Link–Up

August 2020

E-Magazine

1 FROM THE EDITOR …

What a strange few months. No Link-Up since April. I know it’s been missed. We’re now back and, hopefully with fingers crossed, we’re here to stay.

Obviously, not too many events planned at the moment but keep your eye out for news in the future. I’m hopeful things will get back to normal and we’ll be seeing the coffee mornings, film nights and other social gatherings once again.

We are now more restricted to the number of pages we can have, due to new professional printing process. With this in mind you will notice that our Window on the Past and From the Tractor shed are not in this issue. Never fear, they’ll be back very soon.

No news on local clubs and activities in this month’s issue. However, you will find some interesting articles among these pages, including a light hearted quiz and a few jokes thrown in to make you smile. Annie Trolley

Birthdays: If you would like your children’s birthdays (up to 16) mentioned in the Link-Up please let us know. Or maybe you know someone with a special birthday or anniversary who you would like mentioned. Let us know and we’ll put you on our special list!

Happy belated birthday to Tom Moulden who was 9 in July.

Did you hear about the man who stole 10 bars of soap from a supermarket? He made a clean getaway.

LINK-UP is the community magazine for the parishes of Broomfield, and . Any views in LINK-UP are not necessarily those of the Editor(s), the editorial staff or the LINK-UP board. The board gratefully acknowledges the support of all whose advertisements appear in our magazine. However, the inclusion in LINK-UP does not imply recommendation. The LINK-UP board reserves the right to accept any material and advertisement at its discretion. The Link-Up Board will only use personal data for the purpose for which it was provided. 2 LINK UP OFFICERS & STAFF Chairman Yvonne Harris 451883 [email protected] Secretary Jean Alger-Green 451732 [email protected] Treasurer Jackie Aldrich 451696 [email protected] Advertising Manager Annie Trolley (yellow pages only) 451312 [email protected] Distribution Manager Carol Platt 451605 [email protected] Editor this month Annie Trolley 451312 [email protected] Church pages contributor Michele Hardiman 451257 [email protected] Editor next month Jean Alger-Green 451732 [email protected]

CHURCH CONTACTS Rector Rev’d Mary Styles 451189 Associate Vicar Rev’d Jim Cox 07967 817337 Curate Rev’d Tracey Hallett 07854 489753 Benefice Office Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9.00am-2.00pm 451257 [email protected] CHURCHWARDENS Broomfield Bez Purdy 451632 Cheddon Vacant Kingston Julia Hammett 451642 Jan Holmes 451343

DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE: Wednesday, 12th August Hard copy contributions by: 10.00am Fyne Court Farm, Broomfield 12noon Benefice Office, The Vicarage, KSM

Email contributions to the editor by: 12noon Only emails clearly marked ‘Link Up’ will be opened and acknowledged.

Distribution: From Friday, 27th August

3 No FORTHCOMING EVENTS at time of going to press

Don’t forget to take a look at the village websites www.broomfieldparish.org www.cheddonfitzpaine-pc.org.uk www.kstm.uk

KSM Community Partnership Good Neighbour Scheme Call 07796 838 590 email: [email protected]

Regular Weekly/Fortnightly Events: Please contact to check if groups are up and running again.

Babies’ and Toddlers: 01823 451257 [email protected]

Badminton/Table Tennis: 01823 283998 [email protected]

Dragon Quilters. 01823 240041

Pilates and Keep Fit: 07850507489 / 01823 672617

Bell Ringing: 012823 451676 or 01823 3357766.

Youth Club: 07771 778552 [email protected]

Kingston Walking Group: 01823 451941 [email protected].

Quantock Beaders: 01823 433838:

Singles Lunch: [email protected] If you are planning an event in any of our 3 parishes over the next 12 months, do let us know so we can add it to our list. Include a telephone number so anyone else planning an event can contact you. This list is intended as a guide only, to aid event planning.

Please note that during this time this service may not be available. HOSPITAL TRANSPORT & EMERGENCY PRESCRIPTION SERVICE The following people have kindly offered to collect your prescriptions or take patients from the appropriate parish to and from hospital.

For residents of Kingston only Sonia Pether 451311 Jenny Fisher 451332* (*Prescriptions only)

For residents of Cheddon only Liz Thompson 451529 Mary Gunning 412179

4 Abi’s ‘gentle stroll’ for the Alzheimer’s Society In July, Abi Sherriff was due to walk to the top of Ben Nevis to raise much needed funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Because of lockdown she has had to postpone the trip but will now be plodding to the top of said ‘hillock’ in September. If you would like to help her raise funds for such a worthy cause please go to her Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bennevischallenge2020-abigailsherriff

For more information please give Abi a ring on 01823 451169.

Too much woofing in Kingston Several people in Kingston have commented on the endless noise of barking dogs, occurring on a daily basis. This is becoming a noise nuisance and is disturbing the peace and quiet in our otherwise tranquil environment. Please could dog owners ensure their animals are not just left to bark.

Ed: I wonder why they bark. Boredom? Bad training? I don’t have this problem where I live but can understand why it may upset some people.

