DELIVERED FREE TO Merriott Messenger 1,000 HOMES www.merriottvillage.org.uk M A R C H 2 0 1 3

Free insulation for Somerset residents

Somerset residents have the energy saving opportunity to improve their advice. Please contact us home for free, thanks to the Warm Streets is re-launch of the Warm funded by the with any news/ Streets scheme. Department for photos/event etc. Energy and Cli- Residents aged over 60 or in mate Change’s This is YOUR receipt of benefits can fuel poverty village potentially get both cavity fund. newsletter and wall and loft insulation For further installed for free (subject to information we want to make survey). and to make an sure that there is This council-supported project application, call something here aims to tackle the problem of the Home En- for everyone! cold, damp homes in ergy Team on 0800 082 2234 or email: [email protected] Somerset, and to help the most vulnerable residents cut their fuel bills. Unwanted mobile phones? All installations need to be Do you have an old unwanted completed by the end of mobile phone sitting in a drawer? March 2013, so spread the If so, you may want to help us. INSIDE THIS word quickly if you know Our 3 year old grandson is ISSUE: somebody who would benefit. diagnosed on the autistic More Wind 2 Warm Streets can also help spectrum. Tom is a loving and Turbines? residents find out about affectionate boy but has no various other ways to lower consistent speech. He has made good progress by using pictures to School News 3 their heating and electricity communicate. We now wish to build on this by getting a computer bills with free and impartial tablet with an autism communication system app that he can use in nursery and when he starts school in September, to Events at the 4 communicate and as a teaching aid. The charity ‘Hearts and Minds’ Kings Head provide this in exchange for 175 old phones. If you have any old phones and can help, it would be really Fish & Chips for 4 appreciated. Please contact Lynne Woods on 01460 76294 or Charity! [email protected] to arrange collection. Thank you. Lent Charity 5 Lunches Parish Council News St Patrick’s Day 6 Lorries in Merriott: Residents New Pavilion: It has been Parish Council Members: At Disco often voice concern at the agreed that it will be called the present there are vacancies on route and frequency of lorries Community Pavilion Project. the Parish Council. If you are th Useful Phone 7 at the Co-op. A positive MARCH 11 is the interested in working in your Numbers response has been received ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AT community, then contact either from the Co-op, where they WHICH COUNCIL MEMBERS the Chairman Mr A Wallis or confirmed that they will WILL UPDATE RESIDENTS ON the Clerk. endeavour to address the PROGRESS. issue. More details of their MERRIOTT PARISH COUNCIL response can be found on the Recreation Ground Security: meet once a month for a village website. CCTV is to be installed in an formal meeting at Tithe Barn. effort to reduce the vandalism that occurs. (continued overleaf) P A G E 2

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!

Garden Fete at the Rectory Sat 8 June 11am – 3pm

Can you help man a stall? If you can spare an hour or two, please contact us on: NICKY 78799 LUCY 76070

The photo here shows a ‘Shapely Ankles’ Competiton from a Merriott Church Fete circa 1950! Parish Council News (cont.) Usually it is on the first Your issue may then become See the Merriott website Monday of the month from an agenda item at a subse- for agenda and minutes 7pm (unless there is a bank quent meeting. of the meetings. holiday). www.merriottvillage.org.uk Residents are welcome to Next meetings are MARCH For all Parish Council corre- th nd attend the meeting for inter- 4 and TUESDAY APRIL 2 spondence and information est or if you have an issue THE AGENDA WILL BE please contact Clerk: Marion then the first 10 minutes is an POSTED ON THE NOTICE Andrews. Tel: 01935 863420 or open session when you can BOARD BY CO-OP. PLEASE address council members. COME ALONG! [email protected] Should We Have More Wind Turbines

in South Somerset? By Samuel Wycherley

Wind turbines have always been a controversial issue. They are often considered noisy and a blight on the landscape.

However, there are many of these structures in some parts of the country, such as Cornwall, and also many offshore. Somerset, contrarily, has relatively few, although there are many solar panel Installations to be found. Per turbine, wind turbines produce a fair amount of electricity – only a few would be needed to provide for the whole of Merriott. They are also, unlike solar power, well suited to Britain, after all, Britain is the second windiest country in Europe, after the Netherlands. Wind turbines are also very efficient, with a theoretical efficiency of 59 per cent (of all energy in the wind). However, many are against wind turbines, seeing them as noisy (noise levels are usually similar to that of traffic), and damaging to the landscape. The MoD also often prevents their installation, as wind turbine blades interfere with radio communi- cations. The ‘carbon footprint’ resulting from the production of the turbines is generally high also, so they are not as ‘green’ as they may seem. My personal view is that we should see more of them in South Somerset. The European Union has set a renewable energy target for the U.K. for 2020, and wind turbines will be an effective way of achieving this. After all, would you prefer a wind farm or a coal-fired power station near your house?

