MERR OTT MESSENGER
Delivered free to 1,000 homes www.merriottvillage.btck.co.uk December 2019/January 2020 Inside this issue: T h a t ’ s Christmas lunch all stitched up!
Merriott 2 Heritage Trust News from All 3 Saints Remembrance in 4 Merriott Advice from NHS 5 Footpath Walk 6 Parish Council 7 A Christmas display seen at Castle Garden welcomes your Centre, Sherborne. opinions Sent in by Mo Frampton Lots going on at 8 Haselbury Mill ...... Photographs 9 Top Marks for Merriott Village Hall around Merriott Hallmark Standards Co- op support for the Hall Book Review 10 The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) each The Hall will be one of three charities for the next Our Sponsors 11-12 year offers Village Halls the opportunity to be year which will benefit from Co-op charity assessed for 3 Hallmark standards, which are support. The information and promoted nationwide. Hallmark 1 is for Charity If you have a Co-op Membership and would like views in the Merriott administration and management; Hallmark 2 is to support the Hall please nominate it as your Messenger are those for Health, safety, security and licences; and Hall- preferred charity by either going on line to provided by the named mark 3 is for Community/social awareness, www.coop.co.uk or telephoning 0800 0234708. individual contributors forward planning and development. and are not necessarily Earlier in June, 2 assessors visited Merriott Village supported by the Editorial Team. Whilst every effort Hall for about five hours, met with 4 Trustees and is made to ensure the had a close look at the Hall, its policies and information given is practices. As a result the Hall has been awarded accurate, the Merriott Hallmark standards 1, 2 and 3. Not only does this Messenger cannot accept give the Trustees some confidence that Hall responsibility for any management is deemed satisfactory, but it also errors or omissions. has some benefits for example in the form of Copy date for the February issue is lower insurance costs. 12th January. In the picture the Hall Chairman, Steve Bateman, is receiving the Hallmark certificates at the Annual Your editorial team: General Meeting of CCS held in Long Sutton John Bowman John Bowman 74077 Village Hall in October. The Merriott Messenger Team is Marion Biggs 74170 Q u i z N i gh t very grateful to the Coop for their Peter Bryans 78182 On 26th October 70 eager contestants took part in support over the last year. In total Jane Jackson 74162 a quiz. Supper of a posh ploughman’s and choice we have received £1,209.24 which Janet Lailey 271008 of desserts was provided by My Kitchen which is will enable us to produce several Eric Vose 351857 opening a new café at the Farm Shop in Bower larger editions in the coming months. Further Paula Bateman 271175 Hinton. The evening was much enjoyed and raised details of this support will appear in the February Em a il : £375 for Hall funds. Messenger. John Bowman merriottmessenger@ gmail.com ...... P A G E 2 [email protected] ...... News from the Merriott Heritage Trust —Par t 1—Our Benefactor
As I depart from my direct involvement were listed as unfit for human habitation presumably supervised the con- in the Merriott Heritage Trust, my and required extensive modernisation if struction of the new Workhouse thoughts return to friend and neighbour, they were to survive. It is little wonder for the area in Chard, which is now Cathy Herriman and how she might have that Civic Societies dedicated to preserv- the site of Chard Hospital. It was in this viewed the Trustees’ efforts in the four ing and enhancing our historic fabric capacity that he may have co-operated and a half years since her premature were spawned during the late 1950s with, or at least met, George Gilbert death and the launch of the Trust she and 1960s. Scott, who was renowned for his work on had wished to see established. Cathy spent her first 2 years in Merriott Workhouses at this time. Whether this When Cathy came to live in Merriott in sympathetically restoring No 6 Lower possible connection was or was not re- 2002, she quickly became aware of the Street, doing much of the non-specialist sponsible for the widespread supposition loss to the village heritage from the work herself. Subsequently, she became that Gilbert Scott designed Moorlands major “slum clearances” initiated by post interested in the physical and social House is purely speculative. What is not -war governmental attitudes to old build- history of the village, founded and ran in dispute is that Mr Cuff introduced ings. Here, in Merriott, a modest the Local History Group and, together modern farming methods to Merriott, Somerset village, a whole swathe of with Paul Fisher, organised a very and Cathy’s last act was to rescue the historic property was swept away along successful Finds Day in the Tythe Barn. Winnower and Scratter from his “Model Broadway for road widening. The last She was adept at seeking out and acquir- Farm” at Moorlands before its develop- two cottages were demolished in 1984 ing village artefacts and historic docu- ment as housing. and, despite initial planting by SSDC, the ments, and these now form part of the At her own expense, Cathy made copies site quickly became unmanaged. Some Trust’s collection together with her of the Poor Law Map of 1830, found at twenty years later it was taken in hand books on history. the Rectory. It is Merriott’s earliest com- by a group of local volunteers and be- One of the Trust’s treasures, which Cathy prehensive map so far discovered and, came an attractive feature of the village, found on Ebay, is a notebook compiled in according to the Somerset Record Office now maintained by the