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Dates for your Diary

Is there an event that should be listed here? Please let subed@fossetrinitynews.co.uk know otherwise it’s unlikely to appear here.

Letter from the editors So much is going on this month it was a struggle to include all contributions so there’s plenty to enjoy if you want to be entertained or informed; some events happily provide both. Join Graham Hendy divulging the background to the English obsession with tea drinking (p17); U3A has a talk on conquering the Great Wall of China (p25); you can join a fungus foray (p18); learn more about bees (p23); watch ‘Our Kind of Traitor’ (p24); challenge your grey matter with the Legion quiz (p27) and chose from a myriad of gastronomic delights: a harvest lunch at East Pennard (p32), a village lunch in Ditcheat (p42) or a community lunch, served by Year 6 at Ditcheat School, which also invites you to celebrate the opening of its £30,000 sparkling new kitchen, all made possible by local fund raising (p7/8). Our community may be small but it’s certainly lively. It’s also practically cutting edge. The black and white bar code at the bottom of page 19 is a QR-code (that’s a ‘quick response code’ – a two-dimensional, machine-readable, optical bar code). If you are armed with a Smart phone, an app and intent, a mere waft will connect you to the FTN website. Happy reading!

Margy Cockburn Tim Sanders www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk

This Month Advertiser Index 58 Alhampton News 5 Another Winner 11 Bee Talk 23 C. Smallbone 14 Church Services 30 Day at the Races 28 Diary Dates 4 Directory 56 Big Screen 24 Book Group 41 Ditcheat Ch. Rota 54 Ditcheat Fun Run 12 Ditcheat PC 45 Ditcheat School 6 Ditcheat Weather 23 D/P Singers 28 E.P Harvest Lunch 32 E.P. BR Legion 26 E.P. PC 49 Gardening 35 Jubilee Hall 53 Mothers' Union 13 Natural World 37 Rector's Note 31 Recycling Changes 50 Rondezvous 20 Theatre Trips 55 Travel Somerset 55 U3A 25 Village Lunch 42 WEA Castle Cary 17 Wildlife Update 18

The Fosse Trinity News is a community magazine. It is financed by advertising and donations. It is delivered FREE to every household in Ditcheat, Alhampton, East Pennard and Pylle. We welcome any contribution from anyone in the community of any age! The editors reserve the right to edit. Copyright of all photographs published remains with the originator unless specified otherwise.

Send copy by 15th of each month to editor@fossetrinitynews.co.uk

For enquiries about advertising in the magazine, please contact John 01749 860457 or email adverts@fossetrinitynews.co.uk

Closing date 10th of each month

Cover Picture: © Robby Labanowski

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Dates for your Diary

Every Week

Mon

Pilates (9.00) Tai Chi for Health (10.30) Clubbercise Fitness (6.30)

Ditcheat Badminton Club (8.30) Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00)

Diana 860224 Richard 880308

Kylie 07707 778948

James 860355 Di 07831 289945

Tue Art Group – Fortnightly (10.00) Liz & Stewart 860755

Wed Ditcheat Badminton Club (2.00) Ditcheat Short Mat Bowls (7.00) Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00)

James 860355 Martin 860780

Di 07831 289945 Thu Keep Fit (9.15) Diana 860224

Fri Pilates (9.15) Mo 07815 748518

September

Fri 30th 7:30pm Shambles, Castle Cary: Tea Drinking in Regency England, Graham Hendy Page 17

October

Tue 11th 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Diana 860224 Page 20

Tue 11th 7.30pm Gardening Club, Pylle Village Hall: Wild Flowers of South Africa

Barbara 860438

Sat 15th 10.00am Ditcheat Hall (till 5pm): Art Nouveau by Paul Chapman, £30

Mike 860352

Sun 16th 12.30pm East Pennard Harvest Lunch, Coach House, East Pennard, £10/£5

Audrey 860317 Page 32

Sun 16th 7.00pm Royal British Legion Quiz Night prompt 7.30pm start at The Den, Pylle Page 27

Thur 20th 10.30am Ditcheat School Official Kitchen Opening Richard 860396

Thur 20th 7.30pm Ditcheat Big Screen "Our Kind of Traitor (15)"

Peter 860081 Page 24

Sun 23rd Combat Stress Families and Armed Forces Race Day, Wincanton Racecourse Page 28

Wed 26th 7.30pm Pilton Village Hall – Bee Talk, Joe King Page 23

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Fri 28th 2.30pm Camelot U3A: Great Wall of China, Mike A. Spencer Page 25

Sun 30th 2.00am CLOCKS FALL BACK ONE HOUR

November

Tue 8th 7.30pm Gardening Club, Pylle Village Hall: Planning, Planting and Pruning a Cider Orchard

Barbara 860438

Wed 16th 12.30pm Ditcheat School Community Meal School 860329

Thur 17th 7.30pm Ditcheat Big Screen "The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG) " Peter 860081

December

Sat 3rd 7.30pm Ditcheat and Pylle Singers: A Festive Choral Concert (Jubilee Hall)

Hamish 838757 Page 28

Is there an event that should be listed here, or correction required? Please let subed@fossetrinitynews.co.uk know otherwise it’s unlikely to appear here.

Alhampton News After some ups and downs in recent months we have a new regime at the pub. We wish Kevin and Maya all the best in the future. According to the property shows and articles, people think one of most important assets to a village is a pub. Well, we have one - we need to support it so it will be successful and we keep it. Sermon over! We had a very enjoyable impromptu evening earlier this month when a young man who was staying in the village for a week produced his fiddle and played a wonderful selection of Irish music – real toe-tapping stuff. It is amazing how much live music cheers one, whatever the type, and this was no exception. Following last month’s bird news we saw an even more unusual visitor to the pub in August. We were sitting outside in the evening and suddenly a large white bird fell from the roof and landed near us, obviously in some distress. A man picked it up and put it into the bottom of the hedge to give it time to come to. We assumed, from the quick look we got, that it was a gull but a little later it emerged from the hedge, looked around and it became obvious it was an egret. It took off and flew into a neighbouring garden. There was no sign of it the following morning so hopefully it had made its way home. The other day we were discussing whether we would have a fete in 2017 – the consensus appears to be we should. It has been suggested we raise money to get a defibrillator for the village with any balance going, as usual, to the Air

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Ambulance. There is one in Ditcheat but those extra minutes might make all the difference. Watch out for further news and put your thinking caps on for ideas to add to the usual established activities. The Alhamptonians meet on 6th October so time to adjust to the change in the month. Thanks must go to Eva Weelen who hosted the Alhamptonians in August, as the pub was shut. I find it hard to believe, but apparently there are people still who say ‘Alhamptonians – what’s that?’. It is just a regular evening – the first Thursday in the month – when several residents of Alhampton (and other places as well) gather. Someone is always there from about 8.15 p.m. but people come and go as it suits them. Everyone is welcome, especially if you are new to the village and want to meet people - don’t feel that you are committing yourself to anything, just try it out.

Ditcheat School News

“Ditch the Kitch” update! We are so thrilled that all the hard work and fundraising has paid off and the kitchen is nearly complete. Thank you to everyone who has helped us in the “ditch the kitch” journey, however big or small. It’s only because of the incredible support of parents, villagers and local businesses that we have succeeded in this challenge, securing the future of the school meals. We wish we could thank each individual within this article, however I fear I would take over the whole FTN edition! But thank you – we couldn’t have done it without you. After the race night and some other donations over the summer, we raised just over £29,000 in just over 12 months - it really is an outstanding achievement. Additionally, we are very grateful to Paul Nicholls and the help of his PA, Hannah Roache. They have so kindly bought the school a new cooker big enough to make all of the meals for the children

Grand Opening – Thursday 20th October at 10:30 am

We would like to invite you to celebrate the opening of our new kitchen on Thursday 20th October at 10:30 am. Please come and have some refreshments, we would love to thank you personally and show off our sparkling new kitchen. Thank you – we did it!

