Round About the villages of Langford Budville and Runnington

December 2016/January 2017 CONTENTS

1 Welcome 2 What's On 4 Jubilee Hall Events 6 Art of Change Ringing 8 Green Fingers: 10 Seasonal Treats: 11 Review: Galapagos 12 Ralph Fry 13 Jean Hine 14 Parish Council Minutes 15 Meet Selina 16 History of Eating Apples 18 SURE 20 News from the Churches 24 Our School 26 Langford Ladies 36 Local Transport Services 37 Community Contacts 38 Magazine Information

Welcome...

... to the December/January edition of Round About as we run up to the Festive Season. Children are particularly excited at this time of the year so we asked all of those who either live or learn in the parish to produce a piece of artwork to show us what they like best about . You can see the results on The Cover, which incorporates fairies made by Holly Humble, age 5, and in the collage and throughout the magazine. It wasn’t a competition so there are no winners, the pictures are for your pleasure only. A BIG THANK YOU to all the children. We’re sorry if your picture is in black and white, but we ran out of colour pages. We’ve also cropped some of the pictures so they may not be quite as you remember them. The Jubilee Hall has had an exciting year, with puppet shows, breakfasts and bingo, to name just a few of the events that culminated with a thrilling visit from a team of Maasai Warriors who have now returned to their villages in southern Kenya. We have a number of seasonal articles for you. The Art of Change Ringing introduces you to the skill that lies behind the beautiful sound of our church bells which we can imagine ringing out as the snow lies deep and crisp and even! We give you an alterative to traditional Chrismas Cake with a Seasonal Treat of Stollen. Apples are certainly seasonal and as there has been a glut of them this year we thought you’d like to know the History of Eating Apples. As it isn’t possible to rely on a good crop every year, the old tradition of Wassailing is still carried out in the parish to "bless" the trees to produce a good crop in the forthcoming season. We have both happy and sad Village News. We’re pleased welcome Selina Garner to the Wellington and District Team Ministry and whose principal role is to work with children and young people. We also mark the deaths of two remarkable people who spent a large part of their lives in Runnington, Ralph Fry and Jean Hine. Our School has to say goodbye to much loved Catherine Vincer who is retiring after 19 years here. There is also a goodbye to Mary Clothier, who has been an excellent interim head teacher. As you would expect at this time of the year, there is a lot of News from the Churches. There will be a number of Christmas Services and plenty of carol singing. We hope you enjoy the festive season and look forward to being back with you in February 2017 - Happy New Year! Marilyn Lilley on behalf of the editorial team.

Collage artwork in the corners of the contents page opposite, from top left: Amber F-F, (age 11); Matt H (age 10); Wilbur M (age 5); Finlay C (age 5)

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What’s On Lighting & Carols St Peter’s Church Sat 3 Dec 5.30pm

LB Litter Pick Jubilee Hall Sun 4 Dec 10.30pm Police Surgery Jubilee Hall Mon 5 Dec 7.00-8.00pm Parish Council Meeting Jubilee Hall Mon 12 Dec 7.30pm Church Christmas Draw Martlet Inn Fri 9 Dec Evening Langford Ladies Croxhall Wed 14 Dec 7.30pm Singalong Martlet Inn Fri 16 Dec Evening Thurs 15 Dec Soup Lunch St Peter’s Church 12.00 noon and 19 Jan Martlet Christmas Draw Martlet Inn Sun 18 Dec Lunchtime Service with Carols Runnington Church Sun 18 Dec 4.00pm Carol Service St Peter’s Church Mon 19 Dec 6.00pm Crib Service 3.30pm St Peter’s Church Midnight Service 11.30pm Family Communion Runnington Church Christmas Day 10.30am Max Calaf Seve Jubilee Hall Fri 3 Feb 7.30pm Trampoline Acrobatics

Organised by Friends of St Peter’s Church LIGHTING THE CHRISTMAS TREE & CAROL SINGING Saturday 3 December:5.30pm In the grounds of St Peter’s Langford Budville A joyful evening for Christmas Tree all the family followed by Decoration Competition carol singing in the church The winner of the Christmas Hot drinks and food on sale Tree Decoration competition for children will be invited Parking available at to switch on the lights. the Martlet Inn

Many thanks to Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm for the kind donation of the tree 2

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Following the success of last year’s cards, the Friends of St Peter’s have produced two new packs designed for us by local artists. Each pack, which includes 6 cards and envelopes with 3 cards of each design, costs £2.50. To order contact: Marjorie 400964 Sarah 401261 Marilyn 401300 Saranne 401432

Photograph by David Brown Collages by Lynne Moore Watercolour by Jean Mathison Produced by Friends of St Peter’s in aid of the Church

Natalie H, age 10 Miai W, age 5 Willow B C, age 8

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It’s been a great year!

The Hall is going from strength to strength and in 2016 we’ve held some excellent and well attended events . Many thanks to everyone who has supported us. Have a very happy Christmas - we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.