Trust. The two 1838 by William Fitchett Cuff (1805 - in Taunton, the only survivor of the small cottages between Nos 6 and 10 1876) of Moorlands, which records the Somerset survey of that time. Lower Street were demolished in 1968 ownership and tenancies of all the land However, the final proof of Cathy’s deep and Nos 18 and 20 Lower Street were holdings in the Parish, presumably as a interest in the history of Merriott and her also largely demolished in 1972/73 and contribution to the Tythe Assessment. love of the village came after her death rebuilt on their original footprint with William Fitchett Cuff was Chairman of with a substantial endowment for the only the original gable wall surviving. the Local Poor Law Institution for some purposes of preserving Merriott’s natural Nos 6, 31/33 and 41/43 Lower Street 13 years in the later part of his life and and built environment...... The Merriott Messenger As usual, there will be How many of editorial team would like no January issue of the these little to take this opportunity to Santa’s can Merriott Messenger. wish you all a very Happy you find Christmas and a happy, Copy date for the (excluding this healthy and prosperous February issue is one). Answer new year. 12th January. on page 11.
Merriott Messenger [email protected] P A G E 3 ...... News from All Saints December will be a busy The All Age Carol Service will this year Mon 2nd 7pm Christingle Service and exciting time at All be in the early evening of Sunday the (Christingle making from 6.30pm) th Saints Church as usual, 15 December, again with the ‘Sixteen Sat 7th 10am-12pm Advent Quiet with varied seasonal ser- Bells Choir’ in support. We will have a Morning, Lopen Church vices and events to suit all Christmas-themed Café Church in the Sun 8th 10.30am Parish Communion ages and tastes. Tithe Barn on Sunday 22nd December. Sun 15th 6pm All Age Carol Service (with Advent Sunday is on the 1st December. The Crib Service is as usual in the church the ‘Sixteen Bells Choir’) We will gather at St George’s Church, on Christmas Eve. So, after quite a build- nd Hinton St George with the ‘Sixteen Bells up, we finally welcome the good news of Sun 22 9am Holy Communion, 4pm Choir’ for an Advent Communion Ser- Christ’s birth with a Benefice Christmas Café Church, Tithe Barn, Church Street, vice. The ever popular Christingle Eve Communion (midnight mass) and Merriott Service takes place at Merriott the our Christmas Day Communion. Looking Tues 24th Christmas Eve - 4pm Crib following day, the 2nd December, and is towards January, there are special ser- Service, 11.30pm Benefice Christmas a great way to discover the meaning of vices for Epiphany (in Lopen). You can Eve Communion find more details in the January Church God’s special gift of his Son to the world. Wed 25th Christmas Day - 10.30am Link magazine. We would be delighted The rest of the world might think Christ- Christmas Communion mas starts in September, but for the to see you. Have a most blessed, happy Sun 29th 10.30am Benefice Communion Church, most of December is traditional- and peaceful Advent and Christmas. ly a time of preparing our hearts and Rev Bob Hicks January All Services at All Saints, Merriott th minds for the greatest gift of all – the Sun 5 The Epiphany - 10.30am (unless otherwise stated) birth of Jesus the Christ. To help make Benefice Communion for Epiphany, some time for this, there will be an December Lopen Church [no services in Merriott] st Sun 1 Advent Sunday - 10.30am th Advent Quiet Morning in Lopen on Sun 12 10.30am Parish Communion th Saturday 7 December (take some time Benefice Advent Carol Service, Hinton th St George Church (with the ‘Sixteen Bells Sun 19 10.30am Family Service out of the busy-ness for quiet prayer and th reflection). Choir’) [no services in Merriott] Sun 26 9am Holy Communion, 4pm Café Church, Hinton St George Church
...... CPR and Defibrillation Training Early November saw 18 Merriott residents attend a CPR & £2,000 (for both the Defib and the supporting cabinet) and Defibrillator Course in the Rec Pavilion. This valuable course consideration will now be focussed on activities to raise the was arranged by the Parish Council and run by Simon, a money for another unit. These activities will be advertised community responder based in a neighbouring village. around the village in due course, but as food for thought, the Information flowed with £2,000 needed amounts to less than £1 per head, and it may plenty of time for be just the thing that you later rely on to save your life. questions, as well as Paula Bateman providing an opportunity to try out CPR and the use of the defibrillator (AED) on both adult and child- size dummies. The value of instruction in basic CPR techniques was very clear, reinforced by the awareness that immediate action is required if the casualty is to stand a chance of recovery. Immediate use of CPR and the Defibrillator can improve the chances of casualty survival from around 5% to closer to 75%, and can maintain life until the emergency services arrive. The Defibrillator is a simple machine to use, actively talking to the user with very clear step by step instructions. It is checked monthly and is something that has been tried and tested with all groups from age 6 years and up. It should not present a challenge for any first on scene responder. There is currently just one Defibrillator located in Merriott, sited on the rear wall of the Village Hall. Surprisingly these machines are not funded by the NHS and can only be sourced if sufficient funding can be raised through private means. The overall cost of an installation is in the region of P A G E 4 [email protected] ......
