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For the ultimate hairstyling experience we will make every client’s visit unique, and work with you to create your own individual style. Sam is now offering RACOON HAIR EXTENSIONS, everything from simply refreshing your current style to developing a whole new image. Lisa, Rachael, Sam and Lauren thank all their existing clients for their continuous support. Hair by Design will be closed on Mondays A WARM WELCOME AWAITS ALL. Gift vouchers are available for all treatments The Pines, Brent Street, Call us now on 01278 760 506

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The Parish of Three Saints St Christopher, St Michael, Brent Knoll St Mary,

BAPTISM WEDDING When do we hold baptisms? How do we book our wedding? - on the fourth or fifth Sunday of a month at - please contact our Parish Administrator in 12.15pm or 1.15pm; the Church Office, who will discuss with we normally have one family at each time, you availability of dates and times; will talk however, there may be occasions when we to you about the qualifying connection you have another child to baptise and so there have with the parish; and will take you and will be two families together; your fiancé’s details; - or at our regular worship on a Sunday - you will then be contacted by our vicar to morning at 10.00am; arrange a date to meet.

There will be exceptions due to the church CHURCH OFFICE calendar Church Road, East Brent, TA9 4HZ How do you book a baptism? E-mail: [email protected] - collect an application form the Church Phone: 01278 769082 Office Open Tuesday & Wednesday,

10.00am-1.00pm & 2.00pm-4.00pm Churchwardens Miss Frances James 760 287 Mr Mike Smith 760 691 Services for February 2013 Date Service Time Church 3rd February Holy Communion - BCP 8.00am St. Christopher’s Lympsham The Presentation of Christ All-Sorts-Worship 10.00am St. Michael’s Brent Knoll (Candlemas) 10th February Holy Communion - BCP 8.00am St. Michael’s Brent Knoll Sunday before Lent Eucharist 10.00am St. Mary’s East Brent Celebration of Love for St Valentine’s Day 4.00pm St. John’s Highbridge 13th February Eucharist 7.30pm St. Mary’s East Brent Ash Wednesday 17th February Holy Communion - BCP 8.00am St. Christopher’s Lympsham First Sunday of Lent Eucharist 10.00am St. Michael’s Brent Knoll 24th February Holy Communion - BCP 8.00am St. Mary’s East Brent Lent 2 Eucharist 10.00am St. Christopher’s Lympsham Evening Prayer – Said 6.30pm St. Michael’s Brent Knoll Every Tuesday Holy Communion 2.30pm St. Mary’s East Brent Every Wednesday Holy Communion 10.00am St. Christopher’s Lympsham SIDESMEN ROTA 3rd February 10.00am Florence & Fleur Hale 10th February 8.00am Mike Champion 17th February 10.00am Tim & Jane Hannah 24th February 6.30pm Bruce Wingate CHURCH REGISTER Holy Matrimony Daniel Andrews & Katy Fell 4

METHODIST CHURCH Minister Revd. Andrew Biggs After depleting the local chemist of cold and flu remedies, I’ve managed to throw off the cold that has been doing its rounds like some viral form of “pass the parcel”. But despite all the bugs and viruses that arrive at the beginning of each year, I’ve always quite liked February. Lights are being turned on later, snowdrops and daffodils are popping their heads through and the promise of Spring is in the air. Saying that, it will now probably snow for the whole month and I’ll be eating my words, but I’m still hoping! Of course February also brings the start of Lent. As well as attending Lent courses, I shall repeat my performance of last year by giving up bread and cheese over the period. I say “performance” as friends and shoppers alike looked at me strangely as I pressed my face up to local delis’ windows and I resembled the “Bisto kid” every time I passed a bakers. I donated over £25 to charity last year on my savings so it was worth the pain. Brent Knoll’s Emmaus course met for the first time this year in January at the start of its new “term”. All are welcome. It is a chance to explore our spiritual journey and share our experiences in faith. And, of course, enjoy coffee, biscuits and a good chat at the end. God bless. Rosemary Krull Preachers for February at 10.30am 3rd February : Rev Andrew Biggs 10th February : Rev Pam Pembro 17th February : Mr Michael King (Vice President of Conference) / Rev Carol Gill (East Brent) 24th February : Mr Chris Luker Toddlers It is lovely to welcome everyone back for the Spring Term, hearing all about your Christmas celebrations and what presents you received - bicycles were obviously very popular! The toddlers have been busy producing some beautiful paintings as well as colouring pictures for our Winter display boards - their artwork is wonderful. Just to remind you that there will be no Toddlers on Tuesday 12th February as it is half-term week. Jane Fun in February Just another reminder for Fun in February everyone - the date is February 16th at around 10am - don't forget that drinks and biscuits are brought round by the wonder girls and then there is a ploughman’s lunch to revive everyone - all free of course! We seem to have enough potential hedge layers, but if anyone is interested, let me know in case anyone drops out or I have miscounted! It will cost about £25 and if anyone has billhooks, slashers, loppers, etc., bring them along. Everyone welcome, even as moral support, so see you there, fingers crossed that the weather is as kind as it usually is. Sue Boss CAN U HELP? Can you spare about an hour, once a month, to deliver “Brent Knoll News” in Brent Street. If you can help, please contact Elaine and Eddie Fuller on 760 308. EF 5 Kingfisher Windows Local Family Business Est. 1986 by John Fisher

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Notes from the Parish Council Meeting 7th January, 2013 KEY ISSUES RAISED AND DECISIONS TAKEN A number of residents attended the meeting to explain the individual problems that have arisen during the recent Weather conditions Footpaths and Highways Issues Raised Two Stiles at Windy Ridge and Brent Corner have now been re-established. Footpath to the north of Reservoir is in need of attention. The Road between Manor Ride and Post office is in a poor state. Village Green Matters Issues Raised The fence at the rear of the Green needs more robust attention than that previously thought and contractors will be approached. The Green in a poor state with increasing water issues. Decisions Taken To make good the fencing at the rear of the green. Communications The recent Survey sent to local residents will be considered and collated in early February. The New Website is now live. Grant applications Received These will be considered at the precept setting meeting on 21st January. Planning Matters 24/12/00023: Amended Plans for Dayroom / utility at East Brent. These plans made no material difference, therefore the Council made no further observations. 07/12/00048: Arboreal Tree management issues at the Willows. The Parish Council Supported this application on the grounds of good Arboreal Practice. Matters of Consideration Toilet Block On-going issues on this refurbishment matter. Speed Indicator Device Deferred until we can ascertain more information with SCC. Knoll Footpath More technical advice needed before proceeding with this project. Additions to Play Equipment The Council have continued the application process for funding. Multi Agency Meeting This will take place on the 17th January between SCC, Water, Environment agency and the Drainage Board. Full details of the meeting can be found on the minutes published on the website or by obtaining a copy from the Clerk. Next meeting – February 4th, with provisional planning meeting February 18th. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Room, at the rear of the Parish Hall. Owen J Cullwick, Iona, 32 Oak Tree Place Burnham-on-Sea Somerset TA8 2LH Tel No 01278 794 463 email [email protected] 8

