In 1994, on the 25 ^th of July, Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty that still holds despite the many attempts by extremists to de-stabilise both countries. Israel's relations with her Palestinian neighbours, while tender and fragile, have not dissolved into the sort of genocide we have witnessed in Rwanda or Kosovo.

The following poem tries to say something about peace and transformation as the direct fruit of resurrection, the vitality of the Easter message.

Where is peace in a world where hatred reigns?

Where is love in a land whose poor still cry?

Where is hope in hearts long since grown cold?

Where is joy in a child who only pain has known?

There burns a fire where dead birds stare;

There broods a cloud where no one cares.

There, in this land of promised bliss,

There on foreign soil two nations kiss.

So close their separation, so slender the peace which spawns.

So white the anger of extremist; so red the blood on which it thrives.

Where from here can proud nations go?

Where build the walls of hope's future?

Yet libation's balm and tranquil gift will speak

As treaty and transformation intermix.

My body broken is not just for some of Gaza, or of Falls,

My blood pours out a different calm to absorb the hate.

Easter is each day, and not confined,

For truth will ask and love, no longer blind,

Shines a penetrating light that darkness cannot thwart.

My cross came first, a victim's shame, releasing new life

Where oppressor and oppressed meet eye to eye

And condemnation and judgement disengage

To seek a future for memory to free the bonds of hate,

To sow, instead, the gift - - responsibility's reality - - and God and man are one.

It speaks, of course, to every situation where the ugliness of arrogance and the fracture bigotry take God's place and assume a throne from which neither mercy nor hope may flow and where peace becomes the interlude and not the symphony.

This Easter, whether your celebration is religious or not, try and wrestle with those words hope and peace and give place above all to a love which crosses all barriers and itself absorbs the world's pain by a self-giving which humbles and transforms.

With every good wish - Hugh Trenchard (poem copyright htwordchef 2000)

EASTER FLOWERS

The Church will be decorated on Saturday April 22 ^nd at 10 am. Can you please help with this in terms of time, flowers or money.

Felicity Hunt 650604

PCC

The Easter Vestry meeting will take place at the Church on Monday April 3 ^rd starting at 8 pm. Please come along and play your part in the running of your Church.

A new Electoral Roll is currently being prepared; forms are available at Church.

NEWCHURCH NEWS

Please take this as advance notice of a concert at Earlswood Hall on Friday June 23 ^rd
, when The Caldicot Male Voice Choir will be performing for us. Please make a note in your diaries NOW !

GAERLLWYD WOMENS MEETINGS - WEDNESDAYS AT 2.30PM

Wed 5 Apr Speaker Rev Jeff Williams, Cardiff

Wed 19 Apr Speaker Mr Haimes Earlswood

A SYNOPSIS OF THE CHURCH FLOODLIGHTING PROJECT

I am pleased to report that the floodlighting of the Church is now complete. The decision to undertake this ambitious project was taken nearly eighteen months ago. The PCC decided it would be an appropriate and permanent contribution to the village's Millennium celebrations. The installation and running costs of the floodlighting are financed entirely out of PCC funds. It has been decided to continue the floodlighting of the Church on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the year. This policy takes advantage of off-peak electricity rates for public buildings, and therefore keeps running costs down to very acceptable levels. A photo-electric cell brings the lights on at dusk and they are automatically knocked off at 11 pm. It is also possible for anyone who wishes to pay to have the lights switched on at other times during the week in celebration of a special occasion such as a birth, marriage, baptism or anniversary.

Every effort has been made to ensure the lighting does not encroach on the privacy of residents within the vicinity of the Church, and the angle of the beams limits pollution and contamination of the atmosphere to a minimum.

The lighting is made up of 4 x 250 watt high pressure sodium luminaires placed on concrete bases sited roughly at the main points of the compass. The most difficult part of the installation was the digging of an 18" deep trench around the periphery of the churchyard to accommodate the armoured cable. This work was carried out under the watchful eye of a professional archeologist for obvious reasons; I am pleased to report no significant findings were unearthed !

Perhaps the most impressive views of the floodlit Church are seen when it is approached from the North and South entrance gates. The shadows cast by the ancient yews and headstones conjure up quite a magical picture.

In conclusion I would like to personally thank Dennis Hopkins for his invaluable advice and support, and also Ashley Mason of ARM Electrical for his infinite patience.

