monkton heathfield, west monkton and bathpool · 2020-04-03 · street party photos/and finally -...

Copy deadline for September - October 2018 is 1st August 2018

Contents:Useful Numbers/Regular Bookings - Page 2Strawberries & Prosecco/Sunday Afternoon Tea/Paws for Coffee - Page 3Bob Holder - Page 4Hearing Dogs/’The Night Stalker’ - Page 5Street Party on the Street - Page 6Primary School/Singles Club - Page 7Benefice Church Services/Church Records - Page 8News from the Benefice/What is Lammas?/Mother’s Union - Page 9Hands Reaching Out/Poppy Knitters/History Group Request - Page 10Bathpool Chapel - Page 11Women’s Institute - Page 12Parish Council News/100 Club - Page 13Somerset Birds - Page 14Gardening Corner/Village Hall News - Page 15Flystrike/West Monkton Cricket Club - Pages 16West Monkton Quiz - Page 17Tacchi-Morris/ What is the Slinky? - Page 18Tech Tips/Taunton Deane Borough Council - Page 20 For Sale/Blood - Page 22Street Party photos/And Finally - Page 32

Village NewsMonkton Heathfield,

West Monkton and Bathpool

Issue No. 112 July - August 2018

Publication in the Village News does not imply an endorsement. The Editors cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

The information contained within this publication is published in good faith.

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

Spring is Coming!Photo: Esther Watts-Nielsen

Lammas - sharing the first loaf ofthe new harvest. (See Page 9)

Time to Eat at The Street PartySee Pages 6 & 28


Useful Names and Telephone Numbers

Rector: Rev. Mary Styles - 01823 451257

The Rectory, Kingston St Mary, TA2 8HW

Churchwarden: Hazel Adams - 01823 443027

P.C.C Secretary: Samm Barge - 01823 410350

P.C.C Treasurer: David Cooke -

Captain of Bell ringers: Pearl Jeanes - 412804

Church Flower Organiser: Angela Dill - 412395

Mothers’ Union: Hazel Adams - 01823 443027

Benefice Office: Michele Hardiman - 01823 451257

Parish Council Clerk: Tricia Cavill - 01823 413524

Parish Council Chairman: Stuart Haskins -

07824410997

West Monkton Primary School Head:

Ian Robinson - 01823 412582

Heathfield Community School Head: Peter Hoare -

01823 412396

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre: 01823 414141

Taunton Deane Community Transport: 01823

331266

Slinky Bus: 01823 331266 Mon-Fri. 9 am to 4 pm

(24hrs notice).

Neighbourhood Beat Manager: PC 4250 Andy

Beake

Police Community Support Officers: 101 and ask

for PC277 Steve Linton or PCSO 8412 Claire Escott

Village Hall:

Telephone, incoming calls only - 01823 412068

Booking Officer: Mrs Lyn Batt Tel: 01823 412089

Chairman: Joyce Keyte 01823 412294

Vice Chairman: Colin Bentley Tel: 01823 413193.

BACH (Brittons Ash Community Hall)

Chairman: Barry Gage 07752723311

[email protected]

Booking Officer: Maggie Little 01823 323662

Assistant Clerk: A Shepherd

[email protected]

Useful E-Mail addresses & websites:

Community Website: www.somersetrcc.org.uk

Parish Council Website: www.westmonkton.net

Litter Hotline: 01823 356356

Community Agent: Audrey Mansfield

Tel: 01823 331222

Mobile: 07870 577925

Email: [email protected]

Benefice Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/South-Quantock-Benefice-

West-Monkton-Cheddon-Kingston-Broomfield-churches-

242102696183594/

Benefice website:

www.southquantockbenefice.org.uk

New Buildings and Developments enewsletter: to

sign up please email:

[email protected]

Regular Events at West Monkton Village Hall

Monkton Heathfield, TA2 8NE

Small Fry (Parent and Toddler Group)

Mondays 09:45 - 11:15

Phoenix Camera Club

Mondays 19:00 - 22:00

Taunton Ladies Chorus

Mondays 19:15 - 21:15

Pilates

Tuesdays 09:30 - 10:30, Fridays 09:30 - 10:30

Brownies

Tuesdays (except school holidays) 18:00 - 19:30

Model Boat Club

Once a month on a Tuesday 19:30 - 21:30

Monkton Players

Tuesdays 20:00 - 22:00

Badminton

Tuesdays 14:00 - 15:00, Wednesdays 20:00 - 22:00

National Childbirth Trust

Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:00

Fitness for Fun


Bizzy Boots Line Dancing


Writers Club

Wednesdays (except first in month) 19:15 - 21:15

Coffee Morning (Ladies and Gents)

Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30

Monkton Evening WI

Fourth Thursday of the month 17:30 - 19:30

Ladies Afternoon Tea

Third Thursday of the month 14:30 - 16:30

Zumba

Thursdays 18:00 - 19:00

Trams & Light Railways

Once a month on a Saturday 13:30 - 16:30

South West Orchid Society

Once a month on a Sunday 14:00 - 17:00

SGI Buddhist Group

Second Sunday of the month 10:00 - 12:30

‘O’ Gauge Model Railways

Quarterly on a Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

For more information please contact Joyce Keyte at

Tel: 01823 412294

Email: [email protected]

Village News:Please forward information for the next edition to the

Associate Editors,

Lorna Walters, Tel. 01823 412017

[email protected]

Dawn Watts, Tel. 01823 412201 [email protected]

Village News Treasurer Ken Jones

Distribution of the Village News is organised by: Barry

Gage, Maggie & Gordon Little and David Pearson.

Submissions to Village News may be made by e-mail or by

hard copy. Please ask for a receipt to your e-mail to ensure

that it arrives. Items submitted will be subjected to editing if

necessary. The deadline for submissions for the September -

October 2018 Village News is 1st August 2018.


West Monkton Bell Ringers still need YOU!

During the Great War of 1914 - 1918,1400 bell ringers lost their lives.Bell ringing teams over the whole country are trying,between them, to recruit at least 1400 new ringers by11th November 2018.You still have time to join the team and learn a newand exciting skill.As a new ringer:You will be able to take part in the ringing onArmistice Day 2018Remember those who died and commemorate theend of the conflict.

If you would like to learn to ring contact:Pearl JeanesTel: 01823 412804Email: [email protected]

Change of date and change of place but still ...

Strawberries & Proseccowith a game of croquet

Saturday 7th July7:00pm

Langaller Farmhouse, Langaller

Ticket Price £8To include prosecco, strawberries and cream

For tickets:Dianne Besley 01823 412857 orKatharin Dalton 01823 412278

St Augustine’s Church Activities Committee

Come and join us for

Sunday Afternoon tea22nd July

2:30pm to 4:30pmWest Monkton Village Hall

: Tombola : White Elephant : Plants :: Treasure Hunt (Map) :

: Count Balloons in Car : Kiddies Tattoos : :Number of Lollipops in Jar : Name the Doll :

: Find My Racing Number :: Display of Model Trams :

: Guess the Weight of the Cake :

Tickets: Pre-day £2.50At door on the day £3.50

Children £1

Tickets from: Annette 01823 617029Lyn 01823 412089

Raising funds for West Monkton Village Hall

Paws for Coffeein the Garden Event

Saturday 14th July10am to 12 noon

53 School Road, Monkton Heathfield, TA28PE

Admission £1 to include Tea/Coffee andbiscuits

Home made Cakes and Jams etc.Grand Raffle and Tombola

PlantsCrafts and More!

All proceeds to Hearing Dogs for Deaf PeopleEnquiries: Contact Lin 01823 412888


Bob Holder

Bob Holder, who died on Easter Saturday aged 93,moved to West Monkton in 1951 and joined the firm oflawyers Dodson & Pulman in Hammet Street, Taunton.He lived in West Court Place, sharing accommodationwith Albert and Ethel Hoare who had spent manyyears in the Falkland Islands. Court Place was thenowned by Hammet Street Auctioneer Teddy Marshalland his wife Audrey. Glebe Court was owned byColonel and Mrs Thurston and Marlows by MrsBedford and her daughter Barbara. They all enjoyedtennis parties.There were two village shops in the main street - onerun by Mrs Nation and the other, with the Post Office,by Mr and Mrs Marsh. Mr Marsh delivered groceriesand Jim Nation delivered bread. Frank Day was thelandlord at the village pub and also the villageblacksmith.Bob became involved with the church assisting inmany duties with the Rev. Meek and then the Rev.Maurice Roynon who, as keen historians, becamegreat friends.Monkton House was being split up and the land soldfor building. Bob, then with two children, built a houseon the piece of land known as The Jungle - namedafter the many exotic plants found in that piece ofgarden (now known as Tresco).In 1957, now with four children, Bob and Margaretmoved to The South Plantation in Boome Lane wherehe lived until his death. He developed a wild gardenwith trees and shrubs and also a large vegetablepatch.West Monkton was full of young families with fathersworking mainly in Taunton and mothers staying athome to look after their children and making friendswith all the other families and forming long-lastingrelationships. These families were all represented atBob’s Thanksgiving Service.Bob was always interested in the history of WestMonkton and his knowledge and memory wereoutstanding. He was disappointed not to be included inrecent talks on Conservation of West Monkton as he

Up the Hill

There was a time when, Up the HillWe all had children. Every lawnNot manicured; but played upon,The chestnuts prized for conkers still.And by the shop the traffic jamsWere tricycles and babies’ prams.

