LOCAL TALK BACK

FEBRUARY 2014 ISSUE 437
LOCAL
TALK BACK
BADMINTON VILLAGE
Looking towards Kennel Drive
A MONTHLY MAGAZINE WITH NEWS, VIEWS AND REPORTS
FOR THE RESIDENTS OF ACTON TURVILLE, BADMINTON & LITTLE BADMINTON-

We send condolences to David, Andrew and Alison, children of Melvyn Saunders who passed away
recently. He had been alone since losing his wife Elsie.
Melvyn could often be seen walking his little dog around Acton Turville. He had enjoyed
going along to the Luncheon Club and meeting up with his friends.
We were also sorry to hear that Paul Monyard had passed away. Paul was very well known
being the landlord/proprietor of The Compass Inn, Tormarton, following in his father’s footsteps.
As well as running the very busy hotel Paul organised golf tournaments and golf trips abroad. He will
be greatly missed and our thoughts are with Penny, Rupert, Charlotte and Paul’s mother who has
lived in Acton Turville for many years.
February 4 th & 18 th
JUBILEE ROOM, BADMINTON
HALL
7.30-9.30pm every other Tuesday
throughout the winter and spring
We are an informal group where we have the space for everyone to do their own craft –
cardmaking, lacemaking, scrapbooking, beading, quilling, doll-making, knitting, crochet etc. –
share ideas and get inspiration.
No membership fees, just £2 on the night - 7.30 – 9.30pm
We also arrange professional demonstrations and will go out on visits of interest.
Ring for information : Yvonne ( 01454) 218267 L/BADMINTON – Heather 218617 BADMINTON -
Helen 218792 ACTON TURVILLE

_____________________________________________________________________________
_FEBRUARY 2014 LOCAL TALKBACK ISSUE 437__
EDITORIAL
Hello everyone we are back again in another new year. Christmas seems a long time ago now that we are in
2014. We hope you all had a good time and are now looking forward to what this year can offer. First, we must
say that we feel very bemused by the weather. What a winter season so far! The awful flooding in many parts
of the country is never far from our thoughts as it is on the news every night with
people on the Somerset Levels being stranded in their homes for weeks on end. It
was terrible that two families in Badminton have had their houses flooded for the
second year and with no river anywhere near us. It has been comparatively mild
and the flowers are all confused, with a hedge of Forsythia flowering in
December, Pinks in a tub covered in new flowers , then January 22 nd a pair of
Collared doves nest building. They were fascinating to watch as they selected the
twigs for their nest, rejecting some and then finding the right one.
We visited Marshfield for a little bit of shopping and afternoon tea. There are
some interesting little shops selling a whole variety of goods. Country Stores
and Vintage & Brown have quite a selection of gifts at very reasonable prices
as well as furniture, ornaments, mirrors etc to brighten up any room in your
home. We had delicious home-made cakes in Sweetapples Teashop in the
main street. Lots of pretty floral materials decorate the room complimented
by floral china, giving it a very cosy feel.
We have been very pleased with the response we have been getting from some readers about articles in the
Talkback, and especially for the story from Phyllis Salmon’s book about her childhood in Badminton. We
know that it is being read in America, Australia and Spain because we send copies to readers in those countries.
Also Wayne’s Badminton webpage - badmintonvillage.com – has taken the magazine to a wide range of
readers. So we are in need of help from you in helping to fill the Talkback with interesting items. So please
contact us if you would like to add any of your own news or memories.
Last year we had some guest writers for the Editorial page, which was very successful, so we would like to ask
again for volunteers to come forward to take over for one issue and write your own letter. Contact any one of us
or Liz via the details below.
Until Next Time -The Three Country Girls
Sally Smith, Sandra Broomsgrove & Yvonne Nettles
STOP PRESS
After the donations page was printed we received a generous anonymous donation
In memory of a loved one – Thankyou.
