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Y o u r e d i t o r i a l t e a m :
John Bowman 74077
Marion Biggs 74170
Peter Bryans 78182
Jane Jackson 74162
Janet Lailey 271008
Sophie Lewis 75235
Eric Vose 351857
Paula Bateman 271175
E m a i l :
merriottmessenger@ gmail.com
MERR OTT MESSENGER Delivered free to 1,000 homes www.merriottvillage.org.uk December 2018
The information and views in the Merriott Messenger are those provided by the named individual contribu-tors and are not necessarily supported by the Editorial Team. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information given is accurate, the Merriott Messenger cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Copy date for the February issue is 12th January.
I n s i d e t h i s
i s s u e :
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Please support the Merriott Messenger
From October 28th, and for a year, the Messenger has been chosen as one of the bene- ficiaries of the Co-op funding
scheme for local community causes. Please indicate your choice of which cause to support by registering your card membership at the local Co-op or with the Co-op on line. If you do choose the Messenger, 1% of the value of your purchase of Co-op goods will be given to support our village newspaper. The Messenger is a free-standing activity, largely dependent on sponsorship for financial support and on the goodwill of the volunteers which help to produce and deliver it. Your support, through the Co-op scheme, will enable the Messenger Team to produce a bigger and better village news-paper.
John Bowman
Christmas Day in the trenches
2
Planning Applications
3
Book Review 4
Merriott Social Venue events
5
The Merriott Triangle
6 - 7
Remembrance in Merriott
8
Parish Council update
9
Short Mat Bowls Club
10
Village Hall is “Going Green”
11
Sponsors 11—12
The Merriott Messenger Editorial team would like to wish all its
sponsors and readers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and
healthy New Year.
Your Village Hall is “Going Green” and your support and action is requested.
Please see article on page 11.
N e w s f r o m A l l S a i n t s C h u r c h We begin the special season of Advent this year with a Benefice Communion service. The 16 Bells Choir will be singing with us. This year’s Christingle service is on Monday 3rd December 7pm, with Christingle making from 6.30pm.
For a quieter and more reflective visit you may like to drop into church during the Advent Quiet Morning on Saturday 8th December, 10am to 1pm. All Saints church will be open for every-one who would like to come for some peace and quiet, to listen to some music, to pray or light a candle. Feel free to come for 5 minutes or as long as you like.
Shortly afterwards, the varied assortment of Christmas services get started and we hope you will feel welcome to come and celebrate Christ-mas with us this year. More details of the services are on the right and on posters through-out the village. Have a happy and peaceful Advent and Christmas.
Revds Julia and Bob Hicks
SUNDAY 2nd December - 10.30am Advent Communion with 16 Bells Choir
Monday 3rd - 7.00pm Christingle Service (Christingle making from 6.30pm)
Saturday 8th - 10am to 1pm Advent Quiet Morning
SUNDAY 9th - 10.30am Parish Communion
SUNDAY 16th - 10.30am All Age Carol Service
SUNDAY 23rd - 9am Holy Communion
4pm Café Church - Hinton St George Church
Monday 24th Christmas Eve - 4.00pm Crib Service
11.30pm - Christmas Eve Communion, Hinton St George
Tuesday 25th Christmas Day - 10.30am Christmas Communion
SUNDAY 30th - 10.00am Benefice Communion, Lopen
Please see The ‘Church Link‘ magazine for details of other services in January
A Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year from
all of us at All Saints’ Church
C o - o p F u n d i n g S c h e m e a n d t h e M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r
A last minute reminder - tickets are rapidly being sold for the Final Carols & Classics on Saturday 15th December Concert, at All Saints Church. The final concert by The Fisher Sinfonia will bring the largest string ensemble ever to perform in the church.
With 12 musicians planned to visit, would anyone like to sponsor a musician’s chair? £20 to £50 would go a long way to reduce the costs of the evening. If interested please contact Paul Fisher 01460 76360.
A special celebration programme is to be produced detailing the history of the concert series, musicians, and projects supported by the concert’s fund raising.
The Carols & Classics evening will start at 7.00pm with mince pies and refreshments before the concert at 7.30pm.
Limited tickets at £10 are still available from Merriott Service Station, Broadway, Crewkerne Information Centre or contact 07870 404631/01460 76360, please purchase early to avoid disappointment.
Paul Fisher
P A G E 2 [email protected]
M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r
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My grandfather, Ernest John Bryant, spent eighteen months in Northern France during World War 1. He was in the Royal Horse Artillery and was respon-sible for the horses ridden by the officers and those which pulled the cannons. In late 1917 he was involved in the Battle of Cambrai.
