June 2021 Monkton Heathfield, West Monkton and Bathpool
Page 1 Issue No. 129 Village News May - June 2021 Monkton Heathfield, West Monkton and Bathpool
Cleaning Up the School Gardens See Page 11
Contents: Useful Numbers/Regular Bookings - Page 2 Christmas in July/Wrens in Your Family?/Almshouse Vacancy - Page 3 Hearing Dogs - Page 4 Somerset Birds - Page 5 South Quantock Benefice/100 Club - Page 6 The Church Bier/Village Hall - Page 7 Bathpool Chapel - Page 8 Hestercombe: The Village Blacksmith - Page 9 West Monkton Primary School - Pages 10 & 11 Parish Council News - Page 12 Parish Council Annual Report - Pages 13 - 19 Fostering - What is it?- Page 20 May Day/Gardening Corner - Page 21 Type 2 Diabetes- Page 22 Nightingale Time See Page 5 Spring Recipes - Page 23 Blood Donations/Items for Sale /Bereavement Support - Page 24 Parish Planting Initiative/And Finally - Page 32 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, Kingston St Mary, TA2 8HW Slimming World Associate Vicar half-time: Rev Jim Cox - 07967817337 Mondays 09:00 - 11:00 Churchwarden: Hazel Adams - 01823 443027 Phoenix Camera Club P.C.C Secretary: Samm Barge - 07976415337 Mondays 19:00 - 22:00 Pilates P.C.C Treasurer: David Cooke - Tuesdays 09:30 - 10:30 Captain of Bell ringers: Pearl Jeanes - 412804 Brownies Church Flower Organiser: Angela Dill - 412395 Tuesdays (except school holidays) 18:00 - 19:30 Mothers’ Union: Hazel Adams - 01823 443027 Model Boat Club Benefice Office: Michele Hardiman - 01823 451257 Once a month on a Tuesday 19:30 - 21:30 Parish Council Clerk: Amy Shepherd - 01823 412922 Monkton Players [email protected] Tuesdays 20:00 - 22:00 PC Assistant Clerk: Tricia Cavill - 01823 413524 Badminton [email protected] Tuesdays 14:00 - 15:00, Wednesdays 20:00 - 22:00 PC Chairman: Stuart Haskins - 07824410997 Yoga [email protected] Wednesdays 09:30 - 10:45 West Monkton Primary School Head: National Childbirth Trust James Blackmore - 01823 412582 Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:00 Fitness for Fun Heathfield Community School Head: Wednesdays 18:00 - 19:00 Peter Hoare - 01823 412396 Bizzy Boots Line Dancing Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre: 01823 414141 Wednesdays 19:00 - 21:45 Taunton Deane 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). Pilates Village Hall: Thursdays 18:30 - 19:30 Telephone, incoming calls only - 01823 412068 Coffee Morning (Ladies and Gents) Booking Officer: Mrs Lyn Batt Tel: 01823 412089 Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 Chairman: Joyce Keyte 01823 412294 Monkton Evening WI Vice Chairman: Colin Bentley Tel: 01823 413193 Fourth Thursday of the month 17:30 - 19:30 BACH (Brittons Ash Community Hall) Ladies Afternoon Tea Chairman: Barry Gage 07752723311 Third Thursday of the month 14:30 - 16:30 [email protected] Trams & Light Railways Booking Officer: Maggie Little 01823 323662 Once a month on a Saturday 13:30 - 16:30 [email protected] Hardy Plant Society, Somerset Group Useful E-Mail addresses & websites: Once every month on a Saturday 10:30 - 13:00 Community Website: www.somersetrcc.org.uk South West Orchid Society Parish Council Website: www.westmonkton.net Once a month on a Sunday 14:00 - 17:00 Litter Hotline: 01823 356356 SGI Buddhist Group Village Agent: Linda Burton Second Sunday of the month 10:00 - 12:30 Mobile: 07931018019 ‘O’ Gauge Model Railways Email: [email protected] Quarterly on a Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 Benefice Facebook Page: For more information please contact Joyce Keyte on https://www.facebook.com/South-Quantock-Benefice- Tel: 01823 412294 West-Monkton-Cheddon-Kingston-Broomfield- churches-242102696183594/ Village News: Benefice website: www.southquantockbenefice.org.uk Please forward information for the next edition to the Associate Editors, Lorna Walters, Tel. 01823 412017 Police Contact numbers: [email protected] Non emergency telephone 101 Emergency 999 Dawn Watts, Tel. 01823 412201 [email protected] To keep up to date on what’s been happening in our area, Village News Treasurer Ken Jones you can followpolice social media pages: Distribution of the Village News is organised by: Barry Twitter @ASPWestSom @ASPolice Facebook If you have any queries, the team can be Gage, Maggie & Gordon Little and David Pearson. contacted at: 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 Tony Wearmouth 8413 07889 655312 that it arrives. Items submitted will be subjected to editing if PCSO Steve Chapman 9981 necessary. The deadline for submissions for the July - August 2021 Village News is 1st June 2021.
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Something To Look Forward To!
Getting Excited Yet? The Monkton Inn will be Celebrating Christmas in July
on 25th July this year
As, obviously, 2020 Christmas was a bit of a non-event for many of us, Val and Pete at The Monkton Inn have decided to celebrate an ‘extra Christmas’ in July 2021!
Keep the date free if you want to enjoy roast turkey, sprouts, figgy pudding and all the trimmings on a sunny summer day.
Do you have any Wrens in your family?
I’m not referring to the tiny, feathered variety in the garden but the indomitable ladies who joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Specifically, ladies who joined up between 1946 and 1981 and did their basic training at Training Depot Burghfield/HMTE Burghfield/HMTE Dauntless/HMS Dauntless/Reading. Dauntless Divisional Photos is a nationwide project, in collaboration with the Association of Wrens, to gather divisional photographs and memories from those training days but also to reunite ladies with old friends, share anecdotes and relive exciting moments.
So if you, your mum, granny, aunt, godmother or even next door neighbour donned a blue suit and aimed for a life on the ocean wave, please get in touch either by email: [email protected] or Tlph: 07765435295 or 07719909844.
Almshouse Vacancy, Spital Row Almshouses, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton TA2 8NU
Self contained One bedroom bungalow complete with Lounge, Dining Area, Refurbished Kitchen, Bathroom and central heating. Lovely communal gardens Applications are invited from Single Ladies, aged 60 or over who are resident in, or have a close collection with, the local area. Applicants must be of a sound character, aged 60 or over, in reasonable health and must be capable of independent living. Applicants will be required to provide references or other evidence of qualification of appointment. Application forms can be obtained from: The Clerk: Mrs Webb Crookes Telephone: 01823 442714
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Well here we are again, I cannot believe we are almost half way into 2021! How time flies when you are at home and there are no fundraising events, I have missed you! Hopefully we will be able to have another Tea & Cake afternoon in the not too distant future. I am pleased to say work is still continuing at The Grange training the wonderful Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. As always there are people on the waiting to their owner’s deafness, which is otherwise a list for one of these amazing dogs, who will make a largely invisible disability. This not only makes day to life changing partnership for them. day life easier for people, but it acts as a talking point It is thanks to the support and generosity of people - helping deaf people to reconnect to their like you that we are able to create these communities. partnerships. Vital support Take care, I look forward to seeing you at the next With almost one in six of the UK population fundraising event. experiencing some level of deafness or hearing loss, Thanks again for your continued support. demand for our incredible dogs and other services is Lin Keitch ever growing. We receive no government funding Taunton and District F.R. Hearing Dogs for Deaf and rely solely on the support of kind individuals, People groups and organisations to continue their life- changing work. About Hearing Dogs for Deaf People A Hearing Dog recipient called Lynda explains: HDfDP believes that nobody with deafness or “There are so many ways that Zara has changed my hearing loss should feel alone. This is why we train life for the better, but what I value the most is feeling dogs that help deaf children and adults to leave like I have my friend with me all the time, which is loneliness behind and reconnect with life. pretty amazing. Many deaf people feel isolated. Not only do our dogs Before Zara, I used to avoid going out unless I really alert deaf people to important and life-sounding had to. Because, apart from when I was with my sounds, such as the smoke alarm, they also provide family, I felt invisible. love, companionship and emotional support. Since having Zara I no longer feel like hiding myself This combination of practical assistance and faithful away, and people who didn’t speak to me before, friendship is life-changing. now make a point of doing so. It’s unbelievable A hearing dog’s training takes around 18 to 24 really, I used to feel anxious in case someone spoke months. During this time, they live in a loving home to me and I couldn’t understand them. But with Zara with a volunteer puppy trainer. They will learn how to in her hearing dog uniform, people now know that I’m be a well-behaved dog and how to alert a deaf deaf before they speak to me.” person to important sounds. Our dogs’ training is made as fun as possible so that they associate doing the right things with getting lots of rewards. A life long partnership Every hearing dog is carefully matched to a deaf person so that the dog’s skills and personality perfectly fit the life- style and needs of their partner. We help the partnership get off to a great start and we support them for the entire duration of their partnership. Dressed to impress Hearing dogs are easily recognisable in their smart burgundy jackets, and this Lynda with Zara, her Hearing dog uniform helps to bring visibility
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Hearing the bird is easy enough, but seeing it is the Somerset Birds very devil. Nightingales in England skulk in the middle of the bush, and rarely give good views, so most May is the best month for listening to one of our people have to be satisfied with the song. Why they finest songsters, the Nightingale. The song is behave so here is something of a mystery, as in other unmistakable when you know it, but it is not parts of their range, where common, such as generally realised that many other birds sing through southern France and the Mediterranean islands, they the night particularly in spring, and some Robins do frequently sing from overhead wires and television so at other times of the year. Perhaps this is where aerials. If you are lucky enough to see one, the the most unlikely ‘Nightingale in Berkeley Square’ appearance is unremarkable but with a certain came from! It is worth noting too that you will only beauty. Nightingales are a little larger than a Robin, hear the genuine article in April and May. and warm brown to chestnut above and pale grey below. The chestnut tail is frequently cocked, especially when alarmed. Their range in England is contracting, and they have always been very rare north of a line from the Severn to the Wash. Nowadays the largest populations are in the woodlands of Surrey, Kent and East Anglia. It has always been a scarce bird in Somerset, where the species is at the very limit of its range. Those we have locally are, in all probability, the westernmost birds in the world. Sadly the Nightingale population has halved within the last fifteen years. The birds are very site-faithful and reluctant to move when suitable habitat is scrubbed up for development. Perhaps more significantly, grazing deer are now a big problem in some woodlands, destroying the under storey the species depends on. Nightingale We are fortunate in having a reliable site locally. Nightingales nest along the mainline railway close to Nightingales winter mainly in the savannah belt of us and can be heard, and sometimes seen, from the Africa south of the equator and early birds arrive Bridgwater to Taunton canal between Engine House from the second week of April, with the main influx just east of Creech and the A361 at Durston. 2020 from then into the start of May. It is a bird of was a particularly good year with 10 singing males, all scrubland, thick hedgerows and, especially coppiced but one thought to have been paired. Nightingales woodland with good undergrowth for nesting. Males also turn up sporadically at other sites around occupy a territory and sing for two reasons, to Taunton such as Hankridge Farm, scrub near establish ownership and to attract a mate. They Priorswood Recycling Centre and other irregular arrive a week or so before the females, and sing places, including West Monkton. through the night to attract a partner. Once having done so, nocturnal singing ceases abruptly and this is a very useful way of checking if a bird is paired. Song nevertheless continues throughout May, and sometimes into the first week of June, after which the birds are silent. The best time to hear them is actually just after dawn when territorial singing is at its strongest. However, especially on warm, calm evenings in mid-May the birds will sing for prolonged periods at dusk, particularly during the full moon period. Doubtless this inspired Tennyson to pen the line ‘The music of the moon sleeps in the plain eggs of the Nightingale’. The song is remarkably rich and fluty, with a mixture of rapid ‘chooks’ and a liquid crescendo of ‘piu’ notes. It can be heard several metres away. The nest is very well hidden on the ground amid roots and stems, and up to five dark green eggs are We may lose this wonderful bird within the next few laid. These hatch in a fortnight or so and the chicks years as pressures take their toll so do take the are fed by both parents who often betray their opportunity to hear one while you still can. presence by uttering a grating frog-like alarm call. Brian Hill Fledging takes a further two weeks and by mid-July Somerset Ornithological Society welcomes people whatever their most Nightingales have begun the long passage level of interest in birds. Please contact me on 01823 442198 for further details or visit www.somersetbirds.org. Our meetings south. programme will resume when circumstances allow.
