No.98		Spring 2008      Mar - May 08
CHAIN		MAIL
THE HUNGERFORD VOLUNTEER FORCE		CARING, SERVING, HELPING THE COMMUNITY
	Linking the Hungerford Community

 

Message From The Chairman of Chain

 

 

I hope you have all had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am sure many of you will want to join me in sending congratulations to Rod Desmeules and his team for the wonderful Christmas Lights.  They certainly made our Town the talk of West Berkshire and beyond and gave so many people a great deal of pleasure.

 

Now the New Year is here I hope that some of our empty shops will start to be used and that the High Street can get the old ‘hustle bustle’ back.  It is lovely to see new ventures taking off, Sugar Mouse and Blue Bee are two fine examples, and hopefully more will follow.

 

By the time you receive your Chain Mail the Community Show ‘Blitz’ will have taken place and I am sure it will have been a great success.  I would like to thank everyone who took part in the show for giving up so much of their time and producing a brilliant show.

 

The Hungerford Town Council Parish Meeting will be held on Thursday 20^th March at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange, this is your chance to go along and ask questions of your Councillors. I would urge you to go and meet them as they are your Council and it is important they know what the public want from their Councillors.

 

As usual I will end my piece with a plea for anyone who has any spare time to either drive or help in the office to contact the Chain Office on 683727 or Janette Kersey on 683302.

 

Best wishes to you all and roll on spring    

 

About our front cover picture.               supplied by Micky Thompson

 

Snowdrops in the snow, St Lawrence’s Church in the background, taken after a light fall of snow in February 2007. Taken on a Digital Nikon S4 compact zoom, which can achieve up to a 6 meg file.

This small camera, allows very low viewpoint while viewing the image on an LCD screen. It’s

fantastic 38mm to 380mm zoom lens makes it a very useful camera to have in your pocket at all times. Micky Thompson is a member of the Hungerford Camera Club, which currently has over 35 members.  Meetings are every Thursday evening between 8 and 10 pm in the Magistrate’s room in the Corn Exchange, Hungerford. New members are always welcome.      Drop in and say Hi.                        

My contact phone number is 01488 686 946

 

Editorial

 

Hello,

 

Well Christmas and the New Year have been and gone.    Mothering Sunday March 2nd,

Easter, Good Friday March 21st.  British Summer time starts 30th March, then May 5th & 26th Bank holidays and then nothing till 25th of August.

 

This magazine comes with  an updated ‘’Useful telephone numbers’’, June issue will give a brief but advance programme of ‘’HADCAF’’ and the September issue will be our 200th!!! Not too sure what to do then, any ideas please.

 

Is there a Steam Railway buff out there that could let us have times of Steam trains passing through our town, which we could print in a Chuffers or Puffers corner?

 

So what’s happening at the ‘’Marina’’? The proposed filling with water was postponed in November 07 while they (the developers) consider their options. Do they mean no marina but a housing estate, because if so they should be made to have a ‘’Lake’’ that equals the area that the narrow boats would have taken up. Talking of planning, I see that part of the field on the opposite side to Kennedy Meadows has been fenced off, how many more houses?.

 

Have you let the Town Council know your suggestions / grumbles about the yellow lines, the 6 month period will soon be up. They did, after some pressure get the lines sorted by the Surgery but there is still another area approaching the bridge from the Surgery that needs to be sorted on the left side. Again, how about 2 hour max waiting by the Surgery and the Church. Is your road now suffering with all day parkers? If so, let the Council know at their new office in the Library.

 

WOW what a wonderful new Library, over 7000 new books, DVD’s, talking books, and 6 Public computers free to use. It must now make up for the terrible conditions that our Library Ladies had to endure in 2007.

 

So I see that some lovely people made that New year resolution and have joined CHAIN, also that David Long is asking for a few reserves, to walk the streets! So if you didn’t make or keep that resolution to help CHAIN, now is the time.

 

Only now as Editor am I beginning to find out more about the wonderful efforts that go on in our town, and I still need any club or organisation to feed me information about themselves.

 

Just a few of the pages that caught my eye are listed below, but there are lots of other interesting ones as well.

 

Page 6       Your letters and e-mails. Keep them coming.

Page 8       The Old Codger…..I showed him your letters, just to keep him up to date (poor old chap).

Page 11      The Hares is probably the youngest!

Page 16     The Morley Lunches, some details.

Page17    Go on try something different this year

Page 20 (at the bottom),  Above & beyond the call of duty, but it meant & means so much.

Page 23    Southern Sinfonia what a sell out, will they have the Town Hall next time?

Page 25    A few jottings from our West Berks Councillors

Page 26       After all these years, going from strength to strength!! Is it the oldest?

 

Articles for publication should be sent to me by the 1st of the month preceding publication, i.e.1st May 2008 for the Summer issue on June 1st.

It seems that a great number of people are having troubles with their e-mails, if you send something to me I will always acknowledge within 3 days. No reply from me then I have not got it, so please re-send. Thanks

Tel: 01488-683152                                                              davidhpiper111@btinternet.com

 

 

If you copy Data such as Town Diary, Whats On, Useful Numbers etc., and print it please acknowledge as below, a lot of hard work goes into compiling and presenting this so please play fair :-

 

Information provided by hungerford.uk.net in association with CHAIN MAIL

 

Did you know??

 

The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.  Here are some facts about the1500s:  

 

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June.  However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odour.  Hence the custom, today, of carrying a bouquet when getting married.  

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water.  The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children.  Last of all the babies.  By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.  Hence the saying, don't throw the baby out with the Bath water...

 

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath.  It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof.  When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof.  Hence the saying . It's raining cats and dogs. There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house.  This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection.  That's how canopy beds came into existence.