Ed: Sadly, during the time Link-Up has not been produced we have lost members of our Kingston village community: Colin Munro, Floss Keates and John Penston. Two ex-villagers, Julie Dickinson and John Playll also passed away during this time. Our thoughts are with their families and friends: 5 Julie Dickinson Many Kingston villagers will remember Julie and Roy Dickinson who lived at Cala from 1980 until Roy’s death in 2017. Julie moved from Kingston to Derbyshire to be near one of her daughters and passed away peacefully from dementia in her nursing home on 7th May this year. Although she was brought up in Chingford in Essex, Julie moved to the West country for her first job with SWEB and met and married Roy in 1956. They lived in various locations in the south west, but loved the area and village life in Kingston St Mary. Having bought the garden (which just happened to have a suitable house on site!) at auction in 1980, they invested huge amounts of blood sweat and toil maintaining and improving the plot. They were never happier than when they were pottering around in the garden or sheds, come rain or shine, producing far more vegetables and fruit than they could ever manage to eat! The garden also housed several beehives and for some years, a resident family of peacocks. Julie was, over the years, very involved with the printing and collation of Link-Up and made several very good friends amongst the team – it seems fitting that she gets her own mention in the magazine now. She also became a member of the church bell ringing team and was instrumental in establishing a strong hand bell ringing group in the village and surrounding area which, I know, she was extremely proud of. Both Roy and Julie also became wardens of the Woodland Trust spinney, spending many hours clearing and improving the paths so that the area could be enjoyed by everyone. Julie loved the village and the scope it gave her to become involved. Her children, Mandy, Peter, Kath and Tina will miss her hugely and hope to hold a celebration of her life in the village at a later date when people can come together more easily and with fewer restrictions. Kath Keating

6 John Penston 1929-2020 The Penstons moved to Kingston St Mary in 1977, after John had undertaken a long refurbishment of Bay Tree Cottage at Fulford. Although a Londoner, John soon grew to love the life of the village, and he and his wife, Joyce, became active members of St Mary’s Church and many of the village organisations. Most recently he was chairman of the village flower show committee, and stalwart stapler of the Link-Up collation team! He greatly enjoyed the company of the many friends he and Joyce made within the village. Although a quiet man, John loved life, enjoyed a joke and loved music, especially jazz and was a keen amateur artist. His family were everything to him, and he was a devoted husband, Dad and Grandad. John was born into a different world, before the second world war. He was born the day before the Wall Street crash, an event his family always jokingly blamed on him!! He left school at 14, and became an apprentice engineer in the Woolwich Arsenal, where he worked for 10 years before he had to do national service in the RAF. Whilst in the RAF, he was able to do the exams that he had not been able to during his school years, because the war disrupted his education. As a result, he went on to theological college, before deciding on a career in teaching, a job he did for the rest of his life, until he retired as headmaster of Williton First School at age 60. He and Joyce have enjoyed a long and happy retirement in the village and have been keen charity volunteers and fundraisers (particularly for the Children’s Hospice South West). Recently his health declined and he died at home, as was his wish, on 23rd May, age 90 years. He will be greatly missed by all his family, but will long be remembered as a lovely man and a true gentleman.

Joyce, Sue and Mark, would like to thank all their friends in the village for their kindness and good wishes, at this time.

7 Florence ‘Floss’ Keates “A lovely lady.” “Always there for everyone.” Words used to describe Floss. Except for a brief spell as Deputy Warden at Kilkenny Court, Floss had lived in Kingston since 1969, and at Leach’s Field since 2000. Always taking an active role in the village she was involved with committees for the Playing Field and Village Hall, as well as taking part in the Wednesday Café and Film Nights. She was an enthusiastic member of the Dragon Quilting group, always claiming she couldn’t quilt but nevertheless always bringing a piece of work with her. But perhaps she can be best remembered for her cooking. For many years she was her very own ‘Meals on Wheels’, delivering lunches to many in the village who were too frail to cook for themselves. The puddings she made for The Swan were renown, as well as the ones she made for the Pudding Club. And she used this skill to help with many, many fund raising events. Her deep faith was apparent in her regular involvement with the church – even taking part in a Zoom service a few days before she died. She will be missed by many.

The Keates Family would like to thank everyone for the cards, flowers and kind messages we have received. It has been a great comfort to know that Floss was loved and cared about by so many people. We plan to hold a Thanksgiving Service for Mum’s life in the church at Kingston as soon as we are able. Hilary, Trevor, Peter and families.

Colin Munro Colin Munro sadly died at the very beginning of Lockdown, having been in hospital for several months. Colin, together with his wife Pam, lived in Kingston since the 1980s but had always been a very private person, and his physical disabilities made it difficult for him to take part in village life. Those who knew him will remember him not only for his dealings in antique books, but also for his staunch support of his wife Pam in opening their garden to the public and in particular the gardening club. 8 John Playll John Playll died on the 7th July 2020 in Salisbury after a long illness. John had been a long time resident of Kingston and had been involved with both the Church and the production of Link-Up.

Across the Field Where do you start? I have not been out since 9th March after the big storm that flooded the village. Then we went into Lockdown.March was hot and filled with butterflies: peacocks, small tortoiseshell, yellow brimstone, small white, comma and red admiral. The painted ladies came later.

The first reported swallows were three at Broomfield on 8th April, Stairfoot on 21st and Yarford on the 25th. They were late this year because thousands of swallows and swifts were killed during A freak storm over Greece during their migration to Britain.

