Parish News October 2020

Batcombe, Brewham and Upton Noble

Page 1 MINISTRY TEAM Vicar - Alham Vale Benefice Revd Helen Drever 831053 Benefice mobile number 07949 181745 Readers Anne Sear 838843 Rob Sage 850934 Sue Deyes 831104 Rector - Vacancy The Blessed Virgin Mary, Batcombe Churchwardens Mr Nigel Humphreys Little Westcombe House, Westcombe 830091 Mr Peter Cowling Little Court, Gold Hill, Batcombe 850110 Secretary Vacancy Treasurer Mr Patrick Taylor The Old Post Office, Batcombe 850146 St John the Baptist, Brewham Churchwardens Mr David Cowie Street Farm, South Brewham 850524 Mrs Zena Dabinett Haven Farm, South Brewham 850441 Secretary Mrs Gloria Barber Colinshayes, South Brewham 812692 Treasurer Ms Celia Holland, 2, Forestry Cottages, North Brewham 850353 St Mary Magdalene, Upton Noble Churchwardens Brig. John Deverell The Manor House, Upton Noble 850688 Mr A. Faulkner Church House, Upton Noble 850172 Treasurer Mr J. M. M. Baker Lovell House, Upton Noble 850855 Secretary Mrs C. Halliwell Top Hill Farm House, Upton Noble 850766 Brewham belongs to the Benefice of Bruton Batcombe and Upton Noble belong to the Alham Vale Benefice The Alham Vale Administrator can be reached by email to Carol Searle [email protected] or Tel. 347823 The Bruton Office Jane Bennett, Plox House, Silver Street, Bruton, BA10 0ED (Wed - Thu 10am-12.30pm) Email:- [email protected] 813080 Baptist 11am Sunday, South Brewham Chapel, Hazel Gulliford. 850267 Methodist Rev. Craig Manley, Ansford, BA7 7PA, 01963 351598 and Rev Jill Warren, 01373 462207 Roman Catholic Fr Louis Beasley-Suffolk, South St, Wincanton 01963 34408 e-mail: [email protected] Page 2 October's Party October gave a party, the leaves by hundreds came; The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, and leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, and everything was grand; Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band. ~ George Cooper

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Batcombe St Mary Magdalene, Upton Noble St John the Baptist, Brewham

Contents Page No • Priest’s letter 4 • Upton Noble 5 • Brewham 5 - 6 • Batcombe 7 - 11 • Service Rota & Readings 12-13 • Bishop’s letter 14 • Parish Pictures Centre Pages • Articles 18 - 20 • Local Services (Ads) 21 - 30 • Tel No’s (inside covers) 2 & 31

Welcome to the October edition of the Parish News. Please continue to submit articles, letters and photographs for possible inclusion. Please stay safe and take good care of yourselves. With all good wishes Audrey PLEASE SEND IN YOUR COPY BY 18th OF THE MONTH [email protected]

Page 3 We welcome thoughts from our Vicar the Revd. Helen Drever

October 2020 From the Vicar’s study… Harvest season is an important time in both the farming and church year. Now as the days are drawing in again, we celebrate the Harvest Home with Harvest festivals in churches across the county. The word ‘harvest’ comes from an Old English word hærfest meaning ‘autumn’, and the season for gathering in the food of the land. Historically the Harvest Home was a great village festival where everyone gathered to celebrate the fruits of their labour. Across Britain there are many ancient traditions to mark this time. In arable districts there would often be a grand procession to accompany the last wagon-load of corn carried in from the fields. Perhaps you know about some local customs, if so I would love to hear about them. When thinking about this month’s letter I came across a Victorian account taken from the Illustrated London News. It describes a harvest procession in a Berkshire village. The farm-wagon was decorated with plaited corn dollies and ribbons, escorted by a band playing music, and led by villagers carrying before them a brightly coloured Harvest Home banner. When the last wagon was safely in there would be a harvest supper shared by all the community, from the squire to farm-hands and milk maids. After supper there was dancing and merry-making, which I discovered was occasionally ‘riotous and taken to excess’. It was recorded in one parish in 1867 that the festivities became so raucous the festival was “taken in hand by the local clergyman’ and henceforth centred on a very sober service of thanksgiving in the parish church! Is it just me or does he sound a little austere? This year our own Harvest festivals will be quieter than usual too. Currently we are unable to sing hymns together during worship and our customary shared Harvest suppers, like so much else, have been put on hold. Yet the season of Covid will eventually pass, and Harvest time come again and again as it always has. Next year it is my hope that when it does, we will offer up not only our sober, prayerful thanksgiving to God, but a raft of joyful Harvest suppers, where we can celebrate not only the Harvest of the fields but the Harvest of our communities, our friendship and fellowship too.

