Passing the Pencil …… To be more accurate, it’s more like ‘Passing the Keyboard’ as, from the next issue, you will have a new editor for the Parish Maga- zine - one who, I’m sure, will pay more attention to correct grammar and spelling than myself. I’m pleased that Caroline Sanderson from has volunteered to take over the role and, like all fresh blood, will bring good new ideas of her own. There’s been a long succession of folk who have done this for the community and I have gained in- creased respect for every one of them. It is both a social and socia- ble role and I’d like to thank all who’ve been patient with my blun- ders of bin-days, my lack of local knowledge (after all, I’m an immi- grant from Hampshire) but especial- ly for confusing Church and Chapel in my first issue. I’m sure Caroline will do much better. The parish magazine is important as it is the single communication path that is open for everyone, on the Internet or not. However, by nature of being printed material, by the time it comes through your door it is at best one month, at worst three months behind current time. This puts pressure on contributors to get event …… Continued on page 3

Facebook: Meare and Westhay News Website: www.meareandwesthay.com

1 2 details correct and doesn’t accommodate change or events that are or- ganised after the copy has gone to the printers. This is where the Parish Website (www.meareandwesthay.com) has a dynamic advantage and Steve Edwards in Meare does a great job keeping it both informative and up-to-date. We also have the ‘near live’ Facebook page that definitely has growing usage. There is an ‘un-sung’ army of volunteers who stick 660 copies of the mag- azine through your doors and I want to thank you for what they do for us: ● Alan Wren ● Jess & Chris Evans ● Pat Adlam ● Alison Whitcombe ● Jo & Rob Franks ● Roger Padfield ● Anne Brown ● Kathy Griffiths ● Sandra Dyga ● Anne Walsh-Waring ● Les Keen ● Shirley Rogers ● Cath Peters ● Marie Davis ● Sue Fuller ● Chris Bennetts ● Mary Balch ● Chris & Freya Sharp ● Muriel Baker ● Sue King ● Janet Westover ● Nicky Martin MAGAZINE DATES & CONTACT INFORMATION ISSUE DEADLINE DISTRIBUTION June / July 1st May 2019 31st May 2019 Aug / Sept 1st July 2019 31st July 2019 ● Please send all articles and advertising to: Caroline Sanderson (Editor) at [email protected] ( 01458-860295 ) ● MATERIAL RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE CANNOT BE INCLUDED. ● A down-load copy of Meare & Westhay Village News is available from: www.meareandwesthay.com ADVERTISING RATES Meare & Westhay Village News welcomes Rates are per annum - six copies all and any contributions to the magazine. Outside Back Cover (Colour) However it should be remembered that any views or comments expressed are 1/8 Page 1/4 Page those of the individual contributor and do £36.00 £66.00 not in any way reflect the opinion of the Inside Front or Back Cover (Monochrome) magazine, the Editor or the Parish Council. 1/8 Page 1/4 Page The editorial team also wish to make it £33.00 £60.00 clear they reserve the right to amend, edit Inside Pages (Monochrome) or omit any article or contribution in the interests of legality, public decency, avail- 1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page ability of space or any other reason. £27.50 £49.00 £92.00 £180.00 Invoices for advertisements will be sent by the Treasurer (Mrs Ann Giles) and must be settled prior to appearance of the advert in the magazine. Cheques should be made payable to “MEARE PARISH MAGAZINE FUND”

