May 2019 Hambridge and Westport
New Parish Council: Congratulations and thanks to Simon Denley, Richard Maidment and Paul Masters, and to new members Johnathon Lock and Richard Meecham. At the April meeting the Council gave a huge vote of thanks to Davis Cload and Brian Flack for their contribution over many years. David was a founding member in 1992. Our new District Councillor will be Mike Stanton from South Petherton, [email protected] 07802 472160 04 01460 241077. The new council first met on May 13th.
Community Lunches and more: Just look at the feast served up at the village afternoon tea. Over forty of us sat down to tea, sandwiches, scones and cakes, even Welsh cakes! So it’s a big thank you to all who helped. There was a fantastic Easter quiz and Easter Eggs by the dozen. The next chance to get together is on Saturday 22nd June. We have a Village Gathering planned. If you have been in the villages for a few years, you will know the great feeling of belonging to a community.. We will start at 6 p.m. and finish at 11. Please bring a picnic and we will have hot dogs available from 7 till 8.30. It’s all planned to be very casual and we’ve got some great village entertainment with guest MCs. If you would like to be included in the entertainment, perhaps sing, dance, recite or juggle that would be good. We’ll have an “open mic” slot as well. The whole idea is just to bring people together. It will be free entry, and let’s make it our very own social get together. There will be a bar and a quiz, sure to be a raffle, and music and dancing. Just turn up and enjoy The theme is “Summer Nights”, make what you will of that. Perhaps a prize for the best dressed! A glass of wine, kids playing, music to listen to, family picnic, new friends. Sounds perfect!
On Monday the 25th March the History Group met for the first time in the upstairs room at the hall. It was a great room for the meeting being able to use the TV to display information and tables to lay out interesting documents. Generally it was decided that a monthly meeting on the last Monday of the month at 2 p.m. would be suitable and then judge the response. Perhaps evening meetings occasionally? The following meeting on the 29th April heard that David Sutcliffe has agreed to give a talk sometime soon, and that the next meeting will be 10th June, skipping the Bank Holiday on 27th May.
Isle Brewers Church are holding a skittles evening at the Lamb and Lion on Friday 24th May at 7.30. Phone 281780 or 281661 for information and tickets
Sandra has been leading a walking group around village footpaths. There have been two walks so far and more planned. Information and map is displayed in Hambridge Village Stores. The walkers meet at the shop and cafe at 10.30 on a Saturday, place an order for lunch and return between 12.30-13.00. The aims are to bring people together to enjoy the countryside, exercise, chat, support the shop and cafe and hopefully encourage those who maybe wouldn't want to go walking on their own or who are unsure of where to go. It's an informal group with a few rules. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads and please clean up after them. Suitable walking boots are essential. Contact Sandra 01460 281883, 07484 275989, [email protected].
An interesting take on the Westmoor Lane bumps saga ….. Some of the most fantastic drove walks lead off Westmoor Lane, and also access to the canal tow path. So having the dodgy bit of road does slow the traffic down and make it a bit safer for walkers …. So, look on the bright side …..
Have you heard of “Stick and flick”? New to me as I don’t have a dog. It’s about flicking dog poo into the undergrowth to decay instead of putting it in plastic bags. It’s a great topic to debate and it does have some formidable advocates. It seems that some owners leave bagged poo hanging about on branches or fences instead of disposing of it in the red dog bins, and stick and flick is a better option than that. Guess it needs common sense applied and depends where you are and whose ground you are on.
We had a great Easter reminder from a good friend the other day. It referred to St Mark’s Gospel, but it’s a great lesson to those of any, or no faith. The message was about going out and getting things done and not sitting back waiting for others. And what a reminder for those of us in the villages that we should lead by example and not wait for others. We can’t all be leaders but there are a whole range of skills and talents that we can tap in to if we are willing to take the lead.
Over 40 people attended the Skittles Presentation night at Shepton Beauchamp celebrating the end of the season. A fantastic team effort led by Jean and Paul with £1,100 going to the Recreation Trust. The skittles league is a great way to meet people and have fun at the same time, and benefits many in the community, as the Village Hall is used by so many organisations. The main awards went to Shepton based team Dukes of Hazard as league winners, highest man averages were Steve Pitman and Tim A’Court and highest ladies averages Tammy Hill and Jenny Carrington. Tammy also fearlessly led her team The Gutter Gang, to the Wooden Spoon.
The Church are collecting crisp packets to recycle and for fundraising. There’s collection points in the shop, school and church. Kate is organising this if you want any more details.
