NT KN E OL R L B
MARCH 2014 35p LANZA HAIRCARE EST. 1994 HAIR BY DESIGN HAIR EXTENSION SPECIALISTS
For the ultimate hairstyling experience we will make every clients visit unique, and work with you to create your own individual style. Sam is now offering RACOON HAIR EXTENSIONS, everything from simply refreshing your current style to developing a whole new image. Lisa, Rachael, Sam and Lauren thank all their existing clients for their continuous support. Hair by Design will be closed on Mondays A WARM WELCOME AWAITS ALL. Gift vouchers are available for all treatments The Pines, Brent Street, Brent Knoll Call us now on 01278 760 506
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The Parish of Three Saints St Christopher, Lympsham St Michael, Brent Knoll St Mary, East Brent BAPTISM WEDDING When do we hold baptisms? How do we book our wedding? - on the fourth or fifth Sunday of a month at - please contact our Parish Administrator in 12.15pm or 1.15pm; the Church Office, who will discuss with we normally have one family at each time, you availability of dates and times; will talk however, there may be occasions when we to you about the qualifying connection you have another child to baptise and so there have with the parish; and will take you and will be two families together; your fiancé’s details; - or at our regular worship on a Sunday - you will then be contacted by our vicar to morning at 10.00am; arrange a date to meet.
There will be exceptions due to the church CHURCH OFFICE calendar Church Road, East Brent, TA9 4HZ How do you book a baptism? E-mail: [email protected] - collect an application form the Church Phone: 01278 769082 Office Open Tuesday & Wednesday,
10.30am-3.30pm Priest in Charge Revd. Simon Lewis The Rectory, Ash Trees, East Brent [email protected] PCC Secretary Sandra Hanmer 01934 750076 Churchwardens Miss Frances James 760 287 Mr Mike Smith 760 691 Services for March 2014 Date Service Time Church 2nd March Holy Communion - BCP 8.00am St. Michael’s Brent Knoll 1 before Lent All-sorts-Worship 11.00am St. Mary’s East Brent 5th March Ash Wednesday Eucharist 7.30pm St. Mary’s East Brent 9th March Holy Communion - BCP 8.00am St. Michael’s Brent Knoll Lent 1 Eucharist 10.00am St. Mary’s East Brent Iona Worship 5.30pm St. Mary’s East Brent 16th March Holy Communion - BCP 8.00am St. Christopher’s Lympsham Lent 2 Eucharist 10.00am St. Michael’s Brent Knoll 23rd March Holy Communion - BCP 8.00am St. Mary’s East Brent Lent 3 Eucharist 10.00am St. Christopher’s Lympsham Evening Prayer – Said 6.30pm St. Michael’s Brent Knoll 30th March All-sorts-Worship + Holy Mothering Sunday communion 10.00am St. Mary’s East Brent Every Tuesday Holy Communion 2.30pm St. Mary’s East Brent Every Wednesday Holy Communion 10.00am St. Christopher’s Lympsham St Michael’s Sidesmen Rota 2nd March 8.00am Michael Champion 9th March 8.00am Michael Champion 16th March 10.00am John Harper & Michael Smith 23rd March 6.30pm Sally Wingate 4
METHODIST CHURCH Minister Revd. Andrew Biggs I promised myself last month that I would write a whole article without mentioning the weather but I fear I can't avoid it. I seem to have spent 6 weeks complaining about the constant onslaught of rain and gales, but my moans pale into insignificance compared to the suffering of those on the Levels and surrounding areas. All those affected have been, and will continue to be, in our prayers at Brent Knoll. Lent is late this year and Rev Andrew Biggs will be leading our Ash Wednesday service (5th March) here at Brent Knoll Methodist Church at 12pm. In addition, Rev Margaret Trapp will be taking our Lent course which begins on Monday 10th March at 2.30pm and will be followed by refreshments. We would love to see you at either/both of these. As always, a warm welcome is assured. Our regular Emmaus course takes place on Thursday 13th March at 2.30pm. Wishing you all a safe, dry and calm March. God bless. Rosemary Krull Preachers for March at 10.30am 2nd March : Rev Andrew Biggs (Holy Communion) 9th March : Rev Robert Channon (Link Service at East Brent Methodist Church) 16th March : Mr Robin Jenks 23rd March : Rev Stanley Pipet 30th March : Mrs Julie Biggs (Mothering Sunday) Toddlers It is lovely to think that March sees the beginning of Spring and we are looking forward to changing our display boards to reflect the new season. World Book Day is on 6th March this year and is the biggest celebration of books and reading in the world. We will have Book Day Tokens for all the toddlers so they can visit a bookshop and choose a book for themselves or buy one of the specially produced books, which for our age group, will be either 'Hello Hugless Douglas' or 'Little Book Day Parade'. They sound fun! Note for your diary: The last day of term will be Tuesday 1st April. Jane BRENT KNOLL AND MARK TENNIS CLUB The next Tennis Club Winter Whist Drive is on Monday 10th March at Ivy Clad Hall at 7pm. Admission £1.50 with prizes and a raffle. David Outfin St Michael’s Church Register Holy Baptism George and Henry Brookes Isabella Rose Benson Women’s World Day of Prayer Friday, 7th March 10.30am St. Christopher’s Lympsham Theme: “Streams in the Desert” All Welcome. Refreshments and Fair-Trade Stall 5 Kingfisher Windows Local Family Business Est. 1986 by John Fisher
For all your Windows, Doors, Cladding and Conservatory needs Tel: 01278 760 616 www.kingfishercheddar.co.uk Come and see us at our showroom Unit 8, Mill Batch Farm East Brent, Somerset. TA9 4JN
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Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 6 Woodlands Country House Hotel & Restaurant Hill Lane, Brent Knoll Tel: 01278 760232 A Special House for your Special Occasion Woodlands is a very popular venue for weddings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations or special occasions. Catering can be tailored to your budget. Cash bar available. email: [email protected] www.woodlands-hotel.co.uk Phone 01278 760 232 to book your special occasion
ROGER KEEN Carpentry & General Home Maintenance Kitchens & bathrooms fitted or re-fitted (complete or partial refit or repair) Doors trimmed and re-hung; shelves, cupboards & wardrobes custom-made to fit awkward spaces. Estimates without obligation Public Liability Insurance; No VAT Call: Roger Keen - Tel. 01278 782909 or 07795 415474
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PANCAKES, TEA & COFFEE, BRING & BUY SATURDAY, 1ST MARCH 11.00am – 2.00pm IN THE PARISH HALL No booking – just turn up!!! This event is hosted by, and in aid of, the Royal British Legion Women’s Section (registered charity number 219279). PLANT SALE & OPEN GARDEN At ROOKERY HOUSE THE CAUSEWAY, MARK TA9 4QH on B3139 (ST 372 477)
SATURDAY 3rd MAY 10.30am TO 1pm PLANTS, CAKES EASY PARKING
Exhibitions, Raffle IN FIELD OPPOSITE,
Activities foor your children thanks to M/s. G. Isgar £2 INCLUDING COFFEE or TEA Somerset Wildlife Trust, Tonedale Mill, Tonedale, Wellington TA21 0AW Tel: 01823 652400 www.somersetwildlife.org 8
