Great Sheff Christmas Edition Final

Great Shefford Parish News Christmas Edition 2021

Great Shefford Parish Council Chairman Steve Ackrill 07721 440200 Bryan Williams 01488 648719 Piers Storey 07765 241051 Sharen Laws 07816 100474 Bob Hale Power [email protected] Louise Freeman [email protected] Eunice Tweedie [email protected] Parish Council Email Address [email protected] Parish Clerk Kim Lloyd 07867 310121 District Councillor Clive Hooker 07798 920981 Great Shefford Parish News Published by Great Shefford Parish Council Parish News Team Linda Bowden [email protected] Eunice Tweedie [email protected] Advertising enquiries - Linda Bowden 07850 643952 Design & Typesetting Jonathan Lightfoot [email protected] Printed by The Alpha Experience 148 Kings Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5RG 01635 523240 www.AlphaXperience.co.uk - [email protected]

Contents Page   4 Editorial Page   5 Diary Dates Page   6 Parish Council Minutes – Sept, Oct & Nov Page 11 Advent & Christmas Services Page 12 Lambourn Surgery Newsletter Page 13 Community Speedwatch Page 14 Great Shefford Flood Alleviation Scheme Page 16 Chaddleworth St Andrews & Shefford C of E Primary Schools PTFA Page 17 4 Legs Radio Page 19 Chaddleworth St Andrews & Shefford C of E Primary School Report Christmas 2021 Page 20 Shefford Young Farmers Page 21 Local Lottery: Season 2021-2022 Page 22 Christmas Thought Page 23 Treasure Hunt Page 24 Outdoor Christmas Fair Page 26 Great Shefford Under Fives Page 29 Great Shefford Allotment Society (GSAS) Page 30 The Importance of Resistance Training Page 32 Great Shefford Village Hall Page 34 Welford Park CC Your Community Cricket Club Page 36 Sky Notes for Nov/Dec Page 37 Farming Notes 3

Editorial I’m writing as Chair of the Parish Council on whose behalf the Parish News is produced, however I can take no credit for the production of this copy which is being delivered to all parishioners. Thanks for this must go to Linda Bowden and Eunice Tweedie. As many will be aware Virginia Parkes has decided to step down as editor of the Parish News, thanks must go to Virginia for the effort she has put into what is by no means an easy task over the years. We are still actively looking for a volunteer to take on the task going forward, various options are being looked at including the splitting of the role so if you have the time and would like to be involved gathering the content of the magazine but are not sure about the actual compiling of the content for printing, please do get in touch. Likewise if you have the skills to compile but not the time to gather the content, then please do get in touch as we’d love to hear from you. Welcome to all who have chosen to make Great Shefford their home over the last year, a special welcome to Mintu and family who have taken over the village shop & post office. On that note I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing Ray, Sarah and Claire all the best for the future and Ray and Sarah a long and happy retirement. Speeding remains an issue within our village, please take a look at the article concerning “Community Speedwatch” which gives residents a chance to be involved in helping to make our roads safer. There’s an update from the EA concerning the long awaited Flood Alleviation Scheme, which is certainly good news. Congratulations must go to Joshua and the team at ‘The Great Shefford’ for getting our village pub listed in the “Good Beer Guide 2022”. I will finish by mentioning the “C” word as Christmas will soon be upon us, Carols in the Recreation Ground is happening again this year on Monday 20th December, more details will follow but please do put the date in your diaries as it would be great to have a good turnout. Steve Ackrill 4

Diary Dates December  2nd December Parish Council Village Hall   7.00 pm   4th December St Mary’s Church Xmas Fair   2 - 4 pm 10th December Social Club Christmas Party   8.00 pm 14th December St Stephens, Shefford Woodlands Carol Service   6.00 pm 15th December Social Club Quiz   8.00 pm 19th December Café Church - St Marys 10.00 am 20th December Open Air Carols Great Shefford Play Park   6.00 pm 24th December Christmas Eve Carol Service St Mary’s Gt Shefford 11.30 pm 25th December Family Communion St Mary’s Gt Shefford   9.30 am 28th December Under 5s Treasure Hunt Social Club 10.30 am January 2022 6th January Parish Council Village Hall   7.30 pm 5

Summary of Parish Council minutes September and October Full copies of the minutes are available on the website www.greatshefford.org.uk The full minutes for the immediate past meeting are also displayed on the parish noticeboard outside Great Shefford Village Shop. 2nd September 2021: Present – Councillors S. Ackrill (Chair), B. Williams, P. Storey, R. Hale-Power, E. Tweedie, L. Freeman, Parish Clerk: K. Lloyd. Apologies from Councillor S McCarthy. No declarations of interest and minutes of 15th July adopted. No matters raised in the Open Forum. Councillors agreed not to comment on the planning applications for 11 Spring Meadows and 37 Spring Meadows. It was noted that West Berkshire Council had decided that prior approval is required for an agricultural track at East Shefford Farm. West Berkshire Council had granted permission for the application in respect of 46 Spring Meadows and an application for a Farm Shop in association with The Great Shefford Public House was withdrawn. September payments were confirmed and the Cashflow, which had been circulated to members prior to the meeting was noted. Due to missed collections it was agreed to move from FCC recycling to Grundons for Wheelie Bin waste collections. Ongoing problems with the village website being down and Box of Blue, the host, were discussed. It was agreed to look into the Parish Council having their own website as the Transparency Code brought in on 1st April 2015 required Agendas, Minutes, Annual Returns and Standard documents to be shown on a website. The Clerk would investigate if any grants were still available for Parish Council websites and Councillor Storey would contact a resident who had offered free hosting and advice. The current editor of the Parish News is not continuing and it was agreed that Councillor Tweedie would ask on the village Facebook page if there was anyone willing to take it over. The Parish Council agreed to review the format and printing expense of the newsletter in the 2022 budget, but a volunteer is required. Agreed it would be a great loss to the village if nobody came forward. Anyone interested is asked to contact Councillors Tweedie or Ackrill or the Clerk for more details. Nothing further to report on the Flood Alleviation Scheme, despite a meeting between West Berkshire Council and the Environment Agency supposedly scheduled for the end of August. A response was received to the enquiry about the effect of work at Trindledown Farm to say it would not increase the rate of flow of water through the village, as only a relatively small amount of water would be released – further clarification of the proposed scheme of works was requested by the Clerk, together with a copy of the risk assessment for ground water which would have been undertaken. The Clerk had informed a resident reporting Fly Tipping on land in Spring Meadows that it was private land. As there was no response from West Berks Council re the woodland area in Hawthorne Way, the Clerk had contacted BBOWT. 6

