Ampney Crucis Ampney St Mary Ampney St Peter

The Ampney Times

October/November 2004

“Air in G” Concert

International duo Munday-Turner are bringing their exuberant brand of original music to Ampney Crucis Village Hall on Saturday 27 November 7.30pm. Their music is a cross between classical, folk and blues rock styles and is the latest professional concert brought to the village thanks to Air in G (Arts in Rural Gloucestershire). The couple were a huge success as the support act to Fairport Convention on their UK Winter Tour 2004.

Tickets £6 from Beryl Dunford (851341 or Anne Bridges (652471 Licensed Bar.

Do come!!

Autumn Clear Up – David Vessey

This will be on 17 October but will have a slightly different theme this year. One of the conditions to be met in the new playground is that the area is clearly visible from Allotment Lane. At the moment, there is a lot of high shrubbery, brambles etc mixed in with the fencing and so Clear Up day is to cut this down to fence height under the foremanship of Don Underwood, who has also kindly agreed to remove all the debris.

So, volunteers please at 10 a.m. on 17 October. You will need pruning shears, loppers if you have them and a pair of good gardening gloves. Perhaps some of the future playground users might care to come along……..!

Christmas Bazaar – advance notice

The annual Christmas Bazaar, in aid of Ampney Crucis Parish Church, will be held on 4 December 2.00pm to 4.00 pm in Ampney Crucis Village Hall. If you have any donations for stalls, including Christmas gifts, white elephant and cakes (but no clothes, thank you) please contact Paddy Thompson (851619 or, to donate books, contact John Ducker (851524.

Wine & Nibbles Evening

A social evening with wine and nibbles is being held in aid of Save the Children Fund on Wednesday 20 October at 7.30pm in Ampney Crucis Village Hall. The Christmas catalogue will be available for viewing or taking away.

Tickets £4 on the door or £3 in advance from Lorna Everett (851292 or Sharon Buckley ( 851095.

Alpha Jersey and Beads Sale

This is being held on 2 November 10.00am to 4.00 pm at The Manor House, Ampney St. Peter, in aid of the Citizens Advice Bureau. Please try and support this worthy cause and make a note in your diaries now.

Ampney Crucis Cinema

Mona Lisa Smile (Cert 12A): starring Julia Roberts and Kirsten Dunst. In a conservative single-sex American college in the 1950s, Julia Roberts plays against-the-grain art teacher Katherine Watson teaching the girls how to think for themselves.

Ampney Crucis Village Hall, Wednesday 13 October 7.30 pm. £2.50 at the door. Refreshments available. Enquiries to Fran Huckle (750788.

The next film will be on 24 November, look out for posters and the parish newsletter for details.

The dates for 2005 have now been fixed for the second Wednesday of the month, except July and August when it will be the third Wednesday.

The Village Diary

Don’t forget that the opportunity exists for all event organisers to check out future dates to make sure they don’t clash. Dates and details of all future events can be held on the Ampney Crucis website. 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.

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

Frank Skinner (654597;

School News – Andy Simpson, Headmaster

Our new school year has started and 11 new children have joined the school, mainly in reception. Our summer building project is nearing completion. We have removed most of the fences within the school, opening up the grounds to improve the environment and the children’s access. We are also constructing an outdoor classroom which will include a sand pit, painting area, quiet corner, outside role play area, creative walkway, water play and balancing boat. Miss Wheeler, our foundation teacher, intends to use this throughout the year so there is also a place for coats and wellies!

We have installed interactive whiteboards in Oak and Willow class which has taken the school another step away from the old "chalk face". These are powerful teaching tools and the children are enjoying the extra dimension they bring to all lessons!

By the time you read this we will have had our harvest festival on Thursday 23rd September. However we are having a book week from 11to 15 October. There will be a mobile bookshop selling children’s books before and after school every day. Please support this, the school will receive 100% of the money spent, in the form of books for the classroom.

We would also like to invite any members of the community who would like to share our silence on Remembrance Day 11 November at 11.00am to join us at school for a few minutes. This would put such an event more into the 'real world ' for the children.

Our school topics for this term are Ancient Greece for the older children and Toys: past and present for foundation and year 1. If you have any resources you could lend us or would like to offer any skills please contact Andy Simpson or the school office (851440.

