East Knoyle News Letter

After the early threat of rain, 5th August blossomed into a beautiful afternoon and a great time was had by all. Terry Pratchett opened the Post Office and shop by cutting a ribbon with an enormous pair of scissors (with a little help from Janeen Evans, discreetly wielding the cutters which actually did the job). The shop’s suppliers provided an excellent tasting event, the bar was donated by Hidden Brewery and Taste of Shadows provided fun entertainment. The whole event was covered by regional television and the press.

Many people said that it would be nice to have an event for the village around the same time every year, but quite different in style from the fête. We shall see! Ed.

WINIFRED LETTICE GLEN-COATS 1929 - 2006

Lettice died peacefully on Friday 4th August after a long battle with cancer, bravely borne.

She was born in Paisley, Scotland, daughter of Harold and Elizabeth Glen-Coats and was the younger sister of Elizabeth. She went to St Columba’s School, Paisley.

In 1949 the family moved to Clouds Park, where Lettice took an active part in village and county pursuits. Her great interests and lifelong loves were horses, riding, dogs, her beloved donkeys and outdoor pursuits.

She served the Girl Guide Movement faithfully for 35 years, rising to be County Commissioner for Wiltshire South. Helen Lever, an East Knoyle Girl Guide who read The Gaelic Prayer so beautifully at the funeral on 15th August said, “She gave so many girls the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. She did this by a combination of firmness and kindness. Camping was always such fun with her.”

Lettice was a much respected Magistrate, starting in 1967 at Tisbury and Mere District Court, later becoming Deputy Chairman. She was finally at the Juvenile Court in Salisbury, retiring in 1992.

The Red Cross was always close to her heart, starting in 1950 as a VAD and then as a member of the East Knoyle Group, where she served on the Christmas Gift Committee—wisely offering advice on who the recipients should be and giving generously to the Fund, which she helped to distribute, so I am told by Jean Butler. Jean also said that each year Lettice gave the Christmas Turkey to the Handicapped Club, where she helped with teas until very recently and where her scones were much appreciated.

Lettice was a great support to her many friends and neighbours and to all the Charities and Committees with which she worked so hard.

Her Funeral Service, which she had written herself, portrayed her true and loving character. The Reverend June Lane took the Service and the Church was full, reflecting the love and admiration we all felt for Lettice. Afterwards, family and friends met together in the Village Hall for tea.

Thanks to Elizabeth, Lettice was able to stay in her own home—which meant so much to them both.

We are very lucky to have known such a very special person, whose strong Christian faith was reflected in all she did in her life. She will be greatly missed. Diana Makgill

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - WOMEN’S SECTION

On a sunny August afternoon, more than 30 members of the RBL gathered for an enjoyable Strawberry Tea. Our thanks go to Gill & Mike Waterhouse for hosting this event in such delightful surroundings. Maybe they should take credit for the weather too as, yet again, it was perfectly suited to the occasion.

The next meeting of the Women's Section will take place in the Village Hall (Billiard Room) on 10th October, when the Officers & Committee for the coming year will be elected. Offers to fill any of these positions would be very welcome and gratefully received. To conform to the rules a President, Chairman, (who cannot be the same person), Secretary &Treasurer must be elected. Currently we have no offers for the Chairman & Secretary positions. We hope that as many members as possible will attend this meeting so that there can be full representation. This year at our Poppy Appeal Lunch on 4th November we are lucky to have as guest speaker General Sir John Wilsey, who will give a talk on the War Graves Commission. Details of ticket price and timing will be displayed on the notice boards. Everyone is welcome.

The annual subscription for members (£7) is due on 1st October and can be paid at the AGM or to Sally Swin (Rosella, Shaftesbury Rd. tel:830583). Sally Swain

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

A DAY TO REMEMBER - The outing to Buckingham Palace arranged by Tony Thresh for 7th September was a great success. Thirty two members and friends travelled in comfort by Grosvenor Coaches on time each way. Beautiful weather and the two tours to the Queen's Gallery in the morning and to the State Rooms after lunch were leisurely, with good audio guides to help follow the pictures, furniture and uses of the Palace generally.

