Town Hall steps
Approx 10 mile ride out from and returning back to Hungerford. There'll be time for a pub lunch en route so bring some money if you'd like to lunch. There may be hills but as it'll be at a relaxed pace there's no need to be an athlete to keep up.
Contact Caroline Collins of Spokes on 07712 470405 if any questions
HEAT Community Allotment Thurdays evenings 7pm from 22 April
Join in, sociable gardening on plot 72 Marsh Lane site. Call 680642 if any questions or just turn up. No experience necessary.
Saturday Morning Cookery Classes for Dads/Male Carers and their children (7–11 yrs) at John O’Gaunt School, Hungerford Starting Sat 24 April
10am – 12noon 6 sessions for £15 (ingredients supplied) to book your place call Tessa 0118 961 2000 or 07894 099385
Suz McKillop
HEAT Food Group
www.hungerford.uk.net/HEAT
suemckillop2002@yahoo.co.uk
0779 11 55 084 / 01488 680642
Dateline: 8th April 2010
The latest WI Newsletter is now available on the WI page. If you have any questions regarding WI events or would like to join the Chilton Foliat WI please email the womens institute
Dateline: 31st March 2010
The 9th Farm Bulletin from Wiltshire Police |
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Dateline: 26th March 2010
We have received notice that the village defibrillator has now been commissioned by the Emergency Services so is there for use in the event of a Cardiac Arrest. It is situated on the wall of the village hall (outside) and faces the Wheatheaf Pub. Anyone needing more information on this excellent resource paid for by local money - please get in touch
Dateline: 18th March 2010
The Village Hall Committee had their meeting the other day and have attached a list of their up and coming events for the Village Hall! Remember, if you need to hire the Village Hall you will have to book first - details on the newsletter at the bottom -->
Dateline: 16th March 2010
Well it appears our very own JS and KS completed their mammoth fundraising RUN up the stairs of the Empire State Building. It is a huge achievement and I am sure that you will join me in congratulating both of them for completing this exclusive event. For a full report on the event from one of the runners, click the
pdf icon -->
Dateline: 13th March 2010
Received from the WI Secretary
The latest newsletter from the Chilton Foliat Womens Institute (CFWI) is now available! - click here to go to the WI page for your copy now or email the CFWI for more information
Dateline: 12th March 2010
The latest Marlborough Police Bulletin for March is available here --> . Details for contacting Jonathan Mills are in the document.
Dateline: 10th March 2010
The minutes from the last Parish Council Meeting. Click on the icon here to download the minutes.
Dateline: 5th March 2010
Dear All,
Can I draw your attention to the April meeting which will be a major fund raiser for our WI so please tell all your friends and neighbors and try to support this event, thank you.
Liz
Please visit the WI page to see the latest newsletter for March - you can download a copy there too. Any comments or questions for the WI, please email here.
Dateline: 2nd March 2010
Agenda received from the Clerk of the Parish Council ahead of the meeting on the 9th March at 8pm. Click on the icon here to download the agenda. Remember that everyone is welcome to go along to the Parish Council Meetings. A full schedule of the meetings should be available soon on the Diary
Dateline: 26th February 2010
RURAL CRIME UPDATE TO COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIPS
Good evening:
Just a brief update for you in respect of our series of rural crime,
burglaries, thefts of motor vehicles and agricultural machinery, and
thefts of heating oil in the Marlborough and Pewsey Community areas.
Insp NOBLE, myself, and our Community Beat Managers remain committed
to providing high visibility patrols at peak offence times across our
community areas. Tonight for instance we have an extra four of us
working through to 0400 hrs, and this will continue for several days.
We have been running this targeted patrol scheme for several weeks
now.
We have noted a sharp decrease in the overall number of offences being
reported and believe this to be directly attributable to our increased
presence in rural areas, and our tactics of proactively searching for
and stopping all load carrying vehicles travelling through our areas.
Our intention at the outset was to prevent and detect crime, and to
interfere which the movements of travelling criminals, hopefully
gaining valuable intelligence in the process.
On the night of the 23rd February a vehicle attempted to avoid Police
Officers on the outskirts of Wootton Basset, was abandoned, but
following a search a male was subsequently arrested for going equipped
to steal. The intelligence relating to the vehicle came from a farm
in our community area when the vehicle was seen in suspicious
circumstances there. The Farmer reported it, the intelligence was
recorded immediately and led to this successful arrest. A quad bike
was also recovered nearby and although believed to be connected to the
arrested male we are unable to substantiate that.
