February 2015 - Issue 3 EAST BRENT PARISH MAGAZINE (The of East Brent consists of East Brent, Rooksbridge and Edingworth)

February 2015 Issue 3

A voluntary non-profit publication, free to Parishioners [ ] February 2015 - Issue 3

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Editor’s Notes I must start this issue by wishing all of our site the Knoll Inn. It has taken the PC the readers ‘A Happy New Year’. I hope that best part of a year to persuade Sedge- you had a good Christmas – although that moor District Council (SDC) to do some- does seem to be a long time ago. Did you thing and at last SDC has issued Breach brave the sales and manage to get a bar- of Condition notices against the builder – gain? I thought about it, but that was as far hopefully this will result in some much as it went! needed improvements to the site. We have again had distribution problems, Further into the magazine there are some but just one or two, and I really believe letters concerning the speed of traffic on that we have now sorted this out, so hope- the A370 and speed limits. Does anyone fully………. else have an opinion? If so please write in. Are there any budding writers out there? The Chairman of the Parish Council has Are there any photographers out there? asked me to mention that that there is a Has anybody something they would like to problem with some people driving the say (subject to editorial approval of wrong way in the one way part of Brent course)? This magazine is for you, to read Road. There have, in the past, been some of course but also to contribute to. So let’s serious accidents as a result of this prac- hear from you – anything published can be tice. So please observe the road signs. published anonymously if requested! This magazine is not really the vehicle for You will also see a mention of the new this but, it has been brought to our atten- children’s playing field in Rooksbridge. tion that apparently vandals have been Thanks to the generosity of Mr & Mrs Gill- emptying the dog waste bin in Strowlands ing and the hard work by Nigel Lloyd into the adjacent hedge and rhyne, if any- Jones, it is hoped that this area will be one witnesses this, please let one of your open to the children, after further ground local Parish Councillors know – apart from work, by late spring. The Parish Council is the unsightly mess and the damage it looking for volunteers, hopefully from does to the rhyne, it costs an awful lot of Rooksbridge, to help with the general run- our Council Charge to pay for these bins ning of the area – all this might mean is and we don’t want this amenity put in jeop- keeping an eye on the area and litter pick- ardy!! ing etc. If anyone would be interested in helping out please contact any of your Bill Walker local Parish Councillors or the Editor. Editor Elsewhere In this edition you will see men- tion of the eyesore of a building site oppo-

The East Brent It is intended that they All enquiries to : Parish Magazine is will be distributed at produced and the beginning of each EAST BRENT PARISH distributed free of month. MAGAZINE Address : charge by a team of “Aventine”, The Mead, East Brent, volunteers who give Contributions and TA9 4JJ their free time advertisements Telephone : 01278 760896 throughout the year should be provided by E-mail: [email protected] to ensure the the 10th of the .uk magazine is preceding month. published.

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December/JanuaryFebruary 2015 Diary DatesDiary Dates Day Date Event Sunday 1st Quiz night at Knoll Inn - 7pm Monday 2nd East Brent Parish Council Meeting. East Brent Village Hall 7.30pm. All Parishioners are welcome.

Tuesday 3rd Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 4th East Brent History Group Meeting. East Brent Village Hall 7pm. Thursday 5th Mobile Library Stop East Brent. Telephone Box 11.15-11.30am, East Drive 11.35am - 12.00pm. Friday 6th Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am - 4pm for 'The Older Generation' Lunches available.

Tuesday 10th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Thursday 12th Thursday Club Meeting. East Brent Village Hall. 7.30pm Friday 13th School Term 3 Ends Friday 13th Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am - 4pm for 'The Older Generation' Lunches available.

Saturday 14th Bazaar & Farmers Market 10am - Noon Tuesday 17th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Thursday 19th East Brent Village Hall Management Committee Meeting. All Parishioners are welcome to attend and join in. Friday 20th Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am - 4pm for 'The Older Generation' Lunches available.

Monday 23rd School Term 4 Starts Tuesday 24th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Thursday 26th Mobile Library Stop Rooksbridge. 'Little Acre' 10.30-10.50am Friday 27th Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am - 4pm for 'The Older Generation' Lunches available

Friday 27th Farmers Market. Burnham On Sea High St 9am - 1pm Saturday 28th Howdenjones Musical Duo at Brent Knoll Parish Hall for information - Jenny on 01278 760477

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Magazine Advertising Rates

Our list of tariffs is below and I hope you will jump at the chance to advertise in this highly cost effec- tive way which also supports the local community. To make accounting and budgeting easier, we will offer annual advertising from 1st April so any adverts taken out during the year will be charged on a pro-rata basis. Because we are non profit making, we may be able to reduce these charges but this is obviously dependent on the response we get. If you wish to make use of a professional service to create your advertisement, there will be a one- off charge of £30. Annual charges: Full page b/w £200 full colour £240 (3 pages only available) 1/2 page b/w £125 full colour £150 1/4 page b/w £75 full colour £90 1/8 page b/w £45 n/a One off charges: 1/2 page b/w only £24 1/4 page £12 1/8 page £6 We do request payment in full in advance and we reserve the right to refuse any advertisements which are deemed inappropriate for East Brent Parish Magazine. Please contact the Advertising Editor as below for more details. Adverts must be received at the latest by 10th month prior to publi- cation. Adverts which require compilation/ art work must be submitted well in advance of that. If you have any questions at all about our advertising including outstanding advertisements, please contact me.

