Kingsbury Episcopi Area Newsletter - Issue 161 March and April 2021

Christmas Local Railway Station Returns - first Scarecrows glimmers A big thank you to everyone Langport Transport Group who applied and joined in (LTG) was delighted to hear the Christmas Scarecrow recently that its application for and Model competition! The funding to the Department for parish looked so festive as Transport (DfT) under the we headed to towards a very Restoring Your Railway Fund different Christmas. was successful. LTG had applied for funding for a feasibility study to consider the possibility of a railway station on the main line being reopened serving the Langport and Somerton area. All the original railway stations in the area were closed in the Beeching cuts of the early 1960s. LTG has been awarded £50,000 towards the feasibility study which is They certainly cheered us all up! necessary next step in reopening a station. We had around 30 models to view The transport group will now need to work with officials from the on a very wet day. However, DfT as well as local, district and county councils together with safely togged and masked, the Network Rail and First Great Western in order to take the project Christmas Elves wended their way forward. This will take some time and there is a lot of work from Thorney to East Lambrook to ahead but the group are delighted to have been successful in admire all the fantastic handiwork! obtaining the funding. To contact the group please email Phil Edge, its chairman, on It was so difficult to [email protected] choose, but in the end we were able to decide on three winners, as we had Shop News - Annual very kindly been given 3 Members' Meeting postponed hampers by generous As many readers know, Kingsbury Community donors. Many thanks to Shop is a community enterprise and many local Duncan and Sally Palmer people are Members of The Kingsbury (Bower Hinton Farm), Community Enterprise Ltd. The KCEL Annual Kingsbury May Festival Members’ Meeting is usually held in September to discuss the Committee and Kingsbury accounts and overall direction of the business and to elect the Community Shop. Management Committee. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Everyone who entered 2020 meeting was delayed until March, in the hope that it could also received a little go ahead. Unfortunately, ongoing restrictions make it impractical festive treat! to hold the meeting in March and the Committee believes that The winners were Mauveen Stone (Nativity Scene), Maurice electronic meeting methods (e.g. Zoom) would exclude many of and Jillian Fawcett (The Snowman Cycling in the Air) and Jo our members. The Committee has therefore decided that the and Craig Dowding (Toy Soldier and King Rat). next Annual Members' Meeting should be held at the usual time Well done to everyone - a fantastic response! in September 2021. Please contact Photos of all the entrants can be seen at the Community Centre [email protected] if you have any questions about the after lockdown, or if you are able, you can view them online on meeting postponement or would like information about Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kingsburymayfestival becoming a member.

Kingsbury Book Exchange REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP As you know we have a book exchange in the telephone kiosk We would be pleased to receive any offers to help sponsor a in Church St which Nelleke Storey is kindly managing. We are future edition of Parrett Talk. Full sponsorship is £110. Part delighted that it is being so well used but respectfully ask that sponsorship is any amount you feel able to donate. books are not left in bags or boxes in the kiosk as there is very Parrett Talk is delivered to every house in the parish. limited space and it makes it very difficult for people to browse. Please contact Annie White 01935 823898 Thank you. Sponsored by the Parish Council PARRETT TALK Issue 161 Page 2

