SPOTLIGHT - JUNE 2004

SEEND PLAYGROUP.

The picture on the front cover shows the children enjoying their Easter Bonnet Parade 2004, in the Millennium Garden.

In fact It is our 30th Birthday this year. Seend Playgroup began in April, 1974, with 12 children on the registrar. The staff at the time were Jenny Witt (Supervisor), Pam Darby and a lady called Margaret. I remember three of the children were Duncan Futter, Sandra Tilley and Jamie Ball. The following year a committee was formed and we adopted the constitution of the Pre-School Playgroup Association.

When Jenny moved away, Enid Evans became supervisor. I had great admiration for Enid and learned a lot from her. When a vacancy arose I was taken on board. that was September, 1981. Another fount of inspiration was Jo Wansburgh, a former infant teacher who helped once a week for many years. Our next supervisor was Sue Holloway. Her claim to fame was starting the Nativity Play, the photo album and organising a grand 10th Birthday Teddy Bears Picnic. When Sue left, I became Supervisor in January, 1987. That year we expanded to three mornings a week and Rose Dick became one of the assistants.

Things started getting serious in 1997 with Nursery Vouchers and OFSTED Inspections. That year we expanded to 4 mornings a week and very soon began the Wednesday afternoon packed lunch session.

To obtain the Nursery Grant we have to show that we are providing a broad education for the children across six areas of learning, in a safe and caring environment. The areas of learning are: Personal, Social and Emotional, Language and Literacy, Maths, Knowledge of the World Physical and Creative Development. We have to keep records of the children’s progress backed up by observations. Training is now essential and ongoing. Despite all this we still manage to enjoy PLAYING, and what started as a bit of a hobby, has turned into a very worthwhile career.

We are registered to take up to 24 children and are currently full. My assistants are Rose Dick, Nicky Haines and Sue Taylor. Our Management Committee is chaired by Sarah Harris. All parents can be involved in the education of their children by serving on the committee and by helping at the play sessions on a rota basis. We are looking for new committee members for September.

Liz Futter.

Underground by-pass for Seend.

It has been interesting to read letters to the Editor of our local newspaper regarding the construction of underground by-passes. There have been several letters considering the advantages and disadvantages of such a route under Devizes. But: remember Seend was first with its tunneling proposals . Work has been progressing quietly and only last week an error on the part of the tunneling company was turned to an advantage. The tuneless were out of line with their calculations and failed to meet in the middle. Instead of meeting together the ends of the tunnels ran along side each other. It has been turned to our advantage because the contractors have agreed to provide two tunnels for the price of one.

ROAD SURFACES.

Following the warning given in last month’s Spotlight about removing dentures before driving over the potholes at the top of Bollands Hill, one of the local bus companies has told us that all of their ‘buses have now been fitted with particularly soft suspension systems. Also, their drivers have been specially trained and after being tested, have been awarded V.P.Q’s in A.L.P.H. (Voluminous Paper Qualifications in Avoiding Local Pot Holes).

R.N.L.I.

Many thanks to all who collected for the R.N.L.I. during April. Those who tramped the streets of Seend, Bulkington and Sells Green (12 in all) raised £599.93p. This is £50 more than 2003 and a record.

The 13 who braved traffic jams, rain and a bitterly cold wind in Devizes on the 29th April raised £307 of the £890 collected that day. The total for Devizes and district was £4,950.

Well done and once more very many thanks.

P.F.W.

Urgently wanted:

One or two ladies or gentlemen volunteers to join the Last of the Summer Wine team in maintaining the Pavilion and Millennium Garden, two hours a week on Fridays 10.00a.m. to 12noon. Coffee and biscuits guaranteed. For further details please ring Ron Apted on 828427.

LONDON MARATHON. Don did it again!

We are proud to confirm that Don Fennell completed the London Marathon in 6hr. 45 minutes 30 seconds. A magnificent 5 seconds faster than last year! Don would like to thank all his sponsors in Seend and Seend Cleeve for their generous support. We have a total of £900 for Helen House, the children’s hospice. Together with Gift Aid from taxpayers (?!) this will be worth over £1200 for Helen House. Thank you – you have made a difference.