Judith Webb - Advertising Editor. Tel: 01278 760219 E-mail : [email protected] Money Matters. before retirement? With the pension rules set to change this April, it’s good Retirement, some embrace it time to revisit your pension strategy enthusiastically; others view its with your adviser. approach with trepidation. No matter how we feel, we should take steps to Review your savings and investments make sure we have the resources to to ensure they’re meeting your make this next stage a happy & financial goals & are as tax-efficient as financially secure one. possible. You may, for instance, want your portfolio to produce more income Plan as soon as you can - there are to supplement your pension. important issues to consider. Many people retire with mortgages still Increasingly, people opt for a phased in place. Usually it makes sense to retirement, giving themselves time to reduce debts. There may be more get used to more leisure time & the cost-effective deals, or you could opt opportunity to save more. to use your pension lump-sum to Budget – Inevitably, some costs reduce your remaining debts. reduce but others will go up. You’ll As always, talk to an Independent need to factor into your plans issues Financial Adviser for an unbiased view such as future healthcare provision of the range of options available to too. Draw up a detailed budget to you. It will be time well spent. understand what you’ll need for your planned lifestyle. Nick Bashford Get forecasts for your State & all of your private pensions. Could you make additional pension contributions

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Ho Ho Ho..... Our Christmas Pub Quiz

We had a super duper night with lots of singing and laughter. We had 11 teams in the space where we normally have 7 teams so it was a cosy night. We did 4 question rounds and then had a musical interlude when we sang carols accompanied by Simon on guitar, Colin on keyboard and Mary Ellen singing solo. Afterwards we had the Christmas hat Parade all around the bar...Kasia our brave Landlady judged the event...Georgina won 1st Prize for originality, Liz Nash won 2nd Prize for creativity and Julie Ward won 3rd prize for elegance. Then we had the OLEG question time and Gene at The Elms won OLEG the baby Meerkat. This was followed by the large raffle with 10 prizes. It was getting a bit late by then so we only had 3 more of the question rounds and here are the results... 1st were The Daylillies with 93 points so they each won a bottle of wine 2nd were Tasty Pippins with 92 points 3rd were The Bounders with 91 points 4th were The Elms with 85 ½ points 5th were Rudolph’s Wonders with 84 ½ points 6th were Lost in Knoll with 84 points 7th were Hopeless with 82 points 8th were 4 Go First with 80 ½ points 9th were Church Road Mafia with 79 points 10th were Poinsettas with 74 points 11th were Let’s Get Quizzical with 72 ½ points The last high spot of the evening was the opening of the Black Box which Kasia and Ian generously donate to the cause. A member of each team picks a key in the above order and Hopeless opened the Box.. winning £175 to share. Thanks to all who came and supported the event we raised £292.90 for St Mary’s Church which makes £1781.90 for 2014. Well done everyone. Kathy Quinnell

(New Year Pub Quiz is on page 9)

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NS GARDEN SERVICES Nick:- Telephone 07813037742

KLC SUPPLIES Kindling/Logs/Coal Keep warm with ’s Leading Supplier

Tony 0781742012 David 07815810194 Email: [email protected] Web: www.klcsupplies.co.uk

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Happy New Year Everyone A further quiz was held on 4/1/2015 and we had another great fun night at the Brent Knoll Inn with five teams. Our results are as follows... 1st with 107 ½ points were Timbuckfive 2nd with 105 ½ points were Daylillies 3rd with 101 ½ points were Church Road mafia 4th with 96 points were tasty Pippins 5th with 89 ½ points were 5 Down 2 The winners each had a bottle of wine and then their champion actually opened the black box. This surprised everyone and we all clapped loudly as no one had managed to do that before..... So again thank you for your continued support. £108 was raised for St Mary’s Church. The next Quiz is on Sunday, 1st Feb., 7:00 pm Brent Knoll Inn Kathy Quinnell

Sudoku 002 1 2 8 6 9 3 5 4 7 I trust you found the puzzle in the last 5 6 7 4 1 2 8 9 3 edition challenging but completed it successfully. The solution is shown here 4 9 3 7 8 5 6 1 2 and there is a new one below to test your 8 5 4 2 6 1 3 7 9 skills. Best of luck—Ed. 7 1 6 9 3 4 2 8 5 9 3 2 8 5 7 1 6 4 2 8 9 3 4 6 7 5 1

1 3 3 4 1 5 7 8 9 2 6 6 7 5 1 2 9 4 3 8 7 2 4 9 3 6 9 2

4 7 8 1 The objective is to fill the 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, 7 each row, and each of the nine 3×3 boxes contains all of the digits 9 6 3 from 1 to 9. The puzzle setter pro- 1 7 8 4 vides a partially completed grid, for which there is a unique solu- 2 6 tion.

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Village Hall Lottery Results

Drawn on 26th November 2014

3rd Draw 29.10.14 1. £10.00 23 Molly Mead 2. £10.00 194 Bob Bees 3. £10.00 88 Joan Vorha 4th Draw 12.11.14 1. £10.00 21 Joy Trendell-Smith 2. £10.00 61 Alice Jones 3. £10.00 14 Pat Seabrook 5th Draw 26.11.14 1. £10.00 34 Alan Baker 2. £10.00 152 EB Day Centre 3. £10.00 153 Bill Walker

East Brent Village Hall Has two rooms available for hire. Suitable for functions and meetings.