BT Broadband Update - Carl Jones

From September 2004, the distance related limits for the most popular broadband services will be removed. This means that more than 99.8% of lines, connected to a broadband-enabled exchange, should be able to get an ADSL broadband service. However for the longer distances to the exchange an engineer’s inspection may be required. To find out if you can receive broadband from the Poulton exchange, and if you would need an engineer’s inspection, you can log on to the BT website www.bt.com For information about progress on broadband please contact Gloucestershire First (01242 864195.

Sports Quiz Team – Phil Gearing

We have been running a team at the Crown of Crucis for many years and we would welcome any new members with a "tremendous" knowledge of sport to help us pit our wits against the brains of Glos and Wilts!! Quizzes are friendly (with beer and food) and take place on Monday nights throughout the winter. Contact Phil Gearing (851855.

Save the Children Fund – Lorna Everett

Our gratitude to Peter Payne, Nicol Ferguson and Betty Durham for the many years they have devoted to the fund. Also to all the people who have supported us since 1983. We welcome Andrew Somerville (Chairman), Barry Dent (Treasurer) and Sharon Buckley (Secretary), who have replaced them as committee members.

Save the Children do wonderful work, not only abroad, but in this country too so please support us.

The Christmas catalogue will be available at the wine and nibbles evening (see front page for details) or contact Lorna Everett ( 851292 or Sharon Buckley (851095 to view or order. If we order, there is no charge for carriage!

We can always arrange for someone to give a talk about Save the Children if any group would be interested.

Luncheon Club – Sally White

This is a new community project sponsored by Fairford Hospital League of Friends. It is available for the homebound elderly residents of Fairford and the surrounding areas.

The Luncheon Club clients spend the day together from 10:30 to 3:00pm with activities, speakers and lunch. Club meetings are held every Monday (starting 4 October) at Beaumoor Place, Fairford, £3 per day with transport provided.

If you, or someone you know, might benefit from this new social club please contact Sally White (851161

Also we need volunteers to help make this successful. If you would like to help, one day a month or more, please also contact Sally.

Actors Needed – Meysey Players

The Meysey Players are currently auditioning for the numerous parts in their summer 2005 production of "The Wind in the Willows". Auditions will be held on 3 and 10 October 3.00 to 6.00 pm in the Meysey Hampton Memorial Hall. To arrange a time, please contact Roger Jenkins (851355 or Tara Pritchard (01367 2523898.

Ampney Crucis Parish Council – David Vessey

The Ampney Crucis Playground

Planning permission for the playground has been granted and it is hoped that work will start on the area before the end of the year. The process was not entirely straightforward; some concerns were raised by the Environmental Health Officer and there were five written objections from local residents. The Parish Council is also aware of some informal concerns having been expressed and so some decisions have been made to address these.

The location of the skateboard area.

This was originally to be on the inside of the area with the playground area alongside Allotment Lane. This will now be reversed i.e. the skate board area will be alongside Allotment Lane. It was a condition of planning permission that the skateboard ramp should be concrete rather than hollow steel in order to reduce noise levels.

Opening times

The opening times agreed at the public meeting held in June 2003 were 9 a.m. to dusk; the opening times acceptable to the planners were 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Parish Council did not want a fixed closing time irrespective of the time of year and felt “dusk” was too vague. Accordingly, the area will always be open from 9 a.m. but will close at 4 p.m. from 1 September to 30 April and at 8 p.m. from 1 May to 31 August.

It was never the intention that the area would be floodlit but the planning permit specifically forbids floodlighting.

Parking

Local residents were concerned that there would be a temptation to park on Allotment Lane. This will be discouraged and the Parish Council will discuss with the Highways Department on suitable signage.

“Anti social” behaviour

The area will be open to young people up to the age of 16 and the signage will make it clear that the entire area is closed to motor bikes and quad bikes. Nevertheless, there are concerns that a small minority of older users might become, shall we say, ‘over exuberant’ and spoil things for other users and local residents.

There are discussions taking place with the older students at the school and with potential teenage users around the village for them to take on the ‘ownership’ of the playground and to determine amongst themselves what standards they expect others to keep. The Playground Committee will be doing everything it can to discourage the promotion of the area outside the village; it is a village amenity for those living in the village or attending the school.