The Clerk is sourcing insurance quotes prior to the insurance renewal due on 1 October. There were no other matters for consideration and the date of the next meeting was confirmed for 7 October 2021 at 7:30 p.m. 7th October 2021 Present - Councillors S. Ackrill (Chair), B. Williams, R. Hale-Power, E. Tweedie, S McCarthy, Parish Clerk: K. Lloyd and 1 member of the public. Apologies from Councillors L Freeman and P Storey No declarations of interest and minutes of 2nd September adopted. In the Open Forum the attending member of the public raised their support for the village website. The councillors agreed to comment on the planning application for a farm access track on land to the North of East Shefford Farm on the limited visibility and ask the planners to ensure the visibility is safe and there is a clear sight line because vehicles will be entering the public footpath when accessing. It was noted that West Berkshire Council had refused permission for an amendment to the approval in respect of Wessex Farm, Wantage Road. October payments were confirmed and the Cashflow, which had been circulated to members prior to the meeting, was noted. Councillors were asked to give thoughts to the 2022/23 Budget over the coming weeks, the Clerk would circulate the budget report and bring the laptop to the November or December budget meeting. Three comparative quotes had been received for the Parish Council insurance renewal and it was agreed to move to the most competitive, BHIB insurance and accept the discount offered on a three year renewal, together with the free application Parish Online, Digital maps for Parish Councils which normally costs £72/year. In correspondence with Graham Markham, the speed management technician at West Berks Council, the Clerk had learnt that a survey box could be set up in the village for seven days, which runs 24 hours a day and measure the speed of vehicles – if an issue is found a Community Speed Watch could be deployed. The latter would require a volunteer from the village to help with the data collected, due to lack of resources at West Berks Council and Thames Valley Police and this person would need to be vetted by TVP as they would have access to personal information via the police national computer and would have to go to the Police Station every week to work through a spread sheet which could have 100 hits on it. A picture of a speed road marking had been received from a resident which the Clerk had sent to Graham Markham at WBC who would raise it at the next highways meeting. Councillor Storey had spoken to the resident who would be happy to provide hosting and domain for the village website free of charge. After discussion it was agreed to continue to keep the Parish Council information on the current website as moving to a new host could resolve the past problems. The Clerk would investigate what the website upgrade is providing. No volunteers had come forward to help with editing the newsletter, consideration was given to a digital newsletter, but all Councillors agreed people like a paper copy. 7

Positive news on the Flood Alleviation Scheme - Councillor Ackrill had received a letter from Richard Hancock Team Leader at the Environment Agency to say a further £1.2 million of funding had been secured for the Great Shefford Flood Alleviation Scheme which closes the funding shortfall which had prevented the project progressing in 2018. This would now be an Environment Agency delivered project as opposed to the previous approach of a community delivery. Councillors Ackrill and Williams would attend the RAF Welford Remembrance Service on Monday 15th November and the Clerk would organise a poppy wreath. The council had no issues with the proposal from the new General Manager at The Great Shefford to supply bottled water by the side of the bus shelter, payment for which would be by an honesty box. The Clerk would remind them of the outstanding wood treatment following the cleaning. The Clerk had received more correspondence on the celebrations for the Queens Jubilee extended bank holiday weekend Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June and would make enquiries with villagers who may be interested in helping organise the event. A reminder was received of the district Parish Conference on 19th October. Residents had asked Councillor Hale-Power if WBC could remove the barriers in Church Street following the wall repair. Councillor Williams was authorised to spend up to £50 on repairs to the Parish Council strimmer. Councillor Ackrill had received a phone call from a resident re the trees in the recreation park and the Clerk was authorised to arrange a tree safety inspection. The next meeting would take place on 4th November. GREAT SHEFFORD SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY Friday 10th December 2021 8.00 pm in the Club (located behind the Village Hall) A chance to get that Christmas jumper out of storage Games & Raffle Contributions of Christmas nibbles are welcomed The Committee looks forward to welcoming all members and friends 8

Summary of Parish Council minutes November 2021 Full copies of the minutes are available on the website www.greatshefford.org.uk The full minutes for the immediate past meeting are also displayed on the parish noticeboard outside Great Shefford Village Shop. 4th November 2021: Present – Councillors S. Ackrill (Chair), B. Williams, R. Hale-Power, E. Tweedie, L. Freeman, Parish Clerk: K. Lloyd. Apologies from Councillors S McCarthy and P Storey. Noted all members had an interest in Item 9 on the Agenda – the 22/23 budget and that Councillor Ackrill had a personal interest re grass cutting item. With minor amendments, the minutes of the 7th October were adopted Agreed to proceed investigate a new village website from May 2022, accepting the offer of free hosting from a member of the community from September 2023, when the existing support ends. It was agreed not to comment on the three planning applications which had been received and the decisions on the other two were noted. November payments were confirmed and the cash flow, which had been circulated to members prior to the meeting, was noted. £7239.57 had been received from West Berks Council in respect of the Community Infrastructure Levy (details of this can be found on the Parish Council page of the village website – www.greatshefford.org.uk). Three quotes were received for inspection of the trees in the Recreation Park and it was agreed to ask EJM to carry out the inspection and report. A staff committee was formed to carry out an annual appraisal and review of the Clerk’s salary and a date set for the first review. The Budget for 2022/23 was reviewed – a copy of this can be obtained by email from the Parish Clerk. West Berks Council had responded that they would deploy a speed survey box in the village, but we are on a waiting list. Their response to the request for “Dragons Teeth” markings was that the cost of installing and maintaining these was prohibitive and they had shown less benefit than the installation of timber gates and roundels on the road, however they were not prepared to install the roundels as they too had shown little benefit. A member of the public in attendance had emailed the Clerk and Chairman with details of a Community Speed Watch scheme which is set to provide communities with equipment and training to monitor speeding in their area. This scheme is run by Thames Valley Police and operated by members of the community. It was agreed for the person to find out more and report back to the next meeting. The Parish News is still looking for a new editor. Councillor Tweedie had been approached with an offer to do the editing for payment. Agreed to use this for the December edition and continue to look for a volunteer. Requests for articles to be requested via village Facebook page and it was hoped distribution to all residents could be arranged through people in the village, as in previous years. Thought given to obtaining more advertising 9

which would help pay for future printing and editorial work. Agreed PC would help pay for printing costs of the December edition, once the funds in the Parish News account were known. The Environment Agency had requested space for an insertion in the December edition. Councillor Ackrill agreed to give them a deadline once Councillor Tweedie had dates from the Editor. Councillor Ackrill reported that the Environment Agency Project Manager had identified several actions required before they submit a business case. He has a meeting with Laura Farris MP in the village to bring her up to speed with the latest developments and the finer details of the scheme. The Clerk had spoken to the resident wishing to plant on West Berks Council land in Hawthorn Way, but was still waiting to hear if permission would be granted. A village resident had said they would start making enquiries about helping to organise a village event to celebrate the Queens Jubilee in 2022 and would report back to the council at the beginning of 2022. The Clerk had emailed the manager of The Great Shefford agreeing to provision of an honesty box to pay for bottled water provided in the bus shelter, also requesting completion of the wood treatment to the shelter. Also asked If they would like to provide mulled wine and mince pies for the Christmas carols to be held in the Recreation Ground on 20th December and about the possibility of getting involved with the community in celebrating the Queens Jubilee in June next year. Next meeting agreed to be held on Thursday 2nd December starting at 7 p.m. in the Village Hall. Earlier start to allow time for the Councillors to meet for a Christmas drink afterwards. GREAT SHEFFORD SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB Wednesday 15th December 2021 8.00 pm in the Club (located behind the Village Hall) Quizmaster: Martin Smith Tables of up to 6 Entry fee: £2/head Winning Team takes half the total entry fee money Entries by pre-booking only to Sandra Lodge 07748 403778 or email: [email protected] 10

