2

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

www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk

The Editor’s Letter

The elderflower cordial is bottled (see recipe P31); the juniper berries steeping in a litre of vodka, well on its way to becoming an on-trend botanical gin; the cherry tomatoes are ripening nicely; the ‘B’ word is still generating angst at various levels and the Chernobyl TV series is effectively driving home that the 30 km exclusion zone around the plant will be contaminated for 24,000 years and we are less than 40 miles from Hinckley Point. Not, so far, a scorching summer but it is reliably delivering both its cornucopia and its complications. You could make use of the summer to train for the Fun Run which will be back in Ditcheat, on September 8th, in aid of Childhood Bereavement. (P14). And if you get that fit you may as well abseil down Cranmore Tower to support Royal British Legion (P37) or Wells Cathedral tower in aid of SOS Africa at the end of the month (P12). The Wildlife Group is organising a couple of outings in July – seeking out Shrill Carder bees and nightjars (see P38). If you want to find out more about the Folly Orchards development there’s a meeting with the architects at the Jubilee Hall on July 9th (see P43). And there is another plea for people willing to act as councillors for the parish. If it's something you could help with there's more information on P44. Hoping you all have a great summer and we’ll be back in September. Margy Cockburn Tim Sanders

Front cover: Comma Butterfly, Daphne Osmond © 2019 Please send your cover photos to editor@fossetrinitynews.co.uk

This Month60th Wedding Celebration 10Advertisers Index 54Alhampton News 5Alhampton Open Gardens 6And in Shepton Mallet 44Baby & Toddlers 23Baker Derham Fun Run 14Benefice Prayer Pyramid 12British Legion 36Charity Theatre Trips 23Church Services 28County Lines 46Diary dates 4Directory 52Ditcheat Book Group 26Ditcheat Church Room 49Ditcheat Church Rota 50Ditcheat Church Treasures 22Ditcheat Council Notes 40Ditcheat School 21Ditcheat Weather 34EP Church Rota 50Folly Orchard Consultation 43Fosseway Gardening Club 7Gardening 16Going Away? 35Homeacres Open Day 13HoneyBrook Arts 20Men's Breakfast 23Mothers' Union 26Natural World 8One Hundred Club 13Parish Council Vacancies 44Past Picture 32Pylle News 30Rector's Note 29Rendezvous 15SM Horticultural Soc 25SM Market 25Summer Drink Recipe 31Waste Not Want Not 7Wells Abseil 12Wildlife Group Update 38

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Dates for your Diary

Regular Events Weekly Monthly

Mon

Pilates (9.00) Baby and Toddler (9.30-11.00) Tai Chi for Health (10.30) Ditcheat Badminton Club (8.30) Ditcheat and Pylle Singers (7.00)

Linda 860067 Sally 860304 Richard 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 860081 Martin 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) Ama/Peter 672911

Sat 2nd Men’s Breakfast Roger 860551

July 2019 Sat 6th July 7.00pm Much Ado About Nothing, Lamyatt P46 (FTN June) Tue 9th 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Linda 860067 P15

Tue 9th 7.30pm Folly Orchard Public Consultation, Jubilee Hall P43

Thurs 11th 2.30pm Mothers’ Union, Baltonsborough Jill P26 Mon 15th July 10.00am Wildlife group – Shrill Carder Bee Bridget 860240 P39 Tues 23rd 7.30pm Fosseway Gardening Club AGM, Barbara 860438 P7 Sat 27th July (reserve 1st Aug) Wildlife group – Nightjar Quest Bridget 860240 P39

August 2019 Thurs 1st 8.15pm Alhamptonians, Alhampton Inn Louisa 860252 P5 Tue 13th 10.00am Rendezvous, Jubilee Hall Linda 860067 P15 Further Ahead Sat 1st Sept 11.00am Homeacres Open Day, Alhampton P13 Sun 8th Sept 10.15am Baker Derham Family Charity Run P14 Tue 10th Sept 7.30pm Fosseway Gardening Club, Avon Bulbs Barbara 860438 P7 Thurs 12th Sept 2.30pm Mothers’ Union, Baltonsborough Jill P26 Thurs 19th Sept 7.00pm Ditcheat Big Screen P31 Tue 24th Sept 12.30pm Village Lunch, Jubilee Hall Vee 860542 Sun 6th Oct TBA Fosse Trinity Harvest lunch, EP TBA Sun 13th Oct 7.00pm British Legion Quiz, The Den, Pylle P37

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Alhampton News

Hopefully, by the time you read this, the fete will have taken place having enjoyed good weather and a lot of support. Also, Glastonbury will have passed without too much disruption and the maximum of enjoyment for those attending. Last month’s news of the death of Norah Atyeo came too late to do more than put in a quick mention. She was such a warm and welcoming person, always managing to make you feel that, however busy the pub, you were the person she was really pleased to see. When my children heard the news they had lots of memories too. One of their earliest is of going to the pub for a special treat – birthday or similar – and having sausage or chicken and chips in a basket. Norah always put a slice of bread and butter on top of the chips and they say that the taste of that bread, warm and slightly toasted from the chips will never be forgotten. Whilst on the subject of the pub, it is sad to hear that Chris is moving on – glad for him but he will be missed. He has done such a lot to stabilise things at the pub but he says he will be back to see us as he loves it down here. The rest of the team is still in place and doing good work. M&S burgers have nothing on Ross’ ones! Congratulations to all the people concerned with the Open Gardens in May. All I do is turn up on the day and sell tickets but the rest of them spend hours tending gardens and looking after Haddon Wood. We had so many compliments from visitors. I wish I had had time to write them down and pass them on but rest assured you were appreciated. There were also a lot of comments about what a friendly place this was and how lucky we are to live here. I know that quite a few regulars will be away in July for the first Thursday when Alhamptonians usually meet so we will give it a rest for a month. We will meet again in August so look forward to seeing some of you there. I’ve said it before but it is worth repeating – Alhamptonians is not a club for a few. It is for anyone from the village or beyond who enjoys a drink – alcoholic or not - and a chat. It is a time when you know someone will be there to talk to even if you don’t know many people.

Louisa Oborne

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Alhampton Open Gardens – the Result! Open Gardens was back in Alhampton this year and I’m lost for words really. The headline news is that our final take for the day was £3085.96, after deducting nearly £200 for insurance and printing programmes. Our highest ever visitor numbers – 391 – paid £1955 to visit our 9 gardens. Jo and Mark and Margy opened their gardens and raised £775.19 for refreshments; thanks so much to the bakers who provided myriad cakes, yet for the first time ever we just about ran out at both venues. Lila created her own lemonade and sold it around the whole event to generate £138.13. Gert’s plants were a big hit, to the tune of £206.80 this year. We also sold some of the stakes and cable ties that were used on the tree guards in Haddon Wood, which brought in £191.84, and finally a donation of £10. I haven’t included money for Haddon Wood merchandise as we account for that separately, but it allows me to thank Rose who not only designs and arranges production of all that but also designs the programmes and posters for open gardens and helped put up signage. We were lucky with the weather and it looks as though May is a good time to hold this event. Huge thanks to all the people who kindly opened their gardens; without them there is, of course, no event. Each year we rely on some people to open as they’re a draw, most notably Charles, and of course Gert. We try to have at least one new garden, and this time we were lucky enough to have two, so thanks to Helen and Andrew at Orchard House and Carol and Mark at The Haven. We also rely heavily on people who are willing to open pretty regularly and sometimes at short notice, so thanks to Nancy and Arthur, Eva, and Dawn and Simon. Those who open their gardens and offer refreshments work incredibly hard, the more so the more successful the day, so special thanks to Margy, and Jo and Mark, who do this far more often than I’d want to, and, of course, all those who helped them and washed up pretty much for England! A number of visitors said how friendly they thought our village is and how hospitable people are. That starts with Louisa, on whom we rely every year to know everything, answer all questions, sell programmes, and not run out of voice or patience when saying the same thing hundreds of time over. And, of course, our parking marshalls – some called on at very short notice when we needed to

