The Beacon , Oakhill & News

AUGUST 2021 Cover photo: © Lee Linford Church Services – August 2021

Sunday, 1st August 10am Lammas Service St. James, Ashwick

Sunday, 8th August 10am Family Worship All Saints, Oakhill

Sunday, 15th August 10am Communion St. James, Ashwick

Sunday, 22nd August 10am Communion Holy Trinity, Binegar 4pm 4th@4 Church Rooms, Ashwick

Sunday, 29th August 10am Rambling Worship Walk starting at Holy Trinity, Binegar; finishing at St James, Ashwick

Would you like to support the churches in our parish? Please scan the QR code and make a donation online. Thank you.

Please visit www.beacontrinity.church or: Follow us on Instagram! facebook.com/beacontrinity instagram.com/beacontrinity View from the Hill

With the restrictions lifting, many areas of life are returning to a form of normality. I am sure many are still being sensibly cautious especially in confined spaces. From the church perspective, we are pleased to be able to plan for the forthcoming months in the hope that things will stay under control as we live with Covid. We have a special service on 1st August when we will celebrate Lammas. This festival is to celebrate the start of the grain harvest. Lammas has been forgotten in many communities with Harvest Festival marking the end of harvest including the fruit and berries etc. There are two reasons for me wanting to increase the number of celebrations we have. Firstly, there is always a need to say thank you, and acknowledge all that we have in life, and secondly, communities need to make memories, and celebrations are ways to do just that. I will always remember the Drive-in Harvest Festival we had last year. Lammas will be in St. James Church, Ashwick at 10am. We will be praying for our farmers, our vegetable and fruit growers as they look ahead to the work at harvest time. Our Harvest Festival this year will once again be on the Fair Field in Binegar. I had hoped we would have a weekend of events, a community party. However, due to the ongoing uncertainty around Covid we are sticking to Sunday 19th September. I would like to have a scarecrow festival where children, families or households create a scarecrow and display it on the day and even at home before and afterwards. It would be great to have scarecrows all over Ashwick, Oakhill and Binegar. Holy Trinity Church will be full of floral arrangements for harvest and stay open across the weekend. On Sunday morning there will be an open-air service at 11 am (this time we will not need to stay in our cars). In the afternoon there will be fun and games for all the family. You can bring a picnic if you wish. If you would like to help make this a great community event then please get in touch.

Page 3 Community corner

Haymaking, the traditional way Wilf Roberts' Memorial Just remembering old days. This is the We were really upset and saddened that way we do things now, to clear a field of someone felt the need to steal a pot of hay. When we first got married we made begonias in memory of our dear Dad which about 4000/5000 small bales of hay that were placed next to his memorial bench at had to be cut, turned several times and Galley Batch. He was a Japanese prisoner lined up before baling. Praying for the of war who lost his youth and suffered weather to hold. atrocities for us to have a better world and Then we had the help of the boys up the freedom, but to steal was not a part of that road and family, to help get it all in, on deal. You know who you are, shame on you. trailers. Load up trailers by hand and Sue Roberts unload into the sheds by hand. At the end of a long day and evening, back to the house for supper and cider for all. Farming was physically harder then but the load was shared. Now it’s easier with machines but harder working alone without the banter of people sharing the load. Mandy Alvis

The Labyrinth Picture of The Labyrinth at the Fair Field in Binegar. Open to all.

Photography Exhibition The Beacon Photography Group is exhibiting its members photography taken Read more about local haymaking on during lockdown. See the final part, Part 3, pages 12-13. on pages 18-19.

Page 4 Social distancing for gardeners This month's cover... Alternative social distancing measures This month's photograph of a hot air balloon – poster captured by Pam Dennis at the taken by Lee Linford. Please send photos Malvern Show. for the cover (portrait orientation, in colour) to: [email protected] Thank you.

Do you like being outside in nature? Do you like walking? August 29th We have Rambling Worship. Meeting in Binegar Church at 10am we will then walk to Ashwick Church. There will be a route using footpaths and lanes and one using all roads/lanes. Be prepared for the weather, bring drinks and snacks and a picnic to have when we arrive in Ashwick.

Open Garden in aid of Dorothy House Hospice Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th August from 2-5 pm at Simbriss Farm, Ashwick, Oakhill, Radstock BA3 5BA. Entry £5 adults • Children under 11 free. For more details phone Pauline West on 01749 840293 or 07444 943700

June was a Weather Report: changeable month June 2021 with some very warm days. Highest reading was From Roemead Farm. 29.9°C on the 25th of June. Written by Mean temperature 15.6°C, rainfall total Gerald Esain. 124.5mm, (above average for June), 59mm of rain falling on the 18th of June, the second wettest 24 hours recorded at this site in 40 years.

Page 5 Sarah's Nan's Dorset Apple Cake

We love a good homemade cake (that's simple to make!) So from the Kite family to yours, here's a little recipe that's been passed down the generations. My nan would have made this cake using eggs from their own chickens and apples from their apple tree in the garden! Ingredients: 170g/6oz self-raising flour 85g/3oz butter/margarine 85g/3oz caster sugar 113g/4oz dried fruit (e.g. currants) 85-113g/3-4oz chopped apple (small chunks, skin on) 1 egg 2 tbsp milk (30ml) Demerara sugar for sprinkling

Method: 1) Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4. 2) Rub the butter or margarine into the flour 3) Add the sugar and dried fruit. Stir the dry mix. 4) Combine the chopped apple with the milk and egg. Add to the dry mix and stir well. 5) Line a 450g/1lb loaf tin with baking parchment and spoon the mixture in. Sprinkle the demerara sugar on top generously. 6) Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until golden. 7) Leave in the loaf tin to cool then remove parchment and enjoy! Recipe Tips: Sarah's Nan's top tip: Double the mixture and make two cakes while the oven is on. Freeze one and eat the other!

Page 6 Oakfest @ Oakhill Church School Nursery

The children of Oakhill Church School Nursery were invited to our Oakfest Festival week, where they could experience music, instruments, dancing, tattoos and body art, cider (apple juice!) and snacks, along with other fun activities.