Advent & Christmas Services in Great Shefford and Shefford Woodlands 2021 14th December 6pm St Stephen’s Church - Carol Service 19th December 10am St Mary’s Church - Christmas Café Church 20th December 6pm Great Shefford Play Park - Open Air Carols Christmas Eve 11.30pm St Mary’s Church - ‘Midnight Mass’ Christmas Day 9.30am St Mary’s Church - Family Communion There are special services - just right for the little ones in your family - within our benefice 12th December 10.30am Welford Park - Open Air Carols All children are invited to dress as a character from the Christmas story Christmas Eve 4pm Wickham Church - Crib Service Children play their part in retelling the Christmas story through readings, songs and setting up the crib scene 11

Lambourn Surgery Patient Participation Group Newsletter November 2021 Flu Clinics Massive thanks to everyone involved in this year’s Flu Clinics held at the Walwyn Hall, especially to both the clinical and lay volunteers without whom this exercise would simply not be possible. Nearly 1700 Flu vaccinations have been administered and the practice is currently assessing if a “mop up” clinic will be necessary. Look out for further news. Covid Booster The Covid booster programme continues. At the time of writing, it has just been announced that eligible patients will be invited, 5 months after their 2nd dose, to make an appointment for their Covid Vaccine booster 1 month later. This is being performed through the NHS appointment system. Patients will be able to choose the time and place of their appointment but note that only those facilities with appointments available will show up/be offered. Therefore, it is worth checking regularly to see if your preferred location has appointments available. If you are eligible and are beyond the 5 month window but have not received an invitation then you can still make an appointment online or by calling 119. Unfortunately the web address for the booking system is very long, so for our print readers you will need to type the following: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book- coronavirus-vaccination/book-or-manage-a-booster-dose-of-the-coronavirus- covid-19-vaccine/ Housebound Patients There is now a plan in place for both Flu and Covid Booster vaccinations for housebound patients. These will be performed either by surgery staff or the District Nurse team. It is expected this will be complete by the end of November. Staffing and New Initiatives The surgery continues to experience staffing problems since there are virtually no locum/agency GPs or nurses available. We welcome Dr Abigail Smail who has been appointed as maternity cover for Dr Zoe Wanless. There are also two new members of the nursing team, Chereka Carty and Camille Tournier and phlebotomist, Lynn Martin. Welcome Aboard! New NHS initiatives are being implemented within the practice and the Primary Care Network (PCN). A First Contact Physiotherapist has been appointed by the PCN. They will assess muscular/skeletal problems and direct patients to the most appropriate treatment; however, they will not be doing any of the practical physio. Similarly, a Mental Health Practitioner has been appointed to act as the first point of call for conditions such as depression. They both will be working at Lambourn for around 1 day per week. 12

The Surgery have established a Community Pharmacy Service agreement with Lambourn Pharmacy. Whereby when a patient contacts the Surgery regarding minor illnesses such as colds, flu, skin conditions or sore throats they could be referred to Lambourn Pharmacy for a private consultation. This could occur within 3 hours of contact with the Surgery. This is a formal arrangement with cooperation between the practice and the pharmacy. It is hoped that all these initiatives will help alleviate the waiting times for consultations with GPs. Remember In order that our surgery can provide care to those most in need please consider consulting with a pharmacist or calling 111 or the online service 111.nhs.uk for straightforward medical advice, You can contact the PPG via email; [email protected] or in writing via the surgery office (Bockhampton Road, Lambourn, RG17 8PS) addressed to the Chair of the PPG. Alan Breadmore, Chair, Lambourn Surgery PPG Use your Smartphone to scan the QR Code to book your Covid Booster Jab Community Speedwatch Speeding on the roads in and around the village is a subject that comes up frequently at Parish Council meetings and on Social Media. You now have an opportunity to help monitor this and report offenders to Thames Valley Police. Community Speedwatch has recently been re-launched by Thames Valley Police and became available to groups within the West Berkshire policing area from 3rd November last. Full details of this can be found at www.communityspeedwatch.org. Volunteers receive on-line training in use of the equipment and the sites selected for speed monitoring within the village are approved in advance by the Thames Valley Police Speedwatch Co-ordinator. If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer to be a visible deterrent against speeding and help make your community safer, please have a look at the articles and You Tube video on the website and if you still feel you would like to be involved, contact Linda Bowden on 07850 643952 or by email: [email protected] 13

Great Shefford Flood Mitigation Scheme Update from the office of Environment Agency and the Great Shefford Flood Alleviation Association Context: As many residents will already be aware, the village of Great Shefford has a long history of flooding. The village is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Lambourn and the Great Shefford Stream. Furthermore, this part of West Berkshire is also affected by high groundwater levels due to the underlying geology of the region. Photo: Looking North on the A338 in Great Shefford showing the flooding in February 2014 The last significant flooding in the village happened in 2014 (photo above). Since then the Environment Agency has been investigating the possibility of a flood mitigation scheme for the village. A viable scheme was identified in 2017, which consisted of a bypass pipeline to the Great Shefford Stream, allowing some flood water to be diverted away from the A338 and the centre of the village, to then discharge into the River Lambourn. Computer flood modelling suggested that up to 26 residential properties and 7 commercial properties would benefit from such a scheme, in addition to the A338 Wantage Road. After the scheme had been identified, members of the community in Great Shefford raised money to contribute to the scheme and set up a charity to administer the funds – the Great Shefford Flood Alleviation Association (GSFAA). 14

Closing the funding gap: contingency fund and future funding (for ongoing maintenance). This money has In 2018 the project had a funding gap been allocated from central government of over £1m with the project estimated funding (DEFRA Flood & Coastal Risk to cost £2.3m (at that time) which made Management Grant in Aid, DfE, OGD the scheme unaffordable and unable to funds), the significant contribution raised progress. In December 2020 we informed by the community as well as Levy funding you that we had been working with the from the Thames Regional Flood & GSFAA to find an innovative way to Coastal Committee. deliver the scheme. It was proposed the GSFAA lead the project management Laura Farris commented, “since my and delivery of the scheme with support election in December 2019, I have placed from the Environment Agency. This was my full support behind Steve Ackrill’s Flood unfortunately proven to not be possible Alleviation Scheme. I fully appreciate how due to legal reasons. difficult the incidences of flooding had become for the village and I relayed this With the support of local MP Laura to the Environment Agency. Farris, with whom we have liaised over the last 18 months, we are pleased to This funding is welcome and I very much report we have secured an additional look forward to seeing work begin on site £1.2m from an £802m Other Government in 2022. Department (OGD) fund announced by the government this year to help progress I would like to pay tribute to Steve and the projects like this. When combined with the Parish Council for their resolve and hard £200k secured from the Department of work over the last few years”. Education (DfE) in 2019, this closes the funding gap and will allow us to deliver the The way forward: scheme as an Environment Agency lead project. The funding we have secured The project team and partners have been is time limited so it is essential we work updating the business case, revising cost together as a community to expedite the estimates and are working towards final, approvals required and the delivery of the detailed designs for the scheme in the New scheme to reduce the impacts of flood risk Year. This will be followed by a planning for the benefit of the community. application and any other permissions that will be required. Subject to these We now have £2.51m allocated to the permissions being granted, it is intended project which includes; development that construction of the bypass pipeline costs to date for example the original will take place during Autumn 2022. The feasibility study, designs and business Environment Agency will update you on case, as well as construction costs, a progress at the “Annual Parish Meeting” to be held in Spring 2022. For more information about the scheme, please contact: Environment Agency project staff [email protected] Steve Ackrill Chair of the Great Shefford Flood Alleviation Association [email protected] 15