Friends of Ditcheat School

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Pupils get into the spirit of their World War II Day The last academic year (2015/16) was a year of change for Ditcheat School. We welcomed two new teachers, Miss Draws and Miss Hunt, while Miss Crook stepped up to the position of senior teacher. It was also my first year as head teacher. A year of success It was also a year of ‘Team Work’ and this was most clearly shown with the parents’ fund raising efforts. They set out to raise £30,000 to build a new kitchen and, as the new term began, this dream was almost realised. We hope to have started using the kitchen by the time you are reading this. A special village My favourite memories of the last year were the three community meals. We welcomed many members of our local community to share a meal with the children. Mrs Cooper produced a wonderful roast dinner which was served by our older children. The year ahead We have much planned already for the year ahead, but with no staff leaving it’s a real opportunity to reach for the stars and for everyone to achieve their potential. Dates for your diary The official opening of our school kitchen – Thursday 20th October 10.30am. Following our harvest festival we shall be holding the grand opening of our new kitchen. Please join us for a cup of tea or coffee after our harvest festival and celebrate the opening of this remarkable fundraising project.

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Community Meal – Wednesday 16th November 12.30pm Please join us for our community meal on Wednesday 16th November at 12.30pm. Our new Year 6 children are looking forward to serving you a delicious roast lunch. Please contact the school if you would like to book a lunch (01749) 860329. A head teacher remembered Finally, it is with great sadness we share the news that former head teacher, Beth Hopkin, died at the beginning of the summer holidays, following a difficult battle against cancer. Beth was the head teacher of Ditcheat School for 9 years (2002 – 2011). She will be remembered for the passion and commitment she had for the school and every child who attended. Beth was an inspiration and friend to those she worked with and will be greatly missed.

Richard Reid

Beth Hopkin

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Another Ditcheat Winner!

Sybil Critchley, a long time Ditcheat resident, is a member of Fosse Bells, a relatively small group of local people who meet, generally weekly, to practice the art of ringing handbells. By invitation, more formal ringing takes place at residential homes within the area, the Willow and Wetlands Centre at Stoke St Gregory, as well as at Churches within the United Fosse Trinity Benefice. The original set of bells are in the ownership of Ditcheat Church - a number of new bells have since been acquired by the present Group - and, at one time, were in active use by the Ditcheat Women's Institute.

Fosse Bells is one of similar groups which make up the South West Regional Association of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain. The Regional Association arranges a number of "gatherings" throughout the year but with an Annual Regional Rally. This year's Rally was held at West Monkton, near Taunton, and attracted teams from Devizes to Newton Abbot plus a few visitors from the South East. The theme of the day was "food and drink" and, with that in mind, the massed ringing pieces included ‘The Drinking Song’ from La Traviata, ‘Cockles and Mussels’ and ‘On Top of Old Smokey’ [an oblique reference to the ubiquitous barbeque!]. Almost all of the teams participating at the Rally did ring solo pieces with a food and drink theme [however loose the connection!]. The advance programme for the day announced that there would be a competition for the best decorated cake. There were some really lovely looking cakes [mostly all were enjoyed at tea time!] but the one judged the best was that made by Sybil on behalf of Fosse Bells! It was decided her cake was far too good to cut up and eat there and then so it was auctioned and it raised £25 [for the Regional Association's funds]. Very well done, Sybil, Fosse Bells is proud of you for adding your personal skills to those of our combined group! [If you wish to know more about Fosse Bells, please contact our leader, Jon Dickens: 01458 850241; he'll be pleased to hear from you!].

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Ditcheat Fun Run

On Sunday 18th September, The Ditcheat Fun Run, organised by the Baker family, took place. 161 runners took part helping to raise over £3000 for Child Bereavement. Thanks to all those who joined in: runners, helpers and spectators.

Amy Derham (left) ‐ won the women's 5km Harry Derham (middle) ‐ won the men's 5km Holley Evans (right) ‐ 2nd in the women's 5km

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St. Dunstan's and District held a meeting on Thursday 8th September in Baltonsborough Church room. Guest speaker, Mrs Alison Hills, introduced Michael and Kathryn Dare. Alison was an occupational therapist and is now involved with Third World children. There was a discussion about Kenya where 42% of people live in poverty and life expectancy is only 64. Alison and friends then gave a very enlightening talk about their work with a small charity in Kisuma, Kenya: 'Cherry Brierly Children's Home.' Many of the children living there are orphans or from broken or poor homes. Boreholes provide them with clean fresh water and they grow vegetables in poly tunnels in their own plots. £2000 is sent each month from England. They are currently building a residential extension to their school. There are four stages in Kenyan education, Primary (free, but uniforms are compulsory) Secondary, Tertiary College or University and Vocational courses, locally funded. A small proportion go to residential secondary school; they are given a list of things to take, including a ream of paper and even shoe polish. It costs a £1000 per year for a child to attend secondary education. Members asked questions and bought items from a display of craft work. Mrs. Beryl Knight thanked Alison and her helpers for a most interesting talk. The next meeting is Thursday 13th October 2.30pm at Baltonsborough Church room, when Mrs. Harris will be talking on: 'Life in India.' New members, visitors and friends most welcome.

Jill Done  Following a very enjoyable and thought provoking afternoon at the Bishop’s Palace in August, the next meeting of the Mothers’ Union for the Shepton Deanery is on Thursday 6th October in Doulting Church at 11 .30 a.m. with the theme of 'Wholeness and Healing' led by Rev Jonathan Hunter Dunn. This will be followed by a bring and share lunch. All are very welcome, whether you are a Mothers’ Union member or not! We look forward to seeing you.

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Christine Smallbone RIP 1950-2016

Christine, of Long Batch, Wraxall Road, sadly lost her brave 7-year battle with cancer in May. She had confounded the discouraging early prognosis largely because she actively maintained her interests and took every opportunity to travel, taking in numerous music gigs, particularly those featuring her favourite performer, Leonard Cohen. Chris was born in Basingstoke and her early career was in the travel industry where her success resulted in her being interviewed on stage by Michael Aspel at a promotional event. She was very knowledgeable on antiques and collectables, too, and when she took a career break to raise our family she set up her own collectors/flea market at Old Basing. On her own initiative she also caught up on her educational attainments, passing GCSE Maths and an Access Course, later working as a class assistant with slow learners. Once our second son had departed for university we took the opportunity to move west, settling in Ditcheat in 2001. Chris regularly took her antiques stall to the Bath & West Antiques Fair, on one occasion being interviewed by the Western Gazette with the Antiques Roadshow presenter Paul Atterbury. Chris loved the village, particularly being able to see the horses going off to the gallop every day. Locally she will be best remembered as a very enthusiastic member of the Ditcheat Players which brought back childhood memories of putting on plays in her dad's garage. During her illness she still enjoyed auctions but confined her dealing to Ebay , as Lady Marigold's Attic. I feel very privileged to have enjoyed a happy 42 years of marriage with such a brave, loving and caring wife.

Kevin Smallbone

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Workers’ Education Association – Castle Cary Branch

Founded in 1903, the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) is a charity and the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education.

This autumn, Castle Cary Branch is organising three "events":

MARINE ARCHAEOLOGY by Graham Le Pard starting on 27 September at 7.30 in the Methodist Hall, Castle Cary, cost £37.50. Course ref: 3527673

People have taken to the sea from earliest times, the six-evening course will look at how ships developed, the voyages taken, how they navigated and affected the coasts.

TEA DRINKING IN REGENCY ENGLAND by Graham Hendy MA, MTh, MPhil on Friday 30th September at 7.30pm in the Shambles, Castle Cary, cost £5.00. Course Ref: 3527600

The background to the arrival of the tea craze in England leads to an overview of the habits of the English in the early years of the 19th century. I will bring significant examples of 'tea antiques' from the Regency period. Note: Yes it's our Graham Hendy, and promises to be very entertaining evening!

ART NOUVEAU by Paul Chapman at Ditcheat Jubilee Hall on Saturday 15 October, 10am to 5pm cost £30.