An unexpected bonus was to see Prince Philip, Prince Edward and Sophie chatting informally to the drivers and crews of cars ready for the start of the Monte Carlo Rally, which starts from the Palace this year. For many, the star show was the 80th birthday display of the Queen's dresses - from the 1940's till now. The designs and workmanship were breathtaking, as were the accompanying pieces of jewellery. On the same theme, the display of 80th birthday greetings from children, schools and other organisations were both poignant and amusing.

Most of the party took a good carvery lunch at Ruben's Hotel. Those who bought a drink were sharply reminded of the difference between London prices and those of our locals.

POPPY APPEAL 1) Once again Roy Halsall (830499) is looking for volunteers, old and new, to make sure that 2006 keeps us up to recent years’ record results. He needs help both at Willoughby Hedge and for house-to- house collections, especially as he will not have available this year some his best old hands. Please help if you can. Roy still wants your coins / notes - old or new - in any currency. Used stamps are also wanted. If you are taking the trouble to save these, please do go one step further and trim them to ¼” or so round the edges. The last batch, weighing 3 lb 4oz, was reduced to 1 lb 9oz by the time Liz had trimmed the waste paper.

2) The Musical Evening on 30th September starts things off. Do please come to St. Mary's and enjoy.

3) Remembrance Sunday is 12th November. Our arrangements will be traditional. Assemble at 10.40am and enter Church at 10.50 am. The whole Collection goes to the Poppy Appeal.

4) Women's Section Lunch is on Saturday 4th November in the Village Hall.

LOSS OF OLD COMRADE - Sadly, Bill Mock passed away peacefully in Shaftesbury Hospital on 15th July. He was a great family man and his funeral service showed the affection in which he was held by family and friends. He was a loyal member of the branch for 59 years and it was a privilege to be asked by the family for the Standard to be lowered in his memory.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS - New membership cards will be available shortly and our Treasurer Martin Snell would appreciate prompt payment (£11.50) as he will be abroad for several weeks from late October. New blood welcome!!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - this will be on Monday 6th November at the Fox & Hounds at 7pm for the Monthly Meeting, followed by the AGM at 7.30-ish. Denys Butler

GARDEN CLUB As one of our members said, “The visit to Highgrove was like a holiday - none of the bother that travel entails of planning the route, driving and other hazards”. What a wonderful day - a smooth drive, studying the countryside from the vantage point of comfortable seats. We were met at the entrance by a smiling Gloucestershire police officer. Our credentials were vetted and the coach examined. We disembarked and were greeted by another smiling face, a young lady who invited us to enter the Orchard Room. Some of the Prince’s paintings were displayed, together with other ethnic ornaments and glorious orchids. We were introduced to our guide, a charming, knowledgeable lady with a sense of humour. She guided us through the lovely grounds with views of wild flowers, farm houses, a distant church steeple and the house.

The house was built in the 18th Century and bought by the Prince of Wales in 1981 from the son of Harold Macmillan. Sculptors and garden designers had worked with the Prince to create vistas. We were amused by one wall of ‘bits and pieces’ created and carved by students of the Built Environment. Exoticas such as bananas, gunnera, Australian tree ferns, eucalyptus and New Zealand flax were showing well. There were ponds with Koi carp and dragonflies and a topiary garden with strange geometric shapes. Through beautifully carved gates we glimpsed pots, from those small enough to grace our own gardens to ones gigantic enough for Ali Baba. There was a black and white garden, full of maroon and white flowers, a perfumed lavender garden and espaliered trees laden with apples and pears. The pièce de resistance was the Carpet Garden, created by the Prince from the design of a Turkish Carpet at Highgrove. The garden won a Silver Award at the 2001 Chelsea Flower Show.

We returned to the Orchard Room for tea and shortbread biscuits before loading ourselves with gifts and plants at the shop. This is a garden to remember designed with love, talent and humour.