As well as being a permanent reminder of the Millennium celebrations it is hoped that the floodlighting of our Church, which has been there for nearly eight hundred years, will bring pleasure to residents and visitors, and give witness to the fact there is a live visible church during darkness as well as daylight.

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 5.16

John Nicholas

SHIRENEWTON CHURCH FETE - SATURDAY JUNE 10TH 2000

A reminder that the theme for this year's fancy dress and float competitions will be "Famous People of the 20 ^th Century", which we would like to incorporate as an idea for anyone who would like to come dressed as a famous personality of the last century. The arrangements for the fete are now well in hand. Nearer the time everyone will be asked for contributions to the cake stall, white elephant, bottles and books. At present we are still looking for a Public Address system. If anyone can help please contact Peter Hesketh on 641596. Last year we were able to use the marquee which was hired for the dance in the evening. Hiring a fairly small tent however costs about £50, so if anyone would be prepared to sponsor the hire of a small tent, please also contact the fete Chairman Peter Hesketh.

The classes for the Floats and Fancy Dress competitions will be:-

Individual 7 and under

8 and older

Group

Single or Group with children's vehicle

Mounted rider

Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday April 11 ^th at 8pm at the Huntsman. All are welcome.

Pauline Dutton

VILLAGE FETE - TALENT CONTEST

ATTENTION ALL SINGERS, DANCERS, MUSICIANS and COMEDIANS! WE WANT YOU AT SHIRENEWTON CHURCH FETE TALENT CONTEST

Due to popular demand there will once again be a talent contest at the Church Fete this year! We are fortunate that Marcus Ostler (Proprietor of Village Shop and Garage) and Karen Miller (Piano teacher) have generously agreed to be our judges.

The trouble with talented children is that they tend to be in everything e.g. country dancing, five-a-side football and Brownies - therefore we will be keeping a strict eye on the time this year so that our contestants can join in lots of other events!

The talent contest will begin at 3.15pm and ALL CONTESTANTS must be ready to perform at the location of the CARNIVAL QUEEN'S FLOAT.

Each performance will be no longer than 3 minutes.

As in previous years there will be 3 categories
5 - 7 years
8-10 years
11 and over.

There will be a first prize for each category but all entrants will receive a certificate and sweets

If you wish to enter please phone ELAINE RIGBY (641 694) to register by Thursday June 8th as late entries won't be included.

SUNDAY SCHOOL DATES

(for children aged from 3 years - Come along and try us out!)

Sun 2 Apr Mothering Sunday Service 9.45 am Church

For further information please contact Jane Smith-Haddon on 641 525

SHIRENEWTON YOUTH GROUP DATES

(for young people aged from 8 years - new members welcome)

Sun 2 Apr Mothering Sunday Church Service 9.45 am - Shirenewton Church

Sun 30 Apr Games evening and poster making 5.00 pm - Shirenewton Rec

SHIRENEWTON CHURCH 200 CLUB

Subscriptions are now due for this year's membership, which will run from April 2000 until March 2001. An extra one-off prize will be given at the Christmas 2000 draw. As the Post Office has now closed, several people have kindly offered to help with collection of subscriptions. With that in mind, where convenient would members please give their subscriptions to one of the following: Kevin Bounds, Pauline Dutton, Peter Hesketh, or Barbara Davies. Members will retain their present numbers. New members will also be especially welcome. R.Davis

SHIRENEWTON WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

The 48 ^th birthday was celebrated with a party attended by twenty three members plus six guests from the neighbouring WI's of St Arvans, Devauden Green and Catbrook. Everyone enjoyed the excellent supper, which had been prepared by members. Group photographs were then taken, followed by a singsong of well-known old favourites. The evening concluded with a very successful raffle.

Members have been busy during the last month, with Mrs Mary Gostelow, Mrs Shirley Bonsey and Mrs Diana Such representing Shirenewton at the WI Quiz 2000. Also, Mrs Auriol Horton had been successful in the NFWI/Marriages Bread Making Competition and had gained a place in the final to be held at Prestbury WI in April.

The next meeting on the 20 ^th April will be a talk by Mrs. Jean Morris on the `Life and Experiences of a Veterinary Surgeon. Tea Hostesses - Mrs C. Lewis and Mrs P.Noble. Raffle prize - Miss B.Davies. The competition for April is a photo of a pet.

