NEWS

WINTER 20 10 ISSUE

St Mary's Church, Chedzoy Paté & Puddings Evening

Chedzoy Village Hall

Saturday 27th November

8.00 pm Bar Entry: £6

Tickets from Mary on 423754 NATIVITY At the Crib Service on Christmas Eve we or Valerie on 458517 would like to have a Nativity Tableau. So, MUMS and CHILDREN – preferably around 5 years or older – if you would like to be involved, please contact me on St Mary's Church Chedzoy 455 611. I have been CRB checked, and I promise that I don’t bite ! Avril

The TOR VOICES CHORUS Invite you to a CHRISTMAS PARTY On TUESDAY 14 th DECEMBER

at 7:30 pm in

Christmas Services the CHURCH HALL Sunday December 19 th 4.30 - Carols by candlelight There will be Carols, Poems and Stories plus Community Carol Singing

Friday 24 th - Christmas Eve TICKETS: £5.00 includes a drink/soft drink & a mince pie 4.30 p.m. Crib Service For further details and ticket reservations 9.30p.m.Christmas Communion Please ‘phone Tina Jones 431 527

Views from the Vicarage CHURCH EVENTS Dear Friends, November 27th Paté and Puddings Eve at Village Hall As I write this in the first part of November it already seems that Christmas has been Christmas Services pushed commercially for months. Christmas decorations have Sunday 19th 4.30 Carols by candlelight been around in the shops since the beginning of September. Friday 24 th Christmas Eve 4.30 p.m. Crib Service Christmas can be a real time of struggle and pressure for many 9.30p.m.Christmas Communion people. Christmas Shopping ! The year seems to have passed so quickly. There are many people, Special offer - St Mary's Church Christmas Cards or Notelets too numerous to mention individually, who have given their reduced to £2 for 10 - contact support to the church in many ways in the past year. The church Mary 423754 , Valerie 458517, or Wendy 458648 building is a community building and it requires the help of the whole community to keep the building open. So, thanks to all who 2011 Church Calendars - £1 have given in many ways. available in the church or from Wendy 458648 ~~~~ There is great uncertainty as we approach this Christmas in many areas of life which will bring an added pressure to many this CHEDZOY CHARITIES Christmas. I was watching a program about the finances of the from Malcolm Friend country. We are as a nation in debt to the tune of four point eight Every year at Christmas, St Mary’s Church makes a distribution trillion pounds ( I could not work out how many noughts to put on from four 19 th century charities - keeping alive a long-standing so I have written it). Many people are saying you can’t cut this village tradition. The charities were started in 1812, 1856, 1874 that or the other. The nation is completely broke and I imagine and 1876, and originally distributed coal, bread or money every next year it will be on its knees. Trouble seems to be that none of Christmas to the deserving of the Parish. As the State Retirement the politicians are prepared to acknowledge this and the public Pension was not then in existence, payments from these charities don’t at the moment understand the position we are in. would have made a very real difference to those who received it. Am I gloomy, worried, or down about this? NO! not a bit. Why? In more recent times, a payment of £5 has been made each Only when a nation is brought to its knees does it turn back to Christmas to every household in the village with a resident aged God. We read about this happening time and time again in the 70 or over. The sum of money distributed now is of course purely Bible. a token, but it is nice to think that a village tradition started by such caring people so many years ago still continues today. This month we celebrate the birth of a child born in a stable to an unmarried mother. The virgin birth which is the crucial part. If If you’ve received a payment in the past, you’ll receive a further He was not born of a virgin then there can be no salvation payment this year. However, if your household qualifies and you through His Death on the cross. Some time after the birth Mary, haven’t received a payment in the past, please let us know, as we along with Joseph, fled with Jesus from a tyrannical ruler to would like as many people as possible to be part of this lovely Egypt - becoming a homeless refugee. village tradition. Please contact Malcolm Friend on 428 641 for further information. As an adult Jesus claimed to be the unique Son of God. In other ~~~~ words he claimed to be equal with God. John’s Gospel reads ‘In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word was with God THIS YEAR'S HARVEST CELEBRATIONS and the Word was God’. CS Lewis said ‘Jesus was either mad, from Mary Coulson bad, or something worse, or he was who he said he was’. You Following the Chedzoy tradition of holding an auction on the have to make up your mind one way or the other. You can’t waffle