ASHBURY COMPTON LONGCOT FERNHAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2015

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1 ASHBURY COMPTON LONGCOT FERNHAM NEWSLETTER JULY 2015 "St Swithin is christening the apples" Brand, Popular Antiquities, 1813 The emblems of St. Swithin refer to the legend of the forty days' rain and the apples from the trees he planted.

2 From the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Diocese of Oxford Vacancy in the See of Oxford You will be aware that the Crown Nominations Commission met on the 11th and 12th May to consider the nomination of the next Bishop of Oxford and to meet with possible candidates. I am writing to advise that the Commission has been unable to discern the candidate whom God is calling at this stage to be the next Bishop of Oxford. Under the election rules under which we operate, no candidate received the required number of votes for nomination. The Crown Nominations Commission already has a number of meetings in place for the rest of this year. The Oxford CNC will reconvene on the 4th February 2016 with the second meeting on the 7th/8th March Bishop Colin will continue to provide oversight to the diocese as he has done over the past few months during the interregnum and I am very grateful to him for this. Many of you will have had the Crown Nominations Commission in your prayers and I thank you for them. I will continue to keep the diocese in my prayers over the next months. This will not be the news that you wanted to hear but please take this as a sign of our commitment to find the right person to be your next bishop. ++Justin Cantuar 14 May 2015 Pastoral Letter from the Bishops, Dean, Archdeacons and Diocesan Secretary to the Clergy and Churchwardens of the Oxford Diocese When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place (Acts 2.1) Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Clearly it has come as a disappointment that the Crown Nominations Commission were unable to nominate someone to be the next Bishop of Oxford at their recent meeting. Furthermore the fact that they will be unable to interview further candidates until March next year is frustrating. This means, of course, that we are unlikely to have a new bishop in post before the early autumn of With so much going on that is good and vibrant, we can clearly no longer afford to put things on hold pending our new Bishop's arrival. We will therefore be pressing forward with the decisions we believe are needed in the coming months to support the vision of Living Faith of joining 2

3 with God in creating a caring, sustainable and growing Christian presence in every part of the Diocese of Oxford. So, more specifically, we will be pressing ahead with the appointment of a new Director of Mission and a new Diocesan Director of Ordinands, we will be progressing the move to new offices, we will begin implementing the Archdeaconry Mission Action Plans, we will continue to foster the growth of work in our schools, we will be encouraging vocations to lay and ordained ministries in new ways, we will move forward with church planting in our new housing areas, and, above all else, the prayers and worship of the Church will continue to be central to our life. We believe that there are some remarkable opportunities at the moment being given to us by God for growing the Church and the Kingdom. Please continue to pray that we may, as Christ's body here on earth, seize hold of them in the next fifteen months to be benefit of the Diocese and the Glory of God. The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher OBE Bishop of Dorchester Shrivenham & Ashbury Benefice Services in July Sunday 5 th July 7.45am Holy Communion (BCP) Shrivenham 9.00am Matins Watchfield 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) Compton 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) Fernham 10.15am Family Service with Baptism Shrivenham 11.00am Morning Worship Ashbury 3.00pm Joint Service Longcot Chapel 6.30pm Compline and Benediction Shrivenham Sunday 12 th July 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) Watchfield 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) Longcot 10.15am Parish Communion Shrivenham 11.00am Communion by extension Ashbury 12.30pm Baptism Fernham 3

4 Sunday 19 th July 7.45am Holy Communion Shrivenham 9.00am Matins Watchfield 10.15am Father s Day Family Service with Shrivenham Communion 10.30am Patronal Festival St Swithun s Holy Communion (BCP) Compton Sunday 26 th July 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) Watchfield 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP) Longcot 10.15am Parish Communion Shrivenham 11.00am Holy Communion Ashbury 6.00pm Evening Service Fernham The Ashbury prayer cycle for July will be: 5 th Kingstone Winslow, 12 th Malthouse Close, 26 th Odstone Farm and Cottages. St Mary s Ashbury see also under Benefice News Ashbury Evangelical Free Church JULY Sunday 5 th Wednesday 8 th 10.15am Communion 10.30pm Coffee morning B&B Tear Fund Sunday 12 th 10.15am Communion 5.00pm Video and tea service Sunday 19 th 10.15am Communion service Sunday 26 th 10.15am Communion service 5.00pm Video and tea Everyone welcome to coffee mornings at the Free Church for a natter. No charge or catches! 4

