odcombe village hall newsletter 2020… · as a 'thank you' to all when we resume the...
TRANSCRIPT
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Newsletter June 2020 No. 96
O d c o m b e V i l l a g e H a l l
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Village Hall News Update and Covid-19 Response
On 3rd
March 2020 the village hall held its AGM & Social Event. It was a lovely social evening with over
25 members of the community enjoying a drink and a chat, giving the commi�ee the opportunity to thank
those who step in to help us throughout the year with various events.
Sadly this year’s AGM also saw the standing down of our Chairman, Simon Wright, who has served us well
for the past nine years and Colin Hill who has re'red from commi�ee life a(er thirteen years. Both were
given small thank you gi(s and I’m pleased to say Colin is con'nuing in his role of edi'ng and producing the
hall’s newsle�er, whilst Simon is s'll on our list to help at events. We also announced that our Movie Sub
Group’s Chairman, David Welfare, was standing down having seen us through the process of funding and
purchasing our own equipment. Our thanks go to all three for their dedica'on and support.
As per our Cons'tu'on, our new Chairman was due to be elected at our next commi�ee mee'ng. Then
Covid-19 struck! We couldn’t have our April mee'ng so remain without a Chairman. The commi�ee
decided that, as Treasurer, I should take the Interim Lead un'l such 'me as we can next safely meet.
We had to make the decision to close the hall on 17th
March and have recently reviewed this and are now
closed un'l at least the end of August. Whilst the hall is closed, we ensured that we kept the Post Office
open, working within strict social distancing restric'ons.
We had to consider security, maintenance checks, extra contacts for insurance and a host of others things
that need to be done even when closed. All commi�ee members have taken their part and embraced the
new way of doing things. I would like to give my personal thanks to them for dealing with; cancelled
bookings, clearing of gu�ers, moving of furniture, no'ceboards, lo�ery, cancelling of Movies, Café and
Flower Show, carrying out and recording security and maintenance checks, pos'ng to and monitoring of
Facebook.
Whilst this con'nues to be a difficult 'me for all, we have tried to look at alterna've ways of keeping
events in the village alive, regular hall users involved, and li(ing spirits. We have used Facebook and
no'ceboards to adver'se virtual events instead of the planned events. An Easter Message from Rev’d
Annie Gurner broadcast on Facebook, a virtual Easter Egg draw and an alterna've way of commemora'ng
the end of WW2. Sign up to Facebook – Odcombe Village Hall or keep an eye on the village no'ceboards
when out for your daily exercise for any further virtual events. I’d also like to thank Debbie, an instructor
who normally uses the hall, for contribu'ng to our Facebook page by pos'ng 10 minute exercises free each
day, and more recently Cordelia, another instructor, for her daily 'ps.
Working in conjunc'on with the Village’s Volunteer Network, Parish Council and the Church we have also
tried to keep you updated regarding any news from village businesses and the Pop-up Eco Supermarket,
public service announcements and even recipes via our Facebook page. This newsle�er will update those
of you not on social media and gives us an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to be part of a village
where people have looked out for one another, volunteers sprung up overnight to respond to this
pandemic and help is on hand if you need it.
On the posi've side, whilst the hall has been closed it has made it much easier for us to have
improvements done. The Foyer has new floor covering and the main hall has been totally redecorated. It
will all be fresh and new ready to welcome you once again to your village hall in, we hope, the near future
where we can share the joys and sadness of this unprecedented 'me.
Keep Safe and Well, Denise Dunford (Treasurer)
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Odcombe Village Hall Monthly Lo,ery
– Postponed
Good News ... there will be a bonus! So join
now.
This year's lo�ery draws were due to start at our
commi�ee mee'ng in early April. As we couldn't
have a mee'ng, because of lock-down, we have
made the decision to postpone the draws for the
next month or two. Thank you to all those who
have paid their £12 for the year; if your
membership is s'll outstanding, or you'd like to
support the hall by joining, please do so now using
the form on the right.
As a 'thank you' to all when we resume the draw,
we will of course do the outstanding monthly
draws, and there will be a BONUS draw. Many
thanks for your con'nued support.
Odcombe Village Hall Trustees - Charity No. 304602
Odcombe Short Mat Bowls
This year has turned out quite differently to what we expected. Hope everyone is
keeping safe. I’ve been in contact with all our members and all are well, but missing
bowls and socialising. They all will be glad to return to play as soon as is possible.
When things get back to normal and you would like to see what we are all about,
just come along. We meet on Monday a(ernoons, Wednesday and Friday evenings. You won’t be charged
anything for the first three sessions, or you could just give me a ring and see what it’s all about.
Keep safe.
Hazel Smith, Secretary m: 07720 724745 e: [email protected]
Odcombe Church Summer Fayre
This was due to be held at the Village Hall this month and unfortunately has had to be
cancelled for this year.
This is the only event that raises funds for the upkeep of the Church building; all others raise
monies for various chari'es, so let’s hope that 2021 will see a return to the more normal way
of life that we all enjoy in the village and it will be possible to hold an event.
Fiona Cumming.