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Letter from Rev Jim
South Quantock Benefice [email protected]
At the risk of perpetrating over- simplifications, which short articles such as these often necessitate, traditional ‘religions’ saw disaster (flood, famine, disease) as acts of an angry god who (The parishes of West Monkton, Kingston St. Mary, needed appeasing. The Greeks thought this was Broomfield & Cheddon Fitzpaine) very silly and came up with three other ways to look at the world. The Stoics said the world is fixed – PLEASE NOTE: services are dependent on (changing) learn how to fit in; the Epicureans said the world is government guidance for public worship. random - make yourself as comfortable as you can; For up to date information please check with the and the Platonists said don’t worry, a perfect world Benefice Office or our website: will follow this one. https://southquantockbenefice.org.uk/ Like I say. Over-simplified. Main worship for all is currently on "Zoom" at You will often hear Christians, faced with a natural 10:30am each Sunday – though we have also been disaster (or pandemic) using variations on all of the offering a said service at one of the churches each above, often providing some simple solutions - Sunday at 9:30am – check website for times and usually involving the repentance of a favourite sin. changes. However, rather than blame the victims, the church’s best response has always been not ‘Why, oh why?’ If you have any questions or concerns please be in but ‘What can I do to help?’ touch. Despite the re-writing of history by the New Atheists, APCM at St Augustine’s, Sunday 23rd May, 10:30am it is undeniable that people of faith were at the Unless you are exempt, face masks MUST be worn forefront of healthcare, education and concern for in church. the poor long before the state took over. Christian We are following government guidance (eg on social faith is only recently regarded as a private distancing, the celebration and distribution of Holy predilection. Before that it was a catalyst for Communion and not singing during worship.) changing society with its emphasis on those who All Our Churches Buildings Are Open Daily For were unable to help themselves: a ‘priority for the Private Prayer poor’ as it is known. We are currently still offering the following: So what can/should the church ‘do’ in the face of the Live Sunday 10:30am ‘Zoom’ services – please virus and its consequences? contact us for details Firstly we can ‘lament’. Lament is often an un- Weekly news-sheet with readings, short reflection etc articulatable groaning of the spirit. It is both an To be added to our weekly news-sheet mailing list acknowledgment of pain and a sense of contact Michele: helplessness in the face of the enormity of suffering. [email protected] or see the Our natural reaction to pain might be to turn to website for links. entertainment as a distraction. But lament helps us to be honest about the depth of sorrow that is in the West Monkton Church world and it brings concern – or, as we call it in the church, love - to the situation. 100 Club Prizewinners Secondly we can hope. Not to bring a breezy optimism to proceedings but to live with an The draw was held on Friday 5th expectation of new life. Which is not the same as March ‘back to normal’, which was often not such ‘good First Prize: £89.00 Won by Norman news to the poor’. Dickie And thirdly we can accept that God has delegated Second Prize: £44.50 won by Laura Davenport authority to us – part of the meaning of being made The sum of £311.50 will go towards the church. in God’s image. And so we need to hold ourselves The number of £5.00 shares entered in the draw was and others to account for the consequences of our 89. choices. But also, to observe the sign of the times, to The draw was held on 5th April spot the gaps and to get stuck in. First Prize: £89.00 was won by Sharon Davidson Christianity has a particular view on all this which is Second Prize: £44.50 was won by John Trowbridge abbreviated in the word ‘resurrection’. At the The sum of £311.50 will go towards the church. resurrection, Jesus was not ‘the same’ as before, nor The number of £5.00 shares entered in the draw was does resurrection anaesthetize him from the cross. 89. But it articulates a lived hope that death is already Congratulations to the winners! Your turn next defeated and it holds out the possibility that our month? If you would like to join or hear more about the actions, in God’s strength can bring about a better 100 Club, please contact: world. Kate Ayres 01823 413873
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The Church Bier
About 12 years ago the Church Bier, which was used for carrying coffins from the church to the graves, was rescued from the churchyard where it had been stored for several years under some sheets of galvanised iron where it was deteriorating. The bier was loaded onto my pickup and taken to Langaller for safe storage. News from West Monkton Village Hall Monkton Heathfield, TA2 8NE
At last we have good news! We are looking forward to opening on the week beginning 17th May to welcome back Slimming World sessions, exercise classes and badminton. One comment received being, ‘We can’t wait to return home.’ The ‘Rule of 6’ will apply, with no mixing outside the groups of six. Groups of six cannot be re-formed. By the 21st June all legal limits on social contact should be removed. Parties and dancing should be permitted. Social distancing and wearing of masks will be reviewed. The bier in pieces before the reconstruction. I have to say that this is the government roadmap so far but may, of course, be subject to new regulations should it be felt necessary. For some, such as me, lockdown has proved quite It is intended that regular Coffee Mornings will useful in that, not having much else to do, I decided to start again on the first Thursday in July. start a project and I had the time to smarten the bier May I ask if anyone has any photographs of the up a bit. It proved to be in reasonably good condition, original village hall please? I am trying to get other than rust which had worn away some of the together some history of the first village hall to help metal on the wheels and the pulling handle half of me compile a record of how it started that a which had rotted away. community building was first built on our site and The painting, wood-worming and oiling the timber how we have remained true to the original concept frame was fairly straightforward. However, not being of providing a meeting place for our community. much good at carpentry, I needed to enlist the help of Anyone wishing to join us running the hall would be David Cooke, the Church treasurer, who very kindly most welcome. made a new handle. Please contact Joyce Keyte, Chairman, Tel: 01823 It is thought that the bier, which was beautifully 412294 or email: [email protected] constructed, was made by the late Gladys Leach's Father-in-law, who was an undertaker. I know that the Bier has not been used for many years and it would Forthcoming Events: be interesting to know a little more of its history. So, if Pelargonium Show on 26th June you know anything of its history please get in contact with me. Fuchsia Show on 31st July Henry Besley
The beautifully restored bier
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Bathpool Chapel As believers, we are all called to feed the lambs, the Pastor Naomi Gull young believers to help them grow in their faith; to 01823710453 take care of the sheep, the mature believers who 07882764153 need fellowship and physical care and to feed the [email protected] sheep with the Bread of Life which is Jesus and [email protected] water from the never drying fountain which is the Holy Spirit, until the day of his return, which we know is soon! Taunton Church of the Nazarene Our Sunday Services will continue for the time being British Isles and South District at 3:00pm and as the weather improves will move 103 Bridgwater Road Taunton TA2 8BA from the Manse to the Chapel as well as with Zoom Registered Charity 1166295 so that we can continue to be joined by our lovely men and women from Birmingham and up North and As we tentatively emerge from lockdown our occasionally from as far as Hong Kong and Pakistan. Community and Pastoral work will be carrying on We have a Bible study on Monday evenings from 5 though-out May & June; driving our members to pm to 6:30 pm and the group will soon to be going appointments and hospital visits as well as helping through the steps to freedom from the Freedom in with shopping and in any other way that we can assist Christ course. Led by the Pastor, we have all and support. What we have all learnt during the past experienced a time of sharing some deep and year is the absolute importance of keeping in touch personal revelation as prompted by the Holy Spirit. with people just to share normal everyday chat Pastor Naomi is also leading a service in Urdu on whether by WhatsApp messaging or phone calls. We Friday afternoons for Pakistani Christians and former will continue to hold meetings on Zoom as part of our Indian Sikh converts from Dubai and Pakistan as well Church service and Bible study. A sense of connection as Britain, with praise and worship, testimonies and is so important to us all. teaching. 3pm to 5pm John 21: 15 – 18 There is also a Bible study taking place on alternate When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Saturday mornings which the Pastor facilitates in Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more Urdu, Punjabi and English. 