5 Ashbury News Ashbury Parish Council News. After a period for other candidates to come forward, the AGM of 15 th June saw the appointment of the following new parish councillors: James Neil (Chairman), Eliza Lewis (Vice Chairman), Lorna Halford, Bill Spence, Martin Watkins, Richard Fergusson. The next Parish Council meeting will be July 20 th.. A message from DES- ex Ashbury postie. I would like to thank all my customers from all five villages and parts of Shrivenham who gave me such a fantastic send off on my retirement-the thanks, presents, cards and messages I received and the presentation at Ashbury Village Hall will remain with myself and my family for the rest of my life. Once again a very big thank you to you all. Hope to see you in the future, Des. Old Scholars Day Sunday 5 July, pm Did you attend Ashbury Primary School before 1961? Previous scholars who attended Ashbury School in what is now the Village Hall are welcome to come and look around the newly renovated hall. This will be an opportunity to meet up with old school pals over a cup of tea and cake! No need to book, just come along. If you require further information please call or Ashbury, Kingstone Winslow and Idstone Village-wide Garage Sale Saturday 11 July 10 am 4 pm Have you got items taking up space in your garage or loft, or perhaps you have a surplus of plants, jams, cakes? Now's the time to sell them - you don't even have to move the items very far! We will be widely advertising this garage sale in the local press. To take part you will need to pay a registration fee of 3, and then the location of your garage and an idea of what you are selling will be included on the map given to prospective buyers. Whatever money you raise is yours to keep! The Village Hall will be the headquarters where we will be selling maps and refreshments. There will also be a table top sale in the hall. If you would like to take part please 5

6 call or Ashbury Neighbourhood Watch At the annual neighbourhood watch meeting on 9 June, Mr. Ray Gigg stood down as Chairman after twenty years. We should all be very grateful to Ray for his dedication and service to our community. Thank you Ray. Mrs Leonie Knott has given up her role as co-ordinator following her move to Cardiff. Leonie was also a dedicated volunteer and again we are grateful for her involvement. Mr. Roger Simons has agreed to take over as Chairman and although Peggy Leon wants to resign, after twenty years as secretary, she has agreed to support Roger until a replacement can be found. Anyone who feels they could take over the role of Secretary (Neighbourhood Watch only meets once a year) please contact Roger Simons (710801) Fortunately we have had a fairly good year with very little crime actually in Ashbury but we should still be vigilant as there has been a spate of car and outbuilding break-ins in nearby villages. A Complaint from residents: Would the person or persons who, having gathered up their dog s mess, then throws the bag and contents in the hedge, kindly take it home for disposal. Thank you. Christian Aid Week- Thank you to all who contributed to the collection which raised Longcot and Fernham News Fernham & Shellingford WI The July meeting will take place in Shellingford School Hall on Wednesday 15th at 7.30pm. This meeting will be a social evening "Summer Music & a Chat". Members to bring their favourite CDs, which should make for an interesting and varied evening. There will be the usual 'bring & buy' table, drinks and refreshments. Enquiries to Joan Turner or Freda Dawes

7 Longcot Village Fair Sunday 12 July 2015 The Longcot village and school fair will be taking place this year on Sunday 12 July from 12pm to 4.30pm in the grounds of Longcot and Fernham school. There ll be a host of fun activities for all the family, young and old, accompanied by delicious food and drink. A Food and Craft arena will champion the best in local produce and goods. There will be over 20 quality stalls including Wiltshire Liqueurs, Handmade by Heart from the Cotswolds, Usborne Books, Froglet & Mouse, Stainswick Farms, Liquorice Heaven and many more. The playing field will host activities and games stalls throughout the day, including: Andy s Reptiles Cycling advice, spares and MOT from cycling expert, Lew Lawton Bouncy slide and castle Traditional games arcade and toddler ride by Cheryl & Stanley Tug of War Birds of Prey Knockout penalties shoot out Book stall with brand new books at second hand prices Live music launch of a brand new band (watch this space.) Local ice cream and candy floss. If all of this leaves you needing something to eat and drink, Mark and Sally Goff from the King and Queen in Longcot will be offering a traditional BBQ and bar. There will also be a traditional tea room marquee. Don t forget to buy your raffle tickets to win one of the five large cash prizes, as well as other quality prizes. Entry is 2 for adults, 1 children and under 12 s go FREE. Unfortunately dogs aren t allowed to enter the school grounds as stated by Oxford County Council. Longcot Churches working together-chapel News SUN 5th 3pm Our monthly United Service will be led by Richard Fergusson and everyone is very welcome. Tea and biscuits will be served after the service. WEDS 22nd -Friday Fellowship outing to Kintbury for a voyage on the horse drawn barge from Kintbury. If you d like to join us please sign the list or contact Barbara on or Stella on

