loddon valley link 201509 - september 2015

September 2015

Issu

e 4

82

The Loddon Valley Link Church and Village Magazine

for Sherfield-on-Loddon, Stratfield Saye, Hartley Wespall with Stratfield Turgis and Bramley

www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

Welcome to the September edition of Loddon Valley Link.

Harvest time so thanks to one of our local farmer’s partner Georgina Glover for this month’s cover photo of thatching straw in Stratfield Turgis.

Talking of the cover photo, you can see the finalists and winner of our cover competition at this month’s Sherfield show (p26). Make sure you’ve got your entries ready. We’ll publish all the show results and especially the photos in next month’s edition but thanks to all who entered. The centre pages this month are all about the Friends of Hartley Wespall. There’s another historical excerpt (p11). A fascinating article about Caspian horses (p44) and all the usual news and events from the various clubs and societies in the area. Please keep the photos and articles coming in.

Also apologies in advance for the earliest use of the word Christmas (p20) I’ve known.

Please send in your submissions to:

[email protected].

Contents

Church Services P 4 Church Opening Times P 6 Pastoral Letter P 7 Parish Registers etc. P 9 Hants & Berks Gazette P 11 Turgis Green Shop P 13 Sherfield Park P 15 WI P 17 Police P 19 Chineham PPG P 22 Prayer Page P 25 Sherfield Show P 26 Hartley Wespall Friends P 29 VC Ceremony P 33 Evergreen Club P 35 NWR P 39 Sherfield Parish Council P 41 Village Hall Matters P 43 Caspian Horses P 44 St Michaels Hospice P 47 Sherfield Gardening Club P 48 Borough Councillor P 49 Sherfield Park P 50 Beer Festival P 51 Stratfield Saye Parish Council P 55 Small Ads P 56 Useful Numbers P 57

Editorial

Editor - Simon Boase

mailto:[email protected]

Church Services

September 2015

*Drive up close to the white gates, which will open automatically. Children are welcome at all our services. Services in italics are particularly geared to children and families.

Sunday 13th September Trinity 15

10.00am Morning Worship & Sunday Club St Leonard’s Sherfield


10.00am Holy Communion & Sunday Club St Leonard’s Sherfield

6.30pm Evensong St Mary’s Hartley Wespall


10.00am Harvest Festival St Leonard’s Sherfield

10.00am Harvest Festival St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Sunday 4th October Trinity 18

10.00am Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

10.00am Family Service & Harvest Festival St Mary’s Stratfield Saye*

6.30pm Evensong St Mary’s Hartley Wespall


10.00am Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

10.00am Family Service St Mary’s Stratfield Saye*

6.30pm Evensong & Holy Communion St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Friday 4.15pm Messy Church St Leonard’s Sherfield

BREACH LANE CHAPEL Sherfield on Loddon Geoff Belsham 01256 882534 / 07519 708416 Transport is available for all events at the chapel

September 2015 Services and Events

Catholic Services St Bede’s and Holy Ghost Churches,

Basingstoke.

Parish Office Tues to Friday

9.30 am-1.00 pm Tel.465214.

Sunday Mass 9.00 am, 11.00 am and 6.30 pm

St Leonard’s

Open Days

Everyone is welcome to visit for reflection, prayer, or

to view with a wedding in mind.

The church is open on the 5th, 12

th

and 26th of September from 10am

until 4pm.

Thursday 3rd

7.45pm House Group & Bible Study at 9 Coopers Lane, Bramley

Friday 4th 10.30am Coffee Morning at the Chapel with Book Sale

for Mencap

Sunday 6th 10.30am Family Worship led by Neil Owen

Tuesday 8th 6pm Property Committee Meeting at Frimley Road

7.45pm Church Members Meeting at Frimley Road

Sunday 13th 10am Joint Service at St Leonard’s CofE led by

Neil Owen

Thursday 17th 7.45pm House Group & Bible Study at 9 Coopers

Lane, Bramley

Friday 18th 10.30am Coffee Morning at the Chapel

Saturday 19th 2pm Disabled Christian Fellowship at Brookvale

Village Hall

Sunday 20th 10.30am Family Worship led by Neil Owen

Wednesday 23rd

3pm Midweek Fellowship at Chapel led by Geoff Belsham

Friday 25th 10.30am Coffee Morning at the Chapel with Book Sale

for Mencap

Sunday 27th 10.30am Family Worship led by Steve Smith

Friday 28th 10.30am Coffee Morning at the Chapel

Pastoral Letter In Roman mythology, the god Janus had two heads – one looking forwards and the other looking back. His name finds its way into that for the first month of the year, when we look back to the joys and sorrows of the year just ended while also looking forward to the opportunities and delights of the year ahead. But it’s September! Well, to me there are similarities in that the seasons are turning this month; we look back to summer holidays now ending, and ahead to the completion of harvest, the new school year and to the crisp bright winter to come – we can hope!. We are also at another turning point this year, one of special importance to our churches communities, in that we shall soon have Stephen Ball as our priest in charge of the parish after a vacancy lasting two years. Last month’s Loddon Valley Link introduced us to Stephen and his wife Lorna, and their arrival is eagerly awaited. Such a new beginning brings renewed energy to us all. Looking ahead at this moment is, of course, exciting, but we can also look back over the last two years with considerable satisfaction. We owe a huge debt of thanks to our Churchwardens and to Sammie and Carol for working tirelessly to maintain the life of our churches, smoothly running all the services, weddings, baptisms and funerals, and visiting the sick and the bereaved. They have been helped in these duties by our lay readers – Richard Elphick, John Williams and Andrew Doggart – and this team, further assisted by John Lenton, has maintained the vitality of the church and its message. But in addition to these, we have seen several other members of the congregation step forward to play a more active role – for example in taking services, and helping with Messy Church and Tower Club. This, for me, has been a particularly positive outcome of the long interregnum, a time when it’s easy for things to slip back and for momentum to be lost. It’s a tribute to all who attend and assist in our churches that we can move into this exciting new era stronger and more committed than we were two years ago. As Fred Woltman would say, “Praise the Lord!” Mike

Friday 11th September 2015

Lots of craft, worship and tea for the

children! All welcome

4.15 pm Arrive, Register, prepare for Worship

4.30 pm Worship followed by activities in three groups

5.15 pm Meal - cafe style (finish at 5.30pm) It is essential that you book (and advise of any food allergies).

