FOSSE TRINITY NEWS

Serving the communities of , and

october 2014

HELEN BUSHROD

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2

Letter from the editors

This Month Welcome back, we hope that you have all had an enjoyable summer and long may the gorgeous weather Advertiser Index 58 continue. Somebody pinch me as I do believe it is now Alhampton News 11 October! So where did the year go? Well with an active Almshouses 49 community like ours it isn’t really surprising that the Book Group 54 Church Services 30 months fly by, and no doubt we will all be busily passing Cookery Page 55 the autumn months too.

Diary Dates 4 Ditch’t Big Screen 27 This edition is full of activites including talks, WEA (37) Ditcheat Ch. Rota 35 and U3A (14), Harvest suppers, Pylle (9) & East Pennard Ditcheat School 12 (13), a quiz in Ditcheat (35) and a tree planting day in E.P. News 13 Folk Dancing 25 Haddon Wood, Alhampton (26) to name but a few. And if

Garden Section 23 you haven’t made it yet, please do visit Pylle Village hall Haddon Wood 26 Open Studio Venue 146 before it closes on the 4th Harvest Services 20 October, where you can view exhibits from some of our Letters 34 very own local talented artists (7) Mothers Union 48 Natural World 17

Neighb'rh'd watch 53 I would like to abuse my position for a moment to mention Pastoral Message 31 that some of our eldest residents/readers have celebrated 6 th and/or will be celebrating a very special 90 Birthday, Pylle News 7 many happy returns to Mrs Audrey Dyson, Miss Doris Rendezvous 25 Royal Brit. Legion 43 Lintern and Mrs Molly Yeoman, may there be lots of cake!

Saturday Stitch 41 Village Lunch 19 Please don’t forget that you can view the magazine online Who's Who 56 long before it is put through your door, if you would like Wildlife Group 28 advanced notice of when it is available then please email

[email protected]

Jo Curtis Gerry Lees

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

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

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Dates for your Diary

new entries are shaded Every Week Pilates (9.00) Diana 860224 Tai Chi for Health(10.30) Ellie 345222 Mon Ditcheat Badminton Club (8.00) James 860355 Singing for the Terrified (7.00) Gill 830110 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 October 2014 Wed 1st 11.15 Pastel Workshop – Pylle Village Hall Joanna 838757 Wed 1st 12.00 Pylle LWP @ the Coffee Den Joanna 838757 Thu 2nd 8.15 The Alhamptonians Louisa 860252 Sat 4th 10.30 Saturday Stitch – Cedar Ho., Ditcheat Sally 860304 Sat 4th 11.15 Pastel Workshop – Pylle Village Hall Joanna 838757 Wed 1st to 5th Open Studios – Pylle Village Hall October Sun 5th 12.30 East Pennard Harvest Lunch Susie 860266 Thu 9th MU meeting Yvonne 851480 Fri 10th 7.30 Folk Dancing – Jubilee Hall Deirdre 860594 Sat 11th 10.00 Life Study Art Group – Pylle Village Hall Gill 830110 Mon 13th 7.30 Pylle Harvest Supper – Pylle Village Hall Joanna 838757 Tue 14th 10.00 Rendezvous – Jubilee Hall Diana 860224 Tue 14th 8.00 Royal British Legion – Chairman’s Studio Jon 850241 Sat 18th 10.30 Saturday Stitch – Castle Cary Sally 860304 Ditcheat Big Screen presents – Jubilee Hall Thu 23rd 7.30 Peter 860081 “Belle” Sun 26th CLOCKS GO BACK 1 HOUR Tue 28th 12.30 Ditcheat Village Lunch – Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 November 2014 Thu 6th 8.15 The Alhamptonians Louisa 860252 Sat 8th 10.00 Life Study Art Group – Pylle Village Hall Gill 830110

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Dates for your Diary cont'd.

Sat 8th 10.30 Saturday Stitch – Cedar Ho, Ditcheat Sally 860304 Sat 8th 7.00 Quiz in the Hall – Jubilee Hall Sally 860326 Tue 11th 10.00 Rendezvous – Jubilee Hall Diana 860224 Fri 14th 7.30 Folk Dancing – Jubilee Hall Deirdre 860594 Sat 22nd 10.00 Haddon Wood Community Planting Hilary 860615 Sat 22th 10.30 Saturday Stitch – Castle Cary Sally 860304 Tue 25th 12.30 Ditcheat Village Lunch – Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 December 2014 Thu 4th 8.15 The Alhamptonians Louisa 860252 Sat 6th 10.00 Life Study Art Group – Pylle Village Hall Gill 830110 Sun 7th Pylle Christmas Lunch Stephen 830538 Tue 9th 10.00 Rendezvous – Jubilee Hall Diana 860224 Fri 12th 7.30 Folk Dancing – Jubilee Hall Deirdre 860594 Sat 13th 7.00 Christmas Ball – Jubilee Hall Jo 860898 Ditcheat Christmas Village Lunch – Tue 16th 12.30 Jessica 860205 Jubilee Hall

5 New Beat Manager

I wanted to introduce myself to you all as the new Beat Manager for Shepton Mallet rural and I look forward to working with you. I was brought up in Ditcheat so I am passionate about the village. My parents still live here so I still have personal contact here.

The best way to contact me is via e-mail but you can also try and ring 101 and ask to be put through to PC 915 although this will only be possible if I am on duty. If I am not then the call taker takes a message and e-mails me.

Since being put in post in mid-August my team of PCSO’s and I have conducted high visibility foot patrols in the village to reassure people.

We had a complaint of a ‘near miss’ towards the end of August on the corner near the Farm shop. A lorry was going too fast, went on the wrong side of the road and narrowly missed two adults and two infants. As a result of this I have conducted speed checks in the village to send a message that vast speeds in the village is not acceptable. One of these checks I completed was between 7am and 7.30am as this is one of the peak times due to people going to work.

Guy Dury has told me that Highways will be placing down new white lines but it may be an idea to place signs up like ‘children playing please drive slow.’ The personal touch I think makes people, especially outsiders to the village think twice about their speed. The Council should be able to advise on this type of signage and whether it is possible. You may as a Parish Council not think this appropriate. However as Ditcheat doesn’t have any formal speed limit then this may be an idea to discuss

Kind Regards

PC 915 Lucy BAGNOWIEC

[email protected] 101

MOTHER: “Bobby, last night I put two apples in this cupboard and now there is only one. How do you explain that?” BOBBY: “I expect it was so dark I couldn’t see the other one.”

6 PYLLE NEWS

Church Flowers and cleaning October Phyllis Hamblin November Carolyn Fussell December Teresa Rossiter 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 Due to unforeseen circumstances the position of Secretary for the Ladies Working Party has become vacant, if anybody would like to know more about the job or is interested in joining us please contact Joanna Miln on 838757. Mo Thorner very kindly asked The Ladies Working Party to lunch at her house in August. This is always a very happy occasion with Mo producing a delicious meal for us all, thank you so much Mo. Only a few members met at the Coffee Den in early September, sadly I was not one of them as I was away, but look forward to our next meeting at the Coffee Den at 12 noon on Wednesday 1st October.

