Dec. 2016/Jan. 2017 Issue 22 PARISH MAGAZINE (The of East Brent consists of East Brent, Rooksbridge and Edingworth)

Dec. 2016/Jan.2017 Issue 22

A voluntary non-profit publication, free to Parishioners

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December 2016 Diary Dates Day Date Event Comfort Group Meeting. 2.30pm at Somerdown Farm, Thursday 1st . Tel: Dot 01278 760600 Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am – 2.30pm for ‘The Friday 2nd Older Generation’. Lunches available. Christmas Fair at St Michael’s Church, 10am–1pm Saturday 3rd with two performances of the All-Sorts Community Choir East Brent Parish Council Meeting. East Brent Village Hall Monday 5th 7.30pm, All Parishioners are welcome. Tuesday 6th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 7th Line Dancing at East Brent Village Hall. 9.30 – 11.30am Wednesday 7th East Brent History Group Mtg. East Brent Village Hall 7pm Thursday 8th Mobile Library Rooksbridge. ‘Little Acre’ 9.45 – 10.00am Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am – 2.30pm for ‘The Friday 9th Older Generation’. Lunches available. Saturday 10th Brent Knoll Christmas Bazaar & Farmers Market. 10am – Noon. Sunday 11th Quiz Night at the Brent Knoll Inn – 7pm Start. All-Sorts Community Choir at the LEBE café, Lympsham at 2pm Tuesday 13th and free mince pies to go with your tea or coffee. Tuesday 13th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 14th Line Dancing at East Brent Village Hall. 9.30 – 11.30am Friday 16th School Term 2 ends Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am – 2.30pm for ‘The Friday 16th Older Generation’. Lunches available. All-Sorts Community Choir at the Carols for Christmas in St Sunday 18th Mary’s Church, East Brent from 5.30pm. Alzheimers & Dementia Carers Group Meeting. 4pm at Monday 19th Brentcombe House, Church Road, East Brent. Tel: Carla 01278 760041 Tuesday 20th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 21st Line Dancing at East Brent Village Hall. 9.30 – 11.30am Bereavement Friends Group Meeting. 2.30pm at 87 Brent Thursday 22nd Street, Brent Knoll.Tel: Margaret 01278 760691 Friday 23rd Farmers Market, Burnham On Sea, High St. 9am – 1pm Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am – 2.30pm for ‘The Friday 23rd Older Generation’. Lunches available. Mobile Library East Brent. Strowlands, opposite East Drive. Friday 23rd 2.05 – 2.25pm Tuesday 27th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 28th Line Dancing at East Brent Village Hall. 9.30 – 11.30am

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January 2017 Diary Dates Day Date Event Sunday 1st New Years Day Tuesday 3rd School Term 3 Starts Tuesday 3rd Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 4th Line Dancing at East Brent Village Hall. 9.30 – 11.30am Wednesday 4th East Brent History Group Mtg. East Brent Village Hall 7pm Comfort Group Meeting. 2.30pm at Somerdown Farm, Thursday 5th Lympsham. Tel: Dot 01278 760600 Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am – 2.30pm for ‘The Friday 6th Older Generation’. Lunches available. Three Kings Epiphany Feast – St Michael’s church, Brent Friday 6th Knoll. 4.30 – 7.30pm. Details: 01278 769082 Sunday 8th Quiz Night at the Brent Knoll Inn – 7pm Start East Brent Parish Council Meeting. East Brent Village Hall Monday 9th 7.30pm, All Parishioners are welcome. Tuesday 10th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 11th Line Dancing at East Brent Village Hall. 9.30 – 11.30am Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am – 2.30pm for ‘The Friday 13th Older Generation’. Lunches available. Saturday 14th Brent Knoll Bazaar & Farmers Market. 10am – Noon. Alzheimers & Dementia Carers Group Meeting. 4pm at Monday 16th Brentcombe House, Church Road, East Brent. Tel: Carla 01278 760041 Tuesday 17th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 18th Line Dancing at East Brent Village Hall. 9.30 – 11.30am Harvest Home Annual General Meeting. East Brent Village Hall Wednesday 18th 7:30pm Mobile Library East Brent (Strowlands) 11.30am – 12noon. Friday 20th Mobile Library Rooksbridge (Little Acre) 12,10 – 12.30pm Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am – 2.30pm for ‘The Friday 20th Older Generation’. Lunches available. Tuesday 24th Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm Wednesday 25th Line Dancing at East Brent Village Hall. 9.30 – 11.30am East Brent Village Hall Management Committee Meeting. All Wednesday 25th Parishioners are welcome. Bereavement Friends Group Meeting. 2.30pm at 87 Brent Thursday 26th Street, Brent Knoll.Tel: Margaret 01278 760691 Friday 27th Farmers Market, Burnham On Sea, High St. 9am – 1pm Friday Active Living Day Centre. 9.30am – 2.30pm for ‘The Friday 27th Older Generation’. Lunches available. Tuesday 31st Carpet Bowls Club. East Brent Village Hall. 7.15pm

