Parish News November 2020

Upton Noble Brewham and Batcombe

Page 1 MINISTRY TEAM Vicar - Alham Vale Benefice Revd Helen Drever 831053 Benefice mobile number 07949 181745 Readers Anne Sear 838843 Rob Sage 850934 Sue Deyes 831104 Rector - Bruton Vacancy The Blessed Virgin Mary, Batcombe Churchwardens Mr Nigel Humphreys Little Westcombe House, Westcombe 830091 Mr Peter Cowling Little Court, Gold Hill, Batcombe 850110 Secretary Vacancy Treasurer Mr Patrick Taylor The Old Post Office, Batcombe 850146 St John the Baptist, Brewham Churchwardens Mr David Cowie Street Farm, South Brewham 850524 Mrs Zena Dabinett Haven Farm, South Brewham 850441 Secretary Mrs Gloria Barber Colinshayes, South Brewham 812692 Treasurer Ms Celia Holland, 2, Forestry Cottages, North Brewham 850353 St Mary Magdalene, Upton Noble Churchwardens Brig. John Deverell The Manor House, Upton Noble 850688 Mr A. Faulkner Church House, Upton Noble 850172 Treasurer Mr J. M. M. Baker Lovell House, Upton Noble 850855 Secretary Mrs C. Halliwell Top Hill Farm House, Upton Noble 850766 Brewham belongs to the Benefice of Bruton Batcombe and Upton Noble belong to the Alham Vale Benefice The Alham Vale Administrator can be reached by email to Lynn Godfrey-James [email protected] The Bruton Office Jane Bennett, Plox House, Silver Street, Bruton, BA10 0ED (Wed - Thu 10am-12.30pm) Email:- [email protected] 813080 Baptist 11am Sunday, South Brewham Chapel, Hazel Gulliford. 850267 Methodist Rev. Craig Manley, Ansford, BA7 7PA, 01963 351598 and Rev Jill Warren, Frome 01373 462207 Roman Catholic Fr Louis Beasley-Suffolk, South St, Wincanton 01963 34408 e-mail: [email protected] Page 2 In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. José Narosky

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Batcombe St Mary Magdalene, Upton Noble St John the Baptist, Brewham

Contents Page No • Priest’s letter 4 • Brewham 5 • Batcombe 6 - 11, 14 • Service Rota & Readings 12-13 • Bishop’s letter 15 • Parish Pictures Centre Pages • Articles 18 - 21 • Local Services (Ads) 22 - 30 • Tel No’s (inside covers) 2 & 31

Welcome to the November edition of the Parish News. Please continue to submit articles, letters and photographs for possible inclusion. Please stay safe and take good care of yourselves. With all good wishes Audrey PLEASE SEND IN YOUR COPY BY 18th OF THE MONTH [email protected]

Page 3 We welcome thoughts from our Vicar the Revd. Helen Drever

November 2020 From the Vicar’s study… When I moved into the vicarage in January, I was looking forward to meeting lots of new people across the Alham Vale Benefice, and was keen to get to know the rhythms of church and village life. I had no idea how complicated it would turn out to be. In the words of a John Lennon lyric, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. None of us could have foreseen what 2020 would bring. I thought there would be a lot more tea and cake, and far fewer facemasks and hand-sanitisers. The churches and villages where I served my curacy in Devon, before I moved to Somerset, were very sociable and community minded. I loved that. And when I came to visit in August 2019 I recognised that same generous spirit here. Covid may have tried to put a damper on things, but the people of this place are more than a match for it. This was made abundantly clear at Harvest Festival time. We might not have been able to gather to share food and drink as is our custom, but we came together in our churches to celebrate God’s bounty and to offer donations in great profusion for the Shepton Mallet food bank. At one point the boxes in my hall were piled so high I could not get into the downstairs loo! We might not have been able to feast together this year, but we were determined no one would go hungry. And it is not just in the churches that we see this generosity, such goodness of heart runs right through each of our communities. I have every faith it will continue long after Covid is fading into memory. In November the Church moves towards Advent, traditionally a period of reflection and preparation for Christmas. It is a time when we look forward to the light that will be reborn and a season in which to plant the seeds of hope. Hope for ourselves and hope for others, both close to home and far away. If this troublesome year has taught us anything, it is the value of human connection and community, so let us sow and cultivate all that builds them up, for they are signs of love in action and love is the greatest gift of all. Who could hope for more?