Charges include cost of heating and use of well equipped kitchen. (cooker extra)

ENQUIRIES TO BETTY GRIFFIN 01278 760754 OR JANET NURSE 01278 760205

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CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Base

6ozs [175grms] choc chip cookies 2ozs butter

Filling

8ozs [225grms] dark chocolate 8ozs [225grms] milk chocolate 2ozs golden caster sugar 12ozs [350grms] cream cheese Philadelphia or Tesco's own brand 15fl ozs [425mls] [3/4 pint] double cream lightly whipped 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur

8 inch round tin base lined and oiled

Method

Crush cookies and stir in melted butter, press into base of tin and refrigerate. Meanwhile melt plain and milk chocolate over boiling water and leave to cool. In separate bowl put cheese and sugar and beat together, then fold in whipped cream followed by melted chocolate and stir in liqueur. Spoon chocolate mixture onto biscuit base and refrigerate for a few hours or preferably overnight. Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries and cream. ENJOY...... Thursday Club - December Get-together!

Our last get together was at The Dunstan House Inn in Burnham - After look- ing at several menus from various pubs in the area, We settled on Dunstan mainly because the menu was more interesting than some of the others - Potted Crab and Spinach Roulade being two of the starters and Venison and Turbot being two of the mains as well as the usual Christmas fair. Some lovely desserts to follow including a Chocolate Brookie, mmmmm..... And all for a not unreasonable amount! We were not disappointed the Conservatory was very warm and the service was excellent, making it altogether a lovely evening.

We are now into our new programme so why not come and give us a try the next meeting will be February 12th and features a light hearted look at 'The life of an Estate Agent' Happy 2015

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Village Agent

Sunday Tea Party - 15th February 2015 A monthly afternoon tea party has been held in Brent Knoll for the last three months for people aged 75 and over to tackle loneliness for people who live alone and have little or no contact with family and friends. The tea party is offering a regular and vital friendship link every month with the aim to bring people together, develop fulfilling friendships and support networks and give everyone involved something to look forward to each month. So, are you 75 or over and living alone? Would you like to be treated to delicious sandwiches and cakes in the home of a Brent Knoll villager? The next Contact the Elderly monthly tea party will be held on Sunday 15th February from 3pm. If you need a lift, a volunteer driver will collect you and return you home safely. To book your place at the tea party please contact me. If you would be interested in supporting this initiative by becoming a volunteer, coordinator or host then it would be greatly appreciated. You can volunteer with your car as a driver to collect a guest each month and take them to the host’s home for the afternoon. The driver remains with the guest and therefore committing to two to three hours one Sunday each month. Kim Wilcox, Village Agent for Cluster Sedgemoor1. www.somersetrcc.org.uk [email protected] . Tel: 01823 331222 or 07943 555 519, Mobile Library Dates and Times Pancakes in Brent Knoll Parish East Brent. Hall, TA9 4EH

The Mobile Library will stop at East Brent Telephone box (TA9 4HZ) between 11.15am and 11.30am and at East Drive, off Strowlands (TA9 4JQ) between 11.35am and 12.00pm on the following dates: Everyone Welcome! 2015 - 5 February, 5 March, 2 April, 30 April, 28 May, 25 June, 23 July, 20 August, Saturday 7th February 17 September.

Rooksbridge. 11am – 2pm

The Mobile Library will stop at Little Acre Also Teas/Coffees, Bring & Buy, (BS26 2UG) between 10.30 – 10.50am on Bric-a-Brac, Books the following dates:- 2015 - 26 February, 26 March, 23 April, 21 Hosted by, and in aid of, the Royal May, 18 June, 16 July, 13 August, 10 September. British Legion Women’s Section Charity No 219279

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Does East Brent need more protection from speeding traffic? (Due to the potential importance of this subject, The following letter appeared in last month’s East Brent Parish Magazine and is repeated here. Some replies are printed on Page 18. Any further comments, please write to the Editor – details page 3.)

“We moved into The Elms on Weston Road just under a year ago and we love our rambling old house on the edge of the village. However, there are some scary times when the sounds of cattle lowing and buzzards mewing are pierced by the screeching brakes of a lorry hurtling towards the traffic lights. It makes you realise just how dangerous the road here really is. Our fears came to a head recently when our eldest daughter had a collision with fast approaching motorbike when turning onto Weston Road. Thankfully no-one was badly hurt, but they so nearly could have been and it shook us all up. The speed of traffic passing through is, I suspect, a real issue for many people in our village. That’s why I would like to pose this question: Does East Brent need more protection from speeding traffic? Weston Road has speed camera signs but, until we requested it recently, we hadn’t seen any police action to enforce speed limits in almost a year. This makes the signs pointless. In 2010 a young man of 19 was tragically killed on this road and I believe, even more tragically, that this was shortly after the speed camera there was removed. Other communities nearby have, quite rightly, got their own protection in the form of lower 30 mph speed limits and flashing speed warning signs. In the case of Rooksbridge, in our own parish, I am aware that this was the result of campaigning following yet another terrible tragedy. Surely the main route through East Brent, from the Jarvis Lane area through to The Elms and Manor Farm, is also deserving of such protection? Would it be possible to re-install the speed camera on Weston Road? Or at least a flashing warning sign as you approach the traffic lights by the Village Hall? Is it even worth considering whether the speed limit approaching the traffic lights should be reduced to 30 mph? I have discussed my thoughts on this with the Parish Council at their last meeting and I know they would be keen to know the opinions of as many East Brent residents as possible. If you do have any comments or opinions on this I would be happy to receive them and pass them to the Parish Council or you can obviously contact them directly at [email protected]. If anyone would like to contact me regarding this, my phone number is 07789 642457 and my e-mail is: [email protected]. With best wishes Neil Ellis, The Elms”

