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Thomas Kenrick Re-pointing

Re-Pointing Specialist. Building Conservation. Stone Masonry. 0 1 7 4 9 8 3 1 5 6 8 / 0 7 7 4 6 2 1 8 0 6 2 www.Repointing Somerset.co.uk

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The Editor’s Letter

An extraordinary time in so many ways but some things reassuringly never change – the envelope inside this magazine comes with the annual plea to please use it to make a donation to help us continue to help our local community by publishing the Fosse Trinity News. And, particularly important this year, you can easily donate online. All the details on page 25. I suspect the importance of local communities is about to become particularly obvious as they play a crucial part, not only in taking steps to limit the spread of infection but also in supporting people who become ill, have to remain physically isolated or have lost their usual support network because of the ramifications of Covid-19. The Parish Council is being wonderfully proactive and coordinating a list of people who either need help or would be willing to offer it to those in need. Full details, and a useful card for letting neighbours know they are not alone, can be found on page 24 and online at www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk. Cancellations to the usual busy programme for Easter keep coming in. Again you can check out the current situation on the website www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk which will be regularly updated with community information. The whole team wishes you a happy and a healthy Easter. Margy Cockburn Tim Sanders

Front cover: Newborn Lambs by Rose Hubbard © 2020 Please send your cover photos to the editor

The Fosse Trinity News is a community magazine delivered free to all households in Ditcheat, Alhampton, East Pennard and Pylle. We reserve the right to edit but welcome contributions from everyone in the community. Editorial and adverts should be received by the 12th of month preceding the issue. Contact: editor@fossetrinitynews.co.uk or adverts@fossetrinitynews.co.uk

This Month

Advertisers Index 54Alhampton News 5Badminton 18Benefice Prayer Pyramid 16British Legion 36Broadband legal right 48Church rotas 50Church Services 28Covid-19 Community Help 24Covid-19 Help Card 45Diary dates 4Directory 52Ditcheat and Pylle Singers 33Ditcheat Big Screen 24Ditcheat Book Group 14Ditcheat Church Room 51Ditcheat PC notes 38Ditcheat School 6Ditcheat Treasures 34Ditcheat Weather 20Easter Meditations 16Enthronment of Grandma 18FoDS 8Fosseway Gardening Club 23FTN Support 25Gardening 22Happy Landing Shelter 46Men's Breakfast 17Mothers' Union 5Natural World 10Nottingham Knockers 44One Hundred Club 48Picture from the Past 32Pylle Bluebell Walk 31Pylle News 30Rector's Note 29Rendezvous 17Theatre Trips 37Think Local 45Village Lunch 17Village Survey 26Wildlife Group Update 42

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Dates for your Diary

Regular Events Weekly Monthly

Mon

Pilates (9.00) Tai Chi for Health (10.30) Ditcheat Badminton Club (8.30) Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00)

Linda 860067Richard 880308 James 860355 Di 07831 289945

Tue

2nd

1st 3rdRendezvous (10.00) Ditcheat Art Group (10.00)

Linda 860067 Liz & Stewart 860755

Wed

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

Gaye 860081Martin 860780 Di 07831 289945

Thu

1st

1st

Keep Fit (9.15) Alhamptonians (8.15) Skittles at Ditcheat

Linda 860067 Louisa 860252 Manor House Inn 860276

Fri 2ndFolk Dance Club (7.30-9.30)NB except for April – 1st Friday

Ama/Peter 672911

Sat

2nd

Ditcheat Yoga (8.00) Men’s Breakfast (next one 9th May)

Clare 07843 079209Roger 860551

April 2020 Thurs 2nd 8.15pm Alhamptonians, The Inn Louisa 860252, P5 Sat 4th 10.00am FoDS Easter Egg Trail P8Thurs 9th 2.30pm Mothers’ Union, Baltonsborough Jill P5Tue 14th 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Linda 860067 P17Tue 14th 2.00pm British Legion, Charlie’s Studio Charles 860336, P36

Tue 14th 7.30pm Fosseway Gardening Club (Jane Follis), Pylle Village Hall Jill 07772 008594 P23

Thurs 16th 7.00pm Ditcheat Big Screen: The Good Liar, Jubilee Hall Anne 860444 P24

Tues 28th 12.30pm Village Lunch, Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 P17Further Ahead

Sat 9th May 10.00am Annual Gardening Club Plant Sale, Jubilee Hall Jill 07772 008594 P23

Sun 10th May 2.00pm Manor Farm Visit and Bluebell Walk, Pylle Barbara 860438 P31

Sat 16th May 7.00pm Dicheat and Pylle Singers Concert, Jubilee Hall Hamish 838757 P33

Sat 4th July Alhampton Fete

Note: Please check on the FTN website: www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk for the latest information on cancellations and other community news.

CANCELLED

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POSTPONED

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Alhampton News Difficult to keep up with the changing news this month – but the Alhampton Inn has just announced that it will keep open as long as it can and is putting plans together to temporarily set itself up as a community hub. It will provide basic supplies for sale as well as beer and wine. Chris and Pepe will be also be batch cooking and offering a take-out service. For updates go the FTN website or the pub’s own Facebook page. One important thing is to say farewell and good luck to the Clements family who are leaving Laurel House for pastures new, though not far away so we hope to still see them when there are village occasions. Don’t forget, Charlotte and Kate and all the family, that we do welcome people from outside the village to Alhamptonians so, if you are free, come along. It would be good to see you and catch up. In the meantime, may life treat you well wherever you are. Alhamptonians, of course, won’t be happening until the way ahead becomes clearer. For updates go the website: www.fossetrintynews. Please do let me know any news that you would like included, whether something happening, a special anniversary or similar; I’d far rather have some proper news than to have to waffle!

Louisa Oborne 

Members of St. Dunstan's Mothers' Union met on Thursday 13th February, 2.30pm in Baltonsborough Church Room. Mrs.Pam Grottick (reader) led a Wave of Prayer Service, thinking and praying especially for our Link Dioceses, "Building hope and confidence." She then gave members a very interesting talk about events in her career. Thursday 12th March 2.30pm, Baltonsborough Church Room, guest speaker Rev. Pamela Heazell. Revd. Heazell spoke of her very interesting life and her work as a Parish Priest. She willingly answered many questions from members. Our next meeting will be Thursday 9th April at 2.30pm, when one of our members, Mrs Wendy Alexander and her husband, will talk about their work as missionaries in Kenya. All friends and visitors most welcome.

Jill Done

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Ditcheat School Somerset Apprenticeship Awards

Miss Mascall and Mrs Knight attended the Somerset Apprenticeship Awards where our school was nominated as Apprentice Employer of the Year. We didn’t win but were thrilled to have even been nominated which was mainly down to the success of Miss Mascall as an apprentice.

Holiday upgrades! We came back to a few changes at school after half term. We now have finger shields on all of our doors, we have new carpet in Willow class and acoustic boards in the hall. Also we had a wonderful team of volunteers in the holidays who came into Willow class to help redecorate. A massive thank you to Jo Crook for organising this and giving up her holiday to paint. But thanks also to Andrew, Bryony, Ella, Paul, Chloe, Nathan and Simon for all of their hard work. Assemblies Over the next couple of terms, we are encouraging members of the community to come and talk to our children about a range of different careers. A huge thank you to Emma Bone who came to give a talk and answer questions about the life of a farmer. The children were really interested and couldn’t believe that she had to work on Christmas morning! Emma also brought in two kid goats which the children were able to stroke or hold as well as some lovely cheese (not all of the children enjoyed that bit!). We also had the local PCSOs and fire brigade to talk to the children.

