Issue No. 103 February 29th 20165

The next Kingsdon Parish Council Meeting will be on Thursday 10th March 2016 at 7.30pm The Kingsdon Village web site can be found at: http://www.kingsdon.org/

Jessica Bryony Thomas (Jess)

13.09.1997 ~ 25.01.2016

A much appreciated and heart-felt thank you for all the support, cards and love extended to us following the death of our wonderful and talented 18 year old granddaughter.

The Kingsdon Village is gifted with a very caring community which has greatly helped us cope with some extremely difficult days.

Thank you also for your generosity in raising £70 for the Teenage Cancer Trust from whom the family have been given tremendous support. An amazing charity, whose work is much needed with seven young people a day being diagnosed with cancer.

Brian & Gill Paine

Kingsdon’s Good Friday Walk in the Woods The Annual Good Friday walk in the woods is on again this year courtesy of B.J. Marshall, our gamekeeper. If you wish to participate, then meet up the lane at 10.30 am on 25th March. If you are new to this event then just follow the crowd up the lane towards the woods.

Stout walking shoes or wellies and good outdoor clothing are prerequisites. You may bring your dog but it MUST be kept on a lead at all times. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult throughout the walk, but need not be on a lead!

It is hoped this year to have a fairer way for children finding the small donated eggs hidden in the woods. Small dummy eggs have been made during the winter months (thank you ladies). They will be hidden in the woods as usual for the children to find, and then exchanged for real ones on a one for one basis (only 2 per child). We hope this will stop some youngsters helping themselves before the day starts. The dummy eggs (not very tasty!) will be easy to see.

Donations of Eggs / Money / Hot-Cross Buns

We hope villagers will be kind and donate eggs and hot-cross buns as normal. Items may be left before the day at the Kingsdon Community Shop or with Babs (Tel: 841811) or on Good Friday at the Gamekeepers Hut at the start of the walk. Come along and enjoy a walk through the woods and a chatter with good company. All proceeds will be for St. Margaret’s Hospice. Thank you Babs & Sally P.s. In the event of a drastic deterioration in the weather resulting in the walk having to be called off a notice will be circulated by email and posted in the shop.

Neighbourhood Watch Message This is a general message from your Neighbourhood Watch schemes to remind of the need to be wary of cold callers. These can take the form of persons calling at the house, cold calling on the phone, unsolicited Emails or post. Calls can vary from persons wanting to undertake work at your home to calls from people wanting to make appointments to discuss alarms, insu-lation etc. If you want to have work done at your property please ensure that you contact workers yourself or ask family/friends for rec-ommendations. You can also contact the Trading Standards office regarding their Buy with Confidence approved trader scheme (http://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk) as mentioned on the recent NHW newsletter. Police suggest that any unsolicited caller, phone call, Email or letter is treated in the same way - don't have any dealings with them, don't give any personal information (name, address, phone number, bank details) and don't reply to Emails. If you think that there is suspicious activity that is of concern contact the police on their 101 number - alternatively use the 999 sys-tem if you think there is a bogus caller at your door.

Remember - if in doubt, keep them out.

All Saints Church

Priest in Charge: Revd Alan Symonds Tel/Fax 01458 272029 (For arrangement of Baptisms, Weddings and other occasional services) Curate: Chr is Hopkins Tel: 01458 272029 Church Warden: Mrs Bel Allan Tel. 01935 840878 Parochial Church Council: Secretary Nicholas J . Allan Tel 01935 840878 Treasurer Alan Carnall Tel 01935 840692 Tower Captain: Jackie Ellis Tel 01935 840344

Church Services for March

Sunday 6th March 11 a.m. Mothering Sunday/Family Service Rev Alan Symonds Sunday 13th March 9.30 a.m. Morning Prayer Rev Alan Symonds Sunday 20th March 6 p.m. (Palm Sunday) Evensong Rev Adrian Hopwood Thursday 24th March 7 p.m. (Maundy Thursday) Benefice Communion Somerton Rev Alan Symonds Friday 2 5th March 2 p.m. (Good Friday) Devotional Service Rev Chris Hopkins Saturday 26th March 6.30 p.m. (Easter Saturday) Rev Chris Hopkins Service of hymns and readings in Somerton for whole Benefice Sunday 27th March 11 a.m. (Easter Sunday) Parish Communion Rev Adrian Hopwood

Church Rosters for March

Brass: Ann Leahy Flowers: Norma Black

Kingsdon Village Hall

For all information (except bookings) contact: - David Thomson, Park Farmhouse, Lower Rd. Kingsdon TA11 7LL Tel:01935 841453 For bookings contact Marilyn Elliott, 4 Manor Close, Kingsdon, TA11 7LW Tel 01935 841444 Email marilyn.elliott@hotmail.co.uk

Bookings for March 2016 Short Mat Bowls Mondays 7.30pm - 9pm, Tuesdays 10am - 12noon Table Tennis Club Tuesdays at 7.30pm Not 8th Yeovil Dist. Canine Soc. Wednesdays 6.30pm Art Club Thursdays 10am - 12 (Term time) Private Function Saturday 5th 11am to 1pm Ladies Club Tuesday 8th. Parish Council Meeting Thursday 10th. Private Function Sunday 13th 1pm to 4pm Practical Study Group Wednesday 16th. Private Function Saturday 19th Seniors Club Wednesday 23rd

Kingsdon Table Tennis Club

The Table Tennis Club play in the Village Hall on Tuesday evenings (apart from the 2nd Tuesday in the month) between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. If you are interested then please contact Shirley or Martin Singleton on 841162 or just come along.

