Loddon Valley Link 201412 - December 2014 - January 2015

The Loddon Valley Link Church and Village Magazine

for Sherfield-on-Loddon, Stratfield Saye, Hartley Wespall with Stratfield Turgis and Bramley

Issue 474

December 2014 and January 2015

www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

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Editorial Welcome to the December and January edition of the Loddon Valley Link. As ever, please keep your articles and photographs coming in, as they are vital to the success of the magazine. Send your submissions to: [email protected]. Details of copy dates can be found on page 58 of this month’s magazine. Every month our distribution network gets wider. For the sake of those of you who do not get the Link delivered to their door, here are some of the points from which the magazine can be collected:-

Contents Editorial P3 Church Services P4&5 Pastoral Letter P7 Messy Church P9 Midweek Services P9 Church extension kitchens P 12 Evergreens P 23 Gardening Club P 25 The Porch at Stratfield Saye Church; Educational Foundation P 26 Stratfield Saye Village Hall; The Iron Prayers P 28 Duke Public House; The Wellington Sherfield Village Hall P 33 Farm Shop, Stratfield Saye; The Bus Beat News P 35 Shelter in Fair Cross, Stratfield Saye; Sherfield Parish Council P 41 St. Mary’s Church, Beech Hill; The Sherfield Park CC P 44 Shop in Beech Hill; Turgis Green Stratfield Turgis P 47 Service Station; St Mary’s Hartley Guide Dogs P 48 Wespall. We still need more help to Loddon School help P 50 deliver in Taylor’s Farm. Stocking Fillers P 53 Committee and Deadlines P 58 So far as we know, all other areas are Link pick up points - This page covered by our distributers - but if you know differently please tell us! New Website We’re launching our new website at the end of the month (same address). This will have all the current features plus being mobile and tablet friendly and also allow you to sign up to get the link emailed to you at the start of each month. Please let us know what you think. The Cover photograph this month is supplied by Lynn Blacklock, a Sherfield resident and photographer. We are always pleased to feature original photographs for our magazine. Remember that the picture needs to be Portrait layout, not Landscape and you need to be close up to the subject!

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Services December 2014 Sunday 7th December 10.00am

10.00am

Advent 2

Holy Communion by Extension

St Leonard’s Sherfield

Family Service

6.30pm Evensong and Communion by Ext Wednesday 11.00am Advent Communion

Friday 4.15pm Messy Church

St Mary’s Stratfield Saye* Sherfield Community Centre

Sunday 14th December

3.00pm

Morning Worship & Sunday Club

5.00pm Carol Service Wednesday 11.00am Advent Communion Sunday 21st December

10.00am 6.00pm

Holy Communion and Sunday Club Carol Service

Wednesday 24th December

4.00pm

10.30pm 11.00pm

Crib Service

Holy Communion by Ext Holy Communion

Thursday 25th December

10.00am 10.30am 10.00am

Family Service Family Service

Holy Communion

Sunday 28th December 10.00am

Benefice Holy Communion

St Mary’s Hartley Wespall St Leonard’s Sherfield Advent 3

St Leonard’s Sherfield

St Mary’s Hartley Wespall St Leonard’s Sherfield Advent 4

St Leonard’s Sherfield

St Leonard’s Sherfield

Christmas Eve

St Leonard’s Sherfield

St Mary’s Hartley Wespall St Leonard’s Sherfield Christmas Day

St Mary’s Hartley Wespall St Leonard’s Sherfield

St Mary’s Stratfield Saye* Christmas 1 St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

*Drive up close to the white gates, which will open automatically . Children are welcome at all our services. Services in italics are particularly geared to children and families.

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Services January 2015 Sunday 4th January 10.00am

10.00am 6.30pm

Holy Communion by Extension

Family Service

Evensong and Communion by Ext

Friday 4.15pm Messy Church Sunday 11th January 10.00am

Morning Worship and Sunday Club

Sunday 18th January

Christmas 2 St Leonard’s Sherfield

St Mary’s Stratfield Saye* St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Sherfield Community Centre

Epiphany 1 St Leonard’s Sherfield Epiphany 2

10.00am

Holy Communion by Ext And Sunday Club

St Leonard’s Sherfield

6.30pm

Evensong

St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Sunday 25th January

10.00am

Family Service

Sunday 1st February

Epiphany 3

St Leonard’s Sherfield Epiphany 4

10.00am

Holy Communion by Extension

St Leonard’s Sherfield

6.30pm

Evensong and Communion by Ext

St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

10.00am

Family Service

St Mary’s Stratfield Saye*

Epiphany - the coming of the Wise Men *Drive up close to the white gates, which will open automatically . Children are welcome at all our services. Services in italics are particularly geared to children and families.