I know all of this because he kept very detailed diaries which I am proud to have in my possession. He lists the weather every day, all the villages they passed through, all the letters he wrote and received and the contents of all the parcels which were sent to him from home. The day-to- day action he was involved in seemed to take second place to these links with home. In Autumn 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai he was stationed a few kilo-metres south of the Town. This is where he saw most action. Some of his entries for November 1917 read: 20th Fine, Attack on Hindenburg Line began. Out all night, slept in a field with my horse, raining all night. I was left in no man`s land. 21st Wet. Nothing to eat since yesterday morning. 22nd Wet. No rations up. Fritz shelling, seen some awful sights. 24th Lots of dead Germans about, buried today. December 1917 1st Moving at 5am into action, Had some very narrow escapes indeed, shell burst
within 10 yds of me. Lots of dead horses about. No rations, had cigarette for breakfast.
By the 6th things had started to improve: Letter from home and parcel from Ted - cakes, salmon, sweets, cigarettes, soup powders.
By the 12th life was much better for him - Done some washing and by the 13th he reports changing his underwear, so life was definitely on the up! On Christmas day 1917 he reports - Milder, thawing, more snow at night Had a good time at own HQ. Turkey, veg, plum pudding, tinned fruit, biscuits, whis-ky, brandy, red wine, stout, cigars, ciga-rettes, nuts, apples. Cake for tea. Given by officers. Enjoyed myself very much.
Where did they get all that food from?
On November 11th 1918 his entry is as low key as: Armistice with Germany at 11am. Hope the fighting is over. Letter from home.
I am pleased to say he came home safely to his family in May 1919 and resumed his life as a miller`s assistant.
Marion Biggs
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C h r i s t m a s D a y i n t h e Tr e n c h e s
Carols & Classics The Final Concert & Sponsorship P. CABLE
Plumbing & Heating Services
07920 003 938
• Gas & Oil Central Heating Systems
• Servicing & Landlord safety checks
• Bathrooms/showers/kitchens • All general plumbing
P A G E 3 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i n M e r r i o t t
57 Lower Street Application to carry out tree works in a conservation area Number 1803418TCA
Highbank, Lower Street Application to carry out tree works within a conservation area Number 1803448TCA
72 Lower Street Demolition of rear single storey extension and erection of new two storey and single storey rear extension Number 1803452HOU
Merriott Parish Council discuss planning applications and make recommendations. For the Council minutes go to the Village website (www.merriottvillage.btck.co.uk) or look at the notice board outside the Co-op. Marion Biggs
C h r i s t m a s i s c o m i n g by Janet Lailey
I used to worry that the little birds in the garden had no inkling that it was Christmas day. No presents to give: none to receive.
None of the unbearable anticipation before finding out what Father Christmas had left at the foot of my bed.
The sparrows still hopped and squabbled in the hedge. Blackbirds were already at work scratching leaves out of the flower bed onto the lawn.
Even the robin, star of the show, chirping from a multitude of Christmas cards, was bouncing around as usual, oblivious of the date.
Many years, and many winters later, the birds are still as happily uncaring in the garden. My Christmas wish is now that we,
Who know the date, shall be as happy as them and as kind and thoughtful as we can be, to make this Christmas Happy for each other.
“God bless us, everyone.”
As the winter evenings draw in and thoughts turn to Christmas shopping,
just a gentle reminder to be careful when parking and leaving your vehicle un-attended. Please make sure it is locked and should you need to leave items in it, please ensure they are out of sight, preferably locked in the boot. Even small change left on view that you keep for parking fees can be tempting for a crimi-nal and result in a hefty bill to repair the damage caused by breaking in.
As the weather worsens, please make sure you leave extra time for journeys. The vast majority of our roads will not be gritted in the event of very cold weather so reducing your speed and driving to the conditions may prevent a collision.
Should you need to report an incident to the Police, do so by ringing 101 or 999 if urgent. Alternatively make contact via the Avon and Somerset Police website or email the Beat Team (non urgent only): michellehaimes@ avonandsomer-set.police.uk.
Keep warm and safe. Michelle Haimes PCSO 8913 Crewkerne Beat Team
A word of caution … …
G a r d e n i n g Q u o t e o f t h e M o n t h Sent in by Mo Frampton
We are nearer to Spring Than we were in September, I heard a bird sing In the dark of December."
From "Welcome Christmas! A Garland of Poems" by Oliver Herford
Sara Morley [email protected]
07484 636577
Complementary Therapy
for Body and Mind in
Chiselborough
Read about Reiki at
www.somersetreiki.com
R e p o r t f r o m
C h r i s ’ s M u s i c C l u b October saw the first successful monthly meeting of Chris’s Music Club at the Merriott Social Venue (formerly the Merriott Social Club).
The casual, candle-lit atmospheric and reasonably priced bar was a great venue to hear some fabulous music from rock to pop to jazz plus reggae etc together with many other styles of music. It was a great opportunity to chat to friends and neighbours and to make some new acquaintances who share a love of good music.
The next music evening get together will be on Sunday 25th
November starting at 7:30pm and finishing around 9:30 pm. (Free entry and no membership required.) There will be no s session in December and the first of the new year will be on Sunday 27th January.
Come along, bring some friends to the next evening of music and perhaps be introduced to some wonderful sounds that you’ve not heard before. Stay for ten minutes, half an hour or a couple of hours – whatever suits you. It’s all very informal and laid back.
