Issue 272 March 2021

Dates for your Diary April 20 Stoke St Michael Parochial Church Meeting 7.30pm in the church to tbc 26 Leigh on Mendip with Downhead Annual Parochial Church Meeting, 7pm - venue to be decided.

The Rectory, High Street, Nunney, Frome BA11 4LZ Tel: 01373 837337 From the Rectory I am writing this on the day that I’ve received my first vaccine against the ‘Great Unpleasantness’, along with 18.5 million other people, which I have to say is something of a relief. As the Covid pandemic is being brought under control medically, rather than by physical shielding, we can begin to look back over the past year and take stock of its effects: with sorrow for those who lost their lives prematurely to Covid, certainly, but with huge gratitude for those who cared for us, and have worked tirelessly to develop and roll out the various vaccines. Like all who have been vaccinated, I got a call asking me if I’d like my first dose, and if so ‘when would be convenient’. I was surprised to hear that some are refusing it, (it is, after all, voluntary). Some of this reluctance is down to misinformation fueled by social media and the many conspiracy theories found on the internet. But a great deal seems rooted in a general mistrust of those in authority. This is a shame because potentially it prolongs restrictions on social interaction and could keep the infection rate higher than is acceptable. Enough people need to take up the vaccine in order for it to benefit society as a whole. As I recall, people of a certain generation received without question the polio and measles vaccinations as a matter of course, not just to protect themselves, but for the sake of the population in general. Today we may like to feel we are more independent in such matters but the reality is that we are still very much inter-dependent, and the decisions we make have consequences not just for ourselves but for those around us. In a few weeks we will be celebrating Easter, - the resurrection of Jesus- which gives hope to human kind and a purpose in this world and beyond it. Many believe this, are changed by it, and live their lives accordingly. But many do not. They point to the negative effects ‘religion’ has had on humanity. And yet these still benefit from the many practical ways in which people of faith have influenced the world down the ages; through the alleviation of poverty, through education, health care, and peace-making. Many influences come into play when we have to make difficult decisions like these, but often the remedy boils down to answering the simple question – ‘Would I rather be part of the problem, or part of the solution?’ With all good wishes, Fr. Anthony

From the Registers

Funerals Sarah Jane Vicary Service and burial at Stoke St Michael 18th February

LILIES IN MEMORY

Donations for lilies in memory or for Easter flowers are requested by the 22 March.

Please let us know the name(s) you would like included on the cards which will be displayed in our churches.

The cost per lily stem is £2.50.

- St Giles Church

Please give to Caroline Harris at The Dovecote or Margaret Loten at 6 The Old Sawmills

- St Michael’s Church

Please give to Jane Evans at Withybrook

Annual Parochial Church Meetings

You are warmly invited to join us at our annual meetings on: Tuesday 20 April – Stoke St Michael, 7.30pm Monday 26 April – Leigh on Mendip with Downhead, 7pm

These are important meetings, open to all, and a great opportunity to find out more about the life and work of the church in our villages and to consider getting involved. The venue for these meetings will be decided nearer the time when we know what the Government regulations in force at the time will be.

Letter from Bishop Nigel Pay loving attention With the Lenten Season well under way, I wonder how it is going for you? I always anticipate Lent with a slight feeling of having to brace myself. Come on make an effort in something! If I am going to give something up don’t just make it an exercise in self-improvement, how is it going to help others? If I am going to do something positive what will be its long-term effect? It is all too easy to ‘over think’ the whole exercise. Once the season is underway I begin to appreciate it. But in the end it should be about paying attention to God. I am always struck by the end of the story of the temptations in the wilderness. Jesus refuses to be a cheap miracle worker to benefit himself, and refuses to follow the route to world- ly power and status. He faced temptation by stripping away all the necessi- ties of life and knew deep hunger. At the end of this exhausting wrestle with his vocation the Gospel tells us “…suddenly angels came and waited on him.” (Matthew 4:10) Whatever Lenten discipline you are following, perhaps the #Live Lent course, or a local study group, a focussed effort to support others or a form of self-denial (or all of them!), may it bring a greater focus on God. There were those who ministered to Jesus in the Gospel stories. The angels in the wilderness, the woman who anointed him, Simon who carried his cross for example. We might not be able to do those things for him, but we can pay loving attention. When we emerge from the austerity and effort of Lent, which has had an even more austere aspect in Lockdown, we come to the bright hope of Easter. We know in the Risen Christ the same relief that Jesus knew from the Angels. As we offer our love to Him, His love for us is always returned. May the blessing of the Risen Christ be with you. Nigel Stock Assistant Bishop