Brent Knoll Carol Singers Thank you to all the generous people of Brent Knoll who opened their doors to our carol singing group on the 20th December and helped to raise £132.17 for the Grand Appeal, which is trying to improve facilities for the neonatal department in Bristol Children’s Hospital. That was a splendid sum and we are all very grateful to you for your kindness. Jane Yates Give Barn Owls a New Home Somerset residents are being asked to help protect one of the county’s most iconic species this Winter, with the launch of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s barn owl appeal. The launch of the appeal marks the half-way point in the Trust’s ambitious project to get a barn owl nest box in every parish of the county. Thanks to the help of more than 500 volunteers, half of the project’s 335 nest boxes are built, and being put in place by local communities. Last week a nest box was presented to staff and volunteers at Moldrams Local Nature Reserve, near Wincanton, which is managed by South Somerset District Council. The project has also seen more than 1,000 children learning about barn owl conservation, including pupils at North Town School in Taunton and Chilton Cantelo School, near Yeovil, who last week received a visit from Beau the Barn Owl and Chris Sperring MBE, Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust and Vice President of Somerset Wildlife Trust. As the three-year project enters it’s first Winter, the Trust has launched an appeal to raise £30,000 to support the Somerset Community Barn Owl Project over the next two years. Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Project Manager, Jessy Emery explains: “Winter can be a tough time for a lot of wildlife, not least the barn owl whose numbers can plummet during harsh weather. Extreme winters in the 1940s and 1960s wiped out over half the UK population and barn owls have struggled to recover ever since. More than 80 per cent of barn owls now nest and raise their young in man-made boxes like the ones going up in every parish of Somerset.” The project is a collaboration with the Hawk and Owl Trust, and all the farmers and landowners who are hosting parish boxes have received a visit and advice on habitat creation from Chris Sperring. The project has been supported with funds from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, and donations from local people will provide vital match funding. Recent records indicate that there are currently just 200 breeding pairs in Somerset, and their population in the UK has dropped by as much as 70% since the 1930s. The project aims to address this decline by providing nest sites and creating more rough, grassland hunting habitat. In October the project celebrated its first breeding success with four baby owlets photographed on the sill of a nest box which went up at a Viridor landfill site, near Puriton, in . With so many boxes already in place, the Trust wants to start a comprehensive monitoring and recording programme next spring. To donate go to www.somersetwildlife.org/barnowlappeal or call 01823 652 400. More information from Beth Jerrett at [email protected] or on 01823 652 413. 9 THE FROCK SHOP Rebecca Southwell Dress Agency MBCha Mssch Itec Hons MGCP Brent Knoll’s Best Kept Secret Chiropody & Holistic Therapies Quality new and nearly Reflexology and Chiropody' new designer Home Visiting Service labels at Tel: 01278 795 915 discounted HPC Registered prices Adam Popham NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Director 10am – 4pm Mon to Sat A M P Electrical (SW) Ltd 11am - 3pm Sunday Domestic/Commercial/Agicultural Situated behind The Acorns Café local Electrical contractor (formerly The Goat House) All aspects of electrical work On the A38 at Brent Knoll undertaken in a courteous, friendly 01278 760 800 and professional manner www.thefrockshopuk.com Mark, Somerset, 07738221754

The Old Manor Bristol Road Rooksbridge Somerset Tel: 01934 751105

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Holywell Nursing Home

Brent Street, Brent Knoll, Somerset, TA9 4BB Telephone: 01278 760 601 Fax: 01278 760 912 Email: [email protected]

Registered Provider and Matron: Sarah Joyce RMN RGN

At Holywell we believe that all who use our services should feel welcome, safe and in control. That their rights to have choice, independence, dignity, privacy and fulfillment are respected.

Holywell is registered and regulated by the Care Quality Commission and has been awarded the Quality Rating with Somerset .

We now have accommodation for 30 residents.

All rooms are ensuite and our recent upgrade includes a second lift, extra bathroom with ceiling hoist and a shower/wet room. The kitchen is now in the centre of the Nursing Home, by the dining room.

We can offer long term care, short term or respite care, from one night to however long is required, day care or visit for a meal or bath/shower. Drop in information service, we are here to help and support our local community.

We also welcome volunteers especially to help our less able to enjoy their meals, perhaps hand massage or give a hand with the activity ladies.

People coming to live here are encouraged to bring with them items to personalize their rooms.

We operate an open house policy, visitors are welcome at any time that the resident is happy to see them.

A brochure is available which includes our Philosophy of Care and Statement of Purpose.

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Holiday Accommodation Three bedroom apartment, sleeping five. Overlooking the harbour. In Porthmadog, Gwynedd, North Wales. Porthmadog has a rich maritime and railway history, being the terminus of both the Welsh Highland Railway and the Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway. An excellent base for touring the surrounding area. The famous Italianate village of Portmeirion, built by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, is just 2 miles away, whilst Criccieth and Harlech castles are within easy reach. As are Mt Snowdon, Caernarfon and Anglesey. The apartment has good views of the harbour and the Ffestiniog Railway terminus. The shops are less than a five minute walk and the nearest beach at Borth-y-Guest a 15 minute walk. Ample local walking in breath taking scenery. For more details please contact Jenny on 01278 760477 or 07748 781 593

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Brent Knoll Village Flags Last year a competition was held for the design of a Village Flag and the winning entry now flies from the flagstaff outside the Parish hall. Unfortunately the colours on the example produced were rather weak and an approach has now been made to the Royal Flag Makers for a much improved product. The new flag would be produced on MOD approved fabric with strong colouring to the original design of a Red Cross of Saint George on a White ground with the Frog enclosed in a Blue circle. It has been suggested that there might well be a demand from individuals to purchase a flag to fly on their own property. A suitable flag to fly from a domestic flag pole would be a 6ft x 3ft. If there was sufficient demand the cost of each flag would be some £70.00 - £75.00. For further details, or to order, please contact the Parish clerk on 01278 794 463 or J. Harper on 01278 760 803. John Harper BRENT KNOLL BAZAAR FARMERS’ MARKET & PARISH CAFÉ SATURDAY 9th February at Brent Knoll Parish Hall - 10.00am to 12 noon Locally produced fresh beef, pork, chicken, eggs, Cheese, Pickles and preserves. Vegetable Stall, Speciality bread, Westcroft , Homemade Cakes and Savouries, Phoenix Cards, Handmade Cards, Silver and beaded jewellery, Children’s Games and Toys, Local Crafts, Textiles, etc., CDs, DVDs, Books, and Bric-a-Brac. Plus Raffle The Parish Café will be serving Bacon and Sausage Butties & light snacks Entrance FREE Good Quality, clean items for BRIC-A-BRAC stall will be appreciated, (collection or delivery) or to Book a Table (£7 per table) Phone Eddie Fuller (01278 760 308) until further notice Proceeds to Brent Knoll Parish Hall Brent Knoll Classical Music Circle The Brent Knoll Classical Music Group meets at Ball Copse Hall. Sessions are held every Monday evening starting at 7.00pm and last for two hours. The term lasts until 18th March. The cost for the term is £20, representing less than £2 per session! I do hope you will join us. I guarantee that you will hear both familiar and unfamiliar good music, in pleasant surroundings, with interesting company. Please contact Phyllis Loynd on 01278 760 502 if you are interested in attending. David Allen, Chair, Brent Knoll, Music Circle 13 CHELSEA FARM CENTRE LTD HARP RD, BRENT KNOLL, SOMERSET TA9 4HQ TEL: 01278 760 480 PLUGS - PLANTS - BULBS - HANGING BASKETS - TUBS - PERENNIALS - SHRUBS ALL PLANTS IN THEIR SEASON CITROEN SPECIALISTS - PARTS, REPAIRS, SERVICING OPEN 7 DAYS PARKING FACILITIES