Pylle Village Hall We held the AGM in early September and elected the following officers: Chairman Stephen Tudsbery-Turner Deputy Chair Hilary Tudsbery-Turner Secretary Julia Smith Treasurer Mark Seagar Joanna Miln will remain as bookings clerk for the hall. Hall bookings and fundraising were discussed and we agreed that ‘Pylle in Pictures’ had been a huge success and much enjoyed by everybody. Also after last years success it was agreed that we would have another Christmas Lunch and this will be held on Sunday 7th December, so put the date in your diaries and we look forward to seeing you then. Council has given us a grant towards buying a new heated cupboard and we are looking forward to its imminent arrival. To hire the hall: £7.50 per hour - £6.50 per hour for more than 4 regular bookings. More information and hall bookings contact Joanna Miln 838757

Somerset Open Studios Venue 146 Pylle Village Hall We are still in Pylle Village Hall until 4th October from 11am-6pm daily, so if you haven’t had the opportunity to visit us yet, please pop down and see our exhibition of artwork, pottery and willow work all made in Pylle and Ditcheat, by Joanna Miln, Jane Evans, Miriam Sheppard and Angela Morley.

7 Life Drawing These art workshops will continue to take place in Pylle Village Hall from 10am-1pm on the following dates 11th October, 8th November and 6th December. Please contact Gill Oldaker on 830110 for more information.

Changes to Pylle’s Harvest Supper Pylle’s Harvest Supper has followed the same format for over 60 years, so it is with great regret that the following changes have had to be made to comply with fire, and health & safety regulations: 1) The safest way to arrange the hall for people sitting at tables, allowing for a safe exit in an emergency, is tables of 6 rather than the traditional long tables. 2) To comply with food safety laws we will be serving a hot beef casserole again. It is very sad to break with the much loved tradition of cold meats and salad, but the format of the evening is still the same, there will still be the same camaraderie, community spirit and a meal shared with friends. Please don’t dismiss the evening because of the changes but come along and enjoy the event with the rest of the village.

Autumn Update - from Our Religious Affairs Correspondent Our loans to the Created in Somerset Exhibition at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells have been much appreciated by all and sundry – so much so that we have been asked to allow them to be held over until next year when the exhibition will close after an extended run. We were pleased to oblige, particularly as they have all been cleaned magnificently. For the benefit of those who have yet to see them in their new surroundings, they are the Calvary Cross, the candle snuffer made in the form of a shepherd’s crook, the Art Nouveau font cover and the Guild of Craftsmen’s banner. The font cover was actually made by the Rev. Humphrey Farran Hall, Rector from 1885 until his resignation in 1893. He was quite an artist and his delightful sketch of the former church still survives on the front cover of a leaflet in the church archives. The leaflet is headed ‘Pylle, Xmas 1890’, and on the inside is an appeal to parishioners for generosity in giving for, as the rector pointed out, ‘we fear that there are signs of declining liberality’ in the parish. There was a particular need to pay for ‘three powerful suspension lamps to hang in the nave’ and thus obviate the need for candles. ‘Mr Edmund Cary’s family has undertaken to give one of these and the Rector another, the third lamp we ask you to find . . .’ One must hope that the Rector was successful in his quest. Please note our Harvest Festival Service is on the 12th October and the ever popular Carol Service is on the 19th December.

Pylle Singers – Pylle Village Hall – The singers meet every Monday at 7-9pm. For further details please contact Gill Oldaker 830110

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Pylle Harvest Supper

Pylle Village Hall

Monday 13th October 7.30 pm Doors open 6.45 £7.50

Special Dietary Requirements Jo 838757 Wendy Billing 830046 Joanna Miln 838757

ST MARY MAGDALENE, DITCHEAT

The next time you sit on the garden bench in the churchyard and admire the bright and well kept flower border surrounding it, please have a thought for Barbara and Ian Rousevelle who have looked after this corner of tranquility for many years, keeping the border free of weeds and replanting throughout the seasons. Their contribution to the churchyard is much appreciated and we would like to thank them on behalf of the whole community.

The Churchwardens.

HARVEST FESTIVAL, 19th October

Just a reminder that our Harvest Festival will be held on 19th October at 9.30am. As usual, we much appreciate all gifts of local produce but as there is a wedding in the church the day before, we would ask that all contributions are brought either to the Church Room the day before or directly to the church on the Sunday morning in time for the service. Many thanks.

The Churchwardens.

9

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10 Alhampton news.

First of all a proper thank you to all of you who supported the fete in July in any way. I had to write the last news in a hurry in order to catch the deadline and so was not able to give our final total. It was a magnificent £2032.43. This would have been enough to put us on cloud nine but I am delighted to let you know that we were able to get some extra money from Barclays which has boosted it even more. I am not sure of the exact figure we will get – look out for news in November. We were delighted to have some new helpers this year – do let us know if you would like to take part, even if only relieving someone for a short time. The more people there are the less the load on each individual. There has been a flurry of houses changing hands and people coming and going from the village. Best wishes to all those who have left us to start new lives elsewhere and a welcome to all those who have joined the community. Many of you will have gone to the flower festival in Ditcheat church and seen the Alhampton contribution. In a weak moment, when I was approached and asked if the Alhamptonians would like to add a display, I agreed to do one. Well, my ideas never progressed beyond a pint glass and a brandy goblet with some wild hops, some flowers from the gardens and a duck sitting at the bottom. Luckily Margi came to my rescue and produced that wonderful duck on a river which was so admired. Many thanks to her. What a wealth of talent we have in such a small community! The Alhamptonians meet as usual on the first Thursday in October any time from 8.15. In case any of our new residents are reading this…. Alhamptonians is a very relaxed evening once a month when anyone who is free and feels like it comes to the pub and knows that there will be someone there – especially good if you don’t know many people and want to meet more. Come whenever you like, stay for as long or as short a time as suits you and if you don’t want a drink you can always have a coffee!

Martin arrived at Sunday school late. Miss Walter, his teacher, knew that Martin was usually very punctual so she asked him if anything was wrong. Martin replied no, that he had been going fishing, but his dad told him that he needed to go to church. Miss Walter was very impressed and asked the lad if his dad had explained to him why it was more important to go to church than to go fishing? Martin nodded solemnly. “Yes he did. Dad said he didn't have enough bait for both of us.'

11 News from Ditcheat Primary School

As I write, we are just coming to the end of our second week, and we have all had a brilliant start to the new school year. The children and staff have come back refreshed from their summer break and ready to get on with their new learning this year. We have welcomed a new member of teaching staff as Miss Jo Crook has joined us to teach the Year 5 and 6 children, and we have welcomed twelve new reception children and their families to our school. The new children are settling in well and the older children are making excellent role models for them

This term’s main topic for Maple and Willow classes is ‘Illuminations’, while Cherry and Holly classes are learning about ‘Ourselves’, followed by ‘Fairy Tales’. There are lots of exciting things already planned for the children, but we are always delighted to welcome visitors to our school so if there is anything on those topics you would like to share with the children, we would love to hear from you!

