Tom Merrick MERR OTT M ESSENGER -...

MERR OTT MESSENGER

An unusual discovery

2

Off to Pastures New

3

Crewkerne Beat Team Update

4

Hills to Levels - Culvert

5 - 8

Merrio� Pharmacy wants you back!

9

Merrio� - an ancient English village

10

Photograph of the month

11

Our Sponsors 12

Y o u r e d i t o r i a l t e a m : John Bowman 74077 Marion Biggs 74170 Peter Bryans 78182 Jane Jackson 74162 Janet Lailey 271008 Eric Vose 351857 Paula Bateman 271175 E m a i l : merrio�messenger@ gmail.com

Delivered free to 1,000 homes www.merrio�village.org.uk August 2018

The informa�on and views in the Merrio� Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily supported by the Editorial Team. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the informa�on given is accurate, the Merrio� Messenger cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Copy date for the September issue is 12th August.

I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e :

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

51 Broadway, Merrio� TA16 5QH

h�ps://www.facebook.com/merrio�villagehall The Merrio� Village Hall (MVH) on Broadway was given to the residents of Merrio� by Robert Hall (of Marks Barn) in 1925 as a memorial to his beloved, late wife Dorothea. It is now managed on behalf of the village as an independent, non-profit making, registered charity run for the benefit of all of Merrio� residents by a team of volunteer trustees who are locally re-elected at each AGM. The spacious building comprises a main room to accommodate up to 220 folks / 90 if sat at tables, a performance stage, a 12 seat ‘Blake’ mee�ng room, and a fully fi�ed Kitchen. It has a

licence from the Performing Rights Society for the delivery of copyright music and a Phono-graphic Performance Licence but will require a Temporary Event Licence for the sale of alcohol. Kitchen facili�es are of a modern and user-friendly layout; comprising a Cooker and Hob, Microwave, food prepara�on surfaces, a range of utensils, a sink and washing up facili�es. The Parish Council carpark to the rear has space for around 20 cars and is immediately adjacent to the recrea�on ground where youngsters can let off steam. The hall has / can be used for a wide variety of events, including but not limited to; Pop up Kitchen, birthday par�es, anniversaries, quiz nights, children’s celebra�ons, dancing, and wedding recep�ons. Regular club users already include Short Mat Bowls, Badminton, Dance Groups, Keep Fit, Presenta�ons and Mother and Toddler Groups, with programme space for other users during the week. Enquiries, costs and bookings should be directed to: Michelle Rowswell on Tel: (01460) 72508 or email: merrio�[email protected] Steve Bateman

M e r r i o t t F R E E F a m i l y T e n n i s P r o g r a m m e On Saturday mornings throughout the Summer, at 10.00 star�ng on 21st July, Merrio� Parish Council is organising a Touch Tennis and Mini Tennis event on Merrio� Recrea�on Field Tennis Courts. This is an easy way to start playing tennis, using only half a court and slow balls. All equipment is supplied, there is no charge for this ac�vity. Please note, this is a family ac�vity and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Iain Hall

E n v i r o n m e n t a l B e n e f i t s a n d R e d u c e d F l o o d R i s k s

Over ten years ago an earth dam was built on the Hinton Stream to reduce the risk of flooding to proper�es in Merrio�. At �mes of peak rainfall the dam holds back water in the upper catchment. The dam has a thro�led outlet which opens into a brick culvert under the fields adjacent to Moorlands Road and eventually opens into an open stream beside the Road. Work has recently been done to improve the dam. Further improvements including the possibility of open-ing the culvert are now being considered. These planned changes could make the new stream an a�rac�ve feature in the village as well as providing reduced flood risks and environmental benefits. Details of these changes are spelt out in this issue of the Merrio� Messenger (pages 5 to 8) and will also be presented at a public mee�ng on 24th September at 7pm in the Village Hall. John Bowman

Yo u r V i l l a g e H a l l

Merrio� Social Club •open every evening

•spacious func�on room available for hire

01460 74376 merrio�[email protected]

Merrio� Mobile Feet Treatment

Nail Trimming-Corns-Callus Diabe�c-Cracked Heel-Etc

Home visits by Professional Foot Health Prac��oner Sarah: 07733 225 360

www.fee�reatment.co.uk sarah@fee�reatment.co.uk

Appliance Maintenance Services

Domes�c Appliance Repairs Tel: 01460 72211

Mob: 07970 744 115 www.appliancemaintenance.co.uk

Tom Merrick Electrical Contractor

Agricultural & Industrial No Job too small

NAPIT approved contractor 01460 72757

07980 686 160

Moorlands Residen�al Home

Moorlands Road Quality care for the elderly

Contact Jayne: 01460 74425

[email protected]

