Link–Up

April 2019

E-Magazine

LINK-UP ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING Monday, 29th April 7.30pm Benefice Office, This meeting is both a formal meeting to approve the accounts and the election of officers as well as an opportunity for you, the reader, to have your say. If you require further information about the meeting please contact Jean Alger-Green, Secretary to the Link-Up Board on 01823 451732

FROM THE EDITOR … Link-Up is flora and fauna themed this month particularly about bees. If you come across an unwanted swarm of honey bees see page 31 for who will come and rescue them. Annie Trolley

FLY TIPPING Report any fly tipping directly to: Deane: 01823 356356 www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/grounds-maintenance/report-flytipping Sedgemoor: 03003037800 www.sedgemoor.gov.uk

Message from Advertising Manager A big thank you to all our advertisers for their support, as we once again start a new advertising year. We have some long term stalwarts as well as a few newbies. Please show your appreciation for their help by using their services whenever possible.

Link-Up For Ever Would you like to house a complete set of copies of Link Up going back to the first one in April 1982? We are planning to move and will not be able to house them. The early ones in particular provide a lot of interesting reading. They can come with a book case if that would help. Esmé Padgham 01823 451559

LINK-UP is the community magazine for the parishes of Broomfield, and Kingston St Mary. Any views in LINK-UP are not necessarily those of the Editor(s), the editorial staff or the LINK-UP board. The board gratefully acknowledges the support of all whose advertisements appear in our magazine. However, the inclusion in LINK-UP does not imply recommendation. The LINK-UP board reserves the right to accept any material and advertisement at its discretion. 2 CHURCH CONTACTS Rector Rev’d Mary Styles 451189 Associate Vicar Rev’d Jim Cox 333377 Benefice Office Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9.00am-2.00pm 451257 [email protected] CHURCHWARDENS Broomfield Bez Purdy 451632 Cheddon Pauline Stone 277637 [email protected] Kingston Julia Hammett 451642 Jan Holmes (Acting) 451343

LINK UP OFFICERS & STAFF Chairman Sheila Jones 451170 [email protected] Secretary Jean Alger-Green 451732 [email protected] Treasurer Jackie Aldrich 451696 [email protected] Advertising Manager Annie Trolley (yellow pages only) 451312 [email protected] Distribution Manager Carol Platt 451605 [email protected] Duplication Manager Corrine McMylor 0773 0884413 Editor this month Annie Trolley 451312 Editor – church pages Esmé Padgham 451559 [email protected] Editor next month Jean Alger-Green 451732 [email protected]

3 DEADLINE FOR MAY MAGAZINE: FRIDAY, 12th April Hard copy contributions by: 10.00am ‘Tara’ Cheddon Fitzpaine (Bungalow next to church) 10.00am Fyne Court Farm, Broomfield 12noon Benefice Office, The Vicarage, KSM

Email contributions to the editor by: 12noon Only emails clearly marked ‘Link Up’ will be opened and acknowledged.

Collation: 2.00pm at KSM Village Hall, Thurs 25th April Distribution: From Friday, 26th April

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8 ngst Area Pedestrian and Cycle Campaign 9 Campaigning for safer walking/cycling in the parish

Family Fun Cycle Ride 10.00am, 9th Sunday June Join a fun cycle ride around the lanes of Kingston and Nailsbourne on Sunday 9th June. Suitable for groups and single riders - all abilities and ages welcome, but you must be able to use brakes correctly and have a bike in good working order. There will be a choice of routes to suit your ability and fitness. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Unaccompanied minors over 13 must have signed parental consent. All details on website. 9.30 am - free optional pre-ride bike check by our qualified bike mechanic. 10am start - meet in KSM primary school carpark at 10am promptly, for registration check and route instructions. The ride is self-guided, with marshals at key points en-route. Please bring water, cycle helmet and wear bright clothing. Qualified First Aider and mechanical back-up provided.

REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY Full details and registration at www.kapacc.kstm.uk Event organiser can be contacted on [email protected]

Summer Fayre - Kingston St Mary Playing Field Saturday 22nd June, 2.30pm Stalls, Games, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Face Painting, Competitions, Mystery Guest! Fancy Dress Theme “Village Life” Adults’ And Children’s Prizes! Tug Of War, Vintage Tractors, Skittles, Beer & Cider Tent provided by The Swan, Refreshments, Cakes, Ice Creams, Music. Full details available soon on the ksm website. If you would like to offer help to organise or to man a stall on the day, please get in touch on [email protected] or 01823 452399

10 Musings from Millcross Here’s a plot of where and when the Ramsons (a folk name, stink bombs) arrived locally. 04/02, Broomfield Valley 12/02, Kingston Spinney 15/02, Nailsbourne 16/02, Buncombe 19/02 (Cothleston on the same day was devoid of the plant but that might have more to do with the tears streaming from my eyes as I descended into the icy headwind!). An old West Country rhyme states, “Eat leaks in Lide, and ramsins in May, And all year after physitians May play.” (Lide being a West Country name for March). Frequently you will smell the wild garlic before you see it. Abundant in the places listed above, ransoms form vivid green bunches of colour that are packed densely in clumps. The leaves precede a beautifully delicate star- like flower that sadly heralds the end of the season, but that’s a month or so away. A word of caution, there are similar looking plants that could cause an upset stomach. Basically if you crush the leaves between your fingers the smell of garlic should prevail, if it doesn’t don’t use those leaves. And so to my favourite recipe, wild garlic pesto. Collect a large bunch of ransoms, wash well, dry and chop roughly. In a food blender add a handful of hazelnuts, some grated cheddar, a splash of rape seed oil, the ransoms, salt and pepper and blitz until it reaches a consistency you desire. Either use straight away with pasta, mixing with some of the cooking water, or paste onto a pizza base before baking or paint onto tuna steaks before frying.The mixture will keep for a few days, place in a jar, cover with oil and refrigerate. Use within the next few days. Nick

Help our garden birds If you haven’t yet managed to get round to cutting your garden hedges, it is now too late as the main nesting season for most garden birds is March to August. Because of the early warm weather in February, many nesting pairs have been very busy with their home-making duties. The rules covering farmers and contractors should be followed by garden owners too, to give our wildlife maximum opportunity of successfully raising their broods. Sharon Farnham 11 Taunton International Middle School ‘Summer Fayre’ 11th May The Grange, Kingston St Mary from 2.00pm-4.00pm

Join us for an afternoon of music, games, art and refreshments

Raising money in support of Himalayan Children (helping on the path of life)

01823 703222 [email protected]

KINGSTON ROCKS!!!! You may have noticed on your whereabouts over the past few weeks that the village has had a few new residents in the form of painted pebbles. Students at The Grange (Taunton School International Middle School) have been busy decorating pebbles in an array of colours and patterns in an effort to set up a community project within the village. ‘Kingston Rocks’ is an ongoing treasure hunt which involves looking for (or stumbling across) decorated pebbles in and around the village, with the idea that you then hide it somewhere else for someone else to find. The scheme is already proving very popular with local residents and the Facebook page ‘Kingston Rocks’ has had over 200 views in just the few weeks it has been live. People have been posting photos of their finds and stories of their hunts; even the village preschool has been searching for the treasures on their regular outings!

With an aim to encourage young (and old) people to be out in the fresh air, this incentive is a bit of fun for everyone. You don’t have to be on social media to enjoy the activity, just take pleasure in finding and re-hiding the rocks. Or perhaps you could even decorate your own rocks to add to the collection. Happy hunting! https://m.facebook.com/kingstonstmaryrocks/ 12 CHEDDON & FILM CLUB FRIDAY 12th APRIL Cheddon Fitzpaine Memorial Hall Doors Open – 6.30pm for refreshments Trailer &Short Film – 7.00pm Main Film – 7.20 pm approx.

[email protected] 01823 412278 MAMA MIA – HERE WE GO AGAIN! Get ready to sing and dance, laugh and love all over again! Past and present intertwine as a pregnant Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is busy re-launching her mother’s taverna while husband Sky is away in New York. Flashbacks transport us back in time to learn how the Dynamos came into being and how Donna (Lily James) met Sophie’s three putative fathers. Comedy/Musical/Romance 114 mins PG

OPEN GARDEN Friday 10 11-5pm Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 May 2-5pm Monday 13 11-5pm

Come and enjoy these 5 acres of delight to both artist and plantsman “like stepping into Eden” at Little Yarford Farmhouse, TA2 8AN With 300 rare & unusual tree cultivars – tree tours 2 & 3.30pm Refreshments, teas, preserves and plants (Weekend Cream teas in aid of Church) Entrance £5 children free In aid of the NGS - Gardens open for nursing charities including Help the Hospices – office costs sponsored so all funds to charity!

