MERR OTT M ESSENGER Delivered free to 1,000 homes www.merriottvillage.org.uk June 2018

Inside this “ M e r r i ” i s b a c k i s s u e : Do you remember the bat that Martin Davies that the two will mate and produce even more of rescued from his drive last summer? these special bats. Footpath Group 2 When he took it to the RSPCA Centre at Hatch Apparently they have a range of up to five kilo- Dear Editor … 3 Beauchamp it was identified as a grey long eared metres, so look out for them flying over your bat – a very rare species with only a thousand or house. Good luck Merri and Gandalf! All about … Thymes 4 so in the whole country. The bat expert there, India Long, recognised that it was a very young Open Group 5 female bat and that she had a badly damaged foot. India cared for her for several months until Social Club looking 6 she doubled in weight to 10 grams. towards a brighter future In February she was joined at the Centre by a male of the same species – called Gandalf. By the Photograph of the 7 middle of April it was felt that both bats were month The Bat House at Tail Mill welcomes ready to be released back into the wild. Tail Mill Merri & Gandalf Our Sponsors 8 was chosen as an ideal site as there is a large colony there of a variety of species. It is hoped ...... Marion . . Biggs. . The information and Success for Merriott views in the Merriott Messenger are those Bowling Club provided by the named For the third consecutive season we were individual contributors successful in topping the Wessex mixed Despite being up against strong and are not necessarily league in 2017 winning 17 of the 22 league competition (Crewkerne in supported by the games with a record tally of points. Bloom) thanks to you, the Editorial Team. Whilst Merriott Messenger received The photograph was taken last month during every effort is made to £140 from the Waitrose Green our annual tour of the Algarve in preparation ensure the information Token scheme - thank you. for the new outdoor season which runs given is accurate, the throughout the summer. Merriott Messenger cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Copy date for the July issue is 12th June.

Your editorial t e am: John Bowman 74077 Marion Biggs 74170 Peter Bryans 78182 We are always keen to welcome new Jane Jackson 74162 members, so if you have never bowled before Janet Lailey 271008 or are an accomplished bowler, please contact Ann Lawrence 78461 Ian Kendall (01460-73029) or browse our web- Eric Vose 351857 site www.merriottbowls.btck.co.uk Paula Bateman 271175 In addition to league games we have friendly Em a il : fixtures against teams in Somerset, Dorset & Devon, weekly club sessions and an active merriottmessenger@ social programme. gmail.com Ian Kendall – Club Secretary ...... P A G E 2 [email protected] ...... The Footpath Maintenance Group has been busy A big thank you from the Footpath Maintenance Group to all the people who have footpaths running through or adjacent to their properties, who have been working hard to cut down vegetation and clear away litter and abandoned dog poo bags. Your action really is appreciated by us and by the people who use the paths. Thank you for taking the time. Finger post discovered in a very poor state Vegetation along the paths is now One member of our team recently growing at a pace and we will try our rescued a finger post from the hedge best to keep it cut back during the and, with the help of a local resident who summer months. skilfully repaired it, has reinstated it. Finger post fully restored John Goldie ...... Merriott Tithe Barn Father’s Day Clean and Shine Morning th 9am to 12pm June 17 th Saturday 16 June To all who love and use this special building, please come along to give it a proper clean and spruce up Any man can be a Father – inside and out. but it takes someone special to be a Dad. You bring effort – we provide tea and cake! For more info; please contact Michelle Down on Sent in by Paula Bateman 01460 72316 ......

Community Pavilion To book this fine village amenity for your get-together, please contact 01460 73771 or email: [email protected]. Only £20.00 per session.