Manor Farm - Your local farm shop

Lower Street, Merrio� TA16 5NP Tel: 07963 102258 nigel.witcombe@

gmail.com

Popular Motors, Merrio� Service Sta�on Broadway, Quality Car Sales,

Workshop, MOT tes�ng Garage & Car Service -

01460 76803 Shop and PO - 01460 78716 www.popularmotors.co.uk

Merrio�sford Minibus

01460 76029

Taxi Alliance 01460 75089 / 01935 414444

MERRIOTT HERITAGE TRUST

merrio�.heritage.trust @gmail.com

01460 72465

The Haselbury Mill Haselbury Pluckne�

for Weddings and other Func�ons

01460 77095

Allen Computer Services Sales, Repairs, Servicing, for

Home & Small Business, Cloud Backup and Laptop Screen

Repairs 01460 298036

www.allencomputerservices.co.uk

Veterinary Crewkerne

your local vets 01460 72443

Lawrences Auc�oneers

Free verbal valua�ons Home visits

01460 73041 Fax: 01460 270799

www.somersetreiki.com Sara Morley

[email protected] 07484 636577

Merrio� Childcare Vanina Childminder Ofsted Outstanding

Ad-hoc F/T & P/T hours www.merrio�childcare.co.uk

01460 74086 07807 753 779

Jays Complete Property

Maintenance Over 20 years experience

No job too small! 01460 78891

07865 700 760

Charlo�e Hamlin Merrio� Childminder OFSTED & PACEY registered

Full/part-�me hours Early years funding

Between 6.30am & 6.30pm www.merrio�childminder.co.uk

01460 73361 07721 018 335

Merrio� Pharmacy Free prescrip�on

collec�on & delivery

01460 72222 merrio�pharmacy

@hotmail.com

R. A. Wicks Ltd

Fireplace Showroom, Flue Lining, and Mul� Fuel

Stoves 01460 74612

Merrio� Parish Council merrio�-clerk@

hotmail.co.uk 07526 933464

@Merrio�ParishCouncil

16 South Street Crewkerne TA18 8DA

01460 200666 5% off our adver�sed price

for people of Merrio�

Robert Frith Optometrists

your local independent Op�cian

FREE emergency appointments under

the NHS Somerset ACES service Chard 67771

Crewkerne 72964 Yeovil 01935 478463

01460 279 279 www.stokespartners.co.uk

Fusion Fostering We are always looking for

families who can offer warm, loving and safe homes to

children and young people who need Fostering. Tel: 03301 239355

[email protected]

Careford Lodge Residen�al Home

Church Street Contact Tracey on

01460 75592 carefordlodge@

hotmail.co.uk

Osborne’s Broadway

Butcher of local farm meat, groceries, newspapers,

wines and spirits 01460 73459

Chris Mar�n Interiors Ltd

Specialising in installa�on

of kitchens and bathrooms 01460 76612

07976 848 677

Merrio� Village Hall Par�es, weddings, community groups

welcome 01460 72508

merrio�villagehall @gmail.com

IAN CROSSLAND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498 Interior and exterior

decora�ng, Household carpentry, External lime

mortaring, Restora�on work

Quantock Joinery Systems Limited

Tail Mill Lane Merrio� TA16 5PF

01460 77545 [email protected]

Sally-Marie Shearing Beauty Therapy

Relaxing, Revitalising,

Beauty Treatments

Tel 01460 73957 Gi� Vouchers available

Unisex hairdressing, eyebrow �n�ng, waxing & threading.

HD Brows Lower Street, Merrio�.

01460 74811/07803 572642

The Barn Self Catering

Accommoda�on 32 Church St

Merrio� TA16 5PS

01460 351857 07879 066012

thebarnmerrio�@sky.com

smar�nbuilding@ yahoo.co.uk

07792 821 028

Find us on

T h a n k y o u t o o u r s p o n s o r s f o r t h e i r s u p p o r t

Open 6 days a week Tel: 01460 249730

Church St Merrio� TA16 5PR Tel: 01460 78912

also on

Secure self storage & removals Compe��ve rates, easy & flexible

01460 243100 [email protected] www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk

Serviced Offices To Let

A n u n u s u a l d i s c o v e r y A member of the footpath group found some trophies in a stream alongside a footpath off Lower Street, near to the Social Club. See photo. If you recognise these trophies as yours, please contact John Goldie on 01460 73158 who will be pleased to return them to their righ�ul owner. They will be held for 4 weeks but if not claimed

in that �me will be destroyed. Members of the Footpath Mainte-nance Group have been working hard over recent weeks to clear the local footpaths of overgrowing vegeta�on to make walking along the paths a pleasant experience for all. We thank you for your apprecia�ve comments.