As strange as it may sound to be talking about next September already, parents with children who will turn 4 before the end of next August should already have received a pack to guide them through the process of choosing their child’s first school. If you are looking for a school for next September, or you know of someone in the area who is, we would be delighted to show you our school so please feel free to ring the school office to arrange a visit. Our Toddler group is also well worth a visit for those families with pre-school age children. It is on each Thursday afternoon in the school hall, where you will always get a very warm welcome from Rachael Cooke, Toddler group leader.

Amanda Seager

Headteacher

While waiting in line to check out at a Christian bookstore, a man in front of me asked the clerk about a display of hats with the letters WWJD on them. The clerk explained that WWJD stands for "What would Jesus do?" and that the idea is to get people to consider this question when making decisions. The man pondered a moment, then replied, "I don't think he'd pay £17.95 for that hat."

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13 East Pennard Church

Flowers & Cleaning rota

October Jean Heal Val Green Harvest service on 5th October: Windows team November Yonnis Gregory Ruth Gregory

If you are interested in joining our lovely team, please contact Bridget Wadey (Tel: 860240)

Peal Attempt

There will be a peal attempt on East Pennard bells on Saturday 25th October starting at 10.30am and lasting for approximately four hours by a visiting band of ringers from the Nottingham area.

Many thanks Mervyn Buckley East Pennard Tower Captain

We have made a good start to this year with the commencement of classes the A.G.M. and an interesting talk by Marion Dale. This will continue in October with our next monthly meeting on Friday 31st October 2014 at Caryford Hall when our speaker will be Emily Blanshard, the housekeeper at Stourhead. She will be telling us of the conservation work undertaken in the house during the winter months. This National Trust property is a very popular local venue for walkers and those interested in the gardens and the beautiful furniture and paintings contained within the property, so many of us can gain a deeper insight from this talk from Emily, into the work that goes into preparing the house for the huge numbers that visit every year.

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Long Batch Cottage

Wraxall Rd, Ditcheat

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Child, Adolescent and Adult Counsellor and Psychotherapist MA, PgDip, BSc

Based at

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[email protected]

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W.J.TROTMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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16 NATURAL WORLD What an excellent summer we have had! It wasn’t as hot as last year and it certainly wasn’t as wet as 2012. It was a real summer with all the necessary ingredients: some rain and lots of sun. OK, so August was the coldest since it was last cold, but, other than that, it was great. Our plum tree bent under the weight of its fruit and the majority of bee species have benefited too – and not before time. Some bee species have even managed a second brood, and that is unusual. What they have done is squeeze two years into one, with one generation dying off and the next hatching this year instead of next. So next year’s solitary and bumble bees will effectively be a year ahead of themselves.

We have had a record crop of honey, making up for the poor crops in 2012 and 2013. In fact, we have five times the amount of honey that we got last year and the year before. Why? It wasn’t that incredible weather wise. The truth is that it doesn’t have to be. A fair amount of sun and a fair drop of the wet stuff and you have ideal conditions to produce good nectar flows and that is what the bees want. Practically all flowers have stopped producing nectar now. The only one of any consequence left is ivy.

Wasps aren’t the only ones attracted to fallen fruit. This photograph is of just one fallen plum adjacent to one of my hives, and yes, those are bees with the flies on the plum. After the honey has been taken away from honeybees, they have only small reserves of food in the hive, and if the weather is cold or wet, they could easily starve, so as soon as we take the honey away, we feed the bees to build up their stores again. Don’t forget, the honey was to have been the food that would see them through the winter. We give them a solution of straightforward white granulated sugar, which is primarily a sugar called sucrose. The nectar that the bees collect is also primarily sucrose. They add enzymes to the nectar, or sugar, and convert it to glucose and fructose, which are also sugars but more easily digestible for the bees. Ultimately, then, we don’t deprive the bees of their food. We take away food which has been flavoured by the pollens of the flowers that they have visited, and replace it with unflavoured food. There is plenty of pollen in the hive, because bees collect that too, and most beekeepers don’t take that away.

17 It’s an old tradition, here in Somerset, to wring the last possible honey crop out of the bees and this is done by taking the bees to moors covered with heather. Our only real option is Exmoor. By the time the heather is producing, there is precious little other forage for the bees and so it’s comforting to think that they enjoy the trip. We shut the bees up the night before setting off and the alarm went off way, way too early at 5.50am. By 7.15am, my bees were in the car and we set off.

After about 10 miles, I was aware of about 20 bees in the back window. Had an entrance block come loose? A bit further on and the number increased. By the time we had travelled 20 miles, there were about 50 bees desperately trying to get out of the back of the car. After some discussion we decided that, as the number had not dramatically increased, they hadn’t been escaping, but had spent the night under the hive, and the warmth had brought them out. If we stopped and opened the door, they would be lost forever, so we drove on. The traffic entering Taunton was horrendous and although the number of bees in the back window had not increased lately, the occupant of a BMW pulled up beside us, the driver gesticulating violently. My wife rolled down her window and the driver of the BMW, now frantic, shouted, ‘Your back window’s full of wasps’. We thanked him kindly. The bees were no trouble at all. When we arrived at the designated site we were presented with a magnificent view over the Bristol Channel one way, but a glorious and rewarding view of swathes of purple heather covering square mile upon square mile of moorland in the other. They are home again now, as the heather season is short, and we have started to harvest the thick gelatinous crop that smells and tastes so different from our general flower honey from Ditcheat; but, from the west end of Exmoor, it will not be Somerset honey, but Devon honey.

Most of that heather is Ling (calluna vulgaris) and is a single species. The other heather on the moors grows only in small areas and is known as bell heather (erica cinerea), and is the originator of the vast majority of heathers that we now grow in our gardens. It does produce a honey, but not in such huge quantities because it isn’t so prolific in the wild.

Stewart Gould – [email protected]

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VILLAGE LUNCH

The Village Lunch is held on the last Tuesday of the month in the Jubilee Hall at 12.30pm.

Menu for 28th October

Somerset Pork Casserole Mustard Grilled Chicken Pumpkin Gratin ~~~~~ Selection of Puddings ~~~~~ Tea or Coffee. £4.00 per person. If you would like to come let either Chrys Henning (860352) or Vee Lees (860542) know by the previous Wednesday, (22nd). There will be a raffle as usual - any prizes will be welcome.

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20

The Batcombe Family Practice Why do I need a will? Kathrine Read

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 Back,Neck, joint or muscle Pain

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22 Gardening with Jane

What a truly wonderful summer we have enjoyed. The sunshine encouraged plenty of colour and scent in the garden and crops were particularly abundant. Aubergines, peppers and tomatoes are still producing and I must report that Bob’s Big B-----s proved to be magnificent. They were almost pink in colour and with few pips provided a really tasty treat. Naturally, seeds will be saved from this and also ‘Chocolate Cherry’. The latter have rarely made it to the kitchen – just like sweeties.

A brilliant recipe for using up a glut of aubergine and tomatoes has to be Jamie Oliver’s Aubergine Parmigiana. Here is a link – but if you Google ‘Jamie Oliver Aubergine Parmigiana’ you should go straight to the recipe. http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/aubergine- parmigiana-melanzane-alla-parmigiana

If you don’t have internet access – give me a call and I will happily print off a copy for you. (860850).

