The Beacon Ashwick, Oakhill & Binegar News

OCTOBER 2020 Cover photo: © John Law Church of England Services Due to restrictions on numbers for social distancing we have changed the pattern of services in the Parish.

Sunday, 4th October 10am Communion in Ashwick (followed by Annual Meeting)

Sunday, 11th October 10am Morning Worship with optional communion in Oakhill A 35-minute service for all ages ending with a video song followed by Communion for those who wish to stay.

Sunday, 18th October 10am Communion in Ashwick

Sunday, 25th October 10am Communion in Binegar

Sunday, 1st November 10am Communion in Ashwick

Follow us on Instagram! facebook.com/beacontrinity instagram.com/beacontrinity View from the Hill

On October 4th we have our Annual Parochial Church Meeting in St. James Church, Ashwick, when we elect the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and the church wardens for the coming year. It is later than usual due to Covid-19 and the lockdown. The meeting will follow the 10am church service. This year we are very aware of the consequences of Covid-19 in terms of the lack of church services and also on all our community and fund-raising events. In 2019 we had a shortfall of over £9,600 and through fund-raising events we had £5,900 income. In 2020 we have not been able to have any events or big services. Obviously, our expenditure is down a little, but the large part of expenditure is for having a vicar and the three buildings. I know that many people are pleased to have a church in their village, whether or not they attend. People appreciate knowing that the church is there when they need it, for funerals, weddings, christenings, Christmas, Harvest and Remembrance in particular. However, there is a cost to having the church and a vicar local. I have rarely written about money but this month I am asking you to consider giving a gift to the local church to help us in the coming year. Some may wish to support on a regular basis and set up a standing order but every little helps. As I have mentioned previously, we have now got the facility to receive online donations through our website www.beacontrinity.church so please consider supporting your local church. You are also welcome to write a cheque payable to ‘Beacon Trinity’ and drop it into the Rectory. As we return to our church buildings for Sunday services we continue to cope with social distancing and so there is a restriction on the numbers that can attend. This does mean we do not expect to be able to hold the usual Remembrance or Christmas services. We are working on some ways to celebrate these festivals in different ways and will advertise here, on the website and social media. Thank you for to those who have offered support and in advance for those who will.

Page 3 Covid-19 Helpline update At the start of lockdown we set up a helpline phone number with answering machine for people in the Oakhill/Ashwick area and Binegar PC and the BAGS group did similar for Bine- gar/Gurney Slade. It was very well used for a long time as people who were shielding needed help to collect medication or shopping. We who organised it either side of the hill had a great list of volunteers who were willing to help out. I know how important it was for many people. THANK YOU to all those who helped out in one way or another. The restrictions of movement have now been lifted and the use of the helpline has virtually stopped. So, the Oakhill/Ashwick phone will no longer be monitored. Should anyone need help then you are able to call the Rectory in Oakhill or Clerk to the Parish Council in Binegar as we still have the details of people who will help out. Richard Priestley

Help control the virus To protect yourself and others when you leave home you must: • Wash hands - keep washing your hands regularly • Cover face - wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces • Make space - stay at least a metre away from people not in your household If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days. Coronavirus symptoms can include: • A high temperature • A new, continuous cough • A loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste Advice taken from Gov.UK and the NHS

Email Scam Alert! We have been made aware very recently of a new scam. An email is titled HM Courts & Tribunals Services and will state in the subject "Your Fixed Penalty Notice Ref:" followed by a series of numbers. In the actual email itself it will explain the total cost is £25 with a delivery date of 7am to 7pm. The location for the supposed offence simply states "United Kingdom" Please, if you receive this in your inbox do not fall for it and advise others that may be unaware. See an example of the email on the village Facebook page or using this link: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/media/32958141/penalty-charge-notice-scam.pdf

Page 4 Community corner

Tai Chi for better Health – Jo Webb Within a few years of its introduction, many countries across the world adopted Classes will be resuming, subject to Covid Daylight Saving Time. 19 regulations, on Mondays, commencing 21st September, for one hour from 2-3 pm in Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall. Numbers On a quest for a crest... attending will be restricted whilst we have “I moved to Oakhill recently and have been to observe 2m spacing. Please e-mail me trying to look into the history of the crest on [email protected] to reserve on the front of the house; as well as a little a place. more about the history of the house itself. From cycling around the area, I have Oakhill & Ashwick noticed the same crest on a few houses Local History Group... locally.” Adam Brown

All History Group meetings are cancelled If anyone can help Adam, please let us until after Christmas. have your details to pass on (the crest is pictured below). East Mendip Gardening Club... Mark and Jane, the Chair and Treasurer of the East Mendip Gardening Club would like to remind readers that the Club does still exist and we hope to meet again as soon as allowed. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel some excellent speakers.

Congratulations!

...to our newest, local entrepreneurs! Wayne Britten, the new owner of Oakhill Inn, and Tash and Will Willmott on the opening of their café ‘Smokehouse on the Hill’ at Rookery Farm. They have massive support from our community, and we wish This month's cover... them every success in their businesses. This month's cover of Binegar church in the Autumn was taken by John Law. Farewell Summer... Please send photos for the cover (portrait orientation, in colour) to: British Summer Time ends at 2 am on [email protected] . Sunday 25th October when the clocks Thank you. go back one hour, and we revert to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). British Summer Time was first established by the Summer Time Act 1916, after a campaign by builder William Willett, who was angry at the waste of daylight during summer mornings.

Page 5 Grenville’s Ramblin’s...