10am to 12 noon As with than these?” all our Zoom meetings, please contact the Pastor for “ Yes Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” ID number and password. Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Three times Jesus asked a similar question of Peter, Community Garden using the name given to him by his parents, Simon, As this is being written, the birds are very busy son of John. Previously, Jesus had given him the nesting and continuously visiting the bird feeders in name Peter (Petros), his Christ given name when he the Manse garden. Our regulars include a pair of responded to the question,“Who do you say I am?” by robins; a pair of green finches that are very messy saying that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah) Son of eaters but which benefit the ground feeders such as the living God.” ( Matthew:16:16) and Jesus declared the pigeons and resident black birds; numerous that by this revelation from his Father of who Jesus sparrows who will suddenly arrive in a flurry and truly was, Simon would be the Petros, the rock, the spent a couple of hours at the Spar, dust bathing in faith on which the church of Jesus will be built. the soil, catching up on gossip whilst sunbathing in But Peter, who had been warned that Satan was the bushes and generally being delightful to watch; desiring to sift him like wheat, had denied knowing the dunnocks and wren can be seen flitting around Jesus when questioned at his arrest, and proved under cover, camouflaged to blend in so well Jesus right that he was still Simon, son of John who whereas the blue tits, great tits, long tail tits and gold was fearful of losing his reputation and suffering finches are a burst of colour that always brings a ignominy, his faith was put to the test and found smile of wonder at their beauty. These birds can all wanting. be found in the Community Garden too if you have Our Saviour Jesus, compassionate and forgiving, had time to sit quietly and wait patiently. called this fisherman to follow him, promising to make What a great blessing the flowering trees and shrubs him a fisher of men. He had witnessed many miracles are as well as the spring flowers! The bees came out including the healing of his mother-in-law. For three of their own winter lockdown to feast on the nectar years he had heard the teachings of God through the and we praise the Lord God, the Creator who made Word made Flesh, and in an instant had denied his all things well. Lord and Saviour. He witnessed the betrayal, Come and visit the garden soon to enjoy this special scourging and crucifixion of his innocent and humble time of the year, and rest awhile. Master. Here was the Risen Lord asking him if he Cast your cares and worries upon the Lord for he is loved him more than anything else in his life, the first meek and lowly of heart and you will find rest. and most important commandment of the law, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love others as you love yourself, and Blessings from the worldly Simon was hurt by his questioning. Pastor Naomi and friends at Bathpool Chapel
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Virgin Mary Church, Cheddon Fitzpaine, where his The Village Blacksmith father was a churchwarden, aged 25 months, and by Hestercombe archivist Kim Legate was confirmed on the 13th of December 1923, aged 16 years. He attended his first communion on Christmas day 1923. ‘As a young boy my father was very friendly with the gamekeeper’s (Robert Trump [1876-1968]) son. They played in the woods where the gamekeeper’s cottage is (Combe House). My dad knew of the fact that the woods had been famous. They played in and around the ruins of the overgrown buildings.’ (Gloria Pike, 10 Jan. 2012) Lionel began his education at Huish Grammar School, Taunton, later returning to Rowford School. Before his marriage to Emma Jeffery in 1935, he lived in the house that sits alongside the Cheddon Fitzpaine smithy, where he was brought up by his older brother, Wilfrid, by then a Master Blacksmith. Lionel died in 1962 of a stroke. Uncle Wilfrid was a real character, very jovial. Everyone liked him . . . or perhaps everyone liked the cider. He had a big cider press and was well known for his cider. The people from the village would all help him make it . . . Wilfrid was always going around the local farms to shoe horses. In the autumn he would take mother (Emma Jefferys) and me along to pick apples for him. One of the farms was above the Hestercombe woods (Volis?). We would arrive and he would give each of us sacks and we would go through the orchards & pick up windfalls. We loved that. (Gloria Pike, 10 Jan. 2012) Wilfrid Andrew and his brother, Willie Thomas (‘Uncle Bill’), served in Egypt as farriers in World War I, after Lionel James Aish (1907-1962), with his father, Thomas Aish c.1912 which time Wilfrid took over the operation of the blacksmith’s shop in Cheddon Fitzpaine. It was subsequently named, ‘W. A. Aish & Son, R.S.S. Thomas Aish (1864/65-1922) was the Hestercombe (Registered Shoeing Smith) Practical Shoeing & blacksmith at the turn of the century. Born in North General Smiths, Arc or Acetylene Welding’, to Petherton, he married Florence Augusta Winter acknowledge the employment of Wilfrid’s youngest (1867-c.1915) of Hillfarence in 1890. Thomas lived son, Robert Edward (1928-2010), who worked for his with his family at 97 Cheddon Street (now father until he emigrated to New Zealand in 1956. Maidenbrook Lane) and operated the estate Interestingly, Wilfrid Aish’s uncle, Frederick Andrew blacksmith’s shop, which was initially located at Aish (1880-1938), once worked as a carpenter at Rowford, now the sight of the modern bungalow that Hestercombe. According to Mrs. Pike, ‘He lived in lies opposite South Lodge. In about 1887 a larger one of the double cottages, with his wife and three forge, still in operation, was built at the north end of children near ‘The Barn’ off of New Road (probably Cheddon Street just south of the modern day The Parsonage where Mrs. Portman’s butler, Claude Cheddon Lawns housing estate by E. W. B. Portman. Bradbury, lived in the 1950s and 1960s). ‘My dad It was probably at the latter that Thomas taught his (Lionel James Aish) often spoke of The (Dutch three sons, Willie Thomas (1892-1950), Wilfrid Garden) Tunnels where his uncle Frederick worked. I Andrew (1897-1977), and Lionel James (1907-1962) understand that long planks of wood were stored to become blacksmiths/farriers. Thomas and there to dry out.’ (Len Sydenham, longtime Forester Florence also had two daughters: Irene Olive at Orchard Portman, who moved to Middle Lodge in Augusta, better known as ‘Polly’ (1895-?) and Myrtle 1978, also recalled that ‘lengths of wet timber were Mary Florence (1904-05). Florence worked with her stored in the tunnel and then carried through to the husband in the forge as the ‘strike’** until she Mill). became ill with consumption (TB) about 1915. ‘The ** A blacksmith's striker is an assistant whose job it is Hon. Mrs. Portman was wonderful and sent Florence to swing a large sledge hammer in heavy forging to recuperate at Axbridge Hospital in the Mendips operations, as directed by the blacksmith. In practice, near Cheddar’, remembered Mrs. Gloria Pike, the blacksmith will hold the hot iron at the anvil (with Thomas Aish’s granddaughter, in a recent (2013) tongs) in one hand, and indicate where the iron is to interview. be struck by tapping it with a small hammer held in Lionel James Aish (1907-1962), Thomas’s youngest the other hand: the striker then delivers a heavy blow child, was born on the 26th of June 1907. He was with the sledge hammer where indicated. (Wikipedia) baptized on the 28th of July 1909 at The Blessed
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West Monkton Primary School News
Comic Relief The school wants to say thank you to all their awesome families, who supported the children in doing something funny for money on Red Nose Day! They raised an astonishing £827 for Comic Relief. From the photo above it looks as if it was all great fun.
Class Allotments All classes are tackling the weeds in the allotment patches ready for a delivery of top soil and then planting can commence! Kite Class’s flowers are growing really nicely and are almost ready for their allotment patch. The children are taking great care in watering I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff and I’ll Blow Your House them Down! regularly Year 1 had fun in Design and Technology; designing, everyday. making and testing houses. Great collaboration, communication and problem solving skills were shown all round.
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Ground Force Children have been working with Mr Benbow to give the Forest School area a real spruce up and then each class has been enjoying their first Spring Forest School session with Mr Benbow! Everyone is looking forward to lots of outdoor learning in the summer term!
Exploring Mars! Year 5 have been keeping up with the news about exploration of space and have been exploring the Mars planet surface programming devises such as Probots and Wedo's for the year groups fabulous finish!
Willpower Key Stage 1 took part in a Collective Worship around the theme of 'Willpower'! Miss Floris provided each child with a cookie and then they had to show self- control, self-discipline and willpower not too eat it too soon! What a yummy way to share worship and reflection together.
