Issue 264 June 2020

Dates for your Diary

Note from the editor

It is very strange putting this magazine together as each month the last thing I do is scroll through each entry and list all the things that are due to happen in our villages. Sadly it may be some time yet before this page is full.

Not living in the centre of Stoke and being in that 70+ age bracket I have not seen all that has been happening, only heard about the many volunteers and schemes to help that have banded together to give so much needed support in these difficult times.

I hope that next month the magazine will be a paper edition, and that our distributors, several of whom are also 70+, will feel able to deliver it to your door. Please keep sending in your articles and stay safe and well.

Jane Evans

2 The Rectory, High Street, , BA11 4LZ Tel: 01373 837337

From the Rectory

As we are all too well aware, uncertainty about the length of the present ‘Lockdown’ has meant that many plans for family celebrations, holidays etc. have been cancelled or put on hold. In many ways, some of which we cannot yet predict, we are facing a very uncertain future.

Last Sunday, the Church celebrated Pentecost (Whit Sunday), the coming of the Holy Spirit with power and the assurance that, if Jesus had left this earthly life, yet God was with the disciples. They could not prepare for this event: all they could do was pray and wait.

Waiting is something many people- including myself- are not good at. We want to ‘get on’ or at least prepare ourselves for ‘the next thing’.

Prompted by a verse from the Old Testament- ‘Their strength is to sit still’ (Isaiah 30:10 AV) the Christian author and suffragist Hannah Whithall Smith wrote this-

‘Inner stillness is an absolute necessity of truly knowing God’.

I remember learning this at a time of great crisis in my life. My entire being seemed to throb with anxiety and the sense of need for immediate and powerful action was overwhelming. Yet the circumstances were such that I could do nothing, and the person who could have helped would not move. For a time it seemed as if I would fall to pieces. Then suddenly out of nowhere a still small voice whispered in the depths of my soul-

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The words were spoken with power, and I obeyed. I composed myself, bringing my body to complete stillness, and forced my troubled spirit into quietness. Only then, while looking up and waiting, did I know that it was God who had spoken. He was in the midst of my crisis and I rested in Him

I would say that it was from this stillness that the power seemed to arise to deal with the crisis, and that quickly brought it to a resolution. It was during this crisis that I effectively learned that my “Strength is to sit still” There is a perfect passivity that is not laziness. It is a stillness born of trust. Quiet tension is not trust, but simply a compressed anxiety. Cont overleaf

3 O soul, keep silence on the mount of God, Though cares and needs throb round you like a sea; From prayers, petitions and desires un- shod, Be still, and hear what God will say to thee. (From ‘Be still’ by Mary R. Jarvis)

With every Blessing, and stay safe! Fr Anthony

From the Registers Funerals

Brian Ian Stevens service at the Crematorium 2nd April Raymond Banfield service at Crematorium 30th April Malcolm Stuart Brown Leigh on Mendip 7th May Ann Wall Mendip Crematorium 22nd May Dorothy Eileen Willis Mendip Crematorium 29th May

Change of Service Pattern.

June was to have been the month when we changed the pattern of services, enabling each church in the Postlebury group to have its service on the same Sunday each month.

With five churches in the group, it has been difficult for folk to predict when their village church’s next service would be. We hope that this adaption of the rota will go some way to solving the problem. It means that from now on (once we are permitted to resume public services), Cloford and Marston will alternate monthly services of Holy Communion with Matins, or another non-eucharistic service. The pattern of services for East , (Leigh-on-Mendip, Stoke St Michael, and ) remains the same.

We will continue to publish this rota in anticipation of the day when restrictions are lifted and Church authorities permit the resumption of public Church services of some kind. 4 Letter from Bishop Ruth

Recognise the one who stands beside you

‘Stay alert’ is the message as we ‘ease out of lockdown’. We know that for some there is little ease as we begin to re-engage with a world that is still fearful of Covid-19 and uncertain about its future. The requirement to ‘stay alert’ is to encourage us to watch out for signs of the virus and protect ourselves and others as necessary.