Monday evening after the Harvest Services on the Sunday, the around it. Jesus did not leave room for anyone to sit on the fence, Manor Inn was full of both produce and people on the 4th of you’re either in or out and you have to make your mind up in the October. Generous support from so many ensured an excellent here and now. Jesus was persecuted He faced pressure and result and a most enjoyable evening. Special thanks must go to uncertainty in His life. That is why He feels our pain and knows Mark and David Kidner for supplying such a variety of produce; our uncertainties. He has felt the pressure and uncertainty - the to Ray Triggol for his very efficient auctioning skills; to all the struggle that we often feel in human existence. He died on the collectors of monies; to Pat Lennard for organising the raffle; and cross for us and rose again giving us certainty in our eternal to Amanda Triggol for supplying delicious snacks at the close of destiny. the evening. I wonder if this impending economic collapse may be a turning The event raised a wonderful £1,051.70. The pumpkin: £421 - point for the church. The real church is the people not the amazingly the exact amount it raised last year! building. Repent, believe, be baptised, and be filled with the Holy Our Harvest Supper was held on the following Saturday - a really Spirit, in other words become born again for that is the true path well attended, happy, and enjoyable evening; we are very grateful required to be a Christian. Once you have been down that path to all those who supplied some of the excellent food which was so you understand what it really means to be part of the church - much appreciated. Again there was a raffle to help boost funds, which means you will attend. As people ponder the uncertainties which in all totalled £447. of the year ahead, just maybe they will start to turn to God and Without these events, church funds would be in a very sorry state. recognise Jesus as their saviour. Having banked these amounts during the second week in October, May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Christmas. I I received our invoice for the church insurance the following hope you enjoy the Christmas season. I also hope that at some week: £1,595.66. It's good to know that as a village we are point you might reflect on what it’s really all about, because for keeping this lovely church protected - it's been cared for a great each of us our eternal destiny hangs on the conclusion we reach. many past years. ~~~~ God bless , Chris PATROL can easily be tempted with the display of gifts. Keep them out of from PCSO 7322 view if possible. Helen Whitehead • Many of the popular amenity providers operate a password scheme. For example, you tell your Gas Company a memorable The clocks have changed and the dark nights are now upon us, so password and their representative is expected to tell you the I thought it timely to remind residents of a few tips that should password when they call, to prove they are genuine. Remember help see you remain crime free this winter season. not to disclose your password to anyone else. • If possible park your vehicle on your driveway or under a street • If you have them, please use your spy hole and door chain when lamp – if there are any! Tuck in mirrors and put down aerials to answering the door to callers. Ask for ID and check it carefully, discourage vandalism. making a phone call if necessary. If in any doubt, don’t answer • Lock your vehicle. I know this one sounds simple, but it never the door. fails to amaze me how many people don’t do it! This list is not exhaustive, just a selection of some tips for your • On those cold frosty mornings please do not leave your vehicle perusal. Thankfully, crime levels are relatively low in your running and unattended for it to defrost – it only takes a second neighbourhood and implementing some of the above could help for someone to jump in and be off. keep it that way. • Do not leave any items on display in your vehicle, particularly Sat Navs, Christmas Presents or shopping bags. May I wish you all a very safe and Merry Christmas, with my • Burglars know there are certain nights this time of year when very best wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Crime-Free New Year! it’s likely the home may be empty, bonfire night, carnivals, local ~~~~ community events and over the Christmas period. If you are out during the evenings, think about leaving a light on or putting a lamp on a timer, and draw the curtains or blinds. Consider & DISTRICT CREDIT UNION leaving a radio or TV on, and don’t forget to shut and lock the from Jo Roberts, Development Worker at B&DCU windows and doors and switch on the burglar alarm if you have During a time of financial insecurity for all, Bridgwater & District one. Credit Union is going from strength to strength. • Do not leave your house