The cuckoo was heard in the Pickney area – I have not heard it for years. We heard, rather than saw, the swifts arrived back. The hedgehogs came to the back door on Friday 8th May, V.E. Day. Each evening, 3 or 4 come to eat and drink. We watch them fight each other just like Sumo wrestlers – one is rolled into a ball and the other pushes him around. We have a hedgehog house/ nest in our wild patch. Perce was given it for Christmas a few years ago and he stuffed it with straw and we are sure it is being used.

We watched the goldfinches feed on mountain knapweed (wild cornflower). They pull out the dead blooms and eat the seed at the bottom. We have been “dead heading” until we saw them feeding and read about it in the RSPB magazine. We had a report of a lesser spotted woodpecker nearby then Perce saw it feeding on the lawn. They have a very long sticky tongue which they fill with ants from the holes they dig. A jay was seen passing through as well as a bullfinch with his beautiful rose pink breast. The first humming bird moth of the year was seen feeding on the wild scabious flower. Also new hatchlings of red admirals and brimstone. Our best news is that we have a song thrush resident in the garden. It tries to out sing the blackbird! It was seen smashing snails on the path. I came

9 face to face with the song thrush when I opened the front door. Neither of us moved then it darted forward and dragged out a long worm that was emerging from under a plant pot – then off it went across the grass.

A report has come in that on 11th June a red kite was seen over Yarford being attacked by a buzzard.

Rainfall March 66mm. April 24mm May 1.5mm Rainfall June 2020 134.5 mm (June 2019 104mm) Janet Lovell

Colourful Quiz All the answers are colours and only appear once. (i.e. 20 colours)

1. Most common colour of toilet paper in France. 2. Flavour of Cointreau. 3. Colour associated with cowardliness. 4. Word used to mean sad or depressed. 5. Colour the name of a band with singer Anthony Kiedis. 6. Colour of the leaf on all National Trust signs. 7. Colour of tourist site signs. 8. Surname of American singer of ‘Let the Music Play’. 9. Colour in a book title by Alice Walker. 10. Common bluish wild flower often found in woodlands. 11. Bluey, green mineral. 12. Tall wading bird which nests in large social groups. 13. Colour used with the word ‘Friday’ to describe first day of mega sale. 14. Common name for Syringa. 15. To abandon someone on a desert island. 16. Colour representing 25th wedding anniversary. 17. First name of 16th century English architecture. 18. Traffic light colour between red and green. 19. Chemical element with the symbol Au. 20. Condiment good with roast beef. Answers on page 29

10 Saying ‘Good bye’ to an old friend

Many residents will, like our family, have enjoyed visiting the Travellers Rest pub in Broomfield over the years. The pub was originally in Merridge but following a boundary change in 1981 it became part of Broomfield.

The building was originally 2 lime burners’ cottages dating back to the late 17th century. It became a pub in late 19th century when The Globe (now Globe Cottages) burnt down.

The original Travellers Rest was where the kennels in Broomfield are now. “It was an old cider house which burnt down in the mid- 1850s. Instead of rebuilding they transferred it over to Merridge”.

David and Linda Prescott moved to the pub in 1983 after it had been closed down for a year. They arrived with their son Robert, 18 months old and his sister, Caroline who was just 2 months old. David was landlord for 34 years until he retired in 2017 when Robert took over.

Linda produced the best steak and chips in the land (as far as our family was concerned anyway!). Sue Kidner (Broomfield resident )

11 worked lunchtimes with her in the kitchen since the 2nd week of opening until their final day this year.

Over the years fame has frequented the pub. The Belstone Fox was filmed there in 1973 and the San Miguel TV advert was filmed in 1993. There was even talk that the infamous Johnny Depp had downed a pint there.

We all know time moves on and changes happen. The pub will now become 2 holiday lets and 2 residential units.

We will miss our local very much but wish all the Prescott Family much happiness and a well-earned rest. The Trolley Family

CANCELLED FLOWER SHOWS Kingston Flower Show August show cancelled for this year. Being able to garden, cook and make lovely things has been a boon to many at this time and it is frustrating not to have the opportunity to show off and enjoy the fruits of our labour; but given the ongoing advice on managing the Covid 19 pandemic we were unable to adapt the event to keep everyone safe. Perhaps you have discovered the joys of tending a vegetable patch or flower garden, baking, crafting or painting for the first time, or rekindled your old love? If so check out the old schedules, talk to those who have entered before and start to plan your entries for 14th August 2021. Sheila Jones for the Flower Show Committee

Cheddon Fitzpaine Flower Show was to be held on 25 July and was cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown. The committee hope to meet again possibly for the AGM usually held in October to discuss the next show in 2021. Please retain your schedules as we hope to have the same classes next year. If anyone needs any further information please contact either Angela Dill, chair on 01823 412395 or Nena Carter secretary on 01823 331977.