13 17th Century Nun’s Prayer -- Wise words for us all!

Lord thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to straighten out somebody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips upon my aches and pains. They are increasing and the love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other’s pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory but for a growing humility and not cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet, I do not want to be a saint – some of them are so hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me Lord, the grace to tell them so.

14 BROOMFIELD PLANT SALE Saturday, 11th MAY 10.00am -1.00pm Spring is fast arriving and your plants are beginning to enjoy the extra sunshine. Please think of donating some to us for the sale. Remember our surplus stock is not composted, it is sent to the hospice stall at Bishops Hull and to the South West Children’s Hospice plant sale later in May. (Ed: see below) We are looking for donations of annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs, vegetables; any other plants! Inside the hall there will be preserves, cakes, rhubarb, Bric-a-brac, raffle. Also there will be organic produce from Stream farm and local wine from the Greenhill Estate vineyard. Please support us. Further information about the sale and offers of help. Bez 01823 451632 or Jane 01823 451619

PLANT SALE AND TEA

SUNDAY 19 MAY 2019 Kingston St Mary Village Hall 2.00 – 4.30 pm (Tea served from 2.30pm) Please park in Church Car Park

No admission charge Charity No. 1003314

Please come and bring your friends

15 WINDOW ON THE PAST DARK DOINGS Witchcraft, Sorcery or Enchantment? – of which should Margaret Bridge have been accused in 1609 after her efforts ‘to try to procure the unlawful love of William Deacon of Kingston’? She had visited the Bridgwater gallows for ‘three pieces of earth’ and had acquired the shin bone of a dead person; these were burned separately upon the hearth and then the ashes were mixed and parcelled up. On the Sunday following, she and her accomplice Mary (bribed with 3shillings and 4 pence to “buie her stocken and shoes” and the promise of £20 on the successful outcome of events) set out for William’s house, ‘there to straw the said ashes in his orchard before his dore’, placing them under a gold ring, meant as a wedding ring, where he would tread.

Hopes were evidently high since on their return Mary reported to her mother that they had had a “joyful” day. To ensure success Margaret was also ready to make use of another charm, wherein ‘the tayle of a hare and the fethers of a fessant be burnt and certayne words sayd therewith’. Her brother was accused of aiding her in this by shooting a bird, but her would only admit to “buing a heathcock near Stowe Thorne, Broomfield on Quantock” on his return from market.

And was all this scheming for love of William? Alas, Margaret had ulterior motives; she had told Mary that she intended his death “within but one halfe yeare after he did marry with her”. Fortunately, he seems to have resisted her charms. It seems likely that this was a case of ‘enchantment’ and that Margaret thus escaped the trial for witchcraft then prevalent. Suspects were tied hand and foot and immersed in a local pond or river. If the poor creature sank and consequently drowned, innocency was proved; if she floated she must be guilty and suffered horrible consequences. 16 Folklore by R.L.Tongue tells of witches at Kingston who kept toads, as did one at Rashill. A witch at Nailsbourne ‘played pixie-like pranks’ and a cunning man, or white witch, at Cheddon could help victims of witchcraft and find lost property using astrology. Someone assures me there is a coven of witches that meets on the Quantocks - so I will include a few of the anti-witch charms said to work. You can’t be too careful!

Various articles were hung in chimneys and rafters to deter witches coming down – a child’s shoe, a bullock’s heart, or an onion stuck full of pins, a horseshoe on the wall and a cross of wicken (rowan wood) tied with red thread, iron nails stuck in beams, a circular stone with a hole in it hung up in a stable, a mole skin stretched on a frame. A pentacle - scratched in a chimney. A Rowan Cross.