8 SAT 30th am COFFEE MORNING in the Chapel in aid of RNLI. Do come and join us for a chat over tea/coffee and help us raise plenty of money for such a very good cause. ADVANCE NOTICE On 5th August from 10am 12 noon we shall be running a Craft Morning in the Chapel for anyone of Primary School age and CREAM TEAS will be available in the Chapel on TUES.11th, WEDS. 12th and THURS. 13th from pm. Compton Beauchamp News Mr and Mrs Philip Lambert will hold the Stainswick Show (gymnkana and dog) which will take place at Stainswick Manor, Shrivenham, Saturday 11th July 2015, from 9am to 5pm in aid of St. Swithun's Church ongoing restoration. A local event for local people. Please give it your support. Benefice News Calling all fans of the Faringdon Singers! The Singers' Summer concerts this year are on Saturday 11 July at 7.30pm in The Church of the Blessed Hugh, Faringdon and on Sunday 12 July at 3pm in The Methodist Church, Shrivenham Programme to include Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes and Elgar From the Bavarian Highlands Tickets and further information available from the Churches concerned Breakfast Groups Men s breakfast: will be back in the Ashbury Village Hall on Saturday 4 July. Everyone is welcome, the conversation is great and the English breakfast is free we just ask for a donation if you can. Questions & Croissants: this monthly discussion group will meet again at 8am on Saturday 25 July. Again, all are welcome to chat about anything and everything over a cup of coffee and a simple breakfast. Please call Norma on so we can be sure to have enough food. 8

9 Many, many thanks to Ashbury School for joining St Mary s for the service on 28 June. We pray that staff and students at both Longcot and Ashbury will all have a wonderful summer and wish our fabulous year 6 s everything they wish for themselves in their new schools. In a book of children s prayers (I want to speak to God please) I found this: Dear God Thank you for the children: their smiles, their warmth, their laughter, their tears. Thank you for the joy they spread: their hope, their love, their faith, their kindness, their friendship, their future. Amen Norma Fergusson See also the message from Des, formerly our postman, under Ashbury news. Country Matters Gosh, I am writing for July and before we know it, we shall be harvesting once more. June Ist can be a seminal moment for corn farmers. Suddenly the wheat crops are in ear, a sight to savour. We are nearing the time when we as farmers have done what we can and for the next two months we have to wait on the Almighty and hope for sunshine. Sunshine is vital for photosynthesis. This is why there can be exceptional yields up on the east coast of Scotland where they have a longer day length and this can be mirrored also in the southern hemisphere in South Island New Zealand. But this pleasant panorama of a perfect crop can be just a fleeting moment and then the weeds sometimes rise above, to spoil it all. The grassy weeds, black grass, wild oats and brome are the most troublesome and for organic farmers the yellow charlock can be a real problem. The old sayings hold good: One year s seeding, seven years weeding and as you sow, so ye shall reap. In terms of our human relationships the 9

10 analogy might be to be careful your past does not catch up with you, or as a friend of mine is wont to remind us, be careful who you tread on the way up life s ladder in case you fall off and meet the same people on the way down. There is currently much focus on the weed, black grass which shows as a dark brown spikelet because it seems to have developed a resistance to the herbicides that were formerly effective. For control we will have to depend more on preparing false seedbeds, widening our rotations so that cereal crops are less frequent and planting more non cereal spring crops using different herbicide chemistry. I have always had a crusade against wild oats and we still pull them out manually where they occur. Brome is prevalent in places this year but is easier to control because seed does not remain viable for long and ploughing can help. The battle continues and farmers will already be thinking how they might improve their chances of success to grow clean crops next year. Richard Green Benefice Clergy Vicar NSM Rev Richard Hancock Revd Norma Fergusson (Except Monday and Friday) Please Note: Newsletter entries for August 2015 Submit your entries for August by 17 th July to: M. Turner Claremont, Ashbury SN6 8LN. mlt@mltgnt.com NEW Ashbury website 10