We’ve just celebrated Pentecost, often recognised as the birthday of the Church. Jesus’ message to his followers as he left them to return to his Father was that they were to ‘stay alert’, not to guard against something fearful to come but rather to be watchful for the Spirit that would free them from fear. It didn’t mean that there weren’t still physical dangers to face but rather that their spiritual lives should grow in boldness.

We have seen much courage exhibited throughout this crisis to date. Key workers who have continued to serve us day by day even whilst most of us have remained at home. The NHS has quite rightly been applauded and appreciated at this time and there are so many more.

I’ve been especially impressed by our schools and their teams who have largely been open throughout this period to be provide care for key worker families and vulnerable children. Even at weekends and during this past half term holiday they have been tirelessly supporting their local communities. Staying alert to the needs of our young, they have shown their commitment and care. I want to express my huge gratitude to them!

As we move into June we may be seeing more children returning to schools having been home-schooled for a time. This will not be without fear for some and a need to be especially alert to physical dangers. Whatever the situation we find ourselves to be in at this point, we are reminded that we have a Comforter, an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and encourages our faith even at times of doubt and anxiety.

Whether still at home and isolated or beginning a return to wider community life, may you find yourself being alert for and recognising the one who stands alongside you, the Spirit, who is friend, guardian and comforter.

With every good wish

Bishop Ruth

5

Leigh on Mendip and Downhead Parochial Church Council Contact email : [email protected] or [email protected] Telephone: 07815 911084 or 01761 418737

Churchwardens Steve Britten Goldsborough Farm 01749 840291 Stoke St Michael BA3 5LD Alastair Weston Hillcrest Tadhill 01373 812654 Leigh on Mendip BA3 5QU

Treasurer Margaret Loten 6 The Old Sawmills 01373 812922 Leigh on Mendip BA3 5RQ

Secretary Anthea Brooks Ashville, Monger |Lane 01761 418737 BA3 2BP

Stoke St Michael Parochial Church Council

Contact email: [email protected] Telephone: 01749 840671

Churchwardens Jane Evans Withybrook 01749 840660 Stoke St Michael BA3 5JQ

Malcolm Martin Mendip Cottage, Mendip Rd 01749 840475 Stoke St Michael BA3 5JU

Treasurer Glenna Martin Mendip Cottage, Mendip Rd 01749 840475 Stoke St Michael BA3 5JU

Secretary Janet Gilham Hillside, Withybrook 01749 840671 Stoke St Michael BA3 5JQ

Safeguarding Officer for Leigh, Downhead and Stoke St Michael

Sue Rodford Knapp Hill Cottage, 01373 812766 Leigh on Mendip BA3 5QY

6 Sidesmen and Flowers

All Rotas will resume when our Churches are open again for services

CREATE WHILE YOU WAIT

Leigh on Mendip Arts and Crafts Exhibition 2020

Shine a light on your creative side. It's only 6 months until the exhibition - make the most of your time at home. All ages and all types of art and craft are welcome. We will be holding the annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition to showcase the talents of the village on

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th October 2020 (11am – 4pm) at the Memorial Hall

Any item under the broad sense of “arts and crafts” can be entered from needlework to woodwork, paintings to jewellery or anything you have personally created. Don’t forget this includes photography (just card mount or frame your photos).

Two simple rules:-

• Exhibitors are limited to those who live, work or take part in activities in the parish and their immediate family i.e. parents, siblings or children.

• Work exhibited in a previous Leigh on Mendip Arts and Crafts Exhibition cannot be accepted.

There has previously been a demand for more items for sale, so please consider which work you would be happy to sell. If you wish you can exhibit anonymously.

Everyone can make the most of “Staying At Home”. Make sure you create something to remember your time in lock-down!

