FEBRUARY 2021 50p - Owned by the Community - Serving the Community -
Open daily 8.30 - 12.00 * Fresh fruit & Vegetables * Bread from Maiseys * Milk * Cheese * Thorners Pies *
* Orders taken for fresh meat from Havercro�’s Butchers * Watch out for our February “Winter Warmer” event … more details to follow!
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19 Killarney Ave, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 1NB TEL: 01278 787187
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The Parish of Three Saints St Christopher, Lympsham St Michael, Brent Knoll St Mary, East Brent Contacts Baptisms Rector of The Benefice of Three Saints To arrange a Baptism, contact the Rector or Church Reverend Kevin Wright Administrator. The Rectory, 3 Ash Trees, East Brent, Somerset, TA9 4DQ Please also see Church of England website for more Tel 01278 760844 or Mobile 07764 170463 information- www.churchofenglandchristenings.org e-mail - [email protected] Weddings Friday is the Vicar's day of rest Weddings can be arranged by contacting our Church Church Administrator – Mrs Carole Carter Administrator who will discuss with you availability of dates Church Office, Church Road, East Brent, Somerset, TA9 4HZ and times, also talk with you about the qualifying connection you must have with the Parish and to take your Tel 01278 769082 contact details. e-mail [email protected] You will then be contacted by The Rector to arrange a Office is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10.00 – 1.00 mutually convenient time to meet to discuss your Website www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk commitment and requirements. Churchwardens Please also see Church of England website for more St Michael’s, Brent Knoll information- www.yourchurchwedding.org Frances James 01278 760287 Funerals Mike Smith 01278 760691 / [email protected] Your chosen Funeral Director will contact our Church Church Treasurer – Jim Hanmer Administrator or Rector to arrange your requirements. 01934 750076 / [email protected] ******************* Visit our website – www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk PCC Secretary – Mrs Carole Carter Facebook: TPOTS 01278 769082 / [email protected] Twitter: @TPOTS6
COVID-19 National Lockdown – Stay at Home To keep everyone safe The Rector, Wardens and PCC have made the decision to suspend all worship and private prayer in the church buildings of this parish until further notice. We have been granted bishop’s dispensation to do so. The church as a family is very much alive. There is an ongoing programme of online live and recorded worship, which can be accessed by going to the website: www.theparishofthreesaints.org.uk For further information, including funeral arrangements, please contact The Rector, The Revd Kevin Wright. Tel. 01278 760844 e-mail [email protected]. Kevin Wright Church Register – At Rest - Terry Stephen Azzopardi
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METHODIST CHURCH (www.brentknollmethodistchurch.com) Minister Revd. Steve Bennett I’m writing this article during the third national lockdown and I must admit I’m finding this one the most difficult. And speaking to friends around the community, I know I’m not alone. During the first lock down, there was very much a sense of unity and camaraderie, despite our being forced to spend time apart. A real sense of “we're all in this together”. It also helped that the weather turned warm and the days were noticeably longer. This third lockdown continued in that most miserable month of January when the weather was grim, daylight was scarce and after Christmas and New Year, there seemed precious little to look forward to. It’s no surprise that according to articles in various national newspapers that anxiety and stress are on the rise because, as a result of our spending more time indoors, we have more time to think and ruminate over all that is happening in our country at the moment. As Christians, we will be entering the period of Lent this month. A time where meditation, contemplation and thought are part of our journey through this most special of times. It is a time for us to focus on Christ’s journey to the cross. It is traditionally one of the most solemn periods in our church calendar. But despite our eyes being fixed on Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice, as Christians we are all aware of the great joy of Easter Sunday that followed the despair of that first Good Friday. We have the benefit of hindsight. We know the happy ending, if you like! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have that benefit now? If we could peek into the future, say 6 months to a year from now, and found that things had gone back to “normal”. Hugs with family and friends were back on the agenda, we could meet with as many friends as we like and, for us here at Brent Knoll Methodist Church, we could attend worship without worrying about maximum numbers and social distancing. Of course, we don’t have the gift of hindsight, but we do have that wonderful gift of hope. When I popped out for a walk just before writing this article, I saw groups of snowdrops popping up - and didn’t they make me smile! Snowdrops defy all logic. They look tiny and fragile but they are so strong. They defy the worst of the weather and a real sign that Spring is really not too far ahead. A symbol of new life after the bleakness of Winter. They are truly a symbol of hope - of triumph over adversity. During these uncertain times, we continue to hold each and every one of you in our prayers. At the time of writing, all churches in our Methodist Circuit are currently closed for worship but we are still looking to the possibility of opening our chapel for an Easter Sunday service. This may or may not be possible, but talking to members of our congregation, we are all hopeful that the church will open again. I will, of course, keep you updated with any news. In the meantime, from all of us here at the Methodist Church, keep safe, keep warm. And enjoy looking at those first signs that Spring is on the way in this beautiful area of the country in which we are so blessed to live. God bless. Rosemary Krull Sedgemoor North West Beat Team
PCSO 7675 Sam Piers PCSO 8338 Steve Hemmett 07889 655184 PC 2357 Tracey Jones 07889 655212 Sam.piers@avonandsomers 07889 657944 Stephen.hemmett@avonand et.police.uk Tracey.jones@avonandsom somerset.police.uk erset.police.uk
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BKN.Innards.indd 4 20/01/2021 15:11 The choice is yours
Our new showroom at East Brent has been designed to give customers the chance to review our extensive product range in a relaxed, peaceful environment. Unfortunately we cannot open the showroom fully until restrictions are lifted but we can offer you the option of a virtual tour or a visit by appointment. Please ring us for more details.