MERRIOTT MESSENGER P A G E 3 School News To round off the World War He will be II topic the children enjoyed appearing on Spring watch later a street party in the School on in the year. Dining Hall. They wore their WWII costumes and ate The Friends food from the era that they of Merriott First had prepared earlier. School ran a quiz for the children Chris Sperring from the Hawk and around WWII. Owl Trust visited the school with Steve Neal his barn owl Beau. represented He talked about the scheme to put FOMS, announced a Barn Owl box in every parish in the winners (drawn from Somerset and that he was going to World War II Street Party at Merriott First School look at a suitable place to site one correct entries in Merriott.. The owl box is now in from each class) and presented the prizes to Fraser Parsons, ChaSamba Fitness place and the school children will A partner-free Latin American be the first to know if anything Samuel Larkins, Ruby Evans, happens in the box. Children Jessica Rooke and Cara Gray. Dance Fitness Class heard about the way a Barn Owl Misterton Village Hall, Weds 1.30pm hunts and the sort of habitat it Thanks to Steve for his work First Class £1 Eve Class Starting Soon needs to survive. Mr Sperring and for future quizzes! Tel:07980 168529 finished off with a question and E: [email protected] answer session. Sunday afternoon concert The Gehynus String Trio will perform works by Ravel, Satie and Beetho- ven at All Saints Church on Sunday 3rd March.

The concert begins at 3pm with refresh- ments at 2:30pm. The Gehynus String Trio was formed in 2012 by Joseph Fisher. Joseph and his Gehynus Trio are kindly performing at the Church to help raise funds for the piano that has recently been restored. The Trio consists of established classical mu- sicians Joseph Fisher - Viola, Rebecca Minio-Paluello - Violin, Thomas Wraith - Cello. They have all performed as individuals at numerous prestigious venues across London. As the Gehynus Trio they have engagements to perform in a concert series in Germany later this year, as well as various festivals in England.

Tickets are £6 with children free, available from Osborne’s Store, Merriott, Crewkerne Information Centre, or on the door. P A G E 4 Events at The Kings Head

Sun March 10th - Mothers Day Lunch 2 courses £10.00, booking advised. Fri March 15th - Barry Paul as Elvis", 9.00pm. onwards. Sun 31st March - Easter Egg Hunt for the kids.

Also Bingo starting soon on a Wednesday night. Look out for posters around the village and at the Kings. New-to-you sale coming soon in aid of Ebony's Wheels. Space available for other charity/groups etc.

KIM'S KITCHEN @ THE KINGS HEAD Lunches: Wed - Sun, 12 - 2.30 p.m. Wednesday lunch special 2 courses £5.95. Usual menu also available. Evenings: Monday, bookings only, then Wed - Sat 6.00 - 9.00 p.m.

New Opening Hours: Mon -Thur 12-3 ; 6 - midnight Fri - Sat 12-3 ; 6 - 1am Sun 12-3 ; 6 - midnight

Merriott Auction

Gardening Club Merriott, Hinton, Lopen Tuesday 26th March &Dinnington churches A presentation and talk will hold a joint by the ever popular Neil Auction on Lovesey on 'Propagation Wednesday 24th April of Plants'. Neil has a wealth of at St George’s Hall, knowledge and Hinton experience on all aspects of gardening as well as The Auction will be held being a good and from 7.30pm, with view- interesting speaker. ing beforehand. Do come along and be Refreshments will be inspired. Non-members available during viewing are most welcomed (£2 time and throughout the fee at the door). evening. Refreshments and raffle. We require all sorts of good quality small and

And lastly, just a medium sized items - reminder that the Antiques, Collectables & meeting on 30th April Vintage items especially will be our AGM with a welcome. Promises are buffet and a surprise also invited. quiz - keep this date free Items may be donated - more details in next wholly or on a 50/50 month's Messenger. basis. No electrical items and Details on 01460-72298 no jumble please. Contact Gill Esp Tel: 01460 72355 for more details.