Odcombe Church Lent Charity Lunch
£180 RAISED FOR THE ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY
A big Thank You to those who came to the Church Lent Charity Lunch on Saturday, 14th
March. This must
have been one of the last organised events in the Village Hall prior to lockdown and it was a really
Lottery Application FormLottery Application FormLottery Application FormLottery Application Form
I am new to the lottery
I wish to renew my ticket(s)
with the same number(s) or new number(s)
Number of tickets required ______
NAME ____________________________
ADDRESS _____________________________________
_____________________________________
PLEASE ENCLOSE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF MONEY
(cash or cheque) with this form and take it to one of the collection
points:- Joyce Holland, Rose Cottage, Dray Road,
Margaret Clotworthy, 32 Rex Road.
Judy Welfare, 31 Westbury Gardens.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘Odcombe Village Hall’. Registered Charity No. 304602
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good, social occasion with tasty home-made soups and bread, plus fruit and cheese.
We also ran a raffle with lovely prizes and everyone enjoyed the background live guitar music played by
Andrew Gillespie.
A thank you le�er from the Society stated how very pleased they were to receive our contribu'on towards
essen'al research into this disease.
Fiona Cumming
Greensleeves Nursery
We have all had a very interes'ng, strange and challenging 'me of it
over the past couple of months, haven’t we? At Greensleeves, we
went from our usual open to the public with customers perusing the
plant benches and the farm shop; through serving customers from a bench outside the farm shop not
allowing them to enter the shop or access the site; to a wholly delivery & collec'on service for food and
later, nursery items. We certainly had to learn very quickly and we lost a couple of valued staff members in
the transi'on.
We have come through it though, and learnt a lot about ourselves, our business and our customers along
the way. As I write this (May 17th
) we are gearing up to open again on Wednesday and being quite nervous
of doing so, we are puRng some strict safety procedures in place to protect everyone. We have decided to
con'nue doing deliveries and collec'ons for those who are s'll not going out or are nervous of being
amongst groups of people, so email us on [email protected] if you would like a veg box,
farm shop goodies or anything from the nursery.
Covering all of your roofing needs
throughout the south west
www.studleyroofing.co.uk
01935 477869
07976 779160
Li,le Orchard Holiday Let
Situated at the top of Orchard Path, this
detached bungalow, with views over the west
of Yeovil and the Dorset hills, is available to let
throughout the year from Sykes Co�ages
where you will find all the details and
availability, or for a villager discount e-mail
Glenn and Chris'ne Seymour at
grseymour@'scali.co.uk.
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It has been all hands-on deck at Greensleeves but our plant suppliers have had a difficult 'me of it,
evidenced by the fact that we are finding such things as bedding plants, compost and some sundries
difficult to come by and our gardening customers have had to be a li�le flexible in their choices this year.
But now our benches, poly-tunnels and farm shop are looking wonderful and we have welcomed three new
staff members to the team – Ron who lives in the village has been a rock in the farm shop, Sam who has
huge nursery and plant knowledge, and Jordan who will be working behind the scenes at first to keep the
place 'cking over. Lyndsay and Deb have kept us all going with their pa'ence and hard work, and we
couldn’t have done any of it without Anthony our delivery driver! Derek and I have had to ‘come out of
re'rement’ too which has been a huge shock for us!!
We thank everyone in Odcombe for being so pa'ent with us. We have got to know a bunch of amazing
people who have been so suppor've and who we hope we have helped to get through these difficult
'mes.
Come down and visit, see the changes we have made and above all ‘stay safe’.
Derek and Helen Taylor & the Greensleeves Team
Odcombe Volunteers Network
Shortly a(er the March Pop-Up Becky Reeves and I became increasingly concerned
about the impact of Covid-19 on our rural village. We presented a proposal to the Parish
Council to drop contact cards to every household in the village, should they need to self-
isolate, and the idea of Odcombe Food Bank. We came away with a batch of printed
cards, which was generously supplemented by Rev. Annie Gurner so there was enough
for every household. Becky was granted permission to site the Odcombe Food Bank in the Church to
enable free access for dona'ons and collec'on as needed. In less than a week Becky and I recruited a
team of over 20 volunteers to cover neighbouring streets in both Lower and Higher Odcombe and the
contact cards were delivered! Donald Gray kindly volunteered to set up, manage and fund a website (see
below!) to coordinate support within the village. Posters went up for the Odcombe Food Bank, which was
expanded to include games and ac'vi'es for all ages.
Exactly a week a(er our proposal to the Parish Council the country went into Lockdown!
Unfortunately the Church closed, and whilst supplies from Odcombe Food Bank have been shared, we
welcome any sugges'ons how and where this could be relocated.
The website con'nues to offer advice, contacts and support (from collec'ng prescrip'ons and shopping to
a friendly phone call). The Odcombe Volunteers Network keeps growing and suppor'ng our villagers. We
have coordinated projects such as making headbands to secure masks for key workers - Clare Robinson and
LoRe Gunning alone have made over 300!
I am immensely proud and humbled to see how our village has come together during this period. Thank
you to each and every one of you who has willingly offered your 'me and kindness. And if you haven’t
done so already, please have a look at the website and see what our villagers are doing for our village.
Take care and stay safe,
Claire Ashton, Odcombe Volunteers Network www.odcombe-ma�ers.co.uk
Odcombe Walkers
Our last walk was on 12 March 2020 when we were caught in a hailstorm on our walk from
the Spyway Inn at Askerswell which is 2½ miles from Bridport. So, having to paddle and
squelch through puddles round our February and early March walks, it changes to dry
spring'me weather with bluebells etc. making it ideal for walking (the best 'me of year
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B.D. Belben & Son
Plumbing and Heating Installations
Complete Bathroom Installations
Prop. S.J Belben
Tel: 01935 863928
Free estimates 2 year guarantee
Still operating, phone for details
7
in my opinion), and we have been unable to meet due to the lockdown.