Page 4 BREWHAM

Brewham 100 Club October draw winner was Elena Portch

This poem was first printed in the Parish News, November 1983, written by a Brewham man, even at that time he was already at rest.

Remember Them

The man stands motionless Proudly, and alone Gazing with unseeing eyes, For he is made of stone.

Around his waist a bandolier In his hand a gun, He represents a million heroes Of whom he is but one.

May he stand a thousand years For he represents the truth, The flowers of our nation Cut down in their youth.

So remember - please remember We owe them a great debt And carve in stone at his feet These words - ‘Lest we Forget’. By the late Charles Elliot

Page 5 BATCOMBE

The Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Batcombe & District Horticultural Society The Garden in November: Tulips November’s frosts mean it’s time to plant tulips as the cold helps to wipe out any lingering diseases in the soil. Always plant bulbs at a depth of at least two and half times the bulb’s height, pointy end facing up. You can either plant in trenches with plenty of grit at the bottom or in borders. I’ve read that to make your planting look more naturalistic you should simply throw your bulbs any old how and plant them where they land. But, when I’ve tried this, I never seem to end up with beautiful drifts. Instead I mix whatever varieties I’m going to plant in a large bucket and move along the border tossing them here and there about in groups of three. Tulips also look fantastic in pots; handy as you can have them by an outside door or in view from a window. You can create a bulb lasagne by layering different varieties; the last to flower goes in first, at a depth of about 28-30 cm, cover with compost, add another layer of bulbs and so on until you have three layers of bulbs, or several weeks of flowers. You can even top your pots with winter bedding to avoid empty looking pots until the spring. Katie 850614

Church Flowers Batcombe October 31st and Nov 7th Mrs Anne Page November 14th & 21st Mrs Mary Sage November 28th - 30th Take flowers out Mrs Jacquie Clothier Advent Advent Ring only Mrs Jacquie Clothier Brewham November - Jackie Garrett / Gloria Barber

Readers, sidemen and Intersessions for November Date Sidesman Reader 1 Reader 2 Intersessions 1st A Hamilton P Glaisher P Cowling J Humphreys 8th S Pool tbc tbc tbc 15th C Stevens S Gilbert N Humphreys A Hamilton 22nd L Frostrup L Russell L Frostrup A Russell 29th D Henry J Henry H Gosling P Cowling

Page 6 A response to last month’s letter from Adrian Stevens Dear Adrian Thank you for showing an interest in a bit of Batcombe history. I’ve looked up some records and found that Florence Annie Rymes aged 32 was married to Herbert Jacobs aged 30 on 30th December 1902 at Evercreech. They lived with his mother Mary (widow of George Jacobs) in Sleight Road, {I presume that is now Sleight Farm but not confirmed}. Herbert had six brothers and sisters. Florence Annie Jacobs taught in Batcombe School from 1903 – 1911. This photo was taken during that time at the retirement of headmaster James Fulford. In the 1911 census widowed mother Mary was living with youngest son Reginald at Hollow!! There were three cottages with occupants there at that time. In the 1939 Register Herbert and Florence lived at Mill Cottage, Mill Lane and Donald Sage remembers her giving him sweets as he walked to school from Vale Farm past her cottage. Florence died in 1955 aged 85 years and Herbert in 1959 aged 86years. Longleat Cottage was occupied by Mr Parsons in 1911. The pond that was mentioned in Norah Clacee’s book could possibly have been just up the road from Sleight Farm on the right hand side, local boy Nev Cox remembers a pond there when he was young. I hope that answers some for your queries. Yours Sincerely Audrey

Greeting Cards for Sale We have been given some wonderful greeting cards to sell on behalf of village charities, they have been donated by a lovely friend in the village, and we are very grateful. They are varied and quite a few are by the Royal Academy. See a photo in the centre pages. They are on display in the village hall with an honesty box. On Saturday 7th November I will be at the village hall between 10 -12.00pm, do come along and see for yourself! At other times if you would like to see what is for sale call Sheena on 850040.