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BREACH LANE CHAPEL Sherfield on Loddon Geoff Belsham 01256 882534 / 07519 708416

December 2014 and January 2015 services December

January

Tuesday 2nd Friday 5th Sunday 7

th

7.45pm

Deacons Meeting at Frimley Road

Friday 2nd

10.30am

Open Morning at the Chapel

th

10.30am

Family Worship led by Neil Owen

2pm

Church Walk starting at the Chapel

7.45pm

Deacons Meeting at Frimley Road Bible Study at 9 Coopers Lane, Bramley Open Morning at the Chapel

Sunday 4

Tuesday 9th

Tuesday 6th Tuesday 6

th

Thursday 11th

Thursday 8th

7.45pm

Friday 12th

Friday 9th

10.30am

Sunday 14

th

10.30am Sunday 11th

10.30am

Wednesday 17th Friday 19th Saturday 20

th

Sunday 21st

2.30pm Friday 16th

10.30am

Saturday 17th Sunday 18th

2.30pm

Tuesday 20th

2pm

Sunday 28

10.30am 10.30am

Family Worship led by Steve Smith

2.30pm

Mid-week fellowship led by Geoff Belsham

10.30am Friday 23rd

th

Disabled Christian Fellowship at Frimley Road led by Geoff Belsham Family Worship led by Neil Owen including Holy Communion Church Walk starting at Chineham Shopping Centre CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE led by Neil Owen Open Morning at the Chapel

10.30am

Thursday 25th

Sunday 25

th

Wednesday 28th

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE led by Geoff Belsham Family Worship led by Graham Locke Mid-week fellowship led by Geoff Belsham Open Morning at the Chapel

St. Leonard’s Open Days Everyone is welcome to visit for reflection, prayer, or to view with a wedding in mind. There are no open days in December or January. Open days begin in February 2015 Page 6

THEN, WHEN and NOW When is the right time to send your Christmas cards? And when would you like to receive your cards? Now? Christmas Eve (desperation)? 3rd January (guilt)? Is there a right time to send or receive cards? Christmas cards are only one aspect of what we call ‘preparing for Christmas’. The others will rush headlong towards us until 24th December, making it less of a feast to be celebrated and more of a deadline to be reached. Christmas creates deadlines for many people outside the home, too retailers, for instance, and teachers and certainly churches. And, of course, it’s a deadline we can’t repeat. ‘I wasn’t ready for Christmas last week so can I have it now?’ is not really an option. Other seasons of the church year may similarly leave us feeling that they haven’t come at the right time. For instance you may be full of joy and happiness as sombre Lent begins. Good Friday and Easter would transport us from one extreme to the other in forty eight hours! Feeling low would be especially difficult to deal with at Christmas. The realities of life will rarely match up to the mood of the church year. Perhaps most of life occurs in some in-between place, early or late – but never at the right time. Now I firmly believe that God’s nature is consistently revealed to us through the twists and turns of our experiences and feelings, what we call ‘everyday life’. That’s why I’ve taken such a lengthy route to bring us round to the thought that God’s gifts do not always come according to our timetable or indeed when we think we need them. My mother used to say, in response to our requests, “all in good time”, meaning .....? God’s timetable is not the same as ours and our sense of need or urgency doesn’t twist God’s arm into a response. So,’ all in good time’ is in fact ‘all in God’s time’ which will be right and good in a sense we may not understand. So if we’re feeling God’s gifts are eluding us – no joy at Easter, no merriment at Christmas or simply no sense of God’s presence in between, then be assured that gifts arrive at the right and good moment, even if we consider that not to be the exact date. Joy on demand will be joyless indeed but if we depend on the knowledge that God’s gifts, unlike Santa’s, are not delivered to a deadline, then we can live confidently in the here and now, knowing that they will be good and right.

Sammie Page 7

www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

West Green Road, Hartley Wintney RG27 8LP Open June to late September for Pick Your Own & Ready Picked fruit, vegetables and flowers including Strawberries, Tayberries, Currants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, New Potatoes, Asparagus and Flowers. We also sell local Honey, Free Range Eggs and Homemade Jams CALL 01252 845772 from May 1st For information, & to place orders. Or visit www.westgreenfruits.com

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Friday 12th December 2014 Nativity Lots of craft, worship and tea! All welcome. 4.15 Arrive, Register, prepare for Worship 4.30 Worship followed by activities in three groups 5.15 Meal - cafe style (finish at 5.30pm) Also Friday 9th January 2015 - New Year It is essential that you book and please advise of any food allergies. For more information and to book, please contact : Amanda Prince 01256 880733 [email protected] Or on Facebook : Messy Church-Sherfield On Loddon

Mid-Week Advent Services At St. Leonard’s Church st r ju . o f s.. se Pau minute Starting at 11am rd

Wednesday 3 December Wednesday 10th December Wednesday 17th December

30

As we enter the darkest time of the year, join us for these three short periods of worship celebrating the Light of Christ coming into our lives. Page 9