 

The floor was dirt.  Only the wealthy had something other than dirt.  Hence the saying, Dirt poor.  The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing.  As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside.  A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway.  Hence the saying a thresh hold.

 

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.  Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot.  They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat.  They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day.  Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while.  Hence the rhyme, Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old..

 

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special.  When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off.  It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon.  They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.

 

Those with money had plates made of pewter.  Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death.  This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous. Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky.  The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days.  Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.  They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up.  Hence the custom of holding a wake.

 

Bread was divided according to status.  Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.

 

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people.  So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave.  When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive.  So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell.  Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell. And that's the truth..... apparently!                                                                                                                          BB                                    

  

 

In 1960 the farthing, in use since the 13th century, ceased to be legal tender in the U.K.

 

Letters  &  e-mails.

 

 Editors comments are in Italics

 

I am mailing you to let you know of an admitted omission.  Each Sunday at 9.00am Mass is held at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Priory Road .  I do not understand why it is that you “have been unable to reach The Roman Catholic Church” since every Sunday we are known for blocking the road outside our little church between 8.45 and 10.15am, thank God the yellow liners

a. could not have know about us either and  b. had probably used ALL their paint outside the surgery leaving none for the Catholics!                                                                                                   M.A.

 

From Bob Bennet

Your contributor, ‘C.S.’ has written what I would have said, if I’d had the time (and remembered to do it!)    Great reply, nice to hear from you, now you have the time, ex editor!

And your old codger – his memory or powers of reasoning are packing up; he wanted no parking in the lower end of Bridge Street to speed up traffic, and also a 20mph speed limit to slow it down, and now he’s complaining there’s nowhere to park for free! (No, it’s your memory Bob, T’Council wanted the parking ban)

Also, barking dogs – I’ve got one that barks when she’s in the garden, but only when people go past the back fence.  My personal view is that a few dogs in gardens help to put off burglars as they prevent the burglar from creeping about unnoticed. (Ah, that’s the point, just for a short time , NOT half an hour or more)

Your comments about cars and other obstructions on the pavement are well founded, though I seem to remember that WBC said we should leave bins on the pavement from 7:30am .Last week I saw a bin left un-emptied because it was about 5 feet up a neighbours drive, and not in the road (we don’t have pavements). I’ll tell the Old Codger, but I think he meant for DAYS on end or even all WEEK!

Bob .

Dear Old Codger

 

Aren’t we lucky to have CHAIN MAIL – always so full of interesting advice and opinions on so many and varied opinions, to which I feel I must add my own (opinion, that is, not advice!).

 

Re barking dogs. Having suffered from one in particular, I do agree that it’s a nuisance. As well as the nuisance value, I feel sorry for the dogs. I’m sure they only keep up the continuous bark for a reason, which is nearly always because they are left alone. They can be easily trained not to do this, specially when young. Ask at the vet’s.

My particular hate is the ‘’calling cards’’ which cats leave in the garden! Kittens are quickly trained to use a litter-tray, which solves the problem for owners and neighbours alike. I’ve noticed that cats only use other folks’ gardens, which is doubtless nice for their owners, but not so good for neighbours.

Cats and dogs make such wonderful companions, but they are not toys, and like all young things are so much easier to train when young.

 

Yours sincerely           (Sorry it seems I HAVE offered advice after all!)                           Mrs J. D. B.

 

PS. WHEELIE BINS – some of us have to be at work and have to put our bins out on the pavement, else the Bin Men won’t take the rubbish. Unless we could persuade the chaps to put the bins back inside our gardens, they must stay on the pavement till we get home! Sorry!!! Perhaps the Old Codger could go round in his spare time??  Now, there’s a thought!                                              JDB

 

 

 Very Early Warning: Parish meeting

7.30pm on  Thursday 20 March 2008: Hungerford Corn Exchange

A two-way exchange of ideas, views, and information.

Question the activities of Council members in person. Make known your views on what you would like to see happening in the town, what you like and what you dislike.  A full agenda of speakers and subjects for discussion will be published on the Library Notice Board.

Your contribution will help make this meeting a success.

 

News from ROTARY…………………..

 

We are on course to raising our usual annual sum of £10000 for various charities this year.   Should anyone be interested in joining Rotary then they should contact our Secretary,  Mike Doward

tel. no. 01672 540908.........and see our website for further information.

www.HungerfordRotary.org.uk

  

 

CHAIN MAIL DISTRIBUTION: Keeping it running smoothly

 

 

    You may have seen in the last issue of Chain Mail how a small army of volunteers ensures that every household and business in Hungerford and district receives their copy.

For this to run smoothly requires that everyone is in place for at least a few of the days during each of the weeks preceding the quarterly publication dates, which are 1^st March, 1^st June, 1^st September and 1^st December.

 

    Very occasionally of course there is someone on holiday or is poorly and is unable to help. When this does happen it is most important for it to be known, either by the Link informing their Convener or if it’s a Convener, letting either Janet or me know and the problem is then sorted out by someone doing a double round or by distributing the bundles of Chain Mail.

 

    I have often thought it would useful in the above eventuality, to have reserve volunteers in each of the Areas and locations in the town. It is clear that they would not be called upon very often, but when they were needed they would be of enormous help.

 

    If you would like to be a reserve Link / Convener, please contact the Chain office or call Janet or David on 01488 682931.    

 

The Old Codger’s Column…….

Wheelie Bins, well I know what I meant to say, but I didn’t get the right message across (thanks for your letters Ed.) I was going on about the people that leave them out for days & days, and some people ALL the time, they just never put them away. There just has to be a bye-law surely!!  While I’m on about the bins, do please remember to have the ‘’handle’’ side to the road, it really helps the Bin Men’s lot.

 

Barking Dogs. Yes, again I meant barking to excess (see Bob’s letter).

