Film Night– Fran Huckle

SUMMER SPECIAL – DOUBLE BILL

Wednesday 18th August

5.30pm Children’s summer holiday matinee: Brother Bear (U), followed by

7.30pm Big Fish (PG) Ampney Crucis Village Hall,

£2.50 at the door for each performance.

Refreshments available. .

The next date is Wednesday 22September; film to be announced. Enquiries to Fran Huckle (750788.

Ampney St Peter Car Boot Sale

Bank Holiday Monday,

30 August on The Moor, Ampney St Peter 8.00am until 1200 midday. Tea/coffee and HOMEMADE cakes.

Cars £8 and vans £10.

In aid of Ampney St Peter and Ampney St Mary Churches and a local charity.

Robert Pleydell Charity Grants – David Vessey

The Trustees will shortly consider educational grants for the coming academic year. Grants, available to any students going to college, university, or undertaking a vocational course or apprenticeship, are to help with the purchase of books and equipment.

To qualify, you must be under 25 and either you or your parents must live in the parish of Ampney Crucis. To be considered for a grant, please write to Anne Bridges, 53 Pheasant Way, Cirencester, GL7 1BJ, giving your name, address, date of birth, details of your course and saying why a grant would be helpful. Please give a telephone number in case of queries.

Your letter should reach Anne by 30 September at the latest. The Trustees will allocate grants at their meeting on 4 October and all applicants will be contacted within the following seven days. The Charity does not have unlimited funds, so priority will be given to first-time applicants.

Ampney Crucis Association – John Ducker

The AGM of the Ampney Crucis Association was held on 14 July. Eighteen residents attended. The objective of the Association is "to protect Ampney Crucis from development of such a nature or such a scale that it would harm the village". The Chairman drew attention to the legislation now being considered in Parliament which may change the current planning system and reduce the role of county councils. He also mentioned the Cotswold District Local Plan Inquiry, currently in progress; the Association had been offered the chance to make representations but had not done so at this stage. Last year, the Association made representations to the CDC in respect of one planning application following a request from a resident.

Discussions about the proposals for the future of the Cripps land had continued during the past year. A planning specialist engaged by Park Farms Ltd suggested that the scheme be modified somewhat. A revised scheme is currently being designed and will be reviewed by the Committee at an appropriate time. A further public meeting will be held before a new planning application is submitted, to brief residents on the revised proposals and to introduce new residents to them.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER

BT Broadband Update - Carl Jones

BT has now given all exchanges in the Cotswolds a "ready for service" date for making broadband access available, replacing the previous "trigger levels" which had been required before the company would consider providing the service. By April 2005 all telephone exchanges which can technically provide broadband will be enabled to do so, including Poulton, which services the Ampneys. The scheduled date for Poulton is 9 March 2005. However, the actual availability will be affected both by the performance of the cables as well as by whether BT introduces any boosters to increase access.

If you would like to have regular "Broadband in the Cotswolds" updates please contact Carl Jones, Market Towns Officer, Cotswold District Council, 623543 or email carl.jones@cotswolds.gov.uk

A417 Petition - latest news

The petition in the villages is now more or less complete, although signatures are still coming in. To date, 170 signatures have been collected in Ampney Crucis from people wishing to see the A417 downgraded to B status. The total number of signatures throughout the area runs into many thousands.

Mobile Police Station Visits

The mobile police station, with PC Reuben Wyatt, will visit the Ampneys, at these times (approximately):

	A Crucis	A St M	A St P
10 Aug	1245	1300	1400
24 Aug	1245	1300	1400
7 Sept	1245	1300	1400
24 Sept	1245	1300	1400

For information call É07734 068276;

email egmps@gloucestershire.police.uk.

Parish Council Chairman

The new Chairman of Ampney Crucis Parish Council is David Vessey. David and his family moved to Ampney Crucis in 1978. Since then his family has grown up and moved on but not that far - his daughter now lives with her family in Poulton while his son lives and works in Bristol.

After retiring in 1994, he began his interest in parish affairs. He became Parish Clerk for two years and was co-opted on to the Council five years ago. He represents the Council on the Robert Pleydell Trust where he combines the role of trustee with that of secretary/treasurer.

He is also one of the three editors of this newsletter, which he launched with Fran Huckle in January 2000.

Elizabeth comes to the fête - Peter Cottingham

It was a dark and stormy morning when Frank and John started to roast the lamb. Their fire signalled to a dormant village that F-Day had arrived. Rubbing sleep from their eyes, the volunteers crept down to the cricket field and decided that rain would not stop play! Tents sprang up, wellies and raincoats kept out most of the water and the Fête took shape. By noon, we were ready: tombola, teas, books, water skittles, bowls, ratsplatters, cowmilkers, wellywangers and a host of other attractions needed only one thing: customers...