Page 7 Tales of old

Our two Calvinist-leaning bishops were followed in six short years by four High Anglicans. The first, William Laud (1626-28) was, within five years, King Charles I’s Archbishop of Canterbury. The next, Leonard Mawe, died after only 15 months. Walter Curle moved to Winchester in 1632 and that brought us Bishop William Piers. In a sense, Mawe was lucky to die naturally. Laud was executed, Curle exiled and Piers impeached, imprisoned and deprived of his bishopric. The arguments between High Anglicans and Puritans would not go away. Charles I appointed Laud in 1633 to steer the Church towards a uniform High Anglicanism which, to Puritans, reeked of Rome. Piers was a devotee of Laud and our Diocese became “Laud’s laboratory”. Piers was a scourge to Puritans. He enforced orthodox ceremonies. He ordered communion tables to be railed. Many parishes resisted. Piers excommunicated the churchwardens for their refusal. Appeals to Laud and the King just landed them in gaol. Piers offended Puritans who wished to keep Sunday Holy. Judges forbade unlawful Sunday meetings but Piers insisted on Sunday wakes and fund-raising parish ales social events. He insisted the King’s Book of Sports (those allowed on Sundays) be read in churches. He threatened clergy who refused with censure or suspension. He stamped out the practice of lay (Puritan) preaching in churches demanding priests taught congregations the catechism instead. In 1640, parliament arrested and indicted Archbishop Laud for treason. Within days, Piers was impeached before the House of Lords. He had contested the legality of the parliament and for that he was accused of high treason and committed to the Tower. Though he lost his status as bishop, after the trial, he was allowed to live on his estate in Oxfordshire, where he married for a second time. In 1660, the monarchy restored, he was reinstated to Bath & Wells. At the end of his long life, he retired to Walthamstow and died in 1670, age 90. He left two sons: William, Archdeacon of Bath and John, who inherited the family estate. What do you suppose Anthony Mortimer, our Rector 1619-66, made of all that? Richard Higgins

Page 8 Grenville’s Ramblin’s...

As I was looking back through my notes recently to see if I could find anything that might be worth a ramble, I came across a single word obviously scribbled down quickly, in what has become these days, my shaky handwriting. A word which at first sight looked like Senseless! After giving it a bit of thought it came back to me, the word was intended to be Senseless! My cynical interpretation of the word Census; that, what I thought was a rather mixed up list of questions that every household had to answer and return to the appropriate authority early on in the year. While most of the questions required an answer, some were optional; however, when I came to the question was I British or English I thought it might be interesting to find out if it made any difference. A bit of research revealed that, in simple terms, being born and raised in , I’m English, while England being part of the British Isles, I am also British. Just to be on the safe side I ticked both boxes. I suppose to be fair one of the things that would be revealed by the Census would be an indication of the number of people living in this country; or at least the number of those who had filled out a Census form, or those who were here legit! This in turn brought to mind the subject of population growth, both in this country and in the whole world. A subject that to my mind is both very relevant, yet apparently rarely, if at all, thought about in the often heated discussions concerning global warming, saving the planet, etc. So it is, a bit of research in that direction revealed that in the last fifty years the population of the world has increased from about 3.5 billion to something like 7.5 billion today. This suggests to me that if this trend in population growth continues, in fifty years time the world population will have risen to something like 15 billion. There is, of course, much thought and effort being given to cleaning up the way we use, or is it abuse the planet. However, to my mind it is the demands made on the planet’s resources during the growth to the size of the current population that must bear at least some responsibility for the planet’s problems. I can’t help wondering, as we go further into the next half century, how humanity will cope (if it’s still here) with providing for the everyday needs of the increasing population - sufficient food, shelter, water, travel and disposal of all manner of waste etc. Or perhaps, if at the end of the day, this planet and the human race are to survive the life- giving spirit (God) that is surely the instigator and basis of all things created may well have to take some kind of uncomfortable but decisive action!! Grenville Reakes

Page 9 The August Garden EAST MENDIP GARDENING CLUB – JANE EVANS

August, the last official month Prune wisteria after flowering, of summer, is the perfect time to remove all the whippy side-shoots enjoy your garden while it’s still from the main branch framework at its best. Lawns are in full use to about 20cm from their base, about by children on school holiday and five leaves from the main stem. delicious fruit and veg on your plates. Collect ripened seeds and store for next year. Leaving some seed heads Water camellias and can be attractive and allows self- rhododendrons thoroughly seeding. to ensure next year’s buds develop well. Mow meadows to help scatter established wildflower seeds. Stake tall or top heavy dahlias and lilies to prevent Take cuttings of tender perennials wind damage. Dead-head such as pelargoniums and fuchsias lilies for a better flower display to propagate for next year. next year.

Divide clumps of bearded iris so Dead-head annual bedding plants they have time to form roots and and perennials to encourage flower buds for next year. autumn flowering and stop self- seeding. Look for symptoms of ‘clematis wilt’ including black discolouration on As penstemon flowers fade cut the leaves and stems. Cut out any back to just above a leaf to infected material and dispose of it, encourage more. do not add to the compost bin.

To encourage a new flush of tasty Water sweetcorn plants regularly, leaves before the frost, cut back feed with tomato food. herbs. Dry or freeze excess to use later in the kitchen. Once fruits start to form on peppers, cucumber and aubergine plants Trim lavender plants after flowering apply high-potash fertiliser such as to keep them compact. tomato food.

Page 10 Continue to feed tomato plants Watch for potato and tomato blight, with tomato food, remove lower remove and destroy affected plants leaves to help air circulation and immediately to prevent its spread. prevent disease. Pinch out the top of plants to concentrate the growth Check for cabbage white butterfly into the fruit already formed. eggs under brassica leaves and Leave 5 or 6 trusses per plant. squash.

To encourage side shoots, pinch Prune the fruited stems of out the tips of runner beans once blackcurrant bushes after they have reached the top of their harvesting. support, also makes it easier to pick.