Having fortunately had no reason to visit the doctor’s surgery over the last few months, I recently received a message inviting me to make an appointment for my six-monthly check-up. So it was, on the appointed morning, I duly arrived, properly masked, owing to the current virus situation, to see the nurse who did the usual blood pressure test, also taking a sample of blood that would be tested to check for a long list of all manner of possible problems. My visit reminded me once again of just how fortunate we are to have free access to what is surely a wonderful National Health Service. My mind went back to the day seventy-two years ago on the 5th of July 1948 when the NHS came into being. A day that its founder, Aneurin Bevan, and his supporters had to, as we might say, fight tooth and nail to get it through Parliament. Because it seems that at that time quite a lot of people, MPs, even some doctors, didn’t like the idea of a free health service being made available for all who needed it. Being able to look back as far as the 1930s reminded me of the days when most people, at least those of our ilk, couldn’t afford to go to a Doctor; they had to be really desperate before taking such a step. I can remember my mother once getting a doctor’s bill amounting to 3 guineas. (I suppose in today’s money £3.15p). I think this could well have been to do with my sister getting Scarlet Fever and being taken into what was then Shepton Mallet Isolation Hospital, a building which has in later years been greatly enlarged to become the local Community Hospital. Of course, these days the equivalent of 3 guineas will as much as ever buy a cup of coffee but in the late 1930s it was a frightening sum of money to try to find out of our family’s income. The introduction of the opportunity to have free access to a doctor certainly removed the fear of having to pay. But even so, in my setting out to avoid the habit of running to the doctor’s with finger ache, I remember that it was all of five years before I first partook of this free service. Things have, of course, moved on in 72 years to the massive NHS we have today with all manner of hi-tech medicine. The ability to replace hearts, lungs, hips, knees, shoulders and so on. Yet often still not able to satisfy the ‘it’s our right’ demands from today’s massively increased population. But what has not changed is surely what lies at the heart of the NHS, ‘Caring’. While I am forever grateful to those who founded the NHS, I feel that whatever we choose to think about it, we should all thank God for the great multitude of caring people in the NHS today who surely try to do for each and every one in need of care, all that is humanly possible. Grenville Reakes

Page 6 Oakhill & Ashwick Local History Group More from the ‘History’ of Ashwick Grove Last month we began to look at the ‘History’ of Ashwick Grove, a handwritten account written in 1892 by Richard Charles Strachey, ‘Squire’ of Ashwick (1835-1901). Some more excerpts follow. Water supply was always an issue in those days – no mains water then. “…my Father had a well at the back of the house, sunk in the rock, 70 foot deep, and the water was considered to be super-excellent and very cold and is better for sharpening tools than the water which comes from the Tanyard Copse that we have used since the outbreak of diphtheria in 1869”. This outbreak was serious for Ashwick, many children in the parish dying, including four of Strachey’s own, who are buried in Oakhill churchyard. After the diphtheria outbreak “I had [the water] analysed by Stodharts of Bristol and he said there was probably some brewing in the district as he detected sugar in the water. So I told Spencer he had been brewing with sugar and he answered he had tried it but it did not answer. The water was condemned for drinking purposes”. While a new water supply was laid on from Tanyards Copse “which cost I think, between £200 and £300… [the Grove used] the water from Old Tapp’s garden which belonged exclusively to the Grove, with the exception of a supply to Old Tapp’s farmyard [where the School playing field is now]… Old Tapp used to preach at the Wesleyan Chapel and one Sunday evening, when in the pulpit, Mrs Kirton, the wife of a tenant of Father, living at Little London, went to the Chapel drunk and called out ‘Hooee, Meester Tapp come out and have one quart wee I, just one quart, doee Meester Tapp’. About the time I brought the water from Mendip I laid on the gas from Oakhill…”. The Oakhill Brewery was supplying gas to the village by this time and Strachey arranged to also use that. “Oakhill Church and School…were built on an acre of land I gave for the site on late Tapps and the value was… £126… The family contributed many hundreds towards building the church which afterwards was endowed by Mrs Wickham, Widow of the late Rector of Shepton Mallet… There used to be a Monday evening service where old Lovell kept a school near where the Oakhill Post Office now is. I once went to the service with my sister and Wainwright [the Strachey’s Land Agent] stepped to the front as we approached the sacred edifice and asked old Lovell, who was smoking his pipe outside, if, as we were coming up he could manage to sing a hymn. ‘Not a bit on’t’ was his answer”. The phrase may be odd, but the answer was obviously No! Finally (for now at least), returning to the woodland area near the mansion, Strachey mentions that “there is supposed to be hidden treasure near where there is an oak over a rock, left hand side from the house before getting into Fosse Drive. The story goes that in my Father’s time it was dug for and the lid of the chest reached but they filled it in again as it was snowing. Green, Doel and another dug one night when we were away years ago and a woman came to me once to point out the spot”. Unfortunately Strachey gives no further details. (Please don’t try digging for it, or I might get the blame!) . Lin Thorley

Page 7 News from the Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall Committee

Further to our AGM on Monday 14th September, we would like to thank all who attended in person and online via Zoom to give their support and help to vote in the new committee - the largest committee we have had in years which speaks volumes for the progress that is being made. The full AGM report is available via our Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall Facebook page but a high level summary is as follows: "Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, this has been a very different and challenging year for the Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall Committee (VHC) which has clearly impacted all involved and their friends, families, neighbours and the community as a whole. With the closure of such an important community building in March we had a lot of uncertainty and concern about the long term effects this would have on the facilities, the clubs/groups/societies that use it not to mention our fundraising objectives and general levels of community engagement. Whilst some of these have clearly been significantly impacted, we have also been presented with some opportunities which we have tried to capitalise on which will have longer term benefits for all. Highlights: • Joined Community Council for Somerset (CCS) - Our most valuable decision made! • Complete redecoration of main hall, foyer and meeting room • New lighting, new heating, new floor in main hall, new chairs, curtains • New fibre broadband, free for all • Creation of a COVID meadow and new benches • Installation of new defibrillator further to successful fundraising campaign • Full electrical inspection and remediation plus PAT testing completed ...and much more (too many to list here). Page 8 The next 12 months... Following the AGM on Mon 14th Sept, we have a large, new committee so the first job in hand is to elect into the office bearer roles (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Bookings). We then have a draft 10 point plan to review and agree which looks something like: • Create a Business Plan • Continue focus on rejuvenation of VH building (eg. Community Café) • Update/improve outdoor leisure facilities (eg. Leisure equipment). • Increase our focus on fundraising and grant applications • Improve VHC banking facilities • Achieve Hallmark Accreditation • Increase marketing and advertising • Implement an online booking/hire system • Increase and improve our environmental responsibilities. • Publish a community survey Are you interested in helping our winning team? If so, please do get in touch via Facebook or our email address [email protected], we would love to hear from you. Andy North and Kim Hare, Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall Committee

