USEFUL NUMBERS CHURCH Audrey Stringer or Sue Stubbs

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2 USEFUL NUMBERS CHURCH Audrey Stringer or Sue Stubbs PARISH COUNCIL Meeting on the 4 th Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm Parish Clerk is Mrs. Helen Howie. Contact number is or clerk@hilderstone.staffslc.gov.uk HILDERSTONE WOMEN S INSTITUTE President Mrs Pat Saul Meeting 2 nd Tuesday 7 30 pm in Village Hall HILDERSTONE VILLAGE HALL Bookings: Debbie Brition NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Ash Connor area Neighbourhood Watch Stone Sue Stubbs Hilderstone co-ordinator DOCTOR Cumberland House, High St. Stone Mansion House Surgery, Abbey St. Stone ST15 8YE STAFFORD HOSPITAL Casualty POLICE Urgent/Emergency 999 Non-Emergency number Stafford County council am-6am Clarence Road (road repair and lighting) Street scene (fly tipping rubbish) Stafford Borough Council Staffordshire Crimestoppers Staffs. County Councillor: Ian Parry Telephone: ian.parry@staffordshire.gov.uk Staffordshire county council Stafford Borough Councillor Cllr Andrew Harp Tel ALL COPY IN BY THE 8 TH OF THE MONTH PLEASE Editor Sue Stubbs tel or - susanstubbs01@outlook.com

3 EDITORIAL We had a very enjoyable e leaving party for The Dakin family. Thank you very much to those who helped in any way with the party. There e is a letter from Peter in this magazine. Church Wardens Audrey Stringer and I are running the Church h with the help of Cathy Case a retired Vicar. If you are wanting Baptisms, Wedding or Funerals please ring me Sue Stubbs The weekly services will carry on as usual. We do want the powers that be to know that the Church we love is wanted. N.B. the magazine can be viewed on the hilderstone village web site. Sue DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 6 th December W.I. Christmas party 7.15pm in the village hall 13 th December Hilderstone Village Christmas Party. In Hilderstone e Village Hall 7.15pm for 7.30pm Tickets 8.50p from Jean Jones , Hazel , and Sue Stubbs th December Village Christmas Concert 7 pm in Village Hall Magazine Donations Last year, the readers of our magazine generously donated enough money to keep our magazine running, n We still need your help to continue. If you would like to make a donation please contact ct either Phil Davies on or Sue Stubbs on and we can arrange to collect your donation.

4 Bishop s Pastoral Letter December 2016

5 Jesus is born Mary was engaged to a carpenter called Joseph, who lived in the town of Nazareth in the northern province of Galilee, and who was a just and upright man. When he discovered she was pregnant his first intention was to separate from her. Then an angel appeared to him in a dream, told him of the child s divine origin, and commanded him to call him Jesus, which means God saves. Joseph was obedient to this vision. He took Mary as his wife, but they did not consummate their marriage until her son was born. At that time the Roman Emperor Augustus ordered a census. Because he was a descendant of King David, Joseph returned to David s native city of Bethlehem to register, taking the pregnant Mary with him. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a stable because the inn was full. An angel appeared to a group of shepherds grazing their flocks nearby. They were terrified, but the angel told them that he came with good news. The Christ (that is, the anointed King) had been born in Bethlehem; they would find him wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger. Then a great host of angels appeared, praising God and promising peace to those he favoured. The shepherds went to Bethlehem, visited the family, and spread the news that this was a very special baby. After eight days he was circumcised and the name Jesus formally conferred upon him. A few weeks later his parents took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to perform the rites associated with the birth of a first-born son. While they were there two holy people - a man called Simeon and an elderly woman called Anna - blessed Jesus and foresaw a great destiny for him. Simeon prayed: Lord, now permit your servant to die in peace, according to your promise. For I have seen the salvation which you have prepared before all the nations, to serve as a revelation to those who are not Jews, and to glorify your own people Israel. Simeon warned Mary that suffering lay ahead, for her son and for herself, while Anna talked about him to everyone hoping for the deliverance of the people of Israel.

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8 During the vacancy On Peter s retirement as Vicar, the Churchwardens and Rural Dean (the Rev d. Ian Cardinal from Stone) have responsibility for the smooth running ng of the church. Visiting clergy lead worship on Sundays and take baptisms, weddings and funerals. A parish profile will be written (which will include information about the churches, the village communities (strengths and challenges) - and the role of the new vicar, then an advertisement will be placed. The Parochial Church Councils for the two parishes of Fulford and Hilderstone will each select two representatives who will interview candidates. dates. During the vacancy, the wardens ( Julie Longson and Rowena Robinson for Fulford, Sue Stubbs and Audrey Stringerr for Hilderstone ) will do their best to answer queries and arrange services, etc.