Chaddleworth St Andrews & Shefford C of E Primary Schools PTFA. Registered Charity Number 1190914 We would like to thank everyone who stopped by at our pop-up café on the 6th November. It was our first one and a great success. Our thanks extend to all of the businesses that generously provided raffle prizes. Our fundraising efforts this year have been focused on a reflection garden - the space has always been difficult in the winter as it gets very muddy! Our aim is to install a new surface that enables the space to be used all year, providing a welcoming space for learning and play. As with many charities, our efforts have been much harder than usual, but the incredible support from our community has been amazing. In school we have held cake sales, ice lolly sales, bags for schools (clothing collection) and raffle hampers. For the remainder of the year, the children have lots to look forward to! A sponsored Reindeer Run, Christmas Parties and a special surprise or two along the way! Fitness in the Village Personal Training - Weight Loss Massage - Ultrasound Completely private professional studio One to One Exercise Sessions & Fitness Assessments Weight loss tailored nutrition plans Sports of Therapeutic massage Ultrasound injury treatment Get fitter and healthier in a friendly environment Call Chris on 07525 015408 or email: [email protected] www.fitnessinthevillage.co.uk 16

4 Legs Radio By the end of the year, 4 Legs Radio will be three and a half years old, with over a thousand programmes under its belt. Formed as a community radio, the objective has been to inform and entertain the local villages of the Lambourn Valley, who make up the ‘Legs’ of the radio name (Lambourn, Eastbury. Garston and Shefford). We have tried to stay true to our founding objectives, to bring the community together, to provide company for the isolated, to promote events and organisations, to celebrate achievements and to highlight organisations and charities which are there to help us all. Our coverage sometimes extends beyond the villages into our neighbouring towns like Wantage and Newbury, because they are within ready reach for most villagers. This year we can look back on more achievements. The number of presenters has increased, and the range of subjects covered has been extended. Here are some of the newer programmes: • Chris Booth’s Classical Gas programme, which provides an accessible guide to the ‘best bits’ of classical music • The Finance and Legal Show presented by Karen Salmon and her colleagues 17

• The Wild Old Men music show, fronted by Max and Tobi who front an irreverent look at their favourite music • The DIY Show with Keith Fryer Additionally, we have had some excellent contributions from younger presenters such as Michael Quinn and Ellie Chelton. Early in the year we moved to a new, bigger studio in Eastbury and this has enabled us to host guests with greater flexibility. We can now carry out interviews with guests live in the studio, live by phone, externally recorded or live with a roving mike. Our favourite event of the year has been our Local Lockdown Heroes’ Awards. Four trophies were given out to individuals who gained the most votes from villagers for their community efforts during lockdown. Additionally, the local pubs in each village generously provided vouchers for the winners, the event was sponsored by Fort Builders Merchants, and the trophies were given out by the High Sherriff of Berkshire. The winners were: • Julie Blogg (Lambourn), for her work with the Lambourn Junction, family event organising and arranging free haircuts or key workers • David Reilly (Eastbury), for going the extra mile as a friendly postie, always looking to help • Deana and Danny Carpenter (East Garston) for delivering prescriptions to local residents • Laura Field (Great Shefford) for setting up and organising a local support group What next? We are working with local schools to run a Christmas writing competition and we plan to feature more seasonal recordings from across the community. How can anybody get involved? We are always keen to welcome new presenters or to hear from guests with interesting stories to tell or indeed to speak to individuals or companies who are interested in partnering or sponsorship opportunities. 4 Legs Radio broadcasts each Friday (all day) and Saturday (mornings). For any guidance on how to listen, go to our website www.4legsradio.org.uk E Mail: [email protected] Facebook: /4legsLVCR Twitter: @4legsradio 18

Chaddleworth St Andrews & Shefford C of E Primary School School Report Christmas 2021 Just last week a member of staff commented on it only being a couple of weeks before we take the children to see ‘The Jungle Book’ at the Watermill Theatre! It seems like Christmas is well and truly on its way! But before we tell you about our Christmas plans, this is our November news. Last week we held our Remembrance Day service, led by Rev. Miri. Serena Nickson, one of our governors, also attended and commented on how well the children all played their part. In class, the children wrote poems and expressed their thoughts about what Remembrance Day meant for them. Visit the class blogs to find out more: Robins - www.csfschools.org/robins-autumn-blog Kingfishers - www.csfschools.org/kingfishers-autumn-blog Owls - www.csfschools.org/owls-autumn-blog Red Kites - www.csfschools.org/red-kites-autumn We also had elections for ‘Shadow’ House Captains – a role that the Year 5 children undertake as part of succession planning so that they are trained before they become House Captains in Year 6. The children in Year 5 gave some fantastic speeches for the role. These events can be both exciting and nerve-racking for those hopeful candidates who are so keen to represent their House. We heard about the courage and endurance that they would show, were given examples of what they would do to make the school even better and they left the children with an inspirational quote, showing their values. We were so impressed by the commitment and passion that they all demonstrated in their presentations. It was a difficult choice! 19

The children cast their votes and the results were incredibly close. Well done all those who participated. The Robins love their Chaddleworth village welly walks and last week were particularly interested in the cows that appeared to be roaming free! (They weren’t by the way!) Robins welly walks have also taken them around Great Shefford and up to Trindledown Farm. Owls are off to see the Roman remains at Littlecote this week and Kingfishers are travelling into space via the Winchester Science Museum so we have all been very busy! The PTFA have nearly raised enough money for our Reflective Garden – the Pop-up Café was very successful. Thank you to all those who supported the event! We will be celebrating Christmas with all our usual events, just in smaller groups and for some events we will be outside so will need to wrap up well! Thank you for your continued support – our Christian value focus this term is Compassion and we have certainly seen plenty of that! SHEFFORD YOUNG FARMERS Shefford YFC have been meeting in person over the last few months, but now with the light fading meetings are now predominately inside. We had a great pizza evening as our first meeting back from our summer break, which was great fun and all the members enjoyed making and cooking their pizza’s. Members also enjoyed a talk from an old YFC member about the Secret Auxiliary Army of WW2. We recently held our AGM where we showcased what our members did over the last year in the club and various County competitions, along with electing new members into positions to help run the club. We have a number of meetings planned over the next few weeks including a visit to John Day Engineering, Christmas Crafts and our annual Carol singing hosted by our Club President at the end of December. YFC is open to anyone who is aged 10-28 and you don’t have to be from a farming background, just have an enjoyment of being in the Countryside. If you would be interested in joining the club please contact Shefford YFC on [email protected] 20

