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

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FOSMAA's Silent Auction
Watch this space for the catalogue of lots!

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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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Church Services


The Church is open again and you are welcome to attend services in March:

Sunday 14th March, 9.30am, Holy Communion
Sunday 28th March, 10am, Team Service at Grittleton.

If you haven’t been to Church for a while, why not go along, enjoy the worship and see how the building work is progressing?  Social distancing isobserved, hand sanitiser is in use and masks are worn - there's no singing as yet, you can listen to hymns!

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Gigaclear Programme of Works in KSM

Gigaclear has issued the details of its latest programme of works affecting Kington St Michael. 
Email updates to residents will be sent out every month or so; if residents wish to register for these they can do so here: www.gigaclear.com/mycommunity.

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Chippenham Community Grants

All grant funds for 2020/21 have now been allocated and applications are now welcome for 2021/22. HOWEVER, the area board doesn't meet until June/July, post elections. Therefore, community groups/ village halls/ recreation field groups etc are encouraged to plan ahead.  If they would like some funding this summer, they need to get their applications in this spring.

Contact Oliver Phipps,
Chippenham & Malmesbury Community Engagement Manager, Communities & Communications, Wiltshire Council, Monkton Park, Chippenham, SN15 1ER.
Tel. 07795 060797

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Healthwatch Wiltshire would like to find out what people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and their relatives and carers think about health, care and support services.

Working in partnership with Wiltshire Service Users Network (WSUN), which runs the National Lottery funded Wiltshire Autism Hub, it wants to learn more about the experiences of adults with autism when they attend health and care appointments, and whether they feel they are getting the support and information they need from local services.  

It has launched two surveys which can be completed online, by phone, or on paper.
For people with an Autism Spectrum Condition: smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SurveyforpeoplewithanAutismSpectrumCondition.  For friends, relatives and carers who support someone with an Autism Spectrum Condition: smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SurveyforcarersofpeoplewithanAS. You can save and return to the online surveys at any time.

If you would like to share your views and would like support to complete the survey, or would like a paper copy to be sent to you, please contact Healthwatch Wiltshire on 01225 434218 or info@healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk or WSUN on 01380 871800 and we will arrange this for you.

Julie Brown, Acting Manager of Healthwatch Wiltshire, said: “We want to hear from people with Autism Spectrum Conditions, and their friends, relatives and carers, about their personal experiences of health and care services.

"Everything you share with us will be used to tell those who run services what could be improved or developed in the future. All feedback is confidential and anonymous."

Louise Rendle, CEO of Wiltshire Service Users Network, said: "We would love to hear about how services are working for you, what's going well and where you think things could be better.

"We'd also like to know if you have enough information about any support and other services that are available to you."

More information
Find out more about Healthwatch Wiltshire at healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk
For more about Wiltshire Service Users Network and the Wiltshire Autism Hub, visit wsun.co.uk

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Census Day 2021 is on Sunday 21st March.
It's a survey that happens every 10 years and gives a picture of all the households in England and Wales. It helps plan and fund public services, like transport, education and healthcare. 
By taking part and encouraging others to do the same, you'll help make sure you and your community get the services you need.
Nearer the time you'll receive more information.  There'll be plenty of help to take part for people who need it.
Wiltshire Council has put together an information sheet, to help to answer any questions that you may have.
Find out more at www.census.gov.uk.

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Updated Road Closures - Five of Them!

1.

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

Temporary Closure of: Kington St Michael Road (Part), Kington Langley (Ref: TTRO 7015) Notice is hereby given that the Wiltshire Council has made an Order to close temporarily to all traffic: Kington St Michael Road (Part), Kington Langley; from its junction with A350 to its junction with Malmesbury Road.  To enable BT to carry out a road closure to access underground structure. Alternative route: via KingtonSt Michael Road (unaffected length) - Allington Lane-A350-A429–A350-Malmesbury Road.The closure and diversion route will be clearly indicated by traffic signs. This Order will come into operation on 08 March 2021and the closure will be required between the hours of 21:00 and 06:00 until 09 March2021.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 Katrina Pratt (Sunbelt Rentals Ltd) on the behalf of BT on 03700 500792.  Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN0.

2.