MERRIOTT MESSENGER News from your Neighbourhood Beat Team P A G E 5

Please watch out for vulnerable which includes detached marked to identify neighbours and support those garages. Theft of meat from it as yours. Expen- who may not have family freezers in garages is an easy sive flower pots nearby. option for thieves. Do not can be marked on As spring approaches, sadly, it leave the garage door open, the base, as can is also a time for the with your freezer and tools on statues. If you opportunist thief as houses are full view, especially when you have a staddle aired after the long winter go out!! stone in your ‘shut down’. To stay safe Make sure your shed has a garden, or if you please ensure you lock the suitable padlock, the round know anyone who front door when working in the style where the clasp covers has any, these back garden and lock the back the locking bar is best, and the have quite a high or side door if you go to answer screw heads are NOT showing value and despite the front door. We all tend to on the hinges. The best pad- the weight and leave a window open to air the lock is no use if by removing 3 size do get stolen. house, but even a small screws from the hinges the It is possible to window offers the opportunity door can be opened from the chemically weld for a thief. back edge! Coach bolts are the top (the bit Ideally, use a key-safe for all ideal if the shed is strong most commonly keys and if no, ensure they are enough, if the shed is flimsy removed) to the out of sight. NEVER leave a and the any window is easy to base. handbag or wallet in plain open or break then do not If you want any security Open Group view. keep anything of value in the advice please contact us on March 7th Even if you close windows and shed. Where possible mark 101 or via the force website: Annual Dinner at The www.avonandsomerset.police.uk lock doors, leaving garden tools any property, gloss paint or Swan. Please make your easily accessible in the garden Hammerite (a metal paint) is menu choice and Your Neighbourhood Team or in an unlocked shed can fine, with your initials and forward to Gillian. PS Rich Barnett, PC Chris assist a thief in breaking in to postcode. This makes things March 21st Purcell, PC Lisa Wright, PCSO's your property. Break in to less desirable to a thief and "Ladies at Ascot" at Caroline Matthews, Dave houses (dwelling burglaries) means if or when recovered Lynne's. Wear a hat (or Lewis and Michelle Haimes. are rare and the usual type is a we can return them to you. some available on the theft of handbag or keys when As spring approaches and the night) and enjoy the Telephone 101 for non- a door is left open and the thief garden starts to look lovely Races, in aid of Brain emergencies simply walks in and removes and full of colour the garden Tumour Research. Telephone 999 for ongoing items. The most common type bench and ornaments find crimes and emergencies of burglary is from sheds and their way back to the garden. Enquiries: outbuildings (non-dwelling), These can be discreetly Maggie 76186 Charity Merriott Drivers

Lunches in Richard Crooke is unable to continue being a Driver, so if you have the updated list of Drivers, would you please Lent delete his name. We are very thankful to Richard for being a volunteer. Come and join us for a light lunch at the following venues on Wednesdays during Lent.

All ages welcome, no ticket required - just give a donation to the chosen charity.

March 6th The Manor House, Higher St,Merriott (Colliers’) Christian Aid March13th Southernhay, High St. Hinton, opp shop (Clements’) Homestart If you use the Service to reach your medical March 20th Gappers Pool, Church St, Merriott (Dismores’) appointments and have not as yet requested an up to S.O.M.A. dated list of Drivers, they are still available from Maggie All Lunches are from 12-2pm and Tom on 76186. P A G E 6 News from All Saints Church Merriott Church Services This month… Resurrection on EASTER nothing to do with the Local in March We are already well into SUNDAY. Be part of the Government Electoral Lent. Palm Sunday, Holy continuing story of God’s Roll. This is very important, Sun 3rd,8.30am Week and Easter are not love for the world. so we would encourage as Holy Communion far away. But it’s not too many as possible to enrol. It (Traditional Language) New Church Electoral Roll late to come along to our is a bit like saying, yes, I have Every six years, every parish Lent Course ‘Fit for a commitment to my local Sun 10th, 10am in the Church of England has Purpose’ on Wednesday church – even if you don’t Family Service for to prepare a new Church evenings in church often or ever come to MOTHERING SUNDAY 'Electoral Roll' from (7.00pm for a 7.30pm start services there! It also brings th th th scratch. 2013 is one of those Sun 17th on the 6 , 13 , 20 and an entitlement to vote at the th years. The process will begin 27 ). We are looking at APCM (on 29 April). In 9.30am Parish Communion later this month, when what the purpose of God’s simple terms, to be eligible, 6pm BCP Evensong notices will go up near the church is, and how we can you need to be a member of main door of each of our Sun 24th ‘do’ community, worship The Church of England, have churches, asking for PALM SUNDAY and mission. Do come to been baptised and be over applications. If you are 10am Sung Parish our MOTHERING SUNDAY the age of 16 - AND EITHER th currently on a Church Communion service on the 10 , with live in the parish OR have Electoral Roll, you will still activities for children - habitually attended worship need to reapply on the form Wed 27th 9pm when we will also be cele- in the parish for at least six available in church or from Compline (Night Prayer) brating Fairtrade Fortnight. months prior to the Electoral Roll Officer for for Holy Week There are also various ser- joining. Applications will Merriott, Gwen Blunn. The vices throughout Holy need to have been received Church Electoral Roll is about Fri 29th Week, beginning with by 31st March . GOOD FRIDAY registering the level of PALM SUNDAY and 10am to 12pm support in the local commu- ending with our great Rev Bob Hicks, The Rectory, Children’s Activities and nity for the Parish Church - celebration of Christ’s Worship 76406.