Despite our beautiful summer, evidence of autumn is just around the corner. The leaves are beginning to turn and soon we will be raking them off the lawns and saving for future mulch. It is important to clear them off pathways and lawns. The former is a slip hazard and the leaves block out the light to lawns and can cause the grass to die back if it is covered up for too long. To make your own mulch, collect up the leaves and store in black sacks that you have pierced with a few holes. This lets the air in and helps to break down the leaves. Keep in the bags for about 18 months and then distribute over the borders as leaf mould.

Start to plan borders for next year. Split any perennials that have outgrown their space and pot up or re-plant, or even save for the fete next year. Think about bulbs – October and November are ideal months for planting. Tulips are best left until November. Fill empty gaps in the borders with shrubs and climbers. The soil is particularly warm at this time of year and a perfect time for roots of new plants to become established before the colder months of winter.

My garden has been completely re-vamped. I now know what my clients go through, but ‘wow’ the results are amazing. There is a 2.5 meter wide empty, yes empty, border for me to fill. The greenhouse has been stacked with seedlings since April this year and the pots are all ready to go in. The idea of a pure herbaceous border appeals, particularly as everything in there will have been grown from scratch or taken from cuttings. Excitement is

23 growing but tinged with fear. I have no problem designing anyone else’s garden but my own is proving much more difficult!! Dinner with a designer friend and keen gardener tonight might solve some issues, particularly if discussed over a glass or two of red.

Part of the new design includes a vegetable area with bark paths and a dedicated spot for birds. They have been provided with a bird bath, hanging nuts and a table with goodies. Thus far, they don’t seem too interested but time will tell. It is important to keep these areas clean and any food residues and droppings should be cleaned with hot soapy water.

The soil left in the new vegetable plot is pretty grotty to say the least. It needs digging over thoroughly and left fallow over the winter. The frost will hopefully break down the lumps of clay to give a finer surface to work on next year. In my excitement to get something growing I planted seed before the contractors started and now have lettuce, beetroot and Cavolo Nero doing extremely well. I might just pop some broad beans in now for an early crop next year.

The lawn has taken a real bashing – in fact a good third of it is now soil as it has had piles of rubbish and rubble stacked on it for weeks. It is time for drastic action. The weed and feed product didn’t really work, so I have decided to dig out the weeds individually and then put compacted earth back in the hole. Then, I shall sow seed and see what happens. The next job is to remove ivy that has spread everywhere. An effective tool is to use a paint scraper as it gets behind the stems that have stuck themselves to every surface imaginable.

Some plants will need protection over winter – they can be bought in to frost fee environments but larger specimens such as palms need to stay in situ. Place canes all around the plant to support a cover of fleece. Anchor this at the base and pack straw around the plant inside the cover. Most garden centres sell small bags of straw in the pet department.

The greenhouse is an ideal place to overwinter plants, but it will need a good clean. Empty the contents and clear out debris and rubbish. Give it a good scrub with hot soapy water, getting into every nook and cranny. A toothbrush is a great tool for this job and an old credit card is great for getting in between the glass and the frame. Before putting any plants back into the greenhouse, check for any disease and remove and burn. Give the plants plenty of space to allow a good air flow.

Who said autumn was a quiet time in the garden!!

24 The Rendezvous

Tuesday 14th October

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

Entrance £ includes light refreshments Deirdre Ama

25 Haddon Wood Final Community Planting!

Saturday 22 November 10.00

The planting of the very last of the native broadleaf trees has had to wait for the pond works. The pond’s now completed so we can plant the remaining 200 or so trees on the downhill side of the pond.

We have to wait until this time of year as the trees will be planted bare- rooted. Hopefully the weather will be kind, but whatever it’s like, please come and help - just bring along a spade!

For more information about Haddon Wood contact Hilary Harrison 860615 or look at the blog at http://www.friendsofhaddonwood.wordpress.com/

Ed: could this be Stewart Gould tending his bees?

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27 The Wild Life Group Update

What we did this Summer: Brewham Churchyard and stunning Meadow The visit to Brewham Churchyard was very interesting and our hosts David and Libby Nye showed us their lovely Church meadow. There were many wild flowers of interest and it was David and Libby who pointed me in the direction of what must be one of the premier wild flower meadows in Europe. This traditional hay field up near Brewham has been farmed for at least three generations in the same way. The results are unbelievably stunning! The richest flower meadow I have ever seen and am likely to see. The number of species, the delicacy of the flowers and the evenness of the composition are breath taking. Next Spring or early Summer I will organise a visit, do try and come on it and if you can't, the site is open access.

Bat Walk We had a bat walk organised by Stewart Gould and taken by Fiona Elphick (Wiltshire County Council's Conservation Officer). It was a delightful evening with plenty of bats and a certain amount of pub visiting afterwards! Those who didn't down a pint came and saw some glow worms.

Swallows - I haven't gathered the information from our Swallow watch, but if my pair are anything to go by this year will have been a good one for them. Two broods and 8 fledglings, they have gone now along with most of the House Martins. Today I saw a Hobby over the yard being mobbed by the House Martins it was hunting. Good luck to all our pairs and their babies for their journey to South Africa and back. It's a long and dangerous journey, I will look forward to their return next Spring. Meeting up:  22nd Sept. Monday. 2.00pm - Ditcheat Churchyard - Working party  2nd Oct. Thurs. 10.30am - Ditcheat School wildlife area - Working party  Winter Bird watch - walk Please feel you can join in our activities, you would be most welcome.

Contact information: Bridget Wadey: email: [email protected] or phone: 01749 860240 You can follow our activities by:  joining our emailing list; contact Bridget above by phone or email  through the FTN news (www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk), there is usually a monthly update on the Wildlife group  or www.ditcheatchurch.co.uk, this site publishes our meetings and activities as they are organised. The Wildlife Group has its own tag  Watch out for notices on the Parish notice boards

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Hayley Spencer MAAT

Accounts Book Keeping Tax Self-Assessment Management Accounts VAT

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Tel: 01749 860857

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

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Thomas Kenrick

Re- pointing

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CHURCH SERVICES FOR OCTOBER

Sunday 5th 16th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am. Parish Communion at Ditcheat - Revd. Canon Graham Hendy 11.00am Harvest Thanksgiving at East Pennard – Revd.Canon Graham Hendy

Sunday 12th 17th Sunday after Trinity, 11.00am Harvest Thanksgiving at Pylle - Revd.Canon Tony Birbeck 3.00pm United Benefice “Lets Celebrate” at Ditcheat- Mrs Jean Halford

Tuesday 14th 10.00 a.m. United Benefice Midweek Communion at Ditcheat - Revd. Canon Graham Hendy

Sunday 19th 18th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Festival of Harvest at Ditcheat – Revd. Canon Graham Hendy 11.00am Parish Communion at East Pennard – Revd. Canon Frank Fisher

Sunday 26th Last Sunday after Trinity 9.30am. Parish Communion at Alhampton - Revd. Canon Graham Hendy

REMEMBER THE CLOCKS GO BACK ONE HOUR

SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER

Saturday 1st All Souls Day 4.00pm Ditcheat Church Revd. Canon Graham Hendy

Sunday 2nd All Saints Day, 4th Sunday before Advent 9.30 a.m. Parish Communion at Ditcheat - Revd. Canon Graham Hendy 11.00am Service for All Saints at East Pennard – Revd. Canon Graham Hendy

Sunday 9th Remembrance Sunday 10.40am Act of Remembrance – at East Pennard – Revd. Stuart Munns 11.00am Service of Remembrance at East Pennard - Revd. Stuart Munns

30 Pastoral Message Creativity

I have just spent a very enjoyable day, in company with Margaret, driving around the villages of Fosse Trinity. The purpose was to enjoy the ‘fruits of labour’ which seem in abundance in this area. We visited a farm shop, a cheesemaker and a couple of vineyards at one of which we also picked some lovely late raspberries. It was quite like our many visits to France where the pleasure of sampling the regional delights is a great joy. Steak and ale pudding at a local hostelry completed our day. I had already been to a cider orchard, and look forward to the tastes of other cheesemakers!

