EDITORIAL
ASTON INGHAM & KILCOT NEWS
ASTON INGHAM and KILCOT NEWS
Sub-Editor: Mike Clayton
Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page
Church News
Many thanks to those who regularly donate food to the box in the church porch for families in need.
Regular Services
1st Sunday Evensong at 4.30 pm
2nd Sunday Parish Communion at 10.30 am
3rd Sunday Village Praise at 10.30 am
4th Sunday Parish Communion at 10.30 am
Every Monday at 5.30 pm short service of Evening Prayer.
Church Information
Vicar Reverend David Howell Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page
Reverend Ewan Gillings Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page
Churchwarden James Harding Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page
Village News & Events
I’m delighted to say that we have received more private donations as the team pushes toward the target. There is still time for anyone who would like to be part of this effort. Donations, large or small, are warmly welcomed and will make a real difference. Contributions can be made by bank transfer to Aston Ingham Village Hall (Sort Code: 60-83-01, Account Number: 20542755), and a donations box for cash or cheques will also be available at village events.
A warm welcome for the Newent Mothers' Union
The Mothers' Union has long been known as a force for kindness, compassion, and practical support both locally and across the world. Describing itself as one of the first women-led organisations, it has been transforming lives since 1876. Part of its mission statement reads: “For 150 years, Mothers’ Union has supported communities worldwide. We want to see a world where everyone prospers; we actively pursue this through prayer and faith in action. Our movement seeks to bring about justice, challenge prejudice, and advocate change.”
An organisation that spends so much of its time helping others is, thankfully, able to enjoy a little well-deserved hospitality of its own each year. For more than 30 years, members of the Newent branch have made an annual visit to Aston Ingham Village Hall, where they are treated to a special lunch prepared by the wonderful ladies of the Aston Ingham Women’s Institute.
And what a treat it is! Anyone who has attended an event catered by the Aston Ingham WI will know exactly what to expect - delicious home-cooked food, beautifully prepared, and served in famously generous portions. The event has become a much-loved tradition, bringing together friendship, laughter, and community spirit around the table.
It is occasions like these that remind us how fortunate we are to live in villages where organisations continue to support and celebrate one another. Long may this happy partnership continue.
Teddies and toys start their journey to Ukraine
A few months ago, support was requested for a heartfelt project led by the local Knit and Natter and Crochet Clubs - creating small comfort toys for Ukrainian children. The idea was simple but deeply meaningful: to provide children with a little companion to hold onto if they are called into air raid shelters, offering a small sense of comfort during frightening times.
True to form, the Aston Ingham community responded with tremendous generosity. Alongside beautifully knitted and crocheted teddies, residents also donated a wonderful collection of small toys, all given with love and kindness.
The donations will soon be making their way to Ukraine with Katie Fowler, who has been supporting Ukrainian civilians since the war began. Every few months, Katie travels out with much-needed clothing, food, and medical supplies, and she will be taking the village’s creations with her on her next visit in May.
It is a touching reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a very big difference. A huge thank you goes to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and donations to this very worthwhile effort.
Ella takes on DofE Challenge
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme offers young people aged 14–24 the opportunity to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and make a positive contribution to their communities. Each participant builds their own programme by choosing activities that interest them, setting personal goals, volunteering for a good cause, and completing an expedition adventure.
One local young person embracing the challenge with enthusiasm is Aston Ingham’s Ella Clayton. Alongside working to further develop her already impressive dancing skills with the London Studio Centre, Ella has chosen to support the Village Hall as part of her volunteering commitment.
So far, she has thrown herself into village life by helping to plan events, serving food, and tackling the inevitable washing-up duties at some of the hall’s biggest events this year. Although only a set number of volunteering hours are required for the award, Ella has already gone well beyond what is expected and is always willing to lend a hand whenever needed.
Her next challenge will be her first overnight trial expedition, where she and her group will cover around fifteen miles across the Malvern Hills over two days. Carrying tents, cooking equipment, and everything else they need, the team will navigate using only a map and compass as they make their way between checkpoints.
We wish Ella the very best of luck with the expedition and congratulate her on the fantastic commitment and community spirit she has already shown.
OPEN GARDEN
Garden lovers are in for a real treat this June, as The Knapp in Aston Ingham will be opening to the public in support of charity through the National Garden Scheme on Sunday, 7th June, from 11am until 4pm.