Just a thought! LifeAttitudes Your local Parish is running a five week course in March, exploring and grappling with eight radical sayings from Scripture described as beautiful attitudes. They contain both values for living and promises of blessing. Christianity is essentially a 'lifestyle' religion. It is as much about what and who we are as about what we say or believe. The Scriptures are not primarily books of principle or policy, but rather stories of how the possibility of God has made an impact on and shaped the lives of those who have heard its message. We live in a rapidly changing world, where people are less interested in religious activity than in 'spirituality', and more interested in 'resources for living' than in religious principles and creeds. In a climate where lifestyle and well-being are major preoccupations, where values and codes are judged by whether they work, and rights seem more important than responsibilities, the challenge for the Church is twofold: to equip those who have a relationship with God more wholly to live their faith; and to demonstrate to those outside the Church, that the possibility of God makes sense of the whole of life. These Beatitudes (beautiful attitudes) focus our minds on what makes us truly happy. They: • challenge our deepest personal values; • speak to our relationships with those who are closest to us, to our friends, our neighbours, and to our work context; • address the culture, values and political structures of the country in which we live; • impact on our attitude to, and connection with, major global issues such as environmental pollution and the deep-seated hostility and injustices that affect our world. JUST A THOUGHT, these beautiful attitudes are costly and life-changing and cut across the values of our changing times, so come and see for yourself. DATES OF THIS LENT COURSE Day: Saturday 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th March & 5th April. Time: We start at 8.15am with breakfast (toast, croissant, Danish-pastry, tea, coffee, juice). At 8.45am we begin our listening, reflection and talking. We finish at 10.00am. Where: St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll Simon Lewis, Priest-in-Charge Fun in February Thank you brave souls in gumboots for turning up and good to see new faces. The hedge is almost finished but we have a promise from someone to complete the job. All the masses of bulbs got planted too which was amazing and muddy work. Once again we were kept going with food and drinks organised by Jane, Weit and Julie. Thank you so much. Hard when you don't know how many will turn up, but much appreciated. Once again lucky with the weather though more Mud in February than Fun. Sue Boss 9 THE FROCK SHOP Rebecca Southwell Dress Agency MBCha Mssch Itec Hons MGCP Brent Knoll’s Best Kept Secret Chiropody & Holistic Therapies Quality new and nearly Reflexology and Chiropody' new designer Home Visiting Service labels at Tel: 01278 795 915 discounted HPC Registered prices NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Adam Popham Director 10am – 4pm Mon to Sat A M P Electrical (SW) Ltd 11am - 3pm Sunday Domestic/Commercial/Agicultural Situated behind The Acorns Café local Electrical contractor (formerly The Goat House) All aspects of electrical work On the A38 at Brent Knoll undertaken in a courteous, friendly 01278 760 800 and professional manner www.thefrockshopuk.com Mark, Somerset, 07738221754 KATE REEDER Chartered Physiotherapist Acupuncturist Clinical Pilates Instructor Clinics & Pilates Classes At Yarlington Barn, Lympsham Back Pain and Sciatica Neck Pain & Headaches Sports Injuries Joint and Muscle Pain The Old Manor Tel: 07922284356 Bristol Road e-mail: Rooksbridge Somerset [email protected] web: Tel: 01934 751105 www.yarlingtonbarn.co.uk PleasePl mention ti the th Brent B t Knoll K l News when replying to adverts 10
Holywell Nursing Home
Brent Street, Brent Knoll, Somerset, TA9 4BB Telephone: 01278 760 601 Fax: 01278 760 912 Email: [email protected]
Registered Provider and Matron: Sarah Joyce RMN RGN
At Holywell we believe that all who use our services should feel welcome, safe and in control. That their rights to have choice, independence, dignity, privacy and fulfillment are respected.
Holywell is registered and regulated by the Care Quality Commission and has been awarded the Quality Rating with Somerset Social Services.
We now have accommodation for 30 residents.
All rooms are ensuite and our recent upgrade includes a second lift, extra bathroom with ceiling hoist and a shower/wet room. The kitchen is now in the centre of the Nursing Home, by the dining room.
We can offer long term care, short term or respite care, from one night to however long is required, day care or visit for a meal or bath/shower. Drop in information service, we are here to help and support our local community.
We also welcome volunteers especially to help our less able to enjoy their meals, perhaps hand massage or give a hand with the activity ladies.
People coming to live here are encouraged to bring with them items to personalize their rooms.
We operate an open house policy, visitors are welcome at any time that the resident is happy to see them.
A brochure is available which includes our Philosophy of Care and Statement of Purpose.
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Holiday Accommodation Three bedroom apartment, sleeping five. Overlooking the harbour. In Porthmadog, Gwynedd, North Wales. Porthmadog has a rich maritime and railway history, being the terminus of both the Welsh Highland Railway and the Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway. An excellent base for touring the surrounding area. The famous Italianate village of Portmeirion, built by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, is just 2 miles away, whilst Criccieth and Harlech castles are within easy reach. As are Mt Snowdon, Caernarfon and Anglesey. The apartment has good views of the harbour and the Ffestiniog Railway terminus. The shops are less than a five minute walk and the nearest beach at Borth-y-Guest a 15 minute walk. Ample local walking in breath taking scenery. For more details please contact Jenny on 01278 760477 or 07748 781 593
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Leprosy Mission and Stamps Some people may just be wondering how used stamps can help transform lives, but, truly, by rescuing the most common stamps from envelopes we can provide healthcare and education and work opportunities to people in real need. Last year the stamps and collectables we all sent in raised £122,610 – there’s a thought! – people all over Britain saving stamps, with a 5mm (¼ inch in proper measures!) border around them, giving them to someone like me and raising thousands. So thank you to you all for dropping your stamps into the village shop and thank you again to Caroline for having the small white plant-holder by the door to put them in. Do continue. Collectables include:- Postcards (used and unused), Old notes and coins; Cigarette cards; Medals; Old Matchbox collections. Pauline Chadwick, 760 224 BRENT KNOLL BAZAAR FARMERS’ MARKET & PARISH CAFÉ SATURDAY 8th March at Brent Knoll Parish Hall - 10.00am to 12 noon Locally produced Fresh Beef, Pork, Chicken, Eggs, Cheese, Pickles & Preserves Asian Food, Vegetable Stall, Speciality Bread, Westcroft Cider, Homemade Cakes and Savouries, Phoenix Cards, Handmade Cards, Silver and Beaded Jewellery, Children’s Games, Toys and Puzzles, Local Crafts, Textiles, etc., CDs, DVDs, Books and Bric-a-Brac Plus Raffle The Parish Café will be serving Bacon and Sausage Butties and light snacks Entrance FREE Good Quality, clean items for BRIC-A-BRAC stall will be appreciated, (collection or delivery) or to Book a Table (£7 per table) Phone Eddie Fuller (01278 760 308) Proceeds to Brent Knoll Parish Hall Village Agent News It is with regret that I write to inform everyone in the parishes of Berrow, Brean, Brent Knoll, East Brent, Lympsham and Burnham Without, that I have resigned as Village Agent with effect from 14th February. This is due to recently increased family commitments. I have enjoyed the role of village agent and done my best to pioneer this new initiative in the community. I am sure that my successor will be able to carry the work on; to ensure that no-one in our rural areas is left out in the cold in any way. Thank you to all who have supported me over the past 15 months. Christine Stephens 13 CHELSEA FARM CENTRE LTD HARP RD, BRENT KNOLL, SOMERSET TA9 4HQ TEL: 01278 760 480 PLUGS - PLANTS - BULBS - HANGING BASKETS - TUBS - PERENNIALS - SHRUBS ALL PLANTS IN THEIR SEASON CITROEN SPECIALISTS - PARTS, REPAIRS, SERVICING OPEN 7 DAYS PARKING FACILITIES
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ell D.O.D.O. andand AmeliaAmelia DaviesDavies BScBSc Registered Osteopaths
Holiday Home for Happy Cats MRS PAT PAULSON, WICKNOLL HOUSE, BURTON ROW, BRENT KNOLL, TA9 4BX Tel 01278 769078 - Mobile 07860 404062 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 15
WHERE IN OUR VILLAGE Each month the BKN will have a small picture quiz – no prizes, but I hope you may enjoy guessing where the object shown is located within the Parish boundary. Last month’s object sits astride the gate post of Middle Street Farm, which, unsurprisingly, is in Middle Street. This month’s object seems very relevant to the weather we have been experiencing. So where is the River Knoll? The answer and another object will be shown next month. JaPe Quick Crossword 1 2 34567
