The Chimes
The Chimes is the parish magazine for the villages of Aston Ingham, Linton, Upton Bishop, Lea and Gorsley. It is delivered at the beginning of the month ten times a year by volunteers (December/January and July/August) are joint issues. It is also available at www.thechimes.org.
The sub editor for Upton Bishop is Olivia Boon and she can be contacted on 07496 685960 or by email oliviaboon7@gmail.com
There is a directory of useful information published by The Chimes team. This is the Upton Bishop section of the directory.
Information about news and events which are published in The Chimes can be found in the What’s On and News section of this website.
December/January
UPTON BISHOP WEBSITE ADDRESS: https://uptonbishop.gov.uk/
WHAT’S ON IN UPTON BISHOP
AT THE CHURCH:
Vicar – David Howell 01989 568736 Church Warden – Jane Ayres 07989 572356
The church is open every day – a quiet space for all to enjoy.
Dogs are welcome in the churchyard on a lead, but please clear up after them.
Wishing everyone in the village a very happy and blessed Christmas from us all at St John the Baptist’s Church Upton Bishop.
SUNDAY SERVICES in the church. All Services at 10.30 unless shown otherwise
|
For DECEMBER 1st Advent Sunday Mattins 4th at 9.30 BCP Communion followed by Prayer Group 8th Communion 15th December, 4pm CAROL SERVICE the church will be lit by candlelight for this celebration of traditional Christmas music and readings. 22nd All Age Communion 25th CHRISTMAS DAY Communion with blessing of the crib 29th Benefice Service at Linton |
For JANUARY There will be no BCP Communion in January 5th Mattins – Epiphany We are considering a visit to the Hereford Cathedral to join their Epiphany celebrations (there may be camels) Please let us know if you would be interested. 12th Communion 19th Communion 26th All Age Worship |
|
EVENSONG every Tuesday, 5.30pm at Graham and Ann Fowler’s House. Ring 780600 for details. |
|
|
Be assured of a warm welcome at these services which are suitable for all ages. You don’t need to be a regular church attender to join in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. |
|
AT THE MILLENNIUM HALL:
THE UPTON BISHOP CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 7th December, 10am. In aid of church funds. Teas, Cakes and Produce, Tombola, fabulous Christmas Hamper Draw, Bric-a-Brac, (call Diane on 780 400) crafts, games for all the family and of course a visit from Father Christmas. None of this is possible without your help. All contributions are very welcome: for the Tombola (Tracy 07803 756508), Hamper Draw (Lindsey 07885 388663), Cakes and Produce (Jane 780383) and mince pies for teas (please bring them on the day). For more information call Olivia 07496 685960.
FOR THE YOUNG:
BABY SENSORY Monday mornings during termtime. Call Annabel 07341 956056 or hereford@babysensory.co.uk
LITTLE SWALLOWS Friday mornings. Activities for under 5s. Call Nicky 01989 780211
LEGO@UB CLUB is taking a break until Saturday 1st February.
FIT AND ACTIVE:
KEEP FIT CLASS Tuesdays, 10-11am. Call Jane Fray 01989 780383 or Michaela Johnson 07706101164.
INDOOR SHORT-MAT BOWLS Tuesday 15th October, 7- 9pm, £2 per person includes tea/coffee and biscuits. All abilities very welcome. Call Dave Powell 07794 429090 or just come along!
BADMINTON CLUB Thursdays 8-10pm all ages and skills. Call Steve Cracknell 01989 720577.
TANGO Fridays but not every Friday. Check with Beryl Kirk 07743 778799 or bakirk@live.co.uk.
SOCIAL:
SOCIAL AFTERNOON We are not meeting in December but we look forward to seeing you for a get together on Monday 20th January, 2.30-4.30pm.
QUILTERS 3rdThursday of the month, 2-4pm. Call Sue Jones 07505 977 944
UPTON BISHOP WI NAMED AS ‘HEREFORDSHIRE WI OF THE YEAR.’ At the Annual Conference Meeting in October
Upton Bishop WI won the ‘Paddy Ariss Trophy’ for Herefordshire WI of the Year. At the age of 105, ours is the oldest group in the county. We are part of the largest women’s organisation in the country that offer endless opportunities to make friends and to make a difference to your life and to your community. The W.I. now has a forward-thinking structure and attitude, is full of interesting people and has a huge variety of opportunities for learning, entertainment and self-development.