3 ANNOUNCEMENTS - ANNIVERSARIES - Congratulations to Jean & Ivan Hill (Westhay) It was 1959 and Harold Macmillan was our Prime Minister, Eisenhower was in charge of the US and Khrushchev was the first Russian president ever to pop-in for a visit there. Maybe Khrushchev was trying to explain why Luna 2 had crashed on the Moon’s surface or boast that Luna 3 was sending pictures from the far side. That was also the year when Xerox also had a major launch: the first commercial copying machine. One in three families owned a car in Britain though not everyone could afford the newly introduced Aston Martin DB4’s, or even British Motor Corporation’s Mark 1 Mini. Other newly available cars included the Triumph Herald and the Se- ries 1 Sunbeam Alpine and, with inflation running at just 0.9%, it was a good time for a newly popular Hire Purchase agreement. If you couldn’t afford a car then you had the option of the new Royal Enfield ‘Airflow’ - with built-in all-weather protection at prices to “suit all pockets”, so the advert boasts. Was it the launch of Mattel's Barbie Doll in 1959 that caused Cliff Richard to sing about a Living Doll or prompted Bobby Darin to join in with Dream Lover? Who knows, but Connie Francis spotted any Lipstick on Your Collar and Buddy Holly said It Doesn’t Matter Any More. At the cinema you had a choice of the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn very nicely sporting a habit in The Nun’s Story, butch Charlton Heston as Ben Hur, or curvy Marylin Monroe in Some Like it Hot. But if you didn’t fancy going out you could ‘strap-on your six guns’ for a ‘cowboy-fest’ with a non-stop choice of Bonanza, Lara- mie or Rawhide starring a young Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates, all of which started that year together with Juke-box- Jury presented by David Jacobs. If you were too young for all of this then maybe you’d have enjoyed the first episodes of Noggin the Nog. However, for two people it was ro- mance and marriage when, on Satur- day 28th March 1959, Jean and Ivan Hill were wed and now celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

BAPTISMS ● Akeyliah Baker - Sunday 27th January 2019

4 DEATHS Angela Margaret Mary Ganfield (nee Ling) 1944-2019 Angela passed away peacefully on 22nd January, surrounded by her loving family, aged 74. She was born in Taun- ton, was raised and lived her whole life in Meare enjoying village life. She enjoyed participating in and supported as much as she could over the years. Angela's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the kind messages of sympathy and for the many cards that they have received. Also to thank the many people who attended Angela's service at the Meare Chapel and joined them to celebrate her life. She was loved beyond measure, leaving us all with such wonderful memories and will be deeply missed. Donation requests for Beacon Centre (Musgrove Park Hospital) and South- mead Hospital Charity.

Ivor Whitcombe Ivor passed away at Critchwell Court (Frome) on 15th February after a long ill- ness. He was 83 years old, son of Gor- don and Susan Whitcombe of Millbatch and spent all of his life around Meare. Ivor’s funeral service took place on 12th March at St Mary’s Church, Meare, followed by cremation.

Cynthia Beryl Bennetts (late of Cornwall) Passed away at St Benedicts Nursing Home () aged 93 years. The service and cremation took place at Sedgemoor Crematorium on 19th February and the Wake was held at the Bird in Hand (Westhay). Cynthia grew up in Derby, married a Cornishman and lived some sixty years in Truro before moving to to be close to her family.

5 VILLAGE REVELS At the beginning of the 19th century revels were held in many Somerset villag- es to celebrate the end of Winter and the onset of Spring. At first they were religious festivals with people going to a service and then for a meal but by c.1825 most of the revels had become dens of iniquity. There was excessive drinking, gambling and stick fighting. Large sums of money changed hands and it was said the winner of a stick fight had enough to pay for his property. The clergy and some parishioners who did not like the scenes at the revels started friendly societies or men's clubs. In the Meare Book the Rev. Tuckey states that the Meare Friendly and Benefit Society was set up in 1843 to provide financial help for labourers in time of illness. Pictures exist of Mr Rob- ert Tucker of the Manor leading many men through the village to a service at the church. The first recorded revel held at Westhay was in the Spring of c.1910 and in the illustration taken from an early post card will be seen several men in cos- tume on horseback and in the background a number of carts and horse drawn wagons. The revel was held in the field at the rear of the Bird in Hand and known as Dov. This photograph has 1908-1910 written on the back:

With the onset of WW1 the revel lapsed at Westhay and was not revived until the mid 1930’s. On a day in early June a decorated arch was put up over the gateway into the same field as used earlier and the villagers were encouraged to decorate their house with flags and bunting. The day before the revel a large marquee was erected between the gate and the river bank and decorated inside with flags and bunting. Long trestle tables and chairs were set up ready for the luncheon the next day.

