Thomas Kenrick Re-pointing

Re-Pointing Specialist. Building Conservation. Stone Masonry. 01749 831568 / 07746 218062 www.Repointing Somerset.co.uk 2

This Month Advertisers Index 58 The Editor’s Letter Alhampton News 5 Annual Litter Pick 14 Our planet has started its rotation towards the sun and Benefice Prayer Pyramid 29 Britis Legion 38 every day provides about a minute more daylight than Broadband too slow? 19 the one before. Whoopee! And another bonus - to even Candlemas Service 31 out things astronomical and calendrical, this month we Charity Theatre Trips27get a whole extra day to play with. I hope you have Christmas in Dicheat 8 Church rotas 54 plans to make good use of it - if you are an unmarried, Church Services 30 die-hard, female, traditionalist it could always include Diary dates 4 going down on bended knee to propose to your man. Directory 56 Supposedly, in medieval times, there was a law that Ditcheat Big Screen 24 required a forfeit if you were refused… Ditcheat Book Group 35 Ditcheat Church Room 55 st Ditcheat Church Treasures 52 Safely back in 21 century Fosse Trinity land there’s a Ditcheat PC notes 46 combined Candlemas service in Ditcheat on the 2nd, a Ditcheat School 6 meeting to ascertain interest in faster broadband for Ditcheat Weather 20 outlying villages on the 6th and also a chance to join in Easter Bingo26 Fosseway Gardening Club 27 a village sing along honouring Brenda Jones, grand and Fraud Warning 44 great grandmother of over 40. (See Dates for your Gardening 22 Diary). Horse Sense 25 Jubilee Hall AGM Report 50 Learn Life Saving Skills 27 You can read the first of our Trinity Tales on page 42; Men's Breakfast 17 if you have a short story you’d like to share do get in Mothers' Union 35 touch, but please be aware that, to support our Natural World 10 excellent printer who is undergoing treatment, we are One Hundred Club 41 bringing the copy deadline forward to the 12th of the Picture from the Past 34 Pylle News 32 month. Rector's Note 28 Rendezvous 16 It would be great to hear from you. Shepton Experience 49 Happy Valentine’s day. Somerset Independence+ 45 Sudoku (Easy) 31 Sudoku (Medium) 40 Margy Cockburn Tim Sanders Trinity Tales 42 Village Lunch 17 Village Sing Along 40 The Fosse Trinity News is a community magazine Waste Not Want Not 14 delivered free to all households in Ditcheat, Wild West Evening 33 Alhampton, East Pennard and Pylle. We reserve the Wildlife Group Update 36 right to edit but welcome contributions from everyone Winter Fuel Payme nt 41 in the community. Editorial and adverts should be received by the 12th of Front cover: Spring Purples by Margy Cockburn © 2020 month preceding the issue. Please send your cover Contact: [email protected] or photos to the editor [email protected]

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Dates for your Diary

Regular Events Weekly Monthly   Pilates (9.00) Linda 860067   Tai Chi for Health (10.30) Richard 880308 Mon   Ditcheat Badminton Club (8.30) James 860355   Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00) Di 07831 289945   2nd Rendezvous (10.00) Linda 860067 Tue   1st 3rdDitcheat Art Group (10.00) Liz & Stewart 860755   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  1st Thu  Alhamptonians (8.15) Louisa 860252  1st Skittles at Ditcheat Manor House Inn 860276 Fri   2ndFolk Dance Club (7.30-9.30) Ama/Peter 672911  Ditcheat Yoga (8.00) Clare 07843 079209 Sat  2nd Men’s Breakfast Roger 860551 Feb 2020 Thurs 6th 8.15pm Alhamptonians, The Inn Louisa 860252, P5 Thurs 6th 7.00pm Broadband Meeting, Jubilee Hall Roger P19 Tue 11th 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Linda 860067 P16 Fosseway Gardening Club (Climbers Tue 11th 7.30pm Janet 331306 P27 Gallore), Pylle Village Hall Thurs 13th 2.30pm Mothers’ Union, Baltonsborough Jill P35 Fri 21st 7.00pm Village Sing Along, Jubilee Hall P40 Cheltenham Festival Preview, Castle Danielle 07969130816 Fri 21st 7.30pm Cary Rugby Club (pre-book only) P50 (FTN Dec–Jan) Sun 23rd 9.00am Learn Life Saving Skills, Langport Chris 01458 27308 P27 Tues 25th 12.30pm Village Lunch, Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 P17 Ditcheat Big Screen: Downton Abbey, Thurs 20th 7.00pm Anne 860444 P24 Jubilee Hall

Further Ahead British Legion Annual Dinner, Fri 6th March 7.00pm Charles 860336, P38 The Den Sat 21st March 9.00am Annual Litter Pick P14 Sat 21st March Pylle Wild West Night Jo 838757 P33 Fri 27th March 6.30pm Easter Bingo P26

4

Alhampton News

A new decade and a lot to look forward to. Among other things we have a provisional date for the fete – Saturday 4 July. It has been suggested that this year the profit be split with a share for the school, a share for the air ambulance and a share for Macmillan nurses. This last as a way of thanking them for their care for Nancy Llewellyn who played such a large part in village life during her many years living here, whether opening their lovely garden with Arthur or helping make teas, put up tents, cooking delicious cakes and many more of the jobs that make life run more smoothly. Much more detail to come but put the date in your diaries. If you would like to be involved whether with ideas or with offers of help please let Gemma Travis know on [email protected] or phone 860019.

Thank you to all of you who supported the ball we ran in December. It was a really good night and much enjoyed by all who attended, thanks in no small part to the Shepton Big Band who provided a feast of music which was good to dance to but also good to listen to if you weren’t a dancer. And it made a good profit! A compliment to pass on from somebody who lives some miles away… ‘Always a good night in Ditcheat, whatever the occasion. Also it’s great because everybody helps with the clearing up! Wish all villages were the same.’

Also another busy Christmas Eve carols at the pub. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have the musical accompaniment to the carols that was so appreciated in 2018 as Chris was away and Joe rushed off his feet behind the bar. This made it difficult to pass on the numbers of which carol we were singing which meant some people only joined in half way through but, hopefully, it was still a chance to exercise the lungs and wish each other a good Christmas. We’ll try and have music next year if we go ahead with it.

We will try returning to Alhamptonians - evenings again now that the hectic few weeks are past. As always the first Thursday in the month – 6th February and 5th March – someone is always there from about 8.15pm but come whenever suits you for a drink or a coffee and a chance to catch up with neighbours. And don’t forget that we welcome everyone, whether our side of the river or not!

Louisa Oborne

5

Ditcheat School

At the time of writing, we have just returned from our Christmas break. Looking back on our last term, I realise just how busy we were!

Willow class visited Bovington Tank Museum as part of their topic about the Battle of Britain. The day started with the children learning about the roles undertaken by people at home such as the land army, the home guard and ARP wardens. They had a chance to dress up and sound the air raid sirens.

The children then had the opportunity to build a replica tank next to a real tank. Following this, the children went to see the rest of the museum and were particularly moved by the trench experience where they were able to walk in the footsteps of a soldier from recruiting offices to the front line trenches.

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Last term we also had the 'grand opening' of our library with author Joffre White. The library was completely refurbished by Kate Knowles, Hannah Mascall and Chloe Mason who all work at the school. It is now a wonderful place for children to read and share books.

Maple, Cherry and Holly classes had a visit from an architect and experienced constructing different buildings and habitats linked to their topics. Holly class even built a mini Stonehenge!

Then, of course, we had our wonderful nativities performed by Maple, Cherry and Holly classes while Willow class wrote and ran the carol service in the church.

This term we are looking forward to trips to see the starling murmuration, a visit to Bristol and a science explorer dome!

7

Christmas in Ditcheat

A record number of people from across the benefice joined the Christmas lunch in the Jubilee hall on December 13th.