Margaret Woodliffe - Secretary

SHIRENEWTON MOTHERS UNION

At our second meeting of the year on the 8 ^th March we were pleased to welcome a "Young mum", and it opened our eyes to the possibility that others might be able to join us provided our meeting closed in time for them to meet their children from school. To this end we would be prepared to start our meeting at 2.15 or even 2 o'clock - YOUNG MUMS, if you share our concerns for family life please try and join us - we meet at The Recreation Hall on the second Wednesday of the month at 2.30 pm and finish at 4.00 pm.

Our speaker in March was Mrs Hilda Austin who entertained us with her experiences as a student nurse in Wolverhampton - we hope to hear more at a later date. Mrs Ivy Wells gave the vote of thanks.

By the time this report is in print we will have attended the Deanery Ladyday Service at St. Mary's Rogiet on Saturday 25 ^th March - similar services will have been held at all the Deaneries in the Diocese at 11.30 am on that day. The theme of the service is "New Life within us".

Our next meeting will be on the 12 ^th of April when our speaker will be Mrs Gloria Phillips on the subject of a Wedding in Norway. Tea hostesses will be Mrs Gwynneth Adams and Mrs Ivy Wells.

Auriol Horton, Enrolling Member 641844

SHIRENEWTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY/MARCH 2000

General

It was noted that County Councillor Colin White has not attended a Community Council meeting this year. This is disappointing, particularly in view of the fact that the community council has been overruled on several planning issues by the County Council. We would have welcomed further consultation on these matters.

The Council was delighted to welcome Inspector Peter Davies of Chepstow Police, who came to discuss matters of local concern:

Traffic: After representation about speeding through the village, the police will carry out an analysis of traffic on the Shirenewton-Earlswood Road. This analysis will enable them to decide whether to carry out laser speed control of the area. (ie A policeman behind a hedge with a laser speed detector). This survey is not linked to the council's request for traffic calming measures in the village but the Council welcomed the police initiative and are now considering traffic calming measures based on the Inspector Davies's suggestions of methods successfully employed in other village locations (I personally think that bazookas & sidewinder missiles are a bit extreme but....)

Crime: If anyone is interested to find out on a regular basis about local crime incidents, there is a help-line which anyone can contact - 01633 - 642422 which is updated regularly. This will be of most interest to Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators, but is available to all. Inspector Davies praised the effectiveness of Chepstow area Neighbourhood Watch schemes, which are all actively supported by the police and which are currently under review.

It was noted that the Council would like to see a greater police presence in the village, particularly to foster good relations with the youth of the village. It is important to note that only specially trained police officers are allowed to act as Schools Liaison Officers. Mark Lewis acts for Shirenewton.

The repairs to the Wall of the Friends' Burial Ground are now complete.

The council was asked to check progress on the new Millennium Bus Shelter with Adrian Wilcox.

The carriageway markings on the road past the Spout have finally been completed, after reminders to the highways department from the Council, however, we are still waiting for action from the Footpaths officer to repair Footpath 8 (opposite the Spout). We will chase them again.

After complaints that residents around the recreation field had moved their boundaries onto the field, the Council has asked for names of those concerned so that the matter can be properly investigated.

Notices about dog fouling have been displayed in the notice boards. Further notices may be displayed after investigation into the bye-laws.

There is no further news about the curtailment of the bus service but the County Council is looking to introduce a new timetable for the village.

The concern about overcrowding on the school bus has been brought to the attention of the County Council.

The report of the Allainz Cornhill Insurers on the village playing fields was referred to the County.

David Davies, Welsh Assembly member will be attending an Council meeting. Date to be arranged.

Deterioration in the steps on the footpath through the Churchyard from the Memorial will be referred to Mr Saysell.

Planning:

County Council

Planning permission has been granted on the site of the garage for 3 dwellings and a shop - although the Community Council has not been officially informed of this. Councillors Bendall had been notified as affected residents. Councillor Harvey expressed concern at this as he had attended the meeting when the matter was discussed and the application had been deferred at that meeting.

Permission was refused on a replacement dwelling at Mount Pleasant, Earlswood, on the ground that the character of the present building is part of the character of the surrounding area.

Community Council.

A request for a tiled roof on the conservatory of Little Gables, Mynyddbach was approved, as was a request for a swimming pool enclosure building at Upper Pink.

Next Meeting - AGM 8 May 2000. Recreation Hall - Sylvia Bendall

1ST SHIRENEWTON BROWNIES

On the 7 ^th of March we had a pancake race in the School playground. After that we came in the School Hall and each tossed a pancake. Tawney Owl helped us put different toppings on our pancakes. The following week we all split into our different Sixes and acted out a short story from another country; this was towards our World Culture Badge. Next meeting we are going to make food for the birds.