Future events at the Hall Max Calaf Seve: Friday 3 February 2017 - 7.30pm

Once again, with the support of Take Art, we have thrilling entertainment in the form of an extraordinary circus artist. Tickets, including refreshments - £10 ticket per adult, £5 per child. One free child per fee paying adult. For more information and tickets contact Zenah Rowe on 01823 400331 or [email protected]. Max Calaf Seve

Max is a contemporary circus artist, specialising in trampoline acrobatics, object manipulation and physical theatre.

He creates indoor and outdoor performances, challenging himself to obliterate the boundaries of what is possible on the trampoline. His unique performance aesthetic alerts us to the trampoline’s infinite possibilities and the infinite stories that it can articulate; tangible, physical, emotional, artistic:

'There is an explosion upwards, a moment of suspension in the air where you are weightless, ecstatic free. But the higher the jump the greater the fall. The trampoline can be a monster.'

http://www.maxcalaf.com

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Maasai Warriors Review When the Maasai Warriors came to Langford Budville it was an experience worth seeing. The village hall was full and buzzing with anticipation as another 'Take Art' performance began. The Maasai Warriors performed wonderful songs and dances to illustrate the depth and diversity of their culture. It was a community and family occasion enjoyed by all. Thank you to Zenah, Take Art and the Village Hall Committee for bringing such a wonderful event to our village. "I loved it so much. The sparkly dresses, the jingle of the jewellery and they danced so well" - Holly Humble "I thought it was amazing that the warriors could jump so high" - Matthew Humble "It was wonderful to see the Maasai in such a unique and colourful performance" - Carolyn Bill "You didn't hear the sound but felt it vibrate through you like a long lost ancient rhythm" - Jackie Douglas “For a brief moment the warm winds of Africa blew through our village as the Maasai Warriors transported us to another, more exotic, land” Barbara Hughes Jo Humble

Ready, steady ….. jump - Josh takes up the challenge and Holly quizzes her friend

Bingo Unfortunately the magazine went to the printer before the Christmas Bingo on 26 November had taken place. However that doesn’t stop us from giving a big thank you to Heather Cottrell for organising yet another event in the hall. If this is half as good as the last Bingo evening, it will have been terrific. ML

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The Art of Change Ringing

Perhaps the most typical sound in an English town or village is the sound of the church bells. We are lucky to have a great team of ringers at St Peter’s which has a fine peal of six bells, the earliest dating from 1687; they are described on page 94 of our village history, “Changing Faces”. Many readers will remember the fund-raising when all six were taken down for retuning in 1992 and rehung with a replacement tenor bell, on a new frame in the old ringer’s chamber. The ringing team had to move further down the tower to a glass fronted gallery, which means that, unlike many churches, you can watch them in action. The way we ring bells is peculiar to Britain (and former colonies). Abroad, automated systems called “carillons” play tunes on hammer-struck bells, a far cry from our traditions! Tunes like “Baa baa black sheep”, for example, would be impossible; the same note cannot be rung in succession without a pause for the wheel to rotate 360º. Bells mounted on wheels were introduced after the Reformation in the 17th century and then numerical patterns of ringing developed. This is the English art of change ringing (over 95% of such rings of bells are in England). How does it work? Each bell is attached to a wheel and turns a full circle; the rope, also attached to the wheel, is pulled when the bell is at the top of the circle. The furry part of the rope is called the sally and the bottom end of the rope has a loop, which is never let go. On starting, the bells are rung in sequence – down the scale from lightest to heaviest, (called rounds). The aim is to make the space between the bells sound even – it is the musical equivalent of a rowing team, where it is obvious if one ringer’s timing is out. It takes practice!

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The next step is to weave a mathematical formula of sound; by using the bell rope to quicken or delay the turn of the wheel, each ringer can change the position of the bell in the scale - easier said than done! So they swap places in the sequence. Numerical patterns are followed, the simplest for example, 123456, 213456, 231456, 234156, 234516. A system of changes is called a Method; Methods have names like Kent Treble Bob and are memorised by the whole team. The equivalent of the marathon in bell ringing is to ring a peal. The record peal on 8 bells (in 1963 in Loughborough) was a full peal of a Method known as Plain Bob Major. It took 18 hours and lasted 40,320 changes! The ringing team has a conductor who takes responsibility for the ringing, calling out which specific Method to follow. Once the bells are raised, the ringer on the treble (the lightest bell) starts the whole process, by calling “Look to, treble’s going, she’s gone.” And the wonderful sound rings out for all comers. If you would like to try it, contact Jean on 01823 400959. Laurian Cooper

Wyatt H, age 7 Leah, age 7 Phoebe B, age 7

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Green Fingers: Wassailing

The word ‘’ derives from the Anglo-Saxon greeting “Waes Hael”, meaning “Be well”. There are two forms of Wassailing – one referring to the old practice of the people of a Parish of going about the homes and orchards on New Year’s Eve or , carrying with them a bowl of spiced ale laced with baked (the wassail) and singing carols in return for tips and treats like ‘figgy pudding’ and . Wassailers could become quite demanding, as reflected in the carols they sang. For example “Now give us some figgy pudding…” and “We won’t go until we’ve got some…” Great houses usually kept a special large silver bowl used only for preparing wassail. In smaller homes the bowl would be of wood or ceramic. This form of wassailing is the likely root of carolling, and many Christmas carols reflect this. The roots of the practice probably lie in pre- Christian history and similar festivals would have taken place throughout Indo-Europe at Mid Winter. The Apple Wassail is another old custom which is still practised or has been revived in some apple- growing areas. It is first recorded in 1585, at which time groups of young men would go between orchards performing the rite for a reward. The practice was sometimes referred to as "howling". On Twelfth Night (January 5 or 6) or ‘Old Twelfth Night” (January 17th), men would go with their wassail bowl into the orchard and go about the