John Goldie

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P A G E 2 merrio�[email protected]

N e w s f r o m M e r r i o t t S p o r t s & S o c i a l C l u b

M � � � � � � � M � � � � � � � �

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As a new-comer to the village, I have been enjoying si�ng out in my garden at

dusk to watch Bats hun�ng over mine and my neighbour's garden. These charming visitors are much larger than the common Pipistrelle and I am wondering, on reading Merri's story, if we might be fortunate in hos�ng a thriving colony of the very rare Grey Long Eared Bat; possibly roos�ng in

the church tower, from whence they appear to emerge at dusk. I enthusias�cally went onto the internet, intending to purchase a Bat Detector but the ones capable of differen�a�ng between species are hugely expensive. I would be delighted if any fellow wildlife enthusiasts could provide any informa�on. Tel: 01460 74757 or email [email protected] Thank you.

Mary Kelly

D e a r E d i t o r … … M E R R I O T T O P E N G R O U P V I L L A G E F O O T P A T H W A L K –

B U F F E T L U N C H 9 t hA U G U S T 1 0 . 0 0 a m

START/FINISH AT THE KING’S HEAD, CHURCH STREET, MERRIOTT.

PRICE £8.00 PER PERSON

This is an annual event, this �me across some of the fields and footpaths around the village of Merrio�, approximately 3 miles in length. It is open to anyone who enjoys a ramble in the countryside, a Buffet Lunch will be provided by The King’s Head, at the end of the walk. If you would like to par�cipate please contact Liz Fisk, e. peter@peterfisk 1935.plus.com Numbers need to be given to Liz before 1st August. If wet, the King’s Head will provide the buffet from 12.30pm. Sensible clothing and footwear is recommended! ALL VERY WELCOME!

Liz Fisk

Well, with World Cup fever over we would like to say well done England for ge�ng as far as you did and a big thank you to everyone that came into the club to watch the matches on our big screen. Our new card machine has been well used and our �ll has been ringing. Our DIY SOS bingo, tea & cake a�ernoon and Village Wide Garage Sale raised some much needed funds to go towards repairs and decora�ons in the lounge and func�on room areas, so again thank you to everyone who has supported us at these events. The Teresa Braley Memorial Garden has

also a great amount of funds and work has begun on this now with new fencing and we hope to have this open soon. We had a very generous dona�on from Misterton Fete Commi�ee a�er we leant them tables and chairs and some com-mi�ee members helped during the day. Pirate Night was great fun with the lovely One Tree Hill. This months enter-tainment is on Friday 24th August with John and a Country & Western theme. On Saturday 18th August we will be at Merrio� Fete selling raffle �ckets and have a tombola stall and items for sale in the pavilion so please come along and

support us and the organisers of this family event. Fancy ge�ng a dart team together? We have room on a Thursday to accommo-date you or even ski�les. If you become a member now you will get August free as membership runs out September 2019! There are lots of rea-sons why you should become a member and soon there might be another reason so watch this space. Family membership is only £9 (2adults, 4kids), single is £6, OAP is £4. Don’t delay join today !! Lola Clarke

Chairperson

We last published a Useful Telephone List in December 2017 and will include an up-dated one in our next issue. If you

know of any amendments, do please let us know: merrio�[email protected]. A copy can be found on the Merrio� village website: www.merrio�village.org.uk

A u g u s t B a n k H o l i d a y R e c y c l i n g C o l l e c t i o n

Your recycling will be collected on Tuesday 28th August, in lieu of the Bank Holiday Monday.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P A G E 1 1 merrio�[email protected]

P h o t o g ra p h o f t h e m o n t h

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Merrio� Parish Council has a vacancy for a part �me clerk. This is an administra�ve role including typing and finance. 30hrs per month including one evening mee�ng. Salary per the NJC for Local Government rates. Numeracy, literacy and computer skills essen�al. Full Training will be available. Full job descrip�on available from Iain Hall, Chairman 01460 73771 iainrhall@hotmail. co.uk Closing Date for Applica�ons 17th August. Iain Hall We are looking for a reliable person to under-take general building works, anything from groundwork, to roofing to decora�ng. Work-ing in a small friendly team. Regular work available for the right person, though part-�me also considered. For more informa�on or an informal chat please call Jaime Knibbs 07976 597762, email [email protected] or pop into Blair Athol on Higher Street.

