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Coronavirus Info
For all the latest updates on Coronavirus, including the Track & Trace app, please visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus

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Pilates
Pilates is back in the village hall every Tuesday evening, except for
the second Tuesday of the month, when WI holds its meeting.
When this happens you can join the online class so as not to miss out.
The classes are an hour long, starting at 6.45pm.
If you would like further information, contact Lauren at laurenspilates@gmail.com,
or take a look at her website www.laurenspilates.co.uk.

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Wiltshire Council Climate Strategy Consultation
Wiltshire Council is consulting on its draft Climate Strategy until 17th October.  Its aim is to meet its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030.  The consultation documents and information are available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/green-economy-climate-change.

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Film Night - Monday 11th October

Go along to the village hall, where there will be a showing of “Dreamhorse” (Cert PG) - a feel-good film about the true story of a Welsh village that raised a racehorse.  Starring Toni Collette, Damian Lewis, Owen Teale & many well-known actors.
Doors open 7pm, show starts 7.30pm, with the main film (on a large screen) starting at 8pm.  Tickets £8 on the door or from Kington St Michael Village Shop. Refreshments available; further details from Kay Sambell on (01249) 750205.

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KSM Information Email Database
Would you be interested in receiving news and updates from the Parish Council and Wiltshire Council, etc, via email?  The Parish Council is considering setting up a database, using Survey Monkey or similar - if you would like to be included, please email the Clerk, Viv Vines - ksmparishclerk@gmail.com.

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Community Speedwatch Team

Volunteers are needed to join Kington St Michael's Community Speedwatch Team.
If you are interested please contact Cllr Fiona Twisse:
Twisse@hotmail.co.uk.
If you have previously contacted the Parish Council,
please contact Fiona to confirm that you are still interested.

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The Old School (the building that is currently the Village Hall)
Does anyone have any recollection of when the old school was divided up between the school house and the school building?  If so, please contact the Clerk to the Parish Council, Viv Vines - ksmparishclerk@gmail.com
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"That" Road Closure (updated 14.09.21)

Wiltshire Council
Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

Temporary Closure of: Kington St Michael Road (Part), Kington Langley (TTRO 7491)

Notice is hereby given that Wiltshire Council has made an Order to close temporarily to all traffic:

Kington St Michael Road (Part), Kington Langley; from its junction with A350 for approximately 100m in a westerly direction.

To enable: Wiltshire Council to carry out traffic signal and street lighting replacement, carriageway resurfacing, road marking and associated civil works.

Alternative route: via Kington St Michael Road (unaffected length), Allington Lane, Fowlswick Lane, B4039, A420, A350 and vice versa.

The closure and diversion routes will be clearly indicated by traffic signs.

This Order will come into operation on 3rd October 2021 and the closure will be required until 5th November 2021. It is anticipated that the works will take the stated duration to complete depending upon weather conditions. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses where possible, although delays are likely due to the nature of the works. The Order will have a maximum duration of 18 months.

For further information please contact Atkins on behalf of Wiltshire Council on 01225 730360.

Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN
23 September 2021

Further information from Atkins (received 14.09.21):

"Dear Sir / Madam,

As consultant representative for Wiltshire Council, I write to inform you of proposed road works programmed at A350 Plough Lane Crossroads, Kington Langley and Kington St Michael.

Wiltshire Council is undertaking essential work to refurbish and upgrade the traffic signals on the A350 dual carriageway north of Chippenham at Plough Crossroads, Kington St Michael, from 3 October until 5 November 2021.

For the duration of the works, there will be lane closures in place on the A350 dual carriageway, for the safety of highway users and contractors.  To keep the traffic moving on the main route, the junctions to both Kington Langley and Kington St Michael will be closed, with diversions in place. There will also be a temporary speed limit of 30mph in place in the area for the scheme duration. The closure of the side roads will enable the A350 to remain open and free of traffic signals for the majority of the work. Night-time road closures will be in operation for the resurfacing work, so people should expect delays in the area.

The whole junction area will be resurfaced and new road markings and road studs installed. Road markings will also be refreshed the whole length of the 2.5 mile dual carriageway between the Malmesbury Rd roundabout at Chippenham and the Junction 17 roundabout therefore improving the safety of highway users at this location.

Overnight road closures between 20.00 and 06.00 for the resurfacing (and associated works) of the Plough Crossroads junction between 18th October and 5th November 2021.  Phased so that only northbound or southbound is closed at any one time, with the opposite carriageway open to traffic. Locally signed diversion routes will be in place.

