The A37 Between Yeovil and Ilchester Is to Close for Nearly Two Weeks While Resurfacing Work Is Carried

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Issue No. 156 1st August 2020 The A37 between Yeovil and Ilchester is to close for nearly two weeks while resurfacing work is carried out An 870 metre section of Ilchester Road, between Halfway House, Chilthorne Domer and Ilchester, will be closed between Monday, August 17 and Friday, August 28 while resurfacing work takes place. According to Somerset County Council, the closure will be in place between 7.30am and 6pm each day. A diversion route will been put in place while the road is closed via the A303 and A3088 Cartgate Roundabout

To all BT Internet users. I am having great difficulty sending messages to residents with a BT email address. Frequently the message is returned as undelivered because your email server sus- pected that the message was spam. I ask therefore that you add my email address to your allowed senders list. ([email protected]) All Saints Church

Priest in Charge: Revd Alan Symonds Tel/Fax 01458 272029 (For arrangement of Baptisms, Weddings and other occa- sional services) Church Warden: Mrs Bel Allan Tel. 01935 840878 Parochial Church Council Secretary: Nicholas J. Allan Tel 01935 840878 Treasurer: Tony Steele-Perkins 01935 840184 Tower Captain: Jackie Ellis Tel 01935 840344

Notice to all Parishioners

Please note that our Priest-in-Charge, Rev Alan Symonds, will be leading a spoken service of Holy Communion in our Church next Sunday 2nd August 2020 at 9.30 a.m. We hope that as many as possible will attend but due to social distancing rules, you first have to book your places by telephoning Alan on 01458 272029. We will look forward to seeing you there.

Our first service since the lockdown, which was held on 19th July, was a great success.

All Saints PCC.

Kingsdon Village Hall Kingsdon Table Tennis Club

For all information (except bookings) contact: - The Table Tennis Club play in the Village Hall on Tuesday evenings David Thomson, Park Farmhouse, Lower Rd. between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. If you are interested then please contact Kingsdon TA11 7LL Tel:01935 841453 Martin Singleton on 841162 or just come along.

For bookings contact Marilyn Elliott, 4 Manor Kingsdon Afternoon Club Close, Kingsdon, TA11 7LW Tel 01935 841444 Email [email protected] The Afternoon Club meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 3pm in the Village Hall. New members (any age) are always welcome. For information contact Richards South tel: 840912 There are Kingsdon Boules & Croquet Club

NO Members meet at the Kingsdon Cricket Ground every Thursday between 2 and 4 pm. The club welcomes new members or just come along to VILLAGE HALL enjoy a taster session followed by tea and cake in the club house.

BOOKINGS Taster sessions for Boules or Croquet can be arranged on other days / evenings to suit. until September For more information contact:-

Nina Carlisle 01935 840933 email [email protected] Sally Smith 01935 842094 Phyl Winsor 01935 840384

The Kingsdon Jubilee Fund Trustees

Chairman: Andy Fryer, Secretary: Martin Gilmore, Treasurer: Tim Taylor, Ian Dibben, Mark Freeman, Beverley Fulton, Robert Fulton, Chris Taylor. Kingsdon Cricket Club Kingsdon Knitting Club

Chairman / Secretary : Marilyn Elliott, 4 Manor Close, (Knitting for Good Causes) Kingsdon, Somerton, TA11 7LW Tel 01935 841444 Mobile 07990673935. Email: [email protected] The Knitters meet on the second Saturday of the month at Team Selection: Ian Birrell Watersmeet, Huish Episcopi, 10.30am to midday in the Community Shop.

Langport. TA10 9HE Tel 01458 259231 07817959709 For information please contact: Linda Rumbles 01935 Trustees: B. Carlisle, I. Birrell, J. Schofield 840132 or Babs Conway 01935 841811 Captain / Treasurer: J. Schofield The Kingsdon Chronicle

The Kingsdon Chronicle is an independent journal published monthly and is financed by voluntary donation. Cheques payable to ‘The Kingsdon Chronicle’ The Kingsdon Chronicle welcomes correspondence from its readers If you wish me to publish an article, please email your request with the details or send it in writing. Requesting publication you are agree- ing your article can be published on the Kingsdon website at: http://www.kingsdon.org/kingsdon-chronicle/ Please ensure I acknowledge receipt. Contributed letters and articles printed in The Kingsdon Chronicle do not necessari- ly reflect the views of The Kingsdon Chronicle production team. The editor will assume that all material supplied is original, or from copyright free sources. (It is the contributor’s responsibility to gain any necessary permissions and to provide ac- knowledgments).” Editor: Wallace Elliott, 4 Manor Close, Kingsdon. TA11 7LW Tel 01935 841444, Mobile 07990673935, Email: [email protected] www.kingsdon.org/kingsdon-chronicle/ Page 2 From the Vicarage

As we move into the summer holidays, we are continuing to experience a number of new situations. Booking in advance for haircuts, meals out, even for a cup of coffee or a pint. Also booking in advance for Church services which is the one that is occu- pying rather a lot of my time at the moment, taking bookings and working out a seating plan for each service. At the moment we are unable to simply throw open the doors and let anyone and everyone in, each service has to be limited in numbers and seats arranged so that we can socially distance and be safe. So, when people call to ask for a seat one of my questions is are you coming alone or with others from your household or bubble. For each household or bubble will occupy one particular area, whether that is one person or many. This leads me on to think about friendship, those who are close to us. Friendship is defined in my dictionary as attachment from mutual esteem, or friendly assistance. So, we hopefully enjoy friendship with many different people. Yet under our current rules a friendship does not qualify us to be closer than two metres. To be closer than two metres to another person who is not in our own household, we actually have to be committed to each other, to share a bubble. Where a bubble is defined as people from two households who have entered into a commitment with each other, as if they were a single household. Each individual then takes on the responsibility of doing what they can to protect the others, in order to prevent infection entering into the bubble. Also, if Covid-19 does get past the safeguards and one person in the bubble be- gins to show symptoms all of the others in that bubble will also isolate for the necessary period. So, this is about commitment to other individuals, people who may not be relatives or family members, but who are important enough to us for us to meld our lives together so that for now at least we walk forward as one. It is for me a model of the sort of relationship Jesus has with us and hopefully we have with him. A melding of our lives so that we move forward with common purpose and mutual esteem. Not being protected from the ups and downs of life, but knowing that He is committed to us and we to Him, so that whatever happens we will walk through it together, and He will never leave us. With every blessing

Alan Symonds

Minutes of Kingsdon Village Hall Management Committee Meeting Held on Monday 13th July 2020 in Kingsdon Village Hall at 7pm

Present: M Elliott Chairman, I Dibben Treasurer, D Thomson Secretary, G Osborne, T Owen

The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting and confirmed current CONVID-19 rules and regulations applied and would be strictly followed throughout the meeting..

