Meare Amateur Dramatic Society The hall was full to capacity and the audience was ready to enjoy watching a show which involved so many of their friends. It was May 1992 and I had joined the Amdram with great anticipation after I had given up my full time teaching post the previous year. Now here I was waiting in the wings for Curtain Up feeling sick with nerves. “Stepping Out” was a very ambitious production for a village Society but we had all worked incredibly hard and the cast was so talented (apart from me!) that success was guaranteed. There had been one “small” problem, however in our weeks of preparation – the play was centred around a tap dancing class and none of us knew how! Fortunately, simple dance routines were created and we went to Helen Hillard, who ran a class in , for instruction. We managed one session only, would it be enough? As I was cast as Mavis, the dancing teacher I hoped it would be enough, my two left feet being another problem. In the end the two performances went very well and we had riotous applause on both nights, and I didn't fall over my feet. Helen Hillard came to see the show and said our final routine was very good. It was delightful to see the cast do so well and give so much enjoyment to the village. Continued on page 3

Website: www.meareandwesthay.com Facebook: Meare and Westhay News 1 2 1992 was a very busy year for the Society as, after “Stepping Out” we presented “A Victorian Music hall” in October. This was to involve several different Acts which included singing and dancing (oh no!) of course and a conjuror. It was a show which invited audience participation and everyone was asked to come in Victorian costume if possible, especially hats for the ladies as there would be a competition for the best decorated one each night. I seem to remember that Liz Loxton won on the second night Of course we expected the audience to join in the singing as well and they duly raised the roof. They were very enthusiastic too about coming in costume and some came on stage to show them off at the end, my husband included, he managed to find a top hat to enhance his role as a Victorian Clergyman! It was a splendid evening with a wonderful atmosphere in the hall and so much applause and appreciation from the audience for all the excellent acts. What a wonderful evening it had been and such a reward for the whole cast and the fantastic people behind the scenes. I gather that it was very well received in the village and much talked about afterwards. Sadly this was my last show in Meare as Stafford was appointed to another parish and we left for Berrow at the end of that year, but I have never forgotten the happy times I had with the Drama group and with our four years in such a lovely village. Fortunately for me there were Drama Groups in our other parishes but none quite as special as Meare. Thank you to Rosemary Low (ex-resident, now living in France)

3 Meare & Westhay Village News welcomes all and any contributions to the magazine. Howev- er it should be remembered that any views or comments expressed are those of the individual contributor and do not in any way reflect the opinion of the magazine, the editorial team or the Parish Council. The editorial team also wish to make it clear they reserve the right to amend, edit or omit any article or contribution in the interests of legality, public decency, availability of space or any other reason. Invoices for advertisements will be sent by the Treasurer (Mrs Ann Giles) and must be settled prior to appearance of the advert in the magazine. Cheques should be made payable to “MEARE PARISH MAGAZINE FUND”

4 5 Village hall & playing field committee The Village Hall and Playing Feld Committee oversees the Muddy Lane playing field and pavilion. The Committee members are Colin Foster, Paul Bradley, Andy Cowell, Alan Bennetts and Rosie Lander. We don't employ a groundsman and all the maintenance is done voluntarily. Col- in does a sterling job keeping it all mown. The sports field is available for hire. The main pitch is currently booked out most Sundays but we do have a second pitch available. Although there is open ac- cess for villagers’ recreational use, anyone running a business on the field should be paying the rental. Bookings can be made through Colin Foster on 01458-860309. We have been looking at the condition of our current pavilion which is now suf- fering badly from old age and repeated vandalism. We are investigating replac- ing the existing building with a safer temporary one until the new hall can be built - the temporary building would then be resold. Rosie Lander research project calls for men 65 or over ● Are you a man 65 years and over? ● Do you live in a rural area on your own? ● How do you keep friendships in later life? ● What advice could you give to other men about tackling loneliness? We are seeking to interview men (65+) who are currently living in rural areas and are single or living alone. We’d like to hear from you if you are interested in talking to us about staying connected to others and combating loneliness in later life. Being single includes men who are widowed or whose partner has died. If you are interested in taking part in a one-off research interview please contact us. We can travel to you and meet at a time convenient to you.and offer a £20 store voucher to say thanks. Through this project we want to better understand the formal and informal ways in which older men maintain social connections and combat loneliness. Please contact for us for more information: ● By phone:0117 954 6773 (to speak to Tricia) ● By email: [email protected] ● By post: Tricia Jessiman c/o OMAM project, 8 Priory Road, BRISTOL BS8 1TZ