Chris Phillips
Mobile Library @ Merriott School
Tuesday 9.30 - 10.00
11th Dec
P A G E 4 [email protected]
B o o k R e v i e w b y J o h n B o w m a n
M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r
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To Obama by Jeanne Marie Laskas,
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2018
Politicians are often criticised for being out of touch and not understanding the world they
represent. However, President Obama appreciated this problem and took some unusual efforts to appreciate the people.
When he took office in January 2009, shortly after the banking crash of the previous year, President Obama received 10,000 letters per day as well as thousands of emails. There is an Office of Presidential Correspondence (OPC) near the White House in Washington which deals with these communications, all of which receive a reply. The President asked that he see 10 letters a
day, selected by the OPC to be a full cross section of incoming messages, so that he had a flavour of individuals’ problems and views.
He read these 10 letters at the end of his business day and replied to all them, some in his own hand.
For example “Dear President Obama,
I have something very important to tell you, well my mom had cancer and, she went to my school to vote for you with a wheelchair because she wanted you to be President, and she was proud and happy that day. She is in heaven now and prays for you to be safe and me too.
Your friend, Emily, I am seven years old like Sasha”
To which the President wrote a hand-written reply “Emily – Thank you for the wonderful letter. My mom died of cancer too, so I knew how you feel. I’m sure your mom and mine are both in heaven, and are both proud of you. I am too! Dream big dreams. Barack Obama”
When he left Office, he was interviewed by the author who asked “I wonder if you have any sense of the power of your responses to these folks?” To which he replied “ I think I understood that if somebody writes a letter and they get any kind of response, that there’s a sense of….being heard………..I think it’s easy for folks to feel a little invisible, as if nobody’s paying attention. And so I did, I think, understand that if I at least let them know that I saw them and I heard them, maybe they’d feel a little bit less lonely in those struggles”
This is an extremely well written book with many examples of the letters received and the replies. It provides a lot of background to the work of the OPC and the feelings of the staff. It gives a strong sense of the benefit it gave to the standing of President Obama and to the President himself. I wonder, but doubt, if some of our politicians have the same dedication?
John Bowman
Can you unscramble these anagrams to reveal Christmassy and wintry words and phrases? Answers on page 11.
1. Miss Chatterer
2. Wolf Snakes
3. Yeti Dual
4. Totems Lie
5. Coordinates
6. Station Pie
7. Starfish Rematch
8. Tossing Eagerness
9. Boot Gang
10. Ole Ugly
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P A G E 5 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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December 13th - Christmas gathering. Secret Santa, mulled wine and mince pies, Christmas readings. If you would like to join us in the New Year you
would be most welcome. We are a friendly woman`s group that meet fortnightly, mainly in members homes for activities, talks, social evenings, films etc. There is a nominal charge for each even-ing and a £10 yearly subscription. For further information contact Marion Biggs on 74170 or mariobiggs169 @btinternet.com. Marion Biggs
Sent in by Mo Frampton
C h r i s t m a s Q u i z - Answers can be found on page 11.
1. If you were born on Christmas Day, what's your star sign?
2. 'Driving home for Christmas' was a hit single for which singer in 1988?
3. What are the names of the three wise men said to have brought gifts to the baby Jesus?
4. At which of her homes does the Queen traditionally spend Christmas?
5. Christmas is often shortened to Xmas, what language shortens Christ to X?
6. Which record was a Christ-mas number one in 1975 and 1991?
7. How many points does a snowflake have?
8. In Victorian England who were popularly called robins because of their red uniforms?
9. Which Christmas plant takes its name from the first US Minister to Mexico?
10. Bethlehem is a tiny village in which UK county?
11. London's Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is traditionally given by which country?
12. What is a baby Turkey more correctly called, other than a chick?
OPEN
GROUP
Well, after a very busy November with lots of fundraising bingos, our first music club with Chris, pamper Sunday, Christ-mas Indoor Market on the 18th with Santa and our very first successful Cider Festival with the fab Twerzels, we now turn to December and the Christmas period ahead.
Saturday 1st December is Santa’s Grotto run by Merriott Majorettes - a chance to see him for £5, book your time slot. Also glitter tattoos, tombolas, stalls and cakes.
Friday 7th - Karaoke Night 8pm - please wear your Christmas jumpers
Saturday 8th December - Christmas prize Bingo eyes down 7.30pm
Sunday 9th - Ladies Christmas Pamper Night out - go on treat yourself from 5pm - 9.30pm
Sunday 16th - Children’s Christmas Party Time. Tickets £3 per child (under 2’s £1) payable in advance, 2pm - 4pm
Sunday 16th - Christmas Bingo & Party, 6pm, eyes down 7pm
Saturday 22nd - Christmas Grand Draw 8pm
Boxing Day - Family Fun Day & Disco
open from 12 noon, disco from 4pm, free entry to Everyone
New Years Eve Celebrations with popular band “Livewired” and supporting disco “Foamtrax” & “dj rodders”. Tickets sell-ing fast, £10 per adult, £3 per child, in-cludes supper, party poppers, family friendly.
