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Please
may we have items for the May Diary by 18 April. They can be left with
Sylvia Judge, 55 High Street; Ben Tottenham, Vicarage Cottage, Back Lane;
at the Post Office; or by email to Diary@Ramsbury.com.
We have been publishing the Village Diary at www.ramsbury.com/diary
since July 1998 and have regular readers around the world. If anyone in
Ramsbury would like to find out more about the Internet, please contact
Peter Raper by email
or phone 521092.
Webmaster's note: Contributions sent by e-mail
to Diary@Ramsbury.com will be
automatically forwarded to Sylvia Judge without my seeing them.
Nature Notes
St. Patrick's day, and like the past week it is a glorious day to be
in the garden. However one needs to take care as at this season of the
year the queen wasps begin to crawl around looking for nesting sites,
and this morning I found one on my back door. Although the wind has been
a bit keen at times it has not stopped the gnats giving a few people a
nip during both February and March, milder winters seem to suit them.
I noticed today that bumble bees are busy around the spring flowers and
a few yellow brimstones are on the wing.
The buds on the early flowering prunus trees seem to have burst into flower
very rapidly during the past few days. They compliment the various types
of daffodils that are giving carpets of yellow in places, as are the celandines
whose petals shine so brightly in the sunshine, and another spot of yellow
is provided by a few dandelions. In sheltered places a few white and purple
dog violets are also beginning to flower.
This is the time of year when last year's bird nests show up, with a bit
of spring pruning I have found two among shrubs sheltered by my back wall.
They may have been built by blackbirds, judging by their size and the
open cup like nature.
Have you noticed how with the first signs of spring lots of mole hills
are thrown up on slightly rising ground away from a river or canal? This
is also the time of year when frogs start looking for a mate, but unfortunately
they cross roads which results in quite a few deaths. As a piece of stop
press news, I saw a pipistrelle bat fly over my garden which is rather
early in the year to be on the wing.
Rosie Pauline
Bird Notes
I was on the top of Springs Hill at the end of February when I saw a
buzzard taking off carrying a rat. It took it into a wooded area and promptly
devoured it. There was another Buzzard spotted at Stitchcombe sitting
in a heap of feathers and one seen north of Hilldrop scratching in stubble,
most probably looking for worms - so a mixed bag of meat! In the winter
the buzzard will eat anything including carrion. In the summer it would
feed on amphibians, reptiles and fish as well.
Other birds of prey seen in the last month include two Red Kite on Springs
Hill, a single Merlin over Ramsbury and a courting pair of Sparrowhawk
over Hens Wood. Also seen this month were Siskin, Crossbill, Brambling
and a Willow Tit, all in Hens Wood. I am also pleased to report that I
heard my first summer migrant on 16 March in the shape of a Chiff Chaff.
John Marshall
Rainfall
Rainfall for the month to 18 March was 1.0 inch, average 2.35 inches.
School Governor
The Parish Council needs to appoint a representative on the Governing
Body at Ramsbury School. We are seeking someone with a little time and
an interest in children and education (preferably not a parent of a child
presently at the school). If you are interested please contact Sheila
Glass 520409 or Janet Stagg at the school 520244
Skips
The Parish Council has decided to discontinue the amenity skips in Ramsbury
for the time being, as abuse of the facility causes more mess than the
skips prevent. If you have items to dispose of contact KDC on 01380 724911.
Garden refuse bags for collection can be purchased at Midway Stores.
Post Office News - Benefits et al.
Everyone who collects their child benefit, pension or other benefit at
the Post Office will be receiving a letter asking for their chosen method
of direct payment - either a Bank account, Post Office card account or
building society. When you have received your letter if you still wish
to carry on collecting your money at the Post Office you will need to
ring the Direct Payment line 0800 107 2000 to tell them. You will then
be sent a letter which you should bring to the Post Office to open your
account. In the meantime you will be able to continue using your benefit
book. If you are unsure what to do please come in and ask.
New releases on video include 'Signs Men in Black', 'xxx' and 'The sum
of all fears'. Look out for the Easter Competition. The Coffee Shop has
now unfortunately closed but watch out for a new enterprise.