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Lisa Counsell D.O. and Amelia Davies BSc Ost (hons.) Registered Osteopaths

Holiday Home for Happy Cats MRS PAT PAULSON, WICKNOLL HOUSE, BURTON ROW, BRENT KNOLL, TA9 4BX Tel 01278 769078 - Mobile 07860 404062 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 15

New Year’s Resolution #1: Become a Better Driver By John Teasdale, Press and Publicity Officer at Weston and Mendip Advanced Motorists’ Group It’s that time of year again when we all vow to change our lives for the better: whether it’s giving up smoking, waving farewell to fatty foods or simply becoming more active. We all start the New Year in a determined burst of well-meaning, yet often short lived, ‘resolutions’ for self-improvement. However, if you’ve already given in to that tempting tasty treat, don’t despair – the Weston and Mendip Advanced Motorists’ Group can help steer you in the right direction towards becoming a better driver – and provide you with a New Year’s resolution that’s also a skill for life! Most of us think we’re fairly good drivers if we can navigate from A to B without bumping into anything – or anyone – along the way. It’s true that the risk of having an accident is fairly small – around a one in seven chance for the average driver. However, it’s also true that road traffic accidents occur on a daily basis, and are responsible for almost half of all accidental deaths in Britain. What’s more, in over 90% of cases, these ‘accidents’ are the result of human error – and therefore it appears we’ve still got a lot to learn. Whilst there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ driver, every motorist could improve an aspect of their driving, whether that’s observation, planning, anticipation or hazard management, and in the process reduce their risk of becoming yet another road casualty statistic. Driving, like any skill, improves with practice and experience, but sometimes experience isn’t the best teacher – especially if the experience is an unpleasant or fatal one! The best way to view driving is as a lifelong skill, which begins when you pass your driving test, but continues throughout your ‘driving career’; a continual process of self-evaluation and adjustment, with re-training where necessary to keep abreast of changes in road traffic law and best driving practice. Most people pick up a bad habit or two soon after passing their test, which can lead to the unsafe or even dangerous driving we often see on the UK’s increasingly busy roads. But enough about other people’s driving – it’s your driving over which you have the greatest influence. Road safety might be everyone’s business, but we all need to take individual responsibility for our actions behind the wheel, and that’s where further driver training can help. Training as an advanced motorist helps you to think both for yourself and others, so you can plan for their mistakes, thereby keeping everyone out of harm’s way! An example is dealing with the menace of the tailgater: if you’re being harassed by the driver behind, keep your cool and back off from the vehicle ahead, allowing more time for both you and your tailgater to brake, and reducing the likelihood of the tailgater ending up in your boot if you have to stop suddenly. Taking advanced driver training, such as the ‘Skill for Life’ course offered by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, is undoubtedly the best way to develop the observation, planning and anticipation skills that are essential for safe and progressive driving. Combined with expert control of the vehicle and a sound knowledge of the advanced driving techniques taught to drivers, IAM-qualified drivers are amongst the safest on Britain’s roads, and are 70% less likely to crash their cars than the average driver. Why not make a New Year’s resolution to become a better, safer driver by contacting Weston and Mendip Advanced Motorists on 07020 934 714 for a FREE driving assessment or demonstration drive? For more information, please visit www.weston- iam.org.uk or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WestonIAM. FRONT COVER Photos Thanks to John Page for the picture taken at last year’s Fun in February. Ed. 16

In December we held our Christmas lunch at the Beachcomber Inn. As usual it was a very friendly atmosphere and the helpful staff served an excellent meal. It was a very pleasant time which was enjoyed by all. We are now looking forward to our next meeting when Bob Tinker will give, what promises to an interesting talk, on ‘British Piers’. A representative of the WRVS will also be joining us at the meeting. Next meeting – 20th February – Bob Tinker - British Piers We are a very friendly group and we welcome new members of all ages. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month, so just come along to a meeting or contact Joy Collett - 01278 760 458. Trish Mace WI CRAFT GROUP We will meet this month on Monday 18th February at 2.30pm in the Methodist Church school room. We are a small friendly group and welcome new members to knit and knatter. We knit various items for the Mission to Seafarers and the Sweep charity which sends items to Romania. We are grateful to all those who knit for us at home too, who for various reasons are unable to join us. For further details please phone me on 760 691. Margaret Smith Pet Deaths A number of family pets in the Laurel Avenue area of the village have died recently. It is thought that these deaths may have been caused accidentally by the pets eating poison that has been put down to deal with vermin. Please can anyone in the village who is using or considering using poison be extremely careful that it cannot be accessed by animals that are not those being targeted. If you do lose your pet in this way, please make sure you tell your vet, as they will inform the relevant authorities if it looks like more than a one off. Cllr Bob Filmer Quotes and Tips from the Farmer’s Wife February February 8th – St Kigwe Day - Patron Saint of Kew (Cornwall). Potatoes are likely to be in short supply before new ones come on the market. If you are thinking of buying to store, choose farms or farmers’ markets where you can purchase potatoes unwashed, store in hessian sacks and away from frosts. If Candlemas Day (February 2nd) be fair and bright, Winter will have another fight. If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, Winter won’t come again. This month is always damp and miserable, snowdrops and crocuses start to appear, which helps to lift and remind us Spring is on the way. Much February snow, a fine Summer will show. Relax for 15 minutes with a homemade face pack, mashed banana, or mayonnaise; honey is also good for the skin. Wash off with tepid water. Grandchildren coming in half term?, Be prepared!. Save nine empty plastic bottles, acquire a ball (tennis ball size) and you have a game of skittles. Save cartons, cereal, jelly, etc., small jars, quantity of buttons (for money) and play shops. Simple card games, colouring books and crayons for hours of fun. Farmer’s Wife 17 ROGER KEEN Carpentry & General Home Maintenance Kitchens & bathrooms fitted or re-fitted (complete or partial refit or repair) Doors trimmed and re-hung; shelves, cupboards & wardrobes custom-made to fit awkward spaces. Estimates without obligation Public Liability Insurance; No VAT Call: Roger Keen - Tel. 01278 782909 or 07795 415474

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OFSTED Registered OUTSTANDING NURSERY EDUCATION (OFSTED June 08) x Full Day Care 8am-6pm x Mon-Fri (Term Time) x Ages 2 Years to 11 Years x Free places available for 3 and 4 year olds Tel: 01278 769126 Kathryn Talbot Office and Secretarial Services

