Parish Newsletter
Compton Dundon and Littleton
March 2015
Incorporating
The Herald
Compton Dundon and Littleton join the 2015 Swimathon On the weekend of 17th -19th April, 600 swimming pools across the United Kingdom will host the 2015 Swimathon Challenge. Strode, our local pool, is one of them and is enthusiastically recruiting swimmers to join this inspirational national event which will raise funds for that worthiest of causes, Marie Curie Cancer Care. This year, our village will be represented by the ‘Compton Codgers’. The team of four swimmers, Lloyd Harrison, James Stallard, Ian Coupe and Andrew Chiffers, have entered for the 5 km challenge, the ‘ultimate’ distance in the Swimathon. Team captain, Lloyd said, ‘Marie Curie does such exceptional work in the community and we felt that our village would want to be part of the nation’s effort to support them in this year’s Swimathon. I don’t think our combined age of 289 is anything to worry about. We’re training hard and we’re confident that we’ll be able to complete our 150 lengths comfortably. We’re hoping that the village will join with us to raise an impressive amount. We’re aiming for £1000. There will be plenty of opportunities to sponsor the team - online (my.swimathon.org/sponsor/compton-codgers), in the Post Office or in person.
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Orchard Day
Les Davis
(www. westcountryman. co.uk)
led a very enjoyable day in Dundon Orchards, teaching a group of villagers how to maintain apple trees. The group learnt how to graft and prune apple trees.
To submit news items or information for the April newsletter, please contact johngordon1952@hotmail.co.uk, or phone 01458 272135 or drop details into Pippins, Hayes Lane, Compton Dundon TA116PB. The deadline for the April newsletter is 24th March. This newsletter and past issues may be found on the village website: www.comptondundon.com For the latest community news and information, follow Compton Dundon on Facebook: www.facebook.com/comptondundon Gardening Club News Our apologies to all who attended the February meeting - the speaker was involved in a car accident and whilst his car is a write off, he is okay thankfully. Future Activities:
Monday 2nd March - Wicked Plants Summerdale Garden Designs Monday 30th March - Visit to Drayton Nurseries at 2.30 p.m. for a
talk on propagation - it’s free and the nursery are offering a discount on anything purchased. There is a tea room - Polly's Pantry' which also sells great cakes. Make your own way but call me if you need a lift. Post code -TA10 0LN
Monday 13th April (due to Easter weekend) Ponds. Wednesday 15th April Trip to Kelways Garden Centre - tour & talk Friday 8th May Trip RHS Malvern Spring Show. Tickets are ÂŁ20 plus coach - Non members are welcome but reserve a ticket to avoid disappointment. Telephone to reserve your place (01458 274531)
by 14th March before the ticket price goes up.
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Kathy
Compton Dundon Archive
Peace Celebration 1945
Please send an email to John Gordon if you would like a copy of this photograph.
Compton Dundon Walking Group
Everyone Welcome Meet at the Village Hall on the following Sundays : Sundays—10 a.m.
Leader
Telephone
February 15th
Simon & Ally
01458 445463
* March 22nd
Lynda & Martin
01458 273591
April 19th
Dick & Sue
01458 241618
May 17th
Chris & Marlene
01458 273454
* June 28th
Paul
01458 273624
July 19th
Mel & Peta
01458 445303
August 16th
Contact Paul if you would like to lead a walk
01458 273624
September
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20th
01458 273624
October 18th
Cider Pressing Andrew & Kathy Chiffers
01458 274531
November 15th
Richard
01749 890418
December 13th
Contact Paul
01458 273624
The Crafts Club The crafts club meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Meadway Hall Meeting Room, from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Our next meeting is on 3rd March. In March, for those who are interested, we will continue with the crochet or do some Australian cross stitch or if you are not interested in that, bring your own thing or just come for a chat and a cup of coffee. Trish (01458 447075)
The Photography Club The next meeting will be on Wednesday 18th March, in the Meadway Hall Meeting Room. The meeting will run from 7.00 - 9.00 p.m. We will be looking at taking portraits and there will be plenty of opportunities to practise our skills. We are very fortunate that Mark Dennis, a professional photographer, is sharing his skills and experience with us. He will be bringing lighting equipment to the meeting. Our ‘March’ challenge is to take portraits, prior to the March meeting. 18th..