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Space Dome On our first day back after half term we had a visit from a space/science dome. The younger children have found out about the stars in the night sky and the older ones have found out about how to find stars in the sky and some have had an Earth show looking at where our planet comes from and how it changes through time. It was a wonderful experience for them all and has been entirely funded from FoDS money – thank you! Pancake Race

We celebrated Shrove Tuesday in between the rain showers. Miss Mascall organised pancake races for all of the teams with blue team proving triumphant!

World Book Day

We had a wonderful world book day. The staff and children all looked great and the children took part in a range of reading and writing activities including a bedtime story where they came back to school in pyjamas for hot chocolate and lots of stories from Mrs Knight.

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News from the Friends of Ditcheat School Easter Trail – Saturday 4th April Are you coming to the Family Easter Trail on Sat 4th April? CANCELLED Find the clues to follow the trail (bring wellies just in case!), loads of fun activities and prizes! Plus, of course, tea, coffee and cake will be served at our base, Jubilee Hall, Ditcheat. We will also be judging an Easter Bonnet Competition, so bring yours along on the day to enter. Get the date in your diary and join us from 10am on 4th April! CANCELLED Another collection to raise funds and recycle your unwanted clothing! Our last clothing collection was in November and raised over £120. The next collection is Wednesday 29th April. If you are having a clear out we will benefit from:

● Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s clothing ● handbags ● socks ● belts ● Paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) ●hats

● bags ● scarves and ties ● jewellery ● lingerie ● household linen, curtains, towels, bedding ● soft toys

Sorry but they won’t collect; duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats, soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms, corporate clothing and workwear, textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material.

There are some bags available in the School Office, or for convenience you can use your own large bags or bin liners. These should be dropped off at Ditcheat Primary School by 9am on the morning of Weds 29th Apr.

Alhampton Summer Fete – Saturday 4th July We are very excited to officially announce that we will be hosting the Alhampton Summer Fete again this year. Proceeds raised will be split between FoDS, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and St Margaret’s Hospice. Games, entertainment, the DUCK RACE and of course loads of other fun for all the family! Put the date in your diary – more details to follow…

Helen Russell

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10

The Natural World

In these times of eternal doom and gloom, it’s good to hear some positive news from time to time. Firstly, I must say that I sympathise completely with any farmer whose cattle, and therefore livelihoods, have been compromised by Bovine TB. What is needed is a solution which works. The Government has

finally decided that they will take notice of all the scientific advice they have been given by their experts over many years. ‘The best way to resolve the Bovine TB problem is to vaccinate cattle and (where possible) badgers’. It is true that badgers are carriers of Btb, but the prime cause of disease spread is cattle to cattle. The culls will be slowly phased out over the next three years, while a vaccination scheme is implemented. Culling has reduced Btb levels in certain areas for limited periods, but eradication of the disease is, surely, the answer. Moving on, many species are much diminished, and my wildlife magazines tell me continuously of species that have only 10% of the numbers they had in the 1970s. Because of the ubiquitous global warming, some species are creeping slowly north. In our case it means that they are hopping across from mainland Europe. In some cases that is bad news. The yellow legged Asian hornet gained a foothold in France in 2004, and, for the last couple of years, has made life very hard for conservationists in the Channel Islands, as they just love devouring other insects. Here in mainland Britain we’re trying to keep them at bay, with some success. Which ‘migrants’ do we let in then? It’s difficult as every species makes an impact on others. We have collared doves here which are considering starting a family soon. Eurasian collared doves originate from the Indian sub-continent and, since the 1600s, have slowly spread north and west until first breeding in the UK in the 1950s, but are collared doves partially to blame for the downward spiral of turtle doves, for instance? They are very similar in size, preferred habitat and diet after all. About 8 years ago, I was press-ganged into getting up early, so as to be at Shapwick Nature Reserve at dawn. The purpose was to monitor a nest of great white egrets, which were nesting for the first time in the UK. These are majestic large birds, about the size of our heron, and anything that big – and that white

Great White Egret Badger

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- is extremely visible, and vulnerable. To get there for dawn required leaving home at around 3.30am. I’m happy to say that the birds were successful, and I was heartened to see that they are increasing in numbers, year on year, with several pairs nesting at Chew Valley Lake. The numbers of these birds which will inhabit an area, is quite low and therefore their incursion will make little impact on residents. Re-introductions have to be carefully monitored, but if a species was made scarce, or locally extinct by human pressure, then there must be a good case, right? The prompt for this was Rob McKie calling me from Huxham, to say that he had seen two red kites not far from his home. They became extremely rare, holding on for grim death in west Wales, but were re-introduced to the Chilterns, from 1989 onwards. Slowly, they have worked their way down the A303 corridor, and now these stunning birds can be spotted in many west country locations – on Pennard Hill and surrounds, and around the Longleat estate.

I’m not going to get involved in the heated debate on the proposed re-introduction of European wolves and lynxes. The arguments, for and against, are numerous, and it deserves a lot of careful thought before expressing an opinion, but one species whose re-introduction appears to be potentially beneficial to the general public, is the European beaver. By felling small trees and

damming waterways with their lodges, it is believed that rain falling on hills will take much longer to get to lower levels. This restricted flow could reduce the potential for flooding in the river valleys and flood plains. Another species which suffered great decline in numbers, the pine marten, is being encouraged to spread, and although pretty much restricted to Scottish forests until quite recently, is now present in Wales and also the Midlands, its passport to popularity being that it predates the invasive grey squirrel, giving our native red squirrels a chance.

Stewart Gould somertonbees@btinternet.com

European Beaver

Pine Marten

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CLARE TORDAY

YOGA & ACUPUNCTURE YOGA CLASSES

Ditcheat & Galhampton Village Halls

Monday 5pm Galhampton

Saturday 8am Ditcheat

Drop in classes £8 per session £30 a month for unlimited access

07843 079 209

claretorday@gmail.com www.claretordayacupuncture.com

www.wheathillgolf.co.uk

01963 240667  

Learn to play golf with a PGA Professional 

Green Fee & Membership Specials

Clubhouse open to Everyone

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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Ditcheat Book Group The legal thriller ‘Rogue Lawyer’ by John Grisham was the book we read during February. Grisham, as you may know, was an attorney before becoming a writer and most of his novels are based on the American legal system. In this story the anti-hero Sebastian Rudd, is an unconventional street lawyer who defends people other lawyers are reluctant to take on. He has no qualms about using unethical methods to defend his clients, much to the annoyance of prosecuting counsellors. In the circles in which he moves his notoriety travels before him and he and his bodyguard has to be constantly on the alert for retaliation from people he has upset over the course of various trials. His office is a custom-built, bulletproof van with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge and leather chairs. Not surprisingly, given Rudd’s unconventional lifestyle, his wife has left him to live with another woman; the relationship is always confrontational and he is only allowed to see his son for 36 hours a month. It is difficult to like the hard-living Rudd but one can’t dispute his energy! The most disturbing aspect of the book, apart from the motley collection of characters he defends, is the way Grisham depicts a high level of corruption within the police force. Local politicians think nothing of trying to influence the outcome of a trial in order to increase ratings with voters. Surely this could never happen in this country!

Vee Lees    

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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

Travel in Comfort Reliable Prompt

Very Competitive Rates Tel: 07855 588128

The Old Exchange Church Street, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7EJ

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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Easter Meditations

There will be three sessions of meditation on Easter themes between 4.00pm – 5.00pm on the following days: Tuesday 7th April Tuesday 14th April Tuesday 28th April Venue: Post Office House, Ditcheat These are small group meditations for anyone interested in spiritual development. If you would like to attend one or all of the sessions, please email dianabarsham180@btinternet.com or phone 01749 860725 leaving your name and number.

Benefice Prayer Pyramid The Prayer Pyramid is a small group of people within the benefice who will receive prayer requests for people in need of any kind. The requests remain confidential within this small group.

