Village News & Snippets
The Latest News & Snippets
About The Village
(Contributions welcome - click on the "Contact Us" button, left)
~*~*~*~*~
"Quote of the Week"
Quote of the Week is an innocent remark or part of a sentence, overheard
or taken out of context, which sounds intriguing, funny or just plain daft!
"I'm officially a grumpy old man"!
"Why don't you go the the auditions - you're a housewife sat on your **** all day aren't you?" - "No" - "Well I'm going to the auditions" - "Ah, so you're sat on your **** all day then!"
"Well, she's living with her boyfriend - he's a marine biologist - on an island off the coast of Honduras"!
"My sternum doesn't like it very much"!
~*~*~*~*~
A Brownie point to......
....the lady in the village who held a family BBQ, with every food item bought from the village shop.
~*~*~*~*~
Village Shop
DELICIOUS NEW CAKES AND SAVOURIES FROM MALMESBURY BAKERY
CARAMEL SLICES 70p
FLORENTINES 65p
PIZZA PIECES 95p
FRESH IN EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY
TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT WHY NOT PLACE AN ORDER, EITHER BY EMAIL ksmshop@yahoo.co.uk OR IN THE SHOP?
~*~*~*~
THIS MONTH'S BARGAINS.......
1 kg GRANULATED SUGAR ONLY 85p WAS 95p -
Sainsbury price 98p!
-----------------------------------------
NEW LOW PRICE BOTTLE GREEN CORDIALS
NOW ONLY £2.99 WAS £3.30
TO TRY SOME RECIPES FROM THE BOTTLEGREEN COMPANY, VISIT THE VILLAGE SHOP'S PAGE FOR DETAILS.
~*~*~*~*~
Concert in aid of the RNLI (Chippenham branch)
RNLI concert on Thursday 7th October. Featuring The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, 7.30pm at The Assembly Hall, Melksham. Tickets £14 from 01249 750733.
~*~*~*~*~
August's RNLI Draw
Winners of August's RNLI draw are 1st Mr & Mrs Doe and 2nd Mr D Duncombe.
~*~*~*~*~
SLOE GIN COMPETITION 2010
Yes, it's back by popular demand - the adults' competition at this year’s Christmas Fayre, on Saturday 4th December, will once again be for the best home-made sloe gin! So, now is the time to gather those sloes and make the gin, to be ready for this well-loved annual event. The judges will test tots of the sloe gin (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it!!) and a trophy and certificate will be awarded to the winner.
~*~*~*~*~
Skydiving Success!
Congratulations to Nigel Farr on completing his first tandem skydive from 12,000 feet at South Cerney on Sunday 22nd August.
~*~*~*~*~
New Village Hall Secretary
The new Secretary to the Village Hall Management Committee is Mrs Alison Harvey, who may be contacted on (01249) 750531, e-mail ksmvillagehallsecretary@gmail.com
~*~*~*~*~
Devices for People with Disabilites
If you have a disability, then, in addition to familiar supporting equipment, you may need a special device to meet your particular circumstances to improve the quality of your daily living.
Remap is a national organisation of practical engineers, specialising in designing, making and installing such devices to meet these specific needs.
Many items are made from simple materials and are remarkably economincal to produce as well as often being ingenious. Typical devices are bath/shower hand grips, tubes to carry sticks on wheelchairs, eye drop dispensers, TV controls and modifications for sports, toys and hobby equipment. There are many examples on Remaps' website www.remap.org.uk.
The service is free, but, as a charity, Remap relies on donations. If you think Remap can help you then telephone (01722) 322484.
~*~*~*~*~
Wiltshire Council Equipment Loan Scheme
- Litter pickers
- Un-logoed high viz vests
- Bag hoops
- Pairs of rubber gloves
- Pack of orange sacks (52 per pack)
The equipment can be collected from the local depot or be delivered to the event - this needs to be specified on request and the council needs to be notified in advance. If any village organisation wishes to make use of this in the future, please contact the parish council Clerk, Clare Sutton, e-mail: ksmparishclerk@googlemail.com or telephone (01249) 447539.