Can you rearrange these letters to find answers for names of houses, places, things and people in and around Merriott? (answers page 7) Example: RASP - SPAR NOT SHAME SHAKES TROUT CRIED BOONER TOWER OF RAMLA PER TART NAKED HEIGHTS TO ZIP ROBE SEEMS ROT LAST SNAIL

Merriott Messenger [email protected] P A G E 3 ...... Did you know …… Spare a thought for the cattle which live calve in the spring when heifers are warm weather. This is because they outside for most of the time, even in the between 2 and 3 years old. have a unique double coat of hair. The sort of snow conditions we have experi- They are well adapted to wet and cold characteristic long, oily outer hair, from enced recently. Highland Cattle are not conditions and are much less tolerant of which the rain runs off, covers a downy rare, with about 15,000 in the UK and undercoat. Highland cattle are thought many more have been exported to to be almost as tolerant of cold as Arctic countries around the world. caribou and reindeer. These cattle are thought to have The meat from these cattle is compara- descended from Hamitic Longhorn cattle tively lean and the milk has a high butter- in north Africa and been brought to this fat. They are particularly suited to country perhaps 4,000 years ago by producing meat from more marginal Neolithic farmers. The coat can be black farming areas, particularly in Scotland, or various shades of red and even yellow but also from the higher ground of areas and dun. In spite of their appearance, such as Exmoor and Dartmoor. they are fairly docile and usually first John Bowman Highland cow on Dartmoor ...... Dear Editor … …

We have received two letters complaining about garden fires, both are published here:

It's not very often that I write any letters of complaint, but If The attached photo shows there is one thing in the village that drives me crazy, it's my neighbour having a garden bonfires. bonfire at 8.00am this It seems to be that whenever we have a glimpse of sunshine, morning. The same fire that we are lucky enough to have all day through to a lovely was smoking all yesterday late sunny evening, you can guarantee that someone will afternoon and evening think it's a prime time to light a stinking fire. This is then all and I was unable to open you can smell all evening as windows are thrown open with the windows due to the delight at the thought of summer finally arriving and the smell. excitement of sitting out in the garden with a very nice glass Please could you include of something cold loses its appeal when all you can smell and an article in the next taste is smoke rather than the nice G & T you've been look- Messenger reminding ing forward to. people to be more courte- I understand it's useful to have garden fires occasionally, but ous and mindful to their on beautiful sunny days that are so few and far between, to neighbours if they do have do this later in the evening when everyone has safely shut all to have a bonfire. the windows back up and finished enjoying the sunshine Many thanks. would be a much more thoughtful time to do it. We can Name & Address supplied then all enjoy the much needed good weather. Kate Carne

THE MERRIOTT HERITAGE TRUST

WHAT CAN IT DO FOR MERRIOTT ? If you are interested in the history of Merriott, in conserving its old buildings, preserving its wildlife sites and even maintaining its footpath network, we may be able to offer financial help with the cost, for example, of restoring stone-work, iron railings, gates and date stones, planting trees and maintaining signposts and stiles. We are keen to rescue documents, such as house deeds, and photographs to prevent their loss and are already building up a collection. All this has been made possible by the generous legacy from the late Cathy Herriman. Please contact us if you think we can help you or if you can help us.

Registered Office : 14 Lower Street Merriott Somerset TA16 5 NL Tel: 01460 72465 E mail: [email protected] P A G E 4 [email protected] ...... A l l a b o u t … … T hy m e s O H D e er ! variety Silver Queen (Thymus citrodorus ‘Silver Queen’). Thymus ‘Doone Valley’ has attractive yellow and green variegated leaves and a lemon scent. The creeping Thymes hug the ground forming aromatic ground cover for sunny well Many gardens on the outskirts of the drained areas. They are lovely village are favourite breakfast stops used along the edge of a path for the local deer. They are beautiful Whether for cooking roasted vegetables, where occasional treading on releases but their taste for new shoots on our a stew or on the barbeque, or to carpet their scent, or trailing over a pot. rose bushes is a bit anti-social! I have the ground and soften the edges of Thymus serpyllum ‘Snowdrift’ has been told that scattering human hair paving, there are many different Thymes masses of white flowers in summer. gathered from the hairdressers to choose from. ‘Cabon Wine and Roses’ has pink flowers deters them. Does anyone else have other ideas? Ann Lawrence Some make woody growth forming a low and Woolly Thyme has tiny furry leaves mound that needs a trim every summer and pale pink flowers. after flowering to keep in shape. This All Thymes need a sunny site and good Don’t forget to send us your news (and type include the Common Thyme drainage so adding grit when planting is photos) for inclusion in the next issue (Thymus vulgaris) and Broadleaf Thyme a good idea. They are all excellent for of the Merriott Messenger. (Thymus pulegioides) which are both growing in pots where they can be sited Copy date for the July issue is th excellent for using in cooking. Lemon by a door or seating area and are superb 12 June. Please send to: Thyme (Thymus citrodorus) is also very plants for attracting bees and butterflies. [email protected] good for cooking, as is silver leaved CB Plants Thank you.