Page 4 UPTON NOBLE

The residents of Upton Noble would like to say a big thank you to Brian Cooper for making a wonderful job of painting all our village signs. They look wonderful. Gerry Uhlein

BREWHAM

St John the Baptist Church Brewham 100 Club. - September draw winner was Rowena Seddon Ann Saxton St Johns held the first Sunday church service since the start of the Covid lockdown in March, on 13th September, and it was a great joy to have the church open again for regular worship and to welcome back so many parishioners. We hope to hold a service each second Sunday in the month for the time being. In August, Brewham PCC wrote to all households in the village explaining the financial difficulties being experienced by St Johns due to the long lockdown and asking for any contributions towards the continuing running costs. We are very pleased to say that many of you responded positively to this appeal and the PCC extend a very big “thank you” to everyone who contributed so generously. We are most grateful for all the help given which will make a big difference during these unprecedented times. The search for a new Rector for the Bruton Benefice continues in spite of the pandemic, and we all look forward to the time when conditions return to something closer to normal and regular activities can resume. Gloria Barber

Page 5 We will be suspending our food collection initiative in Brewham and Upton Noble from 30th September 2020.

Thank you for your extraordinary generosity. Your donations have been helping families and individuals in Bruton, Frome and Yeovil during the last few months who have suffered from the effects of COVID.

We have noticed that demand for food and cleaning products has decreased recently, so we are suspending our collections until we hear that extra support is needed again. This may be in the winter months when furlough ends.

Thank you again for all your help. Bruton Patient News - Seasonal flu vaccinations

Flu clinics are now available to book for: • Children aged 2-3 years old • Children aged 6 months to 17 years with an ‘at risk’ condition • All patients aged 65 and over by 31 March 2021 • Patients aged 18 to 64 years with an ‘at risk’ condition. For patients aged 50-64, national guidance is to offer these vaccinations from November only. Attending Flu Clinics this year… Due to Covid-19, our flu clinics will be a little different this year. Please take note of the following guidance for ALL flu clinics to make clinics as smooth and safe as possible for all patients and staff: • wear a face covering and maintain social distance at all times • attend as close to your appointment time as possible • wear a short sleeved shirt/blouse/top to give easy access to the top of your arm. Be prepared to take your coat off while queuing • Park off site and walk to the practice. Parking at the practice will be limited to blue badge holders only for safety • Clinics may be in an outside shelter - please be prepared. We know that this year has been very unsettling for everyone. We aim for our flu clinics to be safe for everyone and to flow quickly to maintain social distance but we need the co-operation of everyone to do so. Thank you for supporting your local practice during the Flu Season. Jane Hobbs, Practice Manager Bruton Surgery

Page 6 BATCOMBE

The Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Batcombe & District Horticultural Society The Garden in October With vibrantly coloured leaves, summer crops coming to an end, the threat of frost and the clocks going back, October is the true harbinger of seasonal change. As ever, the list of potential jobs is as long as your arm. This year, I plan to concentrate on some enormous perennials by digging them up and separating them using two forks. This’ll not only refresh the old plants but also leave me with others for the plant swap next May. Perennials can be cut back for the winter now, but while some plants should be cut back to avoid disease and pests, others need the protection their foliage provides for their crowns in the cold and wet and should be left until spring. Some plants can look blackened and untidy after the first frosts so there’s little point in leaving them up and it also makes it much easier to dig them up and divide. Others can be left standing all winter as not only do they provide food and protection for wildlife, but their shape and structure also look beautiful when touched by both sunlight and frost. If you’re unsure what an individual plant needs, you can always check at the RHS website. Katie 850614

Pauline and I would like to thank Tom and his band of volunteers for clearing half of our field opposite, and all of the field at the end of our bungalow from the Himalayan Balsam. Brian Stone

Readers, sidemen and Intersessions for October Date Sidesman Reader 1 Reader 2 Intersessions 4th P. Glashier N. Humphreys S. Macdonald S. Gilbert 11th P. Cowling H. Gosling A. Russell N. Humphreys 18th Pa Taylor Pi Taylor M. Wade T. Chater 25th J. Humphreys D. Stevens J. Henry S. Pool