Local Lottery: Season 2021-2022 Welford Park Cricket Club and Great Shefford Under Fives would like to thank everyone who was kind enough to purchase a ticket in the draw for last year. The winners are listed below:- Christmas Draw £150 Robert Weekes £100 Manoj George £50 Clare Ploughman Draw 1 Draw 5 Draw 9 £50 Gandhrav Verma £50 Virginia Parks £50 Dave Hall £25 Mike Brook £25 Denise Herrington £25 Caroline Simms £15 Adrian Bean £15 Claire Hazelwood £15 Hayley Brown £10 Beryl Jones £10 Mike Harrison £10 Stuart Jeffcott Draw 2 Draw 6 Draw 10 £50 Dave Hancock £50 Greg Griffith £50 Ben Myers £25 Adrian Bean £25 Paul Westbrook £25 Andy Cale £15 Dominic Armstrong £15 Bethan Bell £15 Denise Herrington £10 Roger Thornton £10 Katie Bennett £10 Denise Herrington Draw 3 Draw 7 Draw 11 £50 Stuart Jeffcott £50 Graham Sampson £50 Harriet James £25 John Westbrook £25 Remy Barrett £25 Dave Hancock £15 Denise Herrington £15 Immy Marangio £15 Penny Cowley £10 Mary Girdler £10 Pam Harrison £10 Brian Griffiths Draw 4 Draw 8 Draw 12 £50 Terry Bullock £50 Gwenda Hutchinson £50 Jim Carter £25 Denise Herrington £15 Clare Carter £25 Gandhrav Verma £25 Denise Herrington £10 Serena Nickson £15 JP de Chazal £15 Sarah Horden £10 Ed James £10 Paul Westbrook It is now however renewal time. Please look to support these two groups again. If you have not purchased a ticket before you still have a chance to get yourself a number at a cost of £15. There are 12 monthly draws with prizes of £50, £25, £15 & £10 with the special Xmas draw prizes of £150, £100 and £50. If you would like a number in this year’s draw then please contact Nadene de Chazal on 01488 649980 or Ian Herrington on 01488 648132 and they would be more than happy to sell you a number. Just remember, the results of each draw can be found on the Welford Park Cricket Club web site at www.welfordparkcc.co.uk/fundraising/local-lottery and they are also published in the parish magazine. Many thanks for your support 21

Christmas Thought 2021 “Hark, the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King... Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings” The calendar is counting down, and we’re all hoping for a ‘proper’ Christmas this year especially the laughter and shared meals; family, friends and neighbours all celebrating together. But many of us are holding back a little, either to avoid disappointment, or because we fear that none of our future Christmases can be quite like they used to be. In the past couple of years we have experienced something beyond imagination, a worldwide pandemic, and we have all been changed by our experiences of lockdown and the virus. There have been high points for many of us: time with family, or to complete that DIY project that’s been on the go for a decade! But there has been uncertainty, anxiety, ill health and loss for so many. I was reflecting on all this, and trying to understand how the story of the first Christmas could help us to find joy despite the broken dreams, and broken bodies, of the pandemic, when I remembered this picture. It’s my dad holding our daughter, his first grandchild. Dad suffered a terrible brain haemorrhage in his early fifties and lost much of himself to the damage it caused to his ability to think clearly and to do fiddly things, both requirements of his job, so that he lost his livelihood too. And yet in this picture, holding this special-to-him baby has restored something within him. He is so proud of her, and of himself. I think that’s what this Christmas can be about for all of us. God sent the most special baby, Jesus, to heal us from fear and isolation. He comes to lie in our arms to bring us peace. He doesn’t ask anything of us other than an open heart to receive the love he brings. We’re not left out of the first Christmas story because of our brokenness, the Babe of Bethlehem restores us and offers us hope. RIP Tom Warburton 1920 - 1999 22

Great Shefford Village Treasure Hunt Come and have a stroll around the village… Date: Tuesday 28th December 2021 Starts: 10am – 10.30am Starting & Finishing at: Great Shefford Social Club Entry by Donation with all proceeds going to Great Shefford Under 5’s Plus: Guess the number of sweets to win the jar Please bring wellies and allow approx. 2 hours. The winning team will be announced on the day 23

Outdoor Christmas Fair Saturday, 4th December 2-4pm St Mary’s Church Great Shefford Wreaths and table decorations Cakes, mince pies and more…! All can also be ordered. Hot mulled non-alcoholic wine Coffee and tea Ring Linda 648140, Serena 648213 Tracy 648350 or Denise 648132 Supporting and maintaining our churches 24

SOOTYS www.sootysweeps.co.uk Master Chimney Sweep An official NACS certificate of sweeping with each sweep HETAS Approved installer Cowls & Bird Guards fitted CCTV surveying Removal of bird nests and vermin Smoke Testing Fully Insured Tel: 01488 649028 Mob: 07787 416005 2 Cherry Orchard, Great Shefford RG17 7BU Nicola Hair and Beauty Enjoy salon treatments in your own home or come to me for some time to relax For Cuts, all Colours and Blowdrys Spray Tans, Pedicures, Waxing and much more For more information and offers or to book an appointment Tel: 07766 050175 www.mobilehairandbeauty.com or find me on Facebook - nicolamobilehairandbeauty email: [email protected] Great Shefford, Hungerford, Berkshire 25

Great Shefford Under Fives www.greatsheffordunderfives.co.uk Pre-School: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9.15 – 2.45pm In 2021 we are proud to say that Great Shefford Under Fives celebrates its 50th birthday and we thank all those parents who have supported and contributed to running this educational charity over these years. If you are new to the village let me fill you in! Great Shefford Under Fives is a registered charity which began in 1971. We run two educational provisions; a Pre-School 3 days per week for children aged from 2yrs 9months and a Monday morning Baby & Toddler group. We are registered with Ofsted and have an ‘Outstanding’ inspection grade. The group employs 6 staff who are qualified and experienced in their roles. 2021 has been another testing time for all educational settings but the Pre- School has remained open throughout and our baby group open when allowed. Since March we have been open as expected with routines around social distancing at drop-off and collection times, lots of hand washing and cleaning of resources well established. The children have experienced a wealth of opportunities to support their development; weekly music and early literacy lessons, being read to everyday, playing together and making friends, being creative, cooking, learning about the seasons, harvest, Remembrance and Christmas. We had a wonderful trip to Welford Park and walked around the grounds before making camp at the cricket club. Throughout the year, we have enjoyed spending days in the woods and cooking lunch over a fire pit, watching the wildflower meadow develop, seeing the farmer at work, watching the sheepdog round up the sheep, catching sight of the egret and heron, paddling in the river, finding frogs, chasing across the fields and developing our physical strength and coordination on the fantastic apparatus at our park. In September we welcomed the Agricultural Society Education Officer, Jan, to visit us to explain where milk comes from. Recently we a visited St Mary’s church and have welcomed Rev. Miri to read to us. 26

Above all, we have given the children a sense of normality and strengthened their well-being during this difficult time. The funding for Early Years has continued to be challenging; after Easter, West Berkshire Council reduced the amount we receive per child, per hour by 6p; further cuts are currently planned for each of the next four years unless that is amended by the recent budget. Boxford Pre-School closed in July, in part due to funding difficulties. Please continue to support our group whenever you can for the benefit of our community. We are now looking forward to our 2021 Christmas celebrations. We will make Christingles at Pre-School and walk to St. Mary’s church for our short service with our families. The Nativity play will be held on the last day of term and we hope parents will be able to watch; last year we couldn’t have an audience but were lucky to have the play filmed and shared with parents, where there’s a will there’s a way! We will also say a fond farewell to Angela Weekes who is retiring. Angela has been involved with the group as a parent, committee member and staff member for over 25 years. I think that deserves a gold medal – I’m sure we can make one! Huge thanks Angela for your consistent good humour, care, practical advice and dedication. Who’s going to make the playdough now?! Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Denise Herrington 27