Flowers and Church Cleaning

At the time of going to press no services can be held in our Churches therefore the list of sidesmen is suspended. Flowers will be placed in the church for Easter, following social distancing, see the separate notice for Easter lilies. Distancing will be followed by those on the church cleaning lists See page 17 for details of the online service.

Leigh on Mendip Church / Brass Cleaning

March – Vanessa Barnes & Sarah Middle

April – Margaret Loten and Jackie Longley

Stoke St Michael Church Cleaning

March - Jane Evans April - Cicely Middle

Lent Lunches 2021 - Stoke St Michael Regrettably we are unable to hold our usual Lent Lunches as we have in past years, so we are offering a take-away version - a tin of soup and a part- baked bread roll in a bag. In past years the meal though basic has always provided a place to come together for a chat and share a meal. We cannot do that this year but hope that by taking part that feeling of togetherness may be felt. Bags can be collected from the church on Fridays 19th and 26th March between 11a.m. and 1p.m. following socially distancing guidelines. If you are unable to come to the church but would like to receive a lunch bag please contact Jane Evans 840660 or Justine North 840412 There is no charge but we welcome donations for the Diocesan work abroad

Stations of the Cross

During Holy Week (28th March to 4th April) there will be a “Stations of the Cross” exhibition in Stoke Church

The Stations of the Cross are an ancient form of Christian devotion, inviting us on a virtual pilgrimage in Jesus’ footsteps, recalling and reflecting on key moments of his journey to the cross. Tradition holds that Mary, the mother of Jesus, set up stone markers at her home outside Jerusalem to prayerfully retrace the steps of her son’s Passion

This year we will be displaying the 12 pictures and a short mediation in church, as an opportunity for you to come and reflect on the story of Jesus as part of your preparation for celebrating Easter.

The church is open 9am to 4pm every day- you are welcome to come and spend some quite time, away from the hassles of life, and focus on the incredible story of how Jesus set us free!

(please remember to observe government guidelines for safety- hands, face, space)

Live prayer service “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the for- mer things have passed away.” Have you lost a loved one during the COVID pandemic? Join Bishop Ruth for an hour of prayer live on Facebook for those who have died, and those who loved them. She will be live on Facebook www.facebook.com/bathwells at 2pm on 3 March and the service will also be streamed on the diocesan website www.bathandwells.org.

Leigh on Mendip and Downhead Parochial Church Council Contact email : [email protected] or [email protected] Telephone: 07815 911084 or 01761 418737

Churchwardens Steve Britten Goldsborough Farm 01749 840291 Stoke St Michael BA3 5LD Alastair Weston Hillcrest Tadhill 01373 812654 Leigh on Mendip BA3 5QU

Treasurer Margaret Loten 6 The Old Sawmills 01373 812922 Leigh on Mendip BA3 5RQ

Secretary Anthea Brooks Ashville, Monger |Lane 01761 418737 Radstock BA3 2BP

Stoke St Michael Parochial Church Council

Contact email: [email protected] Telephone:01749 840671

See also: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/10959/ https://www.facebook.com/StokeStMichaelChurch

Churchwardens Jane Evans Withybrook 01749 840660 Stoke St Michael BA3 5JQ

Malcolm Martin Mendip Cottage, Mendip Rd 01749 840475 Stoke St Michael BA3 5JU

Treasurer Tim Pearce 18 The Mead 01749 841493 Stoke St Michael BA3 5JD

Secretary Janet Gilham Hillside, Withybrook 01749 840671 Stoke St Michael BA3 5JQ

