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Capturing the spirit

Sometimes in life there is a moment into place and it felt right when I Village News when all the dials, cogs and wheels first came to . I neatly click into place. A moment walked into Townsend Cottage in May 2021 when you know you are where you 2004 and felt instantly at home. are meant to be. Fifty years ago Now here I am taking on the that happened to me when I was Village News. But before you sit Welcome back Village News offered a job on a computer maga- back and look to be entertained I Coming out of lockdown seems different this time, summer is zine. This is history, way back be- should warn you—it’s also up to here and of course those in the most vulnerable age groups fore Steve Jobs had a garage, and you. To be a well rounded maga- have had their vaccinations, the pressure on the NHS has Bill Gates had made his first $100. zine, to reflect you and your inter- eased (at least from Covid – many huge challenges remain) and Business journalism found me and I ests, to be a window into the villag- families and friends can meet up and mix again. Organisations, found my place. A broad mix of es at their best, it needs your sup- including the Church, have started to open, sport and other magazines have filled a publishing port. Tell me who you are, what in- recreation activities have begun to happen again. Let us hope career between then and now: tech- terests you, what you think is, or that this progress will continue and that together we will be nology, medical, local government, isn’t going on around you. Point out able to avoid yet another national lockdown. human resources, even farming. what needs to be noticed and what

The common theme in all has been, you like about living here. Get in- Right now in Church we are in the season of Easter where we celebrate things don’t stay the same but the volved and together we will put to- the emergence of something new out of a seemingly impossible situation, community goes on. gether a magazine that puts just this triggers in me the hope that we will be able to build back better, to Business journalism itself enough oil into the right corners to create something new that will reflect some of what we have learnt was broken apart by new media and make the spirit of this community through this pandemic, of what matters to us. We face enormous chal- now reappears in many different click smoothly into place. lenges around the climate, the persistent inequalities we face in our coun- forms of new media. The cogs slid Helena Sturridge– Editor try and our stretched public services. If we can find the same resolve to tackle these issues as we have shown in meeting the challenges of corona- In brief... there is enough demand it shouldn’t virus, then the future looks hopeful. Women and girls cricket – starting be more expensive, and could be 5th May softball cricket every cheaper than current services avail- I wonder what you hope for in our villages – are there things that you Wednesday, 6.30pm, at the North able – register your interest on the think we could do differently in the light of the last year? Are there Perrott Cricket Club. All ages (+12) village website things you are doing differently already? In the Church at Haselbury, we welcome, including complete begin- www.northperrott.org. are facing challenges, including the need for a new roof! The possitopia ners. Contact Melanie White Cha- later in the magazine (p.4) is just some musings from me; I wonder how it [email protected]. North Perrott parish council news strikes you? With every blessing for the month ahead. will be sent straight to your email Jonathan Morris Broadband signal too slow to keep inbox if you sign up on the village the family online? - North Perrott is website www.northperrott.org. You The Village News is delivered free to all households in the parishes of looking into setting up a local hub will then automatically get notifica- and North Perrott and available online at to bring faster speeds, as are al- tion of forthcoming parish council www.northperrott.org and www.haselburystm.org. If you have been ready available in Haselbury, to the meetings and other important vil- missed out on the rounds, or could help with deliveries to neighbours who poorly served areas of the village. If lage notices. haven’t received it let us know at [email protected]. 32 1

At Haselbury Plucknett Pre-School, we offer high quality Early Years Education and Care for children from 2 to 5 years old. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm, term time only. We offer 30 hours FREE education to eligible families. For more information please contact us Telephone: 01460 72833 Email: haselburyplucknettschool@educ..gov.uk Website: www.haselburyplucknettschool.co.uk Facebook: @HPpresch

The White Horse Haselbury Plucknett

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through a very difficult year, we have survived by the loyalty and kindness of so many of our lovely customers. It is wonderful to have our guests back (almost) in the pub. So far we have been lucky with the weather! We are open as usual from Wednesday lunch until Sunday lunch. It is strictly bookings only. as we have only six tables in our garden. The menu is on our website and Facebook page available for eat in or take away (with a 20% discount for take-away) Thank you, Richard, Rebecca and all the team at the White Horse!

Please visit our website for more details www.thewhitehorsehaselbury.com or call 01460 78873.