For more information and to book, please contact : Peta Alvares 01256 883911

Or on Facebook : Messy Church-Sherfield On Loddon

Parish Registers

Funerals

Daphne Robertson-McCleod 13.07.15 Sherfield

Jan Woltman 24.07.15 Sherfield

David Leivesley 29.07.15 Sherfield

HARVEST FESTIVALS

St. Leonard’s & St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Both 10.00am on 27th

September

These are special services for to celebrate all the good things in God’s creation.

The churches will be beautifully decorated with flowers and produce and we have very family friendly services with lots of traditional harvest music.

If you have never visited before then we would love to see you.

At St Leonard's it is our tradition that non-perishable food – tins or packets – are brought as an offering. Any of the fresh fruit, flowers and produce can be taken

after the service with hopefully, a suitable donation. All the food and money raised will go to the Food Bank.

Continuing our series of old articles on Sherfield

FROM THE HANTS AND BERKS GAZETTE 16TH OCTOBER 1909

SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON

GRAND CONCERT AT THE NEW MEMORIAL HALL

Following the opening ceremony which took place on the previous Tuesday, a very large party assembled in answer to Mrs. Barker’s kind invitation to enjoy a musical evening, the first held in that room, on Friday evening, the 8th inst. To many of those who attended, the scene was a great surprise, the brilliantly lighted room, furnished in luxurious comfort, being far beyond what was generally anticipated. The hall itself lends itself admirably to social function. A capital platform with footlights has been erected at the end adjoining the Committee room, and the floor space of the room is amply sufficient to accommodate any company likely to assemble in it.

Lieut. Col. F. G. Barker acted as Chairman. The programme opened with a violin solo very skillfully played by Miss. M. Belcher, and here we may mention that in the accompaniment the tone of the new piano presented by Mrs. Barker’s daughters was heard for the first time. Mr. Geoffrey Palmer, who possesses a fine baritone voice, renewed his acquaintance with a Sherfield audience in that stirring song “Off to Philadelphia” and was loudly encored. Mrs. Tilney followed by sweetly singing “Two eyes of grey.” Mr J.W. Jenkins (Mrs. Barker’s nephew) gave a spirited rendering of “The Admiral’s Broom,” after which there was a cessation in the musical part of the programme, and one of those delightful duelogues which have been so prominent a feature in the annual entertainments given at St. Leonards in past years was acted in character by Mrs. Burnett and Mrs. Steedman, bringing to mind many a past success. The title on this occasion was “In two minds.” Lady Margaret Miniver (Mrs. Burnett), having received a pearl necklace from a certain young ‘lord, is undecided whether to wear it at a comingball. Doing so was to be the sign of acceptance of the noble Lord’s approaches. After a great deal of “will” and “won’t” she finally decides to return the present, and apparently does so, but Parkins, her maid (Mrs. Steedman), had secretly withdrawn the pearls, so that the empty box only reached his Lordship, who concluded that matters were progressing satisfactorily. The maid confessed and the position became embarrassing. The piece is enlivened throughout with smart sallies of ready wit which caused much amusement, and at its close both performers were warmly recalled.


www.classictreeservices.co.uk

In our irregular series of articles about local business we’re featuring my local shop which has been supplying the community for many years, and with the takeover of Londis by Bookers, many years to come.

Turgis Green BP Filling station & Londis Shop The local forecourt & Londis convenience store in Turgis Green, Stratfield Turgis on the A33 between Reading and Basingstoke. The shop serves not only fuel but a wide range of everyday products including fresh items, beers wines & spirits, groceries, newspapers and confectionery. Also those vital auto bits and pieces. Offering really friendly customer service and open 24 hours 365 days a year. Make your local Londis shop in Turgis Green your home for convenience grocery shopping.

Open 24 Hours

Cash point

Toilet

24 Hour Off Licence

Pay Point

Costa Coffee

Newspapers

Coal & Logs

Calor Gas


Miles Elliott

GARDEN MACHINERY

SERVICES

Phone/Fax: 01256 882224 Mobile:07810573479E-mail: [email protected]

Servicing Repairs Tuning

Adjustment Sharpening

Turgis Green

Summer is here

DAVID LEIVESLEY

26th AUGUST 1943 - 17

th JULY 2015

Eileen, David and Caroline would like to thank all their friends, neighbours, members of Sherfield Park over 55’s club, committee members of both the S.P.C.A. and the L.V.L., Candice and her team, Rev. Sammie Armstrong, Dr. Donald Dawson for all their love and support, prayers, flowers, cards, messages and donations to St. Michael’s Hospice. We have been overwhelmed with the support we have had these last few months. It is something we will never forget. Special thanks to Cllr. Elaine Still for being there and to Chris Wright for all the lifts he gave me before I learned to drive again! God bless you all.

Goddard’s Lane, Sherfield-on-Loddon, HOOK, Hants. RG27 0EZ

The Garage at Sherfield www.thegarageatsherfield.co.uk

Have a se

rvic

e with

your MOT a

nd get

your MOT fo

r £30

MOT’s Cars and Motorcycles Service Diagnostics Repairs Air Conditioning Recovery Collection and Delivery service available.