12 Letter from Rev. Jim What is left to be said about the virus and the opportunities the New Normal presents? There has been a lot of optimistic talk of a greater sense of community and how it won’t be possible to go back to how things were. That last part is true insofar as ‘going back’ is a physical impossibility - we always ‘go on’ to the next step, albeit in the light of our experiences. The present policy in the easing process of restrictions seems to be to trust businesses to ‘do the right thing’ towards their employees. If that’s the sum total of protection I’m just glad I don’t work at the Post Office or Rolls Royce or anywhere in the travel or hospitality trade. Up til now, experience shows that in the hard world of economics the right thing can only be done if it leads to greater profit. Is that the sort of thing that will change in the New Normal? It would be nice to imagine so. The church is less trusting of human nature. It sees a fault-line in all human endeavour – even the noblest of intentions get distorted and our choices need constant review. We cannot afford to sit back and let the New Heaven and the New Earth emerge by themselves, we are to notice their tell-tale signs and put our energies behind them. Almost always – unless you are a footballing mega-star – this will be in supporting small and local initiatives and having our attention drawn to the hidden people, those too easily overlooked by our energetic culture. So as we emerge from isolation its worth asking who will feel included in whatever society develops. • Will black lives matter – or will we hide our prejudices behind a banner of all lives matter? • Will octogenarian lives matter – or will they bear the consequences of our freedoms? • Will refugee lives matter – or is it their fault for coming here in the first place? • Will there be homes, food, education, employment, dignity, value, respect; will the earth recover her breath and nature flourish – or are our expectations now becoming unrealistic? If this is a moment of real reflection – and maybe it isn’t, but if it is – we need to renew our efforts to engage beyond our ‘bubble’ and be drawn into the lives and thoughts and loves of the rich variety of humanity around us and the incredible and fragile world in which we live.

13 Opening up our church buildings again.

We have already opened up all 4 of the church buildings in the Benefice at specific times for private prayer. With the government green light on worship services, we have a provisional plan to hold an 11am Holy Communion service in one of the churches each week starting on 2nd August. We will be following government guidance (eg on social distancing, the celebration and distribution of Holy Communion and not singing during worship.) In addition we will continue to hold our very successful "zoom" worship at 10am each Sunday for those who prefer not to venture out just yet.

These arrangements will be temporary as the local situation evolves - so do please check for information with the Benefice Office or on our web-site. We will update as the Government and Church of advise.

If you have any questions or concerns please be in touch.

SERVICES: All Holy Communion Services at 11.00am See website for updates as this is subject to change 2nd August Kingston St Mary 9th August 16th August Broomfield 23rd August Cheddon Fitzpaine 30th August ‘Zoom’ service only 6th September Kingston St Mary

CHURCHES OPEN LIMITED TIMES FOR PRIVATE PRAYER (we will update as changes allow)

West Monkton: Thursdays 10am–12noon and Sundays 2pm– 5pm Broomfield: Wednesdays 2pm – 4pm Kingston: Wednesdays 2pm - 4pm and Sundays 11am – 1pm Cheddon: Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm 14

Sunday Seedlings Still not able to run as yet

We are currently still offering the following: • Live Sunday 10am ‘Zoom’ services – please contact us for details

• Weekly news-sheet with readings, short reflection etc and a video link for the YouTube reflection from the clergy.

• To be added to our weekly news-sheet and short YouTube video mailing list contact Michele: [email protected]

FROM THE REGISTERS: BAPTISM NONE

FUNERALS 31.03.20 Jill (Joya) Hopkins Graveside service Broomfield 24.03.20 Judith (Vicky) Gill at Crematorium Kingston 07.04.20 Jack Leavey at Crematorium Kingston 15.05.20 Mary Stone Graveside service Kingston and interment of ashes 29.05.20 Clive Jones at Crematorium Cheddon 03.06.20 John Penston at Crematorium Kingston 10.06.20 Michael Marshall ashes in churchyard Kingston 26.06.20 Andrew Bruce at Crematorium Kingston 09.07.20 Floss Keates at Crematorium Kingston and interment of ashes 17.7.20 Phyllis Hector funeral service in church Kingston followed by crematorium

We remember these lives and pray for those who mourn them

NO ROTAS THIS MONTH

15 CHEDDON 100 CLUB: The winners of the draw for: APRIL £60 - Jane Langford £15 - William Rigby: MAY £60 - Denis Bridel £15 - Debbie Saunders: JUNE: £60 - Joan Osmond £15 - Robert Hughes

Rev Tracey’s Update from Cheddon Parish & Northwalls Grange In these very strange times, it has been so good to be a visible sign of the Church in its community. It has been a pleasure to support the Covid-19 help teams and to join in with the Church pastoral care by collecting prescriptions and shopping for those who have been shielding. Although our community groups are temporarily on hold, we have found ‘virtual ways’ to communicate. Little Seedlings Toddler Group has its own Facebook page which has enabled us to post activities for children and families during lockdown. Collective worship assemblies at Cheddon Primary School have looked very different. However, with thanks to Microsoft Teams online we were able to stay connected. It was lovely to help the Year 6 Children prepare for moving on to secondary school and to spend time with them at their end of year ‘socially distanced’ picnic. We have even started a new group on Zoom for teenage girls who are wishing to explore the Christian Faith. Take5 Community group will be reconvening during the summer on a Thursday at 12.30 for local walks. We meet outside 4 Garden Close, Northwalls Grange and head out for a gentle walk. The wood is already proving to be a popular spot for us to enjoy socially distanced walks; this is proving to be a great way to enable people to get to meet others. Sadly, this year we are unable to offer Summer Holiday Play Days but in place of this we are offering Virtual Community Fun days for children and their families. See next page for details. For more information on any of the above please contact Rev Tracey Hallett 07854-489753

16 Virtual Community Fun Days to take us through the HOLIDAYS!! Every Thursday through August

Free event whole for the family.

