Team Letter
Dear Everybody
I am writing this while I am on holiday in Madeira looking out at the blue Atlantic Ocean, with nothing to block my view other than the island of St Helena, about 3,500 miles away!
I don’t know about you, but when I am away on holiday, I seem to be able to think much more clearly. Detached from the day to day, and the emotional involvement which reinforces all the usual prejudices, or encourages me to compromise, put off, or duck issues altogether, it all seems so straightforward. All I need now is to hold my nerve and ‘go for it’, (whatever ‘ it’ might be) when I get back. And of course, when I return, that letter will instantly be dispatched with a flourish, the Archdeacon will be sorted out with a piece of my mind, and a couple of difficult heads in a parish will be banged together to make them see sense. Only somehow, back in the real world, it doesn’t come off quite like that. I know how easy it will be for that resolve to be lost within days, and the issues to confront, or decisions to be made, become hedged about with ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’, if they are not allowed to drift into touch altogether.
I wonder whether we do this with the fundamental decisions in life. In the wonder of the beauty of a holiday location, it is easy to gaze in awe at the splendour of a mountain view, green forests, the dawn sunshine, or, right where I am, the majestic Atlantic stretching away in every direction as far as the eye can see. And, yes, there is often a deep spiritual moment of recognising the hand of a mighty God in his Creation. An interesting experience for me in finding the English Church here on a Sunday, is the number of fellow worshippers who see it as a natural part of their holiday, but rarely go near their local church when they are at home. All this is happening because there is that space to think, to see, to hear - and God is calling into that space; the question is whether we acknowledge the reality of that voice and make a decision to respond to it and take it any further.
Whether at home or away this summer, I do hope you have been able to find just a little space in this holiday season, before the busyness of the world crowds around you again and have put it to good use
With my love in Christ
Nicolas Leigh Hunt
Your Church In September
Date / Service / Readers / Flowers / Cleaners5th Sept / Evensong 6pm / Bill W & Vikki / Caroline / David & Mary
12th Sept / Village Communion
and Baptism 11am / Bill S and Alicia / Anne
19th Sept / Morning Worship 11am / Carolyn & Mary Vere / Jeni / Bill & Ann C
26th Sept / Holy Communion 8am / Mary & John B / Frannie
In August there was a special welcome to Mary Casson (daughter of Rowan and Maria) and Jamie Banks (son of Adam and Nicola) who were baptised on the 8th. Holiday Club now seems a long time ago, but many thanks to the children who came and all who helped. Everyone had a good time!
September sees the Team Barbecue in Savernake Forest on the 5th, resumption of the fortnightly Bible Study Group on the 8th, the sponsored Cycle Ride in aid of the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust on the 11th, the start of the Alpha Course on the 22nd. You can still join all of these (and they will all be good fun!). For details, ring 730717 or 730233.
October will start off, as mentioned last month, with the Harvest Festival Service on Sunday 3rd. Harvest Supper will be on Saturday, 9th. Tickets (£5 and £2) are available from David & Mary Brown in Upper Chute (730236), Mike & Vikki Alderson in Chute Cadley (730388) and Keith & Carolyn Hardiman in Chute Forest (730 848) Do come and join the celebrations!
Bell ringing – St Nicolas, Upper Chute
As Tower Captain, I wish to apologize to the residents of Upper Chute for the disturbance and inconvenience caused on the afternoon of Sunday 1st August when a group of visiting ringers rang a peal at St. Nicolas.
Please rest assured that this situation will never occur again.
John Wood, Tower Captain.
Thankyou
The family of Mrs Jean Barnard would like to thank all the friends & neighbours for their prayers and kind thoughts after the sudden death of Jean on 22nd July.
We are all completely devastated, especially as it follows so soon after Hugh in May, but with the beautiful memories they leave, both will always be with us.
We will truly miss the wonderful times we all spent in Chute Forest.
With special thanks for all the generous donations that we will pass on to the Alzheimer's Society.
Ro Chalkley and Mick Barnard
Welcome
Welcome to Jane and Gerry Wheeler who have recently moved into Foxcotte, Upper Chute.
Editor Required
Following the departure of Eve Magee, the Chronicle editorial team is now just Lisa Jackson (730286) and Chris Stock (730613), and a 3rd is needed. Can you help? If so please phone either of them, and they will be delighted to discuss it with you.
Chute Parish Council
Planning
There is 1 application outcome to record:-
Englemere House, Upper Chute: stable/storage block, refused.
Lower Chute / Cadley amenity skip
An amenity skip will be placed on the green at Lower Chute on Friday 3rd September.
Forest Lane – HGV use
We have at last made some progress in improving the road signs restricting use of this unclassified road. However there has been a hitch and, while I tackle this with the Highways Manager, residents are asked to do what they can to direct HGVs to other routes into Upper Chute.