Reporter: Hayley White, age 8

1ST SHIRENEWTON SCOUTS

The Scouts remain desperate and devastated that they have had to break up the Troop due to the lack of a leader. If anyone can either help personally or knows of someone else who would be willing to get involved please, please, give Steve Manning a call on 650294.

Pyp (Parish Youth Page)

Hi ya folks! I hear the Youth Club went to see Toy Story II a few weeks back. My owner thought it was a cartoon and now she's joined Buzz-Light-Year's Fan Club, so I thought I'd test her to see if she recognised these famous characters. She probably joined their fan clubs as well !

1. Who had a nose that grew when he told porkies ?

2. Who was a little bear of no brain who liked honey ?

3. Who was a little bear of no brain who liked marmalade ?

4. Who needed looking after by the Fat Controller ?

5. What enchanting little character repeats what you've just said, is impossible to turn off, and is impossible to turn on ?

6. Who was a cute little horse with big pink hair ?

7. Who was so cute Big Ears might have been tempted to clock him one ?

8. Who were the Japanese babies ?

9. Who were the two cuddlies who had to take care not to fall into the canal ?

10. Who was Ken's friend ?

Wonder if my dear owner can work these out - although personally I expect she's still looking for her marbles which she lost ages ago !

See ya - Pyp

EARLSWOOD AND NEWCHURCH MEMORIAL HALL

The Hall Committee would like to say thank you to all our patrons who have supported us during 1999. A special thanks is extended to the SODS for using the Hall to produce their pantomime this year. It was a huge success, with full houses on both nights. Our grateful thanks also for their kind donation. The committee has recently started a refurbishment programme of the Hall with a new roof on the alcove and bar area, and also the kitchen is in the process of being refurbished with a new sink unit, cupboards, cooker, which runs on gas and electricity, and a new hot water system. Our next project will be to refurbish the toilets, to include facilities for the disabled. Hopefully the main roof will also be refurbished later on this year. The Hall AGM this year will be on Tuesday April 18 ^th at 8.00 pm. All are welcome, so come along and help keep our local Halls open.

We have some new dates for entertainment this year; starting with a "Scrumpy & Western" evening starring The Wurzels, Linda Rossi, the Steve Raymond Band, and popular comedian Mike King. Look out for other forthcoming attractions including Country and Western and Halloween dances, plus an Old Tyme Music Hall evening.

Anyone wishing to use the Hall for parties, dances, weddings etc please contact Sybil Morton on 650268.

Tickets for the Scrumpy and Western evening price £12 can be obtained from Ostlers shop, John Hardman's Chepstow, or any committee member.

John Spary - Vice Chairman

SCRUMPY AND WESTERN EVENING

EARLSWOOD AND NEWCHURCH MEMORIAL HALL

STARRING

THE WURZELS, LINDA ROSSI,

THE STEVE RAYMOND BAND, MIKE KING

SHOW START 7.30 PM - MONDAY MAY 1 ^ST - TICKETS £12

AVAILABLE FROM OSTLERS, JOHN HARDMANS CHEPSTOW, COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Shirenewton Recreation Association

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday 12 ^th April 7.30 pm

Recreation Hall

And to make it even more exciting, there will be a FREE glass of wine and a nibble. Don't miss this opportunity - BE THERE

GARDENING CORNER

As I'm writing this, the weather is unseasonably clement, although still cold at night. This doesn't seem to be slowing any of the plants down, as they begin their push for the sky, and their ultimate aim to flower and set seed. It is all too tempting to start seeds off and buy plants ready for baskets and pots etc., but caution is the key word still, as I warned last month. My eldest brother has a nursery in Dorset, which sells plants to the trade. Gardening in this country, especially at this time of the year, is so dependent on the weather. Just to prove a point, he had 80,000 primroses and polyanthas in pots, which were not selling that well. The ground was cold and wet, and people preferred to garden from the warmth of their armchair. Within a fortnight, the sun was out, the soil was drying off, and people were itching to get outside. Suddenly all the plants had gone, as gardeners tried for some instant colour to cheer up what can be quite a dull period in the garden. These will continue flowering well into the summer, before they are replaced, by gaudy bedding, or more pleasing (for me anyway!) herbaceous plants. Many people will dig these poly's up when they finish flowering, and throw them out. Potentially however, with a little effort, they will provide colour for many late winters to come. If you have the space, dig them up and replant them in a shady spot in the garden. Watering them well, and feeding them with a general purpose fertilizer, will encourage them to re-establish, when they can be left until the autumn. They can then be lifted, divided into individual plantlets (discarding the oldest, less vigorous parts), and replanted back in the borders to provide that early colour, all over again. The fine weather has at least enabled me to catch up on a little work here at Barn Farm.