...and then they came. From Nailsworth to Naunton, from Swindon to Stow they flocked in and waited. And good things came to them. A sleek black Bentley purred into the cricket field and a star emerged. Yes Elizabeth Hurley was here, smiling radiantly and warming the hearts of the masses. Overcoming minor technical hitches such as PA failure, sinking heels and trying to use right-handed scissors with her left hand, Elizabeth graciously opened the Fête, and then spent an hour visiting every stall, to the delight of the crowd and of the photographers.

Fun was the winner that day and the name of Ampney Crucis was splashed across TV and national media. Thanks are due to everyone who helped to plan, run and support the event, which raise about £2500 to be shared between the church, the school and the new playground appeal.

Aberhonnddu Welsh Male Voice Choir – Gerry Cutts

On Saturday, 10^th July the choir from Brecon entertained many from the Ampneys to a splendid evening’s concert in a varied programme with two excellent soloists. Fortunately the weather was kind and we were able to enjoy the interval refreshments outside. There was a second impromptu concert in the Crown, which went on until the early hours of Sunday morning. The proceeds have gone to the churches at Crucis and St Mary. It was nice to see the church used for more general entertainment as was the custom in times past. Many thanks to George Brown and his band of helpers.

A Very Fine Time – Kim Hartshorne

Close to 140 guests, dressed in all their finery, packed the new marquee at Corinium Stadium for the first Ampney Crucis Charity Ball on Saturday 10^th July 2004. Following the turbulent weather of the previous week, which saw part of the marquee blow away, we were blessed with a fine evening for the festivities. The event began with a Bucks Fizz reception, during which guests were entertained by Cue Music, a trio from Cheltenham who played classical pieces on the flute, oboe and piano.

Master of Ceremonies, Ashley Calvert, made a welcome speech before guests tucked into a feast of smoked salmon, chicken and asparagus, and strawberry tartlets. The selection of fine wines and champagne, supplied by Majestic Wine of Cirencester, was also enthusiastically consumed.

A grand draw followed, in which prizes were generously donated by many local businesses. Then a disco by DJ Kevin Abbley provided an opportunity for many to let their hair down. The evening finished at 1.30pm with a grand finale firework display.

The money raised during the evening, close to £2500, brings the goal of a children’s playground in Ampney Crucis, a step closer! The Playground Committee, who organised the fundraising Ball, would like to thank all who attended and contributed to the success of the evening, particularly Anna Koceran and her staff at Cirencester Town Football Club, who worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was taken care of.

Royal British Legion

Janet and Henry Gibbs hosted a B.B.Q in aid of the British Legion - the June weather was kind, more than £300.00 was raised and everyone had a happy evening. Our thanks to all who helped to make this such a good evening.

Unclaimed prize – Phil Gearing

Dean Smith won a bottle of whisky at the recent Cricket Club fête. Would he please ring J. Tugwell on (651985 to claim it.

Talland Horseriding School

Amended plans for the proposed re-siting of the Talland Horseriding School on Akeman Street have now been approved. The District Council has assured the Parish Council that the majority of traffic to the new school will be along Akeman Street from the Barnsley Road. However, the Parish Council has written again to the District Council reiterating the concerns and asking that clear signs are put in place to direct all traffic to the Talland School (including construction traffic) away from the two main roads through the village.

Playground update

Matters are now moving to a head. Subject to planning permission being granted (the need for this was requested from the District Council at the last minute), the financial situation should start being clarified. Four grant applications have been made and the position should be very much clearer over the next few weeks. There will be a further update in the next edition of The Ampney Times.

Parish Council meetings

The two remaining meetings for this year will be on Monday 20 September and Monday 15 November. Both will be in the Village Hall and will start at 7.15pm. All Parish Council meetings are open to the public and time is always set aside for questions.

An Ampneys diary?

Recently, village events have occasionally clashed – disappointing for the organisers and the people who wish to attend both events. There is no easy answer but this is an attempt.

There is already a diary on the Ampney Crucis website, but it is currently quite short-term and tends to be updated from the two newsletters. There is no reason why it cannot hold details of events several months away.

The opportunity now exists for all event organisers to put details of their event on the website and to check the site before booking an event. If you are unfamiliar with the workings of the website or if you are not on the Internet, Frank Skinner has kindly agreed to act as go-between. So ring him with your proposed event and he will check the diary for you and put details of your event on the website.

