March - April 2016 - West Monkton Parish Councilwestmonkton.net/wp-content/uploads/the-village-news/March-April-20… · information contained within this publication is published

Copy deadline for May - June 2016 is 1st April 2016

Page 1

Contents:Useful Numbers/Regular Bookings/Singles Club - Page 2Slimbridge Visit/Spring Market/Thank you/CWM Film Club- Page 3Monkton Strollers/Learning Together - Page 4John Reeves - a friend of West Monkton - Page 5St Augustine’s Church - Page 6 & 7Bathpool Chapel/West Monkton Cricket Club - Page 8Gardening Corner/Yarn Bombing - Page 9WI 50 Years On/100 Club results - Page 10West Monkton Pre-School/Phoenix Photographers - Page11Parish Council/Primary School News - Page 12 & 13Village Hall News/Hearing Dogs - Page 14Evening WI/Neighbourhood Plan - Page 15Bird World - Page 16Benefits of Neutering your Cat/Dancing in the Aisles - Page 18Tacchi-Morris/The Page is Printed/Primary School - Page 20Transport/Friendship Club/Quantock Music - Page 22For Sale/Blood Donors/IT Tips/Surviving Winter/Monkton Players - Page 26Ride ‘em Cowgirl/And Finally ... - Page 28

Village NewsMonkton Heathfield,West Monkton and Bathpool

Issue No. 98March - April 2016

Publication in the Village News does not imply an endorsement. The Editors cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Theinformation contained within this publication is published in good faith.

Volunteers deliver this publication to homes in West Monkton, Monkton Heathfield, Bathpool, Gotton and Goosenford.

Part of the crowd who packed theNeighbourhood Planning Meeting

- see report Page 15

Graffiti Classics - see report Page 18


Page 2

USEFUL NAMES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Lay Reader: Kevin Davenport - 01823 413628Churchwardens: Brian Hill - 01823 443503 John Roynon - 01823 442997P.C.C Secretary: Hazel Adams - 01823 443027P.C.C Treasurer: Rachael Baker- 01823 413761Captain of Bell ringers: Pearl Jeanes - 412804Church Flower Organiser: Angela Dill - 412395Mothers’ Union: Betty Stone - 01823 331723Parish Council Clerk: Tricia Cavill - 413524Parish Council Chairman: Hazel Ellis - 412485West Monkton Primary School Head: IanRobinson - 412582Heathfield Community School Head: Peter Hoare -412396Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre: 414141Taunton Deane Community Transport: 01823331266 Slinky Bus: 01823 331266 Mon-Fri. 9 am to4 pm (24hrs notice).Neighbourhood Beat Manager: PC 4250 AndyBeakePolice Community Support Officers: 101 and askfor PC277 Steve Linton or PCSO 8412 Claire EscottVillage Hall :Telephone, incoming calls only - 01823 412068Booking Officer: Mrs Lyn Batt Tel: 01823 412089Chairman: Joyce Keyte 01823 412294Vice Chairman: Iris Pigott 01823 413552

Useful E-Mail addresses & websitesCommunity Website: www.somersetrcc.org.ukParish Council Website: www.westmonkton.netLitter Hotline: 01823 356356Saturday Morning Music School Mike Riches- 01823 412416 mikeriches@btinternet,comVillage News Editor: Please forward informationfor the next edition to the Associate Editors,Lorna Walters, Tel. 01823 [email protected] Watts, Tel. 01823 [email protected] News Treasurer Ken JonesDistribution of the Village News is organised by:Barry Gage, Maggie & Gordon Little and DavidPearson. Submissions to Village News may be madeby e-mail or by hard copy. Please ask for a receipt toyour e-mail to ensure that it arrives. Please only useblack text so that information may by copied easily intothe Village News. Items submitted will be subjected toediting if necessary. The deadline for submissions forthe May - June 2016 Village News is 1st April 2016.

Regular Bookings at the Village Hall

West Monkton Pre School:Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:15 am to 3:00pm andTuesday and Friday 9:15 am to 12:15 pm during termtimeWriters Club:7:30pm to 9:30pm Mondays and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pmThursdaysPhoenix Camera Club: 7:00 to 10:00 pm MondaysWest Monkton Salsa Club: 7:00 to 10:30 pmMondaysPilates: 9:30 to 10:30 am Tuesdays and 9:30 am -10:30 am Fridays, Heathfield HallBrownies: 6:00 to 7:30 pm TuesdaysModel Boat Club: Tuesdays evening once a month7:30 to 9:30 pmMonkton Players: 8:00 to 10:00 pm TuesdaysTaunton Ladies Chorus: 7:15 to 9:15 pm TuesdaysBadminton: 2:00 to 3:00 pm Tuesdays & 8:00 to10:00 pm WednesdaysBizzy Boots Line Dancing: 7:00 to 9:45 pmWednesdaysNational Childbirth Trust:10:00 am to 12 noon Wednesdays, Heathfield HallCoffee Morning: 10:00 to 11:30 am ThursdaysFitness for Fun Classes: 6:00 to 7:00 pm ThursdayMonkton Evening WI:7:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of the monthLadies Afternoon Tea: 2:30 to 4:30pm, HeathfieldHall on third Thursday of the month.National Trust: 1:30 to 4:00 pm Monthly on aSaturdayTrams and Railways: 2:00 to 4:00 pm Monthly on aSaturdaySouth West Orchid Society:2:00 to 5:00 pm once a month on a SundaySGI Buddhist Group 10:00 am to 1:00pm on secondSunday in the month.Model Railways Quarterly on a Sunday (all day)For more information on any of these groups pleasecontact:Joyce Keyte 01823 412294Email: [email protected]

To get a copy of the Village News emailed to youplease email [email protected]

Singles ClubMarch 8th 10:30a.m. Bingo and Fish and Chips at Langaller Farm HouseApril 12th Pub LunchSingles is a club for anyone who would like to meet newpeople, it is not a Dating Club! Any single person ismost welcome. We meet on the second Tuesday in themonth for a variety of activities. It is a very friendlygroup of about 35 people.Just give me a ring if you would like to come:Dianne Besley 412857.


Page 3

Cheddon and West MonktonFilm Club

Friday 18th March BrooklynAn Irish immigrant lands in 1950sBrooklyn, where she quickly falls into anew romance. When her past catches upwith her, however, she must choosebetween two countries and the lives thatexist within. Terrific cast (the estimableSaoirse Ronan, Domnhall Gleeson, Julie

Walters, Jim Broadbent) in Nick Hornby’s adaptationof the best-seller by Colm Toibin.

Friday 15th April The Lady in theVanLittle needs to be said: AlanBennett’s stage play filmed withMaggie Smith in the title role,supported by a wealth of UKtreasures – not least Alex Jenningsas Bennett himself and a roll call ofrep players from other Bennett vehicles such as‘History Boys’. Everyone is going to want to see this– for a second time even if they have seen it in thecinema.

Cheddon Fitzpaine Memorial HallDoors Open – 6:30pm for light refreshments

Short Film – 7:00pm Main Film - approx 7:30pmTickets £6 at door

West Monkton Village Hall(Registered Charity No. L2/304670)

SpringMarket

Saturday 21st May

Open for Sale 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

West Monkton Village Hall,Monkton Heathfield

Tables now available at £10 each

---------XXX--------

Setting up in morning from 10:00 amPlease contact Joyce Keyte

01823 412294Email: [email protected]

Raising funds for Hallrefurbishment

St Augustine’s Churcha visit to

Slimbridge Wetland Centrecalling at

Dr Jenner’s House,Museum & Gardens

en route for tea/coffee andbiscuits

Wednesday 25th May 2016leaving Monkton Heathfield at 9:30am

£30.00To include:coach, entry fees to Slimbridge and Dr.Jenner’s House, tea/coffee and biscuits

PleasecontactAnneDavenporton01823413628 toreserve aseat

Carol Singing

We sang and sang on a very warm Christmas Eve.It was good to see so many families keeping upthe tradition of singing around the village onChristmas Eve.We raised £270 for S.U.R.E. The money will go tohelp purchase a £500,000 Big Bore Scanner.Thank you Dianne

John Reeves’ Thanksgiving Service5th February 2016

Tiggie, Adam and Simon would like to express ahuge “Thank you” to all those who made John’sThanksgiving Service so wonderful for us.

So many people made sandwiches and cakes andgave up so much of their time to help in the Churchand Village Hall on the day. You are wonderfulfriends.

Thank you to all those who came and supported us,it was a huge honour and made for such amemorable service.

Dear John, he would have been looking down,thinking, “Oh, I have caused a bit of hassle haven’tI!”Many, many thanks to everyone,Tiggie, Adam and Simon


Page 4

Monkton StrollersWest Monkton Walking Club

Do you want a guided walk without being pressured to go at a certain pace?Have you ever wanted to get out into nature in a relaxed atmosphere?

Do you want to keep fit whilst socialising with a friendly group?Have you been stuck indoors this winter and want to get out and meet some new friends?

The Monkton Strollers are a friendly, mixedgroup of walkers who do 3 to 4 mile walksevery Tuesday from 9:30 am.

The group are currently looking for newmembers to join them for the coming year.

The walks take a number of varied routesaround the local area and are at a leisurelypace, taking in all the beauty and theinteresting sights in and around Taunton.

The Willow Cathedral, Taunton

To get involved please email Wendy for moreinformation and to receive the Monday updates,which give time and start location for theupcoming week.

Email: [email protected]

LEARNING TOGETHEREnjoy reading/playing games/numbers?

Have a small amount of time you could spare once a month?Want to be a part of our school community?

The staff at West Monkton Primary School are keen to offer the children as many opportunities to learnas possible.We would like to invite parents, carers, friends and family to join together with us and become part of theschool community. Volunteers would visit the school two afternoons a month from 2:00pm to enjoyrefreshments together and then from 2:30pm until 3:00pm to join in with the children’s activities in theclassroom. This could involve reading, spelling and phonics games or numeracy activities such ascounting with children aged 5 – 7.A member of school staff will be present at all times, so there is no requirement for formal checks and allbooks and resources will be provided.Dates are the first and third Thursday of every month, so for the restof this school term are:MarchThursday 3rd @ 2:00 pm Thursday 17th @ 2:00 pmAprilThursday 7th Easter Holidays Thursday 21st @ 2:00 pm

If you are interested in joining us and “Learning Together” please call and leave a message for Mrs Martin on01823 412582, or email her at [email protected] to register your interest.West Monkton Primary - Aiming to be an inspirational community where everyone has the courage andconfidence to fly!