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trees. Slices of bread or toast were laid at the roots and sometimes tied to branches. Cider was also poured over the tree roots. Carols were sung, and much noise made with pots and drums. The ceremony is said to "bless" the trees to produce a good crop in the forthcoming season. Carhampton in Somerset is known for its wassailing celebration which was started in 1930s by the Taunton Cider Company. On 17 January, a bonfire is made in the orchard, and wassailers form a circle around the largest or oldest apple tree, hang pieces of toast soaked in cider in the branches for the robin, - the 'good spirit' of the tree. A shotgun is fired overhead to scare away evil spirits and participants sing a wassailing song, and bang on pots and drums. Nowadays participants retire to a warm public house or farmhouse for a celebratory glass of mulled cider after the ceremony. Carhampton Wassailing Song Old apple tree, we wassail thee, And hoping thou wilt bear For the Lord doth know where we shall be Till apples come another year. For to bear well, and to bear well So merry let us be, Let every man take off his hat, And shout to the old apple tree! Old apple tree, we wassail thee, And hoping thou wilt bear Hatfuls, capfuls and three bushel bagfuls And a little heap under the stairs, Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Another wassail carol from the Gentleman’s Magazine, 1791:

Here’s to thee, old apple tree Whence thou mayst bud And whence though mayst blow And whence thou may bear apples enow! Hats full, caps full, bushel, bushel sacks full And my pockets full too! Huzza

Saranne Cessford 9

Seasonal Treats - Stollen

A traditional German Ingredients:

350g (12oz) strong white flour 40g (1.5oz) currants ¼ tsp salt 50g (2oz) sultanas 2 tsp easy-blend yeast 40g (1.5oz) dried apricots, chopped 50g (2 oz) caster sugar 40g (1.5oz) dried sour cherries 150ml (1/4 pint) milk 25g (1oz) candied peel 110g (4oz) softened butter 25g (1oz) almonds, chopped 1 egg – beaten grated zest of 1 lemon For glaze: 110g (4oz) icing sugar, 2 tbsp. lemon juice Method: Sift 300g of the flour into a mixing bowl with the salt. Sprinkle in the yeast and sugar, and stir together. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk, then add the softened butter and beaten egg. Mix everything together with hands or wooden spoon until it is well blended and the mixture leaves the sides of the bowl clean. Work in the fruits, nuts, peel and zest, distributing them as evenly as possible. Knead the dough on a work surface sprinkled with 25g of the remaining flour for 5 minutes, until springy and elastic. Leave to prove in a bowl in a warm place, covered with cling film, until double the size (Up to 2 hours) Turn out onto a work surface sprinkled with the remaining 25g flour, knock out the air and knead until smooth and elastic. Shape into an oblong and place on baking sheet in a baking tray and leave to prove in a warm place until double the size again. While it is proving, preheat the oven to 200 C (180C (Fan); Gas mark 6, 400F). Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Allow to cool on tray for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack. To make the glaze, sift the icing sugar and mix with the lemon juice. Spread this across the stolen top and sides while still warm. Emma Whittaker

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Review of Wonders of the Galapagos

This event was held on 4 October in the Jubilee Hall in aid of St Peter’s Church. Drs Clive and Valerie Wall were given a chance to visit parts of the Galapagos Islands which most tourists don’t get a chance to see, and with their combined expertise they gave us a talk on the amazing biodiversity of the islands. The islands lie 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, and are very young and volcanically active. With no land bridges, land plants and animals could arrive only by rafting on mats of seaweed, and once there they faced a very hostile environment, and were forced to adapt to survive. The result is an array of species 60% of which occur nowhere else in the world i.e they are endemic to the islands. Charles Darwin visited the islands on his voyage on the Beagle, and his observations led him to formulate his theory of Evolution by means of natural selection. It is fascinating to learn about finches and mocking birds which evolved differently on different islands, to fill any available niche, and marine iguanas who can dive to 9 m to graze on sea weed. These and many more adaptations were illustrated and explained. During the interval, we enjoyed an excellent hot supper of Chilli con carne or Shepherds pie – altogether a very enjoyable evening. Thanks to Lyn, Sara, Valerie and Clive and all their helpers. Saranne Cessford

