November 2013

FOSSE TRINITY NEWS Serving the communities of Ditcheat, East Pennard and Pylle

NOVEMBER 2013

HELEN BUSHROD

LOOSE COVERS,

CURTAINS, CUSHIONS, etc.

Made to your requirements

FREE ESTIMATES

Tel: 01749 860546

THE ALHAMPTON INN Travellers Rest ALHAMPTON,SHEPTON MALLET Stone, East Pennard (on the A37) TEL: 01749 860747 01749 860069

Open All Day OPEN ALL DAY from 12.00 noon

Excellent home cooked food Mon-Sat 12.15 - 8.30 Traditional pub food

Tea / Coffee

Sunday Roast 12.15-2.30pm Sunday Roast booking advisable Quiz Nights/Skittles/Pool/Darts

B & B en-suite rooms

Buffets quoted for on request

www.travellersrest.org.uk Fish and chips takeaway available

Letter from the editors

This Month Autumn doesn’t seem to have slowed any of us down, we have a jammed packed issue full of successful past 100 Club 47 events, Harvest meals, Quiz night, Macmillan Coffee Advertiser Index 58 morning and the Bake-Off to mention only a few, along Book Group 54 with many more over the coming months, Panto (p6 ), Children's Page 14 Church Services 30 Halloween Party (p11 ),Christmas Ball (p36 ), Cub camp Defibrillator 31 (p8 )…… so be sure to check out ‘Dates for your Dairy’ Diary Dates 4 just in case you miss something! Ditcheat Ch. Rota 55

Ditcheat Player’s 6 Ditcheat School 7 We are hoping for warmer weather and drier gateways th E.P. News 11 for the community planting day on 16 November at Folk Dancing 28 Haddon Wood, Alhampton, do wrap up warm, bring Gardening Club 55 something hot to drink and come and see how the Haddon Wood 23 Letters 34 woodland is evolving (p 23) Moviola 27 Natural World 17 Two new clubs are mentioned this month, the Mid- Obituaries 33 Somerset Flower Club based in Evercreech (p24) and Parish news 41,48 Pylle News 19 the Shepton Mallet Amateur Boxing Club (p53). It may Rendezvous 28 be a bit late for the introduction course but with the Royal Brit. Legion 43 Olympics in Rio 2016 it might be worth a try. Saturday Stitch 26

Scout Group 8 Village Lunch 25 The Market House in Castle Cary will be opening soon Wastenot wantnot 47 (p38) and the Queens Arms is also open for drinks Who's Who 56 (p58) why not drop in and see them. Wildlife Group 37

Thank you all for your wonderful contribution to this month’s magazine.

The editors

www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk

The Fosse Trinity News is a community magazine owned by the Fosse Trinity Advisory Committee. It is financed by advertising and donations. It is delivered FREE to every household in Ditcheat, Alhampton, East Pennard and Pylle. We welcome any contribution from anyone in the community of any age!

th Send copy by to [email protected] 15 of each month or to The Editors, 1 Folly Drive, Ditcheat, BA4 6QH

For enquiries about advertising in the magazine, please contact Marcus Wyburn-Mason 01749 860067 or email [email protected] th Closing date 10 of each month

Dates for your Diary

new entries are shaded Every Week Pilates (9.00) Diana 860224 Mon Tai Chi & Qigong(10.30) Mimi 08453038381 Ditcheat Badminton Club (8.00) James 860355 Tue Art Group – Fortnightly (10.00) Liz & Stewart 860755 Ditcheat Badminton Club (2.00) James 860355 Wed Ditcheat Short Mat Bowls (7.00) Martin 860780 Thu Keep Fit (9.15) Diana 860224 Advance Notices November 2013 Halloween Party & Spooky Disco – Sat 2nd 5.00 Tracy 860996 EP Church Rooms Tue 5th 8.30 Travellers Rest – Fun Quiz Night Ian 860069 Wed 6th 12.00 LWP – Thorner’s Coffee Den Joanna 838757 Thu 7th 8.15 The Alhamptonians Louisa 860252 Fri 8th 7.30 Folk Dancing – Jubilee Hall Deirdre 860594 Travellers Rest – Jamming Session Sun 10th 6.00 Ian 860069 (open mic) Tue 12th 10.00 Rendezvous – Jubilee Hall Diana 860224 Sat 16th 10.00 Haddon Wood tree planting Hilary 860615 Tue 19th 8.30 Travellers Rest – Fun Quiz Night Ian 860069 Moviola presents – Jubilee Hall Thu 21st 7.30 Jim 860348 “The Great Gatsby” Aspects of East Pennard, talk by Adrian Thu 21st 7.30 Anna 860347 Pearse – EP Church Room Tue 26th 12.30 Ditcheat Village Lunch – Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 Tue 26th 8.00 Royal British Legion AGM Jon 850241 December 2013 Sun 1st 12.00 Winter Warmer Lunch, Pylle Village Hall Joanna 838757 Tue 3rd 8.30 Travellers Rest – Fun Quiz Night Ian 860069 Ditcheat Christmas Village Lunch – Fri 6th 12.30 Jessica 860205 Jubilee Hall Thu 5th 8.15 The Alhamptonians Louisa 860252 4

Dates for your Diary cont'd.

Ditcheat Players – Jubilee Hall Thu 5th 7.30 Gaye 860081 “Babes in the Wood” Ditcheat Players – Jubilee Hall Fri 6th 7.30 Gaye 860081 “Babes in the Wood” Ditcheat Players – Jubilee Hall Sat 7th 2.30 Gaye 860081 “Babes in the Wood” Ditcheat Players – Jubilee Hall Sat 7th 7.30 Gaye 860081 “Babes in the Wood” Travellers Rest – Jamming Session Sun 8th 6.00 Ian 860069 (open mic) Tue 10th 10.00 Rendezvous – Jubilee Hall Diana 860224 Fri 13th 7.30 Folk Dancing – Jubilee Hall Deirdre 860594 Sat 14th 7.00 Ditcheat Christmas Ball – Jubilee Hall Jo 860898 Tue 17th 8.30 Travellers Rest – Fun Quiz Night Ian 860069 January 2014 Thu 2nd 8.15 The Alhamptonians Louisa 860252 Travellers Rest – Jamming Session Sun 12th 6.00 Ian 860069 (open mic) Tue 7th 10.00 Rendezvous – Jubilee Hall Diana 860224 Fri 10th 7.30 Folk Dancing – Jubilee Hall Deirdre 860594 Sat 25th Burns Night Tue 28th 12.30 Ditcheat Village Lunch – Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 February 2014 Thu 6th 8.15 The Alhamptonians Louisa 860252 Tue 11th 10.00 Rendezvous – Jubilee Hall Diana 860224 March 2014 Sat 22nd Ditcheat Parish Annual Litter Pick

Angus was driving down the street worried because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up toward heaven, he prayed in desperation: "Lord, take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up whisky."

Miraculously, a moment later a parking place appeared. Angus looked up again and said, "Never mind. I found one." 5

6 News from Ditcheat Primary School

As I write, we are approaching the end of a busy and fun-packed half term and the children are all looking forward to a well-deserved break.

We have had a very successful Harvest celebration, which saw all of the children taking part and the older children taking a leading role. Our auction of produce after the Harvest service raised over £150 which will be shared between the four classes with each class choosing how best to spend the money through the Oxfam Unwrapped scheme.

The older children have taken part in the first football tournament of the year, in which they played extremely well and behaved impeccably, doing Mr Reid and the whole school proud. They won several of their games and ended the tournament in 3rd place.

We have just finished Book Week, which saw several exciting events take place, most centred on Roald Dahl and his books. Maple and Holly classes went on a trip to the library in Shepton Mallet and came back with lots of ideas for developing our own library within school. Our parent association, Friends of Ditcheat School, paid for an actor to spend the day in school, delivering workshops to the children in the morning and a performance of the BFG in the afternoon. Everybody dressed up as their favourite character from a Roald Dahl story one day so we had plenty of Twits, Witches and Big Friendly Giants in school on that day! We rounded the week off with a sleepover in school for the older children, so on Friday night Maple and Willow class children came back to school with their sleeping bags for a big adventure! Highlights of the sleepover included a Roald Dahl quiz and delicious hot chocolate. We even managed to get some sleep, so that was a bonus for the adults!