Page 5

John Reeves - a friend of the Villages

With the passing of John Reeves, on December17th 2015, West Monkton lost one of its most highlyrespected and dedicated residents.John was born in Aberystwyth in 1941 and duringhis life he would often refer with pride to his Welshroots and upbringing. Educated at schools inAberystwyth, followed by universities at Lampeterand Cardiff, John gained a BA and Diploma inEducation. From 1963 to 1970 John taught atColstons Preparatory School in Bristol and, as asign of the type of chap he was to become, as wellas teaching he became a housemaster, coachedsoccer, ran the Scout and Cub packs andorganised adventure groups.In 1965 an attractive young lady called TiggiePhillips came to work at the school as Matron andtwo years later Tiggie and John were married.In 1970 the couple came to live in West Monktonand so began 45 years of service to our Parish, forwhich we are so grateful to both John and Tiggie.John took a teaching post at Pyrland Hall, whichlater became King’s Hall. He started as Head ofHistory, became Deputy Head and latterly SeniorMaster. Needless to say he ran summer camps andcanal cruises until his retirement in 2001.So, what did John get up to in West Monkton? Oneof the highlights was the production of theMillennium Book, which he masterminded and, withthe help of others, produced as a celebration of theParish. Entitled ‘West Monkton Then and Now’ itsoon sold out due to its great demand andpopularity.On hearing a few moans from John about the stateof the Parish in the 1990s I suggested, politely, tomy good friend that he might like to join the ParishCouncil where he could help to put matters right!John did so and served with distinction for 15years, seven of those years as Chairman. Withfuture major developments at the forefront ofcouncil business, he led the CommunityEngagement Panel, working tirelessly with others totry and secure the best for our Parish.John took an active part in church life, where hewould sometimes take the family services. Hewould also sing in the choir and was, for severalyears, a member of the PCC. Church activitieswere always enhanced by John’s help and support.John invariably had his camera at the ready andmany an unsuspecting person would, much to theirsurprise, see their photo in the next edition of theVillage News! He was also a regular contributor tothe Village News, providing articles which he madeso interesting and which were enjoyed by so many.John was also a compiler of and quiz master ofnote and, as he set the questions, his decision onmarking was final!John seemed to love to decorate my fences withbanners and to put posters up all over the village to

tell us all about the next function to take place.Always, of course ably assisted or perhaps underinstruction from dear Tiggie.John’s love of steam engines, old tractors andvehicles was a hobby he had enjoyed since hisearly teenage years. As a boy he would spendmany hours helping in the locomotive sheds of thenarrow gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway,Aberystwyth. Over the years he would often visitthe railway and in July 2015 was given the honourof being allowed to drive the train to Devil’s Bridgeand back. They thought a lot of John.John wrote for several magazines and was DeputyEditor of ‘Vintage Spirit Magazine’. He startedcommentating in 1989 and did so at many ralliesduring each summer, the last being at the GreatDorset Steam Fair. His skill and knowledge in thefield was legendary.In 2006, John was a member of a team who drovea Garrett steam tractor from John O’Groats toLand’s End, only the second group to ever do therun.The restoration of a 1926 stationary steam engine,a 1959 Allis Chalmers tractor named Alice and a1955 Land Rover also gave him something to do!After many years service, he also becamePresident of the Somerset Traction Engine Club.After retirement, John found the perfect part-timejob, driving a delivery van for Taunton Landrover,which he greatly enjoyed doing for 13 years.Awards to John include a Lifetime Achievementaward for the Transport Trust, presented by PrinceMichael of Kent and a cup awarded by theNational Traction Engine Club.John will be greatly missed by so many peoplewho have been privileged to have known him, butour memory of him will live on through Tiggie, hissonsAdamandSimonand thefourgrand-childrenwho allmeant somuch tohim.

HenryBesley

John Reeves 1941 - 2015


Page 6

From St. Augustine’sChurch

I wonder if like me, youusually find January andFebruary a bit grey anddepressing? I remember asa child thinking “Well, atleast I have a birthday inearly February to lookforward to”, but as I getolder, even birthdays feelmore like the burden of thepassing years than acelebration. Christmas andNew Year festivities are as far away as ever, so nowonder the newspapers are full of advertisements forsummer holidays to try to lift our spirits, and part usfrom our money! This year though is a bit differentwith Mothering Sunday on 6th March and BritishSummer Time starts on Easter Sunday, 27thMarch. Soon we will be enjoying longer days and thelasting joy of Easter. Rather than feeling sorry forourselves, what about seizing the opportunity toprepare for this early Easter? By the time you readthis, we will already be about half way through Lent,but there is still time to join one of the ‘DiscipleshipExplored’ Lent Courses in either Kingston St Mary(daytime) or West Monkton (evenings). These house-group meetings will give you the time and space tothink about what it really means to live the Christianlife. The course is intended for those who have beencoming to church for years as much as those whoare beginning their journey, or even just questioningwhat Christianity is all about. Contact the BeneficeOffice (Tel: 451267) for information.As I write in late January, we still await theconfirmation of funding from the Heritage LotteryFund for our church repairs and the proposedHeritage Trail which will link the four churches inthe Benefice, together with Hestercombe andFyne Court. Confirmation is expected on or before19th February. Continuing thanks to all of you whohave supported the project through your efforts,donations and prayers. If funding confirmation isreceived, we hope to have contractors on site beforethe next edition of the Village News.The search for a new Rector continues. After thedisappointment of no interest, despite advertisingtwice nationally last year, it is understandable manyof you question what is happening. Last year’s aimwas to find someone who could lead our fourparishes, and find time amongst our new housingdevelopments and our schools. We must acceptthere are typically around a dozen pages full ofadvertisements for clergy each week in the ChurchTimes. There are far more jobs than applicants, andthis is reflected by our Bishop of Bath & Wells callingfor our prayers during Lent for those consideringordination. Many of the posts advertised are similarto our advert last year, so we have tried to changethe emphasis as we prepare to re-advertise for a‘pioneer mission’ focused Rector who will

concentrate on building the Kingdom of Godamongst our new housing and schools,supported by the existing team of clergy and lay-leaders. The new West Monkton Primary School hasan exciting vision which offers opportunities todevelop our links and create a location for a widerange of activities and worship aimed at families,young people as well as the ‘not so young’. Headteacher, Ian Robinson, is eager that the new schoolwith its ‘community hall’ is used to the maximum,rather than just as a place of learning for our primaryage children during school hours. In the meantime,we are delighted to continue working closely with ourschools at West Monkton and Cheddon Fitzpaine byoffering Collective Worship in the schools, FamilyWorship in our churches and our recently launchedMessy Church at Cheddon Memorial Hall. Schoolchildren will again visit St Augustine’s for an ‘EasterExperience’, and I am grateful to Rev. TonyWoodward and a group of volunteers including someschool governors for enabling this on Weds. 23rdMarch. There will be another Summer Experience inJuly when children, from both West Monkton andCheddon Fitzpaine Primary Schools, will be involvedin preparing illustrations and ideas for our HeritageTrail plans and Family Quizzes.Please try and join us for our Lent Groups and forour Mothering Sunday and Easter Services. In themeantime, please continue to pray that the rightperson will offer their ministry as our new Rector,and perhaps these prayers from Bishop Peter andBishop Ruth will help:A collect:God of our calling, your Spirit bestows upon yourpeople a rich diversity of gifts and ministries: fromthis royal priesthood raise up, we pray, women andmen to proclaim your word, to be stewards ofChrist’s mysteries and to grow your kingdom; in thename of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.And a Diocesan Prayer:Lord God, who calls us to grow more like Christ in allwe do and are;in this season of Lent, give us a deepening of ourown sense of vocation and ministry,and help us to see where we can best use the giftsand talents you have given us.Enable us to identify and nurture all those you arecalling into leadership in your churchand especially those women and men you havechosen to be ordained.May we all be united by your Spirit in our desire togrow your kingdom,to share in ministry and to serve the people of thisdiocese;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Finally, please include in your prayers our loyalfriend, Archdeacon John Reed as he prepares forhis retirement in June and his departure from ourParish and our Diocese. Our thanks for all he and Jillhave contributed over so many years.Kevin Davenport (Reader,St. Augustine’s, WestMonkton)


Page 7

Saint Augustine, West Monkton andBlessed Virgin Mary, Cheddon Fitzpaine

Benefice Services During March and AprilPlease note these services are subject to change

Sunday March 6th (Mothering Sunday)8:00 am Holy Communion Kingston St Mary9:30 am Family Service Cheddon Fitzpaine11:00 am Family Service West Monkton6:00pm LMG Evensong Creech St MichaelSunday March 13th (Passion Sunday)8:00 am Holy Communion West Monkton9:30 am Holy Communion Kingston St Mary9:30 am Holy Communion Cheddon Fitzpaine6:00 pm LMG Evensong West MonktonSunday March 20th (Palm Sunday)8:00 am Holy Communion Kingston St Mary10:00 am United Service BroomfieldMonday March 21st7:00 pm Compline Kingston St MaryTuesday March 22nd7:00 pm Compline West MonktonWednesday March 23rd7:00 pm Compline Kingston St MaryThursday March 24th (Maundy Thursday)7:00 pm United Service West MonktonFriday March 25th (Good Friday)2:00 pm Short Reflection West Monkton(Similar services at Kingston (11:00 am), Cheddon (12:00pm) and Broomfield (10:00 am)Sunday March 27th (Easter)9:30 am Parish Eucharist West Monkton9:30 am Holy Communion Kingston St Mary9:30 am Holy Communion Cheddon Fitzpaine10:00 am Holy Communion Broomfield*** NB No 8:00 am at West Monkton on this daySunday April 3rd8:00 am Holy Communion Kingston St Mary9:30 am Family Service West Monkton6:00 pm Holy Communion West MonktonSunday April 10th8:00 am Holy Communion West Monkton9:30 am Holy Communion Kingston St Mary9:30 am Holy Communion Cheddon Fitzpaine6:00 pm Evensong West MonktonSunday April 17th8:00 am Holy Communion Kingston St Mary9:30 am Parish Eucharist West Monkton11:00 am Holy Communion Broomfield4:00 pm Messy Church Cheddon Village HallSunday April 24th8:00 am Holy Communion West Monkton9:30 am Holy Communion Cheddon Fitzpaine9:30 am Holy Communion Kingston St Mary6:00 pm Evening Prayer Broomfield

Latest information may be obtained from the BeneficeOffice on 01823 451257Enquiries and requests for pastoral care toChurchwardens, John Roynon 01823 442997 andBrian Hill 01823 443503

From the St Augustine’s Church records:

Baptisms:We welcome the newly baptised into thecommunity of the church of Christ and pray thatthey may grow in the life of the Holy Spirit.December 15thHarvey Jones Fletcher-Hodge

Marriages:We wish joy and lasting fulfilment toDecember 18thGlenn Rose and Hannah Simpson

Funerals:May the souls of the departed rest and grow inpeace and rise in glory.Memorial Service February 5thJohn Reeves

Monkton Heathfield Community Centre:

Short service of Holy Communion followed by teaand biscuits. Held at 10:30 a.m on the first Thursdayof each month.Next services are 3rd March and 7th April.All most welcome.