On Summer evenings you could strolland listen to the children’s games.(I still remember all their names.)“She’s out” and “It’s my turn to bowl”Or is it their fourth? I do declareThere must be something in the air.

But all too soon they went awayThe girls and boys whom we watchedgrow.Sadly, resigned, we let them go.Now only the old people stayAnd youngsters seldom settle here.“What at that price? It’s far too dear.”

Most days I take a village walkAlthough I find it’s rare to meetAnother person in the street,And rarer if they stop and talk.So now the village, once admiredItself is childless and retired.

R. W. Holder30th April 1992

had so much to offer and must have been one of sofew who can remember the village in the 1950s.He wrote this poem ‘Up the Hill’ in 1992 about lifeas it was then, three copies of which were producedat his Thanksgiving Service.

From Bob’s Family

Editors note:Over the yearsBob Holder hadsubmitted manyarticles for theVillage News. Hewas a realfountain ofknowledge onlocal people andplaces and wroteinteresting anddetailed accountsof events.

Right: The Street,West Monkton in1955 about the timeBob first moved here.


Firstly a bigthank you to everyone who donated or contributed toour ‘Tea and Cake’ afternoon which we had in Apriland, as always, a massive thank you to my wonderful"little helpers". You are marvellous and always therefor me, as you know I couldn't do it without you.Last but not least thank you to all who came andsupported us and dug deep in your pockets, I amdelighted to tell you that we raised an amazing£1350.79.This amount was shared between Parkinson's MidSomerset Group and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.Hopefully we shall have another ‘Tea and Cake’ eventin November.

Our next event (back by popular demand) is ourPaws for Coffee in the Garden (See Page 3). I dohope you can join us and hopefully meet someamazing Hearing Dogs and their recipients.Look forward to seeing you,Many thanks again for your support.From Lin Keitch, organizer of the Taunton and DistrictF R Branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.53 School Road, TA2 8PE, 01823 412888

The Night Stalker... a crime thriller from Clare Donoghue.

This is some information about the book mentioned inthe Women’s Institute report on Page 12.

Dead Woman’s Ditch - the site of a grisly two-hundred-year-old murder - and a recent hit and run.When a young woman’s body is found at the macabrelandmark in Somerset’s Quantock Hills, DI MikeLockyer and Sergeant Jane Bennett are called in toinvestigate.They find a community gripped by fear andsuperstition. The locals won’t venture out at night -believing there’s a man stalking the hills; a phantomcloaked in folklore and legend, keeping the sinisterlegacy of Dead Woman’s Ditch alive.Confronted by a hostile CID team, and a murdervictim with close ties to their own squad, Lockyer andBennett will have to accept what they can’t see beforethey can find what’s really there.

If you find a book which you think might be of interest toour readers - maybe a local setting as in this one or by alocal author please let us know.


Street Party on The Street

After some intense planning and on a gloriousmorning the bunting started to go up on TheStreet, West Monkton – the party had started!

The excuse for this wonderful event was the RoyalWedding but everybody there also just wanted toexperience happy times with neighbours, familyand friends.A group, led by Jaqui Besley and Lee Scott, andably assisted by other village residents hadarranged for The Street to be closed, ordered apig, amassed bunting, brought prosecco and icecreams, manhandled huge bails of straw and afridge freezer onto the street, put flowers in vasesand organised activities for children.Particular thanks need to go to the Village Hall andJoyce Keyte for the loan of tables and chairs, tothe Parish Council for their donation, to HenryBesley for ordering, fetching and storing the pig, toPhilip Waterman and his wife for cooking, carvingand serving the pig, to Camilla Clark for theartwork and decorations and to Harry Besley fororganising the smooth running of the big screenshowing of the Royal wedding.

Once the bunting was hung, tables decorated, stuffingand apple-sauce put out, The Street looked amazinglyfestive and people began to arrive. Bowls of sharingfood were put out on tables, plates and cutlery emergedfrom picnic bags and the sound of corks popping andbottle caps pinging could be heard the length of TheStreet.It was wonderful to see so many people, some whohave lived in the village for years and some relativenewcomers and of all ages (from a baby to a 96 yearold) gathering, being introduced to those they didn’tknow and meeting acquaintances they hadn’t seen for awhile. The buzz of conversation, laughter and friendshipspread along the street. Toasts were cheered and suncream applied.

There was a West Monkton Quiz, fiendishly thought upby Andrew Adam, and we have included it in this editionof the News for those who want to know the answers(or try the quiz for themselves). (See Page 17).Tea and coffee were served by the activities committeeof St Augustines, some guessing games were run bythe COWMS group, there were table tennis and tablefootball games for those with energy and crowns tomake for those who love glitter and jewels!It was a wonderful occasion and some of us cannot waitfor an excuse to do it again so thank you to everyonewho helped and all 160 of you who came and made itsuch a day to remember.(More photos on Page 28)

Hanging the bunting in the morning sunshine.

The spit roast pig arrives and the smell was wonderful!

The pig was carved and served in buns, vegetarians helpedthemselves to a variety of different Aubergine Pie and Cheesy

Lentil Loaf.


Singles Club

July 10th: Lunch at The Maypole, Thurloxton 12noon - 3pm.

No meeting in August as its holiday time.

If you are new to the village, Singles Club is a greatway to meet new people. Any single person is mostwelcome.We meet on the second Tuesday in the month for avariety of activities.It is a very friendly group of about thirty-five people.

More information:Dianne Besley 01823 412857

West MonktonChurch of EnglandPrimary School

FizzPop Science were backearlier this term engaging the children signed up forthe after school club. Thanks to another donationfrom the PTA, FizzPop will also deliver scienceworkshops across each year group.

Cross Country Running

Big congratulationsto our fantasticcross countryrunners - not onlydid they runsuperbly - they hadfun doing it.

6th Place - Team 53 - 14/75 Overall11th Place - Team 55 - 32/75 Overall14th Place - Team 54 - 37/75 Overall

Family LearningWe were delighted to welcome over forty year 3 and 4parents for a creative workshop. The children andparents worked together to make poppies to link withour Take One week! These fantastic sessions wererun by Richard from Play-Art thanks to our grant fromSomerset Skills & Learning.These workshops are followed by the opportunity foradults to attend a four week 'Learning to Learn'course where children and adults look at skills forlearning!

Sports ReportWest Monkton have been taking part in various sportsevents locally. A team of eight players took part in theTaunton area round of Somerset FA’s Year 5 Futsalcompetition at the end of February, and the beginningof March saw seven Year 5 players attending a localFootball tournament.

What is Futsal?For those who don’t know!

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small sided footballgame that is played across the world.Futsal is played between two teams of five players.One of the five players is a goalkeeper who, unlike infootball is very active out on the pitch.It is played on a hard court surface. It is played witha smaller ball (futsal ball) that has less bounce than aregular football.To be great at the game of futsal you need to havegreat improvisation, technique, creativity, ball controland heightened awareness.The name futsal comes from the Portuguese Futebolde salão, which can be translated as “room football”.It was developed in Brazil in the 1930’s and 1940’s.


South Quantock Benefice ServicesJuly1st 5th Sunday after Trinity8:00am BCP Communion Service Kingston10:00am Communion Service West Monkton11:00am Family Service Broomfield8th 6th Sunday after Trinity8:00am Holy Communion (BCP), West Monkton

10:00am Communion Service Kingston12 noon Baptism Kingston10:00am Family Service Cheddon6:00pm Evening Prayer West Monkton14th Saturday2:00pm Wedding West Monkton5:00pm Renewal of wedding Vows West M15th 7th Sunday after Trinity8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) Kingston10:00am Communion Service West Monkton11:00am Communion Service Broomfield12 noon Baptisms West Monkton22nd 8th Sunday after Trinity8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) West M10:00am Communion service Cheddon11:00am Songs of Praise West M12 noon Baptism Cheddon10:00am Communion Service Kingston6:00pm Evening Prayer Broomfield29th 9th Sunday after Trinity10:00am United Benefice Communion Service Kingston6:00pm Gentle Alternative Worship with talk on pioneer ministry Kingston

Midweek Holy CommunionServices, dates and

venues to be confirmed –please check with the Benefice Office

Tel: 01823 451257 Email:[email protected]

August5th 10th Sunday after Trinity8:00am BCP Communion Service Kingston10:00am Communion Service West Monkton6:00pm Lammas Service Broomfield

11th Saturday2:30pm Wedding Kingston12th 11th Sunday after Trinity8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) West M10:00am Family Service Cheddon11:00am Patronal Festival Service (please note time change) Kingston6:00pm Evening Prayer West Monkton18th Saturday2:00pm Wedding Kingston19th 12th Sunday after Trinity8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) Kingston10:00am Communion Service West Monkton11:00am Communion Service with baptism Broomfield26th 13th Sunday after Trinity8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) West M10:00am Communion service Cheddon10.00am Communion Service Kingston11:00am Songs of Praise West M 6:00pm Evening Prayer Broomfield