Our two local police constables helped to serve and we were entertained by the children from Maple Class at Ditcheat School, who came with their head teacher Victoria Withers to sing carols. Their rousing rendition of ‘Ding dong merrily on high’ put us all in festive mood and everyone loved having them.

As in previous years we made a donation of £500 to the Julian Trust Night shelter for the homeless in Bristol.

Maple Class setting the atmosphere for the lunch

We gave a donation of £200 to the Food Bank in Midsomer Norton at the beginning of December, together with donations of food towards Christmas hampers they make up for needy The village lunch team: Liz Gould, Chrys families. Henning, Jessica Leach, Helen Stoodley, Hilary Clark and Vee Lees.

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All the services were well attended. The Candlelit Carol Service on Dec. 20th began with Miriam Wadey singing the first verse of Once in Royal David City most beautifully. The Ditcheat and Pylle choir, led by Diane Wyatt, sang several carols in harmony throughout the service which were much enjoyed. Fosse Bells played a selection of carols on their melodious handbells which greatly contributed to the occasion. Afterwards the congregation enjoyed hot mulled wine and mince pies served in the side chapel.

A congregation of over 100, including a large number of families with small children, came to the Crib Service on Christmas Eve. Mary and Joseph led Mowgli the donkey up the aisle to the crib. Mary and Joseph were played by Courtney and Connor.

Midnight Mass The Bishop of Taunton The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley very kindly stepped in at the last minute to take the service although her husband had to miss it through illness. We felt privileged to have her with us.

Our thanks to all who contributed in any way to our services.

9

Natural World

The photograph wasn’t taken recently, but my bees have been flying, in small numbers, all through January and we do have borage in flower. On new year’s day we also had common honeysuckle (lonicera periclymenum), or woodbine, winter honeysuckle (lonicera fragrantissima), periwinkle, primroses and wild strawberries – all in flower. The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland have published their interim results and have records of some 623 Bee on borage species having been in bloom on 1st January 2020.

There are those who believe in global warming, those who believe it to be the fault of humanity, those who believe it to be a cyclical event, and those who say it isn’t happening at all. Regardless of the cause, the earth is warmer at present than it has been for a long while. The Australian bush fires which had started when we were there in October, are still ravaging huge tracts of New South Wales and Victoria. As I write, the largest of these fires is presently over a million hectares in size, and an area the size of Denmark has been devoured.

Sir David Attenborough blames plastics for catastrophic damage to our oceans, and palm oil producers are seen as the devil incarnate. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that plastics and other man-made materials are having a devastating effect on the planet, but you may find what I am about to say slightly contrary to what you think my beliefs are: In order to replace the amount of oil produced by palm oil plantations, the next most productive vegetable oil source would need twice as much land. That’s because palm oil can be harvested several times each year. Replacing plastics with paper and glass containers would also pose greater problems, when trying to dispose of them, than plastics do now. Why?

The earth is a finite body. It is not going to get any bigger, and it is becoming less and less capable of supporting the ever-increasing human population. It will also never be capable of absorbing the increasing waste materials which we keep asking it to absorb.

Motor manufacturers have been given an ultimatum: no more petroleum driven cars after 2040. They are already bringing hybrid and fully electrical cars on to the market, for the very best of reasons – money. Making electrically driven cars makes good economic sense, but at what cost? The rare metals needed to 10

produce all those batteries come with their own problems. Disposing of them is a real nightmare. If you thought asbestos was bad – you haven’t seen anything yet!

The Polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate, but 40% of the earth’s surface, which is not covered by ice, is used for human food production, and, as has been much publicised, the human population has doubled in size since 1970. Is there a correlation there? I think it would be naïve, in the extreme, to believe that there isn’t. As I mentioned earlier, the earth is a finite body, and will therefore only support a Polar bear on ice certain amount of degradation by humans. We are already beginning to feel the effects of over burdening the resources, and if we continue to increase in numbers, the pressure will only get greater.

At my age, I can rest assured that nothing too catastrophic will happen in my lifetime, but I am certain that a lot of people much younger than me, don’t know, or don’t care, because they believe that everything will be all right, and any problems will be sorted out. We are starting to address the over use of plastics, food waste and the destruction of rainforests. Carbon emissions should drop in the near future, although Royal Dutch Shell Oil Co. are still investing 10 times more in fossil fuel exploration than renewable sources.

I’ve listened to so many ‘experts’ and scientists, who say that we are avoiding the main issues, and have to produce far less of these wasteful materials. That would, indeed, reduce the problem, for the moment, but it is a delaying tactic and a purely short-term solution. There is only one way to reduce the problem significantly, and very few people are prepared to face up to it. We must significantly reduce the production of the cause of all these problems – human beings. While we keep producing them in such vast numbers, the problem will only get worse, and worse, and worse. I’m not advocating anything sinister, but we need to rein ourselves in. How you manage that problem is a different matter. The Chinese tried one solution.

I have spent many years listening to other people’s considered opinions, and said little. I thought it was time I gave mine.

Stewart Gould [email protected]

11

www.wheathillgolf.co.uk 01963 240667

CLARE TORDAY Learn to play golf YOGA & ACUPUNCTURE with a PGA Professional YOGA CLASSES Ditcheat & Galhampton Green Fee & Membership Specials Clubhouse open to Everyone Village Halls

Monday 5pm Galhampton Saturday 8am Ditcheat

Drop in classes £8 per session £30 a month for unlimited access

07843 079 209 [email protected] www.claretordayacupuncture.com

YOU COULD ADVERTISE HERE!

We are a small team and do need volunteers to keep the magazine going.

If you are able to help please contact the editor.

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A. TREVENEN PASCOE BSc. (Hons) Ost. Med. ND. OSTEOPATH

42 High Street Shepton Mallet Somerset  BA4 5AS Tel. (01749) 342594 PPP/AXA and BUPA recognised

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

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LITTER LITTER LITTER LITTER LITTER

I’m sure everyone in the village would like to thank Jim Dando, who is regularly to be seen about the village picking up litter. It seems almost unbelievable that people continue to chuck their paper cups, drink cans, bottles, cigarette boxes, crisp bags and sweet wrappers down wherever they are, with total disregard for this beautiful place we live in.

On community litter picking days sacks of rubbish are collected from around the village and on the roads leading into it.

Let’s make 2020 the year we put Jim and other public spirited people out of a job!

DITCHEAT PARISH COUNCIL

ANNUAL LITTER PICK WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY 21st MARCH 2020 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 and high-viz jacket or top.

Waste not Want Not

Slow cooker - super compact with 1 litre maximum capacity. Suitable for meal for one. Tel: Anne 01749 860444

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PHILIP SAUNDERS

PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER Based in Ditcheat Airports and Long Distance Trips

Travel in Comfort Reliable Prompt Very Competitive Rates Tel: 07855 588128

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]

The Old Exchange Church Street, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7EJ All kinds of legal advice and [email protected] assistance available, both Tel: 01963 350888 Fax: 01963 351107 efficiently and economically.

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Rendezvous in 2020

The Rendezvous team would like to thank everyone for their continued support. The event is run for the benefit of everyone in the local community and it is lovely to see people getting together for a coffee (and maybe cake) for a catch up and chat.

Rendezvous is not a fund raiser as such but we do make a small profit which we donate to charity and local good causes. The following is a note of our donations during the last twelve months: Crisis at Christmas, Jubilee Village Hall (contribution to new cooker and hot water dispenser), Somer Valley Food Bank, FTN, Donation in memory of Clem Clements, Ditcheat PCC (100 Club).

As our regulars will be aware we no longer provide a Pantry Stall every month but will be doing so on the following Rendezvous dates: 10th March, 9th May (Plant Sale), 8th September, 10th November

Rendezvous takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month except for the month of May when we combine with the Fosse Garden Club at their annual plant sale. Dates can be found in the FTN Diary section. We look forward to welcoming you at future Rendezvous get-togethers. The Rendezvous Team

The Rendezvous

Tuesday 11th February 10.00am – 12.00pm

Ditcheat Jubilee Hall

Enquiries: Linda 860067

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Men’s Breakfast

Monthly on 2nd Saturday 8.30am in the Church Room

Freshly cooked breakfast To book email; [email protected] or ring Roger Adams 860551

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

Menu for 25th February

Gammon & Parsley Sauce Steak & Kidney Pie Spinach & Ricotta Cannellini

Selection of Puddings. Tea or Coffee.