Compton Dundon Cricket Club held its AGM on
Sunday 15th February, presided over by Chairman Stewart Champion. Club President, Pat Holland noted his thanks to Les Taylor for his speech at last year’s annual dinner. Toby Weech was appointed captain for the forthcoming year, with Mike Hoskins as Vice-Captain. The club will be playing its fixtures in the Mid Wessex League – Division 2. New players are always welcome. (We have a number of our youth away at university and are actively looking for new players – contact Greg greg@mor-cott.co.uk or 07976 539907). Junior Coaching will be on Friday Evenings during May, June, and July. Look out for the dates for coaching & fixtures with the April newsletter. The Club will have its bar open on match days, and we are also looking forward to being able to retire to the Castlebrook Inn for post-match analysis.
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The Castlebrook Inn Wes and Nicki will be ‘officially’ re-opening the doors of the Castlebrook on Mother’s Day weekend (14th March). Prior to this they are offering an invitation to the residents of Compton Dundon and Littleton to come along on the evening of Friday 6th March, anytime from 7.00 p.m. onwards, to see the pub and enjoy a private evening before it is open to the public. This evening is by invitation only and locals must bring their invitation along with them. Local residents may also like to book a Sunday lunch on the 8th March. Whilst the official opening is on Mothering Sunday, the pub will actually be open for business as from Monday 9th March. Wes will be serving traditional favourites such as roast dinners, steak and ale pie and fish and chips as well as some twists on the classics. The prices will be affordable with main courses around £8—£9 and children’s meals priced at £3.50. Nicki will run the front of house, with the bar supporting local ale, guest lagers and a great range of wines.
Creating Waves in the Educational Landscape Explorium is offering a unique opportunity for children to investigate the science, engineering and technology behind converting wave power into energy. This project, which is sponsored by Wavepower, will enable Explorium to immerse children in activities to develop a really deep understanding behind energy, electricity and wave energy technology. “We will be able to buy in scientific equipment that can help us to look at energy conversion and hope, as the weather gets warmer, to have a big inflatable pool to test out our own ideas. Everyone should bring along their swimming costumes/wet suits and be prepared to get very wet. Children can get involved in Explorium’s wave power project through our daytime, after school or holiday sessions. To find out more, phone Julia on 01458 274050.
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Highlights from the February Meeting Trish chaired this meeting, assisted by Janet as Kathy has still not fully recovered from her operation. Apologies were received from Verity, Angela and Janet W. Congratulations to Corrine Webb for winning the January competition for a Christmas decoration and to Julie Gordon for winning the County W.I. Christmas Quiz competition, a first for Compton Dundon. We won our skittles match against Pawlett W I and we will play Walton W I in the next round of the cup knock out competition at the Ring of Bells , Ashcott on 6th March 6 at 8 p m. The scrabble group meet at Angela Warren's on Tuesday 17th March. Janet continues her long running campaign to reinstate the bus service around Dundon and has had positive feed back from the bus company - watch this space but Janet emphasised that, if this service is resumed, it is up to everyone in Dundon to support it. Our Speaker, Dawn Lawrence whose subject is Endangered Species told us that her contribution to saving endangered species is to write poems which are subsequently sold in book form, funds going to saving animals. Dawn said her son inspired her, telling her humorous stories about camels whilst he was working abroad. Her first book featured 73 animals and the money raised was used for rain forest projects. Virginia McKellan, Joanna Lumley and David Sheppard are among the well known celebrities who are supporters of the same cause and the David Sheppard Foundation sells her books. Following this initial introduction Dawn then read us a series of very well written, humerous poems featuring all species ranging from a glass frog who lives in the rain forests, Bengal tiger, polar bear, horned antelope from North America, snow goose, ostrich, an animal who looks like guinea pig, sneezing monkey and tamarin monkey who is famous for its long droopy moustache and a jaguar. Dawn also told us of rescuing a baby hedgehog who without her loving care would certainly have died and which she subsequently took to a hedgehog sanctuary. Talking of water voles, Dawn said this animal should never be known as Ratty as in Wind in the Willows, as it is certainly not a rat. Members were able to purchase copies of the poetry books written by Dawn. Frances thanked Dawn and said she was certain her grandchildren would love the books. The competition for a Wild Animal in any medium was won by Gill Clothier with a handsome tiger head plate with Trish Cox second and Patricia Heap third. Flower of the Month winner was Sally Walker with sprigs of Daphne. Next month's Speaker: Amelia Draffin Wiltshire Farm Foods.