 

Broken window at the new Library 4 weeks before it opened. Gents toilet vandalised. CCTV camera’s not helping AGAIN!  Who paid for these cameras not to move?

 

Could the fireworks get any noisier at the Extravaganza evening? It scared the living daylights out of my cats and we were a mile away. Noisier than Bonfire night! How about some Victorian type fireworks. Otherwise I think a great time was had by all.

 

Well, did West Berks take notice of me about Smitham Bridge Road or did one of you telephone Streetcare, cause the big foam mattress and the overgrown pavement has gone by the Industrial estate, and I am sure that a lot of the bushes/trees that overgrew the pavement back into  town have been cut back as well ! So all of you, before the Spring growth gets cracking, please get cutting trees and shrubs that are overgrown / overhanging the pavements. Do it now and there’s less to get rid of!

 

I see that a lot of motorists can’t read when they are in the High Street, what with coming out of the Bus & Taxi spur to the roundabout, and able bodied people parking in the new disabled bay, as well as the strange looking ‘’Taxis’’ in the taxi bay! I did see that the car park official in Somerfields booked a wrong parker for being on a disabled spot £40, I bet he can read (the ticket now)!

 

Not sure if I can get to the Parish meeting on 20th of March, but one thing I would like to see is a reduction in ‘’Light pollution’’. When new houses are built a certain number of street lights should be converted to low spill !

I agree with ’’Through the Keyhole’’ about the verges in Atherton Crescent, but a Canal Walk resident and I could not see anything wrong with the verges there, although there is some slippage on the slope part way toward the Granary (excess rain ? ).

 

One last thing, if you see any bad or broken & dangerous paving stones, phone Streetcare in Newbury  on 01635 519080, if you don’t, no one else will.

Please contact me through David’s e-mail, davidhpiper111@btinternet.com

Or to CHAIN Office…..address on outside back page and title your words/thoughts as…….Old Codger column  please …….Bye Bye & keep safe.

 

The Tuesday Club

 

The main objective of The Tuesday Club when it was formed in 1996 was to provide a meeting place in order that less able bodied people living locally could meet monthly to enjoy the company of others in a similar situation, combined with afternoon tea and a variety of entertainment. Although there is no age restriction, the majority of members are well into their retirement years. Membership may be obtained by anyone with any form of disability. The current annual Subscription is £5 and monthly fees £1.

 

These gatherings have seen a wealth of information contributed as people recall memories from days past, much of which is used to enhance the standards for today’s ever growing membership. In April 1998 a monthly Newsletter was first published to inform members of current news, poetry, recipes or other interesting items. At the end of that year a ‘’Club Diary’’ was circulated to advertise fundraising events, outings and planned holiday arrangements. Both continue to be printed today.

 

In May 2001 the Club received the first ever Mayor’s Award for service to the Community. Registered Charity status was granted in February 2004. This was closely followed in June 2004 with the long awaited arrival of a brand new Renault Master 12 seater tail lift Bus, for which extensive fundraising had been in progress for over two years. Another vital asset to the Club is the purchase of it’s own Defibrillator in 2007, that thankfully has not had to be used at present, though currently there are ten people trained to use this facility if required. The Tuesday Club was also nominated in 2007 for The Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Despite not being selected for the final twelve places, it was however a great honour to have been forwarded for such a prestigious award and for which a Certificate presented by The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, now Sir Philip Wroughton was received.

 

To date over twenty holidays of three or five day duration have taken place, with an additional eight seven day sponsored breaks for the more severely disabled and helpers. The once sporadic outings have for several years taken place on a monthly basis, whilst the introduction of Pub Lunches a couple of years ago has seen an average of fifty people attending each month. The vehicle attends about one hundred club events each year, giving members a welcome break from what in many cases could be a rather lonely life.

 

When the first function took place after formation , the founder committee generously funded it out of their own pockets, as no grants or donations had been applied for at the time. Thankfully the club has now progressed to become a major provider of recreation and assistance to the less mobile people in the local community. Twelve Committee members and six Trustees oversee the general well-being and responsibilities of the Club, along with the assistance of several welcome helpers.

J.H. of The Tuesday Club  01488 682037

 

NWN’s Over-80s Christmas parcels—2007

 

     The Newbury Weekly News is greatly indebted to CHAIN and Hungerford ROTARY for co-ordinating and delivering the Over 80’s Christmas parcels. Letters of appreciation have been received by Joanne Fulker of NWN who would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to all involved in the distribution.

 

     Betty Grant compiles the recorded list of all those eligible, that is, Anyone reaching the age of 80 years young , please contact Betty on 682607 or notify the CHAIN Office on 683727.

 

     The CHAIN Co-ordinator and Bill Brown of ROTARY would particularly like to thank all the CHAIN and ROTARY drivers for their continued support. (especially this year when deliveries were made in the most atrocious weather), and sincere thanks must also go to Sylvia Breadmore for computer assistance.

 

A happy New Year to you all, and all the best for 2008.

 

HUNGERFORD HARES RUNNING CLUB

 

Hungerford Hares running club was established in June 2007 and now has 30 members.  We meet every Tuesday night at the Triangle Field (Rugby Pitch) at 7.30pm and we cater for all runners of varying abilities. We’ve run a very successful beginners programme and most of those beginners are now entering races.  We hope to do this again throughout the year.  If you are interested in running or just bored of running on your own come down on a Tuesday night and you will be very welcome.  For more information email Mandy Rouse on Mandyjrouse@aol.com,

call Claire Digweed on 07810 886673 or go to www.hungerfordhares.co.uk.