£5.00 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, (19th). There will be a raffle as usual - any prizes will be welcome.

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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

Contracts CHINNOCK TAXIS Doctors

Daily Hire

Child Booster Cushion (x2) Airports

Seaports

£10 million public liability Railway Stations

Regular customer

IAM Certificate Holder discounts

Phone: 01749 831408 Mobile: 07703068878

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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

Is Slow Broadband Getting You Down?

Some people in the Parish of Ditcheat have high speed connection to the Internet but many of us, particularly in the outlying villages, are left feeling frustrated. What is needed is for everyone interested in improving their speed to get together to attract the interest of suppliers who can help.

Interested? If so please do two things:  Come to a meeting in Ditcheat Village Hall on Thursday 6th February at 7:00pm to learn more.  Send an email to [email protected] and I will forward more information to you. Roger Hutton Ditcheat Parish Council 19

Ditcheat Weather 2019 - A Review

The difficulty with this report is that not only do I have to report on November and December weather, I also had to round up the year as a whole! As I begin (it is the 27th of December) I am drawn to conclude that the main talking point of the year was rain.

2019 began with the driest January that I have on record, just 35mm of rain fell that month. Less than half of the next driest January (2017) and only 35% of my January average rainfall. February continued the theme, being the 2nd driest Feb since I began recording data here in Ditcheat.

This trend continued until June, whereupon 88mm of rain fell, this being 20 times the amount recorded in 2018.

July gave us a slight reprieve. August gave us more than 100mm of rain, but this in itself is not a surprise. Childhood memories tell us that summers are hot and long. Looking at my records, 4 of the last 6 Augusts have given us rainfall above 100mm.

Overall, 2019 was the second wettest year since we arrived here.

Our hottest day of the year was the 23rd of July (32.2°C), a new record for my station.

Other new records were for rainfall on the 11th of August: Highest hourly rainfall (23mm) and Highest Rain rate (460.8mm/hr), thankfully this was a brief downpour. Had it continued like that for a whole hour then things may have looked a lot different!

Solar output from our panels was just about average, which, if you consider how wet it has been, was a good result…

As I complete this report (I have been allowed an extension by the editor – on pain of detention as we were away on the new deadline date for submissions). Storm Brendan is doing its worst outside.

Thankfully not too much rain, but there have been reports of the odd tree being blown over.

Winter storms have been in short supply this season, in previous years, on average, we would have had 4 by the beginning of the new year.

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Below are the data tables for Nov, Dec and 2019 as a whole.

Monthly data Nov 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 >10°C days 23 24 10 19 22 12 <0°C nights 1 3 5 3 2 3 High temp 16.9 16.3 14.1 14.8 14.7 14.9 Low temp -1.5 -1.3 -4.5 -0.9 -0.4 -0.8 Rain mm 96.6 72.0 121.4 86.0 84.8 108 Wet days 26 27 20 27 20 24 Wind Run (miles)1385.3 2506.2 1202.7 1497.4 2407.5 1630.4

Dec 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 >10°C days 4 30 13 10 16 9 <0°C nights 9 2 5 5 2 3 High temp 12.7 15.2 13.8 13.2 13.6 12.1 Low temp -5.2 -1.2 -5.4 -2.6 -0.8 -1.6 Rain mm 56.8 71.4 27.0 112.2 121.2 121.4 Wet days 25 26 20 25 24 24 Wind Run (miles)1597.5 4409.9 1016.4 2002.8 2068.3 1978.8

Annual data Annual Totals 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 >20°C days 83 41 69 52 98 78 <0°C nights 15 29 29 24 33 26 High temp 27.8 30 30.5 31.1 30.2 32.2 Low temp -5.2 -3.2 -5.4 -3 -5.7 -4.6 Rain mm 1028.2 802 860.8 865.6 796.4 959.4 Wet days 229 211 212 225 201 216 Wind Run (miles)18967 23013 17832 23393 25660 22778

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

21

Gardening

This month can be a turning point in the gardening year. It is still cold and forecasts are promising white stuff but there are plenty of signs of the imminent arrival of spring. Snowdrops have been in flower here since early January and many more bulbs are emerging from the ground, dotted amongst the brilliant magenta and white flowers of miniature cyclamen.

Use February to prepare for spring with a few obvious jobs.

Prepare seed beds. Hopefully these were mulched over the winter months and can now be warmed up with fleece, polythene or cloches ready for sowing seeds direct into the soil or planting out seedlings raised in the greenhouse or on the window sill.

Organise your seed packets in order of sowing date. File them under each month. I did this in November and already have one or two seedlings to show for my efforts.

Check tools and any garden machinery.

On a sunny day, blitz the perennial weeds and cover with garden compost. If you haven’t had time already, make sure the greenhouse is clean and tidy ready for all the sowings this month and next.

Take time to wash pots by scrubbing with hot water and a mild detergent. Mine were woefully filthy!!

Wisteria can be cut back now. This is one job I always do with the book in one hand and the secateurs in the other. If you google ‘cutting back Wisteria in February’ there are a number of really good videos to follow.

Summer flowering Clematis can also be cut back, before the active growth begins and similarly Winter-flowering Jasmine can be pruned after flowering. Most of the winter flowering shrubs, such as Viburnum x bodnantense and Mahonia can also be pruned after flowering.

Turn your attention to vegetables and start to sow seeds according to the packet instructions and mulch perennial vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes with well-rotted manure.

Prune raspberry canes, blackcurrants, gooseberries and redcurrants to create productive frameworks. Apples and pears should also be pruned whilst they are 22

dormant and could do with a good mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost. Force rhubarb for an early crop.

If you have filed your seeds by month, you could also plan the vegetable plot based on this information. This helps to organise good crop rotation and prevent pests and diseases building up in the soil.

Sweet peas can be started off in a cold greenhouse. We have a June wedding this year so we started early and as I write this in mid-January the seedlings are doing well. Let’s hope we have plenty of sunshine to produce handfuls of stems for the big day.

I’m looking forward to searching through my February filed seed packets to see what’s next to sow. As mentioned in previous issues of FTN I prefer to sow my seeds in the greenhouse and plant out as small seedlings. The soil here is still quite heavy, although much improved, and I find planting out is more successful than sowing direct into the ground. One day, the soil might be pliable enough…

The gutters here have been almost completely blocked with leaves, as were the drains. I did wonder why the ground was even more claggy than usual.

The bare root season runs through until March and it is a great time to buy trees, fruit trees and shrubs at very reasonable prices. If space is limited in your garden, try growing dwarf fruit trees or edging vegetable plots with ‘stepover’ varieties of apple.

Look out in garden centres for plug plants. If you can be bothered to pot these on you can save an enormous amount of money on filling your tubs and hanging baskets.

My design practice continues to thrive and I have a very large project (10 acres) near Taunton underway with two other rather interesting projects in Cheddar involving a Corton steel wall of water and a sculpture trail in Great Elm both under construction. Jane Follis [email protected]

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Ditcheat Big Screen Presents Downton Abbey (PG) February 20th – Jubilee hall – Doors 19:00

The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives.

A royal visit from the king and queen of England soon unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue -- leaving the future of Downton hanging in the balance.

Sumptuous and lovely, this film is a fitting capper to the hugely popular series; it will positively thrill longstanding fans.

Tickets: £5 In Advance: Maryland farm shop, Ditcheat. Anne 01749 860444 Online Tickets and Trailer: www.ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk Licensed Bar & refreshments. Sponsored by Barbers Cheese (Ditcheat) Harris and Harris (Solicitors – Wells)

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Horse Sense

As the weather changes and the days become colder, please spare a thought for vulnerable road users including walkers, cyclists and horses.

