Loddon Valley Link 201112 - December January 2011

The Loddon Valley Link Church and Parish Magazine

for Sherfield-on-Loddon, Stratfield Saye and Hartley Wespall with Stratfield Turgis

December 2011 - January 2012 Issue 442

Page 2

Services for December 2011

Sunday 4th December Advent 2 10.00am Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield 10.00am Family Service St Mary’s Stratfield Saye* 5.00pm Advent Carol Service St Mary’s Hartley Wespall Followed by refreshments at Hartley Mill Wednesday 11.00am Advent Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

Sunday 11th December Advent 3 Christmas Tree Festival Weekend

10.00am Morning Worship St Leonard’s Sherfield with Children’s Sunday Club Wednesday 11.00am Advent Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

Sunday 18th December Advent 4 10.00am Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield with Children’s Sunday Club 5.00pm Childrens Nativity Service St Mary’s Stratfield Saye* Followed by refreshments 6.30pm Carol Service St Leonard’s Sherfield Wednesday 11.00am Advent Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

Saturday 24th December Christmas Eve 4.00pm Crib Service St Leonard’s Sherfield 10.30pm Holy Communion by Extension St Mary’s Hartley Wespall 11.00pm Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

Sunday 25th December CHRISTMAS DAY 10.30am Family Service St Leonard’s Sherfield 10.00am Family Service St Mary’s Stratfield Saye* 11.00am Prayer Book Holy Communion St Mary’s Stratfield Saye with Carols

*Drive up close to the white gates, which will open automatically .

Children are welcome at all our services. Services in italics are particularly geared to children and families.

BCP = Book of Common Prayer.

Sunday 1st January Christmas 1 10.00am Benefice Communion St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Sunday 8th January Epiphany 1 10.00am Morning Worship St Leonard’s Sherfield With Children’s Sunday Club Friday 4.15pm Messy Church at Sherfield Park Community Centre

Sunday 15th January Epiphany 2 10.00am Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield With Childrens Sunday Club 10.00am Matins and Holy Communion St Mary’s Stratfield Saye* By Extension 4.00pm Evensong St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Sunday 22nd January Epiphany 3 8.00am Prayer Book Communion St Mary’s Hartley Wespall 10.30am Benefice Confirmation Service St Leonard’s Sherfield Wednesday 4.00 pm Toddlers St Leonard’s Church

Sunday 29th January Epiphany 4 10.00am Benefice Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield With Children’s Sunday Club

Sunday 5th February 3rd before Lent 10.00am Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield 10.00am Family Service St Mary’s Strafield Saye* 4.00pm Evensong with Holy Communion St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Services for January 2012

Page 3

BREACH LANE CHAPEL Sherfield on Loddon

Contact: Rev Chris Russell 01276 21469 Geoff Belsham 01256 882534

CATHOLIC SERVICES

Church of St Bede, Popley (www.vinntec.co.uk/hg/)

Contact Fr. Dominic Golding, at the Parish Office Tuesday to Friday 9.30 - 1.00pm Tel: 01256 465214

Sunday Mass 9.00 am, 11.00 am, and 6.30pm

Page 4

December 2011 - January 2012

Also...

Every Sunday 10.30am Family Worship

2nd

Sunday 3pm Bible Study in the Chapel

2nd

Sunday 5.30pm Informal Worship

4th Sunday in Jan 3pm Bible Study in the Chapel

Every Tuesday 10.30am Open Morning (please phone to check)

Every Wednesday 2pm Kurling (with Mencap) – closed for 2

3rd

Wednesday in January

7pm Swimming (with Mencap) at Tadley Pool

2nd

Thursday in December

7.30pm Bible Study (House Group)

1st Thursday in Jan 7.30pm Bible Study (House Group)

3rd

Saturday 2.30pm Disabled Christian Fellowship at Camberley

Sunday 18th

December

10.30am Carol Service

Sunday 25th

December

10.30am Christmas Day Celebration Service

Page 5

“O little town of Bethlehem…”

“...How still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by… “ Our own Milky Way galaxy is thought to contain about 200 billion stars; and we’re actually about average compared with other galaxies of which astronomers estimate there are approximately 100 billion to 1 trillion, of which our planet, Earth, is a mere spec. Recently it was estimated that our planet is inhabited by 7 billion people, each person being made up of a number of atoms almost too big to write =7 followed by 27 zeros! These particles hold together for approximately 650,000 hours to make up our lifetime before they fall apart. So, who are we, from where have we come and to where are we going? “...Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight…” The ingredients of our chemistry can be found on the shelves of most chemist shops: some carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, a little calcium and a dash of sulphur. Very ordinary stuff and yet within the universe you are unique, each life is precious and each person is a miracle. “...For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love…” And so we live upon this planet, floating in a giant space, revolving every 23 hours 53 seconds, orbiting a star called the Sun every 364.25 days who’s surface is 6000°C—a degree nearer we burn up, a degree further away we freeze up. Our Earth rotates perfectly at an angle of 23° at a speed of 30kph. Another daily miracle. “...How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven...” For me this well known carol embodies the wonder of the Christmas message: God, who is beyond time and space, the Creator and Sustainer of all, loves us and sent his Son to us to tell us. “...O holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in be born to us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us our Lord Emmanuel.” Emmanuel means ‘God is with us’. He wants to be with you and wants you to know that you are with him and can never be separated from him. Today he still enters in to the lives of those who are willing to welcome him. May you know the real joy and peace of Christmas.

