Parish News April 2020

Eastertide

in Upton Noble, Brewham & Batcombe

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 - Bruton Vacancy The Blessed Virgin Mary, Batcombe Churchwarden Mr Nigel Humphreys Little Westcombe House, Westcombe 830091 Secretary Ms Gillian Royce, Cherry Cottage, Westcombe 830642 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, Frome 01373 462207 Roman Catholic Fr Louis Beasley-Suffolk, South St, Wincanton 01963 34408 e-mail: [email protected] Page 2 The Blessed Virgin Mary, Batcombe St Mary Magdalene, Upton Noble St John the Baptist, Brewham

Contents Page No • Priest’s letter 4 • Pastoral letter 5 • Batcombe & Brewham 7 - 13 • Upton Noble 14 - 15 • Parish Pictures Centre Pages • Bishop’s letter 18 • Weather 19 • Article 20-21 • Local Services (Ads) 23 - 30 • Tel No’s (inside covers) 2 & 31

We are going through very difficult times But, the good news for me is that Janet Jones and Debbie Hart have volunteered to help out with the magazine. Janet has set up an email address for all of us to use which is :- parishnews@batcombe,org.uk Please use this in future and the three of us can access it to put the magazine together. Nearly all activities have been cancelled or postponed for the time being, please stay safe and take good care of yourselves. We shall be reducing the size of the magazine but hope to continue to produce it to keep up contact with what is happening. Please send us your photos for possible inclusion. With all good wishes Audrey

Page 3 We welcome thoughts from our Vicar the Revd. Helen Drever. April 2020 From the Vicarage

As I sit down to write this column I am aware of the sensation of sifting sands beneath my feet. The familiar rhythm of church life at Easter this year seems a little off-beat, and I wonder if this irregularly might bring with it the possibility of seeing the Easter story with fresh eyes. During Lent many of us have found ourselves giving up far more than we planned to, holidays have been cancelled and visits to loved ones postponed. It has been an anxious time for many, with health concerns both for ourselves, and for vulnerable friends and family members foremost in our minds. Yet even if it comes to pass that we cannot gather together for Easter as we might like, the Easter celebration will still happen, and we will still proclaim the Risen Lord, and remember the hope and joy we have in him. This April may deliver a quieter more prayerful Easter than last year, and we may celebrate it closer to home than we had planned. Time does seem to have slowed down a little, I know I am rushing about far less than is my usual habit. It seems like circumstances are asking us to pause a moment, to reflect on the questionable wisdom of the hectic pace of so much of recent modern life, and instead to just stand still a while, and be truly present. The Bible tells us that all things came into being through Christ, who is the Word of God and our Risen Lord. Our Saviour comes to redeem everything he has made, not just our flawed human nature, and Christ longs for us to join him in his mission, which is to safeguard the integrity of all creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth. We live in a beautiful part of the world, let us take time to love it as Christ does, prayerfully, watchfully. This Easter take time to observe the wonder of new life unfurling all around us. Fresh green growth where once there was decay, paper dry bulbs bursting into flower. Listen out for the call of cuckoo and nightingale, celebrate every new molehill, and praise God if you are blessed with a sighting of fox cubs or hares. He is risen and has come to bring new life for all. It has been a tough few months but I am put in mind of the words of John MacLeod Campbell Crum’s wonderful Easter hymn… When our hearts are weary, grieving, Lord, in pain, By your touch you call us back to life again, fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: love is come again, like wheat that springeth green