Secretarial Services - Presentations, proof-reading, day-to-day correspondence, dissertations, leaflets, brochures/fliers, telephone/audio dictation, mailing lists, spreadsheets, invoices, CIS monthly returns, etc. Short/Long Term Office Support - Efficient, reliable, professional service PA Support - Diary management, event planning, travel arrangements, etc. Kennet House, 127 Brent Street, Brent Knoll, Somerset, TA9 4BB Tel/Fax: 01278 760393 Email: [email protected]                     '( #    )    !    * " "#  #    $% " ! '(  (  "   &     "   ))  +,,-. ,+/++0 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 19

Brent Knoll House Histories Early Maps - 4 This month I was rather late getting this article ready for press, so I hope you will excuse me from veering away from the comparison of the 1811 map and the Tithe Map of 1842 – I promise to return to that next month. However, I am still looking at an early map of Brent Knoll, though this time it is an early edition of the Ordnance Survey Map, first printed in 1866. This is a one-inch to the mile map (not exactly to that scale here) and includes a number of interesting facts, some of which I am still uncertain about the background to. Before mentioning those in Brent Knoll itself, it can be seen that Love Lane, from Burnham, turned north to Middle Burnham and south east along Stoddens Lane to “Edymead” On the A38 just above the point where Stoddens Lane joins, there is “Burnham Mill,” which was still an active windmill at this time. The last miller here was Joe Blew, who was never seen without his church-warden pipe. He died in 1890, aged 70, apparently killed on the railway line. Another mill, further along the A38, past East Brent, can just be seen with the letters MF. This was Mill Farm, or Mill Batch Farm, almost opposite where Old Bristol Road once joined the main road. Brent Knoll is recorded as having two windmills, one as early as the 1330s. One, which I believe to have been along the footpath running through the grounds of Ball Copse Hall, where the foundation buttress is still visible, was said to have been pulled down in 1900 and the masonry re-used in a dwelling house nearby. As that is around the time Ball Copse Hall was built, it may well be that it resides there now. Ellis Shackleton, a Quaker, was the miller and had a house nearby. When he got into debt, creditors would call at his house and he would tell them he only discussed business matters at his mill. When they got no response from the mill they reproached him for breaking his word, but he retorted, “I said I would see thee if thou camest to the mill. I did see thee through the door, and I liked not the look of thee.” He then stalked off! Two areas referenced on the Tithe Map have a link to mills. One is called “The Mill Ground” and is located just below the footpath mentioned above. The other is referenced as “In Mill Furlong” and comprises a number of strips shown on the map as running along the ridge above Burton Row Continued on page 20 20

Brent Knoll House Histories - Continued and is now part of the fields running to the west of the lane running behind the Far Side and leading to the Water Board reservoir (which was expanded recently). Notably both were on the west or south west side of the Knoll to catch the prevailing south westerly winds. At the end of Crooked Lane on the OS Map is “Paradise,” which is close to where the tall lighthouse is now a private residence. It is rumoured that Joseph of Arimathea landed here and, looking across THE MILL GROUND towards Brent Knoll, stated that the view looked like Paradise, hence the name given to that area – but should it not be Brent Knoll which has that name? There was no station in Brent Knoll at this time, so no Station Road either (though IN MILL FURLONG the railway did run through), but perhaps more surprisingly, Ham Road did not exist as such at that time. Both were known as Berrow Lane, as can be seen on the map. The other point of interest is the area names given on the map. Battleborough and White Cross are still fairly obvious. But there are also areas entitled “Phelps” and “Baloshes.” The former possibly refers to the area enclosed by Brent Street and Church Lane, which was largely owned by Isaac Phelps, who died in 1858 (he was discussed in an article on The Village Green in November 2009). The latter may also be a family name (Balosh) but I have no information as yet to back this up. If anybody does know of any reference to it, please let me know. John Page Brent Knoll Local History Society There was no meeting of this society in December, but the new year sees activities re-commencing on the 28th January at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Room of the Parish Hall. New members will be very welcome. To cover costs (mainly the hire of the Jubilee Room) a small charge of £2 is payable. If you cannot make the January meeting please note the 4th Monday of the month in your diary for future months, as this will be our regular meeting date. (February meeting on the 25th same time, same place). We always welcome any knowledge you may have of the people and places which make up the history of our village and would love to copy any old pictures or articles you may have. If you would like to talk about aspects of the past then we can offer a friendly atmosphere and some lively discussion. Hope to see you there. John Page 21

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Women’s Society We look forward to our meeting on the 31st of January at Dot Hatfield's house - Park Farm, Brent Street. Please join us as Dot's daughter, Julie, is going to show us a DVD and talk on her cycle ride across Cambodia and Vietnam. On February 28th we have been invited to the home of Judy and Brian Freestone where Brian is going to talk on one of his many interesting subjects ‘Books’. Both of the above meetings commence at 8.00pm and anyone is invited to join us. If you would like a lift to one of our meetings please contact Ann or Julie. Tel: 760 148. Remember our Hot Pot Supper on March 28th. We look forward to sampling some more delicious recipes prepared by you! Ann Women’s Institute At the January meeting, we were entertained by Jean Routley who spoke to us about her 30 years as a church organist - the various vicars and the unusual choice of music at weddings and funerals. Her talk was interspersed with music played on a keyboard. There were three joint winners of the Flower of the Month competition - Margaret Smith, Phyllis Loynd and Eileen Goundry. The speaker at the meeting on 13th February will be Carole Hamblin who runs the lavender farm at . Also on Saturday, 23rd February, we are holding the Soup Lunch at the Parish Hall, 12 noon to 1.30pm. Cost £4. The Soup Lunch is open to everyone. Come and enjoy some hearty homemade soups and desserts. JMG “Meet & Eat” Meet and Eat will take place on Monday February 11th in the Nuttall Room at Brent Knoll Parish Hall. Doors open at 12.30pm. Please book with Liz on 760810 by Friday February 8th. We look forward to seeing our regulars after the Christmas break. New diners are very welcome. Liz, Rosemary, Weit and Bella BRENT KNOLL AND MARK TENNIS CLUB The next Winter Whist drive for the tennis club is to be held as usual at Ivy Clad Hall by courtesy of Frances James on the 11th February. Admission £1.50p. AH WHERE IN OUR VILLAGE Each month the BKN will have a small picture quiz – no prizes, but I hope you may enjoy guessing where the object shown is located within the Parish boundary. Last month’s picture seems to break the rule I had set of being located inside the Parish boundary. However it is within the village, at the intersection of Burton Row and West Road (which is a road running north from Burton Row and south from Lympsham!). It appears to register the three-way intersection at West Croft Farm as the edge of Brent Knoll and must be very confusing for those coming from Lympsham who wish to find an address in Burton Row, Brent Knoll. For those coming from East Brent, who noted the sign stating they were already in the village, it may be even more confusing. This month’s object is rather less obvious in respect to its original purpose, but where do you think it can be found? If, in addition, you have any specific knowledge of how it got there and exactly what it is, please let me know? The answer and another object will be shown next month. JaPe 24