Thank you for your support and custom over the year and we all wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Lorraine Clarke
W h a t ’ s o n i n D e c e m b e r - M e r r i o t t S o c i a l Ve n u e
P A G E 6 [email protected]
T h e M e r r i o t t Tr i a n g l e
M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r
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The name Merriott is derived from “Maergeat”, meaning boundary gate.
As the largest village in South Somerset, Merriott was estab-lished as a working village which was focussed around 2 Man-ors (Upper and Lower). The dominant Manor was located in the area of Church Farm until it was destroyed during the Civil War. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the streets contained many smallholdings, of which there remains plenty of evi-dence, and the local economy prospered from market garden-ing and farming.
The present triangle of roads – Broadway (an Ex Roman Road), Lower Street and Church Street – enclosed about 30 acres of land communally cultivated before the Norman conquest of 1066. The Domesday Book records the village as having ‘4 mills and land to support 10 cattle’. These mills were Billings, Court, Tail and Bow.
Housing in the village illustrates its development. Pre-1750 buildings are mostly found along Church Street and Lower Street. There are several large farmhouses, some 17th century but mostly of 18th and 19th century construction with a yard and barns behind. Later workers’ cottages in terraces were built as local industries, particularly Tail Mill, developed in size. There were at least three ale-houses in the village recorded in 1594 and seven in the 19th century.
It is possible that there was a Christian church in Merriott in Saxon times but there certainly was by the 11th Century. The present Church of All Saints dates from the 13th Century. It has subsequently been much altered but parts of the tower are believed to be original.
Following its tradition of cultivation, it is believed that Merriott housed nurseries for plants for monasteries in medieval times, and market gardening has long been an important activity. World famous Scott’s “Royal” Nurseries enjoyed a heyday in the 20th Century, but sadly it has recently closed. As well as mixed farming, flax production flourished in the 18th century and Merriott was a centre for the manufacture of canvas and linen. Tail Mill was notable for the manufacture of canvas and
sail cloth. The other three mills were grist mills (corn).
Points of Interest on the triangle:
At the Southern corner of the triangle is the ‘Borough’ (or Knapp) village crossroads adjacent to what would have been the village green; formerly with shops on all three corners, and now playing host to the Co-Op and Pharmacy, with a dated water tap from 1885. The house on the corner next to the Pharmacy is the old Post Office.
Heading along Lower Street, the houses on the left stand on the site of what would have been a slum area with extremely high-density occupancy (often several families in a single dwelling). It was known as The Barracks although there is no direct military connection. The former Wesleyan Chapel (see photo above)of 1857 is on the left and used to have its entrance on the first-floor level with a base-ment for the Sunday School.
Court Mill, down a short road (ex Lock’s lane) on the right is the second of Merriott’s 4 mills dating back to the Domesday Book. Closed as a mill around 1945. There are remains of a religious chapel attached to Chapel Cottage on the left, with the converted mill buildings on the right.
Returning to Lower Street, on the left, house No: 29 has a typical local well water supply hand pump outside this block of Victorian cottages. No:14 on the right is a tradesman’s house which was owned by a
linen merchant and church organist, set back from the road and unusually with a swagger front of red brick dating from around 1810, on an otherwise stone house that dates further back to the mid-18th Century.
On down the street is the thatched Manor Farm dating from 1663 (see date stone and initials above the right-hand door), No: 32 which was a butcher’s with its slaughter house in the yard behind, and the Swan Inn, dating from at least 1866 (No longer running as a public House). No: 59 across the road a former general store, and ‘Girdlers’ (makers of Girdles for horses) is a fine house with date stone 1766. continued on next page
P A G E 7 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No: 69 A&B displays a restored but fine façade of 1729 which was previously known as Hill Farm and for many years served as the family home of the Osbornes. The Social Club was built by Major R H Hayward, owner of Tail Mill (making Sail Cloth), as a Working Men’s Institute in 1884. It originally contained the village library and reading room.
Next to the current Manor Farm (Farm Shop), previously the dairy to Manor Farm, is the village Lock-Up (see photo above), dating back to the 18th Century; an overnight lodging for the village ‘naughty boys’. Opposite is the Squash Club (dating from around 1960), built as an add on to a former Congrega-tional (Unitarian and Presbyterian) Church dating from 1878. An ‘interesting’ marriage in styles.
Just prior to the raised pavement (with bluestone slabs) is Barthays’ Farm which offers fresh seasonal veg on the drive-way. The road climbs towards the corner of Church Street and Higher Street, with its attractive old houses on both sides. Note how typically local stone houses have brick chimneys. Brick was the material of choice since the fashioning of chimney structures from the local stone proved too difficult.
A former baker’s shop and village store gives its name to Bakehouse Corner. Turning left into Church Street, the small domestic garage on the roadside was a smithy.