Diversion Routes – Attached plans

• Kington Langley Junction – Plough Lane & Church Road to B4069. North via B4069 to B4122 Junction and Junction 17 M4. South via B4069 to Chippenham Langley Road and vice versa.
• Kington St Michael Junction – Kington St Michael Road to Fowlswick Lane. Fowlswick Lane to B4039 Yatton Keynell Road. B4039 to A420 Bristol Road. A420 Bristol Road to A350 Bumpers Farm Roundabout. A350 Bumpers Farm to A350 Malmesbury Road roundabout and vice versa.

Night time Diversion Routes - 18th October to 5th November. In addition to the above -

• A350 Northbound Closure, overnight 20.00 to 06.00. A350 Malmesbury Road roundabout, south on West Cepen Way to A350 Bumpers Farm roundabout, East on A420 Bristol Road to Park Lane. North east on A420 Park Lane to B4069 Langley Road. North on B4069 Langley Road to B4122 Draycott. B4122 Draycott to M4 Junction 17 roundabout.
• A350 Southbound Closure, overnight 20.00 to 06.00. South from M4 Junction 17 roundabout via B4122 to B4069 Draycott. South on B4069 to Langley Road, Chippenham. South on A420 New Road to A420 Marshfield Road. West on A420 Marshfield Road and A420 Bristol Road to A350 Bumpers Farm Roundabout. Use existing directional signing for destinations.
• Days Lane Junction – (Closed during the southbound A350 resurfacing works) Days Lane to Church Road to B4069. Follow Kington Langley diversion route as above.

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience these works will cause. I trust you will appreciate the necessity for these essential works to maintain Wiltshire's highway network.

Should you require any further information in advance of the works start date please do not hesitate to contact me directly on the details shown below.

Yours faithfully

Kristian Price BSc (Hons)"
Highway Asset Engineer - Highway Engineering
UK & Europe
Engineering, Design & Project Management
Atkins, County Gate, County Way, Trowbridge, BA14 7FJ
Tel. 01225 730410   

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The Village Newsletter Is Back!

Avril Balmforth is taking over as the new editor, and many thanks go to Andrew and Jen Noblet, who she takes over from.  The first edition will be for October/November and the cut off date is Friday 24th September; this is a week later than previous deadlines in order to facilitate news from the Parish Council.

If you have any news you would like included please send your word document as an email attachment to kingtonnews@gmail.com. Sadly, anything received after the cut off date won't be included until the following issue.

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FOSMAA Event

Bears parachute once more: Sunday 26th September, 2.30pm to 5pm, in and around KSM Church.  Fun and entertainment for ALL ages, including a treasure hunt, giant tortoise, cream teas, tombola, and deluxe hamper raffle.

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M4 Tree works Severn Beach to Swindon
31st August to 4th November 2021

National Highways operates, maintains and improves England’s motorways and major A roads.

As part of our commitment to safety and the environment we need to carry out work on dead or dying trees along the M4 between Severn Beach and Swindon. A recent survey identified a number of trees which need to be removed or otherwise made safe where they may pose a hazard to road users or third-party property. Replacement planting will be included in next year’s work programme.

Work will take place during the day and we anticipate each site will take 1 to 3 shifts to complete. For the safety of our workforce hard shoulder closures will be in place.

Our ref: 609845

Please accept our apologies in advance for any disruption this may cause, we’ll make every effort to ensure the impact on the local community is kept to a minimum.

We always aim to work to programme, however unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes. We’ll keep you updated via advance roadside warning signs, but please also monitor www.trafficengland.com

If you would like further information about this work, please contact National Highways Customer Contact Centre on Tel: 0300 123 5000 (open 24/7) and they will direct your enquiry to the most appropriate person, or by email: info@highwaysengland.co.uk

For up to date information on all our works in the South West please follow us on Twitter @HighwaysSWEST

As of 20th August 2021, Highways England has been renamed National Highways. The name change reflects the role of the strategic road network – to connect the nations regions – and the part it plays in setting Highways standards across the UK.

The remit of the organisation has not changed and we will continue to operate and maintain England’s motorways and A roads.

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Volunteers Needed
With plans for the village's Platinum Jubilee celebrations underway, volunteers will be needed to help out on the day next June.  If you would like to get involved please let the Platinum Jubilee group know by emailing ksmpj@gmail.com.

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Save the Date - Saturday 6th November:
Bonfire & Fireworks Night...
on the QE2 Field.  More details to follow from the QE2 Field Group in due course.

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Salsa Classes Resume in September
Salsa resumes on September 9th, 8pm - 9.30pm in the village hall - every Thursday except when there's a Parish Council meeting.  £5 per person (first lesson is free).  Please wear suitable shoes (no stilettos please). Beginners welcome.
Contact Linda on (01249) 750514.

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Book Recycling Scheme
The 70th recipient of a £50 donation from this scheme is Kington St Michael’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations fund.  The 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.