7

use our overflow parking – who did a fantastic job in a very oddly-shaped car park. All this was in order to generate funds for us to maintain and improve Haddon Wood, which goes from strength to strength. If you visit you’ll see that we’re removing the tree guards which makes a profound difference to the feel of the wood. Thanks to the committee of the Friends of Haddon Wood, some of whom I’ve mentioned already, and all of whom helped with open gardens in various ways. If you’d like to join the Friends of Haddon Wood please contact me (details below)– no cost, no obligation, just email updates and invitations to get involved if you choose to.

Hilary 860615 hilary@harrisonhall.co.uk

Fosseway Gardening Club Tuesday 23rd July AGM. No meeting in August. Tuesday 10th September: Avon Bulbs giving a talk on bulbs, their selection and planting. Meetings held on the second Tuesday of the month at: Pylle Village Hall, BA4 6SZ at 7.30pm. New members are most welcome to join us. For further information please contact Barbara Cary, 01749 860438

Waste not want not…

Eiminent Solina F225 Organ A great machine in good condition - Double keyboard etc. Measures 46"W x 26"D X 43"H. It’s pretty heavy - Could possibly assist with removal. Call Mike on 860223. Two walking frames/rollators. Contact Kate Clements on 860065

8

The Natural World

With butterflies in steep decline in the UK, it really is a breath of fresh air when a Red Admiral, a Brimstone or Peacock, flit past you in the sunshine of a warm sunny day (remember those?). Arguably one of our most beautiful and scarcest butterflies is the Swallowtail. Now almost completely restricted to the Norfolk Broads, where it still breeds, it has been glimpsed in Hampshire, and one or two

have made it as far west as Somerset, but very few indeed. It is relatively easy to find in France, as is much of our erstwhile wildlife, like the red squirrel, song thrush, golden oriole and hoopoe. The Glanville Fritillary is even rarer than the Swallowtail and is named after Eleanor Glanville, the daughter of a Roundhead major and born Eleanor Goodricke in 1654, at medieval Tickenham Court, near Clevedon. Her first husband died leaving her with two children and, at the age of 31, she married her second husband, Richard Glanville, a Lincolnshire landowner, ten years younger than herself, and had two more children. The marriage soon went disastrously wrong and he took up with a younger mistress. When Richard threatened her with a loaded gun, she turned to entomology. It was during this period in Lincolnshire that she discovered the butterfly now named after her. Shortly after this, Glanville went to live with another woman, and sent his son by Eleanor, also called Richard, to live in Flanders (modern day Belgium). When the younger Richard returned to England as a teenager, Eleanor, who was already corresponding with members of the Royal Society, apprenticed him to apothecary James Petiver. It was the sensible act of a caring mother but her estranged husband did not agree. Petiver, a member of the Royal Society, is known today as the father of entomology. He gave many butterflies the names we now know them by, such as Brimstone, Admiral and Tortoiseshell. After Eleanor Glanville’s death, other relations, including Forest Ashfield, her son from her first marriage, contested her will, trying to have it set aside on the grounds of lunacy, claiming: "None but those who were deprived of their senses,

Swallowtail Butterfly

Glanville Fritillary Butterfly

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would go in Pursuit of Butterflies". It was, purportedly, the good burghers of Wells who upheld the claim. Eleanor's son by Glanville became a physician, the first of a dynasty of doctors who lived at Wedmore where they are commemorated in Glanville Road. Eleanor is the only woman whose name has been given to a British butterfly and is immortalised in the name of the Glanville Fritillary, the beautiful insect which she was the first to capture and describe. The first sighting in Britain of what we call the Camberwell Beauty was in 1748 in the leafy Cool Arbour Lane, in the village of Camberwell, just outside London. It’s no longer a village, but a smokey and polluted suburb of London, now populated by tower blocks. Camberwell Beauties are now rare migrants from Scandinavia and mainland Europe, but they proliferate in the USA where these large butterflies, with a wingspan of 3 inches and more, are called Mourning Cloaks. zFrom beauty to confusion. Some insect species just can’t be themselves, and spend their entire lives pretending to be something else altogether. Many hover flies mimic bees and wasps, seeking the protection that a potential sting provides against predators, and, to my mind, the master of this is the Hornet Clear Winged Moth. As its name suggests, it does a pretty good job of convincing predators that it is something other than a poor defenceless moth.

Do butterflies and moths sting? No, of course they don’t, but some caterpillars do have pretty nasty defence mechanisms. Their hairs can detach and cause irritation of the skin or nasal passages. These bristles are called urticating hairs, which means they give you a rash, which makes you itch. A venom which is among the most potent defensive chemicals in any animal is produced by the South American silk moth of the genus Lonomia. Its venom is an anti-coagulant powerful enough to cause a human to haemorrhage to death.

Stewart Gould somertonbees@btinternet.com

Camberwell Beauty Butterfly

Hornet Clear Winged Moth

10

60th Wedding Celebration - 4th June 2019 (A thank you received from John & Mary Stokes)

Our Son Mike was in London, (9th May) and we had arranged a “half way’ meeting at Swindon Shopping Centre, We don’t meet very often as his Bank employment in Hong Kong covers the Asian areas and that keeps him away. It meant we were able to discuss our upcoming Anniversary. We noticed “Ditcheat Manor’, a large steam train, which is now on show for the public. It was a GWR loco, and had been made in the former GWR Train Works, now a shopping centre, in which we were meeting. We presume our four ‘kids’, using various means of contact, had planned that we were to be taken ‘’under their wing’ to celebrate our actual Anniversary Date. We weren’t too sure about it!

We were puzzled by the casual suggestion of ‘going out for a drive, stopping for a lunch, meeting up with the other three’ etc, but not knowing where we were going. We were driven to visit one of Mary’s cousins whose husband’s ill health had prevented them participating in our celebrations and, by then, heard that our final destination was to be Ditcheat Church. This was particularly pleasing for Mary who has always tried to maintain contact with her Ditcheat friends with whom who she grew up. We have met them many times before and since our marriage.