Feed all citrus trees throughout Limit the fruits on squash plants the summer with a special citrus to about three, making sure these fertiliser. fruits are well established before pinching out the surplus. If you have a glut of autumn raspberries, blackberries or Lift and dry onions, shallots and loganberries, freeze on trays garlic once the foliage has flopped for a few hours then and yellowed. Store in onion bags to bag for use over prevent mould developing. the winter.

Harvest French and runner beans regularly to prevent them setting seed and becoming stringy.

Take cuttings of herbs such as sage rosemary and mint. Put cuttings in moist, well-drained potting compost (one part grit to one part compost) Dates for your diary: and place in a cold frame. Divide Tuesday, 24th August visit to Stoberry established clumps of chives. Park, Wells For further information contact our Chair : On a sunny day, collect seeds of [email protected] herbs such as dill, bronze fennel, caraway and chervil, dry in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Sow Chervil immediately. Taken from Thompson & Morgan’s “What to do in the Garden this month” www.thompson-morgan.com/in-the-garden-this-month Page 11 Oakhill & Ashwick Local History Group Haymaking in Ashwick – Lin Thorley

Good weather is essential for haymaking as provide a hearty meal with more cider, a the grass has to dry, usually for about three practice that persisted here in Ashwick until days. In olden days it was all done by hand, relatively recently. with the aid of horses or oxen. The hay was cut with a scythe or sickle, raked up with wooden rakes into rows, turned two or three times while drying, then made into ricks. These were often thatched and the hay stored in the open fields, or it might be transported by cart and stored in a barn. Extra manpower was brought in from wherever possible to do the work while the weather was good. It was a big event, very hard physical work, hot and dusty, but also sociable and profitable for the Haymaking at Oakhill Farm workers. (fields south of Fosse Rd), 1910 The process hardly changed until some mechanisation began to appear in the 1800’s. Unfortunately, we do not know the names of Agricultural workers in Somerset were then still the workers in the 1910 photo, but notice how paid some of their wages in cider (or many there were, all working together in one sometimes beer). The farmer provided drinks field. By the time of the next photo, in 1939, for the men during working hours – they are there was more mechanisation: the horse at said to have drunk three or four pints per Harridge Farm is shown pulling a mower. This working day in the winter and more during system required fewer men, but there was still haymaking and harvesting! This payment of cider and a large tea provided at the end of wages in kind was prohibited by an Act of 1887. the day. Only men attended the haymakers’ At the end of the day the farmer’s family would tea, the farmer’s wife and daughters would

Haymaking at Harridge Farm, 1939 – L to R: Claude Trippick, Ruben Fear, Henry Trippick Page 12 serve the men but eat their own meal out in the only one still without into the 1960’s was the kitchen. On some local farms (until at least West’s Farm and they contracted out their the late 1950’s) work could not be done on a haymaking. Hay ricks persisted here well into Sunday, so hay could not be gathered in even the 1950’s, as shown on a photo we have of if it were about to rain and ruin the crop. Teddy Oram’s Fairfield Farm in Oakhill. The last photo here, from 1952, shows a hay The difference in haymaking within the last elevator, which did away with the hard task of century would have amazed the men in the raising the hay onto a rick. This gathering first photo. Hay is still an important fodder after work includes another branch of the crop today, but most of the grass is now taken Trippicks (Wilfred was Claude’s brother). By as silage: this preserves more nutrients for the the 1950’s most farms in Ashwick had tractors stock (there is also haylage which is somewhere between the two). Making silage also means the grass needs to spend less time drying in the field and in good weather can often be taken off almost directly. Recently we watched as 40 acres of grass was cut in less than three hours. By lunchtime next day tractors with trailers had hauled it away for silage… Definitely progress. But is there a downside, other than nostalgia? It’s less eco-friendly, with less opportunity for camaraderie, and there’s no cider-while-you- Haymaking at Blake’s Farm, 1952 – L to R: Norman Edwards, work or hearty meal at the end (though the Elias Griggs, Philip Gait, Martin and Freda Trippick, farmer might offer you a drink after work if Ray Lambert, Wilfred and Frances Trippick you are lucky!).

Oakhill & Ashwick Local History Group: 2021 – Draft Programme

August 18th No Meeting September 15th The Man who rebuilt Wessex – Benjamin Ferrey Dr Francis Burroughes October 20th The History of Glass – TBC Dyan Hilton November 17th The Founding of the SAS Lorna Almonds-Windmill December 15th Christmas Event – “Christmas Frolics” Skittles & Hot Buffet at Poachers Pocket, Chelynch. BA4 4PY 6.30 for 7.00pm; Buffet @ 8pm. NB This is a Wednesday!

Unless otherwise stated, all meetings are held in the Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Non-members welcome (@ £2). For further details call David or Lin on 01749 840200.

Page 13 Ashwick Parish Council Update July 2021 – David Barlow & Kate Egan ([email protected])