8 9
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12 13 14 15 16
17
18 19 20 21
22 23
24 25
Across Down 1) Remedial Treatment (7) 1) Browned under Grill (7) 5) Sammy ______Jnr (5) 2) Makes money (5) 8) Showery Month (5) 3) At any Rate (5) 9) Considerably (7) 4) Jerked Sharply (6) 10) Having made a Will (7) 5) From the Netherlands (5) 11) Intoxicating (5) 6) Oscillate (6) 12) Stout White Cotton (6) 7) Demurely (5) 14) Small Islands (6) 13) Clothes to be fixed (7) 18) Trousers in America (5) 15) Joins together by Inter-lapping (7) 20) Barking Shrilly (7) 16) Propose (7) 22) Homage (7) 17) Me, in Person (6) 23) Stop (5) 18) Colourful Part of a Flower (5) 24) Of the Law (5) 19) Light Oar (5) 25) Quickest (7) 21) Furious (5) 16
At our January meeting we enjoyed another fascinating talk by Yvonne Bell. She seems to be an avid collector of items and information on assorted, unrelated subjects. Yvonne brought relevant items to illustrate her talk, which we were invited to handle and examine. At our next meeting we look forward to learning about hats from Sue Bell. Next meeting – 19th March – Sue Bell – A Head for Hats We are a very friendly group and we welcome new members of all ages. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month, so just come along to a meeting or contact Joy Collett - 01278 760 458. Trish Mace WI CRAFT GROUP Our next meeting will be on Monday March 17th at 2.30pm in the Methodist Church School room. We are a small group who meet to knit, chat and have a cuppa. As well as knitting for our usual charities, Romania and Mission to Seafarers, we also now knit for Somewhere to Go, a Weston based charity helping the homeless and vulnerable. We are grateful to those who are unable to attend our meetings but still donate wool or knitted items to us. For any further information please contact me on 760 691. Margaret Smith Quotes and Tips from the Farmer’s Wife March New Moon, March 1st, this is also St David’s Day, patron saint of Wales; to celebrate, wear a daffodil. March 4th Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, luck will follow by giving a pancake to the first dark haired gentleman who comes to your door. March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers. If you’re travelling, prepare for all weathers, March is known to be the month of all weathers. When the wind is in the East, ‘tis neither good for man nor beast, If apple blossom comes in March, for cider barrels, don’t you search, When April brings the trees in bloom, the piper plays a merry tune, But if all the trees bloom white in May, there’ll be apples for cider and dumplings each day. The quantity of rain in January and February will have drained the nutrients out of the soil; a good replacement is seaweed, either from the seashore or in a liquid form. Don’t walk over wet soil, this will make it compact, especially clay soil, which takes a lot of rain to soak, and a long time dry time to dry out. Farmer’s Wife FRONT COVER Photo Thank you to Tony Gilbert for this Month’s photo; maybe Spring is on the way after all!! Ed Just for Fun – More Insults! "He is a self-made man and worships his creator." - John Bright The Friendly Pharmacist 17
PETER EVERETT Registered Osteopath Misted Up Double Glazed Can now be seen at the addresses below: - Unit Replacement Broken Glass Repairs Highbridge Berrow Medical Centre Medical Centre New Work Pepperall Road Berrow Health Campus Highbridge Brent Road Somerset Burnham-on-Sea Mirrors TA9 3YA TA8 2JU Tel: 01278 793223 01278 793223 Mobile: 07539 291804
Practice premises: - Tel/Fax: 01278 794510 12 Woodborough Rd, e-mail: Winscombe BS25 1AA [email protected] 01934 844764
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OFSTED Registered OUTSTANDING NURSERY EDUCATION (OFSTED June 08) x Full Day Care 8am-6pm x Mon-Fri (Term Time) x Ages 2 Years to 11 Years x Free places available for 3 and 4 year olds Tel: 01278 769126 Kathryn Talbot Office and Secretarial Services
Secretarial Services - Presentations, proof-reading, day-to-day correspondence, dissertations, leaflets, brochures/fliers, telephone/audio dictation, mailing lists, spreadsheets, invoices, CIS monthly returns, etc. Short/Long Term Office Support - Efficient, reliable, professional service PA Support - Diary management, event planning, travel arrangements, etc. Kennet House, 127 Brent Street, Brent Knoll, Somerset, TA9 4BB Tel/Fax: 01278 760393 Email: [email protected] 'HFLVLRQ3RZHUa:HEVLWH'HVLJQDQG&RQVXOWLQJ 4XDOLW\:HEVLWHVDW5HDOLVWLF3ULFHVIRU &RQVXOWLQJ &RUSRUDWH%XVLQHVV ,7'HYHORSPHQW 3ULYDWH%XVLQHVV 3URFHVV0DSSLQJ 6FKRROVDQG2UJDQLVDWLRQV 3ODQQLQJDQG/RJLVWLFV +ROLGD\+RPHV 'DWDEDVH'HYHORSPHQW %HGDQG%UHDNIDVW+ROLGD\2XWOHWV ,76ROXWLRQV7UDLQLQJ +REELHVDQG6SHFLDOLVW$FWLYLWLHV :HEVLWH6XSSRUWDQG+RVWLQJ &DOO'DYH0F0LOODQRQ Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 19
Brent Knoll House Histories Early Maps – 16 Last month I suggested I would look at Battleborough Lane, as well as the A38. On looking back at the first Early Maps article, I realised that the area around the Fox and Goose (White Cross) and Battleborough Lane had already been discussed. That does, however, leave the area further along the highway. I also numbered the last article incorrectly – it should have been 15, not 14, which correctly applied to the previous month. Before discussing them, though, a short mention of a comment passed to me during the month. I had mentioned Frederick Luff as the landlord of the Fox and Goose, which at the time of the Tithe Map (1842), was owned by George Barons Northcote. Someone suggested that there was a Mr Luff who lived in Chelsea Cottage and was an agricultural labourer. It was also suggested that the Fox and Goose was run by Mrs Roberts and then by Mr Scobles. Both these comments are almost certainly true, but there is a difference of a century between them. I was referring to 1842 and the other comments referred to sometime in living memory. I mention this here only because I am always delighted when people do offer information, or even point out mistakes, as that helps to fill in gaps or to rectify false assumptions. So please feel free to mention any discrepancies or anomalies you may find. The A38 was named as such in 1922, when it ran from Plymouth to Derby, though later it was extended to Bodmin in the south and Mansfield in the north. It is nearly 300 miles long. Prior to that there was a road run by the Bristol Turnpike Trust which ran through the village and had cast-iron mile-posts every mile. Unfortunately, of the two which were in Brent Knoll, one has been completely lost and the other has recently been vandalised (right). Until recently it had the date 1837 at the top of the central column. As can be seen from the picture of the road running past the Fox and Goose it was not nearly as wide as it has become, but also it did not follow quite the same route as it does now. The map shown below is the 1811 map for this area and it shows field 11 with a property in it, which had disappeared by the time of the Tithe Map, but is very close to where the Brent House is now. Continued on page 20 20