90% of our work is repeat business

Tel: 01256 882271 Mobile: 07812 939 498


WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Reported by Ilene Iles

Glenda Holder, our President for the afternoon of our August Meeting welcomed everyone to our Meeting in the Liddell Hall as the main Village Hall was closed for refurbishment. Before the Business Meeting took place, our competition for the best buttonhole took place and was won by Marlene King. The business part of the Meeting followed, reports were given and thanks were given to Lyn Chivers and Catherine Wright who were retiring from the Committee. We then enjoyed a lovely social afternoon with a Beetle Drive to much hilarity and confusion, an anecdote “Back Home at the WI” read by Christine Skillett, a Quiz on Towns and Cities of Great Britain provided by Tess Morris. Finally, Tess read “Instructions for Giving your Cat a Pill” to gales of laughter. Patricia Jenkins won the Beetle Drive and Jo Brennan’s table won the Quiz. Tea and biscuits and the raffle closed a most enjoyable afternoon. NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY 2

ND SEPTEMBER 2015 IN

SHERFIELD VILLAGE HALL AT 2 PM. SPEAKER: ALICK JONES - SUBJECT: “BIRDS & GARDENS – PERFECT PARTNERS” COMPETITION: BIRD ORNAMENT/POSTCARD (The more unusual the better!)

Police Beat Report

Burglaries: Always high on the agenda, especially during the recent hot weather and the need to leave property vulnerable. There has been one non-dwelling Burglary where the offenders have tried to gain entry to a barn.

Anti Social Behaviour: There have been 2 reports of ASB, both of these relate to separate parking issues in built up residency areas that have now been resolved.

Speeding/ Traffic offences: There has been 1 reported incident of traffic offences. This was in regards to a motorist trying to overtake a cyclist whilst a vehicle was also oncoming thereby not leaving much room for the cyclist who was forced into the hedgerow.

If you do not have a local CSW running or you are interested in joining your local CSW then please don’t hesitate to email us.

Suspicious Incidents: There have also been 4 suspicious vehicle/ person reports. These range from vehicles being seen driving around the same area to persons being seen loitering around areas for considerable time.

Criminal Damage: There has been 1 report this month in relation to damage being caused to fencing bordering a farm and bridleway.

Making Off Without Payment: Two reports have come in with regards 2 separate vehicles driving away from the petrol station at Turgis Green without any attempt to make payment for the fuel.

Overall: Hopefully now we have an extra PCSO in the area you will have seen an increase in visual patrols in your area. As always if you have any problems or questions please don’t hesitate to approach us on the streets or by emailing us on the above addresses, we are always happy to assist in any issues you may have.

Sherfield Park (& Chineham) PC Jim Charlton 21015 and PCSO Richard Strauss 14735. Tel. 101 (or leave a message using collar numbers) Please don’t report incidents using email james.charlton @hampshire.pnn.police.uk richard.strauss @hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Bramley and Sherfield-on-Loddon NPT PCSO Nath Johnson 15740 PCSO Damon Hope 15394 Tel. 101 (or leave a message using collar numbers) Please don’t report incidents using email Nathaniel.Johnson.15740 @hampshire.pnn.police.uk damon.hope @hampshire.pnn.police.uk







You may think it is a long way off…….but it isn’t

The Christmas Tree Festival

Is being held on the weekend of 27th / 28th/ 29

th November. Not that

many weeks away and all our contributors will need to start planning. The theme for all the decorated trees will be PANTOMIMES. Be part

of the fun… we want as many local groups, families, and organisations as possible to enter a tree

Some have already started making decorations…………

Jack & the Beanstalk, Hansel & Gretel, Red Riding Hood, so many to choose. What will yours be?

The kids will love it, start planning and making your decorations…you will need plenty of time.

For full details and entry forms for this very popular event held bi-annually at St Leonards Church

contact….

Jane & Dan Farrow - Tel 01256 882680

or e-mail [email protected]


Chineham Medical Practice

Patient Participation Group (PPG)

Like other practices, Chineham Medical Practice Patient Participation (PPG) and virtual Patient Reference Groups (PRG) are continuing to involve people registered as patients in developing services. This is a great way of having real input into a service which affects us all. The PPG would like to publicise the

following information

Named Accountable GP

We would like to make all patients aware that although they can still talk to or make appointments to see any of the doctors or nurses at Chineham Medical Practice, they have been allocated a named, accountable GP who is responsible for their overall care at the practice. If patients wish to know which GP has been allocated to you, please ask reception at your next visit. Please do not telephone the practice for this information, as our telephone lines are very busy and primarily are for patients with urgent needs. When new patients register they will be notified of the details of their named accountable GP by the receptionist.

Wasted Appointments

You may have seen information about wasted appointments in the media recently. These Did Not Attends (DNA’s) waste valuable time and money in your NHS and can cause serious delays in treatment for other patients. It was estimated by NHS England that more than 12 million appointments are missed costing £162 million each year in the UK. Between 1st April 2015 and 28th July 2015, 601 patients failed to attend or cancel their appointments at Chineham Medical Practice. This equates to 20 days’ worth of lost doctor appointments. If for any reason you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact the surgery as soon as possible to either cancel or reschedule. Text reminders are sent to patients, so please check the surgery has a correct mobile number for you. People who persistently fail to notify the Practice and DNA may be removed from the surgery patient list and have to find an alternative practice.

If you are interested in finding out more about joining the Patient Participation Groups please contact: Karen Nicholls Tel: 01256 479244

Karen Ashton, Chair, Patient Participation Group

Felicity Wood is bringing Clubbell Yoga, a new and completely unique form of yoga, to Bramley from September.