Natalie Cole

Towards the Mill Merrio�, taken from the meadow. Picture taken by Kathryn Hatche�

Please send your photo to: merrio�[email protected]

Printed by Parish Magazine Prin�ng 01288 341 617 Northmoor, Whitstone EX22 6TD

G a r d e n i n g Q u o t e o f t h e

M o n t h “I would rather have

roses on my table than diamonds at my neck”

Emma Goldman Sent in by Mo Frampton

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

J o b O p p o r t u n i t i e s

* * * F r e e * * * Merrio� Parish Council has twelve

1500x1000x23mm used Grass Mats available, to be collected from

Merrio� Recrea�on Field. Surplus to Play Installa�on.

Please contact: Iain Hall - 73771. [email protected]

Mobile Library @ Merrio� School

Tuesday 21st August 9.30 - 10.00

In the nineteenth century, Merrio� had towards 20 small breweries – houses which brewed their own beer/ale and sold to neighbours. Some of the houses that sold the beer/ale would have cider apple or-chards and would then make their own cider to sell. Two examples of the brewery jars (pictured) are now owned

by the Merrio� Heritage Trust. It has been es�mated that the wine flagon (smaller jar) is circa 1860 from our knowledge of the movements of William Webber, one �me owner of the nursery which became Sco�s. The larger jar is from what was called Higher Brewery at the top of Broadway. In Kelly’s Directory in 1889 it is referred

to as “The Merrio� Steam Brewery”. Higher Brewery is now called Vine House and the adjoining single storey building was the Malt House and s�ll retains the same name.

Alan Keene and Marion Biggs. Photos by Alan Keene with kind

permission of Merrio� Heritage Trust

J a r s a n d We b b e r

O f f t o P a s t u r e s N e w

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P A G E 3 merrio�[email protected]

H a p p e n i n g e l s e w h e r e … …

Quiz - The David Hall, South Petherton - 18th August @ 7.30pm. Teams of 4 at £6 per head (including light supper). Money raised will go towards assis�ng separated refugee families be re-united. Book your �ckets by Wed 15th August in person or email info@ thedavidhall.org.uk

Geraldine Downey, Refugee Support Group, South Somerset

N e w S p o n s o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hello, I am Gillian and run my own freelance hair and beauty business from a room in my home on

Lower Street, so you can save yourself a trip through the traffic and enjoy off-street parking and a more personal treatment in a private, comfortable room. Services include: unisex hairdressing, including event hair-up and I am trained in High Defini�on Brows so can offer all aspects of facial hair remov-al including �n�ng, waxing and threading. I also retail Weleda toxin and cruelty-free beauty prod-ucts and offer free skincare consulta�ons which include a relaxing facial. I work flexible hours including late evenings Mon-day to Thursday and a Saturday morning and am also able to offer some mobile appointments if needed. Search Barnets and Brows to find out more about me on Facebook or give me a call to book an appointment or free consulta�on. Tel: 0146074811 / 07803 572 642.

Gillian Schofield

Jaycee Plumbing Heating Engineers

Boiler servicing and changes, Lpg / Oil / Gas-Safe 20 Shiremoor Hill, Merriott

07970 279778 / 07738 632746 Ansaphone: 01460 76000

[email protected]

Ann and Andy Lawrence, who have lived in the village for 24 years will be leaving shortly to take up a new residence in Clevedon. They have each contributed to ac�vi�es in Merrio� in a very posi�ve and helpful way. One of Ann’s first ac�vi�es was to become a volunteer at Merrio� School. She has been involved on the editorial team of the Merrio� Messenger, in its enlarged regular format, for over 11 years as co-Chair and most recently has been Treasurer. She was a prime ins�gator in the development of the Village Plan, published in 2007 and in its revi-sion in 2014. At one �me she became a Parish Councillor. Ann has been a member of the Open Group for many years and has organised and hosted events at her house. She organised the Bri�sh Legion Poppy Collec�on from 2004 to 2012. Ann and Andy have been strong supporters of the Church and have contributed to many fund raising ac�vi�es, including Chris�an Aid, for the Church and other local good causes. Andy has for the last three years been chair of Trustees for the Village Hall and has been a major force behind the many improvements to the facility in that �me. We wish them both every happiness in their new home and realise that Merrio� will be the poorer without their energy, enthusiasm and community commitment. They will be sorely missed. Merrio� Messenger Editorial Team