Page 4 Pastoral letter Dear Friends, It was with heavy hearts that the Archbishops of Canterbury and York recently wrote to clergy to say that the Church of England must suspend all acts of public worship until further notice. In their letter they wrote: ‘As the challenge of the coronavirus grips the world, and as the Government asks every individual and every organisation to rethink its life, we are now asking the Church of England in all its parishes, chaplaincies and ministries to serve all people in a new way. Public worship will have to stop for a season. Our usual pattern of Sunday services and other mid-week gatherings must be put on hold. But this does not mean that the Church of England has shut up shop. Far from it.’ In the Alham Vale benefice we are absolutely committed to ensuring everyone in our community is protected as far as possible and so we are following this instruction until further notice. It is an unprecedented action but comes after serious reflection on the current information available about the Covid-19 virus and the implications for those who become infected who are older or have underlying health conditions. The Archbishop’s letter goes on to encourage us to continue in prayer and where possible to offer online resources to people. We realise that across the Alham Vale Benefice there are many for whom this will be a devastating blow as our Services are a source of invaluable human contact as well as a spiritual lifeline. Please be assured that you are being held in prayer and we ask you to also pray for our community especially those who are lonely and anxious. We would also encourage you to pick up the phone to one another or pop a card in the post, so that we continue to enjoy one another’s company despite the inevitable distance this new situation creates. How are we responding at Alham Vale? 1. Each week members of our Ministry team will post a simple service for use at home on the Alham Vale Benefice website, this will include each Sunday’s readings and a thought for the day. 2. Morning and Evening Prayer will be said privately each day by the Ministry and Prayer Teams on behalf of the whole community. Do let us know if there is anyone you would like us to include in our prayers. 3. The churches of our benefice will be open during the day as community spaces for private prayer. 4. The ministry team will offer the Eucharist throughout this time of suspension on behalf of us all, during which prayers be will said for those living in our benefice, for our neighbours and for the wider world.

Page 5 5. We will post prayer and worship resources for you to use at home on the Alham Vale Benefice website shortly.

And finally please pray: God of love and hope, you made the world and care for all creation, but the world feels strange right now. The news is full of stories about Coronavirus. Some people are worried that they might get ill. Others are anxious for their family and friends. Be with them and help them to find peace. We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists, and all who are working to discover the right medicines to help those who are ill. Thank you that even in these anxious times, you are with us. Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe. Amen.

With my love and prayers, Rev Helen x

The website address is: www.alhamvalebenefice.co.uk

Vicar of Alham Vale

From the Editor and helpers

You may think that some of the items seem to be repetitive but we have put them in as they came to us and think they are all worth a read.

Take care in these difficult times

Page 6 BATCOMBE

The Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Services in April I have received an email from the Archbishop, following the rapid development of the Coronavirus, confirming the immediate cessation of all services in our church until further notice, sadly therefore starting with Mothering Sunday and then including Easter and beyond. These are truly extraordinary times. The church will however remain open as usual. The email laid particular emphasis on prayer and service. If you wish, please use the church for the former, the second we are, as a community, well advanced in accomplishing. Thank you for everything all of you are doing. Nigel Humphreys Church Warden

Batcombe & District Horticultural Society Our Annual Show, which we very much hope will still go ahead is on Saturday 1 August and here’s a list of the craft, photography and art classes so you can work on your entries.

Craft: An animal made from fruit and /or veg - a decorated box or container (max size 20cm) - a fabric rag wreath (max size 30cm) - a soft craft article (e.g. sewn fabric item, knitting, needlework etc) - a hard craft article (e.g. woodwork, ceramics, metal work, jewellery etc) - a knitted item for a child - any of the above classes, novices only Photography: Our feathered friends - out of the mist - animal magic - the colour orange - candid camera - floral beauty - a Batcombe event - any of the above classes, novices only Art: Still life, any medium - a landscape, any medium - an abstract painted greetings card - a hand decorated flowerpot - a witty ditty - any of the above classes, novices only

Katie 850614

Page 7 Ordering online For obvious reasons, this has become much more difficult recently. If you don’t already have an account, Ocado isn’t available, and even if you do – the wait time to get on line and then wait for a delivery slot is also much delayed. JJ Edgell has come up with the excellent idea that those of us who do already have accounts could ‘piggy back’ those of you who don’t. So that if someone needed things delivered, they could contact an account holder and add things to their lists. I have an Ocado account and am happy to be first port of call. If anyone else with an Ocado account who is also happy to offer a shared delivery could let me have their names – I will hold the list and ring round when requests come in. Pippa Taylor 850146

