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Village Newsletter
Here's the latest edition.

Dog Fouling and Dog Walking

Recently there have been multiple incidents of dog fouling on pavements throughout the village, especially regularly along the main street towards the café.  Wherever you are walking your dog in the village - street, public footpath, QE2 Field, Nymph Hay Wood or the surrounding fields - picking up after your dog still applies!  If anyone sees an owner letting their dog foul in a public place please report it to Wiltshire Council, either by 'phoning 01249 706111 and asking for the Dog Warden, or email publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk or via an on-line form on Wiltshire Council's website. Photographic evidence of the owner neglecting to pick up is always a help.  Your personal details will be treated in strict confidence and you will be informed of the outcome of the complaint. Please note that complaints regarding aggressive dogs should be made to the police.
Now that it is lambing season, please keep your dogs on leads when walking in fields with sheep in, as well as when walking on the footpath that leads through the farmyard, as there are sheep and lambs about.

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Book Recycling Scheme

The 81st and 82nd donations from this scheme, totalling £100, goes towards the village's Community Defibrillator Fund, to purchase replacement parts as and when required.  You've clearly done a lot of reading over autumn and winter, so many thanks to those who donate books and buy books; the book scheme is run from the shop foyer and books are only 50p each.  Village organisations that would like to be considered for a donation should contact Linda Durno via kingtonstmichael@btinternet.com.  If you would like to support the Community Defibrillator Fund, please also contact Linda.

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What’s on at St Michael & All Angels Church

 

Thank you to everyone who visited the church over Advent and Christmas, whether you came to enjoy the music, to worship, to see the Christmas trees or to reflect quietly in peace, we hope that you will carry the joy and hope of the Christmas story with you throughout the year.

You are always very welcome to come along to any of our services and stay for refreshments afterwards or to explore and enjoy your beautiful village church which is open every day. Light lunches are served every Monday or pop in for a coffee and a chat.

January

Thursday 16th January, 10am: Holy Communion

Sunday 26th January, 4pm: All Together@4, informal all ages worship with activities, refreshments and optional Holy Communion at 5.30pm. Come for as long or short at time as you choose. Bybrook Primary School, Yatton Keynell.

February

Sunday 2nd February, 9.30am: Morning Praise

Sunday 9th February, 9.30am: Holy Communion

Thursday 20th February, 10am: Holy Communion

Sunday 23rd February, 4pm: All Together @ 4, Bybrook Primary School, Yatton Keynell.

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Environment Agency Flood Recovery Guide

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Poppy Appeal 2024
This year's Poppy appeal in the village raised £258.75.
Joan Gilbert, who co-ordinates the collection, would like to thank all who donated.

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Village Shop News

The shop team would like to thank all customers who have been patient during the changeover to the new computerised till.  The shop now has a specific till co-ordinator who supports the volunteers with training, as well as troubleshooting any issues as they come up.  The new till is helping the shop to improve the way it serves customers, as well as providing important data about how products are selling.

The village shop very much needs your support to stay open. It’s vital for those villagers who cannot easily get out of the village and who rely on it being here, as well as being an asset to community life.  If villagers can change their habits and divert £5-£10 of their usual weekly budget to spend in their community shop, for example on milk or eggs, it can help to ensure that it survives.  The shop has much more than the basics, so if you haven’t been in for a while, please drop in and have a look.
Get regular updates about new products or offers by following the shop on Facebook and Instagram.  If you are interested in finding out about volunteering behind the scenes or on the counter,  please email hello@kingtonstmichaelshop.co.uk.

Treasurer Needed

Could you use your expertise to help your local community in a varied and interesting role?  Kington St Michael Village Shop is looking for a new treasurer to replace our current treasurer, who is down standing after several years.  You don’t need to be an accountant but you need to be familiar with Excel.  For more information please email
Kevin Henderson: ksmshoptreasurer@yahoo.com.