P A G E 1 0

N e w s f r o m A l l S a i n t s

M e r r i o t t - a n a n c i e n t E n g l i s h v i l l a g e

merrio�[email protected]

M � � � � � � � M � � � � � � � �

At the �me of the Norman conquest, Merrio� was part of the holdings of an important land-owning Anglo-Saxon family headed by Eadnoth. He was Master of the Kings horse, Sheriff and Commander of the men of Somerset. A�er the defeat of King Harold at the Ba�le of Has�ngs, his lands were confiscated by the Normans. However, he must have been a realist and turned his coat and in 1068 died figh�ng for the Normans against King Harold’s sons who had taken to piracy and brigandage in Wessex. A�er the death of Eadnoth his son, Heardinc, (adop�ng the Norman name of Harding) became one of King Williams Judiciars and in the fullness of �me was rewarded with the grant of the Manor of Merrio� where he took up residence. In adap�ng his family to their new posi-�on he added the Norman prefix of Fitz to his name and thus became the Lord

Fitz-Harding de Meriet. In spite of assuming a Norman style family name, the family was s�ll part of a true Anglo-Saxon lineage and Merrio� became an island of old English aristo-cracy surrounded by planted Norman families such as the Mandevilles, Court-neys and the Daubeneys He was succeeded by his eldest son Nicholas Fitz-Harding de Meriet. Incidentally, his second son became Robert Fitz-Harding of Bristol from whom descended the Lords of Berkeley. Over the next genera�on Nicholas began to develop the land in his Manor, draining marshes, building roads and quarrying stone. It is thought that his brother Robert (who had taken part in the invasion of Ireland with the Earl of Pembroke) may have supplied him with cheap Irish labour giving rise to a local nickname for Merrio� of “li�le Ireland”. A century later Sir John de Meriet began

to build the present parish church adjacent to the Manor house. His infant son John was the first to be bap�sed there in 1276. The priest was Henry, Vicar of South Petherton and the god-parents were Sir Gilbert de Knowle and Lady Albreda de Mohun. The infant John grew up and aged 21 fought with King Edward I defea�ng William Wallace (Braveheart) at Falkirk in the Sco�sh war. He won more than his spurs. The King granted him a Charter of free warren gran�ng him permission to hunt deer, fox, and hare with his own hounds in Royal Forests and for the people of Merrio� and Lopen to hold fairs and markets. Merrio� prospered but in 1391 the last Sir John died without heir and with him the end of the de Meriet family. The Manor and its House reverted to the crown though did not survive much long-er but that is another story. Peter Bryans

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revs Nick and Bob to sleep rough in Merrio�

The church’s chosen charity to support un�l the end of this month is RAFT – Refugee Aid from Taunton. They support volunteers and send supplies via Care for Calais to help the many refugees that remain in northern France – o�en in terrible condi�ons. From September to the end of this year All Saints will be sup-por�ng the Church Housing Trust, which is a charity dedicated to the rehabilita-�on and rese�lement of homeless peo-ple of all ages and backgrounds in the UK.

Bob and Nick are going to be rough sleeping for the nights of the 13th and 14th of August in Merrio� to highlight the ongoing issues of refugees and home-lessness, and collect dona�ons and spon-sorship for these chari�es. We plan only to take a sleeping bag and will rely on the generosity of the good people of Merrio� for food and drink. We don’t quite know where we will se�le – per-haps the church porch or churchyard, or maybe in a doorway somewhere, possi-bly a barn if we are lucky…. Come and find us, follow us on Facebook, join us for a night under the stars! Look out for us around the village during the days of

the 13th / 14th / 15th. Let’s not forget, the young Jesus was also a refugee; Ma�hew 2.13-15. Church Services in August (at All Saints Church, unless indicated) Sun 5th 8.30am Holy Communion 6pm ‘Beer and Hymns’ at the Dinnington Docks public house Sun 12th 9.30am Communion Sun 19th 10.00am Family Service Sun 26th 10.00am Sung Communion

Rev. Bob Hicks

01460 76406

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A recent visit to Dawe’s Twineworks in West Coker was a fascina�ng experience for the Merrio� Open Group. Twenty members, partners and friends had a special tour of the site - the only surviving twineworks in the country to have its original Victorian machinery in place. It is open to the public every 4th Saturday of the month and is well worth a visit.