Lynne Hughes 860654 and Jessica Leach 860205 (Ditcheat Church wardens) have agreed to receive prayer requests.

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Men’s Breakfast

Monthly on 2nd Saturday 8.30am in the Church Room

Freshly cooked breakfast To book email; breakfast@ditcheatvillage.co.uk or ring Roger Adams 860551

The Village Lunch is held on the last Tuesday of the month

in the Jubilee Hall at 12.30pm.

Menu for 28th April

Chicken Casserole Salmon Parcels Aubergine & Tomato, Nut Crumble

Selection of Puddings. Tea or Coffee.

£5.00 per person.

Menu options are available on the FTN website, www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk.

If you would like to come let either Jessica Leach (860205) or Vee Lees (860542) know by the previous Wednesday, (22nd).

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

The Rendezvous Tuesday 14th April

10.00am – 12.00pm Ditcheat Jubilee Hall

Enquiries: Linda 860067

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The Enthronement of Grandma Those of us who attended this sing along in the Jubilee Hall on Friday 21st February had loads of fun and a really lovely time. We sang all the old music hall favourites and were richly entertained by Brenda's very musical family. We would like to thank Brenda, Rick and the rest of the Jones family for inviting us and providing a very, very enjoyable evening.

Lyn Steel

Jones’ family celebration following a very successful sing along evening;

‘Grandma’ is centre, in the pink top, and flanked by her seven musical sons, their partners and offspring and spare father-in-law.

Calling All Badminton Players

DITCHEAT BADMINTON CLUB play in the Jubilee Hall Ditcheat Monday evenings from 7.30pm. - 8.30 pm. Wednesday afternoons from 2.00pm. – 3.00pm. Good friendly club. All levels are welcome including “rusty racquets”.

Interested? Then please call James Bairstow on 01749 860355 (for Monday evenings) or Gaye Volk 01749 860081 (for Wednesday afternoons).

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Yenstone Walling Dry Stone Walling and Landscaping All types of stone walling undertaken.

Patrick Houchen – DSWA member.

Reliable, professional service from a family business. 01963 371123

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

W.J.TROTMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS (incorporating Oswald Clarke Funeral Directors of Bruton)

Ashdene, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 4QQ

Telephone: 01749 880271

A family run business for over four generations. Private Chapel of Rest

Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Available

STABLE COMPUTERS Supply of New Computers and Accessories – all set up and ready for you to use… Broadband and Router Installation… PC and Internet Problems Solved… Virus and Spyware Removal… For all your computing needs telephone

Daren on 01963 441229

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Ditcheat Weather – February 2020 Spring appears to have sprung. I’ll let you know if that is actually the case in next month’s report. February could best be described as a disaster for those poor souls further north who live near to major waterways. Almost every weekend throughout the month seemed to bring one storm after another. Ciara arrived on the 8th, followed by Dennis on the 15th. Then a Spanish interloper (Jorge) arrived on the 28th. The combined efforts of Ciara and Dennis have caused widespread flooding and disruption. Many people will be facing months of upheaval before they can return to a semblance of normal life. For some people this has been a second or third occurrence in a very short period of time. So much for ‘once in a hundred year events’! Nationally the UK had its wettest February (with 237% of average) since 1862, when proper records began. Down here in Somerset, we have fared slightly better. The levels have not experienced the same fate as they did in 2014. Maybe this is due in part to the dredging that took place or the fact that there was less overall rainfall in our area. This year I recorded 108.6mm of rain compared to 149.6mm in 2014. I have noticed, whilst driving around, that many roads have small rivers running down the side of them. Fields are sodden, and their ability to soak up rain is now negligible. Little wonder if you consider that since the end of September we have only had 25 days where no rain has fallen! Looking at the data table at the foot of this report you will see that 2020 was very similar to 2014. No days below 0.0°C, with rainfall above average. This year was noteable for the number of days above 10°C. Windrun, the amount of wind passing a given point, was the second highest monthly value, only exceeded by 4410 miles in December 2015. A testament to the number of storms passing overhead.

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At the end of January I noticed some strange figures on my station for humidity. This value also affects the ‘apparent’ temperature. Apparent is how we feel the temperature as warm blooded individuals. Investigations revealed that the sensor had gone haywire, and being in a sealed unit meant the purchase of a new weather station. So, I now have a new (better) one in place. It also records the amount of sunshine. I had to cross reference my readings with the station at Ditcheat School to ensure accuracy. My website has had a slight makeover, with new gauges and charts. Sunshine data is now included which means I won’t need to rely on the figures from our Solar PV system to guess how sunny it has been. That data will appear in the table below from next month’s report onwards. If anyone (I can think of one person) is really interested in my long term data, since we arrived here, there is a new page (annual data) on the top menu that has all manner of tabular data. By the time you read this report we will have a new weather station in Alhampton reporting to the internet. Charles Dowding has installed a similar system which is visible at www.charlesdowding.co.uk/weather. We can now fight between the two villages as to who has most rain or sun!

Feb 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

>10°C days 9 3 8 4 4 19 20

<0°C nights 0 11 7 4 16 3 0

High temp °C 12.5 11.1 14.6 12.8 10.4 18.2 15.8

Low temp °C 0.2 -3.2 -2.9 -0.8 -5.7 -4.6 0.5

Rain mm 149.6 69.0 83.6 55.0 39.0 53.8 108.6

Wet days 28 14 15 17 14 20 26

Wind Run (miles) 2741.0 1416.6 2040.3 2430.5 2105.8 1994.4 3922.5

Geoff Webber

Live weather: www.geoffwebber.co.uk/weather

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Gardening April is here and Spring has sprung. The weather is definitely warming up and early flowers are beginning to bloom. This also means there is plenty to do in the garden. It has been so wet I doubt anyone has managed to get much done and my garden is no exception. It really needs a good tidy up and the weeds are coming on apace. I had my secateurs sharpened the other day. Nick at The Wonderful Garden Company in Cary is now offering this service. What a brilliant job he has done. Mine were expensive in the first place but hadn’t been sharpened in probably 10 years. They now slice through everything. What a difference decent tools make. www.thewonderfulgardencompany.co.uk. If you haven’t been to Nick’s shop it is well worth a visit. Beautiful products. There are all sorts of goodies growing in the greenhouse, ready for planting out into the vegetable patch. I have also tried growing Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’. It is the most delicate little plant and really lends itself to tumbling over the side of pots and hanging baskets. Thus far, I have five germinated out of ten. Not bad. When we get some dry weather, clear the borders of weeds and get a good 5cm or more of compost or well-rotted manure down and work in a general-purpose fertiliser such as pelleted chicken manure or blood fish and bone. Also check to see if containers are drying out and if you didn’t do it last month top up the soil with new. Perennials can be lifted and divided this month. Either pot on the new plants or plant directly into a new position in the garden. Primroses and snowdrops can also be divided now to give better displays next year. Shrubs and trees can also be moved now, provided there is no sign of frost and the ground is not too waterlogged. Those in situ, including roses, could do with a slow-release fertiliser around their roots. Roses are particularly greedy. Tie in climbing and rambling roses and check tree ties to make sure they are not cutting into the trunks. Spring-flowering shrubs, such as Forsythia, can be pruned back as soon as they have finished flowering. Keep deadheading the faded flowers from winter

23

pansies to encourage new flowers and allow daffodils and tulips to die back naturally. Hopefully, the vegetable patch is ready for new plantings, but if not make sure it is weed free and apply 5cm or more of compost or well-rotted manure. Cover the prepared soil with black plastic to keep it drier and warmer in preparation for planting. Fruit blossom will need protecting from late frosts. Cover with fleece on cold nights. Fruit trees could also do with a mulch and fruit canes a good feed with slow-release fertiliser around their bases. Repair bare patches in the lawn and apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser to give it a boost at the beginning of the season. Mine is covered in moss, so time to borrow Ma’s scarifier again. Re-cut and shape lawn edges or better still invest in a lawn edger. Having specified ‘Everedge’ to almost every customer for the last 15 years I finally installed it in my garden last year. ‘Wow’ is all I can say. It is neat and tidy all year, no edge cutting and the lawn seems to have said ‘thankyou’. Remember to keep your diary up to date, noting what you have sown and what you have planted. Happy Gardening.