Safeguarding Officer for Leigh, Downhead and Stoke St Michael

Sue Rodford Knapp Hill Cottage, 01373 812766 Leigh on Mendip BA3 5QY

Friends of Leigh Church

Registered charity number (England and Wales): 1174913

MARCH UPDATE

A brand new FOLC page is now live on the Leigh on Mendip village website, with information about the charity, the history of our church and a brief description of the very specialised and significant work that has been carried out to protect the church building since we were established in 2015. There is also a link to a fascinating video of the restoration and repair work in progress – conservation in action in every sense. Visit http://www.leigh-on-mendip.org.uk/ and you will be able to navigate to the page from the FOLC link in the main menu or from ‘What’s New’ at the top of the home page. Thank you to everyone who attended our recent AGM, held via Zoom on 21 January. At the meeting we elected two new trustees and, in expectation of the current lockdown being eased in the coming months, we are now busy planning FOLC’s 2021 fundraising and events programme for the summer and beyond. Look out for updates here in The Village Connection, on the Leigh-on-Mendip Facebook page and around the community. You may also be interested to know that you can support Friends of Leigh Church every time you make a purchase on Amazon. Simply sign up to Amazon Smile at https://smile.amazon.co.uk and select ‘Friends of Leigh Church’ as your chosen charity. We will receive a payment worth 0.5% of the order value for everything you buy on the site, at no additional cost to you. With best wishes - The FOLC Team

LEIGH ON MENDIP - LITTER PICK

Leigh on Mendip WI has organised a litter pick in the village for many years, usually during March to coincide with the Keep Britain Tidy “Great British Spring Clean”. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we cannot plan the usual event this year (the post-collection tea and cake will be missed!) but instead suggest that anyone who would like to help collects litter during the week 8-14 March. Take a carrier bag and gloves and see what you find whilst out walking.

If you find anything that you don’t want to touch or that is too big or fly-tipped then either report it via www.fixmystreet.com or contact me with details of the location, for forwarding to Mendip District Council.

Thank you to everyone who regularly collects litter.

Little known fact: Keep Britain Tidy was originally set up by a conference of 26 organisations in 1955. The conference was initiated by the national Women's Institute after a resolution was passed at its 1954 AGM to start a national anti-litter campaign.

Caroline Harris 812889

Leigh on Mendip WI We are still very much keeping in touch with all our members (from Leigh and other villages) by phone and email as well as meeting up on Zoom – whether to hear a Speaker, a Party, or just to catch up on news and have a chat. For our 72nd Birthday recently we had a Zoom meeting with a Burns/ Scottish theme – including virtual cake, tartans, poems, stories and photos. Next we have a virtual Coffee Morning with a Spring theme, followed by a speaker on Brilliant Brunel via Zoom on March 8th. Later in March we’ll have a coffee morning with an Indian theme – where we can share recipes, clothing/decorations, stories and photos. We all hope that the guidelines will change a little soon, so at the very least we can start to meet together again outside in small groups. Later this year,

10 maybe we’ll be allowed to hold full meetings in the hall again – guidelines permitting. We’ve been treated to some super free speakers via Somerset WI and en- joyed a range of talks/courses at “Denman at Home” – these are open to ALL for just £5 – see https://www.denman.org.uk/whats-on/ for the latest list. If you are new to the village and would like to get to know other ladies, you are most welcome to join in our Zoom talks. You can get to know a few names and faces before we can meet in person. Maybe you are now working from home and miss chatting to colleagues? No commitment needed, just join in for now. If you are interested, give us a call - contact Mary on 01373 812415.

Leigh Recreation Field

Bonus Club The winners in recent months were: December no 18 - Simon Wolf and Gill & Clive Baker January no 37 – Vicky & Frank Higgins and David & Joan Pattison (no it’s not a fix!) February no 6 - Margaret Nicklin and Anne and Lally Lee We should all have our £20 by now. Access We have removed the kissing gate at the entrance to the new field, and added gravel to give better access to the allotments (thanks to Tarmac and Rick Massey). The allotment association plan to lay an environmental- ly friendly path from there to the allotment gate. New Open Space Thanks to lockdown, work has slowed, but not stopped. We are using the feedback from the consultation to choose what to put there and how to lay it out. The new lease from the Parish Council is close to completion, we hope, which will let us get on with applying for planning permission and then then for grants. If anyone has expertise in planning and time to help, we would be delighted to hear from you. Keep safe and enjoy the rec. David Pattison 812570