Marion Biggs

T h e m o n t h o f A u g u s t This month received its present name from the Emperor Augustus and was selected not as being his natal month, but because in it his greatest good fortune happened to him. As July contained 31 days, and August only 30, it was thought necessary to add another day to the la�er month, in order that Augustus might not be in any respect inferior to Julius.

Sent in by Ann Lawrence

August 9th Walk to Haselbury Mill and lunch For further informa�on contact

Marion Biggs on 74170 or marionbiggs169@ b�nternet.com. Marion Biggs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In recent weeks we have received a few complaints in rela�on to parking issues. These include farm vehicles and a Milk tanker struggling to get through Sandyhole Lane. There have been other complaints concerning Church Street involving vehicles parking on the zig zag lines, the bus stop, obstruc�ng residents driveways and double parking, causing issues for the school bus. Although there are no parking re-stric�ons in Sandyhole Lane, can thought please be given when parking to large

vehicles needing access. In rela�on to Church Street, most of the issues are happening around School drop off/pick up �mes. If driveways are obstructed preven�ng a vehicle leaving that is an offence and a penalty can be issued. The Zig Zags and the bus stop are there to assist with safety of the children and oth-er pedestrians. Please park with care. Just a reminder about security. As we con�nue to enjoy the hot weather, please take care not to leave vehicles insecure and house doors/windows un-

locked. This is a rela�vely low crime area but it is best not to put tempta�on in the way of an opportunist. If you have any ques�ons or concerns, please ring 101 and ask for Crewkerne Beat Team. You can also make contact via the Avon and Somerset website or email: michellehaimes@avonandsomerset. police.uk Enjoy the summer!

Michelle Haimes, PCSO 8913 Crewkerne Beat Team

M � � � � � � � M � � � � � � � �

OPEN GROUP

C r e w ke r n e B e a t Te a m u p d a t e

Sent in by Peter Bryans

My name is Mark Boucher and I have run ARB Tree and Garden Services for the past 12 years. We cover a wide range of work including all aspects of tree management, hedge cutting, fencing and much more - no job is too big or small.

I live in Merriott and carry out work for Merriott Parish Council and have recently carried out tree works on many of the churchyard trees. We are fully qualified and insured. Visit our website to see some of our recent work.

01460 77605 / 07799 331 805 [email protected]

www.arbtreeandgarden.co.uk

P A G E 4 merrio�[email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hinton St. George ‘Flix in the S�x’ proudly presents ‘PADDINGTON 2’ PG - 95 minutes

Saturday 11th August in Hinton Village Hall at 7.30pm

Tickets £5 in advance from the Village Shop and Dorothy’s Tea Room, or £5.50 on the door. Doors open 7.00pm. To reserve �ckets please contact Bob Kefford on 01460 72563. Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi & Hugh Grant A star-studded cast have fun in this second live-ac�on animated comedy film with gorgeous bear Paddington at the centre of all the ac�on. Se�led in with the Brown family, Paddington is a popular member of the communi-ty who spreads joy and marmalade wherever he goes. One fine day, he spots a pop-up book in an an�que shop -- the perfect present for his beloved aunt's 100th birth-day. When a thief steals the prized book, Paddington embarks on an epic quest to unmask the culprit before Aunt Lucy's big day. According to the Guardian another treat is coming to Hinton: ‘In the line-up of the most cri�cally acclaimed films, Ci�zen Kane and The Godfather have been bested by a bear from “darkest” Peru. The aggrega�on website Ro�en Tomatoes has de-clared Paddington 2 to be the best reviewed film in the site’s history.’ According to the Telegraph: ‘A deliciously funny Hugh Grant makes the bear's sequel impossible to resist!’

Andrew Overhill

“SUMMER TIME’ FETE & CHARITY

EVENT Friends and family of

Careford Lodge Invite you to our

“Summer Time” Fete on Friday 10th August 10am - 2pm

For fun, games, musical entertainment, refreshments, a raffle, tombola and many more stalls to choose from.

We look forward to seeing you there for cakes, Pimms and Sangria, flower arrangements, buffet lunch, ‘Hook a Duck’,

Lucky Dip, face painting, guest singer … to name but a few!