Clubbell Yoga is a dynamic and energising form of yoga which increases core strength, flexibility, muscle tone and endurance. It fuses Hatha Yoga with Clubbell® training through holding weighted clubs within the yoga practice.

You don’t need to be fit, strong or flexible to take part; that will come as a result of the classes, it’s not a prerequisite. The pace of the classes is adapted to suit all levels of fitness and no prior experience of yoga is necessary.

Felicity has been running Hatha Yoga classes on Thursday evenings at Cross House in Bramley since the beginning of the year. Her new Clubbell Yoga classes will be on Wednesday evenings from 9

th

September at 7-8:30pm at Cross House and she is holding an introductory workshop there on Saturday 5

th September from 9:30-

11:30am. For more information, contact Felicity on 07980 304590, [email protected], or www.facebook.com/felicitywoodyoga

Brothers, Jack & Albert King, aged 19 & 6, complete the 3 peaks challenge to raise money, through Tree of Hope, to help Charlie Grainger walk alongside his brother.

Hi! My name is Jack and along with my six year old brother Albert we achieved our own version of the three peaks challenge to raise as much money as we could to help our friend Charlie Grainger.

Please take the time to visit this link to see Charlie’s journey so far!... www.justgiving.com/charliegraingerfundraiser/


https://www.facebook.com/felicitywoodyoga

ASH BROOK INDEPENDANT FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS

Independent family Funeral

Director

Day or night we provide a

complete personal, caring & professional service for all your funeral requirements

Dignified funeral service £895

plus disbursements

Please call Terina on 0118 9821111 28 Mulfords Hill, Tadley, Hants, RG26 3JE

www.ashbrookfunerals.co.uk


TEXT FOR THE MONTH…

A man reaps what he sows, the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.

Galatians 6 :9 & 10, The NIV Bible

Prayer for the Month.

Lord Jesus, we pray for those who have to make decisions about the resources of the earth, may they use all your gifts responsibly. We give thanks for those to whom we owe our harvest, all whose labour and dedication enables us to share in the results of the world’s resources. We pray for farmers the world over, faced with new challenges each year, especially in those countries who have suffered from natural disasters this year. Help us to share the produce of rich countries to prevent starvation in those where the harvest has failed. May we all be faithful stewards in using the resources you have given to each of us, for the benefit of all.

In name of Jesus Christ our Saviour Amen

Prayer Points for September

Pray for world leaders at this time of anxieties, worries and uncertainty about the future.

Pray for peace in the Middle East and all countries where violence and terror cause so many to live in fear each day.

Pray for the children as they return to school in September, especially for those who are starting for the first time. Also for those who are changing schools and for those who moving to higher education. Calm their fears and help them to trust in you.

Pray for all teachers who have the responsibility for our children and grandchildren.

Pray for our government that they will be conscious of the needs of all the people of the whole country.

Friends of Hartley Wespall 20

th Anniversary 1995-2015

St. Mary's Churchyard The committee wish to celebrate this anniversary and publicly thank all those who have helped us along our way.

During that time the Friends have raised over £50,000 from subscriptions, donations and events. Here are a few photos showing the major projects we have undertaken.

The flint boundary wall and lych-gate as seen below. The work on these projects had to be done adhering strictly to methods and materials of the time. This was costly and complex but an excellent job was done.

We contributed to the fund which was raised to repair the unique West Wall of the church.

The two large lime trees outside the Church

(Continued on page 30)

porch became diseased and it was necessary to have them felled. The overgrown and untidy leylandii hedge along one of the boundary walls has been replaced with a mixed beech hedge providing natural habitats for wild life.

Our recent project to renew the ‘Bishops Gate’.

Most importantly let's not forget general maintenance! The committee has worked to maintain the churchyard in a tidy condition for villagers and those wishing to delve into the history of the area. We have turned out to tidy, weed, pick up leaves and monitor grass cutting, all helping to keep the churchyard a picture of natural beauty. We have had fun on the way!

(Continued from page 29)

With help from Millennium Funding we celebrated with the making of our video "Through Another Gate". This shows Hartley Wespall as it might have looked at the turn of the century.

In the summer months we have held activities including village fetes on the green, coffee mornings, garden parties, barbecues. And

even opened our gardens to the public. We held a most wonderful St. George's Day Concert in the church with a guest choir. The roof was raised with our rendition of Jerusalem! And of course the renowned

Hartley Wespall Regattas. Here all the village, families and friends have enjoyed sailing homemade boats and eating homemade cakes in a beautiful setting. Adults are just as keen on the boats as the children and duck

races have become firm favourites The latest event was the summer Garden Party again kindly hosted by the Malarkey’s

So there you have it - 20 years of fun, fund raising and contributions. Our fund raising events are also a great way of getting the village, families and friends together. Thank you

The committee members past and present.

Friends of Hartley Wespall Registered Charity No. 1077888

VC Commemoration Service for Captain J Aidan Liddell VC MC

On 31st July the village commemorated

the centenary of the action leading to the awarding of the Victoria Cross to one of the villages former residents, John Aidan Liddell, formerly of Sherfield Manor, now Sherfield School. He was shot and wounded whilst flying a reconnaissance mission over occupied Belgium exactly 100 years ago, and managed to fly his aircraft back into France and land it safely despite terrible wounds, resulting in his death a few weeks later. The service was attended by local dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Borough and Parish councillors, Senior Officers from RAF Odiham, the Standard with Officers and Members of 7 Squadron, a representative of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and a large number of residents of the Village. Peter Booth, Head of History at Sherfield School, recounted Aidan’s life, leading up to the VC Citation, read by Squadron Leader Butler, and Indie Clulow, a current pupil of the school, completed his story. The Last Post and Reveille were sounded, a Chinook flew over and wreaths were laid. The whole ceremony went with military

precision, and thanks are due to the DCLG

for the Memorial Stone itself, the Parish

Council and in particular the Working Party

(Alan Ball, Natalie Larner, Pip Iles, Bryan

Jenkins, Peter Booth and Squadron Leader

Steve Davy) for the organisation, Sherfield

School and the stewards who helped out on

the day – and also to Darryl Dalton of DLD

landscaping for building and donating the monument itself.