Leigh on Mendip Community Activity

For information please ring Graham 01761 232753 or e-mail: [email protected]

LOMCA – March 2021

In line with Government advice, LOMCA has suspended its activities which involve group meetings for the start of 2021 - this applies to our Active Living Centre meetings and Kurling & Cake sessions. However, we have formed a small new committee, to replace those Trustees who resigned last year, and we have made initial bookings at the Leigh on Mendip Memorial Hall from May 2021. Our target of restarting in May could still be far too optimistic, but it will allow us to plan going forward reflecting any future changes in coronavirus guidelines. Attendance at all meetings held will require an advance booking – more details including dates in due course.

News from the Leigh On Mendip Allotment Association

A new season is starting on the Allotments! Our thoughts are going into what we will be planting and all the plants we are raising to have another load of wonderful crops during the year.

The new watering system is up and running and we are welcoming the new allotment holders who are joining us.

We still have plenty to do with continuing working with the Recreation Committee in improving access across to the allotments and generally improving the area.

Our biggest project this year will be to raise funds for putting in a storage unit which will double up as a sheltered meeting area once we are all freed up for more social contact.

We are all looking forward to getting busy again, seeing our other allotmenting friends and continuing chatting to all the people walking past.

If you would like further information on the allotments Please contact Tim Spurgeon at timspurgeon

Five things I’ve learnt offering bereavement support

Bereavement Support Champion, Andrew Wilcox has been supporting bereaved people across Somerset for years. Here he shares some reflections and lessons he’s learnt along the way: Grieving There are usually good and bad days, most people find the good days gradually outnumber the bad days, aided sometimes with a little help on the way. Silence is golden You don’t have to keep talking and maybe struggling for things to say. Silence really is golden and gives us a chance to really hear what is being said and particularly the way that it is said. Listening Really listening allows a ‘coming together’ even on the phone. The mind can move away from brain thinking and into another dimension where true empathy comes into its own and the magic of healing is facilitated. Your presence is a gift Don’t pretend you are a doctor and can give advice to make any physical problems disappear. The person doesn’t expect this and any healing that is required can take place by virtue of your very presence. Plan for the end During our lives we all share two common events, our birth and our death. Births are planned for and celebrated; deaths should be no different.

If you or someone you know, is affected by grief or bereavement, and would like to talk to someone, please call the Somerset Bereavement Support Service call 0800 3047 412 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm) The Somerset Bereavement Support Service can offer a variety of support to adults and children over 12 in Somerset. The service has been commissioned by Public Health at Somerset County Council with support from Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and Somerset Community Foundation. It is provided in partnership by end-of-life charity Marie Curie and mental health charity Mind in Somerset.

Somerset Sight is a local charity which has been supporting sight impaired people across Somerset for over a hundred years and in 2019 won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

One of our services is the Volunteer Visiting Service whereby volunteers are matched locally with a sight impaired person for regular visits for com- pany and support, and also helps alleviate their loneliness and isolation.

Volunteers help with a variety of tasks such as reading, correspondence, or making appointments, going out for a drive or just a cup of tea and a chat. Many volunteers get great satisfaction and enjoyment from their voluntary work, many friendships are formed and the people they support very much look forward to their visits. At the current time as face to face visits are not permissable, the service continues with regular phone calls until such time as a visit is allowed again.

For anyone who is sight impaired and would like to know more about our services or if anyone would like to volunteer for the Visiting Ser- vice, please contact us on 01823 333818 for further information.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Leigh on Mendip Allotment Association

The Leigh on Mendip allotments are in the field to the west side of the Recreation Playing Field. If you live in the parish of Leigh on Mendip and want to register, or simply discuss having an allotment, please contact :- Tim Spurgeon, 18, Park Hayes, tel 07813 505830 or e mail [email protected]

Are you fed-up with doing the same old walks?