Brent Knoll Village Website The village web site has been updated and redesigned to help make it more user- friendly and useful. As well as a new front page, a new facility has been introduced so that visitors can register to be notified each time the site is updated. Can all village organisations check their details on the website and if they need updating, please contact the Parish Clerk at [email protected] Also, in a joint venture with the Brent Knoll News, a digital version of each issue will now be available on line, so information about events, village organisations and advertisers will now be on the internet!! Bob Filmer, Editor, BKN Berrow Conservation Group Continuing with a short season of bird related topics, the Berrow Conservation Group have this month invited Roger Lucken, on behalf of the RSPB, to talk about the Great Crane Project. This project concerns the re-introduction of Common Cranes to the after an absence of 400 years. Roger will cover the history of Cranes in the UK, the collection of eggs, the rearing of young, and the introduction itself. The talk will be on Tuesday 26th February 2013 in the Berrow Village Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. Entry £2 non-members, £1 members. Refreshments will be available. Ann Griffiths Parcel Scam Please note the below scam that we have been told about and never pay for parcels or gifts you were not expecting:- There is a new and clever credit card scam - be wary of those who come bearing gifts. Please circulate this. It works like this: You get a phone call from someone who said that he was from some outfit called: “Express Couriers” asking if you are going to be home because there was a package for you, and the caller said that the delivery would arrive at your home in roughly an hour. Sure enough, about an hour later, a delivery man turns up with a beautiful basket of flowers and wine that you aren’t expecting. The deliveryman says he is only delivering the gift package, but allegedly a card is being sent separately; (the card never arrives!). There is also a consignment note with the gift. The Driver explains that because the gift contained alcohol, there is a £3.50 “delivery charge” as proof that he had actually delivered the package to an adult, and not just left it on the doorstep to just be stolen or taken by anyone. The Driver tells you that the company required the payment to be by credit or debit card only so that everything is properly accounted for. Your card gets swiped in the small mobile card machine and your pin is entered. A receipt is printed out and given to you. Then within a week money has been taken from your account as the machine was a cloning machine which has stored your card details and PIN number. If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 101 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIME STOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website. The Friendly Pharmacist 25

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Q & A’s about the Housing Needs Survey for Brent Knoll Parish Some of you may have noticed over the past few weeks that information and forms about a Housing Needs Survey have been circulating in the Parish. Just in case some of the information was lost with the Christmas festivities, I am including this short article with some information about housing, which may be of interest. Sedgemoor District Council has for a long time recognised the difficulties which some people face in being able to find either suitable housing or housing that they can afford in their native Parish. Parish Councils too have been aware of the potential problem and together over the past few years there has been a resolve to try and tackle it. Brent Knoll Parish Council is currently exploring the potential housing need by engaging with the Parish through a Housing Needs Survey and a forthcoming Housing Awareness Event to be held on Thursday 7th February 2013. It is a drop in event between 3.00pm – 7.00pm at the Jubilee Room, Brent Knoll Parish Hall. Please come along and share your views and opinions with the Parish Council. The two most commonly asked question regarding the work are: Q. How do you know if affordable houses are needed in a village? A. When a Parish Council asks for help in assessing the housing need in a village they will be presented with a variety of statistical information including: information about the type of homes already in the village, rent levels and sale prices. Information about their village:- Population including ages and size and make up of households. The Parish Council will decide whether to investigate further and may hold a Housing Awareness Event and undertake a Housing Needs Survey to ask villagers if they think they have a housing need now or in the next five years. The results will indicate if housing is needed and what type and size is required. Q. If new affordable homes are to be built in a village, how do you make sure they only go to local people? A. When the Housing Needs Survey is undertaken questions are asked about the connection a person has to the village. This is called the local connection. In general a person can be considered to have a local connection if they: • Currently live in the village (and have done so for 5 years) • Currently live in the village (and have done so for 2-5 years) • Permanently work in the village (and have done so for 6 months) • Have previously lived in the village (for an amount of time) • Have close family living in the village • Possibly live in a neighbouring parish The Parish Council decide on the exact criteria and timescales and this will be included in a legal agreement, which will apply in perpetuity. If you would like further information or have any queries please contact:- Elaine Oliver, Affordable Housing Development Officer Tel: 01278 436485, Email: [email protected] 28

“200+ CLUB” – 2013 By the time you are reading this, we will probably have had the first 200+ Club draw of 2013 and if we have the opportunity to join will have closed. Thank you to everyone who has joined the club, as I write we have again issued over 300 numbers and will be having a prize fund of 111 prizes totalling over £1,700. If you have forgotten to send in your membership, please contact me on either [email protected] or call 760 760 and I will confirm whether you are still able to join. A huge thank you to all of you have joined and can I wish you the best of luck for 2013. Bob Filmer, 200+ Club Co-ordinator

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WANT TO PLAY THE Chew Valley Music Man PIANO or KEYBOARD? Registered Blind Qualified Piano Qualified piano and Tuner and Repairer keyboard teacher in G. Masters Brent Knoll available for friendly, informal lessons Tel: Beginners and nervous students a speciality 01275 332 313 Learn for fun – no pressure to sit exams! Showroom now Open For those who do want to work through their grades, the A.B.R.S.M. syllabus is e-mail: [email protected] taught. Website: www.chewvalleymusicman.co.uk Call Amy on 760 100 / 07740 167703 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 30

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PARISH HALL COMMITTEE FORTHCOMING EVENTS for your DIARY 2nd Saturday Bazaar, Farmers’ Market and Parish Café 9th February More Crumbs from 8th June Village Fête the Headmasters Table 20th July Music on the Green with 16th March The Return of “Jay Jerome” “Sodz Law” (Music from 60’s to present) 20th April St George’s Fish & Chip Supper 19th Oct. Harvest Supper with “Combyne ‘arvester” Next meeting – Monday, 11th February, 8pm, “Jubilee Room” Sandra Few “More Crumbs from the Headmaster's Table” - Reminder On Saturday 9th February at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, a dinner will be held after which Brian Freestone will give a 30/40 minute talk on some of the funny experiences and anecdotes he has collected from his time as a Primary School Head teacher of some thirty years standing. This is NOT a repetition of the previous dinner held two years ago but is a collection of new stories and experiences - all true! So if you want to be entertained in a light hearted manner do come along for an enjoyable evening. The meal, prepared by a crack team of dinner ladies lead by Andrea Hurkett, will take you back to your very own school days, as you are welcomed with a bowl of hot soup, followed by the all-time school classic bangers and mash or cheese and potato pie as the vegetarian option, chocolate crunch and mint custard for afters or a steaming bowl of milk pudding and a dollop of jam. Tickets priced £10 including the cost of the meal and will be available from the Village Shop. There will also be a bar and a raffle. BDF Parish Hall Bookings Amazingly the first booking for 2014 has been entered into the Hall bookings diary and December 2013 is filling up fast. Currently, on a weekly basis we have 16/18 regular organisations using the Parish Hall complex. In the main hall we have capacity to fit in groups requiring a 1-2 hours on most mornings. Tuesday afternoons are still free, as are the first and fourth Wednesday afternoon of the month and Friday evenings. Currently we have capacity in the Jubilee room for daytime bookings and Tuesday evenings. Do you need to make a last minute booking for February? Currently still available this month are Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 24th. Always worth phoning or emailing me to check on other days as most weekend days are not fully booked. Jenny Butters (Hall bookings sec), 01278 760 477 or [email protected] Parish Council Questionnaire - Reminder! You are reminded that the deadline for receiving the Parish Council Questionnaires which were inserted in your January BKN, is 31st January. Completed questionnaires should be put in the appropriate boxes either at the Village Shop or at the Red Cow Public House. Remember, you could win a £25 Voucher to spend at the Village Shop if you are lucky enough to be drawn out first. It is important for the Parish Council to receive the views of the public so that we are in tune with what is needed for the village, so do please make the effort and complete the questionnaires. For your interest, results of the questionnaires will be published in a future issue of the BKN. May we thank you in advance for your efforts. BDF 32