The EVERGREEN CLUB Reported by May MacQueen

This month we welcomed Dave Gilbert from the Hampshire and Isle of

Wight Air Ambulance who gave

a very interesting talk.

The air ambulance began in

Hampshire in 2007 and is

based at Thruxton airfield. The

helicopter is leased from Bond

air services and operates

during 12 hours of daylight. It

can be anywhere in Hampshire

within 15 minutes and the Isle of Wight within 20 minutes and can

land in a space the size of a tennis court. If necessary they can call on

the Thames Valley Air Ambulance if needed and they also work with

the ambulance services. The

helicopter flies at 140mph and

costs £125,000 per month to run.

The missions can be up to 7 per

day and the patient is taken to the

most appropriate hospital for their

injury. This has shown that their

average hospital stay is shorter

and there is a reduction in wound infection. 34% are road accidents

and 16% are sports injuries. There are pilots, doctor and paramedics

on board. Helipads are situated at various hospitals in the area.

The charity receives no government funding and depends on various

fund raising activities. One of the ways in which they raise money is

by the yellow bins for clothing and textiles which raise £24,000 per

month. 82 % of their income goes towards the air ambulance and

18% to expenses.

After the talk there were fund raising items to buy by the members if

they wished and everyone enjoyed tea and biscuits.

The next meeting on 7th September will be bingo.

For information call: 0118 932 6308 Brochure hotline: 0118 932 6480

www. wellington-riding.co.uk e-mail: [email protected]


Every year for the past few years we have all read the same book, which we then discuss at our summer meeting in August. This year, because our theme evening was Japan, we decided to read ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ by Arthur Golden. He is American and graduated from Harvard in 1978 with a degree in art history, specialising in Japanese art. In 1980 he completed an MA in Japanese history and for a while worked in Japan. He took 9 years to write the book, re-writing it a few times and finally wrote it in the first person. He was introduced to an ex-geisha who helped with his research and the book was published in 1997, shooting to the top of the book charts in the USA. We all agreed that it is sensitively written and gives a vivid social insight into the lives of geisha girls in Japan. Chiyo and her sister Satsu were born to an old poor fisherman and his wife in a fishing village in Japan. The mother is dying from cancer and the father is unable to cope with looking after his two daughters. A local businessman decides to help and arranges for the girls to be sent to Kyoto. Chiyo, the more intelligent and attractive of the two, is sold to an okiya to train as a geisha, whilst her sister is sent to a brothel. Chiyo is badly treated by the women running the okiya. She is also hated and bullied by the senior geisha, so life is pretty miserable for her until she is taken on for training by another geisha. It is a fascinating account of the life of a geisha with some humorous anecdotes and we learnt how Chiyo became Sayuri, a successful geisha. They were required to play a musical instrument (a shamisen), learn to dance, conduct tea ceremonies and entertain wealthy Japanese businessmen with intelligent conversation and games. Some of them became mistresses and the businessman (who was the geisha’s danna) was required to finance the geisha. The book covers the period from the 1930s to the 80s, including the war years, so it was interesting to learn what life was like for the Japanese people during this time. Most of us agreed that it was a good read and a majority said they would recommend it. Some thought it went on a bit too long, but there was sufficient interest to keep going. Our next meeting will be a play reading. Gill Fearon

‘Memoirs of a

Geisha’

Sherfield-on-Loddon Parish Council

Meeting dates The next Full Parish Council meeting dates are 9

th

September and 14th October at 7.30 pm in the Liddell

Hall. New Parish Councillors The Parish Council is pleased to welcome Mrs Ellen Bencard and Mr Chris Wilson as the newest parish councillors, both co-opted to the Parish Council to represent Taylor’s Farm. Allotment competition The Annual Allotment competition took place on Tuesday 14 July 2015. The judging was carried out by independent adjudicators from the Hampshire Federation of Horticultural Societies. The results were as follows:- 1

st prize Mr and Mrs Weller

2nd

prize Mrs Beardall 3

rd prize Mrs Morse

Mr Bennett and Ms Shaw were judged as highly commended. Allotment Holders AGM The Allotment Holders AGM will be held in the Liddell Room on Wednesday 7 October at 7.30 pm. Catherine Ryle - Clerk to the Parish Council, Sherfield-on-Loddon, PO Box 6862, Basingstoke RG24 4QZ Telephone: 01256 842662. Email: [email protected]

Neighbourhood Plan Housing Survey

We apologise for the delay in circulation of the Housing Survey. It should be ready shortly, so look out for posters around the village announcing its arrival.

Those households within the re-designated Sherfield Neighbourhood Plan Area will receive a questionnaire from Action Hampshire.

This information will form a key element in producing a successful Neighbourhood Plan so we would be grateful if you would take time to complete this survey.

Alan Ball, Chairman SoL Neighbourhood Plan Working Party.


Will’s Garden Services Tel: 07951917943/01256 881354

Email: [email protected]

A complete range of garden

services: Garden clearance,

Mowing, Hedgetrimming, Paving,

Pruning, Fencing, Turfing, Tree

Care


If you would like to

advertise here contact

the Advertising Manager

for details of rates:

[email protected]

Tel: 01256 880559



NEW HALL MANAGER

The Village Hall Management Committee is pleased to welcome Wendy

Gosden as our new Hall Manager. Wendy will handle all administration

and general management of the Halls. Consequently Wendy is now the

central point of contact for all Hall activities, and she should be contacted

concerning bookings, changes in required layouts, staging, billing queries,

etc. She can be contacted on 07468 427684 or you can email her on

[email protected]. The Committee would like to wish Wendy

every success in her new role.