Jane Follis 860850 jane@janefollis.com

Fosseway Gardening Club The next meeting is at Pylle Village Hall on Tuesday 14th April at 7.30pm. Local gardener Jane Follis plans to talk on “A Year in my Garden”. Visitors are always welcome so come along and support her. Our annual Gardening Club Plant Sale at Ditcheat Village Hall is on 9th May from 10am-12pm. As always, a wide variety of plants will be available for sale at very reasonable prices. Contact Jill 07772 008594

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Covid-19 Community Help Page Ditcheat Parish Council In light of the Coronavirus situation Ditcheat Parish Council is coordinating a list of people who would be happy to help those who need support, either because they are ill/self-isolating or because their family/friends/help are themselves unable to give assistance. Anyone wishing to be contacted to either offer or receive help should email the clerk@ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk confirming that they are giving authority for their contact details to be held and used for the purposes of:

sending out information, including that that they have, or suspect they have, contracted coronavirus

receiving requests for assistance receiving offers of help

The information will be held by Ditcheat Parish Council for a period of no more than 1 year and deleted sooner once the situation has resolved. In extraordinary circumstances if parishioners do not have access to email then please call the Clerk on 01749 860443 in which case please leave your name, contact details (telephone number) and reason for your call. Please do not include any other personal health details in either emails or telephone messages. The Parish Council is not able to offer any health related advice or support.

ViralKindness

ViralKindness has produced a card that can be delivered to neighbours who may be having a hard time of it – see page 45. If you would like an electronic copy of this card to print and use yourself, go to the FTN website www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk where you will find a link to it on the home page.

Ditcheat Big Screen Presents

The Good Liar (15) April 16th – Jubilee hall – Doors 19:00

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Help Us, Help You  The Fosse Trinity News exists solely to support our lively local community. It shares information about local people and issues, gives a platform to promote events and gives readers a place to source venues, services and local skills.

And it does all this in a full-colour magazine that plops, completely free, on the doorsteps of around 650 households, ten times a year. There is, too, a website with issues of the magazine, last-minute information and links to many other local organisations. It is also one of the magazines included in the British Library UK web archive so together we are making social history. The FTN won’t be able to continue in its current form unless it can cover its costs - around £650 each issue/£1per magazine. For this it relies on paying advertisers, for whom we are very grateful, and on donations from you, dear readers. Please, please, take a moment to help us continue.

The FTN currently makes no charge for advertising events that are themselves charitable but, if you use the magazine in this way, we would greatly appreciate you also considering a donation from any proceeds. For promoters who already do so, thanks so much.

If you are giving more than £30, are a taxpayer and would like us to claim gift aid on your donation, please send an email to distrib@fossetrinitynews.co.uk and Lesley will send you the information to make the necessary declaration. Envelopes can be filled with cash or cheque and handed to any of the FTN committee members, the Barber’s Farm Shop or the Alhampton Inn.

Thank you    

This year you can do it all online: FTN sort code 60-04-33 Account number 68687214.

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Village Survey

The Future of our Churches Alhampton, Ditcheat, East Pennard & Pylle

East Pennard Alhampton Many churches in rural areas are now, sadly, facing closure. Although our own village churches still have regular services, their future remains uncertain. Please help to save these beautiful buildings. The good news is that the Church of England is undergoing a period of real change and experimenting with new ideas. Now is the time to have your say as to what changes you would like to see. All of our churches are keen to involve as many people of all ages as possible in their worship and other activities. Extra help is always needed if you would like to get involved. This short questionnaire enables you to express your views and make sure your voice is heard. You can complete it now by emailing dianabarsham180@btinternet.com under the heading Village Survey, and numbering your answers 1 – 7 to match the questions below or you can use the paper copy that will be delivered to your house in April with details about collection points. (Diana Barsham is the Reader in Training for Fosse Trinity Benefice. She is acting on behalf of the Joint PCCs in coordinating this questionnaire.)

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Questions 1. At present do you attend church regularly/ occasionally/ never? 2. If you have attended a church service recently, have you any suggestions

as to how your experience might have been improved? 3. If you are interested in developing your own spiritual life, how might the

church help with this? 4. Apart from traditional services of Christian worship that are the core of

church life, what other activities would you like the church buildings to be used for?

5. What days and times for services would be best for you - Saturday/ Sunday/ Weekdays: am/ pm/ evening?

6. Which of the following would you like church life to include: a. more involvement by local people b. special ‘occasional’ services of different kinds c. more modern music and singing d. more modern themes and interactive discussion e. more meditational practices f. more services and activities for children g. more social events, e.g. Walks, talks, guest speakers, concerts,

competitions, sporting events, creative activities, art exhibitions? 7. What other suggestions do you have for bringing the church up to date in

order to reflect the realities of modern life?

There is a £10 prize for each of the five best suggestions!

Pylle Ditcheat

Thank you for helping with this.

The churches will be hosting a social event to discuss your responses on Saturday 20th of June in the Church Room, Ditcheat, between 4.00

– 6.00pm. All welcome

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Church Availability And Support Like many of you, Margaret and I will be largely confined to home and garden (as we fall in the 70 plus bracket), though we will still get fresh air walking Lily, away from everyone! And I will also be ‘working from home’, so while I cannot visit people in their homes (and wouldn’t be welcome where people are self-isolating), nevertheless I will be doing some ‘visits’ on the telephone! Church will be different When the decision by the archbishops and bishops to cease public worship was issued, they made this comment: ‘Being a part of the Church of England is going to look very different in the days ahead. Our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday, and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer each day. We may not be able to pray with people in the ways that we are used to, but we can certainly pray for people. And we can certainly offer practical care and support.’ Churches will remain open for individual prayer Wherever possible, our churches will continue to stay open as much as possible to welcome you for private prayer. Opening times are as follows:

Alhampton Chapel Sundays only Ditcheat Church Open 9:30am to 4pm every day East Pennard Church Open 9:30am to 4pm every day Pylle Church Open 9:30am to 4pm every day. If locked, a key is

READILY available: just telephone 01749 830538 or 07896 945936 for location instructions.

Any updates will be put on noticeboards and posted on our websites. We regret that we cannot be solely responsible for disinfection so ask you to take the necessary precautions for the health of yourselves and others. Daily Prayer and a suggested prayer We invite everyone to offer a prayer, at one or both of two times each day: 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. If you are out walking, driving, doing housework, confined to home – wherever: say a short prayer. A special prayer can be found on our parish websites. And for those who have a little more time (that will be plenty of us), we have also put short suggestions in a framework on the websites: ditcheatchurch.org; eastpennardchurch.org; pyllechurch.org; alhamptonchapel.org

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Prayer Pyramid Do let Jessica Leach or Lynne Hughes know if you would like to be prayed for on our (confidential) prayer pyramid. We have just added to our vocabulary ‘social distancing’, which is much better than ‘isolating’. I’ve noticed the crisis is causing people to talk to each other much more, even though it might be shouting across the road, or speaking the recommended 4 metres apart! This difficult time could bring out the best in us. In the Lord we are not separated! Graham

An update from Lily Hello again everyone. People have been asking how I am; and I did visit a few of you some weeks ago. In short, I appear to be very well at the moment, enjoying my food, walks and playtime. I sleep well too. Actually, I have just been watching Crufts and was very pleased to see Zokni, an Old English Sheepdog champion from Hungary, won the Pastoral Group. I’ve never been to Crufts but it sounds rather busy and noisy so I don’t think I would like it. Surely you will be interested to know that my birthday is on 4th April: I will be 11. I am hoping for a new Chatterbox toy, perhaps a duck or a cow, because I play with them all so much that eventually they lose their voices. In fact, the only one with a strident sound is cockerel and I get very excited about him. Of course, April also brings Easter and that is a very happy time. Some of the family are coming to stay and I like that. The grand-daughter is now nearly six so there is no danger of her stepping on my tail (or what’s left of it!). Dogs get parvovirus (though I have an annual inoculation against that). But now everyone seems to be talking about coronavirus – I hope you all avoid it and continue in good health. Remember the days leading up to the first Easter were very dark days indeed, but since then we all have a new hope. I still haven’t managed to work a keyboard yet as my paws are too big and fluffy, but fortunately I have a playmate who is quite skilled. All the best for now and have a lovely Easter.