Page 7

Shelterbox and Safari Supper

I am really sorry, but for obvious reasons there is no way we can organise the Safari Supper this year. I am so sad for two reasons: one, because it would have been our 10th anniversary and I wanted to make it our best yet; and two, because there is an ever more desperate need for Shelterbox at the moment. This year has shown a huge spike in extreme weather, with hurricanes causing even more devastation than in previous years. But as well as this, 2020 has brought a different and obvious challenge. The coronavirus pandemic means that it has been far more difficult for response teams to travel to hurricane-hit countries, and the disease itself is so much harder to contain where people are crammed together in camps and have no sanitation facilities or clean water. The threat of coronavirus has changed the usual aid items provided to families - soap, wash basins and masks have been added to boxes in places like Syria and Ethiopia to enable families to protect themselves as much as possible. In spite of this, Shelterbox has been on the spot to help wherever it can, which is why I continue to raise Safari Supper funds for it. I think their work is amazing and am devastated that we cannot fundraise in our usual way this year. I know planning ahead is impossible at the moment, but as soon as it is safe to do so I will try to organize a ‘something’ to help Shelterbox in some way as soon as possible. I will keep you posted! And God willing we will wine and dine in each others’ houses in 2021. Pippa Taylor

The Batcombe Raffle

As most people know, the Bank Holiday Fete is the major fund-raiser for the church in Batcombe, and this year, for obvious reasons, it was cancelled, which left a huge hole in the Church finances. So there was going to be a Produce Show to try to raise at least a bit of money – and then the rule of 6 came in, so we had to cancel. So that left the raffle….. Continued on page 9 Page 8 I need to say a huge thankyou for the most amazing generosity of Batcombe and Westcombe for providing such astonishing raffle prizes and for buying so many tickets. What makes it so special is that huge amounts of this generosity came from peo- ple who don’t come to services, who don’t necessarily have a Christian faith at all. But people still want there to be a Church in the village for so many different reasons: some love the history, some the architecture, some love the link to their family’s past with memories of celebrations or remembrances of people now gone. And some love it just because it is just a hugely special part of the village. For those of you who worship there, and for those of you who don’t but bought raffle tickets anyway…. …thank you so very much. There were so many donations we were able to make 7 luxury hampers as well as a box of goodies from Wild Beer (and thank you to Westcombe Cheese as well). We raised an amazing £1003! Sheena and Pippa

Our ‘New Norm’ Virtual Draw took place on Thursday 17th September. Many congratulations to the winners:

1st prize £75 to Sarah Smith 2nd prize £50 to Peter Lacey 2nd prize £50 to Imogen Pool 4th prize £25 to James Palmer

We’re always delighted to welcome new members, so if you’d like to join then please contact David Cartwright our Treasurer on [email protected] or 07774 878906.

For only £60 a year you have the opportunity to win 48 cash prizes plus the satisfaction from knowing that your contribution helps to maintain our Old School and Jubilee Hall as a fabulous venue for various activities and community gatherings.

Please Support OUR Village Community

Page 9 Batcombe Parish Council www.batcombe-parish-council-somerset.org.uk

Coronavirus – Stay Alert, Stay Safe Although restrictions are being relaxed, the coronavirus is still present so do follow the Government guidance to stay alert and stay safe. More advice can be found on the NHS, gov.uk and the District and County Council websites: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ www.gov.uk/coronavirus www.mendip.gov.uk/mdcbriefings www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/ Playing Field Please note that the users of the play equipment or their parents are advised to clean the equipment before use and to bring hand sanitiser to clean their and their children’s hands after use. Users are also reminded of the need for social distancing and parents should note that they allow their children to use the Playing Field at their own risk. New Play Equipment Many thanks to Sharon Witcombe, Bryony Fox and Clare Kingston who helped organise letters and e-mails of support for the Parish Council’s grant application to Viridor Credits. Viridor Credits have now inspected the Playing Field and a decision on the grant will be made on October 29th – a little later than originally expected. September Parish Council Meeting The Parish Council held its first physical meeting since March on Wednesday September 2nd. Councillors and the members of the public who attended were required to wear face masks, use hand sanitiser and maintain social distancing. Considerate Driving Concerns were raised at the September meeting regarding vehicles being driven too fast in the parish and drivers being abusive when asked to slow down. The Parish Council would ask everyone to drive with due care and consideration for other road users, particularly elderly pedestrians and children. October Parish Council Meeting The next monthly meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Wednesday October 7th. In light of the resurgence of the coronavirus, a decision will be taken nearer the time as to whether this will be held remotely or in the Jubilee Hall. The Agenda and Minutes will be published on the Parish Council website and on parish notice boards a week before the meeting. Rob Sage, Clerk to Batcombe Parish Council (850934) [email protected]