Send articles to Liz, c/o The Estate Office, Badminton, South Glos, GL9 1DD, or ring Liz (mornings only)
on 01454 218379 e-mail lizbarnesbpc@googlemail.com
DATE FOR ARTICLES FOR MARCH ISSUE WILL BE 20 TH FEBRUARY
Huntsman Tony Holdsworth with
the Beaufort Hounds at The Lawn
Meet, Ivyleaze, Acton Turville
on 11 th January

MY ROYAL CONNECTIONS
By Phyllis Salmon (nee Brown) autobiography written 1989
This is about her childhood in Badminton from 1926
PART 6
The New Year came in; and to us children it was more or less the same.
Sometimes we had snow in January or February, and of course, we made
the usual snowman, and we would ask Mother to let us have the big black tea tray. We would take
it into the field where there was a big bank then in turn we would use it as a toboggan, and had lots
of fun as long as the snow lasted.
When the spring came we loved to gather the primroses and violets that grew everywhere;
along the hedgerows, the banks of the lanes and in the woods. We were always bringing them
home; and on our window ledges you would find many jars of them. In those days there was no
restriction on picking them, for there was nothing to kill them off like there was after the war when
they sprayed the banks with weed killer. Then when more people had cars they came into the
country and dug them up to take home for their gardens.
We spent most of our time playing in the wood when we were young. There was always a
baby to look after and I was ten when my youngest brother was the baby. When I got to the age of
ten the work got harder and every day before going to school, I had to take a bucket upstairs, with a
cloth and a jug of hot water to empty the slops. There was a chamber pot in each room that was
used every night, for it was too far to go to the lavatory. I emptied them, swilled them out with the
hot water, then dried them with the cloth. I then took the bucket and emptied it down the outside
lavatory and swilled the bucket out, and that was one job done. I then helped to get the children
washed and dressed for school and then got myself ready. We came home for dinner time – lunch
time as they call it today. I would help get the meal, which would not be much, for we had a good
dinner in the evening. It was then back to school. When I got home in the evening there was the
washing up to be done from dinner time and then the table to be set for the meal. After we had it I
would clear away and wash up. When that was done there was always a baby to nurse. Sometimes
Mother would put the bay Welsh fashion into my arms, by wrapping the shawl around me after
wrapping the baby in it and placing it in my arms, then she would fasten it with a safety pin to help
hold it. I would nurse the baby for a long time like this. I smile when I think of the times I walked
up and down our hall singing songs and hymns when it was too wet to go outside.
On Saturday it was extra cleaning, and when I was about twelve I had to clean the children’s
rooms out. Mother did her own bedroom, then the big living room had to be swept, dusted, and the
floor scrubbed. It was big stone flags – all the houses had them. Mother cleaned the grates, the
parlour, and passageway. I had the scullery to do. When my sister Edith was old enough she
helped me, and Lilian looked after the baby. We all had to work when we were old enough, the
boys did the yard. They also chopped the wood and helped Father do the gardening. Life was quite
hard for boys and girls who were born at the beginning of a large family, but we knew no different,
and it has done us no harm.
By the time I left school I could manage to do anything, even the big washing day, which
was always on a Monday. I did it many times when Mother was poorly. Not being very big, I had
to stand on a box to get the clothes out of the big boiler.

My Royal Connections cont....
There was a big mangle to wring them, and we used a washboard , which was called a
rubbing board, every piece of clothing had to be rubbed clean on this. I used a rubbing board to do
my washing after I got married, right up until I had my first washing machine in 1958, and I had
been married for 16 years by then. The ironing was done by flat irons that were put on a rack in
front of the fire, or on the red hot coals. They had to be cleaned so that the clothes didn’t get dirty.
There was no electricity, we had lamps and candles for lighting.
One day when we were at school there was great excitement and we were all told to leave
class and go into the street, as one of the airships was due to fly over Badminton. We waited a little
while, and then it came over. I shall never forget this gig shining airship in the sky. I think it was
the R101, but I’m not sure, it could have been the R100.