Page 7 The Friends Charity Calendar 2021 supporting Book Trust Sadly Somerset Art Weeks didn't happen this year, so many of you may not have seen the 2021 calendar that I produce with children's illustrators. The front page is shown in the centre pages. We have illustrations from Tony Ross, Helen Oxenbury (see centre pages), Michael Foreman, Posy Simmonds, David McKee, and many more of the country's leading children's book illustrators and copies are now available from Westcombe Lodge. They are A4 landscape spiral bound and cost £7.50 with all profits going to the Book Trust Charity. Do let me know if you would like a copy or two reserved. Alternatively, they are on sale at The Post Office in Bruton. Peter Sheldon 850283

Batcombe Harvest Festival (see pictures in the centre pages) Harvest Festival in Batcombe was rather quieter this year however nonetheless joyful. The simple service was made special by the socially distanced solos performed by Mark Pickthall. Emotionally charged under the current circumstances. Without community singing a poem called “A Harvest Hymn” By Felicia Dorothea Hemans was recited by the congregation. (Subdued only by the masks). The beautiful harvest loaf decorated with plaits and two harvest mice, after much admiration was shared amongst the congregation. The flowers depicted the changing seasons with a hint of a rainbow in their midst and the numerous generous offerings are to be taken to The Shepton Mallet food bank. Thank you to all who contributed to make the service so happy. Debbie Hart A huge thank you to everyone who turned out for this morning's Harvest Festival in church (especially the children). Covid may have robbed us of our Harvest Lunch this year but it hasn't dented the generosity of all those attending. I now have a car-boot full of store cupboard essentials for the Shepton Mallet Food Bank. Your kindness will make a real difference to people going through tough times. Proud to be your Vicar. Helen Drever

Special evening service for Remembrance Sunday As there will be no traditional RBL morning service on Remembrance Sunday, Rev Helen Drever will instead lead a less formal service that evening at 6pm in BVM Batcombe. It will include music, readings of war poems, family letters, some prayers and a brief homily from Helen. Do come; the usual social distancing, hand sanitising and wearing of face coverings will apply. Nigel Humphreys

Page 8 Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2020 The Covid-19 Pandemic continues to require a careful and structured approach to the United Kingdom’s normal business if we are to maintain a proper observance of annual events. The Batcombe Branch of the Royal British Legion has accordingly designed a modified version of the normal Remembrance Day ceremony. There will be no parade of former servicemen and women, no wreaths will be laid and there will neither be a morning Church Service nor light refreshments in the Old Schoolhouse. As is customary a few words will be said at the Westcombe Memorial at 10.30am However, at Batcombe the Union Flag will be lowered at 11.00am with the bugler playing ‘Last Post’ and raised with ‘Reveille’; the names of those who gave their lives will be commemorated and the Kohima Epitaph will be said. There is plenty of room on the road, in the churchyard and close to the Remembrance Garden. Masks will be worn and social distancing will apply. As there is no national poppy appeal collection this year, poppies and wooden crosses cannot be sold door-to-door. Please support your local branch by buying your poppies etc in the Church’s South Porch between 2.00-5.00pm on both Saturdays and Sundays on 31 Oct/1 Nov and 7/8 Nov 2020. Named wooden crosses can be placed on the War Memorial during the week. Rob Jones RBL Secretary A time to remember With All Soul's, Remembrance Sunday and Armistice all falling in November, it is a time to look back, to mourn, but also to look forward with hope. And, despite the challenges of Covid, church communities will still gather, either online or in person, to remember loved ones lost recently and those who lost their lives in service to their country. This year in particular, All Souls can offer a space for grieving for those who may not have been able to say farewell in the way they would have chosen; may not have been able to grieve alongside family and friends at a funeral or held a service to give thanks for a life well-lived. Space to grieve is important as those who sent the names of loved ones to be included in the recent 'From Lamentation to Hope' service at Wells Cathedral said. They expressed their gratitude for the service which one person said, 'went some way towards beginning to heal the pain of inevitably sparsely attended services.” This service remains available to watch or share with others. Go to YouTube.com/BathandWells.