Walking in Somerset www.walkinginengland.co.uk/somerset is the website for you!

With hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, contact details for all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.

John said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Somerset (part of the Walking in England suite of websites (www.walkinginengland.co.uk) – one for each county in Eng- land) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.

With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suita- bility for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.

So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!

John Harris www.walkinginengland.co.uk email: [email protected] Fly the flag for Somerset Day This year Somerset Day organisers are asking people to #flytheflagforsomerset on 11 May. That can be by flying the distinctive Somerset flag with its bright red dragon from a flagpole, or simply by painting a Somerset flag picture to display in your front window. Bishop Ruth, a Patron of Somerset Day, says, “On Somerset Day I share with others in giving thanks for all the amazing people whether neighbours or strangers who share such smiles and warmth and care for each other everyday in Somerset – Thank you Somerset.”

The Zoom Lent Group Continues

Following the success of the Zoom Sunday Services, shared with the other churches in the group (Stoke, Leigh-on-Mendip, Downhead and the Postlebury Group), we are holding a Zoom Lent Course shared with the group…

The group gives a chance to reflect on a passage from the Bible and discuss how it applies to our lives today, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate Easter.

The online resource produced by the Bible Society is being used. It looks at the history of the bible and how it was produced and it aims to increase our confidence and equip us to read it better and help us to see its relevance to daily life. If you would like to find out more about the course follo9w this link https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/the-bible-course/

Meetings are at 7.30p.m. on Wednesday evenings running up to Easter.

If you would like to attend please register your interest with me, and I will confirm Zoom details

Justine North [email protected] 01749 840412

CHURCH SERVICES ONLINE As we continue with no services in our churches. Each Sunday we are joining with Postlebury for an ONLINE SERVICE on Zoom. All are very welcome to join the service, which will be led by members of our churches. The service lasts about 45 minutes and includes hymns, readings, prayers and a short talk, followed by ‘Zoom coffee and chat’ for those who want to. Log on any time from 10.15 am.The service starts at 10.30 am. The Zoom link is the same each week, as follows https://zoom.us/ j/92468355157?pwd=M2t6Vm02YTVKZm9BWlBaY0Jna1FuZz09 OR

Open Zoom.us and click Join a Meeting then enter

Meeting ID: 924 6835 5157 Passcode: Sunday

You can also join the service from your landline or mobile phone by calling 0203 481 5240 and following the instructions. You will be charged at normal national rates. These links are also posted on Stoke St Michael Facebook page and website https://www.facebook.com/StokeStMichaelChurch https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/10959/ or you can email [email protected] and they will email them to you. If you have any questions or need any other support during lockdown, please contact the churchwardens, Jane Evans (01749 840660) or Malcolm Martin (01749 840475).

We hope to see you online on Sundays!

It's been a busy time at CCS as we continue to support the most vulnerable people in our communities who like most of us, are finding the current restrictions very challenging.

The cold, wintry weather doesn't really motivate us to think about getting out and about to exercise, but we have some great tips for staying mentally and physically active during these challenging times, helping you to stay fit and well!

Village Agent TOP TIPS keeping your mind and body active in lockdown: We have recently hosted many Talking Cafes to help you – Watch this one with advice from a Personal Trainer on what you can do at home: https://tinyurl.com/yy75mqpe Watch this one on New Year Mental Health and Wellbeing realistic resolutions: https://tinyurl.com/y3tgdlnr For Gentle Exercises to help your mind & body – easily done at home! https://tinyurl.com/y4wl8onk

You can see all past Talking Cafe sessions on the subject under the ‘Mental Health & Well Being’ or ‘Health & Medical’ sections, available to watch on YouTube if you are not on social media – go to https:// somersetagents.org/talking-cafes/.

Tune in for the live streams weekdays at 11am to join in the conversation, www.facebook.com/talkingcafesomerset

Download some free games apps you can play with friends – in your devices App Store, search for games like Gin Rummy, Scrabble or similar and share with your friends so they can download the same game and play together! If you need help with this get in touch with your local Agent or ask a friend! Suduko and other mentally challenging games are great for keeping the little grey cells ticking over.