University of Bristol research project funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research

6 Westhay film club

We are delighted to say that Westhay Film Club has now entered its fifth year of operation. With over eighty film showings behind us and a membership list of around two hundred there is no sign of failing interest. On the contrary, in fact we are still attracting newcomers both resi- dents and visitors to the area who see what is happening at the Bird in Hand who have given us total support from the outset. We now have members from Street and Glastonbury, from Wedmore, Burtle and Shapwick as well as our residents from Meare and Westhay, not failing to mention our founder members who visit us each time they are here from Australia. I guess that makes us international ! One of the major attractions – apart from the freedom to take a drink in whilst watching the film – is the inclusion of subtitles as well as a loop amplifier for those with impaired hearing. Access is easy too, there’s no need to negotiate stairs or face a long walk from the car park. Saturday night performances include a buffet which gives the pub the opportunity to showcase the quality of food on offer. We mix the films with latest releases on DVD plus older films especially those that have been remastered giving new life to favourites such as Passport to Pimlico. Not all films are to everyone's taste of course but we try to offer ones that best fit our audience with the occa- sional title that are marginally outside. We hope that by publishing our schedule three months in advance it gives members the chance to decide whether they go to a larger cinema or watch it here with the community. So Ann and I must say a big thank you to the members who support us, those who step in to take over when we’re away but especially to Sam and Sandra as well as to Clayton at the Bird in Hand for accommodating us so welcomingly. Anyone wishing to see what we do can visit www.westhayfilmclub.com where you can also download a membership form. Fred & Ann Giles

7 wildlife trusts ● First Breeding Night Herons in the UK ● Saving Somersets Bats Appeal ● National Lottery Award for UK Best Environment Project

Westhay Moor – First UK breeding Night Herons For the first time in recorded history, there was photographic confirmation that a pair of Night Herons have bred in the UK. In July two adults and two recently fledged juveniles were pictured roosting at National Nature Reserve, having either bred there or nearby on the Avalon Marshes site. The birds were captured on camera by Graham Hill and made their debut on Flickr. Stephen Moss, President of Somerset Wildlife Trust comments: “This is incredible news. To put it in perspective, when I was a young birder in the 1970s, just two species of heron bred in Britain - the Grey Heron and the Bittern. These Night Herons are now the seventh member of their family to nest in the Avalon Marshes - a tribute to all the hard work by conservationists and volunteers working together to create the best new wetland habitat in the country. With the Cranes down the road, and several other species - including Glossy Ibis - regular visitors, Somerset is now the place to go to see long-legged waterbirds!"

‘Saving Somersets Bats’ Appeal Somerset Wildlife Trust has launched an urgent appeal to raise funds to strength- en habitats in three key areas in the county which support important bat popula- tions. Sixteen out of the seventeen breeding species of UK bat call Somerset home. It is thanks to the diversity of habitats we have here that we are able to offer safe homes as well as provide a rich variety of food sources. However we stand to lose several rarer species entirely from Somerset unless action is taken now. The Trust is asking wildlife lovers across the county and beyond to swoop into action and help ensure Somerset remains a thriving stronghold for UK Bats. Changes in our land use over the past few decades however, such as urban de- velopment, more intensive agriculture and changes to farming practices have led to habitat loss, fragmentation and the destruction of roosts – all are having an im- pact on our bats. Michele Bowe, Director of Conservation explains why it’s important that the public get behind our bats and support the appeal: “Because of their nocturnal nature and less than cuddly reputation, people don’t always realise that bats do have another role to play apart from being the focus of Halloween party piece! Bats are in fact great indicators of the state of our