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News from the Parish Council Virtual Meeting in January Councillors attending: Cllrs Borland, Camp, Filmer, Freestone, Harper, Holmes, Hurkett, Summers, Trivett-Bill and Townsend (Chairman). The Clerk and 4 members of the public. Apologies: Cllr Knott & District Cllr Gilling. Planning Matters 07/20/00023: Change of use of land from agriculture to form extension to caravan park for the siting of static caravans and timber chalets. Formation of a fishing lake (revised scheme) at Westbrook Farm, Harp Road, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4HQ Response: Unanimously resolved to object to the proposal on the following grounds (a) Inadequate flooding measures. (b) Over development and not reduced sufficiently since a previous application. (c) Traffic generation issues. 07/20/00024: Erection of an agricultural Building at Hafod, Wick Lane, Lympsham, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS24 OHG. Response: Unanimously objected to this application on the following grounds. (a) Creating a poor visual amenity. (b) Over development of the relatively small site. (c) The unit proposed far too large for an agricultural use. (d) Insufficient ventilation for the purpose intended. 07/20/00025: Erection of 4 lodges and the creation of a parking area at Yarlington Barn, Dobunni Farm, Wick Road, Lympsham, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS24 0HA. Response: Unanimously supported this application on the grounds of Economic development and the associated benefits to the community. Decisions were taken on the following Matters 1. The Glebe Field. Resolved to make a tender application for the land behind the village green for the extension of community benefit. 2. Approved 4 local grants to the following The Rainbow Guides £250 Wessex Learning £250 Mendip Community Transport £100 Promise Works £200 3. Consider a list of improvements to signage and drainage matters (raised by resident). Reports were received from (a) County and District reports from Cllr Filmer. (b) Footpaths Updates from the footpaths team. (c) Highways report from Cllr Borland. (d) Village Green Report from duty Councillor. (e) Police and Crime Report and Ham Road Speed watch group. Finance Reports The Clerk presented a budget in line with previous discussions and the Parish Council. Meeting Times The Parish Council’s next Virtual meeting is on February 3rd, 7pm. If anyone wishes to join the meeting, can they please contact the clerk in advance. A full set of minutes available on the website or by email request to the clerk. Contact the Clerk for any Council matters Owen J Cullwick, el o cler rent noll c co
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Bishop’s letter - What does love require? Having heard the announcement about the latest lockdown, I walked over to the Cathedral. I sat at the back and looked up at the Cross in the Nave. A question welled up as I sat: ‘what does love require in the cold climate of Covid?’, with empty streets, people shut in, schools and businesses closed. Like many clergy I have a list of people to lift with a phone call or email. Everyone can of course ring neighbours and friends and family. And offer a word, distanced, in the street; a wave to a window; a card through a letterbox. My neighbour is those I know and care for. But Christ teaches that my neighbour is also on the streets, needy and destitute. Foodbanks and charities need urgent assistance in a cold climate where indifference is not unknown. It might be quite simple: shopping, love taking us to the supermarket. It might be conversation: love says listen as they pour it all out. It might be a bit more complicated. My neighbour might be disabled – is practical help needed? My neighbour might be held as a slave at a car wash. How do I discreetly ask? When do I alert the Clewer initiative? My neighbour may be gay, does love ask me to affirm or keep a distance? My neighbours may be black. How do I show my belief that black lives really matter? Love can be very active in the cold climate of today. But love needs replenishing. Love becomes brittle and bossy if it is given but not received. Love means that I must be open to others, for they may want to love me and be a neighbour to me by loving me. God is love, so in the cold climate of Covid, when community is weakened, let us give and receive love. And the coldness will vanish because love has come to stay. John Davies, Dean of Wells Toddlers Update from The Teddies Hope this finds you all well and that you are getting your daily exercise. We enjoy our walks on frosty mornings; the trees look amazing covered in white ice and it was good to see that the horses, out in the fields, had their winter blankets on. Some days have been too wet and muddy to go out, so we are really pleased that Joe Wicks’ workouts are back on YouTube. They are a great way to exercise indoors and if you have older brothers and sisters (even grownups) in your home, you could get them to join in too. His Fancy Dress Friday workouts are a big hit with all the toys. Some of us look in the fancy dress box to find fairy, princess, pirate and doctor outfits. Tigger, who we thought might go as himself, decided he wanted to go as a penguin! This was quite difficult but we helped him make a mask from black and white paper. Our Jemima Puddle Duck and Peter Rabbit toys decided they wanted to go as dinosaurs - a triceratops and a stegosaurus - which proved very difficult. We made their costumes out of cardboard but we think they found some of the workout moves rather hard dressed as dinosaurs. We have great fun thinking of what to wear each Friday and even more fun creating the designs. Do you wear fancy dress on Fridays for your exercise? Birthdays this month - just one and that is Theo’s on 25th so we wish him a very “Happy Birthday”. We are all keeping well but miss our times together. We think of you often and one day, when it is safe to do so, we will be together again. The Teddies, (with only a very little help from Jane)
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BKN.Innards.indd 8 20/01/2021 15:11 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts Sedgemoor District Council fund a not-for-profit loan scheme for homeowners and landlords*. We understand the expense of maintaining ROSEMARY’S FLORIST your home and we work with you to take the Family-owned Local Qualified Florist stress out of funding repairs, improvements or adaptations. We see you as an individual, not a credit score. Friendly, Personalised Service Our knowledgeable team of advisers will guide you through the process of applying for a home Arrangements, Bouquets & Gifts improvement loan. Weddings • Funerals • All Special Occasions Same Day Local & Nationwide Deliveries
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Parish Council - Update on current areas of activity School Speed Restrictions to 20MPH During the past year, the Parish Council (PC) approached the County with a view to introducing 20mph restrictions near the school. This is a matter that has been in the target of the Council for a long period and Cllr Filmer in his role as County Councillor has been maintaining contact with the highway’s officers. The County has now briefed us that the implementation of these changes should take place during the 2nd half of 2021 or the very early part of 2022. The PC will keep a close eye on developments as we move forward. Weight Restrictions in Burton Row During the last part of 2020, it has been suggested that the PC seek to encourage the County to impose weight restrictions on Burton Row. This is a result of heavy vehicles using the area as a short cut to the A370 and A38. The PC supported taking this action at its December 2020 meeting, however it was also clear that any move to introduce weight restrictions should include Brent Street as this could very easily become an alternative route. It is unlikely that this will be swift however, the PC will have it on the ongoing matters listing. The Speed Indicator Device (SID) The PC attempted during the past year to get the new device, purchased in 2019, up and running and to deliver a speed monitoring service in the village. This has proved very difficult, as the suppliers have offered very poor service on a unit that has not proved fit for purpose. We are negotiating with the suppliers either to fix the unit or to refund the capital cost. We are waiting for the outcome of our most recent letter. We do hope however to source a new unit from recommended suppliers this coming year. Dog Bin Installation (Additional Unit) The PC has agreed to a new bin opposite the school in Brent Street and is waiting the final sign off from the County so that