Page 9 Batcombe Parish Council www.batcombe-parish-council-somerset.org.uk

Coronavirus – Stay Alert, Stay Safe The coronavirus is still present and infections are increasing so do follow the Government guidance to stay alert and stay safe. More advice can be found on the NHS, gov.uk and the District and County Council websites: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ www.gov.uk/coronavirus www.mendip.gov.uk/mdcbriefings www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/ Playing Field Please note that the users of the play equipment or their parents are advised to clean the equipment before use and to bring hand sanitiser to clean their and their children’s hands after use. Users are also reminded of the need for social distancing and parents should note that they allow their children to use the Playing Field at their own risk. New Play Equipment A decision on the grant from Viridor Credits will be made on October 29th – and a meeting of the Working Party will be held in November which will hopefully be able to recommend the quote to be accepted for the new equipment. Allotments Allotment holders are reminded that the rent for the allotments is due on November 1st. The rent remains £35 for the year – payable to Batcombe Parish Council. Parish Council Meetings In light of the resurgence of coronavirus, the Parish Council followed national advice to meet remotely for its October meeting and will continue to meet remotely via Zoom for the foreseeable future. Members of the public are welcome to join any of these meeting – just contact the Clerk for joining details. November Parish Council Meeting The next monthly meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Wednesday November 4th at 7.30pm via Zoom. The Agenda and Minutes will be published on the Parish Council website and on parish notice boards a week before the meeting. Rob Sage, Clerk to Batcombe Parish Council (850934) [email protected]

Page 10 Highway Safety - Overhanging Hedges and Trees Autumn is upon us, as is the hedge trimming season! Below we have reproduced the diagram, kindly provided by Somerset County Council, our highways authority. It illustrates the clearance requirements necessary on rural roads, such as ours.

Overhanging branches and overgrown hedges restrict the width and usable space on our narrow roads, leaving vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, unable to move aside for vehicles to pass. Similarly, vehicles approaching from opposing directions may be unable to pass each other safely and risk damaging the side of their vehicles: low hanging branches being a particular problem for larger vehicles. It is the responsibility of householders and land-owners to deal with their hedges and trees which affect the highway, to allow the safe passage of all traffic. Many will have already made arrangements for hedges and overhanging branches to be cut during the next few months. If you have not yet considered this, please take a critical look. There is plenty of time during the coming months to plan and carry out the necessary work; bearing in mind the bird nesting season is March to August. Mary Comley, Chair of Batcombe Parish Council [email protected]

Page 11 Church Services details All are welcome to come to church, whatever your circumstances. BCP = Communion - Book of Common Prayer. CW1 = Communion - Modern Language. CW1(F) = Communion especially for Families. CW1(T) = Communion Traditional Language. FS = Family Service. MP = Morning Prayer. ES = Evensong. FC = Family Communion IFW = Informal Family Worship. WFA = Worship For All.

November 2020 Services in the Alham Vale Benefice and Brewham 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th

2nd Sunday All Saints Remembrance before Christ the Advent Sunday Advent King Sunday Batcombe 11am 11am civic 6pm 11am 6pm BCP MP service at war ES CW1 Benefice memorial Advent 6pm ES Carols Brewham 10.30am Remembrance service Evercreech 10am 10am 10am 10am 10am Parish Com. Short Comm Communion Café Church by Zoom or Benefice 4pm These Communion we have in Village loved Hall C’blade Lamyatt 10am 10am Communion Reflective service Milton 10am Clevedon WFA Upton 10am 10am 10am 10am 10am Noble BCP MP Remembrance Communion BCP MP BCP MP

Page 12 READINGS for November Date Day Colour Readings

Nov. 1st All Saints R Revelation 7: 9-end 1 John 3: 1-3 Matthew 5: 1-12

Nov. 8th Remembrance R Wisdom of Solomon 6: 12-16 or Sunday Amos 5: 18-24 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-end Matthew 25: 1-13

Nov. 15th 2nd Sunday before R Zephaniah 1: 7,12-end Advent 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11 Matthew 25: 14-30

Nov. 22th Christ the King W Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24 Ephesians 1: 15-end Matthew 25: 31-end

Nov. 29th Advent Sunday P Isiah 64: 1-9 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1: 1-8 Village Agent

Village Agents help to bridge the gap between isolated, excluded, vulnerable and lonely individuals and statutory and/ or voluntary organisations which offer specific solutions to identified needs. We can offer advice and support to find local groups and activities available in your community and help you with any queries you may have or situations that you need advice and support with. There are lots of useful tips on the talking cafes group on Facebook covering everything from recycling and energy bills to domestic abuse and cooking on a budget. To help support all unpaid Carers, all Carers Agents have become Village Agents and all existing Village and Community Agents are ready to support unpaid Carers in Somerset. Nic Edwards is our local agent and she can be contacted on 07946 461468 or [email protected]

Page 13

Our first Mid-term Draw took place on Tuesday 13th October at the Village Hall. Many congratulations to the winners:

1st prize £500 to John Sommer 2nd prize £200 to Liz Hollis 2nd prize £200 to James Palmer 4th prize £100 to Ray and Sally Clarke

We’re always delighted to welcome new members and households wishing to purchase additional tickets. Please contact David Cartwright our Treasurer on [email protected] or 07774 878906.