Our next meeting is on 16th October at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, when Chris Hunter will talk on ‘Pruning fruit trees’. Entrance: members £1.50, non-members £3 including coffee and biscuits. Christine Dewis

TISBURY & DISTRICT LINK SCHEME To book call 01747 870194 To volunteer call 01747 870194

The popularity of the Link Scheme continues to grow. Significantly, there is an increase in its use for social & domestic purposes e.g. shopping, although the requests for transport to a surgery, clinic, or hospital have not diminished. Sadly, the pool of volunteer drivers has not increased significantly and the availability of volunteer drivers in the outlying villages is still very limited. The drivers are currently paid 40p a mile towards their running costs for the round trip from their home and back. The greater the number of volunteer drivers, the easier it will be to satisfy the requests. The greater the number of locations where the drivers are based, the easier it is to match locally the volunteer and the user. This will reduce the 'dead mileage' costs, which will in turn reduce the overheads to the Scheme.

Since the Link Scheme began on 1st March this year, it has received requests from more than 100 users and completed more than 190 requests. There is no charge for the services, but the Link Scheme depends on donations from its users to operate. Volunteers for any of the Scheme services are always welcome. To volunteer please call 01747 870194. Sally Swain

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

Are you standing up with your throat? Holding your shopping bag with your shoulders? Talking with your feet? Up to 90% of us are doing such things without even realising it. No wonder that we ache and finally resort to all manner of expensive therapists who, in my experience, provide only temporary relief at best. About 100 years ago, F. Matthias Alexander tackled the problem from a different angle. He realised that there is a dynamic relationship between the neck, head and spine, which affects every movement we make. When this relationship has become disrupted the whole organism compensates for the loss of balance, creating stress throughout.

The Alexander Technique is not just another method of relieving tension and it is not a therapy. It is a whole philosophy of movement and co-ordination, undoing bad habits and consciously re-educating the way we use the body. (Ed., with much help from Tessa Cawdron).

Sally Webster explains her experience: I found myself searching for a teacher of the Alexander Technique ten years ago. As a practising artist my work involves a lot of standing, bending and heavy lifting and a lot of attention. I was finding that after as little as ten minutes in the studio, my back was aching and burning with pain between the shoulder blades, impeding my concentration. In addition, I had been diagnosed with osteoporosis and was keen to minimise the effects of the disease.

I had first become aware of the Alexander Technique in the 60’s, bought my first book on the subject but not done anything about it. Having grown very fast aged 13, I had already developed a way of bracing my back when standing by crossing my legs and this habit I had continued to use all my life. Small wonder my back was hurting!

By chance a friend to whom I had mentioned my search introduced me to Tessa Cawdron, then teaching at the Mere Practice, and thus began my salvation.

After the first two lessons I realised that this technique was no therapy but more an armoury for living, in far more ways than just physically. I knew that over the years I had developed habits to compensate for my adolescent rapid growth, the usual wear and tear of motherhood and the long hours spent standing at an easel or turning the wheel of an etching press. I soon learnt that the Alexander Technique is one that re-educates the body. The first stage is to change from the habits of bad use acquired over the years that cause an imbalance and resultant pain. The second stage is to establish habits of good use which improve balance and release unnecessary tension.

I have found learning the Alexander Technique has not only changed me physically so that I can now stand for hours without pain; its use has created mental space and calm , and an enormous sense of energy. It is an invaluable tool for dealing with all stresses and strains which mentally, emotionally and physically confront us through life. It goes without saying that, as with everything, it is of great importance to find a teacher who can communicate clearly and simply.

ST. MARY’S GUILD

We are very pleased to have Mr Alan Corkhill joining us on Tuesday 26th September, 2.30pm at Cools Cottage. In his talk ‘Beyond the Footlights’ he will be reflecting on his working life. We are assured of an interesting hour or so - along with the famous Gregg hospitality!!