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Parish Council News https://westmonkton.net/parish-council/brittons-ash- community-hall-bach/ Parish Council Meetings and Parish Surgery If you would like to book the hall for upcoming The Parish Council continues to meet virtually via christenings, birthday parties or perhaps some Zoom. Members of the public can still join the classes you can do so by contacting Maggie the meetings and information about how to do so is Bookings Officer ([email protected]). included at the top of each meeting agenda. The If you have any general enquiries about the BACH, agenda are posted on the website and noticeboards. please contact the Clerk ([email protected]) Monthly Parish Surgery meetings also continue to take place virtually on the second Thursday of the Western Relief Road month at 7pm via Zoom, you can join Parish Surgery Work on the Western Relief Road (WRR) is now well each month by clicking on this link: underway. A road closure of the A3259 is scheduled https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83918703862 to take place from 5th May 2021 for 11 weeks. This It is anticipated that the Parish Council will return to will enable the contractors to carry out the connection meeting face to face in the future when it is safe to works required to complete the WRR. Further do so, in the meantime check the agendas when they information about the road closure is available here: are posted on the website or noticeboards to see https://one.network/?tm=120849519 how / where the meeting will be held. If you aren’t sure of the calendar of meetings, please Neighbourhood Plan check with the Clerk ([email protected]) or The consultation period closed on 30th April. The Assistant Clerk ([email protected]). draft Revised Neighbourhood Plan will now pass through regulatory stages at the District Council. 2021 Annual Parish Meeting Should a referendum be required, the event will be The first virtual Annual Parish Meeting took place on advertised on Notice Boards and Social Media. 31st March 2021, around 25 people attended the meeting including residents, councillors and Change to grant awarding speakers. Information was shared about the Parish The WMPC Grants policy has been revised and Council’s Community Building Declaration and a applicants now need to choose which of two number of community initiatives that are taking place categories they will apply for. Applications can be in the Parish including the West Monkton Youth Club, made between April/May or Sept/Oct. Decisions will the Tacchi Morris Community Café, the Maidenbrook be made in June and November. You can access Country Park and Somerset Wood, work to review the Grants Policy on the WM website or contact the Neighbourhood Plan and information about the Clerk ( [email protected]) or Assistant Clerk new Climate Change Seeds Initiative, launched in ([email protected]). early April. Further information about the seeds initiative and the competitions that will run later in the Success at Country Park Summer are included elsewhere in this edition of the West Monkton Parish Council, jointly with Cheddon Village News. Fitzpaine Parish Council, submitted an application to Somerset County Council Climate Community Chest MH2 District Centre Poll for funding (£62000.00) to provide a large wildlife In anticipation of a planning application being pond and a Forest School shelter and store at the submitted during 2021 for the next stage of Country Park. The application was successful and development in West Monkton and neighbouring awarded in full. Creech St Michael (MH2) which will include a District Centre, a poll has been created to inform the comments that the Parish Council submits to Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) as the Local Planning Authority. The poll asks parishioners to identify the shops and services that they would like to see in the District Centre. The poll can be accessed and completed via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FB7BH2Y. Please take the opportunity to complete the poll which only takes a minute or two.
BACH As the pandemic lockdown and associated restrictions begin to ease over the coming months, the BACH will open once more and welcome back almost all of the hirers, groups and activities that have used the hall in the past. Further information about the facilities available at the BACH is available on the Parish Council website:
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with Creech St Michael Parish Council, together we produced a detailed response to Somerset West and Taunton (SW&T) and Persimmon on Highways and the Garden Town concept which of course will drive the development concept. It’s worth noting at this point that whilst the development is called MH2 its footprint is predominantly in the Parish of Creech St Michael however a major development on this scale will 2020/21 Annual Report undoubtedly impact our Parish in many ways and not A few words from the Chairman 2020/21 least of all traffic flows and levels. Our challenge is to Cllr Stuart Haskins - Chairman ensure that impact is balanced and based on sound [email protected] thinking and a valued environmental approach. In Dear Parishioners. addition to the joint response, WMPC has also Let me first say that I hope this commissioned Create Streets with Arts Taunton to report finds you all safe and well report independently on the proposed MH2 and you are all coping with life as development. Create Streets are an independent we find it these days. I think it’s fair consultancy recognised for their Garden Town to say as we move towards the end thinking. Recent meetings with Persimmon lead us to of the current lockdown, this has think we are still some way off from seeing the diggers been one of the most difficult years actually move in but we are increasingly confident that to cope with and it has challenged us all to look at our views and concerns are being taken on board as how we communicate with family, friends, colleagues the plans firm up. and of course fellow Councillors. Your Parish Council Work on the revision of our Joint Neighbourhood Plan (PC) was determined that we should do our very best with Cheddon Fitzpaine PC has been ongoing to continue with business as near to normal as throughout the years and whilst the Pandemic has set possible and to offer support to the community as us back a few months we are now into the needs arose. So as we entered the Pandemic, consultation period before we can progress to the next Parliament rushed through legislation that would give stage. An initiative born out of the Pandemic and the all Councils and Official Bodies the authority and Neighbourhood Plan update was to identify on one powers to conduct their business by means of Virtual map all of the great locations within the two Parishes Technology (VT). The Parish Council held its first VT where we can enjoy time with our families and meetings in April of last year since when we have hopefully these should now have been put through conducted all our meeting requirements from the your letter boxes. comfort of our own homes rather than at Brittons Ash Recent Social media coverage of a Parish Council’s Community Hall (BACH). This arrangement will come meeting in Handforth did I’m sure bring a smile to to an end in May of this year after which we hope to many faces. As Chairman I would like to assure you be returning to face to face meetings at the BACH but that your Parish Councillors have and always will of course still socially distancing and observing the conduct Parish Council business in a professional and two-metre rule. legal manner. As Chairman I would like to take this All said and done it’s been a busy year for the PC as opportunity to thank all of the Councillors for their we continued with several initiatives and projects that dedication to the role and for all their hard work over were in play at the start of the year plus some new the past year. I would also like to thank our Clerks exciting opportunities that have presented themselves Amy Shepherd and Tricia Cavill for the guidance and to the PC. The PC continues to develop ideas that support they give to all the Councillors and myself will help to bring our community closer together for the without which we could not function. Outside of the benefit of all Parishioners whilst at the same time PC we also have volunteers who give up their time protecting our environment whenever and wherever freely to support the PC and to those I also say a big we can. Some of these opportunities involve a great thank you. It is greatly appreciated by all the PC team. deal of time, management and development skills Finally, I would like to thank our Somerset West and which we are lucky to have in our Councillors who Taunton (SWT) and Somerset County Council (SCC) have these skills, backgrounds and experience. Councillors for the support they give the PC without As you may know the major building works of the which many of our plans would not progress so swiftly. Monkton Heathfield 1 (MH1) development is now We continue to draw down on our CIL fund which of complete and building work on the Hartnell’s Farm is course comes to us as a result of the continuing continuing at pace however, it is disappointing that on expansion of our Parish. The Council is keen to target MH1 there are still a significant number of snags and this financial windfall in ways that not only benefit our outstanding issues to be resolved by the Contractor Parish now but also on into the future and for all before the process of ‘Adoption’ can be completed. generations to come. This year has seen the The PC continues to keep the pressure on installation of 4 more new bus shelters and village Persimmon to get these issues resolved to the signs, some of which still need to be installed at required standards. Bathpool once the Creech Castle junction The Masterplan for Monkton Heathfield 2 (MH2) has improvements are completed next year. We are become available to the PC this year and working extremely lucky to have an extensive network of public
Copy deadline for July - August 2021 is 1st June 2021 Page 14 footpaths in our Parish which have seen increased The public can still attend the meetings and speak in use this year during the lockdowns. Our current Public Question Time. The Zoom meeting link is project is the replacement of timber stiles and kissing included at the top of all PC meeting agendas. A gates with robust Bristol gates which will provide more informal opportunity to express your views is at unrestricted through passage for walkers who may the Parish Surgery on the second Thursday of the not be quite so nimble these days. And for those of month, this has also been held via Zoom throughout you wanting to keep fit without walking we have also the pandemic in the evening at 7pm rather than at added some new equipment in Farriers Green Park the usual time of 8.30am at the BACH. This drop-in to outline just a couple of things we have done. meeting is attended by the Clerks, Parish, District Looking to the future we are supporting the Tacchi and County Councillors and provides the opportunity Morris Centre by funding some of the furniture for the public to raise issues and gives the PC replacement they need to be able to improve the valuable feedback from the community. facilities they can offer once we can all get out again. The PC uses both the website www.westmonkton.net Also, in partnership with the Tacchi who will maintain and Facebook page and accommodate it, we have funded a further https://www.facebook.com/westmonktonparishcouncil/ Defibrillator to be located outside the building which as key communication tools that enable the PC to will be available to you all in the case of emergency engage more effectively with the community. All 24/7. agendas and minutes from PC meetings are The Parish Council declared a Climate Emergency available on the website. early last year and this now guides and drives policy The BACH is a purpose-built community facility. The and initiatives of the PC. Pandemic has impacted the use of the BACH, during Work on the Western Relief Road (WRR) finally the lockdown periods the BACH has closed but in started just before Christmas 2020 and is between it has been available for use by individuals progressing well towards completion and its opening and groups that are able to comply with the social later this year which will inevitably make a significant distancing restrictions. Once the restrictions ease change to the volume of traffic through Monkton the facility will be open once more for the regular Heathfield. The PC has held a number of meetings weekly bookings, group meetings, activities, and with SCC Highways about the highway plans for the private functions and it is hoped that most if not all of Parish in the future and once the WRR is open the previous regular hirers and bookings will return. detailed surveys of traffic flows will be undertaken to The PC has used the lockdown period to implement validate future proposals related to the MH2 improvements including a fresh lick of paint and development. some electrical works to enable better use of the Work and Planning for the Country Park and BACH for meetings with electrical devices. The PC Somerset Wood has continued throughout the year has also secured a Premises Licence for the BACH in partnership with Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council and TV Licence to enable different uses of the and a private landowner. Unfortunately our plans to BACH, for example film clubs, in the future. own the Country park by now have been set back by If you would like further information about booking a change of mind at SWT Council. However, we are the BACH, please contact the Bookings Officer, still hopeful that an agreement can be Maggie ([email protected]) reached in the future and supported by The Spital Allotments continue to be managed by the all the Country Park volunteers we will PC. The allotments are popular and in full use, see our plans mature. however, the PC holds a waiting list so if you are Amy Shepherd - Clerk interested in having an allotment, please get in touch [email protected] and your details will be added. The overall role of the Clerk is to In addition to the on-going management of the PC ensure the smooth and lawful running assets and servicing the meetings of the PC, there of the Council and to advise have also been a number of projects that have Councillors accordingly. The Councillors’ Code of started or continued during 2020/21. These include: Conduct, Financial Regulations and Standing Orders 1. New signs for the Parish – the new cast iron signs are revised, reissued and adopted every year. The that were commissioned by the PC last year have Register of Councillors’ Disclosable Interests is filed now been installed. and maintained at SWT Council. Councillors can 2. MH1 Public Open Spaces – negotiations have apply for a ‘Dispensation’ if Disclosable Interest continued throughout the year with the developers would otherwise prevent them from speaking or about the handover of the Public Open Spaces in voting. MH1 to the PC to manage following their completion. PC meetings normally take place in the BACH on the 3. MH2 Concept Plan – the PC has continued to second Tuesday of every month at 7.00pm but the liaise with SWT Council and the developers about Coronavirus Pandemic has meant that all PC the proposed plans for MH2 and make comments on meetings have taken place virtually since March any proposals when it is invited to do so. 2020. The PC has used Zoom to hold its meetings 4. WRR Construction – the construction of the WRR and all involved have embraced the challenge of is now underway following some delays. The road is using virtual technology very well and the PC has expected to be completed later this year. successfully held all its meetings via this platform.