Vicki Taylor (01373 813942) [email protected]

Arts and Crafts Exhibition Committee

7 Note from Leigh on Mendip Parish Council Chairman

Your Parish Council continues to conduct business during the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak using online meetings. As always, these meetings are planned for the third Monday of the month and are open to the public. Should you wish to attend let any Councillor know along with your email address and you will receive an invitation and link. Councillors contact details are available on the notice boards and the village website. Agenda and minutes are displayed on the notice boards and on the village web site. We are keen to recruit Councillors so if you would like to help let a Councillor know and attend one of our meetings. We have recently posted the annual newsletter on the website and notice boards. There should also be copies available in the phone box. If you are suffering hardship and need assistance during the current crisis do let a Councillor know and we will arrange help. In the meantime, keep following government guidance and stay well. Dave Mattick

Leigh on Mendip Memorial Hall

Who knew when the last article for the magazine was written the scale of the impact the Coronavirus would have on us all. It is almost laughable when I look back and read how it seemed just plenty of thorough hand washing would see it off. As you will all know the Hall has been closed for many weeks now and at the time of writing we have no idea when it will re- open or what precautions we will need to take, when we do know we will be in touch with our regular users and also put the information on the website.

In the meantime we have received the promised internet connection from Truespeed. All appears to be working well and will be available to our hirers once we re-open.

However being closed means no money from hirers so we were very pleased to receive a Government grant of £10000 recently which will pay for essentials such as insurance and give us a welcome cushion against further repairs etc.

We carried out the 100 club draw for April and May via Skype, the winners were as follows. April : 1st Colin Horn, 2nd Des and Wendy Worley and 3rd Jane Parker. May: 1st Roger Orpwood, 2nd June Brewster and 3rd Tysen Cockroft. 8 Leigh on Mendip WI

Leigh on Mendip WI are obviously unable to meet but are keeping in touch with members by email, phone calls and Zoom meetings with quizzes and catch ups. We also hear from and National and check out for new activity ideas from other Institutes. Ladies have been busy with their gardens, growing vegetables, sewing and knitting for the NHS initiatives, learning new crafts and enjoying fitness and dance via online lessons . Most of all we are keeping an eye on each other and helping out when needed. If anyone is new to the village or newly at home with more time, they are welcome to get in touch and get to know us before we are able to run regular meetings again. Contact Mary on 01373 812415

Leigh on Mendip Allotment Association

The Leigh on Mendip allotments are in the field to the west side of the Recreation Playing Field. If you live in the parish of Leigh on Mendip and want to register, or simply discuss having an allotment, please contact either: Helen Gulvin, 2 Apple Meadow View, tel 07435 591925 or e mail [email protected] or Tim Spurgeon, 18, Park Hayes, tel 07813 505830 or e mail [email protected]

9 CORONAVIRUS HELP on the Leigh on Mendip village

website.

The Leigh on Mendip village website has information to help us keep each other safe and connected during this difficult time, including local free delivery services.

To help share any useful information about local community groups, offers of help, updates on shopping and anything else that would help us, please contact Chris Cudmore (details on the website) so that more information can be added.

There is also a very active Leigh on Mendip Facebook group but not everyone is on Facebook, but hopefully most have an internet connection. Stay connected & keep our villages and yourself safe! www.leigh-on- mendip.org.uk

The Community Council for has recently appointed me as your Village Agent and Kizzy Marshall as Community Agent.

I have lived in the area all my life and will be covering the whole of East Mendip.

I have already seen the fantastic work the communities have been doing to support everyone at this difficult time and I am looking forward to meeting and working with everyone.

In the meantime, I would like to remind you of the Somerset Coronavirus Support Line 0300 790 6275. 7 days a week, 8am-6pm

My work number is 07946461468

Nic Edwards

10 Mendip Country Practice

Mendip Country Practice is very much open for business as usual our doors are not shut. We have quickly adapted our working practices and most consultations can be dealt with either by telephone or video link. If the doctor or nurse feels that a patient needs to attend the surgery, they will organise this and will see the patient whilst wearing the required PPE. The patient will also be asked to wear a face mask, which is provided when they attend the surgery.