and car keys within easy reach of the front or back door. Thieves have been known to use implements With a part time administrator and development worker now in to reach through the letter box or cat flap to hook the keys. They place and two new collection points opening within the next are then able to let themselves in and drive off in your car. Please week, existing and new members will be able to access the service do not leave your spare key under the door mat or flowerpot! from Monday – Saturday at a variety of locations throughout the • Simple measures for general home security could be as easy as Bridgwater area. just letting a trusted neighbour know you are away and ask them Development worker, Jo Roberts said “We are delighted to have to keep an eye on your property. If you are away for a week or the opportunity to work with both St Mary’s Church and the more please always let your local PCSO know, they can patrol the Citizens Advice Bureau, increasing our collection point hours to area for added peace of mind. Don’t forget to cancel the papers include Thursday lunchtimes and Saturday mornings will make and milk! collection points accessible to those with work or family • Post Code security mark any valuables with a UV pen. I have a commitments during the week.” small amount of these pens available free of charge, if you require The Credit Union was set up to help its members to budget one please contact me. effectively and also avoid unscrupulous lenders by offering • Best practice for boundary fencing is to keep it low at the front, savings accounts and providing low interest rate loans without the and high (and prickly!) at the rear or sides. Keep any gates locked need for credit checks. and ensure ladders, tools and bicycles are safely secured in the shed or garage. If you would like further information on any of our services, are • Outside lights that are triggered by movement annoy some folk interested in a collection point in your area or would like to help when every neighbourhood cat sets them off, but they do deter as a volunteer collector please contact the Credit Union on 01278- burglars who love to work under the cover of darkness. Dummy 447100. Alarm boxes can also work wonders should you not have an ~~~~~ alarm, some burglars are not prepared to take the chance! • Grazing animals are an easy target for the thief. Keep hedges PARISH COUNCIL GOES ONLINE! and fences in good repair and if possible use capping hinges on from Linda Friend the gate so they cannot be easily removed. Consider using a There is now a Chedzoy Parish Council locking post to obstruct large openings to yards. website at • If possible remove machinery from fields, immobilise it or do www.chedzoyparishcouncil.gov.uk It your best to secure it. Consider parking large machinery up close has been set up following suggestions and in front of any outbuildings, this can create a very heavy made by many people at the Parish Plan obstacle for any would-be burglar to overcome! meetings. The site has a lot of information under various • Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts headings, including Annual Report, Finance, Parish Plan, you unexpectedly, either by phone, post, email or in person. Chedzoy News, Footpaths, dates of meetings, minutes of • Never dispose of any paperwork containing secure personal meetings, Councillors contact details, and a whole section of information with your household waste or in your recycling box, useful links. without shredding it first. There is a risk you could become a victim of Identify Theft. There are still one or two bits of information to add, but the Parish • Avoid putting the empty boxes of that new TV/Hi-Fi/Wii etc. Council hopes that you will find the site useful and informative. outside your house for collection. It only advertises what lovely Please let the Parish Council know what you think about the site goodies you have inside worth stealing. by following the link on the ‘Contact Us’ page. • Likewise if you like having your Christmas tree in view of your ~~~~ windows, avoid having your presents underneath it. Passers-by PLAYING FIELD ASSOCIATION How do the events get on the website in the first place? Well, it’s from Paula Winter down to each village organisation to enter their own events. Initially you’ll need to register (a very brief process requiring you to enter your name, a username, e-mail address and a password). After that you can log on and enter details of each of your events on a very simple form. No technical knowledge is required, and the whole process is very straightforward. If you make a mistake, the details can easily be amended. That’s all there is to it! The site is very new, but already has information for five villages. However, it will only become a really useful resource if every village organisation, in all the seventeen or so villages, enters