Margaret Elliott Time Travellers News The family of Margaret Elliott would Much time and effort has gone like to thank everyone who joined us into the ‘quiet and behind the lining the route from Stembridge to scenes work’ of getting ready St Martin’s Church to say their affec- three new sections for our tionate farewells. content-led website. These Margaret left school at 15 and sections are on – Gloving : WW2 & The People of the worked in a munition’s factory. She Parish : Withies Westmoor & The River Parrett.. Each has a met her husband to be, Bill, at 15 similar format with the use of in living memory recordings, and they married at 19 and 21 years historical documents and maps, photographs and insights. One old respectively, 65 years ago. They of the aims is to produce and add to each section over time became involved with building the and as more contacts are made both in the UK and a across swimming pool at Kingsbury the world. People seem to be really interested and enjoy the Episcopi Primary School. connections and insights. The work we share on Facebook She raised their family and became an efficient seamstress continues to be of great interest and value, and is putting quite working at home for Burfield’s, making golf gloves. All of our a number of people in contact with one another. This shared clothes were made by mum without a pattern and she also and common interest being the parish and its people – past made wedding dresses, quilts, embroidery and delighted in and present. At the same time our on-going projects are running St Martin’s Craft Club. When we were all older she stimulating the quest for hitherto unseen, unshared worked for Good End where she became efficient in horticulture photographs, maps and documents. It all helps to promote an and later on had a plant stall at the May Festival. Margaret also enquiring mind and interest in where we live and how it’s come made flower arrangements for church and socials. to be like it is. Looking at old Parrett Talks we came across We all went to Sunday school so the church was a very im- articles written by Roy White in the very earliest editions about portant part of family life. Mum was also a child minder and Westmoor. This is one of our current interests with new foster mother. materials turning up at the Somerset Heritage Centre from the Mum had the honour of opening the last May Festival before Wyndham Estate. We have also been donated quite a number Covid-19 struck. of original documents which are feeding into our work. One of She took time for all her friends throughout the years, in the these is reproduced below reflecting a sense of resilience and village and further afield. Taken from us, but not alone, she will self- determination on the part of those surrounding Westmoor always be in our thoughts and hearts. Mum would say and its attempted enclosure by the local lords on the Manor of “remember me with a smile”. She is now with dad, resting in Kingsbury and Curry Rivel. Our thanks to Henry Lang for this peace. From all the family. and other original documents.

Hand written & copied from the Sherborne, Dorchester & News from the Methodist Church th As a Church, we’re Taunton Journal Dec. 8 1831 still here, and looking forward to opening our doors. There is hope growing that we will be able to do that soon. We have lost some friends along the way in this difficult year. Most recent is Clifford Mounter, pictured above, receiving the WW1 bronze plaque for our Church from the Time Travellers a couple of years ago. Clifford lived in the village for more than 70 years, only moving to South Petherton quite recently. He was a Methodist ‘Chapel’ man to the core, and served our Church as Treasurer for 43 years, and was a steward and Reader too. There was very little Clifford did NOT know about the people and places in Kingsbury! He was the ‘go to’ man for information about the happenings here, and he saw and noted all the changes. We shall miss our friend. We are poised and ready for action as soon as we can start providing some kind of fellowship and gathering for more normal things. It will be so good to be able to bake cakes for sharing again with a cuppa in the Wesley Room. Until then, we watch for the welcome signs of new life emerging “a great number of people, principally of the lower in the garden, if we’re blessed with one. Spring will bring the classes, immediately repaired to the Moor, and took in a hope that Easter always does, and to thank God for the piece each, by digging round about it.” opportunity to do things differently, and better. New beginnings. Watch the noticeboards! Singular Circumstance – Near the parish of Curry Rivel Easter blessings to you all. Christine Weymouth and Kingsbury Episcopi is situated a very large tract of

The Parrett Talk team can not be held responsible for any misprint or incorrect information in this newsletter. PARRETT TALK Issue 161 Page 3

Recently in from Brian Lock: Bradford’s withy auction at their Thorney sheds 1963. resent include – Earle Male, Herbie Lock, Raymond French, Fred Best. Who else has any photographs related to the project Withies Westmoor & The River Parrett? Contact 01935 8822654 [email protected] . AW