Oakhill Surgery

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Please email: [email protected] with your mobile number alongside your name and address and we can simply add this to your record, or call us to tell us on 01749 840233.

Oakhill Surgery, Shepton Road, Oakhill, Radstock, BA3 5HT

Page 9 East Mendip Gardening Club... October brings us beautiful colours and the first frosts. Make the most of those crisp frosty days to tidy the garden but leave picturesque seed heads for the birds:

Whilst the soil is still warm lift and divide perennials.

Lift dahlia and begonia tubers and gladioli corms, remove any dead foliage to dry and store over winter.

Use fleece to protect half-hardy plants from frost To ripen any green tomato or pepper fruits hang the stem upside down indoors to ripen.

If fairly empty, clean and disinfect your greenhouse to prevent pests and diseases overwintering and allowing more light for plants being over-wintered.

Harvest pumpkins and squashes before the first frost or they will quickly turn to mush.

When all beans and peas have been harvested cut the plants to the ground and compost leaving the root in the ground to slowly release the nitrogen fixed within it.

Cut back the fruited canes of summer raspberries and tie in the new canes for next year.

Clear straw from around strawberry plants to increase ventilation and cut back the old foliage to promote new growth.

Page 10 ...autumnal to-do list

Remove fallen leaves regularly from the lawn to allow light to the grass and prevent leaves falling into the pond by netting. Use them to make leaf mould, place in a black bin liner, moistening them if dry, pierce the bag with a knife or garden fork, tie the top loosely and stack out of sight for up to two years.

Aerate the lawn with a garden fork to avoid water logging and compaction and rake any thatch from the surface. Give evergreen hedges a final trim for a neat and tidy appearance through the winter.

Now is a good time to plant hedges and move shrubs and trees.

Ensure all bird feeders and baths are clean or invest in new ones. Birds are a gardener’s friend and keep pests down.

We, Mark and Jane, as the chair and treasurer of the East Mendip Gardening Club, thank Lyn Gauthier for her gardening tips and reminding readers that the Club does exist and we hope to meet again as soon as allowed. We have had to cancel some excellent speakers. We hope to continue in Lyn’s footsteps using Thompson & Morgan’s “What to do in the Garden this month” www.thompson-morgan.com/what-to-do-in-the-garden Jane Evans

August was a very Weather Report: warm and thundery August 2020 month at times. Highest reading 32. 5°C on the 12th. From Roemead Farm. The temperatures for the month Written by were around average. Gerald Esain. Rainfall total was 128.7mm a little above average for this site. Page 11 Bishop Ruth's October Message

I was expecting to be on sabbatical as I write this but of course you will all now be aware that Bishop Peter is receiving treatment for leukaemia and thus I am back in the diocese. He is as cheerful as ever and very much values your care, thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers and so many warm messages. Thank you! Please keep praying for him, Jane and the family.

Coping with the ‘unexpected’, whether it is news about health, the pandemic or a personal diagnosis like +Peter’s; or a change of plan such as my sabbatical, can set us in a spin. We don’t always know how to respond. It requires us to adapt, to change, to rethink how we will live.

I’m reminded of the story of Elijah who felt overwhelmed by the circumstances around him. A national drought both from rain and faith left him feeling vulnerable and alone. And although God made Himself very evident in the events of Mount Carmel, Elijah still felt under siege and fearful, wanting to die rather than face the wrath of Jezebel. And so he ran! And in the book of Kings we find God meets with him. First of all bringing him refreshment of body and mind through sleep and food. And then, when his well-being is restored, he discovers the voice of God, not in the strength of storm or wind but in a ‘still small voice’.

I wonder where and how you might hear the voice of God? Across the diocese we are entering into a listening project to hear what God might be saying to us, in and through the strange times in which we now live. We welcome your thoughts so please do share them with us.

Praying God’s blessing on us all

Bishop Ruth

Page 12 Tales of old

We have looked at who ran the Cathedral. What about the parishes? From 1600 to the Civil War, are listed just shy of 1,000 clergy who ministered to populations in parishes. Who were they? In the main, they were local men: 40% from Somerset and 30% from neighbouring counties. Only 4 were not English. This was, after all, an age when a man’s village was an important identifying characteristic. They were increasingly university educated. Most university students became clergy. Records are incomplete but indicate that some 20% held a Bachelor’s degree and 60% a Master’s degree – in arts oddly rather than divinity. Ours mainly graduated from Oxford, notably from Magdalen Hall and Exeter College, both rather puritan. Others went to colleges, like Corpus Christi or Lincoln, which remained more Catholic. Clergy without a university education were far from illiterate, they were often the products of grammar schools, like Taunton, which taught in Latin and Greek. In the Diocesan records, no clergyman’s signature was just a mark and the writing is firm and well formed. Where recorded, half the clergy were the sons of commoners (or ‘plebs’ as universities styled them), a third were sons of clergymen and the rest sons of gentlemen, esquires and an occasional bishop. Education and background affected prospects. On average, sons of commoners might expect a yearly income of £58 while the sons of clergy might expect £72. Sons of commoners were less likely to hold higher university degrees because they could not afford the extra fees. From 1580 to the Civil War, there were three Binegar rectors, all well-educated and from the higher echelons of society. Henry Russell, from Dorset, had a number of livings as well as one of the Wedmore prebends. Peter Moore, a Somerset man, was short-lived, Rector for just 3 years. Anthony Mortimer was of an aristocratic Wiltshire family. He was ordained in Salisbury in 1619 and became our Rector that year. These were times of religious upheaval. On one side, King Charles I claimed to rule by divine right; on the other Calvinists and extreme Protestants cried out for a purer, simpler religion. We shall see how our Rectors stood and fared as puritanism began to take hold. Richard Higgins