Patient Representative Group
It was reported that the District Nurse team is now just about up to
strength with full and part time nurses. Health visitors are somewhat
stretched due to illness. There have been quite a few changes on the reception
desk, but with one new appointment they are hoping for a more settled
period. An experienced dispenser has recently been appointed.
New plans for the redevelopment of the present site, and an adjustment
to the entrance of the new site are now with Kennet ready for their April
meeting. When waiting for test results it may be necessary to contact
your doctor or the Hospital department where the test was carried out.
Ramsbury Silver Band
The Band urgently needs cornet and trombone players. They will be taking
part in the Phoenix competition at the end of March.
Recycling Used Ink Jet Cartridges etc
Mrs Janet Webster of 5 Union Street will be glad to receive used ink
jet cartridges or old mobile phones which can be recycled to raise funds
for the Arthritis Research Campaign.
Ramsbury WI
Maureen Palmer was elected President for the coming year at the AGM held
on 6 March. Rosalie Winter, the Retiring President was thanked for everything
she had contributed to the WI and was presented with a wooden bowl turned
by Paul Swan of Ramsbury. Evelyn Smith the retiring Treasurer was presented
with gift vouchers in appreciation for her excellent work over the past
6 years. Janet Webster won the Lawrence Cup for the highest number of
points gained in the monthly competitions. Hilary Hicklin won the Bursary
for Denman College. After refreshments members enjoyed a quiz devised
by Liz Orchard.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 3 April at 7.45 pmin the Methodist
School Room. Barbara Gilmour will speak on "Rationed Fashion"
- a look back at the fashions of the 40s and 50s - do come and enjoy an
evening of nostalgia. We are always pleased to welcome new members.
Ravensbury Players present "Amsterdam or Bust"
The Ravensbury Players are presenting two comedy plays in the Memorial
Hall on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April. The curtain will be up at 7.45
pm. There will be an interval for supper and a raffle. Tickets at £5
to include food can be bought at the Midway Stores and the Post Office.
A donation from both these performances will be given to the Great Western
Hospital. The content of these plays may be considered unsuitable for
young children.
Holy Cross Churchyard
Many readers will have seen the article in the October issue of the Team
Magazine which outlined the 'Rules and Regulations' which apply to churchyards,
and which the clergy and churchwardens have a responsibility to ensure
are observed. The question of floral tributes is a particularly difficult
one: we try to apply the rules with sensitivity but we need your cooperation.
In particular we would like to remind you that glass containers must not
be used, artificial flowers, however tasteful are not permitted (with
the single exception of Remembrance Poppies) and that permanent planting
is not permitted (e.g. shrubs or roses). If any such items do appear we
may have to remove them. Please note that this is not a matter of a new
Rector inventing new rules! These are long-standing and generally accepted
rules for the good of all. Please help us to comply with them.
Revd Dr John RH Railton, Team Rector.
Ramsbury Amenity Group
The Amenity Group have organised an outing to Lord Heseltine's Arboretum
at Thenford near Banbury. The Flyer will leave from the Tree at 12.30 pm
on Saturday 5 April. The only cost will be the Flyer. Please apply as
soon as possible to Ben Tottenham 520308
GUIDED WALKS
As we have walked the local paths several times, we have decided to go
outside the Parish once a month. On Sunday 13 April we shall go to Membury
Fort, and on Sunday 27 April to the Lost Village of Snap. We meet at the
Tree at 2 pm sharing cars. Everyone is welcome. Dogs under control.
Axford Bingo
There will be Bingo in the Village Hall on Wednesdays 9 &
30 April at 7.30 pm
Ramsbury Flyer
(The Community Bus also has
its own page at www.ramsbury.com/flyer).
The next visit to Newbury is on 10 April leaving the Tree at 11.30 amand
returning from Newbury at 2.30 pm Fare £2. Book with Muriel Lye
on 520555.
The Meadow will be open again from Saturday 12 April. There will be an
open day on 12 April, starting at 11 am with a short official opening.