Sedgemoor District Council can proceed to install it early in 2021. We do hope that every new bin sited in the village will help address the ever-growing concerns over Dogs and their owners who appear unprepared to pick up after their animals Bakers Field (Affordable Housing Development) This site got off to a slow start this year with some Covid restrictions delaying the start of this important housing development in the village. At the time of writing, good progress has been made and it will, of course, mean that some people will be able to move into the new properties in 2021. Those in need of affordable housing or rented housing will see the benefits of this development very soon. The developers have tried very hard to minimise disruption, which of course, is inevitable with any construction project. The PC will continue to maintain some contact with the developers and update accordingly on the website. The Glebe Field At the time of writing, the PC has decided to tender for the land in Church Lane known as the Glebe Field. The Diocese, who currently owns the land, has decided to offer it for sale. It is land that the PC has shown interest in previously and the intention is to use the land to extend community access and to consider appropriate uses. If the PC’s tender is successful and the land is acquired, there will be a period to considered options prior to any changes. Signage and Road Drains The PC has recently received a very worthy communication about concerns about signage and road drains around the village. The Parish Council will be taking, a much-needed look at all of these during 2021 and hope to see improvements. The Emergency Shop The PC has been fully supportive of this venture, which has helped a great number of people during the current emergency. Apart from providing grant funding, we have also managed to secure additional grants from other providers to assist the shop in these difficult times. We know the huge efforts and commitments made by the volunteers in the village, which is great tribute to the spirit and determination to demonstrate the need for a village shop. We know that the steering Committee is currently working up plans to move to a Community shop structure and the Parish Council will encourage and support these efforts. Owen Cullwick, Clerk, Brent Knoll Parish Council
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2021 – New Life It’s hard to believe that already, as we go into the winter month of February, that wildlife is already starting to breed. Maybe that’s why Valentine’s is in February? The sound of the female fox calling at night is a timely reminder that wildlife is already looking for mates. The badger may well have already had her cubs but she will keep them warm and safe underground until the cubs are nearly three months old, only then will they come above ground. Born blind, naked and deaf they are very vulnerable, and the sow rarely leaves them at this early age. Each year, we get very tiny badger cubs brought into us because dogs have entered a sett and pulled a cub out. Cubs so tiny are very hard to rear. So please remember, when walking your dog, that they don’t start worrying around a badger sett. We have certainly cared for a lot of hedgehogs this Winter too with nearly 100 hogs in care at one time. The cold weather is always a difficult time of year for all wildlife, so a fresh bowl of water and food made available in really cold weather is very welcome, especially when there are hard frosts. The race is on to find the first daffodils and already the crocuses are beginning to show themselves. It is a difficult month, after the joy and festivities of Christmas, to then go into cold months when we may well be on lock down again. But our days are starting to get longer. There are fantastic natural sights to be seen with the murmurations of the starlings and flocks of young swans out in the fields in the Somerset Moors. It’s time to check our website www.secretworld.org to see what events we have planned, both virtual and actual, for the rest of the year. Having already mentioned Valentine’s Day, I must let you know that our Adoptions for Valentine’s Day (or Mother’s Day) have a soft toy holding a rose! Have a look at our website for details. With a vaccine in sight and the knowledge that Spring will soon be bursting into life, we really do have much to look forward to. As I have mentioned before, there is a great deal of building work going on at Secret World, but we are still here to offer advice and to accept wildlife casualties just as we have always done. Our contact number is 01278 783250. Pauline Kidner, Founder of Secret World Wildlife Rescue HIGHWAY CODE – Keep Safe A note from The Highway Code for pedestrians on our country lanes... “What to do when there is no pavement available: .....small groups should keep to the right-hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic. Keep close to the side of the road and be prepared to walk in single file. If you come across a sharp right-hand bend, it may be safer to cross to the left-hand side of the road and cross back after the bend.” Please walk on the Right ! Front Cover Photo - Thanks to Steve Russell for this month’s front cover picture. Bob
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WI Craft Group Although we are unable to meet, our members and others continue to knit hats and scarves for Seafarers as well as blankets for both premature babies and adults with dementia, for which they and us are grateful. Over Christmas, we had a huge thank you from the Mission to Seafarers for the hats and scarves we had given via St. Andrew’s church in Burnham earlier in the year. Some were put in Christmas shoeboxes; some will be kept for visiting seafarers and some were being used in boxes the Mission was making up themselves. We look forward to meeting again sometime this year and not only to show or explain what crafting we’ve done, but also to explain how it’s helped us to keep busy during this strange time. If anyone is having itchy fingers and would like to knit for a worthwhile cause, please contact me and I should be able to help with patterns, wool etc. Margaret Smith 01278 760691 Women’s Society By now, I had hoped that we could have planned our programme for the rest of the year, but I am sorry that we have been unable to. Julie and I do hope that you are all finding plenty to keep yourselves occupied! We would all like to wish Phyllis a very Happy 90th birthday and thank you so very much for your continued support and encouragement. Ann and Julie Pastoral Care Groups Although the groups can’t meet physically, we’ve been keeping an eye on our members through phone calls, emails etc. The Alzheimer and Dementia Carer group has been meeting fortnightly on a Monday afternoon through Zoom. If anyone is interested in joining them, please phone Carla Searle on 01278 760041 or email [email protected]. Mrs Kim Wilcox, the village agent, also attends the meetings. The Parish of Three Saints Pastoral Care team has also been busy keeping an eye on people in the community. Parents of those recently baptised in our parish, have also been emailed to say that we are thinking of them and given links to online services, contact details etc. If there is anyone who would value a chat, please contact Anthony on 07701 081077 or email [email protected]. Margaret Smith, 01278 760691 Just for Fun – Church bulletin board The following appeared in church bulletins or were announced at church services:- The sermon this morning “Jesus walks on water”. The sermon tonight “Searching for Jesus” Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. Don’t let worry kill you off - let the church help. Miss Charlene Mason sang ‘I will not pass this way again’, giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. BDF
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BKN.Innards.indd 16 20/01/2021 15:11 Misted Up Double Glazed Unit Replacement Broken Glass Repairs New Work Mirrors
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Brent Knoll House Histories European Heritage Year 1975 W. I. Book – 50
top of the area labelled ‘501,’ just above the area marked as ‘722.’ Continued on page 20