Anytime Fitness is Yeovil’s only 24-hour fitness club Hin t o n St . George in the heart of Yeovil. We're literally open 24/7 365 ‘Flix in the Stix ’ days a year, meaning we really are the most conven- presents ient club in town. Plus, we offer free car parking, free ‘Singing In the Rain' (PG), group exercise classes, free kick start program, free on Saturday 14th December members app and an amazing club culture with ac- cess to over 4,500 clubs worldwide. Our 2-hours free in Hinton Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Tickets car parking at the Quedam Car Park is quick and easy £5 in advance from the Village Shop and too, when you join you’ll receive a key fob which will Dorothy’s Tea Room, or £5.50 on the allow you access to the club. The carpark is a few door. Doors open 7.00pm. To reserve seconds walk from our front door and with 24-hour tickets please contact Bob Kefford on security you’ll always feel safe with us. 01460 72563. Our state-of-the-art Life Fitness treadmills let you Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen watch Netflix while you run, and our Concept 2 row- and Donald O'Connor star in one of the ing machines have games you can play while you greatest and most successful musicals row. We’re all about finding the fun in working out ever filmed - filled with memorable songs, and keeping you motivated even on your off days. lavish routines and Kelly's fabulous song- New SponsorOur friendly team are passionate about our mem- and-dance number performed in the rain. bers reaching their goals and are on hand seven days Set during the advent of the "talkies" ‘this famous 1952 film is a a week for support. Whether your goals are big or wonderful parody of the birth of talkies that has great wit, an small, we can help you get to a healthier place. intelligent script, terrific music and dancing that can't be beat.’ If you have any questions or you would like to come The San Francisco Chronicle. As this is our Christmas film there and see the club, you can call us on 01935 350247 to will be refreshments provided for all. book a club tour and have a free 3-day trial or email Andrew Overhill us [email protected] ...... www.anytimefitness.co.uk ...... Service of Remembrance in Merriott The Service on Sunday 10th Nov. was well supported by uniformed representatives from the local Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. The weather held out and whilst it was At Art Club we decided to cold it remained dry. One of the create our own Remem- names on the WW1 Plaque recog- brance poppy display - this nised Archibald Sweet of Shiremoor can be seen on the main gate Hill, whose great grandson carried and along part of the railings the Beavers standard on the day. The poppies are made by re- It may be of interest to learn that, cycling plastic bottles which th on November 7 , 1920, in strictest were painted and moulded. secrecy, four unidentified British The red poppies represent bodies were exhumed from temporary battlefield cemeteries at the 33 men who died in the Ypres, Arras, the Asine and the Somme. None of the soldiers First World War and the 10 who did the digging were told why. Sentries were posted and who died in the Second World Brigadier-General Wyatt and a Colonel Gell selected one body at War, as on the memorial in random. The other three were reburied. A French Honour the Churchyard. Guard was selected and stood by the coffin overnight of the We also made some purple poppies to remember the chosen soldier. It was his intention that all of the relatives of the animals that died serving during the wars. 517,773 combatants whose bodies had not been identified Wendy Abbott could believe that the Unknown Warrior could very well be their lost husband, father, brother or son. The red poppy was the flower that was first to
Gardening appear on the battle quote of the fields, spurred on by month the upheaval in the soil Sent in by and the nutrients that Mo Frampton resulted from the "At Christmas I no more desire a rose cordite content of the Than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled mirth; shells. This is the But like of each thing that in season grows." reason we wear the - William Shakespeare poppy as a mark of remembrance. Steve Bateman Merriott Messenger [email protected] P A G E 5 ...... Advice from the NHS Your Village Hall needs Winter can be an especially difficult time for people, especially for those living with long term conditions, the elderly and peo- You will already be ple living with disabilities. It is therefore aware of just how important that those who are able to help valuable the those who are less capable do so. Merriott Village Hall is to the life of the village. It’s heavily There are some simple things we can all do to help everyone stay well this win- utilised by indoor sports teams, keep fit ter. For example, make sure that your elderly or vulnerable friends and relatives classes, family parties, meetings and a are keeping their home warm (at least 18 degrees), have enough food in the variety of other social events. house and are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather. A small team of Trustees manage the hall For those living alone, the risk is higher still. If you have an elderly neighbour and its activities and they’re now in need who lives alone, please check in on them every now and then to make sure they of a few new volunteers to join the com- are OK – just a quick chat is all that’s