1. Apologies: There were no apologies for absence. The Chairman thanked those present for the flexibility shown in attending this meeting.

2. Minutes: Minutes of the January 2020 MCM were accepted by those present and signed by the Chairman.

3. Matters Arising

3.1 Hanbury Village Hall ( 2019 AGM Issue): To be discussed at the 2020 AGM.

3.2 Maintenance: A number of issues including one particular overhead fluorescent light and the possible window repairs were discussed. These items remained outstanding and would be addressed. GO/ID/TO

In addition, concern was again raised with regard to the “Blown” rear wall and the crack/hole in the wall Messrs Osborne and Dibben to investigate further. Mr T Owen suggested that expanding foam sealant could be applied. ACTION: ID/GO/TO

3.3 Christmas Tree Enclosure: The Secretary reported that he would contact the PCC nearer to the time.

3.4 Future Plans: The development of the existing structure remains very much dependent on the outcome of the on-going new village housing development planning application which is delayed

Continued on page 4 Page 3 3.5 Kingsdon Village Hall Management Committee Vacancy Adverts: As suggested at the 2019 AGM, two adverts had been placed within The Chronicle for: *Fund Raiser *Maintenance Co-ordinator

Unfortunately, No replies had been received. It was agreed to re-advertise.

4. Village Hall Action Committee: No meetings to review

5. Health and Safety: The new/current COVID-19 Requirements and regulations were discussed and confirmed to apply to KVH as follows:

1, The Hall would aim to re-open for pre- authorized events from 01-08-2020 (Action ME) 2. Activities would be monitored and subject to COVID-19 requirements. An individual risk assessment/ management audit would be undertaken for each planned/booked event by KVH (Action ID/ME) 3. A “personal-data” register would be maintained – Sign-in Book. ( Action DT/ME) 4. The hall would operate a one-way entry/exit system 5. Kitchen would remain out of use and closed/locked. 6. Lower Storeroom to be locked and out of use. 7. Any equipment moved/used to be cleaned using KVH provided cleaning equipment/products. (Action GO) 8. No sporting activities inside the hall. 9. Maximum of 20 Chairs in use only. 10. Current Social Distancing rules to be followed and adhered to at all times. Mask wearing as regulated / personal preference. 11. On-going high level “ risk assessment” at all times to monitor the situation (Action ID/ME)

Please note: All of the above subject to ongoing review and re-confirmation. The Chairman reported that only one booking had responded to the KVH COVID-19 announcement in the Chron- icle and that another Group had requested a change of day. However many groups/booking did not typically operate during July and August and this was an additional factor in deciding to open the KVH in August for trial and testing purposes.

6. Finance: The Treasurer reported that Draft Accounts for 19/20 had been issued prior to the meeting. Final accounts would be presented to the 2020 AGM and published with the minutes. The Treasurer confirmed that the accounts remained in a balanced state.

7. Take Art: No new information had been received from Mrs Chris Taylor. As far as was known, no events were planned at this time.

8. Maintenance: Mr G Osborne has continued to cover all on-going maintenance issues including the floor ren- ovations as required. Mr T Owen has continued with the weekly/monthly checks/audit which are recorded and assisted with weekly maintenance issues. Builders were contacted to quote for repairing the walls. One builder visited the Hall to inspect but refused to quote, the other failed to appear. In general terms, the building structure was said to be , by modern standards, no longer easily maintainable. Immediate actions required as follows: *Lock to Kitchen/Store Cupboard doors – GO/ID/TO *Clear Safety Glass to Main Doors – GO/TO/ID *PA Testing – ID. (Required before re-opening.) *Fixed Wiring Testing - ID

9. Projects:

10. Long Term Projects: KVH Working Group - There had not been a meeting since the Janaury MCM

11. AOB

11.1 Car Park: It was agreed that this could now be opened to allow for villager/village visitor parking. 11.2 Review of Duties (ID/DT): It was felt useful to have an overall top level review of duties and responsibili- ties. In general terms, duties were confirmed as follows…

NB: The KVH is managed and run by the KVH MCM on behalf of the Kingsdon Parish Council who own the KV Hall and land .

Chairman: Over all responsibility for the General Management and Health and Safety of the Hall. Reports to the KV PC annually. Chairs all meetings, In addition, manages all bookings and administers the mains electrici- ty useage . Delegates additional duties/ tasks as required / arising. Provides Interface with all Hall users and maintains adherence to rules. Hears complaints and attempts to resolve any issues raised.. Page 4

Secretary: General KV Hall administration including non booking Enquiries, Council Business Rates/Tax, Management Committee and Annual General meetings. Charitable registration and any required ongoing Li- censes/permits. Building Insurance and Annual Fire Inspection.

Treasurer: KVH Finances, payment of invoices, income/other receipts and oversee all banking services Prepa- ration of annual accounts. Additional ad-hoc maintenance issues as required and provides all risk assessment expertise.

Mr Guy Osborne: All general maintenance issues and cleaning services. Additional duites as requested by the Chairman. To be named Maintenance Officer pending advert responses, to date zero responses. (To be re-advertised.)

Mr Tim Owen: General maintenance inspection and assistance , and specific responsibility for the weekly and monthly KV Hall recorded physical checks, including Safety devices, Fire Equipment and other installations including emergency lighting and emergency doors. Undertakes outside maintenance including drains and path- ways. Prepared to undertake others tasks as requested by Chairman.