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Autumn Club Closes

Autumn Club has sadly had to close after running for 45 years.  This is due to an ageing membership and lack of volunteers prepared to take on official positions.  However, the group has decided to still meet fortnightly at The Pewsham pub in Chippenham (formerly The Lysley Arms), starting on September 6, 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Coffee Shop, under the same roof.  Both ladies and gentlemen are welcome and don’t have to have been Autumn Club members.

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FOSMAA News
Hoorah!  The new ‘Hub’ in the church was able to enjoy its first social gathering since it was completed and Covid regulations have eased somewhat. 

From left to right in this photo are Gerry Elms, who supervised all the building work, Joan Gilbert, Tim Woodward and his wife Jan, Cilla Labouchere and Alison Mulley (who were chairman and secretary when FOSMAA - Friends Of St Michael & All Angels church - was formed in October 2010, with the aim of helping to create a user-friendly space in the church as well as supporting the Parochial Church Council with essential upkeep of the building’s fabric), Janet Elms the PCC Chairman, and Colin Labouchere master of all things that need repair.  Seated are Ann Proctor, Margaret Pratley and Barbara Fenner, who are a few of the hundreds of people who have made this possible with gifts, pledges, support at events and in so many ways.  Everyone who has worked on the FOSMAA Committee over the years has done amazing work to achieve this dream.  You know who you are and what you did - THANK YOU everyone.

The building now offers a place for so many new initiatives and enterprises with its lovely hospitality facilities (hot running water!), a disabled-friendly loo and baby changing, toys and games for children, music via both the church organ and an electric organ, and an over-head screen and projector. 

There is more open space than is visible in this photo and it is crying out for gatherings and activities for everyone ranging from 0 to 100+ years.  Being detached the church offers an opportunity for such enterprises as music practice, when loud noise might antagonise close neighbors! 

The PCC continues to be responsible for all the church and religious requirements.  As you might imagine ongoing expenses are heavy, including church insurance and having clergy to lead us.  FOSMAA, on the other hand, is secular, and here to support the fabric of the church, and to ensure that the village still has a church into the next millennium!  Although activities in the church are the overall responsibility of the PCC they are as keen as FOSMAA to ensure that greater use is made of the building to ensure its survival long into the future.

With these facilities complete the time is ripe for new ideas and initiatives. Several of the present committee have ‘put in their all’ for a long time and are ready to hand over to the next generation of enthusiasts.

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Caretaker Required for Kington St Michael Village Hall

This part-time post will involve various cleaning and supervisory roles of the other cleaning staff as well as some administrative work e.g. checking and ordering supplies and covering safety checks such as fire equipment and alarms.  It will also involve ground maintenance and small maintenance jobs.

The hours required for the post could include occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends.

We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

To find out more information and/or register your interest in this post, please email kaysambell@gmail.com.

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Jubilee Cake Sale Result
Thank you to everyone who supported this starter event, which raised £250!

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Shop News

Following the AGM held on July 22nd, the new committee consists of Diane Allen (Chairman), Nyall Donald, Kevin Henderson (Treasurer), Kath Mackie, Anita Morrin,
Kim Perryman, Esther Shape (Secretary), Adam Sparkes, and Charlotte Sparkes. There is one vacant space remaining; if you are interested in joining the committee, please email ksmshopsecretary@yahoo.com.

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Fire Service Safe & Well Visits

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking to partner with individuals and organisations who are in contact with or visit vulnerable people across Wiltshire to provide referrals into our Safe and Well teams. The attached leaflet sets out why referrals are important to DWFRS, some risk factors to look out for and how to make a referral to us. Early intervention with at-risk vulnerable people allows us to prevent fire deaths and serious injuries caused by fire.

Our Safe and Well visits are completely free of charge. We supply and install free smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms. We also provide fire retardant bedding, spray, extension leads, heater loans, arson proof letterboxes, and deaf alerts where required.  We have several resources on our website, and the following links provide some more information on what a Safe and Well visit is, together with the option to make a referral:

www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/what-is-safe-and-well

www.youtube.com/watch

www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/safe-and-well-referrals

DWFRS offers free Safe and Well awareness training to groups of any size, to find out more please email safeandwell@dwfire.org.uk.

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KSM Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

To find out what's happening in the village for the Queen's platinum jubilee celebrations next year, and for the fundraising events, etc, please take a look at our new dedicated page.

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The Wiltshire Life Awards 2022 are open for entries!

Wiltshire Life once again looks to celebrate the dedication and commitment of people, organisations and charities that support our community.  The annual Wiltshire Life Awards scour the county for tales of creative endeavour, bravery, community spirit, business acumen, young entrepreneurship and sportsmanship and are now open for entries!