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Editor’s Notes Hello again, I hope that you are fit and reading this. The production of this well; talking about well, you will see, magazine is very much a team effort. further into this edition an article offering It is also very rewarding when we get a free health check. If you qualify, why not positive comments from you, the readers; take advantage of it – the scheme is the content of the magazine could be funded by County Council and better if some of you creative types would is running alongside the service offered put pen to paper (so to speak), and submit by the local Medical Centres. an item for inclusion; it can be about Christmas will soon be on us, and all that almost anything and, subject to Editorial that entails and means to you. There is constraints, we will publish it. Have you one thing it will certainly mean, more got an opinion about something, or just shopping! Please remember the advice feel you have to comment? Well great. Let from the Police, do not leave anything on us know about it – even if you wish to display in your car whilst it is parked – remain anonymous to the readership (but don’t offer a Happy Christmas to any not us!!). would-be thief, because it will be a not-so We have, for some months now, been happy Christmas for you!! running an advert for the ‘Slinky Bus’. This year has been a good one for your Indeed we are running it again with some magazine; companies and small notes that, if you used to use the buses - businesses continue to support us by when we had some, you might find purchasing advertising which, of course, interesting. pays for the magazine so a big thank you It just remains for me to wish you, our to them all. readers, A Very Merry Christmas and a I must also offer our thanks, once again, Happy New Year from Judith, Colin, Ron to our magazine deliverers, for without and myself. them and their hard work, you wouldn’t be Bill Walker Editor.

Charity Notices: Our policy on charitable notices is that we are happy to accept up to 75 words and which will fit on to a ¼ A5 page, which we will insert for free as long as we have space, with priority given to East Brent Parish based organisations. Disclaimer : Although East Brent Parish Magazine uses reasonable efforts to include and update information in this publication, it is not possible to guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained within it. We therefore accept no liability for any inaccuracies or any loss or damage arising from the use or reliance on information obtained.

The East Brent Parish Magazine is produced and All enquiries to : distributed free of charge by a team of volunteers EAST BRENT PARISH MAGAZINE who give their free time throughout the year to Address : ensure the magazine is published. It is intended “Aventine”, The Mead, East Brent, that they will be distributed at the beginning of each TA9 4JJ month. Telephone : 01278 760896 Contributions and advertisements should be E-mail: [email protected] provided by the 10th of the preceding month.

Printed by : Media Edge UK Limited, , TA6 4AW

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MAGAZINE ADVERTISING RATES wef 1st April 2016 Annual Annual charge One off charge Leaflet/flyer charge Black&White B/W Col* insertion Colour Full page £265 £200 n/a £35 £25 130 x 180mm (single page) ½ page £165 £125 £24 £25 130 x90mm ¼ page n/a £75 £12 £15 60x90mm 1/8 page n/a £45 £6 60x45mm *This is only available when we publish additional colour pages If you want to advertise, just contact me and, if you want a professional ad created for you, for a small additional charge, I can arrange your artwork as well. We are not VAT registered so VAT is not payable. Judith Webb, Advertising Editor: [email protected] 01278 760219

COMMUNITY PUBLIC ACCESS DEFIBRILLATORS AND VETS

The parish of East Brent, including the villages of East Brent, Rooksbridge and Edingworth now has three defibrillators available for public use as follows: Brent Area Medical Centre Rooksbridge Post Office Laurel Farm, Edingworth In the unfortunate event of a possible cardiac arrest in your household, a defibrillator could save a life. They are simple to use and do not need specialist training. Dial 999 for an ambulance and you will be given the code for the defibs as well as the nearest location. In addition, the parish also subscribes to a Village Emergency Telephone System (VETS). Any parishioner who finds him/herself in urgent need of help can ring this number and one of 10 volunteers from the parish will hopefully be available: 01278 393190 This does NOT replace the need to call the emergency services on 999 first. Please keep a note of the number above and contact me if you have any questions. Judith Webb 01278 760219 [email protected] Public Notice For the Attention of all Dog Owners or Dog Walkers I have been asked by the Parish Council to remind those of us that ‘clear-up’ after our dogs, particularly when walking in fields, to dispose of the bags into the ‘dog bins’ that are provided ( there is one in the Cemetery, one at the end of the Old Bristol Road and one in Strowlands). The reason the PC is asking this is that there have been a number of these bags left in fields where farmers have stock grazing. Ed.