Adopt -a- Drain

It’s that time of year again. One house at the Dudley Farm end of the village was recently flooded during a heavy storm and the reason was a blocked road drain – and blocked mainly by leaves. If you have a drain close to your property, could we ask you to adopt it and do two things:

· Make sure the water flow is clear by removing any compacted soil round the edge of the drain

· Inspect the drain once a week and make sure that any leaves are removed from the grating.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Highways Authority to keep drains clear but, realistically, they cannot keep on top of the task throughout the whole county over a couple of months.

Parish Council meetings

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be at 7.15 p.m. on Monday 15 November in the Village Hall.

All Parish Council meetings are open to the public and time is always set aside for questions.

Report from District Councillor - Edward Horsfall

I am delighted that the Playground in Ampney Crucis now has planning permission and a grant from Cotswold District Council. I have been pleased to offer my support and help on this project.

In the Ward, I have also been involved in a number of planning and housing matters. I try to attend all Parish Meetings if I can and I am always available if you have a particular problem with which you believe I may be able to help.

I am one of eight Cabinet members on the Cotswold District Council with responsibility for Health and Housing so, as you can imagine, I am also very involved with the Council. (623848

Ampney St. Peter News - Sue Tufnell

The Toffs Car Boot Sale

This event, on August bank holiday, was again a great success. This year it was masterminded most successfully by Joan Sparkes and her band of helpers. £1,572 was raised which will be divided between the Churches of Ampney St. Peter and Ampney St. Mary, with a donation going to the Cirencester Hospital. 600 Cars attended the event with 106 Boots selling their wares. The helpers and their families enjoyed a well deserved B.B.Q on the Moor once the clearing up had been done.

Trees

The Cotswold District Council Arboriculture Officer has advised on the condition of the trees around the Moor and in both the Ampney St Mary and the St Peter churchyards (for the PCC). The recommended work within the churchyards has been completed and, in agreement with the Officer, the felled weeping ash in St Peter’s churchyard will be replaced in a more suitable position. Similarly the felled horse chestnut on the Moor will be replaced.

The district council recently convened a seminar on tree conservation and it is recommended that all parishes appoint volunteer tree wardens. Any offers? Please contact Norman Simpson 851297.

Sponsored Bicycle Ride.

This was well attended. Sponsorship forms are not due back until the end of October, so to date we have no idea of how much was raised but it was well attended. It was lovely to see lots more children and we hope more will attend next year.

Charlham Lane Sewage Works.

Work has started on the upgrade of the Charlham Lane sewage treatment works. Some work may also occur at the pumping station. The upgrade involves increasing the capability and capacity, requiring extensive civil works, so large heavy machinery is using Charlham Lane. The upgrade should alleviate the sewage surcharge problems that have occurred specifically at Poulton and Ampney St Peter. The results of detailed studies for those locations are anticipated to be with Thames Water this autumn.

Concern has been expressed at the increased use of the Lane by heavy vehicles and the danger posed to pedestrians, including children and the less able, as well as the damage caused, particularly at the junction with London Road. Discussions are in hand with contractors and landowners to correct the problem.

In view of the increased traffic would everyone using Charlham Lane please take extra care. If you encounter any problems please inform either Norman Simpson (851297 or Julian Selby-Rickards (851304.

Ampney St. Mary News – Nicoll Ferguson

Sad Farewell

Our condolences to Tony Boucher and family on the loss of their wife and mother Sylvia. She will be well remembered for her kindness and cheerfulness, in spite of ill health in her latter years.

Welcome

A warm welcome to Jacqui Hill-Wilson and family, who have moved into Chestnut Cottage

Parish meeting

The next Parish meeting will take place on Monday 8November at 7:30pm at the Hill Oak.

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
5 Oct	1245	1300	1400
17 Oct	1245	1300	1400
2 Nov	1245	1300	1400
23 Nov	1245	1300	1400

For information call É07734 068276;

email egmps@gloucestershire.police.uk

Social Events

Youth Club

The club, open to all children who live in Ampney Crucis and/or who attend Ampney Crucis School year 2 and above, is full for the time being. We shall let readers know when there are any vacancies. For further information and membership enquiries, contact Rosanna Armitage 850005.