The Parish Council has taken a lease from the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
and is now responsible for management of the meadow. Considerable improvements
have recently been made, and there is now a Boardwalk, stretching from
the entrance by the Fire Station to the river bank and a viewing platform
overlooking the Kennet. Everyone is welcome to the Open Day.
Easter Sunday Dawn Service
There will be a Dawn Service on Easter Sunday 20 April at 5.45 am in
the Roundabout Wood on the Froxfield Road with the Prices.
Treloar Coffee Morning
There will be a Coffee Morning in aid of the Treloar Trust from 10 to
12 noon on Saturday 26 April in the Memorial Hall. The organisers would
be grateful if you would support this fund raising occasion by donating
items to the planned stalls. It would help if you could deliver any contribution
direct to the stall holders - Books adult and children, Christa Mardon
520018 - Kitchen/Preserves, Jean Cocker 520681 - Gifts, Juma Lance 520629
- Cakes, Jean Leslie 520634. If it is more convenient items could be given
to Ellin Osmond 520568 or Ethel Hutchings 520278. We look forward to you
joining us for coffee.
WHAT IS TRELOAR ?
The Treloar Trust, established in 1908 by Sir William Treloar, a former
Lord Mayor of London, provides education, therapy, independence training
and first class care for young people with physical disabilities, some
of whom have sensory impairments, little or no speech or have learning
difficulties.
Through Treloar School and College located in Hampshire near Alton, the
Trust aims to provide each individual with the support, confidence to
achieve their best, in every aspect of life. Day students can attend Treloar
School from five and boarders from seven years old. The College offers
a wide range of academic and vocational courses for young people over
16.
River Kennet Open Day
ARK (Action for the River Kennet) have organised an Open Day on Sunday,
April 27 at 2 pm. Come and enjoy a walk by the river and see progress
on the River Kennet rehabilitation project. Start at the Marlborough Tile
Factory, Elcot Lane, Marlborough and walk to Werg (Mildenhall) and back.
Alternatively, transport will be provided for the return if needed. The
river keeper John Hounslow will be on hand to answer questions. Wear suitable
shoes/boots; it could be muddy. You'll also have a chance to join ARK.
For more information, please call ARK Secretary Pat Harper 511146 or Geoffrey
Findlay 520346.
Parochial Church Council
The Annual Meeting of the Parochial Church Council for Holy Cross Ramsbury
and St. Michael's Axford will be held at 8 pm in the Church Room, Back
Lane, Ramsbury.
THANKS
Coffee Centre News
The Coffee Centre recently donated money to each of the following charities.
£100 to Bruce Charitable Trust, Prospect Hospice, Ramsbury Red Cross,
Ramsbury Surgery, Douglas Arter Centre, and £80 to East Kennet District
Transport. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supports
the Coffee Centre.
The Coffee Centre is open on Thursdays at the Red Cross room from 10 am
- noon.
ADVANCE NOTICES
Beating the Bounds
Please put in your diary the date of the 25½ mile
walk round the boundary of Ramsbury and Axford. It is Bank Holiday Monday
5 May. If the weather is kind you can be assured that it is an unforgettable
experience, walking over private land as well as rarely used footpaths
across our beautiful countryside. The hedgerows will be a riot of wild
flowers and the woods full of the sound of newly hatched birds. Persuade
your friends to come with you. Sadly no dogs are allowed. The usual arrangements
for snacks and intermediate pickup and set down points will apply. Do
come and help make 2003 a vintage year.
The Community Bus AGM
The AGM will be held at x pm on Wednesday 7 May at the Crown
and Anchor
Ramsbury School PTA
The School PTA will be holding a Race Night in the Memorial Hall on Friday
16 May.
Amenity Group Outing
The Amenity Group will be given a guided tour of Rodmarton
Manor, near Cirencester, on Saturday 14 June. Apply to Ben Tottenham for
details and a place 520308. The cost will be £6 plus the Flyer.
Swindon Choral Society
The Swindon Choral Society will give a concert in Holy Cross Church on
Sunday 22 June at 7.30 pm. The theme will be 'Music with Royal Connections'
and will include Zadok the Priest and Gloria. Please book the date in
you diary.
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