Page 1 Issue No. 121 Village News January - February 2020 Monkton Heathfield, and Bathpool

Contents: Above: Something to look forward to! Useful Numbers/Regular Bookings - Page 2 Barn Dance/Salisbury Flower Festival/Food Bank Thanks - Page 3 Community Cafe/Singles Club/100 Club/Hearing Dogs - Page 4 Christmas Brunch/Pub Quiz - Page 5 Dates for Your Diary/C&WM Film Club - Page 6 WM Primary School/Bethlehem comes to Volis Farm - Page 7 Benefice Church Services - Page 8 News from the Benefice - Page 9 Bathpool Chapel - Page 10 Birds - Page 11 Time to get your Women’s Institute - Page 12 dancing shoes out! Gardening Corner - Page 13 See Page 3 News from the Parish Council - Page 14 PC News cont./Village Hall - Page 15 Tacchi-Morris Theatre - Page 16 Film Society/A Veterinary Emergency - Page 17 Senior Snippets/SPA Singles Social Group - Page 18 Do Something Amazing This Year/IT - Page 20 For Sale/Blood/Slinky Bus - Page 22 West Monkton Cricket Club/And Finally - Page 28 Publication in the Village News does not imply an endorsement. The Editors cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The information contained within this publication is published in good faith. Volunteers deliver this publication to homes in West Monkton, Monkton Heathfield, Bathpool, Gotton and Goosenford.

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Useful Names and Telephone Numbers Regular Events at West Monkton Village Hall Monkton Heathfield, TA2 8NE Rector: Rev. Mary Styles - 01823 451189 The Vicarage, , TA2 8HW Slimming World Associate Vicar half-time: Rev Jim Cox - 01823 333377 Mondays 09:00 - 11:00 Churchwarden: Hazel Adams - 01823 443027 Small Fry (Parent and Toddler Group) P.C.C Secretary: Samm Barge - 07976415337 Mondays 09:45 - 11:15 P.C.C Treasurer: David Cooke - Phoenix Camera Club Mondays 19:00 - 22:00 Captain of Bell ringers: Pearl Jeanes - 412804 Pilates Church Flower Organiser: Angela Dill - 412395 Tuesdays 09:30 - 10:30, Fridays 09:30 - 10:30 Mothers’ Union: Hazel Adams - 01823 443027 Brownies Benefice Office: Michele Hardiman - 01823 451257 Tuesdays (except school holidays) 18:00 - 19:30 Parish Council Clerk: Amy Shepherd - 01823 412922 Model Boat Club [email protected] Once a month on a Tuesday 19:30 - 21:30 PC Assistant Clerk: Tricia Cavill - 01823 413524 Monkton Players [email protected] Tuesdays 20:00 - 22:00 PC Chairman: Stuart Haskins - 07824410997 Badminton [email protected] Tuesdays 14:00 - 15:00, Wednesdays 20:00 - 22:00 West Monkton Primary School Head: National Childbirth Trust James Blackmore - 01823 412582 Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:00 Heathfield Community School Head: Fitness for Fun Wednesdays 18:00 - 19:00 Peter Hoare - 01823 412396 Bizzy Boots Line Dancing Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre: 01823 414141 Wednesdays 19:00 - 21:45 Community Transport: Writers Club 01823 331266 Mon-Fri. 9 am to 4 pm (Slinky Bus Wednesdays (except first in month) 19:15 - 21:15 24hrs notice). Coffee Morning (Ladies and Gents) Village Hall: Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 Telephone, incoming calls only - 01823 412068 Monkton Evening WI Booking Officer: Mrs Lyn Batt Tel: 01823 412089 Fourth Thursday of the month 17:30 - 19:30 Chairman: Joyce Keyte 01823 412294 Ladies Afternoon Tea Vice Chairman: Colin Bentley Tel: 01823 413193 Third Thursday of the month 14:30 - 16:30 BACH (Brittons Ash Community Hall) Trams & Light Railways Chairman: Barry Gage 07752723311 Once a month on a Saturday 13:30 - 16:30 [email protected] Hardy Plant Society, Somerset Group Booking Officer: Maggie Little 01823 323662 Once every month on a Saturday 10:30 - 13:00 Useful E-Mail addresses & websites: South West Orchid Society Community Website: www.somersetrcc.org.uk Once a month on a Sunday 14:00 - 17:00 Parish Council Website: www.westmonkton.net SGI Buddhist Group Litter Hotline: 01823 356356 Second Sunday of the month 10:00 - 12:30 Village Agent: Linda Burton ‘O’ Gauge Model Railways Mobile: 07931018019 Quarterly on a Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 Email: [email protected] For more information please contact Joyce Keyte on Benefice Facebook Page: Tel: 01823 412294 https://www.facebook.com/South-Quantock-Benefice- West-Monkton-Cheddon-Kingston-Broomfield- Village News: churches-242102696183594/ Please forward information for the next edition to the Benefice website: www.southquantockbenefice.org.uk Associate Editors, New Buildings and Developments enewsletter: to Lorna Walters, Tel. 01823 412017 sign up please email: [email protected] [email protected] Dawn Watts, Tel. 01823 412201 [email protected] Contact numbers: Village News Treasurer Ken Jones Police Sergeant 4320– Charmain Dyne Distribution of the Village News is organised by: Barry Police Community Support Officer – PCSO 7256 Gage, Maggie & Gordon Little and David Pearson. Scott Windsor: 07889655195 Submissions to Village News may be made by e-mail or by [email protected] hard copy. Please ask for a receipt to your e-mail to ensure PCSO 9255 Jake Edwards: 07701283686 that it arrives. Items submitted will be subjected to editing if [email protected] necessary. The deadline for submissions for the March - April Non emergency telephone 101 Emergency 999 2020 Village News is 1st February 2020.

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West Monkton Activities Group are organising

A Barn Dance at West Monkton Village Hall 1st February 6pm to 10pm

Dance to a live band and join the country dances. No experience necessary. Bring your friends along and have fun at this community event. Tickets on sale from 28th December on line from - http://buytickets.at/westmonktonactivities For paper tickets or further information phone Pearl Jeanes on 01823 412804 Tickets £10 - includes ploughman’s supper. Under 12’s £5, Under 5’s free. We look forward to seeing you there.

Next date for your diary: Saturday 25th April, 7pm, Auction of Promises

A Visit to Food Bank Thanks Salisbury Cathedral’s Flower Festival on Tuesday 15th September 2020

Following a sell-out trip to Winchester Cathedral’s Flower Festival we are arranging a trip to Salisbury’s magnificent Flower Festival with time to look around this beautiful city. Depart by Berrys Coach from Monkton Heathfield. Contact Kevin and Anne Davenport on 01823 413628 or email [email protected] to register your interest. More details later when prices are confirmed. Any profits will benefit our work with ‘The Guardians of the National Treasure’ charity which offers sports and educational opportunities in Lavender Hill township, Cape Town. Di Besley presenting Taunton Food Bank with some of the donations from the Harvest Festival collection.

A message from Taunton Foodbank: “A huge thank you to all who contributed to your Harvest Festival collection which raised an amazing 73.7 kgs of food for us. We are always astounded by the generosity of our community which continually keeps us in food and able to help those who need it most. Thank you so much again.” Anna Newman, Taunton Foodbank

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Community Cafe Meets from 2pm until 3:30pm Tuesdays during Term Time at the BACH (next to West Monkton Primary School)

Many thanks to those who supported our Tea and Cake afternoon on 20th October. There was a wonderful turn out, thank you so much if you came. Also, thank you for all the yummy cakes and amazing raffle prizes you donated. I unloaded twenty-six prizes from my car and thought that was brilliant. But, there were more; thanks to so many of Everyone from the local community is very you I think we ended up with sixty prizes. welcome. A big thank you as always to my brilliant Little Helpers Freshly brewed coffee, teas of various flavours including Cate (my new Fundraising Manager), plus sweet treats (also gluten free) fantastic as always. As you all know I couldn't do it FREE but donations towards costs are welcome. with out you all! A big thanks to Dave for putting up with the clutter and disruption, he knows it will all be Singles Club worthwhile in the end, ha ha! Yes, it definitely was, as we raised an amazing £1030.63 which was shared with my lovely cousin Jeff 14th January - between Parkinson's UK and Hearing Dogs for Deaf Lunch at The People. Maypole Thank you again for your support and generosity, it 11th February - never ceases to amaze me. Tea at a garden Look forward to seeing you at our next event. centre Many thanks again Lin (Keitch Taunton and Dis H.D.F.D.P) New friends are very welcome. If you are new to the village, Singles Club is a great way to meet new people. Any single person is most welcome. We meet on the second Tuesday in the month for a variety of activities. It is a very friendly group of about thirty-five people.