Kingsdon Seniors Club The Seniors Club meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 3pm in the Village Hall. New members are always welcome. For infor-mation contact Club Secretary Marilyn Elliott, 4 Manor Close, Kingsdon. Tel 01935 841444 email: marilyn.elliott@hotmail.co.uk

Kingsdon Ladies Club The Ladies Club meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. New members and visitors are always welcome. For information contact Club President Lynne Davies, Holly House, Frog Lane, Kingsdon. TA11 7LL Tel 01935 840660 or Club Secretary Jackie Ellis, Hill House, Rocky Hill, Kingsdon. TA11 7LB Tel 01935 840344

Kingsdon Boule & Croquet Club The club meets every Wednesday afternoon in members’ gardens between 2 and 4 pm, weather permitting.

For more details contact Nina Carlisle on : 01935 840933 or email: ninacarlisle@talktalk.net

Kingsdon Cricket Club

Chairman : Marilyn Elliott 4 Manor Close, Kingsdon, Somer ton, TA11 7LW Tel 01935 841444 07990673935 Secretary: Ian Birrell Watersmeet, Huish Episcopi, Langpor t. TA10 9HE Tel 01458 259231 07817959709 Trustees: B. Car lisle, I. Bir rell, J . Schofield Captain / Treasurer: J . Schofield Vice-Captain: P. Waters

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The Kingsdon Chronicle The Kingsdon Chronicle is an independent journal published monthly and is financed by voluntary donation. Cheques paya-ble to ‘The Kingsdon Chronicle’ The Kingsdon Chronicle welcomes correspondence from its readers. Name and address must be supplied but may be withheld from publication on request.. The Kingsdon Chronicle reserves the right to edit items for publication. Contributed letters and articles printed in The Kingsdon Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the views of The Kingsdon Chronicle production team. “All contributors are deemed to agree to their material in the Chronicle being pub-lished in the web copy on the village website. The editor will assume that all material supplied is original, or from copyright free sources. (It is the contributor’s responsibility to gain any necessary permissions and to provide acknowledgments).” Editor: Wallace Elliott, 4 Manor Close, Kingsdon. TA11 7LW Tel 01935 841444, Mobile 07990673935, Email: wallyelliott@hotmail.com www.kingsdon.org/kingsdon-chronicle/

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presents

Northern Harmony A thrilling mix of world harmony traditions

Sixteen sparkling young singers from Vermont (USA), led by Larry Gordon, form the unique music vocal ensem-ble Northern Harmony. Now on their 16th European tour, Northern Harmony perform widely throughout America and Europe to great critical acclaim.

Transcending the traditional definition of choral music, the group is particularly renowned for its command of var-ied world ethnic singing styles; from the hearty and ultra bright Bulgarian 'hard voice' to the equally powerful, but darker and more sonorous Georgian timbre; from the rich, mellifluous South African style or the wild and unre-strained American shape-note sound and quartet gospel to a delicate, pure, early music tones.

The group’s brilliant young singers have earned a worldwide reputation for their remarkable command of these varied world ethnic singing styles. They have a wide following amongst choirs and singing groups from across SW England.

.

Yes this different style of takeart event is being held here in Kingsdon on

Tuesday 19th April 2016 at 7.30pm in All Saints Church

Tickets priced £10 for adults ; £8 for children are available from

Richard South – 01935 840912 or Brian Paine – 01935 842058

Or from the Village Shop

As there have already been extensive enquiries about tickets, please do not delay your purchase or you may be disappointed.

Kingsdon Ladies Club

The February meeting of the Ladies Club was attended by 14 members. Freda Curtis was presented with a birthday posy, card and present for a very special birthday.

Jackie Ellis opened the meeting for all members to discuss the future of the club, as numbers are dropping and no new mem-bers coming to join us. The vote taken was very close and it was decided to continue the club until Christmas and make the final decision then. Freda Curtis will share the position of President with Jackie Ellis, and the Committee Members remain the same. The March meeting will take place on Tuesday 8th March at 7.30 pm in the village hall where Trish Piper will be introducing us to indoor Curling. New members are welcome for a friendly and informal evening.