On 24th September it is Harvest Festival time. The service is at 6pm, followed by our Harvest Supper in the Village Hall. You can obtain tickets @ £4 each from Christine (830525) or Suzanne (830456). Do join us for this lovely Festival. Our Coffee Morning for CRISIS is at Church Cottage on 28th November 10.30am to 12 noon. Please come and help us to make this year our best ever. Christine Wilson

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

The contract has been awarded for the all-weather cricket surface in Knoyle House Ground. This should be completed by the late autumn. It should give our cricketing fans an early start for 2007. It is important that the users of the cricket nets show concern for the safety of others in Knoyle House Ground and for surrounding residents. Unfortunately, that concern does not appear to have been shown by those who have been using the Ground for golf practice. So can we just be clear here: Knoyle House Ground is intended as a pleasure ground, safe at any time for everyone. Football on the pitch - OK; cricket in the nets - OK; basket ball near its net - OK; other games with soft balls - OK; golf - nope! Anything which might hurt anyone else - nope! Motorbikes - absolutely not! Apart from wild animals (which we can’t stop) and guide dogs - no other animals. The Council is also concerned that the woodland between the Windmill and the Dips at The Green is being used for barbecues. A fabulous spot, but the land is owned by the Council and no permission exists for these barbecues to take place. It may not have been so noticeable if you had taken your rubbish home, but a large amount of litter and scrapped barbecue parts are spoiling the area. Ed.

Parish Councillors for East Knoyle are: S. Sully (Chairman), D. Haworth- Booth (Vice-Chairman), S. Dawson (Chairman, Finance Committee), S. Wilson (Chairman, Planning Committee), A. Campbell (Chairman, Highways, Common Lands and Rights of Way Committee), S. Garrett, D. Williams, L. Coffin, P. Wharton, S. Swain, T. Hyde. Contact may be made through the Parish Clerk: Keith Shipman, Ivy Cottage, Shaftesbury Road, East Knoyle SP3 6AR Tel: 01747 830886, Email k.shipman@btopenworld.com.

WREN’S SHOP AND POST OFFICE

The shop is proving to be really successful, with over £30,000 being taken in the first 10 weeks. Thirty nine volunteers have been trained and more are coming forward, though more are still needed. The success of the shop is due to the work of the volunteers and the support the village is giving. Please continue to do so. The more the village uses the shop, the lower we can keep prices. We now stock organic beef from Upper Leigh Farm. Although the range of stock continues to widen, the available shelf space does not!

Janeen Evans, our postmistress, has extended the hours for the post office. It is now open from 9am to 12 noon and 3pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Outside those hours, the shop stocks stamps.

The shop has a stock of wine glasses and tumblers. These can be borrowed free of charge when drink is purchased from the shop. We can supply the drink on a sale-or-return basis.

A number of organisations wishing to follow the same community shop path have visited; it is clear from their comments our village has another thing to be very proud of.

The opening event with Terry Pratchett was a wonderful afternoon. A big ’Thank You’ to the Quilters for the fabulous quilt which was won by Jean and Denys Butler. We raised almost £1400 from the raffle. The McLaren Webster Partnership (Clouds Estate) has made a substantial donation. So many people have helped us get to this point and we thank you all. Laura Coffin

My First Term At Wren’s

Dear Aunt Asda, Just a short note to let you know how I am getting on at Wren’s. On my first day I was handed my uniform which is a deep red colour. I must say it rather reminded me of your favourite claret. And it has a beautifully embroidered golden crest on it. Then I met the Head Boy, Keith and the two House Captains Laura and Janeen. They helped me to settle in with advice about personal hygiene before handling food, how to lift things properly and lots of other exciting things.

Yesterday I had a lesson in French cooking, I think it is called cuisine de France, and I actually baked croissants, petit pains and demi- baguettes on my own. Tomorrow Senior Prefect Janeen is going to help me do Scandinavian cooking when we make Danish pastries. What next? Indian Curries, Italian pasta, who knows?