needed. mittee in order to help keep the facility At the first sign of a winter illness, whether it be a cough, cold or a sore throat, running. don’t suffer in silence – make sure you go to your local pharmacist for advice. The task is far from onerous and asks for Your local pharmacist is clinically trained and can offer you expert advice and just a very few hours of your time each recommend a range of over the counter treatments and remedies. And if they month. Without the support of volunteers, think you need to see a nurse or doctor, they’ll tell you. the hall would no longer be able to run; ...... thus, this is a plea for those in the village who have a little spare time to engage, get involved and support the management Merriott Social Venue team. Point of contact: Well, what a ‘Cider Festival’ we had with the ‘Ship of Fools’ and ‘The Twerzles’, Steve Bateman - m: 07856 559 467 both giving us such fantastic entertainment, we nearly ran out of booze but not quite!! November was very busy with lots of bingos, childrens parties and foot- th ball on Sky Sports. Our Market was a bit quiet, but the weather that day didn’t December 12 - th help, so we hope everyone will come to our Christmas Market on Sunday 8 OPEN Christmas Gathering December 10am until 1pm. This will be the last one until March 2020. with mince pies and Tickets for the children’s Christmas party, New Years Eve, Quiz & Cocktails Night GROUP mulled wine. and Polar Express Cinema are all available from the venue during opening hours. Secret Santa, bring a Here’s what’s on : recycled gift or a charity shop buy to the th value of £3. Sat 30 November - Christmas Bingo in aid of Merriott Rovers, 6.30pm January 9th - Coffee evening. Bring along an th Sat 7 December - Christmas Quiz & Cocktails 7.30pm start obscure object rd Sun 8th December - Christmas Market - 10am-1pm free mince pie January 23 - Ann and Clive Barker`s latest th . Sun 8 December - Polar Express Cinema - 2pm. £6.50 inc film, snack, drink & travels in Eastern Europe pressie. Contact - Marion Biggs 74170 or email: [email protected] Sat 14thDecember - Christmas Bingo in aid of Merriott Majorettes open 6.30pm Marion Biggs Sun 15th December - Pamper Night 6pm Sun 22nd December - Childrens Christmas Party. £3 per child includes food & pre- Sara Morley sent 2pm - 4pm [email protected] 07484 636577 Sun 22nd December - Christmas Bingo &
adult party Early eyes down 6pm !! Closed Christmas Day Complementary Therapy Read about Reiki at for Body and Mind in Boxing Day open at 12pm www.somersetreiki.com Chiselborough New Year’s Eve - Music of the Decades - A fancy dress disco for all the family to enjoy, £5 per adult, children free ! Includes light buffet & party items. From all the staff and committee members at Merriott Social Venue, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Lola Dry P A G E 6 [email protected] ...... Footpath Walk
sky’ view out to the left is stunning in bright sunshine. Summer 2019 saw a mix of grass field, head high corn and brightly col- oured low-level crops, whilst the autumn reflected the fields having been harvested and prepared for the next crop. Once across the fields the path enters woodland and quickly encounters a stream with a well- maintained footbridge. Here there are 2 options to get to Haselbury Mill; 1 - cross over the foot bridge and keep the hedge line on Merriott to Haselbury the right, offering tantalis- ing views of the Mill, but only achieving access once you’ve Plucknett, via Haselbury Mill gone past it and turning right on the road to the main en- trance; 2 - bear right without crossing the footbridge and walk along the stream to the Distance from Social Venue, Merriott to left on a rarely used track. Haselbury Mill – 1.5miles (35 mins). Red and The path enters a field yellow lines afford a minor route option. where an easy walk up Distance from Haselbury Mill on to the White Horse pub in the slope to the road Haselbury Plucknett – 1.2 miles (20 mins) brings the trail over a Starting at the Merriott somewhat rickety stile. Social Venue (built in 100 yards to the left lies 1844 by the Sail Cloth the back entrance to the Mill owner) head down Mill where lunch is an Tail Mill lane, passing option if timings permit. the relatively new Bat There is an option to House that sits on the continue on for around site of the water hold- a further mile to the ing pond and the early village of Haselbury 19th Century flax stor- Plucknett, where a swift age warehouse (now half is awaiting at the converted to private dwellings), both sitting on a site that White Horse pub. dates back to around the 13th Century. Leave the Mill area via Tail Mill began life as a spinning mill and originally comprised the main entrance and of a boiler house, steam engine house, spinning machinery and turn left, going over the ultimately the waterwheel and machinery. The weaving shed main road at the top of was built around 1850 and was used for weaving sail cloth. the slope. This extension to the walk is predominantly along- side the roadway, with around 500 yards without pavement. From the Mill site, continue along the road towards the main From there on there is a roadside path which takes the route highway, and once there look left and cross over to go through the stile that is signed as the Parrot Trail. This path is well through the village to a T-junction where a left turn points you established, well-marked and keeping the hedge line to your to the watering hole.