8 environment. They are top predators of nocturnal insect life - making them experts at natural pest control - and they’re very sensitive to changes in land use practices. “Bats rely on a good mix of habitats and healthy numbers of a range of insect species throughout the year. If certain bat species aren’t doing well, this may be because of changes in their preferred habitat or insect prey. As our natural environment continues to come under pressure, now is the time to ensure we do everything we can to make sure the remaining habitats we have are in the best health for bats. I hope that as well as raising essential funds, the campaign also lifts the lid on how much we need these special animals.” Funds raised from the appeal will go towards three key areas on the Mendip Reserves, the Blackdown Hills and within the County town of Taunton For more information on the appeal, Somerset’s bats and to make a donation online please go to: www.somersetwildlife.org/savingsomersetsbats You can also make a donation by phone on 01823 652 429 Avalon Marshes voted UK’s Best Environment Project With over 5,600 people voting, Avalon Marshes beat off competition from a record breaking 1,300 entries to win a public vote. The project received a £5,000 cash prize, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and made an appearance on “The National Lottery Awards”, a BBC 1 show broadcast on September 27th. News of the award was given in person by comedian and nature enthusiast Bill Bailey who returned to his home county for this event. Much to the surprise of staff he appeared in front of a hide holding aloft a board giving them the an- nouncement. Simon Nash, Somerset Wildlife Trust, speaking on behalf of the partnership be- hind the project said: “National Lottery funding was crucial in enabling us to make the developments we wanted to this unique and special place. We have been able to make these ancient wetlands more accessible to the general public and highlight their nation- al importance in terms of both wildlife and heritage. It’s such an honour to have won a National Lottery Award and to be recognised in this way by the public. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for us and everyone who plays the National Lottery for enabling us to preserve this wonderful environment.” Urban Peregrines Wednesday 6th December 7.30 - 9:30pm An Introduction to the Moths of Somerset Wednesday 7th February 7.30 - 9:30pm Both events at Shapwick Village Hall For further details contact: Philip Bruss - [email protected]

9 Diary dates - December

10 SING FOR SOMERSET RINGS IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!

Somerset Community Foundation is once again inviting members of the public to join them for their annual Sing for Somerset carol service in the magnificent Wells Cathedral on Saturday, December 16 at 7pm. Admis- sion is free, no tickets are required and doors will open at 6.15pm. Sing for Somerset features a festive mix of traditional and contemporary music conducted by Laurence Blyth, featuring the Mid-Somerset Orches- tra, Somerset Voices choir and organist Matthew Redman. Carol sheets will be provided for all to join in the festivities. The retiring collection will benefit the work of Somerset Community Foundation. For more information, email: [email protected] or call 01749 344949.

11 Diary dates - January 2018

12 Personal Notes

13 St Mary’s newsletter Music and Choirs Two choirs sang at St Mary’s in October filling the church with joyful music and reminding us how good the building’s acoustics are. Glastonbury Male Voice choir gave us a wonderful mixture of traditional ballads, Welsh hymns and songs from the shows. Meare school choir joined us for the harvest service and we all enjoyed their lively singing and their favourite song “Conkers”! We have invited the school back for the Village Carol Service. We are asking people to choose their favourite carols beforehand so come and join in the singing and share the mince pies and biscuits.

