The Bisley News

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December / January 2016 www.bisleynews.co.uk

Incorporating The Spire

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Big Breakfasts! Beer & Carols

PANTO in January

PUSS in BOOTS

MUMMERS On Tour 20th Dec

The Bisley News Colin Hassall

editor@bisleynews.co.uk 01452 770335

This magazine is also available at www.bisleynews.co.uk

Copy DEADLINE February/March edition

Sat 16th January 2016 Or earlier if all space taken

BISLEY W.I. Admission 3.00

Meetings start at 7.30pm at the Bisley WI Village Hall

Thursday 10th December Christmas Party

Thursday 14th January A conversation with

Elizabeth Cowen

Guests Welcome

Printed by MDL Kelex 01453 791 400

Bisley Friendship Club

Wednesday 16th December

2pm Carols & Tea at Bisley Bluecoat

School

No meeting in January Restart in February

OPEN HOUSE Coffee & biscuits 11am noon Thursday, 3rd December JennyRowe,14Bearsfield Thursday 7th January MoSmith,BearHouse

If youd like to host a meeting please contact Mo 770298

Open house is a good way to meet your neighbours & catch up with village activities

Everyone Welcome

Flicks In The Sticks Bisley WI Village Hall

7.30 for 8pm Tues 8th December The Second Best

Exotic Marigold Hotel Sun 20th December 3pm: Childrens Film

Inside Out No Film in January

Everyone Welcome stellamulligan@btconnect.com

Cover photo courtesy of Sue Bradley: Selwyn Mills crowns Flower Queen Christy Stevens

Editors Notes

Festive Activities galore! They say that as you get older time flies by, and Ill agree that it shouldnt be Christmas time again so quickly but IT IS! With it comes lots of village activity in December. The Church Big Breakfast & Christmas Bazar (cakes and gifts) takes place on Saturday 12th in the Village Hall. Then the Church will bring Beer & Carols to the pubs (or pub depending on the fate of the struggling Stirrup Cup) on Wednesday 16th, which for me has come to signal the real start of Christmas. The Bisley MUMMERS will be out to entertain you all with a brand new play, and some brand new players (villagers), on Sunday 20th, and in view of the pub situation theyll be including the Butchers Arms, Oakridge in their tour (1.15pm), with the Grand Finale outside their spiritual home, The Bear Inn, at 2pm. Bisley Pantomime After Christmas BATS is back in the village hall to perform the Pantomime Puss-in-Boots which theyve been rehearsing avidly since September. Alongside our talented youngsters and enthusiastic cast youll get a chance to see our Vicar in a different light (and shes good, believe me!). Theres lots of songs and sing-alongs too, steered by our Director the fabulously talented Matt Richardson. TICKETS go on sale on 12th December, 2pm in the Village Hall, and then at the George Stores. Please Note: There will be no Flicks in the Sticks or Friendship Club in January due to the Pantomime. Theyll both be back in February.

Fibre Optic Broadband Were told by Fastershire that Open Reach work began in early November upgrading our village Broadband. No to Mobile Phone Mast John French has received a letter from the Government Department for Culture Media & Sport that effectively condemns any prospect of a phone mast on the Rectory Farm site. So get used to the poor mobile signal folks its here to stay! Bisley News Phone Line Over the last three months I have been building a new porch on the front of our house, which is now completed. Thank you to all of you who have advised me, encouraged me or joked with me whilst teetering atop a ladder or mixing cement. An unforeseen outcome is that I had to disturb the BT phone connection box that has sat on our front external wall since the late seventies. Several corroded wires ceased to continue to transmit, and so we have been without phones for several weeks whilst BT arrange a replacement cable (theyre never quick, are they?) So if youve called 770335 and found it always engaged, or left a message on 1571 (which we cant access) please accept my apologies. Thankfully the Email still works! Speeding The situation with cars driving too fast through our village is not new. What has changed is that nowadays there is no Police time to spend on speed-traps, which, loved or hated, had a degree of effect. All we can do is to park our cars on those roads affected; to create congestion. Empty roads are fast roads!

Bear Inn landlord makes historic discovery

David Terry the landlord of The Bear Inn in Bisley has bought a piece of village history at auction without even realising his discovery. The carved oak table was made in 1834 for the wedding of John Keble in 1835, the celebrated English Churchman and poet and also one of the leaders of the Oxford Movement. Keble College at Oxford University is named after him. The Kebles were from Fairford but Johns brother Thomas was the vicar of Bisley between 1827 and 1873 introducing the famous Well Dressings to Bisley, and whose name was adopted by our local comprehensive school. I bought the table for the pub and it fits perfectly into our decor, David said. Often after buying something I then research it so it was really interesting to find out it was originally for someone so significant in British religious history and also to Bisley. The church is literally right next door to The Bear, making it all the more incredible. The table was originally one of a set of two for the wedding back in 1835 and was bought for just 460 at an auction in Bourton-on-the-Water. The whereabouts of the other table is unknown but if you have any information The Bear Inn would be interested. David added I would love to know what happened to the other table. It could simply be lost but the one we have is wonderfully carved and is a real piece of history that we are happy to have in our inn. The Taste of Gloucestershire Awards organised by the Gloucestershire Echo has recently acknowledged The Bear Inn as one of the Best Community Pubs in the county. The staff and owners attended a glittering black tie dinner at Cheltenham Racecourse to pick up their certificate. The Bisley pub was named in the top three, an accolade that The Bear owners, husband and wife team of David and Amanda Terry are extremely proud of. It was a great night and having only been here a year we feel it is a sign of what we are trying to do with the pub, explained Amanda. Now it is onto Christmas and this year we will be opening for Christmas dinner. Chef Toby has prepared an excellent menu and it is only 65per person. I am looking forward to having somebody else cook the turkey for a change, she added.