As individuals the lockdown has not stopped us walking locally, and my wife and I heard a cuckoo for the
first 'me in years. Other compensa'ons are fewer cars on the road, allowing walkers and cyclists to
venture out, and gardens geRng rather more 'me spent on them. We have spoken to villagers that we
have not met before, who would normally be working and are now at home.
Walking in groups s'll looks a li�le way off and we quite o(en look to meet at a pub, as finding parking for
a number of cars is not always easy, this looks even further away. S'll if we all keep alert and hopefully the
scien'sts find a vaccine, life might become more normal.
On a sad note our Odcombe Walkers Chair Jane Gibbons who lived in Misterton passed away on 1st May
a(er several months illness - she will be much missed.
David Welfare
Pop-up Eco Supermarket
Well, it’s been an interes'ng quarter! Li�le did we imagine that our last Pop-Up
would showcase the launch of the Holy Cow Milk Vending Machine on Saturday 7th
March! What amazing 'ming that was?!
Since Lockdown the Eco Stallholders have strived to find safe ways to offer contact-
free local delivery. Those who are able to con'nue to support Odcombe and local
villages are listed below.
And as of Friday 15th May we have permission from Odcombe Parish Council, and the support of Odcombe
Village Hall, for Nicks Fruit & Veg and Martyn Else, award winning fishmonger, to set up a mini pop-up
“select and collect“ from their vans. This will be held in the car park, so social distancing can be
maintained, and will be weekly, every Friday 1-2pm.
Un'l we are able to safely offer a full Pop-Up Eco Supermarket in the Village Hall, we aim to find new ways
of suppor'ng the village and thank you for ongoing support.
Take care and stay safe,
Claire Ashton @The Pop-Up Eco Supermarket
Eco Friendly Shop m: 07799 741115 Take no Wrap. Yeovil’s Eco Store t: 01935 474826
Bagnell Farm m: 07375 040385 The hempire m: 07772 630096
Bread Drink Lab – Kvas m: 07479 606490 The Li�le Green Bee Co. www.li�legreenbee.co.uk
Ham Hill Cider m: 07973 222448 The Sausage Shed t: 01460 281074
Hillside Farm Cheese m: 07947 984326 Trading Post Farm Shop t: 01460 241666
Honey Pot Farm (apple juice) m: 07971 656440 Quantock Steamers m: 07794 663942
Greensleeves Nurseries t: 01935 864166 And repairers s'll able to help
MonkeyBean CSP m: 07837 955570 as they work from the van:
Nama'Stay Fresh www.namasyafresh.co.uk The Bike Vet m: 07749 245603
Nicks fruit and veg m: 07703 292670 Top Edge Sharpening Services m: 07817 460505
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HEDGEHOG PHOTOGRAPHIC
*** Wedding Specialist ***
Portraits -- Events -- Commercial -- Industrial
Website: www.hedgehogphotographic.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01935 862191
Free Quotations
(01460) 72142 / 07917 418 729
www.doubleglazingrepairsco.co.uk
� � � � Misted Up Double Glazing
� � � � Hinges, Handles, Locks
� � � � Patio Door Rollers
� � � � Velux Window Glass
� � � � Conservatory Roof Cleaning & Repairs
� � � � Fascia, Soffits & Guttering
� � � � ‘A’ Rated PVCu Windows & Doors
Neil Chatfield
Handyman and
Garden Services
01935 864117 /
07816 082141
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Holy Cow
We would like to firstly thank the village for having our vending machine at Odcombe
and we are proud to be suppor'ng the community especially during this difficult
period we are all facing.
The main reason for us having a vending machine in the beginning was to be able to
connect directly with the customer and to show how their food is produced. But
during Covid-19 this has been highlighted even more and we feel it is important for
local produce to be available 24/7. We con'nue to make the connec'on and hope
that the Open Farm Sunday event which has been postponed to 20th September will
go ahead so we would welcome you all to join us then to see the cows and how we farm.
We stock other products in the vending machine and keep it all local. If anyone has a request for local
products we would like to hear how to keep Odcombe stocked with what people want.
We are happy to help with village events in the future and to support in any way we can.
Contact: [email protected]
Thank you, Ma,hew & Coral
Avon & Somerset Police – DomesDc Abuse
We are urging anyone who is dealing with domes'c abuse, or anyone
who is concerned that someone they know could be dealing with
domes'c abuse, to come forward and ask for help. The force is
suppor'ng the na'onal campaign ‘You Are Not Alone’, which aims to
spread the message that there con'nues to be support available for
vic'ms and survivors of domes'c abuse despite the current restric'ons in place due to the Covid-19
outbreak. Domes'c abuse comes in many forms. It can involve physical violence, but it can also be
psychological – something which is referred to as coercive and controlling behaviour. This type of abuse
leaves no marks or scars but can cause vic'ms to experience fear, loss of freedom, on a daily basis. If your
rela'onship leaves you feeling scared, in'midated or controlled, you may be in an abusive rela'onship.