9 NEW VICAR FOR CHRIST CHURCH HILDERSTONE Background History of both the Church and the Village can be found on the village web site Hilderstone village has changed in recent times with many of the older properties changing hands and now young couples/families occupy these properties. The village is of a linear configuration with the older part of the village centred near the B5066 Junction with Cresswell Road, Sandon road & Hilderstone Road. Many of these properties date from the late 1700 s and 15 are listed as Grade 2. Towards Sandon and past the Roebuck Pub we come to the other end of the village known as Eastholm. Approximately 20 years ago the Methodist Chapel was used for services but this has now been converted into a residence. At the present time, the village has three Assets namely Christ Church, the Village Hall and the Roebuck Pub. Unfortunately the Roebuck is now closed and currently seeking a new tenancy. Reference should be made to the Consultation Meetings held in 2013/14 when the Parish Council met with many members of the village to explore how Hilderstone village might move forward and improve its communication and activities.

10 At that time the Roebuck was closed and Christ Church was faced with a heavy burden of the Parish Share. The Village Hall was seen to be very viable with many activities taking place including Parties, Film Nights, Dancing and activities with the Stone & District U3A. As you will know the Rev Preb Peter Dakin has retired due to ill health and this has now placed Christ Church into an Interregnum i.e. a period of seeking a new Vicar for our parish and Fulford. In the meantime church Services continue as normal with local vicars taking the services until a new vicar is installed. The question is What qualities are we, as a village, looking for in a new vicar? The Parochial Church Council Members at Christ Church would like YOU to tell us what you think we should be looking for in seeking a new vicar. It is suggested that you drop your suggestions - in a sealed envelope marked for the attention of MRS AUDREY STRINGER - in the wooden box attached to the Parish Council Notice Board situated in front of the Village Hall. We would like your suggestions please before the 5 December Thank you for your co-operation. Roy Clark: PCC Vice Chairman, Christ Church, Hilderstone. 9 th Nov2016

11 COUNTRYSIDE WATCHER DECEMBER - JACK FROST CHANGES THE LANE As I walk down the December lane, I can see that there has been a sharp frost in the night as a hazy sun shines through the mist. The lane is silent apart from an occasional cheep from the hedge or a caw from a treetop. The lane is frozen into stillness by the frost. I feel as if I am walking into the transformation scene of a pantomime. Everything twinkles in their frosty gowns. Jack Frost has had a wonderful time in the Holly hedge. It looks as if it has been iced like a Christmas cake. Every leaf is edged with ice crystals. Tiny milky-white beads cling to the surface of the leaves. It is so beautiful I just stand and delight in it. As I look, I think of the many legends that used to be told about the Holly. One was that the holly used to be white until they pricked Christ s blood. It was believed that if it grew outside a cottage door, then lightening would not hit the cottage. Tea used to be made from the leaves for those who had flu or gout to drink, to make them feel better. Holly leaves can be both smooth and prickly. Oval leaves meant the wife was in charge, prickly ones meant the husband was. Another was that when birds ate frosty holly berries they tasted like nectar to them. A pink Rose is peeping through a garden trellis. It looks as if it has been crystallised. Petals and leaves glitter with frost. A Bramble stretching out across the fence sparkles too. Leaves and stems are outlined and covered in frost crystals. I stop and look at a myriad of tiny, new Hazel catkins sparkling in the branches of the Hazel tree. The whole tree sparkles in the pale winter sunshine against the grey sky. Tufts of grass on the hedge bank are shining too. A Badger has left a muddy track through the grass up the hedge bank. Jack Frost has visited the Foxgloves on the hedge bank too. As I stand admiring the glittering scene around me I hear a fluttering behind me. I look sideways and see a Blackbird who has decided to investigate my presence. It is perfectly still, perched on a tree branch. It is looking at me sideways, fixing me with its yellow-ringed beady eye. We look at each other for a few silent seconds until it decides I am a danger and it flies off, loudly shouting its alarm call. I walk on, smiling at the lane so beautifully transformed by Jack Frost. Sheila Harvey