Sun 31st Polite message EASTER SUNDAY to dog owners St Patricks Day disco 10am Easter Communion Following several (No dawn service this Sat 16th March from 19:30 year) comments made to the Social Club in Merriott Village website, please can

dog owners be reminded Please do subscribe to Buffet and Raffle that dogs are not allowed Fancy Dress optional ‘The Church Link’ on the recreation ground. magazine for more details Fundraising for Africa expedition There is a new sign there Entry £3.50 or £1.50 for under 12 (under 4 free). of these and other church to remind people of this. Pay on door. events. Thank you Thank you for your support, Thomas Bending

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MERRIOTT MESSENGER P A G E 7 Hinton St. George ‘Flix in the Stix’ presents

‘Quartet’ Useful on Sat March 9th, 7.30 pm in the Village Hall Telephone Tickets £5 in advance from the Village Shop and Dorothy’s Tea Numbers Room or £5.50 on the door. (Contact tel. 01460 72906).

The residents of Beecham House, a retirement castle for classical musicians, are preparing for their Parish Council, Chairman (Ashley Wallis 76643 annual gala when an Opera Diva Parish Council, Clerk (Miss Marion Andrews) 01935 863420 arrives, throwing their plans into District Councillor - Paul Maxwell 271155 chaos. A dream cast of Maggie Merriott Pre-school - Jenny Hayne 77922 Smith, Pauline Collins, Michael Merriott First School—Head, Zoe Coghlan 72547 Gambon, Billy Connolly and An- Village Hall Bookings 72508 drew Sachs. A Comedy-drama not to be missed! All Saints Church Rector: Rev Julia Hicks & Rev Bob Hicks 76406 Benefice Administrator (Office), Isabel Welsh 73226 Swing into Spring Churchwarden: John Stuttaford 72806 Sat 27th April, 7.30pm All Saints Church invites you to Tithe Barn (Bookings, Mrs Down) 72316 Merriott Social Club for an evening Secretary to Parochial Church Council, Louise Collier 78792 featuring the amazing voice of Campanologists (Bell ringers) Anita Glasson 73368 GRAHAM DAVID Inc. tributes to Michael Bublé and Robbie Williams Baby Clinic, Health Visitor 77600 Community Responder Scheme -Jayne Preston 75162 Admission by ticket only, includes a light supper Drivers (Merriott), Tom & Maggie Jones 76186 Tickets £6 each, available from Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) 101 Jean & Dave Crisp. Tel: 01460 279654

All proceeds to Merriott Church Aerobic Classes, Jon Ayers 07917 372563 Allotment Association (Merriott), Chris Read 74251 Badminton Club (Merriott), Penny Harvey 73180 Bowling Club, Chris Woods 76294 Brownies, Pat Johns 73738 Cub & Scouts, Garry and Janette Osborne 78969 Dog Training (Merriott) 72169 Evergreen Club, Julie Case 76257 Football Club (Merriott), Secretary - Angie Rowswell 74889 Gardening Club (Merriott), Barbara Byford 72298 Guides, Hilary Court 77538 Gun Club (Merriott), Jack Lowe 72336 History Group (Merriott), Cathy Herriman 76918 Majorettes (Merriott) - Juliet McKelvey 78383 Sarah Foley Instructor 01935 840173 Moguls Investment Club (Merriott), Mrs T Mortimer 72134 Mother’s Union, Branch Leader—Hilary Askew 76473 Open Group (Merriott), Maggie Jones 76186 Parent and Toddler Group, Amanda Raybould 78108 Rainbows (First Merriott) 77075 Short Mat Bowls Club 73091 Social Club (Merriott) 74376 Squash Club (Merriott) 77872/ 07718 664147 Membership: Matt Gentle 07872 040204 Traidcraft, Julia Portal 73595 Women’s Fellowship (Merriott) 77459 Youth Football Club (Merriott), Monica Hayden 74449 Thank you to our sponsors for their support