NOTE: Christmas Day Dinner is by advance ticket only so please book early. For more information or to book a table please contact

The Bear Inn on 01452 770265 or visit www.bisleybear.co.uk

Bisleys planned Mobile Phone Mast chopped!

The Mobile Phone mast that was planned for the Rectory Farm Workshops site in Lime Kiln Lane, Bisley has been cancelled. John French, owner of Rectory Farm has received a letter from the Mobile Infrastructure Project lead officer at the Department for Culture Media & Sport outlining the complications of reaching agreements by all the parties concerned Mobile Phone Operators network, 20 year power supply and access to the site and Local Authority planning permission by the deadline of 31st October. Further enqueries to keira.shaw@culture.gov.uk

Ticket PRICES

Puss in Boots - Bisleys January Panto

Bisley Amateur Theatrical Society In January BATS will present our pantomime version of Puss in Boots. During the last couple of months your Cast has been working hard (Oh yes they have!) to bring you a Panto full of song & dance, frolicking humour and downright good entertainment. Complete with the storylines you have come to be so familiar with a Widow (aah!), her son (wow!), the love interest (Mmm) a Royal presence, some baddies, a few characters cavorting as various Pussy Cats and a wonderful group of youngsters. This year we are performing on Thursday, Friday & Saturday 28th, 29th & 30th January with a Matinee On the Saturday afternoon.

Tickets go on Sale: 2pm to 3pm Saturday 12th December,

(shortly after the Church Big Breakfast) From then on they are available from our usual Box Office, the George Stores.

Our Director, Matt Richardson has written a great script and the Cast are biting at the bit to show you what they are made of, so please grab your tickets whilst you can.

Thursday: Adults 8, Under 16s 4 Friday: All tickets 8 Saturday Matinee: Adults 8, Under 16s 4 Saturday night: All tickets 8

As usual tickets are sold with Seat Numbers to a plan. It is very difficult for our Box Office, the Shop, to have to cater for ticket holders to return unwanted tickets; therefore we need to repeat our policy of No Refunds. By all means put notices in the Shop advertising unwanted tickets but please do not ask the Shop for refunds. Break a leg !! Pete the Producer.

A Panto Plea from the Bear Inn

David & Amanda would just like to ask anyone intending to have a pre-Panto meal in the Bear to get there early and inform the staff that you are going to the Panto. This will help them to serve your meal in plenty of time for you to get to the Village Hall for Curtain Up.

Bisley Parish Council News Green Garden Waste Stroud District Council is introducing a green garden waste collection from February 2016. It will cost 20 for the bin and 36 per year. An alternate scheme is take your waste to the Bisley Composting facility which costs 25 per year. Details at www.bisleycommunitycompostscheme.org.uk Speeding Many residents complain about speeding through the village. The police recently undertook a speed check on the Stroud Road and tell us no one was over the speed limit enough to issue a ticket. Blocked Drains and Gullies Some of the drains in Bisley havent been cleared for 18 months and some are overgrown with grass. This is unacceptable and we continue to press for this work to be completed. Grit Bins With Winter approaching all grit bins have been filled and the Parish council has a supply of salt. Gloucestershire Highways will not grit the High Street but have agreed to provide us with the salt to do this ourselves we, therefore, need volunteers to do this. Contact John Mulligan if you are prepared to help. Fibre Optic Broadband Work started at the beginning of November on upgrading the Bisley Exchange to offer Fibre Optic Broadband. If you would like to know when it becomes available for your number then go to: www.fastershire.com and click on the Step 3 - Register Now button to register your details. Next Parish Council Meetings 7.30pm WI Village Hall, 2nd December, 6thJanuary Next Ward Meetings 7.30pm WI Village Hall, 14th December and 11th January Contact details for Parish Councillors: Jane Walker 01452 770713 jane.pcouncil@hotmail.co.uk John Mulligan 01452 770214 johnmulligan01@gmail.com Roger Utley 01452 770614 roger.utley@bisley.ws Shelagh Utley 01452 770614 shelagh.utley@bisley.ws Our website: www.bisley-with-lypiatt.gov.uk

Smart Meters a caution! A while ago, our utility company installed smart meters in our property free of charge. We were told that these meters will continually read and transmit to the Supplier up to the minute readings of our Gas and Electricity consumptions, as well as making available for ourselves to read various ongoing statistics and analyses. Unfortunately, the equipment was not, and still is not, capable of transmitting to the Supplier. The problem seems to be caused by the thick stone walls of the property, possibly exacerbated by the poor quality generally of signals in the Bisley area. We are assured that additional equipment (not presently available) will be installed, and all will be well. There is no date for when this will be done. So, for the indefinite future we are in the position that the Supplier has asked us to read the meters and email the figures to them (scope for error or even worse !), so that they can raise accounts. I told them I am reluctant to do this because of the difficulty in reading the figures, and they eventually said yes they would send a Meter Reader once or twice a year. There the matter rests. Therefore, I write to suggest to your readers that if and when your Supplier offers to supply you with smart meters, you insist that before taking out your traditional clear and simple old meters, the Supplier shall demonstrate to you in your actual property that the equipment is up to the job. In this way, you will avoid the possibility of time-consuming conversations and uncertainties! Michael Flint, Wells Cottage