We have also identified a suspect for theft of heating oil and are
actively gathering intelligence on that individual.
Information has been provided to us in respect of cross border
criminals from Thames Valley. We are aware of their vehicles and have
added these to our list of patrol targets.
Whilst assuring you of the continued presence of Police patrols in
your community areas it may be that you have noticed a slight
reduction in the visibility of your Community Beat Manager. This will
be solely due to their efforts directed towards combating rural crime
during the early hours of the morning. At this time we are not sure
how long we will have to continue with our high visibility rural
patrols but you will still be able to contact your Beat Manager
through the usual methods.
Thank you for your support.
Ben BRAINE
Police Sergeant 261
Marlborough/Pewsey Neighbourhood Policing Team
Tel:(0845) 408 7000
Ext:739815/747815
Mobile:(07969) 500451
Email: Ben.Braine@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk
Wiltshire Police - 170 years of public service
.....................
"LISTENing to our communities we will work together to provide a quality service that people value"
Dateline: 25th February 2010
Received from Wiltshire Police - a map showing recent high value fuel thefts. If you have any information on this or any other matter, please contact Jonathan Mills PCSO 6093 at Wiltshire Police on (0845) 408 7000 Extension 739-818. |
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Dateline: 23rd February 2010
After Mr. X has started his, to be honest very frank column, it is not surprising that some of you have registered your disapproval. I am happy to print/retract all content sent in - just email me with your comments.
Dateline: 21st February 2010
Received from a web visitor
Dear Sir/Madam,
Having just sat through several episode of ‘The Victorian Kitchen Garden’, I thought that I might see if the gardens would come up on ‘Google maps’. The gardens look derelict or at least untended. Have they been abandoned? Are they still owned by the Hall? I know that Harry Dodson lived there until his death in 2005. Any info that you are able to relate would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your attention.
Mr Chris Foster
Dateline: 18th February 2010
Received from a web visitor
Hi,
I am wondering if the walled garden is still there. It appears to be from aerial photos on current internet maps. If so, is it still in operation - and who owns it?! (I have to confess a personal interest as I am looking to film some slapstick comedy in a garden like this.)
Chris
MOMO Theatre Ltd
Tel: (01865) 776427
Website: www.momotheatre.co.uk
VAT REG NO.: 930 9450 25
COMPANY NO.: 6450993
Dateline: 14th February 2010
The 2nd February Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin from Wiltshire Police |
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Dateline: 5th February 2010
Rumour has it that "Mr. X" has started his own column on the village website. Who is Mr. X? You can find a link to his column here
Dateline: 4th February 2010
We have had a new enquiry through on the Contacts & Ancestors page–click here to see it or email the webmaster with your comments. Thanks.
Dateline: 3rd February 2010
The February Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin from Wiltshire Police |
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Dateline: 3rd February 2010
Well it's February already - how many people have been writing 2009 instead of 2010? The UK is finally [officially] out of recession according to the stats from the end of last year, Cadbury has been bought out by Kraft Foods [latest here] and (hopefully) the cold weather, snow, ice and dark mornings are behind us!
See the entry below for an update on potholes around the local area - the council are filling holes like never before apparently - the webmaster is not convinced and thinking of sending his tracking and tyre change bill to the local council.
On a less controversial but rather geeky note, visitor stats for the site are at all time high! The site received 800 unique visitors last month alone - it was half that last September. Thanks to all those who have visited including countries as far away as Myanmar! (or Burma for those of you of a certain age). Also, a first for the village website, someone has even been logging in from their PDA/Smartphone (the webmaster can assure you that he doesn't have anything remotely that exciting or up to date). As usual, please feel free to email me with feedback, comments, adverts or events that you think should be included in the Diary page.
The WI and Village Hall Committee events are all now listed on the Diary page. I'll be posting minutes from meetings of the above regularly as downloadable PDFs so if you don't have chance to attend the public meetings or, like some of our visitors, aren't in the local area, you can still access the information and keep yourself up to date. Newsletters from the WI and Police too will be posted so watch this space!