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On arrival at the Church the bells were being run and it looked as if a wedding was going on; was a real reminder of our day sixty years ago. Suddenly seeing many of our closer family being at the Church we realised it was being organised for our celebration by our now 50+ year old ‘Kids’. It was, and still is, a very memorable incident, and will be in our minds for ever. We hope you now realise what an incredible surprise all your tremendous efforts - in conjunction with Mike, Roger(S), Nick and Alison - had been for ourselves and them. Thank you all very much for occupying your official time and considerable private time, to set up all your contacts to achieve our incredible recollection of the ‘day we got wed’. If we have overlooked anyone who took part in the organising of the day, we apologise. We were delighted to be able to visit Paul Nichols Stable, and meeting him and listening to a little of his development in the racing world was most interesting. No doubt our occasional ‘flutter’ will continue to always be for a “Nichols’ horse. Mary and I are still reflecting on so many moments that you all made possible by your involvement. The ringing of the Quarter peal was a highlight for both of us, and we are so grateful that the 8 experienced Ringers were willing to play for us. Thankyou , Ladies and Gentlemen. We were very pleased to receive the flower arrangement and card from Jessica on behalf of Ditcheat Church PCC. The flowers she had chosen from her own garden are much appreciated and are still looking especially fresh as we close this letter. Thanks to all for making our 60th Anniversary so specially memorable. John and Mary Stokes Foot note: Mary Kynaston from Ditcheat and John Stokes of Castle Cary were married in Ditcheat Church at 12:00 noon on 4th June 1959. The surprise visit began with an enquiry to the Parish Council Clerk which passed to the Church Wardens and then Tower Captain. They were met by neighbours from Mary’s home at Owley Farm, Ditcheat, also Diane & Richard Ball from Sutton (Diane, John’s niece, was a bridesmaid at their wedding).

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The bells were rung by a band gathered especially to commemorate the day. Mary remembers Ditcheat Bells being rung for her own Grand Parent’s 60th wedding anniversary. The Quarter Peal, 1260 changes of Grandsire Triples, Composed by J J Parker rung in 47 minutes by: Treble. Vivienne McHale, 2 Jenny M Alderson, 3 Christine Thomas, 4 Terry Nicholls, 5 Leslie E Perry, 6 Paul A Reeves, 7 Brian V Mountjoy (Conductor) Tenor. Peter N Felton.

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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Homeacres Open Day September 1st, 11:00am-4:30pm

Free entry to Homeacres, no need to book.

Parking in nearby field, 100m walk up the lane.

We shall be there to chat, and with books for sale.

More details at:

www.charlesdowding.co.uk/no-dig-approach/

Cream Teas will be served at Alhampton Chapel between 2pm

and 4pm!

100 Club Winners

June winners are:- Ball 47 £100 Rebecca Fallon Ball 67 £50 John Boothman Ball 63 £25 Val Boothman

Andrew Nicholls

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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND on Sunday 8th September 2019 The Baker Derham Family Charity Fun Run is coming back to Ditcheat… so dust off your running shoes! There will be two Fun Runs, a Fun Walk, Cake Sales, a Raffle and BBQ plus much more family fun. This promises to be another great day out and we look forward to seeing you all there.

Schedule of the day:

10:15am: Number Collection in Village Hall 11:00am: Warm up to music in Village Hall 11:15am: ‘Caroline’s Cross Country Race’. 5km fun run

‘Ossie’s Fun Walk’. 2 mile walk, dogs welcome 11:30am: ‘Dominic’s Ditcheat Dash’. 1 mile fun run for all the family Midday: BBQ Lunch and family fun in The Manor Inn

Race entry Cost *Includes entry to the run/walk and BBQ lunch £6 per child (14 yrs and under) £9 per adult Runners, please enter in advance if possible. Entry forms can be downloaded from the FTN website and payment can be made on the day. It will be possible to enter on the day but places will be limited. Parking is available in Maryland Cheese Factory car park. Event organisers, Danielle Baker and Amy Derham, are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2020 for Child Bereavement UK, charity no. 1040419. Therefore, all proceeds of this event will go towards their fundraising for CBUK, a charity very close to their hearts. If you require further information regarding the event, please contact Danielle at bakerfunrun@gmail.com or 07969 130816.

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The Rendezvous Tuesday 9th July & Tuesday 13th August

10.00am – 12.00pm Ditcheat Jubilee Hall

Enquiries: Linda 860067

CLARE TORDAY

YOGA & ACUPUNCTURE YOGA CLASSES

Ditcheat & Galhampton Village Halls

Monday 5pm Galhampton Tuesday 9am Galhampton

Sunday 6pm Ditcheat* Drop in classes £8 per session

07843 079 209 claretorday@gmail.com

www.claretordayacupuncture.com

*Starting Sunday 9th June term time only

www.wheathillgolf.co.uk

01963 240667  

 

Learn to play golf with a PGA Professional 

Green Fee & Membership Specials

Clubhouse open to Everyone

16

Gardening What a miserable June we have had thus far. I am about to leave to plant up three gardens. I fear it is going to be a very soggy experience. We shouldn’t complain though, the garden is desperate for moisture. With so many commitments elsewhere the herbaceous border here has been neglected and the bindweed is taller than me in places! Let’s hope we have some dry weather this weekend. In an attempt to get rid of the bindweed and ground elder, I have been cutting it down to around 4-5 cm and then painting on a systemic weedkiller. Hideously time consuming but it does seem to be working in places. The lilies and Allium ‘Mohican’ planted last year are thriving and are also about my height. The latter, see image below, is bonkers but great fun. I see this variety was featured on Gardener’s World last week.

The vegetable patch is really coming into its own. As mentioned before I have been concentrating on salad crops this year and they are a delight, particularly the mustards which give a real flavour boost to salads. As always the patch here only grows what is eaten and it is rare to get gluts of anything. The garlic got rust and gave a very poor offering, but the Fennel is doing brilliantly. I highly recommend growing climbing French beans. The dwarf variety is a crop that has

failed rather than flourished in the past, but the climbers are halfway up the poles and in flower already. As spinach can also be a bit hit and miss and tends to go to seed I have planted a climbing variety to see what happens. I shall keep you posted. The herbaceous borders are also working well this year. Even for a designer it is a constant trial ground. I am looking forward to a day’s course entitled ‘Growing Perennials for Cut Flowers’ in July. I am hoping it will give more inspiration. It is lovely at this time of year to visit gardens we built last year and I have two or three that are beginning to look quite special. Below are a couple of ‘before’ and ‘after’ images to show what can be done with a simple but effective design. My designs focus heavily on less is more.

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Before and after

July and August are great months to actually enjoy the garden with plenty of colour and interest. Keep dead heading the perennials to encourage a second bloom. A mid-season chop doesn’t go amiss. When perennials have finished flowering they can look a bit tatty. Cut them back hard as this can also promote a possible second flourish of flowers. Hedges can be pruned but do check for any nesting birds. If we do ever get any sunshine, keep pots and hanging baskets well watered. Feed with a liquid fertiliser about once a fortnight. Phostrogen All Purpose Plant Food is good, but I tend to use Tomorite for everything. Continue to harvest vegetables. Keep Tomatoes, Peppers, Chillis and Cucumbers well watered and well fed. If they are in the greenhouse make sure it is well ventilated as poor air circulation leads to all sorts of problems such as powdery mildew and overheating. Keep the doors and windows open whenever the weather permits and spread your plants out to give them plenty of breathing space. I know we are still patiently waiting for summer, but it is time to plan for winter. Plant out brassicas such as Kale, Broccoli and Winter Cauliflowers. Cover with fleece to safeguard them against pests and Cabbage White Butterflies. Enviromesh is an excellent product. The next issue of FTN is September when I usually put in a bulb order. If you want anything, please do get in touch.