Set within an acre and thoughtfully designed with wildlife in mind, the garden offers a wonderful variety of planting styles and habitats to explore. Visitors can enjoy colourful cottage garden borders, striking prairie planting, a wildlife meadow, hazel copses, a productive vegetable patch, and a charming small orchard - all combining to create a beautiful and relaxing setting. Dogs are very welcome too, making it a lovely outing for the whole family.
Refreshments including teas, coffees, cakes, and snacks will be available at the Village Hall, with proceeds going towards the Village Hall Restoration Fund. There will also be a plant sale, offering visitors the chance to take home something special for their own gardens, so don’t forget to bring some cash. This promises to be a delightful community event and a perfect opportunity to enjoy a summer afternoon while supporting two very worthwhile causes.
THE MESNE SINGERS 10th ANNIVERSARY SUMMER CONCERT
Music lovers are warmly invited to join The Mesne Singers as they celebrate a very special milestone with their 10th Anniversary Summer Concert on Friday 17th July.
The concert will take place at 7.30pm in St Peter’s Church and promises to be a wonderful evening of music and celebration. Tickets are £9 cash on the door and will include a celebratory drink and nibbles. To mark the occasion, the choir will perform a selection of favourite pieces chosen from past summer concerts over the years, creating a programme filled with variety, memories, and musical highlights.
Over the past decade, The Mesne Singers have become well known for their excellent performances, and this anniversary concert looks set to be a fitting celebration of their achievement. A warm welcome awaits all, so do come along and help celebrate ten years of wonderful music-making.
CARDS WANTED
Christmas and greeting cards to recycle into new cards. We now have our own group of ladies making cards for the Cobalt Unit. We have a box in the hall lobby for your old cards & stamps & a card stand with cards for sale. For more details, please get in touch with Janet at Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page
CHURCH CLEANING
If anyone would like to join our cleaning rota, please get in touch with Janet at Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page.
We split the Church into sections to make it easier and to ensure that no one person has too much to do. The more helpers, the less work for everyone.
VILLAGE HALL
100 CLUB
March 1st Pam Missenden, 2nd - Gail Gooch, 3rd - Stephen Wheeler
We have room for more players. If you have not yet joined and would like to, please get in touch at treasurer-Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page
Wheelchair availability
We have a wheelchair stored in the Village Hall for communal use. Contact Janet Potter
FUTURE EVENTS AT THE VILLAGE HALL
Jul 11th Summer Party before we close the hall for 6 weeks for hall repairs.
Jul 18th Pop Up Pub Oct 10th Quiz Night
Dec 11th Sing along Dec 18th Christmas Coffee Morning
ASTON INGHAM PARISH COUNCIL
ASTON INGHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Speed Indicator Device (SID) data 23rd Mar – 23rd April ‘26
SID is a device designed to promote compliance and measures the speed in the village. Inbound over this period, vehicles were more compliant by approx. 4% when compared to last month’s data. Outbound vehicles, however, were less compliant by approx. 8%
A Message about Retrospective Planning Applications
Retrospective planning permission is the process of seeking approval for building works or changes of use that have already been completed without prior consent. You may secure planning permission retrospectively if your development is found to be acceptable under national and local policy. However, if permission is refused, it’s very likely that enforcement action will follow, and you could be required to remove or alter the unauthorised works.
While it is not ideal to seek permission after the fact, retrospective applications are a recognised and lawful route. In fact, in some cases, councils encourage this step as a pragmatic way to resolve planning breaches. Just like any other application, your proposal will be assessed against material planning considerations. You are not more or less likely to have your proposal approved simply because the work has already been carried out. The Parish Council are consulted about all planning applications and strongly advises that you seek advice before attempting any changes to buildings or use of land; where possible, submit a Planning Application and wait for approval before going ahead.
It’s not too late to have your say. If you missed the Annual Parish Meeting on 19th May it is not too late to have your say about developments you would like to see in the Parish. In addition, if you would like to join a Working Group to Review the Neighbourhood Development Plan, please email Duncan, our Clerk, on Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page
Maggie Pettit- Chair
CONTACT US
We welcome your constructive feedback on all parish matters - whether by email or in person. You can contact the Clerk at Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page If you get in touch before the 20th of the month, your comments can be included in the Briefing Notes published with the Agenda and considered at the meeting.