One of the things I liked more than anything was when my two older brothers left school
and went out to work. One went on the same farm as Father, the other went into service as a boots
boy, that meant he did all the odd jobs indoors. He came home to sleep, but had to go early to light
the fires and clean the shoes. This brother was one of Mother’s favourites, and he had more
privileges than the rest of us. One of them was going dancing. This was through a married couple
who he worked with. They persuaded Mother to let them take him dancing on a Saturday night, and
he became a good dancer. Every Saturday night there was a dance in the village. When the New
Year fancy dress ball was held, Mother and Father dressed him as a golliwog and won first prize.
He won a lovely man’s cardigan that exactly fitted Father.
The reason I was glad my brothers had left school, was that I would have the job of taking
Father and my brother Jim, their tea to the harvest fields in the summer. Father insisted I should
take it, I think the real reason was that it would give me a break from the work at home. He could
also rely on me to get there no matter where they were, and be on time for the tea break.
Sometimes it could be as far away as three miles, along the road, across fields and farm tracks. I
loved it when I got there and sat among the hay or corn having tea with Father and my brother for
mother always put some in for me. How I loved the smell of new mown hay, and to be able to pat
the horses while they rested. Sometimes I would be given a ride on one of their backs. After tea I
would leave them to go home, and I would take my time, for I loved to watch the birds and see the
rabbits at play. I could not resist picking the wild flowers that grew everywhere.
Another worry for Mother was when any of us fell ill or were injured, for there was no
national health service, and the doctor had to be paid. So she would attend to us herself and had a
great many remedies to cure us. If we came out in a rash, they called it nettle rash, and she would
send us to gather dead nettles, not the ones that sting. She would boil them and we would have to
drink the tea and the rash would soon go. When we had a chesty cold she would rub it with goose
grease saved from the goose we had at Christmas. If we had sore eyes or a sty on them they were
bathed with cold tea, then vasaline rubbed on. When we had earache a drop of olive oil was put in,
and a bit of cotton-wool. For toothache we had to bite on a clove. If we cut ourselves badly, or
knocked our knees about, it was cleaned and iodine put on – goodness, didn’t it smart! One of the
things I didn’t like was when we had chilblains; we were told to put our feet in the chamber pot
before it was emptied. All these remedies didn’t do us any harm, and we all survived and are living
to a ripe old age. Of course if Mother was doubtful she would send for the nurse. We had one or
two bad accidents amongst us.
To be continued.

ACTON TURVILLE CHURCH - 1853
From a newspaper cutting dated 15 th October 1853
This ancient church, which has been closed for several months, whilst the works of its
restoration and enlargement have been in progress, was reopened, with the celebration of
Divine Service on Thursday 6 th inst. The works have been of a very extensive and important
character, comprising an entirely new roof and floor; the building of a new aisle and vestryroom
on the north side; the rebuilding of the south porch; and the reconstruction of the whole
interior. By these additions and alterations nearly four times the former amount of
accommodation has been secured. The picturesque bell-turret, which has so long been an
object of interest to the antiquarian, and is one of the most perfect specimens of its kind to be
found in the country, has been carefully preserved. Two new windows also have been
introduced, one with three lights, at the east end, and another with two lights in the west, in
place of those which formerly disfigured the church. The east window is of stained glass. A
new and appropriate font has likewise been substituted for the clumsy and unsightly font
which existed before. It is made of Tormarton stone, of which material the pillars and arches
which separate the aisle from the nave, and the corbels which support the open timber roof
are composed. The chancel which has stall seats on each side, is paved with Minton’s
encaustic tiles; and texts taken from the words of our Lord, are written at the top and base of
the east window, and beneath the cornice of the roof.