Page 10 Important message to all - speeding cars At the last Parish Council Meeting several residents attended to express their deep concerns regarding the increase in vehicles driving at excessive speeds through the village. It was shocking to hear that one resident, had been verbally abused in front of her grandchildren, when asking a driver to slow down. Other people in the meeting had also encountered the same Batcombe car and it was stated that this should be a matter for the Police. Since the last meeting there have been more instances of people driving far too fast through our village, one resulting in a crash into the old Post Office, Westcombe. If people continue to drive in such an unsafe way it will surely only be a matter of time before there is a serious accident. Please remember when driving - all the other road users, have just as much right to be on the road as you - children, the elderly, horses, bike riders - nobody should feel threatened or in danger in our community. If we cannot sort this out ourselves, we may need to escalate it to the council but in reality I think the best traffic calming measure IS YOU. So please can we all ensure that we revert to driving with far more due care and attention, please can we all make a point of encouraging this to be a normal practise in our community, and, actively extend this practice to others who may be working or delivering in Batcombe and Westcombe to do the same. Thank you. Peter Glaisher

'The Laureate at the Lodge' offers his take on speeding cars:

From ‘The Sounds of Batcombe’ Julie Andrews sings My ‘Least’ Favourite Things Skid marks on tarmac when speeding through Batcombe, Just wish the police were around so they’d nab them, Jump into hedges when fast cars approach, These are my tactics as vehicles encroach. Cyclists that scream down the hill without crashing. Bright coloured lycra, in danger of flashing. More and more people now take to the road, In trying to dodge them, I may well implode! When the dog bites, (‘cause it’s scared) When the bee stings, ( ‘cause I jumped in the hedge) When I’m feeling sad. I simply remember the quieter days, And try not to feel . . . so mad! ps. Does anyone have any bee sting cream ?

Page 11 Church Services details

All are welcome to come to church, whatever your circumstances. BCP = Communion - Book of Common Prayer. CW1 = Communion - Modern Language. CW1(F) = Communion especially for Families. CW1(T) = Communion Traditional Language. FS = Family Service. MP = Morning Prayer. ES = Evensong. FC = Family Communion IFW = Informal Family Worship. WFA = Worship For All.

October 2020 Services in the Alham Vale Benefice and Brewham 4th 11th 18th 25th Trinity 17 Trinity 18 St Luke Bible Sunday Creation Creation Creation Creation season season season season Batcombe 11am 11am 6pm 11am BCP CW1 ES CW1

Brewham 10am Harvest 10am 10am 10am 10am BCP Harvest Service of the CW1 Café Church by Word Zoom or in Village Hall Chesterblade 10am 10am CW1 Reflective service 6pm ES Harvest Upton Noble 6pm 10am ES Harvest CW1

Church Flowers Batcombe October 3rd & 10th - Mrs Jilly Henry October 17th & 14th - Mrs Jennie Humphreys Brewham October - Nickie Gething

Page 12 READINGS for October Date Day Colour Readings

Oct. 4th Trinity 17 G Genesis 8: 20-22; 9: 12-17 River Sunday at Revelation 22: 1-5 Batcombe and Matthew 28: 1-10 Lamyatt

Harvest at Evercreech W Deuteronomy 28: 1-14 and Upton Noble 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 Luke 12 16-30

Oct. 11th Trinity 18 G Exodus 32: 1-14 Philippians 4: 1-9 Matthew 22: 1-14

Oct. 18th St Luke R Acts 16: 6-12a 2 Timothy 4: 5-17 Luke 10: 1-9

Oct. 25th Bible Sunday G Nehemiah 8: 1-4a, 8-12 Colossians 3: 12-17 Matthew 24: 30-35

Nov. 1st All Saints R Revelation 7: 9-end 1 John 3: 1-3 Matthew 5: 1-12

Page 13 Letter from the Right Reverend Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton October 2020 A time to listen

I was expecting to be on sabbatical as I write this but of course you will all now be aware that Bishop Peter is receiving treatment for leukaemia and thus I am back in the diocese. He is as cheerful as ever and very much values your care, thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers and so many warm messages. Thank you! Please keep praying for him, Jane and the family. Coping with the ‘unexpected’, whether it is news about health, the pandemic or a personal diagnosis like +Peter’s; or a change of plan such as my sabbatical, can set us in a spin. We don’t always know how to respond. It requires us to adapt, to change, to rethink how we will live. I’m reminded of the story of Elijah who felt overwhelmed by the circumstances around him. A national drought both from rain and faith left him feeling vulnerable and alone. And although God made Himself very evident in the events of Mount Carmel, Elijah still felt under siege and fearful, wanting to die rather than face the wrath of Jezebel. And so he ran! And in the book of Kings we find God meets with him. First of all bringing him refreshment of body and mind through sleep and food. And then, when his well-being is restored, he discovers the voice of God, not in the strength of storm or wind but in a ‘still small voice’. I wonder where and how you might hear the voice of God? Across the diocese we are entering into a listening project to hear what God might be saying to us, in and through the strange times in which we now live. We welcome your thoughts so please do share them with us. Praying God’s blessing on us all Bishop Ruth

