2

HELEN BUSHROD LOOSE COVERS,

CURTAINS, CUSHIONS, etc.

Made to your requirements

FREE ESTIMATES

Tel: 01749 860546

Travellers Rest Stone, East Pennard (on the A37)

01749 860069

OPEN ALL DAY from 12.00 noon

Traditional pub food

Tea / Coffee Sunday Roast

Quiz Nights/Skittles/Pool/Darts B & B en-suite rooms

www.travellersrest.org.uk

Higher Farm, Sutton, Nr Ditcheat,

Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QF

Opening hours Mon-Sat: 7.30am to 6.30pm

For

Tool Hire &

Repairs.

Tel 01749 860199: Mobile 07771632221

How To Find Us Turn off the A371 Castle Cary to Shepton Mallet road,

between Moff Motors and The Brook House Inn, and then take the first turning left to Sutton. Follow this road until

you see our signs on the right, and then turn right. Hope to see you soon!

3

The Editor’s Letter

That’s it, on March 20th the sun crosses the celestial equator, Winter is officially over and Spring firmly upon us. And there are plenty of opportunities for a spot of seasonal conviviality. The refurbished Church Rooms in Ditcheat host the new Monday ‘Crafternoons’ on the 7th

(p 8), the same day the Lent Group meetings begin (p 31). Pylle presents an evening of ‘Music and Fun’ on the 18th (p 36) - you could reward yourself for having helped with the annual ‘Litter Pick’ earlier in the day (p 46); Ditcheat School community lunch is on the 22nd and there is a Mothering Sunday service at Alhampton on the 26th. ‘Mothering Sunday’ probably comes from the Laetare Sunday tradition of returning to visit your mother church. Workers, many indentured as young as ten, were given this day off so families met up. In 1914, American Anna Jarvis led a successful campaign to establish a ‘Mother’s Day’ and, inspired by her, Constance Smith revived the tradition in the UK. Anna regretted its increasing commercialisation, even disapproving of purchased cards: “A printed card means nothing except you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world.” So, crayons to the ready, start kneading the marzipan for the Simnel cake and remember the clocks go forward the same day. Happy Spring!

Margy Cockburn Tim Sanders www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk

This Month Advertisers Index 58 Alhampton News 5 All Our Yesterdays 32 Church Services 30 Crathernoon Tea 8 Diary dates 4 Directory 56 Ditcheat Big Screen 45 Ditcheat Book Group 28 Ditcheat Ch. Rota 54 Ditcheat Church Roof 50 Ditcheat PC 47 Ditcheat PC Litter Pick 46 Ditcheat School 6 Ditcheat Weather 24 E.P. Church Rota 55 Ern Hillard Tribute 7 Gardening 11 Marie Curie 41 Miss Moneypenny 23 Mendip Byways 53 Mothers' Union 25 Natural World 26 Pylle Music Evening 36 Pylle News 35 Rector's Note 31 Rendezvous 14 Royal British Legion 37 Surviving Winter 41 Spectra Musica 42 Theatre Trips 55 U3A 38 Village Lunch 19 WEA Castle Cary 53 Wildlife Update 22

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 March to editor@fossetrinitynews.co.uk For enquiries about advertising in the magazine, please contact Marcus 01749 860067 or email adverts@fossetrinitynews.co.uk

Closing date 10th of each month Front Cover: St. Mary Magdalene, Margy Cockburn ©

4

Dates for your Diary

Every Week

Mon

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

Linda 860067 Richard 880308 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)

Gaye 860081 Martin 860780 Di 07831 289945

Thu Keep Fit (9.15) Linda 860067

Fri Pilates (9.15) Mo 07815 748518

March 2017 Thur 2nd March 8.15pm Alhamptonians, Alhampton Inn Louisa 860252 P5 Mon 6th March 2.15pm Crafternoon Tea, Jubilee Hall Sally 860304 P8 Tue 14th March 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Linda 860067 P14

Tue 14th March 3.00pm Royal British Legion, Charlie’s Studio Jon 01458 860205 P38

Thur 16th March 7.30pm Ditcheat Big Screen, “Allied” Peter 860081 P45 Sat 18th March 9.00am Parish Litter Pick Page 46 Sat 18th March 10.00am WEA, Detective Fiction, Jubilee Hall Mike 860352 P53

Sat 18th March 6.45pm Music Evening, Pylle Joanna 838757 Page 36

Wed 22nd March 12.30pm School Community Lunch School 860329 Sat 25th March Marie Curie Collection, Castle Cary Sally 860304 P41

Mon 27th March 2.15pm Crafternoon Tea, Jubilee Hall Sally 860304 P8 Tue 28th March 12.30pm Village Lunch, Jubilee Hall Jessica 860205 P19

Fri 31st March 2.30pm U3A: Wildlife Trusts, Caryford Hall P38

Fri 31st March 7.00pm Royal British Legion Dinner, Pylle Jon 01458 860205 P37

Looking Further Ahead Sat 1st April 7.30pm Spectra Music Concert, Wincanton 01963 350160 P42 Thur 6th April 6.30pm Easter Bingo, Jubilee Hall P31 Sun 11th June All Our Yesterdays, Ditcheat Stephen 830538 P32 Sun 18th June Alhampton Open Gardens Hilary 860615 Sat 1st July Alhampton Fete Louisa 860252 Sun 24th Sept Glastonbury Festival Fun Ride Page 53

5

Alhampton News

As I write this it is one of those days when the sun is streaming through the window and the temperature has risen. The days are getting longer, the snowdrops and crocuses are carpeting the lawn and one is reminded that Spring cannot be far away. I hope I am not tempting fate.

Lots to look forward to this year, from the open gardens on 18th June to the fete / dog show / railway on 1st July in Alhampton. I’m sure many of us will also be crossing the river to go to All Our Yesterdays in Ditcheat on June 11th. Very different events but all a good day out. I remember a friend from London asking what on earth we found to do down in a little village…..!

Burns Night was celebrated in good style in Alhampton with excellent food including the best Cullen Skink I have ever had, even beating the one I had in Fife. Another meal that was memorable was on Valentine’s night – my first without my husband! Chrys Henning and I were muttering slightly as our respective spouses had other plans for the evening and jokingly agreed that we should eat together. Though a joke to begin with, we carried on – we decided that nearly fifty years of friendship was a good enough reason - and enjoyed a very good meal. One bonus was that we had time to have a proper conversation. We see each other regularly but seldom with nothing else to consider. Highly recommended.

Another example of apparent marital difficulty might have been seen when a local husband didn’t realise that his wife had not got into the car and sailed off with a neighbour, leaving her standing. She was soon rescued by others and he soon realised his mistake but what a hold to have in reserve!

I know we have had complaints in the past about dog mess but John was witness to a new version. He was driving towards the Rugby club when a car swung out of the Haddon Wood layby, making him brake quite sharply. As it continued its way ahead of him something fell off the roof. He managed to avoid it and then found it was a full pooh bag! I hope that it had been left on the roof of the car by accident! Luckily there wasn’t a cyclist just behind them.