The King’s Head Hotel is the last remaining functioning pub in the village, recorded as early as 1745 and which accords with the style of the building. The skittle alley(s) to the right were formally stables with accommodation over.
On the left is the thatched ‘Highway Cottage’ that was previ-ously the centre of a local farmstead and which is now home to a working pottery; and next door is Clapper Hay, a convert-ed barn dating back to the 17th Century which has seen life as a furniture shop before conversion to a private house. A little further on and to the left is Gappers Pool, a charming former yard and workers cottages for the farmhouse.
The Old Vicarage comprises two properties, one with a Regency front and the other much humbler and much older. The Church of All Saints is a beautiful and unusual grade II* church, dating partly from the 12th century, and is home to Commonwealth War Graves and memorial. Most of what is visible today, is 19th century. The building in the corner of the churchyard, was erected in 1834 and became the first day school building in the village. The Tithe Barn and the present school, almost opposite, date from 1876. The Tithe Barn is the remaining 1/3 of the original building that would have been used to work the corn between field and Mill, dating back to
the War of the Roses in the 13th Century.
Along Church Street is a thatched property called Dogdole up on the right, which is an important site originally attached to the old Upper Manor.
Church Street joins Broadway at the North Western corner of the triangle, from which roads lead North to Lopen and West-wards to Hinton St George. Turning South, the Merriott Village
Hall (photo above) lies to the right and is a building owned by and for the village after being given to the residents of Merriott by Robert Blake in 1925 as a memorial to his beloved wife Dorothea (1853 – 1923). To the rear of the hall is a Recreation Ground and lawn bowls green.
Heading down Broadway and to the left is Broadway Farm which majored in seed and corn, with its associated former Granary opposite; Vine House and the Malt House were Mer-riott’s major brewery. On the left just prior to the garage is Pennybeam Cottage which was the village poor house before the poor law was enacted and they were moved to Chard Workhouse. What was Osborne’s Butcher on the right opposite Hitchen was originally built as a Mission Hall for the villagers and prior to its current use it also acted as the local Conservative Club. The left side of the road from here was occupied by a series of poor cottages which were cleared in the 1960s under Labour’s Slum Clearance legislation. Ahead now is the Co-Op roundabout where our trail began.
Merriott Heritage Trust / “Queenie Dodge”(1914 -1997) / Crewkerne Heritage Centre / Steve Bateman
Inner Wheel members meet at Haselbury Mill once a month for a fun and friendship meal followed by either a brief meeting or an interesting talk.
Ladies over the age of 18 years are invited to join us for our monthly meal or for one of our social events between meetings.
For more information please either email [email protected] or phone 01460 63856.
Desi Fradgley Club Correspondent
01460 63856
M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r
P A G E 8 [email protected]
As there is no January issue of the Merriott Messenger, copy date for the next issue (February) is 1 2 t h J a n u a r y . Please send articles and photographs to: [email protected]
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Ve r y s u c c e s s f u l Q u i z N i g h t
The annual Quiz Night was held in the hall on 20th October. 82 players (around 30 more than last
year) filled the hall and raised £554.01 through entry tickets and bar sales, demonstrating that the evening was both very popular and successful. Six Rounds of 10 questions proved to be both diverse and challenging, with some very close final results to keep folks on their toes. To recharge the brains, ‘MyKitchen’ created a great spread, launching with a posh Ploughman’s and ending with much-needed calories from Brownies and a fruity crumble. Prizes were awarded to both winners and runners-up, having been made possible by the very generous contributions and assis-tance with ticket sales from the Co-Op, the Pharmacy and the Premier Garage.
Steve Bateman
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l o n e l i n e s s a n d i s o l a t i o n ?
Thank you for your generosity with the Poppy appeal which has raised £2,971.
Christine McLeod (01460 72720) has kindly agreed to take over as the Poppy Appeal Organiser so that we can continue to support this very worthwhile charity. Liz Fisk
11.11.11.18
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Sunday 11 November saw Merriott commemorating the end of the First World War, the ‘war to end all wars’ (how wrong was that sentiment).
The names of 43 men appear on the All Saints Church Merriott memorial. 33 lost their lives in WW1 and another six came from Merriott but are remembered else-where. The first death was on the 1st November 1914, the last on the 15th Nov 1918 – 4 days after the Armistice. 10 died in the WW2. Their average age was 25, the youngest was only 17 – the oldest 46. They came from all over Merriott – places where we live now - Shiremoor Hill, Broadway, Church Street; they served across the world – Flanders, The Somme, Iraq, Normandy, Burma and at Sea around the world. Four are buried in the churchyard in Merriott, but a further 10 are lost but with no known grave.
The church was decorated with drawings done by boys and girls of Merriott First School and members of the Guides,
Brownie and Rainbows. In uniform, the 1st Hinton St George Scouts, Cubs and Beavers paraded in remembrance along-side the Merriott cenotaph, with the 2-minute silence marked by Mr Nick Sale who provided a lone bugler to sound off the Last Post and Reveille on what was a glorious, sunny and peaceful morning.