Amanda Seager Headteacher

7 1st Ditcheat Scout Group News

Following our BBQ and a School Assembly about Scouting we have welcomed 4 new members in October, its good to see our numbers slowly increasing but we still have places available for new members... (Boys & Girls aged 6 to 10)

And to help lead this increase in numbers, Beth and Lydia have been appointed Cub Sixers.

So far this term we have been focusing on learning Emergency Aid, and hope to award badges before Half Term.

We’re looking forward to going on camp at the start of Half Term, and for a change the Beavers and Cubs will be doing most of the catering as they earn their Chef and Healthy Eating Badges!

We continue to fundraise by collecting used printer cartridges (except Epsom, refilled and compatible cartridges) as part of our ongoing fundraising. If you have any to donate please bring them to the School between 1800 and 1915 any term time Thursday or contact me to arrange collection.

Elli Halford (07754812872/[email protected])

BEAUTY AT THE PARLOUR

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 Facials From our extensive list  Reflexology Also available: Somerset  Hopi Ear Candles Yoghurts, cheese & preserves www.hembridgeorganics.co.uk Call for Appointments: 01749 860964 Tel 01749 860693 0792257697

The Batcombe Family Practice Pet Portraits

Kathrine Read Violette Aubry BSc(Hons)Ost Structural & Cranial Registered Osteopaths

Osteopaths are trained to recognise and treat many causes of pain and can help

with a wide range of complaints

including: Commission a unique  Back,Neck, joint or muscle Pain Pastel Portrait of your Pet  Nerve pain or injury  Post accident or injury Painted from detailed Photographs  Arthritic Pain Gift vouchers Available  Head & Facial pain For further information please call  Postural Problems Joanna Miln 01749 838757  Sports Injuries www.joannamiln.co.uk  Pregnancy & Birth related issues My work will be exhibited in  Treatment of children For more information or advice call: Trowbridge Gallery

Castle Cary (01749) 830439 st www.mendipfamilyosteopaths.co.uk from 1 Nov until end Jan 2014

Halloween Party & Spooky Disco

Saturday 2nd November 5-7pm East Pennard Church Room Tickets £3/child (parents go free) includes: Shadow play - bring a torch! Apple Bobbing & seasonal games Creepy Crawly Buffet Booking essential Please call Tracy 01749 860996 ORGANISED BY THE SCHOOL ROOM GROUP

Macmillan Coffee Morning 'The Gould Family would like to thank everyone who came, helped and supported the Macmillan Coffee Morning and Afternoon Tea that was hosted on their farm on Wednesday 25th September. The weather was kind and it was a fantastic day catching up with the people who came. A grand total of £650 was raised which will be donated to the very worthy Macmillan Cancer Charity.'

11 East Pennard Harvest If you were not there you missed a treat! The bell ringers, led by newly appointed Tower Captain Mervyn Buckley, were on fine form to herald the start of the Harvest Festival service and celebrations at East Pennard. A delightful service was led by the recently retired Rev. Christine Donkersley and the traditional harvest hymns were sung with gusto. The beautifully decorated church windows filled with fruit, flowers and vegetables were auctioned after the service, and Pearl’s was so bountiful it counted as two lots! The congregation then made its way to the nearby Coach House to enjoy a fine harvest lunch. In the upstairs dining hall of the Pennard House wedding venue ninety people and children enjoyed boeuf bourguignon donated by the Pennard House caterer Caroline Gent, followed by apple crumble with Gould’s cream. Decorated with ivy, comfortable and characterful, it was the perfect setting on a mellow autumn afternoon. Cheese and butter were also donated by Gould’s farm, everyone enjoyed some of the enormous birthday cake provided by Carol Stuart to surprise her husband, and the annual auction of homemade apple pies produced £350 to bring the total raised by the event to £1,500. Some of this will be used to purchase additional pew cushions. Many thanks to the Dearden family for making the Coach House available for this event, Paul and Martin for manning the bar, Michael and Martin for their persuasive auctioning talents, and especially to Susie for masterminding the catering arrangements. Jean Heal

The Harvest display of flowers and produce in our church was particularly beautiful this year. Many thanks to all the ladies who gave of their time and talents so generously to make our Harvest service especially memorable. All the flowers and produce were very profitably auctioned by Michael after the service.

Flower & Cleaning November: Jean Heal December: Yonnis Gregory Val Green Ruth Gregory

Advance notice East Pennard will be having its traditional Christmas party in December. Watch this space!

CALLING ALL CHILDREN!

SINCE AUGUST 2013 WE HAVE BEEN STRIVING TOWARDS SETTING UP A YOUTH GROUP FOR AGES 9-14 IN DITCHEAT VILLAGE.

WE ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO ACCESS FUNDING FOR FACILITIES, OUTINGS & TRAINING. IF SUCCESSFUL WE HOPE TO HOLD THE GROUP IN THE VILLAGE HALL.

AFTER A DISAPPOINTING TURN OUT FOR THE INITIAL SET UP MEETING, WE ARE NOW ASKING FAMILIES TO GET IN TOUCH VIA EMAIL OR BY PHONE TO DISCUSS THEIR NEEDS & WANTS FOR THE GROUP.

IF YOU WANT THE YOUTH GROUP THEN PLEASE CONTACT JO 860898 OR BY EMAIL [email protected]

A little boy was taken Christmas shopping by his mother. He watched the escalator going down for several minutes, and then asked with concern: “What happens when the ground floor gets full of steps?”

Higher Farm, Sutton, Nr Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QF

Opening hours

Mon-Sat: 7.30am to 6.30pm

For Tool Hire & Repairs.

Tel 01749 860199: Mobile 07771632221 How To Find Us Turn off the A371 Castle Cary to Shepton Mallet road, between Moff Motors and The Brook House Inn, and then take the first turning left to Sutton. Follow this road until you see our signs on the right, and then turn right. Hope to see you soon!

N E MOTORS

Engine tuning and Servicing

Rolling Road Diagnosis Bay including EFI and ABS problems solved. For friendly local service telephone 01749 860123

or call at our workshop in Harvester Yard, Ditcheat

W.J.TROTMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS

(incorporating Oswald Clarke Funeral Directors of Bruton) Ashdene, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 4QQ

Telephone: 01749 880271

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Longhill Farmhouse

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Tel: 01749 860189 or 07880770887 Email:[email protected] Website: www.longhillfarm.co.uk

16 NATURAL WORLD

If ever you think about lichens, do you group them with mosses? If so, then you are falling into a trap that has caught an amazing number of people. Mosses are simple plants that tend to grow in small clumps or mats. Most grow to no more than 100mm (4 inches tall) and they favour damp places. They don’t have a root structure and absorb moisture and most of their nutrients through the leaves – yes leaves. The nutrients are absorbed by means of photosynthesis alone.

Lichens fulfil some of those criteria, but are definitely not plants at all. In fact they are self contained ecosystems in their own right and comprise at least two organisms, one of which is a fungus. The other could be an alga or a bacterium and some complex lichens are a mixture of more than two partners. The fungus needs a partner that can absorb nutrients through photosynthesis.

Now, if you found that all very confusing, you are not alone because science is divided on the subject, some believing, as I have described, that the relationship is a symbiotic one, where both parties benefit, because the algae seem to be healthy within the lichen. Other factions consider that the fungal part of the lichen is being parasitized by algae that live within it. Either way, both parties benefit because, with the algae or bacterium on board, the fungus can live in places lacking organic matter that it would normally need to obtain nutrients and the algae and bacteria, which normally live in damp or aquatic places, can survive in much drier places and, with the protection of the fungus, can even withstand exposure to direct sunlight.

That’s what lichens are then, much more at home in the realms of fungus than mosses, but, most importantly, they are beautiful when examined closely and they are not difficult to find either. You don’t have to go scouting miles into a forest or way out on some distant moorland. They are among us. If you go outside now, you will most probably bump into a lichen growing on a stone wall, or the branch of a tree. Those patches of grey or burnt yellow on older stone walls are 17 lichens. At first glimpse they may appear to be flat patches of discolouration, but look closer and the colours leap out at you and you suddenly realise where Farrow & Ball must have got a lot of their tonal inspiration from.

There are thousands of varieties worldwide, but I suppose most of us first learned of lichens because they are the food plant of Santa’s main helpers, the reindeer and they have their own species. The Reindeer Moss Lichen is an extremely important source of food for them and the only reason it is called a moss lichen, is to describe its appearance.