Jackie Merivale (01380 828395)

COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF CHURCH FLOWERS.

This was a well attended and happy social occasion which resulted in the splendid total of £254.91p. Many thanks to those who were unable to attend but sent generous donations and, of course, thanks to all who attended. Grateful thanks are also expressed to all helpers – Anne, Ann, Nancy, Patricia and Shirley.

Lilian Smallshaw.

SEEND SCHOOL.

Congratulations to the children of Seend School who, with the help of the staff, held a very successful May Fair on 7th May. They raised £323 towards the cost of an interactive whiteboard.

The Parents Social Committee would like to thank everyone who supported the Seend Supper and Song Night on 8th May. We made a profit of £1,149 – a nice reward for everyone’s hard work.

Meg Combs, Seend School Parents Social Committee.

ENTERTAINMENT at the THREE MAGPIES:

Friday, 23rd July: The Wuzells plus supporting band. Tickets £20.
Saturday, 24th July: Manfreds plus supporting bands. Tickets £20.
Sunday, 25th July: Blazing Saddles. A Country & Western evening.
Tickets £10.

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION:

D. Day Service: Sunday, 6th June, 2004. There will be a service to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of D. Day at 0939 hours. The RBL will parade at the top of Church Walk at 0915 hours. It is hoped that as many members as possible will attend, in spite of the early start.

Dug Out Supper: The annual Dug Out Supper (open to all) will take place in the Social Club on Saturday, 5th June, 2004 at 7.00p.m. for 7.30p.m. This is a special occasion to mark the 60th Anniversary of D Day on 6th June, and entertainment will be provided by The Tisbury Trio, who will be playing tunes and singing songs made famous at the time. Supper will be cooked as usual by a dedicated team of “Dug Outers”, and there will also be a raffle.
Tickets (£8 per head) can be obtained from Nigel Knocker (828609), Peter Fisher (828305), Anthony Hodgkinson (828 545 or Roger Brind (828830), so get yours now while there are still a few left.

Dates for the Diary:
25th June : D Day Anniversary Social at the West End Social Club. Tickets
and details from 01249 445735.
27th June: : County parade and Rededication Service – Marlborough.
10th July : Eddington Branch 80th Anniversary Service.
11th July : Fovant Badges Annual Drumhead Service.
16th October: Annual Standard Bearers Competition.

Roger Brind.

SEEND W.I:

The Seend W.I. held its AGM in April with Mrs. Judy Daykin being re-elected as President and Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell elected as Vice Chairman. The Committee members being re-elected en bloc.

At the May meeting Mr. B. Jaques gave a talk on “The Meaning of Words”. This was a most interesting and unusual subject. He was thanked by Mrs. Pam Hillier. The competition “Flower of the Month” was won by Mrs. Florence Roust. The June meeting will be a talk by Mrs. T. Bowman on “Out of the mouths of Babes”. The competition will be “ A photograph of a child”.

The W.I. Breakfasts this year will be on July 31st and August, 7th, 14th and 21st. Helpers are needed please, if interested contact Mrs. L. Hillier on 828243 or Mrs. E. Campbell on 828451.

Mrs. M. Buckley.

UNWANTED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:

Towards the end of August some 40 or so former Colonial Policemen from Northern Rhodesia will be visiting Zambia at the invitation of the Inspector General of the Zambia Police. 40 years after the Northern Rhodesia Police was ‘stood down’ at independence. It is indeed unusual for such an invitation to be received.

During the visit there will be the usual parades and the beating of the retreat though it appears that the Zambia Police are having considerable difficulties in maintaining the band instruments that were presented to them over 50 years ago, in working order! As Elizabeth and I are amongst those taking part we have decided, with others, to see if there are any old musical instruments surplus to requirements in the lofts and attics in the area and which the owners, having no further use for them, would consider donating to the Zambia Police Band. If this is the case, then please do let me know on 828787: Jeremy Hawkins.