Brent Knoll House Histories - Continued Today the property shown in field 6 is South View Farm, which still remains and is the house close by the roundabout. At the time of the Tithe Map, it was owned by John Caple and is recorded as a house, garden and orchard. As it is close to the modern A38, it can be inferred that the route taken by this road has changed since that period. There is a property, between the A38 and the motorway, known today as Sunnydale (“A” on the Google Map below), which may be on the ancient route, and Chapel Farm, to its north-east (“B”), has a lane leading from it (marked in black), which leads to the bank of the Blind Pill Rhyne, where it turns towards Rooksbridge. Prior to the Turnpike this was probably the main road to South Brent. At Chapel Farm, another lane leads towards East Brent, crossing the current A38 and joining with the Old Bristol Road. When the turnpike arrived, this ancient route was lost as that went from Rooksbridge, down the Old Bristol Road to East Brent, before making a sharp turn to return towards South Brent. In the twentieth century, the new Bristol Road bypassed East Brent and later modifications became necessary when the motorway was built. Two other houses are shown on the 1811 map. One is close behind what is now known as Knoll Farm, down Jarvis Lane. The current farm is now a part of East Brent but the property previously at its rear, had become, by the time of the Tithe Map, merely a garden, B owned by Robert Poole, who also owned a number of local fields which he rented out. The final house still exists at A the rear of the orchard, which can be seen on your left as you leave the East Brent roundabout. It was not on the 1811 map, but was owned by Robert Poole in 1842, so it may be that he, or a predecessor, moved there from the one behind Knoll Farm. John Page An Open letter to Jane Moreton Dear Jane, Thank you for the warning to drivers – I didn’t know about 112 until I read that, but will certainly remember it, also the point about unmarked cars. I, too, drive alone on the motorways of Britain, so thank you for the useful advice. Yours sincerely, Pauline Chadwick 21
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Greenslade Taylor Hunt 75-77 High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 1NW T: 01278 782326, Email: [email protected]
Residential ■ Lettings ■ Agricultural ■ Commercial ■ Fine Art ■ Land & Planning Somerset ■ Dorset ■ Devon ■ London
)ORULGD9LOOD +HDWHG3RRO)RXUEHGURRPV PLQXWHVIURP'LVQH\IURP SHUZHHN $YDLODEOHWKURXJKRXWWKH\HDU &RQWDFW6XHDQG'DYH0F0LOODQ ZZZRXUYLOODIORULGDFRXN RU DQG 6NLDSDUWPHQWLQ)UHQFK$OSVIRUUHQW ZZZSX\VWYLQFHQWFRXN Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 22
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Women’s Society It was so encouraging to see so many members at our last meeting when Mrs June Hill gave us such an interesting talk about the children she visits at a school in Mombasa. June is a volunteer for the charity “Educate the Kids” and she explained that, for as little as £7 a month, a child in Mombasa can be educated. We were able to see photos of the children and many of us had knitted teddy bears that June will take on her next visit. Thank you to all those who knitted a bear and to others that may have volunteered to sponsor a child. Our next meeting is on February 27th at the home of Dot and John Hatfield, Park Lodge, Brent Street. There we shall see their daughter Julie’s DVD of the cycle ride she took part in, cycling across Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The cycle ride is to raise funds for Women’s Health throughout the world. On Thursday March 27th we meet for our Hot Pot Supper at Julie’s house, Wick Farm, Wick Lane. You would be very welcome to join us at any of our meetings; we meet at 8pm on the last Thursday of the month. Lifts can be arranged by telephoning: 01278 760 148. Ann Women’s Institute Our speaker at the February meeting was Edith Foch who spoke about her dream to establish a medical centre in Mbengwi, Cameroon. Her vision is to give hope to the less privileged and educate them in health care so that people know what to do when they become ill. The health centre was completed in May 2013 and is up and running with a doctor and nurses, all thanks to fund raising by Edith and generous donations. Eileen Goundry won the Flower of the Month competition with a snowdrop. At the meeting on March 12th, 2.30pm at the Parish Hall, the Freewheelers Emergency Volunteer Service will tell us about their work. JMG “Meet & Eat” Our next Meet and Eat will be held on Monday March 17th (St Patrick’s Day) in the Nuttall Room in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 12.30pm. Please book with Liz by Friday March 14th on 760 810. We always welcome new diners. Do come and join us and have wholesome food in good company. We look forward to seeing you. Liz, Rosemary, Bella and Weit NGS Open Gardens Make sure you have Sunday July 13th in your diaries for the National Gardens scheme Open Gardens day, which this year, is being combined with the Plant Heritage Specialist Plant Fair. A longer day this year as we will be open from 11am to 6pm. Refreshments and teas. Details in the Yellow Book and Somerset leaflet - the Gardens opening will be :- Burrows Green - Yvonne Radford Laburnum Cottage - Cathy Weber Ball Copse Hall - Sue Boss and Tony Hill - refreshments and plant sale will be here See you all here too! Sue Boss 24
An invitation to a fun evening! Please make a date in your diary for a fun-evening – we’d love to see you in support of the Somerset Levels RDA carriage-driving group. st x The date: Saturday 1 March 2014, from 7.30pm
x The venue: The Watchfield Inn (www.watchfieldinn.com)
x The ticket price: Just £15 per person
x The fun-formula: - “Live” music from The Fallen Apples (http://www.thefallenapples.com/) – play their online video for a taster, or better still watch some of their performances at: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The%20Fallen%20Apples&sm=3 - A buffet meal - Dancing: or just toe-tapping if you prefer; - Sing-along: you’ll recognise most of the Fallen Apples’ repertoire – but we’ll also have sing-along-fun while they’re taking their break (we’ll provide the words and accompaniment to the songs you’ll know); - A prize-quiz: while you’re eating, you can test your knowledge of ‘60s music (we’ll provide everyone with a questionnaire – and we’ll present the winner with a bottle of Champagne); - Prize Skittles: Our function room has two skittle alleys! We’re planning a “sudden death” tournament, with the winning team sharing a bottle of Champagne – and another bottle for the top-scorer! - A ticket raffle: every ticket will have a number: that is your entry to a single- prize raffle to win a ……. it’s great, but it’s a secret! Get your tickets by phoning Caroline and David at 01278 760 621 or e-mail:- [email protected]. David Sturgess 25
We are a family run Brent Knoll based company .Established in 1989 Services we provide:- Lawn Mowing & Maintenance Strimming / Brushcutting Hedge Cutting All aspects of Tree Work Garden Clearance Regular Garden Maintenance Removal of Garden Waste 'Licensed Carrier - Fully Insured Weed Killing, Fence Treatment Local Authority Work Tel: 01278 760 815 Mob: 07730 435038
Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 26 Your Local Family Will Writing Service Est 2003 Home Visiting Free initial Advice Wills and Trusts Lasting Power of Attorney Secure Document Storage Pre Paid Funeral Plans Fully CRB Checked References provided Professional Indemnity Cover Contact Owen J Cullwick 01278 794 463 07927 445 215 [email protected]
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Make a date - May 10th 7.30pm at Brent Knoll Parish Hall Have you heard of the “Freewheelers EVS Blood Bikes”? It is a Voluntary Service and a registered charity that provides a free out-of-hours motorcycle courier service to hospitals in the South West of England. Our local men’s choir “Cheddar Male Choir” will be performing along with Francesca Bowkett and possibly another lady soloist to help raise money for this exceptional charity. Tickets are just £5. These will be on sale in advance as they will go quickly. See next month for how to get a couple (or more). If you’d like to find out more about the Blood Bikers, then take a look at their website on: http://www.freewheelers.org.uk/ If you haven’t seen or heard the Cheddar Male Choir, then you can hear snippets on their website repertoire page: http://www.cheddarmvchoir.co.uk/repertoire.html For further details contact Sarah Joyce at Holywell 760 601 or 787 493 Sarah Brent Knoll CEVC Primary School The school has been busy, as always, with lots of exciting activities. Our infant children have been learning all about France. Their parents were invited to join them for a French breakfast at the start of term to launch this theme and this week, the children came to school with their suitcases and embarked on an imaginary trip to France. They made passports, went through security and passport control and