Defibrillator Bridge We had a brilliant afternoon of bridge and tea – it now seems so long ago that we took for granted that a group of people could sit and chat and play and eat together. As I type this, it has taken on a much more profound resonance. A simple afternoon of pleasure with friends is now something I will never take for granted again. We raised over £400. The defibrillators are on their way. The cakes and sandwiches were amazing. The laughter and chat were part of a normal afternoon at cards. Not normal for a while to come. For a lot of the people there, bridge is part of their weekly routine. – important, not for the game, but for the company and contact and support and comfort of being with people – having something in the diary, week in and week out.: a social event that doesn’t have to wait for an invitation – part of everyday life. And for others it is yoga or upholstery or flower arranging or football or cricket or church or a choir – the list is endless. These were what was in the diary. We will need to find a way to fill those spaces – and it won’t be easy. So thankyou to everyone who made that afternoon so special. Those were happy days.

Page 8 Batcombe PCC update It is increasingly likely that the Government’s anti-Coronavirus measures will prevent the Batcombe PCC from holding its usual public AGM on Thursday 23rd April and presenting its accounts there; I therefore set out a brief summary of our financial position, as follows: The good news is that, after two difficult years, we are close to breaking even in our budget for 2020. Roughly half of our expenditure is made up of the Church running costs (insurance, heating, electricity, and general maintenance of the Church and the churchyard). The other half is made up of the payments we have to make to the Diocese and, to a lesser extent, the Benefice for their services, including the provision of a vicar; it is this figure that we have managed to bring down from £15,000 two years ago, to £12,000 today. Against this, our receipts come only from the generosity of the community: through planned monthly giving, Church collections, weddings and funerals, and the money raised at the Fete and Open Gardens. The bad news is that all these revenue streams, with the exception of planned monthly giving, will be at risk if the Government bans group assembly. We also hold some restricted funds for capital expenditure, which our charitable status requires us to use only for the purpose specified by the donor and which cannot therefore be used to fund any other purpose, including a shortfall in our current account. One such bequest was specifically given by a generous, and now sadly deceased, donor for the creation of a new, welcoming and comfortable space in the church for the use of church-goers and visitors alike. If the donor’s wishes are not carried out, these funds will have to remain permanently unused, which would be an unforgivable betrayal of the donor’s expectations. Patrick Taylor, Treasurer, Batcombe PCC

Batcombe Hub Due to the current circumstances, the Hub have taken the decision to close for the immediate future and offer a 'metre apart' walk instead. If you would like to come along, be outside the Old School for a 10.45 set off, weather permitting. It won't be arduous or strenuous, just an opportunity to catchup and enjoy some fresh air. Bring your own refreshments and hand sanitiser.

Batcombe Film Society If you had tickets for the themed evening on Saturday, 21st March may we ask that you hold onto them and bring them with you the next time you come to a screening so we can refund you. We will review in due course whether our 17th April screening can go ahead and everyone on the committee wishes you well in these difficult times.

Page 9 Farewell to Arish Turle

On March 7th Batcombe was able to say a final good bye to the village’s most illustrious soldier. People also came from far and wide to pay their respects - including one lady from Australia. Many brother officers and Riflemen from the Greenjackets and representatives of the SAS were present. They swelled the numbers at the memorial service to not far short of 300. Fortunately a video link had been set up in the village hall to serve the much needed overflow. The tributes at the service only emphasised what a remarkable, modest, brave and lovable man he was. Such was the affection in which he was held that the assembled company contributed in the offertory to a remarkable two thousand pounds to Arish’s chosen charities. The service was led by Fr. Mark Ellis and the Rev. Colin Fox, an army padre. The service concluded with the Gaelic blessing and the Last Post - there was hardly a dry eye anywhere! A reception followed in the hall afterwards attended by most of the well wishers. The family would particularly like to express their gratitude to all those who helped to make the whole day such a success - car parking, chair moving, flower arranging, sideman duties and general errand running. Their biggest thanks go to the people of Batcombe who turned up in such numbers despite the dire warnings about coronavirus.

