Travellers Rest Stone, East Pennard (on the A37) 01749 860069 Higher Farm, Sutton, Nr Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QF OPEN ALL DAY Opening hours from 12.00 noon Mon-Sat: 7.30am to 6.30pm
For Traditional pub food Tool Hire Tea / Coffee & Sunday Roast Repairs. Quiz Nights/Skittles/Pool/Darts B & B en‐suite rooms Tel 01749 860199: Mobile 07771632221 How To Find Us Turn off the A371 Castle Cary to Shepton Mallet road, between Moff Motors and The Brook House Inn, and then www.travellersrest.org.uk t ake t he first t urning left t o Sutt on. Follow this road unt il you see our signs on the right, and then turn right. Hope to see you soon!
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This Month The Editor’s Letter Advertisers Index 58 Alhampton Defibrillator 6 Been having a reflective moment and considering Alhampton News 5 Baker Fun Run 9 historic events in August and September through the
British Legion 45 ages; they have a gruesomely familiar ring: invasions Church Services 30 (Norman Conquest 1066); catastrophic fires (Great Fire Crafternoon Tea 33 of London, 1666), financial crises, (South Sea Bubble, Diary dates 4 1720); natural disasters (Vesuvius Ad 79, Krakatoa Directory 56 Ditcheat Big Screen 40 1883); international conflicts (WWII, 1939); terrifying Ditcheat Book Group 29 technological advances (Hiroshima, 1945); territorial Ditcheat Ch. Rota 54 walls being built (Berlin 1961); music festivals Ditcheat Church Room 32 (Woodstock 1969); untimely deaths (Pope John Paul 1, Ditcheat PC 48 1978 and Princess Diana, 1997) and terrorist attacks Ditcheat School 14 Ditcheat Weather 21 (Twin Towers 2001). E.P. Church Rota 55 Gardening 11 Luckily, the local scene is a good deal more upbeat with Glastonbury Fun Ride 28 Happy Landings Fun Day 24 ‘fun’ featuring widely – there’s a Family Fun Day at th Harvest Lunch 13 Happy Landings on 10 Sept (p24); the Baker Family Harvest Service 31 Fun Run on 24th Sept (p9) and the Glastonbury Fun Lily's Remarks 32 Ride, also 24th Sept (p28). The Village Lunch and Big Men's Breakfast 33 Screen return to Ditcheat in September (pps 40/47) Mothers' Un ion 20 Natural World 7 and Pylle Painters are on show for Somerset Art Weeks nd One Hundred Club 28 starting 22 Sep (p38). There’s also been good news Pearl Monica Emery 55 for the Alhampton Defibrillator – full funding from the Py lle N ews 35 Big Lottery Fund has been confirmed so the telephone Py lle Pa inters 38 box will shortly be transformed. Ragwort 25 Rendezvous 13 Sudoku 34 Hoping that the Summer holidays and the slow slide Term Time Tea Toast 33 towards Autumn provide much jollity for all. The next Theatre Trips 41 issue will be in October. U3A 46 Village Lunch 47 Margy Cockburn Tim Sanders Wednesday Welcome 33 www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk Wildlife Group Update 18
The Fosse Trinity News is a community magazine. It is financed by advertising and donations. It is delivered FREE to every household in Ditcheat, Alhampton, East Pennard and Pylle. We welcome any contribution from anyone in the community of any age. The editors reserve the right to edit. Copyright of all photographs published remains with the originator unless specified otherwise. Send copy by 15th of Sept to [email protected]
For enquiries about advertising in the magazine, please contact Marcus 01749 860067 or email [email protected] Closing date 10th of each month for adverts.
Front Cover: A Benefice Resident, Robbie Labanowski © 3
Dates for your Diary
Regular Events Weekly Monthly Tea and Toast (Term Time 8.45) Page 11 Pilates (9.00) Linda 860067 Tai Chi for Health (10.30) Richard 880308 Mon 4th Crafternoon Tea (2.00) Sally 860304 Ditcheat Badminton Club (8.30) James 860355 Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00) Di 07831 289945 Art Group – Fortnightly (10.00) Liz & Stewart 860755 Tue 2ndRendezvous (10.00) Linda 860067 Ditcheat Badminton Club (2.00) Gaye 860081 Wednesday Welcome (2.30) * Helen 860321 Wed Ditcheat Short Mat Bowls (7.00) Martin 860780 Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00) Di 07831 289945 Keep Fit (9.15) Linda 860067 Thu 1stAlhamptonians (8.15) Louisa 860252 Fri Pilates (9.15) Mo 07815 748518 Sat 2ndMen’s Breakfast Roger 860551 * = except Rendezvous week August 2017
Thurs 3rd 7.30pm Ditcheat PC, Jubilee Hall Adrian 890216 P51 Tues 8th 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Linda 860067 Wed 9th 2.30pm Mothers’ Union Service, Wells Lynn 671456 P20 Wed 16th 2.30pm Mothers’ Union, East Pennard Jill P20
September 2017
Thurs 7th 8.15pm Alhamptonians, Alhampton Inn Louisa 860252 P5 Sun 10th 11.00am Happy Landings Fun Day 860350 P24 Tues 12th 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Linda 860067 Thur 14th 2.30pm Mothers’ Union, Baltonsborough Jill P20 Thur 21st 7.30pm Ditcheat Big Screen – Hidden Figures Peter 860081 P40 Sun 24th Glastonbury Fun Ride V Jones 831276 P28 Sun 24th 10.15am Baker Family Fun Run Danielle P9 Tues 26th 12.30pm Village Lunch, Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 P47 Fri 29th 2.30pm U3A, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary P46
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Looking Further Ahead Thurs 5th Oct 8.15pm Alhamptonians, Alhampton Inn Louisa 860252 P5 Sun 15th Oct 11.00am Harvest Wheel Barrow Service Graham 677003 P31 Sat 21st Oct 7.00pm Pylle Quiz Night, Pylle Village Hall Joanna 838757 P36 Sun 22nd Oct 12.30pm East Pennard Harvest Lunch Susie 860502 P13
Alhampton News
First and foremost a big thank you to all those who supported the fete in any way, whether by working or spending. A special word of thanks to all the people who were so generous in their donations. Thank you as always to the pub who allowed us to take over their gardens and also sold a large number of ducks in the run up to the event. We dare not start to thank individuals as we would have a long list and would be sure to leave someone out but you know who you are and thank you. I have not got the exact amount to the last penny yet but we made just over £1400 which was an excellent result. We will not know the precise amount needed for the defibrillator until later in the month but there will be enough to fund this and there should be some left over for the Air Ambulance as well. The exact figures will follow in a future edition.
On a sadder note, some of you who have lived in the parish for a long time will remember Jim Daley who used to live in Canada House. After a long and eventful life Jim died at the end of June after a quite short illness. In his usual inimitable way he faced his diagnosis with humour and determination, making light of it when people asked how he was coping. For example he declared that one of the plusses was that the doctor had told him he could drink as much as he wanted and to enjoy it, having been told to cut down in previous years. He was a founder member of Ditcheat Players and, though I don’t think he was ever persuaded to appear on the stage, was a real power behind the scenes and was Chairman for several years.
Alhamptonians will meet on the first Thursdays as usual, the 7th September and the 5th October.
Enjoy the summer. Louisa Oborne
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Alhampton Phone Box & Defibrillator Project
You may have noticed the decommissioned phone box in Alhampton has been stripped of the BT equipment and is now ready for its new life housing a defibrillator. The box has been adopted by the Community Heartbeat Trust and will be handed to the PC in about a year.