 

The Valley Film Society

The Valley Film Society is now in it's Third Season. New members & guests are always welcome to our shows on the first Tuesday of the month, except in Jan when we have a Film Day on Sunday 13th January.  We have a wide screen, an excellent sound system & tiered seating, thanks to our Lottery grant in 2006. Watching unusual and some foreign films, near to home, in the company of others who enjoy films, gives added pleasure to the experience.
We know the chairs could be more comfortable, so please feel free to bring a cushion or two!       

The remaining screenings can be seen at £4 per film for guests

      Tuesday 4th March  The Wind that Shakes the Barley (GB 2006 ) Dir Ken Loach

      Tuesday 1st April Das Leben der Anderen (Lives of Others) (Germany 2006) Dir Flioran Henckel van Donnersmark

Tuesday 6th May Tuesdays with Morrie (US 1999) Dir Mick Jackson

HADCAF screening in July

Doors open 7.00 pm. Screenings start 7.30pm .Orders are taken for a Nippy Chippy supper to be delivered, from Lambourn, in the interval and the social club bar is open. There is a chance to discuss the film afterwards if you choose.

For more information please contact Penny Brewer 01488 72305 or e-mail penny.locke@free.com

 

Hungerford Town Guide

 

2008 will see the preparation and publication of the next edition of the Hungerford Town Guide. Anthony Buckwell will coordinate the Town Council's role as prime mover. Producing a comprehensive and productive guide which reflects Hungerford's wealth of activities depends on the level of input from all its contributors. If you have views and can contribute, please let Anthony know either via the Town Clerk or direct on 01488 681933, before 1st of June.

 

Some ideas for your Roast…..

 

It would have been difficult to miss the impact Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall had recently with his “Chicken Run” programme and “Chicken Out” campaign, promoting free-range chickens instead of the “value” range broiler chickens. A Free Range chicken may be a few pounds more, but it is undeniably better for you and much tastier. And also better for the chicken of course! Remember you can get a good three meals from a medium chicken if you use up the leftovers, and possibly four if you make soup! Try a roast for the first day, then a chicken risotto for the second, followed by a stir-fry or curry, soup or sandwiches! Visit the Chicken Out campaign website for more details and recipes at http://www.chickenout.tv/

 

In the meantime here are some other hints and tips to make your chicken roast a little different:

 

Grate a nutmeg (or use powdered nutmeg from a jar) over the chicken before putting in the oven. This will give the skin a slightly darker colour and “warming” flavour.

 

Cut a lemon in half, and push both halves into the cavity of the bird before roasting to maintain moisture and add a lemony taste to the meat

 

Mix some butter (room temperature or it will be too stiff) with some crushed garlic or your favourite chopped herbs (basil works really well). Then carefully separate the skin from the chicken breast but keep the middle adjoining piece of skin intact so you have a pocket. Stuff this buttery mixture into the pockets on either side of the breast (be careful not to break the skin!) and then roast. The butter will maintain the moisture in the breast meat, and the herbs will impart the most amazing flavour. Any butter you have left over you could rub over the chicken legs or spread into the cavity.

 

You can always layer strips of streaky bacon over the chicken before roasting, for a different touch and crispness.                                            Happy Cooking!                                                                                                                                                              JR

 

JOHN O’GAUNT STUDENTS ON A TRIP OF A LIFETIME

 

   Three John O’Gaunt students are celebrating after being chosen to take part in the school’s Ghana exchange programme. John O’Gaunt school has had a formal partnership with Aseseeso Presbyterian Junior Secondary School since 2004 and there have been teacher exchanges in both 2005 and 2006.

 

   This year the school is preparing for the arrival of 3 Ghanaian students and 2 teachers at the end of May, followed by a reciprocal trip to Ghana by 3 students and 2 teachers from John O’Gaunt in July.  Students were required to give a presentation to a panel of judges in a bid to gain a place on this ground-breaking trip. During each trip, the students will be working on projects in each other’s schools, spending time in each other’s communities and

visiting places of interest.

 

   The school has been awarded a grant from the DFID which covers some of the costs involved.

 

A fundraising committee made up of parents, staff and students have been working hard with a number of events, including cake sales, bag packing and sponsored events such as a mud bath. They have raised £2458 so far and continue to hold events to raise money. The committee is also appealing to local businesses and individuals who would like to make a contribution to this project, or to local families who feel that they may be able to act as hosts for some of the Ghanaian visitors stay. If you feel you can help, or would like more information please contact:

 Stacy Tuttle- Chairperson of the Ghana Exchange Fundraising Committee

Tel:01488 682440  Email:gardendesigner@stacytuttle.wanadoo.co.uk

 

 

  

TRAVEL TOKENS – FOR NEW SCHEME YEAR COMMENCING 1st. APRIL 2008.

 

As we go to press the final details are not available from West Berks yet. However they will be issued from the Library complex, consisting of the Interview room on the left, The Cash Office and when these two are not issuing they will be available from the Library counter.

The 2007 issue of travel tokens , round-shaped £1.00 – and £0.25 , will be replaced on April 1st. They must be used before 1st of July. I

If you have any of these unused please hand them into the Library or the CHAIN office very soon, as CHAIN can make good use of them.

More details from  Mr. A. Thomas  01635 519394, if you've had them before they will write to you. If you've joined the club recently you should get in touch by the 2nd week of April

 

“Singing for the Brain” is coming to Hungerford

 

The Alzheimer’s Society has had a branch in West Berkshire for over 13 years. We give information and support to people with any type of memory problem and their families. There are about 7000 men and women across Berkshire with dementia related memory problems.

 

Our aim is to help people with dementia have enjoyable and stimulating lives despite the difficulties. We help maintain skills, confidence and community life through our social therapeutic activities.

 

For example, we have 25 “Singing for the Brain” groups across the region including Newbury, Winchester, Salisbury, Gloucester, Bristol, Leamington and Exeter, which have proved incredibly popular. These groups help people with dementia or other memory problems and their families with coordination, communication and confidence. They allow people to meet together, and participate in an energizing, sociable and fun activity. Varied exercises hidden in the joy and companionship of singing both familiar and new songs gives purpose and motivation to life.