DATE OF 2020 AGM MEETING

It was agreed to attempt to hold the 2020 AGM on Thursday 3rd September, 2020 subject to COVID-19 regulations and or guidelines. Dates for futher meeting to be agreed at that time.

There being no further business, the Chairman thanked those in attendance and closed the meeting at 8.05pm.

KINGSDON VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

WANTED

For the following vacancies

Fundraiser

Following observations made during the recent 2019 Kingsdon Village Hall AGM referring to successful FUND- RAISING activities for the village hall some twenty years ago, the management committee have decided to revis- it this idea and advertise for a Fundraising Co-ordinator .

The FUNDRAISER will be responsible for initiating and organizing village wide fundraising events and activities to raise additional funds to supplement the current hall rental incomes and contribute to the general upkeep, maintenance and day to day running of the village hall. As the role develops, it is envisaged that wider charity sector local, regional, national etc fundraising may be explored.

Interested Villagers possibly with some prior expertise and/or knowledge of the general area of charity fundraising and willing to volunteer for this role are warmly invited to apply in writing with brief personal details and relevant experience:

Maintenance Co Ordinator

To be up to date of the infrastructure services fixture and fitting of the village hall. Maintain a site plan, asset list is to be maintained of all fixtures and fittings. Work with village hall management team to create a maintenance plan. Provide a budget cost for proposed maintenance work. Work with village hall management team to prioritise proposed work. Organise community working parties to undertake maintenance work. All working parties to be fully risk assessed. Get fully costed quotations for external contractors to undertake projects. Work with external contractors to check public liability insurance, and RAMs prior to any work being undertaken To coordinate external contractors Marilyn Elliott (The Chairman, Kingsdon Village Hall) 4 Manor Close Kingsdon TA11 7LW Tel: 01935 841444 07990 673935 email: [email protected] Page 5 The History of The Kingsdon Chronicle

Attending a Kingsdon Parish Council meeting on 13th September 2007, little did I know what I was letting myself in for when the Chairman, Tony Masters posed the question, “How could the council get information across to residents?”

I opened my big mouth, volunteering to produce a village newsletter, this being said without any thought to the logistics of such an idea.

With a steam driven computer and a small desk top printer I set about producing the first issue of The Kingsdon Chronicle. I am not sure why I chose to call it the Chronicle, or in what font I would use to print, or what would be the content, apart from reports of the Parish Council meetings, it just evolved.

Printing was anything but fun. Straight away I realised it would have to be two sided printing, easy I thought, print one side then turn them over and load back into the printer. The paper and my printer didn’t like this and continually I was faced with paper blockages. The only solution was to load the one sided printed paper individually, one page at a time to print the re- verse. For the first issue of 4 pages this was not too laborious, but soon I was producing 20 + page issues that took many hours, normally through the night. In the first couple of years I had to replace my printer three times. Hearing of my dilem- ma, Pauline Clarke, our County Councillor at that time, came to my rescue and funded a commercial printer that automati- cally printed both sides. (Duplex printing)

We decided very quickly that each copy was to be free and that we would deliver it by hand to every household in the parish.

I still had a reserve in the Jubilee Fund which I used to get things going and then the cost was met by some very generous donations.

Thanks to Gillian Carnall for organising the 100+ Club which was well supported and covered all the production costs, the future of the Chronicle looked secure.

The 100+ Club has a monthly draw, with 3 prizes of £15 - £10 - £5 and the Christmas December draw with prizes of £50 - £20 - £15. There is no draw in August.

If you are not a member or have not renewed then you can’t win. Please remember by being a member of the 100+ club you are supporting the Chronicle and means I do not have to worry about the ever increasing production costs. A membership form for the 100+ Club can be found at the back of this Chronicle.

One aspect , of which I am particularly proud, since the first Chronicle was produced and delivered on 1st October 2007, we have not missed a single month, holidays and even having my triple by-pass operation haven’t stop the production.

So here we are 156 issues later.

In March this year I decided that the Chronicle from now on will not be delivered by hand but sent by email to all whose email address I have. The exception to this will be those without a computer who will have their copy delivered by hand as usual.

This decision was made for two reasons, primarily on financial grounds, the production costs had risen over the last few years and income had fallen due to fewer people joining the 100 club and I no longer receive those very generous donations that made a big difference Secondly with the onset of Corona-19 virus, delivery to all the village was a worry.

Printed copies will be available at the Kingsdon Community Shop once things hopefully get back to normal.

If you are on the internet but do not receive the Kingsdon Chronicle or messages from me, but would like to do so, please forward me your request with an email address.

Thank you

Wally

4 Manor Close, Kingsdon, TA11 7LW

Tel: 01935 841444 or 07990 673935

Email: [email protected] p.s. If you receive the Chronicle by post this will continue.

The Kingsdon Chronicle can also be found at: https://www.kingsdon.org/kingsdon-chronicle/

Please see the last item on Page 2 of the Chronicle for further information.

Page 6 Can you help our local school?

Charlton Mackrell Primary School and Preschool is the wonderful local village primary school serving many of the children of Kingsdon and the surrounding area. Much of the outdoors classroom area used by the younger children of the school is no longer fit for purpose and has been deemed unsafe for use from previous storm damage. The school therefore have plans for an exciting refurbished Early Years outdoors area.

The school governors, staff, Parent Teacher Association (the ‘Friends of Charlton Mackrell school’) and local community have worked tirelessly to get the funds together to make this work possible. The ‘Friends of Charlton Mackrell School’ have already pledged £6,000 from their fundraising towards the initial groundworks of this project, and hope to raise further funds to enhance the outdoor area with play and learning equipment.

However, the recent Covid-19 situation has severely hampered the planned fundraising activities, with an estimated £3,000 lost already from cancelled events and the future fundraising activities planned for September onwards looking uncertain.