Sharing Food Generous donations from the congregation at the harvest service meant that we were able to take five boxes of dried and tinned food to the Glastonbury Foodbank. We also had a delicious selection of cakes after the concert and there is a prospect of more tea and cakes at the Christmas Fair. Christmas Programme

- Christmas Fair (Saturday 2nd December, 2.00 - 4.00pm) Meare Church Rooms - Village Carol Service (Sunday 10th December - 6.30pm) St Mary’s (Meare) - Christmas Eve (Sunday 24th December) - St Mary’s (Meare) - Crib Service at 4.00pm - Parish Communion at 10.00pm - Christmas Day (Monday 25th December) - St John’s (Glastonbury) - Holy Communion at 8.00am - Family Service at 9.30am - Benefice Service at 10.00am Winter opening hours mean that the key holders will be checking the church every day but it will only be open all day on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information please look at the notice board by the churchyard gate or on www.meareandwesthay.com website or on the St Mary’s Meare Facebook page which we are grateful to Steve and Sarah Edwards for developing . Best wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas season.

Hilary Sage & Anne Lampson - Churchwardens

14 St Mary’s Guild At the guild’s meeting on October 5th, David Charles gave his talk entitled, “Bees, Flowers and Fruits for life.” David started keeping bees in 1962, .bees are very important to mankind as we rely on them to pollinate plants and fruits for our food. We saw slides of flowers and plants and David explained how each attracted bees with different patterns on their petals. Trees and plants can’t move so they rely on the bees to pollinate them. The bees collect sacks of pollen on their back legs which they take back to the hives to feed the young, as the pollen contains protein. Apple trees need cross pollination so are pleased to get the help of the bees. Many bee keepers take their hives to orchards so that the bees can do their work. If the temperature is under 48 degrees F in winter the bees will not fly. Bees were at risk in 1992 when a mite destroyed many. They need water and can often be found around the edge of ponds etc., taking in the water from soaked earth. Bees cannot see the colour red but can see ultra violet. Local honey can help hay fever sufferers because of the pollen grains in the honey. Lavender is a plant that bees love and there are 39 species of Lavender. Members had the chance to buy some of David’s honey to enjoy later. The next meeting on 2nd November starting at 7.30pm in the Church Rooms, Meare will have a talk by Peter Lander, “Faces from the Peat”. 7th December will be our Christmas meal and 4th January we will have a New Year’s Party. Gloria McClurg - Secretary

Meare parish activity group The group has been active since 2013, following the success of the Meare and Westhay Parish Jubilee celebrations. Its aim was to continue the commu- nity spirit with small events throughout the year, raising funds to hold a larger annual event on the playing field. This has been in the form of a full weekend of events. Having completed four years of what has been fun, but extremely hard work, the committee has decided to disband the group. We would like to thank all of you who have supported us, whether by attend- ing, providing prizes and supplies, or helping at events. It is proposed that the financial assets will be transferred to the village hall and playing field group. Janice Bradley Secretary MPAG

15 NOTICE BOARD

16 17 Meare Chapel The Oldest Christmas Carol - Christmas is a time for music and, for the most part, I love it. When I was working in retail the 1st October was a day of dread for many of my colleagues. It was the day when festive songs would be included in the stores background music. It started slowly but as time marched on closer to Christmas soon the atmosphere was saturated with festive music Many songs on the radio this holiday season will have little to do with the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Many are simply nice songs about winter that make you feel warm and cosy. I often walk around the house singing, “Let It Snow!” while doing by best Dean Martin impression. On a side note, if you would like to listen to something a little different this year I highly recommend Boney-M’s Christmas album. It has become my firm favourite but it took a bit of getting used to. True Christmas songs, or carols, talk about the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. People have been singing these kind of songs for over 2000 years. There are several modern Christmas songs written by modern-day song writers but none of them are as well-known as ones that have been sung by families for dec- ades. Do you know what the oldest Christmas Carol is? I posed this question to a few people and received many different answers. Many people suggested ‘Silent Night’. The German carol, Silent Night, while being the most widely known carol, with it having been translated into around 140 other lan- guages, is quite new compared to others. It was only written in 1818. My own guess was that it would have to be something in Latin, so I said ‘Gaudete’. I, too, was wrong as this was written in 1582. The earliest suggestion received was ‘In Dulce Jubilo’ (Good Christian Friends, Rejoice) which was written in 1328. Still over 1300 years after the birth of Christ. Upon researching this question I discovered that the answer lies in the Bible itself. In the story of Christmas found Luke 2:13-14, we read that while shepherds watched their flocks by night when the angel appeared to the Shepherds it de- clared the good news that “Christ the Lord” has been born in Bethlehem. After the angel had finished bringing their miraculous news a whole multitude of Angels appeared before the Angels saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased” Through Jesus Christ’s life and sacrifice we see that men and women all around the world can be at peace with God. Without Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrec- tion we would still be enemies of God due to our rebellious nature and sin against Him. The Bible says, “God shows is love for us in this that while we were still sin- ners Christ died for us.” Why are there so many Christmas carols around? The answer is simply really. There are so many carols because there is a wonderful reason to sing. The Saviour of the world is born!

