March 2018 in the Jubilee Hall Ditcheat BA4 6RB Doors Open 7Pm for 7.30Pm Start

Travellers Rest Stone, East Pennard (on the A37) 01749 860069 Higher Farm, Sutton, Nr Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QF OPEN ALL DAY Opening hours from 12.00 noon Mon-Sat: 7.30am to 6.30pm

For Traditional pub food Tool Hire Tea / Coffee & Sunday Roast Repairs. Quiz Nights/Skittles/Pool/Darts B & B en‐suite rooms Tel 01749 860199: Mobile 07771632221 How To Find Us Turn off the A371 Castle Cary to Shepton Mallet road, between Moff Motors and The Brook House Inn, and then www.travellersrest.org.uk t ake t he first t urning left t o Sutt on. Follow this road unt il you see our signs on the right, and then turn right. Hope to see you soon!

This Month The Editor’s Letter Advertisers Index 54 Alhampton News 5 Judging by the daily diet of news which lurches from All Our Yesterdays 11 the odious to the wretched, humans are singularly inept Book Group 24 at learning lessons from history. This month sees a new British Legion 25 occasional series on local history (p11), based on Church Services 28 research by the much-missed Di Clements; may it both Diary dates 4 entertain and enlighten. If you have any tales of times Directory 52 gone by, or old photographs of Benefice places or Ditcheat Big Screen 14 people you would be happy to share, we’d be delighted Ditcheat Ch. Rota 50 Ditcheat Litter 51 to hear from you. Ditcheat PC Notes 43 Ditcheat Pylle Singers 31 If you are interested in research yourself you may want Ditcheat School 6 to have your say in the consultation on how future Ditcheat Weather 36 Somerset library services could be offered (p9). Your Easter Bingo 19 local library provides a good deal more than the EP Church Rota 50 EP Hall Update 32 opportunity to borrow a book, membership also allows EP PC Notes 46 you to use a wide range of online resources including Evening with Eliot 31 ancestry records, social history archives, Gardening 33 encyclopaedias etc. Many can be accessed from home, Gardening Club 34 and all are free. Indie Folk Rock 8 Mothers' Union 37 Natural World 41 Don’t forget the annual parish litter pick which starts at th Neighbourhood the Jubilee Hall on Sunday March 10 (p51) or the fact 16 Support that any tidying up of hedges needs to be done before One Hundred Club 5 March 1st or you will breach bird-friendly EU rules. Past and Present 29 Pennard Pop-up Pub 32 And many congratulations to Ditcheat School, whose Pylle News 30 Pylle Quiz Night 31 football team was crowned champion of the local Pylle Village Hall 30 schools’ tournament. Rendezvous 51 Shepton Market 9 Enjoy the run up to Easter. Somerset Libraries 9 Spectra Musica 20

St Margaret's Hospice 8,9 Strictly Jiving 16 Margy Cockburn Tim Sanders Village Lunch 24 Wildlife Group Update 21

The Fosse Trinity News is a community magazine. It is financed by advertising and donations. It is delivered FREE to every household in Ditcheat, Alhampton, East Pennard and Pylle. We welcome any contribution from anyone in the community of any age. The editors reserve the right to edit. Copyright of all photographs published remains with the originator unless specified otherwise. Send copy by 15th of March to [email protected] For enquiries about advertising in the magazine, please contact Marcus 01749 860067 or email [email protected] Closing date 10th of each month for adverts.

Front Cover: Pylle Church by Joanna Miln © 3

Dates for your Diary

Regular Events Weekly Monthly   Pilates (9.00) Linda 860067   Baby and Toddler (10.30-11.00) Sally 860304 Mon   Tai Chi for Health (10.30) Richard 880308   Ditcheat Badminton Club (8.30) James 860355   Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00) Di 07831 289945  Art Group – Fortnightly (10.00) Liz & Stewart 860755 Tue   2ndRendezvous (10.00) Linda 860067   Ditcheat Badminton Club (2.00) Gaye 860081 Wed   Ditcheat Short Mat Bowls (7.00) Martin 860780   Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00) Di 07831 289945   Keep Fit (9.15) Linda 860067 Thu   1stAlhamptonians (8.15) Louisa 860252 Fri   2ndFolk Dance Club (7.30) Ama 672911 Sat   2ndMen’s Breakfast Roger 860551 March 2017 Thurs 1stth 8.15pm Alhamptonians, Alhampton Inn Louisa 860252 P5 Sun 4th 11.00am St. Margaret’s Hospice Walk P8 Jill P37 Thurs 8th 2.30pm Mothers’ Union, Baltonsborough 01458 850402 Sat 10th 9.00am Ditcheat PC Annual Litter Pick P51 Sat 10th 7.00pm Ditcheat and Pylle Singers, Jubilee Hall Hamish 838757 P31 Sat 10th 8.00pm Pennard Pop-up Pub, Pennard Vill Hall Monica 860519 P32 Tues 13th 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Linda 860067 P51 Tue 13th 8.00pm Fossway Gardening Club, Pylle Vill Hall Barbara 860438 P34 Thurs 15th 7.00pm Ditcheat Big Screen, Lost in Paris Anne 860444 P14 Jon P25 Fri 16th 7.00pm Royal British Legion Meal, The Den 01458 850241 Sat 17th 6.45pm Jar Family, Caryford Hall P8 Sat 17th 7.30pm Spectra Musica, Wincanton P20 Tues 20th 6.30pm Easter Bingo, Ditcheat Hall Sally 860326 P19 Fri 23rd 5.00pm Ditcheat Big Screen, Paddington 2 Anne 860444 P14 Sat 24th 7.00pm Pylle Quiz Night, Pylle Village Hall Joanna 838757 P31 Tue 27th 12.30pm Village Lunch, Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 P23

Further Ahead

Fri 20th April 7.30pm Ditcheat School Quiz and Thai Night Richard 860329 P7

Alhampton News

A few people have asked if we are going to have a fete this year. I know the summer seems a long way off but, if we are going to have one, a date needs to be thought about. However, we will need some more people if we are to run a successful event as several of the stalwarts are feeling their age a little and would welcome some help. We do appreciate the efforts of all members of the community, young and old, who already do sterling work, but we need a few more. You don’t need to commit to doing something on your own if you don’t want to but could perhaps help someone else or, if there is a group of four of you, could run something between you. Also, we need some fresh ideas. Obviously there are certain things which are mainstays of any fete but something different would be welcome. Have a think about it and let me know if you are interested and then we can decide whether it would be viable and, if so, try to get the different elements together to fix a date.

Good reports from the pub as food has become available again and is excellent. The Sunday lunches are often completely full so make sure that you book. Long may it continue! We had an interesting sighting the other day. We noticed a green woodpecker on the lawn and watched as it stayed for over twenty minutes, concentrating on one particular patch. After it had gone and we investigated, we found a neat funnel shaped hole where it had cleaned out an ant’s nest. We have had them often before but never for quite so long in one spot.

Again, Alhamptonians is on the first of the month – St David’s day – so come along if you are free. Louisa Oborne

February 100 Club winners

Ball number 12 Marianne Barber £100 Ball number 20 Sue Trott £50 Ball number 38 Ben & Julie Look £25 Andrew Nicholls

Ditcheat School

Ditcheat was crowned champion of the local schools’ tournament on Friday 19/01/18. It was an excellent team performance with some impressive individual skills as well. Well done to all the team.

Ditcheat School Eco‐Fashion Show

Miss Hunt organised a wonderful eco fashion show on Thursday 1st February. It was so nice to include children from other schools in the fun. Throughout the morning, the children made their costumes, prepared their speeches and practised walking up and down the cat walk. At 3 o'clock the children performed their fashion show to a packed hall of parents and children. Richard Reid

Quiz and Thai Buffet Night at Ditcheat Primary School

20th April 7.30pm start

Ticket Price £8 per head

Ticket Price includes quiz entry and Thai buffet

(BYO drinks)

Max 6 people per team (Over 18’s only) Come and join us for a fun evening raising funds for the school. Great Prizes on offer. Please contact the school office for further details and tickets (860329).