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Progressive Supper

A Progressive Supper in aid of the restoration of the church's Saxon porch will take place on Saturday 1st March - further details to follow.  Tickets will be on sale from early January - keep a look out for posters nearer the time.  If you would like to be involved and are able to either host a course or provide a dessert, please contact Lyn North on 07796 666867.

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KSM Pub Project Promises Update
 

Stuck for gift ideas for loved ones? Why not buy one of our stylish Jolly Huntsman tankards and help us to fundraise at the same time? We're selling them at a special price of £25 each to local folk, and don't forget that we have the lovely Kington St Michael landmark map mugs at only £10 each.

To get yours please contact Alex Hall on 01249 750602, alex.hall@kington-st-michael.com, or Linda Durno on 01249 750514, kingtonstmichael@btinternet.com.

Other great items are available from our online shop: ksmpub.co.uk and we can produce bespoke items too!

We are planning to hold a promises auction as a fundraiser in spring 2025 and are collecting promises of services and items. If you are able to help out by offering a service or an item, please email kingtonstmichael@btinternet.com - all donations will be gratefully received.
Have you visited our online shop ? We have t-shirts, tankards, mugs and more for sale - great gifts for birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day and the like - take a look at ksmpub.co.uk. Or you can buy the tankards, mugs or greetings cards from Linda Durno on 01249 750514, kingtonstmichael@btinternet.com.

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Teddy Bear Parachute Day

Despite a very soggy afternoon and a delayed start, 35 brave bears took to the skies on 22nd September.  Enormous thanks to all who came, to all the helpers who contributed their time, to everyone who contributed to the hugely successful tombola, and raffle, and those who so kindly made delicious scones and cakes for the tea.
We are grateful too to Julian Frost who brought the ever-popular Yoda, the owl, who once more swooped around the church, to the delight of all.  The event raised a wonderful £605.20 which will go to the church funds.

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KSM QE2 Field News

ENHANCEMENTS AT KSM QE2 FIELD - We are excited to share that the resurfacing of the kickwall area at the recreation field has now taken place!  Once the new surface has dried, markings will be painted allowing a variety of recreational sports to be played, and new fencing will also be installed.  In addition, an accessible pathway will be created leading to the kickwall area.  We are also happy to report that new gravel will soon be laid on the existing pathway from the BBQ area down to the bridge near the entrance to Nymph Hay Wood.  KSM QE2 Field Group would like to thank the
Parish Council for supporting these projects!

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Community Pub News

Thank you to everyone who came to our stall at the KSM Day on the QE2 Field.
We have some more shares promised, an idea for fundraising,  a promise of help and a cash donation.  

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Are Your Hedges and Trees an Issue for Passers By?

It's time to cut back any foliage on your property that overhangs public pathways and access routes.  This is particularly helpful in areas where the footpath is narrow, and along the main village street.  Please consider our small, tall, and disabled residents.

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Wiltshire Adult Care & Support Guide

A new, updated, independent care services directory has been published which gives readers crucial information on how to access, and pay for, care services throughout Wiltshire.

You may have seen there’s a huge amount in the media at the moment about the crisis in social care.  If you’re growing concerned about your care options, or just want some more information on what your choices may be, this directory can help.  With information to help you understand your options, where to go for advice and how the paying for care system works, this Care Services Directory can support you to make informed decisions.

The new edition of the independent publication and accompanying website give information on all aspects of arranging care and support.  It includes how to stay independent for as long as possible, the different care and support options available and what to look for when choosing a care provider.  It also offers guidance on important issues such as paying for care and what financial assistance may be             available from the local authority.  There are comprehensive listings of all registered care services, plus checklists to help you ask the right questions when visiting services.

The directory will be available throughout the region from outlets including carers’ centres, hospitals, GP surgeries, Age UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.  It can be downloaded from www.carechoices.co.uk and is also available in spoken word.            

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"The Kingtons" Book - Available Now!

Get your copy of "The Kingtons" now - available from the village shop or Kington Café at only £14.95.  Commissioned by the parish council, this book gives an interesting history of the ancient parish of Kington St Michael with Kington Langley,
written by Louise Ryland-Epton.