On Monday mornings we are holding a ‘Restricted Surgery’, these are for people who have been Shielded. This means that the door is closed and we only allow in those who have a pre-arranged appointment. The doors reopen to all other general enquiries again at 2.00pm. All morning howev- er the Reception telephone line remains open as normal.

Community Coffee Mornings 2020 Hosted by Leigh on Mendip W.I. in Memorial Hall 6th January 3rd February 9.45 to 10.45 am 2nd March 6th April 4th May 1st June 6th July No August meeting 7th September 5th October 2nd November 7th December 11

Church Services in the Benefices of Stoke St. Michael, Leigh on Mendip & Downhead and the United Parish of Postlebury

The information below shows the times when

services were planned to take place in June.

5 June – Friday

10.00 Nunney Holy Communion BCP Rev A Dickson

7 June – Trinity Sunday

09.30 Holy Communion Rev A Dickson 11.00 Leigh-on-Mendip All Age Service Rev A Dickson 18.00 Stoke St Michael Evensong Jane Evans

12 June – Friday

10.00 Nunney Holy Communion BCP Rev A Dickson

14 June – Trinity 1

09.30 Stoke St Michael Holy Communion Rev A Dickson 11.00 Witham Friary Family Communion Rev A Dickson

15 June - Monday

09.15 Leigh-on-Mendip Morning Prayer Rev A Dickson

16 June – Tuesday

10.00 Dallimore Mead Holy Communion Rev A Dickson

19 June - Friday

10.00 Nunney Holy Communion BCP Rev A Dickson 12

June 2020

It is printed here for reference should the

restrictions be lifted during the month

21 June – Trinity 2

09.30 Nunney Holy Communion Rev A Dickson 11.00 Stoke St Michael Family Communion Rev A Dickson 18.00 Downhead Evensong Rev A Dickson

26 June – Friday

10.00 Nunney Holy Communion BCP Rev A Dickson

28 June – Trinity 3

09.30 Leigh-on-Mendip Holy Communion Rev A Dickson 11.00 Cloford Family Communion Rev A Dickson

29 June – Monday

09.15 Stoke St Michael Morning Prayer Rev A Dickson

…………………………………………………………………………………………………......

3 July – Friday

10.00 Nunney Holy Communion BCP Rev A Dickson

5 July – Trinity 4

09.30 Wanstrow Holy Communion Rev A Dickson 11.00 Leigh-on-Mendip All Age Service Rev A Dickson 18.00 Stoke St Michael Evensong13 Jane Evans

Stoke St Michael War Memorial Hall

Open Afternoon: Tuesdays 2pm– 4pm Tea and chat, crafty things to do, puzzles to make. All welcome, refreshments available

BINGO alternate Mondays. 7.30pm – 9.30pm

MENDIP BELLES. First Tuesday in the month. Ladies get togeth- er. Interesting things planned. Start 7.30pm

CRAFTY LADIES: Knit, Sew, Crochet, chat and discuss

PARTIES/BIRTHDAYS/FAMILY EVENTS: The hall is available with a bar, kitchen, large screen & projector to accommodate your event. Please get in touch to chat further about the hall and any catering requirements.

Hall Bookings and more info: [email protected] Phone 01749 840272 14

TheHAIR ANDCottage BEAUTY ROOMS UPDATE Due to the latest announcement we wanted to let you know that we will sadly be remaining closed for the time being. The date is still not clear but we could be looking at JULY. We will keep you all updated to any changes as and when we receive any. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON OUR FACEBOOK AND INSTRAGRAM PAGES. As much as we would love to see you all its important for us to open only when safe to do so. We are busy getting everything ready to enable us to work as government guild lines. SO PLEASE STAY SAFE AND WE WILL SEE YOU ALL VERY SOON.