Indie Folk Rock night at Caryford Hall

As promised, The Jar Family are returning to Caryford Community Hall, Castle Cary on Saturday 17th March at 6.45pm. The collective of five singer-song writers, who create a truly amazing live show, received a rapturous ovation when last here. Indie Folk-Rock at its finest.

Advance tickets £15 from Bailey Hill bookshop and The Market House in Castle Cary or from www.wegottickets.com.

STABLE COMPUTERS Supply of New Computers and Accessories – all set up and ready for you to use… Broadband and Router Installation… PC and Internet Problems Solved… Virus and Spyware Removal… For all your computing needs telephone Daren on 01963 441229

All Our Yesterdays!

Over the course of many years, Di Clements of Alhampton prepared a fascinating archive of information about Ditcheat Parish, compiled from the original records in the Somerset Heritage and Library Services. After Di’s death, the records passed to Chrys Henning who safeguards this treasure trove of our local history.

A delve into the folders and documents containing maps, photographs, deeds and letters going back hundreds of years reveals stories and images of the Parish in ages gone by, though many family names, place names and locations remain very familiar!

We thought it would be interesting to bring FTN readers an occasional series of selected articles from the archives. The first – and one of the most dramatic – stories appears in this edition.

We bring you the mysterious tale – not for the faint-hearted - from 1584, of the Ditcheat “Wife rolled downstairs by a Headless Bear”…

“Wife rolled downstairs by Headless Bear” (Four hundred years ago in Dichet)

On May 9th 1584, Steven Cooper, “a yeoman of honest reputation dwelling in the towne of Ditchet”, a man of good wealth and ”well-beloved of his neighbours” was ill in bed. His wife had to visit one of his farms in Rickhampton, Gloucestershire, in his stead. When she returned, Steven was better but became worried about his wife, Margaret, who was using idle talk about their farm and about an old groat (four-penny coin) her son had found a week earlier. She babbled on for several days “as it were one that had been bewitched or haunted with some evil spirit”, calling for the groat and her wedding ring. Steven, Alis Easton (Margaret’s sister), and others managed to keep her in bed by force but she only grew worse, foaming at the mouth and shaking so violently that the bed moved around the chamber. When the shaking subsided, she told her husband that “she had been in the Tonne to beat awaie the Beare which followed her into the Yarde when she came out of the countrie, which to her thinking had no head”.

On the following Sunday, Margaret had a good day until midnight, at which point the candle burned low, guttered and went out. Then there was a rumbling in the street and the assembled family cried out in fear. Steven saw “a thing come to the bedside much like unto a Beare, but it had no head, nor no tale” and was as broad as it was long – half a yard. He attacked it with a stool, but it went to Margaret and “stroke her three times upon the foote, and tooke her out of the bed and so rolled her to and fro in the Chamber and under the bed”. 11

The family were dumbfounded; the candle was so dim they could scarcely see, but they did perceive the devil “thrust the woman’s head betwixt her legges, and so roulled her in a rounde compasse like an Hoope through three other chambers downe an highe aire (flight) of stairs in the Hall, where he kept her the space of a quarter of an hower”. Her friends, transfixed, could only lament and pray. “There was such a horrible stincke in the Hall, and such fiery flames, that they were glad to stoppe their noses with cloathes and napkins”.

Margaret shouted that the devil was gone and was put back to bed but suddenly “the woman was drawn out of the bed and the window at the back of the bedhead was opened. And her legges after a marvellous manner were thrust out of the windowe, so that they were clasped about the post in the middle of the windowe betweene her legges. The people in the Chamber heard a thing knocke at her feete as it had been upon a Tubbe , and they saw a great fire as it seemed to them at her feete, the stincke whereof was horrible”.

Steven and his brother gathered their courage, dragged her back into the room and set her on her feet. Soon after, they all saw outside the window a little child, with a bright shining countenance, casting a great light in the Chamber; the candle burnt more brightly , the child vanished, and they all gave thanks for Margaret’s deliverance. Margaret was put back to bed, made a good recovery and was later interviewed by many learned men, including “Master Doctor Cottington, Parson of the same Towne, and Master Nicholles, preacher of Bruton”.

How much of this Elizabethan Broadsheet was based on fact? All will be revealed in the next article………..!

PHILIP SAUNDERS PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER Based in Ditcheat Airports and Long Distance Trips Special Nights Out Travel in Comfort Reliable Prompt Very Competitive Rates Tel: 07855 588128 or 07774 234858

Mike Doyle Home Maintenance

All types of property maintenance undertaken including:

 Painting and Decorating  Kitchen and Bathroom Tiling  Wood/Laminate Floor Laying  Wooden Decking  Fencing  Patio Laying  Insurance Quotes/Work Undertaken

01749 860356 07876421255 e-mail:[email protected]

Old Bank House High Street, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7AW All kinds of legal advice and [email protected] assistance available, both Tel: 01963 350888 Fax: 01963 351107 efficiently and economically.

Ditcheat Big Screen Presents

Lost in Paris (15) Paddington 2 (PG) Thursday 15th March – 7.00pm Friday 23rd March –5.00pm

LOST IN PARIS is a wondrously fun and PADDINGTON 2 finds Paddington hectic tale of peculiar people finding happily settled with the Brown family in love while lost in the City of Lights. Windsor Gardens, where he has When Fiona's orderly life is disrupted become a popular member of the by a letter of distress from her 88-year- community, spreading joy and old Aunt Martha who is living in Paris, marmalade wherever he goes. Fiona hops on the first plane she can “A delightful sequel that will charm and arrives only to discover that Martha audiences of all ages, this is precisely has disappeared. the sort of earnest, crowd-pleasing family film that parents and kids can enjoy for their own reason.”

Tickets: £6 (Lost in Paris) / £6 (1 Adult + 1 Child U16 for Paddington) In Advance: Maryland farm shop, Ditcheat or Anne Robson (01749) 860444 Licensed Bar & refreshments (Advanced booking recommended for Paddington). Sponsored by Harris & Harris (Solicitors), Wells. Trailer: www.ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk 14

W.J.TROTMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS (incorporating Oswald Clarke Funeral Directors of Bruton) Ashdene, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 4QQ Telephone: 01749 880271

A family run business for over four generations.

Private Chapel of Rest Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Available

CHINNOCK TAXIS

Male or female driver Doctors

Contracts Daily Hire

Child Booster Cushion (x2) Airports

8 & 4 seater vehicles Seaports

available Railway Stations

£10 million public liability Regular customer

discounts

Phone: 01749 831408 Mobile: 07703068878

www.chinnocktaxis.co.uk Glastonbury Driver – Mark - 07585686327 15

Strictly Jiving

Banish the winter blues and get moving with Strictly Jive modern jive classes. You can go to our Facebook page, visit our website: www.strictlyjive.com, or for more details, email [email protected] or call Roy on 07811018284. Classes start at 7.45 pm on: Monday at The Kingsbury Community Centre, TA12 6BG. Tuesday at The George Reynolds Centre, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8DA. Wednesday at The Sparkford Inn, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7JH. Thursday at The Edgar Hall, Somerton, TA11 6SB.

NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT GROUP

We all know someone who may be suffering from acute shyness, a phobia or something else which prevents them from wanting to socialise at all. Maybe they have fallen on hard times as a result of divorce, bereavement, mental health issues or many other reasons. The result of this is intense loneliness and isolation. I would like to find a group of people with a little time to spare, who are sympathetic to, and willing to seek out, these people, and offer them an ear to listen, some companionship and friendship. If you are interested please contact me either by phone 07880770887 or email [email protected]. If there is enough interest it can be taken forward by meeting up locally. Neville Dyke

Advertisement Feature: Making everyday life easier

Do I need a Stairlift? - If you have difficulty getting up and down stairs you are not alone. The decision to install a stairlift can be a difficult one but, compared with the alternative of moving or living on only one level of their home, many have found a stairlift to be their preferred solution.