There will be fun crafts, games and activities and we will supply you with a bag of goodies and instructions which will include all you need for you to enjoy a fun time together at home with your family!

There will be a YouTube video at 10:30am introducing the theme of the day and we will catch up together at 3:30pm on Zoom for you to share your amazing makes and mayhem!!

To receive your bag of goodies and joining instructions, please book your space each week by emailing us by 5:00pm on the Friday before the following Thursday’s event, using this email address: [email protected]

We do have an upper limit on numbers but hope to try and accommodate everyone. We will allocate on a first come basis as the fairest. When emailing please indicate how many children are in your household.

Virtual Community Fun Days will be run in partnership with the churches of Creech, and and the churches of West Monkton, Kingston St. Mary, Broomfield and Cheddon Fitzpaine..

Did you hear about the man who put on a clean pair of socks every day of the week? By Friday he could hardly get his shoes on.

17 Broomfield Church Repairs Appeal St. Mary & All Saints Church, Broomfield

Some of you might have spotted two guys dangling from ropes against the church tower and wondered what is happening. They aren’t perfecting their abseiling or rock climbing skills, but they are repairing the upper sections of the tower walls! This is the first phase of a wider project which is likely to cost around £50,000. The church appreciates the loan from our sister church at Kingston St. Mary which has enabled work to start, but WE NEED YOUR HELP, PLEASE to allow this urgent and vital work to continue. Grants are being applied for to mend medieval windows and old gutters, attend to loose roof slates and masonry, and replace sections of rotten floors amongst other things. Perhaps you enjoy regular or occasional worship in this lovely old church, or maybe it is a resting place on your walks? If you were married or baptized here or have a loved one buried in the ancient churchyard, then you might like to donate towards the first £10,000 needed to continue with phase two? Thank you.

In support of the Broomfield Church renovation works we now have a Just Giving page the link is: https://www.justgiving.com/broomfieldstmarys

Did you hear about the school teacher who married a dairymaid? It didn’t last. They were like chalk and cheese.

18 CHEDDON & WEST MONKTON FILM CLUB Greetings to all of our regular, occasional and other film goers. We hope that you are all well and coped during the lockdown period while finding alternative ways of keeping yourselves fit, healthy and not least of all some entertainment.

Our last screening was Downton Abbey way back in February as we then had to cancel our Spring planned screenings up to May due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are now in our usual summer break and we normally start our Autumn season in October.

Our Crystal Ball cannot tell us what the situation will be in October and whereas at present there has been little infection locally the virus is still out there and precautions are still necessary even if much of the lockdown is being eased. Our film supplier, Moviola, is being very helpful and if appropriate may be able to supply at short notice, and we can contact you all through our email service. We must however make sure that it is safe for our audience which importantly entails co-operation with Cheddon Memorial Hall. We must be socially distant, have no refreshments, appropriate procedures for the Box Office, and personal protection for the toilets.

Summarising, at present we cannot schedule our return to screenings but rest assured that when the situation is assessed as feasible then we will reconvene our valuable community cinema evenings. Best wishes to all. Chris Dalton

Cheddon Parish Council Parish Council is running parish meetings successfully online, and everyone is still welcome to attend virtual meetings. Agendas are on the notice boards and website as usual, and residents are invited to join the link below: https://mrs-ofb.my.webex.com/meet/cheddon and follow the on- screen instructions. If you are unable to attend, or do not have a computer, please contact the Clerk for any issues to be raised on your behalf. Parish Council is run for and on behalf of you. 19 There are excellent briefing notes on the on-going pandemic on these websites: daily updates available: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/

Somerset West & Taunton weekly update: https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19- advice-and-information/

Parish issues currently being discussed include seeking ways to improve broadband in the rural sections of the parish; getting the silt jetted through Cheddon village drains and camera work undertaken to identify any defects underground; removing many damaged branches overhanging roads and footways; siting new wooden benches on the canal towpath for parishioners’ benefit; reviewing parish-wide location of waste bins; and requesting all ragwort is removed from roadsides.

Maidenbrook Country Park/Somerset Wood: Thanks are due to the local volunteers who are admirably keeping the new saplings maintained to a high standard. Dock and ragwort removal has been a priority. Thanks are due to a local farmer for two deliveries of mulch which has been much appreciated; and also to Wessex Water who have donated a water bowser to this project in return for a Water Aid donation.

We hope everyone is managing during these Covid times; please remember that there are many offers of help or assistance available to ANYONE who has any issues/meltdowns/requirements/or needs. Please ask: we are all here to help.

Denise Webber/Chairman 07788 522266 [email protected] Jo Pearson/Parish Clerk 07891 529809 [email protected] www.cheddonfitzpaine-pc.org.uk/council 20 Kingston St Mary Parish Council The Parish Council held its third virtual meeting in July, attended by Parish, District and County Councillors, the Parish Council Clerk and several members of the public.

PLANNING Planning application 20/20/0020 for the replacement of a conservatory with a two storey extension at the rear of Newtons in Nailsbourne Road, was reviewed during the meeting and the Parish Council had no objection to this proposal.

TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES The local Community Plan identified that the speed of traffic on Kingston Road and through Kingston St Mary and its hamlets is a serious concern to residents. This has resulted in a Community Speedwatch being established and a speed indicator device being installed. To further encourage motorists to drive responsibly Cllr David Taylor presented a draft letter advocating lower speed limits in a number of locations to make Parish roads safer for all users. This letter was endorsed by the Parish Council and fully supported by Cllr Rod Williams and will be delivered to Somerset County Council for their consideration.

PLAYING FIELD The Parish Council is Trustee of Kingston St Mary Playing Fields, which is run and cared for on behalf of the village by a Management Committee. For a long time the management committee has been seeking more volunteers to join the committee and get involved with making the most of a great village asset. There is a lot of potential for the playing field to contribute a great deal more to village life. Are you interested in joining the team? The role would be particularly suited to those with an interest in sport, to parents whose children will benefit from a revitalised playing field, and anyone looking to make a voluntary contribution to the village for the benefit of all.

To find out more, please contact Cllr Paul Townsend ([email protected]).

GRANTS & DONATIONS POLICY The Parish Council is committed (funds permitting) to providing financial support to local organisations working to improve community life for the benefit of local residents. The Parish Council prepares its annual budget and

21 precept during November and organisations should therefore apply for grants and donations by the end of September.

LINK-UP The Parish Council have been approached by Link-Up to provide financial assistance to enable the magazine to continue to be printed externally. The Parish Council fully recognises the value Link-Up brings to the community and considers it to be very well managed and operated by a group of dedicated and capable volunteers. The Parish Council requested additional information to support Link-Up’s request for funding, which will be considered at its September meeting.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION Cllr Rod Williams provided a brief introduction to the proposal by Somerset County Council for a Unitary Authority and the envisaged role of Parish Councils. If you’d like to read the proposals for reorganising local government in Somerset and have your say please visit the ‘onesomerset.org.uk’ website.

NEXT MEETING The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 7th September 2020 at 7:30pm, venue to be confirmed. Members of the public are most welcome to attend.

Kingston Millennium Bench: After twenty years use, the Kingston Millennium bench on the village green is due a degree of care and maintenance. While the Parish Council are prepared to pay for this, a suggestion has come from the community that it would be good to involve Kingston residents in the project - in the spirit of its conception. A couple of volunteers have already come forward. If anyone else would like to get involved, even run the project, you will be very welcome. The work involves replacing some of the worn slats, re- varnishing and repainting the metalwork. We will ensure appropriate social distancing. This would give the bench a new lease of life and make it safe for a while longer. If you are interested please contact David Stripp @ [email protected] or on 07557550485.

22 Kingston Community Partnership & Good Neighbour Scheme The KCP’s focus during the crisis has been on the Good Neighbour scheme, working with parish and local councillors to support those in lock down. When Good Neighbours launched in June last year with half a dozen volunteers we weren’t anticipating this pandemic or the amazing response from new volunteers. So a big thank you to all those who have come forward to help and to the Somerset Coronavirus Response & Recovery Fund and Shell for generous donations to support our work. Thank you also for your donations of non-perishable food to the foodbank. Contributions are still needed - pet food too – and can be left in the box outside the Vicarage. While we are far from being out of the woods yet we hope that some of the new volunteers will want to continue post CoViD. Should your situation change and you need support call your local Good Neighbour Volunteer, email [email protected] or call the Good Neighbour Helpline on 07796 838590.

Bus routes between Kingston and Taunton (Monday to Friday, except public holidays)

Stairfoot 10.25 12.05 14.30 16.05 Yarford 10.27 12.07 14.32 16.07 Fulford 10.29 12.09 14.34 16.09 Swan Inn 08.30 10.31 12.11 14.36 16.11

Bus routes from Taunton to Kingston (Monday to Friday, except public holidays)

Parade 09.00 11.00 13.30 15.00 17.00 Rail Bridge 09.05 11.05 13.35 15.05 17.05

Did you hear about the fire at the circus? It was in tents.

23 Broomfield Parish Council In these strange times it is good that a small step towards a return to the ‘new’ normality is taking place with the return of Link-Up. The Parish Council has been in lockdown over the last few months, all be it that we have kept in touch via email. We thank all those parishioners who have given their support to their neighbours and fellow parishioners who have had to shield or self-isolate. Many have shopped, collected prescriptions, telephoned or communicated by Whatsapp or email. It has all played a part in maintaining our community. Council business has continued at a distance dealing with the occasional planning matter, highways issues and rights of way. Not to mention reporting an increase in fly tipping. We will continue to do our best for the parish and its community and look forward to seeing some of you at future meetings. Paul Trolley Chair, Broomfield P.C.

Broomfield Common update Readers will recall that Broomfield Common (the woodland area down the road from the church) has been taken into management by the Parish Council using power delegated by Sedgemoor DC. The parish is working in partnership with the new lottery-funded Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme.

The QLPS started on 1st April under lockdown conditions, but one of the things we have been able to get on with is planning the roadside ash felling at Broomfield. Ash dieback has accelerated hugely in the last year, probably helped by the very wet winter and hot dry spring, and the wood is looking very unhealthy now. The ash trees are now virtually all dead or dying.

Mostly this isn’t a management problem beyond making the planned enrichment planting with other species even more desirable. The chances cont….