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Brent Knoll House Histories – Continued hat, he the rebu ld as omplete, a ro of farm bu ld s repla ed the or al house a d that the e bu ld had a e te s o bu lt o o e s de mak t der tha the or al. h s ould, of ourse, e pla some of the problems re ard the o stru t o of the moder bu ld , su h as the ll f tt ru outs o some of the beams assum the room s e as ot de t al , some of the o s ste es re ard the dth of var ous parts of the alls a d the s uare to er for the sta r, et . ome of the reaso h the alls d ffer s e a d t pe, ma also be e pla ed b the fa t that the all sho r ht h h rema s o the s te of the earl est bu ld , has d at o s that t as the or al all. t s ot just the door, h h s a obv ous feature, but also some blo ked do s, the most otable of h h s that bet ee the door a d the prese t house. here are, ho ever, other pote t al do s tes bet ee the door a d the ate, h h are less obv ous m tha ks to ul e atf eld for po t th s out to me, allo me to see some old deeds of the house, h h ll be us later art les, a d for v me u te a lot of format o about the house she as brou ht up . hose old deeds also prov de a solut o as to h the . . uropea er ta e ear ook sa d that the house dated ba k to the s tee th e tur . 1 the the o er of ark arm, l ver Thomas Frost, made a declaration that he was “84 years of age and upwards” and was living in Park Farm, which his parents had held under “a term of 900 years created by an Indenture of Lease dated 22 June in the 30th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth.” hat ould mea the lease as reated 15 . hat s u te earl for su h a lo lease, thou h leases for three l ves ere ommo .e., the lease o t ued u t l all three amed people had d ed. o, people ofte used the r h ldre as o e or t o of the amed people . hat as happe th s de larat o , as that rost as obta the freehold to the la d, h h s h he o t ued b sa that he had ever heard that e ther of h s pare ts had ever pa d re t to a o e u der the lease a d he had not for the past 50 years; “to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, no rent was reserved by the above-named lease which has been either lost or destroyed.” h h s a shame as t ould have amed the or al o er. John Page m rtle.bk ma l. om Taunton Military wives’ choir Following the postponement of the visit by Taunton Military Wives choir to St. Michaels in May 2020, we are pleased to say we are in discussion with them and hope they will be able to come in September 2021. More details to follow as soon as we have confirmation of a date (Covid permitting). Mike and Margaret Smith
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BKN.Innards.indd 20 20/01/2021 15:11 PAUL DIXON Carpenter & Joiner Builder Extensions Loft Conversions Conservatories Porches Timber/uPVC Windows/Doors Staircase Fitted Furniture Free Advice and Estimates Tel: 01278 760521 ‘Apple Down’, 76 Brent Street, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4EQ
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Wanted for Brent Knoll Community Shop A Part-Time Manager Brent Knoll Community Shop was opened as an “Emergency Shop” in response to the Covid pandemic and the closure of the village’s shop and Post Office. We are a band of volunteers, determined to provide a permanent community shop and restore Post Office services for our fellow villagers. We now need a part-time manager to oversee: • Day-to-day running of the shop and its volunteers; • Induction training, monitoring and organising volunteers; • Environmental health & safety and trading standards compliance; • Daily cash management; • Invoices & delivery notes from suppliers; • Updating of shop handbook guide for volunteers; The successful applicant will report to the Steering Group, liaise with the buying team, and be available to answer customer queries and respond to stock shortages. You will need: • A good level of numeracy and IT skills; • Management and organisational skills; • Experience of retail and/or face-to-face customer service; • Experience of cash-handling; • Full driving license; • Enthusiasm for providing a community service; • Willingness to be trained in Post Office services. What can we offer? • We can currently offer 10 hours per week at £12 per hour; • We hope to expand those hours as we seek to grow our business; • Working with a merry band of enthusiastic volunteers who all share a dedication to providing our village community with a social hub and the essential products they need. Might that be you? Please email your application (with a CV) by Monday 8th February to: Dr Niall Moore (Chair of Brent Knoll Community Shop Limited) at: [email protected] David Sturgess: [email protected] or 01278-760621 Speedwatch Burton Row Speedwatch started on 3rd February 2020. I would like to thank all team members for their ongoing support and thanks to PCSO 8338 Steve Hemmett for his continued involvement. Mary Cole
FEBRUARY BRENT KNOLL NEWS
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St Michael's Church Friends If 2019 was the year in which we managed to raise £15k as our contribution to the North aisle roofing project and 2020 was the year in which we completed it; 2021 will be the “hangover” year. Last year was a disaster for our fundraising efforts. We were just about to get into our stride with Easter Teas when Lockdown mark 1 hit us. Tony Gilbert managed to sell some vegetables and plants at his garden gate, and we intended to hold a substitute for our usual Christmas Fair in the church. Plans had to be changed twice but, with the help of the Brent Knoll Emergency Shop, we finally set up a Christmas Raffle and Sale of Christmas Goods that raised £287. Many thanks to the Shop, Margaret Smith and Rosemary Keele, who contributed significantly to the Sale of Goods. This year we need to raise at least £3,500 if we are to keep our head above water and do the (relatively) minor projects that we wish to complete during 2021. Lockdown Mark 2 is not the best way to start a fundraising year, but we shall have to get weaving, and there are two initiatives that we want to highlight at this stage. Silent Auctions at the Brent Knoll Emergency Shop The Emergency Shop is very kindly allowing Friends of St Michael’s to keep a small table. Starting in February we are planning to hold a monthly Silent Auction of two donated items which will be displayed for one month. Anyone can place an anonymous bid by writing their offer for an item on a blackboard on the table and posting personal details and their bid in a box. Greater bids can be made at any time throughout the month by overwriting the blackboard bid. The highest bidder at the end of the month will win the item. Our first two items will be: A framed watercolour painted by the late Bruce Wingate (thanks to Sally and Vicky) and a beautifully knitted koala bear. Please support us and the shop with this fun venture to help the church funds. Rogationtide walks and a service in the churchyard We are planning to hold a number of events around Rogation Sunday on 17th May. In the middle ages, Rogationtide used to be the occasion when parishioners accompanied the local priest on a procession around the parish to bless the crops that had recently been planted. There was opposition to processions around the Reformation and most were banned. Subsequently this procession was revived and took on the function of “beating the bounds” to ensure that there was no encroachment onto the Parish land. There is no easy footpath that would take us round the Parish boundary but we have identified a simple route around which we shall organise a sponsored walk on Saturday 16th May. We also hope that it will be possible for us to organise a shorter walk/procession on the Sunday ending with an open-air service in the churchyard. As many people will know, we now have a website dedicated to promoting the Heritage of St Michael’s Church. Further news about these developments will be posted on the website and in the BKN. (https://stmichaelschurchbrentknoll.co.uk) Rosemary and Ged Keele Now where did that come from Bob’s your uncle, no, not our District Councillor!! But the Bob used to describe something that is resolved in your favour without any effort, i.e., you may say (just complete the form, send it in and Bob’s your uncle). This phrase was widely used in England in the 1890s, following the promotion of Arthur Balfour in 1886, to be Secretary of State for Ireland. Very few people regarded him as qualified for the job, when it soon became known that Balfour was the nephew of the then British Prime minister, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, the joke at that time was that if Robert was your Uncle, then anything was possible, the expression is still widely used today. Roger Ward
BRENT KNOLL NEWS FEBRUARY