Photograph from 1938 labelled as ‘Baker’

6 Soon after 10.30 on Revel Day horse drawn floats, costumed riders on horse- back, decorated bicycles and pedestrians in historical or topical dress would arrive in the field for judging at 11 o'clock. The Burtle Silver Band would assemble and lead the procession out of the field and up Meareway Lane. As we processed up the lane folk would come out of their homes and give generous applause. On reaching the top of the lane and turning to Oxenpill the roads were lined with large numbers waiting to see the procession and then back to Westhay to disperse. While away many ladies would be busy preparing the cold meat and salad lunch washed down with the best cider available from the local farms. During the afternoon chil- dren's sports were held to be followed by tea of but- tered buns , jelly and huge slab cakes cut up in slices. While this was going on the farmers and workers would be away doing the milking to return early evening for the adult sports. Teams from neighbouring villages were 1938 Revel with Harold Keen holding the horse, invited for the tug of war Ethel Toogood, Olive Moon and Arthur Keen in the float entitled ‘Drink More Milk’ which caused much excite- ment and cheering. The day would end with dancing in the marquee to the music of the Burtle Silver- Band. In 1939 a number of us were considered old enough to join the danc- ing for a while and I remember joining friends to try the Palais Glide. The outbreak of WW2 put an end to the revel as it had before and although there was talks of revival it never happened as radio, cinema, music and early TV had provided the new entertainment.

7 TRUESPEED - HOW IT CAME ABOUT ……

In 2014 after experiencing the impact poor Internet connectivity was hav- ing on everyday life, CEO Evan Wienburg decided to take action and co- founded TrueSpeed, a full fibre infrastructure provider delivering future- proof broadband to homes and businesses throughout the South West. After a successful proof of concept, Aviva took notice and granted TrueSpeed a £75 million investment to roll out the brand new, independ- ently owned infrastructure to more communities than ever before. TrueSpeed’s ultrafast network delivers gigabit-capable fibre broadband directly into properties, providing faster, reliable speeds and a future-proof sustain connection. Every connection delivers guaranteed minimum 200Mbps speeds, giving customers the freedom and flexibility to use the Internet how they need in their home and working lives. With TrueSpeed’s full fibre broad- band, you no longer need to worry about buffering or dropping out at peak times, using the Internet is easy and stress free. As a local company based in Keynsham, we proudly keep our community focused ethos at the forefront of everything we do and are passionate about providing communities with a broadband solution that will benefit them for generations to come. Investing in communities is a huge part of our mantra, therefore we proudly provide the local school and community hub in every area we connect to free broadband for life. We’re a demand led service and are passionate about bringing our net- work to those who need it most. To discuss how TrueSpeed can benefit you and your community, call our friendly team on: 01225 300 370 or visit www.truespeed.com for more information.

8 9 10 NOTICE BOARD

11 TELEPHONE SCAM WARNING A telephone scam is circulating across the county where residents have received telephone calls from people claiming to be from Westminster Police. The caller states that they are investigating a crime or have a suspect in custody who has their bank details. The caller then asks them to reveal their card details for checking. A second call is often made a short while later claiming to be from their bank. Again this appears to be part of the scam. Please remember never to give bank details to anyone you do not know or trust and do not continue conversations with persons you do not know or trust. If you experience a similar call, please report it direct to the national fraud and cybercrime centre, Action Fraud on 0300-1232040 or via their website at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk

12 NEW BIRD INTRODUCED TO Following the tremendous success with the re-introduction of Cranes to the Avalon Marshes there are plans to extend the biodiversity of the region still further. Recent programmes such as this serve to attract visitors to the area and strengthen our local economy. Great White and Cattle Egrets are now a regular sight on our wildlife reserves and in 2018 we have also had the first recording ever in the UK for breed- ing Night Herons. Whilst the ‘Starling Murmurations’ undeniably cause some local traffic issues, they do never- theless put both and on the UK map as very popular tourist destinations. Working in collaboration with a team from Universidad de Chile in Santiago, the Avalon Marshes have been chosen as host for a trial release of Alicanto, an exceptionally beautiful bird that, if breeding is successful, will make us THE ‘Top Twitcher Spot’ in the UK. Initially only two breeding pairs will be introduced and in order to allow them to acclimatise properly to the UK they will be released in early Spring, shortly after midnight on 31st March. The precise location is being kept a closely guarded secret for now, not least because the eggs are bright silver with gold stripes and so are highly desirable for collectors. Although Alicanto (scientific name Aurum venator) are primarily nocturnal you may be lucky enough to see them as their wings shine with a metallic glow and their eyes emit a strong light. If you are going out to watch these it is advisable to wear something silver or gold as this attracts them towards you. However, beware as precious metals form part of their diet necessary to give them a fantastic sheen. Traditionally these were used as hunting birds by precious metal miners in Chile. Who knows, maybe they’ll discover a gold mine here in the peat. - Editor

13 MEARE CHAPEL A fond farewell It is with sad news that I am writing this farewell message. Due to the cir- cumstances and situations we have found ourselves in, we are unable to stay. It has been a great pleasure to be of service to the village and my hope was that I would have been able to do it for much longer but sadly that is not to be. I wish I could have gotten to know more of you and, those that I do know, I wish I could have gotten to know you better. I love and care about you all and I pray for each one of you. My purpose and motivation in life is to point people to Jesus and if I am going to be remembered for anything then I hope it is that. At times life takes us to unexpected places and things come our way which make us question everything about the world and ourselves but there is one who is always faithful and always good. That is Jesus, the Son of God. He is there for you and he is there to help you in life. Jesus says of those that come to Him, “I came that they may have life and have it to the full.” Do you want fullness of life? Then let me point you to Christ. Thank you all! I hope that we may meet again someday. Warmly Yours Meare Chapel Personal note (from the Editor) I’m sure many in the community, whether religious or not, would like to thank Steve and Marlies for the valuable contribution they have made in their all too short time here. Their efforts to host both a youth group plus community meals and carol singing have been such a joy. Ann and I wish them and all their family happiness and success in their new venture.

14 15 MEARE PARISH ACTIVITY GROUP (MPAG) Having had a year off, MPAG are back in action. Our aims remain the same, to provide small events throughout the year, cul- minating in a larger one in September. Profits will eventually be used to help furnish the new village hall. We plan to hold a fete on Saturday the 7th of September, instead of a full weekend as in previous years. We are currently planning:- ● Saturday April 13th – Easter Bingo Doors open 6.45pm, eyes down at 7.30pm. £10 for book, flyer and refreshments plus raffle. ● Saturday June 22nd – Strawberry tea on the playing field Further details to follow. ● Saturday September 7th – Meare and Westhay Village Fete With craft fair on the playing field - Further details to follow. ● January 25th 2020 – Burns Night - Further details to follow We hope to see lots of you at these events. - Secretary MPAG

16 ST MARY'S NEWSLETTER

We are looking forward to the greatest Christian Festival in the Church Calendar. Holy week and the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, triumphing over sin and death so that we all may know His ever- lasting love. At St Mary’s we have Services on Good Friday and Easter Day and invite you to celebrate with us. There will be a quiet service on Good Friday at 11.00am and Holy Communion at 10.00am on Easter Sunday. Please note the time. Everyone is welcome. There will be an Easter Garden in the porch which should not be missed. St Benedicts Church in Glastonbury will have other events for the three benefice churches to which you are all welcome. There will be Services there each evening in Holy Week. It has been good to welcome St John’s congregation to join with us on the second Sundays while re-ordering continues in Glastonbury, especially with the choir leading the Services. Our links with the school continue. There are plans for a Mothering Sun- day Service and Easter Bonnet parade. The repairs to the floor have been started but there is more to do. To help raise funding for these there are events planned. There will be a Spring Concert in church at 3.00pm on Sunday May 19th by Glastonbury Voic- es Choir and other Local Musicians including Dan Shaw and Bernie Brown. Admission will be free, with a retiring collection for the Restoration Fund. There will also be refreshments. Look out for other events during the summer months. The Church building dates from 1423 and maintaining the ancient fabric is a constant concern. It is your Village Church…be proud of it and help with its upkeep. The church will be open daily from the end of March. If you have not visited do come in and discover this historic building for your- selves. The Bishop of Bath and Wells is holding the Deanery Confirmation Serv- ice at St Mary’s on Thursday 9th May at 7.00pm. At Baptism Godparents make a Promise to bring their Godchildren back to Church to make their own commitment to God when they are old enough, that is to confirm those Baptismal vows.