Page 13 Escape to the Country images by the Beacon Photography Group

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Images subject to copyright – initials on images denote credit as follows: AL (© Andy Ladhams); BV (© Barbara Voules); DB (© Denise Bailey); DC (© Dave Chown); FH (© Fiona H.); ID (© Ian Donnelly); JD (© Jon Durrant); JL (© John Law); JM (© Julie McDonald); RS (© Robin Slater); SM (© Steve Moss); TH (© Tom Husband)

Page 14 JL RS

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Page 15 Ashwick Parish Council September 2020 Update – David Barlow & Kate Egan ([email protected])

Locum Clerk Our appointed Clerk, Charlotte, has gone on maternity leave and we look forward to working with her again after the happy event. The Council has appointed Kate Egan to the post of Locum Clerk until Charlotte returns. Kate is Parish Clerk with Stoke St. Michael Parish Council. Welcome Kate! Zoom Council Meeting The Council held a Zoom meeting to approve the accounts and complete the Annual Governance Form and Year End 2020 finances. The meeting called by Charlotte before she stood down had a few technical problems which we overcame and we got through the business! Roy Bailey joined the meeting as a new Parish Councillor. Roy had previously expressed an interest during ‘lockdown’ and our Zoom virtual meeting was the first opportunity to welcome him. The Council continues to have one vacancy. Planning Issues The council has considered the following planning applications: Batts Farm - Application for prior approval of telecommunications development for the addition of 1 0.6m transmission disc Badgers Cross - Erection of multi-purpose farm storage, vehicle maintenance and administration building. There were no objections in principle, but the application brought discussion about the chosen site, where it might be visible from the road and perhaps the need to improve visibility for any increased traffic Coombe Cross - Replace rotten front door and 9 windows with period style. Repair 6x original stone mullion windows. Repair 2 x 1970s reproduction stone mullion windows. The Council felt this was essential maintenance to maintain the building. Planning Updates Bramley Farm - Conversion of garage to form ancillary accommodation and erection of front single storey extension. Approved. Heckley Lodge - Erection of a single storey extension, veranda to north elevation, conservatory to south elevation and alterations to roof. Approved. Quarry Alerts The protocol established to alert parishioners of explosive activities at Highcroft Quarry seems to be working well. The WhatsApp group of parishioners wishing to be informed of explosive activities have been receiving texts informing them when to expect activity at the quarry. These have been posted on the village Facebook pages too! Parish Councillors David Barlow (Chair) Roy Bailey, Becky Battagel, Phil Briscoe, Sarah Emery David Gilson, David Hine, Lizzie Lewis, (Vice Chair), David Thorley and Bryan Wells. Page 16 Binegar and Gurney Slade Parish Council News

Welcome A very warm welcome to our new Councillor John Bridges who was unanimously voted onto the Parish Council at the September meeting. John and his family have lived in the village for over 45 years and he looks forward to contributing to village life.

Autumn Clean Up This year’s Parish Autumn Clean Up will be the weekend of 24-25 October. Please save the date and join us to help keep our villages tidy. Further details will be posted on the village notice boards.

Binegar Bottom The Council is looking at undertaking the following projects to improve Binegar Bottom: • Clearance of trees affected by ash die back • Tree planting on the south side of the road • Establishment of a picnic area • A new walking route along the old railway line to join the existing path network.

Playground Various maintenance tasks have been carried out and the broken toddler swing replaced. Parish Council Meetings The Parish Council will meet virtually on Tuesday 6 October at 7:00p.m. Notification will be given via the village noticeboards and Parish website as appropriate.

Keep Safe Diane Abbott Parish Clerk: [email protected] www.binegar-pc.org.uk Your councillors - Jon Abbott, Philip Blatchford, John Bridges Cath Law, Phill Roberts, John Scadding and David Stone

Page 17 Binegar Scouts October 2020

1st North Mendip is a thriving Scout Group that meets in Binegar Memorial Hall weekly during term time. We currently have Beavers (6-8yrs), Cubs (8-10yrs) and Scouts (10-14yrs). With August and the summer holidays we would usually be telling you all about the camps we've been on, but it was not to be this year. We hope that next year our programme will be back to normal, if not bigger and better! We have celebrated lots of special achievements to mark the end of term including: • One Beaver managing to earn every Beaver badge before their move to Cubs. • Our highest achievers for each section managing to earn 22 badges each last term! We currently have lots of space in our Beaver section, as all of our older Beavers have moved onto Cubs. You need to be aged 5, 6 or 7, looking to make new friends, have fun and learn new skills to join. Our Beavers earn lots of badges through fun activities, as well as attend camps and sleepovers (their last one was at Flipout trampoline park in Bristol!). You are also welcome to try a meeting or two to see if it's for you. Our other sections are so popular that we currently have a waiting list for both Cubs and Scouts, but don't let this put you off signing up as places do become available. We are also in need of more adults to join our Scout Leadership Team. If you are looking to support young people in a more 'hands off' way than the younger sections, for work experience with secondary aged children or just something to fill your spare time with then please contact us. No amount of time you can offer is too small, and all training is provided. Most roles available will also require an enhanced DBS check. If you are interested in joining us please sign up via our Online Waiting List: https://tinyurl.com/v7kz5kp or contact a member of the team: Beavers/Cubs - Gemma (Raksha) - 01749 938321 Scouts - Natalie (Gunner) - [email protected] You can also sign up and see what we're up to on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/northmendipscouts