Some of you will have noticed that the latest Farm Bulletin is included below - this is like the Neighbourhood Watch bulletin from our local Wiltshire Police - I'll post them here on the gossip column and on the Neighbourhood Watch page once it's finished.
Dateline: 27th January 2010
Hello,
I am running a course in Aldbourne (details below) where I used to live and would welcome details being listed in your diary.
Many thanks,
JF
Event: Wild food and foraging course
Time: 9:15am
Date: Saturday 10th April
Location: Aldbourne
Link: www.hedgerow-harvest.com
Dateline: 27th January 2010
Wiltshire Council PR 3294 26/01/2010 [For Immediate Release]
Council wages war on potholes
Wiltshire Council's highways team has waged war on potholes, filling more
than 2,300 in the first week since the severe weather started to clear up.
Usually the council fills on average 200 potholes a week during the winter
but after the county was gripped by the extremely cold weather two weeks
ago, highways officers have been working round the clock filling more than
450 a day.
The damage has been caused by the prolonged cold weather following a very
wet November and early December. Some of the road damage is serious and the
highways team is looking at which stretches need to be completely
resurfaced.
There have been ground temperatures of minus seven degrees centigrade on and
off since mid December and only now after the temperature has risen and the
ice has thawed has the serious damage become visible.
The council did anticipate this and has its largest ever stock of a new
highly durable repair material. To help with the effort, staff have been
temporarily moved from their normal jobs. Last week (January 18 to 22), the
council spent approximately £125,000 on the repairs.
Town centres and all A and B roads have already been patrolled and the most
serious potholes have been filled. This process is being repeated on minor
roads. There are between 60 and 80 people working on this at present.
Cllr Dick Tonge, cabinet member responsible for highways, said: "We realise
how important it is to get the roads repaired as quickly as possible after
this severe weather. Our staff are making excellent progress working hard to
complete the repairs."
Cllr Tonge added: "We would encourage people to report serious potholes to
CLARENCE on 0800 232323 and we will fill them as soon as we can. However, we
are prioritising the most serious ones, and would ask people to bear this in
mind when calling in."
The council is also refilling grit bins in case there is more severe weather
in the coming weeks.
Dateline: 24th January 2010
Welcome to the New Year from Chilton Foliat WI. The new diary of events for 2010 is now available, if you would like a copy please contact the secretary, thankyou.
This subscription charge for this year is £29.50 per person and unless otherwise stated we meet in the village hall at 7.15pm on the second Thursday of each month except August. Once a member you will receive a monthly newsletter with all the information about the next meeting and articles of interest from both County and National Federations. Visitors are always welcome to WI meetings for £2.50 per person and we also welcome ideas for interesting speakers.
Our main fundraiser this year will be on Saturday April 10th when we will be hosting a fabulous Wines & Food of the World event with produce from 8 different countries, there will also be a wine expert on hand giving their advice and information about various wines. Please see the Chilton web site diary for more information nearer the time.
Liz O
Dateline: 22nd January 2010
The 6th Farm Bulletin from Wiltshire Police |
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Dateline: 21st January 2010
Received from a web visitor
Please can you tell me if the walled gardens that harry attended to can be visited at all and also is chilton the place where he was laid to rest as i am a gardener myself and harry is a true hero of mine? Many thanks
If anyone can help Mr. W please email the website with comments by clicking here
Dateline: 19th January 2010
Received from Mr. S – one of the runners!
Empire State Building Run Up
Chilton Foliat residents Keith Smibert and John Summers are taking part in the 33rd Empire State Building Run Up on the 2nd February in New York. The run involves climbing 86 stories and 1,576 steps – a climb of 1,050 feet.
This will be the third time Keith has entered this invitational event, with John stepping up for the first time. Only about 120 runners get invited each year with only a handful from the UK. The record for the ascent is 9 minutes and 33 seconds but Keith and John are looking for times closer to 18 minutes - which still requires climbing a flight of stairs every 12.5 seconds. In both Keith’s previous run ups he has raised money for the Dreams Come True charity, which serves the whole of the UK and aims to bring joy to children who are terminally or seriously ill by making their dreams come true. Anyone wishing to sponsor the duo can contact Keith on (01488) 683527 or (07900) 881488, all donations will go to the charity as flights and accommodation costs are covered.