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor Dog Fouling: Today (27 Oct) I took a shorter morning walk along Calfway Lane and was genuinely sickened by what I walked past. Within no more than approx. 150 yards/metres were 8 piles of dog excrement. There have been a number of comments in the Bisley News over the past 12-18 months regarding this but it seems to be getting worse. Are some dog owners trying to make a statement? I certainly hope not. The Parish Council has provided Bins throughout our village for this, so please, treat your village and our community with respect, our lanes are NOT a dog latrine. Peter Thorp

All in good time I wish they wouldnt rush me when its time to do a poo. No one likes being hurried. I certainly dont. Do you? I know I spend time sniffing but I always will refrain From leaving my daily offering on unsuitable terrain. Theyve got a poo-bag ready to remove it once if falls And thats an occupation, I cant say me enthrals But its one of lifes essentials and Im glad that scoop they do For no-one likes poo perfume on the bottom of their shoe. By Susan Vesey

My Ladies Anne & Maggie

Bisley was taken back to Tudor times as the children of Bluecoat School; Class Two were studying this particularly interesting time in our history. They had an event which they called Tudor day where all the children and staff were dressed up in Tudor costumes. Lots of activities were undertaken including cooking their own Tudor style lunch. Pictured here are two youngsters who couldnt resist the opportunity to dress up. Maggie Grieve is a volunteer Reader in Class two and Anne Eaton is a familiar face around school as chair of the Governors. It was just a bit of fun said Anne, but what a great way to learn and understand how things might have been for the folk of Bisley in Tudor times.

News from Bisley Blue Coat School

Thank you for the Bisley Bonfire Once again our amazing PTA and friends, including some whose children left Bisley School years ago, provided the village with a fantastic evening of bonfire, Fire Magic fireworks, food & drink, light sabres and lots of fun. So much work and the tidying up too! Many, many thanks from those who had a great evening out. School and Church Christian Values: Every term the school focuses on a particular Christian value as the theme for their assemblies. The value they are learning and thinking about this term is Trust. Open the Book: A group from All Saints Church dress up and dramatise Bible stories on several occasions during each term. Both the visitors and the children enjoy these special assemblies. Experience Church: Regularly the Open the Book team led by our Vicar Rosie set up a number of stations around the Church to introduce the children to different aspects of Church life - Easter, Harvest, Pentecost and recently the Church itself both parts of the building such as the font and the pulpit and important parts of the life of the Church Baptism, Communion, Prayer, going out into the community. Christmas: A Miracle in Town is the title of Class 1s Nativity Play this year. Class 2 will present a different take on the familiar story in a play called Straw and Order;: a lawfully good nativity. Class 3 will be responsible for organising and leading the Christingle Service. This will be held in the Church at 1.30p.m.on Friday 18 December. All are welcome to join the children for this service. Visits: Class 3 are off to visit the RAF station at Cosford to learn more about the First World War and Conflict which they are studying this term. Nearer Christmas the whole school, together with Oakridge School, will pay their annual visit to The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury to see the Pantomime which this year is Cinderella. Hosting the Friendship Club The children have invited the Friendship Club to tea, cakes and entertainment at the School on Wednesday 16 December at 2p.m. (Friendship Club - please note the time which is earlier than usual). Special Assembly Visitors from ChildLine led a special assembly for Years 5 and 6, helping the children understand how to recognise abuse and how to protect themselves from abuse, including how to contact ChildLine. Governors News Anne Eaton has been elected Chair of the Governing Body which looks after both Bisley and Oakridge Schools. Recently the Governors sent out a questionnaire to all parents, the results of which will help the school to plan for the year ahead and continue to improve. Vera Clouston (Editor A big thanks to Vera for this, her last, and all her previous excellent reports on life in our village school.)

Festive Jovialities

MUMMERS 12.15p.m. George Stores, High Street, Bisley 12.45 p.m. The Stirrup Cup, Bisley 1.15 p.m. The Butchers Arms, Oakridge 2.00 p.m. The Bear Inn, Bisley (Grand Finale)

Street theatre steeped in folklore & brought to 2015 life

Keep out the Im-e-grunts Dodgy goings-on to be sorted out!

A big thanks to our sponsors: The Bear Inn, Bisley, 01452 770265

Your donations will be collected. Proceeds to Bisley Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS)

All Saints Church, Bisley invites you to sing Christmas Carols over a

Glass of beer

Beer & Carols Wednesday 16th December

6.45 -7.45pm in The Bear Inn 8-9 pm in the Stirrup Cup

EVERYONE welcome!