All proceeds will go to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A p l e a … …

Please put out water for our garden birds. The RSPB report that many of them are dying of de-hydra�on because there are no puddles for them to bathe in or drink. A shallow dish is ideal, even be�er a large bird bath which is topped up regularly. You will have the joy of watching them splash and bathe. Mo Frampton

M e r r i o t t P h a r m a c y w a n t s y o u b a c k ! Please support your local Pharmacy It has come to our a�en�on that many of our villagers have been

inadvertently signed up by Crewkerne Pharmacies and Pharmacy 2U. If you live locally, but get your prescrip-�ons dispensed elsewhere, then we want you back!

Help support our vital village facili�es by being faithful. Stay loyal stay local. We offer FREE prescrip�on ordering and collec�on service and FREE delivery to the housebound. Ask your surgery to electronically send your prescrip�on to us to protect the environment and reduce paper wastage. If you experience problems coming back to us then we want to hear from you.

We work closely with Symphony Healthcare , the new owners of Crewkerne and West One Health centres and they are keen to promote sustainability and localisa�on. By growing our healthcare base we can nego�ate harder with the Parish Council and NHS England for be�er healthcare facili�es for the village and for future genera�ons.

Max Punni, Merrio� Pharmacy tel 01460 72222

A local agent with local property knowledge!

Martin & Co (Yeovil) are a Letting and Estate agency who keep the specific needs

of our clients at the forefront of our business at all times. Completely customer-focussed, we are a locally-owned franchise of the award-winning national chain with many years of

property letting, management and sales experience behind us.

Give us a call today for a no-obligation honest chat about your property needs and

what we can do for you. 18 Princes Street, Yeovil

yeovil.martinco.com 01935 420555 [email protected]


D i n n i n g t o n R i d e - S u n d a y 2 6 t h A u g u s t The Rotary Club of Crewkerne is holding this event where riders can enjoy approximately 12 miles of beau�ful farmland, park and wood-land. Star�ng from a field by Dinnington Docks pub, near Hinton St. George TA17 8SX . There is an op�onal shorter course and the event is open to all ages, riders under 14 to be accompanied by an adult.

Start 9.30 am – 11.30 am (latest) £15.00 entry fee All riders - please ensure your public liability insurance is up to date. Rose�es for everyone* Light refreshments* Photographer* Parking Principle beneficiary Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance For further details phone: 01460 75450 Dave Checkley



If you own steep eroding fields, you could plant hedges or woodland.

If there are barriers to fish migra�on, we can help

design and fund fish passage easements.

If there are streams on your land there could be great opportuni�es to slow the flow with leaky dams and provide fish habitat.

How to get involved and what measures we support

If you own land adjacent to streams, you could connect the stream with its floodplain.

We can also provide free soil husbandry advice if you own arable and/or grass land and we can fund measures that reduce or temporarily store runoff and erosion at the edge of fields.

We are delighted to give you an update about the Merrio� Stream Mul�ple

Benefits project. Since autumn 2016, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG SW) has been working in

the Merrio� catchment in partnership with the Environment Agency (EA) and the Wild Trout Trust (WTT) to

reduce flood risk, improve water quality and enhance fish habitat.

Merriott Stream Multiple Benefits Project

reduce flood risk

improve infiltra�on into soils

a�enuate, slow and filter runoff

What is the project about? The Merrio� catchment is classified as having poor ecological status, because of low fish numbers and high phosphorus concentra�ons in the streams. Advice and capital grants are available to achieve mul�ple benefits such as:

Connect streams with their floodplains

Improve water quality and ecology

Improve fish passage and habitats

Create a beau�ful natural environment for the

community

For further information contact Sabine McEwan

[email protected] 07769321135

Future work The project is ongoing un�l 2021. We are working on delivering more schemes and soil husbandry advice this winter to help alleviate soil compac�on in the catchment. Give us a call if you have poten�al sites, we are always keen for more schemes!

Barriers to fish migra�on in the lower catchment

The culvert and flood allevia�on scheme are two of the main barriers, but there are several more further downstream. Historic pollu�on incidents are believed to have wiped out local fish popula�ons and recoloniza�on from the Parre� is restricted by several barriers. We are planning to do detailed catchment walkovers in the lower catchment to iden�fy barriers and look for opportuni�es to ease fish passage. If you own land adjacent to the river, please give us a call.