For further information please contact Mike Henning [01749 860352 or mike@henning1.plus.com], or Richard Ashdown [01749 860313 or mail@richardashdown.co.uk

Fosseway Garden Club

We meet on the second Tuesday in the month at Pylle Village Hall, BA4 652, at 7.30 pm.  New members are most welcome to join us.   Next meeting: 11th October: ‘Wild Flowers of South Africa’, David Reed  Look at ‘Dates for your Diary’ for other meetings

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The Wildlife Group Update HOS Orchid Propagation day In August I went on the Hardy Orchid Society propagation day. Fascinating, detailed and well worthwhile. My long-term aim is to use these skills to propagate a selection of our native orchids in conjunction with Downside School and produce plants for introduction into wildflower meadows. Churchyard work party By the time you have read this, the wildflower patch in Ditcheat Churchyard should be neat and tidy again, leaving the overwintering area to do its job. August Bat Walk We met at the bridge in Alhampton on a beautiful August evening. Bat paraphernalia bristling (identification charts, bat detectors & torches) we set off to see what bats were around. In Alhampton we came across an amazing sight of a nursery of pipistrelles coming out of a roof. There would have been 200 to 300 at least. It was definitely a nursery brood as the young were fairly inept at flying and sometimes fell out of the roof before regaining their dignity! It was one of those inspiring wildlife sights that are very memorable. Haddon Wood beckoned and we went in search of the pond. A noctule with its "chip chop" sound was heard near the Chapel. It was the first time many of us had been in Haddon Wood and we were very impressed with the layout and good establishment of the trees. We lingered at the bridge on our return journey and were rewarded with a view of a Daubenton's bat, flying swiftly to and fro under the bridge. Many thanks to Fiona for leading the walk; without her help to identify the bats we wouldn't stand a chance. Note no photos.......difficult in the dark!! Now there's a challenge. Bird Surveys The House Martins and Swallows in my yard are getting fewer as I write. By the time you read this they will be well on their way to Africa and my surveyors will be sending in their results. Meeting up: Note NEW date

15th October - Fungus Foray. 2.30pm led by Les Cloutman Details in October on notice boards or contact details below.

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Contact information: Bridget Wadey: or phone: 01749 860240

email:thewildlifegroup@btinternet.com You can follow our activities by: joining our emailing list; contact

Bridget, see above through the FTN news (www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk). There is usually

a monthly update on the Wildlife group or www.ditcheatchurch.co.uk, this site publishes our meetings and

activities as they happen. The Wildlife Group has its own tag

Photo Competition: Thank you, Graeme, for this lovely photo. What flower is this? Answers by email or phone to Bridget before 10th November.

Michaela's photo in the Aug/Sept. issue was of a Barn Owl.

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Ditcheat Weather - July & August 2016 June remains the wettest month of the year so far. July and August were much drier at 19/66mm. Despite 66m for August seeming to be a lot of rain for a summer month, data for the 2 previous years, at 110 and 111mm, shows we got off lightly. Notably, almost half of Augusts’ rain fell on the 1st (27.4 mm). Both months had the same number of days where rain fell (13). July 19th provided me with a new all-time high for temperature at 30.5c. We were in Guildford that day and it was mid 30’s there (too hot for me!). Looking at the range of temperatures August was better than July, with 22 days with a max more than 20c and just 2 days where the night was below 10c. Sunshine wise, both months were a significant improvement on June which only managed a paltry 73%. July and August achieved 102.7/108.5%. Overall this year has been good for sunshine, with just 3 months failing to achieve the required performance. We all seek those balmy summer evenings when you can sit in the garden with a glass of your favourite tipple; unfortunately there has been a distinct shortage of those evenings this year. Both July and August provided new records for those months for daily wind run. 156.2/161.6 miles. As I type this report (Sat 10th) it is raining hard and the wind is blowing the leaves off the trees. The weather forecasts, however, are promising an Indian summer next week - we will see!

Geoff Webber Live weather …www.geoffwebber.co.uk/weather

Bee Talk

By Joe King. Pilton Village Hall. Wednesday 26th October 7.30. Bees pollinate a third of the crops which make up our diet. Man has been successfully cohabiting with bees for thousands of years, both as a hunter and bee farmer. The talk will look at this very successful relationship now being threatened by the latest generation of designer insecticides which are leading to a dramatic loss of pollinators across the globe.

Hosted by Pilton Community Allotment Association. Refreshments.

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Ditcheat Big Screen is back The Jubilee Hall’s new season of community cinema started in September. Shows are usually on the third Thursday of the month and tickets cost £6. There is a bar as well as teas and coffee available. You can get your tickets online at the Jubilee Hall’s new website www.ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk where you can also see film trailers for all the coming films. Tickets are also on sale at the Maryland Farm Shop Ditcheat and N.E.Motors, Fosseway Garage, Pylle. Subject to availability, tickets can also be purchased at the door. For more information about Ditcheat Big Screen please contact Peter Volk: 01749 860081

Camelot U3A will hold its monthly meeting at Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, on Friday 28th October at 2.30 pm, with Mr Mike A Spencer presenting an illustrated talk describing the astonishing ups and downs of a recent 50-mile charity challenge trek along the Great Wall of China in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice. Come and experience the Great Wall as you’ve never seen it before! All are welcome.

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East Pennard and District RBL This month features a remarkable fundraising effort by one family who live in Parbrook. The story is told by Fiona Knight! ‘Very early on 31 July, Dave, Katie and I set off from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford on a 100-mile bike ride to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. The event, RideLondon, is the world’s largest Sportive involving 26,000 riders of all sizes and abilities, some aiming for personal bests and others, like us, just trying to complete the course within the allotted time. The entire ride is on closed roads and the route took us from Central London out to Richmond Park where, with the sun breaking through the morning mist and only the deer for company, those early miles seemed to fly past. We passed the 25 mile mark just before Hampton Court feeling relatively fresh but aware that miles 40 to 75 contained the 3 lung-busting Surrey hill climbs of Newlands Corner, Leith Hill and Box Hill. My boasting right within the family is that, although I am by far the weakest cyclist, I was the first to the top of Box Hill – only because Dave and Katie had been involved in a crash half-way up. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t stop, aware if I had, my legs would never have got going again! We all admitted experiencing a tremendous feeling of relief at the top of Box Hill, knowing the 25 miles to the finish was mostly downhill. Mostly downhill it may have been but in those last miles even slight inclines on the road seemed like mountains to our tired legs. We passed through Leatherhead, Esher and Kingston upon Thames, where the cheering of the watching spectators spurred us on, until we found ourselves back in London, riding along the Embankment towards the finish. And what a finish it was, cycling past some of London’s most famous landmarks... not that we had much time to admire them. We rode across Parliament Square, up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square then under Admiralty Arch to the finishing line on The Mall. We finished as we had aimed for, riding down the Mall together, although our attempt to emulate Team Sky by riding across the line with arms linked was somewhat shambolic and, luckily, not captured on camera! Throughout the whole experience, the support from Royal British Legion was first class. They provided regular emails of encouragement during the hard months of training, Legion Hubs on both the day before and at strategic points on the course during the Ride, cycling jerseys for us to wear for the Ride and a

Katie, David and Fiona on their fund raising challenge.