Revd. Bob Politt

Page 6

New hedging for Sherfield

As part of a wider campaign to stop the decline in hedge trees and encourage people to reconnect with healthy, local food on their doorstep, the Tree Council is giving Sherfield a free fruiting hedge. The hedging will be sited in a number of positions around the Village Green and will include: Hawthorn, Sloe, Raspberry, Gooseberry, Redcurrant, Blackcurrant, Blackberry, Rose, Elder, Quince, interspersed with 20 fruiting trees : Apples, Crab apples, Cherry, Damsons, Pear, Plums, Green Gage, Medlar, Rowan, Walnut, Mulberry and Hazel.

Although the hedge is free, we have to plant it ourselves and for this we

need as many willing volunteers as possible. The planting is scheduled

to take place over the weekend of 26th and 27th of November and

3rd and 4th of December. If you could spare a couple of hours, and

can bring your own spade, please phone Jane Jordan on 880852 or

Bruce Batting on 882605.

Sherfield Park Community Centre Christmas Fayre Saturday 10th December 2pm -5pm

We are really thrilled to offer local residents an opportunity to celebrate the first Community Centre Christmas! There will be stalls offering excellent quality goods including jewellery, cards, home-made chocolates and gifts! Refreshments on sale will include mulled wine, home baked sausage rolls & mince pies.

Children can make a decoration for our Christmas tree and festive biscuit to take home and of course Santa will be in his grotto!

To complete our celebrations we join us for carols around the tree and really engage in the Christmas Community spirit at Sherfield Park!

For any details or to let us know you are coming contact Candice Wright, Centre Manager on 01256 883967 or email

[email protected]

Renowned for delicious

food, great ales and a

warm welcome

www.whitehartsherfield.co.uk

White Hart, Reading Road, Sherfield on Loddon,

Hants, RG27 0BT

01256 882280

www.LoddonValleyLink.hampshire.org.uk

Page 7

Wellington Farm Shop - 01189 326132 www.wellington-farm-shop.co.uk

Located on the A33 at the Riseley roundabout between Reading and Basingstoke

Page 8

BRAMLEY ART

CLASSES Antonia Dewhurst is teaching classes in

Drawing & Painting.

Monday 10.00-12.00am, 12.45-2.45pm and 7.00-9.00pm

£90 for 10 weeks. £80 OAPs Situated in Cufaude Lane,

Beginners & Improvers welcome. Tel: 01256 883876

[email protected]

SHERFIELD 0-5’S

Every Tuesday 10.00am to 12 noon

Sherfield Park Community Centre

Climbing frame, toys, parachute games, singing,

juice and biscuits, tea and coffee. A great place to meet new people and

make new friends – everyone welcome! Come and join us! designed to wear out your children!

Contacts: Louisa 01256 881229, Beccy 880894, Kerry 880167


ST. LEONARD’S CHURCH Saturday Open Days On the 3rd of December from 10am until 4pm.

A list of all the Open Day dates for the year is displayed in the Lych Gate at the Church.

Everyone is welcome to visit for quiet reflection, a prayer, to study the architecture and history of the church or to view with a

wedding in mind.

Parish Registers

Funerals

Ted Palmer 31.10.11 Sherfield

Joshua Campbell-Lendrum 01.11.11 Sherfield

Jill Hayllor 04.11.11 Sherfield

Page 9

Major Paul White

Paul and his family live in Sherfield Park. He was deployed to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan with Joint Force Support on Oct 25 for a 6 ½ month tour of duty, due home May 7th 2012.

He is a Major in the Royal Corps of Signals based with 101 Log Bde in Aldershot and has been in the Army for 28 years.

He and his family would really appreciate your thoughts and prayers for him and all our boys serving in Afghanistan.

Date for your Diary:

Spontaneous Messiah - Saturday 3rd March

2012 at St Leonard’s £10 to sing, £10 to listen, all proceeds to the St Leonard’s Extension Fund

Page 10


For information call: 0118 932 6308 Brochure hotline: 0118 932 6480

www. wellington-riding.co.uk e-mail: [email protected]

Page 11

The Evergreens Club: Reported by May MacQueen

Our meeting for November was a talk and floral demonstration by Ilene Iles. Ilene demonstrated arrangements using various receptacles including wine glasses, baskets and decorated plant pots. She used

carnations, roses, freesia, gerberas and different types of greenery. Ilene also answered any questions from the members and gave some interesting tips and ideas. Ilene kindly donated the floral demonstrations she had made towards our raffle. Our next meeting is our Christmas Party on December 5th at 2pm.

EDITORIAL

Welcome to our Christmas and New Year edition of the Loddon Valley Link. It is packed full of information about events and activities for the festive season as well as giving you details of a whole range of Church activities and services.

Please see the section - pages 2 and 3 for Church services and the centre pages for family events including the Christmas Tree Festival, carol singing and special activities.

As usual, there are a host of events organised for the Sherfield Village Hall - please see page 31. For music aficionados the Basingstoke Concert Big Band will be performing big band classics and jazz standards including originals from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s as well as more contemporary arrangements for big band ...not to be missed!

Events in other parts of our Benefice include a Children’s Nativity at Stratfield Saye and a reminder about the the Foundation that provides grants for children and young people under 18 in the Parishes of Stratfield Saye and Beech Hill. There is an Advent Carol Service at Hartley Wespall, together with a reminder about the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The ‘Messy Church’ continues at Sherfield Park with meetings in December and January - see the information on Page 25.