With our enforced closure during lockdown and the continuing curtailment of large gatherings, we are even more reliant on contributions from the 100 Club and income from our local activities to fund the upkeep of the Village Hall.

For only £60 a year you have the opportunity to win 48 cash prizes plus the satisfaction from knowing that your contribution helps to maintain our Old School and Jubilee Hall as a fabulous venue for various activities and community gatherings.

Although we are comparatively fortunate in our area as regards Covid 19, the Committee is deciding whether we’ll be able to show four films January to April, find some other way of getting films to our audience or to plan instead for a full return in the autumn of 2021. Confirmation of what we decide will appear in the December magazine, thank you. Elizabeth Hunt

Page 14 From The Right Revd. Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells One more step

As a vicar one thing I really enjoyed, even though it seemed to come round rather quickly, was writing the letter for the parish magazine. I know that not all parishes are able to produce a parish magazine and some find a website is a better way to communicate with people, however, I do still appreciate reading them when I can. So I would like to express my thanks to all those involved in writing, editing and producing parish magazines. They are often still an effective way to share what we are doing in our churches and to share with others the good news of the gospel. Recently I was reading one which had an article by someone recalling a visit made to the north west of the USA some 40 years ago. They spoke about the warmth of their welcome and the joy of being invited to preach in the church. What caught my eye, was that they remembered visiting Lake Wallowa where it is said: ‘the air is so pure and the sky so clear that one can see the dawn of the day after tomorrow!’ What a glorious expression. Of course, the truth is that we don’t know what the future holds and at the moment things are challenging and uncertain for all of us and indeed for the world. One night recently when I was in hospital, unable to sleep and waiting for the dawn to break, I found myself singing the words of ‘One More Step Along the Way’ I go which has the chorus: ‘And it’s from the old I travel to the new, Keep me travelling along with you’. Maybe as we look to the future, with the joys and challenges that it will bring, that should be our prayer – Lord help us to travel with you wherever you may be leading. With my warmest greetings,

Page 15 Batcombe - harvest loaf and harvest pedestal - see page 8

Greetings cards for sale for local charities - see page 7

Page 16 Friends charity calendar - front cover (above); April by Helen Oxenbury' - see page 8

Page 17 Trees in Batcombe

It is sad when trees have to be felled, such as the one in the village hall car park, which had been ailing for quite a long time. This was not a very large or a very old tree and was probably dealt with relatively quickly, unlike the one that we have a picture of in the Heritage Centre that was felled in 1924 in Goldhill Paddock. The caption says: ‘The butt 4’6” took four men six hours to cut with the cross-cut saw (here displayed.) Fortunately, we have many more accounts of tree planting than tree felling. Captain Coney, in his history of Batcombe, lists a few of these in Appendix 4. This includes the Lime avenue which is opposite the Old Post A little bit of history with King’s Hayes in the background Office, which were planted to commemorate the birth of Cheridah Ernst at Westcombe House who became the second woman in the UK to hold a pilot licence. Captain Coney, the author of the history, who lived at Gold Hill which he had built, planted many fine trees and kept records of many of them, such as this extract: ‘1932 – Cedar of L now 8’ high, growing slightly uneven (not enough shelter.) Young chestnuts and lime by W. Mem. A bit sad after drought, pink one has lost it’s head.’ Often trees have been planted by landowners and village organisations to commemorate events both locally and nationally. Probably the most extensive of these was to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. A special Batcombe committee was set up to organise two days of celebration, a permanent commemoration feature and to raise funds to pay for it all. The celebrations had, amongst other things, fancy dress and float procession, comic cricket match, tea party, bell ringing, sports and “It’s a Knockout.”. The permanent memorials were the first seat in the churchyard, ‘to be able to sit and admire one of the most beautiful landscape views in Somerset, and the purchase of 100 specimen trees to help keep it that way.’