17 Tea/Coffee with Hosted Post Office - every Friday at Meare Church Rooms from 9.30am

Morning Prayer - every Thursday in the St Mary’s Church from 9.00am ● Sunday 31st March (Mothering Sunday) - Benefice Service at St Benedict’s Church - 10.00am ● Sunday 7th April - Benefice Communion at St Benedict’s Church - 10.00am - followed by Annual Parish Church Meeting at 11.30am ● Sunday 14th April - (Palm Sunday) Holy Communion (combined Service with St John’s) held at St Mary’s Church - 11.00am ● Friday 19th April - (Good Friday) Good Friday Service held at St Mary’s Church - 11.00am ● Sunday 21st April - (Easter Day) Easter Communion held at St Mary’s Church - 10.00am - ● Sunday 28th April - Matins held at St Mary’s Church - 11.00am ● Thursday 9th May - Confirmation Service at St Mary’s Church - 7.00pm ● Sunday 12th May - Holy Communion (combined Service with St John’s) held at St Mary’s Church - 11.00am ● Sunday 19th May - Spring Concert at St Mary’s Church - 3.00pm ● Sunday 26th May - Matins held at St Mary’s Church - 11.00am Tea/Coffee with Hosted Post Office - every Friday at Meare Church Rooms

A message from our Vicar …. “We are delighted to welcome the Bishop of Bath and Wells to our church on Thursday 9th May at 7.00pm. This to take a confirmation service for all those candidates young and old who would like to take the next step on their Chris- tian journey.” “This is open to all within the Glastonbury Deanery and who have been bap- tised. If you would like to be confirmed, please contact the Vicar by email: [email protected] “Do come and meet the Bishop, it’s the first time a Bishop has been to Meare for many years.” “This Easter we start on Good Friday with a service at 11.00am. All welcome. On Easter Day our service will be at 10.00.” “Hope you can come and join us to celebrate this very special day.”

- Church Wardens

18 DIARY DATES - APRIL & MAY MEARE & WESTHAY FUNDRAISING TEAM Sunday Lazy Breakfast (Meare Church Rooms 9.00am) 19th May MEARE & WESTHAY LADIES SOCIAL CLUB - Events at Meare Manor Talk by John Barkle (7.00 for 7.30 pm) Thursday 18th April Memories of a Village Grocer Talk by Pauline Alvis (7.00 for7.30 pm) Thursday 16th May Alvis Cheesemakers MEARE CHAPEL (Regular Events) Sunday Prayer Meeting 10.15am Sunday Family Service & Sunday School 11.00am Sunday Evening Meeting 6.30pm Monday Make Do & Mend (Downstairs) 1O.OOam Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Meeting (Downstairs) 7.30pm Meare Minis Baby Group (Venue may Thursday 09.00 - 12.00 change - Please check Facebook page) MEARE CHAPEL (Other dates) Sunday Easter Service - 11.00am 21st April Wednesday Community Meal - 12.30pm 24th April Wednesday Community Meal - 12.30pm 29th May MEARE PARISH ACTIVITY GROUP (MPAG) Saturday Easter Bingo (18.45 Meare Church Rooms) 13th April MEARE PARISH COUNCIL Monday Parish Council Meeting (7.00pm Church Rooms) 15th April Monday Annual Parish Assembly (7.30pm Church Rooms) 15th April Monday Parish Council Meeting (19.00 Meare Manor) 20th May Monday Annual Parish Meeting (19.30 Meare Manor) 20th May MEARE PRIMARY SCHOOL Friday Break up for Easter Holidays 5th April Monday New Term Begins 23rd April Monday May Bank Holiday 6th May Friday Break up for Half Term 24th May Monday New Half Term Begins 3rd June