Horses in general have adapted very well to coping with the everyday traffic with which they share our roads but, as winter draws in, more horses are exercised on the roads to avoid damaging the local bridleways. This means that the sight of riders in Hi Viz on our country lanes becomes more frequent.

Most drivers are brilliant and automatically reduce their speed on seeing a horse but there are a few who, for whatever reason, seem oblivious of the fact that they are passing an animal, not a machine, and one which is capable of a very swift reaction. Most horses, too, are brilliant at sharing our busy country lanes with the ever increasing traffic but if a horse is alarmed and does shy and hits a vehicle, it can crush the car and seriously injure the occupants in a nanosecond. So when a rider indicates to a driver to slow down – this is not a criticism of the driver but a warning as the rider is aware that the horse is becoming tense and it could react alarmingly at any moment. The last thing anyone wants is a horse as a bonnet mascot!

A horse can shy at 80mph so there is nothing that the rider is able to do to control this if it is startled by a vehicle passing too close or too fast or even a random pheasant leaping out of the hedge. With hundreds of serious injuries and deaths of horses and their riders resulting from inconsiderate driving, please, please take just those few seconds to keep everyone safe and PASS WIDE AND SLOW. We all understand the wisdom in giving a cyclist ‘wiggle room’ and horses, too, need this extra space to allow for ‘surprises’.

Thank you - Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated and your informed actions and that extra moment’s care could help avert a potential accident and is hugely appreciated by all riders.

Mendip Bridleways & Byways Association

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EASTER BINGO

IN AID OF DITCHEAT CHURCH FRIDAY 27TH MARCH

DOORS OPEN 6.30 EYES DOWN 7PM

£2 ENTRY TO INCLUDE REFRESHMENTS

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Learn and Practise Life Saving Skills

I am running a second general first aid training session on Sunday 23rd February from 9.00am to 1.00p.m. at Langport Red Cross Centre. Open to all, the course is entirely practical and will teach and give practice in the basic skills necessary to preserve life and stabilise casualties until the professionals arrive. Topics will include Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attacks, Strokes, Severe bleeds, Choking, Allergic Reactions, Asthma, Diabetes, Fractures and other topics if requested. The cost is £35 which will be a donation to Langport & District Red Cross Group. Places are limited. Chris Cox.

Book on 01458 273085 or e-mail [email protected].

Charity Theatre Trips

Lots of great trips to Bristol Hippodrome planned for 2020/2021. Two new additions are Dreamgirls and Strictly Ballroom. Full details at www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk

Fosseway Gardening Club

Christopher Bond’s talk is titled “Climbers Galore”. Tuesday 11th Feb 7.30pm, Pylle Village Hall.

He will advise on varieties of climbers that can be grown successfully to inspire us and enhance our gardens.

Visitors and new members are welcome to join us.

Details: Janet Fulford 01749 331306 or Jill Swindale 07772008594

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In Lieu of the Rector

As Graham is away on sabbatical this month, he has asked me, as Fosse Trinity’s Reader in Training, to cover his column for him. A trainee Reader’s life is full of such little shocks and surprises: being asked to stand in to give sermons at short notice; having to master, as inconspicuously as possible, the vagaries of different PA systems; trying to learn names and faces and the contrasting characters of the three parishes. We’re relative newcomers to Ditcheat and it’s been a huge learning curve getting to know so many new people. Hearing their stories for the first time, I’m impressed by how very full of life people are; how much has happened to them, how much they remember and care about and bring to village life.

But, back to the task in hand! I must admit right from the start that our little lion dog, Percy, has none of Lily’s literary aspirations. He prefers a good bark at the upstairs window, his favourite station in Post Office House where he watches – with deep suspicion - as the world goes by every morning.

And some suspicion is probably justified. The New Year of 2020 has got off to a bumpy start, both across the world and closer to home. In our own parishes, a number of people are coping, quietly, heroically, even cheerfully, with chronic and debilitating health problems and the after effects of bereavement. If any of these people are reading this now, I hope they are aware of how much your communities care about you. Even when you think you are suffering alone, invisible circles of support, kindness and prayer surround you.

And prayers are certainly needed as our politicians prepare to dissolve our long- term partnership with the European Union. Broken relationships are always painful. Perhaps it is time for us to think again about our national institutions, not just our Health Service but, equally importantly, our national church, the Church of England that has largely shaped the spiritual identity of this country and what being English is all about. The face of Christianity has changed a great deal in the last seventy years. New directions are appearing and fresh energies springing up everywhere.

Could this be the moment for you to take stock of your own spiritual life and consider how it might be developed in the year ahead? Three exceptionally beautiful churches adorn our villages here in Fosse Trinity. They offer a safe but changing space where we can come together, bringing our own gifts and talents to the faith which has made us one of the most influential nations in the history of the world. Above all, the Anglican church is there for you and has a care for every soul in its parishes.

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This year there will be a series of opportunities to explore and learn a little more about Christianity and how it might help or benefit you to share more in that fellowship. Perhaps surprisingly, most people are interested in religion and have something to say about it, however critical or uncomprehending. These are voices that need to be heard.

February is a month that starts with Candlemas, one of the loveliest services of the Christian year: it celebrates the moment when Christ’s parents bring him into the temple for the first time only to receive a shocking welcome when they get there.

With its candlelight procession, Candlemas is a ceremony that speaks to us very deeply of the meeting point between the old and the new. The festival has roots too in an ancient, pre-Christian ritual that greets the coming of the snowdrops each year, the first and most poignant heralds of Spring.

So: “Would I take the sermon for you, Graham?” I’d be happy to!

If anyone is thinking they might like to attend a church service but would like to talk it through with someone beforehand, please either ring me on 01749 860725 or email on [email protected] to arrange a time to chat.

Diana Barsham Reader in Training

Benefice Prayer Pyramid The Prayer Pyramid is a small group of people within the benefice who will receive prayer requests for people in need of any kind. The requests remain

confidential within this small group.

Lynne Hughes 860654 and Jessica Leach 860205 (Ditcheat Church wardens) have agreed to receive prayer requests.

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Services for February

Sunday 2nd CANDLEMAS 10:30am United Benefice Communion Service at Ditcheat

Sunday 9th Epiphany 5 11:00am Holy Communion at Pylle

Tuesday 11th 10:00am Midweek Communion at Ditcheat

Sunday 16th 2nd Sunday before Lent 9:30am Holy Communion (BCP) at Ditcheat 11.00am Holy Communion at East Pennard

Sunday 23rd Sunday before Lent 9.30am Holy Communion at Alhampton

Wednesday 26th ASH WEDNESDAY 7:30pm Holy Communion at Alhampton

Services for March

Sunday 1st 1st Sunday of Lent 9:30am Holy Communion at Ditcheat 11:00am Morning Worship at East Pennard

Sunday 8th 2nd Sunday of Lent 11:00am Holy Communion at Pylle

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Ditcheat Church Candlemas Service Sunday 2nd February at 10:30am

Please join us for this combined service for our 3 parishes at which we process with lighted candles Coffee and cake after the service!

Sudoku (Easy) Grid

Solution on page 43

31

Pylle News

Church Flowers and Cleaning FEB Teresa Rossiter MCH Joanna Miln Volunteers needed to join the rota. For details please ring Hilary on 830538. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Church Our Carol Service last year was a joint Pylle-East Pennard occasion and featured readers from both parishes as well as having a memorable contribution from our resident musicians, the Ditcheat and Pylle Singers. During the service the new Blacksmith carving, the work of sculptor Bryan Harris, was dedicated. Mulled wine, sausage rolls and mince pies followed the service and altogether it was an occasion to remember. The collection for the Children's Society raised an impressive £322.

Prospective visitors please note:- If the church is locked please contact Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538, 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. Meals will not be pre-ordered so do come along at mid-day and order whatever you like.

Village Hall

Wild West Dinner night in March: Pylle will be organising another of their popular dinner nights on Saturday 21st March 2020. The theme will be Wild West so dust off your cowboy boots and hats and come and join us for an evening of light-hearted fun. Please put the date in your diary, and make a booking with Joanna Miln on 01749 838757 or [email protected].