Categories include:

• NEW - Charity of the Year
• NEW - Green Business of the Year
• Apprentice of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Carer of the Year
• Community Group of the Year
• Conservation Project of the Year
• Independent Food/Drink Producer of the Year
• Independent Retailer of the Year, Incorporating Farm/Village Shop
• Local Hero of the Year
• Pub of the Year
• Services to the Community
• The Arts, Culture & Music
• Teacher/Coach of the Year
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Young Sports Personality of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement

Find out more and nominate online at www.wiltshirelifeawards.co.uk
The deadline is on Friday 15th October 2021.

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 Women Out Walking
After 15 years as walk leader, Delcia Fussell has now stepped down from the role.  Many thanks go to Delcia for organising dates, routes and enjoyable walks throughout that time.  If you would be interested in taking over the role, please contact Delcia on (01249) 750529.

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Community Speed Watch Enforcement Officers To Challenge Speeding Motorists

A new initiative introduced by the Wiltshire Police Criminal Justice Department has committed a dedicated resource to support Community Speed Watch Volunteers across the Force area.

The new role of Police Community Speedwatch (CSW) Enforcement Officer will complement existing policing methods carried out by the Roads Policing Unit and Community Policing Teams. The overall aim is the further reduction of road casualties and to keep our roads safer.

Our proactive enforcement strategy supports our communities where there are concerns around excess speed or known levels of high offending, with CSW volunteers acting to help keep their localities safe within 20mph, 30mph or 40mph speed limits.

At the present time there are around 1000 individuals actively involved in CSW in Wiltshire & Swindon with a further 3000+ subscribers to the Community Messaging CSW group.

For those who expressed a more cynical view on the role of CSW during Volunteers’ Week last month, you will find that the new roles and new state-of-the-art back office solution and Home Office approved roadside cameras are going to make a significant difference. The new kit will speed up the issue of the 15,000 - 20,000 warning letters and Notices of Intended Prosecution sent out each year.

Head of Criminal Justice for Wiltshire Police, Paul Oatway said: "This is an important investment and role to support our Communities and the Community Speed Watch schemes across Wiltshire and Swindon. We have invested in the latest, state of the art, road-side camera equipment and back-office processes to swiftly deal with enforcement and improved the system to administer the large levels of intelligence that is coming into us from the volunteers. The message is clear motorists need to treat our communities with the respect they deserve "

Councillor Gary Sumner, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Infrastructure, Transport and Planning, said: “We want to keep people safe on our roads and we are currently reviewing Swindon’s Road Safety Strategy to help us with this aim. I am sure our local Community Speed Watch teams will welcome this investment and improvements, while it will add to the range of measures we will be utilising to deliver a safer road network.”

Additionally, this initiative has been undertaken with The Crown Prosecution Service and Her Majesty’s Court and Trial Service to speed up enforcement through the court process by a dedicated Police prosecutor for traffic related offences.

If anyone is interested in learning more about Community Speedwatch details are on the website of the Police and Crime Commissioner: Community Speedwatch.

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Tree Planted on the QE2 Field

(Bill Isaacs with his daughters, Sue, Jill & Sally, two of his grandchildren, Abbie and Mica, and three great-granchildren. Photos courtesy of Barry & Jenny Hayne)

On Thursday 1st July a Holm Oak was planted on the QE2 Field to mark the
38 years that Bill Isaac, served on the Parish Council.

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The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June 2022

"Dear Residents,

To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s historic 70 years as our Monarch, Kington St. Michael will be organising many events and we need your help. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage our whole community.

How can you get involved?

SAVE THE DATES: 2nd -5th June 2022.

EMAIL: ksmqpj@gmail.com If you or your local group/club has suggestions about how you can help support this event. Or just get in touch to say hello, and ask to be kept informed. All ideas welcome.

FOLLOW: Please follow our page on Facebook @KSMQPJ for updates and check out the Jubilee logo competition..

VOLUNTEER: To make this event happen we need a team to plan KSM’s celebrations, ensuring everyone in our community can access the Jubilee celebration day. No doubt, plenty of bunting will be involved.If you can help in any way please email
ksmqpj@gmail.com

Finally, LOOK OUT for events associated with the QPJ and come along to support and help fund raise.

Many thanks,

Liz Allen

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Parish Council - End of Financial Year
The Parish Council's documents for the end of the financial year can be found on its Documents & Policies page.

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Wiltshire Council Climate Strategy

Wiltshire Council is consulting on its draft Climate Strategy from 1st September for six weeks, as it aims to meet its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The consultation is your chance to help shape the future of Wiltshire in its journey to becoming carbon neutral county and more resilient to climate impacts. The council will be asking for your views on how you think residents, communities and businesses in the county can all play their part to achieve this.