T: 01749 860850 W: janefollis.com

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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

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

19

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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21

Ditcheat School

This term we seem to have had everything rained off, from sporting events to country dancing. Here’s hoping that the summer holidays will see brighter days. Twice a year, Ditcheat Primary School invites friends and family into school for an ‘Inspire’ session where they are able to work with their children in a school environment. This term, the Inspire session was all about getting creative with the children. The children and adults worked alongside each other to decorate butterflies and leaves that will go towards the revamp of the entrance to the school. The creations were a wonderful sight to behold! The parents’ association, Friends of Ditcheat School (FoDS), organised and

funded the event and the results will soon be on display for all to see. This will serve as a lasting memory of this whole school community project. We have also had a playground revamp – the concrete has been replaced with a permeable concrete so we no longer get as many puddles and our play equipment has been replaced. We hope to have a grand opening in September to which we will invite our wider community.

Victoria Withers, Headteacher

22

Treasures of Ditcheat Church And the Stories Behind Them

4. The Recumbent Priest

Our recumbent priest, a life-sized effigy in stone demi-relief, is located on the north side of the sanctuary, that is to say to the left of the altar. His hands are pressed together in a reverent attitude and his hair is parted in the centre and bobbed at ear level. He is dressed in a Romanesque chasuble over a tunic and he lies beneath what Nikolaus Pevsner described in 1958 as 'a somewhat capriciously shaped ogee canopy' with pinnacled shafts that can just be made out on either side.

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He probably dates from the early fourteenth century and it has been suggested that he was the incumbent at the time that the chancel was rebuilt. According to Pevsner, the architecture of the present chancel belongs to two periods, the very late thirteenth century and then the late fifteenth century. Henry Howard Tripp, Rector from 1917 to 1945 , wrote that 'the chancel was rebuilt in the 13th century , the windows being beautifully hooded specimens of geometrical tracery (cinquefoil architrave) of a character rare in this country, but presenting a considerable resemblance to some of the work in Tintern Abbey (1280)'. Given all this information it seems likely that our priest was in service around the year 1300 but, as there are no records of incumbents before 1425, he will have to remain anonymous. All we do know is that he would have been appointed by the Abbot of Glastonbury. 'The church at Ditcheat being anciently appropriated to the abbey of Glastonbury, was in 1295 valued at twenty-seven marks; out of which the abbot had a pension of three marks,' according to Langtoft's Chronicle (c.1305) and quoted in Collinson's History and Antiquities of Somerset of 1791. So, something of a mystery but without doubt not the least of the treasures in our church.

Ditcheat Church Room Activities

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

Baby and Toddler Group

Mondays 9.30-11.00

(during term time only)

Call/text Sally 07929 097374

24

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

CHINNOCK TAXIS

Phone: 01749 831408 Mobile: 07703068878

Contracts Child Booster Cushion (x2) £10 million public liability IAM Certificate Holder

Doctors Daily Hire

Airports Seaports

Railway Stations Regular customer

discounts

25

 

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

Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society 

 We meet on the 

1st Wednesday of the month

Come and join us!

‘Dive into Dahlias in 2019’

For more information see website www.sheptonhortsoc.org.uk

or contact 01749 830205

26

The Ditcheat Book Group The book we tried to read during May was ‘The Prince’ written by Machiavelli. It is the first modern treatise of political philosophy and as such, over the centuries, was regarded as a very influential work. The majority of people associate the name of Machiavelli with amorality and cruelty which, when one reads: “It is safer to be feared than loved” reinforces the image we have of him. In 1512 the Medicis took control of the Florentine Republic and accused Machiavelli of conspiracy, imprisoning and torturing him. Once released, he was exiled, after which he wrote this work in an unsuccessful attempt to gain favour with the Medicis. At a time of complex politics when many kingdoms in Italy were under threat of attack, Machiavelli wanted to advise the various Princes on how to retain power, for example: “Effective leadership is only possible at the expense of moral standards.” and “The only secure way to keep a city is to destroy it.” Although it is only 96 pages long most readers will find it very heavy going as the book is written, not as a story, but a lecture. Someone with a background in the classics will probably find it absolutely fascinating.

Vee Lees

St. Dunstan's and District held their outing on Thursday 13th June at 2.30pm. Despite very wet weather, members met as arranged in Butleigh Church car park and travelled by mini bus to Somerset Lavender at Horsepond Farm, Faulckland, Somerset. The lavender was just changing colour and looked most attractive in the fields. Refreshments were available in a warm cafe and interesting gifts for sale on display. On Thursday 11th July Mrs Hazel Ricketts is coming as guest speaker and, for our September meeting on Thursday September 12th, Mrs. A. Hills is making a return visit and hopes to speak of her charity work and show gifts she has made. New members and visitors very welcome.

Jill Done

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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    

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Services for July Sunday 7th 3rd Sunday after Trinity 9:30am Parish Communion at Ditcheat 11:00am Morning Worship at East Pennard Tuesday 9th 10:00am Benefice Midweek Communion at Ditcheat

Led by Rev. Stuart Munns Sunday 14th 4th Sunday after Trinity 11:00am Parish Communion at Pylle Sunday 28th 6th Sunday after Trinity 9:30am Parish Communion at Alhampton Sunday 21st St. Mary Magdalene 11:00am Benefice Patronal Festival & Communion at Ditcheat,

followed by celebratory buffet lunch. Preacher: Dr Diana Barsham

Services for August

Sunday 4th 7th Sunday after Trinity 9:30am Benefice Communion at Ditcheat Sunday 11th 8th Sunday after Trinity 11:00am Benefice Communion at Pylle Tuesday 13th 10:00am Midweek Benefice Communion at Ditcheat Sunday 18th 9th Sunday after Trinity 11:00am Benefice Communion at East Pennard Sunday 25th 10th Sunday after Trinity 9:30am Benefice Communion at Alhampton

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Services for September Sunday 1st 11th Sunday after Trinity 9:30am Parish Communion at Ditcheat 11:00am Morning Worship at East Pennard Sunday 8th 12th Sunday after Trinity 11:00am Parish Communion at Pylle

Lily’s back! Hello everyone, I thought you would like to know that I am in good shape again, though I still have daily medication and some home physio-therapy. But I have had my 10th birthday so I am a septuagenarian! My fur is in excellent condition – in fact it is better than before the illness and steroids, etc. – coarser so it doesn’t matt like it used to. I have a good appetite and I enjoy my walks, and a friend gave me a new toy last week, but it doesn’t have such a good squeak as my older toys. Summer is here – so they say, so be careful you don’t leave your dogs in a hot car and give them plenty of water to drink; not that it’s exactly a heatwave at the moment! Talking about cars I have been on a couple of trips to your villages recently and been doing my bit of pastoral visiting – well, after all, Old English Sheepdogs are a pastoral breed! Old people and those who aren’t very well usually like a visit from a dog, and I am a very enthusiastic visitor! And, of course, I am accompanied, and they seem to like a visit from the ‘pastor’ as well! Perhaps see you too, soon. Lily xx The July-August double issue is a challenge because not only have we got to think of activities in both months, e.g. the St Mary Magdalene benefice service and lunch on 21st July. But also things happening in early September, but I trust you will take note from information elsewhere in this copy. Meanwhile do come along to the Summer Mindfulfulness sessions in Ditcheat Church Room, which are as good as a holiday! Graham