(Responses on page 18)

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East Brent Church of First School “To inspire every child to flourish, create happy memories and develop lifelong skills for learning”

Church Road, East Brent, Nr Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4HZ Tel: 01278 760490 Fax: 01278 760168 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.eastbrentcofefirstschool.org

Governor Vacancies ❖ Do you have time to volunteer? ❖ Do you have an interest in children’s education? ❖ Do you want to make a difference and help “inspire every child at East Brent Church of England First School to flourish, create happy memories and develop lifelong skills for learning”? Then have you thought about becoming a Governor at East Brent C of E First School?

The Governing Body of East Brent C of E First School is seeking to recruit a number of Co- opted Governors. Governors do not need specific qualifications, just the desire to make a positive contribution, show interest, and have time. Induction, mentoring and training is provided to successful applicants.

As a school governor you would be part of a team. The Governing Body has a range of important responsibilities as governance is about overseeing the success of the school and providing constructive support and challenge. The Governing Body works closely with the headteacher and staff to shape the future of the school; to decide the priorities and to monitor progress.

The School has an excellent team of teaching and non-teaching staff and receives great support from parents, governors, the LA, the Diocese and the local community.

To find out more please go the School’s website at http://www.eastbrentcofefirstschool.org – Vacancies or contact Mrs Katy Carleton, Clerk to the Governing Body at [email protected] or on 01278 760470.

For an informal discussion please contact Mrs Beverley Lloyd-Jones, Chair of Governors on 07762 372080 or e-mail at [email protected]

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share that commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

TO APPLY: Please complete an application form either downloaded from our website or request one from our clerk Katy Carleton (see above). Completed application forms should be sent to Katy Carleton c/o the School or e-mailed to her NOT LATER THAN midday Wednesday 25th February 2015.

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VESTRY DUTY Mrs M Scott

FLOWER ROTA Not available at time of going to press

THE LINK VILLAGE FELLOWSHIP meets on Tuesday 10 February for a Hymn Sing Song with Mrs Rosemary Baker and Tuesday 24 February for a talk on Wildlife by Mr Derek Stevenson at 2:30 pm. Everyone welcome.

Obituary Hilda Rosemary Treise passed away, peacefully, on 27th December 2014 aged 89 years at the Leicester Royal Hospital. She had moved to Leicestershire eleven years ago to be closer to her family following a stroke but, as her daughter told me, Hilda’s heart remained in East Brent where she had been a very active member of the community for some 35 years. An inaugural member of the Women’s Institute, she was County Treasurer and ran a very active branch here in the village. Hilda was Church Warden for several years; she was instrumental in closing the Churchyard and setting up the new cemetery. We also have her to thank for the Harvest Home banner and the beautiful Altar Frontals in St Mary’s Church which were all hand made by her. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

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THE PARISH OF THE THREE SAINTS WORSHIP WHERE TO WORSHIP LOCATION CHURCH BUILDNG KEY STYLE OF WORSHIP Brent Knoll St Michael's Church HC Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) - Traditional language / no music East Brent St Mary's Church E Eucharist - Holy Communion - Modern and traditional music St Christopher's Church AW All-sorts-Worship - No holy communion - Modern music, relaxed AW-E All-sorts-Worship + Eucharist - Modern music, relaxed EP-S Evening Prayer-Said (Book of Common Prayer) - Traditional language / no music IW Iona Worship - Variety of prayer, stillness, reflection, song from the Celtic tradition MIDWEEK WORSHIP We are sorry for the inconvenience caused Day Time Where when on occasions worship is cancelled or a venue is changed - there will be a notice Tuesday 2.30pm St Mary-E on the church building door Wednesday10.00am St Christopher-E SUNDAY WORSHIP Theme 8:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 6:30 pm Other FEBRUARY 1 The Presentation St Christopher- St Michael- of Christ HC AW 8 2 before Lent St Michael-HC St Mary-E Celebration of Love for St Valentines Day A celebration of love through a collection of poetry, prayer and song 3.00pm St Mary 15 Sunday before St Christopher- St Michael-E Lent HC 18 Ash Wednesday 7.00pm St Mary-E 22 Lent 1 St Mary-HC St St Michael- Christopher-E EP-S