A warm still day enabled me to get a cover back onto the polytunnel. This time I have applied special `Hot Spot' (sounds like a Michael Barrymore quiz show!) tape to the frame which is meant to reduce perishing and prolong the life of the cover. In addition I have tried a white cover with a special finish inside. The white is meant to reduce scorching of tender plants by the sun, and the special finish reduces problems from condensation dripping onto the plants, and causing rots. Watch this space for the results! Normally it is a struggle to lift the cover on unless there is a little extra assistance, but all went very smoothly this time. The other major projects underway are the water feature, ready for the first garden opening on the 28th May, a small courtyard area, and a new pergola. The latter is almost complete, but the ponds have a long way to go yet. God willing, these will be in operation by the deadline. The courtyard will be an ongoing project and I still have to finish the `Old Farmyard' feature that I mentioned earlier this year. Still never mind, by the time you read this, the clocks will have been moved forward, so there will be a little more daylight work time, in which to beaver away in.

April really does see the start of the `Peak Season' in the garden. If you have a greenhouse, now is the time to be sowing your flower seeds, especially the hardy or half hardy annuals. Some of the ordinary annuals should be left until the end of the month at least, if you have no means of introducing them to outside temperatures gently (under a cloche, horti fleece or in a cold frame). These mature very quickly, and seed sown later in ideal conditions will usually catch up with earlier sowings. If you haven't got the luxury of a greenhouse, germinate seeds on a suitable windowsill. Don't forget to turn the trays or pots around regularly however, otherwise the seedlings will lean sharply towards the light, and often get drawn up too much if not re-potted soon enough. Small greenhouses these days are very cheap, and there is no need to go to the cost of heating. Insulate the inside with bubble plastic (similar to wrapping bubble, but treated against Ultra Violet rays), and then cover tender plants with horticultural fleece. This is amazing material, being very light so no damage is done to fresh, tender foliage. A double layer of this, with insulation on the glass, protected our plants from -15 degrees this winter. Some were singed, but all survived.

The raspberries have still to be pruned, but all last years fruiting canes will soon be removed, and new ones tied in, before the end of March. The strawberry bed has also been set light to, so that all the old leaves and straw, along with a number of garden pests, have been burnt, ready for a top dressing of pelleted chicken manure. Fresh straw will then be applied towards the end of April, or into early May. The fruit trees should also have been pruned this winter, but yet again, time has fast disappeared, and so they will have to wait another season. For some reason the apple trees seem to suffer badly from Canker, which deforms the tree, weakens it, and can eventually help to kill it. Somebody once told me that canker is most prevalent in clean air areas, as the disease cannot tolerate pollution to any great extent. Whether this is right or not I don't know. One thing for sure is that I will not be moving into the shadow of Llanwern to find out!

Now is the time to begin getting the garden soil ready. I will be systematically going around all the flower beds during the next two or three weeks, forking the soil and removing weeds and spreading a layer of compost. Felicity, the `Under' gardener (no dinner for me tonight!!), is the dark destroyer in this garden. I send her forward, armed to the teeth with secateurs, to attack the beds first, removing all old stems. I grew tired of sporting numerous bits of elastoplast all over my forehead, as I got stabbed by old, often very sharp stems, every time I bent over to pick a weed up from the ground! Herbaceous plants and shrubs are best planted now, as the soil warms up and there is plenty of moisture available for the roots. I only ever incorporate bonemeal into the holes at planting time, as this is a slow release fertilizer, and will help the plants establish over a longer period of time.The vegetable garden is also now in full swing. The first sowings of carrots, beetroot, spring onions and parsnips are now languishing under my Geoff Hamilton Cloche. Tomato, leek, lettuces (various types), sweetcorn, courgettes and Brussels Sprout seeds are all sprouting on the hot bench. It always brings home to me the amount of planning that goes into a garden, to get the timing right, as with one hand I pull the old, now well picked over Brussels plants in the garden, and with the other I am sowing the seed for this years crop. The first peas (mangetout), and broad beans have also been planted, as has the first early potato crop. The second earlys' will probably go in the first week in April-weather permitting of course. Don't be tempted to put any runner beans in yet though (unless you can grow an early crop in a tunnel or greenhouse). The first of May is soon enough for them. Happy gardening until next month.