Steve Bateman
R e m e m b ra n c e i n M e r r i o t t
C r e w ke r n e I n n e r W h e e l
Somerset Sight is the local charity due to celebrate its Centenary next year – that’s some achievement! Our flagship service, the Volunteer Visiting Service, has been supporting our clients for 20 of those years. I now need to recruit new befrienders to our much respected team of volunteer visitors in your area, to visit our clients at home and support them in retain-ing their independence. The enjoyment of regular companionship helps to tackle the effects of loneli-ness and isolation. If the opportunity to improve the life of a sight impaired person ticks the box for you, I would encourage you to contact me for a “no obliga-tions” chat - you will be well supported and given the relevant training and you can reclaim all reasonable expenses. Thank you so much! Contact: Sandra Harris, Volunteer Visitor Co-ordinator for Somerset Sight. Tel: 01823 325785 or email [email protected] Sandra Harris
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P A G E 9 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Songs of Praise 1st Sunday of each month at 6.30pm.
All welcome.
M e r r i o t t G a r d e n i n g C l u b Tuesday 29th January 2019 David Usher will be talking on Herb-aceous Plants. David was Head Gardener at Hestercombe Gardens
responsible for the restoration, development and care of the Jekyll Garden, so will be interesting and informative. Please meet at the Tithe Barn at 7.30pm - refreshments and raffle. Everyone welcome - non-members £2 at the door. For more information please contact Barbara (72298).
Please note that there will be no meeting in December as we will be celebrating the end of the year with our Christmas lunch at the King's Head.
May we take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christ-mas and we look forward to see all you budding and experi-enced gardeners next year. We particularly would like to encourage new villagers to our club where a warm welcome awaits. Barbara Byford
S t a r l i n g R i n g i n g
D o y o u r e c o g n i s e t h e s e f a c e s ? Answers on page 11
Recently, Martin Davies – he of the rescue of Merri the grey long-eared bat – had another encounter with the wildlife of Merriott. He saw a sparrowhawk catch and devour a starling just a few feet from where he was standing. After about 20 minutes, the sparrowhawk flew off and
when Martin examined the carcass he noticed it was ringed. He removed the ring and reported the details on the ring to the The British Trust for Ornithology. After several weeks of expectantly waiting for the report as to where the bird had come from, the BTO told him it had been ringed in Tower Hill Road, Crewkerne just a few months earlier. So not such a distant traveller as he had been hoping.
The story does, however, have a twist as in 1968 Martin him-self found a fledgling in Tower Hill Road – his wife Carol! They married in 1975. Marion Biggs
P a r i s h C o u n c i l U p d a t e R e c r e a t i o n F i e l d
Users of the play equipment will be wondering why the Rope Tower and slide are fenced off.
We are in discussion with the supplier regarding the gaps between the rope bridge and slide. Two children are
known to have fallen the 2.5metres from the top. The safety matting is designed to prevent serious fall injuries, but we need to minimise the risk.
The roundabout is awaiting the safety surface which is designed to provide wheelchair users access to the equip-ment unaccompanied. However, there is always some risk in play activity and
the ROSPA Play Inspectors advice to parents sounded reasonable: “If a child is small enough to need to be accompanied to the park, they should be accompanied at all times on the park”.
W i n t e r R o a d G r i t t i n g
The situation is not completely clear on the reduction of gritting by SCC which includes the Crewkerne to Lopen Head route through Merriott. It is `precautionary gritting` that is being stopped. So when we have actually had snow or sub-zero temperatures, the road will be gritted, we think. We are trying to get a clearer picture from SCC.
Iain Hall
M e r r i o t t S h o r t M a t B o w l s C l u b N e w s
P A G E 1 0 [email protected]
M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r
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C h r i s t m a s P u n c h
Ingredients 1 Orange - sliced Pomegranate seeds - 1/2 Cup Frozen Cranberries - 1 Cup
Ice - 2 Cups Cranberry juice - 2 cup Orange juice - 2 Cup Pomegranate juice - 1 Cup Sprite Drink - 2 Cups Bacardi rum (optional) - 1 Cup Method Place first 4 ingredients in a jug or punch bowl. Add next 4 ingredients plus rum if using, stir well. Add a sprig of rosemary on top for garnish. This punch can be made ahead of time, but don't add the ice or sprite until just before serving so as not to dilute or lose its fizz.
Paula Bateman
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The Club has continued welcom-ing new members throughout the year and is very pleased with their enthusias-tic approach to this game which is now
in its 23rd year in the village. Friendly matches are played most months of the year, both home and away, and we welcomed a new club to our usual circuit. A first for Merriott was to wel-come members from Bishopswood on a Tuesday afternoon for a friendly match, and we were welcomed by them for an evening return match during October. Results have shown that Merriott is continuing to win more matches than they lose, but still aim to do better!