Local Ministry Group LentEvening Services

Sunday March 13th6:00 pm West MonktonSunday March 20th6:00 pm Norton Fitzwarren

St Augustine’s Church, Car Park Extension

Timber AvailableA mix of Bay, Yew, Holm-Oak and Poplar in avariety of lengths, suitable for fire wood (afterstorage) or possibly the Yew could be used forwood-turning.

Donations invited pleaseCheques made payable to:

West Monkton PCC

Enquiries to Kevin Davenport 01823 412201c/o Little Haven, Sidbrook, West Monkton,

Taunton, TA2 8NL.N.B. Monies raised will help towards the cost

of the new car-park


Page 8

Sunday morning service normally startsat 10:30 a.m. so if you are new to thearea or looking for a Church you will bemade most welcome.

Services in March/April 20166th March – Rev David Thirkell, this serviceincludes Communion13th March – Colin Figures, former Missionary inFrance and the Muslim world20th March –Speaker to be confirmed25th March – Good Friday – There is no serviceat Bathpool but we join together with either MaryMagdalene or St James Church in Taunton forworship and a later walk of witness to the MarketHouse for an open air service and time ofreflection.27th March – Easter Day – A celebration ofpraise, worship and thanksgiving, led by a Chapelspeaker3rd April – Speaker to be confirmed10th April – Speaker to be confirmed.17th April – Rev David Thirkell24th April – ‘Footprints’ - Breakfast anddiscussion. On the 4th Sunday of the month weshare a continental style buffet breakfast from 10until 10:45am, followed by a relaxed informaldiscussion on a topic of interest linked to our faith.Forthcoming Events:Wednesday Coffee Mornings from 10:00 to 12Noon throughout March and AprilSaturday Coffee Mornings and bric-a-brac salesfrom 9:00 am on the first Saturdays of March andApril. Please note we are starting earlier with eggand bacon butties for anyone who would like tohave their breakfast at the Chapel and save on thewashing up. You may even make some newfriends.Folk Music Group - On the first Wednesdayevening of the month we have a local groupmeeting in the Chapel from 8 pm until 10:30 pm,singing and playing a variety of music some ofwhich are original compositions. If you play aninstrument, sing, read poetry, or would like to comealong and enjoy the ambience you are welcome.For further information contact Dave or JaneCooke on 07879812077 or 07900570369.Community Prayer Garden: This is open toanyone in our area who would like to spend sometime quietly enjoying the garden or have a picnicand space for reflection. Perhaps you might like touse this as temporary escape from the business oflife. Remember this is freely available and we nowhave a new sign next to the Bus Stop.Further enquiries about our Chapel should bereferred to the Church Secretary, Clive Hooper on01278 457221 or 07889 228002.

BATHPOOL CHAPEL West Monkton Cricket Club

After a record breaking 2015, whenwe achieved our highest ever leagueposition – finishing as runners up inthe 1st division of the West SomersetLeague, members of West MonktonCricket Club are now beginning to ready ourselves foranother year’s competition.2016 promises to be an exciting year for the club bothon and off the field of play. We are delighted to have anew local shirt sponsor – Silvers Pantry at ProctersFarm – and will be celebrating this partnership with aceremony at their café on 20th March. We’d love tosee as many people from the local community aspossible so, if you have half an hour to spare, why notcome down and meet the team in the convivialsurroundings of Steven and Victoria’s café?The club also now finds itself surrounded on all sidesby the new housing development. Although this hasgreatly changed the outlook from the ground, we hopethe proximity of these new homes will help us toreconnect with the local community and, perhaps,result in more budding cricketers joining our ranks!In the coming weeks the process of waking the oldclubhouse from its winter slumber will begin in earnest,followed in early March by our indoor practice netsessions. With aspirations of winning the league, andseeing our 2nd XI gaining promotion to higherdivisions, we are always looking for new players of anyage or ability. So if you are interested in playing cricketat your local ground, either competitively on aSaturday or in a purely friendly capacity on a Sunday,please come along and join us at Castle Sports Centre(also known as the ‘1610 gym’) on Sunday 13th Marchat 9:00am.The fixtures for 2016 see our 1st XI start theircampaign at home to Stogumber 1st XI on Saturday7th May, whilst our 2nd XI find themselves at NorthNewton that day. Play starts at 2:30pm and we’d loveto see anyone interested in cricket, or just happy towhile away a few hours watching our efforts, so pleasecome along and see what you’ve been missing!Hopefully we’ll put on a decent show and you’ll want tocome again soon.You can follow our teams’ movements by checking thefixtures on the West Somerset League website(http://www.westsomersetcricket.co.uk) and there willbe more information about the club’s exploits on ourown website (http://westmonkton.play-cricket.com).We also aim to publish details of our next home gameson local notice boards throughout the season.Hopefully we’ll see lots of you at our sponsor’sceremony and/or practice sessions in March, andmany more dropping by the ground – affectionatelyknown as ‘The Camel’s Hump’ – at some point overthe summer.If you are interested in coming to any of these events,or just want to know a little more about the club,please don’t hesitate to contact any of the chaps notedbelow:Ned Binding (Club Captain / Fixture secretary) – 07811346306John Salter (2nd XI Captain / Groundsman) – 07534 225467Nick Hutchings (Vice Chairman) – 07810 226843


Page 9

Gardening Corner

It is time to shake off the winter blues and get backout into the garden. There is a very quickturnaround over the next few weeks and anythingthat you can do now in preparation will help yougain more control. Let’s face it, we gardeners areall control freaks!First on the list is staking. Sounds daft when youlook at those tiny little shoots in the ground butbefore you know it they will have grown up and itis much harder to stake fully grown plants. In theformal gardens we use hazel that we havecoppiced over the winter to make our stakes.Hazel doesn’t re root in the soil so it is perfect forthe job. Using pea stick type branches I push in acircle of hazel around a clump. Then pull two ofthe opposite branches over to meet and just twistthem together - if this is tricky you can use string.As you keep going around you make a kind ofupside down basket. Not only are these free andnatural, they actually look really good too. Theplant then grows up inside the support and hasplenty of room to spread. Remember to go slightlytaller than you think, when you look at delphiniumsjust starting to sprout it is hard to remember howtall they grow!In some areas, where we have a swath of astersfor example, I might instead use bamboo canesand string just to make a little fence for them tolean against. Of course a good google search willalso reveal all sorts of extravagant stakes - great ifyou want something more permanent and as afeature.Depending on the weather, you may havesnowdrops that are just starting to die back. try notto tidy up and cut off the wilting foliage as they arebusy sending all the energy from photosynthesisback down to the bulb ready for next year. Now is

a great time to move snowdrops though. If youhave a clump you can lift and divide and replant in‘in the green’ (with leaves on). Replant the bulbsstraight away as the bulbs tend to dry out easily.Give them a drink of water once planted to be onthe safe side.You can also cut back all the perennials that youleft over winter for frost protection, such asgrasses, penstemon, perovskia. This just meansthat you are cutting back the old foliage so that thenew shoots are exposed and ready to go.I like to get all my grass edges straight and clippedbefore the main grass growing season. So put outcanes and string as tight as you can and cut asharp edge with your half moon. Straight lines willreally help make your garden look good - even ifnothing much is in flower.So get and get ready for the total chaos of Apriland May!

Claire Reid, Head Gardener, Hestercombe

A woven Hazel frame

Yarn Bombing 2016

Did you see or hear about the yarn bombing in Taunton last July? It certainly gotpeople smiling and talking. It was all part of the Taunton Live 2015 Arts Festivaland it is going to happen again this year. This time it should be bigger and better,involving more areas and villages around Taunton.Taunton Live is a not-for-profit event organised by GoCreate, which is part of theCreative Club that meets at CICCIC in Paul Street.We could do some Yarn Bombing in our area if there is any interest! Would you, ordo you know anyone who might like to be involved?We also need lots of wool / yarn. If you have any cluttering your cupboards donations would be much

appreciated. Thank you for considering this.I go to a Knit and Natter group in Taunton Library every second and fourthWednesday of the month between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. It is open to all,just drop in. If you want help with knitting or crochet then there are expertsthere, or just bring along your own project. The Knit and Natter Group isfree!Please contact me, Sandy Thomas, at 26 Greenway, Monkton Heathfieldor you can find me at The Village Hall every Tuesday from 2 to 3pm(Badminton Session)


Page 10

West Monkton Church 100 ClubPrizewinners

The January draw was held onWednesday 5th January 2016First Prize £102.00, won by David

BellmanSecond Prize £51.00, won by Anthony & BettyStoneThe sum of £357.00 will go towards the repair of thechurch roof.The number of £5.00 shares entered in the drawwas 102.

West Monkton WI - 50 years on

June

This was a great month, thoughalas not always a fine one, foroutings and garden parties.The first, and by far the mostenergetic outing was that of the

six Youth Club members who entered as a team forthe 30 hours, 50 mile Ten Tors Walk, which entailedgetting up at 4:30 am the first morning. Threemembers completed the course and all resolved totry again next year.On Whit Sunday the West Monkton Labour Partymade a coach trip over Dartmoor to Plymouth,visiting Princetown to see the prison.Greenway Mission sewing classes went to Dawlishon the 7th and on the 15th the Women’s Meetingvisited West Bay, Abbotsbury Swannery andWeymouth.The Guides had a very busy month, they had theirouting to Teignmouth on the 8th, and on the 18ththey took part in a Swimming Gala, at TauntonBaths, in which they came fourth. On the 24th theywere joined by the Brownies for their own ChurchParade at the Parish Church, which they decoratedthemselves for the occasion.On June 21st the WI went to Watermouth Castleand Ilfracombe. The weather was fine at first, andmembers were able to admire the magnificent viewsacross Exmoor to Dunkery Beacon. A coffee breakat Exford, then on to Combe Martin by which time aheavy mist was descending. At Watermouth Castle,which dates back to William the Conqueror, but wasrebuilt in 1825, they viewed the Baronial Hall, roomsand galleries, then passed through the conservatoryto the garden where they saw the lily pond, pets’cemetery, shrubs and terraces of roses. After apicnic lunch they went on to Ilfracombe in pouringrain. However everyone seemed happy in spite ofthat and enjoyed a shop gaze, a walk and adelicious meal. On the way home they stopped atBampton.The Sunday School had a picnic and games onCrowcombe Common.