Oscar M, age 9 Leo, age 9 Caitlin G, age 9

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Ralph Dan Fry

10 June 1935 – 30 September 2016 When Ralph died, Runnington lost one of its oldest and longest residents. Born in 1935 in Barking, Ralph worked as a tailor after National Service, before moving to double glazing, which was then in its infancy. He came to 2, Higher Houses in 1984, when he moved from Essex as area manager of a national double glazing company. Ralph was successful in his career, and won many awards for his work. His keen work ethic encouraged him to turn his hand to many different skills, and he became a master of DIY. His expertise in electrical, plumbing, plastering and building work was of a highly professional standard, and over the years he completed many major projects. He was a keen gardener, and the beautiful garden he created still has colour and interest in November. He and Lesley travelled widely, and regularly spent the winter months in Spain with their caravan. After a heart attack, Ralph became a familiar figure in the local lanes, walking several miles each day, whatever the weather. Even when lung disease took its toll, his determination kept him walking, with an oxygen cylinder strapped to his back. He and Lesley had been married for fifty eight years, and had two children, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Ralph always gave 100% dedication to whatever he did, yet remained a modest and unassuming man, and made light of his skills. He was a good neighbour and friend, and will be much missed. Maggie Norvell

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Jean Hine

25 March 1939 - 12 September 2016 Jean Hine, who died in September, will be remembered with much affection by those who knew her in Runnington. Richard and Jean, with their three children, James, Kate and Duncan, moved to Runnington in 1986 where they stayed for nineteen happy years. Jean with her warm and friendly personality quickly made many local friends. Her talent with flower arranging lead her to be in charge of the Church flowers and many services were enriched by her floral arrangements. She was a great supporter of village events and fetes or coffee mornings were always enlivened by her practical help and enthusiasm. Family and friends were Jean’s main interests and she was at her happiest when surrounded by her family, with her three children and four grandchildren central to her life. Two of her grandchildren were christened here and her daughter Kate was married in the Church, the last bride to date to have walked up the aisle in Runnington Church. A talented ball-room dancer Jean was a qualified dancing teacher and there must be many pupils at Wellington school and other local schools who will have benefited by her skill and enthusiastic teaching. Richard tells me that the years they spent in Runnington were the best years of their life. Jean has now been laid to rest in the church yard of the village she so enjoyed. Susan Osborne 13

News from the Villages Parish Council

Parish Council meetings were held on Monday 10th October and 14th November 2016. Police Report

20/10/16 Criminal Damage to property 21/10/16 ASB – Fireworks being let off 29/10/16 – Langford Budville Missing Person 31/10/16 – Langford Budville Missing Person Please be mindful of any improvements that can be made with regards to your shed and outbuilding security. Mr. Perry gave a long report on some of the road safety issues around the village. He has heard back from J Sharpe and 30mph signs are to be installed soon around the triangle. Church lane has new bollards and signs installed. G Martin from TD has been very helpful. Mr McGrath gave a lengthy speech on his recent survey regarding superfast broadband. This was after the Clerk had read a letter about the CDS Broadband Voucher Scheme. It would appear that superfast broadband is not going to happen in the foreseeable future and new routers may help.

Mr McGrath is hoping to do another survey on mobile phone 4G. Highways have informed the Council that bags of salt will be available for collection on 3rd December. This year grit bins will not be replenished unless requested due to last year’s mild winter. The grit bins around the village will be checked.

The next meeting will be held on 12th December 2016. Everyone is welcome.

Litter Pick

The next litter pick will be held on 4th December meeting at the Village Hall 10.30am. High viz jackets will be provided but please bring your own gloves.

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Meet Selina

On Thursday 17 November Saranne and I headed off to St Peter’s Cafe to enjoy a lunch of delicious homemade soup and pudding and had the added pleasure of making a new friend. Selina, or The Revd Selina Garner to give her full title, joined the Wellington and District Team Ministry on 18 October this year and will be working alongside our vicar, Alan Ellacott, Tim Treanor the Rector and their colleagues Sandra Lee, Maria Hearl and Elaine McNicholas.

The Team Ministry covers 13 Parishes including ours and Selina has a particular interest in working with young people including those in the eight schools in the district. She will be exploring the Christian story for those who want to learn more and will be communicating to young children and their families, as well as anyone else who has contact with them, through the creative arts and activities.

I feel sure children will get a lot of joy from working with Selina and I will be talking to her about her creative ideas in our next magazine.

Marilyn Lilley

Amber S, age 10 Barnaby M, age 7 Annabel C, Age 8

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A Short History of Eating Apples

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” so the saying goes. Perhaps just as well with plenty of apples and a shortage of doctors!

The Romans were the first people to introduce a sweeter Costard tasting apple to this country although there is evidence that a sourer apple grew wild in Britain in the Neolithic period. With the Norman occupation, many French varieties were introduced (as is the case today) including the Costard Apple from which many of today’s varieties were developed using cross pollination.

By the 13th century the Costard variety was grown in many orchards especially those attached to monasteries; sellers of apples were known as costard mongers hence the word costermonger. During the Wars of the Roses and the Black Death there was a marked decline in the growing of apples until Henry VIII, who is reputed to have been particularly fond of apples, instructed his fruiterer, Richard Harris, to introduce new varieties to his orchard in Kent.