LOVE LYNNE,RACH.LAURA @THECOTTAGE

To Book ring 01761 233681

Mole Catcher

01373836350 PLACE

07512681111 YOUR

No Mole ADVERT No Fee HERE

See back page for advertising rates 15 Oilmaster

Oil heating specialist -Aga, Rayburn, Stanley, Alpha Boilers all types Breakdowns and servicing 24 hour call outs Small plumbing jobs Bleed throughs Call 07428663825 or PLANNING A PARTY? 01747 826094 WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP. www.oilmaster.co.uk WE CATER FOR ANY FUNCTION. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT… www.pepperscateringofshepton.co.uk

W. J. Trotman Funeral Directors

(Incorporating Oswald Clarke Funeral Directors of )

Ashdene, Cranmore, ,

Somerset BA4 4QQ.

Tel (01749) 880271

A family run business for over four generations Private Chapel of Rest

Pre-paid funeral plans available

16 Owl Babies Preschool

@ Leigh on Mendip First School

Open daily from 8.45am – 3pm Term time only Hourly rate £4.40 Day rate £26.40

Funding available for qualifying 2, 3 and 4 years old (15 or 30 hours/week)

For more information on our pre-school visit www.leighonmendipschool.info

or contact us on 01373 812592

[email protected]

LEIGH ON MENDIP PARENT,

TODDLER & BABY GROUP

New members are always welcome Leigh on Mendip Memorial Hall, Tuesdays 9 .30 am – 11.30 am. (term time only)

£1.50 for first child and 50p for siblings (including refreshments and resources) If you need any more information contact Laura Martin on 07769292304

17

Al Stewart Do you need a reliable local Chimney Sweep? Transition4u Personal Training - Individual Training Programmes Hello, I’m Matt Clark. A member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps offering: - Injury Rehabilitation - Sports massage • Chimney sweeping • A clean and thorough job - Free initial consultation • Certificates for your insurers Phone 07889 093179 • Bird guard fitting www.Transition4upt.co.uk • Bird nest removal

Chimney Sweeps Somerset Member of REPS; NRPT; FHT Independent Herbalife Member Tel: 07891 105529

[email protected]

Bridal Hair & Make up Experienced hairdresser and make up artist with home based beauty room Val Hurle provides a friendly, calming and relaxing service for all the bridal party in the comfort of your own home or venue

Tel 01761 436764

or visit www.-valhurle/ 18 radstockbeautyandbride.com Stoke St. Michael Baby and Toddler Group Come and join our friendly group! When? Wednesdays, during term time Where? Stoke War Memorial Hall What time? 9.30am to 11.30am. How much? £1 per family. First visit free!

We provide a large range of toys for babies and toddlers, as well as fun, weekly activities. Children can enjoy a healthy snack whilst parents can relax with a cup of tea, all included! Monthly visits from the Children’s Centre and toy library. Who? Sarah ([email protected]) 07398043054 or Charlotte ([email protected] 01749 840255)

Stoke St Michael Toddler Group

Little Roots @ Stoke Moonshill Road, Stoke St Michael BA3 5LG

Open term time only: Monday – Thursday 9am – 3pm

Forest School sessions are available. We provide childcare for 2 years old + We offer 15 and 30 hours funded places for eligible 2 year olds all 3 and 4 year olds.

For more information, or to arrange a visit call us 07565 931718 or email: [email protected]

19

SOMERSET Dunns Logs EAR WAX CLINIC Quality Seasoned Hardwood Logs ______Delivery and stacking at no extra

 Ear wax removal by irrigation cost  Ear check prior to Audiology Nets of Logs and Kindling also  Fully trained and experienced available ______Contact Richard on Sister Teresa Munro RGN 07703062048 07962 106 045 Facebook Page [email protected] ______Dunns Logs Horizon Suite, Frome Medical Centre Enos Way, Frome BA11 2FH

20 E.EMERY & SONS ,

INDEPENDANT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS , , , BA3 5BG .