Lympsham Gardening Club There will be no meeting in February Dates of future Meetings:- Tuesday March 12th Our first meeting will be the AGM at 7.30pm at the Manor Hall, Lympsham as usual. The AGM will be followed by a talk by Chris Cudlip telling us about Vegetable Growing. Do come and join us. Please note this meeting starts at 7.30pm. Tuesday April 9th Sue Applegate will give a talk on Peonies and Irises. This meeting starts at 7.45pm as usual. Visitors, Friends, Relatives, New and Old Members are welcome at all of our meetings which are normally held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, at the Manor Hall Lympsham at 7.45pm Mariette Denison Carols on the Green 2012 Thank you to all who braved the wet weather, despite the heavens opening just as we were about to start, we had a lovely time singing carols accompanied by the Harmony Plus Brass Band. Afterwards we enjoyed mulled wine and refreshments. We are grateful to those who turned up, those who provided refreshments and our sponsors Tesco, Lidl, Co-op, David Bull Optometrists, BKN, Dirt Driver, the Red Cow, Sanders and Brent Knoll Village Shop. In total including the money taken on the RNLI table an amazing amount of £350 was raised for Burnham RNLI. We look forward to seeing you all again in December. Margaret and Mike Smith

“Well, how was your Christmas?” “Our grandson was called to the teacher’s desk, She told him, ‘This essay about your pet dog is word for word exactly the same as your brothers?!’ ‘Of course it is miss’, said Johnny, ‘it’s the same dog!’” “That’s my boy!” 33 ]tvÖâ|Ëá eÉÉÅ yÉÜ |ÅÑÜÉäxÅxÇà Uxtâàç g{xÜtÑç

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Your February Sudokus Easy Sudoku Hard Sudoku (Win a £5 Prize!)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A 9 3 A 9

B 1 2 4 B 1 8

C 6 5 C 5

D 9 2 3 1 D 8 7 4

E 8 3 E 6 2

F 1 4 F 9 1

G 1 6 8 2 G 4

H 7 H 92

J 4 5 J 7 56 A record 12 persons solved last month’s Sudoku! In order of receipt they were Pauline Chadwick, Stephen Lawrence, Caroline Sturgess, Nigel Brown, John Spiers, Liz Ibrahim, Frankie New, Mac Hares, Jenny Butters, Chris Harden, Vicky Jones and Chris Marsh. Caroline Sturgess won the ballot. Send this month’s solution to [email protected] or send to 48, Brent Street. If there are several winners, there will be another ballot. David Filmer Last month’s Sudoku Solutions (by popular request from several competitors) are below:-

Easy Sudoku Hard Sudoku 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 7 1 9 58 A 6 3 2 A 472351968

B 6 9 5 1 8 2 7 3 4 B 195876 4 3 2

C 2 8 3 4 5 7 1 6 9 C 6 38429175

D 7 3 6 8 2 4 5 91 D 2617 9385 4

E 5 1 2 3 9 6 4 7 8 E 754218639

F 8 4 9 5 7 1 3 2 6 F 38956421 7

G 9 5 4 2 1 8 6 7 3 G 5 2 693 7481

H 3 6 7 9 4 5 8 1 2 H 9 431857 2 6

J 8 7 6 45 J 817 6 25 3 1 2 3 9 4 9 Just for Fun – “One Liners” You can count yourself elderly, when you sink your teeth into a juicy steak and they stay there! The best thing about growing older, is that it takes such a long time! After a man passes sixty, his mischief is mainly in his head ! Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter! Brain cells come and go, but fat cells live forever. The Friendly Pharmacist 36

Saint Michael’s Music and Arts Saint Michael’s Church Saturday 2 march

“The Golden Age of Musical Satire” 7.30PM Tickets (To include Buffet): Adults £8.00, Children £4.00 Wine Bar, Tea, Coffee and Soft drinks available on purchase Pete Gill returns to Brent Knoll with his new show taking in the funniest songs of the past hundred years. Relax and enjoy an amusing evening with the buffet served in the interval CHRISTIAN AID The Burnham & District Christian Aid committee will be holding an AGM and fund-raising soup and cheese lunch on Saturday, February 23rd. This event is open to all, we are not looking for people to sit on committees, but welcome your input. If you took part in the dog show event last Summer do come along to find out what we did with your money – at West Methodist Church, on the A38 through Huntspill, by the Huntspill Arms, gathering at 11am for coffee – a short business meeting at 11.30am, with lunch at 12 noon and a bring and buy stall, and book collection. Book collections are a new fundraiser for Christian Aid – hard back books, non-fiction preferably, are the ones that sell well. Christian Aid HQ then sells what we collect, on the internet. So – do come along for a pleasant 2-3 hours of chat, food and books. More details from Pauline Chadwick, 760 224 Women’s World Day of Prayer Friday, 1st March 10.30am at Bleadon Church “St Peter & St Paul” Theme: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” Refreshments and Fair-Trade Stall All Welcome Prepared by the Christian Women of France 37

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More Ramblings of a Rambler As I write this in January, something unusual has happened, this is the fifth day without rain. Five days, that’s the time since I last saw rain. Days are easy to define, but what about parts of the day, the hours. As long ago as 300BC people were using sundials to break the day into parts. During the Eigtheenth centuary clocks and watches became more commonplace, the sundial then was used more as a garden ornament. With the introduction of Summertime in 1916 all the sundials were 1 hour slow, that is with the exception of one ordered in the memory of William Willett the originator of Summertime. This sundial can be found in Pettswood, Kent. Let’s hope that this year brings some seriously sunny rambling weather, and we may come across a sundial or two! The Rambler

BRENT KNOLL WI SOUP LUNCH IN PARISH HALL SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23rd 12 NOON – 1.30.PM PRICE £4.00. TO INCLUDE SOUP, ROLL, PUDDING AND TEA/COFFEE PLEASE PAY ON DOOR All welcome