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5. Website Improvements – The PC website The proposed audit of benches and other seating for (www.westmonkton.net) has been improved during use by residents has not taken place this year, but the course of the year to make it easier to navigate we would like to invite regular walkers/riders in the and more accessible. parishes to send in a photo of benches they pass 6. Land South of Langaller Farm Development – whilst out walking with a location so we can build a The PC has considered proposals for this database to establish a programme of regular development and have submitted comments to SWT maintenance, which will be included in Parish when it was invited to do so. budgets in the future. 7. Sports Pitches – The PC is actively researching The progress with the draft Revised NP (2021) has ways in which the sports pitches can be delivered as been slow due mostly to Covid restrictions. But soon as possible. Including the possible delivery of formal consultations under Regulation 14 have the pitches by the PC. begun and the consultation period will close on 30th 8. Community Speedwatch – volunteers in the April. It’s not too late to review the draft changes, Parish have come forward expressing a wish to take please contact me for an electronic copy. part in a Community Speedwatch scheme. The [email protected] If you know of local PCSO is working with these volunteers to get a anyone unable to get to a computer, a paper copy scheme underway. can be borrowed under Track and Trace rules, on 9. Defibrillator – a defibrillator is already in place request. The NP is now approaching its fourth year outside the BACH and a new defibrillator has been so the review is timely and fits in with government purchased for installation outside Tacchi Morris on guidelines. The policies of the NP of 2018 form part School Road. Both Defibrillators are available for of the Local Planning Authority (SWT) Planning use by anyone that needs it, 24 hours a day, 7 days Policies on which planning decisions are based. a week. Planning 10. Youth Club Support – the PC has received an The Planning Committee meets on the first Tuesday application for grant funding to support a new Youth of the month and members of the public are welcome Club which will operate every Thursday evening at to attend and speak. Since 1st April 2020 to time of the BACH. This volunteer led Youth Club will writing (5/3/2021) over 35 planning applications have commence as soon as the Covid-19 Restrictions been considered by the PC Planning Committee and allow. comments submitted to SWT (the Local Planning If you would like any further information about any of Authority). The submitted comments can be viewed these projects or have any ideas of other projects on SWT website under the application registration that the PC could support, please get in touch – number. Of the 35 applications, 14 have no decision [email protected] made on them yet, 14 have conditional permission Tricia Cavill - Assistant Clerk granted, 6 were refused, and one was withdrawn. [email protected] Most applications are accompanied by reports on Neighbourhood Planning various elements of the development ranging from The Neighbourhood Plan (NP) was Sustainable Urban Drainage to Ecology to Travel made in 2017. The research for the Plans. The reports are posted on SWT website. review began in 2019. Not only were Prior to planning meetings, the reports are read, and updates and revisions needed to the notes prepared for councillor discussions, including a NP to more accurately reflect the check list for conformity with NP policies. The PC PC’s Declaration of Climate and Ecological has invested in technology at the BACH to allow Emergency, and the Vision and Policies of Taunton PowerPoint presentations of the plans to be shown Garden Town status; but also the residents’ survey on a large interactive screen, PowerPoint of November 2019 indicated there was a need for presentations continue to be shared during the signage of the Play Areas and Open Spaces, and current regime of zoom meetings. The PC is waiting residents, particularly more recent arrivals, needed a guidance from SWT on ‘Phosphates’ including the map of the area. The NP Area encompasses West phosphate calculator, to ensure that developments in Monkton and Cheddon Fitzpaine, so ours has been West Monkton do not exacerbate the problems on a joint venture with Cheddon Fitzpaine PC. the Ramsar Conservation sites on the Somerset A graphic designer who had done work for the PC Levels. It is likely that the Phosphate guidelines may previously was commissioned to create a map of the influence plans the PC may have for future public Play Areas and Open Spaces in the NP area. This planting schemes. It is also likely that Developers work has been translated into a fold up map which will have to take appropriate measures to ensure any was sent to every house and business in the NP development is ‘zero phosphate’ in the future. area during the first week of February, and signs, During the year, numerous consultations have been one for each Play area and Open Space marked completed, following prior reading and discussion, ‘You are here’, so that not only will you know where including government planning white papers, you are but also how close you are to other facilities National Association of Local Councils (NALC) on nearby. The signs were delivered in the middle of various matters to do with the parish council tier of February and are being installed by our Parish local government, Police, SWT Forward Planning. Lengthsman, so if your closest Play Area doesn’t As well as consideration of planning applications, have its sign yet, it will be installed very shortly. various projects needing longer discussion than can
Copy deadline for July - August 2021 is 1st June 2021 Page 16 be afforded at Main PC are aired at Planning and Somerset Wood for SCC, we Committee. It makes for useful debate as the PC have made progress on planting plans the way forward, including budget approximately 3,250 trees planted considerations. Ideas emanating from the Planning with the help of volunteers from Committee are brought to Main Council for approval. both West Monkton and Cheddon Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fitzpaine. The design of the park The PC has benefited from enhanced Community is now with the Planning Authorities Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments because the as a pre planning application. Once Neighbourhood Plan (NP) is in place; so, for every we have that in place then we will dwelling on which CIL is paid by the developers to be inviting all to view the design and share your SWTC, the Parish Council receives 25%. Without comments. the NP this figure would be just 15% and would be I am also now working on recovering the proposed capped. The CIL funds have to be spent on capital sports pitches that should have been handed over investments that benefit the Parish. The Regulation some 7 plus years ago from Persimmon to achieve a 123 List of CIL priorities is created and held by the new junior training facility for both Taunton Rugby Parish Council and reviewed from time to time (most Club and West Monkton Cricket Club to add to the recently December 2020). You can see the CIL list advancement of junior and ladies’ sport. Included in the published Neighbourhood Plan on SWT within the design are also tennis courts, cycle trail website. and longer term changing and social amenities. This Last year using CIL funds, the PC delivered Dyers area will also be open for the community use for 75% Brook Bridge; new and improved pavement between of the remaining time that the 2 clubs are not using Croft Garage and Sylvan Way to make the the facility. pedestrian route safer; some road edge restoration; Working with other members of the council to and the bus shelters outside Monkton Elm (both achieve a community social building program to bring directions). the new and old village residents together, and as a This year the CIL funds have been used by the PC to start point, I have been working with Tacchi Morris deliver some village signage; bus shelters for both Theatre to create a community café for the sides of the Bridgwater Road at Bathpool by Roys community in the reception area of the Theatre. The Place; some more outdoor gym equipment; Map hope is for this to be open for use soon. As a council signage for play areas and open spaces; and the we are looking at getting more information to the refurbishment of the downstairs community hub café community on what is available to you all. at Tacchi-Morris. CIL funds are supporting the work I relish getting these projects through to completion beginning on footpath restoration in the Parish in and giving more benefits to our local community for collaboration with SCC Rights of Way team. Please health and wellbeing in the future. report any footpaths in the Parish that you feel are in Barry Gage – BACH and Public Rights of Way / need of restoration. Footpaths We have been advised that CIL can be used to set [email protected] up Parish websites, and we are looking at the As in past years my responsibilities remain Public development of a West Monkton Community Rights of Way and Chairman of the webpage. BACH. Please share your ideas with us, we’ll do our best to The hall has remained closed for deliver. most of 2020 due to the Covid 19 Maidenbrook Country Park virus, although it did open for a few The PC remains committed, with Cheddon Fitzpaine months in the summer. A number Parish Council to the Maidenbrook Country Park of improvements were made during (MCP). Currently a large grant application to the the year including 5 additional store Somerset County Council (SCC) Community Chest cupboards, repainting of the interior and installing jointly with Cheddon Fitzpaine for a wildlife electrical trunking around the rooms to help prevent pond/wetland area and a forest school area is the marking of the walls. awaiting a decision. Many of SCC staff are deployed The PC has decided to invest money in the Public on Covid duties and so we don’t expect a reply very Rights of Way this year and will replace any stile or soon. broken gate within the parish boundaries free of Under the terms of the license from SWT and with charge. If you are a landowner and would like to take Health and Safety approval, planting of trees for the advantage of the offer or have a particular issue with Somerset Wood has continued successfully this a path please let me know. year, but the PC has restricted any further capital I am also a member of the following committees. expenditure on the Park until its future is more clearly Joint Parish Panel (West Monkton/Creech St Michael defined. PCs) - This committee is helping to shape the future Alan Hall – Vice Chair of the Parish Council and development of Monkton Heathfield 2. Maidenbrook Country Park Audit Committee - This group scrutinise the parish [email protected] accounts. Since being with the PC and taking on the Joint Public Open Space - We are in the process of Project Lead role for the development of the MCP making a planning application to change the