The really good news - hot off the press - is that the Big Lottery Fund has awarded us full funding to pay for the defibrillator, its installation and all signage, plus money to provide the all-important community awareness and training session in its use; details on these once installation is completed. Also now fully paid for is the setting up of a Volunteer Emergency Telephone System (VETS) designed to help a person on their own in distress or a lone rescuer who does not want to leave a patient alone. (A third of all 999 calls are from lone rescuers, so getting help to them quickly is important). VETS is a community-run system, and enables up to 10 “good neighbours” to assist, pending the arrival of the emergency services. Dialling a simple number will simultaneously place telephone calls to up to 10 helpers in the community who can collect and bring the defibrillator to the patient, and assist in CPR. We have also secured funding to pay for VETS training sessions. I will give more details of how VETS works, and the training sessions, in due course.
Now the plea for help! Over the next month or so, we need to transform our rather neglected phone box into something smart and cheerful. We also need to improve the surroundings so it is more noticeable and easier to access. Now it is actually ours, we can go to town! The CHT has even brokered for us a donation from the British Coatings Federation of the appropriate red and gold paint. (All they ask for are ‘before’ and ‘after ‘photos). I would be really grateful to hear from those who would be willing to form a working party for these “sprucing up” activities. We may have to do it in small groups (unless we want to win a ‘how-many-people-can-you-fit-into-a phone-box’ competition). Let me know if I can put you on the list and if you are up for cleaning/painting/gardening/landscaping……
To end on an even more positive note, the funding we have received means that, we will still be able to make a sizeable donation to the Air Ambulance, as we have traditionally done. Louisa will provide full figures in the following edition of the FTN. Lynne Hughes – [email protected]
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The Natural World
Either you can remember that as a child you saw broken snail shells on a stone which indicated that a song thrush was using it as an anvil, or you have been told about it. Either way, it has, for most of us, been a very long time since we saw such a stone, or heard a song thrush. Their decline was dramatic and, to my mind, never fully explained by the reduction in hedgerows, but perhaps slug pellets played a key role. I last saw an anvil stone in New Zealand, where thrushes abound, and, before that, about 10 years ago Song Thrush on an island off the north west coast of France, where they are cut off from most threats. I had to wait until about two months ago to see one in this country. The very good news is that it was in Ditcheat, and we now have a song thrush visiting our garden regularly. Their song is glorious, even if they have the habit of repeating everything. Overall it seems to be good news for song thrushes, but catastrophic for snails.
Getting back to slug pellets, which will also kill snails, please try to avoid using them, as they are responsible for killing so many other creatures too. The toxic element of slug pellets is normally a substance called metaldehyde. Metaldehyde makes up only about 5% of each slug pellet. The rest is cereal and similar substances. Because metaldehyde is repellent to slugs and snails it has to be masked by more appealing ingredients. Using an excess of slug pellets will actually deter them from consuming them. There are two sorts of safer slug pellets – those using ferric phosphate and sheep’s wool pellets, but a good way of ridding your garden of slugs is by using nematodes. Nematodes are predators of slugs and snails, and occur naturally, in small numbers, in your garden. By adding a product like ‘Nemaslug’ Snails in Aestivation you are simply upping the ante considerably. Nematodes kill slugs because they will go
7 below the surface. Snails tend to stay above ground and are therefore less susceptible.
Back in the late 1980s, like many other people, I belonged to a book club which meant I could buy inexpensive books, but one of the conditions of membership was that I had to buy a book a month. If I didn’t choose from their list, they would send me a book of their choice, which meant I got what they couldn’t sell, hence the reason that I have a copy of ‘The land snails of Britain and north west Europe’. To most people that would be the ultimate contender for the raffle prize box, but not for me. I have used this little book on many occasions and have it in front of me now.
We tend to think of our garden snail as being the only one about, but there are 100 species of snail in the UK and their very close family members, the slugs, number a further 30. It’s a fine line between slugs and snails, but, simplistically, slugs tend not to have shells and snails do, although in truth it’s a little more complicated than that. Our common garden snail is indeed extremely wide spread and can be found all over Europe. How it got there would seem to be a mystery considering its absolute top speed is 1 metre per hour. In other words, if you sent a snail on an errand to Shepton Mallet, it would take it 11 months to get there. Then, of course, it would have to get back.
If you are thinking of becoming a snail aficionado, you will have to get to grips with Latin names, as the vast majority don’t have common English ones. The two notable exceptions are the garden snail and the Roman or edible snail.
Most people are repulsed by snails, but there are some true beauties. These photos are of the shells of the vitrinidae family, or glass snails. Translucent and with a hint of green, these small shells are from vitrina pellucid, a relatively common species.
Snails also have some intriguing behaviour. These snails have sealed themselves into their Vitrina Pellucida shells in a process called aestivation, which is the warm weather equivalent of hibernation. This prevents them from drying out in high temperatures.
Most creatures are stronger than humans, relatively speaking, but it is reckoned that snails can lift ten times their own body weight. Now, that is a youtube video I would like to watch.
Stewart Gould email: [email protected]
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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND … Sunday 24th September 2017
The Baker Family Charity Fun Run is coming back to Ditcheat… so dust off your running shoes! There will be two Fun Runs, Cake Sales, a Raffle and BBQ plus much more family fun. This promises to be another great day out and we look forward to seeing you there.
Schedule of the day: 10:15am: Number Collection in Village Hall 11:00am: Warm-up to music in Village Hall 11:15am: ‘Caroline’s Cross Country Race’. 5km fun run. We are introducing a new award this year called the ‘Ossie Award’ for the fastest finisher, aged 65 and over. 11:20am: ‘Dominic’s Ditcheat Dash’. 1mile fun run for all the family Midday: BBQ Lunch and family fun in The Manor Inn
Entry Cost *Includes entry to the run and BBQ lunch £5 per child (14 yrs and under) £8 per adult All proceeds of the event will go to Child Bereavement UK.
Runners, please enter in advance if possible. Entry forms can be downloaded from the FTN website and payment can be made on the day. It will be possible to enter on the day but places will be limited.
Parking is available in Maryland Cheese Factory car park.
Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead. And why not help pets who support the sick and bereaved too? There will be a few stalls in The Manor Inn raising money for Pets as Therapy UK.
If you require further information regarding the event, please contact Danielle at [email protected] or 07969 130816. Entry and sponsorship forms can be downloaded from www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk
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Gardening
The weather has been stunning for weeks now, interspersed with a little rain. During the last heat wave, I was lucky enough to be about 2 metres from the sea in Cornwall with a gentle breeze making it a very pleasant place to be. We wandered around the enchanting streets of Mevagissy and ventured to Trebah Gardens, which still remains a firm favourite.
It is not too large, or commercialised, and offers a delightful walk through amazing foliage, including tree ferns, bamboos and gunnera. We even came across an Australian Mint Bush - Prostanthera rotundifolia. A new one for me. We were literally stopped in our tracks by the scent.
At the bottom of the garden is a large lake and some very narrow steps that lead out to a private beach. Perfect for a picnic. The walk back is at a higher level, giving magnificent views over the valley. I remember the tree ferns were about waist high when I first visited the garden, they are now in excess of 2.5 metres. A magical place. There is a small nursery and, of course, I had to buy the mint bush. I wonder how it will fare in Ditcheat?
The garden here is really beginning to come together, although one border is still struggling to establish itself. Some plants are doing well and others not at all. The vegetables continue to grow. The elephant garlic was pulled this afternoon. It is certainly very large and smells wonderful. The proof will be in the eating. Let’s The Australian Mint Bush hope size has not compromised the taste.
It is great fun trying out more and more veggie recipes. The yellow beetroot is a huge success. Not only a good crop but an amazing flavour which does not really resemble its name. Fennel is swelling nicely and the trial round courgettes are not only lovely to look at, but delicious too. The waxy potatoes are a great hit. Only grown to break up the ground but neighbours and friends are thoroughly enjoying them.