Just to remind you - the charge for booking the hall is £8.50 per hour (£7.50 per hour for 4 or more bookings). Any bookings that have already been made will be charged at the old prices. For more information and to book the hall please contact Joanna Miln on 01749 838757 or [email protected]

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Wild West Evening Pylle Village Hall Saturday 21st March 2020 7pm: £12.50

Hot Meal – Cash Bar Dress: Wild West (optional) Advance tickets only from Joanna Miln 01749 838757: [email protected]

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A Picture from the Past

Our picture this month is taken from Colonel Garton's photograph album, an invaluable repository of information about St Thomas's Church in the first half of the twentieth century, when the colonel was a churchwarden. The subject is the Rev. Henry Fitzhardinge Berkeley Portman, nephew of the first Viscount Portman and Rector of Pylle from 1866 until 1885. He is buried on the south side of the church but his memorial within the church itself must be the magnificent east window depicting the crucifixion, which he presented to the parish in 1868. The funds were probably provided by his uncle, the lord of the manor, who had only recently rebuilt the church in the popular Early English style of gothic architecture. The window of three lights and five traceries was made by the firm of Heaton, Butler and Bayne of Garrick Street, London.

Extra information on the pictures that appear in this column is always gratefully received - also if you spot any errors please let me know. I am relying on facts supplied by readers as I was not around at the time! Please ring on 830538 or email me on [email protected].

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Ditcheat Book Group

We are a friendly book group, who meet every last Thursday of the month to discuss and chat about a book we have all just read.

Together we cover fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, thrillers, the classics, and contemporary literature. It is often a very pleasurable experience to read something one wouldn’t choose for oneself.

We select a list of books once a year, keep costs down by borrowing library sets where possible, and take turns to host the evening in our homes. It is a great place to share thoughts, ideas, insights and anecdotes, not just a book discussion.

This book group was started in 2005, but with a changing population people move in and out of the village. We would welcome some new members, so if you like the idea of joining the group and would like to know more, ring Vee on 860542 or email [email protected].

Vee Lees

Thursday, 9th January 2020, St. Dunstan's members met at 2.30pm. in Baltonsborough Church room, for their first meeting of the year.

A communion service was held led by the Revd. Chris Hopkins, following which the Annual General Meeting was held, led by Mrs. Eileen Heath and secretary Mrs. Ann Speirs. The committee was unanimously re-elected and thanked by Mrs. Jill Done, Branch Leader, for their valued contributions throughout the year. Suggested arrangements for 2020 were distributed and discussed.

The 13th February annual 'Wave of Prayer' service led by Mrs. Pam Grottick, theme: 'Building hope and confidence', is arranged for our usual venue and time.

Visitors and new members, very welcome.

Jill Done

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The Wildlife Group Update

Share a close encounter: An impromptu WLG visit took us to the levels where we saw 35 Cranes, which have been the subject of a re-introduction programme. We saw these stately and strangely elegant birds grazing, flying and bugling. There was a lot of interest in the visit, so we’ll try to organise a repeat visit at a later date, where more people can have an opportunity to attend.

Winter jobs: The tidier we get in gardens, the fewer places there are for birds to nest. We can put up nest boxes (often we position them too exposed to view and don’t have suitable perches nearby for the birds to rest on, before gaining access), but suitable hedges and climbers are very encouraging to birds and other wildlife. They give birds places for nesting, food and shelter, help pollinators and are an attractive addition to the garden. Hedges: Any hedge is better than none, but do choose one that is not too vigourous for your garden. It might take a little longer to establish, but in the end will take less maintenance and not die back through excessive cutting. I have been brought up to avoid cutting hedges in the nesting season, i.e. not after the beginning of March up to September. I met up with a gardening friend of mine and asked her how many times a year she clipped her very neat hedge and she replied five times a year. Professionally it can be recommended to cut a vigorous hedge three or more times a year. In my experience a close bed (the place that you cut back to repeatedly) in a hedge gives a marvellous environment for birds to live and the short time it takes to cut the hedge doesn’t put the birds off their nesting. A great tip when establishing a hedge, is to form a ‘shelf’ below the finished height. This is done by cutting to about half, to two thirds the final height of the hedge. Then letting it grow to the desired height. When the hedge is established this gives the birds a sheltered platform to nest on. 36

Climbers and trellis: Open fronted nest boxes behind a climber can be the perfect place for Blackbirds, Robins or Spotted Flycatchers to live and nest. Likewise having a ledge or spacers behind a trellis that is going to support climbers, gives perfect nesting opportunities. When choosing climbers do consider having several of the same genus mixed together e.g. several Clematis montana, a white, pink and later flowering cultivar, or Roses plus Clematis. It’s more fun!

Eco thought for the month: I wash my dishes with a greenie, a dish sponge/scourer, and wonder where the green bits go - down the plug obviously! Into the sea as micro plastic I suspect. I use a plastic brush for the loo and washing the car. After a number of years the bristles disintegrate and get into the waterways. Perfectly good brushes are available in wood and natural fibres. More expensive, but will last for years and importantly not pollute. This is my year for change.

Photo Competition: Can you name this plant? This one is native; can you name the other two species that can be seen in our countryside which are non-native? Answers by 10th Feb.

Dec/January’s competition winner: Paul Newman: The pouncing Owl was a Tawny Owl. The Twit Twoo call of a Tawny owl is actually a duet. The female does the Twit ( ke-wick) and the male answers with the Twoo (hoo-hoo-oo).

Contact information: 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

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East Pennard and District Royal British Legion

The year 2020 is not only the start of a new decade but it is also 75 years since the end of the second world war. The war in Europe ended on 8th May 1945 and the war in the Far East against Japan ended on 15th August 1945. Nearer the time, details about the celebrations for VE day and VJ Day will be announced.

However, before we get into the celebrations, I need to bring you up to date with local matters since my December article. I mentioned the annual Poppy Collection which had taken place, and this has now been counted, and the money raised forwarded to the Legion headquarters. Although we are a smallish Legion branch, we are able to call on a good band of door to door collectors covering the parish of Ditcheat, which includes Alhampton, Sutton and Wraxall, as well as East Pennard, Pylle, Lottisham, West Bradley, Hornblotton, Parbrook and Stone. In addition to door to door collections, there are various static collection points as well as individuals who have their own collection box, which they contribute to throughout the year. So, the money raised for the 2019 appeal is as follows: Alhampton £150.32 Ditcheat £387.18 East Pennard & Wraxall £78.12 Hornblotton £36.56 Lottisham £122.98 Parbrook & Stone £192.95 Pylle £468.74 Sutton £45.06 West Bradley £140.87 Church collection £311.32 Shepton Vets £55.97 Wells Vets £12.15 Rendezvous £175.82 Graduations £98.56 Pylle Remembrance Sunday lunch £100

Pylle – this includes the Den and Jon Thorners Rendezvous – this is the total of all the home individual boxes Graduations – our chairman Charlie, takes a collection box with him to the various university graduation photo sessions he attends Wraxall - this includes The Travellers Rest Sutton - this includes The Brook House

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The overall total donated is somewhat down on 2018, but nevertheless, every penny given goes to helping ex-service personnel. In addition to the money donated, there will be some gift aid to be added.