details of their own events – so start entering now! ~~~~ After much campaigning for support for the Playing Field

Association, I am very pleased to announce that the committee CHEDZOY LADIES has recruited three new members. I am pleased to welcome from Avril Johnson Sarah Bunney, Sophie Mitchell and Kathryn Swann. Their Christmas is coming and we are fast enthusiasm and ideas are a much needed to asset to the existing approaching the end of our 2010 programme. small committee. In September we held our Annual Macmillan Sadly two of the existing members have had to stand down due to Coffee Morning – generously hosted by Jean personal commitments. Due to the loss of the existing officers, a and David Phipps at Sibleys Barn. I was able to send off a cheque re-election took place on 6th October. The committee stands as to Macmillan for £243, which was the proceeds from the coffee follows; morning plus the contents of our ‘penny jar’. In October we had a Beetle Drive, which was great fun and very noisy! Also in Paula Winter stood down as Chairperson but will remain October, we ran a Cream Tea afternoon, which raised £160 for St on the committee. Margaret’s Hospice. Sarah Bunney was elected as Chairperson. Jackie Davis stood down as Treasurer. November arrived, and it was time for the Christmas Market, Jane Lacey was elected as Treasurer. where twenty stands and a wide variety of goodies were on sale. Linda Friend stood down as Secretary. The home-made cakes were particularly popular. The free taxi Kathryn Swann was elected as Secretary. service which had been requested was put into operation for less mobile villagers, but had only one taker – which was Richard Winter, Liz House and Sophie Mitchell remain th disappointing. At our monthly meeting on the 9 , Vera Froud committee members. entertained and enthralled everyone with her talk on dolls’ houses I would like to thank Jackie Davis for her support as Treasurer and their furniture and furnishings. We hope that she will come over the last couple of years. I would also like to especially thank back and talk to us again.