Therefore if you, or your local business, would like to help and make a donation to the registered charity the ‘Friends of Charlton Mackrell School’ to help make this a first class learning environment for the current and future young people of our village then we would love to hear from you.

Please contact us at [email protected]

Many thanks from the ‘Friends of Charlton Mackrell School’ and the children of our community.

Work beginning during the summer holidays on the outdoor classroom area Page 7 The Kingsdon Chronicle Summer Photo Competition

or any other type of Camera The Kingsdon Chronicle is holding a photo competition over the summer for anyone living in Kingsdon or stay- ing in Kingsdon on holiday during July & August.

There will be two categories, 16 years and under and over 16’s.

For each category the winners will receive £30 each and the two runners-up will receive £15 each.

All entries must have been taken within the Parish of Kingsdon Photographs will be judged on how interesting the subject of the photo is in the eyes of the judges - Wildlife, people, scenery or anything that looks interesting could be a winner! The quality of the photo will be of little concern to the judges All entries to be submitted by 5th September.

Entries to be sent to The Kingsdon Chronicle at 4 Manor Close, Kingsdon, Somerton, TA11 7LW as a print of any size on standard paper or emailed as a jpeg to the Kingsdon Chronicle at [email protected] or by mobile phone to 07990 673935 Please ensure the name and contact details of all photographers are sent with all entries

All entrants, if they wish, may send up to 3 photographic entries taken by them.

The judges will be former professional photographers Laura Jones and her mum.

Please contact Wally Elliott for any queries you may have.

Page 8 A Big Thanks to Clive Sanders for giving me the OK for publishing the Somerset Earworm

Why not write your own Earworm poem about your favourite part of the world and have it published in the Kingsdon Chronicle

Clive Sanders Somerset Landscape Artist and Poet

Born in Coventry, but now living in Chard, Somerset, England. Happily living in semi-retirement after a full Ar- my career spanning 47 years, including Regular and Territorial Army service. Former Configuration Manager of the EH101 helicopter programme at Westland Helicopters.

Recommended Reading All available from Amazon Books

Page 9

To my knowledge in June 2020 Kingsdon saw its first Crop Circle. I was privileged to have a private view- ing as it wasn’t visi- ble from any of the roads. A second circle was started but never finished. Jenny Gamblin (Crazy Sheep Lady)

Page 10

KINGSDON COMMUNITY SHOP 01935 849503

The Village Shop is now open for customers to walk around and choose their own goods!

We are open for shoppers 08.00 – 12.00. We will continue to offer our ‘Call and Collect’ service for all who wish to use it. Please ring any time during open hours.

Social distancing and strict hygiene measures remain in operation, with only one customer allowed in at a time, together with the need to wear a face covering or mask whilst in the shop.

Stock

Food stocks have greatly improved, meaning we are now able to provide most items, plus some newer lines. If there is anything you would like us to get, please let us know.

We are able to supply good quality Raspberries and Strawberries from a local supplier. Order Wednesday, delivered to shop early Thursday.

Summer Produce

If you have excess summer produce from your garden or allotment, the shop will happily receive and sell for shop funds.

Volunteers

New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Chris Taylor at [email protected] if interested.

Sadly lockdown has impacted many businesses and charities. As the situation has eased and people have gradu- ally returned to near normal lives, usage of the village shop has decreased. Having experienced the value of having a village shop, we hope to see many of you return. Please do consider committing to spending a set amount of your weekly household budget locally. If we all do this, it will protect our hugely important village asset.

We look forward to welcoming you all back

Page 11 TOM HARRIS By Peter Crowter

I worked with Tom at Cary farm ‘bout sixty years ago, A favourite of Frank Attwell’s that was well deserved you know. He was not tall or muscular but do not be misled The hardest worker on the farm I think it could be said.

He was a Welshman born and bred but he had been around, There were some stories he could tell as very soon I found. The one that I remember most to Germany he went, It was his National Service and to Berlin he was sent.

There was a Gurkha officer to him he was assigned, Tom wasn’t sure about the man but kept an open mind. Tom was called his batman, his butler you might say, And when Tom got to know him, his doubts all went away.

A Gurkha soldier you may know is famous for his knife, It is his chosen weapon and has often saves his life. Tom’s officer possessed one and he kept it by his bed, And inside his bedroom was where squaddies feared to tread.

A block of wood he had attached behind his bedroom door, When Tom took him his morning tea a rule he daren’t ignore. Tom knocked his door and waited there until he heard a thud, Had he gone in sooner he may well have shed some blood.

Peter Crowter

Peter was born in Brighton in 1935. He moved with his parents to Kingsdon in 1940 when his father joined the navy and was stationed at Yeovilton. From that day on he became a country lover and on leaving Yeovil Boys School went to work on a farm and then became a farm manager till he retired in 1995. His first published writing was a long-running series of articles for the Western Gazette. He later had a weekly column in the Dorset Echo and writes articles for The Countryman.

He also writes books, poems and plays and has had 3 plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4. His specialist subjects are the coun- tryside, farming and humour. He is married with 3 children and 5 grandchildren and lives in Charmouth, Dorset, England. The poems from ‘The Kingsdon Chronicle’ are mainly autobiographical and concern the years 1940 – 1960 starting with, as described by Peter, his misspent youth in the village and later his 10 years working at Cooks Cary Farm. The poems show Peter’s sense of humour and give a historical picture of life in Kingsdon during the 40’s & 50’s

The book ‘A Tale of Two Villages ‘ is now on sale at Kingsdon Community Shop.

Peter is generously donating the proceeds from the sale of the book at our shop, to be shared between the Church, Shop & Chronicle. Page 12 Lottery Hotline: 01628 200 341 (Lines open 9am - 5pm Mon - Friday)

Now you can help to keep the Nation’s historic naval aircraft flying AND be in with a chance of winning £10,000 every single week!

The Navy Wings Weekly Lottery is an exciting new way to support the work of Navy Wings in preserving and flying some of the Nation’s most important aircraft.

For every £1 entry we give you a unique 6-digit number. Match three or more numbers in the right position and win one of our great cash prizes between £5 and £1,000. If you match all six numbers, you’ll win an incredible £10,000! Entering is easy and with a draw every week, you’ll have plenty of chances to win.