18 outdoors! For local ideas try: https://www.somersetwildlife.org/ or the https://www.rspb.org.uk/

Join Age UK Somerset’s Relaxation and Mindful Breathing online programme. There are three sessions each week, and full details can be found here: https://ageuksomersetcoronavirus.org.uk/staying-well/exercises/ ageing-well-exercise-sessions/

Fancy a chat with someone? A new friend or a Talk & Support service? We have a new Chat to Connect programme that links people with similar in- terests so you can connect with new friends! Also, Village Agents can connect you with a befriending or Talk & Support service, or you could call Mind in Somerset listening service if you need a friendly ear https:// www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/ call 01935 474875 (South Somerset and Mendip)

Do something small each day for 10 minutes, whether that’s a mindful exercises whether that’s movement, meditation or colouring – ideas below: http://www.freemindfulness.org/download https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatm nts/ mindfulness/mindfulness-exercises-tips/ https://www.happinessishomemade.net/free-adult-coloring-pages/ Go for a walk- even a few minutes each day helps your body and mind. SASP have some great ideas: https://www.sasp.co.uk Try an online free exercise class – so much is free on YouTube! Find a new hobby – because of lockdown, so many companies are offering free training or courses – speak to us if you want to find something spe- cific and we can help! Contact Somerset Libraries who can help you with Audio books, films and much more and may be able to offer home deliveries https:// www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-communities/libraries/

I appreciate that not everyone has access to the internet, but if you'd like some support around staying healthy or any other subject, do please get in touch on 01823 331222 or 07946461468. Stay safe, stay well and stay active! Nic. 19

East Mendip Gardening Club By mid-March, we’re ready to welcome the start of spring - a hopeful, happy time for us gardeners. There’s lots to done outside, now the slower winter months have passed. This month’s tips are all about getting a head start in the garden. Once your soil is workable, dig a 5cm (or more), layer of compost or well- rotted manure into your beds to prepare for the growing season ahead. Also work in a general-purpose fertiliser, such as pulled chicken manure or blood, fish and bone. If your garden plants need supporting during the year, now is the time to place them so that the plants grow through them. Resurface or clean paths before plants grow and smother them. Feed trees, shrubs and hedges with a slow-release fertiliser by lightly forking it into the soil surface. As roses come into growth feed with special rose feed or balanced fertiliser. Prune roses to encourage strong new growth, remove dead, diseased or crossing branches cut back to an outward facing bud. After mahonias have flowered cut out the top rosette of leavesto encourage branching. Finish cutting back dead foliage from perennials and ornamental grasses to make way for new growth To encourage bushy growth habit prune overwintered fuchsias back to one or two buds on each shoot. As the flowers disappear trim winter flowering heathers to prevent them becoming leggy. Cut the old leaves off hellebores to remove any foliar disease and make the new flowers more visible. As the weather warms look out for slugs, they love soft new growth. Use nematodes for an effective organic control. 20

Plant native hedges to encourage wildlife. Dig in green manures grown over the winter. Cover prepared soil with black plastic to keep it drier and warmer in preparation for planting. Weed and mulch asparagus beds by hand to prevent damage to the shal- low roots. Cover strawberries with a cloche to encourage earlier fruiting. Use a screen or horticultural fleece to protect from frost the blossoms of apricots, peaches and nectarines. Recut lawn edges if necessary and install lawn edging to make future maintenance easier. Prepare the soil for growing a new lawn from seed, this allows it to settle before sowing. Remove any pond netting left over from the autumn/winter. Install water butts for the season ahead. Position them under a downpipe using a rainwater converter kit. Use hot soapy water to scrub watering cans to prevent fungal diseases. Before the growing season gets underway build a compost bin. If you have one check for any compost ready to use on vegetable beds. Move bags of compost into the greenhouse to warm up for a week or two before using for sowing. Invest in a soil testing kit if you don’t now your soil type to help choose the right plants for your garden. Check containers to ensure they have not dried out and top dress them by removing the top 2.5cm of soil and replacing it with fresh compost. On warm sunny days ventilate greenhouses and cold frames. Move plants from the greenhouse to a cold frame for at least 7 days before planting out to harden them off. Taken from Thompson & Morgan’s “What to do in the Garden this month”https://www.thompson-morgan.com/in-the-garden-this-month 21