2 31 Haselbury Wildlife and Habitats Group Mike Watkins Editor, R.I.P On the year’s first edition of the village news, we remember and say Hopefully, as your garden to give protection to thank you to our previous editor Mike Watkins, who died suddenly at we welcome slow worms and rodents who are home on the 24th January. Mike took on the job of editor back in 2012. the return of being targeted by cats and corvids. Although the world of computer publishing was not familiar to him, he summer, we We have been giving thought took on the job as it needed to be done and he found his way around the will be seeing as to how we can involve more peo- wonders of modern technology. Of course, he was familiar with the mag- less of Covid- ple in our group before our projects azine as he had been responsible for its printing for the previous few 19 and can get the go ahead. We already have years. The magazine was always on time and if a regular piece had not carefully enjoy a Facebook page and have now set arrived, Mike would send a brief email by way of a reminder. He was being with our families and friends up a Wildlife and Habitats forgiving of late entrants and many a magazine had a last-minute insert again. Certainly, the Wildlife and WhatsApp Group where we can folded inside. If it did annoy him, he was far too courteous to say. At the Habitats Group are looking forward post photos, ask questions, answer turn of the year, Mike was looking forward to a restart, but the New to meeting in person rather than them or just comment. Year lockdown made this impossible. the dreaded Zoom. If you would like to be part of Like all good editors, Mike had his favourite watering holes – in We have a few projects in this, please let me know your name his case No 7 in or Tamborino’s in . Coffee and good their early stages and will share and mobile number and our Chair- conversation with friends was just what this editor enjoyed! Thank you them when we can. Nest boxes are man, Terry Bagley, will add you to Mike for all your hard work over so many years and for the huge contri- now in use. It’s exhausting just the group. If you would like to bution you made to village life in so many different ways. You are missed watching the comings and goings of know more, or to offer a hand and by many. birds as they get ready for their get involved in the range of projects One of the many activities with which Mike was involved was the brood. we are setting up please get in book stall and later in the summer when lockdown allows, we aim to I saw some house martins touch by phone or email. We will hold a bumper book sale in his memory! flying overhead today and I know be looking forward to hearing from Jonathan Morris swallows have been spotted, both of you. which make me smile but please Alison: 01460 72973 don’t forget to leave wild areas in or [email protected] B. A. Wallbridge Plumbing & Heating Ltd

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Building back better at St Michael’s Jonathan Morris offers his thoughts on what we could be looking - 24 hour Emergency Service at, five years from now, if we let our imaginations go and - Locks changed, repaired & re- reshape our community spaces for the future. placed - New locks fitted Our five year Church survey has each other. ‘Do not waste,’ say the - UPVC door & window service told us that our concrete tiled roof older generations; reuse and recycle - Key cutting on site has reached the end of it’s life and say the youngsters. Old and young needs to be replaced. This is a ma- working together. Wisdom and en- For a free non-obligation quota- jor piece of work but we are commit- ergy fruitfully combining in creative tion, please contact me today. ted to doing the necessary fundrais- ways. The new found space in the ing (likely to be in the region of old Church liberates imaginations. OAP discounts given and no VAT £100K), we have also been wonder- Music is flourishing – a choir to pay. ing about making the interior of the singing sacred and secular songs; building more flexible for a range of folk musicians relishing the space Mobile: 07541 697203 different activities. and the acoustics to ply their trade. Possitopia ... The school children find the church Tel: 01460 75038 Email [email protected] The Church is now a warm welcom- an ideal place to practice their in- ing space, remodelled, with a new struments. Play readings and story- www.adams-locks.co.uk roof and a heating system part tellers discover willing hearts, and imaginations. The prolonged time of fuelled by the solar panels that had been installed. The pews have been separation has rekindled the desire removed to open up the interior, to be together. Activities flourish in allowing different activities to hap- the new found space in the church – pen. Initial anxieties have melted yoga and pilates, book lending and away as new things emerged. Barn tool sharing as we find ways of dances and baptisms, wassails and building back better, together. weddings mean that the church has People helped each other out North Perrott become a place where life events through lock down – shopping, col- WASHER WOMEN are celebrated. The kitchen has lecting medicines, being a listening Open Gardens & Fete been improved to enable simple ca- ear and sharing transport where washing and ironing service tering and a pop up bar has been necessary. That continues – a group or ironing only created to serve refreshments; cider meets regularly over cake and cof- collection and delivery included Sadly the popular St and coffee, pints - and parables. fee to ensure support continues – based in Haselbury Plucknett Martin’s church fund- As people start doing things that people are not left lonely, fear- for more information please ful and isolated. raisers will be postponed together again, there is a real thirst As local food was valued in until 2022. But watch for sharing skills and ideas. An ex- Contact hibition generated art and craft en- the pandemic, so now there is grow- this space for other ing interest in fruit and vegetable Sam on 07813 165696 thusiasm, with people coming to- smaller events. gether to inspire and encourage growing. A regular monthly market