Finally, from the whole LINK team we wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Page 12


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Page 13

Thoughts and prayers for Advent, Christmas and the New Year

Isaiah 11 : 1 -3

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding. The Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. The NIV Bible

Prayer for the Month.

Loving God, it will soon be Advent and we will be anticipating Christmas again but perhaps for many people this year it will be a time of anxiety and not the usual bustle of preparation. The world around us is in turmoil and we wonder what it will mean for us. Two thousand years ago Mary and Joseph faced an equally uncertain future as they were forced to travel to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. You came into a world where there seemed no place for you but you were received with great joy by the rough shepherds who were the poor of that time. As we rejoice this year hear our prayers for all who have no cause for celebration, the hungry, the homeless, the unemployed, the out of work young people in our country and throughout the world. Open our hearts to hear again your word, to welcome in the living Christ and to reflect on our response to his call. Teach us to welcome Jesus into our lives and to rejoice in his love not just at Christmas but always. In your name we ask. Amen

Prayer Points for December/January

Pray for Paul White, one of our church members who is currently serving

in Afghanistan; that he will be kept safe during his tour of duty and for Shirley his wife and Katharine their daughter as they face a lonely Christmas without him.

Give thanks for the joy of the Christmas message

Pray for those who could be alone at Christmas that their need

of fellowship and friendship will be recognised by those around them, especially those who have been bereaved in the past year

Pray for the homeless and those without food or water or shelter this

Christmas that the world will not forget them.

Pray for world leaders that they may work together to bring peace and

prosperity to all peoples, especially those living in poverty in so-called third world countries.

Page 14


ELLIOTT’S

LANDSCAPING

Tree Surgery

Stump Grinding

Hedge Cutting

Fencing

Decking

Power Washing

Turfing

Garden Maintenance

Peter Elliott 01256 883743

Mobile: 07725 749 644

Page 15

From Sherfield-on-Loddon Parish Council

Closure of the Post Office

The parish council is actively working with the Post Office to ensure that the village has a facility when the current postmaster retires. There are several options for consideration and one of these could involve the post office moving to a different location within the village if it is unable to continue on its current site. In this event, it is likely that volunteers will be called upon to assist with the running of the service and the parish council would like to hear from anyone who would be able to spare some time to ensure that this valued village facility is not lost. All training will be free and in the village. If you think that you could spare a few hours a week, then please contact the parish clerk .

Digital Switchover

In February 2012 analogue television transmitted via Hannington will be switched off and those with analogue televisions will need to convert them to digital by using a Freeview box, a digital satellite service or digital cable. For older and disabled viewers who may find making the switch difficult, the BBC –run Switchover Help Scheme is available to assist. If you’re 75 or over or eligible disabled, the Help Scheme will write to you directly and in plenty of time to ask if you want help. For more information on the Switchover Help Scheme visit helpscheme.co.uk or call free on 0800 40 85 900.

Next meeting

The parish council will be holding its next meeting on Wednesday 14th of December at 7.30pm in the Sherfield Park Community Centre in the Taylor’s Farm ward of the parish and would like to extend an invitation to residents there to come along and meet their councillors and see them in action. There is a regular public participation session at all council meetings when residents may ask questions on the agenda items.

The following meeting will be on Wednesday 11 January at 7.30pm in the Liddell Hall – all welcome!

Julie Collins - Clerk to the Parish Council, Sherfield-on-Loddon, PO Box 6862, Basingstoke, RG24 4QZ Telephone: 01256 473927 Email: [email protected]

Page 16


Page 17


The Garage AT SHERFIELD IS NOW OPEN

Goddard’s Lane, Sherfield-on-Loddon, HOOK, Hants. RG27 0EZ

Tel: 01256 882271

Mobile: 07812 939498

Under new management

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Labour rates reduced by 20%

WE CAN CARRY OUT

MOT’S - CARS/MOTORCYCLES

SERVICES

DIAGNOSTICS

REPAIRS

AIR CONDITIONING

COLLECTION AND DELIVERY

SERVICE AVAILABLE

Page 18

FUNERAL DIRECTORS &

MONUMENTAL MASONS.

ALEXANDER & DRY

Twenty four hour service. Pre-paid funeral plans

available.

1 Seal Road, Basingstoke, RG21 7NQ

Tel: 01256 844663


YOUR COUNTRY FLORIST CHINEHAM

Traditional and contemporary flowers for

all occasions Weddings, Funerals, Parties etc. Remember your loved one the best way possible, with flowers. 1 Reading Road, Chineham

RG24 8LN (next to Indian Restaurant)

Tel/Fax 01256 840222

SAT 19th Nov: 10am to 4pm SAT 10th Mar: 10am to 3pm

(Free Entrance)

Page 19

Childrens’ Nativity & Carols

Sunday December 18th at 5 pm at St Mary’s Church Stratfield Saye

An occasion for the whole village to celebrate the approach of Christmas. Listen to and encourage the children in their portrayal of

the Christmas Story; sing carols and join together afterwards in the Village Hall for refreshments. Do come. Veronica Upton

Beat officer’s report: Mandy Jewell. Mobile 07554 775617

Speed enforcement:

Unfortunately due to other commitments, no speed enforcement was carried out during October

Crime prevention:

Due to the amount of interest across the beat area residents will be contacted re possible schemes in Silchester, Mortimer West End and Bramley.

Incidents in October:

The number of incidents across the area ranged from 111 in Tadley down to an average of 50 for the other beats, with my beat having 46. In relation to the number of crimes Tadley had 30 with the rest of the patch ranging from 6 to 19, with us having 9. The number of calls in relation to anti social behaviour ranged from 1 to 28, we had 7, and of those, most related to neighbour incidents.