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

Temporary Closure of: C154 Honey Knob Hill (Part) Kington St Michael (Ref: TTRO 7012) Notice is hereby given that the Wiltshire Council has made an Order to close temporarily to all traffic: C154 Honey Knob Hill (Part), Kington St Michael; from its junction with Grove Lane for a distance of approximately 300 metres in a northerly direction.To enable:Gigaclear Limited to carry out laying of cables, building chambers and cabinets.Alternative route: via C154 (unaffected length)–Woodbarn Farm Road –C72 –Kington Lane -Stanton Laneand vice versa.The closure and diversion routewill be clearly indicated by traffic signs. This Order will come into operation on 11 March 2021and the closure will be required for one day.It is anticipated that the works will take the stated duration to complete depending upon weather conditions. Access will be maintained for residents and businesseswhere 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 Gregory Chown (Avonline) on the behalf of Gigaclear Limited on 01179 531111. Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN

3.


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

Temporary Closure of: C172 (Part), Kington St Michael and Yatton Keynell (Ref: TTRO 7014) Notice is hereby given that the Wiltshire Council has madean Order to close temporarily to all traffic: C172 (Part), Kington St Michael and Yatton Keynell; from its junction with Honey Knob Hill to its junction with C86.To enable:Gigaclear Limited to carry out laying of cables, building of chambers and cabinets. Alternative route:via C86 –C178 –Stanton Park –Honey Knob Hill and vice versa.The closure and diversion routewill be clearly indicated by traffic signs. This Order will come into operation on 12 March 2021and the closure will be required until 25 March 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 Gregory Chown (Avonline) on the behalf of Gigaclear Limited on 01179 531111. Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN

4.

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

Temporary Closure of: C154 (Part), Kington St Michael (Ref: TTRO 7042).
Notice is hereby given that the Wiltshire Council has made an Order to close temporarily to all traffic: C154 (Part), Kington St Michael; from its junction with Allington Lane to its junction with Grove Lane.
To enable: Gigaclear Limited to carry out laying of cables, building chambers and cabinets.
Alternative route: via C154 (unaffected length) – C72 – A429 - A350 and vice versa.
The closure and diversion route will be clearly indicated by traffic signs.
This Order will come into operation on 26 March 2021 and the closure will be required until 01 April 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 Gregory Chown (Avonline) on the behalf of Gigaclear Limited on 01179 531111.
Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN

5.

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

Temporary Closure of: Stubbs Lane, Kington St Michael (Ref: TTRO 7059)
Notice is hereby given that the Wiltshire Council has made an Order to close temporarily to all traffic:
Stubbs Lane, Kington St Michael; from its junction with Allington Lane to its junction with C154.
To enable: Gigaclear Limited to carry out laying of cables, building of chambers and cabinets.
Alternative route: via C154 - Allington Lane and vice versa.
The closure and diversion route will be clearly indicated by traffic signs.
This Order will come into operation on 02 April 2021 and the closure will be required for one day. 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 Gregory Chown (Avonline) on the behalf of Gigaclear Limited on 01179 531111.
Sustainable Transport Group, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN

To view all road works and related information, for Wiltshire, please visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/1260/Roadworks-and-related-information

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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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Silent Auction In Aid of FOSMAA

FOSMAA is holding a silent auction on Sunday 11th April to raise funds to help furnish the new community space in the church, and to go towards general building maintenance.

Donations of both items and promises are sought e.g. providing a meal, baking a cake or providing a service.  Please send details of your donation, with any photos, to cilla@labouchere2.co.uk or by letter to The Minchin, Stubbs Lane, Kington St Michael or 55 Kington St Michael.  All offers and goods to be received by Sunday 14th March.

The final list of items will be displayed by Friday 19th March on this website, Facebook, Nextdoor, via email and at the village shop.

Submit final bids by Sunday 11th April to cilla@labouchere2.co.uk or by letter to The Minchin, Stubbs Lane, Kington St Michael or 55 Kington St Michael.

Payments will be taken once winning bids are confirmed and winning bidders will be contacted directly - so don't forget to include all your contact details!

On completion of payment, the winning bidder will be put in contact with the donor to arrange collection or delivery.