left it takes you over some 5 fields as it wends its way towards the restored Mill at Haselbury. Time of year will determine the The return to Merriott exact terrain to be traversed, but whatever the month the ‘big uses the reverse of this route, affording some
delightful long- distance views from a different aspect. On return to Merriott at Lower Street it’s well worth heading right, up Shiremoor Hill, turning left into Church Street and a celebratory ‘second half’ at the King’s Head pub. Enjoy! Steve Bateman
Merriott Messenger [email protected] P A G E 7 ...... My name is Kevin Self and I started my company two ARK at Egwood and a half years ago after working in the electrics and security business for 20 years. I am a fully qualified We are very sorry that we had to postpone electrician and a member of NICEIC who inspects my our Open Day, due to the appalling weather; work each year to ensure that I adhere to their high we really do appreciate all of the messages standards. I only use high quality products for my of support that we have received and hope jobs .You can see many of the jobs I have completed to be able to re-organise another Open Day on Instagram or Facebook. I can provide CCTV that can very soon. be viewed remotely over the internet from your mobile In the meantime, we are still phone and control systems for your heating and making progress, with the lighting that can be switched on or off remotely, using goat shed (almost built) and your phone if required. the drive and parking now in Electrical Work: System test and Inspection, complete place; the entrance will be re-wire or minor work undertaken, security lighting, finalised once we get a break heating systems including remote control. Security in the weather. Work: CCTV – 2,5 & 4K mega pixels with remote view-
New Sponsor ing on your MOB; Intruder alarms – Wired and wire- Our therapy and counselling service less, App control remotely, Access Control – Mag lock is proving to be very much in demand or Digi lock, Service & Maintenance contracts for new and we have our first day service and existing systems. users starting in January, so we are For free no obligation quote contact Kevin on - 0800 finally making some real progress as 5677 610 or 07733 228 367 or email: we approach 2020. [email protected] Amanda Bell ......
Merriott Parish Council would F i l m C rew ' s 4th screening of welcome your opinions the season will take place on Friday 13th December - 'The Divine Order' (2017) Over the last few months we have been Hip twister (12A). In German and set in Switzerland busy at the Recreation Ground, includ- in 1971, a young housewife organises the ing routine maintenance of the play women of her town to petition for the equipment, clearer signage, installing right to vote. the ramped access to the pavilion and Our first screening of the New Year will be th building “dug outs” for the pitch. on Friday 10 January - 'Nae Pasaran’ (2018). In a Scottish town in We are now starting to look at further improvements for the Recreation 1974, factory workers refuse to carry out Ground and would like to hear your ide- repairs on warplane engines in an act of as. solidarity against the violent military coup in Chile. Four years pass before the en- We are considering purchasing some There are other items available, or we gines, left to rust in factory yard, mysteri- items of outdoor gym equipment for could go for something completely ously disappear in the middle of the night. children, so have listed a few examples different. of what is available below. All screenings are at Wadham School, We would welcome your suggestions Crewkerne. Doors open at 7pm with the Tai Chi Spinners and ideas; some things we may be able film starting at 7:30. Visitors can pay at to do fairly quickly, others may need to the door, £6 per ticket. Tea/coffee and wait until we have secured the funds, cake available plus cushioned, tiered but we do need to hear from you. seating.