There will be a chance to attend engagement events to ask questions and share your views during the six weeks of the consultation period, along with an online survey, so please do get involved and help to spread the word. The full consultation documents and information will be available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/green-economy from 1st September.

We all have a responsibility to do what we can to tackle this global problem, and your support on a local level will be vital, so please do get involved!

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Church News

"We are extremely grateful to everyone in the community for the support you give to keep this beautiful church alive and at the heart of life in Kington St Michael as it has been for 800 years.

Whether you come to worship or to appreciate this historic building, by giving your prayers, your time to clean, to do the flowers, help mow and maintain the churchyard, ring the bells, fundraise or support us financially, your contribution is valued and vital.

If you would like to get involved in anyway with the life and upkeep of your village church, you will be warmly welcomed.

Please contact Alison Greenhalgh on 750742.

Thank you!"

Details of online services can be found on bybrook.org.uk.

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FOSMAA Auction Update ·

FOSMAA's Silent Auction has raised a magnificent £3,750.  The generosity and support given by all donors and bidders has surpassed all expectations.

Winners of each lot will be contacted as soon as possible with information on how to pay and to put them in touch with the donor.

A most heart-felt "Thank you" from FOSMAA for your support whether your bid was successful or not.

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Fun In The Sun

Unfortunately Wiltshire Council will not be operating the Fun in the Sun programme during 2021.

The recent government announcement regarding the lifting of lockdown restrictions means that it is now possible to return face to face delivery of sports development programmes. However, this will be done in a phased approach with priority initially given to activities delivered on a weekly basis to key audiences throughout the year.

It is hoped to return a holiday offer during 2022.

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BT Openreach
BT Openreach is putting fibre optic cables in place for FTTP (fibre to the property). Essentially the same type of thing that Gigaclear is doing, however, you'll be pleased to know that BT is able to use its own existing ducting, and so there shouldn't be any additional roadworks for us to look forward to, according to Openreach's engineers!

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FOSMAA
 
Please click here to read FOSMAA's April newsletter with all the latest news on the upgrading of facilities in the church, and more.

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Recent Meteorites (posted 1st April)

The recent meteorite shower over the west of England was thought to have landed between Cheltenham and Stow-on-The-Wold, followed by a further shower over Dorset.  Recent reconfiguring of the algorithms has discovered that that they may well have fallen on a wider area and it is possible that the north of our parish is included locally.

As such, Professor Wally Connor, of the Great British Fireball Intelligence Board, has asked if parishioners would help out by meeting on Thursday 1st April, 11.30am at the easily-accessible QE2 Field/Nymph Hay area, to search for meteorite fragments.  Please wear gloves, in order not to contaminate any findings, and bring tin foil with you to wrap any fragments in.  No mobile phones or bank cards, as these could be damaged.  

If you are lucky enough to find a piece*, this is what you should do:

•    Photograph it on the ground

•    Get the GPS location or grid location

•    Do not put a magnet near it

•    Do not touch it with bare hands – wear gloves or use tongs

•    Maintain social distancing at all times – stay 2 metres apart

Any findings should be reported to Professor Connor, who says “We have so few UK meteorite samples that anything we find would be just out of this world.  Most findings are sugar lump sizes, but can be larger – anything over 8” is exceptional and would be a star find, meriting a place in the Natural History Museum”.

For further information please visit www.meteor.ite.org; any findings should be reported to Professor Connor, email starman@GBfib.co.uk.

*To help with identification please click here for pictures of meteorites

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Concern Over Potential Dog Thefts

With recent concerns over reports of attempted dog thefts, please keep an eye out for unbranded vans and people watching/following/asking questions about dogs, especially around the QE2 field and other local parks.

For advice about animal crime please visit www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/ac/animal-crime/

If you are a dog owner, please keep your dog on a lead around livestock, particularly as we are now in the lambing season.

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Hospital Liaison Service

"The Hospital Liaison Service will work with hospital staff and others to identify and support carers through the discharge process.  The Carer Support Hospital Liaison Service will:

·         support carers while they or their cared for are in hospital;
·         assist with planning and implementation of discharge; and,
·         follow up with carers after discharge.

The aim of the service is to reduce carer stress, reduce re-admission rates and help ease the burden on hospitals over the winter months and while the Covid pandemic is placing increased demands on the NHS.

The new service is made up of 2 teams - the Hospital Liaison Team which will be the point of contact for carers and Hospital staff; and the Hospital Support Team which will carry out initial assessments and provide support.

Carers and hospital staff can contact ther Hospital Liaison Team on 0800 368 7579. Hospital staff can also make referrals using the secure CSW.admin@nhs.net email address. The service is being promoted at Great Western Hospital, Royal United Hospital, Salisbury District Hospital and Community Hospitals.