4 29 meets to sell and share surplus different now though; less a discrete home grown produce and an eco pop activity on a Sunday morning and -up supermarket comes on the last more part of the woof and warp of Saturday of the month. community life in all its shape and We are still a church and form. And for that we give thanks. gather to worship together; it feels Jonthan Morris

What do you think? A meeting is forward. Please come along and planned for June, in St Michael’s share your views or email Village Church. Those interested in the News at hpnp-parishnews future for our community spaces @hotmail.co.uk or Jonathan Morris can meet to discuss possible ways at [email protected].

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The log-fired hot tub has been incredibly popular, guests often take a short walk to eat at the White Horse and then return to enjoy a long, neck deep soak in the tub. Glampers compliment the styling, the attention to detail, the comfy bed, the HOT TUB, it’s peaceful, private location and the cosiness, even during the depths of winter thanks to the log burner.

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HOSKYNS MEMORIAL HALL NORTH PERROT Registered Charity 1029582

Reopening June 21st! COFFEE AND CHAT Pop in for that long-awaited community catchup. 50p including biscuits. Resuming as normal every Monday excluding bank holidays 10.30 - 12 noon Everyone welcome.

AGM Date to be agreed. Coming soon after June 21st with a minimum of 5 days’ notice.

COVID COMPLIANT. The Hoskyns Memorial Hall will be operating in accordance with the latest gov- ernment guidelines to ensure safety and security. The hall offers excellent facilities and is available for hire. For news on events and clubs also see us on Fa- cebook or contact Sam 07974 620859

6 27 North Somerset welcomes Syrian families Bright Sparks and New Skills News from the Diocese of Bath and Wells where a team of For some of us, the disruption of recent months has provided the volunteers are supporting refugees. impetus to learn new skills and experiment.

In the last few years Nailsea has was a little hesitant decision. Peo- Family connection has been a life- every child learn as a part of the played its part in welcoming Syrian ple, home, country. Everything, will line to many us over the last 14 school curriculum. families from war-torn areas and be different. The English language months. Lynn Cameron, whose fa- It was a small legacy that refugee camps, was difficult for me. We found a ther passed away last year, has a spurred Sarah McDonald into ac- Elaine Atkinson co- voluntary job for my husband and sister living in Reading, Jennifer, tion. Sarah is a creative person not ordinates a team of volunteers my son started going to pre-school with whom she has always been short of ideas. She put her inher- brought together by Christians To- and found great friends. All the close. Staying connected was im- itance towards buying a Cricut gether in Nailsea and District people were wonderful and accom- portant, so Lynn decided to do machine. What is a Cricut? It’s a (CTNAD). They support refugees modating and welcomed our pres- something she had meant to do, machine that can cut just about who have arrived in Nailsea with ence with them. This was our first but just never got around to – a gift any material and given the right the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Re- two years and it was difficult, dif- to her sister. She learnt to sign. circumstances can turn a house- location Scheme (SVPRS). ferent, and stressful, wonderful She says, “We now have two things happened, and difficult Her sister is profoundly deaf. hold in to a small scale manufac- families here and are keen to wel- things too. Then everything became Growing up together they had de- turing plant. An idea sparked by come others. We work closely with better and better. Language and veloped their own ways of com- her grandfather’s allergy to mor- North Somerset Council who will self-confidence. We adapted to soci- municating. phine set Sarah on her way. With welcome 12 more families to the ety.” A gift to a sister the help of the Cricut she made county. The main obstacle to doing North Somerset Council When Jennifer was a child, signing him a medical alert device, a small this is finding suitable private land- would like to support more refugee was actively discouraged, the ac- portable item (keyring, badge, lord rental accommodation.” families. If you are a landlord or cepted thinking was that children neckchain) that he can carry with Two families now living in Nailsea have a rental property, contact the needed to learn to lip read to inte- him which in an emergency would have shared their stories about life Refugee Resettlement Team on grate better with their hearing alert anyone helping him. here. A mother from one family 01934 427275 or email caro- peers. In adulthood Jennifer learnt Spread the word says, “As for moving to Britain, it [email protected]. to sign and uses it with friends and Friends got to hear about it and family. Lynn just hadn’t got round Sarah was soon in business making to it. “Deafness is so isolating,” personalised medical alerts for a says Lynn and even more so at the multitude of different needs from Dennis Evans moment with the ‘stay at home’ diabetes, to autism. There was message. “My decision was my way enough demand to encourage her to BUILDING SERVICES open an online shop and start sell- of doing something for my .” Is it Property Refurbishment Specialists ing them to order. This is not just hard to learn? “Signing is very con- Painting and decorating * Wallpaper Hanging Wall another “job”, more of an outlet for cise” says Lynn, and “I had to un- and Floor Tiling * Plumbing and Bathrooms the McDonald creative spirit. She Plastering * Fully insured Estimates and advice learn bad habits” she adds. But in without obligation is already expanding the range into practice it is just another language. other personalised items. “I enjoy 01460 76139 or 07831 765262 One that Lynn would like to see designing (Continued on p.9)