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Sharon Elliott HOMECARE FOR THE ELDERLY Over 10 years’ experience. Personable and friendly manner. Help with shopping and light household duties. Personal care and sitting service available. For further details contact: Sharon Phone 01278 788315 Mobile 0778 7787 571

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An Invitation for a Free Health Check Since April 2015, ToHealth have been working in collaboration with to provide free NHS Health Checks to eligible residents of Somerset, currently we have delivered just under 10,000 checks countywide. We have been very successful delivering in other communities such as Martock and Chilcompton and we would like to extend this invitation to your parish. The NHS Health Check Programme is a national service which assesses a person’s risk of developing heart attack, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. The health check provides advice and support on how a person may prevent or reduce their risks and live a healthier life. This is an ideal opportunity to offer the people of your town access to a free NHS Health Check, which could help them prevent long-term chronic conditions and potentially save their lives. The NHS Health Check provided by ToHealth is the same as the NHS Health Check that is provided by GPs and pharmacists. In order to qualify for a free health check, parishioners must be:  Aged between 40 and 74.  Should not have received an NHS health check elsewhere in the last five years. Some parishioners may not qualify if they already have certain conditions or are taking certain medications (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc.). Individuals must either live in Somerset County Council region, or be registered with a Somerset County Council GP If anyone is interested in this scheme will you please contact the Parish Clerk on: 01278 722577 or email at: [email protected] or me on: 01278 760896 or at [email protected] Ed.

Brent Knoll Pub Quiz Results for 13/11/16 We had an amazing 8 teams this time and only 13½ points between the 1st and 8th This just proves how good the questions are !!! So if you have a few hours to spare once a month, come and join us... £163 was raised by everyone tonight...thanks for that. Here are the results in order... 1st was Church Road Mafia with 108 points 2nd was Daylillies with 105 points 3rd was Tasty Pippins with 101 ½ points 4th was Lost in Knoll with 101 points 5th was Claret Blades with 99 points 6th was 4 into 5 with 98 ½ points 7th was The Elms with 97 points 8th was Last but not Least with 94 ½ points

Please note that the next quiz will be our special Christmas Quiz on 11th December... There will be a HUGE RAFFLE, A Fancy Hat Parade judged by Kim and a Carols Sing Along with Simon on guitar... See you there. Kathy Quinnell.

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East Brent Village Hall Has two rooms available for hire. Suitable for functions and meetings.

Charges include cost of heating and use of well equipped kitchen. (cooker extra)

ENQUIRIES TO :

BETTY GRIFFIN 01278 760754 OR JANET NURSE 01278 760205

Sudoku 021 1 3 4 2 8 6 7 9 5

Sudoku is great for testing the brain. Is 5 6 8 7 1 9 3 2 4 your brain feeling the strain of getting 9 2 7 3 4 5 8 6 1 them correct all the time. We could make them harder, if you wish! Next time per- 8 9 3 6 5 7 4 1 2 haps a really difficult one! We’ll see but in 7 1 6 9 2 4 5 3 8 the meantime…... Go on—give this one a go! 4 5 2 8 3 1 6 7 9 6 4 5 1 9 3 2 8 7 The solution to 020 is shown here and 2 7 1 5 6 8 9 4 3 No. 021 is shown below. Good luck—Ed. 3 8 9 4 7 2 1 5 6

7 4 9 1 6 6 2 8 5 9 The objective is to fill the 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, 6 4 8 3 each row, and each of the nine 4 8 3 9 3×3 boxes contains all of the digits 9 3 7 5 1 8 from 1 to 9. The puzzle setter pro- 6 4 1 2 vides a partially completed grid, for which there is a unique 5 1 7 6 solution. 9 8 5 3 1 3 2 9 7 4

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Expecting your Winter Fuel Payment? Don’t need it? Donate it! Surviving Winter is an award-winning campaign that encourages people to donate some or all of their unwanted Winter Fuel Payments to other people in their communities who need it most. A Surviving Winter grant doesn’t just pay for extra heating. It’s hand delivered by one of our small number of trusted local partners, like Age UK and the Village Agents from Community Council for Somerset. A Surviving Winter grant becomes the foundation for a new relationship that can help overcome the isolation and loneliness that many older people experience. With the support of over 300 donors, Somerset Community Foundation was able to provide vital grants to 390 older people to help them through last winter. Please help us grow this campaign to reach every isolated and vulnerable household in the county. To find out more about Surviving Winter, please visit: http://www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter.To donate some or all of your Winter Fuel Payment, please send a cheque made out to Somerset Community Foundation (SW written on the back), Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN. You can also donate online or call 01749 344949. Gift Aid forms are also available to download on the website. Thank you for making a difference to an elderly person in your community this winter! ********************************** Case Study: Mrs Kelly received a Surviving Winter grant last year. She had recently undergone an amputation and was left practically immobile, when a Village Agent found her trying to keep warm by heating a kettle. Mrs Kelly had run out of money to pay for heating, food or her telephone needed to summon medical assistance in an emergency. A Surviving Winter grant quickly restored the heating, and the Village Agent was able to alert other agencies that were able to put in place the care that she needed to recover fully. Warmer Homes Discount If you are collecting pension credit or can prove you are on a low income, you will be eligible for Warmer Homes Discount. This is in addition to your COLD Winter Payment and comes in the form of money off your final bill. The cold winter payment comes automatically but you will need to apply for your Warmer Homes Discount. You can phone your electricity supplier to see if they are part of the scheme. If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kim Wilcox Village Agent Tel: 01823 331222 Mobile: 07943 555519 Email: [email protected] Check out the CCS website: www.somersetrcc.org.uk and see the variety of work we are doing.