WI of the Year’ photo: Frances Lawford – President of UBWI; Jacqui Woodhouse – Treasurer of The Herefordshire Federation of WIs; Margaret Simcock – Chairwoman of The Herefordshire Federation of Wis; Caroline Miller – Treasurer of UBWI
Upton Bishop WI has a busy programme of events, recent ones included a Clean Rivers campaign, metal detecting, competitions, playing host to an international best-selling author, an antiques expert and Guide Dogs. We still make terrific jam and cakes and will have a go at any craft challenge you send our way.
In November we had a talk about ‘Apples & People’ plus a cooking competition for dishes containing apples. Our Craft & Chat group have been making stitched cards, Dorset buttons and a Remembrance poppy wreath for Upton Bishop Church.
December will be very festive as we each make a Christmas floral arrangement, and share our buffet and Secret Santa. Although we don’t have a monthly meeting in January, our Walk & Talk group have planned to meet. We’re back in February when we compete for best dried/artificial floral arrangement and have a floral theme for the evening.
New members are always welcome on the second Tuesday of each month, 7-9 pm at The Community Hub, St, Mary’s Garden Village. Contact 01989 569881
Upton_Bishop_WI@herefordshire.org.uk.
Apple Pressing
A bumper crop of apples from gardens and the Community Orchard gave villagers the chance to enjoy two apple pressing parties and collect the delicious juice. Look out next year for your chance to join in and sample the 2025 vintage.
200 CLUB DRAW FOR NOVEMBER £100 Margaret Farr £20 Edward Bell; £10 Andy Parr; £5 Tony Ayres.
WOMEN’S CIRCLE Offering a safe, non-judgemental space for women to connect, heal and learn from each other. Open to all women. Please contact Amy to enquire: 07867 761108.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE IN UPTON BISHOP!
THANK YOU to everyone who has been involved in village life in 2024. Your contribution, large or small, is valued and appreciated by the whole community.
SYMPATHY to the Revd David Howell and his family on the death of David’s father.
BEST WISHES Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is not too well, or who is undergoing or waiting for treatment at present.
UPTON BISHOP NEWS
THE CHURCH
Remembrance Sunday
On Sunday 10th November, we gathered to remember and give thanks for the sacrifice of those young men of our village who gave their lives for our freedom in two world wars. Robin Boon laid our poppy wreath and read the names on the war memorial before we observed two minutes silence. Olivia read a moving letter from a WW2 bomber pilot to his wife, and the Rev Brian Phillips gave a very interesting talk on the wider effects of war. A collection of £143 was taken for the Royal British legion.
Thanks to the Upton Bishop WI ladies who have been busy with their knitting needles and made a charming poppy wreath for the church. It was placed beneath the war memorial after the service.
THE MILLENNIUM HALL
If you are interested in joining the Millennium Hall team, please get in touch: 07496 685 960.
HIRING THE HALL There is space in the diary for new events so, if you have an idea, please go on line to book a date: https://v2.hallmaster.co.uk/Scheduler/View/13123?startRoom=0
Unfortunately, we are going to have to review charges for hiring the Hall in the near future, as these have not altered for a number of years.
UPTON BISHOP PARISH COUNCIL (UBPC) Any parishioner can contact the UBPC at clerk@uptonbishop.gov.uk Parish Council meeting minutes are available on the Parish Council website.
A UBPC meeting was held on Tuesday, 3rd November in the village hall. Six councillors, the clerk and twenty members of the public, including the Ward Councillor attended.
Planning Applications: the PC OBJECTED to application 241664 for land at Upton Bishop Fishing Lake, HR9 7UH and submitted a 7-page document with a detailed argument supporting the objection. The PC made NO COMMENT on application 242402 for 17 Powell Croft, HR9 7UZ.
The PC confirmed the intention to produce a policy to enable decisions on planning consultations to be undertaken between meetings when necessary.
Finance, the PC reviewed their financial position confirming a balance of £239589.59 in the PC accounts. They also confirmed the finalisation of the 2023/24 audit and agreed to adopt an updated set of Financial Regulations.
The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 3 December at 7pm.