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Plot 10 (Rear view)

Plot 11

Planning Applications decision by South Somerset D.C. Application No: 15/05332/FUL Application Status: Application Permitted with Conditions Applicant: Mr & Mrs M. Overd Location: Chalice Barn , Frog Lane, Kingsdon, Somerton, TA11 7LL Proposal: Erection of a side extension to the proper ty, between main proper ty and garage, to provide garden room (GR 351858/126120)

Planning Applications received by South Somerset D.C. Application No: 16/00772/FUL Applicant: Mr Paul Gerencser Location: Batu Cottage, Kingsdon, Somer ton, Somerset, TA11 7LG Proposal: Erection of a new single garage attached to existing double garage Application Status: Pending Consideration Application No: 16/00237/LBC Applicant: JB Development Par tnership Location: Kingsdon Manor School, Lodge Road, Kingsdon, Somer ton, Somerset, TA11 7JZ Proposal: Carrying out of structural works to Plot 11 (Par t Implemented). (GR 351598/125942) Application Status: Pending Consideration Application No: 16/00239/S19 Applicant: JB Development Par tnership. Location: Kingsdon Manor School, Lodge Road, Kingsdon, Somer ton, Somerset, TA11 7JZ Proposal: Application to vary condition 02 (approved plans) of 12/03099/LBC to carrying out of alterations to Plot 10. (GR 351598/125942) Application Status: Pending Consideration

Plot 10

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The central three storey section of the south east elevation has an additional 175m stone facing which appears to have been added. with other architec-tural features, historically. This additional Stone facing has de-laminated away from the main wall by up to 75mm. This can easily be seen from the Window (Pictured) and re-veals the lack of ties into the main wall, has resulted in this delamination occurring

Existing floor joists

Corbelled Stonework

Existing timber beams

Internal view of existing timber beams in Bay Window

Stepped cracking

Below - The structural movement to the two storey gable at the front of Kingsdon Manor (Plot 11) which requires repair / rebuild

The rear of Kingsdon Manor showing area of external stone requiring a restraint scheme

Plot

10

Plot 11

Plot 12

Plot 13

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Kingsdon Parish Council Surgery Your parish council is looking at ways of better understanding the needs of the people who live in this community.

Once a month a member of the council will be in the village shop from 10:00 till 11:00am. We’re there for you to call in and have a more social chat and give you the chance to discuss your ideas for our village.

Saturday March12th will be Brian Paine so please pop your head round the door and chat about ideas, issues, advice, we will be listening.

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Draft Minutes of the Kingsdon Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 11th February at 7.30pm in Kingsdon Village Hall

Parishioner comment time: Having over looked Par ishioners’ Time at the beginning of the meeting, the Chairman al-lowed individual comments and observation to be expressed prior to each agenda item

Present: Mr David Beswick (Chairman), Mr Br ian Paine (vice-chairman); Mr Wally Elliott, Mr P. Waters, Mr G. Os-borne and Mrs Elaine Owen (Parish Councillors); Mr. D. Ruddle (County Councillor) and Mrs. Lynn Moore (Responsible Financial Officer) plus 8 parishioners.

1. Apologies: Mr David Norr is (Distr ict Councillor ) and Mrs Kate Hatt (Par ish Clerk)

2. Declarations of Interest: As previously declared, no changes.

3. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 14th January 2016, which had been previously circulated, were approved and signed; proposed by G.Osborne and seconded by W.Elliott, all in favour.

4. Matters arising not covered by agenda items

4.1 Royal Mail Post Box: After a brief discussion it was agreed to leave the post box in its current location

4.2 Litter: Further evidence of litter in the length of Henly Road, was considered to be largely a result of refuse being thrown from cars or blowing off of the waste disposal lorries. P. Waters suggested a Parish Clean-up Day, for which we would need black sacks, gloves and litter pickers. A parishioner suggested that SSDC would provide litter pickers and bags if required and might even arrange to do some of the work themselves. The SSDC contact is Chris Cooper at SSDC

Action: David Beswick to contact SSDC to discuss options

Action: Philip Waters to co-ordinate for a clean up date in late March/early April.

4.3 Dog Fouling: It was agreed to get some display stickers for the three dog bins to enhance their visibility.

Action: David Beswick.

4.4 Precept 2016-2017: The required forms had been submitted to AVDC.

4.5 Beacon on Church Tower to celebrate Queen’s birthday.

Action: David Beswick to contact the Archdeacon

4.6 Kingsdon Chronicle: Articles on fireworks, dog fouling, bonfires and damage to tree saplings had been published in the January edition.

5. Chairman’s Report: Nothing additional to agenda items.

6. Correspondence: Invitation to send a representative to a meeting on Thursday 17th March 2016 on “Working To-gether to manage the impacts of Welfare Reform in our Communities”

Advice from Western Power Distribution that they would be undertaking a field maple top reduction on 22nd February 2016 in order to safeguard power cables.

A public information event being held at 13.00 hrs on 22 February 2016 at Podimore Inn, concerning plans to dual the A303 between Sparkford and Podimore.

7. Finance

7.1 Finance report

Additionally a cheque for £87.05 for supplementary software for the website.

The cheque payments unanimously approved by Council.

a) Bank Accounts KPC Account 01.01.2016 £3,364.67

Net Cheque Balance £1,543.48

Transfer in £29,975.00

Closing Balance 31.01.2016 £31,796.19

Savings Account Opening Balance 1.11.2015 £13,291.54

Net Cheque Balance £0.00

Interest £0.00

Closing Balance 30.11.2015 £13,291.54

b) Cheques Tables for Approval

Clerk Services - December £75.00

Kingsdon Village Hall Hire & Electricity £77.80

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7.2 Grant to Kingsdon Village Shop: Unfor tunately the proposition to buy £2000 of shares in the shop had not proved to be a viable way forward. It was therefore proposed a figure of £500 be granted this financial year, bearing in mind that a further grant had been budgeted for 2016/2017 and provisional figures included for the subsequent two years. A parishioner commented that the current shop modifications were costing a lot of money so requested a higher figure be considered. It was agreed to delay a decision until next meeting to enable the Council Chairman to discuss the refurbishment project budget and overall shop financial position with the Treasurer.