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Join in the festive spirit and sing with the: ALL-SORTS COMMUNITY CHOIR On the 3rd December we will be at the Christmas Fair in St Michael’s Church, Brent Knoll. There will be two performances, one at 10.45 and the other with the Brent Knoll School at 11.45. On the 13th December come and enjoy free mince pies and tea/coffee from 14.00 in LEBE’s Community Café at the Pavilion, Lympsham. On the 18th December candlelight beckons at St Mary’s Church, East Brent for our Carols for Christmas from 17.30. We would love to see you. Contact Sue Toon on 01278 760753 for further information. East Brent Village Hall Lottery Language Tutor Results - Drawn on – 26.10.2016 3rdDrawt- 28.9.16 1. £10.00 134 Janet Harding East Brent 2. £10.00 153 Gerald Ham 3. £10.00 193 Bob Bees

 Interested in learning a 4thDraw12.10.16 1. £10.00 31 Sandra Hodges language? 2. £10.00 23 Molly Mead  Local tutor, fluent in French 3. £10.00 53 Dean Rundle

and Spanish (written and 5thDraw -26.10.16 spoken). 1. £10.00 96 Christine Hussey 2. £10.00 175 Jean Fergusson  Telephone Elise 01278 769380 3. £10.00 23 Molly Mead

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The Monument

Silicon, aluminium, iron, a bit of titanium—useful raw materials all around. Once the planet was melted down and filtered, a good portion of its mass would actually be worth launching back home. Looking at the readouts on the screen before him, Rohg tapped one of the fingers of his anemone-like hand on the polished surface of his ship’s command dashboard. The looming crescent of the planet itself filled the view- window overhead. It was lifeless now, there was no doubt. The gaping crater in the centre of its largest continent was convincing evidence on its own, but the flat-lining of his instruments and the barren view from the exploratory robot provided certainty. It hadn’t always been dead, however. On his way into this sector of this particular galactic arm, his ship had picked up a wave of radio signals while he had slept frozen in hibernation. Upon waking he had taken stock of it: a frenzy of communication spanning barely a fraction of a galactic-light-time, but the work of a civilization, nonetheless. He had the sifter on-board the ship pick out what it thought to be important aspects of the data for him to view. As with most of the “intelligent” species—or at least traces thereof—that he had encountered in his travels, this one had been swaddled in violence, had come of age with technology, had grown old with excess, and had perished due to forces well out of its own control. Their attempts at entertainment and humour fell short, though Rohg found himself chortling at their final transmissions: four-limbed, bipedal life-forms, flailing around, screaming about a giant rock in the sky, coming their way. Attempts to save themselves had proven pitifully insufficient. In the end, they all just touched their limbs together, knelt to the ground, and waited for their doom. The rock didn’t disappoint. Turning his eye stalks, he reached to his side for the button to call back the exploratory bot. There was no sense, after all, in continuing the cultural artefact survey; it had produced little beyond heaps of rubble and twisted metal. But just as he was about to press down with his boneless digits, the comm signal from the very same bot interrupted him. He grunted, producing a wet bubbling noise and looked over at the video feed. Through the haze of a dusty evening windstorm he could just barely make out some kind of hulking rock feature on the landscape. Annoyed, he commanded the bot to move closer and turn on its searchlight. As it did, the reason for the bot’s interest became apparent. Rohg leaned back onto his shell, and considered what he saw. Finally, he tipped forward and completed his call for the bot to come back home to the ship, but not before capturing an image of what it had found. It would be a good one for the archives. In minutes, the sound of the bot reattaching to the hull rang out through the interior. Rohg respirated loudly. That was it for the third planet from the star—not much excitement in the end. The remaining six in this system seemed even duller. Still, as he launched the thermal seed to begin the planetary melting process, he couldn’t help but wonder at the pitiful little creatures who had carved those four giant faces into the mountainside. Ryan Link One Line Quote for an Empty Space “If your kids are giving you a headache, follow the directions on the aspirin bottle, especially the part that says "keep away from children" - Susan Savannah