Caption for ‘UB Remembrance Day’ photo Thanks to the Upton Bishop WI ladies who have been busy with their knitting needles and made a charming poppy wreath for the church. It was placed beneath the war memorial after the service.
Caption for ‘Upton Bishop WI of the Year’ photo: Frances Lawford – President of UBWI; Jacqui Woodhouse – Treasurer of The Herefordshire Federation of WIs; Margaret Simcock – Chairwoman of The Herefordshire Federation of Wis; Caroline Miller – Treasurer of UBWI
Caption for Apple pressing potos: COMMUNITY ORCHARD A bumper crop of apples from gardens and the Community Orchard gave villagers the chance to enjoy two apple pressing parties and collect the delicious juice. Look out next year for your chance to join in and sample the 2025 vintage.
Rainfall Report for October
October’s’total was 89.3mm and this was…..just about average and, after September, we’ll settle for that. The rain was spread pretty much throughout the month with 3 dry spells of only 3 to 4 days each time. The 5th to the 20th saw the majority of the rain with 70.5mm. When it wasn’t a wet day there was still a lot of dull, grey weather about although there were sporadic periods and even days of lovely October sunshine. Overall it was mild but there was a slight overnight frost on the 11th and there was also the first named storm of the season – Ashley. But this was a very northern affair and just gave us a breezy day with a bit of rain. The wet started in October last year and so let’s look at the year from then up to this September. Normally we would expect about 730mm (29 inches) of rain during this period but we had 50% more than that with 1116mm (44 inches) with 8 months exceeding their average rainfall by 20% or more – in fact a lot more in 6 of those months. Even in the dryer months, in particular June and August were quite dry, there were a lot of the dull, grey lowering skies about so that it never seemed “dry”. So a difficult year of weather; hoping for better I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
November
Rainfall report by Rob the Rainman
Septembers’ total was a whopping 225.7mm, coming in at 4 times the average. The first 11 days saw a total of 75.1mm which was already 25% more than the monthly average. Any hopes that the last 3 weeks of the astronomical summer would at least be summer like (remember the September heat wave last year) went with 25.9mm of rain on the first 2 days, followed by 17.5mm on the 5th and 24.8mm on the 7th. Bit of a dry, but not spectacularly nice, spell from the 12th to the 19th until an afternoon thunderstorm delivered 23.1mm on the 20th in very short order. Then the last day of summer, the 22nd this year, saw 34.1mm followed by the first day of autumn with 28.6mm. It wasn’t finished there with 29.2mm over the 25th and 26th before another 23mm on the 29th. In those last 11 days of September we had a total of 149.2mm or, in old money, 5.9inches and a total for the month of 8inches. Actually it wasn’t a particularly cold month only becoming more so from about the 27th although the very wet days felt chilly. But it was certainly a very, very, very wet one.
WHAT’S ON IN UPTON BISHOP
AT THE CHURCH:
Vicar – David Howell 01989 568736 Church Warden – Jane Ayres 07989 572356
revdavidhowell@btinternet.com jane.e.ayres@me.com
The church is open every day – a quiet space for all to enjoy.
Dogs are welcome in the churchyard on a lead, but please clear up after them.
SUNDAY SERVICES in the church for NOVEMBER
3rd Matins
Wednesday 6th, 9.30am BCP COMMUNION followed by prayer group.
10th Remembrance Service at 10.45 with laying of poppy wreath
17th Communion
24th All Age Service with Communion
Every Tuesday, 5.30pm – EVENSONG at Graham and Ann Fowler’s House. Ring 780600 for details.
COMING SOON in the church:
ADVENT SUNDAY 1st December to mark the beginning of the Christmas season with Advent hymns.
CAROL SERVICE Sunday 15th December, 4pm the church will be decorated for our traditional candlelit service.
AT THE MILLENNIUM HALL in NOVEMBER:
KEEP FIT CLASS Tuesdays, 10-11am. For any further information please contact Jane Fray on 01989 780383 or Michaela Johnson on 07706101164.
LEGO@UB CLUB Saturday 2nd, 10.30 – 11.30am and every first Saturday. All children are welcome with a responsible adult. 50p per child which includes squash and biscuits. For more information, ring Jane on 07989 572356.
SOCIAL AFTERNOON Monday 18th, 2.30 till 4.30pm. We do hope you will join us for a cup of tea and some home-made cake.