With the coming of the agricultural revolution in the 18th century methods of apple growing became much more scientific with careful experiments in pollination leading to many new varieties. Thomas Laxton, a renowned grower, produced a number Laxton Superb of well known apples the best known being Laxton Superb. Richard Cox produced the famous Cox’s Orange Pippin in 1850 superseding the Ribson Pippin, a favourite of the early Cox’s Orange Pippin Victorians. The most popular cooking apple, Bramley, was grown from a pip of unknown origin planted by a young girl in 1809. It took until 1876 for this apple to be perfected when it was exhibited as the finest culinary apple in the world. It now Bramley represents 95% of all cooking apples sold in the U.K. With improved methods of production such as lower trees and better pest control the 19th and 20th centuries saw both an increase in varieties and the volume of apples produced.

Golden Delicious Granny Smith Gala Braeburn 16

When the UK joined the EU and there were no longer restrictions on importing apples from abroad, the UK growers found themselves faced with great competition from higher yielding foreign varieties such as Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, and Braeburn, these last two originating from New Zealand. Many English orchards were taken out of production while some growers grew the new varieties with success. Among some of the best known apples not already named are Worcester Permain, Lord Lambourne, and Jazz, a cross between Gala and Braeburn.

Worcester Permain Lord Lambourne Jazz

Amongst the older traditional apples are D’Arcy Spice first grown in Colchester and still very popular in the south east, Beauty of Bath, Blenheim Orange, Egremont Russet and Peasgood Nonsuch , plus many others.

D’Arcy Spice Beauty of Bath

Blenheim Orange Egremont Russet Peasgood Nonsuch

The main factor responsible for the outstanding taste of English apples is our climate. With an absence of extreme temperatures and with adequate rainfall the fruit has time to mature slowly maximising the flavour. An added benefit of an apple tree is the beautiful blossom, an apple orchard in spring is a glorious sight. No wonder the fruit which tempted Eve in the garden of Eden is depicted as an apple. Who could resist it? Susan Osborne Photo research Marilyn Lilley

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SURE

Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment Few readers’ lives can be untouched by the experience of close family, friends, or themselves being diagnosed with Cancer. Residents of Taunton Deane are fortunate that at Musgrove Park Hospital we have the Beacon Centre, opened in May 2009 and designated a ”Centre of Excellence”, to care for cancer patients. Radiotherapy is often given to cancer patients on a daily basis for several weeks and, prior to the opening of the Beacon Centre, this meant a round trip every day to Bristol Oncology Centre and the added stress this created. Around one hundred patients annually decided this was a price too heavy to pay, and declined treatment, thereby risking their lives. Founded in 2000, SURE (Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment) was set up as a registered charity with the aim of providing a CT scanner and simulator for the Centre, and to contribute towards its running costs for the first three years. Paul Alway, who lives in Runnington, first volunteered for SURE after his mother received treatment at the Beacon Centre. His job as Global Product Manager in IT for BT prior to retirement enabled him initially to build a website for the charity, which until then it had been unable to afford. He became a committee member, then Chairman, and now also serves as a Trustee. Paul currently spends around an hour a day on emails, queries and website work, and supports at least two or three fundraising events per month, but says it could easily be a full time job. Since it was founded, SURE has funded over fifty items of advanced technology, including mask making equipment for patients with face or throat cancers, and a digitising tablet to help doctors accurately define parts of the body needing Radiotherapy.

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SURE’s emphasis now is on providing equipment for new and better treatment that might not otherwise be available within the NHS budget, and enabling it to participate in many national trials to push forward further improvements. The next new item planned is a more advanced CT scanner/simulator to replace the present aging one, for which £550,000 has already been raised, ahead of schedule. By the end of 2016 the total amount raised since it started fundraising will be over £2.75 million. SURE has hundreds of enthusiastic supporters, but is always on the look-out for more. Just a few hours’ help per year can make a difference. Over 99.5p. of every pound raised goes into the fund. Paul sees his role in SURE as providing governance to the charity, and supporting the committee to ensure the funds raised each year achieve the best possible outcomes for the cancer patients treated at the Beacon Centre. His chief satisfaction lies in knowing that SURE’s fundraising efforts have helped maintain the Beacon Centre as a Centre of Excellence which everyone can be proud of. Besides his work for SURE, Paul is also on the committee of the South Western Great Dane Club, a member of the Kagemusha Taiko Drummers, and is one of the traders at the Emporium Somerset, in Wellington. Anyone wishing to help can visit the SURE website on www.surecharity.org.uk where more information is available. Maggie Norvell

Mischa V M, age 10 Holly H, age 5 Edward, age 7

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News from the Churches

Vicar’s Letter Dear Friends, On behalf of all our churches in the East Group of the Benefice we wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. If you get the chance, come and join us at a service. There will be many and varied especially for the kids. We're really fortunate to have some excellent cooks so you'll always find a welcome, home made cakes & a drink. This time of year is also about remembering the lonely, the suffering and those struggling financially; we try and support varied charities - local, national and international. Alan Ellacott, East Group Vicar