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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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News From Age UK Wiltshire

"Hello everyone,

Hope you are keeping well in these challenging times at the moment.  I hope you don’t mind me writing just to update you with some news from the Information & Advice (I&A) team at Age UK Wiltshire that may be helpful to older residents across the county:

• We are supporting clients to apply for the Wiltshire Surviving Winter Grant this year (in partnership with Wiltshire Community Foundation and Wiltshire Warm & Safe) which, if applying through Age UK Wiltshire, is a one-off grant of £150 (up to £250 for some clients). We can support clients who meet all the following criteria:

• over pension age (client and/or partner)
• have household income (excluding disability benefits) less than £16,190pa OR in receipt of a means-tested benefit
• considered to be in fuel poverty by AUKW– e.g. high heating costs, struggling to afford to heat their home adequately, hard-to-heat homes, significantly underusing heating.
• able to provide evidence of their means-tested benefit and a suitable bank account to pay the money into
  

• We continue to take applications for our free telephone befriending service and are branching out into other things like telephone book groups, although we now have a short waiting list. We can also refer into free Age UK national telephone befriending.
• We are still supporting clients with Attendance Allowance/DLA application forms which is now done through free telephone appointments and turnaround time for us contacting and completing the appointment is around 2wks or less (with it being backdated to the date of referral to us)
• We continue to offer telephone and email advice and support in the usual areas of advice like welfare benefits for older people, housing options and issues and care and support options.
  

All of the above can be arranged through our Information & Advice team by calling us on 0808 196 2424 or emailing us enquiries@ageukwiltshire.org.uk. You can read about our other services on our website here: www.ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire
 
Please let me know if you have any queries and would be glad to hear any news from you also! Please feel free to share with any colleagues or contacts that you think may be helpful for.
 
Kind regards,

Rachel"
 
Rachel Clarke
Senior Project Worker
Information & Advice team
Age UK Wiltshire
enquiries@ageukwiltshire.org.uk
Tel: 0808 196 2424 (advice line)

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People Urged to Vote by Post and Have Their Say in a Safe Way

Wiltshire Council is urging people to register to vote by post, with a number of elections and referendums due to take place later this spring.

On Thursday 6th May, registered voters will be able to have their say in the Police and Crime Commissioner, unitary, and town and parish council elections, as well as a number of neighbourhood planning referendums.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Wiltshire’s Returning Officer is asking that as many people as possible register to vote via post.

To avoid the risk of fraud, a signature is required when applying for a postal vote. Anyone unable to print a postal vote application form at home should call Wiltshire Council on 0300 456 0112 and they can arrange for a copy to be posted out.

For those who haven’t already registered to vote by post, details on how to do so are detailed on the Household Enquiry Form that the council recently sent to households. The Household Enquiry Form is to help the council ensure its electoral register records are as up to date as possible.

People can also visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote for more information and to get a form.

To manage the amount of elections, and to keep everyone safe, the verification and counts will be spread over four days.

The council will also do everything it can to keep polling stations and count centres as safe as possible for voters and staff by making sure venues are COVID-secure.

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council’s Chief Executive, and Returning Officer, said: “It’s vital to our way of life that we live in a democratic county and we don’t want to let the pandemic get in the way of that.

“I urge everyone to vote by post if they can. We don’t know what the picture will be in the spring, but we know some people will understandably be reluctant to visit a polling station, even though we will make them COVID-secure.

“Voting by post is the easiest and safest way to have your say.”

People should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/elections for all the information they need on the upcoming elections.

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Buss Pass Information

As from 1st February 2021 you can temporarily use your bus pass before 9.30am

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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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Can You Help?
Can you help less-fortunate local children to be able to access virtual schooling, by donating old laptops, iPads, etc?  Please take a look at Lockdown Laptops for further information.  Thank you.

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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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Church News

Unfortunately the church is currently closed to visitors and for private prayer, for safety reasons during lockdown and while the building work is underway.
With regret, services at our village church are currently suspended due the risk of spreading Covid 19.  The building may be closed but the church is still active!
Online worship will be streamed at 9.30am every Sunday on the Bybrook Benefice Facebook page and you can also watch on the Worship at home section of our website bybrook.org.uk.  Once broadcast, the services will be available to view at any time.
For all information about support and church services, please visit bybrook.org.uk where you can also sign up for the fortnightly Bybrook newsletter.
If there is any help that the church community can give you during lockdown, please ring Alison on (01249) 750742.