Con�nued...What are the issues with this site? The culvert poses a health and safety risk to users

of the field, dogs have been reported to have

fallen into collapsed sec�ons.

It is difficult to maintain the culvert. It has already

been replaced by plas�c pipes in various loca�ons.

The culvert currently has li�le amenity value.

We would like to tell you more about the culvert proposal and hear your views. You are warmly invited to a meeting at

Merriott Village Hall on Monday 24th September at 7pm Key topics and speakers (5-10 min each):

Sabine McEwan (FWAG) and Ma� Pang (Environment Agency): Overview of the project aims, issues in the catchment, and what advice and funding the project can offer you. Jane Moon (Geomorphologist for CALM engineering): Channel design and flood risk We are hoping to have some preliminary flood-risk modelling results to show you. The landowners will be there to talk to as well. Followed by an open discussion—we would like to hear your views Tea and biscuits will be provided. Please ring the FWAG office on 01823 660684 to book.

Con�nued...What are the benefits ? An open channel would reduce the risk to

people and dogs.

Maintenance of an open channel is much safer

and easier.

An open channel with environmental features

would provide more amenity value.

Future work



We started with catchment walkovers to iden�fying issues and opportunity sites over the winter of 2016/17. We conducted a soil survey to understand the condi�on of soils in the catchment. In 2017, we began to deliver natural flood management schemes and soil husbandry advice. Delivered schemes include: leaky woody structures to slow the flow, a leaky floodplain pond to temporarily store high flows and in-stream habitat improvements . More schemes have been explored and are proposed to be delivered this year or next year.

Already repaired

What have we done so far?

Left: One of the 20 leaky dams immediately after construction in October 2017 . Right: The same dam in February 2018. We are monitoring these dams and they are working as intended: they trap debris over time and store small amounts of water during high flows. Each individual dam has a small effect, but using them together in a cascade makes a notable difference to flow peaks and travel times.

Proud Winners of the River Prize The Merrio� catchment mul�ple benefits project is part of the wider Hills to Levels ini�a�ve. Hills to Levels was set up in 2015 as a response to the 2013-14 winter floods on the Somerset Levels.

We are very proud to announce that Hills to Levels won the 2018 UK River Prize. The River Prize is awarded by the River Restora�on Centre. Check out our video summarising the Hills to Levels approach: go to youtube and search for Hills to Levels—UK River Prize 2018.

Hills to Levels is con�nuing to grow and gain momentum. We are striving to improve land management so that the land is ac�ng ‘like a sponge, not a sloping roof’, reducing flooding and sediment runoff, resul�ng in healthier rivers.

What are the environmental issues with this site?

The culvert and the flood allevia�on scheme are

two of the main barriers to fish migra�on in the

Merrio� catchment, cu�ng off 5km upstream.

There is no habitat value to either fish,

invertebrates or aqua�c plants in the culvert.

The straightened and culverted sec�on of the

stream speeds up water flows to the proper�es

downstream. The culvert allows flow rates to be

unnaturally high, transpor�ng water as rapidly as

possible. High flows are then restricted by the road

bridge.

What are the benefits of our proposal?

Fish passage will be eased, connec�ng the lower

catchment to 5 km of upstream habitat.

Created habitat will support a variety of fish,

invertebrates and aqua�c plant species.

Flood risk will be reduced:

A meandering channel will increase the overall

length of the channel and reduce the rela�ve

gradient, which will reduce flow rate.

The introduc�on of a�enua�on features along

the proposed channel will temporarily store high

flows.

The Merriott Culvert Proposal

We are proposing to open up the culvert and restore an open meandering stream with habitat and flood

a�enua�on features as well as provide fish passage easement thought the Merrio� flood allevia�on scheme

(see the outline design below). We have been working with the landowners and we have applied for grant

funding for this proposal. The principal landowner has offered to support the project without a condi�on

a�ached to an adjoining residen�al planning applica�on. This proposal will however have to go through

planning permission and Somerset County Council ordinary watercourse consent, which requires hydraulic

modelling and a flood risk assessment.

We are hoping to work on an ambi�ous project near Moorlands Road, between the flood allevia�on dam and

the Mill House. The Merrio� Stream flows through a 300m-long culvert, which was historically constructed to

supply a head of water to the downstream mill in Merrio�. The official footpath is located along the edge of

the field.

Tom Merrick MERR OTT M ESSENGER -...

Documents

Transcript of Tom Merrick MERR OTT M ESSENGER -...