~*~*~*~*~
Flower & Produce Show
The annual village Flower & Produce Show which started in 1974 once again drew a fine range of entries to the village hall. There were beautiful handicrafts, photographs, mouthwatering items of homebaking and preserves, fruit and vegetables as well as magnificent flower arrangements and garden flowers. A delight too were the children's entries of collages, clown faces, volcanoes and weird and wonderful fruit and vegetable animals.
The overall champion was Pat Woodward. Elfryn Humphreys and Stewart Shape were joint winners of the WI Trophy for men and Janet Elms was awarded the Vaughan Lady's Cup. Other trophies were won as follows: IKA Alderman shield for homebaking and preserves - Pat Woodward, WI Vase for floral arrangements - Sheila Sealy, Hughes Cup for top WI member - Janet Elms, Woodward Cup for photography - Barry Hayne, Novice Cup - Janet Charge, Singer Cup for 5-10 yr. olds - Abbie Elms, Kirby Cup for under 5s - jointly won by Pia Andrew and Charlotte Clark.
The afternoon ended with an auction of produce and flowers skilfully conducted by Mary Humphreys.
Runner beans and floral arrangements at the Flower & Produce show, 7th August 2010
Cakes at the Flower & Produce show, 7th August 2010
~*~*~*~*~
Thanks to Niki Willows for this photo of a Peacock butterfly in the Nymph Hay wood on 7th August.
~*~*~*~*~
Tree Warden Needed
The post of Tree Warden for the village has become vacant. Anyone interested in this position should contact Niki Willows on (01249) 750191 or Vicky Roscoe at Wiltshire Council, e-mail vicky.roscoe@wiltshire.gov.uk. Niki has books available for whoever takes up the position.
~*~*~*~*~
End of the Village Newsletter
Unless an aspiring editor can be found, August/September's issue of the village newsletter will be the last. After ten years of producing the newsletter, Graham Orchard is stepping down. A volunteer is needed to take over its production and anyone interested should contact Graham on (01249) 750289 or Linda Durno on (01249) 750514 for further details.
~*~*~*~*~
School Fete Success
Splat the Rat at the school fete, 17th July 2010
The sponge throw at Miss Cornelius The dads' tug-of-war
The Parents and Friends of Kington St Michael School held a pirate-themed school fete on July 17. This was a roaring success and has raised approximately £1,600 for funds, a whopping £600 more than last year.
~*~*~*~*~
Big Lunch Celebrations
(WI Big Lunch buffet, 18th July 2010. Photos courtesy of Janet Elms)
As part of The Big Lunch, an idea to encourage communities to get together, the village hall was buzzing when Kington St Michael WI held a very successful and delicious buffet lunch. As a result a donation of over £500 will be donated to Village Link. This is a service provided by volunteers to offer help where needed, such as transport for medical appointments, shopping and visiting, even small tasks at home or just for a chat. It is available to anyone who needs help and it is always looking for more volunteers; contact 07590 720836.
Another Big Lunch celebration was held in The Close, where over 30 neighbours, including the village’s oldest resident at 94, held a barbecue and listened to live music from some of the teenagers.
~*~*~*~*~
Silver Surfers’ Support Group
Parishioner Brendan McFarlane is hoping to establish an internet support group in the village to help the more elderly residents.
The idea is to help overcome the digital divide, to help those on a basic pension get access to the benefits of being online (keeping in touch, social networking, information gathering, shopping, official information etc...) and to provide a series of contact numbers in the case of an emergency or situation which they feel threatened by or frightened of, such as virus, phishing and e-mails from Nigeria promising big money. Also, to provide a reliable source of security information.
Training would also be provided for those who need it, making them feel safe and ensuring they understand that they are not going to break anything.
To help get something up and running, Brendan would like to hear from anyone who has the IT skills, either professionally or as an enthusiastic amateur, and can spare a few hours a month to help. Contact him at brendanmcfarlane@gmail.com to establish if such a support group could be possible in Kington St Michael.