thoroughly enjoyed trying out some French phrases when they arrived in “France”. Our older children and several parents helped by speaking French to them. This morning the infant children treated us to a wonderful assembly and impressed us all with what they had learned in the past six weeks. By the time you read this, they will have started a new theme, which is truly out of this world! We were pleased to be able to work with artist Judith Champion and musician Martin Smith earlier in the year. Judith came and worked with all the children as part of a project to design a new logo, and Martin worked with all the children to record two pieces of music. Both projects were brilliant experiences; the logo will be finalised very soon, and the finished pieces of music have been added to our new website. If any of you thought you spotted Henry VIII in Brent Knoll recently, you were not mistaken. He visited us and really brought the Tudor period to life for our older pupils. This week they have been busy creating collages of Henry VIII and some of his wives, which we’re looking forward to putting on display after half term. Today our year 5 and year 6 pupils had a fantastic time when they visited Bath University. As well as taking part in a tour of the campus and a variety of activities, they all took part in a mock graduation at the end of the day. We were particularly proud of the fact that so many people complimented the children on their excellent attitudes and behaviour throughout the day. Karen Davidson Post Office opening times From January 2014, the opening hours for Brent Knoll Post Office have changed to Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. The Village Shop hours remain the same as before: Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm and Saturday & Sunday from 8am – 12.30pm. 28
“200+ Club” – January and February Draws Thank you for helping us beat last year’s total number of members. We have therefore been able to increase the number of prizes from 111 to 113. The January and February draws took place at the February Village Bazaar with the numbers drawn by stall holders and shoppers. The winning numbers were:-
January No. Prize Name First Prize 233 £ 20 Mrs E.L. Smith Bristol Second Prize 295 £ 20 Mrs K.M. Roberts The Willows Brent Knoll Third Prize 330 £ 16 Mrs C. Trivett-Bill Brent Street Brent Knoll Fourth Prize 219 £ 12 Miss C.M. Wildash TonbridgeKent Fifth Prize 250 £ 12 Mr & Mrs G.P. Baker Moorside Avenue The Wirral Sixth Prize 244 £ 10 Mrs J. Warren Brent Street Brent Knoll Seventh Prize 262 £ 8 Drs A.J. Griffin & D.A. Yates Burton Row Brent Knoll Eighth Prize 224 £ 6 Mrs J. Warren Brent Street Brent Knoll February No. Prize Name First Prize 18 £ 20 Mrs M. Osborn Brent Street Brent Knoll Second Prize 136 £ 20 Mr & Mrs G.J. Aitken Brent Street Brent Knoll Third Prize 89 £ 16 Mr & Mrs P. McMahon Brent Street Brent Knoll Fourth Prize 135 £ 12 Mr & Mrs G.J. Aitken Brent Street Brent Knoll Fifth Prize 288 £ 12 Mrs A.C. Brown Harp Road Brent Knoll Sixth Prize 34 £ 10 Mrs B. Lashbrook Biddiscombe Close Bridgwater Seventh Prize 74 £ 8 Mr P.J. Bull Battleborough Lane Brent Knoll Eighth Prize 213 £ 6 Mrs M. Morriss Arlington Place Wales You can see all the “200+ Club” winners on the village website at www.brentknollvillage.info Thank you all for your continued support of the “200+ Club” and our Parish Hall. Bob Filmer, 200+ Club Co-ordinator Test Your Local Knowledge 1) The height of ‘The Knoll’ above mean Sea Level? (m) 2) Average height above mean sea level of Brent Knoll Village? (m) 3) On which dates was Brent Knoll changed from South Brent? 4) St Michael’s Church dates back to …… ? 5) The Village School dates back to …… ? 6) The Methodist Chapel dates back to …… ? 7) ‘Glentworth Bay’ is now called ? 8) ‘Celtic Island of the Seven Sea’ is now known as ? 9) The ‘Cathedral of the Moors’ is actually ………..? 10) Where is the wreck of the ‘SS Nornen’ at low tide? 11) Who in Legend followed the River Siger (now a rhyne) ? 12) Where is the ‘Roman Temple’ ? 13) Where is the ‘Church Tower of Leather’ ? 14) Site and date of the last battle in England? 15) Where criminals sought sanctuary? 16) Where is the ‘Ten Faced Sundial’? 17) Where ‘Oil was discovered in 1916’? 18) Where is ‘Wellington’s Monument’? Answers next month. RA 29
WANT TO PLAY THE PIANO or KEYBOARD? Qualified piano and keyboard teacher in Brent Knoll available for friendly, informal lessons Beginners and nervous students a speciality Learn for fun – no pressure to sit exams! For those who do want to work through their grades, the A.B.R.S.M. syllabus is taught. Call Amy on 760 100 / 07740 167703 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 30
The Brent Knoll Inn Brent Road, East Brent, TA9 4JG Phone 01278 760 335 / 07554 001 101 Email [email protected]
Kasia, Ian and the Staff, welcome you to the Brent Knoll Inn which is a traditional country pub. With a Friendly atmosphere, home cooked food, quality cask ales, traditional ciders, skittle alley available for skittles free to hire, meetings or other functions, 2 large gardens, which are designated for Dogs and their owners, and a separate garden for families. Food served daily and traditional home cooked Sunday Roast Lunches. We are now open all day 7 days a week.
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PARISH HALL COMMITTEE FORTHCOMING EVENTS for your DIARY 2nd Saturday Bazaar, Farmers’ Market and Parish Café 7th March Asian Gourmet Evening 14th June Village Fête 12th April 60’s/70’s Night with 12th July Music on the Green the Return of “Top Mix” with “The Fallen Apples” 10th May Cheddar Male Choir 6th Sept Tim Pitman Sings 18th Oct Harvest Supper Next meeting - Monday, 10th March, 8.00pm, “Jubilee Room” How to Lock Your Car and Why I locked my car. As I walked away I heard my car door unlock. I went back and locked my car again three times. Each time, as soon as I started to walk away, I would hear it unlock again!! Naturally alarmed, I looked around and there were two guys sitting in a car next to the store. They were obviously watching me intently, and there was no doubt they were somehow involved in this very weird situation. I quickly chucked the errand I was on, jumped in my car and sped away. I went straight to the police station, told them what had happened, and found out I was part of a new, and very successful, scheme being used to gain entry into cars. There is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors on your car using your remote locking device. They sit a distance away and watch for their next victim. They know you are going inside of the store, restaurant, or toilet and that they now have a few minutes to steal and run. The police officer said to manually lock your car with the key -- that way if there is someone sitting in a car park watching for their next victim, it will not be you. When you lock up with the key upon exiting, it does not send the security code, but if you walk away and use the remote button, it sends the code through the airwaves where it can be instantly stolen. This is very real. Be aware of what you just read and please pass it on. Look how many times we all lock our doors with our remote just to be sure we remembered to lock them -- and bingo, someone has our code...and whatever was in our car. The Friendly Pharmacist 60’s / 70’s NIGHT Dig out those flares and mini-skirts and enjoy a great night out at the Parish Hall on Saturday 12th April. (Prizes for the best dressed in 60’s / 70’s fashion). You can dance the night away to music by the “Fabulous Top Mix” and if you feel hungry a Fish and Chip van will be there. Tickets cost just £8 (accompanied children 14 and under free) and are available from Eddie Fuller on 01278 760 308 or from the Village Shop 01278 760 225. Eddie Fuller 32