There is no excuse for abuse – it’s a crime. We would like to remind vic'ms and survivors of domes'c
abuse that they are not alone and that the police and specialist support agencies are s'll here and able to
provide help and support.
We are working closely with local domes'c support organisa'ons and chari'es to ensure that services and
ongoing support are available to anyone that needs it during the lockdown period, including access to
refuges.
If you are concerned for your safety, or worried about someone you know, then please let us know. You
can report on 101 or online, and in an emergency always call 999. If it’s not safe to speak, then dial 55 and
the operator will put you straight through to the police. We are here, we can help. You are not alone.
Avon & Somerset Police
Odcombe Football Club
The 2019 / 2020 season will go down in history as the season that never was a full season.
Our extended Christmas break, due to the amount of rain we had, extended into the
spring of the Covid-19 outbreak. Our last game was played on 14th
March where our first
team made it through to the semi-final of the Les King Cup by bea'ng Bruton 4-1 at
Bruton with goals from Jake Skipp, Billy Cook, Bartosz Trojanowski and Ian Harris which
would have taken us through to another semi-final against Stoke-sub-Hamdon,
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Still operating - phone for details
Still operating - phone for details
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our second semi-final played against them this season, and so far we are 1 game up on them winning
our Charity Cup encounter by 3 goals to 2 a(er extra 'me. Bartosz Trojanowski was again on the score
sheet, this 'me hiRng a brace and Alistair Carvell added another, but the result was not decided un'l the
very last kick of the game when everyone was thinking on a penalty shootout.
We are not sure what will be happening, or on what 'me scale, but the Yeovil and District League have
stated that they hope to play the Cup compe''ons in August before the start of the new season but
obviously that will depend on the government’s decisions on the virus. As far as the Yeovil and District
Leagues are concerned there will be no more league games played and the final posi'ons have been
worked out on a points per games played basis. Our First Team in the Premier Division finished in 5th
place
out of 9 but having played fewer games than most.
Of the 8 games played we had won 3 drawn 2 and lost 3 having 11 points. Our Reserve Team had a bit of a
player problem as we went through January and February as we had so many injured and unavailable
players from both teams. John Dixon the Reserve Team manager was always trying desperately to get a
full team whenever both teams were due to play on the same day as the First Team took priority over
players. This resulted in a few fixtures having to be postponed as we couldn’t raise a reserve team and
with that goes the deduc'on of points and a league fine. Eventually we did almost finish our Reserve team
league season just as the total ban on local football came into existence, which le( us with 6th
posi'on out
of 9 in the points per games ra'ng.
As we have not been able to have an Annual General Mee'ng, and the 2019/2020 season has not been
officially finished, the annual awards are on hold and The Rothery Trophy (First v Reserves) is also wai'ng
to be played. Our finances have taken a bit of a hit as March, April and May are very busy for us having
evening midweek games as well as every weekend fixtures, but we will be able to carry on next season
even if we have to keep an eye on the purse strings. We intend to run two teams with Steve Cook and John
Dixon carrying on as team managers and will commence training at Odcombe whenever it is deemed safe
to do so.
We are always on the lookout for more players of whatever standard, so please contact us if you are
interested in playing regularly on Saturday a(ernoons during the playing season. Our website can be
accessed by using www.pitchero.com/clubs/odcombe where you will find all the usual informa'on about
games / results / reports / photos. For all enquiries contact Glenn Seymour on 01935 863961 or
grseymour@'scali.co.uk
Glenn Seymour
@ the Hall Café – Much more than a café – a social hub for the village!
Well what can I say!
We can’t have Café
But you can join us for tea
In virtual reality!
So on fourth Monday of Month
Put your feet up and munch
A cake from your stock
Put on your best frock
And pretend you’re with me
Sipping your tea!
We will be con'nuing our Sale Table for Alzheimer’s Society as soon as lockdown is over so if you have
been having a clear out and have unwanted gi(s and newer items to donate please let us know.
The Café Team look forward to welcoming you again.
Denise Dunford t: 863444
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Odcombe Movie Nights
Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to David Welfare for leading the
group for the last 2½ years.
Our last season ended abruptly with the lockdown due to Covid-19. We
were hoping to see The Good Liar, sadly that was not to be. The last film was Knives Out which had an
audience of 52.
The next season was due to start on Monday 5th
October. At this 'me we are not sure whether it will. We
will keep you informed. Look out for posters, news on Facebook and via email. If you would like to be
emailed about all future events at the Village Hall, please send an email to [email protected].
All details are kept securely.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Judy Welfare, Chair Odcombe Movie Nights
Masons Arms
Drew and I would like to say a hear[elt thank you to everyone in
the village who has supported our pub in these turbulent 'mes.
We hope when we can reopen we will welcome familiar faces
and new ones through the door or at the takeaway hatch (socially
distanced of course!) so that the village pub can survive this crisis.
We are currently exploring every avenue of safe prac'ce for both our staff and customers for any future
reopening so you can rest assured that all possible precau'ons are in place during your visit.
Stay safe and stay well,
Paula & Drew.
Odcombe Luncheon Club
The Luncheon Club has been unable to meet since January, so that seems a very long 'me
ago. We hope everyone is following the guidelines and staying safe and healthy. For those
who live in the village scones and cream were delivered on VE Day, trus'ng that everyone
had some jam at home. I hope you enjoyed them. Those who I saw seemed to be having a
lovely 'me and we were blessed with good weather. Hopefully we will all be able to meet
again for a celebra'on lunch, but probably not for some months.