26 7 New Neighbours doesn’t like men. He and his owner IAN CROSSLAND For those of you who knew Bryan Slaney McCaldin have moved from 4 The Green, Stoford, Yeovil, BA22 9UD “Badger” Goss you will be pleased London, by way of and to know that his Puddletown resi- now to North Perrott’s Middle Tel: 01935 411813 dence is renamed Badger’s Rest and Street (Shaston Cottage). Asked Mob: 07811 070 498 now home to his daughter Debbie what she misses about Winsham – Parsons, her keen cyclist husband “being able to just walk to Forde PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Andrew and their two sons Ian Abbey” says Slaney, “but I have gained a very friendly village and (based in London) and Adam a • Carpentry Forex Trader (who knew, Haselbury lots of dog walkers.” • Hanging Doors, replacing skirting board and is now a financial trading hub). Chris and Drew Dearden are architrave Debbie, whose day job is managing the new residents at The Old School • the Crewkerne accountants, House, North Perrott. They have Making/restoring leaded windows Chalmers, is waiting for lockdown been New Forest dwellers most of • Interior and exterior decorating to end to bring us all her expertise their lives. Drew was in the High- • Wallpapering in essential oils with a series of ways Engineering Department in workshops and classes. Southampton while and Chris No job too small Watchout for Fergus he is a worked in a local school and latterly For a friendly, reliable, local service please give me a call very bouncy wire-haired dachs- at a medical centre. But they are hund. If he gives you a wide berth it travellers at heart. Drew hesitates may be just a gender thing, he when asked which was the best

Bed and Breakfast Crowning Glory (all rooms ensuite) Mobile hairdresser The Glebe House Complementary Therapy Claycastle for Body & Mind Salon quality hairdressing in your own home, reasonable Haselbury Plucknett Through its holistic approach to stress rates and fully insured. reduction and relaxation, Reiki stimulates and strengthens the body’s capacity to self- Please call me to arrange an heal, restoring inner balance and appointment or to discuss your promoting wellbeing needs! www.somersetreiki.com Jessica Andrews 01460 929255 Tel. 01460 78774 Fax. 01460 78773 Mobile. 07979 594392 Sara Morley [email protected] or 07740 817137 07484 636577 Email. [email protected] www.glebehousesomerset.co.uk

8 25 trip. “Perhaps Tanzinia” he says (Bright Sparks Cont’d) individual but the “Romanian brown bears notebooks. Designing is fun” she come a close second”. They have says. If you would like to see the arrived in Somerset looking for new medical alerts Sarah is making, or adventures and possibly a new dog. have a friend who could use one, NICK RUTTER But as they haven’t finally decided take a look at her online shop Ele- CHIMNEY SWEEP on that point there is an offer to gance, Crafts, Gifts at https:// etsy.me/3x5HfQr Experienced, Approved walk other people’s dogs for now. Established 10 Years All types of fires and If you have new neighbours please let Village News know so appliances cleaned with that we can contact them. And if you or your friends and family have spe- brush and vacuum cial skills, businesses we might not know about or unusual interests — Local Businesses Full insurance valid Certificate issued with encourage them to share their stories with us. email: [email protected] If you would like to advertise every visit on these pages Tel: 01460 52951 www.guildofmastersweeps contact us. chimneysweeps.co.uk

[email protected]

Double Glazing Repairs

Your Locally Established Experts In All Forms Of Double Glazed Window & Door Repairs We Specialise In Repairs, Refurbishment and Replacement, Misted Up Double Glazed Units, Handles, Hinges, Locks, Glass, Patio Door Rollers, Letterboxes, Conservatory Roof Cleaning. Installation of Secondary Double Glazing and Replacement Guttering, Facia & Weatherboarding.