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The Women’s Institute Reported by Ilene Iles Our November Meeting was opened by Doris L’Enfant who thanked Members for the support for the Craft Competition. There were over 40 entries in total in the different categories – embroidery, knitting, crocheting, beading, painting, flower arranging etc. Members had brought these to the Village Hall in the morning for judging by a WI Judge. Dusty Taylor and Sylvia Miles were joint winners of the Floral Arranging Cup, Doris L’Enfant won the Knitting Cup and Kathleen Morris won the Best in Show for her beading. The Judge, Joyce Pack, attended our afternoon Meeting and remarked that we had produced a fantastic display which was very varied. Doris had asked all Members to knit a hat which could be judged or not and we all had to parade these for the Judge who picked the winner – Marlene King - who was awarded some chocolate! These hats will be donated to a charity and Doris will contact our County Federation to find out where to send them. Our Business Meeting was conducted, reports given and this was followed by the raffle, a delicious tea and a quiz prepared by Tess Morris and won by Marlene King’s table. NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2014 AT 2 P.M. IN SHERFIELD VILLAGE HALL. Page 11

Extension Project News - Kitchen Complete! The kitchen in the church extension is now complete and ready for use! Tables, chairs, crockery and cutlery have been bought and the first event has already taken place. The curtains should be in place after Christmas. The PCC would like to thank everyone who has donated or given their time to enable us to complete this highly successful project which we know will be put to good use by the church and community for generations ahead.

Parish Registers Baptism Laura Wade

30.11.14

Sherfield

Wedding Emma Grundy & Robert Kennedy 14.12.14

Sherfield

Funeral Gerald Howard Page 12

17.11.14

Stratfield Saye

www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

For information call: 0118 932 6308 Brochure hotline: 0118 932 6480 www. wellington-riding.co.uk e-mail: [email protected]

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www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

www.classictreeservices.co.uk

PHONE 01276 473118 www.ovenclean.com

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Air Ambulance Service receive cheque from our Summer Fete

At our Summer Fete last June we invited the Hants and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance team to be our main external charity. They brought a helicopter fuselage, called the pod, to show how patients are fitted into the helicopter and a team with their advertising stand. In return we had offered to give them a share of our profits. It has taken time, but on October 28th Bruce Batting and Bryan Jenkins from this year’s Fete Committee journeyed to Thruxton, where the helicopter is based, to meet the helicopter crew and present them with a cheque for £2,657.98. The picture shows Bruce and Bryan with Vikki and Pat the paramedics and Stuart, the pilot. It costs the HIOW charity £125,000 each month, to keep the helicopter flying and this is set to double next year when 24/7 operations begin. All of this has to come from donations; there is no government support for this valuable service.

Carl Fanning The Village Decorator Decorating the Loddon Valley Area Painter and Decorator Local Tradesman with 25 years experience Decorating local properties since 1980 A “Dulux” Trade Member - Good quality Trade Paints used Internal and external decorating Free estimates - advice on colour and paints Full liability cover - all work is guaranteed

Telephone: Carl on 01189 424 883 or 0795 266 1965 Page 16

NOTICE The St. Leonard’s PCC give notice that a Faculty has been granted by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for the removal of three Lawson pines located in the south west corner of the churchyard. These trees have now been removed because they were in poor health and were deemed to be a danger to the nearby church building (see photo of tree stump showing rotten area which was teeming with ants). It is a condition of the Faculty that suitable long lived replacement trees, in an appropriate location and at an appropriate height (of at least 10-20 feet) will be planted in accordance with the long-term management plan of the churchyard. Such a plan will be submitted to the DAC and the Local Planning Authority for approval. Peter Gould, Church Warden

EARLY WARNING! CALLING ALL ARTISTS Here is something to start planning for to take place next year! We would like to invite all local artists to exhibit/sell their work at an open art exhibition at The Church Room at St Leonard’s Church, Sherfield-on-Loddon on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 4th, 5th and 6th April 2015. If you would like more details, please phone Jane Farrow 01256882680 or Tessa Elphick 01256882860. Page 17

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The Garage at Sherfield www.thegarageatsherfield.co.uk Goddard’s Lane, ith w t i ce e rv nd g 30 e s a r£ a e OT fo v T M Ha ur MO yo ur yo

Sherfield-on-Loddon, HOOK, Hants. RG27 0EZ

90% of our work is repeat business

Tel: 01256 882271 Mobile: 07812 939 498

MOT’s Cars and Motorcycles Service Diagnostics Repairs Air Conditioning Recovery Collection and Delivery service available.