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Due to COVID 19 closure of the Club, all fully paid up membership will be extended
until 31st March 2021, when hopefully the Club will be open again.

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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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Village Shop Update

"Please note that as from January 1st 2021, the shop will be open from 9.30am - 1pm Monday to Saturday.

We remain committed to serving the community so continue to offer a delivery service for those in need who request it (call the shop on 01249 750181 or email ksmvillageshop@yahoo.co.uk).

The food bank box will remain in the shop and any donations to those in need of food/supplies are very welcome.

Our brilliant volunteers remain at the heart of the shop and we are so grateful to them. We continue to look for more people to volunteer. In case you know of anyone who may be interested, please ask them to get in touch (on contact details above); many thanks.

Thanks to everyone for their support throughout 2020. We are proud to be able to serve this wonderful village community 😊"

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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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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all residents and friends
of Kington St Michael.
Thank you for being such a kind, caring and helpful community this year - what challenges we've faced, but also, what lovely new friends we've made.
For everyone who has gone that extra mile to help those in need -
we are so very proud of you.
We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Stay safe, Kington St Michaelites!

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Local parks are not just green and pleasant areas in our towns and cities. As places for us to remain physically distanced but socially connected in 2020 they have come to the fore and we have appreciated that they are so much more.

Parks have been good to us this year so, to celebrate their importance we are collaborating with our good friends at parkrun to share the stories of how you have used and valued your local parks and green spaces throughout 2020.

What has your local park meant to you this year?

Get involved
Your local green space is #notjust a park - it has so many more intangible benefits,emotions and memories that contribute to our physical health, mental wellbeing and community contacts. Get involved and celebrate your local park by recording your own video clip or taking a photograph and telling us what your park means to you. Find out more, or for more information, including how to submit your videos and photos, visit the Field in Trust website.

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Parish Highway Works in the Pipeline

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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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New Shop Manager

The Committee of Kington St Michael Village Shop is delighted to announce the appointment of Nyall Donald as the new shop manager.  The Committee and Nyall have some great ideas for the future of the shop and look forward to sharing them with you.  If you are a local producer or craft person interested in providing us with products get in touch - ksmvillageshop@yahoo.co.uk or tel. (01249) 750181.



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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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Volunteer Puppy Walkers Needed in Wiltshire

Puppy walking is an essential element in the development of a future guide dog.  Puppy walkers raise a pup in their home for up to 18 months and help prepare it for its future working life.  It's extrememly challenging, but rewarding and special.
To find out more, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or call 0345 143 0191.

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Photo Success
Congratulations to Nigel Farr, who has won "Author of the Week" several times, for the photographs that he has submitted to the Wiltshire Gazette & Herald.

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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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Community First – Link Scheme recruitment campaign

A campaign has been launched to appeal for new volunteers to support local Link Schemes in Wiltshire.

Link Schemes are voluntary groups which offer transport and ‘good neighbour’ services to local people who are in need, perhaps because they are elderly, disabled, isolated and lonely, single parents, or perhaps temporarily in need because of illness.

These essential services provide a safety net for those unable to access services in other ways. Link Schemes aim to complement other services, statutory and voluntary. They operate as small, independent charitable organisations and all volunteers use their own private vehicles (insurance and DBS checks are carried out and mileage expenses covered).

To demonstrate the level of support the schemes offer, last year they made 31,351 health related journeys and completed 48,027 ‘good neighbour’ tasks, for example collecting prescriptions and shopping.

Due to COVID-19, Wiltshire Link Schemes have found themselves suffering from a large number of volunteers being unable to drive because of age and or vulnerability.

Anyone who is interested in helping out can contact Community First on 01380 722 241 or send an email to linkproject@communityfirst.org.uk to request more details.

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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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Village Hall
Due to Covid-19, the village hall is not taking bookings until sometime in 2021.

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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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Face Mask Fundraiser
Cilla Labouchere would like to thank everyone who donated when collecting a face mask from The Minchin - she has been able to send £300 (with Gift Aid added) to Julia’s House Hospice.

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Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to try and get their hands on your money and personal information. To date, Action Fraud has received reports from 2,378 victims of Coronavirus-related scams, with the total losses reaching over £7 million.