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BUSES, WHAT BUSES? – THEN USE THE SLINKY BUS SERVICE!! SLINKY SERVICES - DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT What is the Slinky? Slinky is an accessible bus service funded by Somerset County Council for people unable to access conventional transport. This service can be used for a variety of reasons such as getting to local health appointments or exercise classes, visiting friends and relatives, going shopping or for social reasons. You can also use the Slinky as a link to other forms of public transport. Who can use the Slinky? You will be eligible to use the Slinky bus if you:  Do not have your own transport  Do not have access to a public bus service  Or have a disability which means you cannot access a public bus Parents with young children, teenagers, students, the elderly, the retired and people with disabilities could all be eligible to use the Slinky bus service. How does it work? If you are eligible to use the service you will first need to register to become a member of the scheme. You must complete a registration form and return it to the booking office before using the service for the first time. Once registered you can then book a journey by contacting your booking office at least 24 hours before you want to travel. Trips can be booked up to two weeks in advance. How much does it cost? For journeys up to 3 miles: For journeys over 3 miles:- Single - £2.50 Single - £3.50 Return - £4 Return - £5 Using Concessionary bus passes English National Concessionary Travel Scheme passes can be used on Slinky services. You will need to show your pass every time you travel. Please telephone 01749 880948 or visit www.movingsomersetforward.co.uk for more information. East Brent Remembers The East Brent Parish History Group are pleased to announce that the booklet “East Brent Remembers” is now available to be ordered. East Brent Remembers This is a Centenary tribute to all the men of East Brent who served in “The Great The Great War

War”. Also to the families who lost loved ones and those who lived in fear of 1914 – 1918

A Centenary tribute to all of the men of East losing sons, husbands and fathers during those long 4 years. Brent who served in World War One

John Rigarlsford has researched in great depth all those associated with our

Parish who fought and the booklet forms a unique record for anyone interested in

or with a connection to those who fought. Also to the families who lost loved ones Copies are available to purchase for £4:50 plus p&p. There are nearly 100 pages and those who lived in fear of losing sons, husbands and providing details of the servicemen and their lives obtained by John over the last fathers during those long 4 years.

few years. This is a unique document to commemorate our unique Parish and its

War Memorial.

To obtain a copy, please contact East Brent Parish History Group on 01278 760713 or e-mail [email protected] .

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EAST BRENT PARISH HISTORY GROUP On November 2nd the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust gave a talk to the EBPHG about their discovery of the history of Birnbeck Pier and their progress towards the restoration of the pier and its associated buildings. The main speakers were Peter Lander, the Trust's archivist, and Richie Griffin, the Trust's project director. The Trust has existed since 2004, but has only recently been able to take significant steps towards achieving its long-stated aims of: "Preserving for the benefit of the people of Weston-super-Mare, and the Nation, the natural, historical, architectural and constructional heritage of Birnbeck Pier and Island, together with associated buildings and structures, and the land and buildings adjacent and above the shoreline." They are presently in the preliminary stages of preparing for a series of Heritage Lottery Fund award bids. These are absolutely essential to fund the proposed renovation of Birnbeck. In advance of this, and as a necessary part of the award process, they are currently fundraising to meet the costs of commissioning an external structural survey of the pier and a similar expert-led feasibility study. This will help to determine the best way forwards to ensure that the complex will be able to financially sustain itself into the future once the restoration is complete. For more information please visit their website at www.birnbeckregenerationtrust.org.uk. The talk was illustrated with many unique photographs. A high proportion from members of the public so if you have any that they may use, please contact them. Birnbeck opened in 1867 and is the only pier in the country which links the mainland to an island (Birnbeck Island), a 3.0 acres rocky island. It is grade II listed and was designed by Eugenius Birch and opened in 1867. The gothic toll house and pierhead buildings were designed by local architect Hans Price. During the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries the pier was popular both with locals and tourists to the town. As a boarding point for steamers plying their trade in the Bristol Channel, it underwent various extensions and modifications over the years. During World War II the pier was commissioned as HMS Birnbeck by the Admiralty for research into new weapons. The pier reopened after the war, but the number of visitors and steamer passengers declined. The final excursion visited the pier in 1979. The pier has been closed to the public since 1994 and is now on the Buildings at Risk Register. Next Meeting Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 7th December 2016 followed by a further meeting on 4th January 2017. We are planning further talks on such subjects as “Archaeology in the East Brent area”, “Village Bobbies”, “Monmouth Rebellion”, Denison & his Objections”, Maps & Aerial Images of Burnham & Highbridge from 1787”, “Somerset at War”. Meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday in each month.