Action: David Beswick to discuss shop financial position.

8. Former Primary School sports field - sited at the (North West) junction of MowBarton Road and Lower Road, and diagonally opposite the Village Hall.

The Parish Council having already agreed that the field will be purchased for £27,500 it now requires a meeting to finalise the contract details and conclude the deal.

Action – Brian Paine/ David Beswick

9. Strategy for Tree Planting: Following a wide ranging discussion on where, when and how trees should be planted it was agreed there was a need that (a) Tree planting needed to be embraced within a broader strategy review on the future of the village, as it represented such an important ecological and environmental dimension and (b) there was an immediate need to agree an annual tree planting scheme.

Action: Philip Waters to draft a proposal to address item (b) above

10. Kingsdon Festival: There have been several festival events held in recent years and each has been successful. That success has been multi-faceted being both enjoyable in themselves but also significantly instrumental in generating a real sense of ongoing community cohesion. However the costs involved in staging these has risen incrementally each year. To hold another event to mark it being the Queen’s 90th Birthday in 2016 it was proposed the Parish Council fund the marquee. Three quotations had been obtained and a cost of £1828.35p being the cheapest.

Following a proposal by Brian Paine, seconded by Philip Waters it was unanimously agreed the Council fund this for 2016.

11. Kingsdon Village Hall: It is evident that an increasing amount of money is proving necessary to maintain the vil-lage hall in view of its age. The Hall Committee had suggested the Parish Council fund a structural survey in order to assess its potential life-span believing them to be the Trustees of the Village Hall Charity.

It transpires that precisely who are the Trustees i.e. the Parish Council or Hall Committee, is unclear

In order to take this matter forward it was agreed that the Hall committee would contact the Charity Commission to clarify and establish the accountability.

11.1 Storm Damage to external Notice Board: Two volunteers have come forward to undertake the remedial work and ac-tions necessary to replace the damaged notice board.

12. Screening of Play Equipment: This will be under taken within the next three weeks and completed pr ior to the next Parish Council meeting.

Action: Philip Waters

13. Date of next meeting: Thursday 10th March 2016, 7.30pm

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.55pm

Notes of the Area East Annual Parish and Town Council Meeting held on Tuesday 26 January 2016 at 7.00 pm in the Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton

Patrick Leahy & Eric Russell, Kingsdon Community Shop – Running a successful social enterprise

This was an inspirational story about a whole village effort to recreate a social hub after the village school closed. The shop and café was made possible by SCC granting a 25-year peppercorn lease on the old school building. The shop has exceeded all expectations and over 10% of the village are volunteers. The tea room is the focus and numerous events have run and are planned.

The community has ambitious plans to expand the shop and tea rooms. They commented that the help of the NDO (Neighbourhood Development Officer) had been invaluable in navigating through the planning system and helping raise the cash required.

Congratulations Eric & Patrick on a very fine presentation which was well received.

Collection Dates for Kingsdon in March

Wheelie Bins - Tuesdays 8th & 22nd

Recycling - Tuesday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & Wednesday 30th

Green Bins - Tuesdays 1st, 15th & Wednesday 30th

Provisional Agenda for Kingsdon Parish Council Meeting to be held on Thursday 10th March 2016 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Kingsdon.

All welcome

Parishioner’s comment time – If you have any comments related to the following agenda items please do contact any coun-cillor should you not be able to make the meeting in person.

Apologies – to receive and approve any apologies for non-attendance

Declarations – to receive any declarations of interest

Minutes of previous meeting – to receive and approve the minutes of the monthly meeting held on the 11th February 2016.

Matters arising not covered by agenda- to report on actions from the previous meeting- D. Beswick, contact SSDC re lit-ter, dog fouling stickers, contacted archdeacon? P. Waters – litter picking date arranged, strategy for tree planting and screening of play equipment.

Chairman’s Report David Beswick to report and make any comments on any important information.

Correspondence Clerk and councillors to report on any communications not covered by the agenda items.

Finance Financial report – report on current finances by the responsible finance officer and bank reconciliations

Cheque signing – cheques which have been paid and cheques for signing

Asset register – to discuss in view of insurance, requested by D. Beswick

Internal auditor- to discuss and decide on appointing an internal auditor , requested by D. Beswick

Grant to village Shop

Former Primary School sports field - sited at the (north west) junction of Mow Barton Road and Lower Road , and diagonally opposite the Village Hall Update on the current situation by B. Paine

Quote for cutting village recreation field

A303/A358 Route development – to discuss, requested by D. Beswick

Date of next meeting CLERK TO THE PARISH COUNCIL

Mrs K. Hatt 01935 841275 kingsdonclerk@btinternet.com

This is a draft agenda and subject to changes. The final agenda will be displayed by 6th March at the latest

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Draft Minutes of Kingsdon Parish Council Planning Meeting held at 7.30pm Thursday 25th February 2016 in Kingsdon Village Hall

Present: Mr David Beswick (Chairman), Mr Brian Paine (vice-chairman), Mr Wally Elliott, Mr Ian Dibben, (Parish Councillors) and 1 parishioner.