4Family delivers a family support programme offering help to struggling families so that they can regain control over their own lives and feel empowered and equipped to move forward. We offer the support of a Family Link Workers who are the families’ voice amongst the agencies, but also, each family is open and commonable land called West Moor, consisting offered a Volunteer Mentor who plays a crucial role . of about 1100acres, and which is generally supposed to Be part of a fantastic family mentoring programme be the richest tract of unenclosed land in the West of which carefully matches mentors with a family living within England. About 8 or 9 years ago, a dispute arose between South Somerset. For more information about becoming a Y4F the lord of the manors of Curry Rivel and the lord of the mentor contact Andrew: Tel: 07970 952653 manor of Kingsbury, as to which was the lord of the soil Email: [email protected] of the Moor, both having contended to be such, when, the Website: www.yeovilcommunitychurch.co.uk/yeovil-4-family/ lord of the manor of Curry Rivel, for the purpose of showing his right of stockage in and over the said Moor, directed some Geese to be put in, which were immediately Parish Council Minutes December impounded by the lord of the manor of Kingsbury. It was asked that a speed survey be carried out at West A law suit between the Lambrook, as speeding traffic appears to be on the increase. lords ensued, which was With regards to the government voucher scheme to bring full continued for five years, fibre broadband to rural communities, there is sufficient and after spending commitment from residences and businesses in the Lambrooks several thousand pounds and New Cross, to proceed further. the suit was Nomination forms have been submitted to SSDC for all three compromised by dividing public houses in the parish to be included in the Community the soil between the Right to Bid Scheme. (for more details on this scheme please parties. The application visit www.southomerset.gov.uk ) has since been made to The newly designated bridleway between Pulpittsway and Hill Parliament to grant an act to enclose the Moor, but from Drove is now in a very muddy mess and very difficult for the opposition of some of the commoners it was not walkers to use because of horses using it in wet conditions. It obtained. About a week since, a notion having arisen was suggested that perhaps horse riders would not use the amongst the inhabitants of Curry Rivel, path when conditions are not favourable. that there was no owner to this piece of Cllrs were informed that at least three land, a great number of people, Parrett Talk droves on West Moor were being trashed Is compiled by:- principally of the lower classes, by 4x4's off-roading. As some of these immediately repaired to the Moor, and JOAN BATSTONE (01460) 241142 droves were in Hambridge Parish it was took in a piece each, by digging round Shene Well, W Lambrook suggested that we liaise with them about about it. The pieces enclosed are of MICHAEL BROWN (01458) 251520 how to deal with this problem. various sizes. The inhabitants of the Willow Cottage, Thorney It was asked if some new signage could be CHRISTINE HOWARD (01460) 242071) other villages adjacent to the Moor, erected at Norton Drove, as delivery vans seeing what the Curry people were Mulberry House, E Lambrook MARALYN LONGMAN (01935) 824459 are driving down there assuming they can doing, instantly laid their separate Garail Cottage, Bladon Hill, KE drive through into The Avenue, which they claims in a similar fashion, and in a few STEPHANIE SHILLITO (01935) can't. The Clerk is to contact SSDC. days the whole of this immense tract of 823758 Little Orchard, Thorney Rd, KE. land was enclosed without the least ANNIE WHITE (01935) 823898 January regulation or order, and without a drove Waterloo House, KE Councillors supported the following planning or road way having been left to go to the BARBARA WRIGHT (01935) 824834 applications: Woodside, Orchard Lane, KE different pieces enclose. The erection of a two-storey extension to Source : KTT Archive Pease give contributions to one of the above. Or e-mail: [email protected] side of dwelling at 7 Lambrook Gate, West Lambrook. Sponsored Content

All publishing by Stephanie and Phil Shillito. (01935) 823758 PARRETT TALK Issue 161 Page 4