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Pylle News

Church Flowers and cleaning JULY Carolyn Fussell AUG Hilary Hiscox Volunteers needed to join the rota. For details please ring Hilary on 830538. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Church If the church is locked please contact Teresa Rossiter 831419, Hilary Tudsbery-Turner 830538, Carolyn Fussell 830120, or Alan Cary 07896945936 to obtain a key. Ladies Working Party – Wendy Billing (01749 830046) The Working Party meet 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 The French Evening on Saturday 8th June proved to be a great success. Sixty-six people attended and the event raised in excess of £800 to bolster Village Hall funds and in particular to pay for the new cooker. A wide variety of costumes were on show including the ever popular berets and striped shirts, plus in one case at least, a string of onions, and the ubiquitous gilets jaunes. The menu was spectacular. A superb cassoulet was followed by assorted and delectable cheeses, then mouth watering tartes Normandes or profiteroles or in many cases both. French wine flowed, and a wide variety of entertainment was provided. First up was a dramatic recitation by 'Table 47' featuring a famous battle, a loose woman and a renowned railway station; then came songs performed by a talented if little known ukulele group that invited full audience participation and certainly got it; a peep behind the scenes at a certain well known French cafe, courtesy of a large cast of characters; and a further song by an eye and ear-catching male duo, one of whose members then rounded off events with the absorbing story of 'Crepes Suzette'. All in all it was an evening that was enjoyed by all and will certainly not be forgotten in a hurry. Merci bien, as they say, to all concerned.

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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French Evening in Pylle

Dressed for Pylle French evening and the best dressed male and female prizes

goes to Jeremy Branson and Maureen Gould

Ukuleles!

Summer Drink Recipe

Elderflower Cordial Quick and easy to make, lasts for ages, particularly delicious with ice cold sparkling water. 100 gm citric acid 25 heads of elderflower 3 lemons 2 kgs sugar 1.5 litres water Dissolve sugar in boiling water Remove from heat and stir in citric acid Add elderflower Grate lemon rind, slice lemons and add to pot Allow to steep for 24 hours (minimum) Strain through muslin (or J-cloths) and store in sterilised bottles Will keep for at least a year.

Margy Cockburn

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A Picture from the Past We have two photographs on offer on this occasion and both are of the same lady. Ellen Avery was born in 1871 and succeeded her mother, Mrs Sarah. D. Avery, as sub-post mistress at Pylle, shortly after the Great War. She is listed as Miss Ellen Avery, 'grocer and sub-postmistress' in Kelly's Directory for 1931. Shortly after this she married Albert Orledge, a miller from Croscombe, and our first picture, a postcard, shows her leaving the church after her wedding. The ceremony was taken by the Rev. Lewis, who was Rector of Pylle from 1931 to 1934. The rector also features on the card, as does her new and rather rotund husband. Albert Orledge died in 1940 at the age of 76, but Mrs Orledge continued in the post office for over twenty years. She is seen in the centre of our second picture at the party given to mark her retirement. It was held in the old Village Hall and the great and the good of Pylle were in attendance.

The wedding of Ellen Avery and Albert Orledge at Pylle Church

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On the left of the picture we have the Clares, formerly of Bagborough House (they must have returned for the day), the Longmans of Bagborough Farm, the Crossleys of the Old Rectory, and William March, church warden and the butler at the Manor. On the right are the Rev. and Mrs Roynon, Mr Skuse, the station master, Colonel and Mrs Garton of the Manor, and Major and Mrs Brooksbank of Bagborough House. The date must have been c.1953, the year that Major Brooksbank first features in the church records, while Ernest Skuse died in 1954. Mrs Orledge herself died two years later at the age of 85.

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

Circa 1953, Mrs Orledge retires from the post office

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Ditcheat Weather – May 2019 May is generally a transitional month; we hope that summer is just around the corner. Sometimes it can be glorious, sometimes less so. As I type up this report midway through June with the wind howling outside and a mini monsoon falling from the skies, it would seem that May was trying to tell us all something! We even lit the log fire last night… According to the Met Office this May was the coldest May for 4 years, a fact borne out in my data, 21.1°C max compared to 21.2°C in 2015. The number of nights where the minimum temperature was less than 10c was up on last year’s figure, and oddly, many times the count for 2015. There were no ground frosts, in our garden, but the hint of an air frost on the 5th. Rainfall this year remains a mystery (current conditions excepted) 80% of May’s rainfall fell in one day (the 8th). I noted that we had heavy storms with hail on that day. The 8th was also the 4th wettest day (across all months) since I began keeping records here in Ditcheat. So far this year, up until the end of May, rainfall is at about 72% of my average for the last 6 years, having said that 2017 was not much better at 75% for the first 5 months. Generally speaking, these blips have a habit of averaging themselves out – however that is more to do with the nature of mathematics than anything else. May was not windy, wind run being the lowest to date for a May. The dominant direction was NW which would account for the chilly feeling. Sunshine was above average again, the Met Office said 106%, my panels produced 108% of predicted output. I am always heartened when my figures (which are very site specific) are so close to a national figure. 2019 has been a good year so far with 3 out of the 5 months all being over 100%. The only other record that was broken was for barometric pressure for the month of May (1040.23mb). Pressure is probably the least understood of all weather values, and if I can remember I may explain a bit more about it in my next report.

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May 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

>20°C days 5 1 8 7 12 6

<10°C nights 8 3 11 18 22 26

High temp °C 23.8 21.2 22.9 25.2 26.8 21.1

Low temp °C 3.8 2.8 1.6 4.3 1.0 1.0

Rain mm 87.4 64.4 47.4 92 50.2 44.8

Wet days 18 15 16 12 13 13

Wind Run (miles) 1594.6 2080.5 1733.5 2130.7 1705.6 1561.9

Geoff Webber

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

Going away? Tips for staying secure

Don’t advertise your absence Don’t post your holiday plans on Facebook or other social media as this could alert potential burglars to the fact that your home will be empty Hide Don’t store jewellery, money, sentimental items and valuables in bedroom drawers Lock away tablets, mobile phones, wallets and cards Shut Close front windows when you’re in the garden or not in the room Close all windows when you leave the house Lock Install a 5-point mortice lock on your doors Ensure you have locks on all windows Before going on holiday Use automatic timer switches for lights Don’t leave bins and recycling boxes outside Ask trusted neighbours to keep a look out, turn lights on at night and park on your driveway   

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East Pennard and District Royal British Legion As I mentioned last month, I thought it would be helpful to give a few details about the work the Legion does. Most people are aware of the annual Poppy Appeal but may not be aware of what uses their money goes towards. The Legion provides care for older veterans within its five care homes, the nearest one to us being at Bishops Lydeard. It provides support for carers, and it helps the