Luckily for the sweet peas, they have performed. Not impressed by the ‘intensely fragrant’ promise on the packet, but at least there are flowers and plenty of them. Does this convince me to nurture them through the winter and pinch out the tips? Jury is still out on that one…
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Lavender is, or will be, just about over by the time this gets to you. It is important to cut it right back after flowering in order to keep the plants from getting too straggly. Remember not to cut into the woody stems, but to where you can still feel there is sap in the stem. Go as low as you dare to keep the plants neat.
The Cabbage Whites are out and about and will be doing untold damage to brassicas. When you do find caterpillars, either pick them off or spray with a suitable pesticide.
This edition of the FTN covers September and, as usual, I shall be collating a bulb order for all of my clients. If anyone wants anything unusual, such as my trademark black and white tulips, just let me know and I can add them to the order.
Throughout the summer I have been making notes on my problem herbaceous border with the idea of a make-over in September/October. Much as I would like to move things right now, I know it is sensible to wait for the cooler weather. This is the time to split perennials and move them around the border to hopefully achieve a better balance next year.
Shrubs can also be planted at this time of year to give them plenty of opportunity to establish before next spring. It is a good idea to make a note of the height and spread of new purchases before planting. Make sure you do not plant too close to others as they will compete for moisture and nutrients, which in turn will slow their growth. Tease a few roots away from the original compost as this will help the shrub to quickly root into the soil. Make sure you use your foot to firm the plant into the soil and, finally, water well and apply a mulch.
If you need any help with garden projects or would like to order some bulbs, please give me a ring on 01749 860850 or visit the website www.janefollis.com
Happy gardening Jane Follis
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The Rendezvous
Tuesdays 8thAugust/12th September 10-12 Ditcheat Jubilee Hall Enquiries: Linda 860067
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Ditcheat School
Ditcheat School enjoyed their annual Arts Week at the end of June. Arts Week kicked off with team activities each morning, these included workshops where parents/carers came along and joined in. Class teachers also ran activities alongside this. We were fortunate to have a guest, Robert Pearce, who came into the school to teach cartooning to Holly Class.
All the children decorated a tile with their 'favourite things'; these will be assembled to make a whole class display. The children enjoyed various other activities including making instruments, recycling art and making sock puppets which they used for a whole-school performance. It proved to be an exciting week for everyone.
Willow Class performed their Wild West play 'Ye Ha'. It was a lovely end to a very busy term. The play was full of fun and the children greatly enjoyed practising their American accents. 14
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The Wildlife Group Update
Share a close encounter with wildlife:
John and Lesley Dibble had this nest in their pond outside their kitchen window. The babies all successfully hatched you’ll be pleased to know!
Interestingly Eleanor Yeoman saw a pair of Red Kites flying over Little Pennard five days before she saw the picture in the photo competition. I’m sure it is only a matter of time before they become established in this area. I was talking to a farmer from an area that has many Red Kites and his observation was that there were fewer Buzzards and more Sparrow hawks, since they became established.
What we have done in July: We had another raking up session in the Spring wildflower area in Ditcheat Churchyard and surveyed the Churchyard. If you are interested in having a copy of the wildlife we have seen there, just ask and I’ll email you the list.
Visit: The Owl Prowl with Chris Sperring has proved very popular, so I must apologise to those who were disappointed and couldn’t join us this year. With encouragement, I could organise another one next year!
Butterflies and you: It is so rewarding when something you have done in your piece of England’s green and pleasant land encourages wildlife. A friend of ours made a butterfly bank in Brighton. Note, it was on chalk so the butterflies it attracted were chalk downland species. This was situated in a rundown suburb of Brighton, so when our friend did his 15 minute butterfly count (a Citizen science project you can take part in this Summer) he was rewarded by seeing 84 butterflies. Notably, 34 Small Blue, Common and Adonis Blue. There were Large and Small Skipper, Marbled, Large and Small White, Small Heath, Small Copper, Gatekeeper and 30 Meadow Browns. Your garden is an important wildlife area and you can do things to encourage butterflies. Have nectar rich plants, wild flower areas, shallow water and caterpillar food plants. According to Butterfly Conservation, the charity raising awareness and knowledge of butterflies, they are declining most rapidly in urban areas. This is almost certainly due to the increase of hard landscape surfaces and reduction of plants in people’s gardens. A trend that is understandable for
18 garden neatness and low maintenance, but has knock-on effects for wildlife. So, your patch of England is important. Small modifications can produce large results and are very rewarding. You and your family can take part in the big butterfly count 14th July to the 6th August with free apps and charts to help you, from www.bigbutterflycount.org. It takes only 15 minutes on a sunny day – what better way to use your summer holidays with the kids?
Meeting up: August - Bat Walk led by Fiona Ephlick September - Wildflower meadow visit Details will be posted on notice boards, web sites as below and emailed to the Wildlife Group members.
Tips: August can be a month that lacks flowers in the garden. This is where hardy annuals and bedding plants come into their own providing Photo Competition: Can you identify the baby nectar and pollen for insects. birds? Thanks to Lesley Dibble for this photo. Answers by email or phone to Bridget Congratulations to before 10th August. Eleanor Yeoman who has won July’s
Photo competition. Contact information: Charlie’s photo was Bridget Wadey: of a Red Kite. 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 or www.ditcheatchurch.co.uk, this site publishes our meetings and activities as they happen. The Wildlife Group has its own tag
Bridget Wadey
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Mary Sumner Day is on Wednesday 9 August, and as she was the founder of the Mothers’ Union, we are celebrating this with a special service at St Thomas’ Church, Wells at 2.30pm that day. This will be followed by a cream tea in the Church. Anyone is very welcome to join us.
At our June meeting we joined in with the Monthly Cathedral Prayers in the Chapel at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells which is a beautiful and inspiring place. During the meeting we were delighted to welcome Jane as a member. The prayers this month were led by Frome Deanery and they talked about their work there with families. There was also tribute paid to Rowena Merson who had played such a key role with Mothers’ Union locally.
Lynn Rendell 01749 671456
Members and friends visited The Abbey House Glastonbury, on Friday 7th July, 2.30pm. Mrs. Bridget Davey, Deputy Manager, welcomed members in the Chapel for a short introductory talk. Abbey House is a Church of England Retreat House. It has served the Diocese of Bath and Wells for over eighty years. People are welcomed from all over the world, approximately 10% of the guests are from outside the United Kingdom. The embroidery group who were on retreat invited members into the sitting room to see their needlework. A very pleasant time was then spent in the beautiful gardens. A prayer walk, a new sculpture and many places to sit and contemplate, added to an enjoyable, reflective afternoon.
The next meeting, Wednesday 16th August - A Summer Of Hope, tea party at the Old Vicarage, West Pennard, 2.30pm. Mother's Union branches are hosting individual garden parties, hoping to raise funds to bring hope to families around the world. We hope you'll join us to enjoy good food, great company and the chance to change lives. Thursday, September 14th Baltonsborough Church Room 2.30pm. Guest speaker, Revd. Juliette Hulme (Chaplain, Wells Cathedral School) New members and friends most welcome. Jill Done
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Ditcheat Weather - Jun 2017
Last June we were bemoaning the quantity of rain, and how it affected us all in different ways. 12 months on and one set of friends of mine are only just finishing getting their house back in order after being swamped in the deluge.
This year we all muttered about the heat, and how we could not sleep at night. Three days, 19th, 20th and 21st recorded temperatures in excess of 30ºc. The 21st being the hottest June day since 1976, 34.5ºc recorded at Heathrow airport. Nighttime temperatures peaked at 18ºc on the 20th and there were only 5 nights across the month where single figure temperatures were recorded.