One variety, first described in 1987, occurs mainly on church walls and in close proximity to copper lightning conductors, because they love to absorb the copper, and a large number of lichens play a major part in pollution monitoring as they are able to absorb many harmful chemicals which are then easily analysed. The chemical content of the lichens can be so potent that they will erode the surface of the rock or wall that they are adhering to. One lichen known as the pollution lichen (lecanora conizaeoides), which was ubiquitous in industrial Western Europe, is becoming rare in places where it was once the only lichen. This is entirely due to the improvement in air quality and most lichens do prefer cleaner air.

Getting back to that fungus/algae connection, it is sometimes difficult to see where the line has been drawn. The picture on the right is of a lichen, but it is one of the few that live separate lives. The fungal part is clearly visible, but it is firmly embedded in its algal host, or is the fungus the host? Either way, it is still classed as a lichen.

They’re not just on walls, lichens are everywhere. They are found below high tide level in the oceans and seas around the world, also on the peaks of the highest mountains and they are at both north and south poles as well.

So try looking at lichens in a new light as they are truly fascinating and deserve more attention. This month, for the first time, I have sent the article to the editors with the photos in colour, so that those of you who wish to, can visit the website (www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk) and see the subtle tonal range. You can then bore your friends and family with your knowledge, just like I do.

Stewart Gould email [email protected]

18 PYLLE NEWS

Church Flowers and cleaning November Shared December Helen Bushrod January Hilary Tudsbery-Turner

If the church is locked please contact the church wardens Teresa 831419, Hilary 830538, Carolyn Fussell 830120, or Alan Cary 07896945936 to obtain a key.

Ladies Working Party - Joanna Miln 838757 We met at the Coffee Den and had a lovely lunch and made the final arrangements for the Harvest Supper. We keep ourselves busy and will be discussing the Winter Warmer Lunch with Father Christmas at our next meeting which is on Wednesday 6th November in the Coffee Den at 12 noon. Raffle prize from Carolyn Fussell. Marie Hyman will phone to take your food order 830704

Harvest Supper - October We now know just how much Mike and Jean did to organise the harvest supper every year and just hope that we came up their high standard. We had a break in tradition and served a hot beef casserole, followed by the usual puddings and cheese. This seemed to be popular, but we will listen to the feedback and then discuss arrangements for next year. Our thanks must go to Phil Nicodemi for generously donating the delicious rolls and baking all the potatoes for us, to Lisa for the donating all the cheese and butter, Roy Trott for the cider and to all the large team of helpers who gave vast quantities of their time and energy so we could all enjoy a wonderful evening. We raised a magnificent £850 which will be divided between the village hall and Pylle church.

Pylle Village Hall £7.50 per hour - £6.50 per hour for more than 4 regular bookings For more information and hall booking contact Joanna Miln 01749 838757

Whist Drives It is with great regret that due to personal circumstances Mike and Jean Puddy will no longer be able to run the whist in Pylle Village Hall. They held their last meeting at the end of August, and have organised and run this enjoyable event for years and raised a huge amount of money for Pylle Village Hall in the process. The hall committee would like to thank them both for everything that they have done for us over very many years, they will be sorely missed.

19 Family Winter Warmer lunch with Father Christmas - 1st December We will be holding a family winter warmer lunch in Pylle Village Hall on Sunday 1st December at 12 noon, Adults £6, Children £3 for lunch. We will be serving a hot meal so please book in advance with your menu choice: Beef, Chicken, or 3 bean (v) Casserole. Father Christmas has promised to take some time off from his busy schedule and join us for the day, but we will need to know in advance how many children would like to see him and collect a small present –visit to Father Christmas £2. All money raised will go to Pylle Village Hall. Please book in advance: phone Joanna Miln 838757

Pylle Photos To celebrate 50 years since the village hall opened we are going to hold a Pylle in old pictures exhibition. This will take place over a weekend in the spring, possibly 5th-6th April. We would like to display as many old photos of Pylle and the surrounding area as possible so please could you look out any old photographs that you are willing to lend and contact Stephen Tudsbery- Turner 830538. The photographs will be scanned and reprinted as A4 images and returned to you as soon as possible.

Fabric, Furnishings and Fittings at St Thomas’s The PCC has had a busy time over the summer and autumn and three main areas of the church are beginning to show signs of significant improvement.

The roof is in the process of being repaired and so worshippers will no longer be rained on during services. This of course could be a mixed blessing for a steady trickle of freezing water made it difficult for those who intended to nod off during an overlong sermon.

The vestry has been spring cleaned and assorted junk has been taken off to the tip – this included a worm eaten wardrobe, an ancient television and a hoover that was almost worth showing to the Antiques Road Show. We can now admire the charming fireplace not to mention glimpse a nineteenth century safe (alas empty) that had been hidden behind the aforementioned wardrobe.

The western end of the nave has been opened up by the removal of two pews. This will give us space for a display area as well as making it easier for people to socialise at the end of Family Communion. Our eighteenth century bier not to mention the Portman Bible and a late Georgian and extremely heavy Prayer Book will now be available for admiration.

Watch this space for further information about a new runner for the nave and a smart carpet for the west end.

Yenstone Walling and Paving

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Community Planting Day at Haddon Wood Alhampton Saturday 16th November 10.00 am – 1pm

Come and help create the future!

Last year, a member of the Haddon family donated 28 acres in Alhampton to the Woodland Trust to provide a wood that could be enjoyed in perpertuity by the whole community. If you want to be part of this amazing project, put November 16th in your diaries and be part of a group doing something wonderful that will last for ever!

Last March there was a fantastic turnout of volunteers who came and helped plant the first trees at Haddon Wood in spite of the freezing weather! Everyone is now welcome to join in the second Haddon Wood Community Planting Day. If you simply want to look that's fine, though it would be even better if you could turn up with a spade and wellies and really get stuck in. Don't worry, there are no large holes to dig! The two-year-old saplings are easy to plant - you make a slit in the turf, pull back the spade to make a gap big enough for the roots, tuck them in and stamp the earth back down. Just think, in twenty years you can come back with your grandchildren or great grandchildren and show them 'your' trees.

Lots of the trees planted back in March are already growing over the guards and plans are well under way for the pond design and location. Fruit trees for the orchard have been selected and they will hopefully be planted after Christmas. An area for the first wildflower meadow has been cut and work on getting that ready is imminent.

We don’t have facilities for refreshments so bring a flask and if anyone feels inclined, a few cakes or biscuits would help keep the energy levels up! The planting will take place in the fields adjacent to the Sutton Road, opposite the Rugby Club and we will be using the entrance there but the parking is limited. Castle Cary Rugby Club have generously offered their car park for parking up until 1 pm. It is important that everyone removes their cars by that time as they have a match later that afternoon. Parking is also available at the Alhampton Pub and you can access the wood through the gate by the Tin Tabernacle in No Through Road. And, of course, you could stop at the pub for lunch after your visit!

Any help and any time you can give will be very much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you on the 16th November

For more information contact Hilary Harrison: 01749 860615 or [email protected] 23 MID - SOMERSET FLOWER CLUB

This Club is based in Evercreech and meets on the second Wednesday of each month ( except for the months of Jan. July, and Aug.) in the Village Hall, Evercreech starting at 2pm. However, as its name implies, the club draws in members from a wide area in mid - Somerset, and this is to tell you a little about what we do at our monthly meetings.

The majority of our meetings take the form of a demonstration of flower arranging by either a National or an Area Demonstrator. At a time when many flower clubs are having to cut down on their number of demonstrations because of costs, we are very fortunate in being able to stage so many. Following the demonstration we serve tea and home made cakes for which we have a well - deserved good reputation! We also run a competition for any members who wish to take part .... again this is a flower arrangement to fit a set title given each month, and judged by the Demonstrator.

There is a Sales Table where members can buy most of the basic bits and pieces needed in arranging. Finally a few lucky people go home with one of the Demonstrator's arrangements, as these are all raffled each meeting. The club is affiliated to the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS)

If anyone would like to come and see what goes on, our next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 13th. when we shall welcome Alwyn Page with her demonstration entitled " Simply Christmas." The cost for visitors is £4. Beginning our new year in Feb. 2014, the annual subscription will be £23, and visitors £4.50. You can be sure of a warm welcome at Mid - Somerset Flower Club.