Page 18 London Marathon 2020 Based on a Report from BBC Sport The 2020 London Marathon will involve only elite athletes, with 45,000 'mass-event' runners unable to take part because of coronavirus concerns. The much-anticipated contest between Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele will take place on a bio-secure closed course. Reduced fields of 30-40 athletes will also compete for the elite women's and wheelchair titles on Sunday, 4th October. The 2021 race, meanwhile, will be on 3 October rather than a date in April. The calendar shift from the traditional date is designed to maximise the chances of all runners being able to take part in next year's race. A plan to include the mass-participation event in the 2020 race, deploying high-tech tracking technology to monitor runners' proximity to each other, had been considered. However, event director Hugh Brasher said that plan had been made impossible by the logistical challenges of managing spectators and emergency service access across London, especially given the recent cancellation of spectator trials at other sporting events. Instead, it will only be the elite athletes that tackle a spectator-free course - following a different route to the usual one used for the Lon- don Marathon. That route will consist of laps of roughly 1.5 miles, taking in The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Birdcage Walk and the spur road running adjacent to front of Buckingham Palace. As well as the showdown between four-time winner Kipchoge and Bekele, whose personal best is two seconds slower than Kipchoge's world record of two hours one minute 39 seconds, British Paralympic great David Weir will be aiming for a record ninth win in the wheelchair race. Kenya's defending champion Brigid Kosgei, who beat Briton Paula Radcliffe's long-standing world record in Chicago in October, will headline the women's field, with course record holder Manuela Schar attempting to follow up her 2019 win in the women's wheelchair race. Athletes' times in the race will be eligible for Olympic qualification for the postponed Tokyo Games in 2021. While this year's Tokyo marathon took place in a similar form in March, with only elite runners taking part and spectators restricted in number, other major marathons have been cancelled. The Berlin and New York races, which were scheduled be held on 27 September and 1 November respectively, are among those that will not take place in 2020. 24-hour socially-distanced marathon challenge Runners with a place in the 2020 race, but not in the elite fields, will be able to compete virtually from any location around the world. They are invited to run or walk 26.2 miles, taking breaks if required, over the course of 24 hours on 4 October, logging their progress on the event app. Last year, the London Marathon raised £66.4m for charities and good causes. Hugh Brasher said: "We believe that Sunday 4 October 2020 will be a London Marathon like no other, taking the spirit of the world's greatest marathon to every corner of the globe, with runners raising vital funds for the charities that have been so severely affected by the economic effects of the pandemic." Among the virtual Marathon participants on October 4th will be Laura Pettigrew, of Oakhill, covering her 26.2 miles in and around the local area and villages in aid of Brain Research UK. If you spot her, please give her a wave and a cheer! Good luck Laura! Page 19 FOR HIRE ASHWICK & OAKHILL VILLAGE HALL

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Ashwick Church Rooms The Church Rooms at Ashwick are available for hire and are the perfect venue for smaller functions - from children’s parties to intimate country weddings. The Rooms have a large well-equipped kitchen, full disabled and baby changing facilities and is centrally heated throughout. To view the Rooms, or for details of our competitive hire charges, please contact: Currently closed due to Caroline Stevens Tel: 01749 840170 Covid-19 e-mail: [email protected] Binegar & Gurney Slade Memorial Hall A large bright hall and separate meeting room available for hire. Suitable for a variety of events including: Children’s parties, family gatherings, fundraising events and meetings. Well equipped with a modern kitchen. Currently closed due to For further information call Covid-19 01749 326115

Page 20 CLIFFORD FOOTT GARDEN MAINTENANCE All aspects of gardening covered from weeding to landscaping, garden clearance, fencing and patios Call Cliff to discuss your needs: 07794 846180 [email protected]

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Rookery Farm Binegar BA3 4UL Open Tue-Sat 9am-5pm • Sun 10am-2pm www.frecklesandboo.co.uk [email protected] 07506363929

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“Judith, thank you for the work you have done for us regarding my late Mother’s estate, our Wills and Powers of Attorney. We have all been most impressed with the team at Purely Probate and have no hesitation in recommending you to our friends!” Anthea, Meare

Judith Derbyshire your local solicitor 01458 850 146 [email protected] 01458 850 146

Purely Probate Solicitors, Lower Farm Offices, West Bradley BA6 8LT Serving the communities of Ashwick, Binegar, Oakhill and surrounds Page 22 PROPERTY HANDYMAN SERVICES AND REPAIRS Home owners, residents, offices, businesses, letting agencies and landlords. JAMES ANDREWS Fully insured and family run. T: 0781 4759441 / 07800 895785 Contact us today for a free, E: [email protected] no obligation quote.