Kind Regards

Danielle Hewer
Hospital Support Worker"

Direct Line for referral to CSW Hospital Discharge Team – 0800 368 7579
Direct Line: 01380 908154

Carer Support Wiltshire is an independent charity that provides free
and confidential support to unpaid carers of all ages across Wiltshire.

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Creative Conversations
CELEBRATING AGE WILTSHIRE

Creative Conversations is going live in Chippenham and Corsham and is now in a position to accept referrals - please find below the link to the online referral form.
Creative Conversation Referral Form
Please note that these referrals must be for extremely isolated and vulnerable older people due to the restriction of only 7 referrals per area up to end of August 2021.

Creative Conversations provides each participant with weekly conversations over a 10 week period: 5 sessions with a creative artist and 5 sessions with a volunteer to develop their interests, skills, well-being and creativity.  This is a high cost project with specialist artists, but the results are definitely worth it, as our pilot in Melksham has shown.

Here is a link to the Celebrating Age Wiltshire’s full programme of services:
https://www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/learn-take-part/celebrating-age

From Wiltshire Music: "As part of our Celebrating Age Wiltshire project, creative artists and volunteers are delivering 10 weeks of Creative Conversations on the telephone to support isolated older people who are feeling particularly lonely due to mobility issues and lack of activity and contact with family/friends during lockdown. Each conversation aims to re-engage and inspire each older person’s interest in creative pursuits and to help improve or maintain their mental wellbeing.

Already, 6 artists are creating wonderful songs, poetry and illustrations, as well as supporting journal-writing, life history stories, singing, art and crafts and much more. Volunteers support the artist’s calls by catching up with participants about their creative work the following week, and it's proven to be hugely rewarding for all involved.

“Your phone calls have saved my life, turned it around. I look forward to things now.” - participant in Creative Conversations

We've been inundated with referrals to the project from GPs, local Community Connectors and Alzheimer’s Support and have plans to grow the project to support more isolated older people across the county. We need more volunteers to help make this possible; if you think you might like to join this rewarding project please get in touch: Rebecca.seymour@wiltshiremusic.org.uk"

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Walking in Wiltshire

Are you fed-up with doing the same old walks?  Walking in Wiltshire www.walkinginengland.co.uk/wiltshire is the website for you!

With hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, contact details for all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.

John said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Wiltshire (part of the Walking in England suite of websites (www.walkinginengland.co.uk)  – one for each county in England) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.

With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.

So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!

John Harris

www.walkinginengland.co.uk

email: john@walkinginengland.co.uk

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Village Hall News
The Village Hall will now take bookings for dates after 1st August. This will of course depend on Government regulations in force at the time. Any bookings can be changed and deposits refunded as necessary.

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Concerned About Scams, Fraud and Phishing?



To find out about all the lates scams, frauds, and phishing, please visit Action Fraud.

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Wiltshire Council - Local Area Co-ordinator



Local area coordination can help you to:

• access information, advice and support
• build your own local network
• find practical ways to resolve problems
• be part of your local community
• identify your personal strengths, needs and goals
We work alongside people of all ages, including disabled people and
people with mental health conditions.
If you feel you would like to reconnect with your community
or need some help or support, then you can invite us to
work alongside you.

Our local area support co-ordinator is Emma Morrice - her support is free and without judgement – there are no assessments, referral processes or time limits – and sheI can meet you in local community settings or where you live, work or learn.

Would you like to know more?  Contact Emma on 07391 410278 or emma.morrice@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Please click here to find out more.

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Snowy Scenes
Well, after posting photos showing signs of spring, it then snowed.....!

With thanks to Stewart Shape (top two photos) and Nigel Farr for their photographs.

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Signs of Spring in the Village

(With thanks to Jenny Hayne for the photos)

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History of the Village Shop
Please click here to read the full history of Kington St Michael Village Shop
from when we lost our shop and post office in 2003 and how the village fundraised to open the current one in the village hall.

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A Crisp New Year's Eve 2020
 
Many thanks to Stewart Shape for these photos of the village,
taken on a very cold and frosty morning.

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Kington Theatre Company

Kington Theatre Company is a newly formed drama group for 2021, primarily based in Kington St Michael, and covering all the surrounding villages (Kington Langley, Sutton Benger, Stanton St Quintin, Hullavington and beyond).

We are looking for all types of people to join in our drama group.

If you’d like to perform in any way, sing, dance or act, play an instrument, want to work behind the scenes, design and build sets, organise costumes and props or help run the company we’d love to hear from you.

No pressure and no commitment, we’d love to get an idea of the desire for this to happen in 2021 and beyond.