Our July meeting took place on Wednesday, 14th July at the Village Hall. A comprehensive risk assessment was in place and attendees were asked to wear masks unless speaking, confirm they were not suffering with any Covid symptoms and had taken a Lateral Flow test within 48 hours of the meeting. Items on the agenda included the co-option of a new Councillor, the approval of the Code of Practice and the policy on the use of Amanuenses. Matters to be resolved included the acceptance of the quote to repair the finger post outside the Oakhill lnn and to accept the quote to install two new lights along the High Street. Councillor Bryan Wells confirmed he wished to continue as Councillor with responsibilities for Highways. Planning Updates: 2020/0471/OTA - Erection of 2no semi detached affordable dwellings – Land west of Red Morley, Chapel Lane to Stockhill, Gurney Slade. Update: Council refused the application. 2021/0730/HSE - Erection of a side and rear side storey extension to dwelling, double garage erection and existing garage conversion and extension (resubmission of previously approved application). Gales Court, Bath Road, access to Sewerage Works, Stratton on the Fosse. Update: Mendip District Council approved the application. 2021/0985/AGB - Erection of steel portal framed building for the storage of hay, straw, fodder and machinery – Woodside Farm, Bath Road, Oakhill. Update: Mendip District Council have stated prior approval Is not required. 2021/0895/HSE - Partial demolition and erection of two storey extension and alterations to dwelling – Camp Five, Blackey Lane to Withy Lane, Neighbourne. Update: Mendip District Council approved the application. 2021/0587/HSE - Replacing small clay tiles with double roman clay tiles to east and west roof elevations – Old End Cottage, Zion Hill, Oakhill. Update: Mendip District Council approved the application. 2021/0426/LBC - Internal alterations to create en-suite to the master bedroom – Little Oakhill, Brewery Lane, Oakhill. Update: Mendip District approved the application. 2021/0731/FUL - Erection of detached 2 storey dwelling house with associated access and parking – 15 Sunnymead, Oakhill. Update: Mendip District Council refused the application. 2021/1432/FDN - Five-day notice: T1 (Lime) – Fell. T2 (Lawson Cypress) – remove stem – The Old Workshop, Zion Hill, Oakhill. Update: Mendip District Council refused the application. 2021/0105/FUL - Erection of a 1-bedroom dwellinghouse, resubmission of 2019/2523/FUL – The Conifers, Little London, Oakhill. Update: Mendip District approved the application. 2021/1318/APP - Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 on planning consent 2020/0494/FUL – Hill Top, Blackey Lane to Withy Lane, Neighbourne, Update: Mendip District Council approved the application. Page 14 News from the Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall Committee Can you offer some time and support to the Village Hall? We have ambitious plans for the future of the hall, including a number of improvements to the building to create a larger, more professional kitchen, and a space for indoor and outside seating – perhaps we may see a pop-up village café at some time in the future – how great would that be?! To achieve these goals, we need a clear focus on fundraising – we estimate a budget of somewhere near £80,000 is required for all of the improvements we have in mind in phase 1 – which we aim to raise from a mixture of events and fundraisers, as well as ensuring we take full advantage of the grants available to facilities such as ours. If you have experience working on a project such as this, or you think you could support us navigating the grants and fundraising process, and you can spare a few hours a month to help, please do get in contact – we would really appreciate your help. We are certain we can achieve these goals with the support of the village, and with a little expertise from someone who knows the process. As well as looking to the future, we are pleased to see the Hall starting to be well-used throughout the week, and welcome the return of a number of clubs and groups. Below is a timetable of all of the amazing regular activities we currently have running. If there is something else that you would like to see taking place at the Hall, or if you would be interested in setting up a new group yourself, please do contact us – we would love to hear from you, and, of course, if you would like further information about joining in any of the activities below please let us know and we can put you in touch with the relevant person: MONDAY: MORNING Tiny Talk Baby Signing and Toddler Talking AFTERNOON Tai Chi TUESDAY: MORNING Absolute Pups Puppy Training and Socialisation AFTERNOON Indoor Bowls EVENING (MONTHLY) East Mendip Gardening Club (restarting at the hall in Autumn 2021) THURSDAY: EVENING Yoga EVENING Pilates WEDNESDAY: EVENING (MONTHLY) Oakhill & Ashwick Local History group (restarting at the Hall in Autumn 2021) FRIDAY: MORNING Yoga The easiest way to contact us is by email on [email protected] or find us on Facebook. Finally, if you are interested in joining our team, we currently have a volunteer vacancy for a Marketing Lead, to support our Local Awareness Campaign and increase Village Hall Usage. This role would involve responsibility for notices, Facebook posts, Village surveys and general communication representing the Village Hall. If you think this would suit you, and you are willing to give a little of your spare time to help us, please contact us on the email above! Many Thanks. Kim Hare, Vice Chair – Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall Committee Page 15 Village Agent News August 2021

Community Council for Somerset (CCS), Viney Court, Viney Street, Taunton, TA1 3FB Tel: 01823 331 222 | Web: www.somersetagents.org | Email: [email protected]

As Village Agents, we enjoy being able to respond to situations quickly and efficiently – we pride ourselves on being problem solvers! This can range from a seemingly simple task of finding someone a gardener to helping reclaim an unruly garden, to being able to provide someone escaping domestic abuse with the basics needed to start up a new home and keep safe. To do this we rely heavily on our Crisis Fund – an unrestricted pot of funds we manage that can be used to purchase things for people in need. The Fund has proved to be an enormously valuable extra “tool in the bag” for Village Agents to help people facing personal and family crises. We’ve not actively fundraised for the Crisis Fund before as donations have kept us ticking over, but our team has tripled in 3 years in response to unprecedented demand for our services. The past year has been our most challenging yet, and at this time of crisis and hardship the need is greater than ever; we desperately need donations to the Fund, which has been almost depleted. This month, it is a plea for the #LoveSomerset Crisis Fund, to help people in Somerset get out of crisis, quickly and with dignity - https://ccslovesomerset.org/somerset-crisis-fund/ You can donate here for Mendip: https://localgiving.org/charity/somersetcrisisfund/project/mendipcrisisfund/ We help when others can’t, won’t, or don’t. Some examples of what grants have been used for: • Buying 2 mattress protectors for a carer who was supporting their loved-one with night-time incontinence • Supporting a family with funeral costs for their teenage son • Buying children's clothes for a family who had recently lost Dad to cancer • Buying half a tank of oil for a lady with a chronic health condition who was struggling to heat her home • Buying a washing machine for a carer who is struggling to keep up with washing demands • Buying food and drink for a client who had been struggling to get shopping during the lockdown Other ways you could help towards the crisis fund are: Join our Community Oil Buying Scheme to ensure that you benefit from the best bulk buying discounts on your heating oil. You can find out more here: https://ccslovesomerset.org/oil/. We receive 50% of the small annual membership fee, which goes directly into our Crisis Fund! Shop on Amazon Smile: Visit https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ and select the Community Council for Somerset as your nominated charity. Every time you shop on Amazon we receive a small %! You can shop online or via the app as normal. Get Involved! Could you #LoveSomerset and raise money for us? From sponsored runs, to bake sales – everything you do would directly benefit the services we can offer people and help get them out of crisis. Visit our page and click ‘Fundraise for us!’ https://localgiving.org/charity/somersetcrisisfund/ Thank you for supporting the work we do and directly improving the lives of people in Somerset. If you have any questions about the Crisis Fund, please do call 01823 331 222. If you are struggling, please do get in touch via that number or call me (Julie Brown), your local Village Agent on 07985 680262. Page 16 Binegar and Gurney Slade Parish Council News