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Last Recommended Postage Dates- (UK to UK) Tuesday 20th December 2nd Class & 2nd Class signed for. Wednesday 21st December 1st Class & 1st Class signed for. Thursday 22nd December Special Delivery Guaranteed.

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SUNDAY WORSHIP - THE PARISH OF THREE SAINTS We are sorry for any inconvenience caused when services are occaisonally cancelled, or a venue is changed - there will be a notice on the church building door Key to Worship Style HC -Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) – Traditional language – no music E - Eucharist – Holy Communion – Modern and traditional music ASW -All-Sorts-Worship - NO holy communion – modern music, relaxed family service EP-S -Said Evening Prayer from Book of Common Prayer - no music Date Time Service location Theme Worship style 04-Dec-16 8.00am St Mary's East Brent Advent 2 HC 9.30am St Mary's East Brent E 11.00am St Mary's East Brent ASW 11-Dec-16 8.00am St Michael's Brent Knoll Advent 3 HC 10.00am St Mary's East Brent E 18-Dec-16 8.00am St Christopher's Lympsham Advent 4 HC 10.00am St Michael's Brent Knoll E 5.00pm St Mary's East Brent Carols for Christmas 24-Dec-16 3.00pm St Mary's East Brent Christmas Eve The Nativity Story 5.00pm St Christopher's Lympsham The Nativity Story 11.30pm St Michael's Brent Knoll Midnight Holy Christmas 25-Dec-16 10.00am St Michael's Brent Knoll E Thanksgiving 01-Jan-17 8.00am St Michael's Brent Knoll Christmas 2 HC 9.30am St Michael's Brent Knoll E 08-Jan-17 8.00am St Michael's Brent Knoll Epiphany HC 10.00am St Mary's East Brent E 5.00pm St Mary's East Brent Epiphany Reflections 15-Jan-17 8.00am St Christopher's Lympsham Epiphany 2 HC 10.00am St Michael's Brent Knoll E 22-Jan-17 8.00am St Mary's East Brent Epiphany 3 HC 10.00am St Christopher's Lympsham E 6.30pm St Michael's Brent Knoll EP-S Presentation 29-Jan-17 10.00am St Mary's East Brent E of Christ Due to the increased space required for services in this double issue, there is insufficient space to provide the usual contact details for the Parish of Three Saints. For further details, please contact the Church Administrator as below :

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Just a Thought for Christmas God with us Have we gone the other way and made Christopher’s church, Lympsham, at our two Christmas so soft, cuddly, pretty and tinkling Crib Services, when people of all ages come that we get its meaning all wrong? I think so. together to sing old and new carols telling just Take the question for instance - What do you this story. Then later on that night at 11.30pm want for Christmas… I would like…, I want…, in St Michael’s church, Brent Knoll, we have can I have…, please get me…. I’m sure many the First Communion of Christmas (Midnight people have had conversations of that sort Mass), when by dim light of candles we sing recently as Christmas lists are being written carols and reflect on the impact the Christ child and ideas for presents being asked for. Yet has on the world. Some of us will return to St deep inside me I know that the best gift I ever Michael’s church, at 10.00am on Christmas have is one which I do not expect and that’s Day, when we gather for our Christmas because gifts are themselves signs of what Thanksgiving (with communion), an act of someone else means to me and I to them. worship filled with song, laughter, prayer, Deep down I think I know also the most listening. important gift of all to receive or to give is love. And the story told will not only be of Bethlehem That’s what Christians say about the first long ago but also of the God who comes into Christmas. If you or I were starting a religion the real world: the world you and I inhabit. It’s the last way we would do it would be through so full of darkness and shadows but also with the birth of a baby. You wouldn’t start with a all the possibilities of light and hope. Oh yes, homeless person and you wouldn't make the there is real hope in this story: hope that gives place of birth the stable of a public house where purpose to our lives. Into our world of people the landlord had taken pity on this pregnant he comes, not with great and powerful armies woman and her husband. It might be a start of but most especially in where he is least a TV play but not a religion. expected, when we are vulnerable, when we And yet Christians say that is precisely how are in deepest need, and above all, at the God came into our world, in the stable at moment when we know we are truly and deeply Bethlehem. All over the world this is loved. remembered and celebrated and it will also be I wish you a very happy Christmas so on Christmas Eve at 3.00pm in St Mary’s Simon Lewis - Priest-in-Charge church, East Brent and at 5.30pm in St

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This Month’s Recipe – Apricot Sponge

Ingredients 15 oz can of apricot halves 1 egg 4 oz margarine 1 oz self-raising flour 4 oz caster sugar 2 oz flaked almonds Caster sugar for dusting. Method Place drained apricots and 2 tblsp of juices into an ovenproof dish. Cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy, then gradually beat in the egg. Sieve the flour and fold into the mixture. Smooth this sponge mixture over the apricots and sprinkle with almonds Bake in the centre of a moderate oven (180c/350F/Gas Mk4) for 20 minutes. Dust with sieved caster sugar and serve hot with cream or custard or, keep in a cool place for 24 hours and serve cold. Walter Champion. (Note – 1 oz = 28 grams)