How you can protect yourself from Coronavirus-related scams:

There are some simple steps you can take that will protect you from the most common Coronavirus-related scams. Here’s what need to do:

1 - Watch out for scam messages
Your bank, or other official organisations, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you receive an email you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS): report@phishing.gov.uk

2 - Shopping online
If you're making a purchase from a company or person you don't know and trust, carry out some research first, for example, by checking to see if others have used the site and what their experience was. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, other payment providers may not provide the same protection.

3 - Unsolicited calls and browser pop-ups offering tech support
Never install any software, or grant remote access to your computer, as a result of a cold call. Remember, legitimate organisations would never contact you out of the blue to ask for financial details such as your PIN or full banking password.

NHS Test and Trace scams:

The NHS Test and Trace service plays an important role in the fight against coronavirus and it’s vital the public have confidence and trust in the service. However, we understand the concerns people have about the opportunity for criminals to commit scams.

What you need to know:

Contact tracers will only call you from the number 0300 013 5000. Anyone who does not wish to talk over the phone can request the NHS Test and Trace service to send an email or text instead, inviting them to log into the web-based service.

All text or emails sent by NHS Test and Trace will ask people to sign into the contact tracing website and will provide you with a unique reference number. We would advise people to type the web address https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk directly into their browser, followed by the unique reference number given to you, rather than clicking on any link provided in the message.

The NHS Test and Trace service will never:

•     ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to them (for example, those
      starting 09 or 087)
•     ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product or any kind
•     ask for any details about your bank account
•     ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
•     ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or
      PINs over the phone
•     ask you to download any software to your PC or ask you to hand over control
      of your PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else
•     ask you to access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, please report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you live in Scotland, please report directly to Police Scotland by calling 101.​​​​​​​

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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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Free PPE For Local Health Professionals, Care Homes, and Charities
Shield Wiltshire is making 3D printed facemasks, available to frontline workers for free.  To learn more or to donate to this cause please visit www.shieldwiltshire.co.uk

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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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101 Non-Emergency Police Calls Now Free
Please only call 101 when absolutely necessary, to report a crime/incident, request an update, or make a complaint. The Police Force is currently facing a high level of calls regarding the current Government restrictions in place.
You should always call 999 if a crime is in progress or in an emergency.

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Latest Coronovirus Information From Wiltshire Council

For all the latest information from Wiltshire Council, please sign up to its newsletter.

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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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Autumn Club
Due to the current advice and concerns regarding the Corona virus, it has been decided to suspend all Autumn Club meetings for the time being. With members being identified as the most vulnerable in the community, it is not wanted to put anyone at risk. This is very unfortunate but meetings will resume as soon as the risk has passed.

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KSM QE2 Field Group Needs You!


KSM QE2 Field Group was formed in 2016 as a voluntary group comprising of parishioners and users of our village recreation field. The group’s vision was (and still is) to create an enjoyable place for people to play and provide a more usable outdoor recreational space to bring together our community.

Over four years on, and now with a smaller (but still great) team, it needs NEW members who can play an ACTIVE role in helping to enhance facilities and shape the future of our QE2 Field.

If you’d like to get involved, there is a variety of roles that need filling and jobs that need doing, to help move things forward. Perhaps you are new to the village and would like the opportunity to meet new people? Or maybe you have young children who would benefit from improved facilities at the field? Whatever your interest, the group would love to hear from people who are keen to get actively involved. It can ONLY make things happen with enough support and volunteers to continue the work it has started.

Please contact Jessica via jessicapuddy@gmail.com, call (01249) 750270 or message via Facebook @ksmqe2field.

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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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Shop News
Thank you to everyone who popped their change in to the Dorothy House
collection box last year - this raised £15.05 for the charity.

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The Jolly Huntsman Receives Award

The Jolly Huntsman has received CAMRA’s Highly Commended award in its
North West Wiltshire Pub of the Year competition 2019.
A big “well done” to the keeper of the village beer, Simon Curtis!

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All Angels WI News
The winners of the All Angels WI quiz question paper were:
1st Eve Cale, 2nd David West and 3rd Kathy Hill.


(Anita Morrin receives £50 from Linda Durno of the Book Recycling Scheme)
KSM's Book Recycling Scheme gave its latest £50 donation to All Angels' funds.  Why not treat yourself to a book from the scheme – only 50p each from the shop’s foyer? 

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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.