Who’s who in the Parish of the Three Saints Priest-in-Charge Reverend Simon Lewis The Rectory . 3 Ash Trees . East Brent . Somerset . TA9 4DQ T: 01278 760496 E: [email protected] Parish Administrator Mary Ford Church Office . Church Road . East Brent . Somerset . TA9 4HZ T: 01278 769082 E: [email protected] Office open: Tuesday & Wednesday: 10.30am-3.30pm Churchwardens St Christopher, Lympsham Gwen Hatton: T: 01934 750416 E: [email protected] Jim Hanmer: T: 01934 750076 E: [email protected] St Mary, East Brent Katherine Quinnell: T: 01278 760031 E: [email protected] St Michael, Brent Knoll Frances James: T: 01278 760287

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Remembering WW1—Muffled Bells Bell will be Village War Memori- Name Date of Death Rung al February 10 COX, Charles 10/02/1918 Brent Knoll April 10 NURSE, Len 10/04/1916 Brent Knoll 23 POPLE, Charles 23/04/1917 East Brent 30 CREES, Bertram Frank 30/04/1915 East Brent Does East Brent need more protection from speeding traffic? You will have seen the letter from Neil Ellis on page 19 of last month’s edition and reproduced on page 14 of this edition. It has encouraged two responses, shown below. Does anyone else have an opinion, if so, write in and let us know. Alternatively, you may contact Neil on 07789 642457 or by e-mail [email protected]. Ed

“I am writing this e-mail because of the article I read in this month’s Parish magazine about the speed of traffic through the village. I am 13 years old and I have a paper round on the village hall side of the village, However I live on the other side of the traffic lights which means I have to cross the main road and the vehicles pass me so fast that it often makes me jump. This is very worrying for me especially as it is getting darker and darker each morning as it gets further into the winter. When I read the article about the speeds I thought I would get involved because I agree with everything that was said and I think that the sooner we get some sort of speed protection, the better!! Thank you, Thomas McGreavy” ------05 January 2015 Hi Neil I read with interest your article in the Parish Magazine. I too am surprised that more is not done to protect the village from speeding motorists. My main concern is that there is only a 40mph limit by the school. Most councils have been at pains to impose not only 30mph limits but to go one step further and impose 20mph to ensure the safety of school children. Surely the cost of a speed camera is worth the safety of all residents. From my own situation of having moved into Brent Road opposite Hill Lane speed is also an issue but it is exacerbated by the fact that there is no footpath from Hill Lane to Red House Road. There is a stretch of grass which could be made into a proper path. This area is used by many local people walking their dogs and would no doubt feel safer if there was a proper path. We should all be concerned about safety so please keep up the campaign. Kind regards, Roger Dunn ------I wonder if you are actually talking about the Village Hall and the Playgroup which meets there. East Brent First School is in fact at the end of Church Road which is a No Through Road. Ed

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An Introduction to Scuba Diving.

Now we have all done or wanted to do a ‘try dive’ whilst on holiday somewhere warm. Well that’s what I said.

A couple of Christmases ago my Family gave me a joint present of a PADI open water diving course. Was it somewhere warm and sunny? - No, it was here in England, in Somerset, in FEBRUARY.

The first part of this course was in a swimming pool, the water was warmish, but it was an open air pool (well they have to harden you off, don’t they). And it was in here that you learn the basic things - how to assemble equipment that you are kitted out with, what things are and what they do, how to wear it, how to get in the water and, of course how to breathe with it.

This pool was purpose built for scuba training because in its 40 feet length it went from 4 foot from one end to 16 feet at the other - it just has to be the origin of the expression ‘a steep learning curve’ (so steep that it was difficult to stand up). Most of the exercises that we did were quite straightforward and, with a good instructor, fairly easy. However there was only one that I did not enjoy at all, and that was is known as a ‘simulated free flow’. What happens is that you sit on the bottom of the deepest part of the pool, take your breathing regulator out of your mouth, press the purge button (which allows that air to flow freely), hold it just below and close to your mouth and then breathe from the bubbles as they flow past your mouth. Yes it can be done but it was, for me, extremely daunting.

After two sessions in the pool, my instructor ‘Oz’ said it was time to put all this practice into ‘action’. And the ‘action’ was to take place in a place called Vobster quarry in the Mendip hills.

So early one very cold, grey and windy February morning, the four of us - two teenaged young men, one fellow about 30 and me, the old sod of 65 arrived at Vobster Quarry. Now this quarry, which is privately owned, has been redesigned to accommodate scuba diving in that there are various depths of water ranging from approx 5 meters to 50 meters with items like large boats and small aircraft sunk at various levels, various means of entry into the water - pier type staging that you can jump from to wade-in gradients.

This morning however, after we has dressed in our ‘gear’, we were taken to the edge of the quarry and told that we would be jumping in, swimming, on the surface, to a buoy about 20 meters away. Once we were at the buoy we were to descend down the ‘shot line’ (as the buoy mooring rope is called) to a submerged platform at 10 meters depth. That was the theory. The fact was that it was 4 degrees and there was a North wind blowing. We did jump in, in the prescribed manner, and I thought ‘well that wasn’t bad and the water isn’t as cold as I thought it would be - then, of course, the water got through my wetsuit. It was at least as cold as I thought it would be - probably colder, much colder!

Well we swam to the buoy, did all the checks, and descended. I had two surprises. One was that all the practice in the pool had worked - for I was swimming and breathing underwater in ‘real’ open water and the other was that I could see no further than 1 meter! It would seem that there had been so many divers in the water over the previous few days that a lot of the silt and sediment had been stirred up and had reduced the visibility drastically. I dropped slowly through the murk until I came to the platform and there I waited for Oz.