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most welcome post-race picnic in Green Park. In return, we managed to raise approximately £2500 from most generous donations made by friends and family. If you would like to add to this total, the fund-raising link is as follows: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Knights22.’ Wow! Of course, it was not just a question of getting up one morning and doing it. Weeks of training were involved to be able to complete the course and, what Fiona doesn’t tell you, is they had to cycle 10 miles just to get to the start line. Back to the less energetic side of Branch life - commemorating our Fallen. We had a service at Ditcheat in September to remember the life of Alfred Hallett, killed on the 3rd September 1916 in the Battle of the Somme. This was a particularly moving service as two members of the immediate family took part. Maureen and Sheila are the daughters of Alfred’s younger brothers. Alfred lived in Alhampton and was the second son of John and Mary. We believe they lived in a cottage next door to the tin tabernacle. It was a large family with eleven children, eight of whom were still alive in 1911. Alfred joined the Somerset Light Infantry and his number was 21511, according to the Commonwealth War Graves web site; unfortunately, the plaque in the porch of Ditcheat church states that he was in the Wiltshire Regiment. Most confusing. Alfred sailed for France at the end of May 1916, went straight to the Somme and was killed at Thiepval in the September. Sheila was able to give us a copy of a photograph of Alfred which we will treasure alongside the other research documents. By the time you read this we will also have had a service for Albert Bertram Whitehead on September 15th at East Pennard. More about that next month. You may recall we were having some membership issues, particularly as a result of the new system introduced by the Legion for renewals. Well, our membership appears to have gone down by about eight which, in reality, is quite a high percentage of our number. If you thought you had renewed but don’t appear to have the right paper work, please get in touch so we can sort it out together. We don’t want to pester you but we need to try and maintain our membership and it’s getting close to renewal time again. Another reminder of our annual quiz on Sunday,16th October, 7pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm at The Den in Pylle. We are looking for 10 teams of 4 and have again our wonderful quiz master, Shaun Smith, who creates a great evening with his brilliant questions. We are hoping to keep the price per head at £10 and that will include food as follows: Chicken and Vegetable Pie with Carrots and Creamy Mash, followed by Baileys Bread and Butter Pudding and Custard. If this menu doesn’t suit your palate please get in touch and we will organise a vegetarian meal or gluten-free choice. And we hope to hold our next meeting at Charlie’s house on Tuesday the 4th October 2016 at 3pm.

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Day at the Races

The second Combat Stress Families and Armed Forces Race Day, will be held at Wincanton Racecourse on Sunday 23rd October 2016, by courtesy of The Jockey Club and Wincanton Racecourse. The generous support of those who attended the first Race Day in 2014 helped to raise just over £50,000 for Combat Stress, the Veterans’ Mental Health Charity. The charity

is now supporting more than 5,900 veterans and their families, a greater number than at any time in its history. It is half term and families will be able to enjoy an action-packed day of top-class jump racing and plenty of entertainment. Come dressed up as your movie superhero, princess or real life hero! Adults are encouraged to get involved and enter the family into our fancy dress competition. The Course Enclosure will be transformed into a playground for your little Superheroes with loads of FREE adventurous activities for the family to get involved in between the thrilling racing, provided by Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park. Wincanton Racecourse has a host of food and drinks outlets with offers suitable for all the family. Advanced tickets are available from £16 p.p. Children aged 17 and under go free! www.combatstress.org.uk

Ditcheat and Pylle Singers present

A Festive Choral Concert In support of local community organisations

Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm

Doors open 7pm Ditcheat Jubilee Hall BA4 6RB

Ticket price £12 (including food; dietary requests with ticket order) Please bring your own drinks

Raffle Tickets available only in advance from:

Hamish Miln 01749 838757 info@joannamiln.co.uk

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Mike Doyle

Home Maintenance

All types of property maintenance

undertaken including:

• Painting and Decorating

• Kitchen and Bathroom Tiling

• Wood/Laminate Floor Laying

• Wooden Decking

• Fencing

• Patio Laying

• Insurance Quotes/Work

Undertaken

01749 860356 07876421255 e-mail:mad-doyle@hotmail.co.uk

PHILIP SAUNDERS PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER

Based in Ditcheat Airports and Long Distance Trips

Special Nights Out

Travel in Comfort Reliable Prompt Very Competitive Rates

Tel: 07855 588128 or 07774 234858

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CHURCH SERVICES FOR OCTOBER

Sunday 2nd 19th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Harvest Festival with Parish Communion at Ditcheat 11.00am Parish Communion at East Pennard Sunday 9th 20th Sunday of Trinity 11.00am Parish Communion at Pylle Tuesday 11th Benefice Midweek Communion at Ditcheat Sunday 16th 21st Sunday of Trinity 8.30am Book of Common Prayer Communion at Ditcheat 11.00am Harvest Festival at East Pennard Sunday 23rd Last Sunday of Trinity 9.30am Parish Communion at Alhampton 6.30pm Handbell Ringers Service at Pylle Note: CLOCKS FALL BACK AN HOUR Sunday 30th 11.00am Patronal Festival Benefice Communion at East Pennard

CHURCH SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER

Wednesday 2nd 7.00pm Service for All Souls at Ditcheat Sunday 6th 3rd Sunday before Advent 9.30am Parish Communion at Ditcheat 11.00am Morning Worship at East Pennard

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St Luke’s Little Summer Definition: a short period of warm weather around St Luke’s Day (18 October), sometimes called an ‘Indian Summer’. As I write this we are enjoying some of the warmest September days for over a century. But there’s nothing like hoping for more in October! For centuries farmers have noticed a period of better weather at the autumn harvest, but the term ‘Indian Summer’ is recent and refers to Native Americans gathering their harvest later than in Britain. Now the term for them is deemed politically incorrect, it seems better to go back to earlier usage. Any spell of quiet, dry weather starting on this day has its origins in folk lore based on the Feast of St Luke. Although he is the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, artists and butchers, his name has traditionally been linked to St Luke’s little summer. October in Fosse Trinity continues with the remainder of our Harvest Festivals, but they are like ‘official birthdays’, no longer particularly tied to harvests which, in any case, continue in some guise most of the year. Make the most of St Luke’s Little Summer even if it is only a day or two of calm, dry weather around the middle of this month. If the temperature is mild, the leaf colours are always a blaze of russet and gold. If you are a member of the National Trust, a visit to Stourhead is a must or anywhere our forefathers were wise enough to plant beeches, or go to the glorious Apple Days at Barrington Court on the weekend after St Luke. Conkers are still about to add their colour among the drifts of leaves; and gin-makers, stocking up for long winter nights, still have time to find sloes. The origin of this saying has, perhaps, much to do with keeping people's spirits up during the headlong rush into winter. For Christians, every season has it saints and its festivals (and its fasts and sad days). At the end of the month we celebrate All Saints’ Sunday at East Pennard (30th October), and then on Wednesday 2nd November it’s All Souls’ Day, and we invite any who wish to remember loved ones to a short service at Ditcheat (7.00 pm).

Revd. Canon Graham Hendy

All Souls Service, Ditcheat, 2nd November 2016, 7pm

A short service for anyone who wishes to remember a deceased loved one. We will be reading out the names and lighting a candle for each person. This service is an annual, much appreciated service for anyone who has been bereaved, irrespective of the length of time since the death(s), and wherever they are from.

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East Pennard Harvest Lunch

This year our Harvest Lunch will be held at the Coach House, Pennard House at 12.30pm on Sunday, 16th October, by kind permission of Harry & Georgina Dearden. It is a village event and we would love to see as many as possible of you there - children, grandparents etc. Bring some friends and come and join us. See the poster below:

For tickets please call: Audrey Dyson on 01749 860317, or Susie on 01749 860502.  Waste not… Selection of terracotta and other stone garden pots & planters going begging! Contact Lynne 860654 Garage Sale: Saturday 8th October: 10am – 12noon Due to house move – everything must go including: tools, kennels and furniture. Bagborough Lane, BA4 6SX

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Accounts BookkeepingPayroll Tax/Self-AssessmentVAT Management Accounts

www.hs-accounts.co.uk

e-mail: info@hs-accounts.co.uk Tel: 01749 860857

Old Bank House High Street, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7AW

castlecary@bgw-solicitors.co.uk Tel: 01963 350888 Fax: 01963 351107

All kinds of legal advice and assistance available, both efficiently and economically.