For further details call: 07533 442040 or 07895 715637

The Care Team WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT TEAM OF CARERS, WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY. WE ARE ABLE TO MEET A WIDE SPECTRUM OF SUPPORT IN YOUR HOME COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF CARE. EACH CARER HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE, WITH A VERY WIDE SCOPE, ENABLING US TO PROVIDE A CARE-PLAN SUITED TO YOUR NEEDS. ORIGINALLY, FOUR YEARS AGO, THREE OF US, WHO WERE ALREADY IN THE CARING DOMAIN, WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER THROUGH LOOKING AFTER A VERY SPECIAL LADY, SINCE WHICH TIME WE HAVE GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY. WE OFFER DAYTIME SHIFT CARE, EVENING SHIFT CARE, NIGHTCARE AND 24 HOUR CARE AT HIGHLY COMPETITIVE RATES THROUGH OUR INTEGRATED TEAM OF DEDICATED LOCAL CARE PROVIDERS. IF YOU OR A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY ARE CONSIDERING THE OPTION TO HAVE SOME ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR DAILY/NIGHTLY CARE, PLEASE CONTACT US AND WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO CALL IN FOR A CHAT.

Page 23 Yenstone Walling & Landscaping

Drystone wall specialist DSWA certified – Patrick Houchen All types of stone walling undertaken 01963 371123 www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

Call Us to Speak to a Funeral Director 01749 840499

Contact our funeral directors, in Oakhill, Somerset, to discover more about our wide-ranging services.

01749 840499 Radstock Highfield House, Midsomer Norton 01761 418921 Bath Road, Shepton Mallet 01749 346567 Oakhill, Radstock, [email protected] Somerset, BA3 5AF Shepton Mallet njmaggsfuneralservices.co.uk 18A Commercial Road Open 24/7 Shepton Mallet, BA4 5DJ Page 24 under new ownership

Award-winning food cooked using local, seasonal ingredients Delicious Sunday roasts • Stonebaked sourdough pizzas Local guest ales & Oakhill Inn house ale Excellent wine list • 20+ wines by the glass Sunny courtyard garden • log fires in Autumn/Winter 5 En suite bedrooms • Large dining room for private events

The Oakhill Inn, Fosse Road, Radstock, BA3 5HU Opening times: Mon-Fri: 12.00-3.00 & 5.00-10.00 Food: 12.00-2.00 & 6.00-9.00 01749 840442 • [email protected] Sat: 12.00-11.00 Food: 12.00-3.00 & 5.00-9.00 www.theoakhillinn.com Sun: 12.00-10.00 Food: 12.00-3.00 & 5.00-8.00

INSURANCE THAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Having a local office means we’re accessible, whether you need to make changes to your policy or make a claim. Our insurance products and financial services include: • Home • Farm • Financial Planning • Car • Property Owners • Pensions • Business • Equine • Investments NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. When you get in touch we’ll explain the advice services offered and the charges. Financial advice is provided by NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited. For a real conversation about your insurance call us or pop in NFU Mutual Bath, The Old Stables, Manor Farm, Stratton On The Fosse, Bath, BA3 4QF Tel: 01761 239382

Our Agents are appointed representatives of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. D-22B92265

Page 25 J C Upholstery Kevin Grubb Quality re-upholstery Carpenter and Joiner Free estimates Setees and chairs made to order Building and property maintenance 1 Dye Lane, Oakhill, Radstock, kwgjoinery.co.uk BA3 5AJ [email protected] Free Quotations Tel: 01749 840930 Tel: 07821005519 Out of Hours: 01761 434174 Pauls Auto Services Electrical & Welding Mechanical Fabrication Repairs Minor Body Servicing Work MOTs Arranged Tel: 01749 841047 Mob: 07970480967 CASH BINGO @ THE GEORGE INN, GURNEY SLADE EVERY MONDAY NIGHT BOOKS ON SALE £1 EACH FROM 7:15PM - 7:30PM START TEL: 01749 840667 Page 26 ACCUBOOKS Your Local Bookkeeping Service

VAT Returns

Bookkeeping

Payroll Rob Maher Monthly/Quarterly Management Painter & Decorator Sole Traders and Small Businesses City & Guilds Qualified M : 07904975280 E : [email protected] Extensive Experience – Interior Annual Advertising & Exterior Rates for AOB News: Eighth page £35.00 For a FREE estimate call:- Quarter page £55.00 Mobile: 07745 599522 Evenings: 01749 671853 Half page £110.00 Full page £160.00 The Post Office Stores - Gurney Slade Opening hours 5.30am-8pm weekdays, 7am-1pm Sundays Karen and Paul Weller will be pleased to supply your daily bread plus a full range of grocery and household products including cleaning, SWEB key recharging. Get your National Lottery and Euromillions tickets here. Also Road Fund licenses, newspapers, insurances and many other new products at the Post Office. All at reasonable prices - served in friendly, comfortable and hygienic surroundings. Orders taken and delivered Tel: 01749 840367

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN PHIL BRIDGES ELECTRICAL Reliable local electrician for all domestic, commercial and industrial installations Tel: 01749 840821 Mob: 07527 843550 Email: [email protected] For future reference cut out and keep by phone NIC EIC Approved Contractor

Page 27 E . EMERY & SONS 1 GLADSTONE VILLA , ASHWICK

Local Family - Independent Funeral Directors Traditional & Non Traditional Funerals Pre- Paid Funerals Can Be Arranged Personal To Your Requirements Home Visits 24 Hour Service All Areas Covered Chapel Of Rest

Contact Jonathan and Jane on 01749 840350 E-MAIL [email protected]

Balance with Bowen A weekly class of: Tai Chi The Bowen technique is a very for better health gentle but powerful muscle Every Monday for one hour from 2-3pm in Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall. release therapy that "Tai Chi is an easy exercise and the best brings rapid and long exercise you can do to improve your health lasting relief from pain. and wellbeing. Come along and give it a try." Jo Webb is a qualified If you suffer from any pain or Volunteer Tai Chi Instructor restricted movement please get No need to book but if you have any queries contact Jo on 01749 342035 in touch to see how Bowen [email protected] can help you. A suggested donation of £3 is requested to cover costs Treatment room located in Neighbourne. Home visits available. Cat Wilton 07921 259758 www.balancewithbowen.com Page 28 Structural and Cranial Osteopathy, Gentle effective treatment for the whole body. Registered 42 High Street, Osteopath Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AS Trevenen Pascoe Tel: (01749) 342594 BSc (Hons) Ost. Med. ND.