LILY

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Pylle News Church Flowers and Cleaning APRIL Wendy Billing MAY Vacancy Volunteers needed to join the rota. For details please ring Hilary on 830538. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Church The interior of the church has now been redecorated and looks in tip-top condition. On Good Friday the church will be open from 12.00 midday until 4.00pm and the service itself is at 2.00pm and will be led by Diana Barsham. Prospective visitors please note:- If the church is locked please contact Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538, or Alan Cary 07896945936 to obtain a key. Ladies Working Party – Wendy Billing (01749 830046) The Working Party meets on the first Wednesday of the month for lunch at The Den. Meals will not be pre-ordered so do come along at mid-day and order whatever you like. Village Hall We are currently in the process of installing a new sewage system for the hall - now there's an exciting piece of news for you! The sewage digester will be located in the old school playground, currently used as a car park for disabled visitors and those paying a fleeting visit. The main car park is on the opposite side of the road. Future users of this area will be warned where not to drive in case of dire consequences.

Just to remind you - the charge for booking the hall is £8.50 per hour (£7.50 per hour for 4 or more bookings). Any bookings that have already been made will be charged at the old prices. For more information and to book the hall please contact Joanna Miln on 01749 838757 or joanna@joannamiln.co.uk.

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Sunday 10th May in Pylle

Visit Manor Farm’s Historic Buildings, and Bluebell Walk followed by Tea

Farm visit, Bluebell Walk, Tea and Cake £7.50 Meet at Pylle Church BA4 6TD at 2pm for tour & walk

Tea and Cake (no walk) £5 at Pylle Village Hall BA4 6SZ from 3.15pm

Please buy tickets in advance from Barbara Cary 01749 860438 To raise funds for the new bio digester in the village hall

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A Picture from the Past

Our photograph this time round is entitled Organ Fund Breakfast and dates from c1960. Iris Billing - her daughter Wendy provided us with the picture - wrote on the back 'To get money to repair Church Organ, several weekends we had an all-night cafe at Pylle Hill for holiday people travelling through - great fun.' The rector, the Rev. C. V. E. Francis, who succeeded Mervyn Roynon in September 1955, can be seen on the right alongside parishioners - ten in all. It would be nice to identify all of them and produce a complete list in next month's FTN! Extra information on the pictures that appear in this column is always gratefully received - also if you spot any errors please let me know. I am relying on facts supplied by readers as I was not around at the time! Please ring on 830538 or email me on tudsberyturner@tiscali.co.uk.

Stephen Tudsbery-Turner

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Treasures of Ditcheat Church and the stories behind them 8. The Royal Arms

It is generally assumed that the habit of hanging the royal arms in churches dates from when Henry VIII became Head of the Church in 1534, although it was specifically enacted that this should be the case in the time of King Charles II, well over a century later. Not to be confused with hatchments, which were put up in churches after the death of some local magnate, boards containing the royal arms were hung sometimes over the chancel arch, sometimes over the north or south doors, or sometimes even in the church porch. Here in Ditcheat the location is over the rood-loft door in the north aisle and the arms themselves are Hanoverian as can be seen by the existence of the white horse of Hanover in the fourth quarter of the shield. This first appeared when

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King George I succeeded Queen Anne, the last of the Stuarts, in 1714. The first quarter contains the arms of England impaling (placed alongside) those of Scotland, the second quarter contains the arms of France and the third the arms of Ireland. The existence of the French arms tells us that the date of the royal arms must be before 1801 because in that year the French arms were dropped for political reasons. When dealing with Hanoverian Achievements (coats of arms) it is quite easy to spot the approximate date. Before 1801 the Hanoverian arms occupy the fourth quarter of the shield - as here in Ditcheat. After 1801 and before 1816 the arms appear in the centre of the royal shield and are ensigned (surmounted) by an electoral bonnet. From 1816 to 1837 the bonnet has been replaced by a crown, and after 1837 and the succession of Queen Victoria to the British throne but not the Hanoverian, the Hanoverian arms disappear altogether. The board is not in a very good state of repair and some experts are of the opinion that we are looking at a Stuart board which has been re-used to turn it into Hanoverian one. If so, Ditcheat was obviously doing things on the cheap. As it is, the English lions in the first quarter have all but disappeared and the Hanoverian quarter needs a great deal of attention. On the credit side, the lion and the unicorn supporters look surprisingly spritely.

Mendip Golf Club OPEN DAY

Sunday 26th April 10 am– 4 pm

• A warm welcome is extended to beginners and existing golfers to sample our scenic downland course, meet members and enjoy the facilities

• The Club is situated between Gurney Slade and Shepton Mallet off the A37

• Free group coaching session with our PGA Fellow Professional

• Practice net and coaching for Juniors • Play 9 holes and see our unrivalled views over 7 counties . • BBQ and Bar: Putting and chipping competitions.

MEMBERSHIP OFFER AVAILABLE ON THE DAY Obtain more information from the Pro Shop or on line at www.mendipgolfclub.com

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East Pennard and District Royal British Legion The annual dinner has now come and gone. This is the only formal event our branch of the Legion holds, other than the Remembrance service. Once again, the Den did us proud, and those who attended enjoyed the company of like-minded people and excellent food at a very reasonable cost. The dinner, from which the Legion makes no money, is put on to remind people of the Legion’s existence, still very much in demand to help those service personnel who have served our country and have come upon difficulties.

Disappointingly, our numbers at the dinner this year were down on previous years due to some of our regulars being otherwise engaged. We hope that next year will see a return to former numbers. You may recall that my article in the October 2019 FTN made reference to a coin being produced to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Well, a £5 coin is being produced to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. You can order the coin at www.westminsterorders.com/64733Q0. Although several months have passed since Remembrance Day, we do not yet have the total amount of money raised for the 2019 Poppy Appeal, this we believe to be because HMRC have not yet finalized the Gift Aid to be paid from donations. Still on the subject of donations, it is interesting to note that as well as making donations with cash, the Legion are increasing the use of contactless card payments. In 2017 £67,000 was raised, in 2018 £211,000 was raised and last year the total had shot up to £780,000. The contactless card machines are generally used where many people are around, such as shopping centres etc., but they will not replace the traditional Poppy boxes. Still on the subject of donations to the Legion, every year there are many events nationwide where participants get sponsorship and compete to raise money. At the beginning of 2020, the list of events included an arctic survival challenge, several half marathons, the London marathon, a Normandy beaches trek, poppy cycle rides, waterfall abseiling, pedal to Ypres, pedal to Paris, the Great North Run, a castaway survival challenge, and 5km poppy runs. It’s good to see so many people being involved in raising money to help those service personnel who benefit from the Legion. Advanced notice now of two Armed Forces events in our area:

Weston Armed Forces Weekend – 27th & 28th June Taunton Armed Forces Day – 15th August, VJ Day

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You will recall that in my March FTN article I mentioned the memorial crosses at Ditcheat and East Pennard. Another memorial that I am looking at with a view to some remedial work is the marble plaque in the Ditcheat church entrance porch. Whilst the plaque itself does not require any attention, the incised lettering listing the names of the fallen and their regiments does. As with the memorial crosses, special permission may be required for the repainting. Obviously, any works carried out on the crosses and the plaque would be carried out by specialist companies. Finally, a reminder that the weekend of 8th – 10th May is the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II, - VE Day. Details of celebrations will appear in May’s FTN. The Legion’s next committee meeting will be at 2pm on Tuesday 14th April at Charlie’s studio.