1976 is remembered as the year of the “great drought”. Thankfully we are not going to have a repeat of that pattern as we have had more rainfall (albeit sporadic) over the period leading up to summer. June was windy - especially at the beginning of the month. Overall there was almost double the amount of wind compared to last year.
Whilst this June was the 5th wettest since 1910, as a UK average there were considerable variations from North to South. Ditcheat and surrounding areas were below average, according to the Met Office. Thankfully, Glastonbury festival was dry and this seemed to help keep the traffic disruption down to an acceptable level.
The beginning of the month ruined my Solar PV (photo voltaic) output figures as there were lots of cloudy days. Even the truly hot days towards the end of the month failed to provide the 20kwh per day holy grail. This is the figure that is the max I can expect on a truly cloudless day in the third week of June. Overall we recorded 92% of predicted output for the month. Only April has achieved more than 100%
Live weather … www.geoffwebber.co.uk/weather
June Max Min >20c < 10c rain wet wind deg c deg c days nights total days run miles
2017 31.1 7.2 12 5 49.6 13 2090.2
2016 24.2 8.2 8 21 133.4 19 1185.9
2015 28.1 4.8 13 16 35.8 8 1760.4
2014 25.7 7.8 20 24 48.0 8 1255.3 Geoff Webber 21
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Ragwort – Senecio Jacobaea
This pretty yellow daisy is growing strongly and illegally across Mendip, thriving on wasteland, roadside verges, stonewalls and in people’s gardens, soon to cover farm fields with its yellow haze. This easily recognisable plant is a real thug and will settle in wherever it can, particularly on poor, over-grazed pasture. Ragwort is highly poisonous if consumed by horses. It contains a toxin that causes liver failure and death. Each plant produces thousands of seeds that are dispersed widely by the wind resulting in the rapid spread of the weed. Seeds can lie dormant for years. The most basic way to get rid of ragwort is to physically pull it up or use a ragwort fork. Rubber gloves should be worn as the plants are potentially harmful to humans and all plant material removed and burnt to prevent all animals (including cows and sheep) from eating it. However, just leaving behind one bit of the tentacle-like root means that the dratted stuff comes back later on that season, and the next year, and the next year. The roots need to DIE. There is a homemade solution to kill the roots that works and I have included the link below. The control of ragwort comes under two government acts, The Weeds Act 1959 and the Ragwort Act 2003. Under these laws governmental authorities can serve clearance notices to prevent the weed from spreading. If appropriate, in the first instance, approach the owner of the land on which the ragwort is growing and request them to take steps to clear the weed. By the time you read this article ragwort will be in flower and by the end of July it will be starting to go to seed. When riding around Pilton and North Wootton I see it growing everywhere. Please pull it up or use the homemade solution to truly eradicate it. Thank you.
Harriet Ray, Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association
For more information: http://e-venting.co.uk/2017/06/eradicating-the-evil-ragwort-a-homemade- solution-that-works/
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The Glastonbury Festival Fun Ride
3 miles and 10-12 miles Sunday 24th September 2017 for horse riders and cyclists in aid of the Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association
Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association has been granted unprecedented access to the 16 miles of tracks and farmland on the Glastonbury Festival site, courtesy of Mr. Michael Eavis and local landowners.
This will be a unique opportunity for horse riders and cyclists to ride through the famous Festival ground, passing the site of the pyramid stage, the Healing Ground, Dragon Field and Standing Stones, before riding up the steep escarpment to the summit of Stickleball Hill. With stunning views across the Somerset Levels, the ride will continue through the picturesque villages of East Pennard and Pylle using local bridle paths, droves, fern-filled woods, orchards, farm land and quiet lanes, before returning to the Festival site. There will be cross country as well as coloured jumps in varying heights en route, as well as a photographer and refreshments available on the Festival site.
This promises to be a fabulous ride and one not to be missed! Money raised by the event will go towards the cost of improving the condition of other bridle paths throughout Mendip.
MBBA is the largest bridleway association in the south west of England with over 500 members and the fourth largest in the country. Run entirely by volunteers, the aim of the Association is to protect and preserve the character and status of Mendip's green ways for the safe use and enjoyment of horse riders, carriage drivers and cyclists. MBBA advertise the existence of tracks, droves and other ridden paths and seek to develop them into linking and circular safe, off-road routes. The association promotes horse-riding as a safe and healthy leisure activity for all ages and backgrounds. For further details, or if you would like to take part in the Glastonbury Festival site ride, please visit the MBBA website www.mbba.org.uk or telephone Mrs. V. Jones 01749 831 276.
July 100 club winners
£100 Ball number 68 Charlie Bishop £50 Ball number 46 Ann & Yan Robinson £25 Ball number 47 Rebecca Fallon
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DITCHEAT BOOK GROUP Andrew Taylor’s The American Boy Review by Clare West
‘We owe respect to the living, but to the dead we owe only truth.’ This, a quotation from the French philosopher Voltaire, is the book’s opening sentence. It seems a strange motto for a work of fiction, but in a way it encapsulates the concept of the book. Real-life events form the bedrock of the story; the American boy of the title, young Edgar Allan Poe, attended a school in Stoke Newington while living with his English foster-parents. From this slender factual fragment Andrew Taylor has fashioned a multi-layered Gothic world of suspense and intrigue, with a complex plot.
Part crime novel, part historical melodrama, part love story, The American Boy keeps the reader gripped throughout. There is a well-drawn narrator, a penniless teacher called Thomas/Tom Shields, who is briefly employed at the Stoke Newington school. He is given the task of accompanying young Poe and his friend Charlie Frant to a relative’s country house. Here Tom falls in love with Charlie’s beautiful mother. There is a badly battered corpse, a suspicious codicil to a wealthy man’s will, two mastiffs found poisoned, a disputed inheritance... and then the plot thickens further, with more unexpected deaths.
At first glance you might think that this book is just a pastiche of a 19th-century novel, by Charles Dickens or Wilkie Collins, say. But it is far more than that. Taylor delves into emotional nuances and sexual feelings that could never be publicly discussed in Dickens’ day. So there is a contemporary openness and sensitivity to the story, against a recognizable background of parlours, piquet and pea-soupers. Taylor’s conscientious research into the way people spoke and thought in late Regency England has really paid off; we feel totally immersed in the period.
Edgar Allan Poe only plays a small part in the story, but he is pivotal – ‘the still point around which the whole business revolved’. The inclusion of this character provides an interesting insight into the famous writer’s early life. He has been called the founding father of crime fiction, and themes from this story, such as ruined monasteries, hidden pirates’ treasure, and ghost stories told in the dark, can be traced back to his Tales of Mystery and Imagination.
The love story is an integral part of the novel, but very subtly and delicately described. As Taylor explains, ‘I had to cut an entire sex scene from the first draft. Describing it explicitly somehow didn’t ring true, either for Tom or the period.’ This restraint is well judged, and helps us to empathize all the more with Tom’s feelings. It also allows for a compellingly revelatory dénouement!
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CHURCH SERVICES FOR AUGUST
Sunday 6th 8th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am United Benefice Communion at Ditcheat
Tuesday 8th 10.00am Benefice Midweek Communion at Ditcheat
Sunday 9th 9th Sunday after Trinity 11.00am United Benefice Communion at Pylle
Sunday 20th 10th Sunday after Trinity 11.00am United Benefice Communion at East Pennard
Sunday 27th 11th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am United Benefice Communion at Alhampton
CHURCH SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER
Sunday 3rd 12th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Parish Communion in Ditcheat 11.00am Morning Worship in East Pennard
Sunday 10th 13th Sunday after Trinity 11.00am Harvest Festival in Pylle.