We have participated in the East Coker Givle League throughout the year, and commence the winter league sessions in early November. This year Merriott again entered two teams and were neck and neck with one another throughout, but Frank’s B team pulled ahead in the latter games. The B team also won two lots of badges for scoring hot shots. For this league there are 16 teams playing against each other over four months and the competition is very closely fought. East Coker are hosts and make everyone very welcome
In October, our Club Championship was held with some very tight bowling from all players throughout the day. At our twice weekly club sessions all members are encouraged to practise their bowling and helped by advice from our Chair-man, who is a regular umpire for Somerset. At the end of the day the Singles trophy was won by Anne Loose, with John Bedford as runner up; the Pairs trophy was won by Mike Milton and Frank Smith, with John Lacey and Lena Milton as runners up. All matches throughout the whole day were very closely fought and a credit to the hard work members had put in throughout the year to improve their game. Food
was provided by members and enjoyed by all.
The Club welcomes new members and is keen to encourage younger players over 12 years of age. Tuition is available so why not come along sometime and try it out? Tuesday afternoons from 1.45pm to 4.45pm and Wednesday evenings from 6.45 to 9.45pm throughout the whole year.
For more information please contact Frank Smith on 07956 598 894 or follow our website: https://merriottshortmatbowls.wordpress.com
Anne Weeks
Singles Trophy Winner, Anne Loose
Pairs Trophy Winners Mike Milton & Frank Smith
Printed by Parish Magazine Printing 01288 341 617 Northmoor, Whitstone EX22 6TD
A n s w e r s A n a g r a m s - p a g e 4 1. Christmas Tree 2. Snowflakes 3. Yuletide 4. Mistletoe 5. Decorations 6. Poinsettia 7. Father Christmas 8. Season’s Greetings 9. Toboggan 10. Yule Log
Q u i z - p a g e 4 1. Capricorn 2. Chris Rea 3. Balthasar, Melchior, Cas-
par 4. Sandringham 5. Greek 6. Bohemian Rhapsody 7. Six 8. Postmen 9. Poinsettia
10. Carmarthenshire, Wales 11. Norway 12. Poult D o y o u r e c o g n i s e t h e s e f a c e s ? - p a g e 9 1. Steve Coogan 2. Heidi Klum 3. Diana Ross 4. Andy Gilchrist 5. Tori Amos
6. Bill Clinton 7. Cameron Diaz 8. Ant McPartlin 9. Denis Norden 10. Trevor McDonald 11. Catherine Tate 12. Alan Hansen 13. Mother Theresa 14. Jack Nicholson 15. David Blaine
D i d y o u k n o w … …
P A G E 1 1 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M o r e s p o n s o r s
Chris Martin Interiors Ltd
Specialising in installation of kitchens and bathrooms
01460 76612 07976 848 677
Merriottsford Minibus
01460 76029
Taxi Alliance 01460 75089 / 01935 414444
The European farm goose most probably derives from greylag geese domesticated in Egypt more than 4,000 years ago, and is much larger than its wild relative. The farm goose weighs up to 10kg, while the greylag weighs just over 4kg.
Wild geese have a horizontal posture and slim rear end, whereas domesticat-ed geese lay down large fat deposits toward the tail end, giving a fat rear and forcing the bird into a more upright posture. Although their heavy weight affects their ability to fly, most
breeds of domestic geese are capable of flight. Farm geese will lay up to 50 eggs per year whilst the greylag manages up to 10 per year. Geese produce large edi-ble eggs, weighing 120–170 grams. They can be used in cooking just like chicken's eggs, though they have proportionally more yolk, and this cooks to a slightly denser consistency. The taste is much
the same as that of a chicken egg, but grainier.
Domestic geese show little difference between the sexes, though males tend to be taller and heavier. Males also tend to be protective of their mates and their offspring. Feather pattern and colour vary markedly between farm breeds
though white geese are often pre-ferred as they look better plucked and dressed.
Many breeds of farm geese are endangered and are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust watch list. These include Sebastopol, Tou-louse (Exhibition) and the West of England. John Bowman Sebastopol Toulouse (Exhibition) West of England
V i l l a g e H a l l i s “ G o i n g G r e e n ”
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The Trustees of the Village Hall have plans to install solar panels on the south-west roof of the Hall, as shown right.
These will enable the Hall to generate more electricity than it uses. Also it will enable the Hall to maintain its current hire charges for longer and reduce the Hall’s carbon foot-print. The plan also includes proposals to install electric car charging points at the rear of the Hall.
But to get a grant towards the installation costs, the Trustees need proof of the Community’s support for the project.
Please show your support by:
• Signing the petition at the Village Post Office, The Pharmacy or the Co-0p.
• Sending an email on http://wwwmerriottvillagehall.org.uk/contact
• Dropping a note to Merriott Village Hall, 51 Broadway, Merriott TA16 5QH.
Thank you for your support.