A fairly quiet Alhamptonians in February due to illness and other commitments. The March one is on Thursday 2nd March if you are free and interested.

Louisa Oborne.

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Ditcheat School

The Ditcheat School Eco-team was delighted to invite a number of other schools to join in with its inaugural eco-fashion show. North Cadbury, Castle Cary and Shepton Juniors were all keen to be involved and worked hard throughout the day. Dawn Hunt, the class teacher who runs the eco-club, came up with the idea and was keen to link up with other schools and put on this exciting event.

The children spent the morning designing and making their costumes. In the afternoon they rehearsed their speeches and practised walking along the catwalk. Towards the end of the afternoon the rest of the school, along with a number of parents, watched the eco-warriors step up onto the stage and parade their costumes.

Poppy from Ditcheat commented: “It was a great way to achieve our ‘Green Flag’ award and also get to know children from other schools.”

Kite Lane walkers - Please, take it home with you!

Our youngest class really enjoys taking its Welly Walks down Kite Lane whenever the weather is good. The last few walks have been completely ruined by a number of the pupils stepping in dog muck. Please, please, please, can owners pick up after their dogs and not leave this unpleasant and unhealthy hazard for our children.

The Eco Fashion Show team prepares for the catwalk.

Pupils at the school applaud the ‘eco fashion show’ outfits.

7

Ern Hillard – fond family tribute

MEMORIES OF MY DAD

My Dad was a butcher, and I’m a butcher’s son

In all the years I worked with him, he always made it fun. With Mum in the office, and Dad in the shop

We never went hungry, we could always have chops. Because I was always missing, he tied me to the block

I cut the string with his old knife while he was checking stock. With a twinkle in his eye, the ladies always came to him

They always left the shop with their bags filled to the brim. In all the years I’ve known him, we’ve never been apart

In fact we’ve always been so close I could almost hear him… cough! Your smile always made me glad, you were always there for me

I’m going to miss you Dad, you meant the world to me. Martin Hillard 2017

and a reflection………… Ern (Ernie, Ernest) died on New Year’s Eve, 2016, aged 90 and the village lost one of its great characters. Village butcher all his working life, in the business set up by his father, he moved house four times but never more than 100 yards from where he was born! Yet he and his wife Jean still managed to travel the world. One wonders how people he met abroad coped with his Somerset burr. Ditcheat was his home and he was often heard to say: “Aren’t we lucky to live here?” The hospitality offered by the Hillard household was legendary - whether

8

at home in Ditcheat, the chalet in Lyme Regis or in the Manor House Inn. Ern’s favourite drink, of course, was ‘a drop of scotch’. Many an unwitting visitor to the pub would be engaged in conversation, given a detailed history of the village and even taken on a tour of the village afterwards! He could not understand someone not wanting a second drink with him reminding them that ‘a bird cannot fly on one wing’!! Ern would be seen regularly at village events and was asked more than once at the village lunch “cup of tea Ern?” It always raised a smile. Ern’s family, especially Angela and Martin, made it possible for him to end his days at home and he had a constant flow of visitors to his bedside reflecting the high regard in which he was held. Ern lived through nearly a century of huge changes in the world and consequently had a wealth of stories which reflected that. It is very much Ditcheat’s loss that he is no longer with us. He will be very much missed.

Sally and John Greenhalgh

New for Spring

Crafternoon Tea Hosted in the newly refurbished Ditcheat Church Room

A friendly and relaxed space to share and make crafts, drink tea, eat delicious cake

Monday afternoons 6th & 27th March 2.15pm onwards

If you are a Maker or Baker, or both, come and join in

Interested? Contact Sally Yeoman 860304

9

10

Houses, Extensions, Garages & Roofs 01749 860632 / 07990 581936

info@williamlatta.co.uk www.williamlatta.co.uk

BROADLEAVES

Garden Maintenance

Lawns, Hedges & Borders etc

City & Guild N.P.T.C. Qualified

Experienced, local and friendly

Fully Insured

Licenced Waste Carrier

Tel: 01963 240012

Mobile: 07980395126

Email: robcarling@hotmail.co.uk

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

11

Gardening The weather is beginning to warm up and everything is coming alive which means there is plenty to do in the garden, including tidying up the dead and dying daffodils, planting more bulbs, taking cuttings, harvesting and planning the vegetable patch, pruning roses and getting ahead of the weeds. It is such a lovely time of year with so much to look forward to just around the corner. Let’s deal with the nasty bit first. Weeds. The little blighters have been marching forth all winter if my garden is anything to go by. As soon as the sun comes out after some rain they think – hey ho time to get cracking. If you attack them with a hoe at this time of year it can make short work of clearing quite large areas. You do need to be careful not to chop some of the more delicate perennials in the process. Aim to skim just below the soil surface to sever the weed tops cleanly from the roots. It is best to do this job on a sunny, dry day. With cleared ground, apply a layer of mulch to suppress further weed growth. We have been enjoying bulbs for the last couple of months, firstly the snowdrops and crocuses and then the daffodils. We have the tulips to look forward to but now is a good time to be thinking about summer flowering varieties, such as Camassia, Gladioli and Alliums. All are readily available in the garden centres, but if you are after a better deal then do contact me as I can always put in an order if enough people are interested. Having removed the dead flowers, daffodils should be left to die down naturally rather than being tied up. This allows all the goodness to go back into the bulb to produce better and more prolific flowering next year. Coloured stems can be cut back, such as dogwoods. Cut each stem to an outward-facing bud with 5cms of the old wood. To identify the difference between old and new growth bend the twig. If it feels supple and bendy this is the new wood. If it is brittle and snaps this is the old wood. These prunings can be saved to use as pea sticks on the vegetable patch or shredded. Don’t put anything twiggy on the compost heap as it will take decades to decompose. It is better to bag up the clippings and take them to the dump, or better still shred them if you are lucky enough to have a shredder. If you have been chitting your potatoes then some of the earlies could be planted out towards the end of this month. There are plenty of vegetables that can be sown straight into the ground this month, such as broad beans, lettuce, radishes, spinach and spring onions and then, later, early varieties of beetroot, Brussels sprouts, cabbages and cauliflowers. Always remember to stagger the sowings to avoid ending up with

12

a surplus of the same vegetables at the same time. Having been guilty of this so many times, mine are now sown in the greenhouse (or on the windowsill) in small batches and then individual plants are planted out. It certainly focuses the mind and rather than having 30 plants I can now restrict plantings to 3 or 4. If you do plant out small seedlings it is important to harden them off rather than planting straight into the ground. This involves leaving the plant outside during the day for about a week to allow it to acclimatise. In the borders, deciduous grasses can be cut back, but do be careful not to damage the new young shoots which will be emerging at the plant base. Roses can be pruned to an outward-facing bud around 15 – 20cms from the ground. It’s good to remove damaged, crossing or dead wood at the same time. Hellebores will have finished flowering and are renowned for self seeding. If you have a look around the parent plant you will often find loads of little seedlings. It is worth potting them up to use in other areas of the garden. Plants can be divided once the weather is a bit warmer. Dig up the whole plant and break the clump into pieces. Replant immediately or pot up for future use. You can also make new plants by taking cuttings of delphiniums and lupins for example. Look out for new shoots emerging from the base of the plant and cut them from just below soil level with a sharp knife. Insert the cuttings into pots

of compost and put a plastic bag, secured with a rubber band, over the top. With any luck the cuttings will root in a few weeks producing new plants. We shouldn’t get too excited about the warmer weather as we can still get frosts in March. Listen out for the forecast and if extremes are forecast protect more tender plants with fleece and the new leaves of shrubs such as Acer and Pieris. If you need any planting or design advice then please do contact me. The practice is very busy just now, but I always have time for new clients, particularly if they are local. www.janefollis.com. 01749 860850.