But the fruits of the earth are not the only signs of creativity in Fosse Trinity: drama and music are other indicators, and when you read this we will be in the midst of Somerset Arts Weeks, and Margaret and I look forward to seeing some of the very local artists and craftspeople in Pylle Village Hall and other studios. That will be after helping to judge the ‘bake-off’!

So now we are in the Harvest Festival season and I am hoping for great things in the churches of what is clearly a productive and creative group of villages. Christians, and indeed people of other faiths, like to link their gifts and resources to the One we believe to be Creator and Redeemer of all. As we sing familiar harvest hymns once again, many of us are perhaps more dependent on ‘distributors’ than exponents of ‘grow-your-own’, but with a growing awareness of the importance of ‘food miles’ the day of the local producer seems once more in our sights. Thank God!

Graham Hendy

All Souls – a chance to remember our loved ones Traditionally the Church has given thanks for the great saints of God on All Saints Day, and on the day following, remembered departed loved ones on All Souls Day. This year as the first Sunday of November is 2nd, we will reverse the services and keep ALL SOULS on Saturday 1st November at Ditcheat Church (4.00 pm). It will be a quiet reflective service (lasting no more than 45 minutes) in which the names of the faithful departed are read out, and relatives invited to light a candle. Those recently bereaved over the last few years are particularly invited, but anyone will be welcome as we never forget those close to us. If you would like the name of a loved one read out, please give the name(s) to one of the churchwardens who will assemble the lists and give them to me.

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33 Letters Page

Michael Evans

We are delighted to confirm that Michael has now been cleared of leukaemia following a stem cell transplant from his brother James. We would like to thank all who prayed and sent messages of support for him and his family. Following the transplant, Michael will now suffer from hay fever as James does!

Jane and Charles Evans

Molly is 90 on October 20th

Friends are very welcome to call at Silver Birch on Monday 20th to celebrate with us all. Please come between 10:00am and 12:00 or 2:00pm and 4:00pm No presents please, although you are welcome to make a donation to "Friends of Future 4"

Thank you one and all for taking part in the Patronal Flower Festival, it was wonderful to see so many people come together, creating a beautiful array of flowers which made the church look fabulous, along with enjoying tea, cake and each others company and raising over £500 towards the church window repairs, a very special time. Jo & Eleanor

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A Quiz in the Hall

Saturday 8th November Bring those minds of useless info to the fore. You will be surprised what you do know… There is nothing like a bit of healthy competition. And it is also great fun. Our Quiz master is Robin Cockle Ditcheat Village Hall 7pm for 7.30pm start £10 per table. No more than 6 per table Individuals are welcome and can be ‘teamed up’

Can bar Beer,Lager & Cider Red/White Wine And soft drinks. For further information contact Sally Atkins 860326 Eleanor Yeoman 860337 Jo Curtis 860898

Ditcheat Church Rota

Rota for Flowers Brasses Oct 5th & 12th E Cobb H Rowlands Oct 19th & 26th M Shylan “ Nov 2nd & 9th S Atkins J Ward Nov 16th & 23rd L Adams “ Nov 30th & Dec 7th No flowers B & I Rounsevell

Cleaning Rota October Sat 4th / 11th Barbara & Iain Rounsevell Sat 18th / 25th Eleanor Yeoman Church Room Eleanor Yeoman November Sat 1st / 8th Vee Lees Sat 15th / 22nd Jan & Ann Robson

Jessica Leach (860205) for flowers and brasses. Vee Lees (860542) for Church Cleaning. Pat Dando (860448) for Church Room Cleaning.

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Mulberry have donated a superb Bayswater bag in Mulberry Pink glossy goat skin for our fundraising. We have decided to run a 500 draw. This means there will be a maximum total of 500 tickets available to purchase at £1.00 each; so you have a good chance of winning! This roomy handbag fits over the shoulder or can be carried in the crook of the arm Soft gold components  Two top handles  Postman's Lock closure  Metal feet on base  Hanging fob with hidden padlock  Internal belt straps to adjust compartment size  Suede lined interior  One internal zip pocket  Two internal slip pockets Height:26.5cm Width: 36cm Depth: 16.5cm Handle drop: 15.5cm

Tickets will be available from 1st August to 5th October at Barber’s Farm Shop, Gould’s Farm Shop, John Thorners or members of the Fête or Church committees. Purchase your tickets from any of the above or call Carol Stuart on: 01749 860587, mobile: 07940133455 or email: [email protected]. Carol will arrange delivery. The draw will take place at the East Pennard Harvest Lunch on Sunday 5th October.

Good Luck…!!!

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40 Saturday Stitch

Please join us for the Upcycle Workshop October 18th. Take part for ideas on how to adapt clothes and accessories, make do and mend as the saying goes. You can be as basic or creative as you wish We are not experts at this, we will be learning together. It’s about feeling inspired and resourceful- so good for the soul. The cost is a mere 30p to cover your tea/coffee requirements Yes only 30p!! Bring lunch if you plan to stay the day. Bring your own machine if you have one or there is a spare machine available for use in the group. Future dates October 4th Cedar House, Ditcheat October 18th Castle Cary -Make Do & Mend November 8th Cedar House, Ditcheat- Dry Felting workshop November 22nd Castle Cary You will need to book with me for workshops, numbers are limited I’ll tell you a little more about dry felting next month Meet 10.30am, finish at 4pm

Sally Yeoman 01749 860304/07929 097374 [email protected]

41 The Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’ On the perils of being a school governor The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren

I was interested to hear that from this academic year, your vicar has asked you to take his place as a school governor. A whole new world of exciting meetings is about to open up to you. Naturally, you will have been told that the governors only meet three times a year. You will probably not have been told that you will also be expected to be on at least two sub-committees, where you will be immediately asked to become secretary, as a way of getting to know the job. Add on training days, parents’ evenings, sports days, school socials, end of term services, charity events and accompanying classes on days out and you will begin to realise that your vicar’s suggestion was not as innocent as you may have thought.

Remember, too, that all meetings require you sit on chairs designed for 5 year- olds. You will then spend countless hours going through a 40 item agenda, trying to look dignified with your knees somewhere round your ears while drawing up school plans as if they were the Normandy landing. Be prepared to receive paperwork measured by the hundredweight; entire rainforests have been obliterated by your education authority sending what they seem to think is vital information; it does, however, make good cat litter.