1. Apologies: Mr P. Waters, Mr Guy Osborne, Mrs E. Owen and Mrs. K Hatt (Par ish Clerk)

2. Declarations of Interest: None received of any difference to those already submitted.

3. Previous minutes The minutes of the last planning meeting were read, approved and signed. This was proposed by I. Dibben seconded by B Paine, all were in favour.

4. Planning approvals We have received the following planning approvals: Application 15/005190/LBC Alterations to the Community Centre Application 15/05332/FUL Extension to Chalice Barn

5. Planning applications

16/00239/S19, JB Development Partnership To vary the conditions to carrying out alterations to plot 10 Kingsdon Manor School, effectively to remove a planned single story extension to the proposed plot.

Councillors offered no objections to the proposal; proposed by B Paine, seconded by W Elliot that the plans be accepted: all in favour.

16/00237/LBC, JB Development Partnership To carry out structural repair work to Plot 11 Kingsdon Manor School. Effectively to pin an external wall where de-lamination had taken place.

Councillors offered no objections to the proposal; proposed by B Paine, seconded by W Elliot that the plans be accepted: all in favour.

ACTION: K Hatt to email the planning inspector the decision. Meeting closed at 7.35pm.

Neolithic standing stones the Cow and Calf near Ponterwyd Ceredigion Mid Wales

A Cock & Bull Story?

In the last Chronicle on page 12, under the item 'Welcome to Kingsdon' there is mention of the use of blue lias stone for house building and walls finished with 'cow and calf' coping. This item has been copied from the Kingsdon Village Web Site.

I have received queries on the term 'Cow and Calf', “you have got it wrong” I have been told, “the coping stones are called Cock & Hen”

So I checked with David Coombes, (pictured left) the master wall builder working at the Manor and Matthew Burnell of JB Development Partner-ship who confirm they are called Cock & Hen. Not satisfied, I did some research and found that in County Meath, Ireland the term ‘Cow and Calf’ is used. Pictured below is an item from Meath County Council’s conservation guide lines.

Just to confuse matters further

From ‘Cotswold Walling’ by David King (Walling & Garden) Services

What are the upright stones on the top called?

The coping stones or ‘toppers’ help protect the top of the wall from weathering. Historically they were a deterrent to sheep trying to jump over the wall – now perhaps they are more likely to deter two footed creatures. The style of alternating tall stones with short ones on the top in a regular sequence is called ‘buck & doe’ or ‘cock & hen’.

High on Ilkley Moor the Cow and Calf Rocks are a large rock for-

mation. According to local legend, the Calf was split from the Cow

when the giant Rombald was fleeing an enemy, and stamped on the

rock as he leapt across the valley

I had a further chat with David, he told me that the subject had further been discussed on site and the following had come to light. A saw with teeth at different heights due to poor sharp-ening in the past were known as ‘Cow & Calf’

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Barn Dance as part of Kingsdon’s celebrations for the Queen’s 90th Birthday

7.30pm Saturday 11th June in Kingsdon Village Hall

We are pleased to announce that we have booked for this event

‘Teasing the Cat’

A band with a caller, playing British and European Folk Music for ceilidh or concert from Somerset: John Dike Mike Eaton Chris Edmunds Steve Graham & Gibby Swaine

Sunday 12th June (to coincide with the Queens luncheon par ty in the Mall) Kingsdon is to hold an outdoor Tea Par ty in the village hall car park (organised by the Ladies Club) followed by a social in the village hall in the evening.

Celebrations for The Queens 90th Birthday

On 21st April 2016, Her Majesty The Queen celebrates her 90th Birthday, and in celebration of this wonderful milestone, beacons will be lit that night across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, marking this unique moment in history.

NALC (The National Association of Local Councils) encourages Kingsdon Parish Council to take part in this once in a life time opportunity.

The last time Kingsdon lit a gas fuelled beacon on top of the Church tower was for the Queen's Di-amond Jubilee on 4th June 2012. (photo right)

We are informed that it is envisaged the beacons will be lit early evening, so we should plan around this. The exact lighting time will be sent to us soon.

It is proposed that once again Kingsdon lights our gas beacon atop of the Church tower (Following permission from the Church Authorities and the Church insurers)

More information will be in the next Chronicle or to hear them play go to: http://teasingthecat.wix.com/teasingthecat

Kingsdon Festival Weekend over the August Bank Holiday 26th to 28th August 2016

The proposal for the annual Kingsdon Festival are as follows:

A marquee is being hired and will be sited on the village field as in previous years. A licensed bar to be open during events

Friday evening 26th August - An evening with the delightful award winning singer ’BREEZE’

Saturday 27th August - Daytime - Proposals are Village Fete / Horticultural / Flower Show and Arts & Crafts, Cream Teas, Guess the ponies weight, Face Painting, Classic Cars / Agricultural Machinery display etc. The annual Scarecrow competition

Evening - The Kingsdon Big Band dance

Sunday 28th August commences with Songs of Praise followed by a Picnic Lunch party. In the afternoon, if there is enough interest, would be the ideal time for the Kingsdon Fun Sports Day and / or Treasure Hunt and a Musical Evening to finish off the weekend.