Why choose us? – Suttons Stairlifts aim to provide an ethical, reliable and prompt service to their valued customers. We have worked hard to establish an affordable, dependable and honest service to be proud of. Thanks to personal recommendations and referrals from satisfied customers, Suttons Stairlifts is now a well-established family-run company committed to providing expert advice with a no-pressure selling policy, guaranteed!

Peace of mind – In addition to being approved dealers for Handicare, Suttons Stairlifts is also an approved member of the Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme. You are also choosing an ISO Quality Approved product that conforms to the ethical business practices required by the British Healthcare Trades Association.

Our Products and Services – We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts for straight or curved stairs in the Somerset and Mendip area. We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts. We provide fast and efficient maintenance and repairs on all supplied stairlifts, as well as an annual service and safety check to keep your stairlift running as smoothly as the day it was installed. We also offer servicing and safety checks for stairlifts not installed by us, as well as repairs and removals at a very reasonable cost. Whilst stairlifts are very simple to use, they are mechanical devices and benefit from annual servicing and maintenance to ensure they continue to run efficiently.

All Handicare stairlifts have safety sensors on the power pack and footplate; these are designed to stop the lift if it meets any obstruction. There are also optional features such as a powered swivel seat and powered folding footplate; these can make using a stairlift even easier by allowing you to operate these functions at the touch of a button. It is a popular misconception that stairlifts are fitted to the wall, they are usually fitted to the staircase itself. Most lifts will only take between 2-4 hours to install.

What happens next? – We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time. We aim to fit your stairlift within a week of your order or, where possible, within 2 days, subject to availability. With our inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a first-class and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts.

Pilton WMC & Village Hall

Open to all Local, affordable and friendly A unique venue available to hire for private events. Disabled access & lift to all floors. Excellent catering services.

Why not join us for our ever popular Wednesday Lunch, Friday Grill Night or Sunday Lunch Carvery (Advanced bookings advisable for food) (* please note: these events are subject to change)

Open 7 nights a week and weekend lunchtimes. Darts, skittles, pool & snooker tables. Serving a large selection of wines, spirits, beers, lagers & ciders.

We look forward to welcoming you!

All enquiries

01749 890162 [email protected]

Yenstone Walling

Dry Stone Walling and Landscaping

All types of stone walling undertaken.

Patrick Houchen – DSWA member.

Reliable, professional service from a family business. 01963 371123 www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

EASTER BINGO DITCHEAT JUBILEE HALL IN AID OF DITCHEAT CHURCH £2 ENTRANCE TO INCLUDE REFRESHMENTS TUESDAY 20th MARCH DOORS OPEN AT 6.30PM, EYES DOWN 7PM

Help Needed!

Breakfast Chef - We are looking for someone to help cook breakfasts for our wedding and event guests at Pennard House from March onwards. Timings are approximately 3 hours in the mornings most Thursdays-Sundays and sometimes other days, but we can be very flexible with dates.

Cleaners - we are looking for extra cleaners to help throughout the summer. Applicants would need to be people with flexible timings as days are irregular. Please do get in touch with Harry Dearden if either of these would be of interest - [email protected] or 01749 860700. Thank you.

The Wildlife Group Update

Share a close encounter with wildlife: We have had the biggest influx of Hawfinches for 40 years this winter. They are easily seen in Holy Trinity Church, Street, and the large Church in Somerton, where they have been feeding for the last three months on Hornbeam and Yew seeds. When they have exhausted these, they will probably turn to local nut feeders. So, keep an eye out in your local Churchyard and on your feeders, or go and see them.

Meeting up: Our visit to Steart was a day of glorious sun, cold, but blissfully little wind. It is a nature reserve approximately 3 Km long and 1 Km wide, run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). The access is free and it has good car parking and facilities - always a relief!! The reserve is in two parts, the original peninsular, and the WWT man-made salt marsh. This was created by protecting the area with banks and breaching the Parrett River so that the brackish water washes over the enclosed area at the highest tides. Over the last five years this has altered the flora and fauna, creating a salt marsh. WWT’s primary motivation for making Steart Reserve is that salt marshes are likely to be a rarer natural feature of our coast lines due to rising sea levels; the other is that the feature will be a temporary flood store to protect local houses and properties. As promised, it was a good walk and our visit took in the furthest peninsula with the Tower Hide and then a walk along the salt marshland onwards to Combwich.

The bird list got to 47 different species. We were greeted with large flocks of Lapwings in the fields and a good number of Curlew. The car park proved a good place for small birds and we saw a variety of Waders and Ducks over the estuary and salt marsh. A notable bird was a Greenfinch, it is quite unusual now-a-days, due to the disease Trichomonas gallinae, (a protozoan parasite). Twenty years ago, they were the most common birds on bird feeders. Don’t forget to wash your feeders regularly!

Tips: Litter is a danger to wildlife and unsightly, so anything that reduces it is a good thing. You may have heard of the “new” Swedish craze to hit our shores, Plogging. I don’t know how the name arose. We have various names for similar activities Trash runs and Pick n’ run sounds fun and useful. We go on a Pick n’ walk up our lane every year and I know Roger Yeoman has, for many years, organised the Village litter pick in Ditcheat. Whether you do this competitively, communally or off your own initiative, the best time is before the end of March, because the litter is visible. I wish people would stop dropping litter, but as they do, an alternative would be that everyone takes responsibility for keeping the area outside their homes litter free.

Photo Competition: Can you identify Graeme’s bird photo with its gender? Answers by email or phone to Bridget before the 10th of March.

Photo Competition winner: Paul is our winner from last

month. It was a very pretty

photo from Rafe Gill of a Contact information: female Chaffinch. Bridget Wadey. email: [email protected] or phone: 01749 860240  You can follow our activities by: joining our emailing list; contact Bridget see above,  through the FTN news (www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk), there is usually a monthly update on the Wildlife group  www.ditcheatchurch.co.uk, this site publishes our meetings and activities as they happen. The Wildlife Group has its own tag

VILLAGE LUNCH The Village Lunch is held on the last Tuesday of the month in the Jubilee Hall at 12.30pm.

Menu for 27th March Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding Nut Roast & Tomato sauce

Selection of Puddings. Tea or Coffee.

£4.00 per person. Menu options are available on the FTN website, www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk.

If you would like to come let either Jessica Leach (860205) or Vee Lees (860542) know by the previous Wednesday, (21st). There will be a raffle as usual - any prizes will be welcome.

East Pennard and District Royal British Legion

Those of us who contribute to the FTN probably had to smile when even the editor said, in her reminder to do our articles, that it seems to have come round very quickly. It certainly has come as a shock to me to have to start all over again. I haven’t unscrambled my brain from the last time yet.

The first and most important thing I have to do is to draw your attention to the menu for our annual dinner. Just to remind you, we are holding the dinner at The Den, Pylle, on Friday 16th March, 7pm for 7.30pm, cost per head is £17.95. Those of you who are particularly observant, and gifted with an “annoyingly” good memory, will be pointing out to me that the menu doesn’t include “tea or coffee” this year. That is because we are trying to keep the cost down to the same as last year, so, because everything else has gone up, something had to give. It is still available, you just have to pay for it separately. But who needs anything else after a lovely meal like this.