Sunday 20th December

Irene Grace Jones October 1921 September 2015 Goodnight Irene was a fitting piece of music to end a service of thanksgiving and celebration for the life of Irene Jones, who passed away in September at the age of 93. Irene, or Rene to her friends, was well known to many in Bisley. She helped to run the post office for 20 years, in the days before it moved to the Old George Inn. After retiring she would often walk around the village with her great friends Gwen Millin and Hilda Ruther, something that was recalled with a rendition of the theme for Last of the Summer Wine during the service. She also used to enjoy sessions at the Friendship Club. Irene was born in Bristol in 1921 but swapped city life for the country after joining the Womens Land Army after the outbreak of the Second World War.

Her first posting was to an isolated farm in Redmarley, near Newent, on which Irene found life somewhat lonely. After six months she joined nine other land girls on Priory Farm in Hazelton, near Northleach, and revelled in the sense of camaraderie. The farm was arable, sheep and a bit of beef cattle. The farmer, George Wood, had three farms and we would travel between them on a Minneapolis Moline tractor some of us riding on the mud guards, she recalled after receiving a commemorative

badge eight years ago. We used to go out muck spreading. My friend, Joan,

used to drive the Moline and it was my job to sit at the back and control the thickness of the muck. One day Joan looked back and saw I wasnt there. I had fallen into the muck! I learned thatching which we had to do when we were hay making and dry stone walling, although I dont suppose it was perfect. Rene said she and her friends felt proud of their contribution to the war effort. Army lorries would go by and toot when we were working in the fields, she laughed. Irene, whose husband Bert died several years ago, leaves daughters Christine and Pauline.

By Sue Bradley

Royal Chocolates made in 'Mo'ments

Royal Icing - Mix 450g/1 lb icing sugar with 2 egg whites until thick and smooth then, taking roughly a quarter of the icing, add flavours as follows (each flavour should make roughly 14 chocolates) A selection of chocolate bars- dark, milk and white: Peppermint Chocolates Take roughly a quarter of the made icing and add a few drops of peppermint essence, and a little green colouring (optional). Put teaspoons on to a piece of foil and flatten with a fork, leave to become hard then reserve one for decoration and coat the remainder in melted dark chocolate and return to the foil. Break the reserved chocolate into small pieces and top each coated chocolate with this and leave to become set before storing in a box. Coconut Chocolates Brown roughly 25g/1oz of desiccated coconut in the oven or under a grill -do not allow to burn. When cold keep roughly a teaspoon for decoration and add the remainder to a portion of the icing plus a few spots of coconut essence. Shape and set as instructed for the peppermint chocolates. Coat in dark or milk chocolate and top each with a sprinkling of the reserved coconut. Ginger Chocolates Chop roughly 75g/3oz crystallised ginger and, reserving a little for decoration, add the remainder to a portion of the icing plus a few spots of ground ginger - optional. Shape and set as instructed for the peppermint chocolates then coat in white chocolate and top with a piece of the reserved ginger. (dark chocolate can be used if you prefer).

Liqueur Chocolates Add 1 teas. cocoa powder plus 1 tbls. crme de cacao to the remaining portion of icing then stir in enough ready grated chocolate (bought in tins from supermarkets), to stiffen to the right consistency. Shape and set as instructed for the peppermint chocolates then coat in a mixture of melted dark and white chocolate - do not stir when melted allowing the 2 colours to coat each chocolate, and top each with a chocolate drop.

Lazy Cook tips - keep the chocolates for a few days before serving (if possible), to allow the flavours to develop.

Angela Mobile Hairdresser

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Make Fencing your perfect Christmas present

Tel: 01452 770546 Mobile: 07774 694646

All Types of Fencing Agricultural, Industrial & Domestic

Dry Stone Walling Specialists

Eddie Kearneys

Bisley Fencing With Murphy

Man & Dog on a mission ( Santa Eddie is always happy

when his sack is full, Ho Ho Ho! )

Bisley Flower Shows tips & tattle

Anne Eaton has won the Bisley Flower Show Jim Price rose-bowl for two years running with her beautiful big Hydrangea blooms displayed in a champagne bottle Shes also found a novel way to keep her certificates safe!

Top Tip - Shrubs like hydrangeas flower from mid to late summer on the previous year's growth. Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas will bloom satisfactorily with little attention, but regular pruning encourages new, vigorous growth that can produce a better display.

You can Hire Bisley Flower Shows Marquee! Would you like a fabulous marquee in which to hold your party, your wedding reception, your birthday bash, or your family reunion? Heres your chance in 2016. The Flower Show Marquee is available for a private event on the evening of Saturday 27th August 2016; thats the evening of the Flower Show day. It will be available from about 5pm. The marquee is back in use on Sunday 28th, so it is simply an evening opportunity. Contact the Editor, Colin Hassall, to discuss (Contact details inside front cover).

Allotments, Orchard & Compost Chestergate Allotments: Thank you to all our generous allotment holders who give fresh vegetable to the Stroud Food Bank. These are so appreciated. Harvests have slowed so no collections / deliveries have been made since November, but please save a few sprouts, some lovely chard, turnips and leeks for a special Christmas Collection which is likely on 18 December, but watch for emails. There are always allotments available, sizes can be tailored to experience or ambition: Contact Allotment Warden Lesley 01452 770018 lesleygreene2@googlemail.com http://bisleyallotments.co.uk Community Orchard: Our trees have been weeded, mulched, staked and pruned, and are sleeping now until Spring. Many thanks to everyone who works, sings, plays, and uplifts us with poetry for our trees! Bisley Community Composting Scheme: BCCS will celebrate ten years of community composting on Saturday December 12th at 11am with a live performance of local poet Adam Horowitz's poem "A Recipe for Compost" and refreshments! Watch our website for details: http://www.bisleycommunitycompostscheme.org.uk World Soil Day December 5th http://www.fao.org/globalsoilpartnership/world-soil-day/en/

STOP SPEEDING through the village!