THANKS:

Nancy Alexander thanks family and friends for cards and good wishes during her stay in hospital. Thank you all.

SEEND MOTHERS UNION:

Our annual Evensong was held on the 21st April. We welcomed guests from the Deanery Mothers Union and friends from the village. The service was conducted by the Revd. David Gill, our Deanery Chaplain. Afterwards lovely tea was enjoyed in the Pavilion. The Revd. Gill is leaving the Deanery to take up a parish in Gloucestershire.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, 16th June in the Pavilion at 2, 45p.m.

The next corporate communion is on Wednesday, 23rd June at 9.45a.m.

Elizabeth Campbell.

BULKINGTON NEWS.

The Mothers Union:

Wednesday, 23rd June. 10.30a.m. Meeting at Manor Farm, Keevil with guest speaker Dorothy Allison who will give a talk on Beckinsale House.

Church Cleaning: June:

Mrs. McDonald.

Church Flowers:

Sunday 6th & 13th June – Mrs. McDonald.
Sunday, 20th & 27th June – Mrs. Futter.

Church Floral Art for Scarecrow Trail Week-end – Saturday, 3rd & Sunday 4th July:

We will decorate the Church on Friday, 2nd July in readiness for the Scarecrow week-end. Country themes or anything to do with nursery rhymes and pantomimes or Scarecrows – I’ll leave the choice to you and your wonderful imaginations!
I have plenty of oasis and will distribute to you all in good-time. Good luck, just enjoy and have fun!

Andie Elliott (828277).

Saturday, 3rd July, Sunday 4th July – 10.30a.m. to 5.00p.m. daily.
Scarecrow Trail in aid of Dorothy House Hospice and Bulkington Church.

Bulkington village will be home to many nursery rhyme and pantomime characters on 3rd and 4th July. Can you or your children identify them and answer some testing questions on nursery rhymes? If so, you could be one of three lucky prize winners.

Other attractions include a ‘steam up’ on the Sunday afternoon by the West Wilts. Society of Model Engineers when the little steam locomotives will take children (and adults) around the Great Bulkington Railway.

There will be a floral art display in the Church and the Bulkington ‘McDonalds’ will be serving cream teas and light lunches in the marquee on the church lawn throughout the weekend..

There will be ample car parking space in the field beside the church where the trail begins.

Please come along and join us in this fun weekend. Entry for everyone viewing the trail will be £1 for adults and 50p. For children. All the money raised from the entry will be divided equally between the Dorothy House Hospice and the Church.

Many thanks. Bulkington Scarecrow Committee.

Bulkington Ladies Group:

Sadly, the torrential rain meant our Archery session couldn’t go ahead, but as is our custom, when the weather forces us to cancel our planned activity, the ladies visited a local pub where the evening was spent discussing world affairs, as well as the forthcoming activities for the year.
Our activity on 30th June will be a short walk around Coulston guided by our own knowledgeable Jill Topp (who has an interesting story to tell), followed by a visit to a pub.

As always new ladies are very welcome to our evenings which are informal with the emphasis on social activities. Please come along whatever the weather – if rain spoils our plans, we will arrange an alternative indoor activity.

Geraldine (828664).

Mothers & Toddlers Group:

The Bulkington Village Hall Committee would welcome the use of our newly decorated village hall by a Mothers & Toddlers Group. We believe that there are enough young families in the village to warrant the formation of such a group and that the Mothers and Toddlers will benefit from such a regular weekly social event.

If enough mothers are interested we would like to hold an informal gathering at 10 o’clock in the morning on Thursday, 10th June in the Village Hall. Louise Wareham has expressed an interest in leading the group and she would like to hear from other mothers who would be willing to help.

We can offer kitchen facilities, (coffee and tea making and a microwave oven) and toilet facilities.

Interested ‘Mums’ are requested to contact Gill Breach on 828272. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and natter away with lots of other Ladies. Don’t miss it!.

Nev. Boulton, Chairman Village Hall Committee.

Bulkington Parish Council:

At the Annual General Meeting held on 12th May, 2004 the following officers were elected :
Chairman: Mr. Philip Coles. Vice Chairman: Mr. Mark Barnett.

