MAY 2019 EDITOR SUE MARSHALL ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— WHITEBALL TUNNEL REPAIRS

When Whiteball Tunnel was built in 1841-44, over a thou- sand men were involved in the back breaking work of con- struction. The design was groundbreaking, by Brunel, but machinery involved really came down to picks, shovels, barrows and horse operated drills. The 1000m tunnel was brick lined.

There has been a rolling pro- gramme of repairs over the 20th century. The sulphurous steam from trains over the previous 100 years or so voided the area behind the bricks, causing brickfall. To keep the tunnel safe, metal framing was installed, which you can see in the top picture. This system is also used in the London Underground. The railway line was shut for three weeks Feb/March 2019, to enable the framing to be completed and sprayed with special mortar. On site, there were a lot of men, articulated vehicles, a serious amount of machinery and the spraying of the coating was undertaken by 2 ro- bots. Something of a change from the original construction!.

Access was challenging for the contractors, there is a narrow lane, with a very tight corner at the top, a long steep down- hill run and a turn off the lane into the pre prepared site. The gateway was elongated considera- bly, but if anyone had asked was it possible to get huge machinery and articulated lorries in you would cer- tainly have said NO! - Is it finished? There is a reluctance by all parties to comment, but the site remains, albeit empty. It was interesting to watch, and the site worked 24/7. A plus side? All the moles/ molehills disappeared from the garden whilst work was in pro- gress! ... Now, yep, they are back! Thoughts from the Vicar What are churches for? I’m talking about church buildings, rather than communities, for once. I suppose it depends on what your experience is. My mother, who converted from the Church of to being a Roman Catholic, thought that ancient churches were millstones round the necks of congregations who worshipped there because they cost so much to maintain and the effort to do so got in the way of getting on with proper Christian activities such as worshipping God, and sharing God’s love with everybody in a practical way. For some people churches are beautiful, historical, architectural structures which must not be tampered with in anyway, no matter how lacking in basic amenities such as water and a loo, or draughty, or inaccessible to people in wheelchairs. The monuments on the walls celebrating the lives of long-dead ancestors are important to many (even if I personally think there can be a dan- ger of making the church a mausoleum rather than a house of living people). I listened to someone recently talk about how our church buildings are iconic structures, which remind people that there is more to life than the get-rich-as-quickly-as-you-can and the me-first mentality so common nowadays. The fact that churches are open when tragedy hits is really important to many. When I look in our churches’ visitors books I read such things as ‘Remembering N. on the anniver- sary of her death’, ‘Our twins are buried in this churchyard’, ‘My grandparents were married here’; so they are part of family history at important times in life, often unbearable poignant, but often joyful. Our churchyards are places of remembrance and solace for many – as well as havens for wild life. The buildings themselves provide a space where people can sit in peace when life gets too hectic, or troubled, whatever religion they adhere to – even if they are complete non-believers. Our churches are open for all, with no religious price tag attached. They can be a really important facility for the community, not only for worship on Sundays and special festivals, e.g. harvest and Christmas, but for creative occasions too. The flower festival last year in St Margaret’s was a delight, and the recent display there of the paintings produced by the children of Stawley School was a real example of how the church building can serve a commu- nity and be a source of inspiration to visitors. There are practical uses too – social events, con- certs, a collecting point for Village Voice – even village libraries can be housed in them. I said in a previous article that I would update you on the repairs which are needed at Holy Cross to the tower and to the west end gable. We hope to be able to start these in May, and finishing August. We have accepted the lowest quote obtained by the architect in the region of £88,000. We have managed to obtain some grants (with the support of your letters and emails – thank you again) and raise some of the money from events and donations (thank you for that too), but we are still some £24,000 short. We have to go ahead, or the problems in the tower will get worse. Al- ready we have to support the beams with acroprops, and if we are not careful we shall not be able to ring the bells. If you felt able to contribute even a small amount to keeping Holy Cross ‘alive’ for this and for future generations, we should be extremely grateful. There will be a letter included in this edition of Village Voice for the people living in parish, but if you live else- where and would like to contribute, please get in touch. In the meantime, back to the work of sharing God’s love with all – especially the lonely, the griev- ing, the sick and the marginalised as well as those preparing for marriage and christenings.