West Monkton Church 100 Club Prizewinners

The November Draw was held on 8th November One of the amazing cakes that were donated. First Prize: £90.00 won by Godfrey Carey Second Prize: £45.00 won by John Rainford The sum of £315.00 will go towards the church. The number of £5.00 shares entered in the draw was 90.

The December Draw was held on 7th December First Prize: £90.00 won by John Rainford Second Prize: £45.00 won by Lucy Dalton The sum of £315.00 will go towards the church. The number of £5.00 shares entered in the draw was 90. Congratulations to the winners! Your turn next month? If you would like to join or hear more about the 100 Club, please contact: Lin and Jeff. Kate Ayres 01823 413873

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Christmas Brunch and Coffee Morning

Thank you! It was lovely to see so many people at our Christmas Brunch on December 7th. Thank you to all our wonderful stall holders who produce amazing tables full of interesting things to buy. The same loyal people do this year after year. Also a big thank you to everyone who came, spent so generously and created a great atmosphere. We made £994.95 and a kind donation brought it to £1,000. A wonderful sum towards the work on the Church Tower. Tiggie Reeves.

Photos: Top right - hard workers who had made, and were now selling, a mountain of floral Christmas arrangements. Middle: Hard selling of the Bucket of Silver. Heaps of books for avid readers. Bottom right: An elf explaining the workings of the washing up machine! Above: Husband and wife negotiate the price of a treat from the Cake Stall.

Conservation of West Monkton Society (COWMS)

Fundraising Quiz and Supper At the Monkton Inn Wednesday 26th February 7:00pm for 7:30pm, followed by Quiz

Teams of 4 @ £15 per person to include Burger meal option and a drink from the bar.

To avoid disappointment book your place by contacting the pub on 01823 412414

Visit www.cowms.co.uk for further details

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Dates for Your Diary Cheddon & West Monkton Some people have suggested it would be good to Film Club have a ‘long range event forecast’ so that you can plan ahead for things you do not want to miss. Hence a ‘Dates for Your Diary’ column. However this column is going to depend on people who are arranging events of any kind letting the Friday 17th January ‘The Goldfinch’ Village News know as soon as a date is fixed - as Based on the award-winning novel of the same name far in advance as possible! by Donna Tartt. These are the dates we have so far: Theodore “Theo” Decker (Ansel Elgort) was 13 years old when his mother was killed in a bombing at the Community Cafe runs every Tuesday afternoon Metropolitan Museum of Art. The tragedy changes the (2-3:30pm) during term-time in the BACH and is a course of his life, sending him on a stirring odyssey of free event. grief and guilt, reinvention and redemption, and even Local Business Owners' Group Breakfast (from love. Through it all, he holds on to one tangible piece of 9am) at 16 Bishops Close, contact hope from that terrible day...a painting of a tiny bird [email protected] for dates. chained to its perch, the Goldfinch. Literary Drama PG 149 mins 2020 January Friday 21st February ‘Downton Abbey’ 17th Blood Donors, Village Hall (Page 22) 17th CWM Film Club (Page 6) The Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the 24th Quiz + Fish & Chips (Page 15) most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from February the King and Queen of will unleash scandal, 1st Barn Dance (Page 3) romance and intrigue that will leave the future of 21st CWM Film Club (Page 6) Downton hanging in the balance. 26th Pub Quiz & Supper (Page 5) A film with wide appeal to fans of the TV series and the March monarchy. 20th CWM Film Club (Page 6) Drama PG 122mins 25th Annual Parish Meeting (Page 14) Friday 20th March ‘Judy’ April Winter 1968 and showbiz legend Judy Garland (Renée 4th WI Quiz Night (Page 12) Zellweger) arrives in Swinging London to perform a five 17th CWM Film Club (Page 6) week sold-out run at The Talk of the Town. It is 30 years 24th Audio Visual + Ploughman’s (Page 15) since she shot to global stardom in The Wizard of Oz, 25th Auction of Promises (Page 3) but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has May only grown. As she prepares for the show, battles with 8th West Monkton Street Party management, charms musicians and reminisces with friends and adoring fans, her wit and warmth shine Keep this date free - it is the early May Bank through. Even her dreams of love seem undimmed as Holiday weekend and there will be a she embarks on a whirlwind romance with Mickey VE Day, Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband Afternoon Tea Party on The Street Anyone who has a love for Garland’s music will be Being arranged by the same team who brought deeply satisfied by this defiant portrayal of her autumn you the very successful ‘Lunch on The Street’ years. and ‘Brunch on The Street’. Biopic Drama 12A 118 mins More details in the next Village News Friday 17th April ‘The Lion King’ In the African savanna, a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom June celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s 2nd Ploughman’s & Puds Lunch (Page 15) brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of September his own. 15th Salisbury Cathedral Flower Festival (Page 3) Brought up to date with new voices and rearranged October songs that you’ll be tapping your feet to whilst taking in 1st Supper with Speaker (Page 15) its stunning lifelike visuals. December Family Musical Remake PG 118mins 1st Soup & Puds Lunch (Page 15) Memorial Hall Doors Open – 6:30pm for refreshments There will be more information about many of Short Film – 7:00pm, these events in the Village News closer to the Main Film - approx 7:20pm dates. Tickets £6 at door [email protected] 01823 412278

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lunch, with the familiar smells and sights of autumn West Monkton filling me with the very same feeling. As we approach Primary School such a special time of year, I feel a tingle of excitement in the way the school looks and feels in anticipation for the times ahead. Over half way through the Autumn Term, I have been Dear Community, feeling in a reflective mood. As a staffing body, we are proud of our school. We are proud of the I hope you all enjoyed the various activities that are achievements we have made and we are proud of the associated with autumn. There is certainly an 'order' plans and developments we are making or are to autumn events that, even as a child, I held dear, planning to make. We know we don't always get it from the beginning of the school year until right but are reflective enough to embrace feedback Christmas. As a child, growing up in Bridgwater, the in order to improve the offer for our children. We so carnival and fireworks came closely after the fun of very dearly want the best for all of the community and Halloween. From this point there was then a clear will work relentlessly to achieve this. run to Christmas with the beginning of advent and I don't know how many of our wider community will the usual festivities. Working in a school, it's a know this but the Bishop of Bath and Wells recently privilege to feel the same feeling each and every visited our school! Although we were a little nervous, year, just as I would have done as a child. I write to Bishop Peter arrived to a welcome from our School you, following walking around our playground, at and Worship Council who proudly showed the Bishop around the school. He seemed very impressed with all that we are doing and marked the occasion by planting an oak tree just to the left of the car park as you look at the school from the front. The significance of the oak tree stems from the fact that we are part of The Oak Partnership and the tree signifies the early life of our work together. By the time you come to read this, you would have enjoyed Christmas and will be seeing in the new year. All of us at West Monkton CE Primary School wish you a very prosperous New Year. All the very best... Mr J. Blackmore Headteacher

The oak tree is planted by Bishop Peter and some pupils.

South Quantock Benefice

Just before Christmas Volis farm turned into Bethlehem! Lots of children from local schools were invited to come and experience a live nativity with all the sights, smells, sounds and mud of a real farm. There was even a live baby Jesus to find at the end of their travels!

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South Quantock Benefice Services February 2nd Candlemas January 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) Kingston 5th The Epiphany 10:00am Holy Communion inc. Baptism W Mon 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) Kingston 11:10am Sunday Seedlings West Monkton 10:00am Communion Service West Monkton 10:00am Family Service Kingston 11:10am Sunday Seedlings West Monkton 11:00am Family Service Broomfield 11:00am Family Service Broomfield 12noon Baptism West Monkton 12th Baptism of Christ 5th Wednesday 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) W Monkton 2:00pm Communion in the Vicarage, Kingston 10:00am Communion Service Kingston 9th 3rd Sunday before Lent 10:00am Family service Cheddon 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) West Monkton 4:00pm Refresh WM School Hall 10:00am Communion Service Kingston 15th Wednesday 10:00am Family service Cheddon 2:00pm Communion Service at 4 Garden 4:00pm Refresh WM School Hall Close, Northwalls Grange, TA2 8FZ16th 2nd Sunday before Lent 19th 2nd Sunday of Epiphany 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) Kingston 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) Kingston 10:00am Holy Communion West Monkton 11:00am Plough Sunday service followed by 11:10am Sunday Seedlings West Monkton lunch – Please note time change! West Monkton 11:00am Communion Service Broomfield 11:10am Sunday Seedlings West Monkton 19th Wednesday 11:00am Communion Service Broomfield 2:00pm Communion Service at 4 Garden Close, 3:00pm Baptism West Monkton Northwalls Grange, Cheddon TA2 8FZ 26th 3rd Sunday of Epiphany 23rd Sunday next before Lent 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) W Monkton 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) West Monkton 10:00am Communion Service Kingston 10:00am Communion Service Kingston 10:00am Communion service Cheddon 10:00am Communion service Cheddon 6:00pm Plough Sunday Service Broomfield 6:00pm Plough Sunday Service Broomfield 26th Ash Wednesday Please see website for service time & location www.southquantockbenefice.org