Starters: French Onion Soup Chicken Liver Pate & Homemade Tomato Chutney Cod & Dill Fishcake with Lemon Creme Fraiche Mains: Turkey Escalope, Broccoli & Creamed Garlic Sauce Baked Haddock with Spring Onion & Parmesan Crust & Roasted Potatoes Roasted Red Pepper & Brie Tart Desserts: Chocolate & Orange Mousse Baileys & Chocolate Bread & Butter Pudding Salted Caramel Profiteroles Cherry Bakewell Cheesecake

We are limited by space to approximately 45 seats, so it will be on a “first come” basis, and I have to say that our names are top of the list, quickly followed by half a dozen others who are regular attendees. So don’t delay, think of my lack of hair, and get your name down soonest. Contact any committee member or myself, Jon Dickens, on 01458 850241.

Now to something completely opposite to the frivolous chat about the dinner, and that is the subject of welfare. I have been making noises for a while about handing over the job of welfare officer; some may remember me mentioning the subject in an article some months ago. Well, the matter came to a head the other day when I received an email from someone in “Administration”, telling me that I had been registered for an online welfare update course, registration 25

and password were supplied, and that I had to complete the course by the middle of the year.

Well, I have to confess to being rather annoyed. That is the polite version of what was said in our house. Even the dogs looked at me somewhat embarrassingly; or was it sympathetically? At my age I resent being told what to do, especially by some faceless person miles away, who, admittedly is only doing their job, but I do feel there is a right way and a wrong way to get a volunteer to take on that kind of additional work.

So I resigned. I did give the matter a lot of thought and calm consideration for at least 10, or it may even have been as long as 11 milliseconds, and then suddenly, the deed was done. The branch no longer has a welfare officer. I hasten to add, that I am continuing in my role as Branch Community Support officer, a title recently invented since the Legion started demanding stats on how many hospital visits we do, how many awareness events we hold, how many “buddying” telephone calls we make, how many home visits we make, and last but not least, how many funerals the standard bearer has attended. In short, I will be continuing doing help and welfare type work in the immediate area and if I get stuck then I will just have to call for additional help………from someone who had more patience than I did and actually completed the online update course. Sorry if you feel that I have been irresponsible.

That obviously leads me on to asking yet again is there anybody out there, younger or more patient, or ideally both, than me, who would like to take on the role of branch welfare officer? Seriously, the training is very comprehensive and very good, and there is a very good support network.

Next meeting will be held at Charlie’s on Tuesday 13th March, starting at 2pm. Don’t forget to do something about the dinner!!!!!!!!!

Jon Dickens

CHURCH SERVICES FOR MARCH

Sunday 4th 3rd Sunday of Lent 9.30am Parish Communion at Ditcheat 11.00am Ministry of the Word at East Pennard

Sunday 11th MOTHERING SUNDAY, 4th Sunday of Lent 11.00am Parish Communion at Pylle

Tuesday 13th 10.00am Benefice Midweek Communion at Ditcheat

Sunday 18th PASSIONTIDE 5th Sunday of Lent 9.30am BCP Said Communion (1662) at Ditcheat 11.00am Morning Worship with Communion at East Pennard

CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR

Sunday 25th PALM SUNDAY 9.30am Parish Communion at Alhampton

HOLY WEEK Monday 26th 7.30pm Holy Communion, Alhampton

29th MAUNDY THURSDAY, 7.30pm Communion of the Lord’s Supper at East Pennard

30th GOOD FRIDAY, Final Hour at Pylle 2.00pm Final Hour at Pylle

CHURCH SERVICES FOR APRIL

Sunday 1st EASTER DAY 9.30am Parish Communion at Ditcheat 11.00am Morning Worship with Communion at East Pennard

Past and Present

Some of you will know I am a keen photographer, and this year I am combining that with my other great interest: history. On 18th July last year (on what proved to be the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen) I did a photoshoot with Regency costume at Ston Easton Park, itself of the correct period. Here is one shot of the lovely Carla.

Since then I have done an Edwardian-styled shoot – costumes again courtesy of Bath Theatrical Costume Hire. That really gave me the bug and over the next 12 months or more I am going to be ‘filling in’ other periods, beginning in March with ‘Late Medieval’ (C15th) shot at ‘The George’, Norton-St-Philip.

Of course that is much nearer the time when all three medieval churches in Fosse Trinity were new. We live with history and yet we also live with the present and, as an historian, I feel we cannot properly understand the present unless we understand the past.

This month we are already in the season of Lent which recalls both Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness but also the time, since the C4th, when the Church has prepared itself for the great Three Days (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day). The history around us may have covered much of the second Christian millennium, but now we are casting our minds back 2,000 years.

We are more used to that than we might think. In November this year we will be ‘celebrating’ the end of the Great War 100 years ago, and it will be especially poignant in 2018, when Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday coincide.

For Christians, every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper in Holy Communion, the past is made present, and we enjoy the benefits of his loving sacrifice.

Graham Hendy

PYLLE NEWS

Church Flowers and cleaning March Joanna Miln April Wendy Billing

If the church is locked please contact the church wardens Teresa 831419, Hilary 830538, Carolyn Fussell 830120, or Alan Cary 07896945936 to obtain a key.

Ladies Working Party – Wendy Billing (01749 830046) The Working Party meets on the first Wednesday of the month for lunch at The Den.

FROM OUR RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT

We now have a spot light on the three heraldic shields fronting the organ loft and the central one, which contains the emblem of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen has been repainted - all part of the winter tidy-up that has left the church in excellent condition. Why not drop in and have a look? We have a Mothering Sunday Service on the 11th March at 11.00am. Do come along - all are welcome.

VILLAGE HALL Remember, there are still vacancies on the Management Committee. If you feel that you could play a part on such a committee please get in touch with our secretary, Jeremy Branson on 01749 830181. There will be a General Meeting of the committee this Spring and it would be great to see some fresh faces around the table.

To hire Pylle village Hall: £7.50 per hour or £6.50 per hour for more than 4 regular bookings. For more information and to book the hall please contact Joanna Miln on 01749 838757

AN EVENING WITH ELIOT - KEEP THE DATES FREE

An Evening with Eliot will take place in Ditcheat Church on Sunday 14th October 2018. Rehearsals will take place on the evening of Friday 12th and on Saturday 13th. This will include sections from Murder in the Cathedral together with extracts from works such as The Wasteland, Selected Poems, The Four Quartets, The Family Reunion and Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.

Anyone interested in taking part should ring Stephen on 830538. You would be very welcome.

Quiz Night Saturday 24th March – 7pm Pylle Village Hall BA4 6SZ £10 including hot meal Bring Your Own Drink Tickets in advance from: Joanna Miln 01749 838757 [email protected]

Please state dietary requirements on booking

Teams of 6 Lasagne (or veg lasagne) and dessert Profits for new PVH blinds

Ditcheat and Pylle Singers present A Choral Concert Saturday 10th March 2018 In the Jubilee Hall Ditcheat BA4 6RB Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start

Ticket price £12.50 (includes supper) Please bring your own drinks (BYOB) Tickets in advance only from Hamish Miln 01749 838757 or [email protected]

East Pennard Village Hall update

This is an exciting time for us now, as we are looking to renovate the hall and improve access. The Trustees are currently considering options to create a new disabled access entrance and disabled toilet. Local architect, Martin Llewellyn, of Llewellyn Harker, has kindly liaised with us over possible plans and we hope to hold an Open Meeting for villagers to comment on these plans in the near future. We are also busy planning some events over the coming months including a Pennard Pop-up Pub on March 10th, one of Adrian Pearse’s popular talks on East Pennard village history on April 24th and a talk by Michael Eavis on the Glastonbury Festival in the near future - more details to follow. We would like to remind everyone that the hall is currently available for hire to anyone needing space for a community event, meeting or small party. It is a building in need of some TLC but until we can start work on the renovations we are hoping members of the community may still want to use it. Please contact Audrey Dyson on 01749 860317 for charges and availability. Finally we would like to thank all those who have supported us in our campaign to save the Village Hall over the recent years. In particular, we would like to express our appreciation for all the help we have received from Michael Eavis and Glastonbury Festival and Events Limited. Additionally, we would like to thank Jacinth Latta, Robert Richards of GFEL and Paul Heal for all their work in securing the lease for the hall. The trustees are working hard to promote the future of the hall as a focal point for our village community. So we look forward to seeing you at some of our forthcoming events. East Pennard Village Hall Trustees

Pennard Pop-up Pub

On Saturday 10th March we are planning a pop-up pub in the Village Hall where everyone is welcome to come along from 8.00pm. Bring your stories of woe, funny anecdotes and favourite tipples for a village get-together. Entry will be free, but punters will be able make a donation towards the village hall funds if they wish. The main aim, however, will just be to get the hall used by villagers again so that it can be a focal point for the community. At this Pop-Up Pub we would love to have a selection of old photos to display. So do you have any photos of you ‘back in the day’ for us to photocopy and use? If so, then please contact Kim at [email protected] or Monica on 01749 860519. Cheers!