INDOOR SHORT-MAT BOWLS Tuesday 19th, 7- 9pm, £2 per person including tea/coffee and biscuits. All abilities very welcome. Contact Dave Powell on 07794 429090 for more information or just come along!
UPTON BISHOP WI We now hold our monthly meetings at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month (except January) at The Community Hub, Starling Road, St Mary’s Garden Village, HR9 7QJ. On Tuesday 12th November at 7pm, Upton Bishop WI will be hearing from Dr David Marshall about his work on “Apples & People”. Herefordshire grows more apples than anywhere else in the UK, and the UK plays an important part in the global story of the apple. The “Apples & People” exhibition programme is a partnership between the Brightspace Foundation, the Museum of Cider and the National Trust in Herefordshire. Apples & People explores the astonishing story of the apple through forty-six apple stories. Connecting its diverse history to humanity and culture. Based upon a specially commissioned apple world map, which traces the network of stories from the ancient world to the present day.
To tie in with our this we will be competing to win The Pruddah Cup for the best dish containing apples. We also have a Walk & Talk group, Coffee & Craft group, trips and joint activities across the country and countrywide.
Contact 01989 569881 www.Upton_BishopWI@herefordshirewi.org.uk
COMING SOON in the Millennium Hall:
THE UPTON BISHOP CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 7th December, 10am. Teas, Cakes and Produce, Tombola, fabulous Christmas Hamper Draw (tickets on sale now so don’t miss out), Bric-a-Brac, (call Diane on 780 400) crafts, games for all the family and of course a visit from Father Christmas. None of this is possible without your help. All contributions are very welcome: for the Tombola (Tracy 07803 756508), Hamper Draw (Lindsey 07885 388663), Cakes and Produce (Jane 780383) and mince pies for teas (please bring them on the day). For more information call Olivia 07496 685960.
200 CLUB DRAW FOR SEPTEMBER £20 Ivor Davies; £10 Rosie Simpson; £5 Lynda and Martin Bromley
WOMEN’S CIRCLE Offering a safe, non-judgemental space for women to connect, heal and learn from each other. Open to all women. Please contact Amy to enquire: 07867 761108.
WELCOME to Mr and Mrs Friend who have moved to Woodhouse Lane and Miss Gartside and Mr Baynham to Phocle Green.
BEST WISHES Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is unwell, or is undergoing or waiting for treatment at present.
UPTON BISHOP NEWS
THE CHURCH
ARE YOU A SINGER? If anyone would like to join the Benefice Choir, please contact Jane on 07989572356. We practice for occasional services such as Harvest and Christmas. If you enjoy singing, all you need is enthusiasm.
THE MILLENNIUM HALL If you are interested in joining the Millennium Hall team, please call 07496 685 960.
HIRING THE HALL There is space in the diary for new events so, if you have an idea, please get in touch to book a date: janependle@gmail.com. Unfortunately, we are going to have to review charges for hiring the Hall in the near future, as these have not altered for a number of years.
THE CHIMES DIRECTORY has information on regular events and classes. There is plenty for everyone: Baby Sensory, Badminton, Yoga, Tango, Ross Quilters, Little Swallows.
UPTON BISHOP PARISH COUNCIL (UBPC) Any parishioner can contact the UBPC at clerk@uptonbishop.gov.uk Parish Council meeting minutes are available on the Parish Council website.
A UBPC meeting was held on Tuesday, 1st October, in the village hall. Six councillors, the clerk, the ward councillor and eight members of the public attended.
Phocle Green layby As part of his report the ward councillor gave an update: Herefordshire Council has confirmed it is a highways layby and owned by HC. The clerk will write to the council to have that confirmed in writing and to inform them that we wish to encourage wild flowers on the bank.
Planning application The Council objected to the planning application for an ancillary building at Tan House Stables as the curtilage is unclear.
Flooding at Tanhouse continues to be a problem. After the recent rain there was over a foot of water on the road. This is a long-standing problem and is not caused by blocked ditches. The council will continue to try to identify a solution. Herefordshire Council has drainage grant funding which might be available to the village.
The lengthsman has had a busy month due to all the rain and was commended for the work he has done to keep the ditches clear. All roads in the village were inspected after the heaviest rainfall and there were only seven areas which needed further maintenance. The majority are now completed. The lengthsman will tidy up the land surrounding the Old Gore War Memorial in time for Remembrance Day.