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Gardening I have just returned from a wonderful weekend in Dartmouth - part holiday and part work. The trip along the River Dart to Agatha Christie’s home, Greenway, is well worth it. The house is in a spectacular position overlooking the water and has the most delightful gardens, including possibly the most exciting and beautiful greenhouse I have ever seen. One day I would love to have the opportunity to build one just like it into my designs. The second highlight was visiting The Agroforestry Research Trust in Totnes. It has three sites and we were visiting the newest which is 5 years old. We had a fascinating tour learning about the use of nitrogen-fixing plants in temperate climates and predator plants. Perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea but Martin does grow the most amazing fruit and nut trees and is one of only three nurseries in the UK offering such delights. My order consists of a Nectarine and Zanthoxylum alatum - Nepalese Pepper tree. The latter can grow to 4m but I am going to find a way of culling its growth. We ate our way around the 11 acres, sampling things I never knew were edible: Matteuccia struthopteris (Ostrich fern), Houttuynia cordata, Rosa rugosa hips, Aquilegia and Beech leaves. He uses the leaves of Phormium cut into 1cm wide strips to tie in plants and climbers, rather than expensive plastic alternatives; just as strong and far more attractive. Do have a look at his website www.agroforestry.co.uk. It can take at least an afternoon to track down all the wonderful species he has on offer. I had no idea Myrica cerifera (Wax Myrtle) could be used to make candles. It might just be worth mentioning my lawn. It has spent the summer looking completely dreadful after its submission to ‘weed and feed’. One half was triumphant and the other, plus some random stripes, brown with dusty and cracked earth. Drastic steps were taken in early September when rain was forecast for two days. Yet another scarify was carried out, followed by a sprinkling of compost and then seed. There was a distinct sign that the seed might have germinated before leaving for Dartmouth. Four days later and there is now a lawn, albeit a bit sparse but there is green. All things come… On the subject of lawns, do rake up leaves regularly as they block out the light and can cause the grass to die if covered for too long. The same goes for pathways – leaves can become slippery and dangerous to walk on if left. The borders this year have been a bit hit and miss and now is a perfect time for a re-think. I have been plant collecting for the past three months and now have an idea of what I am going to do. It is good to take note of what is where and to split anything that has grown too large for its space. Look at things that have done really well, and dig up and pot anything that hasn’t, for planting out in new positions later on. Perennials that have finished flowering can be cut right back,

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leaving bare earth. Give the ground a good weed and plant bulbs. Tulips can go in as late as November, but the rest can go in now. Sweet peas can also be sown under glass. The hanging baskets have done really well but will need to be brought in and cut back for overwintering. I am going to try and save Bacopa this year as a client asked me, back in January, what it was that was growing in one of her urns. It was an ordinary Bacopa and looked so pretty at that time of year!! There is still plenty to harvest on the vegetable plot. Spring cabbage, garlic and onion sets can be planted out. We learned a lot about green manures at Agroforestry and I may try a combination, one of which will be Phacelia. The greenhouse could do with a good clean, ready to take anything for overwintering. The first thing to do is to empty it of plants, benches and any other debris. Give it a good scrub, inside and out, with hot soapy water, getting into every nook and cranny. A toothbrush and old credit card are great for getting into those difficult spots. If you are going to overwinter tender plants then insulate with bubble plastic. Before putting any plants back in, give them a good check and remove any dead or diseased growth and space as far apart as possible to allow a good airflow around them. Protect clay pots on the patio by either moving to a sheltered spot or raise them off the ground to prevent them from getting wet. If you are not going to fill the vegetable patch it would be worth digging over thoroughly and leave it untended. Hard frost will help break down the lumps of clay, giving a much finer surface to work on next year. If planting green manure crops these can be dug in during the spring, prior to planting. Prepare to feed the birds. If you don’t feed regularly they will only be occasional visitors. Remember to keep water bowls and feeders clean by washing thoroughly with hot soapy water every couple of weeks. Happy gardening. Congratulations to Pennard Plants at East Pennard.

Once again Pennard Plants has won a medal at the Chelsea Flower Show and this year it was a Gold Medal, awarded to them for their display "A Celebration of Ninety years of Allotments". Many congratulations to Chris, Mike, Jane and their team on this great award.

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The Natural World

At this time of year we see leaves changing colour on some species of trees and, just as some come into leaf earlier than others, so some lose their leaves before the bulk. Horse chestnut is one such species but sometimes there is more to the phenomenon than meets the eye. As a small boy, the Gould family’s day out of choice, was to visit Lyme Regis. I can’t remember ever being consulted on the subject, but that was where we went. I remember sitting in the back of the Morris 10 and marvelling at the great long stands of elm trees that lined the Fosseway between the bottom of Pennard Hill and Lydford. Little did I know that I would be living very close by in my later years, or that the elm trees would all disappear. Although the fungus (Ophiostoma ulmi), which caused the problem, first appeared in the UK over 100 years ago, elms managed to hold out until a mutant strain (Ophiostoma novo ulmi) came along in the late 1960s and wreaked havoc, destroying over 30 million elm trees by 1985. After that they stopped counting. There are small pockets of English elm left in Scotland, Cornwall and Sussex, and I made a kitchen in the 90s, which had elm worktops. The problem is that the fungus, and its beetle carriers, are both still around. If a small English elm pops up, it is soon visited by the beetle, which burrows beneath the bark, leaving the fungus behind. This photo shows a gallery of beetle burrowing. In 1992 it was noticed in Poland that some of the leaves, and the crowns, of ash trees were dying back. The disease, known as chalara ash die back, which is again caused by a fungus, spread throughout Western Europe, but did we learn from this and use our island status to advantage. Not likely. We just kept on importing saplings, until a shipment from the Netherlands to a Buckinghamshire nursery in 2012 brought the disease to this country. I really do not understand why we were importing ash saplings when they grow so easily, all on their own. Evidence from continental Europe suggests that older, mature ash trees can survive infection and will provide their landscape and wildlife benefits for some time. That’s all well and good, but where will we get replacement young ones from.

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Sudden oak death is so called because it attacks a large number of oak species in the USA, but has little effect on Britain’s oaks. Here it is known as larch tree disease. Few trees in the UK were affected until 2009, when the disease (phytophthora ramorum ) was found to be killing large numbers of Japanese larch trees in South West England. Then in 2010 it was found on Japanese larches in the rest of the UK. As you can see from this picture, it is now running riot, with huge swathes of trees having to be felled.

Bleeding canker is a disease that affects horse chestnut trees. It was first reported in Britain in the 1970s. In 2000 only four cases were reported but this rose to more than 110 reports in 2006 and survey results show that in 2007 around half the horse chestnut trees in Britain showed some degree of symptoms. The cause is due to a bacterial pathogen, not a fungus for a change.

American chestnut was a much sought after wood. Asiatic chestnut trees imported to the United States carried a bark attacking fungus, but were able to withstand it. Unfortunately, although closely related, the American chestnut was not, and the disease transferred species. The result was that of the 3 billion American chestnut trees – yes! 3 billion - in the Eastern United States, it is thought that less than 100 trees survive to this day. There is some good, and it’s all about a virus fighting a fungus, and although it was given a human kick start, it does it all on its own. Hypovirus is the only genus in the family Hypoviridae. Members of this genus infect funguses and reduce their ability to cause disease (hypovirulence). In particular, the virus infects the fungus that causes Chestnut blight, which has enabled infected trees to recover. The use of hypovirulence to control blight originated in Europe where the fungal virus spread naturally through populations of European chestnuts. The reduced ability of the fungus to cause disease allowed the European chestnut to regenerate, creating large stands of trees, and this is particularly apparent in France, where bees are taken to chestnut areas, when the trees are in blossom, and produce a honey which is almost entirely from those trees. Mind you, it reminds me a bit of cough mixture. Maybe there is some mileage in pursuing this line of treatment for other trees and their diseases, which seem to be primarily funguses.