FRICKER Painting & Decorating City & Guilds Qualified Tradesman Interior & Exterior - Free Estimates Tel: 01761 410891 Mob: 07974 874301 Email: [email protected]

RED ROOM PRE-SCHOOL School House, High Street, Chewton Mendip. BA3 4LL Ofsted EY313518, Reg. Charity no. 1053784.

Children aged 2-5 years Come and learn through play and having ‘fun’. At our Outstanding pre-school Open 7.45 am-4.00 pm every weekday during school term time. Funded places for 2 yr. olds and up to 30 hours for 3 yr. olds Contact Elaine Blackmore: 01761 240700

www.masseywilcox.com e-mail: [email protected] Phone: 01761-232983 Fax: 01761-233184

Page 29 Mendip Rural Services Ltd Lawn Mower and Garden Machinery Servicing, repairs, Repairs and sales www.mendipruralservices.co.uk T: 07974 259766 Workshop: 07491 665290

• Chainsaws made and sharpened • Logs for Sale Springfield, Haydon Drove, Haydon, Wells, Somerset BA5 3EH

Animal Physiotherapy Vinyl Records Wanted For dogs and horses Cash Paid Treatments for arthritis, injuries, post operations & lameness. Qualified Animal Physiotherapist Liz Tyrrell-Asprey Mob: 07900 817171 Web: www.animalphyz.co.uk Ring Rob 07745 599522

eautiful PETE BURR holiday GARDEN MAINTENANCE cottage, Walling & Fencing alcome • evon Turfing – Patios leeps • Hedge Trimming Short breaks and peak • season weeks available • Central location seconds Site Clearance from shops and restaurants walking distance to beaches. • • Dogs welcome Fully Insured Staff Cross Garden Cottage Enquiries 814428 Ring Pete for a free estimate Or cynthiasykesyahoo.co.uk Mobile: 07813 087899

Page 30 Paul Merrett Stonework Patios www.cerisephotography.co.uk Drives Rebecca Waters Extensions For more information please look Mini Digger & Driver at my website or contact me on:- Tel: 01373 836787 01749 841282 or 07968 294876 Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel Home and Business Home and Business Training – Beginner to Advanced Training – Beginner to Advanced Bespoke development Bespoke development Data analysis Data analysis Andy Scott Call: Steven Andy Scott 01749 841 688 01749 841 688 [email protected] On: 01749 841073 [email protected] www.oakgrid.co.uk Visit: www.erectsca olding.co.ukwww.oakgrid.co.uk

Philip Saunders Philippa Spearing Flowers Weddings & Special Events Private Hire Local, Seasonal Flowers Driver where possible 01749 840202 / 07768 738850 Airports and Long Distance [email protected] Trips. Journeys to Heathrow www.philippaspearing.vpweb.co.uk from £125 Special Nights Out Cherry Blossom Gardens Do You love your garden Travel in Comfort, with a but don’t have the time? Reliable and Prompt Service We can help you maintain, renovate or redesign your outside spaces Very Competitive Rates Linda: 07837 813421 Tel: 07855 588128 Karen: 07708 087147 [email protected]

Page 31 Combe Garden Maintenance

Tree surgery – felling, limbing & topping Chipping & log splitting Large or small lawns mowed Fencing contracting – all types Groundworks & drainage – 11/2 tonne digger & driver Fully qualified & insured • 30 years experience

Call Rick for a free quote: 07795 428242

Osborne ALEX Tree Services All aspects of tree surgery BOWN Tree Shaping, Pollarding, Hedgelaying Felling, Hedge Trimming, Stump Removal, Garden Clearance Hedgelaying • Fully insured • Coppicing •NPTC qualified • • National Certificate Scrub in Arboriculture • Clearing Jody Osborne Greystones, Prestleigh Road, Evercreech, Somerset BA4 6JY 07896 813934 Tel: 01749 840598 [email protected] Mob: 07813 006 919

Page 32 orneliu Bespoke Metalwork s C by Zak Bolton Gates, Railings, Chandeliers, Traditional Weather Vanes, Fireside Tools, etc. Hand crafted to your personal design

Come and make something in Iron, Copper or Brass, have a go, learn and surprise yourself.

Phone: Zak on 07796 634510 or Bill on 01749 840366

Page 33 tel: Sheila 07962 111758 01749 841472 email: [email protected]

Mobile Hairdresser and Qualified Therapist Manicure & Pedicure Massage Reflexology Waxing Eyelash Tinting & Eyebrow Shaping

Wedding Hair and Event Make-Up

THE BEACON Please address all articles/enquiries/ advertising requests to The Editorial Team: [email protected] Tel: 01749 840526 November magazine deadline: Friday, 9th October

Page 34 HOUSEKEEPERS INC LTD. Established 20 years ago, we have been providing bespoke housekeeping services in and around the Mendips. Over the years we have come to recognise that attention to detail, reliability and professional service are paramount Our aim is to enable you to look after the things that really matter whilst we take care of the rest! For more information, please call: 01749 –840764 / 07528 169533 Excellence Around The Home

Page 35 Carpentry & Building Phone: 01749 841022

Solving all domestic & commercial pest issues

Rats, Mice, Squirrels Ants, Bed Bugs, Bird Proofing, DEVELOPERS Cockroaches, Flies, Fleas, Wasps & more... Call or message us for a free quote! 07917 638450 Woodwork Find us on Facebook Shop @PestSolutionsSouthWest Facilities Expert pest solutions for over 10 years. Free Quotations