Broadband access A letter will be sent to Herefordshire Council requesting fibre to premises for Phocle Green.
The external audits for 2022/23 and 2023/24 have been completed.
Local grants The council agreed to award a £50 grant towards the Harvest Morris dancers and a £70 grant for a professional face painter at the Christmas Fayre.
The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 3rd December 2024 at 7pm.
—————————————————————————————————–
October
Rainfall report by Rob the Rainman
August’s total was 24.8mm, only 43% of the average so the dryer theme of the second half of July continued. The month started off very warm and, overall, it was on average a warmer month. Not wall to wall as sunny days were interspersed with cloudy and dull days, a lowering sky, this being a feature of the summer. Bits and bobs of rain throughout the month, most notable was 6.7mm on the 13th. And a named storm, Lillian, on the 22nd. We escaped the rain but the strength of the wind combined with trees in full leaf was enough to bring some down. The total rainfall for the summer was 102.6mm and this was just 64% of the average; it was about the same as 2022 and 26mm less than 2023. That may come as a surprise as we have all been complaining about our poor summer this year. It was a summer of two halves; the first saw 70% of the rain with cool days and even cooler nights and very little sun – those lowering skies predominating. Even on sunny days too many light evenings turned cloudy and dull. The second half was dryer and warmer but unfortunately we never got a prolonged period of lovely summer weather. And, of course, it followed a very wet autumn, winter and an awful spring which needed a lovely summer which it wasn’t.
WHAT’S ON IN UPTON BISHOP
AT THE CHURCH:
Vicar – David Howell 01989 568736 Church Warden – Jane Ayres 07989 572356
The church is open every day – a quiet space for all to enjoy.
Dogs are welcome in the churchyard on a lead, but please clear up after them.
SUNDAY SERVICES in the church for OCTOBER
6th Mattins
13th Holy Communion
Friday 18th October 6.30pm HARVEST HYMNS, MUSIC and READINGS and REFRESHMENTS in the beautifully decorated church.
20th Informal worship at the Harvest event in the Millennium Hall
27th All Age Service with Communion British Summer time ends, the clocks fall back one hour.
EVENSONG every Tuesday, 5.30pm at Graham and Ann Fowler’s House. Ring 780600 for details.
BCP COMMUNION Wednesday 2nd October, 9.30am followed by prayer group.
AT THE MILLENNIUM HALL:
KEEP FIT CLASS Tuesdays, 10-11am. For any further information please contact Jane Fray on 01989 780383 or Michaela Johnson on 07706101164.
UPTON BISHOP WI Friday 4th October, 7-9.30pm a competitive Jigsaw Evening (please form teams of 4, £5 per person) for contact details, see below.
MARKET TO YOUR DOOR. Saturday 5th October, 10am – 12. We look forward to seeing you for fresh, local produce. This will be our last visit. There will also be coffee and cake in the Hall.
LEGO@UB CLUB Saturday 5th October, 10.30 – 11.30am alongside the Market Van and Coffee Morning. All children are welcome with a responsible adult. 50p per child which includes squash and biscuits. For more information, ring Jane on 07989 572356.
THE MILLENNIUM HALL AGM will be held on Thursday 10 October 6.30 – 7.45pm There are vacancies for Trustees so if you would like to be involved, please contact the Secretary on 07496 685960. The closing date for application is 3rd October, one week before the meeting.
INDOOR SHORT-MAT BOWLS Tuesday 15th October, 7- 9pm, £2 per person including tea/coffee and biscuits. All abilities very welcome. Contact Dave Powell on 07794 429090 for more information or just come along!
HARVEST SUNDAY 20th October as part of our Harvest Weekend in the Millennium Hall and at the church. 10.30am Informal Sunday worship. 12 Midday Forest of Dean Morris dancing. From 12.30pm Harvest lunch: soup and a roll with apple or pumpkin puddings. Carved pumpkin competition judged by popular vote. Crafts, fun and games. No charge but donations towards expenses would be welcome. Harvest Hymns in the church on Friday 18th October.
SOCIAL AFTERNOON Monday 21st October, 2.30 till 4.30pm. We do hope you will join us for a cup of tea and some home-made cake.