Petertide ordinations with the Covid restrictions in place: ordination services for those being made new deacons or priests may have been delayed, but following a series of services across the diocese during Petertide we now have 18 new deacons and 12 new priests. The ordination of the deacons took place at Wells Cathedral, with the priesting taking place in three parish churches, one in each archdeaconry. With only 30 people able to be present at each service, it was not the usual gathering of friends and family, but many were able to witness the joyful event.

Page 14 From Adrian Stevens Dear Audrey, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review of Beyond The Beeches in last month's magazine. Jackie and I bought a copy from the Heritage Room about tens years ago and found it fascinating, but our copy somehow got mislaid when we moved into our farmyard barn conversion in 2016. The bits in the book which stuck in my mind were Norah Clacee’s long walk to the village school at the tender age of 5 (almost 2 miles each way - imagine that today) and the fact that her childhood years were still in the era when young women were expected to curtsey to those held to be their elders and betters (such as the Rector's daughters, which she and her friend refused to do!). Anyway, having read your review I made a determined effort to find our copy and have at last found it and restored it to its rightful position next to Captain Coney’s book on Batcombe. After re-reading the early chapters I would like to pose a couple of questions relating to Norah’s long walk to school: (a) just exactly which is the cottage lived in by Norah’s favourite teacher Mrs Jacobs? I have looked at the old maps in the Know Your Place website and it is still far from obvious. My best guess is Longleat cottage, but was it really that neglected? And it is nowhere near Lodge Farm as hinted in Chapter 8. And (b) where was the dangerous pond ? Yours sincerely Adrian Stevens

Ed: If you can help answer Adrian’s questions then please let us know

Village Agent

Village Agents help to bridge the gap between isolated, excluded, vulnerable and lonely individuals and statutory and/ or voluntary organisations which offer specific solutions to identified needs. We can offer advice and support to find local groups and activities available in your community and help you with any queries you may have or situations that you need advice and support with. Currently Village Agents are focusing on face coverings, staying connected and hydration, including the offer of a free water bottle! Nic Edwards is our local agent and she can be contacted on 07946 461468 or [email protected]

Page 15 Batcombe war memorial. Photo taken earlier in the year by Tamara Stubbs

Page 16 These are loofas growing in Jo Addisons greenhouse.

There is a link to how to grow and use at

https:// www.goodhousekeeping.com/ home/gardening/a20706975/ how-to-grow-your-own- loofah-sponge/

Batcombe raffle prizes - see page 8 Brewham churchyard - see page zz

Page 17 Some memories of George Sage

George Sage

The older boys of Batcombe Village School posing with the County Shield, after winning the Somerset competition for the best garden and knowledge of gardening on their allotment where the Hall carpark is now situated. With them is their Headmaster Stenning (left) and their priest Rev. Morant. “I was born in 1900; my father’s name was Jesse Sage, who came to Batcombe in 1875 as a fourteen years old lad with his sisters, his father George Sage and his mother Catherine. They came first to Pugh’s Bottom Farm and Home Farm and from their collection of hens, pigs and cattle, earned their living from eggs, pork, milk and cheese. They took their surplus produce to the Bristol markets with their horse and milk float cart each week. After George died at the early age of 48, we have an invoice document of Catherine purchasing ground barley meal from Spargrove Mill, and paying for the sacks of meal with her cheeses. My father, Jesse Sage married an important cheese-making teacher in 1898, called Edith Cannon of Milton Clevedon. The Landlord of Pugh’s Bottom, who owned much land in Batcombe, told my father that he could rent Vale Farm at a cheaper rent, because Vale Farm was so isolated; so I was born at Vale Farm. I started school at five years old, and walked for a mile up the valley to Batcombe School each day, and a mile home in the evening. I enjoyed life at school, especially my schoolmaster Mr. Stenning, in the picture above. There were three things that he taught us well, they were: Good clear, round writing, woodwork and gardening. May 24th each year was Empire Day. After assembly in the morning, we all marched out into the playground and saluted the Union Jack which had been raised on the church tower. Then we sang the Empire song: Page 18 Flag of Britain, where so ever, thy bright colours are outstretched; Slavery must cease for ever, light an freedom reign instead. Afterwards, Colonel Baker gave us a talk on the great British Empire; then we were all given a bun and an orange, and all went home for a day’s holiday. In 1910 on Oak-apple Day the 29th May, all the children of the district were taken by horse, carts and waggons to the town to meet the Prince of Wales in Collett Park. When he arrived, we all sang God Bless the Prince of Wales; he later became King George V.