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Thank You from St Michael & All Angels

A huge thank you to all the brilliant supporters who turned out on a hot day to saw, strim, clean, polish, pull a lot of ivy off the church walls and memorials, and provide delicious home made cake.

Everyone worked so hard and it has made a massive difference, the church and churchyard are looking so much better.

We really appreciate everyone’s time and support .

We will be holding quarterly Spruce up Days to keep on top of everything and will be having regular visits from the Unpaid Work Team to help with the churchyard.

If you would like to get involved in either the cleaning rota or the mowing team, please contact Colin Labouchere or Alison Greenhalgh (contact numbers on lych gate).

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The Churchyard & Burial Ground

The churchyard belongs to the whole village; it is the village burial ground.  Anyone living in the village (and a number of others) have a legal right to be buried here. It is not just for church-goers.
To keep the whole area mown and tidy more regular help is urgently needed.  Any of us may take our place there one day!  Machinery is available, but the team is short on volunteers. If you can undertake even a small area, please ring Colin on (01249) 750222, or email colin@labouchere2.co.uk.

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Village Litter Pick

Would any village organisation or individual be interested in organising a litter pick in the village?  This could be just within the village itself or extending along roads and lanes surrounding Kington St Michael.  All equipment can be provided.  Please contact Viv Vines, Clerk to Kington St Michael Parish Council: ksmparishclerk@gmail.com.

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Be A Good Neighbour  

A gentle reminder that now is the time for parishioners to check and cut back any of their overgrown hedges, trees and shrubs, that are either restricting the view of vehicles or impeding pedestrians.  This will help our blind, disabled, and taller residents walking through the village.

This is also a good opportunity to ask you to be considerate where you leave wheelie bins and black boxes out for collection, as these can also cause a hazard for less able people.

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Accessibility Along Pavements

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Parish Council News

A parishioner asked the council who was responsible for the driveway surface between the gated entrance to Kington Manor and the Village Hall/Shop car park. The driveway also continues onwards to Manor Farm providing access to several properties, and when the Parish Council met on the 15th June 2023, it received a brief report on the factual position. In providing the answer the council felt that it was worthwhile updating everyone as the matter has often been raised over recent years.

The access driveway is in fact part of Public Footpath KSTM12 and, following two years extensive research and case-building, supported by seventy-five User Evidence Statements from residents and visitors, in February 2020, the Parish Council submitted an application to Wiltshire Council to upgrade the Footpath to a Byway Open to All Traffic. It was hoped that if this was successful then it could be argued that the entire driveway surface should be maintained by Wiltshire Council as Highway Authority.

The Parish Council is indebted to former Councillor Sandra Eaton for the tremendous efforts to reach this stage, and following her move from the parish, she volunteered to continue with the project, particularly as Wiltshire Council failed to determine the application within the required timescale and the matter was taken to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in March 2021. The Planning Inspectorate determined that Wiltshire Council should deal with the matter by August 2022.

Despite the case and evidence submitted, Wiltshire Council finally decided in January 2023 that “on the balance of probabilities” the application should be refused. In February 2023, following further consideration, the Parish Council determined that there was no longer a case to pursue, and after all the efforts the only success arising was that Wiltshire Council has agreed that the tarmac surface directly outside the Village Hall/Shop car park should become part of the surface that should be maintained at public expense. The remainder being privately owned, although used by vehicles to gain access, is not public highway other than having Public Footpath KSTM 12 status. Should anyone be interested in reading the Outcome Report and details considered by the Parish Council in February 2023, then please email the Clerk of the Council who can provide the details - ksmparishclerk@gmail.com.

