Highworth

To ensure the fair distribution of the limited amount of grant money available, the Highworth Town Council considers all requests for grant aid during November each year.

Local organisations, clubs, societies and other groups that wish to be considered, are to forward their requests to the town council, using an application form. Copies can be obtained from the town council offices.

To comply with the rules for eligibility, all questions on the form must be answered. You should mark questions that do not apply to your organisation with 'not applicable'.

Notes on conditions are included on the reverse side of the application form. Applications must be accompanied by a copy of the club's latest bank statement the application will be invalid without one.

Applications are to be submitted to reach the town council offices by the closing date of November 10.

Funeral service

Relatives and friends of Eric Chick said their last farewell to a member of the well-known former Highworth builders, at a funeral service held in St Michael's Church on September 29.

The Vicar of Highworth, the Rev David Stevens, led the service. His grand-daughter, Ginny Cartmel, played a piano solo and lessons were read by his grandson, Rick Cartmel and Mr Geoffrey Eastwood.

Dr Roger Andrews gave the address. Mr Chick was born in Highworth and led an active life. He was a gifted artist and a knowledgeable local historian.

As a child, he attended Southfield School and was pleased to be present at the centenary celebrations of the school two years ago.

In 1972, he was interviewed in the BBC programme Down Your Way, which was recorded in Highworth prior to the first Highworth festival.

He talked of the then recent renovation of the old Manor House in the High Street. Although rather infirm, he still had a good look around during the recent Highworth festival floral art displays.

Mr Chick recently celebrated his diamond wedding anniversary and his 93rd birthday. He leaves a widow, Sylvia (known as Choock), a daughter Jane, son-in-law, Jon and grandchildren, twins Ginny and Rick.

He will be sadly missed by many in and around Highworth for his good humour, charming manner and interesting conversation.

Westrop surgery

In line with Government recommendations, doctors at the Westrop surgery request that all registered patients over the age of 65, along with patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and asthma, attend the surgery for an influenza vaccination.

Sessions are held on Tuesdays from 2pm-3.30pm, Wednesdays from 5pm-6.30pm, Thursdays from noon-1.30pm and Fridays from 5pm-6.30pm.

Please telephone or visit the surgery as soon as possible to arrange a convenient session to attend.

Women's Institute

The Highworth Morning WI is organising a table top sale, to be held in the council Community Room on November 4 from 9.30am to 11.30am. To book a table at £5, ring (01793) 861774 or call at Just the Job in Sheep Street for the necessary forms.

Highworth Morning WI is holding its third annual pudding extravaganza on Friday in The Rec Centre at 7.30pm, eat nothing but puddings. A choice of at least three puddings will be available as well as cheese and biscuits.

There will also be live music and a quiz. A bar will be open. Tickets cost £6. To book tel (01793) 764234.

Historical Society

Following a summer break in which various outing took place, the Highworth Historical Society held its AGM on September 25.

Janet Boddy was re-elected as chairperson along with secretary Pat Elkington and treasurer Albert Allen.

After the general business affairs, member Chris Ball gave an illustrated slide talk on crop circles and rural geometry.

The next meeting of the society will be held on October 30 at 7.30pm in the council Community Room. A talk by B Roscoe will be given on Catherine Pleydell Bouverie (1895-1985). For details, contact (01793) 762575.

Fireworks display

Highworth's seventh annual town fireworks display will be held on November 3 at 7.30pm at the Elms recreation ground extension, off the A361 golf course entrance.

The entrance fee is £4 for adults and £1 for children and senior citizens.

There will also be a barbecue from 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased from the town council office and other venues.

St Michael's Church

A generous £716 was raised during the harvest weekend at St Michael's Church. This included £118 in sponsorship money, raised by the Brownies, who washed the fire engines at the Swindon Central Fire Station. The money will go towards the Tear Fund.

An ICC Service will be held in St Michael's Church at 10am on Sunday. This gathering of the congregations of every Highworth church will be led by St Michael's.

Yoga for fitness

Yoga for Fitness sessions will be held at The Rec from 9.30am-noon on Saturdays October 14, November 11 and December 9.

For more information and to enroll for these or any other courses, call Swindon College on Freephone 0800 731 2250.

Line-dancing workshop

Peter Metchnick, the award-winning line dance choreographer from America, will present a workshop on Friday from 7.30pm in The Rec sports hall.

More details are available from Lewis Watson (01793) 764732 or from the reception desk at The Rec.

Organic vegetables

The Coleshill Organic Vegetable Shop, run by Sonia Oliver and Peter Richardson, is proving to be very popular since it was opened during the Coleshill open day one month ago.

Organic seasonal vegetables are grown on their farm and in the walled garden that belonged to Coleshill House.

The tunnels in the walled garden are being filled with rocket, cress, endives, mizuna and sorrel for salad packs which will be available throughout the winter .

The organic shop is open from 3pm to 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 9am to noon on Saturdays until October 28. For details contact (01793) 861070.