Armed Forces community to live safely at home. The Legion is dedicated to making sure that anyone who has gone through life-changing injuries in military service receives the support they need. They fund and support recovery centres across the country helping wounded, injured and sick personnel return to duty or make a smooth transition into civilian life. The Legion has an arts programme open to wounded and sick Armed Forces personnel and their families. They can also offer time away for the Armed Forces and their families when it’s needed most. The Legion understand that life is hard sometimes and that serving personnel can give up a lot to be part of the Armed Forces, with family life and relationships sometimes suffering. They are there to help people - without judgement - to access the support they need. So your support, both through the Poppy Appeal and Legion membership, the latter for the modest annual sum of £17, is vital to keep these services going. If you would like an application form call me on 01749 860336 or catch us at the monthly Rendezvous in the Jubilee hall at Ditcheat. For those of you who are interested, Weston Armed Forces Weekend takes place this year on 22nd and 23rd June and is held on the Beach Lawns. The weekend will have an Armed Forces Village with stalls and displays and the arena will host Bands, Singing Groups, Military Displays and Cadet Forces. During the weekend the skies will be filled with aerial displays from military and civilian aircraft, including the Red Arrows (subject to operational requirement). For further details you can go to www.weston-armed-forces.org.uk By the time you read this article, Jon and Sue will be settled in their new home in Chichester. As a way of thanking Jon for the tremendous work he has done for the Legion locally over many years, a parishioner put wheels in motion so that he and Sue were invited to Buckingham Palace on 15th May for this year’s first Garden Party. The Afternoon Party was attended by The Prince of Wales on behalf of the Queen, and the Duchess of Cornwall.

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In recognition of the work Jon has done for the Legion over the years he and Sue were invited to the first of the Queen’s Garden Parties, held at Buckingham Palace. (At each Garden Party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed!)

Finally, have you ever fancied a bit of abseiling? Well on 8th September there is an opportunity to abseil down Cranmore Tower. The event is organized by the Legion and details can be found at www.britishlegion.org.uk/cranmoretower.

Annual Quiz Night

Our Annual Quiz Night and Supper will be held on

Sunday 13th October, 7.00 pm for 7.30pm., at The Den, Pylle.

A fun evening not to be missed.

Please note the date in your diaries now!

Further details in future editions of the FTN.

Charles Evans

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The Wildlife Group Update Share a close encounter: Harry and Anna’s Blue Tits nested in their ornamental garden water pump. In through the spout and safe in the top! The top can swivel to see the nest below. They have fledged safely now. A field of massed White Clover and many Bumble bees enchanted Michaela Coate on her walk with the dogs one morning. Can anyone identify the bee? What we have done: Since last month we have had two very special visits. In May the Stone Curlew trip was more of a Safari with Sarah as our driver. It was a beautiful day and we not only saw good views of Stone Curlews, but also a male Great Bustard and our native Curlew nesting. The Salisbury plains where the farmers who we were visiting farmed, were teeming with the kinds of birds (Skylarks, Corn Buntings and Stonechats) that you used to see. The eldest son, who does most of the farming now, is very keen on his wildlife and nurtures the wildlife whenever he can. It was a really inspirational visit. Our second visit in June was on a beautiful evening looking at Patricia Stainton’s wildflower meadows. It was a magical evening and we saw very unusual plants like Dyers Green weed (a Somerset notable) and Saw Wort. She is the past chairman of the Somerset Wildlife Trust and is very active in conserving wildlife on her farm. She has made a series of ponds and the farm runs along the banks of the Brue very close to its source. Full reports on these visits will be available to those on the Wildlife group email list and if requested. We have also surveyed Ditcheat Wildlife area for plants and insects with the help of Peter Hodge. Also available on request. Revisiting verges: Plantlife International is a charity to help conserve wild plants. They ran a verge campaign called “no Mow May” to encourage people to leave their mowers in the shed in May to allow insects more food. How many bees can your lawn

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support? they asked. The campaign is mainly aimed at road verges and helping councils and councillors make verge management decisions that encourage more wildflowers. To read more about the charity look at their website: www.plantlife.org.uk. Water: In the FTN May issue the number one “way to reduce your carbon footprint” was reduce water waste. I am continually conscious of my water use, but shortly after that article our water went off because of a mains burst in Baltonsborough of all places! It very much brought it home to me how dependant as a housewife I am on running water. Nearly every job I wanted to do that morning needed water. Food for thought.

Meeting Up:

15th July 10.00 am Shrill Carder Bee search with Daisy Headley of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Numbers limited

27th July (reserve date 1st August, Note change) Nightjar Quest. Evening visit. Numbers limited

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

Photo Competition: What is the name of this Moth? Answers by 10th July.

June winner: Congratulations to Carolyn Fussell. The plant was a White Dead Nettle (Lamium album). It is a very good plant for pollinators.

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Précis of the draft minutes from the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council (PC) meeting 16th May 2019.

PRESENT: Chairperson – Councillor Evans (CE) and Councillors – Clark (HC),

Harrison (HH), Dando (JD), and Hutton (RH). IN ATTENDANCE: Miss P Griffiths – Clerk to the Council. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON of the Parish Council for the year 2019 – 2020 and signing of declaration of acceptance of office. It was resolved by unanimous vote to elect Charles Evans as Chairman. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRPERSON for the year 2019 - 2020. It was resolved by unanimous vote to elect Roger Hutton as Vice-Chairman. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – The Chairman invited the public present to address the Parish Council. Mr Travis confirmed that he wished to be considered for co-option on to the Parish Council. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - Apologies for absence – Councillor Hughes (LH). County Councillor Hewitt-Cooper, District Councillor Greenhalgh (JG) and PCSO Dury had sent their apologies. CO-OPTION TO FILL THE VACANCY ON THE PARISH COUNCIL - Mr R Travis (RT) was duly co-opted on to the Council by unanimous vote. REPORT FROM AVON & SOMERSET CONSTABULARY- The Clerk read out the report which included the following incident: 26th April – A vehicle being driven along Wraxall Hill was stopped by police and the driver arrested for Drink Driving. CODE OF CONDUCT – Declarations of interest and dispensations -none. MINUTES - The minutes of the meeting held on 25th April 2019 were approved and signed by the Chairman. MATTERS ARISING - from the meeting held on 25th April 2019. New signs for playground – The Clerk confirmed that the quote from Wicksteed Leisure for the new signs was £193.00 each for the smaller sign plus 5% carriage on the order. It was resolved to accept the suggestion from the Clerk to undertake a temporary amendment of the signs pending getting further quotes. Lintern Close – signs requesting dog walkers to clear up any dog waste – The Clerk reported that MDC were no longer putting up signs but advised that all incidents of dogs seen fouling without the owner picking up after the dog should be reported to the department of Neighbourhood Services at MDC who will then take action to fine the owner of the dog. The Clerk will put a notice in the FTN. Parking at Southview – CE reported that MDC had confirmed that they would be prepared to transfer the ownership of the land to the PC at a cost of approximately £1,000.00 to £1,500.00 plus legal costs. However, this would mean that the PC would be responsible for all maintenance of the area including the cutting of the grass. Furthermore, the PC would be responsible for any application to create a parking area which would involve a planning application.