The Chairman’s report is as follows – for the year 2003 – 2004:
At the local Parish Council Election held on 1.5.03 there was a high turnout of voters – approximately 70% and 10 candidates stood for election to the Parish Council, with only 7 places on the Parish Council. However, four new councillors were elected in addition to the three who were re-elected, two of whom went on a Training Course for Councillors which proved to be useful and interesting. One of the new Councillors set up a Village Website which is now being looked after by Mr. Mark Barnett in Tim’s absence. This website is updated weekly and Broadband is available. A Welcome Pack is also available for newcomers to the village which was put together by Tim and Mark and printed by Rob. Thornton and this contains all necessary information for new people moving into Bulkington.

The Playing Field is in regular use and new mini soccer goal posts and nets have been bought by the Playing Field Committee at a cost of about £500.
The ditch running alongside the road by the playing field from the pumping station has been filled in and we are hoping to cover this with stone and create a small car park there.

We have also written to the W.C.C. in support of Keevil School remaining open as many children from Bulkington attend, and have attended this excellent little school, and it would be very sad to see it closed down.

There is a proposed Parish Plan for which Mr. Mark Barnett, Deputy Chairman, has been holding meetings on a Saturday morning for people to drop in to the village hall and discuss future proposals for the village. On the subject of our Village Hall, which is of the utmost importance to all residents, it was quite a shock to be told that the floor was in such a dangerous condition that no insurance company would insure it. Outside quotes for all necessary repairs were obtained and were extortionate so Neville Boulton co-ordinated local residents who rallied round and carried out all major repairs at a fraction of the outside estimates and also raised a considerable sum of money themselves. A new floor and entrance was constructed which would accommodate wheelchairs, walls were plastered and painted and we now have a “new village hall” thanks to Nev. and his merry men and women!

My thanks also must go to all the Parish Councillors for all their help, support and interest in the running of village affairs and hopefully we can continue to improve facilities for everyone for many years to come. I must also thank the “Indispensable Felicity”, our Parish Clerk, for all her hard work and guidance during the past year and for so diplomatically keeping us in order at our meetings. We could not manage without her!.

Thanks:

May I thank people of Bulkington who generously bought raffle tickets from me for Parkinsons Disease Research. A grand total for £140 was collected. Thank you again.

Bob Webb.

CIDER NOUVEAU:

Special, at the Brewery Inn, 2003 A.D. vintage “Morning Glory Cider”. Brewed at Great Thornham Farm, the first pints can be purchased on Saturday and Sunday, 29th and 30th May.

During the following Saturday, 5th June, the Brewery Inn will be holding its third Annual Cider Fest. From noon onwards customers will be able to choose from at least twenty different brews of cider. Food in the form of a B.B.Q. and Ploughman’s meals will also be available. Weather permitting from 2.00p.m. until 6.00p.m. there will be children’s games and a bouncy castle. Come along and enjoy the fun.

TRIP TO R.H.S. GARDEN at ROSEMOOR, DEVON on SATURDAY, 19th JUNE , 2004.

Bodman’s coach will pick up at the Bell Inn, Seend just before 8.00a.m., continue via Westbury, comfort stop en route and arrive at Rosemoor approx. 11.30a.m. Refreshments are available on site or take a picnic lunch. The grounds have much of interest for all who love gardens and gardening. The coach will return about 4.15p.m. and you will be back in Seend just before 8.00p.m.

Please contact Heather and Don Hyde at 7 Sells Green, Seend (828342) if you would be interested in Joining this whole Day Outing with members of the Wiltshire Group of the Alpine Garden Society. There are a limited number of seats still available, and you are invited to apply without delay. Complete cost for garden entry and coach will be £12.60p. It should be a lovely day.

SEEND GARDENING CLUB:

A.G.M. and Social: Our Chairman, Tony Hill, thanked the many people who throughout the year, had helped run the Club, both on committee and members who give a helping hand. We also need members to come forward to shadow current committee members who will be retiring shortly. Please think about this, your help is urgently needed.