The old people had their turn on June 28th, when twocoaches and a car went for an afternoon drive overExmoor to Porlock for tea, after which they went on tospend a pleasant hour in Minehead.On the 9th, the Mother’s Union met on the Rectorylawn for an address by Rev. Larden, Curate of StJames, Taunton, who was formerly a missionary inthe Sudan. On the 17th a few members attended aBanner Service at Wells. The C.E.M.S. were guestsat a service at Stogursey on June 16th. The B.L.W.S.were shown how to make loose covers for chairs andstools.The WI talk was on drying and arranging flowers andleaves for winter decorations. Delegates to theAnnual General meeting in London gave this reportsand Mrs Besley, dressed as for the great occasion,gave a fascinating account of the colours and thecrush at the Royal Garden Party at BuckinghamPalace.On June 22nd thirty-two WI members were the guestsof Lady Hobhouse at a Garden Party held at herhome, Glebe Court. After a delicious tea, LadyHobhouse showed everyone the beauty of hergarden. There was great amusement when her tenducks paraded in front of the group just asphotographs were being taken.

West Monkton Conservative Association organised agarden party, with side shows, buffet and bring andbuy stall at Cherry Grove House, home of Coloneland Mrs Lewis on Midsummer evening.

The February draw was held on Wednesday 3rdFebruary 2016First Prize £101.00 won by Kate GynnSecond Prize £51.00 won by Diana Surfleet

The sum of £353.00 will go towards the repair ofthe church roof.The number of £5.00 shares entered in the drawwas 101.

Congratulations to the winners!Your turn next month?If you would like to join or hear more about the 100Club, please contact: Kate Gynn 01823 413873

WI members and ducks at Lady Hobhouse’s Garden Party.


Page 11

At the pre-school thisterm we havebeen talkingabout roadsafety and theimportance ofstaying safewhen crossingthe road. Thechildren havereally enjoyedrole playingdifferentsituations and

learning how to cross a road safely.Letters and sounds are an important part of a child'sspeech development. Here you can see a member ofstaff working on letter recognition with a child; they findthe letters together and then paint the child's name.We wouldlike to takethisopportunityto thankSusieThomas, oureventplanner foran amazingChristmasfete.Alongsideour fete andnativity the pre-school managed to raise a grand totalof £625, so a massive thank you to all those who camealong and supported the pre-school.

West Monkton Village Hall,Monkton Heathfield,Taunton TA2 8NE

Tel: 07960654709

[email protected]

The children have all settled back into pre-school lifenicely after their Christmas break. A lot of our circletimes have been spent sharing what they did over theChristmas break, and what lovely presents they hadreceived.The children have been really enjoying some smallworld activities this term, especially the dinosaurs,they have been having excited discussions about bigdinosaurs and little dinosaurs.

Dinosaur Wars!

Road Safety in practice

Phoenix Photographers

You had better have a sweet for that! Was PeterTriggs’ reward for anyone identifying the possiblelocation of a photograph in his presentation.Because many of the images that Peter shows inhis talks are donated to him from other people’scollections, the whereabouts are not alwaysrecorded.‘Coast to Coast’ being the title of the talk. In thisinstance the coasts in question were of Peter’sbeloved Cornwall. The subjects ranged fromgentle soft landscapes, chocolate box villages,churches, historical sites such as old railway trackbeds, tin mine engine houses, slate quarries; allremnants of Cornwall's industrial past.Pictures of trains appeared, old and new fromnarrow gauge systems used in mines andquarries, to modern diesels.A pet subject of Peter’s are rough seas,lighthouses amid crashing waves were inevidence, as were shots of children, (withpermission of the parents of course!) The show

was also punctuated with photos of pretty girls inbikinis. Put in for the male members of theaudience. That was Peter’s excuse! The ferriesthat supply the Isles of Scilly also featured, as didharbours, some of which are heavily silted up nowas their original commercial use has given way toattractive places for family holidays. The span oftime was quite large, ranging from the nineteensixtys to the present-day.Peter is a traditionalist in that slides were themedium for the presentation. Many were showingsigns of age; images on slides from the past havea quality, charm and language all their own.One of the slides featured a tiny creepy crawlyscuttling across the slide, no doubt disturbed bythe heat of the projector bulb, Peter’s love andpassion not only for his hobby, his county of birthbut love of life too were obvious. A delightfulevening, Peter was warmly thanked by chairmanTony and a rousing round of applause frommembers.The Group meet Monday evenings at the Villagehall in Monkton Heathfield 7.30. the web address iswww. pgop.org.uk


Page 12

News from the Parish Council

Neighbourhood Plan.The Steering Group hopes that you enjoyed theexhibitions held in Cheddon and West Monkton inJanuary. If you missed them and want to find outmore, please contact Tricia Cavill Clerk, 01823 413524, email [email protected], or KTuthill, Chairman of the Neighbourhood PlanSteering Group.You should be receiving a questionnaire shortlywith lots of questions to enable the SteeringGroup to formulate a Neighbourhood Plan thattruly reflects the wishes of the community. Ifyou haven’t already returned it (and you can doit online), please do so – your view point isrelevant and important.Anyone wishing to be more involved in theNeighbourhood Plan Steering Group – please cometo one of the monthly meetings – second Tuesdayof the month at 7:00pm at West Monkton VillageHall.

The Parish Council is delighted to report that,following a meeting with the Leisure Officer atTDBC, funds have been secured to improve theplay areas at Acacia Gardens and St Quintins.These two areas have been looking very neglectedand an appeal for volunteer painters wasunsuccessful apart from one person. The difficultywas that the funds put aside to look after those twoplay areas had run out (after 20 years). The playareas cannot be converted for other use, since it isa requirement that houses should not be furtherthan a certain distance from the nearest play area.Meanwhile, our Friends of Farriers Group is stillrunning, and looking forward to spring when thepainting programme can begin again. If you want tojoin Friends of Farriers, please contact the Clerk,any Councillor, or Andy Pritchard [email protected].

The budget and precept were determined beforeChristmas and the precept request has beensubmitted to TDBC. The following is an extract fromthe explanatory paper that accompanied the budgetpresentation for the year 2016/17:‘Based on the monthly Financial Sheet, the outrunto the year end was drafted which provided anestimate of the likely carry forward. Projects not yetrealised, with funds accumulating, include the clockfor the public open space behind the new school,street furniture and bus shelters for the MonktonHeathfield Urban Extension, and as yet unidentifiedfurther needs of the Urban Extension.It is acknowledged that, as funds from governmentare reduced, so SCC and TDBC will have to makecuts to services they have previously provided.Consequently they will wish to devolve additionalresponsibilities to the community. It is the intention

of the Parish Council to be in a position to provideessential services, where required, in order tomaintain the Parish as a well ordered and fullyfunctioning place, which provides an attractiveenvironment for all the community that resideswithin the Parish. This poses some interestingchallenges to set up additional small, newinitiatives so essential to enable the newcommunity to develop and integrate.The budget for next year, 2016/2017, and thefuture planning through to 2019 has consideredthe cost of the various initiatives. Forwardplanning beyond 2019 has not been addressed atthe moment, as there are too many variables forthis to be a reliable exercise. However, theforward planning serves to indicate futurerequirements and opportunities to serve thegrowing community of the Parish of WestMonkton.Of particular note is the Parish Council’s initiative,jointly with Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council,(CFPC) to form a Neighbourhood Plan, which willhave a role in the future planning of the area andallow the production of a strong local ‘Regulation123’ list to guide the use of the CommunityInfrastructure Levy (CIL money), and enable usperhaps to attract additional funding for the benefitof the Parish. The regulation states that CILmoney received must be spent on funding theprovision, improvement, replacement, operation,or maintenance of infrastructure; or anything elsethat is concerned with addressing the demandsthat development places on an area. Theproduction of the Neighbourhood Plan can besupported by grant assistance from government:However, Parishes are required to put a certainamount of the funds ‘up front’. Accordingly fundshave been set aside in the budgets of the twoparishes, (split WMPC 2/3 to CFPC 1/3). Oncethe Neighbourhood Plan is approved, the NPcosts should reduce very significantly.The other significant item is the Parish’s wish tomark some of the Public Open Space (POS) in theUrban Extension in a unique way. For instance,the Parish Council has prepared the initial costingfor a clock that has been considered for the POSbehind the new Primary School. The ParishCouncil has ensured that the appropriate planningconditions are in place. As this is a significantproject for which the Parish Council does not havesufficient expertise, it has been passed to TD DLOfor further researches into suppliers andinstallation costs.The Parish Council remains committed toproviding good quality play facilities and streetfurniture in all areas of the Parish. To increasecommunity involvement, the Parish Councilsupports the services of two litter pickers and anarmy of volunteers; and the activities of the


Page 13

‘Friends of Farriers’ (volunteers who look afterFarriers Green Park).When the new Primary School opens, adjacent toBrittons Ash at Bathpool, it will have an adjoiningcommunity facility. This facility will help serve the2000 or so new residents in the first phase of thenew development: later stages will take the numberof new residents to circa 10,000 or more. It is theintention of the Parish Council that a weekly, ormonthly surgery, will be held in the communitysection, so that issues can be readily brought to theattention of the Parish Council.The Parish Council believes that a physicalpresence in the community facility, plus notice-boards and seats on the other side of the road atthe Local Centre providing a friendly space in whichto gather, will facilitate friendships and the growthof a vibrant and active community. Accordingly, thebudget includes provision for a laptop computer(long overdue) plus other office furniture, to assistthe mobility of the Parish ‘office’ and also to keepup to date with office hardware.An example of cuts to services that will be takingeffect almost immediately is that TD Planningdepartment will no longer provide the large A5maps and plans that accompany planningapplications. Unless sufficient copies are providedby the applicant, TD will provide only 1 x A3 copy. Itis the intention of the Parish Council to purchase anA3 copier so that Councillors will be able to accessas much information as possible when consideringapplications; and the lap top will have projectionfacilities.Taking into account the aspirations and intentionsdescribed above, the budgeted expenditure for theyears 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 has beenpredicted. Some of the funds will be carried forwardfrom previous years, and a small amount of incomewill be received from allotments, business listings,VAT reclaim and grants. Since the award of grants

cannot be predicted,they are not included inthis budget. Additionally,the number of houses inthe Parish looks set tocontinue increasing at arate of circa 300 perannum, thus the numberof dwellings acrosswhich the precept isshared will increase.’