18 One of my favourite Christmas carols is ‘Joy to the World’. The first verse says: Joy to the world the Lord has come, Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing” As you celebrate Christmas this year remember what it’s about all about. This carol reminds us that Christmas is about the arrival of the Lord God, the King of heaven being born as a little child. Prepare room for him in your heart and receive him as your King. “The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14 Christmas Programme ● Christmas Carolling around Meare Village (Meeting at Chapel 6.00pm for 6.30pm start) Tuesday 19th December Thursday 21st December Saturday 23rd December ● ● Christmas Eve - Carols by Candlelight: 6:30pm ● ● Christmas Day Service - 11.00am ● New Year’s Eve Service - 11.30pm 31st December Steve Neal Meare Chapel Due to need for more space, Meare Chapel is preparing to replace the fixed pews with flexible, comfortable seating. This will turn the chapel hall in a multi- purpose room that can be used for many activities. Our weekly events are becoming more popular and at some point we won’t be able to move for bodies, or even worse we won’t be able to reach the cake! Removing the pews would go a long way towards solving this problem as we will be able to rearrange the large chapel hall as needed. To help pay for the chairs we are selling the pews at £70 per each or £50 if you want to remove it yourself. If you require more than one pew we can discuss prices. If you are interested please contact Steve on: 07453148800

New - ‘The diner’ - Youth diner at meare chapel Meare Chapel have started up a Youth Diner on Friday evenings during term times. The idea was home-grown by the Chapel's very own youth. We have two groups depending on age. It is a relaxed diner complete with music, where you can buy milkshakes and pancakes or just come along to hang out. Every so often we will have a film night or other events. ● Group 1: For Years 6-8 (10-12 year old) 5.00 - 7.00 pm ● Group 2: For Year 9 plus (teenagers) 7.30 - 9.30 pm

19 New Somerset charity supporting children's mental health The Family Counselling Trust offers a grant-supported counselling service for children, adolescents and families where there are emotional, behavioural or other mental health problems. The FCT has been established in Dorset since 2005, and is now expanding to include Somerset. The service is focused principally on helping low income families, whilst making the service accessible to all. Families often don't know where to turn if they don't meet NHS CAMHS thresholds, or aren't in the position to self-fund therapeutic work but still are in need of help. FCT can provide that help. Referrals to FCT are made through GP surgeries, schools and children's centres. There is often very little waiting time from the point of referral to the point that the family is seen by their chosen practitioner. An FCT practitioner will usually see the child or family for 6 sessions, at which point the subsidy finishes. A child or young person might see the FCT therapist/counsellor at a practice, a school or another place by arrangement. They might go by themselves, with a parent/carer or with the whole family, depending on the presenting issues and the age of the person being referred. Many of the FCT practitioners have significant experience with NHS CAMHS services, and/or backgrounds in social work or education. FCT can offer children and families a range of interventions to suit their needs, including counselling; psychotherapy; family therapy and creative arts therapy. All of the committee members work on a voluntary basis. Some are counsellors / therapists, but others come from business or arts backgrounds and are helping to raise funds by organising events and other projects. If you would like to support this charity in any way, please send an email to [email protected] To know more about FCT, or to make a referral, visit the website. If you are a family who wishes to use the service, this must be done via a referral by a professional. You can ask your doctor or someone who works with your child to make a referral via the website www.familycounsellingtrust.org/