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Resolved that CE would investigate the whole matter further and the results would be considered at a future meeting. Floodlights causing hazard on Ditcheat Hill – The Clerk reported that Neighbourhood Services at MDC were looking into the matter. Dog fouling on Ditcheat Hill – The Clerk reported that Neighbourhood Services at MDC were looking into the matter. Water main replacement Wraxall Road – CE reported that small investigative works had been done on Ditcheat Hill but that no road closures had taken place. Work on the Wraxall Road to install new valves to facilitate water shutdowns in preparation for the replacement pipe were taking place. Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 - The Clerk reported that SCC had confirmed that they believed that the website did comply with the new regulations and had sent the Clerk some guidance. The Clerk will check further and report back. Overhanging hedge on footpath in Smiths Lane – CE reported that this work had been completed. REVIEW OF COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP TO OTHER BODIES. a) Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC). b) Somerset Playing Fields Association. c) Community Council for Somerset. d) CPRE. RESOLVED – to continue with the membership of the above organizations. ELECTION OF MEMBERS’ TO SPECIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY. a) Highways and Road Safety - CE. b) Footpaths and Rights of Way – CE and JD. c) Playground – HC and CE. d) Finance and Budget (including checks of the Parish Council Finances) - JD

and LH. e) Mendip District Council Strategic Plans, Housing and Planning – RH and HH. f) Standing Orders - LH. g) Press and media – The Clerk. h) Insurance – RH and the Clerk. i) Legal – LH. RESOLVED to elect the councillors as detailed above. CONFIRMATION OF USE OF ADOPTED POLICIES and approve policies/procedures and consider if others are required: Standing Orders; Financial Regulations; Code of Conduct; Freedom of Information Act Scheme & Schedule of Charges; Disciplinary Procedure; Complaints Procedure. RESOLVED to confirm the use of the above policies with the amendments as circulated.

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APPOINTMENT OF PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO PARISH ORGANISATIONs - Jubilee Hall committee - It was RESOLVED that HC will continue to represent the PC. PLANNING - The following planning application was considered: Full application for Erection of two storey and single storey side extensions, Brookfield, Ditcheat. Ref: 2019/0784/FUL. Outcome: ‘Recommend approval’. It was noted that planning permission has been granted for the following:

1) The Alhampton Inn. Ref: 2019/0633/FUL. 2) Wraxall Lodge. Ref: 2010/0685/HSE.

CE reported that the Inspector had confirmed the arrangements for the hearing and that Ditcheat PC had not been called to give evidence on the basis that the written submission had been accepted and will be considered. PARISH COUNCIL INSURANCE – to confirm that the current policy remains appropriate – RH confirmed that the current policy was appropriate and recommended that the PC accept the quote from Hiscox prepared by Came & Company and take advantage of the option to enter into a 3 year agreement subject to the Clerk clarifying the quote being based on the correct population for the Parish. RESOLVED to accept the recommendation. FINANCE Cash book balance as at 10th May - £20,889.48 plus £140.50 in the Fingerpost sign project account and £982.00 in the Alhampton defibrillator account. The purchase of the most recent (11th) edition of Local Council Administration by Charles Arnold-Baker - £129.99. – APPROVED. Approval of Parish Council payments and authority to sign cheques: SALC Affiliation fees 2019/20 - £196.20 and Tony’s Garden Services for grounds maintenance for April 2019 - £210.00. RESOLVED that the Clerk is confirmed as the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO). RESOLVED: to appoint Longhill Accounting as the Internal Auditor for the year 2019 – 2020. The Assets Register – Risk assessment register were reviewed; no amendments required. PLAYGROUND – HC reported that the woodwork had been cleaned and CE confirmed that the painting of the equipment had been started. HIGHWAYS Update on items/matters for repair previously reported - It was noted that the previously reported damage to the wood fence alongside the Alham Bridge had not yet been repaired. RH will follow up with the Highways Department. JD reported that he had removed the black bags of rubbish which had been left in the layby on the Wraxall Road and that the Clerk had informed MDC of the fly tipping. Investigation by the MDC enforcement officer had not revealed the

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identity of the culprit and the bags had been disposed of. All Councillors to monitor the situation. FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND RIGHTS OF WAY - Update on matters previously reported – noted that the stile at Easton Trow did not need replacing and that the kissing gate will now be keep in store. FEEDBACK FROM COUNCILLOR ATTENDING ‘THE RENDEZVOUS’. CE reported that he had received a query as to why the Ditcheat post box had been blocked off - this was due to Royal Mail assuming that the water mains replacement work had commenced and would unduly delay staff when collecting the post. Other query was regarding the need to cut back the flowers growing alongside the path in the playground – CE will investigate. CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE. Reports/items for information. For information: Seafarers UK – request to help raise public awareness by flying a Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day, 3rd September 2019. CE will check if anyone can assist the Church with providing a Red Ensign. ITEMS OF REPORT: Chairman – Co-option of councillors. It was agreed that all councillors should make efforts to promote and encourage parishioners to come forward for nomination to be co-opted. Agreed that RT should, having checked with the Head Teacher, use social media to spread the word about the vacancies through the village school parent community.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 4th JULY (Maybe necessary to change this date at short notice or to hold a planning meeting with the next full meeting held on 18th July) 2019 AT 7.30 pm in the Church Room. FOR INFORMATION: The agenda 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.

Public consultation Tuesday 9th July 2019 Jubilee Hall, Ditcheat Please drop in for an opportunity to discuss the proposals at Folly Orchard, Ditcheat with representatives from Orme Architecture between 7:30pm and 9pm.

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DITCHEAT PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Councillor vacancies. Join our local team and become a Parish Councillor Due to insufficient nominations received for Ditcheat Parish by the deadline for the recent local elections, those who were validly nominated were duly elected without contest. There are two vacancies for the parish of Ditcheat and the Parish Council will fill these places by co-option as soon as possible. No special qualification is required to be a councillor, indeed it is important that all sorts of people serve as councillors to give good representation of the community. What do Parish Councillors do? Parish Councillors meet once a month to discuss and act on issues of importance to the local community. Parish Councillors set and monitor how a proportion of local taxes are spent in the Parish, make comment on planning applications in the Parish and consider projects to improve or enhance the local area. Local Government is changing and Parish Councils are seeing an increase in the opportunities to influence decisions made that affect our local community. If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor or wish to know more about the work of the Parish Council please contact: The Clerk to the Council: Pam Griffiths – clerk@ditcheatparishcouncil.org.uk or call 01749 860443.

And in Shepton Mallet…

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Successful County Lines Operation Text messages were sent to hundreds of suspected drug users and three drug deal lines believed to be operating in the Avon and Somerset area during a May operation. The messages were part of a week of action targeting county lines drug gangs co-ordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre. ‘County lines’ is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs out of bigger cities into one or more smaller towns in the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of ‘deal line’. The text messages directed 600 users to support agencies while also making dealers aware we knew what they were using the phone number for. In response, we received a number of calls requesting help or providing us with information – including one call from the family of a potential drugs runner believed to be being used to sell drugs from London. In addition, Avon and Somerset officers also visited 157 properties during the week which were thought to have either previously been cuckooed or were believed to be at risk of being cuckooed in the future. ‘Cuckooing’ is the term used for when drug dealers use violence, exploitation and intimidation to take over the home of a vulnerable person in order to use it as a base for drug dealing. During the visits our officers spoke to 173 adults considered vulnerable and potentially at risk of being exploited by dealers. Safeguarding measures were also put in place for three children aged four, five, and 15 respectively. A number of warrants were also executed at properties linked to drugs, resulting in the arrests of 13 men and five women. Nearly £2,000 in cash was seized during this enforcement action along with dozens of wraps of drugs, three knives, 17 mobile phones, three tablet devices and multiple sim cards. Meanwhile, talks were also given to schools in Taunton, a Neighbourhood Watch group in Wells and staff at a youth centre in Glastonbury to raise awareness of county lines. Avon and Somerset officers also worked closely with British Transport Police colleagues in an operation at Bath Spa Train Station which saw an airport-style metal detector used. Detective Chief Inspector Kerry Paterson, force lead for county lines, said: “We are determined to do everything we can to disrupt and catch those who seek to exploit vulnerable people to sell drugs.