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A Letter from the Rector of The Parish of Three Saints Dear Friends, Sometimes an impression is given that the church is only for a certain group of like-minded people; people who have a specific life-style, or maybe politics, or those who share clear views on hot-topics, such as sexuality. This unfortunately is often reinforced by vociferous and militant groups within and without the church and sensationalised by the media. However, if we look at the bible, we find that Jesus, quite remarkably, spent much of his time seeking out people who were different, the stranger, the other; those who came from different backgrounds, had social problems or had been ostracised by their own families. He even sought out those who were clearly less than honest. Here are a few examples: Jesus, a Jew, healed the servant of a Roman Centurion, (Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10). Romans were despised by the Jews as an oppressive regime. He had a conversation with a Samaritan woman (John 4). Not only was he speaking with a foreigner, but Jesus was also speaking alone to a strange woman, which was not acceptable in his culture. He touched and healed lepers (Luke 17:11-19). Lepers were outcasts and classed as unclean because of their illness. It was often thought that diseases were caused by sin. Jesus called Matthew (Levi), a hated and possibly dishonest tax-collector, to be a disciple and then went and had a meal with a group of rogues (Mark 2:13-17). The list goes on. Jesus did spend much of his time with his close friends and followers, who themselves were from all walks of life, but he also went out of his way to meet with these “other” people. Jesus has not changed. Perhaps there is some justification in the perception that the church is a narrow group (indeed, it was once said that the church is “the Conservative party at prayer”), but whatever the impression given of the church, Jesus shows that it is open for all people of any persuasion. The church is not a building; the last year has proved that. The buildings are merely hollow walls if they do not have a living faithful community worshipping in them. The church is a fellowship of people of many different personalities and viewpoints, people with different politics and life-styles, who share a faith in Jesus. They are called Christians. There is no requirement for being part of Jesus’ family, except to accept him as your Saviour. If you want to know more about being part of Jesus’ church, contact me or one of the church leadership team. Yours in Christ,
Revd Kevin Wright, Rector, The Parish of Three Saints
FEBRUARY BRENT KNOLL NEWS
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Local Crime Report December Report for Sedgemoor North West Area which includes: Berrow, Brean, Brent Knoll, East Brent, East Huntspill, Eastertown, Lympsham, Pawlett, Rooksbridge, Stretcholt, Watchfield and West Huntspill. Crime Type Recorded: Recorded: Trend Details Nov 20 Dec 20 Burglary - Residential - 1 +1 Burglary – Business 3 1 -2 Drug Offences 4 2 -2 Criminal Damage - 5 +5 Theft’s 6 5 -1 Public Order 4 5 +1 Violence Against Person 15 11 -4 Recorded: Recorded: ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour) Trend Details Nov 20 Dec 20 Calls to either 101 or 999 categorised as some form of (ASB) 19 18 -1 PCSO 7675 Sam Piers Dog Fouling With us all in lockdown again, more and more of us are taking advantage of the beautiful village we live in and are walking the Footpaths and pavements. Some of those walkers walk alone, some with friends and family, some with their dogs and one has even been seen walking their sheep!! Please, can I ask all those that walk with their dogs, whether they are on a short lead, long lead or no lead, to please pick up any deposits left by your dog. There are increasing complaints from across the village of more and more fouling from Brent Street, Body’s Lane, Church Lane, Station Road, Middle Street, Wick Lane and others, it seems to be universal!! Please take dog poo bags with you, bag it and either bin it in the Poo bins around the village or take it home, double bag it and put it in your black bin. Everyone wants to enjoy walking around our village, so please do think of others and don’t let your four-legged friend leave unwanted deposits for others to step in. Bob
BRENT KNOLL NEWS FEBRUARY
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PARISH HALL COMMITTEE FORTHCOMING EVENTS for your DIARY 2nd Saturday Bazaar, Farmers’ Market and Parish Café Postponed until further notice Next meeting – Monday, 8th February at 8pm online via Zoom! S Few
Burnham & Highbridge Choral Society The Burnham & Highbridge Choral Society (BHCS) is a friendly, non- auditioned choir based in Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, and has currently 50 - 60 members with differing levels of musical ability and experience. We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Burnham Methodist Church Hall in College Street. Traditionally, there have been two performances each year, one in December, usually held in the town’s Catholic church, and the other in March/April usually held in St Andrew’s Church. The Spring Concert usually features an orchestral ensemble and guest soloists. In the Summer term, a few of us get together to have an informal Summer Sing. Occasional requests to perform at local events are considered by the Committee. The choir works with a professional accompanist for rehearsals and performances and has generally performed a repertoire of sacred, secular, classical, and stage music. New members are very welcome. During the Covid-19 restrictions, we are unable to meet in person at the moment. Instead, we are holding virtual rehearsals on line every Thursday evening at 7.30pm, lasting for an hour. These are fun events, still with our professional Musical Director and live accompanist. We started rehearsals again in January 2021. We are aiming to hold a concert during the Summer, as long as Covid-19 restrictions allow. If you would like to join us on Thursday evenings, you would be most welcome. You can get further details from our secretary at [email protected] or on 01278 783511. Julie Skinner
FEBRUARY BRENT KNOLL NEWS
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“200+ Club” 2020 Cracking Christmas Draw The December draw was made at the December Parish Hall Committee meeting. The winning numbers were:-
December No. Prize Name First Prize 164 £ 120 Mr B.F. Wharmby Manor Ride Brent Knoll Second Prize 146 £ 60 Donated to Parish Hall Third Prize 14 £ 40 Mrs M.E. Dimmock Harp Road Brent Knoll Fourth Prize 15 £ 40 Mr F Adam Khong c/o Station Road Brent Knoll Fifth Prize 89 £ 20 Mr & Mrs P. McMahon Brent Street Brent Knoll Sixth Prize 181 £ 20 Mr & Mrs C.J. LaPage Burton Row Brent Knoll Seventh Prize 342 £ 20 Mr A. Ostroff California USA Eighth Prize 16 £ 16 Mr & Mrs P. Magor Ranscombe Close Worle Ninth Prize 185 £ 16 Miss E.L. Smith Cotham Lawn Road Bristol Tenth Prize 03 £ 12 G & G Page Battleborough Lane Brent Knoll Eleventh Prize 163 £ 12 Mr & Mrs A. Gilbert Brent Street Brent Knoll Twelfth Prize 81 £ 10 Mrs J.E. Fox Church Lane Brent Knoll Thirteenth Prize 288 £ 10 Mrs A.C. Brown Brent Street Brent Knoll Fourteenth 190 £ 8 Miss P. Eweinoh Crooked Lane Brent Knoll PrizeFifteenth Prize 343 £ 8 Mrs K. Roberts The Willows Brent Knoll Sixteenth Prize 143 £ 6 Mrs K. Roberts The Willows Brent Knoll Seventeenth Prize 152 £ 6 Mr M.J. Smith Brent Street Brent Knoll Thank you to all the members of the 2020 200+ Club; your support has helped make sure that our Parish Hall continues to meet the needs of our local community and remains at it’s heart. Bob Filmer, “200+ Club” Co-ordinator, Brent Knoll Parish Hall Committee Book Review - The Vital Nail - Bruce Samways The Vital Nail is a record of the period between 1936 to the end of World War II written by Bruce Samways and edited and produced by his daughter Rosemary Keele. I found it a fascinating read, beautifully written, and deserving of more publicity. Bruce Samways gained a scholarship to Cambridge became a scientist involved in development of Radar. This led to a wartime career in the Royal Air Force during which time there were periods of frenetic activity and also times of utter boredom. He was eventually sent to Trincomallee in Ceylon where he set up the first Radar station and was then involved in developing other sites. Just after the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbour, Japan changed its sights on invading Ceylon and India but did not know that we possessed Radar which thwarted their efforts to invade. Hence Bruce’s vital part in the history of the war. It is an interesting social history describing pre-war and wartime Britain and an insight into service life in the Royal Air Force. It is well worth a read, especially now that, with forced isolation, you may well find yourself with some time on your hands. To obtain a copy telephone 01278 769010 or email [email protected]. JSH “200+ CLUB” – 2021 There’s been a really good response to the 2021 200+ Club, with over 310 numbers already reserved, but we still have a few members from 2020 who haven’t replied yet. With the first draw for 2021 due to take place at the Parish Hall Committee meeting on Monday 8th February, there is still time to join! Numbers cost £12 per annum and are open to anyone (you don’t need to live in Brent Knoll), we have members in the USA, Oz and even Lympsham!! If you’d like to join, you can drop in an envelope marked “200+ Club” with a cheque payable to “Brent Knoll Parish Hall” together with your name and address, at the Brent Knoll Shop or e-mail Bob at [email protected] for more information. The more numbers in the draw the more prizes issued!! Bob Filmer, 200+ Club Co-ordinator