Tuesday 12th 10.00am Benefice Midweek Communion at Ditcheat
Sunday 17th 14th Sunday after Trinity 11.00am Parish Communion at East Pennard
Sunday 27th 15th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Harvest Festival with Communion at Alhampton
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HARVEST WHEEL BARROW SERVICE
St Mary Magdalene’s Ditcheat
Sunday 15th October at 11.00 am NOTE THE TIME
A Harvest Festival service with a difference to which all are invited
We will be writing to groups in the villages to invite you to decorate a wheelbarrow with fruit, vegetables, flowers or any other harvest products. Families or individuals can decorate their own barrow. The barrows may be brought into the church the day before and it will make a splendid display. At the service there will be a grand wheelbarrow procession.
Bring cameras to take a record of the wheelbarrows!
GIFT DAY for the work of the Church
HARVEST LUNCH after the service in the Church and Church Room
Further details nearer the time
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LILY’S REMARKS
Woof! I thought it was time I put paw to key board as it were. Actually, I was thinking of coming to the Alhampton Dog Show last month– surely I might have won a rosette in the ‘Most Beautiful Babe of a Bitch’ class – but I haven’t been very well. First they thought it was that terrible heat, but it seems the inflammation in my hind-quarters flared up again; anyway I was off colour and off my food. I’m feeling much better now, and my family have found some new food (Forthglade) to add to my Royal Canine granules – I mean would you eat the same thing twice a day for more than 8 years? Anyway it’s very nice, and I’ve got my bounce back
The family have been away for a week to Corfu – you know ‘The Durrells’, which I watch because of all Gerry’s animals. Actually, they have been making the next series out there apparently. Well it was very hot – even hotter than here, so I am glad I didn’t go. I had a very nice girl staying in the house and looking after me – she was great
Okay enjoy your holidays at home or away. I think I can smell some cheese so I must go. Lily xx
DITCHEAT CHURCH ROOM WISH LIST
The work on the Church Room has been completed and paid for – just over £20,500. Activities are up and running – see elsewhere in FTN. But we failed to get a grant recently for various ‘equipment and fittings’, so the PCC suggested I publish a shopping list of some of the items (with their costs): Gopak table stacking trolley [£195] External Display board [£42] Electric toaster – 4 slice [£42] Internal Notice Board [£47] 3 dirt grabbing doormats [£90] 2 step folding step stool [£33] Oak wall cross [£225] And also for smaller sums, matching table cloths, crockery, cutlery …
If anyone would like to donate one of these please let me know.
Graham Hendy
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Ditcheat Church Room Activities Ditcheat Term Time Tea & Toast Crafternoon Teas
Every 4th Monday afternoon 2pm onwards
Monday mornings, why not take time Come feel inspired out of your day and give yourself an Different crafts demonstrated hour. Take the children to school and Enjoy company and cake then pop in to the Church room for a quick cuppa, slice of toast and a natter. Take this opportunity to learn to sew,
starting with bunting or easy summer Kettle on from 8.45, warm welcome awaits and it’s over by 10am. skirt/tops
Sewing machine available Babies and toddlers welcome to stay & play.
Monthly on 2nd Saturday 8.30am Wednesday Welcome in the Church Room Every Wednesday 2.30-4pm except Rendezvous week
Come and enjoy tea, cake and company in the newly refurbished Church Room Freshly cooked breakfast Ring Helen Nicholls 860321 To book email; [email protected] or ring Roger Adams 860551 Everyone welcome
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Sudoko Page (Answers Page 39)
‘Easy’
‘Medium’
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PYLLE NEWS
The whole village was devastated to hear of the accident which sadly resulted in Pete Thorner’s death in early July and we send our condolences and best wishes to all his family.
Church Flowers and cleaning August Jo Miln and Hilary Tudsbery-Turner September Margaret Shylan October Phyllis Hamblin If the church is locked please contact the church wardens Teresa 831419, Hilary 830538, Carolyn Fussell 830120, or Alan Cary 07896945936 for a key.
Ladies Working Party Unfortunately, I have had to tender my resignation as chairman of the Ladies Working Party after 9 years in post. Recently my workload has increased painting pet portraits and it is now a full-time job. Consequently, I find myself struggling to find the time to do all the other things required of me. Thank you for making me so welcome and for your wonderful support and friendship over the years. I have very much enjoyed my time as chairman and hope to be able to come to the lunches at The Den whenever time permits. The last meeting I will be arranging is our August Lunch out at Cole Manor on 9th August. I will, however, host the Christmas lunch at my house on 6th December and look forward to welcoming everybody then. There will be the usual lunch meetings at the Coffee Den on 6th September, 4th October, and 1st November. Joanna Miln
An Evening With Eliot A dramatized reading of the opening sections of: Murder in the Cathedral by TS Eliot in Ditcheat church
Are you interested in participating? Initially there would be a play-reading of the first section of Eliot’s famous verse play, originally staged in the Chapter House of Canterbury Cathedral. This could be followed by a second in the church itself plus a few moves. If both these went down well, and enough people were interested, after a few rehearsals there could be a performance of the complete play in the church in front of a paying audience. This would still be a reading but in smart dress with music and staged murder of Becket. Such a performance would run for two hours and would need an interval with refreshments. Proceeds could go towards the restoration of the Morris/Dawe memorial tablet and/or the repair of the south transept roof. The initial play- reading would require five men and twelve ladies. If interested please ring Stephen on 01749 830538
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Events in Pylle this Autumn:
Pylle Harvest Festival Sunday 10th September at 11 am; non-Eucharist service.
Harvest Supper I will unfortunately be away this year and therefore unable to organise the Pylle harvest supper. If anybody is prepared to organise this event on 11th September please get in touch with me and I can give you all the planning details. If I do not hear from anybody sadly there will be no harvest supper this year. Joanna Miln 01749 838757
New exhibitors for Somerset Art Weeks: Pylle Village Hall: Venue 13 22nd September to 8th October 11 am to 6 pm daily We will once again be exhibiting in Pylle village hall during Somerset Art Weeks. Joanna Miln, (pet portraits) Jane Evans (pottery) and Paul Boak (turned wood) will be joined for the first time by Jeffy Salt (paintings) Jinny Wessel (handstitched leather) and Hannah Collins (fluid abstract paintings). We do hope you will come and see our latest work and enjoy our homemade cakes and light lunches whilst you are with us.
Quiz Night Saturday 21st October – 7 pm
Pylle Village Hall BA4 6SZ £10 including hot meal BYOB Tickets in advance from: Joanna Miln 01749 838757 [email protected] Please state dietary requirements on booking Chilli Con Carne (or veg option) and dessert
Profits for new PVH blinds Teams of 6
Remembrance Day Lunch – Sunday 12th November We will once again be holding our lunch in Pylle Village Hall after the Remembrance Day service. This has proved very popular over the last two years and we hope you will support us again and enjoy the authentic curries (vegetarian and non-curry options available). More details next month.
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Fosse Trinity News I will also be giving up writing Pylle’s monthly piece for the FTN. Stephen Tudsbery-Turner will be taking over from me so if you have any news to share, or events to publish, please contact him on 01749 830538
To hire Pylle Village Hall: £7.50 per hour or £6.50 per hour for more than 4 regular bookings. For more information and to book the hall please contact Joanna Miln on 01749 838757
Learn new skills and have fun with Margy Cockburn I recently spent a lovely afternoon with Margy Cockburn learning how to hand tie a bouquet of flowers. There were four of us and, in a very relaxing atmosphere, Margy taught us how to prepare and condition shop-bought and garden flowers. She then instructed us on the art of spiralling them into a beautiful bouquet and tying and dressing them for presentation. I was so inspired I came straight home and picked another bunch of fresh flowers from my garden to condition and tie into a bouquet to present to our hosts the following night. If you get the opportunity to take part in one of these workshops don’t miss it!!
Jo Miln’s hand-tied bunch passes the acid, stand-up-alone test.