Linda Friend for her years of dedication as both Flower Show We will round off the year with our ‘Bring and Share Supper’ on Secretary and Committee Secretary. Without Linda this th December 14 . This year we will be joined by Julie and her committee would not have survived thus far - she will be greatly ‘Beautiful Bracelets’, and Claudia Yuni with her super bags – so missed by us all, but we wish her well in her new hobbies. save some of your Christmas shopping money! Ladies from On a personal note, I would like to thank all those people who Chedzoy (and nearby), you are all most welcome to our very have helped me, as chairperson, over the last few years to raise the informal meetings – we have great fun, and it only costs £1 at safety of the playing field. I hope to see this work continue and each meeting to cover the hall hire and refreshments. will continue to offer my support to the new officers. ~~~~~

~~~~~ WHAT’S ON IN AND AROUND CHEDZOY CHEDZOY PRE-SCHOOL from Malcolm Friend from Pat Davies We all enjoy going to events in Chedzoy, which are usually well- We have had a great advertised around the village. Many of us also enjoy events in Autumn at Preschool neighbouring villages, but we miss out at times because there’s no with lots of activities easy way to find out what’s on. Well, a new website may be the including collecting blackberries for our answer to our problems. apple and blackberry crumble. On Autumn walks we collected leaves and The Polden Events website is at www.poldenevents.org.uk. It’s used them for pictures including leaf been set-up by Richard Culverhouse, who lives in one of the printing. Thanks to everyone who gave Polden villages, and is entirely free to use. The site allows our Preschool Sainsbury vouchers. We Chedzoy, Westonzoyland, and the fourteen or so ordered three new scooters which have villages across the Polden Hills to advertise their events in one been very well used and some foam place. ‘house’ bricks for our budding builders! Visit the site and you’ll be able to see what’s on in our village and We joined in the fun of Carnival with dressing up, dancing and every surrounding village. You can sort in village or date order constructing carnival carts! We are getting ready for Christmas and can also search for events at a specific village. Not only will now with Christmas cooking, decorations and singing! Our term you be able to find lots more fairs, exhibitions, lunches and other finishes on the 16th December with Nativity, Christmas events to go to, but you’ll also be able to check dates and avoid Entertainment and our Christmas Party. any “clashes” with neighbouring villages if you’re organising something yourself. ~~~~ PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES PATCHWORK GROUP for 5th October 2010 from Avril Johnson Present: Cllr Triggol, Cllr Baker, Cllr Edmunds, Our sewing efforts prior to the Cllr Horrobin, Cllr Joyce, Cllr Oxman, Cllr Hall (SCC) Christmas Market proved and 12 members of the public. worthwhile – we raised a sufficient amount from our stall • Parish Council Vacancy : As there has been no request for to finance our next project, a an election of application to fill the vacant post, the Parish group quilt. When completed, Council may now co-opt a new member. this quilt will be raffled, and the • Parish Web Site: New site, proceeds given to the village chedzoyparishcouncil.gov.uk, now waiting to be populated church. This is a new project, with data. and presents an ideal • New Bus Shelter: The cancellation has already been opportunity for anyone announced in this newsletter. The £2500 Grant from SCC interested in patchwork to join and £1,000 set aside by the Parish Council is currently being us – beginners are most held in the deposit account, and is earmarked for fencing and welcome. We meet in the village hall every Wednesday at 2:30 laying out the new burial ground in due course. pm., although there will be a break over Christmas and New Year. • Bonfires at the Allotments: Letter sent to all Allotment If you are interested, or would like to know more, please ring me holders asking them to refrain from lighting bonfires during on 455 611. the daytime. ~~~~ • New Clerk: The new Clerk, Mr Chris Fry, has now been appointed. E-mail: [email protected], mobile 07796794037, SINGING IS THE BEST MEDICINE land line 01278 423134, Address 101 Bradney Lane, The Tor Voices Chorus have relocated to , Bridgwater, TA7 8PQ . • Westonzoyland. We meet on a Tuesday County Councillor: Cllr David Hall (SCC) reported on evening, in the Church Hall, from 7:15 – Building schools for the future, Budget cuts, Hinkley Point 9:00 pm. stage 2 consultation , new Bridgwater hospital , and Morrisons. We sing a wide variety of music, from Take • Planning Applications: Old Post Office - no objection, Yew That to Vivaldi – and beyond! There are no auditions, and no Tree Cottage - no objection, Land to East of West End Farm - need for you to be able to read music. Your first session is free – no objection (providing the new entrance meets all the current so why not pay us a visit and see what you think? requirements and the Highways Authority has no objection), Do come and meet us, and our Musical Director, Mark Whitford Rose Cottage - no objection. Williams. For further details, please ‘phone Tina Jones