Countrywatch:

The area now has a Countrywatch team who will look at poaching, anti social behaviour on rural land (misuse of footpaths/ fields, raves) and fly tipping (illegal dumping of waste). Incidents to be reported as any other incident: 0845 045 45 45 or 101

Page 20


Rewires, Fuse boxes, security lights

Garden lights, alarms quotes free

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0118 942 7553

There’s never enough time to do … Garden Clearance, Seasonal Tidies, Grass Cutting, Turfing, Hedge

Trimming, Steam Cleaning (Patios, Paths, Walls), Creosoting.

We offer weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly visits or one-off tidy ups Tel: 01256 880333 or Mob: 07776 211211

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Will’s Garden Services

Tel: 07951917943/01256 881354

Email: [email protected]

A complete range of garden

services: Garden clearance, Mowing,

Hedgetrimming, Paving, Pruning,

Fencing, Turfing, Tree Care

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mailto:[email protected]


Page 21

BARN DANCE with PITCHFORK

On Saturday, 28th January 2012

From 8.00 to Midnight in Sherfield Village Hall

Tickets £15 to include a Fish Supper

Tickets available from The Shop, The Post Office

or by telephone on 01256 880075

Roy Best 1927 – 2011

It was testament to Roy that it was standing room only at his funeral. To so many people he was “Mr Stratfield Saye”. For 83 years he so generously gave his time in serving the Village he loved. Alongside farming, family and friends, the Village was his passion.

Roy was born into a family of hardworkers. His parents lived and worked at the shop at West End Green and it was here that Roy was born. He started helping the family’s bread baking business and whilst not making or delivering bread he worked as a farm hand. This sparked his love of farming and with his typical positive attitude and graft he became an accomplished farmer, becoming Chairman of Wokingham Agricultural Society and establishing the four farms that his family run today.

It is impossible to overstate Roy’s lasting impression on the Village. He would grasp the nettle when others would not. He made things happen. He sat on the Stratfield Saye Parish Council for 46 years and was Chairman until he died. In the 1960’s he was a District Councillor. He was Church Warden at St Mary’s and, even when unwell, he instigated plans to refurbish the Church’s exterior which will hopefully be one of his many legacies. He was involved in the James Christmas Charity and the Stratfield Saye Educational Foundation. The list could go on as he tirelessly did so many small things that meant so much to people. In every case he expected no credit.

Roy’s passing is a huge loss to the Village. However, the Village has been blessed with having been graced by Roy for 83 years. He will not be forgotten.

Our thanks to Mike Shearn for this contribution.

Page 22

Special Family Services this Christmas Sunday 4th December

Advent Carol Service 5.00pm at St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

(see separate notice for details)

Sunday 18th December

Children’s Nativity Service 5.00pm at St Mary’s Stratfield Saye for the whole family. Followed by Christmas refreshments at the Village Hall.

Sunday, 18th December - Carol Service 6.30pm at St Leonard’s Sherfield. Traditional Carols by Candlelight .

Saturday 24th December - Crib Service 4.00pm at St Leonard’s Sherfield. A very popular Christmas Service for the whole family.

Special Family Services this Christmas

Page 23

Advent Carol Service at St Mary’s Hartley Wespall Sunday 4th December 2011

at 5.00pm An Invitation for you to join in our Advent Carol Service for all the Family. To be held at St Mary's Church, Hartley Wespall followed by hospitality and seasonal refreshments at Hartley Mill courtesy of Jane and John Malarkey.

We welcome you to join with us on this special occasion as we prepare to celebrate the good news of our Saviour's birth at Christmas. Revd Bob Politt

Special Advent Communion at St Leonard’s

Once again we will offer short mid-week communion services led by Revd. Sammie Armstrong during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Advent means ‘coming’ especially a ‘coming’ that is awaited. It has a double focus, past and future. We affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and we are reminded that He will come again in power.

The rich symbolism and meanings of Advent will help us challenge, as well as value and enjoy, the world Christ comes to save. During the busyness of Christmas use these brief services to think about the why of Christmas.

Wednesdays at 11.00 - 11.30am

7th December, 14th December, and 21st December.

Page 24

Christmas Tree Festival

at St Leonard’s Church

9th–11th December 2011

Come and join our festival!

Church open 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday

Highlights!

Friday 9th December:

Launch Evening. Church open 6.30 - 9.00. Lighting the Christmas Trees, Carols and refreshments starting with launch at 7.00pm.

Saturday 10th December:

Christmas Market (10.30am-4.00pm). Plus raffle, tombola and refreshments all day.

Concert (7.00pm-8.30pm) by the Wessex Harpers and other local musical talent. Free Entry! Tickets available from Rody Politt (882209)

Sunday 11th December:

Children’s book illustration competition

Impromptu Pantomime - Come along and join in the fun! 3.15pm-4.30pm

All proceeds of the weekend to the St Leonard’s Extension Project Finally. A big THANK YOU to all of the local businesses that have supported the Christmas Tree Festival. Toilet facilities available - kindly sponsored by Greenhouse Graphics

Page 25

Friday 2nd December and

Friday 13th January at 4.15pm

Life isn’t tidy and one of the strengths of our Church is that we don’t

mind getting messy! ‘Messy Church’ is a monthly opportunity for fam-

ilies to enjoy being together, making things to-

gether, eating things together and celebrating God to-

gether.

All are welcome.