Training for the event has been hampered somewhat by the snow, but the use of head torches and studded running shoes has allowed some training to continue. This explains the mysterious lights seen going up and down the hill to the Sewage Farm – did you know that running up and down to the Sewage Farm gates 22 times gives the same height gain as the Empire State Building ( a possible question for the next village hall quiz).
And yes after the race they will be catching the lift back down!
Dateline: 13th January 2010
Sent in by the WI
Chilton Foliat WI
The Ceramics Workshop planned for Thursday 14th January has had to be postponed due to the weather.
Please see this site for the revised date in the near future. Any further news or inquiries please contact the secretary, thank you.
Dateline: 12th January 2010
We have a male teacher on a temporary placement (up until March) who needs somewhere to live (within walking distance of the school) on a B & B-type arrangement (including weekends). Do you have any availability or know of someone who might? Please contact John O’Gaunt Community Technology College (01488) 682400.
Thank you
Dateline: 9th January 2010
Received from Wiltshire Council
Helping your neighbour during the snow
People in Wiltshire are being urged to keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours and friends during this spell of wintery weather.
With the cold spell forecast to last well into next week with the possibility of more snow over the weekend, it may be difficult for some people to get out to pick up everyday essentials or to seek help if they need it.
Wiltshire Council is working with its partners to support communities and vulnerable people and it is urging people to consider spending a little time, where it is needed, to help their neighbours
Mark Kimberlin, head of emergency planning at the council, said: "A little time spent helping people with even a simple task such as picking up a pint of milk and some bread may be a big help for many people who otherwise might have difficulties."
Dateline: 8th January 2010
Severe Weather Briefing 4. (Wiltshire Council)
Today has seen a great deal of activity by the highways teams to keep the road network flowing. However, the conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight as temperatures drop. The following information has been released through our press office:
- Hazardous overnight driving conditions
- People are being warned to take extreme care if they have to travel in Wiltshire this evening (January 6) or tomorrow morning (January 7)
- Temperatures are expected to fall well below freezing and this will lead to extremely icy conditions on both roads and pavements
- Overnight Wiltshire Council highway teams will be working to minimise hazardous conditions and they will be aiming to salt around half of the road network in the county - approximately 1,350 miles of road. The roads that are due to be salted will consist of all A and B routes together with many C and unclassified routes. The routes can be viewed by following this link click here
- However, because of the extremely low temperatures that are being forecast, drivers should not assume any route is clear of ice and, as a result, may be hazardous
- People are being urged to consider if there journey is absolutely necessary and if it can be postponed until driving conditions improve
- The Highways Incident Room will remain open over night tonight and the emergency planning Incident Room will close at 20:00, reopening at 06:00 in the morning. The Duty Emergency Planning Officer and County Emergency Planning Officer will be available for call out if required
4 X 4 vehicles are available through the Highways Incident Room if required. This will ensure that services can continue to be delivered throughout the night, particularly for care provision or in response to emergencies involving vulnerable people in outlying communities.
There were two multi agency teleconferences today to establish what the effects of the weather have been on the ability of the Local Resilience Forum partners to operate services. Although the snow has caused a number of service areas to be suspended or cut back, critical services have continued to be delivered. Support between the agencies has been excellent to date and the teleconferences have ensured that all partners are sighted on the issues facing other agencies.
The strategic intentions of the Local Resilience Forum/Strategic Coordinating Group during this period of disruption have been established as:
- Coordination of resources
- Multi agency command and control in support of individual agency’s critical incident activity to prevent escalation to a major incident
- Care of the vulnerable - to ensure they have been identified, the information is shared and the response is focussed
There will be another teleconference at 11:00 tomorrow morning.
Because of the extreme drop in temperature expected overnight it is thought that schools will again be closed tomorrow.
Refuse and recycling collections have also been affected and an outline of revised collection services will be continued within a media release and available on the web from tomorrow morning when a more accurate picture of the conditions can be ascertained.