The erection of a detached carport at Robins Nest, Folly Road, Parish Council Election in May 2021 Kingsbury Episcopi. How would you like to be a parish councillor and help make a Councillors also supported the application to demolish difference in your community, have a say about local issues, agricultural buildings and alterations to access and erection of influence local services and help decide how local money is three dwellings with garages and a garage for the existing spent to improve your community? dwelling at Weston Farm, Folly Road, Kingsbury Episcopi but The parish council meets on the first Wednesday of every added that the proposed waiting bay needs to be wide month. At present the meetings are virtual, via Microsoft enough, that any vehicles parking there are able to park Teams. Why not join us and see what the parish council is all completely off the road. Also, that the proposed dwelling in about? plot 3 is sited further back to avoid overlooking the properties Please keep checking the notice boards and the parish website opposite the site. for more information on how to apply to be a parish councillor Councillors had a full and frank discussion on whether to at the May elections. increase the parish precept for 2021/22. It was felt that as we were still in the midst of a pandemic and not wishing to put a Dog Fouling in the Parish further financial burden on its residents, it was agreed that The parish council are concerned about the level of dog fouling they would not increase the precept for the coming year. It in the parish and have received several complaints. We was however stated that provisions would need to be made understand the vast majority of dog owners are responsible next year to raise money for the purchase of land for the and pick it up. We also appreciate that the parish only has two cemetery. dog waste bins, at Gawbridge and West End, Kingsbury The shop is still doing well and would continue with the same Episcopi, so for many of you, you will need to take the bag opening hours. A marquee has been erected to extend the home with you and place it in your wheeled bin. We have capacity for the cafe, which is now offering takeaway meals. asked SSDC for permission to put up more bins, but at present The committee will be discussing a proposal to erect a they are not able to take on the emptying of anymore bins. permanent extension over the patio, at their next meeting. This is a polite reminder that if you own a dog it is an offence if Unfortunately, at this time the Community Centre is closed. you do not pick up your dog poo after your dog has fouled. The Clerk is in the process of completing the application for Indiscriminate dog fouling is both offensive and poses a health Adverse Possession on the Lock-Up. The fee for this risk by causing the spread of toxacariosis and salmonellosis. application together with the purchase of a location plan would SSDC will be patrolling the area and anyone seen not clearing be £81. Councillors approved the payment. up after their dog will be issued with a fixed penalty notice. In conjunction with Hambridge Parish Council and their PSCO, together with a local farmer and a camera, vehicle details were obtained. The police were now going to visit the registered Fly Tipping keepers of these vehicles and issue them with a section 59. Please be aware that fly tipping is on the increase, on both Also, if the untaxed vehicle was actually parked on the road, private and public land. If you witness anyone fly tipping, and if when the police visit, they will arrange for it to be taken away you are able to provide photographic proof to help identify the and crushed, and depending on their attitude towards the culprits, this would be very useful. It can be reported on the police they may be served a fine for breaking Covid rules, as District Council website www.southsomerset.gov.uk . off roading was an unnecessary activity. It was asked whether some dog waste bins could be put up around the Stembridge area. The Clerk explained that we would need SSDC’s permission before we could purchase them, as they empty the bins. The Clerk is to contact SSDC. DIARY DATES The clerk is in the process of completing the application for March and April 2021 Adverse Possession on the Lock-Up. The fee for this application together with the purchase of a location plan would be £81 councillors approved the payment. Parish Council Meetings are virtual using 8 pm In response to last month's request for a speed survey to be Microcoft Teams. First Wednesday of the month. carried out at West Lambrook, the Clerk informed councillors If you would like to attend, please contact that there is now a charge for this service, £225 per radar per [email protected] week. The advice from Somerset County Council, if a survey Morning Prayer with Revd Shirley on ZOOM . was carried out, was that either a) they would do nothing if 8 am At home! To join, please email speeds on average are within the speed limit or b) refer to the [email protected] police to carry out enforcement or c) if appropriate, look at EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY what measures could be put in place to help reduce speeds, but that would need to be a cost effective option. Spiritual Discussion Group by Zoom. Email 7 pm Councillors felt that as we have our own Speed Indicator [email protected] to join Device, and therefore already have data as to what the speeds are, and an enforcement police officer already attends Church of England Services - St Martin’s and at West Lambrook, there didn't seem any real benefit in paying St James’s for a speed survey by SCC. If lockdown ends, search: The Community Speedwatch has not been active for some https://www.achurchnearyou.com/search/ time. If anyone is interested in volunteering to help with it please contact the Clerk. 15th April It was also reported that a great deal of mud was being left on the roads, from agricultural vehicles as well as construction Deadline for May/June edition of Parrett Talk site vehicles. Please note that anything received after this date, may not be published Spring Parish Litter Pick Depending on whether we are still in lockdown in April, it is hoped that we will be able to have a litter pick in the parish. Revd PAUL FILLERY , new vicar for Martock, Please keep checking the notice boards and the parish Ash & Kingsbury Episcopi will be licensed and website www.kingsburyepiscopi.com for confirmation nearer installed in this benefice on TUESDAY 27th the time. April 2021 . Service details to follow.

Printing by [email protected]