Joanna Miln
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Pylle Painters Plus Somerset Art Weeks: Venue 13
22nd September to 8th October 2017 11am-6pm
Pottery • Wood • Leather • Original Paintings Prints and cards: prices from £2 to £500
Featuring New Members: Hannah Collins: Abstract Fluid Acrylic and Resin Art Jeffy Salt: Oils and Watercolours `en plein air` Jinny Wessel: Hand stitched Italian leather bags and accessories Paul Boak: Unique turned and carved vessels Jane Evans: White stoneware & porcelain functional & decorative pottery Joanna Miln: Pastel animal paintings. Pet portrait commissions
Real coffee, homemade cakes and light lunches available daily
Pylle Village Hall, Pylle Lane, Pylle, Shepton Mallet BA4 6SP At junction of A37 and Pylle Lane on southern edge of Pylle, signposted to Pylle Church, large car park opposite. 07712587074 • [email protected] • www.joannamiln.co.uk
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Harriet Sandys
SUMMER SALE
Saturday 26th to Tuesday 29th August, 2pm – 5pm 10% OFF
Oriental Carpets, rugs, runners & kilims Carved wood chests from the North-West Frontier Colourful pin-tuck Kaftan Tops – ideal for late summer holidays Embroidered cotton Nightwear & Kantha Jackets from Rajasthan Applique, Quilted and block printed Bedspreads Silver and gold semi-precious stone Earrings
The Manor House Barn, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB Tel: 01749 890582
Directions: www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk Open by appointment throughout the year
Sudoko (Answers to Grids on Page 34)
‘Easy’ ‘Medium’
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Charity Theatre Trips to Bristol Hippodrome
The big news this month is the long anticipated arrival of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical at Bristol next April. We are going on Wednesday 4th April. Telling the story of Carole’s rise to fame in the 60’s and 70’s this has had rave reviews from everyone who has travelled to London to see it and features such hits as You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman, Take Good Care of my Baby, You’ve Got a Friend, So Far Away, It Might As Well Rain Until September, Up on the Roof, and Locomotion. At the moment the last booking date is the end of August. August also brings the payment dates, and the last chance to be certain of a ticket, for My Fair Lady and optional theatre tour, War Horse, Crazy for You and English National Ballet’s Nureyev production of Romeo and Juliet. Our coach picks up in Curry Rivel, Langport, Somerton, then either Street, Wells or Keinton Mandeville, Shepton Mallet.
Book at www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or e-mail [email protected], or phone 01458 273085.
Ditcheat Big Screen returns in September
On Thursday 21st September Ditcheat Big Screen returns to the Jubilee Hall when the feature film will be “Hidden Figures”. This film has been nominated for three Academy awards including “Best Picture”.
Adapted from Margot Lee Shetterly's book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, it is set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South and the civil rights movement. The film traces the story of NASA’s African-American female mathematicians who were part of America’s space program.
The film focuses on three real-life pioneers: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who were part of NASA's team of “human computers." They overcame racism and sexism to play a crucial role in launching the first US astronaut, John Glenn, into space in 1962, and bringing him home safely again. Through sheer tenacity, force of will, and intellect, they ensured their stamp on American history—even if it is only now that their part is being widely acknowledged.
Tickets are £6 and are on sale at Maryland Farm Shop, Ditcheat, and Fosseway Garage, Pylle. You can watch a short trailer and also buy tickets at www.ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk. Doors open at 6.45pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. A bar and refreshments are available. 41
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Royal British Legion
Last month I talked a lot about recruiting and I hope, having read the article, you have some sympathy with our circumstances and will give the matter some thought.
Some of you may be a little confused with my general attitude towards the Legion: on one hand I’m asking you to join the branch, and on the other, I’m criticising the way that the Legion goes about things. I think the hub of the matter is the branch is concerned with our community at local level, and the Legion has a much bigger agenda. Locally I think we have a finger on the pulse but I’m not sure how much longer the present incumbents can maintain the same level of dedication.
To give you an example of this “bigger agenda”, the Legion has recently launched a scheme called the Great Pilgrimage 90 or GP 90 for short, and now I’m quoting directly from the Legion email:
Great Pilgrimage 90 (GP90) will be a modern recreation of the 1928 pilgrimage. On the 8 August 1928, the original pilgrims marched in solemn salute to the Menin Gate in Ypres under the watchful gaze of the Prince of Wales, then the Legion’s Patron, to mark the 10th anniversary of the start of the ‘Last Hundred Days Offensive’, which - later that year - led to the signing of the Armistice. On the 8 August 2018, it will be the Legion’s contemporary membership that will carry their Standards along the same route to Ypres.
This will be the largest membership event in the history of the Legion and presents a huge opportunity for branches to work collaboratively within their local communities; raising the profile of the branch, inspiring the commitment of our current membership and encouraging the recruitment of others.
In the three weeks since we have launched our plans a number of branches have already committed to the project. In addition we have received a lot of positive feedback about excitement for GP90 at branch level. Particularly encouraging are stories of counties and branches reaching out to support each other so as many branches as possible can attend. This is a very encouraging start. We plan to provide a GP90 update on a monthly basis. This will include an update on the number of branches who have signed up.
In this update we would like to confirm three key messages:
1. Responsibility for the decision to participate in the GP90 project sits with the branch committee. Given this each branch must agree that it wants to attend GP90 prior to registration being completed. 2. Once registered each branch will be contacted by the Legion’s finance team within two working days to pay the total amount of £1000.00 to confirm their GP90 places. Branches must make sure they have sufficient funds in place to pay at the time of 45
registration. This is the cost per branch and covers all transport costs, food, accommodation and travel insurance. Given the nature and scale of GP90 and preparation needed this cost is not refundable (unless the Board of Trustees takes a decision not to proceed with GP90). 3. The names of the two people who will represent the branch and their community at GP90 are not required at the time of registration. These can be decided at a later date. In addition a parallel tour will be available for those who are not selected as the two people to represent the local branch community.
We would encourage those who can to register as early as possible. However there is still plenty of time for branches to raise funds to register their place. Advice on how to do this will be provided in future updates. Further details are available at www.rbl.org.uk/gp90.
There is more information available in the Legion magazine. Some of you may already have formed an opinion about GP90. If you’ve read the magazine you can’t fail to have noticed there is a lot of support for the project. Somebody has already suggested that some “rich” branches may like to pay for other branches to be represented. Your committee’s view is that it is not the best use of Legion funds. Certainly our opinion is tainted by our experience of being stopped sending out Christmas hampers, because it was not an “appropriate” use of funds. So, how come spending £1000.00 to send two people on a jolly is fine? We are not saying that nobody from our area can go, you’ll just have to pay for it yourself. Sorry to be so blunt. Please get in touch with me, Jon Dickens 01458 850241, if you feel that you would like to go and represent the district. The suggestion is that one person is the Standard Bearer!!
That is an example of how our thinking at branch level differs “just a little” from that of the powers that be. There is no branch meeting in July so our next get together will be 8th August at Charlie’s. If you don’t agree with our views please come along and tell us. Next time I’m going to talk about Branch Community Support. Bet you can’t wait. Jon Dickens
Camelot U3A Meeting: Friday 29th September 2.30pm at Caryford Hall
AGM followed by talk by Andrew McElwee, Former National Trust Property Manager. With gentle humour and amusing anecdotes, Andrew recounts his time managing one of the South East's largest properties.
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VILLAGE LUNCH
The Village Lunch is held on the last Tuesday of the month in the Jubilee Hall at 12.30pm.