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www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

Basingstoke Window Cleaning Services

GARDEN MACHINERY SERVICES Miles Elliott

At:- Turgis Green

Phone: 01256-882224 Mobile:07810-573479 Fax: 01256-882224 E-mail: [email protected]

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Servicing Repairs Tuning Adjustment Sharpening

   

We use a pure water, reach and wash system for a perfect smear-free finish

Windows Cleaned Inside Conservatory Roofs Cleaned Guttering Cleared & Cleaned Soffits & Fascias Cleaned

For a free, no obligation quote call

Simon: 07852 117 361 Dan: 07712 885 345

www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

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Evergreens

Reported by

May Wilkie Our chairperson Jean Berntsen had a large number of photographs laid out for everyone to see from her visit to the war graves in France and Belgium and she told us about her trip to the graves. During the business part of the meeting we confirmed arrangements for our Christmas meal on the 1st December 12.30pm at the Longbridge Mill. We also discussed the programme for 2015. After tea and biscuits we held our raffle. NEW MEMBERS - We are looking for new members to join. The meetings are for anyone 60 years of age and over and are held on the 1st Monday of every month in the Sherfield on Loddon village hall from 1.30pm3.45pm. Subscription fee is £10 per year and we have a variety of speakers and 1-2 outings per year. Contact Jean Bernsten on 01256882798 if you require any more information or just come along as a visitor you will be most welcome.

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www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk ASH BROOK INDEPENDANT FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS

 Independent family Funeral Director  Day or night we provide a complete personal, caring & professional service for all your funeral requirements  Dignified funeral service £895 plus disbursements Please call Terina on 0118 9821111 28 Mulfords Hill, Tadley, Hants, RG26 3JE www.ashbrookfunerals.co.uk

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Sherfield and District Gardening Club Our December meeting on the 15th will be our Christmas Party. Fun and games will be had with a light hearted quiz accompanied by nibbles and possibly a beverage or two. Vanessa has been working hard to create an excellent programme for 2015. Our first speaker of the new year will be Kevin Hobbs telling us all about ‘Chelsea the Greatest Flower Show on Earth’. Kevin has had a passion for plants from an early age and has been a professional grower and plantsman for close to thirty years. Kevin is now the Wholesale Nursery Director for Hillier Nurseries, a family business that celebrates it's 150th Anniversary this year ! Anyone interested in gardening will be most welcome to join us at the Sherfield Village Hall at 7:45pm. For arrangements contact Linda on 882341 or Vanessa on 881760

SORRY! Children’s Nativity Cancelled The Children’s Nativity and Carols at Stratfield Saye Church will not take place this year. Many of the key participants are abroad this Christmas. However, we hope that it will be reinstated next year 2015 and look forward to welcoming all our village children to take part. Meantime, a happy Christmas to all. From Veronica Why not come to Wintershall Nativity. See P 40 Ed. Page 25

THE STRATFIELD SAYE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (Grants for Children and Young People) The Foundation was established by George Pitt in 1739 and provides grants for children and young people under 18 in the Parishes of Stratfield Saye and Beech Hill. The Trustees would like to encourage parents of Stratfield Saye and Beech Hill to make use of this historic charity. All claims, with accompanying receipts, for extra curricular activities, where not provided by the Local Education Authority will be considered sympathetically. The grant is not means-tested and is available for activities such as: Music and swimming tuition, residential and study courses, textbooks and special equipment etc. Applications for grants must be received by: James Hare, Stratfield Saye Estates, Estate Office, Stratfield Saye, Near Reading, RG7 2BT, not later than 31st December 2014.

Neighbourhood Plan.

PL

In the article on the planning process in the November issue of the link it was stated that Sherfield-onLoddon Parish Council has produced a policy-led Neighbourhood Plan. A

N

We have been asked to point out that in fact work on the plan is still very much in progress.

Once approved, the Neighbourhood Plan will carry legal force, so planning decisions on applications made within the Parish will have to be made under the provisions of the Borough’s Local Plan and the Parish’s Neighbourhood Plan. Bruce Batting Page 26

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R. T. Mitchell & Sons Local Building Contractors est. 1972 HOUSES - EXTENSIONS - ALTERATIONS - GARAGES LOFT CONVERSIONS RESTORATION OF LISTED BUILDINGS 45 London Road, Old Basing

Tel: 01256 352225 Web-site – www.rtmitchellandsons.co.uk e-mail – [email protected] Page 27

Thoughts and Prayers for Advent, Christmas and the New Year

Isaiah 9 : 2 & 6 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The NIV Bible Prayer for the Month. Gracious God, at Christmas time we hear of your birth in Bethlehem and we will rejoice in that, but we know your message is for everyone, we remember that you came to set people free and to offer a new relationship with God breaking down the barriers which keep us apart, bearing the price of our disobedience and opening up the way to life. May Jesus be born again in our hearts and made known through our lives, through the words we say and the deeds we do, the love we share and the compassion we show, the faith we proclaim and the people we are. May his light shine afresh in the world, bringing hope, healing, joy and renewal. May we not just talk in this season about good will to all, but do something to show what it means. God of grace, you have given us so much, teach us to give in return.. In your name we pray. Amen Prayer Points for December/January 

Give thanks for the joy of the Christmas message



Pray for the world so full of anxieties and worries, uncertain of the future and unsure of the way forward



Pray for a solution to the Ebola crisis in West Africa



Pray that the New Year will see a solution to the bitterness and fighting in Syria and Iraq and be a time of new beginnings



Pray for safe journeys as people travel to be with their families.



Pray for those who could be alone at Christmas that their need of fellowship and friendship will be recognised by those around them.