Are you a green fingers expert, we could do with your help with running the Horticultural / Flower Show, please let a com-mittee member know if you would like to be involved.

I am sure we have arts and crafts people who would love to take on the running of an exhibition & show in the marquee, please do get in touch. Any ideas of other events for the weekend would be very much appreciated, please give your ideas to any committee member - Keith Thomas, Babs Conway, Ian Dibben, Mark Freeman, Eric Russell, Marilyn & Wally Thanks.

Kingsdon Bells

The bells of All Saints Church are only being rung once a month due to a shortage of ringers in the village. We are having to borrow ringers from surrounding villag-es.

If anyone is interested in becoming a Kingsdon Bell Ringer or learning the art of ringing please give me a call on 01935 840344

Thanks Jackie Ellis

PILATES

NEW PILATES CLASS with Chartered Physiotherapist

ANNA TRAIN

FRIDAY'S at 9.30am - 10.30am in Kingsdon Village Hall

Please call to book a place or for further

information Tel: 07921124851.

THE VILLAGE POUND By Peter Crowter

The village Pound in Kingsdon it was once a wilderness, To someone with a tidy mind I s’pose it was a mess.

The walls were clothed in ivy and you couldn’t see a stone, No one seemed to worry that the place was overgrown.

Totally neglected, no one used it any more. For Johny Marsh and I it was a great place to explore,

A favourite place for nesting birds, an ivy covered wall, Even better when it’s somewhere no one goes at all.

Although the area was small, because of the neglect, The nests in there were more than one would normally expect. Every spring we checked it out, we knew we would succeed, At least two nests we’d surely find and that was guaranteed.

A blackbird or a robin or a song thrush or a wren, T’was common birds that nested in that ancient cattle pen.

Sometimes the nests weren’t far apart but no bird seemed to mind, It was a cosy habitat, the best that they could find.

We thought we were the only ones who searched for nests in there, But no, a feathered visitor was also well aware.

A cuckoo had been visiting and found a dunnock’s nest, And mum was unaware she’d had a parasitic guest.

The Pound has now been tidied up, a bench has been installed, The ivy has been all removed the walls are all now bald.

I guess you could now sit in there and count the long lost sheep, That used to be impounded there and then drop off to sleep.

Kingsdon Seniors Club Brian welcomed 23 members to the February Meeting. He then introduced the quest Speaker, Mickey Fitzpatrick with a talk entitled ‘Mostly Mono-logues’ Mickey entertained the members with a flow of monologues, jokes, poems and stories that had everyone in stitches of laughter. Richard South gave the vote of thanks. With a lot more in her repertoire the club would love to have her back next year.

Suggestions for the club’s trip out in June were requested and all were re-minded of the Lenten lunch on Saturday 27th February and ‘Take art’ on 19th April.

Tea was provided by Peggy Cypryk and Freda Curtis. The next meeting on 23rd March will have a talk by Ashley Jones on ‘The British Honours System’

Kingsdon’s Odd Job Girl

We have a new ‘Odd Job Girl’ in the village.

Dulcie Wood, who is available for Dog Walking, Cleaning, Grass Cutting, Ironing, Washing-up etc.

Dulcie is 16 and can work at very short no-tice. She can be contacted on 07472264931 or email her at doolet22@gmail.com.

Dulcie loves animals especially dogs and horses

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Kingsdon Community Shop Easter Egg Raffle

Easter Egg Raffle to be drawn at 12 noon

on Good Friday at the Shop.

The booby prize is a genuine

YEASTER EGG

the one and only Marmite flavoured chocolate egg

Tickets only 50p a go Available at the Shop

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A woman in a supermarket is following a grandfather and his badly - behaved grandson. He has his hands full with the child screaming for sweets, biscuits, all sorts of things. The granddad is saying in a controlled voice: "Easy, Wil-liam, we won't be long . . . easy boy." Another outburst and she hears the granddad calmly say "It's okay William. Just a couple more minutes and we'll be out of here. Hang in there, boy." At the checkout the little horror is throwing items out of the shopping cart. Granddad says again in a controlled voice : - "William, William, relax buddy, don't get upset. We'll be home in five minutes, stay cool William." Very impressed, she goes outside to where the grandfather is loading his groceries and the boy into the car. She say’s "It's none of my business, but you were amazing in there. I don't know how you did it. That whole time you kept your composure, and no matter how loud and disruptive he got, you just calmly kept saying things would be okay. William is very lucky to have you as his granddad." "Thanks," says the grandpa. "But I am William. The little horror’s name is Kevin." “Get this” ……….said the bloke to his mates “Last night while I was down the pub with you guys, a burglar broke into my house”. “Did he get anything?” his mates asked. “Yeh, a broken jaw, six teeth knocked out and a pair of broken nuts. The wife thought it was me coming home drunk.”