Repairs Are Cheaper Than You Think! Save ££££’s Call For A FREE, Honest, No Obligation Quote We’re Not Just Another Double Glazing Company, We’re The Specialists In Our Field The Care & Repair Company 01460 72142 24 9 The Haselbury Plucknett Charities Oasis Coffee Shop @ BCC is now open!! Registered Charity No 201573

Who we are, and how we help people The Haselbury Charities consist of three old charities founded to support the poor, elderly and sick of the parish, and to help fund education and Outdoor seating only (weather permitting) work tools for young people. 2020 was a tough year financially for many Indoor seating after May 17th and 2021 will also be a challenging year. With low interest rates, the trustees have only a small amount to give out each year. We give small Tuesdays and Thursdays grants where the need is greatest and we will consider all applications. from 10am-12noon. For example, if you are struggling to pay heating bills, or to afford fuel and parking for hospital appointments, you may wish to apply for a small subsidy. Applicants can telephone the correspondent to the Trustees in For more details: strict confidence on 01460 73141 or can write to: Haselbury Plucknett Charities, c/o Stonehayes, Haselbury Plucknett, TA18 7PH. Tel: 01460 73147 or 01935 864414 Help us – just give us a Smile The Haselbury Plucknett Charities registered last year as an Amazon Smile good cause. If you nominate Mary Ann Wood for Poor of Haselbury Plucknett as your chosen charity at smile.amazon.co.uk, Amazon will do- nate 0.5% to us every time you shop, at no cost to you. This mounts up and could boost our annual income considerably. Charities don’t come much more local than ours. This money will be used for your fellow vil- lagers in need. LITTLE WRIGGLERS

All that you need to do is log in to Smile.Amazon and select the charity Mary Ann Wood For The Poor Of Haselbury Plucknett as your Amazon Smile good cause. It’s a GOOD NEWS!!! Little Wrigglers parent & toddler group cumbersome name, but is returning on Mondays from 17th May @10 -11:30am @ it is the charity under The Bible Christian Centre. which we are registered with the Charities Com- Come and play and enjoy some yummy cakes and drinks mission. Keep smiling, that are available to buy. We specialise in beautiful, well-priced vintage because you can rest For more information... mirrors. Many are sourced in France. assured that only genu- VISIT US AT THE EMPORIUM ine deserving local cases contact Paula Harris on 01935 864414 39 PRINCES STREET, YEOVIL BA20 will benefit from your 1EG thoughtful gesture. Open Mon - Sat 9 - 5.30 Thank you, your support See a selection on Instagram: chalk and chisel will make a difference to local people.

10 23 Bible Christian Centre Services

Sundays 10am Family celebration @BCC and Facebook Live If you have children that would like to come, please let us know by email, us- ing the address below, to make sure there is a craft pack ready for your child. Sundays 11am Believers’ service @ BCC and Facebook Live Sundays 6pm Communion & teaching service - Zoom

Tuesdays 10am, Prayer meeting @ BCC and Zoom 7:30pm, Question Time - Zoom

Wednesdays 10:30am Communion - @ BCC and Zoom

Fridays 10:30am Coffee & catch up - Zoom

If you would like to join us on Zoom for any of the above services / meet- ings, please email: [email protected] for details. Please visit our Facebook page / website: www.biblechristiancentre.org.uk for details of any additional events

‘The Lord will guard you and He is by your side’. (Psalm 121:5)