What if the sea levels rise by 10m? There’s an interesting map in The Lamb and Lion giving a humorous view and covering a wide area. Give me a call on 281114 if you would like to buy one and I’ll get in touch with Matt who created the idea. They look great framed and give us all a constant reminder about saving the planet.
St James the Less News from Gill- At our AGM on April 10th the following were elected- Churchwarden Gill Dunster; Treasurer Mary Maidment; Secretary Gill Dunster and PCC members Kate Attebery, Lucy Phipps and Anne Plested. Leading up to Easter we had our usual meaningful Holy Week services, which were all well attended and on Easter Day we were joined by the congregation from Isle Brewers for a joyful celebration. Thank you to the many people who provided floral decorations for this – the church looked lovely. We are planning to have ‘Tea in the church’ on June 8th from 3-5, when the church will again be decorated and donations received to help with the running costs. A good chance to meet old friends and make new ones, and there will be something to keep the young ones amused.
Shorts: Apologies, spelt Rhudi wrong in the last newsletter – sorry No apologies to BT who seem to be struggling to identify the problem with our Village Hall Internet and phone connection. Volunteer needed to tidy the War Memorial once a month. Phone 01460 281114 Has anyone got a Hambridge Marathon medal from 1984? Look out for nominations for The Somerset County Council Chairmans Award. Popular local contact web site www.nextdoor.com is being promoted in the village. Perhaps read the reviews before signing up.
Neighbourhood Watch update A home at Ilton was recently burgled. It appeared that the keys were “fished” through the letterbox and the car was stolen from the driveway. And there have been reported thefts from sheds in Hambridge and Westport. Remember, if you have any information about a crime, contact the Police on 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
WI- not just ‘jam and Jerusalem’ from Hazel. Our WI in Hambridge and Westport is still alive and kicking. We always welcome guests to join us to see what the WI is all about. The monthly meeting is held in the Hambridge Village Hall on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:30pm till around 10:00pm. We usually have a speaker and there are many trips and activities that ladies from other WI’s in the local area also join in. We would love to swell our numbers so you are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat and see what we do. The WI nationwide is increasingly becoming popular with younger women who may have felt that the WI was only for the more mature among us. So untrue! WIs are springing up all over the place, often started by young mums who find it hard to get out and socialise so everyone is more than welcome. On 11th June legal expert Mrs. Linda Fisher will be our speaker. just contact Sandra on 01460 242080
Great things happening at Hambridge School, I had a chance this week to look at some of the activities from the school Facebook site. Wow, things have really changed over recent years, Great videos and fantastic performances in sport and the performing arts. I would really recommend you pay a visit to the site. The video about the size of the universe is fantastic fun. Sad to read that Nichola is leaving, and all in the village will wish her continued success in her new role. Work on the Village Hall car park is being delayed to allow access for the new school building which will be installed over the summer holiday. It will be great to have the extension car park fully functional before the autumn. The school will hopefully participate in the Village Gathering on 22nd June so if they do that’s sure to be great entertainment judging from the fine work that’s going on. A village school to be proud of! And don’t forget, we can all support the fundraising events of the Friends of Hambridge School
Regular Events at The Village Hall: Every Monday and Friday from 7pm onwards, Short Mat Bowls. Contact David Loveday on 01460 281119 2nd Monday of month Parish Council. Every other Thursday 7.30pm onwards Whist. Youth Club running 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, Speak to Mandy. Rec. Trust every other month on the 1st Monday, Jan, Mar, May, Jul. Sep. Nov.
And finally …….. The Parish Council: Recent topics from the May meeting include
Simon re-elected as Chair, and Paul as Vice-Chair, Councillor Adam Dance meeting Highways about Westmoor Lane bumps this week Grant approved to improve toilets in the Village Hall. Ownership established of land with caravan at Westport. Funding support agreed for community meeting initiatives. Chairmans award nomination submitted. New District Councillor Mike Stanton introduced and welcomed. Police to be invited to deliver village workshop.
Meetings are open to the public (with a very few exceptions), and there is a slot allocated for public comment. The next meeting in the committee room of the village hall is Monday June 10th at 8 p.m. and will be preceded at 7.30 p.m. by the Annual Parish Assembly. This is an opportunity for village organisations to share their activities with the Council.
Parish Council documents are held on the website www.hambridgeandwestportThe Parish Council would be pleased to receive any contributions for the newsletter or for discussion at the meetings.. Just contact Simon Denley on 01460 281340 or Jenny Ludgate our clerk on 01458 251432 [email protected], or for the newsletter, e-mail Mike Evans [email protected] or call 01460 281114 or check www.hambridgeandwestport.org
Published by Mike Evans and generally reflects the views or discussions of the Parish Council