(Membership & Publicity) on 431 527 The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th December 2010 at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. All members of the public are ~~~~ welcome to attend. ~~~~ CHEDZOY VILLAGE HALL from Richard Lennard EILEEN GROWTAGE 1929 - 2010 We were all saddened to hear of the death of Eileen Growtage on 9th October. Eileen was born in 1929 in Warrington and spent the first part of her life in Cheshire, where she had a thriving hairdressing business. She met her husband Derek when he was lodging with her aunt whilst working on a power station in Widnes. They married and enjoyed 44 wonderful years together. They started their life together in Stockton Heath in Cheshire, I am pleased to report that bookings for the Hall have been quite but when Derek’s job required him to move around the good during the Autumn period, and that residents are making country they decided instead to look for a business in more use of the facilities. Remember that Christmas will soon be . In 1967 they bought the village shop in Chedzoy, upon us, and if you wish to book the Hall, please do so early to which was situated in Manor Road. They ran this for several avoid disappointment. I would also remind you, that all residents years and Eileen also continued her hairdressing business. She are entitled to a discount of the hiring rates. became very active in village life, organising Cheese and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the Committee Wine parties for the Church, and was on the Parish Council for for their input and hard work throughout the year and would wish some years. Their subsequent move to Bridgwater didn’t suit you all the Compliments of the Season. them so well and in 1976, when a plot of land became ~~~~ available in Chedzoy, they moved back to the village. Everyone who met Eileen couldn’t fail to notice how beautifully turned out she always was. She kept her hair immaculate and dressed elegantly. In fact, she even wanted her hair tidied and lipstick applied as she went into hospital. The staff at Bridgwater Hospital took such good care of her in her final days and ensured that she was comfortable and peaceful to the end.

She will be greatly missed in the village, and our thoughts and condolences go to her husband Derek at this sad time.

Who’s Who - Village Contacts

PostCode Tel: e-mail

ST MARY’S CHURCH Web Site – www.achurchnearyou.com/chedzoy Rector Revd Chris Keys The Vicarage, Church Lane W’zoyland TA7 0EP 691 098 revchriskeys@bt connect .com Churchw’den Wendy Woodward 32 Higher Road Chedzoy TA7 8QU 458 648 Secretary Linda Friend Westland House, Front St. Chedzoy TA7 8RE 428 641 [email protected] Treasurer Mary Coulson Glebe House, Front St. Chedzoy TA7 8RB 423754 [email protected]

PARISH COUNCIL Web Site - www.chedzoyparishcouncil.gov.uk Vice Chair Ray Triggol Cedar Lodge, Front Street Chedzoy TA7 8RF 427406 (Chair position vacant at present) Parish Clerk Chris Fry 101 Bradney Lane Bawdrip TA7 8PQ 423134 [email protected]

VILLAGE HALL Web Site – www.chedzoyvillagehall.co.uk

Chairman Richard Lennard Charlesden, St. Mary’s Close Chedzoy TA7 8RP 451 625 [email protected]

Secretary Don Johnson Finches, 16 Manor Road Chedzoy TA7 8QZ 455 611 [email protected]

Treasurer Carole Edmunds The Gables, Front Street Chedzoy TA7 8RB

Bookings Valerie Fry Sibleys Farm, Front Street Chedzoy TA7 8RE 458 517

PLAYING FIELD ASSOCIATION

Chair Sarah Bunney, Chedzoy TA7 8RE [email protected]

ZOY VILLAGES ASSOCIATION

Vice-Chair John Weeks, 14 Manor Road Chedzoy TA7 8QZ 451 444 [email protected]

CHEDZOY LADIES

Chair Joan Bilton 20 Manor Road Chedzoy TA7 8QZ 457 190 [email protected] Secretary Avril Johnson Finches, 16 Manor Road Chedzoy TA7 8QZ 455 611 [email protected]

CHEDZOY PRE-SCHOOL Web Site – www.chedzoypreschool.org.uk 07989 034 180 [email protected]

KINGSMOOR PRIMARY SCHOOL

School Office 683 371 [email protected] Parent Gov’r. Geoff Sluman 1 Frys Cottages Chedzoy TA7 8QX 424 821 [email protected]

POLICE (Rural Safer Stronger Neighbourhood Police team - Kings Isle and East Poldens Web Site - ww.avonandsomerset.police.uk )

Sergeant Steve Crago, PC Mindy Elkins, PCSO Helen Whitehead [email protected] 0845 456 7000 Non-Emergency Number - or 999 for emergencies

CHEDZOY NEWS

Editor Don Johnson Finches, 16 Manor Road Chedzoy TA7 8QZ 455 611 [email protected]

Webber Bus Service No 19 Timetable Bridgwater - Chedzoy - - – Street Monday to Saturday ( except Bank Holidays ) Commencing Monday 1st June 2009 For further bus service information either contact Webber directly on 0800 096 3039 - or out of hours phone Traveline on 0870 608 2 608

Bridgwater Bus Station 07:1009:1511:1513:1515:15 17:15 Street Crispin Hall 07:4310:15 12:15 14:15 16:1518:15 Bridgwater Sainsburys 07:1309:1811:1813:1815:18 17:18 Walton Church 07:4710:19 12:19 14:19 16:1918:19 Bridgwater College ...... 17:22 Ashcott Ridgeway 07:5210:24 12:24 14:24 16:2418:24 Slape Cross .... 09:2811:2813:2815:28 17:28 Pedwell 07:5210:29 12:29 14:29 16:2918:29 Chedzoy Cross .... 09:3211:3213:3215:32 17:32 Phone Box 08:0010:32 12:32 14:32 16:3218:32 Stawell Church .... 09:4011:4013:4015:40 17:40 Greinton West Town Farm 08:0110:32 12:32 14:32 16:3218:32 Sutton Mallet .... 09:5011:5013:5015:50 17:50 Moorlinch Ring of Bells 08:0310:33 12:33 14:33 16:3318:33 Moorlinch Ring of Bells .... 09:5511:5513:5515:55 17:55 Sutton Mallet 08:0710:39 12:39 14:39 16:3918:39 Greinton Phone Box .... 09:5711:5713:5715:57 17:57 Stawell Church 08:1710:49 12:49 14:49 16:4918:49 Pedwell .... 10:0012:0014:0016:00 18:00 Chedzoy Cross 08:2510:57 12:57 14:57 16:5718:57 Ashcott Ridgeway 07:3110:0512:0514:0516:05 18:05 Slape Cross 08:2911:01 13:01 15:01 17:0119:01 Walton Church 07:3610:1012:1014:1016:10 18:10 Bridgwater College 08:35 ...... Street Crispin Hall 07:4010:1412:1414:1416:14 18:14 Bridgwater Sainsburys 08:4011:10 13:10 15:10 17:1019:10 Bridgwater Bus Station 08:4511:13 13:13 15:13 17:1319:13