“I’ll never forget how happy I was to see my missus walk-ing down the aisle towards me. My heart was beating fast and the excitement was unbearable. It seemed to take an age, but eventually, there she was standing beside me. I gave her a loving smile and said, “Get that trolley over here, Love. They’re doing 3 cartons of beer for the price of two!!”

A priest and a cab driver went to heaven. The priest was given fifty bags of gold and a nice house. The cab driver was given the same but also a boat, a lake and a box of diamonds. The priest asked St. Peter, "Hey I was a priest, how come I don't get a box of diamonds or a lake or a boat?" St. Peter said, "We go by results. During your ser-mons people slept, during his cab rides people prayed." “Has your son decided what he wants to be when he grows up?” I asked my friend. “He wants to be a binman,” he replied. “That’s an unusual ambition to have at such a young age.” “Not really. He thinks that binmen work only on Tuesdays.” A straight eyed and cross eyed guy bump into each other, and the cross eyed guy said to the straight eyed guy. “Why don’t you look where you are going?" The straight eyed guy responded to the cross eyed guy. “Why don’t you go where you are looking?" Two young boys were spending the night at their grandpar-ents the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs. "I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE..." "I PRAY FOR A NEW NINTENDO..." "I PRAY FOR A NEW STEREO..." His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, "Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn't hard of hearing." The little brother replied, "No, but Grandma is!"

A young man asked an old rich man how he made his money. The old guy fingered his worsted wool vest and said, “Well, son, it was 1932. The depth of the Great Depression. I was down to my last nickel. “I invested that nickel in an apple. I spent the entire day polishing the apple and, at the end of the day, I sold the apple for ten cents.” “The next morning, I in-vested those ten cents in two apples. I spent the entire day pol-ishing them and sold them for 20 cents. I continued this sys-tem for a month, by the end of which I’d accumulated a for-tune of $1.37.” “Then my wife’s father died and left us two million dollars." A straight eyed and cross eyed guy bump into each other, and the cross eyed guy said to the straight eyed guy. “Why don’t you look where you are going?" The straight eyed guy responded to the cross eyed guy. “Why don’t you go where you are looking?" Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs.

"I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE..." "I PRAY FOR A NEW NINTENDO..." "I PRAY FOR A NEW STEREO..."

His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, "Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn't hard of hearing."

The little brother replied, "No, but Grandma is!" This is Buddy, I bought him as a surprise present for my husband but it turns out he's allergic to dogs . So unfortunately I'm going to have to find a new home for him, and I'm just wondering if anyone out there can help?

His name is Alan, he’s 61, great at DIY, drives a nice car and plans wonderful holidays.

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“Hold a Fish and Chip Supper to help spinal cord injured people rebuild lives after injury”

Great British Fish and Chip Supper – Friday 20th May 2016

Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 20th May 2016 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s vital services.

You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.

SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 8 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £40.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA.

Just £50 could contribute towards the support from our Peer Support Service for one hour, in a district general hospital or Major Trauma Centre.

In 2016 we want to make the batter matter and raise £40,000 from everyone holding suppers. Last year we raised £12,000 from the suppers.

The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become para-lysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and pub-lications which enable and encourage paralysed people to rebuild lives after spinal cord injury.

Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone.

Community Fundraising Manager, Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group.

For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350 or email fundraising@siafishandchips.co.uk or visit www.siafishandchips.co.uk

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Found Property

A ring has been found in

Kingsdon Village Hall car park

It has been run over and damaged.

To claim please phone Wally Elliott Tel: 01935 841444 or Email: wallyelliott@hotmail.com

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Thinking about selling or letting your property? Looking for a new home in the local area? Then look no further. …

Kingsdon Resident Gabby Osborne is your local property expert & the new Branch Man-ager at Palmer Snell in Somerton. Gabby has lived in Kingsdon for over 20 years & has been an estate agent in the local area for 9 years. Who better to sell your property than someone who knows the area, knows the market & is passionate about the village.

A.D.M. STONEMASON Manor Road, Kingsdon

All stonework undertaken, new works and all

repairs and re-pointing.

General Building & Maintenance works carried out

Free Quotes / Advice contact Alan (37 yrs experience)

Tel 01935 840839 / 07733590971

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Then and Now in Kingsdon

Above is how the main school room used to look, and how it is today, in preparation for the shop to move in. Not quite ‘Through the keyhole’ Looking out of the shop door on 2nd April 2014 and how it looked on 23rd February 2016

Kingsdon Rock ’a’ Billy Evening

Rock ‘n’ Roll came to Kingsdon last weekend and what a fan-tastic night was had by all!! The fund raising evening was a resounding success with mon-ies raised already being put to good use as part of the ongoing refurbishment, to give you a bigger, better Community shop.

The KoolKatz certainly did the village proud, and a massive, massive thank you to Mike, Nina & Jason for putting on such a brilliant performance. It should be pointed out that they gave up

their own weekend to come down to Kingsdon & perform for us and for that we should be very grateful. It was lovely to see so many friends from the village and surrounding areas having such a great time & really letting their hair down – no doubt a few aching limbs on Sunday! We even had attendance from senior members of the Som-erset Rock n Roll Club who commended the village on such a good evening’s entertainment. The whole event epito-mised the growing community spirit that has established itself over the last few years. Young & old to-gether proving that inter-action across all age

groups is alive and well. A BIG thank you to everyone who turned out to support the evening – without you and your support, events like this just couldn’t happen.