Copy deadline for July - August 2021 is 1st June 2021 Page 17 proposed football pitches into a rugby and cricket pitch. (It has been established there is an urgent need Potholes and road defects can be reported by the PC for these facilities in the parish.) Please support this or by using the www.somerset.gov.uk web site – type application when it comes before SWT Council, ‘report a pothole’ in the search bar. details will be placed on the parish website and local Geoff Hope – Public Open Spaces, Recreation Facebook pages. and Children’s Play Areas MCP - This committee is helping to shape the [email protected] Country Park and the Somerset Wood. As a member of the PC I am Hazel Ellis [email protected] delighted to work with a team of I first lived in the Parish 1964 to 1965. My husband fellow councillors and and I moved away to the Midlands until 1967 when administrators dedicated to the we came back to Taunton again, moving back into community spirit, provision of the Parish in 1975. facilities and well-being of the I have been a Parish Councillor for 32 residents of West Monkton, years and have seen the Parish Bathpool and Monkton Heathfield, change dramatically in that time. along with all outlying villages and hamlets within the I am the Council’s representative for Parish. the Spital Trust Almshouses. These My specific responsibility within the PC includes are occupied by four older ladies who development and care of the Public Open Spaces, have a connection within the Parish. Recreational Areas and Children’s Play areas I am also on the BACH management provided by housing developers under the terms of Committee. planning agreements that highlight the needs and I run the local Rainbow Guide Unit, which although welfare of adults and children alike. In the difficult based in Ruishton, also covers West Monkton, times we have been experiencing over the last year, Monkton Heathfield, Creech St Michael and the and continue to suffer, never has it been more surrounding areas. important for residents to be able to find sanctuary Mark Besley – Highways exercising in green and open areas, and for children [email protected] to enjoy spending time outside utilising stimulating The Design Guide for Monkton play equipment that encourages physical activity. Heathfield Phase Two developments This last year has also been a challenging one as far and the PC’s response to the guide as adoption of the area known as MH1, the can be seen on the PC website Persimmon/Redrow development on the eastern side (https://westmonkton.net/consultation of the Parish. We were optimistic this might happen -responses/). We await the during 2020, but sadly the ‘snagging list’ of remedial developers planning application for work needing to be done by Persimmon/Redrow MH2 which we are told is imminent. It failed to be completed to the satisfaction of SWT and is hoped that the Garden Town status the PC, neither of whom were prepared to accept and engagement with stakeholders, including the responsibility for this work. Not only was this a urban design consultancy ‘Create Streets’ will result contractual obligation by the developers to complete, in a sympathetic and ‘greener’ development. but any remedial work post adoption would almost Serious concerns abound regarding the possible certainly result in financial consequences reflected in closure of the road between the Langaller and Cricket the community charge made to residents of the Club roundabouts, the location of the proposed bus Parish. So, whilst this process may appear to be gate on the A3259 and the potential re-routing of the somewhat protracted, it is in the interests of us all A38 via an extended Western Relief Road from that the PC continues to press both SWT and Walford Cross to the Langaller roundabout. Persimmon/Redrow for a speedy resolution to this There have been many frustrations regarding road outstanding issue. issues on the new developments which remain the On the bright side, the PC felt it was desirable that responsibility of the Developer to rectify until they are we bring as much festive cheer as possible as we adopted by SCC. The PC continually reminds them of approached the close of 2020, which had been their responsibilities in this regard. unquestionably the most challenging in the last 75 The decision to defer the upgrade works to Creech years. Three Christmas trees were purchased, Castle and Toneway has enabled SCC to expedite decorated and erected at various locations within the the construction of the WRR (Milton Hill to Yallands Parish, along with a banner at the BACH, wishing all Hill link) and it is hoped that it will be completed in residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Summer 2021. We now look forward with optimism to 2021 and will Future congestion is inevitable with the amount of do our very best to help bring welcome change as new home building in the Parish – the PC has regular restrictions to our freedom ease, and we can once constructive dialogue with SCC Highways and again enjoy socialising and life returning to as normal ongoing dialogue with the Developers and I as possible once the worst effects of this pandemic encourage anyone with Highways concerns to attend are under control. In the meantime, stay safe, stay the Parish Council meetings held every second healthy and look out for your family, friends and Tuesday evening of the month. neighbours.
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Paul Elliston – Community Liaison and A3259, which will exit onto a safe area at the bottom Transportation of Yallands Hill. [email protected] As part of the team within the PC, I work to resolve This past year has been a year outstanding developer issues on the new builds, unlike any other. With my whilst trying to improve the situation for existing previous experience of working in residents. disaster zones and responding to As a District Councillor for many years, I endeavour emergencies, I became the PC’s to assist the Parish and District Councils to resolve point person for the community problems and create new opportunities for the response to the pandemic. In that improvement of our area and benefit of all. role, I have heard how other Parish Councils have David Fothergill – Somerset County Council responded to the emergency and realised that, as a Councillor for Monkton and North Curry Division. PC, there is a need to develop plans for emergencies Leader of the Council and focus on fostering a sense of community, [email protected] particularly in the new housing areas. Developing a The last 12 months has been strategy and tools to achieve this has been my focus dominated by the Covid-19 in the latter part of the year and I hope we can make pandemic and SCC have diverted some progress in this area during 2021 if and when considerable resource to support coronavirus restrictions permit it. As well as for the NHS, Communities and Transport, I remain the Council’s point of contact with Vulnerable Individuals. Most regards to Community Liaison and always welcome recently working closely with the hearing from local residents. NHS on the vaccination Ray Tully – West Monkton Parish Councillor (Safe programme rollout. But it’s also Routes to School) and Somerset West and been another very busy year in the West Monkton Taunton District Councillor Area. The significant investment into Junction 25 [email protected] (£19m) will be finishing in the next few months (on My duties on the PC include safe time and on budget). Works at Creech Castle (£9m) routes to school and I am also the have started including the new cycle path at Bathpool West Monkton Village Hall although the main scheme has been deferred until representative. This last year July to allow the WRR to be completed. The WRR is Covid-19 has caused the Village now underway and planned to be completed in June. Hall to close and the two schools Finally the work to develop the Somerset Wood (in in the parish to open for two very memory of the WW1 fallen) has pushed ahead and I short periods, so there has been am extremely grateful to Alan Hall, West Monkton PC very little to cover in this area. On the good side SCC and a vast number of volunteers for their ongoing has completed the new cycle way and footpath on the support. A38 from Creech Castle to Acacia Gardens which SWT Council Ward Councillors – Ray Tully, should make it safer for the large number of children Andrew Pritchard and Norman Cavill that use the busy A38 to get to Heathfield School. The SWT Councillors regularly attend PC meetings Over the next year however, I will need to keep an and give a report from SWT. The reports are eye on the two main school routes in to the village included in the WMPC Minutes, which are available from Taunton as there will be major road works at on the website. Creech Castle Junction itself and also at the bottom of Yallands Hill on the A3259. Road works, traffic and The reports from Councillors are presented in children are not the best of mixes. accordance with the CODE OF RECOMMENDED May I take this opportunity to ask you all to follow the PRACTICE ON LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLICITY government guidelines and stay safe, so we can all 2011, the guiding principles of which are that have a brighter future. publicity by local authorities should: be lawful, be Norman Cavill – West Monkton Parish Councillor cost effective, be objective, be even-handed, be and Somerset West and Taunton appropriate, have regard to equality and diversity, District Councillor and be issued with care during periods of heightened [email protected] sensitivity. This last year I have been helping plan for the long-term protection of Meeting Schedule 2020/21 the Country Park and Green Meetings are held either via Zoom or in the Wedge. In the next few months, committee room, BACH commencing at 7:00pm. there should be consultations on All PC meetings are open to the public and there is the proposals followed by a usually a Public Question Time (at around 7:10pm) planning application. where the formal meeting is suspended whilst The WRR work is at last well underway, with a questions and comments are welcomed from anyone completion date by the end of June 2021. Separately, living in the parish. To avoid disappointment, please plans are under way to create a cycleway and note that this is not a discussion forum. Items for footpath within the Country Park, parallel to the discussion should first come through either Parish
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Surgery or if related to Planning through the monthly electronically, please let me know. The finance sheet Planning committee meetings. is approved by PC and signed, and the bank Planning Committee: statements relevant to the spreadsheet are checked 04/05, 01/06, 06/07, 03/08, 07/09, 05/10, 02/11, and signed. Once a quarter the Audit Working Party 07/12 (AWP) meets to review the Parish Council’s finances. Parish Council: At these meetings a more detailed bank 11/05, 08/06, 13/07, 10/08, 14/09, 12/10, 09/11, reconciliation is scrutinised, the quarterly VAT 14/12 reclaim is reported, and other matters needing Parish Surgery: attention are considered. The AWP remains vigilant 13/05, 10/06, 08/07, 12/08, 09/09, 14/10, 11/11, on the level of exposure of the bank balances and 09/12 investments. In addition, for the year ahead 2021- 2022, a new grant policy will come into play, replacing the former grant policy. The AWP will consider grant applications received in two windows, 1 April to 15 May, and 1 September to 15 October. Further information on the new Grants Policy will be published on the website www.westmonkton.net. The Budget and Precept is set in November for the year ahead. The services that District and County Council are likely to deliver are taken into account, plus the services the PC is required to deliver reflecting the needs and aspirations of the growing community in our Parish; and the PC’s desire to maintain all of the Parish as a safe and pleasant place to live and work. A reflection of the previous year’s budget and how it performed is carried out, Financial report and suitable adjustments made for the year ahead. Tricia Cavill – Assistant Clerk An anticipation of the state of the nation’s finances is [email protected] also included in the considerations. An outline Responsible Financial Officer budget is prepared for the next three years to ensure As Responsible Financial Officer, it is a daily task to a degree of future proofing is built in. ensure the accounts of the PC are kept up to date A significant line on the budget is the emptying of the and in good order: paying for goods and services, dog waste bins – currently £5.40 per bin per empty. maintaining the payroll, pensions and HMRC, The Parish Council has 10 bins which are emptied obtaining quotes, monitoring the budget, ensuring twice a week, 52 weeks per year. Please use the that adequate insurance is in place for the Council, bins and do not allow your dogs to foul the pavement its employees and its assets, keeping Councillors and play areas and open spaces in the Parish and and Clerks up to date with latest ideas and beyond. The bins on the new estate come under a legislation by ensuring regular training is available, different arrangement until the site is adopted. ensuring that the PC’s communications and IT are Please don’t let your dog off the lead ‘for a run’ up to date and operating efficiently. When unless you are running after her/him with a dog bag. commissioning work, the PC always obtains a The Internal and External Audits of the PC number of quotes, and interest from local suppliers documents were completed successfully for the year is viewed favourably. The running of the Council’s 2019 – 2020. The Internal Auditor has been finances is governed by Financial Regulations. appointed for the year ending 2021, and work will Every month a spreadsheet is issued which begin soon. The Audit can be inspected by members demonstrates receipts and payments, conformity of the public by appointment, please look out for the with budget line by line, and a bank reconciliation. notice on the website in July. The redacted February financial spreadsheet If you have any ideas to help improve the Parish, follows. If the text is too small for you to read and please let us know! you would like to receive a redacted copy