Stewart Gould Email: somertonbees@btimternet.com

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FIONNA ROBERTS  BAHons RSHom PCH

CLASSICAL HOM0EOPATH  

Clinics in East Pennard & Wells  

01749 890636 

fionna@fionnaroberts.co.uk http://www.fionnaroberts.co.uk/  

MARK WHITE

Furniture & Cabinet Maker

Furniture & cabinet making Kitchens & kitchen fitting Bespoke joinery

01458 834151 07890235660 www.markwhitefurniturecabinetmaker.com

CRAFT MEMBER

CHINNOCK TAXIS

Phone: 01749 831408 Mobile: 07703068878

www.chinnocktaxis.co.uk Glastonbury Driver – Mark - 07585686327

Male or female driver Contracts Child Booster Cushion (x2) 8 & 4 seater vehicles available £10 million public liability

Doctors Daily Hire

Airports Seaports

Railway Stations Regular customer

discounts

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DITCHEAT BOOK GROUP Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter

A beautiful woman steps out of a heavy prison door, watched by a waiting crowd. She is holding a small child in her arms, and wears a scarlet ‘A’ embroidered prominently on her dress. She is escorted to a pillory on a platform in the town square, where she stands for hours, exposed to public contempt. What is this all about? Well, we are in seventeenth-century Puritan Boston, in Massachusetts. The woman is Hester Prynne, who, although married, has conceived a daughter through an affair. This is the reason for her punishment. She has contravened the stern laws of her community and can never be truly reinstated as a respected citizen. She refuses to name the father of her child. Her long-lost husband appears out of the crowd and is told of Hester’s offence. He angrily vows to find the child’s father and punish him; from now on he remains in Boston, full of malignant and vengeful purpose. The book tells the story of Hester and her struggles to establish a new existence, with repentance and dignity; she continues to wear the scarlet A (A = Adulteress) for most of her life. The American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne published this, his most famous work, in 1850. It was shocking to contemporary Americans to read about adultery, but the severely moralistic tone of the book reassured the public and it became an instant best-seller. It is generally regarded as his masterpiece. Many readers see it as an allegory. The experience of Hester and her lover is similar to Adam and Eve’s in the Garden of Eden; it results in suffering and expulsion, but also in the knowledge of what it means to be sinful. The book also implicitly criticises the Puritans’ legalistic approach to morality. In Hester’s later life she is almost saint-like in her devotion to duty and helping others, but, having sinned once, she is never fully accepted back into the community – by today’s standards this is incredibly harsh. It is not an easy read. The language is a slightly uneasy mix of nineteenth-century narrative and seventeenth-century dialogue, and I would advise any new reader to skip ‘The Custom-House’ introductory chapter and start straight in at Chapter 1. The book’s main themes of sin and guilt feel old-fashioned to most of us, and there is a morbid intensity to the whole thing. But Hester is a spirited character, and somehow we do want to follow her through her difficult life, hoping for a resolution to her problems.

Clare West

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VILLAGE LUNCH

The Village Lunch is held on the last Tuesday of the month in the Jubilee Hall at 12.30pm.

`xÇâ yÉÜ EHà{ bvàÉuxÜ

Cottage Pie Fish Pie

Baked Stuffed Aubergines ~~~~~

Selection of Puddings ~~~~~

Tea or Coffee. ∂GACC ÑxÜ ÑxÜáÉÇA

If you would like to come let either Jessica Leach (860205) or Vee Lees (860542) know by the previous Wednesday, (19th ).

There will be a raffle as usual - any prizes will be welcome.

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A. TREVENEN PASCOE BSc. (Hons) Ost. Med. ND.

OSTEOPATH 42 High Street Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 5AS Tel. (01749) 342594 PPP/AXA and BUPA recognised

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Précis of the draft minutes from Ditcheat Parish Council (PC) Meeting held on the 11th August 2016. PRESENT: Chairperson – Councillor Evans (CE); Councillors Harrison (HH), Dando (JD), Clifford (SC), Hutton (RH). Following their co-option – Councillors Andrew Sage (AS) and Robert Travis (RT). IN ATTENDANCE: Miss P Griffiths – Clerk to the Council. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Robert Travis and Andrew Sage both introduced themselves to the PC and explained their reasons for volunteering to be co-opted onto the Council. Roger Yeoman (RY), who had recently resigned as a Parish Councillor, explained his reasons for resigning and gave the PC an update on the work that he had started on the survey of footpaths in the parish. RY confirmed that he was happy to continue the work on the survey as a volunteer. CE thanked RY and confirmed that the PC would be grateful for his continued work on the survey. In addition, CE wished to express his thanks and appreciation on behalf of himself, the PC and the parish for the considerable interest, knowledge and contribution that RY had given over many years to the PC. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - Apologies for absence from Councillors Clark (HC) and Hughes (LH) were received and approved. District Councillor Greenhalgh (JG) and PCSO Dury also sent their apologies.

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CODE OF CONDUCT – Declarations of interest on items included on the agenda: CE declared a personal interest in agenda Item 126/16 c) 2 as recipient of the payment and HH declared a personal interest in agenda Item 127/16 as Chair of the PPSG. CO-OPTION TO FILL VACANCY – nominations of RT and AS. Resolved unanimously to co-opt RT following a proposal by HH seconded by SC. Resolved unanimously to co-opt AS following a proposal by RH seconded by CE. AS and RT signed the Declarations of Acceptance of Office forms in the presence of the Proper Officer -Miss P Griffiths, Clerk to the Parish Council and were duly co-opted on to the PC. The Clerk will forward the meeting dates to RT and AS. COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS – CE read out on behalf of JG a brief update on matters relating to the District Council: The new management structure means that there is little news currently. However, two points are worth mentioning: The devolution bid, without the commitment of an elected mayor, “Heart of

the South-West” is going well. Discussions on the monies that would result for the area have not yet started.

On the finance front Mendip is looking for £4 million savings by 2020 and plans have started to be drawn up to achieve this.

REPORT FROM AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY- CE read out the report which included the following incidents:

11/07/16 at 18:10 – Report of a lorry broken down on Wraxall Hill – Police attended.

15/07.16 at 17:21 – Report of a drunk male in Smiths Lane, Ditcheat seen urinating against a property wall – Police attended no trace of the male.

17/07/16 at 16:00 – Report of a vehicle seen to drive slowly around a farmyard near the village then leave – Police attended no trace of vehicle.

18/07/16 at 09:42 – Report of two lorries broken down on Wraxall Hill – Police attended.

23/07/16 at 23:03 – Report of a vehicle broken down on Wraxall Hill – Police attended.

MINUTES - The minutes of the meeting held on 30th June 2016 were approved and signed by the Chairman. MATTERS ARISING - from the meeting held on 30th June 2016. Post Office Home Service - the Clerk reported that disappointingly the Post Office were not prepared to provide an outreach/mobile service to Ditcheat. However, a ‘Home Service’ as originally proposed would continue. The Clerk will arrange for the information about how parishioners can register for the Home Service to be published in the FTN and on the notice boards. The Clerk reported that the web site was up and running but was in a quite basic form. Further development and additions to the web site would continue. All councillors to forward suitable photographs to the Clerk for possible inclusion on the web site.

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Access onto Class 4 road on land opposite The Lodge on the A37 - The Clerk reported that it appeared that no planning application had been submitted yet. The Clerk will follow up for the next meeting. SCC Listening, Learning, Changing survey – to respond to the question left off the original survey. The Clerk will respond to the additional survey question to identify the three targets the PC considers are most important for SCC as follow: Attract jobs and apprenticeships into Somerset; protecting the environment and invest in Somerset’s economy and infrastructure. Innovative ways that the PC can benefit the parish – it was acknowledged by those present that it was important to consider the needs of the people in the parish as well as the physical environment – for example parishioners young and old who may be suffering from loneliness and/or feelings of isolation. It was agreed that SC would inform the Clerk when he had identified a speaker who will come and talk to the PC. PLANNING - It was noted that planning permission has been approved for Maryland Farm, Ditcheat. Ref: 2016/0982/FUL - with conditions and Lambrook Pig Unit, Lamyatt. Ref: 2016/0823/CNT- with conditions. It was noted that the following planning application has been withdrawn: Easthill Dairy Unit, Ditcheat. Ref:2016/1133/FUL. JD raised the matter of a planning proposal for the Erection of a block type silage clamp for the storage of grass and maize products, at Land at Evercreech Junction. The Clerk, who confirmed that the PC had not been notified of the application will contact MDC and arrange a planning meeting. FINANCE: Bank balances as at 31st July – The Clerk reported that the balance of all accounts as per the cash sheet is £18,279.14 as at 31st July 2016 made up of £13,868.20 in the current account and £4,410.94 in the reserve account. Approval of Parish Council payments and authority to sign cheques: Tony’s Garden Services for grass cutting on 8th, 18th and 29th July 2016 - £195.00 and Mr C Evans for materials for the repair of the Ditcheat to Sutton footpath - £112.53, £91.83, £73.44, £20.35 and £91.83 = Total of £389.98. RESOLVED: that the above expenditure is approved and the cheques signed. a) It was noted that MDC will not continue to pay the Council Tax Support Grant

from 2017/18. b) The payment to Tony’s Garden Services for grass cutting 6th, 17th and 27th