Page 10 Pictures and text taken from the church service leaflet for Arish

Page 11 Batcombe Parish Council www.batcombe-parish-council-somerset.org.uk Coronavirus The situation is changing daily but do heed advice to wash hands regularly, avoid gatherings, and self-isolate if you are in one of the vulnerable groups and have the symptoms of the virus – a persistent cough or a fever. More advice can be found on the NHS and gov.uk websites: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government- response For more assistance please refer to the flyer that has been distributed to every household in the Parish or call Janet Jones on 850509. Annual Parish Meeting The Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled to take place in the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday April 1st. Holding the meeting is a legal requirement but we have cancelled the speaker and strongly advise residents not to attend in the current situation. If the legal position changes, we will cancel the meeting. April Parish Council Meeting There is normally a short Parish Council meeting in April before the Annual Parish Meeting to deal with any essential business. This is likely to be a very short meeting to delegate essential business to the Clerk. The Government is looking at emergency legislation to allow Parish Councils to conduct meetings online and more details will be given on the Parish Council website when known. Rob Sage, Clerk to Batcombe Parish Council (850934) [email protected]

Letters to the Editor - I would be pleased to receive letters for publication. Please restrict to about 500 words. Letters need to be of general interest, & non-contentious. Copy to the editor BY the 18th of the month PLEASE to [email protected]

Please keep the news items coming, whenever you have an event in your parish remember to take some pictures and do a little write up.

PLEASE SEND IN YOUR COPY BY 18th OF THE MONTH. Ed. Please use this new email address for items in the magazine [email protected]

Page 12 BREWHAM

St John the Baptist Church Brewham 100 Club. - The March winner was: - Reg Cook

Brewham Village Hall Grade II Listed Brewham Village Hall has recently undergone a year long restoration. All residents were invited to a tea party on Saturday 14th March to see the newly renovated main hall. The false ceiling has been removed to reveal the original oak beams, new electrics have been installed and the main hall redecorated. Outside, the walls were repointed and stonework repaired. Fundraising will now start for phase 2 which will cover a new kitchen and toilets.

Chat and Coffee Brewham Ladies Group This has been cancelled for This has been cancelled for the the foreseeable future. foreseeable future

Page 13 UPTON NOBLE

Quiz Night Saturday 14 March

44 people all enjoyed John Onslow’s excellent quiz, particularly the picture round which got us all scratching our heads - but in a good way! Dean and Kerry’s team came first, followed closely by Jackson 5 + 1. The bar kept us hydrated all night and the ploughman’s supper was delicious. A very big thank you to John for all his hard work in putting the quizzes together - we all had fun! Janet Dodgson 850037

Latest News at Upton Noble Primary School We’ve had another busy few weeks here at Upton Noble Primary School. The children have enjoyed the coming of Spring, marking Shrove Tuesday with pancake races and having lessons outside on our Outdoor Learning Day. Our PTA organised and ran a successful Movie Quiz event, which was a great hit among the children and raised valuable funds for our school. During Book Week this year, we focused on traditional tales and had a visit from the West End in Schools Theatre Company, who ran a workshop exploring literature through drama and dance. On World Book Day, the children and staff dressed up as book characters, which was great fun. The theme for British Science Week this year was Our Diverse Planet. The children worked scientifically on a number of experiments across the week and shared their findings with the whole school. Willow Class (Y1/2) investigated how people around the world filter dirty water to make it clean. Ash Class (Y3) conducted an experiment called “Don't Tip the Ship,” where they investigated the buoyancy and balance of mini ships to determine their load capacity. Acorn Class (Reception/Y1) explored colour mixing using bread, melted ice using different resources, made boats that floated and investigated forces and speed. For Sports Relief the children and staff came to school in sports kit. They took part in a range of activities, starting with a whole-school Wake and Shake, and then rotated through sessions of running, football, multi-skills, skipping, netball and yoga.