Parish Path Liaison Officer Do you like getting out into the countryside and enjoy walking? The Parish Council in partnership with Somerset’s Rights of Way team are seeking a Parish Path Liaison Officer. The role is voluntary, and you will be asked to help look after the local parish path network. This will include surveying paths, reporting problems encountered such as broken or missing stiles and minor clearance of paths. Thank you The Parish Council wishes to thank Paul Sharpe who carried out the role of Parish Path Liaison Officer for several years. Playground We are pleased to report that the playground has passed its annual RoSPA safety inspection. Many thanks go to all the volunteers who help throughout the year to keep the park together. If you would like to please get in touch with the Parish Clerk. Somerset Waste Partnership Following recent disruption of some waste collections, Somerset Waste Partnership is working hard with it’s contractor SUEZ to get things back on track. To help ease pressure SWP are asking residents to go online to use the My Waste Services menu on their home page to order containers, request an assisted collection, report a missing collection and more – https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk Climate Action Pledge Card Mendip District Council has announced a number of initiatives to encourage behaviour change, including a “Climate Action Pledge Card” which suggests lifestyle swaps, such as buying local produce, planting bee friendly flowers, and switching to a green energy supplier. Every pledge resident’s sign-up will make a difference to their carbon footprint and Mendip’s overall emissions. The Pledge Card can be downloaded from the Council’s website: www.mendip.gov.uk/article/8650/Climate-Action Meetings The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place in the Village Hall on Tuesday 7 September at 7:00p.m.

Diane Abbott Parish Clerk: [email protected] www.binegar-pc.org.uk Your councillors - Jon Abbott, Philip Blatchford, John Bridges, Cath Law, Phill Roberts, John Scadding and David Stone Page 17 The Beacon Photography Group

IMAGES IN LOCKDOWN (PART 3) The Beacon Photography group was formed in February 2017 by The Exhibition Rev. Richard Priestley, the Priest in charge of the Parish of Beacon Trinity. The group was established for the benefit of the local community, so allowing people to come together and socialise around a topic of common interest, Photography. The group aims to provide a friendly, inclusive and supportive environment where members can expand their photographic knowledge and Bee in Clover skills through the sharing of recently taken photographs. Since the beginning of the global pandemic and the UK lockdown in March 2020, the group has been meeting online, every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. This has enabled us to welcome new members from outside of the local area. Given the enthusiasm and positivity of our members for the group, we will endeavour to provide these experiences to as many people as possible. The exhibition ‘Images in Lockdown’ is a reflection of the group’s photography over the past year. We hope you enjoy it. If you would FH like to learn more about the group, please contact either Jon Durrant ([email protected]) or myself, John Law ([email protected]). This is the last of 3 features. The complete exhibition can be seen online: binegar-pc.org.uk www.ashwickparish.org www.beacontrinity.church Strawberry Splash JL

TH Snowfall

Finest Moment JM ID Circling Around Page 18 JD Lockdown Escape

Kingfisher RWJ DB Cosmos

Sunrise on a Misty Morn BV LL RS

Veins of Gold Sat Floating on High AL DW

Keeping Social Distance

Initials on images denote copyright: AL (© Andy Ladhams); BV (© Barbara Voules); Easter Sunday Butterfly DB (© Denise Bailey); DW (© Derek Webb); FH (© Fiona Humphreys); ID (© Ian Donnelly); JD (© Jon Durrant); JL (© John Law); JM (© Julie McDonald); LL (© Lee Linford); RS (© Robin Slater); RWJ (© Richard Wynn-Jones); TH (© Tom Husband) Page 19 FOR HIRE ASHWICK & OAKHILL VILLAGE HALL

For organisations, social functions and family occasions. Main Hall, Committee Room and Kitchen Facilities. Competitive Rates

For details, to view and for bookings please email: [email protected]

Registered Charity

Ashwick Church Rooms The Church Rooms at Ashwick are available for hire and are the perfect venue for smaller functions - from children’s parties to intimate country weddings. The Rooms have a large well-equipped kitchen, full disabled and baby changing facilities and is centrally heated throughout. To view the Rooms, or for details of our competitive hire charges, please contact: Currently closed due to Caroline Stevens Tel: 01749 840170 Covid-19 e-mail: [email protected] Binegar & Gurney Slade Memorial Hall A large bright hall and separate meeting room available for hire. Suitable for a variety of events including: Children’s parties, family gatherings, fundraising events and meetings. Well equipped with a modern kitchen. NOW TAKING For further information call BOOKINGS 01749 840764 • 07528 169553

Page 20 The Barber Cabin

NOW OPEN IN GURNEY SLADE

Call or Message 07598 235929 to book. Gurney Slade BA3 4TR Open Tuesday-Saturday From 9am, Evening appointments available on Tuesday-Thursday. Page 21 Ceramics Make Great Gifts - Buy from a Local Craftsman Butter Dish with Lid and Milk Jug Hand-made by Peter Bowen in East Horrington. Speckled green glaze is one of the many specialty glaze colours available. See the website for lots of great gift giving ideas or call for more information. Buy online at: www.peterbowenart.co.uk 07989 163 152

Wills, Probate, Power of Attorney A Practical Handbook for Organising your Affairs

“After I have Gone” is an invaluable, practical handbook we give to all of our Will clients. It contains a number of questions to answer. For example, you will describe the type of funeral you would like, give details of your assets, and explain what should happen to your pets.