12 Traditional Christmas cards are the nation s favourite festive greeting Despite the popularity of smartphones, traditional handwritten Christmas cards top social media messages and text messages as the nation s favourite festive greeting by far a sentiment supported by Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. A survey by fair trade pioneer Traidcraft, revealed that more than 8 in 10 (84%) people in the UK prefer to receive their Christmas greetings in a card, while only 3% appreciate a festive text and 2% a social media message. The findings, which come ahead of Charity Christmas Card Week (13 th to 19 th November), are backed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. Although a keen social media user, the Archbishop is calling on the nation to put pen to paper and send personal, handwritten charity cards this Christmas. Dr Sentamu said: Perhaps more than any other time of the year, Christmas is a time when everyone should feel connected, loved and enjoy a sense of belonging. While social media and text messaging are great and convenient ways to stay in touch with friends and family, handwritten Christmas cards really are the best way to show someone that you ve taken the time to think of them at this special time of year.

13 Sending a Christmas card is a simple act, but it really shows you care, bringing a feeling of goodwill perfect for the season to all who receive them. The survey was commissioned by Traidcraft in support of its Show You Care campaign, which encourages consumers to shop with thought and love in the run up to Christmas, buying fair trade products and in doing so enabling the organisation to continue its life changing work overseas. Roderick Stuart, Traidcraft s Head of Communications, said: While texts and social media messages are quick and convenient and can appeal to many of us at what is always a busy time of year, our survey shows beyond a doubt that they are no replacement for Christmas wishes sent in a traditional card. What is even better is that when you buy a charity Christmas card, the benefit is multiplied. You re not only showing friends and family you care, but you re also supporting organisations such as Traidcraft to continue their life-changing work. It s heartening to see that even in this social media age, charity Christmas cards are a win-win way of spreading festive cheer. Traidcraft s Christmas range, including charity Christmas cards, is available to purchase at

14 COUNTRYSIDE WATCHER JANUARY - WINTER IN THE LANE On a freezing, frosty January morning it was good to see the sun shining from a clear, blue sky, from horizon to horizon. Following the rain we had during the night, the ditches are full of water. There are also many puddles in the lane. In one puddle I smiled when I looked into it and admired the reflection of the blue sky above. During the night thin pieces of ice have crept over the patches of water along the edges of the verges. They were beginning to crack in the morning sun. I do what I have always done since I was a child. I tread on them. Each time I smile at the crackling sound that comes from underneath my feet. The tiny splinters gleam and some of them reflect the colours above them. There are signs of hope all around me. The lane is waking up. The tiny Elder leaf-buds are already green. As I look around, the characteristic sheath of Wild Arum, also known as Lords and Ladies and Cuckoo-pint, is clearly seen, looking like a rolled umbrella. Some of the Gorse is in flower. That is good, because it said that kissing is only allowed when the Gorse is in flower. I walk further on and see a row of mole hills. I can already see some small flowers. Looking carefully I see one tiny Snowdrop, its white flower just beginning to push through its green case. In another part of the verge, a single golden Dandelion stands above the grass. Further on a solitary, tiny white Daisy has also opened. I walk down the drumble and come out into the lower hedged fields. I stand and admire our bright green, winter fields. In the far distance I am sad to see the towers of Rugeley Power Station. Sad, because never again will clouds of white steam be seen above the towers. The station has been permanently closed. In the future it will be demolished. A little bit of Staffordshire industry will disappear. I turn and walk back up the cold, but sunny lane, with the blue sky bright above me. I am so pleased to see that even if it is only the second month of Winter, there are signs of new life all around me. Sheila Harvey

15 Children s Christmas Wordsearch Words to find are: Star Angel Mary Joseph Shepherds Jesus Tree e Kings Presents B T H T R E E K L O P X H Y G J O L L T M A R Y S T A R H T R E M Y J L H W Q N M Y T J G F A A E A A J E S U S H K U N P P O O Y T R V B M Y G H K T S U T R W S M K E E P O E L Y J U M P T L R H T P R E S I R E F L D T H H A Q K I N G S K S H Y T R R D C X Z J L P Y P R E S E N T S H T