Deryl Rennie
Odcombe Parish Council
The council has not been able to meet since March. However our clerk, Elizabeth James
has been doing a great job and has been keeping us all up to date and well informed.
We are all in contact via email. There will be no annual mee'ng this year and our
accounts will be delayed. The Government have changed the rules and if necessary the
Council will hold a virtual mee'ng. Members of the public will be able to speak in an
open forum beforehand and listen to the subsequent mee'ng providing they pre-register. This will be
publicised via our web page, Facebook and the no'ceboard.
Congratula'ons to those who set up the Odcombe Supporters Group and the village website.
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This was set up very promptly and has been procuring shopping, prescrip'ons etc. for those who have
been told to isolate. Thank you for displaying such wonderful community spirit. Thank you also to all the
children who have been drawing rainbows and giving some to elderly residents as well as displaying them
in their own homes. The clapping and saucepan banging on a Thursday evening in support of the NHS and
key workers has been very enthusias'c. Good to let these amazing people know that we appreciate their
efforts. It was lovely to see all the decora'ons for VE Day, something to cheer us up as we took our walks
around the village.
I have received some complaints about the blocked off footpath between Chapel Hill and Old Road. If you
are willing to complete an evidence form, that the footpath has been in use for as many years as you can
remember, please contact either myself or the clerk to receive a form, by email or post.
There have also been some complaints about bonfires. Please consider your neighbours who are very
likely to have their house windows open, have washing on their line and or be in their gardens if the
weather is good. Also remember that it is not illegal to have a bonfire and polite nega'on is more likely to
produce a posi've result than abuse and threats.
A big thank you to those people who came and helped with plan'ng trees. They appear to be doing well
and the bund is also becoming established - a benefit of so much rain in March. Travellers were in the area
just a few weeks a(er our new protec've barriers were in place so we may have been lucky with the
'ming.
The link below gives valuable informa'on and contains links embedded within the text for mental health
and emo'onal issues and is well worth a look:
www.somerset.gov.uk/Coronavirus/covid-19-mental-health-informa'on/#Five-Way-to-Wellbeing-when-
self-isola'ng.
Remember: Follow guidance on staying at home for those isola'ng and social distancing for everyone.
Stay Safe Stay Healthy
Deryl Rennie
t: 07549 643402 | e: [email protected] | w: odcombeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Odcombe Flower, Produce and CraM Show
Odcombe’s 88th Show on 8th August 2020 is CANCELLED
Unfortunately the Team has decided that this is one event that we can’t postpone
but have to cancel for this year. So much planning goes into prin'ng schedules,
booking Judges etc. that is not movable and with the hall closed un'l at least the
end of August there will sadly not be a Show this year.
The sun will surely shine this year, just as we hoped, so if you have some stunning
gardens please post your pictures on our Facebook page – Odcombe Village Hall, for all to see. Not on
Facebook? Then email them to [email protected] It would be lovely to see gardens around
the village and have some photos to keep to remind us of the floral year.
If you were one of last year’s trophy winners please would you return your trophy by the end of July to
Judy Welfare, 31 Westbury Gardens, Higher Odcombe. Tel: 01935 593195
We would like to thank all of our volunteers who we know will also be saddened by this decision. We look
forward to mee'ng you all to plan an outstanding show for 2021.
Flower Show Team – Denise, Fiona, Jean, Joyce, Judy, Kay & Margaret.
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World War II, VE Day 75th Anniversary May 8th
2020
The planned celebra'on street party in Lower Odcombe had to be
cancelled due to the Coronavirus crisis and the lockdown. My personal
view was that Hitler couldn’t stop me neither would any other
manifesta'on of pes'lence.
So I decided to put together a modest display for any ‘2 Metre’ passers
by. I kept the display to a personal level:
• My father’s medals for service in the Royal Navy in two World
Wars! He died when HMS Courageous was torpedoed in the
North Atlan'c, only two weeks into the war.
• Pictures the bombing Plymouth, which I personally witnessed at
close quarters (too close!).
• War'me pictures of Mary’s family in London. Including the street party on VE day.
• A selec'on of photographs of pain'ngs of WW2 aircra( painted by myself.
• Two very well worn Union Flags, which had clearly been waved almost to ex'nc'on!
Most of the residents of Chapel Hill turned out and, within the limits of 2 m separa'on, had an enjoyable
'me.
David Gibbings MBE
Bonfire safety message for this weekend
Bonfires con'nue to be an issue within Devon and Somerset, so this weekend we
are asking everyone not to have them. If someone you know is thinking of having
a bonfire then please ask them not to.
We've seen a 100% increase in call outs to bonfires since lockdown. Last weekend
we responded to a bonfire which spread to the house, as well as a neighbour's
house. Please avoid bonfires. They put unnecessary pressure on the emergency services at this 'me.
Try compos'ng, recycling, reusing, or just wait un'l the recycling centres are open again.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
SDtch & Knit
Well this is the first year that the S'tch & Knit group haven’t had a celebratory cake for our
‘birthday’ in April. We are missing you, the na�ering, and of course the cake! We are
confident that whilst at home you are all busy finding 'me to make wonderful things.
Some of you may have seen Gaynor and Florence sharing their projects on a live Facebook
stream earlier in the lockdown. Carole-Ann, on the other hand, hasn’t been at all crea've since
we last met, although the allotment is looking weeded.