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Fostering – what is it? Foster Carers. Foster Carers need meaningful Could you give a child a loving, stable support and we wanted to develop a service that home? provided outstanding support and care to children and young people, by providing a bespoke and individual plan for each Foster Carer which focuses on what they need, too. Christianna, Managing Director of Empower Fostering said: “When we were fostering it was great to have support, but this was often not at the time we really needed it and we felt alone sometimes”. From this want and passion Empower Fostering was born, to offer bespoke 24/7 support to Foster Carers and young people to enable them to have everything they need to remain in a family setting. So, who can foster? Is there an upper age limit? This is easy to answer - you just need to have a big heart for young people, be resilient and want to make a difference to young people’s lives and… have a spare room. There is no upper age as long as you are fit and well. If you have ever thought about fostering or just want to find out more information, then give us a call or Foster families and Foster Carers are so incredibly pop your details into our website and Dean will give important, they provide children with a safe home, you a no pressure call to answer any questions you with love, support and the stability they desperately may have. Our office at Prockters Farm remains need but also help them where possible have open and we are happy to meet people in a covid relationships with their families and loved ones, too. secure way. Good Foster Care offers children somewhere where they can flourish and that is exactly what all our Is now the time to make that change? amazing Foster Carers do. Every child deserves a Call 01823 756100 or visit our website loving home that makes them feel safe – can you www.empowerfostering.co.uk help? or pop in and visit us at Unit 2 Prockters Farm Every 20 minutes another child comes into care offices, Prockters Farm, West Monkton, Somerset, needing a foster family but there simply aren’t enough of them. Government statistics show that, in England as of 31 March 2020, there were 80,080 children in care – the majority of these children will have experienced some form of trauma, abuse or neglect. If you have got patience, kindness, resilience and a desire to help - we need you! Empower Fostering was founded by a family of passionate Foster Carers, all local to Somerset. We provide a local, family fostering service to Somerset which has Foster Carers and children at the heart of everything we do. Empower Fostering is built from a strong foundation knowledge with many years’ experience working with vulnerable children and young people. We initially provided outreach support to vulnerable children, young people, and families within our local community, we then developed children’s homes working with children who have learning disabilities and emotional and behavioural difficulties, with a deep-rooted passion and want to develop Empower Fostering. What makes us different is that we were founded by Foster Carers; we really do understand what it is like to foster and go through the highs and lows, and the rigorous selection process to become therapeutic Foster Carers. Through our own journeys we recognised that the support on offer from other fostering providers did not always match the needs of
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May Day Gardening Corner
The first day of May is known as May Day. Warmer weather should be settling in and flowers and trees are in blossom. It is often said to be a time of love and romance. Around the UK there are many different customs and Like many of us, when celebrations to mark the coming of summer. buying plants for your Traditional English May Day celebrations include garden you may be looking out for plants to draw Morris dancing, crowning a May Queen and dancing insects to your garden and provide them with much around a Maypole. needed resources. You may have been drawn to the RHS’s ‘Perfect for Pollinators’ logo which adorns the plant labels in many garden centres. It may come as a shock then to hear that many of these plants are routinely drenched in a toxic cocktail of chemicals including neonicotinoides, pyrethoids and organophosphates that are actively harmful, even deadly, to most insects, including the pollinators that the plants are supposedly perfect for. Many garden centres and nurseries use these chemicals as a matter of course, but the problem can be avoided by sourcing your plants from growers that practise organic or at least mainly chemical free horticulture. Small local nurseries are the ideal place to find your plants as you will generally be able to speak with the people growing the plants and be able to find out exactly how the plants have been grown. You will Sixteenth century people dancing around a traditional also be able to find many fantastic, less common Maypole in an English village. Credit: Getty varieties of plants that truly are perfect for pollinators and the whole web of life around them. For more details see: Although summer does not officially begin until June, http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/goulsonlab/blog/bee- to most of us May Day marks its beginning. friendly-flowers May Day celebrations have been carried out in England for over 2000 years. The Romans Tom Nielsen celebrated the festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and flowers, which marked the beginning of summer. But www.biocentric.org.uk celebrations happened even before then. Instagram: @tombiocentric Ben Johnson, in UKHistory, writes that ‘many folklore customs have their roots planted firmly back in the Dark Ages, when the ancient Celts had divided their year by four major festivals. Beltane or ‘the fire of Bel’, had particular significance to the Celts as it represented the first day of summer and was celebrated with bonfires to welcome in the new season. Still celebrated today, we perhaps know Beltane better as May 1st, or May Day. Down through the centuries May Day has been associated with fun, revelry and perhaps most important of all, fertility. The Day would be marked with village folk cavorting round the maypole, the selection of the May Queen and the dancing figure of the Jack-in-the-Green at the head of the procession. Jack is thought to be a relic from those enlightened days when our ancient ancestors worshipped trees.’ Of course Oliver Cromwell and his Puritans took control of the country in 1645 and soon got rid of May Day celebrations. Describing maypole dancing as ‘a heathenish vanity generally abused to superstition and wickedness’, legislation was passed which saw the end of village maypoles throughout the country.
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Type 2 diabetes - Find out if you’re high risk Type 2 diabetes is a very serious condition but there are lots of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing it. If you are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, your free local Healthier You service can help you put your health back in your hands and reduce your risk. The first thing you need to do is to find out if you are at high risk of developing Diabetes Type 2 by using A record number of people in the UK are living with the Diabetes UK risk tool. Type 2 diabetes. This figure has more than doubled Find out how at risk you are at https://preventing- sine 1996. Sadly, many people will experience diabetes.co.uk/know-your-risk-dtc/ potentially preventable complications because of Type 2 diabetes - It’s time to get serious diabetes, simply because they don’t know enough Every two minutes someone finds out that they have about their condition and how to manage it. Type 2 diabetes, a potentially serious health condition that can cause long-term health problems. Every 2 minutes someone is diagnosed It can lead to sight loss, kidney failure, loss of a limb, with Type 2 Diabetes and makes you at least twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke. It’s very important that you find out if you are at high The good news is if you’re at risk of Type 2 diabetes risk of Type 2 diabetes so you can get support to there are lots of small changes you can make to lower your risk. You may even be eligible for your prevent diabetes from developing in the first place. free local Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention The first thing to do is find out if you are at risk by Programme. clicking on the following link to complete a short The Diabetes UK risk tool can help you find out if questionnaire on our website: you’re at risk of developing the condition. It takes just Htms://preventing-diabetes.co.uk/know-your-risk-dtc/ a few minutes and could be the most important thing you do today. Find out how at risk you are at https://preventing- diabetes.co.uk/know-your-risk-dtc/ Type 2 diabetes - Get with the programme We know it can be tough to make lifestyle changes but with the right help it is possible to make simple changes that reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take Put your health back in your hands and reduce your the first step towards a healthier future. risk of developing the condition. Your free local Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme will help you do just that. The first thing you need to do is to find out if you are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. You can do this by using the Diabetes UK risk tool. If you’re at moderate or high risk, you will be invited to sign up to your local Healthier You service. Patient Feedback: Geoffrey joined the Diabetes Prevention Programme to help reduce his risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. He has found that sticking to the programme has been difficult at times as he has been at home isolating but found the support and encouragement from the health coach and other group members very helpful. He is determined to improve his health and has changed his lifestyle completely. He has improved his diet and now exercises 5-6 days a week. As a result, he has lost 9.1kg and reduced his waist by 10.2cm. Geoffrey thinks “The NHS does such a good job offering this as a free programme, anyone who is at risk of Type 2 Diabetes should take the opportunity to join. If they don’t, they are missing out. It’s a big help”