Visit our website www.kingtontheatrecompany.co.uk to register your interest, or text 07971 806143.

Our ability to rehearse and perform will only be possible when it's considered safe to do so under the COVID-19 guidelines.

The drama group is open to all ages and abilities with equal opportunities for all.

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Father Christmas's Visit to Kington St Michael
You can see Father Christmas's visit here.

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Advent Windows
If you didn't get the opportunity to visit the Advent windows throughout the village, or would just like another look:


Please click here for a music video of all the lovely windows.
Many thanks to the lovely volunteers, and Yvonne Cole's co-ordinating, for treating us to these beauties.

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Scheme to financially support people on low income who have to self-isolate

There is now financial support available to people on a low income who are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19.

The Government’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Support Payment scheme is now live and people may be eligible if they are required to self-isolate because of COVID-19, are on a low income, and will lose money because they cannot work.

The scheme is locally administered by Wiltshire Council and can provide qualifying people with a lump sum of £500.

To be eligible, people must:

    Have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace after Monday 28th September 2020 and have a unique Test and Trace number provided by the NHS

    Be a Wiltshire resident

    Be employed or self-employed

    Have lost income by being unable to work from home while self-isolating

    Be receiving at least one of the following benefits:

          - Universal Credit

          - Pension Credit

          - Housing Benefit

          - Income Support

          - Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

          - Income-based Employment Support Allowance

          - Working Tax Credit

The information people need to hand when applying is:

    Their National insurance number

    Their NHS Test and Trace number

    If they are employed, a payslip

    If they are self-employed, evidence of self-assessment returns, trading income and proof that their business delivers services which cannot be undertaken without social contact

    A bank statement for the account they wish the payment to be made to

If applicable, people can make a backdated claim to 28 September 2020.

The scheme is due to run until 31st January 2021, at which point it will be reviewed by the Government.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We know that when people are told to self-isolate this can increase financial pressures for some at an already difficult time.

“It is now a legal requirement to self-isolate when instructed by NHS Test and Trace. Therefore we hope this scheme provides help to those who need it most, as now more than ever we need people to self-isolate when they are told to do so to help us keep the virus under control in Wiltshire.”

For more information and to apply people should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefits-test-and-trace or call 0300 456 0110. People can also email benefits@wiltshire.gov.uk for more information.

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Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire's Thankyou to Wiltshire
on Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen
As the Queen's representative in Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, would like to thank those organisations and individuals, voluntary and otherwise, for their help and contributions made to the community at large during the past few months of the Covid-19 pandemic. Please click here to view her letter.

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Help control the spread of COVID_10 by washing your hands, covering your face, making space.  You must book a COVID-19 test if you have any of these symptoms: a high temperature, a cough, change or loss of smell or taste.  If you have COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, you must self-isolate, get tested, and keep others safe.

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Community Orchard

KSM QE2 Field Group is investigating the possibilities for a community Orchard (when funds permit) to be planted behind the kick wall area at the field.

To enable plans to progress, the area first needs to be thoroughly assessed. Before we appoint (and pay) a specialist company to make this assessment, we first want to check if there are any community orchard planning specialists in our midst who might be able to help!

If you have knowledge of (or experience in) planning and/or planting orchards (or can help in any other way), we'd love to hear from you.

Please email ksmqe2fieldgroup@gmail.com.  Thank you!

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From Dawn To Dusk....

........Kington St Michael looks beautiful.
(Photos courtesy of Stewart Shape)

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QE2 Field News
 
Good news! The wrapping is off and the new table tennis table is now officially open and good to use. Take your own bats and balls and go along and use the newest facility!
Thanks to Clive Grace for his work in making the area ready and safe to play on.

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Covid-19 Healthy Lifestyle for older People
Please take a look at this leaflet for further information.

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Community Toolkit
This toolkit aims to assist groups return to the community. Group leaders should work through each section of this toolkit, ensuring they are confident prior to and throughout operation. Toolkit queries should be directed to publichealth@wiltshire.gov.uk.

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How’s Your Hearing?
Managing Hearing Loss & Tinnitus during Covid-19 leaflet
Want to find out more about Hearing Loss and Tinnitus?
We can provide information about:
•    Different support and equipment, including hearing aids
•    Different ways to manage tinnitus
•    Useful communication tips
•    Help to get employment advice
•    Support for veterans

WHERE: Wiltshire
For more information, contact Kim Harbut:
 07769 976266 (TEXT ONLY)      kim.harbut@hearingloss.org.uk
 www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk

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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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Mental Health Support Service
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust has launched a 24-hour, 7 days a week, telephone Mental Health Support Service.  Anyone concerned about their own or someone else's mental health can call 0300 3031320 and speak to mental health experts, who will provide advice, guidance and support over the telephone. The mental health response line is available around the clock for adults and children.