We don’t know when we will be mee'ng up again, but when the 'me comes, it would be
wonderful if we could share some of the amazing projects you have been working on – a sort of S'tch &
Knit Show and Tell session.
As soon as the village hall re-opens S'tch & Knit will start up again on the 2nd
, 4th
and 5th
Tuesday of the
month. We really look forward to that 'me and meanwhile, we hope you are all well and safe.
Carole-Ann Balaam
15
Odcombe Parish Church - a word from the Vicar
I’m so glad that the church building stands on top of the hill central to Higher Odcombe and so many
of you choose to walk nearby or through the churchyard [my thanks to John and Francis Shaw for
looking a(er the border so well – they are a joy!]. It represents centuries of Chris'an believers
choosing to worship God here faithfully. I am very sad that the church building has been closed in
recent weeks, by government order, just when so many could have been comforted by visi'ng and
praying there. From June we may be permi�ed to conduct certain rites in Church for limited
numbers (this is likely to be funerals and/or weddings, but as yet we don't have details) and from 5th July we may be permi�ed
to have some limited public worship IF we can comply with all the hygiene and medical safety provisions. Jus'n Welby
accompanied this announcement with the following: 'We don't depend on the buildings, wonderful as they are, and they are
treasures. What we depend on is the presence of God, through Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit, who leads us into his love, into his
mission, into following him.'
Meanwhile the church itself is alive and well and I am available for you via email or
telephone for any enquiries (the parish office is closed at present so I am working from
home). Sunday worship is offered online every week – see our website, and a simple family
service is circulated to about 30 families: do contact me if you’d also like to receive that. A
filmed school assembly is being circulated each week, and we con'nue to hold a virtual
prayer mee'ng every Tuesday morning for Odcombe – do email me if you’d like to be
included or have prayer requests. On Tuesday evenings our house group has gone online
[via Zoom] and on June 2nd we start a new course: How to pray. Everyone is welcome to
join in. The pastoral care team is also ac've in offering phone and postal support for the
bereaved and ill and we look forward to when we can resume visi'ng people in their homes.
In recent weeks, perhaps unsurprisingly, we have seen a growth in church worship
a�endance, albeit online, as more and more people seek fellowship and encouragement
through Chris'an worship. Last week well over 120 households joined us. Of course we are
able to include music and songs from all over the world as well as a virtual Ham Hill Villages band (!) and next week for
Pentecost, Bishop Peter will be our guest preacher too. In addi'on to local offerings, can I commend to you midweek
‘communion’ and Sunday reflec'ons from our Bishops via h�ps://www.bathandwells.org.uk and for those not on the internet,
the Church is providing Daily Hope on 0800 804 8044, a free phone-line of hymns, reflec'ons and prayers. Also, of course, the
radio and television provide a rich variety of Sunday worship at 08:10 (R4), 11:45(BBC1), 13:15 (BBC1).
As I write, we are beginning Mental Health Awareness week, and I commend to you a new 24 hr helpline from Somerset MIND, a
local charity. 01823 276892 Do consider a friend or neighbour who might value this support.
We have had some enquiries about the Rectors post, which is encouraging, and we hope to be able to schedule interviews at the
end of the Summer. Our youth minister, Abbi, comes to the end of her 2 year training contract in July. We are so grateful for
the wonderful work she has done at the Hamdon Youth Group and also Stanchester school. We are ac'vely seeking an
experienced Chris'an youth worker to offer sessional support for our teenagers from September. In addi'on, we are using this
quieter 'me to develop plans for a Families and Children’s worker, again to be employed part-'me, for our commitment to
growing ministry amongst children and young families. We will be applying for an external grant for that post. Watch this
space!
May I add my voice to the many wishing to thank neighbours and local residents for the great effort made to support the
prac'cal and emo'onal needs of our more vulnerable residents in recent weeks. The spirit of Odcombe is alive and well! I am
also very mindful of the local businesses, employees and families really struggling financially at this 'me.
The Quinquennial inspec'on iden'fied a number of repairs needed to the church building. Trevor Walton and George Leaver
are arranging for all these repairs to be undertaken, as soon as possible, and keeping an eye on the church fabric for us. Valerie
Leaver is also kindly undertaking some repairs to the altar embroidery and Roger Fox is generously giving his 'me to work on a
new and updated churchyard plan. Thank you so much, all of you. Odcombe PCC have also decided to sell the li�le Parish field
(1.3 acres) – on the open market – as soon as we can obtain vacant possession and a public auc'on can be arranged. All
expressions of interest should be directed to Mr Jamie Ba�, Greenslade, Taylor Hunt in Yeovil.
Meanwhile, this comes with my prayers for you all. Do be in touch if you know of any pastoral needs in the village or have any
concerns yourselves, ques'ons about faith or to schedule a special service. We are invi'ng anyone who has had a restricted
funeral at the crem or graveside in these weeks, to have a Thanksgiving or Memorial service for their loved one in the church –
hopefully this Autumn. I come to the village most weeks to deliver things or conduct funerals etc. and very much look forward
to the 'me I can see you all more o(en.