I carried out all of the tests and checks did all of the prescribed exercises and, eventually ascended. After getting changed, warm and fed I was told that I had passed the practical test and just had the theory to complete the course.

These I did a few days later and duly received my certificate of competency to ‘Open Water’ standard. Since those days I have dived quite often, mainly in this country of course, but we did have a Family holiday in the Caribbean where I experienced scuba diving as you see it on television, visibility in excess of 50 meters, warm water and so many incredibly coloured fish that it could take your breath away - if you did not grip onto your regulator with both jaws! I also dived whilst I was on holiday in Gran Canaria, and that was where I learned about sharing air - I ran out of air!!

I really enjoy diving, for it is an experience so different from normal life. I don’t do that often because in this country conditions aren’t often such as to allow it, but when they do…..

Said a School Inspector to a pupil “have you understood fractions?” “yes” said the pupil. Said the Inspector “so if I said that a mother had 4 children and only had 3 potatoes, how would she divide them so each child got an equal share?” The pupil replied “make them into chips!”

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JAMIE BALSON BUILDING SERVICES EXTENSIONS AND RENOVATIONS FOR A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 01278 641149 07968868508 [email protected]

[ 20 ] February 2015 - Issue 3

East Brent Book Group Life after Life by Kate Atkinson Nominated for numerous awards, this book became one of the best sellers in 2014. The intriguing title ‘creeps up’ on you as the story progresses. The book centres around an affluent family and charts their experiences through two world wars via the eyes of their daughter Ursula. The book is a series of ‘what ifs’ and begins with Ursula not surviving childbirth and continues the story in a succession of related mishaps to her and her five siblings using historical events of the last century as a backdrop. Our group found the book absorbing. The ideas in the book led to a discussion in the belief in ‘déjà vu’ and the feeling that ‘you have been there before’. A recommended read as are all Kate Atkinson’s books. Yvonne Claridge

Our Church Christmas Tree

For those East Brentians who visited St Mary’s Church over the Christmas period you will have noticed our wonderful new Christmas Tree.

The decorations in white with gold or silver details and edgings have Christian symbols on them and have been created by members of our church.

We hope that our tree will be eventually covered with all twenty symbols. We need many more and would welcome your assistance. Details of patterns and meanings can be collected from Kathy Quinnell 01278 760031

Here’s something of interest; this chart was compiled by a local resident from rainfall measured in his garden over the last year.

East Brent Rainfall 2014 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOT mm. 170.7 95.0 41.3 58.8 97.8 57.0 34.9 139.6 15.1 81.2 100.3 56.5 948.0 Aver. 82.3 57.1 49.2 49.8 69.1 69.9 86.7 84.6 53.1 94.9 101.5 90.6 888.8 Ins. 6.7 3.7 1.6 2.3 3.9 2.2 1.4 5.5 0.6 3.2 4.0 2.2 37.3 Aver. 3.2 2.3 1.9 2.0 2.7 2.8 3.4 3.3 2.1 3.7 4.0 3.6 35.0 (Rounded to nearest 0.1)

[ 21 ] February 2015 - Issue 3

The Iris Restaurant a fabulous, fresh and vibrant restaurant in the heart of the countryside, set in the grounds of Rookery Manor hotel and spa

Open Daily for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner Lunch & Afternoon Tea served between 12noon & 5pm

Why not celebrate with us and join for Sunday lunch 3 Courses only £19.50

Evening Restaurant eat from our freshly produced seasonal á la carte menu or from our chefs daily table d'hôte booking is advised last table available at 9pm

Please call and Quote Manor11 to enjoy 15% off any Evening Meal or Sunday Lunch for Nov, Jan or Feb

please visit our website at www.rookery-manor.co.uk for menu's Phone 01934 750200 opt. 1

Terms and conditions apply, this offer has no value. All offers are subject to availability and excluded some dates

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EAST BRENT PARISH HISTORY GROUP The Group has had two meetings since the last edition of the East Brent Parish Magazine was published. A brief description of both meeting are given here.

“Day Trip to Burnham by Train” by John Strickland (3rd Dec. 2014) Via a slide show, John took us on a journey from Highbridge through to Burnham-on-Sea in years gone by. I am sure for many it was a very nostalgic trip with many pictures of what the railway lines and buildings were like and are like now. This picture shows the S&D Railway crossing the GWR at Highbridge looking towards Burnham (1964). There were extensive works at Highbridge which employed many people. Following cutbacks, the works were closed in 1930 with the loss of 300 jobs. At Burnham, there is now little remaining evidence of the line and station but of course the Somerset & Dorset Pub is still there as a reminder. The station site is now occupied by Morrison’s and the line continued on to the jetty to link up with passenger boats from South Wales.

The talk was very well received and we hope than John can return at some future date to describe the journey in the opposite direction from Highbridge to Glastonbury.

“From Farmer’s Field to Flanders Field” by Andrew Janes (7th Jan. 2015) Andrew has been researching his family history for some years and described how he discovered information about those who served in the Great War. Many of the records of the servicemen from WW1 were destroyed or severely damaged in WW2. However, Andrew took us through the many other ways of finding out the history of his WW1 ancestors.