Charlotte Hamlin Merriottsford Merriott Childminder R. A. Wicks Ltd Stoneleigh Lettings Minibus Osborne’s OFSTED & NCMA registered Fireplace Showroom, Flue “A personal Letting Quality 14 –16 seaters for Broadway, Full/part-time hours Lining, and Multi Fuel Stoves Service Tailored that special day/night out Butcher of local farm meat, Between 6.30am and 6.30pm 01460 74612 to your Needs” 01460 75089 groceries, newspapers, www.merriottchildminder.co.uk 01460 249175 Airline Taxi wines & spirits 01460 73361 07747 035322 01460 76209 01460 73459 07721 018335

Martyn Porter The Kings Head Careford Lodge Painting & Decorating, Kingfisher The Haselbury Mill, Mon—Thur: 12-3; 6-midnight Residential Home Tiling & General House Veterinary Practice, Haselbury Plucknett, Fri: 12-6; 6-midnigh Church Street Maintenance. Crewkerne, for Weddings and Sat; 12noon –1am Contact Lorraine on No job too small your local vets. other Functions. Sun: 12noon– midnight 01460 75592 01460 74952 01460 72443 01460 77095 01460 72973 [email protected] Mobile: 07805159302

Tony Miles Ltd FUSION FOSTERING ECO Friendly B&B Lawrences Building & Roofing We are always looking for with country views Auctioneers Kevin Swain Contractor families who can offer warm, at Shute Spring, Merriott. Free verbal Electrical 74 Lower St. Merriott loving and safe homes to Open most of the year valuations Contractor Tel/Fax 01460 75860 children and young people Contact Hugh and Heather Home visits Tel 01460 73260 Mobile 07774 886379 who need Fostering. on 01460 75325 01460 73041 [email protected] Tel: 03301 239355 [email protected] Fax: 01460 270799 [email protected]

Moorlands Seavington Café Allen Computer Services Popular Motors Beehive Self Storage Residential Home Open Daily (Sun—am only) Sales, Repairs, Servicing, for Merriott Service Lopen Business Park, Lopen Quality care for the elderly Teas, coffees, cakes, snacks Home & Small Business Station+Spar Shop 01460 243100 Moorlands Road hot/cold lunches, breakfasts 01460 298036 Broadway, Quality Car Sales, www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk 01460 74425 Water St. Seavington allencomputerservices.co.uk Workshop, Business, Household Fax 01460 77391 01460 249730 MOT testing, Storage & Packing Materials 01460 76803

Entel Servicing Sassie Merriott Pharmacy Richard Ellis Chris Martin Interiors Ltd Aerial and satellite Ladies stylish fashion Free prescription Plasterer & Painter Specialising in installation of services and accessories collection & delivery Tel: 01460 74460 kitchens and bathrooms Terry Enticott 8 Church St, Crewkerne 01460 72222 Mobile: 07768 256416 01460 76612 01460 73273 01460 74323 merriottphar- [email protected] 07976 848677 07773428736 [email protected]

Appliance Martin & Co (Yeovil) Maintenance Services novahomes.co.uk Letting, Investment and For information on Andrew M Sheppard 01460 72225 Property Management for becoming a sponsor, Domestic Appliance Repairs or email jane.desforges S Somerset & W Dorset please contact a Tel : 01460 72211 @novahomes.co.uk 01935 420555 member of the Mob: 07970 744115 yeovil@martinco.com Editorial Team. amser- www.martincoyeovil.co.uk [email protected]

Sat 9th March, 9pm Flatland Boogie Band March events at.. Sat 16th March, 7.30pm St Patrick’s Day Disco (in aid of Africa trip for T Bending) Sat 23rd March, 6.30pm Family Music Quiz (in aid of Merriott First School) Sun 24th March, 6.30pm for 7.30pm Easter Bingo Thurs 28th March, 8pm AGM Sunday Night Quiz: every Sunday at 8.30pm

Copy deadline date for the Editorial Team April Merriott Messenger is March 12th 2013. E-mail: [email protected] or contact any of the editorial team. Articles received after this John Bowman 74077 Ann Lawrence 78461 date may not be included. Peter Bryans 78182 Katherine Nolan 77047 Please include any art work or photos. Niki Scurr 419201 Janet Lailey 271008 Marion Andrews 01935 863420