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The Origins of Phrases and Sayings As the crow flies This phrase is a reference to the shorter distance between two points. This term goes back to when the tall ships first left , with no maps or charts in search of the New World. Those sailing ships carried caged crows on board as the navy believed that a crow would always fly straight for the nearest point of land, once it had been released from the top mast, the crow’s nests, the Captain would then alter the ship’s course to the same direction as the crow’s flight. This practice continued right up to the 1940’s when radar was introduced. Crows were particularly useful in British coastal Waters during either stormy or foggy weather, in helping a crew to find land. To eat crow Is to be humiliated by ones mistakes. Its origin goes back to America’s folklore of the late 19th Century, when it was apparently reported in the “Atlanta Constitution” in 1888. It seems that during the Anglo- American war 1812-14, a New Englander made the mistake of crossing the English lines, while out hunting. The man shot dead a crow and an unarmed English Officer on hearing of this resolved to punish the offender. He found the American and praised him for his marksmanship, thus gaining the mans confidence. The officer asked to borrow the weapon for a trial shot. On getting the gun, he turned it on the American advising him that he had crossed the English line, as punishment the Officer made the man take a bite out of the dead crow! Once the man had been humiliated enough, he was given his gun back and told to cross over to his own line. However, the American, turned the gun back on the hapless Brit and made him eat the remainder of the crow, or so the story goes. Roger Ward Brent Knoll Rainbows Autumn Term Brent Knoll Rainbows had a busy and exciting term to end a very busy year. The Rainbows started by learning about where chocolate comes from and what a fair trade product is. Rainbows this term learnt about different Rainbows from around the world, to complete the World Roundabout. They learnt about the other Rainbows by learning what they were called, their different uniforms, playing some fun games and puzzles. When they learnt about Canada, they made some fun moose heads out of shapes of their hands and feet! They also had fun making other crafts, including paper daisies, doves and penguins. The girls learnt about the importance of making friends, by learning how to make friendship bracelets to give to Rainbows in another unit. Rainbows had a very busy couple of weeks as the Scarecrow Trail weekend arrived. The Rainbows voted to create a Nanny McPhee scarecrow. They worked together to stuff the scarecrow with lots of straw. They also decorated biscuits to raise money during the event, which helped them learn about the Daisies in America and how they fundraise. We had an excellent number of Rainbows turn out for the Remembrance Sunday service, all of the girls made our unit very proud for their efforts. The Term ended with a Christmas party, where the girls played lots of different party games. They all went home with a bag of goodies and had a fun end to the term. This term see the girls working on a new region resource looking at wildlife. Written by Claire Cameron – Otter 41

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BRENT KNOLL AND MARK TENNIS CLUB Recent Brent Knoll juniors played a return match against Weston juniors during the Christmas holidays. Weston fielded a strong team, winning the match 5-1. Brent Knoll’s Ben Evans won his singles and the other team members, Jess Lewis, Felix Grandfield, Scott Havercroft and James Havercroft played some competitive tennis. The Annual Tennis Club Quiz organised by Dave McMillan will take place at the Parish Hall on Saturday 23rd February from 7.30pm. £5 per person to include refreshments. Details from Carole, Tel 01278 760 435. For information about the tennis club, contact [email protected] or telephone 01934 815 407. Alison Hillyer TomTom Troubles?! A couple of weeks ago, a friend told me that someone she knew had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked in the car park which was next to the football stadium and allotted for supporters. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a TomTom, which had been prominently mounted on the windscreen. When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen. The thieves had used the TomTom to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a van to empty the house of its contents. Something to consider if you have a TomTom - don't put your home address in it. Put a nearby address (like a shop or petrol station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your TomTom were stolen. TW 44

Brent Knoll Weather Report – December 2012 It is getting quite difficult to find different ways to write about rain for these articles, but as December was the sixth month in 2012 to pass the 100mm mark I’m going to have to do my best. Brent Knoll is often protected from the worst of the rain because so much falls on Dartmoor and Exmoor, and we find ourselves in a rain shadow: being low-lying helps as well. Hence we live in an area of relatively low rainfall, and at any other time, to record 100mm of rain in a month, would be unusual. In 2012, though, December’s total of 109.6mm only qualified for fifth place – April, June, October and November were all wetter. In many ways December was a copy of November – it started off fairly settled, and first two weeks even brought some clear skies and a few frosts, courtesy of nearby high-pressure areas. For anyone out after dark there were spectacular views of Jupiter, at its brightest during this period. It all started to go wrong on the 14th when the high pressure moved off south. A low that had been blocked in the Atlantic moved up the Bristol Channel causing the barometer to drop rapidly to 973.8hPa, the lowest value of 2012. Flood warnings were issued because the low coincided with a high tide: however the wind was offshore, and there was no repeat of the coastal flooding at Weston that we saw the last time this happened. That low brought an end to the settled spell, and we were soon back to the all-too- familiar pattern of one low after another moving in from the Atlantic, bringing prolonged and heavy rain. By the third week of December, it was clear that we were heading for another high-rainfall month, and the rhynes were soon brim-full once again: and, just after Christmas, the weather station clocked up 1,000mm of rain for the year – a new record since the station was set up in 2007. In every other respect December was distinctly average, with near-normal temperatures and no unusual highs or lows. The same can be said of 2012 as a whole: the average temperature for the year was 10.4°C, right on the Met Office average for the area. There was an rare northerly gale in April and some gusty weather in November, but wind damage had more to do with saturated ground than high wind speeds. The main feature was the rainfall and I’ll mention once more that, at the end of March, we were heading for drought conditions. We had less than half the average rainfall in the first quarter of the year, just 80mm: by the end of December we had recorded 1,008.2mm. That was an extraordinarily wet nine months. Stephen Baggs; www.knollweather.co.uk BRENT KNOLL BEAT SURGERY our Neighbourhood Beat Officers PC 3102 Ryan Dinham and PCSO 9613 Pauline Dixon will be holding a Beat Surgery on Wednesday, February 6th 10.30am to 12 noon Nuttall Room, Brent Knoll Parish Hall Please use this opportunity to meet your Neighbourhood Beat Team and discuss any issues 45 PLUMBING BY GEORGE! 302969 Brent Knoll · Small Jobs - Dripping Taps - Leaking Toilets, Outside Taps, Shower Replacements, etc. · Gas Boiler replacement, Radiators and System Upgrades, Boiler servicing · Limited time only - up to 7 year extended warranty on all new Worcester Boilers (accredited installer) · Bathroom Design and Installation Tel: 01278 760 543 Or 07813 321 197 PICTURE FRAMER Any style of frame or mount supplied. HOW DO YOU Restoration service for Frames, Pictures CHOOSE THE RIGHT and Prints. ESTATE AGENT? John Harper  RECOMMENDATION Pen Orchard, Brent Knoll  REPUTATION  Somerset, TA9 4DX TRUST  EXPERIENCE Tel: 01278 760803

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JCB PLANT HIRE GENERAL GROUNDWORKS FENCING/PATIOS/DRIVEWAYS Avery Estate Agents Tel: 01278 760 642 ‘Matching People with Property for over 20 years’ Mob: 07885 251 697 Tel: 01934 614893 Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 46 Small Business Accountancy Company 8 Market Street, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3BW Professional and Personal service at competitive rates * Self Assessment Tax Returns * Annual Accounts * Bookkeeping * VAT * Payroll ********************** * Sole Traders * Partnerships * Limited Companies Contact Ian Robson on 01278 760 067 Email: [email protected]