~*~*~*~*~
100th Birthday Celebrations
Peggy Tayler (left, with Sheila Sealy) celebrates her 100th birthday on 29th June, 2010
Farmer's wife Peggy Tayler, who joined Kington St Michael WI in 1938, celebrated her 100th birthday on June 29th. Peggy, a keen gardener, enjoyed many WI activities, including whist, flower arranging and theatre trips and cooked the turkey for the senior citizens Christmas meal each year. Peggy has a mention in the WI Reminiscences Book; apparently a mystery outing had been arranged, but the coach went without Peggy and all the refreshments. A hasty 'phone call from Badminton brought her and the supper to the rendezvous - good job they didn't go far! A tea party marked her special day with family and friends at Bluebell Lodge Care Home. A birthday card, made by a WI member, was signed by all the members, which amazed Peggy, and a flower arrangement, including honeysuckle from her garden was admired. The Queen's card was proudly shown; she said "It was lovely to have a card from the Queen, but I do not feel old, you have to keep moving and you are lucky if you have good health". Peggy's son Brian still farms in the village; she has five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
~*~*~*~*~
YOUTH CLUB
Youth Leaders are needed to re-establish KSM youth club. If you are able to spare some Tuesday evenings during term time, please contact Sue Wilkinson on (01249) 750758 or Jo Atack on (01249) 750023.
~*~*~*~*~
George Horatio Sealy Memorial
George Horatio Sealy The group attending the dedication on 12th July, 2010
The memorial stone
George Horatio Sealy was born 1846, in Kington St Michael to William and Elizabeth Sealy and together with his wife Annie, raised their family in the village. In 1904-06 the family emigrated to Canada to start a new life there, homesteading in the southern part of Saskatchewan. Today, many Sealy families and their descendents live throughout Canada.
On July 12th 2010, twenty-one of his descendants met at the Macrorie Cemetery, Saskatchewan, Canada, to honour him and dedicate the grave marker that had been installed at his resting place. These descendants had travelled from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, some to meet for the very first time, others to renew acquaintances from times past. Present in the party was Betty Goodwin, granddaughter and oldest living descendant of George Horatio Sealy.
Introductions were made in the Macrorie Rink, followed by a ceremony of prayers, hymns and Bible readings. Lunch, provided by the village ladies, came next and with it an opportunity to view the displays which Ted and Barb Sealy had made featuring the family tree, many photos of both ancestors and descendants and the picturesque village of Kington St Michael. It is hoped that many will visit Wiltshire in the future to experience for themselves.
Unlike the days preceding and following the event, the gathering was blessed with perfect weather, if a little windy, to make their way to the cemetery where a marble stone had been installed. Once again this provided an opportunity for people to reminisce, and contemplate the lives of those early settlers to the area, and give thanks that indeed they did settle there. (With thanks to Ted and Barb Sealy).
~*~*~*~*~
Old mobiles needed
Kington St Michael School needs just 20 more old mobile ‘phones to be able to claim £75 from a cash back scheme. If you have one you could donate please drop it in at school reception by July 23rd or to 14 The Close if during the summer holidays (24th July to 1st September). Thank you.
~*~*~*~*~THE BIG KNIT!
Age UK has announced that the Big Knit is happening again. Supporters can start knitting the little smoothie hats once again! Sainsbury’s and Innocent drinks will donate 25p for every hat knitted. If you are interested in knitting for Age UK Wiltshire please contact them on (01380) 710411 or look at their website www.ageconcernwiltshire.org.uk for further details. The project is running until 29th September so please get knitting quickly!
~*~*~*~*~
Computer Club for Adults
Year 6 of Kington St Michael School are offering free computer lessons to adults who may not own a computer or may be unsure how to use one. The club will run from 3.10pm to 4pm in the school meeting room on Wednesdays from September 22 to December 1 (except October 27 and November 10). Year 6 will be on hand to offer advice and help. As there are only ten places there is first come, first served booking; contact the school on (01249) 750454. If there is demand, the club will continue until Christmas.
~*~*~*~*~
Goal Posts at the RecThanks to a £300 grant from the parish council, the Rec Field Working Group has erected new goal posts on the recreation field.