September2nd 14th Sunday after Trinity8:00am BCP Communion Service Kingston10:00am Communion Service West Monkton10:00am Animal Service Tetton Farm

From the St Augustine’s Church register:

BaptismWe welcome the newly baptized into the community of the church of Christ and pray that they may grow in thelife of the Holy Spirit:20th May George Henry Gilby

WeddingWe wish joy and lasting fulfilment to26th May Martin Staples and Helen Moore

Funeral:May the souls of the departed rest and grow in peace and rise in gloryAshes in Churchyard1st June Joyce Freda Randles16th June Albert Douglas MasonMemorial Service30th April Robert Woollard Holder

Broomfield Open Air ServiceLammastide

Sunday 5th August, 6:00pmfollowed by refreshments

A Local Ministry Group Service

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/South-Quantock-Benefice-West-Monkton-Cheddon-Kingston-Broomfield-churches-242102696183594/


News from West MonktonParish Church in theSouth Quantock Benefice

There are a few comings andgoings in the Benefice thissummer. The first is to welcome“Pioneer Ordinand”, Mrs TraceyHallett. Tracey is training to be aChurch of England Vicar andjoins us for her practical work atthe beginning of June for a year. As a pioneer, she willfocus on looking out and working in the community(rather than inside the church building.) She will bebased in Cheddon Parish but I expect we will see heraround West Monkton, too.I will be moving out of the Bathpool Rectory in June, upto the Vicarage in Kingston. This puts me more in thecentre of the four churches and also right next to theBenefice Office, where Michele, our administratorworks. My role as Rector of the Benefice remains thesame and you will see me both in West MonktonChurch and out and about in the Parish as usual.Paul Elliston is joining us and will be moving into therectory in Bathpool. He has been appointed as aPioneer Minister by the Diocese, particularly to work inthe Bathpool new housing area. Like Tracey, he will beconcentrating on making links with the local communityand working mainly outside the walls of the churchbuilding.The fourth change, which is still an unknown as I write,is that we will be interviewing for the post of AssociateVicar for the Benefice in mid-June. You may know thatthis post has been vacant for over a year, since Rev’dTony Woodward retired. I am very much lookingforward to having an ordained colleague again, whowill work with us in all 4 parishes, leading Sundayworship as well as weddings, baptisms and funerals.He or she will be part of our team committed to thiscommunity.As these very positive changes happen we remaincommitted as a Benefice to “know, share and spreadthe love of God” and very much hope to see you outand about or in one of the churches. Why not join us atour Lammas celebration held out doors (weatherpermitting) at Broomfield, 6pm on Sunday 5th August.A wonderful occasion on a summer evening as we sitout on straw bales and enjoy some local cheese andcider afterwards. Rural Dean, Rev’d Rebecca Harris,will be preaching.God bless you,Mary

West Monkton Mother’s Union are looking forward tothe visit of Rev Ruth, Bishop of Taunton, to theirmeeting on Monday, 9th July at 2:30 pm, at WestMonkton Church.

We are having an open meeting and invite anyone whowould like to come and listen to the Bishop.

What is Lammas?

Lammas – Thanksgiving for the first fruitsLammas, or Loafmass, is the thanksgiving servicefor the first fruits of the harvest. Traditionally, thefirst fruits belonged to God, and were offered toGod. This included crops, animals, and people!In the Bible, as Jesus was the first born son, Maryand Joseph travelled from Bethlehem to the Templein Jerusalem when he was eight days old andsacrificed two doves in thanksgiving (Gospel ofLuke, Chapter 2).Early Christians in the UK took over the Celtic feastof the first fruits, Lammas. In the Church Calendar,it follows Plough Sunday and Rogationtide (sowing),and precedes the relatively modern Harvest Festival(when all is safely gathered in).Lammas is celebrated on August 1st in the NorthernHemisphere and on February 1st in the SouthernHemisphere.

History of LammasSince the dawn of civilization, grain has been veryimportant to mankind. So much so, that it became asymbol that was often associated with birth anddeath. A great example of this can be found in theGreek legend of Adonis. According to legend,Adonis was the god of grain and of rebirth and wasalso quite handsome. Handsome enough for twogoddesses, Aphrodite and Persephone, to battle forhis affections. However, the endless feudingbetween the two goddesses enraged Zeus so muchhe decided to end the fight by ordering Adonis tospend six months of the year with Persephone inthe Underworld and the rest of the time withAphrodite. Which was the Greek’s explanation forthe spring and summer – when things grew, and falland winter – when things died.There is also an even earlier story about grain fromSumeria. This is a legend about the god Tammuzwho was killed and this so grieved his widow Ishtarthat she made nature stop producing. Naturewouldn’t begin to produce again until she went tothe underworld and brought him back.In Old English, Lammas comes from the phrase“hlaf-maesse,” which roughly translates to loafmass. That’s because during this period in time,when bread was made from the first harvest’sgrains, the first loaves were often blessed by theChurch.


Hands Reaching Out,For Everyone

Although the last report was in theSeptember/October 2017 edition it does not reflectthat nothing has happened since then. Far from it,outreach to the community has continued in manyways.At the start of the new term after the summerholidays “Cuppa and a Chat” dispensed with thegazebo outside the school reception entrance andmoved into the BACH, a good move in many ways.At first, numbers of people stopping for a free cuppavaried, maybe the visual impact was not so clear butthen levelled out as time went by.Early December and people delivered personalisedChristmas cards from West Monkton church, CreechBaptists and Bathpool Chapel to all the new andexisting housing in the area, about 2,000 in total andan obvious increase on 2016.Involvement in the W M Primary school carol servicewas a joy to be part of, hearing the children doing alltheir different things and the newly formed‘Community Choir’ singing away. The choir continuesto this day and you are welcome to join. Practiceafter school on Tuesdays.Nearer Christmas we all joined up for ‘Carols on theSquare’ at the south western end of Hardys Road.Again, Monkton Elm supplied a lovely Christmas treeand lights to accompany the music being played onan accordion to a large gathering of locals singingmost heartily.So it’s 2018, a new year and some new thoughts forthe future. We decided to continue in the BACH,regulars and newcomers still came in for a “Cuppaand a Chat” and a time or two it was good to be inout of the wind and rain.

Many new ways were thought about, discussed andprayed over during simple meetings at the Rectoryas to how to take the outreach another step forward.After further investigation it was decided to putfeelers out regarding the interest from parents, etc,collecting children or working at the school for aParenting Course. Run over ten weeks each sessionof 90 minutes was different and people could comeand go as they could. There was sufficient interestand so it started after the Easter holiday withexperienced parents leading, all participantswatching a short dvd and followed by discussions,while usually enjoying home made cake and acuppa. All this took place from 1pm to 2:30pm beforepicking up children each Tuesday. At the end of thecourse an average of 6 parents had attended eachsession and everyone agreed it had been verybeneficial all round, especially that everyone feltcomfortable taking part and feeling it brought themcloser together. Making them more of a community,not a group of individuals.Some of the “Cuppa and a Chat” group are involvedin the school Summer Fair and later on the year sixleavers Experience Day.Many new friendships have been made and we willcontinue as before with possibly another course ofsome kind to start in the summer term. Keep tuned into the Facebook page or other sources ofinformation.If you feel you would like to join this varied group ofpeople then please speak to RevMary Styles, you will always bewelcome if only now and again.We are at school on Tuesday’sfrom 2:15pm to 3:30pm.Clive HooperOn behalf of the Outreach Group

Poppy Knitters

Thank you to all the people continuing to knit poppies for the centenary of the end of WWI in November. As Iwrite at the end of May, I have received 2000 poppies so far! What a splendid response.The poppies have been in various sizes, in red and purple (for the war horses as mentioned in the last VillageNews) and, as well as being knitted, there have been some made in red fabric which look wonderful too.They have come anonymously through the post (thank you whoever you are), left on the doorstep and handedto me at church and at meetings. We are now beginning to work out how many we will need to display on thechurch tower and, hopefully, the altar frontal in the church.There has also been the suggestion that people might like todedicate a poppy to a family member for a small donation to theRoyal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Please contact Katharin (seetelephone number below) if you are interested in this idea. As wehave had such a good response we plan to start putting the poppieson the display netting before too long.Please make a note of Wednesday, the 8 August when therewill be another Knit and Natter Coffee Morning at HazebrouckHouse, Greenway at 10:30am. Ring Katharin Dalton on 412278if you need directions.

West Monkton History GroupWe are trying to put together an oral history of West Monkton. This is to try and get a picture of daily life inthe village in more recent times. We have realised that many people who knew West Monkton well havedied recently and the stories they knew have died with them. So, if you have any stories that will add tothis history then please contact Judy Laurance on 07707521617 or [email protected]


BATHPOOL CHAPEL

Sunday morning service normallystarts at 10:30am so if you are newto the area or looking for a Churchyou will be made most welcome.