Audrey Mead

NATURE WATCH This year the frogs in my pond were paired up at the beginning of February but no spawn until 1st March then they did not know when to stop; now I have a pond full. The latest for spawn on my records is the 17 March in 2010. Now to Hedgehogs: on the nights of 26th and 27th January a hog was caught on camera but not again until 2nd March feeding for six nights. Den Bridel

17 FORTHCOMING EVENTS

April Event Page to 23 Great British Spring Clean - Broomfield 23 Wed 3 KSM W.I. 27 Thu 4 KSM Walking Group Fri 5 KSM Film Night (see March LU page 15) Su 7 Men’s Group 7 Mon 8 KSM P.C. 21 Wed 10 Wednesday Café / Walk for Health 20 Thurs 11 CF P.C. 23 Fri 12 Film Club CF Memorial Hall 11 Sat 13 Cheddon Church Spring clean 5 Tues 16 Broomfield P.C. 24 Wed 17 Link-Up Gardening Club Thu 18 KSM Walking Group Fri 26 KSM Youth Club Sat 27 Cheddon Coffee Morning (see March LU, page 9) Mon 29 Link-Up Annual Public Meeting 1 May Wed 1 KSM W.I. 27 Thurs 2 KSM Walking Group F- M 10 - 13 Open Garden 11 Fri 10 KSM Youth Club “ “ Cheddon churchyard working party 5 Sat 11 Broomfield Plant Sale 13 “ “ TIMS ‘Summer Fayre’ 10 Wed 15 Link-Up Gardening Club Thurs 16 KSM Walking Group Sat 18 KSM School Jumble Sale (see March LU, page 20) Fri 24 KSM Youth Club Sun 26 Singles Lunch, Details: [email protected] 30 KSM Walking Group June 7 KSM Youth Club 9 Family Fun Cycle Ride 8 21 KSM Youth Club 22 KSM Playing Field Summer Fayre 8 Aug 10 KSM Flower Show 20 Sept 22-30 KSM Annual Art Exhibition Sept 29 Singles Lunch, Details: [email protected] 18 Regular Weekly Events:

Bell ringing practice every Tuesdays. 7.30pm KSM Church. Contact Lois Miles – 451676 or John Lock – 335776.

Badminton every Monday in Kingston Village Hall 7.45pm. Contact Janet Braund, [email protected]

Babies’ and Toddlers' Group every Monday 9.00am – 11.00am in KSM Church (term time only)

Pilates 11.30am and Keep Fit 12.45pm every Tuesday. (term time only) Recommences 18th September Phone Alison Roberts if interested. 07850507489 [email protected]

Kingston Walking Group - contact Sandra Matthews, 01823 451941 or [email protected].

Don’t forget to take a look at our village websites www.broomfieldparish.org www.cheddonfitzpaine-pc.org.uk www.kstm.uk

If you are planning an event in the next 12 months let us know so we can add it to our list.

HOSPITAL TRANSPORT & EMERGENCY PRESCRIPTION SERVICE The following people have kindly offered to collect your prescriptions or take patients from the appropriate parish to and from hospital.

For residents of Kingston only Fay Huleatt Boyd 451891 Sonia Pether 451311 Jenny Fisher 451332* (*Prescriptions only)

For residents of Cheddon only Liz Thompson 451529 Mary Gunning 412179

19 Walking for Health 10th April - meet at Kingston St Mary Church Car Park, 1.45pm for 2.00pm start (every second Wednesday of the month).

We are normally lucky with the weather on our monthly Health Walk and we would love you to join us for our gentle walk around the village. We try to include some footpaths if it’s not too muddy.

Just turn up, or for more information contact one of our volunteer walk leaders: Paul Trolley 01823 451312 Jackie Aldrich 01823 451696 Nigel Hounslow 01823 451358 Heather Saxton 01823 451210

and/or come along to …………..

Wednesday Café Kingston St Mary Village Hall (Every second Wednesday of the month) 10th April come for the afternoon or drop in any time between 2.00pm and 4.00pm (£1 entrance) For more information contact: Jan Holmes: 01823 451343 Jackie Aldrich: 01823 451696

Kingston Flower Show Saturday 10th August Schedules now available from KSM Village Hall porch email: [email protected] or KSM Website: www.kstm.uk

20 Kingston St Mary Parish Council The Parish Council Meeting held 11th March, included the AGM, followed by the normal parish council business. Chair for these meetings was Marcus Anderson and the chair for the next meeting is yet to be decided but will be notified on the KSM website.

The AGM heard reports from the Chairman, Playing Field Chairman Ivor Nation and the Village Hall committee. There were no comments or questions.

The Parish Council meeting followed with the following highlights:

Please diarise the Village Fair for 22 June on the playing field. Ivor Nation is leading this but will need lots of support from across the village.