Regards,
Mark Kimberlin
Head of Emergency Planning Service
Dateline: 8th January 2010
Need a taxi during the icy weather? This advert has been sent in from Aldbourne Taxis
Would it be possible to link Aldbourne Taxis to your website for reader information? www.aldbournetaxis.com
Many thanks for your help, HK
Dateline: 6th January 2010
Well what a start to 2010! Happy New Year to all the visitors to the site. For anyone who has been asleep or abroad for the past week we have been having some of the coldest and worst weather in a long time. Temperatures have been zero and below now for at least a week and the ice is starting to use up grit salt from across the region. I’m pleased to say (I think) that I have been able to get to work every day this week but I cannot say the same for some residents of the village. It has been safer to stay at home to be honest and the snow and ice is still here – with more to come this weekend apparently!
Please keep sending your pictures of the snow into the site and I will get them put up as soon as possible. Have you had trouble getting into work this week? Should we clear our pavements of ice at risk of being sued? Your thoughts please to the usual mail@chiltonfoliat.com
Dateline: 4th January 2010
Dear Chilton Foliat
Further to my recent email, I have just discovered that this series is being broadcast again.
On the Yesterday channel on Freeview starting next Monday 11th January.
Between 5 and 6 o’clock, they are showing episodes 1 and 2, repeated at 9 o’clock.
On Tuesday episodes 3 and 4, Wednesday 5 and 6, Thursday 7 and 8.
So get your VHS/DVD/Hard diskrecorders ready for next week.
Terry Jones
Dateline: 1st January 2010
January Events in and around Hungerford - lots in store to get you out and about!
Spokes Meeting
Wed 6th Jan
John O’Gaunt pub
7pm for 7.30pm
Spokes speak out and act for cyclists. Come and meet other cyclists, hear of local events http://www.westberkshirespokes.org/
Southbys Allotments Tenants Assoc Supper Evening & Quiz
Thur 7th Jan
7.30pm
St Mary's Church Hall, Greenham.
Non members welcome.
Coppicing Workshops
Saturdays 9th Jan, 6th Feb, 6th March
9.30 - 4pm
Tree Pruning Workshops
Saturdays 23rd Jan & 13th Feb
9.30 - 4pm
Practical outdoor workshops : instruction plus an insight into historical & environmental relevance of these activities. Regular hot refreshments and a hearty woodland lunch over a clay oven are included for £35 p person for whole day.
Spar Making Workshops
Sundays 24th Jan & 21st Feb
9.30 - 1pm
Practical workshops with instruction from a professional thatcher keen to encourage the local production of spars for his trade. Welcome refreshments with break mid morning to bake your own jam filled damper included for £20 per person a half day. All above workshops held at:
Address: Little Hidden Farm, Hungerford Newtown RG17 0PN.
Tel: (01488) 683253
Email: acworths@littlehiddenfarm.co.uk
Discount of £10 for full time students for all workshops
Skills Sharing Workshop 1
Sourdough Bread : Making natural yeast bread work in a busy household
Thurs 14 Jan
7.30pm
Hungerford United Reformed Church Hall
Tickets £2 - Philip Brown will show the sourdough bread making process for making delicious Borodinsky bread & using rye starter to make a tasty French style country bread. Bring a small Tupperware container if you’d like to take a starter home with you......
Allotment Work Party
Sunday 16th Jan
10am
Fairfields Allotments, School Lane, Hungerford
Willing hands wanted for work party on the new Fairfields allotments. The fun will include gutter clearing, path repair and tidying up this new site. With fresh air, exercise & hot soup & bread for lunch - who needs the gym! Contact Helen on Tel: (01488) 681589 if questions or just turn up. Best wear strong boots, gloves & warm clothing.
Film: End of the Line
Fri 22 Jan
7.30pm
Croft Hall (also in Marlborough Wed 24 Feb)
The world’s first documentary about the devastating effects of overfishing and the future of our supply of fish. View trailer of the film at: http://endoftheline.com/
Doors and bar open 7pm. Tickets £4 from The Hungerford Bookshop or on the door. Film followed by an informal discussion over tea and cake for those who wish to stay.
Freeman’s Marsh Conservation Days
No experience necessary to join this practical conservation group. Wear old clothes & boots, bring lunch & a drink. Come for part or all of the day. Winter program below. To recieve the next events program or if you have any questions, Email: access@townandmanor.co.uk
River Restoration I
Wed 27th Jan
10am-3pm
Groyne Making - Come and help river keeper Rob Starr with river restoration work, cutting hazel & bundling them into hazel faggots. Meet at Marsh Gate road entrance.
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