Rosemary & Eric would like to thank you on

behalf of the Community Shop Committee!

Kingsdon Cricket Club

Kingsdon Cricket Club held their annual dinner and presenta-tion night at the Kingsdon Inn on Saturday 30th January. The club Captain James Schofield welcomed 40 members and guests and gave a synopsis of the season. The awards were then presented by club vice-president Lady Joyce Limon:

Presentations were made to the Tea Ladies - Amanda Schofield, Jane Birrell & Kathie Jamison and to the club groundsman Ben Carlisle. Information about the club can be found online at: http://www.kingsdon.org/cricket/

Batting James Schofield

Bowling Ben Carlisle

All Rounder Matt Jones

Most Catches Peter Weaver

Most Ducks Andy Dale

Sportsman of the Year Phillip Waters

Players player - Votes tied

Ian Birrell & James Schofield

Young player Sophie Phillips

Champagne moment Bruce Wedeell

Kingsdon CC Fixtures 2016

2016 Day Opposition Venue

24/04/2016 Sunday Long Sutton Away

01/05/2016 Sunday Pairs Comp? Home

08/05/2016 Sunday Dinder (2pm) Away

15/05/2016 Sunday Witham Friary Home

22/05/2016 Sunday Ditcheat Home

29/05/2016 Sunday Wookey (2pm star t) Away

05/06/2016 Sunday Queen Camel Home

12/06/2016 Sunday Martock Home

19/06/2016 Sunday Langport Home

26/06/2016 Sunday Witham Friary Away

03/07/2016 Sunday Langport Away

10/07/2016 Sunday Family's Day? Home

17/07/2016 Sunday Dinder (2pm) Home

24/07/2016 Sunday Wells Swans Away

31/07/2016 Sunday Crewkerne Away

06/08/2016 Saturday CVCC Home

14/08/2016 Sunday Martock Away

21/08/2016 Sunday

29/08/2016 Monday Cowboys Home

04/09/2016 Sunday Crewkerne (2pm) Home

11/09/2016 Sunday Wells Swans (1.30pm) Home

Prizes were awarded to

the best dancers and best

dressed for the occasion

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Kingsdon Resident Sally Smith asked our MP David Warburton which way was he going to vote on the EU, this is his

response.

Below is a copy of my e-newsletter which was sent out just before the EU announcements, but I’ve also includ-ed below a column in which I outline my views on the upcoming referendum. I do hope it gives you an idea of where I’m coming from on this!

"As Spider-Man's Uncle Ben said, 'With great power comes great responsibility'. On June 23rd we will all exercise the huge collective force of our will and decide Britain's EU future.

"But we've actually done this before. And when similar events unfolded in the past, they unlocked both our great-est period of success and also the legacy which has led us once again to this position, by firmly implanting in us the notion that we stand somewhat apart from Europe.

"In the early 16th century, European power wasn't held by invisible MEPs or by unaccountable Brussels bureau-crats, but was then held by the Catholic Church in Rome. In 1530, English peers asked the Pope not only to annul Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon, but also for the right to translate the Bible into English and to return other powers to England.

"The Pope refused, of course, so – with no referendum – Henry made the unilateral decision to leave the rest of Europe and to go it alone. He set himself up as the Head of a new Church of England, stopped sending cash to Rome, claimed control of his own taxes and regulations, issued a translation of the bible in English, and kick-started the independent spirit which led to the New World, to the Elizabethan age, to empire and – dare I say it – to Euro-scepticism.

"It was perhaps the most important event in our history, shaping us still. But it was itself presaged by Magna Carta 300 years before, when the three great tenets of English rule were defined.

"First, the rule of law: holding all to account, including monarchs. Second, freedom of ownership and of action: we are free to act according to our own whim and not by edict of others. Third, government by assent: we are gov-erned only by the consent of the people and those in power can be removed if that consent is lost. From day one, Magna Carta separated us from the rest of the continent. Its spirit drove Henry and it drives us still.

"Like many others, I have struggled with the choice we face. But I believe absolutely in those three freedoms, and undeniably the EU has removed them. You will hear facts and figures on both sides of the argument. Many of these are likely to be bogus or fragile. But there are certain facts which are not.

"All laws, national decisions, taxes, our borders, the framing of our culture and all else must be decided by us, the people. Through our representatives: democratically elected and empowered to enact our wishes.

"Having sat in Parliament, I know that, sadly, today we are ultimately ruled by others. To an uncomfortable de-gree, we are controlled by the whim of invisible masters, with no way to hold them to account.

But, as we did 500 years ago, we now have another opportunity to lead ourselves. To make our own path. To un-leash our full potential. And to take full responsibility for ourselves."

David Warburton MP

Member of Parliament for Somerton and Frome

01373 580500 | House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

www.twitter.com/djwarburton | www.davidwarburton.org.uk

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