IT for the ParishReturn visit of COSMIC IT on 2nd March 2016 atthe Village Hall from 2-5pmWe will bring along our gadget show and we willrun both sessions as a drop in. People can comealong and we can help them with anything theyneed to be able to use their devices.We will try to run a short ‘lecture’ type presentationat the beginning of the session.What is ‘Get up to Speed’?‘Get up to Speed’ is a support programmedesigned to help businesses and communitiesacross Devon and Somerset improve their ICTskills and knowledge. The programme is funded byDevon and Somerset County Councils anddelivered by the Cosmic Peninsula Consortium onbehalf of Connecting Devon and Somerset.Try ITCome along to our drop in session where we canhelp you learn to use your device whether it be alaptop tablet or smartphone. We will also have aselection of devices for you to have a try. We canalso give independent advice on which device tobuy and show you the benefits of super-fastbroadband for you, your family or even yourbusiness.Maybe you have a business and are confused by‘the cloud’ and all of the other technologies that areemerging in business and home. Come and have achat where we can explain the world of digital toyou in language you can understandYou may be retired and scared of usingcomputers. We can show you the benefits of usinga tablet or computer to keep in touch with yourfamily, play games and shop online and to savemoney on your bills.The drop in session is open to anyone.Drop in anytime on 2nd March between 2:00pmand 5:00pm for a chat.

Annual Parish MeetingPlease come along on 23rd March at 7:00pm for adrink and nibbles and some up to date informationabout what’s going on in and around the Parish.You also get an opportunity for a sneak preview ofthe Annual Report from the Parish Council. If thereis something you particularly want to find out aboutplease contact the Clerk [email protected] or phone01823 413 524. The meeting is free and open forall Parishioners.

West Monkton Church of EnglandPrimary SchoolFinally there is progress with the newschool

Some of our children, staff and governors had anexciting (albeit cold!) morning at the 'turf cuttingceremony and blessing' for the new school site lastweek. They were joined by developers, Parish

Councillors, County Councillors and representativesfrom the Bath and Wells Diocese.Somerset County Councillor,Frances Nicholson marked theoccasion by taking the first digand Reverend Mike Haslamblessed the site. A great morningwas had by all.


Page 14

VILLAGE HALL NEWSBy the time you receive this village hall news thenew LED light fittings in the Main Hall should havebeen fitted, which will give us a more daylight styleof lighting and at the same time save on electricitycosts.As soon as the weather permits we are planning tohave another go at introducing wildflower bordersaround the overflow car park and along the bottomof the grassed area at the back of the hall. Thisshould encourage more insects and butterflies tovisit, as well as doing our bit to enhance theproperty. Hopefully the preschool children whomeet at the hall, can be encouraged to take aninterest in our native wild flowers.Dates for your DiaryMarch 11th - Supper Evening with entertainment- 7:00 for 7:30 pmMay 21st - Spring Market set up in the morningfrom 10:00 am and open to public 2:00 pm. Table£10. Teas in the Heathfield Hall. (See advert Pg 3)September 23rd - Special Event - An event tocelebrate 10 years since the inauguration of theVillage Hall Coffee Mornings.An Afternoon Concert, by the J Singers ofBridgwater, followed by Afternoon Tea.All profits from the event will be donated to TheBeacon Centre. Ticket £10.October 21st - Supper EveningFor more information on any of these events:Contact: Joyce Keyte 01823 412294email: [email protected] Iris Pigott 01823 413552

I thought you might like to read this letter from arecipient:‘I’m Harry and I’m 17. I first lost my hearing when I wasabout five and it’s gradually deteriorated. Over the last10 months it has got a lot worse. I struggle to hear themost basic sounds, such as a phone ringing or adoorbell, and it is quite isolating sometimes. But, sevenyears ago hearing dog Odi came to live in our familyand she’s transformed my life. That’s why I have agreedto help with Hearing Dog’s Great Teams appeal thisspring.When I was younger I struggled the most with sleeping.As soon as the lights went out I was scared, I wokeconstantly every night. When Odi arrived my sleepingimproved almost immediately. Odi wakes me in themorning and she calls me (and my brother Patrick whois also deaf) whenever mum needs us. I can’t hear mumif she just stands and shouts from the kitchen.Before Odi I had no confidence and few friends. I hadn’taccepted my deafness and I never talked about it. Odichanged all that. From the day she arrived I gainedconfidence and she’s made me realise that good thingscan come out of being deaf. It’s not always isolating andit’s not always difficult - with a hearing dog you get abrilliant companion. To me she’s almost like a bodyguard. People see her burgundy coat and think, ‘Oh,right, okay, that person might not be able to hear me.’Mum says I have got a sort of inner confidence sinceOdi came into my life.Odi lost her eye because of glaucoma, and its made merealise that not everyone’s perfect, and everyone’s gotflaws. but I borrow her ears and she borrows my eyesand together we face all the challenges in the world.Odi and I are a great team and I want many more deafpeople to have the chance to team up with a wonderfulhearing dog - just as I have. It would be great if youcould donate something to this appeal - even a smallamount really will make a bigdifference.Thank you from Odi and meHenri(Henri Toone and Odi)

Lin (Keitch Taunton and DisF.R Branch)53 School Road, TA2 8PE

This wasHappyChristmas toHearingDogs fromTaunton'sLakelandstore.ManagerSally PetrichpresentedLin Keitchwith acheque for£516.00

Graffiti Classics at St Augustine’sA great concert so make sure you look out for the next timea group supported by Take Art visit the village.Don’t miss out!


Page 15

West Monkton EveningWomen’s Institute

Greetings from West Monkton Evening WI Group.Our Christmas meal at The Quantock Restaurant, atthe College was a great success. We had an amazingmeal cooked and served by the students – well wortha visit and definitely something we will be doingagain.Ann May welcomed everyone to the first meeting of2016 and we had quite a few new members whichwas great to see. Sylvia Renshaw was the winner ofthe monthly competition entries for 2015.After the normal business meeting, we had a funevening playing games and eating mince pies.We are now looking forward to a year of social eventsand good speakers.We are a very friendly group, and if you like thesound of what you read about us, why not comealong for a taster?New members and guests are very welcome, wemeet in the Annexe of West Monkton Village Hall at7:30 for 7:45pm start the fourth Thursday of eachmonth (unless we are having an outing) We do notmeet in August). Just ring our President Ann May on01823 334168 for details. The annual cost, as fromJanuary 2016, is £37.00 (plus tea/coffee), what abargain and a great way to meet new friends!To whet your appetite this is the programme for 2016.A special thanks to Sylvia Renshaw for the hard workshe does in producing such a variety of speakers forus.

Forthcoming programme:

January 28th: Games Galore with light refreshmentsFebruary 25th: 4/40 Volunteers with MandyHabgoodMarch 24th: Great Wall of China Walk with JennyAllenApril 28th: Bring a Friend Night – Vet in a Picklewith Author and Cruise Line speaker MalcolmWelshmanMay 26th: AGM & resolutions plus John Scotttalking about SWEEPS (shoe boxes)June 23rd: Aloe Vera in today's modern world withJanet NewisJuly 28th: Work of the League of Friends with LizShirley SmithAugust: Taunton Town Guilded Walk – Date to beadvisedSept 22nd: Halcon Community work with AndyMurphyOct 27th: The History of Calverts with DennisCalvertNov 24th: Craft eveningDec: Christmas meal (date to be advised)

Neighbourhood Plan

I would like to take this opportunity to thank allthose Councillors and Parishioners who helped toput together the Neighbourhood PlanQuestionnaire, which will be delivered to your

household in the nextfew weeks. In particularI would like to thank thetwo Parish Clerks,Tricia Cavill and JoPearson who have bothput in many additionalhours pulling togethercontent from a varietyof sources to producethe questionnaire in linewith agreed time-scales.The Questionnaire,covering a wide range

of subjects which are important to the localcommunity, follows on from the very successfulexhibitions which were held in Cheddon Fitzpaineand West Monkton village halls on the 18th and20th of January. Both were very well supportedby members of the public interested inunderstanding how we can influence futureplanning decisions to ensure that developmenttakes place in a manner which complements themake up of the existing environment as well asproviding facilities needed for an expandingcommunity.Questionnaires will be delivered in mid February,to be returned in either paper format or on-line bythe week before Easter. Work can thencommence on the Neighbourhood Plan properand we are anticipating it will be ready for scrutinyby Taunton Deane officials by the end ofSeptember. Following an Examination by anInspector, it will then be the subject of areferendum and adoption will take place if there isa positive acceptance.Please return your Questionnaire with yourcomments so that we can, as far as is possible,reflect the views of the Community as we preparethe Plan.

KelvinTutillChairmanof theSteeringGroup.

There were queues to askquestions at the

Neighbourhood Planmeeting

There were many maps to be checked andcompared.