The session will run something like this:-

4.15pm—arrive and register, have a drink & biscuit

4.30pm—Craft activities

5.00pm— Worship, ending with ‘Messy Grace’

5.15pm— Food:

If you would like to come along please give us a

little warning by contacting Jody Taylor on 01256 886119 or e-mail

[email protected]

Page 26

Advance note for your diaries!

Benefice Confirmation Service at St Leonard’s

Church

10.30am Sunday 22nd January 2012

The Right Reverend Peter Hancock, Bishop of Basingstoke, will be making his first visit to the Parish for this service of Confirmation.

Please join us to support the candidates and welcome Bishop Hancock

Church Toddler Time for Babies to 5’s (There will be no Toddler time in December)

Wednesday 25th January

4.00-4.20pm

St Leonard’s Church

Nursery Rhymes, Story & Prayer. Healthy refreshments.

All welcome. Contact Bob Politt for more information

01256 882209 or [email protected]

Page 27

CAROL SINGING Sherfield Village - Tuesday 20th December. 7.15pm meet outside the White Hart.

Sherfield Park - Wednesday 21st December. 6.00 to 7.00pm meet at the Community Centre for singing and

refreshments.

All money donated will be given to the Children’s Society.

Do come and join us for a festive evening of carols

Burns Night, Saturday, 28th January 2012, 7pm till late at Sherfield Park Community Centre

Come and enjoy an evening of music, poetry and dance to commemorate the great Scottish poet and writer, Robbie Burns.

Traditional Dancing, music and readings. Traditional Haggis Supper, and vegetarian option. BYOB. Kilts optional but smart dress essential!

Food and entertainment All profits go towards St Leonards Church Extension Project. Tickets are £10 each. Book now by calling Jody Taylor 01256 886119 before tickets are sold out!

Page 28

Situated on the B3011, the farm shop is in an idyllic location with

plenty of parking. We have a master butcher - Mr Roger

David on site who has over 40 years experience.

Holdshott Farm Shop, Holdshott Farm, Heckfield, Hook,

Hampshire, UK, RG27 0JZ Telephone/Fax: 0118 932 6650

E-mail: [email protected]

Holdshott Farm Shop

Heckfield

Your local organic meat supplier

J Cook Landscapes

Maintenance

Decking & Fencing

Patios & Driveways

Garden Design & Build

Clearance

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Page 29

At Sherfield Park Community Centre

Saturday 10th December from 2pm until 5pm For details see Page 6 of this booklet or to tell us you are coming by

contacting Candice Wright, Centre Manager on 01256 883967 or email [email protected]

visit our website www.sherfieldparkcommunity.co.uk

Sanquilo House, Wildmoor Lane

Dear Readers,

Can you help? I am a garden historian researching on behalf of the Hampshire Gardens Trust. Recently my attention has been drawn to the gardens of the house now known as The Loddon School, but previously the Rectory/St Leonard's/Drayton House. The period of time which interests me is from about 1930 to 1946 when the house was owned by an American family from Manila called Marsman. During this time they updated the house, redesigned the gardens and renamed the house Sanquilo House. I wonder if, through your magazine I could ask whether there is anyone in Sherfield on Loddon who remembers the Marsmans or perhaps had a relative who worked there? During the war it was used as a convalescent home by the Red Cross.

Contact:- Valerie Joynt on web site: [email protected] or

by phone: Tel: 01256 770506 if you can help.

Concert Band Christmas Concert

The affiliated 40 strong Basingstoke Concert Band will also be performing a Christmas Concert at Sherfield-on-Loddon Village Hall on Saturday 17th December 2011. For further information and tickets please contact Sue Foster on 07734 227937 or visit www.bcband.org.uk.

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Page 30


SHERFIELD ON LODDON POST OFFICE &

STORES

Tel: 01256 882210 THE POST OFFICE NOW DOES

ROAD TAX,

TRAVEL INSURANCE,

PERSONAL LOANS,

CAR INSURANCE,

FOREIGN EXCHANGE ETC.

For a Warm Friendly Welcome

THE SHOP IN SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON Selling a vast range of groceries including:

Local Bakery bread & Cakes: Market fresh fruit & veg.

Quality fresh meat & poultry: Excellent selection of Wine

Beer Spirits & Tobacco;

All at competitive prices

THE SHOP, Reading Road, Sherfield

Telephone: 01256 882234

Open: Monday—Saturday 7.00 am to 7.00 pm

Sundays 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

B

B Basingstoke Network Services

N S

Call us on 01256 883838 www.basingstoke-network-services.co.uk

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Sherfield on Loddon Village Hall

Reg. Charity No. 272385

Tel: 01256 882539 / 07799245361 Email:

[email protected]

Village Hall Matters

Page 31

AN EVENING OF BIG BAND SWING!

SATURDAY DEC 3rd. Basingstoke Concert Big Band is affiliated with the Basingstoke Concert Band and most of its members play in both bands. It has a wide repertoire of big band classics and jazz standards including originals from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s as well as more contemporary arrangements for big band. 7.30pm. Tickets £6 from 07789 766180 or 07818 000598. Bar available. Bring your own nibbles.

VILLAGE DINNER DANCE

SATURDAY DEC 10th. Local support is essential for the upkeep of our lovely old Hall so please book your tickets for this fund raising dinner dance. “Super evening”, “Great atmosphere” were just some of the comments from those attending last year’s event. Tickets £30 each from 882881 or 881498.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

SATURDAY DEC 17th. 7.30pm. Basingstoke Concert Band has over 40 playing members and they rehearse weekly at the Village Hall. They invite you to join them for an evening of festive music at this popular Christmas Concert. Plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in with traditional Christmas Carols plus a whole host of seasonal selections to get the Christmas spirit flowing!