More information available from Mrs. Hazel Fry, Chairman 01749 830393 Mrs. Margaret Elliot, Secretary 01749 830209

To Let in Ditcheat

2 bedroom cottage, kitchen/diner,

lounge, hall, bathroom - bath & shower,

full gas central heating

Available from 1st December

Furnished - £600 pcm

Contact Liz or Stewart

01749 860755

VILLAGE LUNCH

The Village Lunch will now routinely be on the last Tuesday of the month in the Jubilee Hall at 12.30pm.

Menu for 26 November

Celeriac & Leek Soup Mushroom Soup Tomato Soup Homemade Bread & Cheeses ~~~~~ Selection of fruit ~~~~~ Tea or Coffee. £4.00 per person. If you would like to come let either Jessica Leach (860205) or Vee Lees (860542) know by the previous Wednesday, (20th). There will be a raffle as usual - any prizes will be welcome.

DITCHEAT CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Book early for the Christmas village lunch which will take place on Friday 6th December at Ditcheat Jubilee Hall at 12.30pm.

25 Saturday Stitch

Or as I like to think of it at this time of year ‘Strictly Come Stitchin’

Wow it’s been a busy two years for the group. Yes we are in to our third autumn, ideas are plentiful, and there is never a dull moment in creating. We continue to meet two Saturdays a month, with the occasional outing. Like all groups not everyone can make every session, having said that it is now a ‘must do’ on the calendar for many of us.

The group is great for making good friends with likeminded people, at the same time becoming ever more skilled at our chosen crafts. Whether it’s knitting, spinning, sewing ,weaving, quilting, felting, dressmaking, bag making, upcycling, between us we have produced lots of beautiful items and garments. Some even won prizes at the Mid Somerset Show.

I’m amazed how much we achieve in the group setting. There is always advice and encouragement from members. We accept real beginners too, the importance of sharing skills whilst at the same time experiencing the pleasure others get from learning and achieving is so worthwhile.

Are you into materials and making? Who taught you I wonder? My mother taught me to knit, I learnt to sew at school and use a sewing machine. I’ve since attended workshops for quilting and felting. Once you have the basics there is no end of crafting ideas and methods to keep you occupied.

If you’ve ever considered coming along please do give it a try, we may even consider a beginners work shop if you need support to get started. There may be a possibility of a weekday group next year.

Further details ring or email Sally Yeoman 07929 097374 [email protected] Looking forward to hearing from you.

Happiness Is Homemade

The vicar was preaching a powerful sermon concerning death and judgment. In the course of the sermon, he said: “Just think – all of you living in this parish will one day die.” At this, a man in the front pew began to laugh quietly. After the service the vicar demanded sternly what he had found so funny about his sermon. The man replied: “I was just so happy that I don’t live in this parish!”

27 The Rendezvous

Tuesday 12th November 10-12

Ditcheat Folk Dance Club F D in the ubilee Hall Caller Peter Bolton with Rough Round the Edges

Entrance £ includes light refreshments Deirdre Ama

Upcycle your old curtains into something new:

blinds, cushion covers and more… Very reasonable rates

Fleriel Soft Furnishings and sewing

Jude Herlihy 07817809989 [email protected]

Mike Doyle

Home Maintenance

All types of property maintenance undertaken including:

 Painting and Decorating

 Kitchen and Bathroom Tiling

 Wood/Laminate Floor Laying

 Wooden Decking  Fencing  Patio Laying

 Insurance Quotes/Work Undertaken

01749 860356 07876421255 e-mail:[email protected]

Thomas Kenrick

Re- pointing

Re-Pointing Specialist. Building Conservation. Stone Masonry.

A l h a m p t o n 8 6 0 9 2 9 M o b 07746218062

www.Repointing Somerset.co.uk

CHURCH SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER

Sunday 3rd All Saints Day, 4th Sunday before Advent 9.30 a.m. Parish Communion at Ditcheat - Revd. Stuart Munns 11.00 a.m. Service for All Saints at East Pennard –Revd. Canon Graham Hendy

Sunday 10th Remembrance Sunday – 3rd Sunday before Advent 10.40 a.m. Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph at Ditcheat 11.00am Service of Remembrance at Ditcheat – Revd. Stuart Munns

Monday 11th 10.40am Act of Remembrance at East Pennard Cenotaph – Revd Stuart Munns

Tuesday 12th 10.00 a.m. Midweek Communion at Ditcheat - Revd. Stuart Munns

Sunday 17th 2nd Sunday before Advent 8.00am Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion, Ditcheat – Revd Trevor Cranshaw 11.00am Parish Communion at East Pennard – Revd Frank Fisher

Sunday 24th Christ the King, Sunday before Advent 9.30 a.m. Parish Communion at Alhampton, Revd. Canon Graham Hendy

SERVICE FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN DECEMBER

Sunday 1st Advent Sunday 9.30 a.m. Parish Communion at Ditcheat - Revd. Canon Graham Hendy 4.00pm United Benefice Christingle Service – Jean Halford

30 FROM THE REGISTERS

BAPTISIMS We pray for the children who have now been welcomed into the family of God

6th October Olivia Georgina Nicholls 6th October Zara Isabelle Nicholls

HOLY MATRIMONY We congratulate those recently married and pray that God will richly bless their lives together

28th September Venetia Dearden and Ollie Stroud at East Pennard 5th October Sara Willams and Gavin English at Ditcheat

FUNERALS We remember those who have died and pray for all who are bereaved.

12th September Nancy Primrose Bryant aged 82 years, East Pennard

18th September Gwendoline Banks aged 86 years, Pylle

DEFIBRILLATOR After our warm welcome at Rendezvous on Tuesday 8th October Sally and l would like to say thank you for letting us interrupt your morning and allowing us to talk to you about the defibrillator that’s on the wall in the reception car park at AJ & RG Barbers. This machine was purchased by Barbers for use on their site and also for the Villagers. We would like to arrange a couple of demonstration dates showing how to use the Defibrillator, we would like as many people as possible to come along, the more that know about it the better. There is no commitment just a Demonstration So please ring Sheliagh on 01749860537 so we have an idea of numbers.

Thank you Sheliagh Keirl and Sally Atkins

PS. Rendezvous have very kindly let us do a demonstration at the December meeting, so please come along. But we will still be doing another demonstration at a later date for those that can’t make it so please call Sheliagh.

JeremyDodd

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Obituary For Nancy Primrose Bryant (nee Spirrell) 05-03 -31- 12-09-13

Nancy was born at Huxham, moving to Drove Cottage as a young toddler and Somerleaze Cottages in 1938. Nancy attended East Pennard & Ansford Schools for her education. Leaving school at 14 she worked at East Pennard House for Squire and Mrs Napier where she became Nanny for Brigadier & Hilary Lewis looking after Susan Lewis now Susan Dearden. Nancy helped at Yew Tree House the home of Mr & Mrs Hillier Mary & Anna- Clare who looked forward to Nancy's Christmas visit and a good chat. Nancy rode a bicycle for many miles when she was a Home Help and worked at Shepton Hospital back in the fifties. Nancy worked for Rector and Mrs Francis from 1961 at East Pennard Rectory, moving with them to Ditcheat Rectory and to their retirement bungalow in Alhampton 35years of love and loyalty. They remember her always being jolly, happy and good tempered. Nancy worked at The Queens Arms Wraxall for Ralfphello, Jean, Marietta, & Gabriella for some 25years, they all have fond and happy memories, including Susy Higgins who worked at The Queens Arms, Susy remembers her hearty laugh that lit up a room. Everyone remembers her fabulous beehive bun covered with a pretty scarf but it was Charles Francis who threatened to cut it off with a pair of shears. Nancy loved her garden which included her goldfish pond. Nancy did a Poppy collection and received certificates from the British Legion, she delivered the village magazine and continued to receive a magazine for herself and Pearl Emery after moving to Shepton Mallet in 2006 which is now being delivered by her sister Eileen Govier. Nancy & Bill moved to Pullen Court Shepton Mallet where Nancy enjoyed taking part in all the social activities, she loved sending birthday & Christmas cards to all her wide circle of family & friends. Latterly Nancy fought hard to retain a positive outlook to life, she will be remembered fondly by Bill, Richard, Rosemary, Eileen, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and all her close family and friends, she is at peace now safe in the care and love of God. We will all miss her.