God bless you all. Maria. Rev. Dr Maria Hearl Tel 01884 256380 Email [email protected]

May in our two churches

Sunday 5th Holy Cross 6.30 p.m. Evensong Friday 10th Holy Cross 12.30 p.m. Wedding of Lee Kilpatrick and Katie Acreman Sunday 12th St Margaret’s 9.30 a.m. Parish Communion followed by refreshments Sunday 19th Holy Cross 11.15 a.m. Family Service with christening of James Small Sunday 26th Holy Cross 11.15 a.m. Parish Communion St Margaret’s 6.30 p.m. Evensong and JUNE Tuesday 4th 10.30 – 12.00 Coffee morning in Sampford Arundel Parish Room in aid of Holy Cross PARISH COUNCIL NEWS.

AGM SAMPFORD ARUNDEL PARISH COUNCIL 7TH MAY 7.30PM @ Parish Room Sampford Arundel.

Calling all Clubs, Committee’s and Societies. The AGM is an opportunity to engage with the Community and report activities. If you would like your report or information on the website please contact [email protected]

WELLINGTON WITHOUT PARISH COUNCIL Council meetings held at Beam Bridge Hotel 16TH JULY LITTER PICK @ FORD STREET. 7.30PM Contact Neil Dalton 665649.

Further details of Council activities may be found on their websites wellingtonwithoutpc@gmail and [email protected] JANET MORRIS

Hair Stylist

Gents, Ladies and Children

for appointment or consultation please call

01823 660191 or 07768648244

A member of the Freelance Hair Federation

Holywell Lake Holistic Therapy

Aromatherapy Deep Tissue Massage Indian Head Massage Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage Lower Leg & Foot Massage

Ladies Massage Therapy at The Old School studio To book an appointment please call: 07989

022160

Kimberley Khanna ITEC Diploma in Holistic therapy For Sale. Small portable electric sewing machine in working order. FOC. Modest donation to Holy Cross Repair project appre- ciated. Isobel Popplestone 664858 [email protected]

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DO YOU LOVE MUSIC? Exeter Symphony Orchestra at Exeter Cathedral Sat July 6th. Contact Cindy 673312 for details. ------

SAMPFORD WOMENS INSTITUTE

Sheena Holloway and Veronica Andrews, W.I members, gave us a hilarious presenta- tion focusing on their participation in the Bargain Hunt TV programme in 2010. After watching the Bargain Hunt programme Sheena and Veronica thought they would respond to the call for people to be Auditioned and give it a go... the only problem was that neither lady knew anything about Antiques..bit of a snag, but there was a Course coming up in a few months time at Denman, the WI College, perfect! All they needed to do, was go to Bristol for the Audition—and qualify. Having got horribly lost on the way to the Bristol TV studio, they played round and round the roundabouts.. several times!. With time getting short, they made a credit- able attempt to kidnap a local window cleaner they found up a ladder, to show them the way, but he was made of stern stuff, and probably worried too, when they told him he could leave his tackle behind! However his directions were good and they rolled into the BBC Studios. Working in front of the camera was fun but distracting.. added to by the fact that the Fleeces they were given to put on to get into the spirit of the show were xxx large - and both ladies are not tall and are of slight build! The ladies explained they know nothing of Antiques, and advised of their intended visit to Denman for the course, to learn all about it, but before that could happen Sheena and Veronica had notification about their appearance on the Bargain Hunt programme. Never daunted off they went - by the scenic route of course. Their expert was Phil Serrell, and their opponents were two ladies who were Guide Leaders from North Petherton, who did know about Antiques! Sheena and Veronica met all the teams that day, there were 16 people being filmed for the next 8 pro- grammes. The selected goods were entered into the Lawrences Antique sale in October and mixed with normal lots. Sheena and Veronica bought a Pump, a chair and a Trivett.. and Phil rounded it off with the Expert Buy of 2 glass eyes! The upshot was that they won the day.. And when they finally went on to the Denman course, it was great fun.... Just a bit late! After tea and biscuits, came Branch business. The Air Ambulance acknowledged the recent donation with thanks, and items including the recent Group Meeting were dis- cussed. Forthcoming Events. April 18th Book Club, 29th Lunch at Rumwell Farm Shop, and Daytime Book Club, 2nd May Craft and Laugh,10th May ―Annie‖ @ The Wellesley. Next Months speaker: Emma Jones on The Wellington Monument. Church

SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB.