Most meetings will be so full of acronyms that for the first few years you will have the feeling that conversation is taking place in a language that may bear a passing resemblance to English, but isn’t. There is little point in trying to learn what they all mean because before too long, they will all be replaced by another set anyway, which will be equally incomprehensible.

Your computer abilities will be expected to be far beyond what anyone over the age of 30 could ever be expected to achieve; if you sink without trace, ask a seven year-old, who will soon put you right.

You will also be encouraged to attend training days; I strongly suggest you select all-day events, as at least you will get a lunch out of it. You needn’t bother to arrive on time, since the first hour will be spent with everyone introducing themselves and you can leave early, as the final hour will go on filling in evaluation forms.

Just keep reminding yourself that your term of office is a mere five years; you may even get remission for good behaviour.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

42 Royal British Legion – East Pennard Branch

Let's start off on a very positive note, I think our 'Lights Out' campaign went very well. Our area was well covered by posters and the coverage in the media must have kept it in the forefront of everybody's mind. A lot of households in the area joined in by turning off their lights between 10pm and 11pm, leaving just a single light or candle showing, but for me, the major success was the turn-out at the three war memorials in the area. It really was an awful time to go out, 10pm, but thank goodness the rain stayed away and it was a very pleasant evening. I was staggered by the number of people who attended. I had my mind set that one or two would make the effort, but, boy oh boy, didn't you prove me wrong. Clearly, I couldn't be in three places at once, but I was told that there were approximately 18 to 20 people at Pylle and anywhere between 30 and 50 people at Ditcheat. Where I was, in East Pennard, we had 20 - 30 and a nice mixture of young and old.

There was a mix-up over the start time, for which I sincerely apologise. There was a start time printed on the posters but a lot of people assumed that because the 'Lights Out' was between 10pm and 11pm that we would naturally be starting off at 10pm at the memorials. Apologies! We'll get it right next time...

I think the stalwarts at Pylle followed a slightly different format, but Ditcheat and Pennard followed a similar theme whereby we had a mixture of singing and readings, then the reading of the Names for the Parish, and then we placed of a posy of poppies on the memorial. Ditcheat did manage to go one better by having a piper to play a lament...well done Andy. I was surprised that the singing was so successful. I had anticipated some reluctance to join in, but everybody was caught up in the moment and contributed enthusiastically. Even singing the same verse slowly and quietly seemed to capture the idea of the troops marching away.

At this stage I would like to offer my apologies again. I thought when I got home that I had missed a wonderful opportunity to make it more inclusive for everybody in attendance. After the Names had been read of those who were killed from that Parish, I should have invited individuals to say the Name of their particular relative who had been killed in the war who might not have been listed on that particular memorial. For example, my grandfather will be on a memorial in Manchester; it would have been nice to say his name in Somerset. I know there were others in a similar position. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Next time...... !

Do you remember last month we were looking for some help with regard to some of the Names from our List of the Fallen? Well, we've had two people come forward and say they are a relative of one of the Names in East Pennard and one in Pylle, so that is a good start. Also, someone who has access to local records has offered help. So that is absolutely great. A big 'thank you'. As I have said in the past, our aim is to remember each and every one of those named on our war memorials. We hope to do this by naming individuals on the 100 year anniversary of their deaths and making a point of placing a cross of Remembrance near the memorial which has their name on it. This is the very least that we want to do. Ideally, and with family permission of course if the family is still in the area, we would like to write a few words about certain individuals, where they lived and went to work, when they joined up, which

43 service, which regiment, where they are buried. Seems a strange way to put it, but we would like to bring them back to life, so to speak, make the Names seem more real, give them some substance, make their sacrifice more real. Hope you understand what I’m trying to say.

Change of subject. How many times over the years have I said words to the effect ‘by the time you read this article. so-and-so will have been and gone’? Well, here we go again. Our annual quiz is only a couple of weeks away on the 28th September and we are on course for a good turn out. We have 8 teams confirmed with another considering whether or not they can raise the numbers. Ten is our absolute maximum, eight is very comfortable. We do try to have a raffle and raise a bit of money for the Legion but it does seem more difficult every year to find suitable raffle prizes. I know that a lot of local businesses get fed up of being asked hundreds of times to sponsor one organisation or other with ‘something for the raffle’, so we do try very hard not to go back to the same place for a few years in between but it is quite tricky. Anyway, we are really looking forward to another good sociable evening and if you fancy the idea of a good quiz night, you’ll have to book early next year...... because, yes, you’ve guessed correctly, it has been and gone by the time you read this!!!!!!

We are fast running up to that time of year that I dread because there is so much going on. We’ve just had membership cards to distribute and although the numbers of those paying by cash and not direct debit is reducing, it is still another job to do and requires someone going out and knocking on doors. Thank goodness there are people around to share the load. But, can I just make a special plea to anybody who is still paying cash to please consider whether or not you could possibly switch to paying by DD. Before I forget to tell you, subs have gone up again this year and now stand at £15.00. After the cards it’s Poppy time. Our Chairman is our Poppy Appeal Organiser, so as well as trying to earn a crust he has a lot to do for the Legion. He has to order the stuff in for a start and be around when it is delivered, organise the number of boxes to match the number of rounds, load the poppies, crosses and other bits and pieces appropriately into the boxes, depending upon the size of the round, and then he has to distribute them to the various collectors scattered around the area. Phew!!! And it wouldn’t be the first time that he has had to do a round as well. Then we have Remembrance itself. This year our main parade will be at East Pennard on Sunday 9th November starting at about 10.30 ish, but don’t leave it to the last minute because of the parking situation. Then of course we will have the smaller, but in my view, significantly more important parade on Tuesday 11th November at Ditcheat, where we hope to be joined by the local school. After all that has been organised, it only remains to do the poppy count, which believe me is an epic production in its own right. Oh yes, that only leaves us with the Annual General Meeting to set up…..quickly followed by a nervous breakdown just in time for Christmas.

Thank you for taking the trouble to read this article. I do appreciate there are many and varied calls on your time. Here’s me bleating on about we’ve so much to do in the Legion world and I sometimes forget that we all have our different priorities to sort out. Thank you. Our next meeting will be held at our Chairman’s on Tuesday 14th October starting at 8pm.

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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

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St.Dunstan's and District were invited to a Mary Sumner Day Service at St. Peter and St.Paul Church, Wincanton on Saturday 9th August at 2.30 pm. Canon Alan Watson led the service and based his Sermon on Mary Sumner's Personal Prayer. 'All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for You; and every life I touch, by Your Spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live.' Amen. J.Done.

Mothers' Union - 11th September 2014

The September meeting of St .Dunstan's and District Mother's Union took place on Thursday 11th September, 2.30pm. in Church Room. Dr.S.Thompson (guest speaker) was unfortunately unable to attend. We were however joined by Mrs.Margaret Hendy, Diocesan Mother's Union President. She spoke of her very interesting twenty three years as a Church Reader; moving with her husband (an Anglican Church Minster) to a number of varied counties, including Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, the Winchester diocese in Hampshire and finally retiring to Wells.