The family would like to thank everyone who has sent messages of sympathy and donations in remembrance of Nancy, for The League of Friends of Shepton Mallet Community Hospital Or Pullen Court Tenants Fund.

Nancy’s funeral service was at All Saints Church East Pennard on September 25th followed by interment in the Church Yard.

How not to begin a holiday

We joined SAGA Sapphire at Dover in the afternoon of the 26th September bound for a three week Mediterranean cruise. The embarkation process was very smooth and Kath had no trouble in getting on board. She even managed the full (and very comprehensive) lifeboat drill which took place before we set sail.

Towards the end of our dinner K got up to go to the loo. On the way out she missed a step down immediately after the loo door and crashed facedown full length on the floor. I actually saw it happen. It was obvious that she had damaged herself and it took a little time before the medical staff could get her on to a stretcher. The ship's nurse meantime gave her a very effective injection of pain relief. The Ship’s doctor took an xray and this showed that she had broken the humerus just below the shoulder. He said she must get ashore to a hospital asp.

Meanwhile the ship, which was 20 miles or so south of the Isle of Wight, turned around and headed back towards Portsmouth where the hospital had been alerted. The Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat was launched and K & I transferred from Sapphire to the lifeboat through the door which the pilots use when joining the ship. K was strapped to a chair which was manhandled from Sapphire to the lifeboat, a procedure which the coxswain subsequently described as ‘interesting’! It was now about midnight.

The crews of both ships were wonderful, but the journey in the life boat was exceedingly unpleasant. Even the crew referred to the sea as lumpy! It was a force 5 gale and somewhat choppy. I gather wind and tide were opposing each other - anyhow it was very rough. K coped well, but I found it quite alarming at times when we rolled and dived steeply into a trough and the coxswain slammed the throttles back, presumably to stop the engine over- revving as the props came out of the water. Anyhow they went as fast as they could, but I was very glad to get to Portsmouth! Paramedics then took us to the hospital where we spent the rest of the night before returning home. Our three week cruise lasted six hours.

This method of starting a holiday is not recommended.

John Severne

The Great Ditcheat Bake-off totally justified its name. On the night there were examples of interesting, tasty and good looking nibbles, cakes and biscuits.

Whether savoury or sweet there was plenty of good things to eat — a truly wonderful array of edibles. I actually thought it was going to mean getting out more tables because of the number of entries that were spread before us. It was really great to see so many people not only supporting this new event by providing goodies to sample but by their being present to act as tasters. A good time was had by all. The winning part did not really matter as we all had so much fun trying out new and different items.

I really enjoyed this evening and just wanted to say a huge well done not only to Jo Curtis who did such an amazing job bringing the idea and organisation into place, but also all those great people who helped on the night. Jo had all her family helping as well as others and it all worked very well.

I am already looking forward to next year and even felt encouraged to enter in 2015, but perhaps there should be a section for best burnt offering for my type of cooking.

Thanks for a great event — and what a brilliant lot of cooks/chefs we have here in the parish. You did us all proud.

Alison Ward

Congratulations to all! Thank you everybody for supporting this event whether baking, eating, judging and to all those who helped on the night. Over 50 entries of food were being judged!

A special thank you to The Manor House Inn for their generous donation to our raffle. Please contact Eleanor 860337 or Jo 860337 To make suggestions for next year…yes we will be back!

DITCHEAT CHURCH PRESENTS A FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS BALL SATURDAY, 14th DECEMBER 7pm – LATE AT THE JUBILEE HALL

SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDING THE SHEPTON MALLET BIG BAND

BAR, MUSIC AND RAFFLE BRING AND SHARE SUPPER

£5 ADULTS/ £3 CHILDREN POSH FROCKS & LOUNGE SUITS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HOST A TABLE PLEASE CONTACT JO CURTIS 860898 ELEANOR YEOMAN 860337

Recording Swallows & House Martins project

Last month I thought the yard would have been empty by the second week in September as usual, but some of our House Martins thought they would get another brood in before they went on their way. I think they moved off on Wednesday 25th and my independent minded Swallows who usually get a late brood in before the migration, fledged 3 babies on Friday 27th September.

There are still flocks of House Martins and Swallows passing through and I saw a Hobby following them the other day (23.9.13), nothing quite like a young Hirundine for breakfast!

Yesterday (3rd of October) I thought farewell to my Swallows and today it has been proved correct, their home is empty, bon voyage and I hope I see them again next Spring. They really are late leaving even for them, funny year..

 WILDLIFE GROUP NEWS

Afternoon tea we had a lovely afternoon for our walk around Stone and I was able to point out some of our efforts to encourage wildlife, I even managed to produce scones with the tea a real rarity I can assure you, but worth the appreciation!

We will have had an Open Evening meeting to allow those that work a chance to join us. Thursday 17th October. Try using the Ditcheat Web page to keep up to the moment with events, or join our email list.

Please don't be shy to come and join us on any occasion that you can and that takes your interest. You don't have to "earn your place " on a jolly, by doing some of the more repetitive events, we do it because we love wildlife and want to show people what can be done to encourage and live with a richer natural environment around us.

If you would like to be on our email list which allows our more impromptu events to reach you in time, please phone: Bridget: 01749 860240

THE MARKET HOUSE – CASTLE CARY BECOMES UNIQUE VENUE, FOLLOWING MAJOR RENOVATION

Castle Cary Town Council is proud to announce the renovation of The Market House in the town centre to create a new community space, due to be completed later this year This includes 'The Shambles' ( which will have a glazed roof, underfloor heating, small kitchen area, wheelchair access and seat up to 50 people for presentations) and 'The Undercroft' adjoining The Shambles, which is roofed and open sided creating a perfect overspill for functions and market stalls and the cobbled area, fully outside.

The Market House is the focal point of Castle Cary and is a Grade II* listed building dating from 1855. It has been a major local meeting place for centuries, a focus for community events and home to the Town Council, Tourist & Community Information Point and a fascinating Museum.

The Market Town Charter will be reinstated. To complement the unique character of the building, exhibitions, small scale arts events, workshops for adults and children and other activities will run alongside the market and at other times, along with letting of the premises for a wide variety of uses, both community and private. The Town Council are also keen for local organisations or individuals to run occasional large “one off” thematic markets in the town, usually at weekends, sometimes in conjunction with other large town events. Regular and special markets should enhance rather than compete with the shopping experience already on offer.

For further information and to make a provisional booking, pending completion of renovation, please call: 01963 359631 or email: [email protected]

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40 REPORT OF EAST PENNARD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Held on Thursday 18 July 2013 at 7.30pm in the Church Room

Present: Adrian Pearse (Chairman), Matthew Golledge, Paul Heal, Audrey Dyson(Clerk) and Amanda Reynolds (Minute Secretary). Nigel Woollcombe-Adams

1. Apologies: Martin Dearden, Michael Rodd

2. Minutes: The Minutes from the last meeting were signed by the Chairman as being a true record.

3. Matters Arising: Items on the agenda to come up individually

4. Financial Report: Since the last meeting the following cheques have been paid out: £243.80 Zurich Insurance, £40 M.Mogg Internal Audit, £500 to Churchyard fund of EPPCC. The Annual return has been completed and the certificate received. £81.25 has been received for Council Tax Support Grant allocation.

5. Planning Applications: Mr and Mrs Dearden The Coach House, East Pennard, Somerset BA4 6RP Application: Installation of four air conditioning units and six grills. Approved with conditions

Mr and Mrs Creed Withial Farm, Withial, East Pennard,BA4 6UE Application: Erection of an agricultural covered yard

Mr Jethro Macey Proposal: Demolition of existing rear single story extension and replacement with a two story extension. Addition of window to west elevation of existing cottage.No objection was made to the extension in principle but objections to the materials proposed as not in keeping with enhancing a conservation area were made.

41 6. Church Room: Adrian Pearse to speak to the School Room Group to arrange a meeting with EPPCC.

7. Solar Farm at Elbow Corner: Proposed Solar Farm at Lower Easton Farm, Easton Lane, Pylle, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6SY Inazin Power limited plan to develop a solar park producing 9mw of power from a renewable source. Adrian Pearse went to the open day on 22 May at Pylle Village Hall. Application awaited.

8. Thumb Lane Adrian Pearse had written to the Greens about the objections to the gate and fence being erected at the north end of Thumb Lane and invited them to the meeting but they did not turn up. Thumb Lane, Hembridge and Huckymead Lanes have always been classed as public assets and part of the common of the parish. The Chairman to contact Mendip Bridleways and the Ramblers Association to clarify the position.