Page 16

News from the Bird World

This winter it has been possible to see all threespecies of European swans in Somerset, andsometimes together enabling a good comparison.The large areas of floodwater on the levels havecertainly helped to attract them, together with otherwildfowl.Our 'standard' bird is the familiar Mute Swan,widespread, common and due to regular hand-outsfrom people, often very tame. They are easilyrecognisable, with elegant arched wings when

gliding along the water,and have pinkish-redbills with a prominentblack fleshy knob at thebase. The bill colourand basal surround arelarger and brighter inthe males, the cob.Unlike the other, muchwilder, swans we will

come to in a moment, the Mute Swan is largelysilent hence its appropriate name. It does at times,especially when excited, make undistinguishedgrunting and clicking noises, and will hiss in anintimidating manner, especially when defending anest or territory. Mute Swans are not long distantmigrants but do, nevertheless move about, andmany of our Somerset birds arrive from theSwannery at Abbotsbury on the Dorset coast tospend the winter here, The large, conspicuous nestis a solid platform of water plants and the female canlay up to seven eggs. The family stays together untilthe following winter, by which time the cygnets willhave moulted from their 'ugly duckling' feathers intothose of a full adult. At this stage, or even before,the adults will chase them away.The two truly wild swans which visit Somerset in thewinter are much scarcer, and numbers of eachrarely reach double figures. The larger of these isthe Whooper Swan, named after its beautiful buglingflight calls, which are so evocative of remote places.Whoopers are the same size as Mute Swans, buthave a subtly differentbody shape, with abulging breast whichhelps to pick them out atdistance. At closer rangethey can easily bedistinguished by the blackbill with a bright yellowtriangular base. Theseswans breed right acrossthe Arctic, winteringfurther south on ice-freewaters. Our wintering birds arrive from Iceland inlate autumn usually travelling in small family groupswith the adults and the young of the year. It isthought that by doing so the youngsters learn the

migration route, which is thus passed downthrough the generations.At one time Whoopers were much the rarer of thetwo visiting swans, the other, the Bewick's used toregularly reach three figures in the County, but inrecent years this situation has been reversed andBewick's is now something of a Somerset rarity. Atthe time of writing I have just discovered what isnow an exceptional number, eight, on SouthlakeMoor. Bewick's is a lovely swan, named after thefamous English naturalist and engraver ThomasBewick. It is noticeably smaller than its cousinsand quite goose-like in appearance, with a shorterneck and triangular shaped head. Like theWhooper, it too has a black bill with a yellow base,but this is much more rounded and very variable inshape. So variable is it, in fact, that individuals caneasily be identified and at the Wildfowl Trust inSlimbridge a database of named Bewick's ismaintained. One of the most famous, Lancelot,lived for at least25 yearscommutingtwice yearlybetweenGloucestershireand ArcticRussia, adistance of over3,000 miles.Some 80Bewick's Swanswinter atSlimbridge and close views can be obtained, butthere is concern for their future as numbers aredwindling for a number of complex reasons. Onepositive factor is that fewer Bewick's are nowmigrating as far as Britain, probably because ofmilder winters in recent years. As numbers herehave fallen, so have they increased in Holland, oneof their regular staging posts, and some birds, itseems, prefer to winter there.Among its vast wildfowl collection Slimbridge hasall three British swans, and others such as theTrumpeter, a North American species, and theBlack Swan, native to Australasia. The WildfowlTrust is no longer just about waterbirds; today itsupports conservation efforts to preserve criticallyendangered species throughout the world. Amodern complex with a shop and restaurant holdslarge permanent art exhibitions. Native animalstoo, such as Otters, Water Voles, Beavers, andHarvest Mice are all on view. Only an hour or sofrom Somerset, it really is a great day out.

Brian HillSomerset Ornithological Society welcomes peoplewhatever their level of interest in birds. Our next indoormeeting is at Ruishton Village Hall at 7.30pm on ThursdayFebruary 25th. Entry is free and all are welcome. Pleasecontact me on 01823 443503 for further details.

Mute Swan

Whooper Swan

Bewick’s Swan


Page 17

293 Cheddon Road. TauntonMon-Fri (8 am to 5:45 pm)

50 weeks of the yearFor children 3 months to

school ageFully qualified staff

Excellent Ofsted reportAccepts Nursery Vouchers

‘Offering a secure, stimulating andfun filled home environment for the

best start in life’For more information please contact:

Ruth West on 01823 288681

NIGEL DAVIESPainter and Decorator

High Quality Interior andExterior Work

Friendly and ProfessionalService

Competitive Rates All Work Guaranteed Free Estimates Fully Insured Private and Commercial

Work Undertaken

Tel: 01823 277026Mob: 07915 061314

Landscaping &Garden Services

Garden Maintenance Lawn & Hedge cutting Patios / Paving Fencing / Pergolas Decking / Turfing Ponds / Water Features

Call Patrick on: 01823 213316www.cutnocorners.com

> Fully Insured > Registered Waste Carrier

Ranges include 60 chest and waist

70 Station RoadTaunton TA1 1NX

Tel/Fax: 01823 333169E-mail: [email protected]

Traditional QualityMen’s Wear

J Warman Carpentry &Property Maintenance

Doors, skirtings, built inwardrobes, cupboards etc

TEL: 01823 412721Mobile: 07734307887

Local, friendly service byqualified carpenter

Small jobs welcome

RIVERSIDE BUTCHERS“Meat to please you,Pleased to meat you”

Suppliers of high qualitylocal produce

Local Beef, Pork, Lamb,Veal, Poultry and Game

Award Winning HomemadeSausages, Pies, Faggots,

Bacon and Black PuddingHome Cooked Meats

Free deliverywhen you spend £25 or more

Supplying to the public and cateringtrade

Tel: 01823 289097Riverside Place, St James Street, Taunton

www.riversidebutchers.co.ukFeatured on thebestoftaunton.co.uk

Dave TerrellPLUMBING & HEATING

Tel: 01823 333332 Mob: 07811166829www.daveterrell.co.uk

email: [email protected] Farriers Green,

Monkton Heathfield TA2 8PP· New Central Heating Systems &

Upgrades· General Plumbers· Complete Bathroom Installations· Approved Gas Installer· Free Estimates

Boiler Repairs &Servicing

Quality Workmanship

Cumbrian Holiday Home

3-bedroom dormer bungalowIn the picturesque village of Beckermet

overlooking tranquil countryside.Enclosed garden with lawn & patio

areas, fully equipped,sleeps up to 9 but also ideal for 2.Easy access to the Western Fells

& Lakes, Georgian town of Whitehaven& St Bees Beach.

Village pubsin a short walking distance.

Pets are welcomeDiscounts available

by quoting ref. VN2015For details contact Corinne on

07527890378or [email protected]


Page 18

Benefits of neutering your cat

Neutering is a surgicalprocedure commonlyperformed in veterinarypractice to prevent yourpet from reproducing.In males, the operationis called castrationwhich involves the

removal of testicles. In females, it is calledspaying and this involves the removal of both theovaries and the uterus.Kittens can reach sexual maturity and startreproducing as early as 4 months old. Neuteringyour cats will have many benefits for example:· Female cats will not be able to get pregnant,

as a result reducing the number of unwantedlitters.

· Males will be less likely to roam, thereforereducing their chances of becoming lost orinvolved in traffic collisions. They will also beless likely to fight, which will significantlyreduce their chances of contracting seriousdiseases, such as Feline Leukaemia Virusand Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, which aretransmitted through bite wounds.

· Neutering can prevent undesirable behavioursfor example marking territory through urinespraying and vocalising throughout thereproductive cycle.

· Neutering will eliminate the risk of ovarian andtesticular cancers.

Female cats can produce large litters. Althoughthe idea of having kittens is lovely it is hard workand it can be difficult to find loving homes for alarge number of kittens. Furthermore, female catsare extremely fertile and can fall pregnant againinstantly after giving birth. This makes thechances of another litter occurring 9 weeks downthe line extremely high. To prevent this fromhappening, it is important to keep the motherindoors and away from entire males until she isneutered.As with any surgical procedure and generalanaesthetic there are some risks involved,however neutering your cats can pose a numberof benefits to you and your cat’s health. Forfurther advice on neutering please contact yourlocal vets.

Olivia Myers,Tone VeterinaryCentre.

Dancing in the Aisles at St Augustine’s

I’ll start with a quiz question:“What links St Augustine’s Church with the Openingof the Welsh Assembly, the House of Commons,Dublin Castle, the Rockefeller and Kennedy families,and the Commonwealth Games”?Answer - “They have all enjoyed a concert by GraffitiClassics”!Thanks to support from Take Art, our church was ableto book these wonderful performers for our Februaryconcert. “Fantastic”; “Achingly funny”; “World Class”and “I never expected that” were just some of theremarks from our sell-out audience. Graffiti Classicsare a string-quartet who bring their classical musictraining to audiences across the world through theirunique sense of joy and fun with music, dancing,singing, story-telling and plain fooling around! TheirCan-can finale saw the audience clapping, singingand dancing in the aisles.

Thanks to TDBC for supporting Take Art, becausewithout that support, Take Art can not help to promoteconcerts in our area. Thanks also to all whovolunteered in so many ways, and thanks to all whobought tickets to help make the evening such asuccess.Kevin Davenport for St Augustine’s Church.

The entertainment ranged from ‘Aire on a G String’(and a joke about Mrs Bach’s underwear), somemusical bird impressions, the audience looking for aSkylark, a rousing version of ‘What Shall We Do withthe Drunken Sailor’ and a ‘running on hold’ version of‘Spring’ from Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’.If you ever have chance to see this group make sureyou don’t miss them!

With encouragement from the musicians, impromptu photoswere taken by Jo on her phone. These give a slight impressionof the musical anarchy that was going on !

Thomas Barge, theyoungest member ofthe audience, wasinvited on stage to‘help’. He didmagnificently, despitethe cello player tryingto distract him all thetime.


Page 19

LANDSCAPING

Patios Driveways Artificial Lawns Decking Walls & Fencing Garden Maintenance

· Lawns - Seeding and Turfing

Contact: Nigel Roper Tel: 01823 252023www.englishgardenco.co.uk

CLS ACCOUNTANCYSERVICES

All at competitive rates,16 years experience,References available.

Call Clare on 07919655378 or [email protected] arrange a free initialmeeting to discuss youraccountingrequirements.

ü Book keepingü VAT Returnsü Payrollü Sales invoicingü Management Accountsü Year End Accountsü Cashflow Forecastsü Company Secretarial

M.R HOLMANCARPENTRY & BUILDING

GREENWAY, MONKTON HEATHFIELD

DOORS, WINDOWS, STAIRCASES, FLOORING & FITTED WARD-ROBES

*

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS*

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE*

EXTENSIONS & LOFT CONVERSIONS*

KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION*

SPECIALISTS IN CUSTOM BUILT UPVC CONSERVATORIES

FOR QUALITY, VALUE & SERVICE PLEASE CALL

01823 413506 [email protected] www.mrholman.co.uk

For advice on DIGITAL TVContact: JOHN MORLEY

Tel: 01823 413980

Television tuning and set upFreeview Recorders supplied & installed

TV, Video & DVD RepairsVHS VIDEO transferred to DVD

Mobile: 07884393285 Email: [email protected]

The Village News is Printed by the Print Department at Somerset College, Taunton

HILARY NORMANSac (Dip) Foot health Practice

Put the spring back in yourstep!Get your feet in great shape

GENERAL FOOT CARENail Cutting, Corn & Callus removal,

In-growing toenail, Fungal infectionsHOME VISITING SERVICE ONLY

[email protected] 481160 07969448793


Page 20

Theatre Alibi at Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre

Theatre Alibi is one of Britain’s leading touringcompanies and has an excellent reputation forimaginative new work that combines an inventivephysical performance style with original live music,visually striking sets and projection. They bring theirlatest show, Falling, to Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre onThursday 10th March.