I have met loads of other newcomers to Wren’s and we all agree that we are on a steep learning curve especially when it comes to SPATIAL AWARENESS. Let me explain, Auntie. Well, I have found out that Cornflakes packets are bulky and not at all heavy, though they do take up a lot of shelf space, 2 litre Lemonade bottles are heavy and “space inefficient” and you can balance three mustard jars on top of each other - the list goes on. Senior Prefect Laura is putting me in for a spatial awareness and stock rotation module at the end of my first term here, if I “carry on making good progress.”

I was introduced to the Head of Wren’s this morning. Dr. Epos (Electronic Point Of Sale (the till) does not have much to say and is rather intimidating because he seems to have all the answers. Some of us become quite frozen with indecision when we have any dealings with him. He has the ability to chill the blood when he utters an alarming beep and declares that you have performed an “INVALID TRANSACTION.” I must say, though, that as we get to know him better we are all becoming more relaxed with him and finding out just how jolly helpful he can be.

I have only been here for one term and already I have made so many new friends. We do chat a lot and that’s how we find out what is going on. Do you know, Auntie, I am beginning to feel that I belong to this place and this place belongs to me.

Well, I must go now. I have got a recycling lesson with Keith, our Head Boy. I had no idea that so much cardboard and plastic wrapping could pile up at the back of a SHOP.

With love and chocolate buttons, keeping up the family traditions, Ekcsa Arkwright (alias Alan Knight).

ST. MARY’S CHURCH

THE FÊTE - Once again everyone rose to the occasion. Helped by the beautiful setting of Knoyle Place and blessed by a sunny afternoon, there was the usual excellent attendance, including a good number of new faces.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the quiet meandering amongst the stalls and games. The Dog Show drew a wide variety of entries and provided much hilarity for both the dog owners and the casual dog lovers. Thank you to everyone for your contributions great and small - from cakes to lucky dip; books to bric-a-brac; produce to the tombola; teas to champagne; weight of the cake to the music - something for everyone and not forgetting the setters-up, takers-down, washers-up, fetchers and carriers. Especial thanks to Julie Setford whose first time as organiser in support of Simon Hunt was, we hope, the first of many future successes.

I nearly forgot! The Treasurer counted in £3,527. After expenses, the PCC's bank balance increased by just over £3,200. WELL DONE to everyone.

FAREWELL - after her long fight against cancer, an absolutely full Church paid tribute to Lettice Glen- Coats. The village is poorer for her loss and the Church will miss her for her deep faith, for her support of our activities as worshipper, service on the PCC, Fête tombola, Dog Show judge and as friend and benefactor.

SAILING TRIP - we hope that all those from the Benefice who have gone with Steve Morgan on the ketch "Morning Star" over 15th/17th September will have enjoyed crewing with him and have all returned safely.

LAMMAS TIDE SERVICE - the 50 or so members of the Benefice who came along to Sweetwell Farm had an excellent time enjoying the shade of the barn from the baking sun. The scent of the farm from freshly stacked straw, with a hint of ‘you know what’, gave a real meaning to the Service. There was an amusing interruption to

John Reading's reading from the Old Testament when one of the young cows decided to Moo at an appropriate moment. And surprise, surprise! The hosts, the Drake family and their helpers, provided a superb tea afterwards. Thank you.

FUNDRAISING APPEAL - We repeat our thanks for your generous support. We are now meeting our target for 2006/07 but, due to our being unable to count on one-off gifts in advance and the loss of a major giver, we shall be well short of our needs for 2007/08 and future years. If you have just been thinking of giving, or have simply forgotten about it, please do something for us now. It is regular income that we need

most, under Gift Aid if possible! MUSICAL EVENINGS - One way of helping with funds and to enjoy yourselves at the same time will be to come to the Musical Evening on Saturday, 30th September at 7.30pm in St Mary's Church. Classical and light music will be provided by Philip Blake and the Child Okeford Consort. This promises to be a high quality event, the profits being shared between St Mary’s and the RBL Poppy Appeal. Tickets at £7.50 are available from Wren’s Shop (830735) or from Simon Hunt (830242). Another musical event is the Christmas Concert by Yeovil Town Band in St Mary’s on Saturday 9th December at 7.30pm. There will be a bar. Profits will be shared between St Mary’s Church and the Handicapped Club. Tickets are £7 for adults and £3.50 for under 16’s, available from Wren’s Shop.