 

We are eager to bring the benefits of “Singing for the Brain” to Hungerford and Alison Mawdsley, our experienced leader in Newbury, is planning to run taster sessions as part of HADCAF at the United Reformed Church Hall in July. So look out for further details in the HADCAF programme and come along (bring a friend too!) and have some fun singing!

 

In the meantime, we are always keen to hear from anyone wishing to join a group, including those able to volunteer their voices or tea-making skills to help.  Please call Alison on 077907 67425 or Chreanne Montgomery-Smith at our Alzheimer’s Branch office on 01635 500869.

 

MORLEY LUNCHES & HISTORY

 

The founder members in 1996 were :- Terry Tracey, Ian Morley and  Diane ( Diggy ) Hall.

Originally known as The Spring Lunches these were renamed after the death of Ian Morley. Sadly Terry Tracey passed away in 2005.

 

A committee and team of helpers ensure that up to 450 Senior citizens of Hungerford can enjoy a 3 course meal at no cost. Invitations are sent out early in the year to senior citizens living in the town.    We have no means of finding out when people have reached the age of retirement, so we are reliant on others spreading the word to let those people have our contact details to have their names added to the invitation list.

 

To be eligible to attend a lunch you must be of retirement age. The dates for this year are March 16th. April 20th. & May 18th. 

Please contact:-  Dave Allen on 01488 684385 or Ben on 01488 683499  to have your details added.                                                                                                        I.M.R.

 

Hungerford Library News

 

Our lovely new Library was officially opened on January 18^th by  MP Richard Benyon and we have already signed up hundreds of new members. There are thousands of new books to borrow plus DVDs, Playstation 3 and WII games for one week’s loan.

 

We have 4 adult and 2 children’s computers available at no charge which can be booked in advance for up to 2 hours. Later in the year we hope to start a Book group at the Library and Storytimes and Music Sessions for younger children.

 

Also housed in our building are the Town Council Office, the West Berks Cash Office, the Registrar and West Berks Community Information Centre, please see the information panel below.

 

The small Meeting Room at the front of the building can be used free of charge for interviews or meetings (max. 3 people) during Library hours except on Wednesday, please contact 01488   682660.                                                                S.L.                                                                                                                             

 

Opening hours for the above are as follows:-

 

             Library                                                                                       Town Council Office                                                                                                            

             We do not close for Lunch now                                                  Monday          10.– 2.00  

             Tuesday         9.30  -  7.00                                                          Tuesday        10.– 2.00         

             Wednesday    9.30  -  5.00                                                          Wednesday   10.– 2.00                                                

                                                                                                                 Thursday       10.– 2.00              

             Friday            9.30 -   7.00                                                           Friday            10.– 2.00                                 

             Saturday        9.30 -  12.30                                                    

                                                                 

            Cash Office  

 

            Tuesday           9.30 - 1.00   Lunch    1.30 - 4.30

            Wednesday      9.30 - 1.00   Lunch    1.30 - 4.30

            Friday               9.30 - 1.00   Lunch    1.30 - 4.00    (Time is wrong on the notice board)

 

            West Berks Community Information Centre  Wednesday am.  9.30 – 1.00    686163

 

            Registrar   Wednesday 2—3.30 pm. ( by appointment only )    01635 279233

 

 

Painting is a companion with whom one may walk a great part of life’s journey’ –

Sir Winston Churchill.

 

Marsh Studio, on the A4 overlooking St Lawrence’s Church, is the venue for Peter Turner’s two day art courses in Oil and Watercolour.

 

After forty plus years of painting and tutoring Peter believes that 'we all have capabilities we were unaware of and a style of our own. Having learned to use the tools of painting, the real challenge is what to paint and in what style.’ He is convinced that many more art interested people can and should be painting.

 

In his latest book, published in November: 'Oil and Watercolour Demystified' subtitled ‘if you can write—you can paint’ a practical guide – he makes the case that ‘The Gift of Painting’ is less a gift, more a small step in adult learning. In an insane world of non-art from non-artists this is a sane down to earth reference for existing and would be painters, capable of saving many frustrating hours of trial and error.

 

The pleasure and reward having learned to paint is enormous and learning is much less intimidating than is generally supposed. ‘Of the many skills employed in the making of a painting, the painting process itself is the easiest to learn and one which Everyone is capable of mastering’

 

The book is available at The Hungerford Bookshop and WH Smiths in both Newbury and Marlborough. See full information on the courses, including the one day Photo Editing, at www.art-courses.org

 

 

BLASTS FROM THE PAST.

 

From the Parish Magazine for July 1887.

 

     “The Queens Jubilee was celebrated in right loyal fashion in Hungerford on June 21. Flags waved from every window. Rich and poor vied with each other in the display of flowers, streamers, and loyal patriotic mottoes; and the streets were profusely decorated with bunting and evergreens. The day was ushered in by a merry peal of bells from the Church Tower, which was continued at intervals during the day. At nine o’clock, the Hungerford Troop of the Royal Berks Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry assembled opposite the Corn Exchange and fired a royal salute of 21 rounds. At half-past nine, a Procession was formed at the Town Hall, and marched to the Parish Church, headed by the Hungerford Drum and Fife Band. The High Constable and Feoffees were preceded by a detachment of Yeomanry Cavalry, followed by the members of the Jubilee Committee, and by the Foresters, the Odd Fellows, the Primitive Methodist Friendly Society, and the Berks County Club, with their banners and Regalia. The Service was the special form of Thanksgiving prepared by the Archbishop of Canterbury for the occasion. Mr Swift was the organist, and the united Choirs of the Parish Church and St. Saviour’s led the singing. The Te Deum was Garrett in F; and the Anthem was that composed by Dr Bridges specially for the Westminster Abbey Jubilee Service to the words, “Blessed be the Lord thy God”. The Organist played the March from Scipio as a Processional, and the National Anthem as a concluding Voluntary. The Church was crowded in every part, and many were unable to obtain admittance.