Footpath: Tibbs Meadow to Butts Hill
Some time ago I was asked to do something to have the condition of this footpath improved: children and mud/puddles don’t mix well on the way to meet the school bus. I can now confirm that the KDC engineers have had a look and will resurface it shortly. I am sorry it took so long to sort out but it turned out to be something of a can of worms. At first no one would accept ownership and therefore responsibility.
Chute Parish clean-up event: 18th September
You may remember that we have a small cash grant from KDC for ‘cleaning-up’ the parish. We have decided to expand this event from children to all ages and from litter picking to other activities such as smartening up our signposts. The grant should cover rubber gloves and sacks etc and we hope enough for some light refreshment. Anyway, it’s a good excuse for a get together. Please come along and join in. Meet up at the Village Hall at 2pm on Saturday 18th September. Bill Shaw (730328) is the happy chap responsible for co-ordinating the event – give him a bell well before the event if you have any ideas on what clean-up activities we might tackle.
Bonfire problems
At the last meeting your council was presented with a small, but nonetheless valid, petition seeking to ban bonfires. Having taken advice, the council would like to remind villagers that:
(a)the Shepherds Spring re-cycling centre in Andover accepts garden waste
(b)bonfires may be used very infrequently, preferably early mornings and late evenings when the smoke nuisance will be minimised, and only as a last resort means of disposal.
(c)under no circumstances should waste which emits toxic fumes be burnt – eg plastic.
(d)the wind direction and the effect of smoke caused on neighbours must be considered before a fire is lit. (I failed to think of this in the past and spoiled someone’s wash day)
Failure to observe the above can result in the environmental health officers serving a nuisance order on offenders. Smoke blowing over a public highway is a matter for the police.
Finally, if bothered by smoke, do approach your neighbour and explain the problem. You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it will hopefully make them more aware in the future. Co-operation usually works better than formal redress.
Bank Holiday variation in rubbish collection
Friday 3rd collection will be on Saturday 4th September.
Trading standards alert
Residents are warned to be on their guard if approached by a company offering sandblasting or cleaning of driveways. An 82 year old man was charged £300 per hour for work which was quoted as £150: he parted with over £900 after being taken to the bank. The caller had a London accent and claimed to be from Southend but enquiries reveal that the address was incorrect. The caller gave only a mobile phone number. Advice is available from trading standards on 08451 201 202. All those approached should inform their local police station or trading standards. REMEMBER: STOP, CHAIN, CHECK
Next Meeting of Parish Council
Is scheduled for 7.30pm on Thursday 16th September 2004. venue: Village Hall. As always, members of the public are welcome. The agenda will be displayed at the four notice boards around the parish and the minutes of the previous meeting will be displayed on the council notice board at the Village Hall.
David Clark, Chute Parish Clerk
Dog Fouling
The dog population of the village appears to be increasing, as is the number of families (especially those with young children) who enjoy walking our lovely lanes and footpaths. Can I remind owners to ensure that pets do not leave their deposits on any public right-of-way? If they do, PLEASE clean up after them!!! Thank you.
Bill Shaw Chairman, Chute PC
Chute Forest Parish Council
Date of next meeting. Thursday September 16th, 2004, at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall.
A. Cherrington, Clerk to the Parish Council
House Plant Needs Good Home!
I have a Hibiscus – single red flower, dark evergreen leaves. It is 10 years old and has outgrown our windowsill, needing, next February, to be put into a larger pot. At present it stands about 3ft 6ins including pot. It flowers from May to December – flowers only lasting a day. Anyone interested?
Please contact Fran Clark, 730782.
Village Diary - September
Wednesday 1st / 8pm / Village Hall Committee / Village HallMonday 6th / 10am – 2pm / Private function / Village Hall
Monday 6th / evening / Private function / Village Hall
Monday 13th / 7.30pm / Line Dancing / Village Hall
Wednesday 15th / 7.45pm / Whist Drive / Club
Thursday 16th / 7.30pm / Chute Parish Council / Village Hall
Thursday 16th / 7.30pm / Chute Forest Parish Council / Village Hall
Saturday 18th / 2pm / Chute Parish Clean Up / Meet at Village Hall
Sunday 19th / 2pm / Single Wicket Competition (to be confirmed) / Playing Fields
Monday 20th / 7.30pm / Line Dancing / Village Hall
Tuesday 21st / 8pm / Gardening Club
Saturday 25th / All day / Private function / Village Hall
Sunday 26th / All day / Private function / Village Hall
Monday 27th / 7.30pm / Line Dancing / Village Hall
Every
Tuesday / Quiz night / Hatchet
Wednesday / 10 - 12 / Mothers & Toddlers / Village Hall
Thursday / Curry night / Hatchet
STOP PRESS
The Chute and Chute Forest Conservative Association is holding a supper party in the Village Hall on Saturday October 16th at 7.30pm for people to meet our MP, Michael Ancram. All are welcome Licensed Bar Tickets £10 will be available form Joanna Buchanan 730288, Michael Sykes 730222, David Milligan 730384
Chute Wednesday Club
Our latest outing, on Wednesday 18th August, took us to the Avon Valley between Bath and Bristol where we joined the Avon Valley Railway for a nostalgic ride on a restored steam train. This railway offers a 5-mile ride along the former Mangotsfield to Bath Green Park branch of the old Midland Railway and the chance to see the River Avon Valley from an aspect that cars cannot reach. Based at Bitton Station, midway between Bristol and Bath, this former Midland Railway station has been painstakingly restored from the derelict state to provide visitors with refreshments and toilet facilities, a railway shop, a pleasant garden and outdoor seating. A wide variety of main line and industrial steam and diesel locomotives can be viewed in the former goods yard, along with carriages and wagons. The line currently extends north to Oldland Common, where a new platform was built to replace the original halt demolished in the late 1960s and also south into the Avon Valley towards Bath. During this year the building of its new southern most platform was completed and now visitors can enjoy boat trips on the River Avon which most of our party enjoyed. In the long term an extension to the outskirts of Bath is planned.