Sunday Seedlings Plough Sunday Services:

15 minutes of songs, stories & fun for 0 to 5s & their families to learn about Jesus. Then coffee & delicious pastries

NEW Time and Venue Sunday 19th January, 11am, All meetings 11:10am at West Monkton Church West Monkton (unless otherwise stated) followed by Soup and Apple Cake 5th January Children are very welcome 19th January – join Plough Sunday service at West Monkton 2nd February Sunday 26th January, 6pm, 16th February Broomfield Facebook: South Quantock Benefice Phone: 01823 451257 mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]

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News from West Monkton Parish Church in the South Quantock Benefice

You know it's nearly Harvest time when Christmas cards start appearing in the shop. As we begin a new year we can expect to see Easter eggs on the shelves. All the fun of the seasons are in the anticipation, it seems. It's hard to know if this is a genuinely psychological phenomenon or simply the pressure of the Rev Jim Cox at the service where the new Monkton Evening commercialism which seems to tarnish all our noble Women’s Institute Banner was blessed. See Page 12 endeavours. A genuine excited anticipation can enrich a celebration, but the speed of transition to the next thing can undermine our enjoyment and it can prevent us from living in the present moment. We REFRESH hardly have time to breathe before we are whisked South Quantock Benefice’s along to the next thing. new contemporary worship service The church goes in for anticipation in a methodical at West Monkton Primary School hall way, which it hopes will enhance the experience: Advent leads up to Christmas and Lent to Easter. But All are welcome. Please join us! within this is an attempt to be mindful of the present Eat Pray Worship moment. It is an obvious thing to say, but the past has gone and the future may unfold differently to how we anticipate. The only actual 'reality' is now. It's what lies behind Jesus' advice to us not to worry so much. Advent and Lent are what the church calls 'solemn' seasons; times of reflection and stillness. We are encouraged to consider where we are in life - 'before Second Sunday of each month God', as we say. It is an exercise in retrospection, Refreshments at 4:00pm, certainly - have we lived our lives well; and an Worship 4:30pm to 5:15pm exercise in anticipation - how will we use the rest of our time on earth? But its aim is to inform our behaviour and attitudes in the present moment and to From the West Monkton church registers bask in the assurance of the love of God. We all know where we ultimately end up - life, after Baptisms: all is a terminal condition. Be a shame to race past the glories this life has to offer and come to the end We welcome the newly baptised as they start their too quickly without having appreciated some journey of faith with us. moments along the way. 6th October Matilda Elsley 20th October Lucia Brown-Gomez Jim Cox 20th October Isabelle Gardner 20th October Caiden Bell 3rd November Jasper Dare 17th November Sienna Gill 24th November Henry Pearce-Gould

Funerals: 9th December Peggy Chivers

We remember this life and pray for those who mourn her.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/South-Quantock-Benefice-West-Monkton-Cheddon-Kingston-Broomfield-churches- 242102696183594/

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parties; conferences; seminars, team building Bathpool meetings and special services. Conditions may Chapel apply and hire costs for the chapel are negotiable. The garden is always open to all to visit. Feel free to pull up a weed or two and help keep this beautiful space tidy! For general enquiries about the Chapel or garden please contact Pastor Naomi as above.

Parking

Sunday morning service starts at 10.30-1200 When using the chapel premises you can park at followed by shared lunch. New to the area and Aldi opposite, but remember there is a 90 minute looking for a Church? You are very welcome to join time limit. The New Mill allows us to park in their car our friendly church family. park for free. For enquiries regarding services or other matters Please contact Pastor Naomi Gull on 07882 76415 Good news! We have more jars of wonderful email:[email protected] damson jam and chutney for sale. Hurry and buy them whilst they are available! All proceeds will go Forthcoming Events: towards the Community Garden. Hearty soup and roll Every Saturday 12 – 2pm in the activities room of the Somerset Intercessors met at Bathpool Chapel in Chapel during the months of December and January November for a wonderful time of Worship and also (donation only). Do you know someone living on their training in Spiritual Warfare. We cannot give you own who would enjoy some company as well as a any more details in case they fall into the enemy’s nourishing meal? hands! If transport is a problem, the bus stops right outside. We are here to welcome you, so why not come along We were unable to hold the general local and keep us company on a cold, damp, winters day! knowledge quiz show due to all hands being busy moving the Pastor from into the Prayer and Evangelism: Manse next to the Chapel. However, we are Bible Studies planning another chance for you to show off your By popular demand we are running a day time study knowledge and win prizes in February 2020. Check with tea and cake every Saturday morning 10am to the notice board for details. 11:30am. Now that I am in the Chapel manse I would love to All Nations Ladies Ministry see you whenever I am in the front office. I am on Every Wednesday – 3:00pmto 5:00pm. An enjoyable site to develop the ministry and intend to be time of pampering with shoulder, hand or foot available wherever there is a spiritual need. Please massage; word search and memory games; painting don’t hesitate to give me a call to make sure I’m and creating or just chatting. around and come and share a coffee and your story Further information from Pastor Naomi & Rose with me. Crowie. May God bless you richly in this, the new year of Make your interests count Our Lord Jesus Christ. We welcome new ideas for a Thursday group activity. Pastor Naomi Gull Please come along and share your interests. Lets Taunton Church of the Nazarene make it a social time during days of cold and early 07882764153 nights. [email protected]

Churches Together: British Isles and South District The Chapel & Community Garden 103 Bridgwater Road Taunton TA2 8BA. This large space and its facilities are available for Registered Charity 1166295 people to hire and book for children’s birthday

New Year 2020 v starting a new decade v making resolutions v enjoying the cosy dark evenings v looking forward to those first signs of spring Best wishes for the New Year from all of us in the Village News team

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Somerset Birds productive sites and, with careful observation, back garden birders can and do turn up some truly Birding can throw up regular surprises. On November unusual birds. Often these are identified 13th I was doing my regular winter counts along the retrospectively by photographs posted on-line, and coast path bordering Minehead Golf Course when I sadly all too often after the bird has moved on. flushed a Hoopoe, a rare visitor to our shores and an The better managed a garden feeding station is, the instantly recognisable one. Some of you will have more the likelihood that something exciting might seen them in the Canaries or southern Europe where arrive. The key is to provide a wide variety of foods. they are quite common. I have seen them in places These will attract a good range of common species like Lanzarote feeding around holiday flats and too. Sunflower hearts are good for finches, such as chalets, where they can appear quite tame. It has Goldfinch and the rarer Siskin and Brambling. All long been associated with human habitations, and the tit species will eat these and peanuts and fat was a bird known to the ancient Egyptians, featuring balls too. A good tactic is to impale apples on twigs. Fieldfares and Redwings will eat these particularly when hard weather drives them into gardens, but Blackcaps are also fond of them. A few years ago, at Portland Bird Observatory, a very rare Barred Warbler, a relative of the Blackcap was attracted by the apples and fed for several days. It should have been wintering in East Africa or India! Perhaps the best illustration I can give is to relate the experience of a friend of mine Hoopoe living near Yeovil a Barred Warbler few years ago. His in many of their wall paintings and engravings. In small garden and feeding station attracted daily Britain there are few annual records, usually in spring attention from regular House Sparrows, Starlings, when migrants overshoot their regular distribution Goldfinches and other common birds. Then one range. Autumn and winter records are particularly winter day he was astonished to see on the feeders notable. a sparrow-sized, ash grey bird with a white beak he Dove sized, Hoopoes are brownish pink in colour instantly with strikingly black and white wings, very recognised as a conspicuous in flight. The beak is quite long and Dark-eyed Junco, down-curved and the bird has a prominent crest one of the North raised momentarily on landing and when anxious. American Sparrows The song, from which the bird gets its name, is a far- and extremely rare carrying, liquid, repetition of 'poo - poo -poo' often this side of the delivered for long periods. The Hoopoe spends much Atlantic. This is still of its time probing short grassy areas in search of the only American passerine burrowing insects and their larvae. It is particularly Dark-eyed Junco fond of mole crickets, which although relatively (perching bird) to common on the Continent, are themselves rare in have reached Britain. Its feeding habits therefore make golf courses Somerset. great favourites. Very rarely spring Hoopoes have So the possibilities exist, even in the most modest of stayed to breed, and have done so in Somerset. In gardens. Should you be lucky enough to find 1977 a pair raised one chick at Berrow, appropriately something similar, please let me know - or at least enough, by the golf course. send a photograph! This pleasant encounter served to remind me that Brian Hill rare birds can turn up just about anywhere and at unexpected times of the year. Experienced birders Somerset Ornithological Society welcomes are skilled at predicting where and when certain people whatever their level of interest in birds. rarities may be seen. Most of these sites are coastal Our next meeting is at Village Hall on headlands, such as the Lizard and Lands End in Thursday January 23rd when James Packer will Cornwall, since disorientated migrants are funnelled talk on the wildlife of Iberia. All are welcome, towards these. Though Somerset cannot match refreshments are free, and there is no charge. these sites in terms of rarity attraction, Brean Down Please contact me on 01823 442918 for further regularly turns up rare migrants in spring and details. autumn. Rare birds are, however, not limited to these