The Social part of the evening was much enjoyed, thanks to the food provided by members and our visiting magician.

There was a good response to the questionnaire on future stay-away trips. Your ideas will be taken into account in future planning. Thank you for taking the trouble to fill them in and return them to Roger.

The Jill Edgely Trophy was won by Jean Allen – good to have another new name on the bowl – the joint runners up were Mildred Wright and Jane Goman.

The Club Day Out to Duntisbourne Rous and Bourton House is on Saturday, 26th June: two delightful places to visit. Please bring a picnic lunch and something waterproof to sit on. There will be tea available in the afternoon. Your monies should have been paid to Roger, so please contact him if you have not done so. The deposit for the stay away in August is also due now, if you are on the list.
The pick up places and times for 26th June are as follows :
Woolmer House 8.35am: Martinslade 8.45a.m.: The Lye 8.50a.m.:
The Bell 8.55a.m. The Stocks 9.10a.m.

Members Gardens open to other members: Details of those open on Tuesday, 8th June will be found in the May issue of Spotlight. The others are as follows :
Thursday, 17th June from 6.00p.m. Alex Gray (our garden designer) Brow Cottage, Seend Hill: Elizabeth & Jeremy Hawkins, Inmarsh House, Inmarsh:
Joy & Alan Stack, 17 Dial Close: Tina & Neil Yockney, 37 Seend Cleeve.
Tuesday, 29th June from 6.00p.m. Audrey & Tony Hill, 422 Redstocks (down Redstocks Lane, first left and down to the end): Jean & Roger Allen, 30 Dial Close

We could do with more people entering for the Spring Bulb Show at the March meeting. Why not ‘phone Anne Salter to get her list of bulbs, sold in aid of the local camping centre for Guides, etc. They are excellent value for money. Anne’s number is 01380 828502.

We hope to see you at some of the above events in good weather!

J. Brand.

SEEND TRUST:

Discussions are a foot to merge Seend Trust and the Seend Social Club. The object of the Trust, the enhancement of the environment and amenities of the Parish, are, in the opinion of the remaining officers, sufficiently widely known to permit this course. We are also convinced that to help to secure the future of the Club would be of great value to our Village.

If any member of the Trust would wish to express a view, for or against the proposal, please get in touch with any of the following :

Mathew Thorpe, 828456: Philip Wood, 828 312: Anne Salter, 828502.

HISTORIC HOUSES CLUB: Visit to REDMORTON MANOR & GARDEN,
CIRENCESTER

We have arranged a visit to this great country house containing beautiful furniture, ironwork, china and needlework specially made for the home. The large garden contains many areas of great beauty and character.

There will be a guided tour of the house on Sunday, 18th July, commencing at 2.30p.m., then we are free to walk round the garden. The charge will be £7 per person. The Shuttle will leave from Dial Close at 12.15p.m. prompt.

If you would like to join the trip and have not already put your name down, please ‘phone Tina Yockney on 01380 827139 by 30th June. Further details will be sent nearer the date.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:

As a result of a recent Police visit I have been asked to put in a few reminders about security during the summer months. These may seem boring and obvious, but every year we have our fair share of trouble.
1. Unlocked Cars: Do lock cars especially at night. Don’t leave keys or other attractive items on the seats.
2. Unlocked Doors and Windows: especially when the premises are unoccupied. Please leave a key with a friend or neighbour if you are going on holiday. How do you expect your alarm to be dealt with if it goes off in error.
3. Check Outbuildings are secured: Alarms can be obtained from the Police at a small charge.
4. Check all Outside Lighting is Working: It is always worth keeping a decent sized torch available and might be helpful in emergencies.
5. Distraction Burglaries: Always be aware that you might have one or more persons knocking at your door. Have you thought what you might do? Have you a chain on your door?

A.R. Hodgkinson (828545) Neighbourhood Watch.