22 11 A Polite Notice FOR ALL YOUR WINDOW, DOOR AND CONSERVATORY NEEDS To enjoy the freedom of the the orchards and fields around us everyone must respect the rules of the countryside We are specialist The North Perrott Fruit Farm has always welcomed villagers from North suppliers and Perrott and Haselbury, who want to walk, or exercise their dogs, respon- installers of PVCu sibly on the farm. With so many new residents in both villages, I hope and aluminium that the following guidelines will help everyone understand that we are windows, doors and still a working farm and the increasing strain that ever more walkers are conservatories. We putting on our everyday operations. Please follow the rules. fully employ all of our fitters and glaziers, • Be aware of when you are on a public footpath and when you are not. and manufacture Members of staff will take particular care when operating machinery sealed units in our near a public footpath. North Perrott Parish Council and the District factory in Crewkerne. Footpaths Officer have definitive maps of the footpaths on the farm and the official diversions and agreed permissive rights of way. • When walking off a public footpath, keep to the obvious tracks and headlands. When walking off the footpaths, you do so only with the 01460 73570 landowner’s permission and without conferring any rights of way oth- er than those registered with the District Council. www.allglass-glazing.co.uk • Do not walk on the crops, freshly drilled grass leys or down the alley- ways between the fruit trees. • Stay away from farm buildings and do not climb on stacked wooden bins. • Take care around the spray tanks, especially with pets drinking from puddles that may be contaminated with plant protection products. • Stay well clear of operating machinery, especially sprayers. The op- erators may not be looking in your direction! If you hear a tractor and you are off the footpath, please give it a wide berth. • Under no circumstances may bicycles be ridden off public rights of way or cars parked anywhere on the farm, unless specifically invited to do so. • We welcome dogs at all times but, during August and September they must be kept on leads while in the orchards. Dogs chasing wildlife (or just playing) can cause significant damage to the apple crop by run- ning under the trees. Remember that while it might be fun to watch your dogs chase our deer, if they were to catch one, it would be a criminal offence! • Horse riders are only welcome with the express permission of the

12 21 Landowner. So do not build jumps, we have to move them for the tractors to pass by. As farmers, we are legally responsible for the health and safety of everyone on the farm, invited or not. Make sure that your actions, however innocent, do not interrupt or delay farm staff in their daily tasks or place them in a position where they may unwittingly be breaking the law. In short, please act responsibly and with respect to business and crops which are a necessary part of the livelihood of hardworking members of both our villages. Thank you for your co-operation. Jonathan Hoskyns Weather Notes Jan and Feb were very wet months but followed by a very dry March, when 32mm(1.2 inches) was record- ed, this being 48% of normal. So far in April , at the time of writing (18th) , we have had only 2.7mm (0.1 of an inch). During March the mean temp of 8C was half a degree above average. The 120 sunhours was 95% of average. Those who have a ba- rometer will have noticed a high reading on 27th February. I recorded a high of 1044mbs. Other parts of the UK had higher readings, highest since 1926. John Kellaway

20 13 The Community Orchard Village Services May 2021

The orchard has kept on growing life, when St Dunstan was Abbot of Since the retirement of the last Crewkerne Rector the remaining through covid – although we have Glastonbury – where the monks clergy have to share the leading of services in not been able to look after it in the brewed beer and sold it for profit – all six parishes of the Wulfric Benefice. usual way. By the time you read St Dunstan made a bargain with It has therefore been necessary to cut the overall number of services. this the trees should be coming into the devil so that there would be a For the time being, the service pattern for the three villages of blossom – the time of apple-blooth late frost around 19th May that Misterton, North Perrott and Haselbury will therefore be as shown below. as Thomas Hardy would say – one would harm the cider apple crop. of the most beautiful periods in the A similar story is told in parts of orchard year when all is new and Devon – involving a brewer named full of the promise of spring. Franklin – and in Devon the Frank- There is a particular legend lin days are 19th, 20th and 21st May. in Somerset about St Whether the stories Dunstan’s day – 19th are true or not who May – which is im- knows … but late portant to cider mak- frosts can come in ers. St Dunstan was May and cause harm, the Archbishop of particularly for the Canterbury from 960 later blossoming cider to 978 and was born apples. As life starts near Glastonbury in to get back to normal about 915. St Dun- we can begin meeting stan is the patron and looking after the saint of blacksmiths orchard again. As – there is a much long as the national more famous story timetable to ease re- about him catching the devil on one strictions is followed we will have occasion by the nose with a pair of maintenance days on: red hot tongs. Saturday 5th June, 10:30-12 (no more than 30 people, socially dis- “St Dunstan, as the story goes, tanced) For the time being we still observe strict COVID precautions, Once pull’d the devil by the nose Saturday 3rd July, 10:30-12 Social distancing, masks, no singing and fresh air. With red-hot tongs which made (hopefully back to normal with cake him roar, and refreshments) Please come The Rev Jonathan Morris 01460 72356 [email protected] That he was heard miles or more.” along to support the orchard. We Reader: Mrs Hilde Bucknell (76450) [email protected] are likely to be clearing around the But if the legends of Somerset trees and tidying the boundaries so CHURCHWARDENS cider makers can be believed this come with tools to do this. All are was not the only encounter between very welcome. Haselbury: Mr J. Bames-Yallowley(929535) [email protected] the two, Matthew Bryant (tel. 73454) Mr Julian Brooks (279603) [email protected] It is said that, earlier in his [email protected] North Perrott: Mrs Alison Stevens (76214) [email protected]