Written by Theatre Alibi’s Associate Writer, award-winning playwright Daniel Jamieson, Falling tells thestory of Claire and her teenage daughter Alice whoare making tea together one rainy week day evening.But when Alice pops out to the shed, she falls downa hole that’s suddenly yawned open on their lawnand nothing is ever the same again.Inspired by the extraordinary phenomenon ofsinkholes - huge gaping holes that suddenly appear,swallowing buildings, cars and people - the playexplores the consequences of your life being, quiteliterally, undermined. Although a terrifying tale, thereis also a certain optimism in the way in which peoplecan recover from a shocking experience.

Theatre Alibi present Falling on Thursday 10thMarch at 7.30pm.Tickets: £12 / £10 Concessions / £8 Students.This show is for adults, but is suitable for thoseaged 14+.At Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, School Road,Taunton. TA2 8PD.Box Office: 01823 [email protected].

Theatre Alibi Falling

The Page is Printed

The Creative Writing Competition of the year isback and waiting for your stories...The rules of the competition are simple:· Submissions are invited in any genre.· Be bold, be imaginative, change the world if you

can… but contain your entry to just one side ofA4!

Our esteemed panel will be looking for somethingthat dares to be different, that offers new insight,that inspires our audience, and most importantlysomething that comes to life when it is read aloud.Entry to ‘The Page is Printed Competition’ includesa free ticket to join us on Friday 17th June at ThePage is Printed Celebration Evening where you willhave the opportunity to share your creation.Deadline for entries: 10:00 am, Friday 6th MayEntry Fees:Adults: £5 (for 1 entry), £10 (up to three entries)Under 18's: FreeEntries should be emailed [email protected] or sent via post to:The Page is PrintedTacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton, TA2 8PDPrizes:Adult Prizes: 4 x £75 (Three winners to bedecided prior to the Celebration Evening on Friday17th June and one prize to be decided on thenight: 'Best on the Night')Under 18's: 3 x £25You can download an application form atwww.tacchi-morris.com

Primary School Football

Well done to the boys’ football team who had anoutstanding football county finals tournamentrecently. They narrowly missed out, by one point,qualifying for the semi-final. Winning 2, drawing 2and only losing 1 game. Eventually coming 5th inSomerset, North Somerset and Bath and NorthEast Somerset, out of approximately 400 primaryschools. This is the highest position the schoolhave ever come in this competition.The players were Matt Whitlock, Nathan Golding,Tayler Bryant, Jack Newstead, Ben Litston,Thomas Stone, Finley Hodder, Luchian Symondsand Henry Brown. The future also looks bright asthere were 4 Year 5 pupils in this squad of 9players.Futsal Football TournamentWell done to theYear 5 futsalfootball team whowon 3 matchesand drew 1 in arecent tournamentand have nowqualified for theTaunton areafinals.


Page 21

ADVERTISING The Advertising rates cover 6 issues of the Village News. The current rates, up to 30th April 2016 are £70for a larger advert and £45 for a smaller advert. One off adverts. £45. Please contact the advertising editor, see Page 2.

Nigel K. FordIndependent Funeral Directors

Dedicated to upholding a traditional 24 hourservice with kindness, respect and dignity tofamilies in Taunton and all the surrounding

villages.

Tastefully Appointed Chapel of RestTaunton 01823 338369

North End, Creech St Michael, Taunton45 Station Road, Taunton

For all your MOBILITY needsand Friendly Advice

Mobility Aidsat Discount Price

Why Pay More?

3 Crown WalkHigh Street, Taunton TA1 3PUTel: 01823 333133

Notice: - Owner: Mike TalleyOFFERS FREE DELIVERY

On all products to Village News ReadersFor all the areas covered by the Village News

Janes’sFriendly, Reliable,

Affordable, Fully Qualified

Day, Evening and Weekend Appointments Available

Telephone 01823 410010

to book anappointment

Your LocalMobile

Hairdresser

· Natural Gas & LPG· Oil Installations & Servicing· Boiler Installations &

Servicing· Central Heating Systems· Power Flushing· Bath Rooms/Shower

Rooms· Cloakrooms/Kitchens

· Residential Park Homes &Caravans

· Cookers/Fires/WaterHeaters/Space Heaters

· Vented/Unvented Water Systems· Energy Efficiency Qualified

Technician· General Plumbing & Heating

Maintenance· Call Outs and & Emergencies

Welcome

Household Cleaning Undertaken20 years experienceCaring person who is willing to do allhousehold tasks. Will also help with shopping,collecting prescriptions, accompanying toappointments etc.References can be supplied.

Reasonablecharges.

Phone Angie on

07807892128

CALL TODAY for a free, no obligation quote:07825661597

[email protected]

10 Showell ParkStaplegrove

TauntonTA2 6BV

Decking installation, patio laying,garden landscaping &

maintenance, artificial grass(authorised NOMOW installer),

fence panelling, home decoratingand general maintenance

A. STEWARTPlumbing & Heating

Call Ashley on: 07590729084 / 01823 412263Email: [email protected]

www.astewartplumbingandheating.co.uk


Page 22

Sims Paws Dog Grooming Parlour

Providing a professional service for you and yourdog

City & Guilds Level 3 QualifiedFully insured

Mobile: 07508021512Greenway, Monkton Heathfield


Somerset County Council

Have you heard of the Slinky service?The Slinky bus service provides a vital service topeople that do not own their own vehicle, or whocannot access public transport easily.Slinky will even provide transport for people whodo have access to public transport as long as theirchosen destination is not covered by that service.People who use the Slinky range from parents andtoddlers, to teenagers and the elderly. Groupbookings are also welcomed.

· Local health appointments· Going shopping· Commuting· Social service events· Evening classes· Meetings· Connecting to Public Transport links.

Passengers will need to register their details toaccess the service. The membership to thescheme is free but a zonal charge is applied toall journeys unless the passenger holds aConcessionary Bus Pass.Slinky is part of Transporting Somerset, theCouncils Transport department, and can bebooked in advance by calling Tel: 01823 331266.

Taunton and District Friendship ClubWe are a club open to everyone over 50. Want to make friends? Then our club is for you.We are not just for Taunton and we have folk from many villages around. All activities are organised by themembers. Join in what you fancy. Here is a sample of what we do:· Monthly Social Meetings with a speaker at Ruishton Village Hall· Garden and attraction visits· Tenpin Bowling and skittles· Evening and lunchtime meals out· Club holidays in the UK and abroad

Why not try us out? Contact Elaine, our Membership Secretary, on 01823 251195 for more information.

Another Record-breaking Year for World-class Music in Our Villages

Thanks to everyone from local villages who came to our winter concerts, including the Christmas Concert byStile Antico, one of the best-selling choral groups in the world. There isn’t a local village church big enough toaccommodate the audience Stile Antico attracted, so we had to hire Taunton's largest church, St MaryMagdalene.2015 was yet another record-breaking year with one sold-out concert after another. We have now held 82concerts since we began in 2011. All world-class. And all sold-out!The highpoint of the last year was undoubtedly the Hilliard Ensemble’s concert, their last UK performance beforeretiring after 40 years at the top of the music charts. We were on ‘Cloud Nine’ when we were chosen to stage it,but soon came down to earth with a bump when we were deluged with bookings, not just from Taunton Deanevillages, not just from Somerset villages … but from almost every corner of the planet!In all, we had over 4,200 applications for the 920 seats available. And we were all exhausted by the time thefinal ticket was sold to a woman who travelled all the way from Oregon, on the US west coast.2016 already shows the signs of box office records being shattered. As well as two concerts by top London andEuropean orchestras and a wonderful programme of intimate concerts in local churches and village halls, wehave been chosen to stage one of Sir James Galway’s farewell concerts. Yes, the ‘Man with the Golden Flute’will soon be here (date to be confirmed) with an entertaining show playing his best known hits and talking abouthis performances with the finest musicians and celebrities.Don’t miss out on these wonderful concerts. Join our mailing list [email protected] or visit our website:www.musiconthequantocks.com


Page 23

A.G. PURCHASEALCM, LLCM, FLCM

PIANO TUITION

Dodhill Green,Nailsbourne

Taunton TA1 8ADTel:01823 451342

ChangesUnisex Hair Salon

Professional Stylists Specialising in Cut &

Colour Friendly Relaxed

Atmosphere Competitive Prices Free Parking

Tel: 01823 412776

15a School Road,Monkton Heathfield,

SibleysGardening andLandscapingFor everything in thegarden: Preparation, planting,pruning, mowing, strimming andtidying.Trees, hedges, beds, borders,pots, lawns, pavings etc.A friendly and personal service.For free advice, planning or aquotation call Mike on01278 663441/07930383390

Get your Village Newsanywhere any time:

Keep up with village events even ifyou do not get a paper copydelivered.

All you or your family and friendshave to do is email:[email protected] then on publication day youwill be emailed a pdf of the VillageNews which you can read anytime, any place.


Page 24

Local Professional Competitive

· Free Consultation & Advice

WILLS POWER OF ATTORNEY PROPERTY TRUSTS

Phil DenisonComplete Estate Planning Service

Tel: 01823 410021Mob: 07725567705

email: [email protected]: www.btwc.co.uk

MOTWHILE YOU WAIT

CROFT GARAGE LTDMonkton Heathfield

01823 412393

Repairs & ServicingFree Collection & Delivery

DISTINCTIVE MEMORIALSBY

MANNING & KNIGHT

Also added inscriptions and maintenancework on

existing memorials

164A Kingston RoadTAUNTON 275755

www.manningandknight.com

Alex Holley FlooringFor all your flooring requirements

Your local specialist for:Carpet, Vinyl, Kardean,

Wood and Safety Flooring

Tel: 07734860724

4 Vicarage LawnsCreech St Michael, TA3 5EZ

IAN THOMAS AIP, RP

Plumbing & HeatingServices

Telephone: 01823 444332Mobile: 07885829858

Email:[email protected]

R A WICKS LTD

Fireplace ShowroomChimneys Relined & New Build

Suppliers & Installers ofWoodburning & Multi-fuel Stoves

Clapper HayChurch Street, Merriott TA16

5PRTel: 0146074612


www.wicksheating.co.uk NO JOB TOO SMALL

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited

Call our office inTaunton on01823 444700


Page 25

Bathpool Chiropractic Clinic152 Bridgwater Road

Bathpool, Taunton, TA2 8BJ(200 yards along from Taunton Land

Rover/Jaguar on A38)

Come and see one of our BCA &GCC registered Chiropractors,

specialising in:· Back Pain· Muscle and joint pain· Neck and shoulder pain· Sports injuries· Migraines· Arthritis support· Headaches· Hip/knee/ankle/foot problems

Treatments include spinal andextremity manipulations, mobilisation,remedial massage, dry needling andposture and lifestyle advice.