16 Cooks Tips Alcoholic l Chocolate Truffles f INGREDIENTS IENTS 800g of milk chocolate 1/2 a pint of double cream roughly 2 shots of spirit toppings - cocoa, sugar strands etc. METHOD Place a good sized bowl over a saucepan an of simmering water, break the chocolate into th bowl and add the spirit. (Any type of whisky or brandy will do, although an orange lique complements m ents the chocolate well, but the choice is entirely up to you.) Do not be tempted to stir the mixture until it has completely melted. While the chocolate is melting, heat the cream in a saucepan until just before it starts to b then take it offf the heat. Removee the bowl from above the saucepan, add the cream to the chocolate colate a little at a tim and stir well in. Leave the mixture to cool (you may have to put it in the fridge for a short time) When the mixture is cooled it will have thickened but should still be soft enough to work with. Roll the chocolate into the size of truffles fl that you want and then roll them in the topping of your choice. These truffles fl keep very well in the freezer ezer but otherwise must be stored in the fridge because of the fresh cream. Fund Raising Events 2017 Thank you to everyone who helped with this years event. We need to do more events next year and I need fresh ideas and help, if you can help plea contact t Phil Davies on All ideas will be considered, I especially need help for the Summer fair. I would also like to have a grand draw sometime next year could anyone help with this?

17 Hlderstone Parish Council Charges Introduced at Recycling Centres/Tips On Tuesday 1 November 2016 charges were introduced for some types of waste at all of the Staffordshire County Council Household Waste Recycling Centres. Which Waste and What are the Charges? Charges will apply to some DIY type waste arising from the repair or home improvement of houses or gardens. The charges will be based upon the quantity of material deposited using the rates given below. Please note: these charges only apply to householders. Trade waste is still subject to a different level of charges. Soil/rubble This includes bricks, breeze blocks, concrete, drainage pipes (ceramic/porcelain), gravel, hardcore, paving slabs, rubble, sand, sanitary ware (ceramic/porcelain toilets, bidets, sinks, shower trays, pipes, etc), soil, slates/slabs, stones, tarmac, tiles (ceramic, porcelain, floor, roof, wall), glass and turf. Cost: 3 per bag* or unit (e.g. a toilet) Plasterboard This includes gypsum related products such as coving and ceiling roses. Plasterboard can only be accepted if it is separated from other material. Cost: 4 per bag* or 180cm x 90cm sheet Tyres Only motor vehicle tyres will be accepted. These can be on or off the rim. Commercial or agricultural vehicle tyres will not be accepted. There is no charge for bicycle tyres. Cost: 4 per tyre

18 Please note * A standard DIY bag is approximately 76cm x 96 cm. They are available from DIY stores or you can buy them from the Household Waste Recycling Centre for 10p. How do I pay? All payments must be made via debit or credit card on site. All major cards are accepted with the exception of American Express. No cash or cheques will be accepted. Why Are Charges Being Made? It is not a statutory duty for the sites to take household waste that isn t produced in the normal day-to-day occupation of a home. Waste from DIY or garden work is not legally regarded as normal household rubbish. The charges will contribute to the cost of disposing of the materials but the County Council will not make a profit from this. Charging will ensure that the Council can continue to offer disposal facilities to residents for material which are difficult to get rid of, and will ensure that the system is not abused by those seeking to dispose of trade waste for free. What about other waste? You can continue to dispose of ordinary household waste, including green garden waste, fridges, freezers, TVs, large and small electrical items, wood and bric-a-brac free of charge. Some non-household waste items can continue to be disposed of free of charge, although apply. Please note glass must be removed from window frames or doors and presented separately for disposal at the Household Waste Recycling Centres.

19 Hilderstone Village Website A reminder that the village website is a resource that all villagers can use to advertise events and activities. It would also be wonderful if organisers could use the website to share the success of an event with the rest of the village with photographs etc. The village events diary is currently looking sparse and needs filling up for 2017! If you are planning on running an event in the village in the coming year, please remember to get the date and details on the website as soon as possible to ensure that your event is well attended. Existing organisers can contact the website administrator directly, new event organisers should contact the Parish Clerk in the first instance. Contact details at the front of the magazine and on the village website. Website address: hilderstonevillage.org.uk Planning Applications A reminder that the Parish Council receives copies of all planning applications within Hilderstone Parish and is invited to comment on them. If you are also consulted on a planning application (as a neighbouring property) you are entitled to notify the Parish Council of your views so that these may be taken into account when the Parish Council is considering the plans. Your comments will need to be submitted promptly to the Parish Council as the deadline for

20 comments is often very short. All comments should be submitted in writing or by via the clerk. Contact details at the front of the magazine and on the village website. Winter Highways Maintenance Winter gritting routes and general winter safe driving information is available on the County Council website The village salt bins should already have been replenished, but please note that this salt is for use on the public highways only. It is not for use on private drives and such usage is classed as theft. Please remember that members of the public can help with road maintenance and safety by reporting potholes, broken streetlights, blocked road gulleys, fallen trees/branches etc to the Highways Hotline on (local rate) or Highways problems can also be reported via a free smartphone and tablet app called Mystaffs and further information on this can be found at:. And finally! The Parish Council would like to wish all its residents a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