Future meetings – Meetings are held on the first Wednesday each month at 7:00 pm in the Village Hall. The next meeting will be on 4th Feb. 2015 and will be a General Meeting. There will be a further speaker on 4th Mar. 2015 when Kay Wych will dress accordingly and become a “Housemaid at Glastonbury Abbey” or so I am told! You don’t have to be a member of the History Group to come and listen to these talks or attend any meeting. EAST BRENT HARVEST HOME—158th Anniversary Year This year’s Harvest Home will take place on Friday, 28th August 2015. Please put this date in your diary. Following the Annual General Meeting on 21st January, the Committee will be meeting on the third Wednesday each month at 7:00 pm in East Brent Village Hall. We are looking for new recruits to assist this “Somerset Institution” now in its 158th anniversary year. All are welcome so please do get involved. Colin Loader

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PAW PRINTS CATTERY Adam Popham Director

A M P Electrical (SW) Ltd “Home from Home” Domestic/Commercial/Agricultural at The Mallards, Edington Road, , local Electrical contractor Nr Bridgwater TA7 8NX All aspects of electrical work under- Tel: 01278 722252 taken in a courteous, friendly and professional manner Fully licensed with choice of luxury large heated chalets Cat loving family run with flexible opening hours Mark, Somerset, Quiet country location 07738221754 4 miles from A39/6 miles from A38 Email:[email protected] www.pawprintscattery.co.uk Collection and delivery service available

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East Brent Parish Council Meeting 1st December 2014 Planning Applications 4 The Pavement/Footpath adjacent to the Two applications were received, one of which, Building Development opposite the Knoll Inn. 24/14/00023, was invalidated because further Cllr Walker reported the latest correspondence survey information is required. The other with SDC in which Mr Stuart Houlet said that 24/14/00035 for Brentwood, Jarvis Lane, was ‘The latest position is that SDC has served discussed at length and the PC recommended full Planning Contravention Notices on the approval. Applicant and no response was received. SDC has spoken to both the Agent and the Applicant Confirmation of the Minutes. and have advised that they will be serving The minutes from the Meeting of 10th November Breach of Condition Notices on them next week. 2014 were approved and accepted These are not appealable and will therefore unanimously. need to be complied with or they can be prosecuted. The period for compliance will be 3 Matters Arising. months’. Cllr Walker said that everything 1 Playing Field off Pill Road, Rooksbridge. possible has been done by the PC for the Cllr Lloyd-Jones reported that when the present and that we will have to wait a further 3 Highways Dept adopt the road, then the kerb months to see if there is any progress. could be dropped to provide access to the field. 5 Parish Magazine. 2 Update on East Brent Village Green and PC Cllr Walker advised the PC that the second Insurance policy. edition had been distributed, with some minor Cllr Lloyd-Jones reported that SDC had carried problems, and that the magazine was well on out some work, which included removing a the way to being self-funding. diseased tree, and they hoped to install new 6 Christmas Tree. benches before Christmas. Cllr Lloyd-Jones had Cllr Bowden said that this matter was in hand and expected to have the tree erected on the also mentioned to SDC the fact that a large th branch from a horse chestnut adjacent to the East Brent village hall on Thursday 4 telephone box had fallen across a telephone December. cable. He further reported that the PC insurance 7. Financial Matters. cover (totalling £142,000.00) had been adjusted The list of proposed payments was approved to better suit todays requirements. unanimously. 3 Annual Precept Request for 2015. 8. Matters of Report. Cllr Lloyd-Jones, as Finance Officer, circulated The following items were reported: Brilliant copies of the latest precept budget. There was Harvest will pay for a further defibrillator; the some discussion as to the forthcoming elections bus shelter in Mendip Road had been cleaned and the possible affects that they may have on by SDC; speeding motorists along Brent Road; the Annual Precept request. It was proposed the threatened demise of the 102 bus service; and agreed unanimously, that the Annual slow broadband speeds available in East Brent; Precept request should be increased by 4.1%. VAT on Parish Magazine adverts; Cllr contact The Clerk was instructed to complete the list updated; the Coastal Cluster Group, RLT3 necessary form and submit them to SDC. On a Fund awards were made to BoS Cricket Club & different topic, Cllr Lloyd-Jones asked that the YMCA Highbridge; if needed extra road salt/grit PC consider the effects of a long term absence was available from the Chairperson; following of the Clerk and in that vein submitted a list of the resignation of the Clerk, there had been one principal tasks that might be undertaken by the application but that the advertising for the Councillors, on a short term basis, during any position would continue in the new year; there such absence of the Clerk. The list was will be new play equipment installed in Orchard accepted as a model which could be put into Close. place if circumstances demanded. th 3 Defibrillator Equipment. Next Meeting – 5 January 2015 In the absence of Cllr Webb it was agreed that this subject should postponed until the next PC meeting. Not Enough Trees?

“Look what happens when we cut down too many trees. Global warming is one thing; but see what is happening. We have to stop cutting down trees! This is getting rather serious!”