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presents, whilst others busied themselves making West Monkton Evening table decorations in readiness for our Carol Service. Women’s Institute A few of our ladies have been busy making a West Monkton Evening WI Banner which we can take to WI events. None of the other members had been privy to the final result, but it was revealed for the first time at our November meeting, in readiness for it Summer seemed to drift very quickly into winter, and to be blessed at our Carol Service. They have done the dark evenings closing in fast – we shouldn’t an amazing job as you can see from the picture – complain really, as our summer has been pretty well done ladies fabulous job. good, just gone too quickly. We are part of a group of WI’s, and we take it in Our September meeting was tinged with sadness, as turns to organise the annual Carol Service. This year we lost one of our members, Barbara Harper. She it was our turn, the service was held in West was a lovely lady and we all send our best wishes Monkton Church, our banner was blessed and and condolences to her family, she will be missed. afterwards we treated the congregation to afternoon After our normal summer break, our meeting in tea in the Annexe of the Hall. A very good September brought lots of news about forthcoming attendance and a lovely afternoon, just right to start events coming up, and we even mentioned the the Christmas celebrations. Our banner was blessed Christmas word. Our speaker for the evening was at the Church as you can see from the photo on Brian Wright, who gave us a talk entitled ‘Food for Page 9. Thought’. He spoke about different foods through the We are a very friendly group, and if you like the ages, starting with breakfast delights through to the sound of what you read about us, why not come evening meal. Did you know that Romans were along for a taster? New members and guests are extremely fond of snails and apparently it took the very welcome, we meet in the Annexe of West milk from 700 asses to fill Cleopatra's bath, so she Monkton Village Hall at 7:30pm on the fourth could have the pleasure of bathing in it? For Thursday of each month (unless we are having an afternoon tea there are still some favourites around outing and we do not meet in August); just ring our today, Battenburg (eaten at the wedding of Princess President Ann May on 01823 334168 for details. Victoria of Hesse and Prince Louis of Battenburg), Once again a special thank you to Sylvia Renshaw Garibaldi biscuits and of course sandwiches named who organises all our brilliant speakers. at the Earl of Sandwich. Other ‘delights’ for dinner Forthcoming programme: would be mock turtle soup, dormouse, cows udders, January: Subscriptions due for 2020 haggis, horse and even Captain Scott ate penguin for Nat West talking about SCAMS his Christmas dinner. Interesting evening indeed. February: The Somerset Tommy (Nigel Handbury) Our November meeting was our usual art and craft March: Heart screening in the young (Mrs Edwards) evening – this time we welcomed along a lady who April 4th: QUIZ NIGHT at the Hall 7.00pm made jewellery, and many of our ladies enjoyed April: Beekeeping (Anthony Gill) learning how to make jewellery for Christmas May: A.G.M. and American supper June: Drive Safer for longer (Steve Greenhalgh)

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Gardening Corner water and then they can be left outside until they have rooted- this can take a year so be patient. Here are two gardening jobs to do in Alternatively you can find a space within your January and February: borders, maybe tucked away at the back, and dig the Hardwood cuttings soil. The hardwood cuttings can then be pushed into Hardwood cuttings are one of the easiest cuttings to the soil and literally just left there. To keep it weed take and require very little attention. They are a great free you could pin down a weed suppressant matting way to increase your stocks of deciduous shrubs in first and then push the cuttings through. the garden. At Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton The only disadvantage of hardwood cuttings is that we use this method to increase stocks of Dogwoods, they can take a little longer to root so you need to winter flowering honeysuckles and Philadelphus. You have the space to keep them for a good few months. can also propagate Abelias, Deutzias, Viburnum and But once they have produced roots they soon put on fruit bushes such as gooseberries and currants…and a growth spurt and should provide you with new it’s really simple. shrubs in no time. Splitting or planting snowdrops for next year Snowdrops, or Galanthus as they are botanically known, are one of the most optimistic flowers, poking their heads above the parapet in all weathers and announcing that spring is not far away. They are something to look forward too after Christmas and keep flowering into March when the other spring flowers are ready to take over. A few years ago a team of Hestercombe gardeners, staff and volunteers planted 50,000 snowdrops in an area known as Rook Wood. It’s true that we have lost some to the greedy squirrels but we now have an amazing swath of snowdrops through the trees. The best way to plant snowdrops is ‘in the green’. This just means whilst in leaf and actually it makes Taking cuttings from a Dogwood life easier as you can see where you have planted. Snowdrops are really good at self-spreading and a The cuttings are taken when the shrub is dormant; few bulbs quite quickly becomes a good-sized clump any time after it has lost its leaves until bud break in which can then be February or March. Firstly take your secateurs out lifted, split and into the garden to collect the material. You are looking replanted. for straight stems about the thickness of a pencil if Wait until the possible but thinner ones do work. Avoid any stems snowdrops have that are too weak or damaged. Cut long stems so that flowered and the you have plenty of material to play with. Once back at foliage is just a bench use your beginning to die secateurs or a back. This allows sharp knife and the leaves to make a straight photosynthesise for cut under a bud or as long as possible and means that all that energy leaf scar. From the has been transferred back to the bulb. Dig around the base of that cut clump and lift it out of the ground. Depending on your count up to 5 or 6 soil you will probably find that you can split the clump buds (about 8-12” into pieces by hand. long). At this point It is best to replant the new clumps or bulbs straight making a sloping away. Galanthus bulbs hate getting dried out so cut away from the planting right away will reduce moisture loss. When bud. There are two important reasons for this. Firstly you replant, plant to the same depth they were when water hits the stem it will run off away from the before. You will be able to see this, as any leaf/stem bud making it less likely that the bud will rot off. that was below ground will be blanched and white Secondly it helps you to remember which way up the where it wasn’t able to photosynthesise. Firm the cutting goes and which way up to plant it. plants in and water. Then there are two ways to deal with your cuttings. Snowdrops prefer to be in semi shade and in fairly You can just fill pots with multipurpose compost, firm moist but well drained soil. Make sure that they don’t the soil down and then push the hardwood cuttings in. dry out too much in a hot summer. It is such an easy Push them in quite far as roots may form from any of way of establishing such a pretty carpet of flowers. the underground buds. As an extra precaution the Remember that it is illegal to dig up snowdrops in end of the cutting can be dipped in hormone rooting the wild. powder before being inserted into the pot. Make sure Claire Greenslade, Head Gardener at that you clearly label your pots. Give them some Hestercombe