Pray for the homeless and those without food or water or shelter this Christmas that the world will not forget them.

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Local Community Choir ‘singhealthy’

presents a Family

Concert &

Refreshments, raffle and free parking

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RBL POPPY APPEAL Thank You Sherfield—by your generosity a bumper

£2,750+ was raised.

Thank You Stratfield Saye and Hartley Wespall - by your generosity a magnificent

£1,415+ was raised Also a huge ‘Thanks’ to all our Collectors, Counters & Local Businesses and to residents who added an extra 25% to our totals by taking time to Gift Aid.

An estimated 300 people were at the Sherfield war memorial for the Remembrance Day service, and as a result of the collection £500 has been sent to Combat Stress. Thanks to everyone who attended.

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Sherfield on Loddon Village Hall Reg. Charity No. 272385 Tel: 01256 883624 Email: [email protected]

60s / 70s EVENING The management committee is very grateful to Derek Tarrant for providing his superb DJ services once again for the disco evening on Saturday October 18th. It was a wonderful trip down memory lane with classic tunes from the 60s & 70s. As with last year it proved a highly successful fundraiser for the Hall and an evening enjoyed by all ages.

CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG Following on from a fantastic evening last December, the Singhealthy choir is holding another family “Christmas Sing-Along” in aid of Headway & Sherfield Village Hall. You are invited to an evening of festive singing with plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in with traditional Christmas Carols plus a whole host of seasonal selections to get the Christmas spirit flowing! Sat 13th December - under 5s free. .

CLUBS & GROUPS Want to keep your mind or body active? Want some company or a change of scene? Why not join one of the many clubs and groups which meet regularly at the Village Hall?. Contact details can be found on our website on the “clubs & groups” page. If you have an idea for an activities group or are currently organising an interest group near Sherfield, then get in touch with us to see if we can help out. Our facilities and availability can be found on our website, and any further information can be found through the Hall Manager, Loraine Smith on 01256 883624.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Sat 6th December – Big Band Swing Sat 13th December – A Family Christmas Sing-Along! Sat 13th December – Village Hall Coffee Morning For more information on activities, events & booking the hall, visit:

www.sherfieldvillagehall.co.uk

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News from the Beats - November 2014 Sherfield & Surroundings Following last months focus on sheds and outbuildings  Secure valuable items to a ground anchor or locking point in your Shed, garage or outbuilding 

Use a UV pen to mark your property with your postcode, this makes it easier to return stolen items if found.



Register your property on www.immobilise.com

PCSO 15740 Nath Johnson ( Beat Surgery 1000 23rd December, House28) Email: [email protected] Chineham & Sherfield Park On Thursday 30th October between 11.00 and 22.00, burglars targeted 2 homes in Four Lanes Close, Chineham. My advice is primarily to prevent people accessing the rear of your house by securing the back garden. Fitting a burglar alarm will either prevent or reduce the impact they have if they do manage to force entry. Property marking/recording will help increase the chances of police catching the criminals and getting your belongings back to you. This a timely reminder we are and always will be a target for burglars. Please ensure that you do all you can to protect your properties, particularly over the festive period when criminals know there will be even more new and valuable items in your homes to steal. I am pleased to report that the male I arrested last month for behaving suspiciously towards two young girls has been charged and will be attending court shortly. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! PC Jim Charlton 21015 and PCSO Richard Strauss 14735 Beat Surgery - 1st Wed. of the month at Costa Coffee Chineham Centre at 16:30 - 17:30 Tel - 101 (or request to leave a message using our collar numbers). Email - [email protected] - [email protected] Page 35

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Wintershall Nativity Play SATURDAY 20th December

When performed at Wintershall, as it has been for the past 22 years this is an excellent way of celebrating Christmas. It takes place in and outside the Barn Theatre complete with sheep, donkeys and three wise men on horseback! It depicts a Christian view of Christmas in both an exciting and original way Coach departs from The White Hart at 3.45 p.m. returning at about 9.00 p.m. Stout shoes and warm clothing advisable £15 adult & £7.50 children (incl. coach) www.wintershall-estate.com names (with payment) to :

Carol 0118 9816593 (sc.cedars@greenbee) Generously supported by The Loddon Valley Link

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Sherfield on Loddon Parish Council Meeting dates The next Full Parish Council meetings will be held on the 10th December and 14th January 2014 at 7.30pm in the Liddell Hall. Cycling on footpaths Cycling is not permitted on the footpath that runs between Carpenters Close and the Allotments. This path is extremely narrow and cycling along this path can be dangerous for the residents living adjacent to it. Governance Review Following a recent meeting with Basingstoke and Deane it can now be confirmed that Basingstoke and Deane is looking at establishing a Parish Council for the residents of Taylor’s Farm. The final decision will be taken at BDBC meeting of 26 th March, 2015. The implementation date is planned for 1st April 2016. A working party has been established to discuss the finer details of the split and the establishing of the New Parish Council. Neighbourhood Plan The Parish Council is looking to increase the number of residents on the planning subcommittee of the Neighbourhood Plan. For more details please contact Peter Hayes on 07970649259 Christmas May we take this opportunity to wish each and every-one of you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Parish Clerk Vacancy Following a difficult year, our clerk Karen will be leaving us at the end of January 2015 - any one interested in taking over this role should contact the chairman on 01256 883838 to discuss the consequent vacancy.