FETE CHAMPETRE at STOURHEAD on FRIDAY, 23rd JULY:

This very special summer evening event is open to everyone in the village, including family and friends. It takes place in the beautiful gardens of Stourhead around the lake. Several bands and orchestras play in different venues, little boats waft you across the lake, the lights come on illuminating the wonderful trees and glimmering on the water, and the fireworks start shooting into the darkening sky at about 10.30p.m. Last time a group of about 20 of us went with our posh picnics, dressed to kill, and we had the most magical evening.

We will go, sharing cars, to arrive at about 5.30 – 6.00p.m. to get a good site near the main action. We are lucky enough to have secured cut-price tickets at £21 (instead of £23). The theme this year is “Love is in the Air” or in other words, “Romance”, so there is plenty of scope for going over the top (again!) with our costumes, or simply coming along in any favourite dress style, as your own romantic self! I.e. you don’t have to make any particular effort to dress up if you don’t fancy it.

If you would like to join us, please contact Christine O’Reilly on 828888. Cheques should be made out to Seend Theatre Club.

Sylvia Ewin (828325).

100+ CLUB DRAW RESULTS FOR MARCH & APRIL2004:

The draws took place on 22nd April, following the Seend & District Link AGM. The draw was made by a member of the Link volunteer drivers, one of whom was a lucky winner (but she didn’t know it until later, because she didn’t remember her number). All the lucky winners are :


March, 2004:
1st prize: £35: Nr. 131: Seend Gardening Club.
2nd prize: £30: Nr. 27. Mrs. Nancy Hutchinson.
3rd prize: £20: Nr. 72: Mrs. Cathy Pond.
4th prize: £15: Nr: 190: Ms. Julie Holiday.

April, 2004:
1st prize: £35: Nr. 203: Mr. Philip Proven.
2nd prize: £30: Nr. 11: Mrs. J. Martine.
3rd prize: £20: Nr. 50: Mrs. Sheila Turner.
4th prize: £15: Nr. 4: Mrs. Joyce Brand.

Bernie Prolze

SEEND SOCIAL CLUB:

Well the Beer Festival exceeded all expectations and was a tremendous day with the beer selling out by 8.00p.m. Some 500 people came through the doors and had a great time in a fantastic party atmosphere.
Plans are already in place for Beer Fest, 2005, with more beer and more room – so make sure 29th April, 2005 is in your diaries.

And whilst you have your diaries out there are lots of events for everyone coming up at Seend Social Club.

Club Dinner Dance – Saturday, 19th June:
Although a celebration of “sporting achievement” and a recognition of those who have made a difference to our Club over the year, why not come along even if you haven’t won a trophy and share a meal and a glass or two with friends.
Tickets are £10 and from Seend Social Club (01380 828796) and Richard Todhunter (01380 828730).

Summer Events:
Over the summer we are hoping to stage some barbecues and mini beer tasting evenings, weather permitting – keep your eyes peeled for posters.

Charity Dance – Saturday, 16th October:
Dance the night away to firm favourites of Seend Social Club, ‘Get This’
Tickets will be available from Ray Willis (01225 708811).

New Year’s Eve 2004 at Seend Social Club – Get ready to party:
After the fantastic response we received from those who partied this New Year in, arrangements are already in place for New Year’s Eve 2004 for you to pop those party poppers, burst those balloons, and throw those streamers. Hopefully bigger and better – it’s the place to be so make sure you’re there!

Looking for a Venue?
As many of you will know, the Club is a fantastic venue for parties, Christenings and weddings, etc. and provides great value for money. If you are interested in making a booking, please contact Stan Wiltshire on 01380 828559 for availability and prices.

SEEND & DISTRICT RAMBLERS:

On Sunday, 25th April: 16 walkers took part in the walk organised by Gerald Salter, commencing from the little hamlet of Miserden, north east of Stroud. This Cotswold walk provided a magical combination of farmland, wide-ranging views, mixed woodland and parkland, all in a relatively short distance of 5½ miles.

As we had hoped, the spring flowers were in abundance, and the bluebell haze was a marvel. Picnicing amongst the buttercups and a pint at the pub to finish made this walk most enjoyable. Thanks to Gerald for organising it.