UPTON BISHOP WI Thursday 24th October, 2 – 4pm. £5. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s talk about rivers & coronation gardens.
UPTON BISHOP WI are going places! We’re on the move and now hold our monthly meetings at The Community Hub, Starling Road, St Mary’s Garden Village. A lovely new venue, more suitable for our activities and budget. Some of our larger events will still be held at The Millennium Hall. Monthly meet-ups start at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month except January. In October we meet at our community hub and are learning about quilting, competing for The Alice Smith Needlework Cup with our autumn themed pieces of needlework and in November we’ll be competing for The Pruddah Cup with dishes containing apples. This will tie in with a visit from “Apples and People” For more information email Upton_Bishop_WI@herefordshirewi.org.uk.
COMING SOON In the church:
CAROL SERVICE Sunday 15th December, 4pm
In the Millennium Hall:
THE UPTON BISHOP CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 7th December, 10am.
200 CLUB DRAW FOR SEPTEMBER £20 Charlotte Crosbie; £10 Ian Vaughan; £5 Tessa McLean
WOMEN’S CIRCLE Offering a safe, non-judgemental space for women to connect, heal and learn from each other. Open to all women. Please contact Amy to enquire: 07867 761108.
WELCOME to Abbie and Ryan who have moved in at Crow Hill.
SYMPATHY for the friends and family of Patrick Lancett who lived at Crow Hill.
BEST WISHES Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is not too well, or who is undergoing or waiting for treatment at present.
THANK YOU AND GOODBYE Very sadly October will be the last visit of the wonderful Market Van as Sue and Char are retiring from this service and no-one has come forward to take their place. Thank you to both of you and your team for the hard work that has gone in to giving us so much pleasure with your tempting and delicious fresh produce delivered to the heart of the village. We will miss you!
UPTON BISHOP NEWS
THE CHURCH If you would like to be part of the planning team or run a stall for the Christmas Fayre on the first Saturday of December or if you would like to join our merry band of elves on the day, please get in touch with Olivia 07496 685 960.
ARE YOU A SINGER? If anyone would like to join the Benefice Choir, please contact Jane on 07989572356. We practice for occasional services such as Harvest and Christmas. If you enjoy singing, all you need to join in is enthusiasm.
THE MILLENNIUM HALL If you are interested in joining the Millennium Hall team, please get in touch: 07496 685 960.
HIRING THE HALL There is space in the diary for new events so, if you have an idea, please get in touch to book a date: janependle@gmail.com. Unfortunately, we are going to have to review charges for hiring the Hall in the near future, as these have not altered for a number of years.
THE CHIMES DIRECTORY has information on regular events and classes. There is plenty for everyone: Baby Sensory, Badminton, Yoga, Tango, Ross Quilters, Little Swallows.
LEGOCLUB@UBThe Lego club has been running since May and has been great fun. I’ve been amazed at the creativity of some of our members. Thanks to the generosity of the Parish Council, we’ve been able to buy some new base boards, pull back car chassis and lots more bricks. There’s plenty for everyone, so do come and join in on the first Saturday of each month from 10.30 -11.30am
It’s only 50p per child to join in which includes biscuits and a drink. We ask that a responsible adult stays but there’s coffee and cake available for them too.
UPTON BISHOP PARISH COUNCIL (UBPC) Any parishioner can contact the UBPC at clerk@uptonbishop.gov.uk Parish Council meeting minutes are available on the Parish Council website.
A UBPC meeting was held on Tuesday, September 3, in the village hall. Five councillors and eight members of the public attended.
The council considered one planning application (240030) Kempley Barns Holiday Let – adjustment of planning restrictions. The application was supported by the council.
There was an update on the village hall (including the forthcoming AGM on 10 Oct 24) and a short update on website news including the recent Village Fete raising £900 and the Harvest Festival weekend to be held on 8-10 Oct.
The council was briefed on the Lengthsman work carried out over the summer and plans for the next few months switching to autumn and pre-winter work.
The council also received a Highways and Footpath update including a recent Public Rights of Way grant to the parish.
The Parish Clerk briefed on the council Policies and Procedure review including an amended Councillors Code of Conduct and a refreshed Training & Development policy.
Parish finances were reviewed and agreed to payments to the Clerk, Lengthsman, HALC and Village Hall. There was an update on the 2023/2024 AGAR and Annual accounts, and an update on the External Auditors report 2022/23.