Lympsham Gardening Club There was no meeting in January, but we got together in February to discuss our future programme. Dates of future Meetings:- Tuesday 11th March: After a short AGM, Francis Farr Copse will tell us all about Spiders. Please Note this meeting will start at 7.30pm. Tuesday 8th April: 7.45pm Speaker to be confirmed at AGM. Tuesday 13th May: 7.45pm Shrubs and Pots with Cindy Tratt Mariette Denison RSPCA - Mutt Strut Fundraising Dog Walk Get a spring in your step and help to raise money for less fortunate animals in your area. Come and join us for a 2½ mile walk starting from the: Apex Park, Burnham on Sea 2pm on Sunday 13th April You can get further details and sponsorship forms from our Animal Centre at Brent Knoll on 01278 782 671, from our shops or via our website: www.rspcanorthsomerset.org.uk All proceeds to the RSPCA North Somerset Branch (Registered charity no. 205284)
“I spoke to my pal down on the levels, he said he had invited the Environment Minister down for the weekend!” “Did he get a reply?” “Yes, from the Ministers office, they said ‘thank you for the offer, but the Minister gets sent lots of ideas telling him where he should go!’” “I bet he does!!” 33
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Your March Sudokus Easy Sudoku Hard Sudoku (Win a £5 Prize!)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A 2 3 A 8
B 8 6 5 B 23
C 4 1 C 5
D 5 6 D 8 7
E 1 7 E 5 4 6
F 8 4 1 5 F 9
G 3 6 G 3 8
H 5 2 7 8 H 2 9 6
J 9 J 7 4 17 persons solved last month’s rare Sudoku including 3 new entrants highlighted in bold! They were Ivor Ainsworth, Klaus Brenner, Jenny Butters, Pauline Chadwick, Tim Cromwell, Mac Hares, Holywell Nursing Home, Liz Ibrahim, Stephen Lawrence, Dave McMillan, Frankie New, Peter Osborn, Christine Sandy, John Spiers, Caroline Sturgess, Ted Toon and Andrea and Warwick. One said it was the hardest yet! Peter Osborn won the ballot. Send your solution to 48, Brent Street or [email protected]. If there are several winners, there will be another ballot. David Filmer Last month’s Sudoku Solutions (by popular request from several competitors) are below:- Easy Sudoku Hard Sudoku 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 8 3 4 9 A 7 65 A 135492 6 7 8
B 8 4 5 1 9 6 3 7 2 B 27 65 349 8 1 3 6 5 7 8 14 C 9 2 C 46983715 2
7 8 2 4 1 53 D 6 9 D 7 1 324 9865 4 3 6 7 29 E 5 1 8 E 65218 379 4
F 3 2 9 7 5 1 4 86 F 84765 1 9 2 3 2 4 6 1 5 97 G 8 3 G 821574936 1 3 9 7 2 4 H 6 5 8 H 3 46918527 5 9 7 8 2 6 3 597326 8 J 4 1 J 4 1 Just for Fun – More Insults! “He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary.” - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway) “I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it." Mark Twain Friendly Pharmacist 36
Brent Knoll Local History Society (BKLHS) Do you know your Grotesques from a Gargoyles? Fifteen members attended the January meeting of the Village Local History Society at which John Page gave a very detailed and fascinating account of Gargoyles. This is a specific term which means a grotesque has a spout for water (compare to gargle). The word, ‘Grotesque’ is a generic term coming from the Latin ‘grotto’ and does what it says on the label. We saw many examples of monstrous grotesques, some of which are on our own village church. John quoted the following rhyme attributed to Oliver Herford: The gargoyle often makes his perch On a cathedral or a church Where, mid ecclesiastical style He smiles an early Gothic style. Most grotesques date from the fifteenth century but some may go back a further 400 years. The symbolism of these sculptures however, can be interpreted in different ways. Many appear indecent, obscene, erotic or exhibitionist. Some have been described as a fertility symbol. There are many theories as to their origins some of which are; for expelling demons, or as symbols of the Christian religion, or for guarding the church or as examples of rustic humour. As many parishioners could not read, the vicar would use these sculptures to get over a religious point. One gargoyle shows a serpent casting water out of his mouth. John proposed that some take their inspiration from the book of Daniel and, in particular, from the last book of the Bible, Revelations. Most are very graphic as the name implies. We saw an example of a grotesque in which a woman was giving birth and a monster was attempting to eat the baby, which was explained as a prime example of the derivation from Revelations. Carving such stone figures was a skill in itself and was done by a roving group of sculptors, which means that there are similarities of design in different churches. The stone carvings were done on the ground and later put into their elevated positions on the church. So next time you are near the church look up at these grotesques and gargoyles which will show how life and the beliefs of the people were so very different in those days. By the way, do they remind you of anyone?!! The society received an email from Michael Howe, whose father was born in Cazenove House; Brent Knoll (now called ‘Underknoll’.). He served in the choir and was married in St Michael’s Church. He was in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry and gained the Military Cross. Michael has the citation. He is going to send more details. As the First World War began 100 years ago this year, we are keen to collect any details or memories of ancestors who served in the conflict. Any information is welcome and should be sent to John Page at: [email protected]. The next meeting of the Local History Society will take place in the Jubilee Room on Monday 24th February at 7.30pm. All welcome. BDF ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Men’s Section The next meeting of the Royal British Legion will be held at the Red Cow Inn on Tuesday 4th March (7.30 for 7.45pm). All new and current members welcome. Eddie Fuller 37
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FABRIC FUN DAY IN AID OF PARKINSON’S UK Saturday March 22nd 2014 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL HIGHBRIDGE ROAD, BURNHAM-ON-SEA TA8 1LL 10am - 3.30pm Come and watch demonstrations and take part in mini workshops on applique, braid making, knitting, felting, machine embroidery, beading, image transfer, needle felting, bag making, printing and card making Admission £3 (children free if accompanied by an adult) plenty of free parking behind the church 40
ANYONE FOR SHORT MAT BOWLS? The aim of this letter is to make local readers aware of the Brent Knoll Short Mat Bowls Club. The club meets every Monday in the Parish Hall, just before 2pm and the session lasts two hours. The Club has spare sets of bowls available and the only equipment needed to get started is a pair of bowling shoes. You can play in socks if you just want to give the game a try. At present, the Club members play amongst themselves, but we do organise matches against other local teams from time to time. If we can attract more players, we may consider joining a league, but there are not enough people to make this possible at this time. The Club has about 10 regular players and it would be great to get more Brent Knollers involved. Why not come along on a Monday and have a go? A warm welcome is assured. Martin Wilkins, Secretary, Brent Knoll Short Mat Bowls Club. BRENT KNOLL AND MARK TENNIS CLUB Almost constant rain during January and February has deterred all but the very courageous tennis player. Brent Knoll managed to play one Winter league match against Victoria Club, Street on a rare sunny Sunday morning. Victoria beat the Brent Knoll team of Hazel, Lucy, Glen and Robin; however, the men’s doubles was a very close contest. Dean continues his Thursday coaching for club members. Dean also holds a Saturday Club, which is open to non-members. It is pay as you go and the cost is £5 per session. The Tennis Club Annual Quiz for 2014 took place on Saturday 8th February at Brent Knoll Parish Hall. We had seven teams again and the quiz was keenly contested by all. Alison, Jackie and Karin provided an excellent ploughman’s supper and Dave McMillan provided the entertaining questions. The cup was won by the “High Flood Risk” team for the second time in 3 years (after a quick name change), in a close run contest with “The Blow Ins”! It all came down to how many bicycles there were in Beijing - a single point decided the outcome. Below are the Winning team with the famous Cup. Left to right, Alison, Graham, Cath, Steve and Julie. AH