19 REFUSE COLLECTION Wednesday Refuse Collection & Recycling 3rd April Wednesday Garden Waste & Recycling 10th April Wednesday Refuse Collection & Recycling 17th April Thursday Garden Waste & Recycling 25th April Wednesday Refuse Collection & Recycling 1st May Thursday Garden Waste & Recycling 9th May Wednesday Refuse Collection & Recycling 15th May Wednesday Garden Waste & Recycling 22nd May Thursday Refuse Collection & Recycling 30th May ST MARY’S CHURCH - Every Thursday, Morning Prayer 9.00am St Mary’s Sunday Benefice Communion, St Benedict’s - 10am 7th April Sunday Annual Meeting, St Benedict’s - 11.30am 7th April Sunday Holy Communion, St Mary’s - 11.00am 14th April Friday Good Friday Service, St Mary’s - 11.00am 19th April Sunday Easter Communion, St Mary’s - 10.00am 21st April Sunday Matins, St Mary’s - 11.00am 28th April Thursday Confirmation Service, St Mary’s - 7.00pm 9th May Sunday Holy Communion, St Mary’s - 11.00am 12th May Sunday Spring Concert, St Mary’s - 3.00pm 19th May Sunday Matins, St Mary’s - 11.00am 26th May WESTHAY FILM CLUB - Start time 19.00 (7.00pm) Saturday A Star is Born 6th April Wednesday Waking Ned 24th April Saturday Mary Poppins Returns 4th May Wednesday The Favourite 22nd May WESTHAY SCHOOLROOMS Saturday Cafe Westhay - from 10.30 6th April Monday Committee Meeting - 20.00 8th April Saturday Cafe Westhay - from 10.30 4th May YOGA (Westhay Schoolrooms) Tuesday Every Tuesday 18.30 - 19.30 Thursday 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month 18.30 - 19.30 Thursday 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month 18.20 - 19.20

20 21 BIRD IN HAND (WESTHAY) 01458-860859 We offer both a Standard Menu and a Specials Board changing Chips, Grilled Tomato, usually on a monthly basis Onion Rings & Mushrooms - £15.95 (example below) Beer Battered Fish with Chips, plus desert menu Salad & Tartare Sauce - £11.95 All food is home Wholetail Scampi with Chips, Salad cooked and freshly & Tartare Sauce - £10.95 prepared.

with Chips & Peas - £10.95 Bacon,

Swiss Cheese in Ciabatta Bun served with Chips & Coleslaw - £10.95

- £10.95

(example) reamed Potato with Battered Greens - £10.95

- £10.95 FILMS - £10.95 SHOWN TWICE - £10.95 - £10.95 MONTHLY - £10.95 For details of films contact: - £12.95 [email protected] 01458-860489

22 23 WESTHAY SCHOOLROOM COMMITTEE - AGM REPORT The Westhay Schoolroom Annual General meeting was held in the School- room on January 21st 2019. On behalf of the Committee the Chairman thanked everyone for their work over the past year, including our two organists and those who run Café West- hay; also those who support the other events held during the year. He reported that several improvements had been made in the past year, these included the fitting of new double glazed windows to all windows, also the upgrading of the heating system and the lighting. He was pleased to report that the finances of the Committee were sound, he also reported that the sum of £441.50 had been donated to various charities during the year from Café Westhay raffles the Harvest and Carol singing col- lections. Events planned for 2019 ● June 29th (6.30pm) Summer Barbecue. ● September 20th (7.30pm) Harvest Service & Sale ● October 12th (8.00pm) Harvest Supper ● December 16th (7.00pm) Christmas Carols & Songs - Secretary