June 2016 - £195.00 was noted. PLAYGROUND: It was noted that the items to repair the playground equipment had been ordered and delivered to the Clerk. Playground inspection training – the Clerk will respond to confirm that the PC is interested in pursuing attendance at such training – CE and RT will attend subject to dates and the course going ahead. Any matters of report – It was noted that the chain and padlock had been removed from the dustbin and lid. The Clerk will purchase a replacement chain and lock.

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HIGHWAYS a) Speed limit through Alhampton – CE and SC will meet with the Traffic

Engineer to discuss the project. b) Update on items/matters for repair previously reported – The Clerk requested

that all councillors should report back to the Clerk if any work by the Highways department is carried out.

c) New matters for report to the Highways Department: The road markings at the ‘T’ junction (Jonathan’s Corner) of the Alhampton to Ditcheat road have been eroded.

FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND RIGHTS OF WAY. The progress and expenditure to date on the Ditcheat to Sutton footpath was noted. The repair work to date is 382 metres out of a total length of 991 metres. Expenditure to date is £2,711.62 which compares very favourably with a quote from a contractor for approximately £70,000. CE reported that there will be a large invoice for the bulk purchase of sand as it is considerably cheaper to buy the sand in bulk. Update on matters previously reported: Footpath on Ditcheat Hill – it was noted that the stile has been repaired. GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL – Resolved that the Clerk will write to Glastonbury Festival organisers about the concerns of the PC regarding the traffic problems. FEEDBACK FROM ‘THE RENDEZVOUS’ - JD reported that two matters had been brought to his attention: the chaos to traffic caused by Glastonbury Festival and the problem of people parking on the corner by the War Memorial throughout the festival. Also the parking of vehicles on and off the pavement by Harvester Yard. CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence - It was noted that the trading style of Parish Council Insurance Brokers Limited which was Came & Company Local Insurance is now Stackhouse Poland Limited. Reports/items for information - It was noted that BT have been requested to tidy up the land surrounding the telephone exchange in Ditcheat. ITEMS OF REPORT: SC reported the recent death of Beth Hopkin, former Head Teacher at Ditcheat School. The Council expressed condolences to Mrs Hopkin’s family, friends and colleagues. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 22nd September 2016 AT 7.30 pm in the Church Room. FOR INFORMATION: The agenda for all meetings is displayed on the website www.ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk and the notice boards in the parish i.e. Alhampton, Ditcheat, and Sutton at least 3 working days prior to the meeting.

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REPORT OF EAST PENNARD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Held on Thursday, 4th August 2016 in the Church Room Present Adrian Pearse (Chairman), Kim Beer, Roger Cock, Martin Dearden (Vice Chairman), Paul Heal, Hilary Tripp (Minute Secretary), Nigel Woollcombe-Adams (County Councillor) & four members of the public Apologies Audrey Dyson Minutes The minutes of the last meeting were signed by the chairman. Matters Arising i) Old signposts: These continue to deteriorate; Nigel Woollcombe-Adams confirmed there is no money from the county to repair them. ii) Queen’s Birthday Medal: No further interest. Financial Report Nothing new. Planning Applications i) Batch Farm, Hembridge: To demolish existing bungalow and erect a 2 storey detached dwelling. Approved with conditions. ii) Blind Stile Cottage: Alteration to road access. No objection subject to Highways Department regarding road safety. No response yet. iii) 1, The Gardens: Two storey extension. Parish Council to email a positive response. No response yet. Church Room A survey condition report has been accepted by both sides. The Charity Commission has approved the proposed lease without the need for public consultation. The charity name has changed to the Village Hall. Glastonbury Festival i) A37 congestion: A letter was received from Mr. Hewitt about the caravans etc, which blocked the road near him on the Monday and Tuesday before the Festival and could have prevented emergency services from getting through. The problems occasioned by these vehicles will be raised at the liaison meeting on Oct 11th. ii) Cockmill Lane: This year there were supposed to be changes to the Cockmill Lane system, but there were still problems. There were 2 security companies, but they were not in radio contact with one another. There was supposed to be a voluntary one-way system, but this did not work. A private party on the Wednesday led to significant traffic problems. iii) There was not a problem with parking in the village, but there was with the roads as everyone was being let through, regardless of passes. This was contrary to what was said at the Festival meeting. Anyone with points about the Festival should let Martin Dearden know before the liaison meeting. Flooding and Road Damage Adrian Pearse had written to the Highways Department about the Carpenters Yard problem and the flooding of The Old Post Office on 17/06/16. Their

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response did not mention the former and said of the latter that this was due to a very rare storm and that no further work is to be done here. Mr. Ablitt pointed out that no maintenance of the roads and drains has been done for 6 years. Mr. Ablitt identified 3 essential strategies for improving the situation: i) These events are becoming less exceptional and the tunnel under the road is not big enough for the volume of storm water - the water rushes down the road bypassing the drains. This needs addressing. ii) After the last flood, part of the wall at the bottom was replaced by railings, making it easier for the water to disperse. Further extending these railings would allow the water to disperse more quickly. iii) Repeated resurfacing of the road outside his house has led to a shallower kerb so that water is more easily able to go over the top and into the house. If the kerb were to be raised, the drains maintained properly and a French drain put in in front of the house, this would improve matters. Mr. Ablitt does not accept the Council saying that there is no money available to improve matters. Nigel Woollcombe-Adams suggested that Adrian Pearse arrange a meeting with Neil Corp and Mr. Ablitt as a way to move forwards. It was also suggested that Mr. Ablitt should notify the council in writing. The matter of the railings is between Mr. Ablitt and Mr. Quirk. Correspondence i) Craig Goble has written outlining his proposal to use Mr. Napper’s field for festival camping, wanting to know if he can use the Pennard Hill Gate. This is a matter for the Greens and the Festival, but there are concerns about access arrangements. ii) A Police Questionnaire. iii) Nigel Woollcombe-Adams outlined recent developments at the County Council. Date of Next Meeting This will be on Thursday 20th October 2016 at 7.30pm. The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

Recycling Centre Changes From Monday 3rd October, new steps to cut congestion, improve services and enhance safety at recycling sites are being introduced at all Somerset’s Recycling Centres and Community Recycling Sites. The size of vehicles allowed entry will be limited. Drivers of cars (without trailers), are not affected. Drivers of vans up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, pick-ups and all cars towing single-axle trailers are required to apply for a permit in advance of Monday 3 October. The free permit will allow entry to sites during their weekday opening and on Saturday afternoons. More information from:www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/permits or Somerset Library Service.

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Ditcheat Jubilee Hall Formally Reopens After Refurbishment

The morning of Sunday 18th September brought wonderful bright autumn weather, over 120 fun runners to the lanes of Ditcheat and the formal reopening of the Jubilee Hall following refurbishment. As many regular users of the Hall will know, the building has had only limited availability during the past six weeks to enable 3 Solutions to undertake significant improvement of the toilets. The work has been made possible by a very generous grant provided by Viridor Credits from funds set aside by the land fill operation at Dimmer. David Boyer from Viridor Credits, who was part of the Grants Approval Panel, attended the opening and met some of the Hall Trustees. He expressed his delight that the grant allocation had seen such an improvement to the Hall facilities. The Jubilee Hall, which was opened in 1936, is one of the focal points of village life in Ditcheat and the surrounding area. It provides an ideal meeting place and is regularly used for local events such as Village Lunch and Ditcheat Big Screen as well as for exercises classes, badminton, short mat bowls and Art Group. It is also available to hire for private functions. All facilities are now fully operational. (For further information or enquiries please contact the Lettings Officer on 01749 860444).