Your executors and family will find it extremely helpful. “Well done Judith. You have done the world a big favour in producing a readable guide to a delicate subject”

Judith Derbyshire 01458 850 146 [email protected]

Purely Probate Solicitors, Lower Farm Offices, BA6 8LT Serving the communities of Ashwick, Binegar, Oakhill and surrounds Page 22 Freckles & Boo is a new farm shop, bringing you the very best produce fresh from the farms and fields of Somerset and beyond.

Our shelves are packed full of the finest local fruit & veg, dairy and meat products are delivered daily from our partners in the region. We also have a fantastic range of artisan bread and a great selection of local wine, beer and cider.

We look forward to welcoming you through our doors.

Gavin, Tara and the team x

Rookery Farm Binegar BA3 4UL Open Tue-Sat 9am-5pm • Sun 10am-2pm www.frecklesandboo.co.uk [email protected] 07506363929

ANDREW JAMES CARVED STONE LETTERS - keeping tradition alive -

MEMORIAL MASONRY & RESTORATION TRADITIONAL HAND CARVED LETTERING BESPOKE COMMISSIONS

We will work with you to sympathetically design, produce and install a personal memorial, either hand carved or engraved. Standing stones, lawn memorials and cremation tablets available in a wide range of slate, stone and granite. We also offer headstone restoration services.

WWW.CARVEDSTONELETTERS.CO.UK PHONE: 01749 840 869 / 07966 366 816 EMAIL: [email protected] Page 23 Yenstone Walling & Landscaping

Drystone wall specialist DSWA certified – Patrick Houchen All types of stone walling undertaken 01963 371123 www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

Call Us to Speak to a Funeral Director 01749 840499

Contact our funeral directors, in Oakhill, Somerset, to discover more about our wide-ranging services.

01749 840499 Radstock Highfield House, Midsomer Norton 01761 418921 Bath Road, 01749 346567 Oakhill, Radstock, [email protected] Somerset, BA3 5AF Shepton Mallet njmaggsfuneralservices.co.uk 18A Commercial Road Open 24/7 Shepton Mallet, BA4 5DJ Page 24 PROPERTY HANDYMAN SERVICES AND REPAIRS Home owners, residents, offices, businesses, letting agencies and landlords. JAMES ANDREWS Fully insured and family run. T: 0781 4759441 / 07800 895785 Contact us today for a free, E: [email protected] no obligation quote.

CLIFFORD FOOTT GARDEN MAINTENANCE All aspects of gardening covered from weeding to landscaping, garden clearance, fencing and patios Call Cliff to discuss your needs: 07794 846180 [email protected]

Gardening with a smile whatever the weather. Fully insured. Page 25 Mendip Rural Services Ltd Lawn Mower and Garden Machinery Servicing, repairs, Repairs and sales www.mendipruralservices.co.uk T: 07974 259766 Workshop: 07491 665290

• Chainsaws made and sharpened • Logs for Sale Springfield, Haydon Drove, Haydon, Wells, Somerset BA5 3EH

Vinyl Records Wanted Paul Merrett Cash Paid Stonework Patios Drives Extensions Mini Digger & Driver Tel: 01373 836787 Ring Rob 07745 599522

PETE BURR GARDEN MAINTENANCE Walling & Fencing • www.crossgardensalcombe.com Turfing – Patios • Hedge Trimming • Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel Site Clearance Home and Business Home and Business Training – Beginner to Advanced Training – Beginner to Advanced • Bespoke development Bespoke development Fully Insured Staff Data analysis Data analysis Andy Scott Andy Scott Ring Pete for a free estimate 01749 841 688 01749 841 688 Mobile: 07813 087899 [email protected] [email protected] www.oakgrid.co.uk www.oakgrid.co.uk Page 26 under new ownership

Award-winning food cooked using local, seasonal ingredients Delicious Sunday roasts • Stonebaked sourdough pizzas Local guest ales & Oakhill Inn house ale Excellent wine list • 20+ wines by the glass Sunny courtyard garden • log fires in Autumn/Winter 5 En suite bedrooms • Large dining room for private events

The Oakhill Inn, Fosse Road, Radstock, BA3 5HU Opening times: Mon-Fri: 12.00-3.00 & 5.00-10.00 Food: 12.00-2.00 & 6.00-9.00 01749 840442 • [email protected] Sat: 12.00-11.00 Food: 12.00-3.00 & 5.00-9.00 www.theoakhillinn.com Sun: 12.00-10.00 Food: 12.00-3.00 & 5.00-8.00

9 OUT OF 10 CUSTOMERS RENEW WITH US EACH YEAR Our home insurance replaces contents new for old if damaged beyond repair* – just one of the many reassuring features we include as standard. To find out more, talk to us today about your home insurance needs. Call your local Bath agency on: 01761 239382

*Accidental damage covered for an additional premium. Limits and exclusions apply.

A P R Smith & H G Wareham is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. And an introducer to NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited, a member of the NFU Mutual group of companies. Page 27 J C Upholstery Kevin Grubb Quality re-upholstery Carpenter and Joiner Free estimates Setees and chairs made to order Building and property maintenance 1 Dye Lane, Oakhill, Radstock, kwgjoinery.co.uk BA3 5AJ [email protected] Free Quotations Tel: 01749 840930 Tel: 07821005519 Out of Hours: 01761 434174 Pauls Auto Services Electrical & Welding Mechanical Fabrication Repairs Minor Body Servicing Work MOTs Arranged Tel: 01749 841047 Mob: 07970480967

Philippa Spearing Flowers Weddings & Special Events Local, Seasonal Flowers where possible www.cerisephotography.co.uk 01749 840202 / 07768 738850 Rebecca Waters [email protected] For more information please look www.philippaspearing.vpweb.co.uk at my website or contact me on:- 01749 841282 or 07968 294876 Page 28 ACCUBOOKS Your Local Bookkeeping Service