SHERFIELD BEER FESTIVAL

The Beer Festival is a very important fundraising event for both the

Village Hall and St Michaels Hospice. We urgently need helpers on the

day. If you can spare some time on Saturday Sep 26th please contact

Natalie Larner as soon as possible on 01256 880075 or email:

[email protected]

PLANNING A PARTY?

Sherfield is fortunate to have two well-equipped Halls, a small meeting

room/bar area and a garden which may all be hired for regular and ad hoc

functions. The halls are fully licensed and we will be happy to put you in

touch with companies providing catering and bar services, discos/band

hire, marquees, children’s entertainment, etc. There are still some free

weekends available in November and December.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sat 26th

September – Sherfield Beer Festival Sat 24

th October – Holly Market

For more information on activities, events & booking the hall, visit:

www.sherfieldvillagehall.co.uk

Sherfield on Loddon Village Hall Reg. Charity No. 272385 Tel: 07468 427684


From The Caspian Sea to Hartley Wespall

For the last couple of years I’ve had the pleasure of looking after a little horse (don’t mention the pony word) called Rajkumari as a delightful companion to my old boy. I thought it would be worth investigating a bit more about this unusual breed. Coincidentally, I’ve discovered 2015 marks the 50

th anniversary of the rediscovery of this small horse and September

is also the 4th International Conference of the Caspian Horse in Iran itself.

As its name suggests, the Caspian horse is believed to originate around the Caspian Sea in Northern Iran. The seal of King Darius (C 500bc) shows small horses towing a chariot hunting lions. Similar horses are known to have existed in the region up to 3000 years before that. While only 10-12 hands, this horse is believed to be a forerunner of the Arab horse and potentially the oldest known breed of domestic horse that still exists.

Unfortunately, the small horse appears to have disappeared about the time of the Arab conquest of Persia in the 7

th C and it wasn’t until 1965 that

the late Louise Firouz, American wife of an Iranian aristocrat, noticed an elegant tiny bay stallion pulling a cart in Amol, northern Iran. Seeing more of the horses around and wanting something suitable for her daughters to ride, Louise discovered the breed to be intelligent and brave with horse, rather than pony, structure and gaits. A versatile all rounder and perfect for small adults and competent children. She started a breeding programme on her farm in Iran as well as researching the horses history in some detail. As she puts it " ….. there was an elusive beauty and grace about this small horse which did not seem to fit into the accepted picture of ponies”

Following a 1971 royal visit to the Firouz farm for the Persian 2500 year celebrations, a mare and stallion were presented to HRH Prince Phillip. These were some of the first of the breed to arrive in the UK (following lengthy quarantine) and others started to trickle into the country and

Persicus Kouchek Khan at stud

The seal of Darius the Great

around the world with the publicity and Louise’s help. Breeding studs for Caspians now exist around the world but in very small numbers.

This dispersement was timely as the ban on horse ownership in the period of the Iran-Iraq war meant the breed in Iran was close to dying out although a number were released into the mountains, plus subsequent embargoes on Iranian imports have included horses. Thus most of the breeding programme is carrying on outside Iran and primarily the UK, Sweden and USA.

The UK side has fallen to a very few breeders maintaining the closely watched bloodlines. In recent times numbers have been dwindling with very few new registrations of foals, possibly down to the recent economic climate. Exact numbers are difficult to establish but it is believed there are only a few hundred horses left in this country.

Locally, the bay mare Rajkumari has now been joined by Shahrim, a beautiful grey stallion, so who knows what will happen in 11 months time! They are from one of the largest herds in the country owned locally by Naomi Thomas from Sirhowy Stud. Even this only numbers approximately 50 and there has been no recent breeding. Hopefully, things will be improving though as Naomi’s getting involved in Equine Assisted Therapy.

Perhaps the breed’s strength mirrors international relations.

If you’d like to know more about the breed and especially if you have a few acres to spare to help promote the UK breeding programme please contact the editor.

More information also available from:

www.caspianhorsesociety.org.uk

Simon Boase

Shahrim and Raj on the steppes of Hartley Wespall

Naomi Thomas receiving trophy

Naomi leading 2 stallions

House to House Results

I would like to thank Mary O’Connor who coordinates a team of will-ing volunteers to help with the House to House Campaign in aid of St. Michael’s Hospice. Mary and her team of volunteers, Jeannette Kirby, Sybil Sumner, Doreen Tosswill and Sylvia Farncombe were out and about during June collecting for the Hospice.

The local Community of Sherfield on Loddon this year has raised the fantastic amount of £919.68 which is wonderful, and I would like to say thank you to all the residents who help support this year’s Cam-paign.

As a charity our care is provided to our patients and their families free of charge. In 2015/16 it will cost over £3.2 million to provide these services to the local community with just 22% funding from the North Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group. We therefore need to generate a net contribution of £2.5 million from Fundraising, Gifts in Wills, Lottery and Retail activities to support patients and their families affected by life limiting illnesses.

The continued support of the local community and our volunteers is

hugely important to everyone at St. Michael’s Hospice and without

this generosity and kindness we would be unable to provide the vital

services to patients across North Hampshire.

St. Michael’s Hospice (North Hants)

Moonlight Walk 2015

Saturday 5th

September 2015

The walkers will begin from Porchester Square, Festival Place, Basingstoke at 10pm on Saturday 5

th September 2015. Walkers will be a part of a

glorious night out walking under the stars, whilst raising money for North Hampshire’s only adult Hospice.