BRENT KNOLL NEWS FEBRUARY
BKN.Innards.indd 32 20/01/2021 15:11 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts G B Building & Maintenance Conservation Builder Historic, Listed and Traditional Methods Lime Plastering; Stonework; Cob Walls Lime Wash Paints; Brickwork Telephone: Mr Gary Broom on 07776032289 or 01823283212 Listed Heritage Member
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Your New Year Sudokus Happiness Sudoku SETI Sudoku
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A 1 2 3 4 A 8 2 3 4 5 9
B 4 5 6 B 3 2
C 2 7 4 8 C 6 8 4
D 5 8 1 3 D 5 3
E 1 9 7 E 4 3 2 9 6 8
F 2 3 8 F 6 1 4 3
G 3 5 G 8 7
H 6 1 8 H 9 1
I I 4 2
Following on from my Happiness theme, my friend Klaus has produced another smiling face with my blue eyes and grey hair! I thought that, apart from my own happiness, we all needed a bit more cheering up with all the problems and worries that CV19 and Brexit have brought! This month there will be 3 missions landing on Mars searching for evidence of existing or past life and on page 36, I have an article on SETI (Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence). Last month’s comments were “Hi David - happy, healthy and safe New Year to you.” – “We spent a happy coffee time doing these” - “Here’s to another year of pleasurable puzzles! Many thanks”. Last month 12 persons sent in solutions. They were Klaus Brenner, Pauline Chadwick, Peter Filmer, Christine Hall, Mac Hares, Liz Ibrahim, Vicky Jones, Chris Marsh, Frankie and Geoff New, Ted Toon, and Jo Wright. Please send February solutions to [email protected] or 48, Brent Street. David Filmer The solutions to last month’s Sudokus are below:- Happiness Sudoku 3 O’clock Church Clock 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A 5 9 2 7 8 1 3 4 6 A 7 3 5 1 6 4 9 2 8
B 6 1 3 5 4 9 8 B 4 6 8 2 3 5 7 2 9 7 1
C 4 2 9 6 7 C 2 8 5 9 6 7 3 8 5 1 1 3 4
D 9 1 3 4 6 2 8 5 7 D 2 4 1 9 8 3 7 5 6
E 8 2 6 1 7 5 4 3 9 E 3 8 7 2 5 6 1 4 9
F 5 9 3 8 6 F 6 9 7 1 8 3 7 4 1 2 5 4 2
G 4 8 9 5 2 7 6 1 3 G 8 5 2 6 1 7 4 9 3
H 1 3 7 6 4 9 2 8 5 H 9 1 4 3 2 8 5 6 7
J 2 6 9 4 J 6 7 8 1 5 8 1 3 7 3 4 9 5 2
FEBRUARY BRENT KNOLL NEWS
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Are we humans alone in the cosmic universe? After Christmas Day, I saw a lot of television. I always watch the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. This year was on climate change. I also saw recordings of the 1977 lectures by Carl Sagan, the visionary astrophysicist, cosmologist and astrobiologist. His sixth lecture dealt with the question “Is there intelligent life outside our Solar System?” You can see it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn- Njh1Iz7M. He explained there are 300+ billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy, most with planets and there are 300+ billion galaxies! Our solar system is about 4 billion years old. The universe is 14 billion years old, so many galaxies are much older than ours, so much more time for intelligent life to evolve on them! He described a message, which has been sent by radio transmitters consisting of strings of 31 characters either zeros or ones. The first row and 31st was all 1s. Rows 2-30 were as below. 1111111111111111111111111111111 Rows 1 and 31 1000000000000000000000000000001 Rows 2 and 30 These were the first two layers. Then followed another 29 layers each row starting and ending with 1 but the intermediate spaces were either 1 or 0, and the 30th and 31st layers were the same as layer 2 and 1. When the symbol 1 was replaced by a black square and the symbol 0 was replaced by a transparent square, a 3-dimensional image was formed. To test if this image could be understood by other intelligent beings, Carl sent the message to University students, who solved the problem and saw the image! Please follow the above link to fully understand it. In the 1980’s the SETI (Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence) privately owned organisation was formed and a recent YouTube documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A63qkugtrdM&t=60s describes a mysterious radio signal received from outer space in the 1970s, called the Wow signal, for which we have no explanation yet. It also suggests that an earlier probe, sent to Mars last century, may have already shown that microbial life has been demonstrated there. But many other scientists have not been convinced of extra-terrestrial life, as their required standards are very high and those that say so, are often ridiculed by their colleagues and their careers damaged. Some people believe that intelligent beings, much more scientifically advanced than us with technologies that we have not yet understood, have already explored the universe in advanced spacecraft. They may have visited our solar system and may have been observing the evolution of our human species, which has only recently (in geological time) started to explore our own solar system. Some pilots of commercial airlines have reported to have seen strange phenomenon of unknown origin as have some astronauts. Their reports may well have more terrestrial based explanations but a few are still mysterious and unexplained. There is always a reluctance to accept revolutionary new ideas. Copernicus was shown the instruments of torture when he suggested that the earth goes round the sun, not vice versa! Certainly governments, scientists and organisations like NASA are looking for primitive as well as intelligent life outside our planet earth and, who knows, within the next few decades, or even sooner, we may have answers. Please watch the 2 videos and let me know what you think. David Filmer
BRENT KNOLL NEWS FEBRUARY
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In the News The Local Government Act of 1894 gave rise to the formation of Councils. The first meeting of the newly formed Brent Knoll Parish Council was held at the School Room on Monday December 31st 1894 at 7pm. John Toller Nicholletts JP of the Manor House, was elected as it's first Chairman. We met him in the December edition of the BK News. Of the three Councillors mentioned in the last edition of the BK News, George Arney was a Farmer who lived at Lower Battleborough Farm and was 47 in the 1901 Census. John Carey was a Farmer living at Wick and was 51 in the same Census. John Hawkings was another Farmer aged 43 in the Census, and he farmed at West Croft Farm. The fact that the 3 Councillors were Farmers would not be unusual as, at that time, there were, according to reports, 44 Farmers in the area. These ranged from farming over 100 acres to one milking 10 Cows. With regard to the death of Albert Nurse, there was a widow, Harriet Nurse aged 39, living in Middle Street in the 1901 Census. 1900 – September 1st. “Brent Knoll Sports Festival” was held as part of the Harvest Festival. 1901 March 9th. Parish Council for 1901-02 included Edward Body, John Carey, John Hawkins, George Arney, W.G.E. Poole and William Salvidge of East Brent. March 23rd. Presentation of a “chased solid silver cup” to Frank Body of Ivy Hall. George Brown Thank You I wanted to say a huge thank you to those that made donations to our Gift of Small Things Christmas Appeal, I was able to deliver boxes to clients and those most in need and it made such a difference. With the new year and colder weather, this always brings challenges to our less fortunate clients who struggle with fuel poverty. If you having difficulties in paying your fuel, then please do not hesitate to contact me and I can help. If, however, you are in a position to help people that are in a crisis, then you can donate your Winter fuel allowance to the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) here: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter - SCF then work with the Village Agents to allocate the donated fuel allowance to those in need. This year, many will need to stay at home to keep themselves safe and will find themselves cut off from family and friends and facing higher costs to heat their homes. Your donations will help us make sure the vulnerable and older people across Somerset have the support they need to get through the Winter. Here are a couple of sites and information to help with fuel this Winter: Check out the energy (& money!) saving advice here https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/heating-your-home/ Contact the centre for Sustainable Energy which can help you find a better rate https://www.cse.org.uk/ if you haven’t changed energy suppliers in over a year, you are guaranteed to save money by changing. CSE can help you with this. I also wanted to remind you that Somerset Sight is visiting people and supporting those with sight loss at the moment. Despite the pandemic, their service is still running, with over 300 volunteers linked up to people for regular visits when allowed, and telephone contact. If you have a sight impairment, then please contact me and I can refer you to a volunteer for support. Kim Wilcox Village Agent 07943555519 or [email protected]