Page 18 There was a small grant towards tree protection (which Donald Sage reports cost as much as the trees themselves). All the work was voluntary, the tree planting being done by a revolving team of old and young over the Autumn months, led by Donald Sage, Bert Maidment, and Graham Sage. Among the trees planted were oak, green beech, copper beech, oriental plane, sweet chestnut, field maple, mountain ash, Scots pine, flowering cherry, lime and blue cedar. The trees were planted throughout the village, all being able to be viewed from a road or footpath and a map was kept of their locations. The tree planting scheme was such a success that Batcombe was a winner in the Best Kept Village competition in 1980, scoring 96 out of a possible 100 points in the ‘Special Projects’ category and was awarded the Molesworth Trophy. In the Heritage Centre we still have the location maps. Although many of the trees The steamroller have not survived, at Westcombe they were before the First monitored World War carefully and, at Memorial was various stages, erected replacements were made where necessary. Many people reading this will have fond memories of that time when young and old in the village made such a great effort for the benefit of the community as a whole. Many others, of course, will have no idea that such a wonderful effort contributed to the views we have today. This Autumn is predicted to be a very good one for tree colour so do take the time to sit on that bench by the church, look at the view and maybe catch a glimpse of the red oak at the far end of Moor Lane that was strategically planted to enhance the view. Jo Addison, on behalf of Batcombe Heritage Centre

Ed. There will be a follow up article next month with details of the 100th tree, pictures and story.

Page 19 The weather for September: dry with variable temperatures, cooler than average This year September had less than 40mm rainfall which is well below the average of 60mm. This normally leads to a warm even balmy month but the presence of winds from the NE kept down maximum temperatures on quite a few days. However, with warm sunshine and calm winds it reached 27.4°C on the 14th giving us a touch of an Indian summer, yet barely getting up to 16°C a few days later, reminding us that summer is really over. Similarly at night temperatures stayed above 11°C on the 22nd, only to plunge to 1.9°C on the 25th. Overall the temperature for the month was 13.7°C or nearly 0.5°C below average. With day and night length about the same we can therefore see the effect of both wind direction and cloud cover on temperatures. As the days shorten then the effect of cloud cover at night becomes more important. Evaporation from the pan was high at just over 60mm while the lysimeter lost 53mm even though the soil moisture deficit reached 54mm which should not have limited grass growth, the northerly winds may have affected growing conditions, but would have enhanced evaporation from open water. The lack of gales and generally sunny weather meant that trees kept their leaves and were summery in appearance. Meanwhile, some spring flowers saw a slight resurgence, while pear and apples were ripening well. Colin Clark

New Mental Health Service A new mental health service for adults has been launched in Somerset to ensure people get the right support when they need it. Mental health organisations in Somerset have come together to provide 24/7 support for people with issues such as anxiety; low mood; grief; eating disorders; people having trouble regulating their emotions or housing and financial issues. Working together, the multi-agency team aims to improve wellbeing and quality of life by enabling access to specialist mental health services offering housing support; debt and employment advice; volunteering opportunities; peer support; community activities and physical exercise. Open Mental Health is an alliance of local voluntary organisations and the NHS. Organisations involved include the Balsam Centre; Chard Watch; Mind; Citizens Advice and Age UK. There is also a Community Support Worker for Eating Disorders. Anyone over the age of 18 who needs help can call the 24-hour Supportline 01823 276892 or email [email protected]

Page 20 Calendar for November Wednesday 4th November 7.30pm - Batcombe Parish Council meeting on Zoom - see page 10. Thursday 5th November - Short Mat Bowls will take place in the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm for just six people - please contact Audrey if you would like to come (wearing a mask), and we will rotate participants week by week. It is good exercise. Sundays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th for church services please see rota on page 12. Due to the new restrictions we are not able to hold other events at present.

November Skies John Freeman (1880 - 1929) Than these November skies Is no sky lovelier. The clouds are deep; Into their grey the subtle spies Of colour creep, Changing that high austerity to delight, Till ev'n the leaden interfolds are bright. And, where the cloud breaks, faint far azure peers Ere a thin flushing cloud again Shuts up that loveliness, or shares. The huge great clouds move slowly, gently, as Reluctant the quick sun should shine in vain, Holding in bright caprice their rain. And when of colours none, Not rose, nor amber, nor the scarce late green, Is truly seen, -- In all the myriad grey, In silver height and dusky deep, remain The loveliest, Faint purple flushes of the unvanquished sun.

