Chris Howkins, a self taught ethno-botanist and expert in the derivation of tree names was our guest speaker talking on 'Local Trees, Fact and Folklore'.

Much of the folklore regarding trees has come down to us through the ages from the Vikings. The Norse people believed that gods lived in trees and many place names come from them. The name Ellenstead came from Ellen the mother-goddess living in the Elder tree and over the years this became the name of our village. If you look in our own countryside there are many Elder trees. He explained that the pipe-rolls of the Bishop of Winchester for the 13^th century spelt the name of Elstead this way. He went on to say that most counties had an Ellenstead somewhere, for instance in Sussex there is Elsted. The Elder has also been known to have uses in medicine. One ritual, still practiced to appease the witch in the Elder before the wood is cut, is to approach the tree, cross the right arm over the chest and say "please mother tree may I have your limbs for whatever purpose and I promise to give in return shoots from the forest". If all stays quiet then she has agreed. Never put Elder wood into a fire because you will hear the witch scream. Chris once sent a letter to Reading University asking for an explanation. They replied saying that they had investigated the structure of the elder wood and the scream produced was made by air being forced out through the dried sinews of the branch in the heat of the fire.

There are 23-39 truly native trees in England which have many uses from making furniture to dyeing and medicine. The Romans gave us Sweet and Horse Chestnut trees. The Thorn is known as the beggar-bush and often grows near the boundary of a settlement. Many years ago, when a poor soul was about to die but had no money to pay for a decent burial, the village would have to pay for the funeral, so the dying person was encouraged to leave their parish and die in the next one. A poor person was thus often buried across the boundary and to mark the spot a thorn tree was planted on his grave. When the A31 dual carriageway was being constructed along the Hogs Back near Puttenham a large thorn tree had to be removed as it was in the way. After much discussion by the workers they drew lots and one poor unfortunate was elected to drive the bulldozer and remove the tree. Under the tree they found a skeleton! Ash is good for coppicing; and 16% of corrugated cardboard is made from sweet chestnut.

The facts and legends kept coming until it was time for tea when Mr Howkins, a most amusing and informative speaker, was thanked enthusiastically. The next meeting is on Monday 14^th November, which is also the AGM. Members had notification of the proposal to alter the constitution of the Club at the meeting. Jane Henderson will give a presentation on the proposals for landscaping and planting around the new pavilion and Keith Pierce will give members tips on showing flowers and vegetables. New members and visitors are welcome at the URC hall at 7.45 pm.

Diana and Richard Terry

Everybody at Rainbows would like to start by wishing all the children who left us last term every happiness as they settle into their new schools.

We were blessed with a lovely day for our picnic and fun day. Thank you to all who came - it was a real family occasion - the Dad's shopping race was particularly competitive!! We finished by enjoying our picnics in the shade of the old oak and raised a terrific £90 to boot.

Now fully rested after the summer holidays we return with gusto to a packed autumn term. We started with our theme of holidays and transport, enjoying each other's stories at morning circle. The children completed a survey of the traffic passing Rainbows one morning and the pictures this inspired, together with the subject of "How I come to school" make a lovely display in the hall.
We are now busy making tickets, passports and packing suitcases as we look forward to welcoming a pilot in to talk about his job and help with our role-play airport.

The children and parents are currently bringing in contributions for the Romanian Shoe-Box Appeal and finding out about children who live in different countries. Fascinated with a building site near Rainbows, we take regular trips to see all the different materials used and how a new house is built. No surprise that the diggers and crane lorries are particular favourites.

And finally, preparations are underway for our Rainbows Bear Hunt. The 1^st Monday after half term at Burford Lodge Recreation Ground is the site for this annual event. We hope for good weather to enjoy the wonderful autumn colours, kicking through the leaves and of course, bears aplenty!

Helen Duke

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