21 Hilderstone Heritage, Part Seventeen A cornucopia of snippets about Hilderstone. Between 1894 and 1930 the Hilderstone Recreation Society provided fun and games in the village. The Society met in the Clubroom at The Roebuck Inn. To celebrate the Queen s Silver Jubilee a Country Dance was held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 5th June 1977, 8.0pm until pm. Tickets were priced at 1.25, there was a licensed bar, and dancing to Granny Smith s Square Dance Band. Hilderstone had its own butcher and slaughterhouse at Sharpley Heath. The butcher was Mr George Boughey. He delivered meat around the area, assisted by Eric Mardling, later by Bill Walker, and finally his daughter, Violet (later Mrs Greatorex). After Mr Boughey s death the business was sold to a Mr Banks of Meir Heath in the late 1940s. Staffordshire Past Track confirms that the Cedar of Lebanon tree in the grounds of Hilderstone Hall is over 800 years old and is thought to have been brought back from the Crusades. Although English forces participated in the Second Crusade of , it is more likely that a knight from Hilderstone was present on the Third Crusade of , led by Richard I. When famous racehorse trainer, Captain Derrick Candy, opened the Village Hall in 1955 he was presented with a china model of a racehorse in his own colours to which he quipped I hope it runs better than some of mine. Corporal Pioneer Frank Snape, Royal Engineers, died of wounds on 09/10/17. Although the son of Mr and Mrs

22 Snape of Hilderstone, he was buried in Sandon Churchyard and is recorded on their War Memorial. Kelly s Directory of Staffordshire for 1924 recorded that the population of Hilderstone stood at 377 and farming was the major industry in the village, which covered an area of 2,015 acres. However, not every family were farmers: John Arnold, George James, and George Bowers were carpenters; Mrs Kitty Dalton was a dressmaker; Charles Greatorex was the blacksmith and George Meddings was a seedsman. Shops in the village were run by Henry Fairbanks, Frank Spencer and Wallace Hulme. Mr Hulme was also the sub-postmaster and received letters by foot from Stone. Hilderstone WI presented The Play s the Thing in 1949 which was reviewed in the Stone Guardian on 28 th October as An Unexpected Entertainment. The very first bus service through Hilderstone came in the 1920s when Lyme s of Tean ran an open toped lorry with wooden benches; they later improved the service by adding a canvas roof. A newspaper cutting entitled Son first, father second in contest from 25 th July 1964 reads: A father and his son were successful in gaining second and first places in the Best Kept Garden competition organised by Hilderstone Parish Council in connection with the Best Kept Village competition. The gardens were judged by Mr F W Farrer, rural studies organiser of the Staffordshire Education Committee. Mr Farrer said there was a very high standard of gardening and he had found it very difficult to judge. Results were as follows: 1. Mr R H Philips; 2 Mr J V Philips; 3 Mr G Potts; runner-up Mr J Atkin.

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31 HILDERSTONE VILLAGE HALL HIRE CHARGES Information for Hiring Hilderstone Village Hall With effect from June 1 st 2015 it will be a set fee for all of the facilities of the hall, which are as follows: Hilderstone Residents: per hour Non Residents: per hour We can also offer special rates for Parties, and regular users of the village hall. Please feel free to discuss with the booking secretary what your requirements are. All bookings should be made through the Bookings Secretary: Debbie Brition, Tel: Monday to Friday or - hilderstonevhbookings@gmail.com Post Code ST15 8SF Village Hall Key Holders & Contact Details Mrs M.Wareham (Key Holder & Caretaker) Tel: Pat Cowan tel To use The Village Hall Notice Board "Hilderstone Village Hall Management Committee Comment has been made that villagers would rather not use the telephone number with regard to placing notices on the village hall notice board. It is possible to request posters to be put there by ing hvhnoticeboard@gmail.com. We have had to take the course of action of limiting key access because on a previous occasion notice boards were damaged by misuse. HILDERSTONE 100 S Club November 8th 1st Prize 100. No 43 Mrs. J. Pratt 2 nd Prize 75No 23 Sue Jones 3 rd Prize 25 No 60 Sue Pilcher 4 th Prize 10 No 85 Mrs M.J. Olney Smith 5 th Prize 10 No 58 Terry & Barbara Podmore

32 15d Raleigh Hall Ind Est T: / Eccleshall F: Stafford. ST21 6JL E: creativecopy@btconnect.com