Charles Evans Charity Theatre Trips

Bristol Hippodrome closed on Monday 16th March to try to reduce/slow the spread of the virus. When it will re-open depends on government advice. As we pass each show date we should receive a full refund of our ticket payments as long as ATG stays solvent. I am still taking bookings. 2020 planned trips are Mon 8 Jun Mamma Mia; Wed 3rd Sep Dreamgirls; Fri 30th Oct Barber of Seville (W.N.O.); Tue 3rd Nov Strictly Ballroom In 2021: Tue 16th Feb The Commitments; Tue 23rd Feb Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker; Wed 31st Mar Il Trovatore (W.N.O.); Tue 20th Jul School of Rock (based on the film with extra music by Lloyd-Webber). We also are expecting The Phantom of the Opera sometime in 2021. Two other trips will run if the theatre is open and there is enough demand; This August to Sunny Afternoon, featuring The Kinks music and Jan 2021 a Sunday matinee of the Snow White pantomime. Details at https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/ or of course via Miss Google. Contact me if interested in either of these. Prices include transport. Pick-ups in Curry Rivel, Langport & Somerton, and then either Keinton Mandeville & Shepton Mallet OR Street & Wells. Contacts: coxtheatretrips@btinternet.com, www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk; 01458 273085.

Chris Cox

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Ditcheat Parish Council

Précis of the draft minutes - 5th March 2020 at 7.30pm. PRESENT: Chairperson – Councillor Evans (CE) and Councillors – Harrison (HH), Dando (JD), Hughes (LH), Derham (JDr), and James (RJ). IN ATTENDANCE: Miss P Griffiths – Clerk to the Parish Council. There were no members of the public present. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Apologies for absence from Councillors Hutton (RH), Travis (RT) and Clark (HC) were received and approved. County Councillor Hewitt-Cooper (NHC), District Councillor Greenhalgh (JG) and PCSO Dury had sent apologies for absence. COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS. The report from NHC was noted which included information on the following points: Somerset County Council’s budget. The Climate Change Fund for Towns and Parishes. Covid-19 (Coronavirus). One Somerset – plans for a unitary authority. Brain in Hand – a personalised app to assist and support those with a mental

health issue or learning disability. Children’s Mental Health. Utility Companies prosecutions. Connecting Devon and Somerset – roll out of superfast broadband. The report from JG included information on the following matters: The Scrutiny Board and Cabinet the Council has agreed a balanced budget

for 2020/21 of £17m subject to an extraordinary full council meeting. New corporate aims have been agreed and climate change implications will

cut across all action plans. The future of local government in Somerset. SCC’s preferred option is for a

unitary council as initially proposed. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more visible on the roads but there are

few charging points in Somerset. There is an SCC strategy group looking at this, but MDC is looking for faster action.

Publication of Mendip’s Statement of Accounts was delayed last year due to a lack of both resource and training.

Following a revised National Planning Policy and Framework this has resulted in an increased national target of building 300,000 homes a year with the effect of increasing Mendip’s target from 420 to 604 a year. This meant that the Council could not meet its requirement of having a 5-year supply of land and, as a result of that and comments from the Planning

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Inspector on Mendip’s local plan, means the Plan must be re-written in the next three years.

Glastonbury Festival. Full details of both reports can be found on the PC website or on request from the Clerk. REPORT FROM AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY- The report included the following: 28th January – Report of an accident along Wraxall Rd – Emergency services attend. 31st January – Report of damage to a vehicle in Alhampton. 6th February – Report of a lorry broken down on Wraxall Hill – Police attend. 10th February – Report of an accident just after Wraxall Hill – Emergency services attend. 29th February – Report of a disturbance at the The Manor Inn, Ditcheat – On-going police enquiries. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND DISPENSATIONS – None. MINUTES - The minutes of the meeting held on 23rd January 2020 were approved and signed as a correct record. MATTERS ARISING - from the meeting held on 23rd January 2020. VE Day celebrations – CE reported that he would be discussing the matter with the Royal British Legion. LH confirmed that a church service will be held in Pylle and subject to repair of the flagpole a flag will be flown. Update on the incomplete work by Bristol Water in Smiths Lane – The Clerk reported that Bristol Water had confirmed that the work was ongoing to find and repair the mains leak. Litter pick - confirmed that all arrangements were in place for the litter pick on Saturday 21st March. MINUTES - The minutes of the meeting held 13th February on 2020 were approved and signed as a correct record. PLANNING The following planning application was considered: Erection of single storey link extension to dwelling between house and annexe, Long Batch, Ditcheat. Ref: 2020/0403/HSE. Outcome: Recommend approval. It was noted that planning permission has been granted for the following: Erection of a single storey rear extension, Priors Leigh, Ditcheat. Ref: 2019/2887/HSE and Certificate of Proposed Use/Development - Formation of agricultural access and laying of hardstanding for occasional parking of agricultural vehicles. Ref: 2020/0136/CLP. Land at Bolters Lane, Sutton.

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It was noted that the following planning application has been withdrawn: The Proposed demolition of existing dwelling and replace with a dwelling house and extend residential curtilage, Ditcheat Hill Farm bungalow. Ref: 2019/2244/FUL. FINANCE The Clerk reported that following receipt of the reclaimed VAT of £1,771.13 the cash book balance as at 5th March was £16,669.37. Approval of Parish Council payments and authority to sign cheques. 1) Habitat Aid Limited for replacement tree - £65.00. 2) Clerk’s salary for 1st January to 31st March 2020 – £700.16. 3) HMRC for PAYE/NICs for 1st January to 31st March 2020 - £175.00. RESOLVED: that the above expenditure be approved. It was noted that payment had been made to the following: Claire Downes for website support - invoices no 496-1076-5 and 513-1076-6 = total £210.00. PLAYGROUND - Update on grant application for safety matting replacement - The Clerk reported that the application was complete except for the letters/petition/s of support which were required before the application could be submitted. HIGHWAYS Update on matters previously reported: The response from the Highways Department (HD) regarding the blocked drains and gullies previously reported is detailed below: “An inspection of the gullies in Ditcheat has been arranged and any safety defects identified in accordance with the Highway Safety Inspection Manual will be actioned. The HD are inundated with drainage related issues which are being dealt with on a priority basis. We operate a planned maintenance programme for cleaning highway surface water drains on all the roads that we maintain which depends on where they are (the classification of the road) and the relative risk of flooding. The gully cleaning schedule is broken down into a number of rounds spread over a one-year period to ensure all rounds are carried out. Gullies in flood susceptible areas will be cleaned every year. Gullies in rural non-flood susceptible areas (outside a 30mph or 40mph speed

limit) will be cleaned every two years. Gullies in urban non-flood susceptible areas (inside a 30 or 40mph speed limit)

will be cleaned every four years. The programme is subject to an annual review and adjusted to respond to the changing nature of risk and flooding on the county’s road network. Where defects or flooding are identified, outside the planned gully cleansing routine, these will be dealt with as necessary. Unfortunately, it is not possible to