13

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

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

14

Enquires: Linda 860067

15

16

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

Alison Bower

Pianist/Keyboard Player Music tuition in the comfort of your own home. Music for all occasions Tel 01749 831250

07748 302533 Alisonpianist.co.uk

~ All Plumbing work carried out ~ Complete bathroom and kitchen installations ~ Home improvements Free Quotations No VAT Tel: 07884434625 01963 441099

17

18

Harriet Sandys

Decorative items from Central Asia and India

New stock of Afghan and Persian Oriental carpets, rugs,

runners & kilims, Block print bedspreads, cushions, table lamps, tribal

jewellery, indigo jackets and cotton kaftans for the summer.

Easter Open Days 2017

Saturday 15th*, Sunday 16th and Monday 17th April

2-5pm

*Blooming Hill Plants will be selling their unusual herbaceous border plants in the yard alongside the barn Saturday afternoon only.

The Barn at the Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB.

Directions from A361

Tel 01749 890 582 www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk

Credit/Debit cards accepted.

19

VILLAGE LUNCH

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

Menu for 28th March

Roast Pork Nut Roast

~~~~ Selection of Puddings

~~~~~ Tea or Coffee.

£4.00 per person.

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.

20

Holistic Therapist

Mary Rynn I.T.E.C. I.I.H.H.T. Fully Qualified & Insured

Mobile Therapist Advanced Reflexology

Swedish Massage

Indian Head Massage

Pregnancy Massage

Tel: 01749 860774 Mobile: 07881 484086 Email. mrynn@hotmail.com

Clothing and Lifestyle Emporium…ladies clothing, stunning jewelry, home accessories, gifts, and locally made Christmas products

POP UP Shop

Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm From Saturday 8th November until Sunday 21

December At

D.R. Carpets Showroom 1, Evercreech Junction

BA4 6NA (just on the A371 near The Natterjack Pub)

Plenty of Free Parking

Or email nicky@roseandlyons.co.uk for more information or for a private shopping

appointment in Ditcheat anytime.

JeremyDodd GardeningServices

Public Liability Insurance

Chainsaw Certificated

Garden Maintenance

Tree Care

Hedge Cutting

Patios jet washed

01749 860693

Established 2000

21

Yenstone Walling and Paving Free quotations Professional and friendly service Certified Dry Stone Waller DSWA member CIS / CSCS registered Dry Stone Walling and Paving All types of stone walling Small and large jobs undertaken Landscaping / groundworks and site clearance undertaken

01963 371123 07791588141

patrickhouchen@btinternet.com www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

22

The Wildlife Group Update

Share a close encounter with wild life: This is a section for YOU, the reader, to send in and share a wildlife encounter, verbally or pictorially. Thank you Steve Coates for this picture of a Roe Deer taken one morning in Pylle. There I was doing my Eleanor Rigby bit. That's the "picking up the rice in the Church where the wedding has been" (flowers and cleaning duties!), but the song is really about loneliness. Loneliness is a bit of a taboo subject, remember the failed ad campaign "you are never alone with a Strand"? Man smoking a cigarette on his own. I am lucky that I don't feel lonely (at the moment), but many people do. Loneliness was the subject of a good programme on Radio 4 which highlighted its prevalence in society, so much so that a Government cross party commission was initiated by Jo Cox, the MP who was murdered. Her wish was to identify the scale and scope of the problem and then do something practical to help, 15 Charities are involved. On a local level our Benefice does try and help too, by members of the Church visiting and helping with bereavement and getting people together or visiting those who find it difficult to get out. Individually I am sure we all try to help where we can. Getting back to the flowers and cleaning, I was musing that the Church is a complete habitat, both inside and outside. A little robin has found his way into the Church through a window that is slightly ajar, which gives me the job of rubbing off the bird lime from the pews, which is fine and dandy but those bits on top of the Rood screen are going to be difficult to get to! We are an over-wintering place for flies, which means we have to sweep up the dead ones and there are bat droppings too. Church towers can be places for swifts to nest, the porches for swallows, and the churchyard’s home to much wildlife if not too closely manicured. I really don't mind the extra work, but enjoy nature. I always find it very companionable, possibly a reason I don't suffer from loneliness. We are lucky to live in the countryside with Nature all around us. We are not alone, we are part of nature and it will reward us, but only if we all give nature some room to live.

23

Be brave this year and let a bit of your garden be less well manicured (especially your lawn) and enjoy the results. Tips: You may have got a last cut of your Spring Lawn area done in December before the bulbs started; too late now, just leave it and enjoy what comes up. Cut and rake off the "winter standing" or "hay meadow" area if you have one. Contact information: Bridget Wadey: email:thewildlifegroup@btinternet.com or phone: 01749 860240

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

MISS MONEYPENNY………. Is there a Miss Moneypenny out there? After many years of faithful service to Ditcheat PCC, Louisa Oborne is hanging up her typewriter and so we are seeking her replacement. Four meetings a year, genial company, free coffee; that’s it. If you are interested, please contact either Eleanor Yeoman (860337) or Anthony Sutcliffe (860541).

Photo Competition: What is this bird? Photo by Graeme. Answers by email or phone to Bridget before 10th of March.

February's answer is a female Stonechat.

24

Ditcheat Weather

The start of 2017 was not a good one for weather recording, my station decided that it would cease recording temperature data. I managed to source a replacement device locally and after a chilly few hours taking down the 15ft pole and putting it back up again I was back in business with just a few day’s data lost..! This Jan, with 69mm of rain, was the driest since I have been collecting data in Ditcheat, this is mainly due to the fact that for much of the month wet weather systems from the Atlantic have been held at bay by large high pressure blocks in Europe. These caused severe cold weather and significant snowfalls in certain areas. There have been shortages of certain crops that we import from Spain, due to frost damage or excessive rainfall. Another effect from this weather pattern is that we get much less wind, and overall cooler temperatures. There were 7 nights where an air frost was recorded. Ground frosts are more common than air frosts and occur even when the air temperature is above freezing. An air frost only occurs when the air temperature is below freezing. Wind run (the amount of wind blowing past the anemometer) for the month, was significantly less than last year. Sunshine levels across the UK were up compared to long-term averages according to the Met Office. My Solar Panels produced 10% more output compared to last year - so it must be true! I have just started posting data to another site called weather Underground, and found there is another weather watcher a stone’s throw away. Thankfully our data is very similar - so I have more confidence in my own now.