Whist and Bingo

Whist evenings continue at the Pop Inn, Cirencester 7.30pm on 12 October and 9 November

Bingo in Ampney Crucis Village Hall on 6 October and 10 November (in aid of the Poppy Appeal); doors open 7.00pm, eyes down 7.30pm.

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

Royal British Legion Women’s Section

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

16 November Annual general meeting

Contact Janet Gibbs É851227

Ampneys Gardening Club

Meets monthly on Thursdays at Ampney Crucis Village Hall 7.00pm to 9.00pm unless otherwise noted. New members are always welcome.

21 October “Rare plants of Gloucestershire” by Mrs Sue Smith

18 November “Autumn plants and colours” by Mr J Billings

Contact Joyce Cutts É 851540

Mothers’ Union

Meets monthly at various venues and times. As usual, all are welcome; just come along and learn what the Mothers’ Union are up to locally and world wide.

7 October 2.30pm The Old Rectory, Poulton. Sarah James, “Images of God”, a talk with slides

4 November 2.30pm venue to be arranged. “Relationships matter” – a discussion

1 December 7.00pm Watertown Farm House. Bring and share supper

Contact Rosemary Franklin 654282

Sixties Club

Meets Mondays at Ampney Crucis Village Hall 2.00pm unless otherwise noted

4 October Harvest meeting

18 October Autumn tints; departure time to be notified

1 November 12.00 for 12.30 pm Fish and chips; quiz with Alan Walters

15 November Slides with Dr David Wells

29 November Christmas shopping in Worcester; departure time to be notified

Contact Paddy or Peggy Thompson É851619

Women’s Institute

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

28 October “Farm Africa” by Julian Leeds

25 November Quiz night and annual meeting

Contact Sonja Payne É850267

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

Sports Reports

Cricket – Phil Gearing

Despite winning their last league match against Williamstrip, the team were relegated after losing too many matches - several by narrow margins. Our last friendly match against local rivals Barnsley was regretfully cancelled owing to weather. Next season we are looking to recruit new members either players, umpires or officials to move the club forward.

My highlight of the season was an away trip to Kingston-on-Thames Grammar School, to play our old friends the Richmond Legbreakers. We won a high scoring game on a hot summer’s day. The supporters also managed a boat trip on the river and a visit to Hampton Court Palace. The downside of the visit was that the bus had no air-conditioning, and had a flat battery when it came to take us home again. However we survived to tell the tale.

Football Club – Phil Gearing

Regretfully, we have taken the decision not to enter an Ampney Crucis Football Club team for next season. We really needed a permanent, well drained pitch with good facilities to attract new players. However, thanks to all those players and officials who kept the club going for so long against all adversity. Special mention to Tim and Penrose Shackel, Mrs Joan Curtis and Doug Coombes for their loyalty and dedication.

I shall now spend my time watching Cirencester Town or pursuing my great love of rambling through the Cotswolds.

Pétanque Club – Christine Cridford

The end of season tournament and barbecue was a great success with four teams taking part including both members and non members. The “Boule” was won by Ann Bullock, Debbie Crook and Peter Cottingham – Congratulations!!.

The highlight of the afternoon was the ladies versus gents “friendly” which involved two teams of six players, resulting in 24 boules on the pitch at once. Our thanks to Karen Barnes who umpired this debacle, which resulted in a clear win to the ladies!!!

The new season will commence in April when lighter evenings mean we can see the pitch again!

Advertisements

Personal ads cost £1 per advert per issue. Local businesses may place an ad (£5) or sponsor an issue (£15).

To place an ad please contact David Vessey (851438 for details.

This is your newsletter; contributions from individuals, clubs etc always welcome

Copy deadline for next issue (December/January): Monday 15 November 2004

Send to Elisabeth Gerver, Cider Orchard, Ampney Crucis, Glos GL7 5RY ( 850508

Editors: David Vessey, Elisabeth Gerver, Christine Cridford

Produced by Ampney Crucis Parish Council for the information of residents of the three villages. No liability can be accepted by the Council or Councillors or the Parish meeting Chairmen for any losses, however caused, arising from this publication