20 MEare & Westhay fundraising team

Thursday 7th December From 6.00pm - EYES DOWN 7.00pm Meare Village School Hall Free Entry with Christmas Related Bingo Prizes

Hot & cold refreshments available plus cakes (or bring your own drinks) Raising funds for an event in 2018 Glastonbury Male Voice Choir

On Saturday 14th October we were treated to a concert by the Glastonbury Male Voice Choir in St Mary's Church. There are several of our villagers in the choir which made it even nicer. They sang a mixed repertoire for us interspersed with snippets of local lore (taken with a pinch of salt!) and we finished with tea and homemade cakes. This was a fund raising event for the church restoration fund and a total of £560 was raised. Our thanks to the choir for giving up an afternoon for us.

21 Space for Two Meare & Westhay Bookclub More Members We have been running as a book club for over ten years. I first joined when I moved here as a way of meeting new people and finding out what was going on in the village. It certainly worked for me and we'd like to offer that opportu- nity to two more people from Meare or Westhay. We are currently an all-female group of varying ages and backgrounds, both working and retired. We are very informal, meet for a drink and a chat on the second Wednesday evening of the month at The Bird in Hand (thank you to Sam and Sandra). We have varying tastes in literature and try to choose books that aren't too challenging or "highbrow" (we tried a few, but it makes for very little discus- sion when no one reads the book!), but that we perhaps wouldn't normally have chosen ourselves. For inspiration we have used Richard & Judy's Book Club, library sugges- tions for book clubs and we are most recently trying some "Marmite reads" compiled by Reading Groups for Everyone (www.readinggroups.org). To give some examples: in the past year we have read: ● Under a Mackerel Sky by Rick Stein (autobiography) ● Me Before You by JoJo Moyes (theme around assisted suicide) ● Dark Tides by Chris Ewan (thriller set on Isle of Man) ● The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell (1930's Edinburgh & current day) ● Falling Angels by Tracey Chevalier (Edwardian London, friendship, Suffragettes and loss) ● Red Dust Road by Jackie Kay (Autobiography tracing her Scottish & Nigerian birth parents) We have a library book club membership, so all books are borrowed, keeping costs down. We pay a subscription of approximately £10 per year to cover library charges. If you'd like to give us a try, please contact me by e-mail, giving a brief outline of yourself, your reading interests and reasons for wanting to join. Happy reading! Andrea Laker [email protected]

22 Fraud warning Police have had a number of reports of fraud where people have been duped out of cash or coerced into purchasing items from fraudsters posing as police officers. The latest scam involves people being contacted by a man posing as a police of- ficer who is investigating a fraud at their bank. The victim is then persuaded to take part in an undercover investigation by obtaining cash from their account or by purchasing high value items including Rolex watches. Arrangements are made for the victims to attend a meeting to hand over the cash or goods – the meeting point is sometimes a railway station. A police officer, or any other official, will never ask for money or bank details over the phone or on the door-step or ask you to arrange to take them to a prearr- anged location. If you are unsure if the person is who they say they are, ask for identification such as their collar number and call 101 to check the name and the authenticity of the caller. If you want to report being a victim of this type of fraud call 101, quoting reference 5217219020 announcements Baptisms ● Elizabeth Jayne Sweet 10th September Births ● Nathanael John Neal 18th September Born to proud parents Steve and Marlies Neal 60th Wedding Anniversary ● Ulla and Colin Carter (The Willows, Shapwick Road) 29th September

Deaths ● Hilary Anne Welch passed away peacefully at Weston General Hospital on 19th October aged 71 years. The service will take place at Sedgemoor Crematorium on Friday 3rd November at 2pm. Hilary provided great support for our community including roles as Parish Clerk for 5 years before taking over as Treasurer of the magazine, a role that she fulfilled for 15 years.