To sign up and for more information please visit the Hospice website:

www.stmichaelshospice.org.uk/events or call fundraising on 01256 848848.

http://www.stmichaelshospice.org.uk/events

Stratfield Turgis and Hartley Wespall Annual Cricket Match

This years match will take place on Saturday 5

th September from 1pm.

All welcome to come and watch this highly competitive event

For more info please contact Giles Toosey

[email protected]

Sherfield and District Gardening Club

Our talk on September 21st will be given by Stephen Austin who will be

talking about the Beth Chatto Gardens. Stephen obtained a National Diploma in Horticulture at Writtle College in Essex before going on to gain experience as a Seasonal Gardener at the Beth Chatto Gardens. The gardens were developed in the 1960s from an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows. They now span five acres and include dry, sun baked gravel, woodland, shady, heavy clay and alpine planting areas.

After leaving the Beth Chatto Gardens Stephen worked as a Plant Area Manager at Hillier Garden Centre and then moved to his current role as Product Manager at Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire.

Our talk on October 19th will be given by Steve Brookes who will be

talking about Gardening Tips of the World. More details to follow in next months Loddon Link.

Anyone interested in gardening will be most welcome to join us at the Sherfield Village Hall at 7:45pm.

For arrangements contact Linda on 882341 or Vanessa on 881760

Borough Councillor Update - Chris Tomblin

I hope that you are all enjoying the summer this year. It seems a while ago that we started summer with the Sherfield Fete. Another good show with the weather kind to us – although having had couple of cars in the display I did keep one eye on the sky. It was good to see representatives from the Neighbourhood Development Plan teams from both Bramley and Sherfield with their displays. These plans will prove essential planning aids to help shape the village future and of course, being prepared in full consultation with residents, they will represent your views.

Locally, planning matters are never far away. We have seen an outline approach by a developer for housing on the triangle of land behind the pub, alongside the A33 and as I write a pre- planning proposal for the 150 houses for the Redland site is about to be considered, which will then be part of this parish. The site around the Incinerator for 450 houses will no doubt be next with some of that site also in the parish.

We are still without our local plan following the Government Inspector suggesting alterations to the draft submission which resulted in an increase in the annual housing figure to approximately 850. To accommodate this increase extra sites were looked at and consulted with members of the public. As a result a new site, Hounsome Fields to the west of the borough, has been added. The Inspector will now review the plan with the public inquiry hearings starting October 6

th, resulting in (we

hope) approval in spring 2016. Without this local plan in place, less than 5 years of allocated housing development agreed and with a national planning policy in favour of development then a developer is free to put forward proposals wherever they like. We have seen 6 major site applications in Basingstoke already which when refused at Development Control,went to appeal and we lost – this cost us (the tax payer) – we had to pay compensation to some of the developers. The Draft Local plan has policies such as “strategic gaps” to protect our villages from being merged but they are not yet valid – until the plan is adopted and approved.

Lastly on planning the Dixon Road traveller site, where the owner cut down the trees; their planning application was refused by the Borough but the applicant has appealed and this may be heard in early October.

The decision to separate Taylor’s Farm into its own Parish – Sherfield Park Parish Council- has been agreed and minor financial matters are being finalised so that by mid next year we should see them establish their new parish Council. Until next time…

Chris Tomblin [email protected]

FUNERAL DIRECTORS &

MONUMENTAL MASONS.

ALEXANDER & DRY

Twenty four hour service.

Pre-paid funeral plans available.

1 Seal Road, Basingstoke, RG21 7NQ

Tel: 01256 844663


Happy Faces Play group

Sherfield- on-Loddon

“Bring your happy face to our

happy place” A small, friendly playgroup for

children aged 2 years 6 months to school age

Flexible Sessions including all day

Further information:

01256 880903

Prospectus/application form:

07791 141176

[email protected] www.happy-faces-playgroup.co.uk

Est. 1982. Charity No. 1029688

http://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/index.asp


http://www.happyfacesplaygroup.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL TRADE PROFESSIONAL FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HEATING &

ELECTRICAL NEEDS

FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT US: Tel: 01256 880044 MOBILE: 07754 554554

Email: [email protected] www.pscservices.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALIST

Bathrooms & shower installations

Solar thermal installations and energy-friendly controls

Gas Safe and Oftec registered for peace of mind with

gas and oil installations 29164

Serving the local community for 30 years

Telephone: 01256 882309




http://www.pscservices.co.uk

Stratfield Saye Parish Update

Stratified Saye coffee club gathered at the village hall on Monday 3rd

August. Residents gathered at the village for catch up with friends and neighbours helped along with tea or coffee, cakes, biscuits and squash for the youngsters.

I must offer a sincere apologise to the Wellington Arms Hotel for missing them off the list of donations to our silent auction, held at the Wellington Fête

As you know Basingstoke District Council have stopped the mobile library, this was used by those avid readers amongst us. To help to fill this service, a small lending library has been set up in the village hall. There is a good selection of fiction, cook books, non fiction and children’s books.

This will be available on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10am until 1pm. So please pop along and have a browse at the books and a chat to friends and neighbours.

The lending library will commence the first Monday of September. For queries please contact Jean Carruthers 01189333230

(Please note Hampshire County Council offer an excellent free

e-book and audio book library available on-line. Ed)

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HOUSE CLEANING BY MARIA. Reliable and affordable service. Friendly, experienced lady who cleans every corner. Ironing also available. References. Tel 07933 316989. [email protected]

LOCAL PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR and EXTERIOR DECORATOR First class job guaranteed. Over 30 years experience. No job too small. For a free estimate ring Ian 01256 882132 or 07876021772

SEWING, EXPERIENCED AND CONVENIENT. Di is now back in the conservatory, Sherfield Garden Centre. Bespoke dressmaking, clothing alterations, repairs, curtains & blinds and soft furnishings. 07796 045944.