The Parochial Church Council Members. Following on from the article in last month’s issue……………. A Way of Life I am a member of the PCC and currently church warden of one of our churches. I have been happy to serve God, Priest and people of The Parish of Three Saints. I came to faith at a young age, went my own way as a teenager, but came back to faith after my father died in 1971. I live with my husband and son, we have lived in Somerset for over forty-seven years, we originally moved from the Midlands. We also have three daughters, two live locally and one in Bristol. My faith has deepened over the years, prayer is a central part of my daily routine. I host a prayer group in our house once a month, I am one member of a small bereavement group which also meet once a month. I help out and take a service at Holywell Nursing Home in Brent Knoll every other month, which the residents really enjoy. The Lights of Love service is another group, I am connected with. I count myself to be very fortunate to live in such a lovely part of Somerset, and to serve the Lord in the way that I do. Gwen Hatton - The Parish of Three Saints

Poppy Day The Royal British Legion collection for Poppy Day in and around the Parish, raised a total of £557:49. They have asked us to thank everybody involved.

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East Brent Parish Council Meeting — 3rd Oct. 2016

1. Apologies and Declarations of 6. Capping Consultation – This Interest – Apologies from Cllrs document was discussed and the Clerk to McGreavy, Webb & Champion. complete using the template supplied. Declarations from Cllrs Gilling & Filmer. 7. Cluster Consultation – Agreement 2. Minutes of the meeting 12th was reached that the PC is in favour of September 2016 – The minutes of this changes and that a Cllr would attend all meeting were agreed and signed as a future Cluster meetings. correct record. 8. Annual Service Questionnaire – Cllr 3. Matters Arising – Joseph’s Pound Lloyd-Jones offered to complete for the Play Area, Rooksbridge. Cllr Walker Clerk to return to SDC. reported that new signage had been 9. Matters of Report – Concerns over purchased and affixed to the fencing, and development at the Stables Brent Rd, that the new goal posts had been allotments enquiry, letter to SDC delivered and would be installed in the Enforcement Officer re building site near future. Quotes to be obtained re the opposite Brent Knoll Inn, East Brent clover problem for pre-Spring time. ‘Butcher’s Corner’ development shelved, 4. Planning tree & fence work adjacent to East Brent  24/16/00026 – Building to the NE of War Memorial, SDC Planning Course, Oldmead Lane, Rooksbridge. BS26 broken bench & hedge works in The PC recommended refusal. Cemetery, Cllr Webb to be asked to read  24/16/00027 – The Rosary, Chapel out the names of the fallen at the Road, Rooksbridge. BS26 2TB. The Remembrance Day Service, free daffodil PC recommended refusal. bulbs and planting working party, posting of meeting minutes on noticeboards.  24/16/00028 – Malden, Old Bristol Road, East Brent. TA9 4HT. The PC The next meeting will be on Monday 7th recommended refusal. November 2016 at 7.30pm. 5. Financial Matters – The list of For a full version of these minutes please proposed payments (a-e) was approved visit: unanimously. Cllr Lloyd-Jones gave a half eastbrentparishcouncil.org.uk/meetings year financial update. Error!! My apologies but the date of the East Brent Parish Council Meeting as reported on page 23 of last month’s issue should have read 12th September 2016. Ed East Brent First School’s carols around the Christmas tree It’s that festive time of the year again! Come and sing some traditional carols with us around the Christmas tree. All are welcome and there will be mulled wine and mince pies to warm you after the singing. Wednesday 14th December 2016 at 5.30pm. St Mary’s church, East Brent. We look forward to seeing you!

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Adam Popham PAW PRINTS CATTERY Director

A M P Electrical (SW) Ltd

“Home from Home” Domestic/Commercial/Agricultural at The Mallards, Edington Road, Burtle, local Electrical contractor Nr Bridgwater TA7 8NX Tel: 01278 722252 All aspects of electrical work undertaken in a courteous, friendly Fully licensed with choice of luxury large and professional manner heated chalets Cat loving family run with flexible opening hours Quiet country location Mark, Somerset, 4 miles from A39/6 miles from A38 Email:[email protected] 07738221754 www.pawprintscattery.co.uk Collection and delivery service available

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EAST BRENT HARVEST HOME—160th Anniversary Year