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News from the local interest. If you have any suggestions for topics you’d like to hear about, please get in touch with the Parish Council Clerk [email protected] Dates for your diary Parish Council meets on the second Tuesday of Monkton Heathfield Traffic Calming Consultation the month at 7:00pm at the BACH. Public question The Developers of Monkton Heathfield Phase 1 are time comes up on the agenda after the meeting has required to conduct a consultation on proposed been formally opened, usually about 7:10pm. additional (to those measures that already have Members of the public may speak; but don’t be planning approval) traffic calming measures for disappointed - this is not a discussion forum. Monkton The place to discuss matters that concern you is at Heathfield, in the Parish Surgery, an informal drop-in session particular along attended by Parish, District and County councillors, the A3259. The and the Clerks. You can have a chat over a cup of consultation will coffee on the second Thursday of the month at be website based 8:30am at the BACH. The surgery usually runs for and will therefore about an hour. be available for The West Monkton Parish Council Planning all to comment Committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month on. Details of the to consider the Council’s response to planning consultation, applications, and other consultations. If you want to including the speak on a planning matter, please come along on website link, will be included on the Parish Council the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm at the website and Facebook page and the Parish Council BACH. hopes to run a session at the BACH to provide As always, if you have any queries regarding Parish members of the community with an opportunity to Council matters, please contact either the Clerk come and view the proposed traffic calming ([email protected]) or Assistant Clerk measures. Please check the Parish Council website ([email protected]) or visit the and Facebook page for further information. Parish Council website (www.westmonkton.net). Brittons Ash Community Hall (BACH) Neighbourhood Plan Further improvements have been made to the BACH The questionnaire, seeking to understand your to enable the use of the Hall for more purposes and views on outdoor recreation, your accommodation occasions by the Community. A sound system and and your neighbourhood, was sent to 3417 projector and screen have now been added to the addresses within the NP area. We received 378 Activity Hall. The BACH is available for both responses which represents a response rate of business and private bookings. Further information 11%, with an average completion rate of 99%. An about the facilities available at the BACH is available analysis of the responses has been made, which will on the Parish Council website: inform both Parish Councils as they set budgets and https://westmonkton.net/parish-council/brittons-ash- the precept for next year. We invited your comments community-hall-bach/ at the end of the questionnaire and 119 respondents If you would like to book took the opportunity. the hall for upcoming We liked the ones that said thank you. christenings, birthday We were very pleased how many people wanted to parties or perhaps some volunteer in the area: and so many wanted more classes you can do so information about green spaces we are exploring the by contacting Maggie possibility of producing a free map/leaflet. To those the Bookings Officer who ticked yes in question 23 to volunteering, but (bachbookings@westm then didn’t provide contact information – all we can onkton.net) or using the say is ‘sorry!’, please get in touch using the contact facility available on the website: information above. https://westmonkton.net/parish-council/brittons-ash- There were relatively few comments about large community-hall-bach/bach-bookings-calendar/ developments and road infrastructure (neither of Tennis courts which were the focus of this questionnaire). We are Information about the Community use of the tennis hopeful that ongoing explanations of where we are courts at Heathfield School is now available on the in Planning Terms has helped most residents to Parish Council website and Facebook page. Please understand the situation. Please contact any of your take a look, or if you would like further information District Councillors about development issues, which please contact the Clerk ([email protected]). are part of the Forward Planning Policies of SWTC. Annual Parish Meeting We thought the comments alleging drug trafficking The APM will be in the BACH at 7:00pm on and needles at Farriers Green needed to be Wednesday 25th March. This is an informal substantiated by fact and reported to the Police. meeting for residents to meet and mingle over Contact information is provided in the inside cover of refreshments, and hear presentations on items of the Village News.

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News from West Monkton Village Hall Monkton Heathfield, TA2 8NE I wrote in the last issue of the Village News that the Hall had been awarded the highest star rating by the Community Council of Somerset. Joyce Keyte and I attended the AGM of the Community Council to be presented with the certificates, we were astonished to also receive the District Award for Taunton Deane 2019. As Trustees we are delighted to have achieved both these awards and together with our faithful volunteers will endeavour to keep the whole Hall complex to a high standard. If you are new to the area and would like to see the Joyce Keyte (on right) at the presentation. halls do drop in to the Coffee Morning held on Thursdays from 10am to 11:30am when will be very Dates for your Diary: happy to meet you and show you around the January 24th 6.30 for 7pm complex. Quiz Night and Fish and Chip Supper Iris Pigott April 24th. 7pm An Audio Visual Evening Ploughman’s Supper Hooray the Mobile Library will be calling! June 2nd. 12.30 for 1pm Somerset Library will be calling and will park in the Ploughman’s and Puds Lunch Village Hall car park at the following time : October 1st 7 for 7.30pm on Wednesdays, once every four weeks. Supper Evening with Speaker 9:10am to 9:40am. December 1st 12.30 for 1pm January, February dates should be on website soon. Soup and Puds Lunch A loyal user told us how lovely the new van is and For information about any of the above events what a good choice of books it has! So it is definitely Iris on 01823 413 552 worth checking out.

Parish Council Cont: The full report will be published on Parish websites in Whilst we didn’t mind some skipped questions (it was due course. a long questionnaire), we are sorry that some of you felt unable to complete the questionnaire for a variety Budget and Precept of reasons; ranging from ‘ridiculous waste of money’ A working party met to consider the budget for the to ‘too much pie in the sky’. year ahead. The budget included suggestions that By way of explanation, the evidence gathered from had been made in the NP questionnaire responses, the responses of residents to this questionnaire will and was created in the context of ‘Climate inform both Parish Councils on the best ways to Emergency’. West Monkton Parish Council is allocate precious resources in budget setting considering declaring a Climate Emergency in line meetings at the end of this month, at which the with declarations made by SCC and SWTC, and also Parish Precept will be determined. The data will in line with 265 other authorities up and down the allow Parish Councils to develop projects that will country. It is likely that grants will be available for benefit the majority of the community. We will share residents to take measures to contribute to reducing the data collected (but not your personal details) with carbon emissions, and revisions of the other stakeholders in our community so that Neighbourhood Plan policies will also reflect the everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the situation. information you have contributed. The stakeholders The draft of the budget will be presented to the full include West Monkton Cricket Club, Taunton Area Council for adoption. The budget determines how Cycling Campaign, Canal and River Trust and IWA much precept is required from SWTC. The first draft (South West), the three community halls in the NP indicates an increase of circa £3 - £4 on last year’s area, and Gardens, SCC precept. This equates to 7p per week. Ecology and Bat Officer.

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Tacchi-Morris Valentine’s Cream Tea Wed 5 Feb, 1:30-3pm Theatre Aimed at care home residents and local guests who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness - the tea is a chance to come together, be entertained and enjoy a splendid cream tea or two! To book, please email: Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre [email protected] FREE Entry 20th Anniversary TMAC Open Mic Fri 7 Feb, 7:30pm Exhibition Calling all musicians, poets, public speakers and more. Tue 14 Jan – Mon 27 Apr TMAC Open Mic Nights are back! From experienced Curated by Pauline Smith performers, to beginners, to people just wanting to A special exhibition to celebrate the 20th anniversary of check out some of the local talent; join TMAC in the the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre. Exploring the centre’s Spotlight bar area for a series of friendly, welcoming beginnings, the life of the famous Kathleen Tacchi- and entertaining evenings at the TMAC Open Mic! Morris, the Peace Child production that brought her For more info. or if you’re interested in performing, together with Heathfield Community School and the please email: [email protected] FREE Entry history of shows and events that have entertained and The Vox Beatles Sat 15 Feb, 7:30pm enriched the local community. The Vox Beatles are the UK's premier and most 9 to 5 authentic Beatles band. Heathfield Community School Their passion, enthusiasm and superb musicianship Tue 14 & Wed 15 Jan, 7pm capture live on stage the essence of a pure Beatles From Teachers to Preachers. Librarians to performance. Veterinarians. Lawyers to Employers. Join the BTEC The Vox Beatles perform their show with the upmost of Dance Students as they explore 9 to 5 working life respect to the fab four lads from Liverpool, who through a collection of dance works based on the changed our musical lives with their music forever. concept of ‘careers’. Standard £19 | Concession £18 Standard £6.50 | Concession £5 | Student £4.50 Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense Private Peaceful The Theatre Chipping Norton and Barn Theatre Heathfield Community School Wed 19 & Thu 20 Feb, 7:30pm Tue 28 & Wed 29 Jan, 7pm In a joyous reimagining of the classic P.G.Wodehouse Written by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Simon characters, three actors hurl themselves from role to Reade. role as they race to tell the story of Bertie’s own farcical Join BTEC Drama students as they relive the life of adventures. Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense Private Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier of the First was created by the Goodale Brothers, adapted primarily World War. Witness his story of loyalty, bravery, love from P.G. Wodehouse’s The Code of the Woosters. and death as he waits through the night to see what After hugely successful runs in the West End, it won the dawn will bring… 2014 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Standard £6.50 | Concession £5 | Student £4.50 | Standard £16 | Concession £15 | Student £12 Peace Child 2020 Concerts Dead Good Tue 25 & Wed 26 Feb, 6:30pm Vamos Theatre Fri 28 Feb, 7:30pm In 1990, young people from 24 nations across the world Age Guidance: 12+ converged on Heathfield to rehearse this ground- Dead Good is a co-production with Corn Exchange breaking show leading to performances in Taunton and Newbury and a co-commission with London on London’s West End! Now, Heathfield Community International Mime Festival. School Music Department present two concerts that Funny and poignant in equal measure, Dead Good is celebrate the 30th anniversary of the musical Peace the hotly anticipated new production from full mask Child. maestros, Vamos Theatre. Created in collaboration with Standard £5 | Student £3 palliative care patients and specialists, it’s a gloriously SPACE Fest: Emilia witty, wordless theatre show about the ultimate shared The SPACE Company experience. Tue 4 - Thu 6 Feb, 7pm Accessible to deaf audiences without a signer. A riotous, witty reclaiming of the life of an exceptional Standard £15 | Concession £13 | Student £9 woman, Emilia Bassano. In Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's The Music of Glenn Miller & Frank Sinatra electrifying play, Emilia and her sisters reach out across Deane Big Band Sat 29 Feb, 7:30pm the centuries with passion, fury, laughter and song. Timeless music from Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra Standard £10 | Concession £9 | Student £7 played by one of the top Big Bands in the South West. SPACE Fest: The Dance Edition A full programme celebrating 2 greats of swing, with a Wed 12 & Thu 13 Feb, 7pm couple of Big Band classics thrown in for good A page turning contemporary dance show celebrating measure. everything we read, see and share in today’s Good tunes, good times. In the mood? Come fly with Newspapers. Be the first to see the dancing headlines us! and watch the news unfold. Flick to the middle to catch Standard £13.50 | Concession £12 | Student £10 up on the entertainment gossip. Skip to the back to witness the latest sporting action. Every part of the Tickets are available from the TMAC Box Office, the journey is covered from factory to hand, so make sure Taunton Visitor Centre or online at tacchi-morris.com. you pick up your copy, grab a seat and read all about it! Tacchi-Morris Box Office – www.tacchi-morris.com Standard £10 | Concession £9 | Student £7 Tel: 01823 414141