PC SUPORT. For technical help with PCs, Macs, tablets, internet, wi-fi: repairs, upgrades and installation: Call Ian on 07977 143310.

LOCAL EXPERIENCED TAX ADVISER. Self assessment tax returns, arrears, claims, payroll, self-employed, VAT returns. Initial consultation free. Call 07920112533 or e-mail [email protected]

LOCAL INDEPENDENT CLEANER. Why pay agency fees? Every penny counts towards a cleaner home. Trustworthy and honest. Excellent service. Excellent references. Excellent rates. telephone 07407543891.

DOMICILIARY CARER. Female aged 49. CRB certified/Carer P.L. Insurance. Patient and kind, offering personal care / companionship to the elderly in their home and respite care. Based south of Reading. Will travel within 10 mile radius. References available.. Michelle 07776 255688

INSIDE/OUT Property maintenance, carpentry, decorating, locks fitted, garden maintenance. Tel 01256 882696 or 07713 470223. E-mail [email protected]

WINDOW CLEANER. Windows cleaned or gutters cleared - one off or regularly. Local, reliable window cleaner (testimonials available). For a quote call Pete Owen on 07762 616600 [email protected]

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USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS The dialling code is 01256, unless otherwise stated.

Allotments Basingstoke Gazette Brownies St. Leonard’s Church Breach Lane Chapel Catholic Church Clift Surgery Patient Group Cricket Club (Sherfield) Cricket Club (ST & HW) Evergreens Football (Junior) Happy Faces Playgroup Loddon Players Loddon Quilters Loddon Valley Link Lunch Club. NWR Police - Sherfield local beat officer Police - Sherfield Park Police - report an incident Poppies Post Office Rainbows Sherfield. Community Care Grp Sherfield Fete Sherfield Dist. Gardening Club Sherfield Show Short Mat Bowls Stratfield Saye Parish Council Stratfield Saye Village Hall Stratfield Turgis Parish Meeting Sherfield Parish Council Toddler Group 0-5s Tree Warden. Village Green Volunteers Whist Drive Women’s Institute Sherfield Village Hall Caretaker/Bookings Management Committee Fund Raising Committee

Bruce Batting Chris Horton Sue Handasyde-Dick See inside back page Geoff Belsham Fr. Chris Rutledge John Darker Andy Stevens Paul Baldwin Jean Berntsen Fred Berntsen Peggy Hutchins Chris Horton Jacky Morgan (See back pages ) Helen Belsham Gill Fearon PCSO Nath Johnson PC Jim Charlton Police Control Room Natalie Larner Pam Luck Doreen Tosswill Bruce Batting Linda Syckelmoore Natalie Larner Norman Stanley Penny Mayo Linda Bishop Sheila Campbell (Chair) Catherine Ryle (Clerk) Judith Sullivan Jane Jordan Bruce Batting Virgilius Vickers Val Denny Wendy Gosden Ivan Gosden Alan Ball

Please inform the Editor of changes to the above information.

Loddon Valley Link Management

Editor for the October edition – Simon Boase Please submit copy no later than 16

th of the month


Advertising enquiries to Pip Iles Tel. 01256 880559 [email protected]

Deadline for ads. for next edition is 10th of the month

Committee: Chairman: Dr. Donald Dawson 01256 882379 ([email protected]) Treasurer: Pip Iles 01256 880559 Secretary: Ilene Iles 01256 880559 ([email protected]) Rev. Sammie Armstrong. 01189816593 ([email protected]) Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 ([email protected]) Chris Wright 01246 880436 [email protected] Germano Giugovaz 01189 332166 Claire Osborne 01256 324458 ([email protected]) Simon Boase 01256 881250 ([email protected]) Brian Archer 01256 882099 ([email protected]) Jane Abrams 01256 881188 ([email protected])

Church Officers Priest in Charge: Rev. Stephen Ball (From October) Assistant Priest: Rev. Sammie Armstrong 01189 816593 ([email protected]) Curate (priest responsible for Bramley & Little London: Rev. John Lenton 01256 880570 Licensed Reader: Richard Elphick 01256 882860 Licensed Reader: Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 Licensed Reader: Andrew Doggart 01256 880092 Church Admin: Lisa Goodall 01256 882788 ([email protected])

ST. LEONARD’S CHURCH, CHURCH END, SHERFIELD ON LODDON, RG27 0JB (no mail)

Churchwarden: Peter Gould 01256 882538 Churchwarden: Richard Elphick 01256 882860 Treasurer: Dan Farrow 01256 882680

Organist: Mike Abrams 01256 881188 Organist: Brian Archer 01256 882099

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, STRATFIELD SAYE Churchwarden: Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 Treasurer: Charles Atkinson 01256 882459 Organist: Dr. Gill Williams 01256 882705

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, HARTLEY WESPALL Churchwarden: Pip Iles 01256 880559 Treasurer: Michael Webster 01256 882413 Organist: Dr. Gill Williams 01256 82705 Organist: Andrew Doggart 01256 880092

MESSY CHURCH, SHERFIELD PARK Leader: Carol Armstrong 01189 816593

Please note: the Loddon Valley Link Management Committee cannot be held responsible for the reliability or quality

of any goods, work or services in this publication.

ADVERTISING IN THIS MAGAZINE AND ONLINE Small ads are £5 monthly for a maximum of 30 words, space

permitting. Requests are dealt with in order. Display Ads, please see the website or contact the treasurer below.













loddon valley link 201509 - september 2015

Documents

sherfield park p

police p

times p

sherfield parish council

prayer page p

sherfield gardening

st michaels hospice

hartley wespall friends