Wonder and worship Have you ever wondered how many stars there are? We know there are lots and we know we can’t count them. It is clearly not a straightforward question. So what do we know? We believe the universe is some 14 billion years old. We think it is expanding, but we don’t know if it is infinitely large or not. And the fact that space-time seems to be curved makes it even more complicated. But if the Milky Way has some 100 million stars in it and if there are in the order of 100 trillion galaxies, we are looking at something like ‘1 followed by 24 noughts’ as a answer. That is a lot of stars! And throughout all of human history people have wondered not only how many stars there are but also who made them. The Bible gives us an answer to this and reveals God as the Creator of all things. The prophet Isaiah wrote this: ‘Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.’ (Isaiah 40: 26) Stars are beautiful, mysterious, awe-inspiring. They cause us to wonder and marvel. Who has not stopped at some point and just gazed at the night sky? It is said that the US President Franklin D Roosevelt used to take his guest out after dinner to look at the night sky. They would stare at the stars and then he would say: ‘Now that we feel small enough, let us discuss our business.’ At the first Christmas it was a star that led the wise men to the baby . ‘When they saw the child with his mother Mary, they bowed down and worshipped him.’ Christmas reminds us that Jesus is God’s Son, our Saviour and our Lord. In the midst of all else that is happening may we make sure that we take time to wonder and to worship. + Peter Bath and Wells 20

Churches’ Service Rota

Langford First Second Date Runnington Budville Reading Reading

4 December 10 am 10.30am Isaiah Romans HC Parish Praise 11. 1-10 15.4-13 11 December 9.15am Join Langford Isaiah James HC Budville 35. 1-10 5. 7-10

18 December 10am 4.00pm Christingle Isaiah Matthew Family Service w. Crib Blessing 7.10-16 1.18-25

Monday 19 6.00pm December Carol Service

Saturday 24 At Langford Budville 3.30 pm December Family Crib Service w. Carols Christmas eve 11.30 pm

25 December Join Runnington 10.30am Isaiah Hebrews Christmas Day Family HC 52. 7-10 1. 1-4 (5-12)

1 January 10.00 am HC 10.30 am Morning Worship

8 January 9.15 am HC Join Langford Baptism of Christ Budville Readings will be available on pew sheets 15 January 10.00 am Family 6.00pm Service Carol Service

22 January Join Runnington 9.15am Joint HC

29 January Joint East Group Service with Communion 5th Sunday 10.00 am Langford Budville Church Followed by refreshments Camels and Candles: Children’s Festival. Saturday 21 January 2017, 10.00am to 3.00pm, at Wells Cathedral. Cost £1.50 pp. A fun day for children of primary school age, Church groups and leaders, with worship, games and activities. More information from Education Dept. at the Cathedral - tel 01749 674483. Information about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals contact Revd. Alan Ellacott. Tel: 01823 669824 or email: [email protected] Wellington & District Team Ministry website: www.wellintonteamchurches.org.uk

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Notes from St Peter’s

The evening of 4 November we welcomed Drs Valerie and Clive Wall to talk to us about the Galapagos Islands, which proved to be extremely interesting and was well attended. A big thank you to Valerie and Clive. The Chilli or Shepherds Pie Supper also went down very well. Another £600 into the Church coffers. Our November Lunch was very well attended despite the rain and we raised £200. Our thanks also to Saranne Cessford who provided our delicious guest soup – Red Pepper with Boursin. The Remembrance Sunday Service was well attended with The British Legion flag bearer, the Parish Council laying a wreath as well as the usual Church one. We welcomed Harry Radford, who played the Last Post and Reveille. December is a busy month commencing with the switching on of the Christmas Tree Lights and Carol Singing on 3 December followed by hot chocolate and mince pies. The church’s Annual Christmas Draw is at the Martlet on 9 December, in the evening. The prizes include a Christmas hamper, crackers, wine, a meal for two at the Martlet and other goodies. The December Lunch on the 15th also includes an opportunity to stock up on chutneys, jams, mince pies etc. in time for Christmas. Lyn Wyatt is taking orders for Christmas Puddings and Sarah Nutt for Christmas Cakes. Our Carol Service is at 6.00 pm on Monday 19 December followed by and mince pies. The Crib Service is at 3.30 pm on 24 December - Christmas Eve - and the Midnight Service at 11.30 pm. Our January Soup Lunch will be on Thursday 19th from 12.00 noon - do come along. It is a nice way to catch up with neighbours while enjoying an excellent lunch. Just a note about the destiny of the funds that we raise throughout the year and for which we say a very big thank you to those of you who support your church. Quite apart from lighting, heating and insuring the Church, we also pay for the upkeep of the building and church yard and have to make a large payment of several thousand pounds to the Diocese which goes towards the housing, wages etc. of the clergy but not the readers who are St Peter’s Café unpaid. We are hoping to install a loo Winter Soup Lunches and better kitchen facilities in the near Thursday 15 December & 19 January future all of which, unfortunately, costs from 12.00 noon money. £5.00 for soup, bread and pudding Sarah Nutt Preserves, bric-a-brac and raffle

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News from Runnington Church

A variety of dogs and humans enjoyed the annual Pet Service in Runnington Church in early October. The welcoming church bells rang out accompanied by a howling Barney (a Jack Russell) who howled in time to the bells much to the amusement of everyone there. Please come and visit our beautiful church this Christmastime. Our Candlelight Christingle Service with Carols will be held on 18 December at 4.00 pm. Families are especially welcome and will be available for those who haven't had time to make their own. On Christmas morning there will be a family communion at 10.30 am, and we look forward to seeing you on this day of celebration. We will have an Evening Epiphany Carol Service on Sunday 15 January at 6.00pm. This is to celebrate the visit of the Three Kings to baby Jesus. Please stay for mulled cider and refreshments after the service. We will be decorating the church on Saturday 17 December and any help will be appreciated. We are having a Churchyard clear up at 11.30am on Sunday 4 December . Many hands make light work so please join in if you can. Alison Toogood and Susan Osborne