FROM THE FIELDS AND ORCHARDS OF HILLSIDE HOUSE, GREAT SHEFFORD Our honey is brought to you by father and son bee-keepers Chris & Adrian Doyle. Our bees collect its pollen and Nectar from the blossoms and Hedgerows surrounding Hillside House in Great Shefford situated deep in the Lambourn Valley. Honey is a blend of trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids that has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties. Our extraction is cold extracted ensuring that all the properties of the honey are maintained and preserved. We also do not blend so it is as pure as possible and as the bees intended. This leaves us with a pure simple honey with all the properties that the Lambourn Valley countryside can produce. Please email us for a full price list: [email protected] Call 07827 959094 and speak to Sheila. Professional Accountancy Service Home based Professional Accountant For Limited Companies, Partnerships, Sole Traders and Self Assessments. Friendly and Reliable Service for Individual Care Virginia Parkes BSc ACMA Based in Great Shefford Tel: 01488 649908 email: [email protected] 28

Great Shefford Allotment Society (GSAS) The 2021 growing season is drawing to a close as I write this short piece. Whilst our day to day lives have been disrupted by Covid the allotment has been somewhere to relax and forget about lateral flow tests, viruses and lockdowns. However that doesn't mean that it has been without problems. We have had to destroy our entire crop of leeks, over 100 good looking substantial plants, because of something called the Allium Leaf Miner. This fly, around 3mm in length and brownish-grey in colour, was first identified in England in 2002 and has since spread over much of the country. It lays its eggs on leeks, shallots, chives, garlic, and onions and the resulting headless, legless, maggots feed on the plant leaving an orange/brown trail in a leek before pupating. The pupae are also 3mm in length and darkish brown in colour. They lay their eggs in March to June and also in October/November and the pupae can survive over winter in rotting plants left in the ground. The only solution is to net the seedlings with insect netting and keep it in place until you have harvested, something we shall definitely be doing next year! However it is not all doom and gloom. We grow a number of different beans for drying and storing including a Cuban Kidney Bean, the huge Greek Gigantis and the beautifully coloured Borlotti Bean. Whilst most have had an average year the Borlottis have thrived like never before producing their best ever harvest and we will be adding them to casseroles and making our own baked beans throughout the winter. I'm off to buy some close mesh insect netting and plan next year's crop layout! Mark Brown Allotment Holder Philip Smith Property Maintenance All you window repair needs Repairs to Double Glazed windows, doors and conservatories Misted & Broken Sealed Units - Broken Hinges - Letterboxes - Broken Handles Window & Door Locks - New Installations - Enhanced Security Features Free Quotes Tel: 01635 282788 or 07826 772081 29

The Importance of Resistance Training Resistance training can have a profound increase is an increased Resting effect on the development of the Metabolic Rate (RMR) – great for any musculoskeletal system. It is definitely weight loss ambitions, but will also lay not just for young people - resistance the foundation for more intense aerobic training should be carried out throughout training. one’s life, just adapted accordingly. Resistance Training adaptions can As we grow older, significant changes occur at a dramatic rate. Clients can occur within a client’s body. Two of the experience a 100% improvement in most dramatic changes that occur as strength within 6-12 months. The early we age are sarcopenia and osteopenia. strength improvements of a Resistance Program are often down to the body`s Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of nervous system and muscular system muscle mass, whilst osteopenia is the working better together – the body`s age- related loss in bone density. Both improving ability to recruit more of its of these conditions can be dramatically existing muscle fibres. affected by participation in a Resistance Training Program. Osteopenia causes the bone mineral density to decrease between 30- Sarcopenia is the major cause of 40 years of age. The decreases are strength loss, and as such has a higher in females than males. When significant affect on resting metabolic the reduction in bone mass starts to rate, muscle mass, fat mass and energy compromise function, osteoporosis expenditure. These changes can have a may develop – this is a more advanced knock-on effect to increased chances of condition to osteopenia where the bone other associated health risks. density losses are more severe and more prone to fractures. A significant decrease in muscle mass can begin after the age of 30 years, A client that who has been active for and we can typically lose 20-30% of our many years – especially for the first 30 muscle mass by 65 years, increasing years, is more likely to maintain bone again with advancing age. The main density and in the best position to have factor that has the greatest positive higher increases in bone density than impact on sarcopenia is the habitual use the more sedentary client. It’s also likely of muscles. Active people appear not to that athletes or hobbyists who have suffer the decline in muscle mass with participated in a single discipline sport the same rapidity as inactive people. will have an increased bone density in the major skeletal regions that their sport Its not all bad news though…Resistance focuses on. Clients who participate in Training will increase muscle mass and activities that are not particularly weight decrease fat mass, especially in more bearing tend to have less bone density sedentary older age groups, reversing than those who have used more weight the effects of sarcopenia. This in turn bearing activities. will increase strength, stability and balance. The beauty of this strength 30

A Resistance Training program that Resistance Training, the body needs to targets the major muscles and joints of first have a stable platform to generate the body tends to have a greater impact its force from. The trunk is the axis on maintaining or restoring bone density from which this force is generated or than single discipline exercise such as absorbed. Superficial muscles are walking. As with many other positive regarded as force producing, while physiological changes that accompany the deeper muscles produce a more Resistance Training, any increases stabilising force. or maintenance of bone density will continue for the duration of the training Maintaining a ‘neutral spine’ is also program. If the program ceases, there paramount in all Resistance Training is every chance the bone density will exercises and you need to familiarise return back to pre-program levels. These yourself fully with this. Basically, neutral have to be good reasons to continue spine is where it achieves maximum Resistance Training throughout your spinal support with minimal tension life. and spinal displacement. If you lose your ‘neutral range’ then surrounding One of the greatest stimuli for bone ligaments begin to take the load as remodelling in females is oestrogen. At opposed to the appropriate muscles, the onset of menopause when oestrogen resulting in potential injury. levels are beginning to decrease, there is a rapid increase in bone density loss. Once this strong, stable platform and These females may well benefit from the correct techniques have been participation in a Resistance Training established, you are in a good position program. to progress to whole body force producing resistance activities. From my It is vital to be methodical when starting experience with clients over many years, a Resistance Training program. You when a client participates in Resistance need to first understand the importance Training, they clearly become more self- of Spinal Stabilisation and how to aware of their body function and their train these muscles in the correct general confidence seems to visibly way. Muscles that go up either side grow. It`s hugely rewarding. of your entire vertebrae column, the deep muscles in your trunk and your Chris Brindley pelvic muscles all play a crucial part in stabilizing the body. It is clear that to Fitness in the Village safely progress with force producing Tel: 07525 015 408 [email protected] www.fitnessinthevillage.co.uk 31