The Harvest Home Committee continues going through its quiet time now until after the AGM in January 2017. We met for the Finance Meeting on 16th November 2016 when our Treasurer reported that we had a modest surplus this year. This was due mainly to the support from our sponsors and all the very hard work everyone put in to achieving such a success - Thank You. It was agreed that the Harvest Home will fund a bench to be placed in the cemetery in memory of ‘Spider’ Thomas. Please note that the AGM will be held on Wednesday, 18th January 2017 at 7:30 in EB Village Hall. Please do come along especially if you were not able to get to the Open Evening on 28th October, and would like to participate. WE NEED YOU, YOUNG AND OLD. Please contact Betty Griffin on 01278 760754 or Colin Loader 01278 760713

Neighbourhood Watch – Counterfeit £10 Notes Police have received information that there are counterfeit £10 notes in circulation. Message No BCU020 15112016 GENERAL ADVICE When should I check banknotes? It is a is counterfeit, take it to the police as good idea to check your banknotes soon as possible. They will give you a whenever exchanging them with receipt and send the note to the Bank of someone to ensure they are genuine. It for analysis. If the note is is especially important to be careful in genuine, you will be reimbursed. What situations where you cannot see the type of ultra-violet (UV) lamp should I notes clearly. What features should I use to check a banknote is genuine? A check? You should check the generic UV lamp that emits light at around 365 features on all Bank of England nanometres is ideal for checking the banknotes, such as the feel of the paper fluorescent features on all notes. We and raised print, the metallic thread, and advise against using LED (Light the watermark. You should also check Emitting Diode) devices, such as key- the features which are specific to certain fob style detectors, as these often emit notes, such as the holographic strip on light above 365 nanometres. Can I use the £20 note and the motion thread on a detector pen to check whether a the £50 note. This booklet gives full banknote is genuine? Some (but not all) details of all of the security features on counterfeit notes can be detected using each of our notes. What should I do if I such pens. The pens cause a chemical think I have a counterfeit note? reaction between their ink and the Counterfeit notes are worthless. It is a paper. Be careful as old or dirty pens criminal offence to hold onto or pass on can be unreliable. Below is a link to the counterfeit notes. If you suspect a note Bank of England advice pamphlet: take-a-closer-look-know-your-banknotes-bofe-march-2015-.pdf

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JAMIE BALSON BUILDING SERVICES EXTENSIONS AND RENOVATIONS FOR A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 01278 641149 07968868508 [email protected]

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USEFUL NUMBERS

Day Centre – June Jessop 01278 792208 Doctor. Brent Area Medical Centre – East Brent 01278 760313 Pre-School, East Brent – Emma Allen 07849062469 East Brent C of E First School 01278 760490 Environment Agency Floodline 0345 988 1188 Hugh Sexey Middle School – Normal Enquiries 01934 712211 - Absence line for pupils 01934 714290 Kings of Wessex Academy – Normal enquiries 01934 742608 Email: [email protected] - Absence line for pupils 01934 745304 Email: [email protected] Village Hall – East Brent (Info & bookings- Betty Griffin) 01278 760754 Parish Council Chairman – Val Rawles 01934 751108 Parish Council Clerk – Mr. Jim Murray. Daytime 01278 450406 The Robins Robins Drive Burtle Somerset TA7 8NY Eve & Weekend E-Mail: theclerk@eastbrentparish council.org.uk 01278 722577 Parish Council Website – http://eastbrentparishcouncil.org.uk Village Agent – Kim Wilcox - Email: [email protected]: 07943555519 District Councillor – Andrew Gilling 01934 750580 E-mail: [email protected] Sedgemoor District Councillor – Bob Filmer 01278 760760 E-mail: [email protected] Somerset County Councillor – John Denbee 01934 712304 Email: [email protected] – James Heappey 01749 681500 Email: [email protected] Police. Brent Beat Manager – PC1916 Pete Wills Emergency Only – PCSO 7675 Sam Piers 999 – PCSO 7703 Tracy Grobbeler Non -Emergency -101 Rooksbridge Post Office – Sandy & Danny Lawrence 01934 750221 Editor - East Brent Parish Magazine – note e-mail change 01278 760896 [email protected] Advertising Editor – East Brent Parish Magazine - note e-mail change 01278 760219 [email protected]

POSTAL SUBSCRIPTIONS and ADVERTISING FOR SALE

The East Brent Parish Magazine is delivered free to all properties within the Parish which includes East Brent, Rooksbridge and Edingworth. Outside the Parish, it can be delivered by post by taking out a Postal Subscription at a cost of £16:50 per annum. This cost includes delivery to U.K. and Northern Ireland addresses only. Please contact the Editor for subscription costs in other parts of the world. E-mailed copies can be sent free of charge (.pdf). Advertising rates and details are shown elsewhere in this Magazine. If you wish to advertise, please contact the Advertising Editor. [ 34 ] Dec. 2016/Jan. 2017 Issue 22

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