Lily D, age 9 Samia-Jane, age 7 Ethan S, age 9

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Our School:

Mrs Catherine Vincer A fond farewell from all of us at Langford Budville Primary School It is with great sadness, that everyone at Langford Budville Primary School will be saying a fond farewell to our most senior teacher, Mrs Catherine Vincer at the end of this term. She has worked tirelessly to develop and grow the school into the special place it is today and has made a positive impact of the lives of many hundreds of children and families over the last 19 years. Mrs Vincer is embracing the time, while she and her husband are young enough, to relocate to Cornwall and enjoy their time together, where I know they have many projects planned to keep themselves both busy in the future. Mrs Vincer has been instrumental in many aspects of school life over the years including: developing the Key Stage One and Foundation stage unit into the brilliant teaching environment it is now, the introduction of the ‘Welly Walk’ and outside garden to name only a few. Mrs Vincer has been the fulltime Class One teacher and Senior Teacher for many years, and leads the collective worship as well as many of the key subjects across the school. She also currently finds time to teach the older children French every week! I know her knowledge and ‘love for learning’ will continue in the hundreds of children she has taught over the years at Langford Budville. I also know that all of the staff, both old and current have enjoyed the friendships built over time. From personal experience it has been a pleasure to work alongside someone who is always exceptionally professional, thoughtful and kind. When I asked some of the older children recently what they would miss, this is a small selection of their responds: ‘She always makes learning fun’ ‘I have learnt a lot going out for Welly Walks with her in Class One. I can name lots of the plants now.’

‘I loved her singing songs, even when we were supposed to be learning. She would sing to help us.’

‘She is always kind and smiles. ‘ Mrs Vincer’s contribution within the school, and indeed, across the authority has been outstanding throughout the years and we wish her a long and happy retirement. I’m sure as a community you will join us is wishing Mrs Vincer best wishes for the future. Mrs Mary Clothier, Headteacher

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GOODBYE

MRS VINCER!

Mary Clothier, Headteacher The school is also very sorry to be saying goodbye to Mary Clothier at Christmas after her term as Interim Head. The long commute down the M5 with all its traffic problems does not make it easy to have the family time Mary would like. We have been very lucky to have had Mary with us this term and we wish her all the very best for the future. From all at Langford Budville School

Wells Cathedral

Amelia J, age 7 Taylor H, age 8 Fred J, age 9

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Langford Ladies

13 members and one guest discussed the book ‘The Tea Planter’s Wife’ at our November meeting. The book is told from the point of view of Gwen, a newly married young English girl, who travels to Ceylon to join her wealthy husband who runs a tea plantation but the idyllic life she anticipated is soon overshadowed by secrets and a buried past. Set in the 1920s and 1930s it depicts the rich colours of the country and the strict racial divide between the British Colonists, the Indian Tamils and the Sinhalese. Most members agreed it was a good read. The conversation soon widened to discuss the country itself and other books. Many thanks to Anne Harris who stepped in at the last minute to host the evening. Our Christmas ‘Bring a Plate’ meeting will be at ‘Croxhall’ on Wednesday 14 December at 7.30pm. If you would like to come, and haven’t already booked in, please telephone Laurian on 01823 400474 or email [email protected].

Mariah Payne Lady Painter & Decorator with 20 Years’ Experience

Free YOGA Estimates the Iyengar way Given Langford Budville Jubilee Hall Tuesdays 7.00-8.30pm Quality Workmanship Thursdays 10.00-11.30am Interior & Exterior BEGINNERS WELCOME Paintwork, Wallpapering suitable for all abilities & Tiling contact Jackie Douglas Mob: 07776 423418 07919 818980 Toad Cottage, Nicholashayne, Wellington, TA21 9QY [email protected]

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carpet & upholstery cleaning

Carpets - upholstery - rug cleaning Stain guard protection Fast drying Eco friendly Free quotations and honest friendly advice Steve Wright Tel : 01823 664879 or 07860554753 www.carpetcleaningsouthwest.co.uk

STEVE’S SPEEDY TYRES

All aspects of Carpentry Mobile agricultural tyre and Roofing fitting and repair Based in Langford Budville I am from an agricultural and tyre background and have combined the Darren Cook two together to provide an excellent service 07546873600 24 hours 7 days a week

07949433632 [email protected] 01823 401558 fb.me/dccarpentryandroofing Alternatively 07807893232

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COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

Peaceful treatment room based in Runnington near Wellington

Three ways to stay at Runnington Cider Barn Bed and breakfast Rent whole Barn for family groups Rent West Apartment for business or holiday

Come and stay in our wonderful, beamed Barn, full of character in peaceful hamlet near River Tone. Four bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms, large kitchen, huge open, beamed reception area with gallery room above, flexible bedroom arrangements. Wonderful, peaceful, sunny, uplifting atmosphere. Come and chat to me about it Louise Bancroft - 01823 665533/07835 960704 [email protected] www.runningtonciderbarn.co.uk