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Secure Caravan Storage Gary and Sarah Bowden G&S Storage Tel: 01934 750631 Mob:07970 950707 Highland Farm, Lympsham, Somerset, BS24 0JQ www.gands-storage.co.uk just 4 miles from Junction 22 or the M5 Insurance approved - CASSOA CCTV and Lighting Hard standing with easy access Wash facility Towing available OPEN ALL YEAR 43
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! - Some dates for 2014 This group is open to anyone from 18 to 108; everyone is welcome, the more the merrier! 27th March – Easter Bonnets at Woodlands Decorate an Easter bonnet – the bigger the better! Bring your own hat to Woodlands and we will decorate them with all sorts of silly stuff, while enjoying a glass of wine and a gossip. Woodlands, 7.30pm, £5. Easter Monday Bring and Share picnic and Egg Hunt Bring the whole family, a picnic rug, some food and drink – relax and watch the kids go egg hunting. Everyone is welcome, with or without children, come and have a chilled out afternoon, hopefully outside! £5 per family, 2pm Woodlands Tel: 01278 760 225 - Email: [email protected] Caroline Berrow Conservation Group ‘Hedgerows, a habitat for our wildlife’ is the title for the talk at our meeting for March. Sharing his knowledge with us will be Pete Grainger, an ecologist at Sedgemoor District Council. Pete has also been the Chair for the Somerset Hedge Group for more than 10 years. Pete will be giving an overview of why hedges are such an important part of our countryside and a habitat for our wildlife, and will also inform us how they can be managed to maintain them in good order. The talk will begin at the earlier time of 7pm in Berrow Village Hall on Tuesday March 25th. All our welcome. There will be a fee of £1 for members and £2.50 for visitors. Refreshments included. Ann Griffiths Flooding Help A very grateful thank you to all the generous people who have given me towels and bedding for the poor souls who are flooded on the Levels. They were very appreciative when we took them over to Burrowbridge (two car loads!). At the moment I don’t need any more. Sally Wingate Coffee Morning Thank You . . . To everyone who attended and donated to the Royal British Legion Women’s Section coffee morning and cake stall in February. A total of £47.55 was raised for the charity. Mary Piper EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50 Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. Then with a 2.5kg potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 5kg potato bags. Then try 10kg potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 20kg potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level. Ed) After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag!!! DW 44
Brent Knoll Weather Report – January 2014 Oh, the unending rain! January 2014 was the wettest month we have recorded since the weather station was set up in September 2007, and if journalists are to be believed, it broke several national records as well. The rainfall total here was 157.8mm (6.2in), beating the previous record set in November 2009 by 9mm. Rainfall was recorded on 29 out of 31 days, and the wettest day was the 18th with 26.6mm (1in) - the sixth wettest day recorded here. The flooding of the Levels received a lot of media attention. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the flood management arrangements, it is worth remembering that this exceptionally wet January followed the wettest October and December recorded here, whilst November was merely above average. The rainfall total for those four months (Oct 2013-Jan 2014) was 483.8mm (19in), by far the highest total we have recorded in any four month period in the six years or so that the station has been running. By mid-January, just halfway through the season, this Winter was already the wettest we have seen: and all that water has to go somewhere. The rainfall was generated by a procession of Atlantic low pressure systems, many of them quite deep. There was an almost total absence of high pressure over the UK, though we got a little respite on the 10th/11th and again on the 19th. High pressure did form over Scandinavia during the second half of the month, though, and this had the effect of trapping the Atlantic lows over the UK and giving them time to deposit yet more rain. The wind was a persistent south-westerly, and to some extent Brent Knoll benefits from this. Cloud approaching from the south-west deposits much of its rain over Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Quantocks, and it is not uncommon to see heavy rain from that direction petering out before it reaches us. Some of it arrives on the Levels later on, of course, via the River Tone, but Brent Knoll would have suffered far more without the rain shadow from the hills. The south-westerly airstream is a warm one and January was mild, with an average temperature of 6.5°C (44°F) - about 2°C above normal. There were only two air frosts during the month, and the lowest temperature was -0.7°C (31°F) on the 12th – this was the mildest January since 2008. Unsurprisingly given the dominance of low pressure systems, there were some gusty winds. There was concern that high tides on the 3rd, enhanced by strong winds and a deep low pressure system, might overtop sea defences – but here the wind blew along the coastline rather than onto it, and the sea defences did their job. Another lively low on the 25th generated a gust of 41.7kts (48mph), which is the fourth highest gust recorded here. At the time of writing, there is no sign of a let-up in the rain – by the end of January the rainfall total for 2014 was at the level we might expect to see at the end of March, so it is anyone’s guess what it will be by the time you read this. February won’t need to fill the dykes; they have been full for months. Stephen Baggs; www.knollweather.co.uk BRENT KNOLL BEAT SURGERY our Neighbourhood Beat Officers PC 3874 Esther Lawson and PCSO 9613 Pauline Dixon will be holding a Beat Surgery on Wednesday, March 5th 10.30am to 12 noon Nuttall Room, Brent Knoll Parish Hall Please use this opportunity to meet your Neighbourhood Beat Team and discuss any issues 45 PLUMBING BY GEORGE! 302969 Brent Knoll · Small Jobs - Dripping Taps - Leaking Toilets, Outside Taps, Shower Replacements, etc. · Gas Boiler replacement, Radiators and System Upgrades, Boiler servicing · Limited time only - up to 7 year extended warranty on all new Worcester Boilers (accredited installer) · Bathroom Design and Installation Tel: 01278 760 543 Or 07813 321 197
K M GORDON JCB PLANT HIRE GENERAL GROUNDWORKS FENCING/PATIOS/DRIVEWAYS Tel: 01278 760 642 Mob: 07885 251 697 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 46 Small Business Accountancy Company 8 Market Street, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3BW Professional and Personal service at competitive rates * Self Assessment Tax Returns * Annual Accounts * Bookkeeping * VAT * Payroll ********************** * Sole Traders * Partnerships * Limited Companies Contact Ian Robson on 01278 760 067 Email: [email protected]
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More Ramblings of a Rambler We have, amongst our menagerie, a duck that is blind and is one of four that live with two drakes. When I let them out in the morning, such is their rush to get to the pond that I have to carry the blind one who is left behind. Not so in the evening when they are put to bed, the blind duck is guided to her bed by a quacking daughter who gives an audible trail. Still talking of ducks, I see that a pair of mallards are looking for a nesting site on the town gutter outside the Red Cow. Obviously they are not aware of what overflows into it when the foul water main rises through the manhole covers; they could be Brent Knoll’s first, “Toilet Ducks”. Whilst cycling down Brent Street, I witnessed a squirrel running along the main power cable going from the Croft to Laurel Avenue, I stopped; it stopped and looked at me. Not liking the look of me, it then decided to return to the Croft along the cable only to be met by another squirrel going in the opposite direction. It was then that I realised they were a pair, as they declared their love for one another on a cable high above Brent Street, I stopped looking and cycled on. I had a call from the rambleress to accompany her to a dark out building to see something that had attached itself to the underside of a table. I looked beneath the table using my failing eyesight while down on my arthritic knees, and agreed with her that it could be a bat as it gave a flap of a wing periodically. As it was in a place the dogs could easily reach we decided to move it somewhere safer, this meant getting my fire resistant gauntlet on, as bats bite. The rambleress said we should also take a photograph, so with her standing over me with a camera; I clambered beneath the table only to find the flapping wing belonged to a hibernating butterfly. Spring arrives on the 21st of this month, which means we will be busy planting and propagating and worrying about the plants getting enough water. The Rambler