SOMERSET EAR WAX CLINIC ______

 Ear wax removal by irrigation  Ear check prior to Audiology  Fully trained and experienced ______

Sister Teresa Munro RGN 07962 106 045 [email protected]

______Horizon Suite, Frome Medical Centre Enos Way, Frome BA11 2FH

Mole Catcher Dunns Logs 01373836350 Quality Seasoned Hardwood Logs 07512681111 Delivery and stacking at no extra cost No Mole Nets of Logs and Kindling also available No Fee Contact Richard on 07703062048 Facebook Page Dunns Logs

Oilmaster

Oil heating specialist -Aga, Rayburn, Stanley, Alpha Boilers all types Breakdowns and servicing 24 hour call outs Small plumbing jobs Bleed throughs Call 07428663825 or PLANNING A PARTY? 01747 826094 WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP. www.oilmaster.co.uk WE CATER FOR ANY FUNCTION. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT… www.pepperscateringofshepton.co.uk

W. J. Trotman Funeral Directors

(Incorporating Oswald Clarke Funeral Directors of Bruton)

Ashdene, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet,

Somerset BA4 4QQ.

Tel (01749) 880271

A family run business for over four generations Private Chapel of Rest

Pre-paid funeral plans available

Owl Babies Preschool

@ Leigh on Mendip First School

Open daily from 8.45am – 3pm Term time only Hourly rate £4.40 Day rate £26.40

Funding available for qualifying 2, 3 and 4 years old (15 or 30 hours/week)

For more information on our pre-school visit www.leighonmendipschool.info

or contact us on 01373 812592

[email protected]

LEIGH ON MENDIP PARENT,

TODDLER & BABY GROUP

New members are always welcome Leigh on Mendip Memorial Hall, Tuesdays 9 .30 am – 11.30 am. (term time only)

£1.50 for first child and 50p for siblings (including refreshments and resources) If you need any more information contact Laura Martin on 07769292304

Al Stewart Do you need a reliable local Transition4u Personal Training Chimney Sweep?

- Individual Training Programmes Hello, I’m Matt Clark. A member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps offering: - Injury Rehabilitation - Sports massage • Chimney sweeping • A clean and thorough job - Free initial consultation • Certificates for your insurers Phone 07889 093179 • Bird guard fitting www.Transition4upt.co.uk • Bird nest removal

Chimney Sweeps Somerset Member of REPS; NRPT; FHT Tel: 07891 105529 Independent Herbalife Member [email protected]

Bridal Hair & Basic Make up Experienced hairdresser Computers and make up artist Broadband challenges with home based beauty room Are you struggling? Val Hurle provides a Software/hardware issues friendly, calming and relaxing service for all the Inspiration required bridal party in the comfort Contact Ian Tucker of your own home or venue

01373 474602 or Tel 01761 436764 07889 767886 [email protected] or visit www.-valhurle/ radstockbeautyandbride.com

Leigh-on-Mendip Parish Council

Chairman Clerk David Mattick Anthea Brooks Tel 01761 418737 Tel. 01373 812734 Email [email protected] Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of every month in the Memorial Hall unless otherwise advised - see Parish Noticeboards for details of Agenda, Minutes etc. or visit

www.leigh-on-mendip.org.uk

All parishioners welcome to attend

LEIGH on MENDIP MEMORIAL HALL

(Registered Charity No. 304574)

Standard Hiring Rates

Monday to Friday (until 6.00 pm)……………………………………………£ 5.00 per hour

Monday to Friday (6.00pm onwards) ...... £7.00 per hour

Saturday and Sunday ...... £7.00 per hour Business Users - At all times ...... £10.00 per hour

Sale or serving of Alcohol ...... £10.00 per event

A coin meter is provided for the electric wall heaters (£1 and £2 coins)

Hire of the hall includes the use of crockery, cutlery and glasses. These items may be hired for outside use. A list of the items, and prices is available