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Spring Recipes exactly 1 min. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and set aside. Finely slice the rest of the stalks Asparagus Mimosa Salad into rounds. 2) Heat the oil and half the butter in a heavy, wide 6 hard-boiled eggs, cooled and shelled pan. Cook the onions gently for 5 mins until 500g asparagus, chop into 1cm pieces keeping tips soft, stirring often. Add the chopped asparagus intact stalks and cook for 2 mins more. Add the rice 200g purple sprouting broccoli chop as asparagus and continuously stir for a few minutes until ½ shallot, chopped finely it turns semi-transparent and makes a hissing 2tbsp white wine vinegar sound. 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3) Stir in the wine, if using – it will evaporate 1tbsp Dijon mustard almost immediately. Reduce the heat to a 1 ripe avocado gentle simmer. Add the stock, a ladleful at a Bunch of fresh dill or fennel top, roughly chopped time, stirring between each addition until it is Zest of 1 lemon absorbed, about 15 mins. Check rice is Greek yoghurt/crème fraiche (optional) cooked. Rye bread, to serve 4) Stir in the asparagus tips and any last dregs of Salt and black pepper stock and cook for 1 or 2 mins more. Remove 1) Put asparagus and broccoli tips in a pan, cover from the heat and top with the remaining butter with boiling water. Add a pinch of salt, simmer for and most of the parmesan. Season 3 mins, then add the asparagus and broccoli generously, cover and leave for a few minutes stems for the final min. to settle. 2) Put shallot into a large mixing bowl. Add the 5) Give the risotto a thorough stir to incorporate vinegar, oil, mustard and a pinch of salt and black the butter and cheese and serve straight away pepper, the stir to combine. with the remaining parmesan for sprinkling 3) Once the vegetables have finished cooking, drain over. well and add to the bowl of dressing whilst still warm. Toss to cover. Rhubarb & Marzipan Cake 4) Halve, stone and cut the avocado into thick slices, 300g softened butter, plus a little for the tin then add them to the bowl. 400g thin-stemmed rhubarb, cut into thick pieces 5) Grate the eggs into a bowl. Season, grate over the 350g golden caster sugar zest of lemon, scatter the dill or fennel on top and Orange, zested mix gently. Add a tablespoon of crème fraiche or 3 large eggs greek yoghurt, if using. 200g self-raising flour 6) Serve the veg with the lemon-and-dill shredded 50g fine polenta eggs, and the rye bread on the side. 50g ground almonds 1 tsp baking powder 100g marzipan, chopped into small chunks 1) Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 2) Butter and line a 20 x 30cm traybake tin 3) Toss the rhubarb in 50g sugar and set aside to macerate for 20 mins. 4) Tip the butter, remaining sugar and zest into a large bowl. Beat with an electric whisk until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Add the flour, polenta, almonds, baking powder and a good pinch of salt, and mix until just combined. Asparagus risotto Fold through half the rhubarb (reserving the 1 bunch asparagus (about 200g) rest for the top), plus any juices, and the 800ml vegetable stock marzipan. 1 tbsp olive oil 5) Scrape the mixture into the tin. Smooth the 25g butter surface up to the edges and top with the small onion, finely chopped remaining rhubarb. Bake for 45-50 mins until 175g risotto rice risen and golden, and a skewer inserted in the 100ml white wine or vermouth (optional) centre of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the 25g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated tin for 10 mins, then serve warm with crème 1) Snap the woody ends off the asparagus stalks fraîche, or cool completely to serve as a cake. and tip them into a saucepan with the stock. Will keep in an airtight container for three days. Put on a low heat to very gently simmer. Cut off the tips of the asparagus, add to the stock for
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FREE ITEMS/ITEMS FOR SALE/WANTED National Blood Donor Service Items up to £100 in value are included. We do not make any charge for this service and take no TRAVEL TO BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS IS responsibility for the quality or safety of the REGARDED AS ESSENTIAL TRAVEL. items advertised. Centres have put in place extra safety measures If you would like to include something in this Sessions will be held at: section please contact Lorna Walters on 01823 St James Church, Taunton 412017 or [email protected] 4th and 18th May High Chair (Graco) £10, Travel cot 1st,15th and 29th June (Mothercare) £10 07810 758 259 13th July Cot mattress £5 07810 758 259 Taunton Catholic Centre Fibreglass pond liner 56cm wide 26cm 24th May deep 88cm long £15 01823 412017 For further details ring 0845 7711711 or go online at www.blood.co.uk White Anglepoise-type desk lamp £10 01823 412017
Five Things I’ve Learnt Offering Bereavement Support
Bereavement Support Champion, Andrew Wilcox has been supporting bereaved people across Somerset Assembling the Poppy Project for years. Here he shares some reflections and See Page 28 lessons he’s learnt along the way:
Grieving There are usually good and bad days, most people If you or someone you know, is affected by grief or find the good days gradually outnumber the bad bereavement, and would like to talk to someone, days, aided sometimes with a little help on the way. please call the Somerset Bereavement Support Silence is golden Service call 0800 3047 412 (Monday to Saturday, You don’t have to keep talking and maybe struggling 9am to 5pm) for things to say. Silence really is golden and gives us The Somerset Bereavement Support Service can a chance to really hear what is being said and offer a variety of support to adults and children over particularly the way that it is said. 12 in Somerset. The service has been Listening commissioned by Public Health at Somerset Really listening allows a ‘coming together’ even on County Council with support from Somerset Clinical the phone. The mind can move away from brain Commissioning Group and Somerset Community thinking and into another dimension where true Foundation. It is provided in partnership by end-of- empathy comes into its own and the magic of healing life charity Marie Curie and mental health charity is facilitated. Mind in Somerset. Your presence is a gift Don’t pretend you are a doctor and can give advice to make any physical problems disappear. The person doesn’t expect this and any healing that is required can take place by virtue of your very presence. Plan for the end During our lives we all share two common events, our birth and our death. Births are planned for and celebrated; deaths should be no different.
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A.G. PURCHASE ALCM, LLCM, FLCM
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To get a pdf copy of the Village News emailed to you, please email Thelocalvillagenews Thank You @live.co.uk Thank you to all our advertisers, you keep our magazine going and we hope you get lots of business from our readers.
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Neil DARREN GRAY Robertson ELECTRICAL & BUILDING Plumbing & SERVICES Heating Ltd ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC Plumbing - Heating - Renewables ELECTRICAL AND BUILDING WORKS CARRIED OUT We cover all issues. Big or Small From a Boiler Service to Full installation BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, Energy & Cost Efficient Living West Monkton Village Hall TILING, PATIOS, FENCING, over 30 years in business DECKING AND ALL YOUR St James Church Hall ELECTRICAL NEEDS TO 18TH Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm EDITION REGULATIONS T: 01823 413999 Class sizes are limited at Emergency mobile: 07799614977 the moment. CONTACT: email: For more details phone: 07764996937 [email protected] Dawn 01823 410364 www.neilrobertsonplumbing.co.uk 07779404038 or Anya 07950 297240.
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A huge thank you to all our advertisers in this difficult time. Please support local businesses and please mentionWorld the Book Village Day News at West when Monkton you contact Primary them.
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Alex Holley Flooring For all your flooring requirements
Your local specialist for: Carpet, Vinyl, SOME TEAM Kardean, Wood and Safety Flooring
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Pilates, Mobile Foot Care Professional foot treatment & advice Chair based Pilates in your own home & Yoga Ingrowing Toenails Brittons Ash Community Hall General Foot Care TA2 7FT Cracked Heels Nail Trimming For bookings and Callouses enquires contact: Dianne Corns Mobile: Phone: 07850473428 079699 12080 Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected]
DÉCOR 8 with Atlas Home & Property Maintenance For all your painting, decorating, carpentry Mortgages & maintenance Equity Release requirements Protection Contact Bob on Buildings Insurance 01823 413510 or Commercial Lending 07790 812327 Business Protection Priors Way, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton Tel: 01823 413113 A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT
Copy deadline for July - August 2021 is 1st June 2021 Page 28 HILARY NORMAN Foothealth Practitioner RFHP
GENERAL FOOT CARE Nail Cutting & filing, Corn & Callus removal, In-growing toenails, fungal infections and general advice on the care of your feet. Treatment in the comfort of your own home 01984 623263 07969 448793 [email protected]
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CARPENTRY Fully Qualified Carpenter For All Your Carpentry Needs
T: 07540328951 E: [email protected]
For an appointment call 01823 351122 Taunton Solicitors Legal Services and Advice BUYING AND PROBATE, WILLS & SELLING PROPERTY TRUSTS COMMERCIAL LASTING POWERS OF PROPERTY ATTORNEY NEW BUILDS & FAMILY LAW & SHARED OWNERSHIP DIVORCE Visit our website for discounts and costs www.tauntonsolicitors.com 2 Tangier Central Taunton TA1 4AP e-mail: [email protected]
Are You Looking for a Keep Fit Class? Come along, socialise, make new friends and have fun keeping fit! West Monkton Village Hall Wednesdays 6pm to 7pm. £6.00 (Term time only) Aerobic based exercise for all abilities and levels of fitness. Come and have fun getting fit. For more details contact: Heather on 07561498365 [email protected] www.fitness4fun.wix.com/heather
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Copy deadline for July - August 2021 is 1st June 2021 Page 30 The Monkton Inn
Enjoy your meal in our beautiful garden. Come and try our South African tasting menu. Don’t forget Christmas in July on Sunday 25th. All tables socially distanced. Kids play area. Tel: 01823 412414 email: [email protected]
DT GAS Heating & Plumbing
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A. STEWART Plumbing & Heating
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LANDSCAPING & ARTIFICIAL LAWNS
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A friendly and personal service throughout Somerset. Contact us for a free quotation, discussion or advice. 01278 663441 [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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Parish Planting Initiative: FREE planting pack and sunflower competitions
Readers heard about the launch of the 2021 West Monkton Parish Council climate initiative, alongside the Centre for Sustainable Energy in the last edition of Village News - aimed at sharing information, tips and advice on ways we can all take steps to become more eco aware, and encourage local actions that are both eco and climate-friendly, and which will help us protect our environment for future generations. As 2021 develops, and in-person activities can recommence, we are looking at opportunities for residents and local businesses and organisations to come together to support each other’s ‘eco efforts’. With the help of Monkton Elm Garden Centre, WMPC are now delighted to launch a FREE parish-wide planting scheme to enhance the natural beauty of our community, alongside the wildlife and wellbeing benefits that growing brings. All you need to do is to Take this voucher to Monkton Elm to claim your planting pack. show the voucher printed here at the Monkton Elm Garden Centre Reception Desk to receive your FREE planting pack. The pack includes: 50 x Giant Sunflower Seeds 33cm coloured planter (long lasting & fully recyclable) As the growing period develops the Parish Council will be announcing the details of a Planting Photo Competition with some great prizes courtesy of Monkton Elm Garden Centre, including: West Monkton Primary School Sunflower Grower of the Year Parish's Tallest Sunflower Sunflower with the widest diameter Most Creative Sunflower Face Once the competitions are live, the Parish Council will share with us the details of how to enter. Winners will receive their award and prize at a special prizegiving event at Monkton Elm Garden Centre in September and a photo gallery of competition entries will be on display. For more information about the WMPC climate initiative, please visit https://westmonkton.net/climate- change/ and follow the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/westmonktonparishcouncil And Finally ... You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. Mae West
Copy deadline for July - August 2021 is 1st June 2021