Gardening

Winter seems to be dragging on this year, particularly as we have woken to snow today. March is just around the corner and brings with it the promise of warmer days and the chance to actually get out into the garden to tidy up. It seems sunny days never coincide with days off, so the patch is looking pretty dismal.

However, the seedlings in the greenhouse are looking great. There are plenty of cauliflower, broad beans and cabbage waiting to go out. The Tomatillo germinated, and on line is selling for £6.99 per plant! Cosmos ‘Purity’ (a personal favourite) and ‘Sonata’ are also doing well. Rhubarb Chard is plentiful as are lettuces in varying forms and peas. Outside, there is still plenty of Kale and Turnip and the garlic is romping away.

Garden centres often offer small plug plants at this time of year which are well worth buying and potting on. They work out at a fraction of the prices charged in May/June. These are certainly available at Otter Nurseries, Wincanton and Dobbies in Shepton. £9 for 8 plants seems to come to mind. Mine were purchased in early February and look very healthy and have already doubled in size.

March also means there is plenty to do in the garden including tidying the daffodils, pruning roses, planting bulbs and taking cuttings, not to mention the weeds.

Winter flowering shrubs should be pruned. The general rule of thumb is to reduce by one third just after flowering and then give a hard prune once every few years, or when it starts looking a bit dense. Remove any dead, diseased or very old wood. Also remove any branches that are rubbing against one another. Prune roses and hedges back by one third to a half. Again remove any crossing, dead or damaged wood to an outward facing bud.

Cut back on coloured stems, such as dogwoods, to an outward facing bud. The cuttings can be used as supports for vegetables such as peas or perennials in the flower garden.

Deadhead daffodils but don’t cut back the foliage. It is better to wait until it has turned brown when it is easy to just pull away. Ornamental grasses should also be tidied up but be careful not to damage the young, green foliage that will be emerging from the bottom of the plants.

Sweet peas can be sown outside and summer flowering bulbs can also be planted. Apply mulch to young trees and provide support for perennials.

Plants in pots can be given a tidy up. Scrape away some of the soil on the top and replace it with fresh compost.

It should be warm enough to sow many vegetables straight into the ground, but do protect with fleece if late frosts are forecast. Anything raised in the greenhouse will need to be hardened off before being planted out.

Forced Rhubarb can be harvested this month. The stems should be pulled rather than cut. Raspberries can be pruned. Autumn fruiting varieties can be cut down to ground level when you see the new shoots emerging. Shorten the tips of summer fruiting varieties and mulch well.

Lawns are probably looking a bit ropey and littered with fallen twigs and leaves. On a dry day pick off the larger debris by hand and if you didn’t do it in the autumn, spring rake to remove the thatch before running the mower over the lawn on a high setting.

I have some stock of Franchi Seed Packets if anyone is interested – see below. I can let you have them for £1 a packet (Normal retail £2.50+). Cavolo Nero - Kale (12/2019) Fonocchio – Fennel (12/2019) Rucola - Rocket (12/2019) Bieta da Coste – Chard (12/2019) Lattuga - Lettuce (12/2018) Zuchino – Courgette (12/2018) Pepperoncini - Red Chilli (12/2018) Pomodora – Tomato (12/2019) Misticanza – lettuce (06/2019 Santoreggia - Summer Savoury (12/2018)

If you need any help with garden projects, large or small, do get in touch.

Happy Gardening Jane Follis 01749 860850 www.janefollis.com

Fosseway Gardening Club

Our next meeting will be held at Pylle Village Hall BA4 6SZ at 7.30 Tuesday 13th March. 'Everything you wanted to know about Daffodils' by Michael Julian. For further information please contact Barbara Cary on 01749 860438

Ditcheat Weather - Feb 2017

February can be, and often is, an odd month where weather is concerned. One expects it to be an extension of January, with more periods of cold weather and snow.

Looking back through my data for the 4 years that we have been here I get the impression that February cannot make its mind up if it is a spring month or a winter month. The table of data at the end of this report seems to support that view.

At the beginning of the month the sensationalist newspapers were predicting Armageddon ahead of the arrival of Storm Doris. True to form they got it wrong again.

I think our cat Otis is better at reacting to the weather. If it is raining he won’t go out, if it is windy he races from one end of the house to the other like a maniac, if it “might” rain he refuses to budge from the duvet. If there is a full moon that is another story altogether.

From the 5th -12th temperatures were low, with winds from the East to the North. Snow flurries were seen on the 11th.

Doris’ day was the 23rd, the wettest day of the month (10.7mm) and the windiest (35 mph gust). Interestingly that gust is only the third highest for a February. Even so the electricity pole across the road from us snapped at its base causing temporary mayhem in “Upper Ditcheat”. The road was duly closed and the power was off for 6 hours. I have to say I was impressed with the speed of reaction of Western Power Distribution, who had engineers on site within 30 minutes of me calling them.

Feb Max Min > 10 < 0°C rain wet wind °C °C °C nights total days run days miles

2017 12.8 -0.8 4 4 55 17 2430.5

2016 14.6 -2.9 8 7 83.6 15 2040.3

2015 11.1 -3.2 3 11 69.0 14 1416.6

2014 12.5 0.2 9 0 149.6 28 2741.0

According to the Met Office this Feb was the 9th warmest since 1910. Nationally rainfall was slightly above average, but there is a marked difference between the North and the South of the UK. According to my station we had little over 2” (55mm) - which is the lowest value I have recorded for a February.

A generally dull month gave sunshine figures of just 79% of average. Sadly my solar panels recorded even less at just 66% of predicted. Never mind, spring is around the corner….or is it?

Geoff Webber Live weather www.geoffwebber.co.uk/weather

Thursday 8th February members met at Baltonsborough Church Room at 2.30pm. Mrs. Hildi Senior played piano music for the first few minutes of the meeting, this set a very quiet atmosphere, before the hymn, 'For I'm building a people of power.'

A Wave of Prayer Service was led by Mrs. Pam Grottick, entitled, ‘Walking with Mary Sumner ' 1828 -1921, our founder. Like all of us, Mary Sumner was influenced by particular people and events in her early life. Her mother was a devout Christian and Mary grew up in a Christian home. The core principles of MU are the support and strengthening of Christian Family Life. Mrs. Jo Powell read the first reading – 2 Timothy 1:5-7, and Mrs Yvonne Stokes, the second reading – 2 Corinthians 3:17,18. We prayed for our linked dioceses across the world.

Following the service, individual members told of people in their lives. who had particularly influenced them through events, reading, or personal contact.

On Thursday, 8th March at 2.30pm in Baltonsborough Church Room, Mr. Ian Williamson will give an illustrated talk on Peru. (For St. Margaret's Hospice). All members and visitors most welcome. Jill Done

A. TREVENEN PASCOE BSc. (Hons) Ost. Med. ND. OSTEOPATH YOU COULD 42 High Street Shepton Mallet Somerset ADVERTISE BA4 5AS Tel. (01749) 342594 PPP/AXA and BUPA recognised HERE !!