Competition: Favourite Plate. Visitors very welcome. Edwards
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Wendy
The following is a message from Bishop Peter of Bath and Wells which seems particularly relevant to Compton Dundon. Communities are built around people Something we are all seeing, whether we live in a town or in a village, is that many local pubs are closing down. Currently this is at the rate of about 31 a week. There are now about 55,000 pubs in the UK, down from about 68,000 thirty years ago. Whether we use them or not and whatever our view may be on drinking, pubs support more than a million jobs in the UK and contribute significantly to the economy of their local area. A recent study from Northumbria University says more than that. A thriving village pub it says gives a village greater community spirit and supports local social events and businesses. Pubs it claims are significant in promoting community cohesion, especially in rural areas. That is probably uncontroversial. But the same study also concluded ‘that village pubs were also found to be more important to local life than the parish church.’ That is something which I might want to take issue with. I suppose it depends what you mean by contributing to local life. But I am very clear that parish churches are often at the very heart of the communities they serve and contribute significantly to creating, sustaining and developing thriving communities. In many communities it is difficult to imagine what life would be like without the local church being present and active in bringing people together and supporting them in every kind of need. In Somerset, new housing developments are being planned in a number of places. But, as developers often acknowledge, building houses does not automatically build communities. So one of the things that we as a diocese will need to give more thought to in the future is: ‘how we can use the resources that we have to turn those groups of new houses into caring, inclusive and welcoming communities?’ Communities are built around people. They do not simply emerge unless people consciously value the place where they live and strive to make it a better place for everyone who lives there. Living and sharing our faith in Jesus, serving our communities and engaging with local concerns are ways in which we can contribute to making our communities welcoming and joyful places for all. I enjoy visiting a pub and there is no doubt that they can be a meeting point and hub for local communities. That is true of churches as well, but they are much more than that. A church is a place ‘where heaven and earth meet.’
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The Herald
Newsletter of St Andrew’s Church Compton Dundon
Priest in Charge: The Reverend Sharon Walker; Tel: 01458 442297 or sharonannewalker@hotmail.com. However, any enquiries with regard to Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals should be directed to the Administrator, Barry Sutton on 272811; barry@sutton-family.org.uk Church Officers Chairman of the PCC: Peter Robertson 840562 Church Wardens: Martyn Steer 273455 & Helen Thomas 274427 PCC Secretary: Pat King 274926 Treasurer: Margaret Sutton 272811 Organist: Roger Adams 272324 Administrator: Barry Sutton 272811
Services and Events - 1st March - 26th April 2015 All Sunday morning services start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise stated Date
Service
Preacher
1st March
Lent 2 St David
Morning Prayer
Revd David Hatrey
8th March
Lent 3
Holy Communion
Revd Sharon Walker
12th March
Thursday
Brookside Mothering Service
Jan James
15th March
Lent 4
Mothering Sunday
Revd Grant Welch
22nd March
Passion Sunday
Holy Communion
Revd Toby Salisbury
29th March
Palm Sunday ‘Benefice’
Holy Communion and the Passion Gospel
Revd Sharon Walker
2nd April
Maundy Thursday
7.30 p.m. Maundy Service
All Saints, Street
3rd April
Good Friday
11.00 a.m. Meditation
Revd Brian Gillett
5th April
Easter
Holy Communion
Revd David Hatrey
12th April
Easter 2
Holy Communion
Revd Sharon Walker
19th April
Easter 3
6.30 p.m. Anzac Vigil
Revd Grant Welch
25th April
Saturday
Anzac Day ‘100’
26th April
Easter 4
10.00 Holy Communion 11.45 APCM in Church
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LENT COURSE
Life on the Front Line
This year there will be a Benefice Lent Course which will take place at the Mission Church in Street, from 7-8.30 p.m. every Tuesday for six weeks, starting on Tuesday 24th February. All are welcome
Services for March 1st - St David's Day This will be a lively, relaxed service suitable for all ages led by Revd David Hatrey. Welsh cakes and coffee will follow the service. 8th - Revd Diana Greenfield will be leading our communion service today and will be introducing us to the concept of Forest Church, a fresh expression of Christianity which draws on ancient traditions when sacred places and practices were outside. 15th - Mothering Sunday Give thanks to God for your mother whether you're a babe-in-arms or ninety. Revd Grant Welch will lead this family communion service. Flowers will be given to all the ladies. Simnel cake will be served with the coffee. 22nd - Passion Sunday Holy Communion led by Revd Toby Salisbury. 29th - Palm Sunday, 29th Either gather at 9.30am at the Village Hall to follow the donkey who will lead us in procession to St Andrew's, or join us at 10 a.m. in church for the dramatic reading of the Passion Story. Revd Sharon Walker will be leading this service for the whole Benefice of Street and Walton.
THE CHURCH SPRING-CLEAN It’s time to give our beautiful old Church its annual spring-clean, so please put on your rubber gloves and come and help us on Saturday 28th March at 10 a.m. It would help if you could bring your own dusters and polish but refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. Congratulations and welcome to Lois Mae Weech who was baptised on 14th February, to first cousins Jaxon John Daine and Finley Robert David Tier, who were both baptised on 15th February and to Orla Elizabeth Moran who was baptised on 22nd February.