25

Jan Max deg c

Min deg c

>10c days

< 0c nights

rain total

wet days

wind run miles

2017 11.8 -3.0 4 10 69.0 20 1273.7

2016 13.3 -2.9 12 7 98.8 24 2006.0

2015 14.7 -2.8 11 7 107.6 25 1943.5

2014 12.4 -2.2 13 3 187.8 31 1920.8

Geoff Webber

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

Members of St.Dunstan and District Mothers' Union were pleased to welcome Mrs. Elsbeth Rymer, a Church Reader, to their Wave of Prayer Service 2017 at Baltonsborough Church Room on Thursday 9th February at 2.30pm. Mrs. Rymer led them through a Faith in Action service including reading 'The Parable of the Good Samaritan'. Various relevant items were brought forward and explained as they represented different parts of the story. Mrs. Hildi, senior pianist, played appropriate music at the beginning and accompanied two hymns. Mrs. Rymer told members of work she has undertaken in her life and how she is currently working within the community and invited questions. Following a short business session, during which two new members were welcomed, light refreshments were served. The March meeting will be held on Thursday 9th at 2.30pm in Baltonsborough Church Room, when Mr. Williamson, a fundraiser for St. Margaret's Hospice and a National Trust Volunteer, will speak about his work. New members, friends and visitors, most welcome.

Jill Done

26

The Natural World

There are many places in the world which can provide you with a culture shock, and Australia is certainly one of them. They may speak the same language, but otherwise, life is very different. So, too, is the countryside and wildlife. There are very few tree species, for a start, with the bulk being members of the eucalyptus family, but there are almost innumerable varieties from Eucalyptus regnans (Australian Mountain Ash), which is the tallest of all flowering plants in the world, reaching a height of 327 feet in one example. The variety of common names applied to some of the 909 different sorts of eucalypts, or gum trees, makes you realise why Latin names which are, for the most part, constant, are the only real way of identifying animals, plants and trees. Forest red gum is also called blue gum, and lemon scented gum is sometimes called spotted iron gum, and we still have another 907 to go.

With that much eucalyptus around it came as no surprise that beekeepers were selling red gum honey, leatherback honey and numerous other varieties, but all from eucalyptus trees, unlike New Zealand where manuka predominates.

You have to go quite a way out of the city to find any sign of animal life, other than birds, but in the urban sprawl of Melbourne there is a surprising array of birdlife, the larger ones being very obvious. The parks and their lakes are populated with black swans and Australian wood duck, but the air is filled with the raucous tones of the ubiquitous sulphur crested cockatoos. Being mainly white makes them easy to see, but there are large flocks of them.

There are birds in Australia that appear to relate to British species, but in fact have no connection whatsoever. The Australian magpie seems to be a member of the crow family, and is about the same size as a European crow, but is actually a member of the butcher bird group, an exclusively Australasian family of very large song birds: and it is a songbird too, with the most haunting, tumbling warble which sounds totally out of character.

I mentioned last month that I tend to associate exotic members of the parrot family with South America, but Australia has an array of them, with 54 of the 350 species being found there. Extremely colourful crimson rosellas are

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos

27

extremely tame and can be fed from the hand in many locations. To name and show all the species would take a long time, but they are prolific and profuse. There are other birds too, but these are the most obvious. It was an education to stand on the wall of Phillip Harbour in Melbourne and watch the fairy, or little, penguins come ashore for the night. A lightning fast streak through the water and there stands the world’s smallest penguin. Just 14 inches tall, it pauses for a while before hopping up the rocks to settle for the night.

What of the standard Australian species that you would expect to see? Kookaburras, being the largest of the kingfisher family at over 18 inches long, are conspicuous by their size and the noise they make, and they are relatively easy to come by. They are also extremely accommodating when it comes to taking photographs. Not so koalas, who always seem to be asleep, and have their backs turned to you. The mammals and strange creatures singular to Australia, like here, are all too prone to becoming road kill. We saw packs of kangaroos in grassland, as we drove, but unfortunately, also many on the sides of the road, and the only wombats we saw in the wild, were victims of collisions.

While in Canberra, the highlight of that section of our stay was a visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. There were koalas, and numerous birds to be seen, like this tiny splendid fairy wren, a flock of which landed almost at our feet as we were busily looking across a pond for a very elusive family of duck billed platypus. Did we see them? The answer is yes. Did we take photos? Yes we took loads. Were they any good? No they weren’t. Nearly all of them look like a ripple in the water, with a small blur in the middle. Lovely shots of some of the reeds beside the water though. Stewart Gould

somertonbees@btinternet.com

Crimson Rosella

Splendid Fairy Wren

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DITCHEAT BOOK GROUP Edmund de Waal’s The Hare with Amber Eyes

Review by Clare West Edmund de Waal is a well-known ceramicist, who makes porcelain bowls and beakers and presents them in the form of art installations. Naturally, he is interested in objects – how they feel, how they look, where they come from, who has owned and handled them, what they might represent. It so happens that he received a legacy from a favourite uncle – a collection of netsuke. These are tiny wood and ivory carvings of people, animals and plants. De Waal inherited 264 of them (one of them a hare with amber eyes, hence the book’s title), and was immediately fascinated by them. So he took some time off from his pottery, and set off to research the netsuke and their connection with his family. However, the netsuke soon begin to fade into the background as the writer discovers his Jewish ancestors, in an unexpectedly rich seam of social history. In the nineteenth century the Ephrussi family, originally grain-dealers from Odessa, became hugely wealthy bankers, with mansions in Paris and Vienna. The most interesting member of the family was Charles Ephrussi, who chose to be an art collector rather than a financier. He knew artists like Edouard Manet, and was the model for the aesthete Charles Swann in Proust’s novels. It was he who bought the netsuke, when the whole of Paris was crazy about Japonisme, and the author follows the netsuke’s journey from Paris to Vienna. But all this opulence and cultural influence was soon to come to an abrupt end. In March 1938 Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany, and Wehrmacht troops entered Austria to enforce the annexation. Hitler’s campaign against the Jews began immediately after the Anschluss; at a stroke the Ephrussis had all their property confiscated, and the men in the family were imprisoned or sent to concentration camps. Surviving family members fled to relative safety in other parts of Europe, and a servant-girl, Anna, hid the netsuke in her straw mattress and eventually returned them to the family at the end of WWII. Perhaps the author is a little too entranced by his glittering ancestors; we get a lovingly detailed inventory of their fabulous possessions, pre-Anschluss. But it is certainly salutary for us to see how speedily a powerful, well-established family like the Ephrussis could be destroyed by a demagogue with a skewed world vision. We all found this section of the book upsetting to read; it is heartrending to think of the suffering so many people experienced in the terrible events leading up to and during WWII. As a consequence I felt I was slightly losing interest in the netsuke – after all, they are only objects, and they play a tiny part, compared to the great human tragedy unfolding around them.