During July and August the theme ofall nine services will be based on

‘The fruits of the Spirit,’ as can be found in the bookof Galatians Chapter 5: verses 22 & 23July:1st Love - Communion service with Pastor Naomileading and speaking.8th Joy – Alan Miles taking whole service15th Peace – Communion with Pastor Naomi. IreneGray speaking with Clive Hooper leading.22nd Patience – Doug Gray taking whole service.29th Kindness – Pastor Naomi taking whole servicewhich will include a time for healing ministry.August::5th Goodness – Communion with Pastor Naomispeaking and Alan Miles leading.12th Faithfulness – Alan Miles leading with PastorNaomi speaking.19th Gentleness – Communion with Pastor Naomiand Simon Billington from the Taunton VineyardChurch as guest speaker.26th Self-control - Doug Gray speaking with AlanMiles leading. This will include a time for healingministry.September:2nd Communion service with Pastor Naomi

For enquiries regarding services or other mattersplease contact Pastor Naomi Gull on 07882 764153or email: [email protected] - BBQ and special birthday celebration whichis open to all following the 15th July morningservice. This will take place in our Community PrayerGarden, weather permitting, and will have aninternational flavour of people and food. If wet we willuse the Chapel.The BBQ will start around 1:00pm and continue intothe afternoon. Please let us know by Wednesday11th July if you or your friend/s intend to come.Further details at the July coffee morning and on ourNotice Board or you can contact Clive.

Forthcoming EventsCoffee mornings:Saturday 7th July 10am – 12noonSaturday 4th August 10am - 12noonSaturday 1st September 10.00am - 12noonJoin us in the warmth and friendliness of the Chapelor garden for hot and cold drinks, cakes, bacon &egg butties, toasties or just a biscuit. Everyonewelcome, even your well behaved dog. Perhaps dosome shopping across the road at the new Aldi storeopposite. Remember parking at Aldi is allowed forall Chapel users.

Bible Study Evenings – Tuesdays, 7:00pm for7:30pm start and finish at about 9/9:15pm.July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th.A time to read, listen, discuss, reason and pray. Alsoto learn and understand the writings of the bible inthe company of other people; everyone is welcomeand lifts always available. It is anticipated there willbe no study evenings in August but they will restarton 4th September. More info from Pastor Naomi.Music Group –Wednesday 4th July & 1st August,between 8:00pm & 10:30pm. An easy going time ofmusic, instrumental or choral, and sometimes storytelling or poetry by non-professionals. Come and goas you please enjoying the variety of entertainment.Light refreshments. Further info from Dave or JaneCooke 07879812077 or 07900570369Watercolour Art Group – Mondays in school termtime from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. July 2nd, 9th, 16th and23rd. The Chapel is an ideal place to join a smallgroup who are friendly, easy going, and willing tohelp beginners. Art group starts back on 3rdSeptember with further information from Felicity Miles01823 412343.Chat & Knit - A group meet on Thursday afternoonsbetween 2:00pm & 4:00pm. Come and join in forfriendship, fellowship, and a sense of purpose. Knitsomething useful like poppies for RemembranceDay, coloured squares to make patchwork quilts forthose in need, hats for new born babies; the list is asendless as are the needs and uses. Hats, scarves,and gloves for the Christmas shoeboxes to Brasov,Eastern Romania, from many organisations inSomerset, including Bathpool Chapel. Theshoeboxes are delivered direct through the localcharity, SWEEPS and more information can beobtained from Clive. Why not join in even if you havenever knitted before as help and instruction will beavailable? Refreshments are provided and furtherinformation can be obtained from Pastor Naomi.

General NewsThe Chapel and its facilities are available for suitablegroups to use. Conditions apply and hire costs arenegotiable. Information from Clive Hooper.

Community Prayer Garden.This is available 24/7 and if the Chapel door to thewooden steps is open you may find people enjoyinga cuppa around one of the many seating areas.Some just visit to sit and chat, or spend timemeditating in the surroundings, especially this time ofthe year when the bees, butterflies and other insects,are busy gathering nectar from the flowers.When using Chapel premises, including the garden,parking is allowed at Aldi opposite so please alsoshop there whenever possible. For general enquiriesabout the Chapel or garden please contact PastorNaomi, or Clive Hooper on 01278 457221 Mobile07889 228002 [email protected]


West Monkton EveningWomen’s Institute

Hi everyone …. Hope you are allenjoying this lovely sunshine at last.Work has started on our little area of the gardenoutside The Annexe, and hopefully we can get somebedding plants in soon.Our April meeting was a great success, attractingseveral visitors. Local author Claire Donoghue camealong to talk about her most recent book, ‘The NightStalker’ but first she explained ‘Why she became awriter’. As a teenager she was not at all interested inbooks or even reading them, she left school with littlesuccess in literature and took a job in Londonworking for a law firm. She spent many hours waitingat tube stations, sitting on the tube and walking toher office, then one day she picked up a book by MoHayder and did not stop reading it until she hadfinished it at 4:00am in the morning, she could notput it down.The spark to go further came fromreading a lot of general crime fiction, includingStephen King and that was the turning point for her,she knew she wanted to become a writer and writecrime novels.That was the ‘Why she wanted to become a writer’,now ‘How to go about it?' Claire found out that MoHayder had done an MA in Creative Writing at BathSpa University and she thought that needed to bethe path to take. It wasn’t easy getting on the coursebut eventually she was accepted, She left London,re-mortgaged her house and moved back with herparents. She was the only writer on the course whowanted to write crime novels, her decision to do thiswas that it was something she knew about, havingread so much and it is good to write about somethingfamiliar.She wrote a novel, ‘Never look Back’, and submittedit to publishers; many turned her down for varyingreasons but eventually two publishers wanted topublish it. This was her first novel but since then shehas ‘never looked back’! Claire has gone on to write,‘No Place to Die’, ‘The Craddle with Fall’, ‘Trust NoOne’ and now her latest book, ‘The Night Stalker’,has been published. The first three novels camefrom her own fears which included being stalked andbeing buried alive.The latest book was originally based in London butshe moved it to the Quantock Hills when she foundout about the story of Dead Woman's Ditch. Thissays that 200 years ago John Walford, a local man,had brutally murdered his wife on the hills and lefther body in Dead Woman's Ditch. Walford washanged for his crime and his body was displayed in agibbet for a year outside his house as a warning toothers with murderous intentions. By transferring thelocation to Somerset the story has taken on a newfeel as the crime in her story moved from the city tothe countryside.The final part of her amazing story is, ‘How I write?’She has a busy life, including raising a two year olddaughter and working at the Tacchi Morris Centre,

but still forces herself to write 1500 words a day tomeet her deadline. We were all left in awe of thisamazing, talented and personable young lady.Our AGM was the main topic of our May meeting,followed by an American Supper, but we weredelighted to welcome Sally Mitchell who is a VillageAgent. Some of you will have heard of theseagents, others will not have; they have, in fact, beenin operation since 1926 and are based at VictoriaHouse in Taunton and they cover parishesthroughout Somerset. The role of the Village Agentis to bridge the gap between people in isolation, tocombat loneliness, to help the elderly andvulnerable people in the community and to signposting people to the correct service they require.Their many projects include Talking Cafés invarious locations, the nearest being in St MarysChurch once a week; this is attended by VillageAgents, Community Agents, Carers agents andAdult Social Care and they are all there to help withpeople's problems. All of us ‘of a certain age’receive our winter fuel allowance, some of us arefortunate to not really need it and are given theopportunity to donate their winter fuel allowance tothe Village Agents' ‘Surviving Winter Fund’. Themoney, amongst other things, is used to provide‘micro carers’ to people in need and they supportthem with everything other than personal care.They are a charity and have received LotteryFunding to continue this very worthwhile project. Avery enlightening evening, giving us all ‘food forthought’.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 arevery welcome, we meet in the Annexe of WestMonkton Village Hall at 7:30pm on the fourthThursday of each month (unless we are having anouting and we do not meet in August); just ring ourPresident Ann May on 01823 334168 for details.The annual cost is £41.00 (plus £3 for tea/coffee) –visitors will be £5 including coffee – what a bargainand a great way to meet new friends. Once again aspecial thank you to Sylvia Renshaw who organisesall our brilliant speakers.