FEBRUARY BRENT KNOLL NEWS
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ostcar s o Brent Knoll
This month’s postcard shows the Corner Stores, which used to be in Burton Row, at the junction with Station Road and Brent Street. There are a number of points of interest in this picture and I may return to it again next month to discuss some of them further. Some of us still remember Mike Simmonds, who ran the Post Office and stores there, before he retired and the shop closed. It appears that it became a Post Office shortly before the First World War, so I am not certain that it was such when this picture was taken, though it does boast a public telephone. The original sub-postmaster was William Adams. There is a reference to “Berrow and “Office?” above the Corner Stores notice over the door, but I cannot read what the centre word is. Does anyone know what it said? Later Mr Maggs had a tailor’s business over the shop. Some of the things that I found interesting, were the signs hanging outside the Stores. Perth Dye Works suggests that quite a lot of dyeing took place locally, but the one I had not heard of before was Biggs Tobaccos. Apparently, they were a Bristol firm with their factory in Redcliffe Street (see left). They produced around one hundred different named varieties of tobacco in differing forms, before becoming part of the Churchman’s group under Imperial Tobacco in the 1960s. John Page
BRENT KNOLL NEWS FEBRUARY
BKN.Innards.indd 40 20/01/2021 15:11 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts Come and see us at Burnham Swim & Sports Academy, Berrow Rd
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Station Road, Brent Knoll Progress • Current target completion date is April – May 2021. • Felt and batten and first fix are complete on plots 1-2 and main structures have commenced. • Roof tiling has been completed to houses and garages on plots 3-4. • Felt and batten is complete and stairs installed with first fix commenced to plots 5-7. • Timber frames are being installed for plots 8-9. • Scaffolding is nearing completion to plots 10-13. • No progress has been made to plots 14-15 this month due to the location of the temporary haul road. • Within the next month, the roofing, drylining and main structures to plots 1-4 should be completed with the roofing and first fix completed and drylining and main structures commenced to plots 5-7, the timber frame completed and roof commenced to plots 8-9 and the timber frame completed for plots 10-13. The substructure and oversite should also be complete for plots 14-15. • Monthly progress meetings continue to be held virtually and the Parish Council is updated after each meeting. • Material orders are being placed in advance of requirements and delays continue to be experienced on some materials. Marketing/Allocations Willow Tree Housing, in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council, launched the marketing of the Bakers Field properties in early October 2020. The scheme includes the following properties: Open Market - 2 x 4 bed houses; 2 x 3 bed houses; and 2 x 2 bed houses Shared Ownership - 2 x 2 bed houses (one remaining) Affordable Rent - 1 x 4 bed house; 1 x 3 bed house; 1 x 2 bed house; 2 x 2 bed apartments; and 2 x 1 bed apartments All two bed properties (shared ownership and open market) have now been reserved. If you are interested in any of the remaining properties and would like further details, please call Willow Tree Housing Partnership on 01934 750780 for affordable rent enquiries or Westcoast Properties on 01278 784884 to discuss the open market homes. Further Updates A further update will be provided in next month’s Brent Knoll News. Karen Walker, Willow Tree Housing Partnership A New Friend in a New Year Under twenty-one, not an adult Now we hope that Brexit's over My life got a bit of a jolt We can live in fields of clover The "RAF" sent me across the sea But only when we've paid our bills To a place called Germany Conquered Covid and all our ills To help them sleep safe in their beds And keep away the dreaded "Reds" When I was still ever so young I was told I must fear the "Hun" I was pleased they were so friendly As we sheltered every night Everyone so nice to me. I found out we were in a fight And now with all the new hi tech Hurrah we have won but at great toll Our contacts can be better yet But we could never save the Pole I've made a friend in Germany With Skype can he be there to see? JMS 2021
FEBRUARY BRENT KNOLL NEWS
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Nature diary for February This month’s diary is an assortment, something on the Brent Knoll environment, some history on teasels and finally back to a wise old bird. What do we mean by environment? It can be flora and fauna but this month my comments are on scenery and views, essentially what we see when we walk about Brent Knoll. I have been struck by how our views of the countryside have changed with the two new developments. Both impinge in different ways. The Orchard has the lesser impact. As you drive along Brent Street to the A370, there is simply an extra turning near the main road. However, when you are on the A370 the perspective is different and, when it is complete, the “façade” of Brent Knoll will alter significantly. Baker’s Field is a triangular area at a significant junction and the local scenery has been altered completely by the housing development. What was a damp meadow with shrubs and rough grass has been turned into a small urban area that does not enhance the local scenery at all. This thought struck me fairly forcibly when I walked down there recently. Some may disagree with my assessments of the scenic impact of these developments but I don’t think that anyone would disagree about the impact that development on other open spaces around Brent Knoll would bring. As I walked back along Brent Street from Baker’s Field, I looked at the views of the Quantocks and the Knoll that one gets walking along the road. I also enjoyed the scenery and vistas around Church Lane, and some of the footpaths near the church. When I cycle or drive to East Brent, I try to concentrate on the road! However, I can also take in some wonderful views of the Mendips. What if these green spaces were to disappear under housing developments? Could this happen, and would it be a good thing? If the Government gets its way over their “reform” of the Planning Laws, we may not have any say locally on what happens to our open spaces because there will be no local input to planning decisions. What have we learned about teasels since my piece last year? Rosemary recently dug out some research into land use in Somerset between 1500 and 1700. Around the turn of the 16th and 17thC there were a number of fullers in Axbridge, who finished woollen cloth. At that time, there was a thriving Somerset cloth industry, so teasels were a valued commodity. In fact, weight for weight, they were as valuable as wheat. In 1642 the Civil War broke out, the Somerset cloth industry died, and teasel production stopped. Finally, tawny owls have been hooting loudly recently just as we have been going to bed. They breed early in the year and will be about to mate soon. They are lifelong partners but, since the average life expectancy is only 3-4 years, they are not “married” for that long. During the day, they will roost in suitable trees in which there is cover. Owls regurgitate the undigested parts of their food as oblong shaped pellets containing the bones of their prey. If you find one of these on the ground, look up and search the tree above carefully. You may see the owl at its roost. Ged Keele BRENT KNOLL PARISH SURGERY The monthly Parish Surgery will be discontinued until meetings resume, however please do phone or email the clerk if you have any issues that you need to discuss. Owen J Cullwick, [email protected] Mobile Tel 07917 445 215