The Most Thorough Cleaning You’ve Ever Seen Or It’s Free! WE CLEAN What We Give Others Can’t ü Carpets – Advanced * Telephone Answered Live Low Moisture System (9.00 – 5.00 Mon to Fri) Dry In As Little As * Accurate appointment 30mins! times ü Oriental & Area Rugs No more waiting around! 10 (Off site facility for or more mins late, we ring superior results) and keep you informed. ü Upholstery including * 100% Money Back Leather. Guarantee ü Hard Flooring We are not perfect! If a spot Restorative cleaning re- appears or you aren’t of Natural Stone happy, we’ll return and re- Ceramic & Porcelain clean free. If you are still Tiles & Grout lines unhappy your payment will Vinyl not be accepted. Linoleum * Value For Money – You Amtico get what you pay for. We 5 Tables at any one time Karndean may not always be cheapest, Wood & Booking essential: 01749 841718 (we won’t use the tricks Laminate necessary to be so!) ALSO we are still offering A full Take-Away service FOR FREE, FRIENDLY ADVICE Call TLC Unit 33, Old Mills Ind Est Fully Licensed with a great range of Paulton BS39 7SU soft drinks both hot and cold Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA3 4UL 01761 235600 www.rugandcarpetcleaningbath.co.uk e-mail [email protected]

Page 36

Exceptional care in the peaceful village of Evercreech. The Glen is a friendly care home, offering residential and nursing care for older ladies and gentlemen.

At HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything we do and our care services are tailored to the preferences of each individual.

• Residential and nursing care • Short breaks and long term care packages • 9.6 carehome.co.uk average user rating • Hobbies and interests programme

To find more information on the care we can offer you or your loved one, please visit our website, or contact our Home Manager, Terri-Ann Weatherall. W hc-one.co.uk T 0333 321 4741 E [email protected] A Shapway Lane, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6JS

Page 37 NorthernLights NorthernLightsbeauty Northern lights Beauty covers allbeauty your beauty needs : Do you have unwanted body hair? SHR Northernpermanent lights hair Beauty removal covers is all now your at beauty needs : NorthernLaser Lights hair Beauty removal, and I’m here to help. Nails, Autumn special offers Lip/chin/cheek £15 • Neckcallus £20 • Underarms peels, £25 Waxing, Basic bikini £25 • Brazilian/Hollywood £45 • 1/2 leg £59 I can also offer multipleSpray areas: Tans, Lash Lifts,ote mag Brazilian/ Hollywood and underarmsHenna £60 Brows whe callig These are just some of the fantastic offers I can do. Call today to discuss your unwanted hair needs pricesQuote are based mag01 on one to session receive - a minimum 20% of 6off is required any full and pricethe average treatment is approx 9 [email protected]@northernlightsbeauty.co.uk or or 07834244582 07834244582 The Birch,The Birch, Stoke Stoke Cresent, Cresent, Stoke Stoke St St Michael Michael BA3BA3 5HE5HE

Financial advice of true family value

I provide a comprehensive wealth management service, offering specialist face-to-face advice tailored to you. My services include:

• Investment Planning • Inheritance Tax Planning • Retirement Planning • Intergenerational Planning

For further details please contact:

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H2SJP28802 05/18 Page 38 Page 39

St. James, Ashwick Holy Trinity, Binegar All Saints, Oakhill

A beacon ofof welcome,welcome, acceptance acceptance and and hope hope centred on Jesus. centred on Jesus. CONTACTS CONTACTSMinisters: Richard Priestley: [email protected] Ministers Mandy Priestley: [email protected] Priest in charge - Rev’d RichardKirsteen Priestley Heselton: [email protected] 01749 840239 / [email protected] The Rectory, Fosse Rd. Oakhill BA3 5HU Branden Heselton: [email protected] Safeguarding Officer: Pioneer Community Priest - Rev’d Mandy Priestley 01749Parish 840239 Church Wardens: Ashwick Rachael Norris: [email protected] Reader/Minister - Mrs. KirsteenCaroline Heselton Stevens: [email protected] 01749 840550 / [email protected]

Patsy Scadding: [email protected] CurateBinegar - Rev’d Rich Miles - [email protected] David Stone: [email protected] …

SafeguardingOakhill Officer John Bloomfield: [email protected] Branden Heselton : 01749 840550 / [email protected] Parish Treasurer: [email protected] Parish Church contacts

Parish Secretary: Diana Marshall: [email protected] Binegar Patsy Scadding 841163 / [email protected]

AshwickMagazine Caroline Editorial Stevens Team: 840170 [email protected] / [email protected]

Oakhill Robin Perry 841379 / [email protected]

Treasurer Philip Belben 840626Hon Editorial / [email protected] Team Hon Magazine Treasurer - Peter Dennis The Chapel, Maitland Close, Nettlebridge BA3 5AA [email protected] 9 The Acorns Little London, Oakhill, BA3 5BT Pam and Peter Dennis with Lee Linford Tel: 840526

Magazine enquiries/contributions to the Editor c/o 9 The Acorns, Little London, Oakhill, BA3 5BT email: [email protected] Tel: 01749 840526 Deadline for November edition: Friday, 9th October This publication has been designed using resources from Freepik.com and Pixabay.com. Autumn leaves illustration (p6, p40) designed by Freepik; gardening illustrations (p10, 11) designed by Freepik; roses in garden illustration (p21) designed by Freepik; ying yang illustration (p28) from Pixabay.com. Sponsored by Ashwick Parish Council and Binegar & Gurney Slade Parish Council, Massey Wilcox, Morris & Perry, The Swan Hotel, LKAB Minerals Page 40