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Taunton Film Society Urethral Obstruction in male cats – www.tauntonfilmsociety.co.uk A Veterinary Emergency January 3rd ‘Everybody Knows’ Urethral obstruction or “blocked bladder” is a Spain Cert: 15 2 hours 13 minutes condition that occurs when the urethrea (the tube Laura, a Spanish woman living in Buenos Aires, returns that takes urine from the bladder to the genital to her hometown outside Madrid with her two children to opening) becomes blocked. attend her sister’s wedding. However, the trip is upset When the urethra becomes obstructed, urine cannot by unexpected events that bring secrets into the open. be passed and the bladder cannot empty. If the This is a movie about a devastating external blow to a blockage is not removed, this condition will lead to family, delivered with almost supernatural accuracy, a kidney failure and the bladder can even rupture blow which exposes all sorts of cracks and weaknesses (burst) through overfilling, just like a balloon. and fault lines, and does so with such pitiless efficiency Untreated, this condition will lead to death within 2-3 that it is almost as if these secrets and lies are a kind of days. sin which has called forth an inevitable punishment. It is Blockages can be caused by debris (crystals, cells an idea to which the director Farhardi has been drawn and proteins) in the urine forming a plug which before: the unburied secret, the unhealed wound, the causes an obstruction, small bladder stones can imminent return of the repressed. become lodged in the urethra, and inflammation can January 24th ‘Sanctuary’ cause muscle spasms in the urethra and associated Ireland Cert:15 1 hour 27 minutes structures. There’s a wonderful warmth and directness to this Urethral obstruction occurs almost exclusively in movie, by Christian O’Reilly and directed by feature male cats. Males have a very narrow urethra which first-timer Len Collin. makes them more prone to blockages than females In the lead roles, non-professionals Charlene Kelly and Kieran Coppinger play Sophie and Larry - one has due to their anatomical differences. It is also more epilepsy and the other Down’s syndrome. Sophie is prevalent in male cats that are overweight or prone to cared for in a community facility and Larry is at home stress. with his mum, but they have met in Sophie’s care home Fortunately, urethral obstruction can be treated. The and have fallen in love. And care worker Tom (Robert primary aim is to remove the blockage and allow the Doherty) has arranged to let them have an afternoon urine to drain freely. Usually a catheter is placed together in a local hotel in town, sneaking them away whilst the cat is under anaesthetic. The vet may also from a group trip to the cinema. This is against his recommend blood tests to check for kidney damage, better judgement, and indeed against the law which urine tests to check for infection and crystals and x- forbade sexual relations between people with rays to check for bladder stones. Long term, developmental disabilities medication and dietary management can help unless they were married - since repealed. prevent a recurrence. In recurrent cases, a BFI says: Very worthy – but right-on sermonising this procedure called a perineal urethrostomy, where ain’t. Thoughtful, nuanced and fun, it subverts received surgery to make the urethral opening larger, may be ideas about disability in its very approach to filmmaking. recommended. February 21st ‘Faces Places’ If you own a male cat, be aware of urethral France Cert:12 1 hour 34 minutes obstruction as a condition, as getting treatment as Agnes Varda, one of the leading lights of France's soon as possible is a critical factor in your pet making honoured French New Wave cinema era, and a full recovery. Symptoms to look out for include professional photographer and muralist, J.R., partake repeated unsuccessful attempts to urinate, increased on a special art project. Together, they travel around France in a special box truck equipped as a portable licking of the penis and surrounding area, painful photo booth and travelling printing facility as they take abdomen, vocalising, agitation and vomiting. photographs of people around the country. With that If you notice these symptoms and are concerned inspiration, they also create special colossal mural about urethral obstruction, contact your veterinary pictures of individuals, communities and places they surgery for advice. They will also be able to advise want to honour and celebrate. Along the way, the old on weight and stress management, which could help cinematic veteran and the young artistic idealist enjoy reduce the change of urethral obstruction occurring. an odd friendship as they chat and explore their views on the world as only they can. Victoria Woods MRCVS TFS EXTRA Sunday 1st March 2pm to 5pm Tone Veterinary Centre ‘Midnight Cowboy’, talk and discussion. See website for more details. Taunton Film Society show films at The SPACE (next to Tacchi-Morris). Doors open at 7:00pm and the film starts at 7:30pm. Refreshments are served prior to the film and there is time for discussion afterwards. The dates for the rest of the season are: 17th April, 15th May and 19th June. If you want to know more you can email us on [email protected]

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Senior Snippets ● Use physical contact to provide reassurance. Tips to communicate with people Holding or patting the person's hand or putting your living with dementia arm around them might be all that is needed to let Welcome to the latest edition of them know you are there for them. Senior Snippets: the advisory ● Use visual clues. Writing your messages down or column with the older members of using objects or pictures to help the person our community in mind, brought to understand could help alleviate a breakdown in you by Noel Munson, Director of Home Instead communication. Senior Care in Taunton. Communication difficulties can be frustrating and In this edition, we will be sharing some tips and ideas upsetting for people with dementia as well as their about how to communicate with people living with carers and loved ones. Active listening, non-verbal dementia. communication, visual props and laughter are just a When we think about communicating, our first instinct few ways to help alleviate some of the tensions you is to speak, but there are times when communication may experience when engaging with those living with consists of much more than just a verbal dementia. conversation. When communicating with someone At Home Instead, we look after hundreds of people with dementia, there are many things to consider, with dementia in the comfort of their own home – and remember that talking isn’t always the most many in their 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Detecting effective method. dementia early means we can provide the support to Here are some ideas to help with communication: help people live happy, fulfilled lives at home for ● Acknowledge what the person has said. Even if longer. Find out more about how Home Instead can they don't answer your question, express that you've help by contacting 01823 211121 or email heard them and encourage them to say more about [email protected] their answer. ● Use gestures, movement and facial expressions. Physical signs and body language can all convey meaning and help get messages across, especially when speaking becomes more difficult. ● Use Humour. Laughing can help to bring you closer together, and may relieve the pressure. ● Become an active listener. Listening is a very important aspect of engaging with someone with dementia. Look for non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body language to try and understand what they are trying to tell you. ● Let the person express their feelings. If the person is feeling sad, don’t try and persuade them away from that feeling. Showing you care by just listening is sometimes the best method of communicating.

SPA - Single Social Group

SPA has been established for 40 years. There are six branches in the South West; Taunton is one of them. We meet at the Ruishton Inn on a Monday evening from 8:00pm. The organisation was formed; "to provide a forum for active single people to meet, socialise and establish a wider circle of friends". We take part in events such as walks, skittles, theatre trips, dances, etc as well as having an annual AGM & party and two main events throughout the year to which all members from the six branches are warmly invited. The annual subscription is just £30 which gets you a monthly newsletter showing the events programmed by all the branches to which, once you become a member, you would be eligible to attend. If this sounds like something that would enhance your life and widen your circle of friends enabling you to meet like-minded people, both in the local area and further afield, then why not give us a try? We offer a three (3) visit 'tester' without obligation.