As with many organisations, each year we have to elect our branch committee. Similarly, as with many other organisations, our committee doesn’t change much from year to year, not necessarily because committee members don’t want to relinquish their posts, but more because of the shortage of people prepared to take on the roles. However, we do have one change this year being our standard bearer, so the full “new” committee is;

President – Mike Kemish Chairman – Charlie Bishop Treasurer – Pat Dando Secretary – Charles Evans Standard Bearer – Keith Poulton Poppy Appeal Organiser – Charlie Bishop Committee member – Ken Hurrell

Having brought you up to date with 2019 information I can now give you details of our first 2020 event, being our annual dinner. This will be held on Friday 6th March at The Den, 7pm for 7.30 pm start. This event is purely social in that you are only paying for your meal and drinks, not for for the raffle, the proceeds of which go to our branch funds. The cost for the meal is £21.95 per head and includes tea or coffee. The menu choices are as follows:

Starters; Smoked Bacon & Mushroom Pate with Ciabatta Toast or Cauliflower & Stilton soup with toasted Sourdough or Salmon & Sweet Potato Fishcake with Dill Hollandaise

Mains; Chicken & Sausage Wellington with Gratin Potato and Tarragon sauce or Roasted Vegetable Linguine with Basil Pesto & fresh Parmesan & Garlic Bread or Creamy Smoked Haddock & Spinach bake topped with Mash

Desserts; Homemade Lemon Posset & Ginger Shortbread or Apple and Blackberry Crumble and Vanilla Custard or Dark Chocolate & Orange Tart with Crème Fraiche

Please contact either Charlie 860417, Pat 860448 or Charles 860336 to place your order. Payment required prior to 6th March please. Raffle prizes can be brought to the dinner.

Finally a correction, Jon and Sue Dickens have moved to Chichester NOT Christchurch as I stated in the last FTN.

Charles Evans 39

Village Sing Along ‘The Enthronement of Grandma’ Friday 21st February at 7pm Ditcheat Jubilee Hall Free Entry All Welcome Your chance to join in some well-known Music Hall songs. The Grandma is Brenda Jones (87) who has ten children, 30 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, several of whom are musicians. Brenda has lived in Ditcheat since 1995. Grandpa died in 2013 and is buried in the churchyard.

Sudoku (Medium) Grid

Solution on page 43

40

100 Club

December winners: Ball 34 £1000 Joan Ward Ball 57 £50 Jane Evans Ball 82 £25 Roger Yeoman

January winners Ball 79 £100 Vee Lees Ball 85 £50 Patricia Burbridge Ball 30 £25 Harold Dukes

For those who pay by cash can I remind you a new year starts and if you wish to continue for 2020 I will require £60.

We are always looking for new members - it’s £5 a month (standing order) or £60 a year (cash or standing order). Each month your number goes into a draw with a chance to win £100, £50 or £25 and in December first prize is £1000. Profits go towards maintaining our village church. If you are interested in joining please contact me Andrew Nicholls on 860321.

Donate your Winter Fuel Payment

As we head into winter, many of us face an expensive – but essential - bill for heating our homes, while many of our neighbours face a stark decision between eating and heating: a shocking one in eight households in Somerset live in fuel poverty. Thanks to the bright idea of one generous pensioner, hundreds of older people in Somerset are being supported to stay warm, safe and well every winter through Somerset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter campaign.

The campaign encourages people who don’t need their Winter Fuel Payment to donate some or all of it to help local older people who are unable to afford to heat their homes.

Last year, over 500 elderly people living in Somerset were helped through the cold winter months, thanks to generous local donors who donated over £100,000 to Surviving Winter.

If you would like to donate to Surviving Winter, call 01749 344949 or visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter

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Trinity Tales - A bomb called Satan

I was born in Bristol, in March 1938, so was very small when the war began in 1939. Bristol was the fifth most heavily bombed British city of World War II - a primary target for German bombing because it had important docks and the big aircraft factory at Filton. The Luftwaffe began a blitz on the city in November 1940 and carried out a series of major bombing attacks over the next five months.

We lived in Beckington Road, Knowle and Knowle was on the line of the bombers’ flight path in to the city. We had to take shelter from the night bombing many times and I can remember being carried down the garden to the Andersen Shelter, looking up at the carpet of stars and seeing the waving beams of searchlights looking for the bombers. I remember, too, the smell of the air raid shelter, which was partly dug into the ground: damp sacking and earth and dry blankets.

There must have been the sound too - droning aircraft engines, the crump of bombs, anti-aircraft gunfire and exploding shells, but I don’t seem to remember that.

On the 3rd of January 1941, there was the most concentrated attack of all, lasting 12 hours. It was during that raid that the biggest bomb dropped on Bristol fell - right near our house in Beckington Road! My mother said it sounded like an express train falling out of the sky, and it decided her to take us children and evacuate to the country. 42

The bomb did not explode; just as well because otherwise I wouldn’t be here. It was recovered two years later, in 1943, and the bomb disposal team had to dig down 29 feet to get to it. It was nicknamed ‘Satan’ and weighed 2 tons, measuring more than eight feet long and 26 inches in diameter.

‘Satan’ was later paraded through the streets of London during the VE Day Victory Parade at the end of the war in Europe.

More than 900 tons of high explosive bombs and many thousands of incendiary bombs were dropped on Bristol. 1300 were killed and a similar number seriously injured. It is reckoned that there are still some 900 unexploded bombs under the city.

We evacuated to a farm in the Cotswolds but my father, a police officer, stayed in the city. He never talked about his experiences. Anthony Worner

Trinity Tales

If you have a short personal story you would like to share with readers, get in touch with Tony Worner on 860663 or [email protected] for advice or assistance, or submit direct to [email protected]

Sudoku Solutions

43

Fraud Warning

Two duped out of £15,000 in telephone fraud incidents. We are warning people to be on their guard against a telephone scam, which involves a fraudster claiming to be an official from Amazon. The bogus official called the victims on their landline and said they were from Amazon and querying either an issue with a payment or a problem with the victim’s Prime membership. We are aware of three incidents in the Avon and Somerset force area – two of the victims have lost a combined total of almost £15,000.

During the call a pre-recorded message invites the victim to press 1 on their phone to link to an operator. A long conversation follows in which the victim is asked to re-connect to the caller via a computer or mobile device and then allow Amazon to link to their account. While they continue to talk to the victim, they ask them to log on to their online banking via the remote device to check whether a refund has been made to their bank. The caller talks to the victim, distracting them from looking at their device, while money is quickly transferred from their bank, or even an application for a loan made while the banking session is open.

Amazon will never call and ask for personal information, including bank PIN numbers and passwords. Any attempts for permission to remotely access your computer or phone should be a red flag warning. If you are suspicious or uncomfortable about the call, finish it immediately and call the company who claimed to call you, using their official number and try to use a different phone to ensure the telephone line has not been held by the scammer.

If any link to your device has been added by the scammer – such as TeamViewer – have it professionally removed and keep the device disconnected from the internet.

General advice Neither the police nor the banks will ask you for banking details or PiN numbers on the phone. Similarly, they would never send a so-called ‘courier’ to collect bank cards or money. Our message is – don’t discuss your finances with anyone who calls you out of the blue, even if they claim to be a police officer or a representative from a bank fraud department or even a well-known company. Genuine callers will be happy for you to make an appointment to visit them at a bank branch or police station or for you to call them independently to verify that they have been trying to contact you.

The police and banks will never ask you to withdraw cash on their behalf; arrange for cash to be collected by a courier; ask for details about your bank card; or ask for the PIN on your card. 44

If you know someone who may be vulnerable to this type of offence, please speak to them and share our crime prevention tips and remind them of the threat from telephone fraudsters.

We would also appeal to taxi drivers, who are asked to collect parcels or take people to banks to withdraw large sums of cash – especially the elderly – to be vigilant and contact us if they are suspicious.

Somerset Independence Plus

Somerset Independence Plus (SIP) can provide FREE temporary heaters to Mendip residents, whilst the heating is being repaired or replaced. In addition, if you can't afford to repair or replace the heating you may be eligible for a council grant or loan. In Partnership with Mendip District Council and Wessex Resolutions, Somerset Independence Plus can support a homeowner in arranging a loan or grant, oversee the work from start to finish, get quotes and manage contractors.

Please call SIP on 0300 303 7794 to find out more information.

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Draft minutes from the Parish Council (PC) meeting 12th December 2019 at 7.30pm.