Booking clerks Ann & Rog Orpwood 01373 812459 [email protected]

Stoke St Michael War Memorial Hall

Open Afternoon: Tuesdays 2pm– 4pm Tea and chat, crafty things to do, puzzles to make. All welcome, refreshments available

BINGO alternate Mondays. 7.30pm – 9.30pm

MENDIP BELLES. First Tuesday in the month. Ladies get together. Interesting things planned. Start 7.30pm

CRAFTY LADIES: Knit, Sew, Crochet, chat and discuss

PARTIES/BIRTHDAYS/FAMILY EVENTS: The hall is available with a bar, kitchen, large screen & projector to accommodate your event. Please get in touch to chat further about the hall and any catering requirements.

Hall Bookings and more info: [email protected] Phone 01749 840272

Stoke St. Michael Baby and Toddler Group Come and join our friendly group! When? Wednesdays, during term time Where? Stoke War Memorial Hall What time? 9.30am to 11.30am. How much? £1 per family. First visit free!

We provide a large range of toys for babies and toddlers, as well as fun, weekly activities. Children can enjoy a healthy snack whilst parents can relax with a cup of tea, all included! Monthly visits from the Children’s Centre and toy library. Who? Sarah ([email protected]) 07398043054 or Charlotte ([email protected] 01749 840255)

Stoke St Michael Toddler Group

Little Roots @ Stoke Moonshill Road, Stoke St Michael BA3 5LG

Open term time only: Monday – Thursday 9am – 3pm

Forest School sessions are available. We provide childcare for 2 years old + We offer 15 and 30 hours funded places for eligible 2 year olds all 3 and 4 year olds.

For more information, or to arrange a visit call us 07565 931718 or email: [email protected]

Do you require assistance?

Level 3 support worker PLACE 20+ years experience DBS Manual handling plus more certificates YOUR

I can assist children and adults with personal care, medical ADVERT appointments, trips out, shopping and much more. References on request. HERE Contact Katy Tel: 07477649028 See back page for

chrisingrem.co.uk

Are you thinking of a fresh look for the interior or exterior of your home this year? I am an experienced painter and decorator based in Leigh on Mendip and would be pleased to help. If you’re after a dependable, creative and tidy service do give me a call or email me. I hope to hear from you soon.

07876 301615

E.EMERY & SONS , INDEPENDANT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS , ASHWICK , OAKHILL , BA3 5BG .

PREPAID FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE 24 HOUR PERSONAL SERVICE IN ALL AREA'S CHAPEL OF REST .

PERSONAL ATTENTION CONTACT JONATHAN & JANE EMERY TEL - 01749 840350

Andie Christie D HURLE Man & van Licensed Waste Carrier PLASTERING SERVICE Reg. No. CBDU 138947 Removals COMPETITIVE RATES Clearances undertaken Tip runs Reliable and Trustworthy Please ring or text 07906158909 No job too small or email [email protected]

Telephone 0789 717702

E-mail - Post - Your Village contacts are: -

Leigh Jan Pattison Yew Tree Cottage, Tadhill 01373 812460 Stoke Janet Gilham Hillside, Withybrook 01749 840671 Downhead Steve Britten Goldsborough Farm, 01749 840291

Advertising Rates Commercial ¼ page £2 per month or £25 per year ½ page £4 per month of £45 per year Whole page £8 per month of £85 per year Non Commercial ¼ page 50p per month or £5 per year ½ page £1 per month or £10 per year Whole page £2 per month or £20 per year Payment for adverts to:- Janet Gilham, Hillside, Withybrook, Stoke St Michael, Radstock BA3 5JQ. Cheques made payable to Stoke and Leigh Magazine.

Note from the Editor When emailing articles or adverts please use black text and grayscale for all logos and pictures A5 portrait format with 1cm margins 1.5cm bottom margin. Or A4 landscape same margins, two columns and central gutter of 2cm. Stoke St. Michael Village Website: - www.stokestmichael.org.uk Leigh on Mendip Village Website: - www.leigh-on-mendip.org.uk Police Community Support Officers

Tel: 101 for non-emergencies 999 for emergencies only