The above works have been executed by Mr Edmund Miller, builder of Seagry, under
the direction of Mr T.H. Wyatt of Great Russell Street, London, architect for the diocese of
Salisbury; and the result has been to exhibit evidences of ability and skill and judgment, not
less satisfactory than those displayed in the restoration and enlargement of Tormarton church,
six months ago by the same hands. The unfavourable weather necessarily prevented the
attendance of many who had intended to take part in the proceedings of the day. But
notwithstanding this drawback, between 30 and 40 of the clergy assembled with their friends
at an early hour, in rooms provided for their reception near the church. The continued illness
of the Duke of Beaufort frustrated his intention and wish of being present, but the Duchess,
and Lady Blanche Dupplin, and the Ladies Henrietta, Emily, and Edith Somerset, with the
Misses Damer, arrived at the Church from Badminton, a short time before the
commencement of the morning service. At the appointed hour, the clergy having put on their
gowns, walked in order towards the church, followed by the Rev. Canon Wordsworth and the
Rev. Henry Ellison (both of whom had undertaken to preach upon the occasion) and were
met at the churchyard gate by the Rector, the Rev. J.S.M. Anderson and his two Curates, and
by the Rural Dean (the Rev. T.B. Coney) and the Churchwardens. They entered the south
porch, and proceeding up the aisle, took their places in the chancel and other parts of the
church which had been set apart for them. The prayers and lessons were read by the Rev.
J.H.Morison, curate of Tormarton and Acton Turville; and parts of the service were chanted,
and Psalms sung by the village choir, the congregation joining. The Communion Service was
read by the Rector and the Rural Dean. Rev. Canon Wordsworth ascended the pulpit to
preach. At the conclusion of the sermon the offerings of the people amounted to nearly £50
Upon leaving the church, most of the members of the congregation repaired to an
adjoining field where a spacious and handsome Indian tent of cruciform shape belonging to
the Duke of Beaufort, and kindly lent by his Grace for the occasion, had been erected. It was
boarded throughout and thus afforded in spite of two days continued rain, a safe and
comfortable shelter to all who could be assembled within it.

ACTON TURVILLE CHURCH 1853 cont.....
More than a hundred persons, among whom were the Duchess of Beaufort and her party, all
the other visitors, lay and clerical, and as many of the farmers as were enabled to leave their
daily occupations, then sat down to a luncheon provided by the Rector. A dinner was
likewise given by him, in an adjoining house, to the members of the village choir, and others
who had kindly assisted them on that day. The Rector acknowledged the debt of gratitude
which he owed to his parishioners who had, in two separate vestries voted unanimously a
2s 6d special rate for each of the churches of Tormarton and Acton Turville, and thus helped
to restore, enlarge, and re-open both of them within six months. He also acknowledged the
help which he had received from the Duke of Beaufort, from the Dowager Duchess, and from
the Duchess who then honoured them with her presence, who in addition to another offering
had presented a service of communion plate to the church of Acton Turville. Other like acts
of kindness, from the Bishop of Chichester, whose diocese he had left; from the Bishop of
Gloucester and Bristol into whose diocese he had now come; from his friends and
neighbours who were then present, and from others who were absent in body but present in
spirit. He did not deny that a heavy burden was still to be borne by him and that the works
already accomplished, as well as others which remained to be done, entailed upon him great
anxiety and constant labour. The rector then called upon Mr Markland, who had been among
the first to cheer him by his spontaneous help, and had come that day from Bath to witness
the completion of his second church. The acknowledgement was made by Mr Markland in
terms which gave fresh proof of his zeal for the attachment to the branch of the Church of
Christ, of which he is so distinguished a member. After a second address from Canon
Wordsworth in which was renewed the prayer for better health for the Duke of Beaufort, the
party broke up. The bell soon afterwards rung for the signal for the afternoon service and the
clergy re-entered the church. After the conclusion of the evening prayer the Rev. Henry
Ellison, Vicar of Edenson and Domestic Chaplain to the Duke of Devonshire, preached from
St Luke. The offerings of the people were then received by the Churchwardens at the doors,
and amounted to nearly £20. To this must be added other contributions forwarded to this
Rector, which make the whole sum received £76.10s 8d.