Regards Corrine McMylor Vice Chairman SPA NB: SPA is not a dating agency. www:spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk email: [email protected]

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All types of ovens professionally cleaned. Household friendly process throughout. Are You Looking for a Keep Fit Class? Come along, socialise, make new friends and have Have your cooker restored to like new condition. fun keeping fit! Including Ranges, AGAs, Extractors, Microwaves, Hobs West Monkton Village Hall Wednesdays 6pm to 7pm. Call Orlando Jackson for more information £6.00 (Term time only) Aerobic based exercise for all abilities Est: 2010 and levels of fitness. Find us on Facebook Come and have fun getting fit. Oven Cleaning Services Langport For more details contact: Heather on 07561498365 [email protected] 01458252551 www.fitness4fun.wix.com/heather 07519118856

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Do something amazing this year fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or call our team on 0800 587 9900 to find out how you could help change a For many, the start of a new year brings an child’s story. There is no upper age limit, and things opportunity for reflection, fresh starts and change - like your gender, sexual preference or marital status but could you change a child’s story this year? are not important – you just need the right qualities For over 500 children in Somerset, spending time at and mindset. Alternatively, come along to our next home isn’t possible right now, which is why we information evening and find out more about urgently need more foster carers to offer safe, fostering over a coffee and cake. loving homes to our children in care. Foster carers Costa Coffee, can make a real difference to children’s lives. They 8 Townsend Shopping Park, help them through tough times and give them the Shepton Mallet support they need to achieve their full potential. on Tuesday 14th January 2020 from 7 to 9pm. Fostering is not a one size fits all. There are a variety of different avenues within fostering to match the vast and sometimes complex needs of the children in our care, and the lifestyles of our carers; from the dedication of long term fostering over a period of years, to the flexibility of respite providing care just one weekend a month. In return our carers receive ongoing support and training, a dedicated social worker and a weekly fee and allowance (amounts vary – please speak to our team or visit the website for details). If you’re aged 21 or over and have a spare room, along with the time and patience to support a Somerset child in care, visit

Copy deadline for March - April 2020 is 1st February 2020 Page 21 NIGEL DAVIES

Painter and Decorator Nails & Beauty 293 Cheddon Road. Taunton Bio Sculpture Gel Nails High Quality Interior and Manicures Mon-Fri (8 am to 5:45 pm) Exterior Work 50 weeks of the year Pedicures Friendly and Professional Waxing For children 3 months to Service Facials school age Competitive Rates Massage Outstanding qualified staff All Work Guaranteed Eyelash & Eyebrow Treatments Excellent Ofsted report Free Estimates Eyelash Extensions Accepts Early Years Fully Insured St Tropez Tanning Entitlement Private and Commercial ‘Offering a secure, stimulating and Work Undertaken Lisa fun filled home environment for the best start in life’ Yallands Hill, Monkton Heathfield For more information please: Mobile: 07977185840 Ruth/Sara on 01823 288681 Email: [email protected] Mob: www.pampernailsandbeauty.co.uk Or visit our website 07915 061314 www.abacus-nursery.com

Dave Terrell PLUMBING & HEATING

70 Station Road Taunton TA1 1NX Traditional Men’s Wear Tel: 01823 333332 Large size specialist 60 chest & waist Mob: 07811166829 email: [email protected] Tel/Fax: 01823 333169 E-mail: [email protected] www.gurds.co.uk

NSC ACCOUNTANCY RIVERSIDE BUTCHERS TONE VETERINARY & TAXATION SERVICES “Meat to please you, CENTRE Pleased to meat you” Over 29 years experience A Healthy Pet Club Loyalty within large, local accountancy firms Suppliers of high quality Scheme that spreads the cost of I offer local, friendly, personal help local produce your pets routine healthy care with: Local Beef, Pork, Lamb, Exclusive MiPet food range and Initial set-ups, Vat registration etc Veal, Poultry and Game Royal Canin Range of pet foods Bookkeeping & Vat Returns Exclusive MiPet Cover pet Making Tax Digital (MTD) Award Winning Homemade insurance Sausages, Pies, Faggots, Free weight clinics with our Sole Trader & Partnership Bacon and Black Pudding practice nurse Accounts Home Cooked Meats Easy access and ample free Limited Company Account parking Property Letting Accounts Free delivery Look on our website at Tax Returns when you spend £30 or more www.tonevets.co.uk for information and matters relating to the health of Corporation Tax Returns Supplying to the public and catering PAYE, CIS and more ...... your pet and trade www.facebook.com/tonevets for practice updates Give Nicky a call on 07557092087 Tel: 01823 289097 Surgeries at: Lisieux Way, or email Riverside Place, St James Street, Taunton Blackbrook 01823 333909 [email protected] www.riversidebutchers.co.uk Morse Road, 01823 340660

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FREE ITEMS/ITEMS FOR SALE/WANTED

Items up to £100 in value are included. We do not make any charge for this service and take no responsibility for the quality or safety of the items advertised. If you would like to include something in this section please contact Lorna Walters on Hearing Dogs for 01823 412017 or [email protected] the Deaf & Parkinson’s UK Event Mercedes A class rigid/deep boot liner 40” x 24”. Used. Good condition £20 01823 413175

Set of 4 Mercedes black fabric car mats – Thank You very good condition £10 Thank you to all our advertisers, 01823 413175 you keep our magazine going and we National Blood Donor Service hope you get lots of business Sessions will be held at: from our readers. St James Church 21st January 28th January Taunton Deane Borough 4th February Council 25th February Information regarding the change in opening hours for Taunton Catholic Centre 15th January the Customer Hub (Taunton Deane Borough Council’s face to face service). The Monkton Heathfield Village Hall new opening hours for the Customer Hub (face to 17th January face) are; Monday & Tuesday Assembling 8:30am the – 5:00pm Poppy Project For further details ring 08457711711 Wednesday See Page 9:30am 28 - 5:00pm or go online at www.blood.co.uk Thursday & Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm

What is the Slinky? Parents with young children, teenagers, students, the elderly, the retired and people with disabilities could all be eligible to use the Slinky bus service. Slinky is an accessible bus service funded by Somerset How does it work? If you are eligible to use the County Council for people unable to access service you will first need to register to become a conventional transport. This service can be used for a member of the scheme. You must complete a variety of reasons such as getting to local health registration form and return it to the booking office appointments or exercise classes, visiting friends and before using the service for the first time. relatives, going shopping or for social reasons. You can Once registered you can then book a journey by also use the Slinky as a link to other forms of public contacting your booking office at least 24 hours before transport. you want to travel. Trips can be booked up to two Who can use the Slinky? weeks in advance. You will be eligible to use the Slinky bus if you: How much does it cost? Please phone the booking • Do not have your own transport office to check the cost for your journey. English • Do not have access to a public bus service National Concessionary Travel Scheme passes can be • Or have a disability which means you cannot access used on Slinky services. You will need to show your a public bus pass every time you travel. Somerset Student County Tickets are also valid on Slinky services. ’s Slinky Service is operated by: Somerset County Council Booking number: 01823 331266 Monday to Friday 9:30am to 3:30pm. For more information on Community Transport in your area, please phone Somerset Direct on 03001232224 or visit our website at www.travelsomerset.co.uk

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A. STEWART Plumbing & Heating

Natural Gas & LPG Residential Park Homes & Oil Installations & Servicing Caravans Boiler Installations & Cookers/Fires/Water Servicing Heaters/Space Heaters Central Heating Systems Vented/Unvented Water Systems Power Flushing Energy Efficiency Qualified Bath Rooms/Shower Technician Rooms General Plumbing & Heating Maintenance Cloakrooms/Kitchens Call Outs and & Emergencies Welcome Call Ashley on: 07590729084 / 01823 412263 Email: [email protected] www.astewartplumbingandheating.co.uk

The Financial Detectives LANDSCAPING & Wills and Estate Planning Service Probate Services ARTIFICIAL LAWNS Without a valid Will and careful inheritance planning: Garden Landscaping Your husband, wife or partner may not automatically inherit Patios/Stone Walling/Decking/Pergolas Your home maybe sold without your consent and the Commercial & Residential proceeds used for care home fees Your loved ones could be liable for a 40% tax bill Laylawn Artificial Grass Licensees for the Guardianship of children under 18 maybe unclear, leaving South West the courts to decide their welfare

Contact: 01823 252023 20% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT www.englishgardenco.co.uk CALL 01823 210386 FOR A LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL AND www.lazylawntaunton.co.uk COURTEOUS SERVICE FROM A FAMILY RUN FIRM www.tfdetectives.co.uk [email protected]