During this time, Margaret did supply teaching. She was involved with many Christian activities, including a Mission to Seamen committee and became interested in healing ministry at St.Thomas Church in Wells; where she started an Outreach Committee, leading a team of 12 involved in healing ministry. Members asked many questions which continued as light refreshments were served. A much appreciated speaker. At the next meeting, Thursday 9th October our arranged speaker, The Rural Dean,Revd.D.MacGeoch, is indisposed. The Bishops' Senior Chaplain and Adviser, Preb. Stephen Lynas has willingly agreed to speak of his work.

All visitors and new members most welcome.

Jill Done.

48 Almshouse Accommodation Available in Shepton Mallet for persons Over age 60 with local connections For an application form please contact UNITED CHARITIES Mrs. P. D. Gould, 13, Westbrook Road, , Shepton Mallet BA4 6LR Tel: 01749 838646 Website alms1627.org.uk

49 A Short History of the Shepton Mallet Almshouses

9th June 1619 In his will Thomas White, a London Cordwainer, (shoemaker) left 4 houses in Shoe Lane, London, for the poor and needy of Shepton Mallet. The deed required that (from the profits gained from rents) the City of Bristol send £104 to each of 24 Towns and Cities in , once a year, "the order therein set down, in perpetuity, for ever". The Corporations receiving this money were required to make interest-free loans, of £25 each, for a term of ten years, to four young men, "being of honest fame and name", occupiers of and freemen of the receiving town or city. The Corporations were allowed to keep the remaining £4 "for their trouble. These were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666 and replaced by six more in 1670 and for a number of years £6.12.6 was distributed annually.

4th May 1627 The first Almshouses to be built were as a result of a grant from William and George Strode; the instruction being for 5 almshouses, a chapel, schoolhouse together with a dwelling for the schoolmaster plus an office and gardens in the Manor of Shepton Mallet. The Rectory at and land in West Hay and were to provide income, provided that some of this was set aside for the good repair of the Chancel at Meare Church. 1st May 1639 Rules of Management were laid out, appointing the Bishop of Bath and Wells as Visitor; there were to be 12 trustees to oversee the Almshouses, School and related properties. 16th July 1696 Edward and Elizabeth Strode gave new instructions concerning the neglect of the properties following the deaths of the original trustees.

23rd January 1699 Four old men of the protestant religion to be housed. (Bounty of Edward Strode of Downside)

1st July 1736 John Wynne, Bishop of Bath and Wells, confirmed the Strode Gift and started that the Almshouses were for “Five Poor Widows, such as were born in Shepton Mallet or had lived therein for 2o years”, prayers were to be said in the Chapel. Also that the School should teach twelve poor Scholars in return for £12 per year. The widows were to receive 16d per week, a sack of coal per month and every two years, on the feast of Ascension: “A new gown of blue broad cloth costing 20 shillings and upon the sleeve embroidered S.G.W. should the wearer die the gown to be left to their successor.” Six shillings and eight pence were made available to the parish clerk to witness sermons to the widows and scholars and to keep clean their seats within the parish church. The trustees accounts to be produced the day following the Feast of Ascension annually and excess funds to be used for Charitable Works within the Town. Any trustee moving more than 8 miles distant should be replaced.

1766 John Dunkerton appointed schoolmaster and during his time those Almswomen who died were not replaced; the premises were in a state of disrepair and on his death, his son “Usurped the office of Schoolmaster for himself and had the income from tithes for his own use.” Dunkerton refused to show the ledgers to the trustees and they, having nothing to guide them, held no meetings. In 1796 Dunkerton was arrested and jailed, by now the premises were recorded as being in a “Ruinous state”.

1771 Election of George Strode, son of Thomas Strode of as a trustee. Last recorded payments to 4 Almswomen.

50 1808 By dint of gathering those tithes of which they were aware plus subscriptions from amongst their number a new start was made. The curate of Shepton, Rev. Thomas Smith was appointed School Master, the school being elevated to a “Grammar” and 4 Almswomen were again maintained. At that time the Rectorial Tithes from Meare were £60 pa; other monies came from rents following the Enclosures Act, rather than the previous Tithes. £7.10.0 from both West Hay Moor and 1300 acres at Godney. (£75.00 in all) There were disputes with the Vicar of Meare as the upkeep of Meare Church exceeded revenues.

1843 A dispute arose over the Rents due from Godney Moor which led to their loss as the Trustees were afraid of personal distress should they go to Law.

1845 By now, once again, the School was in a poor state and fees for tuition were charge along with an Educational Grant to keep it going.

1851 New pastures in Meare leased; payments to Almswomen 3s 6d each weekly. Rector of Shepton Mallet to be a Trustee. Reverend William Trelawney Wickham M.A., husband of Mary Anne, noted below listed as a trustee at this time.

21st August 1862 Mary Anne Wickham, widow, leaves £867 and asks the “Consolidated Bank” to pay 3% annually to the Charity “to spend as they think most expedient” asking that 2s6d be paid weekly to the Almswomen in addition to the 3s6d already paid. This was reduced to 1s6d in 1872, the remainder being used for Insurances on the properties and the employment of a qualified nurse.

18th May 1897 First Charity Commission Report. Alms women still on 3s6d per week and fund still maintains Meare Church. Sexey School, Bruton, contributes to Shepton Mallet Grammar School/ Interesting and rather modern advice that Religious Observance is not necessary for Trustees. 12 trustees still stipulated: 3 from the Town Council, 1 from the District and 3 from the County; 1 from Sexey School and 1 from Bristol University. All to serve 5 years. 3 (actually 4) Co-optative Governors, all local dignitaries, to serve 6 years. Trustees still appointing the Headmaster of the Grammar School, all boys to pay tuition fees. (subjects to include 3R’s, Latin, another foreign language, science, music and PT much my experience in 1957) Trustees to award prizes to outstanding pupils. At least 1 scholarship awarded annually for merit. The “Impropriate” (ecclesiastical benefice) Rectory of Meare to pay £60.11.7d, lands at West Hay to pay £8.10.0 per year.

9th July 1909 Charity Commission update, listing 8 life Trustees and the arrangements for replacing them with: 7 Representative Trustees from the Urban District Council, serving 4 years, 4 Cooptative Trustees serving 5 years plus the Rector of Shepton Mallet, for the time being, as an Ex-Officio Trustee. Property listed as belonging to the Almshouses: Almshouses and Bread Room, Farm at “Winsors” Hill, land on Mendip and land at Townsend ; the school plus the Rectory at Meare, together with 2 parcels of land at “Westbury” Moor. Securities in excess of £2,678.00 are listed.

19th July 1974 Clauses relating to income from Property are removed. Contributions from the Residents shall be no more than £1.50 although the Trustees can alter this. New stipulations for Residents. Advice to Trustees but make up remains unchanged.

January 2013 New Board made up of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon Treasurer plus sub committees for Maintenance and Welfare. Approaches made to Shepton Mallet District Council and to the Diocese Office at Wells Cathedral to seek a change to the make up of Trustees; reducing the number of Council Nominees. SMTC agree to assist in any way they can. Currently 10 Trustees; One Ex-Officio; 3 Council Nominees and 6 Co-Opted Trustees from the wider Shepton Mallet area.