Sunday, 16th May: 13 walkers turned up on a lovely hot day for Pam & Derek Chapman’s walk which started from the picturesque church in Luckington, where the wedding was staged in the filming of television’s “Pride & Prejudice” The 5½
miles distance took us over fields, tracks and quiet lanes. Passing another village of great beauty :- Alderton.

We stopped here to picnic on the green, alongside the duck pond. Quite a variety of different ducks, fowl and black swans entertained us. To finish the walk an invitation to look round the garden of The Old Parsonage in Luckington was taken up. Thanks to Pam and Derek for an excellent walk.

Friday Evening, 11th June: meet at the Market Cross in Devizes at 7.00p.m.
Mr. John Girvan, local historian, will be taking us on a town tour of Devizes. John will make a small charge of £3 per head: this walk should be no longer than two hours. If the weather is wet, then John will entertain us at his Forge with a demonstration.

Please try and support this event. I can assure you that John is very entertaining!

If anyone is stuck for transport, please phone me on 01225 706451 and we can probably arrange a lift.

Sunday, 20th June: (This walk was originally planned for Saturday). A change in date – as this day attracted more walkers.

Therefore, please meet Jill and Marion at Rusty Lane for a 10.00a.m. departure to commence the walk from Broughton Gifford. Easy to moderate, distance 5½ miles. Bring refreshments. The walk starts and finishes at “The Bell-on-the-Common”.

Lin Salter.

SPOTLIGHT COLLECTION ENVELOPES:

If you are still waiting to have your envelope collected, please ring Mrs. Smallshaw on 01380 828540. She will then make arrangements for collection.

A Little bit of Village History – The Lye Field – cont.

Up to 1966 efforts to provide the Parish of Seend with a recreation field and children’s playground had failed but in that year, the owner of what is now the Lye Field wanted to sell the area for building development. When this became known a group of affluent people met and agreed that if the Parish would be prepared to buy the field then they would underwrite the necessary loan. On the 27th October, 1966 a number of people, by now known as The Playing Field Committee met at the Devizes Rural District Council Offices to discuss how the field might be acquired and funded. Subsequent to this meeting an offer was then made to the owner of the field. It was for £5,500 (in the region of £60,000 at today’s values). and was for the 5½ acre field immediately adjacent to the west of The Lye Estate. The offer was received without comment.

It was necessary to determine the level of support from the Parish and the January, 1967 edition of Spotlight carried a notice inviting everybody to attend a public meeting which would be held in the W.I. Hall on the 25th of that month. The minutes show that 118 people attended together with one member from the press.
Mr. Archie Kidd was appointed Chairman of the meeting. There was a clear support to go ahead with the purchase which, if made by Seend Parish Council, would attract a grant up to 50% of the cost. Should the purchase be made by a voluntary committee representing the village, grants of up to 75% could be gained. 50% would be from Wiltshire County Council and 25% from the Playing Fields Association. A committee was duly appointed and empowered to negotiate as necessary.

Unexpected and external events brought the purchase to a speedy conclusion. A piece of legislation was due to be enacted on 6th April, 1967 and this would require that anybody selling land for development purposes, on or after that day, would have to pay the Government a tax of 40% of the money realised. The village offer of £5,500 was accepted and the Parish now owned The Lye Field.

The committee acted swiftly and in a most business-like manner. Walter Ireland of Messrs. Wansboroughs of Devizes was appointed Solicitor. Barclays Bank agreed a loan of £5,500, this sum being under written by Miss Usher and Mr. Archie Kidd. A deposit of 20% would be paid on exchange of documents.

Trustees were appointed. These were: Mr. A. Kidd as Chairman, Mr. J. Fraser as Treasurer and Mrs. H. Hyde as Secretary. The others were the Revd. Ken Brown and Mr. Ranstead as Chairman of the Parish Council. All that remained was to raise the money to repay the loan.

To be continued -

 

 
Spotlight Editor: Mrs Lilian Smallshaw - Telephone: 828540
Page Last Updated: 5 July 2004

Please click on the BACK button on your browser to return to the previous screen