THE LUNCHEON CLUB
Our Christmas lunch party was very well supported with over
30 people joining in the fun. Mark served us a traditional
Christmas lunch with wine followed by mince pies and coffee
all for our usual £5. FANTASTIC
In past years we have always had Mac and Son to entertain us
but due to illness they were not able to come so we were very luckily to get Ian Oliver who
stepped in at the last minute. Ian put on a lovely show and has already been booked again in
2014. A good time was had by all and everyone left with a Thank you gift or a raffle prize.
Our January luncheon club got off to a good start with a larger than life show by comedian
and singer Micky John Bull.
We meet again on February 12th when we will be entrained by Richie C. As this is near
Valentines Day why not wear something red ?.
The new programs will be available that day.
New members always made welcome.
For more information please ring Sally on 218510

MELVYN SAUNDERS
Melvyn Saunders of Station House, Acton Turville passed away unexpectedly in Frenchay Hospital
on Sunday 24 th November. He was 87 years old.
Melvyn moved to the village from Corston near Malmesbury with his wife Elsie and their three
children in July 1967. Apart from a period of National Service during which he served with the
Duke of Cornwall Regiment in Cyprus and Palestine, he was a lifelong employee of British Rail
and was delighted to learn that his tender for the former Station Master’s house on Badminton Road
had been successful. He quietly enjoyed village life and spent many a happy hour in his garden
tending to his flowers or growing all manner of produce for the family table. He found great
companionship during his monthly trips to the Luncheon Club, particularly after his beloved wife
Elsie passed away in February 2010 after over 58 years of marriage.
David, Andrew, Alison and the Saunders family would like to extend their warmest thanks to all
friends and neighbours for the many expressions of sympathy and kindness received following
Dad’s passing. Thanks also to anyone who contributed to the collection at Dad’s funeral. In excess
of £400 was raised for Diabetes UK, Melvyn’s chosen charity.
With Thanks
Alison Hume
BADMINTON PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of the Badminton Parish Council was held on Wednesday 22 nd January at the Estate Office at
6.30 pm. All Parish Councillors were present, together with District Councillor Sue Hope, and John Buckley
from Luckington Parish Council. The Chairman Simon Dring welcomed everyone, and the minutes of the
previous meeting were approved.
The matters arising from the meeting were:-
1) Councillor Sue Hope briefed Parish Councillor’s on various South Glos matters
2) John Buckley from Luckington Parish Council, kindly briefed Councillors regarding the current
situation of the condition of Luckington Lane, during the diversion caused by the replacement of
the B4040 railway bridge, and details with regard to completion dates of the works, and the
responsibilities involved in the re-instatement of the roads along the Luckington Lane.
3) Cricket Pavilion – A grant application is being considered to repair the cricket pavilion
4) Village defibrillator – Tim Nicholls reported that there had been some progress, and that a
defibrillator could be obtained, but there would be a cost involved for installation and electrical
work, and possible training. Issue for future consideration.
5) Broadband – Tim Nicholls reported that Badminton would receive super-fast broadband in 2015
6) The Precept for 2014/2015 was discussed in detail and finalised and unanimously approved by
Councillors.
7) Planning matters – None
8) Correspondence – The Chairman went through the current correspondence
9) Items to report – None
Everyone present was thanked for attending, and the meeting was closed at 8.10pm. The next meetings in
May will be the Annual Parish Meeting, when all villagers can attend, followed by the Annual General
Meeting. Details will be put on the village notice board

SNOWDROP GARDENS OPEN IN OUR AREA 2014
Colesbourne Park, The Cotswolds
Set in the beautiful Churn valley in the heart of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, Colesbourne Park has been
the home of the Elwes family since 1789. The historic snowdrop collection, started by Henry John Elwes
with the discovery of Galanthus elwesii in Turkey in 1874, has been greatly developed by Sir Henry and
Lady Elwes in the past 25 years. It has been called 'England's greatest snowdrop garden' by Country Life.