There is still money for gulley and drain clearance so please notify through the SCC website.

Priorswood Waste Recycling centre are changing their opening hours over the summer so please check on their website for the extensions. https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/centres/taunton- recycling-centre/

If you want to be a Parish Councillor , you must obtain an election pack from the parish clerk, Katie Gibbens by 4th April to be eligible for the May local election process. Please email [email protected] to request. You will be made very welcome, receive training and contribute to the village. Please feel welcome to contact me if you have any questions.

Next meeting is April the 8th at 7.30 in the village hall committee room. All villagers are welcome to attend.

Marcus Anderson 01823 451644 [email protected] Acting Chair for March

21 Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council met on 14 March 2019:

Country Park tree planting: Park & Ride trees were saved before the developers of the Nexus site at junction 25 grubbed them out and have been re-planted as screening along the lower edge of the fields bordering the A3259. An excellent effort from the volunteers called on at short notice.

Cycle Way alongside A3259 in same area has been cleared by another merry band of volunteers; we hope those who use the footpath and cycleway enjoy the improvement.

Summerfield Homes have new homes for sale at Pyrland Fields, off Cheddon Road – Phase 2 Development: Message from the Developers: “Residents within the parish of Cheddon Fitzpaine, or those with a strong local connection of Cheddon Fitzpaine, including having a family association in the said parish and or such persons who have permanent employment in the Parish of Cheddon Fitzpaine have exclusive first opportunity to reserve the plots on our development until early April before general release. Opportunities for persons with a strong local connection will still exist after general release”. Please contact the selling agents : Gibbins Richards, T : 01823 332828 E: [email protected] or Fox and Sons T:01823 286161 E: [email protected].

Talking Café: this operates on Mondays at St Mary Magdalene Church from 10 am to 1pm. It is a ‘multi-agency information café providing free advice and support’. Loneliness is identified as the issue most raised. Please spread the word. Notices are on all the village notice boards as this operates throughout Somerset. Phone 01823 331222 for further information.

Audrey Mead: Many of you may be regular readers of our Community magazine “Link-Up” and read Audrey’s wonderful words in her monthly articles called “Windows on the Past”. She has papers relating to local history in our parish that she wishes these to be passed to someone with an interest in holding them. Please contact Clerk or Churchwarden for further details, or phone Audrey on 01823 270100. 22 Parish Councillor Vacancy: from 2 May 2019 there will be a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. Please contact Chairman, Councillor, or Clerk for more invitation. Election nomination papers to be submitted by 3 April to TDBC, please contact Clerk prior to submission as the paperwork for the warding of the Parish requires checking.

Next Parish Council meeting: 11 April 2019 at 7.00pm in Memorial Hall Committee Room.

The Annual Parish Council Meeting date has changed, as a result of the elections, and will now be held on 16 May 2019 at 7pm in Cheddon Memorial Hall.

Denise Webber/Chairman 07788 522266 [email protected] Jo Pearson/Parish Clerk 07891 529809 [email protected] www.cheddonfitzpaine-pc.org.uk/council

Great British Spring Clean - Broomfield 22nd March to 23rd April Broomfield Parish Council is again supporting the Spring Clean so please help us to tidy up our parish. High Vis vests, litter pickers, gloves and bags are available. For safety purposes please ensure that you wear High Viz vests and heavy duty gloves. Children should always be accompanied. Please do your bit and collect anytime between the dates given above. You can then leave the litter at Broomfield Village Hall where it will then be collected by Sedgemoor D.C. For more information and details of where to collect the equipment contact Paul Trolley, 01823 451312 or email: [email protected]

23 Broomfield Parish Council The following items were discussed at the meeting of the Council on 26th February 2019 – draft minutes are available on the Parish website www.broomfieldparish.org

Bill Jenman from the AONB Service gave a verbal presentation following his recent inspection of Broomfield Common. He proposed some management objectives and actions to be taken to achieve these within the next 5 years. The project would be included in the AONB Landscape Partnership Scheme due to be submitted in September 2019. A lottery decision would be expected in March 2020 with work to start in October 2020. The next step would be to draw up the management plan and work with Sedgemoor DC on the legal aspects in parallel. A draft plan will be available in time for the next PC meeting. A copy of Bill’s notes may be viewed on this link www.broomfieldparish.org/commons/mar-2019-update

Parishioners are encouraged to report problems with the rights of way in the Parish using the County Council website on this link www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-parking-and- transport/problems-on-the-road/report-a-problem-with-a- public-right-of-way

Next meeting - 16th April (7.30pm in the Village Hall).