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There’s never enough time to do … Garden Clearance, Seasonal Tidies, Grass Cutting, Turfing, Hedge Trimming, Steam Cleaning (Patios, Paths, Walls), Creosoting. We offer weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly visits or one-off tidy ups Tel: 01256 880333 or Mob: 07776 211211 www.masonsgardens.co.uk [email protected]

Will’s Garden Services Tel: 07951917943/01256 881354 Email: [email protected] A complete range of garden services: Garden clearance, Mowing, Hedgetrimming, Paving, Pruning, Fencing, Turfing, Tree Care

Paul Allen Carpentry . Tiling . General House Maintenance Local Reliable Friendly Service Established over 20yrs Tel. 0118 9702243 Email [email protected]

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CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 13th December 2pm—5pm      

Stalls selling gifts, homemade produce, candles, toiletries and more! Santa's Grotto Children's games and crafts Carol singing from Theatre4Kids Christmas café selling festive refreshments Free entry (charge for grotto/games/cafe)

JACK & THE BEANSTALK A fantastic Christmas Panto for the whole family Sunday 14th December 3.30—4.45pm Tickets £7 adults £5 children U2s free but must sit on adult laps Advance bookings only

OVER 55s CHRISTMAS DINNER 2 course festive meal

Wed 10th Dec 7.30pm Tickets £8 Licensed Bar MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE - Limited availability

OTHER FESTIVE TREATS Family Photo Shoot Letters from Santa Carols around the tree Youth Christmas Party For details on these and all our events visit

   

www.sherfieldparkcommunity.co.uk

All activities must be booked in advance - contact 01256 883967, [email protected], or visit www.sherfieldparkcommunity.co.uk Page 44

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Stratfield Turgis Update Village Social Thanks to all those who attended the excellent village social last month. We’re already planning the next one for Spring 2015. Broadband Stratfield Turgis is being by-passed by the current roll out of faster broadband. Could all residents make their feelings known by taking the survey on the website, stratfieldturgis.org.uk. Merry Christmas From all your committee, Sheila, Sue, Robert and Simon who continue to work tirelessly on your behalf.

Update from Chineham Medical Practice Flu Clinics are to vaccinate patients most at risk. This includes everyone over 65, those under 65 with specific long term conditions such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, pregnant women and all two to four year olds. Please contact the surgery on 01256 479244 to book an appointment.

Light Up a Life Service Sunday 7th December at 7.00pm St Michael’s Hospice Remember precious loved ones past and present this Christmas by attending a very special occasion at St. Michael’s Hospice. Our Light up a Life service offers time for reflection and to stand together with others to share happiness. You are very welcome to attend our special service whether you have lost someone at St. Michael’s Hospice or not. The service will be conducted by Bishop John Dennis and Hospice Chaplain Liz Lang. For more details or to book a place go to: stmichaelshospice.org.uk/events (where you can also dedicate a light in memory of a loved one), or call us on 01256 848848. Page 47

Would you like to make a real practical difference to a blind or partially sighted person? Would you like to be instrumental in helping someone to participate more fully in their local community and work towards greater independence? Guide Dogs is currently seeking volunteers to do just that as part of their ground breaking My Guide scheme. The role involves providing sighted guide assistance to an individual in and around the Basingstoke area, helping them to practise local routes, and in particular with an interest in football. To find out more about how you could help towards a blind or partially sighted person getting more out of life, contact Hazel Dyson, Volunteering Consultant on 0845 372 7428 or at [email protected]. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Southampton Mobility Team Chilworth Point 1, Chilworth Road, Southampton, SO16 7JQ website: www.guidedogs.org.uk Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG Registered Charity No. 209617 A company limited by guarantee Registered in England Company No. 291646 The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).