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CHURCH SERVICES FOR MARCH Wednesday 1stAsh Wednesday 7.30pm Imposition of Ashes Communion at Alhampton Sunday 5th 1st Sunday of Lent 9.30am Parish Communion at Ditcheat 11.00am Morning Worship at East Pennard Sunday 12th 2nd Sunday of Lent 11.00am Parish Communion at Pylle Tuesday 14th 10.00am Benefice Midweek Communion at Ditcheat Sunday 19th 3rd Sunday of Lent 9.30am BCP Said Communion (1662) at Ditcheat 11.00am Parish Communion at East Pennard * * CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR * * Sunday 26th Mothering Sunday, 4th Sunday of Lent 9.30am Family Service with distribution of posies

CHURCH SERVICES FOR APRIL

Sunday 2nd 5TH Sunday of Lent 9.30am Parish Communion at Ditcheat 11.00am Morning Worship at East Pennard Sunday 9th PALM SUNDAY 11.00am Parish Communion at Pylle

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Ditcheat Church Room I am writing mid-February but it appears that Dunford builders are on track to complete the Church Room at Ditcheat by the beginning of March. Already the lighter paintwork and new lighting are transforming it into a bright and welcoming space. We have received grants which will cover 90% of the costs and still awaiting one more trust to declare. This has been done on the basis that the Church is providing a community space which complements that of the Jubilee Hall. Over the months we will publicize things which are being set up but already for March there are a number of new activities, shown below and elsewhere in the FTN. Soon there will be an ‘open event’ for people to come and see what has been achieved. More next month.

Graham Hendy

EASTER BINGO Thursday 6th April 2017

Ditcheat Village Hall Doors open 6.30pm

Eyes down 7pm Lots of wonderful Easter Prizes

£2 entrance to include refreshments

and wonderful Easter Biscuits In Aid of Ditcheat Church

Lent Group 2017 PILGRIM – a course for the Christian

Journey (2) THE LORD’S PRAYER

Six sessions on Tuesday afternoons (2.30-4.00) beginning 7th March

If you would like to join the group please contact Graham Hendy as we

need to order the right number of booklets

MOTHERING SUNDAY March 26th A short FAMILY SERVICE 9.30 am Alhampton Chapel Distribution of posies Refreshments afterwards

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ALL OUR YESTERDAYS SUNDAY, 11TH  JUNE, 2017 at 2pm. 

DITCHEAT PRIORY & THE ABBEY FARM TITHE BARN

ENJOY: MOTORING MEMORIES

PICTURES & MEMORABILIA OF OLD DITCHEAT CHILDREN`S TREASURE TRAIL

GAMES AND ACTIVITIES & LADY DORCHESTER AT HOME

CREAM TEAS AND HOME-MADE CAKES

PIMMS BAR Entry: £4.00, including souvenir booklet Children free For further details, please ring: Cars: Alan 01749 860 438; Roger 01749 860304 House party & Pictures: Stephen: 01749 830538

Proceeds in aid of Fosse Trinity Benefice VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO ASSIST WITH

CATERING AND PUBLICITY Please contact Anthony on 01749 860541

if you can help

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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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Engine Consultant

A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a motorcycle when he spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop. The surgeon was waiting for the service manager to look at his bike. The mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey Doc, can I ask you a question?" The surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic who was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands and said, "So doc, look at this engine, I open its heart, take valves out, fix them, put 'em back and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I get such a small salary and you get the really big bucks, when you and I are doing basically the same work?" The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over and whispered to the mechanic, "Try doing it with the engine running."

Topping Tales

A farmer was driving along the road with a load of fertilizer. A little boy, playing in front of his house, saw him and called, "What've you got in your truck?" "Fertilizer," the farmer replied. “What are you going to do with it?" asked the little boy. "Put it on strawberries," answered the farmer. “You ought to live here," the little boy advised him. "We put sugar and cream on ours."

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PYLLE NEWS Church Flowers and cleaning March Joanna Miln April Wendy Billing May Pat Thorner If the church is locked please contact the church wardens Teresa 831419, Hilary 830538, Carolyn Fussell 830120, or Alan Cary 07896945936 for a key. Ladies Working Party - Joanna Miln 838757 The LWP will meet at the Coffee Den on Wednesday 1st March and Wednesday 5th April at 12 noon for lunch. Raffles please from Veronica in March and Jo in April. Music and Fun – 18th March – Joanna 838757 or Jeremy 830181 We are very much looking forward to seeing you all at our evening of Music and Fun on 18th March in Pylle Village Hall at 6.45 for a 7.15 start. The tables will hold 6 people and individuals and couples are very welcome but if you would like to get together a group of 6 please feel free to do so and let us know who you would like to sit with. A hot meal is included in the ticket price; please let us know any dietary requirements on booking. From our church correspondent: Thanks to the generosity of our former priest, Christine Donkersley, we now have a fully functional electric organ in the church. Just think! We now have the choice of a traditional organ in the loft for those prepared to brave the stone spiral stairs in the tower, the new electric organ and the digital hymnal. As ever Pylle is well equipped and ready to go. Come to the next service to see what we are playing.

To hire Pylle village Hall: £7.50 per hour or £6.50 per hour for more than 4 regular bookings. For more information and to book the hall please contact Joanna Miln on 01749 838757

 

Power of the Deck

A Sunday School teacher said to her children, "We have been learning about how powerful the kings and queens were in Biblical times. But there is a higher power. Who can tell me what it is?" Tommy blurted out, "I know, Aces."

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Enjoy an Evening of Music and Fun

Pylle Village Hall, BA4 6SZ Saturday 18th March 2017

6.45 for 7.15 start Tickets £12: Includes a hot meal and pay bar

Kate Howden and Paul Jones are singer-songwriters, based in The North West of England, who have that special magic that captivates the audience in a unique, intimate atmosphere. Stripped back, gritty, often poignant, sometimes humorous, observations that reflect life’s ups and downs, their show is a family friendly mixture of songs, tunes and stories that has the audience joining in, singing along, and laughing as they share their travelling experiences through their music and northern-tinged banter. They celebrate England in all its guises good and bad, particularly rural village life. www.howdenjones.co.uk ‘music for all ages’

‘Wonderful songs, gentle anecdotes and delicious leg-pulling - a gem of an evening!’

Please book tickets in advance: Jeremy Branson on 01749 830181 jeremybranson@btinternet.com or

Joanna Miln on 01749 838757 info@joannamiln.co.uk Dietary requirements on booking please

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Royal British Legion I was so busy last month trying to think of everything you needed to know to bring you up to date that I forgot to mention that our Poppy collection total of £3307.70 did not include Gift Aid. That’s a world I don’t begin to understand. During the collection some people donate sufficient money to make it worth signing a Gift Aid form. Our dedicated PAO (poppy appeal organisor), namely Charlie Bishop, sends them off and, what seems like years later, he gets a letter telling us how much was added to our collection. We never see the money, of course, just like we never see any of the poppy collection, it just disappears into the bowels of The Legion. Moving swiftly on, the next event in our scintillating social calendar is our annual dinner. The date we have chosen is Friday 31st March and once again will be holding it at The Den in Pylle. Time will be 7pm for a very prompt start at 7.30pm; cost, same as last year, £17.95 per head - remarkable when you consider the rate of inflation. Can I remind you we do not make any money from the cost of the meal, however, we will be holding a raffle for which we require your very generous donations.