We would like to include announcements of celebrations and condolences within (or related to) the Parish irrespective of secular or religious belief

23 24 25 More than Just a name … A copy of a letter written in November 1915 was recently sent for the magazine by Jim Cave in Street. The original script is below (which has no punctuation) is followed by a slightly more modern interpretation. The letter was from Gunner Ernest Whitcombe to his brother George, then in the USA. Ernest was son of Georgina and John Thomas Whitcombe and is one of many names on Meare War Memorial. He was killed in France on 4th April 1917 at the age of 31.

Dear Brother just a few more lines to let you no I alright Hoping you the same mother send me your letter yesterday I wrote you to or 3 litter notso long ago perhaps you did not get them You no George it take a long time to come to the States well George Im geting on fine we or having a good lot of rain hear but no so cold I receved you card alright it was a very good so I am sending you one from hear I got this down in the town I will send you a few if you like one or to for your mates well George it very kind of you sending Mother a little money but I think Mother and Father geting on they seem to be alright I ??? to them often and let them no all the news well dear Broth- er I see Rub Payne and young Harry Orchard last week they ar alright and all the meare Boys is alright dear George we ar geting 7 day leave xmas so I hope to see all the old Home again I bet we have a fine time Xmas if we have luck well Geroge dont worry old Boy I am as safe as you were we ar now I got a fine job no Gards to do just look round the camp disinfect some of dranes and see so meat labour not to cause any deseced Just 9 hours work a day we get 10 franks a week hear we have to buy some bread all the people make bread so we get some from the Belges well George I must say GoodBy old Sport for now with the best of luck and wishes From Ern xxxxxxxx x Script as in original letter

Dear Brother Just a few more lines to let you know I’m alright, hoping you the same. Mother sent me your letter yesterday. I wrote you two or three not so long ago, perhaps you did not get them. You know George it takes a long time to come (get) to the States. Well George I’m getting on fine. We are having a lot of rain here but not so cold. I received your card alright, it was very good so I am sending you one from here. I got this down in the town, I will send you a few if you like one or two for your mates. Well George it was very kind of you sending Mother a little money but I think Mother and Father getting on, they seem to be alright. I (? write) to them often and let them know all the news. Well dear Brother I see Rub Payne and young Harry Orchard last week, they are alright and all the Meare Boys is alright. Dear George we are get- ting seven day leave Xmas so I hope to see all the old Home again. I bet we have a fine time Xmas if we have luck. Well George don’t worry old Boy I am as safe as you where we are now. I got a fine job, no Guards to do (presumably Guard Duties) just look around the camp, disinfect some drains and see to meat labour (so as) not to cause any diseases (presumptive adjustment). Just 9 hours work a day, we get 10 franks a week here. We have to buy some bread; all the people make bread so we get some from the Belges. Well George I must say Goodbye Old Sport for now with the best of luck and wishes. From Ern xxxxxxxx x

26 27 Professional Friendly Independent Financial Advice

At Moorbridge we take the time to understand you and your goals to give you confidence with your finances ▪ Investment Planning ▪ Retirement Planning ▪ Life Insurance ▪ Income Protection ▪ Business Protection ▪ Financial Reviews Moorbridge Financial Services Limited is authorised and registered by the Financial Conduct Authority ( 01458 860030 Peacock Farm . Westhay . Glastonbury . BA6 9TX www.moorbridgefinacial.co.uk [email protected]