BARN DANCE

SATURDAY JAN 28th. The annual Village Barn Dance is a super evening for all ages. There's nothing like live music and a friendly atmosphere to get things going with a swing and, with an experienced 'caller' to lead the way, even the shyest of people are encouraged to join in and have fun. Tickets £15 including Fish & Chips supper. Book with Natalie on 880075.

For more information on clubs and groups, events and booking the hall, visit our website at: www.sherfieldvillagehall.co.uk

“At the heart of our community for over 100 years”

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West Green Road, Hartley

Wintney RG27 8LP Open June to late September for

Pick Your Own & Ready Picked fruit, vegetables and flowers

including Strawberries, Tayberries, Currants, Gooseberries,

Raspberries, New Potatoes, Asparagus and Flowers. We also sell

local Honey, Free Range Eggs and Homemade Jams

CALL 01252 845772 from May 1st For information, & to place orders.

Or visit www.westgreenfruits.com

Highly Qualified Teacher

Many years experience as Head of French in private

London day schools. (Up to GCSE)

Available for private tuition in Maths, English, Verbal and

non-verbal reasoning, Common Entrance and general extra teaching

support.

Please contact Emma Wellesley

07958 662 015

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THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Reported by Ilene Iles

Our November Meeting consisted of our Cookery Competition which took place at the Village Hall in the morning and was judged, once again, by Mrs Elizabeth Frewin. There were 49 entries and Dee Bulpitt remarked how delighted she was that so many Members had taken part. The Cups were presented by Dee during the Business Meeting in the afternoon – Highest Individual Score (4 entries tied) - Ilene Iles (Victoria sponge) and Highest Total Marks – Tess Morris. Mrs Frewin remarked on the high standard of the entries.

Dee opened our Meeting at 2 p.m. Jerusalem was sung, the Minutes of the previous Meeting read, correspondence dealt with, the Treasurer’s Report given by Margaret Lee in Evelyn Holdaway’s absence and other matters covered. Tess Morris gave thanks to Val on the Members’ behalf for the very enjoyable and interest trip to Bletchley Park. The Business Meeting closed at 2.55 p.m.

This was followed by a social afternoon in which 4 Members (Pat Thompson, Dee, Val and Ilene) read out their favourite poems and we then seated ourselves round tables for a quiz Dee had prepared on the topic of food (multiple answers provided). This was won by Tess Morris’ table! A delicious tea followed and the raffle was drawn.

NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, 7TH DECEMBER 2011 AT 2 P.M.

“ENTERTAINMENT WITH A CHRISTMAS THEME”

With Vera Hughes and David Weller

CHILDREN SOCIETY COLLECTION BOXES

The collection of the boxes will be in February as usual. I would be grateful if boxholders could get their boxes to St. Leonards Church on Sunday 5th February, 2012, but no later than 12th February. If there are any problems, please contact Jeannette Kirby on 882753 or Neville Biden on 880459.

Thank you. Jeannette Kirby

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Carl Fanning The Village Decorator

Decorating the Loddon Valley Area

Painter and Decorator

Local Tradesman with 25 years experience

Decorating local properties since 1980

A “Dulux” Trade Member

Good quality Trade Paints used - Internal and external decorating

Free estimates - advice on colour and paints

Full liability cover - all work is guaranteed

Telephone: Carl on: 01189 424 883

or: 0795 266 1965

Report by Gill Fearon

We have all been reading ‘The Hypnotist’ by Lars Kepler, a ‘creepy and compulsive crime thriller’ according to a quote on the dust jacket. Our recent meeting was spent discussing the book. ‘Come face to face with fear itself’, it says above the title of the book and it was with some trepidation that we embarked on the story.

Lars Kepler is a pseudonym for the husband and wife team of Alexander and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril, both Swedish and in their 40s. The story begins in Stockholm with the horrific murder of a man, his wife and young child, with an older teenage boy seriously injured with life threatening stab wounds. He quite possibly knows the identity of the murderer and the race is on to find out who committed this terrible atrocity and also to protect his older sister whose whereabouts are unknown.

A psychiatrist who once practised hypnotism is asked to help by hypnotising the boy. Due to a bad experience ten years previously, he is reluctant to help, but is persuaded to do so. This act unlocks a series of events which cannot be predicted. The story is full of twists and turns and contains some graphic images, psychological abuse, revenge and gang violence. Out of 17 of us present (and one absentee who gave her opinion), only three of us actually enjoyed the book, finding it difficult to put down! A few hated it, but the majority were ambivalent about it.

One complained of gratuitous violence, but it was pointed out that the book was based on a psychiatrist as one of the main characters and his involvement with severely disturbed people. A view was expressed that this book highlighted a lack of investment in psychiatric hospitals in Sweden where dangerous people are being let out into the community – something which is happening in this country too.

Discussion led to the incidence of mental health problems and suicide in Sweden, where the long winter and lack of sunlight affects health, although a member who once lived in Sweden assured us that most of the Swedish people she met were happy and friendly! It was interesting to have read a book which provoked such controversy.

Our next two meetings for the year are our annual telephone quiz organised by another group through our HQ, and then our Christmas meal at the Four Horseshoes.

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Pygmalion

Interiors The complete interior design

service. Our large showroom

allows us to offer a wide

range of furniture in addition

to fabrics, wallpapers, blinds,

flooring, pictures & prints

and many accessories.