9. Glastonbury Festival: A discussion took place about the new campsite which has been set up on the north side of the festival fence for 10,000 campers. There are various concerns with regards to this including the construction of a large track way to Middleway Road which didn’t have planning permission. Glastonbury Festivals Limited have said they will apply for retrospective planning permission. Nigel Woollcombe-Adams to contact Councillor Crossley to see if the enforcement officer has been informed. Concerns were also raised that an ecological assessment was not done as there are crested newts north of the Kings Hill Gully. Also questioned was the extent of the responsibility of landowners with regards to trespassers on their land if they were injured. Security guards were seen chasing people who were abandoning cars, intending to breach the security fence and then running across private land.

10. Correspondence: Letter from SCC announcing £200,000 worth of grants available to carry out work that can reduce the risk of flooding. Paul Heal to pass the information on to the residents of SummerLeaze. Letter from Mike Batty re. concerns about parking Letter from SCC announcing the introduction of the new charging structure for highway licenses from 1 September 2013.

11. Date of the next meeting:This will be on Thursday 24 October 2013 at 7.30pm

The meeting closed at 9.25pm

42 East Pennard and District RBL

Wow! What a difference a year makes! Last year we were hoping to get 10 teams for our annual quiz night and we only managed 8. This year we were again hoping for 10, but not very optimistically, and we ended up with 12 teams. In fact we were almost turning people away in the last few days. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on which side you are coming from, two people dropped out at the last minute and we were able to get everybody seated. However, the Coffee Den was bulging at the seams and I think we pushed our luck with Michelle and the gang. It wasn't the number of people particularly, but the fact that we had 12 teams of 4 and each team needed it's own table and that does requires a certain amount of space, especially with waitress service, you do need to be able to move about. So it was a bit of a squeeze but what an enjoyable night!

We certainly weren't expecting so many people to support us but our sincere thanks to all who turned out; it was great night. Of course it wouldn't have been such a great success without the efforts of our fantastic quizmaster Mr Shaun Smith. He really must enjoy putting these quiz nights together because the questions were so different that there was something to appeal to everyone, and even I, who hate anything to do with intelligence and therefore quizzes, actually look forward to the evening. Really, we must take a minute to thank Michelle and the ladies of the Coffee Den for yet another night of great food and even better service. It makes all the difference in the world to be looked after so well. Our sincere thanks. We wish we could give you an even bigger tip for all your efforts, but it is supposed to be a fundraising evening.

Let's put some meat on the bones, so to speak. In total the evening raised £256.00 for the Branch funds which is a fantastic total. We made a little on the cost of the tickets, thanks to the keen pricing of Michelle, and the raffle raised £111.00. I hope we all appreciate that the main object of the evening is not just to raise some money for the Legion but to provide a social occasion where members and their friends can get together, catch up with a bit of gossip, and generally have a good time. With this in mind we never make a big thing about the raffle and we undertake to find the prizes ourselves rather than have individuals donating as we do for the annual dinner. Having said all that we must thank the East Somerset Steam Railway, Jon Thorner's and Barbers Cheese for their support of our funding raising efforts. I know for a fact that all such local firms and attractions are inundated with appeals for help on a daily basis, and it must be very difficult, especially in these difficult times, to decide who to support. Thanks again and we'll try not to trouble you again for quite a while……….well, not until next year anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All in all, a great night and well worth all the effort. Our sincere thanks to everyone involved.

43 Just a gentle reminder that we are looking for someone to take over the role as the Branch Caseworker. This would involve doing a couple of courses run by the Legion and I have to say from first hand experience that the courses are very good. One course would probably be an introduction to the work of a caseworker and the second would be how to put information obtained from a potential client on to a computer. This would then be fed to a very experienced caseworker (somewhere) who will make the decision as to whether or not the Legion would be able to help. At this moment in time the local caseworkers do not have the power to make that decision. I have a feeling that this policy may change in the future but I wouldn't let that put you off considering this position. We do need someone to step forward, it is a very important part of the work of the Branch and at this moment, because I have too many hats on, It is not getting the attention it really needs. You would need to possess some people skills (but look at me,I don't have any and I have been doing the job now for a number of years) and a background as a social worker or nurse would be perfect; but don't let that put you off considering the post. You would probably be better placed if you were retired but part time work would fit in well. Give it some thought, please, and get in touch, even if you are just remotely interested.

By the time you read this we will be well into collecting for the Poppy Appeal and I trust that someone was able to come forward and help us collect in the Huxham area. The annual collection brings in just under half of what the Legion gives every year to welfare cases so it is a very important part of the Legion fund raising efforts. Each year, somehow or other, you manage to give a little more than the previous year and that seems to be reflected in the national total as well. I think last year the grand total was in excess of £30 million and our branch total was up by some £200 which was absolutely fantastic. Out of interest, we have just been told how much additional income your gift aiding last year made to our final total; £205.00! Isn't that amazing! Just by spending an additional 30seconds filling out a form to gift aid your donation, the Legion gets a whole whack of extra money, at no cost to you, and as I said, last year it created another £205. Thank you. Do you think we can improve on that again this year?

By the time you read this article, we would have just had our last meeting…yes, I know, it is all mixed up at the moment, sorry, sometimes it can't be helped, but you do need to know that we will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 26 November at 8pm. Yes, I know I haven't told you where, but I have a feeling that we will be holding it on the premises of our Chairman, but it is not set in concrete, so ,if you want to go, you will have to get in touch with one of us to find out for certain where the meeting will be.

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46 WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

Someone suggested we start a 'Freecycle' page. The idea is that if you have anything you are thinking of throwing out, but that someone else may get use out of, then advertise it on this page. No money changes hands. If after a while no one has been in contact, then you throw it out.

Three seat leather covered sofa. Dark green. No fire safety label. Anthony Sutcliffe, 01749 860541

King size pine bed & mattress needs a new home as currently in storage. Decorative wood head & foot board. Free local delivery will be considered. Call Ditcheat 01749 860857.

Upright piano in need of a new home, has been recently tuned. Made by Godfrey of London. Call Ditcheat 01749 860857.

Roll Up! Roll Up! YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE DITCHEAT AND ALHAMPTON

ONE HUNDRED CLUB YOUR CHANCE TO WIN MONTHLY CASH PRIZES OF £100, £50 & £25 ALONG WITH A AN ANNUAL TOP PRIZE OF UP TO £1000* £5 PER MONTH DRAWS TO BE HELD AT THE RENDEVOUS ALL PROCEEDS TO GO TO THE UPKEEP OF DITCHEAT CHURCH & ALHAMPTON CHAPEL WE DONATED OVER £800 IN 2013! CONTACT JOANNE CURTIS 01749 860898 Or [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SIMPLY SIGN UP TO WIN! DUE TO OUR PERSONAL FORTHCOMING ‘DELIVERY’ I WILL BE COLLECTING FROM THOSE WHO CHOOSE ANNUAL PAYMENTS FOR 2014 IN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER (*SUBJECT TO 100 MEMBERS)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