14 19 Back to School Haselbury in Bloom 2021 On Monday 8th March we welcomed Doorstep Challenge all of our pupils back to school. The children settled into school routines In Bloom will take place this year as part of the village’s very quickly and were excited to re- Haselbury in Bloom activities. The theme is ‘My door- connect with their friends. This term step, my story’. There are no restrictions on how you approach the chal- we have prioritised well-being and lenge other than plants must be involved and your entry must be show- building relationships alongside their academic learning. cased on your doorstep. Entry is free. Over this recent period of remote education we have seen children make progress in their learning at Haselbury Plucknett C of E First Entries will be judged on overall effectiveness of display, effort made, originality of design and plants used. The prizes are gardening vouchers School. This is down to the partnership between our teachers and fami- for the three best entries £25, £15, £10. lies. Parents and carers engaged well with the school and we are thankful for their support, they have been amazing! To enter, post/deliver your completed entry form to Dominic Boyse, We were thankful to the community donations the school received Cranford, North Street by 30th June. You will receive a number which to support families with devices. We received a donation from Haselbury confirms your entry and needs to be included in your display. Charities and refurbished devices were donated from Dailyz. We are delighted with how our pupils have returned and how quickly Further updates will be published in the Village News, on the Haselbury in Bloom Facebook page and on notice boards in the village. they have settled. Our corridors are full of that joyful buzz again.

At the end of term, our children delivered an Easter Service to the Any questions or if you would like to participate in other wasy, eg organ- parents via Youtube with support of Reverend Jonathan. This service ising a plant stall, or seed exchange box please contact me on 07961 was centred around the Easter story and Easter traditions. The children 453584 or [email protected]. in school and pre-school shared Easter Gardens they had designed at home. As we start the Summer Term, we looked forwards to lots of out- Haselbury in Bloom 2021 door learning and growng supported by Jeanette Farrant, who is teaching our children (and some staff!) how to grow their own. Doorstep Challenge Anne Higginbotham Name ……………………………………………………………………….

Address ……………………………………………………………………….

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………………………………………………………………………. Entry is Free. Please complete and post/deliver to Dominic Boyse at Cranford, North Street. You will begiven a number to confirm your en- try. And this should be included in your display. A photo will be taken, including your number and judging will take place on a day to be con- firmed. 1st Prize £25, 2nd Prize £15, 3rd Prize £10 garden vouchers. 18 15 Haselbury Plucknett Women’s Institute Did you see us in the Community has meant we’ve been able to join Orchard? Did you hear the cork other WIs for fascinating talks pop? Some of you saw five of us without leaving the safety of our sitting in a large circle to discuss homes. God bless the WI! Where vital WI business, drink cham- there’s a WI there’s a way. pagne and eat wedding cake. We When village life opens up, it will were celebrating a member’s wed- be a great opportunity to try some- ding anniversary and her grand- thing new. If you are interested in daughter’s marriage. Grandma joining us, please contact Gill or couldn’t attend, but she was with Barbara on the numbers below. We the young couple in spirit. It was- can then keep you up to date by n’t a warm spring day, but that phone or email. Haselbury WI meant the champagne stayed looks forward to a wide range of WELCOME BACK - We are hoping to open chilled. Haselbury WI may not speakers when our meetings re- th have been able to hold its regular sume on the first Wednesday of again on 17 May but in the meantime meetings for a year, but we’ve en- every month. we are looking for a person who is a confident joyed outdoor meetings and had For information phone Gill, 01460 some useful Zoom sessions. Zoom 271134, or Barbara 73141 home cook to join us at The Manor Arms on a part-time basis (approx. 25/30 hours per week – to suit trade) It will involve both cook- ing and general running of the kitchen. All our food is homemade and any previous experi- ence of pub cooking would be very helpful. Please ring me at home on 01460 77593 and we can chat in more detail. Liz Neville (landlady)

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