The steamroller at Westcombe before the First World War Memorial was erected

In August 1912 we were taught to dance the Maypole by Miss Morant, the Rector’s sister to raise funds at a Church Fete in aid of the first boiler system to heat the Church. Also in the spring of 1912 I started to catch moles, skin them and stretch the pelts on a board with tacks; and when dry, I sent them to London and got one shilling each. Before tarmac arrived in Batcombe, our roads were bad and full of ruts. These ruts were kept filled with Stoney-brash from the many quarries around the village; the surface stones were then broken down with long handle tap-hammers. When the steamroller came to make a new surface, it was all very exciting. The steamroller towed the driver’s hut on wheels, which he lived in. Behind him came a man on horseback towing the watering cart. First the water cart would make the whole surface wet; then sand was used to fill in the cracks; then the whole surface was made wet again before being steamrolled level. Then we could all draw circles in the sand and play marbles again. There were two blacksmiths in Batcombe and one at the top of Westcombe who had a blacksmith workshop at the top of Chapel Row and he made iron hoops for the children. During lunch hour, we would grab our sandwiches chase our hoops around the village roads; play foxhounds over the fields and jump the river down in the valley. Page 19 The farm market at Shepton Mallet was very important in my young days. Without lorries we would hunt cattle and lead the bulls to Shepton Market. Butchers would come from Bath, Bristol and as far away as South Wales. They would butcher their purchases at the market and haul the carcases back with their horses and carts. A special writer in 1790 wrote that 400 calves alone were sold at each Shepton market.” (We have his book in the Heritage Room) “At the end of marketing, farmers and butchers gathered in the Horse and Hounds which stood on the crossroads where the Co-op is now. They filled the bar and both sides of the street outside. In August 1912 on the farm, we had the dreaded Foot and Mouth disease. I was eleven years old and it was school holidays, I was allowed to run about and see all the killings and burnings. Starlings were blamed for the outbreak, coming over from the Continent. All the pigs were killed and dressed for food. During the First World War, all the horses on the farms in the area had to be taken to Shepton Mallet, and the Army picked the best ones to go off to the war. During this war we had a pet pig which the girls had brought up. It was never kept in a sty, but lived in the kennel along with the dogs. It became very fond of me and followed me everywhere; feeding the cows in the fields and half way to Evercreech. During this time I would drive the horse and milk float cart with the seventeen gallon milk churns of milk to Evercreech Milk Factory each morning. On the way we passed under oak trees with large branches, with my faithful pig right behind. I stopped the cart to shake off some acorns for my pet pig. Unfortunately half of the acorns fell on the horse which bolted, I fell out of the cart on top of my pig and then had to walk half way to Evercreech to catch up with my horse and cart. Cows had horns in those days and I had two experiences of being charged, both times a calf was involved. The first time in my early years, I tried to hand milk a difficult cow soon after her calf had been taken away and she resented my approach. The second time I was much older. In fetching the herd at milking time, one cow was lying down in a heap of nettles. I went to get her with a few choice words. She leapt up and charged, ripping my farm waistcoat into three pieces and I landed heavily on my back. I learnt later that there was a new calf in the nettles and she was just protecting it from my rather harsh approach. I ran the skittles at the Church Fete that evening, not really feeling up to it. During the second World War I served in the Special Constables. One evening I was put in control of a road block at the top of Presley Hill with a friend. Our commander Colonel Spencer visited us and questioned the fact that we had no weapons with which to defend ourselves. When we said there were none available, he marched to the hedges with his pen-knife and came back with two hazel sticks. I remember thinking, now we are really ready to repel any enemy tanks.” [email protected]

Page 20 Calendar for October Wednesday 7th October - Batcombe Parish Council meeting either on Zoom or in the Village Hall, please check notice boards or website. Thursday 8th October - Short Mat Bowls will take place in the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm for just six people - please contact Audrey if you would like to come. (Wearing a mask), and we will rotate participants week by week. It is good exercise. Sundays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th for church services please see rota on page12. Due to the new restrictions we are not able to hold other events at present.