VAT Returns

Bookkeeping

Payroll Rob Maher Monthly/Quarterly Management Painter & Decorator Sole Traders and Small Businesses City & Guilds Qualified M : 07904975280 E : [email protected] Extensive Experience – Interior THE BEACON & Exterior Please address all articles/enquiries/ advertising requests to The Editorial Team: For a FREE estimate call:- [email protected] Tel: 01749 840526 Mobile: 07745 599522 September magazine deadline: Evenings: 01749 671853 Tuesday, 10th August The Post Office Stores - Gurney Slade Opening hours 5.30am-8pm weekdays, 7am-1pm Sundays Karen and Paul Weller will be pleased to supply your daily bread plus a full range of grocery and household products including cleaning, SWEB key recharging. Get your National Lottery and Euromillions tickets here. Also Road Fund licenses, newspapers, insurances and many other new products at the Post Office. All at reasonable prices - served in friendly, comfortable and hygienic surroundings. Orders taken and delivered Tel: 01749 840367

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN PHIL BRIDGES ELECTRICAL Reliable local electrician for all domestic, commercial and industrial installations Tel: 01749 840821 Mob: 07527 843550 Email: [email protected] For future reference cut out and keep by phone NIC EIC Approved Contractor

Page 29 E . EMERY & SONS 1 GLADSTONE VILLA , ASHWICK

Local Family - Independent Funeral Directors Traditional & Non Traditional Funerals Pre- Paid Funerals Can Be Arranged Personal To Your Requirements Home Visits 24 Hour Service All Areas Covered Chapel Of Rest

Contact Jonathan and Jane on 01749 840350 E-MAIL [email protected]

A weekly class of: Tai Chi for better health We have now resumed in person in Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall. Please e-mail [email protected] if interested in joining. "Tai Chi is an easy exercise and the best exercise you can do to improve your health and wellbeing." Jo Webb is a qualified Volunteer Tai Chi Instructor Limited numbers – booking essential contact Jo on 01749 342035 A suggested donation of £3 is requested to cover costs

Page 30 Structural and Cranial Osteopathy, Gentle effective treatment for the whole body. Registered 42 High Street, Osteopath Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AS Trevenen Pascoe Tel: (01749) 342594 BSc (Hons) Ost. Med. ND.

FRICKER Painting & Decorating City & Guilds Qualified Tradesman Interior & Exterior - Free Estimates Tel: 01761 410891 Mob: 07974 874301 Email: [email protected]

RED ROOM PRE-SCHOOL School House, High Street, . BA3 4LL Ofsted EY313518, Reg. Charity no. 1053784.

Children aged 2-5 years Come and learn through play and having ‘fun’. At our Outstanding pre-school Open 7.45 am-4.00 pm every weekday during school term time. Funded places for 2 yr. olds and up to 30 hours for 3 yr. olds Contact Elaine Blackmore: 01761 240700

www.masseywilcox.com e-mail: [email protected] Phone: 01761-232983 Fax: 01761-233184

Page 31 Combe Garden Maintenance

Tree surgery – felling, limbing & topping Chipping & log splitting Large or small lawns mowed Fencing contracting – all types Groundworks & drainage – 11/2 tonne digger & driver Fully qualified & insured • 30 years experience

Call Rick for a free quote: 07795 428242

Osborne ALEX Tree Services All aspects of tree surgery BOWN Tree Shaping, Pollarding, Hedgelaying Felling, Hedge Trimming, Stump Removal, Garden Clearance Hedgelaying • Fully insured • Coppicing •NPTC qualified • • National Certificate Scrub in Arboriculture • Clearing Jody Osborne Greystones, Prestleigh Road, , Somerset BA4 6JY 07896 813934 Tel: 01749 840598 [email protected] Mob: 07813 006 919

Page 32 Mendip District Council fund a not-for-profit loan scheme for homeowners and landlords*. We understand the expense of maintaining your home and we work with you to take the stress out of funding repairs, improvements or adaptations. We see you as an individual, not a credit score. Our knowledgeable team of advisers will guide you through the process of applying for a home improvement loan.

For a no-obligation assessment or more information visit www.lendology.org.uk or call 01823 461099

Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton, TA4 1EU

*subject to eligibility orneliu Bespoke Metalwork s C by Zak Bolton Gates, Railings, Chandeliers, Traditional Weather Vanes, Fireside Tools, etc. Hand crafted to your personal design

Come and make something in Iron, Copper or Brass, have a go, learn and surprise yourself.

Phone: Zak on 07796 634510

Page 33 tel: Sheila 07962 111758 01749 841472 email: [email protected]

Mobile Hairdresser and Qualified Therapist Manicure & Pedicure Massage Reflexology Waxing Eyelash Tinting & Eyebrow Shaping

Wedding Hair and Event Make-Up

CJ Window Cleaning Chris Jackson Traditional window cleaning Fascias and gutters BWCA Registered DBS checked

07876 235490 [email protected]

Page 34 GARAGE DOOR & PRE-FABRICATED BUILDING SPECIALISTS WE’LL RECOMMEND A SOLUTION THAT SUITS YOU, NOT US That means we listen to your needs, take on board your wants and, very importantly, take into account your budget. We can then advise you on the best way to go; whether that be a complete bespoke garage, top of the range automated door, a basic up and over or simply a repair. So with direct access to the top manufacturers, a huge stock of spare parts for all makes and our own teams of experienced engineers, you can be assured of the result you want. Trading Standards Approved Trader

Call Debbie or Nicola on 01761 419999 Showroom: Radstock Rd, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2AD www.sdsgaragedoors.co.uk

For details of our pre-fab buildings please visit: www.sdsconcretegarages.co.uk

The Most Thorough Cleaning You’ve Ever Seen Or Its Free!!

Carpets Advanced Low Moisture System. What We Give Others Can’t

Superb results and dry in as little as 30mins! Your neighbours will think you’ve got new. * Value For Money – You get what you pay for. We may not be cheapest, (we won’t Upholstery Fabric and leather upholstery use the tricks necessary to be so!) can look like new and smell fresh again.