Peter Hall Duncan Henderson Clerk to the Parish Council Chairman Tel: 01823 421675 01823 451154 Email: [email protected]

24 Let’s Be More Bee-Friendly There are plenty of people locally who know a lot more about bees than I do, and I’m sure this isn’t the first article in Link-Up on how to encourage bees into your garden. But the declining numbers of insects means a reminder won’t hurt. Bees, of which there are more than 250 species in the UK, are suffering plunges in populations, with great yellow bumblebees, solitary potter flower bees and other species declining steeply in recent years. Suggested reasons for this include pollution, habitat changes, over-use of pesticides, disease and climate changei. This is a global problem. Here in Somerset it’s good news that the County Council has adopted a Pollinator Action Plan to protect and increase pollinator habitat in urban and rural spaces. But we can help too. Some of you have hives, which is pretty flipping marvellous. Bee-keeping is a great alternative to watching the telly, if your property is suitable and you look good in white. And lots of us have gardens. We now have every reason to avoid pesticides. Aphids on our roses are annoying, but insects are the plankton of the land-based eco-system. In wiping out garden insect pests, we lose the birds with them. (I won’t depress you with statistics on declining bird numbers and species loss.)

Research has shown that a more diverse diet of different kinds of pollen can boost bee immunity.ii This means monoculture will impact negatively on bee numbers. It also means we can help bee colonies re-establish by growing a wide range of plants. In Nailsbourne some residents have successfully created wildflower meadows, both as significant areas in grassland and as a roadside verge. At the height of summer it was a joy to behold. You know who you are – thank you! I suspect these aren’t as easy to create as the glossy pictures in gardening magazines suggest, but that’s no reason not to give it a go. If anyone knows of small patches of land currently not in use which we could use as a community wildflower meadow, please get in touch.

I like nothing better than a mown lawn but I’ve learned to love daisies and dandelions. They’re weeds but they’re also an 25 example of bio-diversity! If you really can’t stand them, try weeding by hand rather than using chemicals…it’s at least playing fair with nature. And if you can bear it, let the grass grow and cut a pathway only, or replace lawn altogether with a wide range of flowering plants and vegetables.

There has been much written about seeds, bulbs and plants available in commercial garden centres, which have been treated with neonicotinoids. These pesticides make plants less susceptible to insect pests, but some research suggests they are harmful to bees. I’ve found conflicting information on this one so I suggest you do your own research. Organically grown seeds are obviously a safe bet but there’s no reason why you can’t ask garden centres if their plants are treated or not. Seed swaps and the Broomfield plant sale are a good alternative.

According to the Friends of the Earth Bee Saver Guide, the following plants are good for bees: Hellebores, Rosemary, Lungwort, Cranesbill geraniums, Apples, Pears, Chives, Thyme, Rock rose, Lavender, Raspberry, Honeysuckle, Globe artichokes, Winter heather, Runner beans, Sunflowers, Hebe, Marjoram, Michaelmas daisies, Anise hyssop, Mahonia, Ivy, Sarcococco confusa, Winter flowering cherry, Crocus.

Apologies to bee-keepers and entomologists, if I’ve got anything wrong. How about an update on how your hives are getting on, or tips for growing a wildflower meadow from those who know, in next month’s Link-Up? Dixie Darch [email protected]

1 Robin McKie, Observer Science Editor, “Where have all our insects gone?” 17 June, 2018 1 Louise Gray, Telegraph Environment Correspondent, “Bee numbers in fell by more than half over last 20 years.” 20 January, 2010.