Batcombe Village Hall Trust

We are in need of a Secretary. Oak, Beech & Ash

Have you got a few hours to spare - Logs for sale.

Could you be the person we are Seasoned & looking for? Not a huge task and can be very rewarding to help your Dried to 20% Moisture community. Delivered £70 per bag. Contact Sheena for details on 850040 01749 850 282

Page 21 Page 22 Page 23

MASSAGE

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Safer Stronger Neighbourhoods - Frome Neighbourhood Policing Frome Police Station, Enterprise House, Wessex Fields, Frome, BA11 4DH Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10.00am - 6.00pm - Contact Tel: 101 for non-emergencies or 999 for emergencies or via their Web Pages at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

Page 24 IAN BRAMLEY French Polisher - Antique Restorer Working for over 33 years for a BAFRA member. Working for museums, major antique dealers, hotel chains and private customers. RECYCLE - give your furniture a new lease of life. You will be astonished at the difference I can make to your well loved and treasured but maybe slightly neglected pieces of furniture and bring them back to life. Tel: 01963 370997 - Mob: 07745 601989

Linda Medhurst Seamstress Curtains, cushions, blinds, home furnishings minor alterations/repairs Reasonable rates Tel: 01749 831264 Mob: 07951 638273 Email: [email protected]

Page 25 UPTON NOBLE VILLAGE HALL The Village Hall is available for hiring for any functions. The cost is £45 per day, £7.50 per hour for Upton Noble villagers and £8.50 per hour for non- villagers. (This cost includes the use of tables, chairs and all kitchen Tailored, luxury dog hotel & day care equipment). We also hire out tables at £2.50 each and chairs at 50p. set in the beautiful Somerset countryside. To make a booking, please contact B. Boros on 01749 850196 4* higher standards licensed with Council. Based near Closed at present Bruton & For more information please visit our website or call/email Diane Richardson Clarke Mobile: 07762 321207

Specialising in all aspects of tree surgery including: • Tree shaping, pollarding and felling • Hedge trimming • Stump removal • Garden clearance

Fully insured, NPTC qualified National Certificate in Arboriculture

Telephone - 07896 813 934 [email protected]

Page 26 Mendip Family Osteopaths

Kathrine Read Who looks after your SEPTIC TANK? Emily Rebouillat For 20 years I’ve been emptying septic tanks in BSc(Hons)Ost your village. Now I can offer you and your Structural & Cranial Registered neighbours an efficient independent sewage Osteopaths disposal service.

Osteopaths are trained to recognise and Septic tanks emptied - Drains Jetted treat many causes of pain and can help with Regular servicing and maintenance a wide range of complaints including: Submersible pumps supplied • Back, Neck, joint or muscle pain Sewage treatment plant and septic tank installation • Nerve pain or injury Call us: MARK OR KAREN PERRY • Post accident or injury (Mobile) 07973 850730- (Home) 01749 850730 • Arthritic Pain (Email) [email protected] (Website) www.wessexdrainservices.co.uk • Head & Facial pain • Sports Injuries • Pregnancy & Birth related issues

• Treatment of children

For more information or advice call:

(01373) 454595 www.mendipfamilyosteopaths.co.uk

Brewham Village Hall available for hire for > Parties > Wedding receptions > Christenings > Meetings etc.

Contact Becky Ewins (booking secretary) 01749 850167 [email protected]

Current Hire Charges inclusive of all facilities:- Villagers at £8.50 per hour. Others at £9.50 per hr. Block Bookings (6 or more) Villagers at £7 per hour. All others at £8 per hour payable in advance.

CLOSED at present

Page 27 Book your pet in for a real luxury treat

Page 28 The Three Horseshoes Inn, CARPET & UPHOLSTERY Batcombe CLEANING SPECIALIST Need Milk, Eggs, Sugar or any

other staple? “KEEPING WITH THE LOCAL Come borrow or buy from The Three FAMILY TRADITION Horseshoes, if you would like to FROM A RUG TO A borrow something just replace it the THREE PIECE SUITE” next time you go shopping. STAIN & DEODORIZING Please remember our ‘vegetable TREATMENTS amnesty’. If you have grown too MAKES YOUR CARPETS LOOK much of one thing just bring it in and NEW AGAIN we will swap you for a pint or two. Event for your diary; Open Mic - STAIN GUARDING AVAILABLE last Thursday of the month FREE QUOTES 01749 850359

One of Britain’s cosiest Pubs BRIAN BREWER according to The Telegraph 01373 300642 – 07866433365