* Accurate Appointment Times Oriental & Area Rugs Off site cleaning No more waiting around! 10 or more mins late, we ring ahead. facility for superior results. Free Collection & Delivery. * 100% Money Back Guarantee We Hard Flooring Restorative are not perfect! If a spot re-appears or you’re cleaning, sealing and re-polishing unhappy, we’ll return and re-clean free. If of Natural Stone, Ceramic & you are still unhappy, your payment will not be accepted. Porcelain Tiles & Grout, Wood, Vinyl etc. Re-polishing of Free, Friendly Advice limestone, travertine and marble. TLC (Bath) Ltd, Unit 33, 01761

Floors, worktops, vanity units, Old Mills, Paulton BS39 7SU 235600 showers and bathrooms. www.tlcbath.co.uk

Page 35 Carpentry & Building Phone: 01749 841022

Solving all domestic & commercial pest issues

Rats, Mice, Squirrels Ants, Bed Bugs, Bird Proofing, DEVELOPERS Cockroaches, Flies, Fleas, Wasps & more... Call or message us for a free quote! 07917 638450 Woodwork Find us on Facebook Shop @PestSolutionsSouthWest Facilities Expert pest solutions for over 10 years. Free Quotations Hartley’s The café bistro on the Mendips Enter Hartley’s and you are in the ‘kitchen’ The delicious look and smell of beautiful food Open from 9am for breakfast through brunch An ever changing seasonal ‘lunch’ menu delights all - Served with passion from 12 noon Wednesday - Sunday www.hartleyskitchen.com check it out! The perfect fully licensed venue for Sunday Breakfast and Lunch Now re-designed just for you…

Hartley’s Kitchen, Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA34UX Telephone: 01749 841718 e-mail: [email protected] Page 36 HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? OUR RECENT RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES…

SOLD SOLD SOLD £1,100 £460 £900

SOLD SOLD SOLD £750 £3,200 £600

FREE HOME VISITS FOR VALUATIONS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE TO BOOK ON 01373 852419

WE HOLD MONTHLY SALES OF ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES. OUR SALE IS FULLY PHOTOGRAPHED AND CATALOGUED AND CAN BE FOUND ON THE-SALEROOM.COM

*ALL SOLD PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO BUYERS PREMIUM

SALE ROOMS Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, BA11 2QB [email protected]

Page 37 NorthernLights beauty Northern lights Beauty covers all your beauty needs : Do you have unwanted body hair? SHR permanent hair removal is now at Northern Lights Beauty and I’m here to help. Autumn special offers Lip/chin/cheek £15 • Neck £20 • Underarms £25 Basic bikini £25 • Brazilian/Hollywood £45 • 1/2 leg £59 I can also offer multiple areas: ote mag Brazilian/ Hollywood and underarms £60 whe callig These are just some of the fantastic offers I can do. Call today to discuss your unwanted hair needs prices are based on one session - a minimum of 6 is required and the average is approx 9 [email protected] or 07834244582 The Birch, Stoke Cresent, BA3 5HE

Financial advice of true family value

I provide a comprehensive wealth management service, offering specialist face-to-face advice tailored to you. My services include:

• Investment Planning • Inheritance Tax Planning • Retirement Planning • Intergenerational Planning

For further details please contact:

Zac Cambourne

Tel: 01761 202035 Email: [email protected] www.zaccambourne.co.uk

H2SJP28802 05/18 Page 38 Page 39

St. James, Ashwick Holy Trinity, Binegar All Saints, Oakhill

A beacon ofof welcome,welcome, acceptance acceptance and and hope hope centred on Jesus.

CONTACTScentred on Jesus. Ministers: CONTACTS Ministers Richard Priestley: [email protected] / 01749 840239 Priest in charge - Rev’dMandy Richard Priestley Priestley 01749 840239 / [email protected] Safeguarding Officer: The Rectory, Fosse Rd. Oakhill BA3 5HU [email protected] Pioneer Community Priest - Rev’d Mandy Priestley 01749Parish 840239 Church Wardens: Ashwick Rachael Norris: 07787 131074 Reader/Minister - Mrs.Caroline Kirsteen Stevens: Heselton 01749 840170 01749 840550 / [email protected] Binegar Patsy Scadding: 01749 841163 Curate - Rev’d RichDavid Miles Stone: - [email protected] 01749 840300 …Oakhill Vacancy

SafeguardingParish Treasurer: Office r Branden Heselton : 01749 840550 / [email protected]@beacontrinity.church

ParishParish Church Secretary: contacts Diana Marshall: [email protected] Binegar Patsy Scadding 841163 / [email protected] Magazine Editorial Team: Ashwick Caroline Stevens 840170 / [email protected]@beacontrinity .church

Oakhill Robin Perry 841379 / [email protected] Hon Editorial Team Hon Magazine Treasurer - Peter Dennis [email protected] 9 The Acorns Little London, Oakhill, BA3 5BT Philip PamBelben and 840626 Peter Dennis/ [email protected] with Lee Linford Tel: 840526 The Chapel, Maitland Close, Nettlebridge BA3 5AA Magazine enquiries/contributions to the Editor c/o 9 The Acorns, Little London, Oakhill, BA3 5BT email: [email protected] Tel: 01749 840526 Deadline for September edition: Tuesday, 10th August

This publication has been designed using resources from Freepik.com, Pixabay.com. Hot air balloon illustrations (p2, 3, 4,, 9, 15, 40) created by freepik - www.freepik.com; flower background illustration (p5) created by pikisuperstar - www.freepik.com; musical notes illustration (p7) created by starline - www.freepik.com; gardening illustrations (p10, 11) designed by macrovector/Freepik; Roses in garden illustration (p25) designed by Freepik; ying yang illustration (p30) from Pixabay.com. Sponsored by Ashwick Parish Council and Binegar & Gurney Slade Parish Council, Massey Wilcox, Morris & Perry, The Swan Hotel, LKAB Minerals

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