Call 01823 412489to book your appointment or a free 15

minute consultation.

www.chiropractorbristoltaunton.co.uk

DAVE BAKERFor all your

GARDEN REQUIREMENTS*Fencing

*Hedge Cutting*Drives *Walls *Paths

*PatiosCompetitive Rates

Free estimatesTel: 01278 662238

Mob: 07796658721davebakerlandscapingservices.co.uk.

Hand & FootNAIL CUTTING SERVICE

byQUALIFIED EXPERIENCED

NAIL TECHNICIANHome Visits £20

Lynne NewtonTel: 01823

259808 Mobile:07850437994BABTEC MEMBER -

CITY & GUILDS - IIHHT

Messrs. E White & Son(Taunton) Ltd.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

138/139 East Reach, TauntonTel: Taunton 272183

(Day & Night Assistance)

Family Funeral Directorsfor Three Generations

DARREN GRAYELECTRICAL SERVICES

ALL TYPES OF DOMESTICWORKS TO 17th EDITION

REGULATIONS

FOR ALL YOURELECTRICAL

NEEDS

MOBILE: 07764996937

COLESCHIMNEYSERVICESProfessionalChimney Sweep· All Types of Appliance/Chimney· NACS certificate issued· Fully Insured and CRB Checked· HETAS Registered Solid Fuel Installer & Sweep

· Bird Guards and Cowls Fitted

· Chimney Linings Supplied/Fitted

Telephone: 01278 699019 07730 898919

Do you wanta cleaner?

Someone tohelp out?

Or do you justhate housework?

Call Rachel on01823 413382

Friendly, local, reliableWeekly or fortnightly

cleans.We also do

ironing!

CRB checkedand insured

We offer a well-balanced a-la-carte menuwhich includes exotic meats, steak, duck,fresh fish and vegetarian options

Blundells Lane, West Monkton, TA2 8NPEmail: [email protected] or visit:

www.themonktoninn.co.uk

2-courseLunch & Dinner

Tuesday SpecialsEat quality food withus:Tuesday Lunch - £15Tuesday Dinner £20

Thursday Night isSteak Night at the

Monkton InnSteak Night everyThursday evening:Fillet, Rib-eye and SirloinSteak cut to order at yourtable. Priced per ounce


Page 26

FREE ITEMS/ITEMS FOR SALE/WANTED

Items up to £50 in value are included. We do not make anycharge for this service and take no responsibility for thequality or safety of the items advertised.If you would like to include something in this sectionplease contact Lorna Walters on 01823 412017 [email protected]:Electronic keyboard for beginner 01823 412418

NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR SERVICE

Sessions as follows:29th March Priorswood, Taunton Academy8th April Monkton Heathfield , Village Hall

For further details ring 08457711711 or go online atwww.blood.co.uk

Logs

£3 a bag at Glebe Court, West Monkton (next to the Church).Sales help local Scout group challenges.Ring Robin Green on 07909955596 to arrange collection.

News fromThe MonktonPlayers

The Monkton Players’ Spring Productionwill be ‘According to Rumour’, a farcewritten by Robert Scott and directed byJohn Furse.

Carter can’t remember exactly whathappened last night, but a naked womanis the last person he wants his Mum tofind in his flat. There’s also the puzzlingmatter of the bag of money in his fridge…….. It’s a fine tangle to be mixed up in!

‘According to Rumour’ will be performedat West Monkton Village Hall on March31st and April 1st and 2nd at 8pmTickets will be available on our websitewww.monktonplayers.co.uk also atChanges Hair Salon, at Taunton TouristInformation Centre or on the door.

Prices £8 or £7 concessions.There is a reduction of £1 per ticket forthose paid for before Thursday 31stMarch.

Surviving Winter 2015/16

Since its inception the Surviving Winterprogramme has helped thousands of olderand other vulnerable people through thewinter, either by individual grants or bysupporting the efforts of local charities andcommunity groups.

Grants for IndividualsGrants of between £125 and £250 can beaccessed through your Village Agent.Applicants should be over 60 (or inexceptional circumstances over 50), on lowincomes and struggle to afford to heat theirhome and maintain a reasonable quality oflife during the winter. If you fit that criteria orknow of anyone who could and is strugglingplease contact me and I will help.

Audrey Mansfield , Village AgentTel: 01823 331222Mobile: 07870 577925Email:[email protected]


Page 27

SOME TEAM

DÉCOR 8 with AtlasHome & Property

MaintenanceFor all your painting,decorating, carpentry

& maintenancerequirements

Contact Bob on01823 413510

or07790 812327

N & V HANLON

QUALITY BUILDERS & DECORATORSUPVCU SPECIALISTInterior/Exterior,

Wallpapering, Tiling, Glazing,Artexing, KITCHENS &

BATHROOMSCARPENTRY/PLASTERING

COMPLETE ROOFING WORKSWINDOWS - DOORS - FACIAS

CONSERVATORIESTel: Office 01278 427303 or 01823 272281

Mobile: 07872001141Email: [email protected]

Free EstimatesInsurance Approved

NUTLEY DOG TRAININGAND THERAPIES

DOG COACHING, TRAININGAND REHABILITATION

Life skills/dog training for dogs/ownersü Puppy Classes –

Mondays and Wednesdaysü One to one lessonsü Dog Training Classes –

Mondays and Saturdaysü Weekend workshopsü Tellington Touchü Reikiü Harness Fitting

“Kindness and Wellbeing in Mind at all times”Please phone/email/facebook for moreinformationContact: 07717 893087E mail: [email protected]:nutleydogtrainingandtherapiesand on facebook nutleypuppyclasses

Somerset & Westcountry Stairlifts Ltd

Showroom Now OpenMon - Fri 10:00am - 4:00pmSat. 10:00am - 2:00pmFREE PARKING

27 Frobisher Way,Bindon Road,

Taunton TA2 6BBTel: 01823 288196

www.somersetstairlifts.co.uk

POTS & FLUESCHIMNEY SWEEPS

ü Complete Chimney & Wood Burner Sweepsü Birds Nest & Vermin Removalü Safety Checks & Smoke Testingü CCTV Chimney Inspections

ü Supply & Fit Carbon MonoxideAlarmsü Sweeping Certificate & Receiptü Lucky Sweeps for SpecialOccasions (Weddings etc.)

01278 427303 01823 27228107817328624 07720976060Email: [email protected] Durleigh Rd, Bridgwater TA6 7JD

AtHome

Mobility

What We Do: Mobility Scooters Riser/Recliner

Armchairs Fireside Chairs Mobility Aids Stair Lifts

About Us: Local, Independent

Specialists Established 1996 Experienced and

friendly staff Main contractor for

Local Authorities


Page 28

And Finally ...Never ruin an apology with an excuse

Benjamin Franklin

Ride ‘em Cowgirl!Gracie represents GB in the Youth Western Style Riding International Event

Local girl, Gracie Greenslade, who lives in West Monkton, has been selected to join a team of five other girlsbased across the UK in the international American Quarter Horse Association Youth competitions. They will betravelling in June to a town called Tamworth in Australia where they will compete against teams from 15 othercountries.Inspired by Britain’s success in equestrian events at the London Olympics, the British Youth Team aredetermined to prove that Great Britain has something to show the rest of the world when it comes to Westernstyle riding. They would love to inspire more British riders into this branch of the sport. They want to inspirepeople to have a go and put Western style riding on the map.The American Quarter Horse was used as a racing horse in Colonial America and they are still used asworking cattle horses across ranches in Western America. It is a versatile horse, used for its power and speedat short distances. Many of the classes that the team will be competing in include ranch based skills combinedwith the normal well known typical British riding.This Western style of riding is a great way of showing horsemanship skills and control. It is a lesser knownequine sport in the UK but across the world has a massive following, making this a challenging competition forthe GB Youth Team.Gracie Greenslade did not grow up in a family of horse lovers and riders. She started out just enjoying the oddhorse trek on holiday in the UK. However, horse riding soon became a hobby and her passion grew when shestarted to borrow a horse from Lisa John, an American quarter horse trainer based near Taunton. Gracie tookto the Western style of riding straight away.Lisa John said, ’Gracie has been a pleasure to work with and to train. She has worked really hard to make theteam. She has a natural affinity and understanding of horses. The youth team are really strong and should dowell’.Gracie may never have owned her own horse but she has had massive support from fellow riders andenthusiasts. Recognising her natural talent and determination people have been ready to help train her andlend her horses to ride. It is this support that has made her the confident rider that she is today. ‘Taking part incompetitions has really helped build my confidence and ability. The AQHA is an amazing community withriders of all ages and abilities supporting each other’, says Gracie. ‘I couldn’t have got this far without fantastictraining from Lisa John and help from horse owners loaning me their horses’.Western style riding is accessible to riders of all ages and experience. As it is quite unique in the UK thepeople involved are extremely enthusiastic and keen to share their knowledge. It is great fun, good fordeveloping horsemanship skills, as well as personal focus and concentration.Why not have a go? Contact Lisa John Logical Horsemanship at www.lisajohncoaching.com.For further information or to offer financial help orsponsorship to the youth team go towww.aqha-uk.co.uk .Or, support Gracie directly by visiting hergofundme.com page and clicking on ‘GB youth worldcup 2016’.

Gracie and the other team members have to do a lotof fund-raising to be able to get to Australia to takepart in this competition.In the UK, Western style riding, unlike otherequestrian sports, has little publicity and is poorlysupported. There is no funding available to the GBteam so they have to raise money to cover flightsand accommodation to allow them to compete. Anymoney that is raised will help them to be able toattend more training sessions with their coachCharlene Carter, who flies from America to train theteam. It will also help them get better equipment and the resources needed to help them achieve the bestresults whilst out competing in the Youth World Cup in Tamworth.The GB youth team consists of six girls aged between 14-18 years old. They will travel out to Tamworth notonly to compete but also to learn alongside the other twelve countries whilst they are out there. It is such afantastic opportunity for them.

Gracie in Western riding kit, looking forward to representing GB

Documents

March - April 2016 - West Monkton Parish Councilwestmonkton.net/wp-content/uploads/the-village-news/March-April-20… · information contained within this publication is published