28 29 Men’s shed in street

A Men’s Shed is a larger version of the typical man’s shed in the garden – “a place where he feels at home and pursues practical interests with a high degree of autonomy”. A place where members share the tools and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue. It is primarily aimed at men over 55 who may be isolated in the communi- ty, we aim to promote their Health and Wellbeing by providing a place of skill-sharing and informal learning, individual pursuits and community projects, with a purpose and achievement along with social interaction (a good old chat!). There’s tea and coffee as well! The Street Men’s Shed originated from a local need to help the older male who may be isolated in the community, isolation and loneliness can lead to mental and physical illness so the idea of a “Shed” came about to fill that need for men to have somewhere to go to for a chat or to work, but mainly to have somewhere they know they will be in a friendly and safe environment. We have a well-equipped workshop with most of the tools that you may need to make the project of your choice, the shed can be found at Unit 10, The Tanyard, Leigh Road, Street, BA16 0HD. Most buses stop just outside in Leigh Road and there is limited parking on site. We currently open on Tuesday mornings between 9am & 1pm, but we hope to be able to open for up to 4 sessions a week at 4hrs a session. If you are interested in joining the Street Men’s Shed, have skills that will help our members or can help us in any way, please contact the Acting Chairman, Brian Bastable by Email at: [email protected] , by telephone on 01458 443940, or you can keep track of updates, meet- ing dates and contact us through our web site at: www.streetmensshed.btck.co.uk Brian Bastable - Street Men’s Shed

30 Village contacts

Useful numbers

ANY RESIDENT OF THE PARISH REQUIRING DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING PLEASE CONTACT SHEILA BROWN [email protected]

31 Parish councillors

Planning applications Planning Application 2017/2684/HSE - 49 Westhay Road, Meare - Refurbishment of existing two storey detached dwelling and two storey extensions to the east and west elevations, with associated porch, (north elevation) and balconies (east and south elevations).

Anyone interested in receiving information about planning applications in the parish, please send your email address to [email protected] and you will be kept informed of new, approved, withdrawn and applications going to appeal. Applications will also be put in the magazine (subject to printing deadline) on the Parish Website and on the Meare & Westhay Facebook page.

32 Parish councillor vacancy

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That a vacancy has occurred in the office of Councillor in the Parish of Meare, as a result of the resignation of Councillor Robinson. To be able to stand as a candidate for co-option as a Parish Council- lor, you must: · Be at least 18 years old on the day of your nomination · Be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen or a citi- zen of any other member state of the European Union or have indefinite leave to remain in the · You are, and will continue to be, registered as a local govern- ment elector for the parish in which you wish to stand from the day of your nomination onwards. · You have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the parish area during the whole of the twelve months before the day of your nomination. · Your main or only place of work during the twelve months prior to the day of your nomination. · You have lived in the parish area during the whole of the twelve months before the day of your nomination. · You are able to receive and send emails under your own email address (not a shared email address) · You are able to be available to attend monthly Parish Council meetings on a regular basis (usually third Monday of the month) · You are willing and wish to get involved and take on Parish Council projects and other village matters Nominations must be with the Clerk by: 5pm on Friday 15th December 2017 in writing to 9 Glastonbury Road, Meare or by email: [email protected] Sheila Brown Clerk to the Council

33 Letters & Comments to the editor Game of Chess anyone ? I would be interested to know if there is anyone like myself (a pensioner) in the village who would like a game of chess now that the evenings are closing in. I live in Meare (13 Stileway) and used to be a modest club standard but have not played regularly for many years. My phone number is 01458-860275 and e-mail address is [email protected] Michael Barker - Resident

Local pharmacies

BOOTS GLASTONBURY TESCO 39 High Street Feversham Lane Wirral Park Rd GLASTONBURY GLASTONBURY GLASTONBURY BA6 9DS BA6 9LP BA6 9NR 01458 831211 01458 833666 01458 769503

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