47 Précis of the draft minutes from the Ditcheat Parish Council meeting held on the 12th September 2013. PRESENT: Councillors Evans (CE) (Chairman), Councillors Clark (HC), Dando (JD), Hutton (RH), Yeoman (RY) and Shirley (BS). IN ATTENDANCE: The Clerk – Miss P Griffiths. BY INVITATION – District Councillor Crossley (JC). COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT. JC reported that that District Council were aware of the proposed planning application for an anaerobic digester at the Evercreech Junction Industrial Estate. JC gave County Councillor Woollcombe-Adams (NWA) apologies that he was unable to attend the meeting and explained that MDC were looking at ways to speed up the planning process to provide an improved service. The improvements would involve simplifying the process rather than an increase in the budget. REPORT FROM AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY – The Clerk read out the report on behalf of PCSO DURY/BEAT OFFICER. There were six incidents reported to the police in the Parish since the previous meeting which included a report of HGV’s using the village as a short cut, due to the road closure on the A371; report of a serious traffic accident near Wraxall – Emergency services attend; report of an Injury traffic accident – police attend; Misuse of 999 system – warning text sent; report of a cow on the Wraxall to Ditcheat Road – police attend, no trace of cow found and report of a fight in the village – police attend, no fight but a hoax call, warning message sent. MATTERS ARISING - from the meeting held on 1st August 2013. Update on problem of dog fouling and roaming out of control in Ditcheat and Alhampton. The Clerk reported that the situation in Alhampton appeared to have improved and that the owner of the dogs previously minuted as causing a problem was taking steps to prevent the dogs from roaming out of control and fouling in public areas and on private land. The situation in Ditcheat as for Alhampton will be monitored to ascertain progress in addressing the problem. Footpath from Alhampton to Sutton – CE gave an update on the costs to restore the Church Way path from Sutton to Alhampton and explained the process for applying to the Landfill Communities Fund (Viridor Credits) for funding. It was resolved to obtain 3 quotes and then consider whether to go ahead with any work, work to the whole path or to prioritise the areas of the path in most need of repair. Maintenance of footpaths - particularly the recently uncovered flagstone footpaths. It was noted that CE and RH had cleared parts of some of the path. At present the parts of the path in the fields were being kept cleared by the grazing of livestock. Update on the A371 road closure – The Clerk confirmed that letters had been sent to six companies about whom the PC had been informed appeared to be using the road through the parish inappropriately. Gregorys had responding by stating that the drivers only drove through the parish by necessity - this was strongly disputed by councillors living along the route used. Veolia had been very

48 responsive and had sent an email assuring that the Veolia drivers would not be using the route through the parish with the exception of one driver who due to the limitations of the tachometer had to drive through the parish. It was resolved that Gregorys would be contacted to state that the company’s vehicles were being driven through the parish on many occasions including during the night and were not going to the cheese factory as indicated in the email. Veolia would be contacted to thank them for their co-operation and consideration. Councillor vacancy – The Clerk confirmed that information had been sent to the parishioner who had expressed an interest and advised that a personal résumé and a brief indication of why he/she is interested in becoming a councillor should be sent to the Clerk prior to the next full meeting on 24th October. Seat in bus shelter in Ditcheat – CE reported that the seat appears to be fairly well made and robust and is serving a useful purpose. It was resolved that the seat should remain in the bus shelter. PARISH PLAN – RY gave an overview of the progress with the plan and following a question from RH confirmed that Parish Plan Steering Group intended to remain as a monitoring group to keep the momentum going and to assist in ensuring that the action plans are implemented. It was resolved that the PC adopts the Parish Plan. RY explained that the printing of the plan would be quite costly and that there may not be enough money left from the amount that the PC had committed. The Steering Group may approach the PC with a bid for further funding. FINANCE – The Clerk gave a verbal report. The balance of all accounts is £10,992.62. External audit – It was noted that in the opinion of the external auditor the information in the annual return is in accordance with proper practices and no matters have given cause for concern. It was resolved that the following payments be approved and the cheques signed: 1) Parochial Church Council of Ditcheat for room hire: 30th May - £10.00; 20th June, 1st August and 12th September 2013 £15.00 each = £45.00. Total for invoice = £55.00. The payments to the following were noted: 1) Tony’s Garden Services for grass cutting on 1st, 12th and 29th July 2013 - £195.00. 2) Tony’s Garden Services for grass cutting on 9th, 19th and 30th August 2013 - £195.00. PLANNING The outcome of the planning proposal for the demolition of an existing lean-to workshop at the rear of the garage and erection of single storey extension to the garage to create an indoor pool and gym. Ashbarton, Alhampton. Ref: 2013/1704 was to recommend approval. The pre-planning application consultation letter from GP Planning Ltd on behalf of Tamar Energy Ltd regarding an intention to submit a planning application for an anaerobic digestion facility at Evercreech Junction Industrial Estate was noted. The main issues that were likely to be of concern regarding this proposal were an

49 increase in HGVs and whether there would be any local benefits from the scheme to mitigate any inconvenience that will occur. It was resolved that CE and RH would attend the open day on Thursday 19th September on behalf of the PC. Other councillors may attend as members of the public. It was noted that listed and full planning permission had been granted for Prospect House, Ditcheat. It was resolved that a possible non-compliance of planning conditions at new dwelling adjacent to Long Batch will be an agenda item for the Planning Meeting to be held on 1st October 2013. HIGHWAYS - Update on repairs the following matters were outstanding and the Clerk will contact the Highways Department: 1. The edges of the Ditcheat to Wraxall road. 2. The edges of the road from Ditcheat to Alhampton. FEEDBACK FROM COUNCILLOR ATTENDING ‘THE RENDEZVOUS’ – matters that had been raised at the August Rendezvous included:  Speed of lorries passing through the village due to the road closure and the speed of tractors and farm vehicles passing through the village particularly during the silage making period.  Concern that when the road re-opens HGVs may continue to use the route through the parish. September - matters raised included:  An observation with no expectation that the PC should do anything about the fact that it is difficult to negotiate the barrier at the end of Lintern Close and the path from the playground to the shop in a wheelchair.  Dog fouling by a dog on the lead being walked in Kite Lane - the owner/minder did not pick up after the dog.  Passenger very concerned that with the shorter days and more adverse weather conditions that the drivers were not allowed to drive the buses to the station forcing passengers to alight at the Brook House Inn and walk the remaining distance to the station. Also it was questioning why if lorries were able to turn at the station that buses could not do likewise. It was noted that the buses sometimes wait at Bruton for approximately 5 minutes as they are ahead of time. The Clerk will raise the matter with South West Coaches again and copy in NWA.

Date of the next full meeting - Thursday 24th October 2013 at 7.30pm in the Church room. FOR INFORMATION: The agenda for all meetings is displayed on the PC website www.ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk and each of the notice boards in the parish i.e. Alhampton, Ditcheat, Sutton and Wraxall at least 3 working days prior to the meeting. Any comments or suggestions regarding these or future précised minutes would be welcome. Please contact the Clerk on telephone 01749 860 443 or by email: [email protected]

Advanced notice: Parish Litter Pick will take place on Saturday 22nd March

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A. TREVENEN PASCOE BSc. (Hons) Ost. Med. ND.

OSTEOPATH 42 High Street Shepton Mallet

Somerset BA4 5AS Tel. (01749) 342594 PPP/AXA and BUPA recognised

STABLE COMPUTERS Supply of New Computers and Accessories PC and Internet Problems Solved Broadband and Router Installation

Virus and Spyware Removal For Help & Advice Telephone

Daren on 01963 441229

Shepton Mallet Amateur Boxing Club

The road to Rio 2016 could start here for you

Come and try Boxing, Females & Males all welcome Introductory 8 week course 1 day a week starts 10th October Under 16 £1.50 Over 16 £2.00 Free T-shirt on Completion of course and reduced membership to SMABC ABAE Qualified Instructors SMABC St Paul Community Centre Paul Street Shepton Mallet BA45LA 07976207159 Please ring and ask for Paul to register your details to start

DITCHEAT BOOK GROUP Robert Graves’ I, Claudius Review by Clare West

Depending on your age, you may remember the hugely successful BBC TV drama serial I, Claudius, first shown in 1976 and starring Derek Jacobi as Claudius, John Hurt as the evil Caligula, and Siân Phillips as the manipulative Livia. We have just read the book which spawned the serial. Written by Robert Graves and published in 1934, I, Claudius is presented in the form of an autobiography of the Roman Emperor Claudius. As a historical novel, it covers the period from Julius Caesar’s assassination at the hand of Brutus in 44 BC to Caligula’s assassination in 41 AD, when Claudius himself becomes Emperor. The sequel, Claudius the God, covers Claudius’s reign up to his death, and this was included as part of the BBC production.

Life at the top in Ancient Rome was exceedingly dangerous. There were violent power struggles between the noblest, wealthiest families, which were often resolved in a brutal manner. Anyone in line to succeed the Emperor might be imprisoned for ever on a remote island, poisoned at a banquet or stabbed in a dark alley. As a member of the Claudian dynasty, Claudius was in peril all his life, and knew it. He stammered, limped, and was often ill; he realised early on that it might be a smart move to exaggerate his weakness. Because of this, his family never saw him as a threat to their schemes; they considered him an idiot, and kept him well away from any public duties or privileges. Thus he was able to observe from the sidelines as Rome slid inexorably into corruption and debauchery, and power passed from the Senate to the Emperor.