Forthcoming programme :July 26th : Modern scams (Nat west Bank)

speakerTrudi Henderon

August: NomeetingSeptember 27th:2 steps behind(Born FreeFoundation) –speaker DawnLawrence


West Monkton Church100 Club Prizewinners

The May Draw was held on Thursday 3rd MayFirst Prize: £95.00 won by Roderick Fleming Second Prize: £47.50 won by Loraine JonesThe sum of £332.50 will go towards the church. The number of £5.00 shares entered in thedraw was 95.The June Draw was held on Sunday 3rd JuneFirst Prize: £95.00 won by Norman Cavill Second Prize: £47.50 won by Henry BesleyThe sum of £332.50 will go towards the church. The number of £5.00 shares entered in the draw was 95.Congratulations to the winners! Your turn next month?If you would like to join or hear more about the 100 Club, please contact: Kate Ayres 01823 413873

Parish CouncilNews

Annual ParishCouncil meetingMay 8th was the

annual meeting of the Parish Council. TheChairman, Cllr Stuart Haskins was re-elected foranother year, as was Vice-Chairman, Cllr MikeThompson. Cllr Barry Gage continues as theChairman of the BACH committee.Other roles with responsibility are:Member responsible for Highways: Cllr Mark BesleyMember responsible for Safe Routes to School andPlay Areas: Cllr Ray TullyMember responsible for Footpaths: Cllr B GageMember responsible for Public Open Spaces andFlooding: Cllr Mike ThompsonMember responsible for Allotments: Cllr StuartHaskins.You’ll find contact information for the Councillors onthe West Monkton website – which you can reach viaFacebook or www.westmonkton.netThe Clerk and Assistant Clerk are contactable byemail or you can phone 01823 413 [email protected]@westmonkton.netMinutes of Parish Council meetings are available onthe website.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)West Monkton Parish Council has had to make somechanges due to the requirements of GDPR. Thecontact details of Councillors are on the website inthe public interest. The two mailing lists operated bythe Parish Council have been rebuilt followingconsent of the people joining the lists:‘Neighbourhood Plan Delivery’, and ‘New Buildingsand Developments in West Monkton’. If you wouldlike to be on either or both of these lists, pleasecontact the Clerk or the Assistant Clerk giving yourconsent. Your information will not be shared with athird party, nor used for anything other than thepurpose specified. If you’ve already e-mailed yourconsent, you don’t need to do anything more.To ensure the Parish Council’s compliance with thisnew legislation, the Clerk and Assistant Clerk,

together with the Clerk for Cheddon Fitzpaine,attended a training session organised by SomersetAssociation for Local Councils. Councillors will soonreceive an update to requirements.The Parish Council will be updating its DataProtection and Privacy policies, which will be postedon the website.The Parish Council continues to subscribe to the‘Information Commissioner’s Office’ which providesregular updates and information about compliance.

BACHSince the date in October 2016 when the BACH washanded over to the Parish Council, the hall hascontinued to be a community hub, attractingbookings and being very busy. You can see what’son by accessing the new Hallmaster BACH Calendaron the website. If you think larger premises wouldsuit your requirements better, please remember thatWest Monkton Village Hall can cater for largernumbers. Cllr Ray Tully sits on the ManagementCommittee of both halls.Community reportingSCC and TDBC have active websites that allow youto report many problems with Highways andPavements – from potholes to overhanging hedges.Please use the websites:https://www.tauntondeane.gov.ukwww.somerset.gov.ukAlternatively, please continue to report such mattersto your Councillors or the Clerk or Assistant Clerk.Community contingency planThe Parish Council is looking for volunteers to assistin periods of inclement weather. If you have a 4x4vehicle and would like to volunteer please get intouch with the Assistant [email protected]

GrantsIf you or your Group/Organisation are involved in aproject that is of benefit to the economic, social andwell-being fabric of the community, you may beeligible for a grant from WMPC. Please have a lookat WMPC Grant’s policy on the website. There is no‘one size fits all’ claim form, but the information onthe website provides guidance on how to make yourapplication.


Somerset Birds

As high summer approaches it appears, sadly, thatmany of our familiar summer visitors are here inlower than usual numbers and that some populationsare markedly reduced. Swallows are certainly fewer,and their close relatives, House Martins haveexperienced quite a worrying reduction in numbers.Checking local colonies in May I found nests at onelarge site down by 33%. There is a small reason forhope, in that birds were still in the early stages ofnest building, suggesting a proportion are arrivinglate.In fact, late arrival seems to be the theme this yearand a combination of factors is likely to be the cause.House Martins are an interesting case. The winteringareas of almost all our summer migrants are now wellknown, and in some cases precisely so, but HouseMartins remain a mystery because there have beenso few sightings of these birds during our winter.Such evidence that exists points to a wintering zoneabove the dense rain forests of central Africa, wherebirds feed on insects above the canopy. It is possiblethat subtle environmental changes there are havingan effect but this is yet to be established.

However, it is known that some species can begravely affected by problems in their wintering sites.A good example of this is the Common Whitethroat, afamiliar warbler of our hedgerows and heathland.This bird winters just south of the Sahara in theSahel, an area of sparse vegetation which,nevertheless, supports a number of our migrant birdsin our winter. Drought conditions there, which arebecoming ever more frequent as the climatechanges, mean that birds have difficulty surviving.2018 is looking a poor year for this species, but notas bad as 1966 when severe drought extended thedesert southwards and 90% of our birds perished.My own hunch is that unseasonal weather insouthern Europe has had a damaging effect on ourmigrants. During almost the whole of April, and theearly part of May, not only was our weather bleak,but the Iberian peninsular, and the north Africancoastal areas suffered cold and wet weather. It

seems likely this halted northbound migration at acritical time and killed many birds. Interestingly, onespecies seems unaffected this year and has arrivedin expected numbers. This is the LesserWhitethroat, a small warbler that takes a completelydifferent route to arrive here. This bird winters incentral and east Africa but its journey northwards

takes it through Sudan, Egypt, Israel (where it can beseen in large numbers in March) and Syria. Here itturns northwest and arrives in the UK from the east.Happily some species seem to have bucked thetrend. Two of these are Pied Flycatcher and WoodWarbler, both of which are having good years in theQuantock Combes. It is good news for the latter asfor several years they have been in slow decline inSomerset. Perhaps, by good timing and good fortunethese two species avoided the worst of the weather,but this can only be conjecture. This year doesdemonstrate graphically the hazards faced bymigratory birds, and weather events such as our coldand wet early spring are a significant but entirelynatural one. Given a good breeding season, andMay was certainly a pleasant month, most speciesare capable of recovery.One of my personal spring favourites, theNightingale, is also down in numbers but only slightlyso. The small population along the Bridgwater andTaunton canal arrived a week later than usual andsinging birds appeared to be paired. Encouragingly,some individual songsters have appeared at newsites and at least two areas round Taunton wherethey haven't been recorded for a while As I write I'veheard of one singing in May in West Monkton (thanksJo). Nightingales are on the very edge of their worldrange in our part of Somerset, so it is nice to closewith some good news.

Brian Hill

Somerset Ornithological Society welcomespeople whatever their level of interest in birds.Our next field meeting is at the Avalon Marshes.Meet at Ashcott Corner carpark ST448396 at 9.30am on Saturday September 8th. Please contactme on 01823 443503 for further details.

Four small House Martins peep out from their nest

Whitethroat


West Monkton Village HallMonkton Heathfield, TA2 8NE

Village Hall AGM, 23rd June7pm to receive the Hall Accounts for 2017/187:30pm Business of the AGMThe meeting is held in the Village Hall, MonktonHeathfield. Everyone is invited to see how the hall isadministered on behalf of the inhabitants of theparish of West Monkton, which includes WestMonkton, Monkton Heathfield, Bathpool, Goosenfordand Gotton. The management team is made up ofIndependent Trustees/Members (who are voted onat the Annual General Meeting), representativesfrom organisations who use the hall and honorarymembers who carry out specific duties.We hold six Management Committee Meetings ayear and six Finance Sub-Committee meetings. Ifyou are interested in serving your community pleasecome along and meet us. We serve lightrefreshments at the end giving all attendees time tosocialise.If you would like to find out more about us before the23rd please feel free to contact Joyce Keyte on01823 412294 or email: [email protected] have recently had the go-ahead to carry out themajor refurbishments in the main building that wehave been planning for some time which will see uswith new toilet areas, double glazed windows and anew floor in the main entrance hall. This will befunded by our share of money being made availableby developers to support our community. We nowhave the tricky job of finding suitable dates to fit thework in around the hall diary. This will improve ourfacilities enormously.