...... Careford Lodge News We had a very successful open day a few month to share activities with our We held a very enjoyable Royal Wedding weeks ago raising money for Breast residents who very much look forward to party on the 19th May which was Cancer Care. their visits. We also share activities with enjoyed by residents, friends and family. We would like to thank Tesco in Chard the Lawns Pre-School children from We have arranged our summer fete for for supplying flowers for our residents to Crewkerne. Friday 10th August when we will be arrange each Friday and members of a The ladies from Careford have been busy raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Care. local WI visited us to demonstrate a knitting squares which we donate to Look out for further details nearer the Japanese style floral arrangement with Ferne Animal charity to sell in their shop time. the flowers. Our thanks also to Merriott and blankets for the animals. Sophie Roberts Preschool children for visiting us every

Mobile Tuesday th Library @ 26 June Merriott 9.30 - 10.00 School

To comply with GDPR the Messenger confirms that in accordance with the new Government guidelines it will, under no circumstance, share any of your contact details with any 3rd party without your prior permission. Editorial Team

Merriott Messenger [email protected] P A G E 5 ...... Hinton St. George ‘Flix in the Stix’ proudly presents All Saints Services June ‘THE POST' (12A), on Saturday 9th June in Hinton Village Hall Sun 3rd 8.30am Holy Communion at 7.30 pm, starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks & Alison Brie. Sun 10th 9.30am Parish Communion Tickets £5 in advance from the Village Shop and Dorothy’s Tea Sun 17th Family Service for Fathers’ Day (with Room, or £5.50 on the door. Doors open 7.00 pm. To reserve a talk from ‘Prodigal Bikes’ charity) tickets please contact Bob Kefford on 01460 72563. Sun 24th 10.00am Sung Communion Meryl Street & Tom Hanks shine in this historical thriller by Steven th Spielberg. Streep plays Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a ma- Sat 30 2pm Ordination of Priests jor American newspaper -- The Washington Post. With help from Editor Ben There is also a local Confirmation service on Bradlee (Hanks), she races to expose a massive cover-up of government se- Tuesday June 19th at 7pm, South Petherton crets that spans three decades and four US presidents. Together, they must Church. overcome their differences as they risk their careers - and freedom - to help bring long-buried truths about the Vietnam War to light. Date for your diary: 16 Bells Choir Concert on Saturday 21st July at 4pm, Merriott Church A top quality film that was nominated for numerous awards including Best Film & Best Actress at the Oscars & Bafta's. Rev Julia Hicks ...... Andrew . . Overhill...... Can you connect The Open Group has a busy the Two Ronnies, OPEN summer planned and you GROUP would be welcome to join a Viper and us for any of the M er r iott ? activities. The connection is an etymologi- June 14th - Visit to the gardens at Horn Park cal feature known as Juncture near Bridport with tea and cake Loss or Faulty Separation. June 28th - Picnic lunch at Chard Reservoir Thus, in the well-known Two Ronnies sketch, Four Candles became Fork July 12th - Tour of the Twine works at West Handles. Coker Similarly the Viper snake or Nadder became an Adder (the River Nadder in July 26th - An explanation of the gym equip- Salisbury is still so called because it winds like the snake). ment on Merriott Recreation Field and a And in Merriott we have our own example where Pyke Corner became Pye chance to have a go. Corner. August 9th - Walk to Haselbury Mill and Other words which changed in the same way include :- lunch. • a Napron which became an Apron For further info contact Marion Biggs on • a Noumpire which became an Umpire 74170 or [email protected] • an Eute which became a Newt , and • an Ekename which became a Nickname Peter Bryans ......