Solar panel configuration on South West facing roof
Trustees of Merriott Village Hall
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Crewkerne Community Cinema’s next screening is the animated film “Isle of Dogs” on Friday 7th December at Wadham School. Doors open @ 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. Membership for the season is £25 & includes entry for the re-maining films. Visitors can pay at the door, £6 per ticket . John Facey, Chairman
Merriott Social Club •open every evening
•spacious function room available for hire
01460 74376
All aspects of tree and garden work undertaken
01460 77605 / 07799 331 805
Appliance Maintenance Services
Domestic Appliance Repairs Tel: 01460 72211
Mob: 07970 744 115 www.appliancemaintenance.co.uk
Tom Merrick
Electrical Contractor Agricultural & Industrial
No Job too small NAPIT approved contractor
01460 72757 07980 686 160
Moorlands Residential Home
Moorlands Road
Quality care for the elderly
Contact Jayne: 01460 74425
Manor Farm - Your local farm shop
Lower Street, Merriott TA16 5NP Tel: 07963 102258 nigel.witcombe@
gmail.com
Letting, Investment and Property Management for
S Somerset & W Dorset 01935 420555
[email protected] www.martincoyeovil.co.uk
Merriott Pharmacy
Free prescription collection & delivery
01460 72222
merriottpharmacy @hotmail.com
MERRIOTT HERITAGE TRUST
merriott.heritage.trust @gmail.com
01460 72465
R. A. Wicks Ltd
Fireplace Showroom, Flue Lining, and Multi Fuel
Stoves 01460 74612
Merriott Mobile Feet Treatment
Nail Trimming-Corns-Callus Diabetic-Cracked Heel-Etc
Home visits by Professional Foot Health Practitioner Sarah: 07733 225 360
www.feettreatment.co.uk [email protected]
Veterinary
Crewkerne
your local vets
01460 72443
Lawrences Auctioneers
Free verbal valuations Home visits
01460 73041
Fax: 01460 270799
Allen Computer Services
Sales, Repairs, Servicing, for Home & Small Business, Cloud
Backup and Laptop Screen Repairs
01460 298036
www.allencomputerservices.co.uk
Merriott Childcare Vanina Childminder
Ad-hoc F/T & P/T hours www.merriottchildcare.co.uk
01460 74086 07807 753 779
Jays
Complete Property Maintenance
Over 20 years experience No job too small!
01460 78891 07865 700 760
Charlotte Hamlin Merriott Childcare
OFSTED & PACEY registered
Full/part-time hours Early years funding
Between 6.00am & 6.30pm www.merriottchildminder.co.uk
01460 73361 07721 018 335
Popular Motors, Merriott Service Station
Broadway, Quality Car Sales, Workshop, MOT testing Garage & Car Service -
01460 76803 Shop and PO - 01460 78716 www.popularmotors.co.uk
Merriott Village Hall Parties, weddings, community groups
welcome 01460 72508
merriottvillagehall @gmail.com
Merriott Parish Council
merriott-clerk@ hotmail.co.uk
07526 933464
@MerriottParishCouncil
Jaycee Plumbing Heating Engineers
Boiler servicing and changes Lpg / Oil / Gas-Safe 20 Shiremoor Hill
Merriott 07970 279778 / 07738 632746
Ansaphone: 01460 76000
Robert Frith Optometrists
your local independent Optician
FREE emergency appointments under
the NHS Somerset ACES service Chard 67771
Crewkerne 72964 Yeovil 01935 478463
01460 279 279 www.stokespartners.co.uk
Fusion Fostering We are always looking for
families who can offer warm, loving and safe homes to
children and young people who need Fostering. Tel: 03301 239355
Careford Lodge Residential Home
Church Street
Contact Tracey on 01460 75592
carefordlodge@ hotmail.co.uk
16 South Street Crewkerne TA18 8DA
01460 200666 5% off our advertised price
for people of Merriott
Osborne’s Broadway
Butcher of local farm meat, groceries, newspapers,
wines and spirits
01460 73459
Unisex hairdressing, eyebrow tinting, waxing & threading.
HD Brows Lower Street, Merriott.
01460 74811/07803 572642
Kevin Swain
Electrical Contractor
Free Estimates Tel 01460 73260
Quantock Joinery Systems Limited
Tail Mill Lane Merriott TA16 5PF
01460 77545
Sally-Marie Shearing Beauty Therapy
Relaxing, Revitalising,
Beauty Treatments
Tel 01460 73957 Gift Vouchers available
IAN CROSSLAND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498 Interior and exterior
decorating, Household carpentry, External lime
mortaring, Restoration work
The Barn Self Catering
Accommodation 32 Church St
Merriott TA16 5PS
01460 351857 07879 066012
smartinbuilding@ yahoo.co.uk
07792 821 028
Find us on
T h a n k y o u t o o u r s p o n s o r s f o r t h e i r s u p p o r t
Open 6 days a week
Tel: 01460 249730
Church St Merriott TA16 5PR Tel: 01460 78912
also on
Secure self storage & removals Competitive rates, easy & flexible
01460 243100
[email protected] www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk
Serviced Offices To Let
More on page 7
Restaurant, Hotel & Event venue. We are open every
day, pop in for a coffee or book a table on
01460 77095
www.haselburymill.co.uk