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[ 26 ] CPL February 2015 - Issue 3

Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installations www.markkitchensandmore.co.uk Tel: 01278 641516 Mob: 07866744995

EAST BRENT 60 YEARS AGO By Grace Hudson (continued from previous edition)

Farmers were the biggest employers of labour, and farm produce could be bought direct from the owners. Milk would be taken to the Factory at Rooksbridge to be made into cheese and cream. Quantities of milk were put into churns, taken by cart to Brent Knoll Station, and sent off to the cities. Cider apples were grown widely, most farmers making their own cider, which always proved a very popular drink - especially at Harvest time! Cream, eggs, butter - lovely farm butter - poultry and vegetables would be taken by horse and cart to nearby towns each week. There were five shops in the village in those days. The Post Office stores sold everything including groceries, hardware and drapery. There was a newsagents, two sweet shops and a baker from a nearby village delivered bread regularly in a horse- drawn van. If you wanted milk you took your jug to the nearest farm and the milk was poured out in a dipper from the churn. A row of cottages, now mostly demolished, housed a cobbler, a bonnet maker and there were three dressmakers from whom to choose. A gifted wheelwright worked from his shop making hay wagons and all implements required by the farmers. It was a joy to see the beautiful wheels and finished articles brightly painted which he displayed outside his workshop. He was also the undertaker.

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on the menu

Hand Prepared Premium Complete Meals for One Gluten Free options Lower Salt Lower Saturated Fat British Beef Dietician Approved

Free weekly home delivery service Email: [email protected] or Telephone 01278 769051 and ask for our Main Course & Dessert Menu

[ 28 ] February 2015 - Issue 3

Stargazing at East Brent C of E First School by class 3.

In the afternoon, Simon Ould took class 3 on a space journey in the Space Odyssey Dome learning about the International Space Shuttle and what life is like for astronauts living there. In the evening we came back to school for an incredible event organised by Jo Richardson and Wells and Mendip Astronomers. We could do lots of activities about rockets, gravity, planets and much more, plus we saw amazing astrophotography AND could ask the astronomers as many questions as we liked! If that wasn't enough, Brian set up his telescope in the playground for us to study the moon!

It was a brilliant night and we want to say a massive thank you to Jo Richardson for organising it and Wells and Mendip Astronomers for coming and sharing their expertise. THANK YOU!

P.S If you want to read more about what we are doing and learning please look at our blog ebfsclass3.primaryblogger.co.uk. We regularly update it with our news, pictures and work.

Changes to the Floodline Telephone Number

From November 2014, the telephone number for the Environment Agency’s Floodline service will be 0345 988 1188. Floodline is a telephone service that provides a reliable source of current information on river and coastal flood risk across the country. As well as having recorded information on warnings that are in force, advisors give advice on how to prepare for flooding, check property risk and manage customer flood warning registrations. In summer 2013, the National Audit Office completed a review of Government customer telephone lines. As a result, the Cabinet Office requested that the Environment Agency move to a 0345 number for the Floodline Service by October 2014. In February 2014, we started using and promoting 0345 988 1188 alongside the existing 0845 988 1188. From November2014, the Environment Agency will stop promoting 0845 988 1188 and 0345 988 1188 will be promoted as the one and only number for Floodline. To ensure customer access isn’t impacted, 0845 988 1188 will continue to run in the background but it will no longer be promoted to the public. Over the next couple of months we will be updating the Environment Agency channels and materials to only feature 0345 988 1188.

[ 29 ] February 2015 - Issue 3

USEFUL NUMBERS Brownies 01278 760655 Day Centre – June Jessop 01278 792208 Doctor. Brent Area Medical Centre – East Brent 01278 760313 Pre-School, East Brent – Emma Allen 07849062469 East Brent C of E First School 01278 760490 Environment Agency Floodline 0345 988 1188 Hugh Sexey Middle School – Normal Enquiries 01934 712211 - Absence line for pupil 01934 714290 Kings of Wessex Academy – Normal enquiries 01934 742608 Email: [email protected] - Absence line for pupils 01934 745304 Email: [email protected] Village Hall – East Brent (Info & bookings- Betty Griffin) 01278 760754 Parish Council Chairman – Val Rawles 01934 751108 Parish Council Clerk – Martin Shobbrook 01278 421210 Parish Council Website – http://eastbrentparishcouncil.org.uk/ District Councillor – Andrew Gilling 01934 750580 Sedgemoor District Councillor – Bob Filmer 01278 760760 Somerset County Councillor – John Denbee 01934 712304 Email: [email protected] – Tessa Munt 01934 710748 Email: [email protected] Police. Brent Beat Manager – PC1916 Pete Wills Emergency Only – PCSO - Pauline Dixon 999 – PCSO – Tracy Grobbeler Non -Emergency -101 Rooksbridge Post Office – Sandy & Danny Lawrence 01934 750221 Editor - East Brent Parish Magazine 01278 760896 [email protected] Advertising Editor – East Brent Parish Magazine 01278 760219 [email protected]

POSTAL SUBSCRIPTIONS and ADVERTISING FOR SALE The East Brent Parish Magazine is delivered free to all properties within the Parish which includes East Brent, Rooksbridge and Edingworth. Outside the Parish, it can be deliv- ered by post by taking out a Postal Subscription at a cost of £12 per annum. This cost includes delivery to U.K. and Northern Ireland addresses only. Please contact the Editor for subscription costs in other parts of the world. E-mailed copies can be sent free of charge (.pdf). Advertising rates and details are shown elsewhere in this Magazine. Past advertisers will be contacted for future editions and if you wish to advertise, please contact the Advertising Editor.

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