Are you looking for local groups, activities and services that could help you to manage your health and well- being? Wellbeing South Somerset is a new website designed to promote good health and well-being in South Somerset. It features a huge Directory of local support, from meet-ups, to walking groups, to condition-specific support groups, befriending services and even housing and debt advice. Visit: www.wellbeingsouthsomerset.org Matt Day, Health & Wellbeing Partnerships Lead P A G E 6 [email protected] ...... Social Club looking towards a brighter future Merriott Social Club now has a strong ties have not been completed and the re-brand itself in order to continue and new committee following its recent central heating system not repaired. secure its future. It is a community Emergency General Meeting and I have building run by the community for the In the last 2 years there has a been a stepped into the big shoes of Brett who community and there will be further significant change in the publics’ spend- was the previous Chair. details on this in the near future, so ing habits and sales have declined Having lived in the village for 10 years considerably. 2017 was a quieter year watch this space. and been an active member of the Club, and was 15% down on 2016. Events were We have space for darts, skittles and I have seen it go through many ups and not as well supported, some were held pool teams. The club is available during downs over the years, but have enjoyed at a loss. Main annual events Halloween, the day for clubs or fitness activities and many happy times with my sister Teresa Boxing Day and New Years Eve were the if anyone is interested please ring after who was Club Secretary, but who sadly worst for 4 years. We hope to try and 7pm any evening. There is a large func- passed away recently, which has greatly improve on that. tion room available to all for adult and affected the community. kids parties and fundraising events. Currently we rely on private events and We have run many events to help raise fundraising as we can not receive any We currently have no events arranged funds and just recently the Club was grants or funding from various organisa- for June but if we do we will advertise on able to pay out for a new roof which was tions. If anyone can offer their services our Facebook page, village notice boards badly needed. This has, however, taken free of charge or volunteer to help paint, and shops. a considerable amount of money and left repair, etc we would love to see you. Here’s hoping for a bright future. the Club a little short for other improve- It was voted that the Club should ments, hence why the new toilet facili- Lorraine Clarke, Chairperson ...... Village Hall Activities Recipe for Midsummer Potatoes Boxercise - Tuesdays 6.30-7.30pm By Janet Lailey An all over body workout including certain components of boxing, such as punches and Cooking time: 8-10 mins. Watch in June for flowers to show. exercises including skipping. Sessions set up in Preparation: 6 months approx. Twenty-first of June at last - different formats - sometimes circuit based others Method: Cometh the hour, cometh the a mixture of activities. January - buy your seed. feast! Bums, legs and tums - Thursdays 7.15-8.15pm Pink-Fir-Apple’s what you need. Haul the haulm up with great care Circuit style session using exercises focusing on legs Chit the tubers till they sprout. To catch the tubers unaware. and core areas. Variety of exercises - squats, lunges Let light in, but keep mice out. Pinkish bubbles rise through soil, and sit ups. Work to your own ability and as you Dig your trench though soil be Rewarding all your watchful toil. improve you will be able to up the intensity as you cold. Display these riches to the cook; go. Line with compost or leaf-mould. Impress her with your modest Very friendly relaxed atmosphere with like minded Backfill, whistling the while - look. people looking for fun and a sociable way of Ply the spade with joyful smile. ‘Neath limpid fountain’s crystal exercising with friends. £5 a session. Test the earth with naked bum: stream Contact: Natalie on 07702 788 883, or on Facebook Still too cold if you go numb. Stroke tenderly to get them clean. by searching Natalie Bailey sports massage and (You could omit this rustic rite (or under a running tap) fitness. to save your neighbours undue Plunge into water ready boiling Natalie Bailey fright.) Plus mint and salt. Beware of April - frosts have mostly flown spoiling So plant your spuds, a hand-span By leaving them too long to wait. down. Drain and serve on well-warmed Badgers, keen on digging too, plate. Are observing all you do. Fence the bed: predation stop; A knob of butter as you eat, Somerset Sight is a long-established charity Wire netting will defend your crop. And your delight will be complete. supporting people with sight loss and is currently Earth the shoots up as they grow. looking to recruit volunteers to visit visually impaired people on a regular basis to help with correspond- ence or trips out. Open Door Community Rehearsal Would you like to help someone in your local area? at Martock Parish Hall All volunteers are trained and supported and reason- with Kingsbury Episcopi Band able out of pocket expenses are paid. (www.kingsburyband.co.uk) For further information please contact Somerset Saturday 23rd June, 10am - 3pm Free Sight on: 01823 333818 or email admin@ Drop in for tea/coffee/cake with our without your instrument and somersetsight.org.uk experience a band practice led by MD Brian Kelloway. Paula Bateman Merriott Messenger [email protected] P A G E 7 ......