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MICKEY LOVELL Chimney Sweep

Clean and Efficient 01984 624283 25 Southgate Wiveliscombe TA4 2NG

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01823 400324 07710 618892 Little Pippins, Langford Budville, Wellington Somerset TA21 0RD [email protected]

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Wellie Cabs Your local courteous cab company covering this area and further afield Special rates for local one way journeys between 8.00am - 5.00pm Langford to Wellington or Milverton £7.00 Langford to Wivey £9.00 Loyalty Card available - please ask

Call Lloyd on 01823 400769/07780 677778 [email protected]

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cakes Jackies cakes Email – [email protected] Tel – 01823 672817 Mobile – 07866 125061

Jackie’s cakes & catering

Delicious, fresh, home cooked cakes. Bespoke for all occasions; weddings, christenings, birthdays, celebrations - or just because you’re worth it! Catering for funerals; Buffets for 20-200 people, from setting the table and chairs to the washing up, saving you time to spend with family, friends or guests on a busy day. Scones freshly cooked for an afternoon cream tea.

Housework, laundry, ironing, D.I.Y, dinner parties, function catering, service support, carpet cleaning, mobile beautician, painter, plumber, mobile mechanic, gardener, electrician, help with lambing, help with horses, Spring cleaning, event support, on a regular basis or ’as and when’ you need it- you name it we do it! Established since 2007- fully insured and reliable help - no retainer required. Contact Denise Masters: 0777 307 0219/0800 756 6425 http://need-some-help.com E:[email protected] Whatever you need, if we can’t help, we probably know someone who can!

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Local Transport Services

Somerset County Council has launched a new traffic and travel website which provides live updates from the Council’s traffic control team. www.travelsomerset.co.uk Slinky Bus

 Anyone in Langford Budville can use the bus. It is free for those with a bus pass and a reasonable fare will be charged for everyone else.

 To use the bus you must register in advance. Download a form from: www.movingsomersetforward.co.uk/public-transport/slinky-services-demand- responsive-transport or call 01823 331266.

 To use the bus you have to book a place at least 24 hours and up to 14 days in advance. Bookings can be made between 9.30-3.30, Monday to Friday by calling 01823 331266.

 The Slinky bus will make up to three return journeys a day at approx times to Wellington and once to *MPH. When you make your booking, check the current times which can change. *There will be an extension to and from Musgrove Park Hospital on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for those who cannot use conventional buses.

 It isn’t possible to just turn up at a bus stop and board. Any problems, ring 0300 123 2224 or email [email protected].

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Community Contacts

Parish Council Chairman Kieron McGrath 01823 663080 Vice-Chairperson Jan Middleton 01823 400165 Valerie Pitman 01823 400283 Roger Poole 01823 400567 Mike Perry 01823 400991 Parish Clerk Christine Hake [email protected] Churches Team Vicar The Rev Alan Ellacott 01823 669824 [email protected] Reader Sandra Lee 07585 743886 Church Wardens: Langford Budville Lyn Wyatt 01823 400245

Runnington John Houghton 01823 661323 Alison Toogood 01823 667808 Jubilee Hall Chairman Keith Moore 01823 400665 [email protected] Vice-Chairman Roger Marshall [email protected] Secretary and Margaret Brown 01823 400510 Booking Clerk [email protected] Treasurer Pam Farr [email protected] Primary School Head Teacher Mary Clothier - until end 01823 400483 of Autumn term 2016 [email protected] Police Beat Officers PC Jo Jeffery 2378 Tel: 07889 657 943 PCSO Sharon Baker 9511 sharon.baker@avonandsomerset. police.uk tel: 07889 655302 PCSO Louise Fyne 6945 Tel: 07889 659476

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Magazine Information

Editorial team: Marilyn Lilley and Saranne Cessford - joint editors; Jo Currie and Claire Cook - joint treasurers; Susan Osborne; Maggie Norvell, Diane Whittaker; Lisa Mack; and Becca Richards. To contact us please email: [email protected] heading your email: Articles, Feedback, Advertising, Small Ads, etc. Our final copy dates: Round About: February/March edition: 21 January 2017 April/May edition: 21 March 2017 Round About in Brief: March edition: 24 February 2017 Cover: Design by Marilyn Lilley with fairies made by Holly Humble, age 5 RA printed by Booksprint, 01823 662531, [email protected].

Advertising Rates

This magazine is distributed free of charge to around 300 households in and around the villages of Langford Budville and Runnington.

6 editions 1 edition Commercial Mono Colour Mono ¼ page £30.00 na £7.00 ½ page £60.00 £100.00 £13.00 A5 page £100.00 £200.00 £25.00

Sponsorship of articles for a 1 year, six edition period is also available, as well as special rates for non-commercial advertising. Small Ads - Non commercial For Sale items: Under £10: up to 4 lines free; additional lines £1.00 each. Over £10: 50p a line for first 4 lines, additional lines £1.00 each. Wanted items: £1.00 per 2 lines. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your requirements.

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