Page 14 Our awesome netball girls played in a tournament at King Arthur’s School. They were the only all-girl team and held their own against teams that had at least two boys in them, which makes a huge difference when playing 5 a-side indoors. They ended up third in their pool by one point and the final was then played between the two teams that ended above us in our pool. The girls should feel proud of their achievements. Angie Howarth

The 100 Club are Recruiting

We’re extending membership, so if you’d like to join, time is running out.

For only £60 a year you have the opportunity to win 50 cash prizes and the satis- faction from knowing that with your contribution our Old School and Jubilee Hall can continue to offer versatile space for a multitude of daily activities and community gatherings.

Due to the urgent need to contain Coronavirus (COVID-19), most of our fund raising activities have now been cancelled. We are, therefore, more reliant upon contributions from the 100 Club than ever before.

Many thanks to those who have recently pledged their support and, of course, to existing members for their continued support.

For further information and to register your interest, please contact our Treasurer, David Cartwright on [email protected] or 07774 878 906.

Please Support OUR Village Community

Page 15 Four pictures from Upton Noble School

see the write up on page 14

Page 16 Arish Turle’s memorial service relayed to the village hall see the write up on page 10

Batcombe Defibrillator Bridge tea see the write up on page 8

Page 17 Letter from the Right Reverend Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton April 2020 Time to show our care for all As we reflect on the Easter story this month I’m reminded of the sense of ‘touch’. It was Passover, a religious festival, and as Jesus was laid in the tomb, Sabbath was upon them. So the usual burial rites were not attended to by the women who were closest to Jesus. It would have been improper to touch the dead body. Hence their early arrival on that resurrection morning. In the following days, in attempts to dispel disbelief, Jesus’ followers had opportunity to not only talk with him, eat with him, but also touch him as he came among them. Thomas’s doubt was dispelled as he was invited to place his hand in the wounds of Christ.’ As I write this we are wondering what Covid 19 might have in store for us in the UK. We hear now that Italy has taken drastic action in hoping to contain the virus. I don’t know what further precautions we in the UK may have taken by the time you read this. Currently we are all taking greater care with our personal hygiene in washing hands and ensuring we use and bin tissues. Today, along with the rest of the Church of England, we in Bath and Wells, have recommended that we only receive bread or wafers at Holy Communion and refrain from touching, through blessing, sharing the Peace or prayer through laying on of hands. There will be various responses to the concerns raised by the Government and the media. Some may feel anxiety or fear about the nature of the virus whilst others may wonder if the emergency planning appears over-reactive. Our response as a Church must be that we do what we can to ensure we stay safe by taking all precautions recommended. And that we do all we can to reassure people who may feel vulnerable and worried by staying calm and showing compassion and care for all. But how do we express such care? I’ve realised that touch plays quite an important part in showing we care for someone. When I was training as a nurse for a brief period many years ago, I recall being shown some research on touch. It was an eye-opener! Even the briefest of touches can cause people to feel better, cared for and happier. But the presence of Coronavirus means that we are having to withdraw touch to prevent the possibility of infection. So how might we try to replace touch with other signals of our care and value? What might that look like?

Page 18 As folk may find themselves ‘self-isolating’ due to potential symptoms of the virus we have the opportunity to find new ways to show our care. Phone calls and cards, food deliveries, creative use of social media and streaming of worship services may all be ways to stay in touch and help people to know they are not alone. Rather than finding ourselves paralysed by the situation let us discover how we can create new opportunities to strengthen our relationships and communities. May our actions be the reassuring, life-affirming ‘touch’ of the risen Christ this Easter! Easter blessings