The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 2 October at 7pm.
September
Rainfall report by Rob the Rainman
June’s total was 15.5mm this being only 30% of the average so at last a break from rain, rain, rain. So it was a lovely, sunny June month then. Er nope far from it. It did start warm over the 1st to the 3rd but then, whilst dry, it was a very dull and cloudy period with just a few sunny spells. It was also chilly by day and quite cold be night. There was a bit of rain mid month before the dull, dry and chilly weather continued until we had a 4 day period of real warmth from the 23rd to the 26th. Even then the first two days were very cloudy and had a mostly dismal feel. This didn’t last as the month went out on a repeat of the dull and chilly theme. It was a very disappointing June when we needed it to step up. July’s total was 62.3mm this being about 30% more than the average. So it was back to the wet stuff. And it was wet with a ten day period to start the month with 13.5mm on the 5th and 18.2mm on the 8th. Then there was a brief respite before 16.3mm on the 15th. Finally it did turn dryer and like June we had a very warm “spike” around the 18th to the 20th before the month went quietly out in a very mediocre manner. Two thirds of the summer gone and it has been very poor indeed except for the two warmth spikes each month.
AT THE CHURCH:
Vicar – David Howell 01989 568736 Church Warden – Jane Ayres 07989 572356
The church is open every day – a quiet space for all to enjoy.
Dogs are welcome in the churchyard on a lead, but please clear up after them.
SUNDAY SERVICES in the church for SEPTEMBER
1st Matins
8th Holy Communion
15th Holy Communion
22nd All Age Service with Communion
29th Benefice Service at Hope Mansell
EVENSONG every Tuesday at 5.30pm at Graham and Ann Fowler’s House. Ring 780600 for details.
BCP COMMUNION every first Wednesday at 9.30am followed by prayer group.
COMING SOON in the church:
HARVEST HYMNS Friday 18th October 6.30pm in the beautifully decorated church. Readings and Music for Harvest time as part of our Harvest weekend in the church and at the Millennium Hall.
AT THE MILLENNIUM HALL: for hall bookings and correspondence please email: secretary@ubmh2000.onmicrosoft.com. If you are interested in becoming involved as a member of the Management Committee, please contact the secretary.
KEEP FIT CLASS Tuesdays, 10-11am. For any further information please contact Jane Fray on 01989 780383 or Michaela Johnson on 07706101164.
MARKET TO YOUR DOOR. Saturday 7th September, 10am-12. We look forward to seeing you for fresh, local produce. There will also be coffee and cake in the Hall.
LEGO@UB CLUB Saturday 7th September, 10.30 – 11.30am alongside the Market Van and Coffee Morning. All children are welcome with a responsible adult. 50p per child which includes squash and biscuits. For more information, ring Jane on 07989 572356.
UPTON BISHOP WI Tuesday 10th September, 8-9 pm £5. Join us for a talk from author Maddy Please on her novels about inspirational women making the most of their lives. An attitude shared by the WI and we’d like to share the evening with you too. You don’t have to be a member (or a woman) to come along. There will be refreshments for sale and a large free car park. In October we’ll be having a talk and workshop about quilting. For more information contact Frances on 01989 569881.
SOCIAL AFTERNOON Monday 16th September, 2.30 till 4.30pm. We do hope you will join us for a cup of tea and some home-made cake.
INDOOR SHORT-MAT BOWLS Tuesday 17thSeptember, 7-9pm, £2 per person including tea/coffee and biscuits. All abilities very welcome. Contact Dave Powell on 07794 429090 for more information or just come along!
COMING SOON in the Millennium Hall:
THE MILLENNIUM HALL AGM will be held on Thursday 10 October 6.30 – 7.45pm There are vacancies for Trustees so if you would like to be involved, please contact the Secretary. The closing date for application is 3rd October, one week before the meeting.
HARVEST SUNDAY 20th October as part of our Harvest Weekend in the Millennium Hall and at the church. 10.30am Informal Sunday worship. 12 Midday Forest of Dean Morris dancing. From 12.30pm Harvest lunch: soup and a roll with apple or pumpkin puddings. Carved pumpkin competition judged by popular vote. Crafts, fun and games. No charge but donations towards expenses would be welcome. Harvest Hymns in the church on Friday 18th October.