Community Emergency Contacts Wiltshire & Swindon Prepared (Local Resilience Forum - LRF) has initiated a new scheme called Community Emergency Contacts. This initiative will give the LRF a direct link into the community in an emergency situation. They have asked for at least 3 people to be named as an emergency community contact for Kington St Michael. In the event of an emergency, contacts may be called and asked to give information about how an emergency (e.g. flooding, storm damage) is affecting the local area and any problems arising where help may be needed. If you would like further information, or to put your name forward for this initiative, please send an email to ksmparishclerk@gmail.com. There is no obligation to be available 24/7 and the scheme will operate on a call down basis (whereby the LCF will work their way down the call list until they’re able to speak to someone ‘on the ground’) and there are no other expectations as part of this voluntary role.

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Kilvert's Trail - A Walk Around Kington St Michael,
Kington Langley, Langley Burrell & Allington

The Rev Francis Kilvert 1840 – 1879 wrote diaries portraying everyday Victorian life. These were kept in many notebooks during his relatively short life, sadly, most of which were destroyed.  Thankfully 22 notebooks remain and these have been published in three volumes. His work has been acknowledged to be as important as that of Samuel Pepys.
Kilvert was a keen walker. Indeed he walked to Bath and back in one day.  He took delight in the countryside around him, never failing to note the beauty surrounding him.
To that end, some residents of Langley Burrell have compiled several local walks, taking in familiar landmarks that Kilvert would have known (Kilvert's Trail), and one of these comes through Kington St Michael - the Allington Walk (obviously you could join this walk at any point along it in Kington St Michael and complete the loop back to your starting point).

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Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch can help build safer, stronger and more active communities and connect people with their neighbours.  The Parish Council would likw to revitalise our local scheme in Kington St Michael and would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in joining, or just want more information, then please contact
Cllr Vicky Ingham at v.ingham@kingtonstmichaelparishcouncil.gov.uk. 

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Wherever you are in the village - street, public footpath, QE2 Field, Nymph Hay Wood or the surrounding fields - it still applies!  Do it for your dog!

If anyone sees an owner letting their dog foul in a public place please report it to Wiltshire Council, either by 'phoning 01249 706111 and asking for the Dog Warden, or email publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk or via an on-line form. Photographic evidence is always a help.  Your personal details will be treated in strict confidence and you will be informed of the outcome of the complaint. Please note that complaints regarding aggressive dogs should be made to the police.

A Bit of Village History


Many thanks to Tim Sage for sharing these photographs of the baptism
and confirmation certificates of his ancester, Maurice Arthur Sage.
The baptism took place in St Michael & All Angels Church in 1913 and the
confirmation at St John the Baptist Church in Charlton near Malmesbury, in 1931.

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Warm Spaces and Food Providers

Church Coffee Corner
Every Monday from 11.30am - 1.30pm - meet others and enjoy refreshments:
all welcome.

Village Help Facebook Page

If you are on Facebook, please search for the KSM Community Help page, where you will find lots of useful information and support (look for the colourful hands, as above).

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Making A Planning Application

If you are considering or are about to make an on-line planning application via
Wiltshire Council's website, you will be redirected to the Planning Portal.
Unfortunately, if you choose to use autofill for your address, and if you happen to live along the main street (i.e. no.** KSM) then you will find that it submits your address as being in Honeyknob Hill or C154 Road.
This causes confusion to those wishing to or needing to look at planning applications, and, in fact, there are only 8 properties which have the Honeyknob Hill address (unsurprisingly 1 - 8 Honeyknob Hill).
The Parish Counil is asking affected residents who make a planning application to please check that "Honeyknob Hill" or C154 road" isn't included in the address (unless you are one of the eight!) and to enter the address manually.
If you spot this issue elsewhere, please let the Clerk to the Council know: ksmparishclerk@gmail.com.

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Village Hall Car Park
The Village Hall Management Committee would like to remind villagers that the village hall car park is only for village hall users and shop customers. Recently, a number of paying village hall users have not been able to park. Thank you!

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Defibrillators
Just a reminder of where our defibrillators are kept in the village: map of defibrillators
and the instructions of what to do when someone collapses.
Please visit the Community Defibrillator page for further information

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Advertise Here!
Do you have a small business? Are you local?! Why not advertise on this website for only £24 per year? (That's just £2 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.