Gardening Corner

Whilst June and July are great to sit back and enjoy thefruits of your labour in the garden, it is also the best timeto start to sow your biennials for next year. A biennialplant is one that takes two seasons to flower, seed anddie. In the first year most biennials will grow leaves androots, often formed as a low growing rosette. In thesecond year to rosette will send up the flowering stem.The flowers will then seed and then the plant dies back.Often biennials are great self seeders so all is not lostand for the cost of a packet of seeds you will get plantscoming back year after year.A lot of biennials we grow are vegetables and there arefewer flowering plants but they are worth a thought.Here are some of my favourites:Foxgloves - these are a must have.I love Digitalis 'Alba' for their tallspires of white flowers. Loved by allinsects but especially bees. Thewhite varieties just seem toharmonise better within a borderthan the purple ones and will fit withany colour scheme. This varietyalso lasts well as a cut flower. I alsolove Digitalis 'Suttons Apricot'Sweet Williams - I grew up believing that these werenamed after my grandad, William Lambert! Grandad wasa veg grower really but he always made room for sweetwilliams and would pick bunches for my nan to haveindoors. That scent! I like Dianthus barbatus 'Nigricans'which is a crimson/black flower with dark foliage. Thislooks good with anything orange or with hot pinks.Sweet rocket is another good one. Also known asHesperismatronalis, again I prefer the white variety. Thiswill enjoy full sun or partial shade and will get pretty tall-sometimes they need staking. Hesperis release theirscent in the evening so plant them near where you willsit or walk by. And if you like scent in the gardentry Matthiolaincana/night scented stocks. Plant themunder your bedroom window and enjoy the scent whenyou go to bed.Honesty - aka Lunaria as the seed pods resemble themoon. As children we used to pretend these were coins.I wish they were, I would be rich! Honesty is a brilliantself seeder. Once you have it in your garden, you'll haveit for life.Wall flowers - I know a lot of people think that these areold fashioned but I love a wall flower- especially as theycan start flowering as early as March. 'Cloth of Gold' isas the name suggests a vibrant gold colour. There arealso very dark reds and purples, as well as rusty colours,old pinks and whites.Alkanet - we have loads of this at Hestercombe and itsets seed all over the place. It has a strong tap rootwhen mature so if you notice it in the wrong place in itsrosette form, take it out then as they are quite bulky andtake up a bit of space. However they are a brilliant foodsource for the Scarlet Tiger moth- quite a rare day flyingmoth only really found in this south west corner of theUK.So do enjoy your gin and tonic in the garden thissummer but think how much nicer it might be in theevening with some of these heavenly scents and getsowing your biennials.Claire Greenslade, Head Gardener, Hestercombe.

More fun in the sun at the Street Party


Flystrike

Flystrike is a painful and unpleasant condition thatoccurs when flies lay their eggs in the fur of ananimal; the eggs hatch and the maggots start to eatthe animal’s flesh. Affected animals can quickly gointo shock and, if left untreated, flystrike is fatal.Flystrike is usually seen in animals where the fur hasbecome matted and soiled with urine and/or faeces.It is the soiling of the fur that attracts the flies to laytheir eggs there.Any animal can be at risk of flystrike. Those atgreatest risk are those with long fur that can becomemore easily matted and those that are less able togroom themselves due to obesity or reducedmobility. It is most commonly seen in rabbits andcases usually start occurring in March/April when theweather starts to get warmer.If caught quickly, flystrike can be treated andanimals can make a full recovery. Treatmentinvolves removing all maggots (often from under theskin) and any remaining eggs, treatment of the openwounds with pain relief and antibiotics and treatingshock symptoms with intravenous fluid therapy.Fortunately, flystrike is easily preventable. Ensureyour animal is kept clean, particularly around theirback end. Keeping them at a healthy weight andaddressing any mobility issues (for example, seekingveterinary treatment for arthritis) can also help, as itmeans your animal is more likely to be able to groomthemselves naturally. Small animals should have asufficiently sized enclosure that they can move awayfrom their toileting areas, and enclosures should beregularly cleaned to remove soiled bedding. Thereare also animal-safe fly repellent solutions that canbe applied around the back end of animals at risk.If you require any further advice or information aboutflystrike, contact your veterinary practice.

Victoria Woods MRCVSTone Veterinary Centre

West MonktonCricket Club

All Stars CricketGreat to see so manyyoungsters enjoying our firstsession of All Stars Cricket thisevening. Local Cricket is aliveand well in the hands of our Activators. Lots of funbeing had by all as well as lots of learning about thegame. Good to see the parents joining in too!

You can register online athttps://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-starsor contact Giles Benbow from West Monkton CC [email protected] for more information.

There have been a number of good matchesrecently:On 28th May West Monkton First XI defeatedChurchinford CC by 60 runs in Division 1 of the WestSomerset Cricket League on Saturday. 171 for 8defeated 111 all out.West Monkton moved into second place in DivisionOne.Overnight rain and the potential for further showersthrough the afternoon led to Churchinford winning thetoss and choosing to bowl first.A good game of cricket that could have gone eitherway at times but ended up with the home side taking26 valuable points and remaining close on the tail ofHolford on a day where the rain played havoc withother fixtures.First XI Captain Ned Binding had this to say on thedays events:“Look, it can’t be underestimated how importanttoday’s win was, particularly in the context of the waysome of the other games went in Division 1.On 3rd June the First XI beat Ashbrittle CC by 82runs. 214 for 5 beat 132 all out. Monkton took thefield knowing that a strong fielding performancewould be required on a surface that didn’t look togive a lot for the bowlers. Dave Baverstock (2/57)and John Salter (12-4-26-4) would open the bowling.It was a vintage display of bowling by the veteranSalter who used his experience and was unplayableat times, locking in to a good line and length andtroubling the batsmen on many occasions. Hethoroughly deserved his wickets and was thecentrepiece to the fielding display. Another notablemention for stand in wicket keeper Luke Thorne whotook two catches and had a run out to break a strongpartnership for the hosts.


West Monkton QuizThis quiz was part of the entertainment at TheStreet Party, some people did not hear the answersand asked for it to be published in the News. It reallyis not as hard as it looks! Just have a go - theanswers are on Page 24

1. To whom did a Saxon king grant West

Monkton’s founding charter in 682 A.D.?

2. How is an Archbishop of Canterbury

commemorated in West Monkton?

3. The parish of West Monkton originally included

several hamlets which have lost their separate

identity. Name two.

4. Morte slate (a silvery-grey slate) is seen in

many old walls and houses in the neighbourhood.

From where was it chiefly obtained?

5. For what purpose was the Spital Charity formed

in 1176 A.D.? Today it oversees almshouses in

Monkton Heathfield.

6. Hestercombe House is at the western boundary

of the parish. Who were the designer and the

architect who created its famous gardens? Two

names please.

7. Which endangered species roosts at

Hestercombe?

8. The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal runs

through the parish. It is 14.5 miles long and links

two waterways. Which are they?

9. How many rectors has WM church had since

William de Selton in 1324? Over 30, 40, 50 or 60?

10. Where would you shop on the A38 to buy a

Ferrari?

11. Where is Taunton Rugby Football Club

located?

12. What are the names of Taunton Rugby Club’s

1st XV and its senior ladies’ XV?

13. Which former ballerina and world peace

campaigner gave her name to the arts centre at

Heathfield School? Full name, please?

14. How many species of bird were recorded in

West Monkton churchyard when it was surveyed in

the 1990’s? 22, 32, 42 or 62?

15. The Monkton Inn, the New Mill Inn, the Merry

Monk and the Hankridge Arms lie within the parish

boundaries. Which of them is a free house?

16. Where is the West Monkton library situated?

17. How many children are there at WM’s new

primary school? More than 100, 200 or 400?

18. How did the Wayfarer’s Café aid the building of

our village hall?

19. “To ban shirts” is an anagram of which locality in

the parish?

20. What do these residents have in common? Lorna

Walters, Dawn Watts, Barry Gage and Ken Jones?

21. What advertising platform does the National

Blood Donor Service share with Pampers (Nails &

Beauty) of Monkton Heathfield?

22. Was the present Monkton Inn built in the 17th,

18th or 19th century?

23. How long has Croft Garage on Yalland’s Hill

repaired motor cars?: 50, 60 or nearly 100 years?

24. How many supermarkets are there within the

parish?

25. What do Hatfield, Alnwick and Hanbury have in

common?

26. What was the population of West Monkton parish

before the urban extension began? Approximately

5000, 10000 or 15000?

27. Which local VIP won a Green Heart Hero award

from the charity Climate Movement in March 2018?

28. On which day of the week are meetings of West

Monkton Parish Council held?

29. How high is the church tower? 88 feet, 120 feet

or 160 feet?

30. What is the name of West Monkton’s amateur

dramatic company that started life in 1948?

Quiz by Andrew Adam


Tacchi-Morris Theatre

Now in their 5th year touring,the incredible

'A Touch of Little Mix'are the closest sound-alikes to the real thing! Withtheir high energy show, this tribute band will performall the biggest hits complete with impressive visualsand plenty of audience interactive fun!Friday 20th July, 7:30pm£14 / £12 Conc. / £10 Under 16sFriendly? Chatty? Want to see some amazingperformances for free?