David Boyer (Viridor) and Linda Wyburn-Mason

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St Mary Magdalene Ditcheat Rota

Rota for Flowers Brasses October 2nd & 9th Vee Lees Hazel Rowlands

16th & 23rd Margaret Shylan “ 30th & Nov 6th Sally Atkins Barbara & Ian Roundswell

November 13th & 20th Lyn Adams “ 27th & Dec 4th No Flowers Jess Leach Cleaning Rota October Sat 1st / 8th Maria Thring Sat 15th / 22nd Helen & Andrew Nicholls Church Room Eleanor-Yeoman November Sat 5th / 12th Jane & Charles Evans Sat 19th / 26th Eleanor Yeoman Church Room Pat Dando Vee Lees (860542) for Church Cleaning. Pat Dando (860448) for Church Room Cleaning.

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Travel Somerset Launched Anyone planning a journey in Somerset can now find all in one place the information they need to avoid unnecessary delays – www.travelsomerset.co.uk. The new mobile-friendly website, launched today by Somerset County Council, offers live updates of unplanned travel incidents, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also has a searchable map showing details of all current and future planned roadworks and road closures in Somerset. The new website is complemented by the @TravelSomerset Twitter account which provides live updates directly from the County Council’s traffic control team. The Travel Somerset website can be found at www.travelsomerset.co.uk .

Charity Theatre Trips to Bristol Hippodrome

Our new bookings this month are for Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat - Wed 3rd May 2017 and Thoroughly Modern Millie- Wed 21st June 2017. October 31st is the final date to book to see Torvill and Dean skating on the stage at Bristol in Cinderella. The first of our three visits to see Billy Eliot the musical on October 27th sees us celebrating, with a party at the theatre, our 200th Hippodrome Trip and over £50000 raised for charity. Other trips are available, see them all at www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or phone 01458 273085 to receive a postal listing.

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Who's Who ?

FOSSE TRINITY BENEFICE Interim Priest Canon Graham Hendy 677003 Reader Jean Halford 860422 Fosse Trinity Advisory Committee Jean Heal 860452 Fosse Trinity News Editor Margy Cockburn 860611 Fosse Trinity News Advertising John Greenhalgh 860457 Fosse Trinity News Distribution Lesley Dunn 860746

Prayer Pyramid Co-ordinator { Anthony Sutcliffe Eleanor Yeoman

860541 860337

Mothers' Union Yvonne Stokes 01458 851480 Safeguarding Person Bridget Wadey 860240 Children's Society Jo Curtis 860898 ALHAMPTON Chapel Warden Jo Curtis 860898 Church Council Secretary Louisa Oborne 860252 Neighbourhood Watch Lynne Hughes 860654 FTN Correspondent Louisa Oborne 860252 EAST PENNARD Bells - Tower Captain Mervyn Buckley 01458 440180

Churchwarden { Jean Heal Susie Dearden

860452 860502

Church Council Secretary Carol Stuart 860587 Church Room Hire Audrey Dyson 860317 Parish Council Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Royal British Legion Secretary Jon Dickens 01458 850241 United Charities Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Verger Ray Higgins 860339 PYLLE Bells - Tower Captain Joe King 890357

Churchwarden { Hilary Tudsbery-Turner Teresa Rossiter

830538 831419

Church Council Secretary Stephen Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Ladies Working Party (Chairman) Joanna Miln 838757 FTN Correspondent Joanna Miln 838757 Village Hall hire and keys Joanna Miln 838757

Email contacts are on page 58

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DITCHEAT Art Group Liz & Stewart Gould 860755 Badminton Club Secretary James Bairstow 860355 Bees – Swarms Stewart Gould 860755 Bells - Tower Captain Roger Yeoman 860304 Bells - Correspondence/Bookings Ben Look 860257 The Other Book Club Gail Dyke 860189 Church Council Secretary Louisa Oborne 860252 Church Room Hire Pat Dando 860448

Churchwarden { Anthony Sutcliffe Eleanor Yeoman

860541 860337

Community Car Service (ADEPPTS) Joyce Marsh 860493 Conservative Party Contact Elizabeth Crossley 860245 Country Dancing Deidre Pezaro 860594 Cricket Club Nick Mann 812304 Ditcheat Big Screen / Moviola Peter Volk 860081 Ditcheat School Richard Reid 860329 Friends of Ditcheat School (FODS) Katy Bryant 860329 Ditcheat Players Chairperson Gaye Volk 860081 Fosseway Garden Club Barbara Cary 860438 Jubilee Hall Chair Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Jubilee Hall Hire Anne Robson 860444 Jubilee Hall Website Peter Volk 860081 Keep Fit Diana Cook 860224 Neighbourhood Watch Jim Dando 860448 Parent & Toddler Group Pippa Clapham 860329 Parish Council Chairman Charles Evans 860336 Ramblers Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Rendezvous Diana Cook 860224 Saturday Stitch Sally Yeoman 860304 Short Mat Bowls Martin Edgar 860780 Skittles Shirley Derby 07939198030 Village Lunch Jessica Leach 860205 Wildlife Group Bridget Wadey 860240 GENERAL Community Police Lucy Bagnowiec 101 Guy Dury 101

Please help us keep this information up-to-date. Email editor@fossetrinitynews.co.uk with any changes.

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Index of Advertisers

Printed by Parish Magazine Printing

Who's Who ? Email addresses

Fosse Trinity News Editor editor@fossetrinitynews.co.uk Fosse Trinity News Advertising adverts@fossetrinitynews.co.uk Fosse Trinity News Distribution distrib@fossetrinitynews.co.uk Ditcheat Parish Council ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk Community Police Lucy.Bagnowiec@avonandsomerset.police.uk guy.dury@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Accounts, Hayley Spencer 33 House Maintenance, Repointing 29Art Gallery, Studio 13 15 Jewellery, Fosse Beads 9Buildings, Timber Frame, W Latta 10 Keep Fit, Pilates 54Clothing, Rose & Lyons 21 Manor House Inn 51Computing, Stable Computers 10 Medical, Holistic Therapy 21Curtains, covers etc, Helen Bushrod 2 Medical, Homeopathy, Fionna Roberts 39Decorating, Ray Ackerman 43 Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen Pascoe 43Driver, Philip Saunders 29 Motoring, Bay Motor Co. 25Electrician, Ian Lester 33 Motoring, N E Motors 16Events, Pennard House 33 Music Tuition, Piano, Alison Bower 16Events, Sparkford Hall 44 Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2Fencing, Shepton Mallet Fencing 39 Oven cleaning, Ovencor 15Flowers, Margy Cockburn 10 Plumber, James 16Food, Gould's Cheddar 59 Removals & Storage, Armishaws 40Funerals, Connock 43 Roofing, Mark Curtis 52Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 16 Soft Furnishings, Jude Herlihy 15Furniture Restorer, Piers Keating 10 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Purely Probate 21Furniture, Joinery & Kitchen, Mark White 39 Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen 33Garage Doors, SDS 43 Stone Walling, Yenstone 22Garden Design, Jane Follis 15 Taxi, Tony Chinnock 39Gardening, Gil Oldaker 19 Tennis coaching 44Gardening, Jeremy Dodd 21 Transport, ADEPPTS 2Gardening, Rob Carling 10 Travellers Rest, Stone 2Happy Landings Fun Day 26 Tree Surgeon, Jody Osborne 59Heating Services, R A Wicks 34 Tree Surgeon, M Parsons 16Heating Services, Warm Welcome 29 Tree Surgeon, Noel Radford 59Hire Shed 2 Food, Jon Thorner's BackHome Maintenance, Mike Doyle 29

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