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redirect the contractors Gully Sucker off the planned rounds as this would have a knock-on effect to gullies in other parts of the network. Any blocked drains can now be reported online or direct to the call centre which ensures it is immediately entered onto the system for inspection. https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/report-a-blocked-drain-on-the-road/ We hope this explains the current situation”. The Clerk reported that the worn white line signs throughout the parish have been put on the programme for repainting in the new financial year. New matters for report to the Highways authority included: The road surface in West Lane is in a very poor state; a pothole on Folly Corner and on the southern side of the road leading away from Folly Corner the road has been eroded; the left side of the Ditcheat to Alhampton road by Priors Leigh is again in a very poor state. CLIMATE EMERGENCY – the PC considered the motion as proposed by Councillor James; that DPC to join Local Authorities across the UK by declaring a Climate Change Emergency. It was agreed that the motion needed to be revised and would be considered at the next full meeting of the PC. NASS EVENT – the Clerk reported that the organisers Vision9 had made the organisers were addressing the concerns raised following the event last year regarding attendees walking along the A371 to the Bath & West Showground, the problems regarding discarded litter and noise appeared to have been addressed and confirmed that a further consultation meeting will be held in June. FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND RIGHTS OF WAY. Update on stile in field opposite The Court, Alhampton – ongoing. Update on the possibility of creating a permissible footpath from the Sutton road to join with footpath SM 6/17 going behind Moff Motors – The Clerk reported on behalf of RH that discussions were taking place with landowners and tenants. Matters for report – The stile at the start of SM6/32 at the southern end needs replacing. A map of the footpaths in the parish will be put on the noticeboards and on the website. FEEDBACK FROM COUNCILLOR ATTENDING ‘THE RENDEZVOUS’. Points raised included the following: The Local Plan – Part II and the by the comments from Planning Inspector about the change of wording from ‘up to 16 dwellings’ to ‘a minimum of 16’ dwellings. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 16th APRIL 2020 AT 7.30 pm in the Church Room.

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The Wildlife Group Update Learn your bird songs: Carrying on from sharing with you last month the joys of the Mistle Thrush song, I thought I’d try to help you to learn some bird songs. It is not only one of those things that easily impresses your friends, but adds great depth to a walk in the countryside, or even sitting in your garden. It’s a way of knowing what is around you without even seeing the bird, useful when they are difficult to spot. I should have started this series in January or February because there are fewer birds singing and therefore easier to concentrate on the one I put forward for you to learn. I think it is good to learn one at a time really well before going onto the next one. Make the song your own experience, by listening to the actual bird singing and really pay attention to the bird and song. So, for April I will put forward the Chiffchaff. It is one of our first migrants to arrive (March) and has an unmistakable Chiff-chaff call. Repeating its name several times in a high pitched tone, before finishing not with a flourish but with a croak, if it has got up a steam! Not all Chiffchaff songs finish that way, but I like to listen out for the ones that do! Listen to it on a website. The Woodland Trust has a really good site for this exercise. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk under Bird Song identification. There are apps you can download onto your phone too. Try and limit your identification to the Chiffchaff this April. We’ll move on after that. Meeting up: Work party: Ditcheat Churchyard saw us making a log pile on Shrove Tuesday and on 5th March we did some Spring meadow maintenance there. Thank you to all the work party people, but especially to Paul for his logs and David for his trusty trailer. Proposed visits: Numbers limited visits, so please book. 21st May- Nightingale and bird song – evening. Swallow survey: The Swallow survey has been running since 2013 and we have about 30 participants. It is really important work and the aim is to help the Swallows.

Chiffchaff by the wildlifetrusts.org. It flicks its tail as it moves around.

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Any day now I will be emailing next year’s forms to those lovely people who care enough to observe their Swallows and send me their records. If you have some Swallows that you can observe and you would like to join the survey, just contact me (see details below), and I will happily include you. Results and report to follow in a future WLG update.

Tips: Health Alert! With all the Coronavirus self-quarantine and country-quarantine, we are all getting the picture of the international spread of disease. This applies to plants too. In April 2018 The WLG update had a detailed account of Xyella fastidiosa (you can access this article by looking at the backdates of the FTN on the website, see below). It is an objective of mine to link up with another article Stewart did a couple of years ago, to expand on the health hazards to plants (particularily trees) of our global world. DO NOT BE TEMPTED to bring back from abroad any plant material, seeds, cuttings and plants which includes edibles. Source plants carefully, preferably from British nurseries that grow their own plants in the UK. Contact information: Bridget Wadey email: thewildlifegroup@btinternet.com, or phone: 01749 860240. You can follow our activities by:

joining our email list; see above, through the Fosse Trinity News (FTN) parish magazine The FTN website: www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk

Photo Competition: Can you name this mushroom? Answers by 8th

April please

March’s photo competition: We had a brave attempt to identify the marine blob I put up for the photo competition, Portuguese Man-of-War, but it was in fact a Lion’s Mane Jellyfish. Image by First Nature

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Beware the ‘Nottingham Knockers’ There have been reports of “Nottingham Knockers” operating again. These are cold callers who usually tell residents that they are ex-offenders trying to go straight, then try and sell poor-quality and over-priced cleaning products. The police want to remind residents they are under no obligation to answer the door to anyone they don’t know or aren’t expecting. If you do talk to them, they are supposed to be able to provide a valid Pedlar’s Certificate and should leave your property when asked. Police always recommend using a door chain and asking to see the identification of unexpected callers.

If you are suspicious of a caller ring 999 straight away keep your cash in the bank, not at home keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room

Remember, genuine callers:

Expect you to check their identification before opening the door Would never try to rush you by claiming there’s an emergency Will happily make an appointment to come back when you can have a

relative or friend with you. PCSO 9768 Guy Dury, Neighbourhood Team email: guy.dury@avonandsomerset.police.uk

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Coronavirus Community Spirit

If you would like an electronic copy of this card to print go to the FTN website www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk where you will find a link to it on the home page.

Think Local In light of these uncertain times can we suggest that you continue to support the local businesses that do not have the resources of the large companies to help them survive. These small businesses will suffer terribly and we might lose them.

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Happy Landings Animal Shelter

We are a small, independent animal charity working to help animals in need. We take in and re-home a mixture of companion and farm animals. Our experienced team provides the care these animals need to restore both their health and their faith in humankind. After a process of rehabilitation and re-training we look to match the right animal with the right new owner. We also provide ongoing support and training for any animals and their owners experiencing problems. The demand for rescue space is constant and we re-home about 200 animals a year. We are also a boarding facility and the revenue we generate from looking after these much-loved animals funds our rescue work. We have a council licence for both dogs and cats and people travel to us in preference, safe in the knowledge that while they’re off having a good time, so are their pets. New kennels opening April. We have joined the new Shape Mendip Lottery, up to £25,000 to be won every week. Anyone can join. 50% of each ticket will come to Happy Landings. See www.shapemendiplottery.co.uk/support/happy-landings-animal-shelter for more details. Sign up now and be in with a chance of winning while helping the animals in our care.

HAPPY LANDINGS ANIMAL SHELTER, BOARDING KENNELS AND CATTERY

Pye Hill, Pylle, Shepton Mallet BA4 6TG Tel 01749 860350

enquiries@happy-landings.org.uk www.happy-landings.org.uk

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New legal right to request a “decent” broadband connection

From March 20th this year, we all have the legal right to request a ‘decent and affordable’ broadband connection, up to a cost threshold of £3,400 per household (covered by public funding). The Government has defined a decent connection as one that can deliver 10 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed (along with other defined quality parameters). Ofcom has defined an affordable connection as one that costs less than £45 per month. It is called the Broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO). Residents and businesses are eligible for the USO if they do not currently have access to a broadband connection of the speeds mentioned above. There are a number of ways of checking your current speed - I have found the easiest is on the BT Wholesale website (btwholesale.com). The eligibility criteria are defined on the Ofcom website, and requests can be made through BT. BT are then under an obligation to reply within one month as to whether you meet the criteria, and must install the broadband upgrade within 12 months for the majority of cases, or 24 months if there are particular complications. I have found Ofcom to be very helpful on the phone if you have further queries. I will provide an update if I discover more useful information after receiving a response to my own application. Please spread the word to neighbours and friends!