We will try this for 12 months to see how it works out.

AC Website – www.ampneycrucis.f9.co.uk

Frank Skinner - (654597

Footpaths

In a number of cases pedestrians are having difficulties using footpaths in the area. Would all land owners with footpaths crossing their land, therefore, please ensure that the routes are clearly marked and are kept passable for walkers? This does not apply solely to open fields but includes footpaths crossing private areas of land such as gardens.

The County Council is currently developing a “Rights of Way Improvement Plan” in conjunction with parish and town representatives. The plan will cover the reported status of currently listed footpaths; attention will be given to their conditions, accessibility, signing and general upkeep.

The Ampney Brook

All readers of The Ampney Times are aware that the fallen willow trees lying in the Ampney Brook, along the Moor at Ampney St Peter, were removed in the autumn 2003 and that the western ditch and hedgerow were subsequently reinstated. The Environment Agency and the County Drainage engineer were aware of or involved in these works.

In early March this year a fallen tree lay in the main course of the river with consequential disturbance of the flow. High river levels and prevailing weather conditions prevented the removal of the tree and re-distribution of the spoils from the ditch. The work was therefore undertaken in late April and, at that time, erosion of the margin along the riverbank of the Moor was observed.

Prior to the last issue of the newsletter, but too late for inclusion, the Environment Agency received an anonymous telephone call from this area. The caller alleged, amongst other things, that the riverbed had been extensively dug out, which was not correct. The Agency is investigating the caller’s allegations..

Sports Reports

Cricket – Phil Gearing

As the cricket season has progressed, several outside influences apart from the weather, such as Euro 2004 and holidays, have handicapped all the local village teams when fulfilling fixtures. However, we have had good Sunday games against North Cerney and Lechlade in recent weeks to complement our Saturday League programme, which again looks to be falling short of challenging for the title. We have several players from Swindon, old and young, who are members of the team and they all agree that there is no substitute for village cricket!!!

Pétanque Club – Christine Cridford

Well done to the team for getting through the first round of the Sherston Festival Boules Competition on Saturday 17 July. However, after a convincing 11-3 win they lost their second game. Better luck next year.

The club meets by the cricket ground on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm approximately. New members always welcome!

Social Events

Whist and Bingo

Whist evenings continue at the Pop Inn, Cirencester, 7.30pm, on 10 August and 14 September.

Bingo resumes in Ampney Crucis Village Hall on 8 September, doors open 7.00pm, eyes down 7.30pm.

Both events are organised by the Ampney and District Royal British Legion Women’s Section.

Ampney and District Royal British Legion Women’s Section

Meets every two months Tuesdays Ampney Crucis Village Hall 2.00pm unless otherwise noted

17 August, 7.00pm, “Stay Warm”, a presentation by Powergen

21 September, 4.00pm - 6.00pm, afternoon tea party

Contact Janet Gibbs É851227

Ampneys Gardening Club

Meets monthly Thursdays Ampney Crucis Village Hall 7.00pm to 9.00pm unless otherwise noted

19 August “Life in the Isles of Scilly”, by Mr B Bailey

16 September “Wildflowers of the Dolomites”, by Mrs V Brooks

Contact Joyce Cutts É 851540

Mothers’ Union

Meets monthly at various venues and times; everyone is welcome.

8 August 2.00pm onwards, to celebrate Mary Sumner Day. Activities at Thornbury in Castle grounds and Church. Bring picnic tea. Service at 6.00pm in the Church – Songs of Praise.

2 September 230pm, Waterton Farm House. “The story behind your bananas”.

Contact Rosemary Franklin (654282

Sixties Club

Meets Mondays Ampney Crucis Village Hall 2.00pm unless otherwise noted

2 August “Musical entertainment” by Roger Poole

16 August “Guide dogs for the blind”, by Ann Nicholls

7 September Summer outing to Maidenhead; departure time to be notified. Please note change of date.

20 September “Humorous talk” by Rev P Hopes

Contact Paddy or Peggy Thompson É851619

Women’s Institute

Meets monthly Thursdays Ampney Crucis Village Hall 7.30pm unless otherwise noted

August Garden party

23 September “Family history” by John Newton

Contact Sonja Payne É850267

Youth Club

3 September 5.45pm to 7.15pm, Ampney Crucis Village Hall. Open to all children who live in Ampney Crucis and/or who attend Ampney Crucis School year 2 and above. For further information and membership enquiries, contact Rosanna Armitage ( 850005.

Bookings for the Village Hall may be made through Paddy or Peggy Thomson É851619.