 

     The Public Dinner was held in the Mall at one o’clock, under the grateful shade of the trees of the Avenue. A double row of tables extended from the entrance to the Croft to the Vicarage. There were forty tables in all, each accommodating seventy-five people, including children. Almost three thousand sat down to the Dinner, which consisted of cold roast and boiled beef and mutton, hot mutton pies, with hot vegetables and plum puddings, and unlimited beer and lemonade. John o’Gaunt’s horn gave the signal for grace before and after meat, and for the singing of the National Anthem. The arrangements were so admirably made by the Committee that there was no excess and no waste, whilst all enjoyed an excellent and abundant meal, and that which remained over was sent the next day to the necessitous poor. The quantities of provisions supplied for the dinner were as follows:- 2,000 lbs meat, 1,800 lbs plum pudding, 80 mutton pies, 70 gallons bread, 16lbs mustard.

At three o’clock, a move was made to the Downs, where a capital programme of Jubilee Sports was gone through. The splendid weather threw a brightness over the whole scene; and nothing occurred to mar the enjoyment of all who took part in the Festivity. The recent decease of Mr Cherry, and the sudden death of Mr Baron Platt, cast a certain degree of gloom over the day, but even these sad events seemed to be forgotten for the time in the enthusiastic loyalty of the Jubilee. At ten o’clock, a large Bonfire was lighted on the Downs, and signal rockets were let off in accordance with the general scheme. High Street was beautifully illuminated with Greek fire, which shewed off the decorations to great advantage”.

 

     According to the Parish records Mr Cherry was aged 65 whereas Mr Platt was only 22 years of age. The circumstances of theirs deaths is not known.

 

More from the Archives next month. –Fred Bailey.

 

                        CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AT THE WHEATSHEAF CHILTON FOLIAT

 

     Following a severe hiccup in the organisation early last December, there was a possibility that some twenty-four regulars were going to miss out on their CHAIN Christmas Pub Lunch. That is until the Wheatsheaf at Chilton Foliat got to hear of our plight.

    With little more than a couple of day’s notice, the dining area was re-arranged and an excellent Christmas lunch was laid on, complete with crackers and table decorations.

    Our sincere thanks go to Tracy and her team at the Wheatsheaf.                                                                            D.L.

 

SUMMER IS  A - COMING

 

  “Warm summer sun shine kindly here…” Robert Richardson

 

Gardening is exciting- yes really!- especially at this time of the year, when everything is bursting forth. There is the promise of summer sunshine, sitting in the garden listening to the bees and hopefully goodbye to constant rain.

It’s infectious as we all rush down to the garden centre to brighten up the garden. But STOP!! Don’t just pick up the first thing which catches your eye. Yes I know its in flower now but think ahead.  Those Spring flowers will disappear and leave dull drab areas if you are not careful. Try to take a list of shrubs and flowers for interest at different times of the year. Even if you have a tiny courtyard you can still have something interesting each month of the year. Here is a list of plants to start with. I have sorted them into months but bear in mind that our ever more bizarre weather conditions mean that flowering can be early or delayed slightly!

 The Year in Colour………..

                                                      SHRUB                                          PERENNIAL

JANUARY                                 Sarcococca                                  Iris unguicularis

FEBRUARY                              Chaenomeles                               Bergenia Silberlicht

MARCH                                    Daphne mezereum                       Doronicum

APRIL                                        Magnolia stellata                        Aubretia

MAY                                          Exochorda The Bride                  Allium hollandicum

JUNE                                         Weigela Monet                           Geranium himalayense

JULY                                          Hebe Rosie                                 Diascia Blackthorn Apricot

AUGUST                                   Perovskia Blue spire                   Dieramma pulcherrimum

SEPTEMBER                            Caryopteris Kew Blue                Agapanthus

OCTOBER                                Cotinus grace                               Nerine bowdenii

NOVEMBER                            Lonicera fragrantissima               Iris foetidissima

DECEMBER                             Viburnum bod. Dawn                  Cyclamen coum

 

I  hope this brief list inspires you to get the best out of your garden. Remember – most of all- enjoy the garden.                                  Happy gardening,                                                                  Stacy

 

   

Marriage is a wonderful invention,  but then again,  so is a bicycle puncture repair kit!

Billy Connolly, 1942- 

 

Hungerford & District Community Arts Festival

(HADCAF) 2008

 

The 17^th annual Arts Festival will run from Friday 27 June to Sunday 20 July and already promises to be another cracker, with 24 days packed with exciting music and theatre, talks, walks, workshops, exhibitions and entertainment – something for everyone, in fact.  Put the dates in your diary now and look out for further details in the next issue of CHAIN MAIL. The familiar blue-and-white programme and tickets will be available in June, meanwhile visit the Festival website: www.hadcaf.co.uk for up-to-date information.

 

 

COFFEE CONCERTS sell-out in days…………….

 

One of the South’s most outstanding professional music ensembles, Southern Sinfonia launched their series of four lunchtime Hungerford COFFEE CONCERTS in January.  Southern Sinfonia’s Newbury Café Concerts, held at the Corn Exchange, have been hugely successful with the first and second Hungerford Coffee Concerts sold-out, so music lovers need to book early to avoid disappointment! 

 

The series was opened by brilliant young violinist Charlie Siem who delighted the audience with his beautiful sound.  Gabriella Dell’Olio, the distinguished Italian Harpist will be performing a recital on Thursday 17^th April and Adrienne Black will finish the series with her beautiful Harpsichord programme on the 15^th of May.