I am sure that we are all aware of the speeding that occurs regularly in the village, mainly on the Cheltenham Road, in the High Street and with increasing recklessness, on the Stroud road. However much we all deplore this dangerous activity, there is very little that can be done to prevent this apart from speed restriction signs. The whole community would feel distraught if the reason that this real danger was taken seriously was that a child was severely injured. In our view, taking

preventative action before these events is highly preferable. The Council is at present being lobbied on these problems but we wish to urge all residents of Bisley to drive responsibly and to report any bad driving with dates and times to the Community Police. Please be aware of the Speed Restriction Signs. These are

Stroud Road - 30mph from Stancombe to Little Close and then 20mph through the village including past the school on George Street and along the High Street. Cheltenham Road - 30mph from the Farm Shop turning to the sign for the Village Hall at Manor Street and then 20mph through the Village. Community Police contact is hazel.walkley@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk Tel: 01452 753508 From : Residents on the Stroud Road.

SKY DIVE Fundraiser

Andy and James Price recently completed a sky dive from 12,500ft at Tee Side near Darlington to raise money for Multiple sclerosis. James told us that this is charity very close to their hearts as their father Jim Price passed away late December 2010 after years of fighting the disease. They have raised almost 1000 towards this so far. They would like to thank all their friends, family and for the kind donations from all the good people who have supported them. They are already planning a new achievement to raise money for this very good charity. YOU TOO can SUPPORT the Price brothers online at www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Price18/ Sheepscombe Bridge Club

Sheepscombe Bridge Club is a small friendly Village Club that meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 7.15 to 10.15 in Sheepscombe Village Hall. Cost 1. We welcome new members and can sometimes find you a partner if needed. Contact Joy Edwards for more details Tel: 01452 812588 or E-mail: joyattheplough@gmail.com

The Spire - All Saints Church

A recent Christmas tradition has been the unveiling of the new John Lewis advert. Last year's penguin has been succeeded by this year's story of a little girl who spies a lonely old man on the moon through her telescope. But despite her best efforts she can't contact him, so eventually she sends him a telescope for Christmas so they can communicate. The advert closes with the tag line: "Show someone they're loved this Christmas". Perhaps I'm just an old romantic but the first time I saw it, it brought a tear to my eye. The ad campaign ties in with (and will financially benefit) this year's Age Concern Christmas campaign (tagline "No-one should have no-one at Christmas"). Although for many of us, Christmas is a time to be enjoyed with family and friends around us, for some it is a time of great sadness and loneliness. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could commit ourselves as a community to look out for those who might be struggling in the festive season and making sure they know "they're loved this Christmas"? It could be dropping in on an elderly neighbour or delivering a Christmas card to someone without much family perhaps. The most wonderful thing about Christmas is that, through sending his Son to be born as the baby Jesus, God showed that we are all loved by him so much, not just at Christmas but always. Jesus is the greatest gift of all, better than anything we can buy in John Lewis - or anywhere else! We do not need a telescope to communicate with him, because he is always with us, not far off in the moon but living amongst his people, not only at that first Christmas but still today. In response to this outpouring of love we should be full of thankfulness, and kneel at the manger with gratitude and adoration. I wish you every blessing this Christmas season - and pray that you will know yourself to be truly loved.

Revd Rosie Woodall

DECEMBER SERVICES AND EVENTS IN BISLEY

Sunday 6th December

11am SUNDAY PRAISE FOR ADVENT

Saturday 12th December

9.30am BIG BREAKFAST at the Village Hall with Christmas stalls - in aid of All Saints' Church

Wednesday 18th December

6.45pm BEER AND CAROLS IN OUR LOCAL PUBS

Sunday 20th December

7pm CAROL SERVICE

A traditional service of Bible readings and carols

with village choir

Christmas Eve

3pm CRIB SERVICE

with return of the knitted Holy Family

A short service particularly suitable for families

11.30pm MIDNIGHT MASS

The magical first Communion of Christmas

Christmas Day

11am CHRISTMAS FAMILY COMMUNION

We celebrate together the joy of Christmas morning

No services at Bisley on 27th December

DECEMBER EVENTS ACROSS THE BENEFICE All welcome!