Please contact the Clerk at merriott- A further date for your diaries - Sun 26th [email protected] with your ideas for sees our International Day. This year the the Recreation Ground, or indeed other theme is 'Africa'. We'll show two films areas in the village. relating to, set in, or made on the
Double air walker Thank you. Julie Chant Continent (TBC). Tickets will be £8 in advance or £10 on the door and can be th purchased at our 10 January screening. If you have any ideas of what you would The event will include a quiz, music and
like to see in future issues of your African themed food.
Merriott Messenger, do email us: Contact FilmCrew via filmcrewCC@ gmail.com or 07749614048. [email protected] Film Crew P A G E 8 [email protected] ...... Lots going on at Haselbury Mill
great party food, plus a gift from Santa. Veganuary All for just £8.50. January brings resolutions and fresh New Year’s Eve starts. Healthy eating is on everybody’s mind so we are embracing Veganuary Christmas Wreath Workshop If you’re still looking for a party to cele- with a wider range of vegan choices on Create a masterpiece for your front door brate the New Year, why not welcome our everyday menus. Also we’ll be this Christmas under the guidance of 2020 in style in the Great Tithe Barn at hosting some Vegan Tapas evenings this expert florist Julia Moore. A wide variety Haselbury Mill. The wonderful menu is winter. So if you’re already a convert or of materials will be available for you to packed with delicious treats for all tastes fancy trying some new, keep an eye on create your own unique design. You’ll and entertainment from the talented our Facebook page and website for meet Julia and your fellow students for a Jessica & the Rabbits guarantees a spec- dates. Sunday Roast in the Tithe Barn before tacular end to the year. st Burns Supper starting the workshop on Sunday 1 De- New Year’s Day Join us in tribute to Scotland’s celebrated cember. All for just £50. Contact Julia On New Year’s Day the grounds of poet with a traditional Burns Supper on for tickets and more information on Haselbury Mill will fill with classic cars, 25th January. The Lakeside will echo to [email protected] we welcome enthusiasts bringing their the sound of the pipes and the haggis or call 07538 072279. precious motors from all over the South address, come in your tartan and enjoy a Children’s Christmas Party West. Entry is free to all, so pop on lively evening with great food and good The Tithe Barn is a great venue for Santa down and enjoy the classics; a walk company for just £35 per head. to visit and host our annual Children’s round our beautiful venue is perfect to clear the head. Refreshments will be Call 01460 77095, email info@ Christmas Party. He’s coming this year haselburymill.co.uk or visit on Tuesday 17th December and the party available in the barn or lunch in the Lakeside Restaurant. www.haselburymill.co.uk to find out starts at 4pm. There are games and more. Julie Rideout ......
Po em - Map Reading An overnight surprise of thin snow left us a map on the lawn, of all the activity in our garden when it is not our garden, while we are not looking. Little angular tracks, criss-crossing…. Variously sized birds have hopped or paced here.. Mice (or rats?) have trailed their tails; A rabbit, probably. A fox, or badger – hard to tell, though we know they’re often around. Molehills have split the snow, pushed up huge dark-centred flowers with snow-petals folded down their earthy mounds. But by noon the imperceptible sun has wiped the grass clean, green. The map of my childhood, has melted, rubbed faint by the friction of living. Criss-crossing tracks of memories fade in the daylight of today. By Janet Lailey
Children of Merriott First School modelling their new sports kit
Merriott Messenger [email protected] P A G E 9 ...... Your Photographs around Merriott Message to dog owners Two additional dog litter bins have recently been installed by Merriott Parish Council, including one on private land at the bottom of Manor Drive. The location is clearly right as it is full most weeks. Unfortunately it was not emptied on Wednesday 6th November and dog owners have piled the mess on and around it. My grey basking in the sunset, Devon air ambulance at the Recreational Clearly no consideration has been with house roof-tops in the back- Ground where a young boy given to the operative who has to clear ground. Sent in by Mr R M Candy was injured. up the mess. Photo taken by Chandler Candy There are eight other bins around the ...... village, or the dog mess could be taken F u n - seeking volunteers wanted home and placed in the owners black refuse bin, so there is no excuse. Merriott Table Tennis Club is looking for playing the game. You don't need to The landowner has contacted us to a couple of people who could help know much about table tennis; the club advise that if it happens again the bin organise a fun, informal table tennis needs someone willing to set up the session once a month, probably on a tables and nets, take session fees to will have to be removed. Wednesday or Thursday afternoon cover the hall hire and make sure every- Sadly, two other dog litter bins are also around 5pm-7pm at Merriott Social one is ok. Of course you’re also regularly overfilled with dogs mess - Venue. welcome to join in if you like - all stand- the one in Broadway at the end of The club now