Photograph of the month

Songs of Praise 1st Sunday of each month at 6.30pm. Photo taken by Paula Bateman, Rape seed field just outside All welcome. Seavington St Michael Please send your photos to: [email protected] ...... Gardening Quote Answers to Anagram quiz PARRETT of the Month HAM STONE THE KINGS HEAD SHUTTER OAKS BOOZER PIT CIDER SOMERSET OSBORNE ALL SAINTS WATERLOO FARM

“Roses are red, Violets are blue, but they don’t get around like the dandelions do!” Not Just Somerset’s Leading Wedding Venue…….. Slim Acres Sent in by Mo Frampton

...... M er r iott G ard enin g

C lub Our Lakeside restaurant & bar are open every day for th Thursday 7 June 2.30pm Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner. We have an extra occasion for you to Lunch served Midday onwards Special 2crs £10.95 – 3crs £13.95 – Dinner from 6.00pm – enjoy this month and have organised a Afternoon teas served all day - Friday and Saturday evenings Windy Millers Bar serving our visit to Picket Lane Nursery, Picket Lane, own oven baked pizzas and gourmet Burgers South Perrott where you can look around Our fantastic carvery served every Sunday from noon. Neil Lovesey's wonderful gardens and also We offer a choice of four local meats beef, pork, turkey & ham as well as several fresh buy his plants - it is well worth a visit. vegetables all with real homemade gravy – Booking recommended. Meet at the Gardens at 2.30pm or, if you £10.95 adult’s £5.95 children. Our Lunch & Dinner menus are all sourced from local suppliers using seasonal produce, with need a lift please contact Janet (279885) daily changing dishes from fine dining to more relaxed bistro style. who will arrange transport for you. From conferences to family parties, we have a number of function suites including the th Tuesday 26 June spectacular Great Tithe Barn to suit both private & corporate events, A talk/slides by Christine Stones on the with prices for every pocket. Victorian Garden. Meet at the Tithe Barn, Alongside this we have our hotel with 21 bedrooms in the Coach House & Georgian Mill House. Church Street at 7.30pm. Refreshments, Raffle and Flower of the month. Everyone From a quiet pint in our beautiful gardens to that special celebration, welcome - non-members £2 at the door. Haselbury Mill has it all. For information on upcoming events, Special offers & menus please see our website. For more information please contact Barbara (72298). www.haselburymill.co.uk or call 01460 77095 Barbara Byford Haselbury Mill, Haselbury Plucknett, near Crewkerne TA18 7NY Printed by Parish Magazine Printing 01288 341 617 Northmoor, Whitstone EX22 6TD Thank you to our sponsors for their s u p p o r t