Ps. don't forget to listen for the Cuckoo. April 13th is the crunch day!

Steve Hunt.

FAIR TRADE

"Fair Trade Fortnight" took place during March, and provided a good opportunity to try some of the large variety of Fair Trade goods. The current catalogue contains gift ideas, cards, wrapping paper etc. BUT, don't forget TRAIDCRAFT can also supply many goods that you use regularly :coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, dried fruit, muesli, sugar, rice and snacks. Do contact me for a catalogue or more information. Goods take about 2 weeks to arrive if you order them through me. Order as much or as little as you like! Apparently British consumers bought £16 million worth of fair trade goods last year. It was also my first year as a 'rep' and I ordered about £3000 of goods, which included about £400 of goods for myself. I order virtually all my dry goods through Traidcraft, but also tissues, kitchen roll and even loo paper. Dry goods do cost a bit more, but it's a fair price for a good quality product and it's worth paying. Giant multi-national companies set the agenda for basic commodities grown in the 'third' world. Small farmers, even small countries are totally at the mercy of organisations interested in one thing only : profit.

Marion McAdam, Broncil, Mynydd Bach, tel:641316

AD FOR SUMMER DANCE

THE BELLS, THE BELLS

Things are going well, progress is being made. Shirenewton Ringers are now in the privileged position of having six ringers for Sunday service virtually every Sunday morning. Four of the our newer ringers have now been elected to membership of the Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Bell Ringers, James and Jane Leney, Ritchie Tout, and Liz Drake. Unfortunately, Martin and Trisha Cole have had to drop their membership as they are moving away from the area; however they still come and ring with us whenever they are able to.

The Shirenewton Band itself (with no outside expertise) is now working hard to learn Plain Hunt Doubles, which is the change-ringing sequence that the learning of future method ringing will be built on. The young people in the group are working on ringing rounds and call changes, along with the adults. They know their stuff but our bells, with their very long draught make them particularly hard to handle for small people. The more-established members of the group are working on ringing Minor Methods with the help of ringers from Mathern. A Minor Method is one where all six bells change places during the method, whereas a Doubles Method is one where there are five working bells and the sixth position striking in sixths place every round of changes throughout. Fascinated ? I thought you would be ! We have so far attempted five quarter peals of Plain Bob Minor. Three were successful and two failed, one due to Glynis dropping her rope, and one due to me dropping mine !! We are having another go on Friday at 6.30, so wish us good luck. We are working to improve our rhythm and our striking, that is to make it sound better outside the Church.

We practise every Friday 7.30 to 9.00. Come and join us. Pip Penney

SHIRENEWTON SCHOOL

We've had a busy half-term. We celebrated St David's Day in true Welsh style with an assembly of song and story, poetry, music and dance. We looked good too as many of us dressed in Welsh costume, and we raised around £80 for St David's Foundation by selling daffodil buttonholes. Soon after we had a non-uniform day to raise money for "All Creatures Great and Small". This was organised by some enterprising pupils from year 5, and they raised £112.70. Yet again school uniform was left at home when the infants were invited to dress up ass a character from a book to celebrate World Book Day. Finally, the infant teachers could restrain themselves no longer and they joined in, and the children were taught for a day by The Wicked water Witch, Tom Tom the Piper's son, and a rather dishevelled Just William, and even more money was raised to help others less fortunate by the sale of second hand books.

Shirenewton School is proud of it's academic achievements, but it's good to know that it is a caring school as well, and that it has fun. So don't worry if you see anyone dressed up in the village, they are probably making their way to Shirenewton School !

Are you also wondering what to do with all those tokens on crisps and chocolate biscuits, and Tesco computer vouchers ? Well, Shirenewton School would be only too pleased to have them, so pop them into school, we'd be very grateful.

"Just William"

COOKERY CORNER

Poor Mans Caviar

I have no idea why this is so called, but it makes a good starter or a light lunch, especially if served with home-made bread.

1 large Aubergine

4 tomatoes, skinned, de-seeded and finely chopped

1 Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 large clove of garlic, peeled and crushed

1 small green pepper, de-seeded and finely chopped

3 tablespoons dry white wine

8 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Seasoning

Make a slit along the Aubergine and microwave until soft, peel and finely chop. Gently fry the onion and garlic in 7 tablespoons of oil for 2 minutes. Add the pepper, tomatoes, aubergine, and wine and mix well. Simmer gently, stirring from time to time until the mixture is fairly thick. Season, allow to cool and add the remaining oil and parsley. Chill and serve

Many thanks again to Caroline Davies's Kitchen !

MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD 1901 - 1996

L.C Rumens spent part of his early life in Shirenewton. We are publishing extracts from his "Memories of my Childhood" in the next issues of the magazine, giving an insight into village life in the early part of the last century.

PART 3

Further memories of my father which have come to mind. When he was younger he painted and also drew a very good copy of Raphaels Madonna of the Chair which we now have. He also made the table with ¼ inch thick marquetry containing 50 various woods which we also have. This was done at the turn of the century when he built a wood turning lathe with a treadle. He made a fine kaleidoscope with which he projected variable coloured patterns on the wall. He had a magic lantern and gave little shows with slides which were hired or borrowed and would give a commentary. He was fascinated by the movement of water and drew rough plans for the Severn Barrage with the object of producing power; we lived quite near. His employer decided to have built a Japanese Tea-house and garden. The house was imported but Dad was responsible for the design of the paving and rock work.

He was Superintendent of the Church Sunday School for many years. Also a founder member of the Debating Society frequently taking the opposite side from that which he believed. By the way he experimented making wet Leclanche Cells in jam jars for lighting.

As the years went by there were one or two carpenters fully employed on the estate and my father became a general factotum and greatly trusted by his boss but still badly paid. About this time his employer bought a yacht which was being refitted at Greenock on the Clyde so Dad was sent up there, but I do not know why.

On an earlier page I mentioned that Mother gave piano lessons to make extra cash. She also with the help of the schoolmasters wife, Mrs Ellis-Jones, organised children's concerts and operetta's to help in the war effort. She made many of the dresses with Father helping with the stage. Vic was in most of the shows. Mother was a good cook and housekeeper. Most of the cooking was done on the old-fashioned kitchen range heated by coal which also heated the living room. It had an open front and also supplied hot water. The sitting room was only used on high days and holidays, it was much more comfortable and had an open fire or sometimes a very attractive oil heater which had a lovely coloured glass front. Lighting was by oil lamps downstairs, and candles upstairs.

Another instance of how casual everyone behaved concerning dangerous substances showed itself when I was taking my scholarship examination in Chepstow. It was midsummer and we were plagued by wasps at Hill cottage. My father asked me to get about a ¼ lb of potassium cyanide from the chemist to insert into the nests, the fumes of which would kill the wasps. It was a very hot day and the package, wrapped in paper was in my pocket, no plastics in those days. After a while I began to feel quite ill and asked the invigilator to take it from me. He immediately agreed, making some derogatory remark about my father to which I mentally concurred, placing the package a long way from him. I really could not understand my father's lack of thought. He was quite upset and sorry. I still wonder how I passed that exam. Probably enough poison to kill the whole of Chepstow !

We last visited Shirenewton in 1994, it has gradually been deteriorating over the year's now it is rather ghastly. This is mainly due to the building of the Severn Bridge, making it a dormitory area for Bristol. Our lovely little stone-built cottage is now replaced by a monstrous ill-proportioned house covered in imitation match-board in white plastic - dreadful; church cottage is still recognisable because of the rather nice veranda Dad added soon after we moved in. The house has been enlarged to such an extent that it is completely lacking in character now.

When the first world war began practically all the young men in the village enlisted. It was going to be a bit of excitement, sadly many never returned. During this time Dad was accused of being a German spy. Having only been there five years we were hardly accepted by the local people who were suspicious of anyone not born there. I believe that there was an official enquiry and eventually the person concerned had to make a public apology. Of course the name Rumens was the trouble, it is laughable now, but it certainly was not then.

In 1917 Mother went to London to the funeral of her Mother which she would have to organise as being the last member of her family. When she returned she told us about the bombing of London by the zeppelins. She brought back a lovely new Swan fountain pen for me which was rather uncommon then.

About that time a number of us young people were being taken to Usk about 8 miles away in a 4-horse brake to be confirmed. It was an open vehicle with about 20 seats.

Thinking back my parents must have made quite an impact on the village and villagers who did not accept us for a very long time, but did so eventually. It can be seen that I am very proud of my parents accomplishments. We were very fortunate to have such intelligent and kind ones. Also, living in the Country was a great bonus.