 

The concerts are sponsored by Raven Audley Court who are refurbishing Inglewood, situated in a picturesque and tranquil setting in the village of Kintbury.   Inglewood is being transformed into prestigious properties for over 55s providing a safe and secure environment and extensive on-site facilities.

 

Southern Sinfonia’s patron, internationally acclaimed conductor, Sir Roger Norrington, says, “We are thrilled that the new Hungerford series of COFFEE CONCERTS have been so well received and are delighted to welcome Audley as sponsors.” 

 

The concerts are held in the Magistrates’ Room, Hungerford Town Hall, and start at 1.00 pm.  Ticket prices include a cup of coffee and slice of cake.  Tickets are on sale at Crown Needlework, High Street, Hungerford. Telephone 01488 684011.   (For further information about Inglewood please call 01488 682100 or alternatively visit the website www.audleylife.co.uk.)

 

Bellringing at St Lawrence Church – Part 2              M.D.R.

 

The last edition contained an insight into change ringing at St Lawrence’s church, with something about what we do and what church bellringing is all about.  I hope that was of interest and, assuming it was of course, a bit of information about the bells themselves may be welcome.  The following are extracts from historical records that mention the bells.  Of course, some of these entries predate the present church that was built in the early 19^th century:-

 

The inventory records that there were 3 bells and a sanctus bell.

At least one bell “a treble bell” was added and by 1667, a fourth bell and the tenor wheel are also mentioned.

The tenor bell was recast by Samuel Knight at Reading.

Entry reads:  “Gave the ringers for ringing on ye news of the Duke of Marlborough’s victory – 4s.0d.

The tenor bell was recast by Henry Bagley at Witney.  “Gave ye men in beere for helping take down ye bell and puttingup – 15s 0d.”

 

1812           Order was made to James Wells bellfounder of Aldbourne to recast the old ring of five into a ring of six with a tenor of 15 cwt.

Bells recast and hung in the new (present) tower in a two tier oak frame.

Tenor recast by Thomas Mears II.

A sanctus bell was cast by William Taylor of Oxford.

Two trebles were added and the complete octave hung by Mears and Steinbank in a cast iron frame on one level.  This frame is in use today.

An architects inspection shows that a lighter ring was required for structural reasons.

Feb 1978                 Fund launched to raise the money, reached target in 10 weeks.

April 1978                Old bells removed.

24 May 1978           New bells cast at Whitechapel foundry in London.

16 July 1978            New bells dedicated.  Continue in use today.

 

Cast as recently as 1978 using modern techniques, our bells are a joy to ring, being well balanced, tuned and hung on ball bearing fittings.  Many bells still in use today are very old, some even mediaeval in origin, so our bells are babies in comparison.  The basic principles have changed little over the years, but as with pretty much everything these days, technology been applied to bell casting, tuning and installation or “hanging”.  Ancient bells though, were cast with no knowledge of modern engineering or dynamics so they are often non- symmetrical, poorly balanced and hung on what are known as plain bearings which produce significant friction and “drag” while being rung and requiring considerable effort on the ringers part.  All these factors give a bell a unique character, identity and even reputation among ringers.

 

 

Remaining with the bells themselves for now, it is normal for them to be inscribed with a dedication, founder’s marks, details of benefactor or other information related to their origin.  In fact, ancient inscriptions often give a unique insight into the times in which they were cast, but more on that in a future edition.  For now, the following are the inscriptions on  

St Lawrence’ bells

 

Treble♦             GLORIA IN EXCELCIS DEO – GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

       The gift of the ringers – Robert Grange - Tower Captain

 

♦Second♦             ADOPT ADAPT IMPROVE      The gift of Hungerford Round Table

 

♦Third♦                             TERRA ANGLICA VIRIDI ET AMOENA –

ENGLAND’S GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND

In memory of Bruce Waring-Smith 1894 – 1976

 

♦Fourth♦                   PER ARDUA AD ASTRA      In loving memory of Nigel

 

♦Fifth♦                               CANTARE DOMINO CANTICUM NOVUM

The gift of the Trustees and Commissioners of the Town and Manor of Hungerford

and the Manor and Liberty of Sanden Fee.  Hugh Adrian George Hassall – Constable

 

♦Sixth♦                          PRORSUM IN FUTURUM  The gift of Lord Rootes

 

♦Seventh♦               The gift of the Businesses and Industries of Hungerford. 

Dennis Cryer – PCC Treasurer

 

♦Tenor♦               Dedicated in the 25^th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II

Richard Kingsbury BA – Vicar, Ronald Talbot, David Brady - Churchwardens

 

 

St Lawrence Bellringing – Spring Diary

 

Wednesdays                 7.30 – 9.00 PM              Practice

Sundays                       9.30 – 10.00 AM            Service ringing

Sundays                       5.30 – 6.30 PM              Quarter Peal attempt     

Saturday 19^th April          10.00 – 1.00                  Peal of Grandsire Triples  

  

Mayor of Hungerford

 

     

   Spring is just around the corner and your Council has been busy over the winter period. We have 5 new councillors which will now bring us nearly up to strength. All are independent and have started to take on the tasks of the Council. They are Tanya Werrell, Dianne Pope, Jenny Booth, Anthony Buckwell and Matthew Nesbitt. You can read all about them in the Councils Open door magazine.

    Currently we are tackling St Saviours cemetery and have started to redress the long overdue clearing and tidying up of the trees and the graves. This will take a couple of years to start to make it look respectable. The gates at St Lawrence’s are being refurbished and the wall repaired. This work is being carried out jointly by Hungerford Council and the Town and Manor, and should be completed in late Spring.