Find out more about the Navy Wings Weekly Lottery at:

https://navywings.org.uk/lottery/

Page 13

Emergency Refreshments

‘In 1972 I was a staff pilot on 737 NAS at Portland which trained Anti-Submarine aircrew on the venerable Wes- sex Mk 3. On 4th May that year I was scheduled to fly a continuation training flight in Wessex III, XP139, with Lt Ian Stanley exercising our instrument flying skills.

During the sortie I was the pilot flying with blue goggles behind amber screens fixed to the windscreen. This arrangement gave no outside view to the pilot on the controls but afforded the safety pilot a reasonable view outside. Ian was giving me various manoeuvres to perform to test my ability to fly accurately on instruments. Inevitably we came to that moment in the exercise when Ian loudly announced “practice engine failure – GO!” and closed the twist grip throttle. I immediately lowered the collective lever and rather exuberantly flared the aircraft to retain ro- tor RPM and reduce IAS to autorotation speed. There was a sudden silence as the engine wound down to a com- plete stop. Ian shouted “I have control” and asked me to put out a Mayday call. I quickly took off my IF goggles to see where we were and transmitted a distress call announcing our engine failure and our position as 2 nautical miles south of Dorchester. I then joined in looking for a suitable field for an emergency landing and carried out the forced landing drills.

We identified a good looking field and Ian excellently manoeuvred into wind and lined up with the field. He exe- cuted an immaculate engine-off landing and after completing the shut-down drills we disembarked to find out where we were. The farmer who owned the field joined us almost immediately and we went to his house for refreshments and to use his phone to report our situation to base.

Very shortly the duty SAR Wessex I from Portland joined our Wessex 3 in the field and after taking our leave of the farmer we were flown back to Portland leaving XP139 to be collected by MARTSU to return our aircraft to base. It turned out subsequently that the aircraft had been washed shortly before our flight and the drain holes in the nose door had become blocked trapping a quantity of water in the nose door just ahead of the gas turbine engine. My exuberant flare in flight had sloshed all this water into the engine which had put the flame out.

Both pilots and XP139 were flying again very soon after this excitement’.

Fleet Air Arm veteran Adrian Thomas

Page 14 Few people today are aware of the perils of flying from ships at sea or the important part played by the Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm in our nation’s history. When they see the rare and remarkable aircraft of the Navy Wings collection flying, they are overwhelmed by the stories of the young men who flew them and the heroic and daring missions they undertook.By remembering the Charity in your will, you can help ensure that these magnifi- cent aircraft are not lost forever to future generations, and that the pioneering spirit, courage and sacrifice of all those who have served in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, to whom the nation owes such a debt of gratitude, will never be forgotten.

We appreciate that the decision to leave a legacy to any charity is a decision that isn’t made lightly. Our aircraft are veterans in their own right, with distinguished battle honours. They were not built to still be flying half a century later and we need your help and support to preserve them as a living memorial to all who have lost their lives in the service of naval aviation.

The hazards of flying from ships at sea are much greater, than flying over land resulting historically in many naval air casualties from accidents as well as combat. Landing on a pitching and rolling flight deck, fog, storms, high sea states, mechanical failure, navigational difficulties and limited endurance were factors that often played a part in naval aviation losses and sadly many naval aviators were lost at sea with no known grave.

Your legacy will help keep the Swordfish flying at annual remembrance ceremonies and at air shows around the country.

You might also consider making a donation in memory of a loved one or friend or ask for donations made at your funeral to be gifted to the Charity. Legacy giving often brings a great sense of pride and lasting peace. Thank you for supporting us in this way. If you have any questions or would like to visit us, see the aircraft or talk to the Chief Executive or a member of the team, please do call us on 01935 842005 or email [email protected]

Page 15 UK Naval ship RFA Argus and its aviation team ending their tour in Cayman waters.

Captain Philip Dennis, Commander of the UK Task Group in the Caribbean, told the Cayman Compass Friday, that the ship is now sailing to the Turks and Caicos Islands, having successfully completed its tour in local waters. The team, he said via email, will “continue maritime security operations with the [Turks and Caicos Islands] Police Service and the US Coast Guard. We wish to thank the Cayman Islands for all their support to date.”

On Friday, Governor Martyn Roper, Governor’s Office Policy Officer Simone Eade and the Compass were taken on a 45-minute flyover of Grand Cayman on board the RFA Argus’s Wildcat helicopter.

The helicopter is one of two of the ship’s aircraft that have been providing helicopter coverage over Cayman in the absence of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service helicopters, both of which are in the US undergoing maintenance work at the Airbus facility.

The second helicopter on duty in Wildcat pilot, Jim Carver of Kingsdon takes Cayman V.I.P.s Cayman from RFA Argus is a Mer- for a flight over Grand Cayman lin chopper.

A hurricane exercise conducted by the ship’s crews were also scaled back to avoid any chance of the virus reaching the vessel.

On Friday’s flight, everyone on board was required to wear face masks and there was limited contact and seating on the helicopter.

Roper, in an interview with the Compass Friday, said he was grateful for the helicopter assistance from the RFA Argus team. “It’s been very good to have them here for, I think, it’s almost two weeks now. As everyone knows, they’ve been providing cover principally for the helicopters being off island for maintenance and that’s been really helpful because they’ve supported directly on counter-narcotics operations, on protecting our borders, and they would have been there for any medevacs, had that been needed,” he said.

RCIPS Air Operations Unit Commander Steve Fitzger- ald welcomed the additional support from the flight team members, saying they went beyond expectations.

“We’re really grateful that Argus and the Ministry of Defence responded in the way that they have done, to be here for two weeks, providing us with full cover for critical incidents and border security. It has been quite incredible, and we certainly appreciate what they’ve done,” he said.

The helicopter teams, he said, provided police with flights daily.

“They’ve responded to a number of incidents that we have given them and they have responded enthusiastically to everything that has been asked of them, and they volunteered more than we would ever expected. It’s also enabled them to get ready for the hurricane season properly with the flight teams,” he said. “The flight teams have done all their training,” he added.