We are searching for members of our amazingcommunity to join our volunteer team as ushers orother front of house staff! If this sounds like you thenplease give us a call on 01823 414141

Legally Blond the MusicalThis production is brought to you by The SPACECompany, hot on the kitten-heels of Spamalot, Madein Dagenham and The Addams Family!The smash hit Broadway and West End Musicalbased on the hit film follows beautiful and popularsorority sister Elle Woods, who loves to be pamperedand is passionate about pink.This all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy, withprofessional set, 2 real dogs, live band and 45-strongcast is a fun-filled, feel-good fest, so bend and snapup your ticketstoday!11th to 14th July

Tacchi-Morris BoxOffice -www.tacchi-morris.comTel: 01823 414141

What is the Slinky?Slinky is an accessible bus service funded bySomerset County Council for people unable to accessconventional transport.This service can be used for a variety of reasons suchas getting to local health appointments or exerciseclasses, visiting friends and relatives, going shoppingor for social reasons. You can also use theSlinky as a link to other forms of public transport.Who can use the Slinky?You will be eligible to use the Slinky busif you:• Do not have your own transport• Do not have access to a public bus service• Or have a disability which means you cannot

access a public busParents with young children, teenagers, students, theelderly, the retired and people with disabilities couldall be eligible to use the Slinky bus service.How does it work?If you are eligible to use the service you will first needto register to become a member of the scheme. Youmust complete a registration form and return it to thebooking office before using the service for the firsttime.Once registered you can then book a journey bycontacting your booking office at least 24 hoursbefore you want to travel. Trips can be booked up totwo weeks in advance.How much does it cost?Please phone the booking office to check the cost foryour journey. English National Concessionary TravelScheme passes can be used on Slinky services. Youwill need to show your pass every time you travel.Somerset Student County Tickets are also valid onSlinky services.Guide cost at the moment:For journeys up to 3 milesSingle: £2.50 Return: £4For journeys over 3 milesSingle: £3.50 Return: £5Somerset County Council’s Slinky Service is operatedby: Somerset County CouncilServices available:Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm excluding PublicHolidays The buses are in the Monkton Heathfieldarea on Tuesdays.Booking number: 01823 331266Booking lines are open: Monday to Friday 9:30am to3:30pmFor more information on Community Transport in yourarea, please phone Somerset Direct on03001232224 or visit our website atwww.travelsomerset.co.uk


HILARY NORMAN Foothealth Practitioner RFHP

GENERAL FOOT CARENail Cutting & filing, Corn & Callus removal,In-growing toenails, fungal infections andgeneral advice on the care of your feet.

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01823 48116007969 448793

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CARPENTRYFully Qualified Carpenter

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· No Obligation Quotes

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· Kitchen work-top fittingservice

· Glass splash back fittingservice.

· Supply & Fit or Fit Only ServicePlease call Terry for more details on:07905 467778 www.terry-james.co.uk

Do you want a cleaner?

Someone to help out?

Or do you just hate housework?

Call Rachel on 01823 413382

Friendly, local, reliable

Weekly or fortnightly

cleans.

We also do ironing!

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Hanging Bunting


Council supporting homeowners with essential home repairsTaunton Deane Borough Council is taking the opportunity toremind homeowners about their loan scheme to enablehomeowners to fund essential home repairs. The scheme hasbeen developed to keep people warm, safe and dry in their homes.A variety of works can be considered such as roof and thatchrepairs, boiler and other heating system replacement or

installation, replacing rotten or draughty windows, structural repairs or electrical or plumbing work to name afew. The scheme has been set up to enable eligible homeowners to choose their own contractor and there area variety of loan products available to suit individual needs and means.The scheme is delivered through Wessex Resolutions CIC a not-for-profit, Responsible Finance provider inclose partnership with the council. The partnership has been running for over ten years across Taunton andhas helped a huge variety of homeowners. A recent client said "For all my adult life I have not had centralheating and, now I'm getting a bit older, it will be nice to feel warm in the winter."Through providing loans, the council are ensuring funds for homeowners are sustainable meaning that everyrepayment goes back into the council pot to lend to homeowners into the future. A loan funded by the councilcould help spread the cost of home repairs but let you enjoy the benefit right away.

For more information, call Wessex Resolutions direct on 01823 461099, visit www.wrcic.org.ukor email [email protected].

Loans have a fixed interest rate and typical 4.2% APR and are subject to status. Missing future payments

could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Wessex Resolutions CIC may insist on

loans being protected at the Land Registry by a Title Restriction.

Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England,company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA41EU. Wessex Loans and Wessex Home Improvement Loans are trading names used by this company.

Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for creditand debt-related regulated activities.

The Village News is Printed by Zeralynx Printers


293 Cheddon Road. Taunton

Mon-Fri (8 am to 5:45 pm)

50 weeks of the year

For children 3 months to

school age

Outstanding qualified staff

Excellent Ofsted report

Accepts Early Years

Entitlement‘Offering a secure, stimulating and

fun filled home environment for the

best start in life’

For more information please:

Ruth/Sara on 01823 288681Or visit our website

www.abacus-nursery.com

NIGEL DAVIES

Painter and Decorator

High Quality Interior andExterior Work

Friendly and ProfessionalService

Competitive Rates

All Work Guaranteed

Free Estimates

Fully Insured

Private and CommercialWork Undertaken

Mob:07915 061314

70 Station Road

Taunton TA1 1NX

Large size specialist 60 chest & waist

Tel/Fax: 01823 333169

E-mail: [email protected]

www.gurds.co.uk

RIVERSIDE BUTCHERS“Meat to please you,

Pleased to meat you”

Suppliers of high quality

local produce

Local Beef, Pork, Lamb,

Veal, Poultry and Game

Award Winning Homemade

Sausages, Pies, Faggots,

Bacon and Black Pudding

Home Cooked Meats

Free delivery

when you spend £30 or more

Supplying to the public and catering

trade

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

www.riversidebutchers.co.uk

Dave TerrellPLUMBING & HEATING

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

email: [email protected] us on FaceBook@daveterrellplumb

Quality Workmanship

Traditional Men’s Wear

Be pampered! Why not treatyourself to a relaxing facial orbeautiful nails.I am a professional beauty therapist andnail technician with over 17 yearsexperience. I offer a variety of beautytreatments starting at £6.Pamper Gift Vouchers available.

Beauty Treatments available:Bio Sculpture Gel NailsManicuresPedicuresWaxingFacialsMassageEyelash & Eyebrow TreatmentsBody Treatments

LisaYallands Hill, Monkton Heathfield

Mobile: 07977185840Email: [email protected]

TONE VETERINARYCENTRE

· A Healthy Pet Club Loyalty

Scheme that spreads the cost of

your pets routine healthy care

· Exclusive MiPet food range and

Royal Canin Range of pet foods

· Exclusive MiPet Cover petinsurance

· Free weight clinics with ourpractice nurse

· Easy access and ample freeparkingLook on our website atwww.tonevets.co.uk for informationand matters relating to the health ofyour pet andwww.facebook.com/tonevets forpractice updatesSurgeries at: Lisieux Way,Blackbrook 01823 333909Morse Road, Norton Fitzwarren01823 340660

NSC ACCOUNTANCY& TAXATION SERVICES

FED UPWITH HIGH ACCOUNTANCY FEES?

Over 29 years experiencewithin large, local accountancy firms

I offer local, friendly, personal helpwith:

· Bookkeeping & Vat Returns

· Sole Trader & PartnershipAccounts

· Limited Company Account

· Property Letting Accounts

· Tax Returns

· Corporation Tax Returns

· And more ......

Give Nicky a call on07557 092087or e [email protected]


National Blood Donor Service

Sessions will be held at:17th July St James Church, Taunton14th August St James Church, Taunton3rd August Catholic Centre

For further details ring 0845 7711711 orgo online at www.blood.co.uk

FurniTrustGiving new life to used household items

www.Furnitrust.org.uk

FurniTrust is a not-for-profit charity whose aimsare to provide low-cost furniture to those in needand keep items out of landfill.

Do you need any items of household furniture:Are you on benefits or low income? We have stocks of previouslyowned items at low cost. We can arrange delivery.Are you about to replace any items of household furniture orelectrical items, or do you need to dispose of items for a relative?If you think your items are suitable for re-use give us a call and let

us find a good home for them. We can arrangecollection.01823 253053 [email protected]

Come in and see us, Tuesday - Friday9:30am - 3:15pm at

The Old Priorswood Library, Eastwick Road TA27HD

FREE ITEMS/ITEMS FOR SALE/WANTED

Items up to £100 in value are included. We do not make

any charge for this service and take no responsibility for

the quality or safety of the items advertised.

If you would like to include something in this sectionplease contact Lorna Walters on 01823 412017 [email protected]

· Unbraked trailer for sale, £10. You will have to collect itfrom Monkton Heathfield, so you will need a tow-bar anda number-plate. This is made of wood with a metalframe, and has an electrical hook-up to the car, so thebrake lights, tail lights and indicators work. There is aspare wheel and tyre. Frankly, it is not in brilliantcondition, but I think it still works, and it is cheap.Call (01823) 413810 and ask for David or Lesley if youwant to buy it, or just take a look.