~*~*~*~*~
Acorns Pre-school Gains Quality Assurance
Acorns Pre-school is delighted to have attained the Pre-School Learning Alliance’s Quality Assurance accreditation. Staff, committee and parents worked together to achieve the accreditation, thus ensuring the continued high standard of education and care for all the children who attend the pre-school.
Wellies wanted! Acorns is looking for donations of wellington boots to fit children aged 2 years to 5 years old. Either pop into Acorns during a term-time session or contact Kay Reid on (01249) 659562. Thank you.
~*~*~*~*~
Village Shop Draw Winner
Thank you to all those who completed the Local Food Qestionnaire; congratulations to Mrs Betty Tanner on winning the £10 M&S voucher.
~*~*~*~*~
Church Summer Fete, 12th June 2010
Once again we were blessed with a warm sunny day as people streamed in to the lovely grounds of Kington Manor for this year's summer fete. Chippenham Town Band provided light music to accompany brisk trade on the many stalls; children enjoyed pony rides and runs on the rollercoaster and sideshows provided by the Brownies and Acorns Pre-school, while woodlice races, skittles and tossing loo rolls into a nice new toilet provided entertainment for those with a more competitive spirit.
Two unusual visitors were Cilla's horned black sheep. They have been trained to pull a small cart in which little children enjoyed a ride. After doing the rounds of all the attractions it was delightful to sit on the patio and enjoy a welcome cup of tea and homemade cake. It is hoped that the fete has raised about £2,100 which will just about pay for the year's insurance of the church building. The church would like to thank all who supported the event, which is such a vital fundraiser.
~*~*~*~*~
Playbuilder Consultation
UPDATE 30th July: Sadly the Rec Field Committee has been informed that the Playbuilder Funding has been pulled due to government cutbacks. The committee will be looking to see if there is any way that they can continue with the project for eight to 13 year olds via other means.
Pictures from the Playbuilder consultation
(Kington St Michael Rec Field Working Group has been awarded £15,000 of Playbuilder funds from Wiltshire Council, to improve play for the 8 to 13 age group in the village. Consultations took place with young people who were asked what sort of activities they like to do when at the Rec.)
On the 25th May, Niki Willows, Play Development Advisor for Wiltshire Council, & Jo Atack, Chair of the Recreation Field Working Group, met with the headteacher, staff and Years 4, 5 & 6 at Kington St Michael C of E Primary School to complete the second phase of the Playbuilder consultation. Playbuilder funding is specifically for the 8 to 13 age group and previous consultation has been carried out at Youth Club.
Very kindly, the teachers offered to help with the consultation process in class. Children were initially asked to evaluate the existing play provision, to include the Play Area and the wider Recreation Field and the responses received were both positive and varied but confirmed that the majority of children only ‘saw’ what they knew. It was evident that when asked about play provision, most children made reference to the existing Play Area with equipment sets therein. They found this generally safe and satisfactory but would like to make improvements and additions to add excitement.
A short presentation was given to the children and they were shown slides of a range play equipment. A range of conventional play areas (with equipment, a play surface and fencing), alongside other more exciting types of play area, some with equipment, some without. The latter category included scenes with towers, rope swings, big slides, rocky surfaces for climbing, log trails and such like.
The children were then asked to review and evaluate sets of prints from these slides into those which were appealing and those less so. It was quite apparent that given the option, children would prefer the adventurous option. The children were then asked to draw their ideal play area and the results were quite astonishing.
On analysis, the overwhelming majority of children opted for safe but stimulating and creative ‘wild play’. The drawings were studied and 41 different and novel play ideas were noted. All drawn items were counted and a tally was run of the results. Popular items included:
Trampoline, tree house, rope swing, big slide, BMX track, zip-wire, log seating, a climbing surface, ‘natural’ trim-trail type equipment, a pirate ship and a haunted house in the woods(!)
We are now speaking with a number of Play Equipment manufacturers to discuss the most popular ideas and will be communicate our findings back to the school once we have ideas of feasible and financially viable options.