Between the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, the Argus Tailored Air Group (TAG) has flown in excess of 55 hours in support of the RCIPS. This was conducted across 21 sorties by day and night. Four of those were carried out with short notice, Royal Navy Lieutenant Joseph Howell said. A sortie is any time the helicopter goes out on a flight with a specific task or mission.

“We hope that the RCIPS have benefitted from the use of aircraft such as the Wildcat helicopter, and also the three Merlin helicopters that make up the Tailored Air Group that can offer support to the Cayman islands and the wider Caribbean region. We have enjoyed the challenge of flying in support of maritime security activities, and I know it has helped consolidate the relationships between the UK military and the Cayman Islands authorities and security organisations,” Dennis said. This was conducted across 21 sorties by day and night. Four of those were carried out with short notice, Royal Navy Lieutenant Joseph Howell said Page 16 .Roper pointed out that the ship, as well as HMS Medway, has been working with Cayman on hurricane prepared- ness. “I know that’s been extremely valuable. And, of course, if we are hit by a hurricane, we do know the capability, capacity that these ships now have from the beach landing exercise that was done last week as well,” the governor said. Roper said he was pleased for the opportunity to go up on one of the helicopters so he could experience first hand exactly what it could do. He described the helicopter as “real state-of-the-art equipment that can assist us in a time of crisis”.

Wildcat pilot Lieutenant Jim Carver took the governor, Eade and the Compass out for the flyover. He said it has been a pleasure to work closely with the RCIPS over the past couple of weeks. “We’ve benefitted from some excellent counter-narcotics training with the Marine Unit, flown patrols on behalf of the Air Operations Unit, and been able to support the effort against illegal trafficking to the islands through our Maritime Surveil- lance Operations,” he said via email. The TAG was also instrumental last week in the interception of a boat off Cayman, which led to the seizure of more than 750 pounds of ganja and the arrest of two men. Last week, Premier Alden McLaughlin commended the TAG team on their work when he addressed the media at the Argus hurricane exercise at Collier’s Beach.

Carver said the Argus flight team also a conducted “vital visits to landing sites throughout the islands, should they be needed during hurricane season”. “Finally, we were very glad to be able to fly His Excellency to round off a successful visit to the Cayman Islands,” he said.

Article courtesy of

Turks and Caicos Islands

203 Wildcat Flight from 815NAS currently em- barked in RFA ARGUS disembarked for a short period to show the Governor of Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean our Wildcat capability if required during hurricane season.

HMS MEDWAY was also alongside in Grand Turk, part of the Royal Navy Team currently deployed should our assistance be required. The aim - to ensure we remain ready in all re- spects to Humanitarian and Disaster Relief operations.

Photos from Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton’s Post PagePage 15 17 Cllr. David Beswick Chairman Cllr. Brian Paine Arnor, Top Street, Kingsdon TA11 7JU Vice-Chairman Westgate, Top Street, Kingsdon TA11 7JU Email: [email protected] Kate Hatt Tel: 01935 840795 Email: [email protected] Kingsdon Parish Council Clerk Tel: 01935 842058 (Environment, allotments, trees and church Bluebell House, Mow Barton Road, (Former school field parish council link ) link Kingsdon.. TA11 7DX Tel: 01935 841275 Email [email protected].

Cllr. Guy Osborne Keith Tridgell Cllr. Ian Dibben Delimara, Pitts Lane, Kingsdon TA11 7LL Kingsdon Parish Council Responsible Financial Officer 27 Kingsdon TA11 7LF Email: [email protected] Hill View School Road Kingsdon TA11 7EW Email: [email protected] [email protected] Tel 07899 790713 Tel: 01935 841137 07951067872 Tel: 01935 840726 Mobile 07840 364348 (Highways, verges and footpaths) (Village hall Link, Footpaths, Website and Environment )

Cllr. Susan J. Mackay Cllr. Phillip Waters Cottage Barn, Top Street, The Old Bakery, Chapel Hill, Kingsdon TA11 7LN Kingsdon TA117JU Cllr. Alec Anderson [email protected] Tel: 01935 840023 Low Barn, Lower Road, Kingsdon, TA11 7DY Tel: 07815898065 [email protected] Email: [email protected] (Trees,) Tel: 01935 840528 Mobile 07733 100702 Play equipment and field

South Somerset District Councillor Northstone, Ivelchester & St Michael's Ward Member of Parliament for County Councillor Tony Capozzoli Somerton & Frome Dean Ruddle 5 Church Street, Ilchester, YEOVIL, David Warburton Freshfields, Cartway Lane, BA22 8LW. Phone: 01935 840011. Unit G9, Woodside Court, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6JH Email: [email protected] Dairy House Yard, Sparkford, BA22 7LH Tel: 07976 556054 Tel: 01373 580500 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

South Somerset District Councillor South Somerset District Councillor Northstone, Ivelchester & St Michael's Ward Northstone, Ivelchester & St Michael's Ward Charlie Hull Paul Rowsell Footsteps, High Street, The Halfway House Inn, Country Lodge, Charlton Adam, Somerton. Chilthorn Domer, Yeovil 07979 917882 01935 840350 charliehull 2015@ gmail.com

Page 18 South Somerset District Council Planning Application s Received & Decisions made Reference 20/01652/TCA Application Validated Tue 16 Jun 2020 Applicant Mr Phillip Waters Address The Old Bakery Kingsdon Somerton Somerset TA11 7LN Proposal Notification of intent to fell No 1 Tree within a Conservation Area Status Application permitted

Reference 20/01570/HOU Application Validated Mon 22 Jun 2020 Applicant Mrs Dibben Address 27 North Town Kingsdon Somerton TA11 7LF Siting of a new bunded domestic heating oil storage tank and installation of new Proposal underground pipework Status Application permitted with conditions