Menu Starters: Ham Hock Terrine with Ciabatta

Goats Cheese Tart Smoked Salmon Gravadlax

Mains: Beef Bourguignon Salmon wrapped in Parma Ham, crushed New Potatoes

Both served with Fresh Vegetables Butternut Squash and Blue Cheese Wellington, Potato

Wedges and Salad Deserts: Vanilla Parfait with Winter Berries

Sticky Toffee Pudding Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Tea or Coffee Orders by the 17th of March please and we do need your support to make this a successful evening. It is a great social event and a good opportunity to catch up with old friends. Please contact me, Jon Dickens, on 01458 850241 if you would like to come along. The next individual we are commemorating on the centenary of their death is Alec Tom Merrifield. Alec was born on Sunday 7th June 1896, at 9.25pm in Ditcheat. For this very precise information we are indebted to Dianne (not a

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typo!) Ball of Sutton who also supplied the attached photo for which we are very grateful. I think I’m right in saying this is the first time we’ve had a photo before the service and it does seem to make the research all the more worthwhile.

Alec’s parents were Tom and Annie, Tom was born in Wells and Annie (maiden name Walrand) was born in Curry Mallet. Alec had two older sisters, Daisy and Gladys, and a number of younger siblings, one of whom, George, is Dianne Ball’s father. Alec’s Dad, Tom, was a plate layer on the railway and by the time of the 1911 census the family was living in Prospect Cottages and Alec was also working on the railway as a porter. He was 14 years old. We are now a little short of information and the next info we have about Alec is that he was residing in Neath when he enlisted in 1915. There is more information, but not

enough space, so you’ll have to follow on next month, but the important thing to tell you is that Alec died of wounds received fighting in Mesopotamia on the 30th March 1917. We will be holding a memorial service at Ditcheat for Alec on the 30th March starting at about 10.50am. I forgot to tell you last month, but we sent £1,000 down to Dunkirk Memorial House to support their appeal for a new mini bus, so you can be assured that money raised locally has indeed been put to good use in Somerset. Finally, our Branch Property Trust has been closed down. Our next Branch meeting will be held at Charlie’s studio on Tuesday 14th March starting at 3pm.

Jon Dickens

Camelot U3A will hold its monthly meeting at Caryford Hall at 2.30pm on Friday 31st March when the speaker will be Dawn Lawrence. Mrs Lawrence, who speaks on behalf of wildlife trusts, in particular the Born Free Foundation, set up by the actress, author and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna, will talk about the world’s endangered species, highlighted in her book “Two Steps Behind”. With a foreword by Virginia, the illustrated book features 126 animals worldwide. All members and visitors are welcome.

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FIONNA ROBERTS  BAHons RSHom PCH

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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

40

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Marie Curie

Marie Curie provides free-of-charge nursing care and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. It offers expert care, guidance and support to help them get the most from the time they have left. There are 24 nurses covering Somerset and last year they provided over 15,000 hours of care.

This March, the Great Daffodil Appeal urgently needs just one or two hours of your time, so Marie Curie Nurses can care for more people living with a terminal illness.

Please sign up to collect at Castle Cary High Street collection on Saturday 25th March 2017 at

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/collection

sallyyeoman@btinternet.com 01749 860304/ 07929097374

We are writing to you with a final update on our annual Surviving Winter campaign. Thanks to the generosity of your parishioners and people

right across the county, the campaign attracted over £90,000 in donations and Gift Aid this year. We are working closely with our delivery partners to ensure that nearly 500 vulnerable, older people in Somerset will be able to keep their homes warm and will be connected to social activities that prevent isolation from impacting adversely on their quality of life.

Mrs. Watts had a fall 3 years ago and suffered an injury to her shoulder which continuously causes her a lot of pain. She also suffers from osteoporosis in her knee, septic arthritis and a heart condition. During the winter months Mrs. Watts has the heating on for most of the day and will sit next to the radiator. The cold really affects her joints so she wears long johns under her trousers to keep warm. Her Surviving Winter grant will be used to purchase a warm pair of trousers and a long cardigan which Mrs. Watts will wear when she does the weekly shop on a Thursday. Surviving Winter has connected her to a case worker for Knightstone Housing, who will refer her to many other resources in the community to keep warm and healthy.

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Spectra Musica in Wincanton Spectra Musica are eagerly anticipating their return to the beautiful St.Luke and St.Teresa’s Church, Wincanton on 1st April, All Fools’ Day, with a concert entitled ‘These foolish things’. However, Musical Director Peter Leech has compiled a programme which is far from foolish but as usual covers a huge range of musical genres. The group will acknowledge Monteverdi’s 450 Anniversary, and also include works by Schumann, Liszt and Saint-Saëns. On a lighter note will be works by Cole Porter and Bob Chilcott and a piece recognising the great achievement of Pythagoras, set in a style reminiscent of Gilbert and Sullivan – April Fool? Concert pianist Anita D’Attellis will also feature in the

programme as well as accompanying the group. Tickets, priced £12, are available from 01963 350160, from tickets@spectramusica.co.uk or on the door, for the concert starting at 7.30pm.

The Vets Die-agnosis

A lady took her pet white duck into the vet’s surgery. After examining the duck he pronounces, "Your duck is dead." The woman asked, "Is there any more test you can do to make sure it is definitely dead?" The vet brought in his pet black Labrador who sniffed the carcass put its paw on the duck’s chest and walked out of the surgery uninterested. The vet came in with his ginger tomcat that also sniffed the corpse, put its paw on the duck’s chest, meowed, then jumped down from the examination table bored. The vet went over to his computer pressed a few keys and handed her his bill. She looked at it and asked him with a look on her face that would turn milk sour, "Your charges are a bit steep, aren't they?" He retorted, "If you'd accepted my first die-agnosis my fee would have only been £20.00, but with a lab-report and a cat-scan it came to £120.00"

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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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DITCHEAT PARISH COUNCIL

ANNUAL LITTER PICK

WILL BE HELD ON

SATURDAY 18th MARCH 2017 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

IF YOU CAN HELP PLEASE MEET AT 9.00AM:- AT THE JUBILEE HALL CAR PARK FOR DITCHEAT AND

WRAXALL AT THE ALHAMPTON INN CAR PARK FOR ALHAMPTON AND

SUTTON. Rubbish bags will be provided. It is essential to

wear gloves. Please wear high-viz jacket or top.