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Police report for Shepton Rural

Monthly Overview - August

Total crimes reported 39, including:

1 Assault 1 Assault on Police 0 dwelling burglary 5 non dwelling burglary 1 criminal damage (property/vehicles) 2 theft from motor vehicles 0 theft of motor vehicle 2 theft of pedal cycles remainder miscellaneous

Anti Social Behaviour - 10 reports - largely issues relating to loud music in areas such as Stoke St Michael, Evercreech, Coleford and .

If you have any information about suspicious incidents or activity please telephone the police on the general number 101. Please remember to ask the call handler to mark, or tag, your call `NHW' (Neighbourhood Watch) NHW office 01278-644799 F0755

If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 101 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.

It was a normal Sunday Morning in Midsummer Parish Church 53

DITCHEAT BOOK GROUP Barbara Pym’s Excellent Women Review by Clare West

Mildred Lathbury is one of the ‘excellent women’ who are indispensable in any community. She can cook, clean, organise, commiserate, run a fête or a jumble sale; she is capable, sensible and self-deprecating, with a sharp sense of humour. In her early thirties and a clergyman’s daughter, she is a great support to the vicar’s sister, and to the vicar himself. She might have allowed herself to fall in love with the vicar, but now she is beginning to think that her chances of love and marriage are receding. Then a dashing new couple move in to a flat in the house where she lives, and she can’t avoid getting drawn in to their rather messy emotional life.

The book is set in the 1950s, and the details are meticulous. As with all Barbara Pym’s novels, it is a story about ordinary people and their everyday activities, in a world of genteel poverty and melancholy longing. There are no complex contemporary issues or philosophical dilemmas to consider, just the many small concerns that take up most of people’s lives. In fact, there is very little incident, but the effect is both touching and, at times, funny.

Alexander McCall Smith calls it ‘one of the most endearingly amusing English novels of the twentieth century’. Philip Larkin, who corresponded for years with Barbara Pym, praised this novel to the skies. He commented, ‘It’s a study of the pain of being single – time and again one senses not only that Mildred is suffering but that nobody can see why she shouldn’t suffer, like a Victorian cabhorse.’

However, for us modern women (Barbara Pym was born in 1913 and died in 1980), it is painful to watch Mildred shouldering more and more burdens in such a stoical way. Is she a martyr? Does she actually enjoy taking on chores like supervising removals, proof-reading academic papers, and, of course, peeling potatoes and making tea? Or is she a saint – simply feeling it is her duty to help others whenever she can? She certainly makes life much easier and pleasanter for everyone around her, but she is acerbically aware that they are over-reliant on her. We felt that a contemporary Mildred would be a lot feistier, and probably more fun to read about.

54 Recipe Page

Apple flapjack crumble

 1.1kg eating apples , such as Coxes  3-4 tbsp apricot jam  juice 1 large orange  For the crumble  140g porridge oats  100g plain flour  1 tsp ground cinnamon  100g butter  100g light muscovado sugar  1 tbsp golden syrup

Method 1. Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Peel, core and thinly slice the apples and mix with the jam and orange juice. Spread evenly over a buttered 1.5-litre ovenproof dish, not too deep.

2. Mix the oats, flour and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the butter in small chunks and rub in gently. Stir in the sugar and rub in again. Drizzle over the syrup, mixing with a knife so it forms small clumps. Sprinkle evenly over the apples and bake for 30-35 mins until the juices from the apples start to bubble up. Cool for 10 mins, then serve with custard, cream or ice cream.

From actual medical records…. On the second day, the knee was better and on the third day it had completely disappeared. The patient has been depressed ever since she began seeing me in 1983. Discharge status: Alive but without permission. She slipped on the ice in early December and her legs went in separate directions. The patient was released to the outpatient department without dressing. She is numb from the toes down. Source: Grove Jokes of the month

55 Who's Who ? FOSSE TRINITY BENEFICE Interim Priest in Charge Canon Graham Hendy 677003 Reader Jean Halford 860422 Fosse Trinity Advisory Committee Jean Heal 860452 Fosse Trinity News Editor Jo Curtis 860898 Fosse Trinity News Advertising Marcus Wyburn-Mason 860067 Fosse Trinity News Distribution Lesley Dunn 860746 Anthony Sutcliffe 860541 Prayer Pyramid Co-ordinator { Eleanor Yeoman 860337 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 Church Council Secretary Louisa Oborne 860252 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 Carol Stuart 860587 Church Room Hire Audrey Dyson 860317 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 Email the editors if you 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 Peter Volk 860081 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 Fosseway Garden Club Barbara Cary 860438 Jubilee Hall Chairman Peter Volk 860081 Jubilee Hall Hire Anne Robson 860444 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 Lucy Bagnowiec 101 Guy Dury 101

Email contacts are on page 58

57 Index of Advertisers

Accounts, Hayley Spencer 29 Medical, Homeopathy, Fionna Roberts 39 Alhampton Inn 2 Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen Pascoe 45 Art Gallery, Studio 13 29 Medical, Osteopaths, Batcombe 21 Beauty Therapist, Shannon Wood 21 Medical, Psychotherapist 15 B & B, Pennard House 32 Motoring, N E Motors 16

Buildings, Timber Frame, W Latta 10 Music Tuition, Flute, Elizabeth Cobb 10 Computing, Stable Computers 10 Music Tuition, Piano, Alison Bower 16 Curtains, covers etc, Helen Bushrod 2 Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2 Decorating, Ray Ackerman 45 Oven cleaning, Ovencor 15 Electricain, Ian Lester 10 Plasterer, Neil Piercy 32 Fencing 39 Proper Pet Co. 46 Food, Gould's Cheddar 59 Removals & Storage, Armishaws 40

Food, Hembridge Organics 10 Roofing, Mark Curtis 52 Food, Jon Thorner's 59 Salvation Army 16 Funerals, Connock 45 Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen 32 Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 16 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Purely Probate 21 Furniture, Joinery & Kitchen, Mark White 39 Stone Walling, Yenstone 22 Garage Doors, SDS 45 Storage & Removals, Armishaws 40 Gardening, Jeremy Dodd 32 Taxi, Tony Chinnock 39

Heating Services, Warm Welcome 29 Transport, ADEPPTS 2 Hire Shed 15 Travellers Rest, Stone 2 Holiday Cottage, Long Batch Cottage 15 Tree Surgeon, M Parsons 16 Home Maintenance, Mike Doyle 29 Tree Surgeon, Noel Radford 59 House Maintenance, Repointing 29 Wedding & Events Venue 32 Manor House Inn Back

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The Sunday School teacher was describing how when Lot's wife looked back at Sodom, she turned into a pillar of salt. Young James nodded with understanding. "My mummy looked back once while she was driving," he announced, "and she turned into a telephone pole."

Who's Who ? Email addresses

Fosse Trinity News Editor [email protected] Fosse Trinity News Advertising [email protected] Fosse Trinity News Distribution [email protected]

Ditcheat Parish Council ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk Community Police [email protected] [email protected]

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Seasoned Charcoal Logs

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