24 of anyone being under a falling ash at the moment it falls are pretty slim, and all that dead wood will be a wonderful habitat in its own right.

The roadside trees are a concern, however, because when they fall they’ll be a hazard to oncoming cars for hours until the road can be closed and the trees cleared away. As we discussed at several PC meetings, we always planned to fell the diseased trees near the road for this reason. Unfortunately, so many are dead or dying now that this will have a bigger impact than we’d all hoped, but it can’t be avoided. Along much of the road there’s a good diversity of species, so the site won’t look too bare, but the steeper central part is nearly 100% ash. We’ll only be felling trees within 10m or so nearest the road which present the highest risk.

The work will be done in September or early October by a local company called Kingfisher. It will take a couple of weeks and they will use stop/go boards so there will be some inconvenience to road users I’m afraid, but less than a full road closure would have caused. The timber from the roadside felling, only, will be sold by Kingfisher to offset costs which are quite a lot more than I’d banked on a year ago. For the record, Kingfisher weren’t the cheapest bid but were far less than the most expensive.

Timing is important because in early autumn bats and dormice, which we assume will be in the area, are still active. Later on, they’ll be hibernating and so can’t move out of the way. Also the ground will still be reasonably dry with any luck, which should minimise any rutting etc.

The specification requires a good barrier to be left along the southern side to prevent unauthorised vehicle access onto the Common and I’ll be keeping an eye on proceedings throughout. We hope that BT can be persuaded to drop the phone line, but they are notoriously uncooperative – we’ll do our best but if the line does get damaged at least it will be at a time we can all anticipate.

Later in the winter, virus permitting, we’ll organise planting of new trees and shrubs and we’ll be asking Broomfield residents to help with this.

I’ll let the PC know the exact dates when I do. Any queries or concerns, please get in touch with me: Bill Jenman QLPS Manager [email protected]

25 Sowing the Seeds of Mental Health for those who Care for our Crops and Food You will, I’m sure, enjoy the From the Tractor Shed musings; well I wanted to say something about visiting the tractor shed.

I’m aware many readers may have friends, family or business connections who run farms, and we have developed a project which supports local farmers and those connected to agriculture.

Together with a group of 18 others we have developed a new resource to give vital information on mental ill-health to those visiting farms. This information card carries a very simple message: • Life can be hard sometimes and we need to look out for each other. • Do you have concerns about someone’s mental wellbeing? • Have you seen any changes in their behaviour?

We invite the reader to consider the following in terms of have they noticed someone’s: declining interest in the farm, change in personal appearance, catastrophic and negative thinking, withdrawing from social events, family and friends. Stress in the family – for example financial or emotional stress; Difficulty sleeping, reliance on medication, alcohol or drugs; Irrational thinking, such as focusing on worst-case outcomes; an increasingly negative attitude towards their life; Difficulty in taking decisions – both big and small.

We then encourage the person to ask the question twice, “Sometimes we say we are fine when we are not” and trust their gut feeling. We then signpost them to the Community Farming Network Rabbi, The Samaritans or dial 999.

The card will be initially printed with the kind donation of funding from The Royal Bath and West Show, BCFTA and NFU.

If you want to know more or would like to know how to obtain the cards please contact me.

Becky Wright Tel: 07590 684888 Email: [email protected] 26 Equilibrium (Bipolar Organisation for Somerset)

Over 2.4 million people in the UK suffer from one of the world's most serious of mental health conditions, Bipolar disorder. During challenging and emotional times, such as these, we at Equilibrium are here for them.

Also known as The Bipolar Organisation for Somerset and North Devon, we offer support to Bipolar sufferers and those who care for them.

Our group is run entirely by people who also suffer from Bipolar disorder and who have been successfully helping others since 1991, almost 30 years.

Our monthly support group meetings have sadly been put on hold until the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. However, we still offer our telephone helpline.

For details of our free service please call us on 01823 323 363 or visit our website www.bipolar-somerset.uk

Whilst we are not able to provide a cure for Bipolar, our number one priority is to help people manage their own condition and to look forward to a future of balance.

"YOU ARE NOT ALONE" Equlibrium 01823 323 363 Prioryfield House, 20 Canon Street, Taunton, TA1 1SW

Ed: Words from author Alan Cohen re Bipolar disorder: Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.

27 CRI DE COEUR

This Lock-Down could have been such fun: Self-isolation – and with sun; Early morning Spring dawn chorus; The long hot days stretched on before us.

Time to sort those photographs, Reliving fifty years of laughs; Read more books that might inspire us – And thus survive Coronavirus. For many people But here we are alone – together … Lockdown has And you don’t care about the weather. brought its own Your vivid dreams inform your fears, unprecedented You know it’s going to end in tears. demands and difficulties. Two of This national Lock Down’s just a ploy: Kingston’s longest A brief respite we may enjoy residents have found Before ‘they’ come to seal our fate. exactly that. For The enemy is at the gate. some years, John and Jane Clarke have You see strange people standing round been facing the In every room, without a sound; challenge of living I dare not see them, come what may; with John’s increasing “They take the furniture away”, you say, dementia. Finding “Without so much as by your leave.” lockdown especially And so these fantasies you weave difficult to Stay with you all the long next day understand and cope And I must watch you fade away with, John eventually Into a man I do not know – was admitted to But I have nowhere else to go. hospital, where he is You ask politely, “Who are you?” still being cared for. And sometimes I just wish I knew. Over the years, Jane has written many Jane Clarke – 25th April 2020 poems for Link Up, and wrote this one during one of their most difficult periods.