Sunday 6th December 3pm-4.30pm MESSY CHURCH at Bussage Primary School Crafts, games, worship and afternoon tea designed especially for families on a Christmas theme

Wednesday 9th December 2.30pm "From Darkness into Light" Advent poetry at St Augustine's Eastcombe followed by refreshments

Friday 11th December 11am-4pm CRIB EXHIBITION at St Bartholomew, Oakridge with seasonal refreshments served all day Saturday 12th December 10.30am-3.30pm

CRIB EXHIBITION at St Bartholomew,Oakridge with seasonal refreshments served all day Thursday 17th December 7.30pm ADVENT QUIET EVENING at St John the Baptist France Lynch

A time for reflection and peace in the midst of the hectic rush of the season. Refreshments from 7.10pm

Sunday 27th December 9.30am BENEFICE EUCHARIST at St Bartholomew, Oakridge

The journey of The Holy Family

It is a tradition to send figures of Mary and Joseph and the donkey on a journey round a parish during Advent. They search for hospitality on their journey to Bethlehem, and arrive back in church on Christmas Eve to be placed into the nativity scene for Christmas and for the birth of baby Jesus. Our knitted figures travel in a basket which also contains an Advent candle, suggestions for unpacking, lighting the candle, and prayers. Anyone can offer hospitality, over night or for part of a day. Then the basket goes on to the next place. Our holy family will start their journey this year on Advent Sunday November 29thth. They will arrive back in Bethlehem, All Saints Church, for the Crib Service on Christmas Eve at 3pm. Do come to join the joy. We will share Jesus' birthday cake too.

If you would like to welcome the holy family to your home any time during Advent, please get in touch with Judy Howard

(770776)

Pastoral Visiting Team

Despite Bisley being a beautiful place to live, for some people a rural community can feel isolated, especially if living away from family or if house-bound due to age or illness. With that in mind, All Saints are setting up a pastoral visiting team who can pop in regularly, usually just for a chat. This could be for the short term while someone is recovering from illness or injury or longer term for those living alone. This service is for anyone in the village, whether or not they call themselves Christians, and it has no ulterior motive other than being a good neighbour. All the volunteer visitors will have had safeguarding checks and some training.

If you or someone you know would like to be visited, please

contact John Cowen or Kim Trinder (770675).

The Spire is prepared and edited by All Saints' Church, Bisley

Giffords Circus: The Sun Set on Moon Songs

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since we moved into Fennells Farm. A year that has seen our home being transformed by Toti and his team of men. And a year in which we took our most successful show (to date!) Moon Songs around the Cotswolds and into London, to Chiswick House and Gardens. It has been a whirlwind of a year and after five long but very enjoyable months on the road, it was a delight to return to the comforting surrounds of Fennells, Lypiatt, Bisley and all the people who have made us feel so welcome. Our 2016 show The Painted Wagon is in its embryonic stage. We will spend the winter months bringing it together in time for the opening night on Friday 13th May. Until then, a little down time and the even more demanding task of preparing for Christmas! Nell, Toti, Cecil and Red Gifford

Why not buy Giffords Circus tickets or merchandise for Christmas presents www.giffordscircus.com

All Saints Church invites EVERYONE to

Big Breakfast & Christmas Bazar

Saturday 12th December 9.30am to 11.30am

At Bisley WI Village Hall

Cake Stall, Christmas Gifts, Raffle Delicious Breakfast - Full English only 5

and for Little People just 3

Bisley Pre-School Playgroup

A small community-based playgroup Where parents are listened to, and children are nurtured Where laughter is shared, environments explored, and

friendships are built.

Bisley Pre-School Playgroup has had an excellent start to our new term. The children have settled well back in to their routine. They continue to develop as independent learners, full of questions and comments on all they observe. There have been a few new additions to our Playgroup this term. We have had some fantastic old car tyres donated to us, which the children have enjoyed rolling up and down the playground. This has helped in building strength, coordination and stamina. We have also bought a wooden castle which has been revelled in, promoting discussion about knights, treasure, royalty, and of course, the dungeon! As the weather has changed, we have explored the falling leaves; raking them, sticking them and using them to make harvest crowns. The children were also excited to learn about Bonfire Night painting fireworks (using blow-painting and mixing various media), moving like fireworks to Handels Firework Music, as well as making 3-dimensional firework models. If you are interested in joining our Playgroup, we accept children from 2 years 9 months. Spaces permitting, we accept children at any time during the term. Our hours are 9am-12.45pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If you would like to arrange a visit, or would like to secure your childs place, please call Emily Luckham (Playleader) on 07908 488509, or email:bisleypreschoolplaygroup@gmail.com.

Citizens Advice launches new website

Stroud Citizens Advice are launching a new website www.citizensadvice-stroudandcotswold.org.uk.

which you can access at any time.

You can get advice by calling in to the Stroud office Unit 8, Brunel Mall, London Road, Stroud GL5 2BP from 10am - 1.45pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday only Or you can call them on the same days/hours on their Freephone helpline 0808 800 0510

HOLBRO K GARAGE

CALL US on 01452 770272 or call in to reception

MOT, Service and RepairsAll makes and models, courtesy cars and sales

Broken down? We can recover you too

Drop in to our

Murco Petrol Station and Shop on the Cheltenham road out of Bisley.