PRESENT: Chairperson – Councillor Evans (CE) and Councillors – Clark (HC), Travis (RT), James (RJ), Dando (JD), Derham (JDr), Harrison (HH), Hughes (LH) and Hutton (RH). MINUTE TAKER – Councillor Clark. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Opportunity for members of the public to address the Parish Council. There were no members of the public present. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Apologies for absence from Councillors – none. The Clerk, County Councillor Hewitt-Cooper and District Councillor Greenhalgh had sent apologies for absence. BY INVITATION- Mr Tony Najdoski from Truespeed to give a short presentation about opportunities to improve broadband speed in the parish. Truespeed is a local broadband company building a new independent network in the south west. It began in Bath and has moved to the Chew Valley and is now moving south. It is a demand led business picking up communities which are poorly served. The network is used by Truespeed customers only and guarantee an upload and download of 200Mb for households and 10,000Mb for businesses. The process of assessing demand starts with a public meeting. If there is sufficient interest, then a “polygon” of the area to be covered will be drawn up and a feasibility study carried out. If there is enough uptake, then Truespeed would contact their financers for approval to proceed (Aviva and private individuals) and work could be started within 6 months. Installation is free, cost per home £47.50 per month, each property would have its own fibre optic cable which would be an uncontended service. Forms were distributed to Councillors. RH volunteered to be the parish champion. Action: RH to work with Truespeed to publicise and arrange an information evening in the parish. COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS – no reports due to pre- election purdah. REPORT FROM AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY- The report from PCSO Dury includes the following: 1. Report of flooding along Wraxall Rd – Highways are aware. 2. Report of an argument between a driver and council worker along Wraxall Rd – Police enquiries are carried out and words of advice given. CODE OF CONDUCT – Declarations of interest on items included on the agenda: CE declared interest in Item 200/19 planning application as it adjoins his property. LH declared an interest in Item 201/19 as Church warden regarding grant to maintain the churchyard. Requests for dispensation for disclosable pecuniary interests - None. MINUTES - The minutes of the meeting held on 31st October 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record. MATTERS ARISING - from the meeting held on 31st October 2019. 46

a) Repair of fence alongside road on the left of the south side of the Alham Bridge – completed. b) Rubbish dumped by Aster Housing owned property in Southview – most of the rubbish has been removed. Aster Housing are aware of the small amount remaining. c) Parking at Southview, Ditcheat - CE recently had a meeting at MDC to discuss the situation. If the Parish Council wish to proceed, access may be granted to just the parking area in front of Southview which leaves the vast majority of the area in Mendip ownership. This would require a transfer from MDC to the PC, for a minimal cost of £1 plus advertising and legal fees of approximately £1,000. CE to meet with planning department to ensure that planning permission would be given for parking before any further action is taken. MINUTES - the minutes of the meeting held on 21st November 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record. There were no matters arising. PLANNING - RH took the chair as CE had declared an interest. 1) Planning applications: to consider the following planning application: - Erection of a single storey rear extension. Priors Leigh, Ditcheat. Ref:2019/2887/HSE Outcome: Recommend refusal for the following reasons:  The PC does not believe that the juxtaposition of the path and building are correctly shown on the planning application drawing and there are errors on the drawing showing the existing plan which does not adequately show the line of the footpath.  There is a lack of explanation of the proposed re-routing of the footpath and it does not appear that an application for this re-routing of the footpath has been submitted.  The PC is unable to consider the planning application until the matter of the route of the public Right of Way is established and accurately drawn on the plan. Furthermore, the PC could not consider this application until either the location and size of the extension is amended, or the re-routing of the public footpath is confirmed. CE resumed as chair of the meeting.

FINANCE a) Cash book balance as at 6th December - £12,055.50 plus £140.50 in fingerpost account and £681.00 in defibrillator account. b) The budget for the year 2020/2021 was confirmed and the precept set at £11,220.00. c) Approval of Parish Council payments and authority to sign cheques. 1) First Image Signs for new signs for playground - £216.00 including VAT. 2) Somerset Association of Local Councils for Councillors training - £50.00.

47

3) Parochial Church Council for room hire August to December inclusive - £72.00. 4) Clerk’s salary 1st August to 31st December 2019 – £700.16. 5) HMRC for PAYE/NICs 1st August to 31st December 2019 - £175.00. 6) Somerset Playing Fields Association (SPFA) membership fee - £15.00 (minimum). RESOLVED: that the above expenditure be approved, and the cheques signed. The payments for the following were noted: Tony’s Garden Services for grounds maintenance for October 2019 - £210.00. Somerset Association of Local Councils for Clerk’s training - £75.00. Tony’s Garden Services for grounds maintenance for November 2019 - £210.00. PLAYGROUND a) Update on maintenance and repairs following annual report and risk assessment – CE proposed that the base plate and bolts of the elephant be welded to prevent “rocking” – agreed unanimously. b) Update on new signs for the playground – CE confirmed that the new signs have been erected. c) Matters of report – Reported that the Clerk is obtaining quotations for the replacement of the safety matting under the swings in order to apply for grant funding. HIGHWAYS - Update on matters previously reported: 1) Pooling of water on the corner by the Manor House Inn - noted that this was not so bad of late. 2) Pooling of water along the Wraxall Road – noted that this is very bad, the depth and extent of which could be dangerous, however the Highways Department have been informed and are aware of the problem. 3) Blocked gully by dwelling known as Long Batch - again this continues to be a problem and the matter has been reported to the Highways Department. b) New matters for report to the Highways department – there is a dropped drain cover and sunken gully by driveway of Home Acres, No Through Road Alhampton. CE will report the problem to the Highways Department. Action: CE. CLIMATE EMERGEMCY - RJ had attended presentation at Mendip District Council which has declared a Climate Emergency and had circulated information documents prior to the meeting. Discussion followed regarding what action the Parish Council could take as declaring a Climate Emergency is a statement of intent. CE proposed that Councillors review materials available and this item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting to discuss how it can be taken forward. RJ will circulate ideas prior to next meeting as a start to discussion. LITTER PICK 2020 – the date of the annual litter pick was confirmed as Saturday 21st March 2020 starting at 09.00 am. HC will make the necessary arrangements and complete the risk assessment and associated paperwork. The Clerk will publicise the event in the FTN and on the notice boards. 48

DATES OF MEETINGS FOR 2020/2021 - dates for meetings for 2020 – 2021 were confirmed. FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND RIGHTS OF WAY. a) The stile in the field opposite the Court in Alhampton to the next field is broken. Action HH to brief CE. b) There is a tree down across Grove path agreed that JD will speak to Manor House gardeners and CE will speak to the owners of Manor House. Action JD and CE. (Post meeting note - the tree removed by a parishioner). VE DAY 75 CELEBRATIONS – Agreed that it was not seen as role of the Parish Council to organise an event. However, LH will speak to the bell ringers on behalf of Church and forward information to Church wardens. CE to speak to Head of School as they may want to do something. The matter will be put on the agenda of next meeting to consider further. ITEMS OF REPORT AND/OR FOR INCLUSION ON AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING. Members - There is a ‘Have your say’ Mendip Climate Drop-In Event on 15th February 2020. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 23rd JANUARY 2020 AT 7.30 pm in the Church Room.

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Jubilee Village Hall AGM 2020 Chair Report

I would like to open by thanking all those on the Committee for their continued hard work and commitment. I have said in previous reports, and I think it is worth repeating, that this work not only saves money but also ensures the continued good repair and cleanliness of the Hall and its surroundings.

I would also like to record my thanks to those who help with other jobs which contribute hugely to the running of the Hall and associated events. In particular I will mention Kate Webber for running the bar on Big Screen evenings and the other volunteers who help with the screenings.

There is always ongoing maintenance with the Hall as well as specific projects. This past year has seen a new cooker installed, plus replacement emergency exit doors and a new front door in easier to maintain UPVC. The committee will be considering proposals for further improvement during future meetings and suggestions from the wider community are welcome.

Income in 2019 relied on regular hire income as well as fund raising activities including Glastonbury Festival stewarding and Ditcheat Big Screen. Donations have been received from Rendezvous as well as several other sources. There is no additional fund raiser currently planned for 2020, so income for this year will be derived from the same sources as 2019.