A visit to Oak Tree Court for tea starts the busy Summer programme. This is a return visit, after residents from Oak Tree Court enjoyed a trip to Sampford Farm and tea on the lawn, last summer. If you are interested in joining the Senior Citizens group, please contact Mrs Meale. Contact no. 01823 672080

————————————————————————————————— JOB OPPORTUNITY

I’m sure you know about the work that CCS do in your local community through our team of village, community and carer’s agents. We are currently expanding our team and are looking to recruit individuals who want to support their local area. We want to reach people who don’t necessarily have a background in similar work or relevant qualifications, but are supportive, approachable people who are passionate about their community, can use their initiative and have bucket loads of common sense.

If you have any capacity to promote the opportunities that we have available within your local area, we would really appreciate it.

The link to the website is below, where all of the roles are listed along with the relevant application forms.

The roles particularly aimed at include two West & Taunton Village Agents and a Transport Agent. https://somersetrcc.org.uk/recruitment/ Tracey McMenemy [email protected]

Keep the date -13th July, 2pm

FETE AND FLOWER SHOW

This years Fete and Flower Show will take place on Sat 13th July starting at 2pm. As usual the Flower Show will be in the Village Hall and the Fete on the Village Green. The popular Family Dog Show will be returning and entries will be taken on the day.

Anyone wishing to have a craft stall on the day at a cost of £10 please contact John Troake 01823 672065 or Lorraine Pinner 01823 664301

Sampford Arundel Gardening Club

A big change of routine for Sampford Arundel Garden Club at our April get-together! Instead of meeting in the evening of the second Thursday in the month, we were to be found at 9.00 am on the 13th, a bright, sunny Saturday morning, congregating in the village car park.

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As part of our 20th birthday celebrations, the club laid on a coach to take mem- bers to Cardiff for the RHS Spring Flower Show and, if the mood took, to do a little big-city shopping There were fine floral displays at the show, many highlight- ing spring bulbs of course, and stalls tempting us with all things horticultural – bulbs, plants, gadgets and ornaments of all sorts and prices.

It was a strong-willed member that bought noth- ing and most of us came away heavily laden with shopping as well.

They say a change is as good as a rest and on Sat- urday we had both as more than a few found their eye- lids heavy on the journey home in the safe hands of our driver Steve from Berry’s Coaches.

Our next event will be a visit to the gardens at Little Yarford Farmhouse, on 16th May and, following that, on the 13th June, we will be going to JW Blooms Cut Flower Nursery at Hillcommon. Also, don’t forget that the Sampford Arundel Fete and Flower Show will be on Saturday 13thJuly, so make sure this is in your diary [and that you are planning your exhibits!]. If you would like to join us for either of our visits please contact Sue or Nick Matthews on 01823 672662.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.. To Sampford Arundel Parish Council and Parish Council

Due to the closure of Print Shop we have had to seek new Printers for the Village Voice. To assist us during the change over period and enable the Voice to continue, both of our local Parish Councils have donated £100 .

——————————————————————————————— Help at hand for disadvantaged children

Have you ever wondered what would be the best way to help children who are living in difficult circum- stances? Most of you reading this lead comfortable lives. But there are hundreds of children across Som- erset growing up in families which are struggling to cope, due to unemployment and a wide range of per- sonal problems.

Research shows that providing a mentor for a young person from a disadvantaged background can make a significant difference for them. PROMISEworks is a Somerset charity which recruits, trains, matches and supports local volunteer mentors, each of whom then builds a close, long-term relationship with a disadvantaged youngster.

When asked about their own experiences, the responses of the young people have been heart-warming: ―She takes the stone from my heart‖, and ―Mentors are like pillars. If they weren’t there the roof would fall in‖.

We have more than 60 mentors already operating in Somerset and are looking to double this number over the next year or so. Many of the children and young people we support are on the edge of, or have recently left, the care system.