· 20 double breeze blocks Free of charge on collection01823 413690

· 3 original tea chests. Free 01823 412418

The Monkton Inn has a new summer menu for lunch anddinner offering a 2-course special for £15.50 and3 courses for £19.50, lunch only.Kids under 5 eat forFREE

Gin and Cocktail menuNHS staff get 10%discount on proof of ID

Open all day Saturdayand Sundays offeringCream Teas in theafternoon

Street Party:Top: watching the wedding on the big screenAbove: Roy Hinchliffe having a good time in the sunBottom: Queuing for food


· Natural Gas & LPG

· Oil Installations & Servicing

· Boiler Installations &Servicing

· Central Heating Systems

· Power Flushing

· Bath Rooms/ShowerRooms

· Cloakrooms/Kitchens

· Residential Park Homes &Caravans

· Cookers/Fires/WaterHeaters/Space Heaters

· Vented/Unvented Water Systems

· Energy Efficiency QualifiedTechnician

· General Plumbing & HeatingMaintenance

· Call Outs and & EmergenciesWelcome

A. STEWARTPlumbing & Heating

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

www.astewartplumbingandheating.co.uk

The Financial Detectives

Wills and Estate Planning Service

Probate Services

Without a valid Will and careful inheritance

planning:

· Your husband, wife or partner may not automatically

inherit

· Your home maybe sold without your consent and the

proceeds used for care home fees

· Your loved ones could be liable for a 40% tax bill

· Guardianship of children under 18 maybe unclear, leaving

the courts to decide their welfare

20% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT

CALL 01823 210386 FOR A LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL AND

COURTEOUS SERVICE FROM A FAMILY RUN FIRM

www.tfdetectives.co.uk [email protected]

LANDSCAPING & ARTIFICIAL LAWNS

Garden Landscaping Patios/Stone Walling/Decking/Pergolas Commercial & Residential

· Laylawn Artificial Grass Licensees for theSouth West

Contact: 01823 252023www.englishgardenco.co.ukwww.lazylawntaunton.co.uk

Somerset Foot Health07834738929

Treatments include:

Nails Trimmed

Hard Skin Reduction

Corn Removal

Fungal Nail Treat-mentThick Nail Reduction

· Ingrowing Toenails· Verrucas· Cracked Heals· Diabetic Foot Care· Bio Mechanics· Orthotics


MOTWHILE YOU WAIT

CROFT GARAGE LTD

Monkton Heathfield

01823 412393

Repairs & Servicing

Free Collection & Delivery

DAVE BAKERFor all your

GARDEN REQUIREMENTS

*Fencing

*Hedge Cutting

*Drives *Walls *Paths

*PatiosCompetitive Rates

Free estimates

Tel: 01278 662238

Mob: 07796658721davebakerlandscapingservices.co.uk.

Messrs. E White & Son

(Taunton) Ltd.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

138/139 East Reach, Taunton

Tel: Taunton 272183

(Day & Night Assistance)

Family Funeral Directors

for Three Generations

DARREN GRAYELECTRICAL SERVICES

ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC

WORKS TO 17th EDITION

REGULATIONS

FOR ALL YOUR

ELECTRICAL

NEEDS

MOBILE: 07764996937

COLES CHIMNEYSERVICES

ProfessionalChimney 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 69901907730 898919

Local experienced electrician. For allyour electrical needs. Fully insuredand Part P registered.

14 Fulford Cottages,Kingston St Mary,TA2 8AJ

01823 451428/ 07870 916213www.hunter-electrical.co.uk

West Monkton Quiz Answer:

1. Abbot of Glastonbury2. St Augustine’s Church3. Gotton, Monkton Heathfield,

Bathpool, Goosenford, CreechHeathfield, Sidbrook and possiblyCoombe

4. West Monkton Quarry5. To administer Taunton’s Leper

Hospital6. Gertrude Jekyll & Edwin Lutyens7. Lesser Horseshoe bats8. Rivers Tone & Parrott9. Over 50 (53 including Rev. Styles)10. Ash Britton Garage has a

franchise11. Hyde Lane, Bathpool12. Taunton Titans & under-18 Fillies13. Kathleen Tacchi-Morriss14. 6215. None of them

16. Phone kiosk below Noah’sHill

17. Currently 333 on schoolwebsite

18. Selling refreshments toholidaymakers (Pre the M5)

19. Brittons Ash20. The Village News21. The Village News22. 19th Century (1820)23. Nearly 100 years (Since

1923)24. 2 (Sainsburys and Aldi)25. Types of house sold by

Persimmon26. 15,000 (15887 in the 2011

census)27. Rebecca Pow MP28. Tuesdays29. 88 feet30. Monkton PlayersThe Quiz is on Page 17 if youwant to know the questions!

The Children’s Quiz and answerswill be in the next edition of the

Village News

Quiz and Answers were puttogether by Andy Adam


A.G. PURCHASEALCM, LLCM, FLCM

PIANO TUITION

Dodhill Green,

Nailsbourne

Taunton TA1 8AD

Tel:01823 451342

Sibleys

Gardening and Landscaping

For everything in the garden:

Preparation, planting, pruning,

mowing, strimming and tidying.

Trees, hedges, beds, borders, pots,

lawns, pavings etc.

A friendly personal service.

For advice or a free quotation call

Mike on

01278 663441/07930383390

· Mortgages

· Equity Release

· Protection

· Buildings Insurance

· Commercial Lending

· Business Protection

Priors Way, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton

Tel: 01823 413113

A MORTGAGE IS A LOAN SECURED AGAINST YOURHOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU

DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGEOR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT

Tincknell Fuels LtdYour Local Fuel & Heating

Specialists

Heating Oil Deliveries

Tank Maintenance

Gas & Oil Boiler Servicing

ü Gas & Oil Boiler Breakdowns

01749 683911www.tincknells.com


DISTINCTIVE MEMORIALSBY

MANNING & KNIGHT

Also added inscriptions and maintenancework on

existing memorials

164A Kingston RoadTAUNTON 275755

www.manningandknight.com

4 Vicarage LawnsCreech St Michael, TA3 5EZ

IAN THOMAS AIP, RP

Plumbing & Heating

Services

Telephone: 01823 444332Mobile: 07885829858

Email:[email protected]

Fireplace ShowroomChimneys Relined & New Build

HETAS registered Installers

Tel: 01460 74612

Fireplace Showroom, Tail MillLane, Merriott TA16 5PF

www.wicksheating.co.ukNO JOB TOO SMALL

Covering the whole of Somerset & Devon

Our Services include: - TV Aerial installation - Sky installation - Extra TV points - Freesat installation - BT TV - Digital TV set up - Aerial Repairs

01823 325930 [email protected]

Competitive Prices All Year Round

LES MARSH CARPETSWide Selection of Flooring Samples AvailableKamdean Flooring, Vinyl & Natural FlooringRemnants & Roll Stock AvailableEstimating & Fitting ServiceProperty Letting Specialists & Insurance WorkUndertakenKnowledgeable & Friendly StaffFamily Run Company Since 1979

THE COMPLETE SERVICE

Visit Our Extensive ShowroomWith Easy Parking

Cook Way, Bindon Road, Taunton TA2 6BJOpen: Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm

For a free estimate or service call 01823 335952

or email [email protected]

Household Cleaning Undertaken20 years experienceCaring person who is willing to do all householdtasks. Will also help with shopping, collectingprescriptions, accompanying to appointmentsetc.

References can besupplied.Reasonable charges.

Phone Angie on 07807892128

MEH PLUMBING& HEATING

Great customer serviceExpert adviceFull heating installationsGas servicingGas safety landlord checksSmall repairs30 years experience

0758431837501823 333006


SOME TEAM

DÉCOR 8 with AtlasHome & Property

MaintenanceFor all your painting,decorating, carpentry

& maintenancerequirements

Contact Bob on01823 413510

or07790 812327

Somerset Stairlifts & Mobility27 & 31 Frobisher Way,

Taunton TA2 6BB

T: 01823 288196E: [email protected]: www.somersetstairlifts.co.uk

Alex Holley

FlooringFor all your flooring

requirements

Your local specialistfor:

Carpet, Vinyl,Kardean,

Wood and SafetyFlooring

Tel: 07734860724

Elm Tree RestaurantServing fresh local food all day

Breakfast Lunch Afternoon TeaSecluded Pondside cafe - Pet Centre

Craft CentreLarge clothing and footwear department

Gifts galoreExtensive plant range - House plants

Pots and Stoneware - Disabled facilitiesFriendly helpful staff - Free coach parking

Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8QNFind us 2 miles from M5 J25,

just off the A38 towards BridgwaterMon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat ... 9am - 5:30pm

Thurs ... 9am - 7:30pm Sun ... 10:30 am - 4pm

01823 412381 [email protected]

Fulfill one of your dreams this year

Let music into your life!

Choose friendly, patient instruction

from a reliable professional who

teaches at your pace.

Absolutely all ages welcome.

Kathryn Davies Piano Tuition is just

outside Thurloxton and can be

contacted via:

tauntonpianolessons.co.uk01278 661031, 07900 673632

PremierCarpet Cleaning SW--------------------------------------------

Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

DomesticCommercial

· Quality Service

· Free Estimates

· Competitive Prices

· Stain Removal

· Experienced

· Affordable

· Fully Insured

· Reliable & Local

For a First Class Carpet Cleaning Service

07915 061314

Thank You

Thank you to all ouradvertisers,

you keep our magazineGoing

and wehope you get lots of business

from our readers.

To get a copy of theVillage News

emailed to you, please email thelocalvillagenews

@live.co.uk


And Finally ...Hell is other people.

Jean Paul Sartre

Street Party on The StreetMore photos, see report on Page 6

Princes and Princesses have fun on the straw bales, but there is lots of clearing up to do afterwards!

Above: Everything is ready Right: The tables are full and sun hats are on!Below: Quiz answers are announced. Below right: Games are

monkton heathfield, west monkton and bathpool · 2020-04-03 · street party photos/and finally -...

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