Great Shefford Village Hall registered charity 300158 Looking back to the update I provided for the December edition of the Parish News last year, a year on it is so reassuring to be able to provide a much more positive picture. Despite requiring to close the Hall for 15 months to all hirers, apart from the early learning group (Under +5s), we managed to ensure the premises were kept in readiness for our eventual reopening. I would like to take the opportunity of thanking the Hall Committee who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure we were following the appropriate guidelines – all made possible without any problems - hosting our regular meetings on Zoom. Postponing the interior repainting and update work for more than a year was frustrating but we had a “window” in the summer when we fortunately were able to carry out a much needed refresh. For those of you who have recently visited the Hall, thank you for your positive feedback – fresh paintwork everywhere, new colour scheme and new 21st century blinds which certainly makes a welcome change. All of our groups have now returned to the Hall and we are so pleased to have a few other bookings which we all hope will increase in number. If you would like to enquire about any of the groups who regularly hire the Hall, please find contact details below: Toddlers Monday* 9.30am -11.00am Denise Herrington 648132 Under 5s Tues/Wed/Thurs* 9.15am- 2.45pm Denise Herrington 648132 *(term time only) Yoga Monday 6.15pm – 7.15pm Olivia Boydall 07554446502 GS Ladies Wednesday 7.30pm Nicola Liddiard 07766050175 Group (bi-weekly) Craft Group Friday 9.30am to Beryl Jones 648889 12.00pm Alma Dawkins 648833 Parish Council Kim Lloyd 639203 1st Thurs of month 7.30pm Ad hoc bookings are available at a very reasonable rate – an example to hire the Hall up to 4 hours for a party (under 10s) – £50. If you would like to visit and/or book the Hall, please contact Denise Herrington, 648132, Wishing everyone a safe and healthy Christmas, with best wishes for the New Year. Jane Turton Chair, Great Shefford Village Hall Committee 32

Village Hall Committee Members Chairperson – Key Holder Jane Turton Bow House, Wantage Road 649577 07710 097134 [email protected] 07985 142962 Secretary Debbie Cripps 17 Spring Meadows [email protected] Treasurer - Key Holder Helen Applin 17 Blakeney Fields 648245 [email protected] Bookings Clerk/Vice-Chair – Key Holder 648132 Denise Herrington 2 Scholars Close 07867 934687 [email protected] Committee Members John Turton Bow House, Wantage Road 649577 07776 033244 [email protected] John Wells Hab 1, Old Railway Station, Station Road [email protected] 648263 Sandra Lodge Gable House, Newbury Road 648917 [email protected] Nadine de Chazal 3 Riverway 649980 [email protected] Alma Dawkins 4 The Old Railway Station 648833 [email protected] 33

Welford Park C C :- Your Community Cricket Club Welford Park Cricket Club is open to everyone. In 2021 the Saturday 1st XI finished 9th in the Berkshire League Premier Division. The 2nd XI came 8th in Division 2. Our Sunday side won just 3 games out of 17 played but that side is about enjoying the game and mixing inexperienced players into the team. The highlights in 2021 were: • Five juniors under 16 made their debuts for the league teams, all making significant contributions • The Club hosted a match against the MCC only losing by 12 runs. Over 200 people were in attendance and over £55,000 was raised for MacMillan. (It’s anticipated that a 2023 match follows.) • The Colts Kwik cricket section increased by over 200% with 89 children signed up which we look forward to developing even further in 2022. Here are some ways that you might like to get involved:- A) Play • Weekend or midweek - We have teams at levels from Friendly To Berks Premier » So all abilities are welcome from beginner to strong • No need to commit to membership right away – give it a try • Bring your children to our Friday coaching for mainly primary school age, school years R to year 7 34

B) Officiate • Umpires and scorers are sought for the 2022 season. C) Support Your Community Club As an independent sporting club we need sponsorship and donations. We currently have two fundraising projects. Welford Park C. C. development post Covid (thegoodexchange.com) The first is to fund an artificial net for use by all ages. Our project is on the “Good Exchange” site. Currently, until 15th December, every donation will be matched and you can also add gift aid, turning £10 into £22.50, £20 into £45, etc. Please help if you can. To do so follow this link and click the blue donate button. https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/18913/welford-park-cricket- club/welford-park-c-c-development-post-covid Colts-Training-Program The second project is to raise funds to put people through a coaching course to train the colts next year, thus increasing our ability to provide this and to purchase lots more equipment for the children to use. Exactly the same match funding is available here except goes through to March with the link being: https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/19128/welford-park-cricket- club/welford-park-cricket-club-colts-training-program For more information about the club contact Ian Herrington on 07879 20469 Welford Park C. C. Colts-Training-Program development post Covid Please use the QR codes above with your smartphone 35

Sky Notes for Nov/Dec If you have a good south-west horizon (or an upstairs window to look out of) you may be able to catch the planet Venus in the hour following sunset, low down and itself setting soon after 6pm. After the first week in December, it will gradually get closer to the Sun and disappear by year end, only to appear in the morning sky before sunrise by late January. It doesn’t return to the evening sky until December next year. Jupiter is prominent in the early evening sky, due south at 6pm and the brightest star-like object in the sky apart from Venus. If you have any sort of optical aid, take a careful look and you will be able to make out the small round disk of the planet. See how many of its four largest moons can be seen, they will be strung out in a line and if Jupiter wasn’t so close to them could be seen faintly with the naked eye. The one physically closest to Jupiter, called Io orbits in less than 2 days and the most distant, Callisto takes just over two weeks to make a full circuit of the giant planet. So, each evening you will see a different alignment as the moons move around. Sometimes one or two may be too close, or in front of or behind Jupiter and so won’t be visible. In fact, with a telescope of 3 inches diameter or more, if you look carefully, you should be able to see the moons as brighter dots if they do pass across Jupiter’s disk and also occasionally the shadows of the moons will be seen as dark spots too. The other giant planet, Saturn is also on show in the early evening, it is the next bright star-like object to the right of Jupiter and a little closer to the horizon. With a small telescope or even high-powered binoculars the rings can be made out, with low magnifications just looking like a small yellow oval shape, but in larger telescopes and higher magnifications, the rings can be seen in all their glory, separate from the disk of Saturn. Every 13 to 15 years Earth passes through the plane of Saturn’s rings, we are then looking at them side on and as they are about 80,000 km in diameter but only about 1 km thick, for a short time they effectively disappear from view. The next time this happens is in March 2025 but at the moment they are well angled toward us. Saturn has one very large moon called Titan and it takes about two weeks to orbit the planet. It is bright enough to be seen in binoculars, though a star chart plotting its location is needed. Peter Birtwhistle email: [email protected] 36