Sophie Farrell

100 Club March winners: Ball 60 £100 Geoff & Julie Derham Ball 4 £50 Kim & Mike Sheppard Ball 73 £25 Andy Newman

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MARK CURTIS ROOFING & BUILDING

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ALHAMPTON 

SHEPTON MALLET 

SOMERSET 

BA4 6PZ

 

 

01749 860898 

Mobile    07702820794 

Email    mark@markcurtisroofingltd.co.uk

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St Mary Magdalene Ditcheat Cleaning Rotas Cleaning Church Room

April 4th / 11th R & L Adams Pat Dando 18th / 25th M & D Rogers

May 2nd / 9th B & I Rounsevell Eleanor Yeoman 16th / 23rd Jessica Leach

If you would like to help, please contact Vee Lees (860542) for church cleaning or Pat Dando (860448) for church room cleaning. The complete lists are available on the web site. www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk.

Flowers Brass Apr. 5th “ Louisa OborneEASTER DAY April 12th Easter Team “April 19th & 26th Sally Atkins “May 3rd & 10th Emma Cobb “ May 17th and 24th Sally Greenhalgh Barbara & Iain Rounsevell May 31st & June 7th Lin Adams “

East Pennard Church Flowers & Cleaning Rota Apr Helen Ablitt Hilary Tripp May Sheelagh Gorham Elly England June Cathy van den Bosch Sarah Hashmy You don’t need to be a Church goer, just a public-spirited person to join our team for the flowers & cleaning of East Pennard Church. For those thinking of joining us it is not a huge commitment, just about 4 hours a year. It is a beautiful space to spend time in and care for. If interested contact Bridget on: Tel. 860240 to find out more.

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Events Space for Hire

Do you need a convenient venue for your children’s party, a meeting or any other social event?

Ditcheat Church Room, in the heart of Ditcheat Village, is available for hire at a very reasonable rate. The proceeds from hirings help us maintain the village’s historic church and community buildings and surroundings.

Spacious and bright, with heating, fully fitted kitchen and loo.

Piano available for use as well. Full disabled access.

Hiring Fee is £6 per hour.

For bookings and any enquiries, please contact Mrs Pat Dando on 01749 860448

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Who's Who ?

FOSSE TRINITY BENEFICEInterim Minister Canon Graham Hendy 677003 Reader Emeritus Jean Halford 860422 Fosse Trinity Advisory Committee Jean Heal 860452 Fosse Trinity News Editor Margy Cockburn 860611 Fosse Trinity News Advertising Geoff Broome 860270 Fosse Trinity News Distribution Lesley Dunn 860746 Mothers' Union Yvonne Stokes 01458 851480 Safeguarding Officer Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538 Children's Society Jo Curtis 860898 ALHAMPTON Chapel Warden Ditcheat ChurchwardensChurch Council Secretary Vacant Neighbourhood Watch Lynne Hughes 860654 FTN Correspondent Louisa Oborne 860252 EAST PENNARD Bells - Tower Captain Andrew Stuart 860587

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 Charles Evans 860336 United Charities Chairman Adrian Pearse 890216 Verger David Stokes 01458 834486 PYLLE Bells - Tower Captain Joe King 890357

Churchwarden { Hilary Tudsbery-Turner Carolyn Fussell

830538 830120

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

Email contacts are on page 54

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www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk

DITCHEAT Art Group Liz & Stewart Gould 860755Badminton Club Secretary James Bairstow 860355 Bees – Swarms Stewart Gould 860755Bells - Tower Captain Roger Yeoman 860304The Other Book Club Gill Wetherall 860562 Church Council Secretary Vacant Church Room Hire Pat Dando 860448

Churchwarden { Lynne Hughes Jessica Leach

860654 860205

Community Car Service (ADEPPTS) Joyce Marsh 860493Country Dancing Ama Bolton 672911Ditcheat Big Screen / Moviola Anne Robson 860444 Ditcheat School Victoria Withers 860329Friends of Ditcheat School (FODS) Charlotte Lilley 860329Ditcheat Players Chairperson Gaye Volk 860081Fosseway Garden Club Barbara Cary 860438 Jubilee Hall Chair Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067Jubilee Hall Hire Anne Robson 860444Jubilee Hall Website Geoff Webber 860184 Keep Fit Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067Mendip District Councillor John Greenhalgh 860457Neighbourhood Watch Jim Dando 860448Parish Council Chairman Charles Evans 860336 Rendezvous Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067Saturday Stitch Sally Yeoman 860304Short Mat Bowls Geoff Webber 860184 Skittles Manor House Inn 860276Village Lunch Jessica Leach 860205Wildlife Group Bridget Wadey 860240 GENERAL Community Police Guy Dury 101

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

Printed by Parish Magazine Printing

54

Index of Advertisers

Who's Who ? Email addresses

Fosse Trinity News Editor editor@fossetrinitynews.co.ukFosse Trinity News Advertising adverts@fossetrinitynews.co.ukFosse Trinity News Distribution distrib@fossetrinitynews.co.uk Ditcheat Parish Council ditcheatparishcouncil.org.ukDitcheat Village Hall ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk Community Police guy.dury@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Legal DeclarationsThe opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and contributors to this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Fosse Trinity Benefice Parochial Church Councils, their officers or the FTN Editorial Team and no responsibility can be taken for the information given or views expressed in this magazine. In particular, no liability is accepted in relation to the contents of any third-party advertisement. The FTN Privacy Policy may be found on the FTN website (www.fossetrinitynews.co,uk) and is also available from the editor on request. The FTN website is archived by the British Library every six months and added to the UK Web Archive (https://www.webarchive.org.uk/). This will ensure that the magazine will be digitally preserved for future generations. The British Library assumes no rights to content in archived websites and original rights’ holders retain 100% of their copyright; there is also a ‘notice and take down’ policy whereby content can be removed if requested.

Mobility, Sutton Stairlifts 2 Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen 15Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2 Driver, Philip Saunders 15Health, Heal and Sole 2 Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 19Stone Mason, Thomas Kendrick 2 Stone Walling, Yenstone 19Home Maintenance, CH 12 Computing, Stable Computers 19Keep Fit, Clare Torday Yoga 12 Sport, Mendip Golf Club 35Sport, Wheathill Golf Club 12 Dining, The Manor House Inn 47Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen Pascoe 12 Roofing, Mark Curtis 49Transport, Adeppts 12 Accounting, Hayley Spencer 51Electrical, ARL Electrical Services 13 Mowing, Kevin Bushrod 55Oven cleaning, Ovencor 13 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Purely Probate 55Garage Doors, SDS 13 Tree Surgeon, Jody Osborne 55Heating Services, Warm Welcome 15 Catering, Dorset Delights 57Home Maintenance, Mike Doyle 15 Events, Pennard House Back

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LOP Mowing Contractorwww.lopmowingcontractor.co.uk

Kevin Bushrod Competitive pricing on mowing large areas of grass. Rolling. Tine and chain harrowing. Lawns, orchards and paddocks. Grass collected or mulched. Shed/fence panel picks and deliveries etc Tel: 01749 860546 / 07930 306465

North Brewham, Bruton, Somerset