Hobbs bread, wholefoods, local honey and preserves Autogas and Calor gas, fire and stove fuels

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor In the last edition of The Bisley News you published a letter from Jane Workman in which she complained about the lack of support offered by the Parish Council to Bisley Cricket Club. The letter included a number of misleading statements that I hope you will allow me to correct: persistent refusal to open the pavilion when members are either practicing (sic) or running sessions for the junior team Untrue. In 2015 Bisley Cricket Club asked for the Pavilion to be made available on 120 occasions. On each of these occasions the Pavilion was opened for the Clubs use. Up until recently the access gate was locked Untrue. The access gate was unlocked in early April as soon as we were informed by the Cricket Club that access to the playing field was required. It remained unlocked throughout the cricket season. Checking the Pavilion early on a Sunday and complaining about the cleanliness but then not allowing members to clean up Untrue. At the Cricket Clubs request, the Pavilion was reserved for 3 hours on Sunday mornings following matches specifically so that the Club could have an opportunity to clean up. The Pavilion was checked for cleanliness following this period, not before it. The club pay a hefty subscription to use the woeful facilities at the pavilion. Last year the maintenance cost for the Pavilion and Playing Field was over 4,700, paid for by local residents through their Council Tax. In return for four months use of the facilities the Cricket Club contributed 200 towards these running costs. We would not describe this as hefty. Yours sincerely, Roger Utley, Parish Councillor

Frith Youth Centre This month the Frith Youth Centre welcomes a new Youth Worker to lead the team with our faithful Assistant Youth Workers, which will no doubt bring in fresh ideas & activities to the various clubs. A new administrator has also been appointed to take the pressure off the hard pressed staff in the Parish Office & the Committee look forward to working with these new people. Brendan, our Project Manager, has worked tremendously hard this year to revitalise the Youth Centre, applying for grants, extending opening hours including school holidays, redecorating with the help of a talented young lad, & acting as youth worker and he will stay on to seek out more grants & finish the refurbishment he has started. Monday - After School Drop in - 11 to 17 year old's - 3.30 - 5 pm Monday - Junior Club - 9 to14's - 6,30 - 8 pm Wednesday - Community Cafe - all welcome - 10.30 - 12 noon Thursday - After School Drop in - 11 to 17 year old's - 3.30 - 5 pm Thursday - Drop In - 13 to 18 year old's - 7 -9 pm

For information about activities, hiring the Centre or to volunteer ring 01453 887204 or email frithyouthcentre@hotmail.com

Frith Youth Centre, Brownshill Road, Bussage (Opposite the Skate Ramp)

News from your Village Agent

Lou Kemp 07776 245767

Without wishing to cause distress amongst our readers, I was astonished to read recently that each winter; one older person dies every 7 minutes from the cold. Research highlights that there is a general lack of awareness of the effects that cold weather can have on an older persons health. A recent survey showed that many people wrongly believe that hypothermia is the main cause of excess winter death. There is also a belief that leaving a window open at night to let in fresh air is good for your health, whereas the opposite is true breathing in cold air lowers body temperature and raises the risk of chest infections. Cold weather causes a massive increase in associated health problems: heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the hands). HEATING 70F (21C) is the ideal temperature for your living room 64F (18C) is the ideal temperature for your bedroom Keep your bedroom window shut at night If you have an older friend or relative close to you, some of the advice given here may help them prepare for the winter season Call in or visit more often if the cold weather stops your friend or family

member from getting out and about. Calling in on someone can help keep their spirits up and make them feel less isolated.

Make sure they have basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case its too cold to go shopping.

Pick up prescriptions if its too cold for them to go out, or find out if their local pharmacy offers a prescription pick-up and delivery service.

Make sure they don't have a fall. Bring round a mixture of salt and sand for putting on steps or paths in icy weather.

Encourage them to keep warm. Check with the recommended temperatures given above. Low temperatures increase the risk of flu and other respiratory problems and can raise blood pressure.

Help them get a benefits check to make sure theyre claiming everything theyre eligible for. I can arrange a benefits check, or you can use some of the online benefits calculators available through Age.UK, Gov.UK, Citizens Advice, Turn to Us and other information websites

If you are over 50 and would like any advice or support, please call me to arrange a home visit to discuss how I can help.

Information in this article was taken from the Age UK website. www.ageuk.org.uk

Bisley not as yellow as it used to be

Ah Bisley. Its timeless appearance scarcely changed in over a hundred years. Right? Wrong! Today, as we walk through the village, all we see is a swathe of exposed Cotswold stone but look a little closer, find a bit of wall that hasn't been repointed, and you'll almost certainly discover surviving patches of layer after layer of limewash paint. Some layers may be various shades of creamy whitewash but mostly they will be different tones of yellow - bright ochre yellow. Bisley has definitely changed. Bisley was not the only yellow village in the area. Cotswold vernacular buildings, like most of the cottages in Bisley, were built using locally dug limestone; some quarries, such as those at Minchinhampton, were famed for their good quality stone but most, including the quarries around Bisley, yielded more fragile stone, prone to attack from the weather. It

was discovered that the stone needed an additional outer layer to keep it from damage by rain and frost. Lime render was often used to protect and disguise the poor quality stone on grander houses, but it was expensive, so most of the inhabitants of less important buildings made do with limewash. The process of re-limewashing was often an annual or bi-annual affair, hence the multiple layers of paint you'll find. Why yellow? The range of colours used was generally dictated by local geology; in our limestone area, lighter yellow ochres and umbers are thrown out, whereas in The Forest of Dean, for example, darker shades of iron oxide are common. Corsham High Street (photo left) shows what

Bisley would have looked like. Imagine this interspersed with white limewashed properties and a range of darker shades of yellow This photo of The Bear Inn (circa 1900) shows how it looked when it was rendered and limewashed. The practice of limewashing appears to have died out just after the First World War, probably due to labour constraints. The passion for exposing stone took hold in the 60s and 70s, and we now think that this

is how villages should look. Our stone is undeniably beautiful but maybe we have lost something and made our buildings more vulnerable to decay than they once were. Imagine how Bisley must have glowed on summer evenings, and how it must have looked sunny even on the rainiest days. It would have been extremely beautiful, if you like yellow. Nick Miles