Ed: If you come across a swarm of honey bees then give us a call. We will be happy to come and rescue them. Sadly we lost our colonies of bees this winter so have hives just waiting for honey bees who would like a new home. Phone: 01823 451312 or email: [email protected]

26 Across The Field It looks like it could be a wet month. We found frog spawn in the pond on 24th February – last year it was much later, on 27th March. The Sparrowhawk paid a visit to the garden but was unlucky and did not catch anything. The Jay has been around this week and a (Scuttie) wren is often seen searching the stone wall on the patio for any juicy grubs. The Blackbird is nesting and the Blue Tits are eyeing up the nesting box. The sunny days brought out the huge bumble bees and a beautiful early Yellow Brimstone butterfly. We have had a lonesome Wagtail here for all of the winter but now we have a pair, and the Robin comes with a mate and both are very tame. The pheasant that we call Nutty, comes to a call, and he receives crushed peanuts. When Perce calls him – the Robin and the Blackbird turn up for mealworms. Rainfall: Feb 2019 30mm Feb 2018: 26mm Janet Lovell

Kingston St Mary W.I. At the March meeting of the Kingston St Mary W.I. the President, Kathy Pugh, introduced Carola Becker – a Nutritional Therapist. She advised members on how to team different foods so that they can trigger the right vitamins. Proteins are for body building and carbs are for energy. Spices were very good to help ailments and fruit and veg for well-being. Thanks were given by Jane Templeman. Times were given, and the food discussed for the upcoming Group Social Evening to be held in the Village Hall on 29th March. Dates were decided on for the Lunch Club at the Swan, and also for Eat the World! The Flower of the Month was won by Sheila Nation with a miniature Narcissus. The next meeting is on 3rd April. ‘Researching Your Somerset Family’ is the topic of the evening. The exhibition will be ‘Your Family Tree’. Janet Lovell

27 KINGSTON ST MARY & NAILSBOURNE LITTER PICK A huge thank you to all the 22 volunteers who took part in the litter pick over the weekend of 16-17 March 2019 including three children who are new to the village. We say every time that there doesn’t seem to be as much litter as previous years but that didn’t stop us amassing 18 bags! This time we covered Mill Cross to Hestercombe junction, Parsonage, Lodes and Church Lane, Greenway to Fulford, Yarford, Cushuish, part of Buncombe Hill, Kingston Road and Dodhill, Nailsbourne and Park Lane.

All the usual stuff that sadly we come to expect was there – beer cans, spirit and wine bottles, plastic drinks bottles, crisp and sweet packets, bottle tops, Costa coffee cups and lids, McDonalds takeaway packaging. There is always a fair amount of vehicle debris – wing mirrors, bumpers, hub caps etc.

Also a big thank you to those who regularly pick up litter when out walking. It all helps. Please take care when packing your recycling boxes – if it’s all pressed down into the box it stands less chance of being blown out!

The next pick will take place November time – check Link Up for information. Jean Alger-Green

Kingston St Mary Good Neighbours Kingston St Mary Good Neighbours is a volunteer scheme designed to help people who may feel isolated or lonely, those needing temporary support after leaving hospital, those needing periodic help with things like prescriptions, essential shopping, collecting library books, or those who would just value a chat over a cup of tea.

The scheme is to start after Easter and is not just for the elderly. It is to support all ages, combat loneliness and to make local residents feel they are part of the community. A contact number will be published for you to call if you feel that you could benefit or know of anyone that would - we are here to help. Alternatively, email [email protected]

28 Additionally if you feel you could spare an hour or two every now and again to volunteer, we would like to hear from you and about the areas of support you would be able to offer. Please contact Nicky Perry on 451415 to discuss volunteering or email [email protected] All personal information will be treated in confidence in line with the Data Protection Act 2018, and all volunteers will be DBS checked and First Aid trained. Kingston is a caring and friendly village and we don’t want anyone to feel lonely or isolated, whatever their age or circumstances.

Thanks to L.U.G.C. from K.S.M.P.S.G.C. ! On behalf of the KSM Primary School Gardening Club I must thank the Link Up Garden Club for the huge amount of work they put in to organise a very successful coffee morning and plant sale held at the school on Sat 2nd March.

The aim was twofold. To raise funds for the Children’s Garden Club which initiating with 10 members two years ago, now has 20 enthusiastic participants each week. But also to attract and recruit some new younger members to the Link Up Club whose members are sadly diminishing. With no funding available we have been dependent on some generous gifts to develop the school garden to grow suitable produce and hopefully become financially self- supporting. With the very generous contribution from Saturday’s plant sale we are now back in funds and ready to show further progress. A huge thank you from Judy Rhodes, her enthusiastic helpers and the young gardeners.