Our recent Garden Party at Fairview was blessed with a lovely sunny day and a good number of members and friends enjoyed an afternoon of cream teas, various stalls and a chance to relax in the garden. This being our main money-raising event we were very pleased with the profit of £470 made and many thanks are extended to all that supported us. We also extend our grateful thanks to the Fete committee for donating a share of their profit to our funds.
Our next trip, on Wednesday Sept 15th, is to Sudeley Castle and Gardens set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold Hills. This castle is steeped in history with royal connections spanning a thousand years and together with its glorious gardens promises to be a highlight of our visits. A few seats are still available on the coach and early booking is advised - telephone Ann on 730289.
John Burden
Chute Gardening Club
In September the gardening club resumes its regular evening talks, every third Tuesday of the month.
On 21st September we will have a talk on Moulds Mildews and Mushrooms by Dr David Allen.
This will start at 8.00 p.m. in the Village Hall.
All are welcome. Non members may attend for £1.
In last month’s Chronicle we suggested a trip to Stourhead gardens. To date there has been insufficient interest in this trip, consequently we will not be organising a minibus for this. Please do let us know if you have any suggestions for gardens that may be of particular interest to garden club members for potential trips in the future.
Sally Tweed, 730365
Line Dancing
Line Dancing starts again on Monday 13th September, Chute Village Hall, 7.30 to 9.30pm, £2.50 per person. Come and join us for a good evening. New people are always welcomed.
Barbara Long, 730655
Chute Club
Presentations have been made after the ‘Bed Push’, which was enjoyed by all who took part. The amount raised was £1,733.50, which was divided between Kingfisher Ward, Andover Hospital, and MacMillan Cancer Relief Nurses.
Thank you all for your support.
Chute XI v Chris Stock XI cricket match
What is rapidly becoming an annual event (both sides have already laid down the gauntlet for next year!) was again successfully played and enjoyed on 16th August.
While the home team were unable to repeat last year’s dead heat, this year coming second, everybody who participated, and cricket as a whole, were the real winners. It was an absolute joy to be part of such a good sporting contest, where everybody tried to the best of their ability, where those who were less experienced were encouraged and supported, and where true sportsmanship was the rule of the day.
It may be a British flaw to fall back on the taking part, as opposed to the winning, but on this occasion, taking part really was what mattered.
Thank you to everybody involved, in whatever capacity, both on and off the field. You are far too numerous to mention. Thankyou.
Chris Stock
Vulcan Bomber Crash 11th May 1964.
I have at various times heard about the crash of a Vulcan bomber on Chute Causeway; but it was not until I came across someone who remembers seeing the aircraft in difficulty, and had a copy of the accident report narrative of events, that I realised some of you will have witnessed this at first hand.
As part of the History of Chute project, can I request from you any photographs or comments of what you saw, and indeed, confirmation of where on the Causeway the accident happened? I understand it was near towards New Zealand by Limmer Pond, but please call me or put your memories in writing.
Jon Harries, Old Peelers, Chute Cadley, 730224
Ambridge comes to Chute?
Would you like to take part in a Single Wicket Cricket competition?
It may be late in the season, but we are hoping to organise a Single Wicket Cricket competition on Sunday 19th September, starting at 2pm. This is open to all, and should be a continuation of the relaxed Chute cricket spirit.
The actual rules are the same as for any game of cricket in terms of runs, ways of getting out, etc; but it is a knockout competition involving individuals, rather than teams. We will be starting with up to 16 players, who are drawn to play against each other in pairs. So in the first round, Tom may be drawn to play Paul. Tom bowls an over (or two, or as may be decided on the day) against Paul batting. Then they swap round. Whoever scores the most runs in their over, or until they are out, goes through to the next round.
After round one, eight players remain, and so on until two players are left to contest the final. The semi final and final may have more overs.
Fielding is done by the other players, on a rotational basis. So while Tom is playing Paul, ten of the others will field (including a wicket keeper). Assuming 16 are involved, the other four, the two pairs involved in the preceding and succeeding games, will be putting pads on / taking them off, doing the score book, etc.