The plan is to then hold an event on the Recreation Field and present a limited range of options to the children, parents, carers, and the Parish Council. Short listed choices will then be communicated to the Parish Council for approval/ decision, and will then place our order.
Very exciting as at present we cannot say what we will deliver other than FUN!
~*~*~*~*~
Kington St Michael Brownies
The Brownies' webpage is now up-to-date; thank you to Karen O'Reilly for sending all the latest information.
Click here to go to the Brownies' webpage.~*~*~*~*~
Book & DVD Recycling Scheme
The Book & DVD Recycling Scheme has now made its 30th donation. The recipient of £50 is St Michael & All Angels Church, to go towards the cost of repairs to the wall in Stubbs Lane. The scheme is run via the village shop and would currently be grateful to receive children’s DVDs. Details from Linda Durno on 01249-750514.
~*~*~*~*~
Plant Sale Success
The recent WI plant sale, held in the
~*~*~*~*~
Whist Players' Donation
The Sunday night whist players have made a donation of £50 to St Michael & All Angels Church, to go towards the cost of repairs to the wall in Stubbs Lane. Whist takes place at The Jolly Huntsman on Sunday evening - details from John Hall on (01249) 750550.
~*~*~*~*~
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Orchard Surveying Training Events
The following training events for orchard surveying have been arranged, which you are very welcome to attend:
Saturday 18th September 10am to 1pm at Postern Hill Picnic Site, Savernake Forest, Marlborough
This is an opportunity for you to meet the Wiltshire Traditional Orchards Project team and learn all about how to carryout out an orchard habitat survey. Some of the orchards in the area will be surveyed, whilst going through the survey methods with you. After the morning’s training we will visit a pub for lunch. You are welcome to join us for lunch or a drink, but unfortunately we can’t afford to pay for you.
If you would like to come along or need further information or directions please e-mail us on info@wtop.org.uk or 'phone 01380 725670 and ask for Neil Pullen, Amy Cahillane or Michael New.
Free Orchard Trees
As part of the project we are also helping to create new orchards and have funding for fruit trees. We can give these away free to orchards with public access. Please get in touch if you know of any orchards that would appreciate some trees.
Amy Cahillane
Volunteer Orchard Project Officer (Mon/Fri: 9am-5.30pm)
www.wtop.org.ukWiltshire Traditional Orchard project
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Elm Tree Court
Long Street
Devizes
SN10 1NJ
Tel 01380 725670 Ext 290
Email: info@wtop.org.uk
KSM Club's Disappointment as Ex-Treasurer Released From Prison
After serving only two months of an eight month sentence for fraud, Kington St Michael Club's former Treasurer, Tim Doel, has been released from prison.
On 24th February, Mr Doel had been found guilty of fraud at Swindon Crown Court and sentenced to 8 months in prison (likely to serve 4 months) with a lifelong Confiscation Order against him for approximately £19,000, yet has been granted his freedom after only two-months. To say that this has caused bitter disappointment amongst club members is something of an understatement.
~*~*~*~*~
School raises funds for Wilts Air Ambulance
Having completed all of its money raising events for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal, including a book and cake sale, a non-uniform day and a Daredevil Duathlon Day, Kington St Michael school has now added up all the monies raised and these amount to an amazing £1,300. Wilshire Air Ambulance is delighted and children from each year group have been invited to the Air Ops Unit in Devizes on May 28th, to look at the helicopter and present the cheque.
~*~*~*~*~
Annual Parish Meeting
Fifteen members of the public and two representatives from local authorities attended the annual parish meeting on April 29th. Richard Schofield gave a presentation of the Community Defibrillator scheme (see www.communityheartbeat.org.uk), which was followed by reports from Claire Marlow (chairman of the parish council), the parochial church council, the Women’s Institute, Women Out Walking and others.
~*~*~*~*~
Churchyard Wall
~*~*~*~*~
First Football Match on the Rec's Levelled Pitch
The first football match on the levelled pitch was played by Castle Combe Colts Under 7s on Saturday 3rd April, 2010 - fantastic news.