Graves paints a vivid picture of a great empire weakened by naked greed and ambition. He based his novel on the works of Tacitus, Plutarch and Suetonius, but it is his lively interpretation of characters and situations, rather than the bare historical facts, that makes this such a good read.

Graves himself has been critically acclaimed as a poet and translator as well as novelist. His poems are wonderful, but my personal favourite of his works is the autobiographical account of his time in the trenches, Goodbye to All That – perhaps the best account ever written of World War I from a combatant’s perspective. However, he is probably most famous for I, Claudius – the power of television!

54 The Fosseway Gardening Club

The Fosseway garden club held its October meeting on the 9th at Pylle village hall. We had discussion about our plant sale which is held in May as to where we should hold it. Nothing was decided yet for next year. As it will be Christmas in a few weeks our annual dinner was discussed and by a majority we are going to the Prestleigh Inn. Menus to be decided at the next meeting in November. We had a very interesting speaker, a Mr Peter Downe, who told us all about growing alpines in our gardens. He also showed us slides of how and where they grow in the wild. It was very interesting. Mrs Eleanor Norman gave a vote of thanks. Mrs Anne Telfer won the raffle prize this month. Thank you ladies for our welcome refreshments. Doreen Butterworth

Ditcheat Church Rota

November Sat 2nd / 9th Church Cleaning Hazel Rowland Sat 16th / 23rd Church Cleaning Maria Thring Church Room Cleaning Jackie Pope December Sat 7th / 14th Church Cleaning Pat & Jim Dando Sat 21st / 28th Church Cleaning John & Elizabeth Crossley Church Room Cleaning Pat Dando

Date Flowers Brasses Nov 3rd & 1oth M. Shylan B. Rounsevell Nov 17th & 24th J. Leach ---do--- Dec 1st & 8th ADVENT no flowers J & E£ Halford Dec 22nd & 29th Christmas tba L. Oborne 2014 rota to be compiled in and distributed in December

Joyce Marsh (860493) for flowers and brasses. Vee Lees (860542) for Church Cleaning. Pat Dando (860448) for Church Room Cleaning.

Note for the milkman Please leave no milk today. When I say today I mean tomorrow, as I wrote this note yesterday.

A Sunday School teacher asked her children: “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?” One little girl replied helpfully: “Because people are sleeping.”

55 Who's Who ? FOSSE TRINITY BENEFICE Priest in Charge Reader Jean Halford 860422 Fosse Trinity Advisory Committee Jean Heal 860452 Fosse Trinity News Editor Gerry Lees 860542 Fosse Trinity News Advertising Marcus Wyburn-Mason 860067 Fosse Trinity News Distribution Alice Griffith 860870 Joe & Jackie Pope 860577 Prayer Pyramid Co-ordinator { Mike & Pearl Hendy 860748 Mothers' Union Yvonne Stokes 01458 851480 Safeguarding Person Bridget Wadey 860240 Children's Society Jo Curtis 860898

ALHAMPTON Chapel Warden / Church Watch John Severne 860362 Assistant Chapel Warden Jo Curtis 860898 Neighbourhood Watch Ian Telfer 860414 FTN Correspondent Louisa Oborne 860252

EAST PENNARD Bells - Tower Captain Mervyn Buckley 01458 440180 Jean Heal 860452 Churchwarden { Susie Dearden 860266 Church Council Secretary Jean Heal 860452 Church Room Hire Audrey Dyson 860317 Gardening Club Maureen Harris 890426 Parish Council Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Royal British Legion Secretary Jon Dickens 01458 850241 United Charities Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Verger Ray Higgins 860339

PYLLE Bells - Tower Captain Joe King 890357 Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Churchwarden { Teresa Rossiter 831419 Church Council Secretary Stephen Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Ladies Working Party (Chairman) Joanna Miln 838757 FTN Correspondent Joanna Miln 838757 Village Hall hire and keys Joanna Miln 838757

Please help us keep this information up-to-date Let the editors know of any changes 56

DITCHEAT Art Group Liz & Stewart Gould 860755 Badminton Club Secretary James Bairstow 860355 Bees – Swarms Stewart Gould 860755 Bells - Tower Captain Roger Yeoman 860304 Bells - Correspondence/Bookings Ben Look 860257 The Other Book Club Gail Dyke 860189 Church Council Secretary Louisa Oborne 860252 Church Room Hire Pat Dando 860448 Anthony Sutcliffe 860541 Churchwarden { Eleanor Yeoman 860337 Community Car Service (ADEPPTS) Joyce Marsh 860493 Conservative Party Contact Elizabeth Crossley 860245 Country Dancing Deidre Pezaro 860594 Cricket Club Nick Mann 812304 Ditcheat Big Screen / Moviola Jim Shurmer 860348 Ditcheat School Amanda Seager 860329 Friends of Ditcheat School (FODS) Faye Wareham 860329 Ditcheat Players Chairperson Gaye Volk 860081 Ditcheat Players Costume Hire Gaye Volk 860081 Jubilee Hall Chairman Peter Volk 860081 Jubilee Hall Hire Peter Volk 860081 Keep Fit Diana Cook 860224 Neighbourhood Watch Jim Dando 860448 Parent & Toddler Group Rachel Dixon 860329 Parish Council Chairman Charles Evans 860336 Ramblers Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Rendezvous Diana Cook 860224 Scout Group Chairman Jean Halford 860422 Scout Group – Beavers & Cubs Elli Halford 860422 Sewing Group Molly Yeoman 860525 Short Mat Bowls Martin Edgar 860780 Skittles Shirley Derby 07939198030 Village Lunch Jessica Leach 860205 Wildlife Group Bridget Wadey 860240

GENERAL Community Police Guy Dury [email protected] 101 Lindsey Rogerson [email protected] 101

Email: [email protected] 57 Index of Advertisers

Alhampton Inn 2 Manor House Inn Back Art Gallery, Studio 13 29 Medical, Foot Health Clinic 15 Beauty at the Parlour 10 Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen Pascoe 51 B & B, Pennard House 32 Medical, Osteopaths, Batcombe 10 B & B, Longhill Farmhouse 16 Motoring, Wessex MOT centre 15 Builder, Jon Olding 39 Motoring, N E Motors 16 Buildings, Timber Frame, W Latta 45 Music Tuition, Clarinet, Anne Perrett 32

Computing, Stable Computers 51 Music Tuition, Flute, Elizabeth Cobb 45 Curtains, covers etc, Helen Bushrod 2 Natural Therapy, Sally Davies 45 Decorating, Ray Ackerman 51 Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2 Fencing 39 Pet Portraits, Jo Miln 10 Food, Gould's Cheddar 59 Plasterer, Neil Piercy 32 Food, Hembridge Organics 10 Proper Pet Co. 9 Food, Jon Thorner's 59 Removals & Storage, Armishaws 40

Funerals, Connock 51 Roofing, Mark Curtis 52 Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 16 Salvation Army 16 Furnishings, upcycle, Fleriel 29 Singer, Neville Van Dyke 45 Furniture, Joinery & Kitchen, Mark White 39 Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen 16 Garage Doors, SDS 51 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Wills 45 Gardening, Jeremy Dodd 32 Stone Walling, Yenstone 22 Golf, Mendip Club 21 Storage & Removals, Armishaws 40

Heating Services, Warm Welcome 29 Taxi, Tony Chinnock 46 Hire Shed 15 Transport, ADEPPTS 2 Holiday Cottage, Lower Withial Farm 46 Travellers Rest, Stone 2 Home Maintenance, Mike Doyle 29 Tree Surgeon, Noel Radford 59 House Maintenance, repointing 29 Wedding & Events Venue 32

The Queens Arms

Being a family business, mother and daughter team along with dad in the shop. We would like to let the people know out there in the area that we have our bar open and why it is taking so long to get our kitchen open because of domestic pipes on commercial cookers, the gas pipes not being compliant since 2000. We will not be using microwaves in our kitchen as everything will be cooked freshly each day. Our restaurant will be Tapas/Mezze as Sharran is the Cook or nowadays the chef.... I specialize in Greek Kleftico and will be doing this on Wednesdays.

We also have a Tasting Room/ Shop selling handmade gifts, seasonal fresh olive oils, black gold balsamic vinegars which we will be using in our kitchen to compliment the dishes.

We are open and look forward to welcoming villagers far and wide to our smiles, laughter, and not just good service and food but GREAT service and food. Sharran & Emma

Seasoned Charcoal Logs