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BKN.Innards.indd 44 20/01/2021 15:11 PLUMBING BY GEORGE Ltd! 302969 Brent Knoll Small Jobs - dripping taps - leaking toilets, Outside taps, Shower replacements, etc. Gas boiler replacement, radiators & System Upgrades Boiler servicing Tel: 07813 321 197 Company number: 9523398 A company registered in England & Wales
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Brent noll Weather Report – December 2020 Much of December’s weather was influenced by Russia, but don’t worry, this is not an excursion into conspiracy theories – it’s about a persistent area of high pressure to our east. High pressure over Siberia is a normal Winter phenomenon, but in December it extended far enough west to impede the procession of Atlantic lows, so that they occasionally wandered about over the UK looking for somewhere to go. At the end of the month, the Azores high, a more or less permanent feature in the middle of the Atlantic, joined the fun by extending right up to Iceland and bringing a chilly northerly breeze for the last week or so. Our day-to-day weather is often governed by events a thousand miles away. December began with high pressure to our east and an Atlantic low over Iceland. Unable to move any further east, it drifted slowly south across the UK bringing cold polar air with it, resulting in a chilly and showery start to the month. With nowhere else to go, this low stayed with us until the fifth, when it moved off south again. Over the following fortnight, more lows approached the UK, only to be blocked by high pressure to our east, but these came from the west and so drew in milder air on a southerly breeze. Mid-December saw daytime temperatures in double figures with a high of 13.7C for the Winter Solstice on the 21st. Unfortunately, it was cloudy for the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction that evening, but there were good views to be had on the days before and after the event. The 21st saw a change in the weather pattern, as the high pressure to our east receded a little, allowing the Atlantic lows to resume their normal path. Then, on Christmas Eve, we found the position reversed – there was high pressure to the west of the UK, stopping the Atlantic lows from reaching us, and low pressure over Scandinavia. This drew in cold but dry polar air on a northerly breeze, for a bright but chilly Christmas Day. Boxing Day saw Storm Bella winding itself up over Iceland and, like the low we mentioned at the beginning of this article, this system headed south because of high pressure to the east. As it approached Scotland during the early hours of the 27th, a cold front moved across the UK producing 14mm of rain here and winds gusting to 40kts. Bella continued slowly southwards the next day, giving the Quantocks a dusting of snow on the 28th, and then moved off across the Channel. New Year’s Eve was the coldest day of the month, with high pressure to our west and lows, over the UK and Scandinavia, combining to pull down more Arctic air. It was a bright, chilly day, but the thermometer dropped rapidly during the evening to reach -4.3C at midnight and a minimum of -6.4C early on New Year’s Day. That last figure highlights a convention which applies to official weather observations. Traditionally the “Meteorological Day” runs from 0900 to 0900 – so, for example, the volunteers who record daily rainfall totals for the Met Office do their readings at 9am. This arrangement would allocate the minimum of -6.4C to 31st December, since it occurred before 0900. However, most amateur automatic weather stations are operated from midnight to midnight and so allocate the -6.4C minimum to 1st January. In many ways the 0900-0900 arrangement makes more sense for weather recording; but, for consistency with other amateur stations, we stick to midnight-midnight and that is what you will see on www.knollweather.co.uk. Total rainfall for December was 84.6mm, the average temperature was 6.5C and the maximum wind gust was 40 kts on the 27th – all about normal for the time of year. Stephen Baggs; www.knollweather.co.uk
FEBRUARY BRENT KNOLL NEWS
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Useful Village Contacts: Contact e-mail Telephone St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll Revd. Kevin Wright [email protected] 760844 Parochial Church Council, Secretary, Carole Carter [email protected] 769082 Church Administrator Carole Carter [email protected] 769082 Church Warden Miss Frances James 760287 Mike Smith 760691 Church Cleaners Weit Harper 760803 Church Flowers Mrs Marion Vining 760612 Poppy Organiser Mrs Sally Wingate 760610 Brass Cleaners Miss Frances James 760287 Methodist Church, Revd. Steve Bennett [email protected] 784808 Janet Southwell 760445 Baptist Church: Burnham, College St. Revd. Steve Ayers 783920 Catholic Church: Burnham & Bridgwater Father Frank Wainwright, 422703 Member of Parliament James Heappey [email protected] 01749 343255 County Councillor Bob Filmer [email protected] 760760 District Councillor Bob Filmer [email protected] 760760 Andrew Gilling [email protected] 01934 750580 Parish Council, Clerk Owen Cullwick [email protected] 07917 445215 Chairman Colin Townsend [email protected] 760226 Planning enquiries Andrea Hurkett [email protected] 760099 Footpath Contact Cynthia Trivett–Bill [email protected] 760198 Parish Hall Booking Secretary Jenny Butters [email protected] 760477 Bazaar Eddie Fuller [email protected] 760308 Chairman Bob Filmer [email protected] 760760 Secretary Sandra Few [email protected] 760451 Doctor Dr S L Aung 760313 NHS Non-Emergency Urgent Medical Helpline 111 Western Power Distribution Power Cut? 105 WRVS Prescription Service 760313 Brent Knoll Primary School Chris Burman [email protected] 760546 Toddlers Group Jane Hannah [email protected] 760629 Brent Knoll Tadpoles Pre-School Cathy Hurley 769126 Village Shop 760225 Village Post Office (Sub-Postmaster) Brent Knoll News, Production Editor Bob Filmer [email protected] 760760 Distribution Elaine & Eddie Fuller [email protected] 760308 Police PCSO 7675 Sam Piers [email protected] 07889 655184 Police Non-Emergency Number 101 Rhyne Problems Lower Axe Draining Board 789906 Village Agent Kim Wilcox [email protected] 07943 555519 National Trust Honorary Ranger Ged Keele 769010 Village Societies: All-Sorts Community Choir Sue Toon [email protected] 760753 Brent Amateur Dramatics (BAD) Sarah Joyce 787493 Conservative Branch Bob Filmer [email protected] 760760 Ecumenical Group Revd. Margaret Trapp 760573 Good Companions Mrs Ann Robson 760981 Guides/Brownies/Rainbows Jane Sinnott [email protected] Royal British Legion Rod Southwell 760445 Short Mat Bowling Club Alan Castle 760424 Table Tennis Club John Mathews 07414 868333 Tennis Club Alison Hillyer 01934 815407 Women’s Institute Janet Southwell 760445 Women’s Society Julie Baker 751229 E&OE
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Diary for February Page 1st Green Waste Collection Your House Early!! 3rd SORT IT+ Recycling Your House Early!! 3rd Parish Council – Public Session Online via Zoom 7.00pm 7 Parish Council Meeting Online via Zoom to follow immediately 4th B&H Choral Society rehearsals [Every Thursday] Online 7.30-8.30pm 31 7th Deadline for Part-time Manager application Community Shop 23 8th Parish Hall Committee meeting Online via Zoom 8.00pm 31 10th SORT IT+ Recycling & Rubbish Your House Early!! 12th Mobile Library [Friday] Village Shop 9.20-10.20am 14th Valentine’s Day 15th Green Waste Collection Your House Early!! 15th Deadline for March Brent noll News 12.00 noon 50 16th Shrove Tuesday 17th SORT IT+ Recycling Your House Early!! 17th Parish Council Provisional Planning meeting Online via Zoom 7.00pm 24th SORT IT+ Recycling & Rubbish Your House Early!!
POSTA Subscription The Brent Knoll News is available by post for those outside the village. All you need to do is to send name and address together with a cheque for 15 (incl. UK postage), to the editor, payable to “Brent noll News” and we’ll do the rest, you could even give it as a present! Why not contribute to OUR illage Maga ine Do you have a pastime or hobby that you think others would find interesting? Then why not share it with the village? We publish most items and others may find your article interesting. Deadline for the March 2021 Issue – All contributions to be received by noon on Monday 15th February, to:- [email protected] The Brent Knoll News welcomes all contributions. Views expressed are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor or the standpoint of the Brent Knoll News. The Editor reserves the right to edit or amend any contribution. BRENT NO I AGE WEBSITE: www.brentknollvillage.co.uk
BRENT KNOLL NEWS FEBRUARY
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