28 ‘Thank You’ Link-Up Team - Past, Present and Future!

The Link-Up team is so pleased that our magazine is back in production again. We know that Link-Up means a lot to its readers as well as to the production team - it is a major channel of communication in our villages and really helps to foster a community spirit.

Of course, all this does not just happen all by itself. There are many people involved in the production and distribution of Link-Up, and every role is vital:

• Board members oversee the whole process. The Board is made up of representatives from each Parish Council and Parochial Church Council, plus members with specific responsibilities, such as Treasurer, Secretary, Chair, Advertising Manager and Distribution Manager.

• Editors put all the contributions together to make up the magazine. They make a presentable magazine out of items that are submitted in many and varied ways. This needs a good level of IT skill and an eye for detail.

• Contributors - that is, everyone who puts an item in the magazine. Without contributors there would be no magazine!

• Until recently, Link-Up was printed by a stalwart local team, and this is now being done by commercial printers. The original village team that carried out the job provided an amazing service over many years.

• Collation at present is also dealt with by the commercial printers but we hope to return to our monthly collations in the village hall as soon as we are able.

• Distributors deliver the magazine to everyone’s door. A team of about 50 people do this, in all weathers, every month.

All those involved deserve a huge ‘THANK YOU’ for their work, month after month. The Link-Up team is not static though, because we are always looking for new people to join us. If you think you would like to do something for the magazine in any way at all, 29 maybe contributing, editing, distributing, or anything else, please do get in touch with one of the Link-Up team. Their contact details are on page 2.

We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you in anticipation…! Yvonne Harris Chair, Link-up magazine

Ed: A little bird has told me that the Advertising Manager would like to take a break. So, if interested give her a call, details page 2.

Answers to colourful quiz 1. Pink Did you hear that the 2. Orange price of duck feathers 3. Yellow has risen? 4. Blue 5. Red (Hot Chili Peppers) 6. Green So now even down is up. 7. Brown 8. White (Barry) 9. Purple 10. Violet 11. Turquoise 12. Grey (Heron) 13. Black 14. Lilac 15. Maroon 16. Silver 17. Indigo (Jones) 18. Amber 19. Gold 20. Mustard

30 Letters to the Editor

Thank you I don’t know how to thank my many friends and neighbours for all their support and many kindnesses over the past difficult months of lockdown. I count my blessings that we chose to live in Kingston over 50 years ago. It has continued to be a caring community and I am incredibly grateful, it has meant so much – to both of us. Yours sincerely, Jane Clarke.

Thank you to Broomfield I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the cards, gifts and best wishes I was given for my recent 90th birthday - what a milestone! Also for the kindness received throughout my long and eventful life. From my formative early years in London and on the Quantocks during the war, to the ‘Golden Years’ in Croscombe and now Coxley; It is the support throughout these years from loving family and kind friends that has meant so much to me. Thank you. Keith Armstrong VACANCIES

Cheddon Fitzpaine Memorial Hall needs a new cleaner. This is a self-employed part-time position of approximately 25 hours per month. Immediate start would be of benefit. Contact: Bill Rigby, Manager Tel: 07586 413290 [email protected]

The KSM Village Hall Committee is looking to engage a self- employed cleaner/caretaker for the village hall. It is a paid post and usually involves two visits each week. If you are interested please contact the Secretary Andrew Wilcox on 01823 451402.

31 For sale/wanted/lost and found There is no charge for these notices. However due to limited space, please keep wording to a maximum of 50 words.

WANTED: Small trestle table. Tel: 01823 412418

FOR SALE: Round mosaic table 42” diameter. Metal legs. £50.00 o.n.o. Tel: 01823 412418

Single Pine truckle bed (flat pack) £50.00 o.n.o. Tel: 01823 412418

Single Bed with drawers under. £20.00 2 wing chairs, 18th century style with cabriole legs and chintz covers. £50 each or £80 pair. Tel: 01823 451891

Garage Sale at Treetops, Parsonage Lane, Kingston Every Saturday afternoon in August. 2.00pm – 4.00pm Garden items, bric-a-brac, aluminium ladders, chest of drawers etc. Enquiries: 01823 451891

I saw a programme on the television last night about how ships are built. … It was riveting.

I asked

32 Commercial Advertisement – 1/3 A5 page may be placed at a cost of £10.00 at the discretion of, and following discussion with, the Editor.

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BIDDISCOMBES CARPETS & FURNITURE EST 1906 Your Local Independent Store Quality, Service Value. Carpets, Beds Upholstery & Much More! Ex.VAT Lift & Rise Recliners & Adjustable Beds. Tel – 01278 422364 www.biddiscombes.co.uk

Ivyton Meats (Farm located on the edge of the Quantock Hills) Meat Boxes (All meats come cut and bagged ready for freezer) Lamb meat box: Whole £140 Half £70 Pig Meat Box: Half £140 Quarter £70 Pork & Lamb mixed box (10kg of each meat) £140 Homemade Sausages 5 x 500g bags £15.00 Free delivery in Taunton and surrounding area (or collection) n Contact: 01823 451752 or 07523 214479

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