Thomas Kenrick Re-pointing

Re-Pointing Specialist. Building Conservation. Stone Masonry. 01749 831568 / 07746 218062 www.Repointing Somerset.co.uk

The Natural World

There has been much recent activity cutting back hedges to help contain the incredible surge of growth, which will come with Spring, and in order to beat the March 1st deadline, by which time all hedge work must be completed. As highlighted last October, no work on hedges is allowed again, by law, until October 1st.

Using a flail to keep hedges in order is a relatively new way of doing things, although hedges really came into their own with the advent of enclosure acts in 1604. These acts delineated the ownership of land, which had previously been the subject of protracted squabbles, and created the patchwork quilt of countryside boundaries almost unique to Britain. The art of laying hedges, which is still practised today, thickens the base of a hedge and also permits new growth. Put simply, tall branches or trunks are cut about two thirds through at the base and pushed over so that they lie horizontally. This doesn’t kill the hedging plant/tree/shrub, but forms the base of a thicker hedge, and new branches grow vertically from this base, acting as a barrier to stock animals and to wildlife, although to a much lesser degree. Thick hedges do provide excellent nest sites for a whole rake of birds now known as hedgerow species and the decline of bird numbers in general is the prime reason that cutting them between 1st March and September 31st, the prime nesting season, has been made illegal.

It has been known for centuries that the laying of hedges and pruning of trees is beneficial to their health. Untended apple trees have a shortened life, with straggly branches becoming diseased and mistletoe taking over, but pruned, they will have a much longer and more fruitful life. What is, perhaps, less well known is that it gives them a renewed vigour and also prolongs the lives of the trees to an incredible degree, sometimes by 20 times the normal life span.

Another method of cutting trees while allowing them to survive is pollarding. Many varieties have been pollarded over the years, including lime, plane, ash and horse chestnut, and it all started in crowded European cities where there was no space for large trees. Branches are cut right back to the main trunk, then allowed to grow again. It is still practised in towns where branches are in danger of blocking the light from houses, or interfering with traffic, and what would Paris and London look like without avenues of pollarded lime and plane trees? The 41

cuttings were, historically, used for animal fodder or firewood, but these days they are shredded on collection. In Somerset, we all know rows of roadside willows that have been pollarded to within an inch of their lives, but they thrive as a result. The road across the levels between Glastonbury and Wedmore is lined with very, very old willows, all with gnarled, and, in some cases, bifurcated trunks, but they survive the annual onslaught. Local artist Myrtle Pizzey has done some incredible lino cuts of these particular trees. Simply google her name to see some amazing artwork.

The other method of harvesting useful wood from trees is by coppicing, which entails cutting down to a very low level ‘stool’, and several species have been used through history, for various reasons. Birch cuttings are still used in besom brooms, favoured by some gardeners for sweeping up leaves, and hazel has been coppiced through history to make the handles of besoms as well as provide hurdle fencing. Somerset is, or was, in the lead when it comes to withies, which are used for basket making. There used to be large areas of withies along the road between Burrowbridge and East Lyng, with a basket making factory close to Burrowbridge. These are mostly gone now with imports of both basketware and withies coming in from the Far East. Willow is an incredible family of trees though, providing salicylic acid, the basis of aspirin, wood for cricket bats, bows for early archers and charcoal for both artist and blacksmith, but it was also used to make black powder (gun powder). Anthony Gormley may have created something really special with the angel of the north, but Serena de la Hey from Lambrook near South Petherton did a pretty amazing job on the wicker man near Bridgwater.

Like pollarding, coppicing promotes the growth of numerous small branches. If coppiced from early age, only smaller branches are ever produced.

Stewart Gould – [email protected]

Précis of the draft minutes from the Parish Council (PC) meeting held on the 18th January 2018. PRESENT: Chairperson: Councillor Evans (CE) and Councillors – Clark (HC), Harrison (HH), Dando (JD), Clifford (SC) Hutton (RH) and Hughes (LH). IN ATTENDANCE: Miss P Griffiths – Clerk to the Council. BY INVITATION: County Councillor Nigel Hewitt-Cooper (NHC). PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – There were 17 members of the public present. Mrs Vee Lees expressed her concern about the land adjacent to Folly Drive, where she lives, which had been put forward as a housing development site on MDC’s draft Local Plan – Part II (HELAA site reference DIT008). Mrs Lees stated that whilst she was not against the development of the land in principle, she was very concerned about the numbers of houses which could be built due to the size of the site and according to the housing density suggested by MDC, which could be up to 74 houses if the whole site were used. This is considerably more than the 16 dwellings as indicated on the draft Plan. Mrs Lees went on to say that the Parish Plan had been written based on the responses from 80% of the residents in the parish which indicated that small scale development would be favoured. Mr Roger Yeoman also raised objections about the size of site DIT008 going as far as to say that it would be irresponsible to allocate the whole 2.4 hectares site for development. Mr Yeoman went on to suggested that if 16 dwellings were developed on the site then the remaining part of the site could be planted as an orchard thus enhancing the biodiversity in the village. Mr Brian Longman, the owner of site DIT008, then addressed the council to confirm that the land had only been put forward by his family to assist the village in meeting the requirements to find sufficient sites in order to provide the required housing. COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS: – NHC gave an overview and update from Somerset County Council the general points of which are: There will be 3 new centres/schools for children with autism creating 48 places including primary and secondary. Business rate relief – the Government has determined that the SCC will be able to get it leaving £4m to find in the budget for the 2018/19 year. The collapse of Carillion does not affect SCC nor the Gigaclear contract for the roll out of fibre broadband which is a subsidiary of Carillion as there are contingency arrangements in place. Whilst there are legal issues concerning the Northern Distributor road it will continue. The planning training session at MDC was well attended however NHC will take on board Councillors’ comments about the control of the sessions and discourage attendees from going off topic. The core services contracts are being renegotiated. Fusion Leisure has invested more than expected in the leisure centres in Mendip except for Tor Leisure Centre.

The Homeless Scheme in Mendip has been picked up by the national press as commendable. CE read out the report from JG which included the following points: The Planning Department at Mendip is now back to full strength with the appointment of a Principal Planning Officer and a Temporary Senior Planner. To compensate for the ever-reducing government grant, due to end in 2020, the Council has decided to invest for revenue rather than cut back on services. Part of the strategy includes investing in commercial property and to date two contracts have been signed including a distribution centre in Chepstow. Rigorous checks are in place to ensure the financial stability of the site operators. Even with the decision to retain the licensing function in-house rather than as part of the 5 Councils’ partnership as originally planned, the 5 councils’ contract is working well and generating significant savings. The re-cycling contract with Viridor is being terminated early by agreement in 2020 and being put out to re-tender. This will enable the collection of more items kerbside, including more plastics, and the green bin collection cycle will move to every three weeks. It is worth noting that the recent media coverage about China reducing the re-cycled material it will accept does not affect Somerset as the kerbside sorting system here enables some 94% of the materials collected to be re-cycled in the UK. REPORT FROM AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY- CE read out the report which included the following incidents: 15th December – Report of a van broken down on the approach to Wraxall Hill – Police attend to assist. 22nd December – disturbance along Snagg Lane, Alhampton – Police attend and make an arrest for drink driving. 26th December – lorry stuck on Wraxall Hill – Police attend to assist. 4th January – van broken down on Wraxall Hill – Police attend to assist. 8th January – an attempted burglary in Alhampton and a report of an accident on Wraxall Hill – Emergency services attend. 9th January – suspicious phone call from BT – Police attend – Call was found to be genuine. 15th January – accident on Wraxall Hill – Police attend and make an arrest for drink driving. CODE OF CONDUCT – Declarations of interest on items included on the agenda – HH declared an interest in 009/18 b) as chairperson of the Parish Plan Steering Group (PPSG); HC declared an interest in item 009/18 b) as a property owner/resident of Folly Drive; RH declared an interest in item 009/18 a) 1) as the applicant rents a property from him. MATTERS ARISING - from the meeting held on 7th December 2017. Painting of fingerpost road signs – The Clerk will contact the contractor who repaired the signs in Pilton to obtain a third quotation. CE reported that having spoken locally he had received favourable responses regarding assistance with funding the repair and painting of the finger sign posts in the Parish. The Clerk will clarify the cost of the finials on the first quotation received and the matter will be discussed at the next meeting.

