Down Ampney news by Melanie Fouracre

THE Parish Council have teamed up with the DA Arts & Crafts Committee to provide washable face masks for residents who don’t already have their own.

Villagers who would like to take advantage of this offer should collect a request form from the village shop.

If you would like advice on making your own mask see Jackie Scuri in the Post Office on Tuesday mornings.

VILLAGERS may be interested to learn more about the part Down Ampney played in World War Two, now that vestiges of this time have become more apparent along the lane to The Lodge and Latton after the removal of the large alder trees, and also the recent unearthing of a WW2 mortar during garden excavations at a village house.

Those villagers who have walked through Scrubs Copse between Oak Road and Duke’s Field regularly during lockdown will also have noticed the remnants of the ancillary airfield buildings which once stood there.

If you would like to find out more, visit bit.ly/2BnqEzE.

DOWN Ampney C of E Primary School announced its full re-opening as of Monday, June 29.

Villagers may have noticed slightly more cars in village hub car park, this is because both school entrances are being used to ensure that children and family members can be kept safe.

The school has decided to keep smaller class sizes, and this will mean the appointment of a new teacher for September as the school moves to become a three class school.

Head teacher, Adam Clark, has also confirmed the school would like to continue the pen pal scheme and explore virtual village readers opportunities for the future.

ALL Saints Church is now open on Sundays and Thursdays for private prayer.

THE Village Shop Committee would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped keep the village shop going as a vital resource for the whole village.

This has been especially appreciated by those who are having to ‘self-isolate’ or ‘shield’ in the village, whose essential supplies, food and newspapers have been delivered on foot by a willing team of mainly young student volunteers.

REMINDER to all dog owners, please continue to pick up after your dogs.

This is still a requirement and there are plenty of dog mess bins around the village.

If different members of your families or friends are walking your dogs, please do remind them to help keep the village clean and tidy.

Dog poo bags are available from the village shop.

FINALLY, the 2020 Teddy Bear Hunt (suggested by Jeannie Cole) was a great success with over 40 teddies being displayed in windows throughout the village for youngsters to spot on whilst out for their daily exercise.