Tel: (01252) 842287 www.pygmalioninteriors.co.uk

Unit 6, Warren Hill Farm,

Hulfords Lane, Hartley Wintney

Happy Faces Playgroup Sherfield-on-Loddon

“Bring your happy face to our

happy place”

A small, friendly playgroup for children aged 2 years 6 months to

school age

Flexible Sessions

including all day

Est. 1982 Charity No. 1029688

For further information,

please contact us on

01256 880903

For a prospectus/

application form, contact

01256 883162

E-mai l: happyfacesplaygroup@hotmai l.co.uk

Website: www.happy-faces-playgroup.co.uk

0845 479 8890

http://www.pygmalioninteriors.co.uk/

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Sherfield and District Gardening Club

We will be publishing our 2012 schedule this month. Once again we have many interesting speakers and garden visits including the return of Ray Broughton in April and for the first time, Paulo Arrigo of Franchi Seeds in February and October. Anyone interested in gardening will be most welcome to join us at the Sherfield Village Hall at 7:30pm

There will be no talk on Monday 19th December. Instead we have our Christmas party. Always a fun event with a light hearted quiz,

nibbles and possibly a glass of wine or two.

On Monday 16th January Derek Leary will talk about ‘Gardens open for Charity’. Derek has been a guitarist in a rock band; toured on stage as a cabaret act with is wife and lately performed as a bit part actor in various T.V. productions and films. However, his real love is

gardening. His talk will take us on a tour of various Yellow Book gardens accompanied with a digital slide show.

For arrangements contact:

Linda on 882341 or Vanessa on 881760

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

The Hartley Wespall Parish Council and the Friends of Hartley Wespall plan to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee with a Community Lunch on the Green on Saturday June 2nd 2012. Details will be published in the New Year. James Russell, Chairman

Open for Visitors and Prayer The Holy Ghost Church, Sherborne Road, Basingstoke, invites people of all faiths (or none) to pop into the Church on Saturday 10th December 2011 between 10am - 4pm. Whether you wish to pray for people near and dear or simply sit quietly away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. Everyone is welcome.

M. Elliott Builders

FREE ESTIMATES No job too small

Garden Walls Patios

Extensions Driveways

Block paving Steps etc.

Telephone 01256 334233 Mobile 07729263775

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Basingstoke Window Cleaning Services

We use a pure water, reach and wash system for a perfect

smear-free finish

Windows Cleaned Inside

Conservatory Roofs

Cleaned

Guttering Cleared & Cleaned

Soffits & Fascias Cleaned

For a free, no obligation quote call

Simon: 07852 117 361 Dan: 07712 885 345

For further information on availability, charges and bookings contact Jan Martin

Tel: 01256 882539 Mobile: 07799 245 361 Web: www.sherfieldvillagehall.co.uk

Seeking a Venue for your Party, Reception, Craft Fair or

Club meeting.... then look no further.....

Sherfield-on-Loddon Village Hall is the place for you!

.

Page 40


LINDSEY HEMMINGS MECAP

COUNSELLOR Anxiety - Bereavement

Childhood related problems Co-dependency Dealing with change

Depression - Divorce Family problems - Fears Feeling confused - Grief Low self-esteem - Loss Relationship problems

Separation - Stress If you are looking for someone professional to

listen in a safe and caring environment:

Tel: 07946 324754 [email protected]

www.lindseyhemmings.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL TRADE PROFESSIONAL FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HEATING AND

ELECTRICAL NEEDS

TEL: 01256 880044 MOBILE: 07754 554554

Email: [email protected] www.pscservices.co.uk

PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALIST

Bathrooms & shower installations

Solar thermal installations and energy-friendly controls

Gas Safe and Oftec registered for peace of mind with gas and

oil installations 29164

Serving the local community for 30 years

Telephone: 01256 882309


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Sherfield FC

The current season for Sherfield Football Club got off to a good start in both the league and cup competitions with the team winning more games than were lost thanks to a committed group of players who are always available and give 101%.

The club is re-building a solid foundation for the future thanks to a dedicated committee who provide essential back room support, especially in the preparation for home games and planning fund raising events.

The winners for the Meat Raffle for October were Gary Staff and Matt, from The Iron Duke and for November it was Martin Payne and Richard Walker. This is now being run in both The White Hart and The Four Horseshoes, £1 for £20 worth of meat vouchers to spend in The Shop, so double the chance of winning! The Four Horseshoes also run a 'bonus ball' competition each week. Thank you to both pubs – your support is very much appreciated.

We will be holding our Chrismas Party at The White Hart on Saturday 17 December 2011 - £5 per ticket available from players and committee members - each ticket bought will be entered into our Golden ticket draw with two chance to win £50

A list of our home games is on the door of our club house, we play on Saturday afternoon and we would be delighted if you would like to join us in cheering the team on!

Merry Christmas to all our supporters

Tel. 01256-882736 or 882368 Mob. 07836 626323


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Naomi House are organising a Bauble Hunt at The Vyne on

Sunday, December 11th between 11am and 3pm. Entry : £3 per child – meeting with Santa and gift included! Raffle & side-stalls - Refreshments available More information please call 01962 843513

Organised by the Basingstoke Committee www.naomihouse.org.uk

THE STRATFIELD SAYE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

(Grants for Children and Young People)

The Foundation was established by George Pitt in 1739 and provides grants for children and young people under 18 in the Parishes of Stratfield Saye and Beech Hill. The Trustees would like to encourage parents of Stratfield Saye and Beech Hill to make use of this historic

charity.