    Unfortunately the parking enhancement has raised a few issues within the town. The Taxi rank is not being used as it was intended and we still have people parking in the disabled areas. Unfortunately we appear to not have any control being exercised by the parking authorities and this has caused quite a few irate calls to the office. These have been passed on to West Berks who we hope will redress the situation soon.

    Through Chain may I in my capacity of Mayor thank all those most sincerely who gave Shirley and I the opportunity to visit your organisations through the Christmas period and the support for the Mayors Carol Service which raised nearly £300 for SSAFA

     Finally may I remind you all of the Town meeting on the 20^th March at 7.30pm in the Town Hall.

                      

Peter Harries,    Mayor of Hungerford

 

Hungerford Theatre Club

 

My family and I moved to Hungerford in 1976 and the first organisation I joined was  Hungerford Theatre Club. There I met lovely people like Charles Lowe, Kay Kittle, June Birchett and Pip Pennock - Purvis, who told wonderful stories and showed me photos of the club going back to 1957.

 

The Director at that time was Dinah Heavens, whose parents Edie and Phil were enthusiastic members as were, among others, Sue Fry, Sue Carpenter and Jane Buckle. The first production I was involved with was Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town”.

 

In 1979 the club chairman Ron Couldridge  suggested the Theatre Club and John O’Gaunt School join forces to stage a Town Show “Cinderella” to be directed by the late, great, Don Bolton. Thanks to the tremendous enthusiasm of Don, John Miles and David Lee (the Head of JOG School at the time) and the Theatre Club Committee, the Town Show was born as an independent entity. For the next nine years Don produced various pantomimes until his sudden and untimely death which devastated us all.

 

The next show was to be “Oliver” and David Clayton took over from Don as Director and as you know continues to direct marvellous musicals every year. Many members took part in the annual Town Show and Theatre Club continued to present a play every year, some of my most memorable being Separate Tables, Outside Edge, Billy Liar, Tom Jones, The Matchmaker, Absurd Person Singular and Steel Magnolias.  Some years ago we decided to launch our S.O.S. evenings – songs, one-act play and supper - which have proved very popular and have enabled us to raise money for many local organisations. In addition money was raised for Steve and Gillian Davies who are building and running a kindergarten in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for children who have no other access to education.

 

The club has just produced a Variety Show with potted pantomime that played for two nights to a capacity audience in the Croft Hall and enabled us to donate £400 to the Hungerford Scouts, £50 to Hungerford Playgroup and £100 to St John Ambulance. Our next S.O.S. will be held in the Croft Hall on April 19^th and the Variety Show on 14^th, 15^th and 16^th November. If you are interested in joining us you will be very welcome – we are committed to perpetuating this great club that has been a part of Hungerford for so many years.                                                                 Chris Buck 683396

 

 

Hungerford Churches

 

 

Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Priory Road . Each Sunday at 9.00am Mass is held.

16.3.2008      Palm Sunday       9.00am  Mass at Hungerford

20.3.2008      Holy Thursday    8.00pm  Mass of The Lords Supper at LAMBOURN

                                                                                                                                     (no Mass at Hungerford)

21.3.2008      Good Friday      11.00am  Act of Witness at the Town Hall

                                                                                                          (meet to process from Our Lady of Lourdes at 10.15am)

                                                  3.00pm  Liturgy of Good Friday at Hungerford

22.3.2008      Holy Saturday     8.00pm   Easter Vigil Mass at Hungerford

23.3.2008      Easter Sunday      9.00am Mass at Hungerford

 

Hungerford Methodist Church, Bridge Street

Sunday Worship:             10.30am    & (1^st, 3^rd  & 5^th Sun) 6pm

Tuesday Fellowship:        2.30pm           1^st & 4^th Tuesdays at

Men’s Prayer Breakfast:  9.00am      last Saturday of the month.

Friday 7th March                 12.30pm      WORLD DAY OF PRAYER    Lent Lunch

Good Friday 10.15am Meditational Prayer followed by procession to Town Hall for ecumenical

witness and reading of the Passion.

Annual Church Meeting: 24^th April at 7.30pm

COFFEE CAFÉ  Saturdays in the church hall from 11am ‘til 4pm

Enjoy some home made cake, coffee or tea and a chat In aid of Send A Cow

Christian Aid Week 11^th – 17^th May Saturday 17^th May – Street Collection

Sunday 18^th May 6.30pm – United Service  at United Reformed Church, High Street

 

United Reformed Church

Normal Church services take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday with the following two exceptions, Junior Church is held during the morning service.

Sunday 3rd February - joint service to be held at The Methodist Church at 10.30 a.m.

Sunday 6th April- Constables Sunday, the Church will be closed to attend the Constables Service at St. Lawrence Church 

Good Friday 21st March - Service at 10.15 a.m. followed by United Service outside the Town Hall at 11 a.m.

Day of Prayer Tuesday 6th May  12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

United Service for Christian Aid Week - Sunday 18th May at 6.30 p.m.

 

Church on the Rock

Sundays at 10.30 am Town Hall.        Also Café on the rock every Friday morning.

 

St. Lawrence’s Church

Sunday          8am.       Holy Communion

                     10am.      Parish Eucharist,   Family service 1st Sunday of the month.

                     6.30pm.  Evensong,            Parish Eucharist 1st Sunday of the month.

Thursday       8am.       Holy Communion

 

An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less.               Nicholas Butler 1862-1947

 

For a list of the latest EVENTS please select

WHAT'S ON or WEEKLY EVENTS

 

If you copy Data such as Town Diary, Whats On, Useful Numbers etc., and print it please acknowledge as below, a lot of hard work goes into compiling and presenting this so please play fair :-

 

Information provided by  hungerford.uk.net   in association with  CHAIN MAIL

 

 

With many thanks to our advertisers