UPTON NOBLE VILLAGE HALL The Village Hall is available for hiring for any functions. The cost is £45 per day, £7.50 per hour for Upton Noble villagers and £8.50 per hour for non-villagers. (This cost includes the use of tables, chairs and all kitchen equipment). We also hire out tables at £2.50 each and chairs at 50p. To make a booking, please contact B. Boros on 01749 850196 Closed at present

Page 21 Page 22 Page 23

MASSAGE

Therapeutic & remedial massage Let yourself be pampered & give your body a treat. Help to relieve tension, aches & pains. JANE ONSLOW ITEC Dip RSA 01749 850394 Full body massage Back/neck/shoulders Legs/Feet Face/Neck. Prices from £16 - £32 Vouchers available

Safer Stronger Neighbourhoods - Frome Neighbourhood Policing Frome Police Station, Enterprise House, Wessex Fields, Frome, BA11 4DH Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10.00am - 6.00pm - Contact Tel: 101 for non-emergencies or 999 for emergencies or via their Web Pages at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

Page 24 IAN BRAMLEY French Polisher - Antique Restorer Working for over 33 years for a BAFRA member. Working for museums, major antique dealers, hotel chains and private customers. RECYCLE - give your furniture a new lease of life. You will be astonished at the difference I can make to your well loved and treasured but maybe slightly neglected pieces of furniture and bring them back to life. Tel: 01963 370997 - Mob: 07745 601989

Linda Medhurst Seamstress Curtains, cushions, blinds, home furnishings minor alterations/repairs Reasonable rates Tel: 01749 831264 Mob: 07951 638273 Email: [email protected]

Page 25 Specialising in all aspects of tree surgery including: • Tree shaping, pollarding and felling • Hedge trimming • Stump removal • Garden clearance

Fully insured, NPTC qualified National Certificate in Arboriculture

Telephone - 07896 813 934 [email protected]

Page 26 Who looks after your SEPTIC TANK? For 20 years I’ve been emptying septic tanks in your village. Now I can offer you and your neighbours an efficient independent sewage disposal service. Septic tanks emptied - Drains Jetted Regular servicing and maintenance Submersible pumps supplied Sewage treatment plant and septic tank Tailored, luxury dog hotel & day care installation set in the beautiful Somerset Call us: MARK OR KAREN PERRY countryside. (Mobile) 07973 850730- (Home) 01749 850730 (Email) [email protected] 4* higher standards licensed with (Website) www.wessexdrainservices.co.uk Mendip District Council. Based near Bruton & For more information please visit our website or call/email Diane Richardson Clarke Mobile: 07762 321207 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thenobledoghotel.co.uk

Brewham Village Hall available for hire for > Parties > Wedding receptions > Christenings > Meetings etc.

Contact Becky Ewins (booking secretary) 01749 850167 [email protected]

Current Hire Charges inclusive of all facilities:- Villagers at £8.50 per hour. Others at £9.50 per hr. Block Bookings (6 or more) Villagers at £7 per hour. All others at £8 per hour payable in advance.

CLOSED at present

Page 27 Book your pet in for a real luxury treat

Page 28 The Three Horseshoes Inn, CARPET & UPHOLSTERY Batcombe CLEANING SPECIALIST Need Milk, Eggs, Sugar or any

other staple? “KEEPING WITH THE LOCAL Come borrow or buy from The Three FAMILY TRADITION Horseshoes, if you would like to FROM A RUG TO A borrow something just replace it the THREE PIECE SUITE” next time you go shopping. STAIN & DEODORIZING Please remember our ‘vegetable TREATMENTS amnesty’. If you have grown too MAKES YOUR CARPETS LOOK much of one thing just bring it in and NEW AGAIN we will swap you for a pint or two. Event for your diary; Open Mic - STAIN GUARDING AVAILABLE last Thursday of the month FREE QUOTES 01749 850359

One of Britain’s cosiest Pubs BRIAN BREWER according to The Telegraph 01373 300642 – 07866433365

FRENCH LANGUAGE TUITION Oak, Beech & Ash Need help with your French Logs for sale. homework? Need to revise for exams? Seasoned & Need to brush up on your conversation for your French holiday? Dried to 20% Moisture Contact Karen Perry on Delivered £70 per bag. 01749 850730 North Brewham, Bruton, 01749 850 282 Somerset BA10 OJF