THE END

Note: I have just been reading that lovely trilogy of "Lark Rise to Candleford" covering the 1880's period, just a generation before my childhood, how nostalgic !!

Postscript to Memories of Childhood

L.C.Rumens

My life has been a most interesting and happy one, having lived through 5 reigns, 2 great wars, and have seen such great advances in Science and Technology at such a tremendous rate, faster, faster.

As examples we had candles and oil-lamps for lighting, walking, cycling and the horse for travel; the motor car was just in it's infancy. The telegram was the only quick means of distant communication, and radio was in it's early stages. The old age pension began in 1909 at I believe 5 shillings, old money, per week.

My mother in her early forties suffered from arthritis of the hip, frequently crying with the pain, one leg being nearly 2 inches shorter than the other, but it did not kill her as she lived on to 91. Now, my wife has just had a hip replacement as a standard cure, this is real progress ! At the present time we have colour TV, computers, Concorde and space flight, and the motor car has nearly reached saturation point on the city roads.

I do not think we are any happier for all these advantages. Crime is increasing at an enormous rate and we have become a very greedy society, with the lottery reinforcing it.

L.C.Rumens

Answers to Pyp's Quiz:-

1. Pinnochio

2. Pooh Bear

3. Paddington Bear

4. Thomas the Tank Engine

5. Furby

6. My Little Pony

7. Noddy

8. The Tamaguchi

9. Rosie and Jim

10. Barbie

Holy Week and Easter Services.

Palm Sunday 16 ^th April Services as for a normal 1 ^st Sunday.

Monday of Holy Week. Compline and sermon Caerwent, 7.30p.m.

Tuesday. Compline and sermon Llanfair, 7.30p.m.

Wednesday Compline and sermon Newchurch, 7.30p,m.

Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist and vigil, Shirenewton

8.00p.m. till midnight.

Good Friday Jesus' last hour. Shirenewton, 2.00 TO 3.00 p.m.

Holy Saturday Ceremony of light and first mass of Easter Caerwent 8.00p.m.

Easter Day Holy Eucharist Llanfair 8.30 am

Caerwent 11.00.am

Shirenewton 9.45 am

Newchurch 2.30 pm

THERE WILL BE NO EVENING SERVICE EASTER DAY

DIARY

3 Apr 8.00 pm Easter Vestry meeting - Shirenewton Church

5 Apr 2.30 pm Gaerllwydd Women's Meeting

11 Apr 8.00 pm Fete meeting - Huntsman Hotel

12 Apr 2.30 pm Mothers Union - Recreation Hall

12 Apr 7.30 pm Recreation Association AGM - Recreation Hall

18 Apr 8.00 pm Earlswood & Newchurch Hall AGM

19 Apr 2.30 pm Gaerllwydd Women's Meeting

20 Apr 7.15 pm WI Meeting - Recreation Hall

30 Apr 5.00 pm Youth Group Games evening - Recreation Hall

1 May 8.00 pm Scrumpy & Western Evening - Earlswood Hall

8 May 7.30 pm Community Council AGM - Recreation Hall

Please send notes, discs, faxes, (641567) e-mails (stu@dutton47.freeserve.co.uk) for next month's magazine to Pauline Dutton, 4 Newton Manor, Shirenewton (641677) by Thursday 20th April 2000

READERS AND SIDESPERSONS ROTA - APRIL 2000 - SHIRENEWTON

DATE READER SIDESPERSON

April

2 Mothering Sunday Sunday School

Family Service, 9.45 am

9 Passion Sunday Auriol Horton John Nicholas

Sung Eucharist, 9.45 am Winnie Jones Colin Draper

16 Palm Sunday Barbara Davies Winnie Jones

Sung Eucharist, 9.45 am Cynthia Smith Claire Lewis

20 Maundy Thursday

Holy Eucharist and Vigil, 8.00 pm till midnight

21 Good Friday

Jesus' last hour, 2.00 pm till 3.00 pm

23 Easter Sunday Jean Jones Bob Grattan

Holy Eucharist, 9.45 am Sally Saysell Brian Robinson

30 2^nd Sunday of Easter John Nicholas Barbara Davies

GROUP EUCHARIST Bob Grattan Bernice Bowen

SHIRENEWTON

May

7 3^rd Sunday of Easter Gareth Thomas Felicity Hunt

Sung Eucharist, 9.45 am Angharad Thomas Kevin Bounds

NEWCHURCH: 2.30 pm every Sunday