This past year has also seen significant work on ‘Health and Safety’, including a comprehensive fire risk assessment. Work is ongoing assessing and documenting other risks and associated mitigation.

As I have stated in previous years the Jubilee Village Hall is run for the benefit of everyone in the community. We are appreciative of the positive feedback we have received from users, particularly on the cleanliness and facilities available, and always welcome any comments and feedback.

Linda Wyburn-Mason Chair of Trustees Jubilee Village Hall

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Treasures of Ditcheat Church and the stories behind them

7. THE TWO PISCINAE

The word piscina (plural piscinae) comes from the Latin and originally referred to a fish pond. Later it was used to describe natural or artificial pools for bathing as well as water tanks or reservoirs. When it came to ecclesiastical usage the word was first applied to the baptismal font but ultimately was adopted to describe the shallow basins placed either near the altar of a church, or else in the vestry or sacristy.

Chancel Piscina

These basins were used for washing the communion vessels but were later superseded by more sophisticated piscinae, often made of stone and fitted with a drain or sacrarium. The precise purpose of these piscina was to dispose of water used sacramentally by returning these particles directly to the earth, hence the pipe running directly to the ground. In the absence of such a pipe the old-style basin was used instead. Piscinae are found in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Close-up of Chancel Piscina Lutheran churches, and a similar vessel is used in Eastern Orthodox churches. Piscinae were rare in England until the 13th century, after which there is scarcely an altar without one. They frequently take the form of a double niche, with a shaft between the arched heads, which are often filled with elaborate tracery.

Ditcheat is unusual in that the church possesses two piscinae; one in the south wall of the chancel and the other in the east wall of the south transept. Neither,

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alas, is a double niche piscina, but at least the church possesses two different types. The piscina in the chancel possesses a drain, the one in the transept a simple basin. Somewhat surprisingly the later version, that in the transept, which probably dates from the 15th century when the transept was rebuilt, is the one that makes do with the basin. The late 13th century chancel, complete with an ogee arch surmounting a pointed trefoil, possesses a quatrefoil basin complete with a single drain. It is a far more ornate example than its slimmer fellow - which is perhaps appropriate, given its position in the church.

South Trancept Piscina

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St Mary Magdalene Ditcheat Cleaning Rotas

Cleaning Church Room February 1st / 15th Maria Thring Vee Lees

March 1st / 14th Vee Lees Martin Pope

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 Feb. 2nd & 9th Vee Lees Feb.16th & 23rd Pat Dando Eleanor Yeoman th

Feb. 26 LENT No Flowers “ March 1st & 8th “ “ March 15th & 22nd “ “ Mar. 29th & Apr. 5th “ Louisa Oborne

East Pennard Church Flowers & Cleaning Rota

Feb Shirley Baldwin Bridget Wadey Mar Clare Hogg Renate Rodd Apr Helen Ablitt Hilary Tripp

You don’t need to be a Church goer, just a public-spirited person to join our team for the flowers & cleaning of East Pennard Church. For those thinking of joining us it is not a huge commitment, just about 4 hours a year. It is a beautiful space to spend time in and care for.

If interested contact Bridget on: Tel. 860240 to find out more.

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Events Space for Hire

Do you need a convenient venue for your children’s party, a meeting or any other social event? Ditcheat Church Room, in the heart of Ditcheat Village, is available for hire at a very reasonable rate. The proceeds from hirings help us maintain the village’s historic church and community buildings and surroundings. Spacious and bright, with heating, fully fitted kitchen and loo. Piano available for use as well. Full disabled access. Hiring Fee is £6 per hour. For bookings and any enquiries, please contact Mrs Pat Dando on 01749 860448

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Who's Who ? FOSSE TRINITY BENEFICE Interim Minister Canon Graham Hendy 677003 Reader Emeritus 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 Mothers' Union Yvonne Stokes 01458 851480 Safeguarding Officer Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Children's Society Jo Curtis 860898

ALHAMPTON Chapel Warden Ditcheat Churchwardens Church Council Secretary Vacant Neighbourhood Watch Lynne Hughes 860654 FTN Correspondent Louisa Oborne 860252

EAST PENNARD Bells - Tower Captain Andrew Stuart 860587 Jean Heal 860452 Churchwarden { Susie Dearden 860502 Church Council Secretary Carol Stuart 860587 Church Room Hire Audrey Dyson 860317 Parish Council Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Royal British Legion Secretary Charles Evans 860336 United Charities Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Verger David Stokes 01458 834486

PYLLE Bells - Tower Captain Joe King 890357 Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Churchwarden { Carolyn Fussell 830120 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 58

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DITCHEAT Art Group Liz & Stewart Gould 860755 Badminton Club Secretary James Bairstow 860355 Bees – Swarms Stewart Gould 860755 Bells - Tower Captain Roger Yeoman 860304 The Other Book Club Gill Wetherall 860562 Church Council Secretary Vacant Church Room Hire Pat Dando 860448 Lynne Hughes 860654 Churchwarden { Jessica Leach 860205 Community Car Service (ADEPPTS) Joyce Marsh 860493 Country Dancing Ama Bolton 672911 Ditcheat Big Screen / Moviola Anne Robson 860444 Ditcheat School Victoria Withers 860329 Friends of Ditcheat School (FODS) Charlotte Lilley 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 Mendip District Councillor John Greenhalgh 860457 Neighbourhood Watch Jim Dando 860448 Parish Council Chairman Charles Evans 860336 Rendezvous Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Saturday Stitch Sally Yeoman 860304 Short Mat Bowls Geoff Webber 860184 Skittles Manor House Inn 860276 Village Lunch Jessica Leach 860205 Wildlife Group Bridget Wadey 860240

GENERAL Community Police Guy Dury 101

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

Printed by Parish Magazine Printing

www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk 57

Index of Advertisers

Accounting, Hayley Spencer 55 Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen 13 Computing, Stable Computers 13 Mobility, Sutton Stairlifts 2 Dining, The Manor House Inn 51 Mowing, Kevin Bushrod 59 Driver, Philip Saunders 15 Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2 Electrical, ARL Electrical Services 13 Oven cleaning, Ovencor 13 Events, Pennard House 18 Roofing, Mark Curtis Back Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 18 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Purely 59 Furniture Restorer, Piers Keating 13 Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & 15 Garage Doors, SDS 53 Sport, Wheathill Golf Club 12 Health, Heal and Sole 2 Stone Mason, Thomas Kendrick 2 Heating Services, Warm Welcome 15 Stone Walling, Yenstone 19 Home Maintenance, CH 12 Taxi, Tony Chinnock 18 Home Maintenance, Mike Doyle 15 Transport, Adeppts 12 Keep Fit, Clare Torday Yoga12Tree Surgeon, Jody Osborne 59

Legal Declarations The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and contributors to this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Fosse Trinity Benefice Parochial Church Councils, their officers or the FTN Editorial Team and no responsibility can be taken for the information given or views expressed in this magazine. In particular, no liability is accepted in relation to the contents of any third-party advertisement.

The FTN Privacy Policy may be found on the FTN website (www.fossetrinitynews.co,uk) and is also available from the editor on request.

The FTN website is archived by the British Library every six months and added to the UK Web

Archive (https://www.webarchive.org.uk/). This will ensure that the magazine will be digitally

preserved for future generations. The British Library assumes no rights to content in archived websites and original rights’ holders retain 100% of their copyright; there is also a ‘notice and take down’ policy whereby content can be removed if requested.

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 Ditcheat Village Hall ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk Community Police [email protected]

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LOP Mowing Contractor www.lopmowingcontractor.co.uk Kevin Bushrod Competitive pricing on mowing large areas of grass. Rolling. Tine and chain harrowing. Lawns, orchards and paddocks. Grass collected or mulched. Shed/fence panel picks and deliveries etc Tel: 01749 860546 / 07930 306465

North Brewham, Bruton, Somerset

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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]