PROMISEworks is keen to find more people to volunteer as mentors, and to raise funds to support our work. If you could help with either of these, please visit our website at www.promiseworks.org.uk. Thank you. Michael Fox

———————————————————————————————————————————————————— Repair Cafe™ in Wellington

Saturday June 15th, 10 am – 12 noon at the Baptist Church hall, South Street, Wellington. Bring items for repair: electrical items, bicycles, clothing and textiles, small furniture, garden tools, computers; tool-sharpening service. Experts will be on hand to carry out repairs, and demonstrate the necessary skills. Refreshments available. No entry fee, but donations welcomed. Organised by Transition Town Wellington in association with Somerset Waste Partnership. Visit: www.repaircafe.org to find out more about the international Repair Cafe™ movement

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HELP!! Your Village Voice needs YOU.. If being involved in producing the Village magazine interests you, contact any of the Editors to find out more. Photographing Wildlife (Part 3)

In this issue, I am continuing from last month with my top tips for photographing wildlife…..

Get eye-level with the animal: Applying this to your photography will drastically improve your pho- tos and is often the main difference between beginner’s and expert’s photos. By being level with the eye, it suddenly seems like you have entered the animal's world and thus makes the photo more en- gaging for the viewer. With small animals, this often means you will have to lie on the ground get the right angle but believe me, it's worth it!

Use the rule of odds: This simply means including an odd number of subjects in your photo. For some reason, it is more pleasing to our eyes when there are one or three points of interest rather than two. However, with wildlife photography, it is often impossible to control the number of subjects in your viewfinder and some photos need to have two subjects. But if you just apply it when you can, you will find they will have stronger compositions. Also, remember that a subject doesn’t have to be an animal; a nice flower or leaf can be a point of interest too.

Shoot at the right time of day: Lots of people think that a sunny afternoon is the best time of day because more light equals faster shutter speed. Actually, this is the worst time to go out because the sun is right above the subject and this can cause bad shadows. Also, because the ground will be warming up by then, you might have a problem with heat distortion, which will produce unsharp im- ages. So, if you want the best light, you should shoot either in the morning or evening. This is be- cause the sun will be to the side of the animal and light up its whole side. The light is also a golden colour at these hours, which produces a beautiful warm glow to your photos. But if you have to go out in the middle of the day, make sure it’s cloudy so you won’t get any harsh shadows.

Benjamin Bond Wildlife Enthusiast / Photographer

Want to ask Benjamin a wildlife or photography question? Email: [email protected]

Variable Oystercatcher at Cook’s Beach, New Zealand. I took this photo at sunset to take advan- tage of the great light and got down low to be level with its eye.

WHATS ON. May 23rd Beam Bridge Hotel Comedy Night May Blue Ball Inn Quiz every second Tuesday in month Open Mic last Sun in month June 4th Coffee Morning at Parish Room in aid of the Church

CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS.

Church—Holy Cross and St Margarets Rev .Dr Maria Hearl 01884 256380 [email protected] White Knights Table Tennis, Parish Room. Monday eve. Contact Phil 660857 Womens Institute, Parish Room Contact Susan Bellringer 666432 Gardening Club, Parish Room Nick and Sue Matthews 01823 672662 Senior Citizens Club, Parish Room Margaret Meale 01823 672080 Sampford Cricket Club, Keith Crockett 01823 66406 Sampford Baby and Toddler Group Sarah Kent 07919 182234 Sampford Parish Room—To hire: D Alford 07866 606263 [email protected] PCSO Vicky Henderson 07889 655302 Non emergency number 101 Emergency No. 999 Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Rural Crime Team 07492 888109 VILLAGE VOICE INFORMATION. Please send items for publication by the 15th of the month, to one of the editors shown below, preferably by e-mail. Late e-mails may not be pub- lished until the following edition. If you have something to say, or views to be aired in our letters column, send us an e-mail. Editors. June:- Maria Hearl 01884 256380 [email protected] July - Amy Bridle [email protected] Aug - Sue Marshall [email protected] 01823 673079 Treasurer Kathleen Hill 01823 672377

EDITORIAL POLICY.

Please note that the views expressed in this magazine are the responsibility of the au- thor(s) and are not necessarily the views held by the editors. The Editors reserve the right to withhold any items they consider libellous, offensive or illegal.

THE VILLAGE VOICE IS PRINTED BY SHARPER PRINT. DUNKESWELL. For all your printing needs contact Matt or Steve at Sharper Print 07906 752190 or e-mail [email protected]