24 EDUCATION IN WESTHAY - CIRCA 1900 A copy of a letter exists written by Preb. Henry Barton Bussell in 1887 and signed by the two churchwardens appealing for contributions to build a mission room at Westhay. The room was to replace a house that had been used as a Sunday Schoolroom. A trowel used to lay the foundation stone of the new National School has the following inscription. “Presented to Mast'r H. R. Bussell by the teachers and scholars of the St Mary's Church Rooms, Westhay on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone Sept. 17 1889 “ From this inscription the mission rooms were in existence but the location has not been found. In the second half of the 19th century the National Society for Promoting Religious Education raised £10 million to build schools up and down the country enabling poorer children to have an elementary education. The schools were known as National Schools compared with the Board Schools for older pupils. The school at Westhay was started in 1889 and opened in 1891, built on land that was previously an orchard and owned by the big landowner of the parish, Robert Phippen Esquire. The plans for the school are on the facing page with a copy of the parochial accounts for 1901 to 1903 are on the following page. In 1891 the Elementary Education Act was passed by the Government and a payment of up to 10 shillings per annum was granted per pupil. It has not been found who the teachers appointed were when the school opened. Miss Ada Williams, who was teaching in Weston-super- Mare in 1891, moved to Westhay as headmistress. In the census of 1901 Miss Williams is lodging at Fern Farm, her occupation showing as‘Elementary School Teacher - Head’ with an assistant Margaret Toogood of the same address. Miss Williams remained at the school for many years and by the 1911 census was occupying the cottage next to the original shop on Shapwick Road. Miss Williams was held in high esteem and remember her being praised when I was young. When the 1921 census is released it will be interesting to see if Miss Williams is still shown as headmistress at the Westhay National School. ….... continued

25 Plans for Proposed School at Westhay for 35 Infants and 30 Girls

26 The accounts for the year ending June 1903 show that the combined salaries for both teachers was £90 15 shillings 4 pence. It is difficult to know the number of pupils at the school in 1900 as they appeared to be entered at many times of the year. However, a later picture shows thirty five pupils age 5 to 14 with two teachers. Part of the school's income was derived from the rent of two landlocked fields, access being by right of way across a field at the junction of Burtle and Shapwick roads. In 1840 the fields were owned by Robert Phippen but it is not known who owned them after his death in 1851. The accounts show the occupier in 1902 as Mrs Ellen Hooper of New House Farm paying a rent of £16 per annum.

27 POPPY APPEAL ‘THE RESULTS’ Thanks to the great efforts of everyone in the community, Meare and Westhay raised

This is a record breaking result for our community and is the sum of poppy sales, Silent Soldiers plus a range of events in- cluding product sales, Tea Party, Film Night and Pub Quiz as well as simple donations for this valuable charity which contin- ues to support the service personnel and their families.

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28 COMMUNITY HALL We are getting ready to apply for grant funding for our new commu- nity hall and need to demonstrate clearly that the new building would be put to good use. Therefore we are looking for all groups or other potential users who are likely to utilise the new hall once it is built, and asking them to give us some form of written statement describing how and how often it would be used. This would be used as evidence in presenting our case for funding. Statements can be either emailed to me or dropped into my post box: [email protected] Steps Farm, Church Lane, Meare This is an important step in our quest for grant aid and we really need to show support from right across the community.

29 30 VILLAGE CONTACTS & USEFUL NUMBERS Bird in Hand Pub 01458-860859 Childline 0800 1111 Domestic Violence Hotline 0808 2000 247 Highways Faults 0300 123 2224 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm / Sat 9am - 4pm) [email protected] Home Library Service 0845 3459 177 Meare Church Rooms (Bookings) 01458-860432 (Bookings - Ruth Baker) Meare Independent Evangelical Church 01458-860445 (Sandra Dyga) Temporary Meare Manor 01458-860449 07903-438582 (during sessions) Meare Moles (Nicola Lynham) [email protected] 01458-860228 (Janice Bradley) Meare Parish Activity Group [email protected] 01458-860228 Meare Village Primary School (Headmistress - Mrs Jan Fellows) 01458-860368 Meare & Westhay Ladies Social Club [email protected] Council 0300 303 8588 Mind 0300 123 3393 01458-860197 (Hilary Sage - Warden) St Mary’s Church (Benefice Office 01458-860739 (Anne Lampson - Warden) 01458-830060 Mon-Fri 09.00 - 13.00) [email protected] Parish Paths Liaison Officer 01458-860537 [email protected] Police non-emergency 101 Railway Inn 01458-860223 Samaritans 116 123 Street Light Faults 0845 6010 939 01458 443940 Street Men’s Shed [email protected] Western Power (For Power Cuts) 0800 6783105 Westhay Film Club 01458-860489 [email protected] Westhay Schoolroom (Bookings) 01458-860853 (Bookings - Anne Moss) Richard Brown (Secretary) Westhay Schoolroom (Secretary) [email protected] Village Oil Buying Group 01458-860155 [email protected] Village Poppy Appeal Organisers 01458-860865 / 07866-080194 or (Charlotte & Elizabeth Norris) [email protected] Yoga Classes (Steph or Bridge) 07764-935167 / 07712-897498