News from our District Councillor

Working in partnership for a safer Gloucestershire During last weeks meeting of the Members Development Group it was apparent that there was perhaps a general unawareness of a Road Safety action group/representation in the Stroud District Council area. I am therefore alerting Members to the existence of the Stroud Road Safety Liaison Group (SRSLG), which is one of three such action groups in the County. The groups are supported by the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership (RSP), which has responsibility for reducing the number of people being killed or injured in road traffic collisions in our county, through road safety education, training and publicity, including awareness, deterrent (enforcement, incl. safety cameras), courses for the elderly and speed awareness courses as an alternative to prosecution, etc. The RSP, based at the Tri-Service Emergency Centre at Waterwells, Quedgeley, works with all the emergency services and the county council in making Gloucestershire a safer place for everyone. In 2005, 53 people were killed on our Countys roads and in 2014 this had reduced to 29. The SRSLG meets 3 or 4 times a year in the Committee Room, Ebley Mill, usually on a Wednesday, starting at 1430 and finishes about 1600. Members comprise representation from RSP, GCC, Town and Parish Councils, Institute of Advanced Motorists, RoadPeace, Glos Driving Instructors Association and Gloucestershire Association Parish and Town Councils and others. As Stroud District Councils Senior Community Safety Officer, Ashley Nicholson attends, as do Cllrs Chas Townley and John Jones as SDCs appointees to the Group. County Councillor Dr John Cordwell chairs the meeting and I am a co-opted member and Minute Secretary. If not already, I encourage your communities to become active participants in the SRSLG, please contact me if you would like further details. Alternatively, please raise any road safety concern through either Ashley, Chas or John, so that it can be raised at the next meeting or if of an urgent nature through the RSP on 01452 888714 or email roadsafety@gloucestershire.gov.uk. More information about road safety in Gloucestershire can be found by visiting the RSP website at: http://roadsafety-gloucestershire.org.uk/ Councils youth work The contact details for the Councils youth work contractors (Youth and Community Services) working in the respective localities, are as follows; Overall Co-ordinator for all locality based work is Vicki Gamston; vicki.gamston@youthandcommunity.org.uk ; Tel: 07760 898485 Our closest is in Chalford: Simon Gillings; simon.gillings@youthandcommunity.gov.uk ; Tel: 07557 790899 Verge cutting Even this late in the season, Amey (the new verge cutting contractor) are typically reacting to issues within 2-3 days. If you wish to report a verge that needs cutting, please contact: Gcchighways@amey.co.uk

New Waste Contract A new depot site at Gossington had been acquired, and should be operational by Sept 2016. The Cullimores site will continue in the interim, with Ubico operating from there in the first instance. Feb 16 will see the introduction of a green waste collection service. As discussed last month, the bulk collection service is already in place. The smaller 140L bin is preferred for domestic waste for a number of different reasons. There is no expectation of longer collection periods although the fortnightly domestic collection will be in place from the same period. It had been highlighted how sad it was that SDC did not notify members that the bulky waste collection was being put in place many months before the new 2016 contract. Equally announced just before a bank holiday weekend. Damaged/ Place Names Having spent the last few months discussing damaged place names in Eastcombe with Parish councillor Rachel wright- I have now been presented with a very comprehensive list of what needs to be fixed. I am in regular communication with a contact in the council to ensure these are replaced. I wanted to present the invitation to other villages should they feel any name signage needs replacing to provide that information to me via email or call. Cllr. Timothy E.R Williams Cllr.tim.williams@stroud.gov.uk 07920754700

The John Taylor Foundation This is a charity that gives grants to students, apprentices or anyone on a vocational course, to assist with the cost of books, tools or equipment. If you are aged under 25 years and live in the Ancient Parish of Bisley and would be interested in applying for a grant PLEASE APPLY IN WRITING stating your course, College/University/Employer together with your age, before the next meeting on 9th December 2015 to Mrs Pat Bashford, Eskdale, Vander Breen Street, Bisley.

Exhibition of Paintings & Pottery

By John Bailey At Winsley Cottage, Oakridge Lynch Saturday 28th November to Sunday 6th December 2015

11am to 4pm daily

The exhibition features a wide range of new paintings including local scenes in the Cotswolds, Cornwall, Brittany and from John & Janes recent visit to Bali, Indonesia. New styles have been added to Johns colourful range of pottery, which make excellent Christmas presents. Proceeds In aid of Cancer Research, John is hoping this year to reach his target of 10,000 raised. Tel 01285 760659

Litter Pick in October

Many thanks to the small, but dedicated team who turned out to tidy up our village highways and byways. To Judy, Gerry, Ann, Brian & Lisa, many thanks. Well be there again in Spring time after Glos. Highways trim our verges and hedgerows to expose the debris underneath. Check out Bisley News then. Peter Thorp

Editor: From all of us villagers who appreciate your Litter Pick efforts WELL DONE!

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Mummers Beer & Carols.pdfYour donations will be collected. Proceeds to Bisley Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS)

Mummers Beer & Carols.pdfYour donations will be collected. Proceeds to Bisley Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS)

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