The Right Revd. Ruth Worsley Bishop of Taunton

The weather for February 2020: warm and wet None of us need to be reminded that February was very wet, 161mm in all which is 2.4 times the long term average. Only 1990 and 2014 are comparable with 150mm a piece. There was rain on 25 of the 29 days of the month. With all the low pressure systems coming from the Atlantic at this time of year when the days are short, temperatures became above average at 6.2 deg C. There were only four air frosts. The evaporation from the pan and lysimeter was 18mm and 24mm respectively, showing, if the measurements are accurate, a slight growth in the grass. With such a wet month the fields became saturated and at the measuring site surface water appeared. The Brue bobbed up and down in concert with the rainfall. Spring flowers were happy with the warmer weather and many more primroses and wood anemone came into flower. Pussy willow buds were also out by the middle of the month. But overall it was a dreary month but no disruptive snow which we had at the end of the month last year . Colin Clark 15th March

Page 19 Coronavirus

Coronavirus (CV) in itself is just doing what it has evolved to do. To spread, replicate and spread again. In many ways simply mimicking the organism that it finds a home in. It is a word we give to a biological entity that now competes with us for the life we believe we want to lead. But Coronavirus is not just this biological reality that we now stand toe to toe with, it has become the umbrella term by which we package all our hopes, fears and uncertainties. CV is the manifestation of the shadow that stalks all of us, both individually and collectively. It is the other, the unknown, the promise of annihilation, the loss of control, the bogeyman, the monster under the bed, the ghost in the cupboard. Human life has always defined itself by its opposition to the threats its faced. We are always classically asked to choose a side in warfare/rivalry/race/culture/ sport etc and this is the beginnings of who we then believe ourselves to be. I am who I am based on what these others might try and take away. CV has the capacity to take away it all from us: our loved ones, our bodies, our security, our freedom of movement, our money, our frenetic lifestyles, our desire to do what we want when we want. Hanging above all of us right now is the deep possibility of the loss of an old way of life that we didn’t even know we took for granted. CV is the manifestation of the scattering of total biological chaos amongst our ordered pigeons. Yet at the same time, we have chosen this disaster. The conditions for CV to thrive could not exist without the way we have structured the world. In another epoch it would have been localised, wreaked havoc and then died with those unfortunate enough to have caught it. But the majority of the human world is so small now, so reachable. This is a virus born of our own evolution, having spotted the weaknesses to exploit it has done so quite magnificently. Throughout the history of life, creation and destruction have walked hand in hand. Human progress is as much thanks to disaster as it is to ingenuity. Each disease we have faced in the past has made us more resilient as a species in our understanding of how we can co-exist with and control the natural world. Disease and evolution, it could be argued, need each other. To all of us CV will mean something different as the reality of it emerges from the shadows we all carry. It threatens to reveal all the aspects of ourselves that we can keep hidden and maintained under the guise of a controlled and ordered society. All of us will fear its arrival differently, all of us will be tested differently, all of us will be unmasked differently.

Page 20 Yet the great irony, like so many hero/villain narratives, is that we and CV are not that different. Simply doing what it is in our nature to propagate, spread, reproduce and evolve. And while this titanic battle for life begins to emerge, the rest of the natural world watches on, wondering what all the fuss is about. They say, that for the first time in years, the birds in Wuhan have been heard to sing. Dr Giles Dawnay

‘The Rising of the Son’ - debut novel by Giles Dawnay

Set in both urban and rural Peru, The Rising of the Son follows the main character Jonno, aged 17, as he and his father James, a successful and hard working surgeon, go on an independent expedition into the mountains together to climb Mount Casharaqu. Along the way it is an opportunity for James to retrace his own past having had some powerful and formative experiences in Peru when he was a young man. While for Jonno there is exposure to new ways of living and thinking that brings him to question the accepted truths of his own identity and upbringing, not to mention dealing with his unexpected but blossoming relationship with Magdalena, the captivating daughter of James’ old friend Rodrigo. Whilst out in the mountains there is a potentially lethal accident and Jonno is then forced to leave his father and go find help in this alien, dangerous and unknown land. In order to survive both men are left with no choice but confront hard truths about themselves that force them to reconsider how they want to live, should both of them make it back alive.