CHURCH BUILDINGS - The PCC is considering the erection of a Notice Board near the lower church gates, the cleaning of the East Window ( a delicate operation) and a general re- organisation within the Church. This could involve renovation, re-siting and/or replacing the organ; provision of a proper office for the incumbent; installing a lavatory; more flexible use of the South or North aisles. The underlying purpose of this activity is to make the best use of the Church for both Church and community purposes and to generally bring it up to the modern day without destroying its essential beauty and sanctity. A tall and expensive order but, without a reasonably firm and costed vision, not much will get done.

SINGERS (any standard) INVITED - Colin Howard, formerly Director of Music at Purcell School and conductor of the Farrant singers, will be in charge of choirs at Semley and East Knoyle in the pre-Advent Season. Why not come along to the practice sessions at Semley on Fridays 3rd and 24th November at 7pm and on Sunday 3rd December at 2pm. Please call Tony Thresh (830323) or Steve Morgan (830174) for further details. The emphasis will be on Carols. HARVEST FESTIVAL - This will be held at 6pm on Sunday 24th September, followed by Harvest Supper at the Village Hall. Tickets for the Supper are available at £4 each from Christine Wilson (830525) or Suzanne Sandford (830456).

VACANCIES - At the time of writing, we are still hoping for volunteers for the post of Churchwarden and two Deputies. We really ought to have someone willing to take the burden off Suzanne Sandford. Just a reminder - the post of Churchwarden is a public office and election is by the public, not just the Church. Anyone who is baptised and on the Electoral Roll of St. Mary's may apply. Denys Butler

MERE & DISTRICT WIGGLYBUS To book call 01747 861222

Why not use the Wigglybus for a trip to Wren’s Shop? For a quick visit, say 5 or 10 minutes, the bus may even be able to wait for you and take you home again. Every weekday (M- F) from 11.15am to 12.00 noon, the Wigglybus is available for door-to- door bookings in East Knoyle.

To book the bus, first decide when and where you would like to travel and where you would like to be picked up. At least 30 minutes before you wish to travel, phone the booking line (01747 861222) to make your request. If possible, book the return journey at the same time.

To catch the bus you should be at the agreed pick-up point 5 minutes before the bus is due to arrive. Wheelchairs and well-behaved dogs are welcome on the bus. Holders of Wiltshire Bus Passes can travel free; otherwise adult fares are £2 return, £1.50 single, children (5-16 yrs) half- fare, and accompanied children under 5 years free.

There are many other services, such as the popular shopping trip to Street for just £4.40 return (free passes accepted), which now operates on the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month. There is an amendment sheet giving details of this and all the other changes. The Wigglybus timetable gives details of all the other times that the Wigglybus can be used to move around East Knoyle and the surrounding villages, plus all the other services that are available. Copies of both the amendment sheet & the full timetable are available at Wren’s Shop or by phoning enquiries on 01380 860100. Sally Swain

OUT AND AND ABOUT

Welcome to: Mrs Margaret Shaw (Ruth’s mother) who has come to live with Ruth and John at Jupes School Special Birthday wishes to: Mrs Margaret Shaw on her 93rd Birthday on 19th September Get Well Wishes to: Barbara Pugsley Jane Treseder who has had major surgery, with chemotherapy to follow Farewell to: Charley Goodall and Davis Pearce of Forge Cottage, off to New Zealand for at least 6 months…. and then, who knows? Condolences: We extend our deepest condolences to the families of: Bill Mock who died on 15th July Lettice Glen- Coats who died on 4th August.

Editor - Maggie Shipman, Ivy Cottage, Shaftesbury Road, East Knoyle SP3 6AR Tel: 01747 830 886 eknewsletter@btinternet.com