FRENCH LANGUAGE TUITION Need help with your French homework? Need to revise for exams? Need to brush up on your conversation for your French holiday? Contact Karen Perry on 01749 850730 North Brewham, Bruton, Somerset BA10 OJF

Upton Noble Church of General Gardener Primary School Mowing lawns, Trimming, Head teacher: Sandra Leggett Clipping, Strimming, Tel: 01749 850375 Weeding and Patio cleaning. www.uptonnoble.org.uk If interested, please call David email: Sage on 07516273569 [email protected]

Page 29 ESTABLISHED 1933 INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS ESTABLISHEDMEMORIAL MASONS 1933 INDEPENDENTOwned by Forsey FAMILYand Son FUNERALAshdene, DIRECTORS , Shepton Mallet, BA4 4QQ MEMORIAL MASONS Telephone: 01749 880271 OwnedFax: by 01749 Forsey 880105 and Son www.trotmanfuneral.co.ukAshdene, Doulting, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4QQ Telephone: 01749 880271 Fax: 01749 880105 www.trotmanfuneral.co.uk

Suppliers of all your countryside needs… 01749 850258 STATION ROAD, BA4 4SY

Page 30 BATCOMBE INFORMATION Parish Council Chairman Mrs Mary Comley 850032 [email protected] Clerk Dr Rob Sage 850934 Bell ringers Captain Mrs Sue Wade 850465 Church Flowers Mrs Jacquie Clothier 831092 Friends of Batcombe Church Chairman Mr David Stevens 850300 Royal British Legion Chairman Mr Nigel Humphreys 830091 Toddler Group Ms Kelly Biss 07803 572 185 Batcombe & District Hort. Society Chairman Mrs Katie Chater 850614 Secretary Mrs Janet Jones 850509 Village Hall Trust Committee Chairman Mrs Sheena Pool 850040 Treasurer Mr David Cartwright 07774 878906 Booking Clerk Ms Celia Crees 850591 Secretary Vacancy Web site www.batcombe.org.uk Heritage Centre Contact Trustee Dr Rob Sage 850934 Children’s Christmas Party At Present Mrs Katie Chater 850614 Neighbourhood Watch (Kale St/High St): Mrs Dot Cox 850636 (Westcombe) Niall Warry, Higher Farm 831546 Bridge Club Mrs Ann Biddle 850307 Film Society Mrs Ann Biddle 850307 Batcombe Cricket Club Mr Steve Gilbert 850850 Doctors (Surgeries by appointment) Dr N Gompertz, Dr Wilkins & Dr Andrews Bruton 812310 Evercreech Surgery 830325 BREWHAM INFORMATION Parish Council Chairman Mr David Dabinett 850441 Clerk Mrs Sue Price 813294 Ladies Social Club Mrs Marian Castle 850671 Village Hall Committee Chairman Mrs Liza Greaves 850776 Secretary Treasurer Mr James Coward 850034 Booking Secretary Mrs Becky Ewins 850167 UPTON NOBLE Parish Meeting Chairman Mrs Melinda Baker 850855 Neighbourhood Watch Contact Mr Grant Fuller 850196 Village Hall Committee Chairman Mrs Gill Read 850831 Secretary Mrs Janet Dodgson 850037 Treasurers Martin & Helen Large Booking Secretary Balazs Boros 850196 Upton Noble V C Primary School Head Teacher Mrs Sandra Leggett 850375 Business manager Mrs Thelma Hartnell [email protected]

Page 31 Copy to Audrey BY the 18th of the month PLEASE to: Portway Farm, Batcombe, Shepton Mallet BA4 6BR (01749 850311) email [email protected] Please let me know of any changes in the information on the covers so that it can be kept up to date. Please contact me with comments, letters or photos on anything you wish to include in the magazine. (Editor has final decision on inclusion) Advertising Rates All small FOR SALE or WANTED advertisements £1. BUSINESS ADVERTISING: £5 Per QUARTER PAGE per month, in typed form with a border to fit a quarter of an A5 sheet if possible. There is NO charge for local fundraising/charity events. Subscriptions for the “Parish News” is minimum £4 per year, which is payable through your distributor or by cheque direct to Mrs Ruth Clothier. (Cheques should be made payable to “The Parish News”). Magazine Finance:- Mrs Ruth Clothier, Manor Farm, Westcombe, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. BA4 6ER. Tel: 01749 830402. The excellent photocopier at the Heritage Room is capable of all manner of copying, A4/A3, colour of course. Reasonable rates available - call Audrey for info. Page 32