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Looking ahead to Easter and Holy Week Maundy Thursday, 2nd April Benefice service at All Saints, the Parish Church, Street at 7.30 p.m. .
Good Friday, 3rd April Meditation at 11 a.m. led by Revd Brian Gillet. The whole family including dogs are warmly invited to accompany the crosses to the top of Lollover at midday. Easter Sunday, 4th April A joyful service, at 10.00 a.m., to celebrate this great Christian festival, led by Revd David Hatrey. An Easter egg hunt will follow this family communion.
Julian Prayer Group Revd Grant Welch will once again be leading this contemplative prayer group. It will meet in St Andrew's on Thursdays during Lent beginning 26th February at 6.30 p.m. Please note on Thursday 26th March the group will meet at The Beacon prior to the PCC meeting. Donations for Yeovil and Taunton Women’s Refuges The Street Women’s Refuge has now closed but there are others in Yeovil and Taunton. Both are always grateful for donations but would prefer to receive gifts of household goods and toiletries rather than money - anything from a tube of toothpaste to towels. There is now a box in the Church if you would like to make a donation of any sort.
THE VILLAGE HOG ROAST 13th JUNE 2015 Anyone wishing to have a stall at the Hog Roast should contact Martyn Steer on 273455 for details.
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The Parish Council Clerk: Stanislaw Berkieta FCSI, Castlebrook House, Compton Dundon, Somerton, TA11 6PR. Tel 01458 8921 Email comptondundonclerk@gmail.com Website: www.comptondundon-pc.gov.uk
Parish Council Members Cllr Greg Jones (Chairman) Cllr Hugh Thomas (Vice Chair) Cllr Diana Churches Cllr Graham Napper Cllr Irene Parsons Cllr John Rowland Cllr Sue Solle
272531 greg@mor-cott.co.uk 274427 hughthomascdpc@gmail.com 442078 diane.churches@live.co.uk 442962 273071 irene.parsons123@googlemail.com 272367 445770 carlsolle@talktalk.net
Planning Applications Received Application No: 14/05708/FUL Status: Pending Consideration Location: Red Lake Farm, Littleton Proposal: Erection of 3 fisherman lodges and conversion of existing storeroom to farmshop/reception.
Election Reminder Please remember to register to be on the electoral roll for the forthcoming elections on 7th May 2015.
Application No: 15/00673/S73 Status: Pending Consideration Location: Land At Manor Farm, Littleton Proposal: Section 73 application to vary conditions 2 and 18 of planning application 11/00702/FUL to allow changes to external appearance and flexible use of the lower barn.
To add your name you can click on www.gov.uk/registertovote or you can telephone for a form on 01935 462462 or you can email elections@southsomerset.gov.uk
Application No: 15/00523/REM Status: Pending Consideration Location: Land West Of The Gammons,Ham Lane,Compton Dundon Proposal: Erection of two detached bungalows with associated access, garaging and outbuilding
Community Car Scheme
Application No: 15/00170/FUL Status: Pending Consideration Location: Land At Lockyers Farm,Peak Lane,Compton Dundon Proposal: The erection of an eco-structure to provide staff accommodation.
Thank you to those residents who volunteered to support a local car scheme. We now need to establish whether there is a need for such a scheme in Compton Dundon & Littleton. Please contact Hugh (email above) if you have a need for this type of support, so that we can decide on what steps we need to take.
Planning applications can be viewed on the South Somerset District Council homepage: (Planning and building control/view a planning application online).
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Meadway Hall The Village Hall Committee is holding an annual general meeting on Thursday 19th March, starting at 7.00 p.m. The committee members would really appreciate your support on that evening.
The new village hall chairs
Charity Easter Bingo In aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association
Saturday 28th March Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon Doors Open at 6.30 p.m. with eyes down at 7.30 p.m. Prize donations most welcome— sharon@somersetlindseys.com
Village Show (8th August 2015) The theme for this year’s creative writing competition is: ‘THE
SECRET’
It may be a poem or a story of under 1500 words. There will be both adult and children’s (Primary & Secondary School age) categories and the first prize in each section is a book token. The closing date is Saturday 4th July.
Village Lunches The village lunches are at 12.30 p.m. on the final Wednesday of each month. To book a meal, please contact either: Ally Dore 445463 (allydore@btinternet.com) or Pauline Atkins 272485 paulineatkins1944@gmail.com) Please note the Village lunch dates :
25th March, 29th April 27th May, 24th June, 29th July 12