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“We know the majority of people who get involved in county lines are expertly groomed and the text messages we sent out were designed specifically to highlight to those who may feel trapped, that there are people who can help them. “At the same time, the texts make it extremely clear to those using the phone to sell drugs that we are seeking to disrupt their dealing and identify who they are.” DCI Paterson added: “It is important that everybody recognises the signs of drug activity and exploitation of vulnerable people. If you have any information about people you believe are involved in drugs, either as victims or perpetrators, please let us know. We will assess all intelligence received and take robust action where necessary.” Detective Inspector Charlotte Tucker, Regional County Lines Co-ordinator at the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) said: “The results from last week’s operation to tackle county lines across the south west region are impressive. In total, 265 vulnerable addresses were visited by officers; 238 adults and 21 young people were all engaged with and referred for safeguarding where appropriate; 73 people were arrested; approximately £7000 worth of suspected class A drugs were seized, along with £85,000 in cash, 26 phones and £25,000 worth of designer goods suspected to have been bought from the proceeds of crime. “What these results show is that when police forces work together and share information, we are able to really tighten our grip on those who cause so much harm to communities. County lines by its very nature is a crime that moves beyond police force borders and that’s why the NCLCC is working hard to co-ordinate the action taken to tackle it.” Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “County Lines is not something we can ignore and Avon and Somerset officers have once again carried out excellent work to target organised criminals who are putting the most vulnerable in our communities at harm. “I recently accompanied officers on welfare checks. It was clear that the individuals we visited were incredibly vulnerable due to past or existing habits. However, most of them welcomed the officers with open arms and felt reassured that being checked on by the police made them less attractive to being cuckooed. We must continue to disrupt county lines and stop those who want to exploit the most vulnerable for their own benefit.” You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.

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PARSONS

Supplier of Hardwood Logs

Hardwood log sales Woodchip mulch sales

Tel Home 01749 678604 Log Hotline 07788 542519

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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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St Mary Magdalene Ditcheat Rotas Cleaning Church Room July 6th / 13th J & C Evans Pat Dando

20th / 27th P & J Dando August 3rd / 10th B & I Rounsevell Linda Wyburn-Mason

17th / 24th Vee Lees September 7th / 14th Jessica Leach Martin Pope

Weds 18th 10am Annual Church Clean

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 in archive1. www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk.

Flowers Brass July 1st Sally Atkins Lin Steel July 7th & 14th Vee Lees “ July 21st Patronal Festival Louisa Oborne & 28th Festival Team August 4th & 11th Susanne Disney “ Aug.18th & 25th Jess Leach Eleanor Yeoman Sept. 1st & 8th Pat Dando “ Sept. 15th & 22nd Emma Cobb Jess Leach Sept 29th Anne Robson “

East Pennard Church Flowers & Cleaning Rota July Cathy van den Bosch Sarah Hashmy Aug Jean Heal Val Green Sep Lisa Letchford Jenny Jones We are in need of volunteers for the flowers and cleaning rota and if you enjoy flower arranging, we have spare windows to decorate for the festivals of Easter, Christmas and Harvest. No need to be shy you will be welcomed by the team, just contact Bridget on Tel: 860240. Reminder that we have the community BIG CLEAN of E. Pennard Church at 10.00am Thursday 4th July.

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(86

MARK CURTIS ROOFING & BUILDING

www.markcurtisroofingltd.co.uk

Tiling/ slating/ flat roofs/ lead work Loft conversions

Listed building & restoration specialist General building

WE OFFER A COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE FROM

SCAFFOLDING TO BUILDING

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01749 860898 

Mobile    07702820794 Email    mark@markcurtisroofingltd.co.uk

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Who's Who ?

FOSSE TRINITY BENEFICE Interim 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 Marcus Wyburn-Mason 860067 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 Churchwardens Church Council Secretary Susanne Disney 860848 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 Teresa Rossiter

830538 831419

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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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 The Other Book Club Gill Wetherall 860562 Church Council Secretary Susanne Disney 860848 Church Room Hire Pat Dando 860448

Churchwarden { Lynne Hughes Jessica Leach

860654 860205

Community Car Service (ADEPPTS) Joyce Marsh 860493 Country Dancing Ama Bolton 672911 Cricket Club Nick Mann 812304 Ditcheat Big Screen / Moviola Anne Robson 860444 Ditcheat School Victoria Withers 860329 Friends of Ditcheat School (FODS) Kate Rowe 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 Geoff Webber 860184 Keep Fit Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Neighbourhood Watch Jim Dando 860448 Parent & Toddler Group Sally Yeoman 860304 Parish Council Chairman Charles Evans 860336 Rendezvous Linda Wyburn-Mason 860067 Saturday Stitch Sally Yeoman 860304 Short Mat Bowls Martin Edgar 860780 Skittles Manor House Inn 860276 Village Lunch Jessica Leach 860205 Wildlife 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

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Index of Advertisers

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 Ditcheat Village Hall ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk Community Police guy.dury@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Legal Declarations The 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 Keep Fit, Evercreech Slimming 48Catering, Dorset Delights 49 Keep Fit, Yoga 15Computing, Stable Computers 18 Log suppliers, M Parsons 48Dining, The Manor House Inn 45 Medical, Osteopath, Trevenen Pascoe 18Driver, Philip Saunders 19 Mowing, Kevin Bushrod 55Electrical, ARL Electrical Services 18 Odd Jobs, Alistair Gillard 2Electrical, Ian Lester 2 Oven cleaning, Ovencor 18Estate Agents, Lodestone 27 Roofing, Mark Curtis 51Events, Pennard House 24 Solicitor, J Derbyshire, Purely Probate 55Food, Jon Thorner's Back Solicitors, Bartlett, Gooding & Weelen 19Funerals, Trotman Funeral Directors 24 Sport, Wheathill Golf Club 15Furniture Restorer, Piers Keating 18 Stone Mason, Thomas Kendrick 25Garage Doors, SDS 48 Stone Walling, Yenstone 27Health, Heal and Sole 25 Taxi, Tony Chinnock 24Heating Services, Warm Welcome 19 Tool hire, Hire Shed 2Home Maintenance, CH 15 Transport, Adeppts 2Home Maintenance, Mike Doyle 19 Tree Surgeon, Jody Osborne 55Horticultural, Shepton Mallet Soc 25

55

LOP Mowing Contractor www.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