has two teams playing in ards of player would be welcome.” Hitchen and the one by the phone box. the Yeovil league and a coach visiting on The club hopes the sessions would also We recognise that a great majority of Sunday evenings who is also running a prove of interest to adults who would dog owners are very responsible, but session for juniors, which attracts up to like to try the game. It already has a the less considerate owners are eight children a night. couple of people willing to do it, and is creating a problem within the village. trying to find a couple more so it would The club’s organiser Michael Fox Merriott Parish Council will be consid- says: “It’s great to see people improving only be a monthly commitment for each person. ering the removal of the litter bins at their skills, but our Sunday sessions are our next meeting. often quite busy and the children in If you are interested in volunteering particular would benefit from a more please ring Michael on 07515 483994. Julie Chant Clerk to Merriott Parish Council Michael Fox .relaxed . . .setting . . . so. they. . get. . time. . to . enjoy. . [email protected] Merriott First School cross country and football teams are looking very smart in their new kits. It is so important that children feel comfortable and confident when competing in sports. Local businesses supported the school by donating funds for the new sports attire. Merriott Youth Football Club and Wessex Water were our main sponsors plus The Feed Station also contributed to the cost of our kits. Our children compete against other schools in the area and since wearing their new sporting outfits they have been achieving very well. One of our pupils came third in a recent cross country challenge in Yeovil. We are incredibly thankful to Merriott Youth Football Club, The Feed Station and Wessex Water for supporting our extra curricular sports activities. See photo on page 8. Miss A. Higginbotham Executive Headteacher P A G E 1 0 [email protected] ...... Book Review - ‘ S a n d i to n ’ My mother gave she is used to having her own way and subscribing to the lending library (too me a copy of this wary of trusting her money to any dodgy few) and in getting more customers into book in 1975 when scheme. We meet Sidney Parker, elegant the tearooms. On TV he endures a nearly it was published: and worldly, clearly destined for wrecked marriage, bankruptcy, fire and “A Novel by Jane Charlotte, after many twists and turns. barely survives his own ambitious Austen and Anoth- Arthur, the youngest of the brothers, is Regatta and Grand Ball. The book has er Lady.” Jane a timid soul whom his bossy sisters have gardening and goodness; The TV has Austen needs no influenced into becoming a fussy hypo- abduction and despair and betrayal. introduction; the chondriac It is all sketched out ready for Although Jane Austen only mentions the other lady remains development. seamier side of life indirectly there is no anonymous by What made me pick up the book again is doubt of its existence in the background choice. The sea- the recent TV series: an adaptation by of her books. Of course we have learnt side town is thought to be based on Andrew Davies, which is built on the to expect direct depictions of all sorts of Sidmouth, but transferred to Sussex. same few chapters of the original, and evil deeds in our day, and Davies’ exten- The first eleven chapters were written thus invites comparison. The same sion of Sanditon is in keeping with those early in the year, 1817, in which Austin characters, the same setting and purpose expectations, and beautifully got-up: died. The subsequent nineteen were originally, but a much more dramatic costumes, countryside and acting are all added by the second writer, building her story to follow on. More Poldark than first class. What I cannot forgive is the narrative on that foundation. In these Mansfield Park. Not quite a bodice ripper device, now all too familiar, of deliber- early pages we are introduced to the – no actual ripping – but incest, a ately leaving loose ends of plot in the heroine, Charlotte Heywood, a naive but haughty young ,wealthy widow with her final episode, which signal that there is self-sufficient young lady, and coinci- eye on Sidney, a handsome up-and- going to be another series along soon. dence supplies her link to the Parker coming builder who has his eye on Char- Why not let the girl get the man she family. Mr Parker is determined to build lotte. Sir Edward Denham, hoping to in- deserves there and then? Why not leave up the small coastal town of Sanditon herit the Denham thousands, in the the villain slinking off into the sunset? into a fashionable watering-place, and twentieth century novel merely becomes Why no real End? Then we can all muse the novel’s plot revolves around this a rather silly man, embroidering every on their subsequent lives for ourselves, expensive undertaking. “Every neigh- sentence he speaks with extremes of instead of being left dangling over an bourhood should have a great lady.” - in poetic language. In the twenty-first anti-climax. this case Lady Denham – very rich, and century TV version he is revealed as a I would finally add that the one thing twice a widow, who ”knew about mon- decadent manipulative schemer, out to proved beyond doubt by both ‘Another ey.” She provides the financial backing get his hands on the money, and on any Lady’ and the TV promotion by Andrew for Parker’s enterprise, but he is obliged available female, especially his half- Davies, is that Jane Austen did it better – to admit to Charlotte that there is, now sister. In the book Mr Thomas Parker is what a surprise! and then , ‘a littleness’ - to put it bluntly preoccupied with the number of people Janet Lailey ...... The Old Vicarage, Church Street Erection of single storey extension, internal alter- ations. Four new light wells to basement, new window on first floor south elevation. 