The church working party on Saturday, April 18 achieved an enormous amount in a long morning’s hard graft. Outside, slipping slates were replaced, guttering cleared, some lead flashing patched up to stop (we hope!) a major leak, all the windows cleaned, ivy removed (a never-ending task); inside, the side chapel glazing was cleaned of a year’s worth of bat piddle, high-level lamps replaced, the storage area thoroughly cleaned (more bat-tery) and re-arranged, high-level dusting of windows, and other tasks as well. Fearless ladder-climbing skills were much in evidence! We had music while we worked much of the time, as a visiting team of bell ringers was ringing a full peal throughout the morning to celebrate St George’s Day – three hours of non-stop ringing. Which was slightly less enjoyable for those working outside who after a while couldn’t hear themselves think! and the north wind was very cruel to wet hands which then had to be warmed on a mug of tea. But a very big thank you to Keith Wallace and the crew – Andy Moffatt, Brian Utton, Carol Manos, Colin Stribling, Cynthia and Max Gater and Roger Smith - for giving up a whole Saturday morning for a bit of church TLC. It is hugely appreciated.

Charlotte Frost

Will be available again from the pub between 8 & 8 on Thursdays

To mark the end of winter time we’re having a supper and quiz night in the village hall on Friday, March 27th, kicking off at 7.30pm. There will be 8 rounds of questions (only easy if you know the answer!), a delicious 2-course supper, a raffle and a wine bar.

Tickets cost £7.50 which includes your first glass of wine, with a £5 discount for booking a whole table of 6. Available now from Charlotte Frost (841361), and all proceeds will go to church funds

A house to house collection is being organised in the village for Christian Aid Week, which raises money for good causes in the developing world. Volunteers are needed to deliver a envelopes to a few houses and collect same. Commitment no more than an hour or two. If you feel you could help please contact Timothy George (841278) or Nicky Irwin (01793 741216).

The Church Electoral Roll is updated every year in time for the annual parochial church meeting, which this year will be on April 20 in the church at 7.30 pm. Being on this Roll determines eligibility for attendance at and participation in the APCM, and for election to the Parochial Church Council.

The current list is posted in the church porch, so please make sure your name is on it if you wish it to be so, or get a form from the Electoral Roll Officer (Charlotte Frost, as below) so it can be added. This must be done before April 6, when the list closes until after the APCM. The next complete revision, done every six years when everybody has to sign up again, will be in 2013.

Dear All,

Just to make you aware about a window cleaning scam. A company called Proper Clean who are cold calling on residents around the county and offering them a 12 month window cleaning contract for £99. Money is being paid and the window cleaner never returns. There have been no reports in our area. If you suspect any one please report it to the police.

Kind Regards
PCSO Jonathan Mills
Marlborough Police Community Support Officer

Jumble Sale - Village Hall 10am to 1pm

Entry 50p (children free)

Beat the credit cruch and be trendy - recycle your clothes!

Refreshments, cake stall and raffle.

All proceeds to be divided between Ogbourne Primary School and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Donations gratefully received - we can collect and store items now.

All enquiries - Jackie 01672 540347 or Helen 01672 841481

Devizes Town Hall on Saturday 21st February 10.00am – 3.30pm. All Welcome

How much do you know about Fair Trade? You are invited to visit Devizes Town Hall to find out more. Wiltshire Churches Together, Devizes Town Council and The Devizes Fair Trade Group have come together to organise a day of feasting and fun and to promote Devizes Fair Trade fortnight (Monday 23rd February to Sunday 8th March) and to celebrate the commitment to Fair Trade by Wiltshire Towns and Churches.

On Saturday 21st February 2009 from 10.00am to 3.30pm catch something of the taste and flavour of Fair Trade and Ethically produced food and drink in a Carnival, New Orleans style atmosphere. The Town Hall will host the event with various stalls, a wine bar and opportunities to sample and buy Fair Traded food, wine and a variety of different products and gifts. Browse around Fair Trade stalls and drop in and hear from a variety of speakers about Fair Trade issues throughout the day. At 11am there will be a service of celebration at St John’s church. Come and join in fun and games for all the family. This is a great way both to have a good time and to help the Fair Trade cause and hopefully brighten the end of a Wiltshire Winter.

Further details from Danela Adams at the Ramsbury Office on 01380 729808

The Final Delivery … and the Collection Last month “Kevin The Postie” left the Royal Mail after giving a friendly service to all in the Ogbourne Community for over 20 years. Villagers collected the princely sum of over seven hundred pounds to say thank you and best wishes to Kevin. The children of Ogbourne School presented Kevin with the vouchers (and cash that came in after the vouchers were purchased) on 24th October, when he delivered the school post. Kevin was overcome and very grateful. He said that the Ogbournes’ post round wasn’t a job, it was delivering a service to friends!

And a big thank you from Kevin…

Dear all, I was overwhelmed by your kind words and generosity. Thank you all very much for your kindness and friendship over the last 20 years. It has been my great pleasure to have been Kevin the Postie over the years. Thank you again and goodbye for now.

Following last year’s successful event – Friends of Ogbourne School (FOS) will be holding another Christmas Gift Fair in Marlborough Town Hall on Saturday 22nd November 9.00am to 12.30pm.

Any support from the village community would be greatly appreciated. Donations for the homemade baking/produce stall and the ‘Unwanted Gift’ stall are always appreciated or pop in for a spot of Christmas shopping or a coffee! Any questions or donations please contact Debbie Sandison on 841468