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National Women’s Register Our November meeting was our annual music evening, renamed ‘Wine, Women and Song’! In keeping with our theme for the year ‘War and Peace’, we decided to choose music which reflected this. To set the evening off, we listened to a stirring piece by Beethoven called ‘Wellington’s Victory’ which included Rule Britannia. This was particularly apt given the local connection. Some choices were reminiscent of wartime rather than being about war, such as ‘The Old Bull and Bush’, ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’, ‘Moonlight Serenade’ and ‘We’ll meet again’, the last being by Vera Lynn. Others were folk/protest songs like ‘What did you learn in school today?’ by Pete Seeger and ‘With God on our side’ by Joan Baez. Hymns were featured too – ‘I Vow to thee my country’ sung by Katherine Jenkins and ‘Abide with me’ by Emilie Sande (who sang at the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics). We listened to rock/pop bands such as ‘Brothers in Arms’ by Dire Straits, ‘Give Peace a Chance’ by the Plastic Ono Band (aka John Lennon and Yoko Ono) and ‘Born in the USA’ by Bruce Springsteen, the latter being a protest about the war in Vietnam. Other classical music chosen was the ‘1812 Overture’ by Tchaikovsky, ‘Nabucco – Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’ by Verdi and ‘War Requiem’ by Benjamin Britten. There were many more pieces too numerous to mention, but we did end the evening by listening to Abba singing ‘Waterloo’, which was taking liberties with the theme, but enjoyable nonetheless! Our second meeting of the month was our annual telephone quiz which is organised by another group through our head office. We phone for the cryptic clues between 8-10pm on our chosen evening and submit our answers the following day. There is always a theme for the 24 clues and this time it was drinks. Many brain cells were exercised and we managed to complete it! Our next meeting will be our Christmas party in December, followed by a meal at the Four Horseshoes in January.

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FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS. ALEXANDER & DRY Twenty four hour service. Pre-paid funeral plans available. 1 Seal Road, Basingstoke, RG21 7NQ Tel: 01256 844663

Contact us online about your project or problem bramleyplumbing.co.uk

Bramley Plumbing Services Ltd. 01256880853 07770851598

We install beautiful bath and shower rooms with care and attention by time served, qualified tradesmen. We replace radiator repairs and undertake many smaller plumbing jobs such as leaking taps, toilets that won’t flush outside tap servicing. All aspects of domestic and small commercial non gas plumbing…..free estimates

Tr a d in g St a n da rd s A p p rov ed s in ce 20 0 5

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PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALIST Serving the local community for 30 years  Bathrooms & shower installations  Solar thermal installations and energy-friendly controls  Gas Safe and Oftec registered for peace of mind with

29164

gas and oil installations

Telephone: 01256 882309 Email: [email protected]

YOUR LOCAL TRADE PROFESSIONAL FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HEATING & ELECTRICAL NEEDS FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT US: Tel: 01256 880044 MOBILE: 07754 554554 Email: [email protected] www.pscservices.co.uk Page 52

Each year, at this time, I get asked for my suggestions for Christmas presents…. ….here are sixty … and don’t forget the wrapping paper! Page 53

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Happy Faces Playgroup Sherfield-on-Loddon “Bring your happy face to our happy place”

A small, friendly playgroup for children aged 2 years 6 months to school age Flexible Sessions including all day Further information: 01256 880903 Prospectus/application form: 07791 141176 [email protected] www.happyfacesplaygroup.co.uk

Est. 1982. Charity No. 1029688 Page 54

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS The dialling code is 01256, unless otherwise stated. Allotments Basingstoke Gazette Brownies St. Leonard’s Church Breach Lane Chapel Catholic Church Clift Surgery Patient Group Cricket Club (Sherfield) Cricket Club (ST & HW) Evergreens Football (Junior) Happy Faces Playgroup Loddon Players Loddon Quilters Loddon Valley Link Lunch Club. NWR Police - local beat officer Police - report an incident Poppies Post Office Rainbows Sherfield. Community Care Grp Sherfield Fete Sherfield Dist. Gardening Club Sherfield Show Short Mat Bowls Stratfield Saye Parish Council Stratfield Saye Village Hall Stratfield Turgis Parish Meeting Sherfield Parish Council Toddler Group 0-5s Tree Warden. Village Green Volunteers Whist Drive Women’s Institute Sherfield Village Hall Caretaker/Bookings Management Committee Fund Raising Committee

Bruce Batting Chris Horton Sue Handasyde-Dick See inside back page Geoff Belsham Fr. Chris Rutledge John Darker Andy Stevens Paul Baldwin Jean Berntsen Fred Berntsen Peggy Hutchins Chris Horton Pris O’Rourk (See back pages ) Helen Belsham Gill Fearon PC James Rickaby Police Control Room Natalie Larner

882605 882426 882337 882534 465214

882334 882414 881973 882798 882798 880903 882426 881839

Pam Luck Doreen Tosswill Bruce Batting Linda Syckelmoore Natalie Larner Norman Stanley Penny Mayo Linda Bishop Sheila Campbell (Chair) Karen Ross (Clerk) Judith Sullivan Jane Jordan Bruce Batting Virgilius Vickers Val Denny

882534 882106 07554 775429 101 880075 882210 882687 882344 882605 882341 880075 881021 01189332 379 01189332106 882351 842662 883551 880852 882605 882453 882410

Loraine Smith Ivan Gosden Alan Ball

883624 0794 021 2441 883838

Please inform the Editor of changes to the above information. Page 55

SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS HOUSE CLEANING BY MARIA. Reliable and affordable service. Friendly, experienced lady who cleans every corner. References. Sunday morning clean after Saturday party also available . Tel 07933 316989. Email [email protected]

SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS

LOCAL PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR and EXTERIOR DECORATOR First class job guaranteed. Over 30 years experience. No job too small. For a free estimate ring Ian on 01256 882132 or mobile 07876021772 SEWING, EXPERIENCED AND CONVENIENT. Di is now back in the conservatory, Sherfield Garden Centre. Bespoke dressmaking, clothing alterations, repairs, curtains & blinds and soft furnishings. Call Diana on 07796 045944. PC SUPORT. For technical help with PCs, Macs, tablets, internet, wi-fi: repairs, upgrades and installation: Call Ian on 07977 143310. WINDOW CLEANER. Windows cleaned or gutters cleared - one off or regularly. Local, reliable window cleaner (testimonials available). For a quote call Pete Owen on 07762 616600 [email protected] HOLIDAY COTTAGE TO LET IN NOSS MAYO DEVON. 2 bedrooms, lovely views, 15 mins walk to beach and coastal path walks. 20mins from Plymouth. No pets allowed. Contact Vickie on 01256 880391. INSIDE/OUT. Property maintenance, carpentry, decorating, locks fitted, garden maintenance. Tel 01256 882696 or 07713 470223. E-mail: [email protected] FOR SALE. long john nest of tables £90, Yamaha electronic organ £120, tall lamp table £20, slimline rattan 4 drawer tower £8, canvas 20 pocket shoe storage £18. Tel: 01256 880092 LOCAL INDEPENDENT CLEANER Honest and trustworthy, excellent service, excellent references, excellent rates. Telephone 07407543891. FREE, A Double Marley Garage. The interested party to dismantle and take away. Contact Ian on 01256 881082 or 07597239779

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Home-Start Needs Volunteers They are running a new volunteer course in February to help support families in Basingstoke and are looking to try and put the word out to encourage people to consider volunteering in their community. Please see below for more information. Volunteers needed Are you... Newly retired with time on your hands? 

Wanting to meet new people?



Wanting to put something back into your community?



A parent or grandparent with skills to share?



Wanting a new challenge?

Home-Start needs volunteers, with parenting experience, to offer friendship and support to families with young children who are going through a difficult time in their lives. You will support them by visiting them in their home on a regular basis or by helping out at our family groups. Volunteers will undergo an eight week preparation course. Our next Volunteer Preparation Course will commence on Wednesday 4th Feb (9.30am to 2.30pm) The sessions are on 11th and 25th Feb and 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th March with a final session on 20th May 2015 Interested? Want to know more? Please contact the office on 01256 812333 or E-mail: [email protected] Thanks. From Alexa

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Loddon Valley Link Management ADVERTISING IN THIS MAGAZINE AND ONLINE Small ads are £5 monthly for a maximum of 30 words, space permitting. Requests are dealt with in order. Display Ads, please contact the treasurer below. Advertising enquiries to Pip Iles Tel. 01256 880559 [email protected] Deadline for ads. for next edition is 10th of January 2105

Editor for the February edition – Brian Archer Please submit copy no later than 16th January Email: [email protected] Chairman: Dr. Donald Dawson 01256 882379 ([email protected]) Treasurer: Pip Iles 01256 880559 ([email protected]) Secretary: Ilene Iles 01256 880559 ([email protected]) Committee: Rev. Sammie Armstrong. 01189816593 ([email protected]) Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 ([email protected]) Eileen Leivesley 01256 882938 ([email protected]) Germano Giugovaz 01189 332166 Claire Osborne 01256 324458 ([email protected]) Simon Boase 01256 881250 ([email protected]) Brian Archer 01256 882099 ([email protected]) Jane Abrams 01256 881188 ([email protected]) Church Officers Priest in Charge: Vacancy Assistant Priest: Rev. Sammie Armstrong 01189 816593 ([email protected]) Curate: Rev. John Lenton 01256 880570 Priest responsible for Bramley & Little London Licensed Reader: Richard Elphick 01256 882860 Licensed Reader: Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 Licensed Reader: Andrew Doggart 01256 880092 Church Admin: Lisa Goodall 01256 882788 ([email protected]) ST. LEONARD’S CHURCH, SHERFIELD ON LODDON Churchwarden: Peter Gould 01256 882538 Churchwarden: Richard Elphick 01256 882860 Treasurer: Dan Farrow 01256 882680 Organist: Mike Abrams 01256 881188 Organist: Brian Archer 01256 882099 ST. MARY’S CHURCH, STRATFIELD SAYE Churchwarden: Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 Treasurer: Charles Atkinson 01256 882459 Organist: Dr. Gill Williams 01256 882705 ST. MARY’S CHURCH, HARTLEY WESPALL Churchwarden: Pip Iles 01256 880559 Please note: the Loddon Valley Link Treasurer: Michael Webster 01256 882413 Management Committee cannot be held Organist: Dr. Gill Williams 01256 82705 responsible for the reliability or quality Organist: Andrew Doggart 01256 880092 of any goods, work or services MESSY CHURCH, SHERFIELD PARK in this publication. Leader: Amanda Prince 01256 880733 Leader: Carol Armstrong 01189 816593

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