Menu for 26th September
Lamb Hotpot Fish Pie Spanakopitas (Greek Spinach Pie)
If you mislay your magazine this information is available on the FTN website, www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk. ~~~~~ Selection of Puddings ~~~~~ Tea or Coffee
£4.00 per person
If you would like to come let either Jessica Leach (860205) or Vee Lees (860542) know by the previous Wednesday, (20st ). There will be a raffle as usual - any prizes would be welcome.
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Précis of the draft minutes from the Parish Council (PC) meeting held on the 22nd June 2017. PRESENT: Chairperson – Councillor Evans (CE) and Councillors – Harrison (HH), Travis (RT), Hutton (RH) and Clifford (SC). IN ATTENDANCE: Miss P Griffiths – Clerk to the Council. BY INVITATION: District Councillor John Greenhalgh (JG). PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Opportunity for members of the public to address the Parish Council. There were two members of the public present. Dr Osmond addressed the Council regarding the letter that she had sent to the PC about what she perceived was the premature cutting of the verges in Alhampton thus affecting the wildlife habitat in and around the parish. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Apologies for absence from Councillors Clark (HC), Dando (JD) and Hughes (LH) – were received and approved. County Councillor Nigel Hewitt-Cooper (NHC) and PCSO Dury had also sent their apologies. COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS – JG gave the following report: MDC staff have been busy following the county council elections with the General Election, and several staff particularly from Environmental Health and Licensing are now actively involved at the festival though this has had a relatively minor impact on council services. Other points of interest are as follows: The Council has elected a new chairman, Cllr Edward Drewe, and following the county elections eight MDC councillors are now also county councillors The council has been given a Gold Award for excellence in the management of address information especially in relation to customer requests for property information for land searches There will be changes in Planning Department following the resignations of a Principal Planning Officer and a Planner officer. Changes resulting from the Five Councils Partnership are now starting to happen, for example licensing administration will now be delivered by South & Vale Council (South Oxfordshire). The Licensing Officer will remain at Mendip. From 3rd July administration of HR services will be delivered from Capita’s HR Shared Service Centre in Belfast. An HR representative will remain on site at Mendip. REPORT FROM AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY - The Clerk read out the report which included 11 incidents – 7 of which related to traffic issues. One incident was regarding a concern about someone attempting to open both doors to the house; Police attend with a police dog and search the area – No trace of anyone was found. Other incidents involved - Police attending following a report of an alarm activated in a local business which had been set off in error; the report of a theft near the village (assume Ditcheat); a report of an injured deer along Wraxall Rd – Police and Deer Warden attend and the reporting of careless
48 driving along the A37 Wraxall – Observations passed over police radio – No trace found. CODE OF CONDUCT – Declarations of interest and dispensations. Declarations of interest on items included on the agenda – CE declared an interest in item 103/17 e) 1) as the recipient of the payment. SC declared an interest in Item 102/17 2) as a neighbour of the applicant. MINUTES - The minutes of the meeting held on 11th May 2017 were approved and signed by the Chairman. MATTERS ARISING - from the meeting held on 11th May 2017. Land opposite The Lodge on the A37 – no update available. The Clerk will continue to follow the matter. Action: The Clerk. Adoption of telephone kiosk in Alhampton for installation of defibrillator - The Clerk confirmed that the application for funding from the Big Lottery Fund had been submitted. HGVs using Ditcheat as shortcut from A37 to A371 – The Clerk read out the response from Mike Dennis the Manager from The Lloyd Fraser Group whose vehicle had been seen driving through the parish who had re-iterated that their drivers have again been reminded that they must obey all road signage at all times and, specifically, they are not to use the route through the parish again. Mr Dennis went on to assure the PC that they do take complaints of this nature seriously as it is not in their interests for the public to have a poor perception of either their Company, or indeed their employees as individuals. The matter is now considered closed. MINUTES - The minutes of the meeting held on 1st June 2017 were approved and signed by the Chairman. CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR – following the resignation of Andrew Sage no parishioner had come forward to volunteer for co-option. The Clerk will put another notice in the FTN and on the notice boards and the PC website. CUTTING OF VERGES IN THE PARISH The letter sent to the PC and the Parish Plan Steering Group (PPSG) by Dr. Osmond regarding the early cutting of the verges prior to 5th June as indicated in the Somerset Highways Environmental maintenance leaflet was considered. The flora and fauna survey undertaken by Dr Osmond was also discussed. It was established that the verges had been cut for the Barbers to assist in road safety during silage collection. Following considerable discussion, it was resolved that the CE would arrange to meet with Chris Barber to discuss the survey and the concerns raised by Dr Osmond. PLANNING -The following planning applications were considered: Proposed repairs, internal alterations and ground floor extension Former Stables at Ringwell House Ditcheat. Household Application and Listed building consent Ref. 2017/1088/HSE and 2017/1089/LBC. Outcome: ‘Recommend that the decision be left to the Planning Officer following consultation responses’ Reason: the PC would have recommended approval should the application have been submitted prior to the work being done.
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Erection of double garage, Langford Barn, Alhampton. Household application Ref: 2017/1587/HSE. Outcome: ‘Recommend refusal’. Reason: the materials proposed are inappropriate and not in keeping with the street scene. In addition, the PC would like it to be noted that there is an existing storm drain running in a westerly direction which it is believed was not maintained by the previous occupiers/owner and this runs under the proposed location of the garage. FINANCE Internal Audit for year ended 31st March 2017 – the report from internal auditor and the Clerk’s response was considered and accepted. It was resolved to accept the suggestion from the auditor that the budget for the repair to the Ditcheat to Sutton footpath should be reviewed and considered at the next meeting. The accounts for 2016/2017 were approved. Annual Return Section 2 Statement of Accounts - approved and signed. The Clerk will forward the Annual Return to the external auditors. Bank balances as per cash book at 14th June - £19,858.16. Approval of Parish Council payments and authority to sign cheques. 1) Mr C Evans for materials and fuel for the repair of Ditcheat to Sutton footpath - £124.72. 2) CPRE for membership renewal – minimum £36.00. 3) Miss P Griffiths – Clerk’s salary 1st April – 30th June 2017 - £837.64. RESOLVED - that the above expenditure is approved and the cheques signed. The request from Evercreech Explorer Scouts for a grant of £200.00 in support of the Scout movement was considered and refused. The payments to the following were noted: Tony’s Garden Services for grass cutting on 5th, 15th and 26th May 2017 - £195.00. Parochial Church Council of Ditcheat for room hire from 15th December to 11th May = £67.00. It was noted that as previously advised the 2017-18 national pay award for Clerks of 1% has been agreed = additional £33.38 per annum. PLAYGROUND It was noted that the application for funding from the Tesco Bags for Life has been successful and a grant of £1,000.00 will be received within two weeks. The Clerk will arrange for the work which will take 1 – 2 days to be done either week commencing the 17th or 24th July. Any matters of report – CE reported that the wooden slats on the seat which back on to the fence needed repair. The Clerk will obtain a quote for the work. It was agreed unanimously that the Clerk can authorise the work to be done up to a sum of £200.00. HIGHWAYS – It was noted that some of the potholes on Moor Lane, Alhampton have been repaired. FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND RIGHTS OF WAY. Update on matters previously reported: Bridge on SM6/26 – CE will check if the work has been completed. Any matters for report – CE reported that progress was being made on the Alhampton to Sutton part of the footpath, however there were some logistical problems regarding the delivery and storage of the materials.