PREPAID FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE 24 HOUR PERSONAL SERVICE IN ALL AREA'S CHAPEL OF REST .

PERSONAL ATTENTION CONTACT JONATHAN & JANE EMERY TEL - 01749 840350

Andie Christie D HURLE Man & van Licensed Waste Carrier PLASTERING SERVICE Reg. No. CBDU 138947 Removals COMPETITIVE RATES Clearances undertaken Tip runs Reliable and Trustworthy Please ring or text 07906158909 No job too small or email [email protected]

Telephone 0789 717702

21

Leigh-on-Mendip Parish Council

Chairman Clerk David Mattick Anthea Brooks Tel 01761 418737 Tel. 01373 812734 Email [email protected] Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of every month in the Memorial Hall unless otherwise advised - see Parish Noticeboards for details of Agenda, Minutes etc. or visit

www.leigh-on-mendip.org.uk

All parishioners welcome to attend

LEIGH on MENDIP MEMORIAL HALL

(Registered Charity No. 304574)

Standard Hiring Rates

Monday to Friday (until 6.00 pm)……………………………………………£ 5.00 per hour Monday to Friday (6.00pm onwards) ...... £7.00 per hour

Saturday and Sunday ...... £7.00 per hour Business Users - At all times ...... £10.00 per hour

Sale or serving of Alcohol ...... £10.00 per event

A coin meter is provided for the electric wall heaters (£1 and £2 coins)

Hire of the hall includes the use of crockery, cutlery and glasses. These items may be hired for outside use. A list of the items, and prices is available

Booking clerks Ann & Rog Orpwood 01373 812459 22 [email protected]

THE BELL INN, LEIGH UPON MENDIP

RING TO RESERVE A TABLE FOR ANY WED, THURS, FRI OR SAT EVENING UNTIL 31st MAY AND ENJOY A 50% DISCOUNT ON ALL MAIN COURSES.

SEE MENU ON: www.bellinnleigh.co.uk

RESTAURANT HOURS

WEDNESDAYS - 6PM TO 9PM

THURSDAYS - 6PM TO 9PM

FRIDAYS - 12MD TO 2.30PM AND 6PM TO 9PM

SATURDAYS - 12MD TO 2.30PM AND 6PM TO 9PM

SUNDAYS - 12MD TO 3PM

SUNDAY LUNCHES

1 course £8.50 – 2 courses - £12.00

Ring 01373 812316 to reserve your table

FREE WI-FI

23 E-mail -

Post - Your Village contacts are: -

Leigh Anne Wells The Sheiling 01373 813212 Stoke Janet Gilham Hillside, Withybrook 01749 840671 Downhead Steve Britten Goldsborough Farm, 01749 840291

Advertising Rates Commercial ¼ page £2 per month or £25 per year ½ page £4 per month of £45 per year Whole page £8 per month of £85 per year Non Commercial ¼ page 50p per month or £5 per year ½ page £1 per month or £10 per year Whole page £2 per month or £20 per year Payment for adverts to:- Janet Gilham, Hillside, Withybrook, Stoke St Michael, Radstock BA3 5JQ. Cheques made payable to Stoke and Leigh Magazine.

Note from the Editor When emailing articles or adverts please use black text and grayscale for all logos and pictures A5 portrait format with 1cm margins 1.5cm bottom margin. Or A4 landscape same margins, two columns and central gutter of 2cm. Stoke St. Michael Village Website: - www.stokestmichael.org.uk Leigh on Mendip Village Website: - www.leigh-on-mendip.org.uk Community Support Officers Russsell Ford for Leigh on Mendip and Nikki Housley for Stoke St Michael Tel: 101 for non-emergencies 999 for emergencies only 24