Reference 20/01593/FUL Application Validated Fri 03 Jul 2020 Applicant Mr & Mrs David & Alison Hicks Address Land Adjacent Keepers Cottage Pitts Lane Kingsdon Somerton TA11 7LL Proposal The erection of 2 No. detached single storey dwellings Status Awaiting decision

Reference 20/02062/TCA Application Validated Thu 23 Jul 2020 Applicant Mr Andrew Fryer Address Park Cottage Frog Lane Kingsdon Somerton TA11 7LL Notification of intent to carry out Tree Surgery works to No 1 Tree within a Proposal Conservation Area Status Awaiting decision

Reference 20/01664/HOU Application Validated Wed 17 Jun 2020 Applicant Mr & Mrs Healey Address 2 Lime Tree Close Kingsdon Somerton TA11 7ER Proposal Erection of garden room to side of dwelling Status Application permitted with conditions

Kingsdon Post Collection Times from Post Box on Top Street - Weekdays at 4.45pm, Saturdays at 9.15am

Page 19 Thinking of Tree Works in Kingsdon? Dear All

The following advice on tree felling within the village is forwarded from the SSDC Tree Warden. Most of the village is in a conservation area and we all need to be aware of the legal situation with regard to pruning and felling trees.

It is against the law to carry out any such work without reference to the SSDC Tree Warden.

David Beswick Chairman Kingsdon Parish Council ————————————————————————————————————————————— From: Phil Poulton

Dear All

Kingsdon is a picturesque village that deserves its Conservation Area status. Many of the trees within Kingsdon enhance property values and local character.

If you are considering undertaking tree works, it is prudent to first make sure that the tree/s concerned are not protected by law. Within a Conservation Area, any tree or woody shrub of any species with a trunk or stem diameter greater than 7.5 centimetres as measured at chest-height (1.5 metres above ground-level) is protected both above and below-ground to a similar extent as if it were subject to a Tree Preservation Order (the potential penalties for a fine and a Criminal Record are pretty much the same). Some trees are also protected by Planning Conditions – this is particularly relevant to new housing developments less than 10 years old.

If you are contemplating large-scale felling (in excess of 5 cubic metres of timber) outside of a domestic context, you may need to apply for a Felling Licence from The Forestry Commission.

Where trees are protected, it is important to ensure that you obtain the Council’s consent, prior to carrying out any pruning or removal (other than deadwood). Before deciding what to do, we usually recommend contacting 2-3 reputable arborist’s for some friendly no- obligations advice. Consumer-guidance regarding the appointment of arborist’s is available at: www.trees.org.uk and a local Tree Skills Register is attached.

Most arborist’s are pleased to handle the required tree work application process on-behalf of their customers – usually free of charge (or sometimes for a modest fee if a written report is required for validation purposes relating to a Tree Preservation Order application). Arborist’s experienced with protected trees may also be able to provide you with helpful guidance as to what types of works are likely to be acceptable to the Council.

A clear specification, photographs, a reason for the intended works and a clear location plan assists with the overall efficiency of the application process. The application/notification process is free of charge and is available at: www.southsomerset.gov.uk

Go to ‘Make a Planning Application’ and scroll right down to the bottom of the list under ‘Application Type’ (as shown over) to select the ‘Tree Works’ form.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Phillip Poulton M. Arbor. A SSDC Tree Officer - Planning South Somerset District Council, The Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA202HT

Direct Dial: 01935 462670 Page 20 SSDC Tree Skills Register The Council highly recommends visiting the website of the Arboricultural Association: www.trees.org.uk which contains helpful consumer-advice relating to the employment of *Tree Work Contractors (otherwise known as ‘tree surgeons’ or ‘arborists’) and also Arboricultural Consultants (who provide specialist opinion on tree health, safety, preservation, trees and buildings, planning issues and law).

*Please note: This is a list of Contractors which are known to have carried out satisfactory work in the past and is for information only. Inclusion on this list does not constitute a recommendation nor does exclusion constitute a criticism. Users of this list should satisfy themselves as to the level of insurance cover, quality of work carried out or materials supplied by individuals and firms. The Council does not accept any liability or responsibility for any works carried out by any firm or business listed in this register. *Tree Work Contractors

Andrea Maistrello Tree Surgery Mr Andrea Maistrello M.Arbor.A 6 Cutty Cottages North Cadbury BA22 7DQ 01963 441492 or 07981 455257 [email protected] Arbortech Professional Tree Services Ltd Mr Andrew Glide BSc NCH Arb Inglefield Fivehead Taunton TA3 6PT 01460281611 [email protected]

Chris Groves Associates Mr Martin Groves BEng Tech.Arbor.A Wee Tree Nurseries West Buckland Wellington Taunton TA21 9LD 01823 666611 [email protected] Website: www.chrisgrovesassociates.co.uk

J.A. Stewart Tree Surgery & Woodland Management Mr John Stewart NVQII Arb Rose Cottage Burton East Coker - Yeovil BA229LR 01935 862524 or 07791 774096 [email protected] Website: www.j-a-stewart.com

Luke Spencer Tree Surgery Mr Luke Spencer Withy Cottage Dommett Buckland St Mary TA20 3JG 01460 234016 or 07970 739569 [email protected]

Mendip Trees & Landscapes Ltd (Arboricultural Association Approved Contractors - ‘Air-Spade’ specialists) Proprietor - Mr Joe Taylor Barrow Farm, Barrow Lane North Wootton Shepton Mallet BA4 4HL 01749 678304 or 07866 717346 E-Mail: [email protected] Web-page: www.mendiptreesandlandscapes.co.uk

Woodland and Garden Tree Services (‘Terravent’ soil injection specialists) Mr John Glaisher Sweethay Barn, Rapps, Ilminster TA19 9LG 01460 259595 or 07796 690252 [email protected] Page 21 August 2020 Collection Dates Black Wheelie Bins Tuesday 4th & 18th August Kerbside Collection Tuesdays 4th, 12th, 18th & 25th August