Upton Noble Church of England General Gardener Primary School Mowing lawns, Trimming, Head teacher: Sandra Leggett Clipping, Strimming, Tel: 01749 850375 Weeding and Patio cleaning. www.uptonnoble.org.uk If interested, please call David email: Sage on 07516273569 [email protected]

Page 29 ESTABLISHED 1933 INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS ESTABLISHEDMEMORIAL MASONS 1933 INDEPENDENTOwned by Forsey FAMILYand Son FUNERALAshdene, DIRECTORS Doulting, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4QQ MEMORIAL MASONS Telephone: 01749 880271 OwnedFax: by 01749 Forsey 880105 and Son www.trotmanfuneral.co.ukAshdene, Doulting, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4QQ Telephone: 01749 880271 Fax: 01749 880105 www.trotmanfuneral.co.uk

Suppliers of all your countryside needs… 01749 850258 STATION ROAD, WANSTROW BA4 4SY

Page 30 BATCOMBE INFORMATION Parish Council Chairman Mrs Mary Comley 850032 [email protected] Clerk Dr Rob Sage 850934 Bell ringers Captain Mrs Sue Wade 850465 Church Flowers Mrs Jacquie Clothier 831092 Friends of Batcombe Church Chairman Mr David Stevens 850300 Royal British Legion Chairman Mr Nigel Humphreys 830091 Toddler Group Ms Kelly Biss 07803 572 185 Batcombe & District Hort. Society Chairman Mrs Katie Chater 850614 Secretary Mrs Janet Jones 850509 Village Hall Trust Committee Chairman Mrs Sheena Pool 850040 Treasurer Mr David Cartwright 07774 878906 Booking Clerk Ms Celia Crees 850591 Secretary Vacancy Web site www.batcombe.org.uk Heritage Centre Contact Trustee Dr Rob Sage 850934 Children’s Christmas Party At Present Mrs Katie Chater 850614 Neighbourhood Watch (Kale St/High St): Mrs Dot Cox 850636 (Westcombe) Niall Warry, Higher Farm 831546 Bridge Club Mrs Ann Biddle 850307 Film Society Mrs Ann Biddle 850307 Batcombe Cricket Club Mr Steve Gilbert 850850 Doctors (Surgeries by appointment) Dr N Gompertz, Dr Wilkins & Dr Andrews Bruton 812310 Evercreech Surgery 830325 BREWHAM INFORMATION Parish Council Chairman Mr David Dabinett 850441 Clerk Mrs Sue Price 813294 Ladies Social Club Mrs Marian Castle 850671 Village Hall Committee Chairman Mrs Liza Greaves 850776 Secretary Treasurer Mr James Coward 850034 Booking Secretary Mrs Becky Ewins 850167 UPTON NOBLE Parish Meeting Chairman Mrs Melinda Baker 850855 Neighbourhood Watch Contact Mr Grant Fuller 850196 Village Hall Committee Chairman Mrs Gill Read 850831 Secretary Mrs Janet Dodgson 850037 Treasurers Martin & Helen Large Booking Secretary Balazs Boros 850196 Upton Noble V C Primary School Head Teacher Mrs Sandra Leggett 850375 Business manager Mrs Thelma Hartnell [email protected]

Page 31 Copy to Audrey BY the 18th of the month PLEASE to: Portway Farm, Batcombe, Shepton Mallet BA4 6BR (01749 850311) email [email protected] Please let me know of any changes in the information on the covers so that it can be kept up to date. Please contact me with comments, letters or photos on anything you wish to include in the magazine. (Editor has final decision on inclusion) Advertising Rates All small FOR SALE or WANTED advertisements £1. BUSINESS ADVERTISING: £5 Per QUARTER PAGE per month, in typed form with a border to fit a quarter of an A5 sheet if possible. There is NO charge for local fundraising/charity events. Subscriptions for the “Parish News” is minimum £4 per year, which is payable through your distributor or by cheque direct to Mrs Ruth Clothier. (Cheques should be made payable to “The Parish News”). Magazine Finance:- Mrs Ruth Clothier, Manor Farm, Westcombe, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. BA4 6ER. Tel: 01749 830402. The excellent photocopier at the Heritage Room is capable of all manner of copying, A4/A3, colour of course. Reasonable rates available - call Audrey for info. Page 32