(Photo courtesy of Douglas Taylor)
~*~*~*~*~
Temporary Road Diversion
Over the last year there have been several occasions when the village has been blocked by cars, with vehicles becoming wedged and traffic coming to a standstill. Although traffic has been redirected down
The regional branch of the national organisation, Solutions for Highways and Inland Transport, has gathered the results of traffic counts, speed checks and other surveys and a proposed solution has been found following consultation with highway authorities.
A trail will be set up shortly and will take place for the rest of this month. This will consist of a one-way system in part of the village. Traffic entering the village at the south end (Tor Hill end) will be redirected along
Chippenham and Rural Automobile Partnership will carry out a survey of the trial and report its findings on June 31st.
Further details and a map of the scheme can be viewed by clicking this link.
01.04.10
~*~*~*~*~
RNLI Coffee Morning Fundraiser
The coffee morning at Gordon & Sheila Jobbins' raised just over £200 for RNLI funds. Sheila and Gordon would like to thank eveyone who supported the event and made it such a happy morning. Special thanks go to the ladies who washed up!
~*~*~*~*~
Like "Strictly Come Dancing" - Wish You Could Dance Too?
Well, why not start with Salsa? Classes are held in the village hall on Thursday evenings (except when the Parish Council meets, when the class may transfer to Kington Club). Due to popularity there is now a new format so that beginners may join at any time: doors open 8pm, 8.05pm - 8.30pm Beginners & Absolute Beginners (and those wanting to catch up), 8.30pm - 9.30pm Bridging class joins in, followed by a raffle, 9.30pm - 10pm fun dancing.
Run by Joy of Salsa Swindon on a drop in and dance, pay-as-you-go basis (or pay for four weeks in advance to get a discount - not beginners' half hour). Bring your own refreshments and no stilettos please. Contact Linda Durno on (01249) 750514 or e-mail kingtonstmichael@btinternet.com if you have any queries.
Getting into the Salsa swing of things at KSM village hall!
~*~*~*~*~
(Front cover ilustration by the late Kathy Kirby & photo by Linda Durno)
Thank you to Jenny Hayne for coming up trumps with copies of the above booklets, which make interesting reading. Some of the information from the booklets will be on the History webpage and some on the WI's webpage.
~*~*~*~*~
Ex-Treasurer of Kington St Michael Club Jailed over Fraud
On 24th February, Tim Doel, former treasurer of Kington St Michael Club, was found guilty of fraud at Swindon Crown Court and sentenced to 8 months in prison (likely to serve 4 months) with a lifelong Confiscation Order against him for approximately £19,000. It appears that Mr Doel previously committed fraud in 2001 and owes money to others.
Mr Doel was a trainee accountant operating under the company name of www.puddleaccountants.co.uk. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is also making its own investigation.
From the Gazette & Herald, February 4th:
~*~*~*~*~"The treasurer of a village club has been warned he could be jailed after admitting plundering thousands of pounds from the accounts.
Timothy Doel of Startley, also tried to cover up his deceit by producing a false document from an accountant as well as a credit card slip. The 29 year old stole more than £16,000 from Kington St Michael Club & Institute between Apil 2006 and February last year.
He pleaded guilty to obtaining a money transfer by deception, fraud and two accounts of making or supplying an article for fraud.
The first charge relates to a period form the end of April 2006 through to January 16 2007 while the fraud covers from January 14th 2007 to February 25th last year.
He also admitted making or supplying a credit card slip and a fax purporting to be from an accountant.
Alex Daymond, defending, told Swindon Crown Court [on February 3rd] it had been agreed the total amount of money taken was £16,142. He said although prosecutors had alleged it was closer to £19,000 the lower sum was agreed.
Judge Euan Ambrose adjourned the case to Wednesday February 24th for a pre-sentence report and released Doel on unconditional bail."
Progressive Supper is Tip Top Fundraiser
January's progressive supper, in aid of Acorns Pre-school, was a resounding success. Over 80 people had their starter at one house, main course at another and finished with dessert in the village hall. New friends were made and everyone had an enjoyable evening. Thanks go to everyone who made the event such a great success; £1,060.50 was raised for Acorns' funds.