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Ditcheat Parish Council

Précis of the draft minutes from the Parish Council (PC) meeting held on the 26th January 2017. PRESENT: Chairperson – Councillor Evans (CE); Councillors Clark (HC), Harrison (HH), Clifford (SC), Hughes (LH) and Hutton (RH). IN ATTENDANCE: Miss P Griffiths – Clerk to the Council. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – The one member of the public present, Mr K Bird, addressed the council to explain that he was aware that the PC would be responding to the draft Local Plan Part II and he wished to clarify the situation regarding the name of his house which is The Manor House. In addition, Mr Bird confirmed that he would support the response of the PC if it in turn supported the designation of land at The Manor House as a ‘local green space’ (LGS) however as the land is in private ownership with no public access Mr Bird did not believe that the designation was necessary. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Apologies for absence from Councillors Dando, Sage and Travis were received and approved. PCSO Dury had also sent his apologies. County Councillor Woollcombe-Adams had sent his apologies that although he had been unable to attend the meeting he would be happy to attend the next meeting if there was anything in particular the Parish Council would like help with. CODE OF CONDUCT – Declarations of interest and dispensations. HC declared a personal interest in agenda item 007/17 a) as one of the areas designated as suitable for development is at the bottom of her garden. There were no requests for dispensation for disclosable pecuniary interests. COUNTY AND/OR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS - The Clerk read out an email from County Councillor Woollcombe-Adams in which he stated that whilst there was little to report good progress is being made with OFSTED with which central government is pleased. Finances at SCC are very tight indeed. REPORT FROM AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY- There were no incidents reported since the previous meeting. MINUTES - The minutes of the meeting held on 15th December 2016 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Chairman. MATTERS ARISING - from the meeting held on 15th December 2016. Land opposite The Lodge and access onto Class 4 road from land opposite The Lodge on the A37 – The Clerk reported that the Planning Enforcement department had visited the site and had confirmed in an email that the department was awaiting a planning application for the land opposite The Lodge. The email stated that the owner of the land had lead the Planning Enforcement Officer to understand that the access off the side road will not be used in the longer term but that access would be via the existing access on the A37. The Clerk will check with MDC for an update prior to the next meeting. Telephone kiosk in Alhampton – LH has established that there is a desire in the Alhampton community to adopt the phone box at the entrance to No Through

48

Road which BT want to decommission. A team would be formed to renovate and take care of maintenance. The idea is to use this to house a defibrillator. The conservationist officer at MDC has confirmed that the box is not listed. The Community Heartbeat Trust has wide experience of assisting with the adoption of phone boxes for such use and can organise adoption directly with BT, thereafter installing the defibrillator and cabinet, and insurance. If adoption is done through the CHT, BT will provide a free ongoing electricity supply for the defibrillator. There are several ways that the adoption can be done and LH is looking into the various legal agreements required and the question of which legal entity could enter into any necessary indemnities and effect the necessary liability insurance. She will then report back to the PC. Mendip Community Transport scheme – the Clerk reported that 14 residents in Ditcheat Parish were registered to use the service of which 3 individuals, believed to be students, used the Slinky bus service to Strode College with a further five people using the Slinky service for other journeys. SC will raise the matter at a forum which he is attending and report at a future meeting. Grant for refurbishment of the Church Room - Graham Hendy had emailed the Clerk to thank the PC for their generosity which as a result has meant that the Somerset Community Fund has matched the funding with a grant of £750.00. PLANNING: Local Plan Part II – working draft of emerging preferred options – Resolved to approve the draft response of the PC with the following amendments: In the section ‘Local Green Spaces – Land at The Manor House’ a note to be added that “this is private land and there is no public access”. It was noted that MDC has approved, with conditions, the planning application for dwellings at the Queens Arms, Wraxall. It was noted that MDC have disposed of the application under the provisions of Article 40 meaning no further action will be taken in respect of the application 2014/2432/FUL, The Trap House, Ditcheat. FINANCE - Account balance as at 10th January 2017 – The Clerk reported that the balance of all accounts is £11,778.78. Setting of the precept for 2017/18 – Resolved to increase the precept to £10,400.00 which is an increase of 4%. This percentage increase results from there being no Council Tax support which amounted to £248.10 in 2015/16, and an increase to match inflation. Approval of Parish Council payments and authority to sign cheques: 1) Miss P Griffiths for Clerk’s expenses for period 1st October to 31st December

2016 - £15.42. RESOLVED: that the above expenditure is approved and the cheques signed. The payment to the Parochial Church Council for grant for contribution towards the refurbishment of the Church Room approved see MIN 166/16 d) - £750.00 was noted.

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PLAYGROUND - CE reported that he had attempted to clean off the safety matting but that the weather had been poor and that he will do it again when the weather improves. HIGHWAYS - Update on items/matters for repair previously reported: Flooding on the Wraxall Road – it was understood that some of the gullies had been cleared. CE will check and let the Clerk know. New matters for report to the Highways authority – The Clerk will report that there are two potholes at the ‘T’ junction by Jonathans’ Corner where the Alhampton Road meets the Wraxall Road. The Clerk will also report that the previous repair by Witsend in Ditcheat is breaking down. FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND RIGHTS OF WAY. Ditcheat to Sutton footpath - CE reported that work will begin again when the weather improves on the Alhampton to Sutton section of the footpath. The plan is to replace the stiles with kissing gates. The Clerk will contact the Rights of Way Officer and ask for a gate to replace the first stile on the path going from Alhampton to Sutton. Any matters for report – It was noted that the bridleway SM6/26 was still closed – The Clerk will check when it is due to re-open. GYPSY AND TRAVELLER CARAVANS AND SITE COUNT - The Clerk will report that the PC is not aware of any sites or caravans in the Parish. PARISH EMERGENCY PLAN – Councillors will give further consideration as to the need for a formal emergency plan. HC commented that the Jubilee Hall committee had been approached about developing a plan. SC will forward a template to both HC and the Clerk. The matter will be discussed at the next meeting DRAFT EMPTY HOMES STRATEGY – It was resolved that the response of the PC would be that the document is poorly written, difficult to read and inconsistent - the first action on the action plan indicates ‘Bring 10% of targetable properties back into use but the measurable outcome states 5% of properties. On the second page of the action Plan the measurable outcomes were missing. The PC believes the document should be properly edited, corrected and checked prior to be being re-issued for comments. The clerk will respond accordingly. STREET TRADING POLICY – it was resolved that in the unlikely event that a license was applied for in the Ditcheat Parish an emergency meeting would be called if the planned meeting dates would not satisfy the response time. CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE. Reports/items for information - the following were noted: As it had been necessary to postpone the attendance of John Lapwood from CCS at the meeting the Clerk will rearrange.

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DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 9th March 2017 AT 7.30 pm in the Church Room.

PLEASE CHECK THE NOTICEBOARDS FOR AGENDAS AND DATES. MEMBERS OF THE PARISH AND PRESS WELCOME.

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.