Wastewater Maintenance Engineers Covering all of the South West

DO YOU HAVE A SEPTIC TANK? Are you aware of the new Environment Agency Binding Rules in January 2020? Septic Tank, Sewage Plant, Pumping Station, Drain Jetting, Tank Emptying, Rainwater Harvesting System. Service and Repairs, Tank Supply, Tank Installation, Tank Emptying, Tank Inspection. All work is carried out by a British Water Accredited Engineer. FEEL FREE TO CALL FOR MORE INFO! M: 07749 118 500 | E: [email protected] | W: www.alphawastewater.co uk

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The Monkton Inn DARREN GRAY ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC WORKS TO 18th EDITION REGULATIONS

FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS Mid-week Evening Specials All £10 pp including a drink MOBILE: 07764996937 Monday - Fish and Chips Tuesday - South African Currys Wednesday - Burgers

Tel: 01823 412414 www.westmonktoninn.co.uk

DAVE BAKER Messrs. E White & Son For all your (Taunton) Ltd. GARDEN REQUIREMENTS MOT *Fencing FUNERAL DIRECTORS *Hedge Cutting WHILE YOU WAIT *Drives *Walls *Paths CROFT GARAGE LTD Monkton Heathfield 138/139 East Reach, Taunton *Patios Tel: Taunton 272183 Competitive Rates 01823 412393 (Day & Night Assistance) Free estimates Tel: 01278 662238 Repairs & Servicing Mob: 07796658721 Family Funeral Directors Free Collection & Delivery davebakerlandscapingservices.co.uk. for Three Generations

Copy deadline for March - April 2020 is 1st February 2020 Page 25 Neil Robertson Plumbing & Heating Ltd Plumbing - Heating - Renewables

We cover all issues. Big or Small From a Boiler Service to Full installation Energy & Cost Efficient Living over 30 years in business Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm T: 01823 413999 Emergency mobile: 07050263606 e: [email protected] www.neilrobertsonplumbing.co.uk

Spectacle A.G. PURCHASE REPAIRS ALCM, LLCM, FLCM The easy way to have your glasses repaired Download - Quote - Send - Receive PIANO TUITION Minor Repairs from £19.50 Solder Repairs from £24.50 Rimless Repairs from £34.50 Dodhill Green, Titanium Repairs from £45.00 Nailsbourne [email protected] or 07870196616 Taunton TA1 8AD Paul Sumray F.B.D.O. Tel:01823 451342 Dispensing Optician www.facebook.com/invitosuk www.twitter.com/invitosuk

Tailor made, one-to- one, at home support. Tincknell Fuels Ltd 96% of clients recommend us. Your Local Fuel & Heating Home Instead Specialists Senior Care take great pride in being there to help people stay in the Mortgages comfort of their own home. Equity Release Our award winning service includes: Protection Heating Oil Deliveries Companionship Medication Buildings Insurance Light Reminders Tank Maintenance Housekeeping Respite Gas & Oil Boiler Servicing Commercial Lending Local Services Transportation Specialist ¸ Gas & Oil Boiler Breakdowns Business Protection Meal Preparation Dementia Care Personal Care Trips Out

Priors Way, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton Tel: 01823 413113 Please call - 01823 211121 to discuss how 01749 683911 A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR we can help. HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU www.homeinstead.co.uk/tauntonwestsomerset DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE www.tincknells.com OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise is independently owned and operated.

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Covering the whole of Somerset & Devon

Our Services include: - TV Aerial installation - Sky installation - Extra TV points - Freesat installation - BT TV - Digital TV set up - Aerial Repairs 01823 325930 www.toneaerials.co.uk [email protected]

DISTINCTIVE MEMORIALS BY MANNING & KNIGHT

Also added inscriptions and maintenance work on existing memorials

32 Kingston Road TAUNTON 275755 www.manningandknight.com

Competitive Prices All Year Round Household Cleaning Undertaken 20 years experience LES MARSH CARPETS Wide Selection of Flooring Samples Available Caring person who is willing to do all household Karndean Flooring, Vinyl & Natural Flooring tasks. Will also help with shopping, collecting Remnants & Roll Stock Available prescriptions, accompanying to appointments Estimating & Fitting Service Property Letting Specialists & Insurance Work etc. Undertaken Knowledgeable & Friendly Staff Family Run Company Since 1979 References can be THE COMPLETE SERVICE supplied. Visit Our Extensive Showroom Reasonable charges. With Easy Parking Cook Way, Bindon Road, Taunton TA2 6BJ Open: Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm Phone Angie on For a free estimate or service call 01823 335952 07807892128 or email [email protected]

4 Vicarage Lawns Creech St Michael, TA3 5EZ

IAN THOMAS AIP, RP Fireplace Showroom Chimneys Relined & New Build Plumbing & Heating HETAS registered Installers Services Painting & Decorating Grass cutting Tel: 01460 74612 Telephone: 01823 444332 Flat-pack furniture Mobile: 07885829858 assembly Hedge trimming Fireplace Showroom, Tail Mill Email: Lane, Merriott TA16 5PF [email protected] Gardening Gutter cleaning www.ianthomasplumbing.co.uk GET IN TOUCH FOR A FREE QUOTE www.wicksheating.co.uk 07792368649 NO JOB TOO SMALL

Copy deadline for March - April 2020 is 1st February 2020 Page 27 Premier Alex Holley Carpet Cleaning SW ------Flooring Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning For all your flooring requirements Domestic Commercial Quality Service Your local specialist Free Estimates for: Competitive Prices Carpet, Vinyl, Stain Removal SOME TEAM Kardean, Experienced Affordable Wood and Safety Fully Insured Flooring Reliable & Local

Tel: 07734860724 For a First Class Carpet Cleaning Service 07915 061314

Movement heals

Pilates & Chair Pilates at Brittons Ash Community Hall

Powerhoop fitness classes Taunton & Cheddon Fitzpaine

For bookings and enquires contact: Dianne Mobile: 07850473428 Email: [email protected]

DÉCOR 8 with Atlas Home & Property Maintenance For all your painting, decorating, carpentry & maintenance Somerset’s Largest Independent Stairlift & Mobility Aid Supplier requirements Frobisher Way - Taunton TA2 6BB Contact Bob on Mobility Shop open Monday to Fri day 01823 413510 9am - 5pm and Saturday between 9am - 1pm or 07790 812327 T: Taunton 01823 288196 E: [email protected] W: www.somersetstairlifts.co.uk

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West Monkton Cricket Club Fielder of the year: Lewis James Champagne Moment: Stuart Thompson (53 v The Cosy Club hosted the West Wedmore CC) Somerset Cricket League Champions PIANO award: Matt Francis as players, members and significant others gather to celebrate the club’s We caught up with Club Chairman Wayne Hepple most successful season. for his comments on the evening: Attendees enjoyed drinks and food as team captains ”It was a great evening and a great way for us, as a spoke of an incredible season that everyone involved club, to bring the season to a close. will remember for a long time. A massive thank you to Luke and Caroline for The award winners were as follows: organising it and for the Cosy Club for hosting the 1st XI event. Players player of the year: Jonathan Reeves It was nice to see the club out in full force as we Captains player of the year: Phillip Anning celebrated the most successful season in the club’s Batsman of the year: Jack Turner history. Morale within the club is at an all time high Bowler of the year: John Salter and the club is in the best position it has been in a Fielder of the year: James Dingle long time and it’s only going to get better. Champagne Moment: Jonathan Reeves (65* v Bishops Hull CC) 2nd XI Players player of the year: Matt Francis Captains player of the year: Dan Thorne Batsman of the year: Matt Francis Bowler of the year: Dan Thorne Fielder of the year: Matt Francis Champagne Moment: Karl Peatfield (9-5-9-8 v Huish Champflower CC) Sunday XI Players player of the year: Thomas Sweet Captains player of the year: Andy Nicholas Batsman of the year: Thomas Sweet Bowler of the year: Lewis James WM Cricket Club Needs Your Support

It’s that time of year again where we need the support of the local community more than ever. We’ve had numerous incidents now where vehicles are unlawfully driving around our ground causing damage to the playing surface. One incident also included damage to our net fencing. The people involved in these incidents obviously have no respect for our ground and are obviously not welcome so if you see anything say something! We have a dedicated workforce who are currently working hard over the winter months in the new pavilion but they cannot be there at all hours. If you see anything suspicious then please do not hesitate to contact us through our social media channels or to the police. If you can provide any details of vehicles including registration numbers then we can use this to rule out any club members if they’re working down there.

And Finally ... The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Chinese proverb

Copy deadline for March - April 2020 is 1st February 2020