Every Blessing, www.hamhillchurches.org
Annie (Revd Annie Gurner, Ham Hill Villages Benefice) 01935 824167 or revgurner@b'nternet.com
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5 v 7
16
All Saints Church School
Dear All
Life at All Saints has been very different during these unprecedented 'mes. As a
school we con'nue to stay open to support our key worker children, however the
majority of our children are now home learning. I would like to extend my thanks
to All Saints staff who con'nue to help keep our school open for our key worker
children. Over the past few weeks, I have watched the key worker children in our care show resilience and
compassion for others. This has been replicated in the show of community spirit and support throughout
all the wonderful learning and ac'vi'es that have taken place within the homes of our All Saints families.
Whilst we con'nue to go through what will be a huge event in history ourselves, I know that many of our
All Saints families helped to commemorate the very special occasion of Victory in Europe Day on Friday 8th
May. It is important to remember events from the past; events which have shaped our country. In future
years I hope we will look back at the 'me we overcame our current situa'on. The commemora've photos
of ‘stay at home’ celebra'ons sent in by All Saints children were a joy to see. The full length film of all our
VE Day celebra'on photos can be found on our school website’s home page
h�ps://allsaintsprimary.j2bloggy.com/blog/all-saints-celebrates-ve-day-75/
Despite not being in school many of our All Saints children contributed to a banner to help celebrate VE
Day. All the children were asked to think of words to describe how people felt on VE Day 75 years ago and
of the bravery of those involved. The children in school helped to create the banner placing the words,
sent in from by our pupils, onto silhoue�es of tanks and submarines. The banner has been displayed just
outside the school for all the community to see!
During World War 2, on June 4th
1940, one of the most historical and inspira'onal speeches was made.
“We shall fight them on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields
and in the streets, we shall fight them in the hills, we shall never surrender.” Winston Churchill
75 years on, the ba�les may be different but the determina'on of our All Saints community remains. We
con'nue to fight the invisible enemy by staying at home, staying alert and keeping safe. As a school we are
proud to stand with you all, we have come so far as a community and with con'nued support, we will get
through this together.
With prayers and the warmest of best wishes to you and your families
Mrs Bowditch, Headteacher
17
From your Village Agent, Cath Holloway
A note from Keeley Rudd, CEO of Community Council for
Somerset (Village Agents)
First and foremost I hope you are well, keeping safe and
managing to access the support and essen'al supplies you
need in these difficult 'mes.
CCS Village, Community and Carers Agents have been
providing support for individuals and communi'es in
Somerset since 2012. Agents help by providing prac'cal,
community based solu'ons to meet peoples basic needs and
beyond. This is a unique service across the county and CCS
works extremely closely with both the health services and
social care to broker a range of support in a person-centred
way to enable someone to be nurtured in their own local
community wherever possible. Village, Community and
Carers Agents are designated key-workers during the COVID-
19 pandemic and have individual le�ers of authority from the
County Council to verify this.
During this unprecedented 'me the calls to our services and
out to members of the community to provide help, support
and advice run into thousands on a weekly basis and the
demand is increasing. All Agents (and other staff within CCS)
are working extremely hard and despite the volume are
managing to provide the same professional and personalised
help and support and are receiving some fantas'c feedback
from those they have supported. If you have any feedback
you would like to share please send it to:
If you need Agent support please use the Agent Call Back form on
our website www.ccslovesomerset.org The current crisis has
shown the compassion, kindness and community spirit of people
in Somerset. CCS Agents can help you to get in touch with your
local support group.
In addi'on, we have experienced and knowledgeable staff
who can support you if you are part of a Parish or Town
Council, a Village Hall Commi�ee, social or community
enterprise or community group or charity. Advice is available
on our website or you can call the main CCS number on 01823
331222 for help.
If you are a carer and look a(er a family member or
dependent in an unpaid capacity you may need addi'onal
support so please call our Freephone number on 0800 31 68
600 or visit the website h�ps://somersetcarers.org where we
offer a web chat facility. If you are concerned about a
neighbour or someone you know in your local area who is a
carer and they do not have access to the internet then please
give them the advice line number.
I hope you will join me in thanking the dedicated and
professional staff at CCS and in recognising and thanking CCS
Agents as frontline key-workers who are helping to ensure
that essen'al supplies and support get through to the people
who need it most. Include them in your “Clap for Carers”
each week to show your support.
WHO TO CONTACT THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS
LOCKDOWN FOR SUPPORT:
• Contact CCS via the usual website and our COVID-19
response form www.ccslovesomerset.org. An Agent will
contact you with relevant informa'on about local
volunteers, as well as shops and restaurants that are able
to deliver to you in your area. Agents can also provide any
other support regarding benefits and housing.
• Contact Somerset Direct if you have safeguarding
concerns or care plan issues 0300 123 2224
• Somerset County Council has a created a dedicated COVID
-19 helpline: 0300 790 6275
• Contact your local Parish Council for doorstep support.
• Contact your GP, NHS 111, and pharmacy or wellbeing
advisors if you have any medical concerns.