19/02712/HOU - Status withdrawn. Erection of 39 dwellings off Shiremoor Hill 18/01917/FUL This application was considered by the Area West Planning th Committee on 20 March 2019. The members resolved to Songs of Praise refer the application to the Regulation Committee “minded to 1st Sunday of each refuse the application”. month th at 6.30pm. The Regulation Committee met on 15 October 2019. Go to All welcome. the website (SSDC regulation committee) to read the full minutes of this meeting and their recommendation. Merriott Parish Council discuss planning applications and Mobile Tuesday make recommendations. For the Council minutes go to the Library @ 9.30 -10.00 village website www.merriottvillage.btck.co.uk or look at the Merriott 17th Dec. notice board outside the Co-op. School Marion Biggs
Merriott Messenger [email protected] P A G E 1 1 ...... Starting School 2020 - More sponsors
Open Day in Golden Class Dear Parents/Carers Golden Class would like to invite the children who are starting school in September 2020 with their parents, to an open day session where you can get a feel of what life is like and find out about what, and how we learn in the Reception year. You will also have the opportunity to see and find out about the whole school setting. In Golden Class we aim to create a classroom environment that is fun and engaging and which supports learning through play and exploration. We do this through a variety of learning activities which include daily Phonic/English and Maths learning, as well as activities that children can access themselves, often inspired by the children’s ideas and interests. Through positive relationships with peers and adults, we aim to create happy, confident, independent children who are excited to J Knib bs learn. You are invited to attend one session on Thursday 5th December, either 9.30am to 10.30am OR General Builder 1.30pm to 2.30pm. The session will run as follows; 01460 73671 • Meet the staff and explore the Foundation Stage setting. Children can take part in learning activities and play alongside the current Golden Class children in the classroom and outside 07976 597762 area. • School tour with the Head teacher. • Tea/coffee and biscuits and an opportunity to ask any questions. How many little We look forward to giving you an idea of what to expect from the Reception year and our school as Santa’s did you find? a whole, as we understand that you want the very best for your child(ren) as they start their school Answer: 11 journey...... Wendy. . .Abbott ......
Claire Pike (nee Rumsby) sent in this photo of the Merriott Baby Clinic Christmas party in 1951. Her mother, Muriel Rumsby, is Father Christmas and Claire’s older sister, Lorna, is next to her in her grand- mother`s arms, looking rather startled! Claire remembers some of the mums and babies - Sylvia Best is in the front row holding her daughter Jackie and Mrs Lawrence is holding Wendy and Jennie. Are you in the photo or do you recognise anyone? We’d love to hear from you if you can add any other names. Email: [email protected] ...... Jaime Knibbs is a general builder who has been in One hundred the trade for over 25 years. He gained his love of building from his Dad, Barry Knibbs, who is still a and thirty eight builder to this day (currently 72 years young and “ t h a n k - yo u ' s ”! still working!) Jaime has carried out a variety of
interesting projects during his professional years, Once again we have checked and from complete barn conversions, commercial filled 138 shoe-boxes that will be work, new builds including a house constructed of arriving in Romania in time for straw bales, to more traditional smaller works, Christmas, where they will bring such as extensions, porches, patios, decorating huge joy and gratitude to desper- etc. Then of course there is their own renovation ately needy families. It has been project in the village and many numerous jobs heart-warming to receive so aside. Jaime manages multi-skilled teams from many fillers, donations, and beau- carpenters (including his brother) to electricians tiful hand-crafted items for the boxes. Thank you all so very and plumbers to provide a single reliable point of much! New Sponsorcontact for all of your building needs. Local volunteers will be joining the team going to Romania, as Born in Hardington Mandeville and a local lad, they did last year, where they will see some of the shoe-boxes Jaime and Nats bought Blair Athol (the old Scotts being distributed - a truly moving experience. Nurseries house) 3 years ago as a long term project and are loving living in Merriott with their 10 We wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas. month old son (and building apprentice to be) The Merriott shoe-box team Percy. More on page 7 Thank you to our sponsors for their s u p p o r t
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