This coming of age book attempts to deal with themes of the father-son dynamic, what it means to be a man, life in a developing country, women’s rights, being an outsider, the problematic way in how we are perceived by others, what is personal truth and what does it ultimately mean to be successful. Copies available from Caroline Dawnay, priced £7.

Batcombe - Table Tennis

There are three Table Tennis tables and all the equipment in the Jubilee Hall waiting for YOU to play !! For any of the sports we charge £2 per session for adults and £1 for children with an adult. Table Tennis – now playing at the Jubilee Hall. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played since the last century – you’ll get back into the swing of it in no time. We have three tables and all the equipment needed to make your Wednesday mornings great fun. Contact David Cartwright on [email protected] or 07774 878906 for more details.

The hall is now shut for most events in line with the government guidelines.

Page 21 BATCOMBE VILLAGE HALL TRUST For booking the Hall & School contact Celia Crees, Honeycliff Farm, Batcombe, 850591 email [email protected] The Hall Trust hires out Tables, Chairs, Crockery, Glasses & Cutlery etc. contact Audrey 850311, email [email protected] or Celia. Sports at the Jubilee Hall - Badminton - Contact Joy Merron 85068. Short Mat Bowls is on Thursdays at 7.30pm. You can be sure of a warm welcome and tea and chat at half time. Contact Audrey 850311. There are three Table Tennis Tables and all the equipment in the Jubilee Hall waiting for YOU to play!!! For any of the sports we charge £2 per session for adults and £1 for children with an adult. The Batcombe Village Hall Trust Hundred Club Thank you to all who support this; The results of the March draw was 1st prize £75 Simon & Nickie Archer, 2nd prize £50 Andy & Lisa Frecknell, 3rd prize £25 Scheherazade Obaidly. Congratulations to all the winners. The Big Draw that takes place in April was going to be at a Music evening in the Village Hall, BUT, in the circumstances that will not be possible. We will organise the draw with witnesses and be in touch with the winners by post. Audrey

Batcombe Heritage Centre To use the Heritage Centre please contact Audrey on 850311 or [email protected] to arrange a mutually convenient time when a Trustee can be present. The present Trustees are Rob Sage (Parish Council), Audrey Sage (Village Hall Trust) and Jo Addison.

Batcombe Village Hall Trust Secretary required Agendas and Minutes for seven meetings a year If interested please contact Sheena 850040 or Audrey 850311

Page 22 Page 23

MASSAGE

Therapeutic & remedial massage Let yourself be pampered & give your body a treat. Help to relieve tension, aches & pains. JANE ONSLOW ITEC Dip RSA 01749 850394 Full body massage Back/neck/shoulders Legs/Feet Face/Neck. Prices from £16 - £32 Vouchers available

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 General Gardener Mowing lawns, Trimming, Clipping, Strimming, Weeding and Patio cleaning. If interested, please call David Sage on 07516273569

Oak, Beech & Ash Tailored, luxury dog hotel & day care Logs for sale. set in the beautiful Somerset country- side. Seasoned & 4* higher standards licensed with Men- Dried to 20% Moisture dip District Council. Based near Bruton & For more information please visit our Delivered £70 per bag. website or call/email Diane Richardson 01749 850 282 Clarke Mobile: 07762 321207

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 Karen Cook (booking secretary) 01749 850759 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 for renovations at present Upton Noble Church of England Primary School Head teacher: Sandra Leggett Tel: 01749 850375 www.uptonnoble.org.uk email: [email protected]

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 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 equipment). We also hire out tables at £2.50 each and chairs at 50p. To make a booking, please contact B. Boros on 01749 850196 Page 29 ESTABLISHED 1933 INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS MEMORIAL MASONS Owned by Forsey and Son Ashdene, 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, WANSTROW 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 Hayley Friday 572166 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 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 Mrs Lesley Stroud 850805 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 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