Cath Holloway
m: 07968 521746
Buses from Lower Odcombe (Montacute Road) to Yeovil
This is a COVID-19 EMERGENCY timetable MONDAY to SATURDAY
Odcombe to Yeovil Yeovil to Odcombe
d. 07:30 a. 07:45 d. 08:00 a. 08:13
d. 09:08 a. 09:25 d. 10:00 a. 10:13
d. 11:08 a. 11:25 d. 12:00 a. 12:13
d. 13:08 a. 13:25 d. 14:00 a. 14:13
d. 15:08 a. 15:25 d. 16:15 a. 16:28
d. 17:23 a. 17:40
Report, view or discuss local problems If you wish to report a problem in your street, like broken paving, fly tipping, graffiti, potholes, parking on pavements, dog fouling etc., then go to
fixmystreet.com mySociety Limited is a project of UK Citizens Online Democracy, a registered charity in England and Wales. For full details visit mysociety.org
18
For local beat officers for Odcombe go to avonandsomerset.police.uk Your Area
There are active NHW schemes in Odcombe. If you would like to join the scheme and are not sure if there is one in your road, please contact Lindsey Stone, Watch Scheme Administrator, Somerset Local Policing Team, Bridgwater Police Centre, Sandy Padgett House, Express Park,
Bristol Road, Bridgwater TA6 4RR
t: 101 (or 01278-644799 direct line) or
Lindsey will be able to give you the details you require.
Mobile Library Service
For information about this service, contact Libraries Direct t: 0300 1232224 or visit
www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries
Bus Service 44
Odcombe Church gates dep. 10:30 Yeovil (the Borough) arr. 10:45
Yeovil (the Borough) dep. 12:45 Odcombe Church gates arr. 13:00 Mondays to Fridays
Recycling at Artillery Road, Lufton Trading Estate, Yeovil - OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS from 11th May
9:00am to 6:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and
9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Garden Waste collections for subscribers restart on alternate Thursdays from 21st May.
Go to www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/reopen for full details of the restrictions
Bank Holiday road-side collections:
after Summer Bank Holiday - Thursday 3rd September
Post OfficePost OfficePost OfficePost Office at the Village Hallat the Village Hallat the Village Hallat the Village Hall
All the normal services found at a village post office are provided in the hall:
Monday from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Friday from 9:30am to 11:30pm
Free cash withdrawals, by card, from most banks
and building societies can be made.
International letters/packets and Bureau de
Change facilities are also available.
Social distancing measures are currently in
place. Please observe the directions
displayed at the door of the hall before
entering.
This Newsletter is published by the Odcombe Village Hall Management Committee, registered charity No. 304602 Views expressed by contributors to this Newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by the Committee,
neither are the products and services shown by advertisers in their advertisements.
Committee: Chair to be elected Treasurer Denise Dunford Secretary Helen Crook Email: [email protected]
Contacts: Newsletter Ed. Colin Hill t: 863193 Advertising [email protected] Hall Bookings Alan & Kay Hiscock
m: 07845 943978 e: [email protected]
Odcombe Village Hall
Footpaths Officer - If you find any problems with footpaths around the
parish, please contact Jack Loxston
t: 862238 e: [email protected]
*** Essential visits only ***
19
Activity Contacts ...
Post Office Mondays - 9:00 to 12:00 noon
Fridays - 9:30 to 11:30 am
Still open at the Village Hall Social distancing measures are in place
Stitch and Knit 2nd, 4th & 5th Tuesday in month
- 7:15 pm
Gaynor Soulsby t: 863117
Short Mat Bowls Mondays - 2:00 to 4:30 pm
Wednesdays - 7:00 to 10:00 pm
Fridays - 7:00 to 10:00 pm
Hazel Smith m: 07720 724745
Odcombe Baby & Toddler Group Tuesdays - 9:30 to 11:30 am Odcombe Toddler Group
Modern Sequence Dance Monthly on a Sunday - 2:00-5:00 pm Des & Marj Vincent t: 01308 425509
Whist Drive Thursdays - 8:00 pm Joyce Holland t: 863545
Parish Council (public welcome) 3rd Monday in month - 7:30 pm Mrs E.M. James PSLCC
m: 07549 643402
Luncheon Club 3rd Wednesday in month - 12:30 pm Deryl Rennie t: 864523
@ the Hall Café 4th Monday in month - 10:00 am till noon Denise Dunford t: 863444
Pilates Monday - 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Thursday - 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Cordelia Worsley t: 01935 412104
Anna Chapman AVC Physio Pilates
Pilates & Zumba Friday - 10:00 am till noon Debbie Knight m: 07970 258085
Pop-Up Eco Supermarket 1st Saturday in month 9:00 - 1:00pm The Pop-Up Eco Supermarket
Odcombe Movie Nights Monthly from October to April Judy Welfare m: 07934 737104
Odcombe Walkers David Welfare m: 07745 118106
Odcombe Football Club Glenn Seymour t: 863961
Neighbourhood Watch Local representatives around the village Deryl Rennie t: 864523
Alan Hiscock t: 863388
St. Peter & St. Paul Parish Church
Associate Vicar: Revd Annie Gurner t: 824167
This Newsletter is also available on-line: www.odcombeparishcouncil.gov.uk NEWS
and is published by the Odcombe Village Hall Management Committee, registered charity No. 304602. Printed by Sarum Graphics Limited, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6QX
Lambs in Montacute Park, April 2020
COLIN HILL
20
Odcombe VE Day 75 Celebrations on 8th May 2020Odcombe VE Day 75 Celebrations on 8th May 2020Odcombe VE Day 75 Celebrations on 8th May 2020Odcombe VE Day 75 Celebrations on 8th May 2020
Many thanks to Ed from
Hedgehog Photographic
and various members of
the Volunteer Network for
these photos