~*~*~*~*~
2009 Christmas Fayre Tops 2008's
The 2009 Christmas Fayre made £694.41 for village hall funds; over £100 up on 2008.
Many thanks to all those who supported the fayre.
~*~*~*~*~
Kington St Michael World War I Records of the Fallen
Please click here to view the records of war graves of those from Kington St Michael who lost their lives in World War I. This will be kept permanently on the History page.
~*~*~*~*~
Kington St Michael in the Snow
(photos courtesy of Ella Sloper, left, and Niki willows)
~*~*~*~*~
Carol Service
On Saturday 19th December a packed church took part in a magnificently festive traditional carol service led by Rev Sam Rushton and professional musician Paul Bambrough, with his 20 strong choir and brass ensemble.
In flickering candlelight the Christmas message was conveyed in readings both secular and biblical, these being interspersed with familiar carols sung by the congregation and less familiar but wonderfully moving pieces of Christmas music brilliantly offered by the choir. As the service drew to its close the rafters rang as all joined in a joyous rendering of O come, all ye faithful and Hark! The herald angels sing. A glass of mulled wine and a warm mince pie rounded off a truly memorable service.
Generous donations will enable the church to support the charity Caring at Christmas which provides a 24-hour shelter for the homeless in
~*~*~*~*~
Kington St Michael Shop Christmas Hamper Raffle
Avril presents a gift to the Mayor. Mrs Gibson 'phones the lucky winner.
Mr Bull, winner of the Christmas hamper, with his prize.
The Mayor of Chippenham, Mrs Sylvia Gibson, kindly made the draw for Kington St Michael community-run shop’s Christmas hamper raffle on December 18. The lucky winner was Mr Bull of Chippenham, who uses the shop, and the Mayor herself rang him to give him the good news; he receives a wicker hamper of delicacies from the shop and a brace of pheasants.
The Mayor was interested to find out how the shop is run on a voluntary basis, what is stocked and how the Post Point system works, which has gone some way in replacing the post office services that were lost. As thanks, Avril Balmforth, shop manager, presented Mrs Gibson with a small selection of items from the shop.
~*~*~*~*~
Christmas Fayre
Visitors to the Christmas fayre were surprised to see a film crew in the village hall, who were there to film the judging of the sloe gin competition for a programme with Oz Clark and Hugh Dennis and is called Oz and Hugh Drink to Christmas. The programme’s subject is Christmas drinks past and present (see how many familiar faces you can spot!). Click here to watch it on BBC i-Player or here to see it on YouTube!.
The film crew in action and Oz Clark & Hugh Dennis check the judging criteria for the sloe gin competition.
The fayre was busy, with children visiting Father Christmas in his grotto and enjoying buying from stalls and sampling refreshments. The winner of the sloe gin competition was Ralph Whittaker, who was presented with a trophy and certificate at the carol singing in the evening and will join the judging panel at next year’s competition. Ralph's sloe gin was awarded an average 17/20 and was judged to be clear, smooth, sweet and well balanced with an extended flavour. Second was Louise Grant and third ws Oz Clark (or rather a member of his production team!).
Liz McCarron Heal, Liz Allen & Linda Durno judge the sloe gin competition. Winner, Ralph Whittaker
The winner of the Guess the Weight of the Christmas cake was Barbara Fenner, Bill Skinner won Tingles the clown and the winners of the children's Christmas scene competition, each receiving a £5 book token, were:
Under 5s: Florence Hayes
Age 5 - 12: Iona Durno
Best overall effort: Amy Jenkins
Winners of the children's competition for best Christmas scenes, Amy & Iona, and
Father Christmas in his wonderful grotto.
~*~*~*~*~
Advertise Here!
Do you have a small business? Are you local?! Why not advertise on this website for only £15 per year? (That's just £1.25 per month!) Take a look at other advertisers by clicking on "Local Businesses Adverts" above. If you are interested please contact us kingtonstmichael@btinternet.com.