Dumping of food waste along the Ditcheat to Arthurs Bridge Road – The Clerk reported that the Enforcement Officer will be placing ‘No fly tipping’ signs to deter the dumping of waste and litter. The situation should then be monitored, and any further episodes of food dumping reported as soon as possible. It was noted that bags of litter had been attached to the railings by Arthurs Bridge but that no signs of fresh food had been seen. Mural board in the bus shelter in Ditcheat - CE reported that the mural had been fixed back on the wall of the shelter but that it and the bus shelter although structurally sound were in a shabby state and in need of a cosmetic repair. The matter will be discussed at the next meeting. PLANNING - The following planning application was considered: Proposed lean- to conservatory to rear of dwelling. The Trap House, Ditcheat. Ref 2017/3255/HSE. Outcome: Unanimous ‘Recommend approval. Mendip Local Plan Part II – Site Allocation – CE gave a comprehensive overview of the actions of the PC since the start of the Part 1 consultation back in 2014. It was clear that the PC had actively consulted with and sought the views of parishioners over the previous 4 years. After considerable discussion the PC resolved to respond to the formal consultation on the pre-submission draft of the plan; that the PC considers that the plan in principle is sound however the PC will include in its response the omission of site DIT010, which had been included in the presentation to MDC full council meeting on 13th November 2017. The PC will request that MDC should reconsider and include the southern part of the site DIT010 as suitable and should advise DPC of the reasons if it still considers the site unsuitable. Site DIT 009 – DPC considers this to be a suitable site. Site DIT 008 – again DPC considers in principle this is a suitable site but the area of the site is greater than that required for the suggested number of dwellings of up to 16. The PC would wish to see the site area reduced. Generally, the PC considers that its comments and those of the public remain relevant. The Clerk will respond accordingly Mendip Local Plan Part II –Notification of a proposed Local Green Space(s) on land registered in PC ownership - CE reported that the landowner had confirmed that the former cricket ground had been approved for change of use to that of a sports ground in March 1994. It was agreed that the land should be registered as a Local Green Space. FINANCE - Bank balances as per cash book at 18th January 2018 excluding items on the agenda – the Clerk reported that the balance was £11,661.87. (This includes the reserved defibrillator fund). Confirmation of the precept – resolved by unanimous vote that the precept be set at £10,700.00 – an increase of 2.85%. Policy on requests for charitable or other financial donations – by unanimous vote the policy was adopted and will be implemented with immediate effect. Approval of Parish Council payments and authority to sign cheques. Somerset Association of Local Councils – Affiliation fee - £191.96. Miss P Griffiths – Clerk’s expenses 1st October – 31st December 2017 - £90.00. 45

The payments to the following were noted: Tony’s Garden Services for grass cutting in November 2017 - £65.00 and Somerset Playing Fields Association membership fee - £15.00. HIGHWAYS: Update on items/matters for repair previously reported – The culvert under the Alhampton end of Snagg Lane appears to be blocked causing water to pool. The problem of water running down and across the road on Ditcheat Hill was still outstanding. CE reported that Highways had been informed about the potholes along the top road towards the A37 and the water pouring out of the manhole on Ditcheat Hill.

The problem with pooling of water at the end of Jacobs Lane continues. HH on behalf of the Friends of Haddon Wood will liaise with Highways about correcting the matter. The gulley by the Manor Inn is blocked. Moor Lane is in a very poor state with numerous potholes. The Clerk will report the above. FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND RIGHTS OF WAY - Concrete footpath from Old Post Office alongside the village green – CE reported that he had tried to remove the trip hazards but that it may be necessary to smooth over with concrete or similar, the difference in the slab levels. ITEMS OF REPORT AND INCLUSION ON AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Members – Concern again about the speed in which cars are being driven on the road from Ditcheat to Alhampton. CE will investigate. PLEASE CHECK THE NOTICEBOARDS FOR AGENDAS AND DATES. FOR INFORMATION: The agenda for all meetings is displayed on the website www.ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk and the notice boards in the parish i.e. Alhampton, Ditcheat, and Sutton at least 3 working days prior to the meeting.

REPORT OF EAST PENNARD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Held on Thursday, 18th January 2018, in the Village Hall

Present Adrian Pearse (Chairman), Kim Beer, Martin Dearden, Roger Cock, Paul Heal, Hilary Tripp (Minute Secretary), John Greenhalgh (District Councillor) and one member of the public. 1. Apologies Audrey Dyson. Mrs. Dyson was unable to attend due to lack of disabled access. 2. Minutes The minutes of the last meeting were signed by the Chairman as being a true record. 3. Matters Flooding: The road adjoining Carpenter’s Yard is as bad Arising as before – nothing has been done. John Greenhalgh said this was a county issue, but he would also contact the local Highways Department depot.

Flagstones: A request was made some months ago to reset the flagstones near the church as they constitute a hazard – a reply said that this had been done but this referred to different flagstones near Pennard House. The chairman wrote again on 19th December. Roger Cock had been asked to mention how difficult the path to the Gardens is for wheelchair users, and offered to show the repairers exactly what needs doing if an appointment can be arranged. Signposts: Adrian Pearse said that there was a fingerpost manual on the county website, providing repair information. Paul Heal said that the East Pennard signpost had been done recently to a very high standard, organised by Michael Eavis. Other signposts need attention and would hopefully be done by the same company. The Old Post Office (Mr. John Ablitt): It had not been possible to save the arched roof of the wheelhouse; work was being done to make it safe. Manager’s Dwelling at Pennard House (Mr. and Mrs. H & G Dearden): Martin Dearden said that the planning officers had accepted in principle that a house can be built in the walled garden, but the application had been partially turned down on account of the design. Harry Dearden was working on making changes. Kim Beer queried whether the application going through as a rural dwelling might set a precedent, but John Greenhalgh said that building a rural dwelling linked to a business in the village had always been possible and in this case the committee had accepted the specific requirement for a manager’s house. 4. Financial Only two payments had been made since the last Report meeting: £37.50 for hire of the village hall and £500 to East Pennard PCC for churchyard maintenance. A letter to the Parish Council stated that the firm of auditors was changing to one in London and they required an email contact. Paul Heal volunteered. 5. Planning 7, The Gardens (Jethro Macey) Applications Proposal to reduce crown height by 5m of an ash, felling an ash and pollarding an ash. TPO not required (No Objection)

Walled Garden (letter from planning officer Robert Brigden). This was considered on 20/12/17, but the officer’s report is available for viewing at Mendip.

Withial Hill Farm (Mr. Habib Rahman) Retrospective application for side extension, garage etc. Approval with Conditions

The Old Post Office (Mr. John Ablitt) Application for approval of details of mortar mix. Approval

Pye Hill Cottage (Mr. & Mrs. Hewitt) Proposal for 1½ storey extension and remodelling existing dwelling to replace single storey extension. Approval with Conditions 6. Village Hall: The process of drawing up plans for Correspondence reordering is well under way, but could be a lengthy process. A new door frame has been fitted for the emergency door. Kim Beer felt uneasy about the plans having only one door, although they do meet fire regulations. Kim felt that the loss of the fire door to get disabled access and a disabled toilet needs to be carefully considered. The Village Hall Committee has asked the Parish Council to nominate a trustee. Martin Dearden proposed that Adrian Pearse be the appointee; this was seconded by Roger Cock. Nat West Bank: A list of changes to the terms and conditions has been received. Mendip Local Plan Part 2: A presubmission draft is available to view until Feb 12th. Mendip Community Transport: A grant has been requested. Councillor John Greenhalgh talked about the latest developments at the District Council. 7. Date of Next This will be on Thursday 3rd May 2018 at 8pm, after Meeting the AGM at 7.30pm.