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CRUMBS from the HEADMASTER’S TABLE A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL MEAL with ANECDOTES FROM BRIAN FREESTONE SATURDAY 9th FEBRUARY BRENT KNOLL PARISH HALL 7.30pm BAR & RAFFLE Tickets £10 (including “Dinner”) Available from Brent Knoll Village Shop or ring 760 986 Proceeds to: Brent Knoll Parish Hall 48 USEFUL VILLAGE CONTACTS: PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, Secretary Maxine Bashford 760190 CHURCH WARDEN Miss Frances James 760287 Mike Smith 760691 CHURCH CLEANERS Wiet Harper 760803 CHURCH FLOWERS Mrs Marion Vining760612 POPPY ORGANISER Mrs Sally Wingate 760610 BRASS CLEANERS METHODIST CHURCH Revd. Andrew Biggs 782306 Mrs Mary Frost 783120 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Tessa Munt 01934 710748 COUNTY COUNCILLOR John Denbee 01934 712304 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR Bob Filmer 760760 Andrew Gilling01934 750580 PARISH COUNCIL, Clerk Owen Cullwick 794463 Chairman Colin Townsend 760226 Planning enquiries Andrea Hurkett (Brent Street +) 760099 Bella Ward (Burton Row +) 760528 Footpath Contact Peter Osborn 760839 PARISH HALL, Booking Secretary Jenny Butters 760477 Bazaar Jean Owen 760654 Secretary Sandra Few 760451 Caretaker Richard Bream 760810 DOCTOR Dr S L Aung760313 WRVS PRESCRIPTION SERVICE 760313 WRVS LUNCHEON CLUB - BURNHAM David Munchin 760326 BRENT KNOLL PRIMARY SCHOOL Miss Karen Davidson 760546 TODDLERS GROUP Jane Hannah 760629 BRENT KNOLL TADPOLES PRE SCHOOL Cathy Hurley 769126 VILLAGE SHOP Caroline Chennells 760225 BRENT KNOLL NEWS, Production Editor Bob Filmer 760760 Distribution Elaine & Eddie Fuller 760308 POLICE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER 101 RHYNE PROBLEMS Lower Axe Draining Board 789906 VILLAGE SOCIETIES: BRENT AMATEUR DRAMATICS (BAD) Sarah Joyce 787493 CANCER RESEARCH CAMPAIGN Mrs Janet Harris 760259 CONSERVATIVE BRANCH Bob Filmer 760760 ECUMENICAL GROUP Revd. Margaret Trapp 760573 GOOD COMPANIONS Mrs Joy Collett 760458 GUIDES / BROWNIES / RAINBOWS Jane Sinnott 760987 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY (Burnham) Mr L Wallis 760550 HOUSE GROUP David Munchin 760326 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (Men’s Section) Rod Southwell 760445 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (Women’s Section) Pam Dite 760408 SHORT MAT BOWLING CLUB Alan Castle 760424 TENNIS CLUB David Outfin 783993 WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Janet Southwell 760445 WOMEN’S SOCIETY Julie Baker 751229 YOUTH GROUP (7/11 & 12/15 Years) Sue Cox 08809 911787 ST MICHAELS CHURCH, BRENT KNOLL - REVD. SIMON LEWIS Tel: 01278 760496 METHODIST MINISTER: THE REVD. ANDREW BIGGS Tel: 01278 782306 BAPTIST MINISTER: (Burnham) THE REVD. STEVE AYERS, College St. B.O.S. Tel: 783920 CATHOLIC PRIEST FATHER TIBOR SZENDE, Burnham & Cheddar Joint Parish Tel: 01934 742564 E&OE 49

The Red Cow Large Beer Garden FRIDAY NIGHT is Function Room CURRY Night - £6.00p Traditional Food Homemade Chicken Curry Popadom & Chutney Tel: 01278 760 234 Our Menu is available as a Take Away

01278 641516 07866744995 www.markkitchensandmore.co.uk Sandale House, Mark. Please mention the Brent Knoll News when replying to adverts 50

Diary for February 2013 Page 2nd Candlemas Day 16 4th Pilates (every Monday) Parish Hall 9.15am 4th Short Mat Bowling Club (every Monday) Parish Hall 2.00pm 4th Classical Music Circle (every Monday) Ball Copse Hall 7.00pm 12 4th Parish Council – Public Session Jubilee Room 7.30pm 7 Parish Council – Meeting Jubilee Room to follow immediately 5th Toddlers (and every Tuesday) Methodist Schoolroom 10.30-12 noon 4 5th Knoll Group of Ringers (Every Tuesday) St Michael’s Church 7.30pm-9pm 6th SORT IT+ & Rubbish Your House Early!! 6th Mobile Library [NOTE Wednesday!!] See Village Notice Boards for Details 6th Community Beat Surgery Parish Hall 10.30-12 noon 44 7th Housing Awareness Day Jubilee Room 3.00pm-7pm 27 8th St Kigwe Day 16 9th Bazaar, Farmer’s Market & Parish Café Parish Hall 10.00-12 noon 12&31 9th More Crumbs from the Headmaster’s Table Parish Hall 7.30pm 31&47 11th Meet & Eat Nuttall Room 12.30pm 23 11th Winter Whist Drive (Tennis Club) IvyClad Hall 7.00pm 23 11th Parish Hall Committee Meeting Jubilee Room 8.00pm 31 13th SORT IT+ Recycling & Green Waste Your House Early!! 13th Women’s Institute – “Carole Hamblin” Parish Hall 2.30pm 23 14th St Valentine’s Day 15th DEADLINE FOR MARCH BRENT KNOLL NEWS 12.00 noon 50 16th Fun in February St Michael’s Church 10.00am 4 18th WI Craft Group Methodist Schoolroom 2.30pm 16 18th Parish Council – Provisional Planning meeting Jubilee Room 7.30pm 7 20th SORT IT+ Recycling & Rubbish Your House Early!! 20th Good Companions - “British Piers” Parish Hall 2.30pm 16 22nd Royal British Legion “Quiz Night” Red Cow 7.30pm 28 23rd Christian Aid “AGM, Soup & Cheese” Methodist 11.00am 36 23rd WI Soup Lunch Parish Hall 12pm-1.30pm 39 23rd Tennis Club Quiz Parish Hall 7.30pm 43 25th Mobile Library [NOTE Monday!!] See Village Notice Boards for Details 25th Brent Knoll Local History Society Jubilee Room 7.30pm 20 26th Berrow Conservation Group Berrow Village Hall 7.30pm 24 27th SORT IT+ Recycling & Green Waste Your House Early!! 28th Women’s Society – “Brian Freestone” “Bramcote” 8.00pm 23 Anything missing? Make sure your events are listed in the Monthly Event Diary Why not contribute to YOUR Village Magazine!! 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 2013 ISSUE – All contributions to be received by NOON on Friday, 15th February, to:- Bob, e-mail: [email protected] or Wascelyn, 48, Brent Street, Brent Knoll, TA9 4DT 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 represent the standpoint of the Brent Knoll News. The Editor reserves the right to edit or amend any contribution. BRENT KNOLL VILLAGE WEBSITE: www.brentknollvillage.info

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