Jaycee Plumbing Merriott Mobile Sally-Marie Shearing Moorlands Tom Merrick Heating Engineers Feet Treatment Beauty Therapy Residential Home Electrical Contractor Boiler servicing and changes Nail Trimming-Corns-Callus Moorlands Road Agricultural & Industrial Lpg / Oil / Gas-Safe Diabetic-Cracked Heel-Etc Relaxing, Revitalising, No Job too small Quality care for the elderly 20 Shiremoor Hill Home visits by Professional Beauty Treatments NAPIT approved contractor Merriott Foot Health Practitioner Contact Jayne: 01460 72757 07970 279778 / 07738 632746 Sarah: 07733 225 360 Tel 01460 73957 01460 74425 07980 686 160 Ansaphone: 01460 76000 www.feettreatment.co.uk Gift Vouchers available [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Manor Farm - Popular Motors, Merriottsford Your local farm shop Merriott Service Station Minibus Broadway, Quality Car Sales, 01460 76029 Secure self storage & removals Lower Street, Merriott TA16 5NP Workshop, MOT testing Competitive rates, easy & flexible Garage & Car Service - Tel: 07963 102258 Taxi Alliance 01460 243100 Open 6 days a week 01460 76803 01460 75089 / lopen@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk nigel.witcombe@ Shop and PO - 01460 78716 Tel: 01460 249730 01935 414444 www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk gmail.com www.popularmotors.co.uk Serviced Offices To Let

Merriott Social Club Allen Computer Services The Barn Lawrences Self Catering •open every evening Sales, Repairs, Servicing, for Auctioneers Accommodation •spacious function room Home & Small Business, Cloud Free verbal valuations 32 Church St available for hire Backup and Laptop Screen Home visits Merriott 01460 74376 Repairs smartinbuilding@ TA16 5PS 01460 73041 yahoo.co.uk [email protected] 01460 298036 01460 351857 Fax: 01460 270799 07792 821 028 Find us on www.allencomputerservices.co.uk 07879 066012 [email protected]

Kevin Swain Electrical Merriott Childcare Contractor Vanina Childminder www.somersetreiki.com Ofsted Outstanding Free Estimates Sara Morley Ad-hoc F/T & P/T hours Tel 01460 73260 www.merriottchildcare.co.uk [email protected] 01460 74086 07484 636577 07807 753 779 Jays Charlotte Hamlin Merriott Parish Council R. A. Wicks Ltd Merriott Pharmacy Merriott Childminder Complete Property Free prescription merriott-clerk@ Maintenance OFSTED & PACEY registered collection & delivery Full/part-time hours hotmail.co.uk Over 20 years experience Fireplace Showroom, Flue Early years funding No job too small! 07526 933464 Lining, and Multi Fuel 01460 72222 Between 6.30am & 6.30pm 01460 78891 Stoves merriottpharmacy www.merriottchildminder.co.uk 07865 700 760 01460 74612 @hotmail.com 01460 73361 @MerriottParishCouncil 07721 018 335

Robert Frith Fusion Fostering Careford Lodge

Optometrists We are always looking for Residential Home your local independent families who can offer warm, Church Street 16 South Street Optician loving and safe homes to FREE emergency Contact Tracey on Crewkerne TA18 8DA appointments under children and young people 01460 75592 01460 200666 the NHS Somerset ACES service who need Fostering. carefordlodge@ 5% off our advertised price Chard 67771 01460 279 279 Tel: 03301 239355 hotmail.co.uk for people of Merriott Crewkerne 72964 www.stokespartners.co.uk [email protected] Yeovil 01935 478463

Osborne’s Merriott Village Hall Chris Martin Parties, weddings, Broadway Interiors Ltd community groups Butcher of local farm meat, Letting, Investment and Property Management for welcome groceries, newspapers, Specialising in installation 01460 72508 wines and spirits S Somerset & W Dorset 01935 420555 of kitchens and bathrooms merriottvillagehall 01460 73459 [email protected] 01460 76612 @gmail.com www.martincoyeovil.co.uk 07976 848 677

IAN CROSSLAND Quantock Joinery PROPERTY MAINTENANCE If you would like to promote your organisation Systems Limited or business here, for just £105 per annum Tel: 01935 411813 please contact Ann Lawrence Mob: 07811 070 498 Tail Mill Lane Interior and exterior Merriott TA16 5PF Church St on 01460 78461. decorating, Household 01460 77545 carpentry, External lime Merriott TA16 5PR mortaring, Restoration work [email protected] Tel: 01460 78912 also on