All claims, with accompanying receipts, for extra curricular activities, where not provided by the Local Education Authority will be considered sympathetically. The grant is not means-tested and is available for activities such as: Music and swimming tuition, residential and study courses, textbooks and special equipment etc.

Applications for grants must be received by: James Hare, Stratfield Saye Estates, Estate Office, Stratfield Saye, Near Reading, RG7 2BT, not later than 31st December 2011.

STAMPS for GUIDE DOGS for the BLIND

I would like to say a big thank you for all the used stamps, either posted to me or given to me in church and also from the WI. Very many thanks. Please keep them coming to:

Mary Chessell, 7, Larkfield, Chineham,

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WAG TAILS DOG SERVICE Looking for a reliable, trustworthy local dog walker - Sherfield, Bramley, Chineham and Old Basing? Contact Katie on 01256 880446 or Mob: 07985 157700

LOCAL PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR and EXTERIOR DECORATOR First class job guaranteed. Over 30 years experience. No job too small. For a free estimate ring Ian on 01256 882132 or mobile 07876021772

LOCAL EXPERIENCED TAX ADVISER Self Assessment Tax Returns + Arrears + Claims + Payroll + Self Employed + VAT Returns. Initial consultation free. Call 07920 112533 or email to [email protected]

HOUSE CLEANING BY MARIA. Reliable & affordable service. Friendly, easy-going & experienced lady who cleans every corner. References available. Tel 07933 316989. E-mail [email protected].

SEWING. EXPERIENCED & CONVENIENT Visit Di’s emporium (next to Sherfield Garden Centre) for all your sewing needs. Bespoke dressmaking, clothing alterations & repairs. Curtains, Blinds, Soft Furnishings. Call Diana 01256 881114/ 07796045944 Eve.

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC BUILDINGS MAINTENANCE T.S.I. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, decorating. For any quotation TEL: 01256 780460 Mob: 07989940210

GUITAR LESSONS. Local teacher covering rock, heavy metal, acoustic and jazz styles. Lessons are one-to-one, half an hour to one hour. Call Graham 01256 881513 or mob: 07752591046

ADVERTISING IN THIS MAGAZINE AND ONLINE Small ads. For businesses are £5 monthly for a maximum of 30 words. For Sale / Wanted ads £2 monthly for a maximum of 12 words. Space permitting.

Contact Pip Iles for details: 01256 880559

BABY SITTING. 16 yr old girl. Experience. Good with children and animals. Call: Caitlin O'Sullivan 01256 880216.

GLOUCESTER OLD SPOT SAUSAGES AND BACON available. Orders taken now for pork boxes. Reared in Hartley Wespall. Please email: [email protected]

LOCAL INDEPENDENT CLEANER Excellent service: Excellent references: Excellent rates: Tel: 07884108460 or 07949235378.



Page 45

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Loddon Valley Link Management Committee

Editor for the February Edition


Secretary: Ilene Iles Tel. 01256 880559 email: [email protected] Hartley Rep.: Dr. John Williams Tel. 01256 882705 email: [email protected]

Sherfield Park Rep: Eileen Leivesley Tel: 01256 882938

email: [email protected]

Stratfield Saye Rep: Germano Giugovaz Tel: 01189 332166

Committee Member: Claire Osborne Tel. 01256 324458 email: [email protected]

Editor: Simon Boase Tel: 01256 881250


Editor:

All ads. Email: [email protected]

Advertising enquiries to:

Pip Iles Tel. 01256 880559 (email: [email protected])

Treasurer Winston Bruce Tel.01256 883277 (email: [email protected])

Deadline the February edition is 16th January

Chairman: Dr. Donald Dawson Tel. 01256 882379 email: [email protected]

Deputy Chairman: Revd. Bob Politt Tel. 01256 882209 email: [email protected]

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ADVERTISING IN THIS MAGAZINE AND ONLINE Small ads. For businesses are £5 monthly for a maximum of 30 words. For Sale / Wanted ads £2 monthly for a maximum of 12 words. Space permitting. Requests are dealt with in order. Display ads. Contact Pip Iles for prices

Brian Archer Tel: 01256 882099 ([email protected])

Simon Boase Tel: 01256 881250


Deadline for ads. for February edition is 10th January 2012

CHURCH OFFICERS

OFFICERS Rector: Reverend Bob Politt, Tel: 01256 882209

Kindly Note: The Rector’s day off is Thursday

Assistant Priest: Rev’d. Sammie Armstrong Tel: 01189 816593

Lay Readers: Richard Elphick Tel. 01256 882860

Dr. John Williams Tel. 01256 882705

ST. LEONARD’S CHURCH, SHERFIELD ON LODDON

Churchwardens: Peter Gould Tel. 01256 882538

Peter Chessell Tel. 01256 478050

Treasurer: Dan Farrow Tel. 01256 882680

Organists: Mike Abrams Tel. 01256 881188

Brian Archer Tel. 01256 882099

Peggy Willson Tel. 01256 880503

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, STRATFIELD SAYE

Churchwarden: Vacant

Treasurer: Charles Atkinson Tel: 01256 882459

Organist: Fran Oliver Tel. 01189 268364

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, HARTLEY WESPALL

Churchwarden: Pip Iles Tel. 01256 880559

Treasurer: Michael Webster Tel. 01256 882413

Organists: Dr. Gill Williams Tel. 01256 882705

Andrew Doggart Tel: 01256 880092

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Documents

Loddon Valley Link 201112 - December January 2011