I’M FINE THANK YOU E.P.B. There is nothing the matter with me, Old age is golden I've heard it said I’m as healthy as I can be, But sometimes I wonder as I get into bed, I have arthritis in both my knees, With my ears in the drawer, my teeth in a And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze, cup, My pulse is weak and my blood is thin, My eyes on the table until I wake up. But I’m awfully well for the shape I'm in. Ere sleep overtakes me, I say to myself Arch supports I have for my feet Is there anything else I could lay on the Or I wouldn't be able to be on the street, shelf? Sleep is denied me night after night I get up each morning and dust off my But every morning I find that I’m alright. wits, My memory is failing, my head’s in a spin And pick up my paper and read the obits, But I’m awfully well for the shape I'm in. If my name is still missing I know I'm not How do I know that my youth is spent? dead. Well, my get up and go, got up and went. So I have a good breakfast and go back But I really don't mind, when I think with a to bed. grin, Of all the grand places my ‘get up’ has been. 48 USEFUL VILLAGE CONTACTS: PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, Secretary Maxine Bashford 760190 CHURCH WARDEN Miss Frances James 760287 Mike Smith 760691 CHURCH CLEANERS Wiet Harperp 760803 CHURCH FLOWERS Mrs Marion Viningg 760612 POPPY ORGANISER Mrs Sally Wingate 760610 BRASS CLEANERS METHODIST CHURCH Revd. Andrew Biggs 782306 Mrs Mary Frost 783120 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Tessa Munt 01934 710748 COUNTY COUNCILLOR John Denbee 01934 712304 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR Bob Filmer 760760 Andrew g Gilling01934 750580 PARISH COUNCIL, Clerk Owen Cullwick 794463 Chairman Colin Townsend 760226 Planning enquiries Andrea Hurkett (Brent()( Street +) 760099 Bella Ward (Burton( Row +) 760528 Footpathp Contact Peter Osborn 760839 PARISH HALL, Booking Secretary Jennyy Butters 760477 Bazaar Eddie Fuller 760308 Secretary Sandra Few 760451 Caretaker Richard Bream 760810 DOCTOR Dr S L Aung 760313 NHS NON-EMERGENCY URGENT MEDICAL HELPLINE 111 WRVS PRESCRIPTION SERVICE 760313 BRENT KNOLL PRIMARY SCHOOL Miss Karen Davidson 760546 TODDLERS GROUP Jane Hannah 760629 BRENT KNOLL TADPOLES PRE SCHOOL Cathyyyy Hurley 769126 VILLAGE SHOP Caroline Chennells 760225 BRENT KNOLL NEWS, Production Editor Bob Filmer 760760 Distribution Elaine & Eddie Fuller 760308 POLICE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER 101 RHYNE PROBLEMS Lower Axe Drainingg Board 789906 VILLAGE AGENT Christine Stephens 07943 555519 NATIONAL TRUST HONORARY RANGER Ged Keele 769010 VILLAGE SOCIETIES: BRENT AMATEUR DRAMATICS (BAD)() Sarah Joyce y 787493 CANCER RESEARCH CAMPAIGN Mrs Janet Harris 760259 CONSERVATIVE BRANCH John Harper 760803 ECUMENICAL GROUP Revd. Margaretg Trapp 760573 GOOD COMPANIONS Mrs Joyy Collett 760458 GUIDES / BROWNIES / RAINBOWS Jane Sinnott 760987 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY (Burnham)() Mr L Wallis 760550 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ()(Mens Section) Rod Southwell 760445 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (Womens Section) Liz Bream 760810 SHORT MAT BOWLING CLUB Alan Castle 760424 TENNIS CLUB David Outfin 783993 WOMENS INSTITUTE Janet Southwell 760445 WOMENS SOCIETY Julie Baker 751229 YOUTH GROUP (7/11 & 12/15 Years) Sue Cox 08809 911787 ST MICHAELS CHURCH, BRENT KNOLL - REVD. SIMON LEWIS Tel: 01278 760496 METHODIST MINISTER: THE REVD. ANDREW BIGGS Tel: 01278 782306 BAPTIST MINISTER: ()(Burnham) THE REVD. STEVE AYERS, College g St. B.O.S. Tel: 783920 CATHOLIC PRIEST FATHER TIBOR SZENDE, Burnham & Cheddar Joint Parish Tel: 01934 742564 E&OE 49 AUTUMN & WINTER OUTDOOR CLOTHING New Stock Arriving Soon CAMPING FOOTWEAR,WELLIES FISHING,FROZEN & FRESH BAITS FRESH WORM DAILY ALL FROM A.O.B. 25, College Street, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1AS Tel: 07885912732 Email: [email protected] Bring this advert for 10% discount The Red Cow Large Beer Garden FRIDAY NIGHT is Function Room CURRY Night - £6.00p Traditional Food Homemade Chicken Curry Popadom & Chutney Tel: 01278 760 234 OurOur Menu is available as a Take AwaAwayy
01278 641516 07866744995 www.markkitchensandmore.co.uk Sandale House, Mark. Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 50
Diary for March 2014 Page 1st St David’s Day - Patron Saint of Wales 16 1st Pancakes, Tea & Coffee, Bring & Buy Parish Hall 11.00am-2pm 7 1st A Fun Evening The Watchfield Inn 7.30pm 24 3rd Short Mat Bowls (Every Monday) Parish Hall 2.00pm 40 3rd Classical Music Circle (Every Monday) Ball Copse Hall 7.00pm 3rd Parish Council – Public Session Jubilee Room 7.30pm Parish Council – Meeting Jubilee Room to follow immediately 4th Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) 16 4th Toddlers [and every Tuesday] Methodist Schoolroom 10.30-12 noon 4 4th Knoll Group of Ringers (Every Tuesday) St Michael’s Church 7.30pm-9pm 4th Royal British Legion Men’s Section Red Cow 7.30pm 36 5th SORT IT+ Recycling & Rubbish Your House Early!! 5th Mobile Library [NOTE Wednesday!!] See Village Notice Boards for Details 5th Community Beat Surgery Nuttall Room 10.30-12 noon 44 6th World Book Day 4 7th Women’s World Day of Prayer St Christopher’s Lympsham 10.30am 4 7th Asian Gourmet Evening [Sold Out!] Parish Hall 7.30pm 31 8th Lent Course (Every Saturday) St Michael’s Church 8.15am-10am 8 8th Bazaar, Farmers’ Market & Parish Café Parish Hall 10.00am 12, 31 10th Methodist Lent Course starts Methodist Schoolroom 2.30pm 4 10th Tennis Club Winter Whist Drive Ivy Clad Hall 7.00pm 4 10th Parish Hall Committee Meeting Jubilee Room 8.00pm 31 11th Lympsham Gardening Club Manor Hall, Lympsham 7.30pm 32 12th SORT IT+ Recycling & Green Waste Your House Early!! 12th Women’s Institute “Freewheelers” Parish Hall 2.30pm 23 13th Emmaus course Methodist Schoolroom 2.30pm 4 15th DEADLINE FOR APRIL BRENT KNOLL NEWS 12.00 noon 50 17th St Patrick’s Day - Patron Saint of Ireland 23 17th Meet & Eat Nuttall Room 12.30pm 23 17th WI Craft Group Methodist Schoolroom 2.30pm 16 19th SORT IT+ Recycling & Rubbish Your House Early!! 19th Good Companions - “A Head for Hats” Parish Hall 2.30pm 16 22nd Fabric Fun Day Catholic Church Hall, Highbridge 10.00am-3.30pm 39 24th Mobile Library [NOTE Monday!!] See Village Notice Boards for Details 24th Brent Knoll Local History Society Jubilee Room 7.30pm 32 25th Berrow Conservation Group – “Hedgerows” Berrow Village Hall 7.00pm 43 26th SORT IT+ Recycling & Green Waste Your House Early!! 27th Girls Just Wanna Have Fun “Easter Bonnets” Woodlands 7.30pm 43 27th Women’s Society – Hot Pot Supper Wick Farm 8.00pm 23 30th British Summer Time begins 30th Mothering Sunday 3, 4 Anything missing? Make sure your events are listed in the Monthly Event Diary DEADLINE FOR THE APRIL 2014 ISSUE – All contributions to be received by NOON on Saturday, 15th March, to:- Bob, e-mail: [email protected] or Wascelyn, 48, Brent Street, Brent Knoll, TA9 4DT The Brent Knoll News welcomes all contributions. Views expressed are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor or represent the standpoint of the Brent Knoll News. The Editor reserves the right to edit or amend any contribution. BRENT KNOLL VILLAGE WEBSITE: www.brentknollvillage.co.uk
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