ST MARY MAGDALENE, DITCHEAT We would like to thank everybody who has generously contributed to our appeal for contributions towards the church roof repairs which are so urgently needed. Every donation, however big or small, is really appreciated and all help towards the preservation of this significant Grade 1 listed building which forms such an important role in our community. The plans and specifications have now been prepared for the necessary repairs and, subject to the help from a local business, we hope to be able to start work in the Spring. You will not be surprised to hear that the original cost estimates have risen quite significantly to nearly £40,000, mainly due to the recent increases in building materials and particularly lead which we are required to replace with ‘like for like’. Once the roof has been repaired, the next task will be to tackle the leaded glass windows, many of which are in need of repair, particularly those at the higher level in the nave which are more exposed to the weather. This, again, is a costly exercise and whilst we will continue to pursue grants and donations from all possible outside resources, we will still appreciate the involvement of the local community, a factor which is increasingly apparent in the assessment of grant claims. If you feel you can help or would just like to talk to us about our plans for maintaining this important part of our heritage, please don’t hesitate to contact any member of the PCC or either of the churchwardens.

Anthony Sutcliffe Eleanor Yeoman

Famous People Quotes

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph. – Shirley Temple

A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it. – Bob Hope

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WEA Castle Cary

Our final event of the Spring term is a Day School at Ditcheat Jubilee Hall on Saturday 18th March [10am to 4pm, £28]: The Golden Age of Detective Fiction, by Dr. Rita Depledge, will examine the enduring appeal of post-war crime fiction, emphasising the formation and characteristics of the Crime Writers' Association. A hot lunch will be available, on request, for £5. For further information, and to book a place before 10th March, please contact Mike Henning [01749 860352 /mike@henning1.plus.com] or Richard Ashdown [01749 860313 /mail@richardashdown.co.uk]; after 10th March, contact Richard. Alternatively, you can book and pay directly through WEA Exeter on 0845 458 2758. Workers' Educational Association is a charity registered in England and Wales, number 1112775, and in Scotland, number SC039239, and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, number 2806910.

Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association

www.mbba.org.uk 01749 831276

Are you new to this area? Are you a horse rider? Would you like to know where you can ride safely along green lanes and bridle paths? MBBA is one of the largest, friendliest and most proactive Bridleway Associations in the country. We organise Fun Rides, informative talks and events throughout the year. Our aim is to protect and preserve the character and status of Mendip’s green ways, advertise their existence and create linking and circular routes for the safe use and enjoyment of all users, particularly children. Come and join us! Membership forms available at Pilton Post Office.

Date for your diary: Glastonbury Festival Fun Ride Sunday 24th September, 2017 by kind permission of Michael Eavis.

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St Mary Magdalene Ditcheat Rotas

March Flowers Brasses Cleaning 4th & 11th

LENT No Flowers Louisa Oborne J C Evans

18th & 25th No Flowers Louisa Oborne Eleanor Yeoman Church Rooms Martin Pope

April Flowers Brasses Cleaning 1st & 8th No Flowers Hazel Rowlands J & A Robson

15th & 22nd

EASTER Easter Team Hazel Rowlands P & J Dando

26th Annual Church Clean 29th Emma Cobb B & I Rounsevell

Church Rooms Pat Dando If you would like to help, please contact Jessica Leach (860205) for flowers and brasses, Vee Lees (860542) for church cleaning or Pat Dando (860448) for church room cleaning.

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EAST PENNARD CHURCH FLOWERS & CLEANING ROTA March Carrie Stokes David Stokes April Bumble Montgomery Shirley Baldwin May Shirley Elsebach Horst Elsebach Clare Hogg We have vacancies on the Flowers & Cleaning team and if you enjoy floral decoration we have a window for decoration on special service days. If you are interested please contact Bridget Wadey: Tel: 860240

Charity Theatre Trips to Bristol Hippodrome Spring has sprung and we look forward in March to a Sunny Afternoon (the story of The Kinks), and two Funny Girls, both called Stephanie Lawrence. Wicked, the musical telling the back-story of the witches of Oz, is in Bristol next February/March. We hope to run a matinee trip during half term and an evening the following week. Prices are steep I fear but booking is already quite heavy so please reserve as soon as possible. Payment may not be due until November, though this has to be confirmed once the booking office move to Sunderland is up and running. Book on coxtheatretrips@btinternet.com or 01458 273085. Many other trips are available. Log on to www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk, email coxtheatretrips@btinternet.com, or phone 01458 273085 to receive an e-mail or postal listing.

Wed 8 Mar Eve Sunny Afternoon £46 Tue 21 Mar Eve Funny Girl £42/£49 Thu 23 Mar Mat Funny Girl £47/£54 Sat 1 Apr 2017 Madam Butterfly £48. Tue 4 Apr Eve The Red Shoes £39/£47 Thu 6 Apr Mat The Red Shoes £39/£47 Thu 20 Apr Blood Brothers £34/£40 Wed 3 May Joseph £32/£38

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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 Marcus Wyburn-Mason 860067 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 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 Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Neighbourhood Watch Jim Dando 860448 Parent & Toddler Group Pippa Clapham 860329 Parish Council Chairman Charles Evans 860336 Rendezvous Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 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

Curtains, covers etc, Helen Bushrod 2 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Purely Probate 20Hire Shed 2 Stone Walling, Yenstone 21Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2 Decorating, RJ Pinnell 24Transport, ADEPPTS 2 Motoring, Bay Motor Co. 29Travellers Rest, Stone 2 Mobility, Sutton Stairlifts 29Jewellery, Fosse Beads 9 Accounts, Hayley Spencer 29Buildings, Timber Frame, W Latta 10 Electrician, Ian Lester 33Computing, Stable Computers 10 Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen 33Furniture Restorer, Piers Keating 10 Gardening, Gil Oldaker 33Gardening, Rob Carling 10 Events, Pennard House 33Flowers, Margy Cockburn 10 Heating Services, R A Wicks 34Driver, Philip Saunders 13 Fencing, Shepton Mallet Fencing 39Heating Services, Warm Welcome 13 Plastering, Neil Piercy 39Home Maintenance, Mike Doyle 13 Medical, Homeopathy, Fionna Roberts 39Stone Mason, Thomas Kenrick 13 Taxi, Tony Chinnock 39Art Gallery, Studio 13 15 Removals & Storage, Armishaws 40Garden Design, Jane Follis 15 Decorating, Ray Ackerman 43Oven cleaning, Ovencor 15 Funerals, Connock 43Soft Furnishings, Jude Herlihy 15 Garage Doors, SDS 43Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 16 Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen Pascoe 43Motoring, N E Motors 16 Events, Sparkford Hall 44Music Tuition, Piano, Alison Bower 16 Tennis coaching 44Plumber, James 16 Manor House Inn 51Tree Surgeon, M Parsons 16 Roofing, Mark Curtis 52Animal Shelter, Happy Landings 17 Keep Fit, Pilates 54Asian Art, Harriet Sandys 18 Food, Gould's Cheddar 59Clothing, Rose & Lyons 20 Tree Surgeon, Jody Osborne 59Gardening, Jeremy Dodd 20 Tree Surgeon, Noel Radford 59Medical, Holistic Therapy 20 Food, Jon Thorner's Back

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Seasoned Logs

Charcoal