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FEEDBACK FROM COUNCILLOR ATTENDING ‘THE RENDEZVOUS’ - four matters had been raised: The state of the signposts in the parish. The Clerk will report that matter, however painting of signposts is likely to be a very low priority for the Highway Department. It may be possible for the painting to be done by volunteers. The clerk will check. Action: The Clerk. Appreciation to CE for arranging the repair of the ‘No Through Road’ sign in Alhampton. The speed of vehicles being driven through the Parish – it should be noted that any parishioner can report what they consider to be inappropriate driving to the police. Concerned parishioners should make a note of the make, colour and registration number of the vehicle concerned. House names – parishioners can find details about house names on the ‘My Mendip’ part of the MDC website. CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence. - The request from Seafarers UK to commemorate Merchant Navy Day on 3rd September by flying the Red Ensign which is the official flag of the British Merchant Navy was considered. The Clerk will forward the details for the PCC for consideration. It was noted that there were no matters arising from the Annual Parish meeting.
DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – Thursday 3rd August 2017 on 7.30 pm in the Church Room.
PLEASE CHECK THE NOTICEBOARDS FOR AGENDAS AND DATES.
FOR INFORMATION: The agenda for all meetings is displayed on the website www.ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk and the notice boards in the parish i.e. Alhampton, Ditcheat, and Sutton at least 3 working days prior to the meeting.
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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]
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St Mary Magdalene Ditcheat Rotas Cleaning Church Room August 5th / 12th H & A Nicholls Lynda Wyburn-Mason 19th / 26th J & C Evans
September 2nd / 9th Eleanor Yeoman Martin Pope 16th / 23rd J & A Robson
October 7th / 14th P & J Dando Eleanor Yeoman 21st / 28th Hazel Roland
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 Aug. 5th & 12th Sally Greenhalgh Lyn Steel Aug. 19th & 26th Jess Leach “ Sept 2nd & 9th Emma Cobb Louisa Oborne Sept 16th & 23rd Vee Lees “ Sept 30th & Oct 7th Kate Webber Hazel Rowlands Oct 14th & 21st Lucy Archer “ (Oct 14th Harvest Team) Oct 28th Anne Robson Barbara & Ian Rounsevell
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EAST PENNARD CHURCH FLOWERS & CLEANING ROTA
August Cathy van den Bosch Sarah Hashmy Bridget Wadey September Jean Heal Val Green October Lisa Letchford Jenny Jones Bridget Wadey
Dear team, many thanks for your continued support. I hope you all have a good Summer. Best wishes Bridget. Bridget Wadey: Tel: 860240
PEARL MONICA EMERY
15 August, 1921 - 17 April, 2017
Extracts from a Eulogy by Monica Watson
Pearl Emery died peacefully at Torwood Nursing Home in Wells. She spent her early life at Rose Farm, Wraxall, with her parents and two brothers, Kenneth & Richard. She walked to school and church in East Pennard from an early age, progressing to Castle Cary at 11 years old. She left school at 14 to help her uncle in the village shop and then to work in Wincanton.
In 1940 she served as a LACW, (Leading Aircraft Woman) at Portreath in Cornwall. It was here she met her great friend Edna and so began a lifelong friendship. They shared happy and sad times during those days, but had the same sense of humour.
In 1953 Pearl started working for Clarks, at the Townsend factory in Shepton Mallet, where she gave 28 dedicated years as Wages Supervisor and, according to a friend, was a force to be reckoned with. Beware anyone who challenged her word!
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Who's Who ? FOSSE TRINITY BENEFICE Interim Priest Canon Graham Hendy 677003 Reader Jean Halford 860422 Fosse Trinity Advisory Committee Jean Heal 860452 Fosse Trinity News Editor Margy Cockburn 860611 Fosse Trinity News Advertising Marcus Wyburn-Mason 860067 Fosse Trinity News Distribution Lesley Dunn 860746 Anthony Sutcliffe 860541 Prayer Pyramid Co-ordinator { Eleanor Yeoman 860337 Mothers' Union Yvonne Stokes 01458 851480 Safeguarding Person Bridget Wadey 860240 Children's Society Jo Curtis 860898
ALHAMPTON Chapel Warden Jo Curtis 860898 Church Council Secretary Louisa Oborne 860252 Neighbourhood Watch Lynne Hughes 860654 FTN Correspondent Louisa Oborne 860252
EAST PENNARD Bells - Tower Captain Mervyn Buckley 01458 440180 Jean Heal 860452 Churchwarden { Susie Dearden 860502 Church Council Secretary Church Room Hire Audrey Dyson 860317 Parish Council Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Royal British Legion Secretary Jon Dickens 01458 850241 United Charities Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Verger Ray Higgins 860339
PYLLE Bells - Tower Captain Joe King 890357 Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Churchwarden { Teresa Rossiter 831419 Church Council Secretary Stephen Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Ladies Working Party (Chairman) - FTN Correspondent Stephen Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Village Hall hire and keys Joanna Miln 838757
Email contacts are on page 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 Bells - Correspondence/Bookings Ben Look 860257 The Other Book Club Gail Dyke 860189 Church Council Secretary Louisa Oborne 860252 Church Room Hire Pat Dando 860448 Lynne Hughes 860654 Churchwarden { Eleanor Yeoman 860337 Community Car Service (ADEPPTS) Joyce Marsh 860493 Country Dancing Deidre Pezaro 860594 Cricket Club Nick Mann 812304 Ditcheat Big Screen / Moviola Peter Volk 860081 Ditcheat School Richard Reid 860329 Friends of Ditcheat School (FODS) Katy Bryant 860329 Ditcheat Players Chairperson Gaye Volk 860081 Fosseway Garden Club Barbara Cary 860438 Jubilee Hall Chair Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Jubilee Hall Hire Anne Robson 860444 Jubilee Hall Website Peter Volk 860081 Keep Fit Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Neighbourhood Watch Jim Dando 860448 Parent & Toddler Group Pippa Clapham 860329 Parish Council Chairman Charles Evans 860336 Rendezvous Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Saturday Stitch Sally Yeoman 860304 Short Mat Bowls Martin Edgar 860780 Skittles Shirley Derby 07939198030 Village Lunch Jessica Leach 860205 Wildlife Group Bridget Wadey 860240
GENERAL Community Police Lucy Bagnowiec 101 Guy Dury 101
Please help us keep this information up-to-date. Email [email protected] with any changes.
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Index of Advertisers
Electrician, Ian Lester 2 Jewellery, Fosse Beads 22 Hire Shed 2 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Purely Probate 22 Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2 Stone Walling, Yenstone 23 Transport, ADEPPTS 2 Animal Shelter, Ha ppy Landings24 Travellers Rest, Stone 2 Dining, The Manor House Inn 26 Computing, Stable Computers 10 Estate Agents, Lodestone 27 Flowers, Margy Cockburn 10 Events, Pennard House 27 Furniture Restorer, Piers Keating 10 Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen Pascoe 29 Medical, Ho meo pathy, Fionna Roberts 10 Removals & Storage, Armishaws 42 Music Tuition, Piano, Alison Bower 10 Funerals, Connock 43 Oven cleaning, Ovencor 10 Garage Doors, SDS 43 Driver, Philip Saunders 15 Tree Surgeon, M Parsons 43 He ating Services, Warm Welcome 15 Events, S parkford Hall 44 Ho me Mainte nance, Mike Doyle 15 Tennis coaching 44 Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen 15 Painting and Decorating, RJ Pinnell 51 Art Gallery, Studio 13 16 Roofing, Mark Curtis 52 Food, Gould's Cheddar 16 Keep Fit, Pilates, Mo 54 He ating Services, R A Wicks 16 Accounts, Hayley Spencer 59 Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 17 Mobility, Sutton Stairlifts 59 Motoring, N E Motors 17 Tree Surgeon, Jody Osborne 59 Taxi, Tony Chinnock 17 Food, Jon Thorner's Back Ga rdening, Jeremy Do dd 2 2
Printed by Parish Magazine Printing
Who's Who ? Email addresses
Fosse Trinity News Editor [email protected] Fosse Trinity News Advertising [email protected] Fosse Trinity News Distribution [email protected]
Ditcheat Parish Council ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk Community Police [email protected] [email protected]
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