Green Bins Fridays - 7th & 21st August

Page 22 One day in the jungle, a chimpanzee was inventing some I have been banned by the local athletics club. tools to eat his dinner. One tool was a flat stick sharpened I have won the 10 k walking race 3 years running along one edge, this he used to cut his food. The other was a stick with four smaller sticks attached to the end each sharp- One lovely day, two tourists were driving through Wales. ened to a point. He used to spear his food and place it in his At Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyllllantysilio- mouth. The chimp was very proud of his inventions which gogogoch they stopped for lunch and one of the tourists he called his one point tool and his four point tool. asked the waitress: “Before we order, I wonder if you One day he awoke to find that the four point tool was miss- could settle an argument for us. Can you pronounce where ing. The chimp was distraught. He ran around the jungle we are, very, very, very slowly?” trying to find his precious tool. First he came upon the lion. The girl leaned over and said: “Burrr… gurrr… King.” ”Lion, Lion!” he cried, “Have you seen my four point tool?” ”No” replied the lion, “I have not seen your four point tool.” A woman who was arrested for tippexing out all the full- Then the chimp came upon the gorilla. ”Gorilla, Gorilla!” he stops from a library book has been told she can expect a cried, “Have you seen my four point tool?” long sentence. ”No” replied the gorilla, “I have not seen your four point tool.” My husband was stung by a wasp on his forehead. Hes Then the chimp came upon the jaguar. ”Jaguar, Jaguar!” he currently at A&E, He’s ok just a bit battered and bruised. cried, “Have you seen my four point tool?” Luckily I was nearby and managed to hit the wasp with my ”Yup!” replied the jaguar, “I’ve seen your four point tool.” shovel ”Well where is it?” inquired the chimp. ”I ate it” said the jaguar, smugly. I spent my whole life being proud of my heritage, until I ”Why would you do that?” cried the chimp. found out that my great grandfather was actually from ”Because” replied the big cat, Transylvania... Now I can’t even look myself in the mirror. “I’m a four point tool eater Jaguar!” Karl Marx is a historically famous philosopher but no one A Mancunian and a Scouser go into a Greggs in Manchester. ever mentions his sister, Onya, the inventor of the starting The Scouser nicks 3 pies and sticks them in his pocket, then pistol... boast to the Mancunian. “Did you see that? the staff never saw me.” The Indians on a remote reservation in Oklahoma asked The Mancunian says “That’s nothing mate watch this” their new chief if the coming winter was going to be cold So the Mancunian goes back into the shop and says to the or mild. Since he was a chief in a modern society, he had manager, “Give me a pie and I’ll show you some magic”. never been taught the old secrets. When he looked at the He eats the pie then repeats the trick with two more pies. sky, he couldn't tell what the winter was going to be like. The manager says “So where’s the magic in that?” Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he told his tribe that The Mancunian says “Now go and check in the Scouser’s the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the mem- pocket” bers of the village should collect firewood to be prepared. But, being a practical leader, after several days, he got an When the Pope visited Ireland, he was asked what he idea. He went to the phone booth, called the National thought of County Down. Weather Service and asked, 'Is the coming winter going to He said, It’s not the same since Carol Vorderman left.... be cold?' 'It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold,' the me- Has anyone else tried blindfolded archery? teorologist at the weather service responded. Honestly, you don't know what you're missing.... So the chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared. The female skier Picabo Street (pronounced Peek-A-Boo)… A week later, he called the National Weather Service The famous Olympic skier Picabo Street is not just an again. 'Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold athlete, she is a nurse. She currently works at the Intensive winter?' Care Unit of a large metropolitan hospital. 'Yes,' the man at National Weather Service again replied, She is not permitted to 'it's going to be a very cold winter.' answer the telephone, The chief again went back to his people and ordered them however, as it caused to collect every scrap of firewood they could find. simply too much confu- Two weeks later, the chief called the National Weather sion when she would an- Service again. 'Are you absolutely sure that the winter is swer the phone and say, going to be very cold?' 'Absolutely,' the man replied. 'It's looking more and more "Picabo, ICU..." like it is going to be one of the coldest winters we've ever seen.' 'How can you be so sure?' the chief asked. The weatherman replied, 'The Indians are collecting all the firewood they can find'

Warning to all DO NOT, REPEAT DO NOT, let them take the tempera- ture on your forehead as you enter the supermarket, because it erases your memory. I went for a bottle of milk and a loaf of bread but came home with a case of beer and 6 bottles of wine! Page 23 Page 24

Page 25 FOR SALE £550 Almost new Franc single axle - Trigano Trailer - £550 - ideal for camping Almost new trailer in excellent condition. Model GT151 Useable box dimensions 4.79ft x 3.24ft Axle capacity 500kg Unladed Weight 119kg Wheel size 155 70 13” Includes: Jockey Wheel ABS Lid with lock Tarpaulin Cover 7 Pin Electrics (converter to 13 pin available) Cost as new £922

Contact: Tim Taylor on 841402 if you are interested. Simon Whatley Plumbing & Heating

Glebelands, Bineham Lane, Yeovilton, Yeovil, Somerset. BA22 8EZ Tel: 07794 784108

LOGS FOR SALE Well Seasoned Hardwood Logs for Sale Free Delivery in Kingsdon Contact: Austin Tel 07879690941 Garden Compost Organic Compost Delivered to Kingsdon Residents 4 x 40 litre bags only £10 Phone Paul Attwell on 07523 739789 for more details and order your compost Page 26

Thinking about selling or letting your property?

Looking for a new home in the local area? Then look no further.

Kingsdon Resident Gabby Osborne is your local property expert & the new Branch Manager at Palmer Snell in Gabby lived in Kingsdon for over 20 years & has been an es- tate agent in the local area for 9 years.

Who better to sell your property than someone who knows the area, knows the market & is passionate about the village.

Park

Page 27

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Please fill in the above form and leave it for Gillian Carnall, at 50 Kingsdon (corner of Top Street/Silver Street) or Wally Elliott at 4 Manor Close. (please mark envelope ‘100+club’) with a cheque for £12 per member made payable to The Kingsdon Chronicle.

Alternately you can pay by ’Faster Pay’ using your iPhone

Please email or phone me for bank details. Email: [email protected] Phone: 07990673935