THE UPTON BISHOP CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 7th December, 10am. It seems a long way off still but it’s not too early to start planning: if you would like to help or to run a stall of your own, please contact Olivia 07496 685960.
200 CLUB DRAW FOR JULY £20 Richard Wainman£10 Charles Curry £5 Ann Sharland
FOR AUGUST £20 George Pendlebury £10 Olivier Simpson £5 Malcolm Ives
WOMEN’S CIRCLE Offering a safe, non-judgemental space for women to connect, heal and learn from each other. Open to all women. Please contact Amy to enquire: 07867 761108.
WELCOME to Peter and Jenny George at The Vines and to Ashlee and Claire Lambe of Woodhouse Lane.
BEST WISHES Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is not too well, is undergoing or waiting for treatment at present.
UPTON BISHOP NEWS
THE CHURCH
Thank you to Terry and Janet, the cast and helpers for laying on the Midsummer Madness. Much fun was had by all. One member of the audience declared afterwards ‘I laughed so much my sides ached.’ We raised £301 towards a kitchen unit for the church vestry.
Thank you to everyone who made the Fete such a success: to all who generously donated items for the great Raffle hamper prizes and for the Tombola; to everyone who made and baked for the Produce stall and for Teas; to the team who entertained everyone with games and competitions and to the teas and ice cream crew. The Cake Competition was won by the Misselbrook Dachshunds with the Ayres Golden Retriever as runner-up and a special prize to Rebecca Howell’s soft dog. In a change from Guess the Weight of the Cake, the correct, or almost correct weight of the fuchsia was guessed by James Bonney (one ounce out!), of the begonia by Debbie Woods and the Aloe Vera by Jack Guest. The large jar of sweets was won by Jan, our Fete Strummer, who guessed the exact number; Richard Wainman won the small jar, he was only one sweet out. More than £900 was raised for church funds.
Thank you to Moira Please, who held a tea party for the launch of her latest book ‘Old Girls on Deck’ (an amusing read for those of us of a certain age) in aid of church funds. If anyone would be willing to hold a similar event, the PCC would be very grateful. In 2023 it cost £746.88 per week to run the church.
LEGO@UB Club has been running since May and has been great fun. I’ve been amazed at the creativity of some of our members. We’ve been building cars, robots, even an airport. Thanks to the generosity of the Parish Council, we’ve been able to buy some new base boards, pull back car chassis and lots more bricks. There’s plenty for everyone, so do come and join in on the first Saturday of each month from 10.30 -11.30am. We have Duplo for little fingers too.
THE MILLENNIUM HALL
Come and join Keep Fit The class is designed to help improve your fitness, strength, balance and co-ordination to some great music! You work at your own pace and the first session is free. After that, the cost is £6 per session for a block monthly booking and £8.00 per session pay as you go.
The Chimes Directory has information on regular events and classes. There is plenty for everyone: Baby Sensory, Badminton, Yoga, Tango, Ross Quilters, Little Swallows.
UPTON BISHOP PARISH COUNCIL (UBPC) Any parishioner can contact the UBPC at clerk@uptonbishop.gov.uk Parish Council meeting minutes are available on the Parish Council website.
There have been 2 Parish Council meetings since the last Chimes update. The meeting on 25th June was attended by five councillors and by members of the public.
The council considered two planning applications (240124 and 241275 Upton Court Stables) and supported the applications.
The council received an update on Parish finances and agreed to pay the salary for the clerk and payments to the Lengthsman. The council agreed to grant a donation to the parish Lego club for £100. The clerk briefed the council on the Annual Accountability Return (AGAR), including approving the Publication of Rights for the period 1 July – 9 August.
The council was briefed on the Lengthsman work plan for July and August and received a Highways update and update from the Footpath officer on Public Rights of Way funding along with planned work around the parish (including replacement of stiles, finger posts, gates, and maintenance work).
On 6th August the Parish Council held an Extra Ordinary meeting. This was attended by all 8 councillors along with members of the public.
The council considered two planning applications (240124 and 241275 Upton Court Stables). These were amended applications published by Herefordshire Council for re-consultation. The council supported the applications.
The council then went into a closed session, without the public present, to consider a legal matter.
The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 3 September at 7pm.