Farming Notes With harvest 2021 well behind us, Brexit, the pandemic and world shortages have been well publicised and farming, whilst until recently largely unaffected by the pandemic, is now starting to feel its effects. We have all heard of the shortages of CO2 which is used in food production, as well as operating theatres, nuclear reactors and fire extinguishers and is a by- product of fertiliser production. The latter is used by farmers to help increase productivity of both grassland and cereals crops. It is currently trading on the world market at three times last year’s price, leading many farmers to cut back on autumn planting of wheat, because of the uncertainty that the value of the crop produced will cover the costs of getting it to harvest when the reduction in single farm payments (subsidies), the increased cost of fuel and most other inputs are taken into account. This also affects livestock farmers who rely on artificial fertiliser to boost grass production. There are strict rules governing the amount of organic fertiliser (including sewage sludge and manure from livestock) which can be applied to the land, so for those who do have livestock it isn’t just a case of less artificial, more organic – oh that it was that simple. Events over the coming months will decide what spring cropping is undertaken. There are those who are pushing for more trees to be planted to reduce the emissions in the atmosphere and absorb carbon dioxide, at the same time encouraging us to cut meat consumption. However grass also absorbs large quantities of carbon dioxide, as well as providing feed for cattle, not only as grazing, but in conservation of surplus growth into silage, hay or haylage. Grass reared cattle in this country receive very little in the form of concentrates, most of their winter diet when they are housed, being made up of silage or hay, thus they consume very little soya. Statistically only 35% of imported Soya is fed to livestock – largely the pig and poultry sectors, but 45% is used in food products for humans. We should all look at our shopping baskets and stop relying so heavily on processed foods, many of which are transported at great cost to the environment, when we could buy the basic ingredients which produce healthy, wholesome meals, all of the ingredients for which can be obtained in the UK and are produced by farmers here, thus reducing food miles considerably. 37

Wall and Floor Tiling Ceramic - Porcelain - Mosaic - All Natural Stones Total Bathroom re-fits Free estimates and a friendly reliable service Contact Mick on 01488 73821 or 07714 279430 email: [email protected] Quality Cleaning Carpets & Rugs Upholstery & Curtains Spot and Stain Removal / Stain Protection 30 years experience and fully insured Call John on 07831 245007 / 01235 767400 BOILERS!!! BY PAUL HAMBLIN OIL-FIRED BOILER BREAKDOWN, SERVICING & COMMISSIONING For a prompt, efficient & courteous service Call 01488 608171 / 07909 568784 OFTEC Registered C9419 38

Antique & Modern Furniture Restoration & Conservation Malcolm Morrisen Complete range of furniture repairs; Veneer repair & replacement French polishing & colour matching Replacement leathers; Card tables re-braised Upholstery and painted furniture Insurance work carried out East Ilsley, Berkshire Tel: 01635 281349 / 07990 880717 email: [email protected] www.morrisenrestorations.co.uk Brookside Service Station Tel: 01488 648845 Open 7 days a week 6:30am to 10pm We also have Newspapers, Magazines, Greetings Cards Confectionery and Ice Creams Sandwiches & Rolls, Crisp & Snacks Groceries and Chilled Food 39

Great Shefford Village Shop Your Spar Shop The Mead, Great Shefford, Tel: 01488 648380 Post Office Services including Vehicle Licensing & SEB Key Meter Charging Wide selection of Groceries, Vegetables and provisions Frozen Food / Bread / Milk & all your essentials and very much more We also provide: Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Newspapers, Flowers and Pet Food Hot Pies from Early in the morning and freshly made rolls and Baguettes Always many SPECIAL OFFERS Come in and see YOUR LOCAL SHOP Monday to Friday 6am to 8pm Saturday 6am to 7:30pm Sunday 6am to 1pm Garden & Power Equipment Repair based in Weston Lawnmower not Starting? Strimmer Stuttering? Leaf Blower Sucking? Chainsaw not cutting? Cut through your electric cord? Blades Sharpened (shears, mower etc.) Don’t bin it, let Daddy-Fix-It Most small garden equipment repaired, reasonable prices Mower / Strimmer / Chainsaw Servicing & Sharpening Also Sales of Guaranteed Reconditioned Mowers Petrol, Cordless & Electric email: [email protected] Tel: 01488 758337 www.daddy-fix-it.co.uk 40

Live in Care at Home We care passionately For many people the questions about care don’t arise until suddenly, there is a need. Bluebird Care can provide 24 hour live in care, supporting you to remain as independent as possible, living the lifestyle you choose Find out more about our Live in Care service today: 01256 762324 [email protected] bluebirdcare.co.uk/hook-kingsclere We are independently regulated Are you having computer problems? Is your computer slowing down? Do you need a new PC but are unsure of what to choose? Call us now for friendly, expert advice. We are local and we come to you at your home or office No Fix - No Fee guarantee No call-out charges and we charge by the half hour Call us on 01488 460150 or email us [email protected] COMPUTER MEDICINE 41

Great Shefford Pre-school The Village Hall, Station Road Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, term time 9:15am - 2:45pm For children from 2 years 9 Months Consistent, qualified staff team Fantastic early years resources Forest School plus great outdoor learning every day Good links with all local schools “Children are inquisitive and very eager to learn They make rapid progress” Ofsted 2017 Funding for 2, 3 & 4 Year olds Babies & Toddlers Monday Mornings 9:30am - 11:30am Welcoming all parents and carers with very young children for activities and friendship www.greatsheffordunderfives.co.uk Please call Denise on 01488 648132 42

Homes & Gardens Contacts - See Adverts of full details Quality Cleaning Services 01235 767400 07831 245007 Sooty Chimney Sweeps 01488 649028 07787 416005 Paul Hamblin 01488 608171 07909 568754 Bourne Property Maintenance 01635 282788 07826 772081 FJF Tiling 01488 73821 07714 279430 Malcolm Morrison - Furniture Restoration 01635 281349 Alan Pearson - Garden & Power Equip Repairs 07506 302598 The Alpha Experience - Printing 01635 523240 Bluebird Live-in care 01256 762324 Computer Medicine 01488 460150 Hillside Honey - Adrian Doyle 07827 959094 Personal, Family and Children’s Services Bluebird Care - Home Care services 01635 36953 Accountancy Services - Virginia Parkes 01488 649908 Fitness in the Village - Chris Brindley 07525 015408 Great Shefford Pre-School/Under 5s 01488 648132 Mobile Hair and Beauty - Nicola Athawes 07766 050175 Shops and Pubs The Great Shefford Pub - Joshua Khan 01488 648462 The Pheasant Inn, Shefford Woodlands 01488 648284 Graham Jones Pharmacy Ltd 01488 71464 Lambourn Universal Stores 01488 72353 Brookside Service Station 01488 648845 Frogs Island 4 x 4 Workshop 01488 648055 The Village Shop & Post Office - Mintu Singh 01488 648380

Handy Numbers Village Contacts Archivist – Liz Saunders 01488 648278 Bell Ringers – Peter Birtwhistle 01488 648103 Sew Crafty Ladies – Nicola Athawes 07766 050175 Church Contact – Serena Nickson 01488 648213 Allotment Society – Helen Brown 01488 648327 Shefford School 01488 648657 Social Club – Sandra Lodge 01488 648917 Trindledown Farm – Tracy Waldron 01488 638584 Under Fives – Denise Herrington 01488 648132 Village Hall Bookings – Denise 01488 648132 Welford Cricket Club – Ian Herrington 01488 648132 Bus to Wantage – Jim Samson 01488 648377 Craft Group – Alma Dawkins 01488 648833 Drs’ Surgery Lambourn - Appointments 01488 72299 Drs’ Surgery Lambourn - 24 Hrs. 01488 71715 NHS Out of Hours 111 Emergency and Help Contact Numbers Police Non Emergency Number 101 Electricity Emergencies 105 Water - Environment Agency Information 03708 506 506 Floodline 0345 988 1188 Thames Water Leak Line 0800 316 9800 West Berkshire Council - Streetcare 01635 551111 Age Concern 01189 594242 Citizen Advice Bureau - Newbury 01635 516695 SAMARITANS 116 123