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It's All Quiet up There!
Thank you to Stewart Shape, of Buzzard Films UK, for these lovely aerial photos of the village (April 2020)











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Something to look forward to - date as yet unspecified.
When our community is free to meet up again in ‘full house’ conditions, plans will be made for an exhibition in the Village Hall (and sale if requested) of creative achievements, devised and created during this testing time of shut-down. 

Here are a few suggestions:

Handicrafts and works of art of all descriptions.
Paintings
Garden projects
Photographs (these can include a creation that will not keep indefinitely; a sequence of up to 3 photos of the progress of any project or gardening scheme).

Let your imagination run riot and see what you can produce ready for the great day.
If you have a novel idea, please email it to cilla@labouchere2.co.uk to be added to the possible ideas list.

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Village Newsletter
Would anyone in Kington St Michael be willing to take on the job of
Village Newsletter editor as soon as possible (there are currently no
plans to produce the next edition)?
Andrew & Jen Noblet were planning to stand down in the summer,
but now fall into the self-isolation category.
They are happy to send all the newsletter contact emails to whoever takes on the job, and to pass on advice by 'phone or email.  To find out more please email a.j.noblet@phonecoop.coop.
A big thank you to them for all their efforts over
the past few years, which are much appreciated.

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Neighbourhood Watch
"Good Morning Rural Chippenham Residents, I am your local PCSO, Charlotte. Over the past few years, the use of Neighbourhood Watch has seen a decline. This is something I would like to rectify and bring back to life.

I transferred to Chippenham in July 2019 following two years of service in Swindon.
Whilst working in Swindon, I had a number of neighbourhood watch groups set up. These were purely email-based schemes, similar to how community messaging works. These schemes benefitted their communities massively, as well as the police.
We were able to solve a number of crimes due to local residents being able to identify suspects or provide us with CCTV footage of incidents. This would not have happened without the vital link created via neighbourhood watch.
I would like to set up similar schemes in the Chippenham Rural area and would encourage you all to become a part of this. There are no meetings involved. Just emails sent from myself, keeping you up to date with community concerns, information requests (CCTV enquires) and the actions taken by Wiltshire Police to help keep your community safe.

To join, please simply email 8235@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk - with you name and address. Please ensure to set the subject field to "*name of your village* NHW".
Example: "Sutton Benger NHW - I would like to join the neighbourhood watch scheme in my local area. My details are as follows: John Smith, 123 Church Road, Village, SN....."

I will then be in contact with further information.
Please note - the email address above is not monitored 24/7 and residents are not to report crimes/incidents via this email. If you want to report an emergency, please call 999. To report a non emergency, please call 101.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Kind regards,

Charlotte Windle"
PCSO 8235
Chippenham Rural
Wiltshire Police

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Pick Up After Your Pooch!

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.

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KSM Neighbourhood Plan Working Group
In May 2019 an open day was held in the village club to publicise the group’s work and to seek the views of people on the village generally, covering features which were considered important to the character of the village, likes and dislikes, and how people felt about its future.
In addition, the Parish Council arranged for a detailed Housing Needs survey of the village, which had a response rate of 51% - very high for such surveys.
The Local Planning Policy as drafted by Wiltshire Council does not require any significant development in the village up to 2026 and probably up to 2036.
From the information received from the surveys, the requirements of the Neighbourhood Plan are:

1. To retain the essential village character and the surrounding green rural environment.
2. To maintain a clear separation between the village and Chippenham.
3. From the Housing Needs Survey there is a need for 6 assisted homes and 4 private homes.
4. There is likely to be a further requirement for a small number of private homes.
5. Any development should be limited, designed and located so as to maintain the village scale, character and atmosphere.
6. The plan should seek to reduce the speed and volume of traffic passing through the village and provide additional parking where possible.

The group can now look further into detailed considerations and the preparation of a full report and plan progressing to an approved Neighbourhood Plan which will be legally included in County planning policy.
It is still small in number and would welcome new members. In particular it is in need of a secretary; if anyone is interested please contact John Hall on (01249) 750550.

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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 Panning 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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Pavements are for People!
Parents and carers with pushchairs are having difficulty walking down the village, due to cars parking on the pavement.  Some of our residents are also wheelchair users and are finding a trip to the shop becoming an obstacle course, especially when wheelie bins are out as well.  Trying to cross between parked cars, which are blocking the pavement, is dangerous, and especially difficult if the kerb isn't dropped and, actually, the pavements are there for people not vehicles.
Please park responsibly and ask your visitors to do the same (and please give some thought as to where you place your wheelie bins!).

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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.