Now with a collection of 250 varieties, visitors can enjoy the snowdrops throughout the ten acre garden
with its woodland and lakeside paths, the Spring Garden and Formal Garden, alongside drifts of cyclamen,
hellebores and other winter plants. The surrounding park, arboretum and nearby church are also open.
Open Days Saturday 1st to Sunday 2nd February 2014
Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th February 2014
Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th February 2014
Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd February 2014
Saturday 1st to Sunday 2nd March 2014
Opening Times Gates open at 1.00pm. Last entry 4.30pm
Entry Fee
Adults £7.50 Children under 16 free - Dogs are welcome. Please keep
them on a short lead.
************************************
Newark Park, Ozzleworth (National Trust)
The house is currently closed for the winter but, to tide you over until we fully reopen on 5
March, you can come to our special snowdrop openings (15-23 February, Wednesday to
Sunday, 11am to 4pm).
Take a walk through the glade to see spectacular snowdrop displays, then grab a hot drink
and warm up with a walk around the house.
***********************************
Dr Jenner’s House & Garden, Berkeley (National Garden Scheme)
Informal woodland garden at the former home of Dr Edward Jenner. Snowdrops and wild
garlic guide you around, past the herb garden to the Grade II* listed Temple of Vaccinia, the
200yr old plane tree and into the vinery where Jenner's Hampton Court Palace vine grows.
House not open for NGS
For NGS: Sun 23 Feb 2014
For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website
Admission:Adm £3.50, chd free
***************************************************
Cerney House Gardens, North Cerney, off A435 between Cirencester & Cheltenham
Up past North Cerney Church (not in main village)
Cerney House Gardens is a romantic, secret place in the Cotswolds, near to Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire. Normal opening times seven days a week , 10am till 5pm end January to
end October.
Admission Prices: £5 adults, £1 children – Sorry, no dogs.

CHANGES TO GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS BY
SOUTH GLOS COUNCIL
There are several changes to the waste and recycling
service which are due to be implemented in 2014.
From April 2014:
An optional charge will be introduced for garden waste
collections.
to continue to receive the household garden waste
collection service, a subscription will be introduced of £36 per year
‘pay as you go’ garden waste sacks will be available from local outlets
at a cost of £2 each and will be collected in the same way as the
garden waste bin
if you receive Income Support, Pension Credit, or Income Related Job
Seekers Allowance your household is entitled to a 50% reduction in
the annual charge. We will require proof that you are in receipt of
Income Support, Pension Credit or Income Related Job Seekers
Allowance.
Residents who do not wish to subscribe to the service can home compost or
continue to dispose of garden waste free of charge at their local Sort It!*
recycling centre.
How do I subscribe to the garden waste service?
You will be able to subscribe from early February 2014 in a number of ways:
Online - we recommend that you pay online and sign up for a Direct Debit as this will be the
quickest option. If you sign up for a Direct Debit you do not need to take any other action to
ensure the service continues every year and we will let you know if there are any changes. The
online form will be available on these pages from early February
By phone - call us on 01454 868000 and pay by debit/credit card you can also sign up for a
Direct Debit for next year
In person - visit a One Stop Shop and hand in your completed sign up forms – the forms will be
available in the One Stop Shops from early February
Cash payments for the annual garden waste collection service will not be accepted.
Your collection day for green waste may change from its current day. All residents will receive
information on green collection days in March 2014.
How do I use the garden waste sack collection services?
Sacks will be available from your local library and Country Stores at 48 High Street Marshfield
SN14 8LP, for £2 each.
When you have filled your garden waste sack(s) you will need to book a collection either online
or by calling 01454 868000 and leaving your house number and postcode on our messaging
service.