Anyone Remember! It was 1939 – 41. Early stages of WW2 Four of us children, Pat and Jean Thorne, Keith and Enid Armstong, aged between 5 and 11, were crossing the field called Canal Mead behind Broomfield Old Post Office, where the Nation family lived and old Mrs Caddick. The field belonged to my Uncle Will Thorne of Duckspool Farm and we children were on our way across to our secret play area in Fyne Court. 29 Halfway across, we were terrified as a huge bomber slowly roared overhead almost clipping the top of the huge beech trees along the Avenue. In panic we all threw ourselves flat on the ground thinking it was a German bomber about to bomb or machine gun us. The plane however continued unsurely, veering left and disappearing into the trees of Antonia Wood at the top of Buncombe Hill.

Everything was kept very secret. We learnt later however that it was a Wellington Bomber of the Canadian Air Force. It crashed, burst into flames, killing all the pilots and gunners except one, who, although seriously injured, was carried up to The Pines and into the little shop on the left.

My cousin, Muriel Thorne, a nurse training ay Kilve, Williton and Musgrove, was immediately transported to the site (how, I do not know, as no mobiles at the time!). She attended to the wounded airman, who sadly died there. Many years later, Major Hamilton, Squire of Broomfield, tried to have a plaque or memorial erected at the top of Buncombe in memory of the men. It did not happen.

Was the aircraft trying to avoid us children? Any memories or memorial ideas? Keith Armstrong 01749 673380

TO THE EDITOR Please could I give a public thank you to all Kingston people who helped me when I slipped over on black ice during the snow early in February. I am especially thankful to Rita Cramp who alerted the Wilcox family. Sarah sat with me for 3 hours in A & E where I was told I was free of serious injury – what I wasn’t told was how painful bruising could be. However, I am happy to say I have no ill effects – but I won’t venture out in snow again. Thanks also to Lorraine and Emma and all who helped to walk and care for Molly. I know she enjoyed the attention. I really am grateful for everyone’s concern and prayers. Margery Gillett For sale/wanted/lost and found

30 There is no charge for these notices. However due to limited space, please keep wording to a maximum of 50 words.

WANTED: Honey Bee Swarms. Paul and Annie Trolley Tel: 01823 451312 [email protected]

WANTED: For the KSM Primary School Gardening Club. Redundant garden tables. Conditions unimportant. Any offers to Judy Rhodes 01823 451792

WANTED: Grazing wanted to buy or long term rent for private equestrian use. Water, shelter and power a bonus. Very experienced, friendly, reliable and local owner/tenant who will take care of all pasture management. Please call 07890180551

FOR SALE Roses and Hummingbirds, G.P.Baker Fabric 2 x double width curtains. Professionally made, fully lined and hand finished. Pretty heading and leading edge in toning red. Drop 210 cms. £60 for PAIR. 2 x Plain cream curtains edged in rose coloured check Tab headings. Unlined. Drop 176 cms Width 136cms £30 for pair Tel: 01823 451690 Jane Churchill

OFFER! Brother Electronic typewriter + new unused tape. Good condition. Useful if you have no computer or access to one. Phone 01823 270100. Small donation to charity.

STOP PRESS from Cheddon Church. If you would like to order an Easter lily in memory of a loved one, phone Thelma Burnett 01823 412192.

31 Commercial Advertisement – 1/3 A5 page may be placed at a cost of £8.00 at the discretion of, and following discussion with, the Editor.

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Domestic, Commercial and Agricultural Made to measure Choice of finish and colour Supplied and fitted throughout the South West Competitive pricing Quick turn around Professional and reliable CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TODAY 01823 451631

www.easy-roll.com

Willow Art Workshop

run by Jo Sadler. Learn how to make chickens, hares, owls … maybe even a deer!

All abilities welcome, all materials supplied.

Dates: 27th April, 18th May and 22nd June.

Venue: The Lavender Barn, Westleigh Farm, Broomfield For further information phone 01823 240401

Gifted Justin Colquhoun from Elite Horsemanship ( https://elitehorsemanship.com/) is visiting UK from Australia and will

be running clinics designed to develop the connection and

understanding between horse and rider. Public clinic at Conquest indoor arena on 11 May; outdoor clinic for riders from Manor Farm, Broomfield on 10 May. Justin is fascinating to watch in action. If you don’t have a horse, come along and observe for a small fee…there will be cake!

Contact Dixie Darch for details [email protected]

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