MARK CURTIS

ROOFING & BUILDING

www.markcurtisroofingltd.co.uk

Tiling/ slating/ flat roofs/ lead work Loft conversions Listed building & restoration specialist General building

WE OFFER A COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE FROM SCAFFOLDING TO BUILDING

WHITE CHIMNEYS ALHAMPTON SHEPTON MALLET 01749 860898 SOMERSET Mobile 07702820794 BA4 6PZ Email [email protected]

St Mary Magdalene Ditcheat Rotas Cleaning Church Room March 3rd / 10th Hazel Rowland Martin Pope 17th / 24th V Lees & M Hawes

April 7th / 14th Jessica Leach Pat Dando 21st / 28th B & I Rounsevell

If you would like to help, please contact Vee Lees (860542) for church cleaning or Pat Dando (860448) for church room cleaning. The complete lists are available on the web site in archive1. www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk.

Flowers Brass March 4th & 11th No Flowers Jean & Ellie Halford March 18th & 25th “ Hazel Rowland April 1st & 8th Easter Team (April 1st EASTER DAY) April 15th & 22nd Anne Robson Louisa Oborne April 29th & May 6th Sally Atkins “

EAST PENNARD CHURCH FLOWERS & CLEANING ROTA

March Carol Stuart Andrew Stuart April Bumble Montgomery Shirley Baldwin May Shirley Elsebach Horst Elsebach Clare Hogg

I’d like to thank the people who turned up for the Big Clean at East Pennard Church this week. You made the wood and brasses gleam and I loved to hear the background noise of relaxed chat! Thank you to Carrie for sorting the refreshments.

Don’t forget, if you are interested in joining either our Flowers and Cleaning Team (the commitment is usually 2 sessions a year) or The Window Decoration Team (Easter, Harvest and Christmas), contact Bridget Wadey on Tel: 01749 860240. It would be a real help to the local community.

DITCHEAT PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL LITTER PICK WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY 10th MARCH 2018

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IF YOU CAN HELP PLEASE MEET AT 9.00AM:-

 AT THE JUBILEE HALL CAR PARK FOR DITCHEAT AND WRAXALL  AT THE ALHAMPTON INN CAR PARK FOR ALHAMPTON AND SUTTON.  Rubbish bags will be provided. It is essential to wear gloves.  Please wear high-viz jacket or top.

The Rendezvous Tuesday 13th March 10.00am – 12.00pm Ditcheat Jubilee Hall

Enquiries: Linda 860067

Who's Who ? FOSSE TRINITY BENEFICE Interim Priest Canon Graham Hendy 677003 Reader Jean Halford 860422 Fosse Trinity Advisory Committee Jean Heal 860452 Fosse Trinity News Editor Margy Cockburn 860611 Fosse Trinity News Advertising Marcus Wyburn-Mason 860067 Fosse Trinity News Distribution Lesley Dunn 860746 Anthony Sutcliffe 860541 Prayer Pyramid Co-ordinator { Eleanor Yeoman 860337 Mothers' Union Yvonne Stokes 01458 851480 Safeguarding Person Bridget Wadey 860240 Children's Society Jo Curtis 860898

ALHAMPTON Chapel Custodian Jo Curtis 860898 Church Council Secretary Louisa Oborne 860252 Neighbourhood Watch Lynne Hughes 860654 FTN Correspondent Louisa Oborne 860252

EAST PENNARD Bells - Tower Captain Mervyn Buckley 01458 440180 Jean Heal 860452 Churchwarden { Susie Dearden 860502 Church Council Secretary Church Room Hire Audrey Dyson 860317 Parish Council Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Royal British Legion Secretary Jon Dickens 01458 850241 United Charities Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Verger Ray Higgins 01458 446768

PYLLE Bells - Tower Captain Joe King 890357 Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Churchwarden { Teresa Rossiter 831419 Church Council Secretary Stephen Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Ladies Working Party (Chairman) - FTN Correspondent Stephen Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Village Hall hire and keys Joanna Miln 838757

Email contacts are on page 54

DITCHEAT Art Group Liz & Stewart Gould 860755 Badminton Club Secretary James Bairstow 860355 Bees – Swarms Stewart Gould 860755 Bells - Tower Captain Roger Yeoman 860304 Bells - Correspondence/Bookings Ben Look 860257 The Other Book Club Sue Stevens 860396 Church Council Secretary Louisa Oborne 860252 Church Room Hire Pat Dando 860448 Lynne Hughes 860654 Churchwarden { Eleanor Yeoman 860337 Community Car Service (ADEPPTS) Joyce Marsh 860493 Country Dancing Ama Bolton 672911 Cricket Club Nick Mann 812304 Ditcheat Big Screen / Moviola Anne Robson 860444 Ditcheat School Richard Reid 860329 Friends of Ditcheat School (FODS) Katy Bryant 860329 Ditcheat Players Chairperson Gaye Volk 860081 Fosseway Garden Club Barbara Cary 860438 Jubilee Hall Chair Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Jubilee Hall Hire Anne Robson 860444 Jubilee Hall Website Geoff Webber 860184 Keep Fit Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Neighbourhood Watch Jim Dando 860448 Parent & Toddler Group Sally Yeoman 860304 Parish Council Chairman Charles Evans 860336 Rendezvous Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Saturday Stitch Sally Yeoman 860304 Short Mat Bowls Martin Edgar 860780 Skittles Shirley Derby 07939198030 Village Lunch Jessica Leach 860205 Wildlife Group Bridget Wadey 860240

GENERAL Community Police Lucy Bagnowiec 101 Guy Dury 101

Please help us keep this information up-to-date. Email [email protected] with any changes.

Index of Advertisers

Electrician, Ian Lester 2 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Purely Probate 18 Hire Shed 2 Mobility, Sutton Stairlifts 18 Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2 Stone Walling, Yenstone 19 Transport, ADEPPTS 2 Events, Pennard House 23 Travellers Rest, Stone 2 Tennis coaching 23 Computing, Stable Computers 10 Dining, The Manor House Inn 27 Flowers, Margy Cockburn 10 Removals & Storage, Armishaws 35 Furniture Restorer, Piers Keating 10 Heating Services, R A Wicks 38 Music Tuition, Matt Pearse 10 Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen Pascoe 38 Oven cleaning, Ovencor 10 Stone Mason, Thomas Kendrick 38 Driver, Philip Saunders 13 Funerals, Connock 39 He ating Services, Warm Welcome 13 Garage Doors, SDS 39 Ho me Mainte nance, Mike Doyle 13 Tree Surgeon, M Parsons 39 Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen 13 Estate Agents, Lodestone 40 Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 15 Events, S parkford Hall 40 Motoring, N E Motors 15 Roofing, Mark Curtis 49 Taxi, Tony Chinnock 15 Accounts, Hayley Spencer 55 Ha ll Hire, Pilton WMC 18 Tree Surgeon, Jody Osborne 55 Jewellery, Fosse Beads 18 Food, Jon Thorner's Back

Printed by Parish Magazine Printing

Who's Who ? Email addresses

Fosse Trinity News Editor [email protected] Fosse Trinity News Advertising [email protected] Fosse Trinity News Distribution [email protected]

Ditcheat Parish Council ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk Community Police [email protected] [email protected]

You could advertise your business here!!