31 PARISH COUNCILLORS

CHAIR

Chris Crysnal, Main Road, 01458 860393 [email protected] Bennetts Westhay, BA6 9TN 07885 637779 CLERK Sheila Tuesday & Thursday [email protected] 0773 1624182 Brown 8.30am – 3.00pm MEMBERS Anthony 2 Stileway, 01458 860538 [email protected] Baker Meare, BA6 9SH 07899 924465 Paul 19 Downs Orchard, [email protected] 01458 860597 Bradley Meare, BA6 9SQ Colin Pilgrimsway, Stileway, 01458 860309 [email protected] Foster Meare, BA6 9SH 07734 753113 Tristan Winter House, Oxenpill, [email protected] 07739 350968 Foster Meare, BA6 9TQ Rosie Steps Farm, Church [email protected] 01458 860000 Lander Lane, Meare, BA6 9SP Alvin Violet Farm, Church [email protected] 01458 860277 Neale Lane, Meare, BA6 9SL Samantha 1 Millbatch, 01458 860109 [email protected] Perry-Welch Meare, BA6 9SY 07786 352871 Roger Home Farm, Chapel 01458 860575 [email protected] Stacey Lane, BA6 9TQ 07767 621798 Michael Knight’s Cottage, [email protected] 01458 860602 Turner-Welch 19 Oxenpill, BA6 9TQ Janet 11 The Levels, [email protected] 01458 860770 Westover Meare, BA6 9SE

32 CLERKS REPORT Dates: Parish Council Meeting ● Monday 15th April 2019 7.00pm at Meare Church Rooms Followed by Annual Parish Assembly ● Monday 15th April 2019 7.30pm at Meare Church Rooms Annual Parish Meeting ● Monday 20th May 2019 7.30pm at Meare Manor

Planning Applications: New Applications i. 2019/0219/HSE – Churches House, Back Lane, Westhay, BA6 9TH Creation of new vehicular access with parking and turning to front of existing dwelling. Withdrawn Applications i. 2018/3339/FUL – Riverside Farmhouse, Main Road, Westhay BA6 9TN – New 4 Bedroom detached house and carport. ii. 2017/3378/HSE – Redcliff Barn 17A Church Path, Meare – Insertion of dormer window into east facing roof slope. Mendip has finally disposed of this application. County Matters Mendip District Council’s Observations on this application i. 2017/2142/CNT – Land at 344737 144277 Parsons Drove, Godney, Wells Som- erset – Mendip District Council has no objections to removal of condition 2 of planning permission subject to the waste planning authority being satisfied that the proposals would not have an adverse impact upon flood risk, local ecology, the landscape, contaminated land, environmental protection and the amenity of local residents. Approved Applications i.2018/3034/HSE – Homeway Farm, Westhay Road, Meare BA6 9TL – Erection of a 2 storey side extension. Local Government Elections On Thursday 2nd May 2019, local government elections will be tak- ing place in the Mendip area. - Clerk to the Council

33 LOCAL PHARMACIES

BOOTS GLASTONBURY TESCO 39 High Street Feversham Lane Wirral Park Rd GLASTONBURY GLASTONBURY GLASTONBURY BA6 9DS BA6 9LP BA6 9NR 01458 831211 01458 833666 01458 769503

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